same delivered over to the secular power to be burned which decree was performed in Smithfield on the 20th day of the same month being 16 days after they had Murthered him to the great grief and disdain of the people Norwithstanding after all this tragical and cruel handling of the dead Body and their fair and colourable shew of Justice yet the Inquest staid not their diligence in searching out the truth and the cause and means of Mr. Hunâ—'s death insomuch that they were called before the Lords Chief-Justices and also before the King himself and his Privy Council about this matter and the determination at last was left to them and after great search and deliberation they found by good proof and sufficient Evidence that Doctor Horsey the Bishop of London's Chancellor Charles Joseph the Sumner and John Spalding the Bell-Ringer had privily and maâ—iciously committed this Murther and therefore indicted them all three as willful Murtherers Notwithstanding by the power of the Bishop of London with Cardinal Woolsey then in great favour the next Sessions the King's Attorney General pronounced the Indictment against Dr. Horsey to be false and untrue and that he was no way guilty of the Murther Being thus freed he went away to Exeter and for shame durst never after appear in London The aforesaid Inquest found by most evident signs that the said Mr. Hun could not have hang'd himself and that his Wrists had-been hard bound with Cords and they found that bis Neck had been broken below the silken Girdle they had â—anged him in and that there were two streams of Blood on his Jacote a great clodder in the lappet of his Coat â—hich could not happen to him after â—e was hanged Besides there was no place for â—im to get up to do the deed But besides these â—roofs Charies Joseph freely confessed of himself â—hat 〈◊〉 those Heresies laid to Mr. Hunn's charge were wrote and invented by the Chancellor and also that he and John the Bell-Ringer together with Dr. Horsey himself who assisted them murthered the said Mr. Hun who was lying on bis Bed and at the bidding of the aforesaid Chancellour who said lay hold on the Thief they fell upon him and broke his Neck and that he the said Charles Joseph put the Girdle about Mr. Hunn's Neck and that John the Bell Ringer helping him to lift the dead Body the Chancellour put the Girdle about the Staple and so left him hanging Thus you may see Godfreying is no new thing among them Murther is their Trade and this was the cruel end of this man only for opposing the Power of the Lordly Priests and which good People you must look for again if ever the Popish Tyranny get footing in this Kingdom Lay it to heart The Martyrdom of John Stillman It would be endless to relate all the troubles the people of God then suffered in the Reign of this King or to enumerate the persons who were forced against their Consciences to abjure in the year 1517. in and about London about 35 persons were compelled to abjure among whom was one George Laud the Prior of St. Sithe Some of them afterwards being troubled in Conscience recanted and suffered death among the rest one John Stillman who about the 24 day of September 1518. was apprehended and brought before Richard Fitz-James then Bishop of London at Fulham and charged for speaking against the worshipping of Images and for that he had commended Wickliff and said he waâ— a Saint in Heaven and that his Book called Wickliff's Wicket was a good and holy Book From thence he was had to the Lollardâ— Tower and or the 22 day of Octob. brought before the Consistory aâ— Paul's and there examined by Thomas Hed the Bishops Vicar General upon several Articles objected against him and he the said John Stillman owning the truth and persevering in the same he was condemned of Heresie and delivered over to the Sheriffs of London on the 25th of the same Month and publickly burnt in Smithfield Thomas Man and Robert Cosin Martyrs The next in order was Thomas Man who the 29. of March 1518. was likewise burned in Smithfield He had for divers years been persecuted and imprisoned forced to abjure and to do Pennance after which they kept him in a Monastery as their servant from whence he escaped his Conscience troubling him for denying the Truth but being retaken he was proceeded against as a relapsed Heretick by the aforesaid Thomas Hed Vicar General who produced false Witnesses against him who swore several Articles that they said were Heresie and though he charged the Witnesses of Adultery and Theft he could not be heard and those they had assigned him for Advocates being Papists betrayed his Cause and wrested his Words to his destruction upon which he was condemned as a relapsed Heretick with these gloseing words Rogamus attentè in Visceribus Jesu Christi ut c. In English thus We desire in the Bowells of the Lord Jesus Christ that the punishment and execution of due severity of thee and against thee in this part may be so Moderated that there be no rigorous Rigour nor yet nodissolute mansuetude but to the health and wealth of thy soul c. This Sentence Thomas Man said was like that of Cajaphas against Christ when he said to Pilate It is not lawfull for us to put any man to death But if thou letst him go thou art not Caesars Friend So they said it was not lawfull for them to take away Thomas Mans life but they delivered him up to the Sheriffs of London who caused him to be burnt without any warrant for the same About the same time one Robert Cosin who had been instructed by Thomas Man in his flight was martyred at Buckingham The chief articles against him were that he had perswaded one Joan Norman after she had bowed a piece of silver to be offered to a Saint for the health of her child not to carry it and told her she needed only to pray to Heaven And that she needed not to confess her self to the Priest but to God and that she might drink as well before she went to Mâ—ss on the Sunday as on any other day For these Perillous Doctrines this poor man was sacrificed to the Lusts of the Popish Priests Much about the same time Christopher Shoemaker was burnt at Newberry for professing the Gospel and Speaking against worshipping of Saints and going on Pilgrimages And in the years 1520 and 1521 many received the Light of the Gospel in and about Newberry Buckingham Henly Amerâ—â—m in the Diocess of London in Essex at Colchâ—ster 〈◊〉 Suffolk and Northfolk and many other places so that it spread very much before Luther appeared Cruel percâ—cution by the Bishop of Lincoln Children Compelled to set fire to their parent About the same year a most Cruel persecution was made against these Gospellers or such as professed according to the Gospel by John Longland Bishop of Lincoln who brought
which happened not long after The next day which was Saturday Kerby was brought forth to the marker place about ten of the Clock where was a Stake ready wood broom and straw for his burning Having put off his clothes to his shirt with his night cap on his head he was fastened to the Stake with Irons The Lord Wentworth and others sitting in Gallery to see the execution a very great Concourse of people being present One Doctor Righam made an oration or sermon after which he examined Kerby concerning his belief of the Sacrament to which he answered as before and that he would dye in that Opinion After which the Sheriff asking him if he had any more to say he took off his night Cap and Casting it away he lifted up his hands and said the â—e Deum the Belief and other prayers in the English tongue And it was observed that the Lord Wentworth and divers others could not refrain from weeping at the humble Carriage of this holy Martyr After he had done he bid the Sheriff do his office and fire being set to him he called upon God Knocking his Breast as long as he had any remembrance left The people being much affected at the Carriage and Constancy of this illiterate man praysed God with great admiration On the Gang Monday about ten of the Clock Anno 1546 Roger Clark was brought out of prison going on foot to be burnt in Bury By the way the procession met him but he would take no other notice but kept on his way only reproving the people for their Idolatry and Superstition at which the officers were much offended When he came to the place of execution all things being ready he kneeled down at the Stake and said aloud the Magnificat in English making a kind of parraphrase thereof After he had done he was fastned to the Stake and fire was set to him but the wood being green he was almost suffocated with smoke and part of him being only scorched he suffered unmerciful torments and his feet being put into a pitch'd barrell he was so pained that he got them out with Violence At length one beating off the Iron ring that fastened his neck to the Stake let him fill down into the fire and so he was at last Consumed to Ashes About the same time one Rogers was burnt in Northfolk by means of that Bishop and the Duke upon the 6 Articles But I shall now conclude this second part with the Martyrdom of Ann Askew a Vertuous and Constant woman in the Cause of Christ with whom also was burnt in Smithfield John Lacells a Gentleman of the Court and houshold to the King Nicholas Belenian a Priest and John Adams a Tayler The Martyrdom and Cruel usage of Mrs. Ann Askew and 3 Gentlemen in Smithfield Mrs. Ann Askew had been in great troâ—ble for a year before 1546 having been in several prisons had before the Lord Mayor the Bishop and Councell for her religion chiefly for not owning the real presence in the Sacrament being also most falsly accused of several other Articles by the malice and Instigation of the Popish Priests her inveterate Enemies but by her prudent Answers to all their intrapping questions and by the solicitation of her Friends she came cut upon bail but the year 1546. by means of her aforesaid Enemies and especially by the power and malice of Bishop Bonner then Bishop of London and the Chancellor Writhsley she was brought again into trouble and put into prison being several times examined they hoping by her means to detect several Ladys and great persons of her acquaintance for Hereticks but all they could doe could not make her Confess any to do them injury which so enraged them that they took her from Newgate where she had been imprisoned and sent her to the Tower where they resolved to torment this Innocent Gentlewomen but most Constant servant of Jesus Christ Therefore to make her Confess they caused her to be put upon the Rack where they kept her till she swouned and when the Lieutenant of the Tower pittying her weak Condition refused to rack her any Longer The Chancellor himself and oâ—e Mr. Rich who was with him threatned the Lieutenant of the Tower to Complain of him to the King for favouring Hereticks this was Sr. Anthony Knevet but when they saw they could not prevail with him to torment the languishing Gentlewoman any farther the Chancellor and Rich throwing off their gowns would needs play the Tormentors themselves and asking her first if she were with child she told them they should not spare her for that but do their wills upon her upon which they lay'd her again upon the Rack where they most Cruelly and barbarously tormented her till all her bones and joynts were pulled out of their places she enduring it with most admirable patience all the time praying to God and when they had tyred themselves to no purpose not being able with all their torments to make her Confess any thing or accuse any body they left her to be carried away in a chair to her lodging not being able to stir hand or foot She was therefore at last Condemned to be burnt upon that Article for denying the real prefence after the words of Consecration which she denyed saying that then their Creed was false which says he sitteth at the Right hand of God the Father Almighty c. This Gentlewoman was born of a good stock and might have liv'd well and plentifully and in great prosperity would she have gone against her Conscience and have denied Christ But she gloried in her sufferings which God enâ—bled her to endure and at last sealed neâ— testimony with her blood after she had been several ways tormented and leaving behind her an example of Christian fortitude for all men to follow and by her example and exhortations the three aforesâ—â—d men Mr. Lacesâ—s Belenian and Adams were encouraged and received from her great comfort at their Death being burnt with nor in Smithfield Mrs Askew being not able to goe by reason of her racking she was brought to the Stake in a chair where she was fastned by the middle with a chain and so were the rest of the Martyrs and all things being prepared there being a great Concourse of people and the Chancellor the Duke of Northfolk the Earl of Bedford the Lord Mayer and others of quality being present sitting on a Scaffold Dr. Snaxton made a Sermon after which the fire being ready to be put to them the Chancellor sent to Mrs. Askew the Ks. pardon if she woulâ— recant her opinion which she utterly refused Then the same was offer'd to the rest but they also followed her example being strengthened by her exhortations upon which the Lord Mayor cryed fiat Jâ—stitia and so caused fire to be put to them which these Martyrs constantly and without shrinking or shewing any change endured till their bodies were consumed This execution was about the month of June 1546. Thâ—
two Thieves even so when the Priest is at mass and hath lifted the Host over his Head he there hangeth between two Thieves except he be one that preaches the Word of God truly That he had said to the people that they should not eat and tear the flesh of Christ with their teeth c. For Christ said This is my Body which was the Word of God which was to be broken to the people with such like to which he gave his particular Answers But a Commission was sent down for the tryal of these persons according to the Act of the six Articles and the aforesaid persons clapt into the Jayle Testwood being sick and in bed was haled thence and forced into prison going upon Crutches The chief Judges who sat on these men were Doctor Capon Bishop of Salisbury Sr. William Essex Knight Sr. Tho Bridges Sr. Humphry Foster Mr. Franklin Dean of Windsor and Mr. Fachell of Reading After very unjust doings packing of the Jury being strangers and not of the neighbourhood and all of them farmers belonging to the Colledg of Windsor and some of them Contrary to the Statute had but one witness appearing against them yet they were all of them found guilty by the Jurie and condemned to dye the next day by the Court Fatchell giving the Sentence There came a pardon for Marbeck the rest seeing their hard lot comforted one another knowing that they dyed in a good Cause All night they spent in fervent prayer to God to strengthen them that they might be stedfast in their torments praying also for their persecutors that God would forgive them since they did what they did through blind Ignorance and zeal The next day being Fryday their execution was respired but on the Saturday when they were to dye desiring to receive the Sacrament it was denyed them for they said it was not to be granted to Hereticks but they might be Confessed if they would As they passed thorow the Streets they prayed all good people to pray for them and Filmer who was Condemned from the testimony of his own Brother only as he past by his door called several times on him that he mought see him but he would not appear however Filmer most Christian like desired God to forgive him for he had restified wrongfully against Him When they were come to the Stake Mr. Persons with a chearful Countenance embracing the Stake in his Arms and Kissing it said Now welcom my own sweet Wife for this day shall thou and I be married together in the Love and peace of God Being all bound to the post a certain young man of Filmers acquaintance brought him a pot of drink which he drâ—nk of to his Companions who pledged him at when drinking their Adversaries made a jesting reporting afterwards that they were all drunk and knew not what they said After they had drank Mr. Filmer said my Brethren let us be merry in the Lord for I trust in God that after this sharp Breaâ—fast we shall have a good dinner in the Kingdom of Christ our Lord and Redeemer At which words the Fire being set to the straw Testwood lifting up his Hands and eyes to Heaven desired God to receive his spirit And Mr. Persons pulling the straw to him put a good handful on his Head saying This is Gods Hat now am I dressed like a true Souldâ—ers of Christ by whâ—se merits onâ—y I trust this day to enter into his Joy And so they yeilded up their souls to God like meek Lambs with so much patience and tranquillity and so great stedfastness that amazed the people many wished that they had been so happy as to have dyed with them The Persecutors disgraced Not long after the whole Conspiracy of the Bishop of Winchester Dr. London Simone and Okeham came to be revealed by Gods Providence and how unjustly they had dealt with these poor men haveing also lay'd a design against several of the Kings Privie Council and many Knights and Gentlemen as favourers of Heresie which being made known to the King he withdrew his Favour from Gardner and London Simmons and Okeham Perjurie being proved against them rode thorow Windsor with their faces to the Horses tails and papers of their Crimes pinned on their breasts and Okeham the like at Newberry where he stood in the pillory Thus God by his secret Judgment brought the wickedness of these malicious Papists to light and their persons to disgrace being ever hated of all men About the same time great persecution was made at Calice where one Adam Damlip Dod and several others were Martyred And likewise in Scotland suffered many Martyrs in the latter end of the reign of King Henry the 8th of England as Mr. Wisehart Walace Sr. John Borthwick and divers others so that many there as well as in England sealed to the truth of the Gospel with their Blood But we shall omit forreigners and speak only of those of our own nation as we have at first proposed having enough and too many executed and tormented by the bloody Papists Kerby and Clark Martyr'd in Suffolk In the year 1546 Mr. Kerby and Clark were burned for their religion in Suffolk passing over one Henrie and his servant burnt at Colchester and also one Sary a Priest who was hang'd privatly in the Bishop of Winchesters Porters lodg and that not without the privity of the Bishop himself as it was thought for indeed it would be too long to enumerate all the publick and private Murthers of these bloody Papists But as to the Story of Kerby and Clark in brief it was this Kerby and Clark of Mendelsham in the County of Suffolk were apprehended for Gospellers and thrown into the Goal and a Commission was sent down to try them the chief of the Commissioners was the Lord Wentworth Being brought before them having in Secret prayed to themselves a while with hands eyes lifted up they hearkned to their charge which were certain Articles put in against them concerning the Sacrament and being there publickly demanded if that after the words of Consecration spoken by the Priests the breed did not then become the very flesh blood and bones of Jesus Christ as he was born of the Virginâ— they answered No That they did not believe it but that it was a sign to put us in mind of Christs Death for the remission of our sins Upon his after they had used 〈◊〉 â—â—gâ—mentâ— perswasions and threats to thes poor men to make them alter thâ—ir minds in vain sentence was given against them Kerby to be burnt in Ipswich the next Saturday following and Roger Clark at Bury before Gang Munday ensuing Kirby having received his sentence holding up his hands with humble reverence bowing himself he said Praysed be Almightie God and then stoâ—d still saying no more And Clark at pâ—rting from the Judgment seat said with some Vehemency Fight for your God for he hath not long to coâ—tinue which was a Prophesie of the Reformation
to you to burn you In that said Mr. Hooper thou dost nothing offend me God forgive thee thy sins and do thy office Then the reeds being put about him he took them in his Arms and Kissed them giving order how they should be placed presently fire was ordered to be put to him but by reason the faggots were green and also very few they put this holy man to intollerable torments and the wind being also strong blew the flame from him so that he was only scorched by the fire Then they fetch'd some dry faggots and made a new fire but all the reeds being gone they burnt his neither parts and never reach'd his upper parts only scorch'd and Shriffled his Skin and burnt his hair All which time this holy Martyr was heard to pray as one without pain O Jesus the son of David have mercy upon me and receive my soul After this second fire was spent he wiped his eyes with his hands and beholding the People he said with an indifferent loud voyce For God's Love good People let me have more fire and all the while his neither paris were burning Then they made a 3d fire more extream than the other then the bladders of Gunpowder broke which did not much good by reason the wind was so Violent then he prayed with a loud voyce Lord Jesus have mercy upon me Lord Jesus receive my Spirit these were the last words he was heard to speak but when his lipps and mouth were black as a Coal and his tongue swelled they were perceived to move till his lips were quire burnt away Then he knocked his breast with his hands till one of his Arms fell off and then he knocked it still with the other whilst water fat and blood fryed out at his fingers ends at last they renewed the fire when bending his body over the hoop of Iron he yeilded up his Spirit On the same day that this last mentioned holy Martyr suffered at Gloucester Dr. Rowland Taylor the Constant Martyr of Jesus Christ in the behalf of his Gospel was burnt at Hadley in suffolk where he had been the Parson all the Reign of King Edward the 6th and upon the bringing in of Popery under Queen Mary he was disturbed at his own Church thrust out and Popish Mass Celebrated before his Face but he endeavouring all he could to hinder it complaint being made to Gardner Chancellor and Bishop of Winchester he sent for Dr. Taylor by his Letters missive to come before him at London which he readily obey'd But his friends knowing the Cruelty of that persecutor advised him to fly and save his Life but he utterly refused it saying Tho he knew they had neither Justice or Equity on their side and that he looked for nothing at his Popish Adversaries hands but Imprisonment or Cruel dearn yet since he knew his cause to be good and Righteous and Truth upon his side he would not flinch but appear and be willing to dye in so good a cause for that he was satisfied in his Conscience that the Doctrine of the Church of Rome led them to Idolatry Superstition Errors Hypocrisy and Lies After he came to London He was examined before the cruel Chancellor who called him Knave Villain Fool and such like unchristian expressions for which the Doctor humbly reproved him and seeing he could not make him turn to his Idolatry he sent him prisoner to the Kings Bench where he lay almost two years At his going away from the Bishop he kneeled down on the floor and lifting up both his hands with a loud voyce he say'd From the Tyranny of the Bishop of Rome and all his detestable errors Idolatries and abominations Good Lord deliver us When in prison he so preached to the rest of the prisoners there and used such godly exhortations and discourses leading also so strict and holy a life that he wrought upon many and converted them from their Superstitious errors He was also very Charitable while he had it relieving others tho he had a Wife and 9 Children but they soon deprived him of his benefice so that he had nothing to support him but the charity of good people which with Gods providence he found sufficient Several examinations he had before the Bishops where he strenuously maintained his positions for the Clergies Marriage and against the Corporeal presence of Christ in the Sacrament but at last they overcame him with their Temporal Weapon persecuting power backt by Statute Law and by it they Condemned him with Mr. Bradford and others to death as Hereticks to be burnt alive After this sentence he was degraded by Bishop Bonner in prison and they were compelled by main force to put on their Popish Trinkets upon his back he refuseing to do it himself and after they had notch'd his Hair and pair'd orscrap'd his fingers ends and with all their foppish Ceremonies stript him of his Popish habiliments when the Bishop should have struck him on the Breast with his staff seeing the sturdiness of the Doctor who was a portly bigg man Bonner was afraid and omitted that last Ceremony lest the Dr. should have struck him again The next day after this his degradation which is like the last unction for the burial at two of the Clock in the morning the Sheriffs took him and delivered him to his Guards who were to Conduct him to Hadley to be burnt there at which he rejoyced being willing to seal the Doctrine he had there preached with his blood His Wife fearing they would have him away by night for they feared daylight and the people she watched all night with two Children in the Porch of St. Buttolphs Church near Algate which way she knew he must pass and about 3 of the Clock it being very dark she heard the noise of the guard at which she ran out to her husband where was such a moaning and pathetick greeting or rather separation that the Sheriffs wept but forced her to depart and led him to the sign of the Woolsack where he was put on horseback with a hood over his face a place made for his Eyes to look out at and a slit for his Mouth that he might breath After this manner they carried him along that he might not be known all which he patiently suffered When he was come to Suffolk many of the Gentry and Justices of the peace met him of his friends and acquaintance all endeavouring to perswade him to save his Life by Recantation offering him not only pardon for his Life but great promotions even a Bishoprick But this good and constant professor of the Gospel strengthned by Gods holy Spirit refused all those Temptations coming to Hadley he rode thorow the Town where the poor people were assembled with grievous Moans and Tears Kneeling down and with lifted up hands prayed to God to strengthen him to whom he sayd That he had preached to them Gods Word the Truth and that he was now come to seal it
till the blood ran down his face which grieving Mr. Bradford he desired him to remember him to his Mother and others of his friends and so dismist him This sheriff was a great persecutor of Gods Saints rejoycing much at their sufferings whereas his brother never saw their Martyrdoms with dry eyes much pitty and Commiseration But God met with him for not long after Mr. Bradfords burning he was suddenly struck with a dead palsie so that for 8 years till he dyed he could not turn in his Bed but as he was helped When Mr. Bradford came to the place he fell flat on his face and prayed to himself a good space At the same time there was to suffer with him for the same cause one John Leaf a London Apprentice to a Tallow-Chandler a mere stripling of 18 or nineteen years of Age at the most who had most stoutly and resolutely confessed his Faith touching the Sacrament before Bishop Bonner touching auricular confession other points to which he argued very orthodoxically having been well grounded therein by the Holy Martyr Mr Rogers whose Schollar he was After he had been condemned whilst in prison the Bishop sent to him a Recantation in writing and also his confession bidding him to choose which he would sign the one was for his Life the other his Death The young man could not write nor read therefore caused the writings to be read to him and when he had heard the recantation he disliked it and said he would not sign it but hearing his own confession read he said he approved that and thereupon pricked his finger with a needle he took of his blood and made a mark on the paper and bid them tell the Bishop that he had already signed that with his Blood This young Man having undauntedly signed this Bill was the same day brought with Mr. Bradford to the stake where he also lay flat on his face on the ground praying on the other side of the stake till the Sheriff bid them dispatch for that the press of the people was great At which words they both stood up when Mr. Bradford taking a faggot in his hands he Kissed it as likewise the stake then stripping himself he went stood by the stake and said O England England repent thee of thy sins repent thee of thy Sins Beware of Idolatry beware of false Antichrists take beed they do not deceive you Upon this the Sheriff bid them bind him and tye his hands if he would not be quiet O Mr. Sheriff I am quiet said Mr. Bradford God forgive you To which one of his Officers reply'd you had best hold your peace if this be your learning you are a Fool. Mr. Bradford saw how it was that he might not be permitted to speak he answered not but saying as he forgave all the world so he asked forgiveness of all men and desired the people to pray for him Then turning his head to the young man who suffered with him he said be of good comfort Brother for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night then embracing the Reeds he said Strait is the way and narrow is the Gate that leadeth to eternal Salvation and few there be that find it Then fire being put to them they both with great patience and constancy ended their lives in the Fire without any alteration in their countinances being voyd of all fear hoping to obtain as no doubt they did the heavenly reward for all their sufferings The next day after Mr. Bradford suffered in Smithfield one William Minge a Priest should have suffered at Maidstone but that he dyed in prison On the 3d of July one James Trevisam in Lothbury parisâ— dyed a prisoner being lame and ill used and wheâ— he was dead because he was an Heretick as they termed him they would not let his wife bury him in the Church-yard nor have so much as a Coffin to put him in but was forced to carry him on a Table into the fields and bury him there without Moorgate On the 12th day of July 4 men viz. John Bland Minister of the parish of Adisham in Kent John Frankish Vicar of Rolvindon Nicholas Shetterden and Humphry Middleton all of the same County were long imprisoned at Canterbury and after several examinations and Articles exhibited against them they all standing firm to the Truth for the Gospels sake suffered all in one fire at two several Stakes in the City of Canterbury In the same month of July Nicholas Hall a Bricklayer was Condemned by the Bishop of Rochester for maintaining that under the forms of Bread and wine was not the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ after Consecration but that the Body of Christ was in Heaven only with some other things concerning the Superstition of the Mass for which he was burnt at Rochester about the 19 of July Christopher Waid was of Dartford in the County of Kent a Linnen weaver Condemned also upon the like Articles by the aforesaid Bishop of Rochester and burnt at Dartford in the same month of July at a place called the Brimth without the town the Common place of Execution of Felons As he was goeing to his Martyrdom one Margery Pooly of the Town of Tunbridg a widdow who was afterwards Martyr'd said to him you may rejoyce Waid to see such a company gathered to celebrate your Marriage this day Being come to the place he stript himself put on a fair white shirt delivered to him by his wife when coming to the Stake he took it in his arms and embraced it and Kissing it he set his back to it and was fastned to it with an Iron hoop standing in a Pitch'd Barrel being thus setled he spake with a clear and chearful voyce the last verse of the 86 Psal Shew some good token upon me O Lord that they who hate me may see it and be ashamed because thou Lord hast helped me and Comforted me Near to the Stake was a little Hill where stood a Fryar with a Book in his hand ready to speak to the People but Wade cryed out so eagerly to the People to beware of the Doctrine of Antichrist that the Friar went away amated and said nothing The Sheriff bid him to be quiet and dye patiently then puting the reeds before his mouth he made a hole with his hands that his voyce might be heard but some flung faggots at the hole and hurt his face when at last fire being put to him he cryed out often Lord Jesus receive my Soul without any sign of Impatience at last holding up his hands above his head he continued in that posture without moving them even after he was dead as if they had been propped up with Stakes being a token to his Enemies according to his prayer of his Constancy to their shame and Confusion Margery Pooly and Dirick Carver Martyrs Margery Pooly a widdow was also Condemned by the aforesaid Bishop of Rochester and suffered at Maidstown in
Christ and his Gospel He was therefore much afraid of his companion seeing him so meek and humble lest he should yield to their perswasions but he held out with great Constancy Wolsey had so great a desire to the Crown of Martyrdom that being sick in prison he was so afraid of dying that he was extreamly troubled being overjoyed when the day of his execution came which he called his Glad day When they were at the Stake they sung 106 psalm and so joyfully received their Martyrdom with great Constancy praysing God On the very same Day Month and year in which the last mentioned two Martyrs were burnt viâ— the 16th of Oâ—tober 1555. suffer'd at Oxford thosâ— two great pillars and lights of the Protestant Church and true profe sors of Christs holy Gospel Doctor Nicholas Ridly Bishop of London and the ever famous Mr Hugh Latimer of whose disputing and Condemnation at Oxford together with the Arch-Bishop of Canterburtes Doctor Cranmer their fellow sufferer we have already spoken but here we shall as briefly as we can give you the History oâ— their Lives and Martyrdom The History of Bâ—shop Ridly Martyr Doctor Ridly descended from a right worshipfâ—â— stock in Northamptonshire was brought up at Schooâ—â— and thence translated to the Universiâ—y of Cambridgâ— where he extreamly profited in his Studies being one of great memory acute wit and profounâ— Judgment so that he attained to great Learning and became famous becoming head of Pembrocâ—â— Hâ—ll where he commenced Doctor in Divinity After this he travelled to Paris and at his returâ— was made Chaplain to King Hen. 8th and afterwards promoted to the Bishoprick of Râ—chester and from thence in King Edward's days was translated to the see of London where he Continued preaching and teaching the true and wholsom Doctrine of Christ to his flock except hindred by extraordinary occasions most Holy days Sundays he preached some where or other in his Diocess the people every where swarming after him like Bees so sweet was his eloquence But he not only taught diligently but also liv'd holily teaching them as well by his Life as Doctrine He was a straight upright man both in Body and Mind of an handsom mâ—ke and good Complexion gentle and meek to all men and a lover of his Relations He bore malice to none and was apt to forgive Injuries He loved and cherished Goodness where ever he found it and hated evil tho in his nearest Kindred He was very Conversant in prayer and meditation in his greatest prosperity for assoon as his Cloaths were on he prayed by his bed side on his Knees for half an â—our and thence he went to his Study where he Continued till 9 of the Clock and from thence he came to the Common prayers read in his Family before Dinner and this he dayly Continued His â—able was free but chast all discourses there being grave and edifyint after dinner he sometimes played at Chess and unless business called him abroad â—e went again to his Study till 5 of the cloâ—k when â—e again went to prayers with his family After supper he would recreate himself for an hours space and then retire again to his Study where he continued till 11 of the Clock at night the usual time of his going to Bed which he never did without praying to God on his Knees by his bedside as in the Morning And that we may see the diffeâ—erce between a good an evil Bishop or between this man and Bonner and to shew the latters wicked ingratitude we shall mention how kind Bishop Ridly had been to Bonners Relations cherishing his Mother and sister as if they had been his own For all the time he was at Fulham he never would sit down till he had sent for his Mother Bonner as he called her being Bishop Bonners own Mother and dwelling in the Town and when come allways placed her at the upper end of the Table let what persons of quality soever dine with him and would make an excuse and say that was his Mother Bonners place and would seat her there giving her the same respect as if she had been his own mother and that he had been born of her Body the like he did by one Mrs. Bungie Bonners own Sister whom he cherished as if she had been his own yet the ungrateful Butcher Bonner when he was restored to his Bishoprick by Queen Mary prov'd the bloody persecutor of this good Man to death and not only of him but dealt cruelly and unjustly by all his Relations extorting from them all that they had and had not some stood between he had taken away the Life of Bishop Ridleys own sisters husband such difference is there between a good Bishop according to the Gospel and an evil persecuteing papistical Bishop according to the Popes Doctrine The first occasion of this good Bishops conversion to the truth was by reading of Bertrams book of the Sacrament and by his conferring with Doctor Cranmer and Peter Martyr who confirmed him and in which he continued to his Death and sealed with his blood You have already heard how this Bishop together with Dr. Cranmer and Mr. Latimer were condemned at Oxford after their several learned disputes there with the Papistical Doctors where they were kept prisoners in several places till they came to dye Dr. Ridley and Mr. Latimer being burnt in one fire as we shall relate only first a word or two of the education of this good man Mr. Hugh Latimer The History of Mr. Latimer Martyr This champion of Christs cause was the Sun of Hugh Latimer of Thirkesson in the County of Leicester an husbandman of good repute being his only Son he bred him at School and being very prompt at 14 years of Age he was sent to the University of Cambridg where he gave himself to the Study of Divity Being made a priest he was a most zealous observer of all the Popish superstition believing if be were a Fryer he should never be damn'd with other superstitious fantasies observing servilly all the Popish decrees and in his blind zeal a great enemy to to the professors of the Gospel thus he continued till it pleased God to convert him to himself by the means of Mr. Bilney whom we have spoken of After he was converted he soon left his old manner of Life and began publickly to own and preach the Gospel for which he was for a time silenced by the Bishop of Ely but getting a Licence he continued there for 3 years teaching and preaching both publickly and privately and with that applause and power that his very enemies could not but admire him for the Bishop himself one day coming in and hearing him was compelled to commend him wishing that he had the likâ— Giâ— At last he was cited before the Cardiâ—al and accuâ—ed by his Adversaries by several Articles about the worshiping of Saints which be dery'd and praying to the Virgin Mary Purgatory and several other Popish tenents for
him coming after him O are you there said he yes said Mr. Latimer I am coming after you as fast as I Can. When they both came to the stake Bishop Ridly holding up both his hands and looking towards heaven prayed and seeing Mr. Latimer come he ran to him and embraced him and Kissed him saying Be of good heart Brother for God will either asswage the fury of the Flame or else streâ—gthen us to abide it With that he Kneeled down at the Stake Kissing it and then fell to prayer and Mr. Latimer behind him both earnestly calling upon God After they arose and talked a little while together when Dr. Smith who in King Ed. days had renounced Popery now embracing it preached to the people on this Text Tho I give my Body to be burnt c. inveighing very much against the opinions of the Lutherans after he had done both Dr. Ridly and Mr. Latimer had a desire to have reply'd to what he had said but as soon as they began to open their mouths some ran to them and stop'd them telling them unless they would recant they should not be suffered to speak Gods will be done then said Bishop Ridly but so long as I have breath in my body I will never deny my Lord Christ and his known truth Then he said with a loud voyce I Commit our cause to Almighty God who will indifferently Judg all Then Mr. Latimer said what is hid shall be revealed They were then Commanded to make themselves ready which they did and were both Chained to the Stake and Dr. Rilleys brother-in-law brought each a Bag of Gunpowder to tye about them which they accepted of as sent them from God Dr. Ridley stripped himself and gave away his things among his friends there being great striving to have some remembrance from this good Man but Mr. Latimer suffered himself to be strip'd by the officers haveing nothing worth bestowing Dr. Ridly being now at the stake prayed saying holding up both his hands O heavenly Father I give thee most hearty thanks for that thou hast called me to be a professor of thee even unto Death I beseech the O Lord have mercy upon this Realm of England and deliver the same from all her Enemies Then he made a Request to the Lord Williams to intreat the Queen to be good to several poor people to whom he had let Leases that they mought injoy them which he promised to do but Bishop Bonner like a wretch took them all from them Then fire was put to them when Mr. Latimer said be of good comfort Mr. Ridly and play the Man we shall this day light such a Candle by God's Grace in England as I trust shall never be put out Dr. Ridly when he saw the flame approach him he cryed out In manus tuas Domine commendo Spiritum meum Domine recipe Spiritum meum that is Into thy hands O Lord I commend my Spirit O Lord receive my Spirit which latter part he often repeated in English Mr. Latimer crying as vehemently on the other side O Father of Heaven receive my Soul Who receiving the flame as it were imbracing it soon dyed with little or no Pain But Bishop Ridly by reason of the fire being ill made endured great torment having all his lower parts burnt before his upper were touched so that he was heard to cry to them often for the Lords sake to put the fire to him I cannot burn and then crying out Lord have mercy upon me he Continued a long time and all one side of him remained untouch'd till aâ—â—â—â—st tâ—â— Gâ—â—â—oweâ—cr â—â—â—k firâ— after which he wâ—◠〈◊〉 seâ—n to move â—y more And this was the eâ—â—â—â—th sâ—â— two â—oly Martyrs Blessed Bishops for the Gospel of Christ's sake by the hands of persecuting Papisis and by the Religion â—hen established by Law The Death of pâ—â—seâ—â—ting Gardner Wit in a wâ—ilt afâ—â—r the B oody persecuting Pâ—â—lâ—â— Stephâ—â— Gâ—â—dâ—â— dyed for that day the last mentioned Mâ—rtyâ—s were put to death tho the Duke of No â—â—hfolk and other persons of Quality came to dine with him he would not go to dâ—nner till 3 or 4 of the Clock expecting to hear of the Death of these wâ—mâ—n and assâ—on as his man riâ—â—â—g post had brâ—â—ght him word of it he began to be merry and sat down to dinner but was emmediately struck with the hand of God the first but â—e put â—nto his mouth being carried from the Table Continuing for â—5 days in great Torments nor being able to evacuate Naturâ— any way and his Tongue that had so often blaspherâ—ed God swollen and black lolling out of his mouth till he dyed Tho he weâ—e dead yet persecution Continued and the Devil found Instruments to do his Work For in the Month of November three flour Champions of Jesus Christ suffer'd in one Fire in Canterbury viz Jâ—hn wâ—bb Gentleman George Roâ—er and Gâ—egory Parke being all condemned to the fire by the Bishop of Dover and Nicâ—oâ—as Harspfield As they went to the plâ—ce of their Martyrdom they sung Psalms two of them were will striâ—ken in years but Râ—per was a younger man of a fresh Complexion going all â—ith whi e Linnen and their gowns upon it They all shewâ—d great Constancy but Râ—per especially who coming to the place leâ—ped for Joy and whâ—n fiâ—e waâ— put to hâ—m he streatched out both his Aâ—ms into â—â—e â—lâ—mes standing like a Cross unmevable and so continued never stirring them till they were both burnt â—ff and afterwards his Body to Ashes Several dyed in Prison in the â—â—llards Tower through the bâ—â—â—arity of the Papists and were Cast into t he open fields for doggs and swine to tear with command that none 〈…〉 hâ—m yet by night some were â—ound to be â—o Câ—â—â—table as to fling Eartâ— over thâ—m Archdeacon Philpot burnt in Smithfield The next 〈…〉 mâ—â—tâ—â—â— Wâ—â—â—â—ought to the stâ—ke by thâ—se blood sâ—â—kâ—â—â— wâ— Mr Jâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 Archdeacon â—f Wincâ—â—â—â— â—â—e wâ—â— tâ—e 〈…〉 Gentâ—emaâ—â—f 〈◊〉 goâ—d fâ—â—mâ—ly in 〈…〉 brought up in Nâ—â—â— Coâ—â—cagâ— in Oxâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 died thâ— Civil â—â—ws 6 or 7 yeaâ—s wâ—◠〈…〉 â—â—ral Arts 〈◊〉 â—â—ence and â—spâ—â—â—ly 〈…〉 in which he profiteâ— and more 〈…〉 Hebrew He wâ—s of a preâ—anâ—â—â—â—t 〈…〉 and resolution fervent in Religioâ— â—ree from 〈◊〉 â—â—â—tery and hypocrisie and hated â—â—ssiâ—â—ulatiâ—n Fâ—â—m Oxford he went to travel to improve himself going thorow Italy and other parts where he increaâ—â—d his knowledg and lost nor as many do good m nners and Love to God Returning into England he was made Arcâ—dâ—acon of Winchester in King Edwâ—rds days under the Bishop Dr. Poinet who had succeeded Gardner But â—fter that Queen Mary came in and caused a Convocation of Prelates to Assemble about Religion this good man believing they might there speak freely he manfully maintained the cause of the Gospel against all its Adversaries for which he was afterwards â—â—pâ—â—ioned and after a twelve months time or more w s had to be examined before Bâ—shop Gardner
to brotherly Love and shewing the Vanity of the world exhorting to Alms and obedience to the Queen with many other excellent things and at last He made a short Confession of his Faith repeating the Articles of the Creed continuing I believe every Article of the Catholick Faith every word and sentence taught by our Saviour Jesus Christ his Apostles and Prophets in the new and old Testament anâ— now said he I am come to the great thing th t so much troublâ—th my Conscience more than â—ny â—oing thâ—t ever I did or said in my whole Late and that is the sâ—ttiâ—g my hand to a writing C ntrary to Truth which I now renounce being done only for fear of Death and for as much as my hand offended against my heart this my hand shall be first of all punishâ—d for it and assâ—on as I can coâ—e to the fire shall be first burâ—t As for the Pope I refusâ— him as Câ—riâ—â—s Eâ—â—my and Antichrist with all his f â—sâ— Dâ—ctrinâ— As for the Sacrament I believe is as I have taughâ— it in my Book against the Bishâ—p of Wincâ—ester which shall stand at the last dâ—y before the Judgment of God where the Papistiâ—â— Doctrine Contrary thereto shâ—ll be never able to appear All the people being amazed looked one upâ—â— another and all the Priests and Fryers were in an uprore seeing their great expectation frustrated and Cole bellowed from the Pulpit stop the Heretick Mouth pull him down pull him down Upon which the rabble of Priests and Fryers laid hands on Cranmeâ— and pull'd him off the stage and all things being prepared for his burning in the same place where the Martyrs Râ—â—ey and Latâ—mer suffered they haled and drâ—gged him thither to which place all the coâ—â—any râ—n yelping and hauling at the good Archbishâ—p When he came to the place he kneeled down making but short prayerâ— seeing them so â—ager to have his Life and putting off his garments to his shâ—rt which hung down to his seer which were â—â—re as likewise his head being thus stript they fâ—sâ—ned the holy Martyr to the Stake with a chain and after several of them â—ad tryed in vain to move him to recant and saw that he was stedfast they caused fire to be set to him into which assoon as iâ— began to burn he thrust his right hand which had signed the Recantation which he hâ—ld therein stedfastly and unmoved sâ—eing that once therewith being of a stâ—me be wipeâ— his face that all men might see his hand was burned before his body was touched His body aboad the burning and torment of the Flame with such Constancy and stedfastness that he was not seen to stir or move any more than the stake to which he was fastned shewing to their amazement a noble Constancy of mind and heroick fortitude His eyes were seen to be lifted up towards Heaven and he was heard oftentimes to repeat whilst his hand was burning O unworthy right hand at last in the greatest of the flame he gave up the Ghost useing these his last words O Lord Jesus receive my Spirit This was the end of this blessed Martyr Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury who suffered about the middle of the Reign of the Cruel Queen Mary Two women burnt at Ipswich About the same time suffered in the Town of Ipswich in Suffolk two simple women â—he one named Agâ—es Potten the other Joan Trunchfeild the wife of a Shoemaker both for that they denied the bodyly presence of Christ in the Sacrament they both dyed with wonderful Constancy exhorting the people at their death today hold on and believe the word of God and to despise the ordinances of the Romish Antichrist and after fire was set to them they stood holding up their hands and calling on the name of God in the midst of the flames till they dyed In the same Month of march on the 24th day three men were burnt in one fire without Salisbury in Wiltshire for the same cause as other Martyrs before them for denying the Popes Supremacy Purgatory and that murthering Article of the bodily presence their names were John Mandrel an husbandman who had long professed the truth and in King Henry 8. days had done penance William Coberly a Taylor and John Spicer a free-mason all 3 Companions both before and at their Deaths They died with great fortitude and when the Sheriff offered them pardon if they would turn one of them replyed not for all Salisbury And John Spicer said O Mr. Sheriff must you be the Butcher of these Papists and be made guilty of Shedding innocent blood before the Lord Coberly was longer in burning than the other and when his Arms were burnt off and his body hung over the chain black and shrunk up so that all thought he had been dead he suddenly rose up again and then fell down and dyed Six men Martyred in Smithfeild About the 23d of April 1556. were burnt in one fire in Smithfield no less than 6 blessed Martyrs two of them being Ministers viz Robert Drakes Minister of Tundersley in Essex and William Tymes Curate of Hookley in the same County This Tymes upon his examination before Bonner one of his Articles being for denying the Popes Supremacy told him that he owned no more than what his Lordship had maintained in print Where have I written any thing against the Church of Rome said the Bishop angrily In your Preface replyed Tymes to the Chancellors Book Stephen Gardner which he wrot purposely against the authority of the Romish Church where also you in your preface inveigh against the Bishop of Rome reproving his Tyranny and falshood calling his power false and pretended only and this is still extant This much abashed the Bishop and made him speak more gently afterwards saying it was done in perilous times and when it was death to have declared otherways but that the Chancellour and himself had since owned their errors as he would now have him to do but Mr. Tymes told him that would be against his Conscience and he would never do it for what he himself had wrote against the Popes Supremacy was according to the Scriptures and he would prove it upon which he entred on his proofs was much too hard for them all in the Scriptures but at last he was condemned with the rest whose names were Richard Spurge Sheerman Thomas Spurge Fuller John Cavel Weaver and George Ambrose Fuller all of Essex and of the Diocess of London and so condemned by Bonner and suffered together in one Fire in Smithfeild with the true Constancy of other holy and blessed Martyrs In the same Month of April at Rochester suffered John Harpool and Joan Bench in one fire Also in the same month suffered at Cambridg John Hullier a Minister brought up at Eaton School and afterwards Scholar and Conduct in Kings Colledg in Cambridge where he at last suffered being condemned by the Bishop of Ely for preaching the truth and owning the Gospel and disavowing
their Idolatry and Superstition Essex was fruitful in Martyrs the fires were so frequent that we can but just name them to you On the 28th of April Six were burnt together at Colchester being condemned to the fire by the Bishop of London or rather Butcher of London Bonner chearfully ending their lives to the glory of God's name and the great incouragement of others This bloody Bonner had mercy on none all went to pot who came under his Clutches one Hugh Lavercock a Painter by trade of the Parish of Barkin 68 years of Age and a Cripple and John Apprice a poor blind man were both accused to the Bishop who sent for them to examination which was about the Sacrament the bodily presence of Christ in the same which they denyed and Lavercock told him that their Doctrine was contrary to the Scriptures and the Blind Man said you are not of the Catholick Church for ye make Laws to Kill men and then make the Queen your Hangman This so enraged the Bishop that he immediatly caused the definitive sentence of excommunication to be pronounced against them and so delivered them over to the secular power to be burnt they were carryed from the Bishop to Newgate and on the 15. of May 1556. were both drawn thorow London to Stratford le Bow when they were come to the stake after they had put the Chain about them the Cripple flung away his Crutch merrily saying to the blind man his fellow sufferer Be of good cheer Brother for my Lord of London is our good Physitian he will shortly heal us both thee of thy blindness and me of my lamenest And so patiently fire being put to them these two poor men but holy Martyrs suffered in the fire and praising God yeilded up their Souls into his hands whose name to the end they Constantly confessed The very next day after these suffered being the 16th of May 3 women were Martyred in Smithfield a fourth was condemned with them by Bonner whose name was Margeret Ellis but she dyed in Newgate before the day of their execution the names of the other 3 were Katherin Hut a widdow Joan Hornes a maid and Elisabeth Thackvel These being examined upon several Articles but especially that of the Sacrament which chiefly touched their Lives Katherine Hat told the Bishop that she deny'd it to be God because it was a dumb God and made with mens hands and Joan Horns said If you can make your god bleed or shew any Condition of a living Body I will believe you and not else And as for the Romish See I forsake all its abominations from which good Lord deliver us Those 3 innocent women were condemned for the cause of the Gospel had to Smithfield and willingly gave their Bodyes to be burnt dying more joyfully in the flames than many in their beds such a Lord is God glorious and wonderfull in all his Saints A blind Boy and a Bricklayer burnt at Gloucester In the same month of May at Gloucester suffered one Thomas Croker a Bricklayer and a blind boy named Thomas Drowrie who had been much confirmed in the Faith by Bishop Hooper This boy being examined upon the Article of the Sacrament by Dr. Williams the Bishops Chancellor and being asked if he believed the bodyly presence in the Sacrament the boy answered boldly no he did not believe it Then being asked who taught him that heresie That did you said the boy in the Pulpit of this Church where you told us in your Sermon That the Sacrament was to be received Spiritually by Faith and not Carnally and really as the Papists have heretofore taught At this the Dr. was vext but says he to the Boy do you as I have done repent and you shall live or else be burnt Tho you said the Boy can so easily dispense with your self and mock God the World and your Conscience yet I can't nor will do so Then said the Chancellor I will read the sentence against thee Gods will be done reply'd the blind boy And so he was condemned with the other before mentioned and delivered over to the secular power both of them in one fire Constantly and Joyfully yeilding their souls into the hands of the Lord Jesus On the 21st of the same month of May three men were burnt together at Beckles in Suffolk their names were Thomas Spicer a Labourer John Denny and Edmond Pool whom they were so hasty to put to Death that they burnt them before the writ de Comburendo came from London When they were at the stake they prayed and recited the belief and when they came to the Article of belief in the Catholick Church a Knight that was by said that is well 't is the best word you have said yet To which Pool answered Tho we believe in the Catholick Church we do not believe in the Romish Church Then fire being put to them they praised God in the midst of the flames with such an audible voyce that it seem'd wonderful to all those who stood by and heard them But some were so wicked that they bid the people to fling faggots at them to stop their mouths which however none would do Several other Martyrs and 13 in one fire In the next Month of June on the 6th day 4 more were burnt in Lewis in Sussex after long Imprisonment their names were Tho. Harland a Carpenter John Oswald an Husbandman Thomas Avington a Turner and Thomas Read In the same month in the same Town was burned Thomas Wood a Minister and Thomas Mills a lay man Several dyed in prisons which we do not mention We shall now mention a large malfire of humane flesh no less than 11 men and two women burnt together at Stratford on Bow condemned by Bonner three more were condemned but reprieved by the Cardinal these on the 27th of June were drawn from Newgate to the place aforesaid most of them being of Essex their names were Henry Adlington a Sawyer Lawrence Parnam a Smith Henry Wye a Brewer William Hallywell a Smith Thomas Bowyer a Weaver George Searles a Taylor Edmund Hurst a Labourer Lyon Cawch a Broker Ralf Jackson a serving man John Derifal a Labourer John Routh a Labourer Elizabeth Pepper the wife of a weaver and Agnes George the wife of an husbandman whose husband was afterwards condemned but saved by the Death of the Queen When they were brought to the place they were divided and put a while apart into two several Rooms then the Sheriff going to one company told them their companions had recanted and had saved their Lives advising them to do the like but they answered That their Faith was not builded on man but on Christ Crucified The Sheriff finding no good to be done with them he went to the other company telling them the same lye to whom they answered as their brethren had done that their Faith was not built on man but on Christ and his Word c. These 11 men were tied to 3 stakes
and the women were put in amongst them loose Elizabeth Pepper being at the same time 11 weeks gone with child These poor Creatures shewing great love one to another and such Constancy in their Martyrdom for the sake of their Saviour that all the beholders marvailed very much thus resigned their Souls and Bodys into the Hand of their Creator Roger Bernard and others Martyr'd at Norwich No less valiantly on the 30th of June suffered the pains of Martyrdom by fire at St. Edmunds-bury Roger Bernard a Labourer Adam Foster an husbandman and Robert Lawson a Weaver condemned by the Bishop of Norwich These ended their Lives most triumphantly shewing their Constancy in their Faith and making a most Joyful end to the praise of God and incouragment of others in the same Quarrel Julius Palmer Martyred at Newberry In July following the 16th day suffered that memorable Martyr Mr. Julius Palmer with two others in one fire at Newberry whose History I shall briefly relace This Julius was born in Coventry of good parentage his father being an Upholster and a Merchant and had been Mayor of that City he was bred at School and sent to Oxford where he profited much in the tongues and Philosophy and many times supplyed the place of the Gr. Reader in Magdalin Colledg where he became Batchellor of Art and became at last Fellow of the said Colledg when he began to study divinity He was of a very civil behaviour courteous pleasant and chearful without affectation and of great simplicity not knowing how to dissemble an indefatigable Student riseing at 4 of the clock every morning to his Studies and sitting up till 11 at night so that in a little time he profited much He was admitted to the office of a Reader in Logick and thus Continued a stiff and zealous Papist till the Reformation and then owned the cause of the Pope so far that he was expelled the Colledg and was fain to go and teach School privatly Continuing thus all the Time of King Edward and when Papistry was restored by Queen Mary he was also restored to his fellowship in the Colledg having for his Religion undergone much hardship yet see the providence of God to bring this man home to himself for it was the blood of the Martyrs which is the seed of the Church and their Constant sufferings which made him first to begin to look into the Doctrine they professed and it so pleased God to open his eyes that in a short time he began to see clearly the Superstition and Idolatry of the Popish Church and being one who knew not how to dissemble against his Conscience he was soon taken notice of and seeing they began to have â—n eviâ— eye upon him lest they should expel him the Colledg he voluntarily left it The cursing with excommunication burnâ—ng hanging drowning racking Scourging and persecuting men for Religion made him see and know it could not be of Christ who Commands the quite Contrary and this made him cry out when he heard of the Constant Death of Bishop Hooper Ridley Latimer and others O Raging Cruelty O Tragical Tyranny and more than Barbarous Being about to leave the University growing dayly more fervent in the Truth one of his intimate Friends asked him whither he would go to whom he Answered I know not But the Earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof Let God do as he please I will commit my self to him and to the wide World And being advised by another to beware of the fire for it was no easy matter to burn he reply'd I have yet escaped it but I verily believe it will be my end at last welcome be it by the grace of God it will be easie to be suffered by the grace of God He for some time kept School at Reading in Barkshire but after a time being found to be a Gospeller he was forced to fly thence and repairing to his own Mother who was a Papist and had heard of his turning from their Religion hoping to obtain some monys due to him by his fathers will and asking her blessing as he used to do the unnatural Mother Cry'd out thou shalt have Christs Curse and mine where ever thou goest being troubled at this heavy greeting amazed for a time he at last said ah Mother you may give me your curse which God Knows I never deserv'd but God's Curse you Cannot give me for he hath already blessed me With that she reviled him giving him most bitter taunts calling him Renegade and one who had embraced a new upstart Doctrine It is not new said he but as old as Christ and his Apostles with that she charged him to go out of her sight and never see her afterwards flinging to him a piece of Gold and so leaving him to his sorrows But being sought after it was not long e're he was taken and cast into prison in a Dungeon prepared for thieves and Murtherers and there left for a time hanging by the hands and feet in a pair of Stocks so high that no part of his Body could touch the Ground in this Cave or Dungeon he remained 10 days under the Tyranny of an unmerciful Keeper After this he was several times examined before the Mayor of Reading and before the Bishop of Sarums Chancellor from Reading he was had to Newberry and clapt in the Jail there where he found two others namely John Guin and Thomas Askin poor simple men who were Martyred with him Here he had his last examination and was condemned with the two aforesaid Persons by Dr. Jeffrey Many endeavours were try'd to make him recant and great proffers of preferments to tempt him but nothing would move him and he also confirmed his fellow sufferers in their Faith Happy are you when men revile you and persecute you for Righteousness sake Rejoyce and be glad for great is your reward in Heaven Fear not them that can kill the Body but are not able to touch the soul God is faithful will not let us be tempted further than we can bear We shall not end our lives but make a change only for a better life With the like comfortable speeches he cheared his fellow Martyrs and caused tears to fall from others who heard him When they came to the place of execution they fell all 3 on their faces and prayed and Mr. Paimer recited aloud the 31 Psalm After that two Popish Priests urged him to recant but he cry'd to them away away tempt me no longer Away I say from me all yee that work Iniquity for the Lord hath heard the voyce of my Tears Forthwith they stripped themselves went to the stake Kissed it and were bound to it then Mr. Palmer said Good people pray for us that we may persevere to the end And for Christ's sake beware of Popish teachers for they deceive you with that one of the Officers threw a faggot at him and hit him on the face that all the blood ran down When the