1527. of Christ who being extremely beloved had many importuning her to recant but she would not and amongst the rest a certain Noble Matron communing with her perswaded her to keep silence and to think silently in her heart what she believed that she might prolong her days To whom she said Ah you know not what you say it is written Rom. 10. with the heart we believe to Righteousness and with the tongue we confess to salvation And thus she remained stedfast and firm in her Confession and was November 20. condemned to be burnt to ashes which sentence she took mildly and quietly And being at the place of Execution a Monk brought her a blind Cross willing her to kiss it and worship her God to whom she said I worship no wooden God but only that God which is in Heaven And so with a merry and joyful countenance she embraced the Stake and by an ardent prayer commended her self to the hands of God Vol. 2. p. 115. Waldenses began 1200 years after Christ and were so called from Waldo who first instructed them and they delivered their Doctrine from Father to Son successively They had indeed divers Names according to the places where they lived In the Northern parts they were called Lollards about Lyons in France they were called Pauperes de Lugduno in Flanders Terraelupins of a desart where Wolves did haunt in Dolphine Chugnards by way of despite because they lived harbourless They taught at first in Caves of the Earth and in the night for fear of Persecution and were a people fearing God living uprightly and justly yet they suffered much Persecution especially in Merindol and Calabria whither they came from Piedmont Vallies and though those places were desarts yet were they by them so cultivated that they proved very fruitful Vol. 2. p. 185 186. They were charitable to the poor hospitable to strangers and were known by these marks they would not swear nor name the Devil were true to their promise and would not take an Oath unless in judgment or in making some solemn Covenant nor would they in any company talk of dishonest matters but whenever they heard wanton or swearing talk they presently departed out of that Company and also they always prayed before they went to any business and opposed generally Images crossing and other Popish Fooleries as was testified by their very Enemies and their neighbouring Inhabitants to the French King Vol. 2. p. 193. They were also called Albigenses from the place where they frequented in Tolouse and Merindolians from Merindol a place of Provence in France which with Cabriles were laid waste burned and rased their Inhabitants cut asunder and their Women and Maids ravished those with Child cut open by one Iohn Minerius Lord of Opede at the command of Francis the French King April 12. 1545. Vol. 2. p. 196 to page 200. Their Principles were these 1. One God the Creator of all things 2. The Son the onely Mediator and Advocate of all Mankind 3. The Holy Ghost the Comforter and Instructer of all truth 4. They acknowledged the Church to be the Fellowship of the Elect of God whereof Iesus Christ is the Head 5. They allow'd the Ministers of the Church wishing such as did not their duty were removed 6. Magistrates they granted to be ordained of God to defend the good and to punish the transgressors and that they ought to the Magistrate love and tribute and that none herein was exempted They acknowledged Baptism to be an outward and visible sign representing to us the Renewing of the Spirit and mortifying of the members 8. They confessed the Lord's Supper to be a Thanksgiving and a memorial of the benefits received through Christ. 9. Matrimony they esteemed holy instituted of God and inhibited to no Man 10. Good works they observed and thought them to be practised of all Men as Scripture teaches 11. False Doctrine leading from the true worship of God ought to be eschew'd 12. The order and rule of their Faith was the old and new Testament protesting they believed all contained in the Apostolique Creed Vol. 2. p. 200. They at they burying of their Dead used to accompany the dead to the grave reverently with a sufficient company and made Exhortation out of the word of God to the Living and to comfort the Parents and Friends of the party deceased and to admonish all Men diligently to prepare for death Vol. 2. p. 203. They were much persecuted by Henry the Ninth French King and often delivered miraculously in Angrogne Lusern and other places Valleys of Piedmont till 1559. when a peace being made between France and Spain those Valleys were as due given to the Duke of Savoy who entreated these Waldenses gently till by the Pope and his Legates he was instigated to persecute them which was very severely and cruelly done Vol. 2. p. 204 205. They were persecuted in all their places and one called The Lord of Trinity and one Trunchet were their great enemies The Waldenses used to go and pray before Battel and after Battel gave thanks and though they were but few in number and without armour only by Slings and stones and a few Harquebusses they so amazed and put to flight their Enemies often that they flying said God fought for them And at last though after much misery and cruelty they had a peace brought them by the Lord of Raconis from the Duke of Savoy which was obtained by the Mediation of his Dutchess Vol. 2. p. 218 219 220 222. So much of the Waldenses Rise and Actions Vol. 1. p. 299. George Wisehart a Scotchman burnt March 1. 1546. being condemned by David Beton Archbishop of St. Andrews although he answered all the Articles he was accused of Who going to the Stake sat down on his knees and rose again saying three times O thou Saviour of the World have mercy on me Father of Heaven I commend my Spirit into thy holy hands And then turning to the People he said I desire you not to be offended with the word of God for which I suffer and exhorted them to embrace it and to continue stedfast For which saith he I suffer this day not sorrowfully but with a glad heart and mind Consider and behold my visage ye shall not see me change my colour this grim fire I fear not and so I pray you to do if any persecution befal you I know that my Soul shall sup with Christ for whom I suffer this within these six hours in Heaven Then pray'd he for his Enemies saying Father I beseech thee to forgive them that have ignorantly or of evil mind forged any lies upon me I freely forgive them with all my heart and I beseech Christ to forgive them who this day condemned me to death And being to be hang'd on a Gibbet and so burn'd the Executioner begg'd his pardon whom he kissed saying There is a token that I forgive thee do thine Office And so he was burnt Vol. 2. p. 618 620
the Souldiers in Paris charged to be in Arms at a watch-word so that within three days 10000 of them were slain besides many other in the days following in Paris and the Persecution in other places in a Months time compleated the number of 30000 aforesaid which News being sent to the Pope he solemnly gave thanks for it as a mercy and the French King also did the like and the Messenger of the News had 1000 Crowns for his News but the poor Protestants were much troubled of whom some turned others fled and all had been destroyed had not those in Rochel by God's mercy been courageous and resolved to be stedfast and fight for the Faith which being known the French King besiegeth it and chargeth all his Nobles and Gentry on pain of great punishment to besiege it which was done with great vigour by the whole Force of France and also of the Duke of Anjou Duke of Alanson Navarre and Condee which Forces assaulted it seven times and were resisted so that they lost 122 Captains and at last the Duke of Anjou being made King of Polony which News coming to the Camp they rejoiced whereat the new King treated with them of Rochel and finding them not unconformable made peace with them and prevailed with the French King by Edict to let them have peace and the liberty of Religion in that and other Cities 1573. Vol. 3. p. 1028 to 1030. D D DOrotheus and Gorgoneus persons of Dioclesian's Privy Chamber seeing the sad Torments inflicted on Peter their Houshold Companion said to Dioclesian Why O Emperour do you punish in Peter that Opinion which is in all of us Why is this accounted in him an offence that we all confess we are of that Faith Religion and Iudgment that he is of Wherefore he commanded them to be brought forth and to be tormented almost with like pains to Peter's and afterwards to be hanged Vol. 1. p. 101 102. Iohn Diazius a Spaniard was murthered 1546. by his Brother Alphonsus Diazius who hired a Man with an Hatchet to cleave his own Brother's head as he was reading some Letters under a pretence sent to him by his Brother who was by when the fact was done and forth with fled with the Murtherer But he being the Popes Lawyer and procuring his Companion in Rome on purpose to murther his Brother being a Protestant escaped punishment Vol. 2. p. 109. Dennis a French Martyr 1528. burnt at Melda for saying the Mass is a plain denying of the death of Christ he was wont to have always in his mouth the words of Christ He that denyeth me before men him also will I deny before my Father and to muse on the same earnestly He was burnt with a slow fire and did abide much torment Vol. 2. p. 128. Adam Damlip alias George Bucker a great Papist in his Travels at Rome seeing the great profaneness and impiety of that place where he expected so much goodness loathed Popery and at Calice reforming he preached against it and was at length sentenced to death When the News was told him by the Jaylor of the Marshalsee in London on a Saturday night that on Monday he must for Calice and suffer there he did eat his Supper chearfully insomuch that some asked him how he could do it being to dye so soon to whom he said Ah Masters do you think that I have been God's Prisoner so long in the Marshalsee and have not learned to dye Yes yes and I doubt not but God will strengthen me therein He was at Calice the next Saturday following hanged drawn and quartered as a Traytor in King Henry the Eighth's time And his greatest Enemy who at his death said he would not depart till he did see his heart out one Sir Ralph Ellerken was soon after slain amongst others by the French and his Enemies cutting off his Privy Members cut his heart out of his body which cruelty they did to none other of the company and may be looked on as a just judgment of God on him who so desired to see Damlip's heart Vol. 2. p. 564 565. Iohn Denley a Gentleman of Maidstone in Kent burnt for the Gospel's sake at Uxbridge August 8. 1555. who in the flames sang a Psalm whereat Dr. Story caused one to throw a Faggot at him which hurting his Face did cause him to lay both his hands on it and to leave singing whereupon the Doctor said to him that flung the Faggot You have spoiled a good old Song but Mr. Denley being yet in the flame put abroad his hands again and sang yielding up his spirit into the hands of God Vol. 3. p. 390. Alice Driver a Suffolk Woman and a Labourers Wife persecuted for the Gospel of Christ said that Quen Mary for her persecuting the Saints of God was like Iezebel for which she had her Ears cut off presently which she suffered joyfully and said she thought her self happy that she was counted worthy to suffer any thing for the Name of Christ. Being examined by several Doctors she reasoned with them so and silenced them all She perceiving which said Have ye no more to say God be thanked you be not able to resist the Spirit of God in a poor weak woman I was never brought up at the University but often drave the Plow before my Father yet in the defence of Gods Truth and in the Cause of my Master Christ by his Grace I will set Foot to Foot against any of you in the maintenance of the same and if I had a thousand lives they should all go for the payment of it She being at Stake and a Chain put about her Neck to bind her with she said Here is a goodly Neck-kerchief Blessed be God for it She was burned November 4. 1558. Vol. 3. p. 886 887 888. Iohn Davis a School-boy of twelve years of age was because he had a Bible and had written some things against the Papists betrayed by his Aunt one Mrs. Iohnson in Worcester 1546. with whom he lived and he was imprisoned from August 14. till 7. days before Easter with Fetters and Bolts and one perswading him from burning advised him first to try the Candle who holding his Finger and the other holding a Candle under it a good space he cryed not felt no pain nor was his Finger scorched He was afterwards arraigned and should have been punished with death but that King Henry the 8 th dyed and the Law was thereby out of force Vol. 3. p. 919 920. E E EUlalia a Virgin of Noble Parentage in Eremita a City in Portugal of twelve years of age refusing great Marriages and Dowries being a Christian joined her self with Gods Children under the 10 th Persecution and being kept close by her Parents lest she should hasten her own death she by Night stole out and ran to the Judgment Seat and cryed out I am a Christian an Enemy to your devilish Sacrifices I spurn your Idols all under my Feet I confess God
Omnipotent with heart and mouth Isis Apollo Venus what are they Maximinus himself what is he The one a thing of nought because the work of Mens hands and the other a cast-away because he worshippeth the same work Whereat the Judge incens'd threatned torments but first perswades her to return and offer Incense whereat she spits in his Face spurns abroad with her Feet the Incense and then was miserably tormented scratched and cut to the Bones she singing and praising God saying O Lord I will not forget thee what a pleasure is it O Christ for them that remember thy triumphant Victory to attain to these high dignities and so she was burned Vol. 1. p. 120. Edmund King of Eastangles in the Saxon Heptarchy in Brittain being summoned to submit to Inguar a Dane returned an answer That he a Christian King would not for the love of a temporal life subject himself to a Pagan Duke unless he became a Christian first whereupon he was taken and fixt to a Stake and shot to death Vol. 1. p. 148. F F FRuctuosus Bishop of Tarraconia in Spain being by Emilianus under the Eighth Persecution in the year of Christ 262. to be burned because he would not worship Idols said He worshipped not any dumb God of Stocks and Blocks but one God the Creator of all things And being cast into the fire with his hands tyed behind him his bands were by the fire dissolved his hands unhurt and his body remained whole and he lifted up his hands and praised God praying also that the fire might speedily dispatch him which then was soon done in the mean time a Souldier in the house of Emilianus with the Daughter of Emilianus said they saw the Heavens open and the Martyr to enter in Vol. 1. p. 96. Nicholas Finchman burned in Dornick 1549. who being condemned blessed God which had counted him worthy to be a witness in the cause of his dear and well beloved Son and patiently took his death commending his Spirit unto God in the midst of the fire Vol. 2. p. 124. Iames Faber an old man about the year of Christ 1562. being apprehended said he could not answer or satisfie them in reasoning yet he would constantly abide in the truth of the Gospel and so was martyred Vol. 2. p. 127. Ioannes Filieul or Filiolus and Iulianus Leville suffered both at Sanserre in France 1554. who having their Tongues cut out yet had some utterance given them of God that at their death they said We bid Sin the Flesh the World and the Devil farewel for ever with whom never we shall have to do hereafter Vol. 2. p. 145. Fininus at Ferraria an Italian was burnt 1550. who being apprehended by the perswasion of his Friends he recanted and then was in so great horrour that he almost despaired till he publickly again preached the Gospel for which he being again taken could not by all the solicitations of his Wife and Children be drawn from it but told them that his Lord had commanded him not to deny him for taking care of his Family wherefore he desired them to depart And being afterwards commanded by Pope Iulius the Third to be executed he returned thanks to the Messengers of the News and much rejoiced at it And being asked what would become of his Wife and Children if he so left them he said he had left them to a good Overseer Christ the Lord a faithful Keeper of all committed to him One seeing him so merry before his death asked the Reason since Christ wept and sweat drops of blood before his Passion To whom he answered Christ sustained in his body all the sorrows and conflicts of Hell and death due to us by whose death we are delivered from sorrow and fear of them all And at the Stake after his Prayers to God he meekly gave his neck to the Cord with which he was strangled and was afterwards burned Vol. 2. p. 165 166. Iohn Frith burnt at one Stake in Smithfield 1533. with one Andrew Hewet this Frith willingly embraced the Stake and whenas one Dr. Cooke bad the people pray for them no more than for a Dog he said smiling Father forgive them and the fire being by the wind more blown to his Partner than himself he though in so great torments rejoiced and seeming to feel no torments comforted his fellow-sufferer rather than was careful for himself Vol. 2. p. 309 310. Henry Filmer a Preacher of the Gospel in King Hen. 8. days about Windsor was brought to be burnt by the Envy of Dr. London and the false accusations of his own Brother induced to it by promises of maintenance from the Doctor To which Brother Filmer seeing himself like to suffer by reason of his accusations said Ah Brother what cause hast thou to shew me this unkindness I have been always a natural Brother to thee and is this a Brotherly part to reward me now so God forgive thee it my Brother and give thee grace to repent He suffered with one Testwood and Anthony Persons As he came to his Brothers door as he was going to suffer he called his Brother three or four times but he appeared not and then Filmer said And will he not come then God forgive him and make him a good Man He being with the other two at the Stake drank to each other and Filmer said Be merry for I trust that after this sharp Breakfast we shall have a good Dinner in the Kingdom of Christ. Vol. 2. p. 553 554. Dr. Robert Farrar Bishop of S. Davids in Wales being to be burnt and much pitied by a Knights Son who lamented the painfulness of the death he was to suffer to whom Ferrar said If ye see me once stir in the pains of my burning you shall not believe my Doctrine And as he said so it was for he stood so patiently that he never moved but as he stood holding up his Stumps so he continued till he was struck down by a Staff March 30. 1555. in the Reign of Queen Mary Vol. 3. p. 216. William Flower alias Branch a Cambridgeshire Man brought up a Monk at last was reformed and after removing from place to place he came to Lambeth by London and on an Easter-day went to Westminster and in S. Margarets Church he out of zeal for Gods Cause drew his Hanger and wounded the Priest as he was administring the Sacrament for which he was imprisoned and though he much lamented the Fact as done amiss yet did he justifie his Faith against them And Bishop Bonner threatning him one while and then perswading him by proffers of Gifts he thankt him and said whereas it was in his power to kill or not kill his Body he was contented he should do what he pleased but he knew over his Soul he had no such power but that being separated from the Body is in the hands of no Man but only of God either to save or spill At length he was burnt in Westminster-Abby Yard April
24. 1554. where his right hand was cut off he not shewing any sense of pain and at last burning in the Fire he cryed out O thou Son of God have mercy on me O thou Son of God receive my Soul and dyed by much torment his lower part being burnt when his upper part was untouched by reason of want of Fuel Vol. 3. p. 243 244. 246. Elizabeth Folkes an Essex Maid being imprisoned and condemned for the Gospel kneeled down and lifting up her hands prayed to God and praised him that ever she was born to see that most blessed day that the Lord would count her worthy to suffer for the Testimony of Christ and Lord said she if it be thy Will forgive them that have done this against me for they know not what they do and going to the Stake at Colchester August 2. 1557. and the People not permitting her to give her Petticoat to her Mother who was present and kist her at the Stake and exhorted her to be strong in the Lord she threw away the Coat saying Farewel all the World farewel Faith farewel Hope and then taking hold of the Stake she said Welcome Love She was burned with five more who all clapped their hands for joy in the flames Vol. 3. p. 832. Iohn Frith being in the Tower as an Heretick because he held against Transubstantiation And being afterwards sent for to Croydon by my Lord of Canterbury Cranmer in King Henry the 8 th's time the Lords Men who were sent for him advised him to submit to the Bishops and Doctors opinion to whom Frith said My Conscience is such that in any wise I neither may nor can for any worldly respect without danger of damnation start aside from that true knowledge though I should presently lose twenty lives if I had so many The Servants still endeavouring to save him contrived how he might fly and so escape which they imparted to him To whom he said Should you leave me I would surely follow you should you bring the Bishops news ye had lost Frith I would bring them news I had found him and brought him again for though before I was taken I being at liberty fled to make use of my liberty yet I being taken cannot fly but run from God and should then be worthy of a thousand Hells And so he went chearfully to the Bishops at Croydon and there disputed the Point and after was sent to Bishop Stokesteys the Bishop of London's Consistory and soon after was burnt Vol. 3. p. 990 991 992. See more of Frith p. 59. of this Book G G GErmanicus a young devout Man being by the Proconsul of Antoninus Verus in the 4 th Persecution perswaded to favour himself being in the flower of his age he would not be allured but constantly and boldly and of his own accord provoked the Beasts to come upon him to devour him to be delivered the more speedily out of this wretched Life Vol. 1. p. 57. Gordius a Centurion of Caesaria in the 10 th Persecution willingly exiled himself till a publick Feast of Mars was celebrated and much People was assembled and then appearing in the Theatre cryed out I am found of them that sought me not And being examined by the Sheriff he said I came hither to publish that I set nothing by your Decrees against Christian Religion but I profess Christ to be my hope and safety Hereupon he was scourged and he said It would be an hindrance to him if he could not suffer divers torments for Christ. And having more torments tryed on him he sang The Lord is my helper I will not fear the thing that Man can do unto me I will fear no evil because thou Lord art with me After this being with prayers and entreaties dealt with he derided the madness of the Magistrates who being thereby incensed condemned him And he being much importuned by divers acquaintance to deny Christ with Tongue and to keep his Conscience to himself he said My Tongue which by the goodness of God I have cannot be brought to deny the Author of it And to those who wept for him and by tears importuned him to save himself he said Weep not I pray for me but weep for the Enemies of God which always make war against the Christians who prepare for these a fire and purchase to themselves Hell fire but molest not I pray my setled mind truly I am ready to suffer for the Name of Christ a thousand deaths if need were Vol. 1. p. 117. Iohn Goose in the time of King Edward the 4 th being to be burnt desired of the Sheriff somewhat to eat and he did eat as if he had been towards no manner of danger saying I eat now a good and competent Dinner for I shall pass a little sharp shower ere I go to Supper And having dined he gave thanks and desired that he might be shortly led to the place where he should yield up his Spirit to God and was burned on Tower-Hill in August 1473. Vol. 1. p. 939. Lawrence Ghest in King Henry the Seventh's days being to be burnt at Salisbury and having his Wife and seven Children shewn him and his Wife desiring him to favour himself he desired her to be content and not to be a block in his way for he was in a good course running toward the mark of his salvation and so he was burned Vol. 1. p. 1012. Galeasius Trecius an Italian burned at Aus Pompeia in Italy 1551. for professing the Gospel He having professed it a while and then by the perswasion of Friends denying it felt great sorrow and as he declared never greater in all his life but recovering by the grace of God he longed for a time to evidence his return by confession of his Faith again affirming he never felt more joy of heart than when by Papists examined nor more sorrow than when he recanted declaring that death was much more sweet to him with the testimony of the truth than life with the least denyal of the truth and loss of a good conscience And being imprisoned he could not be prevailed with to recant but confirmed his first Faith and burned Vol. 2. p. 167 168. Franciscus Gamba an Italian burn'd at Comun 1554. being accused for an Heretick and importuned to recant he defended his Doctrine by manifest Scriptures and proved his Opinions to be the true Doctrine of Christ and rather than he would deny them he was ready to stand to the effusion of his blood And being long and often assailed by his Friends to recant he could not be expugned but gave thanks to God that he was made worthy to suffer the rebukes of the world and civil death for the testimony of his Son and so went chearfully to death And when at his death the Fryars held a Cross before him he said that his mind was so replenished with joy and comfort in Christ that he needed not them nor their Cross And declaring many comfortable things to
the people he was strangled and burned Vol. 2. p. 180. Garret a great promoter of Christianity in Oxford was at last Iuly 30. 1541. by Gardner Bishop of Winchester to be burnt who professing his Faith and detesting all Heresies beg'd pardon of God for his sins and of all persons whom he had offended He resigned up his Soul to God whom he believed would through Christ save him and pardon his sins and desired the persons present to pray for him and dyed Christianly with Barus and Hierom. Vol. 2. p. 528. William Gardiner born at Bristow and there dealing in Merchandise under one Mr. Paget a Merchant at 26 years of age sailed to Spain but by chance the Ship arrived at Lisborne the chief City of Portugal where he stayed and merchandised and learning their tongue he acted for many English Merchants and had much knowledge in Scripture and the Reformed Religion And being there and happening to be at the solemnizing of a marriage between the King of Portugal's Son and the King of Spain's Daughter and beholding great Pomp and greater Idolatry acted by the Kings and all the Assembly's adoring the Mass praying kneeling and worshipping the external Sacrament he was much troubled and could he have got near the Altar would have interrupted them but being hindred by the throng of the people he was very sorrowful for his neglect of that opportunity to declare against their Idolatry which neglect he much lamented and contrived how to redeem it to effect which he cast up all his accounts and bad adieu to worldly concerns and giving himself to reading meditating fasting weeping and praying He being cleanly drest the next Sunday when the like Solemnity was to be done he gat to the Altar betimes and there stood with a Testament in his hand till the Cardinal came to solemnize it and till he consecrated sacrificed and lifted up on high the Host shewing his God to the people who with the Kings and Nobles gave great reverence to it and at last when the Cardinal came to begin to toss it to and fro round the Chalice making several Circles this Gardner stept in and with one hand took the Cake and trod it under foot and with the other hand overthrew the Chalice in the presence of the Kings and the Nobles and Citizens which abashed them all and one cut him with a Sword but the King commanded he should be saved and being examined he confessed himself to be an English-man and a Protestant and decryed much against their Idolatry for which after several torments to cause him to confess others he taking all the blame on himself they put a hard roul of Linen with a string into his throat and so often pulled that up and then cut of his right hand which he took in his left and kist then in the Market-place they cut off his left hand and he kneeling down kissed it then was he carried to Execution and being hung on high a fire was made under him and he by degrees let down into it so that only his legs at first felt the fire yet would he not recant and being bid to pray to Saints he said That when Christ leaves off to be our Mediator and Advocate then he would pray to our Lady and the Saints And then he prayed O Eternal God Father of all mercies I beseech thee look down upon thy Servant And the more terribly he burnt the more vehemently he prayed which his Enemies desiring to hinder he said the 43. Psalm before the close of which the Rope was burnt asunder and he fell down into the Fire and was burned to death 1552. whose death was not unpunished for among the King of Portugal's Ships ready to sail being in a Haven hard by one was burnt by a Spark of Fire blown from the Martyrs Fire and within half a Year the Kings Son dyed and the King himself within a Year Vol. 2. p. 745 746 747 748. Robert Glover was apprehended to be burnt at Coventry being very sickly in Prison said he found daily amendment of body and increase of peace in Conscience many consolations from God and sometimes as it were a taste and a glimmering of the life to come But he was much assaulted by Satan from his unworthiness to do or suffer for Christ. Which Objection he answered from Gods mercies and the unworthiness of like Servants in all Ages who have been accepted Yet three days before he was burnt he had a sad dulness of Spirit and was desolate of all spiritual comfort against which he prayed much and earnestly but yet finding no ease nor comfort he told it to his Friend one Austin who advised him to wait God's time for the manifestation of himself and to continue stedfast in the Faith and willing to suffer knowing his Cause to be right not doubting but God in his due time would replenish his heart with spiritual joy requesting him to shew it by some token if he felt any such thing And as he went to burning as soon as he came in sight of the Stake he cryed out being suddenly full of comfort clapping his hands together Austin He is come he is come with so great joy and alacrity as if he had been one risen from some deadly danger to liberty of life and so dyed chearfully in September 1555. Vol. 3. p. 427 428. Bartlet Green a Londoner brought up at Oxford converted from Popery by Peter Martyr Reader of Divinity in Oxford and afterwards he was Student in the Temple and at twenty five years of age Ianuary 28. 1556. he was burnt with six others for the Gospel of Christ. He often repeated as he went to the Stake and at the Stake this Distich Christe Deus sine te spes est mihi nulla salutis Te Duce vera sequor te duce falsa nego In English thus O Christ my God sure hope of health besides thee I have none The truth I love and falshood hate by thee my guide alone Vol. 3. p. 627. He wrote to one in a Letter thus Man of Woman is born in Travel to live in misery Man through Christ doth dye in joy and live in felicity he is born to dye and dyes to live whilst here he displeased God when dead he fulfilled his Will Vol. 3. p. 629. Charles Le Roy de Gand once a Fryar Carmelite but reformed had a Canonship promised him by the Magistrate if he would but yield a little to which he said You proffer me a Canonship that I might live quietly and be in security but know Sir that rest is no true rest which is obtained against peace of Conscience and so he was burned at Bruges April 27. 1557. Addit to Vol 3. of Massacre of France p. 5. H H JOHN Husse a Bohemian was burned 1415. about Iuly by the Council of Constance where he often desired to be heard to clear himself of the errours they impeached him of and could not Then he requesting their proving by
Scripture any errour he held they would not but because he held Wicklif's Doctrine they degraded him and left him to the Secular Power to Sigismund King of the Romans by whom he was condemned and burned and all this cruelty against a safe Conduct sealed by the Emperour and promised by the Council When he was to be burned he prayed often and especially for his Enemies and after the kindling of the Fire he sang aloud Iesus Christ the Son of the living God have mercy upon me Vol. 1. p. 821 822. Richard Hunn burned in Smithfield December 20. 1514. sixteen days after he was privately Murdered by the Papists Vol. 2. p. 19. Mr. Hierom was condemned in King Henry the 8 th's time 1541. by Bishop Gardner Bishop of Winchester and at the Stake he confessed his Faith and exhorted all Persons to Duties to God and Man considering what Price Christ paid for us and exciting them to bear their Cross with Christ considering his Example of Patience under sufferings and at last prayed them to pray for him that he Barns and Garret who were all three together burnt might have their Souls leaving these wretched Bodies constantly depart in the true Faith of Christ and so committing his Soul to Christ he dyed These three which at this Fire were burnt together took each other by the hand and kissing each other quietly and peaceably offered themselves to the tormentors hands and took their deaths Christianly and patiently Vol. 2. p. 528 529. Mr. Iohn Hooper Student in Oxford flying in King Henry the 8 th's time beyond Sea because of Persecution for the six Articles was at Zurick acquainted with Mr. Bullinger and Married a Burgonian Woman But in King Edward the 6 th's days he returned and did promise his Friends they should hear from him Though saith he the last News of me I shall not be able to write for there saith he where I shall take most pains there shall you hear of me to be burnt to Ashes Which Prophesie came to effect He preached at London often twice a day but alwayes once a day He was in his Sermons earnest in his Tongue eloquent in Scriptures perfect in pains indefatigable he was spare of dyet sparest of words and sparest of time He was by King Edward the 6 th made Bishop of Glocester and Worcester in both which Diocesses he preached at and visited them and at Worcester his manner was every day to have a certain number of poor Beggars of the Town Dine in his Pallace with whole and wholsome Meat four at a Mess whom he examined or caused to be examined in the Lords Prayer Creed and Ten Commandments before himself sate down to Dinner He was with one Iohn Rogers the two first that were condemned in Queen Mary's days To which Rogers Bishop Hooper said Brother Rogers Must we two begin first to fry these Faggots fear not but God will give us strength He suffered amongst his People at Glocester where Sir Anthony Kingston his old Friend did desire him to accept of life and not dye saying life is sweet and death bitter To whom Bishop Hooper answered True but eternal death is more bitter and eternal life most sweet in respect of which I value not this life Vol. 3. p. 145 146 147. He was after that perswaded much but he said Death to me for Christ's sake is welcome At the fire a Box was set on a Stool before him with the Queens Pardon as it was said if he would turn but he cryed If ye love my Sonl away with it if ye love my Soul away with it He was prohibited to speak to the people and permitted only to pray he begged of the Sheriffs for a speedy fire to dispatch him but when he was to be burnt what through the wetness of the wood and greatness of the frude three fires one after another were made before he was consumed in the first fire he prayed mildly as one without pain Lord Iesus thou Son of David have mercy on me and receive my Soul After the second fire was spent he wiped both Eyes and looking on the people beg'd for Gods sake more fire And in the third fire he cryed out Lord Iesus receive my Spirit Lord Iesus have mercy on me and so spoke no more continuing motion of his lips till they shrank to his gums and beating his breast with his hands till one arm fell off and the other by fat water and blood stuck to the Iron by which he was fastned to the Stake and so he dyed Vol. 3. p. 156. In a Letter he wrote out of Prison to divers Friends he undervalues the worldly joyes and troubles in comparison of Hells misery or Heavens glory and exhorts them to constancy thus It was an easie thing to hold with God and Christ whilst the Prince and World held with him but now the World hateth him it is the true tryal who be his Let us not run when it is most time to fight none shall be Crowned but them that fight manfully Beware of beholding the Worlds felicity or misery too much whose love or fear draweth from God Think the felicity of the World good but yet no otherwise than stands with Gods favour It is to be kept yet so as we lose not God of adversity judge the same Imprisonment is painful yet liberty on evil terms worse I must be alone and solitary yet that is better and to have God with us than to enjoy the company of the wicked Loss of goods is great but loss of Gods favour greater I shall dye by the hands of cruel Men but he is blessed that loseth a life full of misery and findeth a life full of eternal ioyes Neither felicity or misery in the World can be great if compared with joys or pains in the World to come Vol. 3. p. 156 157. In another Letter he exhorts the godly to meet often and pray and confer together of their ignorance before their knowledge of God and their state by their knowledge of God in his Word and to compare their Popish Principles with Gods Word being careful to do all things for three ends Gods glory the Churches edification and their Souls profit p. 158 159. In another Letter exhorting to patience under the Cross he saith That our Enemies cruelty hath no further power than God permits and what comes to us by the will of our heavenly Father can be no harm but felicity to us We as Men suffer these evils but as Christians we overcome them nor can they separate betwen Gods love and us they can but last our short life and then must give way to our partaking of eternal joyes Vol. 3. p. 161. Nothing can hurt us that is taken from us for Gods Cause nor can any thing do us good that is kept against Gods Commandment let us surrender goods and life to his will and then it matters not whether we keep or lose it Vol. 3. p. 163. William Hunter an Apprence to
Laurence a Deacon of Xystus Bishop of Rome seeing him going to be martyred earnestly desired to die with him and cry'd out to him saying Oh dear Father whither goest thou without the company of thy dear Son hast thou proved me unnatural Now try whether thou hast chosen a faithful Minister or no Grant that the Body of thy Scholar may be sacrificed whose mind thou hast beautified with good Letters To whom Xystus said He should follow him after 3 dayes And when this Laurence was to be persecuted he being as Deacon Treasurer of the Church and commanded by his Persecutors to produce the Treasure caused a number of poor People to come together and said These were the Church's riches in whom Christ dwells Whereat the Persecutors raged and caused the fire to be kindled and he was laid on a hot burning Iron-bed or Grid-Iron and held down with hot forks who said to the Tyrant This side is roasted enough turn up O Tyrant that assay whether roasted or raw thou thinkest the better meat This was done under the 8 th Persecution Vol. 1. pag. 92 93. Simon Laloe burned at Dyon in France 1553. shew'd such faith and constancy that his Executioner Iames Silvester seeing it was so compuncted with repentance and fell into such despair that they had much adoe with all their promises of the Gospel to recover any comfort in him at last through Christ's mercy he was comforted and converted and he with his Family removed to Geneva Vol. 2. pag. 142. Iohn Lambert being much examined concerning the Sacrament and released by reason of the death of Archbishop Warham was at last by the malice of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester brought before King Henry the VIII and many Nobles and ten Bishops caused to dispute him 1538. and against reason by Popish instigation the King was perswaded to condemn him and he was burned in Smithfield who was very chearful the day of his sufferings and when in the fire his legs were burned to the stumps the Tormentors withdrew the fire so that a small fire and coals were left under him and two Persecutors ran their Halberts into him then he lifting up that hand he had with fingers flaming cry'd out None but Christ none but Christ and so being let down from their Halberts fell into the fire and died Vol. 2. pag. 427. Iohn Lacels Servant to King Henry VIII was burnt with Mrs. Anne Askew about Iune 1546. who in a Letter against Transubstantiation subscribed himself thus Iohn Lacels late Servant to the King and now I trust to serve the Everlasting King with the testimony of my Blood in Smithfield Vol. 2. pag. 581. Iohn Lawrence burnt at Colchester March 29. 1555. he was so badly used in Prison that he could not go to the Stake but was carried in a Chair and burnt sitting Whilst he was burning the young Children came about the fire and cry'd as well as they could speak saying Lord strengthen thy Servant and keep thy promise Lord strengthen thy Servant and keep thy promise Vol. 3. pag. 200. Hugh Lawrence a Kentish Man being August 2. 1555. examined by the Bishop of Dover Dr. Thornton and Dr. Harpsfield stood constantly against Popery being required to subscribe to their Articles he took a pen and writ Ye are all of Antichrist and him ye fol. intending to write as appears follow but was prevented condemned and burned with 5 more Kentish Men at 3 Stakes in one fire Vol. 3. p. 393. Hugh Latimer writing to Bishop Ridley saith Pray for me for sometimes I am so fearful that I would creep into a Mouse-hole sometimes God doth visit me again with his comfort so he cometh and goeth to teach me to fell and to know my infirmity Vol. 3. p. 441. He was a Leicester-shire man and went to Cambridge at 14 years of age he was a zealous Papist till by Gods will and Mr. Bilney's endeavours he was converted and then he became a zealous Protestant p. 450. and openly preached against Popery in Cambridge and other places for which he was imprisoned p. 456 457. yet was he by God long preserved and by the Lord Cromwell in King Henry the 8 th's days made Bishop of Worcester p. 460. but some years after he lost his Bishoprick because he would not comply to the six Articles and when his Rotchet was pulled off he leaped for joy of being lightned of so great a burden as his Bishops Office he was usually studying both Summer and Winter by Two of the Clock in the morning p. 462. he was a great Prophet foretelling most Plagues that came on England and used to say his preaching the Gospel would cost him his life as it also did he prayed earnestly and often so that being aged he could not get up again from his knees in his prayer he much and earnestly desired the restoring the Gospel again to England which God granted in a short time by Queen Elizabeth he also beg'd that as God had called him to be a Minister of the Gospel he might have grace to stand for it to death and to give his hearts blood for it which God answered and effected for at the Stake in the greatest extremity he lifted up his Eyes to Heaven and with an amiable countenance said God is faithful who hath promised not to suffer us to be tempted above our strength and by and by fire breaking his body the blood of his heart was shed for Christ in such abundance that the standers by did marvel as if all the blood of his body was gathered to his heart p. 463. The Bishops according to Custom presenting the King each New-years-day with a Gift he being Bishop of Worcester whilst others presented Gold Silver c. presented King Henry the 8 th with a New Testament with a Napkin having this Poesie Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge pag. 486. He being at the Stake in his shirt to be burned in Oxford with Bishop Ridley the Executioner brought a Faggot kindled with fire and laid it at Ridley's feet to whom Latimer said Be of good comfort Mr. Ridley and play the man we shall light such a Candle this day by Gods grace in England as I trust shall never be put out and in the flame he cryed Oh Father of Heaven receive my Soul receiving the flames as it were embracing them he soon dyed feeling little or no pain Vol. 3. p. 503. Hugh Laverock a lame man of 68 years of age going on Crutches and one Apprice a blind man were burned 1556. by Bishop Bonners command and at the Stake this Laverock the Cripple threw away his Crutches and turning to Apprice did comfort him saying Be of good comfort my Brother for my Lord of London is our good Physician he will heal us both shortly thee of thy blindness and me of my lameness And so they both suffered Vol. 3. p. 701. Mrs. Ioice Lewis a Gentlewoman of Manceter was burnt for the Gospel in Queen Maries days who was at
at last being to be burned he said to his Friends That when he was imprisoned and almost pin'd away 2 or 3 dayes together he fell into a slumber and one clad in white seem'd to stand by him and comforting him said Samuel Samuel be of good chear and take a good heart to thee for after this day thou shalt never hunger nor thirst more Which thing was effected for from that time to his sufferings he felt neither hunger nor thirst and it is said that his Body when it was in the fire shone as bright and white as new try'd Silver Vol. 3. p. 414 415. Iohn Spicer burnt at Salisbury March 24. 1556. with 2 others At the Stake said This is the joyfullest day that ever I saw Vol. 3. p. 680. Agnes Stanley burned at Smithfield with four more April 12. 1557. she being by Bishop Bonner threatned with death if she would not recant said I had rather every hair of my head were burned if it were never so much worth than that I should forsake my Faith and Opinion which is the true Faith Vol. 3. p. 788. Thomas Spurdance one of Queen Mary's Servants being apprehended for the Gospel and examined at Norwich by the Bishop who bad him submit to the Queen's Laws he said You must know My Lord that I have a Soul as well as a Body my Soul is none of the Queen's but my Body and Goods are the Queen's And I must give God my Soul and all that belongs to it That is I must do the Laws and Commandments of God and may not do Commandments contrary to them for losing of my Soul but muct rather obey God than Man if I save my life I shall lose it and if for Christ 's sake I lose it I shall find it in Everlasting Life And was burned at Bury in November 1557. Vol. 3. pag. 855. William Sparrow of London burnt in November 18. 1557. who being examined said That that which the Papists called Heresie was true and godly and if every hair of his head was a Man he said he would burn them rather than go from the Truth Vol. 3. p. 857. Cuthbert Simpson a Minister in London was wrakt often in one day to discover his Confederates but he would not and at last was burnt He writing to his Wife perswades her to constancy pleading God's promises to help us and that nothing shall befal us but what is profitable to us either a correction of our sins tryal of our Faith to set forth his Glory or for all together Vol. 3. p. 866 867. Archambant Scraphom martyred 1557. in Flanders for speaking that the Pope was the Antichrist St. Paul described And being willed to subscribe his Saying reply'd Yea yea I am ready to sign it with my Blood rather than with Ink. When he looked on his hands he used to say O flesh you must suffer and be burned to ashes till the last day Additions to Vol. 3. concerning the Massacre of France p. 6. T T THeban Souldiers a Legion having Mauritius their Captain being sent for by Maximinus the Emperour under the tenth Persecution to go against and persecute the Christians would not for which every tenth Man was kill'd And being still urged they made a notable Oration to the Emperour declaring Though they were his Souldiers yet were they God's Servants and would not persecute the Christians nor sacrifice to the Emperour 's devillish Idols Whereupon again every tenth Man was slain and afterwards their whole Army totally destroy'd who made no resistance but laid down their armour and gave their naked Bodies to their Enemies fury Vol. 3. p. 104 105. Nicholas and Francis Thressen being brought up in Christianity by their Father Andreas Thressen who flying into England out of Germany from their Mother and two other Children died there and then these two Sons returned into Germany to their Mother and the two Children with her and instructed them in Christianity With whom the Papists laboured to make them recant and the two youngest being not well grounded did so the Mother would not and was condemned to perpetual prison These two Sons inveighed against Popery and despising torments were condemned to the fire and desiring to speak had Gaggs put into their Mouths and balls of wood to hinder it but they with vehemency of speaking drave them out and desiring for the Lord's sake that they might have liberty to speak they sang the Creed with a loud voice and went and were fastened to the Stake praying for their Persecutors and exhorting each other they did abide the fire patiently The one feeling the flame to burn his beard said Ah! what a small pain is this to be compared to the glory to come and so committing their Spirits to the hands of God they died Vol. 2. p. 121. Giles Tilleman a Cutler born at Brussels burned 1544. He received the Gospel at 30 years of age and was very charitable to the poor and so zealous in prayer that he seem'd to forget himself and neither to hear nor see those that stood by him till he was lift up by the arms So patient was he of private injuries that he would not speak again to revilers insomuch that they said he had a dumb devil though in the cause of Religion he had words and Scripture enough When tidings came to him of the Sentence against him he gave hearty thanks to God that the hour was come that he might glorifie the Lord and at the place of burning when the Hangman would have strangled him first he would not let him saying There was no need that his pain should be mitigated For said he I fear not the Fire And lifting up his eyes in the middle of the flames he died Vol. 2. pag. 119. William Tracy of Todington in Glocestershire Esq 1532. in his Will and Testament ordained his Executors not to make any funeral pomp at his Burial neither passed he for any Mass saying He trusted only in God and hoped by him to be saved and not by any Saint He said there was but one Mediator between God and Man Christ Iesus and therefore he gave nothing that any should say or do any thing to help his Soul after his death for which Will he was near two years after his death taken up and burnt as an Heretick by the Archbishop of Canterbury's order to Dr. Parker Chancellor in Worcester Diocese whom King Henry VIII made it cost 300 pound Vol. 2. p. 317 318. William Tyndal of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford removed thence to Cambridge and thence to Glocestershire where in the House of one Welch a Knight he resided sometime disputing with the Clergy Priests and Abbots and refuted them by Scripture evidences so that they hated him and brought him to trouble At last he intending to translate the Bible into English for the good of his Native People and to deliver them from the blind Idolatry and superstition of Popery and finding England would not bear it nor afford