A Cloud of Witnesses, Part H · Section 7 – Section 8
Hamilton.
Mr. Patrick Hamilton, The Eccles. Hist. of Scorl. p. 4.Brothers Son to Iames Hamilton, Earl of Arran, and Sisters Son to Iohn Stuart, Duke of A…thai, hating the world, and the vanity thereof, left Scotland, and travelled into Germany, where he became intimate with Martin Luther, Philip Melancthon, Francis Lambert, and became an eminent Professor, the zeal of Gods glory did eat him up, so that he could not chuse, but he must return into his own Countrey to make known the Gospel.
Articles objected against him.Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 227. — That the Pope is Antichrist. — That the Popes Laws be of no strength. — That he doubted, Whether all Children, departing immediately after their Baptism, are saved or condemned.
At the place of Execution he gave his ServantScot. Hist. pag. 4. (who had been his Chamberlain a long time) his Gown, Coat, &c. saying, These will not profit in the fire, they will profit thee. After this, of me thou canst receive no commodity, except the example of my death, Pag. 6.which I pray thee bear in mind; for albeit it be bitter to the flesh, and fearful before men, yet it is the entrance unto eternal life, which none shall possess that denies Christ Iesus before this wicked Generation.
The fire being kindled, he cried with a loud voice, Lord Iesus, receive my spirt. How long shall darkness overwhelm this Realm? And how long wilt thou suffer this tyranny of men?
A Black Frier, called Campbel, who had pretended some love to the Gospel, cried out to him, Convert Heretick, call upon our Lady, say, Salve Regina, &c. His answer was, Depart and trouble me not, thou Messenger of Satan. — Wicked man, thou knowest the contrary, and the contrary to me thou hast confessed. I appeal thee before the tribunal seat of Christ Iesus.
Vol. 2. pag. 228.Mr. Fox saith, That he cited him to appear before the High God, as general Judge of all men, to answer to the innocency of his death, &c. between that and a certain day of the next MonethMonth, which he there named: and that the Frier died before the said day came, without remorse of conscience, that he had persecuted the innocent.
He was burnt Febr. ult. A. 1527.
Pag. 229.In his Treatise stiled Patricks places, by Mr. Iohn Frith, who translated it out of Latin into English. — He that loveth God loveth his Neighbour. If a man say, 1 Iohn 4. Rom. 13. Galat. 5. Iohn 16. Pag. 230. Rom. 9.I love God, and yet hateth his Brother, is a Lyar, &c. He that loveth his Neighbour as himself, keepeth all the Commandments of God. — He that hath faith loveth God. My Father loveth you, because you love me, and believe that I am come of God. — It is not in our power to keep any one of the Commandments of God. — But you will say, Wherefore doth God bid us do that which is impossible for us? I answer, To make thee know that thou art but evil, and that there is no remedy to save thee in thine own hand, and that thou mayest seek remedy at some other, &c.— The remedy is shewed in the Gospel. — To believe God is to believe his Word, and to account what he saith true. — Faith is the gift of God. — Faith is not in our power.Pag. 231. — He that lacketh Faith cannot please God. — All that is done in Faith pleaseth God.Pag. 232. — He that believeth the Gospel shall be saved. — No manner of works make us righteous.Pag. 233. — He that thinks to be saved by his works, calleth himself Christ. — Thou must do good works, but beware that thou do them not to deserve any good through them. —
Mrs. Katherine Hamilton (Sister to Mr. Patrick) was also accused;See the Preface before the Eccles. Hist. of Scotland. and being questioned about works, she answered, That none was saved by his works. One thereupon speaking to her of the works of Congru… and Condigno, she answered, Work here, work there, what kind of working is all this? No works can save me, but Christ's.
Hamell.
When Godfrey Hamell was condemned for an Heretick:Fox, Vol. 2. pag 127. Nay (said he) not an Heretick, but an unprofitable Servant of Iesus Christ.
When the Hangman went about to strangle him, to diminish his punishment, he refused it, saying, That he would abide the Sentence, that the Iudges had given.