A Cloud of Witnesses, Part O
O.
O…colampadius.
He fell sick in the year 1531. and of his age 49. about the same time that Zuinglius was unhappily slain.See his Life in Melch. …dam. pag. 55.56. His grief for his death much increased his sickness. He foretold his own death: was very desirous to enjoy the heavenly Light.
Sending for the Ministers of the Gospel to him, he spake to them thus; O my Brethren, you see what is done: The Lord is come, he is, he is now calling me away. — What shall I say unto you, the Servants of the Lord, whom the love of God your Master, the same study and doctrine have most intimately united, now that I am to take my leave of you? Salvation, hopes of Heaven, Truth, Light for our feet is procured by Christ for us: It becomes us to cast away all sadness, all fear of life and death, &c. My Brethren, this onelyonly remains, That we who have for some time walked in the wayes of Christ, continue constant and faithful followers of him therein, persevering in purity of doctrine and holiness of life. Other things Jesus Christ the Lord, who is able and willing to look after his own concernments, will take care of. He will defend his own Church. Go to then, O my Brethren, so let your light shine forth, that God the Father may be glorified in us, and the Name of Christ be made illustrious and conspicuous by the light of your life. Continue to love one another unfeignedly. Lead your whole life as in the sight, as under the eye of God. In vain do we press to holiness, if our words be without deeds: there is need of the Light of life, and the heavenly Spirit, if we will confound Satan, and convert this world unto Christ the Lord. O my Brethren, What a cloud is there arising? what a storm a coming? what a defection is at hand? But it becomes you to stand fast. The Lord, who is careful of his own affairs, will be present with you. — For my self, I pass not the horrible aspersion of corrupting the Truth, that is c…st upon me. I am just now going before the Tribunal of Christ, and that (through grace) with a clear conscience. There it will appear, that I have not seduced the Church. —
The night before he died, when a very dear Friend returned to him, Oecolampadius asked him, What news he had brought? His Friend answering, None. I will tell you some then (said Oeculampadius) I shall presently be with my Lord Christ.
Ward, pag. 152.A while after being asked, Whether the light offended him? He putting his hand to his heart, said, Here is abundance of light. Here is light enough.
Ogner, or Ogvier.
Ward, pag. 153▪ 154.Robert Ognier's Son said to his Father and Mother at the Stake with him, Behold millions of Angels about us, and the Heavens opened to receive us.
To a Frier that railed; Thy cursings are blessings.
To a Nobleman that offered him life and promotion; Do you think me such a fool, that I should change eternal things for temporary?
And to the people; We suffer as Christians, not as Thieves or Murtherers.
Fox, Vol. 3. con…. pag. 2.When the Prov…st of Lile had seized on Robert Ogvier, his Wife, and his two Sons, Baudicon, and Martin, as they were conveyed along through the streets of the City, Baudicon with a loud voice said, O Lord, assist us by thy grace, not onelyonly to be Prisoners for thy Name, but to confess thy holy Truth in all purity before men, so far as to seal the same with our bloods for the edification of thy poor Church.
When they were brought before the Magistrates, they said unto Robert Ogvier, &c. It is told us that you never come to Mass, yea and also disswade others from coming thereto, and that you maintain Conventicles in your Houses. He answered, Whereas you lay to my charge that I go not to Mass, I refuse so to do indeed, because the death and precious blood of the Son of God, and his sacrifice is utterly abolished there, and troden under foot; for Christ by one sacrifice hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Hebr. 10.14. Matt. …5.9.— The Mass is the meer invention of men, and you know what Christ saith, In vain do they worship me, teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men. — As for the second Accusation, I cannot nor will deny, but there have met together in my House honest people fearing God, for the advancement of Gods glory, and the good of many, and not to wrong any. I knew indeed the Emperour had forbid it: but what then? I knew also that Christ in his Gospel hath commanded it;Matt. …8.20. Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there (saith he) am I in the midst of them. Thus you see I could not well obey the Emperour, but I must disobey Christ. In this case then I choose rather to obey my God, then man.
When one of the Magistrates demanded what they did, when they met together? Baudicon the eldest Son of Robert Ogvier answered, If it please you my Masters to give me leave, I will open the business at large to you. Leave being granted, he lifting up his eyes to Heaven, began thus; When we meet together in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to hear the Word of God, we first of all prostrate upon our knees before God, and in the humility of our spirits, do make a confession of our sins before his Divine Majesty: Then we pray, that the Word of God may be rightly divided, and purely preached: we also pray for our Sovereign Lord the Emperour, and for all his honourable Councellors, that the Commonwealth may be peaceably governed to the glory of God; yea we forget not you, whom we acknowledge our Superiours, intreating our good God for you, and for this whole City, that you may maintain it in tranquility. Thus I have summarily related what we do. Think you now, whether we have offended highly in this matter of our assembling.
When Robert and Baudicon were condemned, they praised God for the Sentence; and when they were returned to Prison, after Sentence was past, they rejoyced that the Lord did them that honour to enroll them in the number of his Martyrs.
Robert being told by a seducing Frier, That i… he would give ear to him, he would warrant him he should do well: Poor man (said he) how darest thou attribute that unto thy self, which belongs to the eternal God, and so rob him of his honour; For it seems by thy speech,Pag. 3. that if I will hearken to thee, thou wilt become my Saviour. No, no, I have one onelyonly Saviour Jesus Christ, who by and by will deliver me from this present evil world. I have one Doctor, Matt. 17.5.whom the heavenly Father hath commanded me to hear; and I purpose to hearken to none other.
Another Frier exhorting him to have pity of his soul which Christ had redeemed: Thou willest me (said the good old man) to pity mine own soul. Dost not thou see what pity I have on it, when fo… th… Name of Christ I willingly abandon this body of mine …n the fire, hoping to day to be with him in Paradise. I have put all my confidence in God, and my hope wholly is fixt on the merits of Christs Death and Passion: he will direct me the right way unto his Kingdome. I believe whatsoever the holy Prophets and Apostles have written, and in that Faith will I live and die.
Baudicon said, Let my Father alone and trouble him not thus, he is an old man, and hath an infirm body, hinder him not I pray you from receiving the Crown of Martyrdome.
One telling Baudicon, That he would sell all he was worth to buy Fagots to burn him, and that he found too much favour; He answered, The Lord shew you more mercy.
Some of the Friers having fastned a Crucifix betwixt the old mans hands, when Baudicon espied it, he said, Alas! Father, what do you now? will you play the Idolater even at the last hour? and then pulling the Idol out of his hands, threw it away, saying, What cause hath the people to be offended with us, for not receiving of a Jesus Christ of wood? We bear upon our hearts the Cross of Christ, the Son of the everliving God, feeling his Word written therein in letters of Gold.
Baudicon beginning to sing on the Scaffold the Sixteenth Psalm, a Frier cried out, Do ye hear my Masters, what wicked errours these Hereticks sing to beguile the people withall: whereupon Baudicon replyed, Thou simple Idiot, callest thou the Psalms of David the Prophet, Errours? But no marvel; for thus you are wont to blaspheme against the Spirit of God.
Then turning his eye to his Father, who was about to be chained to the Stake, he said, Be of good courage, Father, the worst will be past by and by.
The old man complaining of the blow, which the Executioner gave him on the foot, as he was fastning to the Post, a Frier said, Ah these Hereticks they would be counted Martyrs forsooth, but if they be but touched a little, they cry out as if they were killed: Whereupon Baudicon said, Think you then that we fear the Torment…rs? No such matter; for had we feared the same, we had never exposed our bodies to this so shameful and painful a kind of death.
Then he often reiterated those short breathings, O God, Father everlasting, accept the sacrifice of our bodies, for thy wellbeloved Son Jesus Christ his sake. With his eyes fixed on Heaven, he said to his Father, Behold for I see Heavens open, and millions of Angels ready prest to receive us, rejoycing to see us thus witnessing the Truth in the view of the world. Father, let us be glad and rejoyce; for the joyes of Heaven are set open to us.
When the fire was kindled he often repeated this in his Fathers ear, Faint not, Father, nor be afraid; yet a very little while, and we shall enter into the Heavenly Mansions.
The last words they were heard to pronounce, were, Iesus Christ, thou Son of God, into thy hands we commend our spirits.
Pag. 4.Iane the Wife of Robert, whilst in Prison, (separated from her Son Martin) was drawn away by a Monk and prevailed with to let go her first faith; and having promised to draw her Son Martin from his errours, he was suffered to come to her: which when he understood, O Mother (said he) what have you done? Have you denied him, who hath redeemed you? Alas! What evil hath he done you, that you should requite him with this so great an injury and dishonour? Now I am plunged into that wo, which I have most feared. Ah good God! that I should live to see this. This pierceth me to the very heart. His Mother hearing this, and seeing his tears, she with tears cried out, O Father of mercies, be merciful to me miserable sinner, and cover my transgression under the righteousness of thy blessed Son. Lord, enable me with strength from above to stand to my first Confession, and make me to abide stedfast therein, even to my last breath.
When they that had seduced her came to her again, with detestation she said, Avoid Satan, get thee behind me: from henceforth thou hast neither part nor portion in me. I will by the help of God stand to my first Confession; and if I may not sign it with ink, I will seal it with my blood.
When Iane and Martin heard the Sentence past, returning to Prison they said, Now blessed be our God, who causeth us thus to triumph over our Enemies. This is the wished hour. Our gladsome day is come.
Let us not then (said Martin) forget to be thankfull for the honour he doth us in conforming us to the image of his Son. Let us remember those that have traced this death before us; for this is the high way to the Kingdome of Heaven. Let us then, good Mother, go on boldly out of the Camp with the Son of God, bearing his reproach with all his holy Martyrs; for so we shall find passage into the glorious Kingdome of the everliving God.
Some of the Company not brooking these words, said, We see now thou Heretick, that thou art wholly possest body and soul with a Devil, as was thy Father and Brother, who are both in Hell. Martin replied, Sirs, as for your railings and cursings our God will this day turn them into blessings in the sight of all his holy Angels.
A certain Temporizer endeavouring to stagger Martin by the consideration of the multitude that believed not as he did; his Mother said, Sir, Christ Jesus our Lord saith,Matt. 7.12. That it is the wide gate and broad way that leadeth to destruction, and therefore many go in thereat: but the gate is narrow that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it. Do ye then doubt whether we be in the strait way, or no, when ye behold our sufferings? Would you have a better sign then this to know whether we are in the right way? Compare our Doctrine with that of your Priests and Monks. We for our part are determined to have but one Christ, and him crucified: We onelyonly embrace the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament. Are we deceived in believing that which the holy Prophets and Apostles have taught?
Martin being asked, Whether he thought himself wiser then so many learned Doctors? answered, I pray you Sir doth not Christ our Lord tell us, That his Father hath hid the secrets of his Kingdome from the wise and prudent, Matt. 11.… Iob 5.13.and revealed them to Babes? And doth not the Lord oftentimes catch the wise in their own craftiness?
Then came into the Prison to Martin two men of great Authority, and perswading him to recant, promised him great matters, &c. Martin gave them this answer, Sirs, you present before me many temporal commodities: but alas! do you think me so simple, as to forsake an eternal Kingdome, for enjoying a short transitory life? No Sirs, it is too late to speak to me now of worldly commodities: Speak of those spiritual ones, which God hath prepared for me to day in his Kingdome. I purpose not to hearken after any other. OnelyOnly let me crave one hours respite to my self, to give my self to Prayer.
Afterwards Martin declared the effect of this combate to certain Brethren in Prison, saying, Let us lift up our heads, Brethren, the brunt is over; this I hope is their last assault. Forget not I pray you the holy Doctrine of the Gospel, nor those good Lessons, which you have learned from our Brother Guy (probably he meant Mr. Guy de Brez, of whom before in letter B.) Manifest it now to all, that you have received them not onelyonly into your ears, but also into your hearts. Follow me. We lead you the way. Fear not, God will never leave you, nor forsake you.
Iane having ascended the Scaffold, cried out to Martin, Come up, come up my Son.
As Martin was speaking to the people, she said, Speak out, Martin, that it may appear to all, that we die not Hereticks.
She being bound to the Stake, said, We are Christians, and that which we now suffer, is not for murther, or theft, but because we will believe no more then the Word of God teacheth us.
Both rejoyced, that they were counted worthy to suffer for the same.
When the fire was kindled, with lifting up their hands to Heaven in an holy accord, they said, Lord Iesus into thy hands we commend our spirits.
Oldcastle.
Sir Iohn Oldcastle, Fox, Vol. 1. pag. 727.Lord Cobham, was of great birth, and in great favour with King Henry the Fifth, so as Arch Bishop Arundel durst not meddle with him, till he knew the Kings mind. The King when he heard the Priests Accusations, promised to deal with him himself, which accordingly he did in private, admonishing him to submit himself to his Mother, the holy Church, and as an obedient Child to acknowledge himself cupable. The Christian Knight thus answered the King. Most worthy Prince. I am alwayes prompt and ready to obey, forasmuch as I know you a Christian King, and the appointed Minister of God, bearing the sword to the punishment of evil doers, and for safeguard of them that be vertuous. Unto you (next my Eternal God) owe I my whole obedience, and submit thereunto (as I have done ever) all that I have, either of Fortuns or Nature, ready at all times to fulfill whatsoever ye shall in the Lord command me. But as touching the Pope and his Spirituality, I owe them neither suit nor service; forasmuch as I know him by the Scripture to be the great Antichrist, the son of perdition, the open Adversary of God, and the abomination standing in the holy Place.
When he was by a wi…e cited to appear before the Arch Bishop, &c. he told the Messenger (though he affirmed to him that it was the Kings pleasure that he should obey that citation of the Sumner) that he would in no case consent to those most devillish practises of the Priests.
Upon his non-appearance, the Arch Bishop judged him contumacious, and afterwards excommunicated him, Pag. 728.&c. This constant Servant of the Lord perceiving himself compassed on every side with deadly dangers, he wrote a Christian Confession of his Faith, and signed and sealed it with his own hand, which was a brief Exposition of the Common Sum of the Churches Faith, called the Apostles Creed. In the close thereof. — I believe the Universal Law of God to be most true and perfect, and they which do not follow it in their faith and works (at one time or another) can never be saved: whereas he that seeketh it in faith, accepteth it, learneth it, delighteth therein, and performeth it in love, shall tast for it the felicity of everlasting innocency. This is my faith also, that God will ask no more of a Christian Believer in this life, but only to obey the Precepts of that most blessed Law. If any Prelates of the Church require more, or any other kind of obedience, he contemneth Christ, exalting himself above God, and so becomes an open Antichrist.
All the Premises I believe particularly, and generally all that God hath left in his holy Scripture, that I should believe.
This Confession he delivered to the King, desiring him that it might be examined by the most godly, wife, & learned men of his Realm, and if it be found in all points agreeable to the Verity, that he might be holden for a true Christian; if it be proved otherwise, let it be condemned, provided that he be taught a better Belief by the Word of God. But the King would not receive it, but commanded it to be delivered to his Judges.
Being threatned by Arch Bishop Arundel, Pag. 729.that he should be proclaimed an Heretick: He said, Do as ye shall think best, for I am at a point, I shall stand to my Bill to the death.
The Arch Bishop telling him,Pag. 730. That all Christians should follow the Determinations of holy Church: he said, That he would gladly believe and observe whatsoever the holy Church of Christs institution had determined, or whatsoever God had willed him either to believe or do; but that the Pope of Rome with his Cardinals, Arch Bishops, Bishops, &c. had lawfull power to determine such matters as stood not throughly with his Word, he would not affirm.
When the Arch Bishop sent him their Determination concerning the Sacrament of the Altar, &c. he saw that God had given them over for their unbeliefs sake, into most deep errours and blindness of mind, and that their uttermost malice was purposed against him, however he should answer, and therefore he put his life into the hands of God, desiring his onelyonly Spirit to assist him in his next Answer.
At his second Appearance the Arch Bishop offering to absolve him from the Curse that was against him; He with a chearfull countenance said, God hath said by his holy Prophet, Maledicam benedictionibus vestris, i. e. I shall curse where you do bless: and further said, I will not desire your Absolution; for I never trespassed against you. And with that he kneeled down on the pavement, holding up his hands towards Heaven,Pag. 731. and said, I shrieve me here unto thee, my Eternal Living God, that in my frail youth I offended thee, O Lord, most grievously in pride, wrath, and gluttony, in covetousness and in lechery. Many men have I hurt in mine anger, &c. Good Lord I ask thee mercy.
And therewith weepingly stood up again, and said with a mighty voice; Lo, good people, lo, for the breaking of Gods Law, and his great Commandements, they never yet cursed me; but for their own Laws and Traditions most cruelly do they handle both me and other men; and therefore both they and their Laws by the promise of God shall utterly be destroyed.
Being asked if he believed not in the determinations of the Church? No forsooth (said Ire) for it is no God.
Pag. 732.Being taxed to be one of Wickliff's Scholars: As for the vertuous man Wickliffe (said he) I speak it before God and man, that before I knew that despised Doctrine of his, I never abstained from sin; but since I learned therein to fear my Lord God, it hath otherwise I trust been with me. So much grace I could never find in all your glorious instructions.
He said further, Your Fathers the old Pharisees ascribed Christs miracles to Belzebub, and his Doctrine to the Devil, and you as their natural children have still the self same judgement concerning his faithfull Followers. They that rebuke your vicious living must needs be Hereticks, and that must your Doctors prove, when you have no Scripture to do it. — Since the venome of Iudas was shed into the Church, ye never followed Christ, nor stood in the perfection of Gods Law.
Being asked what he meant by that venome? He answered, Your Possessions and Lordships; for then cried an Angel in the aire (as your own Churches mention) Wo, wo, wo, this Day is venome shed into the Church of God. — Rome is the very nest of Antichrist, and out of that nest come all his Disciples, of whom Prelates, Priests and Monks are the Body, these pild Friers are the Tail, which cover his most filthy part. — This is not onelyonly my saying, but the Prophet Isaiah, who saith, He that preacheth lies is the tail behind. — Then said he unto them all,Mat. 23. Christ saith in his Gospel, Wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites, for ye close up the Kingdome of Heaven before men, neither enter ye in your selves, nor suffer any other that would enter into it, but ye stop up the wayes thereunto by your own Traditions.—
The Arch Bishop telling him, That none should preach in his Diocess, yea in his Iurisdiction, that make division or dissention among the poor Commons:Pag. 733. He answered, Both Christ and his Apostles were accused of sedition-making; yet were they most peaceable men. But Daniel and Christ prophesied, That such a troublesome time should come, as hath not been yet since the worlds beginning: and this prophesie is partly fulfilled in your dayes, &c. Christ saith also, If these dayes of yours were not shortned, scarcely should any flesh be saved; therefore look for it justly, for God! will shorten your dayes.
Being asked what he said of the Pope? He said, As I said before, so say I again, That he and you together make up whole Antichrist. —
Pag. 735.After the Arch Bishop had read the Bill of his Condemnation, the Lord Cobham said with a cheerfull countenance; Though you judge my Body, which is a wretched thing, yet am I certain and sure, ye can do no harm to my soul, no more then could Satan to the soul of Iob. He that created that will of his infinite mercy and promise save it; I have therein no manner of doubt.
And therewith he turned himself to the people, and said with a loud voice, Good people, for Gods love be well ware of these men, for they will else beguile you, and lead you blind-fold into Hell with themselves; for Christ saith plainly unto you, If one blind man lead another, they are like both to fall into a ditch.
After this he fell down upon his knees, and before them all prayed thus for his enemies, Lord God Eternal, I beseech thee of thy great mercy sake forgive my pursuers, if it be thy blessed Will.
Pag. 775.Here it is observable, That Arch Bishop Arundel that passed Sentence of Death against Lord Cobham, did feel the stroke of Death, and had the Sentence of God executed upon him, before the Death of this famous Martyr. The Arch Bishop died Feb. 20. 1414. and this condemned Lord survived his Condemner three or four years.
Oom.
Wonter Oom writes thus from his Prison at Antwerp. Fox, Vol. 3. cont. p. 28.— Wellbeloved Brother and Sister, whom I love dearly for the Truths sake, and for your faith in Christ Jesus. These are to certifie you that I enjoy the comfort of a good conscience, &c. Whosoever will forsake this present evil world, and become followers of their Captain Christ, must make account to meet with many persecutions; for Christ hath told us aforehand, Mat. 10.12. Iohn 16.3. 2 Tim. 3.12. Phil. 1.24. Mat. 5.11, 12. 1 Pet. 2.21. Heb. 12.2. 2 Cor. 8.9. Rom. 5.2. Heb. 12.that we should be hated, persecuted, and banished out of the world for his Names sake; and this they will do, because they have neither known the Father n…r me. But be not afraid, for I have overcome the world. St. Paul also witnesseth the same thing, saying, All that will live godly in Christ Iesus, must suffer persecution, and to you ie it given to suffer, &c. And doth not our Lord Iesus say, Blessed are you when men persecute you, and speak all manner of evil falsly, &c. Now whereto serveth all this, but to bring us into a conformity with our Lord and Master Jesus Christ? for Christ hath suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. He endured the Cross, and despised the shame, &c. and became poor to make us rich. By him also are we brought by faith into that state of grace wherein we stand, rejoycing in the hope of the glory of God, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, &c. Wherefore be not afraid of the fiery trial that is now sent among us to prove us; for what father, loving his child, doth not correct it? Even so doth the Lord correct those whom he loves; for if we should be without correction, whereof all true Christians are partakers, then were we bastards and not sons. Prov. 3.11, 12.And therefore Solomon saith, Despise not the chastning of the Lord, &c. Fear not then to follow the footsteps of Christ; for he is the Head, and we are the Members. Acts 14.22.We must after his example through many tribulations enter into Heaven. Let us say with St. Paul,Phil. 1.21. Rom. 7.24. Christ is unto me in life and death advantage; and, O wretched creatures that we are, who shall deliver us from this body of death. — It is a good thing to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord: Pag. 29.and to bear the yoke in ones youth, &c. — The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord;Lam. 3.26. Psal. 37.39. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 8. He is their strength in the time of trouble. Wherefore giving all diligence, let us adde to faith vertue, and to vertue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, &c.
Out of my Role, Dec. 11. 1562.
Origen.
Fox, Vol. 1. pag. 70. See his life in Clarks Marrow of Eccles. Hist. pag. 32.When he was but seventeen years old, his Father being carried to Prison, he had such a fervent mind to suffer Martyrdome with him, that he would have thrust himself into the Persecutors hands, had it not been for his Mother, who in the night time privily stole away his clothes, and his very shirt also: whereupon more for shame to be seen naked, then for fear to die, he was constrained to remain at home; yet when he could do no more, he wrote to his Father in Prison thus; See O Father, that you do not change your resolution for my sake.
Whites little Bo…k for Children, p. 47.His fame was so great, that the Emperour Severus sent for him to come to Rome, and commanded the Provost of Egypt to furnish him with all things necessary for his journey.Pag. 48. The Provost was very carefull to provide a Ship, and divers Garments, &c. But Origen would receive no part thereof, no not so much as hose or shoes, but went in a single Garment of Cloth, and bare foot went to Rome: and when at his arrival there were brought to him a Mule and a Chariot, to use which he liked best, he answered, That he was much less then his Master Christ, who rode but one day in all his life, and that was on a silly she Ass; and therefore he would not ride, except he were sick or decrepid, as his legs might not serve him to go.
When he was brought into the presence of the Emperour,Pag. 49. and his Mother, they saluted him, and rejoyced much to see him.
Being demanded what he professed? he answered, Verity. The Emperour asking him what he meant thereby? It is the Word (said he) of the Living God,Pag. 50. which is infallible. The Emperour asked which is the Living God, and why he so called him? Origen answered, That he did put that distinction for a difference from them whom men (being long drowned in errour) did call their gods, whom they confess to have been mortal ones, and to have died; but the God whom he preached was ever living, and never died, and is the Life of all things that be,Pag. 51. like as he was the Creatour of them. —The Emperour telling him, that he much marvelled why men of such great and wonderfull knowledge should honour for God a Man, that was crucified, being but of a poor estate and condition: O noble Emperour (said Origen) consider what honour the wise Athenians at this present do to the name and image of Codrus, their last King; for that when they had war with their enemies, who had answer made by the Oracle of Apollo, That if they slew not the King of Athens, they should have the Victory;Pag. 52. Codrus hearing thereof, preferring the safeguard of his people before his own life, took to him garments of a Slave, and bearing upon his shoulder a burden of sticks, he went to his enemies Camp, and there quarrelling of purpose with some of them, and in the press hurting one with his knife, he was by him that was hurt struck through the body, and slain; which being known to the enemies, they being confused, raised their Camp, and departed; and for this cause the Athenians have ever since had the name of Codrus in reverence worthily, and not without cause. Now then consider most Excellent Prince, Pag. 53.how much more worthily, with what greater reason and bounden duty ought we and all men to honour Christ, being the Son of God, and God, who not onelyonly to preserve mankind from danger of the Devil, his ancient enemy, but also to deliver man out of his dark and stinking dungeon of errour, being sent by God the Father from the highest Heavens, willingly took on him the servile garment of a mortal body; and hiding his Majesty, lived under the visage of poverty. And finally, not of his enemies immediately, but much more against reason, of his own chosen people the Iews, unto whom he had extended benefits innumerable, and after his temporal Nativity, were his natural people and subjects, he quarrelling with them, by declaring to them their abuses, and pricking them with condign rebukes, at the last he was not slain with so easie a death as Codrus was, Pag. 54.but in most cruel fashion was scourged, until no place in his body was without wounds, and then had long and sharp thorns set and press'd upon his head, and after long torments and despights, he was constrained to bear an heavy Cross, whereon afterwards both his hands and feet were nailed with long great nails of iron, and the Cross with his naked and bloody body, being lift up on high, was let fall with violence into a Mortais, that his joynts were loosened; and notwithstanding all this torment and ingratitude, Pag. 55.he never grudged, but lifting up his eyes to heaven, he prayed with a loud voice, saying, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. This was the Charity most incomparable of the Son of God imployed for the redemption of mankind, who by the transgression of Adam, the first man that was created, was taken prisoner by the Devil, i. e. kept in the bondage of sin and errour, from actual visage of Gods Majesty, until he were on this wise redeemed, as it was ordained at the beginning. — But what maketh you bold to affirm (said the Emperour) that Jesus,Pag. 56. which in this wise was crucified, was the Son of God? Sir (said Origen) sufficient testimony, which of all creatures reasonable ought to be believed, and for most certain proof to be allowed. What testimony is that said the Emperour? Truly (said Origen) it is in divers things, First, the promise of God, by whom this world was made; also by his holy Scriptures, speaking by the mouths of his Prophets, as well Hebrews as Greeks, and others whom ye call Vates and Sybillas; also by the Nativity of Jesus of a pure Virgin, without carnal company of a man, the most clean and pure form of his living without sin, his Doctrine divine and celestial, his miracles most wonderfull and innumerable, all grounded on charity onelyonly, without ostentation, his undoubted and perfect Resurrection the third day after he was put to death, his glorious Ascension up into Heaven in the presence and sight of five hundred persons, which were vertuous and of credence; also the gift of the Holy Ghost in speaking all manner of Languages, and interpreting the Scriptures, not onelyonly by himself, but afterwards by his Apostles and Disciples, and given to others by imposition of their hands.Pag. 58. And all these ordinarily followed, according to the said Promises and Prophesies.
In the reign of Decius for the Doctrine of Christ he underwent bands and torments in his body,Clark, pag. 36. racking with bars of irons, Dungeons, besides terrible threats of death and burning, &c. At length hearing that some Christians were carried to an Idol-Temple to force them to sacrifice, he out of his zeal ran thither to encourage and disswade them from it? When his Adversaries saw him, they let go the other, and laid hold upon him, putting him to his choice, whether he would offer Incense to the Idol, or have his body defiled with a foul and ugly Blackmoor. He chose to offer Incense. Then did they presently put Incense into his trembling hands, and whilst he demurr'd upon it, they took his hands, and caused him to throw it into the fire, and thereupon presently cried out, Origen hath sacrificed, Origen hath sacrificed. After this fact he was excommunicated by the Church; and being filled with shame and sorrow he left Alexandria, and came to Ierusalem, where he was even constrained by importunity to preach to them. He took his Bible, opened it, and the first place he cast his eye upon was this Scripture, Unto the wicked saith God, Psal. 50.16.Why dost thou preach my Laws, and take my Covenant into thy m…uth When he had read these words, he sate down, and burst out into abundance of tears, the whole Congregation weeping with him also, so that he was not able to say any more unto them. After this he wandred up and down in great grief and torment of Conscience, and wrote the following Lamentation:
In the bitterness and grief of mind I go about to speak unto them, who shall hereafter read this confused writing.Pag. 37. But how can I speak, when my tongue is tied up, and my lips dare not once move or wag? My tongue doth not his office, my throat is dried up, and all my senses and instruments are polluted with iniquity. — O ye Saints and blessed of God, with waterish eyes, and wet cheeks soaked in dolour and pain, I beseech you to fall down before the Seat of Almighty God, for me miserable sinner, who by reason of my sins dare not crave ought at the hands of God. Wo is me, because of the sorrow of my heart. — Wo is me my Mother, that ever thou broughtest me forth: — A righteous man to be conversant in unrighteousness: an heir of the Kingdome of God to be now an inheritor of the Kingdome of Satan: a Minister to be found wallowing in impiety: a man beautified with honour and dignity, to be in the end blemished with shame and ignominy: — a lofty Turret, yet suddenly thrown to the ground: a fruitfull Tree, yet quickly withered: a burning light, yet forthwith darkned: a running fountain, yet by and by dried up. Wo is me that ever I was decked with gifts and graces, and now seen pitifully deprived of all. But who will minister moisture to my head? and who will give streams of tears unto my eyes, that I may bewail my self in this my sorrowful plight? Alas! O my Ministry, how shall I lament thee? O all ye my Friends, tender my Case, and pity my Person, that am so dangerously wounded. Pity me, O ye my Friends, for that I have now trodden under foot the Seal and Cognisance of my Profession, and joyned in league with the Devil. Pity me, O ye my Friends, for that I am rejected, and cast away from before the face of God.Pag. 38. — There is no sorrow comparable to my sorrow; there is no affliction that exceeds my affliction, no bitterness that passeth my bitterness, no lamentation more lamentable then mine; neither is there any sin greater then mine, and there is no salve for me. Where is that good Shepherd of souls? where is he, that went down from Ierusalem to Iericho, which salved and cured him that was wounded by Thieves? Seek me out, O Lord, that am fallen from the higher Ierusalem; which have broken the vow I made in Baptism, &c. Alas! that ever I was Doctor, and now occupy not the room of a Disciple. Thou knowest, O Lord, that I sell against my will: whereas I went about to enlighten others, I darkned my self: when I endeavoured to bring others from death to life, I brought my self from life to death: when I minded to present others before God, I presented my self before the Devil: when I desired to be found a Friend and Favourer of Godliness, I was found a Foe and a Furtherer of Iniquity: when I set my self against the Assemblies of the wicked, and reproved their doings, there found I shame, and the most pestilent wound of the Devil. Some promised me to be baptized; but after that I passed from them, the Devil the same night transformed himself into an Angel of Light, and said unto me, When thou art up in the morning, go on, and perswade them and bring them to God: but the Devil going before me prepared the way, &c. and I (O unhappy creature) skipping out of my Bed at the dawning of the day, could not finish my wonted Devotion, neither accomplish my usual Prayers, desiring that all men might be saved; and come to the knowledge of the Truth) whilst in the mean time I wrapped my self in the snares of the Devil. I gat me to those wicked men, I required of them to perform the covenant made the night before, I silly soul knowing not their subtilty, and we came to the Baptism. O blinded heart, how didst thou not remember? O foolish mind, how didst thou not bethink thy self? O witless brain, how didst thou not understand?Pag. 39. But it was the Devil that lulle… thee asleep, and in the end slew thy unhappy and wretched soul? — O thou Devil, what hast thou done unto me? how hast thou wounded me? I bewailed sometimes the fall of Sampson, but now have I fallen worse my self: I bewailed formerly the fall of Solomon, but now have I fallen worse my self. — Sampson had his hair cut off, but the Crown of Glory is fallen off my head: Sampson lost the carnal eyes of his body, but my spirititual eyes are put out: it was the wiliness of a woman that brought confusion upon him, but it was my tongue brought me into this sinfull condition. — Alas! my Church liveth, yet I am a Widdower: my Sons be alive, yet I am barren: every creature rejoyceth, and I alone am desolate and sorrowfull, &c. Bewail me, O ye blessed people of God, who am banished from God. — Bewail me, who am shut out of the Wedding-chamber of Christ. — Bewail me, who am abhorred of the Angels, and severed from the Saints.Pag. 40. — Who knoweth whether the Lord will have mercy on me, and whether he will pity my fall? whether he will be moved with my desolation? whether he will have respect to my humiliation, and incline his tender compassions towards me? I will prostrate my self before the threshold and porch of his Church, that I may intreat all people both small and great, saying unto them, trample and tread me under foot, who am the unsavoury salt; tread upon me, who have no tast, nor favour of God; tread upon me, who am fit for nothing. Now let the Elders mourn, for that the Staffe, whereon they leaned, is fallen. Now let the young men mourn, for that their Schoolmaster is fallen. Now let the Virgins mourn, for that the Advancer of Virginity is defiled. Now let the Ministers mourn, for that their Patron and Defender is shamefully fallen. Wo is me, that I fell so lewdly: wo is me, that I fell most dangerously, and cannot rise again. Assist me, O holy Spirit, and give me grace to repent. Let the fountains of tears be opened, and gush out into streams, to see if peradventure I may have grace throughly to repent, and to wipe out of the Book of my Conscience the Accusations Printed therein against me. But thou, O Lord, think not upon my polluted lips, neither weigh thou the tongue, that hath uttered lewd things; but accept of my repentance, &c. and have mercy upon me, and raise me up out of the mire of corruption; for the puddle thereof hath even choaked me up. Wo is me, that was sometimes a Pearl glistering in the golden Garland of Glory, but now am thrown into the dust, and trodden in the mire of contempt. Wo is me, that the Salt of God now lieth on the Dunghill, &c. Now I will address my self and turn my talk unto God; Why hast thou lift me up, and cast me down? — I had not committed this impiety, unless thou hadst withdrawn thine hand from me. — But why, O Lord, hast thou shut my mouth by thy holy Prophet David? Have I been the first that sinned?Pag. 41. or am I the first that fell? Why hast thou forsaken me, being desolate, and banished me from among thy Saints, and astonished me, when I shonld preach thy Laws? — David himself, who hath shut up my mouth, sinned too bad in thy sight; yet upon his repentance, thou receivedst him to mercy. Peter, that was a Pillar, after his fall, wiped it away with salt tears, not continuing long in the puddle of his infidelity. — Now I humbly beseech thee, O Lord, call me back; for that I tread a most perillous and destructive way. Grant me that good Guide and Instructer, the Holy Ghost, that I become not an habitation of Devils: but that I may tread under foot the Devil, that trod upon me, and overcoming his sleights, may be again restored to the joyes of thy salvation. — Now all ye, which behold my wound, tremble for fear, and take heed that ye slumber not, nor fall into the like crime: but rather let us assemble together, and rend our hearts, &c. I mourn and am sorry at the heartroot, O ye my Friends, that ever I so fell, &c. Let the Angels lament over me, because of this my dangerous fall. Let the Assemblies of Saints lament over me, for that I am severed from their blessed societies. Let the holy Church lament over me, for that I am wofully declined. Let all the people lament over me, for that I have my deaths wound. — Bewail me, that am in like case with the reprobate Jews; for this, which was said unto them by the Prophet, Why dost thou preach my Laws, &c. now soundeth alike in mine ears. What shall I do, that am thus beset with manifest mischiefs? Alas! O death, why dost thou linger? Herein thou dost spite, and bear me malice. O Satan, what mischief hast thou wrought unto me? How hast thou pierced my breast with thy poysonous dart? Thinkest thou, that my ruine will avail any thing at all? Thinkest thou to procure to thy self any ease or rest, whilst that I am grievously tormented, who is able to signifie unto thee, whether my sins be wiped and done away? whether I shall not again be coupled with, and made a Companion to the Saints? O Lord, I fall down before thy Mercy-seat, have mercy upon me, who mourn thus out of measure, because I have greatly offended. — Rid my soul, O Lord, from the roaring Lion. The Assembly of the Saints doth make intercession for me, who am an unprofitable Servant. Shew mercy, O Lord, to thy wandring Sheep, who is subject to the rending teeth of the ravenous Wolf: save me, O Lord, out of his mouth, &c. Let my sackcloth be rent asunder, and gird me with joy and gladness. Let me be received again into the joy of my God. Let me be thought worthy of his Kingdome, through the earnest Petitions of the Church, which sorroweth over me, and humbleth her self to Jesus Christ in my behalf: to whom with the Father, and the Holy Ghost be all glory and honour for ever and ever. Amen.
Ormes.
Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 852.Cicely Ormes of Norwich was taken, for that she said to two Martyrs at the Stake, That she would pledge them of the same Cup.
The Chancellour of Norwich offered her, That if she would go to the Church, and keep her tongue, she should be at liberty, and believe as she would: She told him, She would not consent to his wicked desire therein, do with her what he would; for if she should (she said) God would surely plague her. Then the Chancellour told her, He had shewed more favour to her, then ever he did to any, and that he was loth to condemn her, &c. But she answered him,Pag. 853. That if he did, he should not be so desirous of her sinful flesh, as she would (by Gods grace) be content to give it in so good a quarrel.
Before she was taken this time, she had recanted, but never was quiet in Conscience, till she had forsaken all Popery. Between the time she had recanted, and now was taken, she had provided a Letter for the Chancellour, to let him know that she repented her recantation from the bottom of her heart, and would never do the like again while she lived: but before the Letter was delivered, she was taken.
When she came to the Stake, she kneeled down and prayed, and then said, Good people, I believe in God the Gather, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, three Persons and one God. This do I not, nor will I recant; but I recant utterly from the bottom of my heart the doings of the Pope of Rome, and all his Popish Priests and Shavelings. I utterly refuse, and never will have to do with them again by Gods grace. And good people, I would ye should not think of me, that I believe to be saved, in that I offer my self here unto the death for the Lords Cause, but I believe to be saved by Christs Death and Passion: and this my death is, and shall be a witness of my faith unto you all here present. Good people, as many of you as believe as I believe, pray for me.
Laying her hand on the Stake, she said, Welcome the Cross of Christ.
She was burnt at the same Stake, that that Simon Miller and Elizabeth Cooper was burned at, to whom she had said, That she would pledge them, &c.
After she had wiped her hand, blacked with the Stake, she touched the Stake again with her hand, and kissed it, and said, Welcome the sweet Cross of Christ.
After the Tormentors had kindled the sire about her, she said, My soul doth magnifie the Lord, and my spirit rejoyceth in God my Saviour.
Oswald.
Iohn Oswald denied to answer any thing,Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 706. untill his Accusers should be brought face to face before him: Nevertheless (said he) the Fire and Fagots cannot make me afraid; but as the good Preachers, which were in King Edward's dayes, have suffered and gone before, so am I ready to suffer and come after, and would be glad thereof.