A Cloud of Witnesses, Part M

A Cloud of Witnesses · Part M

p. 155M.

Mallot.

Often have we hazarded our lives (said Iohn Mallot a Souldier) for the Emperour Charles the Fifth,Ward, pag. 153. and shall we now shrink to die for the King of Kings? Let us follow our Captain.

Man.

Thomas Man having broken Prison after his recantation,Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 29. said, If I be taken again of the pild knave Priests, I wist well I shall go the holy Angel, and then be an Angel in Heaven. Accordingly the Sheriffe of London, when he had brought him into Smithfield to be burnt, put him into Gods Angel. He thanked God that he had been instrumental to convert seven hundred persons.

p. 156Marbeck.

Fuller's Englands Wo…es in B…kshire. pag. 91.Iohn Marbeck was a skilfull Organist in the Quire of Windsor, a man of admirable industry and ingenuity. His English Concordance (the first that ever was in English) Bishop Gardiner himself could not but commend as a piece of singular industry. King Henry the Eighth hearing thereof, said, That he was better imployed, then those Priests that accused him.

Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 547.Being prest to discover Hereticks, and being told he could not do God and the King greater service: If I knew (said he) who were Hereticks indeed, it were somewhat; But if I should accuse him to be an Heretick that is none, What a worm would that be in my conscience, so long as I live. Yea it were a great deal better for me to be out of this life, then to live in such torment.

He being called a Dolt who would not discover them, who should be sent for, and would utter then all they can of him. Whatsoever (said he) they shall say of me, let them do it in the Name of God, I will say no more of them, nor of any man else, then I know.

Pag. 548.Being further prest to write down what he knew of such, he thus prayed unto God; O most merciful Father of Heaven, thou that knowest the secret doings of all men, have mercy upon thy poor Prisoner that is destitute of all help and comfort. Assist me, O Lord, with thy special grace, that to save this frail and vile body, which shall turn to corruption in its time, I have no power to say or to write any thing, that may be to the casting away of my Christian Brother; but rather, O Lord, let this vile flesh suffer at thy will and pleasure. Grant this, O most merciful Father, for thy dear Son Jesus Christs sake.

p. 157Then he rose up, and began to search his Conscience, what he might write, and at last writ thus: Whereas your Lordship will have me to write of such things, as I know not of my Fellows at home, May it please your Lordship to understand, that I cannot call to remembrance any manner of thing, whereby I may justly accuse any one of them, unless the reading of the New Testament, which is common to all men, be an offence. More then this I know not.

The Bishop of Winchester asking him, What helpers he had in setting forth his Concordance? None, my Lord (said he.) None? (said the …ishop) how can that be? It is not possible that thou shouldst do it without help. Truly my Lord (said he) I did it without the help of any man, save God alone. Nay (said the Bishop) I do not discommend thy diligence; but what shouldst thou meddle with the thing, which pertaineth not to thee? And then speaking to one of his Chapl…ins, said, This Fellow hath taken upon him to set out the Concordance in English; which Book, when it was set out in Latine, was not done without the help and diligence of a dozen learned men at least, and yet he will bear me in hand, that he hath done it alone.

The Bishop of Salisbury asking him,Pag. 550. How he could invent such a Book, or know what a Concordance meant without an Instructer? I will tell your Lordship (said he) what Instructer I had to begin it. When Thomas Matthews Bible came first out in Print, being not able to buy one, I borrowed one, and intended to have writ it out, and was gone as far as I…shua, which when Mr. Turner understood, he told me it would be a more profitable work to set out a Concordance in English. A Concordance (said I) what is that? He told me it was a p. 158Book to find out any word in the whole Bible by the letter, and that there was such an one in Latine already, and that it required not so much learning as diligence. This is all the instruction that ever I had before or after of any man. Being asked, How he could with this instruction bring it to this order and form, as it is? He answered, I borrowed … Latine Concordance, and began to practise my wit▪ and at last with great labour and diligence brought it into this order. — But I marvel greatly, why I should be so much examined about this Book. Have I committed any offence in doing it or no? If I have, I am loth any other should be molested or punished for my fault. Therefore to clear all men in this matter, this is my request, That ye will try me in the rest of the Book that is undone. You see I have onelyonly done with letter L. Now take what word you will of M. and so in every letter following, and give me the words in a piece of Paper, and let me be any where alone with Pen, Ink, and Paper, the Latine Concordance, and the English Bible, and if I bring you not those words written in the same order and form, as the rest be, then it was not I did it, but some other. This is honestly spoken (said the Bishop of Ely) and then shalt thou bring many out of suspition. Accordingly he writ in a dayes time in the same order and form, as he had done the rest, all the words they gave him, which contained three sheets of Paper and more.

Pag. 5….Being threatned if he did not discover what he knew, his fingers should be made to tell: If you do tear (said he) the whole body in pieces, I trust in God you shall never make me accuse any man wrongfully.

If thou art stubborn (said Dr. Oking) thou wilt die for it. Die for it? (said Marbeck) wherefore p. 159should I die? You told me the last day before the Bishops, that as soon as I had made an end of that piece of the Concordance they took me, I should be delivered, and shall I now die? This is a sudden mutation. You seemed then to be my Friend, but I know the cause, you have read the Ballad I made of Moses Chair, and that hath set you against me; but whensoever ye shall put me to death, I doubt not but I shall die Gods true man, and the Kings.

This worthy Confessor was of so sweet and amiable nature,Fuller, &c. pag. 91. That all good men did love, and few bad men did hate him: yet was he condemned in the year 1544. to be burnt at Windsor, which his Pardon prevented, of which divers causes were assigned, (1) That Bishop Gardner bare him a special affection for his skil in the Mystery of Musick. (2) That such, who condemned him, procured his Pardon out of remorse of conscience, because of the slender evidence against him. (3) That it was done out of design to reserve him for a discovery of the rest of his Party, and if so their plot failed them; for being as true as Steel (whereof his Fetters were made, which he wore in Prison for a good time, he could not be frighted, or flattered to make any detection.

Marcus. v. Arethusius. Part. 1.

Marcus of Arethuse being hung up in a Basket,Ward, pag. 142. anointed with honey, and so exposed to the stinging of Wasps and Bees, said to his Persecutors, that stood and beheld him, How am I advanced, despising you that are below on Earth.

Marlorate.

Mr. Augustine Marlorate, Fox, Vol. 3▪ cont. pag. 25.Minister of Roan, when in the Civil Wars of France that City was taken by storm, was taken also, and brought before Mon…orency, the Constable of France, who said unto p. 160him, Thou art he, who hast seduced the people. If I have seduced them (said he) it is God that hath done it rather then I; for I have preached nothing to them, but his divine Truth. You are a seditious person (said the Constable) and the cause of the ruine of this City. As for that imputation (said he) I refer my self to all that have heard me preach, be they Papists, or Protestants, whether I ever medled with matters of the Politick State, or no. — The Constable told him (swearing a great Oath) we shall see within a few dayes, whether thy God can deliver thee out of my hands, or no.

Clark's first Vol. of Lives, pag. 577.It is observable how speedily Gods Judgements found out his Persecutors. The Captain that apprehended him was slain within three weeks, by one of the basest Sou…diers in all his Company. The Constables Son was shortly after slain in the Battel of Dreux. Two of his Iudges also died very strangely soon after, viz. The President of the Parliament by a Flux of Blood, which could be by no means stanched: The other being a Councellor, voiding his Urine by his Fundament, with such an intolerable stink, that none could come near him. Villeben that switched him with a Wand as he was carried on the Hurdle to Execution…, a while after escaped death by the loss of his hand, wherewith he had so basely smitten this Servant of the Lord.

Marsake.

Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 141.Sir L…wis Marsake was so glad of the Sentence of Condemnation, that he went out praising God and singing of Psalms.

To a Souldier that would have hindred him from stepping aside to call upon God; What (said he) will you not let us pray in that little time which we have?

When Halters were put about the necks of his p. 161two Fellow-sufferers, he seeing himself to be spared because of his Order and Degree, called to the Lieutenant for one of those precious Chains about his neck in honour of his Lord.

Why I pray you (said he) do you deny me the badge of so excellent an Order? The Mirrour of Martyrs, pag 315.Is not my Cause the same with theirs?

Marsh.

Mr. George Marsh, Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 224.Minister in Lancashire, writes thus concerning his Troubles. — My Friends and Relations advised me to flee. — If I were taken, (said they) and would not recant (as they thought I would not, and God strengthning and assisting me never shall) it would not onelyonly put them to great sorrow, and losses, and shame, but also my self, after troubles and painful imprisonment, unto shameful death. — To their counsel my weak flesh would gladly have consented, but my spirit did not fully agree, thinking and saying thus unto my self, That if I so fled away, it would be thought and reported, that I did not onelyonly flee my Countrey▪ and nearest and dearest Friends, but from Christ holy Word, of late years within my heart, or at least with my life professed, and with my mou…h taught. I knew not what to do, but ceased not by earnest prayer to ask and seek counsel of God, a… of other my Friends, whose godly judgement and knowledge I much trusted to. Still I was undetermined what to do, but told a Friend, that had prayed with me for direction, I doubted not but God (according as our prayer and trust was) would give me such wisdome and counsel, as should be most to his honour and glory, the profit of my Neighbours and Brethren, and mine own eternal salvation by Christ in Heaven. — At length one came to me with Letters from a faithful Friend (which I never read, nor p. 162looked on) who said thus, My Friends advice was, that I should in no wise flee, but abide and boldly confess the Faith of Jesus Christ. At which words I was so confirmed and established in my Conscience, that from thenceforth I consulted no more, whether it were better to flee, or to tarry; but was at a point with my self, that I would not flee, but go to Mr. Barton, who did seek me, and patiently bear what cross it should please God to lay upon me. Whereupow my mind and conscience, being much troubled before, was now merry and in quiet state. — Thereupon I went to Mr. Barton. He shewed me a Letter from the Earl of Derby, wherein he was commanded to send me to Lathum. Thither I went. The Earl asked me whether I was one that sowed dissention among the people? I denied it, and desired to know mine Accusers; but that could not be granted. He asked me, whether I was a Priest? I said,Pag. 225. No, but a Minister, &c. I was asked, whether I had ministred with a good Conscience? I answered, I had ministred one year with a good Conscience, I thanked God, and if the Laws of the Realm would have suffered me, I would have ministred still; and if the Laws at any time hereafter would suffer me to minister after that sort, I would minister again. — The Vicar of Prescot having communed with me a good while concerning the Sacrament of the Altar, told my Lord and his Council, that the answer which I had made before, and then made, was sufficient for a Beginner, and one that did not profess a perfect Knowledge in that matter: and thereupon I had more favour. Hereupon I was much more troubled in my spirit then before, because I had not with more boldness confessed Christ, but in such sort, as mine Adversaries thereby thought they should prevail against me. Hitherto p. 163I went about as much as lay in me, to rid my self out of their hands, if by any means, without open denying of Christ and his Word, that could be done. This considered I cried more earnestly to God to strengthen me with his holy Spirit, with boldness to confess him, and to deliver me from their enticing words, and that I might not be spoiled through their Philosophy, and deceitful vanity after the traditions of men, and ordinances of the world, and not after Christ. Pag. 226.— The Vicar of Prescot and Parson of Grapnal much exhorted me to leave mine Opinions, saying, I was much deceived, understanding the Scriptures amiss, and much counselled me to follow the Catholick Church of Christ, and to do as others did. I answered, My faith in Christ conceived by his holy Word I neither might nor would deny, alter, or change for any living creature whatso…v…r …e were. — Afterwards Mr. Sherburn and Mr. M…r perswaded me to leave mine Opinions because of the adv…rsity of the Maintainers of them, and the prosperity of the Favourers of the Religion now used. I answered, That I believed and leaned onelyonly to the Scriptures, not judging things by prosperity or adversity. They advised me not to let shame hinder me from renouncing mine Opinions. I answered, That what I did, I did not for the avoiding of any worldly shame, saying, My soul and life were dearer to me, then the avoiding of any worldly shame: neither yet did I it for any vain praise of the world, but in the reverent fear of the Lord. — Mr. Sherburn told me that it was great pity I should cast my self away, &c. I answered, That my Life, Mother, Children, Brethren, Sisters, and Friends, with other Delights of this life, were as dear and sweet to me, as unto any other man, and that I should be as loth to lose them, as another would, if I might hold them with a good p. 164conscience, and without the ignominy of Christ. But seeing I could not do that, my trust was that God would strengthen me with his holy Spirit to lose them all for his sake; for I take my self (said I) for a Sheep appointed to be slain, patiently to suffer what cross soever it shall please my merciful Father to lay upon me.Pag. 227. — After this Mr. Moor told me, I was unlearned, and erred from the Catholick Faith, stubborn, and stood altogether in mine own conceit. I answered, For my learning, I acknowledge my self to know nothing, but Jesus Christ, even him that was crucified, and that my Faith was grounded on Gods holy Word onelyonly, and such as (I doubted not) pleased God, and as I would stand in to the last, God assisting me, and that I did not say, or do any thing of stubbornness, self-wilfulness, vain-glory, or any other worldly purpose, but with good conscience, and in the fear of God. Desiring him to speak to my Lord and his Council, that I might find some mercy at their hands; but he giving me but short answer, then I said, I commit my Cause to God, who hath numbred the hairs of my head, and appointed the dayes of my life, saying, I am sure God, who is a Righteous Iudge, would make inquisition for my blood, according as he hath promised. — I desire the Reader of this Relation to pray for me, and all them that be in bonds, that God would assist us with his holy Spirit, that we may with boldness confess his holy Name, Pag. 228.and that Christ may be magnified in our bodies, that we may stand full and perfect in all the will of God. — Whilst I was at Lancaster, some of good will towards me, but without knowledge, that came to talk with me, gave me the same counsel, that Peter gave Christ, as he went up to Ierusalem; Master, favour thy self, &c. But I answered with Christs p. 165sharp answer to Peter again, Get thee behind me Satan, and perceiving that they were an hinderance to me, and that they savoured not the things which are of God, but the things that are of men; I made them plain answer, that I neither could nor would follow their counsel, but that by Gods grace I would both live and die with a pure Conscience, and according as hitherto I had believed and professed; for we ought in no wise (said he) to flatter and bear with them, though they love us never so well, which go about to pluck us away from the obedience which we owe unto God, and to his Word, but after Christs example, sharply to rebuke them for their counsel.— God so strengthened me with his Spirit of boldness, according to my humble request and prayer before (everlasting thanks be given to him therefore) that I was nothing afraid to speak to any that came to me, no not even to Judges, before whom I was thrice arraigned at the Bar, among the Thieves, with irons on my feet, and put up my hand as others did; but yet with boldness I spake unto them, so long as they would suffer me. — They threatned and rebuked me, for my preaching to the people out of Prison, and for my praying and reading so loud, that the people in the streets might hear. — When the Bishop of Chester came to Lancaster, he was informed of me, and desired to send for me, and examine me; but he said he would have nothing to do with Hereticks so hastily. So hasty in judging and calling me Hereticks are our Bishops in their Lordly Dignities, before they hear, &c. contrary to the Word of God, which saith, Condemn no man before thou hast tried out the truth of the matter, and when thou hast made inquisition, then reform righteously. Give no Sentence before thou hast heard the Cause, but p. 166first let men tell out their tale; and he that giveth Sentence in a matter before he hear it, is a fool, and worthy to be confounded. — It is no new thing for the Bish…ps to persecute the Truth and the Prophets of the Lord for their constancy in preaching of the true Faith;Pag. 229. Faith; for so did their Pharisaical Fore-fathers. Pashur was the Head Bishop of the Temple, the Ring-leader of false Prophets, the chief Heretick-taker, that is as much as to say, the Outthruster of true Godliness. He imprisoned the Prophet Ieremy, &c. The ungracious Bishop I…son was such another, Machab. 2.4. — Such were also the execrable and blind Bishops Annas and Caiaphas, who never spake the Truth of God themselves, unless it were against their wills, unwittingly to their own destruction. — At Chester several times came to me, and with all probability of words and Philosophy, or worldly wisdome, and deceitfull vanity, after the traditions of men, and the beggarly Ordinances and Laws of the world, but not after Christ, went about to perswade me to submit my self to the Church of Rome, and to acknowledge the Pope to be Head thereof, and to interpret the Scriptures no otherwise then that Church did. I answered, That I do acknowledge and believe one Holy Catholick Church, without which there is no Salvation; and that this Church is but one, because it ever hath, doth, and shall confess one OnelyOnly God, and him onelyonly worship; and one OnelyOnly Messiah, and him onelyonly trust for Salvation: which Church is ruled and led by one Spirit, one Word, and one Faith, &c. and is built onelyonly upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the Head-corner-stone, and not upon the Romish Laws, the Bishop of Rome being the supreme Head, &c. and that this Church is a little poor silly flock, dispersed and p. 167scattered abroad, as sheep without a shepherd, in the midst of wolves; or as a company of Orphans and fatherless children, led and ruled by the onelyonly Laws, Counsels, and Word of Christ, who is the supreme Head thereof, assisting, succouring, and defending her from all assaults, errours, troubles, and persecutions, wherewith she is ever compassed about.

— I was thrust at with all violence of craft and subtilty, but yet the Lord upheld me. Everlasting thanks be to that merciful and faithful Lord, who suffereth us not to be tempted above our might, but in the midst of our troubles strengtheneth us with his holy Spirit of comfort and patience, giveth us a mouth and wisdome how and what to speak, where against all his Adversaries are not able to resist. —

At another appearance before the Bishop, Pag. 230.&c. the Chancellor charged him, That he had preached most heretically and blasphemously in many Parishes within the Bishops Diocess against the Popes Authority, the Catholick Church of Rome, &c. He answered, That he neither heretically nor blasphemously preached or spake against any of the said Articles, but simply and truly as occasion served, and (as it were thereunto forced in Conscience) maintained the Truth touching those Articles, as (said he) all you now present did acknowledge the same in King Edward's dayes.

After the Bishop of Chester had read half-ways the Sentence of Condemnation,Pag. 231. he asked him whether he would not have the Queens mercy in time? He answered, He did gladly desire the same, and did love her Grace as faithfully as any of them, but yet he durst not deny his Saviour Christ, and so lose his mercy everlasting, and win everlasting death.

Being again called upon by the people to recant p. 168and save his life, he said, I would as fain live as any of you, if in so doing I should not deny my Master Christ, and again he should deny me before his Father in Heaven.

When the Bishop had read out the Sentence, he said, Now I will no more pray for thee then I will pray for a Dog. Mr. Marsh answered, That notwithstanding he would pray for his Lordship.

When he was in the Dungeon, and none suffered to come near him, some of the Citizens would at a hole upon the wall of the City, that went into the Dungeon, ask him how he did? He would answer them most cheerfully, that he did well, and thanked God most highly, that he would vouchsafe of his mercy to appoint him to be a witness of his Truth, and to suffer for the same, wherein he did most rejoyce, beseeching him that he would give him grace not to faint under the Cross, but patiently bear the same to his glory, and comfort of his Church.

When he came to the place of Execution, one shewing him a Writing under the great Seal, and telling him, It was a Pardon for him if he would recant; he said, That he would gladly receive the same; but forasmuch as it tended to pluck him from God, he would not receive it upon that condition.

After that he began to speak to the people, shewing the cause of his death, and would have exhorted them to stick unto Christ. Whereupon one of the Sheriffs said, We must have no Sermoning now.

When the Beholders supposed no less but that he had been dead, having been so long in the fire, he spread abroad his Arms, saying, Father of Heaven have mercy upon me.

p. 169Upon this many of the people said,Pag. 232. That he was a Martyr, and died marvellous patiently and godly, which thing caused Dr. Cotes the Bishop shortly after to preach in the Cathedral, that he was an Heretick, burnt like an Heretick, and was a firebrand in hell. But shortly after the judgement of God took hold of the Bishop; it was a report in all mens mouths that he died burnt by an harlot.

In his Letter to the Reader, touching his Examinations. — Though Satan be suffered to sift us, as wheat, for a time, yet faileth not our faith, through Christs aid, but that we are at all times able and ready to confirm the Faith of our weak Brethren, and alwayes ready to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, and that with meekness and reverence, having a good conscience; and whenas they backbite us as evil doers, they may be ashamed, forasmuch as they have falsly accused our good conversation in Christ. I thought my self well settled with my loving Wife and Children, and also well quieted in the peaceable possession of that pleasant Euphrates; but the Lord, who worketh all for the best to them that love him, would not there leave me, but took my dear and beloved Wife from me, whose death was a painful cross to my flesh. I thought also my self well placed under most loving and gentle Mr. Laurence Saunders in the Cure of Langton. But the Lord of his great mercy would not suffer me long there to continue, (although for the small time I was in his Vineyard I was not an idle workman) but he hath provided me to taste of a far other Cup; for by violence hath he yet once again driven me out of that glorious Babylon, that I should not taste too much of her wanton pleasures, but with his most dearly beloved Disciples to have my inward rejoycing in the Cross of p. 170his Son Iesus Christ, the glory of whose Church I see it well,☞ standeth not in the harmonious sound of Bells and Organs, nor yet in the glistering of Mitres and Copes, nor in the shining of gilt Images and Lights, but in continual Labours and Afflictions for his Names sake.

God at this present here in England hath his Fan in his hand, and after his great Harvest, whereinto these years past he hath sent his Labourers, is now sifting the Corn from the Chaffe, and purging his Floor, and ready to gather the Wheat into his Garner, and burn up the Chaffe with unquenchable fire. Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Scribes and Pharises. — Try all things, and choose that which is good. Believe not every Spirit, but prove the Spirits, whether they be of God or not. — The true Touch-stone is the Word of God. —

In his Letter to the faithful Professors of Langton. — Grace be unto you, and peace be multiplied in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I thought it my duty to write unto you, my Beloved in the Lord, to stir up your minds, and to call to your remembrance the words that have been spoken to you before, and to exhort you (as that good man,Acts 11.Acts 11 and full of the Holy Ghost, Barnabas did the Antiochians) that with purpose of heart ye continually cleave unto the Lord, and that ye stand fast, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel; whereof God be thanked, ye have had plenteous preaching by Mr. Sanders, and other Ministers of Christ, who now when persecution doth arise, because of the Word, do not fall away, and forsake the Truth, being ashamed of the Gospel, whereof they have been Preachers, but are willing and ready for your sakes, to forsake not onelyonly the chief and principal delights of this life, viz. their native Countrey, p. 171Friends, Livings, &c. but also to fulfill their Ministry to the utmost, viz. with their painful imprisonments, and blood-sheddings, if need shall require, to confirm and seal Christs Gospel, whereof they have been Ministers.Acts …. They are ready, not onelyonly to be cast into prison, but also to be killed for the Name of the Lord Jesus. Whether those, being that good salt of the earth, i. e. true Ministers of Gods Word, by whose Doctrine, being received by Faith, men are made savoury unto God, and which themselves lose not their saltness; now when they be proved with the boisterous storms of persecution, or others, being that unsavoury salt, which hath lost it saltness, i. e. those ungodly Ministers, who do fall from the Word of God to the dreams and traditions of Antichrist; whether of these (I say) be more to be credited and believed, let all men judge.Iam. 2.Jas 2 Wherefore my dearly Beloved, Receive the Word of God with meekness, that is grafted in you, which is able to save your souls, and see that ye be not forgetfull hearers, deceiving your selves with Sophistry, but doers of the Word;Mat. 7.Matt 7 whom Christ doth liken to a Wise man, which buildeth his house upon a rock, &c. That when Satan with all his Legions of Devils, with all their subtile suggestions, and the world with all the mighty Princes thereof, with their crafty counsels, do furiously rage against us, we faint not, but abide constant in the Truth, being grounded upon a most sure Rock, which is Christ, and the Doctrine of the Gospel,Mat. 16.Matt 16 against which the gates of Hell, i. e. the power of Satan cannot prevail. And be ye followers of Christ and his Apostles, and receive the Word in much affliction, as the godly Thessalonians did.1 Thes. 2.1 Thess 2 They onelyonly are the true followers of Christ and his Apostles, that receive the Word: And they onelyonly receive the Word, who both believe p. 172it, and also frame their lives after it, and be ready to suffer all manner of adversity for the Name of the Lord, 2 Tim. 3.2 Tim 3as Christ and all the Apostles did, and as all that will live godly in Christ Iesus must do;Acts 14.Acts 14 for there is none other way into the Kingdome of Heaven, but through much tribulation. And if we suffer any thing for the Kingdome of Heavens sake,Mat. 5.Matt 5 and for Righteousness sake,Mat. 7.Matt 7 we have the Prophets, Christ,Mark 8.Mark 8 the Apostles, and Martyrs for an example to comfort us; for they did all enter into the Kingdome of Heaven at the strait gate and narrow way, which few do find: and unless we will be content to deny our selves, and take up the Cross of Christ, and his Saints, it is an evident argument that we shall never reign with him. But if we can find in our hearts patiently to suffer persecutions and tribulations, it is a sure token of the righteous Judgement of God, that we are accounted worthy of the Kingdome of Heaven, for which we also suffer. It is verily (saith the Apostle) a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulations to them that trouble us, 2 Thes. 1.2 Thess 1and rest to us that be troubled. — These things we ought to have before our eyes alwayes, that in the time of persecution (whereof all that will be the children of God shall be partakers, and some of us are already) we may stand stedfast in the Lord, and endure even to the end, that we may be saved; for unless we, like good Warriers of Iesus Christ, will endeavour our selves to please him, who hath chosen us to be souldiers, and fight the good Fight of Faith to the end, we shall not obtain that crown of Righteousness, 1 Tim. 2.1 Tim 2which the Lord, that is a right our Iudge, shall give all them that love his Coming. Let us therefore ground our selves on the sure Rock Christ; for other foundation can no man lay, 1 Cor. 3.1 Cor 3beside… that which is laid already, which is Iesus Christ. If any bu…ld on this foundation gold, silver, &c. p. 173By fire the Apostle doth mean persecution, the portion of those that do preach and profess the Word of Christ, which is called the Word of the Cross. By gold, &c. he understands them, that in the midst of persecution abide stedfast in the Word. By hay and stubble, such as in time of persecution do fall away from the Truth. When Christ doth purge his floor with the wind of adversity, these are scattered as light chaffe, which shall be burnt with unquenchable fire. If they which do believe, do in time of persecution stand stedfastly in the Truth, the Builder (I mean the Preacher of the Word) shall receive a reward, and the Work shall be preserved and saved; but if so be that they go back and swerve when persecution ariseth, the Builder suffereth loss, i. e. shall lose his labour and cost; but let he shall be saved, if he being tried in the fire of persecution, doth abide fast in the Faith. Wherefore my Beloved,1 Pet. 2.1 Pet 2 give diligent heed, that ye, as li…ing stones be …uilt upon the sure Rock, Pag. 234.&c. — Let …s be sure, that unless we keep Christ and his holy Word dwelling by Faith in the House and Temple of our hearts, the same thing that Christ threatneth to the Iews, Mat. 14.Matt 14shall happen unto us, viz. The unclean spirit of ignorance, superstition, idolatry, and unbelief, the Mother and Head of all Vices, which by the grace of God was cast out of us, bringing with him seven other spirits worse then himself, shall to our utter ruine return again to us, and so shall we be in worse case then ever we were before; for if …e, after we have escaped from the filthiness of the world, through the Knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, be yet entangled therein and overcome, then is the lat…r end worse then the beginning, and it had been letter for us not to have known the way of righteousness, … after we have known it to turn from the holy Commandment p. 174given unto us; for it is then hapned unto us, according to the true Proverb, The Dog is turned to his vomit, and the Son that was washed to wallowing in the mire. Hebr. 6.Heb 6— It is not possible (saith the Apostle) that they, which were once enlightned, &c. if they fall away, should be renewed again by repentance, &c. St. Paul's meaning in this place is, That they that believe unfeignedly Gods Word, do abide stedfast in the known Truth. If any therefore fall away from Christ and his Word, it is a plain token, that they were but dissembling Hypocrites, for all their fair faces outwardly, and never believed truly &c. 1 Iohn 2.1 John 2They went out from us, Hebr. 10.Heb 10because they were not of us, &c. If we sin willingly after we have received the knowledge of the Truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement, &c. Wherefore let us, on whom the ends of the world are come, take diligent heed unto our selves, that now in these last and perillous times (in which the Devil is come down and hath great wrath, because he knoweth his time is but short, and whereof the Prophets, Christ, and the Apostles have given us such warning) we withhold not the Truth in unrighteousness, believing, doing or speaking any thing against our knowledge and conscience,Iohn 8.John 8 or without faith, &c. If ye believe me ye shall die in your sins. — Dear Friends, we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, and that ye being the good ground, watered with the moistness of Gods Word plentifully preached among you, will with a good heart hear the Word of God and keep it, bringing forth fruit with patience; and that you will be none of those forgetful and hypocritical hearers, who, although they hear the Word, suffer the Devil to catch away what was sown in their hearts, either having no root in themselves endure but a season, and as soon as persecution p. 175ariseth because of the Word, by and by they are offended, or with the cares of this world, and deceitfulness of riches choak the Word, and so are unfruitful. Read the Parable of the Sower, and note especially, That the most part of the hearers of Gods Word are but Hypocrites, hearing the Word without any fruit or profit, yea to their greater condemnation; for onelyonly the fourth part of the seed doth bring forth fruit. Therefore let not us that be Ministers, or Professors and Followers of Gods Word be discouraged, though that very few do give credit and follow the Doctrine of the Gospel, and be saved. — We trust that ye will not,Pag. 235. like the Gadarenes, for fear to lose your worldly substance or other delights of this life, banish away Christ and his Gospel from among you. — If ye do, your own blood will be upon your own heads. And as ye have had more plentiful preaching of the Gospel, then others, so ye shall be sure to be sorer plagued, and the Kingdome of God shall be taken from you, and given to another Nation, that will bring forth the fruits thereof. Wherefore my dearly beloved in Christ, take good heed unto your selves, and ponder well in your minds, how fearful and horrible a thing it is to fall into the hands of the Living God, and see that ye receive not the Word in vain, but declare your faith by your good works: among which the chiefest are to be obedient to the Magistrates (sith they are the Ordinance of God, whether they be good or evil) unless they command idolatry and ungodliness, i. e. things contrary to true Religion; for then we ought to say with Peter, Acts 5.Acts 5We ought more to they God then man. But in any wise we must beware of Tumult, Insurrection, Rebellion, or Resistance. The weapon of a Christian in this matter ought to be the Sword of the Spirit, which is Gods Word, and p. 176Prayer, coupled with humility and due submission, and with readiness of heart, rather to die then to do any ungodliness. — (2) We must obey our Parents, and be careful for our Houses, that they be fed not onelyonly with bodily food, but much rather with spiritual food, the Word of God. (3) Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, Matth. 7.Matt 7do ye likewise unto them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. (4) Pray for all Estates. (5) After these works, we must learn to know the Cross: and (6) What affection and mind we must bear towards our enemies, whatsoever they be to suffer all evils patiently, to pray for them that persecute us. And thus doing we shall obtain a certainty of our vocation, that we be the elect Children of God. And thus I commend you, Brethren, unto God and to the Word of his grace, which is able to …uild farther &c, beseeching you to help Mr. Saunders and me your late Pastors, and all them that be in bonds, for the Gospels sake, with your Prayers to God for us, that we may be delivered from unreasonable men, &c. and that this our imprisonment may be to the glory and profit of our Christian Brethren in this world, and that Christ may be magnified in our bodies, whether it be by death or life. Amen. The grace of our Lord be with you all. — The unprofitable Servant of Iesus Christ, and now also his Prisoner. G. M. Iune 28. 1555.

Postscript. Save your selves from this untoward generation. Pray, pray, pray. Never more need.

In his Letter to his Friends at Manchester. — These are earnestly to exhort you and beseech you in Christ, as ye have received the Lord Iesus, even so to walk, rooted in him, and not to be afraid of any terrour of your adversaries, be they never so many and mighty, and you on the other side never so few and weak; for the battel is the Lords. — As I p. 177was with Moses, so will I be with thee, saith God, and will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and bold, neither fear nor dread; for the Lord thy God is with thee, whithersoever thou goest. Now if God be …n our side, who can be against us? In this our spiritual warfare is no man overcome, unless he traiterously leave and forsake his Captain, or cowardly cast away his Weapons, or willingly yield himself unto his Enemies, or fearfully turn his back and flie. Be strong therefore in the Lord and in the power of his might, and put on all the armour of God, that ye may be able to stand stedf…st against all the assaults of Satan. — If we submit our selves to God, and his holy Word, no man shall be able to hurt us; God will deliver us from all troubles, yea from death also, till such time as we covet and desire to die, as he did Paul, Acts 18. Phil. 1.Acts 18Phil 1&c. Let us therefore run with patience unto the battel that is set before us, and look unto Iesus the Captain and Finisher of our Faith, and after his example, for the rewards sake, that is set out unto us, patiently to bear the Cross, and despise the shame. All that will live godly in Christ Iesus must suffer persecution. Christ was no sooner Baptized, and declared to the world to be the Son of God, but Satan was by and by ready to tempt him: which thing we must look for also; yea the more we shall increase our faith and vertuous living, the more strongly will Satan assault us, whom we must learn after the example of Christ, to fight against and overcome with the Holy and Sacred Scriptures, &c. and let the fasting of Christ, when he was tempted in the Wilderness, be an example unto us of our sober living, not for the space of fourty dayes (as the Papists do fondly fancy of their own brains) but us long as we are in the Wilderness of this wretched life, assaulted of Satan, who like a roaring p. 178Lion, &c. It is the nature and property of the Devil alwayes to hurt and do mischief, if God do not forbid. Indeed if God will not permit him, he cannot so much as enter into a filthy Hog, &c. Let us, knowing Satans deceits and rankor, walk the more warily, and take unto us the shield of faith, &c. Let us fast and pray continually, &c. To fasting and prayer must be joyned mercy to the poor and needy, &c. Let us go boldly to the seat of grace, where we shall be sure to find grace and mercy to help in time of need. — Wherefore, my dear Brethren, be ye fervent in the Law of God, and jeopard ye your lives, if need shall require, for the testament of the Fathers, and so shall ye receive great honour, and an everlasting name. Remember Abraham, was not he found faithful in temptation, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness? Ioseph in time of his trouble kept the Commandment, and was made a Lord of Egypt. Phineas was so fervent for the honour of God, that he obtained the Covenant of an everlasting Priesthood. Ioshua for the fulfilling of the Word of God was made the Captain of Israel. Caleb bare record before the Congregation, and received an Inheritance. David also in his merciful kindness obtained the Throne of an everlasting Kingdome. Elias being zealous and fervent in the Law, was taken up into Heaven. The three Children remained stedfast in the Faith, and were delivered out of the fire, and Daniel from the mouth of the Lions. Thus whoever put their trust in the Lord were not overcome. Fear not ye then the words of ungodly men; for their glory is but dung and worms; to day they are set up, and to morrow they are gone; they are turned into earth, and their memorial cometh to nought. Wherefore let us take good hearts unto us, and quit our selves like p. 179men in the Law, &c. Let us not faint, because of affliction, wherewith God trieth all them that are sealed to everlasting life, &c. Seeing we are in the narrow and strait way, that leadeth unto the m…st joyful and pleasant City of everlasting life, let us not stagger, or turn back, being afraid of the perilous way, but follow our Captain Christ therein, and be afraid, no not of death it self. Consider also the course of this world, how many for their Master's sake, or a little promotions sake will adventure their lives, as commonly in Wars, and yet is their reward but light and transitory, and ours is unspeakably great and everlasting. They suffer pains to be made Lords on Earth for a short season; how much more ought we to endure, it may be much less pains, to be made Kings in Heaven for evermore? — Seeing, Brethren, it hath pleased God to set me, and that worthy Minister of Christ, Iohn Bradford, your Countreyman, in the forefront of this Battel, where (for the time) is most danger, I beseech you all in the bowels of Christ to help us, and all our fellow Souldiers standing in like perilous place, with your Prayers to God for us, that we may quit our selves like men in the Lord, and give some exmple of boldness and constancy, mingled with patience in the fear of God, that ye and others of our Brethren, through our example, may be encouraged and strengthned to follow us, that ye also may leave example to your weak Brethren in the world to follow you. Amen. — Brethren, the time is short, 1. C…r. 7.it remaineth that ye use this world, as though ye used it not; for the fashion of this world passeth away. 1 Iohn 2. Coll. 3.1 John 2See that ye love not the world, nor the things that be in the world; but set your affections on heavenly things, &c. Be meek and long-suffering; serve and edifie one another with p. 180the gift that God hath given you: beware of strange Doctrine, &c. —

August 30, 1555.

Pag. 238.In his Letter to Ienkin Crampton, &c. — These be earnestly to exhort you, yea and to beseech you in the tender mercy of Christ, that with purpose of heart ye cleave unto the Lord, and that ye worship him in spirit, in the Gospel of his Son; for God will not be worshipped after the commandments and traditions of men, nor yet by any other means appointed, prescribed and taught us, but by his holy Word: and though all men almost defile themselves with the wicked traditions of men, and ordinances after the world, and not after Christ, yet do ye after the ensample of Daniel, and his three Companions, &c. Be at a point with your selves, that ye will not be defiled with the unclean meats of the Heathen, I mean, the filthiness of Idolatry, and the very Heathenish Ceremonies of the Papists, but as the true Worshippers, serve ye God in spirit and verity, according to the sacred Scriptures. Above all things I wish you continually and reverently to search and read the Scriptures, and with the wholesome admonitions of the same to teach, exhort, comfort, and edifie one another, now in this time of the great famishment of souls, for want of the food of Gods Word. And doubt not but that the merciful Lord (who hath promised to be with us, even to the worlds end, and when two or three are gathered together in his Name he will be in the midst of them) will assist you and teach you the right meaning of the sacred Scriptures, will keep you from all errours, and lead you into all truth, as he hath promised. And though you think your selves unable to teach, yet p. 181at the command of Christ, now in time of famine, seeing the hungry people in the wilderness far from any Towns, if they be sent away fasting, are sure to faint and perish by the way, employ those five loaves and two fishes that ye have, upon that hungry multitude, although you think it nothing among so many. And he that increased the five loaves and two fishes to feed five thousand men, &c. shall also augment his gifts in you, not onelyonly to the edifying of others, but to an exceeding great increase of your own knowledge in God and his holy Word: And fear not your Adversaries; for either according to his accustomed manner, God shall blind their eyes, that they shall not spie you, or get you favour in their sight, or else graciously deliver you out of their hands by one means or other. Comfort your selves in all your adversities, and stay your selves in him, who hath promised not to leave you, as fatherless and motherless children, without any comfort, but that he will come unto you, like a most gentle and merciful Lord. —

In another Letter. — The same grace and peace do I wish unto you, which St. Paul wisheth to them, to whom he writ, &c. Grace is taken for the free mercy and favour of God, whereby he saveth us freely without any of our deservings or works of the Law. Peace is taken for the tranquility of conscience, being perswaded that through the onelyonly merits of Christs death and blood-shedding, there is an atonement and peace made between God and us, so that God will no more impute our sins unto us,Pag. 239. nor condemn us. — Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord Jesus, nor of us his Prisoners, but suffer ye adversity with the Gospel; for which word we suffer, as evil doers, unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound with us. Therefore p. 182we suffer all things for the Elects sake, that they also may obtain the Salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Wherefore stand ye fast in the Faith, and be not moved from the hope of the Gospel: so shall ye make us with joy to suffer for your sakes, and as the Apostle saith, To fulfill that which is behind of the Passions of Christ in our flesh, for his Bodies sake, which is the Congregation. St. Paul doth not here mean, that there wanteth any thing in the Passion of Christ, which may be supplied by man; but the words are to be understood of the Elect, in whom Christ is and shall be persecuted to the worlds end. The Passion of Christ then, i. e. of this Ch…rch, his mystical Body, shall not be perfect till all, whom God hath appointed, have suffered for his sake. — On our parts nothing can be greater consolation and inward joy to us in our Adversity, then to hear of your Faith and Love, and that ye have a good remembrance of us alwayes, praying for us as we do for you. Now are we alive, if ye stand stedfast in the Lord. Good Shepherds do alwayes count the welfare and prosperous estate of Christs Flock to be their own. While it goeth well with the Congregation, it goeth well with them also, in whatever affliction they be: but when they see the Church in peril, then be they weary of their own lives, and can have no rest nor joy. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I do not burn? But this affection is not in them that seek their own lucre and glory. — God is wont for the most part to warn his Elect what trouble shall happen to them for his sake, not to frighten them thereby, but rather to prepare their minds against the boisterous storms of Persecution. —

p. 183In his Letter to Robert Langley. — I thank you for visitting me a Prisoner for Christ, and unacquainted with to your cost, and for your promise, that if I did want any thing necessary to this life, you with some others would help me, and rejoyce greatly in the Lord, who stirs up the hearts of others to be careful for me in this my great necessity. I thank God as yet I do want nothing, and intend to be as little chargeable to others as I can; yet if I want,Pag. 240. I will be bold with you and others to send for your help, desiring you in the mean while to pray for me and all others in the bonds of Christ, that God would perform the thing which he hath begun in us, that we may confess Jesus Christ with boldness, and fight the good Fight of Faith,

In another Letter. — These be to certifie you, that I greatly rejoyce in the Lord, for that my sweet Saviour Christ doth stir up the minds, not onelyonly of my familiar friends in times past, but of sundry heretofore to me unknown to help me, sending me not onelyonly necessaries for this life, but comfortable Letters, encouraging me and exhorting me to continue grounded and stablished in the Faith, &c. I call daily upon God, in whom is all my trust, and without whom I can do nothing, that he would perfect what he hath begun, being assured he will so do; forasmuch as he hath given me, not onelyonly to believe, …ut to suffer for his sake. The Lord strengthen me with his Holy Spirit, that I may be one of the number of those Blessed, which enduring to the end shall be saved. — My trust in the Lord is, that this my business shall happen to the furtherance of the Gospel. — God will to your consolation gloriously deliver by one means or other his Oppressed. OnelyOnly tarry ye the Lords leisure, and wait still for the Lord. He tarrieth not, that will come; look for p. 184him therefore, and faint not, and he will never fail you.

Marshall.

Ward, pag. 152.I was from eternity (said Christopher Marshall of Antwerp) a sheep destined to the slaughter, and now I go the Shambles. Gold must be tried in the fire.

Massey.

Fuller's Englands Worthies in Huntshire. pag. 5.I must needs here mention an Infant without a Christian Name, and not capable of speaking, because its death still speaks aloud. This Infant was the child of Perotine Massey, the Wife of a Minister of Gods Word, for fear fled out of the Island of Guernsey. She with her Mother and Sister were burnt for absence from Church. The Babe properly was never born, but by the force of the flame burst out of his Mothers Belly alive; and yet by the command of the Bailiffe (supreme Officer in the then absence of the Governour) cast again into the fire, and therein consumed to ashes. It seems this bloody Bailiffe was minded like the cruel Tyrant, commanding, Canis pessimi ne catulum esse relinquendum, though this indeed was no dog, but a Lamb, and that of the first minute, and therefore too young by the Levitical Law to be sacrificed. Here was a spectacle without precedent, a cruelty built three generations high, that Grandmother, Mother, and Grandchild, should all suffer in the same flame.

Maximinus.

Ward, pag. 140.We are ready (said Maximinus and Iubentius) to lay off the last garment, the flesh.

Melancthon.

Clarks first Volume of Lives, pag. 562.I tremble to think (said Philip Melancthon) with what blind devotion I went to Images, whilst I was a Papist.

p. 185When Luther began to oppose the Pope, he was sent for by Prince Frederick Duke of Saxony to Wittenberg to teach the Greek Tongue, and yet then he was but two and twenty years old An. 1518.

When he was first converted,Pag. 571. he thought it impossible for his Hearers to withstand the evidence of the Truth, in the Ministry of the Gospel; but after he had been a Preacher a while, he complained, That old Adam was too hard for young Melancthon.

In the year 1519. he went with Luther to Lipswich, Pag. 563, 564.where he disputed with Eccius.

In this Disputation Eccius brought a very subtile Argument, which he being not able suddenly to answer, said, I will answer you to morrow. Eccius replying, That is little for your credit, if you cannot answer it presently. Sir (said he) I seek dot mine own glory in this business, but the Truth. To morrow God willing you shall hear further.

In the year 1521. when the Divines of Paris had condemned Luther's Doctrine and Books,See Luthers Works, Tom. 2. fol. 427. he wrote an Apology for him against their furious Decree.

In his Epistle to the Reader. — See Christian Reader, what Monsters in Divinity Europe hath bred. The last year the Sophisters of Colen and Lorain condemned the Gospel by some naked Propositions, confirmed neither by Scripture nor reason. M…dder then they are they, whoever they be, who have at Paris condemned Luther. Pag. 428.— There is no cause to wonder that they are no more favourable to Luther. Alas! they were not more favourable to their own great Gerson, when the Schools at Paris were more wholesome. — It concerns us to consider, what is decreed, not who have decreed it. The Apostle will not have us give place, no not to p. 186Angels, corrupting the Gospel. — Farewell to the Name of our Masters, farewell to the Name of Parisians, unless in their own Schools. In the Christian Commonwealth nothing prevails but the Voice of Christ, which whosoever hears not is not Christs. — They say that Luther ought rather to be overcome by fire, then by reason. — They accuse Luther of Heresie, not because he dissents from Universities, Fathers, Councils; not because he dissents from the Scripture, and the Opinions of Universities, Fathers, Councils, they call the first Principles of Faith. — But it will be said Luther doth dissent from the Scripture, because he dissents from the Expositions of Scripture, which from Fathers, Councils, and Schools, have hitherto been received. This is (as I perceive) the Hinge of the Controversie. Here I ask this Question of our Masters, Whether the Scriptures be so delivered, that their meaning cannot certainly be collected without the Exposition of Councils, Fathers, and Schools? If you deny that the meaning of the Scripture cannot certainly be concluded without their glosses, I cannot see why the Scriptures were delivered, or why the Apostles invite us to the study of the Scriptures? — If you grant it, certainly the Scripture ought to be preferred, not onelyonly before the Schools and Fathers, but before Councils determining otherwise. May not then Luther oppose unto Councils, Fathers, Schools, the certain sense and meaning of Scripture? But we will not yield so much, that Luther opposeth the Fathers and Councils. —

… pag. 564 565▪When the Wars for Religion brake out in Germany, he foresaw in a Dream the Captivity of the E…ect…r of Saxony, and the Lantgrave of Hess fifteen dayes before they were taken.

When the Plague broke out in Wittinberg, and p. 187the University was removed, he said, He feared not that Plague, but a far worse Plague, which threatned the ruine of the Commonwealth.

In the year 1534. in his Letter to Camerarius he gives this reason why he refused King Henry's offers if he would come into England. — Perhaps (saith he) many things are reported amongst you concerning England, that it lyeth open now for the Religion of the purer Doctrine; but I have intelligence from a good hand, that the King hath no great care of the Affairs of the Church, onelyonly this Good comes of his rejecting the Popes Authority, that for the present no cruelty is used towards those that are desirous of better Doctrine.

When he went to Hagenaw to meet the Protestant Divines there, foreseeing, that he should fall into a mortal disease, he made his Will, and left it with Cruciger, saying,

Viximus in Synodis, & jam moriemur in illis.

In English thus;

Imploy'd in Synods, living, oft was I,

Now in a Synod I am like to die.

He was often threatned with Banishment out of Germany, Pag. 569.of which he writes thus; I have through Gods mercy been here these fourty years, and yet I could never say, or be sure, that I should remain here one week to an end.

Seven dayes before he died,Pag. 566. many persons worthy of credit, betwixt nine and ten of the Clock at night saw in the Clouds over the Tower of Wittenqerg five rods bound together, after which two vanishing, the other three appeared severed in divers p. 188places, the branches of the rods turning towards the North, the handles towards the South. When this Prodigy was told Melancthon, he said, Herein Gods Fatherly Punishments are not swords, but rods, which Parents use to correct their children withall: and I fear a dearth.

Pag. 567.When the Pastors of the Church visitted him in his sickness, he said unto them, By the goodness of God I have no domestical grief to disquiet me, &c. but publick matters affect me, especially the troubles of the Church in this evil and sophistical age. But through Gods goodness our Doctrine is sufficiently explained and confirmed.

Pag. 568.When he heard by Letters of the persecution of some godly men in France, he said, That his bodily disease was not comparable to the grief of his mind for his godly Friends, and for the miseries of the Church. — Yet my hopes are very great, for the Doctrine of our Church is explained. If God be for us,Pag. 570. who can be against us? I desire (said he) to depart for two causes. (1) That I may have the much desired sight of Jesus Christ, and the Church Triumphant. (2) That I may be delivered from the cruel and implacable discords of Divines.

Meyere.

For Martyr. V…l. 3. com. p. 50.Mr. Giles Meyere of Flanders, after he was converted, he sought all means how to employ his Talent. He was not onelyonly carefull to preach to his Charge, but he went from h…use to house, comforting and exhorting every one, as occasion served, out of the Word of God, labouring above all with them to beware of the abominable superstitions of the Papacy.

When he was imprisoned 1567. in a deep dark hole, he bore his affliction patiently, but so praised God for esteeming him worthy to suffer for his sake, and p. 189so comforted them that came to visit him, that they could not leave him without tears.

In the midst of the Fagots (though he was gagged) he was heard distinctly and plainly to say, Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit.

Mill.

Mr. Walter Mill being brought before the Bishops of Scotland to answer to Articles against him,Fox. Vol. 2. pag. 625. and placed in a Pulpit before them, he prayed so long, that one of the Bishops Priests called out to him saying, Sir Walter Mill arise, and answer to the Articles, for you hold my Lord here overlong. When he had ended his Prayer, he answered, We ought to obey God rather then men. I serve one more mighty, even the Omnipotent Lord. And whereas you call me Sir Walter, call me Walter, and not Sir Walter, I have been overlong one of the Popes Knights.

Being threatned with the Sentence of Death, if he would not recant, he said, I know I must die once; and therefore as Christ said to Iudas, What thou dost do it quickly: so say I to you. Ye shall know that I will not … the Truth; for I am corn, I am no chaffe; I … not … blown away with the wind, nor burst with the slail, I will abide both.

Being bid to pass to the Stake,Pag. 626. he said, Nay, but if thou wilt put me up with thy hand, thou shalt see me pass up gladly; for by the Law of God I am forbidden to lay han… upon my self. Being put, he ascended gladly, saying, I will go up unto the altar of God.

After he had prayed, he spake thus to the people; Dear Friends, the cause why I suffer this day is not for any crime laid to my C…arge (albeit I be a miserable sinner before God) but onelyonly for the defence of the Faith of Iesus Christ, set forth in the Old and New Testament to us; for which (as the faithfull p. 190Martyrs have offered themselves gladly before, being assured (after the death of their bodies) of eternal felicity. So this day I praise God that he hath called me of his mercy among the rest of his Servants to seal up his Truth with my life, which as I have received it of him, so willingly I offer it to his glory. Therefore as you will escape the eternal death, be no more seduced with the lies of Priests, Bishops, &c. and the rest of the Sect of Antichrist, but depend onelyonly on Iesus Christ, and his mercy, that ye may be delivered from condemnation.

Being in the fire, he said, Lord have mercy upon me, pray people while there is time. He was burnt An. 1558. and by his death gave the very dead blow to Popery;See the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, Praef. pag. penult. for by his death the people of all Ranks and Conditions were so moved, that they made open Profession of the Truth, without any more dallying, and upon this occasion a Covenant was presently entred in to defend one another against the Tyranny of the Bishops. So that he was the last that died for Religion at that time in that Kingdome.

His Epitaph.

Non nostra impietas, aut actae crimina vitae

Armarunt hostes in mea fata truces:

Sola fides Christi sacris signata libellis,

Quae vitae causa est, est mihi causa necis.

In English thus;

Not any sin committed here by me

Against me arm'd my bloody enemy:

The Scripture Faith, of life the onelyonly cause,

Did cause my death, and that against all Laws.

p. 191Monerius.

Claudius Monorius, being cavilled at by the Friers for eating a Break-fast before his Execution, said, This I do that the flesh may answer the readiness of the Spirit.

Morall.

Let us not, See the Mirrour of Martyrs, pag. 563.my Brethren, (said Iohn Morall, an outlandish Martyr) fear the Prisons; seeing they are Christs Schools and Colledges, wherein Gods children learn their Fathers Lessons: There we find him true in his Promises: There he manifests himself incomparably to his Children.

Our Prisons are Schools of Defence, where we learn how to ward off all the blows, that the world, flesh, or Devil would foyl us with; all which we learn of our Captain Christ. Here we are quit of the vain allurements of the world: Here we are freed of the fear of meeting idols in the streets: Here we may without check call upon God,☜ and sing Psalms unto him. Therefore let us not refuse to hear Sermons for fear of going to Prison.