An Alphabetical Martyrology, Part B 1
B B
BArtholomew the Apostle is said to have preached to the Indians, and to have converted the Gospel of S. Mathew into their Tongue: He continued there a great space doing miracles, at last in Albania, a City of Greater Armenia, after divers persecutions, he was beaten down with Staves, and then crucified; and after being excoreate was at length beheaded. Vol. 1. p. 42.
Blandina a Woman, under the Fourth Persecution, was so tormented that the Tormentors for weariness gave her over, admiring at her strength and courage, who became stronger and stronger; and as oft as she spake these words, I am a Christian, neither have we done any evil, it was a marvellous comfort, and emboldened her to abide the Torments. Vol. 1. p. 60. She afterwards was fastned to a Stake, and cast to ravening Beasts, but no Beast would come near her; so the Persecutors took her down, and laid her in Prison till another time. At length she was put in a Net, and cast to the wild Bull, and after she was sufficiently gored with his Horns she felt nothing of pain, but was thus slain; of whom the very Persecutors said, Never Woman was put to death of them that suffered so much as she did. Vol. 1. p. 62, 63.
Barlaam a Martyr, under the Tenth Persecution, having endured many Torments, was at last laid on the Altar by the Persecutors, where Incense was offered to their Idols, and they put Incense into his hand, thinking that fire would cause his hand to scatter the Incense, and so he have sacrificed, but the flame eat round about his hand, which remained as though it had been covered with hot Embers, when as Barlaam recited that of the Psalmist, Blessed be God who teacheth my hands to fight. Vol. 1. p. 118, 119.
Ioane Boughton, Mother to the Lady Young, was burned April 28. 1494. (and in the ninth year of King Hen. 7. King of England) in Smithfield, for holding of Wickliffe's Opinions, from which all the Doctors in London could not turn her: And being told that she should be burnt, she defied them, saying, She was so beloved of God and his holy Angels, that she passed not for the fire; and in the midst of it she cryed to God to take her Soul into his holy hands. Vol. 1. p. 956.
Iohn Brown of Ashford was burned 1517. at Ashford, being taken away by force from his own House, the same day his Wife was Churched, and he was carried to Prison at Canterbury, for no Crime but for asking a Mass-Priest, where the Soul was when he began Mass and when he had done Mass? who answering he knew not; Iohn Brown asked him then, how he could save the Soul? For which he was continued in Prison from Low-Sunday till Fryday before Whitsontide, his Wife not knowing where he was all this time; till the night before he was burned being set in the Stocks at Ashford, she came and sat up by him, to whom he declared the whole passage, and said that the Bishops, Warham and Fisher, heated his Feet on the Coals, and burned them to the bones, to make him deny his Lord; which I will never do, added he, for if I should deny him in this world, he would deny me hereafter. I pray thee, said he further, good Elizabeth, continue as thou hast begun, and bring up thy Children vertuously in the fear of God. And the next day being Whitsonday-Eve this godly Martyr was burned; standing at the Stake he thus prayed, holding up his hands,
O Lord I yield me to thy grace,
Grant me mercy for my trespass,
Let never the Fiend my Soul chase:
Lord I will bow, and thou shalt beat,
Let never my Soul come in Hell heat.
Into thy hands I commend my Spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord of truth. And so he ended. Vol. 2. p. 13.
Iohn Bertrand, a Forester in France, 1556. being condemned for the Gospel's sake, he being to enter a Cart, to be carried to Execution, gave thanks he was not there for any evil action, but for the quarrel of our Saviour; and when tyed to the Post he sang the 25. Psalm; and with Eyes looking up to Heaven, seeing the place of Execution, he said, O the happy journey, and fair place prepared for me. He in the fire cryed, O Lord give thy hand to thy Servant, I recommend my Soul to thee: And so meekly yielded up the Ghost. Vol. 2. p. 150.
Dominicus de Basana, an Italian, burned at Placentia, 1553. being asked whether he was a Priest, said, Not of the Pope, but of Christ; being asked if he would renounce his Doctrine, answered, He maintained no Doctrine of his own, but of Christs, which also he was ready to seal with his blood, and gave hearty thanks to God which so accepted him, as worthy to glorifie his Name with his martyrdom: And being cast into Prison, he continued constant; yea at his Execution he did preach, and pray for his Enemies, and so finished his days. Vol. 2. p. 167.
A Bookseller of Avinion was burned by the means of the Bishop of Aix, for selling some Bibles in the French Tongue; and as a sign of the Crime for which he was burnt, he had two Bibles hanged about his neck, one before and another behind him. Vol. 2. p. 191.
Maurice Blane, a young man in Merindol in France, being one of the Waldenses, and taken by one Iohn Miniers Lord of Opede, who went as Captain against Merindol, was shot to death with Harquebusses, and though he was not very well instructed, yet in all his Torments he lifted up his Eyes to Heaven, and with a loud voice ceased not to call on God; and the last words he was heard to say were, O Lord God these men take from me a life full of misery, but thou wilt give me life everlasting, by thy Son Iesus Christ, to whom be Glory. Vol. 2. p. 198.
Thomas Bilney, being brought up under Popish ignorance, and did in order to his obtaining pardon of sins, use fasting, watching, buying pardons, &c. and at last hearing that the New Testament was translated into Latine elegantly by Erasmus, out of a love to the Latine more than to the Word of God (which he then knew not what it meant) bought one and did read it; and at his first reading he happened on 1 Tim. 1.15. It is a faithful saying, &c. which sentence through Gods instructions, and co-workings, exhilerated him, and was a means of his conversion to the Faith of Christ, learning that all travels and watchings without Christ availed nothing: And having tasted of the sweetness of Christ himself, he greatly endeavoured the promoting of Christ's Gospel, and opposed Popery in its abuses of Pardons, &c. Vol. 2. p. 268. He was instrumental to the conversion of Mr. Latimer, p. 271. He was of Trinity Hall in Cambridge, and first framed that University to the knowledge of Christ, Vol. 2. p. 274.276. He once recanted, and was absolved, which created such trouble to him, that for two years he almost despaired, nor could any Scripture comfort him, till at length God, by the means of Mr. Latimer, comforted him. And he propagated the Doctrine of Christ in Norfolk, and was burned at Norwich 1531. The night before which eating an Ale-berry chearfully, some Friends said they were glad to see him so merry, to whom he said, he did as Husbandmen, repair the ruinous House of his body. He often tryed the heat of the fire, by putting his finger in the Candle flame, saying, I feel and know fire to be naturally hot, yet I am perswaded by Gods Word, and by experience of some in it, that in the flames they felt no heat. And I believe howsoever that the stubble of my body shall be wasted by it, yet my Soul shall be thereby purged: it is a pain for a time, on which follows joy unspeakable. Vol. 2. p. 277.
Richard Bayfield, a Monk of S. Bennets belonging to Berry, converted by means of one Dr. Barnes, was November 20. 1531. degraded and condemned; and being struck with a Crosier he fell backward, broke his head, and swooned; when he came to himself again, he thanked God that he was delivered from the malignant Church of Antichrist, and was come into the sincere Church of Christ militant here on Earth: And I trust anon, said he, to be in Heaven with Christ, and that Church triumphant for ever. And being in a slow fire was half an hour alive, and when the left arm was on fire and burned, he rolled it with his right hand, and it fell from his body; and he continued in Prayer to the end without moving. Vol. 2. p. 293.
Iames Beinham, a Lawyer, in King Henry the Eighth's days, for knowledge of the New Testament was burnt, April the last 1532. who first abjured, but soon relapsed, declaring he would not suffer the like Hell he did when he was abjured for all the world; and when he was again taken and burning, he in the fire, when his legs were half consumed, said, O ye Papists, ye look for miracles, here ye may see one, for in this fire I feel no more pain than if I were in a Bed of down, and it is to me as a Bed of Roses. Vol. 2. p. 301.
Thomas Benet, Master of Art in Cambridge, thinking after his conversion not safe to stay there, went to Exeter, and there taught a School: And at last abhorring the blasphemy of the Papists, he fixt up Bills against the Popes Supremacy, &c. for which, after much enquiry being found out, he at length suffered, all their endeavours being not able to reclaim him to Popery, to whose perswaders he mildly answered; desiring them to desist, for he was resolved, and did more desire to dye for Christ, than to live longer and partake of and behold their detestable Idolatry. At the fire he prayed so fervently, and his sayings were so pious, and himself so constant, that his very Enemies counted him a good man, and God's servant; yet was he burnt: And at Stake being commanded by one Esq Barnhouse to pray to Saints, he would not, it being God on whom only he must call: to whom the Esquire said, he should pray to Saints, or else he would make him, and therewith thrust a Fir-bush on fire at his Face: to whom the Martyr said, Alas, Sir! trouble me not; and prayed, Father forgive them. Whereupon the Esquire caused the fire to be kindled, and then the Martyr lifted up his Eyes and Hands, saying, O Lord receive my Spirit; and so continuing Prayers, did never stir nor strive, but abode the flames until he ended. Vol. 2. p. 314.
Dr. Barnes of Cambridge, in King Henry the Eighth's days, burned in Smithfield 1541. Iuly 30. he much promoted good Learning in Cambridge, and then Religion, yet afterwards recanted twice, but at length preached Christianity again; for which, he being apprehended, was to be burnt; who making his Confession, said, He dyed for the Faith of Christ, by whom alone he doubted not but to be saved: he prayed for pardon: And whereas Stephen Gardner Bishop of Winchester caused his Martyrdom, he there said, I pray God forgive him, as heartily, and as freely, and as charitably, and without feigning, as ever Christ forgave them that put him to death. And then putting off his Cloaths, made him fit for the fire, and patiently took his death, and was burnt with Mr. Garret and Mr. Hierom. Vol. 2. pag. 517. See more Mr. Hierom.
George Bucker: See Adam Damlip.
Iohn Bradford a Lancashire man, a good Scholar, Servant to the Lord Harrington, afterwards went to Cambridge, and after one years time was made Master of Arts and Fellow of Pembroke Hall; and some time after ordained by Bishop Ridley, and made Prebend of S. Paul's in London. Vol. 3. p. 380. He was a zealous Preacher and a good liver, yet in Queen Mary's days silenced and imprisoned; although but three days before he appeased the people in London, by preaching against Sedition, and perswading them to obedience, who were incensed much against one Bourn (who afterward was made Bishop of Bath) who preached against King Edward 6. and pleaded for Popery, so that a Dagger was thrown at him, till this Mr. Bradford appeared in the Pulpit, and then the People cryed out, God save thy life, O Bradford. He slept but four hours in the night, and spent most of the other hours in prayer and studying; so that he counted that hour lost, he said, in which he had done none good with Pen, study, or exhorting: he preached twice a day in Prison, unless sickness hindred him. When the Keepers Wife with sorrow brought him news of his burning next day, he said, I thank God for it, I have looked for the same a long time; it comes not on me suddenly, but as a thing waited for every day and hour, O Lord make me worthy of it. When he went from the Counter to Newgate, he prayed, and gave every Servant and Officer in the House money, wishing them to serve God and eschew evil, and prayed to God to effect it in them: He was imprisoned two years, lacking one Month and a half. He being upon examination offered mercy, if he would recant, said, Mercy with God's mercy I desire; but mercy with God's wrath God keep me from; his good will be done, life with his displeasure is worse than death, and death with his favour is true life. Vol. 3. p. 283. One Creswel, an acquaintance of his, after this came to him, and proffered him his service to make suit to the Queen for him: To whom he said, If the Queen will give me life, I will thank her; if she will banish me, I will thank her; if she will burn me, I will thank her; if she will condemn me to perpetual imprisonment, I will thank her. Vol. 3. p. 292. At the Stake he freely forgave all persons, and beg'd all persons to forgive him: He prayed and kissed the Stake and Faggot, crying, O England, England, repent thee of thy sins, repent thee of thy sins, beware of Idolatry, beware of false Antichrists, take heed they do not deceive you. Vol. 3. p. 307. His Letters were many and pious, exhorting to constancy: 1. From God's love to us: 2. God's power over our Enemies, and care for us: 3. The necessity of dying once: 4. The shortness of the troubles: 5. The eternity of our joys: 6. Examples of Christians: 7. The Conjugal Relation engageth both Soul and Body to Christ: 8. All worldly Enjoyments, and life it self, but tokens of God's love to us, and must not be denyed if call'd for by God, as tokens of our love to him: 9. Death is our due for sin, but when for Christ, prepares a greater glory: 10. God's care over their Children and Families that dye for him: 11. Our Cross from God as a Father. Vol. 3. p. 307. to 337.
Roger Bernard, a Suffolk man, burned with two others at S. Edmunds-Bury, Iune 30. 1556. he being diversly flattery allured to turn, yet though a poor Labourer continued constant; and when he was threatned with punishments, he said, Friends, I am not better than my Master Christ, and the Prophets, whom your Fathers served after this sort; and I for his Names sake am content to suffer the like at your hands, if God shall so permit, trusting that he will strengthen me in the same, according to his promise, in spite of the Devil and all his Ministers. And so constantly he endured the flames with Prayer and Praises. Vol. 3. p. 710.
Agnes Bongeor, one of 10 Prisoners at Colchester, who with another Woman, one Margaret Thurston, was not executed with the other 8, because of the mistake of her name in the Writ, being there written Bowyer instead of Bongeor; which mistake caused much sorrow to the poor woman, who was thereupon dejected, even almost to despair, because she was left and the rest taken and burnt, as if God did not think her worthy of that honour; in order to the receiving of which, she had disposed of a sucking Child that morning to another Nurse, and had habited her self fit for the fire: But at last with much endeavours she was comforted, by a Friend's proposing the instance of Abraham, whose will in offering his Son was by God accepted, as if Isaac had been sacrificed; and so her desire to have offered up her self, had God pleased; and also the real offer of her Child, disposed of already to another Nurse, in order to her self being burnt, might be acceptable before God. And she being thus comforted in due time, September 17. 1557. was also with the said Margaret Thurston burnt at Colchester. Vol. 3. p. 849, 850.
Bergerius, being imprisoned for the Gospel's sake, met there with one Iohn Chambon a Thief, imprisoned also at Lions in France 1553. which Chambon was almost famished for want of food, eating only such things as Horses and Dogs refused, and was also almost devoured of Lice, insomuch that he cryed out against God, and cursed his Parents that bare him, till by the Prayers and endeavours of this Bergerius he was converted; and he declared to divers persons by Letters, that his Lice left him the next day after his Conversion, so that he had not one; and he was sufficiently provided for by the Alms of persons, so that he fared very well. Vol. 2. p. 140, 141.
Iohn Badby an English Martyr 1409. martyred for opposing Transubstantiation; he, though he felt the flames, which were immediately quenched, and he invited to recant by the Kings eldest Son, with promises of great revenues, and with threats of being burned, if he would not recant, could not not be perswaded to recant. Vol. 1. p. 681.
Guy de Brez, Prisoner at Tournay in Flanders 1567. writeth to his Wife thus (after the declaring what Conflicts he had with his flesh, and the Victory which through Christ he had in order to suffering) Be comforted, our separation shall not be for ever, it will not be long e're we be gathered together under one head, Iesus Christ: the world is not the place of rest: Heaven is our home, and the world but our place of banishment: Let us aspire after our Country: Consider the honour God doth you, in that you have a Husband who is not only called to be a Minister of Christ, but highly advanced to partake of the Crown of Martyrdom, which honour the Angels in Heaven are not capable of. I rejoice in my sufferings, I am filled with the abundant riches of my God. I now taste and see Gods goodness, I feel by experience he never forsakes them that trust in him; I have profited more in the School-house of my Prison than in all my life time before; I would not change my condition with them which are my Persecutors, I eat and drink and rest with more hearts-ease than they. Additions to Vol. 3. concerning Massacre in France and Flanders. p. 37, 38.
Francis le Bossu, with his two Sons, martyred at Lyons in France in the Massacre there 1572. he encouraged his two Sons to suffer with him for the Gospel, exhorting them thus, Children, we know the enmity of the wicked and the world against Gods people is no strange thing: Let not their drawn Swords affright us, they will be but as a Bridge whereby we shall pass over out of a miserable life into immortal blessedness; we have breathed and lived long enough among the wicked, let us now go and live with one God. And so all three embracing each other, were found slain. Additions to Vol. 3. concerning Massacre in France. p. 68.