Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny, Book 10 – Book 11
THE TENTH BOOK, WHEREIN is contained the most memorable things done in the Raigne of Queene MARY.
KIng Edward by his Testament did appoint Lady Iane, 1553.daughter of the Duke of Suffolk, whose mother was Mary, second sister of King Henry, who was first wife to the French King, and after to the said Duke, to succeed him in his Kingdome; all the Councell and chief Nobilitie, the Mayor of London, and all the Iudges and chiefe Lawyers, sauing Iudg Hales, subscribed therto, who stood for Q. Mary.
The matter thus concluded, King Edward died when he was sixteene yeares of age; then the said Iane was proclaymed Queene at London, and other Cities: she was about the age of King Edward; in learning and wit she might be compared with the Uniuersitie men which hauehave taken many degrees of the schooles.
Then Queen Mary wrote to the Councel that they should proclaime her Quéen, and she would pardon them for that which was done: they answered her, that by the Diuorse betwixt King Henry and her mother, she was made illegitimate and vnheritable to the Crowne.
Then she speeded her selfe farre from the Citie, hoping vponupon the Commons, whereupon the Councell sent forth the Duke of Northumberland, with other Lords and Gentlemen with an Armie, the Guard assisting the Duke.
Mary withdrew her selfe into Northfolke and Suffolke, where she knew the Duke was hated; and there gathering such aide of the Commons as she might, kept her selfe in Fremingham Castle, to whom Suffolk-men resorted, and promised her their aide if she would not alter the religion which her brother had established, to which she agreed, with such promises as no man could hauehave misdoubted her: and thus being guarded with the power of the Gospellers, she vanquished the Duke and all that came against her.
But after, the Suffolk-men making supplication vntounto her Grace for performance of her promise, she answerd, You shall one day well perceiue that members must obey their head, and not looke to rule the same: and one Dobbe a Gentleman for aduertising her of her promise by humble request, was three times set in the pillorie, to be a gasing-stock to all men; others deliuered her books and supplications out of the Scripture, to exhort her to continue the doctrine then established, who were sent to prison.
The Councell at London, vnderstanding that the Ladie Marie increased in puisance, and the peoples hearts mightily bent vntounto her, they turned their song, and proclaymed for Quéen, the Lady Mary, eldest daughter of K. Henry the eight, and appointed by Parliament to succeed King Edward, dying without issue: the Duke of Northumberland with some of his sonnes, were left destitute at Cambridge, as also the Earle of Huntingdon, who were arrested and brought to the Tower as Traytors.
Then the Quéen came to the Tower, where the Lady Iane and the Lord Gilford her husband were imprisoned fiue months, but the Duke within a monethmonth was beheaded, with Sir Iohn Gates and Sir Thomas Palmer: the Papists promised the Duke pardon if he would openly recant vponupon the Scaffold, which in hope of pardon he did, and yet he was beheaded; whose recantation the papists published not a little, reioycing at his conuersion: but Sir Thomas Palmer confessed his faith in the Gospell, and was sorie that he had not liued more Gospell-like.
Steuen Gardner was released out of the Tower, and made Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor, and Poynets displaced; and Bonner restored to his Bishoprick againe, and Ridley displaced; and Day made Bishop of Chichester, and Storie put out; and Heath made Bishop of Worcester, and Hooper committed to the Fleet; and Vesie to Exeter, and Couerdale put out.
Doctor Ridley Bishop of London had preached against Quéen Mary in Queene Ianes time: shortly after the Sermon Queen Mary was proclaymed; then he went to the Queen to salute her, who dispoyled him of his Dignities, and sent him to the Tower vponupon a halting horse.
Then Queen Mary directed forth an inhibition by proclamation, that no man should preach or reade openly in Churches the word of God.
One Bourne, who after was Bishop of …ath, preached at Paules Crosse so much in the praise of Bonner being there present, and in dispraise of King Edward, that his words sounded euill to the hearers, which caused them to murmur and stirre, insomuch that the Maror and others feared an vprore: one hurled a dagger at the Preacher, who for feare pulled in his head. Master Bradford stood forth and appeased the people, and after he and Rogers conducted the Preacher safe into the Grammer-schoole, but shortly after they were both rewarded with burning.
The next Sonday the preacher at the Crosse was guarded with the Queenes Guard; then men withdrew themselues from the Sermon, and the Mayor took order that the ancients of al Companies should be present, lest the Preacher should be discouraged with his small auditorie.
Cranmer Archbishop of Canterburie, assisted with Peter Martyr and a few others, offered to defend the doctrine of the booke of Common Prayer by the Scriptures and Doctors; but whilst they hoped to come to disputation, the Archbishop and others were impris…ned, but Peter Martyr was suffered to return from whence he came.
The first day of October the Queen was crowned, and the tenth day a Parliament began, where Taylor Bishop of Lincolne, & Harley Bishop of Herford after they saw the masse begin, not abiding the sight thereof, withdrew themselues from the company, wherefore Taylor was commanded to attend, but shortly after died, and Harley because he was married was ex…nded from the Parlament and his Bishoprick. Then all statuts in K. Hen. the eight, and K. Edwards time, which were against papistrie were repealed.
Sir Iames Hales Iustice of the Common pleas, notwithstanding he had ventured his life for Quéen Mary in not subscribing to King Edwards Will, as before; for giuing charge vponupon the Statuts against Papistrie, at the Assises, he was committed to diuers prisons, and so terrified, that he wounded himselfe, and meant to hauehave killed himselfe with a knife, and after was contented to say as they willed him; whereupon he was discharged, but he neuer rested vntill he had drowned himselfe.
Then, according to the Quéens commandement, there begun a disputation in the Conuocation house about the Sacrament, which continued six dayes, wherein Doctor Weston was the chiefe on the Popes side, who behaued himselfe outragiously in checking and …aunting: the matter of the disputation was onelyonly of the Sacrament, and the reasons no other then shall and hauehave beene set forth in this book, wherefore for breuitie I omit them. In conclusion, the Quéen to take vp the matter, sent her commandement to Bonner to dissolue the Conuocation, and such as disputed on the contrary part were driuen some to flie, some to denie, and some to die, though in most mens iudgements that heard the disputation, they had the vpper hand.
In which Parliament also communication was moued of the Quéens marriage, which was very euill taken of the people,1554. and of many of the Nobilitie, who for this and for religion, conspiring amongst themselues, made a rebellion, wherof Sir Thomas Wyat was chiefe. News comming to London of this stirre in Kent, the Quéen caused Wyat and the Duke of Suffolke, who was fled to Warwickshire and Leister-shire, there to gather a power, and the two Carewes of Deuonshire, to be proclaymed Traytors; and Thomas Duke of Northfolke was sent into Kent against Wyat, but about Rochester Bridge the Duke was forsaken of all his men, and returned to London.
The Earle of Huntington was sent post to apprehend the Duke of Suffolke, who entring the Citie of Couentrie before the Duke disappointed him, and one Vnderwood his man betrayed and bewrayed him, so that he was brought to the Tower of London.
In time Sir Peter Carew hearing what was done, fled into France, but the other were taken: and the Quéen hearing of Wyats comming towards London, she came into the Citie to Guild-hall, where she made a vehement Oration against Wyat, and to incourage them to stand with her.
Two dayes after the Lord Cobham was committed vntounto the Tower; and Wyat comming to Southwark, being he could not enter that way into London, he went with his Armie by Kingstone, and came through the stréets to Ludgate, but returning he was resisted at Temple-barre, and there yeelded himselfe to Sir Clement Parson, and was brought to the Court: the residue of his armie were taken, and a hundred killed; for Sir George Harper and almost halfe his men ranne away from him at Kingstone Bridge, and they which were taken were had to prison, and many of them hanged, and he himselfe executed at Tower-hill and quartered: his head was set vponupon Hay hill, and after stolne away, but there was great search made for the same.
Then the Lady Iane was beheaded, two dayes before whose death Fecknam was sent to her by the Quéen to reduce her to papistrie.
The communication betwixt the Lady Iane and Fecknam.
Feck.
MAdam, I lament your heauie case, but I doubt not but you beare it constantly.
Iane.
I litle lament my owne case, but rather account it a token of Gods fauor vntounto me, more then euer he shewed to me before, being a thing profitable for my soules health.
Feck.
I am com from the Quéen and Councel to instruct you in the faith, though I trust I need not trauell ouer much in the performance thereof.
Iane.
I heartily thanke the Queene that she is not vnmindfull of her humble subiect, and I hope you will doe your dutie according to the message that you were sent on.
Feck.
What is then required of a Christian?
Iane.
That he should beleeue in God the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghost, three persons, and one God.
Feck.
What is there nothing else to bee required of a Christian, but to beleeue.
Iane.
Yes, we must also louelove him with all our heart, soule, and mined, and our neighbour as our selfe.
Feck.
Why then Faith instifieth not.
Iane.
Yes verily, Faith as Saint Paul saith, onelyonly iustifyeth.
Feck.
Why Saint Paul saith, if I hauehave all Faith, without louelove it is nothing.
Iane.
True it is, for how can I louelove him whom I trust not: or how can I trust him whom I louelove not: Faith and LoueLove goeth both together: yet louelove is comprehended in Faith.
Feck.
How shall we louelove our neighbour?
Iane.
To feede the hungry, cloth the naked, and giuegive drinke to the thirsty, and to doe to him as we would doe to our selues.
Feck.
Why then it is necessary to saluation to doe good workes, and not sufficient onelyonly to beleeue.
Iane
I deny that: and affirme Faith onelyonly saueth, but it is meet for a Christian to follow Christ in good workes: yet we may not say that they profit to saluation: for when we hauehave done all that we can, we are vnprofitable seruants: and faith onelyonly in Christ… bloud saueth vsus.
Feck.
How many Sacraments are there?
Iane.
Two: the one of Baptisme, the other of the Lords Supper.
Feck.
No, there are seauen, but what are signified by your two Sacraments?
Iane.
By Baptisme I am washed with Water, and regenerated by the Spi…t, and the washing is a token I am Gods Childe. The Lords Supper offered vntounto me, is a sure seale, that by the blood of Christ I am made partaker of the euerlasting Kingdome.
Feck.
Do you not receiue the very body and blood of Christ?
Iane.
I neither receiued flesh nor blood, but Bread and wine; which putteth me in remembrance, that for my sins his body was broken, and his blood shed, and with it I receiue the benefit of his Passion.
Feck.
Doth not Christ say plainly, This is my body.
Iane.
So he saith, I am the Vine and the doore; and Saint Paul saith, Hee calleth things that are not, as though they were: God forbid I should say I eate the body and blood of Christ, for then I should pluck away my Redemption, else there were two Christs: for if his Disciples eate his body, it was not broken vponupon the Crosse, and if it were broken vponupon the Cr…sse, his Disciples did not eate it, except he had two bodies.
Feck.
Could not Christ as possibley make his body to be eaten and broken, as to bee borne of a Woman without Man, and as to walke on the Sea and doe other miracles.
Iane.
If God would hauehave done a miracle at Supper he could, but he then minded no miracle, but to suffer for sinne. Was not Christ at the Table and aliue when he said so, and suffered not vntill the next day & he took bread, brake bread, gaue bread, and they eate bread, and all this while he was aliue with them, or else they were deceiued.
Feck.
You ground your Faith on them that say and vnsay, and not vponupon the Church.
Iane.
I ground my Faith on Gods word and not on the Church, for the Faith of the Church must be tryed by Gods word, and not Gods word by the Church: shall I beléeue the Church that taketh from me the halfe of the Lords supper, and s…e deny the Lay-men part of their saluation, and I say that is not the spouse of Christ, but the spouse of Diuell, hee will adde plagues to that Church, and will take from it their part out of the booke of life: doe they learne that of Paule when bee ministred to the Corinthians in both kinds.
Feck,
That was done to avoyde an heresie.
Iane.
Shall the Church alter Gods will for a good intent, how did King Saule.
Then Feckham tooke his leaue, and sayd he was sorry for her, and sayd hee was sure they two should neuer méete.
Iane, that is true, if God turne not your heart you are in an ill case, I pray God send you his spirit, hee bath giuen you a great gift of vtterance if it please him to open your eyes.
She wrote a letter to her father to comfort him, and to shew how ioyfull shee was to die, and she wrote another letter to one Master Harding, who was late Chaplaine to her Father, and fell from the truth of Gods word, and rebuked him, that hee put his hand to the plow… and looked backe, and lost the comfortable promises that Christ maketh to them that forsake themsel…es to follow him, thou did…st séeme to bee a liuely member of Christ, but now an impe of the Diuell, once tho beautifull Temple of God, now the filthy kennell of Sathan, once the vnspotten spouse of Christ, now the vnshamefast Param…re of Antichrist, once my faithfull brother, now an Apostata, once a floute Christian souldier, now a cowardly runaway: thou séede of Sathan and not of Iuda, the Diuell, the world, and desire of life, hath made thée of a Christian an Infidell, thou hast taught others to be stro…g, and thy selfe dost shamefully shrinke, thou hast taught others not to t…cale, and thy selfe hast committed most haynous sacriledge, and robbest Christ of his right members and of thine own body and soule, thou chosest rather to liue miserably with shame in the world, then to die gloriously to …aygne with Christ, in wh…m in death is life, how darest thou refuse the true God, and worship the inuention of man, the goulden Calfe, the Whore of Babilon, the Romish Religion, the ab…ominable Idoll, the most wicked Masse, wilt thou teare againe the pretio…s body of our Sauiour with thy fleshly teeth, and she exhorted him that the …ft falling of th…se Heauenly showers might pearce his stony heart, and the two edged word of Gods word seare asunder the sinnewes of wordly respects that thou mayst once againe forsake thy selfe and imbrace Christ.
The night before she suffered, the sent a new Testament to her sister Katherin, and wrote a letter to her in the end thereof, that though it were not outwardly trimmed with gould, yet inwardly it was more worth then precious stones. It was the last will that Christ bequeathed to vsus wretches, it will b…ing you to eternall life▪ teach you to liue, and learne you to die: you shall gaine more by it, then by the possession of your wofull fathers lands: thinke not that your yong year…s will lengthen your life, for soone, if God call, goeth the yong, as the old, deny the world, despise the Diuel and the flesh, reioice in Christ as I do, I exhort you that you neuer swarue from the Christian faith, neither for hope of life nor feare of death, if you deny Christ, hee will deny you and shorten your dayes, put your whole trust in God: she made a prayer full of faith, which thou mayest sée in the booke at large.
When she cam… vponupon the Scaffold, she protested her innocency in the cause shee was to die for, and prayed them to beare her witnesse that she dyed a true Christian woman, and that she looked to bee saued by no meanes, but by the mercy of God in Christ, and my negligence of the word of God, and louing of the world brought this punishment vponupon me, and I thanke God that hee hath giuen me a time of repentance, then she prayed them whilest she was aliue to assist her with their prayers: then she sayd the one and fifti…h Psalme in deuout maner, then she made her selfe ready, and gaue her things to her Maides, and caused a handkerchife to be tyed about her face: the hang-man asked her forgiuenesse, and shee forgaue him most willingly, and prayed him to dispatch her quickly: then she laid her head vponupon the blocke, and said, Into thy hands I commend my spirit, and so finished her life. With her also was beheaded the Lord Gilford her husband.
Iudge Morgan, who gaue the sentence of condemnation against her, shortly after fell madde, and continually cried to hauehave the Lady Iane taken from him, and so ended his life.
Not long after her death was the Duke of Suffolke, her father, beheaded at the Tower-hill: about which time also were condemned many Gentlemen and Yeomen, whereof some were executed at London, and some in the countrey, and Thomas Gray brother to the said Duke was executed.
The foure and twentieth of Februarie Bonner sent a Commission to al Pastors and Curats of his Diocesse, to take the names of all such as would not come the1554 Lent following to auricular confession, and to the receiuing at Easter.
The fourth of March following the Queene sent certaine Articles to Bonner to …e speedily put in execution: that the Canons in King Henries time should be vsed in England, that none exact any oath of any Ecelesiasticall person touching the supremacie, that none, defamed with heresie, he admitted to ecclesiastical benefice or office, that Bishops and other officers diligently trauell about for repressing of heresies, vnlawfull books and ballads, and that Schoole-masters and Preachers teach no euil doctrine; that they depriue all married Priests, except they renounce their wiues: but if they returne to their wiues to bee diuorced both from wife and benefice: that for want of Priests the parishi…ners goe to the next parish to seruice or one Curate serue diuers places: That processions in Latine bee vsed after the old order: for the obseruing of Holy daies, and Fasting daies, that the ceremonies of the Church be restored, that Ministers which were ordered in King Edwards time should be new ordered: that the parishioners bee compelled to come to their seuerall Churches: that Schoolmaisters be examined and if they be suspected, to place Catholick men in their roome, and that they instruct the children to answer the Priest at Masse.
Shee sent likewise a commandement to the Lord Mayor of London, with the foresaid Articles to bee carefull with all his power for the performance thereof.
Then the Queene sent forth a Proclamation, that the strangers which in King Edwards time were receiued into England for Religion, should … driuen out of the Realme. Wherevpon Peter Martyr, Ioannes Alasco, vnckle to the King of Poland, and many others, were banished, and many English men also fled into Germany▪ and were scattered in diuers places, where by Gods pro…idence they were sustained, and entertained with great fauour, to the number of eight hundred persons.
The twenty fiue of March, the Lord Courtney and Lady Elizabeth were susspected to consent to Wiats conspiracy: and therevpon apprehended and commit… to the Tower. This was a politicke practice of Steuen Gardiner, which alwaies was an enemy to Lady Elizabeth, Wyat at his deat… protested to the people, that the Lord Courtney and Lady Elizabeth were cleare from all suspition of Commo…ion, but Doctor Weston cryed to the people, beleeue him not, …or hee confessed otherwise before vntounto the Co…cell. The same day it was told in the Parliament house, that Wiat desired the Lord Courtney to confesse the truth, as he had done before.
One Cut a Prentice of London, was sent for by Gardiner vntounto the Star-chamber, for that he should say that Wiat was constrained by the Councell to a…cuse the Lady Elizabeth and the Lord Courtney, to be consenters to his ris…ng. When the Mayor brought him thither, Gardiner beganne to declare how miraculously God had brought the Queene to the Crowne: the whole Realme in a manner beeing against her, and it was that shee might reduce this Realme, ouerwhelmed with heresies to the Catholike faith: and where she l…ued the Lady Elizabeth tenderly, and deliuered the Lord Courtney out of prison, yet they conspired trayterously against her with Wyat, as he confessed; yet there are some in London which reported that Wyat was constrayned by the Councell to accuse them, yet you, my Lord Mayor, hauehave not seene the same punished. The partie is here, said the Mayor▪ Gardner said, punish him according to his deserts, and take heed to your charge: the Citie of London is a whirle-poole of euill rumors.
The Londoners not fauouring the Queens proceedings to their displeasure, summoned a Parlament at Oxford, because they would be forward in the Queens businesse, but after it was holden at Westminster, where her marriage with king Philip was agreed vponupon.
Bonner being Uicegerent of the Conuocation, in his Oration said that Priests were like the Uirgin Mary; as she by fiue words conceaued Christ, so the Priest by fiue words loth make the very body of Christ: and as immediatly vponupon the consent of Mary Christ was all whole in her womb, so immediatly after the consecration the bread is transubstantiated into the very body of Christ; and as the Uirgin layed Christ in the …anger, so the Priest lifteth vp the body of Christ, and carryeth it; and as Mary was sanctified before she conceiued, so the priest is ordained & anointed before he doe consecrate; for a lay-man though he be neuer so holy, and do speak the same words, yet he cannot consecrate: Therefore the dignitie of Priests passeth the dignity of Angels, for no Angell can make the body of Christ, whereby the least Priest can doe more then the greatest Angell: therefore Priests are to bee …onoured before Kings and Princes, and Nobles: for a Priest is higher then a King, happier then an Angell, and maker of his Creator.
The effect of the communication between Doctor Ridley, and Secretary Bourne, and others at the Lieutenants table at the Tower.
Feckham.
WHo so doth not beleeue that which Scripture doth affirme is an …eretick: as in the Sacrament of the Altar: Mathew, Marke, Luke and Paul affirme there to bee Christs body, and none denieth it: therefore to hold the contrarie is heres…e.
Ridley,
Whereas is a multitude of affirmations in scripture, and where is one affirmation, all is one in scripture, that which is spoken by one of the Euangelists is as true, as that which is spoken by al: for it is not in Scripture as in witnesse of men, where the number is credited more then one, and where you speake of so many, affirming without negation of any, if you take their words and leaue their meaning, they affirme, that you take.
Feck.
What circumstances can you shew, that should moue to thinke of any other sense, then as the words plainely say.
Rid.
By the next sentence; Doe this in remembrance of me: and you may as well say, the Bread is turned into Christs mysticall body, as that it is turned into his naturall body, for Paule speaking of the mysticail body saith: Many are one Bread and one body, because they are partakers of one Bread.
Feck.
This is conf…rmed by antiquity, vnity, and vniuersality, for none before Beringarius did euer doubt of this: then said Master Secretary, these be great matters, what say you to that?
Feck.
As for Unity, I doe beléeue it, if it be with veritie, and as for Antiquity at the first, Christs Faith was truely taught by Christ and his Apostles, and by many good men which did succeed next them, and touching the Sacrament I am perswaded these old writers, before the vsurping of the Sea of Rome doe all agree, if they bee well vnderstood in this truth, as for vniuersalitie if may hauehave two meanings, one that from the beginning in all ages hath beene allowed, or it may be vnderstood for the multitude of our age, or of any other singular age.
Maister Secretarie:
What authors hauehave you of the Sacrament to make a figure.
Ridley.
Tertullian saith, This is my body, that is to say a figure of my body: And Gelasius saith the substance of bread remaineth: And Origen saith, that which is sanctified as touching the matter passeth away in the draught: and I maruell Fecnam will alledge Melancton, for we agree there is in the Sacrament but one materiall substance: and he saith there are two.
Maister Secretarie:
You say truth, but we reade that in the old time the Sacrament was so reuerenced: that the Catecumeni and many more were forbidd…n to be present.
Rid.
Truth Sir, there were some called Audients, some Penitents, some Catechumeni, and some Euergumeni, which were commanded to depart.
Maister Sectetarie:
How then can you make but a figure of the Sacrament as the Lord of Canterburies booke doth.
Rid.
Me thinkes it is not charitably done to beare the people in hand that any man doth so lightly esteeme the Sacrament, as to make it but a figure, which that booke doth deny, as appeareth by that booke most plainely: And as for mee I say whosoeuer receiueth the Sacrament, receiueth with it life or death: as S. Augustine saith, manduca vitam, bibe vitam.
Maister Pope.
I doe beleeue the reall body of Christ is in the Sacrament, and I pray God I may euer so beleeue; and how can it bring life or death, if Christs body be not there.
Rid.
When you heare Gods word truely preached; if you doe beléeue you receiue life: and if you beléeue not, it bringeth vntounto you death, yet Christs body is not carnall in eueryevery preachers mouth.
Pope.
How answere you this: which shall be giuen for you, was the figure of Christs body giuen for you.
Rid.
No Sir; but the very body it selfe whereof the Sacrament is a figure. Tertullians exposition maketh it plaine: For hee saith the body is a figure of the bodie, now put too which shall be giuen for you, and it agreeth excéeding well.
Maister Secretary:
You know well that Origen and Tertullian were not Catholick, but erred.
Rid.
There is none of the Doctors but are thought to hauehave erred in some things, but I neuer heard that Tertullian, or Origen, were thought to hauehave erred in the Sacrament.
Feck.
Forty yeares agone all were of one opinion of this matter.
Rid.
Forty yeares agoe all held that the Pope was supreme head of the vniuersall Church.
Maister Secretarie:
That was but a positiue Law.
Rid.
It is in the Decrees that the Pope challengeth his supremacie not by any Councell, nor any way else, but by Christs own words; saying to Peter, thou art Peter: And in another place thou art Cephas, that is the head: and his Decree is that we must be obedient to the Bishop of Rome, vponupon necessity of saluation.
Thomas Cranmer Archb. of Canterbury, Ridley Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer Bishop of VVorster, were sent to Oxford, to dispute with the Diuines of Oxford and Cambridge.
THere was thrée questions, First, whether the naturall body of Christ be really in the sacrament after consecration: secondly, whether any other substanc… doth remaine after consecration then the substance of the body and bloud of Christ: thirdly, wh…ther in the masse there be a sacrifice propitiatorie for the sinnes of the quick & the dead. Thirty thrée Commissioners being set in the Quire of S. Maries Church in Oxford before the Altar, Cranmer Archb. was brought to them with a number of Bill-men. When he had read ouer the Articles, he said they were all false and against Gods holy word. Then was Doctor Ridley brought in, who hearing the Articles read, answered they were all false, and that they sprang out of a bitter root. Then came in Latimer: when he had denied the Articles, he said he had read ouer the new Testament seuen times, and yet could not find the mais… in it, nor the mary-bones nor sinewes of the same.
All their arguments were of nothing but the reall presence in the Sacrament, which point is already sufficiently argued in many places of this book, and will … more hereafter. If thou desire to sée the disputations, resort to the book at large; for the Commissioners were so clamorous that they could not be suffered to speak, as it appeareth by the report of Bishop Ridley.
Bishop RIDLEY his report.
NEuer did I see a thing done more vainly and contumeliously then the disputations with me in the Schooles in Oxford: I thought it had not been possible to hauehave béen found amongst men of learning and knowledge, any so brazen faced and shamelesse, so disorderly and vainely to behaue themselues, more like to Stage-players then Diuines. The Sorbonicall clamours, which in times past I hauehave séene in Paris, when Poperie most raigned, might be thought modestie in respect of them, yea, and the chiefest did as it were blow the Trumpe vntounto the rest, to rayle, rore, rage and crie out, whereby it appeareth they neuer sought for the veritie but for their owne glorie and bragging victorie. Much time appointed for Disputations, was vainly consumed in opprobrious checks, taunts, hissings, and clapping of hands. Whensoeuer I would make an end of my probations, they would euer crie out Blasphemies, blasphemies. I neuer heard or read the like, but by Demetrius the Siluer-smith, and them of his occupation, crying but against Paule, Great is Diana of the Ephesians: and except it be a disputation of the Arrians against the Orthodoxes, where it is said that such as the Presidents of the disputations were, such were the rest, all were in a hurly-burly; and the Arrians cast out such great slanders, that nothing could quietly be heard; and he concludes, thus ended this glorious disputation of the Sacrificers, Doctors, and Masters, which fought manfully for their God and goods, their faith and felicitie, countrey and Kitchin, and for their beautie and bellie, with triumphant applauses and fauour of the whole Uniuersitie.
After seuerall disputations with eueryevery one of them, the Commissioners sate in Saint Maries Church, and Doctor Weston, vsed particular perswasions with eueryevery one of them, and would not suffer them to answere but pe…emptorily to say whether they would subscribe or no: Hee told the Bishop of Canterbury, hee was ouercome in Arguments, which he said was false, for hee was not suffered to oppose as he would, nor answere as he would, vnlesse hee would hauehave brauled with them, all denying to subscribe: then sentence was read ouer them, that they were no members of the Church, and therefore condemned for hereticks.
Then the Archbishop Cranmer answered, from this your sentence I appeale to the iust iudgement of God, trusting to be present with him in heauen, for whose presence in the Altar I am thus condemned.
Bishop Ridley answered, though I be not of your company, yet my name is written in another place, whither this sentence will send mee sooner then wee should by nature hauehave come.
Bishop Latimer. I thanke God most heartily that hee hath prolonged my life to this end, that I may in this case glorifie GOD by that kinde of death.
After they were all three called to behold a solemne procession, wherein Doctor Weston carried the Sacrament, and foure Doctors carried the Canapie ouer him.
In the last yeere one thousand fiue hundred forty and three, it is shewed how the Duke of Northumberland was apprehended by the Guard, and brought to London by the Earle of Arundell and others, these were committed to the Tower with the Duke, the Earle of VVarwick, the Earle of Huntington, Lord Ambrose, and Lord Henry Dudley, Lord Hastings, who was deliuered the same night: Sir Iohn Gates, Sir Henry Gates, Sir Andrew Dudley, Sir Thomas Palmer, and Doctor Sands Chancelor of Cambridge, many were committed to diuers prisons about the same time.
About this time Maister Bradford, Maister Beacon, and Maister Veron were committed vntounto the Tower, and Maister Sampson was sought for, and because he could not be found the Bishop of Winchester fumed.
About this time Doctor Weston preached at Paules Crosse, he willed the people to pray for the soules departed, that be neither in heauen nor hell, but in a place not yet sufficiently purged to come to heauen, that they may be releeued by your deuout prayers: he named the Lords Table an Oyster boord: hee said the Catechisme lately set forth was abominable heresie, and likeneth the setters forth of the same to Iulianus Apostata, and the booke to the booke of Iulianus Apostata, wherein Christ and Pilate were the speakers, which Sermon was learnedly confuted in writing by Maister Couerdall.
About this time a Priest of Canterbury said Masse on the one day, and the next day he came into the Pulpit, and desired all the people to forgiue him, for he said hee had betrayed Christ, but not as Iudas, as Peter, and made a long Sermon against the Masse.
In February one thousand fiue hundred fifty and foure, before the comming of King Philip, vponupon the fifteenth day, about nine of the clock in the forenoone, there was séene two Sunnes both shining at once: and that time was also seene a Raine-bow turned contrary, and a great deale higher then it was wont.
About this time at Saint Pancrase in Cheape, the Crucifixe with the Pixe were taken out of the Sepulchre before the Priest rose to the resurrection: so that when he put his hand into the Sepulchre, & said very deuoutly surrexit non est hic, he found his words true, for he was not there indéede, wherevpon being dismaide, and debating amongst themselues whom they thought likest to doe it: they layed it to one Marsh, which a little before had beene put from that parsonage because he was married, but when they could not proue it, being brought before the Mayor, they burdened him to hauehave kept company with his wife since they were diuorced: He answered that the Queene had done him wrong to take from him both his liuing, and his wife: wherevpon he and his wife were committed seuerall Counters.
About this time there was a Cat hanged vponupon a Gallow…s at the Crosse in Cheape, apparelled like a Priest, ready to say Masse with a shauen Crowne: her two fore-feete were tyed ouer her head, with a round paper like a Wafer Cake put betweene them, where on rose great euill will against the Citie of London: the Quéene and the Bishops were very angry, and there was a proclamation in the afternoone, that whosoeuer could bring forth the party that hanged vp the Cat should hauehave twenty Nobles, which after was increased to twenty Markes, but none would …ar…e it, the occasion of this was, because the Bishop of Winchester had preached before the Queene for the straite execution of Wyats Souldiours: Wherevpon there was twenty Gibbets and Gallowes set vp, in and about the streets of London, which there remained for the terrour of others from the 13. of February, vntill the fourth of Iune, and at the comming of King Philip were taken downe.
One Maister Walter Mantell, one of them which rose with Wyat, being prisoner in the Tower, the Quéene sent vntounto him Doctor Bourne, to conuert him: he answered Bourne that he beleeued in the holy Catholick church of Christ, grounded vponupon the Prophets and Apostles, but he tooke exception to the Antichristian popish Church: and hee said, hee thought the Masse not fit, both for the occasion of Idolatry, and also the cléere … of Christs institution: and said it was not a propitiatory sacrifice for sinne: for the death of Christ was onelyonly that sacrifice, and certaine Collects therein are blasphemous. Then said the Doctor, see how vaineglory toucheth you; then I found fault it was not a Communion: Yes said he one Priest saying Masse heere, and another there, and the third in an other place is a Communion: Then he desired God to receiue him to his mercy, that he might die vndefiled in his truth, at vtter defiance with all papisticall and Antichristian Doctrine: and to defend all his chosen, from the tyrany of the Pope and Antichrist and from his subtilties: at his first casting off the Gallowes the rope broke, then they would hauehave had him re…ant, and receiued the Sacrament of the Altar, and then he should hauehave the Queenes Pardon: but Master Mantell, like a worthy gentleman, refused their serpentine Councell, and chose rather to die then to liue for dishonouring of God.
Maister Bradford, Maister Sanders, and diuers other good preachers hearing that they should be brought vntounto a Disputation at Cambridge, sent a Declaration out of prison, to the effect as followeth; That they did not purpose to dispute otherwise then by writing, except it be before the Queenes Highnes & her Councell, and before the Parliament houses, because we shall dispute against the things which already they hauehave determined, whereby it appeareth they seeke not the derity▪ but our destruction, and their glory; otherwise they would hauehave called vsus to shew our consciences before their lawes were so made: and againe the Censors and Iudges are manifest enemies of the truth, before whom Pearles are not to be cast by the commandement of Christ, and by his example: and because some of vsus hauehave been in prison eight or nine monethes, where we hauehave had no Bookes, paper, nor Inke, and because we shall bee stopped of our Arguments, as the Bishops were at Oxford: and because the Notaries that shal write our Arguments shal be such as either doe not, or dare not fauour the truth, therefore must write to please them, or else they will put to, or take from, at their pleasure, as it appeared at Oxford: Yea if any man was seene there to write, he was sent for and his writings taken from him.
If they will write, we will answere by writing, and proue by the word of God and most ancient Fathers, this our faith & eueryevery péece thereof, and we are ready to seale it with our liues: First we confesse & belé…ue all the Canonicall bookes of the Old Te…ament and the New, to bee truth written by the Spirit, and to bee the Iudge of all Controuersies of Religion: and we beléeue the Catholike Church is the Spouse and beloued Wife of Christ, and to imbrace the doctrine of these bookes in all matters of Religion, and therefore to bee heard accordingly, and those that will not heare her, are Heretickes and Schismaticks, according to the saying: He that will not heare the Church, let him be an Hereticke; and wee beléeue the Symbols of the Créede of the Apostles, and of the Councels of Nice, Constantinople, Ephesus, Chalcedon, and of Toletum, before the foure hundred fifty foure yeare, and the Symbols of Athanasius, Ireneus, Tertullian, and of Damasus, which was in the yeare thrée hundred seauenty sixe. We beléeue that Iustification commeth onelyonly from the mercy of GOD through Christ, and it is had of none of discretion but by Faith: which Faith is a certaine perswasion wrought by the Holy Ghost, and as it lightneth the mind, so it suppleth the heart, to submit it selfe to the will of God.
By this we disalow Papisticall Doctrines of free will, of workes of supererogation, of merits, of the necessity of auriculer confession and satisfaction: And we beléeue, that the exterior seruice of God, ought to be according to the word, in such a tongue as may be most to edifie and not in Latine, where the people vnderstand not the same: And we beléeue, that God onelyonly by Iesus Christ, is to bee prayed vntounto, and we disalow inuocation to Sa…nts departed; and we beléeue, as a Man departeth this life, he is either blessed, or damned for euer; by reason whereof we affirme Purgatory, Masses of Scala Caeli, Trentals, and such suffrages as the popish Church doth obtrude, as necessary, to be the Doctrine of Antichrist. And wee beleeue two Sacraments of Christ, Baptisme and the Lordes Supper, and that they ought to be ministred according to the institution of Christ, and that they bée no longer Sacraments then they were in vse, and vsed to the end for which they were instituted, and the mutilation of the one kind from the Lords Supper, from the Lay people, is Antichristian; and so is the transubstantiation; and so is the adoration of the Sacrament, and the reseruation and carrying about of the …ame, and so is the Doctrine of the Masse, it to be a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and dead, or a worke that pleaseth God: and so of the inhibition of marriage in any state as vnlawfull; we doubt not but we shall be able to proue all these our verities by Gods word, and the Church which hath followed Gods word and Spirit: and we hartily desire all men to be obedient with vsus vntounto all that bee in authority, and not to cease to pray to God for them, that he would gouerne them with his Spirit of wisedome, and not to consent in any kind of rebellion against the Quéens Highnesse, but where they cannot obey, but they must disobey God, there to suffer with all patience the pleasures of the higher powers, as we are ready to do, rather then we will consent to any doctrine contrary to this which we heere confesse, wee shall be iustly conuinced thereof. The Lord indue vsus with his Spirit of truth, and grace of perseuerance.
Upon the twentith day of Iuly, the Prince of Spaine landed at Southampton: He was the first that landed, and presently he drew his Sword, and carryed1554. it naked in his hand a prettie way, the Mayor of the Towne met him, and deliuered him the Keyes, which he receiued in his right hand, and put his sword into his left, then met him the Earle of Arundell, and Lord Williams, and brought him to his lodging.
The twenty fiue day, He and Quéene Mary were married at Winchester, by the Bishop there, then they came to Windsor, and from thence to Southwarke, and from thence through the Citty of London to White-hall: by the way, many Pageants and glorious sights were made. Upon the Cunduit in Gracious-stréet, was painted King Henry the eight …n harnesse, with a Sword in one hand, and in the other hand a Booke▪ whereon was written Verbum Dei, deliuering the Booke to his Sonne Edward painted by him: Whereupon the Bishoppe of Winchester sent for the Painter, and called him …naue, ranke Traytor and villaine, for painting a Booke in King Henries hand, and writing Verbum Dei thereon, he should rather to hauehave put the Booke in Quéene Maries hand, that was there also pictured, for that she had reformed the Church and Religion.
Against this time Bonner in his Royalty, and all his Prebendaries about him, the doores of Pauls being shut, a new Roode being laid vponupon the Pauem…ts, they sung diuers Prayers by the Roode, then they annointed it with Oyle in diuers places: After they crept vntounto it and kissed it, after they wayed it vppe into his accustomed place, and the while the whole Quire sang Te D…um, and then the Bels rang for ioy.
From White-hall they went to Richmond, then all the Lords had leaue to depart, and there remained no English Lord at the Court, but the Bishop of Winchester, from thence to Hampton-Court, where the Hall doore was continually kept shut, that no man might enter, vnlesse his arrand were first knowne, which séemed strange to English-men.
Upon the fourth day of Nouember, …ue Priests did pe…ance at Paules Crosse, which were content to put away their Wiues, and take vponupon them againe to minister: eueryevery one of them had a taper in his hand, and a rod, wherewith the Preacher did disple them.
The twenty seauen day of Nouember, Cardinall Poole being but a littl… before come into the Realme, came to the Parliament-House, the King and Quéene sitting vnderunder the Cloath of Estate, and the Cardinall sitting on the right hand.
The Cardinall made a long Oration, shewing first how this Realme had euer béene forward to receiue Religion: first in the time of the Brittaines, and then in the time of the Saxons, and that the meanes came from Rome, in the Faith of which Church we hauehave euer since continued; and shewed what deuotion this Iland hath had to Rome, that King Offa and Adulphus thought their obedience to the Sea not sufficient, but in their owne persons went to the place where they receiued so great grace.
And when Carolus Magnus founded Paris, hee sent into England for Alcui…us, which first brought learning to that Uniuersity.
I will not rehearse the benefits this Realme hath receiued from Rome, nor the miseries this Realm hath suffered by swaruing from that Unity, so all Countries that hauehave refused the Unity of the Catholike Faith, hath had the like plagues, as Asia, and the Empire of Gréece, by swar…ing from Rome, are brought into the subiection of the Turke: And Germany by swaruing from this vnity, are afflicted with diuers Sects and factions: then hee pra…ed the King for his greatnésse and riches, and the Quéen, as one in whose hart God had preserued the Catholike truth, when all light of the truth séemed vtterly to be extinct, whom GOD had most miraculously brought vntounto the Crowne, being a helplesse Uirgin, naked and vnarmed, had the victory of all pollicies and armed powers, prepared to destroy her, and God hath appointed her to raigne ouer you, for the restitution of true Religion, and exterpation of errors and Sects.
God hath deuided his power vntounto two parts heare in Earth, that is; into th… Imperiall and Ecclesiasticall power, the Seculer Princes and Ministers of God to execute vengeance vponupon transgressors, and to preserue well doers, which is represented in these two most excellent Princes, the King and Quéene.
The other power, is the power of the Keyes, which belongeth by prerogatiu… to the Sea Apostlike of Rome, from which Sea I am deputed Legate, hauing the Keyes committed to my hands, I confesse I hauehave the Keyes not as mine owne Keyes, but as the keyes of him that sent mee, but certaine impediments in you to receiue it must be taken away before my Commission can take place. I came to reconcile, and not to condemne, and not to compell, but to call againe: My Commission is of Grace and clemency, to all such as will receiue it: touching the matter… past, they shall be as things cast into the Sea of forgetfulnesse.
the meanes wherby you shall receiue this benefit, is by reuoking the lawes, wherby you hauehave disseuered yourselues from the vnity of Christs Church, therefore you, as prouident men for the weale of your soules and bodies, pouder what is to be done in this waightie cause. The next day the three estates sitting in the Parlament-house, all on their knees exhibited a Supplication to their Highnesses, the King and Queene, that their humble sute, by their Graces intercession and meane▪ might be exhibited vntounto the Cardinall, declaring themselues sorie and repentant for the Schisme committed in this Realme against the Apostolike Sea, promising, in token of their repentance, to be readie vntounto the vttermost of their power, to doe their endeauour for the repealing of the said lawes: and we desire that your Maiesties will so set forth this our humble sute, that we may obtayne from the Sea Apostolike, by the sayd most Reuerend Father, as well particular as vniuersall absolution, and that we may be receiued into the bosome of Christs Church, so that this whole Realme may in perfect obedience vntounto the Sea Apostolike serue God and your Maiesties, to the furtherance of his honour and glorie. The king and Queene deliuered it vntounto the Cardinall, who perceauing the effect thereof to answere his expectation, hee receiued it most gladly: and after he had thanked Almighty God for the prosperous successe of his comming from Rome, by the Popes authoritie he gaue them full absolution: Then they went to the Chappell & sung te Deum with great ioy of the reconciliation: the report of this was sent to Rome with great speed, as well by the King and Cardinals Letters, which thou maist see in the Booke of Martyrs: Wherevpon the Pope caused Processions to bee made with great ioy for the conuersion of England, and praising the Cardinals deligence, and the deuotion of the King and Queene, on Christmas Euen by his Bulles hee set forth, a generall pardon to all such as did truely reioyce for the same.
The Sonday following the second of December, Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor preached at Paules Crosse: Upon the third to the Romans: It is time that we should awake out of sleepe, for our saluation is neerer then when we beleeued: First he shewed how the saying of Saint Paul was verified vponupon the Gentils, which had long time slept in ignorance: therefore to stir vp their dulnes he desired them to wake out of sleepe: then hee compared our time to theirs.
As the sacraments of Christ did declare Christ to come, our Sacraments declare that he is come: now that hee is come the Iewes sacrifices bee done away, a…d ours only remaine, they had him as a signe, but we hauehave his very body in our Sacrament: wherefore it is time that we now also awake who hauehave slept & rather dreamed this twenty yeares, as shall bee declared by the properties of sléepe or dreame.
As we going to sléepe, separate our selues from company, so we hauehave separated our selues from the Sea of Rome, no Realme in Christendome like vsus, and as Shepheards dreame sometimes of killing, mayning, or drowning, and sometimes of beastlinesse, so we hauehave not onelyonly dreamed of beastlinesse, but also done it: and as in sléepe, all ones senses is stopped, that hee cannot see, not smell, nor heare; so the Ceremonies of the Church being to mooue our senses, are taken away, whereby our senses are stopped: and further, when a man would sleepe, he wil put out the Candle, least it wake him. So lately, all such Writers as did hold with the Apostolike Sea, are forbidden to be read, and Images, which were Lay mens Books, were cast downe and burned.
Wee hauehave beene this twenty yeares without a head, for when King Henry first tooke vponupon him the head of the Church, it was then no Church at all. After whom King Edward could not be head, but was onelyonly a shaddow of a head: and in our Queenes time we had no head, for she alone could not be head, and her two Arch-bishoppes were both conuicted of one crime, and deposed in Henry the eights time, when the tumult was in the North, the King would hauehave giuen the supremasie againe to the Pope, but the houre was not then come, least it had beene said he did it for feare. After Master Kneuet and I were sent Ambassadors to the Emperor, to be a means to reconcile the King to the Pope, but the time was not come, for it might be said it was done for policy: the matter was likewise moued in the beginning of King Edwards raigne, hut the time was not yet come; for it might hauehave been said, the King was bought & sold in his infancy, neither was the houre come in the beginning of the Queens raign, for it would hauehave bin said it was done in weaknes, and if it had been done when the King first came, it might hauehave been said it had beene done by violence, but now, hora est, when nothing can be obiected, but that it is the prouidence of God. Now Pope Iulius the hath sent vntounto vsus this most reuerend Father the Cardinall, not to reuenge iniuries done, but to giuegive his benediction to those which defamed and persc…uted him.
And that they may be the meeter to receiue it, let vsus acknowledge our selues of…enders against his Holinesse, I doe not exclude my selfe of the number: I will wéepe with them that wéepe, and reioyce with them that reioyce. The King and Quéenes Maiesties hauehave restored the Pope to his supremacy, and the thrée Estates of Parliament hauehave also submitted themselues to his Holinesse, and his successors for euer, therefore let vsus no longer stay.
And as S. Paul saith to the Corinthians, He was their Father, so may the Pope say, he is …ur Father; for we receiued our doctrine first from Rome, therefore he may challenge vsus as his owne; he hath preuented vsus before we sought him, he hath sent one of our Brethren to speake vntounto vsus, not as vntounto strangers: and now let vsus awake, which so long hauehave slept, and in our sléep don so much naughtinesse against the Sacraments, and pulling downe the Altars, which thing Luther would not do, but reproued them which did.
In his prayer, he prayed for the Pope and Cardinals, and for the soules departed, liuing in paines of Purgatory.
Upon Newyeares day at night,1555 thirty Men and Women, and one Maister Rose a Minister, were taken in a house in Bow Church-yard at the Communion, and committed to prison, and Maister Rose was examined before Cranmer, and committed vntounto the Tower.
Néere Lancaster in Lankishire, at Cockram, the Church-wardens and Parishoners made bargaine with one for the framing of their Roode, who made them one, and set it vp in their Church, but they misliked his workemanship; and refused to pay him: the matter was brought before the Mayor of Doucaster▪ th…y shewed the Mayor, that the Rood they had before was a welfauoured man, and he promised to make vsus such another, but this is the worst fauored thing that euer was séene, gaping and grinning that none of our Children dare looke on him and come néere him: the Mayor concluded the poore man must bee paid, for if it will not serue for a God, put a paire of Hornes on his head, and it will make an excellent Deuill: This the Parish tooke well a worth, and the poore man had his Money.
On New-yeares day at night, was a great stirre betwixt the Spaniards and English men, the occasion was about two Whores, which were in the Cloyster of Westminster with a sort of Spaniards, whilst some played the knaue with them, others kept the entry of the Cloyster with Dags in harnesse, they discharged their Dags at the Deanes men that came into the Cloyster, and hurt some of them, at length almost the whole towne was vp, by reason of a Spanish Fryer which got into the Church and rung Alarum, so that many were afraid.
At was publikely noysed, that Quée…e Mary was with childe, there were diuers prayers made in eueryevery Church, and processions for her deliuerance with a man child, and that it should be beautifull, comly, and wise: And there was an Act of Parlament made, that if the Quéene should die in the infancy of the child, that the King should hauehave the gouernment of it and the Realme, vntill it came of full age: …uers were punished, for saying the Quéene was not with child. About Whitsontide the time was thought to be nigh, and mid-wiues, rockers, and nurses, with tradle, and all were prepared in readinesse, and a rumor was blowne in London of the prosperous deliuerance of the Queene, so that the bells were rung, bon-fires and processions made, not only in the Citie, but in most parts of the Realme▪ and in Antwarp guns were shot off in English ships, and the Marriners were rewarded with an hundred Pistols by the Quéen of Hungary. The Parson of S. Anns within Aidersgate, and diuers other Preachers took vponupon them to describe how faire and beautifull the childe was: at length the people were certified the contrary, that the Quéen was not deliuered, nor in hope to hauehave any childe.
The two and twentieth of Ianuary all the Preachers in prison were called before Gardnor, at his house in S. Mary-Oueries: after communication, they were asked whether they would conuert and enioy the Quéens pardon, or stand to that which they had taught: they answered they would stand to that which they had taught: then they were committed to a straighter prison then before, with charge that none should speak with them. Iames George the same time died in prison, and was buried in the fields.
Upon the fiue and twentieth of Ianuary, on the day of the conuersion of S Paul, there was a generall and solemne procession through London, to giuegive God thanks for their conuersion to the Catholike Church, wherein were foure score and ten crosses, and a hundred and sixtie Priests and Clerks, who had eueryevery one Copes on, singing lustily: there followed eight Bishops, and last of all Bonner carrying the Pixe vnderunder a Canopie, and there was the Mayor, Aldermen, and all the Liuerie of eueryevery occupation, and the King and the Cardinall came to Paules Chu…ch the same day, and after returned to Westminster: at the steps going vp to the Quire all the Gentlemen that were set of late at liberty out of the Tower, kneeled before the King, and offered vntounto him themselues and their seruices: after the procession there was commanded bon-fires to be made at night.