A Cloud of Witnesses, Part P
P.
Palmer.
Mr. Iulius Palmer was wont to say,Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 734. None were to be accounted valiant, but such as could despise injuries.
Pag. 735.When he was a Papist he told Mr. Bullingham, then a Papist also, As touching our Religion, even our Consciences bear witness, that we taste not such an inward sweetness in the profession thereof, as we understand the Gospellers to taste in their Religion; yea, to say the truth, we maintain we wot not what, rather of will, then of knowledge. But what then? rather then I will yield to them I will beg my bread.
His Conversion was occasioned by the constancy of the Martyrs at their death, he having oft said in King Edward's dayes, That none of them all would stand to death for their Religion. When he returned from the burning of Bishop Ridley and Bishop Latimer, he cried out, Oh raging Cruelty, Oh Tyranny tragical, and more then barbarous! From that time he studiously sought to understand the Truth for which they suffered.
Pag. 736.When he resolved upon leaving his Fellowship in Magdalens Colledge in Oxford, he was demanded of a special Friend, Whither he would go or how he would live? He made this answer, Domini est terra, & plenitudo ejus; The earth is the Lords, and the fulness thereof. Let the Lord work, I will commit my self to God, and the wide world.
After his leaving his Fellowship being at Oxford, he was perswaded to hear Frier Iohn, that succeeded Peter Martyr, in the Divinity Lecture; and hearing him blaspheme the Truth, departed; and being found in his Chamber weeping, and askt why he slipt away so on a sudden? O said he, if I had not openly departed, I should have openly stopped my ears; for the Friers blasphemous talk in depraving the Verity, made my heart worse to smart, then if mine ears had been cut off from my head.
Afterwards Supping in the company of the said Frier, and other great Papists, and having refused to kiss his hand, or to pledge him, and being askt why he was so unwise and uncivil in his carriage? He answered, Oleum eorum non demulcet, sed frangit caput meum, The oyle of these men doth not supple, but breaketh my head.
Another time a little before his death reasoning stifly for the Truth, Mr. Barwick then Fellow of Trinity Colledge told him, Well, Palmer, now thou art stout and hardy in thy Opinion; but if thou wert once brought to the Stake, I believe thou wouldst tell me another tale. I advise thee beware of the fire, it is a shrewd matter to burn. Truly, said Palmer, I have been in danger of burning once or twice, and hitherto (I thank God) I have escaped. But I judge verily it will be my end at last, welcome be it by the grace of God. Indeed it is an hard matter for them to burn, that have the mind and soul linked to the body, as a Thiefs foot is tyed in a pair of Fetters; but if a man be once able, through the help of Gods Spirit, to separate and divide the soul from the body, for him it is no more mastery to burn, then for me to eat this piece of bread.
After he had not onelyonly resigned up his Fellowship,Pag. 737. but left his School at Reading for Conscience sake, he went to his Mother at Esham, hoping to get from her some Legacies left him by his Father. Her first words to him were, Thou shalt have Christs curse and mine whithersoever thou goest. Oh Mother (said he) your own curse you may give me, which God knoweth I never deserved, but Gods curse you cannot give me, for he hath already blessed me. — Whereas you have cursed me, I again pray God to bless you, and prosper you all your life long.
Pag. 739.At his Trial at Newberry Dr. Ieffery told him he would make him recant, and wring peccavi out of his lying lips, ere he had done with him. But I know (said Palmer) that although of my self I be able to do nothing, yet if you and all mine enemies, both bodily and ghostly, should do your worst, you shall not be able to bring that to pass, neither shall ye prevail against Gods mighty Spirit, by whom we understand the truth, and speak it so boldly. Ah (said Ieffery) are you full of the Spirit? are you inspired with the Holy Ghost? Sir (said Palmer) no man can believe but by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost: therefore if I were not a Spirtual man, and inspired with Gods holy Spirit, I were not a true Christian. He that hath not the Spirit of Christ is none of his. I perceive (said Ieffery) you lack no words. Christ hath promised (said Palmer) not onelyonly to give us store, necessary, but with them such force of matter, as the Gates of Hell shall not be able to confound, or prevail against it. Christ (replied Ieffery) made such a promise to his Apostles; I trow you will not compare with them. Palmer answered, with the holy Apostles I may not compare, yet this promise I am certain pertaineth to all such as are appointed to defend Gods Truth against his enemies, in the time of their persecution for the same. Then (said Ieffery) it pertaineth not to thee. Yes (said Palmer) I am right well assured that through his grace it appertaineth at this present to me, as it shall appear if I may dispute with you before this Audience. Thou art but a beardless Boy (replied Ieffery) and darest thou presume to offer disputation, or to encounter with a Doctor. Remember Doctor (said Palmer) the wind blo…e…h where is listeth, &c. Out of the mouth of Infants, &c. Thou hast hid these things from the wise, &c. God is not tied to …, wit, learning, place, nor person; and though your wit and learning be greater then mine, yet your belief in the Truth,Pag. 740. and zeal to defend the time is no greater then mine. — The Catholick Church I believe, yet not for her own sake, but bebecause she is holy, that is to say, a Church that grounds her belief upon the Word of her Spouse Christ.
After Dinner Sir Richard Alridges sent for Mr. Palmer to his Lodging, and by offers tempted him to recant; Mr. Palmer told him, that as he had in two places already recounced his livelyhood for Christs sake, so he would with Gods grace be ready to surrender and yield up his life also for the same, when God should send time. When the Knight perceived he would by no means relent, Well Palmer said he, then I perceive one of us twain must be damned, for we be of two Faiths, and certain I am there is but one Faith that leadeth to Life and Salvation. O Sir (said Palmer I hope we both shall be saved. How may that be said the Knight? Right well Sir (said Palmer) for as it hath pleased our merciful Saviour, Pag. 741.according to the Gospels parable to call me at the third hour of the day, even in my flowers, at the age of four and twenty years, even so I trust he will call you at the eleventh hour of this your old age, and give you everlasting life for your portion.
Mr. Winchcome perswading him to take pity on the pleasant flowers of lusty youth before it be too late. Sir (said Palmer, I long for those springing flowers that shall never fade away.
Brethren (said Palmer) to his fellow Prisoners an hour before his Execution) be of good cheer in the Lord and faint not. Remember the words of our Saviour Christ, Matth. 5.10, 11, 12. We shall not end our lives in the fire, but change them for a better life: yea for Coles we shall receive Pearls. For Gods holy Spirit certifieth our spirit, that he hath even now prepared for us a sweet Supper in Heaven for his sake which suffered first for us.
As he arose from Prayer at the Stake, two Popish Friers came behind him, and exhorted him yet to recant and save his soul. Mr. Palmer answered, Away, away, tempt me no longer; away I say from me all ye that work iniquity, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my tears.
When he was bound to the Post, he said, Good people pray for us, that we may persevere to the end, and for Christs sake beware of Popish Teachers, for they deceive you.
When the fire was kindled and took hold of his body, and the bodies of Iohn Gwin and Thomas A…kine, they lifted up their hands to Heaven, and quietly and cheerfully, as though they had felt no smart, cried, Lord Iesus strengthen us, Lord Iesus assist us, Lord Iesus receive our souls.
After their three heads by force of the raging and devouring flames of the fire were fallen together in a cluster, so that they were all judged already to have given up the ghost, suddenly Mr. Palmer as a man awaked out of sleep,Pag. 742. moved his tongue and jaws,Iullus & Palma… slorebit. and was heard to pronounce this word, Iesus.
Epitaphium in Palmerum.
Palmerus flammas Christi pro dogmate p…ssus,
Impositum pondus, ceu bona Palma, t…lit.
Non retrocessit, sed contra erdentior ivit,
Illaesam retinens fortis in igne fidem.
Propterea in Coelum nunc Palmifer iste receptus
Iustiti… Palmam not pereuntis habot.
Paulinus.
When he had his City,Shaw's Tomb-stone, pag. 33. Gold, Silver, and all taken away, he said, Lord, let not the loss of these things trouble me; for thou art all, and more then all these to me.
Pareus.
David Pareus, See his Life in Clark's first Volume of Lives, pag. 917.having foreseen the great miseries, that would come upon the Palatinate, when the Spaniards came in with their Army, by Prodigies and Dreams, he was perswaded to retire himself. At his departure he cried out, O Heidelberg, Heidelberg! But it is better to fall into the hands of God, then of men, whose tender mercies are cruelty.
Paschalis.
It is a small matter (said Lewis Paschalis) to die once for Christ:Ward, pag. 160. if it might be, I could wish I might die a thousand deaths for him.
Patingham.
Patrick Patingham being much prest by Bonner to recant,Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 350. He protested that the Church, which the Bishop believed, was no Catholick Church, but was the Church of Satan, and therefore he would never turn to it, &c.
Peloquine.
The Inquisitors telling Dyonisius Peloquine his life was in his own hands;Ward, pag. 161. Then (said he) it were in an ill keeping. Christs School hath taught me to save it by losing it, and not by the gain of a few dayes or years, to lose eternity.
Person.
Mr. Anthony Person being come to the place of Execution,Fox. Vol. 2. pag. 554. with a chearfull countenance embraced the Post in his arms, and kissing it, said, Now welcome mine own sweet Wife; for this day shalt thou and I be married together in the love and peace of God.
Pag. 555.Pulling the straw unto him, he laid a good deal thereof upon the top of his head, saying, This is Gods Hat, now am I dressed like a true Souldier of Christ, by whose merits onelyonly I trust this day to enter into his joy.
Peter.
Fox, Vol. 1. pag. 45.The Apostle Peter was crucified, his head being down, and his feet upward, he himself so requiring; because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same manner & form, as the Lord was, &c.
Seeing his Wife going to her Martyrdome, (belike as he was yet hanging upon the Cross) he was greatly joyous and glad thereof, and cried out unto her with a loud voice, Remember the Lord Iesus. None but Christ, Ward, pag. 138.Nothing but Christ.
Phileas.
Fox, Vol. 1. pag 103.Phileas, Bishop of the Thumitans, whilst he was in bonds, before he received the Sentence of Death, wrote to the Congregation, over which he was Bishop, exhorting them to persist in the Truth of Christ professed, notwithstanding the Torments inflicted upon the Martyrs in his dayes, which he thus describes; Some beat them with Cudgels, some with Rods, some with Whips, some with Thongs, and some with Cords. — Some of them, having their hands bound behind their backs, were lifted up upon Timber-logs, and with certain Instruments their members and joynts were stretched forth, whereupon their whole bodies hanging were subject to the will of the Tormentors, who were commanded to afflict them with all manner of torments, not on their sides onelyonly, but bellies, thighs, and legs. They scratched them with the talens and claws of wild Beasts. Some were seen to hang by one hand upon the Engine, whereby they might feel the more grievous pulling out of the rest of their joynts and members. — Some were stretched out (after they were beaten) upon a new kind of Rack. Others were cast down upon the Pavement, where they were oppressed so thick, and so grievously with torments, that it is not almost to be thought what afflictions they suffered. Some died of their torments, not a little shaming and confounding their enemies by their singular patience. — Others were condemned, and willingly and cheerfully were martyr'd.
Philpot.
Mr. Iohn Philpot, Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 537.Son of Sir Peter Philpot of Huntshire, being threatned to be removed from the Kings Bench to Lullards Tower, said, You have power to transfer my Body from place to place at your pleasure, but you have no power over my soul. — God hath appointed a day shortly to come, in the which he will judge us with righteousness, howsoever you judge of us now.
When Story threatned him with a worse Prison, he said, God forgive you, and give you more mercifull hearts, and shew you more mercy in the time of need. Do quickly that you have in hand.
Bonner telling him,Pag. 543. He marvelled they were so merry in Prison, singing and rejoycing in their naughtiness; Methinks (said he) you do not well herein, you should rather lament and be sorry. My Lord (said Mr. Phi…pot) the mirth that we make is but in singing certain Psalms, as we are commanded by St. Paul, willing us to be merry in the Lord, singing together in Hymns and Psalms. — We are my Lord in a dark comfortless place, and therefore it behoveth us to be merry, least as Solomon saith, Sorrowfulness eat up our heart; St. Paul saith, If any man be of upright mind, let him sing; and we therefore to testifie we are of an upright mind to God (though we be in misery) do sing.
After this conference with Bonner, I was (saith Mr. Philpot) carried to my Lords Cole-house again, where I with my six Fellows do rouz together in the straw as cheerfully (we thank God) as others do in their Beds of Down.
When he was brought before Bonner (and the Bishop of Bath, &c.) a second time, before he answered any questions, he fell down upon his knees before them, and prayed thus; Almighty God, thou art the Giver of all wisdome and understanding, I beseech thee of thine infinite goodness and mercy in Jesus Christ to give me (most vile sinner in thy sight) the Spirit of wisdome to speak and answer in thy Cause, that it may be to the contentation of the Hearers, before whom I stand, and also to my better understanding, if I be deceived in any thing.
Bonner telling the Bishop of Wercester, that he did not well to exhort him to make any Prayer; for in this point (said he) they are much like to certain arrant Hereticks, of whom Pliny maketh mention, that did daily sing Antelucanos Hymnos, praise unto God before the dawning of the day: Mr. Philpot replied, My Lord, God make me and all you here present such Hereticks as those were that sang those Morning Hymns, for they were right Christians, with whom the Tyrants of the world were offended for their well doing.
Pag. 544.Afterwards he made this Protestation; I protest here before God, and his Eternal Son Jesus Christ my Saviour, and the Holy Ghost, and his Angels, and you here present, that be Judges of that I speak, that I do not stand in any Opinion of wilfulness, or singularity, but onelyonly upon my conscience certainly informed by Gods Word, from the which I dare not go for fear of damnation.
The Bishop of Worcester telling him he was of …ch arrogancy,Pag. 545. singularity, and vain-glory, that he would not see what was clearly proved. Ha my Lords (said Mr. Philpot) is it now time, think you, for me to follow singularity or vain-glory, since it is now upon danger of my life and death, not onelyonly presently, but also before God to come? I know if I die in the true Faith, I shall die everlastingly, or if I do not, as you would have me, you will kill me and many thousands more; yet had I rather perish at your hands, then to perish eternally. And at this time I have lost all my commodities of this world, and now lie in a Cole-house, where a man would not lay a Dog, with the which I am well contented.
The Bishop of Glocester asking him,Pag. 546. What do you think your self better learned then so many notable learned men as be here? Mr. Philpot answered, Elias alone had the Truth, when there were four hundred Priests against him. The Bishop telling him Elias was deceived, for he thought there had been none good but himself, and there were seven thousand besides him. Mr. Philpot answered, Yea, but he was not deceived in Doctrine as the other four hundred were.
He told the Bishop of London at his third appear…nce before him,Pag. 547. My Lord, in that you say you will …it on me in judgement to morrow, I am glad thereof, I look for none other but death at your hands, and I am as ready to yield my life in Christs Cause, as you be to require it.
Dr. Story telling him,Pag. 551. What? you purpose to be a stinking Martyr, and to sit in judgement with Christ at the last Day, to judge the twelve Triles of Israel? Yea Sir (said Mr. Philpot) I doubt not thereof, having the promise of Christ, If I die for righteousness sake, which you have begun to persecute in me.
Pag. 558.The Chancellor of Lichfield advising him not to cast himself away wilfully; He answered, My conscience beareth me record, that I seek to please God, and that the love and fear of God causeth me to do as I do; and I were of all other creatures most miserable, if for mine own will onelyonly I do lose all the commodities I might have in this life, and afterward be cast to damnation; but I am sure it is not my will, whereon I stand, but Gods Will, which will not suffer me to be cast away I am sure.
Pag. 560.Mr. Philpot being sent for by Bonn…r that he might go with him to Mass, the Keepers as they were going along asked him, Will you go to Mass; Mr. Philpot answered, My stomack this morning is too raw to digest such raw meats of flesh, blood, and bone.
When he was put into the stocks, he said, God be praised that he hath thought me worthy to suffer any thing for his Names sake. Better it is to sit in the stocks of this world, then to sit in the stocks of a damable conscience.
Pag. 562.As he was conveyed out of the Cole-house into a close Tower, joyning to Paul's Church, through many straits, There (said he) I called to remembrance, that strait is the way to Heaven.
Pag. 565.Harpsfield accusing him for being like himself in Oxford, when in Disputation he would not give over; He said, Mr. Harpsfield, you know in the Schools of Oxford, when we were young men, we did strive much upon vain-glory and contention, more then for the Truth; and if I was then in the time of my ignorance earnest in my own cause, I ought now to be earnest in my Master Christs Cause, and his Truth.
I know now that nothing done upon vain-glory and singularity can please God, have it never so goodly a shew.
Morgan telling him he should be burned for his Heresie,Pag. 572. and afterwards go to Hell fire; He said, I tell thee thou Hypocrite, that I pass not this for thy Fire and Fagots, neither do I (I thank God my Lord) stand in fear of the same: my faith in Christ shall overcome them; but the Hell fire which thou threatnest me is thy portion, and is prepared for thee, unless thou speedily repent, and for such Hypocrites as thou art.
When Bonner would not grant him candle light,Pag. 573. he said, Seeing I shall not have my request, the Lord shall be my light,
I would my Burning Day were to morrow, for this delay is every day to die, and yet not to be dead. Dr. Chedsey telling him, he was not like to die yet; He answered, I am the more sorry thereof, but the Will of the Lord be done of me to his glory. Amen.
Bonner telling him, That he made other Prisoners rejoyce and sing with him, he said, Yea my Lord, we shall sing, when you and such as you are shall cry Vae, vae, wo, wo, except you repent.
The Bishop of Worcester bidding him to follow his Fathers before him,Pag. 574. he said, It is forbidden us of God by the Prophet Ezekiel to follow our Fathers, or to walk in their commandments. The Bishop replying, It is written also in another Place, Ask of your Fathers: Mr. Philpot rejoyn'd, We ought indeed to ask our Fathers that have more experience and knowledge then we of Gods Will, but no more to allow them then we perceive they agree with the Scriptures. Pray for grace, said the Bishop. Prayer (said Philpot) is the comfortablest exercise I feel in my trouble, and my conscience is quiet, and I have peace of mind, which cannot be the fruits of Heresie.
Pag. 578.My Lords (said Philpot to the Bishops) you must bear with me since I speak in Christs Cause; and because his glory is defaced, and his people cruelly and wrongfully slain by you, because they will not consent to the dishonour of God; if I told you not your fault, it would be required at my hands at the Day of Judgement. Therefore know ye Hypocrites indeed, That it is the Spirit of God that telleth you your sin, not I, I pass not, I thank God, of all your cruelty, God forgive it you, and give you grace to repent.
When he was condemned for an Heretick, He said, I thank God I am an Heretick out of your cursed Church, but I am no Heretick before God.
The Chief Keeper greeting him thus, Ah! hast not thou done well to bring thy self hither? he said, Well, I must be content, for it is Gods appointment.
The Keeper promising him all favour, if he would recant; Nay (said Mr. Philpot) I will never recant, whilst I have my life, that which I have spoken; for it is most certain truth, and in witness hereof I will seal it with my blood.
A Messenger coming to him from the Sheriffe, bade him make ready, for the next day he should be burned at a Stake with fire.Pag. 593. Mr. Philpot returned this Answer, I am ready, God grant me strength and a joyfull Resurrection. And so he went into his Chamber, and poured out his Spirit unto the Lord God, giving him most hearty thanks that he of his mercy had made him worthy to suffer for his Truth.
His Servant taking his leave of him said, Ah Master farewell; Mr. Bradford said unto him, Serve God and he will help thee.
Entring into Smithfield, the way was foul, and two Officers took him up to bear him to the Stake; whereupon he said merrily, What? will ye make me a Pope? I am content to go to my journeys end on foot.
Coming into Smithfield, he kneeled down, saying, I will pay my vows in thee O Smithfield.
Kissing the Stake, he said, Shall I disdain to suffer at this Stake, seeing my Redeemer did not refuse to suffer a most vile death upon the Cross for me?
In his Letter to the Christian Congregation.Pag. 594. — It is a lamentable thing to behold at this present in England the faithless departing both of men and women from the true knowledge and use of Christs sincere Religion, which so plentifully they have been taught and do know, their own conscience bearing witness to the verity thereof. If that earth be cursed of God, which eftsoons receiving moisture and pleasant dews from Heaven, doth not bring forth fruit accordingly; how much more grievous judgement shall such persons receive which prove Apostates? — It is n…t onelyonly given us to believe, but also to confess and declare what we believe in our outward Conversation. The belief of the heart justifieth, and to acknowledge with the mouth makes a man safe, Rom. 10, It is all one before God, not to believe at all, and not to shew forth the lively works of our belief. — Whosoever in time of tryal is ashamed of me (saith Christ) and of my words, of him the Son of man will be ashamed before his Father. —
Pag. 595.The Prophet Aggeus 2. telleth us, The Lord shaketh the earth, that those might abide for ever which be not overcome. — Let no man deceive you with vain words, saying, That you may keep your faith to your selves, and dissemble with Antichrist, &c. This is the wisdome of the flesh, but the wisdome of the flesh is death and enmity of God, as our Saviour for example aptly did declare in Peter, who exhorteth Christ not to go to Ierusalem, but counselled him to look better to himself. — We cannot serve two Masters, we may not halt on both sides, and think to please God. — Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, and whosoever doth profane the temple of God, him will God destroy. 2 Cor. 3.— God judgeth all strange religion, which is not according to his Institution, for whoredome and adultery. — We must glorifie God as well in body as in soul: moreorer, we can do no greater injury to the true Church of Christ, then to seem to have forsaken her by cleaving to her Adversaries. Wo be to him by whom any such offence cometh, it were better for him to have a milstone tied about his neck, &c. Such be Judasses,Pag. 596. Traitors to the Truth, &c. — St. John in the Apocalyps telleth us plainly, That none of those who are written in the Book of Life do receive the mark of the beast, i. e, papistical Synagogue, either in their foreheads or hands, i. e. apparently or obediently. See the commands for separation, Phil. 2. 2 Cor. 6. Rev. 18. 2 Thes. 3. — Many will say for their vain excuse, God is mercifull, &c. Truth it is, The mercy of God is above all his works, but cursed is he that sinneth upon hope of forgiveness. — Others say, But we ought to obey the Magistrates, although they be wicked; true, but God must have his due, as well as Caesar his. — If they command any thing contrary to Gods Word, we ought not to obey their commandments, although we should suffer death therefore, Acts 4. Dan. ….—
Some run to this, If I be elected to Salvation, I shall be saved, whatsoever I do: such verily may reckon themselves to be none of Gods elect Children, that will do evil that good may-ensue, Rom. 3. God having chosen us that we should be holy, &c. Eph. 1. — The Lord open our eyes that we may see how dangerous it is to decline from the knowledge of Truth contrary to their conscience. —
In his Letter to Iohn Carles. Pag. 597.— I am in this world in Hell, but shall be shortly lifted up to Heaven, where I shall look continually for your coming; and though I tell you that I am in Hell in the judgement of the world, yet assuredly I feel in the same the consolation of Heaven, I praise God, and this loathsome and horrible Prison is as pleasant to me, as the walk in the Garden of the Kings Bench. — If God doth mitigate the ugliness of mine imprisonment, what will he do in the rage of the fire, whereunto I am appointed? And this hath hapned unto me, that I might be hereafter an ensample of comfort, if the like happen unto you, or any other of my dear Brethren with you, &c. — Be joyfull under the Cross, and praise the Lord continually; for this is the whole burnt-sacrifice which the Lord delighteth in.
In another Letter to Careles. Pag. 598.— Behold the goodness of God towards me, I am careless, being fast closed in a pair of Stocks, which pinch me for very straitness, and will you be carefull? Be as your name pretendeth, Cast all your care on God, set the Lord before your eyes alwayes, for he is on your right side, that you should not be moved. — Praise God and be joyfull, that it hath pleased him to make u… worthy to suffer somewhat for his Names sake. The Devil must rage for ten dayes. —
Written in a Cole-house of darkness, out of a pair of painfull Stocks, by thine own in Christ,
Iohn Philpot.
In his Letter to certain godly women, forsaking their own Countrey for the Gospel. — I read in the Evangelists of certain godly women that ministred unto Christ, following him in the dayes of his Passion, and never forsook him, but brought oyl to anoint him being dead, until he had shewed himself unto them after his Resurrection, and bid them tell his dispersed Disciples, that he was risen, and they should see him in Galile: To whom I may justly compare you (my loving Sisters in Christ) who of late have seen him suffer in his members, and have ministred to their necessity, anointing them with the comfortable oyl of your assistance,Pag. 599. even unto death; and now seeing ye have seen Christ live in the ashes of them, he willed you to go away, and to declare to our dispersed Brethren and Sisters that he is risen, and liveth in his elect Members in England, and by death doth overcome infidelity, and that they shall see him in Galile, which is by forsaking this world, &c. — Let your faith shine in a strange Countrey, as it hath done in your own, that your Father which is in Heaven may be glorified by you to the end. — Commend me to the whole Congregation of Christ, willing them not to leave their Countrey without witness of the Gospel, after that we all be slain, which already be stalled up and appointed to the slaughter; and in the mean season to pray earnestly for our constancy, that Christ may be glorified in us and in them both by life and death. —
In his Letter to his Sister. — Fear not whatsoever is threatned of the wicked world, prepare your back, and see it be ready to carry Christs Cross; and if you see any untowardness in you (as the flesh is continually repugnant to the Will of God) ask with faithfull Prayer, that the good Spirit of God may lead your sinfull flesh whither it would not. — My dissolution I look for daily,Pag. 600. but the Lord knoweth how unworthy I am of so high an honour, as to die for the Testimony of his Truth: Pray that God would vouchsafe to make me worthy, as he hath for long imprisonment, for the which his Name be praised for ever. —
In his Letter to certain godly Brethren. — It is an easie thing to begin to do well, but to continue out in well doing is the onelyonly property of the Children of God, and such as assuredly shall be saved; Blessed are they that persevere to the end. — God in Rev. 3. doth signifie to the Church, That there shall come a time of temptation upon the whole world, to try the dwellers on earth, from the danger of which temptation all such shall be delivered as observe his Word, which Word there is called the Word of patience, to give us to understand, that we must be ready to suffer all kind of injuries and slanders for the profession thereof. — Oh how glorious be the Crosses …f Christ, which bring the Bearers of them unto so blessed …n end? Shall we not be glad to be partakers of such shame as may bring us to so high a dignity?Pag. 601. — It is commanded us by the Gospel, not to fear them that can kill the body, but to fear God who can cast both soul and body into Hell fire: so much are we bound to observe this Commandment, as any other which God hath given us. — Now it will appear what we love best, for to that we love we will stick. — What loseth he, which in this life receiveth an hundred for one, with assurance of eternal life? O happy exchange! Even now he is of the City and Houshold of the Saints with God, he possesseth the peace of God, which passeth understanding, and is made a fellow of the innumerable company of Heaven, and a perpetual friend of all those that have died in the Lord, from the beginning of the world. Is not this more then an hundred fold? — Stand and be no cowards in the Cause of your Salvation; for his Spirit that is in us, is stronger then he, which in the world doth now rage against us. — I beseech you with St. Paul to give your bodies pure and holy sacrifices unto God. — God tempteth us now as he did our Father Abraham, commanding him to sacrifice his Isaac, which signifieth mirth, joy, &c. He by obedience preserved his Isaac alive. God commands us to sacrifice our Isaac, our joy, which if we be ready to do as A…raham was, our joy shall not perish, but live and be increased, the Ram shall be sacrificed in the stead thereof, onelyonly the concupiscence of the flesh intangled with the cares of this stinging world shall be mortified.Pag. 602. — To, withstand the present temptations set before your eyes, how our Saviour Christ overcame them in the desert, and follow his example, if the Devil tempt you, to take a worldly wise way, that you may have your fair Houses, Lands, and Goods to live on still; say, Man liveth not onelyonly by bread, &c. If the Devil tempt you to forsake the Faith, & to be conformable to the learned men of the world, say, It is written a man shall not tempt his Lord God. If the Devil offer you large promises of honour, dignity, &c. so that ye will worship Idols; say, Go behind me Satan, it is written, a man must worship his Lord God, and serve him onelyonly. If your Mother, Brother, Sister, Wife, Child, Kinsman or Friend do seek of you to do otherwise then the Word of God hath taught you, say with Christ, That they are your Mothers, Brothers, Sisters, Wives, Children and Kinsmen which do the will of God the Father. —
In his Letter to Mr. Harrington. — Glorious is the course of the Martyrs of Christ at this day; never had the Elect of God a better time for their glory then this is. —
— A man that is bid to a glorious Feast, wisheth his Friend to go with him, and to be partaker thereof. God doth call me, most unworthy, among others, to drink of the Bride-Cup of his Son, &c. — I wish you be as I am, except these horrible bands, but yet most comfortable to the Spirit. Praised be the Lord for the affliction which we suffer, and he gives us strength to continue to the end. — Though my Lords Cole-house be but very black▪ yet it is more to be desired of the Faithfull, then the Queens Palace. —
In his Letter to the Lady V…ne. — The Spirit confirm, strengthen, and stablish you in the true Knowledge of the Gospel, that your faithf…ll heart may attain and tast with all the Saints, what is the heighth, the depth, the length, and the breadth of the sweet Cross of Christ. Pag. 603.Amen. — Ah! great be the plagues that hang over England, yea, though the Gospel should be restored again. Happy shall that person be whom the Lord shall take out of this world not to see them. Ah the great perjury which …en have run into so wilfully by rece…ving Antichrist again and his wicked Laws! Oh that the Lord would turn his just judgements upon the Authors of the truce-breaking between God and us, &c. — The world wondreth how we can be merry in such extream misery; but our God is omnipotent, which turneth misery into felicity: Believe me (Dear Sister) there is no such joy in the world, as the people of Christ have under the Cross, I speak by experience; therefore believe me, and fear nothing that the world can do unto you; for when they imprison our bodies, they set our souls at liberty with God; when they cast us down, they lift us up; yea, when they kill us, then do they bring us to everlasting life. What greater glory can there be, then to be at conformity with Christ, which afflictions do work in us! God open our eyes to see more and more the glory of God in the Cross of Jesus Christ, and make us worthy partakers of the same. Let us rejoyce in nothing with St. Paul, But in the Cross of Iesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto us, and we unto the world.— Death why should I fear thee? since thou canst not hurt me, but rid me from misery to eternal glory. J. P. Dead to the world, and living to Christ. —
Pag. 604.In another Letter to the same Lady. I have felt under the Cross (thanks be given to God therefore) more true joy and consolation then ever I did by any benefit that God hath given me in my life before. For the more the world doth hate us, the …igher God is unto us, and there is no perfect joy but in God.
Pag. 605.In a fourth Letter to the same Lady. — Satan hath brought me out of the Kings Bench into the Bishop of London's Cole-house, a dark and an ugly Prison as any is about London (but my dark body of sin hath wel… deserved the same, and the Lord hath now brought me into outward darkness, that I might the more be enlightned by him, who is most present with his Children in the midst of darkness) where I cannot be suffered to have any candlelight, neither ink nor Paper, but by stealth. — Pray (Dear Lady) that my Faith faint not, which at present (I thank God) is more lively with me, then it hath been in times past. I tast and feel the faithfulness of God in his promise, who hath promised to be with his in their trouble, and to deliver them. I thank the Lord I am not alone, but have six other faithfull Companions, who in our darkness do cheerfully sing Hymns and Praises unto God for his great goodness. We are so joyfull, that I wish you part of my joy.
Let not my strait imprisonment any thing molest you; for it hath added and daily doth unto my joy, but rather be glad and thankfull unto God with me.— Cheerfull and holy Spirits under the Cross be acceptable Sacrifices in the sight of God. —
In another Letter to the same Lady. Pag. 606.— This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us be glad and rejoyce in the same; this is the way though it be narrow, which is full of the peace of God, and leadeth to eternal bliss. O how my heart leapeth for joy, that I am so near the apprehension thereof! God forgive me mine unthankfulness and unworthiness of so great glory. — I have so much joy of the reward that is prepared for me most wretched sinner, that though I be in place of darkness and mourning, yet I cannot lament, but both night and day am so joyfull, as though I were under no cross at all, yea in all the dayes of my life I was never so merry, the Name of the Lord be praised therefore for ever and ever, and he pardon mine unthankfulness. — Pray instantly that this joy be never taken from us, for it passeth all the delights of this world, it surmounteth all understanding. — I trust my Marriage-garment is ready. —
In his Letter to a Friend in Prison that writ to him concerning Infant-baptisme. — The same night I received your Letter, as I was musing on it I sell asleep, and in the midst of my sweet rest I saw a great beautifull City all of the colour of Azure, and White, and four-square, in a marvellous beautifull composition in the midst of the Sky. The sight hereof so inwardly comforted me, that I am not able to express the consolation I had; yea, the remembrance thereof causeth as yet my heart to leap for joy; and as Charity is no Churl, but would others to be partakers of his delight, so methought I called to others, and when we together had beheld the same, by and by to my great grief it vanished. This Dream I take to be of the working of Gods Spirit.Pag. 607. I interpret the City the Church, and the appearance of it in the Sky, the heavenly state thereof, and that according to the Primitive Church, which is now in Heaven, men ought to measure and judge of the Church of Christ, and on earth the marvellous Quadrature of the same, the universal agreement in the same, that all here in the Church Militant ought to consent to the Primitive Church throughout the four parts of the world, the wonderfull joy I conceived, the unspeakable joy which they have that be at Unity with Christs Primitive Church, and my calling others to the fruition of this Vision, my moving you and others to behold the Primitive Church in all your Opinions concerning Faith, and to conform your self in all points to the same, which is the Pillar of Truth.Pag. 610. — Let the bitter Passion of Christ, which he suffered for your sake; and the horrible torments which the godly Martyrs of Christ have endured before us, and also the inestimable reward of your life to come, which is hidden yet a little while from you with Christ, strengthen, comfort, and encourage you to the end of that glorious race which you are in. Amen.
Pikes.
William Pikes some while before he was last taken,Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 879. he was in his Garden reading the Bible; and about twelve a clock of the day, his face being towards the South, there fell down four drops of fresh blood upon his Book, he not knowing from whence it came. Calling his Wife to him, he said, What meaneth this? will the Lord have four Sacrifices? I see well enough the Lord will have blood. His will be done and give me grace to abide the triall. Wife, let us pray, the day draweth nigh. Afterward he daily looked to be apprehended, till the time came indeed.
Being at the point of death in Newgate, so that no man looked he should live six hours, he declared to them that stood by, that he had been twice in persecution before, and that now he desired the Lord, if it were his will, that he might glorifie his Name at the Stake.
Place.
Monsieur Pierre de la Place President of the Court of Requests in France, Fox, Vol. 3. cont. pag. 62.when out of that entire love which his Wife bore him, fell down at the feet of one of those bloody Instruments of that barbarous M…ssacre, 1572. to intreat some favour for her Husband. He rebuked her, and told her, That it is not the arm of flesh we must stoop unto, but unto God onelyonly.
Perceiving in his Sons Hat a White Cross, which through infirmity he had placed there, thinking thereby to save himself, he sharply chid him, and commanded him to pluck that mark of sedition thence, telling him, We must now submit to bear the true Cross of Christ.
Pothnius.
Ward, pag. 139.Pothnius, Bishop of Lions, to the President asking him in the midst of his torments, What that Christ was, answered, If thou wert worthy, thou shouldst know.
Polycarp.
Fox, Vol. 1. pag. 55.This famous Bishop of Smyrna, St. Iohn's Disciple, having been in Prayer three dayes before his apprehension, in a Vision by night he saw the Bed set on fire under his head, and suddenly to be consumed. When he awoke he gave this exposition of the Vision to them that were present, That in the fire he should lose his life for Christs Cause.
When the Pursuers were brought to the Inne where he was, he might have escaped, but would not, saying, The will of God be done.
As he was going to the place of Judgement, there came a voice from Heaven (heard by several of his Church) saying, Be of good cheer Polycarpus, and play the man.
When the Proconsul bid him say, Destroy these naughty men, he looked up to Heaven, saying, Thou, thou it is, that wilt destroy these wicked naughty men.
The Proconsul bidding him defie Christ and he should be discharged, he answered, Fourscore and six years have I been his Servant, yet in all his time hath he not so much as once hurt me; How then may I speak evil of my King and Sovereign Lord, which hath thus preserved me?
The Proconsul still urging him to swear by Caesar's prosperity, he replied, If thou requirest this, pretending that thou knowest not what I am, Know then that I am a Christian;Pag. 56. and if thou desire to know the Doctrine of Christianity, appoint a day, and thou shalt hear. — I have thought it my duty thus to say unto you, forsomuch as we are commanded to give unto the Governours and Powers ordained of God, the hounour meet and due to them, and not hurtfull unto us. —
The Proconsul telling him he had wild Beasts to whom he would throw him, unless he took a better way: Polycarp said, Let them come, we have determined with our selves, that we will not by repentance turn us from the better way to the worse, but convenient it is, that a man turn from things that be evil unto that which is good and just.
I will tame thee with fire (replied the Proconsu… ) if thou set not by the wild Beasts, nor yet repent. Then said Polycarp, you threaten me with fire, which shall burn for the space of an hour, and shall be within a little while after put out and extinguished; but thou knowest not the fire of the judgement to come, and of everlasting punishment which is reserved for the wicked and ungodly. But why make you all these delayes? Give me what death soever you list.
When they would have tyed him to the Stake with iron hoops, he said, Let me alone as I am; For he that hath given me strength to come to the fire, shall also give power that without this provision I shall abide, and not stir in the midst of the fire.
When his hands were bound behind him, he prayed thus, O Father of thy welbeloved and blessed Son Iesus Christ, by whom we have attained the knowledge of thee, the God of Angels and Powers, and of every creature, and of all just men, which live before thee. I give thee thanks that thou hast vouchsafed to grant me this day that I may have my part among the Number of the Martyrs, to drink of the Cup of Christ, unto the resurrection of eternal Life both of body and soul, through the operation of thy holy Spirit, among whom I shall this day be received into thy sight for an acceptable sacrifice; and as thou hast prepared and revealed the same before this time, so thou hast accomplished the same, O thou most true God, which canst not lye. Wherefore for all these things I praise thee, I bless thee, I glorifie thee by our everlasting Bishop Iesus Christ, to whom be glory evermore. Amen.
As soon as the fire was kindled, some of his Church then present saw this marvellour thing; The fire being like unto a Vault or Roof of an House, and after the manner of a Shipmans Sail filled with wind, compassed about the Martyr, as with a certain Wall, and he in the middle of the same, not as Flesh that burned, but as Gold and Silver when it is tried in the fire: They smelt also a savour so sweet, as if Myrrhe, or some other precious Balm had given a scent.
When they saw that his body could not be consumed by fire, one thrust him through with a Sword; which being done, so great a quantity of blood ran out of his body, that the fire was quenched therewith.
S…e Mr. Cl…rks first … of …, p 5. &c.Polycarp going with St. Iohn to a Bath at Ephesus, and espying Cerinthus the Heretick in it, said, Eugiamus ocius, &c. Let us depart speedily, for fear least the Bath wherein the Lords adversary is do fall upon us.
He so detested H…reticks, then when Marcion (of his former acquaintance) met him at Rome, and wondring that he took no notice of him, said unto him, Dost thou not know me Polyc…rp? Yea (said he) I know thee well, Thou art the eldest Son to the Devil.
His manner was to stop his ears, if at any time he heard the wicked speeches of Heretieks, and to …un those very places, where such speeches had been uttered.
He suffered Martyrdome in the seventh year of …rus, Anno Christi 170. and of his age 86.
Praetorius.
Arias Praetorius the day before his death,Melchior. Adam. in vita ejus, pag. 466. dream'd he saw a Coffin carried, and asking whose it was, he heard this answer, That Christ was to be laid in his Sepulcher, and that he should speedily follow him. When he awaked, he concluded his own death was not far off.
Whereupon he cried out, He that followeth Christ, walks well, not in darkness.
Jesus, be thou merciful to me a miserable sinner, and draw me after thy self.
Prest.
Prest's Wife being asked by the Bishop of Exeter, Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 889.Whether she had not an Husband? She answered, That she had an Husband and Children, and had them not: So long as she was at liberty, she refused neither Husband nor Children; but now standing here as I do (said she) in the Cause of Christ and his Truth, where I must forsake Christ or my Husband, I am contented to stick onelyonly to Christ my heavenly Spouse, and renounce the other. Here she making mention of the words of Christ, He that leaveth not Father or Mother, Sister or Brother, or Husband, &c.
The Bishop told her, That Christ spake that of the holy Martyrs, which died because they would not sacrifice to the false gods: so (said she) I will rather die then I will do any worship to that foul Idol, which with your Mass you make a god.
The Bishop telling her, That if she had been an honest woman, she would not have left her Husband and Children, and run about the Countrey like a Fugitive: She told him, Sir, I laboured for my living, and as my Master Christ counselleth me, When I was persecuted in one City, I fled into another. When I would have my Husband and Children to leave Idolatry, and to worship God in Heaven, he with his Children rebuked men, and troubled me. I fled not for whoredome nor for theft, but because I would not be partaker with him and his of that foul Idol the Mass.
Pag. 890.During a Moneths liberty which was granted her by the Bishop, she went into the Cathedral at Exeter, and seeing a Dutchman making new Noses to certain fine Images which were disfigured in King Edwards time; What a mad man art thou (said she) to make them new Noses, which within a few dayes shall all lose their heads? The Dutchman accused her, and laid it hard to her charge; and she said unto him, Thou art accursed, and so are thy Images. He called her Whore. Nay (said she) thy Images are Whores, and thou art a Whore-hunter; for doth not God say, You go a whoring after strange gods, figures of your own making.
Pag. 891.When judgement was given against her, she lifted up her voice, and said, I thank thee, my Lord, my God, this day have I found that I long sought.
This favour they pretended after her Judgement, That her life should be spared, if she would recant: Nay that will I not (said she) God forbid, that I should lose the life eternal for this carnal and short life. I will never turn from my heavenly Husband to my earthly Husband; from the fellowship of Angels to mortal Children: and if my Husband and Children be faithfull, then am I theirs. God is my Father, God is my Mother, God is my Sister, my Brother, my Kinsman, God is my friend most faithfull.
After her Condemnation she refused to receive my money from well affected people, saying, I am going to a City, where money beareth no mastery. Whilst I am here, God hath promised to feed me.
When she was brought to the Stake, without the …alls of Exeter, in a place called So then hay, in the …roneth of November 1558. the Priests again as…ulted her; but she prayed them to have no more …alk with her, and cried still, God be mercifull to … a sinner, God be mercifull to me a sinner.
This Agnes Priest, The History of the Worthies of England, p. 249, 250.or Prest, was the sole Devonshire Martyr (saith Dr. Fuller) under the reign of Queen Mary: Wherefore as those Parents, which have but one Child, may afford it the better attendance, as more at leisure: So seeing by Gods goodness we have but this single Native of this Countrey, yea of this Diocess, we will enlarge, &c. (1) Her Christian Name, which Mr. Fox could not learn, …e have recovered from another excellent Author, Mr. Vowell in Hollingshead, pag. 1309. (2) I am informed by the Inhabitants thereabout, that she lived at Northcot in the Parish of Boynton, in the County of Cornwall, &c. (3) She was a simple woman to behold, thick, but liltle and short in sta…re, about Four and fifty years of age. (4) She was endited on Munday the fourth week in Lent, An. Phil. & Mar. 2. and 3. before W. Stanford, Iustice of the Assize: So that we may observe more legal formality was used about the condemnation of this poor woman, then any Martyr of far greater degree. (5) Her own Husband and Children were her greatest Persecutors, from whom she fled; because they would force her to be present at Mass. (6) She was condemned by Bishop Troublefield Bishop of Exeter, &c. yea she was the onelyonly person in whose persecution Bishop Troublefield did appear; and it is justly conceived, that Blackstone his Chancellour was more active then the Bishop in procuring her death.
Potten.
Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 678.Agnes Potten of Ipswich, in a night a little before her death, being asleep in her bed, saw a bright burning fire, right up as a Pole, and on the side thereof she thought there stood a number of Queen Mary's Friends looking on, then (being asleep) she seemed to muse with her self, whether her fire should burn so bright or no. And indeed her suffering was not far unlike her dream.
At the Stake she and Ioan Trunchfield, who sufferred with her, required the people to credit, and to lay hold on the Word of God, and not upon mans devices and inventions; and to despise the Ordinances and Institutions of the Romish Antichrist, with all his superstitious and rotten Religion.
Pusices.
Ward, pag. 142.Shut thine eyes but a while (said Pusices to an old man trembling at Martyrdome) and thou shalt see Gods Light.