Bishop Hooper.

THE Godly Bi­shop HOOPER being brought vnto the place [Page 2] where he should suffer, see­ing a Pardon lying vpon a stoole to be tendered vnto him if he would recant, cry­ed to them that stood by, If you loue my soule, away with it: If you loue my soule, away with it.

A blind Boye being suf­fered to come vnto him (af­ter much entreaty) to con­ferre with him: M^r. HOO­PER hearing his talke, the water stood in his eyes: Ah poore Boy sayd he, GOD hath taken from thee the sight of thy bodilie eyes, for what cause he best knoweth: but hee hath giuen thee another sight much more pretious; for he hath en­dued thy soule with the eye of knowledge and faith. GOD giue thee grace that thou loose [Page 3] not that sight: for thē should'st thou be blind both in body and Soule.

The day before his Mar­tyrdome, he spent the most of the day in prayer, vn­lesse any were licenced to speake with him, amongst the which S^r. Anthony Kingston was one: who be­ing brought into his Chā ­ber found him at prayer, and at the first view of him, burst foorth into teares. M^r. HOOPER at the first blush knew him not. Then sayd S^r AN­THONY why my Lord, know you not me, an old friend of yours, Anthony Kingston?

Yes M^r. Kingston I know you well sayd M^r. HOO­PER [Page 4] and I am glad to see you in good health, & doe praise GOD for it.

KINGSTON, But I am so­rie to see you in this case: for as I vnderstand, you are come hither to die: But alas consider that life is sweet, and death is bitter. Therefore seeing life may be had, desire to liue: for life hereafter may do good.

HOOPER. Indeed it is very true M. Kingston I am come hither to die, and to end this life heere; be­cause I will not gainesay the former truth I haue heeretofore taught in this Diocesse amongst you: and I thanke you for your friendly counsaile, though not so friendly as I could haue [Page 5] wished it. Life indeed is sweet, and death is bitter; but alas cōsider that the death to come is more bitter, and the life to come more sweet. Therefore for the desire & loue I haue to the one, & the feare and terror I haue of th'other, I do not so much regard this death, nor esteeme this life: but haue set­led my selfe through the strength of Gods Spirit, pati­ently to passe through the tor­ments and extremities of the fire now prepared for me; ra­ther then to deny Gods word and truth.

The night before he suf­fred, his desire was to go to bed that night betimes, sai­ing, that he had many things to thinke on: and so did at 5 of the clock, and slept one [Page 6] sleepe soundly, and bestow­ed the rest of the night after in prayer. Being got vp in the morning, hee desired that none should come vn­to him, that hee might bee solitary till the hower of his death.

Bishop Ridley.

WOrthie Bishoppe RIDLEY going to his burning at Oxford, loo­king backe, espyed M^r. LATIMER coming after: to whome he sayd, Oh be ye there? yea sayd Father LA­TIMER, haue after as fast as I can. Bejng come to the stake, he ranne to M^r. LA­TIMER, jmbraced him and [Page 7] kissed him, and as they that stood neere reported) com­forted him, saying: Bee of good comfort Brother; for GOD will either asswage the furie of the fire, or else streng­then vs to abide it.

Being at the stake, he held vp both his hands to Hea­ven, and sayd: Oh heauenly Father, I giue thee most hear­tie thankes, that thou hast cal­led me to be a professor of thee euen vnto death.

A Fagot being brought which was kindled with fire and laid downe at M. RID­LEYS feet, Father LATI­MER spake on this manner to him: Be of good comfort M. RIDLEY, and playe the man: wee shall by Gods grace light such a Candle this day in [Page 8] ENGLAND, as I trust shall neuer be put out.

By reason the fire was ill made, M. RIDLEY conti­nued long in his torments, in so much as he often cry­ed, I cannot burne, I cannot burne: for Christs sake let the fire come to mee: Lord haue mercie vpon mee: let the fire come to me, I cannot burne.

M. Iohn Philpot.

THE valiant servant of Christ M. Iohn Phil­pot having the newes of his death brought him by one of the Sheriffes men, that hee must the next day bee burned at a stake, sayd, I am ready: God grant me strength, [Page 9] and a ioyfull resurrection. And so went to his chamber and powred out his spirit vnto the Lord, giving him most heartie thankes, that had made him worthy to suffer for his truth.

As hee was entring into Smithfield, the passage was somewhat foule, and twoo Officers tooke him vp to beare him to the stake. Thē he sayd merilie, What? will ye make me a Pope? I am con­tent to go to my iourneys end on foote. But first comming in­to Smithfield, hee kneeled downe there, saying these words, I will paye my vowes in thee O Smithfield.

Iohn Bradford.

HOly BRADFORD ha­ving newes brought him in great haste by the Keepers wife of the Coun­ter, that hee should be bur­ned the next day, and that his Chayne was a buying: with that put off his Cap, and lifting vp his eyes to Heaven, said: I thanke God for it: I haue long looked for this time, and therefore it com­meth not to me now sodainlie; but as a thing expected euery houre, the Lord make me wor­thy thereof. After which he went alone, and prayed se­cretly a long time.

A little before they car­ried [Page 11] him from the Counter to Newgate, he made a no­table prayer of his farewell, with such plentie of teares, and aboundance of the spi­rit of praier, that it ravished the minds of the hearers.

Also when he shifted him­selfe with a cleane shirt that was made for his burning, hee made such a prayer of the wedding Garment, that some there present so admi­red him, that their eies were no lesse thorowly occupied in beholding him, thē their eares gaue place to the hea­ring of his prayers.

At his departing the chā ­ber, hee made in like sort a prayer, in which hee vehe­mently desired of God that his wordes might not bee [Page 12] spoken in vaine.

M. William Tims.

WIlliam Tims being convented before Bonner & Winchester: Tims said the Bishops; thou hast a good fresh spirit, it were well if thou had'st learning to thy spirit: Yea my Lords [Page 14] sayd TIMS, and it were well also that as you bee Learned men; so yee had a good Spirit to your learning.

Bishop Latimer.

REuerend LATIMER writes thus to Bishop RIDLEY, Lo Sir, I haue blotted your papers and play'd the foole egregious­ly: but so I thought it bet­ter, then not to fulfill your request at this time. Par­don me, and pray for me: pray for me, pray for me I say. For I am sometimes so scare­full that I could creepe into a mouse hole: Sometimes God doth visit me againe with his Comforts. So he is comming [Page 15] and going, comming and go­ing; to teach me to know mine owne infirmitie, that I might thanke him who is worthy, least I should rob him of his glorie, as many doe, and al­most all the world, fare yee well.

Bishop Ridley.

RIDLEY writes thus in a Letter to Bradford, wee looke euery day to be [Page 17] called on: I weene I am the weakest many waies of our company: and yet I thanke our Lord God and heauenly Father through Christ, that since I heard of our deere Brother ROGERS departing, and his stout Con­fession of Christ and his truth euen vnto death, mine heart blessed be God reioyced so in it, that since that time (I say) I ne­ver felt any lumpishnesse nor heauinesse of heart, as I grant I haue felt sometimes before: O good Brother Bradford blessed bee God for thee, and blessed be the time that euer I knew thee.

Iohn Rogers.

MAISTER ROGERS that Morning hee should be burned, being in a sound sleepe, was hardly awaked with much shog­ging, whē the keepers wife came sodainely vp to giue him warning of his bur­ning. At length beeing a­waked, and bid to make hast, Nay then sayd hee, and if it be so, I shall not need to tye my points.

The Sunday before hee suffred, hee dranke to M. HOOPER being then in a Chamber vnderneath him in Newgate, and bad them commend him to him, and [Page 19] to tell him, that there was ne­ver little fellow would better sticke to a man, then he would sticke to him: supposing they should haue beene burned to­gether.

Laurence Saunders.

MR. SAVNDERS at the time of his first examination before STE­VEN GARDINER, repor­to his bed-fellow that lay with him the night follow­ing, that in the time of his examination, he was so won­derfully comforted, that not onely in his spirit, but also in body hee receiued a certaine tast of that holy Communion of Saints; whilst a most plea­sant [Page 20] refreshing issued from e­uery part and member of his body vnto the seat of the heart, and from thence did ebbe and flow to & fro vnto all the parts againe.

In a Letter to his Wife: faine would this flesh make strange of that which the spi­rit doth imbrace. Oh Lord how loth is this loytring slug­gard to passe foorth into Gods path? It fancieth forsooth much feare of fraybugs? and were it not for the force of Faith, which pulleth it for­wards by the raines of Gods most sweet promise; and hope which pricketh on behind; great aduenture there would be of fainting by the way. But blessed & euerlastingly blessed be that heauenly Father of [Page 21] ours, who in his Christ our sufficient Sauiour, hath vouch­safed to shine in our hearts by the light of his knowledge in the face of Iesus Christ.

His Wife comming to visit him in prison, was for­bidden to enter the prison; by reason whereof the kee­per tooke the little babe shee had in her armes and caried him to his Father. LAVRENCE SAVNDERS seeing him reioyced great­ly, saying, that hee esteemed more of such a boy, then if 2000 pound should be giuen him. And to the standers by which praysed the goodlinesse of the child, he sayd, what man fearing God, would not loose this life pre­sently, rather then by preser­ving [Page 22] it heere, hee should ad­iudge this boy to be a bastard, and his wife an Whore, and him-sefe an Whoremonger, yea were there no other cause why a man of my estate should loose his life, yet who would not giue it to avouch this child to be legitimate, and his mariage to be lawfull and holy.

Beeing come to the stake where hee was burned, hee fell prostrate to the groūd and prayed: And rysing vppe againe, hee tooke the stake in his armes to which he should be chained, and kissed it, saying, Welcome the Crosse of Christ: Welcome euerlasting life.

Robert Glouer Gen.

MR. GLOVER a day or twoo before hee should bee burnt, felt his heart so lumpish and hea­vy, that hee found in him­selfe no aptnes not willing­nesse to die, but rather a dulnesse of Spiritfull of much discomfort to beare the bitter Crosse of Mar­tyrdome ready now to bee layd vppon him: Where­vpon, fearing in himselfe least the Lord had vtterly withdrawen his wonted fa­vour from him; he made his moane to one AVGVS­TINE BERNHERE his deere friend, signifying vn­to [Page 24] him how earnestly hee had praied vnto the Lord, and yet could receiue no motion nor sence of any comfort from him.

To whome the sayd Au­sten answering, desired him patiētly to waite the Lords leisure, howsoeuer his pre­sent feeling was; and to play the man, nothing doubting but the Lord in due season would satisfie his desire with plentie of Consolation, whereof hee sayd hee was right certaine and sure: and therefore de­sired him whensoeuer any feeling of GODS heaven­ly mercies should begin to touch his heart, that hee would giue him some signe thereof.

[Page 25]The next day when the time of his Martyrdome was come, and as hee was going to the stake & come to the sight of it, albeit all the night before prayjng for comfort and courage, hee felt no answere of his praier: sodainely he was so mightily replenished with the comfort of Gods holy Spirit and heavenly joies, that hee cried out clapping his hands to Au­sten sayjng these words, hee is come Austen, hee is come, hee is come: and that with such joy and alacritie as one seeming rather to bee risen from some deadly danger to liberty of life, then as one passing out of this world by any paines of [Page 26] death.

M. Iohn Lambart.

IOHN LAMBART ha­ving his nether parts consumed with fire, lifting vp such hands as hee had, and his fingers ends fla­ming with fire, cryed to the people, None but Christ, None but Christ.

Adam Damplip.

THIS good man bee­jng advertised by his keeper that his execution drew neere, was never seen to quaile, but was as mer­rie, and eate his supper [Page 27] that night as chearefully as ever hee did in all his life; at which his keeper and the rest of the priso­ners wondring, asked him how hee could take such newes so chearefully: Ah my Maisters sayth he, doe yee thinke I haue beene thus long Gods prisoner in the Mar­shalsey, and haue not yet-lear­ned to die? Yes, yes, I doubt not but God will strengthen me therein.

Kerby Martyr.

ONE KERBY beeing councelled by M. WINKFIELD to pittie himselfe, and to take no more vppon him then hee [Page 28] should bee able to per­forme: the fire saith hee is hot, the terrour is great, the paine wilbe extreame, and life is sweet. To whom KERBY answered, M. WINKFIELD be at my bur­ning, and you shall say, there standeth a Christian Souldier in the fire. For I know that Fire, and Water, Sword, and all other things are in the hāds of God, who will suffer no more to bee layd vppon vs then hee will giue strength to beare.

Thomas Bilney.

MR. THOMAS BIL­NEY beeing put in mind, that though the fire which he should suffer the [Page 29] next day should be of great heat vnto his body, yet the comfort of GODS spi­rit should coole it to his e­uerlasting comfort and re­freshing: At those words putting his finger towards the flame of the candle thē burning before them (as also hee diuers times did) and feeling the heat there­of, O sayd hee I feele by expe­rience and haue knowne it long by Philosophy, that fire by gods ordinance is naturally hot, but yet I am perswaded by Gods holy word, and by th'expe­rience of some spoken of in the same, that in the flame they felt no heat, and in the fire they felt no consumption: And I constantly beleeue▪ that howso­euer the stubble of this my bo­dy [Page 30] shalbe wasted by it, yet my Soule and Spirit shall be pur­ged thereby. A paine for the time: after which notwithstan­ding followeth vnspeakeable Ioy. And then entreated notably vpon the first and second verses of the 43 Chap. of Isaias, which sen­tēces for the joy & cōfort some of his friends tooke in them, caused them to be faire written out; the com­fort whereof they left not to their dyjng day. The sayd BILNEY beeing visi­ted by certain of his friēds the night before he suffred, they found him eating an Alebrew with such a chere­full heart and quiet minde, as made them wonder thereat, sayjng, they were [Page 31] not a little glad to see him at that time so cheerefully to refresh himselfe. To whome hee made this an­swere, Oh sayd he, I follow the example of the Husbandmen in the Countrie, who hauing a ruinous house to dwell in, doe yet bestow cost as long as they remaine in it, to vphold the same: And so do I now with this ruinous house of my body; refreshing the same as you see, with these good creatures of God.

Iames Baynam.

THis BAYNAM as hee stood at the stake in the midst of the flaming fire, which fire had halfe [Page 32] consumed his armes and his legges, hee was heard to speake these words, O yee Papists. Behold yee looke for Miracles, and heere yee may see a Miracle: for in this fire I feele no more paine then if I were in a bed of down; but it is to me as sweet as a bed of Roses.

An. 1525.Henry Voes.

THe like speach I finde of a young man burnt at Bruxels, who when the fire was kindled at his feet, sayd, me thinks you strew Ro­ses vnder my feete.

Hugh Laverocke.

THis Laverocke a lame Creple, & IOHN AP­PRICE a blind man, being chained both of them to the stake; LAVERCOCK casting away his Crutch, and comforting his fellow. Martyr, fayd, Be of good comfort my brother, for my L. of London is our good Phisiti­on, Hee will shortly cure vs both: thee of thy blindnes, and me of my lamenesse.

William Hunter.

WILLIAM HVN­TER apprētice of [Page 34] the age of 19 yeares stan­ding at the stake, sayd, Son of God shine vppon me: and jmediately the Son in the Element shone out of a darke cloud (for it was a glomie day) so full in his face, that hee was constrai­ned to turne his face an o­ther way. The sayd WIL­LIAM HVNTER beeing brought downe from Lon­don to be burnt: remained by the way two dayes at Burntwood, whether his Fa­ther and Mother came to comfort him, who hearte­ly desired of GOD that hee might cōtinue in the good way hee had begun, vnto the end; and his mother sayd vnto him, that shee was glad shee was euer so happy as [Page 35] to beare such a Sonne who could find in his heart to loose his life for Christs sake. Then said WILLIAM to his mo­ther: For my little paine which I shall suffer which is also but for a moment, Christ hath pro­mised me Mother (saith he) a Crowne of life. And may not you bee glad of that Mo­ther? With that his Mo­ther kneeled downe on her knees, sayjng, I pray GOD strengthen thee my Sonne vn­to the end. And I thinke thee as well bestowed as any Child that euer I bare. At which words M. HIGBED (one that was then to suffer for the same cause) tooke her in his armes, sayjng, I rejoyce much to see you in this mind, and you haue [Page 36] good cause so to doe.

Robert Samuel.

MR. ROBERT SA­MVEL Minister, was kept in streight prison by the Bishops Chancellor of NORVVICH: Wherein hee was chained boult vp­right to a great post, in such sort, that standing on­ly on tip-toe, hee was faine to stay vp the whole poyse of his body thereby. And to make amends, they ad­ded a far greater torment, keeping him without meat and drinke, whereby hee was miserablie vexed with hunger and thirst, saving that hee had allowed him [Page 37] every day 2 or 3 mouth­fuls of bread and 3 spoon­fuls of water, rather to re­serue him to further tor­ment, then to preserue his life. O the worthy constan­cy of the Martyr! O piti­lesse hearts of the Pa­pists, worthy to be complai­ned of before god & nature! O the wonderfull strength of Christ in his Martyrs! How oft-times would hee haue drunke his owne water, but his body was so dryed vp with long empti­nes, that hee was not able to make water, no not so much as one drop.

Now after he had beene thus long famished with hunger (see a strange thing that happened to him, of [Page 38] which himselfe was the re­porter) he fell as it were in­to a slumber, at which time one clad all in white, see­med to stand before him: which ministred comfort vnto him, by these words, Samuell, Samuell be of good cheare, and take a good heart vnto thee: for after this day, thou shalt never hunger nor thirst: Which thing came even to passe accordingly: for speedily after hee was burned, and from the time till hee should suffer he felt neither hunger nor thirst.

Cut. Simpson, Deacon.

CVtbert Sympsons pati­ence was thus com­mended [Page 39] by Bishop Boner: ye see saith BONER what a personable man this is: & touching his patience, I say vnto you, that if hee were not an Hereticke, I would affirme that he were a man of the greatest pati­ence that ever yet came be­fore me. For I tell you, hee hath been thrice racked in one day. Also in my house hee hath felt some sorrow, and yet I never saw his pa­tience broken.

The day before he was cō ­dēned (being in the stockes in the Bish: colehouse) Clo­ney his keeper came in with the keyes about 9 of the clocke at night after his v­suall manner, to view his prison, and to see whether [Page 40] all were present: who when he spied the sayd Cutbert to be there, departed again, locking the dores after him.

Within 2 houres after at a 11 of the clocke towards midnight (whether awake or in a slumber I cannot say) hee heard one com­ming in, first opening the outward doore, then the se­cond, and after the third doore, and so looking in to the said CVTBERT, ha­ving no Candle nor Linke that hee could see, but gi­ving a brightnes and light most cōfortable & joyfull to his heart, saying, Ha, vnto him; and departed a­way againe. Who it was hee could not tell. But this [Page 41] hee declared 4 or 5 times with his owne mouth to one M. AVSTEN, to his wife, & THOMAS SAMP­SON, besides many others in Newgate, a little before his death. At the sight whereof hee received such a joyfull comfort, that hee also expressed no little joy and solace in telling of it.

Iohn Rough.

MR. IOHN ROVGH Minister, having bin at the burning of one AVSTO in Smithfield, re­turning homeward mette M. FARRAR a Marchant of Halifax, who asked where hee had beene? I haue bin [Page 42] saith he where I would not for one of mine eyes but I had bin. Where haue you been sayd M. FARRAR? Forsooth saith hee, I haue been to learne the way. And so told him the whole mat­ter of the burning of AV­STO, where shortly after hee was burned himselfe.

D. Rowland Taylor.

MR. Doctor TAY­LOR beeing come to Chelmesford in the way towards his Martyrdome, was receiued there of the Sheriffe of SVFFOLKE to conduct him to HADLEY to be burnt. At supper the Sheriffe of ESSEX labo­red [Page 43] him with might and maine to haue him returne to the vnitie of the Catho­lique Romish Church, af­firming that that which he spake proceeded of a good heart & good will towards him, and therevpon drank to him: The Yeomen of the Guard also sayd, vpon that condition M. Doctor we all drink to you. When they had all dranke, and the Cup was come to him, hee stayed a while as one studyjng what answere hee might giue. At length he spake thus to them, M. Sheriffe, and my Maisters all, I heartely thanke you of your good will. I haue given eare to your words. And to be plaine with you [Page 44] I doe perceiue that I haue bin deceiued my selfe, and am like to deceiue a great many at HADLEY of their expectation. At which speach they all reioyced, yea good M. Doctor sayd the Sheriffe, jt is the com­fortablest word you spake yet. Why should yee cast away your selfe in vaine, play a wise mans part, and I dare warrant you, you shall haue favour. And then they began to pray him to explaine his mea­ning further vnto them.

Then sayd Doctor Tay­lor, I will tell you how I am deceiued my selfe, and how I thinke I shall deceiue a great many. I am as you see a man that hath a great Car­kasse [Page 45] whicht I though should haue beene buried in Hadley Church-yard, had I dyed in my bed as I well hoped I should haue done: but therein I see I was deceiued: And there are a great many of Wormes in HADLEY Church-yard that should haue had iolly feeding vppon this Carkasse, which they haue long looked for. But now I know wee bee deceiued, both I and they: for this Car­kasse must be burnt to ashes, and so shall they loose their bait and feeding which they expe­cted.

The same Morning in which he was called vp by the Sheriffe to goe to his burning about 3 of the clocke in the morning, be­ing sodainely awaked out [Page 46] of his sound sleepe, he sate vp in his bed and putting on his Shirt, hee had these words; speaking some­what thicke after his ac­customed manner, Ah hor­son theeues, ah horson theeues, robbe God of his honor, robbe God of his honor.

Beeing risen and tyjng his points, he cast his arms about a balke which was in the chamber between M. BRADFORDS bed and his, and clasping his hands a­bout it; o M. BRADFORD sayd he, what a great swing should I giue, if I were han­ged?

Beejng come within 2 miles of HADLEY, he de­sired to light off his horse to make water: Which [Page 47] done, hee lept and fecht a friske or twaine as men cō ­monly do in daunsing, why M. Doctor sayd the She­riffe, how doe ye now? well I thanke God M. Sheriffe sayd he, never better, for now I know I am almost at home, I lacke but 2 stiles to go ouer and I am euen at my Fa­thers house. But M. She­riffe, shall wee not goe through HADLEY? Yes, you shall sayd the Sheriffe. Thē said he, O God I thanke thee that I shall yet once ere I dye see my flocke, whom thou Lord knowest I haue most deerely loued, & truly taught. Good Lord blesse them, and keepe thē stedfast in thy truth.

At the time of his de­grading by Bishop Boner, [Page 48] bejng furnished fully with all his attire according to their ridiculous custome, hee set his hands by his side walking vp and down, and sayd: How say ye now my Lord, am I not a goodly foole? How say ye my maist­ers? If I were now in Cheap, should I not haue boyes enough to laugh at these apish toyes, and toying trumperies? when all his trinkets were taken from him, hee sayd, good Lord deliver me from you: and gojng from them vp to his chamber, hee sayd, good Lord deliuer me from you, good Lord deliuer mee from you.

Iohn Leafe.

THis IOHN LEAFE a prentise to one HVM­PHREY GAVVDY tallow Chandler, who was burned with M. IOHN BRAD­FORD, had 2 bils sent him into the Counter in bread­street after his judgement, th'one containing a recan­tation, th'other his con­fession: to know to which of them hee would sub­scribe. Hearing first the bill of his recantation read vnto him, (because hee could nether write nor read himselfe) that hee refused: and when hee heard th'o­ther read vnto him, which [Page 50] hee liked well off, in stead of a pen, he tooke a pinne, and so pricking his hand, sprinkled the blood vppon the sayd bill, wil­ling the reader thereof to shew the Bishop, that hee had sealed the same with his blood alrea­dy.

Richard Woodman.

THe conflicts whieh Richard Woodman had with the feare of death, re­corded in his owne words, as followeth.

Then 3 daies after, my Lord Chamberlain sent 3 of his men to take mee, whose names were Deane, Ieffrey,, and Frauncis, I be­ing at plough with my [Page 51] folkes, right in the way as they were comming to my house, least mistrusting them of all other, came vn­to them and asked them how they did. And they said they arrested me in the King and Queenes name, and that I must goe with them to my Lord Cham­berlaine their Maister. Which words made my flesh to tremble and quake in regard the thing was so­daine. But I answered them, that I would goe with them. Yet I desired them to go with me to my house that I might break my fast, and put on some other geare: And they sayd I should. Then I remem­bred my selfe, saying in my [Page 52] heart, why am I thus afrayd? They can lay none euill to my charge, If they kill me for well dooing, I may thinke my selfe happy. I remembred how I was contented gladly to dye before, in that quarrell, and so haue continued euer since, and should I now feare to die? God forbid I should, for then were all my labour in vaine. So by and by I was perswaded I praise god, cōsidering it was but the frailtie of my flesh which was loth to forgoe my wife, children, & goods: for I saw nothing but pre­sent death before mine eies. And as soone as I was perswaded in mine heart to die, I regarded nothing in this world, but was as merrie, glad, and ioyfull I praise God as euer [Page 53] I was. This battaile lasted but a quarter of an houre, but it was sharper for the time then death I dare say.

M. Glouer.

ROBERT GLOVER had a contrarie effect in his troubles, as his owne words testifye. After I came into prison sayth hee and had reposed my selfe a while, I wept for joy and gladnes my bellyfull, mu­sing much of the great mercies of GOD, and as it were, saying thus vnto my selfe, O Lord who am I, on whome thou should'st bestow thus thy great mercie, to bee numbred among thy Saints, [Page 54] which suffer for thy Gospell sake? And so beholding on the one side my jmperfecti­on, vnablenes, sinnefull miserie, and vnworthines; and on th'other side the greatnes of Gods mercie, to be called to so high pro­motion, I was as it were a­mazed and overcome for a while with joy and gladnes, concluding thus with my selfe in mine heart, O Lord thou shewest power in weake­nes, wisedome in foolishnes, Mercie in sinfulnesse: who shall let thee to choose where and whom thou wilt? As I haue euer zealously loued the profession of thy word, so haue I euer thought my selfe vnwor­thie to bee partaker of th'affli­ctions of the same.

[Page 55]The same ROBERT GLOVER, at an other time was much discouraged by Satan, not to persevere in his suffring, suggesting to him his vnworthines to suffer for Christ and his Gospell, but these his sug­gestions were thus repel­led by him.

What were all those whome GOD in former time chose to be his witnesses? were they not men subiect to sinne and imperfection as other men bee? All wee sayth Iohn haue re­ceiued of his fulnes. They were no bringers of any goodnes to GOD: they were altoge­ther receiuers. They chose not GOD first, but hee chose them. They loued not GOD first, but hee loued them, yea, [Page 56] when they were enemies to him, and full of sinne. Hee is and wilbe the same God still. As rich in mercie, as mighty, as ready, as willing to forgiue sinnes now without respect of persons, as hee was then; and so wilbe to the worlds end, to all that call vppon him. It is no arrogancie, nor presumption in any man to burthen God with his promise, chalenging his ayd and assistance in all perils and daungers; Calling vpon him in the name of Christ, for whose sake, whosoeuer commeth to the Father, is sure to receiue more then hee can wish or de­sire.

I also answered the ene­mie on this manner: I am a sinner, and therefore vnwor­thy to be a Martyr. What [Page 57] then? must I deny GODS word, because I am a sinner; and not worthy to professe it? What bring I to passe in so doo­ing, but adding sinne to sinne? What is a greater sinne, then to deny the truth af Christs Gos­pell? I might also by the like reason, forbeare to doe any of GODS commaundements, when I am prouoked to pray, th'enemie may say vnto mee, thou art not worthy to pray, and therefore I shall not pray. I shall not forbeare to steale, &c. because I am not wor­thy to do any of GODS com­maundements. These be de­lusiōs of the Deuill, which must be ouercome by continuance of prayer, and with the word of GOD applied according to the measure of euery mans gift.

George Wise-heart.

THis WISE-HEART a Scottishman (rightly so called in regard of that true wisedome of the spirit wherewith his heart was fil­led,) beejng come to the place of execution, the hangman came vnto him vppon his knees, craving forgiuenesse of him. To whome he answered, come hether to me: when hee was come nie him, hee kissed his cheeke, and sayd, loe here is a signe that I forgiue thee; my heart doe thine office. And by and by hee was put vpon the Gibbet and martyred.

Walter Mill.

WALTER MILL a Scottish Minister beejng disturbed in his praier in the time of his ex­amination, having ended the same, sayd; wee ought more to obay GOD then Men. I serue one more mightie, even th'omnipo­tent Lord. And where ye call me S^r. Walter, they v­sually call mee WALTER, and not S^r. WALTER. I haue beene one of the Popes Knights too long.

Beejng threatned with the sentence of death: I know I must die once saith he, and therefore as Christ [Page 60] said to Iudas, Quod facis, fac citius. Ye shall know, that I will not recant the truth; for I am Corne, I am no Chaffe: I will not be blowne away with the wind, nor burst with the flaile: I will abide both.

Patrick Hamleton.

MR. Patrick Hamleton beejng in the fire, was heard by certaine faith­full men of credit then a­liue, there to cite and ap­peale the black frier camp­bell that accused him, to ap­peare before the high GOD as generall Iudge of all men, to answere to the innocency of his death, and whether his accu­sation were iust or no, between [Page 61] that and a certaine day of the next moneth which hee there named. Moreouer, by the same witnesse it is testified, that the sayd Fryer dyed immedi­ately before the same day came, without remorse of conscience that hee had persecuted the poore Innocent.

Robert Farrar.

BIshop FARRAR being visited of a Knights sonne called RICHARD IONES a little before his death, the sayd RICHARD seemed much to lament the painfulnes of the death he had to suffer. To whom the Bishop answered, that if hee saw him once to st [...]r [...]e [Page 62] in the paines of his burning, he should giue no credit to his do­ctrine. And as he sayd, so he right well performed the same: For so patiently hee stood, that hee neuer mooued, but even as hee stood holding vp his stumps of his hands, so hee still continued, till one RI­CHARD GRAVELL with a staffe dashed him vppon the head, and so stroke him downe into the fier.

Rawlins Whight.

THis Whight a fish­erman, a very aged man in the Towne of Cardiffe in Wales, grew very expert in the Scriptures by the helpe of [Page 63] a little boy he had, beejng his owne Sonne, who dayly read the same, to him every night after supper, Sommer and Winter, and now and then some other good Booke. In which kind of vertuous exercise the old man had such delight and pleasure, that as it seemed, hee practised himselfe ra­ther in the studie of the Scripture, then in the trade or Science which before time hee had vsed: so that RAVVLINS within few yeares, in the time of King EDVVARD, by the helpe of his little boy, as a speciall Minister no doubt appoin­ted by GOD for that pur­pose, profited and went forward in such sort, that [Page 64] hee was not onely able to resolue himselfe touching his former blindnes and jg­norance (for by all likeli­hood hee was before King EDVVARDS dayes a Pa­pist) but was also able to admonish and jnstruct o­thers. So as when occa­sion serued, hee would go from one place to another visiting such as he had best hope in. And thus in that Countrey became a nota­ble professor of the truth, beejng at all times and in all such places not without the helpe of his little boy. And to this his jndustrie GOD added to him a sin­gular guift of memorie, so that by the benefit thereof hee could and would doe [Page 65] that in alleadging and re­hearsing the text, which men of riper knowledge by their notes and other helps of memorie could hardly accomplish. In so much that vpon alleadging some place of Scripture, hee was able very often to cite the Booke, the leafe, yea and the very sentence: such was the wonderfull worke of GOD in this simple and vnlearned Father.

In the daies of Queene MARIE it so fell out, that GOD called him not one­ly formerly to beleeue in him, but then to suffer for his sake: in which his suf­frings, the Lord endued him with inuincible cōstā ­cie, in so much as beeing [Page 66] convented before the Bi­shop of Landaffe, The Bi­shop would needs with his company fall to prayer in his Chappell, to see (as he sayd) if GOD would turne the poore Mans heart: which RAVVLINS hea­ring, sayd, now you deale well my Lord, and like a good Bishop indeed. Go to therefore my Lord, pray you to your God, and I wil pray to my GOD: I know that my GOD will heare my prayer, and performe my desire. By and by the Bishop and his men fell to prayer. And RAVVLINS turning him to a pew some­what neere, fell downe vp­pon his knees; covering his face with his hands. [Page 67] Bejng all risen from praier: The Bishop sayd, now Rawlins how is it with thee? wil't thou revoke thine o­pinions, or no? Surely said Rawlins; my Lord, Rawlins you left mee, and Rawlins you find me, and by GODS grace Rawlins I will conti­nue.

The Bishop seejng his prayers tooke none effect, was perswaded by some a­bout him (before hee read the sentence) to haue a Masse, thinking that GOD would thereby worke some Miracle vpon the old man, when RAVVLINS heard the sacring bell ring, (as the vse is) hee rose out of his place and came to the qui­er doore, and there stan­ding [Page 68] a while turned him­selfe to the people, spea­king these words, Good peo­ple, if there be any brethren a­mongst you, or at the least, if there bee but one brother a­mongst you, l [...]t that same one beare witnesse at the day of iudgement, that I bow not to this Idol, meaning the host the Priest held over his head.

Hearing that the time of his burning drew neere, he sent to his wife willing her to provide him his wedding garment, in which he ment to be burned, meaning his Shirt. Beejng brought out of prison and seejng himselfe guarded with a great company of bils and gleaues, he sayd, alas what [Page 69] needs all this adoe? I will not start away by GODS grace: but with al my heart and mind I giue vnto GOD most hear­ty thank th [...]t hath made mee worthy to abide all this for his holy names sake.

At the light of his Wife and Children whome hee saw in the way as he went to be burnt, it so pierced his heart, that the teares trick­led downe his cheekes: but sodainely misliking his jn­firmitie, he began to be an­grie with himselfe, and stri­king himselfe on the brest with his hand, vsed these words, Ah flesh, stayest thou me so? would'st thou faine preuaile? well, I tell thee doe what thou canst, thou shalt not by GODS grace get the [Page 70] victorie.

When hee came to the sight of the stake, hee set himselfe forwards very boldly, but in going to­wards it, he fell downe vp­pon his knees and kissed the ground, and in rising againe, the earth a little sticking vpon his nose, he sayd these words, Earth vn­to Earth, and dust vnto dust: thou art my Mother, and vn­to thee shall I returne. Then went hee cheerefully and very joyfully vnto the stake, setting his back close vnto it, and when hee had stood there a while, casting his eye vpon the Reporter of this historie, and call [...]ng him to him, sayd, I feele a great fighting betweene the [Page 71] flesh and the Spirit, and the flesh would very faine get the masterie: And therefore I pray, if you see mee any thing tempted, hold vp but your fin­ger to mee, and I trust I shall remember my selfe.

Thomas Spurdance.

THis SPVRDANCE be­ing asked of the Bish. when hee was at masse, and received the ceremonies of the Church, answered,

Neuer sayd hee since I was borne.

No? sayd the Bishop, how old art thou?

He sayd, I thinke forty.

Why, how vsed you your selfe 20 yeares agone sayd the Bishop?

[Page 73]as ye doe now, sayd hee.

And even now quoth the Bishop, he sayd, he v­sed not the ceremonies since hee was borne.

No more I haue my Lord sayd hee, since I was borne a­gaine. Iohn. 3.

Elizabeth Folkes.

ELIZABETH bejng ex­amined if she beleeued not that Christs body was in the Sacrament Substan­tially, and really, yes sayth she I beleeue it is a reall lye, and a substantiall lye indeed.

Iulius Palmer.

PALMER shewing his vnmoueable constan­cy in standing to the truth, and beejng now ready to yeeld vppe his life for the same truth, S^r. RICHARD ABRIDGES said vnto him, well PALMER sayth the Knight, I perceiue that one of vs two must bee damned, for wee be of 2 sundrie faiths, and sure I am there is but one Faith that leadeth to life and sal­vation.

O sir I hope that both of vs shalbe saved.

How may that be PALMER?

Very well sir. For as it hath pleased our Merci­full Saviour according to the Gospels parable, to call me at the third houre of the day, e­ven in my flowers, at the age of 24 yeares; even so I trust hee hath called, and will call you at the 11 houre, in this your old age, and giue you e­verlasting life for your portion.

Sai'st thou so? well Palmer, well, I would I might haue thee but one moneth in mine house, I doubt not but I would cō ­vert thee, or thou shouldst convert me.

Bradbegs Wife.

THis good woman had 2 children named Pa­tience and Charitie. At the time of her condemnation shee told the Bishop that if he would needes burne her, yet shee trusted hee would take and keepe Pati­ence and Charitie, (meaning her two children) Nay by the Faith of my body sayth the Bishop will I not: The Bi: of Do­ver. I will med­dle with neyther of them both.

M. Frith.

IOhn Frith after much trouble, bejng at length [Page 77] sent for to CROYDON from the tower to appeare before th'archbishoppe of Canterbury, Thomas Cran­mer, sitting therewith other Bishops, to receiue his last doome; was earnestly la­boured withall by one of his Gentlemen, and his Porter, who were the mes­sengers that set him, to free himselfe out of the Bishops hands. For they greatly lamented FRITHS case, beejng sure if hee came to CROYDON he would bee cast away, such was his cō ­stancie: in regard whereof vppon Bristow Causie, the Gentleman plotted a way for FRITH to escape, and drew the porter to his part. In the end they acquaint [Page 78] Frith with their purpose, who with a smiling counte­nance made them this an­swere, And is this the effect of your secret consultation so long continued betweene you? Surely you haue lost a great deale more time then this ere now: and so are yee like to doe at this time, for if you both should leaue me heere alone, and should goe tell the Bishops that you had lost FRITH, and that he had escaped away from you, I would surely follow you as fast as I could, and would bring them newes of Friths finding. Do ye thinke (sayd he) I am a­frayd to declare mine opinion to the Bishops of England in a manifest truth?

Agnes Bongeor.

THis deere Servant of Christ bejng condem­ned to be burned, had pre­pared her selfe to goe with her fellowe Martyrs to the stake, the same morning they went: but it was her happe of all the rest to bee kept backe, in regard her name was wrong written, to wit, Agnes Boyer, for Ag­nes Bongeor: What piteous moane this good woman made, how bitterly shee wept; what strāge thoughts came into her mind, how naked and desolate shee esteemed her selfe, into what plunge of dispaire & [Page 80] care her poore Soule was cast; it was lamentable to behold; because she went not with her fellows to giue her life in the defence of her Christ and his Gospell, for of all things in the world shee least expected this restraint. For that ve­ry Morning in which shee was kept backe from bur­ning, shee had put on a smocke which she had pre­pared onely for that pur­pose: and also having a lit­tle jnfant sucking on her, shee likewise sent it away to another nurse; So little looked she for life. Bejng in this great perplexitie of mind, a friend of hers came to her, demaunding of her whether ABRAHAMS o­bedience [Page 81] was accepted be­fore GOD, for sacrificing his Sonne ISAAK, or in that hee would haue offred him, vnto which she made this answere, I know that Abrahams will before God was allowed for the deede, for he would haue done it, if the Angell of the Lord had not stay'd him: but I sayd shee am vnhappy, the Lord thinks mee not wor­thy of this dignitie, and therefore ABRAHAMS case and mine is not alike.

Why? you were resolved to goe with your company, if GOD had beene so pleased.

Yes with all my heart, and for that I went not with them, it is my [Page 82] chiefest griefe.

Deere sister I pray thee consider ABRA­HAM and thy selfe well, & thou shalt see, thou no­thing differest from him at all.

Alas sir, there is a farre greater matter in A­BRAHAM then in me: for Abraham was tryed with the offring of his Child, but so am not I; our ca­ses therefore are not alike.

Good sister weigh the matter jndifferently: Abraham I graunt would haue offred his owne Son: and haue not you done the like in your little suc­king babe, which you were content to part with? But consider that whereas Abra­ham [Page 83] was commaunded but to offer his Sonne, you are heavy and perplexed because you cannot offer your selfe; which goeth somewhat more neere you, then Abrahams obedi­ence did, and therfore in Gods sight and acceptation is assu­redly no lesse allowed. After which talke between them she began a little to stay her selfe, and gaue her selfe wholy to th'exercises of prayer, and reading, wher­in shee found no little comfort, waiting for the time of her Martyr­dome, which at length she obtained.

Thomas Hudson Martyr.

SEaman, Carman, and Hudson, beejng all three fastened to the stake in a pit called the Lolards pit without Bishops-gate in NORVVICH: HVDSON suddainely slippeth from vnder the chame from his two fellowes, to the won­der of many, whereby a­rose much doubtfulnes in mens minds. But sweet HVDSON felt not his Christ. He felt more in his heart and conscience, then they could conceiue off. In the meane while his 2 cō ­panions at the stake cried out to him to cōfort him, [Page 85] what they could: exhor­ting him in the bowels of Christ, to be of good com­fort. But alas good soule hee was compassed (GOD knoweth) with great dolour and griefe of mind, not for his death, but for lacke of feeling the comfort of the holy ghost, the comforter. And therefore beejng ve­ry carefull, hee humbly fell on his knees praying ve­hemently and earnestly vnto the Lord, who at length according to his mercies of old sent com­fort, and then rose he with great joy, as a man new changed even from death to life, saying, Now I thank God I am strong and passe not what man can doe vnto mee. [Page 86] So went hee to the stake to his fellowes againe, who all suffred together most joyfully.

Roger Holland.

HOLLAND having leaue giuen him to speake after sentence pro­nounced by BONER Bi­shop of LONDON, vtte­red these words. I told you even now that your authoritie was from God, and that by his sufferance you doe these things: and now I tell you, God hath heard the prayers of his ser­vants, which hath beene pou­red out with teares for his af­flicted Church which daily you persecute, as now ye doo vs. [Page 87] But this I dare be bold in God to say, (which by his spirit I am mooued to speake) that God will shorten your hand of cruelty, that for a time you shal not molest his Saints: and this shall you in short time well per­ceiue my deere brethren to bee most true: for after this day in this place,This was spoken in the Mo­neth of Iune 15 8, and Q. Mary dyed Sep. following the 1.7. shall there not be a­ny by him (Boner he meanes, put to the tryall of fire and Faggot. And after that day, was there never any that suffred in Smithfield for the testimonie of the Gos­pell, God be thanked.

WIlliam Pickes some­what before his [Page 88] apprehension, went into his Garden and tooke with him a Bible of Rogers tran­slation, where hee sitting with his face towards the South, reading on the said Bible, suddenly fell downe vppon his Booke betweene 11 and 12 a clocke at noone, 4 drops of fresh blood, not knowing from whence they came. Then he seeing the same was sore astonished, and could by noe meanes learne from whence they should fall: and wiping out one of the drops of blood with his finger, called his wife & said, In the vertue of God wife what: me [...]neth this? Will the Lord haue 4 Sacrifices? I see well enough the Lord will haue [Page 89] blood. His will be done, and giue mee grace to abide the triall. Afterward hee loo­ked dayly to be apprehen­ded of the Papists, which came to passe accordingly.

Prests Wife.

ONe PRESTS Wife of Exeter, beeing asked of the Bishop whether she had an husband & childrē, or not, answered, I haue an husband and Children, and I haue them not. So long as I was at libertie, I refused nei­ther husband nor children: but standing heere as I doe in the cause of Christ and his truth, where I must eyther forsake Christ, or my husband, I am [Page 90] content to sticke onely to Christ my spirituall Husband, and to forsake th'other.

Beeing oft-times offred money to relieue her ne­cessities, shee would for the most part refuse it, saying, That she was going to a Coun­trey, where Money beares no Masterie.

Elizabeth Yong.

ELIZABETH YONG beejng committed to close prison, the keeper was charged by Doctor MAR­TIN in her hearing, to giue her one day bread & an other day Water, to which shee made this an­swere, Sir, If you take away [Page 91] my meat, God I trust will take away my hunger.

Iohn Cardmaker.

MR. CARDMAKER disputing with one about the Real presence, asked the partie whether the Sacrament whereof he spake had a beginning or no. Which hee affirmed. The sayd M^r. CARDMAKER thus inferred therevppon: If the Sacrament (sayd hee) as you confesse haue a begin­ning and an ending, then it cannot be God: for GOD hath neither beginning nor en­ding, and so willing him to note it well, hee departed from him.

Iohn Bradford.

MR. BRADFORD beejng solicited by one PERCIVALL CRES­VVEL to make sute for him, after many words, said.

I pray you let me labor for you.

You may do what you will.

But tell me, what sute I should make for you.

Forsooth that that you will doe, doe it not at my request, for I desire no­thing at your hands. If the Queene will giue me life, I will thanke her. If she will ba­nish [Page 93] me, I will thanke her. If shee will burne me, I wil thanke her. If shee will condemne mee to perpetuall prison, I will thanke her.

Cranmer Archbishop.

SVch was the patience & mildnes of that wor­thy Martyr Thomas Cran­mer towards his enemies, that it was grown to a com­mon proverb: Doe my L. of Canterbury a shrewd turne, & thē you may be sure to haue him your friend for your labor, while you liue.

Laurence Saunders.

¶ Out of a Letter written to M. ROBERT GLOVER the same morning hee was burned.

OH deare Brother, whome I loue in the Lord, being loved also of you in the Lord, be merrie and rejoyce for mee, now ready to goe vppe to that mine jnheritance, which I my selfe jndeede am most vnworthy of, but my deare Christ is worthy, who hath purchased the same for me with so deare a price. Oh wretched sinner that I am, not thankfull vnto this my Father, who hath vouch­safed mee woorthy to bee a [Page 99] vessell vnto his honour. But O Lord, now accept my thankes, though they proceed out of a (not enough) circum­cised heart. Salute all that loue vs in the truth, Gods blessing bee with you al­wayes, Amen. Euen now to­wards the offring vp of a burnt Sacrifice. O my CHRIST helpe, or else I perish.

Bishop Hooper.

¶ The last will and testa­ment of Doctor Row­land Taylor.

I Say to my wife, and to my Children: the Lord gaue you vnto mee, and the Lord hath taken me from you, and you from mee: blessed be the name of the Lord. I beleeue they are blessed that dye in the Lord. God careth for spar­rowes, and for the haires of our heads. I haue euer found him more faithfull and fauorable, [Page 107] then is any Father or husband. Trust yee therefore in him by the meanes of our deere Saui­our Christs merits: beleeue, loue, feare and obay him: pray to him, for hee hath promised to helpe. Count me not dead for I shall certainely liue, and neuer die. I goe before you, and you shall follow after to our long home. I goe to the rest of my childrē Susan, George, Ellen, Robert, Zacharie: I haue bequeathed you to the onely omnipotent.

I say to my deare friends of HADLEY, and to all o­ther which haue heard me preach: that I depart hence with a quiet consci­ence, as touching my do­ctrine: for the which I pray you thanke God with [Page 108] me, for after my small tal­lent, I haue declared to you those lessons I gathered out of Gods blessed booke the Bible. If I therefore or an Angell from Heaven should preach vnto you a­ny other Gospell then that ye haue received, Gods great curse vppon that preacher.

Beware for gods sake that ye deny not God, neither decline from the woord of Faith, least GOD decline from you, and so ye doe e­verlastingly perish.

For Gods sake beware of Po­perie, for though it appeare to haue in it vnitie, yet the same is in vanitie, and Antichristi­anitie, and not in Christs faith and veritie.

Beware of the sin against [Page 109] the holy Ghost, now after such a light opened so plainlie and simplie, truelie, thorowlie, and generally to all England.

The Lord grant all men his good and holy spirit; in­crease of his wisdome, con­temning this wicked world, heartie desire to bee with God & the heavenly com­pany, through Iesus Christ our onely Mediatour, ad­vocate, righteousnes, life, sanctification, and onelie hope. Amen, Amen, pray, pray.

Rowland Taylor, departing hence in sure hope with­out all doubting of eter­nall salvation, I thanke God my heavenly father [Page 110] through his Sonne Iesus Christ my certaine Savi­our.

Iohn Warren.

IN the confession of his Faith hath this sweete speach, Without Christ no heauenly guift is giuen, nor sin forgiuen.

Iohn Warren Vpholster.

Alice Binden.

Of the Parish of Staple Hurst in [...]he Coū ­ [...]y of Kēt.SHee beeing at the stake, tooke forth a shilling of Phillip and Marie, which her Father had bowed and sent her, (when she was first [Page 111] sent to prison) desiring her Brother (there present) to returne the same to her fa­ther againe, with obedient salutations: and to tell him It was the first peece of money that he sent her after her trou­bles began, which (as she pro­tested) shee had kept, and now sent him: to doe him to vnder­stand, that shee neuer lacked mony while she lay in prison.

And yet what extremity she endured in prison, this briefe Relation following may testifie. Her constan­cy beeing such in the pro­fession of the trueth, that shee could no waye bee re­mooved from it, her fond husbād (who first had pro­cured her jmprisonmēt, & had also taken money of [Page 112] the Constable to carrie her to prison himselfe) told the Bishop that she had a Bro­ther called Richard Hale, Ian. 22. 1556. who if his Lordship could keepe from her, she would turne: for he comforteth her (sayd hee) and giveth her mony, and perswadeth her not to relent.

This councell beeing as soone apprehended as ten­dered; was forth-with put also in execution. For ther­vpon the Bishop gaue cō ­mandement she should bee committed to his prison called Mondayes hole, gi­ving also straight charge that if her Brother at any time came at her, he should be layd hold on.

This prison was within a [Page 113] Court where the Prebends Chambers were, beeing a vault beneath the ground, and the window beeing jn­closed with a pale; of height by estimation 4 foot and a halfe, and distant from the same three foot, so that she looking frō beneath might onelie see such as stoode at the pale. Her Brother in the meane while sought her, with no lesse danger of life, then diligēce. But in re­gard of many impediments hee could never know where she lay, till comming by gods vnsearchable pro­vidence very earlie thither in a morning (her Keeper being thē gone to Church to ring, for he was Bel-rin­ger) chanced to heare her [Page 114] voice as she poured out her sorrowfull complaints vn­to God; saying the psalmes of David: in which place hee could none otherwise releeue her, but by putting money in a loafe of bread, and sticking the same on a pole, and so reached it vn­to her; for neither with meate nor drinke could hee sustaine her. And this was 5 weekes after her cō ­ming thither. All which time no creature was knowne to come at her, more then her keeper.

Her lyjng in that prison was onely vppon a little short straw, between a paire of stocks and a stone wall: beeing allowed 3 farthings a day; that is a halfe peny [Page 115] bread, & a farthing drinke: neither could shee get any more for her money: wher­fore she desired to haue her whole allowance in bread, and vsed water for her drinke. Thus did she lye 9 weekes, during all which time, shee never chaunged her apparell: whereby she became at the last a most piteous & loathsome crea­ture to behold.

At her first comming in­to this place, shee did gree­vously bewaile her state with great sorrow and la­mentation, reasoning with her selfe: Why her Lord God did with so heauie iustice suffer her to be sequestred from her louing fellowes, into so ex­treame miserie. In these do­lorous [Page 116] mournings did she continue, till on a night, as shee was in her sorrowfull supplications, rehearsing this verse of the Psalme: why art thou so heauie O my soule? And againe, The right hand of the Lord can change all this: she received comfort in the middest of her mise­ries: and after that, conti­nued very joyful vntill her deliverance from the same.

Ma. 25 Anno 1557.In March following the Bishoppe called her before him: demaunding of her whether shee would goe home and goe to Church or no, promising her great favour if shee would be re­formed.

To whom she answered, I thinke, and am throughly [Page 117] perswaded by the great extre­mitie that you haue already shewed mee, that you are not of God, neither can your dooings bee godly, and I see sayth she, that you seeke my vtter destru­ction, shewing how lame she was of the cold shee had ta­ken, and for lacke of foode while she lay in that paine­full prison.

Then did the Bishop de­liuer her from that filthie hole, and sent her to West-gate, where after shee had been changed, and for a while been cleane kept, her skinne did wholly pill and scale off, as if shee had been poysoned with some mor­tall venom, where shee con­tinued till the 19 of Iune, on which day shee was be­reaved [Page 118] of life by the terri­ble fier.

One thing more tou­ching this good woman is to be noted, that while she was in prison shee practi­sed with a prison fellow of hers, the wife of one Pot­kin, to liue both of them with 2 pence halfe-penny a day, to try thereby how wel they could sustaine pe­nurie and hunger, before they were put to it, for they had heard, that when they should remoue from thēce to the Bishops prison, their allowance should be but 3 farthings a day a peece, and thus they lived 14 daies ere shee was remo­ued.

¶ Thomas Wats his fare­well to his Wife and chil­dren.

AFter his priuate prai­er made to himselfe, hee came to his Wife and sixe Children being there, and sayd these words in effect: Wife and my good Children, I must now depart a­way from you. Therefore hencefoorth know I you no more: but as the Lord hath giuen you vnto me, so I giue you againe vnto the Lord; whom I charge you see you obay, and feare him: aad beware yee turne not to this abhominable Papistrie, against the which anon you shall see mee by Gods [Page 120] grace giue my blood. Let not the murthering of Gods Saints cause you to relent, but take occasion therby to be the stron­ger in the Lords quarrell, and I doubt not but hee will bee a mercifull Father vnto you. In the end hee bad them fare­well, and kissed them all & was carried to the fier.

¶ BRADFORDS Me­mentoes to the Lord RVSSELL, after­wards called the good Earle of Bedford.

REmember LOTS Wife which looked backe. Re­member that none are Crow­ned, but such as striue lawful­ly. [Page 121] Remember FRAVNCIS SPIRA. Remember that all you haue, is at Christs com­maundement. Remember he lost more for you, then you can loose for him. Remember that it is not lost which you loose for his sake, for you shall find much more heere, and elsewhere. Re­member you shall dye; when, where, and how, ye cannot tel. Remember that the death of sinners is terrible. Remember that the death of Gods Saints is precious in his sight. Remem­ber the multitude goeth the wide way, which windeth to wo. Remember the straight way which leadeth to life, hath but few trauellers. Remember Christ biddeth you enter in thereat. Remember hee that trusteth in the Lord, shall re­ceiue [Page 122] strength to stand against all the assaults of his enemies.

Be certaine, all the haires of your head are numbred. Be certain, your good Fa­ther hath appointed your bounds, over which the de­vill dare not looke. Com­mit your selfe to him: hee is, hath been, and will bee your keeper. Let Christ be your marke and scope to prick at: Let him be your patterne to worke by: Let him be your ensample to follow: giue him as your heart, so your hand: as your mind, so your tongue: as your Faith, so your feet: And let his word be your Can­dle to goe before you in al matters of Religion. Bles­sed is he that Walketh not [Page 123] to these Popish praiers, nor standeth at them, nor sitteth at them: glorifie God both in soule and body.

¶ Fifteene short sentences left by Robert Smith Martyr, to ANNE SMITH his wife.

1 SEEke first to loue God deere wife with your whole heart, and then it shall be easie for you to loue your neighbour.

2 Be friendly to all crea­tures, but especially to your owne Soule.

3 Be alwaies an enemie to the Deuill & the world, but chiefely to your owne flesh.

[Page 124]4 In hearing of good things, ioyne the eares of your head and heart toge­ther.

5 Seeke vnitie and qui­etnesse with all men, but specially with your consci­ence: for it will not easily be pacified.

6 Loue all men, but spe­cially your enemies.

7 Hate the sinnes that are past, but especially those to come.

8 Be as ready to further your enemie, as hee is to hinder you, that yee may bee the child of God.

9 Defile not that which Christ hath cleansed, least his blood bee layd to your charge.

10 Remember that god [Page 125] hath hedged in your tongue with the teeth and lippes, that it might speake vnder correction.

11 Be ready at all times to looke to your brothers eye, but especially to your owne eye. For he that war­neth an other of that hee himselfe is faultie, giueth his neighbour the cleere Wine, and himselfe the dregges.

12 Beware of riches and worldly honor: for with­out vnderstanding, prayer, and fasting, it is a snare, & like to consuming fier, of which if a man take a little it will warme him, but if too much, it will consume him.

13 Shew mercie to the Saints for Christs sake, & [Page 126] Christ shall reward you for the Saints sake.

14 Among all other prisoners, visit your owne Soule: for it is inclosed in a perillous prison.

15 If you loue GOD, hate euill, &c.