M tt' Vf ¥ r :\ .^'fT-/.^ :' V- 7^ W ':■■■ <■ •'> ,*^: '^■\-r u^,/-' M ,J :^^ ^'l^'^. [^.. ■p-'-* % Wkl s ^frJih'^Jiol-ctsor, ,/r/. J\Jlmv'r,rA- .,r.''J7;,y,,/^ A.N ABRIDGMENT OF THE BOOK OF MARTYRS: TO WHICH ARE PREFIXED, THE LIVING TESTIMONIES OF THE CHURCH OF GQD, AND FAITHFUL MARTYRS, IN DIFFERENT AGES OF THE ' WORLD; AND THE CORRUPT FRUITS OF THE FALSfi CHURCH, /;V THE TIME OF THE APOSTACY. T,0 THIS WORK IS ANNEXED, AN ACCOUNT OF THE JUST JUDGMENTS OF GOD ON PERSECUTORS, &c. ALSO, A CHRISTIAN PLEA AGAINST PERSECUTION FOR THE CAUSE OF CONSCIENCE. PRINTED AND SOLD BY SAMUEL WOOD, NO. 357, PEARL-STREET. .••*..M 1810. DISTRICT OF yfEW-YORK, ss .- Be it remembered, that on the 15th day of May, in the thirty-fourth year of the inciepeiidence of the United States of Amex-ica, Samuel Wood, of the said district, hath deposited in this office, the title of a Boak, the right wliereof he claims as proprietor, in the words fol- lowing, to wit : ** An Abridg-ment of the Book of Mart^Ts : to which are prefixed. The living, testimonies of the church of God, and faithful Martyrs, in different ages of the world ; and the corrupt fruits of tlie false church, in the times of the Apostacy, To this work is annexed, an account of the just judgments of God on Perse^ cutors, &c. Also, A Christian Plea against Persecution for the cause of Conscience.'* In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, ** An act for the encouragement of leai'ning, by securing the copies of maps, cfiai'ts and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned :" And also, to the act, entitled, ** An act supple- mentary to an act, entitled, * An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned,' and extending the bene- fits thereof, to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." CHAR. CLINTON, Clferk of the District of New- York PREFACE. The publisher of this First American Edition of * An Abridgment of The Book of Martyrs,' thinks proper to observe, that it has not been with a view to revive, or to expose the malice, or misguided zeal of the persecutors, so much as to show the excellency and sufficiency of that power and confidence, which supported the sufferers under their keenest torments : nor is it intended to reflect on the liberal and enlightened of the present day. It is hoped, that light and knowledge have now so spread, in various parts of the world, that it is not considered as doing God service, to destroy men's lives, especially for their religious opinions ; and experience abundantly shows, the good effects of religious toleration ; and that no man ought to be accountable to man, for his religious sentiments ; but that all should have free liberty to worship God, in the way that is most agreeable to their o\yn convictions of duty ; and that, while their practice is peaceable, none should be molested. God is the only sovereign of the conscience, and whenever man takes it upon him to control or direct, in these matters, he assumes the right and preroga- tive of God himself. All oppression and cruelty, are hateful both to God and man ; and it is strange, that men should conceive an opinion, that by persecuting and destroying the lives of their fellow creatures, they would render themselves acceptable to that God, who de- lighteth not in the death of a sinner, but rather that all should return, repent, and live. It is, indeed, true, that under the former dispensations, the Children of Israel had positive orders from the Almighty, to cut off nations whose cup of iniquity was full. But Christ has given a new and special command, to love our enemies, &c. and not even to resist evil. Most precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of his saints ; and, surely, if a sparrow does not fall without his notice, he will not be inattentive to the sufferings of his noble creature, man, | whose cries and prayers ascend both day and night, like sweet incense, before his throne, desiring to be preserved in the way that is most pleasing in his holy sight. His commands are, "touch not mine anointed, and do mv prophets no harm:*"* and whosoever oppresses these, may expect to receive their just reward, both in time and eternity, they that injure them, I^RETACE. will be found fighting against God, who regardeth them as the apple of his eye." Christ commanded to " let the tares grow with the wheat, lest, in destroying the former, the latter should also be rooted up ;" his special command also, is, "whatsoever ye would that men do to you, do ye even so to them." And when his officious disciples would have commanded iire from heaven, to consume those who would not receive him, he rebuked them, and said, " ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." The whole tenor and spirit of the gospel is love. It breathes '^ peace on earth, and good will to men." It may be proper to remark, that as this History of the Mar- tyrs, he. is brought down to a later period than any work of the kind, heretofore published, it embraces transactions and events v/hich have occurred in America, and particularly in New-En- gland ; exhibiting the operation of a sanguine and persecuting spirit, which prevailed in the early settlement of that country, and by which, the religious people, called Quakers, greatly suf- fered. It is however but justice due to the present inhabitants of the state of Massachusetts, to observe, that so far from ap- ])roving the conduct of their predecessors, they are now as much distinguished for the mildness and liberality of their laws, and kind treatment of this people, as their predecessors W'ere for their cruelty tovv^ards them : hence, we cannot forbear to add, that such are the religious toleration of that government, and its regard to conscieniious scruples, as not only to excuse the society of Friends, from personal military service, but also from any commutation ; aji indulgence, which, we apprehend, is not so fully granted to that people, by any other state in the Union. In delineating the character of the first settlers of jNTew-England, and comparing it with that of the present day, we are struck with a contrast, which, at one view, evinces the progress of light and knowledge ; and in proportion as it per- vades the understanding, men are inclined to cherish that dis- position towards each other, wliich is calculated to promote the religion of Jesus Christ, who ' came not to dettroij^ bat to save men's lives.' In commencing this work, it was intended to give a revised edition of the Book of Martyrs, as abridged by Ellis Hookes, which was first published in England, in 1719 ; but, in the pros- 4 cution, recourse being had to a variety of books, of esteemed authenticity, it was thought proper to select from them, as ap- peared most suitable ; ])articiilarly from Southwell's ' New Book eif Martyrs,' and others, mentioned in the course of the w^ork. CONTENTS. PAQ£. A living' testimony of the True Churchy ....... 1 The corrupt fruits of the False Church'i 72 Persecutions before the coming of Christy 103 after the coming of Christy ,111 Persecuted by the Romans^ 115 Papists^ 129 Massacre in Ireland, 510 France, ••....•..,.. 513 An account of the rise, progress, £ifc. of the Inquisition, . 518 Persecuted by the Episcopalians, 523 Persecutions in Great-Britain and America, 537 'Persecuted by the Mahometans, , . . 575 The just judgments of God on Persecutors, . . . . , 578 A Plea against Pcrseqution, 593 INDEX Of the names of sufferers contained in this work* The letter m. signifies martyred. A. Abel, m 103 Abedneg-o, . . • 105 Arnold, m. loO 135 146 154 195 335 374 389 400 406 Acton, Roger m, . Ashford, Agnis Antonia, m. . . . Askew, Anne, m . Allen, William, m. Albright, Ann, m. Ambrose, Gorge, m Apprice, John, m. Abington, Thos. m. Adlinton, Henry, m. 407 Askine, Thomas, m. 415 Archer, John, m. . 429 Atkin, Richard • . ' - , John , Ashdon, Ann , 440 444 456 467 475 ib. ib. 504 509 ^75 119 120 135 ib. 142 ib. Allen, Rose, m. Allerton, Ralph, m, Awstoo, James, m. H-«^«, Margery, m, Ashley, James, m. ^£glda, Dr. . , . Abdallah, m. , . B. X^Vmc^ina, m. . . Bas'ihdes, \t\. . . Bvo .vn, John, m. . Beverly, John, m, . lU-own, J. m. . . , Richard ., Brewster, J mes, m. 145 Ec ! :ia. d Ihomas, m. 147 aruly, Peter, m. . 157 Bibiey^ Thomas, m. 174 ^Javiicid, Richard/m, 175 Bainliarn, James, m. 176 Bennct, Thomas, m. 180 Brooke Thomas . 193 Jiarhev, James . . 194 Bulclier, Joan, m. 203 J^iadford, Jolm, m. 294 l^iirward, Ant'ny, m, 335 IJe-dridge, peo. m. ib. Bongey, Cor. m^ . ib. |>u,ni^y, Tiiomas, m. 341 ii?c^y/n» Thomas, m. 360 PAGE. Beach Joan, m, « 396 Boyer, Thomas, m. 407 Bernard, Robert, m. 412 Bradbridge, Matt. 430 Bongoer, Richard . 440 Barcock, Robert . ib. BongxDer, William . ib. Barker, George . 446 Bendon, Alice, m. 454 Bradbridge, Ma. m, ib. Bongess,' Dennis, m. 456 Bongeor, Wm. m. 467 Benliote, Tomas, m, ib. Brown, Chris, m. . 507 Bennet, Edward , 509 Bryce, Thomas . ib. Burtic, Richard , ib. . Catharine . ib. Barrowe, Henry, m. 528 C. Christ, Jesus, m. . 112 Cyprian, m. . . . 121 Clavdon, John, m. 137 Clark, John, m. . 151 Carpenter, Geo. m. 152 Chapman, John . 180 Cock James ... 194 Cromwell, Tlios. m. 199 Cansion, Thomas, m. 256 Cardmaker, John, m. 280 Carver, Derick, m. 306 Coker, William, m. 312 CoUier, Richard, m. ^i^b^ Cobb, Ti.omas, m. 335 Coo, Roi^.*r, m. . ib. Cotmer, George, m. ^ib. Joan> rn. . 374 Ci-anmer, Thos. m. 375 Cavili, John, m. . 380 Croker, Thomas, m. 484 Couch, Lyon, m. . 407 Cuwches, Cath. m. 445 Ciavk, Jolm . . 429 Coleman, Robert . 440 Gierke, ili<-.hard . ib. Cooper Elizabeth, m. 466 Craslifield, Rich. m. 477 Carman, Thomas, m. 498 Cotton. St'^nhcn. m. 502 PAGE. Cooke, John, m. . 504 Cornford, John, m. 507 Christemas Thos. . 509 Cornet, John . . ib, Crokhay, Gertrude ib. Constantine, Dr. . ib. Coligni, m. . . 513 Copping, John, m. 528 Christlson, Weniock 565 Dimonetus, Matt. m. 162 Debnam, Robert, m. 17& Damplip, Adam . 193 Dobb, Thoijias . . 207 Denley, John, m. . 309 Drake, Robert, m. 389 Drowry, Thomas, m. 404 Denny, John, m. . 405 Deritall, John, m. . 407 Dungate Thomas, m. 426 Debnam, Robert . 440^ Davinish, John, m. 497 Day Richard, m. . 499- Denis, Robert, m. . 502 Driver, Alice, m. . 505 David, John, . . 506 , Henry, m. ib. Davis, John, m. . 509 Dyar, Mary, m. . 54o Davis, Nicholas . ib. E. Ehjah, ..... 104 Eleazar, . . . .106 Everastus (bishop of Rome) m. . . IIS Eusebius, Vinsen. . 119 Erigena, John P. m. 130 Esch, John, m. . . 150 Eucenus, Franciscus 155 Euring, Elyn . . 440 Ewing, Helen, m. 467 Eastland, Rainld. m. 503. F. Frenchman, Nich. m. 15S Faber, James, m. . 160 Freese, Edward . 17ft , Valentine, m. ib. Frith, John, m. . . 179 Filmer, Henrv, m. 192 INDEX. PAGE. EoiTct, Thomas, m. 202 Farrer, Robert, m. 260 Flower, William, m. 277 Fust, Thomas, m, 326 Foster, Isabel, m. . 360 Adam, m. . 412 Fortune, John . 414 Foreman, Jolin, m. 416 Foster, William, m. 429 Final, Nicholas, m. 4S0 Field Marg-aret . 440 Firefanne, Thomas ib. Fishcock, John, m. 454 Finall, Baibura, m. ib. Folk, Elizabeth, m. 467 Fox, Hugh, M. . . 497 Fetty, William, m. 500 John . . ib. Flovd, John, m, . 504 Fairfax, Thomas . 509 G Gordius, m. . . . 126 Grosthcad, Robert 129 Gerrard, . . . 130 Gale, John . . 138 Goose, John, m. . 139 Gardner, Robert . 178 Gourley, Norman, m. 202 Georgtf m. 207 Gardner, William . 212 Glover, Robert, m. 335 John , . . 33S \ViUiam . . ib. <>reen, Bartlet, m. 360 George, Agnes, m. 407 Gwin, John, m. . 4J5 Gilbe-t, Guil. m. . 425 Glover, Stephen . 440 George , Richard . i)). Gratwick, Richard 446 Stephen, ra. 451 Groves, Mary, m. . 456 Gibson, Richard, m. 483 Geor^ge, Chr, ra. . 499 Goucli, Alex. m. . 505 Groen, Thomas, m. 509 Greenwood, John,jn, 528 H. Hus, John, m. , , 135 Harbiock, Martin, m. 156 Hamell, Godfrey, m. 160 Hewett, Andrew, m. 180 Hare, Ralph . . J94 Home, John . . 207 Hooper, John, m. 228 Ifuntcr, William, tn. 251 Higbcd, m. 256 Ha^vkcs, Thomas, m. 284 PAGE. Hooper, Wm. m. . 312 Harwood, Steph. m. 326 Hale, William, m. ib. Hai-pole, John, m. 396 Hammond, John, m. 398 Hutt, Catharine, m. 402 Homes, Joan, m. . ib. Harland, Thomas, m. 406 Hollywell, Wm. m. 407 Hurst, Ednnmd, m, ib. Hart, Jolm, m. . . 429 Hemp, Stephen, m. 430 Hudson, Thomas, m. ib. Hay, WiUiam, m. . ib. Hyde, Margaret, m. 447 Ilusnvm, Alex. m. 456 Hullier, John, m. . 465 Hlllingdale, John,m. 483 Hudson, Thomas, m. 498 Harris, WiUiam, m. 499 Holiday, John, m. 504 Holland, Roger, m. ib. Humphrey, Philip, m. 506 Herst, John, m. . 507 Hunt, John . . . 509 Harris, James . . ib. Hurst, Jefirey . . ib. Horton, Thomas . ib. I. Isaiah, .... 105 Ignatius, (bishop of Antioch) m. . 119 J- Jeremiah . . . 105 John, the BaptLst, m. Ill James, m. . . . 113 Ju.stus, James, m. ib. John, St 117 Julitta, m. ... 127 Jusberge, Justus, m. 155 Jover, John, m. . 162 Joan m. .207 Jo}n, Simon, m. . 398 Jackson, Ralph, m. 407 Jolly, liichard T . 440 Johnson, John, m. . '107 K. King, Robert, m. . 1.58 Kenecl}-, Alex. m. 203 Knight, Stej)hen, m, 257 King, Jolm, m. . 4.51 Kniglit, Cuth. m. . 507 L. Lutlicp, Martlu , MS Lc Blais, Bert, m . 15'J Lambert, John, m. 189 Lawrence, John, m. 257 Lcafc, John, m. . 2\H PACK. Launder, John, m. 306 Lawrence, Henry, m. 312 Latinser, Hugh, m. 341 La.shford, Joan, m. 360 Loilmas, John, m. 374 Lister, Chris, m. . 398 Laveiock, Hugh, m. 400 Lawson, Robert, m. 412 Lowick, W. m. . 430 Locker, Thomas . 446 Alice . . ib. 504 50^ ib. ib. ib. ib. 513 104 105 120 135 Loseby, Thomas, m. 447 Lewis, Joice, m. . 473 Lane, Alex. m. Living, WiUiam . Lithall, John . . Lawson, Elizabeth Lucy, Ani^.e . . . Lithgow, WiUiam Laboinious, m. . . M. Mordecai, . . Meshach, . . . Mesila, m. . . . Muf'e, WiUiam, n Maungin, Ralph, m. 138 Man, Thomas . . 144 Morden, James, m. 147 Melanct(!n, ... 148 Muta, V/eendell, m. 153- Moice, Peter, m. . 158 March, Nichola.s, m. 178 lyiai-beck, John, v.\. 192 /iVleekins, Itichd m. 193 Mille, Walter, m. 205 Mar.^h, George, m. 266 Mace, John, m. . 398 Mili.s, 'I'lKm'.as, m. 407 Massey, Peroiine, m. 425 Moor,'ThonKis, m. 426 Mount, William . 440 Merse, Thomas . 446 Morant, William, m. 451 Ma\nard, Wm. m. 456 Morris, Marger}-, m. ib. James, m. ib Miller Simon, m. . 466 Munt, WiUiam, m. 467 Alice, m. . ib. Ma! ing, Marg.ii ct,m. 490 Mills, Robert, m. . 502 Miles, lv<;beit. Til, , 504 N. Nephews of Jude,m. 117 Nicholas, ... 154 Newman, Johr, m. 309 Nicholas, Richard m. SO^i^ NicoU, Wi!li:tm, m. 498 INDEX, PAGE. o. Oecolernpadius, . 148 Oswald, John, m. . 406 Grmes, Cicely, m. 504 P. Peter, Simon, m. . 115 Paul (the apostle) m. ib. Policarp, (bishop of Smyrna) m. . . 119 Pontius, m. ... ib. Perigrenous, m. . ib. Potentionous, m. . ib. Potamtena, m. . 120 Peter, m. . . . 123 Purvey, John, ili. 135 Prag-ue Jerome, m. 136 Pistbrius, John, m. 153 Percival, m. . . 154 Polliard, Stephen, m. 161 Philip, Thomas, . 183 Porter, John, m. . 191 Person, Anthony, m. 192 Pl^^ot, William, m. . 257 Polly, Margaret, m. 303 Pacicingham, P. m. 309 Pigot, Robert, m. 338 Parke, Gregory, m. 358 Philpot, John, m. . ib. Potter, Agnes, m. 388 Poole, Edmund, m, 405 Pern, Lawrence, m. 407 Peper, Elizabeth, m. ib. Palmer, Julius, m. 415 Potkins, Alice, m. 429 Prowting, W. m. . 430 Philpot, John, m. . ib. Pepper, Christian 440 Pardue, Nicholas, m. 454 Purchase, Wm. m. 467 Pikes, William, m. 502 Pond, Henry, m. . 503 Prest, EUzabeth, m. 506 Perrv, John, m. , 528 B. Hhais, m. . . . 120 Romanus, ii[i. • . 123 Rave, Robert, m. . 147 Rennix, Dennis, m. 160 Rus^l, Jeremy, m. 203 Rose,. . • ^ ■ ' .-217 Ridley, Nicholas, m. 341 Rogews, John, m. . ib Roper, Gegrge, m. 358 Read, Thomas, m. 406 Routh, John, m^ . 407 Ravendale, Ths. m. 429 Ramsev. Kenrv. m. 447 PAGE Roth, Richard, m. 475 Rough, John, m. . 490 Ricarby, Mat. m. . 504 Roberts, 509 Rose, Thomas, ib. Robinson, Wm. m. 543 S Shadrach, . . . 105 Seven brethren & their mother, m. . . 107 Stephen, m. , . 112 Sixtus, (bishop of Rome) m. . . 121 Sawtry, William, m. 130 Stamford, Elizabeth 143 Stillman, John . . ib. Sweeting, William 145 Scrivenor, John, m. 147 Stutven, Henry, m. 150 Smith, WilUam . 193 Stratton, David, m. 202 Street, John . . 216 Saunders, Lawr. m. 220 Steer, V^ihiam, m. 312 Smith, Robert, m. 317 Samuel, Robert, m. 326 Streater, Robert, m 335 Snoth, Agnes, m. 374 Sole, Joan, m. . ib. Spurg, Richard, m. 389 Thomas, m. ib. Spencer, John, m. 398 Spicer, Thomas, m. 405 Searls, George, m. 407 Sharp, Edward, m. 429 Stephens, Thomas, m 430 Sampson, AUin . 440 Saxby, John , . 446 Stanley, Agnes, m. 447 Stephens, George, m 456 Silverside, Agnes, m 467 Sparrow, Wm. m. 483 Simpson, Cuthbeit,m497 Seaman, Wm. m. 498 Slade, John, m. . 502 Southara, Robert, m. 504 Snoth, Alice, m- . 5Q7 Sprat, Thomas . . 509 Stevenson, Marip. m. 543 T Thorp, Wm. m. . 132 Turning, Richd. m. 137 Tilman, Giles, m. 155 Thiesten,Nicholas,m 157 Francis . ib. I PAGE. I Tewksberry, John, m 175 I Tibauld, John . . 180 Tracy, William . 184 Tindal, William, m. 185 Testwood, Robert 191 Taylor, Rowland . 237 Tompkins, Thos. m, 249 Tankerfield, Geo.m. 314 Tudson, John, m . 360 Trunchfield, Joan, m. 488 Tims, William, m. 389 Thackvill, Ehz. m. 402 Tree, Mary, m . 426 Thyrtell, Thos. m. 447 Thacker, Elias, m^ 528 V. Voes, Henry, m. , 150 Venote, Florent, m. 161 W. White, WilUam, m. 139 Joan ... ib. Wiseheart, Geo. m. 204 White, Rowlins, m. 269 Warne, John . . 280 Watts, Thomas, m. 291 Wright, Richard, m. 312 Warne, Ehzabeth,m, 316 Wolsey, WilUam, m. 338 Webb, John, m. . 358 Whittell, Thos. m. 360 Went, John, m. . ib. Wood, Thomas, m. 407 Wie, Henry, ra. . ib Waste, Joan, m. . 426 Waterer, Wm. m. 430 Winseley, Joan . 440 Thomas ib. Taylor, Adrian, m. ib. , Mjcrion-, m. ib. Whitlock, Agnes . ib. Warren, Cicely . ib. Wallis, Alice . . ib. White, Nicholas, m. 454 Wilson, Amos, m. ib. Woodman, Richd. m. 456 Wood, Thomasin, m. ib. Wight, Stephen, m. 502 White, Richard . 509 Wilmot Richard . ib. WiUiams, Robert, m. ib. Watts, WiUiam . ib, Winhurst, Alexander ib. Wood, Willi^im , ib. y. Young, Elizabeth . ib. Z-. Zuingl?u:s, , . . 14^ BRIEF COLLECTION OF rHE HOST REMARKABLE PASSAGES AND LIVING TlHSTIMONILS / OF THE CHURCH OF CWD, * XyiTQ OF THE COHRUPT FRUITS GF THE FALSE CHURC H, IH THE timp: of thp: apostac y jl A LIVING TESTIMONY OP THE TRUE CHURCH. PART I. Shows how God, under the several dispensations ofhinu self to mankind always led and guided his Church and seed by his Spirit and power to worship and serve him^ and to bring forth the fruits of righteousness and holi- ness, which were acceptable to him: and how the serpent er evil one hath from the beginning, made it his work to deceive, and lead man from God to sin, and to work wickedness, which always brought the wrath and judg^ ^ ments of God upon man. A FTER God had created heaven and earth, and all things in them, he created man in his own im- age ; that is to say, pure, holy and innocent, giving him power to govern and rule the creation to God's glory ; and God said, *' it is not good for man to be alone, I will make him an helpmeet for him ;" and he caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh thereof, and of the rib he made woman, and brought her unto the man ; and Adam said, " this is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman :" and the Lord plac- ed them in the garden of Eden, there to live in a blessed state, gi\'ing unto them a commandment of obedience, ^ A LIVING TESTIMONY which was, that they were not to eat of the tree of knowl edge of good and evil ; for, in the day they did eat there- of, they should die ; but, of all the rest of the trees of the garden, they might eat, and receiving comfoit therefrom, might give the praise and glory thereof to their Maker, to whom it did belong : and whilst man and woman stood in this condition they were happy and blessed. And pow God beheld all that he had made,, and behokUall was good : for sin had not as yet entered upon man. But the devil, envying God's honor and man's felicity, tempted the woman to sin by the serpent ; the woman being beguiled by the serpent, the man was also be- guiled by her, and broke the ordinance of God by eating the forbidden fruit : and thus, man and woman lost the dignity and excellency of their first creation, and Vv'^ere enslaved by the serpent, who, by his wiles and subtilty, had entangled and ensnared them, and persuaded them to believe him more than God ; for God said, that, in t}ie day they did eat thereof, they should die ; but the serpent said, they should not surely die ; ''for God doth know," said he, " that ye shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil :'' and thus was man, by a lie, drawn from the pure command of his maker. N.QW, after they had sinned, in the cool of the day, tlie Lord called unto Adam, saying, '' Where art thou ?" and Adam, who hid himself, said, " I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked :" and God said, '' who told thee that thou wast naked ? Hast tliou eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat ?'' and having brought guilt and shame upon themselves by transgression, they began to make coverings by sewing fig leaves to make themselves apnjns, pf which, it seems, they had no need before they had transgressed.. And, by this, all men may see, that it was the ser- pent's work from the beginning (and indeed, it has been ^n all ages his work) to beguile men and women w^ith hh lies and subtilties, and to darken their eyes and pol- lute their understandings that he may keep them in sub- jection to himself; and from hence spring the wicked OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 5 thoughts and actions, which all mankind are apt to lean and incHnt' to, and have been, and are readier to give ear to the voice of the serpent and wicked one, than to the voice of God their maker : and this has been the fountain and source from w^ience have come all the disorders, miseries, and woes, that have happened unto mankind throughout the world, in all ages ; they have been feed- ing and deiighthig themselves in eating the forbidden fruit, which their forefathers also delighted in : and all nations upon the eardi are in this state and condition at this day, led away by the voice of the serpent from the purity and righteousness in which man was first created, except a little remnant, which God hath gathered by his light and power, to be witnesses to his name. And, the Lord having convicted Adam of his evil, and pronounced several punishments upon him, and on Eve his wife ; yet, with this promise, added, that the seed of the w oman should bruise the serpent's head : and man being put out of the garden of Eden, and a fiery flam- ing sword being set to keep the way, leading to the tree of life ; man was in an undone condition, had not the Lord coiidescended in his tender love and mercy to restore him, and make that promise to him ; and this was the Lord's great love, to open a door of hope to lost man, that he Fiiight not be destroyed by Satan's power ; and now the power of God, by which man was first created, appeared again to restore him. After the fall of Adam, Cain was the first man that was born of a woman ; and after Cain, his brother Abel was born ; and in process of time, these two oflTered ofier- ings unto the Lord, being, doubtless, instructed in right- eousness by their father Adam after his restoration ; but Cain's sacrifice, being only outward in show, and noth- ing inward in the spirit, wherein doth consist the true worship of God, the Lord accepted not his offering ; but unto Abel and his offering, which was from the upright- ness and sincerity of his heart, the Lord had respect. At this, Cain was wrath, and being inflamed with anger, rose up against his brother Abel, and, in his envy, slew him ; here was the beginning of persecution, and that up- 6 A LIVING TESTIMONY on a righteous person for serving God in a pure mind ; and here the envy of the wicked one appeared again, to ex;ir;guish, if he could, the righteous seed : but the Lord shewed regard again to mankind, and in his tender love repaired this loss ; for Abel being slain, Adam's wife bore another son, whose name was Seth ; for God, said she, hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew ; and this Seth proved a godly man. ^d had a son called Enos. who kept up the holy seed and true religion, as it is recorded of him ; and in his days, men did begin to call on the name of the Lord. Now Enos signifies the lamentable condition of all mankind ; for even then, as some men write, was the worship of God wretch- edly corrupted, by the race of Cain : whence it came that men were even so distinguished, that they who per- sisted in the true worship of God, were known by the name of the children of God, and they who forsook him were termed the children of men. The next of the righteous stock was Jared, to whom was born Enoch, another of the righteous seed, whose life and conversation were so innocent, that it is recorded of him, he walked with God. And thus, the reader may see how the righteous plants were such, as took the Lord to be their guide in their actions and undertakings, and were as patterns of right- eousness in the midst of a per\ erse generation, and it is the same with all the fciithful and upright at this day : and now Enoch having this testimony, that he pleased God, the Lord, as a requital of his feithfulness, translated him, so that he saw no death and took him to himself. And it cauie to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, these sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were fair, and they took them wives of all that they chose ; this displeased the Lord, so tliat he said, my spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh ; and his da}-s v. ere shortened to one hundred and tv»^enty years, wliO before lived many hundred years. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts OF THE TRUE CHURCH. "t of his heart was only evil continually : and it repented the Lord that he had made man, and it grieved him at Ins heart ; and the earth was corrupt, and filled with vio- lence, and God looked upon the earth, and behold it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, '' the end of ail flesh is come before me ; for the earth is filled with violence through th0n; and behold I will destroy them with the earth;" and he commanded Noah to make an ark, and behold, I bring a flood upon the earth to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, and every thing that is in the earth shall die ; but with thee will I establish my covenant, and thou shalt come into the Ark. thou and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives ; for thee have I seen righteous be- fore me in this generation. But before the Lord brought the deluge of waters up- on the world of the wicked, he sent this jus: man Noah, a preacher of righteousness unto them, giving them one hundred and twenty years' space to repent them of tlieir evil ways ; and Noah having provided an ark at the com- mandment of God, was directed when he should enter m- to the ark, whilst the world in the mean time void of all fear, sat eating and drinking, and mirrying and givi ig in marriage. In the six hundredth year of the lile of No- al}, upon the seventh day of the second month Vv'hen he and his children were entered into the ark, God sent u rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights, and Jac Waters continued upon the earth a hundred and fifty days; the waters abating upon the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark rested upon one of the mountains of Ara- rat ; the waters still abating, upon the first day of the tenth month, the tops of the mountains appeared above the waters ; and after forty days, Noah opened the window of the ark, and sent forth a Raven ; and seven days after, sent forth a dove ; and she returning afier seven d.-ys .more, he sent her fordi again, and about the evening, she returned, bringing the leaf of an olive tree in her mouth ; and then staying yet seven days more he sent the same dove tut again, which returfled no more unio him. 6 A LIVING TESTIMONY In the six hundredth and first year of the life of Noah, when the surface of the earth was all dry, Noah took oft" the covering of the ark ; and, all that were with him in the ark being gone forth, he oftered unto God for his preservation an oftering ; " r.nd the Lord smelled a sweet savour ; and the Lord said in his heart, I w4U not again curse the ground any more for man's sake ; for the ima- gination of man's heart is evil from his youth :" and %od spake unto Noah and to his sons, saying, '' I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more, by the waters of a flood to destroy the earth ;" and gave the rain bow for a sign oi the covenant which he then made with man. And Noah made a division of land among his grand- children, and they w^ent from those eastern parts, whither they first repaired from the Mountains of Ararat, unto the valley of Shinar, where they took in hand to biiild the city and tower of Babylon, whose top might reach to Heaven ; lest they should be scattered abroad upon the face of the earth ; w^hich purpose of theirs being frustrat- ed by the confusion of languages sent among them, from whence they took the name of Babel, the dispersion of nations followed, and one language was lost, which the "whole earth was of until this attempt.. The next of the righteous stock that succeeded was Abram, the second son of Terah: he was born in the year 2008. And ten years after was Sarai, who was afterwards Abraham's wife, born, daughter of Haran, Abram's broth- er. Some writers relate, that Abram was educated in the idolatry of his father's house, who, they say, was a maker of statues and images : and the Jews relate of Abram's going into the shop in the absence of his father, of his breaking the images, and jeering those that came to buy, or Vv^orship them ; of his Other's carrying him to Nimrod to be punished ; his witty answers and miracu- lous escapes : thus, the Jews write of him : but however these things may be credited, we have a sure record in the scriptures, that the Lord had a great regard to the sincerity of Abram, and liad a purpose to make use of him to be an instrument in his work and service ; and O-^ THE TRUE CHITRCH, V tliat appears by his calling him from his kindred, and from his father's house, and promising a blessing to him and his seed ; and now Abram, who had chosen the Lord for his delight above all earthly things, consulted not, but departed as the Lord had commanded him ; and he took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and travelled to the land of Canaaii, where God promised to Al^am, that to his seed he would give that land ; but afterwards Abram, compelled by a famine, went from thence do\vn into Egypt, where Sarai his wife, to escape a danger, went for his sister, and was taken into Pharaoh's house, being fair and beautiful, but w\^s not long after sent back unto him untouched. Then Abram, accompanied by just Lot, returned into Canaan, where., when the countiy which they pitched upon was not suf- ficient, to feed both their herds of cattle, strife arose be- tween the herdsmen ; and Abram loving peace, said to Lot, *'let there be no strife, Lpray thee, between me and thee and between my herdsmen and thine, for we be breth- ren;" and they parted ; and Lot went into the country oi Sodom ; and after they were parted, the promise both of the possession of that land of Canaan, and also of his numberless posterity, was again renewed unto him. Abram being now ninety nine years old, God made a covenant w^ith him, touching the seed of Isaac, (who was to be born of Sarai that time twelve month) and gave him the seal of circumcision, changing both their names; Abram into Abraham, and Sarai into Sarah, for a sure pledge and testimony of his promise. When Abraham was an hundred, and Sarah ninety years of age, Isaac was born unto them, and Abraham instructed his family in righteousness ; for God said, I know Abraham, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. By faith, Abraham offered up his son Isaac ; consider- ing with himself, that God was able to raise him again from the dead. Joscphus reports, that at this time Isaac v/as twenty five years old, and that he was at that time well grov.n may be gathered from this, that he was able 10 A LIVING TESTIMONY to carry so much wood as was to go to the burning and consummg of such a whole burnt-offermg as himself was, then intended by Abraham to have been made Sarah be- ing now one hundred and twenty seven years of age, died in Hebron ; and as Abraham, for his integrity and up- rightness to the Lord, is recorded to posterity for the fa- ther of the faithful; so is Sarah for the mother of the faith- ful ; and she is the only woman whose full and entire stgc^ is mentioned in scripture. Abraham being also advanced in age was careful to get a wife for his son Isaac ; and he was likewise careful that he might not marry with any of the idolatrous and corrupt nations, it being looked upon as a great evil by this righteous stock, that their sons should marry with the daughters of men that were corrupted, and des- pisers of the true religion, as it appears by Abraham's care for his son, that he should not take a wife of the daughters of the Canaanites among whom he dwelt ; and also by the strict charge he gave to his servant to look out a wife for him, who going by the guidance of God into Mesopotamia, where praying to the Lord to shew kindness unto his master Abraham, he there obtained for him Re- bekah, the daughter of Bethuel, sister to Laban the Syri- an, whom Isaac receiving for his wife, brought into the tent of his mother Sarah ; and he loved her, and had "Comfort in her after his mother's death ; and he was forty years old when he married with Rebekah. Abraham, when he was an hundred and seventy-five years old, and an hundred years after his coming into fcanaan, departed this life, and was buried by his two sons in his cave at Machpelah, with Sarah his wife. He lived fifteen years after the birth of Jacob, with whom he is said also to have lived in tents. And Abraham being dead, Isaac was raised up, as the next of the righteous line and seed of God, to whom the Lord often appeared in his divine power, confirming the covenant he had made with Abraham his father ; for he walked in the steps of his father in faithfulness to the Lord, and when his father's servant brought Rebekah to bim, they found him meditating in the field at evening- t>F THE TRUE CHURCH. 11 tide, by which it appears, his mind was delighted in that which was good. When his wife had continued barren nineteen years after her marriage, Isaac entreated the Lord for her, because she was barren, and the Lord was entreated of him, and his wife conceived, and when the twins strove in her womb, Rebekah asked counsel of God ; and the Lord said unto her, '' two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels ; and the one people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger." Being born, the children grew, and one of them, named Esau, was a cunning hunter, a man of the field ; and Ja* cob was a plain man, dwelling in tents : and Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison, but Rebekah lov- ed Jacob. Isaac being grown old and blind, in the forty fourth year before his death, sent Esau his eldest son to take some venison for him, purposing to bless him at his re- turn ; but Jacob, the younger son, by the counsel of his mother, coming disguised in his cloaths, and with sa- voury meat in his hand, stole away the blessing unwit- tingly to his father ; and the blessing though so got, God confirmed ever after ; but Jacob seeing that for so doing, his brother followed him with a deadly hatred, and being desirous to > avoid his snares, and willing to take a wife of his own kindred, his father blessing him, he took his journey into Mesopotamia, to his uncle Laban ; for his father had charged him not to take a wife of the daugh- ters of Canaan ; and in his journey the Lord appeared unto him by his presence, and renewed the covenant to him, which he had made before to his father and grand- father ; and the Lord manifesting his presence unto him, he covenanted with the Lord, saying, " if God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, so that I come again to my fathers house in peace, then shall the Lord be my God';'' and coming at len,^th to Charron, and continuing a time with Laban, he fell in love with Rachel his daughter, for whom he served seven years, and they seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had to her. f2 A LIVING TESTIMONY Esau had now been married thirty seven years, and was seventy seven years old, whereas Jacob had all this while lived unmarried: but being now mindful of his fa- ther's command, he demanded Rachel his wife to be giv- en to him, using this for a reason, that his days were now full ; but by the fraud of Laban, instead of Rachel, Leah the elder daughter was put in bed unto him ; nev- ertheless Rachel also was afterwards espoused to him, upon covenant of serving seven years more for her. At first, Rachel was barren but afterwards, by the bless- ing of God, proving fruitful, bore Joseph unto Jacob. At the end of the fourteen years service, Jacob asking leave of Laban to return into his own country, was held there sfx years more, upon another bargain made between him and his father-in-law Laban, for a certain part of his flock. Jacob perceiving the heart-burning of Laban, and his son's malice towards him, was warned of God to return into his own country, which having communicated to his "wives, whilst Laban was shearing his sheep at the latter end of spring, after his twenty years service, went away unknown to Laban, with all his substance, wives and fam- ily, and passed over the river Euphrates. Laban, three days after, hearing that his son-in-law was gone, took some of his friends and kindred along with him, and pursued after him seven days journey and at last overtook him at Mount Gilead, which took its name from their meeting there; for, after many and. diverse expostulations which passed be- tween them, making all fair at last, for a testimony and mon^ ument of their covenant there made, Jacob erected a pillar with a heap of stones, which Lrban the Syrian called, Jegar-Saliadutha, but Jacob the Hebrew called, Gilead, that is, the heap of testimony or witness between them, Jacob being sent away in peace by Laban, but affrighted with the news of his brother Esau's approach with four hundred men, divided his company into two, saying, '' if he smite one, then the other company which is left shall escape ;" and called upon God, saying, " O God of my father Abraham, Isaac, &c. which saidst unto me return into thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well vih.^l\ thee, deli'/er me, I pray thee, from the hand of nty OF THE TRUE CHURCH. IS brother Esau" Esau having entertained his brother courtcoubly, after much entreaty, accepted of his pre- sents. Jacob then went on to Succoth, and there he built him an house, and afterwards passing over Jordan, he came into Canaan, and pitched his tent in Salem, and there he buiit an ahar, which he called by the name of El- Elohe- Israel, or, the Mighty God, the God of Israel, to wit, in the same place where Abraham had heretofore built his first Altar, and where Jacob's well was. I am now come to write of Joseph, who being seven- teen years of age, when his brethern saw that their fa- ther loved him mo?e than them, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him ; and Joseph declaring his dream to them, the Lord having shewed him that he should be set above his brethern, and be the chief of his father's family, they hated him yet the more ; and first they conspired his death, and at length agreed, to sell him away for a bond- slave into a far country ; so drawing Iiim out of the pit, whereinto they had cast him, they sold him to the merchants for twenty pieces of silver, and he was by them carried into Egypt, and there sold for a slave to Potiphar, a captain of guard to Pharaoh, where he was tempted by Potiphar's wife to uncleanness ; and, because he refused to do such evil, she by her lies, insti- gated Potiphar her husband against him, who put him in prison ; but the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison, and that which he did the Lord made to prosper. Two of the oificers of Pharaoh's court, being imprison- ed in the same prison with Joseph, having both of them dreamed, Joseph interpreted their dreams unto them, which came to pass according to his interpretation ; and Joesph said to one of them, *' When thou art restor- ed into thy place, after thy former manner, think on me w^hen it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pha- raoh, and bring me out of this house ; for indeed I was stolen awav out of the Land of the Hebrews, and here 14 A LIVING TESTIMONY also have I done nothing, that they should put me into the dungeon :" but when this officer wasrestored again into Pharaoh's court he remembered not Joseph. Two years after, Pharaoh dreamed t»vo dreams, who seeing he could not get them expounded by his own wise amen, but hearing of Joseph's expertness to interpret dreams, sent for him, being then thirty years old, who opened to the king his dreams : first, that of the seven years of plenty ; then the Lcven years of famine : he add- ed moreover, as his counsel and advice, how to provide out of the store of the first years of plenty, against the famine of the other seven years of scarcity, which were to follow; whereupon, by the general consent of his no- l^les, he made him governor of the kingdom. From the harvest of this year, were counted seven 3^ears of plenty, wherein Joseph laid up an infinite treas- ure of corn. The seven years of the famine began from the harvest of this year, wherein the forecast and wisdom of Joseph did not only sustain Egypt, but Avere a help and relief to other countries. Jacob dispatched ten of his sons into Egypt to buy corn, whom Joseph seeming not to know, caused to be taken for spies ; and- being laid hold on, he spake roughly unto them, and said, whence came ye ? and they said, from the land of Canaan to buy food : and Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him ; and he said they were come as spies to see the nakedness of the land : they said, they were true men, and thy servants are twelve brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan ; and behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not ; and Joseph said, " ye are spies : hereby it shall be proved ; if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in prison : go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses ; but bring your youngest brother unto me, so shall your words be verified, and you shall not die," and they did so : and they said one to the other, ** we are verily guilty concerning our broth- er, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he be- sought us, and w^e would not hear, therefore is this dis- OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 15 tress come upon us :" and Reuben answered theniv say- ing, " spake not I unto you, saying, do not hin against the child, and ye would not hear, therefore, behold his blood is required ;" and they knew not that Joseph un- derstood them, for he spake unto them by an interpre- ter ; and he turned himself about from them, and wept, and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon the chiefest of them, who consented to sell him, and cast him into prison ; and be- ing dismissed, they carried away their corn, and with it the money that they had paid for it, being conveyed in- to their sacks by the secret appointment of Joseph. They told their father Jacob all that happened unto them, and withal declared unto him the necessity that laid upon them of carrying their younger brother Benjamin into Egypt, persuading him by all means to let him go ; but Jacob their father said unto them, " me have ye bereav- ed of my children ; Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and you will take away Benjamin : all these things are against me ;" but Jacob, pressed with famine sent again his sons, and with them his son Benjamin, furnished with double money, and other presents to Joseph, to buy more corn ; and they, at their return, were courteously enter- tained ; for when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, '' bring these men home, and slay and make ready, for these men shall dine with me at noon." And the man did as Joseph bade, and brought the men into Joseph's house, and the men were afraid, because they were brought into Joseph's house : and they said, " because of the money that was return- ed in our sacks the first time, are we brought in, that he may seek occasion against us :" but the steward comfort- ed them, saying, " peace be unto you, fear not ; your God and the God of your fathers hath given you treasure in your sacks, I had your money ;" and he brought Si- meon out unto them. And Joseph asked them of their welfare, saying," Is your father well, the old man of whom you spake, is he yet alive ? And they answered, ** Thy servant our fa- ther is in gogd health ; he is yet alive," v/hen he saw his 16 A LIVING TESTIMONY brother Benjamin, his mother's son, he made haste, fof his bowels did yearn upon his brother, and he sought where to weep, and he entered into his chamber, and wept there : and after they had eaten, he commanded the steward of his house to fill their sacks with food, and to put a silver cup in the sack's mouth of the youngest ; and when they wore gone, Joseph sent after them, and caused them to be stoptfor taking away his cup, which crime they endeavoured to put of, by shewing how truly they meant, by bringing again the money which they found in their sacks when they cam.e home ; offering themselves to die, or to be his bond- slaves, if any such thing could be proved against them ; but in the end, the cup being found with Benjamin, and they brought back to Joseph, they all yielded themselves to him, for his bond-slaves, which he refused, saying, he would have none but him with whom the cup was found. Judah then humbly offered himself to serve him in Benjamin's stead, saying, " when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us, seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life it shall come to pass, that when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die, and thy servants shall bring down the grey hairs of thy servant our father w^ith sorrow to the grave : " Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him : and cried, cause every man to go out from me, and there stood no man with them, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren ; and wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard ; and Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph, doth my father yet live ? And his brethren could not answer him, for they were troubled at his presence ; and Joseph said unto his brethren, " come near to me, I pray you,'\ and they came near, and he said, *' lam Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into E- gypt ;" and seeing them troubled, he comforted them, by shewing how that act of theirs was by the providence of God. And he said unto them, haste ye and go up to my fa- ther, and say unto him, *' thus saith thy son Joseph ; God hath made me Lord of all Egypt : come down unto me ; or THE TRUE CHURCrr. it farry not, and thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and ihou shalt be near unto me, thou and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks and thy herds, and all that thou hast, and there will I nourish thee ; for there are yet five years of famine :" and he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept, and Benjamin wept upon his neck ; moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon tliem ; so he sent his brethren away, and they told Jacob all the words of Joseph, and when he saw the waggons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived ; and Israel said, *' It is enough, Joseph my son is yet alive ; I will go and see him before I die ;" and God spake unto Israel saying, " I am God, the God of thy flither : fear not to go down into Eg}'pt, for I will there make of thee a great nation ; I will go down v/ith thee into Egypt, and I will surely bring thee up again ;" and Jacob was an hundred and thirty years old when he went down into Egypt. Joseph letting Pharaoh know of the arrival of his kin- dred in Egypt, brought his father and five of his breth- ren into his presence, and having communed with him, assigned them a place in the land of Goshen, where they w^ere provided with all necessaries by Joseph. The book of Genesis ends with the death of Joseph, containing the history of two thousand three hundred and sixty nine years space ; which book was written b} Mo- ses himself, in the opinion of the Talmudists, in their Baba-Bathra, Lib. 1. At this time, lived Job, a man of whom it is recorded, that he was a man of a perfect and upright heart, and one that feared God and shunned evil, and embraced the knowledge of the true God J and all righteousness; rich in substance, and the more noted, as neither the enjoy- ment of riches corrupted, nor the loss of them depraved him in his v/ay ; for, being first spoiled of his goods by satan ; also bereft of his children ; and at last tormented with sore biles, from the sole of his foot to his crown, nevertheless he could yet never be drawn through impa- tience to sin in any sort ; whereof, having first received 0. testimony from God's own mouth, he was afterwards r^ i 18 A LIVING TESTIMONY stored to his former health, and had cast into his bosom double of ^vhatever he possessed before. And when Joseph and all his brediren, and that genera-- tion were dead, and the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceed- ingly mighty, and the land was filled with them, there arose up a new king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph, and he began to afflict them, but the more they were af- flicted, the more they multiplied and grew : and the E- gyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor, and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, and kept them under with great severity. Aaron was born three years before his brother Moses^ and eighty three years before the departure of the children of Israel out of Egypt. The ungodly king of Egypt, when he could not pre- vail with the mid wives of the Hebrew women privily to destroy the male children of them, made a barbarous edict to destroy them all, by drowning them in the river. About this time, Moses the son of Amram, of the house of Levi, was born, and when his mother saw that he was a goodly child, being willing to preserve him, she hid him three months, and wiien she could no longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime, and with pitch, and put the child therein, and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink, his sister standing afar off* from the place, to see what would be- come of him ; and Pharaoh's daughter finding it there, caused her maids to fetch it ; and when she had opened it, she saw the child, and, behold, it wept, and she had com- passion on him, and said " this is one of the Hebrew chil- dren :" then said his sister to Pharaoh's daughter, " shall I go and call a nurse to thee of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee ?" and Pharaoh's dauglv ter said, '' go;" and the maid went and called the child'**, mother, and she nursed him ; and Pharaoh's daughter called him Moses, because she drew him out of the wa ter ; and she caused him to be brought up as her. son, ard caused him to be instructed in the science and learn- ing of the Egyptians ; and thus did the Lo^ wonderfully OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 19 Jiresen e him, which noted no less than that he intended to make him an instrument in some great work, as in- deed it so came to pass ; for as he grew in years, the Lord put it in his heart to sliglu the honors of Pharaoh's court ; for he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the peo- ple of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a seas>on; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he had respect to the recompense of reward. And now the Lord having chosen him into his work and service, indued him with such a spirit of meekness, that none was like him upon the earth ; and being thus fitted he often had trials and exercises of his patience by the people he was to govern, who were often murmuring and repining against him. And the Lord appeared unto him, whilst he was keeping his father-in- law Jerthro's sheep in the mountain of Horeb, and the angel of the Lord apj)eared unto him in a flame of fire, out of the midst of a bush ; and behold the busli burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed ; and the Lord said unto him, ** I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ;" and Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God ; tlnd the Lord said, " I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry, by reason of their task- masters ; for I know their sorrow, and am come down to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians " And he chose Moses as an instrument to go unto Pharaoh, and to bring the children of Israel out of Egypt, to whom as an assistant in his work, Aaron was added. Moses and Aaron having declared unto Pharaoh the message, witli wliich they were sent unto him from God, were sent away with many harsh words ; and many more greivous oppressions were inflicted upon the Israelites than before. Moses being now eighty, and Aaron eighty three years of age being moved by the Lord, returned again to Pha- raoh, where tlwi magicians, imitating the miracles of Aa- ^-on's rod m«de Pharaoh harden his heiu-t, so that he 20 A LIVING TESTIMONY would not let the children of Israel go ; werefore, the Lord sent diverse plagues upon Pharaoh before he would let the children of Israel go ; and when the last plague was brought upon them, Pharaoh and his servants made haste to send away the Israelites, with all their sub- stance, being six hundred thousand men, besides chil- dren ; and they being departed, Pharaoh with his host pursued and overtook them. Here Moses divided the waters with his rod, and with the children of Israel, pass- ed through the sea ; but Pharaoh and his army following were all overwhelmed by the waters coming together a- gain. When the Israelites were thus freed from the bondage of the Egyptians, they forthwith sang a song of praise and thanksgiving unto God, for their deliverance, which is called the song of Moses. After their encamping in the desert of Sinai, Moses went up into the mount, and the Lord said unto him, *' thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel ; ye have seen what I did unto the E- gyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself; now, therefore, if }ou will o- bey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall he a peculiar treasure unto me above ail people ; for ail the earth is mine, and ye shall be unto me a king- dom of priests, and an holy nation." And Moses told |:he people v/hat the Lord had commanded him ; all the people answered together, and said, "•' all that the Lord hath spoken we will do.'' But the reader may see how ready and apt these people were to forget tlie tender dealings of the Lord towards them ; for Moses and Aa- ron, and several of the elders of Israel went up into the mount, and there beheld the glory of God ; and the rest returning, Moses with his servant Joshua, abode there still, and waited there six days, and upon the seventh day, God spa^e unto him, and there he continued forty nights, eating no meat all that while, nor drinking water : and there he received God's command, and the law ^vrit* ten in tables of stone, with God's own finger ; God bid- ding him withnl to get him down ; for tliat the people fead already made themselves a molten calf tp worslijp* * OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 2i Moses, seeing this, brake the tables at the foot of the mount, and having burnt and defaced the idol, many of the people were put to death by the hands of the Levites. The next day, Moses returned into the mount, and there again entreated the Lord for the people ; and hav- ing drawn them into a deep sense of the wrath of God, to repent of their sin, he by his prayer, obtained, that God himself should be their leader in their way. God commanded Moses to frame new tables of stone ; and the next day, to bring them with him into the mount ; Moses staying again forty days and forty nights in the mount, without meat or drink, prayed tiicre for the peo- ple ; when God was pleased to renew his covenant with the people ; and he gave his law anew, and bade Moses commit it to writing ; wiio, after forty days, returned from the mount with the tables in his hands ; and cover- ing his face with a vail, because it shone, 1^ publisb.ed the laws of God to the people, enjoining the observation of them, and commanded a free-will-offering to be made, toward the building of the tabernacle, according to God's order. Nadab and Abihu, the two eldest sons of Aaron, going whh. their father up into the mount Sinai, had there seen tlie glory of God, and having gone into the sanctuary with strange or common fire, were struck dead inihe place by fire sent from heaven, and for them the priests were forbidden to make lamentation : moreover, for some particular men's neglect of duty, all the priests were charged to forbear wine and strong drink, before they were to go into the tabernacle. Moses, finding the government of the Israelites to be weighty, complained to the Lord of the burden thereof; saying, '' I am not able to bear all this people alone, be- cause it is too heavy for me ;" and to ease him, the Lord said, " gather seventy of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them, and bring them to the tabernacle of the congrega- tion, that they may stand there with thee ;" and Moses gathered the seventy elders, and the Lord gave of the same spirit that was on Moses unto them, and it rested upon them, and they prophesied ; and Ekiad and Mcdad 52 A LIVINCJ TESTIMON^V remained in the camp, and prophesied, and when it was told Moses, that they prophesied, Moses, being pleased therewith, said, '* would to God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them." The Israelites lusting after flesh, and loathing the food that God gave them, the Lord was wrath with them, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, and the people gathered them ; but whilst the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague ; and thus God punished them again for their murmur- ing. Twelve spies were now sent, one for every tribe, to discover and spy out the land of Canaan. After forty days spent iv^^aichmg out the land, the spies returned to Kadesh, in the wilderness of Paran, bringing with them one branch of a vine, with a cluster of grapes upon it, gathered in the valley of Eshcol. Ten of the twelve spies, by speaking ill of the countr}% and the barr-enness thereof, and withal magnifying the cities for their strength, and the gigantic stature of the men therein, disheartened the people from marching any further toward it, whilst Caleb did all he could to persuade the people to go on ; and now the people began again to murmur against Mo- ses and Aaron, and would go back again into Egypt, and were ready to stone Caleb and Joshua, for saying, ^' The land was an exceeding good land, and, that it flow- ed with milk and honey ;" and because of the people's complaining, the Lord threatened them with sudden de- struction ; but, through Moses's intercession and prayer, the Lord spared them yet, so, that withal he denounced to them, that all of them which were then twenty years old and upwards should die in the wilderness, and should never see the land which was promised unto them ; and that they should wander in that wilderness forty years ; " but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit^ and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land, whereinto Jie went, and his seed shall possess it,'* M OF THE TRUE CIItTRCH. 2^ Upon this calamity, and the continual dropping away the Israelites in the wilderness, Moses prayed unto the rd, and thereupon it is supposed he wrote the nine- Lh psalm, in which he sheweth, that the ordinary age men was reduced to seventy or eighty years at the )st, so that now the age of man was again contracted, .i cut shorter. And at length the people for lack of water, murmured ainst Moses and Aaron, whom God commanded to call water out of die rock, only by speaking to it. Moses being moved in his mind, said, " hear now, ye reb^^ls, must we fetch you water out of the rock ?" And with the rod, he smote the rock twice, and the water came forth abundantly ; Moses and Aaioa for their unbelief, here shewn in executing the command of God, were de- barred from entering into the land of Canaan : and the waters were called Meribah, or, waters of strife. In the fortieth year after the coming ofThe children of Israel out of Egypt, Aaron died ; and sliortly after, God signified to Moses, that he should die ; and Moses de- sired the Lord to set a man over the people, which might go in and out before them : and that they miglit not be as sheep without a shepherd ; and the Lord chose Josh- ua, a man in whom was the spirit of God ; and Moses laid his hands on him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord had commanded him. And here ends the matter of the five books of Moses, containing the history of the two thousand five hundred and fifty- two years and a half; and the children of Israel mourned for Mjses, as they had done for Aaron, thirty days in the land of Moab. Joshua su$:ceeding Moses, the Lord promised Joshua to be with him, and to assist him ; and the Lord was with him until he had conquered all the enemies of the Israel- ites ; and when God was about to give the Israelites rest round about them, so that thev mi.fjht dwell there secure- ly, it was requisite also, that a place should be appointed, which himself should choose, to place his name there ; tNhcrefore, coming together at Sliiloh, they there fixed the tabernacle of the congregation^, after the whole land 24 A LIVING TESTIMONV was subdued unto them. Shiloh, both by the signification of the name, and also b}^ the situation of the place, seem- eth to be the same with Salem, both which words signi- fy peace or rest. Joshua built the city of Timnah-Sera, in Mount E- phraim, in which he dwelt many years, after God had given rest to Israel, and having lived an hundred and ten years, he there died and was buried. After the decease of Joshua, and of the elders, who out lived him, the w^onders w^hich God had wrought for the children of Israel, from the time of their being brought out of Egypt, began to be forgotten by the young men, every man now doing what seemed good in his own eyes. All those disorders were committed, which are reported in the five last chapters of the book of Judg- es, to wit, the idolatry of Micah, and the children of Dan, and the war of the Benjam.ites, and the cause thereof; and there succeeded a generation of men who forgot God-, and mingled themselves with the Canaanites by marriage, and worshipped their Idols ; and God thereby w^as pro- voked to VvTath, and gave tliem up to Cushan, king of Mesopotamia, which first calamity of theirs held them eighty years, until Othniel, son-in-law to Caleb, being stirred up by God as a judge and avenger of his people, defeated Cushan, and delivered thic Israelites out of their bondage, and the land had rest forty years, after the rest which Joshua procured them. After the decease of Othniel, the Israelites falling again to sin against God, were again given over into the hands of Eglon, king of Moab, who joining with the Ammonites and Amalekites, overthrew the Israelites, and possessed the city of Palm- Trees ; and this second oppression of theirs continued for the sj>ace of eighteen years. Then the Lord raised up Ehud to be an avenger of his people, who slew Eglon and ten thousand of the vahant men of Moab, and the land of Israel had rest forty years. But when Ehud was dead, they returned to their old sin ; wherefore they were brought again into servitude for twenty years, until Jabin's army was routed, and Sisera, captain of his army was killed by Jael, the wife of Heber, OF THE TRUE CHURCH* 2S in her own tent, with a nail struck into the temple of his head ; whereupon, Deborah a prophetess, who at that time judged Israel, made a song thereof, for a memorial of that victory, and the land rested forty years. The Israelites sinning again, and doing evil in the sight of the Lord, he delivered them into the hand of of Midian seven years. The Israelites, falling into this fourth servitude, cried unto the Lord for help, and he sent a prophet unto them, who reproved them, and shewed them what great things the Lord had done for them, and encouraged them, that they should not fear the Gods of the Amorites ; and the Lord raised up Gideon, being stirred up by an Angel sent from God to deliver them ; and first, by command from God, he overturned the altar of Baal, and burnt his grove ; and the Midian- ites and Amorites pitching their cr-mp against him, the spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and out of thirty- two thousand men, he chose only three hundred, accord" ing to God's commandment, to fight against them, that so the victory of salvation might appear to be of the arm of the Lord, that Israel might not vaunt themseh'es a- gainst him. After he had obtained tjie victoiy, when the Israelites offered to settle the kingdom on his posterity, he refused it, saying, the Lord shall rule over you ; but re- ceiving their golden earrings, he made thereof an Ephod, whereof they afterward took an occasion to fall into idola- try ; but the Midianites being vanquished, the land had rest forty years! As soon as Gideon was dead, the Isra- elites failing back to idolatry, w^orshipped Baal-Berith for their God ; and Abimelech the son of Gideon, purposing to get unto himself the kingdom, which his father had refused, slew seventy of his brethren, all upon one stone,. When Abimelech had gotten the kingdom, and had reign- ed three years, Gaal, a man of Shechcm, conspired against him, which being discovered to Abimelech, the city of Shechem was utterly destroyed, and the inhabitants put to the sword: and from thence, Abimelech, going to be- siege Thehez, was knocked on the head with apiece of a millstone cast at him by a woman, and then killed out right bv his own armour-bearer. 2$ A tlVINC TESTIMONY Now the Israelites forsaking again the true God, anS falling to worship the Gods of several nations, were given up into the hands of the Philistines* Samson the Nazarite was born at Zorah, who avenged the Israelites twenty years in the time of the Philistines, and who slew a thousand of them at one time, with the jaw-bone of an ass : in which place, called Lehi, from that jaw-bone, God, at the prayer of Samson, clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout, and when he had drunk, he was revived, wherefore, he called the name thereof En-bekkore, that is, the fountain of him which called upon God. Samson being betrayed by Delilah, and spoiled of the hair of his NazcU-iteship, was delivered to the Philistines, who, plucking out his eyes, carried him away prisoner to Gaza, and put him there in prison, fast bound in chains^ where his strength renewing again, he pulled down the house, to which they brought him to make sport, killing the princes of the Philistines, with a very great multitude of people which were therein ; more men being killed at the fall thereof, including himself, than he had slain in all his life before ; and, he wab buried with his fathers, after he had been the avenger of the Israelites twenty years. The Israelites being grievously oppressed by the phil- istines, and Samson being dead, Samuel was raised up of the Lord to be a prophet unto them ; who, by his faithfulness, was found a true prophet, and by his word^ he was known to be faithful in vision. He exhorted them to turn to the Lord with all their hearts, and to put away their strange Gods, and to prepare their hearts unto the Lord, and to serve him only ; and he would deliver them outoftlie hands of the Philistines. Then the children of Israel put away their Gods, and served the Lord only^ and the Philistines came no more to invade the borders o^ the Israelites, because they saw the hand of the Lord tvas against them all the days of Samuel, till Saul cq^c to be king, under whom they returned again, and griev- /)usly oppressed Israel. And Samuel behig now growa old, took to him his two sons to be his assistants, to judge file people, and his sons walked not in his ways, but tunv OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 27 ed aside after lucre, and took bribes, andper\Trtedjudg» ment; wherefore, the Israelites were offended, and desired Samuel that they might have a king to rule them, as other nations had ; thib displeased Samuel, and he prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord said, '* hearken unto the peo- ple, for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejects ed me, that I should not reign over them:" whereupon the Lord gave them a king in his wrath, to wit, Saul : and nowbegan the Israelites' trouble again, for the Amor^ ites besieged them; and Saul reigned but a short time un- til he was put from the kingdom by the philistines, and the Israelites were again grievously enslaved by them. Jesse the Ephrathite, in his old age had his youngest son David born at Bethlehem which, therefore, was af. terwards called the city of David, thirty years before he succeeded Saul, in the kingdom. God having now rejected Saul, and debarred his race and family from succeeding in the kingdom, sent Sam- tiel, after his long mouming for Saul, to Bethlehem, there to anoint David to be king, forty years before the rebellion of Absalom, who, was called from keeping his father's sheep, and preferred before his elder brethren ; and being anointed in their presence, he incurred their envy, no less than Joseph did of his brethren; and at last, was set over the tribe of Judah, at the same age that Jo- seph w^as made ruler over all Eg^pt. From the very day of his anointing, the spirit of God came upon him; to wit, the spirit of courage and wisdom, in both which respects, even whilst Saul lived, he was made Captain over Israel, and withal grew a great warrior to fight the Lord^s bat- tle, and besides was a prophet, and w^as made the sweet singer of Israel, as one who by his divine psalms should teach and instruct the people of God. The armies of the Israelites and Philistines being ready for battle, Goliah ofGath.the Philistine, their great champion, defied the armies of Israel ; wherefore David being stirred in his zeal, said, *' who is this uncircum- cised Philistme, that he should defy the armies of the living God ?" but Eliab, David's eldest brother, hear- ing him, was offended, and asked^ with whom h« had left 28 A LIVING TESTIMONY the sheep in the wilderness ; and told him, he knew the pride and haughtiness of his heart ; and said he, thou art come down t at thou nuiyst see the battle. David said, *'what I have now done, is there not a cause?" Saul being acquainted with David s .words, sent for him ; and David told Saul, he would fight the Philistine ; Saul replied, ^' Thou art not able to fight him, he is a man of war, and thou art but a youth ;" David told him, whilst he was keeping his father's slieep, he had killed a lion and a bear, and that this uncircumcised Philistine, who had defi- ed the armies of the living God, should be as one of them; then Saul bade him go, and said the Lord be with thee, and armed him with his armour, which David put off a- gain, and took only his staiF, and five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in his Shepherd's bag ; and with his sling in his hand, he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine despised his coming so meanly armed : D.vid said, *' thou comest with sword, spear, and shield; I come in the name of the Lord of hosts ; and all the assembly shall know, that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord's." And Da- vid slew the Philistine with a stone and a sliig ; and Saul taking notice of David's valour, inquired whose son the stripling David v/as ; and David brought the Philis- tine's head to Saul, which he had cut off with the Phil- istine's own sv/ord, having first slain him with a stone which he slung at him : and David told Saul whose son lie was; and after this, David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely. And David returning from the slaughter of the Philis- tines because it was said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands, Saul was very wroth with David from that day forwards, and an evil spirit entered Saul, and the Lord departed from him, and he was afraid of David, because he saw the Lord was with him; and David behaved himself wisely, and all Israel and Judah loved him, but esp cially Jonathan the son of Saul, who made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul ; and David fearing he might at last fall into OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 29 Saul's hands, fled ; for Saul became David's enemy con- tinuallv. And David being fled, and the armies of the Philis- tines invading the land, Saul fell into a fear, and sought counsel from the Lord, but receiving no answer fiom him neither by dream, nor by Urini, nor by prophets, he went to Endor b}- night to consult with a witch : where, in a vision, he saw^ Sumuel, who said to Saul, *' God shall deliver Israel, together with thyself, into the hands of the Philistines ; for the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David, (because thou didst not obey the voice of the Lord, and didst LOt execute his fierce wrath upon Amalek," The host of Israel being routed, che sons of Saul were all slain and Saul killed himself. When David heard it, he much lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan, say- ing, " tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph;" and fur- ther, he said, '' I am distressed for thee my brother Jon- athan ; very pleasant hast thou been unto me ; thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of w^omen." David, having now built him an house of cedar, and living in a full and perfect peace, imparted unto Nathan th^ prophet, the purpose he had of building a house for God ; but was answered from God, that this was a work which should not be done by him, because he was a man of blood, but by his son Solomon, a man of peace, which should be born unto him. Now David subdued the Philistines, the Edomites, the Amalekites, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the S\ ri- ans ; and die bounds of Israel w^re stretched out to the outmost part of all that land, which had been formerly promised to the seed of Abraham, but never before pos- sessed so fully by any of them, as by David and Solomon his son. At the end of this year, whilst David took his ease at Jerusalem, he there defiled by adultery Bathshcba, the wife of Uriah, the hittite, who was then in the army, and in, consequence thereof, he caused the husband to be slain 30 A LIVING TESTIMONV by the hands of the Ammonites. When the child so got- ten in adultery was born, David, being convinced by Na- than the prophet of his evil, acknowledged his transgres- sion, saying, " my sin is ever before me ;" and he repen- ted of his sin, as may be seen at large in Psalm 51 ; yet the new-born babe was taken away by death. Badishe- ba being now his wife, bare David a son, unto whom, as to one who should prove a man of peace, God gave the name of Solomon. David for numbering the people, kindled the wrath of God against the Israelites : wherefore, Gad the Prophet said to David, " thus saith the Lord ; choose one of them, that I may do unto thee, viz. whether famine, sword, or pestilence ;" and David said, " lam in a great strait ;" and his heart smote him ; for he saw the evil he had done in numbering the people, and said, ** let us now fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercies are great ; and and let me not fall into the hands of men." So the Lord sent the pestilence upon Israel, and there died seventy thousand men in one day, David being now seventy years of age, and being broken with continual cares and wars, grew weak and fee- ble ; and Adonijah his son seeing his father thus declin- ing, by the counsel and advice of Joab and Abiathar the high priest, made himself king ; whereof, when David was advertised by Bathsheba and Nathan, lie presently caused his son Solomon to be anointed king, by Zadock the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in Gihon ; upon which, as soon as Adonijah heard it, he fled ; and afterwards, laying hold on thc^ horns of the altar, was pardoned by the favour of Solo- mon, and set at liberty ; and David assembling all the governors and chiefs of Israel, together with his sons and servants, exhorted them all to fear and worship God. David departed this life, having reigned in Hebron sev- en years and six months ; and thirty three years in Jeru* salem over all Israel. Solomon loved the Lord, and walked in the statutes of DaViji his father ; and in Gibeon the Lord appeared t^ OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 31 him in a dream, and bade him ask and choose v/hat he would, and it should be given him ; and Solomon said, *' thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father, great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth and righteousness ; and now, O my Lord God ! Thou hast made thy servant king, instead of David my father ; and I am but a little child, I know not how to go out or come in :'* and he asked wisdom, and an understanding heart to be given him of God ; and the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing ; God, therefore, gave wisdom from above, exceeding any that was before him, or should come after him, and of his wisdom, the first experiment was made in deciding the controversy between the two women, about the child, which first gave him an esteem among the people, when they saw the wisdom of God, was in him to do judg- ment. Solomon having, according to his father's direction, in whose heart it was to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel, built the temple, which was seven years and a half in building ; in the building of which there was neither hammer nor axe, nor any tool of iron, Jheard in the house, and Solomon, having built the tem- ple, placed there the ark, wherein was the covenant of the, Lord, which he made with the children of Israel, when he brought them out of the land of Egypt ; and Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord ; and, in the presence of the people, said, " Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in heaven above, or in ear^h beneati. ! who keepest covenant and mercy with tity servants, that walk before thee with all their heart." And he made a long prayer for the preservation of the people ; and desired the Lord would be with them, as he was with iheir fathers, and not leave them, nor forsake them ; and that he would incline their hearts unto him, to wi-.lk in all his ways, to keep his statutes and judgments, which he commanded their fathers : thus, was Solomon's bcgin- iiing ; but it was not long until he was drawn away by many strange women, who, towards his latter days, drew away Im heart unto idolatry, and his heart was not per- 32 A LIVING TESTIMONY feet with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father ; for he went after the abominations of the Ammonites ; and he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his fa- ther ; and he built an high place for ClieniOsh, the abom- ination of Moab ; and for these things, t e Lord was an- gry with Solomon, and said, '' because thou hast not kept my covenant, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee; yet in thy days I will not do it for David thy fa- ther's sake ;" but after this, Solomon repented deeply, and made his peace with tlie Lord, as may be seen at large in t e book called the Preacher ; and at last he died when he had reigned forty years. Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when all Israel met at Sechem to make him king, by a harsh answer made unto them, alienated the hearts of the ten tribes from him, who presently sending into Egypt for Jeroboam the son of Nebat, made him king over them ; and fell off both from the house of David, and also from the true worship of God ; in memory of which sad disaster, the Jews after- ward kept a solemn fast yearly, upon the twenty- third of the third mont:i, called Sivan, from this dismal rent made in that knigdom. Rehoboam reigned over Judah and Benjamin, seventeen years ; and Jeroboam over Israel, that is, over the ten tribes, the space of twen- ty years. Jeroboam fearing est his new- gotten subjects should revolt from liim again, in order to divert their thoughts from looking any more after Jerusalem, introduced anew devised form of religion, setting up two golden calves; the one at Bethel, the other at Dan ; and there he offered sacrifices to his calves, and the people ran after his idola- try. At which time, a prophet, and man of God out of Ju- dea, went to Bethel, and cried out against the altar, in the word of the Lord, and bore his testimony against the king's idolatry ; and when the king stretched forth his hand to lay hold on him, his hand was dried up, and trie prophet foretold, that the altar sliould be rent. After this prophet had done his message,, he was charged by tlie 01* THE TRUE CHURCH^ 55 Lord not to eat bread, nor to drink water, nor return by the way that he came ; but being deceived by another^ who said he was a prophet, and abused the word of God unto him, was unfaithful unto God's command: wherefore as he was returning homeward, he was slain by a lion whereof, when tidings came to the prophet who deceived him, he took up his body and buried it, mourning over him, saying, alas ! my brother, and assured his sons, that what had been foretold by the man of God should come to pass. The Israelites who feared God, flilling off from Jerobo- am to Rehoboam, maintained the kingdom of Judah three years, which time they ^valked in the ways of David and Solomon. Rehoboam being once settled in his kingdom, forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel and Judah with him j for the Jews who, by their good example, should have stirred up their brethren the Israelites to repentance, pro- voked the Lord with their own sins, wherein they offen- ded more than any of their fore- fathers had done ; they made also to themselves high places, images, and groves upon every high hill, and under every green tree, doing according to all the abominations of the Gentiles, which the Lord had therefore cast out before them. After Rehoboam, succeeded Abijah, who putting his trust and confidence in God, obtained a great victory a- gainst Jeroboam, and slew five hundred thousand men, and took Bethel, where one of the idolatrous calves was set up. After the death of Abijah, Asa his son succeeded, and God gave ten years peace, without interruption in the land ; and this godly king Asa put away all idolatry, and reformed the kingdom ; but when Asa died, though he was good, yet a better succeeded in his stead, his son Je- hoshaphat, who being settled in his kingdom, began with takin^^ away the high places, and the groves : but when Jehoshaphat died, Jehoram, his wicked son. slew all his brethren, and many of the princes of Israel ; and following the counsel of his wicked wife Athaliah, he set up in Judah, and even in Jerusalem itself, the idolatrous worship oi' F 34 A LIVING tESTIMONir Baal, after the manner of his father-m-lavv Ahab and hb house ; for which he was repro\ ed in a letter by the prophet Ehjai}, who foretold him what calamities should fall upon liim, because he had not walked in the ways of his fat.ier, but had made Judah, and the inhabitants of Jer- usalem, go a whoring, like tiie whoredoms of the house of Anab, and also had slain his brethren of his father's house, who were better than himself ; and according to what the prophet had foretold, the Lord struck Jehoram with an incurable disease in the bowels, and he died a miserable death. And his son Ahaziah succeeded him, who also walked in t.ie ways of the wicked house of Ai.ab for his mother was l-is counsellor to do wickedly, and the evil that he did in the sight of tiie Lord, was his destruc- tion : being sick, he asked counsel of Baalzebub, the God of the Ekmnites, concerning his recovery. The prophet Elijah told the king plainly that he should die, and accor- dingly he died. Athaliah the daughter of Ahab, seeing her own son Ahaziah dead, destroyed all tlie race of the house of Ju- dah, and possessed herself of the khigdom ; but Jehoshe- ba, the Daughter of king Joram, and wife to Jelioiada the hig^^ priest, took Joash, being then an infant, and son to her brother Ahaziah, and :id him, with his nurse, six months in the temple, whilst Athaliah ruled; and at seven, years end, brought i im forth, and anointed him king, and caused Athaliah to be slain, and restored the wor- ship of the true God, destroying tiie worship of Baal. This Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, all the days of Jehoida the priest. After the deatli of Jeboida, tlie king hearkening to the princes of Judah, they left the house of the Lord God of their Fathers, and served Groves and idols, for which sin the Lord sent his wrath upon them ; yet he sent his prophets to tes- tify against them, and to bring them back again ; but they would not hear, and Zachariah, the son of Jehoida, was moved by the spirit of God to tell them that they had for- saken God, and that he had forsaken them ; for which message, they stoned him to death, at the commandment of the king. Thus Joash the king remembered not the OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 35 I'indness which Jehoida, Zachariah's fiuher, had done to hini ; and ^\'hen the prophet died, he said, *' the Lord look upon it and requite it." And, now mark, what was the end of" tins king ; his own servants conspired against him, and slew him in his bed, as may be seen more at large in the account given of God s judgments against persecutors, Amaziah succeeded Joash, and he did that'which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart, for at last he set up the gods of the children of Seir, and bowed himself before thtm, and burnt incense unto them ; wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled a gainsthim, and he sent a prophet unto him to reprove him, to whom the king said, *' art thou made of the king's council, forbear, where fore shouldst thou be smitten ?" ** Nevertheless, the prophet said ' I know God hath de- termined to destroy thee;" and alter the time that this king turned away his heart from the Lord, he was slain. After him succeeded Uzziah, under whom did the kingdom of Judah flourish no less than that ot .er of Is- rael did under Jeroboam the second, and he did that which was right in tiie sight of the Lord, and lie sought God in the da\ s of Zechariah and as long as he sought the Lord and applied his mind to matters of piety, God made him to prosper, and he subdued the Philistines, and other boi'dering enemies : And thus, w^hilst he was weak and low, he was marvellously helped against his enemies; but when he was strong, and looked at his own strength, his heart was lifted up to his destruction ; for he trans- gressed against the Lord, and buriit incense ; \vherefore, the Lord smote lim with the leprosy, and he remained a leper to the day of his death, and dwelt in a house sepa- rately, for he was cut oK from the house of the Lord; and he being dead, Jotham his son reigned, and he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord howbeit the people did yet do corruptly ; but he became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. After him reigned Ahaz his son, who did not that which was right in the sight of the Lord ; for he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, who made also molten ima- ges for Balaam, and burnt incense on the high places, 36 A LIVING TESTIMONY and under every green tree, wherefore, the Lord deliver- ed him into the hands of his enemies. And thus the reader may see how tiiese people and the children of Judah and Israel, to whom God had given a commandment that they should fear him, and not forget him, and that then he would deliver them from their enemies, did not hearken, but were ready often to backslide, and to serve their graven imitges, both their children and their chil- dren's children unto this day. Ahaz being dead, Hezekiah his son began to reign, and he did that whicli was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David did, he removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Mo- ses had made ; for, in those days, the children of Israel did burn incense to it ; and he called it Nehushtan, that is to say, a little piece of brass. And thus, this good re- former trusted in the Lord God of Israel, and he left not off throwing down the altars and high places, until he had destroyed them all, causing a thorough reformation. And his zeal was so great for the Lord, that after him, as it is recorded, was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that was before him ; for he clave to the Lord, and departed not from following him, and the Lord was with him, and he prospered him whithersoev- er he went forth. Hezekiah falling sick unto death, the prophet Isaiah being commanded of the Lord, said unto him, '*set thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live." This moved Hezekiah's heart, that he wept sore, and turning to the wall, prayed unto the Lord, saying, '* I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth, and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight ;" wherefore, the Loid had compassiv)n on him, and added fifteen years more to his days. And Hezekiah dying, Manasseh his son, reign- ed, and did that \\'hich was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abomination of the heathen, building the high places which his father had destroyed, and again reared up altars for Baal, and worsliipped all tlie host of heaven, OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 37 and served them, and used enchantments ; and dealing with ianiiiiar spirits and ^\izards, he wroup^ht much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anirer ; which abomniations the Lord sent his servants and proplicts to foretel, that he would brmg such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever shouid hear it, their ears should tingle : and the Lord brought upon Manasseh, the host of the Assyriiins, who took Manas- seh, and bound him with fetters, and carried him cap- tive to Babylon. And now being in affliction, he be- sought the Lord, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers ; wherefore, the Lord restored him his kingdom, and then he knew that the Lord was God, and he cast out the altars that he had built, and took away the strange Gods and idols, and commanded the people to serve the Lord God of Israci ; but still the people re- tained the high places to woiship in. And after his death, his son Amon was punished by tlu Lord, being slain by his servants in his own h.ouse. And now these two bad kings being taken away, the Lord raised up another s:ood kino:, \vhich was Josiah the son of Amon, who reigned thirty -four \ears ni Jerusalem ; and caused again a blessed aiid thorough leiormation amongst the people of Judah and Jerusalem, making a covenant be- fore the Lord to walk ai"ter the Lord, and to keep his testimonies with all his heart, and witli all his soul ; and ha likewise cleansed away the abominations from the people, and again stirred them u|j to serve the Lord their God ; and all his days, tliC} departed not from fol- lowing the Lord God of their fathers. Neco, king of Egypt, by God's command, went a- eainst the kino: of Assvria, who at that time made war upon him, 2 Kings, xxiii. 29, 2 Clron. xxxv. 20,21. Josiah unadvisedly engaging in this war, was slain ; and this good king being taken out ot the world, there were such lamentations, that it grew almost a common prov- erb. The lamentation of liadadrimon, in the valley of iMegiddo ; for not only the whole people living, won- derfully bevvailed the death of Josiah, but the ages fol- lo^^ing were sensible of thcloss of him : and the prophet 38 A LIVING TESTIMONY Jeremiah, in remembrance thereof, wrote his mournful book of Lamentations, wherein bewailing the calandties which were shortl} to befal the people, as if he had then presently beheld them, using these words, " the breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lords is taken in their pits ; of whom, we said, under the si.adow of his wings, we shall live among the heathen." After the death of Josiah, his youngest son was anoint- ed king, who presently fell to doing that which was evil in the sight of God ; but Neco, king of Egypt, remov- ed him after he had reigned three months, and made Eliakim, his elder brother, king in his room, changing his name into Jehoiakim, that thereby he might testify to the world, that he ascribed the victory by him gotten against the Assyrians, to the Lord only, by whom he professed he was formerly sent against them. In the beginning of this king's reign, Jeremiah, com- manded by God, went and stood in the court of the temple, and there exhorted the people to repentance ; and when they would not, he denounced the judgment of God against them, saying, that that house should be- come as Shilo, and that city should be cursed among all the natioi>s of the earth ; whereupon, he was appre- hended by the priests and prophets, and all the people then in the court, and was accused as a man worthy of death ; but was acquitted and set at liberty by the public judgment of the princes and elders. At this time also, Uriah prophesied against Jerusa- lem, and the land of Judah, agreeable to the sayings of the prophet Jeremiah ; for which, the king put him to death by the sword, and threw his carcass among the sepulchres of the basest common people ; but Al;ii- kam, who had formerly been a man of great authority with king Josiah, appeared so much in behalf of the pro- phet Jeremiah, that he was not delivered over into the hands of the people to be put to death at that time. To these, might be added the prophet Habbakkuk, to whom, when he complained of the stubbornness of the Jews, God made this answer. That he would shortly send the Chaldeans into Judah ; and further declared Im OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 59 purpose concerning this matter, in these words, I will do a work in your days which you will not believe when it shall be told unto you ; for, behold, I will stir up the Chaldeans, a fierce nation, and a swift, which shall walk through the breadth of the land which is none of theirs, as their own inheritance. In the fourth year of this king Jehoiakim, the prophet Jeremiah reproved the Jews for not hearkening to the word of the Lord, 'vhich he had spoken unto them from time to time, and for not regarding the exhortations of the prophets which the Lord had sent unto them ; and then again told them of the coming of Nebuchadnezzar upon them, and of their being carried away captives to Babylon, and that captivity to last seventy years ; and during the seventy years captivity, Daniel prophesied of the coming of the Messiah, who should bring in the law of everlasting righteousness, and put an end to the Levit- ical sacrifices. Jehoiakim being taken prisoner by the Chaldeans, was thrown out without burial; that is, was buried like an ass, his carcass being drawn without the gates of Jerusalem, as was foretold by the prophet Jere- miah ; though, in reference to the common course of nature, he also may be said to have slept with his fiuhers, as he is 2 Kings, 24. 6. After him, came his son Jehoiachin, who was also called Jeconiah, and reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem, who also did evil in the sisrht of the Lord, as his father had done before him, against whom, the Lord, by his prophet Jeremiah, declared a most dread- ful decree, saying, " O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord ;" thus saith the Lord, '' Write y(^ this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days, for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah ;" and pronoun- ced a woe to the pastors that scattered tlie sheep, and that had not fed nor visited the people ; and therefore, the Lord v/ould visit them for the evil ot their doing, and he would gather the remnant of his flock, an-l v/ould set up shepherds over them that should feed them; 40 A LIVING TESTIMONY and that would raise unto David a righteous branch, that should execute judgment and justice in the earth ; and that in his day, Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely ; and this is his name wherewidi he shall be called, 'The Lord our Righteousness." And in the sense of thi.,, the prophet cried out, ''Mine heart within me is broken, because of the prophets ; all my bones shake : I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the Lord, and because of the words of his holiiiess." And Isaiah the prophet had a true sight of the coming of the blessed Messiah ; for he said, "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek ; lie hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted ; to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening the prison to them that are bound ; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God ; to comfort all that mourn ; to appoint unto them that mourn in Sion ; to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heavi- ness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified ; and they shall build the old wastes ; they shall raise up the former desolations, and the}^ shall repair the Vv'aste cities, the desolations of many generations." And thus, the reader may see the many glorious dis- pensations and manifestations of God's love unto man- kind, to the holy patriarchs and prophets in all genera- tions ; and now we are come, according to what the pro- phets foretold, to the day of the appearance of that great Saviour of the world, whose dispensation llir exceedeth all others in glory, being that eternal substance, which ended all types, shadows, and figures. And thus, these Jews, who had been the true wor- shippers, apostatized and degenerated from their primi- tive . glory and institutions ; and their worship became merely outside; for, it is said, "they drew near to God with their mouths, and honoured him witii their lips, but their hearts vrcre fi\r from him." The prophets were OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 41 raised up, and sent from the Lord to cry against them, and to foretel the desolation and destruction that were to come upon them, which accordingly came to pass, as will be seen anon. And, in this condition, did Christ at his coming, find these ancient peopje the Jews, to whom God had formerly committed his laws and commands, and given his oracles ; but they were wholly apostatized from them, as will appear by their fruits in the following discourse. After the Jews had apostatized, as the prophets had foretold, and that the Messiah and Deliverer should come ; in the fulness of time, Christ Jesus the son of God was born of the Virgin Mary, whom she wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room for him in the inn. The birth of Christ was revealed, by an angel of the Lord, to shepherds, keeping their flock by night in the field ; and '* suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in die highest, and on earth peace, good will towards mt^n." The shepherds making haste to Bethlehem, found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in a manger, and the}- pub- lished that which was told them concerning the child, and they returned praising and glorifying God ; but Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in hex: heart. Jl^'he child was called Jesus (signifying Saviour,) which was so declared by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb. The wise men from the east, die star be- ing their guide, coming to Herod at Jerusalem, and there being taught, that the birth-place of Christ was at Beth- lehem of Judea, went thither ; and entering into the house w^hich was shewn them by the star, which stood over it, they found the little child, and Mary his moth- er, and falling down worshipped him ; and having open- ed their treasures, they offered unto him gold, frankin- cense and myrrh. Afterwards, being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return unto Herod, they departed into dicir own country another way. 42 A LIVING TESTIMONY- And when the child was brought by his parents to Jc rusniem, to be px esfiited to the Lord, there came into the temple one Simeon, a jusc and devout man, who had waited for the consolation of Israel ; and the Holy Ghost was upon him ; and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ ; and ne came by the spirit into the temple ; and when the parents brought the child, to do for him after the custom of the law, i^e took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word ; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the flice of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were si)oken of him ; and Simeon blessed them, and said u :to Mary his mother, *' Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against." In the same moment, came Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel. She also openly acknowledged the Lord, and spake of him to all that looked for re- demption in Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had performed all things, ac- cording to the law of the Lord, they returned into Gali- lee, unto their own city Nazareth. The angel of the Lord appearing unto Joseph in a dream, shewed him, that he should flee into Egypt, that he might provide for the life of the child, and escape the devices of Herod. Joseph being awakened, took the young child r.nd his mother by night, and departed into Egypt ; where lie remained until the death of Herod ; who thinking the young child had been still at Bethlehem, th It he might destroy him amongst the rest, killed all the children that vv^ere in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had inquired of the wise men. Herod being dead, the angel of the Lord appeared iinro 'oseph in a dieam in Egypt, and commanded, that he should return, with the young child and his mother. OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 43 into the land of Israel ; but when he heard that Arche- laus did reign in Judea, in the room of his father Herod, h feared to go thither ; and being warned of God in a dream, he departed into the parts of Galilee, and there dwelt in the city Nazareth, from whence Jesus took the name of Nazarene, and the Christians of Nazarenes. In the year of the world 4010, it being the passover, Christ, in the tvvelfth year of his age, was brought by Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem. His parents returning home, he staid behind; they, not knowing where he was, sought him three days, and found him in the tem- ple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions ; and all that heard him were as- tonished at his understanding and answers ; and he went down with his parents to Njizareth, and was obedient unto them, and followed his father's trade of a carpenter. In the year of the world 4030, and in the thirtieth year of Christ, John came forth in his ministry, crying with a loud voice in the wilderness, '' prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight ;" and opening the acceptable year of the Lord, or the time of his divine pleasure, preach iing repentance and remission of sins, being clothed with a garment of camel's hair, and a gir- dle of skin about his loins ; and his food was locusts and wild honey. And Jesus being filled with the Holy Ghost, was led by the spirit into the desert, where he fasted forty days and forty nights, and was tempted, but the tempter could find no place in him. When John was asked by the sect of the Pharisees, who he was ? he told them, he was not the Christ, denying that he was Elias, or that pro- phet ; but said, he was the voice of one crying in the wilderness, " make straight the way of tr.e Lord ;" and told them, '^ I baptize whh water, but there standeth one amongst you, whom ye know not ; he it is who Cometh after me, who is preferred before me, whose shoe-latchet I am not worthy to unloose." The next day, John seeing Jesus coming to him, saith, '' behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world; this is he of whom J spake, there cometh one after me, that •M A LIVING TESTIMONY is preferred before me, and I saw him, and testifj^ that this is the son of God.*' Jesus going into Galilee, commanded Philip to follow him ; he finding Nathaniel under a fig-tree, brought him to Jesus, who pronounced him to be truly an Israelite, in whom was no guile. Jesus working miracles, many believed on him ; but he did not commit idmself unto them. Leaving Jeru- salem, wiiere he had been at the passover, he went into the land of Judea, with his disciples ; where, after he had staid eight months, lie went into Galilee again ; but he must needs go through Samaria, where he brought the Samaritan woman off from their worship, to the worship of the Father, in the spirit and truth ; and in Galilee, he worked many miracles, healing the sick, casting out devils, going through all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues, and healing every disease ; and his fame went into all Syria ; and a great multitude followed him : and in a certain city, he healed a leper, w^hich, though he was forbid, he published ; and they came to him from every place to hear him, and to be healed, in- somuch, that he could no more enter openly into the city, but was in desert places and prayed. After these things, was the feast of the Jews ; and Je- sus went up to Jerusalem ; where, for healing a man on the Sabbath-day, that had had an infirmity thirty-eight vears, lying at the pool of Bethesda, the Jews persecu- ted Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the Sabbath-day. Jesus told them, '* my Father worketh hitherto, and I work :" wherefore, the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he said, that God was his father : Jesus said, the Son can do nothing of himself, bnt what he seeth his Father do ; for whatso- ever he doeth, these also doth the Son ; for the Father loveth the son, and shew^th him all things that himself doth, and he will shew him greater things than these, that ye may marvel ; for the Father judgeth no man ; but hath committed all judgment unto the son, that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father: he that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father that hath sent him. OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 45 And it came to pass in those days, that he went into a mountain to pray, and continued in prayer all night ; an I when it was day, he chose twelve, whom e called Apostles, and he came down with them, and stood in the plain ; and a great multitude coming unto him, he went up into a mountain again, and there spake, first, to his a- postles, and afterwards, to the people, exhorting his dis- ciples to lowliness, pronouncing a blessing to the poor, and to them that weep now, but a wo unto them that were rich and full, and unto them that laughed now, for they should mourn and weep ; and that they should love their enemies, and do good to them tiiat hated them : And when he ended all his sayings, in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum, and healed the Centurion's servant, that lay sick ready to die ; and af- terwards he went from city to city preaching ; and his disciples were with him, and certain women ministered unto him i And whilst he spake to the people, it was told him, that his mother and brethren stood with- out, desiring to see him, and to speak with him ; he an- swered, and said, my mother and brethren are these which hear the word of God and do it. And as Jesus was going to the house of Jairus (who fell down at Jesus's feet, and besought him, that lie would come to his house ;> for he had only one daughter, of a- bout twelve years of age, and she lay a dying) the peo- ple thronged him as he went ; and a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, who had spent all her living upon physicians, and could not be healed of any, came be- hind him, and touched the border of his garment ; and she was healed ; and the daughter of Jairus, already dead, was restored to life by his word only ; and he strait- 1}' charged that no man should know it. When he departed thence, two blind men followed him, whose eyes he opened, straitly charging, that no man should know it. As they went out, behold, they brought unto him a dumb man, possessed with a devil ; and when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake, and a mul itude marvelled, but the Pharisees blasphemed ; and he went roundabout their cities and villages, teacidng 46 A LIVII^G TESTIMONY and healing all their diseases ; and he was moved with- compassio]! towards the great multitude. When he saw the great harvest and the few labourers, he said unto his disciples, that they should pray the Lord that he would send forth labourers ; and he sent forth the twelve apos- tles to preach the gospel. He said to his disciples, wo unto them by whom of- fences come ; and he taught them, that if thy brother sin against thee, he is to be forgiven. Lazarus of Bethany bt^ing sick, his sisters sent to Je- sus, to tell him of it. When he heard that I'.e was sick, he tarried two days in the place where he vv^as ; but af- terwards he said to his disciples, let us go again into Judea : they said unto him, the Jews of late sought to stone thee, and goest thou thither again? Jesus answer- ing, said unto them, Lazarus sleepeth (speaking of his death, not of his sleep) let us go to him, said Thomas, that we may die with him ; Jesus came nigh unto Beth- any and found that Lazarus had been buried four days in the grave ; Martha came to meet him ; they discours- ed concerning the resurrection. Mary hearing of it, came quickly to him without the town, where Martha met him, who seeing her weep, Jesus wept and came to the grave, bidding them remove the stone, and giving thanks to his fiither, called Lazarus out of his grave ; whereupon many believed on him, and some going to the Pharisees, leliing what things Jesus had done, they called a council, where Caiphas prophesied concerning Jesus, and from that day consulted togetlier, that they might put him to death, commanding that if any knew where he was, they should give notice, that they might take him ; and, at another time, the Pharisees said, be- hold, the v/hole world has gone after him. Jesus travelled towards Jerusalem, and when he came nigh, seeing the city, he wept over it, foretelling the ut- ter destruction thereof ; and being come to Jerusalem, and having spoken of the desolation and ruin of it, as he sat on the mount of olives, over against the temple, his disciples asked him, when these things shall be, and wh^t shall be the signs of tiie coming ? To whom he ait- OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 47 swered at large, and warned them to watch, and to be ready ; for t ey knew not the hour when ihc Lord vvill come, and taught the same thing by the parable of the ten virgms ; as also by the parable of the talents, deliver^ ed to the servants to trade with. When Jesus had finished these savings, he said to his disciples, ye know that after two days is the passovcr, and the son of man shall be betrayed to be crucified — Then they consulted together, in the palice of the high- priest that they might kill Jesus, but they said, not on the feast-day, lest there be an uproar among the people ; then entered satan into Judas, who offered himself, and covenanted to betray him In the first day of the unleavened bread, when the pas* sover was slain, and in the evening, he came with the twelve ; and when they had sat down and eaten, Jesus said, I have greatly desired to eat this passover before I suffer ; and he further said, one of you shall betray me ; and they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him, one by one, is it 1 ? He answered, it is he that dippeth his hand with me in the dish ; and to Judas, asking, is it I ? He said, thou hast said. Jesus knew that the hour was come, tKat he should depart out of this world unto the father ; having loved his own which were in the v/orld, he loved them unto the end ; knowing that the father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God. There being a strife among his disciples who should be the greatest, he rose after supper, and laid a- side his garments, took a towel and girded himself ; af- ter that, he poured water mto a bason and began to wash his disciples' feet. Peter said, thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, *' if I wash thee not, tliou hast no part with me." Peter said, '* not my feet only, but al- so my hands, and my head." After he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and had set down again, he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you. You call me master and Lord, and ye say well ; for so I am : if then your Lord and master hath washed your f^et^ you ought also to wash one another's feet ; for I 48 A LIVING TEStlMOKY have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. And speaking further to his disciples^ he was troubled in spirit, and said, one of you shall be- tray me. Tjiey looked one upon another, doubting of whom he spake : one of the disciples whom Jesus loved, lying on Jesus's breast, said, Lord, who is it? Je- sus said, he it is to whom I s'^all give a sop, after I have dipped it ; and he gave it to Judas, and said to him, w) at thou doest do quickly. After Judas had received the sop, he went immediately out ; when Jesus said, *' now is the son of man glorified, and God is glorified in ini." *' Little children, yet a little w ile I am with you ; ye s'lall seek me; and as I said unto the Jews whither I go, you can- cannot come, so now I say unto you, a new command- ment I give unto you, that you love one another, as I have loved you ; by this shall all men know t^^.at y are my disciples, if ye iiave love one to another" : Peter said, Lord, whither goest tliou?" Jesus answered, "whither I go thou canst not follow me now, but tiiou shalt follow me afterwards ;" Peter said, "wliy cannot I follow thee now ?'* I will lay down my life for thy sake. *' Jesus answered, thiC cock shall not crow till ti^ou hast denied me thrice.'' Against their sorrow, conceived by them for his death, he comforted t'lem, saying, let not your hearts be troub- led ; and, that in lus father's house, were many man- sions ; and that the comforter, the holy ghost, si ould come and be t.eir teacher : And he exhorted t -em to a- bide patiently the hatred of the world, which hated rum, and that they should not be ofiended, though persecutions attended t'lem. Again, entering into a garden with his disciples, unto whom he said, '*pray yethat ye enter not into temptation ; sit here till I go and pray yonder'' ; and he took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, with him, and said unto them, tarry here and watch: "and having withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, he kneeled down and prayed, saying, fath.er, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nev- ertheless, not my will but thine be done" ; and tiiere ap- peared an angel from heaven strengthening him: T'>en returning and finding his disciples sleeping, he repre- OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 49 bended and admonished them ; and being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly ; and iiis sweat was as it were great drops of blood ; and while he was yet speaking to his disciples, Judas came and betrayed him to the chief priests, who took him ; and he said unto them, this is your hour and power of darkness; and the disciples left him, and fled ; and they bound Jesus, and brought him first to Aniias, who sent him to Caiphas the high priest, where all the chief priests, elders, and scribes of the people were gathered together ; then Caiphas asked him concerning his disciples, and his doctrine ; Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world ; ask them that heard me ; therefore, one of the officers struck him with a staff, to whom he answered ; if I have well spoken, why smitest thou me ? T!ien all the council sought false witness a- gainst him, and found none ; at last, two witnesses came ; but their testimony agreed not. Caiphas then said, an- swerest thou not to what they witness against thee ; but Jesus held his peace; then he adjured him that he should tell whether he were the Christ, and he answered, I am ; wherefore, they judged him guilty of death, for this blasphemy (as they accounted it.) Then t^ey mock- ed him, and spat on him, and cruelly beat him with buf- fets and staves ; and covering his face, they said prophe- sy who smote thee ; and many other things they re- proachfully spoke against him. l*liey led him bound unto Pontius Pilate the governor, from Caiphas to the hall of judgment ; and they began to accuse him, saying, we found this man perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Coesar, saying that himself is Christ, a king. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee ; but he answered not a word, so that Pilate marvelled. Then said Pilate, take ye him, and judge him according to your law; but they urired, it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. Pilate then entered into the judgment- hall again and called Je^ sus, and said unto him, art thou the king of the jews? Jesus answered, sayest thou this of thyself, or did others a §0 A LIVING TESTIMONY tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, am I a Jew ? Thine own nation, and t.e cinef priests have delivered ihee unto me; what hast thou done? Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world. Pilate tiierefore said unto him, art t' ou a king then ? Jesus answered, for t.iis cause came I into the world that I miu:ht bear witness unto the truth. Pilate said unto him, what is truth ? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and said unto them, I find in him no fault at all; and t^ey were the more fierce, saying, he stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Galilee to this place. Pilate therefore hearing of Galilee, asked if he were a Galilean ? And when he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdictions^ he sent him to Herod, who was at Jerusalem in those days ; and when he saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad ;i . but being deceived in his hopes of seeing a miracle, and not vouchsafed any answer either to him or the chief priests and scribes, vehemently accusing him ; after Herod had set Jesus at nought and mocked him, he sent him back to Pilate arrayed in a gorgeous robe ; and both the governors were made friends that same day. And Pilate, when he had called the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, said unto them, neither I, nor Herod, finds any fault in him, or any thing worthy of death : I will therefore chastise him, and release him ; for the go- vernor was of necessity every feast, as the custom was, to deliver to the people one prisoner whom they would ; and the multitude crying out aloud, began to desire that he would do unto them as he had ever done. Pilate therefore calling them, said unto them, ye have a cus- tom that I should release unto you one at the passoAcr ; will ve tVerefore that I release unto you the kins: of the Jev/s? which will ye, either this, man or Barrabas ? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for en- vy ; but they stirred up the people that he should rather deliver Barrabas unto them. Now he was a notable thief, who lay bound with them that made insurrection ; and for insurrection and murder in the city, was cast in- to prison ; and when Pilate had sat down in the judg- ment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, have nothin^^ OF TSE TRUE CHURCH. 5f to do with'the just man ; for I have suffered many things in my dream by reason of him this day. Pilate there- fore spake unto tliem again, being willing to release Je- sus. Whieh of the twain will you that I release unto you ? But they all cried out, not him, but Barrabas. Pi- late therefore answering, said unto them, what will you that I should do unto him that ye call king of the Jews ? And tney all cried out again, crucify him. Pilate said, but what evil hath he done ? 1 find no cause of death in him. I will therefore chastise him, and let him go ; but the}' cried more earnestly, crucify him, and were \i:vy instant with loud voices desiring the same : then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him ; and the soldiers platt d a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and clothed him with purple, saying, hail ! king of the Jews ; and beat him with staves. Pilate therefore went forth again, and said unto them, behold, I bring him forth unto you, that you may know I find no fault in him. Then Jesus came forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the robe : and Pilate said unto them, behold the man. When the chief priests and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, cru- cify him, crucify him : Pilate said, take ye him and cru- cify him, for I find no fault in him ; the Jews said, he ought to die, because he made himself the son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid, and went again into the judgment- hall, and said to Jesus, whence art thou ? but Jesus gave him no answer. Then said Pilate, speakest thou not unto me ? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee ? Je- sus answered, thou couldst have no power, unless it were given thee from above ; and from thenceforth Pi^ late sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, then thou art not Caesar's friend. When Pilate heard this, he brought forth Jesus, and sat inif*6*j\ldgment-seat, in the place called the pavement, and* it wns the preparation of the passover, and about the ^ixth hour. Then said he unto the Jews, behold your -King ; but they cried out, away with him ; away with 'Aim ; crucify him. Pilate said unto them, shall I crucify ^our king '? Then answer- ed the chief priests, we have no king; but Cassar, When 52 A LIVING TESTIMONY Pilate therefore saw that he prevailed nothing but that rather a tumult was made, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person, see you to it ; and all the peo- ple answered and said, his blood be upon us and our chil- dren. , Then willing to content the multitude, he releas- ed unto them Barrabas ; and when he had scourged Je- sus, he delivered him over to their will, that he might be crucified. And the soldiers of the governor, when they had led Jesus into the hall, caUed Prsetorium, called to- gether the whole band ; and when they had stripped him, they put upon him a scarlet robe, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand ; and bowing the knee, mocked him, saying, hail, king of the Jews ; and when they had spit on him, they took that reed, and smote him on the head ; and when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to cru- cify him. Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests, confessing his sin unto them ; and casting the silver pieces into the tem- ple, went and hanged himself ; and they bought with them the potters-field, that the prophecy might be ful- filled. And Jesus came forth carrying his cross ; but as they were leading him, they found one Simon of Cyrene, who came out of the country, whom they took and compell- ed to carry the cross after Jesus ; and there were two thieves that were led with him, that they might be cru- cified, and there followed a great multitude of people, and of women that lamented him, to whom he turned and foretold the lamentable destruction of Jerusalem : and when they were come intoithe place called Calvary, but in the Hebrew Golgotha, tfcy gave unto him wine min- gled with myrrh, and viniJgar mingled with gall ; and when he had tasted it, fie would not drink it ; and they crucified him there, (at the third hour) and the OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 53 two thieves with him, one on the right hand, and the the other on the left ; and Jesus said, Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do. And Pilate wrote a superscription in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, dwd put in on the cross, which, at the request of tiie high priest, Pilate would not alter ; and after they crucined him, they parted his garments into four parts, to every soldier that was employed in the execution a part, casting lots ; and likewise upon his seamless coat, whose it should be, that the scripture might be fulfilled, and they sitting down, watched him there : and the people stood beholding him, but they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, thou that destroyest the temple, and buiidest it in three days, save thyself, if thou be the son of God, come down from the cross : likewise, also the chief priests and rulers, with the peo- ple, mocking and scoffing, with the scribes and eiders, said among themselves, he saved others, himself he can- not save. If he be the kmg of Israel, if that Christ the chosen of God, let him come down from the cross, and we will believe him: he trusted in God ; let him deliver him ; for he said, I am the son of God. The soldiers also mocked him, and coming unto him, offered him vine- gar, saying, if thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. One of the thieves also which were crucified with him, continued railing against him ; the other being coriverted, rd3uked him that railed, and said unto Jesus, Lord, re- member me when thou comest into thy kingdom ; to whom, Christ answered, *' to day shalt thou be with me in paradise." And there stood by his cross, the mother of Jesus, and his mother's. sister Mary, the wife of Cleo- phas, and Mary Magdalene. When therefore Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved, standing ; he said unto his mother, behold thy son, and to the disci- ple, behold thy mother : And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness in all the land until the ninth hour ; and about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama-sabachthani ; and some that sood by said, that he called Elias. After this, when Jesus knew that all things were accomplished, that die scrip- 54 4 tlVlVG TESTIMONY- ture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst. Now there was sc| there a vessel full of vinegar, and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon a reed, and gave him to drink, the rest saying, let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him, and take him down : but Jesus said, it is finished ; and again he cried with a loud voice, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit, and bowing his head, he jrave up the ghost. And when the centuri- on- saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, truly, this man was the son of God. And, behold ! the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy^ city, and appeared unto many; and the centurion, and they that stood over against, and those that watched Je- sus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared greatly, saying, truly, this was the son of God. And all the people that came together to that «ight, beholding the things that were done, smote their breasts and returned ; and his acquaintance, and the wo- men which followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, be- holding these things ; among whom were Mary Mag- dalene, and Mary the -motlier of James the less, and the mother of Joses and Salome, who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him ; there were also many other women that came up to Jerusalem with him. The Jews, therefore, that the bodies should not remain ©n the cross on the Sabbath, because it was the prepara- tion, (for that Sabbath was an high day) besought Pilate, that their legs .might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Tiie soldiers therefore came and broke the. legs of the two thieves, but not of Jesus, because he was already dead ; but one of the soldiers with a spear pierc- ed his side, and there came out straightway blood and water ; and these things were suffered to be done, that the scripture might be fulfilled^. ^•J THE TRUE CHURiH. SS,, And when evening Avas come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, came Joseph of Arimatiiea, a rich man, and an honourable, counsellor, who also looked for the kingdom of God^,> ^nd had not consented to the council and deed of them, being a disciple, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, came boldly unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Pilate marvelled if he were already dead, and calling the centu- rion, asked him, and when he knew it, he gave the body to Joseph. There came also Nicodemus (who at the first eameto Jesus by night) and brought a mixture of myrrh j and aloes, a[)out an hundred pounds weight : then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury ; and Joseph, when he had wrapped him in a clean linen cloth, laid it in his own sepulchre, which he had hewn out of a rock, wherein never man was laid, and which was in a garden, in the place where Jesus was crucified : and Jo- seph rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre ; and Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Joses, which came with him from Galilee, beheld where they had laid him, and sat over against the Sepulchre ; and they returned, and prepared spices and ointments, and rested the Sabbath day, according to the commandments. The Pharisees besought Pilate, that he would command the supulchre to be made sure until the the third day, shewing him a reason, which, when he had yielded unto, they went and made the sepulchre sure, seahng the stone, and setting a watch. In the end of the Sabbath, when it dawned towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bringing spico6 which they had bought, that they might see the sepul. chre, and anoint Jesus ; and they said among them- selves, Mho shall roll awa}- the stone from the door for us? coming to the sepulchre, they saw the stone \\'as rolled away ; for behold there was a great earthcjuake, and the angel of the Lord came down from heaven, and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it ; and they ^vent in and foujid not the body of the Lord Jesus ; and it caxno f 56 A LIVING TESTIMONY pass, as they were much perplexed thereat, that behold two men came to them in siihimg riament, their counte- nances were as lightning, and their garments white as snow (Matthew and Mark speak but of one angel) and the keepers for fear did shake, and became as dead men; and when the women were afraid, and bowed their faces to the earth, the angel said unto them, fear not ye, I know ye seek Jesus who was crucified ; why seek ye the living among the dead ? he is not here, he is risen, as he said ; come and see the place where the Lord was laid, and remember what he said while he was in Galilee with you, saying, the son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again ; but go ye quickly and tell his disciples,, and Peter, that l^e has risen again from the dead, and be-'' hold he goeth before you into GaHlee, there shall ye see him ; behold I have told you : then the women remem- bered the words of Jesus, and they departed quickly out of the sepulchre, with fear, and wonder, and great joy, and ran that they might tell his disciples ; but they said nothing to any man (as they went) for they were afraid ; and when the women told these things to the eleven, and to all the rest, their words seemed unto them as idle tales ; but Mary Magdalene telling Peter, and the other disciple whom Jesus loved, they have taken away the Lord, and we know not where they have laid him ; Peter, therefore, and that other disciple, went out and came to the sepul-'^ chre ; but that other disciple outran Peter, and came first to the sepulchre, and when he stooped down, he saw the linen clothes lying, but went not in ; then came Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and he saw the linen clothes lying, and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped to- gether in a place by itself ; then went in that pther dis- ciple, and saw, and believed ; and Peter wei/t unto his own home, wondering at what was done, for as yet, they knew not the scriptures, that he must rise again from the dead ; and the disciples went unto their own home : but Mary Magdalene stood without at the sepulchre weeping, mid whilst she yet wept, she stooped down into OF tHE TRUE CHURCH. B7 the sepulchre, and saw two angels in white sitting, the one at the head., and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain, who said unto her, '^ woman, why weep- est thou ?*' She said unto them, ** they have taken away my Lord, and I know not wnere they have laid him ;'^ and when she had said thus, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, but knew not that it was he ; and Jesus said unto li^r, " why weepest thou ? whom seekcst thou ?" She suppc^sing him to be the gardener, answered and said, '' if thou hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said unto her, '' touch me not, for 1 am not yet ascended to my Father ; but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father ; and to my God and your God." And she came and told bis disciples, and those that had been with him, as they were weeping and mourning, that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things unto her ; but they, when they heard that he was alive, and had beeu seen of her, believed not : and as the women went from the sepulchre, that they might tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, and spake unto them, saying, be not afraid ; go ye and tell my brethren, that I go into Galilee, there shall they see me. Now, when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the high priests all things that were done ; and when they were assembled with the elders, they took counsel that they should give large sums of money to the soldiers, that they should say, that his disciples came by night, and stole him away whilst they slept ; and if this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you ; so they took their money, and did as they were taught ; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews to this day. And behold, two of them went into the country, that same day, to a village sixty furlongs from Jerusalem, called Emmaus ; and as they journeyed, Jesus went a- long with them, they telling uhat things were done in those days, concerning Jesus of Nazareth, how he was crucified, and that he rose again ; and Jesus shewing T 58 A LIVING TESTIMONY them out of the scriptures, that it behoved Christ to suf- fer, and to enter into his glory. And in the village, when he had taken bread, and given thanks, and broken it, and given it unto them, he was known unto them, their eyes being opened. Although he appeared in another form, he vanished out of their i sight. And they rose up that same hour, and returned to Jerusalem to the eleven, and those that were with them, who told them, the Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared unto Simon : then they told them what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in the breaking of bread ; but neither believed they them. But whilst they yet spake, whilst it was evening, in the first day of the week, the door being shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus himself, and stood in the midst of them, and said unto them, peace be unto you ; but they were terrified and afirighted, supposing they had seen a spirit ; but he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them that had seen him since he was risen. And he said unto them, '' why are ye troubled ? see my hands and my feet ; a spirit hath not flesh and bones;" and he shewed them his hands, and his feet, and his side; and when they believeli not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, have ye here any meat ? and he ate a piece of broiled fish, and an honey- comb ; and the dis- ciples rejoiced that they had seen the Lord : and he said unto them, " these are the words that I spake unto you, that all things must be fulfilled that were written in the lavv of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms of me." Then opened he their understandings, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, ** thus it is written, and thus itbehoveth Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repen- tance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, and ye are witnesses of these things ; and behold I send the promise of my Father a- mong you, but tarry ye at Jerusalem till ye be endued with power from on high. He said unto them again, peace be unto you, as my Father sent me, so send I you^ OF THE TRUE CHURCH. S$ go ye into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature : He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned ; and these signs shall follow them that believe : In my name they shall cast out devils, and they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover." And when he had said these things, he breathed on them, and said unto them, "receive the Holy Ghost; whose sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whose sins ye retain, they are retained." (And thus Jesus ap-. peared five times in the very first day of his resurrec- tion;) but Thomas, who is called Dydimus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came ; and the rest of the disciples tellinghim, " wehave seen'^the Lord;" he very confidently professed he would not believe it. About eight days after, Thomas being then together with the rest, Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said unto them, " peace be unto you," and abundantly satisfied Thomas's unbelief. Then the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain that he had appointed them ; and when they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted : And when Jesus came imto them, he said, '* all power is giv^ en unto me, both in heaven and earth; go, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them, &c. And I am with vou to the end of the world." After that, Jesus was seen of above five hundred brethren at once ; after that, by James. 1 Cor. xv. 6, 7. Afterwards, Jesus shewed himself to his disciples a- gain at the sea of Tiberius, or at least to seven of them, as they were fishing, after they had fished all night, and caught nothing ; in the morning, Jesus, unknown to them, stood upon the shore, and bade them cast their net on the right side of the sliip, where they took a great number of fish. Last of all, he appeared to his disciples in Jerusalem, and led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his 60 A tlVING TESTIMONY, hands and blessed them ; and it came to pass, as he bless- ed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. Hitherto reacheth the history of the four evangelists, declaring the sufferings of Christ ; and now I shall give the reader a short account of what Josephus, the Jewish historian, in his eighteenth book of Antiquity, writeth of John the Baptist and Christ. Concerning the Baptist, Cap. V. he saith, Herod the tetrarch kiikd John, sir- named the Baptist, a most excellent man, who stir- ed up the Jews to the study of virtues, especially of piety and justice, and also to the washing of baptism, which he said then would not be acceptable to God, if abstaining from some sins only ; but having their minds first purged through righteousness, they also added cleanness of body And whereas there was great resort unto him, the common people being greedy of such doctrine, Herod fearing lest the great authority of the man should raise some rebellion, because they seemed as though they would decline nothing to which he advised them, thought it safer to take him out of the way, before there was any alteration in tl^e state, tl-an to repent too late, when the state was orce embroiled : wherefore, he commanded him to be sent prisoner to Ma^ charas, and then to be put to death. Concerning Christ, he saith thus. Cap. xlv. In the same time, there was a v/ise man, (named Jesus) if we may call him a man ; he was a worker of miracles, and a teacher of them that willingly receive tlie truth ; he had many, both Jews and Gentiles, that were his followers, d.nd was believed to be the Christ : and when Pilate had crucified him, tiirough the envy of our rulers, neverthe- less those that loved him, continued constant in their af- fections ; for he appeared to them alive the third day ; the prophets in tneir prophecies foretelling both these, and many other wonderful things concerning him, and the christians (from him so. called) continue to this very day. After the Apostles had seen Christ, and had worship^ ped him, after his resurrection, they returned tQ Jerusa- or THE TRUE CHURCH. 61 lem with great joy from tlie mount of Olives, which is ^rom tiience a Sabbaih d-ay's journey ; and in Jerusa- lem they abode in an upper room, and continued with one accord in pra} er, with t'^e women, and Marv his motlier, and his brethren ; and ti ey were filled wiiii the holy ghost, and began to speak wiih tongues, as the spirit gave them utterance ; and many received the trutli, and contmued stedfastiy in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship; and breaking bread from house to house, did r-at their meat with gladness and singleness of^eart, praising God, and having favour witij all the people ; and the Lord daily added to the church such as shoi;id be saved ; and the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and one soul; and there was none aniong \\v. m that lacked ; for as many as l?ad possessions of lancib or houses, sold them, and brought the prices, and laid them down at the apostles' feet, to be distributed for tiie use of the poor ; in which business, Barnabas, that is, the son of Consolation, shewed the first example. By the hands of tne apostles, were many miracles done among the people, and many believed^ and were added to the Lord. But the high prie^ and sadducees that were with him, moved with envy, cast the apostles into prison ; from v/hence, the night following, being freed by an angel, they were commanded to teach the people boldly, and without fear ; and being brought to the council by the advice of Gamaliel a Pharisee, a doctor of law, in much esteem among the people, they were delivered from death, (after they had been scourged) and let go ; and they went from the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to sufier for the name of Jesus ; and they taught daily in the temple ; and t! e word of the Lord in- creased ; and the number of disciples niultiplied. Stej)hen did many wonders and miracles among the people, and stoutly defended the cause of Christ against the Jews, of the synagogue of the Libertines, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia, and of Asia, disputing with them ; but when they could not resist the wisdoixji and spirit by which he spake, the} turned to 62 A LIVING TESTIMONY falsely accusing him, and caught him, and broiiglit him before the comicil, and set up false witnesses, who should avouch, that they heard him speak blasphemous words against the tem.ple and the law\ Stephen, before Annas the high priest and council, shewed that the true worship of God was observed by Abraham and his posterity, before the temple was built by Solomon ; yea, before Moses was born, and that Mo- ses gives testimony of Christ, and that the outward cere- monies that were given to their fathers, were to endure but for a time : then he sharply reprehended the Jews, because they always resisted the holy ghost, and had wickedly put Christ to death, who, the prophets had foretold, should come into the world. See the death of Stephen, at large, in the testimony of the Martyrs. Afrer the death of Stephen, there arose a great perse- cution against the whole church that was at Jerusalem ; in which, Saul, exceedingly raging, made havock of the dhurch ; for having received authority from the chief priests, he not only, when the saints w^ere put to death, gave his voice against them, but also he himself, en- tering into every house, and taking from thence both men and w^omen, bound them, and put them in prison, and some were compelled, by denying Christ, to blas- pheme. This persecution dispersed the church into divers countries, but with great advantage to the church ; for some that were dispersed into the regions of Judea and Samaria, preached the gospel wheresoever they came ; others went to Damascus, amongst whom was Ananias, a devout man according to the law, and one who had a good report anion p; all the Jews who dwelt there ; others travelled as far as P|ienice, Cyprus, and Antioch, preach- ing the word of God to those that were dispersed among the Gentiles. Amongst them that went to Samaria, was Philip, who preached Christ there. When the aopstles, at Jerusalem had heard that Samaria had received the Avord of the Lord, they sent unto them Peter and John, upon whose praying for them, and laying their hands on them, they received the holy ghost, and, Simon Magus (who OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 63 had a long lime bewitched the people of Sani-iria with his sorceries, they giving heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, he was the great power of God) see- ing the great signs and wonders that were done by the apostles, offered them money, that he also might receive the gift of conferring the Holy Ghost; whose mad impiety, Peter sharply rebuking, warned him to repent of his wick- edness, and to ask pardon of God ; and desired the apos- tles that they would pray for him to the Lord. The a- postles having cleared themselves in these parts, they re- turned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in the villages of Samaria as they w^ent. Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter a«* gainst the disciples of the Lord, obtained of the high priest Annas, and the council, letters to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any that were christians, he should bring them bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished ; and as he came nigh to Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from Heaven a great light, above the brightness of the sun, round about him, and them that journeyed with him : and when they were fallen to the earth, he heard a voice speaking to him in the Hebrew^ tongue, " Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me ? 'Tis hard for thee to kick against the pricks." And w^hen he had said, " who art thou. Lord" ? It was answer- ed him, " I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest ;" but rise, and stand upon thy feet, I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a wit- ness, both of these things that thou hast seen, and those things in which I will appear unto thee, delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, that thou mayst open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of sa- tan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified, by faith that is in me. And when Saul, full of fear and tremb- ling, asked further, '' Lord, what w^ilt thou have me to do" ? the Lord said unto him, ** arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do: But the men that journeyed v/ith Saul were so amazed, 64 A LIVING TESTIMONY that they were speechless, seeing indeed a light, and hearing the sound of words, but neither seeing Christ which spake, nor understanding any thing which he spake : Saul arose from the earth, amd being blinded with the glory of the light, being led by the hand, he came to Damascus, and he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple, named Ananias, to whom the Lord spake in a vision, " arise and go into the street which is called straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarsus ; for, behold, he prayeth ;'^ and Saul then saw in a vision, Ananias entering, and laying his hand on him, that he might receive his sight, but Ananias answered, " Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem ;" yea, in this place, he hath authority, from the chief priests, to bind all that call upon thy name : and the Lord said unto him, "■ go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name, be- fore the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel ; for I will shew him how great things he must sufier for my name's sake." And Ananias went, and entered into the house ; and laying his hands on him, said, *' brother Saul, the Lord even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou might receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost ; and immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he re- ceived sight forthwith." And Ananias said, the God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldst know his will, and see that just one, and shouldst hear the voice from his mouth ; for thou shalt be a witness before all men of those things that thou hast heard and seen : and now, why tarriest thou here ? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord : and Saul arose and was baptized, and when he had received meat, he was strengthened. What was revealed to Saul at Damascus that he should do, Luke shews not in the Acts , but out of those things which in the Epistle to the Galatians, he saith hap- pened unto him, immediately after his conversion ; it OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 65 appears among other things, it was commanded him, that he should not confer with flesh and blood, nor return to Jerusalem to them th:it were Apostles before him, but that he should go for some time into Arabia, or places near Damascus, where he should receive the knowledge of the gospel, not being taught of men, but by the revela- tion of Jesus Clirist. Saul then returned to Damascus, and tarried there with the disciples a few days, and straightway, in the syna • gogue, he preached, that Christ is the son of God ; and t!iey were all amazed who heard these things, and said, *' is not this he, that destroyed at Jerusalem those that called on this name ? And came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests ;*' and Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Je^vs that dwelt at Damascus, teaching that Jesus is the Christ ; for to the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, was the gospel first preuched bv him. Tiberius being certified, by Pilate out of Palestme, concerning the affairs of Christ, he proposed to the sen- ate, that Cnrist migut be reckoned among the Gods, which t'»e senate opposing, and he remaining in Lis opin- ion, threatmed, that it should be dangerous for any to accuse a christian, as Tertullian relates, [in Apologetic. [Chap. 5, and 21,] and others that follow him, as Eusebius in Chronic, and Histor. Eccles. Lib. 2. 2 ] andGildas, iiiv an epistle of the destruction of Britain, which being granted, we may lawfully say, that the first persecution, aft r the m.urder of Stephen, that arose in Judea, ceased partly by the conversion of Saul, who greatly promoted it, and partly through the fear of Tiberius. When Saul had preached the gospel a long time at Damascus, the Jews took counsel to kill him, and watch- ing the gates of the city day and night, that tliey might take him : but, being let down by a rope by night in a basket, he escaped from them. The first three years after his conversion being finish- ed, Saul returned to Jerusalem to see Peter ; and abode Aviiu him fifteen days: and he then assaying to join him- self to the disciples, they all were afraid of him, not K 66 A LIVING TESTIMON.r believing him to be a disciple ; but Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles Peter and James the brother of the Lord. He declared unto them, how he had teen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Saul also spake boldly in the name of Jesus at Jerusa- lem, but the Jews went about to kill him. Saul, being in the temple praying, was in a trance, and saw the Lord speaking unto him, saying, " make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive testi- mony of me ;" to whom he answered,^ '' Lord they know that I imprisoned, and beat in every synagogue, those that believed on thee, and when the blood of thy mar- tyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and kept the garments ol them that killed hi it :' and the Lord said unto him, *' go, and I will send thee to tlie Gentiles." The brethren at Jerusalem brought him to Cassarea, and sent him into his own country of Tarsus, and he came into the countries of Syria and Cilicia. being as yet unknown by face to the churches of Judea ; but they heard that he preached the faith which once he destroy- ed, and they glorified God in him ; and tl e churches had rest through all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified ; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and com- fort of the holy ghost, they multiplied. About this time, king Herod troul^led the church, lay- ing hands upon some, for contradicting the institutions and rites of the country, of which he was a most relig- ious observer, as Josephus, Lib. xix. Chap. ult. relates. He slew James, the brother of John, with the sword ; and seeing that the death of James pleased tlie people, he cast Peter into prison in the days of Azincus, delivering him to four quarternions. tl.at is, sixteen soldiers to guard him, intending after t: e passover to bring him out to the people, but there were pra} ers made daily in the church for him ; and an angel of ti^e Lord delivered him miraculously in the niglit ; and he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Marcus, \\diere many were congregated, at prayer, and telling them that the}^ might OF THE TRUE CHURCH. 67 certify James the son of Alpheus, and brother of our Lord, and t.;e rest, of the manner of his deliverance ; from whence he went into anotuer place. Herod, being fi ustrat-^d of his hope, in his rage com- manded the innocent keepers to be dragged to execution; and he going down to Ca^sarea, staid there ; and was prejudiced in his mind against the Syrians aiid Sidoni- ans, whose land being not sufficient to maintain tiicni (especially in that year of scarcity) they were forced to seek for themselves sustenance from Galilee, and other places under Herod's jurisdiction : they came therefore unanimously to him by the mediation of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, whom they had made their friend, desiring peace of him ; a day being appointed, Herod in his royal apparel, and sitting before the tribunal, made a speech to them ; the people with acclamations shouting out, '' 'tis the voice of a God, and not a man ;" but pre- sently, the angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give the glory to God; and being eaten of worms, he gave up the ghost. The very sume history Josephus exemplifies, say- ing, '' he iiad now finisiied the third year of his reign when he came to Cajsarea, which was formerly called Straton's tower, where he solemnized some yearly plays for Csesar's health ; to which festivity, a great multitude of noblemen and youngsters came togeth- er*- out of the province. On the second day of this ce- lebrity, he went all attired with his princely robes, richly and curiously wrought wuh silver, which, by the reflection of the rising sun, yielded an ani^elical or extraordinary lustre, and struck reverence into the spec- tators ; and presently some wicked parasites, with accla- mations from a far off, saluted him God, desiring him to be propitious to them ; for that hitherto they had only honoured him as a man, but no\v they saw there was something more in him than liuman : this impious adula- tion he neither refused nor repelled, and was suddenly struck to the very hea,rt ; afterwards, his belly began to torment him more and more grievously, wherefore, turn- ing to his friends, he said, ** behold, I, who, by your ap- 68 A LIVING TESTIMONY pcllation, am a God, am commanded out of this life, my certain fate, giving tl^e lie to your flattery ; and I, \vhom you saluted immortal, am forced to death ; but I must endure the pleasures of tLe heavens." Having spoken these things, his pain grew worse and worse, and pre- sently^ these tilings being divulged about the country, the rumour went, that he was dying, and in the end his pain lasted in great extremity, and without intermission for five days space ;" he ti en ended his hfe, Joseph. Lib. xix. Chap. ult. About t is time, Saul is always found named by his new name Paul. Paul and Barnabas coming to Ariti- och, and entering into the synagogues, almost the Vv^; ole city came to 1 ear the word of God ; but the Jews, seeing the multitude were filled with envy, and contradicted what Paul spoke, with whose blasphemies Paul and Bar- nabas being grievously offended, they left the Jews, and preached only to the Gentiles, who with joy emijraced the gospel; and the word of God was divulged over tliiit whole nation ; they staid at Antioch a great while, arid suffered those things which, in his latter Epistle to the Corinthians, he writes of, to wit, tliat as at Pnilippi after- waids, so twice elswhere by the Gentiles, he had been whipped with rods, and received five times forty stripes of the Jews, sa^'e one. Certain professors of the name of Christ, of the sect of the Pharisees, came down from Judea to Antioch, and said, that the christians oftlie Gentiles ought to be cir- cumcised, and to keep t-e LiW of Moses, if they would be saved, disturbing the souls of many of the brethren in Syria and Cilicia with their perverse doctrine ; against whom, Paul and Barnabas stiffly opposed themselves, Paul calling them brethren brought in unawares : Phii- astrius de Heres» cap. 87. and Epiphanius, Heres. 28. say, that Cerinthus, that arch-heretic, was the first broacher of this opinion. Piiul, fourteen years after his conversion, went again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, being both sent from the church at Antioch with some ethers, that they might ask the judgment of the apostles and eiders at Jerusalem OF THE TRUE CHURGH. 6$ (whose names tliose disturbers had abused to favour their opinion) concerning the crontroversy newly risen ; but Paul would not compel Titus to be circumcised, lest he should seem to give place to the false brethren for a mo- ment. Peter and Paul had foretold at Rome, that it should come to pass, after a little time, God would send a kin[^ that should overcome the Jews, and that should lay their city even with the ground, and should besiege tliem, being pined with hunger and thirst; and dien it should come to pass, that they should eat each other, and one consume the other ; and, at last, that they should come into their enemies' hands, and should see tlieir wives most grievously tormented in their sight ; and their virgins violated and prostituted ; their sons torn asunder ; and their little ones dashed in pieces ; and, in short, that all things should be wasted by lire and sword, and them- selves forever banished out of their own land ; and all this because they exalted themselves against the son of God. Lactan. lio. iv. cap. xxi. On the 29th day of the month called June, (which last day of that month falls to be within the reign of Nero) Paul was beheaded at Rome, as the records, both of tiie eastern and western churches confirm; Avhereupon Chrys- ostom affirms, that undoubtedly the day of his death was more certainly known than that of Alexander himself, [iia 2 Cor. Homil. xxvi.] Dionysius, the bishop of the Corinthians, affirms, in an Epistle to the Romans, that Peter also suffered Martyrdom at the sam- time with him; [in Eusebius, lib. ii. Histor. Ecclesiast. cap. xxiv.] whom also Ori gen relates, in the third tome of his com- mentaries upon Genesis, that at Rome, he was crucified with his head downwards, as he had desired. [Ibid. lib. iii. Hist. cap. i.] Four years before the Jewish Avar (that was managed by Vespasian) when the city of Jerusalem enjoyed both peace and plenty, one Jesus, the son of Ananus a coun- tryman, and one of the common people, coniing to the feast of tabernacles, began suddenly to cry out, " a voice from the east, a voice from the west, a voice from the 70 A LIVING TESTIMONY four winds, a voice against Jerusalem and the temple, a voice against new married men and women, a voice a- gainst all this people ;" and crying thus night and day through all the streets of the city, some of the nobihty disdaining any token of adversity, took the fellow and scourged him with many stripes ; but he spake nothing secretly for himself, nor unto them that scourged him, but continued still in the same cry. But the magistrates, thinking it rather to be some motion in him from God, brought him to the Roman captain, where being beaten till his bones appeared, he made no entreaty, but with a weeping voice, at every stroke, he said, " woe, woe, to Jerusalem". Albinus then asked them, who^he was, and where he was born, and why he still cried after this man- ner ; but he answered nothing : yet he ceased not to bewail the city, till Albinus, thinking he was mad, suf- fered him to depart : he crying thus most on the feast days, and that for seven years space, (or rather six, as it is in Phot. Biblioth. Cod. xlvii.) and five months, and yet was neither hoarse nor weary. At last, he was killed by a stone shot out of an engine in the time of the siege. [Joseph, lib. vii. bel. cap. xii.] And according to these, and many other prophecies concerning the destruction that was to come upon the Jews, for the hardness of their hearts, it came to pass ; for Cornelius and Suetonius relate, that there were six hundred thousand of the Jews killed in this Vv^ar between Vespasian the emperor, and the Jews ; but Josephus, a Jew, and a commander in that v/ar, writes, that ten hundred thousand perished by sword and famine : and of the rest of the Jews that were dis- persed all the world over, and put to death divers ways, the number is said to be ninety thousand ; (so Orolius, Lib. vii. cap. ix.) but I find not in Suetonius the num- of six hundred thousand of them that were killed. In Josephus, (Lib. vi. bel. cap. xvii.) the number of cap- tives is ninety seven thousand, but the other number, eleven hundred thousand, is only the number that per- ished in the six months' siege in Jerusalem. And thus OF THE TIIUE CHURCH. 71 did the Lord afflict with wars and destruction the apos- tatized and stiff-necked people the Jews, until thev were a scattered and dispersed people, as at this day they are throughout the world. PART II Shews the corrupt fruits of the false church, and the seed of the serpent in the time of apostacy ^ darkness^ and persecution'^ amongst them called Christians* XjlLTHOUGH the sufferings of the christians were very great, after the death of the apostles, for some time; and it cannot be denied but there was a sincerity in some of the christian churches ; yet as John testified in his day, he saw the true church fiee into the wilderness ; and the apostle foretold, that there would be a departing from the faith; and Paul saw tilt apostacy coming in his day, and said, perilous times should come, and that men should be lovers of themselves, covetous, &c. and repro- bate concerning the truth. And it was not long after the apostles' time, before these prophecies were fulfilled; for if the reader peruse the following discourse, he will find a great decay, and apostacy from that life and power that the apostles were in, and the corrupt fruits of many of these called christians brought forth, which manifested the great degeneracy that was comtC upon the christian church : for, as Eusebius writes, when persecution at any time ceased, then began heresy to spring apace a- mong the christians, until at last there were continual discord and contention, and they broke out into sects and opinions, and persecuted one another about their sev- eral forms of faith, and became so far degenerated from the doctrine of Christ, which taught to love enemies, that they became haters of one another, and manifested to the world, that they had lost the blessed love and unity, that were amongst the apostles and brethren of the christian church in the beginning. But before a particular ac- count be given of that, it is necessary that the reader un- THE CORRUPT FRUITS, &C. 73 derstand, that the purest state of the christians, in the first times after the apostles, was their most suffering times, when as ytt the christian religion was accounted by the heathen but an upstart thing ; and therefore they persecuted them greatly, as may be seen at large in the testimony of the martyrs hereunto annexed. But, through the tenderness of Adrian the emperor, the christians had some intermission from their suffer- ings, and they began to be in some request ; for, after Ad- rian's death, Antonius Pius succeeding, he continued that peace with the christians which he found begun in Adri- an's last days, for which he had the name of Pius ; yet by the people's tumult, without the emperor's consent, some were martyred ; to this emperor, Justin made an apology on the behalf of the christians ; divers other supplications were also made unto him on their behalf ; which supplications produced an edict from the emperor, remitting the persecutions against the christians. The copy of the edict is as follows : " The emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Antonius Augustus Amenicus Pontifex Maximus, fifteen times tribune, thrice consul, unto the commonalty of Asia, sendeth greeting. I know the Gods are careful to disclose hurtful persons, for they punish such as will not worship them, more grievously than you do them you bring into trouble concerning that opinion which they conceive of you, to be wicked and ur^godly men ; it is their desire in God's quarrel to die rather than to live, so that they become conquerors, yielding their lives unto the death, rather than to obey your edicts : it shall seem very necessary to admonish you of the earthquakes which have and do happen among us, that being therewith moved, you may compare our es- tate with theirs ; they have more confidence towards God than you have ; you, during the time of your ignorance, despise other Gods, condemn the religion of the immor- tal God, banish the christians which worship him, and persecute them unto death. In behalf of these men many of the ])rovincial presidents have written heretofore un- to our father of famous memory, whom he answered in writing again, that they were no longer to be molested, L 74 THE CORRUPT FRUITS unless they had practised treason against the Roman em- pire, and many have given notice unto us of the same matter, whom we answ red as our father did before ; if any therefore hereafter be found thus busied in other men's affairs, we command, that the accused be abso- lute and free, though he be found such a one, I mean faulty, and that the accuser be grievously punished." In the hearing of the great assembly of Asia, this edict was proclaimed at Ephesus. Thus far of Antonius Pius, who was so called for his gentle and good disposition ; of whom it is recorded, that this quiet emperor in life, of all other emperors of those times, died the quietest death. But Vesus, one of his successors, was a wicked and cruel man, under whom multitudes of christians suffered, as may be seen in my testimony of the martyrs, which may give the reader a taste of what they endured, who w^ere faithful to give a testimony concerning their faith. ' About this time, the christians began to have a litde respite and peace again, from the heathens' persecution of them ; and having a little peace, they now began to jangle about the celebration of Easter ; but though they differed in the ceremony, they were not yet grown so bad as to be out of charity one with another, but left it as an indifferent thing in the church until the time of Vic. tor. This Victor was so violent set upon, upholding the Roman determination of his former predecessor as un- necessary, that he would excommunicate all the bishops and churches of Asia, unless they would be of his opin- ion, had not Ireneus restrained him, who though he was of Victor's opinion concerning the celebration of Easter, yet seeing Policratus bishop of Ephesus, and divers oth- er bishops of Asia, of another opinion, alleging for their practice scripture, and the example of other fathers ; there- fore Ireneus still took off the edge of sharp contentions, and so the controversy remained free till the time of the Nicene council ; and other doctrines of the christian re- ligion were free till Victor's time, which was about two hundred vears after Christ. OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 75 About this time, was one Philippius made president ©f Alexandria, who had a daughter Eugenia, of rare beauty, who, to avoid marriage with a Pagan, and heath- en persecutor, fled from her father, going in man's ap- parel, calhng herself Eugenius; and for her parts was made head of a society of christians, where a lustful mat- ron being enamoured with her beauty, supposing her to be a man, laboured to draw her into uncleanness with her, but Eugenia not consenting, this matron accused Eugenia of having laboured to deflower her; whereupon, the matter was brought beforePhilippius the president, who according to allegations, being about to condemn her to death, Eugenia seeing no other evidence would serve, discovered herself to Philippius to be an innocent woman, and his daughter, who not long after converted her father to Christianity, who afterwards died also a martyr ; and after his death, Eugenia returning to Rome was also martyred. Maximinus persecuted the christians sorely, though at times he would seem to be otherwise minded ; but the hand of God pursued him, so that he was afiiicted with sore distempers, when he pondered with himself the rash enterprises he had practised against the worshippers of God ; wherefore, returning unto himself, he confessed his sins to God, aj>d gave forth a command, that with all speed they should cease from persecuting the chris- tiahs. The christians having a little ease and liberty, they be- gan to grow in favour of the emperor's courts, and to be employed in the emperor's palaces, and to be eminent in the management of public affairs, whereby they degene- rated from the natural rule of piety, and after that, one pursued another with open contumely and hatred, bishops against bishops, and people against people, raised sedi- tions, which caused persecution against them again ; for the shepherds (saith the historian) practised contention and schism among themselves : but these persecutions ended, when Constantine came to be emperor, who be- mg a christian, and a wise and mighty prince, struck all these cruelties and death under foot, and gave peace un- 76 THE CORRUPT ERUITS to all ; but as peace and rest came, divisions still arose up among them, and when they had power, they began to impose their faiths and forms of worship one upon an- other, as the heathen did to them. No sooner were the heathen persecutions laid aside, than these that had jointly withstood the force of heathen- ish persecution, came to be at variance, and at length to do the same things one to another as the heathen had done unto them together. And now being at rest, and differing among themselves in some things, they knew not how to bear one another, but being insensible of the hand that had wrought their deliverance, they began to impose one upon another, and to enforce their several faiths with torments and the sword, which wrought sore destruction and trouble among tl.ena, and shamed the christian religion. In the days of Constantine, free liberty was given to all men, to use what religion they pleased, as by the par- ticular constitutions and edicts may be seen at large ; so that there was liberty now of complaints, and synods were called to refute, at least, take off the opposition of the contrary ; but when the succeeding emperors, leaned to this or that party, or confession of faith, or opin- ion, then force of arms, or carnal extremities, were exercised towards those who were of the contrary dispo- sitions. And thus, as religion became national, and w^as required by the laws of men, and imposed, such were the consequences of it; for a difference fell out between Cicil- ianus bishop of Carthage, 'and the bishops with him, the one siding against the other in Africa, which occasioned Constantine to summon a synod of bishops to meet at Rome, for the hearing and reconciling thereof ; at which, something being attempted, and the judgment given by the other party not being acquiesced in, but after the ris- ing of the synod, the difference increasing instead, of be- ing ended amongst them, he called a second synod at Or- leans in France, to the end it might be determined ; as a scourge and rebuke, unto which dissentions, or the dif- ferences that then arose among the christians, Lucinius, (who being emperor, and, together with Constantine, had OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 77 written, enjoining the liberty of the christians) came forth and fell upon the christians under his dominion, who never did him evil, practising the same things upon them as those had done, whom, for so doing, he had cut off. First, he banished them from his court, and such as would not sacrifice, he spoiled of their honour and dignities, commanded no charity to be given to them that were in p.rison and in fetters, no not by their kindred, overthrow- ing the meeting-places of the christians to the ground ; some of the bishops, his presidents, he caused to be tor- mented, cutting their bodies into small pieces, as butchers do their meat, casting pieces into the sea for food for fish- es. He revoked sundry good laws of the Romans, brought in barbarous and cruel laws, unjust and unlawful, mak- ing away noble and honest personages, whose youthful and tender wives he delivered to his servants to be shame- fully abused ; for these things, Constantine made war against him ; by which means, the persecutions against the christians again ceased, and they had rest. The christians came now to have rest and peace again; see what Socrates, in the continuation of the history, saith, concerning the differences that were among the christians, and the consequences thereof. Aritis was the first he takes notice of, who, hearing Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, treating somewhat more curiously of what is called the Trinity in unity, arrtong the priests that were under him, said, " If the Father begot the Son, then had the Son, which was be- gotten, a beginning of essence ; hereby it is manifest that there was a time when the Son was not, and the consequence to follow necessarily, that he had his es- sence of nothing.'' This began a great deal of reason- ing amongst them. Arius had his favourers, both of bishops and others, of this his blasphemous opinion, which beginning at Alexandria, spread itself throughout all Kgypt, Lybia, and the upper Thebais, and at lengths passed through the rest of the cities and provinces ; the spreading of this moved Alexander, who calling a coun- cil of many bishops, deprived Arius, and such as fa- voured his opinion, of the priestly order, and after- 78 THE"^ CORRUPT FRUITS wards writing to the bishops throughout the cities against him, spread the thing farther than it was before, because those unto whom the letters were directed, began to burn among themselves with the sparks of contention and discord. So the nicety of the bishop on the one hand, and his sharp proceeding and writing on the other, gave occa- sion for this little spark to burn out into a great flame, which made sore distraction and divisions, and which in no wise could be quenched, but ran over all as a loath- some leprosy, bishop against bishop, people against peo- ple, and synod against synod, doing the things which the heathen had done to them, which rended them asunder, and caused the religion which the Christians professed, to be openly derided by the heathens in the public thea- tres. Con Stan tine was sorely troubled at these things, and by a principal person whom he entirely loved, he wrote both to Alexander and Arius, blaming Alexander for demanding a question of the elders touching a certain place of scripture ; yea, rather fsaith his letter) touching a certain vain piece of a question what every one's opin- ion was : and Arius, for unadvisedly blazing abroad, and setting a broach that which thou shouldst (saith the em- peror) not at the first have conceived, and having con- ceived it, thou shouldst have passed over with silence. He wrote smartly to them both, and very reasonably, con- cerning an accommodation, and that union might be again, exhorting them to pardon each other, but neither of them would hear ; he summoned a council at Nice about that, and near the time of celebrating the feast of Easter, about which there was no small controversy at this time also ; at which council, three hundred and eighteen bisliops met, the emperor being present, and endeavoured to persuade them to unity, where making a creed, they generally subscribed it, except five bishops, who admitted not of the clause of * one substance with the Fat'.er,' and who thus affirmed, that to be of one sub- stance, which had its original of something, either by divison, or derivation, or production ; -by production, as OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 79 a bud out of a root ; by derivation, as cluldren of the parents ; by division, as two or three pieces out of one piece of gold. The Son of God by relation was after none of these manners, and therefore, they said, they would not agree to the form of faith confirmed in the council of Nice ; and, by the emperor's edict, some of the dissentitig bishops were exiled. The decree of this synod, by a solemn epistle, was sent unto the churches throughout Egypt, Lybia, &c. and Constantine WTOte to the church at Alexandria, and other places, concerning the matter, wherein he calls the censure of this assembly, or the decree of this synod, the sentence of God himself; neither doubted he, that so great a company of bishops was so united and linked together in one opinion and mind, but by the motion and instinct of the Holy Ghost ; notwithstanding Sabinus (who was termed the ring-leader of the Macedonian her- esy) impugned those things, terming those that met at Nice, unlearned and doltish idiots. Thus things grew on to a height, for the emperor, fa- vouring the strongest side, made 'decrees and laws, so that there came to be an injunction ; and the emperor com- manded, that if any book or work of Arias could be found, it should be burnt to ashes, and that it should be death to keep it ; and, as soon as he was taken, his head should be stricken otY from his shoulders ; and thus the congest grew high, and woful wreck came upon Christian assemblies, although the emperor, in his letters to Ari- us and Alexander, reasoned contrary to his actions ; for writing concerning the unit}', he said to them, " where, fore let every one of you pardon eacli other, like that which your fellowminister, not without cause, exhort- eth you unto, (as aforesaid) and what is that ? That you neither object at all, nor answer any objection that con- cerneth such matters ; for such questions as no law or ecclesiastical canon necessarily delineth, but the fruitless contention of idle brains sctteth abroad, though the ex- ercise thereof avail for the sharpening of the wit, yet ought we to retain them in the inward closet of our minds, and not rashly to broach them in the public asscini)ly of the 80 THE CORRUPT FRUITS vulgar people ; neither unadvisedly to grant the common sort the hearing thereof; for how many be there tRat can worthily explicate, and sufficiently ponder, the weight of so grave, so intricate, so obscure a matter ; but if there be any such, that persuadeth himself easily to compass and attain unto it ; how many parts are there, I beseech you, of the multitude whom he can sufficient- ly instruct therein ? And who is there, who in sifting out so curious a question, that can well pass the peril of plunging into error ? Wherefore, in such cases, wc must refrain from verbal disputations, lest that either we, by reason of the imbecility of our wit, cannot explicate our mind, when we teach, or our auditors by reason of their dull capacity, cannot comprehend the curious drift of our doctrine, whereby the people, of necessity, incur the danger, either of blasphemy, or the poisoning in< fection of discord ; wherefore, both the rash objection, and the unadvised answer, being the cause of the heret- ical sect of the Arians, Eunomians, and as many as fa- vour the like folly, ought each one of each other to crave pardon. The difference between the heathen and the christians was, whether Christ was the Son of God ? The differ- ence betwixt the Christians was, whether the Son of God was eternal ? And in at this door entered the ene- my to make shipwreck of the flock. Arius being sent for to Constantinople, and coming there, he framed a recantation at the emperor's demand, whereupon the emperor sent him to Alexandria again. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, (for Alexander was dead) refused to receive him. Eusebius, bishop of Ni- comedia, Vvrote to Athanasius, and also procured the emperor's letters to command Athanasius to admit Arius. Athanasius wrote back again to the emperor, that it was not lawful for such as had made shipwreck of their faith, and had been censured, after this their turn and conversion, to receive their former dignities. This vexed the emperor, so that he was much displeased with Athanasius, and wrote sharply to him ; but he refused, notwithstanding, to receive him ; whereupon, six bish- OF TKE FALSE CHURCK. 81 Ops took their opportunity to lift him out of his bishop- ric ; afterwards, by the consent of all the bishops, as- sembled at Jerusalem co consecrate the temple, built by the emperor, Athanasius was exiled. The thirteenth year of Constantine expired, while these things were doing, yet he saw no peace among the christians. Arius, with his company, returning to Alex- andria, they set the whole city in an uproar, for they were not only disturbed with the return of Arius, but the banishment of Athanasius. The emperor understand- ing the perverse mind, and corrupt purpose of Arius, sent for him again to Constantinople, to render an ac- count of the tumult and sedition he had raised afresh ; the city being divided into two parts, one for the Nicene creed, the other for Arius. Arius being come to Con- stantinople, the emperor demanded of him to sign the Nicene creed, and he subscribed it cheerfully. He put him to his oath, and he swore it also. His juggle is said to be this: he wrote his opinion in a piece of paper, which he carried under his arm in his bosom, and com- ing to the book, he took his oath, that he verily believ- ed as he had written : the emperor, believing he had dealt plainly, commanded the bishop of Constantinople to receive him to communion. This was on Satur- day, the day after he looked to be received by the church: but see what happened upon his lewd mid bold enterprise, being departed out of the em- peror's hall, passing through the city in great pomp, coming nigh Constantine's market, he was sudden- ly taken with a great lax and faintness, and he void- ed his bowels, and immediately died like a dog ; and the place was then to be seen ; and passengers were wont, as they went by, to point their fingers thereat, in remem- brance of the miserable end of Arius. Shortly after, the emperor died ; but, neither with the death of Arius, nor of Constantine, was there an end of the troublesome discord, that was among the christians ; for a council being called by both the emperors at Sardis, the bishops of tho east would not come to the bishops of the west, 82 THE CORRUPT FRUITS unless they would bear Paulus and Athanasius their company ; which the bishops of the west not brooking, the eastern bishops departed ; and at Pilippi, a city in Thracia, there assembled a private council, and thence- forth openly began to curse the creed, condemning the clause of one substance, and writing to sow abroad their opinion, that the Son of God was not of one substance with the Father. The western bishops that continued at Sardis, first condemned them which fled from the hearing of their cause ; next, deposed, from their dignities, the accus- ers of Athanasius ; afterwards, ratified the creed of the Nicene council, and abrogated the heretical opinion, which said, that ti:ie Son was of a different substance from the Father ; lastly, they set forth more plainly the clause of one substance, and ^vTote letters thereof, and sent them throughout the whole world. And thus things often changed and altered, men hav- ing lost that which should give a weighty understanding in these matters, and going about to make faiths, and to force and compel one another thereto ; as also to deter- mine and give judgment in things beyond their reach, being in their fallen wisdom, they turned the world up- side down, in reference to conformity to their faith, and broke asunder the bond of unity and concord, which once flourished among the true christians. But these cruel divisions, because of faith and doc- trines, in relation unto God, were not let pass without rebukes from the Lord; for the Persians proclaimed wars against the Romans ; and now Constantine, the em- peror, died, and Julianus succeeded him, who, though brought up a christian, yet had a secret iiiclination un- to Paganism ; who set open the idolatrous temples and groves, and sacrificed to pictures, and entitled himself an high priest. In the reign of this Julian, called the apostate, by rea- son of his inclining to Heathenism, the christians suf- fered very deeply, and some were run through with swords ; some killed with clubs ; some stoned to death ; some strangled with halters ; some nailed OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 83 to trees, casting in their teeth the death of the cross ; one friend fell upon another ; one brother sought anothers's life ; parents put their chidren to death ; and, to be short, one cut the other's throat. This blood and murder the emperor Julian seemed to be troubled at, thinking it migiit give a sudden start to his settlement in the empire ; therefore, he wrote a cruel angry letter to those of Alexandria, shewing his dislike of their enter- prise. Shortly after, Julian put forth a proclamation, that such as would not renounce the christian faith, should warfare no longer in the emperor's palace, but all should pre^xire to do sacrifice ; that no christian should bear office in the commonwealth ; for their law, said he, forbiddeth the use of the sword, unto such as deserve death, and there- fore they are not fit to be magistrates. As a scourge for Julian, who undertook these enter- prises against the christians, wars broke out against him ; and considering that many inconveniences and evils attended war, and great sums of money were requisite, he set a great fine on the heads of those that would not sacrifice : so that the christians were assessed, and he greatly enriched himself with large sums of money un- justly exacted ; then did the Gentiles insult over the christians, the philosophers solemnizing their detestable rites and ceremonies, making slaughter of infants, sparing neither sex, using their entrails for sooth-saying, they tasted of their tender flesh. These detestable practices \\ ere both at Athens and Alexandria, and elsewhere. At Marais in Phrygia, Amachius the governor com- manded the temple to be set wide open, and to be cleans- ed, and set himself to worship the idols, which pricked not a litde in conscience the zealous christians ; where- fore Masidonius, Theodulus and Tattanus broke, in the night season, into the temple, threw do\^•n tlieir idols ; and stamped them to powder ; at which, wJien the governor was exceeding wroth, and threatened to execute divers of the citizens, the men aforcsnid pre- sented themselves, who were the authors thereof, that the guiltless of that act might not suffer, and chose to die 84 THE CORRUPT FRUITS themselves for the truth, the governor commanded them to clear themselves by sacrifice, threatening severely to punish them, if they did not : they set nought by his threats, and made themselves ready to suffer. The gov- ernor, when he had assayed them with every kind of tor- ments, last of all, set them on the gridiron, and caused fire to be made under, and broiled them to death ; who nobly said, " if thou dost long, O Amachius, after broiled meat, turn up the other side of us, lest in the eating, we seem raw unto thee, and the blood run about thy teeth." Julian being dead, Jovianus succeeded, who, being proclaimed emperor, refused the crown, and being com- pelled thereto by loud speeches, expressed himself, that he was a christian, and he would not be emperor where Ethnics should be his subjects ; but, when they cried with one voice, and confessed themselves christians, he yielded, and was crowned emperor; and now peace came again to the church, but it was no sooner come, than the sedition began again among the christians ; and now the emperor sticking fast to the faith of one substance, the bishops, who had been exiled for the same faith, he also restored ; the Pagans' temple he shut up, and stopped their worshipping devils, which Julian gave way to, and which they had their fill in, in his reign. Now went on the old work, of tearing and rending one another, among the christians. The Macedonians made a supplication to the emperor, that such as avouched the unlikeness and dissimilitude between the son and father, should be banished the church, and themselves substitu- ted in their rooms. The emperor gave them no answer at all, but with these words sent them away ; " I tell you truly, I cannot away with contention, but such as em- brace unity and concord, I do both honour and reverence;" which cooled the fiery contention of others. The Acacians also signed a supplication to the empe- ror, acknowledging the faith of one substance. The em- peror told them, he would not molest any, what faith imd religion soever they professed ; but above all others, that he would honour and reverence such as shewed them- OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 85 selves peace -makers, and went about to maintain the bond of unity and concord. And Athanasius being dead, after he had been bishop forty six years, Peter was left behind to succeed him. The emperor Jovianus being also dead, and the Arians coming in favour, Lucius the Arian was settled in Alex- andria, whereupon great persecution followed in Egypt, wherein some were imprisoned, some tormented, and Others exiled ; Peter, the bishop of Alexandria^ was im- prisoned, and not long after an edict was proclaimed, by virtue of which, the religious houses in the desert were spoiled, the people thrown down, and cruelly beaten to the ground ; for the armed soldiers setting upon those accounted silly and unarmed souls, who would not stretch out the hand in their own defence, were miserably slain : the manner of which slaughter was so lamentable (saith the record) that it cannot sufficiently be manifest to the world ; and throughout Alexandria and Egypt, there were great persecutions to them that maintained the faith of one substance ; they were brought before the bar ; they were put in prison ; they were diversly tor- mented ai-yd vexed with sundry punishments ; set at nought ; scourged ; spoiled of their raiment ; fettered in prison ; crushed with stones ; beheaded with bloody swords ; shut u}) in the desert ; covered with sheep and goat skins ; destitute of aid and succour ; grievously af- flicted; whom the world was not worthy to enjo}', nor the earth to bear so holy a burden (saith the historian Rufmus) vv'iio is said to have been an eye-witness and partaker with them in the same calamity ; many wandered in ma- ny and dangerous ways, and hid themselves in mountains^ caves, dens, and hollow rocks ; all which, when Lucius had accomplished, he persuaded the captain to banish the fathers and ring-leaders of them. In those days, these sufterings brought the christia?-:s into a lowly frame and state, leading a self-denving life in deserts and other retired places ; the historian men- tions one of them, by which may be seen what princi- ples were amongst the rest. S6 THE CORRUPT l^RUITS There was, said he, one Moses, who led in the de- sert, a solitary or retired kind of life, and is said, for his zeal to religion and constant faith, to be famous among them: this Moses was taken from the wilderness and sent to Alexandria, with intent to be made bishop ; and being come to be made bishop, he refused to receive orders from Lucius ; and after this sort, reasoned with him, " I think myself unworthy of the priestly order, yet if it be for the profit of the commonwealth, that I be called unto the function, truly, thou, Lucius, shalt never lay hand upon my head ; for thy right hand is imbrued in slaughter and bloodshed." Then Lucius said again, that it became not him so contumeliously to revile him, but rather to learn of him the precepts of the christian re- ligion. Moses answered, " I am not come to reason of matters of religion ; but sure I am of this, that thy hor- rible practice against the brethren, proves thee to be ut- terly void of the true principles of the christian religion ; for the true christian striketh no man, revileth no man, iighteth with no man ; for the servant of God should be no fighter ; but thy deeds in exiling some, throwing others to wild beasts, burning some others, do cry out against thee ; yet are we surer of the things we see with our eyes, than of those we hear with our ears. So Moses was brouglit to a mountain, and made priest by such as v*ere exiled ; for now the wars ceased, and the persecuted found some comfort. But now the affairs of the church being quiet from persecution, they began to jangle about their creeds, and to differ again, and falling together by the ears, when a little outw ard peace from the emperor sprang in among them, which was occasioned by forcing their fiiith one upon another : this was the division among themselves, wlien there was no division made of them by the Roman governments ; and this was the trade a- moiig the christians, striving and contending for each othicr's bisho])rics, worse than some of the emperors, wlio were willing, many times, to leave things free as to matters of religion; the manner of the bishops at the gen- eral councils and synods being to cleave hairs (as they OF TH£ FALSE CHURCH. 87 used to say) at arguments, and they that were most cu- rious and subtle therein, were accounted the best mas- ters of faith, and so carried the matter, not according to the revelation of truth, but according to the subtlety of man, through which came all this ado and trouble in the world ; and that side which the emperor took part Avith, prevailed, keeping the other under. Thus matters of religion be- gan to be guided by policy, and to be enforced to be be- lieved, by the emperor's sword, or else great persecu- tion followed. Now the Christians were divided into a diversity of opinions, viz. Arians, Novatians, Macedo- nians, and Eunomiana, one severing himself from the other ; and these schisms and rents were many, as is usual where the unity of the spirit is not known in the bond of peace, and where logic and wit, and the wisdom which is from beneath, take upon them the determina- tion of truth. The other chief matters in which they differed, were, the time of observing Easter, their Lent, Communion, days of fasting, setting of their altar, priests marrying, &c. Concerning Easter, the greater part throughout the lesser Asia, held no discord with them that held the contrary opinion, until Victor, bishop of Rome, through broiling heat and choler, had excommunicated all Asia, for not believing his opinion in the same ; for which, Ireneus inveighed bitterly, by letter, .against him, and rebuked him for his harsh dealing, and furious rage. Though many councils were called, thinking thereby to make reconcilement in the matter of difference, yet the breach rather grew wider, deposing and banishing one another for refusing to be subject to tlie decrees and canons of councils ; for they were so strict, that they would not admit of tlie change of one syllable, avoiding the company, and refusing to commimicate with them that were otherwise minded ; on the other hand, others condemned the council, and their decrees, and accursed them, contending among themselves, whether Christ had one or two natures ; insomuch, that all the churches were divided into sundry factions, tl e bis'.iops refusing;- to communicate one with another. 88 THE CORRUPT FRUITS Thus the reader may see how far the Christians were degenerated from the life that the Apostles and first Christians were in, contending with, and destroying one another, aboui their forms and outward observations, as if they had wholly forgotten the doctrine of the Apostle, who wTote after this manner, *' how turn you again to these weak and beggarly elements, whereinto ye desir^ again to be in bondage ? Ye observe days, months, times, and years ; I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed on you labour in vain." Yet at this time, there were some sincere persons raised up to testify against the looseness and evils the pretended christians were run into ; for Chrisostome (saith the history) was bold and free in rebuking sin, especially in his public preaching ; and for that cause, was he hated by the clergy. He withstood Gainas, who requested of the einperor that he might obtain a temple at Constantinople for his people. About diis time, was John, patriarch of Alexandria, who of a hard sparing man, became bountiful in hospi- tality to to the poor ; he would twice a week, sit all the day at his door, to take up matters, and make unity where there was any variance. He lamented much one day, because none came that day to him, as having done no good ; but his deacon persuaded him rather to re- joice, that he had brought the city into that good order, that it needed no reconcilement. Near this time, died Gregory, bishop of Rome, in whose time, it is recorded, that the purity of the eccle- siastical doctrine was almost lost ; for it was imbrued and darkened with human traditions, and many and sun- dry sorts of superstitions were daily brought in, and there grew horrible and bitter darkness ; yet, saith my author, the Lord raised up some good men betimes. In this bishop's time, there happened a great controversy about the primacy of the church ; for John, bishop of Constantinople, was declared, in the whole synod of the Greeks, universal patriarch ; and Maritius, the empe- ror, commanded Gregory to obey the said patriarch of Constantinople ; but Gregory would not abide that any OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 89 bishop should be universal above all the rest. It is fur- ther said of Gregory, that lie was the basest of all his predecessors, and the best of all his successors. Boniface the third, being bishop of Rome, it is said, he -did more hurt in one year than Gregory could do good in m my. He obtained of Pnocas (the wicked emperor, who had murdered Mauritius, his master) that he and his successors in that see, should have an uni-ver- sal dominion over all the churches in Christendom. And it was observable, that as in the time of Con- stantine, the christians had more liberty, so they grew more ambitious; for then the bishops began first to think on mitres, who before time thought nothing else but to be martyrs ; and now no less would satisfy the ambition of the bishop of Rome, but to be head of all other bishops. In the year of Christ one thousand, religion was wholly decayed, to what it was in former times ; and from the year three hundred to that tune, many dark institutions and ceremonies were set up in the church of the pretended christians ; insomuch, that it became midnight for darkness, and the popes began to draw their swords to war in defence of Peter's keys. And now Henry the fourth, emperor, attended upon Hidlebrand, with his wife and children, bare-foot, at his palace- gate, and then he was made to swear unreasona- ble subjection to the pope in all things ; and when all ^was done, the pope gave away his crown to Redolph, duke of Swevia. The emperor this while sitting quietly at home, and considering how the people had wrested his power, in elections of popes, investing of prelates, Sec. how he had robbed all nations by his legates, and had spread discord in his empire ; he required homage and oaths of allegi- ance of all his bishops, and forbade all appeals to Rome, and the pope's legates to enter into his empire, without being sent for. Finally, in his letters, he prefixed his name before the pope's. Hereupon the pope ^vrote a rebuking letter to the emperor; the emperor wrote back, in defence of his doings, an apologetical epistle : the pope replied with a bull of excommunication: the empe- 90 THE CORRUPT FRUITS ror made answer to that, with accusatory letters against the vileness, pride, &c. of the see of Rome ; then the pope wrote to the German bishops to work against the emperor ; but they wrote excusing the emperor. This pope, towards the end of his life, (who died a- midst these broils, being choked with a fly as he was walking abroad) used to say, that there was not a more miserable kind of life than to be a pope. About this time, William the first, king of England, took down the prelates in temporalities in England ; for Ik ordained, that they should exercise no temporal au- thority at all, but rather in spirtualities ; and he raised them, as may be seen by a passage between Aldred, archbishop of York, and the king ; for at a time, upon the repulse of a certain suit, the archbishop, in great dis- contentment, offered to depart ; when the king, in awe of his displeasure, fell down at his feet, desired pardon, and promised to grant his suit ; the king all this while being down at the archbishop's feet, the noblemen that were present, put him in mind, that he should cause the king to rise ; nay, said the archbishop, let him alone, let him find what it is to anger Saint Peter. About this time, William the second, king of Eng- land, claimed the making of bishops to be his right, and forbade appeals and intercourse to Rome ; for appeals had been seldom used, till Anselm, in this king's reign, appealed to the pope, upon whose complaint, the pope was about to excommunicate the king,; but having a lit- tle before excommunicated the emperor, Henry the fourth, he forbore at that time to do it, lest by making ex- communication common, he should make it to be slighted : at this time, great contention arose between the king and archbishop Anselm; and Anselm not yielding to the king in any point prejudicial to the pope's authority, nor the king yielding to Anselm in any point prejudicial to his own prerogative, the contention continued long and hot; Anselm often threatening his going to Rome, the king told him plainly, he would not trust him out of the realm, but if he would go without his leave, he would then keep OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 91 him out during his pleasure ; and besides, he should car- ry nothing out of the realm with him. Yet Anselm ven- tured it, and the king performed it ; for William Warl- swast was sent to rifle him in his passage at sea of all he had ; neither was he suffered to return as long as the king lived, during all which time, the king took all the profits of his archbishopric to his own use. At this time, Henry the first, being king of England, at his first coming to the crown, he forbore his claim to the investitures of bishops ; but after he had been king some time, he claimed that both to invest bishops, and to allow or hinder appeals to Rome, belonged to him. In these, Anselm, archbishop of Canterbury, who was now returned into England, opposed him, affirming, that both of them belonged to the pope. The conten- tion at last was brought to the pope, to whom king Henry sent William Warlsvvast, elect bishop of Exe- ter ; who saying to the pope, that his master would not, for the crown of his realm, lose the authority of invest- ing his prelates ; the pope started up, and answered, neither will I lose the disposing of spiritual promotions in England, for the king's head that wears the crown : before God I avow it. So the contention grew long and hot, and many messengers were sent to and fro about it. The conclusion was, tiiat the king should receive hom- age of tlic bishop elect, but should not invest them by staff" and ring ; to which the king said nothing, for the present, but forbore not to do it nevertheless ; for five years after the death of Anselm, Ralph, bishop of Roch- ester, was by the king made archbishop of Canterbury, notwithstanding all the pope's threatenings. At this time, there being two popes chosen at a time, made a great schism and tumult. The emperor, to qui- et them, sent for them to appear before him. Alexan- der being one that was chosen, scorned the motion ; Victor appeared ; him, therefore, the emperor aided to the city, and settled to be pope. Alexander fled to France and Venice, and required aid against the empe- ror; at last, the emperor was fain to submit to the pope, who putting his foot upon the emperor's neck^ 92 THE CORRUPT TRUITS spoke these words. *' thou shalt walk upon the adders and basilisks, and shalt tread down the lion and dragon. " Mean while, the emperor speaking to the pope from un- der his foot, '' not to ti.ee, but to Peter " the pope an- swered, '' both to me, and to Peter." Thus the empe- ror, having subjected himself, promising to take Alex- ander for th'/ true pope, and to restore all that he had taken from Rome, departed. Henry, the emperor, was crowned (on condition of restoring many thivigs to Saint Peter, pretended by the pope to have been taken away,) the pope holding the crown between his feet, and so the emperor stooping with his head to take it on, the pope immediately, with his fool, struck it off again, iniimating his power to de- pose him, as well as ro crown him ; the cardinals taking up the crown, thus kicked off, put it on again. About the year 1216, after t-^e death of Hubert, arch- bish(;p of Canterbury, the monks at that convent, se- cretly in the night, elected one Reginald, their sub- prior, to succeed him, and caused him to go to Rome for confirmation ; but afterwards doubting how the king would take it, b? ing done without his knovvledge, they craved leave of king John to choose a fit man ; the king was content to allow them the election, but required himsrlf to have the nomination, and thereupon com- mended unto them John Gray, bishop of Norwich, whom he had especially favoured, and accordingly the monks elected him ; but the matter being afterward re- ferred to the pope, which of these elections should stand good, after many allegations on both sides, the pope, to shew himself indifferent to both, disallowed them both, and nominated a third man, one Stephen Langton, an Englishman, and a cardinal. The monks admitted him, but the king opposed it. The contest grew hot, and as the pope threatened the king to excommunicate him, and to interdict the kingdom; and the king threatened the pope to nullify his authority, and to banish the clergymen out of the realm; and the pope acted as much as he threaten- ed: for he interdicted the kingdom; so the king per- formed as much as he had spoken; for he drov:e the OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 93 monks out of the cloisters ; yet at last, when the pope's legate came into England, he told the king in what great danger he stood ; first, of the king of France by invasion, and then of his own subjects by rebellion, for both which, there was no other help, but reconcilement with the pope : this so touched him to the quick, that he made him leave his great words, and fall to ask him forgive- ness ; and taking off his crown from his head, he laid it down at tb.e legate's feet, to be disposed of as the pope should please, and the legate stuck not to take up his crown, and to keep it three or four days in his hands be- fore he restored it ; and did not then, neither, but upon condition, that he and his successors should hold the king- dom of the see of Rome, at the annual tribute of a tiiou- sand marks. This king John was shortly after poisoned by one Si- mon a monk, who v/as absolved of his abbot before hand, for doing this act. To accomplish his design, he found a toad in the garden, and pricked him with a pen- knife until he made him vomit up all his poison, which he having conveyed into a cup of wine, began to the king with a smiling countenance, speaking these words : ^' if it shall please your princely majesty, here is such a cup of wine, as you never drank a better ; I trust this was- sail shall make all England glad :'' the king having drunk, and anon being ill, inquired for Simon the monk; to whom some answered, that he was departed this life, the king replied, then God have mercy on my soul ; and so he died, much repenting of his former life. About this time, several persons were stirred up by the Lord, to declare against the pope as an Heretic, and were by him condemned for their pains, viz. Arnoldus, Jo- hannes, Semeca, Gulielmus de Santo amore, Callus, and Grosthead, great writers against the pope's decrees, giv- ing many signs of false teachers ; of whom see more in the testimonies of the martyrs. The pope being at variance with the emperor, Fred- erick the second, would not on any terms be reconciled, though the king of France strongly interceded, and the emperor cleared himself of all imputation, and offered full 94 THE CORRUPT PRtflTS satisfa ction for all pretended wrongs, and to go out of his empire (if the pope would not endure him there) to the holy land, never to return into Europe again, so as his son Henry, nephew to king Henry, of England, might suc- ceed him ; with oifers of other most reasonable condi- tions. And thus, having given a brief relation of the most material passages in the affairs of the pretended christian church till this time ; I shall now proceed to give a dis- covery of the beginning and proceedings of the monks, friars, and Jesuits, who now began to sw^arm in the apos- tatized church of the papists. • We read, that many religious men lieretofore, con- temning tie world, and all the pomp, pride, and vanity thereof, withdrew themselves, into the wilderness and desert places, in Syria, Egypt, and otlier countries, it being in the time of great persecution, to the end they might the better, (being not troubled with worldly cares and encumbrances,) bestow their time in reading th« scriptures, fasting, praying, meditating, and such divine exercises, whereof Paul, sirnamed the first hermit, An- thony, Hilarion, Basil, and Jerome, were the first and chiefest among the christians, who, for their sanctity in life, were in those days had in great honor ; for then this kind of life was simple and free, and not bound or tied to unlaw^ful vows and ridiculous ceremonies, as afterwards came to be observed by such as were called monks and friars; their habit was then homely, and yet decent, as eve- ry man was best pleased to wear; neither were they bound to abide or remain in any one particular place, nor tied to one kind of life by vow, but free to stay where they lik- ed best, or to go into any city or country where they would, at their own pleasure : they sought out the most desert place that they could find, that is, in the wilderness, working with their hands, and getting their living by the sweat of their brow, and gave a singular good example to all men to live virtuously and godly, instructing their flimilies, and others that resorted unto them, to lead a godly and christian life ; and were admired and honour- ed of all good men for their doctrine, integrity of life, and OF THE FALSE CHURC«. 95 godly zeal ; for as yet, the christians had but one law and one religion, which afterwards fell out otherwise, to the grief and sorrow of the upright among them, to see what rents and divisions, sects and factions, superstitions and ceremonies, were brought in amongst them, although good stirrings there might be araongst these that lived this private life. Their successors and imitators were far from being like them,for the words of Philo, cried by Euschius,are these; **nowlet ourmonks," saith he, " who live like kings, who swim in all manner of delights and pleasures, who affect nothing more than promotion and honour, and whose chiefest care and study are to gather wealth and to hoard up gold, silver, Sec." About this time several sects of monks began to spread forth out of the order of Benedictus : their habit was, to wear a black loose coat of stuff, reaching down to their heels, with a cowle or hood to cover their bald heads, hanging down to their shoulders ; and under that coat, another white habit as large as the former : they shave the hairs off their heads, except one little round circle, which they call corona ; they are bound to abstain from flesh, unless it be when they are sick : these Benedictine monks would have the world believe, that they are godly and religious men, and would not be ranked with the Jesu- its, who were statesmen, for they (poor monks) meddle ,not with matters of state, or with kings' affairs. But not- withstanding their counterfeit holiness, an English Bene- dictine monk of Swinsted abbey, poisoned king John, as is before related; for which fact, he was, and still is highly honoured by all papists in general ; and one said of him thus: "rcgemperimcre meritoriumratus est:" bethought it a meritorious deed to kill the king. About this time, began to peep out another sect of monks, called Montelinetences, at the time when there were three several popes living who troubled all Christen- dom for their Papacy. The institutor of this family of monks, was one Bernardus Ptolomeus. They lived, at the first, at Sienna in Italy, but afterwards (having gath- ered their crumbs togetlicr) tlu-y built an abbey on the 96 THE CORRUPT FRUITS top of an hill not far from thence ; and they wore a white habit. This family was approved by pope Gregory the twelfth. The Bethlemite friars began in 1257. Their first dwel- ling was at Cambridge ; and their habit was like the Do- minican friars, saving these wore a star on their breast, wrought upon their habit, in memorial of the star which appeared at the time that Christ was born at Bethlehem. There started up so many sects of monks, friars, and nuns, at this time, in England, that the Commonwealth was so oppressed and exhausted by them, that it was not able to satisfy their exhorbitant and greedy desires. The monks, called Praenionstratensis descended, down from heaven (as they themselves brag) in the bishopric of Lodan, at a place, which they call Praemonstratum. The author of tnis order was Northbertus, a priest, born in Lorain, who patched up an order, or rule, for his new- begotten monks, out of Augustin's rule, which was after- wards approved and confirmed by pope Calixtus the se- cond ; they wore a long white cloth coat, open before, and a linen surplice over, and over that a long white cloak, a corner cap or hat (when they go abroad) of the same colour, and underneath all doublets, breeches, lin- en shirts, shoes, and white stockings. These monks have lands and revenues to maintain themselves, and are rich wheresoever they live. This sect began about the year 1170, and had abbeys in England. About this time appeared first in England, the order of crutched friars ; this order is more ancient than all the former orders, if the reader will believe them, for they say, that Ciitus, Peter's disciple, the third bishop of Rome after him, was warned by an angel, to build for him an house, to entertain all those that fled thither for the christian religion's sake, which he with all speed per- formed; so that, in a short time many godly men repaired thither, and were entertained, who, for many years after bore a cross in their hands, in memorial of the death of Christ. A thing unlike to be true, that Ciitus should be warned by an angel, to build an house for a company of lazy friers, to entertain all those that fled to Rome for the OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 97 christian religion's sake, whereas the very names of monks and friars were not then, or many hundred years after, either known or heard of in the ciairch of God, and with all, the persecution was then so great in Rome, that the saints themselves were constrained to forsake the city, and therefore it is not creditable, that christians should fly thither for relief. Pope Pius commanded these fri- ars to wear a sky- coloured habit, but now this order wear black, and a cross of red cloth or scarlet, fixed to their habit on their breast ; they likewise live by their lands and revenues. They had a monastery heretofore at Tower-hill, which is now put to a better use, being built up into tenements. In the time of pope Innocent the third, the Trinitarian friars began to shew themselves to the world. One Johan- nes Matta, and one Felix Anchorita, who lived a solita- ry life in France, were warned in their sleep, (as they re- port) to repair to Rome to the pope, and to seek for a place for him to build a cloister ; and this pope (as they say) was warned in a vision to entertain them, which he did, and ordained, that they should wear a white habit, with a red and sky-coloured cross wrought on their breast. Their charge was to go and gather money to redeem christiai^s, that were captives under the Turks, and were called monks of the redemption of cap- tives, but instead of redeeming captives, they purchased * lands with the money they gathered ; so that the captives, if they had no reward from^ Christ for suffering for his sake, were like to have no redemption from these friars. Bridget, of Sweethland, being a widow, did institute an order of friars and nuns, and coming herself to Rome, obtained of pope Urban the fifth, a confirmation of the same order or institution, that both sexes should live to- gether in one cloister, having a wall between them, and that the nuns should lie in the uppermost chambers, and the friars underneath them. The next is the Minorite friars. They wear a morish- coloured habit, and never eat fiesh, butter or ch^^ese, but feed on the best fish, and oil, the finest bread and purest n I 98 THE CORRUPT JRUITS wine, the best spices, fruit, herbs, and roots, that they can buy for their money. They had a cloister built for them, at Barkhempsted in England, in the year 1257. The Mendicant, or begging friars wear a long white coat of cloth down to their heels, all loose, Avith a cowle or hood of the same, when they are in their cloisters; when they go abroad, they wear another black coat over the other, with another cowle ; both their coats are then bound close to their bodies, with a broad leather girdle or belt, which girdle is a very holy thing (if they may be believed) for they call it St. Austin's girdle, and many lame people wear it for pure devotion's sake, looking upon it to have some singular virtue in it; diis leather belt is given to none but those that are special benefactors, and such as pay dearly for it, which brings them in no small benefit. The next is the Carmelite friars : that is, friars of the order of the blessed Virgin Mary, of mount Carmel. — Their first appearance in the world was in the year 1270 ; at first they were ordained to wear a party-coloured hab- it, white and red, made in the form of a man, the which they then dreamed to be like unto that which Elias used to w^ear ; but afterwards pope Honorius forbid them to wear that habit, as being not well befitting their pro- fession, and therefore a black long habit and a cowle was given them, and over that a long white robe or cloak, as best agreeing with virginity. Another sort is the Franciscan, or gray friars, of whom it is said, they would not touch any money, and made a show, as if they abstained from all flesh, and did eat nothing but raw herbs and roots, and wore wooden clogs instead of shoes, railing against other friars, who ^possessed money, and eat meat, wore shoes and stockings, &c. But these did not long persevere in this austere life, their delight being to fare deliciously. There is a sort of these Franciscans, called Penitenti- arians : they w^ear no linen, as they say, neither doublet, breeches nor hose, except a little pair of linen drawers to save their skin from their coarse habit; instead of shoes, they Wear wooden clogs, which are under their feet. OF THE FALSE CHURCH. 99 bound over with leather straps, their habit is made of a very coarse cloth, and close before, reaching down to their heels, with a cowle close to their head made of the same, and also a gray rope made of hair, full of knots, instead of a girdle about their loins ; they never ride, but go a foot, when they travel ; they have a pair of great wooden beads, with a wooden cross tied to their gir- dle before them : if these Franciscan friars may be be- lieved, tliey say, all that they wear about them is holy ; yea, all that they eat, drink or touch is sanctified ; their cowle, habit, sandals, and especially their knotty girdles, they say, have many virtues, and therefore they have no small profit from the lay -people, that they may wear them. The origin of the society of Jesuits is but of a new institution, whereof the founder was one Ignatius Loyala, born in Spain, who had been a soldier, and was hurt on both of his knees, and halted ever after : his order was confirmed by Paul the third, in the year 1504, and himself sanctified by pope Paul the fifth in the year 1622, not for his holiness and sanctity of life, but for an infinite sum of money given unto the pope by the Jesu- its ; and withal, because the duke of Bavaria (by the wicked practice, and policy of his children the Jesuits, and the help of the king of Spain) had taken the Palati- nate from the prince elector, the true and lawful owner thereof : this Ignatius, ordained that all those of this so- ciety, should call themselves Jesuits, or patres societatis Jesu ; fathers of the society of Jesus. Valderama preached, that when this St. Ignatius re- solved to quit the soldier's life, the very walls of the house wherein he then was, shook, the beams and posts trembled ; all that were in it betook themselves to Right, and ran out of doors as fast as they could : even as when a strange eruption of fire sudden- ly breaks out in some high mountain ; so when interior fire began to be discovered in him, who before was cold and frozen, as to religion, it lightened forth in such sort, that it caused a thousand amazements, a thousand firing of houses, &c. there was never any /Etna, or fiammg 100 THE CORRUPT JRUITS mountain, that did the Uke ; thus far are the words of Valderama. And further the reader may see what ignorance was among the papists at this time, for the heathen peo- ple heretofore had many Gods, and every one of them had his distinct office, as Apollo was the God of wisdom ; Mars of wars ; iEolus of the winds ; Neptune of the seas, &c. the papists have many saints which they hohour, and every one hath his several charge assigned unto him ; as St. Anthony for swine and for fire ; St. Roch to cure the plague, and sheep ; St. Lucy for the tooth- ach ; St. Petronal for the fever ; St. Martin for the itch ; St. Valentine for lovers ; St. Crispine for shoe-makers ; St. Clement for bakers, brewers and victuallers ; St. Se- bastine for archers ; St. Nicholas for butchers ; and iua» ny more. *J.M HIILU> WHM.*l"W «l 1 JIMI JUMAMjaL' ■ ■ > If H IIJU»_U«t.'.!— !■ ■UIIH UW W^ J ■ I AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE BOOK OF MARTYRS AN ABRIDGMENT OF THE BOOK OF MARTYRS The history of the persecutions^ and great sufferings sus- tained by the faithful servants of the Lord both before and after the Jews^ apostacy, and before the coining of Christ. The great enemy to all mankind is that wicked spirit of persecution, which moved Cain against his righteous broth- er Abel: the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offer- ing ; but unto Cain, and to his offering he had not respect : and Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him: and the Lord said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother ? Andhe said, I know not: and the Lord said, a fugitive and ^ a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said un- to the Lord, my punishment is greater than I can bear. And Pharaoh afflicted the people of God a long time, which grieved the good spirit of God in his people ; but they cried out to die Lord in their oppressions ; for the Egyptians made the childen of Israel to serve with rig- our ; and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage ; the king commanding the midwives to slay all the male children, yet the Lord delivered his people out of all these afflictions with a mighty hand ; and he poured out his judgments upon Pharaoh, and upon the Egyptians that oppressed his people ; and he set his people free ; for while the people of God had a sense of their bondage and sufferings, and cried unto the Lord, through the multi- tude of their oppressions, the Lord heard and answered 104 PERSECUTIONS BEFORE THE them, and delivered them by the hand of his servant Moses, by whom he gave them laws, which they were to obey and which they submitted to. Then God was with them as a mighty defence, and in this time of sufferings, they kept nigh to the Lord, and he was with them, and was a rock of defence unto them. And because Mordecai, the servant of the Lord, could not bow, nor do reverence to proud Human, Haman was full of wrath, and he thought scorn to lay hands on Mor- decai alone ; wherefore he sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, there is a certain people scattered abroad, and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom, and their laws are diverse from all people, neither keep they the king's laws ; therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them : if it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver. And the king said, the sil- ver is given to thee, and the people also, todo with them as seemeth good to thee. And letters were sent to the ru- lers of all the provinces to destroy all, both young and old, little children, and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. Thus this proud persecutor endeavour- ed to destroy this people, had not queen Esther made supplication to the king on their behalf, and by that means, a stop was put to the wicked design ; and he was hanged on the gallows that he prepared for Mordecai. Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord ; but Obadi- ah (who was governor of Ahab's house) being one that feared the Lord greatly, took an hundred of the proph- ets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water. Ahab persecuted Elijah, and said to him, art thou he that troubleth Israel ? He answered I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy father's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalam. Jezebel persecuted Elijah, so that he fled into the v.iK derness. COMING OF CHRIST. 105 Manasses persecuted the prop;iet Isaiah for reproving him, and caused him to be sawn asunder with a woodcri saw. Jeremiah was persecuted for declaring the word of the Lord to all the cities of Judah, and for saying, *' thus saith the Lord, if ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you, &:c. then will I make this house like Shiloh. and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth," and all the people were gather- red against him in the house of the Lord, and the priests and prophets said unto the princes and people, '' ti.is man is worthy to die, for he hath prophesied against this city.'^ Jeremiah said, " the Lord sent me to prophesy against this house, and against this city." *' As for me," (saith he) " behold, I am in your hand, do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you : but know for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall sure- ly bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon thii* city." And Jeremiah was shut up in the court of the prison^ which was in the king of Judah's house. And the princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him into a dungeon. Nebuchadnezzar persecuted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, because they would not bow to the golden image he had set up. The king told them, that if they would not worship the image Vv^hich he had made, they should be cast into the burning fiery furnace. They an- swered, *' O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to an- swer thee in this matter ; if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace ; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O l^ing ; but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, v/e will not serve thy gods, &c." Then was he fuUof fury, and commanded the furnacs to be heated seven times more than it was wont to be, and commanded that they should be bound with their hats and coats on, and cast into it ; but the Lord pre- served them in the flames, so that the fire had no power over them. i06 PERSECUTIONS BEFORE THE The princes under Darius also persecuted the proph- et Daniel, against whom they confessed they could find no occasion, except it were concerning the law of his God ; wherefore, they persuaded the king to make a de- cree, that whosoever should ask a petition of God or man for thirty days, save of the king, should be cast into the den of lions : but Daniel, as he did afore-time, opened his windows towards Jerusalem, and kneeled down, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God ; of which these persecutors acquainted the king ; then the king com- manded, and they cast Daniel into the den of lions, but the Lord preserved him that the lions hurt him not, be- cause he believed in his God ; which the king hearing of, caused Daniel to be taken up out of the den, and commanded them that were his persecutors to be cast into it, which was done, and they were soon destroyed. The constancy and faithful suffering of some of the anciejit people of the Jews, rather than they would be forced to depart from the laws of their Jathersy and to live con^ trary to the laws of God* Eleazer, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well-favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swines' flesh ; but he choos- ing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment, as it behoved them to come, that are resolved to stand out against such things as are not lawful, for love of life, to be tasted : but they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as w^as lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king ; that in so do- ing, he might be delivered from death, and from the old friendship with them, find favour. But he began to con- sider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excel- lency of his ancient years, and the honor of his grey COMING OF CHRIST. 107 head, whereunto he v/as come, and his most honest edu- cation from a child, or rather the holy law made and giv- en by God ; therefore, he answered accoiidingly, and willed them straightway to send him to the grave : "for it becometh not our age (said he) in any wise to dissem- ble, whereby many young persons might think that El- eazer, being fourscore years old and ten, was now gone to a strange religion, and so they, through my hypocrisy, and desire to live a litde time longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to my old age, and make it a- bominable ; for though, for the present time, I should be delivered from the punishment of men, yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, either alive, or dead ; wherefore, now manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth, and leave a notable example to such as be young, to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws." And when iie had said those words, immediately he went to the torment ; -rfiey that led him changing the good-will they bore him a little before into hatred, because ti:ie a- foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a des- perate mind. But wher^^he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, " it is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body, by being beaten, but in soul am well content to suf- fer these things, because I fear him." And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation. The constancy and cruel death of seven brethren and their mother in one daijy because they would not eat swuies' fiesh at the ki?tg^s commandment* Seven brethren, with their mother, were taken, and compelled by the king, against the law, to taste swines' flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips ; but 108 PERSECUTIONS BEFORE THE one of them that spake first, said thus, *' what wouldst thou ask or learn of us ? We are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers ; then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot, which fortliwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren, and his mother looking on. When he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him, being yet alive, to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan ; and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another, with the mother, to die nnm- fully, saying thus ; " the Lord Gcd looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us ; as Moses, in his song, which witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, " and he shall be comforted in his servants." So when the first was dead, after this manner, they brought t^e se- cond to make a mocking stock ; and when they had pulled oft the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, '' wilt thou eat, before thou be punished through- out every member of thy body ? But he answered in his own language, and said, no ; wherefore, he also receiv- ed the next torment, in order as the former did ; and when he was at the last gasp, he said ; '' thou, like a fu- ry, tnkest us out of this present life, but the king of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting lif ." After him, \¥as the third made a m.ock- ing stock ; and when he was required, le put out his tongue, and that soon, holding forth his hands manful- ly, and said courageously ; " these 1 had from Heaven, and for his laws, 1 despise them ; and from him I hope to receive tl em again ; insomuch, that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man's cour- age ; for he did not regard the pains. Now, when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner ; so when he was ready to die, he said thus : '' it is good being put to death by men, to look for hope from God, to be raised up again by him ; as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life." After- wards, they brought the fifth also, and mangled him ; COMING OF CHRIST. 100 then looked he unto the king, and said, *' thou hast pow- er over men ; thou art corruptible ; thou dost what thou wilt ; yet, think not, that our nation is forsaken of God ; but abide a while, and beliold his great power, how he will torment thee, and thy seed." After him, also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die, said, '* be not deceived without cause, for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God, therefore, mar- vellous things are done unto us ; but think not, thou that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt es- cape unpunished." But the mother was marvellous a- bove all, and worthy of honorable memory ; for when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she bore it v/ith good courage, because of the hope she had in ti e Lord ; yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled with courageous spirit, and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them ; *' I cannot tell hov/ you came into my womb, for I neither gave you breath nor life ; neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you ; but doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of man, and found out the begin- ning of all things, will also, of his own mercy, give you breath and life again, as you now regard not your own selves for his law's sake." Now, Antiochus thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet aiive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and happy man, if he would turn irom the laws of his fathers ; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs ; but when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her, that she would counsel the young man to save his life ; and when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she would counsel her son ; but she bowing lierself tow- ards him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake on this manner. " O my son, have pity upon me that bore thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee suck three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this 110 PERSECUTlOi^S BEFORfi^ THE age, and endured the troubles of education. I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not, and so was mankind made likewise ; fear not this tormentor, but being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death, that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren." While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, '^ whom wait ye for ? I will not obey the king's commandment, but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses ; and thou that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hand of God ; for we suffer because of our sins ; and though the living Lord be angry with us a little while, for' our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his ser- vants. But thou, O Godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up •widi uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hands against the ser- vants of God ; fur thou hast not yet escaped the judg- ment of Almighty God who seeth all things ; for our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead un- der God's covenant of everlasting life ; but thou, through thejudgment of God, shalt receive just punishmentfor thy pride ; but I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life, for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation, and that thou, by torments and plagues may confess that he alone is God; and that in me, and my brethren, the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon all our nation, may cease." Then the king, being in a rage, handled him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked ; so this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the Lord : last of all, after the sons, the mother died. When her sons were apprehended, she exhorted them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, " O my most dear and loving children, let us hasten to that agony which may credit our profession, and be rewarded by God with eternal life ; let us fearlessly present onr bodies to those torments which aged Eleazer endured ; let us call to mind our father Abraham, who having but one only son, willingly sac- COMING OF CHRIST. Ill sacrificed him at God's command, and feared not to bring him to the altar, whom, with many prayers, he had obtained in his old age. Remember Daniel, the three children, &:c." Antiochus being enraged against her, caused her to be stripped naked, hanged up by the hands, and cruelly whipped ; then wds she herself put into the red hot frying-pan, where, lifting up her hands and eyes to heaven, in the midst of her prayers, she yielded up her chaste soul unto God. But God suffered not the cruel tyrant to escape unpunished ; for, in his wars against >- the Persians, the Lord struck him with madness ; his entrails were devoured with worms ; and stinking like carrion, in the extremity of his torments, he gave up the ghost. .4n account of the great persecutions and 7nartyrdoms of the christians^ after the coming of Christ, After the Jews, who were once the people of God, and had the laws, statutes, ordinances, and commands, of God made known to them, as is before related, had apostatized from the holy spirit, or life, they provoked God, and soon forgot him, and shamefully entreated and killed the servants and messengers of God ; yet the Lord had compassion on mankind, and remembered his promise ; and in love to tlie world, he sent forth hi» Son, who said when he was come, he was tlie '' true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," yet the world knew him not, but God sent his messenger to prepare his way, and the voice of one cri- ed in the wilderness, " prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make straight paths for our God ;" and when this messenger, whose name was John, was come, tlie hand of the Lord was with him, and he preached repentance for the remission of sins ; and for reproving Herod of his evils, he was shut up in prison ; and Christ testified of him, '* that among those that were born of women, there was not a greater prophet than John." 112 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE To this Herod, who had married Herodias, his brother's wife, John said, " it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife ;" therefore, the persecuting spirit arose in Herodias, and she would have killed him, but could not ; yet afterwards she was the cause of John the Baptist's being beheaded in prison. And when Christ Jesus appeared, who is the light of the world, whom John called the lamb of God, w^ho tes- tified against the apostatized Jews, and their false wor- ship in their dead forms, saying, *' God is a spirit, and they that w^orship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth;" yet him these Jews rejected, and would not re- ceive, that they might have life ; and when he said, ^* I am the bread of life," and, ''I am the living bread which came down from heaven ; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever ; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world ;" the Jews, in their ignorance, reasoned, say- ing, *' how can this man give us his flesh to eat ? And they would not believe in him, though he did such great works and miracles amongst them, that never man did the like, yet they sought to kill him ; neverthe- less, they would be accounted of Abraham's seed, and called him their father ; but, said Christ, " if ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the work of Abra- ham ; but now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth ; ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do ; he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him." And this blessed lamb of God, Christ Jesus, did these persecuting Jews crucify and put to death, as may be read at large in the scriptures. After they had crucified the Lord of life, then they per- secuted his disciples and apostles as followeth. When the Jews heard what Stephen had declared, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth ; but he being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of COMING OF CHRIST. 113 man standing on the right hand of God ; then they cri- ed out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and Stephen called upon God, saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit ; and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge ; and when he had said this, he fell asleep." After the martyrdom of this blessed Stephen, the apostle James suffered next ; mention of which is in the acts of the apostles ; how, that not long after the stoning of Stephen, king Herod stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the church, and slew James, the broth- er of John, with the sword. Of this James, Eusebius also makes mention, quoting Clement, who writes this memorable story of him: *' when he who brought James to the tribinial seat, and was the cause of his trouble, saw him condemned, and that he should suffer death, as he went to the execution, being moved there- with in heart and conscience, confessed himself also, of his own accord, to be a christian : and so were they led forth together, where, in the way, he desired of James to forgive him what he had done ; after James had a lit- tle paused upon the matter, turning to him, he said, peace be unto thee, brother, and kissed him, and they both were beheaded together, in the year SQ,"*^ James, the brother of Christ, was termed a just and perfect man. It is said, that he took in hand the govern- ment of the church, after the apostles ; and when many of the princes were persuaded to believe, there arose a tumult of the Jews, Scribes, and Pharisees, saying, " it is very dangerous lest the whole people look after this Jesus, as though he were Christ ;" and being gathered together, they said to James, " we pray thee stay this peoplCj for they err in Jesus, as though he. were the true Christ : we pray thee persuade this people concerning Jesus, for we all obey thee ; yea, w^e and all the people testify of thee, that thou art just, and respectest not the person of any man ; stand, therefore, upon the pin- nacle of the temple, that thou mayst.bc seen aloft, and 9, 114 PEllSEetrXIONS AFTER THE that thy word may be lieard plainly of all the people." The aforesaid Scribes and Pijarisees placed James upon the pinnacle of the temple, and shouted to him, and said, ** thou just man, at whose commandment we are all here, insomuch as this people are seduced after Jesus, who was crucified, declare unto us which isthedoor, or way of Jesus crucified ;" and he answered with a loud voice, *• why ask ye me of Jesus the Son of man, when as he sltteth at the right hand of great power in heaven?" When as he had persuaded many, so th.at they glorified God at the testimony of James, and said,'"^^3osanna in the highest to the Son of David." Then the Scribes and Pharisees said among themselves, " we have done very ill in causing such a testimony of Jesus to be brought forth ; but let us climb up and take him, to the end that the people may be stricken with fear, and so may be brought to renounce his faith ;" and they shouted, saying, "Oh! Oh! and the just also is seduced;" so they climbed up, and threw Justus down headlong, sa)^- ing, ''let us stone James Justus ;" and they began to throw stones at him ; for, after his fall, he was not fully dead : and he fell upon his knees, saying, " I beseech thee. Lord God and Father, forgive them, for they wot not what they do." And as they were stoning him, one of the priests, the son of Rachab, spake to them the testimony wiiich is in Jeremiah, the prophet, and cried out, " cease, what do you ? this just man pray- eth for you." And one of them that were present, taking a fuller's club, struck Justus on the head, and killed him. This James was so notable a man, that for his justness, he was honoured by all men ; insomuch, that the wise men of the Jews, shortly after his martyr- dom, imputed the cause of the besieging of Jerusalem, and other calamities which happened unto them, to the violence and injury done to this man. Also, Josephus hath not left this out of his history ; for he speaketli of him after this manner : " these things so happened unto the Jews for a vengeance, because of that just man James, v/ho was the brother of Jesus ; for shortly after his suffering, Vespatian, tlie emperor, destroyed the land of Jury, and brought them into captivity.'' COIvIING Cr CHRIST. 115 A relation of the persecutions 7'aised hy the Romans against the Christiajis, in the primitive age of the church, during the space of three hundred years, EusEBius, and most writers, number the Hrst persecutions to be ten ; wherein great numbers of the christians were slain and tormented ; some were slain with the sword ; some were burnt with fire ; some were scourged with whips ; some were stabbed with forks of iron ; some were fastened to the cross, or gib- bet ; some were drowned in the sea ; some had their skins plucked oft'; some had their tongues cut out; some were stoned to death; some were killed with cold; some were starved with hunger ; some had their arms cut of, or were otherwise dismembered ; and others were left naked to the open shame of the world ; in which khids of punishment, though they were diverse, yet the con- stancy of all these martyrs was the same. The first of these ten persecutions was stirred up by Nero Domitias, about the year 67, after the birth of Christ. Orosius writeth of Nero, that he was the first within Rome wt.o raised up persecution against the christians, and not only in Rome, but in all the provin- ces thereof, thinking thereby to abolish the name of christians in all places. In this persecution, the apostle Peter suffered death, with many more christians, as Hierome said. Simon Peter, the son of Jona, of the province of Galilee, and of the town of Bethsaida, the brother of Andrew, about the year 44, after Christ's birth, came to Rome to with- stand Simon Magus, in the time of Nero, and was cru- cified with his head downwards, and his feet upwards, himself so requesting ; "because," said he, *' lam un- worthy to be crucified after the same manner as the Lord was." Paul the apostle, after his great travel and labours in preaching the gospel in divers countries, at last suffered martyrdom in this first persecution under Nero. He was beheaded, some writers say, on the same day of the year on which Peter was crucifiedfl^Itliough not in the 116 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE same year, but in the year folio wing, which was the thirty- seventh year after the passion of Christ. He was delivered by Nero, bound, unto Longinius and Magistus, the chief oiTicers, and Acestus, the Cen- turion, that they should lead him without the city, and cause him to be beheaded. And Paul being full of the Holy Ghost, spake the words of eternal life,' that Nero, and all the people, should believe in Jesus Christ, who was king of heaven and earth, and who would destroy the glory of the world with fire. When they had led him away, Longimus, Magistus, and Acestus, began to say unto him, " tell us. Oh, Paul, w^here is that king? and where will he appear unto you ? and how will you know him ? and what will he give unto you, or what .good will he bestow upon you, that you christians so mightily love him, that b} no means you Vvdll consent unto our religion, that you may live and enjoy the good of this life ; but rather, than all the pleasures of delight, to be led to die for him with divers torments ? For this seems to us to be a great error, to hate this joyful life, and to embrace, with all your desire, punishment and death." Paul, therefore, said, " O ye wise men, and flourishing in knowledge, depart out of the darkness and error wherein the nobility of your understanding is clouded wdth darkness, lest you should see the truth, which lieth hid in you : turn the eyes of your minds to the eternal true light, that ye may be able first to know yourselves ; and so come to the knowledge of that king with gladness, and to be saved from the fire which is to come upon the w^orld, and to remain unhurt ; for we do not war, as you think, for some earthly king, but for the living God, and the kingdom without end, ^ who, by reason of the iniquities that are done in this world, will come a judge, and w^ill judge it by fire. Happy will that man be who will believe in him ; he shall have eter^ nal life, and shall live world without end ; and most un- happy is he, who, despising the riches of his bounties and long suffering, will not return unto him, for he shall perish eternally." COMING OF CHRIST. 117 The first persecution, beginning under Nero, as afore- said, ceased under Vespatian, who gave some rest to the poor christians. Not long after whose reign, the second persecution was begun by the emperor Domi- tian, brother of Titus. His tyn^nny was unmeasurable; for he put to death all the nephews of Jude, called the Lord's brothers, and caused to be sought out, and to be slain, all that could be found of the stock of David. In the time of this persecution, Simon, bishop of Je- rusalem, after other torments, was crucified to death. In this persecution, John the evangelist, was banished into Patmos. for t' e testimony of the word; and, after the death of Domitian, in the reign of Pertinax the em- peror, he came to Ephesus, and was released in the year 100. He lived to a great age ; some write, till he i^ was 120. And this was his practice to his dying day, when age and weakness grew upon him at Ephesus, that he was no longer able to preach to them, he used, at every^ public meeting, to be led to the meeting, and say no more to them, than, little children, love one another. He expressed great care for the good of souls, un- weariedly spending himself in the service of the gospel, in order to beget people to the truth. Witness one in- stance : in his visitation to the churches, near Ephesus, he made choice of a young man, of a goodly appear- ance, and a fervent mind, whom, with a special charge for his instruction and education, he committed to the bishop of that place : afterwards, John returned to Ephe- sus. But in process of time, the young man became very dissolute, and accompanied himself with idle, dis- solute persons, of ill behaviour, who ])ut liim in a way to steal and rob ; so after he forsook the right way, ha brought himself unto a bottomless pit of all disorder and outrage ; and a rout of thieves being gathered to- gether, he became their captain, which John, at his re- turn, understanding, was sorely troubled, and said, I have left a \\-ise keeper of our brother's soul : prepare me a horse, andjet me have a guide ; he hastened and rode ppst ; being come to the plfce appointed, he 118 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE was sti'aighUvay taken by the thievish watch ; he neither fied nor resisted, but said, " bring me to your captain;" who, in the mean time, as he was armed, beheld him coming ; but as soon as he saw his face, and knew it was John, lie was stricken with shame, and fled away ; the old man pursued, and cried, '' my son, why fleest thou ? O son, tender my case, be not afraid, as yet there re- maineth hope of salvation : I will undertake for thee with Christ : I will die for thee, if need be, as Christ did for us." Which words seized so on the young man, that his countenance changed, and he shook olf his armour, and trembled, and wept bitterly, and embraced the old man, and answered as well as he could for weeping ; so after- wards, the apostle brought him into the church again. Yet nowithstanding all these continual persecutions and horri- ble punishments, the christians daily increased, being deeply rooted in the doctrine of the apostles, and watered plenteously vvith the blood of saints, as saith Nicephorus. Everastus, bishop of Rome, was martyred under Trajan, in the ytiw 102, after Christ ; and Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was martyred in his reign ; with ma- ny more christians. This Trajan was veiy impious towards the christian religion, and cruel towards the chnstians, and caused the third persecution ; in which persecution, Pliny the second, a heathen philosopher, a man learned and famous, seeing the lamentable slaughter of the christians, and moved therewith to pity, wrote to Trajim, of the pitiful persecution, informing him, that there were very many thousands of them daily put to death ; of which none did any thing contrary to the Ro- man laws, worthy of persecution, saving that they used to gather together, in the morning before day, and sing hymns to a certain God, whom they worshipped, called Christ. In all their other ordinances, they were godly and honest ; and for proof hereof, said he, I caused two maidens to be laid on the rack ; and with torments to be examined about the same ; but finding nothing in them, but immoderate superstition, I resolved to cease far- ther inquir}', till I received further instructions from you in this matter. Trajan having read thi%epestle, returned COMING OF CHRIST. ^ 119 for answer, that it was his mind, that the christians should not be sought cifter ; but if they were brought and convicted, that tliey should suffer execution. Whereof, Teitullian speaking, said, ^' oh ! confused sentence, he would not have them sought for, as men in- noce-nt, and yet would have them punished as men guil- ty." This Trajan sent a command to Jerusalem, that whosoever could Ije found of the stock of David, should be inquired for, and put to death. In this perse- cution, suffered Phocas, bishop of Pontus, whom Tra- jan, because he would not worship Neptune, caused to be cast into a hot lime- kiln; and afterwards to be put into a scalding bath, where he ended his life in the cause of Christ. Then, also, Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was apprehended and sent to Rome, where he was devoured by wild beasts ; and besides these, many thousands more \vere martyred. In the reign of Antolius Verus, a great number of the christians suffered most cruel punishments and torments, especially in Asia and France ; among whom was Poli- carp, bishop of Smyrna, who was burnt at a stake at Smyrna. About this time also, suffered Blandina and Ponticus, a youth of fifteen years old, who, defying their idols, and constantly cleaving to Christ, were put to all the torments their enraged enemies could devise, till at last, the youth gave up the ghost. Blandina was first piti- fully whipped, and then thrown to the wild beasts ; then * tormented on the gridiron ; and at last slain. Comolus the emperor, upon his biith-day, calling the people of Rome together in great royalty, clothed in his lion's skin, sacrificed to Hercules, causing it to be proclaimed, that Hercules was the patron of the city ; \vhereupon Vinsencicus Eusebius, Perigrenous, Potcntionous, learn- ed men, being stirred up v/ith zeal, went about from place to place, converting the heathen to the faith of Christ ; and hearing of the madness of the emperor and people, they repr()\ ed that idolatrous blindness, exhorting them to believe in the living and true God ; and that for- saking the worshipping of devils, they shoukl honour God alone. The emperor, hearing thereof, caused them 120 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE to be apprehende:^, and required them to sacrifice to Hercules, which they refusing to do, he caused them to be grievously tormented, and pressed to deatli with wei.crhts of lead. Severn s, another emperor, put forth proclamations, that no christians should be suftered to live ; hereby a great persecution v, as stirred up on every side, and an infinite number of martyrs were slain. Potamtena was tormented with boiling pitch poured upon her, and after- wards, with her mother Mersila, and Rhais, was burnt in the fire ; and when BasiUdes, the captain, having the maid to execution, as he led her to the place, he repress- ed the raging of the multitude, who followed with raging and reviling, which she seeing, prayed to the Lord for his conversion, to the true faith ; and so with admirable patience suffered martyrdom. Shortly after, Basiiides being required to give an oath in the behalf of his fellow soldiers, he denied the same plainly, affirming, that he -was a christian, and therefore he could not swear; they who heard him, thought he jest- ed at first ; but when he constantly affirmed it, they had him before the judge, who committed him to custody. The christians wondering at it, went to him and inquired the cause of his conversion ; he told them, that Potamte- na prayed for him, and so he saw a crown put upon his head, adding, that it should not be long before he receiv- ed it ; and accordingly, the next day, he was beheaded. A certain christian, being examined before the judge- and through fear, being ready to shrink back, there were certain persons standing b}% who were ready to burst for grief, making signs to him, by their hands and gestures, to be constant ; v/hich being observed, they were ready to be laid hold on ; but tbey of their own accord pressed up to the judge, professed themselves to be christians, which muchimboldened the weak christian andteiTifiedthe judge : this being done, they departed away, rejoicing for the testimony they had given of their faith. The crimes and accusations that were laid to the charge of the christians, by the persecutors, ^vere, that they refused to worship idols, and the emperors, and that they professed toUliJG OF CHRISt. 121 the iiame of Christ ; and besides, all the calamities and evils, that happened in the world, as wars, tuniine, pesti- lence, &c. were imputed only to the christians. But Cy- prian and Tertullian confuting these slanders, proved, that the special cause of all those miseries, which befel the em- pire, proceeded from shedding the innocent blood of the christicms ; Cyprian was at last condemed to have his head cut off, and he patiently and willingly submitted his neck to the stroke of the sword. Sixtus, bishop of Rome, and his six deacons, for the christian faith, were all beheaded. Laurence, also, another of his deacons, following Six- tus, as he went to his execution, complained that he might not suffer with him, but that He was secluded, as the son from the father ; to whom the bishop answered, that with- in three days, he should follow him, bidding him in the mean time to go home, and if he had any treas- ures, to distribute them amongst the poor ; the judge hearing mention of treasures, supposing that Laurence had great store in his custody, commanded him to bring the same to him. Laurence craved three days respite^ promising then to declare where the treasure might be had. In the mean time, he caused a great number of christians to be gathered together ; and when the day of his answer was come, the persecutors strictly charged him to make good his promise ; but valiant Laurence, stretch- ing his arms over the poor said, " these are the precious ti'casures of the church ; these are the treasures in M-hom Christ hath his mansion, &c." ^ But the ty- rant, in a great fury and madness, cried *' kindle the fu'c, make no spare of wood ; hath this villain deluded the emperor ? Away with him ; whip him with scourges; jerk liim with rods; buffet l\im witli fists ; brain him with clubs; Jesteth the traitor with the emperor ? Pinch him with fie- ry tongs ; gird him with burning plates ; bring out the strongest chains and fire- forks ; bind the rebel hand and foot, and when the grate is red hot, on with him ; roast him ; broil him ; toss him ; turn him ; upon pain of our high displeasure, do every man his office, oil ! yc tormen- tors." Immcdiatelv his commimds were obeved ; and 122 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE , after many cruel handlings, this meek lamb was laid on the gridiron ; but what he endured was with such patience, that the emperor seemed tormented more thiui he : though his flesh broiled, the other's heart burned. Dionysius writeth, that, '*the number of those that suffer- ed martyrdom, about that time, was great, men, women, young men, maidens, old wives, and men of all sorts and ages, of whom, some with scourgings and lire, and some with sword, obtained the victory, and got the crown ; nei- ther, saith he, to this day, doth the president cease, cruelly murdering such as are brought before him, tearing some with torments ; imprisoning others ; and commanding that no man should come to them ; yet God with the daily re- sort of the brethren, did cor^rt the afflicted/' Not long after this time, the church had peace for about the space of forty four yeai's, during which time, it did mightily increase and flourish ; and divers of the christians were preferred, both to court and elsewhere ; but, through this great prosperity, the christians began to degenerate, and to grow idle, striving and r.ontending among them- selves upon every occasion, with railing words bespatter- ing one another in a despiteful manner, bishops against bishops, and people against people, moving hatred and se- dition against each other, besides great hypocrisy and dissimulation more and more, by reason whereof^ God's judgments broke forth against them, the pastors being in- flamed in mutual contempt against each other. Then did the Lord raise up adversaries against his people ; then did Dioclesian, the emperor, raise a great and grievous perse- cution against the church ; commanding ail the meeting places of the christians to be spoiled and cast down, and the scriptures to be burnt, v/hich was executed with all rigour and contempt that might be, giving out edicts for the displacing of all christian magistrates , and for imprisoning the elders and bishops ; and a great perse- cution ensued : but the christians manfully passed through exceeding bitter tormcnts^by scourging, whipping, racking,, and being put to death ; so that it cannot be expressed what number of martyrs suffered; what blood was shed tlarough cities and regions, for the name of Christ, in this COMING OF CHRIST. 123 ejnperor^s time by clivers torments ; some being hanged lip by the feet, and by the sm.oke of a small fire strangled. One Peter was hoisted up naked, and so beaten and torn with whips, that his bones mi9;ht be seen : then they pour- ed on salt and vinegar ; and aiterwards roasted him with fi slow fire. Many christians being met together, Maximinian,the emperor, sent some to burn the meeting- place and all the people in it : but first they commanded a crier to proclaim, that whosoever would have life, should come out, and sac- rifice to Jupiter, otherwise they should be all burnt ; then one stepping up boldly, in the name of all the rest, said, ''' we are all christians, and believe that Christ is our only God and king, and we will sacrifice to none but him :" here- upon the fire was kindled and many men, women, and chil- dren, were burnt in that place. The punishments that these christians endured were so great and horrible, that no tongue is able to express ; as whippings, scourgings, rackings, horrible scrapings, sword, fireship- boats, whereinto many were put, and sunk in the sea ; also, hanging upon crosses, binding some to the bod- ies of trees, with their heads hanging downwards ; hang- ing others by the middle upon gallowses, till they died of hunger; throwing divers alive to bears, leopards, wild bulls, pricking others with bodkins, and talons of beasts, till they were almost dead. The christians being assembled at Antioch, one Roman- us ran to them, declarirjg to them that the wolves were at hand, which would devour them ; yet he exhorted them not to fear : a band of armed men was sent against them, l)ut they kept their faith ; whereupon the soldiers sent word to their captain, that they could not force the christians to deny their faith, by reason of Romanus, who did so migh- tily encourage them. The captain commanded that he should be brought before him, which was done according- ly. *' What," said the captain, ** ait thou the author of this sedition ? Art thou the cause that so many loose their lives ? By the gods, I swear, thou shalt answer for them ?1I, and shalt suffer those torments that thou encouragest them to undergo." Romanus answered, " thy sentence O em- 124 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE peror, I willingly embrace. I refuse not to be sacrificed for my brethren, and that by as cruel torments as thou canst invent." 1 he captain being much enraged with this stout answer, commanded him to be suspended, and his bowels drawn out ; w hereupon, the executioner said, '' not so, sir ; this man is of noble parentage ; and therefore, he may not be put to so ignoble a death : '^ scourge him then," said the r;iptain, '' with whips, haying knobs of lead at the end ;'^ "but Romanus sung all the time of his whipping, requiring not to favour him for nobility's sake ; " not the blood of progenitors," said he " but the christian profession makes me noble." Then he derided their idol gods, which en- raged the tyrant, so that he commanded his sides to be lan- ced with knives, till the bones were laid bare ; yet, still did the holy martyr preach the living God, and the Lord Jesus Christ to him ; for which, the tyrant commanded them to strike out his teeth ; also, his face was buffetted ; his eye- lids torn, his cheeks gashed wath knives ; the skin of his beard pulled off; yet the meek maityr said, " I thank thee, O captain 1 that thou hast opened to me so many mouths as wounds, whereby I may preach my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Look how many wounds I have, so many mouths I have lauding and praising God." The captain, astonished at his constancy, bade them give over torment- ing him, yet he threatened to bum him, reviled him, and blasphemed God, saying, '* thy crucified Christ is but a yesterday's God, the gods of the Gentiles are of the greatest antiquity," But Romanus, taking occasion from thence de- clared to him the eternity of Christ, withal, saying, " give me a christian child of seven years old, and thou shalt hear what he will say ;" hereupon a boy was called out of the multitude, tovv^hom Romanus said, "tell me, my pretty babe, whether thou thinkest it reason that we w^orship Christ, and in Christ one father, or else that v>'e Vv^orship in- finite gods ?" The child answered, " that certainly Avhat we affirm to be God, must needs be one, which with one is one and the same ; and inasmuch as this one is Christ, of necessity, Christ must be the true God ; for that there be many gods, we children cannot believe." The captain^ amazed at this, said, " thpu young villain and traitor^ COMING OF CHRIST. 125 ^vfiere, and of whom learnedcst thou this lesson ?" Of my jnother, said he, with whose milk, I sucked in this lesson, that 1 must believe in Christ. The mother was called , and ^he gladly appeared. The tyrant commanded the child to be tied up and scourged. The bystanders beholding this merciless act, could not refrain from tears. The joyful mother alone stood by, with dry cheeks: she even rebuked her sweet babe for desiring a cup of cold water, charging him to thirst after the cup that the babes of Bethlehem once drank of: she advised him to remember little Isaac, who w^illingly oftered his neck, to the dint of his father's sword, &c. Then the cruel tormentor pulled off the skin and hair from the crown of the child's head ; the mother crying, "■ suffer, my child, anon thou shalt pass to him diat will a- dornthy head with a crown of eternal glory."' Thus the mother counselled and encouraged the child ; and he re- ceived the stripes with a smiling countenance. The captain, seeing the child invincible, and himself vanquished, com- manded him to be cast into the stinking prison, whilst the torments of Romanus were renewed and increased. Then was Romanus brought forth again to receive new stripes upon his old sores, the flesh being torn, and the bare bones appearing; yet the cruel tyrant raging like a madman, quar- relled with the tormentors for dealing so mildly with liini, commanding them to cut, prick, and punch him ; and then he passed sentence upon him, together Vv ith the child, to be burned to death ; to whom, Romanus said, " I appeal from this unjust sentence of thine to the righteous throne of Christ, that upright judge ; not because I fear thv cru- el torments, and merciless handling, but that thy judgments may be known to be cruel and bloody." When they came to the place of execution, the tormentors required the child of his mother ; for she had carried it in her arms from the prison. She kissed it, delivered it to them ; and as the executioner was striking oli' his head, she said, farew ell, piy sweet child. All laud and praise, ^\-ith heart and voice, O Lord, we yield to thee ; To whom the death* of all thy saints ^^^e knou- most dear to be. 126 fERSECUTIONS AFTER THE The child's head being cut off, the mother ^\Tapped it in her garment, laid it to her breast, and so departed. Then was Romaiius cast into a mighty fire, which being quench- ed by a great storm of rain, the tyrant commanded his tongue to be cut out, and afterwards caused him to be stran- gled in the prison. Gordius, a centurion in Cassarea, in the heat of this persecution, left his charge, living a solitary life in a wilder- ness, for a long time; at last, when a solemn feast was cele- brated to Mars in that city, and multitudes of people were assembled in the theatre to see the games, he came, and got up into a conspicuous place, and, with a loud voice, said, " behold, T am found of those that sought me not." The multitude hereupon looked about to see who it was that spoke this ; and Gordius being known, he was immediate- ly brought before the sheriff; and being asked, Avho, and what he was, and why he came thither? He toldhim the whole truth, prof ssing that he believed in Christ ; valued not their threatenings ; and chose this as a fit time to manifest his profession : the sheriff called for scourges, gibbets, and all manner of torments ; to whom, Gordius answered, " that it would be a loss and damage to him, if he did not suffer divers tormients and punishments for Christ, and his cause." The sheriff, more incensed thereby, comanded all those torments to be inflicted on him ; with which Gordius could not be overcome, but sang, '' the Lord is my helpers^ I will not fear what man can do unto me ; and I will fear no evil, because thou. Lord, art with me, &c." Then he blamed the tormentors for favouring him, provoking them to do their uttermost. The sheriff not prevailing that way, sought by flattery to seduce him, promising him prefer- ment, riches, treasures, honour, Sec. if he would deny Christ'; but Gordius deriding his foolish madness, saying, *' that he looked for gi^ater perferment in Heaven, than he could give him here upon earth." Then was he condemned, and taken out of the city, and burnt, multitudes following him, and some kissing him, with tears, entreated him to pity himself; to v» horn, he answered, "weep not, I pray you, for me, but for the enemies of God, ^vhich fight against the christians. Weep, I say, for them, which prepare a fire COMING OF CHRIST. 127 for US, purchasing hell-fire thereby for themselves in the day of vengeance : and cease, I pray you, thus to molest my quiet und settled mind ; for truly, for the n;)me of Christ, I am ready to suffer a thousand deaths, &c." Oth- ers persuaded him to deny Christ wich his mouth, and to keep his conscience to himself: ''my tongue, said he, which, by God's goodness I have, cannot be brought to de- ny the author and giver of the same : for, with the heart, we believe unto righteousness ; and, with the tongue, we confess unto salvation." And thus persuading and en- couraging the people to be willing to die in the like cause, with an unparallelled countenance, he wiHingly gave himself to be burnt. Basil, in one of his orations, relates a story of one Julitta, from whom, one of the emperor's officers took all her goods, lands, and servants, contrary to equity; whereupon she complained to the judges, and a day of hearing was ap- pointed, when the spoiled woman immediately declared her case ; but the wicked villain that had robbed her, said, that her action was of no force, for she was an outlaw for not observing the emperors's gods, and that she was a christian. His allegation was allowed : incense w^as pre- pared for her to offer to the gods, which, if she refused, she should neither have protection nor benefit of the emperor's laws, nor continue her life -, she hearing this, in the migh- ty strength of God, said, '^'^ farewell, riches, welcome, pov- erty ; farewell, life, welcome, death ; all that I have, were it * a thousand times more, would I loose, rather than speak one wicked word against God my Creator : I yield thee most hearty thanks, O my God, for this gift of grace, that I can contemn and despise this frail and transitory world, es- teeming the profession of Christ above all treasures." — And thenceforth, w+ien any question was proposed to her, her answer was, " I am the servant of Jesus Christ." Her kindred and friends earnestly solicited her to change her mind, but she constantly refused, with detestation of their idolatry. Then the cruel judge condemned her to be burnt; which sentence she embraced joyfully, as a thing most sweet and delectable ; and ss; she addressed hersi-lfto the flames, in countenance, j^estuie^ and worua, cieciai ing 123 PERSECUTIONS AFTER THE the joy of her heart, coupled with singular constancy, afwJ embracing the lire, she sweetly slept in the Lord. Thus, near the space of three hundred years, was the church of Christ assaulted on every side, and had but little rest, and no joy, nor outward safety, in this present world, but in much bitterness of heart, in continual tears and mourn- ing, under the cross, passed their days ; being spoiled, im- prisoned, contemned, reviled, famished, tormented, and martyred every where ; they by night assembling to sing praises to God ; in all which, their dreadful dangers, and sorrow^ful afflictions : notwihtstanding, the goodness of the Lord left them not desolate, but the more their outward tribulations increased, the more their inward consolations abounded ; and the flirther off they seemed from the joys of this life, the more present was the Lord with them with grace and fortitude to confirm and rejoice their souls ; and though their possessions and riches in this world were lost and spoiled, yet were they enriched w^ith heavenly gifts and treasures from above, an hundred fold; then was tiaie relig- ion felt in the heart; then was Christianity not in outward appearance shewn only, but in inward affection received: then were the name and fear of God true in heart, not dwel- ling in lips alone. Faith then was fervent, zeal ardent, pray- er not swimming in the lips, but groaning out to God from the bottom of tl>e spirit : then was no pride in the church, no leisure to seek riches, nor time to keep them : contention for trifles was then so far from christians, that well were they w^hen they could meet to pray together. But after this, the christians coming to be in favour w^ith the emperors, riches and worldly wealth crept into the clergy, and the devil poured his venom into the church, so that true humility began to decay, and pride to set in its foot ; and afterwards the church, through favour of the emperors, was indued with lands, donations, posses- sions, and patrimonies ; and the bishops feeling the smack of wealth, ease, and prosperity, began to swell in pomp and pride, and the more they flourished in this world, the more God's holy spirit forsook them ; till at last, the bish- ops, who were for a long time kept low, and persecuted, as before is related, now of persecuted people, began to COMING OF CHRIST. 12& be persecutors of Others; and, through their pride and riches, were wholly degenerated from the true religion, and became adversaries to God ; and persecuted and destroyed his liv- ing witnesses and members, as they were raised up from time to time, to bear a testimony against their apostacy, as, in the following history, will appear. The grievous sufferings, persecutions^ and martyrdom of the servants of the Lord, by the priests. JoH N saw there would be an apostacy from the blessed faith in his days : for he *' saw a beast rise up out of the sea, and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority ; and all the world wondered after the iDeast ; and they worshipped the dragon, which gave pow- er unto the beast ; and they worshipped the beast, saying, who is like unto the beast ? Who is able to make war with him ? And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven ; and it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them ; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Andallthat dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb, slain from the foundation of the world." After this great darkness had spread over nations and people for some years, the Lord raised up some, from time to time, to bear testimony, according to the measures of light and knowledge they had received, against the blindness and ignorance that the world was under, as in the following instances, the reader may observe. Robert Grosthead, living in the year 1240, wrote sharp- ly to the pope, (particularly for the evils he committed in England) that he was opposite to Christ, a murderer of souls, and an heretic , and complained on his death-bed of the cormption which had sprung up in the church, and in- veighed bitterly against the manifold abominations of the f'hurch and court of Rome. 130 PERSECUTED BY THE FAPISTSc For his thundering against the Romish church, and for his pubhcly reproving the covetousness, pride, and mani- fold tyrannies of the pope, he was excommunicated to the pit of hell, by Innocent the fouith, and was cited to come to Ids bloody court ; but he appealed from the pope's ty- ranny to the eternal tribunal of Jesus Christ ; and shortly after died. Even before this, there were some found in. England, who testified against the corruptions of the church of Rome, and suffered for the same ; for, in the year 884, John Patrick Erigena wrote a book about the Lord's supper, which was afterwards condemned by the pope, and he was martyred for it. In the year 960, some were branded in the face at Ox- ford, and. banished, for saying, that the church of Rome was the whore of Babylon ; monkery, a stinking carrion ; their vows, nurses of sodomy ; and purgatory and masses, &c. inventions of the devil. In the year 1126, there was one Arnold, an English preacher, cruelly butchered, for preaching against the pre- lates' pride, and priests' wicked lives. About the year 1160, about thirty Waldenses came into England, one Gerrard being their minister. These people labouring to win disciples to Christ, were quick- ly noticed by the popish clergy ; and great complaints were made against them to king Henry the second, who caused them to be brought before an assembly of bishops, at Oxford, where Gerrard speaking for them, said to this effect ; *' we are christians, holding the doctrine of the apostles." In their examinations, they would not ad- mit of salt, spittle, ai"Mi exorcisms in baptism, and the eucharist ; nor of binding with the stool, in marriage. And being admonished to repent, and to return to the unity of the church, they despised that counsel, and scorned threats, saying, " blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake ; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Then the bishops excommuni- cated them, and delivered them over to be corporeally punished by the king, who caused them to be burnt as Itieretics in the forehead, and to be whipt throiig!i Ox- ford, they singing all the v/hile, " blessed are ye when PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS.. 131 men hate you." And the king further commanded, that none should presume to receive them into their houses, nor to cherish them with any comfort ; whereby they miserably perished with hunger and cold, none af- fording any comfort to them. These Waldenses are reputed the first reformers, af- ter the darkness of popery had overspread the christian world, as before is related. And pope Alexander the third, being informed, that divers persons in Lyons questioned his sovereign authority over the whole church, cursed Waldow and his adherents, commanding the archbishop to proceed against them by ecclesiastical censures totheir utter extirpation: whereupon, they were wholly chased out of Lyons. Waldow and his follow- ers were called Waldenses, who afterwards spread them- selves into divers countries and companies ; and for their religion, many of them w^ere burnt to death ; and fleeing into Germany and other countries, many of them were put to death. Pope Alexander made a decree, that these gospellers, and all their favourers, should be excommu- nicated, and that none should sell them any thing, or buy any thing of them. But the Waldenses, notwidistanding all the pope^s curses, continued publishing, *' that the pope was anti- christ, tlie mass an abomination, the host an idol, and purgatory a fable ;" whereupon, pope Innocent the third, A. D. 1198, seeing that the other remedies were not sufficient to suppress these heretics, as he called them, authorized certain monks, inquisitors, who by process should apprehend and deliver them to the secular power, by a far shorter, but much more cruel way than was used formerly ; for, by this means, they were by thou- sands delivered into die magistrates' hands, and by them to the executioners, whereby, in a few years, all Christendom was moved with compassion to see so ma> ny burnt and hanged, that trusted only in Christ for Sal- vation. From the year 1170, to the year 1470, many noble witnesses were raised up in England, and elsewhere, to write against the pope's pride, calling him antichrist. 132 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. &c. and to bear a public testimony in these dark times against the corruption and abominable idolatry which had crept into the church, with the hazard of their lives and liberties. Amongst which, were the Lollards, of the increase of whom, the pope had often complained in Hichard the second's time, but could not prevail. And king Henry the fourth, coming to the throne by usur- pation, to ingratiate himself with the clergy, made a law, that the Lollards should be burnt, at the discretion of the bishops ; wheiieupon, divers suffered martyrdom, as folio we th. William Sawtry, of London, in the year 1400, v/as imprisoned by Thomas Arondell, archbishop of Can- terbury. William Sawtry desired his cause might be heard by the parliament then sitting, for the whole realm ; but the bishops would not allow it, and caused him to be brought before them, who examined him up- on eight articles, the last whereof was about transub- stantiation ; to which, he answered, that after the words of consecration, there remained the very same bread, which it was before the words were spoken; whereupon, he was condemned by Robert Hall, the bishop's chan- cellor ; after which, they got a warrant from the king, directed to the mayor and sherift' of London, for his burning. William Thorp, for the same cause, was examined and imprisoned ; and, after a long examination, before the archbishop, was committed to another foul, bad prison, where he never was before ; of which place, he wrote as followeth : " After I was brought to prison, when all men were gone forth from me, and the prison- doors fast, being by myself, I began to think on God, and to thank him for his goodness ; and I was then greatly comforted, not only for that I was then deliver- ed for a time from the presence of tlie scorning, and from the menacing of my enemies, but much more I rejoiced in the Lord, because that through his grace, he kept me so, both among the flattering especially, and among the menacing of my adversaries, that without heaviness and anguish of my conscience, I passed away from them. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 133 In this examination, the bishop told him, that it was certified against him, that he preached openly and bold- ly in Shrewsbury, that priests have no title to tithes ; the substance of his answer was, ''One came to prison to me, and asked, what I said of tithes ? To whom, I said, ask the priests and clerks of the town : the man replied, " our prelates say, they are cursed that withdraw their tithes." I said, I wonder that any priests say, men are cursed, without the ground of God's word ; and I put the man to inquire of the priest of that town, where the sentence of cursing them that titlied not, was written in God's law? And I said further, in the old law, which ended not fully till Christ rose up from death to life, God commanded tithes to be given to the Levites, but the priests were to have but the tenth part of those tithes given to the Levites. Now, said I, in the new law, neither Christ, nor any of his apos- tles took tithes of the people, nor commanded the peo- ple to pay tithes ; but Christ taught the people to shew works of mercy. And I said, not of tithes, but of pure alms of the people, Christ and the apostles lived, when they were so busy in preaching the word to the people, that they could not otherwise work to get their liveli- hood." Then the bishop said, *' thou preachest openly at Shrewsbury, that it is not lawful to swear in any case." Thorp said, "by the authority of the epistle of James, and by the witness of divers others, I have preached openly in one place or other, that it is not lawful for any to swear in any case by any creature." Then the clerk asked him, whetlier it were not law- ful for a subject, at the command of his prelate, to kneel down, and touch the holy gospel- book, and kiss it, say- ing, so help me God, and this holy dome. Thorp said, '* ye speak full largely ; what, if a prelate command his subject to do an unlawful thing, should he obey ?" Archbishop. A subject ought not to suppose that his prelate will bid him do an unlawful thing. 134 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Thorp related the opinion of a master in divinity in the matter of swearing ; who said, It was not lawful ei- ther to give or take any such charge upon a book, for ev- ery book is nothing else but divers creatures, of which it is made : therefore, to swear upon a book, is to swear by creatures, and this swearing is ever unlawful. This sentence (said Thorp) witnesseth Chrysostom plain- ly, blaming them greatly that bring forth a book to swear upon, charging clerks, that in no wise, they con- strain any body to swear, whether they think a man to swear true or false. Then the archbishop scorned me, and threatened me with sharp and great punishment, ex- cept I left this opinion of swearing. Thorp said, it is not only my opinion, but the opinion of Christ, James, and Chrysostom, and of divers others. The clerk said, wilt thou tarry, my lord, longer ? Sub- mit thee here meekly to the ordinance of the holy church and lay thy hand upon a book, touching the holy gos- pel of God, promising, not only with thy mouth, but also with thine heart, to stand to my Lord's ordinance. Thorp said, have I not told you here, how that I heard a master of divinity say ; that, in such a case, it is all one to touch a book, as to swear by a book ? Bishop. There is no master of divinity in England^ but if he hold this opinion before me, I shall punish him, as I shall do thee, except thou swear as I shall charge tlice. Thorp. Is not Chrysostom a doctor ? Bishop. Yei. Thorp. If Chrysostom proveth him worthy of great blame that bringeth forth a book to !^ swear upon, it must needs follow, that he is more to blame that swear- eth on that book. The clerk said, lay tliine hand upon the book, touch- ing the holy gospel of God, and take thy charge. Thorp. I understand that the holy gospel of God may not be touched with man's hand. It was mentioned before, that he was imprisoned by Thomas Arondell, archbishop of Canterbury; and it is re* corded that he was, by the said bishop, at last secretly put to death in the year 1407. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 135 In the year 1413, Roger Acton, John Brown, andJohn Beverly were persecuted, and put to death for their tes- timony to the truth, at Giles, in the fields, together with divers others, to the number of thirty six, all which were hanged, with fire made under them. These godly persons, in these dangerous times, used too meet in the night, at Giles, in the fields, to pray and preach, which the bish- ops had notice of, and they informed the king as if they intended to rebel ; whereupon, the king going with many armed men, at midnight, took these thirty six, and caused them to be executed ; the number that were as- sembled was greater, but they fled ; amongst whom, was William Murle of Dunstable, Malster, who being after- \vards apprehended, w^as drawn, hanged, and burnt. But within a few days after their execution, Thomas Aron- dell, archbishop, was so striken by God in his tongue, that he could neither swallow any food, nor speak for di- vers days before his death, whereby he died in much misery. And this was thought to come upon him, for that he so bound the word of the Lord, that it should not be preached in his days. John Purvey was imprisoned by Henry Chichley, arch- bishop of Canterbury, in the year 1421. He wrote a book against the pope, wherein he called him antichrist, and that his censures were like the blast of Lucifer. He complained, that many before him, who had impugned the Romish errors, had been imprisoned, killed, and their books burnt, and that none were suffered to preach, but such as would swear obedience to the pope : for which, he w^as imprisoned, and secretly made away, by the aforesaid bishop. About this time, there began to spring forth some light in Bohemia. The Bohemians having received some of Wicklift^'s books, began first to taste and favour Christ's gospel, till at length by the preaching of John Hus, they increased more and more in knowledge, insomuch that pope Alexander the fifth hearing thereof, began to stir coals, and directed his bull to the archbishop of Swinco, requiring him to look to the matter, that no persons should maintain that doctrine ; and not long after this. John Hus 135 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. and Jerome of Prague were both condemned, and burnt, at Constance, by the council held there ; and yet their blood did not satisfy their adversaries, but they took fur- ther counsel for the destruction of these people in the whole nation ; for when fifty eight of the chief nobles of Bohemia, in the name of all the commons, A. D. 1416, had sent letters from Prague to the council, complaining, that John Hus their pastor, an innocent and holy man, and faithful teacher of the truth, was unjustly condemn- ed, the council, instead of answering them, wrote let- ters to some violent papists who were in authority, to assist their legate in oppressing the heretics ; and thereupon they persecuted them all manner of ways, using great violence towards them ; insomuch that they raised tu- mults, and one Zisca, a nobleman of that countr}^, being sorely grieved for the death of John Hus, and Jerome of Prague, and minding to revenge the injuries which the council had done, greatly to the dishonour of the king- dom of Bohemia, upon their accomplices and adherents he gathered together a number of men of war, subvert- ed the monasteries, and idolatrous temples, pulling down and breaking in pieces the images and idols, driving a- w^ay the monks aad priests, which he said were kept up in their clositers like swine in their styes to be- fatted. — When this Zisca died, in remembrance of him, the Bo- hemians engraved over his tomb, in the Greek language, this epitaph : *' John Zisca, a Bohemian, enemy to all wicked and covetous priests, but with a godly zeal." Yet still as the popish party prevailed, they exercised all manner of cruelty upon the poor servants of Christ, till they were utterly suppressed by force, many of whom fled into the hilly country, near Silesia, to inhabit ; where throwing oft' all superstitious practices, they applied themselves to the best form that they, according to the best of their understandings, judged to be nearest to the primitive christians, calling themselves brethren and sis- ters : they were branded with tiie name of Picards, a a name by which the Waldenses in Picardy were called. The purity that was amongst them much displeased the devil ; for he raised a sudden and violent tempest against I>ERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 137 them, and an edict was proclaimed, threatening death td all that should administer to the picards ; vv .ereupon they were brought to great extremity. A second edict came forth, that none of ti^em should be suffered either to live in Bohemia, or Moravia ; hereupon they wer6 dispersed amongst the woods and mountains, dwelling in caves, where yet they were scarce safe, so that they were forced to make no fire, nor dress any meat, but in the night time, lest t! .e smoke should betray them. In the cold winter nights, sitting by the fire, they applied them- selves to the reading of the bible, and holy discourse.—; When in the snow, they went abroad to provide them ne- cessaries, they went close together ; and, lest their foot- steps should betray them, the hindermost of them drew after him a great bough, to cover the prints which their feet had made. But, to return again to give a farther account of suffer- ers in England. John Claydon, of London, currier, in the year 1415, being examined before Henry Chichley, archbishop of Canterbury, upon suspicion of heresy, he confessed that for the same cause, he had been formerly- imprisoned by R. Bray brock, bishop of London, in Con- way prison two years, and at another time, three years in the fleet ; and also, that he had several English books that he took delight to hear read to him. One of the books was entitled, " the lantern of light," in which books was contained, speaking or treating on the text, how the en- emy did sow the tares ; " that wicked antichrist the pope, hath sowed his popish and corrupt decrees, which are of no authority, strength, nor value ; and that the bishop's licence for a man to preach, is the true character of the beast and antichrist : and that the court of Rome is the chief head of antichrist : and that no reprobate is a member of the church." His books being examined, were con- demned as heretical, to be burnt in the fire ; and sentence of condemnation was passed upon him, by the archbish- op ; and he was delivered to the secular power, by wliom he was carried into Smithfield, and there bui'nt, with Kichard Turning, a baker. 138 ftKSECVTEt) BY THE PAPISTS. The next year after the burning of these men, the pre- lates of England, seeing the daily increase of the gospel^ and fearing the ruin of their papal kingdom, took coun- sel together, with what diligence they could to maintain tJie same. Wherefore, to make t eir state and kingdom sure, by statutes, laws, constitutions and terrors of pun- ishment, Henry Ghichley, archbishop, in his convocation holden at London, made another decree against the poor Lollards, which was sent abroad A. D. 1416 to be straight- ]y executed ;; in which, their officials (or commissaries) were required twice every year at least, to make diligent inquiry after such persons as were suspected of heresy ; and parishoners were to be sworn upon the evangelists, to discover whether they knew any frequenting pnvy conventicles, or differing in their life and manners frv m other common catholic men, or that should have any books in the English tongue. < After the setting out of tlie decree aforesaid, great in- quisition hereupon followed in England ; and many good men, who began to have a love for the gospel, were much troubled, and great sufferers. John Gale, of London, was summoned before the arch- bishop, for having a book in English, entitled, '*a book of the new law."" Ralph Maungin^ for the same doctrine, was condemn- (gd to perpetual imprisonment. William White, a follower of John Wickliffe, was of a devout holy life, and is recorded as a morning star in the midst of a cloud, a man well learned, an upright man, and well spoken. For the love of the truth, he gave over his priesthood, but not his preaching ; for he continual- ly laboured to advance the glory of God, by reading, writing, and preaching. Tlie chief matters charged a- gainst him were, that he held, That men should seek for the forgiveness of their sins only at the hand of God, That the pope was an enemy unto Christ's trulli. That men ought not to worship images. That the Romish church was the fig-tree which Christ cursed, because it brought forth no fruit of the true bc^ lief. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 13f That such as wear cowls, or are aiiomted, or shorn, are the soldiers of lucifer : and that all such, because their lamps are not burning, should be shut out when the Lord shall come. He was apprehended (for preaching and teaching such like doctrine) in Norfolk ; and being had before the bish- op of Norwich, he was convicted, condemned, and burnt in the seventh month, 1424. When he was at the stake, beginning to open his mouth to speak to the people, to exhort them and con- firm them in the truth, one of the bis ,op' sservants struck him in the mouth, thereby to force him to keep silence : and thus tnis good man received the crown of martyrdom, and ended this mortal life, to the great grief of all good men in Norfolk. His wife Joan following her husband's steps, according to her power, teaching and sowing a- broad thiC same doctrine, confirmed many in God's trudi ; wherefore, she suffered much trouble and punisiiment the same year at the hands of the said bishop. John Goose, 1473, being called before the bishops and accused of heresy was, condemned and delivered to Robert Bellisdon , one of the sheriffs of London, to see him burnt, in the afternoon. The sheriff, like a charitable man, had him home to his house, and there exhorted him to deny his errors. He desired the sheriff to be content, for he was satisfied in his conscience. The sheriff giv» ing him some meat, he being very hungry, did eat so freely as if the hour of his death had not been known to be so nigh, saying to the bystanders, ** I eat now a good and competent dinner, for I shall pass a little sharp show- cr ere I go to supper;" and having dined, he required that he might be led to the place where he should yield up his spirit unto God. About this time, there being a war begun by the Turks against the christians, so called, there were great invasions, and victories were obtained by the Turks over them, insomuch that the Tnrks, in the space of thirty years, sub- dued Arabia, got Palaestina, Phoenica, Syria, Egypt, and Persia, raging with their armies throughout all Asia and ILurope, conquering as they passed. The causes of which 1.40 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. invasions and victories, as is recorded, were the dissen- sion, discord, falsehood, idleness, hiconsistency, greedy avarice, lack of truth and fidelity amongst christian men of all states and degrees, both high and low ; for, by the wilful defection and backsliding of the christians, the Turkish power did exceedingly increase, and they, call- ed christians, were by multitudes destroyed ; and as it is •written, there was hardly a town, city, or village, in all Asia and Greece, or in a great part of Europe and Africa^ whose streets did not flow with the blood of the christians, whom these cruel Turks murdered after an inhuman man- ner j^men and women being by them cut in pieces, chil- dren stuck upon poles and stakes, till they gored them to death in tie sight of their parents, dragging some at their horses' tails, till they worried them to death, tear- ing some in pieces, tying their arms and legs to four horses, treading the aged and feeble under their horses' feet. The princes of Rasia had both their eyes put out, with basons red hot, set before them, cutting some asun- der in the midst, and with other torments, putting many to death, insomuch that the streets and ways of Chalrides did flow with the blood of them that were slain. The Pretor's daughter, of said city, being t'-e only daugh- ter of her fati er, and noted to be a singular beauty, was saved out of the slaughter, and brought to Mahomet the Turk, to be his concubine ; but s e denying to con- sent to his Turkish filthiness, was commanded tiierefore to be slain. It would be long to recite, and incredible to believe, the cruel and horrible slaughters, and miserable tortures inflicted upon tue christians by these Turks, in moLt parts of Asia and Africa, and especially in Europe. And during all these wars and slaughters, the popC/ ceased not, continually calling upon christian kings, prin- ces, and subjects to take the cross, and to war against the Turks, lest he should loose all ; whereupon, in that time of darkness and popery, many took voyages to the holy land, and many battles were fought for winning the holy cross; and yet without success, neither ever came pros- perously forward, whatsoever the pope attempted against hioio What the cause was may be easily judged, if the FERSECUTEB BY THE PAPISTS. 141 reader considers tiie gross idolatry, profaneness, and de- generation those called christians were fallen into, having lost the true faith once delivered to the saints : and in- stead of being suftcrers, whic'i was once the portion of the true christians, they now became tlie persecutors and destroyers of such as would not stoop to their idolatry, and to every foolish invention, that the popes from time to time set up, and commanded lo be observed. It is recorded, that in the time of pope Julius, partly with his wars, and partly with as cursings, in the space of sev- en years, about two hundred thousand christians were destroyed. So addicted to bloodshed was this pope ; and it is written, he so far surpassed many other popes in iniquity, that Wicelius wrote thus of him, Marti ilium quam Christo deditiorem fuisse, that is, that he was more given to war and battle, than to Christ. In the year 1512, there was a fight, between Lewis, the French king, and this pope Julius, at Ravenna, upon Easter-day, where the pope was vanquished, and had of his army slain, to the number of sixteen thousand ; and the next year, this apostolic warrior, who had resigned liis keys to the river Tybris before, made an end both of his fighting and living. About this time, began the reign of Henry, the eighth, king of England, in whose reign, great alterations andturns of religion, were wrought by the mighty operation of God's hand, not only in England, but in Germany, and other parts of Europe, such as had not been seen (although much groaned for) many hundred years before ; nevertheless, many sufiered great persecutions and martyrdom in this king's reign, both in England and elsewhere ; and many good men were raised up to bear witness to the truth ; yet some were of opinion, that it was not wholly the king's fault, that so much blood was spilt in his time ; for the bishops were the dragon to make the bloody laws, and it was the bishops that were earnest to see the huvs put in execution, the king oftentimes scarce knowing what was done, and hearing of a Vv'oman that was the second time put upon the rack, he exceedingly condemned the party that was the cause of it, for using such extrem?i crueltv. 142 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. J. Brown passing from London, in a Gravesend-barge, in which tjiere was a priest; sat close by him; whereupon, the priest said, '' dost thou know who I am ? Thou sittest too near me." Brown said ; No, sir, I know not who you are : I tell thee, said lie, I am a priest. What, sir, said Brown, are you a parson, or a vicar, or a lady's chaplain ? I am, said he, a soul priest, and sing for a soul. I pray you, sir, said Brown, where find you the soul, when you go to mass ? I know not, said the priest : and Avhere do you leave it when you have done mass ? I cannot tell, said the priest. Brown replied, if you neither know where t) e soul is when you begin, nor where you leave it when you have done ; how then do you save a soul ? Go thy ways, said the priest, thou art an heretic, and I will be even with thee. And accordingly, when they came to land, the priest, taking two others with him that were present in the barge, went and complained to archbishop Warl'am, who sent a warrant presently to apprehend Brown ; and being ap» prehended, the messenger bound his feet under his hors- es' belly, and carried him away to the archbishop, neither his wife nor friends knowing whither he went, nor what they would do with him^ The bishop cast him into prison, where he lay about six weeks : then he was car- ried to Ashford, where he dwelt, and was there set in the stocks all night. His wife hearing of it, came and sat by him all night, to whom he shewed how cruelly he had been handled by the archbishop, telling her he could not set his feet to the ground, for they had burnt them to the bones, to make him deny Christ, which, said he, '' X durst not do, lest my Lord, Christ, should deny me here- after ; therefore, good wife, continue as thou hast be- gun, and bring up my children virtuously, and in the fear of God." And sp^ the next da} , this godly martyr was burnt, calling upon God, and saying, '" into thy hands, I commend my spirit, thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth !" At the fire, the bailiff bade, cast in his cliildren also ; for, said he, *' they will spring out of his ashes." And in queen Mary's time, his son Richard Brown was sentenced to be burnt, being a prisoner a Canterbury ; but the cjueen dying, he escaped suffering. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. l43 About this time, many suffered very greatly, for speak- ing against the worshipping of saints, and against Pil- grimage, for having scripture-books in English, and a book called WicklifFe's Wicket. One of which sufferers, by name, Elizabeth Stamford, being brought and examined before Fitz James, bishop of London, A. D. 1517, confessed, that she was taught by one Thomas Beale, of Henly, these words, ele- even years before, viz. That Christ feedeth and nourish- cth his church with his own precious body, that is, the bread of life coming down from Heaven : this is, said she, the worthy word that is worthily received and join- ed unto man, to be in one body with him ; so it is, that they be both one, they may not be parted ; this is not received by chewing of teeth, but by hearing with ears, and understanding with the soul, and wisely working thereafter, and as Paul saith, I fear amongst us brethren, that many of us be feeble and sick, therefore my counsel is, brethren, to rise and watch, that the great day of doom come not suddenly upon us, as the thief doth upon the mer- chant : and she said further, that the said Thomas Beale taught her, that she should confess her sins to God, and that the pope's pardons and indulgences were nothing worth. John Stillman, m the year 1518, v/as apprehended and brought before the bishop of London, and ex- amined for speaking against worshipping, praying, and offering unto images, and for saying, Wickliffe's Wick- et was a good book ; and that when he was apprehended, he hid the same in an old oak, and did not bring it out to- the bishop. He was sent to the Lollards' tower ; and be- ing afterwards brought openly to the consistory at Paul's, it was further objected against him, that he should say, *' the pope was antichrist, and not the true successor of Peter, or Ci^rist's vicar on earth ; and that his pardons and indulgences, wiiich he granted in the sacrament of Penance, were nought, and that he would have none of them ; and likewise, that the college of cardinals were limbs of antichrist, and th.e priests the synagogues of sa- tan; and that the doctors of the church had subverted the truth of holy scripture, and expounded it after their own minds ; and that he should say, he would abide by these 144 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. doctrines, and die for it ; and wished there were twentf thousand of his opinion, to witness against the scribes and Pharisees : but for his constant perseverin^oj in these principles, Doctor Head, vicar general, passed sentence . against him as an heretic; and so deHvered him to the i sheriffs of London, to be openly burnt in Smithfield. The next that suffered was Thomas Man, who for say^ ing, " the popish church was not t e church of God, but a synagogue ;'* and for holding several other articles contrary to the popish church, was a long time im- prisoned ; but through frailty and fear, having an oppor^ tunity, he fled the diocess of Lmcoln ; but not long after, was again apprehended, and brought before the bishop of London, and was shortly after delivered, by Dr. Head, to the sheriff of London, to be presently burnt, with tliis protestation, that he might not consent to the death of any. This popish chancellor would not seem to consent to his death, but yet sent him to the shambles to be killed ; for these were the Words he sent to the sheriff : " receive this person, and we desire^ in the bowels of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that the punishment and execution of due severity of him, and against him in this part, may be so itioderate, that there be no rigorous rigor, and yet no dissolute mansuetude, but to the health and wealth of his soul," &c. Thomas Man was burnt by the sheriff, w^ithout any warrant, for Headdeiiv red him to the sheriff in pater- noster-row, protesting he had no power to put him to death, and therefore desired the sheriff to see him pun- ished, ett-mien citra mortem, that is, without death ; but the sheriff had him to Smithfield, and there caused him to be burnt. This Thomas Man, after • e had escaped out of the diocess of Lmcoln, travelled about in divers places and counties in England, and instructed miinv in the truth, as at Amerh;>m, London, Biiiericy, Chelmsford, Strat- ford, Uxbridge, Heniy. Newberry,' Suffolk, and Norfolk, and divers otlier places ; and he testified himself, as he went westward, he found a great company ofweU-dis- posed persons of the same judgment with him, cspeciallv ' PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 145 at Newbury, where, he said, was a glorious and sweet so- ciety of faithful followers, three or four of which were burnt for religion. And he travelled into divers other places, where he found many faithful brethren. This Thomas Man confessed, as is registered in the bishop's book, that he had turned seven hundred people to his religion, for which, he thanked God ; which people were afterwards called by the name of Protestants. William Sweeting and James Brewster had the like Catholic charity shewed them by the bishop, they being imprisoned for their zeal tO the truth and religion ; and be- ing surprised with fear, said, they submitted themselves to the mercy of Almighty God, and to the favourable goodness of the judge ; upon which submission, the popish fathers were contented to give out a solemn commission, to release and pardon them from the sentence of excom- munication ; but immediately, the bishop pronounced upon them the sentence of death and condemnation ; whereupon, they were both delivered to the secular pow- er, and both burnt together at one fire, in Smithfield. I lind further upon record, that as the light of the gos- pel began more and more to appear, and the number of the professors thereof to grow, so persecution increased, and the bishops stirred themselves to keep the truth from increasing and growing. Whereupon ensued great persecutions, and grievous afflictions upon divers in several counties, epecially in Buckinghamshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex; but although they were thus afflicted outwardly, yet their inward fervency and zeal for the truth were very great, as appeared by their sitting up all night in reading and hearing ; and by their expense in giv- ing great prices for a few chapters of James and Paul, in English. And further, their great travels, their earnest seeking, their burning zeal, their reading, their watch- ings, their sweet assemblies, their love and concord, their godly living, their faithful marrj^ing only with the faithful ; all which, it is written, they were faithfully practising and observing, being noted or known among' themselves 146 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* by the name of known men, or just fast men. The bish- op of Lincoln, in his inquisitions and examinations of these known men, was so strict and cruel, that he caused the wife to detect the husband, and the husband the wufe, the father the daughter, and the daugh- ter the father ; brother against brother, and neighbour a- gainst neighbour, to w^itness one against another, and that to death ; causing them to swear upon the evangelists, whether they knew the persons to be known men. Agnis Ashford, being one of the said people, for preach- ing these words following, was articled against, viz. " we be the salt of the earth, if it be putrefied and vanished a- way, it is nothing w^orth ; a city set upon a hill may not be hid ; ye light not a candle and put it under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give a light to all in the house ; so shine your light before men, that they may see your w^orks, and glorify your father which is in heav- en." And further she did teach, saying, " Jesus seeing his people, as he w^ent up a hill, was set, and his disciples coming to him, he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, blessed be the poor men in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs ; blessed be mild men, for they shall inherit the earth." For teaching this doctrine, the bish- op strictly enjoined and commanded her to teach no more such lessons to any man, especially to her children. There were thi'ee persons accused for sitting up all night, reading in a book of scriptures, in the house of one Durdant, in Iven court, near Stains ; and for hav- ing certain English books, as Wickliffe's Wicket, in which it was asserted, that man could not make the body of Christ, who made us ; another crime was, having some part of the New Testament, and a book called The Prick of Conscience; for these, and such like allegations, did these men greatly suffer; but the Lord's handwork- ed marvellously amongst them, so that, in a short space, they did exceedhigly increase, in such sort, that the bishop v/as driven to make his complaint to the king, to require his aid to suppress them. The king being then young, and easily incensed ^vith the bishop's suggestions and cruel complaints, sent letters to the sheriffs to aid the bishops a- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 147 against these known men, whom he termed heretics. Upon the king's letter, he renewed his former fierceness, and began to shew further violence upon the poor flock of Christ, calling them before his tribunal seat, passing judg- ment upon some, and committing them to the secular arm to be burnt, namely, Thomas Bernard, James Morden, Robert Rave, John Scrivener, and others ; compelling children to set fire to their own fathers : an example of such cruelty as is contrary both to God and nature. The judicious reader, whose eyes arc enlightened, may see what darkness the world was drowned in at this time, the purity of the christian religion being wholly lost, and turned into outward observations, ceremonies, and idola- try, worshipping saints, and making pilgrimages to see the relics, w^hich were as so many lying miracles. Instead of worshipping the living God, they worshipped dead stocks and stones ; the pope's laws and canons being more set by, than Christ's testament or the scriptures; laying anoth- er foundation than Christ and the apostles laid ; upon which, the papists planted their infinite number of masses, dirges, obsequies, matins, hours of singing-service, mid- night-rising, barefoot- going, fish-tasting, lent-fast, ember- fast, stations, rogations, jubilees, invocation of saints, praying to images, pilgrimage-walking, vows of chastity, wilful poverty, pardons, indulgences, penance, auricular confessions, shaving, powling, anointing, saying prayers by their beads, making laws that none should wear sump tuous garments, or ouches, or rings on their fingers, but bishops only when they w^ere saying mass. These, with other such like doings, have been set up by the pope's power in the night of apostacy, and people have been for- ced to swallow it down, though some did it against their confidences; and if the least light appeared in any to testify against their conduct, the beast and false prophet made wdT with them ; and rather than they would fail in extin- guishing the truth, they would destroy the persons in ^vhom the least appearance thereof manifested itself, as in the relation before, and hereafter will aj^pear. About this time, there were many eminent men raised up, who were accounted fathers of the protestant church, as Zuinglius, 148 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Oecolempadius, Melancton, and Martin Luther. Luther was a German bom; and, bemg oppressed with the popish idolatry, began to preach against the authority of the pope, and to bring in a reformation of rehgion ; for repressing whom, the council of Trent was called by pope Paul the third, in the year 1542 ; which council continued about forty years to no purpose, for they made many decrees which caused a great confusion amongst the papists them- selves. It is recorded of Luther, that he shined in the church as a bright star, after a long, cloudy, and obscure sky. He preached expressly, that sins are freely remitted for the love of the Son of God, and that we ought faithful- ly to embrace this bountiful gift. These good beginnings got him great authority, especially seeing his life was also correspondent to his profession, the consideration whereof took place in the hearts of his hearers, some of whom were persons of upte. These things, and his preaching against indulgences and pardons, incensing the pope, he put forth a new edict, wherein he declared this to be the Catholic doctrine of the mother church of Rome, prince of all other churches ; that bishops of Rome, which are successors of Peter, and vicars of Christ, have this power and au- thority given to release and dispense ; also to grant indul- gences available, both for the living, and for the dead, ly- ing in the pains of purgatory. And this doctrine he chai'g- ed to be received by all faithful christian men, under pain of the great curse and utter separation from all the holy- church ; whereupon, Luther's books were condemned as heretical, and the pope's legate caused them to be burnt, ^vhich Martin Luther hearing of, got a com^pany together at Wittemberg, and making a fire, burnt the j)ope's de- crees and bull then lately sent out against him ; for which, the pope accursed him at Rome. Afterwards, he was sent for by the emperor to Wormes, and, though he was much persuaded not to go, hesaid, " as touching me, since I am sent for, I am resolved, and certainly ii:itend to enter Wormes in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," and did appear ; and according to a promise made by the empe- ror, he was safely conducted thither, and home again. Be- fore the emperor, he said, " I can affirm no other thing PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 149 but only this, that I have taught hitherto in simpUcityof mind, that which I have thought to tend to God's glory." Behig asked, whether he owned these books published iu his name; he said, they were his books ; but he could not submit his books to the judgment of men, which he had fortified by the authority of scripture, unless they could prove by the scripture the contrar}^ ; professing, that ex- cept they could convince him by testimonies of the scrip- tures, (for he did not believe the pope, nor their general councils, which have erred many times, and have con- tradicted themselves) he could not submit to their judg. ment. This opposition, made by Luther, much troubled the pope, especially seeing the followers of Luther to increase; and therefore, he earnestly desired some speedy remedy against tlie same ; and to that end, sent to the German princes to move them thereunto ; but the German prin- ces, instead of putting the pope's sentence in execution against Luther and his followers, exhibited at the council of Nuremberg an hundred grievances and oppressions against the court of Rome : as, forbidding marriage to some, forbidding meats, times of marriages restrained, and d'ter released again for money, selling remissions of sins for money, the licentious life of the priests, and their great number of holy -days ; and such like other things, as would be too much to mention. Luther continued, notwithstanding all the opposition a- gainst him ; twenty nine years a preacher, and at last died in peace in his own country. But there continued great disputations and reformations in divers parts of Europe, abohsing the mass, and all im- ages and foolish ceremonies, making decrees against them, that they should be utterly abandoned. After the preach- ing of Luther, great troubles and persecutions followed in many parts of the world ; and many laws and decrees \scre made against such as bore testimony against the ignorance and error of those times ; whereby many good christians were cruelly handled ; and lamentable itis to read, how many poor men were troubled in Germany, France, and England; some beiug racked, some exiled, some diiven 150 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. to caves in woods, and others burnt to death ; with many other cruel torments. It will be too much to mention eve- rv person that suffered in those days for religion ; but some of the chief are as followeth. In the year 1523, John Esch, and Henr}^ Voes, two young men, for owning the doctrine of Luther, were pro- ceeded against as heretics, being examined by the pope's inquisitors at Lovaine. The greatest thing that they were ac- cused of as error, was, believing that men ought to trust only in God, inasmuch as men are liai's, and deceitful in all their words and deeds. Being condemned, they were led to the place of execution in Bruxels, and went joyfully, saying, they died for the glory of God, and the doctrine of the gospel, as true clu'istians, believing and following ilie holy church of the son of God, saying also, that it was a day which they had Tong desired. Being come to the place of execution, and stripped to their shirts, they stood so a great space, patiently and joyfully enduring whatsoever was done unto them ; praising God, and singing for joy. A doctor standing by, exhorted Henry to take heed so fool- ishly to glory himself ; to whom he answered, *' God forbid that I should glory in any thing, but only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ :" another counselled him to have God before his eyes, to whom he said, ''I trust, I carry him truly in my heart." The next that suffered was Henry Stutven, burned in the borders of Germany. When he was apprehended^ they fell upon him in a very great rage and fury, drawing him naked out of his bed, and bound his hands behind him. When he was brought to Hemmingstead, they asked of him, what his intent was in coming to Diethmar ; unto whom, he gently declared the cause of his coming, which was to preach the gospel. They all, in a rage, cried out, away with him, away with him, for we will hear him talk no longer. Then he being very weary and faint, re- quired to be set on horseback, for his feet were all cut and hurt with the ice, because he was led all night bare foot ; but they mocked him, and said he was an heretic, and he should go on foot. That night, they had him to a man's house, called Calden, and there they bound him in PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 151 chains in the stocks ; but the master of the house being compassionate, would not suffer the cruel deed long ; wherefore, he was carried away to a priest's house, and there shut up in a cupboard, and by the rude people mock- ed and scorned all night : in the morning, about eight of the clock, they gathered together in the market place, to consult what they should do; where the rustic i>eople, boil- ing in drink, cried out, burn him, burn him, to the fire with the heretic. Then they bound him, hands, feet, and neck ; and being brought to the fire, one of the presidents appeared to pass a sentence upon him, to be burnt and consumed with fire. Henry lifting up his hands, said, '' Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do : thy name, O Almighty God, is holy." The fire, as often as it was kindled, would not burn ; notwithstanding they satisfied their minds upon him, striking and pricking him with their several kinds of weapons, he standing in his shirt ; and when he began to pray, one struck him on the face, saying, " thou shalt first be' burnt, imd af- terwards pray and prate as much as thou v/ilt :" and thus, this godly preacher finished his martyrdom, w^hich was in the year 1529. John Clark, of Melden in France, for setting up a pa- per upon the door of the house of worship, against the pope's pardons, and calling the pope antichrist, vy-as whipped three several days, and marked in the forehead. His mother see- ing their cruelty towards her son, constantly and boldly en- couraged him, blessing the Lord with a loud voice that he was worthy to suffer. After the execution of the foresaid punishment, the said John Clark removed to Mentz, and there followed his trade, being a wool-comber, where un- derstanding that the people of the city, after the old accus- tomed manner, worshipped certain blind idols ; he be- ing inflamed with th zeal of God against them, went to the place where the images were, and broke them all dowTi in pieces ; the next morning, the canons, priests, and monks, accompanied with the people, according to their accustom- ed mamier, went to their idolatrous place of worship, where they found all their blocks and stocks broken to pieces up- on the ground, which sight sorely offended them : and 152 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. searching out for the author of the fact, and John Clark be- ing suspected, was apprehended ; and, upon examination, confessed he did it, and shewed them the cause wherefore ; and being brought to trial, he defended the pure doctrine of the Son of God, against their images and their false wor- ships, for which, he was condemned. Being led to the place of execution, he there sustained extreme torments ; for, first, his right hand was cut off ; then, his nose , with sharp pincers, was violently plucked from his face ; all which, and much more, he quietly and constantly endur- ed, testifying at the fire against his persecutors, saying, their images were silver and gold, the work only of man's hand. George Carpenter, of Emering in Bavaria, was burnt to death. When he was led out of the tower, where he was prisoner, before the council, divers friars and monks followed him, to instruct and teach him, whom he willed to tarry at home, and not to follow him. When he came before the council, they read his offences, viz. that he did not believe that a priest could forgive a man his sins ; and that he did not believe that God was in the bread which the priests hang over the altar ; and that the element of water in baptism doth not give grace. Being urged to revoke these his opinions, and that then he should be set at liberty, and go home to his wife and children ; to which, he answered, '' my wife and children are so deai'ly belov- ed unto me, that they cannot be bought from me for all the riches and possessions of the duke of Bavaria ; but, for the love of my Lord God, I can willingly forsake them ;" At his execution, a schoolmaster repeating the Lord's prayer, George Carpenter said as folio weth ; " truly, thou art our father, and no other, this day I trust to be with thee ; Oh ! my God, how little is thy name hallowed in tliis world ! for this cause, O Father, am I now here, that thy will might be fulfilled, and not mine : the only living bread, Jesus Christ, shall be my food ; with a willing- mind, do I forgive all men,both my friends and adversa- ries. Oh ! my Lord, without doubt, shalt thou deliver me, for upon thcc only have I laid all my hope ; in thee alone do I trust, in thee only is all my canfidence : I PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 153 knew that I must suiFer persecution, if I did cleave unto Christ, who said, where the heart is, there is the treasure also ; and whatsoever thing a man doth fix in his heart to love above God, that he maketh his idol. And then being cast into the fire by the hangman, he joyfully yield- ed up his spirit unto God. Weendel Muta, a widow of Holland, receiving the truth of the gospel into her heart, was apprehended and committed to the castle of Werden ; and from thence shortly after was brought to the Hague to trial, where certain monks were appointed to talk with her, to win her to recant, but she constantly persisted in the truth in which she was planted. A woman of her acquaintance coming to prison to visit her, said to her, '' why dost not thou keep silence, and think secretly in thine heart these things which thou believest, that thou mayst pro- long thy life here ?" '* O ! (said the widow) you know not what you say, it is written, with the heart we believe to righteousness ; with the tongue, we confess to salva- tion." At her execution, she commended herself into the hands of God ; and, after a fervent prayer, was buruit to death. About this time, there suffered many more in Germa- ny for the witness of the gospel, viz. John Pistorius, com- ing from Wittemberg, for speaking against the mass and pardons, and against the subtil abuses of the priests. He was committed to prison, with ten malefactors, whom he comforted : to one of whom being half naked, and in danger of cold, he gave his gown. His father visiting him in prison, did not dissuade him, but bade him be constant. Being condemned, and coming to the stake, he gave his neck willingly to the band wherewith he was first strangled ; and was then burned, saying at his death, '* O death ! where is thy victory '?" There using to be a great meeting near Antwerp, where one used to preach to a great number of people ; of which, Charles the emperor hearing, gave leave to any that would to take tlie uppermost garment of all them that came to hear, and oftercd thirty guilders to him that %\'Oulfl take the preacher ; afterA\'ards;^ when the people 154 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. were gathered, and their usual minister being not there, one Nicholas, of Antwerp, stood up, and preached to the people ; wherefore, being apprehended by a butcher's servant, he was put in a sack, and drowned at the crane at Antwerp, 1524. Some of the city of Lovaine, were suspected of Lutheranism, and the emperor's procurator came from Brussels thither to make inquisition ; after which inqui- sition, certain bands of armed men came and be- set their houses in the night, where many were taken in their beds, plucked from their wives and children, and sent to divers prisons, through the terror whereof, many citizens revolted from the gospel, and returned again to idolatry ; but twenty eight remained constant in that per- secution, unto whom the doctors and inquisitor of Lo- vaine resorted, disputing with them, and thinking either to confound, or convert them ; but so strongly the spirit of the Lord wrought with the saints, that the doctors went rather confounded away themselves. When they saw disputing would not do, they used cruel torments to en- force them. One of them was condemned to perpetual prison, which was a dark and stinking dungeon, where he was neither suffered to write nor read, nor any man to come at him, and commanded only to be fed with bread and water. Two of the said prisoners were also burnt, receiving with constantcy their martyrdom. There were an old man, and two aged women, brought forth, of whom the one was called Antonia, born of an ancient stock in that city. These were condemned, the man to be beheaded, and the two women to be buried alive ; which death they received very cheerfully } and the rest of the prisoners, that would not abjure the doc- trine of Luther, were put to the fire. One Percival, of Lovaine, for owning the truth, was^ adjudged to perpetual imprisonment : there to be fed only with bread and water ; which punishment he took pa- tiently for Christ's sake. He was secretly made away with, either famished or drowned, no man could learn how. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 155 Justus Jusberge, a skinner in Lovaine, in the year 1544, for having a new testament in his house, was per- secuted by one Darsardus, and committed to prison ; and the gaoler was commanded that none should speak with him; shortly after, the doctors examined him, touching the pope's supremacy, sacrifice of the mass, purgatory, &:c. ; wereunto he answered plainly and boldly, confirming his answers by the scriptures. When they saw he would not be moved from his faith, then they condemned him to be burnt; but as a pretended favour to him, he was on- ly beheaded. Giles Tilman, of Brussels, cutler, born of honest par- ents, at about the age of thirty years, began to receive the light of the gospel, for which he was very zealous and fervent. He was in his nature very mild and pitiful, pas- sing all others in those parts, giving whatsoever he had to spare to the poor, and living only upon his trade. He was persecuted by the priest of Brussels, being taken at Lovaine spreading that religion which the pope called heresy. His adversaries used great care to make him abjure, but being a man of a singular wit, and constant in his religion, they went away many times with shame. After he had been kept eight months in prison, he was sent to Brussels to be judged, where finding Franciscus Ensenes, and others of the same religion, in prison, he exhorted them to be constant to the truth, that they might receive the crown that was prepared for them. When the gray friars, being sent unto him, would miscal and abuse him, he ever held his peace at such private injuries ; wherefore, they reported he had a dumb devil in him. He might have several times es- caped out of prison, the doors being set open, but he would not. Being removed to another prison, and on the twenty- second of the month called Januar}^, 1544, he was condemned to be burnt privately ; for openly they durst not do it, for fear of the people, he being so well beloved. When tidings were brought him of his sen- tence, " he thanked God, that the hour was come where- in he might glorify the Lord ;" and being had to the fire, he willingly resigned up his life into the hands of the Lord. 156 . PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Great persecution i7i Gaunt ^ ajid other parts of Flanders^ Annis 1543, and 1544. Charles the emperor lying in Gaunt, the friars and doctors obtained, that the edict made against the Luthe- rans might be read openly twice a year, which caused a great persecution to follow ; so that there was no city or town in all Flanders, wherein some were not either ex- pulsed, beheaded, condemned to perpetual imprisonraent, or their goods confiscated, without respect either to age or sex, especially at Gaunt, where some of the chief inen in the town w^ere burnt for their religion. Afterwards, the emperor coming to Brussels, there also were terrible slaughters and persecutions of God's people, namely in Brabant, Honeygrow, and Artois, the horror and cruelty whereof are almost incredible ; inso- much that two hundred men and women were brought out of the country into the city, some of whom were drowned, some buried quickly, some privately destroyed and others sent to perpetual imprisonment, whereby the prisons were filled, to the great sorrow of them which knew the gospel, the professors wdiereof being now com- pelled either to deny the same, or confirm it with their blood; the history whereof was at large set forth by Fran- cis Ensenes, in Latin, who himself was a prisoner at the same time in Brussels for the truth's sake. Martin Hoeurblock, fishmonger in Gaunt, 1545, being converted to the truth from the superstitious idolatry of the Papists, and a great change wrought in him, having all his time till then lived a wicked and fleshly life, was a wonder to his neighbours to see such a sudden change. The Franciscan friars, who before knew him, remember- ing how beneficial he had been to them, now seeing him so altered, and taking notice of his visiting the prisoners, and comforting them in persecution, and confirming them that went to the fire, they soon caused him to be detect- ed and imprisoned ; and, with grievous and sliarp tor- ments, would have constrained him to discover more of the same religion ; to whom he answered ; " that if they eould prove by the scripture, that his detecting and ac- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 157 cusing his brethren, whom they would afflict with the like torments, were not against the law of God, then he would not refuse to prefer the honour of God before the safeguard of his brethren." But he was soon after had to the council in Flanders, where the causes laid against him were, the sacrament, purgatory, &c. for which, he was condemned and burnt at Gaunt, all his goods being confiscated. Nicholas and Francis Thiesten, Anno 1545, for stand- ing firm in the truth, and bearing witness against the church of Rome, and their auricular confession, purgato- ry, &c. were condemned to be burnt; and coming to the place of execution, for exhorting the people, they put wooden gags in their mouths. When they were fasten- ed to the stake, they patiently endured the fire. The mother of these two men was for her steadfastness to the truth condemned to perpetual imprisonment. Adrian Taylor, and Marion his wife, ofDornick, Anno 1545, by reason of the emperor's decree at Wormes a- gainst the Lutherans, were apprehended and persecuted. Adrian, not so strong as a man, for fear gave back, and was only beheaded : the wife, stronger than a woman, withstood their threats ; and abode the uttermost ; and being enclosed in an iron grate, formed in the shape of a pasty, was laid in the earth, and buried quickl}'. When the adversaries first told her, that her husband had relented, she believed them not, but as she was going to the place where she was to die, passing by the tower where he was, she called to him to take her leave, but he was gone be fore. Peter Bruly, of Stratsburg, at the earnest request of faidiful brethren, went down to visit the lower counties about Artois, which the magistrates of Dornick hearing, shut the gates of the town, and made search for him three days. He was privately let down the wall in the night by a basket ; and as he was let down into the ditch, ready to take his way, one of them which let him down, leaning over the wall, to bid him farewell, caused, unawares, a stone to slip out of the wall, which falling upon him, broke his leg^ b} reason ^vhcreof, he vas heard by the 158 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. watchmen, complaining of his wound, and so was taken. As long as he remained in prison, he ceased not to preach the truth to all that came unto him ; and he wrote his own confession, and examination, and sent it to the breth- ren. He wrote also another epistle to them that were in persecution ; another to all the faithful ; and another let- ter he wrote to his wife, the same day he was burned. He remained four months in prison, before he was sen- tenced to be burnt. Letters were sent from duke Fred- erick, of the Landsgrave, to entreat for him ; but he was burnt before the letters came. Peter Moice being converted to the truth, by Peter Bruly, was apprehended and let down into a deep dun- geon, under the castle- ditch, which was full of filtliy ver- mine. The friars coming to examine him, he told them; " whilst he lived an ungodly life, they never concerned themselves with him, but, now for favouring the word of God, they sought his blood." Being brought before the senate, he would have boldly answered to what they ob- jected against him, but they interrupted him ; to whom, he said, ** if you will not suffer me to answer for myself, send me back to prison among the toads and frogs, which will not interrupt me, while I talk witli my God." And continuing constant in the truth, he was at last burnt to death. Nicholas Frenchman, having been at Geneva, in- tended to go into England ; but in his way, was appre- hended by the lieutenant of Dornick ; and, being bound hands and feet, was brought to Burgis, and there laid in a dungeon. The friars, when they came to examine him, went away in a shameful r^ge, saying, *^ he had a devil ;" and crj ing, " to the fire with him." Soon af- ter, the judges condemned him to be burnt to ashes ; at which sentence, he blessed the Lord, which had counted him to be a witness in the cause of his beloved son. Go- ing to the place of execution, he was threatened, that if he spake, they v/ould put a wooden- ball in his mouth ; nevertheless, being at the stake, he minded not their threats, but cried out with a loud voice, saying, " Oh Charles ! Charles ! how lonp; shall ihv heart be harden- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 159 cd ?" with that, one of the soldiers gave him a blow ; then he said, " O ! miserable people, who are not wor- thy, to whom the word of God should be preached.*' Then the friars cried out, '* he hath a devil." To whom he said, *' depart from me all you wicked, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my weeping." So, in the midst of the fire he commended his spirit unto God, and ended this life. Bertrand le Blais, at Domick, in the year 1555, suf- fered lamentably ; his torments being almost incredible, and his constancy admirable. He being a silk-weaver, and having something upon his spirit, set his house in or- der ; and desired his wife and brother to pray, that God would establish him in his enterprise, that he was going about ; which was upon Christmas- day (so called). He went to the high place, at Dornick, where he took the cake out of the priest's hands, as if he would have lifted it over his head, at mass, and stamped it under his feet, saying, " that he did it to shew the glory of that God, and what power he hath." At the sight hereof, the people were amazed ; and he hardly escaped with his life. It was not long, before the governor of the castle heard of this passage, who, like a mad- man, threatened he should be an example to all posterity. Bertrand being brought before him, he asked him, if he repented of his fact ? He answered, " no : and if he had a hundred lives he would give them in the quarrel." Then was he thrice put to the torture, and tormented most miserably. Then they passed sentence against him, and this was ex- ecuted : first, he was drawn from the castle of Dornick to the market-place, having a ball of iron put in his mouth : then he was set upon a stage, where his right- hand was crushed and pressed between two hot irons, with sharp edges ; in the like manner, they served his right foot ; which torments he endured with marvellous constancy ; that being done, they took the ball of iron out of his mouth, and cut out his tongue. Notwithstand- ing his tongue was cut out, he still called upon God, as well as he could, whereby the hearts of the people were greatly moved; whereupon the tormentors thrust the iron 160 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ball into his mouth again : from thence, they brought him down to a lower stage ; where his legs and hands were bound behind him, with an iron chain going about his body ; and so he was let down flat upon the fire. The gov- ernor standing by, caused him to be plucked up again, and so down, and up again, till at last this whole body was consumed to ashes. James Faber, and three others, suffered at Valens. Fa- ber being an old man, said, " that though he could not answer, nor satisfy them in reasoning, yet he would con- stantly abide in the truth of the gospel." Godfrey Hamell, a tailor, was taken and condemned at Dornick, by the name of an heretic : " nay, said he, not an heretic, but a servant of Jesus Christ." When the bang- man went about to strangle him, to diminish his punish- ment, he refused, saying, *' that he would abide the sen- tence that the judges had given." Besides those that suffered in Germany before men- tioned, there were great numbers, both in the higher and lower countries of Germany, who were put to death for ^^teligion. Many of them were burnt ; some buried alive ; and others secretly drowned ; whose names are mentioned in the ** Acts and Monuments," and which I have omitted for brevity's sake. Sufferers in France^ for hearing the like witness to the gospel, Dennis Rennix, at Melde, in the year 1558, was burnt for testifying against the mass. He was always used to have in his mouth the words of Christ, *' he that de- nietli me before men, him will I also deny before my Father." He was burnt in a slow lire, and suffered cruel torments. Upon a complaint made to the council, called Le Cham- her Ardante, that the judges suffered heretics to have their tongues ; a decree was immediately made, that all vho were to be burned, unless they retanted at the fire, should have their tongues cut off, which law afterwards was strict- ]}' obscr\ ed. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 161 Stephen Polliard coming out of Normandy, (where he was born) in the year 1546, to Meux, tarried there not long ; but he was compelled to flee ; and went to a town called Frea, where he was apprehended and brought to Paris; and there cast into a foul and dark prison ; in which prison, he was kept in bonds and fetters a long time, and saw almost no light. At length, being called for before the senate ; and his sentence given to have his tongue cut out, and to be burnt alive, his satchel of books hanging about his neck ; " O Lord," siiid he, " is the world in blindness and d'U'kness still ?" For he thought, being in prison so long, that the world had been altered from its old darkness to better knowledge. At last, wuth his books about his neck, he was burnt to death. Florent Vcnote remamed a prisoner in Paris four years ; during which time, he was put to divers torments. One kind of torment was, he was put into a narrow place, so strait that he could neither stand, nor lie, Avhich they call- ed the hose, or boots, because it was strait below, and \vide above. In this, he remained se^'en V\'eeks, where the tormentors affirmed, that no thief or murderer , could en* dure fifteen days, but was in danger of life or madness ; and at last, on the ninth of the month, called July, he was burnt to death, with divers other martyrs, who were burnt as a spectacle at the king's coming into Paris. The next that suffered, ^v•as a poor tailor in Paris, w^ho, for working upon holy-days (so called,) and for denying to obser\'e them, was clapped in prison. The king he?j'ing of it, sent for him before him, and some of his peers. Being before the king, he answered with great boldness, wit, and memory, defending the cause of Christ ; neither flatter- ing their persons, nor fearing their tlireats, \\'hich struck the king in a great damp, in musing in his mind ; which the bishop seeing, committed the poor tailor again to the hands of the officer, saying, ".he was a stubborn fellow, and fitter to be punislicd, than to be marvelled at." A few diiys LifLcr, he was condemned to be burnt alive. The next year, two men, for friendly admonishing a certain priest, who, in his sermon, abused'the name of God, 162 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. were both burned. Another young man, of the age of eight en years, forrebukhiga man in Paris for swearing, being suspected to be a Lutheran, was apprehended, and brought before the council at Paris, who committed him to prison; where he was so cruelly racked and tormented, that one of the persecutors seeing it, could not but turn his back and weep. When he was brought, and put in the fire, he was plucked up again upon the gibbet ; and was asked, whether he would turn ? to which, he said, " that he was in his way towards God ; and therefore^ desired them to let him go."^ John J oyer, and his servant, being a young man, in the year 1552, coming from Geneva to their country with cer- tain books, were apprehended by the way ; and had to Tholouse, where the master was condemned. The ser- vant being young, was not so prompt to answer, but di- rected them to his master to answer them. When they were brought to the stake,, the young man first going up, began to weep ; the master fearing lest he should recant, ran to him, and he was comforted. As they were in the fire^ the master standing upright to the stake, shifted the fire from him to his servant, being more careful for him than for himself ; and when he saw him dead, he bowed down himself in the flame, and so expired.. Matthias Dimonetus, merchant, at Lyons, in the year 1553, having been a man of a vicious and detestable life, was, notwithstanding, through the grace of God, brought to the knowledge and savour of his truth ; for a testimony of which, he was soon after imprisoned. Being in prison y. he had great conflicts with the inlirmity of his own flesh, but especially with the temptation of his parents, breth- ren, and kinsfolk, and the great sorrow of his mother ; nev- ertheless the Lord so assisted him, that he endured to the end, and was burnt to death. In the year 1558, the fourth day of the month, called September, there was a company of the faithful, to the number of three or four hundred, met together, at Paris, in a certain house. In the beginning of the night, ther were discovered by some priests ; and the house was soon beset ; and the city was in an uproar, many being in an ex- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 163 treme rage, furiously seeking to have their blood. At the suddenness of this thing, the people were struck in great fear, and fell to prayer. About six or seven score of them having weapons, escaped through the multitude, save only one, who was knocked down with stones, and destroyed. The women remaining in the house, were taken by the magistrates, and had to prison. In their pas- sing to the prison, they were plucked and haled by the rude multitude, who tore their garments, pulled off their hoods, and disfigured their flices with dirt. They were accused to the king, by a priest, that tliey put out the candles in their meetings, and that they maintained, that there was no God ; and denied the divinity and humanity of Christ, the immortality of the soul, and the resurrection of the body &c. These things a lying doctor charged on them, without any proof, moving the king and peo- people to destroy them ; and shortly after, a commission was directed out by the king to certain counsellors to try and give judgment upon the aforesaid sufferers ; a particular relation of whose execution, is at large inserted by my author ; but there being little material, either in their trial, or execution, I thought not meet to insert. About this time, many suffered martyrdom, under the cruel and bloody inquisition in Spain first begun by king Ferdinandus, and Elizabeth his wife. The Spanish priests maintain, that the holy and sacred inquisition, as they call it, cannot err, and that the holy fathers, the in- quisitors, cannot be deceived. If one be apprehended as a favourer of heretics, he is carried and put into a horrible prison, and none permitted to come to him, but there he is kept alone in a place, where he cannot see so much as the ground, and often whipped, scourged, put in irons, tortured, and racked, sometimes brought out and shew- ed in some higher place to the people, as a spectacle of rebuking infamy ; and thus sonic are detained there ma- ny years, and murdered by long torments, by which they are more cruelly executed, than if tiiey were at once slain by the hangman ; during all their time of imprisonment, whatsoever process is done agiiinst them, no pe-rson kno^vs it, but only the holy fathers and tormentors, 164 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. which are sworn to execute the torments ; all the pro- ceedings of the court of that execrable inquisition, are done in secret ; by the rigor of which inquisition, many good men have been destroyed, both in Spain and Italy. In the kingdom of Naples, in the year 1560, in the time of Pope Pius the fourth, was begun a hot persecu- tion against the protestants, many men and their wives being slain. Likewise, in the same year, in Calabria, the number of eighty- eight persons, both old and young, suffered, for the protestant religion, by the papists : all of whom were put together in one house, and taken out one after anoth- er, and laid upon the butcher's stall, like sheep in the shambles ; and with one bloody knife, they were all kill- ed ; a spectacle m^st tragical for all posterity to re- member, and almost incredible to believe ; but it is con- firmed by two epistles of sufficient credit, which are at large inserted in the Book of Martyrs. The next matter to be treated of, is the great perse- cution and destruction of the people of Merindol and Ca- bries, in the county of Provence; where not a few per- sons, but whole villages and townships, with the most of the men, women, and children, were put to all kinds of cruelty ; and suftered martyrdom for the profession of the gospel. From the year 1200, they had refused the bishop of Rome^s authority ; for which, they were often accused and complained of, to the king, as contemners and des- pisers of the magistrates, and as rebels ; wherefore, they were called by divers names, according to the countries and places where they dwelt ; for, in the country about Lyons, they were called the poor people of Lyons: in the borders of Sarmaria and Livonia, and in other countries towards the north, they were called Lollards ; in Flan- ders and Artois, Turrelupines, from a desert where evolves haunt i in Dauphin with great despite, they were called Chagnars, because they lived in places open to the sun, with out house or harbour ; but most commonly, they were called Waldows, from Waldow, who first in- structed them in the word of God, as before is related ; TERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 165 which name continued till the name of Lutherans came up, which, above all others, was most hated and abhor- red. Notwithstanding these most spiteful reproaches and slanders, the people dwelling at the foot of the Alps, and in Merindol and Cabries, always lived so Godly, upright- ly, and justly, that in all their lives and conversation, there appeared to be in them a great fear of God ; and that lit- tle liglit of true knowledge, which God had given them, they laboured by all means to kindle and increase daily more and more, sparing no charges, whether it were to purchase the scriptures in their own language, to encour- age one another in godliness, or travelling into other countries, even to the farthest parts of tl.e earth, where they had heard that any light of the gospel began to shine. But the more zealous these people were for a refor- ma'tion in their religion, the more did the fury and rage of persecution stir in the bishops, priests, and monks, in all Provence, against them. Amongst the rest, one Jo. de Roma, a monk, obtaining a conmiission to examine those that were suspected to be of the Waldow or Lu- theran profession, forthwith ceased not to afflict the faithful with all kinds of cruelty that he could devise or imagine : amongst other horrible torments, this was one, which he most delighted in, and most commonly practis- ed : he filled boots with boiling grease, and put them upon their legs, tying tliem backward, to a form witli their legs hanging down over a small fire, and so he ex- amined them. Thus he tormented very many ; and in the end, most cruelly put them to death. This cruelty coming to the French king's ears, he was much digust- ed ; wherefore, he wrote to the parliament at Provence, that the monk might be apprehended and punished ; but he conveyed himself away. The Lord, not long after, smote him with a most horrible and strange sickness, his body being tormented with pain, and he could get no help. Being had to an hospital, his tiesh rotted away, and stunk so that none cared to come near him : and in this rage and torment, he often cried out, '* who v.^ill deliver me ? 166 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Who will kill me, and deliver me out of these torments and pains, which I know I fufFer for the evils and op- pressions that I have done to the poor men V And, in this anguish, he most miserably ended his unhappy days. After the death of this persecuting monk, the bishop of Aix, by his official, continued the persecution, and put a great multitude of them in prison, of whom, some by force of torments revolted from the truth ; and the oth- ers, who proved constant, after he had condemned them of heresy, were put into the hands of the ordinary judge, who at that time was one Merianus, a cruel per- secutor, and who, without any form of process, or order of law, put such as the official had pronounced to be her- etics, to death with most cruel torments. After this persecutor was dead, one Bartholomew Ca- senes, president of the parliament of Provence, became a a pestilent persecutor, whom God at length struck with a fearful aild sudden death. In the time of this tyrant, those of Merindol were cited personally to appear before the king's attorney ; but they hearing that the court had determined to burn them, without any process or order of law, durst not appear ai tl\e day appointed; for which cause, the court awarded a cruel sentence against Merindol, and condemned all the inhabitants to be burned, men, wom- en, and children, and their town and houses to be razed to the ground, and their country to be made a desert and wilderness, never more to be inhabited. This bloody ar- rest or decree seemed strange and wonderful, some open- ly saying, " they marvelled that the parliament should be so mad as to give out an arrest so manifestly injuri- ous and unjust, and contrary to all reason and humanity;" others said, '' the judges are not bound to observe either right or reason in extirpating such as are suspected to be Lutherans :" but whatever was said in opposition to this decree, the bishops, from time to time, used all the op- portunities to endeavour to put the same in execution, as appears in the following relation. Amongst these poor men that suffered in Merindol, there was a bookseller, who, for setting pubUcly to sale certain bibles in French and Latin, in the sight of the PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 167 bishop of Aix, and other prelates, was apprehended, and and committed to prison ; and afterwards, was senten- ced and burnt. The prelates seeing great dissension a- mongthe people of Avinion ; and that many murmured at the deat ; of tids bookseller, for selling the bible, to scare t'^e people, the next day, they put out a proclama- tion against all French bibles, fiat none should keep them in their hands, upon pain of death. After this proclamation, the bishop of Aix endeavour- ed his utmost to persecute the people of Merindol, being very earnest with the president to that effect, and to put the parliament's arrest and decree in execution. The president, shewing himself unwilHng to the bishop to shed innocent blood, pleaded, " the king would be dis- pleased to have such destruction made of his subjects.'^ Then said the bishop, '• though the king, at the first, do think it ill done, we will so bring it to pass, that in a short space, he should think it well done ; for we have the cardinals on our side, especially the cardinal of Tour- non." By these arguments of the bishop, the president and council of the parliament were persuaded to raise a force, and destroy the people of Merindol, according to the decree. The inhabitants of Merindol hearing thereof, and seeing nothing but present death to be at hand, with great lamentation commended themselves and their cause unto God, by prayer, and made themselves ready to be mur- dered, as sheep for the slaughter. Wnilst they were in this grievous distress, there was one raised up, called the Lord of Alner, to plead with the president on their be- half, giving the president several reasons, why he ought not to destroy these poor chirstian men of Merindol ; by which reasons, the president was persuaded, and imme- diately called back his commission which he had given out ; and caused the army to retire, which was within a mile and a half of Merindol ; the people of Merindol un- derstanding, that the army was retired, gave thanks unto God, comforting one another with admonition and ex- hortation, always to have the fear of God before their eyes, and to seek after the everlasting riches. 163 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* The noise of these proceedings, and of this arrest and decree, coming to the king of France's ears, he appointed persons to make inquiry into the whole matter, and to make a report to him thereof, and what manner of peo- ple these Merindohans w^ere. These deputies brought a copy of the arrest, decree, and proceedings, to the king's lieutenant, declaring unto him the great injuries, polling, extortions, exactions, tyrannies, and cruelties, which the judges, as well secu- lar as ecclesiastical, had used against them of Merindol and others. They reported, touching the behaviour and disposition of those who were persecuted, '^ that the most part of the men of Provence affirmed tliem to be men given to great labour and travel ; and that about two hundred years past, (as is reported) they came out of the country of Piedmont, to dwell in Provence, and took to tillage, and to inhabit many villages destroyed by the wars, which they had so well husbanded, that there w^as now great store of wine, oil, honey, and cattle, so that strangers were greatly relieved ; and that they were a peaceable, quiet people, beloved of all their neighbours, men of good behaviour, constant in keeping their prom» ise, and paying their debts, without suing men at law; that they Were also charitable men, giving alms, reliev- in£r the poor, suffering none amongst them to lack, or to be in necessity, harbouring and nourishing poor stran- gers and passengers, in their necessities." Moreover, *' that they were known by this throughout all the coun- try, that they would not swear ; and that, if they heard any swear^ blaspheme, or dishonour God, they straight- ways departed out of their company." This was the ten- or of the report made by the king's lieutenant, touching the life and behaviour of these inhabitants of Merindol, who v;ere persecuted by the popish bishops and cardi- nals ; of which, the lieutenant advertised tlie king, who was a good prince; and moved with mercy and pity, sent letters to the parliament, expressly charging and com- manding them, that they should not, hereafter, proceed to prosecute the said arrest and decree so rigorously, as they had done before.^ against this people, and not to PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 169 molest or trouble them in person or goods ; and to com- mand them to set at liberty all prisoners, who either were accused or suspected of Lutheranism ; and withal included in his letter, that if any of them should be con- victed of heresy, by the scriptures of the Old and New Testament, they should be caused to abjure. Notwithstanding this letter was written in favour to the people of Merindol, yet the bishop of Cavaillon took advantage of one part of it, to prosecute his malice against them ; for, upon the king's letter, the parlia- ment ordained, that John Durand, counsellor of the parliament, the secretary, and the bishop of Cavail- lon, witli a doctor of divinity, should go to Merin- dol, and there declare to the inhabitants the errors and heresies, which they knew to be contained in their con- fession of their faith, and make them apparent by good and sufficient information ; and having so convicted them, by the word of God, they should make them renounce and alDJure the said heresies; and, if theyrefusedtoabjure, then to make report thereof, that the court might appoint how to proceed against them. The bishop of Cavaillon would not tarry till the time appointed by the court, for the ex- ecution of this matter ; but he himself, with a doctor, went to Merindol, to make them abjure ; and they refus- ing, he grew very angry with them. Shortly after, John Durand, counsellor of the par- liament, went to execute the commission, according ta order, to wliom the bailiff of Merindol said, ** it seem- eth unto me, that there is no due form of process in this judgment ; for there is no party here, that doth accuse us ; if we had any accuser present, ^v ho, according to the rule of the scripture, either should prove by good demonstration, out of the New and Old Test^rfnents, that of which we are accused ; or, if he were not able, should suffer punishment due unto such as are heretics ; I think he will be as greatly troubled to maintain his ac- cusation, as we to answer unto the same." Thus, things debated for some time; but the bishop and doctor were much confounded ; and tlie inhabitants of jrindol enjoyed rest and quiet for a space, until John z 170 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Miniers, an exceeding bloody tyrant, began a new perse- cution. He put five or six of his own tenants into a cistern under the ground, and closing it up, he kept them there, till they died with hunger, pretending that they were Lutherans ; but it was to get their goods and possessions. By these practices, this wretch grew great and wealthy, and became president of the parliament, and lieutenant-general in the country of Provence. He em- ployed all his powers to obtain letters patent from the king, to prosecute the decree against the people of Mer- indol, which, by the help of the cardinal of Tournon, he did obtain. After this, he gathered all the king's army, and employed them to the destruction of Merindol, Cab- ries, and other towns, to the number of twenty-two, giv- ing conmiission, to spoil, ransack, burn, and destroy all together, and to kill man, woman, and child without mer- cy. The people of Merindol, seeing all in a flame round about them, left their houses, and fled into the woods, carrying their children upon their shoulders a day's jour- ney ; but the way through which they were to pass, be- ing rough and cumbersome, they thought it expedient to leave the women and children behind, hoping that the enemy would shew mercy to them, being destitute of all succour. No tongue can express, what sorrow, what tears, what sighings, and what lamentations there were at that woful parting, when they were compelled to be fius separated ; the husband from his wife, the father om his tender children, and never like to see each oth- er again. They had not gone far, when the enemy sud- denly came upon them, and, finding them assembling to- gether at prayer, spoiled them of all that they had : some tiiey ravished ; and others they scourged, practising what cruelty and villainy they could devise against them ; the women being in number about five hundred. Mi- niers caused thirty men to be carried into a meadow, and tliere to be miserably cut and hewed to ])ieces by sold- iers; and he had forty women put in a barn full of straw, and the barn was set on fire, which destroyed them. Of those that were so unmercifully murdered by this bloody tyrant, there were about one thousand persons, men, women, a^ PERSECUTED BV THE PAPISTS. 171 cliildren. It is inexpressible, how lamentably and cru- elly these poor people were persecuted, insomuch that no kind of cruelty and tyranny was left unpractised ; for they that escaped into the woods and mountains, being taken, were either slain out-right, or put in the galleys and made slaves. Some were famished in rocks and caves with hunger ; and thus it continued, till God, by his just judgments, cut off' the bloody tyrant Mhiiers, by death. The persecution of the Waldaises in Atigrogna, Lu- cerne, Perouse, Piedmont , and other places ^ from the year 1555, to 1561. Though these people, by long persecution, were driven from place to place ; and in all places, were afflic- ted ; yet they were not utterly destroyed, and would nev- er yield to the superstitions of the popish religion, but abstained from their idolatry. They had many books of the New Testament translated into their own language ; they lived, in great simplicity, by the sweat of their brows ; and they were quiet and peaceable among their neighbours, abstaining from oaths, games, dancing, and fihhy songs. The said people, at Angrogna, having drawn up a confession of their f^iith, it was by learntA men, at the king's court, condemned as heretical ; where- fore, the king required them to give obedience to the church of Rome, on pain of loss of goods and life ; and to give their answer in three days ; but, uj)on some of the German princes interceding Avith the French king, on their behalf, and desiring him to show some pity to these churches, they were not molested for three }ears ; only one of their ministers, viz. Jefiery Varnigle, who travelled from place to place, was apprehended, and suf- fered martyrdom. But the pope envying this liberty, ob- tained through the moderation of the German princes, who entreated on their behalf, he stirred up the duke of S^oy against them (who inhisovrii nature wus rather in^ 172 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. clined to let them live in quietness,) telling him, " that he ought to banish the Waldenses, for they were a rebell- ious people against the holy mother, the church." These instigations caused great persecutions on these poor peor pie : for, soon after, several of them were burnt ; many fled, and their houses w^ere ransacked ; some were taken and sent to the galleys ; and proclamations were put out, that none should goto their assembhes, on pain of death. In the midst of this suffering, they thought the best way to put a stop, was to send to the duke a declaration of their religion, and wherefore they suffered, which they did, withal declaring, *' that, if by the word of God, it could be proved, that they were in error, they should not be obstinate, but be reformed, &:c." After this, the persecution seemed somewhat to abate for a time ; but in the month called June, following, it was first proposed to them, to put away their ministers that were strangers; which they refusing to do, it was tlien commanded, in the duke's name, that they should banish from them all their ministers that were strangers. A new proclamation was put out, persecution began afresh, and many of the said people were slain, and many imprisoned, and cruel- ly handled ; the monks being very active in this perse- cution ; in one place, causing two women to carry faggots to the lire, where their minister was burnt, and to speak these w^ords to him : '' Take this, thou wicked fteretic, in recompense of the naughty doctrine thou hast taught us." To whom, he said, "ah ! good women, I have taught you well, but you have learned ill." Great were the havoc and ruin they made upon these poor people's estates and bodies, in this persecution. And not long af- ter, an army was raised to destroy the Waldows ; which they hearing, their ministei*s met with the chief rulers, to advise what, in such an extremity, it was best to do. Upon due consideration, they concluded not to defend themselves by force of arms, but to flee to the mountains, and carry their goods with them. Others of the minis- ters, hearing of the resolution, that they at Angrogna and Lucerne had made, thought it strange, that they might not defend themselves, against their enemies' violence, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 173 in SO just a cause, knowing that it was the pope and his ministers who were the cause of their troubles. And some stood in their own defence, and made great slaugh- ter upon their enemies at times ; and when they pursued their enemies, they often retired to avoid shedding blood, meaFiing only to defend themselves ; and they held their adversaries so tightly to it, that they were at last brought to make a peace, upon articles and conditions, so that the persecution was stopped ; and the pride, malice, and rage of their adversaries were abated. Thus, having given a brief account, of the trou- bles and persecutions, sustained by the faithful martyrs, in foreign parts, it remains to give a farther relation, of such as suffered in England, in this king's reign. After the light of the gospel began to shine and increase, beyond sea, the beams of it began to spread and grow more in England ; and a great stir and alteration follow- ed in the hearts of many, so that coloured hypocrisy and painted holiness began to be spied more and more, by such as in any measure tasted of the truth ; and some there were that could distinguish Christ from antichrist : amongst whom, was one Simon Fish, of Gray's Inn, who wrote a sharp book, entitled, *' The Supplica- tion of beggars, against the corruption of the clerg}- ;" which book was written beyond sea, he having fled thi- ther for fear of cardinal Woolsey, who had taken a dis- taste against him ; in this book, was shewn what a grej§ oppression the priests and clergy were to the nation ; and that they had got into their hands more than a third part of the realm, besides their tithes of all the increase of corn, hay, &c. The book being read to the king, after a pause, he said, *' If a man should pull down an old stone wall, and begin at the lower part, the upper part thereof might chance to fall on his head;" and he took the book, and put it in his desk, and seemed to be pleased with it ; for he encouraged Simon Fish's Vife, to send for her husband to come before him ; but notwithstanding he liked it, he would make no show of it openly ; for that book, and others, being spread about London, the cardinal acquainted the king therewith, and 174 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. bade him beware of them ; and the cardinal and bishop of London consulted, hov/ they might stop the mischief that might accrue by that and other books, being spread about. Whereupon tliey agreed, that the bishop of London should send forth a proclamation to call in the New Testament, translated hito English ; the Supplica- tion of Beggars ; the Revelation of Antichrist, by Mar • tin Luther ; and other books in English. This was one way they took, by which they thought to have suppress- ed the growth of those they accounted heretics ; but not thinking that sufficient, they obtained a proclamation from the king to suppress the sectaries, heretics, and Lollards, and for abolishing divers of their books, iiv English. The bishops having now what they would have, there was no diligence wanting on their part, for putting the same in execution ; whereupon ensued a prievous persecution and slaughter of the faithful. The first that went to wreck was Thomas Bilney, who, after his examination and condemnation, by Dr. Pell's chancellor, was committed to the sheriffs of the city of Norwich. A day before his execution, some friends being with him, comforted him, that though he WMS to go tlirough the fire, the Lord would refresh him in it. At this, -he put his finger in the candle, (as he used to do divers times) saying, " I know the fire is hot; and my body shall be wasted by it ; and it is a pain for ttime ;" but he would often rehearse this scripture for comfort ; '' fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name : thou art mine ; when tliou passet through the waters, I will be with thee : when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee ; fori am tlieLord thy God, the holy one of Israel, t hy Saviour." Goingto exe- cution, he said, ''the mariner, for awhile, meets with a trou- bled sea; and is tossed with the waves; but he is in hopes, when he comes to the haven, he shall be at quiet ; I doubt not (though I feel storms) but by God's grace, I shall attain to the liaven." And being brought to the stake, lie very patiently endured the fire till death. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 175 The next that suffered was Richard Bayfield, who re- ceived the truth, ma measure, and for reading the Testament in Enghsh, and a book called *' The Wicked Mammon," &c. he was cast into prison, and there severely whipped, with a gag in his mouth, and then stocked, and con- tinued in prison three quarters of a year ; and then was set at liberty ; but was soon after taken again, and put in the coal-house, where he was tied by the neck, middle, and legs, standing upright by the wall. Tliis punishment was inflicted on him, to make him confess who bought his books ; but he accused none, stood to his religion, and told them he would dispute for his faith. At his trial, he was accused of divers things ; but the chief were, for bringing books over from beyond sea, and spreading them in England. On the twentieth day of November, 1532, he was had into the choir of Paul's cathedral ; where the bishop of London, with other prelates, passed sentence on him, and he was delivered to the sheriffs of London, to be carried to Newgate ; and from thence, to the place of exe- cution ; but first, the sheriffs were commanded to have him into the vestry, and to bring him forth again in anti- christ's apparel, to be degraded, having been a monk. Then the bishop took his crosier and smote him on the breast, by which he threw him down back^\'ards, and broke his head, and he swooned ; but coming to himself again, he tlianked God, that he was delivered from this malignant church of antichrist ; and being led to New-^ gate, litter one hour's respite, he was had to the fii'e an^ burnt. John Tewksberry, leather- seller, of London, was con- verted by the reading of die Testament in English, and the book called " The Wicked Mammon." In the month, called April, in the year 1529, he was brought before the bishop of London, in the open consistory ; where he disputed with the bishops and the prelates, con- cerning his faith ; and was very expert and prompt in his answers to them ; being so indued with heavenly wisdom, that they were not able to resist him, insomuch that the bishops were ashamed, that a leather-seller should so confijund them. He affirmed in liis doctrine, that there 176 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. was no purgatory after this life, but that the souls of the faithful, departing this Ufe, rest with Christ ; that prayers ought not to be made to saints, there being no other advo- cate but Christ alone. For which, and other principles, he was condemned to die by the bishop of London : and by him delivered to the sheriffs thereof ; and by them burnt in Smithfield. Edward Freese, painter, for painting upon clothes in an inn, certain sentences of scripture, was noted to be a heretic ; and was apprehended, and brought to London ; and from thence, had to the bishop's house at Fulham, where he was imprisoned, with several other men and their wives ; and fed with bread, part of which was made of saw-dust; andthey were kept so close in prison, that their relations were not suffered to come at them. The pain- ter's wife being pregnant, was very desirous to see her husband; and pressing to go into the prison, the bishop's porter kicked her on the belly, so that her child died im- mediately, and she died soon after. The prisoners were all put in the stocks for a long time; and after they were let loose, some had horse-locks put on their legs, and some other irons. The painter would often be writing on the walls with chalk or coal ; which so provoked his adversaries, that they manacled his wrists so long, that the flesh of his arms grew higher than the iron. From that prison, he was brought to the Lollard's tower, and there kept three days, without meat, ^nd used so hard, that he lost his understanding and sense. • Valentine Freese, (brother of the said Edward Freese,) and his wife, were both burned, at one stake in York, for the testimony of Jesus Christ. JamesBainham, son of a knight in Gloucestershire, \vas a man of virtuous disposition, and a godly conversation ; much given to prayer and reading the scriptures, a great maintainer of the godly, a visiter of the prisoners, liberal and merciful, dehghting in doing equity and justice to the poor, very dihgent in giving counsel to all widows, fatherless, and afflicted, without money or reward, being a man bred in the knowledge of the law. He, for his PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 17? religion, was apprehended by the instigation of Thomas Moore, chancellor of England, who kept him prisoner in his own house, and whipped him at a tree in his garden, which he called, the tree of troth. From thence, he sent him to the tower, to be racked, being himself present to see it effectually done, till in a manner he had lamed him, to make him confess where his books were ; and because his wife denied that they were at his house, she was sent to the fleet, and their goods were confiscated. These tortures making him confess nothing, the chancellor sent him to the bishop of London, in the year 1531, who exam- ined him, upon certain points, concerning his religion ; and asked, " whether he believed there was any purgatory of souls hence departed V to which he, answered, '* if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, w^e have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we decei\'e ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faidiful and just, to forgiv^e us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Several other things they objected against him, and often had him again before them, threatening him with the danger that would ensue, if he did not abjure his religion; whereupon, being overtiikcn with fear, he consented unto them. After he had abjured, the chancellor fined him twenty pounds to the king, and enjoined him penance, which was, to go be- fore tlie cross in procession at Paul's, and to stand befQ|fc^ the preacher, during the sermon at Paul's cross, witl^H^ faggot upon his shoulder, and to return with the sumn^r to prison again ; but soon after, he was discharged of his imprisonment; and before he had been at liberty a month, he bewailed his fact and abjuration, and never was quiet in his mind and conscience, until, before a congregation of the people of God, who in those days met in a ware- liouse in Bow-lane, he uttered hi.^ condemnation of the flict, asking of God and that assembly forgiveness. And the next Sunday (so called) afterwards, he went to a place call- ed St. Austins, and stood up in a pew, with a Testament in English in his hand ; and with tears declared to the peo- ple, *' that lie had denied God, and desired the people to 2a 178 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* forgive him, and to beware of his weakness, and rather t® choose to die, than to do as he did; for he would not, for all the world, feel again such a hell as he had done ;" to this purpose, he also wrote to the bishop, whereupon he was shortly after apprehended, and committed to the tow- er of London ; from thence, he w^as removed to the bish- op's coal-house, where he lay two weeks in the stocks, with irons upon his legs : then he was carried to the chancel- lor's, and there chained to a post two nights : from thence, he was had to Fulham, where he was cruelly handled, for the space of a week : from thence, he was committed to the tower, where he lay a fortnight, and was scourged with whips, to make him revoke his opinions : from thence, he was carried to Barking : and from thence, to Chelsea, and was there condemned : and from thence, conveyed to New- gate ; and by the sheriffs of London, was had into Smith- field ; and there burnt to death, the last day of the month called April, about three o'clock in the afternoon. In the year 1532, Robert King, Nicholas March, Ro- beilGai'dner, allofDedham; and Robert Debnam, ofEst- hergholt, being burdened in their consciences to see the honour and power of the Almighty living God blasphem- ed, by people's adoring an idol, called, the Rood of Dover- court, to which many people greatly resorted, ignorantly believing a common rumour spread abroad, that no man had power to shut the door of the house of worship, here that idol stood ; whereupon, the aforesaid four men re moved, by the spirit of God, to travel out of Dedham, m a frosty moonshiny night, ten miles, to the place where the idol stood; and they took it from its shrine, and carried it aquarter of a mile, and there struck fire, andset it on fire; for which fact, three of them were indicted as felons, and were- hanged in chains about half a year after. And it is record- ed, that at their death, through the working of the spirit of God, they bore such a living testimony, that the people were more edified in tlie trudi, than they had been by all the sermons they had heard preached before. The fourth man, viz. Robert Gardner, would have suf- fered the same death, had he not fled away^ and thereby escaped tlieir hands. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 179 The same year, there were many more images cast down, and destroyed in many places. John Frith, a godly yomig man, and one of great • parts and wit, of a ready capacity, and a great scholar, becoming acquainted with William Tindal, he first, through his in- structions, received into his heart the seed of the gospel, and sincere godliness. The said John Frith, and divers young men of grave judgment and sharp wit, conferring together upon the abuses of religion, which at that time had crept into the church, were therefore accused of heresy, to cardinal Woolsey ; and cast into a prison within a deep cave, un- der a college in Oxford, where they used to lay their salt fish, the stink of which so infected their bodies, that three of them died in a little space. The fourth was John Frith, who was shortly after discharged out of prison, and trav- elled beyond sea ; and, after two years, returning into Eng- land, and being at Reading, it happened that he was taken as a vagabond, and was put in the stocks ; and there kept so long that he was almost starved with hunger ; yet would not discover who he was ; but desired to speak with the school-master of the town, with whom he discoursed in Latin : the school-master perceiving that he was a schol- ar, and a young man of excellent parts, obtained of the ma^ gistrates his liberty, which he enjoyed not long, being pur- sued by sir Thomas Moore, chancellor, who persecute^ him both by sea and land, promising a great reward to aiW" '^ that could bring tidings of him. Soon after, he was ap- prehended, and committed to the tower of London, where he had many conflicts with the bishops ; but especially, in writing, with the chancellor ; and afterwards was carried to Lambeth, before the bishop of Canterbury, and from thence to Croydcn, before the bishop of Winchester ; and, last of all, he was brought before the bishop, in a common assembly at London. The whole matter of his examina- tion before them, was comprehended in t\\'o special ar- ticles ; purgatory, and the substance of the sacra- ments; to which, he answered very fully and wisely, and in great moderation and uprightness ; but no reason would prevail against the force and cruelty of his adversaries. On 180 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. the twentieth day of the month, called June, 1533, he was brought before several bishops at Paul's, who seeing, that by no means, they could persuade him to recant, the bishop of London condemned him to be burnt, and passed sen- tence against him to that effect. About this time, John Chapman, Andrew Hewet, and John Tibauld, being men zealous for religion and piety, were informed against ; and, by the bishop of London's chancellor, and others, were apprehended and carried to the bishop's house, Hewet was sent to the Lollard's tower ; and Chapman and Tibauld were kept asunder in the bishop's house, till the next day when he came from Fulham, and examined them ; and not liking their con- fession, he committed Chapman to the stocks, with this threat, that he should tell another tale, or else he should sit there till his heels dropped off. He shut Tibauld up in a close chamber ; but afterwards delivered him out of pris- on, with this injunction; that he should not come within seven miles of his own house. Chapman, after many threat- enings and five weeks imprisonment, three weeks whereof he sat in the stocks, by suit made to the chancellor on his behalf, was discharged out of prison. Hewet being brought before the bishops, andasked, what he thought con- cerning the sacrament ? he answered, ''even as Frith doth." At which the bishop smiled ; and one of them said, '' why ^^'rith is an heretic, and is condemned to be burnt ; and ex- ' cept thou revoke thy opinion, thou shalt be burnt with -4aim."' ''Truly," said he, " I am contented therewith," Whereupon, he was sent to the prison to Frith ; and on the fov^rth day of the month, called July, he was carried to Smithfield with Frith, and there burnt. Thomas Bennet, a school -master, in Exeter, a man of a godly conversation, and a favourer of such as suffered for their zeal to the true religion, alter he had lived in a retired condition six years, he could no longer refrain from bear- ing a testimony against the idolatry of those times, though his blood were shed for the same. He wrote on a paper which he set upon the doors of a house of worship in the {:ity, '^ the pope is antichrist, and we ought to worship CJp4 only, and not saints." This paper being seen, great PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 181 search and inqiiin^ were made, ^vhat heretic had set it up ; but seeing they could not find the author out at that time, they agreed, that the sentence of a curse should be pro- nounced against him that did it ; the manner of which curse was as followeth. The priest being in the pulpit, clothed in white ; and the monks and friars standing about him, the cross was held up Vvith candles fixed to the same. Then said the priest, *' by the authority of God, the Father Almighty, and of the blessed Virgin Mary, of St. Peter and Paul, and of the holy saints, we excommunicate, we utterly curse and bann, commit and deliver to the devil of hell, him, or her, Avhatsoever he, or she be, that has in spite of God, and of St. Peter, whose church this is, in spite of all holy saints, and in spite of our most holy father the pope, God's Vicar here in earth ; and in spite of the reverend Father in God, John our Diocesian, and the worshipful canons, mas- ters, priests, and clerks, which serve God daily in this ca- thedral church, fixed up with wax such cursed and here- tical bills, full of blasphemy, upon the doors of this, and other holy churches within this city ; excommunicated be he, she, or they plenarily, and delivered over to the devil, as perpetual malefactors and schismatics ; accursed they be, and eiven bodv and soul to the devil : cursed be the\% he, or sh-j, in cities and towns, in fields and ways, in hous- es and oi.t of houses, and all other places, standing, Jyiug, or rising, walking, running, waking, sleeping, eatijf ^ drinking, and whatsoever thing they do besides. We sq^ aratc them., him, or her, from the threshold, and from all trie good prayers of the church, from the participation of the holy mass, and from all sacraments, chapels, and dtars ; from holy bread, and holy water ; from all the merits of God's priests and rehgious men ; and from all their clois- ters ; from all their pardons, privileges, grants, and immu- nities, which all the holy fathers, popes of Rome, have granted to them ; and we give them over utterly to the power of the devil ; and let us quench their souls, if they be dead, this night, in the pains of hell -fire, as this candle is now quenched, and put out ; (and with that he put out one of the candles) and let us pray to (3od, if they be alive, 182 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. that their eyes may be put out, as this candle light is ; (so he puts out another candle) let us pray to God and our la- dy, and to St. Peter and Paul, and all holy saints, that all the senses of their body may fail them ; and that they may have no feeling, as now the light of this candle is gone^ (and so he put out the third candle) except they, he, or she come openl}' now, and confess their blasphemy; and by re- pentence (as in them shall lie) make satisfaction unto God, our lady, St. Peter, and the worshipful company of this Cathedral church." Bennet, being not able to digest these fooleries, wrote other bills, and caused them to be set upon the gates of the grave-yard ; but the person that set them up, being ta- ken in the action, Thomas Bennet was thereby discovered; and being apprehended, confessed they were his bills, and that he would do it again, to discover the abominable blas- phemy of their antichrist, the pope, and to let people see, that he is the boar come out of the wood, which destroyeth and thrown th down the hedges of God's church. Where- upon, he was committed to prison ; and the next day, was had to the bishop, who committed him to prison again, where he was kept in the stocks with strong irons, without much favour. Then his house was searched for books, and his wife shamefully abused, which she bore with pa- tience, being contented to bear the cross with her husband, fare hardly with him, and to subsist on coarse meat and Viiik. A gray friar reminding Bennet of the many dan- pyv^. that he was liable to fall into, in that condition, Thomas replied, " my life is not dear to me ; I had rather by death, v.'hich I know is not far off, depart this life, than to partake of your detestable idolatries and superstitions, or be subject to antichrist, your pope." Darin 2: the time of his imnrisonment, the hate of the people, through ignorance, was great against him, notwith- standing they could never move his patience. In his im- ]^risonnient, his wife provided sustenance for him : w^heu she lamented, he comforted her, and gave her many good and godly exhortations ; and desired her not to move him to comply with his adversaries. After the clergy saw, they could by no means cause him to recant, they condemned PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 183 him to be burnt, and delivered him to the sheriff of Devon- shire to see him executed. The mild man rejoicing to see his end approach so near, as the sheep before the shear- er, yielded himself, with all humility, to abide and suffer the cross of persecution. Being brought to his execution, in a place called Livery Dole, without Exeter, he gravely and soberly advised the people, *' to seek the honour of God, and the knowledge of him, and to leave the devices and imaginations of men's inventions ;" and saying, " Oh Lord, receive my spirit 1" he p^itienly endured the cruelty of the fire until his life was ended. Thus, the reader hath an account of such as sustained death for Christ's cause, through the rigorous proclamation aforesaid, published in the name of the king, but indeed procured by the bishops ; and by them so strictly executed, that a good man could scarcely appeiu* abroad without be- ing apprehended, and either brought to the fire, or forced to abjure his religion. A great number of instances arc particularly mentioned in Fox's Acts and Monuments, which, for brevity sake, are here omitted. Thomas Philip was one of them that was prosecuted ; and being asked by the bishop, whether he would abjure or not, he said, '' except ye shew me cause wherefore I should abjure, I will not say, yea, or nay to it ; but will stand to my appeal." Then the bishop read openly the bill of excommunication against him, charging all men to have no company, or any thing to do with him. Afti||j this excommunication, what became of him, whether he was burnt, or died in the tower, no mention is made in the register. I mention him, because a letter that was found in his pocket, is w orth taking notice of. It is as followeth : ji letter directed to Thomas Philips m the name of the brethren^ and given him by the way going to the tower, *' The favour of him that is able to keep you, that you fall not, and to confess your name in the kingdom of glory, and to give you strength by his spirit to confess him, before all his adversaries, be with you, ever, Amen. The brethren think, that there be divers false brethren craftily crept in among them, to seek out their freedom m 184 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, the Lord, that they may accuse them to the Lord's adver- saries, as they suppose they have done you ; wherefore, if it be so that the spirit of God move you thereunto, thev, as counsellors, desire you above all things, to be steadfast in the Lord's truth, without fear ; for he shall and will be your help, according to his promise, so that they shall not diminish the least hair of your head without his will, unto which submit yourself, and rejoice ; for the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and how to re- serve the unjust, unto the day of judgment to be punished; and therefore cast all your care on him, for he careth for you ; and in that you suffer as a christian man, be not a- shamed, but rather glorify God on that behalf, looking up- on Christ the author and finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, abode the cross and despised the shame ; nevertheless, though we suffer wrong, after the example of our master Christ, yet we are not bound to suffer the wrong cause ; for Christ himself suffered it not, but reproved him that smote him \vrongfully, ; therefore, according both to God and man's law, you are not bound to make answer to any cause, till your accusers come be- fore you, which, if you require, and thereon do stick, the false brethren shall be known, to the great comfort of those who now stand in doubt whom tl^^y ^luj^t trust : and also, it shall be a-means, that they shall not cVaftily by questions take you in snares ; and, Acts xxv. 16, it is written, " it is «t the manner of theRomans, to deliver any man to die, Fore he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself, concerning the crime laid againgst him." And also Christ said, '' that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, all things shall stand ;" wherefore, seeing that in accusations such witnesses should be, you may with a good conscience require it ; and tlius, the God of grace, settle, strengthen, and establish you, tl^it to him may be glory and praise for ever." William Tracy, of Taddington, in the county of Glouce- ster, in his will, amongst other things, touching the bury- ing of hisbod}^ asserted that it availed him not what was done thereto when he was dead '* for," said he, " funeral pomps are rather for the solace of them that live, than for the wealth and comfort of them that are dead." PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 185 This will being brought by his son, his executor, to the bishop of Canterbury to be proved, the bishop shew- ed it to the convocation, which ordered, that a commis- sion should be sent to doctor Parker, chancellor of the Diocess of Worcester, to take up Tracy's dead body, and to burn him as a heretic, for making such a will ; which, accordingly was executed, notwithstanding he had been biuicd almost two vears. About this time, the house of commons, assembled in parliament, put up a supplication, by way of complaint to the king, against the clergy. This complaint, the king, at first, took but litde notice of; but afterwards coming to have a clear understanding of the abuses and enormi* ties of the clergy, especially of the corrupt authority of the See of Rome, he provided certain acts against the same, and wholly excluded the pope's authority out of his realm ; but thinking tlie work not sufficiently done> as long as abbeys and priories kept their stations, which were, as it were, his fortresses and pillars, there were not long after means found to have them suppressed ; for aspersions being laid upon them of adulteries and mur* ders, they, by act of parliament, or at least near four hun- dred of them, were supprest, and all their lands and goods conferred upon the king, and afterwards all the rest ; the colleges, chanteries, and hospitals. The same parliament also enacted, that bishops should pay no more annals or money for their bulls to the pope ; and that no person should appeal for any cause out of the realm, m the court of Rome : and an act was made, that the king should be the supreme head of the church of England, &c. Although the pope's power and authority in England were abrogated by act of parliament, as before mention- ed, yet the bishops went on persecuting such as they accounted sectaries and heretics. But, before ^ give an account of such as further suffered in England for relig- ion, it falls in order to give an account of the sufFerings of William Tindal, beyond sea. This William Tindal was born near Wales, being SI man zealous for reformation and religion, and consid- 2 T^ 186 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ering, that if the scripture were translated into common language, it might conduce much to the propagation thereof; and finding his purpose could not be well effect- ed in England, by reason of the strictness of the bishops and chancellor, he travelled into Germany ; and there he first translated the New Testament, and then the Old ; and wrote several other books against the irreligious prac- tices of the prelates, which books being published and sent over into England, opened a door of light to the whole English nation, which before was many years shut up in darkness. But though the spreading of these books wrought much good to the upright, and such as had in any meas- ure a desire to advance the truth, yet the envious and persecuting spirit of the bishops was also much stirred up thereby, seeking by all means how to stop them from being spread, lest their hypocrisy and works of darkness should be discerned. Wherefore, they mad^ a great stir and search, as Herod did at the birth of Christ, and sought by what means they might hinder this Tindal from travelling, and from printing and publishing the said books. And they set persons to search and examine how he was situated at Antwerp. And when the bish- ops and chancellor in England, understood how things ^ were, they sent over one Henry Philips to betray him in- to the hands of the emperor's procurator-general, at Brus- sels. The said procurator through the treachery of Phil- IH^s, seized upon all Tindal's books, and apprehended him, and sent him prisoner to Filford castle, eighteen English miles from Antwerp. Being brought to liis trial, they oftered him counsel to plead for him, but he refused, saying, '' he would answer for himself." After much reasoning and dispute, he was condemned by virtue of the emperor's decree, made in the assembly at Aus- brough ; and u]}on the same, was brought to the place of execution at Filford, Anno 1536 ; where, being tied to the stake, he cried with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, *' Lord, open the king of England's eyes ;" and so was burnt to death. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 187 Whea the king had taken the title of supremacy from the bishop of Rome, and stated the same to himself, he perceived by the wisdom and advice of Thomas Crom- well, one of his privy council, that the corrupt state of the ehurch had need of reformation in many thijigs. This Cromwell was, through the goodness of God, rais- ed up to be a friend and favourer to those that professed the gospel. Though but a smith's son, born at Putney, for the pregnancy of his wit, he was first entertained by cardinal Woolsey, and by him employed in many great aftliirs. The cardinal falling, the king took him into his service, and finding his great abilities, advanced him for his worth to places of great honour and trust : and through his persuasions, several injunctions were put out by the king for reformation in religion ; and he was the great instrument in overthrowing abbeys, monasteries, and fri- aries, which were a little before, by act of parliament giv- en into the king's hands. Whereupon, not only their houses were razed, but their possessions were divided amongst the nobility, insomuch that all friars, monks, canons, nuns, and other such sects, were so rooted out ofithe land, that there seemed to be no room left for them to grow any more. As this Cromwell w^as raised up for good, and being so greatly in favour with the king, he used all means he could to persuade him to reform the errors in the church; but satan raised up his instrument, Stephen Gardneiv bishop of Winchester, who used all the wiles and subtW means he could, to persuade the king against the same, casting upon the professors of truth, the names of here- tics, sectaries, anabaptists, and sacramentaries ; and so far prevailed with the king, that by his authority, certain injunctions w^ere published, prohibiting the pub- lishing of any books in English, WTitten by the sectaries and sacramentaries, under pain of the forfeiture of all their goods and chattels, and their bodies to be mipris- oned during the king's pleasure. And further, Gardner instigated the king, not only against the queen (who was a favourer of religion- and reformation) but also against Cromwell, who, no doubt, had brought true religion, ac- whenever they should come for him. About four in the morning, he was taken out 6f pris- on by the sheriff, and conducted to the sign of the an- gel. Fleet street. There he was received by the queen's officers, who had the warrant for his execution ; after which, they perrnitted him to take some refreshment. About the break of day, he cheerfully mounted on horse-- back, witliout help, having a hood on his head under his hat, that he should no\ be known ; and thus equipped, with a serene and cheerful countenance, he proceeded on the road for Gloucester, attended by his keepers. The guards asked him, what houses he was accustomed to use on the road ; and, when they were informed, in or- der to perplex him, they took him to others. After three days, they arrived at Cirencester, a town in his own diocess, and about eleven miles from Glouce- ster. It being about eleven o'clock in the forenoon, they dined at a woman's house who had always hated the protestants, and traduced bishop Hooper's character as much as possible. This woman, seeing his constan- c}\ wayhoi>e word i$ the same yesterday, t<* day, and for ever. 256 PBRSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* The next that suffered were Higbed and Canston, both of Essex, two men sd fervent for rehgion, that in these bUnd and idolatrous times, they could not he long hid in obscurit}^, but were constrained to bear their testimony, though at the loss of their lives. Bonner perceiving these were men of repute in their country, and such as were called gentlemen, he took the more pains to bring them off their profession ; and went to Colchester himself to seek to reclaim them ; sometimes using fair promises, and flattering enticements, at other times threatening them with high words, to terrify them. At last, seeing them both constant and immoveable in their zeal for their religion, he caused them and some others, apprehended in that country, at the same time, and for the game cause, to be brought up to London, where they were committed close prisoners ; and were first privately exam- ined by the bishop and his chaplain, and urged, by all means, to forsake their opinions. But when the bishop saw that way would work no alteration, he caused them to be brought to open examination, at the consistory at Sto Paul's, the seventeenth day of the month called February, 1555 ; where being further pressed to recant of the er- rors which they said were held, and to return to the unity of the church ; but they still refusing ; a great list of arti- cles was delivered them, and their answers thereunto re- quired of them the next day. At the second time of their public appearance and trial, their answers were read ; and Canston being first called, w^s exhorted again to be comfoniiable to the un ity of the church ; into which, they said, they were ready to receive him : he replied, " you lay snares and gins to catch us, but, mark, w^hat measure you meet shall be measured to you again." Then Higbed was called ; to whom the like persuasions were used, but to as little purpose as the other ; for he told them, he had been sixteen years in t]>e mind he was then in, and should not alter now. At their last appearance before them, the prisoners c'e- clared (cailirig God to record) that their persisting in that steadfastness, was not in wilfulness, as some might judge, ^•tRSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 2St "but for conscience sake. " For," said they, " we sought the Lord, that we might do no hing contrary to his biussed word ; and in that he hath slicwed his power in our weak- ness, we cannot but praise him, unto whom, we give thinks, through Christ Jtsus our Lord." Whent' ey had thus spoken, the bishop began to pro* nouice the sentenc. aguinsi GanstO'i ; to whom, Canstort Si. id, it was a rash judgment, without love and mercy. Then was sentence also pronounced against Higbed : and both were delivered to the sheriffs, who sent them to New- gate, where they remained fourteen days, continually prais- ing God, not so much concerned at their aiRictions, as re- joiced in their consolations, pras ing, and earnestly desiring, they might persevere to the end, to the praise of the eternal God, and comfort of the breiliren. The fourteen days being expired, they werCj bv four o'clock in the mornirig, led from Newgate to Aldgate ; and there delivered to the sheriff of l^ssex, who conveyed them to the places where they were executed, viz* Higbed to Hornden on vhe hill ; and Thomas Canst.on to Rayleigh; where they both, with great constancy, finished their testi- monies in the fire, greatly rejoicing, and giving the glory to God. The Martyrdom of William Pigot^ Stephen Knight, and John Lawrence ; the two former Laymen^ and the lat- ter a Priest. These three pious christians having been pointed out by the emissaries of Bonner and Gardner, information was given to those savage prelatesj that they .maintained relig- ious opinions contrary to the doctrine and practice of the holy mother-church. In consequence of this, they were all three summoned to appear before bishop Bonner, at his consistory court in London, where they were severally questioned concerning their faith of the coporal presence in the sucrament. Having respectfully answered and subscribed, that they were not subbtantially, but figurativelv, the body and 2 t 258 rERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. blood of Christ in that holy ordinance, they were severely reprimanded by the court, admonished to recant their her- etical opinions, and for that time dismissed. A few days after, they were again examined concern- ing the same tenet, tvhen they made the like declaration as before ; in consequence of which, the bishop addressed himself to the two laymen, and, with an affected concern for their spiritual and temporal interests, warmly exhor- ted them to reject their heresies, and not expose themselves to death here, and damnation hereafter, by obstinately persisting in disobedience to the holy see : but these plain and honest christians were too well grounded in the doc- trines of Christ's pure gospel, to be moved from their ad- herence to the true faith. They, therefore, told the bish- op, that they could not recant consistently with the dic- tates of their own consciences, nor would they abjure the opinions to which they had subscribed. After this, bishop Bonner entered into argument with Lawrence, the priest, alone ; and having demanded of what order he was, he answered, that be was admitted to priest's orders eighteen years past ; that he was some time a black friar ; and that he was betrothed to a maid, whom he in- tended to marry. The bishop then asked him his opinion of the corporal presence in the sacrament : to ^vhich, he replied, that it was an institution of our blessed Lord, in commemoration of his death and sufferings ; and that those were greatly de- cei^'ed, who believed that his body was verily present in the same, saying, that he had long before ascended into heav- en, and was placed at the right hand of the glorious majesty of the Father. Lawrence was, for the present, dismissed ; but a few days aftei\ he, Pigot, and Knight, were again summoned before the bishop, who, with his usual hypocrisy, exhorted them to recant, embrace the Roman catholic faith, and not be the wilful cause of their own destruction. But no ar- guments could induce them to recede in a single point ; all of them declaring, they would abide by their opinions, be- cause the}' were founded on the word of God ; wiiereas the other was merely of human invention. B^RSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 259 From this frank declaration, bishop Bonner proceeded to pass sentence on them as irreclaimable heretics; and then degraded Lawrence with the usual ceremonies. After which, they were all three delivered to the sheriff, who con- ducted them to Newgate. On the 28th of the month called March, 1555, (the day appointed for the execution of Pigot and Knight) they were removed early in tlie morning to the respective places des- tined for their execution, the former at Braintree, and the latter at Maiden, in Essex. When Knight arrived at the stake, he kneeled down, and, with an audible voice, said the following prayer : '' O Lord Jesus Christ ! for whose love, I leave willingly this life, and desire rather the bitter death of thy cross, with the loss of all earthly things, than to the blasphemy of thy most holy name, or to obey men in breaking thy ho- ly commandment. Thou seest, O Lord, that where I might live in wordly wealth to w^orship a false God, and honour thine enemy, I choose rather the torment of the body, and the loss of this life ; and have counted all things but vile dust and dung, that I might win thee ; which death is deai'er unto me, than thousands of gold and silver. Such love, O Lord, hast thou laid up in my breast, that I hunger for thee, as the deer that is wounded desireth the foil. Send thy holy comforter, O Lord, to aid, comfort, and strengthen this weak piece of earth, which is empty of all strengdi of itself. Thou rememberest, O Lord, that I am but dust, and able to do nothing that is good ; therefore, O Lord, as of thine accustomed goodness and love, thou hast invited me to this banquet, and accounted me worthy to drink of thine own cup among thine elect ; even so give me strength, O Lord, against this thine element wiiich, as to my sight, it is most irksome and terrible, so to my mind, it may at thy commandment (as an obedient servant) be sweet and pleasant ; that through the strength of thy ho- ly spirit, I may pass through the rage of this fire into thy bosom, according to thy promise, and for this mortal, re- ceive an immortal, and for this corruptible, put on incor- ruption. Accept this burnt sacrifice and offering, O Lord, 260 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. pot for the sacrifice, but for thy dear Son^s sake, my Sav- iour, for whose testimony, I offer tliis free-will ofiering, with all luy heart, and with all my soul. O heavenly Father, for- give me my sins, as i forgive all the world. O sweet Son of God my Saviour, spread thy wings over me. O blessed and Holy Ghost, through whose merciful inspiration, I am come hither, conduct me into everlasting life. Lord, into thy hands, I command my spirit. Amen." Both these martyrs suffered with amazing fortitude and resignation, proving to the spectators, that, as is the day of the sincere believer, so likewise shall be his strength. The next day, John Lawrence suftered at Colchester. He was carried to the place of execution in a chair, (being unable to walk, from the pressure of the irons with which his legs were bound, and the weakness of his body from want of proper nourishment while in prison). The chair was fastened to the stake, and he sat in it, for some time, with great composure, praying to God to enable him to undergo the fiery trial ; at length, the fi.gots were lighted and he triumphantly expired in the cause of his gioiious master, in sure and certain hope of an eternal existence in heaven. The Martyrdom of Dr. B chert Farrar^ bishop of St, David's, The emissaries of the persecuting bishops had for some time, fixed their eyes on this worthy and pious prcliite, who not only in the former reign, but also after the acces- sion of Mary, had been particularly zealous in promoting the reformed doctrines, and exploding the errors of popish idolatry. Information of this being given to the bishop of Winchester, (who was then likewise lord chancellor) Dr. Farrar, with several others, was summoned to appear be- fore him, and the other commissioners, appointed for the abominable work of massacreing protestants. After some previous harangue, the bishop formally told him, that the queen and parliament had restored religion t# PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 261 the State in which it was at the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII, that he was in the queen's dtbt, but her majesty would cancel the same, and re-admit him to lier fcwour, if he would return to the holy catholic church. Undismayed b} this information. Dr. Farrar answered, that, with respect to the debt, he submitted it to the lord treasurer ; but his lordship might well remember, that, upon two former occasions, he had solemnly sworn never to acknowledge the papal jurisdiction over the realm of England ; and, therefore, it was needless to rehearse what he had already so peremptorily declared. After a long debate, Gardner sternly demanded, if he would recant, and acknowledge the papal supremacy ; to which, Farrar, with a resolution becoming a true chris- tian and worthy bishop, expressed a degree of contempt, tliat his lordship should even think he would recede from an oath he had made to his maker : an oath he could not break, consistent widi his duty to God, and his regard to t. e interest of the reformed religion in his native country. The ambitious Gardner was so highly incensed at this spirited behaviour in Dr. Farrar, that, according to his inhuman custom, he treated him with scurrility, calliiig him froward knave, and telling him, that he should know his fate in a short time. To this, Farrar coolly replied, that he would ever readily obey his summons, but would never retract what he had solemnly sworn, at the instiga- tion of him, or any other man whatever. The examination being over. Dr. Farrar was ordered to Newgate, v\ her^ he was a short time confined, and then sent into Wales, there to receive his sentence of condem- nation. On his arrival at Carmarthen, he was delivered to the sheriff of the county, who took him before Henry ISIor- gjn, then bishop of St. David's, and Constantine, the public notary, by whom he was committed to the custody of the keeper of Carmarthen jail. A few da} s after liis commitment to that prison, he was sent for by bibhop Morgan, who exhorted him to recant; ©n condition of which, he assured him of the queen's 262 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. clemency, as well as preferment to an office of dignity in tlie church. But our martyr was inflexible : he would not listen to any proposals derogatory to the oath he had ta- ken ; upon which, bishop Morgan asked him the two fol- lowing questions: 1. '' Whether he believed the marriage of priests, al- lowed by the laws of the holy church ? 2. " Whether he believed, that in the blessed sacra- ment of the altar, after the words of consecration duly pronounced by tlie priests, the very body and blood of Christ are really and substantially contained, without the substance of bread and wine ?" Dr. Farrar refused to answer to these questions, unless the bishop produced a commission, authorizing him to ask them ; upon which, he was remanded to prison. At length, after various disputes with bishop Morgan, he appealed from him, as an incompetent judge, to cardi- nal Pole ; notwithstanding which, sentence was pronoun- ced against him as a heretic, and he was delivered over to the secular pov/er, having been previously degraded by Morgan. Thus, for his steadfast adherence to the uncon'upted doctrines of the reformation, and resolute denial of the papal jurisdiction in these realms, was Dr. Farrar con- demned, degraded, and deliveredupto the secular power; and, on the eve of the day called Passion Sunday, in the bloody year 1555, was executed in the market-place of Carmarthen, amidst a numerous crowd of spectators. The following circumstance is an evincing proof what constancy and resolution this good nvm possessed, and how determined he was to retain those religious princi- ples to the last, which, during his life, he had so strongly adhered to. The son of a person of distinction visiting him, a few days before his execution, and lamenting the cruel fate that awaited him, the doctor told him, that if he saw him once stir in the pains of burning, he might then give no credit to his doctrine, but look upon it as the effects of enthusiasm. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 263 He resolutely fulfilled his promise, and gready surpris- ed his friend, who came to condole his fate ; for he stood motionless in the midst of the flames, holding both his hands till they were burnt to the stumps ; at which time, one of the officers struck him on the head with a stafi*, and put a period to his life. The suffer 'mgs and Martyrdom of Rawlins White ^ a poor Fisherman, of South- Wales, To such a height did the rage and malice of popish persecutors arrive, during this reign, that they not only vented their fury on men of eminence and learning, who espoused the protestant cause, but the meanest and most ignorant of the people, who would not submit to the pa- pal yoke, were arraigned at their bloody tribunal, and put to death for no other cause but that of professing the truth expounded in the scriptures. Rawlins White (the poor man whose sufferings we arc gohig to relate) had been so attentive to the preaching of the gospel during the late reign, that he attained to a very competent knowledge of the holy scriptures, and became a zealous assertor of the protestant doctrines, liaving wholly renounced the superstition and idolatry of the po- pish reli^f^ion, and conformed to the public worship of God, according to the English common prayer-book then set forth. Being thus converted to the true faith of Christ, he took great pains to instruct his son in the same, causing him to read a portion of holy scripture every night and morning, till he likewise became well grounded in the principles of true religion, as. contained in the gospel. White was not only desirous of acquiring saving knowledge himself, but also of communicating it to oth- ers ; insomuch that he took every opportunity of visit- ing his neighbours, endeavouring to 'instruct th.osc, whom he found desirous of obtaining the knowledge of the truth. 2.64 PERSECtJTED BY THE PAPIST5. He continued to practise those devout and holy exer-* cises in a public manner, till the death of king Edward, when popery being restored, and the pure religion dis- couraged and restrained, he used to meet privateh with his friends, pray, and encourage them to l-old fast to the truth. At length, he was apprehended, by one of the of- ficers of the town, on a suspicion of heresy, who taking him before the bishop of LandafF, he was, by that prelate, committed to prison. During his confinement, several of his friends sent him money privately ; and he was visited by many, w^hom he instructed in the faith of Christ, and exhorted to beware of popish emissaries, as of wolves in sheep's clothing. After a long imprisonment, the bishop of Landaff sum- moned White to appear before him ; and endeavoured to bring him over to the popish idolatry and supersti- tion ; but all his ex ortations proving ineffectual, le told him in anger, that he must come to a resolution eit er to recant his heretical opinions, or endure the rigour of the law against those who maintained tenets repugnant to the doctrines of the holy see. On the day appointed for his ex iminition, the bishop, in the presence of his chaplains, and many of the neigh- bours, assembled in the chapel, declared that White was known not only to maintain heretical principles himself, but to inculcate the same amongst his acquaintance. Then addressing himself to White, he told him, that he had frequently, since his first warning, both there and in his house, been admonished to relinquish his heretical ten- ets, and yet had always turned a deaf ear to the most salutary advice. He added, that, out of clemency, they had once more sent for him, mildly to endeavour to bring him to an humble sense of his errors, and assure liim, that, upon due ]x^nitence for the crimes he had committed, both agaiiist God and the law of his sovereign they were disposed to shew him mercy : but that, if in spiie of the royal clemency, and abomination of the reverend fluhers, he obstinately persisted in his heresies, they were deter- mined to execute on him the utmost rigour of the huv, a» a most damnable heretic. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 2:65 White, without the least sign of fear at the peremptory declaration of the bishop, told his lordship, that he bless- ed God he was a christian, and held no doctrines contra- ry to the divine mind and will as revealed in the scrip- tures of truth : if he did, he begged to be convinced of the same out of the divine word, to which he determined ever most implicitly to conform. After much exhortation, the bishop assured him, that if he would not recant, he must condemn him as a her- etic. To which, White replied, that he might proceed as he thought proper, but that he could not condemn him as a heretic, as he did not maintain any opinion that was not supported by the word of God. The bishop then desired the people present to join with him in prayer, that it would please God to turn White 'sf heart, and bring him to the acknowledgment of the true- religion. Our martyr applauded this behaviour of the bishop as- becoming his profession, assuring him, that, if their re- quest was agreeable to the divine will, God would, doubt- less, hear and grant the same : and that, while he was praying to his God, he (White) would pray to his God^ who he knew would hear and perform his desire. Accordingly, they all went to prayer ; which being finished, the bishop asked him, how he found himsel£ disposed in his mind ? He replied, the very same as be- fore. The bishop, incensed that no change could be wrought upon him, was ready to have read the sentence, but hc> was advised first to say mass ; during which ceremony. White standing at the door of the choir, cried out to the populace, *' bear witness, that I bow not to this idol," (meaning the host, which the priest held over his head.) Mass being performed, he was again warmly admonish- ed to recant, but all exhortation was ineft'ectual. The bishop, therefore, read the definitive sentence, after which, he was carried to Cardiff, and imprisoned in a place called Cockmarel, a most filthy and loathsome dungeon, where he continued till the writ of his execution came from London, 2 u 266 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS^ Upon the day appointed for terminating his Ufa, which was on the 30th of the month called March, 1555, he was brought from prison; and in his way to the place appointed for the bloody scene, met his wife and children, wringing their hands, and most bitterly lamenting his approaching fate. This affecting sight drew tears from his eyes ; but soon recollecting himself, and striking his breast with his hand, he said, '* ah ! flesh, stayest thou me ? wouldst thou fain prevail ? well, do what thou canst : by God's grace, thou shalt not get the victory." As soon as he arrived at the stake, he fell on his knees, and kissed the earth, saying, " earth to earth, and dust to dust ; thou art my mother, to thee I must return." When he was fastened to the stake, and the straw, reeds, and wood were placed around him, a priest ap- pointed for the purpose, stood up and harangued the spectators, who were exceedingly numerous, it being market, day. The priest having finished his discourse, in which he inveighed against the opinion of the protestants concern- ing the sacrament of the altar, our martyr rebuked him, proved his doctrine to be false, and cited, as his authority those words of our Lord, " do this in remembrance of me." The fire being kindled, he was soon surrounded by the flames, in the midst of which, this good old man (for he was sixty years of age) held up his hands till the sinews shrunk, crying earnestly, '' O Lord, receive my soul! O Lord, receive my sph'it !" The flames were so vehement about his legs, that they were almost consumed, before the upper part of his body caught the fire ; notwithstanding which, he bore his suflTerings with the greatest composure and resignation, cheerfully resigning his soul into the hands of him who gave it, in sure and certain hopes of being hereafter rewarded with a crown of eternal life- PERSICUTID BY THE PAPISTS. 267 The persecution and martyrdom of George Marsh, a min- ister of the gospel. This eminent and pious divine was descended from poor, but honest and religious parents, who educated him from his earhest years, in the principles of the reformed religion ; so that when he arrived at manhood, he was well versed in the doctrines of the pure gospel of Christ. At the first set off in life, he followed the business of farming ; and, by his honest endeavours, maintained his family with decency and reputation for some years : but on the decease of his wife, beingjdisposed to study, he pla- ced his children widi his father, quitted his farm, and went to Cambridge, where he made such a progress in literature, that he soon entered into holy orders. He officiated as curate in several parishes in the coun- ty of Lancaster ; kept a school at Dean ; and was a jicalous promoter of the true religion, as well as a vigor- ous opposer of the idolatries of the church of Rome, du- ring the reign of king Edward VL But when pope- ry raised its destructive head, he, among many others, became the object of its persecution, as one that propa- gated doctrines contrary to the infallible church, and therefore liable to the severest censure and punishment. Marsh, on hearing that search was made after him, absconded for some time, and in his retirement, often deliberated with himself, whether he should fly abroad to save his life, or surrender himself up, in order to ward off the mischief which threatened his mother and broth- er, who were supposed to have concealed him from the persons employed to search out heretics. During this unsettled state of his mind, he consulted with his friends, and earnestly sought direction of God, that he might be guided in the way, which most condu- ced to his glory, and his own spiritual and eternal interest. At length, thinking that flight would evince cowardice in the best of causes, he determined, by the grace of God, to abide by the consequences, and, acccordingly, surren- dered himself to the earl of Derby at his seat at Latham, m tlie countv of Lancaster. 26S PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. When he was brought into the earl's presence, he was charged with propagating heresy, and sowing sedition amongst the people ; but he denied the charge, and de- clared, that he preached no other doctrine than what was contained in the word of God, and that he always en- forced allegiance to his sovereign, according to the will of God. Being asked to deliver a summary of his belief, he de- clared, that he believed in God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, according to the creeds of the apostles, the coun- cil of Nice, and the saints Athanasius, Austin, and Am- brose. A Romish priest, who was present, then proceeded to inquire his opinion concerning the favourite tenet of the church of Rome, relating to the sacrament. Marsh answered in general, that he believed whosoever receiv- ed the holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, according to his own appointment, did eat and drink his body and blood, with all the benefits arising from the same, because our Lord was ever present at his own ordinances. This general reply not appearing satisfactory, they de- scended to particulars, and peremptorily demanded his opinion, whether or not the elements were changed into the very body and blood of Christ after consecration. — ■ Our martyr briefly observed, that what he believed he had already declared, and desired them not to propose to him such hard and unprofitable questions, in order to en- danger his life, and, as it were, to suck from him his ve- ry blood. Incensed at this reply, the earl told him, that instead of seeking his destruction, he meant to preserve his life in this world, and secure his happiness in that which is to come, by converting him from damnable errors and her- esies, and bringing him over to the holy mother-church put of which there was no salvation. After many questions and exhortations, finding he still persevered in the faith which opposed that of the infalli- ble church, the earl gave him pen and ink, and ordered |iim to writedown his belief concerning the sacrament of |lie altar; and, on his writing just what he had before deliv- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 269 cred, he was commanded to be more particular, when he wrote only the following words : " further I know not.'* This resolute behaviour exposed him to the keenest resentment of his popish persecutors, who committed him to prison, and suffered no one to come near him, but the keeper, who brought him daily the scanty allowance of the place. Various attempts were made, during his confinement, to bring him to a recantation ; but as he still remained fixed and determined in his faith, they administered to him the four following articles, to which, the earl declar- ed, if he would not subscribe, he should be sent to the county gaol, and proceeded against with the utmost se- verity : *' 1. Whether the mass now used, in the church of England, was* according to Christ's institution, and with faith, reverence, and devotion, to be heard and seen ? *' 2. Whether Almighty God, by the words pronoun- ced by the priest, did change the bread and wine, after the words of consecration, into the body and blood of Christ, whether it were received or reserved ? " 3. Whether the lay-people ought to receive but un- der the form of bread only, and that the one kind was sufficient for them ? " 4. Whether confession to the priest now used in England, was godly and necessary ? Having retired for some time to consider of these arti- cles, he returned, and delivered his opinion of them as follows : The first he absolutely denied. The second he answered in the very words he had be- fore written. With respect to the third, he declared, that lay-people, according to the institution of Christ, ought to receive under both kinds, and that, therefore, to receive under one kind only was not sufficient. To the last he observed, that though auricular con- fession was a good means to instruct ignorant people, it was not necessary to sahation, because not commanded by God. 270 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. To these points he added, that his faith in Christ, founded on the infaUible word of the only living and true God, he never would deny at the instance of any living creature, or through fear of any punishment whatsoever ; and moreover desired of the earl, that his friends might be permitted to see him during his confinement. In a few days, he was committed to Lancaster gaol, laid in irons, and arraigned at the bar with the common felons, where they endeavoured to extort from him in- formation of several persons in that country, whom they suspected of maintaining heretical opinions ; but no means could prevail with him to utter a Avord that might endanger the lives or liberties of his faithful brethren m Christ. He was severely reprimanded for reading aloud to the people (who flocked every morning and evening under the prison window) the litany and prayers of the reformed church, together with select passages of holy writ in the English tongue, which they termed preaching, and, there- fore, deemed criminal. After remaining some weeks in confinement at Lancas- ter, he was removed to Chester, and placed in the bishop's liberty, where his lordship frequently conferred with him, and used his utmost endeavours to bring him to an ac- knowledgment of the corporal presence in the sacrament of the altar, the mass, confession, and, in short, all the ten- ets and practices of the church of Rome. When the bishop found he would not assent to a single point, he remanded him to prison ; and, in a few days, summoned him before him in the cathedral church of Chester, where, in the presence of the mayor, chancellor, and principal inhabitants of that city, both laity and cler- gy, he caused him to take a solemn oath, to answer truly to such articles as might be alleged against him. After he was sworn, the chancellor accused him of hav- ing preached and published most heretically and blasphe- mously, within the parishes of Dean, Eccles, Berry, and many other parishes within the bisliop's diocess, directly against the pope's authority, the catholic church pf Rome, the mass, and the sacrament of the altar, with many arti- cles. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 271 To all these charges, Marsh answered in brief, that he had neither heretically nor blasphemously preached or published against any of the articles, but as occasion serv- ed ; and as his conscience obliged him to maintain the truth, as declared in God's word, and as all then present had acknowledged in the preceding reign.) Being examined as to every particular article, he mod- estly answered, according to the doctrine publicly tauglit in the reign of king Edward VI. After a confinement of three weeks longer in prison, Marsh was again brought mto the cathedral, where the chancellor made a formal harangue on the bishop's care of his flock, in order to prevent infection from scabby sheep, and the like; which ended, the former articles were propounded to him ; and to which he severally answered in the negative. Being charged with having declared, that the church and doctrine taught and set forth in king Edward's time, was the true church ; and that the church of Rome is not the true catholic church : he acknowledged the declara- tion, and ratified it by a repetition. Several persons present taking occasion to ask him, (as he denied*the bishop of Rome's authority in England,) whether Linus, Anacletus, and Clement, who were bish- ops of Rome, were not good men ; he replied in the affir- mative, but reminded them, that they claimed no more authority in England than the archbishop of Canterbury doth in Rome. As this observation highly reflected on the validity of the papal supremacy, the bishop w^as so incensed, that he gave Marsh very abusive language, calling him a most damnable, irreclaimable, and unpardonable heretic. In return for this, Marsh mildly expostulated with the bishop, telling him, if he could be persuaded, in his own conscience, that the articles proposed to him were found- ed on God's word, he would gladly yield in every point; declaring, that he held no heretical opinion, but utterly abhorred every kind of heresy ; and then called all pre- sent to bear witness, that, in the articles of religion, he held no other opinion than what was by law established. 272 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. and publicly taught in England, at the death of king Ed^ ward the sixth ; and that, in such religion and doctrines, by the grace of God, he would stand, live, and die. He was then, for tlie last time, asked, whether he would stand to the same, being full of heresies, or forsake them, and return to the catholic church ? and on his heartily de- claring he would continue steadfast and immoveable in the faith of God's word, nor ever return to any church that was not founded on scripture authority, the bishop began to read his sentence of condemnation, but was in- terrupted by the chancellor, in order to give him yet an opportunity of recanting. He resolutely withstood the earnest entreaties of several people, who desired him to accept of the proffered mercy; nor could even the repeated exhortations of the bishop and chancellor prevail with this eminent servant of Christ, to deny his Lord and master, and submit to the usurpa- tion of cruel, tyrannical men. All endeavours proving ineffectual, the bishop proceed- ed in passing sentence, which being ended, Marsh was delivered up to the sheriffs, who conveyed him to the North-gate prison, where he was confined in a dungeon till the day of his execution. On the 4th of the month called April, 1555, this firm believer was led to the place appointed for the bloody scene, amidst a crowd of lamenting spectators. It was near a village called Spital-Boughton, at a small distance from Chester. As soon as he arrived at the place, the chamberlain of that city shewed him a box, containing the queen's pardon, on condition that he would recant. Our martyr coolly answered, that he would gladly accept the same, (for he loved the queen) but as it tended to pluck him from God, who was King of kings, and Lord of lords, he could not receive it on such terms. Then turning to the spectators, he told them the cause of the cruel death which awaited him, and exhorted them to remain steadfast in the faith of Christ ; which done, he kneeled on the ground, directed his prayer to God, for strength equal to the fiery trial, arose, and was chain- i^feRSfeCUTEb BY tHE PAPlStS, 273 cd to the stake, having a number of fagots under him, and a cask full of pitch and tar hanging over his head. The fire being kindled, he suffered, for a considerable time, the most exquisite torture, his flesh being so broil- ed, and puffed up, that those who stood before him could not see the chain with which he was fastened. 'At length, with the utmost fortitude, he spread fordi his arms, and said, with a voice to be universally heard by the specta- tors, *' Father of heaven, have mercy upon me." Soon after which, he yielded up his spirit into the hands of him who gave it. Thus died, in confirmation of the gospel of Christ, a sincere believer, raising, by his patient resignation, the wonder and astonishment of all that saw him suffer, the greater part of whom cried out with ecstasy, " of a truths God is with him," This pious christian, during the course of his confine- ment, wrote the particulars of his respective examina-* tions before his bloody persecutors ; as also a great num- ber of letters to different people, among which, we shall copy the following : */f letter from George Marsh, to several ofhisfriejills, im- mediately after the close of his last examination, "Here you have, dearly beloved friends in Christ, the chief and principal articles of christian doctrine, briefly touched, which heretofore I have both believed, profess- ed, and taught, and as yet do believe, profess, and teach ; iind am surely purposed, by God's grace, to continue in the same until the last day. I do want both time and op- portunity to write out, at large, the probations, causes, parts, and effects of tJiose articles ; which, whoso desireth to know, let them read over the common places of the pi- ous, learned men, Philip Melancthon, and Erasmus Sar- cerius, whose judgment, in these matters of religion, I do chiefly follow and lean unto. The Lord give us under- standing in all things, and deliver us from tliis evil world, according to his will and pleasure, aiKl bring us again out 2 N 274 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, of this hell of affliction, into which, it hath pleased the merciful Lord to throw us down : and deliver us out of the mouth of the Lion, and from all evil doing, and keep us unto his everlasting and heavenly kingdom. Amen^ *' Though satan be suffered, as wheat, to sift us for a time, yet our faith faileth not through Christ's aid, but that wc are, at all times, able and ready to confirm the faith of our weak brethren, and always ready to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, and that with meekness and reverence, having a good conscience ; and whereas they backbite us as evil- doers, they may be ashamed, forasmuch as they have falsely accused our good conversation in Christ. I thought myself now, of late years, for the cares of this life, well settled with my loving and faithful wife and children, and also wellquietted in the peaceable possession of that pleas- ant Euphrates, I do confess it : but the Lord, who work - eth all things for the best to them that love him, would not there leave me, but did take my dear and beloved wife from me ; whose death was a painful cross to my flesh. " Also, I thought myself now, of late years, well placed mider my most loving and most gentle Laurence Saun- ders, in the cure of Langhton. But the Lord, of his great mercy, would not suiFer me long there to continue (al- though for the small time I was in this vineyard, I was not an idle workman). But he hath provided me, I per- ceive it, to taste of a far other cup ; for by violence hath he yet, once again, driven me out of that glorious Baby- lon, that I should not taste too much of her wanton pleas- ures, but with his most dearly beloved disciples, to have my inward rejoicing in the cross of his son Jesus Christ. The glory of whose church, I see it well, standeth not in the harmonious sound of the bells and organs, nor yet in the glittering of mitres and copes, neither in the shining of gilt images and lights (as the blind papists do judge it) but in continual labours, and daily afflictions, for his name sake. " God, at this present, here in England, hath his fim in hand, and after his great harvest, whereinto these years PIRSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 275 past he hath sent his labourers, is now sifting tlie corn from the chaff, and purging his floor, and ready to gather the wheat into his garner, and burn up the cliaff* with un- quenchable fire. *' Take heed, and beware of the leaven of the scribes, and of the sadduces ; I mean the erroneous doctrines of the papists, which, with their glosses, deprave the scrip- tures ; for, as the apostle St. Peter doth teach us, " there diall be false teachers amongst you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies : and many shall follow their perni- cious ways, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness, shall they, with feigned words, make merchandise of you:" and Christ earnestly warneth us, to " beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." The fruits of the prophets are their doctrine. In this place, are we christians taught, that we should try the preachers, and others that come under a colour, to set forth true^ religion unto us ; according to the saying of St. Paul, " prove all things, hold fast that which is good." Also the evangelist St. John, saith, *' believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God ; be- cause many false prophets are gone out into the world." Therefore, if thou wilt know the true prophets from the false, try their doctrine by the true touchstone, which is the word of God : and as the pious Bereans did, search ye the scriptures, whether those things which be preach- ed unto you, be even so or not ; or else by the outward conversation of them, ye may easily be deceived." A letter from George Marsh to a friend unknown. '* Grace be with you,and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God, and Jesus the Lord. " After hearty conmiendations, and thanks to you, not only for your large token, but much more for your lov- ing letters, full of consolation to me, as touching my per- son, to you unknown : these shall be to certifv vou, that I 276 PERSECUTED BY TJIE PAPISTS. rejoice greatly in the Lord, when I do perceive how my sweet Saviour Christ doth stir up the minds, not only of my familiar friends in time past, but also of sundry and divers, heretofore unto me unknown and unacquainted, to bear part with me in this my painful and costly im- prisonment, sending me things not only necessary for this present life, but also comfortable letters, encouraging and exhorting me to continue grounded and established in the faith, and not to be moved away from the hope of the gos- pel, whereof, according to my small talent, I have been a minister ; and daily I call and cry unto the Lord, in whom is all my trust. And without whom, I can do noth- ing : that he, which hath begun a work in me, would vouchsafe to gp forth with it until the day of Jesus Christ, being surely certified in my conscience of this, that he will so do, forasmuch as he hath given me, that not only I should believe on him, but also suffer for his sake. The Lord strengthen me, with his holy spirit, that I may be one of the number of those blessed, which enduring to the end shall be saved. *^ And whereas you say, that my suffering of persecution with Christ is a thing to you most comfortable, I make answer, that in all mine adversity and necessity, nothing on your behalf is greater consolation unto me, than to hear of the faith and love of others, and how they have good remembrance of us always. For my trust in the Lord is, that this my business shall happen to the further- ance of the gospel ; and that you will be none of those forgetful and hypocritical hearers, whereof some being but way-side hearers, the devil cometh, and taketh away the vv^ord out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved, (but let prayer be made without ceasing, by the congregation unto God for them) ; and, no doubt, God will, to your consolation, gloriously deliver, by one means or other, his oppressed. Only tarry ye the Lord's leisure: be strong : let your hearts be of good comfort : and wait ye still for the Lord. He tarrieth not that will come: look for him, therefore ; and faint not, and he will never fail you. Yours, George Marsh." PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 277 The Martyrdom of William Flower^ whoy for striking a Priest, had his right hand cut offy and was afterwards burntjfor his steadfast adherence to the truth, Wii-LiAM Flower was born at a place called Snow- hill, in the county of Cambridge. He was educated in the Roman catholic persuasion ; and being brought up to the church, wlien, at a proper age, he was admitted into orders, and became a professed monk in the abbey of Ely. After residing some time in the monastery, he threw off the monkish habit ; became a secular priest ; returned to the place of his nativity ; and officiated for some years, in a clerical capacity. In process of time, on a serious review of the sacred scriptures, and candid comparisons of them with the doc- trines and practices of the Romish church, he began to doubt of the authenticity of the latter ; and, on a fardier inspection, finding them wholly repugnant to the word of God, and founded on the mere inventions of men, he ab- jured them, and earnestly embraced the doctrines of the reformation. After having thus departed from the Romish church, he came to London, and took up his residence at Lam- beth, where he married, and kept a school for his liveli- hood. Going one day from Lambeth to Westminster, he went into St. Margaret's church, at the time that mass was performing. As he refused to kneel at the elevation of the host, he was severely reprimanded by the priest ; at which. Flower was so irritated, that he struck him on the head, the priest having, at the same time, in his hand a chalice, containing some consecrated wafers. As his behaviour, on this occasion, proceeded rather from rash zeal than well-grounded knowledge, he sub- mitted himfelf to the award of bishop Bonner, willing to endure, for his folly, whatever punishment he should tliink proper to inflict. The bishop would have mitigated his punishment for the crime he had committed on the priest, if he would 278 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. have subscribed to the popish faith ; but that he would not consent to, on any terms whatever ; in consequence of which, he was committed a prisoner to the Gate- house. After remaining some time in prison, he was brought before the bishop, who administered to him, on oath, sev- eral articles. But not answering satisfactorily to these, he was committed to the Fleet-prison, when he was brought before the warden, and found guilty of abusing a priest in the duty of his office, and also of maintaining damnable heresies. He was again brought before the bishop, who used the most forcible arguments to induce him to recant ; but these all proving ineffectual, he asked him, if he knew any matter, or cause, why sentence should not be pronounced against him as a heretic? To which, he answered, " I have nothing at all to say, for I have already said unto you all that I had to say ; and that I have said, I will not go from : and, therefore, do what you will." The bishop then proceeded to the sentence, condemn- ing and excommunicating him as a heretic ; after w hich, he was degraded, and delivered over to the secu- lar power. The 24th of the month called April, was the day ap- pointed for his execution, and the place St. Margaret's church yard, Westminster. On the morning of the fatal day, he was led to the stake, amidst a prodigious number of spectators. Immediately on his arrival at the place, he kneeled down, and prayed to God, acknowledging his faith, as follows : " O Eternal God, most mighty and merciful Father, who has sent down thy Son upon the earth, to save me, and all mankind ; who ascended up into heaven again, and left his blood upon the earth behind him, for the redemp- tion of our sins, have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, for thy dear son our Saviour Jesus Christ's sake, in whom, I confess only to be all salvation and justification, and that there is no other means, nor way, nor holiness, in which, or by which, any man can be saved in this world. This is my faith, which I beseech all men here to bear witness of."" PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 279 He then repeated the Lord's Prayer very deUberately, and with an audible voice ; after which, he arose, and prepared himself for undergoing the destined punish- Uaent. A Romish priest, who was present, desired him to re- cant his heresy, and thereby save his life : to whom, he said, *'sir, I beseech you, for God's sake, to be content- ed ; for that I have said, I have said ; and I trust to the living God; he will give me his holy spirit to continue to the end." He then desired all the world to forgive him, whom he had offended, as he, from his heart forgave all the world. This done, he was chained to the stake, and his left hand fastened to his side. The other hand, with which he had struck the priest, was then held up, and cut off, the blood plentifully gushing from the wrist ; which punishment he bore without the least apparent emotion. The fagots were then piled round him, and being immediately kindled, he cried out with a loud voice, *' O the Son of God, have mercy upon me; O the Son of God, receive my soul." These words he repeated three times, when the violence of the smoke took away his speech ; but he still shew- ed the spectators, that he was not yet deprived of life, by holding up the arm from whence the hand had been cut, with the other, as long as he was able. There not being a sufficiency of fagots, he underwent great torture, the lower parts being consumed a considerable time be- fore the others were scarcely affected. At length, how- ever, they finished his miseries, by striking him a violent blow on the head, A\-hich brought the upper part of him into the fire ; and, in this dreadful manner, he yielded up his life. 280 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The sufferings and Martyrdom of John Cardvfiaker^ Priest i and John Warne^ Upholder. John Cardmaker was educated in the Romish relig- ion ; and, for some years, was a friar of the order of St* Francis. After the dissokition of reHgious houses by Hen- ry VIII, he attended with such dihgence to the preaching and writing of pious, learned divines, that he became a convert to the protestant faith, obtained a living in the re- formed church, and was an eminent preacher of the gos» pel. In the reign of Edward VI, he was appointed reader at St. Paul's, and prebendary of Wells, in which functions, he continued indefatigable, till the accession of queen Mary, when he was apprehended, together with the bishop of Wells, and committed to the Fleet, though the laws of king Edward were then in full force. When the papal supremacy and jurisdiction prevailed in England, and bishops had authority, by virtue of the statute, ex officio^ to proceed against heretics, Cardmaker was removed from the Fleet to the Compter, where he con- tracted an acquaintance with Laurence Saunders, (already mentioned) by whom he was animated and encouraged to continue steadfast in his faith and profession. In process of time, he was summoned to appear before the arrogant and cruel Bonner, who alleged against him divers charges, which, with Cardmaker's answers, were as follows : 1. That after his professing the Roman catholic religion, and entering into holy orders, he took a wife, and had by her a female child, thereby breaking his vow, and the order and ordinance of the church. The first part of this charge he allowed, but denied his having broken any vow by his marriage ; because he was allowed to marry, both by the laws of the realm, and also by the laws of the church of England. 2. That he believed and taught, and did still believe, that in the sacrament of the altar, under the visible si^ns, that is, under the forms of bread and wine, there is really s»nd truly the true and natural body of our Saviour Christ. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 281 He replied, that he h:\d believed and taught it as con. tained in this article, but he did not then so believe and teach. 3. That the belief of the catholic church is, that having the body and blood of Christ really and truly contained in the sacrament of the altar, is to have, by the omnipotent power of Almighty God, the body and blood of Christ there invisibly, but really present under the same sacra- ment, and to make thereby a new God, or a new Christ, or a new body of Chiist. The whole of tins he denied. 4. That it may stand well together, the faith of tlie Cath- olic church is, that the body of Christ is visibly and <:ruly ascended into heaven, and there is, in the visible form of his humanity ; and yet the same body in substance, is iiv visibly and truly contained in the sacrament of the altar. All this he denied as absurd and unscriptural. 5. That Christ, at his last supper, taking bread into his hands, breaking, and giving it to his apostles, saying, " take eat, this is my body," did institute a sacrament there, willing that his body, really and only, should be contained in the said sacrament ; no substa.nce of biead and wine there remaining. To the first part, he assented, but denied the latter part ; and to these his answers, he subscribed his name. For persisting in these answers, he was condemned and sent to Newgate, where he was visited by a messenger, from the council, to know whether or not he would recant. He told the messenger, that since God, of his mercv, had opened his eyes to see his eternal truth, he had called upon his name, to give him his grace to undersu.nd his word, and was determined, by the aid of the same grace, to continue steadfast in the same. After some debate, concerning the corporeal presence in the sacrament of the altar, the messenger, finding Card- maker inilexible in his opinion, departed, and acquainted the couneil with the result of his message. John AVarne, fellow-martyr with Cardmaker, was by trade an upholder, and lived with great credit and reputa- tion, being a very pious and conscientious man. 2 o 2S'2 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* As all who professed the protestant faith, in these perse- cuting times, were liable, not only to molestation in the performance of religious duties, but also to be arraigned at the bloody tribunal of the relentless Bonner; Warne, among the rest, was suspected of heresy, brought before the bish- op, and had the following articles laid to his charge ; 1. That he believed, that in the sacrament, called the sacrament of the ahar, there is not the very, true, and nat- ural body of our Saviour Christ in substance, under the forms of bread and wine. 2. That he believed, that after the words of consecra- tion spoken by the priest, there is not (as the church of England doth believe and teach) the body of Christ, but that there doth only remain the substance of material bread, as it is before the consecration, and that the said bread is no ways altered and changed. 3. That he believed, that if the Catholic church doth believe and teach, there is in the mass (now used in Eng- land, and in other places of Christendom) a sacrifice, where- in there is a sacrament concerning the body and blood of Christ, really and truly, then that belief and faith of the church are nought, and against God's truth and the scripture. 4. That neither in lent past, nor any time since the queen's reign, he had been at church, nor had heard mass, nor had been confessed, nor had received the sacra- ment of the altar ; and said, that he was not sorry for the same, because his conscience was not defiled, as it would otherwise have been. Warne underwent several examinations, in the presence of dift'erent persons, on these articles ; at all of which, h^ declared, that he did believe and confess the same to be true. At length, the bishop of London having frequently warn- ed him to abjure his heretical tenets, and return to obedi- ence to the church of Rome, but all without effect, the de- finitive sentence was pronounced, when he was dehvered up to the sheriffs, and sent to Newgate. While these two martyrs were in prison, some of the popish emissaries had spread a report that they intended to recant, which occasioned the following letter. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 283 .i letter from J. Cardmaker to his friend. " The peace of God be with you. You shall right well perceive that I have not gone back, as some men do report of me, but am as ready to give my life, as many of my brethren that are gone before, although by a policy I have a little prolonged it, and that for the best, as already it ap- peareth unto me, and shall shortly appear unto all. That day that I recant any point of doctrine, I shall suffer twenty kindsofdcath, the Lord being mine assistant, as I doubt not but he will. Commend me to my friend, and tell him no less. This the Lord strengthen you, me, and all his elect. My riches and poverty are as they were wont to be, and I have learned to rejoice in poverty, as well as riches, for that I account now to be very riches. Thus, fare ye well in Christ. Salute all my brethren, in my name, I have conferred with some of my adversaries, learned men, and I find that they be but sophists and shadows." On the 30th of the month called May, 1555, these two martyrs were conducted under a strong guard, from New- gate to Smithfield, the place appointed for their execution. As soon as they arrived at the stake, Wame began his prayer, which having finished, he prepared himself for the fiery triaL While Warne was at prayers, Cardmaker was discoursing with the sheriffs, ingomuch that the friends of the reformation feared he would recant ; but these appre- hensions soon subsided ; for, after his conference with the sheriffs, and a short prayer, he courageously went to the stake, took his fellow- sufferer by the hand, comforted him, and cheerfully submitted to be bound. When the people beheld this, they were greatly rejoic- ed, as it totally removed their fearful apprehensions that they would recant ; and they exclaimed, with the most dis- thiguished satisfiiction, " God be praised, the Lord strengthen you ; the Lord Jesus receive your spirits." The executioner having set fire to the fagots, they burnt with great rapidity ; and the two maityrs soon passed through the flames, to enjoy the crown of triumph and ^ ictor}% prepared for the true soldiers of Christ in his bless- ed kingdom. 284 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* On the same day that these two martyrs suffered in Smith- field, John Orderly, and John Simpson, were burnt in Es- sex ; the former at Rayleigh, and the latter at Rochford.. The Life and Martyrdom of Thomas Hau-kes. Thomas Hawkes was the son of reputable and pious parents, who gave him a good education-, and brought him up in the reibrined reil-^ion. He strictly adhered to his religiouo principles ; so that finding the gospel, after the death of king Edward, began to decline, (especially among great fcimiiies, in Cyne oi which he lived) he quitted his ser- vice, and returned home, where he horded quietly to en- joy the worship of God, according to the dictates of his own conscience. In these expectations, however, he soon found himself disappointed. As there were now popish emissaries in ev^ ery corner, lying in wait to give information if any one w^as only suspected of favouring ihe doctrines of reformation, Hawkes was apprehended, and brought before the earl of Oxford, (in whose service he had foimerly lived) for be- ing unfounded in religion, and contenming the sacraments ofihe church, in that he had kept a son unbapiized three weeks, because he would not suffer him to be baptized af- ter the popish manner. The earl referred him to bishop Bonner, to whom having written that he had refused to have his child bap- tized, accordhig to the order of the church now in use, he left him to his lordship's discretion. When Hawkes was brought before the bish^^^, he was ^sked the cause of keeping the child unbaptizcd so long; to which, he returned for answer, that he w^as bound to do nothing contrary to the word of God. The bishop then urged, that baptism being a sacrament contained in the word of God, and incumbent on every christian, he was, consequently, criminal in denying, or not conforming to the same. To this, he said, that he, by no means, denied God's institution, but men's invention therein; such as the use of oil, cream, spittle^ salt, candle, &c. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 285 After much debate on the subject, the bishop asked him, if he would have his child baptized according to the ser- vice-books, set out in the reign of Edward VI. To which, he replied, that it was the very thing he desired from his soul. This was, however, mere equivocation to learn his sen- timents, for it appeared in the sequel, that Bonner's drift w^as to compel him to submit to the superstitions of the church of Rome, which, however, with all his artifice, he was not able to effect. The bishop, with several others, held various confer- ences with Huwkes, concerning his belief of the corpore- al presence in the sacrament of the altar, the mass, the holy creed, holy water, and other ceremonies of the church of Rome j but these also he rejected, as he had done that of baptism, because they were contrary to the word of God, b\' which alone, he was determined to be guided and directed in all matters of faith and religion ; nay, he boldly toid them all, that he would not credit them in any thing, but what they could prove from die holy scrip- ture. At length, Bonner, finding he could by no means pre- vail with him to recant his opinions, and submit to the church of Rome, sent him prisoner to the Gate-house, in Westminster, commanding the keeper to confine him closely, and not permit any person to converse with him. During his confinement, various methods were used to bring him over to recant, such as conversation, read- ino- to him, taking *him to hear sermons, and the like ; but all proved ineffectual ; his constant answer, to all v/ho spoke to him on tl^.at subject, being, *' I am no changling." Bonner, incensed at his steadfastness, told him, he should find him no changling neither, and immediately went out, and wrote the following paj)er : *' I Thomas Hawkes do hereby confess and declare, be- fore my ordinary, Edmund Bonner, bishop of London, that the mass is abominable, detestable, and full of all su- perstition; and also concerning the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, (commonly called the sacramait of 286 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. the altar) that Christ is in no part thereof, hut only in heav- en. This I have believed, and this I do believe." Bonner ordered Hawkes to subscribe lo this paper ; but lie refused to set his nanxe to what he had not writ- ten himself ; upon which, the haughty prelate struck him on the breast, declaring, at the same time, that he would severely chastise all such proud and disobedient knaves. A few days after this, the bishop summoned him, with several others, to appear publicly in the consistory court at St. Paul's where the several articles alleged against him, together with the bill of confession, were read to him ; to all which, he firmly abided. They then strongly exhorted him to recant, that they might not be obliged to pass the solemn sentence upon him. To which, he cheerfully replied that if he had a hundred bodies, '-le would suffer them all to be torn to pieces, rather than abjure the faith of Christ's gospel. On his thus steadfostly persevering in the faith which he professed, the bishop read the sentence of condemna- tion against him, and five others ; after which, he w^as sent back to prison, where he remained till the month called June following, w^hen he was delivered into the hands of lord Rich, who caused him to be conveyed to Chelmsford, and from thence to Coxall, in Essex, where he was burnt on the 10th of the same month.. Hawkes gave many pious exhortations, and godly ad- monitions to his friends who came to visit him ; and several of them requesting, if it was possible, that he would shew them some token, by which might appear the possibility of burning without repining, he promised, by the help of God, to shew them that ti.e most exquisite torments were to be endured in the glorious cause of Christ, and his gospel, the comforts of which were able to lift the believing soul above all that men or devils can inflict. Accordingly, it was agreed between them, that if the rage of pain was tolerable, he should lift up his hands to- v/ards heaven, before he gave up the ghost. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 287 A short time after this agreement, he was led to the place of execution, where, being fastened to the stake with a chain, he addressed the multitude, and especially lord Rich, reasoning with him on the iniquity and dreacf- f ul consequences of shedding the innocent blood of the saints. Having fervently prayed to Almighty God, the flames were kindled around him, and he continued in them so long that his speech was taken away by their violence ; his skin was contracted, and the spectators thought he was dead, when, on a sudden, and contrary to all expec- tation, this eminent and zealous servant of God, mindful of the promise he had made to his friends, held his hands flaming over his head, and, as if in an ecstasy of joy, clap- ped them thrice together. The astonished multitude testified their approbation of his faith and patience ; and his friends, to" whom he made the promise, were exceedingly confirmed in the niost holy faith, by being eye-witnesses to the power of divine strength, which is able to support the servants of God, under evcr}^ trial that may bcfal them, for the sake of the truth, as it is in our blessed Redeemer. While he was in confinement, he wrote a great num- ber of letters to different people, and, among them, one to his wife, which so strongly displays the tender husband, and pious christian, that we shall preserve a copy of it. ji letter from Thomas Hawkes to his wife. " Grace be with you, and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world, through the good will of God our Father, to whom be praise for ever and ever. Amen. *' My dear yoke- fellow in the Lord, forasmuch as the Lord hath not only called me to work in his vineyard, but hath also fulfilled his good work in me, (I trust to his glory, and to the comfort of all those that look for his coming) I thought it my duty, dear yoke- fellow, to write 288 PERSECUTED BY THE TAPISTS. Imto you some lessons out of God's book; and if you will direct yourself thereafter, doubt not of it but God, who refuseth none that will come unto him with their whole heart, will assist you with his holy spirit, and di- rect you in all his ways, to his honour and glory, who grant it for his mercy sake. Amen. *' First, I exhort you to fear God ; to serve and hon- our his holy name ; to love him with all your heart, soul, and mind ; to believe faithfully all his promises ; to lay sure hold upon them, that in all your troubles, what- soever they are, you may run straight to the mercy of God, and he will bring you out of them : keep you with- in his wings ; then shall you be sure that neither devil, flesh, nor hell, shall be able to hurt you. *' But take heed ; if you will not keep his holy precepts and laws, and, to the uttermost of your power, call for the help of God to walk in the same, but will leave them, and ran to all abominations with the wicked world, and do as they do ; then be sure to have your part with the wicked world, in the burning lake that never shall be quenched. Therefore, beware of idolatry, which doth, most of all, stink before the face of Almighty God, and was, by all good men, most detested from the beginning of the world. For which, what kingdoms, nations, and realms, God hath punished with most terrible plagues, with fire, brimstone, hunger, sword, pestilence, &:c, to the utter subversion of them, it is manifestly to be seen through the n^hole bible. Yea, his own peculiar people, whom he had done so much for, when they fell from him, and went and served other gods, contrary to his command-, ment, he utterly destroyed and rooted them out from off the earth. Again, how he has preserved those diat abhor superstition and idolatry, and that have only taken hold upon God with their whole heart, to serve him, to love him, and to fear him, k,c, it is most manifestly to be seen, even from the beginning, out of what great dangers he hath always delivered them : yea, when all hope of deliv- erance was past as touching their expectation, even then. in the sight of all his enemies, would he work his godly rERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 289 will and purpose, to the utter amazement and destruction of all those that were his manifest enemies. " Further, I exhort you, in the bowels of Christ, that you v/ill exercise and be steadfast in prayer ; for, prayer* is the only means to pierce the heavens, to obtain, at the hand of God, whatsoever we desire, so that it be ask- ed in faith. Oh, what notable things do we read in the scriptures, tliat have been obtained through fervent prayer! We are commanded to call upon him ifor help, aid, and succour, in necessities and troubles ; and he hath prora ised to help us. Again, they that will not call upon him with their whole heart, but upon other dead creatures, in whom there is no help, (for there was none found worthy to open the book, but only the lamb Christ, Vv^hich was killed for our sins), I say, who that will refuse his help, must even, by the the terrible judgments of God,, come utterly to confusion ; as it hath, and is daily manifest to be seen. And whatsoever you desire of God in your prayer, ask it for Jesus Christ's sake, for whom, and in whom, God hath promised us to give all things necessary. And though that v/hich we ask, come not at the first and second calling, yet continue still knocking, and he will^ at length, open his treasures of mercy, so that ye shall be sure to obtain : for he hath so promised, if ye con- tinue in laith, hoping surely in him. These former les- sons, with ail such instructions as I have told you by my mouth, I do wisii that you would most earnestly learn ; and then, I doubt not, but God, who is the giver of ali grace, will assist you^in all your doings, that you may be found worthy of his kingdom, which is prepared dirough Christ. *' Further, whereas it pleased God to send us children, my desire is, that they may be brought up in the fear of God, and in his laws. And this is to certify you, that you deliver, in any wise, my eldest son to Mr. Throg- morton, who, upon his good- will, hath promised me to. bring him up, according to my desire; and I trust, as God hath put into his heart. See, therefore, that you deliver him, in any vvise, without delay ; and as for the other, if you shall seem to be burdened with him, (which 1 think 2 p 290 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. nature will not suffer) my desire is, that he be brought up in the fear of God, the uttermost of your endeavour, with some honest man that hath the fear of God before his eyes ; and let us give thanks unto God, who hath given them us, beseeching him that they may be counted worthy to be of that flock that shall stand on the right hand of the majesty of God, when he shall judge the world. Amen. *' Yet once again, I warn you, that you continue in fer- vent prayer, as I said before; then shall you be sure, that God, even of his own mercy, according as he hath prom- ised, will be an husband unto you, and provide better for you than ever I was able to do ; yea, he will cause all men that fear him to pity you, to help you, to suc- cour you in all your necessities, so that if any do you wrong, he will be avenged on them. Moreover, I wish you to keep company with those, of whom you may learn to come to a more perfect knowledge in God ; and, I doubt not, but God will provide that such will be glad to receive you, if you shall profess, and go forward in his truth. " Fhially, and to make an end, I desire you, that you take heed with whom you couple yourself See that he be a man that feareth God, loveth his laws, and will walk in the same to the utmost of his power ; sucli a one as can be content to love you, and to care for you. Take heed, he be no brawler, no drunkard, no wicked person, not given to filthiness, no worldling, no dicer, nor carder. Ill fine, no filthy person, but chuse you such a one, as God may be glorified in both your lives. And again, on your part, love him, serve him, obey him in all godliness, as long as God shall give you life in this world. Thenshallye both be sure to obtain t.;at kingdom which God the Fa- ther hath prepared, and Jesus Christ obtained for you, that never shall have an end, where I trust to abide your coming. Amen. By your husband, Thomas Haw^kes." PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 291 The sufferings and Martyrdom of Thomas JFatts, a linen draper^ of Billericay^ in Essex, Thomas Watts was born of reputable and pious parents, in the county of Essex. He was educated in the reformed religion, and, during the reign of Edward VI, was a zealous professor of the protestant faith. On the accession of queen Mary to the throne, apprehend- ing he should be troubled, if not persecuted, on account of his following a religion contrary to that which was then introduced, he relinquished business, sold his goods, and disposed of his substance to his wife and children. As he lived in the county of Essex, he came under the cognizance of lord Rich, before whom he was brought, and by whom he was demanded the reason of his disobeying the queen's laws, absenting himself from church, neglecting the mass, and setting up unlawful conventicles, contrary to her majesty's command. Watts replied, with composure, that if he had offend- ed against the law, he was subject to the penalty of the law ; upon which, a justice of the peace then present, inquired of him, from whom he had imbibed his new- fangled religion ? Watts upbraided the justice with hy- pocrisy, reminding him, that in the days of the late king, no one inveighed more strenuously against the Romish doctrines than himself, pronouncing the mass to be abominable, earnestly exhorting none to believe therein, and that their belief should be only in Christ ; nay, adding further, that whosoever should introduce any strange notion here, should be deemed a traitor, and punished as such. The j'istice reviled Watts as an insolent, lying knave, and persuaded the sheriff not to pay any regard to what he had said. Soon after this, information was given to bishop Bon- ner, that Thomas Watts maintitined, inculcated, and encouraged heretical opinions. In consequence of this, he was brought into the consistory court in London, and there examined, concerning the discourse he had with 292 PERSECUTED EY THE PAPISTS. lord Rich, and other commissioners, at Ciielmsford, when he pubHcly related the truth ; after which, the fol- lowing articles v/ere alleged against him, requiring, ac- cording to the custon\ of the court, a particular answer to each article. 1. It was alleged against him, that he did not believe in the sacrament of the holy Catholic church, as the Catholic church of Rome, and other churches, mem- bers of the same, have believed and taught, but despi- sed the same. To this, he answered, that he believed in all the sacra- ments, according to Christ's institution, but not accord- ing to the church of the bishop of Rome ; that he be- lieved according to the preaching of several ministers of the gospel, who preached the word of God truly and sincerely, 2. That he believed, and taught others, that the sub- Stance of material bread and wine, do not remain in the sacrament of the altar after consecration. To this, he replied, that he believed, that Christ's body is now in heaven, and no where else ; and that he never would believe, that Christ's body was in the pacrament. 3. That he believed the mass to be abominable. To this, he frankly answered in the affirmative, de- claring that he would never recant his opinion. 4. That he believed, tliat confession to a priest was not necessary. To this, he said, he did not believe, that the priest could absolve him of his sins ; but allowed, that it was good to ask spiritual advice of the priests 5. Hiat in the open sessions, he confessed, that he had refused to come to the church to hear mass, and re- ceive the sacrament of the altar ; because, according to the service of the church, set out in the days of king Ed- ward the sixth, such duties were deemed abominable, heretical, and schismatical '; that he declared, that all that was done in the church on the accession' of her majesty, was abominable, heretical, schismatical, and iinscriptiuid ; and also, that he uttered before the com- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 293 missioners, other erroneous and arrogant words, to the injury of his soul, and bad example of the people pre- sent. To this, he answered, without the least attempt to evade, that he declared his opinion, as in tlie article a- bove- mentioned, and begged of God that he might live and die in that faith. These, and other articles of less moment, were read to him, and his answers minuted down ; after which, the bishop used the most forcible arguments to bring hini to a denial of (what he called) his errors, and to be obe- dient to the holy mother- church. Watts, however, remaining inflexible, and beseech- ing God that he might be enabled to hold out to the end, in the true faith of Christ, sentence of condemnation was pronounced against him, and he was delivered up to the sheriffs of London, who conducted him to Newgate. On the 9th of the month called June, he was carried from Newgate to Chelmsford, his execution being ap- pointed at that place on the 11th .On the same evening, he was conveyed there, he was in company with Thomas Hawkes, and others ; and they all joined together in the most fervent prayer. The day before his execution, he was visited by his wife, and six children, whom he addressed in the fol- lowing manner : '' My dear wife, my good children, the time of my departure is at hand ; therefore, henceforth I know you no more ; but as the Lord hath given you unto me, so I give you again unto the Lord, whom I charge you to obey and fear. Beware that ye turn not to this abominable popery, as a testimony against which, I sliall shortly, by God's grace, shed my blood. Let not the murdering of God's saints cause you to recant, but take occasion thereby, more earnestly, to contend for the faith once de- livered to the saints. My dear children, 1 trust God will be a merciful father unto you." This affecting address struck such an impression on two of lus children, that they desired to be burned with him. So sympathetic a feeling, from such tender 294 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. branches, lor a time, discomposed our martyr, the man giving way to the parent ; but, after having a little re- covered himself, he embraced them with all the tender- ness of a dying father, took his leave, and was led to the stake, where he quietly, yielded up his spirit into the hands of him that gave it, saying, '' into thy hands, O God, I commend my spirit." Such was the attachment of this steadfast believer to the cause of his dear Lord and Master, that the most moving spectacle of his disconsolate wife, and six inno- cent babes, could not in the least stagger his resolution ; but he persevered against all worldly considerations, be- ing animated so to do, by an assurance of an immortal erown of glory in his Redeemer's kingdom. About the same time that Watts suffered, three others shared the same fate, for their adherence to the truth of the gospel ; namely, Nicholas Chamberlain, weaver ; Thomas Osmond, fuller ; and William Bamford, weav- er. The first of these was burnt at Colchester, on the 14th of the month called June ; the second suffered the next day at Maningtree ; and the third the following day at Harwich. The sufferings and deaths of John Bradford, a divine ; and John Leafe, an apprentice. The first of these martyrs was born at Manchester, where he received an education sufficiently liberal to qualify him for the more exalted office of life, having ob- tained to a considerable knowledge in classical and math- ematical literature. On his arrival at years of maturity, having some distin- guished friends, by their interest, he became secretar3r to sir John Harrington, who was treasurer to Hen- ry VHI. After having been in this ofHcc for some time, being of a studious turn of mind, he quitted it, and went to Cambridge, where he made such great improvements, that in the space of one year, that univers\ty conferred PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 295 on him the degree of master of arts ; soon after which, he was admitted to a fellowship in Pembroke college. At this time, there was at Cambridge one Martin Bucer, a zealous advocate for the reformed religion. — This person discovered a great regard for Bradford, and persuaded him to follow those studies which most condu- ced to qualify him for the work of the ministry. ' Bradford having that diffidence of himself, which is generally the attendant on real merit, excused himself from taking upon him that important office, as not being sufficiently qualified ; but Bucer, at length, brought him to consent to enter on the solemn work, and he was or- dained a deacon, by Dr. Ridley, bishop of London, who made him prebendary of St. Paul's ; where, in rotation, he preached for three years, the true gospel of Christ : namely, the doctrines of salvation by faith, and repent- ance unto life, together with the necessity of a life of ho- liness, as the evidence of that faith, at the end of which, the protestant cause suffered a violent shock, in the death of the pious young king. After the accession of queen Mary, Bradford continUr cd his course of preaching, till he was obstructed by the following incident. In the first year of the reign of that princess, Bonner, then bishop of London, ordered Bourn, a canon of St. Paul's, and afterwards bishop of Bath, to preach a sermon, wherein he took occasion from the gospel of the day to justify Bonner, then restored to his bishopric, in preach- ing on the same text that very day four years, and enforc- ing doctrines, for which, according to the terms of the preacher he was thrown into the Marshalsea, and there kept prisoner during the time of king Edward VI. These words occasioned great murmurings amongst the people ; nay, so incensed were they, that one of them threw a dagger at the preacher, and threatened to drag him from the pulpit, insomuch that he was obliged to wididraw, and desired Bradford to advance, and endeav- our to appease the people, who were so tumultuous, that they could not be quelled even from the authority of the lord-mavor. 296 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. As soon as Bradford ascended the pulpit, the people shouted, " God save thy life, Bradford ;" and then quiet- ly attended to his discourse, in which, he reproved them for their disorderly behaviour, and exhorted them to peace and tranquillity ; on which, after he had finished, they peaceably dispersed. In the afternoon of the same day, Bradford preached at Bow- church, when he took occasion to rebuke the people for their tumultuous behaviour at St. Paul's in the morning. Three days after this incident, he was summoned be- fore the queen, and her council, and there charged as the cause of the late riot about Bourn's preaching at St. Paul's, though he was the very person that preserved him from the outrage of the people, and appeased the tumult. He was also accused of preaching to the people at Bow- church, though he then warmly exliorted them to peace. But nothing that he could allege, in vindication of his in- nocence, availed ; for he was committed to the tower, on a charge of sedition, because they found he was a popu- lar man, and greatly caressed by the people. He was confined above a year and six months, till the popish religion was restored by act of parliament. — He then took occasion to examine himself concerning his faith, because he could not speak against the doctrine of the church of Rome, without incurring much danger ; whereas, while the laws of king Edward were unrepealed, he might freely speak according to the dictates of his own conscience, and the rules of God's most holy word. The principal articles alleged against Bradford were^ his denying the doctrine of transubstantiation, or the cor- poreal presence of Christ in the sacrament ; and assert- ing, that wicked men did not partake of Christ's body in the said sacrament. Several bishops, and other learned men, were appoint-. cd to confer with him ; but their arguments hud no weight, because they were not founded on scripture, but human tradition. As Bradford would not admit of any tenets, or practices, but what were contained in the scripture, he was deemed PERSECITTED BV THEE PAPISTS* ^97 a heretic, first excommunicated^ then condemned, and committed to the custody of the sherift's of London, by whom he was conducted, the night before his execution, to the prison of Newgate ; and, the following day, brought to the stake, with the martyr who succeeds in the order of this catalogue. John Leafe was an apprentice to a tallow-chandler, and, at the age of nineteen years, on an information laid against him of heresy, was committed to the Compter, by the al* dermen of the ward in which he lived* After being some time confined in that prison, he was brought before bishop Bonner, and by him examined con- cerning his faith in the sacrament of the altar, and other points ; to all which, he answered, in such a manner as ^ve little satisfaction to the tyrannical bishop. A few days after this, he underwent another examina- tion ; but his answers being tlie same as before, he was condemned, and delivered over to the secular power, for not believing that the bread and wine in the sacrament, by^ the words of consecration, are changed into the very body and blood of Christ, really and substantially. After his condemnation, the bishop sent two bills to him, the one containing a recantation, and the other his confes- sion. The messenger, after reading the fomier to him, ^for he could neither read nor write himself) asked, if he would sign it ; to which, without the least hesitation, he answered in the negative. He then read to him his con- fession, when he immediately took a pin, and pricking his hand, sprinkled the blood upon the bill, desiring the mes- senger to shew the bishop that he had already signed it with his blood. When these two martyrs were conducted to the place of execution, (which was Smithfield) Bradford fell prostrate on one side of the stake, and Leafe on the other. In this position, they continued praying for some minutes, till Bradford was desired by the sheriff to make an end, and arise, the multitude of people being very great. On this notice, they both arose ; and, after Bradford had made a short harangue to the people, they were both fas- tened to the stake, and the reeds and fagots placed around tliem. 2 (^ 298 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Being thus prepared, Bradford, lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven, exclaimed, " O England, England, re- pent thee of thy sins ! beware of antichrist ; beware of idolatry ; take heed they do not deceive you." Then turn- ing to young Leafe, who was to suffer with him, he said, ** be of good comfort, brother, the time of our deliverance is at hand." The young man said, " Lord Jesus, receive our departing spirits." The fire was then put to the fagots, and they both endur- ed their sufferings with the utmost composure and resigna- tion, reposing an unshaken confidence in that blessed Re- deemer, who died to save mankind. While Bradford was in prison, he employed his time in writing various comfortable treatises, addressed to the ad- vocates of the reformation. He also wrote pious letters to the city of London, the university of Cambridge, and the towns of Lancashire and Cheshire, besides many others to his private friends and acquaintances. Among the latter, we shall preserve the following : A Letter from J. Bradford to certain pious persons^ en- couraging them to prepare themselves to hear the cross with patience, " Gracious God, and most merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, thy dearly beloved Son^ grant us thy mercy, grace, wisdom, and holy spirit, to counsel, comfort, and guide us in all our thoughts, w^ords, and works, to thy glo- ry, and everlasting joy and peace for ever. Amen. *' In my last letter, you might perceive my conjecturing to be no less towards you than I have now learned. But, my dearly beloved, I have leaiiied none other thing than what I before told you would come to pass, if ye cast not a- way that which ye have learned. I do appeal to both your consciences, whether I speak truth herein, as well of my telling (though not so often as I mv^\it and should, God forgive me) as also of your learning. Now God will try you, to make others learn by you, that which ye learned by others, and by them which have suffered this day, you PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 299 might learn, (if already you had not learned) that life and honour are not to be regarded more than God's command- ment. They, in no point, for all that ever their ghostly fathers could do, having Dr. Death to take their part, would consent, or seem to consent to the popish mass, and papistical god, otherwise than they had received in the days of our late king. And this their faith they have con- fessed with their deaths, to their great glory, and all our comforts, if we follow them : but to our confusion, if we start back from the same. Wherefore, I beseech you to consider, as well to praise God for them, as to go the same way with them if God please. *' Consider not the things of this life, which is a very prison to all God's children ; but the things of everlasting life, which is our very home. But, to behold this, ye must open the eyes of your mind, of faith, I should have said, as Moses did, who chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to possess the riches of Egypt, and the treasures of Pharaoh's court. Your house, home, and goods, yea life and all that ever ye have, God hath giv- en you as love-tokens, to admonish you of his love, and to win your love to him again. He will try your love, wheth- er ye set more by him than by his tokens. If ye, for the sake of his tokens, that is, your house, home, goods, yea life, will go with the world rather than lose them, then be assured, your love, as he cannot but espy it to be strum- pet's love, so will he cast it away with the world. Remem- ber, that he who will save his life, shall lose it, if Christ be true ; but he who adventureth, yea, loseth his life for tlic gospel's sake, the same shall be sure to find it eternally. — Do not ye know, that the way to salvation is not the broad way which many run in, but the straight way in which now few walk. '* Before persecution came, men might partly have stood in a doubt by the outward state of the world with us, (al- though, by God's word, it was plain) which was the high- way, (for there were as many that pretended the gospel as popery) but now the sun is risen, and the wind bloweth ; so that the corn, which has not taken fast root, neither can nor will abide ; and, therefore, ye may easily see the strait 500 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. way, by the Fmall number of passengers. Who will now adventure their goods, and life, for the sake of Christ, who gave his life for our sakes ? We are now become gerge- sites,^ that would rather lose Clirist than our swine. A wife is proved faidiful, when she rejecteth and withstandeth other suitors. A fliithful christian is then found so to be, when his faith is assaulted. " If wc are neither able nor willing to forsake this world for God's glory, and the gospel's sake, ere long shall we be obliged to leave it for nature's sake. Die ye must once, and leave all yc have, (God only knoweth how soon) whether ye will or not ; and seeing you cannot avoid it, why will ye not voluntarily do it for God's sake ? *' If ye go to mass, and do as most part doth, then may ye live quietly, and at rest ; but if ye refuse to go thither, then ye shall go to prison, lose your goods, leave your children comfortless, yea, lose your life also. But, my dearly beloved, open the eyes of your faith, and consider the shortness of this hfe, that it is even as a shadow and as a smoke. Again, consider how intolerable the punish- ment of hell-fire is, and that how endless. Last of all, look on the joys incomprehensible, ^vhich God hath pre^ pared for all them, world without end, who lose either life, land, or goods, for his name's sake, and then reason thus ; if we go to mass, the greatest enemy that Christ hath, though for a little time we shall live in quiet, and leave to our children something to live upon hereafter, yet we shall displease God, fall into his hands, (which is horrible to hy- pocrites) and be in wondeiful hazard of falling from eternal joy into eternal misery, first of soul, and then of body, with the devil, and all idolaters. ^' Again, we shall want peace of conscience, which sur- mounteth all the riches of the world ; and for our children, who knoweth v/hether God will visit our idolatries on them in this life ? Yea, our house and goods, and even our lives, are in danger of being lost by many casualties ; and when God is angry with us, he can, when he pleases, send one means, or other, to take all from us for our sins, wd to cast us into greater trouble, who will not come into gpme little fpr his sake, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 501 " On this sort, reason with ourselves, and then, doubt- less, God will work otherwise with you, and in you, than ye are aware of. Where now ye think yourselves una- ble to abide persecution, be most assured, that if you earnestly purpose not to forsake God, that he will make you so able to bear his cross, that you shall rejoice there- in. '' God is faithful, (saith St. Paul) who will not suf- fer you to be tempted above that you are able ; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Think how great a benefit it is, if God will make you worthy of his honour, to suffer loss of any thing for his sake. He might justly inflict most grievous plagues upon you, and yet now he will correct you with that rod, whereby ye shall be made like to his Christ, that ye may forever reign with him. Suf- fer yourselves, therefore, now to be made like to Christ, for else ye shall never be made like unto him. The devil would gladly have you now to overthrow that, which ye have a long time, steadfastly professed. O, how would he triumph, if he could win his purpose ! O, how would the papists triumph against God's gospel in you ! O, how would you confirm them in their wicked popery ! O, how would the poor children of God be discomforted, if you should go to mass, and other idolatrous service, and do as the world doth ! ^' Hath God delivered you from labour to serve him so ? Hath God miraculously restored you to health, from your grievous agues, for such a purpose ? Hath God ^iven you such blessings in this world, and good things all the days of your life hitherto, and now, of equity, will ye not receive at his hands, and for his sake, some evil ? God forbid ; I hope better of you. Use prayer ; and cast your care upon God ; commit your children into his hand ; give to God your goods, bodies, and lives, as he hath given them, or rather lent them, to you. Say, with Job, God hath given, and God hath taken away, his name be praised for ever. Cast your care upon him, I say, for he is careful for you ; and take it amongst the greatest blessings of God, to suffer for his sake. I trust he hath kept you hitherto to that end. 302 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. "And I beseech thee, O merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, that thou wouldst be merciful unto us ; comfort us with thy grace, and strengthen us in thy truth, that in heart we may believe, and in tongue boldly con- fess thy gospel, and to thy glory and our eternal salva- tion, Amen. Pray for me, and I, by God's grace, will do the same for you. John Bradford." A farewell letter from J. Bradford to his Mother, a short time before he was burnt, ** God's mercy, and peace in Christ, be more and more perceived of us. Amen. '' My most dear mother, in the bowels of Christ, I heartily pray and beseech you to be thankful for mc unto God, who now taketh me unto himself. I die not as a criminal, but as a witness of Christ, for the truth of whose gospel, I have hitherto confessed, I thank God, both by preaching and imprisonment, and now I am wil- ling to confirm the same by fire. I acknowledge that God might justly have taken me hence for my sins, (which are many, great and grievous ; but the Lord, for his mercy in Christ, I hope, hath pardoned them all) but now, dear mother, he taketh me hence by this death, as a confessor and witness, that the religion taught by Christ Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles, is God's truth. — The prelates in me do persecute Christ, whom they hate, and his truth, which they will not abide, because their works are evil. They do not care for the light, lest men thereby should discover their darkness. Therefore, my dear mother, give thanks to God for me, that he hath made the fruit of your womb to be a witness of his glory, and attend to the truth, which I have truly taught out of the pulpit of Manchester. Use often and continual pray- er to God the Father, through Jesus Christ. Hearken to the scriptures, and serve God according to them, and not according to the custom : beware of the Romanish reli- gion in England ; defile not yourself with it : carry the PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 303 cross of Christ as he shall lay it upon your back : forgive them that kill me : pray for them, for they know not what they do : commit my ?cause to God our Father : be mindful of both your daughters, and help them as well as you can. '* I send all my writings to you and my brother Roger : do witli them as you will, because I cannot as I would, he can tell you more of my mind. I have nothing to. give you, or to leave behind me for you : only I pray to God, my Father, for Christ's sake, to bless you, and keep you from evil. May he make you patient and thankful, that he will take the fruit of your womb to wit- ness his truth ; wherein I confess to the whole world, I die, and depart this life, in hope of a much better : which I look for at the hands of God my Father, through the mer- its of his dear Son Jesus Christ. " Thus, my dear mother, I take my last farewell of you in this Ufe, beseeching the Almighty and eternal Father, by Christ, to grant us to meet in the life to come, where we shall give him continual thanks, and praise for ever and ever. Amen. Your son, in the Lord, John Bradford." June 24, 1555. The persecutions and sufferings of Margaret Polley, widow, the first female Martyr in England* Information being given against Margaret Policy, to Maurice, bishop of Rochester, her ordinary, and dio- cessan, she was brought before him, when his lordship, according to the pontifical solemnity of the church of Rome, rose from his chair, and, in solemn parade, har^ angued her as follows : *' We Maurice, by the sufferance of God, bishop of Rochester, proceeding of our mere office in a cause of heresy, against thee, Margaret Policy, of the parish of Po- pingberry, in our diocess and jurisdiction of Rochester, do lay, and object against thee, all and singular the en- suing articles. 304, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS^ *' To these, all and singular, we require of thee a true^ full, and plain answer, by virtue of thine oath thereupon to be given." The oath being administered by the official, the bishop looked steadfastly at the woman, and demanded of her a peremptory answer to each of the following articles. 1. Are not those heretics, who maintain and hold oth- er opinions than our holy mother and catholic church doth ? j4jis. They are, indeed, heretics, and grossly deceived, who hold and maintain doctrines contrary to the will of God, contained in the holy scriptures, which I sincerely- believe were written by holy men, immediately taught and instructed by the Holy Ghost. 2. Do you hold and maintain that, in the sacrament of the altar, under the form of bread and wine, there is not the very body and blood of Christ, and that the said body is verily in heaven only, and not in the sacra- ment ? ^ns. What I have learned from the holy scriptures, those living oracles of God, I do, and will steadfastly maintain, viz. that the very body which was crucified for the very sins of all true believers, ascended into heaven, and is there placed at the right hand of the majesty on high ; that such body has ever since remained there, and therefore cannot, according to my belief, be in the sacra- ment of the altar. I believe that the bread and wine in the sacrament, arc to be received as symbols and representatives of the bo- dy and blood of Christ, but not as such really and sub- stantially. I think, in my weak judgment, that it is not in the pow- ^r of any man, by pronouncing words over the elements of bread and wine, to transubstantiate them into the real body and blood of Christ. In short, it is my belief, that the eucharist is only a commemoration of the death of our Saviour, who said, " as oft as ye do this, do it in remembrance of me." These pertinent and frank replies greatly provoked the haughty prelate, who exclaimed against the woman as an PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 305 obstinate heretic, and, after much sGurrilous language, told her, she was a silly woman, and knew not wr.at she said, and that it was the duty of every christian to believe as the mother- church hath and doth teach. The bishop then asked her the following question : ** Will you, Margaret Policy, recant the error which you maintain, be reconciled to the holy church, and receive ti^e remission of sins?" To which, she replied. "lean- not believe otherwise than I have spoken, because the practice of the church of Rome is contrary not only to reason, and my senses, but also to the word of God." Immediately on tliis reply, the bishop pronounced sen- tence of condemnation against her ; after which, she was carried back to prison, where she remained daily celebrat- ing the praises of God for upwards of a month. She w^as a woman in the prime of life, pious, charitable^ humane, learned in the scriptures, and beloved by all with whom she w^is acquainted. When the day arrived appointed for her execution, she was conducted from the bishop's prison at Rochester, to Tunbridge. where she was burned, sealing the truth of what she had testified with her blood, and shewing that the God of all grace, out of the weakest vessel, can give strength, and cause the meanest instruments to magnify the glories of his redeeming love. On the same day that Margaret Policy suffered, one Christopher Wade, a weaver of Diurtford, in Kent, who had likewise been condemned by bishop Maurice, shar- ed the same fate, and at the same place ; but they were executed separately, he first submitting to the dreadful sentence. About the same time-, John Blaiid, John Frankesh, Nicholas Sheterden, and Humplirey Middieton, were all burnt together at Canterbury. The two first were minis- ters and preachers of the .gospel, the one being rector of Adesham, and the other vicar of Rolvindon, m Kent. They all resigned themselves to their fate with christian fortitiKle, fervently praying to God to receive ti.em into his heavenly kingdom. 2 R 506 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The persecutions and Martyrdoms of John Launder^ and Dirkk Carver. John Launder, of Godstone, in Surry, husbandman; and Dirick Carver, of Brighthelmsione, in Sussex, brew- er, were apprehended in the dwelling- house of the latter, as they were at prayers, and sent up to the queen's coun- cil at London, where being examined, and not giving satisfactory answers to the questions proposed, they were committed prisoners to Newgate, to wait the leisure, and abide the determination of the cruel and arrogant bishop Bonner. Launder, on his examination, confessed, that the occa* sion of his being at Brighthelmstone, was to transact some business for his father ; and that hearing Carver was a great promoter of the doctrines of the reformation, he went to his house in order to join in prayer to God, with the pious christians who resorted thither, on which, he was apprehended by Gage, tlie officer appointed for that purpose. He also confessed, that there is here on earth one whole and imiversal cathoUc church, the members of which are dispersed throughout the world ; that he believed the same church dotli set forth and teach only two sacra- ments, which are, Baptism and the Lord's Supper ; that whosoever doth teach, or use any inore sacraments, or any other ceremonies, he doth abhor them from the bottom of his heart. He further said and believed, that all the service, sacri- fices, and ceremonies, now used in this realm of England, and in other parts of the world, where they are used after tlie same manner, are erroneous, contrary to Christ's in- stitution, and the determination of Christ's cathohc church, whereofhe believed himself to be a member. He also confessed and believed, that in the sacrament, called the sacrament of the altar, there are not really and truly contained, under the forms of bread and wine, the very natural body and blood of Christ in substance ; but that, when he did receive the material bread, he received PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 307 the same in remembrance of Christ's death and passion, and no otherwise. Moreover, he confessed, said, and believed, that the mass used in the reahn of England, or elsewhere, in Christendom, is abominable, and directly against God's word, and his catholic church ; and that there is nothing said or used in it, good or profitable ; for though the glo- ria in excelsisy *' the creed and paler «noster." and other parts of the mass, are good in themselves, yet being used amongst other things that are superstition.^., they become corrupt. Lastly, he confessed and believed, tiiat auricular confession is not necessary to be made to any priest, or to any other creature, but every person ought to confess his sins to God alone, because no person has any authority to absohe any man from his sins. Having openly acknowledged and maintained tliese opinions, in the bishop's consistory court, and refusing to recant, he was condemned, and delivered over to the se- cular power. Dirick Carver, being examined by bishop Bonner, con- cerning his faith in the sacrament of the altar, the mass, auricular confession, and the religion then taught and set forth in the church of England, delivered the followinp-, as his invariable tenets, because founded on the infallible word of the only living and true God. To the first point, he declared, that he had and did be- lieve, that the very substance of the body and blood of Christ is not in the sacrament of the altar ; and that there is no other substance remaining in that sacrament after the words spoken by the priest, but the substance of bread and wine. As to the mass, he believed there was no sacrifice in it, nor any salvation for a christian, except it was said in the mother. tongue, that he might understand it. With respect to auricular confession, he believed that it was necessary to apply to a priest for spiritual counsel; but that the absolution of the priests, by the imposition of hands was not profitable to salvation ;. ack now! edging, at the same time, thiit he had not been confes^,ed, nor re- ceived the sacrament since tb.c coronation of the queen. 50B ' PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Concerning the last point, he declared it as his opinion and behef, that the faith and religion then taught, and set forth, were not agreeable to God's word, and that bishop Hooper, Cardmaker Rogers, and other pious men, who were lately burned, were sound divines, and preached the true doctrine of Christ. Being farther examined, he confessed, that since the queen's coronation jie had the bible and psalter read m English divers times, at his house in BrightheJmstone ; and that, about twelve months then past, he had the English litany said in his house, with other prayers in English. / ^ ^. After these examinations, he was strongly persuaded to recant, but this he peremptorily refused ; on which, sentence of condemnation was passed on him at the same time as on Launder ; and the time of ; -is execution was fixed for the 22d of the month called July, at Lewes, in Sussex. On his arrival at the stake, he kneeled down and pray- ed ; and, when he had finished his prayers, he arose, and .addressed the spectators as follows : '' Dear brothers and sisters, bear witness, that I am come to seal with my blood the gospel of Christ, because I know that it is true. Many of you know, that tjie gospel hath been trli ly preached to you here in Lewes, and now it is not so preached ; and because I will not here deny God's gospel, I am condemned to die." On this, the sheriff said, '' if thou dost not believe in the pope, thou art damned, body and soul." But our martyr pitied his blindness, and begged of God to forgive his errors. Being then fastened to the stake, and the fire kindled round him, he patiently submitted to his fate, and expired, calling out, *' O Lord, have mercy upon me ! Lord Jesus, receive my spirit I" His fellow-martyr, John Launder, was burnt the fol- lovv'ing day at Steyning ; where he cheerfully gave up his life lo that God, from whose hands be had received it. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 309 The sufferings and deaths of John Denley^ John Newman^ and Patrick Fackinghani, As Denley and Newman were travelling together into Essex, on a visit to some friends, they were accidentally met by Tvrrel, a justice of the peace for the said county, who suspecting tnem of heresy, caused them to be ap- prehended, and searched ; and, at the same time, took from Denley a confession of his faith in writing, con- cerning the sacrament of the altar, together, with certain notes collected from the holy scriptures. The justice immediately sent them to London, and with tliem a letter to be presented to the queen's council, together wi- h the papers he found on the former. On their being brought before the council, they were admonished and desired to yield obedience to the queen's laws ; but this advice proving ineffeciual, their examina- tion was referred to Bonner, bishop of London, On the 28th of the month called June, 1355, Denley and Newman, together witi. Patrick Packingham, (who had been apprehended two days before) were brought before Bonner, at his palace in London. The bishop having examined the two former upon their confessions and findingn^hem inflexibly to adhere to die same, he used his customary exhortation; on whici., Den- ley said, " God save me from your counsel, and keep me in the mind I am in ; for that which you count heresy, I take to be the truth." Bonner then ordered them to appear in the bishop's consistory court, where the following articles were jointly and severally exhibited against the in : 1. That they were now in the diocess of London, and under the jurisdiction of the bishop of London. These they acknowledged to be true. 2. That they had not, nor did believe, that there is a catholic church of Christ here on earth. This they seveially denied ; for that they did believe the holy catholic church, which is buiftupon tht fc-unda- tion of the prophets and apostles. Ci^.rist being the head ; sind that where two or three are gathered together in 310 PERSfeGUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Christ's name, they are the members of the said holy catholic church, which is dispersed throughout the world; which church doth preach God's ^vord truly, and doth al- so minister the two sacraments, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord, according to his blessed word. 3. That each of them had not, nor did believe, that tliis church of England is any part, or member of the said catholic church. They severally answered, that they did believe, that this church of England, using the faith and practice that arc now used, is no part or member of the aforesaid holy catholic chmch, but is the church of antichrist, the bishop of Rome being the head thereof. 4. That they had believed, and did believe, that the mass, now used in the church of England, was abomina- ble, and blasphemy against God's word. 1 hey answered in the affirmative. 5. That they had believed, and did believe, that auri- cular confession, now used in the realm of England, was not profitable, but contrary to God's word. To this, they all answered in the affirmative. 6. That they had believed, and did believe, that abso- lution given by the priest, and hearing confession, are not good, nor allowable by God's word, but contrary to the same. To this, they answered, that remission of sins is only to be obtained from God, through the blood of Jesus Christ. 7. That they had believed, and did believe, that the clristening of children, as it is used now in the church of England, is not good nor allowable by God's word. Likewise, the confirming of children, the giving of orders, the saying mattins and vespers, the anointing or oiling of sick persons, and the making holy bread and holy water, with other rites of the church. To this, they replied, that the christening of children, or the sacrament of baptism, is altered and changed ; for John the Baptist i!sed nothing but preaching the word and water, as appears from Christ's desiring to be baptized by him ; for wc do not read that he asked for any cream, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 311 or oil, or spittle, or wax, or salt, but used merely water ; nor w^as this water consecrated. 8. That they had believed, and did believe, that there are but two sacraments in Christ's catholic church, the sa- crament of baptism, and the sacrament of the altar. To this, they briefly replied,that they believed no more, except they would make the rainbow a sacrament ; for there is no sacrament but hath a promise annexed to it. The bishop then stated one article to Packingham alone, which was, that he, Patrick Packingham, being of die age of twenty-one years at least, did irreverendy stand in the great chapel, having his cap on his head during the time of mass, on the 23d of the month called June ; that he re- fused holy bread, and holy water at the priest's hands, thereby contemning and despising both the mass, holy wa- ter, and holy bread. This article he ackowledged to be true. On the 5th of the month called July, the bishop proceed- ed in the usual form, against these three persons, in his consistory court TTf St. Paul's. After various articles and answers were publicly read, they were exhorted to recant ; and both promises and threats were used by Bonner, in order to prevail with them ; but, on their remaining stead- liist in their faith and profession, they were all condemned as heretics, and delivered into the custody of the sherifts of London, who conducted them to Newgate, where they were kept till writs were issued for their respective exe- cutions. Denley was ordered to be executed atUxbridge, where, being conveyed, on the day appointed, he was cliained to the stake ; and, \vhcn the flames began to be powerful, he. expired in the midst of them, singing a psalm to the praise of his Redeemer. A popish priest, who was present at his execution, was so incensed at his singing, that he or- dered one of the attendants to dirow a fagot at him, which was accordingly done, and he received a violent fraci'ure in his skull, which, with the fire, soon deprived him both of speech and life. A few days after, Packingham suffered at the same place; but Newman was executed at Saffron- Waldcn, in 312 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, Essex. They both died with great fortitude and resigna- tion, cheerfully resigning their souls into the hands of him who gave them, in full expectation of receiving crowns of glory in the heavenly mansions. The Martyrdoms of If Uliam Coker, Tfilliam Hooper, Hen^ ry Laivrence, lUchard Collier, Richard Wright, and William Steer, all inhabitants of the county of Kent, who were burnt together at Canterbury^ on the ^Ist of the month called August^ 1555. Information having been given, at the same time, against these six persons, they were all brought before Dr. Richard Thornton, suffragan of Canterbury, and bish- op of Dover ; Dr. Horpsfield, archdeacon, Richard Faw- cet, and Robert Collins, of the spiritual court of Canter- bury ; when divers articles were respectively exhibited against them ; to all which, they answered, as men de- termined to adhere to the truth of the gospel they had pro- fessed. Being again brought before the above persons, they were further examined, and the substance of their respec- tive answers was as follows^ William Coker declared, he would answer no otherwise than as he had done before. Beino; offered six days res- pite to consider of it, he refused to accept their indulgence; in consequence of which, he immediately received sentence of death. William Hooper, at first, seemed to assent to the faith and determindtion of the Roman catholic church ; but, on serious reflection, he retracted, and firmly professed his ftiith in tlu pure gospel of Christ, as well as renounced the errors of popery. He was, therefore, immediately sen- tenced to be. burned. Henry Lawrence, who was next examined, denied au- ricular confession, and refused to receive the sacrament of the altar, because the order of the holy scripture was chann:ed in the order of the said sacrament*. FERSECtJTED BV Ttt£ PAPISTS* flliJ Being charged with not taking off his cap when the suffragan mentioned the sacrament, and reverenced the same, he said, there was no need for him so to do. Being likewise asked concerning the verity of the sac- rament given to Christ's disciples, he affirmed, that even as Christ gave his body to his disciples, so likewise Christ himself said, he was a door, &c. adding, moreover, that as he said before, so he still said, that the sacrament of the mass is an idol, and no resemblance of Christ's passion. Being required to subscribe to these articles, he wrote under the bill of examination as follows : ** ye are all of antichrist, and nm ye follow." He was then prevented from speaking farther, and sentence of condemnation was pronounced on him in the usual form. Richard Collier, being examined with respect to the sacrament of the altar, answered, he did not believe there was the real and substantial body and blood of Christ, but only bread and wine ; and that it was most abomin- able, detestable, and wicked, to believe otherwise. In consequence of which, he also received sentence of death. Richard Wright being asked by the judge, what he believed of the real presence in the sacrament, answered that, touching the sacrament of the altar and the mass, he was ashamed to speak of it ; nor would he, therefore, by any means allow it. In consequence of which, he like- wise received sentence of condemnation. William Steer tiie last examined, was required by the judge to answer the articles laid before him. But he de- nied the judge's authority, for which, he was deemed guilty of denying the authority of the queen. He al- so observed, that Thomas Cranmer, archbishop of Can- terbury, then in prison, washisdiocessian; and, therefore, required Dr. Thornton to shew his authority from the archbishop, or otherwise he would deem it invalid. With respect to the sacrament of the mass, he said, as he found not the popish belief contained in the scrip- tures, he entirely disbelieved it ; in consequence of 2 s f314 PERSECUTED BV THE PAPISTS. wliich, he received the same sentence with his fellow« prisoners. These six men being thus condemned for professing the truth of Christ's gospel were immediately delivered over to the secular povler. They continued in prison, consoling each other daily in prayer, ciii the 31st of the month called August, the day appointed for their execu- tion, when they were conveyed to Canterburyj and there led to the stakes, of which there were three, two of thera chained to each. They all joyfully yielded up their lives as sacrifices to G )d, in testimony of their regard t# the word of truth, which abideth to all eternity. The Persecution and Mirtyrdom of George Tankerfield^ a cook^ and citizen of London, George Tankerfield was brought up by his par« ents in the popish religion, to which he zealously adhered till the beginnir.g of the reign of queen Mary, when the horrid cruelties exercised on diose who dissented frona that church, so strongly impressed his mind, that he be- gan to detest, and openly exclaim against the principles of that religion lie had hitherto professed, which, on ex- amination, he found contrary to the divine mind and will^ as contained in the sacred word. This excited the astonishment of his acquaintances, and raised the resentment of the popish faction, especially those who were interested in its restoration ; insomuch, that Sir Roger Cholmondeley, and Dr. Martin, two of the queen's commissioners for ecclesiastical affairs, dis- patched a yeoman to Tankerfield's house, in order to ap- prehend and bring him before them. Tankerfield being absent, when the yeoman came in quest of him, it was pretended, that he was wanted to serve up a dinner at the house of lord Paget. When he came home, his wife told him, that he was required to at- tend at a banquet ; to which he replied, *' a banquet, wo- man ; but such a banquet as will not be pleasing to the lERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 51^ The next day, he was seized by a constable, and com- mitted ^o Newgate ; and, after being coufintd there some time, he wns brought before, and rcpeatt^dly examined by bishop Bonner, and others, conctrning divers articles and tenets of religion. He was chiefly re quired to give his opinion cor«cerning auricular confession, the popish sacrament of tht mass, iuid other ceremonies. In answer to the first of these, he said, he had not •onfessed to any prit St for several months, and that he would not be confessed by any priest herccifter, because he found no sue duly commanded in the word of God, which he now took as his only guide in all matters of re- ligion. With respect to the sacrament, commonly called the sacrament of the altar, he declared, he did not beiit ve, that ir. the said sacrament, there was the real body and blood of C rist, because the body of Christ was ascend- ed into heaven, and there sat at the right hand of God the Father. To the last point, he answered, that the mass then us- ed in the Church of England, was full of idolatry, abom- ination, and wholly mconsistent with the word of God; adding that there were but two sacraments in Christ's church ; namely, baptism and the Lord's supper. The bishop, after this confession, in his usual manner, exhorted him to recant lis opinions declaring them to be damnable heresies ; but Tankerfield assured the bish- op, that he would persist in his belief till it should be proved erroneous from scripture authority, being regard- less of the tenets of the greatest prelate upon earth, if not founded on the word of eternal truth, declaring at the same time, that the arbitrary commissioners for ecclesias- tical affairs condemned persons without proving any thing against them. Bonner, with an affected concern for his interest, tem- poral, and eternal, used many enticing words to brin.i^ him to the mother- church ; but our martyr boldly tolij him, without the least reserve; that the church, of which the pope is supreme, is no part of Christ's catholic churcU ; and pointing to the bishop, he said, '* good peo- $16 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. pie, beware of him, and such as he is, for these be they that deceive you." The bishop was so enraged at this resolute behaviour, that he proceeded to read the sentence of condemnation ; immediately after which, Tankerfieid was delivered over to the secular power. The place allotted for his execution, was St. Alban's, in Hertfordshire, whither being conveyed on the day ap- pointed, he,.wiih patience and constancy, resigned his life into the hands of that God who gave it, as a testimo- ny of the truth of his holy word, which had been able tQ Wiake him wise unto salvation. The Martyrdotn of Elizabeth Warne^ Widow* This pious woman, and steadfast believer in the pure gospel of Christ, (according to the dying request of her husband, who, some time ago, had sealed the truth with his blood) persisted in worshipping God according to the dictates of her own conscience, and the form she conceiv- ed was contained in the divine command. Information being given against her, she was appre- hended in a house in Bow-citurch yard, in company with several others, who were assembled for prayer and other spiritual exercises; and, with them, was sent to the Comp- ter, from whence, she was committed to Newgate. She bad been but a few days confined, before she was sent for by the queen's commissioners, who, after some examination, gave her up to the bishop of London. The chief article alleged against her, by Bonner, was, her not believing the real presence in the sacrament of the altar. She was also accused of absenting herself from church, speaking against the mass, despising the ceremonies of the holy mother-church. &c. To these accusations, she gave such answers as high- ly offended the bishop, who warmly exhorted her to re- cant her erroneous and heretical opinions. She replied, ** do with me what you will ; for, if Christ was in an er- ror, then I am in an error," PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 317 On this peremptory declaration, she was condemned as a heretic, delivered to the sheriff of London, and con- ducted to Newgate. When the day appointed for her execution arrived, she was carried from Newgate to Slrafford-le-bovv, where she suffered martyrdom for the cause of Clirist and his gospel, following her husband through the path of a fiery- trial, to the heaven of rest that awaits all the disciples of our blessed and glorious Redeemer. The Martyrdom of Robert Smith. This martyr was originally educated in the Roman catholic religion ; but having for some time enjoyed a place under the Provost of Eaton college, he was con- verted to the true faith by tl.e preaching of several re- formed ministers in that learned seminary. As he was known to profess the protestant religion, he was, on the accession of queen Mary, deprived of his post in the college, and soon after sent up prisoner to the bishop of London, by whom, he was committed to New- gate, after being examined by him divers times, at his palace, and in other places. Being questioned by the bishop concerning auricular confession, he declared, he had never been confessed since he arrived at years of discretion, because he never thought it needful, nor commanded of God to confess his faults to any of that sinful number called priests. The bishop then inquired, how long it was since he had received the sacrament of the mass, and what w^as his opinion concerning the same. To this, he rej)lied, that he had never received the same, since he arrived at years of discretion, nor, by the grace of God, ever would ; neither did he esteem it in any point necessary, because it \vas not God's ordinance, but rather set up in mockery of God, and to deprive him of the honour which is his due. Behig questioned concerning his belief in the corpore- al presence in the sacrament, after the words of conse- 318 PERSECUTE© BY THE PAPISTS. cration pronounced by the priest, he replied, " I ^avc once told you, that it was not God's ordinance, much less can it be God, or any part of his substance, but only mere bread and wine, and to be received in a figurative sense alone ; adding further, that if he couid prove from scripture, that it was the very body, he would believe it, but till then, he should esteem it a detestable idol, not God, but contrary to God and truth." This answer so irritated the haughty prelate, that he greatly reviled Smith ; but his passion abating, he after- wards examined him in milder terms, and coolly inquired liis opinion concerning the catholic church. Smith replied, *' I believe there is one catholic church, ©r congregation of the faithful, which (as the apostle saith) is built upon the prophets and apostles, Crrist Jesus being the chief corner-stone. I also believe, that this church, in all words and w^orks, maintaineth the word of God, and bringeth the same for her authority ; of this church, I am assured, that by grace, I am made a member." He was then examined concerning holy bread, holy water, and other ceremonies of tlie church ; but these points lie denied as unscriptural ; and persisting in his opinions, notwithstanding the repeated admonitions of the bishop, he was summoned to appear at the consistory eourt, where having made the same confession as before, sentence of condemnation was passed upon him, and he was delivered over to the secular power. After the cruel sentence was passed, Smith remonstrated with the lord-mayor, sheriffs, and others who were pres- ent on the occasion, on the iniquity of their procedures, which were contrary to all laws, human and divine ; but the general cry was, *' away with, the heretic, away with the heretic." He then addressed himself to the specta- tors in the following manner : " Ye have seen and heard, my friends, the great inju- ry I have this day received ; and ye are all witnesses, that we have referred the equity of our cause to tlie book of God, which appeal not being admitted, we are eon demned unheard," rERSlCUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 31>§ Turning to the mayor, he said, " though, my lord, you have here exercised your authority urjjustly, and will not attend the cry of the poor, I com nut my causc^ to that God who judgeth aright, and will render unt© every man according to his deeds ; that God at whose awful bar, both you and I must stand without respect or authority, and where sentence will be passed withou par- tiality, bigotry, or caprice, and according to the eternal laws of infallible truth.'' After this, he was carried back to Newgate, w^here he was closely confined till the 8th of the month called Au- gust, which was appointed for his execution. On the morning of that day, he was conducted, under a proper guard, to Uxbridge, and there led to the stake. He bore his punishment with the most amazing fortitude, in full hopes, that he was giving up a temporary existence for one that would be immortal. Smith had received a very liberal education ; and, du- ring the time of his imprisonment, he wrote a great number of treatises letters, &c He had a good turn for poetry, in which, several of his compositions were form- «d. Among the number of his writings, we shall pre- serve the followmg : The substance of an epistle, written by Robert Smith, to the persecuted Jiock of Lhrist, ** To all which love God unfeignedly, and intend to lead a godly life, according to his gospel, and to perse- vere in his truth unto the end, grace and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. "- Be not afraid, most dearly beloved, in our Saviour Jesus Christ, at these most perilous days, wherein, by the suffering of God, the prince of darkness is broken loose, and rageth in his members against the elect of God, with all cruelty, to set up again the kingdom of antichrist, ag.iinst whom, see that ye be strong in faith, to resist his most devilish dactrines, with the pure gos- 320 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. pel of God, arming yourselves with patience, to abide whatsoever shall be laid to your charge for the truth's sake, knowing that thereunto you are called, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Oh! how happy are ye, that, in the sight of God, are count- cd worthy to suffer for the testimony of Christ. Quit, therefore, yourselves. Oh, my loving brethren, and re- joice in him for whom ye suffer ; for, unto you do re- main the unspeakable joys, which neither the eye hath seen, nor the ear hath heard, neither the heart of man is able to comprehend in any wise. Be not afraid of the bodily death ; for your names are written in the book of Life ; and the prophets do record, that, in the sight of the Lord, precious is the death of his saints. Watch, therefore, and pray that ye be not prevented in the day of temptation. Now cometh the day of your trial, wherein the waters rage, and the stormy winds blow. Now shall it appear, wi:ether you have builded upon the fleeting sand, or upon the' unmoveable rock Christ, which is the foundation of the prophets and apostles, whereon every house that is builded, groweth into an holy temple of the Lord, by the mighty working of the holy Ghost. Now approacheth the day of your battle, wherein it is required, that you shew yourselves the valiant soldiers of Christ Jesus, with the armour of God, that ye may be able to stand fast against the crafty as- saults of the devil. Christ is your captain, and you arc his soldiers, whose cognizance is the cross, to the which, he willingly humbled himself, even unto the death, and thereby spoiled his enemies, and now he triumphs over them, in the glory of his Father, making intercession for them, that do here remain to sufter the afflictions, that are to be fulfilled in his mystical body. It behoveth, therefore, every one, that will be accounted his scholar, to take up his own cross, and follow him, as you have him for example; and I assure you, that he being on your side, nothing shall be able to prevail against you ; andthathewill be withyou even to the world's endo You have his ])romise in the 28th of Matthew. He will go forth with his host as a conqueror, to make a conquest. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 521 He IS the man that sitteth on the white horse crowned with immortality ; and ye, brethren, are his fellowship, where- . of he is the head. He hath your hearts in his hand* A?^ a bow bent after his godly will, he shall direct the same^ according to the riches of his glory, into all spiritual and heavenly cogitation. He is faithful, and Avill not sufter you to be further assaulted, than he will give you strength to overcome : and, in the most danger, he will make a way that you may be able to bear it. Shrink not, therefore, dear hearts, when ye shall be called to answer for the hope that is in you ; for we have the comforter, even the spirit of truth, which was sent from the heavens tateacli us. — - He sliall speak in us : he shall strengthen us. What is he then, that shall be able to confound us ? Nay, what ty- rant is he that boasteth himself of his strength to do mis^ chief, whom the Lord shall not, with his spirit, by thr mouth of his servants, smite ? Yea, suddenly will the Lord bring down the glory of the proud Philistines, by the hands of his servant David. Their strength is in shield and spear ; but our help is in the name of die Lord, which made both heaven and earth. He is our buckler, and our wall, a strong tower of defence. He is our God, and we are his people. He shall bring the counsels of the un- godly to nought. He shall take them in their own net. — He shiJl destroy them in their own inventions. The right hand of the Lord sliall work this Avonder. His power is knowii amongst the children of men. Their fiithers have felt it, and arc confounded. In like manner, shall they know that there is no counsel against the Lord : when their secrets are opened to the whole world, and are found td be against the living God, work they ever so craftily, build they ever so strongly, yet down shall their Babel fall, and the builders themselves shall then be scattered upon tlie face of the earth, as accursed of God. The just shall see tliis, and be glad, and praise the iinme of the Lord, that so marvelleously hath dealt with his servants, as to bring their enemies under their feet. Then shall the fear- ful seed of Cain tremble and quake. Then shall the mock- ing Ishmaelites be cast out of the door. Then shall the proud Nemborth see his labour lost. Then ihall the beast 2 T 322 PERSECtTTED BY THE PAPISTS. of Babylon be trodden under foot. Then shall the scribes and pharisees, for madness, fret and rage. Then shall their painted wisdom be kno\\Ti for extreme folly. Then shall the bloody dragon be void of his prey. Then shall the whore of Babylon receive double vengeance. Then shall they scratch their crowns, for the fall of their mis- tress harlot, whom they now serve for filthy lucre, whea no man shall buy their wares any more. Then shall the Eopish priesthood cry, with care, even when the Lord shall elp his servants, which day is not far off, wherein the kingdom of antichrist shall have an end, and never rise a- ny more ; in the mean time, abide in certain and sure hope, cleaving unto the promises of God, which in their own time shall be fulfilled. What better quaiTels can you have to give your lives for, than the truth itself? That man that giveth his life for the truth, taketh the readiest Way to life. He that hath the pope's curse for the truth, is sure of Christ's blessing. Well then, my brethren, what shall now let, but that you go forwards as ye have be- gun ? Nay, rather run with the runners, that ye may ob- tain the appointed glory. Hold on the right way. Look not back. Have the eye of your heart fixed upon God ; and so run that you may get hold of it. Cast away all your worldly pelf, and worldly respects, as the favour of friends, the fear of men, sensual affection, respect of per- son, honour, praise, shame, rebuke, wealth, poverty, rich- es, lands, possessions, carnal fathers and mothers, wife and chilrden, with the love of your own selves ; and in res- pect of that heavenly treasure you look for. Let all these be denied and utterly refused of you, so that, in no condi- tion, they do abate your zeal, or quench your love towards God. In this case, make no account of them, but rather repute them as vile, in comparison of everlasting life. — Away with them as thorns that choke the heavenly seed of the gospel, where they be suffered to grow ; they are burdens of the flesh, which encumber the soul. Exchange them, therefore, I beseech you, for advantage. Doth not he gain, that findeth heavenly and immortal treasure, for earthly and corruptible riches? Loseth that man any thing, who of his carnal father and mother is forsaken, when. PERSECUTE® BY THE PAPISTS. 323, therefore, he is received of God die Fadier, to be his child and heir in Christ ? Heavenly for earthly, mortal for im- mortal, transitory for things permanent, is great gain to a christian conscience. ** Therefore, as I began, I exhort you in the Lord not to be afraid. Shrink not, my brethren : mistrust not God : be of good comfort: rejoice in the Lordt hold fast your faith : and continue to the end. Deny the world, take up the cross, and follow him who is your leader, and is gone before. If you suffer with him, you shall reign with him. What way can you glorify the name of your heavenly Fath- er better, than by suffering death for his Son's sake ? What a spectacle shall it be to the world, to behold so godly a fellowship as you servants of God ? In so just a quarrel, as the gospel of Christ is, with so pure a conscience, so strong a faith, and so lively a hop^ to offer yourselves. to suffer most cruel torments at the hands of God's ene- mies ; and so to end your days in peace, to receive, in the resurrection of the righteous, life everlasting. '* Be strong, therefore, in your battle, the Lord God is on our side ; and his truth is your cause, and against you be none but the enemies of the cross of Christ, as a ser- pent and his seed, the dragon with his tail, the marked man of the beast, the offsring of the pharisees, the congregation malignant, the generation of vipers and murderers, as their father the devil hath been from the beginning. To conclude, such are they as the Lord God hath always abhorred, and in all ages resisted and overthrown. God, from whom nothing is hid, knoweth what they are. He that searcheth the hearts of men, hath found out diem to be crafty, sub- tle, full of poison, proud, disdainful, stiff-necked, devour- ers, and barkers Ligainst the truth, filthy and shameless. — And, therefore, doth the spirit of God, by the mouths of his holy prophets and apostles, call them by the names of foxes, serpents, cockatrices, lions, leopards, bulls, bears, wolves, dogs, swine, beasts ; teaching us thereby to under- stand tliat their natural inclination is to deceive, poison, and destroy, as much as in them lies, the faithful and elect of God; but the Lord, with his right arm, shall defend his little flock against the whole rabble of these worldlings. 3^4 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Avhich have conspired against him. He hath numbered all the hairs of his children's heads, so that not one of them shall perish without his fatherly will. He keepeth the sparrows, much more will he preserve them whom he hath purchased with the blood of the immaculate Lamb. He will keep them until the hour appointed, wherein the name of God shall be glorified in his saints. In the mean time, let them work their wills, let them envy, let them blas- pheme, let them curse, betray, w^hip, scourge, hang, and burn ; for, by this means, God will try his elect, as gold in the furnace. And, by these fruits, shall they also bring themselves to be known what they be ; for as he that, in suffering patiently for the gospel of God, is thereby known to be of Christ, even so also is the persecutor of him known to be a member of antichrist. Besides this, their extreme cruelty shall be a means the sooner to provoke God to take pity upon his servants, and to destroy them that so tyran- nously treat his people, as we may learn by the histories, as well in the bondage of Israel under Pharaoh in Egypt, as in the miserable captivity of Judah in Babylon, where, when the people of God were in most extreme thraldom, then did the Lord stretch forth his mighty power to deliv- er his servants. Though God, for a time, suffered them to be exalted in their own pride, yet shall they not escape his vengeance. *' To conclude, my brethren, I commit you to God and the power of his word, which is able to establish you in all truth. His spirit be with you, and work alway, that ye may be mindful of your duties towards him, whose ye are, both body and soul, whom see that ye love, serve, dread, and obey, above all worldly ^wwcrs ;* and for nothing under the heavens, defile your conscience before God : dissem- ble not with his word : God will not be mocked. Nay, they that dissemble with him, deceive themselves, such shall the Lord deny, and cast out at the last day ; such, I say, as bear two faces in one head ; such as pfay on both hands; such as deny the known truth ; such as obstinately rebel against him ; all such, with their partakers, shall the Lord destroy. God defend you from all such, and make you perfect unto the end, and your. s©rrow shall be turned inXo joy," PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 325 ^ letter from Robert Smith to his wife, " Seek first to love God, dear wife, with your whole heart, and then it shall be easy to love your neighbour. "• Be friendly to all creatures, and especially to your own soul. *' Be always an enemy to the devil, and to the world, but especially to your ov/n flesh. " Hearing of good things, join the ears of your head and heart together. *' Seek unity and quietness with all men, but especially with your conscience ; for it will not easily be entreated. ** Love all people, but especially your enemies. " Hate the sins that are past, but especially those to come. " Be as ready to further your enemy, as he is to hinder you, that you may be the child of God. *' Defile not that which Christ hath cleansed, lest his blood be laid to your charge. *' Remember that God hath hedged in your tongue with the teeth and lips, that it might speak under correction. ** Be ready, at all times, to look at your brother's eye, but especially in your own eye : for, he that warneth others of what he himself is guilty, doth give his neighbour the clear wine and keepeth tiie dregs to himself. '' Beware of riches and worldly honour ; for, without understanding, prayer, and fasting, it is a snare, and also poverty, all which are like to consuming fire, of which, if a man take a little, it will wann him, but if he take too much, will consume him : for it is hard for a man to caiTy fire in his bosom, and not be burnt. " Shew mercy to the saints for Clirist's sake, and Christ shall reward you for the saints' sake. Among all other pris- oners, visit your own : for it is enclosed in a perilous pris- on. '' If you will love God, hate evil, and you shall obtahi the reward of well doing. *' Thus, fu-e you well, good Anne. Have me heartily commended to all that love the Lord unfeignedly. I be- seech you, have nic in your prayer, while I am living ; and 326 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, I am assured, the Lord will accept it. Bring up my chil- dren, and yours, in the fear of God, and then shall I not fail, but receive you together in the everlasting kingdom of God, into which I hope to go. Your husband, Robert Smith." About the same time that Smith was burnt, three oth- ers, who had been condemned by bishop Bonner, shared the same fate : namely, Stephen Harwood, Thomas Fust, and William Hale. The first of these suffered at Strat- ford, near Bow ; tlie second at Ware ; and the third at Barnet. The persecution and Martyrdom of Robert Samuel, a Min- ister of Bradford in Suffolk, Robert Samuel was a very pious man, and an emi- nent preacher of the gospel, according to the principles of the reformation, during the reign of Edward VI. He at- tended his charge with indefatigable industry, and by his preaching and living recommended and enforced the truth of the gospel. Soon after the accession of queen Mary, he was turned out of his living, and retired to Ipswich ; but he could not withstand using his utmost efforts to propagate the reform- ed religion, and, therefore, what he was denied doing ii> public, he did in private. While he was spending his time in this christian man- ner, the queen commanded the commissioners for ecclesi- astical affairs, to publish an order, that all priests who had been married in the days of king Edward, should put away their wives, and be compelled again to chastity, (as their hypocritical term expressed it) and a single life. This order, Samuel could by no means obey ; be- cause, he knew it to be abominable, and contrary to the law of Christ, and to every tie, social and humane. Therefore, determining with himself, that God's laws were not to be violated for the traditions (gf men, he still kept his wife at PERSECUTES BY THE PAPISTS, QS^ Ipswich, and omitted no opportunity of instructing his christian friends in the neighbourhood. At length, his conduct reaching the ears of Foster, a jus- tice of peace in those parts, every artifice was used by that popish bigot to apprehend Samuel, who was taken into custody by some of his myrmidons, when on a visit to his wife at Ipswich. Being taken before Foster, he was committed to Ips- wich goal, where he conversed and prayed with many of hi$ fellow-sufferers, during his confinement in that place. In a short time, he was removed from Ipswich, to Nor- wich, where Dr. Hopton, the persecuting bishop of that diocess, and Dunning the chancellor, exercised on him the most intolerable cruelties. In order to bring Samuel to recant, they confined him in a close prison, where he was chained to a post in such a manner, that standing only on tiptoe, he was, in that posi*- lion, forced to sustain the weight of his body. To aggravate this torment, they kept him in a starving condition twelve days, allowing him no more than two bits of bread, and three spoonfuls of water, each day, which was done in order to protract his misery, till they could invent new torments, to overcome his patience and resolution. These inhuman proceedings brought him to so shocking a state, that, ready to perish with thirst, he would often gladly have drank his own water ; but his body was so parched, that he emitted not a single drop of urine. At length, when all the tortures, that these savage^ could invent, proved ineffectual ; and nothing could induce our martyr to deny his great Lord and Master, he was con- demned to be burned ; an act less cruel tlian what he had already suffered. On the 31st of the month called x\ugust, 1555, he was led to the stake, where he declared to the people ai'ound him, what cruelties he suffered during the time of his im- pwsonment, but that he had been enabled to sustain them all by the consolation of the divine spirit, with winch hr had been dailv risitedi 328 PERSECtfTED BY THE PAPISTS* As this eminent martyr was leading to execution, a young woman, who had belonged to his congregation, and receiv- ed the benefit of his spiritual discourses, came up to him, and, as the last token of respect, cordially embraced him. This being observed by some of the blood-thirsty papists, diligent inquiry was made for her the next day, in order to bring her to the stake, but she happily eluded their search, and escaped their cruel intentions. Before he was chained to the stake, he exhorted the spec- tators to avoid idolatry, and hold fast to the truth of the gospel ; after which, he kneeled down, and, with an audible voice, said the following prayer : *' O Lord, my God and Saviour ; who art Lord in heav- en and earth, maker of all things, visible and invisible, I am the creature, and work of thy hands : Lord God, look upon me and others thy people, who, at this time, are oppressed by the worldly- mincled;for thy law's sake ; yea. Lord, thy law itself is now trodden under foot, and men's inventions exalted above it ; and, for that cause, do I, and many of thy creatures, refuse the glory, praise, and €onveniencies of this life, and do chuse to suffer adversity, and to be banished, yea, to be burnt, with the books of thy Avord, for the hope -sake that is laid up in store. For, Lord, thou knowest, if we would but seem to please men in things contrary to thy word, we might, by their permis- sion, enjoy these advantages that others do, as wife, chil- dren, goods, and friends ; all which, I acknowledge, to be thy gifts, given to the end I should serve thee. And now, Lord, that the world will not suffer me to enjoy them, ex- cept I offend thy laws, behold, I give unto thee my whole spirit, soul, and body ; and lo, I leave here all the pleasures of this life, and do now leave the use of them, for the hope- sake of eternal life purchased in Christ's blood, and pro- mised to all them that fight on his side, and are content to suffer with him for his truth, whensoever the world and the devil shall persecute the same. " O Father, I do not presume to come unto thee, trust- ing in mine own righteousness ; no, but only in the merits of thy dear Son my Saviour. For which excellent gift of salvation, I cannot worthily praise thee, neither is my saG^ PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* ^529 rifice worthy, or to be accepted with thee, in comparison of our bodies mortified, and obedient unto thy will : and now, Lord, whatsoever rebellion hath been, or is found in mV members against thy will, yet do I here give unto thee my body to the death, rather than 1 will use any strange wor* shipping, which, 1 beseech thee, accept at my hand for a pure sacrifice. Let this torment be to me the last enemy destroyed, even deaih, the end of misery, and the begin- ning of all joy, peace, and solace : and when the time of resurrection comedi then let me enjoy again these mem- bers then glorified, which now be spoiled and consumed by the fiie. O Lord Jesus, receive my spirit into thy hands. Amen." Wlieiihe ad finished '>is prayer, he arose, and being fastened to the stake, the fagots were placed round him, and immtdiatei} lighted. He bore his sufferings with a courage and resolution truly christian, cheerful Iv re- signing this life of care and trouble in exchange for another, where death shall be swallowed up in victory, where tears shall be wi[)ed away from all eyes, and an eternity emplo} ed in singing the praises of that grace, which has brought the redeemed of the Lord ts-rough much tribulation, and advanced them to mansions at thq right hand of God, where are pleasures for evermore. As he was a fauhful pastor over liis flock during his lifi , so he was resolved they shoii.d not forget him after his death, as aj.j^ears ijy the following composition, which he wrote during nis confinement. ji letter of exhort a f'wn from R. Samuel^ to some of the Congregation over whom he presided^ *^ A MAN knoweth not his time ; but as a fish is taken with the angle, and as the biids are caught with the. snare, so are men caught and taken in the perilous time when it Cometh u])on them. The time cometh; the day draweth near. Letter it were to die (as the preacher saith) than to live and see the miserable works which are done under the san. .2 TJ 330 PElfsfiCUTED BY THE PAPISTS. <* Alas ! for this sinful nation, a people of great iniqui- ty, corrupting their ways. They have forsaken the Lord ; they have provoked the holy one of Israel to an- gtr, and are gone backward. Who now liveth not in such security and rest, as though all dangers were clean over-past? Yea, who liveth not now in such felicity, worldly pleasures, and joys, wholly seeking the world, providing, and craftily shifting for the earthly clod and carnal appetite, as though sin were clean forgotten, over- thrown, and devoured ? '' VVe might now worthily, dear christians, lament and bewail our heavy estate, miserable condition, and sor- rowful chance ; yes, I say, we might well accuse our- selves, and, whh Job, curse these our turbulent, wick- ed, and bloody last days of this world, were it not that Ave both see and believe, and find in God's sacred book, that God hath reserved a remnant in all ages, I mean the faithful, as many as have from the beginning of the world exercised, with divers afflictions and troubles, cast and dashed against all perils and ^iangers, as the very dross and outcasts of the earth, and yet will in no wise halt between God and Baal. Christ will not part spoil with his mortal enemy the devil : he will have all, or lose ail ; he will not permit the devil to have the ser- vice of the body, and he to stand contented with the heart and mind ; but he will be glorified both in your bodies and your spirits, which are his, as St. Paul saith, 1 Cor. vi. For he hath made, bought all, and dearly paid for all, as St. Peter saith. With his own immacu- late body, hath he clean discharged your bodies from sin, Ideath, and hell, and, with his most precious blood, paid your ransom, and full price, once for all, and for ever. *' Now, what harm, I pray you, or what loss sustain you by this? Why are ye, O vain men, more afraid of Jesus, your gentle Saviour, and his gospel of salvation, than of a legion of cruel devils, going about, with false delusions, utterly to destroy you both soul, and bodies ? Think you to be more sure than under ) our captain Christ? Do you promise yourselves to be more quiet in Satan's l^ERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 331 service, than in Christ's religion ? Esteem you more these transitory and pernicious pleasures, than God and all his heavenly treasures ? O palpable darkness, horri- ble madness, and wilful blindness, without comparison, too much to be suffered any longer ! Wc see, and will not see; we know, and will not know ; yea, we smart, and will not feel, and that our consciences well know. O miserable souls, which would, for foolish pleasures, lose the royal kingdom, and permanent joys of God, with the everlasting glory which he hath prepared for them that truly love him, and renounce the world ! The chil- dren of the world live in pleasure and wealth, and the devil, w^ho is their god, and prince in this world, keepeth their wealth which is proper unto them, and letteth them enjoy it. But let us which be of Christ, seek and inquire for heavenly things, which, by God's promise and mer- cy in Christ, shall be peculiar unto us. Let carnal peo? pie pass for things that be pleasant for the body, and do appertam to this transitory life : *' yet shall they once (as the kingly prophet saith) run about the city of God, to and fro, howling like dogs, desiring one scrap of the joys of God's elect ;" but all too late, as the rich glutton did. '' Let us, therefore, press for those things that do per- tain to the spirit, and are celestial, ^Ve must be here (St. Paul saith) not as inhabiters, and home-dwellers, but as strangers ; not as strangers only, but after the mind of Paul, as painful soldiers appointed by our gover- nor of darkness of this world, against spiritual craftiness in heavenly things. The time is come ; we must to it ; the judgment must begin first at the house of God. Be- gan they not first with the green and sappy tree ? And what followed then on the dry branches ? Jeremy speak- ing in the person of God, saith, ** in the city, wherein my name is invocated, will I begin to punish," but as for you (meaning the \t^icked) shall you be innocents, and not once touched ? Nay, the dregs of God's wrath, the bottom of all sorrows, are reserved unto them in the end : but God's household shall drink the flower of the cup of mercy. Wherefore, we ought not to be dismay- ed, or discourage ourselves, but rather be of good com^ 332 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. fort ; not sorrowful, but joj^ful, in that God of his good- ness will vouchsafe to take up his beloved children, to subdue our sinful lusts, our wretchtd flesh and biood unto his glory, the promoting of his holv word, and edi- fying of his church. What, if the earthly hou^e of this our habitation. 2 Cor. v. (St. Paul, meaning the body) be destroyed ! we know assuredly we have a building not made with hands, but everlasting in heaven, with such jo\ s as faith taketh not, hope toucheth not, and charity apprehendeth not. They pass all desires and wishes. — - Obtained they may be by Christ, esteemed they cannot be. Wherefore, the more affliction and persecution the word of God [:)ri!}geth, tl:ie more felicity and greater joy abide in heaven. But worldly peace, idle ease, wealthy pleasure, and this present and pleasant transitory life and felicity, which the ungodly foolish imagine to procure unto themselves, by persecuting and thrusting away the gospel, shiill turn unto their own trouble, and, at last, unto horrible destructions, and dire change of realms and countries; and after this life, if they repent not, unto their perpetual misery. For tiiey iiad rather, with Na- bal, and his temporal pleasures, descend to the devil, than with Christ, and his bodily troubles, ascend into the kingdom of God Ids Father. *' But an unwise man (saith the psalmist) comprehendeth them not, neither doth the foolihh understand them ;" that is, these bloody persecutors grow up and flourish like the flowers and grass in the field. But unto this end do they so flourish, that they may be cut down, and cast into the fire forever. For, as Job saith, "their joy lasteth but the twinkling of an eye,'* and death shall lie gnawing upon them as doth the flock upon the pasture ; yea, the cruel worm, late repentance (as St. Mark saith) shall lie gnawing, torment- ing, and accusing their vv^retched conscience for ever- more. " i-et us, therefore, good christians, be constant in obeying God rather than men. For although they slay our sinful bodies (yea, rather our deadly enemies) for God's truth ; yet they cannot do it, but by God's, will, to his praise and honour^ and to our eternal joy and felicity. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. S33 These are the da} s of vengeance, saith St. Luke, that all thhigs written may be fuililled. Now, thereibre, baith God, by the mouth of his prophet, *' I will come unto thee, and will send my wrath upon thee." Upon thee, I say, O England, and punish ihee, according to thy ways, Lnd reward thee after all thine abomination ! '1 hou hast kind- led the fire of God's wrath, and hast stirred up the coals. For thou wast once enlightened, and hadst tasted of heavenly gift, and wast become partaker of the Koly Ghost, and hadst tasted of the good word of God : yea, it is yet in thy mouth, saith the prophet. Alas, O Eng- land, thou knowest thy Lord and master's will, but didst not do it ! thou must, therefore, says he, suffer many stripes, and many sharp strokes. *' Let the enemies of Christ, and all unbelievers, look to be tormented and vexed, without hope of God's mer- cy, who know not God in Christ to be their very right- eousness, their life, their own salvation, and alone Sav- iour, nor believe in him. " But we are the children of saints, and look for an- other life, which God shall give to all them who change not their faith, and shrink not from him. Rejoice, there- fore, ye christian afflicted brethren, for they cannot take our souls and bodies out of the hands of the Almighty, which are kept as in the bosom of our most loving Fa- ther ; and, if we abide fast in Christ, and turn not away, surely we shall live for ever. Clirist afiirmetli the same, saying, *' my sheep hear my voice, I know them, they hearken unto me, and to no strangers, and I give them everlasting life : for they shall not be lost, and no man shall pluck tliem out of my hands :" no, nor yet this flat- tering world, with all its vain pleasures, nor any tyrant, with his threats, can once move tliem out of the way of eternal life. What consolation, or comfort, can we have more pleasant and efiectual than this ? God is on our side, and fighteth for us. As the world can do nothing against his might, neither in putting away or dimiiiishing from his glory, nor putting him from his celestial throne ; so neither can it hurt any of his children without his good will : for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and 334 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. of his bones, and as dear to him as the apple of his eye. Let us, therefore, with earnest faith, lay fast hold on the promises in the gospel, and let us not be separated from the same by temptation, tribulation, or persecution. ** Let us consider the truth of God to be invincible and immutable, promising and giving us, his faithful soldiers, life eternal. It is he only that hath reserved it for us : it is his only benefit, and of his only mere mercy, and un- to him only must we render thanks. Let not, therefore, the vain fantiisies and dreams of men, and foolish gaudy toys of the world, nor ttic cjafty delusions of the devil, drive, and separate us from our hope of the crown of righteousness, that is laid up in store for us against the last day. O, that happy and joyful day, I mean, to the faitliful, when Christ, by his covenant, shall grant and give unto them that overcome, and keep his words to the end, that they may ascend and sit with him, as he ascend- ed and sitteth on the throne with his Father ! the same body and soul that are now with Christ afflicted, shall then with Christ be glorified : now in cruel hands, a sheep appointed to die ; then sitting at God's table wdth Christ in his kingdom, as God's honourable and dear children ; where we shall have heavenly riches for earth- ly poverty ; fulness of the presence of the glory of God, for hunger and thirst ; celestial joys in the company of angels, for sorrows, troubles, and cold irons ; and life eternal for bodily death. O happy souls ! O precious death, and evermore blessed, right dear in the eyes of God ! to you the sprnig of the Lord shall ever be flour- ishing. Then (as saith Isaiah) the Redeemer shall return, and come again into Sion ; praising the Lord, and eternal mercies shall be over their heads : they shall obtain mirth and comfort ; sorrow and wo shall be utterly van- quished. Yes, I am he, saith the Lord, that in all things giveth you everlasting consolation. To whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be glory and praise for ever. Amen. Robert Samuel.'' PERSESUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 335 About the time that Samuel suffered, several others shared die same fate, for adherifig to the prmciples of the reformed religion. William Allen, a labouring man, was burnt at Wal- singham, in Norfolk. Thomas Cobb, a butcher, suffered at Thetford, in the same county. Roger Coo, an ancient man of independence, was burnt at Ycxford, in Suffolk. Four others also suffered about the same time at Can- terbury, viz. George Cotmer, Robert Slreatcr, Anthony Burward, and George Brodridge ; all of whom bore their punishment with christian fortitude, glorifying God in the midst of the flames. The sufferings and Martyrdoms of Robert Glover^ and Conieiius £o?igei/y both of the citij of Coventry. At the time Robert Glover was apprehended, he lay sick at the house of his brodier John Glover, who had secreted himself, on account of a warrant being issued to brmg him before his ordinary, on a suspicion of here- sy. Though Glover was in great danger from the indispo- sition of his health, yet such was the brutality of the po- pish emissaries, that tliey took him out of his bed, and carried him to Coventry gaol, where he continued ten days, though no misdemeanor was alleged against him. When the ten days were expired, in which* he suffered great affliction from his illness, he was brought before his ordinary, the bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, Vv ho told him that he must submit to ecclesiastical authority, and stand reproved for not coming to church. Glover assured his lordship, that hz neither had, nor would come to church, so long as the mass was used there, to save five hundred lives, challenging liini to pro- duce one proof from scripture to justify that idolatrous practice. 336 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. After a long altercation with the bishop, in which, Glov- er both learnedly and judiciously defended the doctrines of tlie reformation, against the errors and idolatries of popery, and evinced that he was able to give a reason for the faith he professed, he was remanded back to Coven- try gaol, where he was kept close prisoner, w^ithout a bed, though much indisposed ; but nevertheless, the divine comforts enabled him to s^istain such cruel treatment without repining, till, at length, he was permitted to pro- vide himself with that necessary convenience. From Coventry, he was removed to Litchfield, where he was visited by the chancellor and prebendaries, who exhorted him to recant his errors, and be dutiful to the holy mother- church ; but he refused to conform to that, or any other church, whose doctrines and practices were not founded on scripture authority, which ht determined to make the sole rule of his religious conduct. After this visit, he remained alone eight days, at the expiration of which^ he was again brought before the bishop, who inquired how his imprisonment agreed with him, and warmly entreated him to become a member of the mother- church, which liad continued many years ; whereas the church, of wrach he had professed himself a member, was not known but in the time of Edward VI. With respect to the inquiry, our martyr was silent^ treating it with that contempt which such mean behclv- iour in a prelate deserved, but told his lordship, that he professed himself a member of that church, which isr built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself beinj^ the chief corner-stone : and then quoted that well-known passage in the epistle of St. Paul to tlie Ephesians. This church, added he, hath been from the beginning, though it bore no pompous shew be- fore the woi'ld, being, for the most part, under crosses and aiHictions, despised, rejected, and persecuted. After much debate, in widch, Glover cited scripture for wliatever he advanced, to the confusion and indig- i;iation of the haughty prelate, he was commanded, , on PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS^ 357 his obedience, to hold his peace, as a proud and arrogant heretic. Glover then, with a spirit becoming a man and a chris* tian, told the bishop, he was not to be convinced by inso- lent and imperious behaviour, but by sound reasoning, founded on scripture; desiring, at the same time, that he would propound to liim some articles ; but the bish- op chose to decline that method of proceeding, till he should be summoned to the consistory-court, dismissing him with an assurance, that he should be kept in prison, and there have neither meat nor drink, till he recanted hi^ heresies. Our martyr heard the cruel words with patience and resignation, lifting up his heart to God, that he might be enabled to stand steadfast in the faith of the glorious! •gospel. When he was brought into the consistory- court, the bishop demanded of him, how many sacraments Christ had instituted to be used in his church ? He replied, two,- Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, and no more. Being asked, if he allowed confession, he answered iti the negative. ' With respect to the real presence in the sacrament ol; the altar, he declaimed, that the mass ^vas neither sacri- iice nor sacrament, because they had taken away the true institution ; and when they should restore it, he would give his judgment concerning Christ's body in the sacrament. After several other examinations, public and private,, ivc was condemned as a heretic, and delivered over to the secular power. Cornelius Bongey, (who was apprehended much about the same time as Glover, and suffered with him) was ex- amined by Randolph, bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, and the following articles alleged against him : 1. That he did hold, maintain, and teach in the city of Coventry, that the priest hath no power to absolve a sin* nor from his sins. 2 X ass PERSECUTED BY THE PAPIST«^ 2. That he asserted, there were in the church of Christ but two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 3. That in the sacrament of the popish altar, there were Bot the real body and blood of Christ but the substance of bread and wine, even after consecration. 4. That for the space of several years, he did hold and defend, that the pope is not the head of the visible church on earth. Bongey acknowledged the justness of these allegations, ^nd protested that he would hold fast to them so long as he lived; in consequence of which, he also was deliver- ed over to the secular power. On the 20th of the month called September, 1555, these two martyrs were led to the stake at Coventry, where they both yielded up their spirits to that God who gave them, hoping, through the merits of the great Re- deemer, for a glorious resurrection to life immortal. Jo'mi and William Glover, brothers to Robert, were sought after by the popish emissaries, in order to be brought to the stake, but they eluded their searches, and happily escaped. However, tlie resentment of the popish persecutors did not cease here, for after their deaths, the bones of one were taken up and dispersed in the highway; and the remains of the other were deposited in a com- mon field. The Martyrdoms of Will am IVolsey, and Robert Pigot, both of the Isle of Ely, in the county of Cambridge. Information being laid against these two persons by the popish emissaries, they were sought after, and soon apprehended. William Wolsey was first taken; and, being brought before a neighbouring justice, vas bound over to appear at the ensuing sessions, to be hold- en for the Isle of Ely. But, a few days after, he was taken into custody, and committed to Wisbeach gaol, there to remain till the next assizes for the county. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS> ^3I> During his confinement here, he was visited by the ehaficellor of Ely, who told him, that he was out of the pale of the catholic church, and desired that he would not meddle any more with the scriptures thim became a layman. After a short pause, Wolsey addressed the chancellor as follows : *' Good doctor, what did our Saviour mean, when he said, Matt, xxi-.i. But wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men : for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." Robert Pigot was apprehended, and brought before Sir Clement Hyam, judge, who reproved him scverelr for absenting himself from church. The reason he as- signed for his absence was, that he deemed the church a congregation of believers, assembled together for the worship of God, according to the manner laid down in his most holy word ; and not a church of human in- vention, founded on the whimsical fancy of fallible men. In consequence of this answer, he was with Wolsey, committed to prison, where they both remained, tiU the day appointed for their execution. During their confinement, several of the neighbours came to visit them, among whom, was Peter Valerices, a Frenchman, chaplain to the bishop of Ely, who thus addressed them : '' My brethren, according to mine of- fice, I am come to talk with you, for I have been almoner here these twenty years and more; wherefore, my breth- ren, I desire you to take it in good part. I desire not to enforce you from your faith, but I require and desire you, in the name of Jesus Christ, that you stand to the truth of his gospel, and his word ; and I beseech Almighty God, for his Son's sake, to preserve both you and me in the same unto the end, for I know not, brethren, how soon I may be in the same case with you." This address, being so different'from what was expect- ed, drew tears from all wno were present, and greatly comforted our martyrs. ^g40 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, On the 9th of the month called October, Pigot and V/olsey were brought before Dr. Fuller the chancellor, and other commissioners for ecclesiastical affairs, who laid several articles to their charge, but particularly that of the sacrament of the altar. When that article was proposed, they jointly declared the sacrament of the altar was an idol, and that the real body and blood of Christ were not present in the said sa- crament ; and, to t!)is opinion, they said they would stand, though at the peril of their lives, being founded on the authority of God's word, which enjoined the worship of the supreme God alone. After this declaration, they were exhorted by Dr. Shaxton, one of the commissioners, to consider of the danger of continuing in that belief, and recant the same, lest they should die here, and perish hereafter ; adding, that he had believed as they did, but was now become a liew man in point of faith. This not having any effect. Dr. Fuller upbraided Wol- sey with obstinacy and fool- hardiness ; but endeavoured to sooth Pigot into compliance, desiring one of the at- tendants to write to the foUovv^ing puq^ort : <^ I Robert Pigot do believe, that after the words of consecration spoken by the priest, there remain no more bread and wine, but the very body and blood of Christ, substantially the self- same that was born of the Virgin Mary.'' It was then read to Pigot ; and his answer being re- quired, he briefly said, " sir, that is your faith, but never shall be mine, till you can prove it from scrip- ture.'' These two martyrs thus persevering in the faith of the pure gospel, sentence of death was passed, and they were both ordered to be burned as heretics. On the 16th of the month called October, 1555, the day appointed for their execution, they were conducted to the stake, amidst the lamentations of great numbers of spectators. Several English translations of the New Testament being ordered to be burned with them, they look each oue of them m their hands, lamenting, on the PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ^41 one hand, the destroying so valuable a repository of sac- red truth, and glorying, on the other, that they were deemed worthy of sealing the same with their blood. They both died in the triumpit of faith, magnifying the power of divine grace, which enables the servants ot God to glory in tribulation, and count ail things but as dross, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ their Redeemer. The kves, sufferings, and Martyrdoms of Hugh Latimer', bishop of Worcester ; and Niclwlas Ridley, bishop of London, Hugh Latimer was born of mean parents, at Thirke- ston, m Leicestershire, about the 5 ear H75, who gave him a good education, and sent Zlam bridge, where he shewed himself a zealor* inveighed much against the reformers, ^ ne, began to make some figure in Eng »'ersing fre- quently with Thomas Bilne\, . ._ derable per- son at Cambridge of all those who favoured the reforma. tion, he saw the errors of popery, and became a zealous protestant. Latimer being thus converted, laboured, both public- ly and privately, to promote the reformed opinions, and pressed the necessity of a holy life, in opposition to those outward performances, which were then thought the es- sentials of religion. This rendered him obnoxious at Cambridge, then the seat of ignorance, bigotry, and su- perstition. However, the unaftectcd piety of Bilney, and the cheerful and natural eloquence of honest Latimer, wrought greatly upon the junior students, and increased the credit of the protestants so much, that the popish clergy were greatly alarmed, and according to their usu- al practice called aloud for the secular arm. Under this arm, Bilney sufxered at Norwich : but his siift'erings, far from shaking the reformation at CLimbridge, inspired the leaders of it with new courage. Latimer be- gan to exert himself moire than he had yet done; and 342 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. succeeded to that credit with his party, which Bilney had so long supported. Among other instances of his zeal and resolution in this cause, he gave one which was very remarkable : he had the courage to write to the king (Henry VIII) against a proclamation, then just publish- ed, forbidding ihe use of the bible in English, and other books on religious subjects. He had preached before the king once or twice at Windsor ; and had been taken notice of by him in a more affable manner, than that nionarcii usually indulged towards his subjects. But whatever hopes of preferment his sovereign's favour might have raised in him, he chose to put ail to the haz- ard, rather t^ian omit what he thought his duty. His let- ter is tlie picture of an honest and sincere heart : he con- cludes in these terms : *' Accept, gracious sovereign, without displeasure, what I have written. I thought it my duty to mention these things to your mcjesty. No personal quarrel, as God shall judge me, have I with any man : I wanted only to induce your majesty to consider well, what kind of persons you have about you, and the ends for which they counsel. Indeed, great prince, many of them, or they are much slandered, have very private ends. God grant your majesty may see through all the designs of evil men, and be in all things equal to the high office, With which you are intrusted. Wherefore, gracious king, remember yourself; have pity upon your own soul, and think that die day is at hand, when you shall give account of your office, and the blood which hath been shed by your sword : in the which day, that your grace may stand steadfastly, and not be ashamed, but be clear and ready in your reckoning, and have your par- don sealed with the blood of our Saviour Christ, which alone serveth at that day, is my daily prayer to him, who suffered death for our sins. The spirit of God preserve you." Lord Cromwell was now grow^n up into power, and being a favourer of the reformation, he obtained a bene- fice m Wiltshire for Latimer, who immediately w^ent thither and resided, discharging his duty in a veiy con- PERS1€UTE» BY THB PAPIS.TS> -543 scicntious manner, though persecuted much at the same time, by the Romish clergy ; who, at length, carried their mahce so far as to obtain an archiepiscopal citation for his appearance in London. Hi's friends would have had him fly ; but their persuasions were in vain. He set out for London in the depth of winter, and under a severe fit of the stone and colic ; but he was most distressed at the thoughts of leaving his parish exposed to the popish clergy. On his arrival at London, he found a court of bishops and canonisis ready to receive him ; where, in- stead of being examined, as he expected, about his ser- mons, a paper was put into his hands, which he was or- dered to subscribe, declaring his belief in the efficacy of masses for the souls in purgatory, of prayers to the dead saints, of- pilgrimages to their sepulchres and relics, the pope's power to forgive sins, the doctrine of merit, the seven sacraments, and the worship of images ; which, when he refused to sign, the archbishop, with a frown, begged he would consider what he did. " We intend not (said he) Mr. Latimer, to be hard upon you ; we dismiss you for the present ; take a copy of the articles ; examine them carefully, and God grant, that at our next meeting, we may find each other in better temper.'* The next, and several succeeding meetings, the same scene was acted over again. He continued inflexible, and they continued to distress him. Three times, every week, they regularly sent for him, with a view ei- ther to draw something from him by captious questions, or to- tease him at length into compliance. Tired out with this usage, after he was summoned at last, instead of going, he sent a letter to the archbishop, in which, with great freedom, he told him, " that the treatment he had lately met with, had fretted him into such a dis- order as rendered him unfit to attend that day ; that, in the mean time, he could not help taking this opportunity to expostulate witli his grace for detaining him so long from his duty ; that it seemed to him most unaccounta- ble, that they, who never preached themselves, should hinder others ; that, as for their examination of him, he really eould not imagine what tliey auned at ; they pre- 344 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. tended one thing in the beginning, and another in the progress ; that if his sermons were what gave offence, which he persuaded himself were neither contrary to the truth, nor to any canon of the church, he was ready to answer whatever might be thought exceptionable in them ; that he wished a Httle more regard might be had to the judgment of the people ; and that a distinction might be made between the ordinances of God and man ; that if some abuses in rehgion did prevail, as was then commonly supposed, he thought preaching was the best means to discountenance them ; that he wished all pastors might be obliged to perform their duty ; but that, however, liberty might be given to those who were willing ; that as to the articles proposed to him, he beg- ged to be excused subscribing to them ; while he lived, he never would abet superstition ; and that, lastly, he hoped the archbishop would excuse what he had writ- ten ; he knew his duty to superiors, and would practise it ; but in that case, he thought a stronger obligation laid upon him." The bishops, how^ever, continued their persecutions, but their schemes were frustrated in an unexpected man- ner. Latimer being raised to the see of Worcester, in the year 1533, by the favour of Ann Boleyn, then the favourite wife of Henry, to whom, most probably, he was recommended by lord Cromwell, he had now a more extensive field to promote the principles of the re- formation, in which he laboured with tiie utmost pains and and assiduity. All the historians of those times mention him as a person remarkably zealous in the dis- charge of his new office ; and tell us, that in overlooking the clergy of his diocess, he was uncommonly active, warm, and resolute, and presided in his ecclesiastical court with the same spirit. In visiting, he w^as frequent and observant ; in ordaining, strict and wary ; in preach- ing, indefatigable ; and in reproving and exhorting, se- vere and persuasive. In 1536, he received a summons to attend the parlia- ttient and convocation, which gave him a further oppor- tu^nity of promoting the work of reformation, whereoa PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 345 his heart was so much set. Many alterations were made in religious matters, and a few months after, the bible was translated into English, and recommended to a gen- eral perusal, in October 1537. Latimer, highly satisfied with the prospect of the times, now repaired to his diocess, having made a longer stay in London than was absolutely necessary. He had talents, but he pretended to have none for the state affairs. His whole ambition was to discharge the pasto- ral functions of a bishop, neither aiming to display the abilities of a statesman, nor those of a courtier. How very unqualified he was to support the latter of these characters, the following story will prove. It was the custom in those days for the bishops to make presents to the king on New-year's day, and many of them would present very liberally, proportioning their gifts to their expectancies. Among the rest, the bishop of Worcester, being then in town, waited upon the king, with his offer- ing ; but, instead of a purse of gold, which was the common oblation, he presented a New Testament, with a leaf doubled down in a very conspicuous manner, to this passage ; " whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." In 1539, he was summoned again to attend the par- liament. The bishop of Winchester, Gardner, was his greatest enemy ; who, upon a particular occasion, when the bishops were with the king, kneeled down and sol- emnly accused bishop Latimer of a seditious sermon preached at court. Being called upon by the king, with some sternness to vindicate himself, Latimer was so far from denying and palliating what he liad said, that he boldly justified it ; and turning to the king, with that noble unconcern, which a good conscience inspires, *' I never thought myself worthy, said he, nor did I ever sue to be a preacher before your grace ; but I was call- ed to it, and would be willing, if you mislike it, to give place to my betters : for I grant, there may be many more worthy the room than I am. And if it be your grace's pleasure to allow them for preachers, I can be content to bear their books after them. But, if your 2y 346 Pl^RSEeUTED BY THE PAPISTS. grace allow me for a preacher, I would desire you to give me leave to discharge my conscience, and to frame my doctrine according to my audience. I had been very dolt indeed to have preached so at the borders of your realm, as I preach before your grace." The greatness of his answer baffled his accuser's malice. The severity of the king's countenance changed into a gracious smile, and tlie bishop was dismissed with that obliging freedom, which this monarch never used but to those he es- teemed. However, as the bishop could not give his vote for the act of the six papistical articles, drawn up by the duke of Norfolk, he thought it wrong to hold any office in a church, where, such terms of communion were required ; and, therefore, he resigned his bishopric, and retired in- to the country, where he purposed living a sequestered life. But, in the midst of his security, an unhappy acci- dent carried him again into the tempestuous weather, which was abroad. He received a bruise by the 'fall of a tree, and the contusion was so dangerous, that he was obhged to seek out for better assistance than could be afforded him by the unskilful surgeons of those parts. With this view, he repaired to London, where he had the misfortune to see the fall of his patron, lord Cromwell : a loss which he was soon made sensible of. For Gard- ner's emissaries quickly found him out in his conceal- ment, and something which he had been heard to say, against the six articles, being alleged against him, he was sent to the tower ; where, without any judicial ex- amination, he suffered through one pretence or another, a cruel imprisonment for the remaining six years of king Henry's reign. On the death of Henry, the protestant interest revived under his son Edward ; and Latimer, immediately upon the change of government, was set at liberty. An ad- dress was made by the protector, to restore him to his bishopric. The protector was very willing to gratify the parliament, and proposed the resumption of his bishop- ric to Latimer ; who now thinking himself unequal to the weight of it, refused to resume it, choosing rather to ac PERSECUTED BY THE TAPISXa. 3^7 i^ept an invitation from his friend archbishop Cranmer, and to take up his residence with him at Lambeth ; where his chief employment was to hear the complaints, and re- dress the grievances of the poor people ; and his charac- ter, for services of this kind, was so universally known, that strangers from every part of England would resort to him. In these employments, he spent more than two years, during which time, he assisted the archbishop in compo- sing the homilies, which were set forth by authority, in the first year of king Edward. He was also appoint- ed to preach the lent sermons before the king, which of- fice he also performed during the three first years of his reign. Upon the revolution, which happened at court, after the death of the duke of Somerset, he retired into the country, and made use of the king's licence as a general preacher in those parts, where he thought his labours might be most serviceable. He was thus employed during the remainder of that reign, and continued the same course, for a short time, in the beginning of the next ; but, as soon as the re-in- troduction of popery was resolved on, the first step tow- ards it was the prohibition of all preaching, and licensing only such as were known to be popishly inclined. The bishop of Winchester, who was now prime- minister, having proscribed Latimer from the first, sent a message to cite him before the council. He had notice of this de- sign some hours before the messenger's arrival, but he made no use of the intelligence. The messenger found him equipped for his journey, at which expressing his surprise, Latimer told him, that he was as ready to attend him to London, thus called upon to answer for his faith, as ever he was to take any journey in his life : and that he doubted not, but that God, who had enabled him to stand before two princes, would enable him to stand be- fore a third. The messenger then acquainting him, that he had no orders to seize his person, delivered a letter, and departed. However, opening the letter, and find- ing it a citation from the council, he resolved to obey it, 348 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. and set out immediately. As be passed through Smith- field, he said, cheerfully, *' this place of burning hath long groaned for me." The next morning, he waited upon the council, who having loaded him with many se- vere reproaches, sent him to the tower, from whence, af- ter some time he was removed to Oxford. Nicholas Ridley, bishop of London, received the earli- est part of his education at Nc- wcastle-upon-t\ ne, from whence, he was removed to the lUiiversity at Cambridge, where his great learning, and distinguished abilities, so recommended him, that he was made master of Pem- broke-hall, in that university. After being some years in this office, he left Cam- bridge, and travelled into various parts of Europe for the advancement of knowledge. On his return to England, he was made chaplain to king- Henry VIII, and bishop of Rochester, from which he was translated to the see of London by king Edward VI. In private life, he was pious, humane, and affable ; in public, he was learned, sound, and eloquent ; diligent in his duly, and very popular as a preacher. He had been educated in the Roman catholic religion, but was brought over to that of the reformed, by means of reading Bertram's book on the sacrament; and he was conlirmied in the same, by frequent conferences with Cranmer and Peter Martyr, so that he became a zealous promoter of the reformed doctrines and discipline during the reign of king Edward. On the accession of queen Mary, he shared the same fate with many others who professed the truth of the gospel. Being accused of heresy, he was first removed from his bishopric, then sent prisoner to the tower of Lon- don, and afterwards to Bocardo prison, in Oxford ; from whence, he was committed to the custody of Irish, may- or of that city, in whose house he remained, till the day of his execution. On the 30th of September, 1555, these two'eminent prelates were cited to appear before the divinity- school at Oxford, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 349 Agreeable to this citation, they both appeared on the day appointed. Dr. Ridley was first examined, and severely reprimand- ed, by the bishop of Lincoln, because, when he heard the cardinal's grace, and the pope's holiness mentioned in the commission, he kept on his cap. The words of the bish- op were to this effect : *' Mr. Ridley, if you will not be uncovered, in respect to the pope, and the cardinal his le- gate, by whose authority we sit in commission, your cap shall be taken off." The bishop of Lincoln then made a formal harangue, in which, he entreated Ridley to return to the holy mother- church, and insisted on the antiquity and authority of the see of Rome, and of the pope, as the immediate successor of St. Peter. Dr. Ridley, in return, strenuously opposed the argu- ments of the bishop, and boldly vhidicated the doctrines of the reformation. After much debate, the five following articles were pro- posed to him, and his immediate and explicit answers re- quired. 1. -That he had frequently affirmed, and openly main- tained and defended, that the true natural body of Christ, after consecration of the priest, is not really present in the sacrament of the altar. 2. That he had often publicly affirmed, and defended, that in the sacrament of the altar, remaintth still the sub- stance of bread and wine. 3. That he had often openly affirmed, and obstinately maintained, that in the mass, is no propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and dead. 4. That the aforesaid assertions have been solemnly con- dcmned by the scholasiical censure of this school, as heretical, and contrary to the catholic faith, by the proloc- utor of the convocation-house, and sundry learned men of both universities. 5. That all and singular the premises are true, and no- toriously known, by all near at hand, and in distant places. To the first of these articles, Ridley replied, that he be- lieved Christ's body to be in the sacrament, really, by 330 PERSEeUTE© BY THE PAPISTS. grace and spirit effectually, but not so as to include a lively and moveable body under the forms of bread and wine. To the second he answered in the affirmative. Part of the fourth he acknowledged, and part he denied. To the fifth, he answered, that the premises were so far true, as his replies had set forth. Whether all men spake evil of them he knew not, because he came not so much abroad to hear what every man reported. He was then ordered to appear the following day in St. Mary's church, in Oxford, to give his final answer ; af- ter which, he was committed to the custody of the mayor. When Latimer was brought into court, the bishop of Lincoln warmly exhorted him to return to the unity of the church, from which he had revolted. The same articles which were proix)sed to Dr. Ridley, were read to Latimer ; and he was required to give a full and satisfactory answer to each of them. His replies not proving satisfactory to the court, he was. dismissed ; but ordered to appear in St. Mary's church, at the same time with Dr. Ridley. On the day appointed, the commissioners met, when Dr. Ridley being first brought before them, the bishop of Lincoln stood up, and began to repeat the proceedings of the former meeting, assuring him that he had full liberty to make what alterations he pleased in his answers to the articles proposed to him, and to deliver the same to the court in writing. After some debate, Dr. Ridley took out a paper, and began to read; but the bishop interrupted him, and order- ed the beadle to take the writing from him. The doctor desired permission to read on, declaring the contents were only his answers to the articles proposed ; but the bishop and others, having privately reviewed it, would not per- mit it to be read in open court. When the articles were again administered, he referred the notary to his writing, who set them down according to the same. The bishop of Gloucester affecting much concern for Dr. Ridley, persuaded him not to indulge an obstinate PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 3-5i tamper, but recant his erroneous opinions, and returrt to the unity of the holy catholic church. Ridley coolly replied, he was not vain of his own under- standing, but was fully persuaded, that the religion he pro- fessed was founded on God's most holy and infallible church ; and, therefore, he could not abandon or deny the same, consistent with his regard for the honour of God, and the salvation of his immortal soul. He desired to declare his reasons, wherefore, he could not, with a safe conscience, admit of the popish supremacy, but his request was denied. The bishop finding him inflexible in his faith, according to the doctrine of the reformation, thus addressed him : " Dr. Ridley, it is with the utmost concern, that I observe your stubbornness and obstinacy, in persisting in damnable errors and heresies ; but, unless you recant, I must proceed to the other part of my commission, though very much against my will and desire." Ridley not making any reply, sentence of condemna- tion was read ; after which, he was carried back to con^ finement. When Latimer was brought before the court, the bish- op of Lincoln informed him, that though they had already- taken his answers to certain articles alleged against him, yet they had given him time to consider on the same, and would permit him to make what alterations he should deem fit, hoping, by that means, to reclaim him from his errors, and bring him over to the faith of the holy catholic church. The articles were again read to him, but he deviated aot, in a single point, from the ans\\ers he had alreadj' given. Being again warned to recant, and revoke his errors, he refused, declaring, that he never would deny God's truth, which he was ready to seal with his blood. Sentence of condemnation was then pronounced against him, and hr was committed to the custody of the mayor. A few days after this, they were both solemnly degraded by the bishop of Gloucester, and the vice-chancellor of Oxford ; after which, they wei'e delivered over to the se- ciilar power. 352 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The 16th of October, 1555, was the day appointed for their execution, and the place Town- ditch, behind Bali- ol college. Latimer went to the stake in an humble, plain lay-dress, and Dr. Ridley in his ecclesiastical habit, which he wore when a bishop. They embraced each other on the mel- ancholy occasion ; and Dr. Ridley encouraged his fellow- labourer, and fellow -sufferer, in the cause of Christ, to be of good cheer, assuring him, that God would assuage the fury of the flames, or enable them to endure them. Our martyrs then kneeled down, and, with great earn- estness, prayed to Almighty God to enable them to sus- .tain the fiery trial that awaited them. When they arose from prayer, one of the popish priests, in an occasional sermon, upbraided them with heresy and departure from the church of Christ, Dr. Ridley was de- sirous of vindicating himself from the aspersion of the priest, but was denied that liberty, and commanded to pre- pare immediately for the fire, unless he would recant, and abjure his heretical opinions ; without hesitation, there- fore, he took off his clothes, distributed them among the populace, and together, with Latimer, was chained to the stake. Latimer soon expired, crying, '* O Father of heaven, receive my soul." But Ridley, by reason of the fire burning low, and not flaming about his body, endured the most exquisite torture, leaping in the fire, and begging for Christ's sake, that the flames might surround him ; till, at length, some of the spectators having taken off" part of the fagots, the fire had vent, and the bag of gunpowder that was fastened to his neck exploded, after which, he was not seen to move, but fell down at the feet of his fellow- sufferer. Thus, did these two pious divines, and steadfast be- lievers, testify, with their blood, the truth of the everlast- ing gospel, upon which depends all the.sinner's hope of sal- vation. Latimer, at the time of his death, was in the eightieth year of his age, and preserved the principles he had pro- fessed with the greatest magnanimity. He had naturiJly PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 3^3 a happy temper, formed on the principles of triie chris" tianity. Such was his cheerfuhiess, that none of the acci^ dents of Ufe could discompose him : such was his forti- tude, that not even the severest trials could unman him* He had a collected spirit, and, on no occasion, wanted a resource. He could retire within himself, and hold the world at defiance. And as danger could not daunt, so neither could ambi" lion allure him. Though conversant in courts, and inti- mate with princes, he preserved, to the last, (a rare in- stance of moderation!) his-* primeval plainness. In his profession, he was indef?rfigable ; and, that he might be- stow as much time as possible on the active part of it, he allow^ed himself only those hours for his private studies, w^hen the busy world is at rest, constantly rising, at all sea- sons of the year, by two in the morning. How conscien- tious he was in the discharge of the public parts of his of- fice, we have many examples. No man could persuade more forcibly; no man could exert, on proper occasions $ a moie commanding severity. The wicked, in whatever station, he rebuked with censorian dignity, and awed vice more than the penal laws. As to his sermons, which are still extant, and of which, an edition was published upwards of twenty years, they are, indeed, far enough from bemg exact pieces of compo- sition ; yet his simplicity aM familiarity, his humouf and drollery, were well adapted to the times ; and his ora^ tory, according to the mode of eloquence at that day, was exceedingly popular. His action and manner of preaching too, w^ere very affecting ; and no wonder ; ** for he spoke immediately from his heart." His abilities, however, as an orator, made only an inferior part of his character as a preacher. What particularly reccommends him, is, that noble and apostolic zeal which he continually exerted in the cause of truth. Ridley was no less indefatigable in promoting the re- formed reliL!;ion, than his fcUow-sii.Tv.Ter Litimer. He was naturally of a very easy temper, and disiingui5>hed for his great piety and humanity to the distressed. He pef.^ever" ed to the last, in th:it faith he professed, and cheerful - S2 z 354 PERSECUTED BY WHB PAPISTS* ly resigned his life in defence of the truth of the gos- pel. Both these worthy prelates, during their confinement, employed their time in writing various pieces to propagate that gospel to which they had so strictly adhered. They also wrote great numbers of letters to their respective friends and particular acquaintances. Among the pieces wTitten by Dr. Ridley, was a fare- well address to the university of Cambridge, and particu- larly to the members of Pembroke- Hall, of which he had been master. He also wrote addresses, of the same na- ture, to the cities of Rochester, (the see of which he had some time held) Westminster, and London. But as all these are too tedious to be here inserted, we shall only pre- serve the following extract from the last. " O London, London, to whom now may I speak in thee, or whom shall I bid farewell ? Shall I speak to the prebendaries of Paul's ? Alas ! all that loved God's word, and where the true setters forth thereof, are now (as I hear say) some burnt and slain, some exiled and banished, and some confined in hard prison, and appointed daily to be put to the most cruel death, for Christ's gospel- sake. As for the rest of them, I knoiv they could never brook me well, nor could I ever delight in them. " Shall I speak to the see thereof, wherein of late, I was placed almost, and not fully, the space of three years ? But what may I say to it, being (as 1 hear say I am) deposed and expulsed by judgment, as unjust usurper of that room? O judgment! judgment! Can this be just judgment, to condemn the chief minister of God's word, the pastor and bishop of the diocess, and never bring him into judgment, that he might have heard what crimes were laid to his charge, nor ever suffer him to have any place, or time, to answer for himself? Thinkest thou, that hereafter, when true justice shall hiive place, this judgment can ever be al- lowed, either of God or man ? Weil, as for the cause, or whole matter of my deposition, and the spoil of my goods, which thou possessest yet, I refer it unto God, who is a just judge ; and I beseech God, if it be his pleasure, that PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISfS. 355 which is but my^personal wrong, be not laid to thy charge in the latter da^ ; tliis only I can pray for. " O thou wicked and bloody see, why dost thou set up again many altars of idolatry, which, by the word of God, were justly taken away ? Why dost thou daily de- lude thy people, masking in thy masses, instead of the Lord's holy Supper, which ought to be common, as well (saith Chr} sostom, yea the Lord himself) to the people, as to the priest ? How darest thou deny the people 6[ Christ, contrary to his express commandment in the gos- pel, his holy cup ? Why babblest thou to the people, the common prayer in a strange tongue, wherein St. Paul commandeth, in the Lord's name, that no man should speak before the congregation, except it should be by and by declared in their common tongue, that all might be edified ? Nay, hearken thou whorish bawd of Baby- lon, thou wicked limb of antichrist, thou bloody wolf, why slayestthou down, and makest havoc of the proph- ets of God ? Why murderest thou, so cruelly, Christ's poor silly sheep, which will not hear thy voice, because thou art a stranger, and will follow none other but their own pastor Christ, his voice ? Thinkest thou to escape, or that the Lord will not require the blood of his saints at thy hands ? Thy God, which is the work of thy hands, and, whom thou sayest thou hast power to make ; that th} deaf and dumb god, I say, will not, indeed, nor can, (although thou art not ashamed to call him thy maker) make thee to escape the revenging hand of the high and Almighty God. But, be thou assured, that the living Lord, our Saviour and Redeemer, who sitteth on the right hand of his Father in glory, he seeth all thy wicked ways, and cruelty, done to his dear members, and he will not forget his holy ones, and his hands (Othou whorish drab) shalt thou never escape. Instead of my farewell to thee, now I say, fie upon thee, fie upon thee, filthy drab, and all thy false prophets. "" Yet thou, (O London) I may not leave thee thus. Although thy episcopal see, now being joined in league with the seat of Satan, thus hath now both handled me and the saints of God ; vet I do not doubt, but in that ^56 PIRSECUTID BY THE PAPISTS. great city there may be many pious mourners, who do daily mourn for that mischief, and who never did, nor shall, consent to that wickedness, but do detest and abhor it as the ways of Satan. But these privy mourners here I will pass by, and bid them farewell with their fellows hereaf- ter, when place and occasion shall more conveniently re- quire. Among the worshipful of the city, and especially which were in office of mayoralty, yea, and in other ci- ties also, (whom now to name it is not necessary) in the time of my ministry, which was from the latter part of Sir Rowlaixl Hill's year, unto Sir Geo *ge Barnes's 3'ear, and a great part thereof, I do acknowledge, that I found no small humanity and gentleness, as I thought : but (to say the truth) that I do esteem, above all other, for true christian kindness, which is shewed in God's cause, and done for his sake. Wherefore, O Dobs, Dobs, al- derman and knight, thou, in thy year, didst win my heart for evermore, for that honourable act, that most blessed work of God, of the erection and setting up of Christ's holy hospital, and truly religious houses, which by thee, ^nd through thee, were begun. For thou, hke a man of God, when the matter was moved for the relief of Christ's poor silly members to be holpen from extreme i^isery, hanger, and famine ; thine heart, I say, was mov- ed with pity, and as Christ's high honourable officer in that cause, thou calledst together thy brethren, the alder- men of the city, before whom thou breakedst the matter for the poor ; thou didst plead their cause, yea, and not only in thine own person, thou didst set forth Christ's cause, but to further the matter, thou broughtest me in- to the council- chamber of the city, before the aldermen jilpne, v/1 10 nt thou hadst assembled there together to hear me speak what I could say, as an advocate, by office and duty, in the poor men's cause. The Lord wrought with |hee, and gave thee the consent of thy brethren ; where- by the matter was brought to the common^ council, and SjQ to the whole body of the city : by whom, with an uni- form consent, it was committed to be drawn, ordered, prid devised by a certain number of the most witty citi- g<^fts^ aiid politic ; endued also with godliness, and with PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 357 ready hearts to set forward such a noble act, as could be chosen in all the whole city ; and they, like true and faith- ful ministers, both to their city, and their master Christ, so ordered, devised, and brought forth the matter, that thousands of silly poor members of Christ, which else, for extreme hunger and misery, should have famished and perished, shall be relieved, holpen, and brought up, and shall have cause to bless the aldermen of that time, the common- council, and the whole body of the city ; but especially thee, O Dobs, and those chosen men, by whom this honourable work of God was begun and wrought, and that so long, throughout all ages, as that godly work shall endure ; which I pray Almighty God may be ever, unto the world's end. Amen. '* And thou, O Sir George Barnes, the truth is to be confessed to God's glory ; and to the good example of others, thou wast in thy year, not only a furtherer and contiauer of that, which, before thee, by thy predecessor, was well begun, but also didst labour so to have perfected the work, that it should have been an absolute thing, and perfect spectacle of true charity and godliness unto all Christendom. Thine endeavour was to have set up an house of occupations, both tl.at all kind of poverty, being able to work, should not have lacked, whereupon profitably they might have been occupied to their own relief, and to the profit and commodity of the common- wealth of the city, and also to have retired thither the poor babes brought up in the hospitals, when they had come to a certain age and strength, and also all those which, in the hospital aforesaid, had been cured of their diseases. And to have brouglit this to pass, thou ob^ tainedst, not without great diligence and labour, both of thee and of thy brethren, and of that godly king Edward, that christian and peerless prince's hand, his princely pal- ace of Bridewell, and what other things to the perform- ance of the same, and under what condition, is not un- known. That this thine endeavour hath not had like success, the fault is not in thee, but in the condition and State of the time, which the Lord of his infinite mercy, 358 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. vouchsafe to amend, when it shall be his gracious will and pleasure. " Farewell now, all 3^e citizens that be of God, of what state and condition soever ye be. Undoubtedly, in Lon- don, you have heard God's word truly preached. My heart's desire-, and daily prayer shall be for you, as for whom, for my time, I know to my Lord God I am accountable ; that ye never swerve, eidier for loss of life, or worldly goods, from God's holy word, and yield unto antichrist : whereupon must needs follow the extreme displeasure of God, and the loss both of your bodies and souls, into per- petual damnation for evermore. " Thus, fare ye all well. 1 pray God give you under- standing 01 his blessed will and pleasure, and make you to believe and embrace the truth. Amen." A few days after Latimer and Ridley suffered, three oth- ers shared the same fate, for professing the truth of die gospel. Their names were, John Webb, George Roper, and Gregory Parke. They were all burnt in one fire at Canterbury, most patiently enduring their torments, accounting themselves happy and blessed ot the Lord, that they were made wor- thy to suffer for the gospel of their Redeemer. The bloody transactions of the year 1555, were termin- ated in the death of John Philpot, who, after a long con- fmement, during which, h^ underwent various examina- tions, was at length, brought to the stake in Smithfield, on the 18th of the month called December, where he pa- tientlv resigned his soul into the hands of him who gave it. He was a very learned man, and pious christian ; and du- rin£r his confinement, wrote a great number of letters to his friends, and others ; as also a variety of treatises on that religion, in defence of which, he gave up his existence in this mortal world. Among his various writings, was the following : PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS^ 359 ^4 p rayer to he said at the stake ^ by all those whom God shall account worthy to suffer for his sake, ** Merciful God and Father, to whom our Saviour Christ approached in his fear and need, by reason of death, and found comfort. Gracious God, and most bounteous Christ, on whom, Stephen called in his extreme need, and received strength. Most benign holy spirit, which in the midst of all crosses of death, didst comfort the apostle St. Paul, with more consolations in Christ, than he felt sor- rows and terrors, have mercy upon me, a miserable, vile, and wretched sinner, who now draws near the gates of death, deserved both in soul and body eternally, by reason of manifold, horrible, old, and new transgressions, which in thine eyes, O Lord are open and known. O, be merci- ful unto me, for the bitter death and bloodshedding of thine own only Son Jesus Christ ! and though thy justice doth require (in respect of my sins) that now thou shouldst not hear me, measuring me, in the same measure I have meas- ured thy majesty, contemning thy daily calls ; yet let thy mercy, which is above all thy works, and wherewith the earth is filled ; let thy mercy, I say, prevail towards me, through, and for the mediation of Christ bur Saviour ; and for whose sake, in that it hath pleased thee to bring me forth now as one of his witnesses, and a record bearer of thy verity and truth taught by him, to give my life there- fore (to which dignity I do acknowledge, dear God, that there was never any so unworthy and so \mmeet, no not the thief then hanged with him on the cross. ) I most humbly, therefore, pray thee, that thou wouldst, accordingly, aid, help, and assist me with thy strength aiid heavenly grace, that, with Christ thy Son, I may find comfort, with Ste- phen, I may see thy presence, and gracious power ; with Paul, and all others, who, for thy name's sake, have suffer- ed afflictions and death, I may lind so present with me thy gracious consolations, that I may, by my death, glorify thy holy name, propagate and ratify thy verity, comfort the hearts of the liL^avy, confirm thy church in thy truth, con- vert some that arc to be converied, and so depart forth of this miserable world, wliere T do daily hcnp sin upon sin. 360 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. and so enter into the fruition of thy blessed mercy ; wherc^ of now give, and increase in me, a lively trust, sense, and feelins;, where, through the terrors of death, the torments of fire, the pangs of sin, the darts of satan, and the horrors of hell may never depress me, but may be driven away throu4 the working of that most gracious spirit; which now plenteously endue me widial, that through the same spirit, I may offer (as I now desire to do in Christ by him) myself wholly, soul and body, to be a lively sacrifice, holy and acceptable in thy sight. Dear Father, whose 1 am and always have been, even from my motner's womb, yea even before the world was made, to whom I commend myself, soul and body, family and friends, country, and all the whole church, yea even my very enemies, accordmg to thv s:ood pleasure ; beseeching thee entirely to give, once more, to this realm of England, the blessing of thy word a8:ain, with godly peace, to the teaching and settmg forth of the same. O dear Father, now give me grace to come unto thee. Purge, and so purify me by this fire, m Christ's death and passion, through thy spirit, that 1 may be aburnt-ofi*eringofa sweet smell in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Son and the Holy Ghost, now and for ever more, world without end. Amen. The persecutions and sufferings of Thomas Tfhittellp^^^^^^^ Bartlet Green, John Tudson, John TVent. Ihomas Brown, Isabel Fostel, and John Lashford ; all ofzvhom -were burnt together in Smithjield, for professing the truth of the gospel. The popish emmissaries having laid informations a- o-ainst these seven persons, they were all apprehended ; and being brought before bishop Bonner, at his consisto- ry-courtinSt. Paul's church, the following articles were exhibited against them, after the usual introductory parade, the sui)stance of which is thus expressed : " These articles and every part and parcel ot them, we,. Edmund Bonner, by the permission of God, ^^^^^P 5'^ London, do object and minister unto thee, Thomas \\ hit- 1»ERSECUTEI) BY THE PAPISTS', o6l tell, &c. of our mere office, for thy soul's health, and re- formation of thine offences or misdemeanors, admonishing; thee, in virtue of obedience, and under tlie pains, both of the censures of the church, and tlie laws of the realm, to answer fully, plainly, and truly to the same." 1. Whether you, and each of you, do believe there is a catholic church ? To this, they replied in the affirmative ; but Tudson and Brown added further, that the church of England, as it was at present used, was not part of the true catholic church. 2. That there are in the church seven sacraments. To this, they answered in the negdtive, declaring they acknowledged only two sacraments in Christ's catholic church, baptism, and the supper of the Lord. Went and Tudson affirmed, that the sacrament of the altar, then used, was an idol, and consequently no sacra^ ment. 3. That they were first baptized in the faith of the cath- olic church, professing, by their godfathers, their faith in the same. They all confessed, they were baptized in the faith of Christ, and of the chin ch then used ; but that afterwards, during the reign of king i^dwaid VI, hearing the gospel preached, and the great tru'hs of the same opened and explained, they followed the forms and doctrines then used and set forth. 4. That they, for the space of certain years, did ratify and allows and not depan from ain^ part of 'he profession of ihe same church, in which they were baprized. To this article, they all assented ; but John Went ad- ded, moreover, that about seven years past, being then twenty years old, he began to dislike certain ceremonies used in the church of England, and did At present dislike the same, though his godfather and godmother promised for him to the contrary. Tudson also declared, that nine years ago, being tJien about eio^hteen years old, he disap])roved rhe doctrines and ceremonies then taujz;ht and set forth in the church of Eng- land excepting the time of king Edward, when the gos- 3 A 3(52 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, pel was truly preached ; but that the religion set forth m the present reign, was not agreeable to God's word, nor the true catholic churchy instituted by Christ and his apos- tles. Isabel Foster declared, in answer to this fourth article, that she continued in the same faith and religion, in which she was baptized, after she came to years of discretion, till the reign of king Edward Yl, at which time, hearing the gospel fully and faithfully preached, she received and em- braced the doctrines then taught and set forth. 5. That they, of late years, have swerved, and gone a- way, and spoken against the profession of the same church of England, at least some part thereof, especially the sacri- ^ce of the mass, the sacrament of the altar, and the authori- ty of the church of Rome. This they all acknowledged, but Whittell added to the general confession, that he had swerved not in the whole^ but in part, not from the whole catholic church, but from the church of Rome, in speaking against the mass, the sac- rifice thereof, and the supremacy of the pope. Joan Lashford also declared, that she never heretofore sw^erved from any part of Christ's catholic faith and re- ligion ; but that, from the time she was eleven years of age, she disliked the sacrifice of the mass,^ the sacrament of the altar, and the authorit}' of the papal see, as well as the doctrines and practices of the same, because they were contrary to God's holy word, and the religion contained in the gospel. 6. That they refused to be reconciled to the unity of the church of Rome. This they all acknowledged, because that church, and its doctrines, and practices, w^re contrary to the unity of Christ's word, and the true catholic faith. Bartlet Green added, that he was contented to be recon- ciled to the unity of Christ's cathofic church, but not to the church of Rome. 7. That they refused to come to hear mass, and to re- ceive the said sacrament, calling it an idol. This, also, they confessed to be true, assigning, as a • reason, that the mass, with the sacrament thereof, as PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. S63 then used and set forth in the church of Er gland, was dissonant and disagreeable to the word, and preaching of the gospel. Went farther observed, that the mass, which he cal- led the Lord's supper, as then used in the church of En- gland, was full of idolatry, and against God's \\'ord ; and that he much repented his having been present at the same, through fear of persecution, since the queen's coronation. Isabel Foster confessed, she had not heard mass, nor received the sacrament, but refused coming into the place where it was admnistered, because she knew there was no such sacrament founded on the word of God. Being asked her belief concerning the same, she de- clared, there were only material bread, and material wine, and not the real substance of the body and blood of Christ in the same sacrament, as she had been taught to believe by the ministers of the gospel in time of king Edward VI, when she believed the word of God was preached in its purity. 8. lliat they were sent by the commissioners to the bishop to be examined and imprisoned. Generally granted. 9. That all and singular the premises have been, and are true, and manifest ; and that they are of the diocess and jurisdiction of London, Generally granted. Such was the general examination of these persons in the consistory- court of the bishop of London. We shall now proceed to a more minute and circumstantial relation of the particulars of each, individually consid- ered. Thomas Whittell was a married priest, and an emi- nent and laborious minister of the gospel, in the county of Essex, during the reign of Edward VI : but, on the accession of queen Mary, he was deprived of his living, and wandered from place to place, preaching in private as often as opportunity afforded. 364 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS,* In process of time, he was apprehended by one of the popibh emissaries, who, amongst many others, made a trade oi niforming against heretics ( as they were then called ) and b) ought before the bishop of Winchester, who being at that time indisposed, he was referred to the bishop oi London. When he appeared before his lord- ship, he asked him, if he would have come to mass that morning, if he had been sent for ? VVhiiteli replied, he would have obeyed the summons; of his lordship, though he had no veneration for the mass. Bonner was so incensed at this reply, that striking him with his fist on his face, he said, " Villain, thou shalt be red with bread and wa'er." The bishop after ards empio} ed a neighbouring priest to tamper with VVhittell, promising him considerable prefermenv in the c urch, if he would recant his erro- neous opinions, and acknowledge the papal supremacy ; but VVhitteii dssured the priest, that he thought he held nothing but the truth and, therefore, he could not so slightly abjure the saaie. A paper to the following purport was then read to him, in order for his subscribing the same : *' I Thomas Whiitell, priest, of the diocess of Lon- don, acknowledge and confess with my mouth, agreeing with my heart, before you, reverend father in God, Ed- mund, by the grace of God, bishop of London, my or- dinary that I do detest and abhor all manner of heresies and errors against the sacrament of the altar, or any of the sacraments of the church ; which heresies and errors have heretofore been condemned, in any wise by the Ca- tholic church ; and I do protest and declare, by these presents, that I do both now hold, observe, and keep in all points, the Catholic faith, and belief of Christ's church, according as this church of England, being a member of the said Catholic churcli, doth now profess and keep, and, in no wise, to swerve or decline from the said ih'nh during my natural life, submitting myself wholly and ful- ly to you, reverend father, my said ordinary, in all such things concerning my reformation and amendment at all PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 365 times ; in witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed ID)' name." To this bill, Whittell, at the instigation of the po- pish emissary, and throui^h fear of punishment, subscri- bed his name ; and the priest left him for that night, with a promise of his liberty in the morning. But when our martyr came to rtfltct seriously on his conduct in abjuring the truth of God's most holy word, and deu} ing his great Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, the sole head of the church malitant, and triumphant, he suffered inconceivable horrors of conscience, insomuch that, bereft of sleep, he threw himself on the gioui d, and. during the whole night, deplored his backsiiding, and treachery to a merciful Saviour and Redeemer ; nor could he eat, or enjoy any comfort of life, till he sent for the priest, told him the horrors that lad wrung his soul, and tore his name from the paper he had subscribed. His troubled mind was now at rest ; and though he had no prospect before him but the flames and certain death, he triumphed in what he had done, determining to live and die in the faith of Christ, and not retract the same on the severest penalty ; and he was enabled, by the grace of God, to abide by the resolution ; for he was soon after brought into the bishop's court, and again ex- amined ; when, holding fast to the truth of the gospel, he received sentence of death. Barlet Green was descended from a good family, and educated at the university of Oxford ; where, by' read- ing the divinity lectures of Peter Martyr, he obtained a sound knowledge of the christian fiiith, and became a zealous professor of the pure gospel of Christ. After leavin^^ the university, he became a member of the Temple society, and applied himself to the siudv of the common law, though he neglected not the scripture, in which, he much d lighted. The first cause of suspicion that Green deviated from the church of Rome, arose from a letter he wrote to one of his fellow students at Oxford, who h^id.llcd beyond sea, on account of his religion. This letter was an an- 566 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. swer to one he had received from his friend, in which, hp was desired to ijiform him concerning the truth of a re- port, which had been propagated, that the queen was dead. The letter being intercepted, was much aggravated by the queen's council, as having a treasonable meaning ; on which. Green was taxed with having been the au- thor of some printed questions, that were lately dis- persed in the city, and, on that suspicion, committed to the Fleet. Although, on examination, no part of the charge could be proved, they still detained him, in order to propose some questions relative to religion, and thereby invei- gle him into confessions that might afford them an op- portunity of persecuting him as an enemy to the prhici- ples of tie Romish persuasion. This artful procedure had the desired effect; for though they could not persecute him on the charge alleged, they inferred from the very correspondence, that" he maintained opinions contrary to the holy mother diurch, and committed'him, on mere presumption, to the tower. After they had confined him some time, they sent him to the bishop of London, and a letter with him, acquaint- ing the bishop, that he was erroneous in his religious principles, and desiring that he might be treated ac- cordingly. The" bishop, in the presence of several other prelates, the archdeacon and dean, treated Green with much res- pect, and inquired the cause of his imprisonment. Our martyr informed the bishop, that he was confin- ed on account of a letter he had written to an intimate friend, whose name was Gorden, though he had made proper submission. Though Bonner, at first, treated him widi affected to- kens of respect, yet he appeared desirous of adding him to the number martyred by the Roman church ; for when he had vindicated himself from the charge brought a- gainst him, he asked him, if, since he was a prisoner, he had not spoken, or written, against th^ real presence of PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 367 Christ in the srcrament of the altar ? Green desired the bishop not to put new questions to him, as he was cleared of the old ; upon which, a lawyer present assur- ed!.im, that though he was cleared of treason, yet, if dur- ing his confinement, he had maintained heretical opin- ions, his ordinary had a right to proceed against him on that account. One Ciiadrey, a priest, being sent for, asserted, that, in the presence of the Lieutenant of the tower. Green had spoken against the real presence and the sacrifice of the mass, and averred, that the chuch of Rome was the church of antichrist. Being asked by the bishop, if the charge was true, and if he would defend the same by scholastic reasoning, he replied, that he had not presumption enough to make such an attempt before so learned a body ; but that he was satisfied, in his own mind, concerning those points, which were sufficient for his salvation. The lawyer then took Green aside, and desired him not to oppose the judgment of so many learned men, and indeed the whole church ; but to conform to the doctrines and ceremonies of the same, as of undoubted authority, and indisputable validity. This effiDrt, however, not proving effectual, the bishop used the most soothing means to give Green over to the popish cause. He invited him to sup at his own table, lodge in his palace, and accept of other distinguishing to- kens of respect. From hence, the artful prelate took oc- casion to ask him, why he departed from the literal sense of the words in the sacrament, where Christ says, " this is my body ?" Green endeavoured to evade the answer, but being pressed by the bishop, replied, he was inclined to reject the literal sense, fiom the manner of speaking, from the circumstance itself, and by comparing it with other passages of scripture, allowing that Christ took bread, and affirmed it to be his body, though he could not un- derstand the affirmation as literal, but as fi,c;urative, in the same manner, as when Christ is called a deor, a vine, a way, &c. 368 PERSECITTED BY THE PAPISTS. Our martyr was for the present dismissed, but after- wards was sent for, and examined by the bishop, and several others ; when he contiimed steadfast in his faith, notwithstanding the strongest persuasions, and most dehisive arguments, were used to make him recant. All endeavours thus failing, he was summoned to appear at the consistory court, where he underwent an examination concerrjing the articles already mentioned. The following are the particular answers he gave to the articles proposed to him, as drawn up by the bishop's register, at the command of his lordship. Thatneither in thetime of king Edwardthe sixth, after the mass by him was put down, nor in the time of queen Mary, when the mass was restored again, he hath heard any mass at all ; but he saith, that in the reign of the said queen's majesty, he, the said Bartlet, at two seve- ral times, on two Easter-days, in the chamber of John Puliuie, one of the preachers in king Edward's time, in the parish of St, Michael's, Cornhill, in the diocess of London, did receive the communion with the said Pul- line, and Christopher Goodman, some time reader of the divinity lecture m Oxford, now gone beyond the sea ; and the second time, with the said Pulline, and one Runneger, master of arts, of Magdalen college, in Oxford. And this examinant saith, that, at both the said com- munions, he. and the others before- named, did take and receive bread and wine ; which bread and wine, he saith, were used there by the said Palline, only readhig the words of the institution expressed in the book of com- munion. In which receiving and using, this examinant saith, that he and others aforesaid, did receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper ; and that tliey received material bread and material wine, no substance thereof changed, and so no real presence of the body and blood of Christ being there, but only grace added thereto. And this examinant saith that he hath heretofore, during the reign of the queen's majesty aforesaid, refu- sed., and so doth now refuse to come and hear mass, '^r>^ to receive the sacrament of the altar, as they are PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 369 now used and ministered in the church of England, be- cause he saith, that concerning die mass, he cannot be persuaded in his conscience, that the sacrifice pretended to be in the same, is agreeable to God's word, or main- tainable by the same ; or that, without deadly offence, he can worship the body and blood of Christ, which is pretended to be there. And, as concerning the sacrament of the altar, this ex- am;nant saith, that he heretofore, during the said reign, had refused, and now doth refuse to receive the same, as it i.s now used in the church of England, because it is not usual according to the institution of Christ, both in a strange tongue, and also not ministered in both kinds ; and besides, that, contrary to God's word, it is taught, that the thing there ministered is to be adored a^ the real and true body of Christ. And furthermore, this examinant saith, that during the said reign, he hath not confessed to the said priest, nor received the absolution at his hand, because he is not bound, by God's word, to make auricular confes- sion. Bartlet Green. Many lucrative offers were made him, during his con- finement, if he would conform to the church of Rome ; but he rejected them all with a christian disdain, fully resolved not to commit an act, on any terms, so repug- nant to the dictates of his conscience. As he lived, so he died, becoming a follower of Christ, resigning himself up to the cruelly of his tor- mentors, and patiently submitting to his lot of trial here, in order to appear hereafter as gold ten times purified in the fire, and made meet to partake of the inheritance of the saints in light. Thomas Brown resided in the parish of St. Bride's, Fleet-street, and, at the instigation of the constable of the parish, was brought before the bishop of London, for absenting himself from church. After his first ex- amination, he was dismissed, but, in a few days, received a summons to attend the bishop at his palace in Fulham. 3 B ,370 PERSEeUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Here he underwent another exammation by his lordship, and others, concerning his faith ; when he gave answers to all their questions, in a manner that was consistent with the principles of a strenuous advocate for the truth of the gospel. On the close of this second examination, he was again dismissed for the present, but required by the bishop to attend mass the next day at the palace. Instead of obeying this order, he retired to an adjacent field, where he kneeled down, and prayed in private. Information of this being given to the bishop, he was highly incensed, as he imputed our martyr's conduct to an impious con- tempt of the mass. Being brought before the bishop, a third time, his lordship told him, he had taken much pains to reclaim him, and yet he had reported that he sucked his blood. To this, our martyr replied, that he was, indeed, a blood-sucker; but, if he could prove him guilty of heresy from scripture, he would conform to ti-.e church of Rome. That he condemned him because he would not confess and believe the bread in the sacrament of the altar (as he called it) to be the body of Christ, therefore, he shed his blood ; and not only his, but that of many of the queen's loyal subjects, for which, he must answer at a more just and impartial tribunal than that of his bloody consistory. After this reply, he was condemned, delivered over to the secular power, and committed to Newgate. John Tudson was brought before the cruel and arbi- trary Bonner, to be proceeded against according to ec- clesiastical law, for not conforming to the holy mother church. The bishop, after repeated examinations, publicly condemned him in the consistory court of London, for adhering to doctrines he had been taught by the preach- ers in the time of king Edward the sixth. He persisted steadfastly in his faith, and courageously suffered in the cause of the gospel. John Went, and Isabel Foster, underwent the same trial, and were condemned to suffer the same fate. ' PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 371 Joan Lashford had attended her father-in-law, John Warne,andher own mother, Elizabeth Warn e, when they were confined under condemnation for heresy ; for which, as we have already observed, ihey were both burned. — This giving suspicion, that she was one of the obnoxious persons in those days called heretics, she was brought be- fore Bishop Bonner, and by him examined and con- demned. Ontne 27th of the month called January, 1556, these seven believers in, and faithful servants of Christ, were conducted from Newgate to Smithfield, there to endure the last torments that could be inflicted on them by their cruel persecutors. They all went with great cheerful- ness, singing hymns to the praise of their Redeemer, both in the way to, and at the place of execution. Bartlet Green, in particular, frequently repeated the following lines : O Christ, my God, sure hope of health, Besides thee have I none : The truth I love, and falsehood hate. Be thou my guide alone. They were chained to three different stakes, but con- sumed together in one fire, freely yielding up their lives in testimony of the truth, and sealing with their blood, the doctrines of that gospel they had so zealously sup- ported. Two of these worthy martyrs, namely, Thomas Whit- tell, and Bartlet Green, wrote a great number.of letters, to their friends and acquaintances, during their confine- ment ; among which, as mementos, we shall preserve one of each. Bartlet Green had been educated at the university, and afterwards studied the law in the temple, where he gave a loose to the follies and vanities of the young men of tliat age. In the course of some time, he was sensibly con- vinced of the impropriety of his conduct, and heartily bewailed, that he had not sooner amended. This appears evident from the following epistle, which he wrote a 372 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. short time before his death, and left in a book belonging to Bartram Crolthrop, one of his most iniimate ac- quaintances : " Two things have very much troubled me whilst I was in the temple, pride and gluttony ; which, under the colour of glory and good fellowship, drew me almost from God. Against both, there is one remedy, by earn- est prayer, and without ceasirg. And forasmuch as vain glory is so subtle an adversary, that almost it woun- deth deadly, ere ever a man can perceive himself to be smitten ; therefore, we ought so much the rather, by continual prayer, to labour for humbleness of muid. Truly gluttony beginneth under a charitable pretence of mutual love and society, and hath in it most unchari- tableness. When we seek to refresh our bodies, that they may be the more apt to serve God, and perform our duties towards our neighbours, then steaieth it in as a privy thief, and murdereth both body and soul, that now it is not apt to pray, or serve God, apt to stud} or labour for our neighbour. Let us, therefore, watch and be so- ber : for our adversary, the devil, waiketh about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And re- member, what Solomon saith, ^* a patient man is better than a strong warrior ; and he that conquereth his own stomach, is better than he that conquereth towns and cities." Bartlet Green." *' Agreement of minds, joining in unity of faith, and growing up in charity, is true and steadfast amity. Fare- well, my Bartram, and remember me, that we may be like to meet together hereafter. Farewell. At New- gate, January 20, 1556. Set sober love against hasty wrath. Bartlet Greek." PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 373 A Letter from Thoinas Whittell, to Filles and Cutbert two of his particular friends : written a siiorttime be fore his death. <* My dear and well beloved brethren in Christ, Messrs. Filles and Cutbert, I wish you all welfare of soul and body. Welfare of soul is repentance of sin, faithful affiance in Christ Jesus, and godly life. Welfaretothe body is the health of the same, with all necessary things for this life. The soul of man is immortal, and, therefore, ought to be well kept, lest immortality of jov should turn to immortality of sorrow. As for the body, be it ever so well kept, and much made of, yet shortly, by nature, will it perish and decay : but those that are ingrafted and incorporated into Christ by true faith, feeling the motion of God's holy spirit, as a pledge of their election and inheritance, exciting and stirrirg them not only to seek heavenly things, but also to hate vice, and embrace virtue, will not only do these things, but also, if need require, will gladly take up their cross, and follow their captain, their king, and their Sav- lour Jesus Christ, (as his poor afflicted church of England now doth) against that false and antichristian doctrine and religion now used, and especially that blasphemous mass wherein Christ's supper, and holy ordinance, are a] Together perverted and abused, contrary to his insti- tution, and to Paul's proceedings : so that, that which they have in their mass is neither sacrament of Christ, nor yet sacrifice for sin, as the priests falsely pretend. It is a sacrament, that is, as St. Augustine saith, *' a visi- ble sign of invisible grace," when it is administered to the communicants, according to Christ's example, and as it was, of late years, in this realm. And as for sacri- fice, there is none to be made now for sin : "for Christ, with one sacrifice, hath perfected for ever those that are sanctified." " Beware of false religion, and men's vain traditions, and serve God with reverence and godly fear, according to the doctrine of his gospel ; whereto cleave ye, that a c may be blessed, though of wicked men you are hated and accused. Rather drink of the cup of Christ, whh his 574 PERSECUTED BY THE PATISTS. church, than of the Clip of that rose-coloured whore of Bab} Ion, which is full of abominations. Rather strive ye to go to Heaven by the path which is strait to the flesh and blood, with the little flock, than to go in the wide war, following the enticements of the world and the flesh, which lead. to damnation. " Like as Christ suffered in the flesh, saith St. Peter, so arm ye 3 ourselves with the same mind : for Christ suflcred for us. leaving us an example to follow his foot- steps. Blessed are they that suffer for his sake ; great is their reward in Heaven. He that overcometh, saith St. John, Rev. 2, 3, shall eat of the tree of life ; he shall have a crown of life, and not be hurt of the second death : he shall be elothed with white array, and not be put out of tlie book of life ; yea, I will confess his name, saith Christ, before my Father, and before his angels, and he shall be a pillar in the house of God, and sit with me on myrseat. And thus, I bid you farewell, mine own breth- ren, and dear fellows in Christ ; whose grace and peace be always with you. Amen. Thomas Whittell." Four days after the before-mentioned seven martyrs suffered in Smithfield, five others were burnt at Canter- bury. Their names were, John Lodmas, Ann Albright, Joan Cotmer, Agnes Snoth, and Joan Sole. These five steadfast servants of God, and willing fol- lowers of Christ, wxre bound together at two stakes, re- joicing in the flames, and chaunting hallelujahs to God and the Lamb, who had given them the victory over their enemies, and a good liope, through grace, that when this earthly tabernacle was dissolved, they should have a house, not^nade with hands, but eternal in die heavens. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 375 jin account of the life, sufferings^ and Alartyrdom of Thom- as Cranmer^ the first Protestant Archbishop of Canter- bury^ who xvas burnt at Oxford^ on the 2\st of the month called March, 1556. This eminent prelate was bom at Aslacton, in Notting. hamshire, on the 2d of the month called July, 1489. His family was ancient, and came in witli William the con- queror. He was early deprived of his father Thomas Cranmer, Esq. and, after no extraordinary education, was sent by his mother to Cambridge, at the age of four- teen, according to the custom of those times. Having completed his studies at the university, he took the usual degrees, and was so well beloved, that he was chosen fellow of Jesus college ; soon after which, he be- came celebrated for his great learning and abilities. In 1521, he married, by which he forfeited the fellowship of Jesus college ; but his wife dying in child-bed, within the year, he was re-elected. This favour he most grate- fully acknowledged, and chose to decline an offer of a much more valuable fellowship in cardinal Wolsey's new semina- ry, at Oxford, rather than relinquish friends who had treated him with the most distinguished respect. In 1523, he commenced doctor of divinity ; and, being in great esteem for theological learning, he was chosen di- vinity lecturer in his own college, and appointed, by the university, one of the examiners in that science. In this office, he principally inculcated the study of the holy scrip- tures, then greatly neglected, as being indispensably ne- cessary for the professors of that divine knowledge. The plague happening to break out at Cambridge, Cranmer, with some of his pupils, removed to Waltham- abbey, where, falling into company with Gardner and Fox, one the secretary, the other almoner of king Henry VIII, that monarch's intended di^ orce of Catharine his queen, the common subject of discourse in those days, came upon the carpet ; when, Cranmer advising an application to our own, and to the foreign universities, for their opinion in the case, and giving these gentlemen much satisfoction, they introduced liim to the king, who was ^'^ ■^'' s' '• with 376 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. him, that he ordered him to write his thoughts on the sub- .iect, made him his chaplain, and admitted him into that favour and esieeai, which he never afterw^ards forfeited. In 1530, he was sent by the king, with a solemn em- bassy, to dispute on the subject of the divorce at Paris, Rome, and other foreign parts. At Rome, he delivered his book, which he had written in defence of the divorce, to the pope, and offered to justify it in a public disputa- tion : but, after various promises and appointments, none appeared to oppose him ; while in private conferences, he forced them to confess, that that marriage was contrary to the law of God. The pope constituted him penitentiary general of England, and dismissed him. In Germany, he gave full satisfaction to many learned men, who were be- fore of a contrary persuasion : and prevailed on the famous Osander (whose niece he married while there) to declare the king's marriage unlawful. Durnig the time he was abroad, the great archbishop Warham died. Henry, convinced of Cranmer's merit, determined that he should succeed him ; and command- ed him to return for that purpose. He suspected the cause, and delayed : he was desirous, by all means, to de- cline this high station : for he had a true and primitive sense of the office. But a spirit, so different from that of the churchmen of his times, stimulated the king's resolu- tion ; and the more reluctance Cranmer shewed, the great- er resolution Henry exerted. He was consecrated in the month called March 30, 1533, to the office; and though he received the usual bulls from the pope, he pro- tested, at his consecration, against the oath of allegiance, &c. to him. For he had conversed freely with the reform- ed in Germany ; had read Luther's books : and was zeal- ously attached to the glorious cause of reformation. The first service he did the king, in his archiepiscopal character, was pronouncing the sentence of his divorce, from queen Catharine : and the next, in joining his hands with Anne Boleyn, the consequence of which marriage M^as the birth of Elizabeth, to whom he stood godfather. J>ERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 37^- As the queen was greatly interested in the reforma* tion. the friends to that good work began to conceive high hopes ; and, indeed, it went on with desirable suc- cess. But the fickle disposition of the king, and the fa- tal enduf tiie unhappy Anne, for a while, alarmed their fears : though, by God's providence, without any ill ef- fects. The pope's supremacy was universially explod* ed ; monasteries, &c. destroyed, upon the fullest detec- tion of the most abominable vices, and inordinances : that valuable book of '' The erudition of a christian man,'' was set forth by our great archbishop, with public author- ity : and the sacred scriptures, at length, to the infinite joy of Cranmer, and the worthy lord Cromwell, his con- stant friend and associate, were not only translated, but introduced into every parish. The translation was re-* ceived with inexpressible joy ; every one, that was able^ purchased it, and the poor flocked greedily to hear it read : some persons in years, learned to read on purpose, that they might peruse it : and even little children crowd- ed with eagerness to hear it ! we cannot help reflecting, on this occasion, how much we are bound to prize this sacred treasure, which we enjoy so perfectly : and how much to contend against every attempt of those ene- mies and that church, which would deprive us of it, and again reduce us to legends and schoolmen, to ignorance and idolatry. Cranmer, that he might proceed with true judgment, made a collection of opinions from the works of the an- cient fathers and later doctors ; of which, bishop Burnet saw two volumes in folio ; and it appears, by a letter of lord Burleigh's, that there were then six volumes of Cran- mer's collections in his hands. A work of incrediblcl a- bour, but vast utility. A short time after this, he gave a shining proof of his sincere and dibintcrested constancy, by his noble opposi- tion to what are commonly called king Henry's six bloody articles.^ However, he weathered the storm ; and pub- * By these, none were allowed to speak a.^ainst transubstanllation on pain of of being- burned as heretics, and forfeiting tlieir jroods and chattels, as in case tff treason. It was also tlierebv made felony, and forfeiture of lands and goods^ 3 c 378 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. lished, with an incomparable preface, written by him- self, the larger bible ; six of which, even Bonner, then newly consecrated bishop of London, caused to be fixed for the perusal of the people, in his cathedral of St. Paul's. The enemies of the reformation, however, were rest- less : and Henry, alas ! was no protestant in his heart. Cromwell fell a sacrifice to them ; and they aimed every possible shaft at Cranmcr. Gardner, in particular, was indefatigable : he caused him to be accused ia parlia- ment, and several lords of the privy council, moved the king to commit the archbishop to the tower. Tiie king perceived their malice ; and one evening, on pretence of diverting himself on the water, ordered his barge to be rowed to Lambeth side. The archbishop, being in- formed of it, came down to pay his res])ects, and was ordered, by the king, to come into the barge and sit close by him. Henry made him acquainted with the ac- cusations of heresy, faction, &c. which were laid against him ; and spoke of his opposition to the six articles. The archbishop modestly replied, that he could not but ackiiowledge himself to be of the same opinion, with res- pect to them ; but was not conscious of having offend- ed against them. The king then putting on an air of pleasantry, asked him, if his bed-chamber could stand the test of these articles ? The archbishop confessed, that he was married in Germany, before his promotion ; but as- sured the king, that on the passing of that act, he had parted with his wife, and sent her abroad to her friends. His ma- jesty the king was so charmed with his openness and in- tegrity, that he discovered the whole plot that was laid a- gainst him ; and gave him a ring of great value to pro- duce upon any future emergency. A few days after this, Cranmer's enemies summoned him to appear before the council. He accordingly attend- ed, when they suffered him to wait in the lobby, amongst the footmen, treated him, on his admission, with haughty contempt, and would have sent him to the tower. But to defend the communion in both kiiids, or marriage of the clergy, or of those who had vowed celibacy : or to speak against private masses and auricular confession. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 379 lie produced the ring ; and grained his enemies a severe reprimand from Henry, and himself the highest degree of security and favour. On this occasion, he shewed that lenity and mildness for which, he was always so much distinguished : he nev- er persecuted any of his enemies. But, on the contrary, freely forgave even the inveterate Gardner, on his writ- ing a supplicatory letter to him for that purpose. The same lenity he shewed towards Dr. Thornton, the suf- fragan of Dover, and Dr. Barber, who, though entertained in his family, entrusted with his secrets, and indebt- ed to him for many favours, had ungratefully conspired with Gardner to take away his life. When Cranmer lirst discovered their treachery he took them aside into his study, and telling them, that he had been basely and falsely accused by some, in whom he had always reposed the greatest confidence, desired them to advise him how he sho^ild behave himself towards them. They not suspecting themselves concerned in the question, replied, that such vile, abandoned villains, ought to be prosecuted with the greatest rigour ; nav, deserved to die, without mercy. At this, the archbishop, lifting up his hands to Heaven, cried out, ** merciful God ! whom may a man trust ?" And then taking out of his bosom the letters, by which he had discovered their treachery, asked ti.em, if they knew those papers ? When they savv their own letters produced against them, they were in the utmost confusion , and falling down upon their knees, humbly sued forgiveness. The archbishop told them, '* that he forgave them, and would pray for them ; but that they must not expect him ever to trust them for the future." He was condemned for treason, and pardoned; but, to gratify Gardner^s malice, and her own implacable re- resentment against him for her mother's divorce, Mary gave orders to proceed against him for heresy. His friends, who foresaw the storm, had advised him to consult his safety, by retiring beyond sea ; but he chose rather to continue steady to the cause, which he had so nobly supported hitherto ; and preferred the probability |B8$ PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. of sealing his testimony with his blood, to an ignomin- ious and dishonourable flight. The tower was crowded with prisoners ; insomuch that Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, and Bradford, were all put intoonec hamber; which they were so far from think- ing an inconvenience, that, on the contrary, they bless- ed God for the opportunity of conversing together ; reading, and comparing the scriptures, confirming them- selves in the true faith, and mutually exhorting each other to constancy in professing it, and patience in suf- fering for it. Happy society! blessed martyrs ! rather to be envied, than the purpled tyrant, with the sword deep-drenched in blood, though encircled with all the pomp and pageantry of power ! In the month called April, 1554, the archbishop, with bishops Ridley and Latimer, was removed from the tower to Windsor, and from thence to Oxford, to dis- pute with some select persons of both universities. But, alas ! what farces are disputations, where the fate of men is fixed, and every word is misunderstood ! And such was the case here: for, on the 20th of the month called April, Cranmer was brought to St. Mary's, be- fore the queen's commissioners, and refusing to sub- scribe to the po]:ish articles, he w^as pronounced a he- retic, and sentence of condemation was passed upon him. Upon which, he told them, that he appealed from their unjust sentence to that of the Almighty ; and that he trusted to be received into his presence in heaven for maintaining the truth, as set forth in his most holy gospel. After this, his servants were dismissed from their at- tendance, and himself closely confined in Bocardo, the prison of the city of Oxford. But this sentence being void in law, as the pope's authority was wanting, anew commission was sent from Rome, in 1555 ; and in St. Mary's church, at the high altar, the court sat, and tried the already. condemned Cranmer. He was here well pigh too strong for his judges ; and, if reason and truth l^oyld have prevailed, there would have been no doubt? ^hQ should have beei;i acquitted, and who condemned. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 381 In the month called February, follovA ing, a new com- mission was given to bishop Bonner and bishop Thirl- by, for the degradation of the archbisl.op. Wi;en they came down to Oxford, he was brought before them ; and after they had read their commission from the pope, (lor not appearing before ^vhGm in person, as they had cit^d him, he was declared contumacious, though they them- selves had kept him a close prisoner) Bonner, in a scur- rilous oration, insulted him in the most unchristian manner, for which, he was often rebuked by bishop Thirlby, who wept, and declared, it the most sorrowful scene he had ever beheld in his whole life. In the com- mission, it was declared, that the cause had been im- partially heard at Rome ; the whnesscs on both sides examined, and th.e archbishop's counsel allowed to make the best defence for him they could. At the reading of this, the archbishop could not help crying out, ''good God! what lies are these ; that 1, being continually in prison, and not suffered to have counsel or advocate at home, should produce witnesses, and appoint my counsel at Rome ! God must needs punish this shameless and open lying !" When Bonner had finished his invective, they pro- ceeded to degrade him ; and that they might make him as ridiculous as they could, the episcopal habit, w hich they put on him, was made of canvas and old riigs. Bonner, in the mean time, by way of triumph aiid mockery, calling him Mr. Canterbury, and tlie like. He bore all this treatment with his wonted fortitude and patience ; told them " the degradation gave him no concern, for he had long despised those ornaments :" but when they came to take away his ci osier, he held it fast, and delivered his appeal to Thirlby, saying, " I appeal to the next general council." When they had stripped him of all his habits, they put on him a poor yeoman- beadle's gown, thread-bare and ill-shaped, and a townsman's cap ; and, in this man- ner, delivered him to the secular power to be canied back to prison, where he was kept entirel} destitute of money, and totally secluded from his friends. Nay, 382 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. such was the iniquity of the times, that a gentleman was taken into custody by Bonner, and narrowly escaped a trial, for giving the poor archbishop money to buy him a dinner. Cranmer had now been imprisoned almost three years, and death should have soon followed his sentence and degradation : but his cruel enemies reserved him for greater misery and insult. Every engine that could be thought of, was employed to shake his constancy ; but he held fast to the profession of his faith. Nay, even when he saw the barbarous martyrdom of his dear com- panions, Ridley and Latimer, he was so far from shrinking, that he not only prayed to God to strengthen them, but, also, by their example, to animate him to a patient ex- pectation and endurance of the same fiery trial. The papists, after trying various severe ways to bring Cranmer over, without effect, at lengdi determined to try what gentle methods would do. They accordingly removed him from prison to the lodgings of the dean of Christ-church, where they urged every persuasive and affecting argument to make him deviate from his faith ; and, indeed, too much melted his gentle nature, by the false sunshine of pretended civihty and respect. The unfortunate prelate, however, withstood every temptation, at which, his enemies were so much irritated, that they removed him from the dean's lodgings to the most loathsome part of the prison in which he had been confined, and then treated him with uncommon severity. This was more than the infirmities of so old a man could support : the frailty of human nature prevailed ; and he was induced to sign six difterent recantations, drawn from him by the malice and artifice of his ene- mies. This, however, did not satisfy them./rhey were deter- mined not to spare his life. Nothing less than his death could satiate the gloomy queen, who said, that *' as he had been the promoter of heresy, which had corrupted the whole nation, the abjuration, which was sufficient in other cases, should not serve his turn ; for she was resolved he should be burned.'^ Accordingly, she sent PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 383 orders to Dr. Cole, to prepare a sermon on the occasion of his death, which was fixed to be on the 21st of the month called March. The archbishop had no suspicion that such would be his fate, after what he had done ; but he soon found his mistake. The papists, determined to carry their resentment to the most extravagant length, thought to inflict a farther punishment on him, by obliging him to read his recanta- tion publicly in St. Mary's church ; and on this, they proposed to triumph in his death : but their base inten- tions were happily frustrated. On the morning of the day appointed for his execu- , cution, he was conducted between two friars to St. Ma- ry's church. As soon as he entered, Dr. Cole mounted the pulpit, and the archbishop was placed opposite to it, on a low scaffold, a spectacle of scorn and contempt to the people. Cole magnified his conversion as the immediate work of God's inspiration; exhorted him to bear up with resolution against the terrors of death ; and, by the ex- ample of the thief on the cross, encouraged him not to despair, since he was returned, though late, into the bosom of the church. He also assured him, that dirges and masses should be said for his soul in all the churches of Oxford. As soon as the archbishop perceived, from Cole's ser- mon, what was the bloody decree, struck with horror at the base inhumanity of such proceedings, he gave, by all his gestures, a full proof of the deep anguish of his soul. At length, being called upon by Cole to declare his faith and reconciliation with the catholic church, he rose with all possible dignity ; and, while the audience was wrapped in the most profound expectation, he kneeled down, and repeated the following words : " O Father of Heaven ! O Son of God, Redeemer of the'^world ! O Holy Ghost ! proceeding from them both ; three persons, and one God, have mercy upon me, most wretched and miserable sinner ! I, who have offended 384 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS; both Heaven and earth, and more grievously than any tongue can express, whither then may I go, or where shall I fly for succour? To Heaven, I may be ashamed to lift up my eyes ; and in earth, I find no refuge ; what shall I then do ? Shall I despair ? God forbid I O good God, thou art merciful ! and refusest none who come to thee for succour : to thee, therefore, do I run : to thee do I humble myself, saying, O Lord God, my sins are great, but yet have mercy upon me, for thy gre;it mercy ! O God, the Son, thou wast not made man, this great mystery was not wrought for few, or small offences ! nor didst thou give thy Son unto death, O God the Father, for our little and small sins only, but for all the greatest sins of the world : so the sinner return unto thee, with a penitent heart, as I do here at this present ; wherefore, have mercy upon me, O Lord ! whose prop- erty is always to have mercy : for although my Mns be great, yet thy mercy is greater! I crave nothing, O Lord! for my own merits, but for thy name's sake, that it may be glorified thereby, and for thy dear Son, Jesus Christ's sake, and now, therefore, Our Father, &c." He then rose up, exhorted the people to a contempt of this world, to obedience to their sovereign, and to mutual love and charity. He told them, that being now on the brink of eternity, he would declare unto them his fi\ith, without reserve or dissimulation : he then re- peated the apostle's creed, and professed his belief thereof, and of all things contained in the Old and New Testament. By speaking thus in general terms, the attention of the audience was kept up ; but amazement continued that attention, when they heard him, instead of reading his re- cantation, declare his great and unfeigned repentance, for having ht:en induced to subscribe the popish errors : he lamennted, with many tears, his greivous fall, and declar- ed that the hand which had so offended, should be burned before the rest of his body. He then renounced the pope in most express terms, and professed his belief concerning the eucharist to be tlie ffERSECUTJED BY THE PAPISTS. 385 ^same, with what he had asserted in his book against Gard- ner. This was a great disappointment to the papists : they made loud clamours, and charged him with hypocrisy and falsehood : to which, he meekly replied, *' that he was a plain man, and never had acted the hypocrite, but when he was seduc<.d by them to a recantation." He would have gone on further, but Cole cried, *' stop the heretic's mouth, and take him away." Upon this, the monks and friars rudely pulled him from the scaftbid, and hurried him away to the stake, (where Ridley and Latimer had before been offered up) which was at the north of the city, in the ditch opposite Baliol •ollege. Bui, if his enemies were disappointed by his behaviour in the church, they were doubly so by that at the stake. He approached it with a cheerful countenance ; prayvd, and undressed himself ; his shirt was made long, down to his feet, which were bare, as was his head, where a hair could not be seen. His beard was so long and thick, that it covered his flice with wonderful gravity ; and his rever- end countenance moved the hearts both of friends and enemies. The friars tormented him with their admonitions ; while Cranmer gave his hand to several old men, who stood by, bidding them farewell. When he was chained to the stake, and the fire kin- dled, he seemed superior to all sensation but that of piety. He stretched out the offending hand to the flame, which was seen burning for some time before the fire came to any other part of his body ; nor did he draw it back, but once to wipe his face, till it was entirely consumed : sayiug often, " this unworthy hand, this hand hath offended;" and, raising up his eyes to heaven, he expired, with the dying prayer of St. Stephen in his mouth, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit !" He burned, to all appearance, without pain or motion ; and seemed to repel the torture by mere strength of mind, shewing a repentance and fortitude, which ought to can- cel all reproach of timidity in his lift;, 3 i> 386 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Thus died ai'chbishop Cranmer, in the sixty- seventh year of his age, and the twenty-third of his primacy ; leav- ing an only son, of his own name, behind him. He was a man, naturally of a mild and gentle temper ; not soon provoked, and yet so easy to forgive, that it be- came a kind of proverb concerning him, '* do my lord of Canterbury a shrewd turn, and he will be your friend as long as you live." His candour and sincerity, meekness and humility, were admired by all who conversed with him : but the queen could not forgive his zeal for the reformation, nor his divorce of her mother, and therefore, she brought him to the stake ; which has justly numbered him amongst the noblest martyrs who suffered for the truth of the gospel. He may truly be ranked with the greatest primitive bishops, and the fathers of the very first class, who were men as well as himself; and, therefore, if in a scrutiny of theirs, or of his character, some infirmities and imperfec- tions may appear, we may learn to make a wise and mor- al improvement by them. His learning was great, and his endeavour to encourage it greater. To him, under God, \vc are indebted for the great blessing we enjoy of reforma- tion, of which, he was the pillar and ornament: and, while w^e repeat the liturgy, and hear the bible in our congrega- tions, so long shall we venerate the name of archbishop Canmer. Cranmer' s labours were well seconded by Ridley, Lati- mer, and Hooper, ^^^ho were his fellow -martyrs in the cause of reformation : but the characters of this illustrious quadriumvirate differed one from the other. Cranmer was most respected ; Latimer was most followed ; Ridley best esteemed ; and Hooper most beloved. The art and ad- dress of Cranmer, proved a happy balance to the zeal of Latimer ; w^hile the relaxed notions of Hooper, were temp- ered by the virtu ^^ and wisdom of Ridley. Cranmer, during his imprisonment, wrote a great num- ber of letters to different persons, whom he knew to i>e professors of Christ's gospel. Amongst, these we shall preserve the following : PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 587 A letter from archbishop Cranmer, to TJilkinson^ ex- horting her tojiy in the time of persecution. * " The true comforter in all distress, is onh^ God, through his Son Jesus Christ ; and whosoever liath him, hath company enough, if he were in a wilderness all alone ; and he that hath twenty thousand in his company, if God be absent, is in a miserable wilderness and desolation. — In him is all comfort, and without him is none. Where- fore, I beseech you, seek your dwelling there, where you may truly and rightly serve God, and dwell in him, and have him ever dwelling in you. What can be so heavy a burden as an unquiet conscience, to be in such a place as a man cannot be suffered to serve God in Christ's religion ? If you be loth to depart from your kindred and friends, re- member that Christ calleth them his mother, sisters, and brothers, that do his Father's will. Where we find, there- fore, God truly honoured according to his will, there we can lack neither friend nor kindred. '^ If you be loth to depart for the slander of God's word, remember that Christ, when his hour was not yet come, departed out of his country into Samaria, to avoid the mal- ice of the scribes and pharisees ; and commanded his a- postles, if they were pursued in one place, they should fly to another. And was iiot Paul let down by a basket out at a window, to avoid the persecution of Aretas ? And what wisdom and policy he used, from time to time, to es- cape the malice of his enemies, the acts of the apostles do declare. And, after the same sort, did the other apostles, albeit, when it came to such a jjoint, that they could no longer escape danger of die persecutors of God's true re- ligion, then they shewed, themselves, that the}' flying be- fore came not of fear, but of godly wisdom to do more good ; and that they w^ould not rashly, without urgent ne- cessity, ofter themselves to death, which had been but a temptation of God. Yea, when they were apprehended, and could no longer avoid, then they stood boldly to the profession of Christ ; then they shewed how little they pas- sed of death ; how much thev feared God more than $88 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. men ; how much they loved and preferred the eternal life to come above this short and miserable life. " Wherefore, I exhort you, as well by Christ's command- ment, as by the example of him and his apostles, to with* draw yourself from the maUce of yours and God's ene- mies, into some place where God is most purely served ; which is no slandering of the truth, but a preserving of yourself to God, and the truth, and to the society, and comfort of Christ's little flock. And that you will do, do it with speed, lest, by your own folly, you fall into the persecutor's hands. And the Lord send his holy spirit to lead and guide you wheresoever you go ; and all that be godly will say, Amen." The Martyrdoms of Agnes Pott en ^ and Joan Trunchfield ; who were both burnt together at Ipswich, in Suffolk, These two advocates and sufferers for the pure gospel of Christ, lived in the town of Ipswich, in the county of Suffolk. Being both apprehended on an information of heresy, they were brought before the bishop of Norwich ; who examined them concerning their religion in general, find their faith in the corporeal presence of Christ, in ^the sacrament of the altar in particular. With respect to the latter article, they both delivered it as their opinion, that in the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- per, there w^as represented the memorial only of Christ's death and passion, saying, that, according to the scriptures, he was ascended up into Heaven, and sat at the right hand of God the Father ; and, therefore, his body could not be really and substantially in the sacrament. A few days after this, they were again examined by the bishop, when both of them still continuing steadfast in the profession of their faith, sentence was pronounced a- gainst them as heretics, and they were delivered over to the secular power. On the day appointed for their execution, which was in the month called March, 1556, they were both led to the tetake, and burnt in the town of Ipswich. Their constant PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 389 cy was admired by the multitude who saw them suffer ; for as they undr^ ssed and prepai ed themselves for the fire, they earnestly exhorted the people to believe only in the unerring word of the only living and true God, and not re- gard the devices and inventions of men. They both openly declared, that they despised the errors and superstitions of the church of Rome, and most pa- tiently submitted to the acute torments of devouring flames, calling upon the God of their salvation, and triumphing in being deemed worthy to suffer for the glorious cause of Jesus Christ, their Lord and master. The persecution and Martyrdoms of Richard Spurge Thom- as Spurge John Cavill, and Geoi'ge Ambrose^ laymen; and Robert Drake^ and William Tims^ ministers. These six pious christians resided in the county of Essex, and diocess of London. Being accused of heresy, they were all apprehended, and sent by lord Rich, and other commissioners, at different times, to bishop Gardner, lord Chancellor of England ; who, after a short examina- tion, sent the four first to the Marshalsea prison in the Bor- ough, and the two last to the king's bench, where they con- tinued during the space of a whole year, till the death of bishop Gardner. When Dr. Heath, archbishop of York, succeeded to the chancellorship, four of these persecuted brethren, namely, Richard and Thomas Spurg, John Cavill and George Ambrose, weary of their tedious confinement, pre- sented a petition to the lord chancellor, subscribing their names, and requesting his interest for their enlargement. A short time after the delivery of this petition, sir Rich- ard Read, one of the officers of ihe court of chancery, was sent by the chancellor to the Marshalsea to examine them. Richard Spurg, the first who passed examination, being asked the cause of his imprisonment, replied, that he, with several others, being complained of, by the minister of Booking, for not coming to their parish cliurch, to lord .390 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Rich, was thereupon sent up to London by his lordship, to be examined by the late chancellor. He acknowledged, that he had not been at church since the English service was changed into Latin (except on Christmas day was twelve months) because he disliked the same, and the mass also, as not agreeable to God's holy- word. He then desired, that he might be no farther examined concerning this matter, until it pleased the present chan- cellor to inquire his faith concerning the same, which he was ready to deliver. Thomas Spurg, on his examination, answered to the same efieet with the other, confessing that he absented him- . self from church, because the word of God was not then truly taught, nor the sacraments of Christ duly adminis- tered, as prescribed by the same word. Being farther examined, touching his faith in the sacra- ment of the altar, he said, that, if he stood accused in that particular, he would answer as God had given him knowl- edge, which he should do at another opportunity. John Cavill, likewise agreed in the chief particulars with his brethren ; but farther said, the cause of his absenting himselffrom the church was, that the minister there had advanced two doctrines, contrary to each other ; for, first, in a sermon he delivered when the queen came to the croAvn, he exhorted the people to believe the gospel, de- claring it to be the truth ; and, if they believed it not, they would be damned; and that, secondly, in a future dis-^ course, he declared that the New Testament was flilse in forty places, which contrariety gave him much disgust, and was among other things the cause of his absenting him- self from church. George Ambrose answered to the same effect, adding moreover, that after he had read the late bishop of Win- chester's book, entitled, De Vera Obediential with bishop Bonner's preface thereunto annexed, both inveighing against the authority of the bishop of Rome, he esteemed their principles more lightly than he had done before. Robert Drake was a minister of Thundersly, in Essex, tt) which living, he had been presented V/ lord Ricli, in PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 39! the reign of Edward VI, when he w:is ordamed priest by Dr. Ridley, then bishop of London, accorduig to the re- fornied EngUsh service for ordination. On the accession of queen Mary to the throne of Eng- land, he was sent for by Gardner, bishop of Winchester, who demanded of him, whether he would conform, like a good subject, to the laws of the realm then in force. He answered, that he would abide by those laws that were agreeable to the law of God ; upon which, he w^as immedi- ately committed to prison. William Tims was a deacon and curate of Hockley, in Essex, in the reign of Edward VI, but being dc})rived of his living, soon after the death of that monarch, he abscond- ed, iind privately preached in a neighbouring wood, whither many of his fiock attended to hear the word of God. In consequence of these proceedings, he was apprehend- ed by one of the constables, and sent up to the bishop of London, by whom he was referred to Gardner, bishop of Winchester, and lord-ckmccllor, who committed him to the king's Bench prison. A short time after his confinement, he (with the others before mentioned) was ordered to appear before the bishop e)f London, who questioned them in the usual mimner, con- ctrning their faith in the sacrament of the altar. Tims answered, that the body of Christ was not hi the sacrament of the altar, really and corporeall}^, after the Avords of consecration spoken by the priest ; and that he had been a long time of that opinion, ever since it had pleased God, of his infinite mercy, tc^ call him to the true knowledge of the gospel of his grace. On the 28th of the month called March, 1556, these six persons were all brought into the consistory -court, in St. Paul's church, before the bisliop of London, in order to be examined, for the last time; who assured them, that if they did not submit to the church of Rome, they should be con- demned for heresy. The bishop began his examination with Tims, whom he called the ringleader of the others. He told him, that he had taught th«m heresies, confirmed them in their crro- 39f PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, neous opinions, and endeavoured, as far as in him lay, to render them as abominable as himself; with many other accusations equally false and opprobrious. He was then asked by the bishop, what he had to say in his own vindication, in order to prevent him from pro- ceeding against him as his ordinary. To which, he replied as follows : " My lord, I am astonished, that you should begin your charge with a falsehood ; you aver, that I am the ringlead- er of the company now brought before you, and have taught them principles contrary to the Romish church, since we have been in confinement ; but the injustice of this declaration will soon appear, if you will inquire of these my brethren, whether, when at liberty, and out of prison, they dissented not from popish principles as much as they do at present ; such inquiry, I presume, will render it evident, that they learned not their religion in prison. " For my own part, I declare, I never knew them, till such time as I became their fellow- prisoner : how then could I be their ring-leader and teacher ? With respect to the charge alleged against me, a charge which you en- deavour to aggravate to the highest degree, whatever opin- ion you maintain concerning me, I am well assured, Ihold no other religion than what Christ preached, the apostles witnessed, the primitive church received, and of Lite the apostolical and evangelical preachers of this realm have faithfully taught, and for which you have cruelly caused them to be burnt, and now seek to treat us with the like inhuman severity. I acknowledge you to be my ordina- ry." The bishop, finding it necessary to come to a point with him, demanded, if he would submit himself to the holy mother-church, promising, that if he did, he should be kindly received ; and threatening, at the same time, that if he did not, judgment should be pronounced against him as a heretic. In answer to this, Tims told his lordship, he was well l^ersuaded, that he was within the pale of the c stholic church, whatever he might think ; and reminded him, that he had most solemnly abjured that very church to which PERSECUTED BY THE TAPISTSb 39;5 lie Since professed such strenuous allegiance ; and thatp contrary to his oath, he again admitted, in this realm, the authority of the pope, and was, therefore, perjured and and forsworn in the highest degree. He also recalled to his memory, that he had spoken with great force and per- spicuity against the usurped power of the pope, though he afterwards sentenced persons to be burnt, because they would not acknowledge the pope to be the supreme head of the church. To this, Bonner sternly demanded, what he had written against the church of Rome ? Tims pertinently answeredj " my lord, the late bishop of Winchester, wrote a very learned treatise, entitled, De vera Obediential which contains many solid arguments against the papal supremacy : to this book, you wrote a preface, strongly inveighing against the bishop of Rome, reproving his tyranny and usurpation, and shewing that his power was ill-founded, and contrary both to the will of God, and the real interest of mankind." The bishop, struck with the poignancy of this reproof, evasively told him, that the bishop of Winchester wrote a book against the supremacy of the pope's holiness, and he WTote a preface to the same book, tending to the same purpose : but that the cause of the same arose not from their disregard to his holiness, but because it was then deemed treason by the laws of the realm to mamtain the pope's authoiity in England. He also observed, that at such time, it was dangerous to profess to favour the church of Rome, and, therefore, feai; compelled them to comply with the prevailing opinions of the times : for if any person had conscientiously acknowl- edged the pope's authority in those days, he would have been put to death : but that since the queen's happy ac- cession to the throne, they might boklly speak the dictates of their consciences ; and farther reminded him, that as my lord of ^Vinchester was not ashamed to recant his errors at St. Paul's cross, and that he himself had done the same, every inferior clei'gyman should follow the exam])le '^nv« superiors, 3f 594 TERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Tims, Still persisting in the vindication of his own con- duct, and reprehension of that of the bishop, again replied, " my lord, that which you have written against the supre- macy of the pope may be well proved from scripture to be true ; that w hich you now do is contrary to the word of God, as I can sufficiently prove.'* Bonner, after much further conversation, proceeded to form of law, causing his articles, with the respective an- swers to each, to be publicly read in court. Tims acknowledged only two sacraments. Baptism and the Lord's Supper ; commended the bishop of Winches- ter's book, Devera O^^e'^/V/z^f^, and the bishop of London's preface to the same. He declared, that the mass w^as blas- phemy of Christ's passion and death ; that Christ is not corporeally but spiritually present in the sacrament, and that as they used it, it was an abominable idol. Bonner exhorted him to revoke his errors and heresies, conform to the church of Rome, and not abide so strenu- ously by the literal sense of the scripture, but use the inter, pretation of the fathers. Our martyr frankly declared, he would not conform thereunto, notwithstanding the execrations denounced against him by the church of Rome, and demanded of the bishop what he had to support the doctrine of the real pre- sence of Christ in the sacrament of the altar, but the bare letter of scripture ? On the bishop's replying, the authority of the holy cath- olic church, Tims informed him, that he had the popish church, for which he was perjured and forsworn, declaring that the see of Rome w^as the see of antichrist, and, there- fore, he would never consent to yield obedience to the same. The bishop, finding Tims so inflexible in his adherence to the faith, professed that every attempt to draw him from it w^as vain and fruitless, read his definitive sentence, and he was delivered over to the secular power. Bonner then used the same measures with Drake as he had done with Tims ; but Drake frankly declared, that he denied the church of Rome, with all the works thereof, even as he denied the devil, and all his vvorksfi '(^ / PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 395 The bishop, perceiving all his exhortations fruitless, pronounced sentence of condemnation and he was im- mediately delivered into the custody of the s!k riffs. After this, Thomas and Richard Spurg, George Am- brose, and John Cavill, were several!}^ asked, if they would forsake their heresies, and return to the catholic church. They all refused consenting to the church of Rome ; but said, they were willing to adhere to the true catholic church, and continue in the same. Bonner then read their several definitive sentences, after which, he committed them to the custody of the sheriffs of London, by whom they were conducted to Newgate. On the 14th of the month called April, 1556, the day appointed for the execution, they were led to Smith- field, where they were all chained to the same stake, and burnt in one fire, patiently submitting themselves to the flames, and resigning their souls into the hands of that glorious Redeemer, for whose sake, they delivered their bodies to be burned. Tims, during his imprisonment, wrote a great number of letters and epistles to his friends and brethren in the cause of Christ ; among which, we shall preserve the fol- lowing : A letter Jr 0771 JFUliatTi Ti77is, to his frmids in Hockley^ " The grace of God the Father, through the merits of his dear Son J-esus, our Lord and only Saviour, with the continual aid of his holy and misfhty spirit, to the per- formance of his will, to our everlasting comfort be with you, my dear brethren, both now and evermore. Amen. " My dearly beloved, I beseech God to reward the. great goodness that you have shewed unto me, seven- fold into your bosoms ; and as you have always had a most godly love unto this word, even so I beseech him to give you grace to love your own souls, and then. I trust, you will flee from all those things that should dis- please our ^0L;!>.4Uid merciful God, and hate, and abhor 396 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. all the company of those that would lave you to worship God, any otherwise than is contained in his holy word. And beware of those masters of idolatry, that is, these papistical priests. My dear brethren, for the tender mer- cy of God, remember well what I have said unto you, and also written, whiph 1 am now ready to seal with my blood. I praise God that ever I lived to see the day, and blessed be my good and merciful God, that ever he gave me a body to glorify his name. And^ dear hearts, I do now write unto you for none other cause, but to put you in remembrance that 1 have not forgotten you, to the end that I would not have you forget me, but to remem'- ber iveil what I have simply, by word of mouth, and writ- ino-, taught you. Which, although it were not simply done, yet truly, as your own conscience beareth me record; and, ti erefore, in any case take good heed, that you do not that thing which your own conscience doth condemn. Therefore /come out of Sodom, and goto heaven- ward, \vkh the servants and martvrs of God, lest you be parta- kers of die vengeance of God ti-at is commg upon this wicked nation, from which the Lord God defend you, and send us a joyful meeting in the kingdom of heaven : unto which, God bring you all, Amen. Thus now, I take my leave of you for ever in this world, except I b« burned amongst you, which thing is uncertain unto me as yet. By me. Your poorest and most Unworthy brother in Christ, W. Tims.'' Nexvgate^ Jpril 12, The examinations and MarUjrdoms of Joan Beach^ wid- ow^ of Tiirnbriclge ; and John Harpole, of the city of Rochester, Ine-qrmation being laid against these two persons for heresy, they were apprehended, and, by the magistrates of the respective places where they livt^4 committed to \ PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 397 prison. After being some time in confinement, they were separately examined before Maurice, bishop of Rochester, their diocessian. Joan Beach was first taken before the bishop for ex- amination, when the following articles were exhibited a- gainst her : i. That living in the parish of Tunbridge, she be- longed to the diocess of Rochester. This she granted. 2. That all pf ople who preach, teach, believe, or say otherwise, or contrary to their mother, the holy catholic churc'.j, are excommunicated persons and heretics. This she acknowledged to be true, but added withal, that nevertheless, she believed not the holy catholic church to be her mother, but believed only the Father of Heaven, to be her Father. 3. That she had affirmed, and did affirm, maintain, and believe, contrary to the said mother church of Christ, that in the blessed sacrament of the altar, under form of bread and wine, there are not the very body and blood of our Saviour Christ in substance, but only a token and memorial thereof ; and that the very body and blood of Christ are in Heaven, and not in the sacrament. 4. That Christ being in Heaven, could not be in the sacrament. To this, she answered, that she had, and did verily be- lieve, hold, and affirm, in the sacrament of the altar, un^ der the forms of bread and wine, there were not the ve- ry blood of our Saviour in substance, but only a token and remembrance of his death to the faithful receiver, and that his body and substance are only in Heaven, and not in the sacrament. 5. That she had been, and then was, among the par- ishioners of Tunbridge, noted and strongly suspected of being a sacramentary and an heretic. To this, she answered, that she did not know how she had been, or was reputed amongst the parishi(jners of Tunbridge, nor was their opinion of any avail to her im- mortal state. 398 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The bishop finding her inflexible in the faith she pro- fessed, strongly urged her to preserve her life by re- nouncing her errors ; which she peremptorily refusing, he pronounced sentence on her, and she was delivered o- ver to the secular power. John Harpole, being next examined before the same bishop, articles of a similar nature were exhibited a- gainst him, as his fvllovv^ sufferer, Joan Beach. His answers to ail of them were much to the same im- port vj'nh hers : upon which, the bishop pronounced sen- tence of death on him in the usual form. These two faithful followers of Christ, were burnt to- gether in one fire, in the city of Rochester, about the lat- ter end of the month called April, 1556. They embra- ced each other at the stake, and cheerfully resigned their souls into the hands of their Redeemer ; after repeated- ly singing hallelujahs to the praise and glory of his name. The persecution and sufferings of Christopher Lister^ John MacCy John Spencer^ Simon Joyn^ Richard Nich- olsy and John Hamniond ; -who were all burnt together at Colchester, in Essex, for professing the truth of the gospel. These six persons being all apprehended on a charge of heresy, were brought before bishop Bonner, at his palace, at Fulham ; where articles were exhibited against them of the same nature, and in the usual form, as those against others on the like occasion. 1. To the first article, namely, that there was one holy catholic church on earth, in which the religion and faith of Christ are truly professed, they all consented and a- greed ; but John Spencer added, that the church of Rome was no part of Christ's catholic church. 2. To the second, concerning the seven sacraments, they answered, that in the true catholic church of Christ, there are but two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's supper. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 399^ 3. To the third, they unanimously agreed and confess- ed, they were baptized in the faith and belief of the cath- olic church, and that their godfliihers and godmothers had promised and professsed for them, as contained in the article administered. 4. To the fourth article, concerning their continuance in the faith and profession in which they were baptized, they agreed, that the} did so continue ; Nichols observ- ed, that he had more plainly learned the truth of his pro- fession by the doctrine set forth in the days of king Ed- ward VI, that thereupon he had huilt his faith, and would continue the same, by the grace of God, to his life's end. 5. Concerning swerving from the catholic faith, they declared, that they had not swerved, nor departed in the least from the faith of Christ. They unanimously confessed, that they had disapprov- ed of, and spoken against the sacrifice of the mass, and the sacrament of the altar, affirming, that they would not come to hear, nor be partakers thereof ; that they had be- lieved, and then did be'ieve, that they were set forth and used contrary to God's word and glory. They granted also, that they had spoken against the usurped authority of the bishop of Rome, who was an oppressor of the holy church of Christ, and ought not to have any power in England. 6. Concerning their reconciliation to the unity of the church ; they said, that they never refused, nor did then refuse to be reconciled to the unity of Christ's cath- olic church ; but declared, they had, and tiien did, and would forever hereafter, refuse to come to the church of Rome, or to acknowledge the authority of the papal see ; but did utterly abhor the same for rejecting the book of God, the bible, and setting up the mass, with other ridic- ulous and antichristian ceremonies. 7. That disapproving the mass and sacrament 'of tlie altar, they had refused to come to the parish church, Sec. This they all granted, and Simon Joyn added moreo- ver, that the cause wherefore he refused to be partaker of their trumpery, ivas, because the commandments of God 400 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. were there broken, and Christ's ordinances changed^ and the bishop of Rome's ordinance put up in their stead. Christopher Lister affirmed, that in the sacrament of the altar, there is the substance of bread and wine, as well after the words of consecration as before, and that there are not in the same, the very body and blood of Christ, really, substantially, and spiritually, by faith in tne faith- ful receiver, and that the mass is not a propitiatory sac- rifice for the quick and dead, but mere idolatry and abomination. They then said, that they were sent to Colchester pris- on, by the king and queen's commissioners, because they would not come to their parish churches : that what was contained in the premises was true ; and that they belonged to the diocess of London. On the close of this examination, the bishop dismissed them, but ordered them to attend again in the afternoon.^ This order they obeyed, when the articles and answers of the first examination were read to them ; and they res- olutely persisted in the profession they had made. After various endeavous to bring them to recant, with- out the least effect, sentence of death was pronounced a- gainst them, and they were all delivered over to the sec= ular power. The writ for their execution being made out, they were removed to Colchester, where, on the 28th of the month called April, 1556, they were fastened to two stakes, and burnt in one fire. They all cheerfully met their fate, giving glory to God in the midst of the flames, and encouraging others, for the truth of the gospel, to follow their example* The Martyrdoms of Hugh Laverock^ an old decrepit man ; and John Apprice^ a blind man. The former of these martyrs Vv/as by trade a painter,^ and lived in the parish of Barking, in Essex. At the time of his apprehension, Iiq was in the *68th year of his PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 401 age, and very helpless from the natural infirniities of lifco Being, however, accused of heresy by some of the popish emissaries in his neighbourhood, he, with his fellow- sufferer, was taken before Bonner, to be examined with respect to their faith. The bishop laid before them the same articles as men- tioned in the former lives ; and they returned answers to the same effect with other advocates for the truth of the gospel. On the 9th of the month called May, 1556, they wer^ both brought into the consistory-court at St. Paul's^ where their articles and answers were publicly read ; after which, the bishop endeavoured to persuade them to recant their opinions concerning the sacrament of the altar. Hugh Laverock declared, that by the grace of God, he would stand to the profession he had already made, for he could not find the least authority in the word of God, for approving the doctrine of the corporeal presence in the sacrament. The bishop then addressed himself to John AppricCj and demanded what he had to say in his defence ? The honest blind man answered the haughty prelate^ that the doctrine he set forth and taught was so conformable to the world, that it could not be agreeable to the scriptures of God ; and that he was no member of the catholic church of Christ, seeing he made laws to kill men, and made the queen his executioner. The first examination being over, they were, for the present, dismissed, but ordered to appear the next day at the bishop's palace, at Fulham. Being accordingly conducted there, the bishop, after some discourse with them., and finding them steadfast in their faith, pro- nounced the definitive sentence ; when, being delivero ed over to the secular power, they were committed to Newgate. On the 15th of the month called May, they were conveyed to Stratford- le-bow, the place appointed for tl^eir execution- 402 PiSRSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. As soon as they arrived at the stake, Laverock threw away his crutch, and thus addressed his fellow- sufferer : " John Apprice, be of good comfort, brother ; for mvlord of London is our good physician ; he will cure lis both shortly, thee of thy blindness, and me of my lameness." These two steadfast believers in Christ were both chained to one stake. They endured their sufferings with great fortitude, and cheerfully yielded up their lives, in testimony of the truth of their blessed Re- deemer. The sufferings and Martyrdoms of Catharine Hutt^ Joan Hornes^ and Elizabeth ThackvilL These three pious women being apprehended on suspicion of heresy, were carried before sir John Mor- daunt and Edmund' Tyrrel, Esqrs. justices of the peace for the county of Essex, who sent them prisoners to the bishop of London, for not conforming to the order of the church, and not believing the real presence of Christ's body in the sacrament of the altar. Being brought before the bishop, he exhibited to them the articles usual on the occasion ; to v/hich, they an- swered as follows : To the first, concerning their belief, that there was a Catholic church of Christ upon earth, they all assented. To the second, relating to the seven sacraments, they said, they did not. under stand properly what they were. To the third, concerning their baptism, they replied, they believed they were baptized, but knew not what^g^ their godfathers and godmothers promised for them. f To the fourth, about their continuance in the same faith, into which they were baptized, until they arrived at the age of fourteen years, or the age of discretion, without disapproving of the same ; they granted it to be true. To this article, Catharine Hutt observed, that at that time, she did not understand what she professed. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 403 Joan Homes added, diat in the days of king Edward VI, she learned die faith that was then set forth, and still continued in the same ; and would, with God's assistance, continue the remainder of her life. To the fifth article, concerni g the mass, and the sac- rament of the altar, they said, they could discern no ex- cellence in the mass, nor could they believe but that Christ's natural body was in Heaven, and not in the sac- rament of the altar. Concerning the see of Rome, they acknowledged no supremacy in the same, nor would they adhere to it. To the sixth article, on their reconciliation to the church of Rome, they refused to be reconciled to the same. The seventh, on their disapproving the service of the church, and not frequenting their parish church, they ac- knowledged to be true. Catharine Hutt alleged, as the cause of her absenting herself from church, that she neither approved the ser- vice in Latin, the mass, mattins, or even song ; nor were the sacraments used and administered according to God's V ord. She declared moreover, that mass was an idol, neither were the body and blood of Christ in the sacra- ment of the altar, as they compelled persons to believe. To the eighth article, they declared, that they were all sent up to the bishop of London, by sir John Mordaunt and Edmund Tyrrel, Esqj(;.s. justices of the peace for the county of Essex, because they could not believe the presence of Christ's body in the sacrament of the altar, and for absenting diemselves from their parish church. To the ninth article', that they were of the diocess of London, they all assented, except Catherine Hutt, who said, she was of the parish of Bocking, in Essex, which is of the particular jurisdiction of Canterbury, and not under that of the diocess of London. On the 13th of the month called April, they were a- gain brought before the bishop : and the respective arti- cles, with their answers, publicly read in court, in order to their final judgment. 404 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTSr'- Catharine Hutt, being first examined, was required to declare her opinion of the sacrament of the altar, and to return to the catholic faith. To this, she replied, that the sacrament as enforced by the papists, was not truly God, but a dumb god made with men's hands ; upon which, she received sentence of death. Joan Homes was next examined, and being charged, that she did not believe the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, to be Christ himself, said, if you can make your god shed blood, or shew any sign of a true, living body, then will I believe you : but it is bread as to the substance, and that which you call heresy is the manner in wl ich I trust to serve my God to the end of my life. Concerning the bishop and see of Rome, I detest them as abominations, and desire ever to be delivered from the same. In consequence of these answers, sentence of condem- nation was immediately pronounced on her. Elizabeth Thackvill continuing steadfast in her form- er confessions, and refusing to recant, shared the same fate with the other two ; when they were all delivered over to the secular power, and committed to Newgate. On the 16tr of the month called May, the day appoint- ed for their execution, they were conducted to Smith- field, where being all fastened to one stake, and the fag- ots lighted, their bodies were soon consumed, after they had recommended their spirits into the hands of that God, for the truth of whose word, they joyfully suffered death, in hopes of obtaining life everlasting. On the same day these three were executed in Smith- field, two others suiFered at Gloucester, namely, Thom- as Drowry, a blind boy ; and Thomas Croker, a brick- Jay er. They both submitted to their fate with great fortitude ^nd resignation, cheerfully yielding up their souls to him ^ho gave them, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 405 The examinations and sufferings of Thomas Spicer^ John Denny ^ and Edmund Poole, all of the county of Suffolk. These three persons were apprehended by the justices of the county m which they lived, and committed to prison, for not attending mass at their parish church. After being sometime in confinement, they were brought before the chancellor of Norwich, and the regis- ter, who sat at the town of Becclcs, to examine them with respect to their faith. The articles alleged against them were as follows : 1. That they believed not the pope of Rome to be the supreme head immediately under Christ, of the universal catholic church. 2. That they believed not holy bread and holy water, ashes, palms, and other like ceremonies, used in the church to be good and laudable for stirring up the peo- ple to devotion. * 3. That they believed not after the words of conse- cration spoken by the priest, the very natural body of Christ, and no other substance of bread and wine, to be in the sacrament of the altar. 4. That they believed it to be idolatry to worship Christ in the sacrament of tl>e altar. 5. That they took bread and vv ine in remembrance of Christ's passion. 6. That they would not follow the cross in procession, nor be confessed to a priest. They all acknowledged the justness of these articles, in consequence of which, they were condemned by the chancellor, who first endeavoured to reclaim them from their opinions, and bring them over to the church of Rome ; but all his admonitions and exhortations proving ineffectual, he pronounced sentence on them, and they were immediately delivered into the hands of the high- sheriff for the county of Suffolk. On the 21st of the month called May, 155G, these three pious christians were led to the stake in the town of Beccles, amidst, a great number of lamenting specta- tors. As soon as they arrived at the place of execution. 406 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. they devoutly prayed, and repeated the articles of their faith. When they came to that article concerning the holy catholic church, sir John Sillard, the high-sheriff, thus addressed them : " that is well said, sirs ; I am glad to hear you say, you believe the catholic church ; this is the best expression I ever heard from you yet." To this, Pool answered, that though they believed the catholic church, yet they believed not in their popish church, which is no part of Christ's catholic church, and, therefore, no part of their belief. When they arose from prayer, they went joyfully to the stake, and being chained to it, and the fagots lighted, they piaised God with such cheerfulness in the midst of the flames, as astonished the numerous spectators. Soon after they were fastened to the stake, several big- otted papists called to the executioner to throw fagots at them, in order to stop their mouths ; but our martyrs disregai^ling their malice, boldly cofessed the truth with their latest breath, dying, as the} had lived, in certain hopes of a resurrection to life eternal. The Martyrdoms af Thomas Harland., John Oswald^ Thomas Abington^ and Thomas Ready who were all burnt together at Lewes ^ in Sussex. The popish emissaries having laid informations, against these four persons, they were all apprehended on suspi- cion of heresy, and immediately sent to London, to be examined by Bonner, bishop of that diocess, relative to their faith. Thomas Harland being first examined, the bishop ob- jected to his conduct in not attending his parish church : to which, he ans\^ered, that since the mass was restor- ed, he never chose to hear the same, because it was in Latin, which lie did not understand, and, therefore, could not reap any benefit thereby. John Oswald refused to answer any objection, till his accusers were brought face to face before him ; never- theless, he declared, that he was not to be awed into PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 407 any concessions by fear of fire and fagot ; but as the faith- ful ministers of the gospel of Christ, during the reign of khig Edward VI, had suffered and gone before him, he was ready to suffer and follow after them, and would count it his glory and honour so to do. The other two, Abington and Read, said, they abjured all popish superstitions and errors, and that they would ever hold fast to the faith, as it was the pure gospel of Christ. The bishop finding them all resolute, and that they were determined to adhere to their religious opinions, af- ter endeavouring to prevail on them to recant, passed sentence of condemnation on them, and they were imme- diately delivered over to the secular power. After a long confinement in the king's bench prison, they were all sent down to Lewes, in Sussex, where, on the 16th of the month called June, 1556, they were burned together in one fire, praising God for enabling 4hem to bear, with fortitude, the punishment allotted them for professing the truth of his most holy word. On the 20th of the same month, two others suffered at the same place, namely, Thomas Wood, minister ; and Thomas Mills. They both died with christian fortitude, rejoicing and praising God, that he had numbered them among those who freely gave up their miserable existence here, for the truth of the gospel, in hopes of obtaining an everlasting in- heritance in the heavenly mansions. The sufferings and Martyrdoms of Henry Wie. WilUatn Holly well^ Ralph Jackson, Laurence Fern, John Deri- fall, Thomas Bowyer, George Sear Is, Lyon Couch, Hen- ry Adli7iton, John Routh, Edmund Hurst, Elizabeth Pep- er,and Agnes George, 7vho were all burnt together at Stratford' le-bow^ near London, These tliirtecn persons were apprehended in the differ- ent places, where they lived, the greater part of them be- ing inhabitants of the county of Essex ; and were sent, at 408 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. various times, up to London, to be examined by bishop Bonner, concerning thier religious principles. On the 9th of the month called June, they were all brought together before Dr. Darbyshire, the bishops chan- cellor, who, in form of law, administered to them the fol- lowing articles : 1. That there is on earth a catholic church, wherein the religion of Christ is truly professed. To this, they all answered in the affirmative ; but added, that they iDelieved the true faith of Christ was, wherever the word of God was truly preached. 2. That there were seven sacraments. They all answered in the negative ; some affirmed, that in the church of Christ, there were only two sacra- ments, viz. baptism, and the Lord's supper ; others de- sired to believe as the scriptures taught them ; and others refused to reply, not properly understanding these points. 3. That they were baptized in the faith of the catholic church, professing, by their godfathers, &c. the religion of Christ, and to renounce the devil and all his works, &c. To this, they all assented without exception. 4. That when they came to years of discretion, they did not depart from the said profession and faith, and did not disapprove any part thereof for several years. The greater part of them answered in the affirmative. One of the women added, that in the days of king Edward VI, she departed from her old faith and religion, and embraced the gospel of Christ, as it was then taught and set forth. 5. That of late, they had swerved from their former cath- olic faith, and had spoken against the mass, the sacrament of the altar, and authority of the papal see. This, upon the whole, they confessed to be true. One of them said, the mass was of such a nature, that he could not, in his own conscience, believe it to be authorized from God. Another observed, that for nine or ten years past, he could not approve the mass, nor the sacrament of the altar, because they could not be proved from the scrip- ture of truth ; declaring, at the same time, that at the age offourteen, hehadtaken an oath against the authority of IPERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 40S the papal see, and would, by the grace of God, abide firmly by the same* 6. That they refused to be reconciled to the unity of the church, or to confess the lawfulness of the papal see* To this article, they all, except two, answered in the affirmative. Those who refused, said, they did not under- stand the import of the same. The two women added, they refused to be reconciled to the faith and religion that were then used in the realm of England, though they nev- er refused to be reconciled and brought to the unity of the Catholic church of Christ. 7. That disapproving the service of the church, they refused to come to their parish churches, denied the bodi- ly presence of Christ in the sacrament, called the mass an abomination, &c. This was answered, in general, in the affirmative ; but one denied, that he called the mass an abomination, or an idol : another, though he granted the article, confessed his infirmity, that he went to his parish church, and receiv- cd it befjre he was put into prison* 8. This article related to their being brought before the commissioners, and by them sent to the bishop of London ; to which, they answered in the following or- der; Edmund Hurst, Ralph Jackson, and George Searls, an» swered in the affirmative. Henry Wie said, that he was brought before several justices of tiiC peace, in Essex, concerning one Highted, his late master, and thereupon committed to Coichcstei* castle, and from thence, sent to London, to the bishop, for farther examination. William Holly well made the like confession, excepting the circumstance of Highted. John Dcrifall said, he was called before lord Rich, and Midm.iy of Chelmsford ; and by them sent to the bishop of London to be fartlier examined. Thomas Bouyer, said, he was brought before one Wiseman, of Falstead; and by him sent to Colchester cas- tle; and from thence, to the bishop of London, to be fur- ther examined. 3 G 4lO rERSEeuTEn by the PAPisxsr Lyon Couch said, that he was three times brought be^ fore the king and queen's commissioners, and by them sent to the bishop of London. Henry Adiinton said, that coming to Newgate to speak with one Gratvvick, prisoner there for the testi- mony of Jesus Christ, he was apprehended and brought before Dr. Story, and by him sent to the bishop of Lon- don. Agnes George said, that she was committed to prison in Colchester by Maynard, an alderman of the tovvn, for refusing to go to church, and by him sent to the bishop of London. Elizabeth Peper said, that she was apprehended by two constables and an alderman, for refusing to come to church, and by them sent to the bishop of London to be farther examined. 9. That they believed the premises to be true, as con- fessed above, and that they were of the diocess of Lon- don. This was generally agreed to. Elizabeth Peper added, she was of the town of Colchester ; and Agnes George Said, she was of the parish of Barefold. These thirteen persons being thus examined by the bishop of London's chancellor, in open court, persisting in their answers, and refusing to recant, or be reconciled to the church of Rome, had sentence of condemnation pronounced against them ; and being delivered over to the secular power, were all sent to Newgate. Three others were also condemned to die at the same time : but, before the day appointed for their execution, a reprieve was sent them by cardinal Poole. Soon after the condemnation of these pious christians, Dr. Fecknam, dean of St. Paul's, told the audience, in his sermon, that they held as many tenets as there were faces among the whole ; which being represented to them, they drew up the following confession of their faith, to which, they respectively subscribed their names : 1. *' There are but two sacraments in Christ's churchy that is, the sacrament of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. For, in these is contained the fliith of Christ's ~ church ; PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 4U that is, the two testaments, the law and the gospel. The effc ct of the law is repentance, and the effect of the gospel, remission of sins. 2. *' We believe there is a visible church, wherein the word of God is preached, and the holy sacrament truly- administered, visible to the world, although it be not credited, and by the death of saints confirmed, as it was in the time of Elias the prophet, as well as now. 3. *' The see of Rome is the see of antichrist, the con- gregation of the wicked &,c. whereof the pope is head under t! e devil. 4. "' The mass is not only a profanation of the Lord*s Supper, but also a blasphemous idol. 5. *' God is neither spiritually nor corporeally in tlie sacrament of the ahar, and there remaineth no substance in the same, but only the substance of bread and wine. *' For these, the articles of our belief, we being condemn* ed to die, do willingly offer our corruptible bodies to be dissolved in the fire, all with one voice assenting and con- senting thereunto, and, in no point, dissenting or disagree- ing from any of our former articles," Early in the morning of the 28th of the month called June, 1556, being the day appointed for their execution^ they were conducted from Newgate to Stratford-le-bow, tlie place allotted for them to confirm that faith they had professed, and to which they had so strenuously ad- hered. On their arrival at the destined place, the sheriff made use of a stratagem to bring them over to the Romish faith. He divided them into two companies, and placed them in separate apartments. This done, he visited one com- pany, and told them the other had recanted, by which, their lives would be saved ; and exhorted diem to follow their example, and not cast themselves away by their own mere obstinacy. But this scheme failed in its effect ; for they told the sheriff, that their faith was not built on man, but on Christ crucified. The sheriff, finding his project fail with the first party to whom he ai^plied, had recourse to the same with thq 412 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS.' Others, admonishing them to recant like wise men, and not be guilt J of destroying themselves by their own big^ otry and prejudice. But they answered to the same effect as their brethren had done before, assuring the sheriff, that their faith was not built on man, but on Christ, and his infallible uord. They were then brought from their different apart- ments, and ail led together to the place of execution, where they embraced each other ; and, after praying in the most fervent maimer, prepared themselves for their fate, These thirteen steadfast believers in Christ were chain- ed to different stakes, but all burnt together in one fire, shewing such love to each other, firm faith in their Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, that the concourse of spt ctators, assembled on the occasion, were astonish- ed at the undaunted behaviour of so many poor innocents, thus patiently enduring the acutest torments, rather than comply with the errors and superstitions of the church of Homco The sufferings and Martyrdoms of Robert Bernard^ Adam Foster, and Robert Lawson, who tvere burnt at St. fidmund's Bury^ in Suffolk, The first of these martyrs was a poor labourer, and lived in tne parish of Frasden, in the county of Suffolk. Being apprehended by the constable of the parish for not going to church he was brought before Dr. Hopton, bishop of Norwich, who inquired of him, whether he had been with a priest at Easter to confess, or whether he had received the sacrament of the altar. To these questions, Bernard frankly replied, '' No, I ^;ive not been with the priest, nor confessed myself unto bim ; but I have confessed my sins unto Almighty God, and, I trust, be hath forgiven me ; wherefore, I need not go to the priest for such matters, as he cannot forgive his ^Wn sins.^* PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 413 The bishop, after using various ars:uments to go to confession without effect, pronounced him a heretic ; on vvhicli, Bernard said, '' my lord, it grieveth me not one whit to be called a heretic by you, for so your forefathers called the prophets and apostles ' of Christ long before this time." Incensed at this abrupt reply, the bishop arose, and bade Bernard follow him. He then went to the sacra- ment of the altar, to which he kneeled and prayed, and severely reproved Bernard for not doing the same : but our martyr told him, he knew no authority for such be- haviour in the word of God. The bis ' op then addressing him, pointed to the pix over the altar, in which the wafer or host is kept, and said, ^' why, lewd fellow, whom seest thou yonder ?" *' nobody, my lord," replied Bernard. *' Seest thou not thy Maker, varlet ?" demanded the prelate. " My maker!" returned the countryman; '' no, I see nothing but a few clouts hanging together in a heap." This answer so irritated the bishop, that he command- ed the gaoler to take him away, and lay irons enough on him, declaring that he w^ould reduce him to subjection before he had done with him. The next day, he ^vas again brought before the bish- op who asked him, if he retained the same opinions as he professed yesterday. To which, Bernard replied, "yes my lord, I remember myself well, for I am the same man to day that I was yesterday, and hope I shall remain stead- fast to the endofmy life in theprinciplcs I have professed." One of his lordship's attendants being desirous of ex- amining Bernard himself, advised the bishop to avoid giving himself any further trouble, by committing his ex- amination to liim. Having obtained permission so to do, he took Bernard to an inn, where several popish emissaries were assembled. They first used manv fair words, and alluring promises, to persuade him to abjure what they called his heretical opinions. This, however, not taking effect they threatened him with whipping, the stocks, and burning ; but all to no purpose. He told diem, 414 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, *' friends, I am not better than my master, Christ, and the prophets, whom your forefathers served after this sort ; and I, for his sake, am content to suiFer the Hke at your hands, if God should so permit, trusting that he will strengthen me in the same, according to his promise, and and that of his ministers." After this declaration, they took him back to the bish- op, who, according to the usual form of proceeding in the court, condemned him as a heretic, and he was de- livered over to the secular power. Adam Foster lived in the parish of Mendlesham, in the county of Suffolk. He was apprehended in his own house by two constables, at the command of a neigh- bouring justice, for absenting himself from mass, and not receiving the sacrament at Easter. Being taken be- fore the bishop of Norwich, who examined him concern- ing his religious principles, and finding him steadfast in his faith, according to the doctrines set forth in the days of king Edward VI, he condemned him as a heretic, and he was delivered to the secular powder. Robert Lawson, by trade a linen-draper, was appre- hended on the same account as the two former ; and be- ing brought before sir John Tyrrel, he committed him to the prison of Eye, in Suffolk. After laying there a short time, he was conducted to the bishop of Norwich for ex- amination, when holding fast to the principles he had professed, and withstanding every effort made use of by the bishop to bring him to recant, he W'as deemed a heretic, received sentence of death, and was delivered into the hands of the sheriff, in order for execution. On the 30th of the month called June, 1556. these three soldiers of Christ were conducted to St. Edmund's Bury, in Suffolk, where being all fastened to one stake, they made a most triumphant exit, and died in full assurance of happiness hereafter, giving glory to that God who had enabled them to undergo their sufferings for his name's sake. About the same time these three suffered, tliere was one John Fortune, a blacksmith, of the parish of Men- dlesham, in Suffolk, who was several times examined PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 415* by th^ bishop of Norwich, and Others, about the mass^ the sacrament of the ahar, and other points of the Romish religion, which he refuted by texts quoted from scrip- ture. His sentence of condemnation is recorded in the bishop's register ; but whether it was ever carried into execution, we are not informed. The persecutions and sufferings of Julius Palmer fellorb of Magdalen- College, Oxford; John Gw in and riioin- as Askine, who suffered Martyrdom at Newbury^ in Berkshire, Julius Palmer was the son of a respectable mer- chant, and born in the city of Coventry, in the county of Warwick. He received his first education at the free school of that place ; after which, he was sent to Oxford, where, in process of time, he obtained a fellowship in Miigdalen college, in that university. As he was brought up a zealous papist, he refused to conform to the service of the church, as practised in the time of king Edward VI, for which, he was expelled the college ; and, for some time, he kept a school in the city of Oxford. On the accession of queen Mary, the visitors went to Magdalen college, to disi)lace such us refused to be of the popish religion. Palmer availed himself of this oppor- tunity ; and, by close application himself joined to the in- terest of his friends, he was reinstated in his fellowship. During the time of his expulsion from the college, he used frequently to converse with some of his acquaint- ance who were protestants ; and, being by them advised to study the scriptures, he began to entertain doubts concerning the truth of several Romish doctrines, and would often ask questions on that subject. His sincere attachment to the principles he professed, (though opposite in their nature at different periods,) was the cause of his expulsion in the days of king Edward VI, and his troubles in the reign of queen Mary ; for, had he been a dissembler, he might have retained his fel- 416 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. lowship under the reign of the former, and escaped death under that of the hitter. When the persecution raged in the beginning of the reign of queen Mary, he inquired, very particularly, into the cause of persons being apprehended, the naiure of the articles upon which they were condemned, the man- ner of their treatment, and their behaviour at the time of their sufterijig. Nay, so desirous was he of knowing this, that he sent over one of his pupils from Oxford to Gloucest^, to see the whole form of bishop Hooper's execution, and bring him a minute account of the bloody transaction. Before he had imbibed well grounded notions of the gospel of Christ, and the pure uncorrupted worship of God, he was inclined to think, that very few would un- dergo the fiery trial for the sake of tiieir profession ; but, when experience proved to him the cruelties which the papists inflicted, and the protestants endured ; when he had been present at the examination of bishops Ridley and Latimer, and had seen them burnt at Oxford, as well as been an eye-witness to their faith, patience, and fortitude, these scenes converted him absolutely from popery ; and, on his return from the execution, he was heard to utter these expressions amongst his friends ; *' O raging cruel- ty ! O barbarous tyranny !" From that very day, he applied himself most assidu- ously to learn the truth of God's word ; and, to that end, borrowed Peter Martyr's commentary on the Corinthi- ans, and read many other well -written treatises on relig- ion, till, at length, he became as zealous an asserter of the protestant cause, as he before had been an obstinate opposer of it. He now began to form excuses and pretences for ab- senting himself from mass, and other popish services and ceremonies ; but, finding that l.is absence on these occasions, incurred the suspicions of many, and disap* probation of the president of tlie college, to avoid expul- sion, which might be attended with danger, and to pre- •^erve his conscience inviolate, he resigned his fellowship. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTSi 4l7 On his leaving the college, his friends procured him the place of teacher to the grammar school at Reading, in Berk* shire, where he was received by those who loved the gos*,- pcl of Christ, both on account of his eminent learning, and his zealous adherence to the truth. In process of time, some hypocritical professors of the reformed religion, insinuated themselves into his confi* dence, with a design to learn his religious principles* — = Their disingenuous stratagem succeeded to their wishes ; for, as he was a man of an open, unreserved temper, he freely declared his sentiments, which those snakes reportjt cd to his enemies, who thereupon caused his library to be searched for heretical books; and finding some of his writings, both in Latin and English, that inveighed against popish cruelty, they threatened to lay this discovery be^ fore the queen's commissioners, unless he would quietly resign his school to a friend of theirs, and depart. Palmer, fearful of death, complied with their unjust pro* posal, and departed from Reading, leaving behind him all his goods, with a quarter's salary that was. due to him. Being thus destitute of a livelihood, he went to Eve* sham, in Worcestershire, where his mother lived, in ordef to obtain from her a legacy, which his fatlier had bequeath^ ed him four years before. As soon as he saw his mother, he implored her bless* ing on his bended knees ; but, she having been informed, by his brother, of the cause of his resignation, and the bu- siness of his visit, hastily exclaimed, " thou shalt have Christ's curse and mine, whithersoever thou goest." Julius, at first, stood amazed at so unexpected and heavy a curse from his own mother ; but, after he had re* collected himself a little, he said, ** O mother, your own curse you may gi\^ me, which God knowcth I never dc-^ served ; but God's curse you cannot give me, for he hath already blessed me." His bigotted mothfr said, *' thou wentest from God's blessing, when thou wast banished for an lieretic from thy fellowship at Oxford, and, for the hke knaVery, hast thoU been expelled from Reading too." 3h 418 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. " Alas ! mother, returned Julius, my case has been misrepresented to you, for I was not expelled from the col- lege at Oxford, but freely I resigned my fellowship there. Heretic I am none, for I oppose not the true doctrine of Christ, but defend it to my utmost power." His mother then vehemently declared, that he believed not as his father and forefathers had done, but according to the new doctrine, taught and set forth in the days of king Edward VI, which is damnable heresy. In answer to this, he confessed, he believed the doctrine that was publicly set forth in the reign of king Edward VI. He also affirmed it to be truth, and that, instead of being new, it was as old as Christ and his apostles. The mother, incensed at this frank declaration of his principles, ordered him to depart the house, nor ever more esteem her as his mother, informing him, at the same time, that he had no property there, either in money or goods, as bis father bequeathed nothing to heretics. Our martyr, as became a true follower of the blessed Je- sus, when he was reviled, reviled not again, but commit- ted his cause to him, who judgeth righteously. On leaving his bigottcd mother, he thus addressed her ; *' mother, you have cursed me, I beseech God to bless you, and pros- per your undertakings as long as you live." This pathetic address, attended with flowing tears, in some degree, moved her compassion ; and, on his leaving theroom,she threw a piece of gold after him, saying, *'keep that to make thee a true man." Palmer being thus repulsed by his mother, on whom he relied as his only friend, as well as disregarded by his brother, was destitute of all help, and knew not what steps to take in order to obtain subsistence. At length, he thought of returning privately to Magda- len college, depending on the confidence of a few friends he had in that house. He accordingly went thither ; and, through the interest of Allen Cope, a fellow of the same, he obtained a recommendation to a school in Gloucester- shire. He had not proceeded far on his journey to that place, before he altered his resolution, and determined to go pri- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 419 vately to Reading, to try if he could obtain his salary that was due, and, at the same time, dispose of the goods he had left there. No sooner had he arrived at Reading, than his old ene- mies got knowledge of it, and consulted in what manner they should proceed against him. In a short time, it was concluded amongst them, that one Hampton, who had formerly professed himself a prot- cstant, (but was, in reality, a time-server) should visit un- der colour of friendship, to learn the cause of his return. Hampton traitorously went, when Palmer, with his usu- al sincerity, and openness of soul, disclosed the whole de- sign, which the other immediately related to the confeder- ates, who caused him to be apprehended that very night, by the officers appointed for the purpose, requiring him, in the queen's name, quietly to surrender himself. Palmer was then carried to prison, where he remained ten days in the custody of an unmerciful keeper ; at the ex- piration of which time, he was brought before the mayor of Reading, and charged with the following crimes : 1. That he said, the queen's sword was not put into her hand to execute tyranny, and to kill and murder the true servants of God. 2. That her sword was too blunt towards the papists, but too sharp towards the true christians. 3. That certain servants of sir Francis Knowles, and others, resorting to his lectures, fell out among them, and had almost committed murder ; therefore, he was a sower of sedition, and a procurer of unlawful assemblies. 4. That hb landlady had written a letter to him, which they had intercepted, wherein she requested him to return to Reading, and sent her commendations by token, that the knife lay hid under the beam, whereby they inferred, that she had conspired with him against her husband. 5. That they once found him alone with his said land- lady, by the fireside, the door being shut, thereby suspect- ing him of incontincncy with her. Three men, who were suborned for the purpose by, one of the confederates, swore these things against him before 420 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* the mayor, who thereupon sent him to the cage, to be aii open spectacle of contempt to the people. The same villain also spread a report, that he was thus punished for the most enormous crimes and misdemeanors, which had been fully proved against him. After he had been thus unjustly exposed to public shame, the mayor sent for him to answer for himself, con- cerning what was laid to his charge. He fully overthrew all the evidence, by proving the let- ter said to have been written to him by his landlady, to be of their own forging ; and, in the most incontestable man- ner acquitted himself of all the other crimes laid to his charge. The mayor was confounded, to think he should have given such credit to his persecutors ; and though he did not choose to discharge him immediately, yet he thought of doing it as soon as a convenient opportunity should ofter. While Palmer was in prison, he was visited by one John Oalant, a true professor of the gospel, who said to him, *' O Palmer ! thou hast deceived many men's expectations; for, we hear that you sufter not for righteousness' sake, but for thy own demerits." Palmer replied, '* O brother Galant, these be the old practices of that fanatical brood : but, be you well assured, and God be praised for it, I have so purged myself and de- tected their falsehood, that, from henceforth, I shall be no more molested therewith," When his enemies found, they had miscarried in their plot against him, they determined to accuse him of heresy. This was accordingly done, in consequence of which, he was taken before the mayor, and Bird, the bishop of Salis- bury's official, in order to give an account of his faith, and to answer to such information as might be laid against him. In the course of his examination, they gathered from him sufficient grounds to proyecd against him. Articles were accordingly drawn up, and sent to Dr. Jeffrey, at Newbery, who was to hold his visitation there on the Thursday following. PERS|;CUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 421 The next day, Palmer was conducted to Newbery, to- gether with one Thomas Askine, who had been for some time imprisoned on account of his rehgion. Immediately on their arrival, they were committed to the Blind-house prison, where they found one John Gwin, who was con- lined there for no other reasoli but professing the truth of the gospel. On the 10th of the month called July, 1556, a place be- ing prepared in the parish church of Newbery, to hold the consistory-court, Dr. Jeffrey, representative of the bishop of Sarum, Sir Richard Abridge, John Winchom, Esq. and the minister of Ingleiield, repaired thither, as commis- sioners appointed for the purpose. After the prisoners were produced, the commission read, and other things passed, according to the usual form, Dr. Jeffrey, in the presence of several hundred spectators, called to Palmer, and asked, if he was the writer of a two- penny pamphlet that had been lately published ? Having some altercation about this affair, in which, Pal- mer answered in his own behalf with great force and pro- priety, the doctor rising from his seat, said to him, " Mr. Palmer, we have received certain writings and articles against you from the right worshipful the mayor of Read- laig, and other justices, whereby we understand, that be- ing brought before them, you were convicted of certain heresies. 1. ** That you deny the supremacy of the pope's holi- ness. 2. " That you affirm there are but two sacraments. 3. " You say, that the priest sheweth up an idol, at mass, and, therefore, you went to no mass since your first coming to Reading. 4. " You hold there is no purgatory. 5. ^' You ai'c charged with sowing sedition, and seeking to divide the unity of the queen's subjects." Several books and pamphlets were then produced ; and Palmer being asked, if he was the author of them, replied in the affirmative, declaring at the same time, that they contained nothing but what was founded on the word of God. 422 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Jeffrey then reviled him, declaring that such opinions were dictated by no good spirit, and that he was very wick- ed in slandering the dead, and railing at a catholic and learned man living. Palmer replied, if it be a slander, he slandered himself, for I do but report his own writings, and expose absurdities therein contained ; and I esteem it not railing to inveigh against Annas and Caiaphas, being dead. The doctor, incensed at this reply, assured him, that he would take such measures, as should compel him to recimt his damnable errors and heresies ; but Palmer told him, that although of himself he could do nothing, yet if he, and all his enemies, both bodily and ghostly, should ^xert their efforts, they would not be able to effect what they de- sired, neither could they prevail against the mighty powers of divine grace, by which, he understood the truth, and was determined to speak it boldly. After much farther discourse, the minister of Inglefield pointed to the pix over the altar, saying to Palmer, *' what seest thou there ?" To which, he replied, " a canopy of silk, embroidered with gold." " But what is within ?" demanded the priest. " A piece of bread in a cloth," replied our martyr. The priest then upbraided him as a vile heretic, and asked him, if he did not believe that those who receive the holy sacrament of the altar, do truly eat Christ's natural body. He answered, *^ if the sacrament of the Lord's Supper be administered as Christ did ordain it, the faithful receivers do, indeed, spiritually and truly eat and drink in it Christ's body and blood. On being asked, if he meant with the holy mother- church, really, carnally, and substantially ? He declar- ed, " he could not believe so absurd and monstrous a doctrine." After this, the court was adjourned, when one of the justices took Palmer aside, and, in the presence of several persons, exhorted him to revoke his opinions, and thereby preserve his life ; promising him, at the same time, if he would conform to the church, to take him into his family PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 423 as his chaplain, and give him a handsome salary, or, if he chose not to resume the clerical function, to procure him an advantageous farm. Palmer heartily thanked him for his kind offer, but as- sured him, that he had already renounced his living in two places, for the sake of Christ and his gospel, and was ready to yield up his life in defence of the same, if God, in his providence, should think fit to call him to it. When the justice found he could, by no means, bring him to a recantation, he said, " well Palmer, I perceive that one of us two must be damned ; for we are of two faiths, and there is but one faith that leads to life and salva- tion." Palmer observed, on the occasion, that it was possible they might both be saved, for that as it had pleased a merciful God to call him at the third hour of the day, that is, in the prime of life, at the age of twenty-four years, so he trusted, that in his infinite goodness, he would graciously call him at the eleventh hour of his old age, and give him an eternal inheritance among the saints in light. After much conversation had passed, and many efforts were tried in vain, Palmer was remanded to prison ; but the other men, John Gvvin, and Thomas Askine, were brought into the consistory. court, received their definitive sentence, and were delivered over to the secular power, to be burned as heretics. Though the particular examinations and answers of these two martyrs are not recorded, there is no doubt, but they were of the same faith, and equally steadfast in it, as their fellow- sufferer Palmer ; but they were very illiterate, from whence, it is supposed, their examination was short, they not having a capability of making any defence. The next morning, the commissioners required Julius Palmer to subscribe to certain articles which they had gathered from his answers, (with tlie addition of those odi- ous epithets and terms, horrid, heretical, damnable, and execrable doctrines) which, when he had read, he refused to subscribe, affirming, that the doctrines which he held 424 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. aiid professed, were not such, but agreeable to, and found= ed on the word of God. Jeffrey, being now greatly incensed, Palmer consented to subscribe, provided they would strike out those odious epithets ; upon which, they gave him a pen, and bade him do as he pleased, when he made such alterations as he thought proper, and then subscribed. Having thus set his hand to the articles which they had drawn up, they asked him, if he would recant ; but he per- emptorily refusing, they pronounced sentence against him, and he was delivered over to the secular power. While he was in prison, he gave great comfort to his two fellow-sufferers, and strongly exhorted them to hold fast to the faith they had professed. On the morning of their execution, about an hour before they were led to the stake, he addressed them in words to the following effect : *' Brethren, be of good cheer in the Lord, and faint not ; remember the words of our Saviour Christ, who saith, ' happy are ye, when men shall revile and persecute you for my sake : rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.' Fear not them that kill the body, but are not able to hurt the soul ; God is faithful, and will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. We shall end our lives in the lire, but exchange them for a better life : yea, for coals, we shall receive pearls ; for God's spirit certifieth our spirit, that he hath prepared for us blissful mansions in heaven for his sake, who suffer- ed for us." These words not only strengthened and confirmed the resolution of his two weak brethren, but drew tears from many of the multitude. When they were brought by the high-sheriff and con- stables of the town to the sand-pits, (the place appointed for their execution) they fell on the ground ; and Palmer, A.vith an audible voice, repeated the 31st psalm ; but the other two made their prayers secretly to Almighty God. When Palmer arose from prayer, there came behind him two popish priests, exhorting him to recant and save his soul. 1»ERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 425' Our martyr exclaimed, *' away, away, and tempt me no longer ! Away ! I say from me, all ye that work iniquity> For the Lord hath heard the voice of my tears. ^' When they were chained to the stake, Palmer thus ad- dressed the spectators: '^ good people, pray for us, that we may persevere to the end, and, for Ciirist's sake, beware of popish teachers, for they deceive you,'' As he spoke this, one of the attendants threw a fagot at him, which striking him on the face, caused the blood to to gush from three several places ; but this cruel behaviour escaped not the notice or resentment of the sheriffs, who not only upbraided his cruelty, but manfully retaliated the injury on the man, who had thus insulted suffering in- nocence. When the fire was kindled, and begari to reach their bo- dies, they lifted up their hands towards heaven, and cheer- fully, as though they felt not much pain, said, *' Lord Je- sus, strengthen us ! Lord Jesus, assist us ! Lord Jesus, receive our souls !" and thus, they continued without any struggling, till they ended their mortal lives, and exchang- ed a scene of exquisite pain, for an everlasting habitation in the heavenly mansions. About the same time the above three persons suffered at Ncwbery, three women were burnt in the island of Guernsey, whose names were, Catharine Cawches, the mother ; Guillemine Gilbert, and Perotine Massey, her daughters. Their execution \vas attended with disthiguished marks of cruelty, but they bore all with a fortitude that evinced their steadfast faith in him who died for all mankind. They v/ere fastened to different stakes, the mother being placed in the middle, the elder daughter on her right hand, and the younger on the left. They were first ordered to be strangled, but the fagots being immediately lighted, the ropes with which they were fastened, gave way before they were deprived of life. Perotine, the elder daughter, be- ing pregnant, the intense lieat of the devouring flames oc- casioned her womb to burst, and, from Vvithin her body, was forced the innocent babe alive. It was a fine male inflmt, and being by a spectator of this scarce to be parallelled 3 I w ^0 ri;RSECI7TED BY THE PAPISTS. scene, snatched from tlie fire, and laid on the grass, it viJas, as soon as the bailiffs, &:c. came to the knowledge of the fact, most inhumanly ordered to be cast into the flames, where, with its hapless mother, it miserably perished, be- ing, as it may not be improperly termed, baptized in its innocent blood, born and dying a martyr. Such was the Herodian cruelty of these persecuting times, when reason was influenced by bigotry, and humanity sacrificed to er- roneous conceptions ! In the same month that these suffered, two men and a woman were burnt at Greenstead, in Sussex, and one man in the town of Leicester. The names of the three former were, Thomas D ungate, John Foreman, and Mary Tree. And that of the latter, Thomas Moor. They all bore their sufferings with great fortitude, and cheerfully resigned their souls into the hands of that God who gave them, as a testimony of their faith in the truth of his most holy gospel. The exammation, condemnation^ and martyrdom of Joan JVaste, a poor blind womaiiy who was burnt in the town of Derby. Th IS poor woman, during the time of king Edward VI, used to frequent the church to hear divine service in the vulgar tongue, together with homilies and sermons, by which means, she became confirmed and established in the principles of the reformed religion. Having purchased a New Testament in English, she ap- plied to an old man, whom she paid for reading such pas- sages as she directed him ; by which means, she became so well versed in the holy scriptures, that she could repeat entire chapters by heart ; and, by citing proper texts of scripture, would reprove the errors in religion, as well as the vicious customs and practices that prevailed in those days. Thus, did this pious woman increase in the knowledge of God's word, leading a life of exemplary godliness, with- PERSECUTED BY THE PAriETS. 427 Qut molestation, or any kind of interruption, during the reign of king Edward. But, on his demise, and the introduction of popery, with the accession of queen Mary, because she continued stead- fast in the profession of that faith she Ixad embraced from the knowledge of the divine word, and refused to commu- nicate with those who maintained contrary doctrines, she was brought before Dr. Rcc. that fasting and prayers used in the church of England, and the appointing a day for fasting and abstaining from flesh upon fasting days, es- pecially in the time of Lent, are not laudable nor allowable, by God's word, and that men ought to have liberty, all )times, to eat all kind of meat. 11. That they had thought, &c. that the sacrament of the altar is an idol ; and to reserve, keep, and honour it, is PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 449 idolatry and superstition, as were also^the mass and elevation of the sacrament. 12. That they had thought, &c. that they were not bound to be convened before an ecclesiastical judge, con- cerning matters of faith, nor to make answer at all, especial- ly upon oath on a book. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth, they granted, in general, excepting that they denied the souls departed to sleep till the day of judgment, as men- tioned in the eighth article. With respect to the sixth article objected to them, they thought themselves bound to believe the true catholic church, so far as it instructed them according to God's ho- ly word, but not to follow the determinations of the super- stitious church of Rome. Concerning the eighth and twelfth articles, they denied that they ever maintained any such absurd opinions, but granted that man of himself, without the aid and assistance of God's spirit, had no power to do any thing acceptable in the sight of God. To the tenth article, they answered, that true fasting and prayer used, according to God's word, were allowable, and approved in his sight ; and, tliat by the same Avord, every faithful man may eat all meats, at all times, with thanks- giving to God for the same. Having given these answers, they were dismissed, and conveyed to their respective places of confinement, where they remained till they were again brought before the bish- op, who made no other inquiry, than whether they would abjure their heretical opinions ; and, on their refusal, again dismissed them. At length, they were brouglit into the public consistory- court at St. Paul's, and severally demanded what they had to allege, why sentence of condemnation should oot be pronounced against them. Thomas Loseby being first questioned, thus replied, *' God give me grace to withstand you, your sentence, and your law, which devours the flock of Christ ; for I perceive death is my certain portion, unless I will consent to believe in that accursed idol the mass." 3 ^t 4^Q PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Thomas Thyrtell being next examined, said, " my lord, if you make me a heretic, you make Christ and the twelve apostles all heretics ; for I hold one and the same faith with them, and I will abide in that faith, being assured that it will obtain for me everlasting life." Henry Ramsey, being required to recant, answered, " my lord, would you have me abjure the truth ; and, for fear of death here, forfeit eternal felicity hereafter ?" Margaret Hyde, being questioned, replied, " my lord, you have no cause to pronounce sentence against me, for I am in the true faith, nor will ever forsake it ; and I wish I was more confirmed in it than I am." Agnes Stanley, the last examined, said, '* My lord, I would suffer every hair of my head to be burned, be- fore I would renounce the faith of Christ, and his holy gospel." The court now broke up, but was convened again in the afternoon, when the prisoners appeared, and were again severally examined. Thomas Loseby being first called upon, his articles and answers were read ; after which, many attempts were made to bring him to a recantation ; but he persisted in his faith, declaring that he hoped he had the spirit of God, which had led him into all truth. His sentence of condemnation was therefore pronounced, and he was delivered to the custody of the sheriff, in order for execution. Various arguments were used by the bishop to bring over Margaret Hyde ; but she declared, she would not de- part from what she said upon any penalty whatever ; and added, that she would gladly hear his lordship instruct her from some part of God's word, and not talk to her con- cerning holy bread and holy water, which was no part of God's word. The bishop, finding her resolute, pronounced sentence on her, and she was delivered over to the secular power. Agnes Stanley was also admonished to return to the communion of the holy mother-church; but she continued steadfast in her faith, declaring she was no heretic, and that those who were burned, as the papists said, for heresy, were true martyrs in the sight of God. In consequence PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 451 of this, she likewise received sentence of death, and was committed to the care of the sheriff. Thomas Thyrtell being asked, what he had to allege, answered, " my lord, I will not hold with those idola- trous opinions you would inculcate ; for, I say, the mass is idolatry, and I will abide by die faith of Christ as long as I live." He was then proceeded against in the same manner as the former. Henry Ramsey, who w^ last called, being asked, wheth- er he would stand by his answers as the rest had done, or recant and become a new member of the church, replied, *' I will never abjure my religion, in which I will live, and in which I will die." Their examination being closed, and sentence of death passed on them all, they were immediately conducted to Newgate, where they continued till the 12th of the month called April, 1557. On the morning of that day, they were conducted to Smithfield, the place appointed for their exe- cution, where, being fastened to two stakes, they were burnt in one fire, praising God as long as they had the power of speech, and cheerfully giving up their lives in tes" timony of the truth of the gospel. The examination and persecution of Stephen Gratwick, whoy with fVilliam Morant, arid John King, suffered Martyrdom in St. George^s Fields, in the county of Surry, StephenGratwick being informed against by some of the popish emissaries, on a suspicion of heresy, was ap- prehended, and being carried before a justice of the peace, was committed to the Marshalsea-prison, where he contin- ued for a considerable time. At length, he was brought before Dr. White, bishop of Winchester, in St. George's church, Southwark, in order to answer such questions as he should state, relative to his religious opinions. 452 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The bishop first asked him, if he would revoke the here- sies which he had maintained and defended within his dio- cess ; when Gratwick answering in the negative, he admin- istered the usual articles, desiring him to give an ample ajnswer to each. These articles being read, Gratwick replied, " my lord, these articles are of your making, and not of mine ; nor have I had any time to examine them ; therefore, I desire the liberty of lawful appeal to mine ordinary, having no concern with you." During his examination, the bishop of Rochester, and the archdeacon of Canterbury , arrived ; when, on a consul^ tation about the present case, it was agreed to introduce a person to represent the ordinary ; which being done, Grat- wick desired leave to depart, but the counterfeit ordinary insisted on his being detained ; that he was justly sum- moned before those lords, and him, on trial of his faith; and that, if he w^ould confess the truth, he sho\ild be quietly dis- missed, and allowed full liberty. Gratwick told him, that he would turn his own argu- ment upon him ; for Christ came befo. e^lhe high-priest, scribes, and pharisees, bringing the truth" with him, being the very truth himself; yet both he and his truth were condemned, and had no avail with them ; the aposdes, likewise, and all the martyrs that died since Christ, did the same. The bishop of Winchester then asked his opinion con- cerning the sacrament of the altar ; to which, he replied, " my lord, I do verily believe, that in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, truly administered in both kinds, ac- cording to the institution of Christ, unto the worthy re* ceiver. he eateth mystically, by faith, the body and blood of Christ." The bishop of Rochester observed, that this definition was a mere evasion of the principal points ; for that he separated the sacrament of the altar from the Supper of the Lord, intimating thereby, that the former was not the true sacrament ; and also condemned their method of adminis- tering it in one kind, as well as hindered the unworthy ro- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 453 ceiver to eat and drink the body and blood of Christ, which, if duly weighed, were points of the highest importance, though he had craftily evaded them. Having entered into closer examination concerning this matter, the counterfeit ordinary ordered the articles to be read again ; and Gratwick refusing to make any reply, was threatened with sentence of excommunica- tion ; on which, he thus addressed himself to his exam- iners : " Since you thirst for my blood, before you are glut- ted with the same, permit me a word in my own cause. On Sunday, my lord of Winchester, I was before you, who took occasion to preach from these words of St. James : ' If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.' From these words, my lord, by wrested inferences, you slandered us poor prison- ers, upbraiding us with the title of Arians, Herodians, Sacramentaries, and Pelagians. When we stood up to speak in vindiciition of ourselves, you threatened to cut out our tongues, and caused us to be dragged out of the church by violence ; nevertheless, I will abide by the truth to the end of my life." The incensed prelate, after various endeavours, by threats and promises, to bring him to a recantation with- out effect, pronounced sentence of condemnation upon him ; and he was delivered over to the sheriff, who im- mediately conducted him to the Marshalsea-prison. Here he remained, till the latter end of May, 1557, when he was brought to the stake in t St. George's Fields, and cheerfully resigned up his soul into the hands of him who gave it. William Morant, and John King, suffered with him ; but we have no account on record relative to their ex- amination. 454 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The Martyrdoms of Alice Bendon, John Fishcock^ AV- cholas White, Nicholas Pardue^ Barbara Finally Mary Bradbridge, and Amos TVilson, who were all burnt together in the city of Canterbury^ Alice Bendon was the wife of Edward Bendon, of the parish of Stablehurst, in the county of Kent. Be- ing brought before a magistrate, on an information of heresy, she was asked, why she absented herself from the church ? To which, she replied, because there was much idolatry practised there against the honour and glory of God. In consequence of this answer, she was committed to Canterbury castle ; but her husband making interest for her enlargement, she was ordered to appear before the bishop of Dover, who asked her, if, in condition she was released, she would go to church ? To this, she gave no satisfactory answer, notwithstanding which, the bishop gave her liberty. On her arrival at home, her husband admonished her for her conduct, and advised her to go to church with him ; but this she absolutely refused ; on which, she was again apprehended, and taken before sir John GifFord, who committed her to her former place of con- finement. In consequence of this, her husband made a second application for her discharge, to the bishop of Dover ; but, in this, he failed, the bishop telling him, she was a most obstinate, irreclaimable heretic ; and, therefore, he could not release her. Her husband then informed his lordship, that, if he could keep her brother, Roger Hall, from her, she would conform to the mother- church ; whereupon, she was removed to another prison, and charge given, that, if her brother came to visit her, he should be appre- hended. She continued some time in this place, without her brother's knowledge, though he sought diligently to find her at the hazard of his life. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 455 In process of time, he accidentally found her out, by hearing her voice as he passed by the prison window, when she was repeating a psalm, and bemoaning herself ; but, fearing to go to her in a public manner, he found a method of conveying to her some money and sustenance, by means of a long stick, which reached to the window of the prison. In this prison, she continued n?ne weeks, without see- ing any one but her keeper, lying in her clothes upon straw, and having but three farthings a day, in bread, allowed for her subsistence, with no other liquor to drink but water. This hard usage brought upon her a complication of disorders, insomuch that she could not walk without the greatest pain. After being some time confined in this loathsome pris- on, the bishop summoned her before him, and asked her, if she would go to church, promising her great fa- vours, if she would be reformed, and return to the holy mother, church. To this, she answered, " I am rerily persuaded, by the great severity which you have used towards me, that ye are not of God, neither can your doings be godly ; and I see, that you seek my utter destruction." She then shewed them how miserable and lame she was from lying so long on the cold ground, in that filthy prison, where she was deprived of the necessaries of life. After this, the bishop caused her to be removed from thence to the prison, at the West- gate in Canterbury, where she had better usage, and continued till the latter end of April following, when she, and the rest of the prisoners, being brought before the commissioners, were severally examined ; and, on persisting in those principles which their persecutors deemed heresy, they received sentence of excommunication, were delivered to the sheriffs, and sent back to prison. Here they continued till the 19th of the month called June, when they were all seven brought to tlie place of execution. 456 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Alice Bendon behaved remarkably courageous on this melancholy occasion, setting an example to her fellow- martyrs, who kneeled down, joined together in prayer, and behaved with such zeal and affection, as excited the esteem of their very enemies. Having finished their devotions, and mutual saluta- tions, they were chained to several stakes ; and being en- compassed with the flames, they quietly yielded up their souls to the Lord, in hopes of a joyful resurrection to life eternal. The Martyrdoms of Richard Woodman^ George Ste- vens, Williain Maynardy Alexander Hosman, Thomasin Wood, Margery Morris, James Morris, Dennis Bon- gess, Ann Ashdon, and Mary Groves, who were all burnt together at Lewes, in the county of Sussex. " Though these ten persons all suffered together, yet we do not find any other particulars relative to either, except Richard Woodman, who was a considerable merchant in the parish of Warbleton, in the county of Sussex, and whose troubles arose from the foUoAving in- cident : There was one Fairbank, who, for some time, had been a married priest, and served the cure of Warble- ton, where he often persuaded the people not to credit any doctrine but that which he preached, and which was then taught and set forth in the days of king Edward the sixth ; but, in the beginning of the reign of queen Mary, Fairbank deserted his reformed principles, and favoured the Romish tenets ; upon which, Woodman upbraided him with inconstancy and cowardice, and reminded him how differently he then preached from what he had for- merly done. In consequence of this open and frank behaviour, he w^as apprehended ; and being brought before several of the justices of the peace for the county of Sussex, was committed to the King's-Bench prison, where he re^ mained a considerable time. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 457 At length, Woodman, and four other prisoners, were brought togctlier, to be examined by Bonner, bishop of London, who, after asking them some questions, de- sired they would be honest men, and profess themselves members of the true catholic church, which was built upon the apostles and prophets, Christ being the head of the same. To this, they all said, that they were members of the true church, and determined, by God's grace, to continue in the same ; upon which, they were all discharged* Woodman had not long returned home, before a re- port was spread, that he had conformed to the church of Rome ; but he vindicated himself from that aspersion in several companies ; in consequence of which, com- plaint was made to sir John Gage, who issued warrants for apprehending him. As he was one day employed in his ordinary occupa- tion, three men came to him from the queen's chamber-^ lain, arrested him in her majesty's name, and told him, he must go with them before their lord. The suri:)rise of the action put him into great conster- nation ; and he desired to go home, in order to put on a dress suitable to appear in before his superiors. When he came to his house, he demanded of the men that arrested him, to shew their warrant, that he might know the cause wherefore he was apprehended, and be better prepared to answer for himself wheh he should come before their master. The men, not having any warrant, were startled at his demand ; and Woodman^severely reprimanded them for offering to take him without* " I heard (said he) there vere several warrants out against me, but they were called in as soon as I had satisfied the commissioners by letter, that I was not guilty of the things laid to my charge; therefore, set your hearts at rest, fori will not go \\ith you, without a warrant, unless you force me, which do at your peril." On their leaving his house, he called them back, ajid told thera, if they would produce a ^vaiTaut, he would go with them freclv. One of them said, he would fetch 3 X 458 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. one that was left in his house ; but, while he was gone. Woodman escaped, and absented himself from home three days, during which, they searched his house sev- eral times, but could not find him. Woodman, finding his enemies thus resolute on his destruction, prepared himself a convenient cottage in a wood, near his house, where he had pen and ink, a bi- ble, and such necessaries as he had occasion for, daily brought him. His absence soon produced a report, that he had left the kingdom; in consequence of which, his enemies ceased to search for him ; and he embraced this opportu- nity of visiting his friends and brethren ; after which, he went over to Flanders ; but not approving of so re- mote a situation from his family, he soon returned to England. When it was known, that he was come home, the priest that was curate of the parish, and other popish em- issaries, procured warrants to apprehend him. They often searched his house for that purpose, but could not find him ; for he had artfully contrived a secret place which they could not discover. At length, through the treachery of his father, and one of his brothers, (whom he had told of his hiding- place, and they having great part of his substance, both land and money, in their hands) his house was beset in the night, which, as soon as he discovered, he ran out bare- foot, but unhappily treading upon some stones, he fell down, and being seized, was sent prisoner to London. On the 14th of the month called April, 1557, he was brought befor Dr. Christopherson, bishop-elect of Chi- cJiester, who told him, he was sorry to see him on the present occasion, as he heard, that he was a man greatly esteemed in the country where he lived, for his probity and charity ; and, at the same time, advised him seriously to consider his present situation, and not to think himself wiser than all the realm, assuring him, that he meant to do him much service. Woodman replied, that so far from esteeming him- self wiser than all the realm, he was disposed to learn PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 459 of every man that could teach him the truth ; and, that with respect to the general esteem in which he was held by his neighbours, he had ever endeavoured to maintain a conscience void of offence. " As for my wife and children, (said he) they are all in God's hand, and I have them all as though I had them not, according to the words of St. Paul ; but had I ten thousand pounds in e^old, I would forego it all, rather than displease my God." When the bishop informed him, that the sheriff ap- plied to him out of respect to his character, he replied, that he thought proper to appeal to his ordinary ; "for (said he) they seek most unrighteously to shed my blood, and have laid many unjust things to my charge. If you can prove, from the word of God, that any of my relig- ious principles are false, I am willing to renounce the same, and stand here desirous of being reformed." After this, several divines conversed with him on the sacrament of the altar, purgatory, and other popish topics ; when Woodman confuted his opponents with great energy and propriety, asserting, and proving, from scripture, that there were but two sacraments ordain- ed by Christ, and observed by him, and his immediate disciples and apostles. Being required, by the bishop of Chichester, to relate a plain and full account of his belief concerning the sac- rament of the altar, he made this explicit confession : *' I do believe, that if I came to receive the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, truly ministered, believ- ing that Christ was born for me, and that he died on the cross for me, and that I shall be saved from my sins by his blood, and receive the sacrament in that remem- brance, then I believe, that I do receive the whole Christ mystically, by faith." A few days after this, Woodman was privately exam- ined by lord Montague's chaplain, who made use of many arguments to bring him over to the Romish faith ; but all his efforts were ineffectual ; for Woodman would not yield to any thing that was not founded on the au- thority of sacred writ. 46Q PERSEJCUTED BY THE PAPISTS. After some time, our martyr was again brought be- fore the bishop of Winchester, in St. George's church, Southwark, where several gentlemen and clergy were present, and examined concerning the cause of his im- prisonment : to which, he replied, it was for speaking to the curate of his parish' in the pulpit, and not for heresy. Being asked, what lie had to allege in vindication of himself from that charge, he cited the following ^\Drds of the statute : *' Whoso doth interrupt any preacher, or preachers, lawfully authorized by the queen's majesty, or by any other lawful ordinary, that all such shall suffer three months' imprisonment for so doing; and, furthermore, be ^brought to the quarter- sessions, and being sorry for the same, shall be released upon his good behaviour, for one whole year." He then observed, that he had not so offended against the statute ; for the person to whom he spoke, ^vas not lawfully authorized, as he had not put away his wife ; and, consequently, according to the law then in force, he had no right to preach. On the 15th of the month called June, Woodman was again brought before the bishop of Winchester, in St. Saviour's church, Southwark, in the presence of the archdeacon of Canterbury, Dr. Langdall, and several other dignitaries. The bishop of Winchester, producing some writings, asked, if they were his ? to which, he replied in the af- firmative ; but refused to answer to the articles he might exhibit against him, because he was not of his diocess, though he was then in it ; consequently, he had nothing to do with him, who was not his ordinary. After some dispute, the bishop peremptorily asked him, if he would become an honest man, and conform to the holy mother- church ? To which. Woodman re- plied, that no person could, with justice, object to his character ; and that he was surprised he should charge him with heresy, as the bishop of London had discharged liim of all matters that v.'cre bid against him on that.hqad, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 461 The bishop then observed, that when he was released, perhaps those things were not laid to his charge ; and that, therefore, they were now objected to him, because he was suspected of being a heretic. Woodman, at length, consented to answer to the sever- al articles exhibited against them, which having done, he distinctly rehearsed the articles of his belief in the following form : *' I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, my Saviour, very God, and man. I believe in God, the Holy Ghost, the comforter of all God's chosen people, and that he is equal with the Fa- ther and the Son. I believe the true catholic church, and all the sacraments that belong thereto." Being farther asked, concerning his belief in the sacra- ment of the altar, he told them, he would answer no farther questions, because he perceived they sought to shed his blood. As the bishop of Chichester was not yet consecrated, he would not undertake, judicially to examine Woodman, and therefore submitted the whole to the bishop of Winchester, who, after many other questions, and farther arguments to bring him over to recant, at length pronounced sentence of condemnation against him ; and he was accordingly deliv- ered over to the secular power. About a fortnight after this, Woodman was conveyed to Lewes, in Sussex, together with his fellow martyrs, concerning whose examinations (as we have alrcad}' ob- served) there is not any thing recorded, except that they Mere all condenmed for heresy a few days after their appre- hension. On the 22d of the month called July, 1557, these ten steadfast believers in Christ, were led to the j)lace of exe- cution ; and, being chained to several stakes, were all con- sumed in one fu'c. They died with becoming ibrtitude and resignation, committing their departing spirits into the hands of that Redeemer, who was to be their final judge, and who, they had reason to hope, would usher them into the realms of bliss, with " come vc blessed of mv Father, 462 PERSECUTED fiY THE PAPISTS. inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. '^ Extract of a letter of Richard Woodman's^ to one Roberts^ of Hawkhurst. *^ Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from his Son our only Saviour, Jesus Christ, by the opera- tion and working of the Holy Ghost, be multiplied plenti- fully upon you, dear sister, that you may the more joyfully bear the cross of Christ that you are under, to the end, to your only comfort and consolation, and to all our brethren and sisters in those parts that love our Lord unfeignedly, certifying you, that I, and all my brethren with me, are joyful, praised be God, looking daily to be dissolved from these our mortal bodies, according to the good pleasure of our heavenly Father, praising God also for your constancy and kindness, shewed unto God's people in this trouble- some time of persecution. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. The fruits always declare what the tree is ; for a good man and woman, out of the good treasure of their hearts, bring forth good fruits. " Wherefore, dear sister, let our fluth be made manifest to the world by our deeds ; and, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, as St. Paul saith, let your light shine as in a dark place. ** O dear hearts ! now is the gospel of God overwhelm- ed with many black and troublesome clouds of persecu- tion, for the which cause, very few go about to have their eyes made clear by the true light of the gospel, for fear of losing their treasures of this world, \\'hich are but vain, and shall perish. '' Let us not, therefore, be like unto them which light their candle, and put it under a bushel, but let us set our candle upon a candlestick, that it may give light unto all them that are in the house ; that is to say, let all the people of the household of God see our good works, in suffering all things patiently that shall be laid upon us for the gospel sake, if it be death itself; for Christ died for us, leaving PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 463 US an example, that we should follow his steps. And as he hath given his life for us, so ought we to give our lives for the defence of the gospel, to the comfort of our breth- ren. " How is it then, that some will say, that their faith is good, and yet they do all the deeds of antichrist, the devil? St. Paulsaith, to believe with the heart justifieth, and to confess with the mouth makcth a man safe. Here may all see, that no man or woman can have a true faith, unless they have deeds also ; and he that doubteth, is like the waves of the sea, tossed about of the wind, and can look for no good thing at the Lord's hands. Now is the accept- able time that Christ spoke of, yea, even now is the axe put to the root of the tree, that so every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, must be hewn down, and cast into the fire. '* Now is the Lord come with his fan in his hand, to try the wheat from the chaff; the wheat he will gather into his barn, and the chaft' he will burn. Now is the time come that we must go to meet the bridegroom with oil in our lamps. We are also bidden to the feast ; let us make no excuses ; our master hath delivered talents unto us. Now is the Lord come to see, if there be any fruit upon his trees, if he find none, he will serve us as he did the wild fig-tree, that is, never fruit shall grow on him more. If we go to meet the bridegroom, without oil in our lamps, and should go to buy, the doubt is, we should be served as the foolish virgins were, to whom, Goxl said, depart, I know you not. li' we use not our talents well, they sliall be taken from us, and given to others ; and all such luiprofitable servants shall be cast into hell, where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ** May not nil people now perceive, that this is the time that our master Christ speaketh of, that the fiithcr should be against the son, and the son against the father, and one ])rother against another, that tlie brother shall deliver the brother to death ; yea, and that the wicked shall say all manner of wicked sayings against us for his name sake, the which I have found by experience. I praise God that gave me strength to bear it. 464 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ** I have no mistrust, btit that the world shall see and know my blood shall not be dear in my own sight, when- soever it please God to give my adversaries leave to shed it. I do earnestly believe, that God, which hath begun this good Avork in me, will perform it to the end ; for, ^\ilen I have been in prison, sometimes wearing bolts and shackles, lying on the bare ground, and sometimes sitting in the stocks, and bound with cords, that my body was swelled, and I like to be overcome with pain, sometimes lying in the woods and fields, wandering to and fro, brought before justices, sheriffs, lords, doctors, and bishops ; called dog, devil, heretic, whoremonger, traitor, thief, deceiver, and swell like. Yea, even they that did eat of my bread, that should have been most my friends by nature, have betrayed me ; yet, for all this, I praise God, that hath separated me from my mother's womb. All this that hath happened unto me, hath been easy ; for I praise God, they are not able to prove one tittle of their sayings to be true, but that way which they call heresy, I serve my Lord God ; and, at all times, before whomsoever I have been brought, God hath given me mouth and wisdom, against which, my ad- versaries have not been able to resist. Wherefore, dear sister, be of good comfort, with all your brethren and sis- ters, and take no thought what }X)u shall say ; for it shall be given you the same hour according to the promises, as I have always found, and as you and all others of God's elect shall well find, when the time is full come. And where- as I and many others have hoped, that this persecution would have been at an end ere this time, now I perceive God will have a further trial, to root out all dissemblers, that no man should rejoice in himself, but he that rejoicetli should rejoice in God ; wherefore, if prophecy should fail, and tongues should cease, yet love must endure, for fear hath painfulness, but a perfect love casteth out all fear, which love I have no mistrust, but God hath poured it up- on you so abundantly, that nothing in the world shall be able to separate you from God, neither high nor low, rich nor poor, life nor death, shall be able to put you from Christ, but by him I trust you shall enter into New- Jerusa- lem, there to live forever." PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 46^ The Martyrdojji of John Hullier, T7imister, who was burnt at Canibridge. John Hullier was descended of reputable parents, who, after giving him a hberal education at a private school, sent him to Eaton college, from whence, accord- ing to the rules of that foundation, he was elected to the King's college, at Cambridge. After he had been at college about three years, he was admitted to a fellowship, and obtained a curacy at Babram, a village, about three miles from Cambridge. He had not been long here before he went to Lynn, where he had sev- eral debates with the papists, who reporting his principles to Dr. Thurlby, bishop of the diocefes, he sent for him, and, after a short examination relative to his faith, commit- ted him to the castle of Cambridge. A short time after this, he v/as cited to appear at St. Mary's church, before several doctors both of law and di- vinity, by whom, he was reprimanded for opposing the doctrines of the church of Rome, and maintaining and defending those set forth in the days of king Edward VI. His examination being finished, he was required to re- tant his erroneous opinions ; which peremptorily refusing, he was degraded, condemned, and delivered over to the secular power, who immediately divested him of all his books, papers, and writings. On the day appointed for his execution, he v/as conduct-, edtotlie stake without the town, at a place called Jesus Green, near Jesus college, where, having made the neces- sary preparations on the melancholy occasion, he desired the spectators to pray for him, and to bear witness that he died in the fliith of Christ, sealing the same with his blood. He likewise assured them, thmt he died in a good cause, for the testimony of the truth, and that diere was no other rock, but Jesus Christ, to build upon, nor any hope of salvation, but tlirough his death and sufferings. One of the proctors of the university, and some of the fellows of Trinity college, were offended at his address to the people, and reproved the mayor for giving him liberty to speak. To this, our martvr made no i:eply ; when be- 466 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ing chained to the stake, he earnestly called upon God for his grace and support, to enable him to undergo the fiery trial. As soon as the fligots were lighted, a number of books were thrown into the midst of them ; and, among the rest, a communion book, which our martyr catching, joyfully read in it, till the flames and smoke prevented him from seeing. He then prayed with a loud voice, holding the book as long as he was able, and praising God for sending it to him as a comforter in his last moments. After the spectators thought he had been dead, he sud- denly uttered, *' Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and then quiedy expired. His death was greatly lamented by many of the specta- tors, who prayed for him, and expressed their grief by floods of tears, he having been a man of eminent piety, and the most exemplary virtue. The Martyrdoms of Simon Miller ^ a7id Elizabeth Cooper, who were burnt together in the city of Norwich. Simon Miller was an eminent merchant in the town of Lynn-Regis. He was a godly man, zealous for the truth of the gospel, and averse to the popish religion. Having occasion to go to Norwich on business, while there, he inquired of some people coming out of church from the popish service, where he might go and receive the communion, which being reported to chancellor Dun- ning, he ordered him to appear before him. This sum- mons he readily obeyed, when the chancellor asked him several questions, to which, answering agreeable to the dic- tates of his conscience, he was committed prisoner to the bishop's palace. After being sometime in conflnement, he obtained per- mission to go home, in order to settle his worldly concerns. Oi> his return, he was again examined by the chancellor, who required him to recant his opinions, and return to the holy mollier-church ; ijut Miller remaining inflrxible in his PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 467 faith and profession, he was condemned as a heretic, and delivered over to the secular power. Elizabeth Cooper (his fellow-martyr) was the wife of a tradesman in Norwich. She had formerly been pre- vailed on to recant the protestant, and embrace the Ro- mish religion : but, being troubled in her conscience for so doing, she went one day to St. Andrew's church, where, in the presence of a numerous audience, she stood up, and publicly revoked hisr recantation. For this, she ^vns immediately apprehended, and committed to prison. The next day, she was brought before the bishop, when persisting in her faith, she was condemned as a relapsed person, and delivered to the sheriff for exe- cution. On the 30th of the month called July, 1557, they were both led to the stake in a hollow without the city, near Bishopsgate. As soon as the fagots were lighted, Eliza- aj beth Cooper expressed some fear ; but, being encouraged by tlie advice and example of her fellow -martyr, she re- >;i§ mained fixed ; and they both cheerfully resigned their.:^; ^*- ^| 60uls into the hand of him who gave them, • '^^ ' I * The sufferings end Martyrdoms of fViUiam Bongeof", Thomas Benhote^ William Purchase^ Agnes Silversule^ Helen Exvring, Elizabeth Folk^ William Munt^ John Johnson^ Alice Munt^ and Rose Allen^ who were all burnt on the same day, at Co! . .' in Essex, On the 7th of the month called i\ 1557, about two o'clock in the morning, Edmunu Tyrrell, (who was a descendant of that family who muraered king Ed- ward V. in the tower of London) assisted by the bailiff of the hundred, two constables, and a great number of other attendants, went to the house of William Munt, farmer, at Much-Bently, in Essex ; and, after alarming the family, told Munt, that he and his wife must both go with him to Colchester castle. This sudden surprise greatly aftected his wife, who, after ohe had a little recovered herself, dc^r< d of Tyr- 468 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. rell, that her daughter might be permitted to fetch her something to drink before she went with him. This being granted, Tyrrell took the opportunity of advising the daughter, as she passed by him, to give her father and mother better counsel, and admonish them to be- have more like good christians, and members of the catholic church. The daughter replied, they h^d the holy ghost for their instructer, and, therefore, needed np other. This answer greatly irritated Tyrrell, who, after using many harsh words, assured her, he was now convinced of the absolute necessity of calling such heretics to immediate account. Tyrrell, from the most abusive language, proceeded to the most cruel behaviour ; and, in order to try if she cbuld bear burning, took the girl by the wrist, and held the lighted candle under her hand, burning it across the back till the sinews cracked ; frequently exclaiming, during the barbarous operation. '* why, thou whore, wilt thou not cry ?" This she endured with the utmost pa- tience, telling the villain, if he ti- ought proper, he might then begin at her feet and proceed to the head ; for that, he that prompted him to the work would one day pay him his wages. Tyrrell then seized William Munt, Alice his wife, and Rose Allen, their daughter, and immediately con- ducted them to Colchester castle, together with John Johnson, whom they took in their way, in consequence of an information that had been laid against him for heresy. They, also, the same morning, apprehended the six others who suffered with them, namely, William Bon- geor, Thomas Benhotc, William Purchase, Agnes Sil- verside, Helen Ewring, and Elizabeth Folk ; but not chusing to place those v/ith the rest, they sent them pris- oners to Mote- hill. After they had been confined a few days, they were all brought together before several justices of the peace, priests, and officers, (amongst whom were Kingston the conmiissary, and Boswell the bi&hop of London's secre- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 469 tary) with many others, in order to be examined relative to their faith. The first person called on was William Bongeor, who being examined concerning his fi\ith in the saciamtnt, replied, that what they termed the sacrament of the altar was bread, is bread, and remaineth bread, and was not in the least holier for the consecration. This he aflirm- ed, and at the same time protested against all the popish doctrin,es in general ; upon which, he immediately re- ceived sentence of condemnation. Thomas Benhote, also, denied the sacrament of the altar, and abjured the errors of the Romish church. William Purchase declared, that when he received the sacrament of the altar, he received the bread in an holy use, and both bread and wine as such, but in remem- brance of Christ's death and passion. Agnes Silverside said, she approved not of the popish consecration, nor any of the pageant absurdities and su- perstitions of the church of Rome, which was the church of antichrist. Helen Ewring, also, renounced all the doctrines and practices set forth by the church of Rome. Elizabeth Folk being asked, whether she believed the presence of Christ's body to be in the sacrament of the altar, really and substantially ? replied, she believed it was a substantial and a real lie. The commissioners being incensed at so abrupt a reply, asked her, whether, after consecration, there rcr mained not the body and blood of Christ in the sacra- ment? She answered, that before consecration, and after, it was bread, and that what man blessed without God's word, was accursed and deemed abominable b} that word. They then examined her relative to her confession by a priest, of going to church, to hear mass, of the author- ity of the bishop of Rome, &:c. Unto all which, she an- swered, that she would neither use, nor frequent any of tiiem, by the grace of God, but did utterly detest them from her verv heart and soul. 470 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. In consequence of this, sentence of condemnation was passed upon her ; immediately after which, she kneeled down, lifted her eyes and hands to heaven, and, in an au- dible voice, praised God, that she was deemed worthy to suffer for the testimony of Christ, praying, at tlie same time, for her persecutors. William Munt being asked his opinion concerning the sacrament of the altar, said, it was a most abomina- ble idol ; and that, if he should observe any part of the popish superstition, he should displease God, and bring a curse upon himself ; and, therefore, for fear of the di- vine vengeance, he would not bow down to an idol. John Johnson answered to the same effect with Munt ; but added, that, in receiving the sacrament, according to Christ's institution, he received the body of Christ spir- itually. Alice Munt renounced all popish error and supersti- tion, and continued steadfast in the profession of the true faith of Jesus Christ. Rose Allen who was last called, being examined con- cerning auricular confession, hearing mass, and the sev- en sacraments, answered, that they were an abomination in the eyes of the Lord, and that she would, therefore, for ever reject them. She, likewise, told them, that she was no member of their church, for they were the members of antichrist, and would have the reward of ajitichrist, if they repented not. In consequence of this, sentence was then read against her ; and she, and the rest, were all delivered ov^r to the secular power. Bishop Gardner having an account transmitted to him t)f the condemnation of these ten innocent persons, for the alleged crime of heresy, sent down a warrant for their being burned, and fixed the time on the 2d of the month called August. As the prisoners were confined in different places, it was resolved by the officer, that part of them should be executed in the former, and the rest in the latter part of that day. Accordingly, William Bongeor,- William Pur- chase, Thomas Benhote, Agnes Silverside? Helen Ew-. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 471 ring, and Elizabeth Folk, were brought early in the morn- ing to the place appointed for them to suffer, where every thing was prepared for the bloody catastrophe. When our martyrs arrived at the spot, they kneeled down, and humbly addressed themselves to Almighty God, though they were interrupted by their popish ene- mies. After they had done praying, they arose, were fasten- ed to the stakes, and all burnt in one fire. They died with amazing fortitude and resignation, triumphing in the midst of the flames, and exulting in hopes of the future glory that awaited their departure from a sinful world. In like manner, in the afternoon of the same day, Wil- liam and Alice Munt, Rose Allen, and John Johnson, were brought to the same place where their fellow-mar- tyrs had suffered in the morning. As soon as they arrived at the fatal spot, they all kneeled down, and for some time prayed with the greatest^ fervency. After prayers, they arose, and cheerfully submitted to be fastened to the stakes. They earnestly prayed to God to enable them to endure the fiery trial, exhorted the people to beware of idolatr}^, and, wiih their latest breath, confessed the faith of Christ crucified, whom to know is eternal life, and for whom to die is the glory of his chosen people, The Martyrdom of Richard Crashfield, icho was burnt at JFymondhaniy in Norfolk, The popish emissaries having laid an information against this pious n>an, he was apprehended on suspi- cion of heresy, and was brought before chancellor Dun- ning, who examined him concerning the ceremonies of the church, whether he believed them to be good and godly ? Crashfield replied, kc believed as many of them as were foimded on the word of God, and autliorized by the practice ancj example of Christ and his apostles. 472 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS^ The chancellor then particularly examined him con- cerning the corporeal presence in the eucharist : to which, Crashfield said, he believed Christ's body was broken by him upon the cross, and his blood shed fot his redemption, of which, bread and wine are a perpet- ual remembrance, the pledge of God's mercy, and the seal of his promise to those who faithfully believe in his most holy gospel. Crashfield was then dismissed for the present, and sent back to prison ; but, the next day, he was again broughti^ before the chancellor, w^ho asked him, if he still persist- ed in his heretical opinions ? On his replying in the affirmative, and confirming the same, by his answers to other questions and articles proposed to him, the chancellor stood up, and in form required him to turn from his wicked errors and damna» ble heresies, and not be an example of impiety and ob- stinacy, adding, through his presumptuous reading, he persuaded silly women to embrace his errors at the hazard of their souls, and promising him mercy on his compliance with these term.s. Our martyr boldly maintained his faith in the pure doc^ trines and uncorrupted ceremonies of the church of Clirist, telling the arrogant chancellor, that it was of God, whom he had offended, that he craved mercy, and not of him who was a sinner like himself, and therefore incapable of dispensing forgiveness, or giving any satis- faction to his precious soul. x\t length, the chancellor finding hirn inflexibly at- tached to his opinions and principles, in order to obtain pretence for condemning him, asked» when he was last at his parish church *? and, on his answering, that it was two years past, the chancellor told him, he stood ex- communicated, and was consequently condemned as a heretic. Crashfield not making any reply, sentence of death was passed on him, and he was delivered to the sheriff of the county in order for execution. A few days after his condemnation, he was brought to the -Stake, where, in the presence of numerous specta- PERSECUTEt) BY THE PAPISTS, 473 torS) with great patience and constancy, he yielded up his soul to God, in testintony of the truth of his most holy word, in hopes of enjoying an everlasting habitation in the heavenly mansions. The sufferings and Martyrdom of Joice JLewisy who xvtts burnt' at Litchfield, in Staffordshire y for pro- fessing the truth of the GospeL In the beginning of the reign of queen Mary, Joioe Le\ris went to church, heard mass, was confessed, and attended to all the ceremonies of the Romish church, till at length it pleased God, by the preaching of a protest- ant minister, "to convince her of her errors, and convjert her to the true faith of the gospel of Christ. What greatly contributed to her conversion w^as, the burning of a faithful servant of God at Coventry. She inquired into the cause of that cruel affair ; and being told, it was because he would not receive the mass, she began to entertain doubts concerning the truth of the religion she professed, and accordingly applied for satis- faction to one Glover, who had suffered much himself for his steadfast attachment to the truth of Christ's gospel. This good man pointed out to her the errors of the Romish church, proving them to be antiscriptural and antichristian, and advising her to make the word of God her constant study, and regulate her faith and prac- tice by that alone. J. Lewis immediately took his advice, and gave herself up to prayer, and acts of benevolence ; deter- mined, by the grace of God, both to do and belie\'c what slie was enjoined by the word of God. Being one day urged by her husband to go to church, when the holy water was spread about, she turned her back on it, and highly expressed her displeasure. This being observed by several of the congregation, an accu- satioji was, the next day, laid against her, before the bishop of Litchfield, for despising the sacrament of the church. 3 p 474 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The bishop sent an officer to summon her to appear before him ; but, when the summons was delivered to her husband, he threatened the officer, unless he im- mediately withdrew. 'i'his treatment 4^eing reported to the bishop, he or- dered both Lewis and his wife to appear before him ; when, after a short examination, he dismissed the hus- band, on his begging pardon for his conduct, and of- fered forgiveness to her for the offence she had commit- ted at the church, on the same terms. But she cou- rageously told him, that by refusing holy water, she had not offended God, or any of his laws. Though the bishop was greatly offended at this reply, yet as she was a person. of considerable repute, he did not proceed immediately against her, but gave her a month to consider of it, binding her husband in an hun- dred pounds bond, to bring her again to him at the ex- pinnion of that time. When the period fixed was nearly arrived, many of their friends advised her husband, by all means, not to deliver her up, but to convey her to some retirement, saying, he had better sustain the loss of an Hundred pounds, than be instrumental to his wife's destruction. To these remonstrances, the unnatural husband repli- ed, he would not forfeit his bond for her sake ; and, ac- cordingly, when the time was expired, he delivered her to the bishop, who still finding her resolute, committed her to.a loathsome prison. She was sevenfl times examined by the bishop, who reasoned with her on her not coming to mass, receiving the sacrament, and sacramentals of the holy church : to this, she replied, that she found not those things in God'^s words, which he so much urged and magnified as ne- (xssary, to salvation, adding, that if those things were founded on God's word, she would receive them with all her heart. The bishop told her, if she v/oukl believe no more than was in scripture, she was a damnable heretic ; and, after much farther discourse with her, pronounced sen- tence against her as an irreclaimable heretic* PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 475 After her condemnation, she remained a whole year in confinement, when, at length, the writ for her execution arriving, she sent for several of her friends to advise her how to behave herself, that her death might redound to the glory of God, and the establishment of his people ; declaring, at the same time, that she feared not death, when she thought on her Saviour Christ. The night before she suffered, two priests visited her, and desired to hear her confession, but she rejected their request with disdain. In the morning of the 10th ofv^September, 1557, she was conducted to the place of execution by the two sheriffs, and a strong guard. As soon as she arrived at the stake, she kneeled down, and prayed most earnestly to God, beseeching him to abplish the idolatrous mass, and deliver the kingdom from popery ; to which, one of the sheriffs, and many of the spectators, cried. Amen, When she was chained to the stake, she appeared not in the least afraid of the horrid punihment that awaited her ; but, on the contrary, wore a calm and pleasing countenance ; and, when the fagots were lighted, she lifted up her hands and eyes to heaven, in which pos- ture, she quietly resigned her soul into the hands of her blessed Redeemer ; for whose most holy word, she pa- tiently suffered here, in full hopes of everlasting life in the realms above. The Martyrdoms of Ralph Aller ton, James Axvstoo, Mar^ gery Axvstoo, his wije^ and Richard Roth^ who were idl burnt together at Islington^ near London, Ralph Allerton, being informed against by several bigotted papists in the neighbourhood where he lived, was apprehended on suspicion of heresy ; and, after un- dergoing a short examination before a magistrate, was committed to prison. A few days after, he was brought before lord Darcy, who accused him of not only absenting himself from church, but also that, by preaching, hr had persuaded others to follow his example. 470 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. To this, Allerton made the following confession : that coming to his parish church, and finding the people sit- ting there, some gazing about, and others gazing on un- profitable subjects, he exhorted them to pray, meditate on God's word, and not sit idle ; to which, they willingly consented ; and, after prayer, he read a chapter to them out of the New Testament. This he continued to do, for some time, till he was informed, his proceedings were contrary to law, as he was neither priest nor minister ; upon which, he desisted. He likewise confessed, that he was taken up for read- ing in the parish of Welley ; but, when those that appre- hended him understood he had read but once, and that it was an exhortation to obedience, they let him go ; after which, being afraid, he kept in woods, barns, and soli- tary places, till he was apprehended. After this examination, the lord Darcy sent him to London to the queen's commissioners, by whom, he was referred to bishop Bonner, Avho persuaded him publicly to recant his profession at St. Paul's church, and then dismissed him ; whereupon, he returned into the country. He was greatly troubled in his conscience for what he- had done, earnestly repented of the same, and openly professed the faith he had shamefully revoked, til' Tho- mas Tye, priest of the parish, (who had been a professor of the truth, but was now a persecutor) caused him to be apprehended, and again brought up to the bishop of London. When he came before the bishop, he asked him the cause of his being brought, telling him, he believed he was wrongfully accused, unless he had dissembled. Allerton told him, that he was not guilty of what was laid to his charge, and desired to know his accusers, and the particulars of his accusation, in order that he might be able to defend himself. In answer to this request, the bishop told him, that if he had not dissembled, he needed not to be afraid, or ashamed ; and urged him to tell hian, if he dissembled in his former recantation. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 477 Aikrton replied, " if my accusers are not produced before, you, my conscience will constrain me to accuse myself; for, I confess, I have most grievously oftended God by my dissimulation, when I was last before your lordship, for which, I am now heartily concerned." When the bishop inquired the cause of his dissem- bling, he replied, " My lord, if your lordship remem- bers, I set my hand to a certain writing, the contents of which were, that I did believe in all things as the catholic church teacheth, &c. in which, I did not dis- close my mind, but most shamefully dissembled, as I made no distinction between the true church and the false one." Being called upon to declare w^hat he thought to be the true church, he would not allow the church of Rome to be so ; but said, that on the contrary, those christians who were persecuted by the Romish church, were members of the true catholic church of Christ. Upon which, the bishop called him heretic, and sent him to the Little-ease prison, at Guildhall, in London. After being confined there a whole day, the bishop again sent for him ; and, in the presence of the dean of St^ Paul's, and the chancellor of the diocess, produced some writings, which Allerton acknowledged to be his. The bishop then asked, if he had^been at mass since he was last before him ; to which, he answered in the nega- tive, declaring that he had neither been at mass, mattins, nor any otiier strange worshipping of God. The chief person that appeared against him in the court, was Thomas Tye, the priest of the ])arish, who affirmed, that he was a seditious person, and had stirred up great strife in the neighbourhood where he Hved, This, with other complaints, being alleged against him, he was sent to prison again, and, in a short time, ])rought before the queen's council, who deipaiidcd of him whether he believed, that after the word^^of con- secration spoken by the priest, there remained 'no'brcad, but the very body of our Saviour Jesus Christ, God, and man, and no other substance under the form of bread. 478 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Oil Allerton's demanding scripture proof for this doctrine of transubstantiation, the bishop asked him, if Christ did not say, '* this is my body ?" adding, '* wilt thou deny these words of our Saviour Christ, or was he a dissembler ?'' ^' No, my lord, (replied our martyr) Christ is true, and all men are liars ; yet I must refuse to understand the words of our Saviour so fantastically as you teach or take them, for then we should agree' with the heretics called Nestorians, who denied that Christ had a true natural body. This, methinks, you do, my lord, if you affirm his body to be there, because you then affirm his body to be fantastical, not natural ; and therefore look well to it for God's sake." The bishop, after severely reprimanding him for what he had said, dismissed him ibr the present, and he was re-conducted to prison. On the 15th of the month called May, he was brought before bishop Bonner, at his palace in London, where the following articles were exhibited against him. : 1. That he was of the parish of Much-Bently, in Es- sex, and of the diocess of London. 2. That on the 10th of January last past, Mr. John Mordant, preaching at St. PauPs, London, the said Ralph A llerton did there openly submit himself to the church of Rome, with the rites and ceremonies thereof. 3. That he did consent and subscribe, as well unto the submission, as also to one other bill, in which he granted, that if he should, at any time, turn again unto liis former opinions, it should then be lawful for the bish- op to denounce and adjudge him as a heretic. 4. That he had subscribed to a bill, wherein he af- firmed, that in the sacrament, after the words of conse- cration be spoken by the priest, their remain still material bread and material wine ; and that he believed, that the bread is the bread of thanksgiving, and the memorial of Christ's death ; and that, when he received it, he received the body of Christ spiritually in his soul, but material bread in substance. 5. That he had openly affirmed, and also advisedly spoken, that which is contained in the said former fourth article last before specified. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 479 6. That he liad spoken against the bishop of Rome, with the see and church of the same ; and also against the seven sacraments, and other ceremonies and ordi- nances of the iame church, used then within this realm. 7. That he had allowed and commended the opinions and faith of Messrs. Cranmcr, Ridley, Latimer, and oth- ers, of late burnt within this reahn, and believed their opinions to be good and godly. 8. That he had divers times affirmed, that the religion used within this realm, at the time of his apprehension, was neither good nor agreeable to God's word, and that he could not conform himself thereunto. 9.- That he had affirmed, that the book of common prayer, set forth in the reign of king Edward VI. was, in all parts, good and godly : and, that the said Ralph, and his company, being prisoners, did daily use among themselves, in prison, some part of the same book. 10. That he had affirmed, that if he were out of pris- on, he would not come to mass, mattins, nor even- song, nor bear taper, candle, nor palm, nor go in procession, nor would receive holy water, holy bread, ashes, orpix, nor any other ceremony used within this realm. 11. That he had affirmed, that if he were at liber tv, he would not confess his sins to any priest, to receive ab- solution of him, nor yet would receive the sacrament of the altar, as it was then used. 12. That he had affirmed, that praying to saints, and prayers for the dead, were neither good nor profitable ; and that a man is not bound to fast and pray, but at his own will and pleasure ; neither that it is lawful to reserve the sacrament, nor to worship it. 13. That the said Ralph Allerton hath, according to these affirmations, abstained and refused to come unto Ills parish church, ever since tlie 10th of January last, or to use, receive, or allow any ceremonies, sacraments, or other rites then used in the church. To these articles, our martyr, in general, answered in the affirmative, objecting only to that clause in the 12th, *' that a man is not bound to fiist and pray, but at his own will and pleasure;" and confessed, at the same 48Q PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. time, that he had neither fasted nor prayed so frequently as was his duty to have done. Many arguments were used by Dr. Derbyshire, the bishop's chanceilor, and others, to bring Alierton to a recantation ; but, all proving ineffectual, he was sent back again to prison. A few days after, he, with his fellow- martyrs, was ordered to appear before bishop Bonner, at his palace at Fulham, where, in his private chapel, he judicially propounded to them divers articles, the particulars of which were addressed to Ralph Alierton, in the following form. " Thou, Ralph Alierton, canst not deny but that the information given against thee, and remaining now in the acts of this court of thine ordinary Edmund Bon- ner, bishop of London, was, and is, a true informa- tion." The substance of the information was this : That one Lawrence Edwards had a child unchristened, and Tye, the curate, asked him, why his child was not baptized ? Edwards replied, it should be baptized when he could find one of his own religion. Tye, told him, he had imbibed those notions from some busy people, who go about to spread heresy. Ed- wards acknowledged he had, telling him, at the same time, if his doctrine was better, he would receive it. He then produced Alierton, to whom the curate said, if he had instructed Edwards, it was against God's command- ments to enter into the church. On this, Alierton thus addressed the people who were present. " O good peo- ple, now is fulfilled the saying of the priest and prophet Esdras, viz. The fire of a multitude is kindled against a few, they have taken away their houses, and spoiled their goods. Which of you have not seen this day ? Who is here among you that seeth not all these things done upon this day ? The church, unto which they call us, is the church of antichrist, a persecuting church." This was the cause of his being apprehended, and sent up to the bishop of London. P£RSECl/TED BY THE PAPISTS. ASl He was also charged with writing several letters, and other things, which were found on hiin in prison. He confessed, when they were produced, that he had written them, and that they were intended to be sent to some per- sons that were in the prison for the sake of the gospel, at Colchester, where they were afterwards burnt. Allerton was then dismissed, and the examination de- ferred to the afternoon, when several other articles were objected to him ; but these being mostly false, he refused to answer. He granted, indeed, that he disapproved of the mass and other ceremonies, that were contrary to tl^ express word of God. When the decree of pope Innocent HI, concerning the sacrament of the altar, was read to him by the bishop, he. declared, he regarded it not, nor was it necessary that any man should bcHeve it* When Bonner asked him, what he had to allege, why sentence of condemnation should not be passed upon him, he briefly answered, " my lord, you ought not to condemn me as a heretic, for I am a good christian : but do as you have determined, for I perceive that right and truth are suppressed) and cannot now appear upon earth.'' In consequence of this answer, Allerton was condemn- ed as a heretic, and immediately delivered over to the sec- ular power. James Awstoo, and Margery, his wife, were next examin- ed, when the bisliop, among other things, asked the former, if he had been confessed in Lent, and whether he had re- ceived the sacrament at Easter ? Awstoo replied, he had been confessed by the curate of Allhallows, Barking, near the tower of London ; but that he had not received the sacrament of the altar, because he detested it as an abominable idol. The bishop then asked Margery, his wife, if she approv- ed of the religion then used in the church of England ? She replied in the negative, affirming it to be corrupt and antiscriptural ; and that tlipsc who conformed to it, were influenced rather by fear, than a conviction that it was founded on the word of God. 3^ 482 PEllSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Being required, by the bishop, to go to church, hear mass, and pray for the prosperity of the queen, she de- clared her abhorrence of mass, and that she would not come into any church where there were idols. The bishop then made use of the most forcible argu- ments to induce them to recant ; but they both persisted in their faith and profession, and in renouncing all po- pish doctrines and practices ; in consequence of which, they separately received sentence of condemnation, and were delivered' into the hands of the sheriff, in order for execution. Richard Roth, the last examined, was strongly urged by the bishop to acknowledge the seven sacraments, as also the corporeal presence in the eucharist. But he briefly told him, that if those doctrines were taught in the holy scriptures, he would believe them ; if otherwise, he must reject them. Being examined more particularly concerning the sac- rament of the altar, and other points, he plainly declared, that, in that ceremony, there were not the very body and blood of Christ ; but that it was a dead god, and the mass was abominable, and contrary to God's holy word and will, from which fliith and opinion, he was determined, through the strength of divine grace, never to depart. He was afterwards accused of being an encourager of heretics, and that he had written divers letters to certain persons who were burnt at Colchester ; the latter of which, he frankly acknowledged. Being asked his opinion of Ralph Allerton, he answer- ed, that he esteemed him as a sincere servant of God; and that, if hereafter, at any time, he should be put to death for his faith and religion, he believed he would die a martyr for the cause of Christ, and the truth of his gospel. He was then asked, if he approved of the order luid rites of the church at that time used in England? To which, he answered in the negative, declaring that he utterly ab- horred them. In consequence of which, he received sen- tence of death, and was immediately delivered to the sher- iif, in order for execution. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 4Sc» On the 17th of September, 1557, these four steadfast behevers in Christ were conducted by the sheriff, and his attendants, to Ishni^ton, (the place appointed for their ex- ecution) wlicre they were fastened to two stakes, and con- sumed in one fire. They all behaved in a manner truly consistent with their situation, and as became the real fol- lowers of Jesus, cheerfidly resigning up their souls in tes- timony of the truth of his most holy word- The persecution and deaths of John Hallingdale, William Sparrow^ and Richard Gibson^ who were all burnt to- gether in Smithfield. Informations having been laid agaiitst these three persons, on suspicion of heresy, they were all apprehend- ed ; and, after being confined for some lime, were at length brought together to be exam/med before Bonner, bishop of London, when articles w^ere exhibited against each separately, and their respective answers required thereunto. The first person examined was John Hallingdale, against whom, the following articles were exhibited. 1. That the said John Hallingdale is of the diocess of London, and subject to the bishopof London's jurisdiction. 2. That the said John, before the time of the reign of Kdwarddie Sixth, late king of England, was of the same laith and religion that were then observed, believed, taught and set forth here in this realm of England. 3. That during the reign of the said Edward the Sixth, late king of England, upon the occasion of the preaching of certain ministers in that time, he did not abide in his former faith and religion, but did depart from them, and so did, and doth continue, till this present day, and so determincth to do (as he saith) to his life's end. 4. That the said John Hallingdale hath thought, believ- ed, and spoken, divers times, that the faith, religion, and ecclesiastical service, received, observed, and now used in this realm of England, are not good and lauda!)le, but 48'4 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS*' against God's commandment and word ; especially con- cerning the mass and the seven sacraments : and that the said John will, in no wise, conform himself to the same, but sj)eak and think against it during his natural body. 5. That the said John absenteth himself continually from his own parish church of St. Leonard, neither hearing mat- tins, mass, nor even-song ; nor yet confessing his sins to the priest, or receiving the sacram.ent of the altar at his hands, or in using other ceremonies, as they are now used in the churches and realm of England : and, as he remem- bereth, he never came but once into the parish church of St. Leonard, and careth not (as he saith) if he never come there any more, the service being as it is there at present, and so many abuses being there, as he saith there are, es- pecially the mass, the sacraments, the ceremonies, and service set forth in Latin. 6. That the said John, when his wife, called Alice, was brought to bed of a man-child, caused the said child to be ehristened in English, after the same manner and form in all points, as were used in the time of king Edward the Sixth, aforesaid, and caused it to be called Joshua ; and would not have the said child christened in Latin, after the form and manner now used in the church and realm of England ; nor will have it,, by his will (as he saith) con- firmed by the bishop.. The particulars stated in all these articles, our martyr acknowledged to be just ; and said, he would not, on any condition whatever, revoke his answers. The bishop then asked him, whether he did firmly be- lieve, that in the sacrament, commonly called the sacra, ment of the altar, there are really and truly the very body and blood of our Saviour Christ, or not ? To which, Hal- lingdalc made answer, that he neither in the time of king Edward IV. nor at present, did believe, that, in the said sacrament, there are really the body and blood of Christ : for, if he had so believed, he would (as others had done) have received the same, which he did not, because he had believed, and then did believe, that the very body of Christ is only in heaven, and no where else. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 485 He likewise said, that Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley, Hoop- er, and many others, who had been lately burned for here- tics, were far otherwise, as they all preached the true gos- pel. That, on their preaching, he grounded his faith and conscience, according to the saying of St. John, in the 18th chapter of his Revelation, that the blood of the prophets and of the saints, and of all that were slain, upon earth, was founded in the antic hristian church ; by which, is under- stood, that church whereof the pope is head. After this examination, he was re-conducted to prison; and, the next day, brought again before tlie bishop, who used his utmost endeavours to prevail on him to recant ; but, finding them all ineffectual, he read the sentence of condemnation, and Jie was immediately delivered over to the secular power. The articles exhibitedagainst William Sparrow, were the following : 1. That thou, William Sparrow, wast, in times past, detected and presented lawfully unto thine ordinary, the bishop of London, called Edmund, who also is now thine ordinary, and of the said diocess : and thou wast presented and detected unto him for heresy, errors, and unlawful opinions, which thou didst believe, set forth, and hold. 2. That thou, before thy said ordinary, didst openly and judicially confess the said heresies, errors, and unlawful opinions, as appeareth plainly in the acts of the court made before thine ordinary. 3. That thou, after the premises, didst make thy sub- mission in writing, and didst exhibit and deliver the same as thy deed to thy said ordinary, openly confessing and re- cognizing thy heresies, errors, and unlawful opinions, and thine offences, and translations in that behalf. 4. That thou, after the premises, didst promise unto thy said ordinary, voluntarily, and of thy outi accord, that al- ways, after the said submission, thou wouldst in all points; conform thyself unto the common order of the catholic church, observed and kept here in this realm of England, and, in no wise, fall again into heresies, errors, or unlawful opinions. 4§6' PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 5. That thou, since thy said submission, hast willingly fallen into certain heresies, and errors, and hast holden and set forth divers unlawful opinions, to the very great hurt of thy own soul, and also to the great hinderance and loss of divers others, especially against the sacrament of the catholic church. 6. That thou, since the said submission, hast willingly gone about divers places within the diocess of London, nnd sold divers heretical, erroneous and plasphemous ballads, and wast apprehended and taken with the ballads about thee, and committed to prison. To these respective articles, Sparrow gave the following answers. To the first, second, third, and fourth articles, he an- swered affirmatively. To the fifth article, he answ^ered, that if he had spoken against the sacrament of the altar, &c. he had spoken but the truth. To tlie sixth, he answered, that he granted it ; adding, that he did sell the ballads then shewn and read before him, and that the same contained God's holy word. After this examination, he was sent back to prison ; but, in the afternoon of the same day, he was again brought before the bishop, who charged him with his former sub- mission. ■ To this charge, he answered, " I am very sorry, that I ever made it ; for it was the worst deed I ever did." The bishop then told him, that he went to church, and there was confessed, and heard mass. This, Sparrow acknowledged, and that it was with a troubled conscience. And added, " that which you call the truth, I do believe to be heresy." Bonner then charged him with the contents of the fifth article ; to which, he answered, that he had done as was contained in that article, and so he would again, were he at liberty. Being then asked by the bishop, whether he would per- sist and continue in the same ; he answered, that he would not go from his opinion: and added, '' that which you call heresy is good and godly ; and, if every hair of my PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 487 ♦ liead were a man, I would bum them all, rather than go ^ from the truth." After this, the bishop endeavoured to prevail on him to recant, saying, tha,t on those conditions, he should be dis- missed ; but Sparrow continuing resolute in his faith and opinions, the bishop proceeded to read the sentence of ex- communication against him, and he was condemned as a heretic ; after which, he was delivered into the hands of the sheriff, and by him again conducted to prison. The misfortunes of Richard Gibson arose from his do- mg a singular piece of service to one, with whom he was particularly acquainted. This person was arrested for debt, when Gibson being surety for him, his friend treacher- ously fled, and he not not being able to discharge the debt, was thrown into the Poultry- compter, where he remained upwards of two years. When he was about to be released, some litigious and bigotted papist laid an accusation against him, to the bish- op of London, of heresy, because he had never confessed, nor received the sacrament of the altar, while he was in confinement. In consequence of this, he was ordered to appear before the bishop, who examined him concerning his faith and religion. At first, he seemed to make a certain submission, which was recorded in the bishop's register : but this not appearing sufficiendy satisfactory, the following articles were exhibited against him. 1. That the said Richard Gibson, prisoner in the Comp- ter in the Poultry, in the diocess of London, hath, otbcr- vv'isc tjian became a faithful christian, and a good subject in this realm of England, behaved himself, in words and deeds, in divers conditions and points, contrary to the or- der, religion, and faith of Christ's catholic church, and con- trary to the order of this realm, to the pernicious and evil example of the inhabitants of the city of London, and the prisoners of the prison of the said Compter in the Poultry, and greatly to the hurt and damage of his own soul ; of- fending, especially in the articles following : by reason whereof, the said Richard Gibson was and is, in the juris- diction of the said bishop of London, and subject to the 488 rERSEClJTED BY THE PAPISTS* said jurisdiction, to make answer to his offences and transgressions underwritten, according to the order of the law. 2. That the said Richard Gibson hath irreverently spo- ken against the pope, and see, and church of Rome ; and likewise against the the whole church of this realm of Eng- land ; and against the seven sacraments of the catholic and whole church of Christendom ; and against the articles of the christian faith, here observed in this realm of England; and against the commendable and laudable ceremonies of the catholic church. 3. That the said Richard Gibson hath commended, al- lowed, defended, and liked, Cranmer, Latimer, and Rid- ley ; and, also, other heretics here in this realm of Eng- land, according to the ecclesiastical laws condemned for heretics ; and,*also, all their heretical, erroneous, damnable, and wicked opinions, especially against the sacrament of the altar, and the authority of the pope and see of Rome, with the whole religion thereof. 4. That the said Richard Gibson hath comforted, aid- ed, assisted, and maintained, both by words and otherwise, heretics and erroneous persons, or at least suspected and infamed of heresies and errors condemned by the catho- lic church, to continue in their heretical and erroneous opinions aforesaid, favouring and counselling the same un- to his power. 5. That the said Gibson hath affirmed and said, that the religion and faith commonly observed and kept, and used now here in this realm of England, are not good nor laudable, nor in any wise agreeable unto God's word and commandment. 6. That the said Richard Gibson hath affirmed, that the English service, and the books commonly called the books of communion, or common-prayer, here set forth in this realm of England, in the time of king Edward the Sixth, were, in all parts and points, good and godly , and the same only, and no other, ought to be observed and kept in this realm of England. 7. That the said Gibson hath affirmed, that if he may at once be out of prison, and at liberty, he will not come to PERSECUTED BV THE PAPISTS. 48? ''come to any parish church, or ecclesiastical place, to hear the mattins, mass, or even-song, or any divine service, now used in this realm of England, nor come to the pro- cession upon times and days accustomed, nor bear at any time any taper or candle, or receive pix, at mass-time, nor to receive holy water, nor holy bread, nor obbcrve the ceremonies or usages of the catholic church here ob- served and kept commonly in this realm of England. 8. That the said Gibson hath affirmed, that he is not bound at any time, though he have liberty, and the pre- sence of a priest, convenient and meet, to confess his sins to the said priest, nor to receive absolution at his hands, nor to receive of him the sacrament, called the sacrament of the altar, after such form as is now used within the realm of England. 9. That the said Richard Gibson hath affirmed, that prayer unto saints, or prayers for the dead, are not lauda- ble, or profitable ; and that no man is bound, at any time, or in any place, to fast or pray, but, only at his own will and pleasure ; and that it is not lawful to reserve, or keep, the said sacrament of the altar. Gibson having answered these respective articles, was dismissed for the present ; but the next day, was again brought before the bishop for a farther examination. Several questions were put to him, but he refused an- swering to eidier, saying, the bishop of London was not his ordinary. His last examination was at the bishop's consistory- court, where Bonner, after some discourse, asked, if he knew any cause, why sentence should not be pronounc- ed against him ? To which, he told the bishop, he had not any thing against him for which he might justly condemn him. The bisliop then told him, that men said, he was an evil man. Gibson replied, ** yea, my lord, and so may I say of you also." After this, sentence of condemnation was read; at the end of which, he said, " blessed am I, that I am cursed at your hands." 3r 490 PERSECUTED BY THE TAPISTS. He was then delivered to the sheriff, who conducted him to prison, in order for execution. On the 18di of the month cailcd November, 1557, these three faithful servants of Christ were conducted under a proper guard, to Smithfield, where they were all fastened to one stake. After they had, for some time, fervently prayed to God to enable them to endure the fiery trial, the fagots were lighted, and they all cheerfully resigned their souls into the hands of him who gave them. The sufferings and Martyrdoms of John Roughs minister, and Margaret Maring^ who Viere both burnt together in SmithjiekL John Rough was a native of Scotland, and born of re- putable and pious parents. Being deprived of his right of inheritance to certain lands by some of his kindred, he v\^as so irritated, that, though very young, he entered him- self a member of the order of Black Friars, at Stirling, in Scotland. Here he continued upwards of sixteen years, when the earl of Arran, then regent of Scotland, and afterwards duke of Hamilton, taking a liking to him, applied to the arch- bishop of St. Andrew's to dispense with his professed or- der, that he might serve him as his chaplain. The archbishop readily granting t he earl's request. Rough ^vas disengaged h'om his monastic order, and contin- ued chaplain to his patron about a year ; when it pleased God to open his eyes, and give him some knowledge of the truth of the gospel. At this time, the earl sent him to preach in the county of Ayre, where he continued about four years, during which time, he discharged the duties of his ofiice with the strictest diligence. On the deadi of the cardinal of Scotland, he was sent for to officiate at St. Andrew's, for which, he had a pension allowed him from king Henry VHI. After being some time in this situation, he began to ab- hor the idolatry and superstition of his own country ; and, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 491 when he found, that on the accession of Edu^rd VI. there was free profession of ihe gospel in England, he left his situation, and went first to Carlisle, ^here he was appointed preacher, as also to Berwick, and Newcastle- upon-Tyne, by tlie duke of Somerset, protector to the young king. A short time after this, he married, and the archbisliop of York gave him a benefice near tlie town of Kings- ton upon Hull, which he enjoyed till tlie death of the king. On the accession of queen Mary, when the religion was altered, and persecution took place in all parts of the kingdom, Rough fled with his wife, into the Low-Coun- tries, and took up his residence at a place called Norden. Here he maintained himself by knitting and selling caps and hose, till the month of October, 1557, when, want- ing yarn, and other necessaries for his trade, he embarked for England, and arrived in London on the 10th of No- vember following. Soon after his arrival, he was informed, there was a private congregation of religious people in a certain part of the city, which having found out, he joined them, and was elected their minister. In this offtce, he continued for some time, till, at the instigation of Roger Serjeant, a hypocrite and false broth- er, on the 13th of December, he, together with one Cuth- bert Simpson, deacon of the aforesaid congregation, was apprehended by tb.e vice- chamberlain of the queen's household, at the Saracen's-Head, in Islington, where the congregation had assembled for the purpose of per- forming their usual worship ; and, to avoid suspicion, it had 1 >ecn given out, that their meeting was co hear a play. Rough and Simpson were both conducted by the vice- chamberlain, to the queen's council, who charged them with assembling to celebrate the communion of the Lord's supper. After a long examination, Simpson was, for the present, dismissed, but Rough was sent prisoner to Newgate. On the 18th of December, bishop Bonner ordered Rough to be brought before him, at his palace in Lon- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTSr don, to examine him concerning his religious faith ; when t- e foiiowing articles were exhibited against him: 1. l"hat thou, John Rough, didst directly speak against the seven sacraments used commonly and rever- ently, as things of estimation and great worth} ness in the Catholic churc! ; and, also, did>)t reprove and condemn the su^>stance of the altiir, affirming, that in the same, are not really and truly the very body and blood of Christ ; an(- thit conf«^'ssion to the priest, and absolution given hini (by the nUnister of Christ) for sins, are not necessary nor available in any wise. 2. Thou h:ist misliked and reproved the religion and ecclesiastical service, as it is now used in this realm : and hast all'V/ed the religion and service used in the latter years ot king Edward the sixth ; and so much as in thee lieth. hust, by word, writing, and deed, set forw-.'.rd, taught, atid preached the same openly ; and, in sundry plates, affirmed, that the said English service, and doc- trine therein contained, are agreeable, in all points, to God's word, and to the trut- . ; condemned utterly the Latin service now used in the queen's reign ; and in- duced others, by thine example, to do the same. 5. Thou hast, in sundry places within this realm, commended and approved the opinion and doctrine of Thomas Cranmer, late archbishop of Canterburv-, Nicholas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer, concerning the sacrament of the altar ; affirming, that in the sacrament, there remained, after the words of consecration, material bread, and material wine, without any transubstantiation. 4. That thou hast, in sundry places of this realm, since the queen's reign, ministered and received the commu- nion, as it was used in the late days of king Edward VL and thou knowest, or credibly hast heard of divers, thut yet do keep books of the said communion, and use the same in private houses, out of the church, and are of opinion against the sacrament of the altar. 5. Thou dost know, and hast been conversant with all, or a great part of such Englishmen, as have fled out of the realm ; and hast consented and agreed with them in their opinions, and hast succoured, maintained, and PER sir CUT ED in' THE PAl'ISTS. 493 helped them ; and hast been a conveyor of their seili- tious letters and books into this reahn. (>. That thou, in sunchv places ol" this reahn, luist spoken aiijainst the pope of Rome, and his apostolic see, and hast plainly contemned and dispised the authority of the same, mislikinLT, and not allow injj^ the faith and doc- ti-ine thereof, but directly speaking; ai^ainst it ; and, by thine example, hast induced others, the subjects of this realm, to speak and to do the like. 7. That thou hast said, that thou hast been at Rome, and tajried there about thirty days, or more, and that thou hast seen little i^ood, or none, there, but very much evil. Amonij^st the which, thou savvest one ijjreat abomi- nation, that is to say, a man (or the pope) that should i^o on the i2;round, to be carried upon the shoidders of four men, as thoui^h he had been (iod, and no man. Also, a cardinal to have his harlot ridinuj oj)enly behind him. And, thirdly, a pope's bull, that p;ave express licence to liave and use their stews, and to keep open bawdry, by the po])e's approbation and authority. 8. That thou, since thy last cominp^ into Knp^land, iVom parts beyond sea, hast perniciously allured and comforted divers of the subjects of this realm, both yoimij^ and old, men and women, to ha\ e and use the book of communion set ibrth in tliis realm in the latter da} s of kiuL;- Kdward VI. and hast also th\ sell' read and set forth the same, causinjj^ others to do the like, and to leave ofl* their cominju!^ to their parish churches, to hear the Latin service now used. 9. That thou, the thiid Simday of Aehcnt, the 12th of l^ecember, 1557, uasl apj)rc hendc d at the Saracen's- Ilead at Islinj^ton, in the countv of Middlesex, and dio- cess of London, by the quei'n's vice-chamberlain, \\ilh one Simpson, a tailor, and Hn.^h, a hosier, and divers othc rs there assembled, unch r the colour of hearini!^ ii play, to have read the eonnnnnion-book, and to have used the accustomed fashion, as was in tlu: latur days of kini;^ I'.dward \'l. To these respective articles, J^ougli answered as fol- lows : 494 PERSECUTEI) BY THE PAPISTS. To the first, he said, that he had spoken against the number of the said sacraments, being fuUy persuaded that there are only two sacraments, to wit, baptism and the supper of the Lord ; and, as for the other five, he denied them to be sacraments, and, therefore, had spoken against them. With respect to the sacrament of the altar, (which he called the supper of the Lord) he confessed, that he had spoken and taught, that, in the said sacrament, there are not reaiiy and substantially the very body and blood of Christ ; but that the substance of both bread and wine remains in that sacrament, without any change being made to it by consecration. Concerning the ccnifession of sins, he said, he thought it necessary, provided the offence was done to the priest, but if it was done to any other, then it was not neces- sary to make any confession to the priest ; but to endea- vour to obtain a proper reconciliation with the party offended. To the second article, he answered, that he did, and had before misliked the order of the Latin service then used, and also did allow the service used in the latter part of king Edward's reign ; for that the holy scripture hath taught the same ; and, therefore, he granted that he did teach, and set forth the said English service, as in the said article was objected. The third he granted, saying, that he had approved of the doctrine of the parties mentioned, as agreeable to God's word ; and they were godly, learned men, and such as had perfect understanding, as in the contents of the same article. To the fourth article, he answered, that he did well like the communion used in king Edward's days ; but said, that he had not ministered, nor received the same in England, since the queen's reign, nor yet knew any that had the books thereof; but, on the other side the sea, he knew many that had these books, and that there also he had received the communion in sundry places. To tlve fifth article, he confessed, that he had been fatTiiiiar with many English men and women in Fries- PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 4^5 land, and agreed with them in opinion ; as Story, Tho- mas Young, George Roo, and others, to the number of one hundred persons, who fled thither on account of then- religion, using the same as was set forth in the reign of the good king Edward VI ; but otherwise he denied the contents of the article. The sixth and seventh articles, he acknowledged to be both true. To the eiglith article, he answered, that since his last coming into England, (which was about the 10th of November) he had, in sundry places, in the suburbs of London, prayed and read such prayers and service as are appointed in the book of communion, and had desired others to do the like, both men and women, whom he knew by sight, but not by name. However, he did not cause any to withdraw themselves from the Latin ser- vice ; but only said, that it was better to pray in a tongue they understood, than in one they did not. i'o the ninth article, he confessed, that at the time, and pkicc mentioned, he was present to hear divine ser- vice, and there was apprehended by the queen's vice- chamberhiin, with one Simpson, a tailor, and one Hugh, a hosier, with divers others, both men and wom^n, whose names he knew not ; and, by the said vice- chamberlain, was brought before the council, who sent him to New- gate, from whence he was, soon after, brouglit before the bishop of London ; but otherwise he denied the con- tents of this article. After Rough had given these answers to the rcspcciive articles exhibited against him, he was dismissed for the present ; but re- conducted to his place of confinement. On the liiOih of December, he was brou.qht to the con- sistory-court at St. Paul's, before Dr. Bonner, bishop of London, the bishop of St. David's, Dr. Fecknam, abbot of Westminster, and others, in order to undergo a final examination. After various methods used by the court to persuade him to recant, without eficct, Bonner read the articles, with his answers, before -mentioned. He tl en charged him witli marr\'ing, after having received priestly orders ; 496 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* and that he had refused to consent to the Latin service then used in the church. Rough answered, their orders were of none elFect, and that the children he had by his wife were legitimate. With respect to the Latin service then used, he said, he utterly detested it, and that if he was to live as long as Methuselah, he would never go to church to hear the abominable mass. In consequence of this declaration, the bishop pro- ceeded to the ceremony of degradation, exempting him from all the benefits and privileges of their church ; af- ter which, he read the sentence of condemnation ; and Rough being delivered to the sheriff, was, by him, re- conducted to Newgate, there to remain till the time ap- pointed for his execution. Margaret Maring, belonged to a private congregation in London, where Rough used to officiate. She was ap- prehended and brought before the bishop of London, who, after examination, sent her prisoner to Newgate. She was afterwards brought before the bishop, a second and third time, and, after a further examination, and using various arguments to prevail on her to recant, witiiout effect, she was delivered to the sheriff for execu- tion, who re- conducted her to Newgate. On the 22d of December, 1557, she, with her fellow- martjr, John Rough, was conducted, by the proper offi- cers, to Smithfield, where they were both fastened to one stake, and burnt in the same fire. They both behaved themselves with true christian fortitude, and cheerfully gave up their lives, in testimony of the truth of that gos- pel, which was professed by him from whom they hoped to receive an eternal reward in his heavenly kingdom. The deaths of these two martyrs closed the horrid and bloody transactions of the year, 1557. We shall now proceed to a relation of those that occurred in the suc- ceeding year, which happily, by the queen's death, put an end to human sacrifices in this kingdom. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS* 497, The sufferings and Martyrdoms oj Cuthhert Simpsoiiy Hugh Fox, and John Davenish, who were all bitrnt together in Smithjield. These three persons were apprehended together at Ishngton, at the same time with John Rough, and, being brought before the queen's council, were committed to different prisons. Cuthbert Simpson, who was deacon of the same con- gregation of which Rough was pastor, was committed prisoner to the Tower, where he was examined by the recorder of London, and one Chohnley, who commanded him to declare what persons he had called upon, or sum- moned, to come to the English service ; but he peremp- torily told them, lie would not comply with their request. They then ordered him to be put to the rack, on which he laid, in great agonies, upwards of tliree hours^ While he was in the most excruciating torments, they asked him the same question as they had done before, and he made the same answer. He was then loosed from the rack, and conducted to the room appointed for his confinement. Soon after, he was again brought to the room in which lie had been racked, when the recorder of London, and the lieutenant of the Tower, once more desired him to confess ; but still he refused, saying, he was de- termined not to satisfy them. They then tied his two fore-fingers together, with a small arrow between tliem : this done, they drew the ar- row backward and forward so quick, that the blood fol- lowed, and the arrow broke ; after which, they racked him twice, and then conducted hinvto his dungeon. About ten days after this, the lieutenant asked him again, if he would confess what had been repeatedly asked by himself, and the recorder ? to which, Simp- son answered, that he would say no more than he had said. He was afterwards taken before the bishop of London for further examination. Hugh Fox, and John Davenish, were next examined. 3 s 498 TXRSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Their respective answers being all written down, they were afterwards read to them ; when, they persisting and continuing steadflist in their faith and opinions, the bishop pronounced the difinitive sentence ; and they Avere all delivered over to the secular power. While Cuthbert Simpson was in the consistory- court, bishop Bonner took particular notice of him to the peo- ple. ** Ye see," said he, *' this man, what a personable man he is ; and I tell you, that if he were not an heretic, he is a man of the greatest patience that ever came be- fore me. He hath been twice racked in one day in the Tower, and also, in my house, he hath felt much sorrow, and yet I never saw his patience broken." On the 28th of the month called March, 1558, these three steadfast believers in Christ were conducted by the sheriffs, and their proper officers, to Smithfield, where they were all flistened to one stake, and burnt in the same Ere. They behaved with true christian fortitude to the last, praising and glorifying God, that he had enabled them to go through the horrid punishment allotted them, for no other reason but their strict adherence to the truth of his most holy gospel. About this time, one William Nicoll, of Haverford- West, in Pembrokeshire, was apprehended for speaking disrespectfully of the church of Rome ; and being con- demned as a heretic, was burnt in said town, on the 9th of the month called April, 1558. But the particulars of his examination, &:c. are not recorded. The perseciitidns and Martyrdoms of William Seaman^ Thomas Carman, and Thomas Hudson^ who were all burnt together at Norxvich. William Seaman was a husbandman, of a relig- ious turn of mind, and a strict professor of the truth of the gospel. He was betrayed into the hands of the po- pish emissaries by tlie perfidy of a neighbour ; and being taken before Sir John Tyrrel for examination, he com- mitted Seaman to prison ; and, the next day, he was sent PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 499 to Dr. Hopton, bishop of tlie diocess, who, after a short cxamhiation, passed sentence of condemnation on him, and he was delivered over to the secular power. Thomas Carman, who had been apprehended a short time before, was brought before the bishop, for examin- ation, on the same day ; when, asserting the cause of Christ with no less warmth than the former, he was con- signed to the same inhuman and merciless punishment. Thomas Hudson, was by trade a glover, and lived at the town of Aildesham, in Norfolk. Though destitute of any education in his younger years, yet, by his dili- gence and love of the gospel, as preached in the days of king Edward, he had learned to read, became well versed in the sacred book of God, and grounded in the faith once delivered to the saints. Disapproving the doctrines and practices set forth under the reign of queen Mary, he absented himself from his native place, went into Suffolk, and there con- tinued travelling from one part to another, as occasion required. On the 19th of the month called May, 1558, these three steadfast believers in Christ were conducted to the place appointed for their execution, called Lollard's Pit, without Bishopsgate, at Norwich. As soon as they ar- rived at the fatal spot, they all kneeled down, and sever- ally offered up their prayers to God, to enable them to undergo, with christian fortitude, the fiery trial that awaited them, and they all cheerfully resigned their souls into the hands of that God who had protected and sup- ported tliem under their sufferings for his name's sake. About the same time these three men were burnt at Norwich, three others suffered at Colchester ; namely, William Harris, Richard Day, and Christian George. They all willingly sut^mitted to their fate, and cheer- fully resigned up tlieir lives in testimony of the truth of the gospel. 500 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. The persecution and sufferings of PFilliam Petty ^ a lad of twelve years of age^ who was so barbarously scourged in bishop Bonne f s palace in London^ that it occasioned his death. If dying innocently in the cause of Christ, and his religion, constitutes the character of a martyr, no one can be more entitled to a place in our catalogue than this youth, who was unmercifully scourged to death, at the instigation of the relentless and cruel Bonner. Among those who were persecuted and imprisoned for the profession of Christ's gospel, and yet delivered by the providence of God, was John Fetty, the father of the lad under consideration. He had been accused, by his own wife, to the minister of the parish in which he lived, of absenting himself from church, the sacrament of the altar, confession, and other ceremonies ; for neglect of which, he was apprehended by one of the officers em- ployed for that purpose. He was afterwards released. But was again apprehended, and carried before Sir John Mordaunt, one of the queen's commissioners, by whom, after examination, he was sent to Lollard's Tower*, where he was put into the stocks, and had a dish of water set by him, with a stone in it, to point out to him, that it was the chief substance he might- expect to receive. After he had been in prison for the space of fifteen days, (the greatest part of which time he was kept in the * Lollard's Tower was a larj^e, detached room, belonging- to bishop Bon- ner's palace, in London, and formed as a prison of the most gloomy nature. It was set apart for the punishment of protestants, (called Lollards) w!io •v^'cre brought before him on an accusation of heresy, and who were here sub- jected to > arious tortures, at the discretion of that biggotted and merciless tyrant. The most common punishment inflicted was, setting them in the stocks, some of whom were fastened by the hands, and otliers by the feet. They were, in general, permitted to sit on a stool, but, to increase the punish- ment, sorae were deprived of that indulgence, so that lying with their backs on the ground, their situation became exceeding painful. In this dungeon, and uncier these tortures, they were kept, some for several days, and otliers for weeks, without any other sustenance than bieadand water; and to add to their affliction, they were prohibited from being seen by their relations, or friends. Many of those who had tender constitutions, fell under the coji- 'jiict; but those who weie otherwise, escaped, and lived tQ execrate tl;e name cf their inhuman persecutor. PERSECUTED liY THE PAPISTS.^ 501 stocks, sometimes by one leg, and sometimes by the oth- er) William Fetty, one of his sons, came to the bishop's palace, in order to obtain permission to see him. When he arrived there, one of the bishop's chaplains asked him his business ; the boy replied, he wanted to see his father, at the same time, shedding tears, and ex- pressing the greatest unhappiness. The chaplain asked, who was his father; and, when the boy told him, he pointed towards Lollard's Tower, intimating, that he was there confined. The chaplain then told him, his father was a heretic ; to which, the boy (who was of a bold and forward spirit, and had been instructed by the father in the reformed religion) answered, "my father is no heretic: but you have Balaam's mark." On this, the incensed priest took the boy by the hand, and led him to a large room in the palace, where he scourged him in the most severe and unmerciful manner; after which, he ordered one of his servants to carry him in his shirt to his father, the blood running down to his heels. As soon as he saw his father, he fell on his knees, and craved his blessing. The poor man, beholding his Cnild in so dreadful a situation, exclaimed, with ijreat grief, " alas ! .son, who hath thus cruelly treated you?" the boy replied, " seeking to find you out, a priest, with Balaam's mark, took me into the bishop's house, and treated me in the manner you see." The servant then seized the boy with great wrath, and dragging him from his father, led him back to the place where he had been scourged by the priest. Here he was kept three days, in the course of which, his former pun- ishment was several times repeated, though not in so se- vere a manner as before. At the expiration of that time, Bonner, in order to make some atonement for this cruel treatment of the boy, and to appease the father, determined to release both of them. He, therefore, ordered the latter to be brought before him, in his bed-chamber, early in tlic mornin.o:. 502 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. When the poor man came before the bishop, he said, '^ God be here, and peace.'' To which, the bishop repli- ed, " that is neither Godspeed, nor good- morrow." One of the bishop's chaplains standing' by , reviled Fet- ty for the speech he had made ; when he, after looking about, and spying a bundle of black beads, and a small erucifix, said, *' as Christ is here handled, so you deal with Christ's chosen people." The bishop was so enraged at this, that he called him a vile heretic, and said, " I will burn thee, or I will spend all that I possess." However, in a little time, his passion cooled, and thinking of the consequences that might arise from scourging the child, he ordered them both to be discharged. The father immediately went home with his son ; but the poor boy, from an extraordinary effusion of blood, and a mortification which ensued, died a few days after, to the great grief of his persecuted and indulgent pa- rent. The old man remained, without farther persecution, during the residue of his life, often praising God for de- livering him out of the hands of his enemies. The Martyrdoms of Robert Mills ^ Stephen Cotton, Rob- ert Dines^ Stephen IFight^ John Slade, and William Pikes ^ who were all burnt together at Brentford^ in Middlesex. These six men were apprehended, with several oth- ers, in a close near Islington, where they had assembled to pay their devotions to their Maker ; and, being taken before a magistrate, were committed to prison on suspi- cion of heresy. ^ A few days after their apprehension, they were brought before Dr. Thomas Derbyshire, the bishop of London's chancellor for examination. After which, they were re- conducted to prison, but ordered to appear on the 11th of the month called July, at the consistory-court at St. Paul's. Accordingly, PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 503 on that day, they were brought before the bishop and his chancellor, by the latter of whom, they were asked, if they would turn from their opinions against the holy mother- church ; and, if not, whether they would shew cause why sentence of condemnation should not be pro- nounced against tl:kem. To this, they all answered, that they would not go from the truth, nor any part of the same on any conditions whatever. The chancellor then dismissed them, but ordered, that they should appear again before him the next day, in the afternoon, to hear the definitive sentence pronounced, agreeable to the ecclesiastical law then in force. They were accordingly brought at the time appointed, when the chancellor sat as judge, accompanied by sir Ed- ward Hastings, and sir Thomas Corn wallis. The chan- cellor used his utmost endeavours to prevail on them to recant their opinions ; but they all proved ineffectual. He, therefore, read the sentence of condemnation ; and they were delivered over to the sheriffs, who conducted them to prison, in order for execution. The chancellor, having condemned these six innocent persons, sent a certificate of their condemnation to the lord chancellor's office, from whence, the next day, a writ WQs issued for their being burnt at Brentford. On the 14th day of the month called July, 1558, they were conducted by tlie sheriffs, and their attendants, froni^ Newgate, to the place appointed for their execution. As soon as they arrived at the fatal spot, they all kneel- ed dowr^ and, for some time, prayed in the most fervent manner. After this, they arose, and, undressing them selves, went cheerfully to the stakes, of which, tliere were three in number, though all consumed in the same fire. Being bound to the stakes, and the fagots lighted, they all quietly yielded up their souls to tliat God, for whose gospel they suffered, and whose heavenly mansions they were in hopes of inheriting. A few days after tli£ execution of the before mentioned six martyrs at Brentford, seven others, apprehended with them, at the same time and place, were burnt in Smith- field; namely, Henry Pond, Rainhold Plastland, Robert 504. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Southam, Matthew Ricarby, John Floyd, John Holiday, and Roger Holland. In the beginning of the month called August, four men were burnt at St. Edmund's Bury, in Suffolk. Their names were John Cooke, Robert Miles, Alexan- der Lane, and James Ashley. The persecution and sufferings of Cicely Ormes, who was burnt at Norwich. This woman was one of the spectators at the burning of Simon Miller, and Elizabeth Cooper (before mention- ed) ; and was apprehend^ for saying, she would pledge them of the cup of whfRi they drank, viz. success to the true cause of Christ, and destruction to the usurpa- tion of papists. This poor w^oman had been before apprehended, and, after being some time confined, by the advice of her friends, and fearing the horrors of death, she recanted, and thereby obtained her liberty. But she could not en- joy a moment of peace after : she, therefore, abjured the abominable errors she had confessed, and determined to iidhere inviolably to the true gospel of Christ. On the 23d of September, 1558, she was conducted to the usual place of execution for martyrs, without Bish- opsgate. As soon as she arrived at the stake, she kneeled down, and, after making her fervent prayers to God, thus addressed the spectators : " Good people, I believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost : this I do not, nor will recant ; but I renounce from the bottom of my heart, the principles and practices set forth by the church of Rome, and never will have to do with them; by the grace of God, to my life's end. '' I would not have you think, good people, that I ex- pect to be saved, because I ofier myself here Unto death for the truth's sake ; no, I trust for acceptance with God, justification in his sight, and eternal redemption on the merits and passion of Jesus Christ alone.'' t>ERSECUTED BY THE l-APIStS. BOS After this, she embraced the stake, and said, " wel- come, the cross of Christ." Being fastened, and the fagots lighted, she spoke, with an audible voice, these words : *' my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour.'* These were the last words she was heard to say ; for the. fire burning rapidly, she soon gave up the ghost, quietly resigning her life in testimofiy of the truth of God's most holy word. T/ic Martyrdoms of Alexander Gouch, and Alice Driver, who were burnt together at Ipswich^ in Suffolk. These two persons having been suspected of heresy, were apprehended, and after a short examination relative to their religious sentiments, were committed to Melton gaol. After undergoing another examination separately, they, for their steadfastness in their faith and opinion, received sentence of condemnation as heretics, and were delivered to the secular power to be put to death. On the 4th of November, 1558, they were taken from the gaol to Ipswich, escorted by the high^-sheriff and his officers, and accompanied by a prodigious number of spectators. When they came to the stake, they sang psalms to- gether, then kneeled down, and fervently prayed for some time ; at which, the sheriff was so offended, that he order- ed the bailiffs to interrupt them, and desire they would make an end. On this, Gouch arose, and said, ^*do, Mr. Sheriff, let us pray a little while, for we have but a short time to live here." But this was forbidden ; and the bailiffs, were or- dered immedately to prepare them for the fire. Without farther delay, they were fastened to the stake, when many of the spectators shook them by the hands, notwithstanding the sheriff threatened them for their pre- sumption. The fagots being lighted, they joyfully resign- '3t 500 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ed up their souls to God, their last words being, ** into thy hands, O Lord, we commit our spirits." About the same time, and for the same cause, three men were burned at St. Edmund's Bury, in Suffolk, viz. Philip Humphrey, John David, and Henry David, his brother. But the 'particular account of their examina- tions and deaths is not recorded. The sufferings and Martyrdom of Elizabeth Frest, who was burnt at Exeter. This poor woman was the wife of a labouring man, and lived at a small village near the town of Launceston, in Cornwall. Her husband, and three children, were zealous papists ; and she would frequently rebuke them for their superstition ; but he, being the superior, forced her sometimes to go to church, to follow in procession, and to conform to the Romish ceremonies. Being greatly afflicted at the thoughts of doing that which was so much against her inclination, she prayed t© God for his assistance, took courage, and left her hus- band and family. ' For some time, she travelled from one place to another, maintaining herself by labour and spinning. But, at length, she returned to her husband ; a itw days after which, she was accused of heresy by some of her neigh- bours ; and being apprehended* was sent to Exeter, to be examined by Dr. Troublevile, then bishop of the see. After this, she was dismissed for the present, and sent back to prison; but, in a few days, she was again brought before the bishop, who finding her still obstinate, and that all his endeavours to alter her opinion were inef- fectual, he read the dreadful sentence of condemnation ; at the close of which, she said, '' I thank thee, my Lord, my God ; this day have I found that which I have long sought." Between the time of her condemnation and execution, she was visited by several priests, who used the most forcible arguments to prevail on her to recauti promising PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 50,7 that, en those conditions, her life should be saved. She repUed, ** No ; that I will not. God forbid that I should lose the life eternal, for this carnal and short life. 1 will never turn from my heavenly husband, to my earth- ly husband ; from the fellowship of angels, to mortal children : and. if my husband and children be faithful, then am I theirs. God is my ftither, God is my mother, God is my sister, my brother, my kinsman- God is my friend most faithful." On the day appointed for her death, she was delivered to the sheriff, who, with his officers, conducted her to the place of execution, without the walls of Exeter, called Southenkey. Being fastened to the stake, and the fagots lighted, she repeatedly cried out, "God, be merciful to me a sin- ner." And, in a short time, quietly resigned her soul, into the hands of him who gave it. Tlie Martyrdoms of John Cornforcl, of Wortham^ Christo- pher J3rown, of Maidstone, John Hersty of Ashford, Alice Snoth, and Catharine Knight^ alias Tinley^ an aged woman* These five were the last that suffered martyrdom in the reign of queen Mary, who died on the 17th of No- vember, 1558, in the 43d year of her age, and the 6th of her reign. The matter why they were judged to the fire, was for believing the body not to be in the sacrament of the altar, unless it be received ; saying, moreover, that we receive another thing also, besides Christ's body, which we see, and is a temporal thing, according to St. Paul, *' The^ things that be seen, be temporal," &c. Item, For confessing, that a;i evil man doth not re- ceive Christ's body, '* Because no man hath the Son, except it be given him of the Father." Item, That it is an idolatry, to creep to the cross, and St. John forbidding it, saith, *' Beware of imager.* 508 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Item, For confessing, that we should not pray to our lady, and other saints, because they be not omnipotent. For these, and other such Hke articles of christian doctrine, were these committed to the fire. Against whom, when the sentence should be read, and they ex- communicated, after the manner of the papists, John Cornford, stirred with a vehement spirit, of the zeal of God, proceeding in a more true excommunication against tlie papists, in the name of them all, pronounced sentence against them, in these words, as follows : ** In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the most mighty God, and by the power of his holy Spirit, and the authority of his holy catholic and apostolic church, we do here give into the hands of satan, to be destroyed, the bodies of all those blasphemers and here- tics, that do maintain an error against his most holy word, or do condemn his jnost holy truth for heresy, to the maintenance of any false church or feigned religion, so that by this, thy just judgment, O most mighty God, against thy adversaries, thy true religion may be known to thy great glory and our comfort, and to the edifying of all our nation. Go^ Lord, so be it, Amen." These godly martyrs, in their prayer which they tftade before their martyrdom, desired God, that their blood might be the last that should be shed, and so it was. Besides the martyrs above named, there were several others imprisoned in divers pails of the realm, whereof some were but newly taken and not yet examined, some examined, but not condemned, and others were both ex- amined and condemned, but, for lack of the writ, escaped. There were others, also, condemned, and the writ also was brought down for their burning ; and yet, by the deaths of the chancellor, the bishop, and queen Mary, happeniag together about one time, their lives were preserved. To relate all those cases of persecution and suffering, whh the particular circumstances attending them, would extend beyond the limits of the present work : we shall therefore omit thenj, refering the reader to the authentic PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 50^ reeords, where they may be found, particularly to Fox's Book of Martyrs. It may, however, be acceptable to our readers to hear the names of the principal sufferers, who, although their lives were not sacrificed to the severities and malice of their persecutors, yet endured no little scourging and suffering, and evinced, by their patience and steadfast pcrseverence, that their non-compliance was purely in obedience to the will and requisition of their Lord and master. The following is a list of some of them : John Hunt, Richard White, Richard Wilmot, Tho- mas Fairfax, Thomas Green, James Harris, Robert Will- iams, William Living and his wife, John Lithal, Eliza- beth Young, Ehzabeth Lawson, Thomas Christenmass, William Watts, Alexander Winhurst, John Davis, Roberts, Anne Lucy, Edward Bennet, JefFry Hurst, William Wood, Thomas Horton, Thomas Sprat, John Cornet, Thomas Bryce, Gertrude Crokhay, Thomas- Rose, Richard Burtic and Catharine his wife, Dr. i^gido, Dr» Constantine, and William Lithgow. 510 FERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE PERSECUTIONS IN^ IRELAND, DISTINGUISHED IN THE ENG- LISH ANNALS BY THE NAME OF THE IRISH MASSACRE. Though the various attempts made by the Irish against the English, usually go under the denomination of rebeil* ion, yet they more properly deserve the epithet persecu- tion, as all their destructive efforts were particulaily level- led at the protestants only, whom they were determined, if possible, totally to extirpate from the kingdom* They had, indeed, heretofore miscarried ; but they, at length, hit upon a project that succeeded to their wishes^ and pro- duced a catastrophe that will remain memorable to the latest posterity. A short time before the horrid conspiracy broke out, which we are now going to relate, the papists of Ireland, had presented a remonstrance to the lords -justices of that kingdom, demanding the free exercise of their religion, and a re}>eal of all laws to the contrary ; to which, both houses of parliament in England solemnly answered, that they would never grant any toleration to the popish relig- ion in that kiiigdom. This farther irritated the papists to put in execution the diabolical plot concerted for the destruction of the pro- testants ; and it failed not of the success wished for by its malicious and rancorous p'ojectors. The design of this horrid conspiracy was, that a gene- ral insurrection should take place at the same time throughout the kingdom ; and that all the protestants, without exception, should be murdered. The day fixed for this horrid massacre, was, the 23d of October, 1641 ; and the chief conspirators, in the principal parts of the kingdom, made the necessary preparations for the intend- ed conflict. The conapirators w^re in arms all over the kingdom early in the morning of the day appointed, and every pro- testant who fell in their way, was immediately murderq,d» PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS, 511 No age, no sex, no condition was spared. The wife weep- ing for her butchered husband, and embracing her helpless children, was pierced with them, and j^erished by the same Stroke. The old, the young, the vigorous, the infirm, underwent the same fate, and were blended together in one common ruin. In vain, did flight save from the first as- sault : destruction was every where let loose, and met the hunted victims at every turn. In vain, was recourse had to relations, to companions, to friends : all connexions were dissolved, and death was dealt by that kind, from which protection was implored and expected. Without provocation, without opposition, the astonished English, Jiving in profound peace, and, as they thought, full securi- ty, were piassacred by their nearest neighbours, with whom they had long maintained a continual intercourse of kindness and good offices. Nay, even death was the slightest punishment inflicted by these monsters in human form : all the tortures which wanton cruelty could invent, all the lingering pains of body, the anguish of mind, the agonies of despair, could not satiate revenge excited with- out injury, and cruelty derived from no cause whatever. Depraved nature, even perverted religion, though encour- aged by the utmost licence, cannot reach to a greater pitch of ferocity than appeared in those merciless barbarians-. Even the weaker sex themselves, naturally tender to their own suflferings, and compassionate to those of others, here emulated their robust companions in the practice of every cruelty. The very children, taught by example, and en- couraged by the exhortations of their parents, dealt their feeble blows on the dead carcasses of the defenceless chiU drcn of the English. Nor WHS the avarice of the Irish sufiicient to produce the least restraint on their cruelty. Such was their fren^ zy, that the cattle they had seized, and by rapine made tlieir own, were, because they bore the name of English, wantonly slaughtered, or, when covered \vith wound^ turned loose into the woods, there to perish by slow and fingering torments. The commodious habitations of the planters were laid iTi ashe6, Gr levelled with the ground. And where the 512 PJERSECUTED BV THE PAPISTS. wretched owners had shut themselves up in the housesi and were preparing for defence, they perished in the flames, together with their wives and children. Many were put to deaths of the most horrid nature, and such as could have been invented only by demons instead of men. Some of them were laid with the centre of their backs on the axle-tree of a carriage, with their legs resting on the ground, on one side, and their arms and head on the other. in this position, one of the savages scourged the wretched object on the thighs, legs, &c. while others set on furious dogs, who tore to pieces the arms and upper parts of the body ; and, in this dreadful manner, were they deprived of their existence. Great numbers were fastened to horses tails ; and, the beasts being set on full gallop by their riders, the wretched victims were dragged along till they expired. Others were hung on lofty gibbets, and a fire being kindled under them, they finished their lives, partly by hanging, and partly by suffocation. Nor did the more tender sex escape the least particle of cruelty, that could be projected by their merciless and furious persecutors. Many women, of all ages, were put to deaths of the most cruel nature. Some in particular were fastened with their backs to strong .posts, and being stripped to tli^ir waists, the inhuman monsters cut off their breasts with shears, which, of course, put them to the most excruciating torments ; and, in this position, they were left, till, from the loss of blood, they expired. Such was the savage ferocity of these barbarians, that even unborn infants were dragged from the womb to be- come victims to their rage. Many unhappy mothers, who were near the time of their delivery, were hung na- ked on the branches of trees, and their bodies being cut open, the innocent offspring were taken from them, and jljarown to dogs and swine. And, to increase the horrid scene, they would oblige the husband to be a spectator before he suffered himself. iffAS.ECUT^P BY THE PAPIST^. 513 A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE MASSACRE IN FRANCE. In the year, 1572, a massacre took place in Paris, sooii after Henry, king of Navarre, was married to Margaret, sister to the king of France. This was called, not a marriage of individuals, but a marriage between the churches of the Roman Catholics and the Protestants. A few hours previous to the massacre, the young duke of Guise, who was to be principally intrusted in the affair, called together the French and Swiss officers, and told them, "that the time was come in which the king was to be revenged of the protestants ; the beast is caught (said he) let him not therefore escape ; your triumph will be glorious, your victory easy, and the spoils great." The duke of Guise then sent to the provost of the city, and commanded him to assemble the aldermen of the respec- tive wards, that they might be ready to receive the king's commands : when they met together, the same orders were given to them as to the officers ; and they were told, that the signal for beginning the bloody business, was to be the ringing of a bell in the Louvre ; and the tokens, by which to know each other, were to be white crosses on their hats. The dreadful hour arrived, and the fatal bell was rung, about twelve o'cll^:k at night, on the eve of the 24th of the month called August, A. D. 1572; the signal being thus given, the duke of Guise hastened to Coligni's house, at the head of a body of troops, and joined Cossen, who, with his guard, it was pretended, went to defend the admiral. They knocked violently at Coligni's door, when Labon- nous, one of his servants, immediately opened it, and was instantly stabbed by Cossen. A i/iimbei of troops, with Cossen at the head of th.m, then entered the house; but the duke of Guise ren\aiiied in the court-yard. Tfhe assassins ranged through the several apartments, murdered all they met, and at length came to Coligni's chamber. That Cossen, and several others, completed the murder. The duke of Guise, called out from below, " Is the business done ?" The murderers replied, it was ; and, to convince him, threw the body out of the window. The corpse was then treated with great indignity ; and a person belonging to the duke of Nevers, cut off the head, and carried it to the king. The cruel monarch appeared pleased with the sight, and the bloody minded queen- mother ordered it to be embalmed, and sent as a present to the pope. The headless corpse was dragged about the streets, with great indignity, for several days, indecently mangled, and then hung upon a gibbet, with the shoulders downwards. This was the end of one of the greatest men France e^'er pro- duced; who, by a glorious martyrdom, concluded a life spent in the service of the Almighty. The attendants and domestics of the king of Navarre, and the young prince of Conde, were basely butchered, and the streets of Paris streamed with protestant blood. In some measure, to palliate their cruelties, the Roman catholics, while they were murdering the innocent people, cried out, " Vile wretches, this is for wanting to overturn the constitution of your country ; this is for conspiring to murder the king." Rank, sex, or age, was no protection ; nobles sunk beneath the daggers of ruffians ; the tears of beauty made no impression on the hearts of bigotry ; the silver hairs of venerable age, and the piteous cries of help- less infancy, were alike disregarded. Superstition steeled the hearts of the papists against the ties of humanity ; and infatuation directed the sword of false zeal, to pierce the bosoms of piety and innocence. The lamentations of dis- tress, the shrieks of terror, and the groans of the^^dying, were music to the ears of the furious murderers : they en- joyed the horrors of slaughter, and triumphed over the mangled carcasses of those whom they had butchered. I Upon this dreadful occasion, swords, pistols, mus- Tcets, cutlasses, daggers, and other instruments of death, had been put into the hands of above sixty thousand furious and bigotted papists, who now, in a frantic manner, ran up and down the streets of Paris, uttering the most horrid PERSECUTE© BY THE PAPISTS. 515 bb^phemies, and committing the most inhuman barbar- ities. It is almost beyond the power of imagination to paint, or of language to describe, the cruelties that were acted on that flital night, and the two succeeding davs. The infirm were murdered in the bed of sickness ; the aged stabbed while tottering on their crutches ; children snatched from their mothers, and tossed on the points of of spears ; infants strangled in their cradles ; pregnant women ripped open ; and men indiscriminately murdered by various means. The confusion and horrors of the scene were dreadful indeed; oaths, shoutings, shrieks, and the discharge of lire-arms, were heard in all quarters ', houses w^ere defiled with the blood of their owners ; the streets strewed with carcasses ; and the w^aters of the Seine appeared of a crimson colour, from the number of mangled bodies which had been thrown into that river. Three hundred and fifty protestants w^ere confined in a place called the Archbishop's Prison. To this place, a number of soldiers repaired, picked their pockets of w^hat money they had, took from them such garments as they thought proper to appropriate to their ow n uses, and then drawing their swords, cut them to pieces without the least remorse. After the massacre had subsided, the inhuman assassins paraded the streets, boasting, that they had died their white cockades red, with the blood of hugonots. The mhabitants of the villages w^hich lay below Paris, on the borders of the Seine, were astonished to see the number of dead bodies that floated down the stream ; and even some of the Roman catholics w^ere so much touched with compassion, as to exclaim, ** it surely could not be men, butc^vils, in their appearance, who have transacted' these cruehies." The pope's legate, soon after, gave all who were concerned in these murders, a general absolution which plainly evinces, that the Roman catholics them selves thoueht these transactions criminal. Bl6 VERSieUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Occurrences supplementary to the Massacre m Paris* It was represented to the king by his council, that the massacre would be ineftectual, if it did not extend to every part of the kingdom ; for though all the protestants of Pa- ris were murdered, yet if any were suffered to live in oth- er parts of France, they would again increase in numbers, and spread to the metropolis. This occasioned the mas- sacre to become more general, for tlie king sent orders to all parts of the nation to put the protestants to death. At Meaux, the king's attorney. Cosset, having received the bloody mandate, ordered a number of ruffians to attend him at seven o'clock in the evening. At the appointed time, he commanded the city gates to be shut, and all the protestants seized. This was immediately executed ; ma- ny were murdered that night, and about two hundred of the principal persons were confined till the next day. On the ensuing morning. Cosset, and his murderers, went to the prison, and haying a list of protestants' names, called them one by one, and murdered them as they answered^ to the call, They then plundered the houses of those they had murdered, divided the spoils, gave an entertainment upon the occasion, and concluded the evening with illumi- nations. At Troyes, the protestants were all seij^ed, and put into dungeons. The provost then commanded the common fixecutioner to go and murder them all. Shocked, how- ever, vX the inhumanity of the thing, the executioner had spirit enough to refuse, with this remarkaVjle expression : * • my office obliges me to execute none but such as are le- gally condemned," But this did not save the protestants for the provost engaged the gaoler to perform what the execu- tioner had refused. They were all accordingly murdered, find their bodies buried in pits, dug on purpose, within the prison. At Orleans, the massacre contipiucd for a week, and a prodigious number of men, women, and children, were piurdered ; the general cry being, ''kill the hngonots, and lake tlie spoil." Some, who were weak enough to aposta- ti?.e froni their faith to save their lives, l]ad weapons put PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 517 into their hands, and were compelled to kill those of the re- ligion they had forsaken, or to be murdered themselves ; the Roman catholics crying, in derision, all th. time, " smite'em, smite'em ; were they not your holy urothers and sisters ?" At Lyons, all the protestants' houses were plundered, and the slaughter w^as almost incredible. At Rouen, six thou- sand were massacred. At Thoulouse, about thre^ hundred were martyred upon the occasion. Many were drowned at Anglers ; and several were butchered at Bordeaux ; though happily, at the latter place, several got expeditious* ly on board a ship, and escaped to England. These barbarities inflamed such protestants as escaped, ra;:her with rage than terror ; their irreconcilable hatred to the court, supplied diem with fresh vigour, and the spirit of revenge increased their strength. The king, under whose influence this dreadful havoc had been committed, never enjoyed his health after, but died in about two years, hi^ blood gushing daily through the pores of his skin ; 3o that he expired, as it were, weltering in his own gore. Fear haunts the guilty mind with horrid views, And Providence the murderer pursues ; Those, by whose means the innocent are slain, Shall live detested, and expire in pain^ 518 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE RISE, PROGRESS, hci' OF THE INC^UISITION. When the reformed religion began to diffuse the gos- pel light throughout Europe, pope Innocent the Third, entertained great fear for the Romish church. Unwilling that the spirit of free inquiry should gain ground, or that the people should attain more knowledge than the priests M^ere willing to admit, he determined to impede, as much tis possible, the progress of reformation. He accordingly institued a number of inquisitors, or persons who were to make inquiry after, apprehend, and punish heretics, as the Teiormed were called by the papists. Courts of inquisition were now erected in several coun- tries ; but the Spanish inquisition became the most pow- erful, and the most dreadful of any. Even the kings of Spain themselves, though arbitrary in all other respects, were taught to dread the power of the lords of the inquisi- tion ; and the horrid cruelties they exercised compelled multitudes, who differed in opinion from the Roman catho- lics, carefully to conceal their sentiments. The pope now thought proper to give the inquisitors the most unlimited powers, as judges delegated by him, and immediately representing his person : they were permitted to excommunicate, or sentence to death, whom they thought proper upon the most slight information of heresy. They were allowed to publish crusades against all whom they deemed heretics, and to enter into leagues with sovereign princes, to join those crusades with their forces. In 1244, their pov/ers were farther increased by the em- peror Frederick the Second, who declared himself the protector and friend of all the inquisitors, and published two very cruel edicts, viz. 1. That all heretics, who continued obstinate, should be burnt. 2. That all heretics who repented, should be impris- oned for life. The officers of the inquisition are, three inquisitors or judges, a fiscal proctor, two secretaries, a magistrate, a PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. ^-BM messenger, a receiver, a gaoler, an agent of confiscated possessions, several assessors, counsellors, executioners, physicians, surgeons, door-keepers, familiars, and visiters, who are are all sworn to secrecy. The principal accusation against those who are subject to this tribunal, is heresy, which comprises all that is spo- ken, or written against any of the articles of the creed, or the traditions of the Romish church. The other articles of accusation arc, renouncing the Roman catholic persua- sion, beUeving that persons of any other religion may be saved, or even admitting that the tenets of any but papists are, in the least, reasonable or proper. We shall mention two other things which incur the most severe punishments, and shew the inquisitors, at once, in an absurd and tyran- nical light, viz. Disapproving any action done by the inquisition, or disbelieving any thing said by an inquisitor. The grand article, heresy, comprises many subdivis- ions : and, upon a suspicion of any of these, the party is immediately apprehended. Advancing an offensive propo- sition ; failing to impeach others who may advance such ; contemning church ceremonies ; defacing idols ; reading books condemned by the inquisition ; lending such books to others to read ; deviating from the ordinary practices of the Romish church ; letting a year pass without going to confession ; eating meat on fast- days ; neglecting mass ; being present at a sermon preached by a heretic ; not ap- pearing when summoned by the inquisition ; lodging in the house of, contracting friendship with, or making a present to, a heretic ; assisting a heretic to escape from confinement, or visiting one in confinement ; are all matters of suspicion, and prosecuted accordingly. Nay, all Ro- man catholics were comnicuided, under pain of excommu- nication, to give immediate information, even of their nearest and dearest friends, if they judge them to be what were called heretics, or any ways inclined to heresy. The inquisition likewise takes cognizance of such as arc accused of being magicians, soothsayers, witches, wizards, blasphemers, common swearers: and of such as read, or even possess the Bible in the common language, the Tahnud of the jews, or tlie Alcoran of the mahometans. 520 PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. Upon all occasions, the inquisitors carry on their pro- cesses with the utmost severity, and punish those who offend them, with the most unparallelled cruelty, A pro- testant has seldom any mercy shewn him ; and a jew who turns christian, is far from being secure ; for, if he is knowTi to keep company with another new-converted jew, a suspicion immediately arises, that they privately practise together, some Jewish ceremonies; if he keeps company with a person who was lately a protestant, but now pro- fesses popery, they are accused of plotting together ; but if he associates with a Roman catholic, an accusation is often laid against him for only pretending to be a papist, and the consequence is, a confiscation of his effects as a punishment for his insincerity, and the loss of his life if he complains of ill usage. Death is usually the portion of a prisoner, the mildest sentence being imprisonment for life ; yet the inquisitors proceed by degrees, at once subtle, slow, and cruel. The gaoler, first of all, insinuates himself into the prisoner's favour, by pretending to wish him well, and advise him well, and, among other hints falsely kind, tells him to pe- tition for a hearing. When the person impeached is condemned, he is either severely whipped, violently tortured, sent to the galleys, or sentenced to death : and, in either case, his effects are con- fiscated. After judgment, a procession is performed to the place of execution, which ceremony is called an auto de fe, or act of faith. The following is an account of an auto de fe, performed at Madrid, in the year 1682. The officers of the inquisition, preceded by trumpets, ketde-drums, and their banner, marched on the 30th of the month called May, in cavalcade, to the place of the great square, where they declared by proclamation, that on the 30th of the month called June, the sentence of the prison- ers would be put in execution. There had not been a spectacle of this kind at Madrid for several years before, for which reason it was expected, by the inhabitants, with as much impatience as a day of the greatest festivity. PERSECUTED BY THE PAPISTS. 5:21 On the day appointed, a prodigious number of people appeared, dressed as splendidly as their respective cir- cumstances would admit. In the great square, was raised a high scaftbld ; and thither, from seven in the morning till the evening, were brought criminals of both sexes : all the inquisitions in the kingdom sending their prison- ers to Madrid. Of these prisoners, twenty men and women, with one renegado mahometan, were ordered to be burned ; fifty jews and Jewesses, having never before been imprisoned, and repenting of their crimes, were sentenced to a long confinement, and to wear yellow caps ; and ten others in- dicted for bigamy, witchcraft, and other crimes, were sentenced to be whipped, and then sent to the galleys : these last wore large paste- board caps, with inscriptions on them, having a halter about their necks, and torches in their hands. The whole court of Spain was present on this occa- sion. The grand inquisitor's chair was placed in a sort of tribunal, far above that of the king. The nobles here, acted the part of the sheriff's officers in England, leading such criminals as were to be burned, and holding them when fast bound with thick cords. The rest of the crimi- nals were conducted by the familiars of the inquisition. Among those who were to suffer, was a young Jewess, ©f exquisite beauty, and but seventeen years of age. Being on the same side of the scaffold where the queen was seated, she addressed her, in hopes of obtaining a pardon, in the following pathetic speech : '* Great queen 1 will not your royal presence be of some service to me, in my miserable condition ? Have regard to my youth; and oh ! consider, that I am about to die for professing a religion imbibed from my earliest infancy !" Her maj- esty seemed grcady to pity her distress, but turned away her eyes, as she did not dare to speak a word in behalf of a person who had been declared a heretic. Now, mass began, in the midst of which, the priest came from the altar, placed near the scaffold, and seated himself in a chair prepared for that purpose. 3x •522 PERSECUTED BV THE PAPISTS. The chief inquisitor then descended from the amphi-* theatre, dressed in his cope, and having a mitre on his head. After bowing to the altar, he advanced towards the king's balcony, and went up to it, attended by some of his officers, carrying a cross and the gospels, with a book containing the oath by which the kings of Spain oblige themselves to protect the catholic faith, to extir- pate heretics, and to support, with all their power, the prosecutions and decrees of the inquisition. On the inquisitor's approach, and presenting this book to he king, his majesty rose up, bareheaded, and swore to mantain the oath, which was read to him by one of his counsellors : after which, the king continued standing till the inquisitor was returned to his place ; when the sec- retary of the holy office mounted a sort of pulpit, and administered the like oath to the counsellors and the the whole assembly. The mass was begun about twelve at noon, and did not end till nine in the evening, being protracted by a proclamation of the sentences of the sev- eral criminals, which were all separately rehearsed aloud one after the other. After this, followed the burning of the twenty-one men and women, whose intrepidity in suifering that horrid death, was truly astonishing : some thrust their hands and feet into the flames with the most dauntless fortitude ; and all of them yielded to their fate with such resolution, that many of the amazed spectators lamented that such heroic souls had not been more enlightened. The king's near situation to the criminals rendered their dying groans very audible to him. He could not, however, be absent from this dreadful scene, as it is es- teemed a religious one ; and his coronation oath obliges him to give a sanction by his presence to all the acts of the tribunal. PERSECUTIONS UNDER EPISCOPACY. Gn queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne, in 1558, the parliament restored the tenths to the crown ; and the protestant religion was again established. The bishops refusing the oath of supremacy, were removed, and others put in their stead. About the beginning of this queen's reign, arose a people professing the pure relig- ion, and allowing of nothing but what was taken out of the scriptures. They, moreover, openly condemned the received discipline of the church of England, with the lit- urgy and calling of the bishops, as savouring too much of the Romish reHgion. They declared it to be an impious thing to hold any doctrine common with the churcii of Rome, and were very zealous to have the church of Eng- land reformed in every point, according to the church of Geneva. These dissenters were first known by the name of Pu- ritans, and afterwards by that of protestant non- conform- ists. They soon became very numerous, crying down the ecclesiastical form of government, as a thing polluted with Romish dregs, printing books to the same effect, and re- fusing to go to the public worship, as was then used ; whereupon, many endeavours were used to suppress them, and the law was commanded to be put in execu- tion^ which requn*ed uniformity, and the books written 5^4 PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. by the Puritans to be delivered into the bishops' hand^, on pain of imprisonment. By these courses of persecution and force, they were kept down for a time, the archbish- op of Canterbury using his utmost endeavours to settle an uniformity, in ecclesiastical discipline, according to the laws, which he saw lay gasping, if the Puritans increas- ed, and thereupon provided articles for all ministers to subscribe ; but he found great opposition or disturbance in this his design, both at home and abroad ; for one Robert Brown, a young man of Cambridge, from whom a people called Brownists took their name, and one Rich- ard Harrison, a school- master, set forth books in Zealand, and dispersed them over England, condemning the church of England for no church. These books were by au- thority prohibited, and several of the chief of these Brown- ists were executed at Bury, in Suifolk. Before giving an account of the execution of those persons, we shall insert their complaint to the parliament^ relating their hard usage in prison. ^'^ The humble, most earnest, and lamentable complaint and supplication of the persecuted and prescribed churchy and servants of Christ, falsely called BrownistSy unto the high court of parliament, " The most high God, possessor of heaven and earth, bringeth at this present before your lordships and wisdoms (right honourable) his own cause, his own people (his own sworn, and most treacherous enemies) together with the most shameful usage of his truth and servants, that ever hath been heard of in the days of Sion's professed peace and tranquillity. *' His cause and people he oftereth unto your considera- tion and defence, in our profession and persons. His en- emies and their outrage against his truth and servants in the persons and bloody proceedings of the prelates of this landj and their accomplices. *' We profess the same faith, and truth of the gospel "with her majesty, which your honours, this whole v PERSECtTTED UNDER ET»ISCOPACY. 525 land, and all the reformed churches under heaven, this day, do hold and maintain. We go beyond them (being our only fault, even in the judgment of our tyrannical and most savage enemies) in the detestation of all popery, that most fearful antichristian religion, and draw nearer, in some points, by our practice unto Christ's holy order and institution. This is our faith, tbis is our cause (right honourable) yea, the Lord's cause in our sinful hands. ** For the profession and maintenance of which faith, the fore named enemies of God detain in their hands within the prisons, about London (not to speak of other gaols throughout the land) about threescore and twelve per- sons, men. women, young, and old, lying in coid, in hun- ger, in dungeons, and in irons ; of which number, they have taken the Lord's day last, being the 3d day of the 4th month, 1592, about sixteen persons hearing the word of God truly taught, praying and praising God for his favours shewed unto us, unto her majesty, your hon- ours, and this |Whole land, and desiring our God to be merciful to us, unto our gracious prince and country. Being employed in these holy actions, and no other (as the parties, who disturbed them can testify) they were ta- ken in the very place where the persecuted church and martyrs were enforced to use the like exercise in queen Mary's days. "The former number are now unbailable, committed by the prelate or bishop of London, unto whose close (for the most part) several prisons, as Bridewell, Limbo or Dungeon in Newgate, the Fleet, the Marshalsea, the Compters, the Clink, the Gatehouse, the White-Lion, ^c. wherein we willingly acknowledge tlie lot and inher- itance in this life, of our forefathers and brethren, the holy martyrs of the former age, and the entailed acel- dama, or bloody succession of the see of London, and that whole lineage. Well, here our brethren lie (how long, Lord, holy and true, thou knowcst !) in dungeons, in hunger, in cold, in nakedness, and all outward distress; lor these bloody men will allow them neither meat, drink, fire, lodging, nor suffer any whose hearts the Lord would stir up for their relief, to have any access B2S PERSECtyXED l/l^DER EPISCOPACY. unto them, purposing belike, to imprison them unto death, as they have done seventeen or eighteen others, in the same noisome gaols, within these six years. The husband and wife being now taken by them, they per- mit not to be in the same, but have sent them to be close kept in other prisons. What the poor family doth at home, in the mean time, your lordships may consider, -and justly pity. Some of this company had not one pen- ny about them, when they were sent to close prison, nor any thing, being abroad (which is the case of most of them, if not all) to procure themselves and their poor families any maintenance, save only their handy labours and trades, whereby it is come to pass, that these enemies of God, do not only starve and undo a number of men in the prisons, but even a lamentable company of poor orphans and servants abroad ; their unbridled slanders ; their lawless privy searches ; their violent breaking open and rifling of our houses ; their lamentable and barbarous usages of women and young children, in these hostile assaults ; their uncontroled thievery ; robbing and taking away of whatsoever they think meet from us in this case ; their unappeased and merciless pursuit of us from our houses, trades, wives, children, especially from the holy society of the saints and church of God, we are enforced to omit, lest we should be over- tedious to your lordships ; but their dealing this way towards us is so woful (right honourable) as we may truly demand with grief of heart, whether the foreign enemy, or our native countrymen, do possess and bear rule over us in our dear and native country ? *' Their whole dealing herein is most barbarous, most inhuman, but especially most unchristian, and such as exceeds the cruelty of the heathen and pop- ish professed tyrants, and persecutors. The records of the heathen persecutions under Nero, Trajan, De- cius, Galienus, Maximinian, 8s:c. can scarce aflford us any examples of the like cruelty and havoc ; for the heathen Romans would murder openly and professedly. These godless men have put the blood of war about them, in the day of the peace and truth, which this whole PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACV. £27 land professeth to hold with Jesus Christ, and his ser- vants. Bishop Bonner, Story, and Weston, dealt not after this sort ; for those whom they committed close, they would also either feed, or permit to be fed by others, and they brought them in short spa(!e openly into Smithfield to end their misery, and to begin their never ending joy. Whereas Bishop Elinar, Dr. Stanhope, and Mr. justice Young, with the rest of that persecuting and blood-thirsty faculty, will do neither of these. No felons no murderers, no traitors in this land, are so dealt with. *' There are many of us, by the mercies of God, still out of their hands. The former holy exercise and profes-^ sion, we purpose not to leave, by the assistance of God. We liave as good warrant to reject the ordinances of antichrist, and labour for the recovery of Christ's holy institutions, as our fathers and brethren, in queen Ma- ry's days, had to do the hke ; and we doubt not, if our cause was truly known unto her majesty and your wis- doms, but w^e should find greater favour than they did, whereas our estate now is far more lamentable. " And, therefore, we humbly and earnestly crave of her majesty and your lordships, both for ourselves abroad, and for our brethren now in miserable captivity, but just and equal trial, according unto her majesty's laws. If we prove not our adversaries to be in a most pestilent ai:id godless course, both in regard of their offices, and their proceedings in them, and ourselves to be in the right way, we desire not to have the benefit of her majes- ty's true and faithful subjects, which, of all earthly favours, we account to be one of the greatest. Are we malefactors ? Are we anywise undutiful unto our prince^ Maintain we any errors ? Let us then be judicially con- victed thereof, and delivered to the civil authority ; but let not these bloody men both accuse, condemn, and closely murder after this sort, contrary to all law, equity, and conscience, where they alone are the plaintifi's, the accusers, the judges, and the executioners, of their most fearful and barbarous tyranny. They should not, by the laws of this land, go any fur- ther in cases of religion, than their own ecclesiastical cen- 528 PERSECUTED t^NDER EPISCOPACY, sure, and then refer us to the civil power. Their fore- fathers, Gardner, Bonner, and Story, dealt thus equall}^ and we crave but this equity. Oh! let her excellent majesty, our sovereign, and your wisdoms, consider and accord' unto this our just petition ; for streams of inno- cent blood are like to be spilt in secret by these blood- thirsty men, except her majesty and your lordships do take order with their most cruel and inhuman proceedings. " We crave for all of us but the liberty either to die ©penly, or to live openly, in the land of our nativity. If we deserve death, it beseemeth the majesty of justice not to see us closely murdered ; yea, starved to death with hunger and cold, and stifled in loathsome dungeons. If we be guiltless, we crave but the benefit of our innocence, viz. That we may have peace to serve our God and our prince in the place of the sepulchre of our fathers. "" Thus, protesting our innocence, complaining of vio- lence and wrong, and crying for justice on the behalf, and on the name of that righteous judge, the God of equity and justice, we continue our prayers unto him for her majesty and your honours, whose hearts we beseech him to incline towards this our most equal and just suit, through Christ Jesus our Lord.'' Besides many that finished their days in loathsome prisons, there were five condemned and executed, sealing their testimonies with their blood. Their names were Eli- as Thacker, John Copping, Henry Barrowe, John Green- wood, and John Penry ; of whom we shall now insert a farther account. Two ministers of the Brownist persuasion were con- demned and put to death, in the summer of 1583, for non- conformity, viz. Elias Thacker, hanged at St. Edmund's Bury, June 4th, and John Copping, two days after. Their indictments were for spreading certain books, seditiously penned by Robert Brown, against the Book of Common Prayer, established by the laws of this realm. The sedhion cliarged uponBrown's book was, that it sub- verted the constitution of the church, and acknowledged her majesty's supremacy civilly, but not otherwise, as. PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. 529 appears by the report which the judges sent to court viz. that tlie prisoners, instead of acknowledging her majes- ty's supremacy in all causes, would allow it only in civil. This the judges took hold of, to aggravate their offence to the queen, after they had passed sentence upon them, on the late statute of the 23d Eliz. aiiainst spreading se- ditious libels, and for refusing the oath of supremacy. Copping had suffered a long and illegal imprisonment from the bishop of his diocess : his wife -being brought to bed while he was under confinement, he was charged with not suffering his child to be baptized ; to which he answered, that his conscience could not admit it to be done with god -fathers and god- mothers, and he could get no preacher to do it without. He was accused further with saying, the queen was perjured, because she had sworn to set forth God's glory directly, as by the scrip- tures are appointed, and did not ; but these were only circumstances, to support the grand charge of sedition, in spreading Brown's book. However, it seemed a little hard to hang men for spreading a seditious book, at a time when the author of that very book [Brown] was par- doned and set* at liberty. Both the prisoners died by their principles ; for though Dr. Still, the archbishop's chap- lain, and others, travelled and conferred with them, yet at the very hour of their death, they remained immovea- ble ; they were both found in the doctrinal articles of the church of England, and of unblemished lives. One Wilsford, a layman, would have suffered with them, but upon conference with secretary Wilson, who told him the queen's supremacy might be understood, only of her majesty's civil power over ecclesiastical persons, he took the oath, and was discharged. Barrowe was apprehended at the Clink prison, in Southwark, where he was sent to visit his brother Green- \\^ood. He was carried immediately to Lambeth, where the archbisliop would have examined him upon the oath rx officio y but he refused to take it, or to swear at all, up- on the bible ; but (says he) by God's grace, I will an- swer nothing but the truth. So the archbishop took a paper of interrogatories into his hand, and asked him, 3 y 530 PERSECUTED UNDER EPISC0PACY. 1. Whether the Lord's prayer might be used in church ? He answered, that in his opinion it was rather a summary than a form, and not finding it used by the a- postles,he thought it should not be constantly used by us. 2. VV hether forms of prayer may be used in the church ? He answered, that none such ought to be im- posed. 3. Whether the common prayer be idolatrous, or su- perstitious ? He ahswered, that in his opinion, it was so. 4. Whether the sacraments of the church lare true sac- raments and seals of the favour of God? He answered, he thought, as they were publicly administered, they were not. 5. Whether the laws of the church were good ? He answered, that many of them were unlawful and anti- christ ian. 6. W^hether the church of England is a true church ? He answered, that as it was now formed, it was not ; yet that there are many excellent, good christians of it. 7. Whether the queen be supreme governor of the church, and may make laws fqr it ? He answered, that the queen was the supreme governor of the church, but might not make laws other than Christ had left in his word. 8. Whether a private person may reform, if the prince neglects it ? He answered, that no private persons might reform the state, but they are to abstain from unlawful things commanded by the prince. 9. Whether every particular church ought to have a prchbytery ? He answered in the affirmative. After this examination, he w as remanded to close pris on, and denied a copy of his answers, though he earnest- ly desired it. Greenwood, the minister, was exainined after the same manner before the archbishop of Canterbury, the bish- ops of London and Winchester, the lords chief justices, the lord chief baron, and the master of the roTls. He had interrogatories put to him as Barrowe had, but refused to swear, and made much the same answ^er with the oth- er. At length, on the 2lstof the month called March, PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. 531 1592, they* together with Saxio Bellot, Gent. Daniel Studley, girdler, and Robert Bowlle, were indicted at the sessions house, Old-Bailey, upon tl^ statute of 23d Eliz. for writing and publishing sundry seditious books and pamphlets, tending to the slander of the queen and gov- ernment; when they had only written against the chinch ; but this was the archbishop's artful contrivance, to throw oft' the odium of their death from hynself to the civil magistrate ; for, as the reverend and learned Hugh Broughton observes, "" though Barrowe and Green- wood were condemned for disturbance of the state ; yet this would have been pardoned, and their lives spared, if they would have promised to come to church " Upon their trial, they behaved with constaircy and resolution, shewing no token of recognition (says the attorney) nor prayer for mercy ; they protested their inviolable loyalty to the queen, and obedience to her government ; that they never wrote, nor so much as intended any thing against her highness, but only against the bishops and the hierarchy of the church; which was apparent enough. However, the jury brought them all in guilty. Bellot desired a conference, and, with tears confessing his sor- row for what he had done, was pardoned. Bowlle and Studley being looked upon only as accessaries, though they continued firm, declaring their unshaken loyalty to the queen, and refusing to ask for merc}^, were repriev- ed, and sent back to prison ; but Barrowe and Green- wood were to be made examples. Sentence of death being passed upon them, March 23, sundry divines w^ere appointed to pursuade them to recant ; who not succeed- ing, they were brought in a cart to Tyburn, on the last of March, and exposed under the gallows for some time to the people, to see, if the terrors of death would af- fright tiem ; but remaining constant, the}^ were brought back to Newgate, and on the sixth of April, 1592, car- ried a second time to Tyburn, and executed. At the place of execution, they gave such testimonies of their unfeigned piety towards God, and loyalty to the queen, pra\ ing so earnestly for her long and prosperous reign, that when Dr. Reynolds, who attended them, reported 532 PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. their behaviour to her majesty, she repented that she had yielded to their death. About six weeks after this, the reverend John Penry or A p- Henry, a Welsh divine, was executed for the same crime, in a cruel and inhuman manner. He was a pi- ous and learned man, well disposed to religion, (says Strype) but mistaken in his principles, and hot in his tem- per ; a zealous reformer, and a declared enemy of the archbishop. He was born in the county of Brecknock, and educated first at Cambridge, and afterwards at St. Alban's-Hall, Oxford, where he proceeded M. A. 1586, and entered into holy orders, being well acquainted with arts and languages. He preached in both universities with applause, and afterwards travelling into Wales, was the first, as he said, that preached the gospel publicly to the Welsh, and sowed the good seed among his country- men. In the year 1588, he published a view of such public wants and disorders, as are in her majesty's coun- try of Wales, with a humble petition to the high court of parliament for their redress : wherein is shewed, not only the necessity of reforming the state of religion, among that people, but also, the only way in regard of substance, to bring that reformation to pass. He also published an exhortation to the governors and people of her majesty's country of Wales, to labour earnestly to have the preaching of the gospel planted among them. Printed 1588. It was never known before this time, that a minister and a scholar was condemned to death for private pa- pers, found in his study ; nor do I remember more than once since that time, in whose case it was given for law, that scribere est agere, that to write has been construed an overt-act; but Penry must die, right or wrong ; t"he archbishop \vas the first man who signed the warrant for his execution, and after him, Puckering and Popham. The warrant was sent immediately to the sheriff, who the same day erected a gallows at St, Thomas Waterings ; and, while the prisoner was at dinner, sent his officers to bid him make ready, for he must die that afternoon ; ac- .cordingly he was carried in a cart to the place of execu- PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. 533 tion. When he came thither, the sheriff would not suffer him to speak to the people, nor make any profession of his faith towards God, or his loyalty to the queen, but ordered him to be turned off In a hurry, about five o'clock in the evening, May 29th, 1593, in the 34th year of his age. The court being struck with this behaviour of the Brownists, began to be ashamed of hanging men for sedition against the state, who died with such strong pro- fessions of loyalty to the queen and government, and therefore could suffer only for the cause of religion. This raised an odium against the bishops and high commis- sioners, who, all men knew, were at the bottom of these proceedings. It is said the queen herself was displeased with them, when she heard of the devotion and loyalty of the sufferers. It was therefore resolved, to proceed for the future, on the late statute of the 31st Eliz. to retain the queen's subjects in their obedience *; and, instead of putting the Brownists to death, to send them into ban- ishment. Upoft this statute, Johnston, pastor of the brownist church, was convicted, and all the gaols were cleared for the present ; though the commissioners took care, within the compass of another year, to fill them up again. Queen Elizabeth died in the year 1602, in the 70th year of her age, and 45th of her reign ; and was suc- ceeded by king James I. who ascended the English throne, the succeeding year, having reigned in Scotland from his infancy. The Puritants suffered greatly also in the reign of king James, who, in his speech to the parliament, in the year 1620, said, " As touching religion, laws enough are made already. It stands in two points, persuasion and compulsion : men may persuade, but God must give the blessing. Jesuits, priests, puritans, and secta- ries, erring both on the right hand, and left hand, are forward to persuade unto their own ends, and so ought you the bishops, in your example and preaching ; but compulsion to obey is to blind the conscience." 534 PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. These people presented the following address to the king and parliament, relating the great oppressions they were under. ^' To our sovereign lord the king^ s most excellent majesty^ together with the honourable nobility^ knights^ a?jd bur- gesses, 7io.iv assembled at the high-court of parliaments " May it please your majesty, honours, worships, gra- ciously to respect the humble suit of God's poor afflicted ^rvants, and well-afFected loyal subjects to your highness and honours : we are many of us constrained to live in ex- ile out of our native country, others detained in prisons, all of us in some affliction, which the prelates and clergy of this land have inflicted upon us for our faith in God, and obedience to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, We have never to this day been convinced of heresy, error, or crime, for which we should sustain the great calamities we have endured. The grounds of christian religion, pro- fessed and maintained in this land, and other churches round about, we also with one heart and spirit assent unto and possess : enemies we are to all popery, anabaptistery, or other heresy, schism, rebellion, treason, or faction, and whatsoever else is contrary to the wholesome doctrine of the gospel, or the prosperity and good estate of this realm; our only desire is to serve God, as that we may please him with reverence and fear, abstaining and keeping our souls and bodies from all remnants of the Roman religion, idol- atry, imposition, and vain will-worshjp, of what sort soev- er : we witness against the unlawful pompous hierarchy and priesthood of this nation, as utterly disagreeing from the Testament of Christ, and ministry there appointed, in their offices, callings, administrations, and lord-like livings and maintenance ; against the confuse, profane and irrelig- ious multitude of all sorts of vicious livers, baptized into, and retained in the body of the church of England, with- out voluntary profession of, and holy walking in the faith of the gospel ; against their manner of worship and ser- vice, by reading prayers out of a book, instead of true PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. 535 Spiritual invocation on the name of the Lord ; and briefly, against all their popish aDuses and relics of the man of sin whaisoevtr ; and because this our testimony maketh against the irregular authority of the prelates, reproveth their ^vil actions, and disapproveth their pomp, stateliness, rich revenues, stipends, &c. therefore have they in all hos- tile manner set themselves against us, persecuting us unto bands, exile^ and death itself, reproaching us as Schismat- ic ks, Donatists, Brownists, seditious persons, &c. though they could never convince us of these, or any the like crimes ; and though we have not ceased, neither by God's grace will cease, to wish and produce good to their souls and bodies in the Lord : now, therefore, our humble re- quest is unto your majesty, honours, and worships, that notwithstanding these differences, we may be suffered to return into our native country, there to live in peace, prac- tising the faith of Christ, which we profess, and have long since set forth to the view of the world in our public con- fession, ^\ herein none hitherto have shewed us any error ; and seeing the people of odier nations are by your majesty and honours suffered in this realm, though differing from the ecclesiastical state of the same, we hope that your highness's natural and loyal subjects may find like favour at your hands ; for although we cannot but hold and wit- ness the truth of God against the corruptions remaining, 3'et hold we in no wise lawful for ourselves, or any sub- jects, to attempt the reforming or abolishing of these, or any the like abuses ; for God hath committed the sword into your majesty's hand alone ; who in his time will per- suade (we trust) your royal heart to fulfil his will, and ex- ecute his judgments upon the remainders of the spiritual Babylon, which will turn to as great honour to God, hon- our to your majesty, and good of this realm, as the abol- ishing of abbots, monks, friars, mass, images, &:c. hath turned heretofore. " So the Lord of lords, c^jid Ruler of the earth, will estab- lish your crown and kingdom unto length of days ; and howsoe\ er this our suit will be regarded, \vc will not cease in all places of our pilgrimage, to pray for and procure the ^ood of your majesty, your honours, ^^'orships, and all our $-36 PERSECUTED UNDER EPISCOPACY. country, whom God Almighty bless with long life and hap- py days on earth, and crown with everlasting glory in the highest heavens, Amen." > In the year, 1604, in this king's reign, four persons were banished out of England, after they had suffered three months' imprisonment, for no other cause than sep- arating themselves from the church of England, refusing to communicate, join, or partake widi the same in their public ministry and worship, reputing many corruptions to be still remaining amongst them, which were derived from popery. PERSECUTIONS IN GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA, AFTER THE MIDDLE OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. About the middle of the seventeenth century, much persecution and suffering were inflicted on a sect of protestant dissenters, commonly called Quakers : a people which arose at that time in England ; some of whom sealed their testimony with their blood. For an account of the above people, see Sewel's, or Gough's History of them. The principal points in which thek conscientious non- conformity rendered them obnoxious to the penalties of the law, were, 1. Their christian resolution of assembling publicly for the worship of God, in a manneii most agreeable to their consciences. 2. Their refusal to pay tithes, which they esteemed a Jewish ceremony, abrogated by^the coming of Christ. 3. Their testimony against wars and fighting, the prac- tice of which, they judged inconsistent with the commancj of Christ : " Love your enemies," &:c. Mat. v. 44. 4. Their constant obedience to the command of Christ : " Swear not at all," &c. Mat. v. 34. 5. Th«'ir refusal to pay rates or assessments for building and repairing houses for a worship which they did not approve. 538 PERSECUTIONS IST 6. Their use of the proper and scriptural language, of " thou," and " thee," to a single person : and their disuse of the custom of uncovering their heads, or pulling off their hats, by way of homage to man. 7. The necessity many found themselves under, of publishing what they believed to be the doctrine of truth ; and sometimes even in the places appointed for the pub- lic national worship. Their conscientious non-compliance in the preceding particulars, exposed them to much persecution and suffer- ing, which consisted in prosecutions ; fines ; cruel beat- ings, whippings, and other corporeal punishments ; im- prisonment ; banishment ; and even death. To relate a particular account of their persecutions and sufferings, would extend beyond the limits of this work : we shall therefore refer, for that information, to the histo- ries already mentioned, and more pai^icularly to Besse's Collection of their sufferings ; and shall confine our ac- count here, mostly to those who sacrificed their lives, and evinced, by their disposition of mind, constancy, patience, and faithful perseverance, that they were influenced by a sense of religious duty. Numerous and repeated were the prosecutions against them ; and sometimes for transgressions or offences, which the law did not contemplate or embrace. Many of the fines and penalties exacted of them, were not only unreasonable and exorbitant, but as they could not consistently pay them, were sometimes distrained to several times the value 4)f the demand ; whereby many poor families were greatly distressed,, and obliged to de- pend on the assistance of their friends. Numbers were not only cruelly beaten and whipped in a public manner, like criminals, but some were branded, and others had their ears cut off. Great numbers were long confined in loathsome pris- ons ; in which, some ended their days, in consequence- thereof. Many were sentenced to banishment ; and a considera ble number uere transported. Some were banished on pain of death ; and four were actually executed by the GREAT-BRITAIN ANB AMERICA. 539 hands of the hangman, as we shall here relate, after insert- ing copies of some of the laws of the country where they sufiered. ''At a General Court held at Boston^ the 14M ofOct^ 1656. '* Whereas, there is a cursed sect of heretics, lately risen up in the world, which are commonly called qua- le ers, who take upon them to be immediately sent from God, and infallibly assisted by the Spirit, to speak and write blasphemous opinions, despising govcrmnent, and the order of God, in the church and commonwealth, speaking evil of dignities, reproaching and reviling mag- istrates and ministers, seeking to turn the people from the faith, and gain proselytes to their pernicious ways : this court taking^to consideration the premises, and to prevent the iikemischief, as by their means is wrought in our land, doth hereby order, and by authority of this court, be it ordered and enacted, that what master or commander of any ship, bark, pink, or catch, shall henceforth bring into any harbour, creek, or cove, with- in this jurisdiction, any quaker or quakers, or other blas- phemous heretics, shall pay, or cause to be paid, the fine of one hundred pounds to the treasurer of the coun- try, except it appear he want true knowledge or infor- mation of their being such ; and, in that case, he hath liberty to clear himself by his oath, when sufficient proof to the contrary is wanting : and, for default of good pay* ment, or good security for it, shall be cast into prison, and there to continue till the said sum be satisfied to the treasurer as aforesaid. And the commander of any catch, ship, or vessel, being legally convicted, shall give in sufficient security to the governor, or any one or more of the magistrates, who have power to determine tlie same, to carry them back to the place whence he brought them ; and, on his refusal so to do, the governor, or one or more of the magistrates, are hereby empowered to issue out his orfheir warrants to commit such master or commander tp prison, there to continue, till he give in 540 PERSECUTIONS IN sufficient security to the content of the governor, of any of the magistrates, as aforesaid. And it is hereby further ordered and enacted, that what quaker soever shall arrive in this country from foreign parts, or shall come into this jurisdiction from any parts adjacent, shall be forth- with committed to the house of correction ; and, at their entrance to be severely whipped, and by the master thereof be kept constantly to work, and none suffered to converse or speak with them, during the time of their imprison- ment, which shall be no longer than necessity requires; Audit is ordered, if any person shall knowingly import into any harbour of this jurisdiction, any quakers' books or writings, concerning their devilish opinions, shall pay for such book or writing, being legally proved against him or them, the sum of five pounds ; and whosoever shall disperse or conceal any such book or writing, and il be found with him or her, or in his|^r her house, and shall not immediately deliver the same to the next mag- istrate, shall forfeit or pay five pounds, for the dispersing or concealing of any such book or writing. And it is hereby further enacted, that if any person, within this colony, shall take upon them to defend the heretical opin- ions of the quakers, or any of their books or papers, as aforesaid, if legally proved, shall be fined for the first time forty shillings; if they shall persist in the same, and shall again defend it the second time, four pounds ; if notwithstanding they shall again defend and maintain the said quakers' heretical opinions, they shall be committed to the house of correction \ till there be convenient pas- sage to send them out of the land, being sentenced by the court of Assistants to banishment. Lastly, it is hereby ordered, that what person or persons soever, shall revile the persons of the magistrates or ministers, as is usual with the quakers, such person or persons shall be severe^ ly whipped, or pay the sum of five pounds. ** This is a true copy of the court's order, as attests ^^ Edward Rawson, Sec," GREAT-SRITAIN AND AMERICA.* 541 ^'Ata General Court held at Boston^ the i4th of Oct. 1657. *' As an addition to the late order, in reference to the coming or bringing of any of the cursed sect of the qua- kers into this jurisdiction, it is ordered, that whosoever shall fron> henceforth bring, or cause to be brought direct- ly or indirectly, any known quaker or quakers, or other blasphemous heretics, into this jurisdiction, every such person shall forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds to the' country, and shall by warrant from any magistrate be com- mitted to prison, there to remain till the penalty be satis- fied and paid ; and if any person or persons, within this ju- risdiction, shall henceforth entertain and conceal any such quaker or quakers, or other blasphemous heretics, know- ing them so to be, every such person shall forfeit to the country forty shillings for every hour's entertainment and concealment of an^ quaker or quakers, &c. as aforesaid, and shall be comrMted to prison as aforesaid, till the for- feiture be fully satisfied and paid. And it is further or- dered, that if any quaker or quakers shall presume, after they have once suffered what the law^ requires, to come in- to this jurisdiction, every such male quaker shall, for the first oft'ence, have one of his ears cut oft', and be kept at work in the house of correction, till he can be sent away at his own charge; and for the second oftcnce, shall have his other ear cut off: and every woman quaker, iliat has suffer- ed the law here, that shall presume to come into this juris- diction, shall be severely whipped, and kept at the house of correction at work, till she be sent aw^ay at her own chaige, and so also for her coming again, she shall be alike used as aforesaid. And for every quaker, he or she, that shall a third time herein again offend, they shall have their tongues bored through with an hot iron, and be kept at the hjj^ise of correction close to work, till they be sent away at tlieir own charge. And it is further ordered, that all and every quaker arising from among ourselves, shall be dealt wath, and suffer the like punishment as the law provides against foreign quakers. *' Edward Rawson, Sepr." 542 PERSECUTIONS IN *' jln Act made at a General Cowts held at Bostwi^ the 20th of October, 1658. "Whereas, there is a pernicious sect, qommonly called quakers, lately risen, who by word and writing have published and maintained many dangerous and horrid tenets, and do take upon them to change and alter the received laudable customs of our nation, in giving civil respect to equals, or reverence to superiors; whose actions tend to undermine the civil government, and also to destroy ^he order of the churches, by denying all established forms of worship, and by wiih Irawing fr^m orderly church fellows ip, allowed and approved by all orthodox professoi s of truth, and instead thereof, and in opposition thereunto, frequently meeting bv them- selves, insinuating themselves into the minds of the simple, or such as are least affected tG|^he order and gov- ernment of church and commonwealth, whereby divers of our inhabitants have been infected, notwithstanding all former laws, made upon the experience of their arro- gant and bold obtrusions, to disseminate their principles amongst us, prohibiting their coming into this jurisdic- tion, they have not been deterred from their impetuous attempts to undermine our peace, and hazard our ruin. ''' For prevention thereof, this court doth order and ^nact, that every person or persons, of the cursed sect of the quakers, who is not an inhabitant of, but is found within this jurisdiction, siiall be apprehended with- out warrant, where no magistrate is at hand, by any conr stable, commissioner, or select man, and conveyed from constable, to constable, to the next magistrate, who shall commit the said person to close prison, there to remain (witliout bail) until the next court of Assistants, where ihey shall have legal trial. And being convicted to be of the sect of tlic quakers, shall be sentenced to banish- ment, on pain of death. And that every inhabitant of this jurisdiction, being convicted to be of the aforesaid sect, either by taking uj), publishing, or defending the horrid opinic^is of the quakers, or the stirring up mutiny, sedi- tion, or rebellion against the government, or by taking GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 543 up their abusive and destructive practices, viz. deny- ing civil respect to equals and superiors, and withdraw- ing from the church assemblies ; and instead thereof, fre- quenting meetings of their own, in opposition to our church order ; adhering to, or approving of any known quaker, and the tenets and practices of quakers, that are opposite to the orthodox received opinions of the godly ; and endeavouring to disaffcct others to civil government and church order, or condemning the practice and pro- ceedings of this court against the quakers, manifesting thereby their complying with those, whose design is to overthrow the order established in church and state : ev- ery such person, upon conviction before the said courtrof Assistants, in manner aforesaid, shall be committed to close prison for one month, and then, unless they clioose voluntarily to depart this jurisdiction, shall give bond for their good behaviour, and appear at the next court, where, continuing obstinate, and refusing to retract and reforiT) the aforesaid opinions, tiiey shall be sentenced to banishment, upon pain of death. And any one magistrate upon information given him of any such person, shall cause him to be apprehended, and shall commit any such person to prison, according to his discretion, until he come to trial as aforesaid." It appears there were also laws passed in both of the then colonies of New- Plymouth and New-Haven, and in the Dutch settlement at New- Amsterdam, now New- York, prohibiting the people called quakers, from com- ing into those places, under severe penalties ; in conse- quence of which, some underwent considerable suflvring. The two first that sealed their testimonv with their blood, were William Robinson, merchant, of London, arid Marmaduke Stevenson, a countryn\an of Yoi-kshire. These coming to Boston, in the beginning of Septembcrj were sent for by the court of Assistant:^ and there sen- tenced to banishment, on pain of death. This sentence was passed also on Mar}' Dyar, mentioned he^alter, and Nicholas Davis, who \^'ere both at Boston. But William Robinson, being Ic jkcd upon as a teacher. \ra- 544 PERSECUTIONS IK also condemned to be whipped severely ; and the constable was commanded to get an able man to do it. Then Rob-, inson was brought into the street, and there stripped ; and having his hancls put through the holes of the carriage of a great gun, where the gaoler held him, the executioner gave him twenty stripes, with a three-fold cord whip. Then he and the other prisoners were shordy released, and banished ; which, that it was for no other reason but their being quakers, may appear by the following warrant. <* You are required by these, presently to set at liberty William Robinson, Marmaduke Stevenson, Mary Dyar, and Nicholas 2: Davis, who, by an order of the court and council, had been imprisoned, because it appeared by their own confession, words, and actions, that they are quakers ; wherefore, a sentence was pronounced against them, to depart this jurisdiction, on pain of death; and th^t they must answer it at their peril, if they, or any of them, after the 14di of this present month, September, are found within this jurisdiction, or any part thereof. *' Edward Rawson. " Boston, September 12, 1659." Thougii Mary Dyar and Nicholas Davis left that jurisdiction for that time, yet Robinson and Stevenson, though they departed the town of Boston, could not yet resolve (not being free in mind) to depart that jurisdiction, though their lives were at stake. And so they went to Si\lem, and some place thereabout, to visit, and build up their friends in the faith. But it was not long bcfjYe they were taken, and put again into prison at Boston, and chains locked to their legs. In the next month, Mary Dyar re- turned also. And as she stood l)efore the prison, speaking with one Christopher Holder, who was come thither to in- quire for a bhip l.)ound for England, whether he intended to go, she WL\s also taken into custody. Thus, they had now three persons, who, according to their sanguinary law, had forfeited their lives. And, on the 20th of October, these Ihree were brought into the court, where John End- icot and others were assembled. And being called to the CyiEAT-BHITAIN AND AMERICAt 5^5 t bar, Endicot commanded the keeper to pull off their hats ; and then said, that they had made several laws to keep the quakers from amongst them ; and neidier whipping, nor imprisoning, nor cutting off ears, nor banishing upon pain of death, would keep them from amongst them. And fur-^ ther, he said, that he or they, desired not the death of any of them. Yet, notwithstanding, his following words, with- out more ado, were, '' Give ear, and harken to your sentence of death." W. Robinson then desired that he might be permitted to read a paper, giving an account of the reason why he had not departed that jurisdiction. But Endicot would not suffer it to be read, and said in a rage, *' You shall not read it, nor will the court hear it rea^." Then Robinson laid it on the table. The following is a copy of it, "- On the 8th of the eighth month, 1659, in the after part of the day, in travelling between Newport in Rhode- Island, and Daniel Gold's house, with my dear brother, Christopher Holden, the word of the Lord came expressly to me, which did fill me immediately with life and power, and heavenly love, by which he constrained me, and com- manded me to pass to the town of Boston, my life to lav down, in his will, for the accomplishing of his service, that he had there to perform, at the day appointed. To which heavenly voice, I presently yielded obedience, nor ques- tioned the Lord, how he would bring the thing to pass, being, '^ was a child, and obedience was demanded of me by the Lord, who filled me with liA'ing strength and power, from his heavenly presence ; which, at that time, did mightily overshadow mc, and my life at that time, did say Amen, to what the Lord required of me, and had commanded ]ne to do ; and willingly I was given up, from that time to tliis day, tlie will of the Lord to do and perform, whatever became of my body. For the Lord had said unto me, '* My soul shall live in everlasting peace, and my life shall enter into rest, for being obedient to the God of my life." I being a child, durst not question the Lord in tiie least, 4 A 5*46 PERSECUTIONS IN bnt rather willing to lay down my life, than to bring dis- honour to the Lord. And as the Lord made me willing, dealing gently and kindly with me, as a tender father by a faithful diild, whom he dearly loves, so the Lord did deal with me, in ministering his life unto me, which gave and gives me strength to perform what the Lord required of me, and still as I did, and do stand in need, he ministered and ministereth more strength and virtue, and heavenly power and wisdom, whereby I was, and am made strong in God, not fearing what man shall be suffered to do unto me, being filled with heavenly courage, which is meek- ness and innocence, for the cause is the Lord's that we go in, and the battle is the Lord's ; and thus saith the Lord of hosts, the mighty and the terrible God, " Not by strength, nor by might, nor by power of man,^ but by my Spirit," saith the Lord of hosts ; "I will perform what my mouth hath spoken, through my servants, whom I have chosen, mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth." Friends, the God of my life, and the God of the whole earth, did lay this thin,2; upon me, for which I now suffer bonds near unto death. He, by his almighty power and everlasting love, constrained me, and laid this thing upon me ; and, truly, I could not deny the Lord, much less resist the Holy One of Israel. Therefore, all who are ignorant of the motion of the Lord, in the inward parts, be not hasty in judging in this matter, lest ye speak evil of the thing ye know not. But, of a truth, the Lord > God of heaven and earth, com- manded me by his Spirit, and spake unto me by his Son, whom he hath made heir of all things, and in his life 1 live, and in it I shall depart this earthly tabernacle, if unmer- ciful men be suffered to take it from me. And herein I rejoice, that the Lord is with me, the ancient of days, tlie lite of the suffering seed, for which I am freely given up, and singly do I stand in the will of God ; for, to me, to live is Christ, and to die, is gain : and truly, I have great de- sire and will herein, knowing that the Lord is with me, whatever ignorant men shall be able to say against me ; for the witness of the Spirit I have received, and the pre- sence of the Lord and Isis heavenly life doth accompany me, so that I can say, in truth, and from an upright hearty. GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 547 blessed be the Lord God of my life, who hath counted me worthy, and called me hereunto, to bear my testimony against luic^odly and unrighteous men, who seek to take away the life of the righteous, without a cause, as the rul- ers of Massachusetts-Ba}' do intend, if the Lord stop them not from their intent. Oh 1 hear, ye rulers, and give ear and listen, all ye that have any hand herein, to put the in- nocent to death, for in the name, and fear, and dread, of the Lord God, I here declare the cause of my staying here amongst you, imd continuing in ilie jurisdiction, after there was a sentence of banishment upon pain of death, as ye said, pronounced against me, without a just cause ; as ye all know, that we that were banislied, committed nothing worthy of banishment, nor of any punishment, much less banishment uiX)n pain cf death. And now, ye rulers, ye do intend to put me to death, and my companion, unto whom the word of the Lord came, saying, " Go to Boston with thy brother, William Robinson." Unto which com- mand he was obedient, who had said unto him, " he had a great work for him to do." Which thing is now seen, and the Lord is now a doing of it ; and it is in obedience to the Lord, the God of the whole earth, that we continued amongst you, and that w^e came to the town of Boston again, in obedience to the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, in whose hand your breath is ; and will ye put us to death for obepng the Lord, the God of the whole earth ? Well, if ye do this act, and put \ai^ to death, know this, and be it known unto you all, ye rulers and people, w ithin this jurisdiction, that whosoe^^er hath a hand therein, w^ill be guilty of innocent blood : and not only upon yourselves, will ye bring innocent blood, but upon the town, and the inhabitants thereof, and every where within this jurisdic- tion, that had the least hand therein. Therefore be in- structed, ye rulers of this land, and take warning betimes, and learn wisdom, before it be hid from your eyes. " Written in the common gaol, the i9th of the eighth month, 1659, in Boston, by one who feareth the Lord, who is by ignorant people called a Quaker, and unto such am I only known by the name of William Robinson, yet a new name have I received, which such know not/' 548 PERSECUTIONS IN Robinson desiring again that the paper might be read, that so all that were present might hear it, it was de- nied him, and Endicot said, ' W. Robinson, hearken to your sentence of death ; you shall be had back to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, to be hanged on the gallows till you are dead.' This sentence was not altogether unexpected by W. Robinson ; for it was four months now that he had believed that this would be his fate. Robinson being taken away, M. Stevenson was called, and Endicot said to him, * If you have any thing to say, you may speak. ^ He knowing how they dealt with his companion, was silent, though he had also written in pris- on a paper, containing the cause of his being come there; but he kept it with him, and found afterwards occasion to deliver it to somebf^dy. Then Endicot pronounced sentence of dtati^ against him, saying, ' M. Stevenson, you shUl be had to the p'ace from whence you came, and from dience to the gallows, and there to be hanged till you are dead.' After this, he was taken aw^ay, and Mary Dyar was called : to whom Endicot spoke thus : * Mary Dyar, you shall goto the place from whence you came, (to wit the prison) and from thence to the place of execution, and be hanged there until vou are dead.' To which she replied, ' The will of God be done.' Then Endicot said, ' Take her away, marshal.' To'^hich she returned. * Yea, joy- fully I go.' And in her going to the prison, she often uttered speeches of praise to the Lord ; and, being full of joy, she said to the marshal, he might let her alone, for she w^oujd go to the prison without him. To which he answered, * I believe you, Mrs. Dyar ; but I must do what I am commanded.' Thus she was led to prison, where she was kept a week, with the two other her com- panions, that were also condemned to die. The paper of Marmaduke Stevenson, mentioned be- fore, which he gave forth after he had received sentence of death, was thus : '' In the beginning of the year 1655, I was at the plough, in the east part of Yorkshire, in Old England, GREAT-BRITAIN AjJ» AMERICA. 549 near the place where my outward being was, and as I walked after the plough, I was filled with the love and presence of the living God, which did ravish my heart when I felt it ; for it did increase and abound in me like a living stream, so did the love and life of God run through me like precious ointment, giving a pleasant smell, which made me to stand still ; and as I stood a little still, with my heart and mind stayed on the Lord, the word of the Lord came to me in a still small voice, which I did hear perfectly, saying to me, in the secret of my heart and con- science, ' I have ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.' And at the hearing of the word of the Lord, I was put to a stand, being that I was but a child for such a weighty matter. So at the time appointed, Barbadoes was set before me, untq which I was required of the Lord to go, and leave my dear and loving wife, and tender children : for the Lord said unto me immcu*<^tely by his spirit, that he would be as a husband to my \\^ifc, and as a father to my children, and they should not want in my absence, for he would provide for thejn when I was gone. And I believed that the Lord would perform what he had spoken, because I was made willing to give up myself to his work and service, to leave all and follow him, whose presence and life is with me, where I rest in peace and quietness of spirit (with my dear brother) under the shadow of his wings, who hath made us willing to lay down our lives for his own name sake, if unmerciful men be suffered to take them from us ; and if they do, we know we shall have peace and rest with the Lord for ever in his holy habitation, when they shall have torment night and day. So, in obedience to the living God, I made preparation to pass to Barbadoes, in the fourth month, 1658. So, after I had been some time on the said island in the ser- vice of God, I l>eard that New England liad made a law to put the servants of the living God to death, if they re- turned after they were sentenced away, which did come near me at that time ; and as I considered the thing, and pondered it in my heart, immediately came the word of die Lord unto me, saying, " Thou knowest not but that thou mayest go thither." But I kept this word in my 550 PERSECUTION IN' heart, and did not declare it to any until the time appointed. So after that, a vessel was made ready for Rhode Island, which I passed in. So, after a little time that I had been there, visiting the seed which the Lord hath blessed, the word of tl>e Lord came unto me, saying, *' go to Boston with thy brother William Robinson." And at his com- iiiand I v/as obedient, and gave up myself to do his will, that so his work and service may be accomplished : for he hath said unto me, that he hath a great work for me to do ; which is now come to pass : and for yielding obe- dience to, and obeying the voice and command of the everliving God, who created heaven and earth, and the fountains of waters, do I, with my dear brother, suffer outward bends near unto death. And this is given forth to be upon record that all people may know, who hear it, that we came not in our own wills, but in the will of God. Given forth by'iiie who am known to men by the name of ^ Marmaduke Stevenson, " But have a new name. given me, which the world knows not of, written in the Book of Life. " Written in Boston prison, in the 8th month, 1659." Mary Dyar being returned to prison, wrote the follov»:* ing letter, which she sent to the rulers of Boston. To the General Court in Boston, '' Whereas, I am by many charged with the guiltiness of my own blood ; if you mean, in my coming to Bds- ton, I am therein clear, and justified by the Lord, in whose will I came, who will require my blood of you, be sure, who have made a law to take away the lives of the innocent servants of God, if they come among you, who are called by you, cursed quakers; although I say, and am a liviiig w^itness for them and the Lord, that he hath blessed them, and sent them unto you ; therefore be not found figlitcrs against God, but let my counsel and request be accepted with you, to repeal all such lav/s, that GREAT-BRITAIN A27D AMERICA. 551 truth, and the servants of the Lord, may have free passage among you ; and you be kept from shedding innocent blood, whieh I know there are many among you would not do, if they knew it so to be ; nor can the enemy that stirreth you up, thus to destroy his holy seed, in any mea- sure countervail the great damage that you will, by thus doing, procure. Therefore, seeing the Lord hath not hid it from me, it lieth upon me, in love to your souls, thus to persuade you. I have no self-ends the Lord kno\\'cth ; for if my life were freely granted by you, it would not avail me, nor could I expect it of you, so long as I should daily hear or see the sufferings of these peo- ple, my dear brethren, and the seed, widi whom my life is bound up ; as I have done these two years, and now it is like to increase, even unto death, for no evil doing, but coming among you. Was ever the like laws heard of among a people that profess Christ come in the flesh ? And have such no other weapons but such laws to fight against spiritual wickedness withal, as you call it ? Wo is me for you ! Of whom take ye counsel ? Search with the light of Christ in you, and it will shew you of whom, as it hath done me and many more, who have been diso- bedient and deceived, as now ye are : which light, as you come into, and obeying what is made manifest to you therein, you will not repent that you were kept from shcd^ ding blood, though it were by a woman. It is not mine own life I seek (for I choose rather to suffer with the peo- ple of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of Egypt) l)ut the life of the seed, which I know the Lord hath blessed, and therefore seeks the enemy thus vehemently to de- stroy the life thereof, as in all ages he ever did. O bark- en not unto him, I beseech you, for the seed's sake, which is one in all, and is dear in the sight of God, which they that touch, touch the apple of his eye, and cannot escape his wrath ; whereof I liaving felt, cannot but per- suade all men that I have to do withal, especially you who name the name of Christ, to depart from such ini- <[uity as shedding blood, even of the saints of the Most High. Therefore, let my request have as much accept- •^nce ^\-ith you, if ve be christians, as Esther's had with .^52 PERSECtTxrOl^S IN Ahasuerus, whose relation is short of that that is be^ tween christians ; and my request is tiie same that her's was : and he said not that he had made a law, and that it would be dishonourable for him to revoke it ; but when he understood that those people were so prized by her, and so nearly concerned her, as in truth these are to me, you may see what he did for her. Therefore, I leave these lines with you, appealing to the fiiithful and true witness of God, which is one in all consciences, be- fore whom we must all appear ; with whom I shall eter- nally rest, in everlasting joy and peace, whether you will hear or forbear. With him is my reward, with whom to live is my joy, and to die is my gain, though I had not your forty-eight hours warning, for the preparation of the death of Mary Dyar. * And know tliis also, that if through the enmity you shall declare yourselves worse than Ahasuerus, and con- firm your law, though it were but by taking away the life of one of us, that the Lord will overthrow both your law and you, by his righteous judgments and plagues poured justly upon you, who now whilst ye are warned thereof, and tenderly sought unto, may avoid the one, by remov- ing the other. If you neither hear, nor obey the Lord nor his servants, yet will he send more of his servants among you, so that your end shall be frustrated, that think to restrain them ye call cursed Quakers, from coming among you by any thing you can do to them. Yea, verily, he hath a seed here among you, for whom we have suf- fered all this while, and yet suffer ; whom the Lord of the harvest will send forth more labourers to gather, out of the mouths of the devourers of all sorts, into his fold, where he will lead them into fresh pastures, even the paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Oh, let none of you put this good day far from you, which verily in the light of the Lord I see approaching, even to many in and about Boston, which is the bitterest and darkest profes- sing place, and likely so to continue so long as you do as you have done, that ever I heard of. Let the time past therefore suffice, for such a profession as brings forth such fruits as these laws are. In love and in the spirit of GREAT-BRITAIN ANX) AiiERICA, 553 meekness I again beseech you, for I have no enmity to the persons oi'any ; but you shall know, that God will not be mocked ; but what ye sow, that shall ye reap from liim that will render to every one according to the deeds done in the body, whether good or evil. Even so belt, saith * Mary Dyar.' A copy of this was given to the general court after Mary Dyar had received the sentence of deatii, about tlie 8th or 9th month, 1659. The day appointed to execute the bloody sentence was the 27th of Oct. when, in the afternoon, the condemn- ed prisoners were led to the gallows, by the marshal Michaelson, and captain James Oliver, with a band of about two- hundred armed men, besides many horsemen; as if they were afraid that some of the people would have- rescuedthe prisoners: and that no actors on the stage might be wanting, the priest Wilson joined the company, and when the court deliberated how to deal with the Quakers, said, * hang them, or else,' (drawing his finger athwart his throat) as if he would have said, ' dispatch them this way.' Now the march began, and a drummer going next before the condemned, the drums were beaten, especially when any of them attempted to speak. Glorious signs of heavenly joy and gladness were beheld in the counte- nances of these three persons, who walked hand in hand, Mary being the middlemost ; which made the marshal say to her, who was pretty aged, and stricken in years^ ' are not you ashamed to walk thus hand in hand between two young men ?' ' No', replied she, ' this is to me an hour of the greatest joy I could enjoy in this world. No eye can see, nor ear can hear, no tongue can utter, and no heart can understand, the sweet incomes, or influence, and the refreshings of the spirit of the Lord, which now I feel.' Thus going along, W. Robinson said, ' this is your hour, and the power of darkness.' But presently the drums were beaten ; yet shortly after, the drummers leaving oft' beating, Marmaduke Stevenson said, ' this is the day of your visitation, wherein the Lord hatii visited you.' More be spoke, but could not be understood, by 4 b 554 PEHSECUTIONS IN reason of the drums being beaten again. Yet they went on with great cheerfuhiess, as going to an everlasting wedding feast, and rejoicing that the Lord had counted them worthy to suffer death for his name's sake. When they came near the gallows, they took leave of each other with tender embraces, and Robinson went cheerfully up the ladder, and then said to the people, 'this is the day of your visitation, wherein the Lord hath vis- ited you : this is the day the Lord is risen in his mighty power, to be avenged on all his adversaries.' He also sig- nified that he suffered not as an evil doer, and desired the spectators, to mind the light that was in them ; to wit, the Light of Christ, of which he testified, and was now going to seal it with his blood. This so incensed the en^ vious priest, that he said, * hold thy tongue, be silent, thou art going to die with a lie in thy mouth.' The rope being now about his neck, the executioner bound his hands and legs, and tied his neckcloth about his face r which being done, Robinson said, * now ye are made manifest ;' and the executioner being about turning him off, he said, ' I suffer for Christ, in whom I hve, and for whom I die.' He being turned off, Marmaduke Steven- son stept up the ladder, and said, * be it known unto all this day, that we suffer not as evil doers, but for con- science sake.' And when the hangman was about to turn him oft', lie said, ' Tliis day shall we be at rest with the Lord :' and so he was turned off. Mary D} ar seeing her companions hanging dead before her, also stept up the ladder ; but after her coats were tied about her feet, the h-alter put about her neck, and her fece covered with a handkerchief, which the priest Wil- son lent the hangman, just as she was to be turned off, a cry was heard, ' stop, for she is reprieved.' Her feet then being loosed, they bade her come down. But she, whose mind was already as it were in heaven, stood still, and. said, she was thtre willing to suffer as her brethren did, unless they would annul their wicked law. Little heed was given to wlat she said, but they pulled her down, and the marshal and others taking her by the arms^ car- ried her to prison again. That she thus was freed of the GREAT-BRITAIN ANH AMERICA. 555 gallows this time, was at the intercession of lier son, to whom it seems they could not then resolve to deny that favour. She now having heard why she was reprieved, wrote the next day, being the 28th of October, the follow- ing letter to the court. The 28t/i of the Sth months 1 659. ' Once more to the general court assembled in Boston, speaks Mary Dyar, even as before. My life is not ac- cepted, neither availeth me, in comparison of the lives and liberty of the truth and servants of the living God, for which in the bowels of love and meekness I sought you ; yet, nevertheless, with wicked hands have you put two of them to death, which makes me to feel, that the mercies of the wicked is cruelty. I rather choose to die than to live, as from you, as guilty of their inno- cent blood : therefore, seemg my request hindered, I leave you to the righteous judge, and searcher of all hearts, who, with the pure measure of light he hath given to every man to profit withal, will in his due time let you see whose servants you are, and of whom you have taken counsel, which I desire you to search into : but all his counsel hath been slighted, and you would none of his reproofs. Read your portion, Pro v. i. 24 to o2. For verily the night cometh on you apace, wherein no man can work, in which you shall assuredly fall to your owji master. In obedience to the Lord, whom I serve with my spirit, and pity to your souls, which you neither know nor pity, I can do no less than once more warn you, to put away the evil of your doings ; and kiss the son, the light in you, before his wrath be kindled in you ; for where it is, nothing without you can help or deliver you out of his hand at all ; and if these t!,ings be not so, then say tliere hath been no prophet from the Lord sent amongst you ; though we be nothing, yet it is his plea- sure, by things that are not, to bring to nought things that arc. " When I heard your last order read, it was a disturbance unto me, tliat was so freely oflering up »ny life to him 556 PERSECUTIONS IN that gave it me, and sent me hither so to do, which obe- dience being his own work, he gloriously accompanied with his presence, and peace, and love in me, in ^vhich I rested from my labour, till by your order and the people, I was so far disturbed, that I could not retain any more of the words thereof, than that I should return to prison, and there remain forty and eight hours ; to which I sub- mitted, finding nothing from the Lord to the contrary, that I may know what his pleasure and counsel is con- cerning me, on whom I wait therefore, for he is my life, and the length of my days ; and as I said before, I came at his command, and go at his command. *Mary Dyar.' The magistrates now perceiving that the putting Will- iam Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson to death, caus- ed great discontent among the people, resolved to send away Mary Dyar, thereby to calm their minds a little. And so she was put on horseback, and by four horsemen con- veyed fifteen miles towards Rhode-Island, where she was left with a horse and a man, to be conveyed the rest of the w^ay ; which she soon sent back, and so repaired home. Mary Dyar, being come to Rhode- Island, went from thence to Long-Island, where she staid the most part of the winter : and then coming home again, she was moved to return to the bloody town of Boston, whither she came on the 21st of the third month, in the year 1660, and on the 31st she was sent for by the general court. Being come, the governor John Endicot said, * are you the same Mary Dyar that was here before V And it seems he was preparing an evasion for her, there having been another of that name returned from Old England. But she was so far from disguising, that she answered un- dauntedly, ' I am the same Mary Dyar that was here the last general court.' Then Endicot said, * you will own yourself a Quaker, will you not ? To which Mary Dyar said, ' I own myself reproachfully called so.' Then the jailor, (who would also say something) said, 'she is a vag- abond.' And Endicot said, the sentence was passed upon her the last general court, and now likewise ; * you must GREAT-BRITAIN ANI> AMERICA. 557 return to the prison, and there remain till to-morrow at nine o'clock ; then from thence yon must go to the gal- lows, and there to be hanged till you are dead.' To which Mary Dyar said, ' this is no more than what thou saidst before.' And Endicot returned, * but now it is to be executed ; therefore prepare yourself to-morrow at nine o'clock.' She then spoke thus : * I came in obedi- ence to the will of God the last general court, desiring you to repeal your unrighteous laws of banishment on pain of death, and that same is my work now, and earnest request; although I told you, that if you refused to re- peal them, the Lord would send others of his servants to witness against them.' Hereupon Endicot asked her, whether she was a prophetess ? And s!ie answered, * she spoke the words that the Lord spoke in her ; and now the thing was come to pass.' And beginning to speak of her call, Endicot cried, ' away with her ; away with her.' So she was brought to the prison house \vhere she was before, and kept close shut up until the next day. About the appointed time the marshal Michaelson came, and called her to come hastily ; and coming into the room where she was, she desired him to stay a little ; and speaking mildly, said, she should be ready prescntlj'. But he being of a rough temper, said he could not wait upon her, but she should now wait upon him. One Mar- garet Smithy her companion, being grieved to see such hard-heartedness, spoke something against their unjust laws and proceedings : to Avhich he said, ' you shall have your share of the same.' Then Mary Dyar v/as brought forth, and with a band of soldiers led through the town, the drums being beaten before and behind her, and so continued, that none might hear her speak all the way to the place of execution, which was about a mile. With this guard she came to the gallows, and being gone up the ladder, some said to her, that if she would return, she might come down and save her life. To which she re- plied, ' nay, I cannot, for in obedience to the will of the Lord I came, and in hi.-i will I abide faithful to the death.' Then captain John Webb said, that she had been there before, and had the sentence of banishment upon pain of 558 PERSECUTIONS IN death, and had broken the law in coming again now ; and therefore was guilty of her own blood. To which she returned, * nay, I come to keep blood- guiltiness from you, desiring you to repeal the unrighteous and unjust law of banishment upon pain of death, made against the innocent servants of the Lord ; therefore my blood will be required at your hands, who wilfully do it : but for those that do it in the simplicity of their hearts, I desire the Lord to forgive them. I came to do the will of my Father, and in obedience to his will, I stand even to death. Then priest Wilson said, ' Mary Dyar, O repent, 0 repent, and be not so deluded, and carried away by the deceit of the devil.' To this Mary Dyar answered, « Nay, man, I am not now to repent.' And being asked by some, whether she would have the elders pray for her, she said, ' I know never an elder here.' Being fur-^ ther asked whether she would have any of the people to pray for her ? She answered she desired all the prayers of the people of God. Thereupon some scoffingly said, * It may be she thinks there is none here.' She looking about, said, * I know but few here.' Then they spoke to her again, that one of the elders might pray for her. To which she replied, * Nay, first a child, then a young man, then a strong man, before an elder in Christ Jesus.' After this she was charged with somethi|ig which was not understood what it was, but she seemed to hear it ; for she said, ' it is false, it is false ; I never spoke those words.' Then one mentioned that she should have said she had been in paradise* To which she answered, ' yea 1 have been in paradise several days.' And more she spoke of eternal happiness, into which she was now to enter. In this well disposed condition she was turned off, and died a martyr of Christ, being twice led to death, which the first time she expected with undaunted cour- age, and now suffered with christian fortitude. ' WiUiam Leddra, who was banished from Boston on pain of death, was under such necessity of conscience, that he could not forbear returning thither; where he came about the conclusion of the foregoing year ; but was soon taken prisoner^ and being fcistened to a log of wood, GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 559 was kept night and day locked in chains, in an open pri- son, during a very cold winter. On the 9th of the first month of this year, he was brought into the court of Assistants, with his chains and log at Ixis heels. And he asking the gaoler, when he in- tended to take oft* the irons from his legs ; the gaoler roughly answered, * when thou art going to be hanged.' W. Leddra then being brought to tlie bar, it was told hin^ by the rulers, speaking of their law, that he was found, guilty, and that he was to die. He said, ' what evil have I done ?' The answer was, his own confession was as good as a thousand witnesses. He asked, what that was ? To which they answered, that he owned these quakers that were put to death, and that they were innocent, Be^- sides that, he would not put off his hat in court, and tliat he said ' thee' and 'thou.' Then said William to them, ' you w^ill put me to death for speaking English, and fcwf not putting off my clothes.' To this major-general Deni- son returned, * a man may speak treason in English.' And William replied, ' is it treason to say thee and thou^ to a single person'?' But none answered only Simon Broadstreet, one of the court, asked him, * whether he would go for England ?' To which he answered, * I have no business there.' Hereupon, Broadstreet, point- ing to the gallows, said, * then you shall go that way.' To which William returned, * what ! will ye put me to death for breathing in the air in your jurisdiction ? and for what you have against me, I appeal to the laws of England for my trial ; and if by them I am guilty, I refuse not to die.' Of this no notice was taken, but instead thereof, they endeavoured to persuade him to recant of his error (as they stiled it) and to conform ; to which, with a grave magnanimity he answered, * what ! to join with such n:iurderers as you are ? Then let every man that meets me say, lo ! this is the man tl^kat hath forsiiken the God of his salvation.' Whilst the trial of W. Leddra was thus going on. Wen- lock Christison, who was already banished upon pain of .death, came into the court. This struck a damp upon tlieni, insomuch tlaat for some space of time there was 56K) t»ERSECUTIONS IN silence in the court: but at length one of the bloody council cried, * here is another, fetch him up to the bar.' Which the marshal performing, the sacretary Rawson, said, * is not your name Wenlock Christison V ' yea,' said Wenlock. * Well,' said the governor, John Endicot, ' what dost thou here ? wast thou not banished upon pain of death?' To which Wenlock answered, 'yea, I was*' And to the question, ' what dost thou here then ?' He answered, ' I am come here to warn you that you should shed no more innocent blood ; for the blood that you have shed already, cries to the Lord God for vengeance to come upon you.' Whereupon it was said, ' take him away gaoler.' It having been told W. Leddra, at the last general court he had liberty given to go for England, or to go out of their jurisdiction ; and that promising to do so, and come there no more, he might save his life ; he answered, * I stand not in my own will, but in the will of the Lord : if I may have my freedom, I shall go, but to make you a promise, I cannot.' But this was so far from giving con- sent, that they proceeded to pronounce sentence of death against him ; which being done, he was led from the court to the prison again, where the day before his death he wrote the following letter to his friends : " Most dear and inwardly beloved : *' The sweet influences of the morning star, like a ftood distilling into my innocent habitation, hath so filled me with the joy of the Lord, in the beauty of holiness, that my spirit is as if it did not inhabit a tabernacle of clay, but is wholly swallowed up in the bosom of eternity, from w^hence it had its being. '• Ala^, cilas, vvhat can the wrath and spirit of man, that lusteth to envy, aggravated by the heart and strength of the king of the. locusts, which came out of the pit, do unto one that is hid in the secret places of the Almighty ? Or, unto them that are gathered under the healing wings of the Prince of Peace ? under whose armour of light they shall be able to stand in the day of trial, having on the breast- plate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit, which GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 561 is their weapon of war against spiritual weakness, princi- palities, and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, both withhi and without ! Oh, my beloved! I have w^aited as a dove at the windows of the ark, and have stood still in that watch, which the master (without whom I could do nothing) did, at his coming, reward with the ful- ness of his love, wherein my heart did rejoice, that I might in the love and life of God, speak a few words to you, seal- ed with the spirit of promise, that the taste thereof might be a savour of life, to your life, and a testimony in you of my innocent death : and if I had been altogether silent, and the Lord had not opened my mouth unto you, yet he would have opened your hearts, and there have sealed my innocency with the streams of life, by which we are all baptized into that body which is in God ; whom, and in whose presence there is life ; in which, as you abide, you stand upon the pillar and ground of truth : for, the life be^ ing the truth and the way, go not one step without it, lest you should compass a mountain in the \vilderness ; for unto every thing there is a season. '* As the flowing of the ocean doth fill every creek and branch thereof, and then retires again towards its own be- ing and fulness, and leaves a savour behind it, so doth the life and virtue of God flow into every one of your hearts, whom he hath made partakers of his divine natiu'e ; and W'hen it witlidraws but a little, it leaves a sweet savour be- hind it, that many can say, they are made clean through the word that he hath spoken to them : in which innocent condition, you may see what you are in the presence of God, and what you are without him. Therefoie, my dear hearts, let the enjoyment of the life alone, be your hope, your joy and consolation, and let the man of God flee those things that would lead the mind out of the cross, for then the savour of the life will be buried : and although some may speak of things that they received in the life, as experiences, yet the life beh:g veiled, and the savour that it left behind washed away bv the fresh floods of tempta- tion, the condition that they did enjoy in the life, boasted of by the airy thing, will be like the manna Uuit was gath- 4 c 562 PERSECUTIONS li^ ered yesterday, widiout any good scent or savour. For, it was only well with the man while he was in the life of innocency ; but being driven from the presence of the Lord, into the earth, what can he boast of? And although you know these things, and (many of you) much more than I can say ; yet, (for the love and zeal I bear to the truth and honour of God, and tender desire of my soul to those that are young, that they may read me in that from which I write, to strengthen them against the wiles of the subtil serpent that beguiled Eve) I say, stand in the watch within, in the fear of the Lord, which is the very entrance of wisdom ; and the state where you are ready to receive the secrets of the Lord : hunger and thirst pa- tiently, be not weary, neither doubt. Stand still and cease from thy own working, and in due time thou shalt enter into the rest, and thy eyes shall behold thy salvation, whose testimonies are sure, and righteous altogether : let them be as a seal upon thine arm, and as jewels about thy neck, tlrat others may see what the Lord hath done for your souls ; confess him before men, yea before his great- est enemies ; fear not ^\ hat they can do inito you : greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world : for he will clothe you with humility, and in the power of his meek- ness you shall reign over all the rage of your enemies in the favour of God ; wherein as you stand in faith, ye are the salt of the earth ; for many seeing your good works, may glorify God in the day of their visitation. *' Take heed of receiving that which you saw not in the light, lest you give ear to to the enemy. Bring all things to the light, that they may be proved, whether they be wrought in God ; tlite love of the world, the lust of the flesh, a,nd the lust of the eye, are without the light, in the^ world ; therefore, possess your vessels in all sanctification and honour, and let your eye look at the mark : he that hath called you is holy : and if there be an eye that offends^, pluck it out and cast it from you : let rot a temptation take hold, for iFyou do, it will keep fi'om the favour of God. and that will be a si\d state ; for, without grace possessed, it here is iio assu^'ance of salvation ; by grace you are saved ; GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 563 and the witnessing of it is sufficient for you, to which I re- commend you all, my dear friends, and in it remain^ " Your brother, "William Leddra. "Boston Gaol, the 13th of the first month, 1660-61.'* The next day after this letter was written, the execu- tion of W. Leddra, was performed, which was on the 14th of the First month. After the lecture was ended, the governor John Endicot came with a guard of soldiers to the prison, where W. Leddra's irons were taken off, with which he had been chained to a log both night and day during a cold winter ; and now they were knocked off, according to what the jailor once said, as hath been related before. William then having taken his leave of Wenlock Christison, and others then in bonds, when called, went forth to the slaughter, incompassed with a guard to prevent his speaking to his friends ; which Edward Wliarton, an inhabitant of Salem, and also ban- ished on pain of death, seeing, and speaking against, one amongst the company said, ' O Edward, it will be your turn next V To which captain Oliver added, * if you speak a word I'll stop your mouth.' Then W. Leddra being brought to the foot of the ladder, was pinioned, and as he was about to ascend the same, he took leave of his friend E. Wharton, to whom he said, ' all that will be Christ's disciples, must take up the cross.' He standing upon the l?dder, somebody said, ' William, have you any thing to say to the people ? Thereupon he spoke thus : * For the testimony of Jesus, and for testifying against deceivers, and the deceived, I am brought here to suffer,' This took so much with the people, that it wrought a tenderness in many. But to quench this, priest Allen said to the spectators, * people, I would not have you think it strange to see a man so willing to die ; for that's no new thing. And you may read lipw the apostle said, that some should be given up to strong delusions, and even dare to die for it.' But he did not say where the apostle speaks so, neither have I found it any where in holy writ ; though I know that Paul saith, Rom. v. 7, 584 PERSECUTIONS IN ^' Peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die." But it seems it was sufficient for Allen, if he could but render Leddra odious ; who however continued cheerful : for as the executioner was putting the halter about his neck, he was heard to say, ' I commit my righteous cause unto thee, O God.' The executioner then being charged to make haste, W. Leddra, at the turning off the ladder, cried, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit ;" and so he was turned off, and finished his days. The hangman cut down the dead body, and lest it should be as barbarously used as those of William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson (which none holding when cut down, fell to the ground to the breaking of W. Robin- son's skull) Edward Wharton, John Chamberlain, and others, caught the body in their arms, and laid it on the ground, till the hangman had stript it of its clothes ; who having done so, said, that he was a comely man, as in- deed he was. The bod}^ being stript, William's friend took it, laid it in a coffin, and buried it. For forther confir- mation of what hath been related, the following letter of one of the spectators, that was there accidentally, may be added ; ''Boston, March, 26, 166L " On the 14th of this instant, here was one William Leddra, which was put to death. The people of the town told me, he might go away if he would : but when I made ftirther inquiry, I heard the marshal say, that he was chained in prison, from the time he was condemned, to the day of his execution. I am not of his opinion : but yet truly me thought the Lord did mightily appear in the man. I went to one of the magistrates at Cambridge, who had been of the jury that condemned him, (as he told me himself) and I asked him by what rule he did it? He answered, that he was a rogue, a very rogue. But what is this to the question, (I said) where is your rule ; he said, he had abused authority. Then I goes after the man, and asked him, whether he did not look on it as a breach of rule to slight and undervalue authority ? And I said that Paul gave Festus the title of honor, though he was a heathen. (I do not say these magistrates are heathens), GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 565 I said then. When the man was on the ladder, he looked on me, and called me friend, and said, know, that this day I am willing to offer up my life ior the witness of Jesus. Then I desired leave of the officers to speak, and said, Gentlemen I am a stranger both to your persons and country, and yet a friend to both : and I cried aloud, for the Lord's sake, take not away the man's life ; but remember Gamaliel's counsel to the jews. If this be of man, it will come to nought, but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it : but be careful ye be not found fighters against God. And the captain said, * why had you not come to the prison?' The reason was, because I heard the man might go if he would ; and therefore I called him down from the tree, and said, ' come down William, you may go away if you will.' Then captain Oliver said, ' it was no such matter ;' and asked what I had to do with it ? and besides, bade me begone : and I told him I was willing ; for I cannot endure to see this, I said. And when I was in the town, some did seem to sympadiize with mc in my grief. But I told them, that they had no warrant from the word of God, nor precedent from our country, nor power from his majesty, to hang the man. I rest, *' Your friend, *' Thomas Wilkie." '* To Mr. George Lad, master of the America, of Dartmouth, now at Barbadoes." William Leddra being thus dispatched, it was resolv- ed to make an end also of Wenlock Christison. He therefore was brought from the prison to the court at Boston, where the governor John Endicot, and the de- puty governor Richard Billingliam, being both present, it was told him, * unless you renounce your religion, you shall surely die.' But instead of shrinking, he said, with an undaunted courage, ' nay, I shall not change my religion, nor seek to save my life ; neither do I intend to deny my master ; but if I lose my life for Christ's sake, and the preaching of the gospel, I shall save my life.' This noble resolution gave such a check to li^s 556 PERSECUTIONS IN persecutors, that they did not then go on with the trial, but sent him away to prison again. And it being said by somebody, that William Leddra was dead, a certain per^ son said to Wenlock, ' O thy turn is next.' To which he gravely replied, ' the will of the Lord be done,' shewing thereby his entire resignation. Being now locked up again in prison, he was kept there till about the fourth month : but then the court being set, a spirit of confusion appeared there, and a division among several of the members ; for though the greatest part were for taking the same course with him, as with those that were already put to death, yet several would not consent to it. And as natural occurrences sometimes cause reflec- tions among observing people, so it happened here ; for during their deliberations how to deal with Wenlock Christison, which lasted for the space of two weeks, the sun in the firmament shown not, a thing at that season somewhat extraordinary; which gave occasion for some to say, that the sun abhorring this bloody business, hid itself from them. But after many debates, the sanguinary council at length agreed, and Wenlock was brought to the bar, where the governor, John Endicot, asked him what he had to say for himself, why he should not die ? He an- swered, ' I have done nothing worthy of death ; if I had, I refuse not to die.' To this another said, ' thou art come among us in rebellion, which is as the sin of witchcraft, and ought to be punished.' Hence it appears, how per- versely these blood-thirsty persecutors applied the holy scriptures to their cruel ends, and so made a wrong use of the prophet Samuel's words to Saul ; to which false con- elusion Wenlock answered, * I came not among you in rebellion, but in obedience to the God of heaven, not in contempt of any of you, but in love to your souls and bod- ies ; and that you shall know one day, when you and all men must give an account of the deeds done in the body. Take heed (thus he went on) for you cannot escape the righteous judgments of God.' Then said major-general Adderton, ' you pronounce woes and judgments, and those that are gone before you pronounced woes and judgments; but the judgments of the Lord God are not come upon us GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 567 as yet.' So insolent and hardhearted may man become, as not to stick even to defy the Most High. Adderton, received this ans^ver from Wenlock : ' Be not proud, neither let your spirits be lifted up ; God doth but wait till the measure of your iniquity be filled up, and that you have run your ungodly race ; then will the wrath of God come upon you to the utmost. And as for thy part, it hangs over thy head, and is near to be poured down upon tlice, and shall come as a thief in the night, suddenl)^, when tliou thinkest not of it.' Then Wenlock asked, ' by what law will ye put me to death ?' The answer was, ' we have a law, and by our law you are to die.' ' So said the jews of Christ (replied Wenlock) we have a law, and by our law he ought to die. Who empowered you to make that law ?' To which one of the board answered, * w^e have a patent, and are the patentees; judge whether we have not power to make laws.' Hereupon Wenlock asked again, 'how, have you power to make la'ws repugnant to the laws of England ?' ' No,' said the governor. ' Then (replied Wenlock) you are gone beyond your bounds, and have forfeited your patent : and that is more than you can answer. Are you (asked he) subjects to the king, yea, or nay V ' What good will that do you T replied the secretary. * If you are (answered Wenlock) say so ; for in your petition to the king, you desire that he would protect you, and that you may be worthy to kneel among his loyal subjects.' To which one said, ' yea, we are so.' * Well (said Wen- lock) so am I, and for any thing I know, am as good as you, if not better ; for if the king did but know your hearts as God knows them, he would see that they are as rotten towards him, as they are towards God. There- fore seeing that you and I are subjects to the king, I de- mand to be tried by the laws of my own nation.' It was answered, *you shall be tried by a bench and a jury :' for it seems they began to be afraid to go on in the former course of trial, without a jury, this being contrary to the laws of England. But Wenlock said, ' that is not the law, but the mauner of it : for 1 never heard nor read of 568 PERSECUTIONS IN any lav/ that was in England to hang quakers.' To this the governor replied, ' that there was a law to hang Jesu- its.' To which Wenlock returned, ' if you put me to death, it is not because I go under the name of a Jesuit, but of a quaker : therefore I appeal to the laws of my own nation.' But instead of taking notice of this, one said, that he was in their hands, and had broken their law, and ihey would try him. Wenlock still appealed to the laws of his own nation : yet the jury being called over, went out, but quickly returned, and brought him in guilty. Where- upon the secretary said, ' Wemock Christison, hold up your right hand.' ' I will not, said Wenlock, I am here and can hear thee.' Then the secretary cried, ' Guilty or not guilty ?'' ' I deny all guilt, replied Wenlock, for my conscience is clear in the sight of God.' But the govern- or said, ' the jury hath condemned thee.' Wenlock an- swered, ' the Lord doth justify me ; who art thou that condermiest V They then voted as to the sentence of death, but were in a manner confounded, for several could not vote him guilty of death. The governor seeing this division, said, ' I could find in my heart to go home :' being in such a rage, that he flung something furiously on the table ; which made Wenlock cry, * it were better for thee to be at home than here, for thou art about a bloody piece of work.' Then the governor put the court to vote again ; but this was done confusedly, which so incensed the gov- ernor, that he stood up and said, ' you that will not con- sent, record it : I thank God I am not afraid to give judg- ment.' Thus we see that to be drunk with blood, doth not cjuench the thirst after blood ; for Endicot, the gov- ernor, seeing others backward to vote, precipitately pro- nounced judgment himself, and said, 'Wenlock Christi- son, harken to your sentence : a^ou must retin^n to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, and there you must be hanged until you are dead, dead, dead.' To which Wenlock said, ' the will of the Lord be done, in \vhose will I came amongst you, and and in whose counsel I stand, feeling his eternal power, that will uphold me unto the last gasp.' Moreover he GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 569 cried thus : * known be it unto you all, that if ye have power to take my life from me, my soul shall enter into everlasting rest, and peace with God, where you your- selves shall never come. And if ye have power to take my life from me, the which I do question, I do believe you shall never more take quakers' lives from them : note my words ; do not think to weary out the living God, by tak- ing away the lives of his servants. What do you gain by it? For the last man that you have put to death, here are live come in his room. And if ye have power to take my life from me, God can raise up the same principle of life, in ten of his servants, and send them among you in my room, that you may have torment upon torment, which is your por- tion ; for there is no peace to the wucked, saith my God.' The holy confidence with which he utttered these words, shewed, and the sequel made it appear plain, that something supernatural was contained in them : and it is remarkable, that among the imprisoned quakers, there were then seve- ral that had been banished on pain of death ; and among these, also Elizabeth Hooten ; and Edward Wharton staid in his habitation, contrary to his sentence of banishment. Wenlock, having received sentence of death, was again brought to prison, where having been detained five days, the marshal and a constable came to him, with an order from the court, for his enlargement, v/ith twenty-seven more of his friends, then in prison, for their testimony to the truth, saying, they were ordered by the court to make him acquainted with their new law. ' What means this?' said Wenlock: * have ye a new law V ' Yes,' said they. *Then je have deceived most people,' said Wenlock. ' Why T said they. ' Because,' said he, < they did think rhc gallows had been your last weapon. Your magistrates said, that your law was a good and wholesome law, made for your peace, and the safeguard of your country. What! are }-our hands now become v/eak ? The power of God is over you all.' Thus the prison doors were opened, and Wenlock, with twenty-seven more of his friends, as aforesaid, set at liberty, save that two of them, viz. Peter Parson, and Jud- ith Bro^vn, being stripped to the waist, and fastened ta a 4 i> 570 PERSECtrXIONS IN cart's tail, were whipped through the town of Boston^ with twenty stripes apiece. Now, though not long after, an order came from the king, as will be seen anon, whereby these persecutors were charged to desist from putting the quakers to death, yet it seems they had got some scent of the king's dis- pleasure, who had a mind to stop their bloody career : for having got a book written by George Bishop, con- taining a relation of cruel persecution in New England, he read a passage concerning major-general Denison, who, to put oiF those that complained of their wicked proceedings, said, ' this year ye will go to complain to the parliament, and the next year they will send to see how it is ; and the third year the government is changed.' He took much notice of this, and calling to the lords to hear it, said, ' Lo! these are my good subjects of New- England y but I will put a stop to them.' it was not long before an opportunity offered ; for, the news of William Leddra's death being come into £ngland, with an information of the danger that others were in, of going the same way, their friends took it so to heart, especially Edward Burrough, that having got audience of the king, he told to him, there was a vein of innocent blood opened in his dominions, which, if it was not stopped, would overrun all. To which the king re- plied, ' but I will stop that vein.' Then Burrough de- sired him to do it speedily ; * for we know not,' said he, ^ how many, may soon be put to death.' The king an- swered, * as soon as you will. Call (said he to some pres^ ent) the secretary, and I will do it presently.' The sec- retary being come, a mandamus was forthwith granted. A day or two after, going again to the king, to desire dis-- patch of the matter, the king said, he had no occasion,, at present, to send a ship thither ; but if they would send one, they might do it as soon as they could. E. Bur- rough then asked the king, if it would please him to grant his deputation to one called a quaker, to carry the mandamus to NeAV-England. The king answered, ' yes, to whom you will.' Whereupon, E. Burrough named one Samuel Shattock, who being an inhabitant of New^ GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 571 England, was banished on pain of death, if ever he re- turned thither. And the king accordingly granted the deputation to him, with full power to carry the manda- mus, which was as foUowCth : ** Charles R. *' Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. Having been informed that several of our subjects amongst you, called quakers, have been, and are im- prisoned by you, whereof some have been executed, and others, (as hath been represented unto us) are in danger to undergo the like : we have thought fit to signify our pleasure in that behalf for the future ; and do hereby re- quire, that if there be any of those people called quakers, amongst you, now already condemned to suffer death, or other corporal punishment, or that axe imprisoned, and obnoxious to the like condemnation, you are to forbear to proceed any farther therein : but that you forthwith send the said persons (whether condemned or imprison- ed) over into this our kingdom of England, together with the respective crimes or offences laid to their charge ; to the end, that such course may be taken with them here, as shall be agreeable to our laws, and their demerits. And for so doing, these our letters sh^li be ypur suiftci- ent warrant and discharge. *' Given at our court, at Whitehall, the 9th day of September, 1661, in the 13th year of our reign. " By his majesty's command, "William Morris.'' The Superscription was : • To our trusty and well- beloved John Endicot, Esq. and to all and every other the governor, or governors, of our plantations of New- England, and of all the colonies thereunto belonging, that now are, or here- after shall be ; and to all and every the ministers and officers of our said plantations and colonies whatso- ever, within the continent of New- England.' 572 PERSECUTIONS IlT This mandamus to the rulers of New- England, being obtained, as hath been said, quick dispatch was thought necessary to send it thither. And Samuel Shattock being impowercd by the king to carry it, an agreement was made with one Ralph Goldsmith, who was master of a good ship, and also one of those called quakers, for three hundred pounds (goods or no goods) to sail in ten days. He then immediately made all things ready to set sail, and with a prosperous gale, arrived in about six weeks time, before the town of Boston, in New- England- upon a first day of the week. The townsmen seeing a ship come into the bay, with English colours, soon came on board, and asked for the captain. Ralph Goldsmith then told him, he was the commander. Then they asked him whether he had any letters; and he said, ' yes.' Where- upon they asked, if he would deliver them ; but he said, * no, not to day.' So they went ashore, and reported there was a ship full of quakers, and that Samuel Shattock was among them, who they knew was, by their law liable to be put to death, for coming in again after banishment : but they knew not his errand nor authority. All being thus kept close, and none of the ship's com- pany suffered to go on shore that day ; next morning Samuel Shattock, tl e king's deputy, and Ralph Gold- smith, the commander of the vessel, went on shore ; and sending the men that landed them, back to the ship, they two went through the town, to the governor John Endicot's door, and knocked. He sending a man to know their business, they sent liim word their business was from the king of England, and that they would de- liver their message to none but the governor himself. Thereupon they were admitted to go in, and the governor came to them, and commanded Shattock's hat to be ta-^ ken off, rind having received the deputation and the man- damus, he laid off his hat, and ordered Shattock's hat to be given him again ; he looked upon the papers, and then going out, went to the deputy -governor, and bid the kings deputy, and the master of the ship follow him^ Being come to the deputy governor, and havmg con- sulted with him about the matter, he returned to the GREAT-BRITAIN AND AMERICA. 573 two aforesaid persons, and said, * we shall obey his maj- esty's command.' After this the master of the ship gave liberty to the passengers to come ashore, which they did, and met together with their friends of the town, to offer up praises to God for this wonderful deliverance. Now, forasmuch as several of their friends were yet in prison at Boston, the following order was given forthwith by the council not long after : " To William Salter, keeper of the prison, at Boston, " You are required by authority, and order of the gene- ral court, forthwith to release and discharge the quakers, who at present are in your custody. See that you do not neglect this. " By order of the court, " Edward Rawson, Sec. " Boston, 9th Dec. 1661." They then consulted what to do, that they might not in- cur the king's displeasure ; and it was agreeci to send a deputation to him. First, colonel Temple was sent to ac- quaint the king, with their having set the quakers at liberty ; and he was followed, not long after, by the chief priest, John Norton, and Simon Broadstreet one of the magis- trates. It appears by an application to king James the second, in the year 168.5, that there were, in England and Wales, 1460 of the people called quakers, prisoners ; some under sentence for prcmunire ; some for refusing to swear ; some under fines on the act of banishment ; and others on writs of excommunication ; besides above 320, who died pris- oners ; of whom, 100 were judged to have died in conse- quence of their long confinement and hard usage. After king James' declaration for liberty of conscience ; after the passing of the act of toleration, in the reign of king William and queen Mary, in 1689 ; and after the act, that the solemn affirmation and declaration of the people called quakers, should be accepted instead of an oath, in 574 PERSECUTIONS &C. the usual form, passed 1696, these people were greatly re- leived from the frequent persecutions and great sufferings to which they had been exposed. Notwithstanding the great exemption and relief which they experienced from the above acts, the laws still stand open against them, and are frequently enforced, particu- larly for not complying with military regulations, and for refusing to pay tithes ; on both of which accounts, there have continued to be frequent instances, not only of some who have been prosecuted and distrained from, but of others, who have been cast into prison, where they have sl&aled their testimonies with their lives. PERSECUTED BY THE MAHOMETANS. The Martyrdom of Abdallah, * Two mahometans of Arabia, persons of consideration in their own country, have been lately converted to the chris- tian faith. One of them has already suiFered martyrdom, and the other is now engaged in translating the scriptures, and in concerting plans for the conversion of his country- men. The name of the martyr was Abdallah ; and the name of the other, who is now translating the scriptures, is Sabat ; or, as he is called since his christian baptism, Na- thaniel Sabat. Sabat resided in my house, some time be- fore I left India, and I had from his own mouth, the chief part of the account, which I shall now give to you. Some particulars I had from others. His conversion took place after the martyrdom of Abdallah, * to whose death he was consenting :' and he related the circumstances to me with many tears. Abdallah and Sabat were intimate friends, and being young men of family hi A rabia, they agreed to travel to- gether, and to vibit foreign countries. They were both zea- lous mahometans. Sabat is sou of Ibrahim Sabat, a noble * This account is taken from a sermon, preached at Bristol, England, in 1309, for the benefit of the «' Society for Mission? tc Afr'ra and tlir; EaFt." by Claudius Buch*u?.r, l l. d from I.Qd?4> 576 PERSECUTED BY family, of the line of Beni-Sabat, who trace their pedigree to Mahomet. The two friends left Arabia, after paying their adorations at the tomb of their prophet, at Mecca, and travelled through Persia, and thence to CabuL Abdallah was appointed to an office of state, under Zemaun Shah, king of Cabul ; and Sabat left him there, and proceeded on a tour through Tartary. While Abdallah remained at Cabul, he was converted to the christian faith, by the perusal of a Bible (as is sup- posed) belonging to a christian from Armenia, then residing at Cabul.* In the mahometan states, it is death for a man of rank to become a christian. Abdallah endeavoured for a time to conceal his conversion, but finding it no longer possible he determined to flee to some of the christian Churches, near the Caspian sea. He accordingly left Ca- bul in disguise, and had gained the great city of Bochara, in Tartary, when he was met in the streets of that city by his friend Sabat, who immediately recognized him. Sabat had heard of his conversion and flight, and was filled with indignation at his conduct. Abdallah knew his dan- ger, and threw himself at the feet of Sabat. He confessed that he was a christian, and implored him, by the sacred tie of their former friendship, to let him escape with his life. '' But, sir," said Sabat, when relating the story him- self, " / had no pity. I caused my servants to seize him, and I delivered him up to Morad Shah, king of Bochara. He was sentenced to die, and a herald went through the city of Bochara, announcing the time of his execution. An immense multitude attended, and the chief men of the city. I also went and stood near to Abdallah. He was offered his life, if he would abjure Christ. The execu- tioner stood by him whh his sword in his hand. *No,' said he (as if the proposition was impossible to be compli- ed with) ' I cannot abjure Christ.' Then one of his hands was cut off at the wrist. He stood firm, his arm hanging by his side with but little motion. A physician, by desire of the king, offered to heal the wound, if he. would recant. He made no answer, but looked up steadfastly towards * The Armenian christians in Persia, have among- them a few copies of ihe Arabic Bible. THE MAHOMETANS* 577 heaven, like Stephen, the first martyr, his eyes streaming with tears. He did not look with anger towards me. He looked at me, but it was benignly, and with the counte- nance of forgiveness. His other hand was then cut off* Bur, sir,' said Sabat, in his imperfect English, ' he never changed, he never changed. And when he bowed his head to receive the blow of death, all Bochara seemed to say, * what new thing is this ?" Sabat had indulged the hope, that Abdallah would have recanted, when he was offered his life ; but, when he saw that his friend was dead, he resigned himself to grief and remorse. He travelled from place to place, seeking rest, and finding none. At last, he thought that he would visit India. He accordingly came to Madras, about five years ago. Soon after his arrival, he was appointed by the En- glish government a mufti, or expounder of mahometan law ; his great learning, and respectable station in his own country, rendering him eminently qualified for that office. And now, the period of his own conversion drew near. While he was at Visagapatam, in the Northern Circars, ex- ercising his professional duties. Providence brought in his way a new Testament in Arabic* He read it with deep thought, the Koran lying before him. He compared them together, and at length, the truth of the word of God fell on his mind, as he expressed it, like a flood of light. * One of those copies sent to India, by the " Society for Promoting Cliris- tian Knowledg-e." 4 E EXAMPLES OF THE JUST JUDGMENTS OF GOD ON PERSECUTORS, drc. TO WHICH IS ANNEXED, A CHRISTIAN PLEA AGAINST PERSECUTIONS FOR THE CAUSE OF CONSCIENCE. " Now I say unto you, refrain from these men, and let them alone ; for if this counsel, or this work, be of men, it will come to nougfht ; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it ; lest haply, you be found even to fight against God.'* Acts V. 38, 39. EXAMPLES OF THE JUST JUDGMENTS OF GOD ON PERSECUTORS, ^c. Although the long-suffering and merciful God, does not immediately enter into judgment on such as have, in the most flagrant manner, violated his holy laws, yet there are numerous instances, even in this life, where we may read in legible charac- ters, his displeasure marked with dreadful afflictions on stub- born offenders. Many examples may be produced, both from sacred and pro- fane history, wherein severe and awful judgments have been poured down on the heads of hardened persecutors ; some of the most distinguished of which, we shall lay before our readers. In the Old Testament, we may read what befel Cain, Ishmael, Joseph's brethren, Pharaoh, Ahab, Saul, Jezebel, Joash, Haman, Nebuchadnezzar, the presidents and princes of Media and Persia, and many others : and, in the New-Testament, we find how it fared with Herod, Judas, Pilate, &c. King Antiochus, simamed Epiphanes, a great persecutor of •the Jews, who committed great evils at Jerusalem, and took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea, without a cause ; and as him- self confessed, who, in a proud and insolent manner, protested he would make Jerusalem a common burying-place, and the streets thereof run with the blood of God's people, was by God's just judgment, plagued with a grievous sickness, having a S82 THE JUST JUDciiENTS OF COD remediless pain in his bowels, and an intolerable torment in his inward parts : his body bred abundance of worms, which con- tinually crawled out of the same ; yea, he so rotted above ground, that by reason of an intolerable stink, no man could endure to come near him, neither could he, himself, endure the same ; but, in a flood of extreme misery, ended his days, which as he confessed, came upon him for the evil aforesaid. See the life of Judas Maccabees, in darkens MartyroU p. 13, as also the First Book of Maccabees, chap. i. x. and chap. vi. viii. &c. Herod (called the great) who, that he might kill Christ, sent and slew all the children in Bethlehem, and the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, and who afterwards, as history relates, being given up of God to wickedness, slew his own wife, children, nearest kins^folks, and familiar friends, was smitten of God with a grievous sickness, like a fire in his inward parts ; and rotting in his bowels, &c. an abundance of worms swarmed out of him, while yet alive ; a violent cramp seized him, and be- ing in dreadful anguish, he sought to destroy himself, but was prevented by his friends ; and so at length, in extreme misery, he ended his wretched life. See darkens Gen* MartyroL p. 26. Judas Iscariot betrayed his Lord and Master, for the love of money. Read his fate in Mat. xxvii. 3, 4, 5. Pilate, under whom Christ was crucified, in the days of Tibe- rius Nero, then emperor, through the just punishment of God^ was first apprehended and accused at Rome ; deposed ; and then banished to the town of Lyons, and at length killed himself. Acts and Man, p. 50. Caiphas, who sat upon the judgment-seat, and condemned Christ, was, in the reign of the emperor, Caesar Caligula, re- moved from the high-priest's office, and did not long after es- cape with his life, ibid, Tiberius Caesar, who was called Tiberius Nero, in whose reign, and government Christ himself suffered, was poisoned to death, ibid, Caesar Caligula, emperor of Rome, who wished that all the people of Rome had but one neck, that he might at pleasure de- stroy them at once, was slain when he had reigned but four years, ibid, Claudius Nero, of whom it is said, thut he ruled thirteen years, with no little cruelty to the Christians, was, in the end, slain, ibid. Certain men of the Jewish nation, informers, had accused the martyr Simon (son of Cleophas, and reputed nephew to Christ) for being a christian, and one of the stock of David, against whom Trajanus, the emperor, had given forth a commandment, ON PERSECUTORS, &C. 583 • that whosoever could be found of the stock of David, he should be inquired out, and put to death ; of which stock, upon inquiry, these his accusers, were found to be, and so right justly were put to execution themselves, which sought the destruction of another ; though not long after, the good man Simon, after he had been scourged many days, bearing it with singular constancy, when he was an hundred and twelve years old, was crucified and put to death, finishing his course in the Lord. Acts and Mon, p. 65, 66. Three other wicked, evil disposed persons (informers) seeing the soundness, grave, constant, and virtuous life of Narcissus, then bishop of Jerusalem, aged an hundred and sixty three years, accused him of some great crime, that he was clear of, and hav- ing laid it to his charge, they, the better to make their accusa- tion seem more probable before the people, binding it with a great oath, one wishing to be destroyed by fire, if he said not true ; the other to be consumed with a grievous sickness ; the third, to loose both his eyes, if they did lie : Narcissus, although having his conscience clear, yet not able, being but one man, to withstand their accusations, bound with such oaths, gave place, and removed himself from the multitude into a solitary desert, by himself, where he continued many years ; in the mean time, the first, by casualty, was burnt, with all his family and goods ; the second was seized with a dreadful sickness, whereof he died ; and the third, confessed his fault, and repented of the same, yet he lost the sight of both his eyes ; and thus was their false perjury punished ; and Narcissus, after long absence, re- turned home again, and was, by this means, both cleared of the fact, and received into his bishoprick again. Acts and Mon, p. 80. Antiohcus, tormentor and executioner of extreme torments, (under Alexander Severus, the emperor and persecutor of the christians) upon a young youth, called Agapitus, of the age of fourteen years, who suffered Martyrdom for not sacrificing to idols, after he had been assailed with sundry torments, viz. first, with whips scourged, then hanged by the feet, after having hot water poured upon him, at last, cast to wild beasts ; with all which torments, he could not be hurt; finally, with the sword was beheaded. This said Antiochus, in executing the afore- said torments, suddenly fell down from his Judicial seat, crying out, ' that all his bowels burned within him,' and so gave up the ghost. Hen. de Erfordia^ lib. 6. ch 29. Acts £if 3Ion* page 85. What can be more striking, on this subject, than the miserable end of the emperor Nero, that bitter persecutor of Christianity, whose agonies were so great, from the stocking barbarity with 584 THE JUST JUDGMENTS OF GOD which he was treated, even by his own subjects, that he, in vain, implored to be eased, by death, from his sufferings ; and when he could find neither friend nor enemy, to grant even this re- quest, he added the crime of suicide to his enormous vices, and unlamented, perished by his own hand. Southwell^ s New Book of Martyrs^ p. 462. In a word, if histories speak true, few or none of the perse- cuting Roman emperors, died in their beds. Decius, the persecutor, being overcome in war, to avoid his enemies' hands, he leaped with his horse into a whirlpool, and was drowned darkens Gen. MartyroU p. 54. Valerianus, the emperor, and persecutor of the christians, was taken prisoner of the Persians, when he was seventy years of age, and Saphores, the king of the Persians, used him lor his horse block ; for whensoever the king was minded to mount his horse, openly, in the sight of his people, Valerianus, the quon- dam emperor, was brought forth instead of a block, lor the king to tread upon his back, in mounting his horse ; and, in ihe end, he was condemned to be slain, and powdered with salt, for a perpetual monument of his own wretchedness. Acta £if Mon* p. 105. ex Euseh, The two emperors, Dioclesian, and Maximinian, rigid ene- mies to the christian faith, after abdicating, through vexatious circumstances, their thrones, both died unhappily : the latter, in particular, in his attempting to restore himseli, unnaturaiiy lall- ing by the means of his own son Maxentius, who likewise came to as untimely an end as his parent, being drowned, in the prime of his life, and the very meridian of his sins and impieties. SouthweWs Nexu Book of Martyrs^ p. 462. The example of the emperor Maximinus, another persecu- tor of Christ's church, deserves recital. Soon after his setting forth his impious decrees, against the unoffending christians, which were engraved in brass, he was, by the just judgments of the Most High, afflicted with a dreadful and unnatural disease, having lice, and other shocking vermine, crawling from his very entrails, in so terrible a manner, as to render abortive every method to afford him relief ; and attended with so horrid a putrescent stench, that for several days before his death, no per- sons would hazard their lives to give him the least assistance, lb. To leave the Roman history, and turn our eyes on trans- actions nearer the present period, let us take notice of the hand ot God on Sigusmund, emperor of Germany, for his unjustifi- able treatment of John Huss, and Jerome of Prague. After the martyrdom of those eminent lights of the reformation, by his orders, nothing he took in hand succeeded, but a series of the ON PERSECUTORS, ScC. 585 most unhappy events attended him and his family, which, in one generation, became extinct: he, in his wars, was ever the loser, and his empress, Barbara, turned out so infamously lewd, as to be a lasting infamy to her family, and a disgrace to her sex. ib^ In the reign of Henry II. of France, the chancellor, Oliver, who, at the instigation of cardinal Lorain, brother to that impla- cable enemy of the gospel, the duke of Guise, had stretched the authority of the laws, to bring many worthy persons to utter destruction, for their adherence to the truth ; this unjust judge, being struck with great remorse and self conviction of his mis- deeds, fell sick, and so great were the horrors of his tormented conscience, for his cruel decreet against the righteous, that he could not rest day or night, for the torture of his w^ounded mind, but shortly expired, horribly shrieking out, with a loud cry, in his last moments, ' Oh ! cardinal, thou wilt make us all be damned,' with which words, he gave up the ghost, ibid. Neither did the cardinal himself, nor his brother, the duke of Guise, long triumph in the success of their bloody machina- tions, as the former shortly after died, and the latter fell a sacri- fice to the daggers of his exasperated countrymen, ibid, Hoimeister, an arch papist, and a chief pillar of the pope's antichristian doctrine, as he was proceeding on his journey to Ratisbon, to be present at a council held there, and to defend the Romish superstitions against the defenders of Christ's gos- pel, was prevented from executing his impious purpose, being suddenly seized in his progress, near the city of Ulmes, with an extreme illness, of which he almost instantly expired, in great agonies, crying out in the most horrid manner, ibid. The following tragedy, which happened in the university of Louvaine, will likewise exemplify our subject : a learned per- son in the above seminary, who was reader of divinity to the monks of St. Gertrude, and had violently maintained the cor- rupt errors of popery, at length falling extremeiy ill, and per- ceiving no hopes of recovery, he regretted, with the greatest perturbation of mind, his manifold sins, but more particularly his having so warmly espoused the cause of idolatry, &c. in op- position to the divine truths of the gospel ; an offence, he said, of so heinous a nature, as to be too great to expect God's par- don. Continually repeating this terrible expression, he expired in all the horrors of desperation, ibid. Jacob Latomus, who was president of a college, at Louvaine, is another instance of the dreadful judgments of God, on persons offending against his most holy word. Latomus went to Brus- sels, to make along oration against the reformed religion, and to vindicate poperv, which he did before the emperor ; but fo little 4 F 586 THE JUST JUDGMElffTC OF GOD to the purpose, as to verify the common observation, * that a bad advocate does much more harm than good co any cause.' The Romish clergy, and indeed the whole court, seem to have been of this opinion. He returned to Louvaine, despised and ridi- culed by those, who plainly saw he had vainly attempted to de- fend a train of absurdities, which required the utmost sophistry to vindicate ; and, whether it might proceed from the mortifica- tion he felt, at the indifferent reception his pious falsehoods met with at Brussels, or whether his own conscience plainly pointed out to him his impious conduct (the latter, indeed, seems to be more probably the case) he, very soon after his re- turn, fell into an open fury of madness, at the very instant he was giving his public lectures, and was forced to be conveyed, raving with lunacy, to a close room, and fastened down therein ; and from that period, to his last breath, his whole cry was, " that he was damned and rejected of God, and that there was no hope of salvation for him, because he had, against the positive convic- tion of his own conscience, withstood the truth of God, and Christ's holy word j" and thus shortly ended his wretched life, with all the violence of the most furious insanit . ibid^ p. 463. Ponchet, archbishop of Tours, made application to have a court erected, called Chamber Ardent^ wherein to condem :. the protestants to the flames ; but soon after obtaining permission to execute his cruel intentions, he was struck with a disease, called the fire of God, which began at his feet, and ascended upwards with so tormenting a burning, that he was obliged to have one member cutoff after another, and thus miserably ended his days. The legate and chancellor Du Pratt, who was the first that opened to the parliament of Paris, the knowledge of heresies, and gave out the first commissions to put the faithful to death, soon after died, at his house, at Natoillet, swearing, and hor- ribly blaspheming God. After his death, his stomach was found to be pierced and gnawed asunder with worms. ibid. Queen Mary, whose vehement zeal for establishing popery^ in England, and in whose reign, the blood of so many martyrs was spilled, did not prosper in her undertakings ; but, through a series of losses and disappointments, in state affairs, as also, being forsaken by her husband, Philip, of Spain, with whom she promised herself much happiness, after a short and wretch- ed reign of five years, four months, and eleven days, ended her life, as owned by herself, of that corrosive and mental torture, a broken heart. The fatal day, on which Ridley and Latimer suffered at Oxford, the old duke of Norfolk paid a visit to bishop Gard- ner, at his house in London, in consequence of his being in- ON PERSECUTORS, &C. 5.8.7 vited to dine with him, at that time. But so eager was this bloody prelate to glut his ears with the news of the absolute destruction of those two pious sufferers, that he postponed his usual time of dining, saying, **he would not eat till he received positive assurance of the execution of the barbarous sentence, he knew was to be put in practice that day at Oxford.'* Accordingly, as soon as the messenger arrived, >vhich was not till four o'clock, and had given him the assurance of his cruel wishes being completed, he ordered dinner to be ushered in, and sitting down to it with great apparent satisfaction, said, *' now, my lord duke, we can set down to refresh ourselves with pleasure." But observe the hand of God on this impious priest ; no sooner had he swallowed a few morsels, but he was suddenly seized with so violent a fit of illness, that he was obliged to be taken from table, and from that moment to the last of his life, never was free from the greatest misery and tor* ture ; for fifteen days and nights did he languish, never being able, either by urine, or any other means, to evacuate, which caused such a terrible inflammation in his body, as if he were, in a manner, burning alive. By the raging fire in his intestines, his body was miserably swoln and black ; his tongue thrust at last out of his mouth : he expired, a shocking spectacle, and with a most nauseous and undurable effluvia : a proper end to so inhuman a persecutor of the righteous. SouthtveWs New Book df Martyrs^ p. 464. Doctor Dunning, chancellor of Norwich, a bloody man, who condemned several innocent persons, in the midst of his rage died suddenly (as it is said) sitting in his chair. The like judgment fell upon bishop Thornton, Suffragan of Dover, who, after he had exercised great cruelty in persecuting, at length, upon a Sunday (so called) looking' upon his men, playing at bowls, fell suddenly in a palsy, and being had to bed, was put in mind to remember God ; "yea," said he, "so I do, and my lord cardinal too," and so died. After he was dead, the cardinal ordained another bishop, in his room, who being at Greenwich, after he had received the cardinal's blessing, going down a pair of stairs from the cham- ber, he fell down and broke his neck : to these examples, also, may be added, the terrible judgment of God upon the parson, at Crundall, in Kent, who having received the pope's pardon from cardinal Poole, coming home to his parish, exhorted the people to receive the same, saying, " that he now stood as clear in his conscience, as when he was first born, and mattered not if he died the same hour he spoke it :" Whereupon, being sud- denly stricken by the hand of God, and leaning a little on the 588 THE JUST JUDGMENTS OP GOD one side, he immediately shrunk down in the pulpit, and so was ibund dead, not speaking one word more. Not long bef'jre the death of queen Mary, died suddenly. Doctor Jeffery, Chancellor of Salisbury, who, not long before his death, had caused above ninety persons to be summoned to ap- pear before him, to the end he might examine them, by inqui- sition, concerning their religion, but by the providence of God, he was prevented irom executing the evil, he intended against them, for in the midst of his buildings, he was taken away by the mighty hand of God. One Woodrove, who was sheriff of London, rejoiced much at the death of the innocent, and was very cruel in his of- fice ; for when one Rogers was going in a cart towards Smith- field, to be burnt, and, in the way, his children being brought to him, because the cartman stopped his cart, that he might speak to them, he caused the cartman's head to be broken : but what happened ? Within a week after, this sheriff coming out of his office, he was suddenly smitten by the hand of God, the one half of his body being benumbed ; and lay bed-ridden, and in this in- firmity, he continued seven or eight years, till his dying day. Alexander, the keeper of Newgate, a cruel enemy of those that lay there for religion, died very miserably, being so swelled that he was more like a monster than a man, and so rotten within, that no man could abide the smell of him ; this cruel wretch, to hasten the poor lambs to the slaughter, would go to Bonner, Story, Cholmley, and others, crying out; " rid my pris- on, rid my prison, I am too much pestered with these heretics." James, the son of the said Alexander, having left unto him, by his father, great substance, within three years, wasted all to nought, and when some marvelled how he spent those goods so fast; "Oh!" said he, *-' evil gotten, evil spent:" And shortly after, as he went to Newgate market, fell down suddenly, and there wretchedly died. John Peter, son-in-law to this Alexander, a horrible blasphe- mer of God, and no less cruel to the said prisoners, com- monly, when he would affirm any thing, were it true or false, used to say, " if it be not true, I pray God I rot e're I die ;" accordingly, he did rot away, and so died most miserably. The sudden death of many more persecutors, might be men- tioned, who were cut oft' in this queen's time, and before ; but by what is inserted may be seen, that the Lord was against those persecuting priests and bishops. John Endicot, governor of Massachusetts colony, a princi- pal promoter of the persecution there ; soon after he had signed a warrant for the barbarous v;hipping of Edward Wharton, ON PERSECUTORS, &:c. 589 was visited with a filthy and loathsome disease, of which he died. It was observed, that at the time when this governor lay on his death-bed, the common executioner, or hangman, who, by his commands, had imbrued his hands in the blood of the inno- cent, was also cut off, and died in great horror of mind, and torment of body. Their deaths thus concurring, were re- marked by some, who said, " who would have thought the head and tail should go so near together." Besse's Collection of the Sufferings of the ^akers^ vol. 2,/;. 280. Humphrey Adderton, who, at the trial of Wenlock Christison, did, as it were, bid defiance to heaven, by saying to Wenlock, "you pronounce woes and judgments, and those that are gone before you, pronounced woes and judgments; but the judgments of the Lord God are not come upon us yet," was suddenly surprised. He was an officer, or major of the soldiery, and having been, on a certain day, exercising his men with much pomp and ostentation, he was returning home in the evening, near the place where they usually loosed the quakers from the cart, after they had whipped them, his horse, suddenly affrighted, threw him with such violence that he in- stantly died, his eyes being dashed out of his head, and his brains coming out at his nose, his tongue hanging out at his mouth, and the blood running out at his ears. Being taken up and brought into the court-house, the place where he had been active in sentencing the innocent to death, his blood ran through the floor, exhibiting to the spectators a shocking in- stance of the divine vengeance against a daring and hardened persecutor, thus made a fearful example of that divine judg- ment, which, whefH^rewarned of, he had openly despised, and treated with disdain, ibid, John Norton, one of their chief priests, a principal exciter of the magistrates to persecute the innocent, and put them to death, was cut off by a sudden and unexpected stroke, for hav- " ing been at his worship in the forepart of the day, and intend- ing to go thither again in the afternoon, as he was walking in his own house, he was observed to fetch a great groan, and leaning his head against the chimney-piece, was heard to say, " the hand, or judgment, of the Lord is upon me," and so sunk down, and spake no more, and had fallen into the fire, had not an ancient man, then present, prevented it. ibid, John Danfort, a member of their church, and a captain of their castle at Boston, as he lay, in the heat of the day, upon his bed, was struck dead in a strange manner, by lightning, ib, John Webb, who, with armed men, led Mary Dyer to her execution, as he, with others, were busy in killing a 590 THE JUST JUDGMENTS OF GOD whale, \Vas, on a sudden, after a strange manner, carried into the sea and drowned, ibid, Timothy Dalton, a persecuting priest at Hampton, and his brother Philemon, both inveterate opposers of the people called quakers, were soon taken away ; the said Philemon was killed by the fall of a tree on his leg, and the other by another visitation. This priest had called it blasphemy to say, " the light within was the light of Christ." ibid, p. 271. Captam Johnson, who led forth Willi^im Leddra to be put to death, was afterwards taken with a distemper which deprived him of his reason and understanding as a man. ibid. Marshal Brown, of Ipswich, a rapacious plunderer of the quakerg' goods, was soon after cast upon a bed of languish- ing, where he lay in great affliction of body, and horror of conscience, and so departed this life. ibid. Edward Norris, a priest at Salem, who excited the rulers and people there against the innocent, saying, " what they did to the quakers was not persecution but prosecution ;'^ at a time when he was vindicating the proceedings against them, in a ser- mon to the people, was suddenly struck dumb in his pulpit, and after a short time, died, ibid, . Priest Mitchel, of Cambridge, soon after he had endeav- oured to stir up the rulers there to persecution, was smit- ten by the hand of the Lord ; and it was related of him, that his tongue, while he was yet alive, was turned exceeding black in his mbuth ; and in that condition, he died, ibid, Richard Bellingham, who violently prosecuted this people even to death, having completed the measure of his iniquity, ended his government with his life, bei^^ bereft of his un- derstanding, and dying distracted, ibid. Samuel Archer, a marshal in Salem, who had frequent- ly taken asvay the quakers' goods, to defray his master's reck- oning at the tavern, was suddenly removed and cut off. ibid. Many other particular persons, who had been noted instru- ments in carrying on the work of persecution, were after- wards observed to fall under several calamitous disasters and casualties, which were esteemed by those who knew them, as tokens of the divine displeasure manifested against them, by reason of the particular share of guilt which their personal concern in shedding innocent blood had brought upon them. ib. But if we extend our observations yet farther, and take a view of that terrible scene of judgment and calamities, which, for many years, after the putting those innocent martyrs to death, fell upon the inhabitants of this province in general, we shall shall Ira^e reason to conclude, that as there was a concur- ON persecVtors, &c. 59l rence of the magistrates, priests, and many of the people, in making and executing those laws, by which the innocent were devoted to destruction, their general guilt might draw down a decree of the divine vengeance upon them, and that the variety of heavy judgments which followed were of the Lord, who ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors, ibid. Their own Historian, Cotton Mather, in his History of New-England, says, in book I, page 27 : " For now more than twenty years, the blasting strokes of Heaven upon the secular affairs of this country have been such, as rather to abate, than enlarge the growth of it." Page 29. " The many calamities which have ever since been wasting the country, have so nipt the growth of it, that^its lat- ter progress hath held no proportion with what was from ihe beginning." Page 31. " There have been several years wherein the terri- ble famine hath terribly struck the town in the face. The an- gel of death hath often shot the arrow of death into the midst of the town. The small-pox hath especially four times been a great plague upon us. Never was any town under the copes of heaven more liable to be laid in ashes, either through the carelesness or wickedness of them that sleep in it." Page 32. *^ Ten times hath the fire made notable ruins among us, and our good servant been almost our master." Page 38. " Ah ! Boston! thou hast seen the vanity of all worldly possessions. One fatal morning, which laid fourscore of thy dwelling-houses, and seventy of thy ware-houses in a ruinous heap, not nineteen years ago, gave thee to read it in fiery characters : and an huge fleet of thy vessels, if they were all together, that have miscarried in the late war, has given thee to read more of it." Chap. 2. He tells how the consuming wrath of God Is every day on the young men, saying, " New-England has been like a tottering house, the very foundations of it have been shaking, the house thus oversetting, by the wrath of God, hath been like Job's house, * it falls upon the young men, and they are dead:' The disasters on our young folks have been so multiplied, that there are few parents among us, but what will go with wounded hearts down unto their graves : their daily moans are, " Ah ! my son, cut off in his youth ! my son ! my son !" Book V. chap, i. p. 85. " By land, some of the principal grains, especially our wheat and our pease, fell under an unac- countable blast, from which we are not yet even unto this day delivered : and besides that constant frown of htavcn upon our husbandry, recurring every year, few years have paascd wherein. 592 THE JUST JUDGMENTS OF GOD, &C. either worms, or droughts, or some consuming disasters, have not befallen the labour of the husbandmen. By sea, we were visited with multiplied shipwrecks ; enemies preyed upon our vessels and our sailors ; and the affairs of the merchant were clogged with losses abroad, or fires breaking forth in the chief seats of trade at home, wasted their substance, with yet more costly desolations : nor did the land and sea more proclaim the controversy of our God against us, than that other element of the air, by the contagious vapours, whereof several pestilential sicknesses did some times become epidemical among us : yea, the judgments of God having done the first part of the moth upon us, proceeded then to do the part of a lion in lamentable wars, ^herein the barbarous Indians cruelly butchered many hundreds of our inhabitants, and scattered whole towns with miserable ruins." Page 87. " The scourges of Heaven were employed upon the churches of New-England for their miscarriages ; and they were sorely lashed with one blow after another." Page 88. " That God hath a controversy with his New-Eng- land people is undeniable j the Lord having written his displeasure in dismal characters against us ; though personal afflictions do oft- entimes come only or chiefly for probation ; yet as to public judg- ments, it is not wont so to be, especially when, by a continued series of providence, the Lord doth appear and plead against his people, 2 Sam. xxi. 11. as with us it hath been from year to year. Would the Lord have whetted his glittering sword, and his hand have taken hold on judgments ? Would he have sent such a mortal contagion, like a besom of destruction, in the midst of us ? Would he have said, " sword, go through the land, and cut off man and beast r" Or, would he have kindled such devouring fires, and made such fearful desolations in the earthy if he had not been angry i" It is not for nothing, that the merciful God, who doth noc willingly afflict nor grieve the chil- dren of men, hath done all these things unto us ; yea, and with a cloud hath covered himself, that our prayer could not pass through." Much more might be extracted from the above book, of the sore afflictions of New-Englafid, but our limits will not allow their insertion. A CHRISTIAN PLEA AGAINST PERSECUTIONT CAUSE OF CONSCIENCE. Persecution for the cause of conscience, is against the doc- trine of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, the King of kings, and Lord of lords ; it is against scripture, reason, expe- rience, and the testimony of many eminent men, princes and learned authors. Christ commanded, that the tares and wheat should be let alone in the world, and net plucked up until the harvest, which is the end of the world. Mat. xiii. Christ also commandeth, that they that are blind, should be let alone, referring their punishment unto the falling into the ditch. Mat, xv. Again, he reproved his disciples, who would have had fire come down from heaven, and devour those Samaritans, who would not receive him, in these words, *' ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of; for the Son man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Luke>t ix- 55^ 56. The prophets foretold, that " in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be estab- lished in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills ; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us of his wa}'s, and we will walk in his paths : for the law £.hall go forth of Zion, aad the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong na- tions afar off; and they shall bci^t their swords ir.co pioiigh- sharcs, and their spears into prunii.;^- hooks: nation shall not lift up a sv^ord against nation, neither shall they learn ^var any more." Mkah^ iv. 1, 2, 3. 4 G 594 A CHRISTIAN PLEA " The weapons of our warfare are not carnal." 2 Cor. x. 4. And he chargeth straitly (that his disciples should be so far from persecuting those that would not be of their religion) that when they were persecuted, they should pray ; when they were cursed, they should bless, &c. Mat, v. And the reason seems to be, because they who now are tares, may hereafter become wheat : they who are now blind, may hereafter see ; they that now resist him, may hereafter receive him ; they that are now in the devil's snare, and oppose the truth, may hereafter come to repentance ; and they that are now blasphemers and persecu- tors (as Paul was) may, in time, become faithful as he ; they that are now idolatrous, as the Corinthians once were, may here- after become true worshippers as they : 1 Cor. vi. 9. They that are now no people of God, nor under mercy (as the saints sometimes were, 1 Pet, ii. 20) may hereafter become the peo- ple of God, and obtain mercy as they. Some come not till the eleventh hour : if those that come not till the iast hour should be destroyed, because they come not at the first, they would thereby be prevented and never come. Mat, xx. 6. King Jame-, in his speech to the parliament, 1609, saith, "It is a sure rule in divinity, that God never loves to plant his church by violence and bloodshed ; and that it is usually the condition of christians to be persecuted, but not to persecute.'^ Again, he saith, page 4, speaking of the papists ; " I have good proof, that I intended no persecution against them for conscience cause." And in the same king's Exposition of Rev. 20, printed 1588, he writes thus: "Compassing of the saints, and besieg- ing of the beloved city, declareth unto us a certain note of a false church to be persecution ; for they come to seek the faith- ful ; the faithful are them that are sought ; the wicked are the besiegers^ the faithful are the besieged." And the king of Bohemia hath thus written : " And notwith- standing the success of the latter times (wherein sundry opin- ions have been hatched about the subject of religion) may make owe clearly discern with his eye, and as it were to touch with his ringt'r,\hat according to the truth of the scripture, and a ma?cim heretofore maintained, by the ancient doctors of the church, that men's consciences ought in no sort to be violated,, urged, or constrained ; and whensoever men have attempted any thing, by this violent course, whether openly, or by secret means, the issue hath been pernicious, and the cause of great and wonderful innovations in the principalest and mightiest king- doms and countries of all Christendom*'^ AGAINST PERSECUTION. 595' And, further, he saith : " So that once more we do profess be- fore God, and the whole world, that from this time forward we are firmly resolved, not to persecute or molest, or suffer to be persecuted or molested, any person whomsoever, for matter of religion ; no, not those who profess themselves to be of the Ro- mish church, neither to trouble nor disturb them in the exercise of their religion, so they live conformable to the laws of the .states, &c." Hilary against Auxentius, saith thus : " The christian church doth not persecute, but is persecuted. And lamentable it is to see the folly of these times, and the foolish opinion of this world, in that men think by human aid to help God, and with worldly pomp and power to undertake to defend the chris- tian church. I ask the bishops, what help used the apostles in publishing the gospel i W ith the aid of what power did they preach Christ, and convert the heathen from their idol- atry to God ? When they were in prisons, and lay in chains, did they praise and give thanks to God for any dignities or fa- vours received from the court I Or, do you think that Paul went about with regal mandates, or kingly authority, to gather and establish the church of Christ? Sought he protection from Nero Vespatian ? " The apostles wrought with their hands for their own main- tenance, travelling by land and water, from town to city, to preach Christ ; yea, the more they were forbidden, the more they taught and preached Christ; but now, alas ! human help must assist and protect the faith, and give the same counte- nance too : and, by vain and worldly honours, do men seek to defend the church of Christ, as if he, by his power, were unable to perform it. " The church, formerly, by enduring misery and imprison- ment, was known to be a true church. The pretended church now does terrify others by imprisonment, banishment and mise- ry, and boasteth that she is highly esteemed of the world ; whereas, the true church cannot but be hated of the same." Tiirtul. ad Scapulam — *' It agreeth both with human reason and natural equity, that every man worship God uncompelled ; neither beseemeth any religion to compel another to be of their religion, which willingly and freely should be embraced, and not by constraint ; forasmuch as the offerings were required of those that freely, and of good will offered, and not Irom the contrary." Jerom in Proaem. lib. 4. in ycremiam — " Heresy must be cut off with the sword of the spirit : let us strike through, with the arrows of the spirit, all sons and disciples of misled here- 596 A CHRISTIAN PLEA tics ; that is, with testimoii es of the scriptures ; the slaughter of hereucs is by the word of God." Brentius, upon the first of the Corinthians, chap# 3 — " No man hatli power to make or give laws to christians, whereby to bind iheir consciences ; for willingly, freely and uncompell- ed, with a ready desire and cheerful mind, must those that come un unto Christ." Luther, in his books of the Civil Magistrate, saith, " The laws of the civil magistrates' government extend no further than over the body or goods, and to that which is external, for over the soul God will not suffer any man to rule, only he him- self will rule there ; wherefore, whosoever doth undertake ta give laws unto the souls and consciences of men, he usurpeth that government himself, which appertaineth unto God, &c." Therefore, upon 1 Kings, v. he saith, '^ In the building of the temple, there was no sound of iron heard, to signify, that Christ will have in his church a free and willing people, not compelled and constrained by laws and statutes." Again, he saith upon Luke xxii. — *' It is not the true catholic church, which is defended by the secular arm, or human pow- er, but the false and feigned church, which, although it carries the name of a church, yet it denies the power thereof." It is no prejudice to a kingdom or commonwealth, if liberty of conscience be suffered to such as fear God. Abraham abode among the Canaanites a long time, yet con- trary to them in religion. Gen. xiii. Again, he sojourned in Gerar ; and king Abimelech gave liim leave to abide in his land, Gen, xx. 15. Isaac also dwelt in the same land, yet contrary in religion, Ge7i. XXV i. Jacob lived twenty years in one house with his uncle Laban, yst differed in religion, Gen, xxxi. The people of Israel were about four hundred and thirty years in that infamous land of Egypt, and afterwards seventy years in Babylon ; all which time they differed in religion from the state, Exod. xii. and 2 Chron, xxxvi. Come to the time of Christ, when Israel was under the Ro- mans, where lived divers sects of religion, as Herodians, Scribes and Pharisees, Sadduces, Libertines, Thudians, and Samaritans, besides the common religion of the Jews, Christ, and his apos- tles ; all which differed from the common religion of the state, which was like the worship of Diana, which almost the whole world then worshipped. Acts^ xix* 20. Ail ihese lived under the government of Csesar, (being noth- ing hurtful to the commonwealth) giving unto Caesar that which AGAINST PERSECUTION. 597 was his ; and for their religion and consciences towards God, he left them to themselves, as having no dominion over their souls and consciences ; and when the enemies of truth raised up any tumults, the wisdom of the magistrate most wisely appeas- ed them. Acts xviii. 14, and xix. 35. That famous lawyer Coke saith, in regard to men's being obliged to accuse or purge themselves by oaths, "■ the oath ex officio^ is an invention of the devil, to cast the souls of misera- ble people into hell." " Let the judges," saith Tindall, "judge and condemn the trespasses under lawful witnesses, and not break up into the consciences of men, afer the example of Antichrist's disciples, and compel them either to forswear themselves, or to testify against themselves ; which abomination, saith he, our prelates learned of Caiaphas, Mat. xxvi. saying to Christ, * I adjure, or charge thee in the name of the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be Christ, the Son of the living God." Valq, Co- niro illustraes^p, 124. num, 27. Jer. Tayler, chaplain in ordinary to king Charles, in his book,, entitled, '•A Discourse of the Liberty of Prophesying,, says, "as contrary as cruelty is to mercy, as tyranny is to charity ; so is war and bloodshed to the meekness and gentleness of the christian religion. '^ Although we must contend earnestly for the faith, yet, this contention must be with arms fit for the christian warfare, the sword of the spirit, the shield of faith, &c but not with other arms ; for a churchman must not be a striker, for the weapons of our warfare are nor carnal, but spiritual. " If the persons be christians in their lives, and christians ain their professions ; if they acknowledge the eternal son of God for their master, and Lord, and live in all relations as be- comes persons making such professions, why then should I hate such persons whom God loves, and who love God, who are partakers of Christ, and Christ hath a title to them, who dwell in Christ, and Christ in them, because their understandings have not been brought up like mine, have not had the same masters, they have not met with the same books ; have not the same opinions that I have, and do not determine their school questions to the same sense of mv sect or interest? " I earnestly contend, that another man's opinion shall be no rule to mine ; and that my opinion shall be no snare and preju- dice to myself; that men use one another so charitably, that no error or violence tempt men to hypocrisy ; this very thing being one of the arguments I used to persuade permissions, lest compulsion introduce hypocrisy, and make sincerity trou- blesome, &c. 598 A CdHRISTlAN PLEA *' From the dictates of holy scriptures, it is observable, that this, with its appendant degrees, I mean, restraint of prophe- sying, imposing upon other men's understandings, being mas- ters of their consciences, and lording it over their faith, came in with the retinue and train of antichrist, as other abuses and cor- ruptions of the church did, by reason of the iniquity of the times, and the cooling of the first heats of Christianity, and the increase of interest, and the abatements of christian simplicity, when the church's fortune grew better, and her sons grew worse, and some of her fathers worst of all. " All wise princes, till they were overborne with faction, and solicited by peevish persons, gave toleration to diifering sects. " And the experience which Christendom hath had in this last age, is argument enough, that toleration of differing opinions, is so far from disturbing the public peace, or destroying the inter- est of princes and commonwealths, that it doth advantage the public ; it secures the peace, because there is not so much as the pretence of religion left to such persons, to contend for, it being already indulged to them. " And, indeed, there is great reason for princes to give tolera- tion to disagreeing persons, whose opinions cannot by fair means be altered ; for if the persons be confident, they will serve God according to their persuasions ; and if they be publicly prohibited, they will privately convene, and then all those in- conveniencies and mischiefs, which are arguments against the permission of conventicles, are arguments for the public permis- sions of differing religions, &c. they being restrained, and made miserable, endears the discontented persons and makes more hearty and dangerous confederations." "The duke of Savoy, repenting of his war, undertaken for religion, against the Piedmontans, promised them toleration, and was as good as his word : as much is done by the nobility of Polonia. So that the best princes and the best bishops gave tol- eration and impunities : (and it is known, that the first persecu- tion of disagreeing persons, was by the Arians, by Circumcel- lians, and Donatics, and from them they of the church took example, &:c.) And, among the Greeks, it became a public and authorized practice, till the question of images grew hot and high ; for then the worshippers of images, having taken their example from the empress Irene, who put her son's eyes out for making an edict against images, began to be as cruel as they were deceived, especially being encouraged by the pope of Rome, who then blew the coals to some purpose. I may, upon this occasion, mention as a remarkable circmstance, that, till the time of Justinian, the emperor, AGAINST PERSECUTION. 599 A. D. 525, the Catholics and Novatians had churches indifferently permitted even in Rome itself, but the bish- ops of Rome, whose interest was much concerned in it, spoke much against it, and laboured for the eradication of the Novatians ; and, at last, when they got power into their hands, they served them accordingly. But, it is observed by Socrates, that when the first persecution was made against them at Rome, by pope innocent the first, at the same instant, the Goths invad- ed Italy, and became lords of all, itbeingjust in God,&c. And I have heard it observed as a blessing upon St. Austin, who was so merciful to erring persons, as, the greatest part of his life, to tolerate them, and never endure that they should be given over to the secular power to be killed ; that the very night the Vandals set down before his city of Hippo, to besiege it, he died, and went to God ; being taken from the miseries to come. Let all errors be as much, and as zealously suppressed as may be, but let it be done by such means as are proper instruments of their suppression, by preaching and disputation, by charity and -sweetness, by holiness of life, assiduity of exhortation, by the word of God, and prayer. For these ways are most natural, most prudent, most peace- able and effectual, only let not men be hasty, in calling every disliked opinion by the name of heresy ; and when they have resolved that they will call it so, let them use the erring person like a brother, not beat him like a dog, or convince him with a gibbet, or vex him out of his understanding or persuasion. Chr}'sostomus said, *• it is not the manner of the children of God to persecute others to death about their religion ; but it hath been, and is their condition, to be put to death themselves for the testimony of the truth. Moreover (said he) the shed- ding of blood about religion is an evident token of antichrist.'' JRehq-, Uris.p, 192. Haywardus said, ' that the best writers of that time did agree in one opinion, with Tertulliano, Lactantio, Cassidoro, and Josephus, &c. that people must persuade men to em- brace religion with reason, and not compel them by violence. " I have, for a long season, determined (said one of the kings of France) to reform the church, which, without peace, I ci'nnot do, for it is impossible to reform or convert people by violence.' " I am king as a shepherd (said he) and will not shed the blood of my sheep ; but will gather them through the mildness and goodness of a king, and not through the power of tyranny. And I will give them that are of the reformed religion* liberty to live and dwell free, without being examined, perplex- 600 A CHRISTIAN PLEA ed, molested, or compelled to any thing contrary to their con- sciences ; for they shall have the free exercise of their religion, &:c." Fide Chro'iu Vande Underg, 2. deeL p. 1514. Luther said, ' that the hypocrite's church was to be known by its manners, whose image and sign was Esau, yet she boast- ed of (jod, and would be accounted his church, but lived wholly according to the world. Further (said he) the true church is not defended by a fleshly arm, which wicked bishops especially use, and cry unto.' Thesau, p, 622. Calvin said, ' diat the apostle gave to understand, that to ex- ercise authority over one's faith, was in no wise just, nor toler- able : yea, it is tyranny in the church ; for faith ought to be free from all subjection of men.' Several of the priests in the Low countries requested of the prince and states, that they would introduce ordinances and discipline according to their opinions ; but the prince and states rejected their requests, esteeming them prejudicial both to religion and policy, when they observed the divers opinions that were among the people ; concluding, it was the best way to preserve unity among the people, to give liberty to all: Anno. 1608. Edict, fol. 27. Constantius, the emperor, said, ' that it was enough that he preserved the unity of the faith, that he might be excusable be- fore the judgmentseat of God ; and that he would leave every one to his own understanding, according to the account he will give before the judgmentseat of Christ. Hereto may we stir up people, not compel them ; beseech them to come into the unity of the christians, but to do violence to them, we will not in any wise.' Sabast. Frank, Chron. fol. 127. Those princes that have ruled by gentleness and clemency, added to justice, and have exercised moderation and meekness towards their subjects, always greatly prospered and reigned long. But, on the contrary, those princes that have been cruel, un- just, perfidious, and oppressors of their subjects, have soon fallen, they and their estate into danger, or total ruin. Veritus, said, "seeing Christ is a lamb, whom you profess to be your head and captain, then it behoveth you to be sheep, and to use the same weapons which he made use of, for he will not be a shepherd of wolves, and wild beasts, but only of sheep ; wherefore, if you lose the nature of sheep, and be changed into wolves, and wild beasts, and use fleshly weapons, then will vou exclude yourselves out of his calling, and forsake his banner, and then will he not be your captain." AGAINSt P£RSECUTION. 601 Ste^hanus, king of Poland, said, ' it belongeth not to me to teform the conscience. I have always gladly given that over to God, which belongeth to him, and so shall I do now ; and also for the future, I will suffer the weeds to ^row until the time of harvest; for I know that the number of believers are but small; therefore, he said, when some were proceeding in persecution^ ^ ego sum rex populorum ; non conscientiariim ;"* that is, ' I am the king of the people, not of their consciences.' He also affirmed^ that religion was not to be planted with fire and sword. Chron* Van. de ReL Urijh, 2 deel. Tindal said, * the New Testament of Christ suffered no law of compelling, but alone of persuading and exhorting.* Fox's Acts and Mon. p. 1338. The prince of Orange testified. Anno, 1579^ 'that it was inir possible that the land should be kept in peace, except there wa? a free toleration in the exercise of religion.' ' Where hast thou ever read, in thy days (said Mento') in the writings of the aposdes, that Christ or the apostles ever oried out to the magistrates, for their power, against them that would not hear their doctrine, or obey their words ? I know certainly, said he, that where the magistrate shall banish with the sword, there is not the right knowledge, spiritual word, nor church of Christ : it is invocare brachium seculare^ 'It is not christian like, but tyrannical,' said D. Philipson, ' tg banish and persecute people about faith and religion, and they that so do, are certainly of the pharisaical generationi) who re- sisted the Holy Ghost.' Erasmus, said, ' that though they take our money and goods, they cannot therefore hurt our salvation ; they afflict us much,^ with prisons, but they do not thereby separate us from God.' //> de Krijdges zvrede^ fol. 63. Lucernus said, ' he that commandeth any thing, wherewith he bindeth the conscience, this is an antichrist.* In de Bemise disp, fol. 71. King Charles the first, in his book known by the name of ' The Royal Portrait,' writes as followeth : Page 67. In his prayer to God, he saith, ' thou secst how much cruelty among christians is acted, under the colour of religion ; as if we could not be christians, unless we crucify one another.' Page 28. ' Make them at length seriously to consider, that nothing violent and injurious can be religious.' Page 70. •• Nor is it so proper to hew out religious reforma- tions by the sword, as to polish them by fair and equal disputa- tions, among those that are most concerned in the differences, whom, not force, but reason ought to convince* 4 H 602 A CHRlSTlAlJ PLEA * Suf e, in matters of religion, those truths gain most upon men's judgments, and consciences, which are least urged with secular violence, which weakens truth with prejudices.' Page 115. 'It being an office, not only of humanity, rather to use reason than force, but also of Christianity to seek peace, and ensue it. Page 91, 92. 'In point of true conscientious tenderness, I have often declared, how little I desire my laws and sceptre should intrench on God's sovereignty, who is the only king of men's consciences. Page 123. 'Nor do I desire any man should be further sub- ject unto me, than all of us may be unto God. Page 7&* ' The enjoining of oaths, upon people, must needs, in things doubtful, be dangerous, as in things unlawful damnable.' To his son, the prince of Wales, he says, page 165, 'My counsel and charge to you is, that you seriously consider the former real, or objected miscarriages, which might occasion my troubles, that you may avoid them. ' Beware of exasperating any factions, by the crossness and asperity of some men's passions, humours and private opinions, employed by you, grounded only upon differences in lesser mat- ters, which are but the skirts and suburbs of religion, wherein a charitable connivance, and christian toleration often dissipate their strength, when rougher opposition fortifies, and puts the despised and oppressed party into such combinations, as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their persecutors, who are commonly assisted by that vulgar commis- eration, which attends all that are said to suffer under the notion of religion. Page 116.' Take heed, that outward circumstances and form- alities of religion devour not all. Page 164. ' Your prerogative is best shewed and exercised in remitting, rather than exacting the rigour of the laws, there be- ing nothing worse than legal tyranny. Page 234. ' The best government and highest sovereignty vou can attain unto, is to be subject to God, that the sceptre of his word and Spirit, may rule in your heart. Page 241. ' Always keep up solid piety, and those fundamen- tal truths, which mend both the hearts and lives of men, with impartial favour and justice. Page 242. ' My charge and counsel to you is, that as you need no palliations for any design, so that you study really to exceed in true and constant demonstrations of goodness, piety and vir- Uie (cowards the people) even all these men that make the great- est noise and ostentations of religion, so you shall neither feaif AGAINST PERSECUTIONV 603 any detection (as they do who have but the mask of goodness) ^ nor shall you frustrate the just expectations of your people/ ^ In his prayer, page 1, of the same hook, he says, *0 never suffer me for any reason of state, to 5^0 against the reason of * conscience, which is highly to fight agaiiist thee, the God of*' reason, and judge of our consciences. Page 121. ' Break in sunder, O Lord, all violent confedera- tions to do wickedly and injuriously. Page 136. ' Thou, O Lord, shalt destroy them that speak lies ; the Lord will abhor both the bloodthirsty and deceitful men. Page 164. 'Church affairs should be managed neither with tyranny, parity, nor popularity ; neither people oppressed. Page 171. 'Oh, thou that art the God of reason and peace, soften our hearts ; and persuade us to accept of peace with thy- self, and both to secure and preserve peace among ourselves, as men and christians : condemn us not to our passions, which are destructive both of ourselves and others ; clear up our un- derstandings to see thy truth, both in reason, as men, and in religion, as christians.' FINI^. TO THE SUBSCRIBERS, Ijt piresenting this work to Subscribers, the Publisher returns his acknowl- edgments to them, for their liberal patronage ; and he flatters himself, from the care taken to do justice to the subject, that it will g-ive general satisfac- tion ; and not, as has too often been the case, add another to the list of impo- sitions. It was his intention to particularize the ministers (a large number liavnig added their names to the list) and the society to which they belonged, but some of the subscriptions being returned without those distinctions, it was thought proper to omit the rest. Some names are probably incorrectly spelled, owing to the illegible manner in which they were written. As there are a number of places of the same name, in different states, it is very likely, some will be found in a state to which they do not belong. And there being some subscription hsts not yet returnedj "wiliaccotmt for the omission of such names as are not inserted SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. Robert Smith, Secretary of State to the United States. Gabriel Uuval, Comptroller. Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of the State ot New-York. De Witt Clinton, late Mayor of the city of New-York. VERMONT. Jonathan Boyce I. Bull Silas Bingham Asa Breed, jun. Ileazer Barrow, jr. Fred. Biirchstead \ym. Campbell Amos Breed, jun. David Dickinson Philip Davis. John Ferguson Wm. G Hooker Rijhard Hall, jun. Josepli Huntington Peter Barry James Bickford Micajah Burri'l Amos Breed Thus. Bo»vlin, juHi J-'lin Biiibeck Thomas A. Merrill B. Bronsd; n Solei^ion Miller Pruilence Bordman Ephraim Miller John Beers Timotiiy Matthews Sarauei Baxter Artema; Nixon Francis Blancliard Chauncey Pier Ebenezer Brede Lemuel Peet Anna Brtde Warner Pierce M. R. Bartlett Jabez Rogers, jun. Ai:drew Bordman Samjel Swift Charles Brookett Peter Starr S. Bingham Clark Stephens James Bruwn E, Starksborough James Beret Jacob Tucker Joseph Brown Ennch Woodbrjdge Kbenezer Rise Richard Worth Chs. Baldwin Wm, Worth G.T. B-I! I y James M. Young Daniel Hovnton AlASSACHU- SETTS. James Alley Benj. Alley, 3d Timothy Alley Samuel Alley Zacl ariah Awill Joseph Alley Lewis Alley David Adams Wm. B. Abbatt Silas Arnold David Aldrjch Joseph Andrus Samue( Arms EliasArn<.ld ■ Anthony H. Adams Anthony Bristol Thomas Baldwin Lewis Buston Jonathan Buffum J. Buckingham Robert Brookhuuse Alice M. Coolcy Henry E. Brown Joshua R. Bnlkcly Rutus Braulv Luil)€r Burrlett Saml. N. Barker Jame< Burroughs Rruben Bacon George Beckwith Wm. Basse y Robert F. Barnard Luther Beoper Lemuel Bullard P. E. Brandin Elon Bradley Tillotson Bronson Elijaii Bryan Bond & Bull Ezektfl Bradley John Brown Edward Brown Benj. Beiktord Jo'iaihan Bright Isaac Bas-«t John Bail»'y William Brown Nehtniiah Ba-sett William Breed Thomas B. yd Joha Scoadhead Benjamin Cande Andrew Cro.kett Abijah Chase John Clarke Micijih Collins M(>se$ Conner Isaiali Chase Charles Chase Phebf- Chase Joseph Curnier O^idCurtin Nathaniel Collins Envch Curtin Samuel Co lins Abigail Curtin Sam1. Collins, jun. Stephen Collins Jacub Chase Lav.son Caryl Joseph Clay William Collice John Canfield William Chadwell Ambrose Collins James Chotler Edward Casey Nathan Caltin Henry Crittenton Joseph Croset Jeremiah Colegrnye James Cumming Preserve Carter Addison Cowles Abijah Cornwell Nathan Clark Amos Clark Enoch Dow Robert Delan John Dunkley Elijah Downing Josiah Dunham Cyrus Dean Timo'.hy Davu James Dane Joseph Dane N. Dillingham Sylv. Dimmuck J. Decolt. & Co. Juhn Dickinson Bradish Dan|iorth Joseph Darley Erastus Dewy Saml. Dernion John Day D.iniel Dewey Amanda Davidson Wm. Diirand Joseph Eikley Brown Emerson David Eldridge Jt>seph Eusticc Ezekiel Estes William Est« Samuel Evelith Asa Ell's Elisha Ely Lrveus Eildy Gaius Fenn Josppli Fuller, 3d Oliver Fuller Rufu^ Farnam Sarah Fiagg Wm. Fittficrald Oramel Fanning Eldad Frai cis Thwmas Fary Henry F < st James Francis John Foot Susan Fowler Jer. G. oHhue H. B. Gram Zacheus Green Abraham Grant Richard Gridley Varnuni Gardner Levi Glover Robert Grten Wm. Griswold Thomas Gold Titus Goodman Justin Griswold Eli Green Wm. Go ban Samuel W. Heath Joih. Himtingtuxi Daniel Hopkins Joseph Hart Wm. Hunt Baruabus Haritk Wm. Hacker Samuel D. How Freeman Htarsey EpesHaskill Amos Harrington Robert Hartshorn T. Hancock Willliam Billiard Jonathan Harrcr Phineas B. Hovey Samuel Hastings Jonas HoKlen Johii Houghton John Hayden John P. Hilge I abella Hovey Thomas Hovey Alvon Hyde Ransom Hinman Abm. Houland The>>,l. re H-r.sdale Nathaniel Karris Ge(»r' .ij Ige Ge. , lie way N .sMallock Eltazer Hamlin Lemuel H.ggin Eimund Ingalls David Ir.L;er«oll Thoma-, Ives Ephraim Jaudon Joseph Jackson W.f^ & Ar.L.ld Joseph Jeffcry Juhn Jcbine John L. Johnson Benjamin Johnson Humph. S.Johnson Richard Johnson Samuel Johnson Ezra Johnson Uriel Josephs Ebenezer Jenkins Daniel James Oliver jewett Aaron Jaqiia James jac klin Stepl'cr lames W. P. Kt-ntisbear Lemuel King Michael Kindlea Richard Knight Andrew Kennedy Martin Kellogg Philo Kibborn John Kinney George Kr.ig Oliver Kellogg Miry Kellogg Afiia Kellogg Nehemiah Kellogg Ezra Kimberly Noah Kelsey Charles Lowell Susan Low John Lummus Nathaniel Lewis John Lindsley Narhl. Livermore John Luthe Mat. R. Lanckton Edward Lenard Benj. Lapham Thoma; L adlettcr Elisha Latimer Wm. Lusk Benj. Love joy D. Leavenworth Samuel Mewer John L. Moulton John Mower Ezra Mndue T'viKhy Monro Joriah Moore Royal Merse James Monro Chester Monger Gamaliel Mrritt Frederick Mansiin Abel Ma'k n'lrc Eli M lyniird George Martin Ebenr. Man<;HcId Sarah L. Mmiro Wm.V. N.Morris Jesse M*son Thoiaas Me lady subscribers' names^ D. M'Fairlintl, jr. Enoch StJckn»y Stephen Mead Nehemiah Silsbe Abm. Meriima;) A i)arew Seaston Pharoali Newhall John Stowel AVintiirop Newhall Nathan Shed Abijah Newhail Wm. Smith Sainut-'l Nial Henry Sanford Timotl.y Newhail Stephen Shelton Aaron Newhail Levi Nve fVilhams' Collegs. Arnold Buffum Benj. Greene Presidtnt, Obadiali M. Brown Joseph A. Guthrow Aaron Newell David Noble Ebenr. Fitch, D. D. Allen Bro Tutors, Dav'id Benedict C. Dewy, A. M. Israel Bullock J. Nelson, A. B, Jabez Krown C. Bushnell, A. B. Wheaton Bragg Students. Cors. G. Bowler Preserved Sprague W.H. Abercrombie Jchabod Brown Franklin Sawyer James C. Allen Nicholas Brown Timothy Northam Abner Stevens Moses Swift Solomon M. Alien Ebenezer Burgess Rosewell Slocking Chas. A. Baldwin Lewis Bosworlh Deodatiis Voble John Nichols, jun John Nichols James Odell Garni. W. Oliver Henry Oliver WiT). Oliver Virus Osborn Jeremiah Peabody Benj. Pickering Nathan Peabody David Perkins Saml. Punchered Oliver Peabody George Pierce Waiter Phillips James Pratt Benj. H. Phillips Jonathan Phillips James Purintun John Piuintun Abijah P-.irintun John Peason Joseph Phipps Jonathan Phillips Josjah Parks Charle? Parks Joiin Pheips Daniel Pepoon Daviti Ptrry Amos Squiere Thomas Stebbins David Staples Samuel Smith Jesse Sabin Charles F. Bates Henry J. Blake Job Clark Elam Clark John C. Clark Harvey Coe Masa Bassett Geo. Gavit, 2d Mary M. Gray Stephen Gano Jonathan Going JohH Goss Zephaniah Graves Allen Gladding Benj. C.Grafton John H. Greene Benj. Gorham Seneca Greene Robert S. Babcock Wm. C. Greene Wm. Starkweather Elisha Cook Davie Smith Lewis Dickinson Amos Sliepardson A masa Shattuck Timothy Saunders WilHsm Eaton D-»i'iel Smith, jun. Justin Edwards Benjamin Smith Cor. B. Everest Henry H«verly Nich. R. Gardner Joseph La Bruce Albert W. Gardner David Bnffum Henry Gardner Calvin Barlow George Gavit Samuel Brown John Handy D.Ciiggeshall Thomas Hazard Abner A. De Wolf Samuel Carr, jun. Benjamin Hall Jonathan Eastman Benjamin U. Carr N. Hoppin & Son Saml. C. Caulkings Martha Hill Geo. Champlin Seneca Hammond James M. Caslin Thomas Hopkins John Cross Stephen Harris Nathaniel Crocker Josiah Htmiphreys Chauncey Cooley John Hawkins Benjamin Corban Peter Carpenter Samuel Carlisle Wm. Church ShubaelCady Ward Cowing Robert Cochran Henry Clark David Curtis C. Childs Joseph Cornell Philow Piietibone Josiah B. Prescott Eli Porter Samuel Porter C. Penniman Nathan Piersori, jr. Philip Wells Henry Pierson John Waters Daniel Stow Salmin Giddings Justus Smith Hiram Hinsdell"^ John J. Suins Wm. D. Hornett Stephen Sibby Elisha Hnbburd Henrr Silsbe Calvin Hubbell Dani"' Si'.sbe Caleb Hustin Henry Silsbe, jun. Charles Jenkins Jo'.in Tv/umbley H. Judd John Tarbell Silas Jones Jethro Thatcher Cyrus Joy Henry Taylor Henry Knapp Joseph T-icker Charles Lurned Gilfs Tinker Samuel S. Loomis Wm.To.vner Nich. M. Masters Josiah Talmage Saml. M. Mackay Thomas Cony Caleb Thurston Wm. H. Maynard John Cowen Philip V.N. Morris John Carpenter, jr. Wm'. Jenkins James Nash Floide Colhoun Thomas J -nes Henry Y. Cranston Hervey Jenks ^'' ' '"■ Jer. F. Jenkins Evan M. Johnson Joseph C. Turner Erastus Tracy Ths. Punderson, jr. Saml. M. Thurston Ariel Otis Lemuel Pomeroy Jabez Turner Job Pierson Elisha Chase Hugh Umprey Amatus Robins Wm. P. Carn Daniel Webb Moses D. Robinson F. Coggeshall Samijel Worcester Chas. F. Sedgwick James Coggeshall Stephen Webb Geo. B. Swildon Geo. Clark, jun. Nathl.W. Williams Wre. B. Stow James Center E, M. 'I'ovvnsend Wm. Card John Hall Wm. Hardin Richard Hardin Silai Hall, jutu John Hull Chs. E. Hoskins Dennis Holland John Irish B. Ingraham Jacob Ide,jun. Benjamin Junes Paul Jewett Benj. James H.dder Wheeler Wm. B. Whitney _ James Pierson Nitlian Pierson Howel Pierson David Perry Moscs Pip ley James C. Peneroy A/.ariali Pratt R ibtrt L. Potter Georu;e Pinchon Martin Rnter Peter G. Robbins Thomas R< ed John Richards, jr. ^exer Werden Jahn Ross Elisha Wells David Rnssel ^V(Iliam Russel Henry Rire Oliver Robbins Ah el arc! Reynolds Abraham Reed Mosrs Reed Samuel L. West David Williams John West David Webb John Walton Nathl. Woodward John Winn J ) eph WhitoB Ebenezer West Abel West Wm. Twining Tohn Cross S. Van Renselaer John C. Chester A. D. Vanderburg Wait Clarke Abm.P. Vosburg Resolved Carr Moses Warren Joi; . Woodward Cyrus Yale n. ISLAND. W. Alan, jun. Alin L. Almy William Almy Lemuel Chester Ruth Chase Elisha Dyer Gn!den Dearth Oliver Dyer Simon Dean James B. Kennedy Peleg Kaighn John Lyon James Livingston Josh. H. Langley Josiah Lawton Lucy Ann Lippott Josh.H. Langley Joseph Lee Joseph Lyndon Samuel Lee Nathl. Lyndon Benj. Mu'lliken Thomas Messer Lewis Maxsuit Henriet. C. Downie Silas Maxson Nehemiah Dodge Asa Messer David Delano Christopher Arnold James R. Docray Joseph Anthony John W. Davis Jnmes Anthony Th. Denris.jun. Geo. L. Atwell Robert Dennis David Atwood Horatio S. Dexter .. Johr P. Whitmore Saml O.Auchmuty Thomas Earnsley Thoc. H. Mumford S'raeon Warner Chrictopner Almv Clark Edwards Samuel Merwin D.tnnis ''Vood He.rvWisnell John Waterman George Whitman John Whipplr- Joseph R . Mason Henry S, Mansfield Saml, B Martin ©avid Mat ch Isaac Manchester Josiah Murro Josiah d. Robinson John Williams Joseph Raymond Abm. Rockwell J. W. Robins Joh;i B. Root S'.muel Stanwood Joseph Scales T. Symonds Wm. SticlLiiey Steph h Washburn Jtb^z R James Warner Llovd Beal Robert Watson ivter Barker Wm. Warnwripjit Eliza Britton Dud!-v Woodworth Samuel B-own Jdm Waiting Benj. C. Brown J. Whitrlerev, iun. Martin Iknson Daniel. Young J\fb5cs Brown topoer Almy Clark Edwards Samtiel Allsn Cileb Ear! Sr.)n^cl Albro Mosf; F.fldy El z';. Burlingham Jobn Ea^ton Mich-cl Eddy Johw Earl James Fanner Catharine Field Ric'r-ird M. Field James Field J. Frazer f^t.' Cfate^ood Wm. Munro Joanna F. De Mott Simeon Martin Lewis Maxson Silas Maxson Wm. S. Nichols John T. Vichuls Joseph Oatley Mary Olney , Wm. Patten Thomas Per/y SUBSCRIBERS^ NAMES. David Peck Alvia Park AValter Paine John Perrin Joshua Perry ICarl Potter Joseph B. Pettes James B, Philips Prudence Peckham Williuiu Prior Joseph Pendleton Mat. Robinson Heniy Russell Susanna Rajniar Thomas Haynolds John Riehuiond C'harles Roljy P. P. Rcmmington John Keed Daniel V.Ross Eleazer Reed, jun. Thonia-. Sherman Jer. T, biierman AVm. Sayer Christoph. Starkey John A. Shaw Abial iiherniin Mary Scarle Richird Smith O. Starkweather Sand. S.Stidwell Barnabas Sceere J»»seph Siixnions Sylvester Sprague Abm. Sherman Job Shearman James SlitrtielJ Wm.Stillmaa Joseph Stillman James Sayer James Stutson Eleazer Tribute E. Thompson Peter Taylor John Taylor Baiziila H. Taylor Ichabod Taylor \ViB. Vernon Th. M. Venson Joshua Vose Benj. ^'ij^htman Stephen Wilcox Ja/flcs Wilson Stephen Wardwill Wm. Wooilward Thomas Williami Peter Wheelock Sanil. N. Warner James Wakefield Thomas Williams Ji.lin Ward S:»ml. Whitthorne G. G. Whitcbornc David Williams Stephen Wilcox \\m. Wilbers Jiihn Young Daniel Young Josepii G. Young J. Yeomans eONSECTlCVT. Jane Atwater Chauncey Arnold Eenjanin Ames Levi Arnold Charles Atwater Hez. Angier, jun. Wm. ('. Atwater Timothy Allen Naihauiel Adinu Naatnan Aldrich Samuel Driggs Ezekiel E. Ai hnan Grace Dougal Lucius Atwater Elnathan Atwater David Atwater John C. Bull P. B. Boyce Joseph Barber Joseph Bialiop Eli Barns Nancy Bellumy Horace Beach Sherman Blair Stephen Biistul W. Burdick John Bealty Elijah Becbe UavidU. Bcntley Moses Benjamins Jeremiah Brown John Da«getC Ariel Hadcock Elijah Davis Isaac Hunt William Dai;gett Joiin Hannah Rapiiael Dickuison Asa Hiichc«ck Zina Dool'.ttle Allen Hurd George Dour Henry Haugh James R. Dodge Dustia HetkolF L. T.F.Huntington John M'Carty O. Holme Michael Mulvy Charles Dayton S. Dibble Geo. Dwrwell Charles Deway Stephen Deway John Day Abel Hyde David Harris Lathrop Holmet Salmon Hunt Ebenezer Moore Saniurl Mcrwin E. W. Morse Eneas Munson Asa M'Neil Charles Marshall James Merriman Abm. Merriman Benj, Maxam Darius Mason Joel Mills Joshua P. Burnharo George Elliott Benj. Douglas, jr. Reuben Hills Charles Denison " " " Zehulon Ely Benjamin Ells Ezra S. Ely Decius Humphreys Thomas Mather Siiphia Humphreys John Mix Elisha Babcock Martha Bigelon Elizabeth BoUes Eleazer Bidger Caleb Bacon Daniel Baldwin Charles Bostvvick Wm. Barns Jarod Bradley Beriah Bradley Natiian Beers Abel F/urritt, jun. Samuel Barnet A. F. Bradfijrd Samuel Beckwith Joshua C. Burton John Bell Henry Burdrick John Brush Thomas Ellis Isaac Frost L. Fusdirk Dennis Fanning John Forsyth Asa Farwell Cole C. Filly Alanson Ford Joseph French Abm. C. Fowler Peter Farnani Richard Ferrin Ezekiel Fuller H. Grannis Lydia Guddard George Gordon Th. H. Goddard Dl.f. Gladding R. J. Goodman Hannah Hart Roger Hooker Daniel Hart Daniel D. Hart Jesse Hart Andrew Hull Samuel Hull Polly Hart Titus Moss H. Mulford Henry May Josiah My rick Setii Marshall A. Miller George Nichols Samuel Nevins Birdsey Norton Josephus Hotchkys Wm. Noves, jun John Hyde John How James Hitchcos Samuel Higby Abm . Horsford Francis Heare Myron Nurton Edward Nichol Thomas Noyers, ad Jedediah Norton Wm. Orsball David L. 0'>den Joseph Huntington Naihl. Olmstead Levi Ives David L. Perkins Nehcmiah Bradley John Graves, 2d Theodore Burrell James Gilbert Wm. Bordman Martin Benson Josiah Buckwith Samuel Bishop John Bell John Chester Edward B. Cook Alerius Bull George Chandler Charles Carcw Nathl. Chapman L. H. Cobb Benj. Craraton Christopher Colt George Criswold Eli Ives Enoch ives George Irish Richard Imlay Reuben E. Ives Stephen Ives Martha Ingersoll Amos Johnson Levi C Judson N. Jack':on Newman Greenleaf Jones & Dunn Joshua A. Gone Peter Johnson Elias Gilbert Simeon Jones Amos Goodsell Isaac Jones Leveret Gorham Walter KiHg Jacob G.>odsell PaulC.Grimball Jona. 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Raymond Henry Rossiior Jacob Rockwell Tlion.as Rhodes John Robertson Mi!() Root Sarah Root Abiiam Ring Gideon Roberts Elijah R. gers Sylvester Roper Naihaniel R -per Amos Roberts Tiniotliv Stillman Win.Slielden Charles Seabury Rachel Starr I. B. Sheffield Jonathan Sizer Jonn Sreiry Smith ifc Brumley Spencer & Gilniau Henry Shepard John H.Stone Wm. Siiepard Moses Stewart Samuel Spalding \Vm. Scott Samuel Sacket Joiin Skintier James Stillman G. Schellenger %Vm. Stone Gad Sranlr y David Smith Alex. SUinner Ethan SiPith Luiiis Seymour Timw.hj Sedi^wick Wm. SerlE^wick Pomroy Strong Norris Stanley ESienezer Scott Daiiiel Smith Samuel Slafcer ^vhitinn: Stanley AVm, Smith Strong Miles, & Co. Ji)Nf pii Shove Patty Seely Samuel Seely J. S. T. Sutton Daniel Sutron \Vm. Talcott Samuel Tripp John Tyler Jonathan Truman David Thomas Solon.on Taylor Henvv Tn.wbridge %Vni. Townsenil Wm. Trovybrid<;e \V. E. Thompson Amos Treat Jonathan Taylor \\m. A. Taylor Jonn. Thomi)fion Daniel Tillotson J.TljQirpsQn,juii Rarcbel Todd Eh jah Treat Avis Turner Hez. P. Ufford Isaac Upson Thomas Upf<)rd George White Luzon Whitney Samuel W^esc Jeremiah Anderson Samuel Adams Richard Alhy Reuben Abby James Abbo t William Ashley Hubby Adee Alice Abbatt Garret AdrJance Saml . Whittemore Ezekiel Angell Alvan Wilcox Jedia!-. Allen Henry Ward John 1. A!!en James B. Weight Nathaniel Arnold Jacob Ward George Ancrevine James Wiute Philip Allen Wm. Wait Benj. B. Adams Amos Wheeler Elijah I. Abbatt Solomon Wincgen J.,hn Adamson H. E. Wilder Frederick Austin B. H. N^'iUon Obadiali Andrus Daniel Werrel Moses Austin Noariiaii Wooo'ruS Asa Andrews Polly Whitman Robert Abbott Luke Wadsworth Jacob Bad>;ley Benj. Wheeler Daniel Boyd KeiM-y Whitman John Birdsall Z. Whitmg James Bingham Simon Waterman James Bioiiks Sopbiah Woodri.ft' Henry Burdan Joel Welton Jonathan Brooks Barnab. W^oodcock |gred Beach Abm. H. D. White Thomas Bloodgood Benj. Whitin<^ John Whiting KEW-l^ORK. Priscilla Akerly William Acheson Jolm Allen William Allen Joseph Atkii Betts & Thomas John M. Bruce Robert Brwce L. S. Burling Jeremiah Barnliart Robrrt Flair Stephen S. Band Lewis Barrett Absalom Barrett Nicholas Baker John A. Anderson Daniel Butler Philip I. Amigh Peter G. Amigh John G, Amigh R. Adriance Jacob Aciriance Peter Angevine Jolin Anthony Jared Andreuss John Allen jun. John Ajersjun John Anderson William Anthony Luther Brown ill R. V. D. Burgh Amos F. Boy an John Brill Peter Brill jun. Villerov Beers Eljsha Boulding George BrinkerhofT Nathaniel Berry Underbill Budd Benjamin Bowne , , , , . Jopepli Bunonghs Ashbel H. Andrews John N. Baley T. . ._ M.i Andrew BrocmSt Id Peter Abbey Ril y Allcox Alansi.n Austin John Abeel Mary Ashley Ames Corwin Richard Allison James Ailison Rob' rt Andersun Robert R. Brett jBhn Bedford James Broomfield N. Barton Hu:'h Buchanan William Beatty John Brown Th«>mas Bradshiw Alexan, Anderson John M. Bradford John Ayrs Wm. Anthony James Aiuler^on David Andress Eo'is Alley RVm. O'Brien Edm. D. Barry Freeman Bishop Amia Bancker Robert Bowne Thomas Buckley S.A.Burtus 25 cop. Abraham Bell G. Bruce Christian Brewer Peter Bertrand Wm. S. Burling Jacob Barker Joseph Bonnel James Brown Thomas Brown Amos Broad Juda Bruce Wm . Brien ^Vm. S. S. Banker Cli. D. Bevoise Alice Bloomfield James Brown, jun. W'illiam Buitre Wm. W. Berwick Jacob Browner John A. Blauvelt Abm. Bogert Caleb W. Baldwin David Brown Simon Baker Frederick Biemlee Henry Bai tholf James Bartholf Thomas Belch John Berry Edmund Barford John Barrow Wm. Beaty St.N. Byard James Billens Theodocius Bartow Isacc Blauvelt John Blades James Bovd P^ter Boyd, jun. Nathl. Brown Gilbert Budd Thomas Brown Pai thena Brown John Barnes William Burling Samuel Burling Richard Burling Stephen Barnes Jonah Briuidage Hesry Belding John Barker Elisha Brewster Joseph Budd Henry Barker Obadiah Bostwick Daniel Bonneit Peter Bonnett Stephen Bates Jolm Bonnett R;msori Burtus Willett Bowne Ann Bowne James Byrd Lester Beebee James Bertine Thomas Bidell Isaac Bishop Bedjamin BrigfS Jeremiah Bedell Caleb Braley Valentine Baker Gecn-ge Bloom Luke W. Barton Alareus Bull John Brown Isaac Belknap Benjamin Bualing MaryC. Bowman James Ba:-nes Jonathan Birdsall Solomon Birdsall Wm. Baker Wm. Bedell, jun. Wm. Birdsall Henry Barm ore Abraham Bedell David Bedell Cornelius Brown Caleb Brown Samuel Bushnell Stephen Brown Abel Bowen, jun. Benj. Bo)'ce Luther Bingham Francis Bunker Richard Barnes Truman B:ackncjr Asa Bement Asahel Byington Reuben Baniow Jared Bradley Nathaniel Bishop Wm. Bjt'tlet Cyprian Branch Thomas Bachus J. \V, Brewster Nathaniel Barker Pearsall Brown Samuel Bsrlden John Barieht: jun, John Bf-adle W«. Bell Henry Boreman Wm. Baker Caleb Barnham Isaac Boyce ThomasBenham Ebenezer Boyce Francis B'wrhan Jonathan Bait Salmin Bostwick George Barker Amos B'eeker Abnerr Bnrnham Abm. Bleeker Stephen Band Kellogg Berry Edmund Bemen£ Seih Barden Nathaniel Bnrr William Birdsall subscribers' names* IKifathaniel lllrd Joseph Barns £. & I. Barns \V. Bout;htoH Jolin J. Blauvelt Corns. J. Blauvelt Samuel Cushndl B. B. Btideiiburgh Daniel Brown ^ViliIam Barnes John Buckhout Samutfl Belknap Cbirles Belkaap David 6c>lknap C. Blauvelt Nicholas Blauvelt Daniel Blauvelt Dowe Blauvelt Jonathan Bates William Bovvron John V. Bartow Cornelius Cruger Abraham Cross .glcno Carpenter Millard Codington Margaret Carr AVilliam Cornwell Peter Croger John Casilear Wm. Callahan John Cole NVilliam Corlies Henry Cole ■^Villiam Chambers Robert S. Clark D. A. Cumming Henry Covert Timothy Cheesman A. Cairns Benj. Carpenter An.lrew Cropsey Stei)l)en Coles A. H.Conklin Nath. Chittenden Eb«*iiezer Cary Joliii Cooper Reed Crandle Major Clark James Cooper Thomas Coleman Hci.ry N. Clark Reubew Clark Francis Clark Nathan Clark William Clark James Cromwell H. Conklin David Clark Archibald Combs James Combs John Clor Jafin Cande Thoma^ Car von Amhursi Crane R'wl.-)iphus Crane John Clark Jrmips Carmichael Waller Clark J»cl Clement Robert Cameron James Coe Humplirev Clark Ber.j.C'.llitT Jonariian Clark Alexander C iruth S. Cogi;e.shall J >hn Cul lings Alexap«!er Combs Daniel Cornell E^ra Conklin ^J'Tsstr Conklin iV. Cunningham Jeste Carpenter Mary Clews David Clark James Coleman Charles Chandler Mcrrit Coleman Stephen Crane R. Crommeliije William Codington Elijah Crane Christian Christ Charles B. Ceftin T. Carpenter Saml. Chadayne Townsend & Fuller Levi Car]>enter Charles Campbell R. Cari>enter Benjamin Dyer E. Delavargnr Dunn & Rothry A, Doughty Abraham Demarest Azariah Darrow Moses Dean Junes Dakin \Villi;crt Carpenter Hainuh Cornell Jo»a. Carpenter Elijah CiHner Allen Clapp John Clap,) Henry Cornell Joshia Cornell Bfnj. C(ck L:rv Ci.ck Ptter Dewitt, jun. Cynthy Dally O'iiiier De Lancey Jiistis Dearman ■| homas Dawson J hn Dewitt Malt. Daniel, jun. Oii. Ciiecshorough Ann Day Caleb Carman Benj. De F rest Jam^sCHvel A. D= Forest 4 I. S;\muel S. Elliott Eli Ensign E. Diiyckinck 50 c. Thomas Eckrrson Beiij. Demarest Henry Dean Joseph Dorrnin Fraiic)> Doremus Robert Oingte Wm. Dealing James Donaldson Jdm Darby Abm. DeBann Francis Davis Jacob Day Thoma' Davis Wm. Doi.ald Joseph Drinker Thomas Doxie Abm. Dnry-a John Derrig Elizabeth Doty N. Davenport Jarvis Dosenberry Henry Disbrov/ Samuel Dead Samuel Dick Benjamin Drake Henry D ckiuion Isaac Dickinson Geo. Dillincham Alex. Oennison John Dubois Chs. Dibenberry James Divens Abi:'.ail DwigUt John Dresser Samuel Dewy lohn Darri»w Peter P. D X Jonathan D<-:>n Allen Doughty Maithew Dobiiis Samuel Dyiiglity Wm. Doughty Sila- Downing ^ilkcrt Dtan Luke Eckerson Nichatas H. Emigh David Fish Nathaniel Fish William Flagler John Fv nek Isaac Frost Zacharias Flagler Philip Flagler Harmony Formaii John Fryer Benj. W. Ford Grove Foot Robert Forester Jaliez F:.ot Alex. Ferguson Charles Fowler Elijah Fowler " Robert Forrest Sa.fl uel Falconer G?rge Ferpuson Alexander Fairly Th. Fulherhame John Ford Benjamin Ferris Janifs Fennel John Fuller Henry Fist Samuel Frost Sands Ferris John Feaks Han.iali Fisher Clorai or Frankliti York Fleminter John Flandra Jns. Flan^rau, jr. Joshua Fowler Aaron Field William Field Merrev F^eld Uriah Field Jisiah Field t9C9rg€ Freeman subscribers' names. Robert Field Abigail Fowler Elijaii Fislier Sam!. W.Fislier DavM Falconer Samuel Fishtr George F.irrington John L. Fonda \ya!kei Farrington Jcihn Flewelleii Robert Flewellen Peter Ferris Obed W. Folger Gideon R. Fitcli Abel Fitcb Isaac Flagler Jesse Flfct Prior Fr.'<.t John Ferguson Kithard Grant Thomas Gardner James Greaton Elizabeth Gipson John Geib, jun, James Geery Samuel Gunton "William Gidiiey George Green Cyrus Gage S. GiWeiskeve I. W. Green John Gidley John Green Joseph Green hii:;h Gregg Andrew Grt-y Jwhn GiftLrd Alexander Grant John NV. Gikhrist Join: Gray £, NV. 6- W. W. Groesbucli John H. Goeyway Garret Gates Henry Guest, jun. Antlrony Groesbeck Wni. D. Gilberry Stephen Gelliit Denison Giles Thomas Giftbrd John Gitfen J'jshua Goldsmith Joseph Gregg William Grant John Griscom Joseph Ganity Aichibald Gracie Robert Godron Isaac Grimshaw John Gilmore Frederick Graham Samuel Glean RobecGowan James Green Daniel Garthwait John B. Gillespie Fretlerick Guion EliasGiiion, jun. Eliiah Greeton Gilbert Griftin Joseph Griffin iienjamin Griffin William Gray Solomon Gediiey Isaac Gedney Jo;!atlian Gfdney M'lses Griflin John Grilfin James Griffin Barth. Gridiii Mary Gr,ffi!i Setjnan Gtriiiontl Tempe Green Elizab. Governeur David Gladd Joscpli Gunn Robert Grai^t Gilbert Griffia Zophar Gnffin Jesse Griffin Elitha Gregory Arnold Gates Charles Gillet River Green John Griswold Isaac Gilbert Levi Goodrich Arthur N. Gladd John B. Gay Wm. Gertjiona Peter Germond Luther Gay D. Green Morris German Hez. Gocdnran , John Giles Esther Goodrich James Graham Edmund Griswold Juliana Goldsmith Thomas Green Andrew Giesg Jnhn H. HobeVt William Higgins Horrace Hinnlale Adrian Hagpman Richard Hatlield Jabez Halsty James Hewart Valentine Hicks John S. Hunn Wauer Hull Ann Hendricks Samuel liicks Whitehead Hicks Jan es Hallett John Ilunn J. W. Hawkshurst Uriah Hd! Robert Hawke Townsend Hul'bs ThcMiias Huhbs Samuel Hubbs lohn C. Jlolmes "William Hyde Richard Hunt Lott Hunt Stephen IJtmt Oliver floft'iwan Ben. Haviland Ira ilolmes Jami s llawkshur?t Christopher Ilubbs John Hoi ton Philemon Halsted Ezekiel Halsted Wm. Havi and Thomas Iluggeford Je emiah Ilorton Daniel Iliight Abraham Horron Abijah Haviland Daniel Ilath'eid Joseph HatHeld Gilbert Hatfield Richard HattieU John Horton Timorliy Hunt Israel Hunt A. B. Havdand John M. Hew.rt Natliai.'ie! Holley Roe Havilan * Stephen Hoxie Richard Harris Jesse Hallock R chard Hallock jr. Elislia Hammond Josepn Horton Samuel Holstead Henry Hunter Winthrop Hoag Abraham Hoag Fred. Harrisoa Thomas H'Cks Arcovcster Hamlin Zebina Handerson Abm, Holdridge W. Hoffman Jonathan Hi'ag Elijah Hulbert John S. Hi^pkins Amos P. Hall Luke Hill Joseph Howland Justus H in man John Honsey Augustin Hay den John Hagerman Wil'iam Holden Leonard Herrick N. B. H.ibbell Joseph E. Haff Richard Haight Eoenezer Haight David Haight Obadiah Haight John Haight, jun. Robert Haight Roswell Herrick Charles Howland Jf-reniiah Howland William Hutching James Holmes Leonard Haight Ebenezcr Hurd Isaac Huestis Rinard Hopper Henry Hendrix Zebulou Houston John Hudson Abm. A. Herring Caleb Horton Gilead Honeywell San ford Hoag Walrer Haight Eliab Hoag John Hoag James Haight James Hunter Moses Haight Lodlow Haight Isaac Hutchinson Mott Hicks William Harrison Cath. Harrison Henry Hinsdale Ja( ob Hallock John Hull, jun. Robert Hunt Thomas Holmes David Haius Sarah Hunt Tlioinas Humphres Gilbert Hathaway Halted & Horton' Ezekiel Halsted Josluia Ha' Held Jonathan Hngeland James Hi iJvvell Humpliry Howland Sanuiel Hake Seth Hast Benj. D. Hasbrook Foster Hallock Joseph Horton Thomas Havens Claries Kniffin Richard Harcourt Frederick Knap Alexander Hunter Patty King Adam Hibler John Keache Charlotte Hopkins James Kane Richard Harding S. Kellogg George Knower Nathaniel King John Kuling John Keachie Larius Kingsbury Josiah Kitchel G. A Kuypers Samuel Haviland John Hayt William Howel D. Hathaway Elliot Hopkins Christian Huston James Hazen Narhaniel Harcourt Eli Knapp Thaddeus Halt Muria Kidney Henry Howard Jeremiah Haxton Peter Hall Benjamin Hall William G. Hall Stephen Halsted William Haxton Edward Hunting Ephraim Hough Isaar. Hutton James H(>dge Garret Hyer A. Hun Amos P. Hall R. Henry Arthur Hotchkiss James Kettham Edward Kemeys Richard Kaven Jonah Kellogg Israel Ketcham Nehemiah Knight Rosewell Kinne Caleb Kirby Abm. Kniffen Daniel K.nowlton Renj .Lowerre John Lush James H. Lyon Wm. D. Lazcll Michael Lowber John H. Lawrence George Humphrey Dickspn Lewis John Hackney William Hegartis Harriet Hillhouse Pelatiah Hayden Andrew Herren James Hawkins George Howell John G. Hurton James Hark John Insley Jona. Ingersoll Robert Jameson Sylvanus Jenkins Eliza Jumel Th. L. Jack^n Peter Jay Peter Jones Zophar Jones Elizabeth Jenkins Eunice Jenkins Thomas Jenkins Stephen James Winton Jenks Lewis Johnson John Johnson David Jacobs DaviaJ Jacocks Joseph Jacocks Wm. T, Jacocks Thomas Lincoln Joseph Labbrey William Lockwooji A. Letby John Lefferts Valentine Lewis Macajah Lewis Peter Lossing Joseph Lancaster Henry Lossing Thomas Lamorn-A* Saunders Lansing ' Jacob Lansing, jr. Henry R. Lansing P. Lausing Isaac Lubugh Thomas Little Elias Lasill Josiah Leonard Levy Leray Isaac Ledyard Robert Loague Thomas Liddle William Lander John Liddle E. Y. Langworthy Samuel Lee George Leslie James Little Towfwend Jackson William Lawrence Jacobus Jersey Abigail Joiies Stephen Jarvis Jabez Jackson Henry Johnson P. Johnson Joseph I. Jackson William JacksoH Cornelius Jacobs John Jarvis Isaac Johnson Dave> Joyce Lydia Ju.is(;n Benj. Jackson John Joimson Michael A. Jones Clulow Jackson David Khig Daniel Kevt Uavtd R. Krj:t Charles Lindsey I. H. Livingston William Lawson Hezekiah Lord R. R. Lawrence John B. Lars ng B. Livingston D. Lynch Nicholas Low Samuel Lyons Anthoiiv LiH:kman Wm. L. Lawrence John Lenon John Lee Th.T. Loomis Robert Lane Garret Loz'er George Lewis Abm. D. Lent Daniel Lattin^ SUBSCRIBERS* J^AMES. "Wiza Lewis Peter Lorrilard David Lalbrge Gilbert Lewii Aug. Lawrence John Le Count Edward Lee Jolin Lawrence Samuel Lyon Andrew Lyon Hyatt Lyon Th. P. Lawrence Josepli Lawrence Henry Lawrence Walker Lyon Edw. Lawrence Benjamin Li>k John Loines Samuel Logan James Lnou Henry Ludlow Jedediah Lincoln ilenry Lixirtaken James Losi Thomas Lake David Lawt:;n Wm. Lathro.^ Ilez. O. Lathrop Mary M\.'ieed Robert Moore Hugh M'Lead Aaron Murehwuse Neil A. M'K.innon Jacob Milli-r Mary M'Cammon Jonathan Mundon George Miulder iamesM'Carter ►anicl Murray Richard Mabbatt Charles Millard Charles Merritt Peter M'Lees Adam Montross Increase Mills, jr. James Maillur Andrew M'Kearlie John M'Ke Gilbert M'Master Thos. M'Clumpha Alexander Miller Fred.G. Mayer John M'Dona'ld John M, Michael David Maron David M'Klnstry John Morr«-ll SeUh Mapes N. G. Minturn Saml. M'Kenny Stepiien M 'Crane John M'Coun, jun. Cyrus Mann EllplialerMott W'ni. J. M'Cai tie William Marvin Matliu & Thorn Samuel M'EIroy Samuel Monis Joshua NLirsh Willard Miller Gtiirge M'f^ueen George M'Gowen iarne^ Murray ,ydia Moore jbiin M'C UMipha John M'Call.nn Male !ni M'Farlin A'cxsidc;- Murray Jo-hn M 'Masters Joiiu M'Geaclp John Millery Andrew M'Torbie John M'Thie John M'Farland James Maxwell John Maxwell Thomas M 'Clump John Milmie George M'William Peter M'Intosh David C. Miller Samuel Miller John Moliher Alex.M'Leod R. Mill'-doler Edward Madan John M'lntire Collin M 'Arthur Th. M'Creem John Moneypenny Phlneas Mundy Charles Miller William Martin E|)hraim Marsli John Moore Garret Myer Eleanor Moore Chri?. Metkles P. M'Donough Aaron Marsh David P. Mandevill Jo^in Mustard Jamef Mills John M 'Mullen Josepi) Meeks Richard Mott Adam Mott William Mead Ann Maria Marsh Samuel Mott Abijah Morgan John Merritt, jun. Andrew Merritt Jane Miller Isaiah Maynard Joseph Merritt James Merritt Wm. Marthews James M'Gowan Charles M'DonaJd Caleb Merritt Arch. M'Donald Benj. ilaitland lames Morgan Robert Morrell Nehemiah Merrill John S. Myers Jesse Makeel Peter Miller Nathaniel Montross Thomas M usher Jacob Make 11 Nathaniel Merritt Samuel Mcker Han nail M 'Colon Lydia Mann Coiiklin Miller Richard Macy Robert Macy John Macy J. -eph M'K.nowen C. M'Kin»irv, jun, David L. M'Kinstry Consider Morgan Anne Morgan Dexttr Mason James Marbey Stephen Marshall Caleb Master James Marshall, jr. Unm M'Donald Ebenezer Mott Whiting Mann John Meninid Abraham Morey James Morey Thomas Mygate Phineas Martin John Myer John Myer, jun. Edom Myer Garret Myer 8imuel Mott Samuel Meeker Jesse Merritt Tripp Meshcr Gideon Mott Joanna Pearcc John Perrot "■ William Prince James Purdy Peter Pettet Francis Pill David Purdy, jun. Sanniel Peters Thorn Pudney Robert Palmer Winslow Page David Peryn Eleazar Piatt E. Pemberton Giles W. Porta Hugh Montgomery Thomas Paskel Peter Mirest James D. Mirest Jacobui D. Mn est David B. Mirest Caleb Merritt Jesse Marshall Andrew Proudfet Moses Platt Jesse Potter William Priestly John Polly Daniel Poppeno William Mathews John Piersonde Gideon Nichols William Nichols Freelove Nichols John Noxin Jsaa» Nelson Samuel Niles J. Nelson, 2 cop. Ciiarles Newbold John Nicoll Aaron Nash John Negus James Nimmo Patrick Niblo Ebenr. Nicker son George Newbold James Nash Robert Nesbit Richard Newal Nicholas Nelson Robert Perry Wm. Parkiiison Phinehas Peek Thomas Pope Albert Picket Robert Prrine Mary Prowitt Silas Pear-all William Pit-as Aaron H. Palmer Joshua Pine William Pojnts John Pease Philip Pell Lewis Pintard ^Villiam Pinkney Micajah Pinkney James Pine IDavid Purdy Elijah P«:k A. E. Peters Henry PearsaU John Pearsall Chester Parsons James Pugsley Elihu Paine Ann Qiiimby Peter Queaureaii Luke C. Quick H.Qiiackenbush Nichiijass Rome John B. Reyrolda Stewart Robinson Simon Righardsoii Abraham Remson Richard Risley William Rague Francis Ra)monrf Robert Raymond William Hay Anthony Rawling William Revnoldii R. N. Rosfkrans Hfzekiah Rodders Griften Reynolds Roland Rickerson liarmfch Rosswell Micah Rogers Richard Rapalye Benj. Rogers Henry Reynolds Jame- Riidi;eri John Randel 'Silas Reynolds James Rogers James Ros* Mart;aret Ross Augustine Roger* Martha Rogers John B. Rome>n S. N. Rowan Cornelius Newlaud Nathaniel Penfield John Rodgers Zadock Newbury William Niles Mary Nash Ebeuezer Noyes Robert Newby Ebenezer Nish Henry Northrop Ann Nelson Josiah Osborn John M. Ogden James Pelham Letty Purdy Jesse Park, jun. Timothy Park Tamazin Peek Roger Purdy Moses Rogers George Randall \\'illiam Robtrtson Micajah Reynolds John R. B. Rodger* Edward Riley Elijah Purdy, jun. David Rice Asher Pike William Purdy J >hn Poillon Nehemiah Oakley Hantiah Puo-sley Richard H. 0>born Joseph Pell I. I. Ostranc'er William Owen David Oil stea^ Ortis& Miller Jicob Oakley Peter Obert Thomas Oliver Joel Osborn James Oakley Sarah Oakley William Oakley Daniel' Odell Sanjuel Parsons Edmund Pearsall Prior & Dunuing loo copies Thoma? Pearsall George Parke James Pahner Gi'bert Pugsley Ji.shiia Pieice Joshua Pirrey V\ illiam Powel, jr, Sol nion Philips Melancton Osborn Warner Pierce Nathaniel Owen Nathan Porter C. Ondenlonk Ric'iard Prior Daniel Ogden t'-f Jimin Peck F'.enj. Prite A'inel F'ease S.muel G. Pearsall Wm. Penninan Ma.y Pe)l John Post R< bert Prwvost Jan*^ Piercy John Pope William P>;arsall [aiie Pri-e Ri Inrd Palmer John Patteijort David Romain* Larii:eo Rodney Elias Ring Simeon Romaine Wm. Rosct'.rant Robert Rohertgon Jasper E. Ruckle Peter RcHjer's.m William Rees William Remsea Daniel Rapelve S ephen Robins Samuel Robins John Ruslimore William R-noud Stephen Renoud Daniel Rodger* Caleb Rus<^ell Ezekiel Robins Jo^. pli R-'ynoldi Sylvester Roe Joshua N. Rice Thaddeut Reed George H. Padd.ick Oluer R^srgl's Hei'/.ibeth Petiys DuiH K«)gers David Plumb ' J hn Rogers David Prari James Re>nnlds Ju:la!i Paddock Jim s Ra'naus Diniel Power Calvin Reid 0!i>cr Partridge Jif<.b Ruiuial , •S.' pli. P. Partriilge FJiakim Reed Silai Pipuon M. Ryndes subscribers' names, Joseph Reynolds Rinear Ramson Isaac Rainstin Jarvis Rogers Benj. S. Reeve George Strebeck James Sniitti William Smidi David Smith John W. Starmaii Strung Sturges Tunis Slingerland Barnett B. Speere Garret SickeU James Scott Jtiiirdet Stryker Selah Smith James H. Spice Isaac Smith Jciseph P. Smith Ozias Smith Othniel Smith James Still well James St.ange liannali Spencei Ezra St. John Francis Sem Stephen Sellick John TiTwnsend A. Van Wyck V\illiam TownsendC. Van Wyck T. & J. Swoi-Js, 30 E- Sturtevant copies. Wiiiiam Standley Jacob Smith Charlotte Smith Andrew F. Smock Henry Saunders Jonas Sccor Catiiarine Sickles Isaac Sharp! ess Souther- James Sporce land Cath.Siitlipp Isaac Sherwood Sohn Smith Jeremiah Shotwell David Stewart John Shotwell John R. Simonson Aaron Smith James Searing A. R. Stephens William Sophu Richard Speaight Nathaniel Sellick Saniuei Sharp John Sprowl Henry Smith Rol)ert Sands C. Stewart William Sperry John Stewart 6eger & " James Sherwood C. Stonehouse Wm. T. Slocum Miles Sweeney John W. Stout Joseph Shotwell Alex. Saunders Samael Sherman Joshua Sands isaac Simonson Abraham Seacor Matson Smith Andrew Smith Erving Smith Nathan Stilwell David Seaman Oliver Sc-cor Jejse Sutton Jajnes Stivers') Abel Smith William Sutton Jared Strong Benj. S. Stewart VVm. Sliarp Judah Swizth John Taylor John Van VIeck Thomas Turnbull D. Van Vaughlon William Taylor Isaac Vitider Peter S. Titus P. S. Van Renselaer Edward Southwick Jytm Totten S. Van Renselaer Samuel Scobey Ki-bert Tokrton Elias Vanderlip Samuel Sexsey Sanmel Titus Samutl Vail Thomas Skelding Richard Townsend George Vance Renselaer Schuyler George Townsend Peter Van4i)on Joseph Smith Joshua Titus Matt. Van Vleck Daniei Shields John Titus John Van VIeck Thomas Stewart Charity Tilford D.VanVecnten William Strong Thomas Theall Isaac Vedeler. Robert Sempson Catharine Thomas E. L. Vanantwerp David S.CAart Geo. W. Tompkins 30 cop. John Shilling Noah Tompkins Peter I. Vankleek John Sinealle Jona. Tompkins Jacob Vanthieiea Daniel Stewart Caleb Tompkins Wm. Valentine Samuel Smith Daniel Talt R^obert Vai:keuien Munson Smith George Tarfey Uriah Vanriper Cyrus Stebbens Patr. F. Tighe Daniei Valeatine R. Schermerhorn John Townsend John VanojfloU Joseph Shurtlirt" Henry I. Ttaver John Vj'' Duryee Thaddeus Seely, jr. John Thomas Samuel Vail Henry Seely Silas TitHS Moses Vail Isaac Satteily Alex. Tilford, jun. John Vad Abraham Srickney William Titus John C. Voght Benj. Strong Abraham Summers jonatlian Snepher John C. Stogiboom Ann Smith John Swift Solomon Smith Jehoiakim Skinkle Eben Smith Harvy Sadd Aaron Sergeant C. Sturtevant, jun. Seiah Strong Henry D. Sedgwick Moses Shay Mitten Sewar John Titus David Tree Samuel Titus John Tomkins Jacob Tucker B. Tompkins Cornelius Toby Joshua Toby EphraimG. Swift Levi Shepherd Peter Stiingham Ostrom Shepherd James Sweet Henry Swift Albert Seaman Smith & Dutcher Jcr. Shearman Libbeus Swift Darius Sweet Wm. Southerland Hugh Shearman John Stoutenburgh Ashbel Thomas Willet Seaman John Tibbets Thomas Tuthill Simeon Jrshua Tci ry Dan iel Taylor Tooker & Conklin lolin Tinkey James H . I'udd John Tinkey Joseph Tajlor S. Troworidge James Tiitlare N. Taylor Thomas Tutker Gilbert Thorn Stephen Titus Conrade Tinkey Joseph Tesman Benjamin Tliurby Thomas Tiiom G. V. Valkenburgh W, Van Rer.aselaer P. Van Rensselaer Solomon Vail Jededjah Varney Henry A. Vanulack George D. Vail Ezra Vainey Eben Whitney Solomon Wheeler Tarpering Mary Woodward Matthias Wall James White Silas B.Wells Tunis A. Waldron Elizabeth Wragg A. Williams Neh.Shere%vnod,jr Wm, Sherwood Fred. Schmeman AmosSanford F. Sheereman, jun. Cyrus Swan Elizabeth Shute Josiah Stebt>ins James Seacord, jun. J«'in W. Smith David Seacord Thomas Shute James Sonierville Robert Snedeii 'Ihos. R. Starkins Jf>£iali Srtaco Clerk Stepliens Jan>es Smith Benjamin Show Wiiiiam Seymour Davii' Sands 2 cop. D, Stringhain J..hn Sheffield Kob.Ti Sutfun John Sutton Thos. Seymour Elizabeth Stanley Alexander Smith Henry P. Skinner John Starr, jnn. Ss Ivanus Steby JohnM..'anford John Slocome Smith 6* Forman, A. Sterlin Armenia Swift Ephraim Smith Samuel Stanlbrd Samuel Strong Obadiah Townsend Anna Underbill Samuel Thorn R. Underbill Benj. Townsend John Underbill Joseph Tice Benj, Underbill lohn Townsend Bishop Underbill William Talman Gilbert Underbill Wm. Titus, 9 cops. John Underbill Z. Townsend Isaac I'pton James Tiiorn, jun. l-aac Upton, jnn. Gilbert Tompkins James Walker Amos Undeihiil Charles Wheelcck Joseph Uiu'.erhill Charles Wilcox Joshua Underbill J^hn Watson Thomas Underbill Michael White Amos White John Taylor Treadwell Srudder David Thomas Caleb Underbill Abm. Uiiderhill Win.H. Smith David Staples, jun. Nathaniel Sliield Lewis Stehbins Philip Sickler A. Stoutenburgh E. Shearman Tnomas 1. Storm Nathan Serwood W. Sewnrd, jun. Nathaniel Sa^kett A. Sout'ierland William Smith Caleb Sutton Abraham Schultz D. Siiitlierland, jr. D. Say re Samuel Satkeit 25 copies Robert Simmons George B. Sharp John Siilman Jn.nb Ten Evke Richard S. Treat A. Ten Broock J. iel. Towsend Plait Titus Tatt 6- Mead Sarah Tupper Sailv Tibbits Sarah Tibbits Isaac Thrall Andiew Tracy SainU' ITuthill Wm. Tnwnsend John Town ley Michael M. Titus R^chara Titus J. Tiebout 25 cop. Abraham Taylor Thomas Tom James Tillery Jonah Willets Smith Wood Henry Wo'>lKey R. Woolsey, jun. B.I. Woohcy Cerick Westtrvelt Wm. Woolley J .hn H. Warner Cornelius Wilisc Wm. I. Way Solomon Underbill Benj. I. Way James Usher S. Underbill Natlil. Underh-ll James Underbill P. I. Vanpelt G. Van Nostrand 1. A. Van H ok A. Van Clecf T. L. Vandyke L. Van Nireirand Jubi' Vanderpool John Van Blauom M . Van GiesoM Thomas Vauglian Hester Vaiian Ja;« es Varick F. Vandebursh R.'beri Vantasse! J. Van Ncscrand Tliomas Way Bartow White Abm. Witmore Hugii Walsh Benj. SMiraker L Wh'tniore Robert Wnigatc James Walker tl'as Willard Dr. Woodruft' Elbert Willet Stephen Warner Elijah White Tliomas Waters E. Willard & Co. Eliza Willett Hezckiah William* Wilson & Stotm J. Watts SUBSCRIBEns' NAMES- Sam»reJ Wliallon William Ward Luke Woodwoflh James Walker Kobert Wengate Peter Williams t. White, jun. J. Waliron JSdward Warrons Joseph Warferd James Wood Henry Wood Asa Wail David Webb Francis Ward John Watts John Warden Daniel Westervelt Francis Willson Charles Wrislu Peter Wilson Ebenez-r White Geo. Woodruff John Ward Joseph Whitnev John W. Wyman JfarmanS. Wallark John Westei field Henry Warts Daniel D. Walters J.ic E. Wier Joseph L. Wheeler Dennis Ward .James Whit lock Marv Woodress Ciiarles Walker Thaddeus Whitlock Benjamin Webb Cteorije Woods Aaron I. Westervelt James Wlker Charles Willits Samuel Woodruff Robert Watts Thomas Wightman P. V. Winkle Fry Willii Kdmund Willis Benjamm Wright Jacob Willits Richard Willits Thomas Whitson Gideon Wright William Wright Thomas Walker John White James Ward Bartholomew Ward I.ydia Willis Joseidi Wilson Lcrah Wilson Jonas Wo.Ki John Willis Jopathan Waring Daniel Wood Daniel Willrtt Susan Wrii>'»t John Wells William Walker W. H. Wilson Samuel Williams J. Wriiiht ijenj. Wright, jun. Henry Waters Gilbert Williams Richard Worth William Worth Noah Weetl Charles Williams Sre^hen Willard Cvriis Williams .i:!ija!i\yiUiatrs John Wilkes Reuben Ward Jesse Wri<,'ht Nicholas Worell Jacob Weekes Bavid Webb Jacob Wilber David Winslow John J. WoJley James Willets Silas Wodell Jesse Wakham Abner White Charles White Nehemiah Wolley Isaac White Peregrine White John H. Weaver Amos Whitson Jacob Willets William Willets Hufih Walsh Moses Webb Jotham Waring James Watson John Wright John W(x3 James Weeks Caleb Weeks John Young Abrahanj Young John Yates Samuel You Elisha Yale James Youngs Abigail Yelverton Henry Youngs James Young John Young Edward Young William Young A. C. Zabriskic KEIV-JERSET, John Adams Elijah Ayres Joshua Ayres Samuel \yres Josiah Andrews Samuel Atkinson John Atkinson Ralph Akerman Marquis Alward George Bacon Levi Bond Richard Bond Benjamin Bacan Thomas Bacoji David Bacon Abel B:icon Richard Barker Uriah Bacon Joel Bereman I?aac Brown Thomas Brown Joseph Brown Ephraim Bishop Jeremiah Buck John Buck Thomas Burch Daniel Burt William Duzby John Brown, jr. W, Bia.Uvay Joseph Basset Adna Bradway John B. H'>wman Henry Brimce Richard Barnard Cyril-: Barnard Kir.h'd Barnaidjir Joseph Barnard William Boswell Thaddeus Bruin Samurl F. Burdye Isaac Beach John bantam Samuel Ball Mary Baldwin Jianiel Budd Jacob Bumstead Samuel Baldwin Ichabod Baldwin Joseph Baldwin John Bloomer Isaac W.Crane James Clark Nathan Cooper Reuben Cufi Thoii.asCock CharlesCollody Robert Clendenen John P. Cornell William Clark Ichabod Crane William Crocker Benj, Cleveland John C. Crane Mary Cocker Job Copperthwaite Nich's Cownhovcn Philip Carr Harry Caldwell John L. Cole William Clark Abm. T. Cadmus Herman Cadmus Peter I. Cadmus John Cornitison John Shcerman David Clark John Dare Elnatiian Davis Jonathan Davis I«aac Davis Ebenezer Davis Richard Davis David Davis Reubtn Davis Ephraim Dayton James Dorsett Priscilla Dears Fred. Deetwicter Samuel Dodd Cyrus Dodd T. S. Dodd Moses Dodd. W. B. Ewing Jacob Elwell Jonathan Elmer Timothy Elmer Saauiel Ellis John Ellis, jun. Lewis Kvaus Mary Ellis Jiseph El win \Villiam Ellison Robrrt Ea.born Seely Fithiaro Thomas French John Fuiniaii William Furman Geo. M. Furnntj Eli/.iil.eth Fraley Beiij. B, Frafcc David Oilman John Gumm're Charles Gordon Benj. Grisciim William Griscom Peter H. Gorgas JohiiGre n William Grant 4 K John R. Gonld Jonathan Holmes John Holmes Thomas Harris Jeremiah Harris Samuel Hains Joivathan Hilyard Jacob Hilyard Isaac Harrison Stephen Paulliti Benajah Parvin Caleb C. PaiKoasC Isaac Pine Aaron PancoasC John Pesely Alex. Provest Caleb Pennoik James Pyle Sam. W. Hartshorn Samuel Pennpck James Hinchman Siacv Potts Charles Hannah J(vs«-iiih Harris John Hancock Hezekiah P. Hart Robinson Howel Thomas Peniuer Jacob Price Samuel Pat John Poork Nathaniel Rulon M. M.HardenbergU William Rose James Houston E"os Raiiiolph Esther Hayes Sally Hunniwell William Heyer Alphe««s Hews Peter He>*enberjr Samuel Ri.eve« Charle- Reeves Biiidie Reevei Jesse R. uman Abm. Rodiiers John C. Hedenberg Richaul Rird James T- Harrisou Thos. H. Roaers Josiah Horn bliwer George Rohdee Lemuel Jones John L. Johnson Agnes Jorden Henry Johnson Richard lobs Moses Jaques Abel Jacks(m Abm. Joralcmon P. Jackson R. Kelley Samuel Kirby Jonathan Kerr AarOH Kitig Reuben Ludlam Joseph Ludlam Hujh P. Ross Cliarlet Ramsay Charles Rogers R. W. Shepherti John Shepherd Wm. Shepherd Mary Shi plierd Anania: Statham Richard Seely " David ShepherJ Wm. H. Solly Harvy Shepherd James Shepherd Furmnii Slifpherd Abel Shepherd Ephraim Luminis Nathan Sli»pherd George Lanoing Josiah Sliephe,rd John Lanniiig, jun. Samuel iM.Shute PheHrasLiTd JacubShull Edmund Lafetra James Lawrence Peter Lintiman James B. Low Joseph Lyon D» F. Lix^kwood Rithard Ludlow Ephraim MuHord David MuUwrd John Miller Isaac Mulford Jacob Miller Robert Mar gee Enoch H. Moore Jacob Mem t Win. T.Miller Junes Morris J(ni|>ii Miller Ebenezfr Seely Daniel P. StrattOJj Michael Seving Deborah Stewart Galiriel Sw>in Thomas Skin Samuel Siiute James Si retch, jun, Jacob Sbaip Nehemiah Sullivaa Mary Shourds Joseph Stewart Pf-ter Smiley Geurae Sherman JisperSmitli E: /a Siiaw Robert Shotwell Daiiirl Shotwell Cliristoplier Mason Nathan Seabury R' bert M'Neely Clnrles Slnpnun George Moit Mary Morrell AlfX. Moniieth Ahijah Moore Joiiii Morris, jun. Joseph .Sailer AmosSaltrr Gaius Smith Marv G.Smith Jo^cj)!. S.glcr Eli/.ab. M'Creckon John Stimis Jimes M'Cieilie Jarob Marcell Jon V. Mac kett CvTn't I^landeville Pe'er Maverick John Moore Michael M.Niill Danii-l Sf'acord Beiijaiiiin Tyler Samuel Tvler Jam^s Toinlinson Abr^.liam Tiltoti George Tatum Josh. Thompson.jr. W iiliam Nicholson Jacob Thompson Marv Nace An«!rrw Thompsoa James Nutmaii 1 homas Tilton Lewis P^ulliri Eliiabeth Thofnas SUBSCRIBEAS* NAM^S Benjamin Tayton Benjamin Thorn ^eliera. Tichenor H. Van Dursdalen 1>. F. Van Liew Isaac Vail Jas. Vanderventer MannaliVandeibeek Hannari Vavorse Sylves. Vanbeuren Si mean Van Hoaton A. A. Van Houton Richard Woort Tlowel P. Wation Benjaiiiin West Isaac Wheaion David Wood Ephraim Westcott John Westcott Amos Westcott Samuel Wc-stcolt Granv. Woolman Samuel Willi* Peter Welsii Bcivj. Weatherby ■Wni, Waddington Joseph WhitalT John F. Warner Sebastian Wcender George Weender William Windle .Ibhn S. Wilson Matthew White Ambrose Williams Philip Williams A'exaiuler Wilstsn Bethel Ward Benjamin Welter Thomas Wills L/.ekiel Wade Elislia Webb Timotliy Willii Isaac Yard PE.\'NSrLVA- I\IA. John AUop Edwin A. Atlee Xane Allen W. Adams i'horuas Anderson Nich. Armbnister Thomas Ashton W;n. Anderson Kobert Arthurs T4i()nias Agncw Jolin AUen Jacob Borid Nlary Barr V\"m. Beat<>s Jacob Bible Mary liarrv Aaron B ugNman Jacob bennet G. lireideiiliurt Midiael Boyle h Guilkey Moses Gillingham Thomas Gilbert Y. Gillinjjham Hannah G^ibbs Mary G:bbs George J. Henry James Hunter George C. Haass John Hilsee Elizabeth Hilhorn Elijah Hammond John Hutchinson John Haim Martha Humphreys J-nathan Haycock Jesse Haves Joseph I'.ibbaral Jo-jeph Hollowell Ahraham Heston Isaac Kawh'w Sarah E. Hannum Jo'cph Hunt J ist-plj Harvuot William Hore Thomas Henderson Robert Hore Aaron Howard John J. Henry John Hantsch Amos Harmer Israel Honps David 4illis Naihan Harper Abraham Harrison R.bert Moll born Ebeneaer Hejdly Josepii Johnson Ruth Ji-'ukins Ddfiiei James Joseph Justice Edward Jones Hallidav Jackson Ann Johnson James Johnson James Jackson Margaret Jones George Knox Andrew Kenedy J isiah S. Kay George Keatet Margaretta Kerlin Jesse Kersey Nathaniel Kady Wm. Kirkvvood William Kesier Israel Kenton Panl Knight Betsy Kini!; Abm. Keyser VViliiani Laird John M. Leod H. Lewis, jun. Joseph Lyndall James F. Lee Samuel Lippincott Joseph Lea Jacob Lasher George C. Lenter Samuel Levis Asher Lobb Samuel Levis, jun. Osborn Levis Hester Lobb Samuel Long John Lightner Samuel Letisver Joel Lightner Isaac Leeds Hugh Lloyd John Miinor John Mitchell Mary M'Kinny JohH M'Kinny Christian Miller Benjamin Mastin Ann M'Pherson John M'Allister Jiihn Murphey John M'Farland John Milner, jun. Hugh S. Magee Ruth Morris James M'Clay Rebecca Mitchel Ferdinand Morayh William Moore George Martin Sarah Marshall <^;eorge Miller Jacob Malin Samuel Malin Samuel Moore James Moxton Charles Mowry Samuel Moon James M'Kim Samuel F. Marsh James M'Chesney James M'Connaghy James Manu Reuben Marsh Robert M'CI>esney Robert M'llvaine John M'Roy G forge Mars Archibald M'Curdy Mary A. M'Oonald Jesse Miller Jonathan Mifflin Francis Murray Wm, Mu?grove William Mansct Amos Mitchell John Meridith Rudolph Morva Philip M'Elway John M'llvaina Giles Newion James Nagbe Isaac Nightingale Nathaniel Newlin John Noy David Nelson Sarah Osborne Jonathan Owen William Otley Hugh Orn Jesse Owen Richard Pry or John Philips Henry Probasco B^ijamin Perkins Alexander Purvis Stephen Payran John Pemberton Elisha Parker Sarah Price Caleb Price Aaron Pursae Mary Picard John Pugh David Pumeroy Dell Pen nel Jonarhan f^nncll John Powell Samuel Pugh John Pirn Joseph Paxson Benjamin Paxson Jonathan Paxson William Powers Jacob Pennock Michael Pigeon Robert Pation William Pyle Jonathan Pyle Joshua Pusey Joshua E. Puse^- Benjamin Paschal! George (^uigley Joel Ray Wm. L. Read John Reakirt Thomas Rose Williai« Ruff Elizabeth Ryal Joseph Richards Mary Richards, jr. Francis Renshaw Carh. Richardet John Reed Thomas Roberts Samuel Rdoads Israel Roberts Josepn Richmond John Riis-el ^ Robert Reed Danirl Reigart John Rose John Roth Isaac Reed Richard Rue Gilbert Redman "William Rawlins Jacob Rogers Joseph Shoemaker Amos Stackhousc Richard Sermon Stoke ly Sturgis Ann Sprogell Christian Suiter John G. Simmons 'J'.JliU Smith subscribers' names Daniel Steghen* jr. Joel Woulman Jacob Smith Jacob Warrell Abin.Sboeinaker Nathan Smith William Stokes Charles Shustcr Henry Snyder Sophia Streton Leonard Snowden William Salter "Wm. M.Stewart JosiaD Siddons Lewis Wernwav Thonpias Warrell Isaac Whitelock Jeise Waterman Henry CowsUan Henry Cook JosepU Caldwell isabrllaCol;Kn David Carson Thomas Campbell Abraliam Warner Sintuel Cranfbrd Edward Smith Ezekiei Starrat George Swayne John Sharplesi Nathan Sharpless Amos Slaymaker Isaac Smith James Snwart Jacob Soiiders Wilson Smith Jamt-s Steel Caleb Sharpless St;tli.W«n» Nicholas Wain E'ias Yarnall Matthias Yoftng Jntob Zigler Matthias Zahn DELAIVARE. Beiij. Browcr Stilumon JSeckl^y James Clark Patrick Coulsnn John Cowman William Caiby Leonard Donsee William Dimn John Davidson Richard Degroff Philip Dcver Isaac Ofiwr John Davis Margaret vV. Blake H. H. Dorsey Mary Bonsai William Baldvvin William Clark SamI Carnahait John Crozier Leonard Shallcross Joseph Downing John Shallin-ss Th. Scatter good Moses Stacy John Stark ton Nathan A. Smith Isaac Thomas John Torr, jim, David Tho^ias John Tomlinson James Thompson William Foulk Charles flillyard Evan Lewis Geori^e Monro John B. Dixon John W. Dutton James M. Day, Eliza. Enjlish Sarah Ennis James Emerson N.'W. Easton Sarah Faber Nicholas Ford Susannah Foiks Eliza. Montgomery Peter Fenby Richard Mow Jan Cath. Ferguson Hannah Nichols William Poul Henry Rice Margaret Rasin Marg. Titterniary Jame^ Smitli Joseph Torr Asher Tharp John Tliomas Samuel Tremble Abel Thomas Eli Thomas Jane Tliompson James Tygart Jos. Thornsborough MARYLAND Charles Tees Samuel Temple ion at ban Tliomaj Joseph Thompson Jesse Town send Aiex. TJrqubart Geo. Vanderslite Be.ij. Vandergrift S Witherill, jun. James Wickhani Th'niai Williams Charles Brown John Willis Benj. Berry Thomas Whitecar Thomas Bromlin Martha Williamson Alex. Buckanan Joiiii Wilson John Bonds Rebecca Wilson John Berry Jacob VVarren Kiiward Wilson Alexander Wilson Mai V Wilson Samuel A. Smitb John Si>»ith James Stair Joshua Vansant Stephen Wilson Es'hcr Watter Abijah Yates Joseph Armstrong John Arnjstrong Michael Abbott MartJia Austin Hugh Allen I. 6-S. Addison John Bants L. Barry Nancy Bouchill Henry Freeman Henry Fitch David Grayham James Grimes Joltfi Giddleman Mary Gibbins John Glinn Henry Gracey Ann Gorny Bernard Gilpin Hugh Hamilton Levin Mills Daniel M'Selton Edward Mori.»an Joshua Miles' James Masrjn Mirgaret M'Bull Mary Maj;bill Jesse Mi,r<4an Lewis Miller T. M"i id ion John M'liilire William Morgan B.isil Nf Ison John Nicholson Michael Nary Dennis N ;wiand Benj. Nottu James N"rris Nathan Norrit T. Norris, 2 copies David Nesvion James Oldham Mary Ann Oldliam I.S. Ovacre iames Orr ;iizibeth Paneu Peter Poter Nathaniel Philips Thomas Pattern ^VlHianl Parks Thomas Por Thomas Ruse Daniel T. Rankin Alexander Russel Jane Riu;g G. K. Rummel Angus RobS Anguilla Rose John Randall John Richardson Wm. H. Rapp George Rhrxies H. Hollingworth Wm. Robinson George Hussey Luke Reed James Harrison Conrad Roud Edward Hall R. A.Shipley I. H. W, HawkiHS John Sclatter Wm. niB^imes Adam Stove •llBrr., Howser Sarah Spencer Amelia I. Smalley G. Sharer Ruth I. Staples Susannah Sharer Ann Stewart John Snyder William Wester William Watts William Wallace George Widdows Joiin Williams loseph Wain Samuel West Thomas Wallace Roger Watkins Joseph W illiams David Witmer Ann Walter William Wright Saniyei Wood Jamrs Wright Stephen Wilson fcriiitmi W.titci Robert Benton Nicholas Berlin Robert Bruice Isaac Broughlon Eliza Hishop Lewis Barker Isaiah Balderstun S. Brown John Burges Joseph E. Bentley John Connor Danie John Hov^ser Jarse^ Hurs Francis Horner J..hn Hory Samuel Hopkins Gerrard Hopkiii Samuel S. Hopkins John Seabel Andrew Jordon James Smith I. 1. Johnton Waiter Jinkins J;ici>b Jones Loyk Johnson SoUiinon John-on John Kin William Stillt John Stewart Matthew S^iulsbey Henry Shark Wm. Shield Fred. Slielfield JO copies. Daniel Sransbury David Krou^ Mary Stanley Jwiin Krebs John Kell;y .Samuel Rmeard James Lowrey Joseph Ixaiiy B.irliary Lawton Jacob Latrtra Nathaniel Cleevcr John Mack Francis Clark Samuel Cook G. Cumerly Thomas Childs Thomas Coulson Martha Clark Hatiiiibal Chester Samuel Cliubb Rut»CitCra5;;$ Johii Sykes Gr.r;;r Stout Richard Snowden Thnnias Siiuwden Pliilip Snowden Ai^iia Taylor JaneTiiomp^on Jt>hn E. Thornton Archit.ald M'Brcad Henry I'mnaiins John Merrikin Alexander Marr John M'Collochy Chi istr. Meader F. Murinernuu John M'DomieP.y Jacob Me\er» Jame; M'COimick Mavy, I Thompson Mary T.Tlumip on Thomas Taylor Elil.u Foiikard Joim Valliai t John \Vl,ittemore D. Wl.it-ti.r.L Peter L. White John Williams John WiH>d<; I. Winslandiv Josiah Williiisr Josepii William's Michael Wall John Waters Joseph White Eliza Winters William Winters Wiriiam Wallice Charles Waskey Alexander Yearly Samuel Yusell DISTRICT (fP COLUMBLL Thomas Adams Jacob Bough Stephen B. Bla^b Enoch Busson Aden B. Ducket Henry S. Eearl Ebenezrr Eliasoti Henry Ferris Anna Fox Martin Fisher Thomas Gettens James H. HaiQiltan Nathaniel H. Heath John Ja-my William Jollifte Zenas Kinsey Vincent King John Little Leonard Mackall Wm. Mark ward Bolitha Laws Margaet Linnsdon Rebecca Lawren#e William Liupljlet William Mor:»an 2cop'es, Wm. M'Kinny William Nevitt Jerome Phtinmcr Thamas Paten T. R. Rici.ardsou Geor<.>e R. Rilty John 'R( ss laac Robbins Edward Stabler David SimmoHr Samuel Suayire M.Schofield Thomas Shruce Joseph Smith Peter Saunder*. H. Scott Richard H. Tin J;)hn Th imai Samuel Wh?eler Stephen Web-lsr Jolin Vv'f •It William Yate^- VIRCISIA. Joseph Hond Nat'.iiniel Hai:!i John Hains Samuel Howe! Israel Janney ]\a!^ Ja:iney Samuel M'l»he:«)*j Wm. M'Piierson Aca Moorr, 10 copr. Rebecca !*eil Si'muc! Sv.aTr.e SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. TVie follo'iuing Katnes ivere received too late for insertion in their proper places. hlEU'-rORK, Ozias Ansley Abin. R. Adriance Theo^. Adriance William Aikeiis Bftsey Blossom Abner Baker Nathaniel Britton James Butler IS'atlianiel Butler Samuel Bartin Israel Bedell Anihony Bird Josepfi Bailey John Benjamin Edward \V. B ake Vinant Boriine James Bodine Jo!in Campbell Abm. Crocheron Daniel Crocheron Jacob Crocheron Nathanel Coir D. Clianiberlain F. Cheesman Matthias Dehart John Dunn Cor. Dissosway Richard Dubois I. R. Dissosway David N. C. Davis "William De^uot Walter Dongan John Date JirvisDiiseiibeny Mark Dissosway Tunis Egbert Isaac F. Grithth fieorge Faitoiite joim Garretsun John Gore James Gnvon, jun. Content Garrison Jacob Gosline Jacob Garretsoa Mary Hiliker Abm. P. HousHian John Ihilfield P. W, Haughwout 1*. E. Hiui^hwout Rachel Henry Thoujas Hyatt N. Hinclimaii John Hewlett I=aiih Jenin^s Zacharia- K.uyper Daniel Laurens Peter Low Phebe Lott David Lamberson Dr'boiali Mersereau Mary Merrell Daaiel Merell I yon Nlerrell John Morgan William Micheau Joshua Mersereau Stephen Mersereau John Morgan Clis. M'Sinion?on Cornelius Martins Cath M'Millen David Mersereau J'jlin Martling Benjamin Marcino Cbarity Mofiic Wm. Maxwell J. S. Messenger John Nckles James Nation Samuel Neil«on Israel Oakley Daniel Owen A bra!) am Parker Abm. Prall, jun. Benjamin Parker John Piiiliips Wm.Parremore Isaac Piatt Peter Roshang Matthew Rid2;way Nathaniel it^obins Abraham Rickliow John Ray George Ray Ann Ryerss Margaret Robertson Ben. Rowland Daniel Simonson Barnt. Simonson Reuben Simonson William Seaman Jane Sei^uine James Seguine John Storms Ebenr. Shareman Jonathan Stidetbrt Isaac Cade Tliomasl. Storm Jacob Davis Jun. George Arvis John Butcher Ann Bishop Grace Basset t Bethuel Berton Isaac Cooper Thomas Colea Jonathan Colson Joseph Ogden Hannah Piuini Provost & Wash- mgton Abel Rielon Pancoast Roberts James Risby ^ Ben. Robinson William Carpenter Enoch Roberts Juir; William Rogers Abraham Sleight Mary Sanderson Adam Stauley Benjamin Sneden L. G. Stanbrough Gilbert H. Sayres Rem Snedeker Abrm. Snedektr John Skidmore James Totten Jacob Tyson Oliver Taylor John Taylor Eleanor Talman Henry Titus John Vanuelt Jacob Vreeland Daniel Van Uuzen Thomts Dickson George Davis Edmund Darnell Gabriel Davis William Eldridge Barziila Scott Edmund French William Smith Samuel Roberts William Roberts James Saunders Jsaiali Shlnn Uriah Siiinri Sarah Garwood Joseph Groft' Letitia Grojf Rachel Gibson Richard Hunt Amos Haines Samuel Hancock John Hall John Haines Job Haines Samuel Holmes John Inskeep A. Van Duzen, jun. Abel Jickson John Vandebilc Abrm. Jeralemon J. Va'entine Stephen Wood James Wood Moses E. Woed Jocob Winant Peter Winant Thomas Wright P. Jackson Joseph Kaigliin James Kaighin S. B. Lippincot James Simpson Aguila Stokes S, L. Saunders John Stiles John Tatimi Wallace Taylor Hannah Thompson Samuel Tonkin Thomas Thorn William Thorn John L. Vannemar. Ezra VVo-HlriifT John Woodward Lewis Watson William White David Walker Edmund WetUerly JohnWistar Samuel Lippii