 15. An account of the persecutions in Scotland during the reign of King Henry VIII. Like as there was no place either of Germany, Italy or France wherein there were not some branches sprung out of that most fruitful root of Luther, so likewise was not this isle of Britain without his fruit and branches. Amongst whom was Patrick Hamilton, a Scotchman born of high and noble stock and of the king's blood of excellent towordness, 23 years of age, called Abbott of Fern. Coming out of his country with three companions to seek godly learning, he went to the University of Marburg in Germany, which university was then newly erected by Philip Landgrave of Hesse. During his residence here, he became intimately acquainted with those eminent lights of the Gospel, Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon, from whose writings and doctrines he strongly attached himself to the Protestant religion. The Archbishop of St. Andrews, who was a rigid papist, learning of Mr. Hamilton's proceedings caused him to be seized, and being brought before him after a short examination relative to his religious principles, he committed him a prisoner to the castle at the same time ordering him to be confined in the most loathsome part of the prison. The next morning Mr. Hamilton was brought before the bishop and several others for examination, when the principal articles exhibited against him were his publicly disapproving of pilgrimage's purgatory, prayers to saints for the dead, etc. These articles Mr. Hamilton acknowledged to be true, in consequence of which he was immediately condemned to be burned, and that his condemnation might have the greater authority, they caused it to be subscribed by all those of any note who were present, and to make the number as considerable as possible, even admitted the subscription of boys who were sons of the nobility. So anxious was this bigoted and persecuting prelate for the destruction of Mr. Hamilton that he ordered his sentence to be put in execution on the afternoon of the very day it was pronounced. He was accordingly led to the place appointed for the horrid tragedy, and was attended by a prodigious number of spectators. The greatest part of the multitude would not believe it was intended that he should be put to death, but it was only done to frighten him and thereby bring him over to embrace the principles of the Romish religion. When he arrived at the stake he kneeled down and for some time prayed with great vervency. After this he was fastened to the stake and the faggots placed round him. A quantity of gunpowder having been placed under his arms was first set on fire which scorched his left hand and one side of his face, but did no material injury, neither did it communicate with the faggots. In consequence of this more powder and combustible matter were brought which being set on fire took effect and the faggots being kindled he called out with an audible voice, quote, Lord Jesus receive my spirit, how long shall darkness overwhelm this realm, and how long wilt thou suffer the tyranny of these men," end quote. The fire burning slow put him to great torment, but he bore it with Christian magnanimity. What gave him the greatest pain was the clamour of some wicked men set on by the friars who frequently cried, turn thou heretic, call upon our lady, say salve Regina, etc. To whom he replied, depart from me and trouble me not ye messengers of Satan. One Campbell, a friar who was the ringleader, still continuing to interrupt him by appropriate language, he said to him, wicked man, God forgive thee. After which, being prevented from further speech by the violence of the smoke and the rapidity of the flames, he resigned up his soul into the hands of him who gave it. This steadfast believer in Christ suffered martyrdom in the year 1527. One Henry Forrest, a young, inoffensive Benedictine, being charged with speaking respectfully of the above Patrick Hamilton, was thrown into prison, and in confessing himself to a friar, owned that he thought Hamilton a good man, and that the articles for which he was sentenced to die might be defended. This being revealed by the friar, it was received as evidence, and the poor Benedictine was sentenced to be burned. Whilst consultation was held with regard to the manner of his execution, John Lindsay, one of the Archbishop's gentlemen, offered his advice to burn friar Forrest in some cellar, for, said he, quote, the smoke of Patrick Hamilton hath infected all those on whom it blew, end quote. This advice was taken, and the poor victim was rather suffocated than burned. The next two fell victims for professing the truth of the gospel were David Stratton and Norman Gurley. When they arrived at the fatal spot, they both kneeled down and prayed for some time with great fervency. They then rose when Stratton, addressing himself to the spectators, exhorted them to lay aside their superstitious and idolatrous notions and employ their time in seeking the true light of the gospel. He would have said more, but was prevented by the officers who attended. Their sentence was then put into execution, and they cheerfully resigned up their souls to that God who gave them, hoping, through the merits of the great Redeemer, for a glorious resurrection to life immortal. They suffered in the year 1534. The martyrdoms of the two before-mentioned persons were soon followed by that of Mr. Thomas Forret, who, for a considerable time, had been dean of the Romish Church. Killor and Beverage, two blacksmiths, Duncan Simpson a priest, and Robert Forrester a gentleman. They were all burnt together on the Castle Hill at Edinburgh the last day of February 1538. The year following the martyrdoms of the before-mentioned persons, that is, 1539, two others were apprehended on a suspicion of heresy, namely Jerome Russell and Alexander Kennedy, a youth of about eighteen years of age. These two persons, after being some time confined in prison, were brought before the Archbishop for examination, in the course of which Russell, being a very sensible man, reasoned learnedly against his accusers, while they in turn made use of very approprious language. The examination being over, and both of them deemed heretics, the Archbishop pronounced the dreadful sentence of death, and they were immediately delivered over to the secular power in order for execution. The next day they were led to the place appointed for them to suffer, in their way to which Russell, seeing his fellow sufferer, had the appearance of timidity in his countenance, thus addressed him. Brother, fear not, greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. The pain that we are to suffer is short and shall be light, but our joy and consolation shall never have an end. Let us therefore strive to enter into our master and saviour's joy by the same straight way which he hath taken before us. Death cannot hurt us, for it is already destroyed by him for whose sake we are now going to suffer." When they arrived at the fatal spot, they both kneeled down and prayed for some time, after which being fastened to the stake and the faggots lighted, they cheerfully resigned their souls into the hands of him who gave them in full hopes of an everlasting reward in the heavenly mansions. An account of the life, sufferings, and death of Mr. George Wishart, who was strangled and afterward burned in Scotland for professing the truth of the gospel. About the year of our Lord, 1543, there was, in the University of Cambridge, one Master George Wishart, commonly called Master George of Bennet's College, a man of tall stature, polled headed, and on the same, a round French cap of the best, judged to be of melancholy complexion by his physiognomy, black-haired, long-bearded, comely of personage, well-spoken after his country of Scotland, courteous, lowly, lovely, glad to teach, desirous to learn, and well-traveled. Having on him for his clothing, a freeze-gown to the shoes, a black million-fustion doublet, and plain black hosin, coarse new canvas for his shirts, and white-falling bands and cuffs at his hands. He was a man-modest, temperate, fearing God, hating covetousness. For his charity had never end, night, noon, nor day. He forbear one meal in three, one day in four for the most part, except something to comfort nature. He lay hard upon a puff of straw and coarse new canvas sheets, which, when he changed, he gave away. He had commonly, by his bedside, a tub of water, in the which, his people being in bed, the candle put out in all quiet, he used to bathe himself. He loved me tenderly, and I him. He taught with great modesty and gravity, so that some of his people thought him severe, and would have slain him. But the Lord was his defence, and he, after due correction for their malice, by good exhortation, amended them and went his way. Oh, that the Lord had left him to me, his poor boy, that he might have finished what he had begun, for he went into Scotland with divers of the nobility that came for a treaty to King Henry. In 1543 the Archbishop of St. Andrews made a visitation into various parts of his diocese, where several persons were informed against at Perth for heresy. Among those the following were condemned to die, that is, William Anderson, Robert Lamb, James Finlayson, James Hunter, James Ravellison, and Helen Stark. The accusations laid against these respective persons were as follows. The four first were accused of having hung up the image of St. Francis, nailing ramshorns on his head, and fastening a cow's tail to his rump, but the principal matter on which they were condemned was having regaled themselves with a goose on fast day. James Ravellison was accused of having ornamented his house with the three-crowned diadem of Peter carved in wood, which the Archbishop conceived to be done in mockery to his cardinal's cap. Helen Stark was accused of not having accustomed herself to pray to the Virgin Mary, more especially during the time she was in childbed. On these respective accusations they were all found guilty and immediately received sentence of death, the four men for eating the goose to be hanged, James Ravellison to be burnt, and the woman with her sucking infant to be put into a sack and drowned. The four men with the woman in the child suffered at the same time, but James Ravellison was not executed until some days after. The martyrs were carried by a great band of armed men, for they feared rebellion in the town except they had their men of war, to the place of execution, which was common to all thieves, and that to make their cause appear more odious to the people. Everyone comforting another and assuring themselves that they should sup together in the kingdom of heaven that night, they commended themselves to God and died constantly in the Lord. The woman desired earnestly to die with her husband, but she was not suffered, yet following him to the place of execution she gave him comfort, exhorting him to perseverance and patience for Christ's sake, and parting from him with a kiss, said, Quote, Husband, rejoice, for we have lived together many joyful days, but this day in which we must die ought to be most joyful unto us both, because we must have joy for ever. Therefore I will not bid you good night, for we shall suddenly meet with joy in the kingdom of heaven, end quote. The woman after that was taken to a place to be drowned, and albeit she had a child sucking on her breast, yet this moved nothing in the unmerciful hearts of the enemies. So after she had commended her children to the neighbors of the town for God's sake, and the sucking baron was given to the nurse, she sealed up the truth by her death. Being desirous of propagating the true gospel in his own country, George Wishart left Cambridge in 1544, and on his arrival in Scotland he first preached at Montrose and afterwards at Dundee. In this last place he made a public exposition of the epistle to the Romans, which he went through with such grace and freedom as greatly alarmed the papists. In consequence of this, at the instigation of Cardinal Beaton, the Archbishop of St. Andrews, one Robert Milne, a principal man at Dundee, went to the church where Wishart preached, and in the middle of his discourse publicly told him not to trouble the town anymore, for he was determined not to suffer it. This sudden rebuff greatly surprised Wishart, who, after a short pause, looking sorrowfully upon the speaker and the audience, said, God is my witness that I never minded your trouble but your comfort. Yea, your trouble is more grievous to me than it is to yourselves, but I am assured to refuse God's word and to chase from you his messenger shall not preserve you from trouble but shall bring you into it, for God shall send you ministers that shall fear neither burning nor banishment. I have offered you the word of salvation. With the hazard of my life I have remained among you. Now you yourselves refuse me, and I must leave my innocence to be declared by my God. If it be long prosperous with you, I am not led by the spirit of truth, but if unlooked for troubles come upon you, acknowledge the cause and turn to God, who is gracious and merciful, but if you turn not at the first warning he will visit you with fire and sword." At the close of this speech he left the pulpit and retired. After this he went into the west of Scotland where he preached God's word which was gladly received by many. A short time after this Mr. Wishart received intelligence that the plague had broken out in Dundee. It began four days after he was prohibited from preaching there and raged so extremely that it was almost beyond credit how many died in the space of twenty-four hours. This being related to him, he, notwithstanding the importunity of his friends to detain him, determined to go there saying, quote, they are now in troubles and need comfort. Perhaps this hand of God will make them now to magnify and reverence the word of God which before they lightly esteemed, end quote. Here he was with joy received by the godly. He chose the east gate for his place of preaching so that the healthy were within and the sick without the gate. He took his text from these words. He sent his word and healed them, etc. In this sermon he chiefly dwelt upon the advantage and comfort of God's word, the judgments that ensue upon the contempt or rejection of it, the freedom of God's grace to all his people, and the happiness of those of his elect whom he takes to himself out of this miserable world. The hearts of his hearers were so raised by the divine force of this discourse as not to regard death but to judge them the more happy who should then be called, not knowing whether he should have such comfort again with them. After this the plague abated, though in the midst of it, Wishart constantly visited those that lay in the greatest extremity and comforted them by his exhortations. When he took his leave of the people of Dundee, he said that God had almost put an end to that plague and that he was now called to another place. He went from thence to Montrose, where he sometimes preached, but he spent most of his time in private meditation and prayer. It is said that before he left Dundee, and while he was engaged in the labours of love to the bodies as well as to the souls of those poor afflicted people, Cardinal Beaton engaged a desperate Popish priest called John Waiton to kill him. The attempt to execute which was as follows. One day after Wishart had finished his sermon and the people departed, a priest stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs with a naked dagger in his hand under his gown. But Mr. Wishart, having a sharp piercing eye and seeing the priest as he came from the pulpit, said to him, My friend, what would you have? And immediately clapping his hand upon the dagger took it from him. The priest, being terrified, fell to his knees, confessed his intention, and craved pardon. A noise was hereupon raised, and at coming to the ears of those who were sick, they cried, Deliver the traitor to us, we will take him by force, and they burst in at the gate. But Wishart, taking the priest in his arms, said, Whatsoever hurts him shall hurt me, for he hath done me no mischief but much good by teaching more heedfulness for the time to come. By this conduct he appeased the people and saved the life of the wicked priest. Soon after his return to Montrose the cardinal again conspired his death, causing a letter to be sent to him as if it had been from his familiar friend, the lair of Kennear, in which it was desired with all possible speed to come to him as he was taken with a sudden sickness. In the meantime the cardinal had provided sixty men armed to lie in wait within a mile and a half of Montrose in order to murder him as he passed that way. The letter came to Wishart's hand by a boy who also brought him a horse for the journey. Wishart, accompanied by some honest men, his friends, set forward, but something particular striking his mind by the way he returned, which they wondering at, asked him the cause, to which he said, I will not go, I am forbidden of God, I am assured there is treason. Let some of you go to yonder place and tell me what you find. Which doing they made the discovery, and hastily returning they told Mr. Wishart, whereupon he said, I know I shall end my life by that bloodthirsty man's hands, but it will not be in this manner. A short time after this he left Montrose and proceeded to Edinburgh in order to propagate the gospel in that city. By the way he lodged with a faithful brother called James Watson of Inner Gory. In the middle of the night he got up and went into the yard, which two men hearing they privately followed him. While in the yard he fell on his knees and prayed for some time with the greatest fervency, after which he arose and returned to his bed. Those who attended him, appearing as though they were ignorant of all, came and asked him where he had been, but he would not answer them. The next day they improtuned him to tell them, saying, Be plain with us, for we heard your mourning and saw your gestures. On this he with a dejected countenance said, I had rather you had been in your beds, but they still pressing upon him to know something he said, I will tell you, I am assured that my warfare is near at an end, and therefore pray to God with me that I shrink not when the battle waxeth most hot. Soon after Cardinal Beaton, Archbishop of St Andrews, being informed that Mr. Wishart was at the house of Mr. Cockburn of Ormiston in East Lothian, applied to the regent to cause him to be apprehended, with which, after great persuasion, and much against his will, he complied. In consequence of this, the Cardinal immediately proceeded to the trial of Wishart, against whom no less than eighteen articles were exhibited. Mr. Wishart answered the respective articles with great composure of mind, and in so learned and clear a manner as greatly surprised most of those who were present. After the examination was finished, the Archbishop endeavored to prevail on Mr. Wishart to recant, but he was too firmly fixed in his religious principles and too much enlightened with the truth of the gospel to be in the least moved. In the morning of his execution there came to him two friars from the Cardinal, one of whom put on him a black linen coat, and the other brought several bags of gunpowder, which they tied about different parts of his body. As soon as he arrived at the stake, the executioner put a rope around his neck and a chain about his middle, upon which he fell on his knees and thus exclaimed, O thou Saviour of the world, have mercy upon me. Father of heaven, I commend my spirit into thy holy hands." After this he prayed for his accusers, saying, I beseech thee, Father of heaven, forgive them that have, from ignorance or an evil mind, forged lies of me. I forgive them with all my heart. I beseech Christ to forgive them that have ignorantly condemned me. He was then fastened to the stake, and the faggots being lighted immediately set fire to the powder that was tied about him, which blew into a flame and smoke. The governor of the castle, who stood so near that he was singed with the flame, exhorted the martyr, in a few words, to be of good cheer and to ask the pardon of God for his offenses. To which he replied, This flame occasions trouble to my body indeed, but it hath in no wise broken my spirit. But he who now so proudly looks down upon me from yonder lofty place, pointing to the cardinal, shall, ere long, be ignominiously thrown down, as now he proudly lalls at his ease. Which prediction was soon after fulfilled? The hangman that was his tormentor sat down upon his knees and said, Sir, I pray you to forgive me, for I am not guilty of your death. To whom he answered, come hither to me. When that he was come to him he kissed his cheek and said, Low, here is a token that I forgive thee, my heart, do thine office. And then he was put upon the gibbet and hanged and burned to powder. When that the people beheld the great tormenting, they might not withhold from piteous mourning and complaining of this innocent lamb's slaughter. It was not long after the martyrdom of this blessed man of God, Master George Wishart, who was put to death by David Beaton, the bloody archbishop and cardinal of Scotland, A.D. 1546, the first day of March, said David Beaton, by the just revenge of God's mighty judgment, was slain within his own castle of St. Andrew's by the hands of one Leslie and other gentlemen, who, by the Lord stirred up, break in suddenly upon him, and in his bed murdered him the said year, the last day of May, crying out, Alas! Alas! slay me not! I am a priest! And so, like a butcher he lived, and like a butcher he died, and lay seven months and more unburied, and at last like a carrion was buried in a dung hill. The last who suffered martyrdom in Scotland for the cause of Christ was one Walter Mill, who was burnt at Edinburgh in the year 1558. This person, in his younger years, had travelled in Germany, and on his return was installed a priest of the Church of Lunin in Angus, but on an information of heresy, in the time of Cardinal Beaton, he was forced to abandon his charge and abscond, but he was soon apprehended and committed to prison. Being interrogated by Sir Andrew Olyphant, whether he would recant his opinions, he answered in the negative, saying that he would, quote, sooner forfeit ten thousand lives than relinquish a particle of those heavenly principles he had received from the suffrages of his blessed Redeemer, end quote. In consequence of this, sentence of condemnation was immediately passed on him, and he was conducted to prison in order for execution the following day. This steadfast believer in Christ was eighty-two years of age, and exceedingly infirm, whence it was supposed that he could scarcely be heard. However, when he was taken to the place of execution, he expressed his religious sentiments with such courage, and at the same time composure of mind, as astonished even his enemies. As soon as he was fastened to the stake and the faggots lighted, he addressed the spectators as follows, quote, Because why I suffer this day is not for any crime, though I acknowledge myself a miserable sinner, but only for the defense of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, and I praise God who hath called me, by his mercy, to seal the truth with my life, which, as I received it from him, so I willingly and joyfully offer it up to his glory. Therefore, as you would escape eternal death, be no longer seduced by the lies of the seed of antichrist, but depend solely on Jesus Christ and his mercy that you may be delivered from condemnation," end quote, and then added that he trusted he should be the last who would suffer death in Scotland upon a religious account. Thus did the pious Christian cheerfully give up his life in defense of the truth of Christ's gospel, not doubting but he should be made partaker of his heavenly kingdom. Fox's Book of Martyrs, Volume 2 by John Fox, edited by William Byron Forbush, Chapter 16, Persecutions in England during the reign of Queen Mary, Part 1. The premature death of that celebrated young monarch, Edward VI, occasioned the most extraordinary and wonderful occurrences which had ever existed from the times of our blessed Lord and Saviour's incarnation in human shape. This melancholy event became speedily a subject of great regret. The succession to the British throne was soon made a matter of contention, and the scenes which ensued were a demonstration of the serious affliction in which the kingdom was involved. As his loss to the nation was more and more unfolded, the remembrance of his government was more and more the basis of grateful recollection. The very awful prospect, which was soon presented to the friends of Edward's administration under the direction of his counselors and servants, was a contemplation which the reflecting mind was compelled to regard with most alarming apprehensions. The rapid approaches which were made towards a total reversion of the proceedings of the young king's reign denoted the advances which were thereby represented to an entire resolution in the management of public affairs both in church and state. The king, in his long and lingering affliction, was induced to make a will by which he bequeathed the English crown to Lady Jane, the daughter of the Duke of Suffolk, who had been married to Lord Guilford, the son of the Duke of Northumberland, and was the granddaughter of the second sister of King Henry by Charles, Duke of Suffolk. By this will the succession of Mary and Elizabeth, his two sisters, was entirely superseded from an apprehension of the returning system of popery, and the king's council with the chief of the nobility, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and almost all of the judges and the principal lawyers of the realm, subscribed their names to this regulation as a sanction to the measure. Lord Chief Justice Hale, though a true Protestant and an upright judge alone, declined to unite his name in favor of the Lady Jane, because he had already signified his opinion that Mary was entitled to assume the reins of government. Others objected to Mary's being placed on throne, on account of their fears that she might marry a foreigner, and thereby bring the crown into considerable danger. Her partialities to popery also left little doubt on the minds of any, that she would be induced to revive the dormant interests of the pope, and change the religion which had been used both in the days of her father, King Henry, and in those of her brother, Edward. For in all his time she had manifested the greatest stubbornness and inflexibility of temper, as must be obvious from her letter to the Lords of the Council, whereby she put in her claim to the crown on her brother's decease. When this happened, the nobles, who had associated to prevent Mary's succession, and had been instrumental in promoting, and perhaps advising the measures of Edward, speedily proceeded to proclaim Lady Jane Gray to be Queen of England in the City of London and various other popular cities of the realm. Though young, she possessed talents of a very superior nature, and her improvements, under a most excellent tutor, had given her many very great advantages. Her reign was of only five days' continuance, for Mary, having succeeded by false promises in obtaining the crown, speedily commenced the execution of her avowed intention of extirpating and burning every popstant. She was crowned at Westminster, in the usual form, and her elevation was a signal for the commencement of the bloody persecution which followed. Having obtained the sword of authority, she was not sparing in its exercise. The supporters of Lady Jane Gray were destined to feel its force. The Duke of Northumberland was the first who experienced her savage resentment. Within a month after his confinement in the tower, he was condemned, and brought to the scaffold to suffer as a traitor. From his varied crimes, resulting out of a sword and an ordinate ambition, he died unpityed and unlimited. The changes which followed with rapidity, unequivocally declared that the Queen was disaffected to the present state of religion. Dr. Poignette was displaced to make room for Gardner, to be Bishop of Winchester, to whom she also gave the important office of Lord Chancellor. Dr. Ridley was dismissed from the Sea of London, and Bonet introduced. Jay Story was put out of the bishopric of Cheechester, to admit Dr. Day. Jay Hooper was sent prisoner to the fleet, and Dr. Heath put into the Sea of Warchester. Miles Coverdale was also excluded from Exeter, and Dr. Villesey placed in that diocese. Dr. Tonestall was also promoted to the Sea of Durham. These things being marked and perceived, great heaviness and discomfort grew more and more to all good men's hearts, but to the wicked, great rejoicing. They that could dissemble took no great care in how the matter went, but such, whose consciences were joined with the truth, perceived already coals to be kindled, which after should be the destruction of many a true Christian. The words and behavior of the Lady Jane upon the scaffold. The next victim was the amiable Lady Jane Gray, who, by her acceptance of the crown at the earnest solicitations of her friends, incurred the implacable resentment of Bloody Mary. When she first mounted the scaffold, she spoke to the spectators in this manner. Good people, I am come hither to die, and by a law I am condemned to the same. The fact against the Queen's highness was unlawful, and the consenting thereon too by me. But, touching the procurement and desire thereof by me, or on my behalf, I do wash my hands therefore in innocence before God, in the face of you, good Christian people, this day. And therewith she wrung her hands wherein she had her book. Then she said, I pray you all good Christian people to bear me witness, that I die a good Christian woman, and that I do look to be saved by no other mean, but only by the mercy of God, in the blood of his son, Jesus Christ. And I confess, that when I did know the word of God I neglected the same, loved myself and the world, and therefore this plague and punishment is happily and worthily happened unto me for my sins. And yet I thank God, that of his goodness he hath thus given me a time and a respite to repent. And now good people, while I am alive I pray you assist me with your prayers. And then kneeling down, she turned to thicken him, saying, shall I say this psalm? And he said, yea. Then she said the psalm of Ms. Riri, Mie Deus, in English, in a most devout manner, throughout to the end. And then she stood up and gave her maid, Ms. Ellen, her gloves and handkerchief, and her book to Mr. Brugus. And then untied her gown, and the executioner pressed her to help her off with it. But she, desiring him to let her alone, turned towards her two gentle women, who helped her off therewith. And also with her froes, puffed, and neckerchief, giving to her a fair handkerchief to put about her eyes. The executioner kneeled down and asked her forgiveness, whom she forgave most willingly. Then he desired her to stand upon the straw, which doing she saw the block. Then she said, I pray you dispatch me quickly. Then she kneeled down and saying, will you take it off before I lay me down? And the executioner said, no madam. Then she tied a handkerchief about her eyes, and feeling for the block she said, what shall I do? Where is it? Where is it? One of the standards by guiding her thereunto, she laid her head upon the block, and then stretched forth her body and said, Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And so finished her life in the year of our Lord, 1554, the twelfth day of February, about the seventeenth year of her age. Thus died Lady Jane, and on the same day, Lord Gilford, her husband, one of the duke of Northumberland's sons, was likewise beheaded two innocents in comparison with them that sat upon them. For they were both very young and ignorantly accepted that which others had contrived, and by open proclamation consented to take from others and give to them. Touching the condemnation of this pious lady, it is to be noted that Judge Morgan, who gave sentence against her, soon after he had condemned her, fell mad, and in his raving cried out continually to have the Lady Jane taken away from him, and so he ended his life. On the twenty-first day of the same month, Henry, Duke of Suffolk, was beheaded on Tower Hill, the fourth day after his condemnation, about which time many gentlemen and yeoman were condemned, whereof some were executed at London, and some in the country. In the number of whom was Lord Thomas Gray, brother to the said duke, being apprehended not long after in North Wales, and executed for the same. Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, John Rogers, vicar of St. Seppelker's, and reader of St. Paul's, London. John Rogers was educated at Cambridge, and was afterward many years chaplain to the merchant adventurers at Antwerp in Brabant. Here he met with the celebrated martyr William Tyndall and Miles Coverdale, both voluntary exiles from their country, for their aversion to Pope's superstition and idolatry. They were the instruments of his conversion, and he united with them in that translation of the Bible into English, entitled The Translation of Thomas Matthew. From the scriptures he knew that unlawful vows may be lawfully broken, hence he married and removed to Wittenburg in Saxony, and he there learned the Dutch language and received the charge of a congregation, which he faithfully executed for many years. On King Edward's accession he left Saxony to promote the work of reformation in England, and after some time Nicholas Ridley, then Bishop of London, gave him a pre-bind in St. Paul's Cathedral, and the dean and chapter appointed him reader of the Divinity lesson there. Here he continued until Queen Mary's succession to the throne, when the gospel and true religion were banished, and the Antichrist of Rome with his superstition and idolatry introduced. The circumstances of Mr. Rogers having preached at Paul's cross, after Queen Mary arrived at the tower, has already been stated. He confirmed in his sermon the true doctrine taught in King Edward's time, and exhorted the people to beware of the pestilence of popery, idolatry, and superstition. For this he was called to account, but so ably defended himself that for that time he was dismissed. The proclamation of the Queen, however, to prohibit true preaching, gave his enemies a new handle against him. Hence he was again summoned before the council, and commanded to keep his house. He did so, though he might have escaped, and though he perceived the state of the true religion to be desperate. He knew he could not want a living in Germany, and he could not forget a wife and ten children, and to seek means to secure them. But all these things were insufficient to induce him to depart, and when once called to answer in Christ's cause, he stoutly defended it, and hazarded it his life for that purpose. After long imprisonment in his house, the restless bonair, Bishop of London, caused him to be committed to Newgate, there to be lodged among thieves and murderers. After Mr. Rogers had been long and straightly imprisoned, and lodged in Newgate among thieves, often examined and very uncharitably entreated, and at length unjustly and most cruelly condemned by Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester, the fourth day of February in the year of our Lord, 1555, being Monday in the morning, he was suddenly warned by the keeper of Newgate's wife to prepare himself for the fire, who, being then sound asleep, could scarce be awaked. At length, being raised and awaked, and bid to make haste, then said he, if it be so, I need not time my points. And so was had down, first to Bishop Bonair, to be degraded. Which being done, he craved a bonair but one petition, and Bonair asked him what that should be. Mr. Rogers replied that he might speak a few words with his wife before burning, but that could not be attained to him. When the time came that he should be brought out of Newgate to Smithfield, the place of his execution, Mr. Woodroof, one of the sheriffs, first came to Mr. Rogers and asked him if he would revoke his abominable doctrine, and the evil opinion of the sacrament of the altar. Mr. Rogers answered, that which I have preached, I will seal with my blood. Then Mr. Woodroof said, thou art a heretic. That shall be known, quoth Mr. Rogers, at the day of judgment. Well, said Mr. Woodroof, I will never pray for thee, but I will pray for you, said Mr. Rogers. And so was brought the same day, the 4th of February, by the sheriffs, toward Smithfield, saying the psalm of Miss Riri. By the way, all the people wonderfully rejoicing at his constancy, with great praises and thanks to God for the same, and there in the presence of Mr. Rochester, Comptroller of the Queen's household, Sir Richard Southwell, both the sheriffs, and a great number of people, he was burnt to ashes, washing his hands in the flame as he was burning. A little before his burning, his pardon was brought, if he would have recanted, but he utterly refused it. He was the first martyr of all the blessed company that suffered in Queen Mary's time, that gave the first adventure upon the fire. His wife and children, being eleven in number, ten able to go, and one sucking at her breast, met him by the way, as he went toward Smithfield. This sorrowful sight of his own flesh and blood, could nothing move him, but that he constantly and cheerfully took his death with wonderful patience, in the defense and quarrel of the Gospel of Christ. The Reverend Lawrence Saunders. Mr. Saunders, after passing some time in the school of Eaton, was chosen to go to King's College in Cambridge, where he continued three years and profited in knowledge and learning very much for that time. Shortly after he quitted the university, and went to his parents, but soon returned to Cambridge again to his study, where he began to add to the knowledge of the Latin, the study of the Greek and Hebrew tongues, and gave himself up to the study of the Holy Scriptures, the better to qualify himself for the office of preacher. In the beginning of King Edward's reign, when God's true religion was introduced, after license obtained, he began to preach, and was so well liked of them, who then had authority, that they appointed him to read a divinity lecture in the College of Forthringham. The College of Forthringham being dissolved, he was placed to be a reader in the Minster at Lichfield. After a certain space, he departed from Lichfield, to a benefit of Lechestershire, called Church Langton, where he held a residence, taught diligently, and kept a liberal house. Thence he was orderly called to take a benefit in the City of London, namely All Hallows and Bread Street. After this he preached at Northampton, nothing meddling with the State, but boldly uttering his conscience against the Popish doctrines which were likely to spring up again in England, as a just plague for the little love which the English nation then bore to the blessed word of God, which had been so plentifully offered unto them. The Queen's party, who were there and heard him, were highly displeased with him for his sermon, and for it kept him among them as a prisoner. But partly for love of his brethren and friends, who were chief actors for the Queen among them, and partly because there was no law broken by his preaching, they dismissed him. Some of his friends, perceiving such fearful menacing, counseled him to fly out of the realm, which he refused to do. But seeing he was with violence, kept from doing good in that place, he returned toward London to visit his flock. In the afternoon of Sunday, October 15, 1554, as he was reading in his church to exhort his people, the Bishop of London interrupted him by sending an officer for him. His treason and sedition, the Bishop's charity, was content to let slip until another time, but a heretic he meant to prove him. And all those, he said, who taught and believed that the administration of the sacraments and all orders of the church are the most pure, which come the nearest to the order of the primitive church. After much talk concerning this matter, the Bishop desired him to write what he believed of transubstantiation. Lawrence Saunders did so, saying, My Lord, you seek my blood, and you shall have it. I pray, God, that you may be so baptized in it that you may never after loathe bloodsucking and become a better man. Upon being closely charged with condomency, the severe replies of Mr. Saunders to the Bishop, who had before to get the favor of Henry VIII written and set forth in print, a book of true obedience wherein he had openly declared Queen Mary to be a bastard. So irritated him that he exclaimed, Carry away this frenzied, fooled prison. After this good and faithful martyr had been kept in prison one year and a quarter, the Bishops at length called him, as they did his fellow prisoners, openly to be examined before the Queen's Council. His examination being ended, the officers led him out of the place and stayed until the rest of his fellow prisoners were likewise examined, that they might lead them all together to prison. After his excommunication and delivery over to the secular power, he was brought by the Sheriff of London to the Comptor, a prison in his own parish of Bread Street, at which he rejoiced greatly, both because he found there a fellow prisoner, Mr. Cardmaker, with whom he had much Christian and comfortable discourse, and because, out of prison, as before in his pulpit, he might have an opportunity to preach to his parishioners. On the 4th of February, Bonaire, Bishop of London, came to the prison to degrade him. The day following, in the morning the Sheriff of London delivered him to certain of the Queen's Guard, who were appointed to carry him to the City of Coventry, there to be burnt. When they had arrived at Coventry, a poor shoemaker, who used to serve him with shoes, came to him and said, Oh my good master, God strengthen and comfort you. Good shoemaker, Mr. Saunders replied, I desire thee to pray for me, for I am the most unfit man for this high office that ever was appointed to it. But my gracious God and dear Father is able to make me strong enough. The next day, being the 8th of February, 1555, he was led to the place of execution in the park, without the city. He went in an old gown and shirt, barefooted, and oftentimes fell flat on the ground and prayed. When he was come to nigh the place, the officer appointed to see the execution done said to Mr. Saunders that he was one of them who marred the Queen's realm. But if he would recant, there was pardon for him. Not I, replied the Holy Martyr, but such as you have entered the realm. The blessed gospel of Christ is what I hold, that do I believe, that have I taught, and that will I never revoke. Mr. Saunders then slowly moved towards the fire, sank to the earth and prayed. He then rose up, embraced the stake, and frequently said, Welcome thou cross of Christ, welcome everlasting life. Fire was then put to the faggots, and he was overwhelmed by the dreadful flames, and sweetly slept in the Lord Jesus. End of Chapter 16, Part 1. Recording by Derek Woodley, San Angelo, Texas. Chapter 16, Part 2. Of Fox's Book of Martyrs. Volume 2. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Fox's Book of Martyrs. Volume 2. By John Fox. Edited by William Byron Forbush. Chapter 16. Persecutions in England during the reign of Queen Mary. Part 2. The history, imprisonment, and examination of Mr. John Hooper, Bishop of Worchester and Glauchester. John Hooper, student and graduate in the University of Oxford, was stirred with such fervent desire to the love and knowledge of the scriptures, that he was compelled to move from thence, and was retained in the house of Sir Thomas Arundel, as his steward, until Sir Thomas had intelligence of his opinions and religion, which he in no case did favor. Though he exceedingly favored his person and condition, and wished to be his friend. Mr. Hooper now prudently left Sir Thomas's house, and arrived at Paris, but in a short time returned to England, and was retained by Mr. Sintlow, until the time that he was again molested and sought for, when he passed through France to the higher parts of Germany. Where, commencing acquaintance with learned men, he was by them free and lovingly entertained, both at Basil and especially at Zurich, by Mr. Bullinger, who was his singular friend. Here also he married his wife, who was a Burgonian, and applied very studiously to the Hebrew tongue. At length, when God saw it good to stay the bloody time of the six articles, and to give us King Edward to reign over this realm, with some peace and rest under the church, amongst many other English exiles, who then repaired homeward, Mr. Hooper also, moved in conscience, thought not to absent himself, but seeing such a time and occasion offered to help forward the Lord's work to the utmost of his ability. When Mr. Hooper had taken his farewell of Mr. Bullinger, and his friends in Zurich, he repaired again to England in the reign of King Edward VI, and coming to London, used continually to preach, most times twice, or at least once a day. In his sermons, according to his accustomed manner, he corrected sin, and sharply invaded against the iniquity of the world and the corrupt abuses of the church. The people in great flocks and companies daily came to hear his voice, as the most melodious sound and tune of Orpheus's harp, insomuch that, often times, when he was preaching, the church would be so full that none could enter farther than the doors thereof. In his doctrine he was earnest, in tongue eloquent, in the scriptures perfect, in pains indefatigable, in his life exemplary. Having preached before the king's majesty, he was soon after made bishop of Glauchester. In that office he continued two years, and behaved himself so well that his very enemies could find no fault with him. And after that he was made bishop of Worchester. Dr. Hooper executed the office of a most careful and diligent pastor, for the space of two years and more, as long as the state of religion in King Edward's time was sound and flourishing. After he had been cited to appear before Bonner and Dr. Heath, he was led to the council, accused falsely of owing the queen money, and in the next year, 1554, he wrote an account of his severe treatment during near eighteen months' confinement in the fleet. And after his third examination, Jan. 28, 1555, ate St. Mary ovaries, he, with the Reverend Mr. Rogers, was conducted to the compter in Southwick, there to remain until the next day at nine o'clock, to see whether they would recant. Come, brother Rogers, said Dr. Hooper, must we too take this matter first in hand and begin to fry in these faggots? Yes, doctor, said Mr. Rogers, by God's grace. Doubt not, said Dr. Hooper, but God will give us strength, and the people so applauded their constancy that they had much adieu to pass. Jan. 29, Bishop Hooper was degraded and condemned, and the Reverend Mr. Rogers was treated in like manner. At dark Dr. Hooper was led through the city to Newgate. Notwithstanding this secrecy, many people came forth to their doors with lights and saluted him, praising God for his constancy. During the few days he was in Newgate, he was frequently visited by Bonner and others, but without a fail. As Christ was tempted, so they tempted him, and then maliciously reported that he had recanted. The place of his martyrdom being fixed at Glauchester, he rejoiced very much, lifting up his eyes and hands to heaven, and praising God that he saw it good to send him among the people over whom he was pastor. There to confirm with his death the truth which he had before taught them. On Feb. 7 he came to Glauchester, about five o'clock, and lodged at one Ingram's house. After his first sleep he continued in prayer until morning, and all the day, except a little time at his meals, and when conversing such as to guard kindly permitted to speak to him, he spent in prayer. Sir Anthony Kingston, at one time Dr. Hooper's good friend, was appointed by the Queen's letters to attend at his execution. As soon as he saw the bishop he burst into tears. With tender entreaties he exhorted him to live. True it is, said the bishop, that death is bitter and life is sweet. But alas, consider that the death to come is more bitter, and the life to come is more sweet. The same day a blind boy obtained leave to be brought into Dr. Hooper's presence. The same boy, not long before, had suffered imprisonment at Glauchester for confessing the truth. Ah, poor boy, said the bishop, though God hath taken from thee thy outward sight, for what reason he best knoweth, yet he hath endued thy soul with the eye of knowledge and of faith. God give thee grace continually to pray unto him, that thou loose not that sight, for then wouldst thou indeed be blind, both in body and soul. When the mayor waited upon him preparatory to his execution, he expressed his perfect obedience, and only requested that a quick fire might terminate his torments. After he had got up in the morning he desired that no man should be suffered to come into the chamber, that he might be solitary until the hour of execution. About eight o'clock on February 9th, 1555, he was led forth, and many thousand persons were collected, as it was market day. All the way, being straightly charged not to speak, and beholding the people who mourned bitterly for him, he would sometimes lift up his eyes toward heaven, and look very cheerfully upon such as he knew. And he was never known, during the time of his being among them, to look with so cheerful and ruddy accountants as he did at that time. When he came to the place appointed where he should die, he smilingly beheld the stake and preparation made for him, which was near unto the great elm tree over against the college of priests where he used to preach. Now, after he had entered into prayer, a box was brought and laid before him upon a stool, with his pardon from the queen, if he would turn. At the sight whereof he cried, If you love my soul, away with it. The box being taken away, Lord Chandos said, Seeing there is no remedy, dispatch him quickly. Command was now given that the fire should be kindled, but because there were not more green faggots than two horses could carry, it kindled not speedily, and was a pretty while also before it took the reeds upon the faggots. At length it burned about him, but the wind having full strength at that place, and being a lower and cold morning, it blew the flame from him, so that he was in a manner little more than touched by the fire. Within a space after, a few dry faggots were brought, and a new fire kindled with faggots, for there were no more reeds. And those burned at the nether parts, but had small power above, because of the wind, saving that it burnt his hair and scorched his skin a little. In the time of which fire, even as the first flame, he prayed, saying mildly, and not very loud, but as one without pain, O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy upon me, and receive my soul. After the second fire was spent, he wiped both his eyes with his hands, and beholding the people, he said with an indifferent, loud voice, For God's love good people, let me have more fire. And all this while his nether parts did burn. But the faggots were so few that the flame only singed his upper parts. The third fire was kindled within a while after, which was more extreme than the other two. In this fire he prayed with a loud voice, Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And these were the last words he was heard to utter. But when he was black in the mouth, and his tongue so swollen that he could not speak, yet his lips went until they were shrunken to the gums. And he knocked his breast with his hands until one of his arms fell off, and then knocked still with the other, While the fat water and blood dropped out at his fingers' ends, until, by renewing the fire, his strength was gone, And his hand clayed fast in knocking to the iron upon his breast. Then immediately bowing forwards, he yielded up his spirit. Thus he was three-quarters of an hour or more in the fire. Even as a lamb, patiently he abode the extremity thereof, neither moving forwards, backwards, nor to any side, But he died as quietly as a child in his bed. And he now reigneth, I doubt not, as a blessed martyr in the joys of heaven, Prepared for the faithful in Christ before the foundations of the world, for whose constancy all Christians are bound to praise God. The life and conduct of Dr. Roland Taylor of Hadley Dr. Roland Taylor, vicar of Hadley, in Suffolk, was a man of imminent learning, And had been admitted to the degree of doctor of the civil and canon law. His attachment to the pure and uncorrupted principles of Christianity recommended him to the favour and friendship of Dr. Cranmer, archbishop of Canterbury, With whom he lived a considerable time, until through his interest he obtained the living at Hadley. Not only was his word a preaching unto them, but all his life and conversation was an example of unfeigned Christian life and true holiness. He was void of all pride, humble and meek as any child, so that none were so poor that they might boldly, as unto their father, resort unto him. Neither was his lowliness childish or fearful, but as occasion, time and place required, he would be stout in rebuking the sinful and evildoers, So that none was so rich, but he would tell them plainly his fault, with such earnest and grave rebukes as became a good curate and pastor. He was a man very mild, void of all ranker, grudge or evil will, ready to do good to all men, readily forgiving his enemies, and never sought to do evil to any. To the poor that were blind, lame, sick, bed-read, or that had many children, he was a very father, a careful patron, and diligent provider, Inso much that he caused the parishioners to make a general provision for them, and he himself, beside the continual relief that they always found at his house, Gave an honest portion yearly to the common alms-box. His wife also was an honest, discreet, and sober matron, and his children well nurtured, brought up in the fear of God and good learning. He was a good salt of the earth, savourily biting the corrupt manners of evil men, a light in God's house, set upon a candlestick for all good men to imitate and follow. Thus continued this good shepherd among his flock, governing and leading them through the wilderness of this wicked world, all the days of the most innocent and holy King of Blessed Memory, Edward VI. But on his demise, and the succession of Queen Mary to the throne, he escaped not the cloud that burst on so many beside. For two of his parishioners, Foster, an attorney, and Clark, a tradesman, out of Blind's Zeal, resolved that Mass should be celebrated in all its superstitious forms in the parish church of Hadley on Monday before Easter. This Dr. Taylor, entering the church, strictly forbade. But Clark forced the doctor out of the church, celebrated Mass, and immediately informed the Lord Chancellor, Bishop of Winchester, of his behavior, who summoned him to appear and answer the complaints that were alleged against him. The doctor, upon receipt of the summons, cheerfully prepared to obey the same, and rejected the advice of his friends to fly beyond the sea. When gardener saw Dr. Taylor, he, according to his common custom, reviled him. Dr. Taylor heard his abuse patiently, and when the bishop said, How darest thou look me in the face, knowest thou not who I am? Dr. Taylor replied, You are Dr. Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Chancellor, and yet but a mortal man. But if I should be afraid of your lordly looks, why fear ye not God, the Lord of us all? With what countenance will you appear before the judgment seat of Christ? An answer to your oath made first unto King Henry VIII, and afterward unto King Edward VI, his son. A long conversation ensued, in which Dr. Taylor was so piously collected and severe upon his antagonist, that he exclaimed, Thou art a blasphemous heretic, thou indeed blasphemous the blessed sacrament, here he put off his cap, and speakest against the holy mass, which is made a sacrifice for the quick and the dead. The bishop afterward committed him into the king's bench. When Dr. Taylor came there, he found the virtuous and vigilant preacher of God's word, Mr. Bradford, who equally thanked God that he had provided him with such a comfortable fellow prisoner, and they both together praised God and continued in prayer, reading and exhorting one another. After Dr. Taylor had lain some time in prison, he was cited to appear in the arches of Boat Church. Dr. Taylor, being condemned, was committed to the clink, and the keepers were charged to treat him roughly. At night he was removed to the poultry compter. When Dr. Taylor had lain in the compter about a week on the Fourth of February, Bonner came to degrade him, bringing with him such ornaments as appertained to the massing memory. But the doctor refused these trappings until they were forced upon him. The night after he was degraded, his wife came with John Hull, his servant, and his son Thomas, and were by the gentleness of the keepers permitted to sup with him. After supper, walking up and down, he gave God thanks for his grace that had given him strength to abide by his holy word. With tears they prayed together and kissed one another. Unto his son Thomas he gave a Latin book, containing the notable sayings of the Old Martyrs, and in the end of that he wrote his testament. I say to my wife and to my children, the Lord gave you unto me, and the Lord hath taken me from you and you from me. Blessed be the name of the Lord. I believe that they are blessed which die in the Lord. God careth for sparrows and for the hairs of our heads. I have ever found him more faithful and favorable than is any father or husband. Trust ye therefore in him by the means of our dear Savior Christ's merits. Believe, love, fear, and obey him. Pray to him, for he hath promised to help. Count me not dead, for I shall certainly live and never die. I go before, and you shall follow after, to our long home. On the morrow the sheriff of London with his officers came to the compter by two o'clock in the morning, and brought forth Dr. Taylor, and without any light led him to the woolsack, and in without Aldgate. Dr. Taylor's wife, suspecting that her husband should that night be carried away, watched all night in St. Boltoff's church porch beside Aldgate. Having her two children, the one named Elizabeth of thirteen years of age, whom, being left without father or mother, Dr. Taylor had brought up of alms from three years old. The other named Mary, Dr. Taylor's own daughter. Now when the sheriff and his company came against St. Boltoff's church, Elizabeth cried, saying, Oh, my dear father, mother, mother, here is my father led away. Then his wife cried, Roland, Roland, where art thou? For it was a very dark morning, that the one could not well see the other. Dr. Taylor answered, Dear wife, I am here, and stayed. The sheriff's men would have let him forth, but the sheriff said, Stay a little, masters, I pray you, and let him speak to his wife. And so they stayed. Then came she to him, and he took his daughter Mary in his arms, and he, his wife, and Elizabeth, kneeled down and said the Lord's prayer, at which sight the sheriff wept apace, and so did divers others of the company. After they had prayed, he rose up and kissed his wife, and shook her by the hand, and said, Farewell, my dear wife, be of good comfort, for I am quiet in my conscience. God shall stir up a father for my children. All the way Dr. Taylor was joyful in Mary, as one that counted himself going to a most pleasant banquet or bridle. He spake many notable things to the sheriff and yeoman of the guard that conducted him, and often moved them to weep, through his much earnest calling upon them to repent and to amend their evil and wicked living. Oftentimes he also caused them to wander and rejoice to see him so constant and steadfast, void of all fear, joyful in heart, and glad to die. When Dr. Taylor had arrived at Aldham Common, the place where he should suffer, seeing a great multitude of people, he asked, What place is this, and what meaneth it that so much people are gathered hither? It was answered, it is Aldham Common, the place where you must suffer, and the people have come to look upon you. Then he said, Thank to be God I am even at home, and he alighted from his horse, and with both hands rent the hood from his head. His head had been notched and clipped, like as a man would clip a fool's, which cost the good Bishop Bonner had bestowed upon him. But when the people saw his reverent and ancient face with a long white beard, they burst out with weeping tears and cried saying, God save thee good Dr. Taylor, Jesus Christ strengthen thee and help thee, the Holy Ghost comfort thee, with such other like good wishes. When he had prayed he went to the stake and kissed it, and set himself into a pitch-barrel, which they had put for him to stand in, and stood with his back upright against the stake with his hands folded together, and his eyes toward heaven, and continually prayed. They then bound him with the chains, and having set up the faggots, one warwick cruelly cast a faggot at him, which struck him on the head and cut his face, so that the blood ran down. Then said Dr. Taylor, Oh friend, I have harm enough. What needed that? Sir John Shelton standing by, as Dr. Taylor was speaking, and saying the Psalm Miserere in English struck him on the lips. You knave, he said, speak Latin, I will make thee. At last they kindled the fire, and Dr. Taylor holding up both his hands, calling upon God, and said, Merciful Father of Heaven, for Jesus Christ, my Savior's sake, receive my soul into thy hands. So he stood still, without either crying or moving, with his hands folded together, until soce. With a haul-bird struck him on the head until his brains fell out, and the corpse fell down into the fire. Thus rendered up this man of God his blessed soul into the hands of his Merciful Father, and to his most dear Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he most entirely loved, faithfully and earnestly preached, obediently followed in living, and constantly glorified in death. Modernum of William Hunter William Hunter had been trained to the doctrines of the Reformation from his earliest youth, being descended from religious parents who carefully instructed him in the principles of true religion. Hunter, then nineteen years of age, refusing to receive the Communion at Mass, was threatened to be brought before the Bishop, to whom this valiant young martyr was conducted by a constable. Bonner caused William to be brought into a chamber, where he began to reason with him, promising him security and pardon if he would recant. Nay, he would have been content if he would have gone only to receive and to confession, but William would not do so for all the world. Upon this the Bishop commanded his men to put William in the stocks in his gate-house, where he sat two days and nights, with a crust of brown bread and a cup of water only, which he did not touch. At the two days end the Bishop came to him, and finding him steadfast in the faith, sent him to the convict prison, and commanded the keeper to lay irons upon him, as many as he could bear. He continued in prison three-quarters of a year, during which time he had been before the Bishop five times, besides the time when he was condemned in the Consistory in St. Paul's, February 9th, at which time his brother, Robert Hunter, was present. Then the Bishop, calling William, asked him if he would recant, and finding he was unchangeable, pronounced sentence upon him, that he should go from that place to Newgate for a time, and thence to Brentwood there to be burned. About a month afterward William was sent down to Brentwood, where he was to be executed. On coming to the stake he knelt down and read the fifty-first Psalm, until he came to these words. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, doubt will not despise. Steadfast in refusing the Queen's pardon, if he would become an apostate, at length one Richard Pond, a bailiff, came, and made the chain fast about him. William now cast his Psalter into his brother's hand, who said, William, think on the holy passion of Christ, and be not afraid of death. Behold! answered William, I am not afraid. Then he lifted up his hands to heaven, and said, Lord, Lord, Lord, receive my spirit. And casting down his head again into the smothering smoke, he yielded up his life for the truth, sealing it with his blood to the praise of God. Dr. Robert Farrar. This worthy and learned prelate, the Bishop of St. David's in Wales, having in the former reign, as well as since the accession of Mary, been remarkably zealous in promoting the Reformed doctrines, and exploding the errors of Poprish idolatry, was summoned, among others, before the persecuting Bishop of Winchester, and other commissioners set apart for the abominable work of devastation and massacre. His principal accusers and persecutors, on a charge of Premonair in the reign of Edward VI, were George Constantine Walter, his servant, Thomas Young, chanter of the Cathedral, afterward Bishop of Banger, etc. Dr. Farrar ably replied to the copies of information laid against him, consisting of fifty-six articles. The whole process of this trial was long and tedious. Delay succeeded delay, and after that Dr. Farrar had been long unjustly detained in custody under sureties in the reign of King Edward, because he had been promoted by the Duke of Somerset. Wince after his fall he found fewer friends to support him against such as wanted his bishopric by the coming-in of Queen Mary. He was accused and examined not for any matter of Premonair, but for his faith and doctrine, for which he was called before the Bishop of Winchester, with Bishop Hooper, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Saunders, and others, February 4th, 1555. On which day he would also with them have been condemned, but his condemnation was deferred, and he sent to prison again, where he continued until February 14th, and then was sent into Wales to receive sentence. He was six times brought up before Henry Morgan, Bishop of St. David's, who demanded if he would abjure, from which he zealously dissented and appealed to cardinal pole, notwithstanding which the bishop, proceeding in his rage, pronounced him a heretic excommunicate and surrendered him to the secular power. Dr. Farrar, being condemned and degraded, was not long after brought to the place of execution in the town of Carmathon, in the marketplace of which, on the south side of the market-cross, March 30th, 1555, being Saturday next before Passion Sunday, he most constantly sustained the torments of the fire. Concerning his constancy, it is said that one Richard Jones, a knight's son, coming to Dr. Farrar a little before his death, seemed to lament the painfulness of the death he had to suffer, to whom the bishop answered that, if he saw him once stir in the pains of his burning, he might then give no credit to his doctrine. And, as he said, so did he maintain his promise, patiently standing without emotion, until one Richard Gravel with the staff struck him down. End of Chapter 16 Part 2 Chapter 16 Part 3 of Fox's Book of Martyrs. Volume 2 This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libervox.org. Fox's Book of Martyrs. Volume 2 By John Fox. Edited by William Byron Forbush. Chapter 16 Persecutions in England during the reign of Queen Mary. Part 3 Martyrdom of Rawlins White Rawlins White was by his calling and occupation a fisherman, living and continuing in the said trade for the space of twenty years at least, in the town of Cardiff, where he bore a very good name amongst his neighbors. Though the good man was altogether unlearned, and with all very simple, yet it pleased God to remove him from error and idolatry to a knowledge of the truth, through the blessed reformation in Edward's reign. He had his son taught to read English, and after the little boy could read pretty well, his father every night after supper, summer and winter, made the boy read a portion of the holy scriptures, and now and then a part of some other good book. When he had continued in his profession the space of five years, King Edward died, upon whose decease Queen Mary succeeded, and with her all kinds of superstition crept in. White was taken by the officers of the town as a man suspected of heresy, brought before the bishop land of, and committed to prison in Chepstow, and at last removed to the castle of Cardiff, where he continued for the space of one whole year. Being brought before the bishop in his chapel, he counseled him by threats and promises. But as Rollins would in no eyes recant his opinions, the bishop told him plainly that he must proceed against him by law, and condemn him as a heretic. Before they proceeded to this extremity, the bishop proposed that prayer should be said for his conversion. This, said White, is like a godly bishop, and if your request be godly and right, and you praise you ought, no doubt God will hear you, pray you therefore to your God, and I will pray to my God. After the bishop and his party had done praying, he asked Rollins if he would now revoke. You find, said the latter, your prayer is not granted, for I remain the same, and God will strengthen me in support of his truth. After this the bishop tried what saying Mass would do, but Rollins called all the people to witness that he did not bow down to the host. Mass being ended, Rollins was called for again, to whom the bishop used many persuasions, but the blessed man continued so steadfast in his former profession, that the bishop's discourse was to no purpose. The bishop now caused the definitive sentence to be read, which being ended, Rollins was carried again to Cardiff, to a loathsome prison in the town, called Cochmorelle, where he passed his time in prayer and the singing of Psalms. In about three weeks the order came from town for his execution. When he came to the place where his poor wife and children stood weeping, the sudden sight of them so pierced his heart, that the tears trickled down his face. Being come to the altar of his sacrifice in going toward the stake, he fell down upon his knees and kissed the ground. And in rising again, a little earth sticking on his face he said these words, Earth unto earth and dust unto dust, thou art my mother and unto thee I shall return. When all things were ready, directly over against the stake in the face of Rollins white, there was a stand erected, whereon stepped up a priest, addressing himself to the people. But as he spoke of the rummage doctrines of the sacraments, Rollins cried out, Ah thou wicked hypocrite, dust thou presume to prove thy false doctrine by scripture? Look in the text that followeth, did not Christ say, Do this in remembrance of me? Then some that stood by cried out, Put fire set on fire, which, being done, the straw and reeds cast up a grate and sudden flame. In which flame this good man bathed his hands so long, until such time as the sinews shrank, and the fat dropped away, saving that, once he did, as it were, wipe his face with one of them. All this while, which was somewhat long, he cried with a loud voice, O Lord, receive my spirit, until he could not open his mouth. At last the extremity of the fire was so vehement against his legs, that they were consumed almost before the rest of his body was hurt, which made the whole body fall over the chains into the fire sooner than it would have done. Thus died this good old man for his testimony of God's truth, and is now rewarded, no doubt, with the crown of eternal life. The Reverend George Marsh George Marsh, born in the parish of Deanne in the county of Lancaster, received a good education and trade from his parents. About his twenty-fifth year he married and lived, blessed with several children, on his farm until his wife died. He then went to study at Cambridge, and became the curate of Reverend Lawrence Saunders, in which duty he constantly and zealously set forth the truth of God's word, and the false doctrines of the modern Antichrist. Being confined by Dr. Coles, the bishop of Chester, within the precincts of his own house, he was dept from any intercourse with his friends during four months. His friends and mother earnestly wished him to have flown from the Wrath to come, but Mr. Marsh thought that such a step would ill-agree with that profession he had during nine years openly made. He, however, secreted himself, but he had much struggling, and in secret prayer begged that God would direct him, through the advice of his best friends, for his own glory and to what was best. At length, determined by a letter he received, boldly to confess the faith of Christ, he took leave of his mother-in-law and other friends, recommending his children to their care, and departed for Smithihills, whence he was, with others, conducted to laugh him, to undergo examination before the Earl of Derby, Sir William Norris, Mr. Sherburn, the parson of Garpnell, and others. The various questions put to him he answered with a good conscience, but when Mr. Sherburn interrogated him upon his belief of the sacrament of the altar, Mr. Marsh answered like a true Protestant, that the essence of the bread and wine was not at all changed. Hence, after receiving dreadful threats from some, and fair words from others, for his opinions, he was remanded to ward, where he lay two nights without any bed. On Palm Sunday he underwent a second examination, and Mr. Marsh much lamented that his fear should at all have induced him to pervericate, and to seek his safety, as long as he did not openly deny Christ. And he again cried more earnestly to God for strength that he might not be overcome by the subtleties of those who strove to overrule the purity of his faith. He underwent three examinations before Dr. Coles, who, finding him steadfast in the Protestant faith, began to read his sentence. But he was interrupted by the Chancellor, who prayed the Bishop to stay before it was too late. The priest then prayed for Mr. Marsh, but the latter, upon being again solicited to recant, said he durst not deny his Savior Christ, lest he lose his everlasting mercy, and so obtain eternal death. The Bishop then proceeded in the sentence. He was committed to a dark dungeon, and lay deprived of the consolation of any one, for all were afraid to relieve or communicate with him, until the day appointed came that he should suffer. The sheriffs of the city, Amry and Cooper, with their officers, went to the North Gate and took out Mr. George Marsh, who walked all the way with the book in his hand, looking upon the same, whence the people said, This man does not go to his death as a thief, nor as one that deserved to die. When he came to the place of execution without the city, near Spittle Botten, Mr. Caudry, Deputy Chamberlain of Chester, showed Mr. Marsh a writing under a great seal, saying that it was a pardon for him if he would recant. He answered that he would gladly accept the same did it not tend to pluck him from God. After that he began to speak to the people showing the cause of his death, and would have exhorted them to stick unto Christ, but one of the sheriffs prevented him. Kneeling down he then said his prayers, put off his clothes unto his shirt, and was chained to the post, having a number of faggots under him, and a thing made like a furkin with pitch and tar in it over his head. The fire being unskillfully made, and the wind driving it in eddies, he suffered great extremity, which notwithstanding he bore with Christian fortitude. When he had been a long time tormented in the fire without moving, having his flesh so broiled and puffed up that they who stood before him could not see the chain wherein he was fastened, and therefore suppose that he had been dead, suddenly he sprang abroad his arms, saying, Father of heaven have mercy upon me, and so yielded his spirit into the hands of the Lord. Upon this many of the people said he was a martyr, and died gloriously patient. This caused the bishop shortly after to make a sermon in the Cathedral Church, and therein he affirmed that the said, Marsh was a heretic, burnt as such, and is a firebrand in hell. Mr. Marsh suffered April 24, 1555. William Flower William Flower, otherwise branch, was born at Snow Hill, in the County of Cambridge, where he went to school some years, and then came to the Abbey of Eli. After he had remained awhile he became a professed monk, was made a priest in the same house, and there celebrated and sang Mass. After that, by reason of a visitation and certain injunctions by the authority of Henry VIII, he took upon him the habit of a secular priest, and returned to Snow Hill, where he was born, and taught children about half a year. He then went to Ludgate in Suffolk, and served as a secular priest about a quarter of a year, from thence to Stunneland, at length to Tuxbury, where he married a wife with whom he ever after faithfully and honestly continued. After marriage he resided at Tuxbury about two years, and thence went to Brosley, where he practiced physics and surgery. But departing from those parts he came to London, and finally settled at Lambeth, where he and his wife dwelt together. However he was generally abroad, accepting once or twice in a month, to visit and see his wife. Being at home upon Easter Sunday morning, he came over the water from Lambeth into St. Margaret's Church at Westminster. When seeing a priest named John Keltham, administering and giving the sacrament of the altar to the people, and being greatly offended in his conscience with the priest for the same, he struck and wounded him upon the head, and also upon the arm and hand with his wood-knife. The priest having at the same time in his hand a chalice with the consecrated host therein, which became sprinkled with blood. Mr. Flower for this injudicious zeal was heavily ironed, and put into the gate-house at Westminster, and afterward summoned before Bishop Bonner and his ordinary, where the bishop, after he had sworn him upon a book, ministered articles and interrogatories to him. After examination the bishop began to exhort him again to return to the unity of his mother, the Catholic Church, with many fair promises. These Mr. Flower steadfastly rejected. The bishop ordered him to appear in the same place in the afternoon, and in the meantime to consider well his former answer. But he, neither apologizing for having struck the priest, nor swerving from his faith, the bishop assigned him the next day, April 20th, to receive sentence if he would not recant. The next morning the bishop accordingly proceeded to the sentence, condemning and excommunicating him for a heretic, and after pronouncing him to be degraded, committed him to the secular power. On April the 24th, St. Mark's Eve, he was brought to the place of martyrdom, in St. Margaret's Churchyard, Westminster, where the fact was committed. And there, coming to the stake, he prayed to Almighty God, made a confession of his faith, and forgave all the world. This done his hand was held up against the stake, and struck off, his left hand being fastened behind him. Fire was then set to him, and he, burning therein, cried with a loud voice, O thou son of God, receive my soul, three times. His speech being now taken from him he spoke no more, but notwithstanding he lifted up the stump with his other arm as long as he could. Thus he endured the extremity of the fire, and was cruelly tortured. For the few faggots that were brought being insufficient to burn him, they were compelled to strike him down into the fire. Where, laying upon the ground, his lower part was consumed in the fire, wiltsed his upper part was little injured, his tongue moving in his mouth for a considerable time. The Reverend John Cardmaker and John Warren On May 30, 1555, the Reverend John Cardmaker, otherwise called Taylor, Prebendery of the Church of Wells, and John Warren, a posterer of St. John's Walbrook, suffered together in Smithfield. Mr. Cardmaker, who was first an observant friar before the dissolution of the Abbeys, afterward was a married minister, and in King Edward's time appointed to be a reader in St. Paul's. Being apprehended in the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, with Dr. Barlow, Bishop of Bath, he was brought to London and put in the Fleet Prison, King Edward's laws being yet enforced. In Mary's reign, when brought before the Bishop of Winchester, the latter offered them the Queen's mercy if they would recant. Articles having been preferred against Mr. John Warren, he was examined upon them by Bonner, who earnestly exhorted him to recant his opinions, to whom he answered, I am persuaded that I am in the right opinion, and I see no cause to recant, for all the filthiness and idolatry lies in the Church of Rome. The Bishop then, seeing that all his fair promises and terrible threatenings could not prevail, pronounced the definitive sentence of condemnation, and ordered May 30, 1555, for the execution of John Cardmaker and John Warren, who were brought by the sheriffs to Smithfield. Being come to the stake, the sheriffs called Mr. Cardmaker aside and talked with him secretly, during which Mr. Warren prayed and was chained to the stake, and had wood and reeds set about him. The people were greatly afflicted, thinking that Mr. Cardmaker would recant at the burning of Mr. Warren. At length Mr. Cardmaker departed from the sheriffs, and came toward the stake, knelt down and made a long prayer and silence to himself. He then rose up, put off his clothes to his shirt, and went with a bold courage unto the stake and kissed it. And, taking Mr. Warren by the hand, he heartily comforted him, and was bound to the stake rejoicing. The people seeing this so suddenly done, contrary to their previous expectation, cried out, God be praised, the Lord strengthen thee, Cardmaker, the Lord Jesus receive thy spirit. And this continued while the executioner put fire to them, and both had passed through the fire to the blessed rest and peace among God's holy saints and martyrs, to enjoy the crown of triumph and victory prepared for the elect soldiers and warriors of Christ Jesus in his blessed kingdom, to whom be glory and majesty forever. Amen. John Simpson and John Artilly John Simpson and John Artilly were condemned on the same day with Mr. Cardmaker and John Warren, which was the 25th of May. They were shortly after sent down from London to Essex, where they were burnt in one day. John Simpson at Rochford and John Artilly at Rayleigh, glorifying God in his beloved son, and rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to suffer. Thomas Hawks, Thomas Watts, and Anne Esquieu Thomas Hawks, with six others, was condemned on the 9th of February, 1555. In education he was a rudite, in person, comely, and of good stature. In manners a gentleman and a sincere Christian. A little before death several of Mr. Hawks' friends, terrified by the sharpness of the punishment he was going to suffer, privately desired that in the midst of the flames he should show them some token, whether the pains of burning were so great that a man might not collectively endure it. With this he promised to do, and it was agreed that if the rage of the pain might be suffered, then he should lift up his hands above his head towards heaven, before he gave up the ghost. Not long after Mr. Hawks was led away to the place appointed for slaughter by Lord Rich, and, being come to the stake, mildly and patiently prepared himself for the fire, having a strong chain cast about his middle, with a multitude of people on every side compassing about him, unto whom, after he had spoken many things and poured out his soul unto God, the fire was kindled. When he had continued long in it, and his speech was taken away by violence of the flames, his skin drawn together and his fingers consumed with the fire, so that it was thought he was gone, suddenly, and contrary to all expectation, this good man, being mindful of his promise, reached up his hands burning in flames over his head to the living God, and with great rejoicings, as it seemed, struck or clapped him three times together. A great shout followed this wonderful circumstance, and then this blessed martyr of Christ, sinking down in the fire, gave up his spirit, June 10, 1555. Thomas Watts of Balyrica in Essex of the Diocese of London was a linen draper. He had daily expected to be taken by God's adversaries, and this came to pass on the 5th of April, 1555, when he was brought before Lord Rich, and other commissioners at Chelmsford, and accused for not coming to the church. Being consigned over to the bloody bishop, who gave him several hearings and as usual many arguments, with much entreaty, that he would be a disciple of Antichrist, but his preaching availed not, and he resorted to his last revenge, that of condemnation. At the stake after he had kissed it, he spake to Lord Rich, charging him to repent, for the Lord would revenge his death. Thus did this good martyr offer his body to the fire, in defense of the true gospel of the Saviour. Thomas Osmond, William Banford, and Nicholas Chamberlain, all of the town of Coxle, being sent up to be examined, Bonner, after several hearings, pronounced them mobston and heretics, and delivered them to the sheriffs, in whose custody they remained until they were delivered to the sheriff of Essex County, and by him were executed. Chamberlain at Colchester, the 14th of June, Thomas Osmond at Manningtree, and William Banford, alias Butler, at Harwich, the 15th of June, 1555, all dying full of the glorious hope of immortality. Then, re-authorsally, Lord Chancellor offered Anne Askew the king's pardon if she would recant, who made this answer, that she came not thither to deny her lord and master, and thus the good Anne Askew, being compassed in with flames of fire, as a blessed sacrifice unto God, slept in the Lord, A.D. 1546, leaving behind her a singular example of Christian constancy for all men to follow. Reverend John Bradford and John Leif, an apprentice. Reverend John Bradford was born at Manchester in Lancashire. He was a good Latin scholar, and afterward became a servant of Sir John Harrington, Knight. He continued several years in an honest and thriving way, but the Lord had elected him to a better function. Hence he departed from his master, quitting the temple at London for the University of Cambridge, to learn by God's law how to further the building of the Lord's temple. In a few years after, the university gave him the degree of Master of Arts, and he became a fellow of Pembroke Hall. Martin Busser first urged him to preach, and when he modestly doubted his ability, Busser was want to reply, If thou hast not fine wheat-bread, yet give the poor people barley-bread, or whatsoever else the Lord hath committed unto thee. Dr. Ridley, that worthy bishop of London and glorious martyr of Christ, first called him to take the degree of a deacon, and gave him a pre-bund in his cathedral, Church of St. Paul. In this preaching office, Mr. Bradford diligently labored for the space of three years. Sharply he reproved sin, sweetly he preached Christ crucified, ably he disproved heresies and errors, earnestly he persuaded to godly life. After the death of Blessed King Edward VI, Mr. Bradford still continued diligent in preaching, until he was suppressed by Queen Mary. An act now followed of the blackest in gratitude, and at which a pagan would blush. It has been recited that a tumult was occasioned by Mr. Bourne's, then Bishop of Bath, preaching at St. Paul's Cross. The indignation of the people placed his life in imminent danger, indeed a dagger was thrown at him. In this situation he entreated Mr. Bradford, who stood behind him, to speak in his place, and assuage the tumult. The people welcomed Mr. Bradford, and the latter afterward kept close to him, that his presence might prevent the populace from renewing their assaults. The same Sunday in the afternoon Mr. Bradford preached at Bochurch in Cheepside, and reproved the people sharply for their seditious misdemeanor. Notwithstanding this conduct, within three days after, he was sent for to the Tower of London, where the Queen was, to appear before the Council. There he was charged with this act of saving Mr. Bourne, which was called seditious, and they also objected against him for preaching. Thus he was committed, first to the Tower, then to other prisons, and after his condemnation to the poultry comter, where he preached twice a day continually, unless sickness hindered him. Such as his credit with the Keeper of the King's Bench, that he permitted him, in an evening, to visit a poor, sick person near the steel yard, upon his promise to return in time, and in this he never failed. The night before he was sent to Newgate, he was troubled in his sleep by foreboding dreams, that on Monday after he should be burnt in Smithfield. In the afternoon the Keeper's wife came up and announced this dreadful news to him, but in him it excited only thankfulness to God. At night half a dozen friends came, with whom he spent all the evening in prayer and godly exercises. When he was removed to Newgate, a weeping crowd accompanied him, and a rumor having been spread that he was to suffer at four the next morning, an immense multitude attended. At nine o'clock Mr. Bradford was brought into Smithfield. The cruelty of the sheriff deserves notice, for his brother-in-law, Roger Beswick, having taken him by the hand as he passed, Mr. Woodruff with his staff cut his head open. Mr. Bradford being come to the place, fell flat on the ground, and putting off his clothes unto the shirt, he went to the stake, and there suffered with a young man of twenty years of age, whose name was John Leif, an apprentice to Mr. Humphrey Gowdy, tallow-chandler of Christchurch, London. Upon Friday before Palm Sunday he was committed to the compter in Bread Street, and afterward examined and condemned by the bloody bishop. It is reported of him that when the bill of his confession was read unto him, instead of pen, he took a pen, and, pricking his hand, sprinkled the blood upon the said bill, desiring the reader thereof to show the bishop that he had sealed the same bill with his blood already. They both ended this mortal life, July 12, 1555, like two lambs, without any alteration of their countenances, hoping to attain that prize they had long run for, to which may Almighty God conduct us all through the merits of Christ our Saviour. We shall conclude this article with mentioning that Mr. Sheriff Woodruff, it is said, within half a year after, was struck on the right side with a palsy, and for the space of eight years after, until his dying day, he was unable to turn himself in his bed. Thus he became at last a fearful object to behold.