ΜΑΡΤΥΡΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΑΛΦΑΒΕΤΙΚΕ OR AN Alphabetical Martyrology CONTAINING THE Tryals and Dying Expressions OF MANY MARTYRS Of Note since CHRIST Extracted out of Foxe's Acts and Monuments of the Church WITH AN ALPHABETICAL LIST Of GOD'S JUDGEMENTS remarkably shown on many Noted and Cruel PERSECUTORS Together with an APPENDIX of things pertinent to the understanding this MARTYROLOGY By N. T. M. A. T. C. C. These all dyed in the Faith Hebr. 11.13 In all these things we are more than Conquerors Rom. 8.37 LONDON Printed for R. Butler in Barbican and are to be sold by Samuel Wooley Bookseller in Louth in Lincolnshire 1677. ERRATA IN the Epistile Page 3. read 2 Cor. 4 7 8 9. In the Book p. 25. l. 17. read Iames Bainham p. 27. l. 18. put out then p. 9. l. 5. read Pomponius p. 53. l. 21. put out so p. 69. l. 13. read cruel p. 79. l. 2. read sparer in words p. 80. l. 16. read Wind. p. 140. l. 20. read Wounds p. 150. l. 17. read trailed p. 167. l. 22. read must p. 169. and 170. read Thiessen p. 172. l. 24. read confuted p. 185. l. 8. read Fool. p. 224. l. 10. Concerning Dr. London's Punishment in the former part of the Book Add Page 174. p. 226. l. 12. read Maximinus p. 230. l. 7. read Sute ADVERTISEMENT TWO Sermons of Hypocrisie and the vain hope of self-deceiving Sinners A Vindication of Oaths and swearing in weighty cases as lawful and useful under the Gospel And the Quakers Opinion and Practice against Oaths and Oath-taking proved to be unscriptural and without any just Reason as also against their own Principles Both written by Iohn Cheney Minister of the Gospel Printed for R. Butler and are to be sold with the rest of his Works by Iohn Miller at the Rose at the West-end of St. Paul's Church To the Christian READER all encrease of Grace here and all fulness of Glory hereafter SO great an enmity hath Satan evidenced ever since his own Apostasie against Mankind that he must be conceded to have bin very sedulous and vigilant in all Ages to destroy Souls one while alluring them to sin against God by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of worldly or sensual propositions or else deterring them from adhering to God vi armis by his assaults and persecutions the verity of which hath been continuedly evidenced in the successive Ages of God's Church wherein the first member dying dyed a Martyr on the account of his Religion and the several Prophets and Children of God before Christ have been so persecuted sawn asunder cast into Dungeons fiery Furnaces Lyons dens c. That if to these we add the consideration of St. Paul's Martyrology in Heb. 11. we may propose our Saviour's Enquiry Which of the Prophets have they not slain Nor did the fury of Satan and his Instruments terminate there but when Christ the Son of God was incarnated and became Man for our Salvation Satan the Arch-enemy of Man assails him as Tempter but being put to flight so he becomes Accuser and by his Instruments persecuted our dearest Saviour not desisting till they had crucified the Lord of Life Which being effected this Serpentine Seed continued its enmity againg Christ in his Members so that few of Christ's Apostles or Followers have escaped tribulation as the Writings of the Sacred Writ aver and the succeeding pages will much evidence which seem in respect of their matter to be serviceable to the Church of God many wayes 1. In demonstrating the verity of our Religion and the great and sure foundation of our Faith sealed by the Blood of many thousand Martyrs who have as witnesses thereof attested the verity of their Professions by their deaths 2. In evidencing the state of God's People here whose Life is but a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a warfare whilst they remain Members of the Church Militant on Earth which may disswade us from singing Requiem's to our Souls and may excite our constant watch 3. In assuring us of the Triumph of Christ the Captain of our Salvation who in himself and Members hath verified that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Seed of the Woman's breaking the Serpent's head in that in the midst of all troubles the Saints of God have experienced joy which may engage our running with patience the Race that is set before us 4. In declaring God's fidelity to his People who in the greatest misery hath shown them the greatest mercy and often then hath most given his People assurance of their living with him when they were going to dye for him which may support our Spirits under pressures in that they cannot separate us from God here or hereafter Rom. 8.38 2 Cor. 7.8 9. 5. In proposing the Examples of many thousands of constant Martyrs who chose rather to suffer than sin and found more joy in dying for Christ than ever they did trouble in serving of Christ. 6. In shewing the sad effects of Apostasie upon many of God's People who found all the wordly enjoyments without a Christ but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bitter sweets and have not acquiesced till through God's Spirit they did reassume the Profession of Christ and at last did dye for Christ which may incite our holy jealousie over our selves 7. In setting before us the care of God for his People in their Lives and Death and after death by supplying their wants comforting their Souls mitigating their pains and preserving their Names to succeeding Generations verifying his own assertion That the memory of the Just shall be blessed 8. In representing the efficacy of Christianity and its Champions constancy so as often to have influenced the very Persecutors of it and them not onely to pity them but also to close with their Principles and dye for the same Faith so that we have no need to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. 9. In demonstrating the frustration of the grand design of Christ's Enemies the extirpation of his Faith and Religion by Persecution it being evidently manifested that Christianity hath been more propagated the more it hath been persecuted and it was long since observed that Sanguis Martyrum was Semen Ecclesiae So that against all opposition the Faith of Christ and its Professors have been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more than Conquerors nor hath the gates of Hell hitherto prevailed against the Church of Christ. 10. In manifesting God's mercy and justice His Mercy in preserving his true Religion and its Professors amidst all their Enemies and his Iustice in his divers inflictions of punishments upon their Persecutors Insomuch that some have confessedly acknowledged Christ Conqueror his cause true and themselves because Persecutors of it damned This is the matter of the Pages humbly offer'd and unfeignedly recommended to thy perusal And as to the manner of the Epitome an Alphabetical method both as to Sufferers and Persecutors seemed most apt for thy reaping advantage The reasons moving the Epitomizing the voluminous works of the Author were these 1.
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
Dr. with holes only to see and breathe through that none might know him nor he speak to any The Dr. was very pleasant all the way as if he was going to a Banquet And when he came to Chelmsford the Sheriff of Suffolk met him and as they were at Supper the Sheriff of Essex perswaded him to turn to Popery pleading his strength of body might live long and he would be in great esteem because all loved him for his sweetness and Learning and a pardon might still be had and so drank to him and so did all the Yeomen of the Guard his Attendants And when the Cup came to the Dr. he considered a while before he spake and at last thanked them for their Counsel and said To be plain with you I perceive I have been deceived my self and am like to deceive a great many of Hadley of their expectation At which words they rejoyced saying Gods blessing on your heart hold you there still why should you cast away your life But he said My meaning is this I am deceived and as I think I shall deceive a great many I am ye see a Man of a great carcass which I thought should have been buried in Hadly Church-yard but herein I see I am deceived and there are a great many worms in Hadly Church-yard which would have had a jolly feeding upon this carrion but now I know they will be deceived for this carcass must be burned to ashes Which sayings astonished the Sheriff that he should but jest at death now at hand Within 2 miles of Hadly he desired to alight to make water and fetched a frisk or two as Men do in dancing saying he was very well never better For now I know I am almost at my Father's home And after that he did understand he should go through Hadly he blessed God that he should once more see his People before he died whom he prayed God to bless and keep stedfast in word and truth and at Hadly a poor Man and 5 Children meeting him begg'd an alms and pray'd to God to comfort him as he had done often him and his Children And the People of Hadly stood in the streets weeping and praying for him saying There goes our good Shepherd Oh God! what will become of us poor Lambs To whom the Dr. all along said I have preached among you God's truth and am now come to seal it with my blood And at the Almes-house he gave them all the Money he had His care was once a fortnight to visit with the Gentry the poor Inhabitants and whom he found to blame he reboked whom he found to want he supply'd At last coming to Aldam Common the place of his suffering he would have spoke but was not permitted onely he said to the People He had preached and was now to seal the truth of the Gospel with his blood for which saying he was struck And being ty'd fast to the Stake in a pitch-barrel he held up his hands saying Merciful Father of Heaven for Jesus Christ 's sake my Saviour receive my Soul into thy hands And so he stood with his hands joyned until one with a Halberd knocked his brains out and the dead Corps fell down into the fire Vol 3. p. 176 177 178. Thomas Tomkins burnt March 16. 1555. a London Waver to whom Bishop Bonner used cruelty and at his own Palace hall at Fulham to terrifie the poor Man burnt his hand with a Taper till the veins and sinews broke and the water spirted in the faces of the standers by who being moved with pity requested the Bishop to stay saying he had try'd him enough But the Bishop stay'd not till he had effected his burning in Smithfield This Tomkins never shrank at the burning his hand but said he was wrapt in Spirit so that he felt no pain Vol. 3. p. 187 188 190. Iohn Taylor otherwise called Iohn Cardmaker Prebendary of Wells and a Franciscan Fryar burnt with one Warn May 30. 1555. in Smithfield where the Sheriff talking much with Taylor and the Papists having noised abroad his recantation the People began to suspect it but at last Taylor suddenly went and pray'd then stript himself to his shirt went to the Stake and kissed it and shaking his Fellow-sufferer Iohn Warn by the hand comforted him and then heartily gave himself to be burned whereat all the People cry'd out for joy God be praised the Lord strengthen thee Cardmaker the Lord Jesus receive thy Spirit till such time as by fire he was consum'd Vol. 3. p. 246 248. George Tankerfield a zealous Papist in King Edward VI. dayes a Cook in London But in Queen Mary's dayes seeing their Popish persecution and cruelty hated their doctrine prayed to God for direction and studied the word of God and became a zealous Protestant who for the Gospel was condemned and was burnt at St. Albans August 26. 1555. In the Inn before he suffered he called for some Malmsey and a loaf to eat and drink in remembrance of Christ's death and Passion which he said he did not in contempt of the Ministry or to detract from the Ordinance but because he could not have it administred to him according to God's Word And after he had with prayer and thanksgiving received he caused a good fire to be made in his Chamber and he sitting by it pull'd off his hose and shoes and stretched out his feet towards it and when the flame had touched his foot he quickly drew back his leg shewing how the Flesh did perswade him one way and the Spirit another The Flesh said Oh! thou foot wilt thou burn and need not The Spirit Be not afraid for this is nothing in respect of fire Eternal The Flesh said Do not leave the company of thy Friends which love thee The Spirit said The company of Iesus Christ and his glorious presence doth exceed all fleshly Friends The Flesh saith Do not shorten thy time for thou mayest live if thou wilt much longer But the Spirit said This Life is nothing to the Life in Heaven which lasteth for ever And after he coming to the Stake pray'd and with a joyful faith said That although he had a sharp dinner yet he hoped to have a joyful supper And in the fire he calling on the name of the Lord was quickly out of pain V. 3. p. 397. William Tyms Minister burnt with several others April 14. 1556. wrote to his Sister thus I take my leave of you till we meet in Heaven you shall find me merrily singing Holy holy holy Lord God of Sabboth at my journey's end And at the end of his Letter he wrote his name in blood in token that he would seal the Doctrine of Christ with the rest and also he wrote in blood these words Continue in prayer ask in Faith and obtain your desire In another Letter to his Parishioners at Hockley in Essex exhorts them to constancy to his Doctrine which he now was about sealing with his blood
Because many who probably would read those greater Volumes either cannot acquire them being scarce or cannot purchase them being dear or perhaps have not time to peruse them being great to occur all which this abstract may suffice 2. The Chief things in these Volumes desired by the Vulgar whose instruction is chiefly designed hereby is the Lives and deaths the Constancy and Comforts of the Martyrs which here are briefly contained as to the most remarkable Martyrs ever since Christ's time which being portable may serve as a Manual to be oft in our hands to be perused till we get their experiences on our hearts And although in these Halcyon dayes of the Church which God long continue these endeavours way seem to some supervacaneous yet if we consider that while we are in the World we must expect troubles it is no small prudence to prepare for it However the ten premised Reasons may plead for thy acceptance of what is humbly tendred and sincerely published for God's Glory and thy Soul 's good by Thine in the Service of GOD N. T. AN Alphabetical Martyrology A A ANdrew the Apostle and Brother of Peter being conversant in a City called Patris in Achaia brought many to the Faith of Christ. Egeas the Governour hearing of it resorted to him and with threats of the Cross disswaded him by his Proconsul but Andrew said he would not have preached the honour and glory of the Cross if he had feared the death of the Cross. And being condemned when he saw the Cross he said O Cross most welcome and long looked for with a willing mind joyfully and desirously I come to thee being the Scholar of him who did hang on thee because I have always been thy Lover and have coveted to embrace thee And so being crucified he gave up the ghost the last of November See Vol. 1. pag. 42 43. One Alexander under the Tenth Persecution standing near the Bar at the Examination of the Christians beckned to them with signs to confess Christ which the multitude perceiving made it known to the Judge who examining what he was and being answered by him I am a Christian condemned him to be devoured of wild Beasts And he having endured sad Torments never sighed but from the bottom of his heart praised and prayed to the Lord. Vol. 1. p. 62. Apollinia an ancient Virgin under the Seventh Persecution having her Teeth dashed out and being threatned to be cast into a great fire made before her unless she would blaspheme with them and deny Christ she paused a while and suddenly leaped into the fire and was burned Vol. 1. p. 80. Ammonarion an holy Virgin told the persecuting Judge That for no Punishment she would yield to his request and constantly she performed her words under very severe Torments and was at last slain with a Sword Vol. 1. pag. 80 81. Alban the first English Martyr under the Tenth Persecution did receive a Clerk into his House flying for Religion by whose Precepts and Precedents he of a Pagan became a Christian and when the Emperour sent to apprehend the Clerk Alban put on the Clerks Habits and offered himself to the Souldiers as the Clerk and so was had away and being commanded on pain of death by the Emperour to sacrifice to Idols he said I am a Christian and worship the true and living God who created all the World and the Sacrifices offered to Devils can neither help them that offer them nor can they accomplish the desires of their Supplicants but they whoever they be that offer Sacrifice to Devils shall receive everlasting pains of Hell for their portion Whereupon he was cruelly beaten and at last beheaded Vol. 1. pag. 115. Agnes a Virgin of Rome in the Tenth Persecution of Noble Parentage before she was marriageable she was dedicated to Christ and boldly resisted the wicked Edicts of the Emperour who by fair and foul ways induced her to renounce her Faith yet she remained constant and courageous and offered her body to suffer any torment or pain not refusing to suffer whatsoever it should be though death it self But the Tyrant threatned to expose her Chastity to danger by sending her to the Stews unless she would ask Minerva pardon Whereupon she inveighed against Minerva and said Christ is not so forgetful of those that are his that he will suffer violently to be taken from them their golden and pure Chastity Thou shalt saith she bathe thy Sword in my blood if thou wilt but thou shalt not defile my body with filthy lust for any thing thou canst do After which the Tyrant commanded her to be set naked in the open Street to the shame of himself and all present who went from her and she returned God thanks for this deliverance of her Chastity And an Executioner being sent to kill her she willingly met him and prayed O God vouchsafe to open Heavens Gates once shut up against all the Inhabitants of the Earth and receive O Christ my soul that seeketh thee And so she was beheaded Vol. 1. p. 121 122. Anselm an Italian born and brought up in the Abby of Beck in Normandy and afterwards made Archbishop of Canterbury said he had rather be in Hell without sin than in Heaven with sin Vol. 1. p. 240. Augustinus a Barber about Hennegow in Germany being an embracer of the Gospel yet naturally so timerous that he fled twice when he was sought for was so bold when he was apprehended that he confounded all Opposers And being desired to pity his Soul and recant he said he evidenced his pity to his Soul in giving his Body rather to be burned than to do any thing contrary to his Conscience And being set at the Stake and the Fire kindled he heartily prayed unto the Lord and patiently departed 1549. Vol. 2. pag. 124. Aymond de Lavoy at Bourdeaux in France a Preacher of the Gospel being persecuted and sent for his People and Friends perswaded him to flye to whom he said He had rather never have been born than so to do it was the Office of a good Shepherd not to flye in time of danger but rather to abide the peril lest the Flock be scattered or lest some scruple might by his flight be left in their minds that he had fed them with Dreams and Fables contrary to Gods Word wherefore beseeching them to move him no more therein he told them he feared not to yield up both Body and Soul in the quarrel of the truth which he had taught saying He was ready with S. Paul Acts 21. not only to be bound but also to dye for the Testimony of Christ. And when the Sumner came to apprehend him being in the City of Bourdeaux three days Aymond preached each day a Sermon and in his defence the People flew upon the Sumner till Aymond desired them not to stop his Martyrdom since it was the will of God he should suffer for him Being apprehended his greatest Accusation was that he denyed
Stephen Gardner Bishop of Winchester caused his Martyrdom he there said I pray God forgive him as heartily and as freely and as charitably and without feigning as ever Christ forgave them that put him to death And then putting off his Cloaths made him fit for the fire and patiently took his death and was burnt with Mr. Garret and Mr. Hierom. Vol. 2. pag. 517. See more Mr. Hierom. George Bucker See Adam Damlip Iohn Bradford a Lancashire man a good Scholar Servant to the Lord Harrington afterwards went to Cambridge and after one years time was made Master of Arts and Fellow of Pembroke Hall and some time after ordained by Bishop Ridley and made Prebend of S. Paul's in London Vol. 3. p. 380. He was a zealous Preacher and a good liver yet in Queen Mary's days silenced and imprisoned although but three days before he appeased the people in London by preaching against Sedition and perswading them to obedience who were incensed much against one Bourn who afterward was made Bishop of Bath who preached against King Edward 6. and pleaded for Popery so that a Dagger was thrown at him till this Mr. Bradford appeared in the Pulpit and then the People cryed out God save thy life O Bradford He slept but four hours in the night and spent most of the other hours in prayer and studying so that he counted that hour lost he said in which he had done none good with Pen study or exhorting he preached twice a day in Prison unless sickness hindred him When the Keepers Wife with sorrow brought him news of his burning next day he said I thank God for it I have looked for the same a long time it comes not on me suddenly but as a thing waited for every day and hour O Lord make me worthy of it When he went from the Counter to Newgate he prayed and gave every Servant and Officer in the House money wishing them to serve God and eschew evil and prayed to God to effect it in them He was imprisoned two years lacking one Month and a half He being upon examination offered mercy if he would recant said Mercy with God's mercy I desire but mercy with God's wrath God keep me from his good will be done life with his displeasure is worse than death and death with his favour is true life Vol. 3. p. 283. One Creswel an acquaintance of his after this came to him and proffered him his service to make suit to the Queen for him To whom he said If the Queen will give me life I will thank her if she will banish me I will thank her if she will burn me I will thank her if she will condemn me to perpetual imprisonment I will thank her Vol. 3. p. 292. At the Stake he freely forgave all persons and beg'd all persons to forgive him He prayed and kissed the Stake and Faggot crying O England England repent thee of thy sins repent thee of thy sins beware of Idolatry beware of false Antichrists take heed they do not deceive you Vol. 3. p. 307. His Letters were many and pious exhorting to constancy 1. From God's love to us 2. God's power over our Enemies and care for us 3. The necessity of dying once 4. The shortness of the troubles 5. The eternity of our joys 6. Examples of Christians 7. The Conjugal Relation engageth both Soul and Body to Christ 8. All worldly Enjoyments and life it self but tokens of God's love to us and must not be denyed if call'd for by God as tokens of our love to him 9. Death is our due for sin but when for Christ prepares a greater glory 10. God's care over their Children and Families that dye for him 11. Our Cross from God as a Father Vol. 3. p. 307. to 337. Roger Bernard a Suffolk man burned with two others at S. Edmunds-Bury Iune 30. 1556. he being diversly flattery allured to turn yet though a poor Labourer continued constant and when he was threatned with punishments he said Friends I am not better than my Master Christ and the Prophets whom your Fathers served after this sort and I for his Names sake am content to suffer the like at your hands if God shall so permit trusting that he will strengthen me in the same according to his promise in spite of the Devil and all his Ministers And so constantly he endured the flames with Prayer and Praises Vol. 3. p. 710. Agnes Bongeor one of 10 Prisoners at Colchester who with another Woman one Margaret Thurston was not executed with the other 8 because of the mistake of her name in the Writ being there written Bowyer instead of Bongeor which mistake caused much sorrow to the poor woman who was thereupon dejected even almost to despair because she was left and the rest taken and burnt as if God did not think her worthy of that honour in order to the receiving of which she had disposed of a sucking Child that morning to another Nurse and had habited her self fit for the fire But at last with much endeavours she was comforted by a Friend 's proposing the instance of Abraham whose will in offering his Son was by God accepted as if Isaac had been sacrificed and so her desire to have offered up her self had God pleased and also the real offer of her Child disposed of already to another Nurse in order to her self being burnt might be acceptable before God And she being thus comforted in due time September 17. 1557. was also with the said Margaret Thurston burnt at Colchester Vol. 3. p. 849 850. Bergerius being imprisoned for the Gospel's sake met there with one Iohn Chambon a Thief imprisoned also at Lions in France 1553. which Chambon was almost famished for want of food eating only such things as Horses and Dogs refused and was also almost devoured of Lice insomuch that he cryed out against God and cursed his Parents that bare him till by the Prayers and endeavours of this Bergerius he was converted and he declared to divers persons by Letters that his Lice left him the next day after his Conversion so that he had not one and he was sufficiently provided for by the Alms of persons so that he fared very well Vol. 2. p. 140 141. Iohn Badby an English Martyr 1409. martyred for opposing Transubstantiation he though he felt the flames which were immediately quenched and he invited to recant by the Kings eldest Son with promises of great revenues and with threats of being burned if he would not recant could not not be perswaded to recant Vol. 1. p. 681. Guy de Brez Prisoner at Tournay in Flanders 1567. writeth to his Wife thus after the declaring what Conflicts he had with his flesh and the Victory which through Christ he had in order to suffering Be comforted our separation shall not be for ever it will not be long e're we be gathered together under one head Iesus Christ the world is not the place of rest Heaven is our
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
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
first in her days a great Papist till the burning of one Laurence Saunders by the Papists for the Mass which put her upon an enquiry into it and she consulting some persons about it declined it nor would frequent Mass for which she was punished and at last condemned And when in the morning before she suffered the Sheriff told her of it after one years imprisonment giving her but one hours time to prepare for it she said Your message is welcome to me and I thank God that he will make me worthy to adventure my life in his quarrel Going to the Stake she prayed against Popist Idolatry and drank to all them that truly believed the Gospel In the fire she neither struggled nor stirred but only held up her hands to Heaven and so dyed soon Vol. 3. p. 839. Mrs. Elizabeth Lawson an ancient Gentlewoman of 60 years of age of Bedfield in Suffolk was sent to Berry Goal 1556. because she would not go to Mass and at last she was condemned to be burnt She continued in Prison two years and three quarters in which time her Son and many more were burnt and she hearing of it said often Good Lord what is the cause that I may not yet come to thee with thy Children Well good Lord thy blessed will be done and not mine But by the death of Queen Mary she was delivered Vol. 3. p. 916. M M MArtyrs to the Number of 300 at Carthage under the 8 th Persecution being offered near Lime-kills either to offer Incense to Iupiter or to go into the Furnace of Lime did all together rush into the Kill and were there with the dusty smoak of the Lime smothered Vol. 1. p. 94. A Mother exhorted her Child of seven years of age suffering under the 7 th Persecution to suffer joyfully and while it was tormenting and slaying she sang to God thus All laud and praise with heart and voice O Lord we yield to thee To whom the death of all thy Saints we know most dear to be Vol. 1. p. 116. Mary See Ursula Michael Michfote a Taylor in France burned 1547. being apprehended for the Gospel's sake and put to his choice whether he would turn and be beheaded or not turn and be burnt he said God who had given him grace not to deny the truth would also give him patience to abide the fire and so he was burned Vol. 2. p. 134. Lodovicus Marsac being with two others at Lyons in France apprehended and condemned 1553. they all sang Psalms and the other two having a Rope put about their Necks and he having not one did desire that he might have one of those precious Chains about his Neck in honour of his Lord which request was granted and they all three were cast into the fire Vol. 2. p. 141. 88 Martyrs murthered at Calabria in Italy 1560. whom the Executioner bringing out one by one with a Muster on a Stage before the People took a Knife and slew by cutting the Throat of one and leaving him half dead bleeding went for another and so served every one till the 88 were murthered which sight amazed the people and shamed even some of the Romanists Vol. 2. p. 184.188 Walter Mille a Scotch Man 1558. was condemned to be burnt whom the Popish Party could neither affright with threats nor allure with proposals but he said to them I am accused of my life I know I must dye once and therefore ye shall know I will not recant the truth I am Corn not Chaff I will not be blown away with the Wind nor burst with the Flail but will abide both and at the Stake the Bishops being constrained by the People to give him liberty to speak he made his humble supplication to God on his Knees and then said to the people Dear friends I suffer this day not for any Crime laid to my charge albeit I be a miserable Sinner before God but only for the defence of the faith of Christ Iesus for which I praise God that he hath this day called me of his mercy amongst the rest of his Servants the Martyrs to seal up his truth with my life which as I received on him so I willingly offer it to his glory and so he dyed and was the last Martyr that dyed in Scotland for Religion Vol. 2. p. 626. George Marsh of Deane in Lancashire married and was a Farmer but after his Wife's death he went to Cambridge to study and was a Minister of Gods Word and zealous against Popery for which he was imprisoned His Mother and divers other Friends advised him to fly To whose Counsel saith he My Flesh would gladly have consented but my Spirit did not fully agree Whereupon he prayed earnestly to God for direction and unexpectedly in the Morning he had a Letter from a Friend whose Bearer said to him before he looked on the Letter That his Friends advice was not to flee but to abide boldly and confess the Name of Christ which he did He was many wayes and much sollicited to turn upon the account of his Children whom he said he would gladly keep could it be with a pure Conscience and he would have accepted of Queen Mary's mercy should he not thereby by denying Christ win everlasting misery He was burned April 24. 1555. with a Firkin of Pitch over his head which melting and dropping on him added much to his torments yet after much misery when they thought him to be dead he spread his hands saying Father of Heaven have mercy upon me and so he dyed Vol. 3. p. 228. Menas an Egyptian under the 10 th Persecution lived a retired life a great while at length returning to the City Cotis in the open Theatre at a time of Pastimes he loudly proclaimed himself a Christian and being brought to Pyrrhus the President and demanded of his Faith he said It is convenient I should confess God citing Rom. 10.10 And being most painfully pinched and tormented he said in the midst of his torments There is nothing in my mind that can be compared to the price of one Soul and said I have learned of my Lord and King not to fear them who kill the Body and have no power to kill the Soul And being sentenced to be beheaded he said I give thee thanks my Lord God which hast so accepted me to be found a partaker of thy precious death and hast not given me to be devoured of my fierce Enemies but hast made me to remain constant in thy pure Faith to my life's end Vol. 1. p. 117 118. N N SAintinus Nivet being a Cripple burnt at Paris 1546. when apprehended and asked if he would stand to what he said he asked his Judges if they dare be so bold to deny what was so plain in express words of Scripture and did so little regard his own life that he desired his Judges for Gods sake that they would rather take care of their own Souls and lives and consider how much innocent blood
Apostle being to be crucified under Domitius Nero would be crucified with his head downwards and his feet upwards because he said he was unworthy to be crucified after the same manner and form as the Lord was Vol. 1. pag. 45. As he was a crucifying he seeing his Wife going to her Martyrdom was greatly joyous and glad thereof and spake to her with a loud voice called her by her Name and bidding her remember the Lord Iesus Vol. 1. p. 45. Polycarpus three dayes before he was apprehended saw in a Vision his Bed on fire and consumed and when he awaked he told them with him how that he should die in the fire for Christ And when he was pursued having removed once or twice and might still have fled he would not but said The will of God be done and came down to his Pursuers as soon as he heard they were come and spake to them with a chearful voice and a pleasant countenance and caused the Table to be spread and they to dine with him and begg'd of them an hours time for prayer which he made so as the hearers thereof were astonished and sorry they had pursued him And going to the place of Execution in an uproar of the People when he could not be heard there came a voice to him from Heaven saying Be of good chear Polycarp and play the Man Many heard the voice but none was seen to speak And after this Polycarp being advised by the Proconsul to defie Christ he said 86 years have I been his Servant and in all this time he hath not so much as hurt me how then can I speak evil of my King and Soveraign Lord who hath thus preserved me Being to be fixed to the Stake he would not but said God who had given him strength to suffer would give him power to abide and not stir in the midst of the fire So he stood and thank'd God that he should now become a Martyr and though the fire was kindled yet could it not burn his Body but the wind kept it off and when the Persecutors saw that they order'd his Body to be thrust thorow with a Sword and so much blood issued out as quenched the fire He suffered the 167. year of Christ about Ianuary 24. and was martyred in his own Church at Smyrna Vol. 1. p. 55 56 57. Ptolomeus being demanded whether he was a Christian declared that he had taught and professed the verity of the Christian Doctrine for whoso denyeth to be what he is either condemneth in denying the thing that he is or maketh himself unworthy of that the confession whereof he flyeth which thing is never found in a true and sincere Christian. He was condemned to suffer Vol. 1. p. 59. Ioannes Pistorius one of Holland preaching and speaking against the Masses and other Popish abuses was committed to Prison with ten other Malefactors whom he comforted and to one of them being half naked he gave his own Gown He was condemned and degraded and had a Fools Coat put on him his Fellows at his death sang Te Deum and he coming to the Stake gave his Neck willingly to the band saying O Death where is thy Victory 1524. Vol. 2. p. 116. Stephen Peloquine burnt at Ville France in France 1553. being half burnt ceased not to hold up his hands and call on the Lord to the admiration of people Vol. 2. p. 141. Mrs. Philips a Gentlewoman of Paris 1558. being apprehended and condemned for the Gospel's sake received it couragiously and being to be distongued she said Shall I who do not stick to give my Body stick to give my Tongue And being distongued though she was in Mourning for her Husband a Lord of that Country then late deceased she laid aside her Mourning and on the day of execution she decked her self in her best Aray as if she was going to another Marriage nor did she alter her colour or countenance during her suffering Vol. 2. p. 156. Anthony Persons a great Preacher of the Gospel in King Henry the 8 th's days 1544. and was by Dr. London condemned who answering to his Indictment said So long as I Preached up the Pope and his superstition so long ye favoured me but since I took on me to Preach Christ ye have alwayes sought my life but it makes no matter for when ye have taken your pleasure on my Body I trust it shall not be in your power to hurt my Soul He with one Testwood and Filmer were condemned to suffer and the night before they suffered they spent almost wholly in Prayers for strength under the Cross and comforting one another that their Master Christ who had led the way before them and had so far made them worthy to suffer for his sake would give them stedfast faith and power to overcome these fiery torments and of his free mercy for his Promise sake receive their Souls Praying that God would forgive their Enemies and turn their hearts which out of blindness and ignorance had done they knew not what This Persons afterwards coming to the Stake did embrace it saying Now welcome mine own sweet Wife for this day shall thou and I be Married together in the love and peace of God Vol. 2. p. 152 153 154. Iohn Philpot a Knights Son of Hampshire brought up at Oxford a great Scholar and a zealous Preacher who in King Edward the 6 th's days was Arch-Deacon of Winchester and in Queen Mary's days with a few others opposed Popery and stood in the vindication of the Gospel in the Convocation-house at London against all the other Prelates called by the Queen to determine of Religion Vol. 3. p. 538. being apprehended and examined by Bishop Bonner and told that the next day he should be judged he said I am glad hereof I look for no other but death at your hands and I am as ready to yield my life in Christ's Cause as you are to require it p. 547. And being in discourse with Dr. Story he said I am sure I have the Iudge on my side who shall justifie me in another World and however you now unrighteously do judge me yet sure I am in another World to judge you And after when Dr. Story hastned his death and said to Philpot he came to hasten it which he came to tell him he said that he might thank no body else for it To whom Philpot answered I thank you with all my heart and I pray God forgive you And going again to Prison meeting with Bishop Bonner who proffered him any pleasure he could shew him he only requested this pleasure that his Lordship would hasten his judgment and dispatch him out of this miserable World to his eternal rest p. 151. At last he being condemned and having word of it the night before to be ready next morning to be burnt he said I am ready God grant me strength and a joyful resurrection and so retiring to his Chamber he prayed and praised God that he had
the greatest honour that ever I was called to in my life and I thank my Lord heartily for it that he hath called me to the high favour to suffer death willingly for his sake which is an inestimable gift of God therefore O ye that love me rejoice and rejoice again with me and render with me thanks to God that hath called me to this dignity Vol. 3. p. 505. Could Queen Mary have been entreated for Bishop Ridley or could his life have been purchased the Lord Dacres in the North his Kinsman would have given her 1000 Marks or 1000 Pounds rather than he should have been burned Vol. 3. p. 996. Iohn Rabec burned at Aniers in France April 24. 1556. had his Tongue cut out because he would not pronounce Iesus Maria joining them both in one Prayer and being urged thereto with great threats he said If his Tongue should but offer to do so he would himself bite it asunder Additions to Vol. 3. concerning French Massacre p. 5. Anthony Ricetto a Martyr at Venice 1566. being by his Son of twelve years of age perswaded to recant that he might not be Fatherless said to his Child A good Christian is bound to forego Goods Children yea Life it self for the maintenance of God's honour and glory and so he was drowned having an Iron Hoop about him and to a Chain fastned to that Hoop a great Weight fastned and so carryed in a Wherry into the Sea where being laid on a Board and that Board laid cross on two Wherries the Wherries removing he fell into the Sea which was the manner of the Venetians punishing their Martyrs Additions to Vol. 3. p. 44. S S SAnctus being under the fourth Persecution grievously tormented and by the Tormentors asked What he was answered nothing but said he was a Christian And notwithstanding his being scorched by hot plates in the tenderest parts of the Body so that his Body lost the shape of a Man yet he never shrank and declared That nothing was terrible or ought to be feared where the love of God is and nothing grievous wherein the glory of Christ is manifested And when he was again punished though his Body was so misfigured before his second punishment yet now was it reduced to its first shape of a Man and suppled in all its contracted parts Soon after he was again tormented and set in an hot Iron-chair nor yet would he confess any thing but that he was a Christian And after this being made a sad spectacle to the People he was beheaded Vol. 1. p. 60.61 62. Souldiers being put to their choice by the Marshal of the Camp by Diocletian's order under the tenth Persecution whether they would sacrifice to Idols at the Emperours command or lay aside their Offices and Weapons They unanimously answered They were ready not only to lay down their Weapons but their Lives also if by the Emperour's tyranny required rather than they would obey the wicked Decrees of him Vol. 1. p. 101. Simeon Archbishop of Seleucia being by Sapores King of Persia under the tenth Persecution called and examined confessed himself to be a Christan And being demanded Why he kneeled not before the King as he used to do he said That before he observed what the custom of the Realm did require of him but now it is not lawful for I come to stand in defence of our Religion and Doctrine He was beheaded Vol. 1. pag. 125 126. See Usthazares in the latter part of this Book Henry Sutphen Monk an associate of Luthers 1524. converted Breme and being sent for after two years time to Deithmar to preach amongst those great Idolaters he at last went designing only to lay the foundation of a Reformation and so to return to Breme to satisfie the importunity of his Friends He being at Breme the Monks and Friars conspire against him and consult his destruction accordingly they sent Minatory Letters to the Inhabitants at Deithmar and also to their Parish Priest who had received him But Sutphen's ananswer was That being called by them to preach the Gospel he would do it and if it pleased God he should lose his Life at Deithmar there was as near a way to Heaven as in any other place for he doubted not at all that once he must suffer for the Gospels sake Upon this courage he preached divers times and Popish Priests were sent to supplant him and to trap him in his Sermons many of whom were converted by them and did declare them to be agreeable to the word of God After this many ways were used to destroy him and at last the Franciscan Friars conspired with some Presidents of the Country to kill him before the Inhabitants of the Town of Deithmar should know of it or before his cause were try'd not permitting him to speak to them for himself lest as they said he should perswade them to be Hereticks Whereupon the Presidents assembled 500 Husbandmen to whom when met together they imparted the business who detesting it would not do it but would have returned home but were forced to obedience by the threats of their Governour who to fit them for the work gave them three Barrels of Hamborough Beer and then about midnight they came to Deithmar to the Priest's and first wofully abused him and then trained Sutphen out of bed naked and tying his hands behind him forced him on so fast that his feet were much wounded by the Ice whereof he complaining and desiring a Horse they said he should go on foot whether he would or no And in the morning after much misery by him suffered without any examination they condemned him to be burnt and accordingly they bound him hands neck and feet and brought him to the fire which was not oftner kindled than it went out nor could they make the wood burn As he passed by to the fire a Woman seeing the sad usage of him wept bitterly to whom he did reply Weep not I pray for me And at the fire being condemned he said I have done no such thing as they accuse me of And holding up his hands he said O Lord forgive them for they offend ignorantly not knowing what they do In the mean time a certain Woman offer'd to suffer 1000 stripes and to give them much Money so they would but keep him in Prison till he had pleaded his cause but they were the more enraged and threw down and trod upon the Woman And seeing the fire would not burn Sutphen they smote him with their hands and prick'd and struck him with divers weapons and then bound him to a Ladder by the neck to strangle him so strait and hard that the blood gushed out of his nose and mouth the doer of it treading upon his breast the while not permitting him to prate or pray and being tyed to a Ladder one Iohn Holmes ran to him and struck him with a Mace till he was dead Vol. 1. pag. 102 103 104 105 106. Mr. Peter Spengler of Schalt in
praising God that ever he lived to see that day and blessing God that ever he gave him a Body to glorifie his Name by Vol. 3. p. 685. Iohn Tuscaen a young Man of 22 Years of age of Audenard in Flanders hearing of the Popish Idolatry in worshiping the Host determined to demonstrate to them that the worshiping of that Breaden-god was abominable and execrable sacriledge To effect which on May 30. 1566. called Corpus Christi Day he went to a Church in Pamelle which stood near to Audenard and seeing the Priest at elevating the Host and the People ready to prostrate themselves before a Breaden-cake he stept to the Priest and snatched the Cake out of his hands broke it in pieces and cast it unto the ground saying unto the People See here my Masters your goodly Breaden-god who you see is not able to help himself but is here broken all to pieces How long how long O ye senseless Priests will ye thus defile the Holy Supper of the Lord Shall we never see an end of your filthy Idolatries If the authority of the Holy Scriptures can nothing move you yet at length be admonished by the present example that there is not one jot of Divinity within that Bread seeing it is subject to be thus handled will ye worship a dead Idol your selves being living Men For which actions and expressions he was imprisoned and had first his hand cut off which he took patiently saying O Lord God it is for the glory of thy Name that I endure these things enable me now with strength from above that I may finish this Sacrifice Then was he burnt and his ashes cast into the River Escaut Additions to Vol. 3. of the Massacre of France and Flanders p. 356. Du Tour Deacon of the Church at Bourdeaux 1572. in the Massacre there He had been a Priest of the Romish Church but now was a Protestant aged and sick in bed who was haled into open street and asked if he would go to Mass and save his Life But he said No especially now drawing so near its end both in regard of my sickness and Years I hope I shall not so far forget the eternal salvation of my Soul as for fear of death to prolong this Life for a few dayes for so should I buy a short term of Life at too dear a rate And so they massacred him Additions to Vol. 3. concerning Massacre in France p. 72. V V VIctor a Theban Souldier under the 10 th Persecution being dismissed for his age and coming suddenly to the Emperours Souldiers who had even then destroyed a Legion of Theban Christian Souldiers and were very merry inviting him also to sit down as a Guest but he inquiring into the cause of their mirth and feasting detested it and them and would not eat And being demanded whether he was a Christian he said he was and ever would be a Christian whereupon they rushed on him and killed him Vol. 1. p. 105. Usthazares under the 10 th Persecution having been Tutor to Sapores King of Persia and a Professor of Christianity which afterwards he denyed again yet was again reduced to it by occasion of Simeon the Arch-Bishop of Seleucia who being led to Prison for Christ and saluted by Usthazares as he passed by him the Arch-Bishop cryed out against him in great anger for his cowardice in revolting from Christ whereupon Usthazares wept bitterly saying With what Face shall I look for my God who have denyed him when as this Simeon my old acquaintance so much disdaineth me for it And he went and acquainted the King he was a Christian nor would again be so foolish as to deny Christ and being sentenced to be beheaded he requested it might be proclaimed that he dyed not for Treason but for the Name of Christ that so those who had fallen away by his example might also by him learn constancy Vol. 1. p. 125 126. Henry Voes and Iohn Esch two Augustin Fryars being converted to Lutheranisme adhereing to the Word of God and obeying and believing Decrees of Councils or Fathers no farther than they agreed with Scripture were condemned by the Papists to be burned Then they began to bless God which had delivered them from that false and abominable Priesthood and made them Priests of his own holy Order receiving them unto him as a Sacrifice of sweet odour Their greatest errour as by their Bill of accusation appeared was that they said Men ought to trust in God alone forasmuch as men are Lyars and deceitful in their words and deeds As they were led to Execution Iuly 1. 1553. at Bruxels they went joyfully and merrily making continual protestation that they dyed for the glory of God and the Doctrine of the Gospel as true Christians believing and following the holy Church of the Lamb of God saying This was the day they had long desired And at the place of Execution they joyfully embraced the Stake patiently and joyfully enduring whatsoever was done to them and singing Te Deum laudamus that is We praise thee O God and rehearsing the Creed in testimony of their Faith And a Doctor bidding Henry Voes take heed he gloried not so foolishly in himself He answered God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of Christ. One of them seeing the fire kindled at his feet said Methinks they strew Roses under my feet Finally the smoke and flame choaked them Vol. 2. p. 102. Ursula and Mary two Sisters of a Noble Family in Delden in lower Germany were burnt 1545. who being instructed in the Book of God defended the benefit of our Salvation to come only by faith in Christ and all the other merchandise of the Pope was needless And Mary being first though the younger put to the fire she prayed ardently for her Enemies commending her self to God at whose constancy the Judges greatly marvelled and exhorted Ursula the other Sister to turn or to desire she might be beheaded to whom she said she was guilty of and defended no Errour but defended what was consonant to Scripture in which she trusted to persevere to the end and as for the kind of death or punishment she said she feared not the fire but rather would follow the Example of her dear Sister The Bodies of these two could not be consumed by fire but they were left by the Executioners whole lying on the ground white But certain good Christians privily in the night took them up and buried Vol. 2. p. 120. Two Virgins in the Diocess of Bamberg 1551. being led to slaughter did sustain it with chearful countenances and patient hearts they had Garlands of Straw set on their heads whereupon one said to the other going to their Martyrdom Seeing Christ bare a Crown of Thorns for us why should we stick to wear a Crown of Straw for him No doubt but the Lord will render to us again better than Crowns of Gold Vol. 2. p. 125. W W WEndelmuta a Widow in Holland was martyred
set upon Christ was deposed from the High-Priest's room by Caligula Vol. 1. p. 40. Clarke a great Persecutor hanged himself Vol. 3 p. 957. Coxe a great Promoter in King Edw. VI. and in Queen Mary's dayes going well to bed at night was found dead next morning Vol. 3. p. 957. D D DR Dunnings Chancellor in Norwich a great Persecutor in the midst of Queen Mary's Reign and his rage died suddenly in a Chair in Lincolnshire Vol. 3. p. 954. Dale a great Papistical promoter was eaten into his Body with Lice and so died Vol. 3. p. 967. E E EMperours who were Authors of Persecution against Christians all of them came to sad ends either staying themselves or being slain by others or dying by unheard of deaths Vol. 1. p. 41. Sir Ralph Ellerken a Knight at Calice who at the martyrdom of Adam Damlip said He would not stir till he see his heart out had his own heart soon after cut out of his Body by the French See Damlip pag. 51 of this Book and see Vol. 2. p. 564 565. Robert Edgar Executing the Office of a Parish Clerk against his Conscience was bereft of his Wits and kept in chains many years Vol. 3. p. 960. F F DR Foxford Chancellor to Bishop Stoksely in King Henry the 8 th's dayes and a great Persecutor dyed suddenly Vol. 3. p. 957. Bishop Fisher Bishop of Rochester who with Bishop Warham caused one Iohn Brown to have his feet heated and burnt to the Bones by coals to make him recant his Religion was soon after beheaded for opposing Kings Supremacy Vol. 3. p. 957. with Sir Thomas Pure another great Papist See Iohn Brown pag. 19. of this Book The Wife of Iohn Petty of Clerkenwel Parish in London being the occasion of her own Husband 's taking was immediately struck mad Vol. 3. p. 960. A Dominick Fryar inveighing in the Pulpit against the Gospel was suddenly struck with lightning and so ended his Life Vol. 3. p. 964. G G GRimwood a false witness against one Iohn Cooper a Suffolkman whereby the poor Man was proved guilty of Treason falsly and was hang'd drawn and quartered and his Wife and nine Children turned out of their Estate was afterwards sadly and suddenly afflicted for in Harvest time as he was stacking Corn and was very well fearing no evil his bowels suddenly fell out of his body and he dyed most miserably Vol. 3. p. 955. Bishop Gardiner a cruel Persecutor dyed despairing and having a Bishop with him who put him in mind of Peter's denying his Master he said I have denyed with Peter but never repented with Peter Vol. 3. p. 957. He rejoycing at the News of Bishop Ridley's and Latimer's burning at a Dinner that day was that instant struck sick denyed the use of Nature either by Urine or otherwise for fifteen days and then dyed with a sad inflamed body Vol. 3. p. 527. H H Herod the murtherer of Iohn Baptist and condemner of Christ was by Caligula Caesar condemned to perpetual banishment where he dyed miserably Vol. 1. p. 40. Hoeimester an Arch-Papist going to Ratisbon to dispute against the defenders of the Gospel dyed suddenly and miserably in his Journey with roaring and crying Vol. 3. p. 963. I I JEws who refused Christ and also were Persecutors of him were forty years after Christ's Passion destroyed by Titus and Vespasian his Father to the Number of 1100000 besides them which Vespasian slew in subduing Galilee and them which were sold and sent into Egypt and other Provinces to vile slavery to the Number of 17000 and 2000 were brought with Titus in tryumph of which part were devoured by Wild Beasts and part of them were otherwise cruelly slain Vol. 1. p. 40 41.17 L L THomas Leland a Justice of Peace in Lancashire sitting in his Chair talking with his Friends fell down dead suddenly not moving a joint He was so great an Enemy to Christians that he was called Persecuting Tho. Leland Vol. 3. p. 925. Leyson Sheriff at the burning of Bishop Farrar fetched the Bishop's Cattel into his own Ground but many of them would not eat but continued bellowing till they dyed Vol. 3. p. 954. Iacobus Latomus having at Brussels made an Oration against Luther and being in his publick Lecture at Lovane he fell into an open fury uttering words of blasphemy and despair that the Divines there did carry him away and shut him up who to his last breath said nothing but that he was damned and rejected of God and that there was no hopes of Salvation for him because he wittingly and willingly withstood the manifest truth of God's Word Vol. 3. p. 964. Dr. Leyson a Civilian a Justice of Peace who would not let Bishop Farrar speak a word at the Stake about half a year after died and in his sickness when he would have spoken his mind could not Vol. 3. p. 1002. Dr. London Persecutor punished See the former Part of this Book Queen Mary while she promised her protection of the Gospel she prospered and by the help of the Gospellers she gat the Crown but after she breaking her promise and bringing in of Popery and burning of God's People for the Gospel's sake she and her Nation was much punished She was especially punisht these several wayes 1. Her best Ship yea the best Ship in all Europe called The great Harry was burned 2. She was opposed in her endeavours to restore the Abby-lands 3. Her Subjects suffered almost a Famine so that the Poor for Famine were forced to eat Acorns instead of Bread 4. She lost Calice in France which had been the English King 's Right through the Reign of eleven Kings 5. She was deprived of Children which she greatly desired and the whole Nation were cheated in the rumors of her bringing forth a Son 6. She having married Philip King of Spain and so subjugated her Subjects to a stranger with whom she promised her self much felicity was very unhappy by his withdrawing from her Vol. 3. p. 953. M M MAlicia accusing Eugenia who for fear of the 8 th Persecution had put on Mans Apparel to preserve her life and chastity and called her self Eugenius to Philippus the Judge and Father of the unknown Eugenius that he would have deflowered her the said Malicia the falsity was made apparent by Eugenia's discovering her self to be a Woman in Mans habit and Malicia the accuser was doubly ashamed and was smitten with Lightning Vol. 1. p. 95. Iohn Martin of Briqueray boasting he would cut off the Nose of a Minister of Angrogn one of the Waldenses 1555. had his own Nose bitten off by a Woolf so that he dyed thereof mad Vol. 2. p. 202. Maximus the great Persecutor of the Christians in the 10 th Persecution was smitten with a dreadful Ulcer in his Privities and Entrails so that the Physicians durst not come near him nor could they cure him for which he caused them to be slain And being put in mind of God's judgment herein for
persecuting the Christians he ordered their peace yet after he again commanded their torments ascribing plenty and peace to Iupiter and war and pestilence and famine as caused by the Christians but it did happen contrary for famine war and pestilence destroyed most of his heathenish Subjects while the Christians amongst them relieved one another and them also and were preserved to the enjoyment of peace for Maximus was afterwards forced to acknowledge the true God and being oppressed by his Disease he repented and glorified the Christians God and made an absolute Law for the Christian's safety and welfare Vol. 1. p. 106. to 113. Bishop Morgan Bishop of S. David's who usurped Bishop Farrar's place after he had condemned him was so afflicted that his Meat would not go down but rise up and come out of Mouth and Nose and so he continued to death Vol. 3. p. 954. Morgan the Justice that condemned the Lady Iane Grey fell mad not long after and so dyed having ever in his Mouth Lady Iane Lady Iane. Vol. 3. p. 954. Domitius Nero began to Reign the 56. year of Christ Reigned 14 years with great Tyranny he slew most part of the Senators set Rome on fire and laid it to the Christians and caused them to be persecuted at last he was by the Senate declared a publick Enemy to Mankind and commanded to be drawn from the City and whipt to death for fear whereof he fled into the Country to a Mannor of his Servants and slew himself Vol. 1. p. 40. P P A Person being hired by Pope Hildebrand to murther Henricus the 4 th Emperour of Germany as he was at Prayers by throwing a great Stone upon him from a place directly over him As the Person moved the Stone to do this horrid Act he broke the Plank he stood on and fell down the Stone falling on him and so was killed by that Stone he designed to slay the Emperour by the Emperour being safe Vol. 1. p. 229. Pilate under whom Christ suffered was apprehended under Tiberius Nero and accused at Rome deposed and banished to Lyons and at length slew himself Vol. 1. p. 40. A Persecutor seeking three dayes for Dionisius that he might be persecuted was struck with blindness Vol. 1. p. 81. Portugal King and his Son who persecuted William Gardiner dyed soon after See p. 73. of this Book A Persecutor of one Iames Abbyes a Martyr in Berry told the People that Abbyes was a Mad-man not to be believed After that Abbyes was burnt this reviling Persecutor being one of the Sheriff's Men pulled off his Cloaths and was struck with a Frenzy running about and crying Abbyes was a good Man and is saved but I am damned and though the Sheriff did endeavour what he could to bring him to his right senses yet could it not be done but he alwayes cryed out to his dying day Abbyes was a good Man and saved but I am damned Vol. 3. p. 956. Iohn Peters Son-in-Law to one Alexander the Keeper of Newgate Prison who dyed miserably did also dye sadly for his use in all his affirmations was to say If it be not true I wish I rot e're I dye and so he did rot away and dyed miserably Vol. 3. p. 957. Ponchet an Arch-bishop of Towres made sure to erect a Chamber to be called Chamber Ardent therein to condemn the Protestants to the fire and he was soon after stricken with such a Disease called the fire of God which began at his feet and burned upwards that he caused one Member after another to be cut off and so he dyed miserably without any Remedy Vol. 3. p. 967. S S SCribes and Pharisees who refused Christ and chose rather to be subject to Caesar were at length destroy'd by their own Caesar when as Christ's Subjects were preserved Vol. 1. pag. 39. Smith a great Papist and Persecutor fell down suddenly in the street and dyed Vol. 3. p. 957. William Swallow a cruel tormentor of one George Egles shortly was so plagued that all his hair came off his nails of fingers and toes came off his eyes were near closed that he could not see and his Wife was stricken with the Falling-sickness which she never had before Vol. 3. p. 960. Symons a Persecutor of Robert Testwood soon after was convicted of Conspiracy and rode round about Windsor Market-place with his face towards the Horses tail See 174 page of this Book T T TArtarians Army of 5000000 waring against Polonia 1241. and having killed old and young of both sexes were discomfited by Thunder and Lightning at the instance and prayers of God's People Vol. 1. p. 442. Twiford in London an Executioner of several Martyrs and a Suborner of false Witnesses against one Merial at last died rotting above ground so that none could abide him Vol. 2. p. 603. Bishop Thornton Suffragan of Dover a cruel Persecutor coming to Canterbury on a Saturday on Sunday seeing his Men playing at Bowls was taken with a Palsey and had to bed and being bid to remember the Lord he said Yes so I do and my Lord Cardinal too and so soon died Vol. 3. p. 954. V V Valerian the Butcher of the Christians in the eighth Persecution was taken in Wars against Persia and Sapores King of Persia made him his Foot-stool for him to mount on horseback by to his Life's end Vol. 1. p. 96. W W Woodriffe a Sheriff in London a cruel Persecutor was not above a week out of his Office before he was smitten with a lameness all on one side that he lay bed-rid 7 or 8 years untill his dying day Vol. 3. p. 955. AN APPENDIX OF Things pertinent to the understanding the preceding Martyrology Containing the Times and Authors of the ten Persecutions and other remarkable Occurrences necessarily to be explained LONDON Printed for R. Butler next door to the Lamb and three Bowls in Barbican An Appendix c. THE First Persecution was raised by Nero Domitius the 6 th Emperour of Rome who thought by raising a Persecution in all his Provinces to abolish the Name of Christians It was done in the year of Christ 67. Vol. 1. p. 44. The Second Persecution began in the 69. year of Christ by Domitian who began mildly yet did after so rage in pride that he commanded himself to be worship'd as God He slew most of the Nobles and all of the Seed of David He intending to destroy all of the Seed of David lest Christ should come and cast him out of his Empire And sending for two Nephews of Iude the Brother of Christ who were then alive and demanding of them concerning Christ's Kingdom upon their information that it was not an earthly Kingdom but an heavenly Kingdom to be manifested in the consummation of the World when he should come again to judge the quick and dead Domitian stayed the Persecution and dismissed them Vol. 1. p. 48. The Third Persecution began by Trajan 100 years after the other He was a very just Man in
made him worthy to suffer for his truth In the morning coming to Smithfield where he was burnt he kneeled down at the entrance into it and said I will pay my Vows in thee O Smithfield and then coming to the Stake he kist it saying Shall I disdain to suffer at the Stake seeing my Redeemer did not refuse to suffer on his Cross for me and then he said the 106 107 108. Psalms and was burnt December 18. 1555. His Letters were many and pious comforting the penitent Sinners From 1. Examples of Penitents 2. God can Pardon more than we can sin and will pardon him who with hope of mercy is sorry for his sin 3. God permits his People to see the evil of their sins and to sorrow for it to let them experience his superabounding Grace He brings to Hell that with greater joy he might lift up to Heaven 4. Satan's conflict in you tempting and your strife against sin is an evidence you are the Child of God whom he may unawares cause to fall by sin but he shall never overcome for God doth it but to try your Faith and he beholds your resistance is pleased with it and will never forsake you The Just falls 7 times a day but yet he riseth again 5. Rejoyce therein in that your temptation and sorrow shall add to your glory Pag. 598. In divers Letters he much exhorts to Martyrdom and in one to the Lady Vane he thus writes The World wonders we can be merry in such extreme misery but our God is omnipotent who turns misery into felicity Believe me dear Sister there is no such joy in the World as the People of God have under the Cross I speak by experience therefore believe me and fear nothing that the World can do for when they imprison our Bodies they set at liberty our Souls when they kill us they bring us to Everlasting Life and what greater glory can there be than to be at conformity with Christ which afflictions do work in us Pag. 603. In another he writes to her he saith I that am under the Cross have felt more true joy and consolation in it than ever I did by any benefit that God hath given me in all my life before for the more the World hates the nigher God is unto us and there is no joy but in God Pag. 604. In another to that Lady he writes thus We have cause to be glad of the times of Persecution as to our selves for if we be imprisoned we are blessed if we lose all we have we are blessed a hundred times if we die we are blessed eternally so that in suffering persecution all is full of Blessings Vol. 3. pag. 605. Agnes Potten an Ipswich Woman burnt with Ioan Trunchfield in Q. Mary's dayes They being undressed for the fire with comfortable words of Scripture exhorted People to constancy against Popery and so continuing in the torment of the fire they held up their hands and called on God constantly so long as Life endured Vol. 3. p. 678. Iulius Palmer born at Coventry and Student and Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford who in King Edward the Sixth's dayes was a great Papist for which he was expelled the Colledge till Queen Mary's time when he was received again to his Fellowship and about 24 years of age by Scriptures and Peter Martyr's Books and Calvin's Institutions God so wrought that he became a zealous Protestant nor would be revoked from it declaring the Pope to be Antichrist whereupon for his safety he left the Colledge and went to Reding to teach a School where in a short time by false pretended Friends he was betray'd and forced to fly And he thinking to receive some Legacy due to him by his Father's Will went to his Mother in this his need and begging her Blessing on his knees she saluted him thus You shall have Christ 's curse and my curse where ever you go To which words of his Mother he said being amazed at the salutation Your curse O Mother you may give me which God knows I have not deserved but God's curse you cannot give me for he hath already blessed me Then she said You went out of God's Blessing into the warm Sun when you went from your Religion for I am sure you believe not as I and your Father and our Fore-fathers believed but art an Heretique and know your Father bequeathed nothing for Heretiques As for money and goods I have none for you faggots I have to burn you more you get not at my hands To whom he answer'd I am no Heretick but do embrace a Religion as old as Christ and his Apostles and though you curse me yet I pray God bless you And so softly spoke to her that she threw after him an old Angel to keep him honest So he went away from his Mother going privately to Reding again to gather up some Money due to him where he was basely betray'd and brought to Examination and was condemned and about one hour before his Execution he comforts himself and two others who suffer'd with him with Christ's Words Mat. 5.10 11 12. and by these sayings Be of good chear in the Lord faint not we shall not end our Lives in the fire but make a change for a better Life yea for coals we shall receive Pearls And in the fire they three lifted up their hands and quietly and chearfully as if feeling no pain they cry'd Lord Jesus strengthen us Lord Jesus assist us Lord Jesus receive our Souls And so called on Iesus till they dyed being burnt at Newbury Iuly 16. 1556. Vol. 3. pag. 733 to 741. One Prest's Wife of Exeter being a Protestant but seeming to be a simple ignorant Woman left her Husband and Children because they were Papists and went up and down to work for her living and being taken and examined she said In the cause of Christ and his truth she must either forsake Christ or her Husband I am content to stick only to Christ my heavenly Spouse and renounce the other whom I left not for Whoredom Theft or the like but because they by their Superstition and Idolatry persecuted me rebuked and troubled me when I would have had them leave their Idolatry The Doctors further talking with her she said You do but trouble my Conscience you will have me follow your doings but I will first lose my life I pray depart She openly reproved and argued against their Idolatry and that they went about to damn Souls by their Doctrine and perswading them to Idolatry She seemed to be a very simple Woman yet could she rehearse many places in Scripture And when she being condemned was desired to ask Pardon because she was an unlearned Woman not able to answer in such high matters she said I am not indeed able to answer in such high matters yet with my death am I content to be a witness of Christ 's Death And being again proffer'd a pardon if she would recant she said Nay
that I will not God forbid I should lose Life Eternal for this carnal and short Life I will never turn from my Heavenly Husband to my Earthly from the fellowship of Angels to my mortal Children And if my Husband and Children be faithful I am theirs God is my Father God is my Mother God is my Brother God is my Sister my Kinsman my Friend most faithful And at the Stake she continued crying Lord be merciful to me a sinner Vol. 3. p. 890 891. Peter Chevet burnt at Maubert near Paris March 11. 1559. being threatned to suffer he said Truly I do not think to escape your hands and though ye scorch and roast me alive yet will I never renounce my Christ. Being asked by the Official If he would not be absolved he said It is a question Oh poor Man whether thou canst save thy self and wilt thou take upon thee to save others Who being thereat angry threatned him with longer imprisonment to whom the Martyr said Alas alas though I should rot in Prison yet shall you find me still the same Man And at the Stake having his Cloaths pull'd off he said How happy how happy Oh how happy am I with eyes lift up to Heaven and so he died Additions to Vol. 3. concerning Massacre in France pag. 9. R R ROmanus a great encourager of the Christians in Antioch when they were persecuted in the 10 th Persecution was himself by Galerius then Emperour called out apprehended and sentenced to all the torments the Christians should have undergone who said O Emperour I joyfully accept of thy Sentence I refuse not to be sacrificed for my Brethren and that by as cruel a means as thou may'st invent then he was scourged and under the lashes he sang Psalms and laughed to scorn the Heathens Gods affirming the Christian's God to be the only true God before whose judicial Seat all Nations should appear then was his side launched till the Bones appeared yet he still Preached Christ and exhorted them to adore the living God then were his Teeth knockt out his Eye-lids torn his Face cut and he said I thank thee that thou hast opened to me many Mouths whereby I may Preach my Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ look how many Mouths I have so many Mouths I have lauding and praising God After that he was brought to new wounds and stripes and distongued who still spake and said He that speaketh Christ shall never want a Tongue At length he was had to Prison and there strangled When some pleaded he was of Noble Parentage and it was not lawful to put such a one to an un-noble death he said He required them not to spare him for Nobility-sake for said he not the blood of my Progenitors but Chrstian Profession maketh me Noble Vol. 1. p. 116 117. Iohn Rogers a Cambridge Scholar and Chaplain to the Merchants of Brabant beyond Sea where he was acquainted with Mr. Tindal and helped him and Mr. Coverdale in the Translation of the Bible he threw off the Yoak of Popery and becoming a Protestant he married and went to live at Wittenberg in Saxony Vol. 3. p. 119. and there learning the Dutch Tongue he had a Congregation committed to his charge where he staid till King Edward the 6 th's time and then being orderly called came into England and Preached there and was by Bishop Ridley made Prebend of Paul's but in Queen Mary's days he suffered much and was burned Feb. 4. 1555. He was the first that suffered in Queen Mary's days he Prophesied of Rome's downfall and that e're long in England true Gospel Ordinances should be again restored and the poor people of England should be brought to as good or a better state His Wife and ten Children that could go and one at her Breast met him going to burn but he was not moved but continued constant and suffered Vol. 3. p. 130 131. Bishop Ridley born in Northumberlandshire had his education in Newcastle was Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge Vol. 1. p. 432. then Chaplain to King Henry the 8 th who made him Bishop of Rochester and in King Edward the 6 th's days he was made Bishop of London He Preached every Sunday and Holyday in some place or other if not hindred by great affairs he was kind and affable one that presently forgave injuries and was wont to tell his Relations that if they acted evil he should esteem them as strangers to him and they who did honestly should be to him as Brothers and Sisters As soon as he was ready each morning he alwayes prayed for half an hour and then spent most part of the day and night in study he not going to Bed usually till eleven of the Clock and then praying He did read every day a Lecture in his Family gave every one of his Family a new Testament and hired them to learn several Chapters especially the 13. of the Acts. He being advised by one that was his Chaplain formerly to consult others and to turn Papist he said I would have you know that I esteem nothing available for me which also will not further the glory of God Vol. 3. p. 447. He being condemned at Oxford was kept close Prisoner in Mr. Irish the Major's House where he being at Supper the night before he was to suffer he was very merry and invited the Guests at the Table to his Wedding next day for to morrow saith he I shall be married which the Major's Wife hearing wept to whom he said You love me not now I see for I perceive you will not be at my Wedding nor are contented with my marriage but quiet your self though my Breakfast be sharp and painful yet I am sure my Supper shall be more pleasant and sweet Vol. 3. p. 502. And at the Stake he suffering with Mr. Latimer he chearfully ran to him embraced him kissed him and said Be of good chear Brother for God will either asswage the fury of the flames or else strengthen us to abide it and then he went to the Stake and kissed it and prayed effectually Being stript into his Shirt he held up his hands and said O heavenly Father I give thee most hearty thanks that thou hast called me to be a Professor of thee even to death And fire being kindled he often said Into thy hands O Lord I commend my spirit Lord Lord receive my spirit but through the badness of the fire he burned on one side and below on the legs a great while and yet his upper parts were not burned so that he leaped under the Faggots and calling to the Lord for mercy did call on the Persons by to let the fire come to him for he could not burn he said and shewed them one side clean Shirt and all untouched whole and the other burnt p. 504 505. he writing to his Friends and taking leave of them desires them not to be astonished at the manner of his sufferings and said I assure you I esteem it