A Cloud of Witnesses, Part R

A Cloud of Witnesses · Part R

p. 252R.

Rabeck.

Fox. Vol. 3. cont. pag. 5.I…hn Rabeck, a French Martyr, being urged to pronounce Iesu Maria, conjoyned in one Prayer, boldly answered, That if his Tongue should but offer to utter those words at their bidding, he himself would bite it asunder with his Teeth.Vide vitam ejus a Theophilo B… sio descriptam in P.R Comment. de Relig. Christ.

Ramus.

The great crime that the Sorbonists objected against Peter Ramus, and for which he suffered much, was, That by opposing Aristotle he enervated Divinity. Whence we may see what a Divinity they were for, who made Aristotle the great p. 253Master thereof, who laughs at the Creation of the World, Divine Providence, and the Immortality of the Soul: and slighting Life eternal, placed the happiness of man in this mortal Life onelyonly, and left nothing for man after death, then to have it said, He was happy: in a word, who defined humane felicity from mans ability, and not from divine grace.

In his adverse condition he would comfort himself with the following Verses:

1. Committe vitam, rem, decus,

Dei unius arbitrio,

Animi tibi ex sententia

Confecta reddet omnia.

Illustris aurorae ut jubar,

Tua faciet ul sit aquitas,

Ut luce virtus sit tua…

Meridiana clarior.

In English thus;

Commit to God, life, wealth, and name,

And what thou wilt shalt have the same.

Thy righteousness shall shine more clear,

Then the light of the morning …

2. — Deus …abit his quoque finem…

Durate, ut vos…t rebus servate secundis.

— These shall not want an end.

Bear up, and wait till G…d doth better send.

That which he first disliked in Popery, was their execrable idolatry in corrupting the second Commandment, and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.

p. 254When in the Possiac Synod he heard the Cardina… of Lorain acknowledge, That the first of the fifteet… Centuries since Christ was a truly golden Age but the rest were so much the worse, by how much they farther departed from the first, Peter Ramus concluded, That the Age of Christ and his Apostles was to be restored, and chosen.

When the Civil Wars brake forth in France for Religion, he went into Germany, and at Heidelberg, having made to Tremellius and the Church a Confession of his Faith, he received the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in that Church.

After his conversion he daily did read the Old and New Testament, and out of each Chapter collected an Index, containing Rules and Examples relating to both the parts of Christian Doctrine, viz. Faith, and the Actions of Faith, and so made his Commentaries; and certainly he had made much greater progress in Divinity, had he not been so soon (not much above two years) after his conversion taken away by a violent death.

When in that horrid Massacre at Paris, begun Aug. 24. 1572. he was mortally wounded, Aug. 26. in the seven and fiftieth year of his age, he was heard to commend his soul to God in these words: O Iehovah, against thee onelyonly have I sinned, and done evil before thee. Thy judgements are truth and righteousness. Have mercy upon, and pardon my Murtherers; for they know not what they do.

Read.

See the Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 2.Some of the Articles that were exhibited against Adam Read, and other Scotch Confessors, were these following: (1) That Images are not to be had in the Kirk, nor to be worshipped. (4) That it is not lawfull to fight for the Faith, nor to defend the Faith by the Sword, if we be not driven p. 255to it by necessity, which is above all Law. (12) That the Pope is not the Successor of Peter, but where he said, Go behind me Satan. (17) That the Pope exalts himself against God, and above God. (19) That the blessings of the Bishops (of dumb Dogs they should have been stiled) are of no value. (20) That the excommunication of the Kirk is not to be feared,Pag. 3. if there be no true cause for it. (29) That we are no more bound to pray in the Kirk, then in other places. (32) That the Pope is the head of the Kirk of Antichrist. (34) That they which are called Princes and Prelates in the Church, are Thieves and Robbers. By these Articles exhibited in the year 1494 (which God of his merfull providence caused the enemies of his Truth to keep in their Registers) may appear how God retained some spark of light in Scotland in the time of greatest darkness.

When Arch Bishop Blacater asked Adam Read, Whether he believed that God was in Heaven, he answered, Not as I do the Sacraments seven. Whereupon Blacater insultingly said unto the King, Sir, Lo, he denies that God is in Heaven: Whereat the King wondring, said, Adam Read what say you? He answered, May it please your Majesty to hear the end between the Churle and me: and therewith turned to the Bishop,Pag. 4. and said, I neither think nor believe, as thou thinkest, that God is in Heaven, though I am most assured, that he is not onelyonly in Heaven, but also in the Earth; but thou and thy Faction declare by your works, that either you think there is no God at all, or else that he is so set up in Heaven, that he regards not what is done on Earth; for if thou firmly believedst that God were in Heaven, thou shouldst not make thy self Check-mate to the King, and altogether forget that charge that Iesus Christ the Son of God gave to his Apostles, p. 256to preach the Gospel, and not to play the proud Prelates, as all the rabble of you do this day. And now Sir (said he to the King) judge you whether the Bishop or I believe best, that God is in Heaven.

Then the King said to him, Adam Read, Wilt thou burn thy Bill? He answered, Sir, the Bishop and you will.

Ridley.

Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 788.Dr. Nicholas Ridley, then Bishop of London, went about Septemb. 8.… 1552. to see the Lady Mary, and offered to preach before her: but she told him, The door of the Parish Church adjoyning shall be open to you, if you come, and you may preach if you list; but neither I, nor any of mine shall hear you. Madam (said he) I trust you will not refuse Gods Word. I cannot tell (said she) what you call Gods Word, that is not Gods Word now, that was Gods Word in my Fathers dayes. Gods Word (said he) is all one in all times, but hath been better understood, and practised in some Ages, then in other. —

After this Conference, Sir Thomas Wharton, one of the Lady Mary's Officers, brought the Bishop to the place where they dined: but the Bishop after he had drunk, pausing a little while, and looking very sadly, brake out into these words, Surely I have done amiss. Why so, said the Knight? For I have drunk (said he) in that place, where Gods Word offered, hath been refused: whereas if I had remembred my duty, I ought to have departed immediately, and to have shaken off the dust of my feet for a testimony against this House.

These words were spoken by the Bishop with such vehemency, that some of the Hearers afterwards confessed, That their hairstood upright upon their heads. This done the Bishop departed.

p. 257In the time of Queen Iane, Fox, Vol. 3 pag. 16in his Sermon at Paul's Cross, he prophesied at it were, That if ever the Lady Mary were Queen, she would bring in Foreign Power to reign over them, besides the subverting the Christian Religion then established.

Shortly after this Sermon Queen Mary was proclaimed, and Dr. Ridley speedily repaired to Fremingham in Suffolk, to Queen Mary, but had but cold welcome there: he was spoiled of his Dignity, and sent back upon a lame halting Horse to the Tower.

In the Tower he was sometimes invited to the Lieutenants Table,Pag. 42. where he had conference with Secretary Brown, &c.

In that Conference. — It is not in Scripture (said Dr. Ridley) as in the witness of men, where a …umber is credited more then one. A multitude of affirmations in Scripture, and one affirmation is all one as to the truth if the matter. That which any one of the Evange…ists sp…ke, inspired by the Holy Ghost, is as true …s that which is spoken by them all. What John saith of Christ, I am the door of the She…p, is as true as what Matthew, Mark, Luke, &c. say, This is my body; …t the Scripture words are onelyonly true in the sence in which they were spoken. — As for Unity, I embrace it, …it be with Verity, and joyned to our Head Christ. — …r Antiquity, I am perswaded that to be true which …reneus saith, That which is first, is true. Our Religion was first truly taught by Christ himself and his Apostles, Pag. 43.&c. — You know I were a very fool, if I …iu'd in this matter dissent from you, if that in my …onscience the Truth did not inforce me s… to do. Ye per…ive I trow, it is out of my way, if I esteemed worldly …in.

Afterwards he was sent out of the Tower with p. 258Cranmer and Latimer to dispute at Oxford.

Pag. 49.When he was the first time brought before the Commissioners, they asked him, Whether he would dispute or no? He answered, That as long as God gave him life, he should not onelyonly have his heart, but also his mouth and Pen to defend his Truth.

Pag. 82.In his Protestation before his Disputation. — Whilst I weighed with my self how great a charge of the Lords Flock was of late committed to me, for which I am certain I must render an account to my Lord God, &c. and that moreover by the command of the Apostle Peter, I ought to be ready alwayes to give a reason of the hope that is in me with meekness and reverence unto every one, that shall demand the same. Besides this considering my duty to the Church of Christ, and to your Worships, being Commissioners by publick Authority, I determined to obey your command in openly declaring to you my mind touching the Propositions which you gave me. And albeit (plainly to confess unto you the truth in these things, which ye now demand of me) I have thought otherwise in times past, then now I do; yet (God I call to record unto my soul, I lye not) I have not altered my judgement, as now it is, either by constraint of any man, or Laws, or for the dread of any dangers of this world, or for any hope of commodity, but onelyonly for love of the Truth revealed to me by the grace of God (as I am undoubtedly perswaded) in his holy Word, and in the reading of the Ancient Fathers.

Pag. 83.Dr. Weston telling him, What he said contained onelyonly evasions and starting holes. I cannot (said Dr. Ridley) start far from you, I am captive and bound.

Bertram (said he) was the first that pulled me …y th… ear, and that first …rought me from the common errour p. 259of the Popish Church, and caused me to search more diligently and exactly both the Scriptures and the Writings of the old Ecclesiastical Fathers in this matter.

When he was condemned by them for an Heretick,Pag. 91. he said, Although I be not of your Company, yet doubt I not …ut my Name is writ in another place, whether this sentence will send us sooner, then we should come by the course of Nature.

In his Letter to Dr. Crannier. Pag. 93.—

I wish you might have seen these mine Answers before I had delivered them, that you might have corrected them: but I trust in the substance of the matter, we do agree fully, both led by one Spirit of Truth, and both walking after one Rule of Gods Word. — I trust the day of our delivery out of all miseries, and of our entrance into perpetual rest, and unto perpetual joy and felicity draweth nigh. The Lord strengthen us with his mighty Spirit of Grace. — Pray for me I pray you, and so shall I for you. The Lord have mercy of his Church, and lighten the eyes of the Magistrates, that Gods extreme plagues light not on this Realm of England.

Turn or burn.

In his Letter to Mr. Latimer in Prison.Pag. 433. —

I pray you good Father, let me have one draught more of your Cup, wherein you mingle to me profitable with pleasant to comfort my stomack; for surely except the Lord assist me with his gracious aid in the time of his Service, I know I shall but play the part of a white-liver'd Knight. But truly my trust is in him, that in mine infirmity he should try himself strong, and that he can make the Coward in his Cause to fight like a man.

Sir, Now I daily look when Diotrephes with his p. 260Warriours shall assault me: wherefore I pray you good Father, for that you are an old Souldier, and an expert Warriour, and (God knoweth) I am but a young Souldier, and as yet of small experience in these fights, help me I pray you to buckle mine harness. And now I would have you to think, that those darts are cast at my head, by some one of Diotrephes, or Antonius his Souldiers, (By Antonius he meant some Popish Persecutour, as Winchester, alluding thereby to the Story of Victor l. 3. De Persecu…. Aphri.)

Object. 1. All men marvel greatly why you do not go to Mass, which is a thing (as you know) now much esteemed of all men, yea, of the Queen her self.

Answ. Because no man that layeth hand on the plough, and looketh back, is fit for the Kingdome of God; Luke 9.Luke 9and also for the same cause why St. Paul wou…d not suffer Timothy to be circumcised, which is, that the Truth of the Gospel might remain with us uncorrupt, Gal. 2.Gal 2Gal. 2. And again, If I build again the things which I destroyed, I m…ke my self a Trespasser. This is also another cause, lest I shou…d seem by outward fact to allow the thing, which I am perswaded is contrary to sound Doctrine, and so shou…d be a stumbling block to the weak. But wo be to him by whom offence cometh, Mat. 18. It were better for him that a Milstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the midst of the sea.

Pag. 434.Object. 2. Have not you used in times past to say Mass your self, and therefore why will you not now vouchsafe once either to hear it, or see it.

Answ. I confess unto you my fault and ignorance; but know you, that for these matters I have done penance long ago, both at Paul's Cross, and at Cambridge, and p. 261I trust God hath forgiven me mine offence, for I did it ignorantly.

Object. 3. But you know how great a crime it is to separate your self from the Communion or Fellowship of the Church, and to make a scisme or division.

Answ. I know that the Unity of the Church is to be …tained by all means, and the same to be necessary to salvation; but I do not take the Mass, as it is at this lay, for the Communion of the Church, but a Popish de…ice, &c.

Object. 4. Admit there be a fault in the Mass, do not you know both by Cyprian and Augustine that Communion of Sacraments doth not defile a man, but consent of deeds; if you do not consent to the …ult in the Mass, why do you trouble your self in …ain?

Answ. Forasmuch as things done in the Mass tend …enly to the overthrow of Christs Institution, I judge …hat by no means, either in word or deed, I ought to con…ent unto it. What is objected out of the Fathers is meant …f them who suppose they are defiled, if any secret vice be …ther in the Ministers, or in them that communicate with them, and not of them which do abhor superstition, …d wicked traditions of men, and will not suffer the same … be thrust upon themselves, or upon the Church in stead …f Gods Word, and the truth of the Gospel.

Object. 5. The Mass is the Sacrament of Uni…, &c.

Answ.Pag. 435. It's true, the Bread which we break accord… to the Institution of the Lord, is the Sacrament of … Unity of Christs mystical Body; for we being many … one Bread, and one Body, forasmuch as we are parta…rs all of one Bread. But in the Mass the Lords Institution is not observed, for we are not all partakers of one …ead, but one devoureth all, &c. So that as it is used p. 262it may seem a Sacrament of singularity, &c. —

Pag. 438, 439.Object. 12. Is not abstaining from the Church by reason of the Mass contrary to the examples of the Prophets and Apostles of Christ? —

Answ. It can no where be shewed, that the Prophets, or Christ, or his Apostles did in the Temple communicate with the people in any kind of worshipping forbidden by the Law of God. — How else I pray you can you understand that St. Paul alledgeth, when he saith, 2 Cor. 6. What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath the Believer with the Infidel? or how agreeth the Temple of God with Images? For ye are the Temple of the Living God, as God himself hath said, I will dwell among them, and will be their God, and they shall be my people; wherefore come out from among them, and separate your selves from them (saith the Lord) and touch no unclean thing, so will I receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord God Almighty.

Object. 14. For so much as you are so stifly, I will not say obstinately, bent, and so wedded to your Opinion, that no gentle exhortations and wholsome counsels, no other kind of means can call you home to a better mind; there remaineth that which in like cases was wont to be the onelyonly remedy against stiffe-necked and stubborn persons, that is, you must be hampered by the Laws, and compelled either to obey, whether you will or no, or else suffer that which a Rebel to the Laws ought to suffer? — Do you not know, that refusing to obey the Laws of the Realm, is the readiest way to stir up Sedition and Civil War? It is better that you should bear your own sin, then that through the example of your breach of the common Laws, the common quie… should be disturbed. How can you say you will be p. 263the Queens true Subject, whenas you do openly profess you will not keep her Laws.

Answ. — I grant it to be reasonable, that he that …y words and gentleness cannot be made to yield to that which is right and good, he that will not be subject to Gods Word, should be punished by the Laws.

— These things ought to take place against him who refuseth to do that is right and just, according to true godliness, not against him which cannot bear superstitions quietly, but doth hate and detost from his heart such kind of proceedings, and that for the glory of the Name of God. — Whosoever love their Countrey in Truth, i. e. in God, they will alwayes judge (if at any time the Laws of God and man are contrary) that a man ought rather to obey God then man; Pag. 440.and they that think otherwise, and pretend a love to their Countrey, forasmuch as they make their Countrey to fight as it were against God, in whom consisteth the onelyonly stay of that Countrey, such are to be judged most deadly enemies and Traitors to their Countrey. — Satan indeed hath ever this dart in readiness to hurl against his Adversaries, to accuse them of sedition, that he may bring them if he can in danger of the higher Powers. Thus Ahab said unto Elias, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? The false prophets complained of Jeremy to their Princes, that his words were seditious, and not to be suffered. The Scribes and Pharises accused Christ as a seditious person, and one that spake against Caesar. Did not they at the last cry, If you let this man go, you are not Caesars friend? Thus the Oratour Tertullus accused Paul before Felix the Deputy, We have found this man (saith he) a pestilent fellow, and a stirrer up of sedition unto all the Iews in the whole world. But were these indeed seditious persons? God forbid; but they were of men falsly accused, and wherefore I pray you? but because the reproved before the people their guiles, superstitions and deceits. — A man indeed p. 264ought to obey his Prince, but in the Lord, and never against the Lord; for he that knowingly obeyeth his Prince against God, doth not a duty to the Prince, but is a deceiver of the Prince, and a helper to him to work his own destruction. He is also unjust which giveth not to the Prince that is the Princes, and to God that is Gods. — Hitherto you see (good Father) how I have in words onelyonly made a flourish before the fight which I shortly look for, and how I have begun to prepare certain kind of weapons to fight against the adversary of Christ. — And here methinks I see you suddenly lifting up your head to Heaven after your manner, and then looking upon me with your Prophetical Countenance, and speaking thus unto me, Trust not my Son (I beseech you vouchsafe me the honour of this Name, for in so doing I shall think my self both honoured and loved of you) Trust not to these word-weapons; for the Kingdome of God is not in words but in power. Remember alwayes the words of the Lord, Do not imagine aforehand what and how you will speak; for it shall be given you even in that same hour what ye shall speak, Mat. 10. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you, Mar. 11. I pray you therefore (Father) pray for me, that I may cast my whole care on him, and trust on him in all perils; for I know and am surely perswaded, that whatsoever I can think aforehand is nothing, except he assist me with his Spirit when the time is. Pag. 441.— Pray that I may out of a true Faith say with David, I will not trust in my bow, and it is not my sword that shall save me, Psal. 44. For he hath no pleasure in the strength of an horse, &c. But the Lord delights in them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy. I beseech you Pray, pray, pray, that I may enter this fight onelyonly in the Name of God. —

In his Letter to Mr. Bradford and his Fellow-Prisoners. —

How joyfull it was to us to hear the report of Dr. Tailor, and of his godly Confession, p. 265&c. I assure you it is hard for me to express. Blessed be God which was and is the Giver of that and of all godly strength and stomack in the time of adversity.Pag. 442. — It is not the slanderers evil tongue but a mans evil deed that can with God defile a man; and therefore with Gods grace ye shall never have cause to doubt but that we will continue, &c. Sir, Blessed be God, with all our evil reports, grudges and restraints we are merry in God, and all our cure and care is and shall be (by Gods grace) to please and serve him of whom we look and hope after these temporal and momentary miseries to have eternal joy and perpetual felicity with Abraham, &c. through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In his Letter to his Cousin. —

I can do no less then lament their case, who for fear of trouble or loss of goods will do in the sight of the world those things they know and are assured are contrary to the Will of God, being assdred their end will be so pitifull (without speedy repentance) that I tremble to think of it. — Alas! such as should in this dangerous time have given you and me comfortable instructions have perswaded us to follow (I lament to rehearse it) superstitious Idolatry: yea, and the worst of all is, they seek to prove it by Scriptures. The Lord for his mercy turn their hearts. Amen.

In another Letter to Mr. Bradford. Pag. 444.—

Oh dear Brother, seeing the time is now come, wherein it pleaseth the Heavenly Father for Christ our Saviour his sake to call upon you, and to bid you come, happy are you that ever you were born thus to be found awake at the Lords Calling.— If it be not the place that sanctisieth the man, but the holy man doth by Christ sanctifie the place, then happy p. 266and holy shall be that place where in thou shalt suffer, and which shall be sprinkled over with thy ashes in Christs Cause. All thy Countrey may rejoyce of thee, that it ever brought forth such an one which would render his life again in his Cause of whom he had received it. —

We do look now every day when we shall be called on, blessed be God. I ween I am the weakest many wayes of our company, and yet I thank our Lord God and Heavenly Father by Christ, that since I heard of our dear. Brother Rogers his departing, and stout confession of Christ and his Truth even unto death, my heart (blessed be God) rejoyced of it, that since that time I never felt any lumpish heaviness in my heart, as I grant I have felt sometimes before. Oh good Brother, blessed be God in thee, and blessed be the time that ever I knew thee.

In his Letter to the Brethren imprisoned. —

What worthy thanks can we render unto the Lord for you my Brethren, namely, for the great consolation which through you we have received in the Lord, who notwithstanding the rage of Satan, that goeth about by all manner of subtile means to beguile the world, and also busily laboureth to restore and set up his Kingdome again that of late began to decay and to fall to ruine, ye remain still unmoveable as men grounded upon a strong rock. And now albeit that Satan by his Souldiers and wicked Ministers daily (as we hear) draweth numbers unto him; so that it is said of him, That he plucketh even the Stars out of Heaven whiles he driveth into some men the fear of death, and loss of all their Goods, and offereth unto others the pleasant baits of the world, &c. to the intent they should fall down and worship not p. 267the Lord but the Dragon, the old Serpent, which is the Devil, that great beast and his image, and should be enticed to commit fornication with the Strumpet of Babylon, &c. Yet blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which hath given unto you a manly courage, and hath so strengthned you in the inward man by the Power of his Spirit, that you can contemn as well all the terrours as also the vain allurements of the world, esteeming them as meer trifles and things of nought. — In the Faith of Christ stand ye fast my Brethren, and suffer not your selves to be brought under the yoke of bondage and superstition any more, and be of good comfort, and remember that our grand Captain hath overcome the world.Pag. 445. — We never had a better or more just cause either to contemn our life or shed our blood, we cannot take in hand the defence of a more certain, clear and manifest Truth. — Shall we or can we receive and acknowledge any other Christ instead of him, who is alone the everlasting Son of the everlasting Father, &c. Let such wickedness my Brethren, let such horrible wickedness be far from us. — What can your Adversaries else do unto you by persecuting you, and working all cruelty and villainy against you, but make your Crowns more glorious, yea beautifie and multiply the same, &c.

In another Letter to the Brethren. —

Now even now (out of doubt Brethren) the pit is opened against us, and the locusts begin to swarm, and Abaddon now reigneth; ye therefore (my Brethren) which pertain unto Christ, and have the Seal of God marked in your foreheads, i. e. are sealed with the Earnest of the Spirit to be a peculiar people of God, quit your selves like men, and be strong; for he that is in us is stronger then he p. 268which is in the world, and ye know all that is born of God overcometh the world, and this is our victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith. Let the world fret, let it rage never so much, be it never so cruel and bloody, yet be sure that no man can take us out of the Fathers hands; for he is greater then all, &c. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? &c. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? &c.

In his Letter to Mr. West his quondam Chaplain.

—I wish you grace in God, and love of the Truth, without which truly established in mens hearts by the mighty hand of the Almighty God▪ it is no more possible to stand by the Truth in Christ in time of trouble, then it is for the wax to abide the heat of the fire. — I am perswaded Christs words to be true, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven; and I believe that no earthly Creature shall be saved, whom the Redeemer and Saviour of the world shall before his Father deny. — If you had wished that neither fear of death, nor hope of worldly prosperity should let me to maintain Gods Word and his Truth, which is his glory and true honour, it would have like me well. You desire me for Gods sake to remember my self: Indeed it is now time so to do, for so far as I can perceive, it standeth me upon no less danger then of the loss both of body and soul, and I trow then it is time for a man to awake, if any thing will awake him. He that will not fear him that threatneth to cast both body and soul into everlasting fire, whom will he fear? With this fear O Lord fasten thou together our frail flesh that we never swerve from thy laws. p. 269You say you have made much suit for me; God grant that you have not in suing for my worldly deliverance impaired and hindred the furtherance of Gods Word and his Truth.Pag. 447. — To write unto these whom you name, I cannot see what it will avail me; but this I would have you know, That I esteem nothing available for me, which also will not further the glory of God.

— Sir, How nigh the day of my dissolution and departure out of this world is at hand I cannot tell, the Lords Will be fulfilled how soon soever it shall come. —

My conscience moves me to require both you and my Friend Dr. Harvey to remember your promises made to me in times past of the pure setting forth and preaching of Gods Word and his Truth. These promises although you shall not need to fear to be charged with them of me hereafter before the world, yet look for none other but to be charged with them at Gods hand. My conscience and the love I bear you biddeth me now say unto you both in Gods Name, fear God and love not the world; for God is able to cast both soul and body into hell fire. —

— What is it else to confess or deny Christ in this world, but to maintain the Truth taught in Gods Word, or for any worldly respect to shrink from the same. He that will wittingly forsake either for fear or gain of the world any one open Truth of Gods Word, if he be constrained he will assuredly forsake God and all his Truth, rather then he will endanger himself to lose, or to leave that he loveth indeed, better then he doth God and the Truth of his Word. I like very well your plain speaking, telling me I must either agree or die. Sir, I know I must die, whether I agree or p. 270no. But what folly were it then to make such an agreement by the which I could never escape the death which is common to all, and also incur the guilt of death and eternal damnation? Lord grant that I may utterly abhor and detest this damnable agreement so long as I live. —

If you do not confess and maintain to your power and knowledge that which is grounded upon Gods Word, but will either for fear or gain of the world shrink and play the Apostate, indeed you shall die the death.

Pag. 448.In his Letter to Mr. Grindall, then in Exile at Frankford, afterward Arch Bishop of Canterbury. —

Rejoyce in the Lord, and as you love me and the other my Reverend Fathers and Concaptives (which undoubtedly are gloria Christi) lament not our state, but I beseech you to give to our Heavenly Father for his endless mercies and unspeakable benefits even in the midst of all our troubles given to us, most hearty thanks: for know ye, that as the weight of his Cross hath encreased upon us, so he hath not, nor doth he cease to multiply his mercies to strengthen us, and I trust, yea by his grace I doubt nothing, but he will so do for Christ our Masters sake even to the end. — West your old Companion, and sometime my Chaplain alas hath relented, but the Lord hath shortned his dayes; soon after he had said Mass against his conscience, he pined away, and died for sorrow. Pag. 449.— My daily Prayer is (as God doth know) and by Gods grace shall be so long as I live in this world for you my Dear Brethren that are fled out of your own Countrey, because you will rather forsake all worldly things then the Truth of Gods Word, that God our eternal Father, for our Saviour Christs sake will daily encrease in you the p. 271gracious gift of his Heavenly Spirit to the true setting forth of his Glory and Gospel, and make you to agree brotherly in the Truth of the same, that there arise no root of bitterness among you that may infect that good seed which God hath sown in your hearts already, and that your life may be pure and honest, according to the Rule of Gods Word, that others may be in love with your Doctrine and with you, and glorifie our Father which is in Heaven. — Now we expect nothing but the triumphant Crowns in the Lord of our Confession from our old enemy. I commend my self humbly and heartily to your Prayers, Dr. Grindal, and to the rest of the Brethren with you, dearly beloved by me in the Lord, viz. Cheek, Cox, Turner, Lever, Sampson, Chambers, &c. and others who love the Lord in Truth. I commend also to you my Reverend Fathers and Fellow-prisoners in the Lord, Thomas Cranmer, now most worthy the Name of a true and great Shepherd, yea Arch Bishop, and Hugh Latimer, that old Souldier of Christs, and the true Apostle of our English Nation. —

In his Letter to Augustine Bornher. — Brother Augustine, I bless God with all my heart in his manifold merciful gifts, given unto our dear Brethren in Christ, specially to our Brother Rogers, &c. and also to Hooper, Saunders, and Tailor, whom it hath pleased the Lord to set in the forefront of the Battel against his Adversaries, and hath endued them all (so far as I can hear) to stand in the Confession of his Truth, and to be content in his Cause, and for his Gospels sake to lose their lives. And evermore and without end blessed be our Heavenly Father, for our dear and entirely beloved Brother Bradford, whom now I perceive the Lord calleth p. 272for; for I ween he will no longer suffer him to abide among the adulterous and wicked generation of this world. I doubt not but he hath holpen those which are gone before in their journey, that is, hath animated and encouraged them to keep the high way, and so to run, that at length they might obtain the Prize. The Lord be his comfort, whereof I do not doubt; I thank God heartily that ever I was acquainted with him, and that ever I had such an one in my house.The other two he means are the Protamartyr Rogers, and the Exile Grindal. Pag. 487. I trust to God it shall please him of his goodness to strengthen me to make up the Trinity out of Paul's Church to suffer for Christ, &c.

Upon the thirtieth of September, 1555. Dr. Ridley (with Father Latimer) was brought before the Queens Commissioners to undergo his last Examination. Whilst the Commission was reading he stood bare, till he heard the Cardinal named and the Popes Holiness, then he put on his Cap; and being admonished by the Bishoy of Lincoln, the Popes Delegate to pull it off, he answered, I do not put it on in contempt of your Lordship, nor of the Cardinal, in that he came of Royal Blood, &c. but that by this my behaviour I may make it appear, that I acknowledge in no point the usurped Supremacy of Rome; and therefore I contemn and despite all Authority coming from the Pope. — As for taking off my Cap, do as it shall please your Lordships, and I shall be content.

Pag. 488.When Lincoln in a long Rhetorical Speech perswaded him to recant, &c. he said; My Lord, in your Exhortation I have marked especially three points, which you used to perswade me to leave my Doctrine and Religion, which I perfectly know and am throughly perswaded to be grounded not upon mans imaginations and decrees, but upon the p. 273infallible Truth of Christs Gospel, and to look back and return to the Romish See contrary to my Oath, contrary to the Prerogative and Crown of this Realm, and especially (which moveth me most) contrary to the expressed Word of God. (1) That the See of Rome taking his …eginning from Peter, upon whom (you say) Christ hath builded his Church, hath in all ages lineally from Bishop to Bishop been brought to this time. (2) That the holy Fathers in their Writings from time to time have confessed the same. (3) That I was once of the same Opinion. For the first. — Christ in saying, Upon this stone, doth not mean Peter himself, &c. but his Confession, that he was the Son of God, upon this Rock-stone I will build my Church; for this is the foundation and beginning of all Christianity, with word, heart and mind to confess that Christ is the Son of God. — Christs Church is built not on the frailty of man, but upon the stable and infallible Word of God,Pag. 489. that Christ is the Son of God. — Whilst the See of Rome continued in the Promotion and setting forth of Gods glory, and due preaching of the Gospel, the Fathers commended and honoured Rome, and so do I; but after the Bishops of that See, seeking their own pride and not Gods honour, set themselves above Kings, challenging to them the Title of Gods Vicars, &c. I cannot but with S. Gregory a Bishop of Rome confess, that the Bishop of that place is the very true Antichrist, whereof St. Iohn speaketh by the name of the Whore of Babylon. — For the third, I cannot but confess I was once of the same Religion you are of, yet so was St. Paul a Persecutour of Christ.

Lincoln farther urging him to recant,Pag. 490. &c. he said, am fully perswaded that Christs Church is found…d in every place where his Gospel is truly received p. 274and effectually followed.Pag. 491. — Your gentleness is the same that Christ had of the High Priests. Your Lordship saith, You have no power to condemn me, neither at any time to put a man to death: so the High Priests said, That it was not lawfull for them to put any man to death, but committed Christ to Pilate; neither would suffer him to absolve Christ, although he sought to do it. What? (said Dr. Weston) do you make the King Pilate? No Dr. (said Ridley) I do but compare your deeds with Caiaphas his deeds and the High Priests, who would condemn no man to death, as you will not, and yet would not suffer Pilate to deliver Christ.

Pag. 492.Being required to answer to his Articles presently, though he had time given him till the morrow; First (said he) I require the Notaries to take and write my Protestation, that in no point I acknowledge your Authority, or admit you to be my Judges, as you are authorized from the Pope, &c.

Pag. 498.At last the Bishop of Lincoln with his Cap in his hand desired him to turn. But Dr. Ridley made an absolute Answer, That he was fully perswaded the Religion he defended to be grounded on Gods Word, and therefore without great offence towards God, great peril and damage of his soul, he could not forsake his Master and Lord God.

For my part (said Weston) I take God to witness I am sorry for you. I believe it well my Lord (said Ridley) forasmuch as one day it will be burthenous to your soul.

Pag. 500.After Sentence was read against him, the Bishop of Glocester came to his Prison, and would have perswaded him yet to recant, upon promise of the Queens mercy; but he answered him, My Lord, you know my mind fully herein, and for the Doctrine which I have taught, my conscience assures p. 275me it was sound, and according to Gods Word (to his glory be it spoken) the which Doctrine the Lord God being my helper, I will maintain so long as my tongue shall wag, and breath is within my body, and in confirmation thereof seal the same with my blood. — Do with me as it shall please God to suffer you, I am well content to abide the same with all my heart. — The Servant is not above his Master; if they dealt so cruelly with our Saviour Christ, as the Scripture maketh mention, and he suffered the same patiently, how much more doth it become us his Servants. — The Bishop bidding him to hold his peace, he answered, That so long as his tongue and breath would suffer him, he would speak against their abominable doings whatsoever hapned unto him for so doing.

When in the degrading of him they read, We do take from you the Office of preaching the Gospel, &c. Dr. Ridley gave a great sigh, and looking up towards Heaven, said, O Lord God, forgive them this their wickedness.

After his Degradation Brooks the Bishop of Glocester refusing to talk with him,Pag. 501. he said, Seeing that you will not suffer me to talk, neither will vouchsafe to hear me, what remedy but patience? I refer my cause to my heavenly Father, who will reform things that be amiss, when it shall please him.

In his Supplication to the Queen. — It may please your Majesty, for Christ our Saviours sake, in a matter of Conscience (and now not for my self but for other poor men) to vouchsafe to hear and understand this humble Supplication. It is so (Honourable Princess) that whilst I was Bishop of London, divers Tenants took Leases of me and the Cha…ter for valuable considerations, but now Bishop p. 276Bonner will not allow those Leases, which must redound to many poor mens utter ruine. Wherefore this is mine humble Supplication, That either their Leases may stand, or their moneys be restored to them, and their former Leases; now the Fines paid to me may easily be repaid, if you will be pleased to command some portion of those Goods I left in my house to be sold for that end. I suppose half of the value of my Plate will go nigh to restore all such Fines received.

Pag. 502.When Bishop Brooks delivered Dr. Ridley to the Bailiffs, charging them not to suffer any to speak with him, and to bring him to the place of Execution when they were commanded, he said, God I thank thee, and to thy praise be it spoken, there is none of you all able to lay to my charge any open or notorious crime; for if you could it should surely be laid in my lap. I see very well you play the part of a proud Pharisee (said Brooks) exalting and praising your self. No, no, no (said Ridley) to Gods glory onelyonly is it spoken. I confess my self to be a miserable wretched sinner, and have great need of Gods help and mercy, and do daily call and cry for the same.

The night before he suffered his Beard was washed and his legs, and as he sate at Supper with Mr. Mr. Irish and Mrs. Irish, he invited them to his Marriage; To morrow (said he) I must be married, and was as merry as ever in all his life. Wishing his Sister, he asked his Brother sitting at the Table, Whether she could find in her heart to be there o… no; yea I dare say (said his Brother) with all her heart. I am glad to hear so much of her (said Dr. Ridley) At this talk Mrs. Irish wept; whereupon Dr. Ridley said, O Mrs. Irish, you love me not now I see-well enough, for in that you weep it doth appear p. 277you will not be at my Marriage, neither are content therewith: indeed you be not so much my friend as I thought you had been; but quiet your self, though my Breakfast shall be somewhat sharp and painfull, yet I am sure my Supper shall be more pleasant and sweet.

When he arose from the Table, his Brother offered him to watch all night with him; but he said, No, no, no, that you shall not, for I mind (God willing) to go to Bed, and sleep as quietly to night …s ever I did in my life.

When he espied Mr. Latimer at the Stake, he ran to him, embraced and kissed him, and said, Be of good heart Brother, for God will either asswage the fury of the flame, or else strengthen us to abide it.

After Dr. Smith had preached on 1 Cor. 13.Pag. 503. If I give my Body to be burned, &c. Dr. Ridley kneeled down on his Knees towards the Lord Williams, &c. …nd said, I beseech you my Lord, even for Christs like, that I may speak but two or three words. Whereupon the Bayliffs, and Dr. Marshal Vice-Chancellor of Oxford ran hastily to him, and with their hands stopped his mouth, and said, Mr. Ridley, if you will recant, you shall not onelyonly have liberty to speak, but your life. Not otherwise (said Ridley) No (said Marshal) Well (said Dr. Ridley) so long is the breath is in my Body I will never deny my Lord Christ and his known Truth. Gods Will be done in me. — I commit our Cause to Almighty God, who shall indifferently judge all.

Being in his shirt, he said, O heavenly Father, I give unto thee most hearty thanks, for that thou …ast called me to be a Professour of thee even unto death. I beseech thee, Lord God, take mercy upon p. 278this Realm of England, and deliver the same from all her enemies.

To the Smith he said, Good Fellow knock in the Chain hard; for the flesh will have his course.

When his Brother brought him Gun-powder, he said, I will take it to be sent of God; therefore I will receive it as sent of him.

To my Lord Williams he said, My Lord, I must be a Suitor to you for divers poor men, and my Sister, &c. There is nothing in all this world troubleth my conscience (I praise God) this onelyonly excepted.

When he saw the fire flaming towards him, he said, Into thy hands O Lord I commend my Spirit. Lord receive my soul, Lord have mercy upon me.

Pag. 505.In his Letter to all his true Friends. — I warn you all that ye be not amazed or astonied at the kind of my departure and dissolution; for I assure you, I think it the most honour that ever I was called to in all my life, and therefore I thank my Lord God heartily for it, &c. For know ye, that I doubt no more, but that the causes wherefore I am put to death, are Gods causes, and the causes of the Truth, then I doubt that the Gospel which Iohn wrote is the Gospel of Christ, or that Paul's Epistles are the very Word of God. And to have an heart willing to abide and stand in Gods Cause, and in Christs Quarrel even unto death. I assure thee (O man) it is an inestimable gift of God, given onelyonly to the true Elect, and dearly beloved Children of God, and Inheritors of the Kingdome of Heaven: for the holy Apostle, and also Martyr in Christs Cause St. Peter, 1 Pet. 4. saith, If ye suffer rebuke in the Name of Christ, i. e. in Christs Cause, and for his p. 279Truths sake, then are ye happy and blessed, for the glory of the Spirit of God resteth upon you; and if for rebukes suffered in the Name of Christ, a man is pronounced blessed and happy, how much more blessed and happy is he that hath the grace to suffer death also? Wherefore all ye that be my true Lovers and Friends rejoyce and rejoyce with me again, and render with me hearty thanks to God our heavenly Father, that for his Sons sake my Saviour and Redeemer Christ, he hath vouchsafed to call me, being so vile and sinfull a wretch in my self, unto the high dignity of his true Prophets, of his faithfull Apostles, and of his holy Elect and chosen Martyrs to die in defence and maintenance of his eternal and everlasting Truth.Pag. 507. — If ye love me indeed, you have cause to rejoyce, for that it hath pleased God to call me to a greater honour and dignity then ever I did enjoy before, either in Rochester or London, or should have had in Durham, whereunto I was last of all elected; yea I count it greater honour before God indeed to die in his Cause, then is any earthly or temporal promotion or honour that can be given to a man in this world. And who is he that knoweth the Cause to be Gods, to be Christs Quarrel, and of his Gospel, to be the Commonweal of all the Elect and chosen Children of God, of all the Inheritors of the Kingdome of Heaven? Who is he (I say) that knoweth this assuredly by Gods own Word, and the Testimony of his Conscience (as I through the infinite goodness of God, not of my self, but by his grace acknowledge my self to do) and doth in deed and in truth love and fear God, love and believe his Master Christ, and his blessed Gospel, and the Brotherhood, the chosen Children of God, and also lusteth and longeth for eternal life? who is he (I say again) p. 280that would not, that cannot find in his heart in this Cause to be content to die?Pag. 508. — Farewell Pembrohe Hall in C. of late mine own Colledge, my Cure and my Charge what cafe thou art in now God knoweth, I know not well. — Wo is me for thee mine own dear Colledge, if ever thou suffer thy self by any means to be brought from setting forth Gods true Word. In thy Orchard I learned without Book all Pauls Epistles, yea and I ween all the Canonical Epistles, save only the Apocalyps. Of which study, although in time a great part did depart from me, yet the sweet smell thereof I trust I shall carry with me into Heaven. The Lord grant that this zeal and love to that part of Gods Word, which is a Key to all the Scripture, may ever abide in that Colledge so long as the world shall endure. — O thou now wicked and bloody See of London, &c. hearken thou whorish Bawd of Babylon, thou wicked limb of Antichrist, thou bloody Wolf, why slayest thou and makest havock of the Prophets of God? why murthereft thou so cruelly Christs poor silly Sheep, which will not hear thy voice, because thou art a stranger, and will follow none other but their own Pastor Christ his voice? Thinkest thou to escape, or that the Lord will not require the blood of his Saints at thy hands?Pag. 509. — Instead of my farewell to thee now, I say fie upon thee, fie upon thee, silthy Drab, and all thy false Prophets. — To you my Lords of the Temporality will I speak, &c. Know ye that I had before mine eyes onelyonly the fear of God and Christian charity toward you that moved me to write, for of you hereafter I look not in this world either for pleasure or displeasure; if my talk shall do you never so much pleasure or profit, you cannot promote me, nor if I displease you can you harm me, for I shall be out of your reach.Pag. 510. — I say unto you as St. Paul saith unto the Galatians, I wonder my p. 281Lords what hath bewitched you, that ye so suddenly are fallen from Christ unto Antichrist, from Christs Gospel unto mans Traditions, from the Lord that bought you unto the Bishop of Rome. I warn you of your perill; be not deceived, except you will be found willingly consenters to your own death. — Understand my Lords, it was neither for the priviledge of the Place or Person thereof, that the See and Bishop of Rome were called Apostolick, but for the true trade of Christs Religion which was taught and maintained in that See at the first of those godly men; and therefore as truly and justly as that See then for that true trade of Religion and consanguinity of Doctrine with the Religion and Doctrine of Christs Apostle was called Apostolick, so as truly and as justly for the contrariety of Religion, and diversity of Doctrine from Christ and his Apostles that See and the Bishop thereof at this day both ought to be called and are indeed Antichristian. The See is the Seat of Satan, and the Bishop of the same that maintaineth the Abominations thereof is Antichrist himself indeed.Pag. 511. — As for your displeasure by that time this shall come to your knowledge, I trust by Gods grace to be in the hands and protection of the Almighty, my heavenly Father, the living Lord, the greatest of all, and then I shall not need (I trow) to fear what any Lord, no nor what King or Prince can do unto me. — Much cause have you to hear me patiently, seeing I am appointed to die, and look daily when I shall be called to come before the eternal Judge, and therefore you cannot think, but that I onelyonly study to serve my Lord God, and to say that thing which I am perswaded assuredly by Gods Word shall and doth please him, and profit all to whom God shall give grace to hear and believe what I do say. — If the Popes supremacy be necessary to p. 282salvation to be owned, How chanced it that ye were all (my Lords) so light as for your Princes pleasures, H. 8. and E. 6. which were but mortal men, to forsake the Unity of your Catholick Faith, i. e. to forsake Christ and his Gospel? How chanced it also that ye and the whole Parliament did not onelyonly abolish and expell the Bishop of Rome, but also did abjure him in your own persons, and did decree in your Acts great Oaths to be taken for that purpose? On the other side, if the Law and Decree which maketh the supremacy of the See and Bishop of Rome over the universal Church of Christ be a thing of necessity required unto salvation by an Antichristian Law (as it is indeed) then (my Lords) never think other, but the day shall come when ye shall be charged with this your undoing that which once ye had well done, and with this your perjury and breach of your Oath, which Oath was done in judgement, justice, and truth, agreeable to Gods Law.

The Whore of Babylon may for a time dally with you, and make you so drunken with the wine of her filthy stews and whoredomes (as with her dispensations and promises of pardon a poena & culpa) that you may think your selves safe; but be ye assured, when the Living Lord shall try the matter by fire, and judge it according to his Word, unless ye repent, without all doubt ye shall never escape the hands of the Living God for the guilt of your perjury and breach of your Oath; then shall ye drink of the Cup of the Lords indignation and everlasting wrath, which is prepared for the Beast, his false Prophets, and all their partakers. For he that is partner with them in their whoredomes and abominations, must also be partner with them in their plagues, and be thrown with them into the Lake p. 283burning with brimstone and unquenchable fire.—

In his Letter to the Prisoners, &c. and Exiles.— For the fervent love that the Apostles had unto their Master Christ,Pag. 512. and for the great commodities and increase of all godliness, which they felt by their faith to ensue of afflictions in Christs Cause. And thirdly, For the heaps of heavenly joyes which the same do get unto the godly, which shall endure in Heaven for evermore, for these causes they rejoyced that they were accounted worthy to suffer contumelies and rebukes for Christs Name. And Paul was so much in love in that which the carnal man loatheth so much, i. e. with Christs Cross, that he judged himself to know nothing else but Christ crucified, he gloried in nothing else but Christs Cross.Pag. 513. — Why should we Christians fear death? Can death deprive us of Christ, who is all our comfort, our joy, and our life? Nay forsooth; But on the contrary Death shall deliver us from this mortal body, which loadeth and beareth down the Spirit, that it cannot so well perceive heavenly things, in the which so long as we dwell, we are absent from the Lord. — And who that hath a right knowledge of Christ our Saviour, that he is the eternal Son of God, life, light, the wisdome of the Father, all goodness, all righteousness, and whatsoever heart can desire, yea infinite plenty of all these, above that that mans heart can conceive or imagine (for in him dwelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily) and also that he is given us of the Father, and made of God to be our wisdome, our righteousness, our holiness, and our redemption; who (I say) is that believeth this indeed that would not gladly be with his Master Christ? — To die in the defence of Christs Gospel is our bounden duty to Christ, and also to our p. 284neighbour; to Christ, for he died for us, and rose that he might be Lord of all; and seeing he died for us, we also saith St. Iohn, 1 Ioh. 3. should jeopard, yea give our life for the Brethren. — Farewell (dear Brethren) farewell,Pag. 514. and let us comfort our hearts in all troubles and in death with the Word of God, for Heaven and Earth shall perish, but the Word of the Lord endureth for ever.

In his Lamentation for the change of Religion in England. — Of late in every Congregation throughout all England was made Prayer and Petition unto God to be delivered from the Tyranny of the Bishop of Rome, and all his detestable enormities, from all false doctrine and heresie, and now alas! Satan hath perswaded England by his fal…hood and craft to revoke her old godly prayer, &c. — This is one maxime and principle in Christs Law,Pag. 518. He that denieth Christ before men, him shall Christ deny before his Father and all his holy Angels in Heaven. — Now then seeing the doctrine of Antichrist is returned again into this Realm, and the higher Powers alas! are so deceived and bewitched, that they are perswaded it to be Truth, and Christs true Doctrine to be errour and heresie, and the old Laws of Anticrist are allowed to return with the power of their Father again. What can be hereafter looked for of Christians abiding in this Realm, but extreme violence of death, or else to deny their Master? — Therefore prepare and arm thy self to die, for both by Antichrists accustomable Laws, and Scripture Prophesies, there is no likelyhood of any other thing, except thou wilt deny thy Master Christ, which is the loss at the last of body and soul unto everlasting death. — My counsel to such as are yet at liberty, is to flie from the plague and get them hence. I consider not p. 285onelyonly the subtilties of Satan, and how he is like to deceive (it it were possible) even the chosen of God, and also the great frailty, which is oftentimes more in a man, then he doth know in himself, and which in the time of temptation will utter it self; but also the examples of Christ, Paul, Elias, &c. and Christ saith, When they persecute you in one City flie unto another. — Truly before God I think that the abomination that Daniel prophesied of so long before, is now set up in the holy Place; the Doctrine of Antichrist, his Laws, Rites, and Religion contrary to Christ, and to the true serving and worshipping of God I understand to be that abominition; therefore now is the time in England for those words of Christ, Then (saith Christ) they that be in Jewry let them flie into the Mountains, then (saith he) mark this then; for truly I am perswaded, and I trust by the Spirit of God that this then is commanded. By those in Iewry I understand such who truly confess one Living God, and the whole truth of his Word after the Doctrine of Christs Gospel; these are bid in the time of Antichrists reign to flie into the Mountains, i. e. places of safeguard. The wo that followeth signifieth,Pag. 519. that such are then in extreme danger who are letted by any means whatsoever, so that they be no wayes able to flie from the plague; and Christs bidding to pray that our flight be not in Winter, nor on the Sabbath day, bids us to pray that we may flie in time, and far enough from the danger of the plague.— Rev. 18. The Angel cries mightily with a loud voice, Fli… my people out of Babylon, lest you be infected with her faults, and so be made partakers of her plagues; for her offences and sins are grown so great, that they come to Heaven: Certainly the time doth approach, and the Lords day is at hand. Paul also p. 286that blessed Apostle forbids us, 2 Cor. 6. to joyn our selves with the unfaithfull, &c. This counsel to depart the Realm some good persons may think good; others may think it may indeed by Gods Word be lawfully done, but not to be counselled to be done; for they will peradventure say, We should counsel a man alwayes to do that which is best of all, and of most perfection; but boldly in Christs Cause to spend a mans life is best of all, and of most perfection, and to flee may smell of cowardliness: whereas in many things that which is best for one, at sometimes is not best for all at all times; and it is not meet for a child to covet to run before he can go. — But every true Christian, either Brother or Sister, after they be be called and brought into the wrestling-place to strive in Christs Cause for the best game, i. e. to confess the Truth of the Gospel in hope of everlasting life, should not shrink, nor relent one inch, nor give back, whatsoever shall befall, but to stand to their tackle, and stick by it even unto death, as they will Christ shall stick by them at the later day. — Some may think they may stay and escape the danger notwithstanding, by keeping their Faith and Religion close to themselves, inwardly worshipping God in spirit and truth,Pag. 520. and outwardly not transgressing common order. Whereas Gods Word requireth not onelyonly the belief of the heart, but the confession of the mouth, forbids not onelyonly the thing that is evil, but to abstain from all appearance of evil, and both consenters and doers are accounted guilty by Gods Word, and we may not do evil that good may come thereof. Thy heart thou sayest God shall have, and yet will suffer thy body to do the thing that God abhors: Take heed, O man, what thou sayest, thou canst not deceive the heart-searcher. To give God p. 287thy heart is to give him thy whole heart, to love him, to dread him, and to trust in him above all other things, and he loveth God that keeps his commands; and to dread God above all other is rather willingly to incur the danger and perill of all fearfull things, then wittingly to do what God forbids, and to trust in him above all things is assuredly to trust to his promise of his reward and of his tuition, and of his goodness and mercy, and to prefer that above all things in the world, seem they never so strong, so wise, or so good. Now how canst thou say truly, that God hath thus thy heart, when thy deeds do declare far another thing? Thy body, O man, is Gods, and all the parts thereof, even as thy soul is; he made them both, and Christ with his blood redemed them both, and is Lord of both; for he hath bought them both dearly, and darest thou suffer any part of either of them to do service to Satan? Surely in so doing thou committest sacriledge, and dost rob God. —What is it to bear the mark of the Beast in the forehead, and in the hand, that St. Iohn speaketh of? I suppose he bears the mark of the Beast in his forehead, which is not ashamed of the Beasts wayes, but will profess them openly; and he beareth his mark in the hand that doth the works, though he may be ashamed to own them.Pag. 521. — It may be objected, O Sir it is no small matter you speak of, to depart from a mans own Native Countrey into a strange Realm. Some have Lands and Possessions, which they cannot carry with them: Some have Father, Mother, Wife, Children, and Kinsfolk, from whom to depart is as hard a thing, and almost all one as to suffer death, &c.

I grant here thou mayest heap a number of worldly in commodities, which are very like to p. 288ensue the departure out of a mans own Countrey: but what of all these and a thousand more of the like sort? I will set against them all one saying of Christ, which to the true Christian is able to countervail all these, yea to weigh them down, viz. If any man do come to me, and do not hate Father and Mother (he means, and will not in his Cause forsake his Father and Mother) &c. he cannot be my Disciple. — It may further be objected; Alas! Sir, I am an impotent man, an aged man, a sick man, a lame man, or I have so many small Infants & a Wife which live by my labour, if I leave them they will starve, and I am not able to carry them with me, such is my state, what shall I do? O lamentable state! O sorrowfull heart that can neither depart, nor without extreme perill is able to tarry still! Of the state of such as are not able to flie the infection of the pestiferous plague of Antichrists abominations Christ lamenting, not cursing, saith, Wo be to the great bellied and travelling women, &c. For these my heart mourneth the more, the less I am able to give any comfortable counsel, but this, That alwayes as they look for everlasting life, they abide still in the confession of his Truth, whatsoever shall befall, and for the rest to put their trust wholly in God, who is able to save them against all appearance. And commonly in extremities, when all worldly comfort faileth, and the danger is at highest, then unto his he is wont after his accustomed mercy, to be most ready to put his helping hand; instance in Daniel, the three Children, Paul pluckt out of the mouth of the Lion, in the Mount God raised up most of the Judges for the delivering of his people.Pag. 522. — As to such instances it may be objected these were special miracles of God which now are ceased; and to require them at Gods hands p. 289were it not to tempt God? I grant such were great wonderfull works of God, &c. but Gods hand is as strong as ever it was, and he is as good and as gracious as ever he was, but in such as are put to death for his sake he doth more, when in anguish of the torments he standeth by them, and strengthneth them in their saith to suffer in confession of the Truth the bitter pangs of death, &c. — To die in Christs Cause is an high honour,Pag. 523. to the which no man should aspire, but to whom God vouchsafeth that priviledge; for no man is allowed to presume to take to himself any office of honour, but he which is thereunto called of God.Rev. 12.Rev 12 Iohn saith well, speaking of them which have obtained the Victory by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of his Testimony, that they loved not their lives even unto death. And our Saviour Christ saith,Mat. 16.Matt 16 He that shall lose his life for my Cause shall find it. This manner of speech pertaineth not to one kind of Christians (as the worldly do wickedly dream) but to all, that truly pertain to Christ; for when Christ had called unto him the multitude together with his Disciples, he said unto them (Mark, he said not this unto his Disciples or Apostles only, but unto all) Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake or deny himself, &c. for whosoever will to save his life, forsake me and my Truth, shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose, Mark S.&c. Whosoever shall …e ashamed of me and my words, i. e. to confess me and my Gospel before this adulterous generation, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, &c. Know thou, O man of God, that all things are ordained for the furtherance of thee towards thy salvation. All things (saith Paul) work with the good to goodness, &c. It is not as the wicked think, That poverty, adversity, sickness, p. 290tribulation, yea painfull death of the godly be tokens that God doth not love them, but even the clean contrary. — Now (thou, O man of God) for the Lords sake, let us not for the love of this life, tarry here too long, and be occasion of delay of that glorious consummation of all Christs Sufferers, in hope and expectation whereof the former Martyrs have departed in the Lord, and the which also the living indued with Gods Spirit, ought so earnestly to desire,Rev. 22.Rev 22 &c. crying out, Come Lord Iesus, come. Then shall our weak body be transfigured and made like to Christs glorious body, and then shall we see, and have the unspeakable joy and fruition of the glorious Majesty of our Lord, even as he is. Who, or what then shall let us to jeopard? yea to spend this life, which we have here, in Christs Cause? in our Lord God his Cause? O therefore thou man of God, that art loaden, and so letted, like unto a great bellied woman, that thou canst not flie the plague, yet if thou lust after such things, as I have spoken of, stand fast whatsoever shall befall thee in thy Masters Cause, and take this thy letting to flie for a call from God to fight in thy Master Christs Cause. Of this be thou certain, they can do nothing unto thee, which thy Father is not aware of, or hath not foreseen before: they can do no more then it shall please him to suffer them to do for the furtherance of his glory, edifying of his Church, and thine own salvation. — O be not afraid, and remember the end. What I have spoken for the comfort of the big-bellied woman, I mean to be spoken likewise to the Captive and Prisoner in Gods Cause; for such I count to be as it were already summoned and pressed to fight under the Banner of the Cross of p. 291Christ, and as it were Souldiers allowed and taken up for the Lords Wars, to do their Lord and Master good and honourable service, and to stick to him even unto death, &c. To conclude, I say unto all that love Christ Jesus our Redeemer and Saviour, that love to follow the wayes of the holy Ghost, who is our Comforter and Sanctifier, that love Christs Spouse and Body, &c. yea, that love life and their souls health. Hearken my dear Brethren and Sisters,Pag. 524. &c. to the Word of our Saviour Jesus Christ,Mat. 10.Matt 10 spoken to his Apostles, and meant to all his in St. Matthew's Gospel, Fear not them which kill the body, for they cannot kill the soul; but fear him, &c. — The Lord grant us of his heavenly grace and strength, that here we may so confess him in this world amongst this adulterous generation, that he may confess us again at the last day before his Father, &c. —

In his Reasons why Images should not be placed and erected in Churches.Pag. 992. — First the words of the Command, Exod. 20. repeated more plainly, Deut. 27. where observe those words, Thou shalt not make to thy self, mean, to any use of Religion: and those, And setteth it in a secret place, imply, that no man durst then commit Idolatry openly. — The reason why God gave this general Prohibition is,Pag. 993. lest thou being deceived, shouldst bow down to them, and worship them. This general Law is generally to be observed, though some be not hurt by them. Moses was not deceived or seduced by Iethro's Daughter, nor Boaz by Ruth, a woman of Moab; yet the general Law was to be observed, Thou shalt not joyn thy children in marriage with strangers,Deut. 7.Deut 7 least she seduce thy Son, &c.— If by vertue of the second Commandment Images p. 292were not lawfull in the Temple of the Jews, then by the second Command they are unlawfull in the Churches of Christians; but, &c. in the Tabernacle and Temple of God no Images were appointed openly to beset, nor by practice afterwards used or permitted, so long as Religion was purely observed; therefore, &c. For the second Command is moral and not ceremonial, &c. The Jews by no means would consent to Herod, Pilate, or Pe…ronius, that Images should be placed in the Temple at Jerusalem, but rather offered themselves unto death, then to consent unto it. Besides that Iosephus commends them for observing the meaning of the Law: sure they would not have endangered themselves so far, if they had thought Images had been indifferent in the Temple of God. — Ath…nasius tells us, The invention of Images came of no good, but of evil, and whatsoever hath an evil beginning, can never in any thing be judged good, seeing it is wholly naught. — T…rtullian expounding those words, Little Children, beware of Images, saith, That the meaning is, as if he had said, Little Children, keep your selves from the shape it self or form of them. Images in the Church either serve to edify, or to destroy. If they edify, then there is one kind of edification, which the Scriptures neither teach nor command,1 Cor. 14.1 Cor 14 but alwayes disallow: if they destroy, they are not to be in the Church. The Command of God is, Thou shalt not lay a stumbling-block before the blind, and cursed is he that maketh the blind wander in his way. Images are snares and traps for the feet of the ignorant.Pag. 994. — Images do not stir up the mind to Devotion, but distract the mind from Prayer, hearing of Gods Word, &c. Hence in the Council-chamber of the Lacedemonians p. 293no picture was suffered, least in Consultation of the weighty matters of the Commonwealth, their minds by the sight of the outward Image might be withdrawn or wander from the matter. — To allow a most certain peril for an uncertain profit, and the greatest danger for the smallest benefit, in matters of Faith and Religion, is a tempting of God, and a grievous offence.— In the Primitive Church there were no Images in places of Assembly for Religion; this the Heathens objected to the Christians for a crime, as Origen and Arnobius testifie, &c. — Lactantius saith, It is not to be doubted that there is no Religion, wheresoever is any Image. — Not onelyonly by Varro's judgement, but also by St. Augustine's approbation of Varro, the most pure and chast observation of Religion, and nearest the Truth,Pag. 995. is to be without Images. — By the judgement of this ancient Father (Epiphanius) to permit Images in Churches is against the Authority of Scripture, meaning, against the second Commandment, &c. Besides Epiphanius doth reject not onelyonly graven and molten, but painted Images. Again, he spared not the Image of Christ: yea, he did not onelyonly remove it, but with a vehemency of zeal cut in pieces: and he is carefull that no such kind of painted Images be permitted in the Church. — It is manifest to them that read Histories, that not onelyonly Emperours, but also divers and sundry Councils in the East Church have condemned and abolished Images both by Decrees and Examples. — But this notwithstanding experience hath declared,Pag. 996. That neither Councils, nor Writings, Preachings, Decrees, making of Laws, prescribing of Punishments, have holpen against Images, to which Idolatry p. 294hath been committed, nor against Idolatry, whilst Images stood. —

In his Letter to his Dear Brother, and Reverend Fellow-Elder in Christ Iohn Hooper. Pag. 147.— My dearly beloved Brother, &c. whom I reverence in the Lord, &c. Forasmuch as I understand by your works, that we throughly agree and wholly consent together in those things which are the grounds and substantial points of our Religion, against which the world so furiously rageth in our dayes, howsoever in time past by certain by-matters and circumstances of Religion, your wisdome and my simplicity (I grant) hath a little jarred, each of us following the abundance of his own sense and judgement. Now (I say) be you assured, that even with my whole heart, God is my witness, in the bowels of Christ, I love you in the Truth, and for the Truths sake, which abideth in us; and, as I am perswaded, shall by the grace of God abide in us for evermore.

Because the world, as I perceive, Brother, busily conspireth against Christ our Saviour, with all possible force and power, let us joyn hands together in Christ;Pag. 148. and if we cannot overthrow, yet to our power, and as much as in us lies, let us shake those high Altitudes, not with carnal but with spiritual weapons. Let us also prepare our selves for death, by which after our short afflictions here, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we shall triumph together with him in eternal glory. I pray you Brother salute in my Name your Reverend Fellow-Prisoner and Venerable Father Dr. Cranmer, by whom, since the first day that I heard of his most godly and fatherly constancy, in confessing the Truth of the Gospel, I have conceived great consolation p. 295and joy in the Lord. — It will also be to me great joy to hear of your constancy and fortitude in the Lords Quarrel.

I am earnestly moved to counsel you, not to hasten the publishing of your Works, especially under your own Name, least your mouth should be stopped hereafter, and all things taken away from the rest of the Prisoners, whereby otherwise if it so please God, may be able to do good to many. Farewell in the Lord, my most Dear Brother. — Once again and for ever in Christ, my most Dear Brother farewell.

Rieux.

Dionysius de Rieux was one of them who was first burned at Melda, Fox, Vol. 2. pag. 128.or Meaux in France, An. 1528. for saying, That the Mass is a plain denial of the Death and Passion of Christ. He was alwayes wont to have in his mouth the Words of Christ, He that denieth me before men, him also will I deny before my Father.

Rogers.

Mr. Iohn Rogers preaching at Paul's Cross even after Queen Mary was come to the Tower of London, Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 119.confirmed the Truth of that Doctrine which he and others had there taught in King Edward's dayes, exhorting the people constantly to remain in the same, and to beware of all pestilent Popery, Idolatry and Superstition. For that Sermon he was called in Question.

In his Examination and Answer Ian. 22. 1555. — I never granted King Henry the Eighth to have any Supremacy in spiritual things,Pag. 120. as are the forgiveness of sins, giving of the holy Ghost, authority to be a Judge above the Word of God.

— The Chancellor asserting, That the Parliament p. 296that abolished the Popes Supremacy was with most great cruelty constrained thereunto. He answered, With cruelty? Why then I perceive that you take a wrong way with cruelty to perswade mens consciences; for it should appear by your doings now, that the cruelty then used hath not perswaded your consciences. How would you then have your consciences perswaded with cruelty? — Sir Richard Southwell telling him,Pag. 122. That he would not burn in this year, when it cometh to the Purpose: he answered, Sir, I cannot tell, but I trust to my Lord God, yes; lifting up his eyes to Heaven.— I desire the hearty and unfeigned help of the Prayers of all Christs true Members, the true Imps of the true unfeigned Catholick Church, that the Lord God of all consolation will now be my comfort, aid, strength, buckler and shield, as also of all my Brethren that are in the same case and distress, that I and they all may despise all manner of threats and cruelty, and even the bitter burning fire, and the dreadfull dart of death, and stick like true Souldiers to our dear and loving Captain Christ, our onelyonly Saviour and Redeemer, and the onelyonly true Head of the Church, that doth all in us all, which is the property of an Head, and that we do not traiterously run out of his Tents, or rather out of the plain field from him, in the greatest jeopardy of the battel, but that we may persevere in the fight (if he will not otherwise deliver us) till we be most cruelly slain of his enemies: For this I most heartily, and at this present with tears most instantly and earnestly desire and bes…ech you all to pray.

In his second Examination and Answer Ian. 28, 29. 1555. — Should (said the Chancellor) when the Parliament hath concluded a thing, any private p. 297person have authority to discuss, whether they had done right or wrong? No, that may not be. I answered shortly, That all the Laws of men might not, neither could rule the Word of God, but that they all must be discussed and judged thereby, and obey thereto: and neither my conscience, nor any Christians could be satisfied with such Laws, as disagreed from that Word.

— Mr. Hooper and Mr. Cardmaker were examined before me.Pag. 123. The Lord grant us grace to stand together, fighting lawfully in his Cause, till we be smitten down together, if the Lords Will be so to permit it; for there shall not an hair of our heads perish against his Will, but with his Will; whereunto the same Lord grant us to be obedient unto the end and in the end. Amen. Sweet, mighty and mercifull Lord Jesus, the Son of David, and of God. Amen, Amen, let every true Christian say and pray.

— I told the Chancellor, That I would not be out of the Catholick Church, but into his Church by Gods grace,Pag. 124. I would never come. Well (said he) then is our Church false and Antichristian? Yes said I. — When I desired leave to confirm my Doctrine by writing, you would not grant it, because I was a private person, and the Parliament was above the Authority of all private Persons; and therefore the sentence thereof might not be found fault with, &c. And yet my Lord (said I) I can shew that one man hath come into a general Council, and after the whole had agreed upon an Article, hath by the Word of God declared so pithily that the Council had erred in declaring the said Article, that he caused the whole Council to alter their Act. — Panormitanus also (said I) saith, That p. 298unto a simple Lay-man that bringeth the Word of God with him, there ought to be given more credit, then to a whole Council assembled together.

— The Chancellor facing me, and hoping to dash me out of Couutenance, I told him, in that Cause, being Gods Cause, he should not make me afraid to speak. —

I was never the worse but the better to be earnest in a just and true cause, and in my Master Christs matters.Pag. 125. — When Winchester had read the Condemnation, he declared that I was in the great curse, &c. Well my Lord (said I) here I stand before God and you, and all this honourable Audience, and take him to witness, that I never wittingly nor willingly taught any false Doctrine; and therefore have I a good conscience before God and all good men.Pag. 126. I am sure you and I shall come before a God that is righteous, before whom I shall be as good a man as you: and I nothing doubt but that I shall be found there a true Member of the true Catholick Church of Christ, and everlastingly saved: and as for your false Church, ye need not to excommunicate me forth of it, I have not been in it these twenty years, the Lord be thanked therefore. But now ye have done what ye can, my Lord, I pray you yet grant me one thing, that my poor wife being a stranger, and having ten children by me, may come and speak with me as long as I live. She shall not come at thee said he. Then I have tried out all your charity said I. — Two things more I purposed to have touched, if I could have been permitted: The one, how it was lawfull for a private man to reason and write against a wicked Act of Parliament, or ungodly Council, &c. The other was to prove, that Prosperity was not alwayes a token p. 299of Gods love.Pag. 127. Acts 5.Acts 5 For the first — I shall adde one example more. The high Priests, the Elders, Scribes and Pharisees decreed in their Council, and gave …he same command to the Apostles, that they should …ot preach in the Name of Christ, as ye have also forbidden us. Notwithstanding when they were charged therewithall, they answered, We ought more to obey God then man. Even so we may answer you, God is more to be obeyed then man; and your wicked Laws cannot so tongue-tie us, but we will speak the Truth. The Apostles were beaten for their boldness, and they rejoyced that they suffered for Christs Cause. Ye have also provided rods for …s, and bloody whips; yet when ye have done that which Gods Hand and Counsel hath determined, that ye shall do, be it life or death, I trust that …od will so assist us by his holy Spirit and Grace, that we shall patiently suffer it, and praise God for it. And whatsoever become of me and others, which now suffer for speaking and professing the Truth, yet be ye sure that Gods Word will prevail and have the upper hand, when your bloody Laws and wicked Decrees, for want of sure foundation, shall fall in the dust. — For the second point. — It may please your Lordship to understand, That we poor Preachers whom you so evil intreat, did most boldly and plainly rebuke the evil government of those under King Edward in many things, especially their covetousness, and neglect and small regard to live after the Gospel, as also their negligence to occasion others to live thereafter. I might instance in what I once did at Paul's Cross, for which I was fain to answer before all the Council, and many of my Brethren did the like; so that we for the not rebuking of their faults, shall not answer before God, p. 300nor be blame-worthy before men. — I am an English man born, and God knoweth do naturally wish well to my Countrey.Pag. 128. I have often proved that the things which I have much feared should come to pass, have indeed followed. I fear you have and will with your Governing bring England out of Gods Blessing into a warm Sun. I pray God I may fail of my guessing in this behalf: but truly that (Englands welfare) will not be with expelling the true Word of God out of the Realm, and the shedding innocent blood. — Gods works are wonderfull and incomprehensible by mans Wisdome, &c. He hath put his Beloved and Dear Heart into his enemies hands.Ier. 12.Jer 12 — This to worldly wise men is a madness above all madness, and yet God doth this, — Can the world shew the cause? — This I am right sure of, that it was not because they were in Heresies, and subject to false gods services, and idolatry, and their enemies men of God, and beloved of God. — The Herods and Pharaohs plainly determined, that if the men which they killed and handled evil had been Gods people, God would never have suffered them to come into their hands, but rather have done the contrary, and have let Iohn Baptist kill Herod, and the Israelites Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar. Even the like is now to be seen in us, and in our most cruel adversaries. They are not therefore the Catholick Church, because our mercifull God hath at this present given our lives into their hands: neither are we therefore Hereticks, because we suffer punishment at their hands.Iohn 1. Acts 16. Acts 17. Acts 21. Acts 22. Pag. 129.John 1Acts 16Acts 17Acts 21Acts 22 — The holy men of God recorded in Scripture, were in their dayes accounted to be Hereticks, Seditious, and D…sturbers of the whole world. — But here they will cry out, Lo these men will be still like p. 301…hn Baptists, the Apostles and Prophets, &c. I an…er, We make not our selves like to them in doing …iracles, &c. but onelyonly in this, in Doctrine, and in …ffering persecution and infamy for the same. We …ve preached their very Doctrine, and none other …ing, and for this Cause we suffer the like reproach, …ame, and rebuke of the world, and the like per…ecution, losing of our goods and lives, forsaking (as …r Master Christ commandeth) Father, Mother, …ster, Brethren, Wives, Children, and all …at there is, being assured of a joyfull Resur…ction, and to be crowned in glory with them, …ccording to the infallible Promises made unto us in Christ, our onelyonly and sufficient Mediatour, &c. — But let us consider, that if it be Gods good will and pleasure to give his own beloved heart, i. e. his beloved Church and the Members thereof, into the hands of their Enemies, …o chasten, try, and prove them, and to bring them …o the true unfeigned acknowledging of their own …atural stubbornness, disobedience towards God …nd his Commands, as touching the love of God …nd their Brethren, and their natural inclination …and readiness to love Creatures, to seek their own …usts, and pleasures, &c. to promote repentance in …hem, and crying to God for forgiveness, and for he said of the Spirit daily to mortifie those evil de…ires and lusts, &c. with many other causes. What doth he hereafter with those Enemies, into whose …ands he hath given his tenderly beloved Darlings? He destroyeth and damneth the impenitent Enemies, as is evident in Herod, Pharaoh, &c. — And think ye that bloody butcherly Bishop of W. and his most bloody Brethren shall escape? or that England shall not for their offences, and especially p. 302for the maintenance of their Idolatry, and wilful following of them, not abide a great brunt? Ye undoubtedly. If God look not mercifully on England, the seeds of utter destruction are sown in i… already,Pag. 130. &c. — Spite of Nebuchadnezzar's beard and maugre his heart, the captive, inthralled, and miserable Jews must come home again, and have their City and Temple builded up again by Zerubbabel, &c. and Babylon's Kingdome must go to ruine, and be taken of Strangers, the Persians and Medes. So shall the dispersed English Flock be brought again into their former estate, or to a better, &c. and our bloody Babylonical Bishops, &c. brought to utter shame and ruine; for God cannot, and undoubtedly will not for ever suffer their abominable lying false doctrine, their hypocrisie, blood-thirst, whoredome, idleness, their pestilent life, pampered in all kind of pleasure, their Thrasonical boasting pride, their malicious, envious, and poysoned stomacks, which they bear towards his poor and miserable Christians. If judgement begin at the House of God, &c.

The morning that he should be burnt, he was found fast asleep, so that he could scarce with much jogging be awakened. At last being raised and waked and bid to make haste; Then (said he) if it be so, I need not to tie my Points. So little daunted was this Proto Martyr, of all the blessed Company that suffered in Queen Mary's dayes, at the tidings of death and of such a death.

After he was degraded by Bonner but one Petition, viz. That he might talk a few words with his Wife before his burning, but that would not be granted. Probably he desired to speak to her, that he might reveal where he had hid the Book he had p. 303writ of his Examinations and Answers: But mans malice could not hinder Gods Providence from bringing that Book to his Wifes hands after his death out of the blind corner in the Prison, where he had hid, and where it could not be found by his enemies, though they made diligent search for his Papers.

When he was in Prison he told the Printer of Mr. Fox's Acts and Mon. who was then a Prisoner also for Religion,Pag. 131. thus, Thou shalt live to see the alteration if this Religion, and the Gospel to be freely preached again, and therefore have me commended to my Brethren, as well in Exile, as others, and bid them be circumspect in displacing the Papists, and putting good Ministers into Churches, or else their end will be worse then ours.

Whilst he was a Prisoner in Newgate he had devised, that he with his Fellows should have but one meal a day, they paying for two, the other meal should be given to those that lacked on the other side of the Prison: but their Keeper would not suffer it.

The Lords Day before he suffered he drank to Mr. Hooper, being then underneath him, and said, That there never was a little Fellow, that would better stick to a man, then he would stick to him: Supposing they should both be burnt together. But it hapned otherwise.

As he was to be brought out of Newgate to Smithfield, Mr. Woodro…fe, one of the Sheriffs, came to him, and asked him if he would recant? That which I have preached (said Mr. Rogers) I will seal with my blood. Then (said the Sheriffe) thou art an Heretick. That shall be known (said he) at the p. 304day of Judgement. Well (said W.) I will never pray for thee. But (said he) I will pray for you.

A little before his burning at the Stake, his Pardon was brought to him, if he would recant: but he utterly refused it.

His Wife and Children being eleven in number, ten that could go, and one sucking on the Breast, met him by the way as he was going towards Smithfield: but this sight, grievous indeed to flesh and blood, could nothing move him.

As he was burning, he washed his hands (as it were) in the flame.

Romanus.

Fox, Vol. 1. pag. 115.When Galerius with Asclepiades invaded the City of Antioch, by force of Armes to drive the Christians to renounce their pure Religion, Romanus ran to the Christians, at that time congregated together, and declared that the Wolves were at hand, that would devour the Christian Flock; but fear not (said he) neither let this imminent peril disturb you my Brethren. Hereupon old Men and Matrons, Fathers and Mothers, young Men and Maidens were most ready to shed their blood in the defence of their Christian Profession.Pag. 116. — Romanus so encouraged them, that they did not stick to offer their naked throats, wishing gloriously to die for the Name of their Christ.

Whereupon Romanus was brought before the Emperour, who said, What? art thou the Author of this sedition? art thou the cause why so many shall lose their lives? By the gods I swear thou shalt smart for it; and first in thy flesh shalt thou suffer the pains, whereunto thou hast encouraged the hearts of thy fellows. Romanus answered, Thy sentence, O Emperour, I joyfully embrace. I refuse p. 305not to be sacrificed for my Brethren, and that by as cruel means, as thou canst invent: And whereas thy Souldiers were repelled from the Christian Congregation, that so hapned, because it lay not in Idolaters and worshippers of Devils to enter into the holy House of God, and to pollute the Place of true Prayer.

When the Tormenters would not truss him up and draw out his Bowels, because he was of noble Parentage; the Captain commanded him to be scourged with Whips with knaps of Lead at the ends. Instead of tears, sighs, and groans, Romanus sung Psalms all the time of his whipping, requiring them not to favour him for his noble Birth. Not the blood of my Progenitors (said he) but Christian Profession maketh me Noble.

When the Captain commanded his Sides to be lanced with Knives, until the Bones appeared white again: Sorry am I, O Captain (said he) not that my flesh shall be thus cut and mangled; but for thy cause am I sorrowfull, who, being corrupted with damnable errours, seducest others.

He preached the second time the living God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, his welbeloved Son, and eternal life through faith in his blood; together with the abomination of idolatry, &c. Whereupon his face was buffeted, his eye-lids torn with their nails, his cheeks scotched with knives, the skin of his beard was plucked by little and little from the flesh, &c. Thereupon the meek Martyr said, I thank thee, O Captain, that thou hast opened unto me many mouths, whereby I may preach my Lord and Saviour Christ: Look how many wounds I have, so many mouths I have lauding and praising God.

p. 306When the Captain blasphemingly said, Thy crucified Christ is but a yesterdays God; the gods of the Gentiles are of most Antiquity. Romanus desired the Captain to hear what a Child of seven years of age would say. His request being granted, Tell me my Babe (said Romanus) whether thou think it reason that we worship one Christ, and in Christ one Father, or else that we worship infinite gods? To whom the Babe answered, That certainly whatsoever it be that men affirm to be God must needs be One; which with One is one and the same: and in as much as this One is Christ, of necessity Christ must be the true God; for that there be many gods we Children cannot believe.

The Captain hereat amazed, said, Thou young Villain and Traitor, where and of whom learnedst thou this Lesson? Of my Mother (said the Child) with whose milk I sucked in this Lesson, that I must believe in Christ.

The Captain thereupon commanded the Child to be hoised up and scourged. The joyfull Mother onelyonly saw that sight with dry eyes: yea, the rebuked her sweet Babe for craving a draught of cold water. She charged him to thirst after the Cup, that the Infants of Bethlem once drank of, forgetting their Mothers Milk and Paps. She willed him to remember little Isaac, who beholding the Sword wherewith, and the Altar whereon he should be sacrificed, willingly proffered his tender neck to the dint of his Fathers Sword.

Then the butcherly Tormentor pluckt the skin from the Crown of his head, hair and all. The Mother cried, Suffer my Child, anon thou shalt pass to him, that will adorn thy naked head with a Crown of eternal Glory. The Child received p. 307the stripes with a smiling countenance.

As they laid hands on Romanus, to carry him to the place of Execution, he looked back, and said, I appeal from this thy tyranny, O Judge unjust, unto the righteous Throne of Christ, that upright Judge; not because I fear thy cruel torments and merciless handlings, but that thy judgements may be known to be cruel and bloody.

When the Tormentor required the Child of the Mother,Pag. 117. who had taken it up in her arms, she kissing it, delivered the Babe, and said, Farewell my sweet Child; and as the Hangman was cutting off its head, she sang,

All laud and praise, with heart and voice,

O Lord, we yield to thee:

To whom the death of all thy Saints

We know most dear to be.

When Romanus was cast into the fire, he said he should not burn. Accordingly a great storm arose (as it is reported) and quenched the fire.

Then his Tongue was cut out. Nevertheless he spake, saying, He that speaketh Christ, shall never want a Tongue. Think not that the Voice, that uttereth Christ, hath need of the Tongue to be the Minister.

Eusebius saith,Euseb. E…c…. H…st. G…. & Lat. pag. 320. That by his constancy in enduring his Tongue to be pull'd out of his Mouth, he really declared to all, that a divine Vertue is never wanting to any, who suffer for godliness sake, which doth both mitigate their griefs, and corroborateth their hearts.

This valiant Souldier of Christ was not at all, p. 308terrified thereat, but of his own accord put out his Tongue, and willingly yielded the same to the Tormentors hands.

Then he was clapt in Prison again, and there a long while cruelly tormented, and at last in the year 306. strangled, and thereby according to his own desire was crowned with Martyrdome.

Roper.

Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 537.George Roper, a young man, at his coming to the Stake, putting off his Gown, fetcht a great leap.

So soon as the flame was about him, he put out both his arms from his body like a roode, and so stood stedfast, not plucking his arms in at all, till the fire had consumed them, and burnt them off.

Rough.

Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 860.Mr. Iohn Rough, a famous Scotch Minister in England in King Edward's dayes, at the beginning of Queen Mary's reign fled into Frizeland with his Wife, where he laboured for his living in knitting of Caps, Hose, &c. till lacking of Yarn, &c. he came over into England to provide for the maintenance of his Occupation; and at London hearing of the secret Society and holy Congregation of Gods Children there assembled, he joyned himself unto them; and afterwards being elected their Minister, continued for some time in fellowship with them, teaching and confirming them in the Truth and Gospel of Christ. But not long after he was by a false Brothers treachery taken, and clapt in Newgate.

Pag. 862.When he was before Bonner, he told him, That he utterly detested the Service then used, and that if he should live as long as did Me huselah, yet he would never come to hear the abominable Mass, and other Service, being as it was then.—

p. 309Dr.Watson then Bishop of Lincoln, being at his Examination, urged that he had done more hurt in the North Parts in King Edward's dayes, then an hundred besides, &c. Why Sir (said Mr. Rough) Is this the reward I have for saving your life in those dayes?

He said, he had lived thirty years, and yet had never bowed his knee to Ball.

Before Bonner he affirmed, That he had been twice at Rome, and there had seen plainly with his eyes, that the Pope was the very Antichrist; for he saw more reverence given to him, then to that which they accounted their God.

Mr. Rough having been at the burning of Austoo in Smithfield, and returning homeward again, met with one that as'd him, where he had been? I have been (said he) where I would not for one of mine eyes but I had been. Where have you been? replied his Friend. Forsooth (said he) to learn the way. And so he told him, he had been at the burning of Austoo, where shortly after he was burned himself.

In his Letter to some Friends. — The comfort of the Holy Ghost make you able to give consolation to others, in these dangerous dayes, when Satan is let loose, but to the trial onelyonly of the chosen, when it pleaseth our God to sift his Wheat from the Chaffe. — I speak to Gods glory; my care in my great temptations was to have the senses of my soul open, to perceive the Voice of God, saying, Whosoever denieth me before men, him will I deny before my Father and his Angels: And to save the life corporal, is to lose the life eternal: and he that will not suffer with Christ, shall not reign with him. Therefore, most tender Ones, I have p. 310by Gods Spirit given over the flesh, with the fight of my soul, and the Spirit hath the victory. The flesh shall now ere it be long, leave off to sin: the Spirit shall reign eternally. I have chosen Death to confirm the Truth by me taught. What can I do more?Pag. 863. Consider with your selves, that I have done it for the confirmation of Gods Truth. Pray that I may continue to the end. The greatest part of the assault is past, I praise my God. I have in all my assaults felt the present aid of my God, I give him most hearty thanks therefore. Look not back, nor be ye ashamed of Christs Gospel, nor of the bonds I have suffered for the same. — It is no time for the loss of one man in the Battel for the Camp to turn Back. Up with mens hearts; blow down the dawbed Walls of Heresie. Let one take the Banner, and the other the Trumdet; I mean, not to make corporal resistance, but pray, and ye shall have Elias defence, and Elizeus company to fight for you. The Cause is the Lords. —My heart with pangs of death is assaulted: but I am at home yet with my God alive. Pray for me, &c. —

From Newgate Prison in haste, the day of my Condemnation. I. R.

In his Letter to the Congregation two dayes before he suffered. — Whosoever will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution; for it is given unto them not onelyonly to believe, but to suffer: and the Servant or Scholar cannot be greater then his Lord or Master; but by the same way the Head is entred, the Members must follow. — p. 311My dear soul is departing this Life to my great advantage; I make change of morality for immortality, of corruption to put on incorruption, to make my body like to the Corn cast into the ground, which except it die first it can bring forth no good fruit. — Happy are they that die in the Lord, which is to die in the Faith of Christ, professing and confessing the same before many Witnesses. — What a Journey (by Gods power) I have made these eight dayes, is above flesh and blood to bear: but (as Paul saith) I may do all things through him, who worketh in me, Iesus Christ. My course (Brethren) I have run, I have fought a good fight, the Crown of Righteousness is laid up for me, my day to receive it is not long to. Pray (Brethren) for the enemy doth yet assault. — Be not ashamed of the Gospel of the Cross, by me preached, nor of my suffering; for with my blood I affirm the same. I go before. I suffer first the baiting of the Butchers Dogs; yet I have not done what I should have done. — What was undone, impute that to frailty and ignorance, and with your love cover that which was and is naked in me. God knoweth ye are all tender to me. My heart bursteth for the love of you. Ye are not without the great Pastour of your souls, who so loveth you, that if men were not to be found (as God be praised there is no want of them) he would cause stones to minister unto you. Cast your care on that Rock, the wind of temptation shall not prevail. Past and pray; for the dayes are evil. Look up with your eyes of hope; for your redemption is not far off, (but my wickedness hath deserved that I shall not see it) and also that which is behind of the blood of our Brethren, which p. 312shall also be laid under the Altar,Pag. 864. shall cry for your relief. —

The Friday at night before Mr. Rough was taken, being in his Bed he dreamed, That he saw two of the Guard leading Cuthbert Sympson (Deacon of the said Congregation) and that he had the Book about him, wherein were written the Names of all them, that were of the Congregation. Afterwards he awaked, and having told the dream unto his Wife, after some time spent in reading, he fell asleep again, and dreamed the same dream again: and awaking, told his Wife his dream, and said, O Brother Cuthbert is gone. And whilst he was making ready for to go and see how it was with him, Mr. Sympson came into Mr. Rough's House, and brought the Book with him. Mr. Rough having told him his dream, perswaded him to carry the Book no more about with him: which he was loth to promise; because (said he) dreams are but fancies, and not to be credited. Then Mr. Rough straitly charged him in the Name of the Lord to do it. Whereupon Mr. Sympson left the Book with Mrs. Rough. And so the Congregation was preserved.

Pag. 865.The next night Mr. Rough dreamed, That he himself was forcibly carried to the Bishop, and that the Bishop pluckt off his beard, and cast it into the fire, saying these words, Now I may say, I have had a piece of an Heretick burned in my House. And so accordingly it came to pass.

Rose.

Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 933.Mr. Thomas Rose born at Exmouth in Devon, when he was first taken, was sorely stocked in Prison. The Stocks were very high and great; so that day and night he did lie with his back on the p. 313ground, upon a little straw, with his heels so high, that by means the blood was fallen from his feet, his feet were without sense for a long time.—His Mother might not be suffered to see him. — Afterwards Cranmer set him at liberty. —

When he was brought before Gardiner, Pag. 934.being taken at Bow in London with five and thirty more, Winchester told him, That he would know who were his Maintainers, or else he would make him a foot longer. My Lord (said he) you shall do as much as pleaseth God, and no more, yet the Law is in your hand; but I have God for my Maintainer, and none other.

At his second Examination the Chancellour ask'd him,Pag. 935. What he said to the real presence in the Sacrament? I wist right well (said he) you are made an instrument to seek innocent blood: Well, you may have it, if God permit, it is present, and at hand; for I came not hither to lie, but to die (if God see it good) in defence of that which I have said: Wherefore you may begin when you think good, &c. —

At his third Examination the Bishop saying, Ah Sirrah, you will admit nothing but Scripture, I see well: No truly my Lord (said he) I admit nothing but Scripture for the Regiment of the Soul; for Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God; and where the Word of God is not, there ought no belief to be given; for whatsoever is not of Faith is sin. —

Roth.

Richard Roth in his Letter to certain Brethren and Sisters condemned at Colchester, Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 848.and ready to be burned for the testimony of the Truth. — O dear Brethren and Sisters, how much have you p. 314to rejoyce in God, that he hath given you such faith to overcome this blood-thirsty Tyrant thus far? And no doubt but he that hath begun that good work in you, will fulfill it to the end. O dear Hearts in Christ, what a Crown of Glory shall ye receive with Christ in the Kingdome of God? Oh that it had been the good will of God, that I had been ready to have gone with you. I lie in my Lords Little-ease in the day, and in the night in the Cole-house alone, and we look every day when we shall be condemned; but I lie still at the Pools brink, and every man goeth in before me; but we abide patiently the Lords leisure, with many Bands, in Fetters and Stocks, by the which we have received great joy in the Lord. And now fare you well dear Brethren and Sisters in this World, but I trust to see you in the Heavens face to face. — How blessed are you in the Lord, that God hath found you worthy to suffer for his sake. — O be joyfull even unto death. Fear it not, saith Christ, for I have overcome death. — Be strong, let your hearts be of good comfort, and wait you still for the Lord. He is at hand. The Angel of the Lord pitcheth his Tent round about them that fear him, and delivereth them which way he seeth best; for our lives are in the Lords hands, and they can do nothing unto us, before God suffer them: Therefore give all thanks to God. O dear Hearts, you shall be clothed with long white Garments upon the Mount Sion, with the multitude of Saints, and with Jesus Christ our Saviour, who will never forsake us. O blessed Virgins, you have played the wise Virgins part, in that you have taken Oyl in your Vessels, that ye may go in with the Bridegroom, p. 315when he cometh, &c. but as for the foolish, they shall be shut out; because they made not themselves ready to suffer with Christ, neither go out to take up his Cross. O dear Hearts, How precious shall your death be in the sight of the Lord? for dear is the death of his Saints. O fare you well, and pray. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen, Amen. Pray, pray, pray.

By me R. R. written with mine own blood.

The Bishop asking him what he thought of his Fellow-Prisoner Ralf Allerton; He answered, That he thought him to be one of the elect Children of God; and if he were put to death for his Faith and Religion, he thought he should die a true Martyr.

The Bishop asking him how he did like the Order and Rites of the Church, then used here in England; He said, That he ever had, and then did abhor the same with all his heart.

Being perswaded to recant, and ask mercy of the Bishop: No (said he) I will not ask mercy of him, that cannot give it.

Rought.

A Suffolk man (so called) and his Wife and several others,Fox, Vol. 3. pag. 704. being rebuked for going so openly, and talking so freely: Their answer was, They acknowledged and believed, and therefore they must speak: and that the tribulation was by Gods good will and providence, and that his Judgements were right to pur… them with others for their sins: and that of very faithfulness and p. 316mercy God had caused them to be troubled bled: and that one hair of their heads should not perish before the time; but all things should work unto the best to them that love God: and that Christ Jesus was their life and onelyonly righteousness: and that onelyonly by faith in him, and for his seke all good things were freely given them, also forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting.

Rupea.

The Mirrour of Martyrs, pag. 310.You may (said Castalia Rupea) throw my body from this steep Hill, yet will my soul mount upward again. Your blasphemies more offend my soul, then your torments do my body.

Russel.

The Ecclesiastical History of Scotland, pag. 24.Ieremy Russel being apprehended in the Diocess of Glasgow in Scotland, A. 1539. and railed upon, answered, This is your hour and power of darkness. Now sit ye as Judges, and we stand wrongfully accused, and more wrongfully to be condemned; but the day shall come, when our innocence shall appear, and that ye shall see your own blindness, to your everlasting confusion. Go forward, and fulfill the measure of your iniquity.

He comforted his Fellow-Prisoner Alexander Kennedy (of whom see the second Part under K.) saying, Brother fear not, more mighty is he that is in us, then he that is in the world: the pain that we shall suffer is short, and shall be light; but our joy and consolation shall never have end: and therefore let us contend to enter in unto our Master and Saviour by the same strait way, which he hath taken before us: Death cannot destroy us; for it is destroyed already by him, for whose sake we suffer.

p. 317Rycetto.

Mr. Anthony Rycetto of Vincence being condemned to be drowned,Foo, Vol. 3. cont. pag. 44. his Son, about twelve years of age, comieg to visit him, besought him with tears to yield, and to save his life, that he might not be left fatherless. A true Christian (said his Father) is bound to forego Goods, Children, yea, and life it self, for the maintenance of Gods honour and glory.

A Captain telling him, That Francis Sega was resolved to recant: What tell you me (said he) of Sega? I will perform my vows unto the Lord my God.

A Priest presenting him with a wooden Crucifix, exhorting him to return, and to die in the favour of God, reconciling himself to the Church of Rome, the holy Spouse of Christ: But he rejected the Crucifix, and besought the Priest to come out of the snare of the Devil, to cleave to Jesus Christ, and to live, not according to the flesh, but after the Spirit. If you do otherwise (said he) assure your selves your unbelief will bring y…u into that Lake of fire, that shall never be quenched; for though y…u confess with your mouth that you know Iesus Christ, yet you not onelyonly deny him by your works, but you persecute him in his Members, being bewitched by the Pope, the open enemy of the Son of God.

As he was carrying to be drowned, because it was very cold, he called for his Cloke, which they had taken from him. Whereupon the Wherry-man said unto him, Fearest thou a little cold? What wilt thou do, when thou art cast into the Sea? Why art not thou carefull to save thy self from drowing? Dost not thou see that the poor Flea skips hither and thither, to save her life? p. 318His answer was, And I am now flying to escape eternal death.

Being arrived at the place where he was to suffer, the Captain put a Chain of Iron about his middle, with a very heavy Stone fastned thereto: Then Rycetto lifting his eyes to Heaven, said, Father forgive them; for they know not what they do. And being laid on the Planck, he said, Lord Iesus, into thy hands I commend my spirit.

FINIS.

End of the text · Thomas Mall, A Cloud of Witnesses (1665)