shewing it to the people he in like manner counterfeiting the priest took up a little dog by the legs and held him over his head shewing him unto the people for this he was by and by apprehended and condemned to the fire and burned and the dog with him About the same time John Longland Bishop of Lincoln burned two upon one day the one named Thomas Bernard and the other James Morton the one for teaching the Lords Prayer in English and the other for keeping the Epistle of St. James translated into English Richard Mekins a boy not past the age of fifteen years was condemned to be burnt by Boner for speaking against the Sacrament of the Altar In Oxford also the same time or not much there-about recanted one Master Barker master of Art of that University a man excellently learned who being called up to Lambeth before the Archbiâ—hop Thomas Granmer was in his examination so stout in the cause of the Sacrament and so learnedly defended himself therein neither Cranmer himself nor all they could well answer to his allegations brought out of Auâ—eu wherein he was so promp ripe of himself that the Archbiâ—hop with the residue of his company were brought in a great admiration of him notwithstanding by compulsion of the time and danger of the six articles at last he relented and returning again to Oxford was there caused to recant After which the good man prospered not but wore away The year 1541. The King was divorced from the Lady Anna of Cleve which was his fourth wife and married to the fifth which was to Lady Cathren Howard Nice to the Duke of Norfolk and Daughter to my Lord Edmund Howard the Dukes brother but this Marriage likewise continued not long At this time were six Popish Monks executed for denying the Kings Supremacy Now as touching the late Marriage between the King and the Lady Howard this Matrimony endured not long for in the year next following 1542. the said Lady Cathren was accused of the King of incontinâ— nâ— living not only before her marriage with Frances Durham but also of spouse breach since her marriage with Thomas Culpeper for the which both the men aforesaid by act of Parliament were attained and executed for high Treason and also the said Lady Cathren late Queen with the Lady Jane Rochford Widow late Wise to Georg Bullen Lord Rochfords Brother to Queen Anna Eullen were beheaded for their deserts within the Tower The King missing Cromwell his old Counsellour Earle of Essex and smelling somewhat the wayes of Winchester began a little to set his foot again in the cause of religion And therefore in the same year after the execution of this Queen the King understanding some abuses yet to remain unreformed namely about pilgrimages and Idolatâ—y and other things moe besides to be corrected within his dominions directed his letters unto the Archbishop of Canterbury for the speedy redress and reformation of the samâ— A proclamation concerning white meats as milk egges butter cheese and such like during the time of lent without any scruple or grudg of conscience any law constitution use or custom to the contrary notwithstanding All this time great was the persecution in Caleice for Religion Amongst the rest one Adam Damlip was falsly accused for Treason and innocently put to death At his death Sir Ralph Elleker Knight then knight marshall there would not suffer the innocent and godly man to declare either his faith or the cause he died for but said to the executioner dispatch the knave have done Sir Ralph Elleker saying that he would not away before he saw the traitors heart out But shoâ—tly after Sir Ralph Elleker in a skirmish or road between the French-men and us at Eullen was amongst others slain whose only death sufficed not his enemies but after they had stripped him stark naked they cut off his privy members and cut the heart out of his bodie and so left him a terrible example to all bloody and mercilesse men for no cause was known why they shewed such indignation against the said Sir Ralph Elleker more then against the rest but that it is â—ritten faciens justitias Dominus judicia omnibus injuria pressis It is reported of a certain poor labouring man of Caleice who being in a certain company said that he would never believe that a priest could make the Lords body at his pleasure whereupon he was then accused and condemned by one Harvie Commissary there which Harvie in time of his judgement inveying against him with approbrious words said that he was an Heretick and should die a vile death The poor man answering for himself again said that he was no Heret ck but was in the faith of Christ and whereas thou sayest said hee that I shal die a vile death thou thy self shal die a viler death and that shortly and so it came to passe for within half an year after the said Harvie was hanged drawn and quarterd for Treason in the said town of Caleice Here is a notable example of Gods judgement upon a bloody Persecutor The rigour of the six Articles were a little aswaged in a Parliament Anno 1544. Mistrisse Anna Askew was brought before the Inquisitors and examined and after that sundry times examined and put to great trouble and put to the rack because she would not confesse what Ladies or Gentlewomen were of her opinion and therein sayes she they keeped me along time and because I lay still and did not cry my Lord Chancellor and M. Rich took pains to rack me with their own hands till I was nigh dead then the Leivtenant caused me to be loosed from the Rack incontinently I sowned and then they recovered me again After that I sat two long hours reasoning with my Lord Chancellor upon the bare floor whereas he with many flattering words perswaded me to leave my opinion but my Lord God I thank his everlasting goodnesse gave me grace to persevere and will do I hope to the very end then was I brought to an house and laid in a bed with as weary and painfull bones as ever had patient Job I thank the Lord my God therefore Then my Lord Chancellor sent me word if I would leave my opinion I should want nothing if I would not I should forth to Newgate and so be burned I sent him again word that I would rather die then to break my faith heareafter she is condemned to be burnt for her opinion touching the Sacrament for holding that after the Priest hath spoken the words of Consectation there remaineth bread still they both say and also teach it for a necessary Article of faith that after these words be once spoken there remaineth no bread but even the self same body that hang upon the Crosse on goodfryday both flesh blood and bones to this belief of theirs said I nay for then were ouâ— common Creed false which saith that he sitteth on the right hand of God the Father
unto him and when he felt the fire he cryed mercy calling belike unto the Lord and so the Prince immedialy commanded to take away the Tun and quench the fire The Prince his commandement being done asked him if he would forsake Heresie to take him to the faith of Holy Church which thing if he would do he should have Goods enough promising also unto him a yearly Stipend out of the Kings Treasury so much as should suffice his contentation but this valiant Champion of Christ neglecting the Princes fair words and promises continued constant in his profession then the Prince commanded him straight to be put again into the Pipe or Tun and that he should not afterward look for any grace or favour and so he was burnt to death Other servants of God good religious men were accused of Heresie and brought before the Archbishop of Canterbury as VVilliam Thorp who gave a large and notable confession of his Faith and answered wisely and godly to all the points whereof he was accused by the Archbishop where he suffered mocking and scorning and threatning what became of this good man and blessed servant of God is not at yet in Story specified by all conjecture it is thought that the Archbishop Thomas Arundell being so hard an adversary against him would not let him go much lesse it is to be supposed that he would ever retract his sentence and opinion which he so valiantly maintained before the Bishop neither doth it seem that he had any such recanting spirit Again neither is it found that he was burned wherefore it remaineth most likely to be true that he being committed to some strait Prison according as the Archbishop in his Examination before did threaten him was so straitly keeped that either he was secretly made away or else there he died by sicknesse The like end also I find happen to John Ashton another good fellower of VVickliff he was condemned by the Bishops and because he would not recant he was committed to perpetuall Prison wherein the good man continued till his death And as great was the constancy of the true professors so many did shrink and did revolt and renounce for danger of the Law In those dayes great was the pride and glory of the Clergie of England that none durst stir or once mute against them having the King so full on their side armed moreover with Laws Statutes Punishments Imprisonments Sword Fire and Fagot reigned and ruled as they listed as Kings and Pâ—inces within themselves So strong were they of power that no humane force was able to stand against them so exalted in pride and puft up in glory that they thought all things to be subject to their reverend Majesties whatsoever they set forth or decreed it must be of all men received and obeyed What greater shew of arrogancy and pride could there be then in this When Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury passed by the high Street of London and because they did not ring their Bells for a triumph of his coming took great snuffe thereat and did suspend all such Churches in London not only with the Steeple and Bells but also with the Organs so many as did not receive his coming with the noise of Bells The like stir for Bell-ringing and for Processions had almost happened between the Archbishop of Canterbury Successor to this Thomas Arundell named Henry Chicâ—ly on the one part and the Abbey of St. Albons on the other part had not the Abbot in time submitting himself to the Archbishop so provided that the ringing of their Bells at his comming might not redound to any derogation of their Liberties whereunto the Archbishop granted by his Lettert direct to them To expresse moreover and describe the glorious pomp of these Princely Prelates in those blind dayes of Popish Religion reigning then in the Church I though to adjoyn hereunto another example not much unlike neither differing much in time concerning certain poor men cited up and enjoyned strait pennance by VVilliam Courtney predecessor of the said Thomas Arundell for bringing Litter to his Horse not in Wains as they should do but in privie Sacks in a secret manner under their Cloaks or Coats for the which so hainous and horrible trespasse the said Archbishop sitting in his Tribunall-seat did call and cite before him the said persons pro litera 1. For Litter after his own Latin and after their submission injoyns them Pennance that is that they going leafurly before the Procession every one of them should carry openly on his shoulder his Bag stuffed with Hay and Straw so that the said Hay or Straw should appear hanging out the mouths of the Sacks being open whereupon it was said This Bag full of Straw I bear on my back Because my Lords Horses his Litter did lack If ye be not good to my Lords Graces horse Ye are like to go bare foot before the Crosse King Henry the fourth had a Prophesie that he thould die in Jerusalem and lying sick in a fair Chamber at VVestminster and lying on his Bed he asked how they called the said Chamber and they answered and said Jerusalem and then he said it was his Prophesie that he should make his end in Jerusalem And so disposing himself toward his end in the foresaid Chamber he died upon that sicknesse whether of Leprosie or of some other sharp disease I have not to affirm The like Prophesie we read of Pope Sylvester 2. to whom being inquisitive for the time and place where he should die it was answered that he should die at Jerusalem who then saying Masse in a Chappel called likewise Jerusalem perceived his end there to be near and died Sir John Oldcastle the Lord Cobham a most worthy and religious Knight was suspect of Heresie and to bee a favourer and maintainer of VVickliffs Doctrine and the professors thereof for the which he was apprehended and accused and falsly condemned for Heresie In his examination before the Archbishop Arundell and his Clergy he answered wisely and Religiously to every point he was posed upon especially anent the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and constantly and zealously maintained the Truth but in end he is falsly and unjustly condemned as an Heretick After that the Archbishop Thomas Arundell had read the bill of his condemnation with most extremity before the whole multitude the Lord Cobham said with a most chearfull countenance though ye judge my body which is but a wretched thing yet am I certain and sure that ye can do no harm unto my Soul no more then could Satan unto the Soul of Job hee that created that will of his infinit mercy and promise save I have therein no manner of doubt And as concerning these Articles of my Belief that I have given in unto you I will stand to them even unto the very death by the grace of my Eternall God And therewith he turned him unto the People casting his hands abroad and saying with a very loud voice
The furniture of his Books cost him 70â—0 Florents a little before his death his mind was to give all away and to take a Towl and Preach but the Lord would not permit him With two Popes that is with Pope Innocent and Alexander the sixt he had much vexation Under the Raign of Fredericus the third Emperor of Germany was one Iohn a Pastor or a Neat herd which was a keeper of Cattel him the Bishop of Herbipolis condemned and burnt for an Heretick because he taught and held that the life of the Clergy was ignominious and abominable before God But to proceed in the Persecutions of the Godly in England in King Henry the seventh his Raign In the Diocesse of Lincoln in Buckinghame-shire William Smith being Bishop of the same Diocesse one William Tylesworth was burned in Amershame his only Daughter being a married Woman a Godly and a Faithfull Woman was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her dear father and at the same time her husband did penance at her fathers burning and bare a Fagot as did also many moe At the burning of this William Tylsworth were sixty and above that were put to bear Fagots for their Penance of whom diverse were injoyned to bear and wear Fagots at Lincoln for the space of seven years some at one time some at another c. In which number was also Robert Barlet a rich man who for his Possessions sake was put out of his Farm and Goods and was condemned to be kept in the Monasterie of Ashange were he did wear on his right Sleeve a square piece of Cloath the space of seven years together About the same time also of the burning of Wilâ—iam Tylesworth was one Father Roberts burned at Buckinghame he was a Miller and dwelt at Missenden and at his burning there were about twenty persons that were compelled to bear Faggots and to do such pennance as the wicked Pharisees did compell them After that by the space of two or three years was burned at Amersham Thomas Bernard a husband man and James Mordan a labourer and they two was burned both at one fire Also there were thirty burned on the right Cheek at the same time and bare Faggots the cause was that they would table against Superstition and Idolatrie and were desireous to hear and read the holy Scriptures The manner of their burning on the cheek was this their necks was tyed fast to a Poast or Stay with Towels and their hands holden that they might not stir and so the Iron being hot was put to their cheeks and thus bare they the Prints and Marks of the Lord Jesus about them At this time also in the dayes of King Henry the seventh was one Laurence Ghest which was burned in Salisbury for the matter of the Sacrament he was of a comely and tall Personage he was kept in Prison the space of two years This Laurence had a Wife and seven Children wherefore they thinking to expugne and perswade his mind by stirring his fatherly affection toward his Children when the time came which they appointed for his burning as he was at the Stake they brought before him his Wife and his foresaid seven Children at the sight whereof although Nature is commonly bent to work in other yet in him Religion overcoming Nature made his constancy to remain unmoveable in such sort as when his Wife began to exhort and desire him to favour himself he again desired her to be content and not to be a block in his way for he was in a good course running towards the mark of his Salvation and so fire being put to him he finished his life renouncing not only Wife and Children but also himself to follow Christ As he was in burning one of the Bishops men threw a fire-brand at his face whereat the brother of Laurence standing by ran at him with his Dagger and would have slain him had he not been otherwise stayed It is recorded likewise in the raign of this King Henry the seventh when the people was returning from the burning of a faithfull woman at Cheaping Sadbery for alledged Heresie by Doctor Whitington the Bishops Chancelour who was present at the execution as hee returned with the rest there happened that a Bull escaping from the Butcher into the street he passed through the throng of the people every one drawing aside and shifting for himself and touching neither man nor childe till hee came where the Chancelour was against whom the Bull as pricked with a sudden vehemency ran upon him with his horns and taking him upon the paunch gorred him throw and throw and so killed him immediatly carrying his guts and trailing them with his horns all the streets over to the great admiration and wonder of all them that saw it Here we see a plain miracle of Gods mighty power and judgement both in the punishing of this wretched Chancellour and also in admonishing all other like persecutors by his example to fear the Lord and to abstain from the like cruelty Besides these before mentioned many moe in this King Henry the seventh his raign were persecuted for their Religion specially in the diocesse of Coventree and Lich-field among whom we shall name these few First John Blomston was openly and publickly infamed accused reported and apeached that he was a very Heretick because he had preached taught holden and affirmed that the power attributed to St. Peter in the Church oâ— God by one Saviour Jesus Christ immediatly did not flitte or passe from him to remain with his Successors Item that there was as much vertue in an Herb as in the Image of the Virgine Mary Item that prayer and Alms avail not the dead for incontinent after death he goeth either to Heaven or hell whereupon hee concludeth there is no Purgatory c. Richard Heghame in the same City of Coventree was accused to be a very Heretick because that hee did hold that a Christian man being at the point of death should renounce all his own works good and ill and submit him to the mercy of God Item It was fondnesse to worship the images of our Lady of Tower in the forsaid City or of other Saints for they are but stocks and stones Item that if the image of our Lady of Tower were put into the fire it would make a good fire Item that it were better to deal money unto the poor folks than to offer to the Image of Christ and other Saints which are but dead stocks and stones John Smith was accused to be a very Heretick because he did hold every man is bound to know the Lords Prayer and the Creed in English if he might for these false Priests Thomas Butler was likewise accused to bee a very Heretick because he did hold that there were but two wayes that is to say to heaven and to hell Item that there was no Purgatory for every man immediatly after death passeth either to heaven or hell Item that prayers
also apprehended for religion into the temple of St. Mary at Rome either to revoke or to be burned There sate on them six Cardinals in high seats beside the Judge before whom preached a dominick-Frier which cruelly inveying against the poor prisoners incensed the Cardinalls with all the vehemency he might to their condemnation the poor man stood holding a burning Taper in their hands of whom some for fear of death revolted But this Doctor Mollius with a weaver of Perusium remained constant Then Mollius began an earnest sermon in the Italian tongue wherein he confirmed the articles of faith by the sacred Scriptures declaring also that the Pope was not the successor of Peter but Antichrist and his sectaries do figure the whore of Babylon Moreover he cited them up to the tribunal seat of Christ and they being replenished with anger condemned him with the weaver to the fire and commanded them to be had away So were they carried incontinent to the camp or field called Florianum where they remained chearfull and constant first the weaver was hanged Mollius then willing the hangman to execute his office likewise upon him began to exhort the people to beware of idolatry and to have no other Saviour but Christ alone for he only is the Mediator between God and man and so also he was hanged commending his soul to God and afterward laid in the fire and burned The people having diverse judgments upon him some said he died an heretick some said he was a good man Furthermore in the same citie of Rome and about the same time in the Monastery of St. Augustine were found two monks in their Celles with their tongues and heads cut off only for rebuking the immoderat and outragious excesse of the Cardinals Such was the cruelty then of the malignant adversaries In Pope Pius the fourth his time was hot persecution in all the territories of the church of Rome against them which were suspected for Lutherans whereupon insued great trouble and persecution in the Kingdom of Naples in such cruel sort that many Noble Men with their wives and others are reported there to bee slain in Calabria beyond Naples in Italy likewise the same time suffered a great number of Christs welbeloved Saints both old and young put together in one house to the number of 88. persons all which one after another were taken out of the house and so being laid upon the Butchers stall like the sheep in the shambless with one bloody knife were all killed in order a spectacle most tragicall for all posterity to remember and almost incredible to believe beside also a great number condemned Now to return again to the Isse of Brittain to England and Scotland and to take a view of the affairs of the Churches there And first to begin with England In the reign of King Henry the eight at Coventree there were seven apprehended and burnt for the gospell of Christ to wit Mistresse Smith widow Robert Hatchers a Shoemaker Wrigsham a glover Lansdale a Hosier Archer a shoemaker Hawkings a shoemaker Thomas band shoemaker The principal cause of the apprehension and burning of these persons was for teaching their children and family the Lords prayer and ten commandments in English the children were sent for to the Gray-friers in Coventree before the Warden of the said Friers called Frier-Stafford who straitly examining them of their beliefe and what Heresie their Fathers had taught them charged them upon pain of suffering such death as their Fathers should in no wayes to medle any more with the Lords prayer the Creed and the ten Commandments in English Thomas Harding dwelling at Cheâ—ham in the County of Euchingham with Alice his Wife was first abjured by Wiâ—â—am Smith Bishop of Lincoln with diverse others moe which the same time were taken and compelled some to beat Faggots some were burned in the check with hotirons some condemned to perpetual prison some threstinto Monasteries and spoyled clean of all their goods some compelled to make pilgrimage to the great Block otherwise called our Lady in Lincoln some to one part some to another Harding for reading upon English booâ—s waa condemned for relâ—pse to be burned to ashes and was burnt being of the age of threescore years Many simple people in the Diosie of Lincoln were vexed afflicted and persecuted for then Religion the Son was compelled to testifie against the Father the Father against the son the wife against the Husband and the husband against the wife the sister against the brother A Brief Discourse concerning the story and Life of Thomas Volsey laâ—e Cardinal of York wherein is to be seen and noted the express Image of the proud vain glorious Church of Rome how fare it differeth from the true Church of Jesus Christ. THis Cardinall Volsey and the Popes Legat of Rome was so puft up in pride that he thought himself equal with the King And when hee had said Masse he made Dukes and Earies to serve him of Wine with a say taken and to hold the basen at the Lavatories Furthermore as he was Ambassadour sent to the Emperor at Eruxels he had over with him the great Seal of England and was served with his Servitours kneeling on their knees and many Noble men of England waiting upon him to the great admiration of all the Germans that beheld it such was his monstruous pomp and pride That glorious Cardinal in his tragicall doings did exceed so far all measure of a good subject that he became more like a Prince then a priest for although the King bare the sword he bare the strok making in a manner the whole Realm to bend at his beck and to dance after his pipe Such practises and fetches he had that when he had well stored his own Coffers first he fetched the greatest part of the Kings Treasure out of the Realm in twelve great barrels full of gold and silver to serve the Popes wars And as his avaritious mind was never satisfied in getting so his restlesse head was so busie rufling in publick matters that he never ceased before he had set both England France Flanders Spain and Italy together by the ears for his pride and avarice he was hated of all men At what time Pope Clement was taken prisoner Cardinal Volsey wrote tot he Emperor to make him Pope but when he returned an answer wherein he was not pleased he waxed furious mad and sought all means to displease the Emperor writeing very sharply unto him many minacing letters that if he would not make him Pope he would make such a ruffling between christian Princes as was not this hundreth years before to make the Emperor repent year though it should cost the whole Realm of England Whereupon the Emperor answering biddeth him look well about him lest through his doings and atempts he might bring the matter in that case that it should cost him the Realm of England indeed The King finding himself deluded by Cardinal Campegius and Cardinal
still with the other what time the fat water and blood dropped out at his fingers ends untill by renewing of the fire his strength was gone and his hand did cleave fast in knocking to the iron upon his breast So immediatly bowing for wards he yeelded up his spirit Doctor Tailyour was burned at Hadley for the testimony of the Gospel when he was going to execution the people greatly lamented him and cryed one to another Ah good Lord there goeth our good Sheepherd from us that so faithfully hath taught us so fatherly hes cared for us and so godly hath governed us O mercifull God what shal we poor scattered Lambs do What shall come of this wicked world Good Lord strengthen him and comfort him with such other most lamentable and pitious voices And he cryed to them I have Preached to you Gods word and truth and am come this day to seal it with my blood Coming against the Almes-house which he well knew he cast to the poor people money which remained of that good people had given him in time of his imprisonment As for his living they took it from him at his first going to Prison so that he was sustained all the time of his imprisonment by the charitable Almes of good people that visited him he is not permitted to speak at his death and therefore he kneeled down and prayed and a poor woman that was among the people stepped in and prayed with him but her they thrust away and threatned to tread her down with horses notwithstanding she would not remove but abode and prayed with him When he had prayed he went to the Stake and kissed it and set himself in a pitch Barrel which they had set for him to stand in and so stood with his back upright against the Stake with his hands folded together and his eyes toward Heaven and so he continually prayed So stood he still without either crying or moving with his hands folded together till Soyce with an Halbert stroke him on the head that the brains fell out and the dead Corps fell down into the fire and burnt The Lord Chancellor and other his fellow Bishops caused the Image of Thomas Becket that old Romsh traitor to be set over the Mercers Chappel-door in Cheapside in London in the form and shape of a Bishop with Miter and Crosier howbeit within two days after his erection his two blessing-fingers were first broken away and the next day his head also was stricken off whereupon arose great trouble and many were suspected among whom one Master John Barnes Mercer dwelling over against the same Chappel was vehemently by the Lord Chancellor charged withall as the doer thereof and though rather for that he was a Professor of the truth wherefore he and three of his servants were commited to Prison and at his delivery although it could not be proved upon him he was bound in a great sum of money as well to build it up again as often as it should be broken down and also to watch and keep the same And therefore at his compelled charges the Image was again set up the second day of March then next ensuing but for lake belike of careâ—ull watching the 14. day of the said month in the night the head of that dangerous beast over whom there was such a charge given was again the second time broken off which thing was so hainously taken that the next Day there was a proclamation made in London that whosoever would tell who did strik off his head though he were of counsel and not the principal doer he should have not only his pardon but also an hundreth crowns of Gold with hearty thanks but it was not known who did it Thomas Tomkins of the Diocesse of London having first his hand burned after was burnt himself by Bishop Boner for the constant testimony of Christs true profession This Tomkins was a weaver by his occupation he was of so godly life and disposition that if any woman had come to him with her Web as some time they did three or four in a day he would alwayes begin with prayer Or if any other had come to talk with him of any matter he would first begin with prayer and if any had sought unto him to borrow money he would shew him such money as he had in his purse and bid him take it and when they came to repay it again so far off was he from seeking any usury at their hand or from strait exaction of his due that he would bid them keep it longer while they were better able When Boner saw that by no means he could prevail with Tomkins to forsake the truth he found out a cruel device First he burnt his hand at a Taper or wax-candle supposing that by the smart and pain of the fire being terrified he would leave off the defence of his Doctrine which he had received In the time that his hand was in burning the said Tomkins afterward reported to one James Hinse that his spirit was so rapt up that he felt no pain In the which burning he never shrunk till the veins shrunk and the sinnews brust and the water did spirt into Mr. Harpfields face one that was with the Bishop insomuch that the said Mr. Harpsfield moved with pitie desired the Bishop to stay saying that he had tried him enough this burning was in the hall at Fulham and such was the cruelty of this Boner that he was not contented with the burning of his hand rested not till he had consumed his whole body into ashes at London in Smithfield Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor seeing he could not prevail by cruelty to reduce men to the unity of the Catholick faith and to call them from their errors and heresies he gave over his murthering office to Boner Bishop of London who supplied that part right doughtily as in the further processe of this History hereafter evidently and too much may appear William Hunter a young man of nineteen years a Prentise in London is burnt for the Gospels sake when hee is condemned to die his father and his mother came to comfort him and desired heartily of God that he might continue to the end in that good way which God had begun and his mother said to him that she was glad that ever she was so happy to bear such a Child which could find in his heart to lose his life for Christs name sake As he came to the place of execution The Shireff said unto him here is a letter from the Queen if thou wilt recant thou shalt live if not thou shall be burned No quoth William Hunter I will not recant God willing then he went to the staik and prayed saying Son of God shine upon me and immediatly the Sun in the Element shined out of a dark cloud so full in his face that he was constrained to look another way whereat the people mused because it was so dark a little
about this time a blind boy named Thomas Drowrie put to death at Glochesâ—er in his examination besides Doctor Williams then Chancellor of Glocester amongst other Articles he urged the Article to Transubstantiation saying dost thou not believe that after the words of Consecration spoken by the Priest there remaineth the very real body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar the blind Boy answered that I do not Then â—aid he then thou art an Heretick and shall be burned but who hath taught thee this heresie Ye Mâ—ster Chancellor when and where did I teach so when ye preached naming the day a Sermon to all men as well as to me upon the Sacrament Ye said the Sacrament was to be received spiritually by faith not carnally and really as the Papists have therefore taught Then said the Chancellordâ— as I have done and thou shalt live as I do and escape burning Then said the Boy though ye can so easily dispense with your self mock with God the world and your consciâ—nce yet will I not so do then said the Chancellor God have mercy upon thee for I will read the condemnatorie sentence against thee Gods will be done said he The Register being herewiâ—h somewhat moved stood up said to the Chancellor Fye foâ— shâ—me man will ye read the sentence against him and condemn your self away away and substitute some other to give sentence and judgement No said the Chancellor to the Register I ill obey the Law and give sentence my self according to mine office and so he read the sentence condemnatory against the Boy with an unhappy tongue and more an unhappy conscience delievering him over to the Secular power So he was bâ—ought to the fire burnt who constantly suffered for the defence of the truth There were burned at one fire at Stratford the Bow by London eleven men and women whole dwellings were in sundry places in Essex the eleven men were tyed to three Stakes the two women looâ—e in the midst without any Stake and so were all burnt with such love to each others and constancy in our Saviour Christ that it made all the beholders to marvel The Sheriff that attended upon them came to the one part and told them that the other had recanted and their lives theâ—efore should be saved willing and exhorting them to do the like and not to cast away themselves Unto whom they answered that their faith was not builded upon man but on Christ crucified Then the Sheriâ—ff perceiving no good â—o be done with them went to the other part and said like a liar the like to thâ—m that they whom he had been with before had recanted and should therefore not suffer death counselling them to do the like and not wilfully to kill themselves but to play the wise men c. Unto whom they answered as their brethren had done before that their faith was not builded on man but on Christ and his sure word The Martyrdome of a learned and vertuous young man called Julius Palmer some time Fellow of the Magdalen Colâ—edge in Oxford burned at Newberie This young man in all King Edwâ—rds daies when the Gospel was preached professed was a Papist within the University of Oxford and so obstinat that he did utterly abhorre all godly prayer and sincere preaching and almost of all them with whom he lived was therefore likewise abhorred and as I may say pointed at with the finger yet did after in Queen Mariâ—s time when the Gospel was surpressed and the Masse let up suffer most cruel death so the Lord does call when and whom it pleases him according to his good will and pleasure and animats and strengthens them to give their life for his cause When Palmer came to the fire and two other with him they fell all three to the ground and Palmer with an audible voice pronounced the 31. Psalm but the other two made their Prayers secretly to Almighty God And as Palmer began to arise there came behind him two popish Priests exhorting him yet to recant and save his soul Palmer answered and said away away tempt me no longer away I say from mee all ye that work iniquity for the Lord hath heard the voice of my tears and so forthwith they put off their rayment and went to the Stake and kissed it and when they were bound to the Post Palmer said good people Pray for us that we may persevere unto the end and for Christs sake beware of Popish teachers for they deceive you As he spake this a servant of one of the Bailiffs threw a Fâ—ggot at his face that the blood gushed out in diverse places for the which fact the Sheriff reviled him calling him cruel tormenter and with his walking staffe brake his head that the blood ran about his ears And when the fire was kindled and began to take hold upon their bodies they lift their hands towards Heaven and quietly and chearfully as though they had felt no smart they cryed Lord Jesus strengthen us Lord Jesus asist us Lord Jesus receive our souls And â—o they continued without any strugling holding up their hands and knocking their hearts and called upon Jesus untill they had ended their mortal lives Among other things this is also to be noted that after their three heads by force of the raging and devouring flames of fire were fallen together in a plump or cluster which was marvelous to behold and that they all were judged already to have given up the ghost suddenly Palmer as a man awaked out of sleep moved his tongue and jaws and was heard to pronounce this word Jesu So being resolved into ashes he yeelded to God as joyfull a soul confirmed with the sweet promises of Christ as any one that ever was called beside to fuffer for his blessed Name The Martyrdome of three women with a young infant burned to wit the mother her two daughters and the child in the Isle of Garnsey for Christs true Religion the year of our Lord 1556. Among all the Martyrdomes of this Book rehearsed there is none almost either in cruelty to be compared or so far off from all compassion and sense of humanity as this mercilesse fact of the Papists done upon these women their challenge was for not coming to the Church Upon rash information given before their cause was tried was condemned and ordained â—o be burnt foâ— Hereticks and notwithstanding that these three women were willing to be conformed to the Queens ordinances were condemned they made their appeal to the Queen but could not be heard One of the women being great with child by the vehemency of the flame the infant being a fair man child fell into the fire and eftsoones being taken out of the fire by one standing by and was laid upon the grasse then was the child had to the Provest and from him to the Bayliff who gave censure that it should be carried back again and cast into the fire and so was the child
absent by the sentence of David Betown Archbishop of St. Andrews and other Prelats of Scotland and all his goods confiscat and his Picture at last burned in the open Market-place the Articles whereupon he was accused and condemned came to his hands whereunto he answered very wisely and religiously confuting them all At this time also was Thomas Forret Priest Frier John Kello Frier Beverage Duncan Simpson Priest Robert Foster a Gentleman with three or four other men of Striviling persecuted for the Gospel and testimony of Christ This Dean Thomas Forret preached every Sunday to his Parishoners the Epistle or Gospel as it fell for the time which then was a great novelty in Scotland to see any man preach except a black Frier or a gray Frier and therefore the Friers envyed him and accused him to be the B. of Dunkel in whose Diocesse he remained as an heretick and one that shewed the mysteries of the Scriptures to the vulgar people in English to make the Clergy detestable in the sight of the people The B. of Dunkel named George Crighton moved by the Friers instigation called the said Dean Thomas and said unto him my Joy Dean Thomas I love you well and therefore I must give you my counsel how ye shall rule and guide your self To whom Thomas said I thank your Lordship heartily Then the B. began this counsel on this manner my Joy Dean Thomas I am informed that ye preach the Epistle or Gospel every Sunday to your parishoners and that ye take not the Cow nor the upermost cloath from your parishoners which thing is very prejudicial to the Church-men and therefore my Joy Dean Thomas I would ye took your Cow and your upmost cloath or Mortuary as other Church-men do or else it is too much to preach every Sunday for in so doing ye make the people think that we should preach likewise but it is enough for you when ye find any good Epistle or any good Gospel that setteth forth the liberty of the holy Church to preach that and let the rest be Thomas answered My Lord I think that none of my parishoners will complain that I take not the Cow nor the uppermost cloath but will gladly give me the same together with any other thing that they have and I will give and communicate with them any thing that I have and so my Lord we agree right well and their is no discord amongst us And where your Lordship saith it is too much to preach every Sunday indeed I think it too little and also would with that you L. did the like Nay nay Dean Thomas saith my Lord let that be for we are not ordained to preach Then said Thomas when your L. biddeth me preach when I find any good Epistle or a good Gospel truely I have read the New Testament and the Old and all the Epistles and the Gospels amongst them all I could never find any evil Gospel or any evil Epistle but if your L. will shew me the good Epistle and the good Gospel and the evil Epistle and the evil Gospel then I shall preach the good and ommit the evil Then spake my Lord stoutly and said I thank God that I never knew what the Old and New Testament was and of these words arose a proverb which is common in Scotland ye are like the B. of Dunkelden that knew neither new nor old Law therefore Dean Thomas I will know nothing but my Portuise and my Pontificall Go your way and let be all these fantasies for if ye persevere in these erroneous opinions ye will repent it when ye may not mend it Thomas said I trust my cause is just in the presence of God and therefore I pesse not much what do follow thereupon and so my Lord and he departed at that time And soon after a summonds was directed from the Cardinal of St. Andrews and the said B. of Dunkelden upon the same Dean Thomas Forret and upon two black Friers called Frier John Kello and another called Reverage and upon one Priest of Striviling called Duncan Simpson and one Gentleman called Robert Forrester in Stirling with other three or four with them of the Town of Stirling who at this day of their appearance after their summonding were condemned to the death without any place of recantation because as was alledged they were Heresiarchs or chief Hereticks and teachers of Heresies and especially because many of them were at the Brydell and Marriage of a Priest who was Vicar of Tillâ—bodie beside Stirling and did eat flesh in Lent at the said Brydell and so they were altogether burnt upon the Castle-hill of Edinburgh where they that were first bound to the Stake godly and marvellously did comfort them that came behind At this time likewise were apprehended two of the Diocesse of Glasgow the one named Jeremiah Russel a gray Frier a young man of a meek nature quick spirit and good learning and one Alexander Kennedy who passed not eighteen years of age one of excellent wit in vulgar poesie To assist the B. of Glasgow in that cruell judgement or at lest to dip his hands in the blood of the Saints of God were sent Mr. John Lawder Mr. Andrew Oliphant and Frier Mortman servants to Satan apt for that purpose The day appointed to the cruelty approaching the two poor Saints of God were persecuted before these bloody Boutchers Grievous were the crimes that were laid to their charge Kennedy at the first was faint and gladly would have recanted but while the place of repentance was denyed unto him the Spirit of God which is the Spirit of all comfort began to work in him yea the inward comfort began to brust forth as well in visage as in tongue and word for his countenance began to be cheerfull and with a perfect joy upon his knees he said O eternal God how wonderfull is that love and mercy that thou bearest unto mankind and unto me the most catiff and miserable wretch above all others for even now when I would have denyed thee and thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ my only Saviour and so have cast my self into everlasting damnation thou by thine own hand hast pulled me from the very bottom of hell and made me to feel that heavenly comfort which takes from me that ungodly fear wherewith before I was oppressed Now I defy death do what ye please I praise God I am ready This godly and learned Jerremie railed upon by these godlesse Tyrants answered this is your hour and power of darknesse Now sit ye as Judges and we stand wrongfully accused and more wrongfully to be condemned but the day shall come when our innocency shal appear and that ye shall see your own blindnesse to your everlasting conconfusion Go forward and fulfill the measure of your iniquity While that these servants of God thus behaved themselves variance ariseth betwixt the B. and the beasts that came from the Cardinal for the B. said I think it better
to spare these men then to put them to death whereat the idiot Doctors offended said what will ye do my Lord Will ye condemn all that my Lord Cardinall and the other Bishops and we have done If ye so do ye shew your self enemy to the Church and us and so we will repute you be ye assured At which words the faithlesse man afraid adjudged the innocents to die according to the desire of the wicked and so they were burnt constantly triumphing over death and Satan in the midst of the fire The King at this time was ruled wholly by the Cardinal and made a solomn vow that none should be spared that was suspect of heresie yea although it were his own son which put many into fear The fearfull vision which the King had by night much terrified him that he withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him The King died in the year of the Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway by the Englishes he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was deliveaed of a daughter at Linlithow at which time it is said he brust forth in passion saying it came with a Laste meaning the Crown and will go with a Lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Earle of Arran Lord Hammilton was chosen Regent and Governour of the Realm At this time there was a certain act of Parliament made giving priviledge to all men of the Realm of Scotland to read the Scripture in their Mother tongue and language secluding neverthelesse all reasoning conference convocation of people to hear the Scriptures read or expouned Which liberty of private reading being granted by publick proclamation lacked not his own fruite so that in sundry parts of Scotland thereby were opened the eyes of the elect of God to see the truth and to abhor the Papistical abominations Now there was certain in St. Johnstoun that were apprehended and accused for transgressing the act of Parliament before expressed and then conference and assemblies in hearing and expounding the Scripture against the Tenor of the said act All these were condemned and judged to death as Robert Lamb William Anderson James Hunter and his wife Helen Stirk and others and that by an assise by violating as was alledged the act of Parliament in reasoning and conferring upon the Scripture for eating flesh upon the dayes forbidden for dishonouring of images c. There was great intercession made by the Town in the mean season for the life of these persons aforenamed to the Governour who of himself was willing to have done that they might have been delivered But the Governour was so subject to the appetite of the cruel Priests that he could not do that which he would yea they menaced to assist his enemies and to depose him except he assisted their cruelty the men were hanged and the women drowned Robert Lamb prophesied of the ruine and plague that came upon David Beton the Cardinal thereafter The Martyrdome of Mr George Wisher This Mr. George was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Merns a great knowledge c. He made his chief resort in the Towns of Dundie and Montrose where hee taught publickly with great profite and applause He is discharged from preaching at Dundie he goeth to the West where the Archbishop of Glasgow seeketh to apprehend him In end he is apprehended and put to his tâ—yall and condemned to be burnt as an heretick As he came forth of the Castle gate there met him certain beggars asking his almes for Gods sake To whom he answered I want my hands wherewith I should give you almes but the mercifull Lord of his benignity and aboundance of grace that feedeth all men vouchafe to give you necessaries both unto your bodies and souls then afterward met with him two false fiends I should say Friers saying Mr. George pray to our Lady that she may be Mediatrix for on to her Son to whom he answered meekly cease tempt me not my brethren After this he was led to the fire with a rope about his neck and a chain of iron about his midle After his prayer made to God and his exhortation to the people the hangman that was his tormentor â—ate down upon his knees and said sir I pray you forgive me for I am not gullty of your death to whom he answered come hither to me when that he was come to him he kissed his cheek and said Lo here is a token that I forgive thee my heart do thy office and by and by he was put upon the Gibbet and hanged and there burnt to powder At his execution he prophecies of the Cardinals death he who from you higher place beholdeth us with such pride shal within few dayes lye in the same as ignominiously as now he is seen proudly to rest himself The Cardinals death is conspired by Normond Lesly brother to the Earle of Rothesse John Lesly his Unckle William Kirkaldy of Grange Peter Carmichel of Fyfe and James Melvill one of the house of Carnbie they met at St. Andrews and entered into the Cardinals chamber and killed him in his chamber The people of the town crying for a sight of the Cardinals corpes was brought to the very same place where he sat be holding Mr. George Wishart his execution many then did call to mind the Martyr his last words were thereby confirmed in the opinion they had of his piety and holinesse After this David Betoun succeeded John Hammilton Archbishop of St. Andrews who to the intent that he would in no wayes appear inferiour to his predecessor in augmenting the number of the holy martyrs of God in the next year following called a certain poor man to judgement whose name was Adam Wallace he was accused for teaching saying and teaching of abominable heresies which are particularly laâ—d to his charge as first thou hast said and taught that the bread and wine on the Altar after words of consecration are not the body and blood of Christ He turned to the L. Governor who was there present with a number of Noblemen and of the Câ—ergy saying I said never nor taught nothing but that I found in this book and writ having there a Bible at his belt in French Dutch and English which is the word of God and if ye will be content that the Lord God and his word be judge to me and this his holy writ here it is and where I have said wrong I shall take what punishment ye shal put to me for I never said nothing concerning this that I am accused of but that which I find in this write c. They gave forth sentence and condemned him by the Laws and so left him to the hands of the secular power in the hands of S. J. Campbâ—l Justice Deputy who