English Puritan & Reformed

The Godly Exhortation to His Wife and Children

John Bradford (1510-1555) · 2,134 words · 9 min

The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A29095.0001.001

Project Note

This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.

The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.

This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.

Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.

However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.

This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.

Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org

HOLY Father Bradfords Exhortation to his Children.

[illustration] [depiction of burning at stake]

〈◊〉 Description of the manner of the Murder of Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey.

Printed for T. Passenger, at the Three Bibles on London-Bridge. 1683.

The Godly Exhortation OF HOLY Father Bradford, Which he gave to his Wife, Children, and Friends, a little before his Death: Who died a Martyr for the Gospel in Q. Mary's Days. Wherein is plainly shown the Excellency of the Protestant Religion, and the Happiness of those that profess and live the same.

As also the Damnableness of the Romish Religion, with their Bloody and Rebellious Crimes laid open.

With the Relation of the Murder of that Just Justice Sir Edmund-bury Godfrey.

Revelations 6. 10.

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long Lord, Holy and True, dost thou not avenge our blood on them that dwell on the Earth.

With Allowonce.

London, Printed for T. Passenger, at the Three Bibles on London-Bridge. 1683.

An Exhortation Which a learned Father of the Church gave to his Friends and Relations a little before his Martyrdom.

The Words, or Advice of a Person departing, are generally very taking.

NO Wife so willful, no Son so stubborn, or Daughter dull, in my apprehension, but would willingly watch for the words of him that is leaving the World, more specially they would, or at least-wise should be attractive and attentive to the sententious Speeches of a sober solid suffering Servant of Jesus Christ; But although Godliness be the greatest gain, it hath few followers, because so many Fools. Persecution is the Thorn in you, ye Messengers of Satan; must Piety be punished? what a pity is it; that which is the Garland of Glory, the Gate to Heaven, should be so slighted, it increases my sorrow: But why should I be singular? Solomon saith, and what he said was true, that there is no new thing under the Sun, for since Sin entered into the World, by consequence there must be sorrow and suffering. Persecution is not only a Legacy, but is entailed on the Godly and to their Heirs, whilst Godly, so long as Sun and Moon shall endure, for all that will live Godly must suffer Persecution; Therefore my dear Friends, wonder not at the Prosperity of the Wicked, for they have only theirs here, but not hereafter; and though there be no Bonds in their Death, yet are they Curses from the Cradle, and their punishment will be perpetual.

My advise to you is, if you love me, your selves, and your Souls, strive with all your strength to secure that good part which can never be taken from you; so shall you be blest, and your Prayers be presented as sweet perfumes in the presence of him who rewardeth every Man according to his Deeds.

I who was once zealous for the Papists, have through Grace my Eyes enlightened and, see my Errors and sorrow for my simplicity, and am now ready to offer myself as a sweet Sacrifice to and for my dearest Savior.

[illustration] [depiction of Father Bradford speaking]

Father Bradford 's last Speech, or Sayings in Prison, and at the place of Execution, to his Wife and Children, and his Friends, fit to be remembered.

         GIve ear my Friends, Relations dear,
        
         whom in the Flesh I love;
        
         Of all things whatsoe'r, Sin fear,
        
         and trust in God above.

         My dying words hark well unto,
        
         let each of them conduce;
        
         And highly be esteemed by you,
        
         observe for a good use.

         Since I must suffer for the Truth
        
         in furious Flames of Fire:
        
         I you advise from lusts of Youth,
        
         you strive now to aspire.

         In these distracting times provide,
        
         and save yourselves from Sin;
        
         Your Souls securely, safely hide,
        
         beware of Satan's Ginn.

         He waits and watches to devour,
        
         it is his whole delight;
        
         To that intent each day and hour,
        
         his bait hides from your sight.

         Sit not admiring at Worlds splender,
        
         nor bear it in esteem;
        
         For in the end 'twill no more render,
        
         then doth the vainest Dream.

         Pleasures and Treasures all are vain,
        
         no comfort could I find:
        
         They nothing but distract the Brain,
        
         likewise perplex the mind.

         If that you would hark unto me,
        
         i'de learn you somewhat more;
        
         The which would profitable be,
        
         which you never heard before.

         Now therefore unto me attend,
        
         and let my dying words prevail;
        
         In that I draw unto my end,
        
         and from this World launch with fresh gall.

         In ways of Piety proceed,
        
         and fear not frowns of Popish Party;
        
         And so shall you be blest indeed,
        
         if that you love God's Laws most hearty.

         The word of God take that for Rule,
        
         there lies the Touchstone for to try;
        
         Learn therefore by no other School,
        
         that shows the faults of Popery.

         And furthermore I advise you,
        
         if that you mean your Soul to save;
        
         Never to trust that Bloody Crew,
        
         to do with them, O never have.

         If that before them you they call,
        
         to give a ransom of your Faith;
        
         Be fearful not in Judgment-Hall,
        
         but tell them thus the Scripture saith.

         And if that reason would not take place,
        
         and she persist in acts of ill;
        
         By cheerful countenance let your face
        
         declare that you your blood will spill.

         Rather than that you any way
        
         the Laws of God for to condemn;
        
         Or Heavenly Master disobey,
        
         you value not the wrath of Men.

         Fear not the furious flames of Fire,
        
         therein to broyl be well contented;
        
         Of Heavenly Honors none there's higher,
        
         of Martyrdom none e're repented.

         To seal the truth with dearest blood,
        
         flinch not nor fearful be at all;
        
         I it esteem as chiefest good,
        
         and Glory in that God doth call.

         Me unto Martyrdom that those,
        
         who love the truth and live therein;
        
         And likewise to confute my Foes,
        
         which in dark ignorance live in.

         When that unto the Stake I come,
        
         I trust that fear will take its flight;
        
         I hope converted will be some,
        
         although it be a fearful sight.

         Christians to see in fire to fry,
        
         disdaining pardons which they bring;
        
         Away with them, will then say I,
        
         I fear not Death, no, nor his Sting.

         I have a life to lose 'tis true,
        
         and I must breath in truth resign;
        
         What though it be by wicked crew,
        
         the breath I have is none of mine.

         My loving Friends, Relations who
        
         have heard these words of mine;
        
         You will likewise such a pattern show,
        
         declaring a power Divine.

         The time is short I must live in,
        
         therefore my words pray mark;
        
         Of all things fearful be of Sin,
        
         and mind God's word to hark.

         So shall you in the end attain
        
         to perfect bliss and joy;
        
         Although it be through fiercest pain,
        
         the which will seem a toy.

         When to your Masters House you come,
        
         and a Royal Throne attain;
        
         Repent you would not the work you've done,
        
         no sufferings, with great pain.

         For there all Tears are wiped away,
        
         and sorrows they are fled;
        
         No Night is there, but always day,
        
         with bliss to be bestead.

         Therefore me follow, nothing fear,
        
         disdain the Worlds grand Glory,
        
         For Gospel promises shall cheer,
        
         and mind not lying Story.

THus have you Reader, by my scant Capacity, a Catalogue of very choice Sayings and Expressions, the which you should lay up in your heart, that you may be able to lay it out in your Life, when such sad occasions shall call you to it: It is usual with the World to wonder at every thing that is not wicked; But alack poor Souls, when they shall, as I hope they will come to have a sense of their Sin, which is the cause of sufferings here and hereafter to all Eternity; I heartily wish that that word Eternity was more minded, and more made of then it is at this Day. To tell you what is minded, which you cannot but mind; the Pride of your Looks, the Pride of your Locks, the Pride of your Gate and Gesture, the Pride of your Garb and Vesture, the Pride of your outward Injoyments, the Pride of your inward Endownments, and what follows, Poverty, a punishment who hath no pity.

This good Man met with many Conflicts in the World, yet waded through the worst of them all, and is now launcht into the Ocean of Eternal bliss, the which is possible for you likewise to enjoy, following his Directions. And as they are the advise of so Grave a pattern, I hope they will not be slighted, but seriously sought for by all serious, sober, solid Servants of our Savior Jesus Christ.

A Song of these present Times, SHEWING

The bloody Villanies of the Papists, by their contriving of the ruin of the King and Kingdom: As also their bloody cruelty on the body of that worthy Knight, Sir Edmond-bury Godfrey, as is now made appear by one of that wicked Crew, affirming that two Jesuits running him into a House in the Strand, fell upon him, and with a Handkerchief choked him; 'tis reported that they laid him under the Altar the space of two days, and then conveyed him in a Coach to the place where he was found with his own Sword run into his Body: thereby thinking to Stigmatize his Name with the Infamy of slaying himself.

        HEarken my friends to what I have to say,
       
        For it relates unto this present day
       
        Wherein we live, and daily we may see
       
        The Plots and Practice of impiety.

        Therefore I you advise for to take care
       
        Of such that would entrap us in a snare:
       
        The Popish Party wicked have designed,
       
        Our ruin they most cunning have combined,

        Never to trust them I would you advise,
       
        Who wickedly 'gainst King and Country rise,
       
        And that you may behold their cruelty,
       
        The murder mind of
        
         Edmond Godfrey.

        That worthy Knight, whose Blood doth daily cry
       
        For vengeance for their grand impiety;
       
        And as they served him, so would they do,
       
        If that they could, unto the best of you.

        Their malice, wrath, and rage, indeed is such,
       
        To murder Prince with people they not grutch;
       
        How can you trust them therefore, who conspire
       
        Death of our persons, and our houses fire?

        Take my advice the which I am sure is just,
       
        And in them have no confidence or trust;
       
        but pray that God would frustrate their concealings,
       
        And bring to light their horrid wicked dealings.

        Stand up for truth, and steadfastly proclaim,
       
        That unto Death you will maintain the same,
       
        As Loyal Subjects unto
        
         Charles
        
        your King,
       
        Declare and show you are in everything.

        And for his welfare pray most zealously,
       
        That God would save him from all destiny:
       
        And with him those that love & fear his Name.
       
        And Church of Protestant preserve the same.

        Pray likewise that the Popish party may
       
        Be entrap'd in the snares the which they lay
       
        For those who wish our King & Country well,
       
        And whose demeaners us the same do tell.

        Pray for the downfall of that Man of Sin,
       
        And those likewise who have Combiners been,
       
        Against the welfare of our
        
         English
        
        Realm,
       
        And of our Sovereign sitting at the Helm.

        Loud as a Trumpet lift up voice and cry
       
        To the all-seeing God that dwells on high:
       
        For nearer never were to destiny,
       
        Then now; record it to Posterity.

        That after ages having intimation,
       
        May banish Popery from out this Nation;
       
        And as your Prayers, so let your praises be
       
        Ascribed to his gracious Majesty.

        Who hath took care to seat his Crown upon,
       
        O're hateing Popish superstition:
       
        Sure 'twas the mighty work of God indeed,
       
        That him unto so worthy act should lead.

        Great
        
         Charles
        
        thy goodness to extol and praise,
       
        We must and will, and wish thee happy days:
       
        And as we wish and pray for daily bread,
       
        So that thy Crown may flourish on thy head.

        Thus let your Prayers be pouring night & day
       
        A Remedy like this there's none I say:
       
        To blast and bring to naught such acts of evil,
       
        Which have assistance only from the Devil.

        Therefore my words to mark & mind I would
       
        And my directions follow that you should:
       
        And if that to my words you do address,
       
        Expect you may that God he will you bless.

        And save you as he hath unto this day,
       
        If that in faith you humbly to him pray;
       
        Craving of him his mercy to obtain,
       
        Whereby a Crown of Glory you may gain.

        Advised be, and choose the ways of truth,
       
        And that especially in time of youth:
       
        And so I leave you unto his protection,
       
        Who wont your suit deny, or give rejection.

FINIS.