Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny

Certain Injunctions given out in the thirtieth year of King HENRIES reign.

AGainst printing and bringing from beyond Sea any books, and offering to sell them without acquainting the King, or some of his Council first, upon pain of forfeyting their goods and chattels, and their bodies to be imprisoned at the Kings pleasure.

That there shall none argue about the Sacrament of the Altar, upon pain of death and loosing their goods, except it be the learned in Divinity, in their schools and appoy • ted places for such matters.

And that holy bread, holy water, and procession, creeping to the Cross, setting up of lights before the Corpus Christi, bearing of candles on Candlemas day, Puri •• cation of women delivered with child, off • ring of Chrisomes, keeping of the four offering days, paying their Tithes, these to be observed until the King do abrogate any of them.

Married Priests to be counted Laymen, and loose their Spiritual promotion.

That all Clergy men, should diligently in their cures, preach, and teach the people the glory of God, and the truth of his word, declaring the difference betwixt the things that God commands, and the rightes and ceremonies then used, least the people thereby grow into further superstition.

And that Thomas Becket was a tray • or and not a saint, & his Images to be plucked down in every place, and his holy days not to be kept, and that the Anthiphens, Collects and prayers to him be not read, but raced out of the books.

Launcelot, John a Painter, Giles German.

John Painter and Giles German were accused of Heresy, and whilst they were 〈◊〉 examination at London before the Bishoppe and other Judges, by chance there came one of the Kings guard one Launcelot, a tall man and of as goodly a mind, he standing by, seemed by his gesture to favor the cause and the poor men, whereupon he was appr • hended, examined, and condemned with them, and the next day at •• ue of the clock in the morning was burned in St. Giles in the fields.

Sir John Bortrucke, a Scottish Knight, his confutation, of certain Arcicles upon which he was condemned by the Cardinal and most of the Nobles and chief of Scotland.

FIrst touching the Popes Supremacy, these holy ones magnisse their Lord as common the • ues pre • err their Captains, calling them everywhere most honest men, for it is evident that none in the whole world is given to more riot, no • seeketh more greedily to all kind of delicates and wantonness, and aboundeth with all vices: as treason, murder, rapine, and all kind of such evils as He.

And where they affirm him to be Christ Uicar on earth, it shall appear, that he cannot exercise more power then other Bishops: for whereas they say Peter had power over the Apost • es, and consequently over the whole Church, the which power succeeds to the Bishop of Rome, but by the Scriptures we may easily see how 〈◊〉 they lie in the Council: in the 15. of the Acts Peter heard them speak thei • minds, received their Judgment, and followed their decree, is this to have pow • r over others, and in his first Epistle, writing to the Bishops and Pas • ors: he saith, • beseech the Bishops and Pastors which are amongst you, for so much as I my self 〈◊〉 also a Bishop and witness of the afflitions of Christ & partaker of the glory which shall be revealed, that they diligently feed the flock committed unto them: why then do they challenge the authority of S. Peter which he never acknowledged in himself? I doubt not but it Peter were here he would rebuke their madness, as Moses did Joshua which was so zealous towards him.

And in the eight of the Acts he is commanded by his fellows, To go with John to Samaria, he refused not so to do: and being the Apostles send him, they declare that they do not • ount him as their superior; and by his obedience he confesseth a fellowship with them, but no Emperor over them. But the Epistle to the Galatians putteth us sufficiently out of all doubt, whereas S. Paul proveth himself to be equal with him, and how when Peter did not faithfully execute his office, he was by him rebuked, and not obedient to his correction, all doth evidently prove, that there was equality betwixt Paul & Peter, and also that he had no mor • power ever the residue of the Apostles then over him, the which Paul doth purposely entreat of, least any should prefer Peter or John before him: wherefore I cann • t acknowledge Peter head of the Apostles, nor the Pope over other Bishops, but I acknowledge Christ the only head of the Church; And I say with S. Gregory, that whosoever calleth himself an universal Bishop, he is the fore-rider of Antichrist. And whereas they allege the high priesthood of the old law, I say the right of that high priesthood is only transported unto Christ, for this Priest-hood doth not only consist in learning but in the propitiation and mercy of God, which Christ hath fulfilled by his death, & in the intercession by the which he doth now entreat for us unto his father.

Whereas they allege out of the 16. Chapter of Matthew, Thou art Peter, and upon this rock, &c. If they do think that this was particularly spoken unto Peter, S. Cyprian and S. Augustine shall sufficiently answer them, that Christ did it not to prefer one man above the residue, but that he might set forth the unity of the Church, he saith: if this were spoken only unto Peter, the Church hath not the Keys, and if the Church have them, then Peter when he received the Keys did figurate the whole Church.

Touching their Arguments, that these words were spoken to none but Peter, this will easily be dissolved, if we know why Christ gave this name Peter to him, whose name was Simon, having respect only to the constant profession which he made of Christ, as God changed the name of Abraham from Abram, which took the name of the multitude, which should come forth of his seed: so Peter took his name of the constant confession of Christ, which indeed is the true Rocks upon which the Church is built, and not Peter, no otherwise then Abraham was not the multitude himself, whereof he took his name: and the Church if it had been built upon Peter, should have been built but upon a weak foundation, who was overcome with the words of a little wench, so constantly to deny Christ, so any man may understand how these Romish builders do wrest the scriptures to their pleasures. And when they allege out of the 20. chapter of S. John, feed my sheep, it is a childish Argument, for to feed sheep, is not to bear dominion over the whole Church: and Peter exhorts all Bishops, to feed their flocks; therefore there was no authority given unto Peter more then to others, or that Peter did equally communicate the authority which he had received unto others, and did not reserve it to himself, to be transported to the Bishops of Rome.

2 Touching pardons or indulgences: they say, that the merits of Christ, and of the Saints, Apostles and Martyrs, which they impudently affirm to have merited more at God's hands, then was needful for themselves, and there did so much superabound, that might redound unto the help of others: and they affirm, that their blood was mixed with the blood of Christ, and the treasure of the Church was compounded of them both, for the remission of sins, and that the keeping of this treasure is wholly committed to the Pope, and in his power consisteth the dispensation thereof, and that he himself may bestow these treasures, and give power to others so to do.

Hereupon riseth the pleanary indulgences and pardons, granted by the Pope, for as many years as he will by Cardinals for 100. days, they have such power, and bishops but for forty days, and nobody but Satan taught this doctrine, who would utterly extinguish the merits of Christ, which he knoweth to be the only remedy of salvation. Christ in the 17. of Luke saith; When you have done all that you are commanded, count yourselves but improfitable servants. And the 46. of Isaiah. All the merits of man's righteousness is compared to menstruous cloth: by the Scripture the corruption of our nature is so manifest, that in our most perfect works there lacketh not imperfection. The Parable of the ten Uirgines in the twenty five of Matthew, putteth this out of all controversy, where the wise virgins said, They had not sufficient oil for themselves and others.

This they ground upon the Epistle of S. Paul to the Collossians, I fulfill the afflictions of Christ which were wanting in my flesh, for his body which is the church: But Paul referreth to those afflictions wherewith the members are and shall be afflicted, so long as they live in this world, even as Christ was afflicted: and whereas S. James addeth this word, for the Church: he doth not mean for the Redemption of it, but for the edifying of the same, as in the 2. to Timothy, he saith; He suffereth for the elect sake, for by his constancy and steadfastness in troubles, he showeth he contemneth this life, in hope of a better life: whereby he doth confirm and establish the faith of the Church for great fruit, by the afflictions and martyrdom of the faithful, ariseth to the glory of God, in that they subscribe and bear witness unto the truth by their blood, and being the Popes pardons are nothing else then such as he feigneth, he is a manifest deceiver, and a Simonist in selling such merchandise as can in no place help.

Touching the marriage of Priests, it is against the word of God, & against Justice to forbid Priests to marry in the 13. to the Hebrews, The band of marriage is undefiled and honorable amongst all men: And in the 1. Cor. 7. chap. For avoiding of whoredom, let every men have his own wife: and in that they say, this is meant of others, and not of Ministers: That is disproved by the 1. Tim. 3. Chapt. Bishops and Deacons ought to be the husbands of one wife. And what can be more spoken against them herein, then in the fourth Chapter of the said Epistle; In the latter days shall come deceivers, and wicked spirits, which shall forbid to marry; they excuse themselves, that this was fulfilled in the heretics called Tatians, which did condemn matrimony, but we do only forbid Church-men to marry, but this, notwithstanding this prophesy of the holy Ghost, redoundeth upon them. They interpret S. Paul's saying, that a Bishop shall have but one Wife: That a Bishop ought not to be chosen that hath married the second Wife; but this interpretation appeareth to be false: in that he presently declareth what manner of women Bishops wives ought to be. S. Paul reckoneth matrimony amongst the principal virtues of a Priest, and these men call it in the Canons, the poluting of the fl • sh: God instituted matrimony, Christ sanctified it with his presence, and the turning water into wine, and would have it the Image of his love to the Church. They aleadge the Levitical Priests, which as often as they came to minister, were bound to be apart from their wives, & being our sacraments be more excellent then theirs, and daily used, it would be very uncomely that they should be handled by married men. The Priests of the old Law were forbidden all outward uncleanness of the fl • sh when they ministered, to signify the holiness of Christ whom they did prefigure, but our holiness cons • steth of the inward cleanness of the spirit: and S. Paul is witness, that the Apostles did both keep their wives, & carry them about with them.

3 Touching that he should say that the Scottish nation and their Clergy be altogether blinded, no man will deny that people to be blind that neither hear Christ nor his Apostles, such is the people of Scotland, in that they cal the Pope supreme head of the Church, with belongeth only to Christ, and contrary to the word, they forbid Priests to marry in the tenth of John, Christ is the door, they affirm they must enter by the Virgin Mary and S. Peter, Christ would have us worship him in Spirit and truth: The Scots build Temples and Chapels for Idols, in which they commit Fornication: In the tenth to the Hebrews, Christ, By one sacrifice, hath made those perfect forever which are sanctified: And to this effect Christ said on the Cross, It is finished, showing that by his death all Sacrifices for sin ended; yet the Scottish Church-men daily offer Christ for sins, both of them alive, and them that be dead: God commandeth not to worship any Grauen Images, the Scots fall flat to them, and offer them: Incense. Paul teacheth, that Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, satisfaction, and redemption: the Scots prefer the traditions of men before the law of God, they stablish righteousness in their own works, and Sanctification in holy water, and other outward things, and Redemption in pieces of Lead, which they buy of their great Antichrist.

Touching the possessions temporal, and jurisdiction in temporalities, in the 18. Chapter of Numbers, God said to Aaron, Thou shalt have no portion amongst thē, I am thy portion and heritage, thou and the Levites shall have all the tithes of Israel for their ministry; but what heritage is pr • uided for them I do not say but they may possess, but all temporal jurisdiction should be taken from them: when twice there rose a contention, which of Christ's disciples should be greatest: he told them they should not have dominion one over another, like the Kings of the Nations, & Christ in the 12. of Luke, answered him that desired him to devide his Brothers inheritance unto him, Who made me a Judge. And in the 8. of John, he refused to give judgment upon the Adulteress: whereby it appeareth, Christ rejected the office of a Judge, as a thing not agreeable to his office. When Moses took upon him the civil government and the priest-hood, he was commanded to resign the Priest-hood to Aaron, for it was against nature one man should suffice both charges, and as long as the face of the true Church did continue, no Priest did usurp the right of the sword. S. Ambrose saith, Emperors rather desired the Office of Priest-hood, then Priests any Empire, then sumptuous Palaces belonged to Emperors, and Churches to Priests. And S. Barnard saith, Peter could not give that which he had not, but he gave to his successors that which he had, carefulness over the Congregation, for this cause the kingdom of heaven is given unto you, why do you invade other men's bounds?

They were ignorant of all judgment that did fat with their possessions these belly-beasts, all they which do indow such filthy sinks with their revenues, they follow the steps of Jezebel, for what do they daily but bleat and bow before their Images, burning Incense, and falling flat before the altars, as the Prophets of Baal did, and if Daniel and Elias were Heretics, when they would destroy the Priests of Baal, so am I: We do but desire, that their riches wickedly bestowed upon them, might be taken from them, but Elias was more rigorous, for he cast the Prophets of Baal into the brook Kidron.

The Pope cannot make laws according to his own mind and will, and say they are spiritual, and pertain to the soul, and are necessary to eternal life: for the word of God giveth them no such authority, in the 23. of Joshua, Thou shalt not swerve from my law to the right hand, nor to the left: And in the 12. of Deuteronomy, Thou shalt neither add to, nor take from my Commandments: Therefore in the second of Malachi; The Priest shall maintain wisdom, and the law shall they require at his hands. And where he speaketh of hearing them, he putteth this condition, that they answer according to the Law of the Lord, then these are covenant-breakers, that bind the consciences of men with new laws: And in the 33. of Ezekiel, Thou shalt hear the word out of my mouth, and declare it unto my people, So he could not speak anything of himself, and God by Jeremiah, calleth it Chaff, whatsoever doth not proceed from himself: The Prophets speak nothing but the words of God, therefore they so often used these words; The word of the Lord, the burden of the Lord, the vision of the Lord, thus saith the Lord: The Apostles must not teach their own devises, but that which God commanded them. Paul in the second to the Collosians, denieth he hath any dominion over their Faith, though their Apostle. And in the •• nth to the Romans, Faith cometh by hearing the word of God, and not by hearing the dreams of the Pope: & Christ himself saith for our example, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me; to teach Ministers what to do: The power of the Church is not such, that it may teach new Doctrines, frame new Articles of Faith, and new laws, but is subject to the word of the Lord included in the same.

They defended their Constitutions by these reasons, if it were lawful to the Apostles to make a decree besides the commandment of Christ, that the people should abstain frō things offered to Idols & blood, it is lawful for their successors as oft as need requireth to do the same: but the Apostles made no new decree, but to warn them how to rule themselves amongst their Brethren, least they should abuse their liberty to the offense of others: and contrary, Peter in the same council pronounceth God to be tempted, if any yoke be laid upon the neck of the Disciples: and S. James saith, the Gentiles that are converted unto God, are not to be troubled with externe decrees, and outward Elements.

And by the 23. of Matthew, The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses Chair, whatsoever they command to observe, keep; but do not after their doings. Christ taught his Disciples, that he saw nothing in the doing of the Scribes and Pharisees to be followed, yet they should not refuse to do those things which they did teach by the word, but not what they taught of their own head.

Being accused for having the New Testament, and other Books of heresy, he called them blasphemers and Romish Swine, and their stomachs rankered, and tongues most venomous, which durst note the New Testament of heresy, as they were the greatest murderers that murdered Christ, so these men filled the measure of all other Heretics and blasphemies: how shall these Serpents and s •• cke of Uipers escape the judgment of eternal fire.

And being accused that he was so obstinate, that none of his friends could persuade him: he said he knew not why he should call them friends, which so greatly labored to convert him, nor will more esteem of them then of the Madianits, which called the Children of Israel to do sacrifices to their Idols.

Then they condemned him for an Heretic, and his goods to be forfeited, and because they could not appr • hend him, they made a picture of him and burned it, & cursed everyone that should show any entertainment, favor, or help towards him, and their goods likewise to be confiscated.

The six Articles agreed upon in the Parliament-house.

1 THe blessed Sacrament of the Altar, by the efficacy of Christ's words being spoken by the Priest, is present really under the form of Bread and Wine, the natural body and blood of Christ, conceived of the Virgin Mary, and that there remaineth no substance of bread and wine, but only the substance of Christ, God, and Man.

2 Secondly, that the Communion in both kinds are not necessary, ad salutem unto all persons: and it is to be believed, that in the flesh, under form of Bread, is the very blood; and with the blood, under form of wine, is the very flesh, as well apart as both together.

3 That Priests after orders, may not marry by the Law of God.

4 That vows of Chastity or widdowhood, by man or woman made to God, advisedly ought to be observed by the Law of God, and that it exempteth them from other liberties of Christian people which without that they might enjoy.

5 That it is meet that private masses be continued, as whereby good people ordering themselves accordingly, do receive both godly and goodly consolations and benefits, and it is agreeable to God's Law.

6 That auriculer confession is necessary to be retained and used in the Church of God.

Then they caused it to be enacted, that if any the Kings Subjects, after the 12. of July next coming, by word, writing, or any otherwise, preach, argue, or h • ld any opinion against the real presence as aforesaid, or against the Sacrament under one kind as aforesaid: they and their assistants to be condemned for heretics, and to be burned without any abjuration, and Clergy of Sanctuary to be allowed them, and all their goods and lands forfeited unto the King, as in case of high treaso: The like offense against any of the other Articles to be fellony.

The History of THOMAS CROMWELL, Earl of Essex.

THomas Cromwell became the most secret and dear Councelor unto the King, after he was made Earl of Essex: He alone through the singular dext • ritie of his wit and Council brought to pass that which no Prince or King throughout all Europe, dare or can bring to pass: For whereas Brittany was most superstitious of all Nations: he brake off and repressed all the poli • ies and malice of the Fr • ers, Mon • es and Religions, and subverted there houses throughout all the Realm; and brought the Arch-bishops, and Bishops; yea Cranmer and the Bishop of Winchester to an Order, though he were the Kings chief Councelor, preventing th • ir enterprises and complaints, specially in those things which tended to the decay of good men, which favored the Gospel, unto whom Cromwell was ever a shield against the pestiferous enterprises of Winchester, between • whom there was continual emulation both being great with the King; one much feared, th' other beloved; but Winchester seemed such a man to be borne only for the destruction of the good, and Cromwell by thy Divine providence appointed a help to preserve many, it were to tedious to declare how many good men through this man's help have been relieved; whereof a great n • mber being deprived of their patron by his fall perished, and many yet alive which are witness of these things: Jehu, the sharp punisher of superstitious Idolatry was not much unlike this man.

For this purpose this man seemed to be raised up of God, to subvert the dens of sloth and idleness, where if they had remained, the Pope could not be excluded out of England; for there was an incredible number of Monasteri • s in England: There riches and possessions were so great, that they upbraided even unto Kings and No • les beggary: and there houses were no less sumptuous, which for the most part were plucked down to the ground, and their revenues and substance the King partly converted unto his own Coffers, and partly distributed amongst his Nobility; but many repr • hend the subversion of these Abbeys & say they might have been converted to other good uses which indeed would have been good and godly, if in this Kingdom there should be continually a succession of good Princes: but if it should happen to be a King of a contrary Religion, it would have been otherwise, as we may see by the example of Queen Mary: If the Monasteries had been left standing until her superstitious days, they should have been restored again, and filled with Monks and Friars. For if the goods and possessions of the religious, being in the hands of the Dukes and Nobility, could scarce withstand the Queens power, how should the meaner sort have retained them. Wherefore no doubt God's great providence did f • resee these things in this man: Wherevpon as often as he sent any man to suppress any Monastery, he would charge them that they should subvert their houses from there foundation.

When the Pope was abolish • d out of England, and that there was diverse tumults about Religion, and it seemed good to the King to appoint a Conuo • ation to which Cromwell came, and found all the Bishop • attending his coming, and all did obeisance unto him, as to their Uicar general; and he saluted them every one in their degree, and sat down in the highest place. Then Cromwell in the name of the King, spake words to this effect.

The King thanks you • o: your diligence, the cause why he hath willed you to assemble, is that you should estab • sh certain controversies touching the state of Faith, and Christian Religion, which are now in controuersi • , not only in this Realm: but also amongst all other Nations of the world, for he willeth not that there should be any public change in this Realm of Religion, except by the consent of you and the whole Parliament, wherein you may easily perceive his profound wisdom & great leave towards you: Wherefore he desireth you in Christ's name, that leaving blindness, contentions▪ you would discuss those things amongst you which pertain to religion; and the Church having only respect unto the Scriptures, neither will he any longer suffer the Scriptures to be wrested by any one of you; neither to be oppressed with the Popes Decrees, or authority of the Doctors or Councils; neither will he allow any Doctrine grounded only upon Antiquity and Custom, having no other foundation in Scriptures, such as you call unwritten verities, you owe this duty chiefly to Christ; and next of necessity unto the Church, and yet you shall not be unrewarded at the Kings hands if he perceíue you do your duty as you ought in establishing concord in the Church: The which to bring to pass the only method is to discuss all things according to the Canons of God's word: whereunto the Kings Majesty doth exhort you, and heartily desire you: the Bishops gave thanks unto the King for his zeal unto the Church, and his exhortation worthy so Christian a Prince.

Then Bonner Bishop of London, the most earnest Champion for the Pope, defended the unwritten verities, and maintained the seven Sacraments of the Church, and others resisted him: Touching whose Arguments because there is no great matter in them, I refer thee to the Book at large, where also thou mayest see the number of Idols in England, to which in great devotion they use to go on pilgrimage unto.

At length he was apprehended and committed to the Tower, and then he was attainted by Parliament for heresy, for supporting Barns and Clarke heretics and many others; And by his authority and Letters rescued them, and delivered them out of prison, and for evulgating a great number of Books, containing heresy: and caused Books to be translated into English, comprising matter against the Sacrament of the Altar, & for commending the Books after, and that he should speak words against the King, which they would never suffer him to answer unto, which were not likely to be true, in that the King so shortly after his death, wished to have his Cromwell alive again; by reason of which Act of Parliament, the Noble Lord Cromwell was oppressed with his enemies, and condemned in the Tower: He was beheaded upon Tower Hill, where he patiently suffered the stroke of the Axe by a Butcherly miser, which very ungodlily performed the office.

The History of Thomas Barns, Thomas Garard, and William Jerome Divines.

WHen as Cromwell was dead, Gardener Bishop of Winchester, being at liberty to exercise his cruelty, it is to be wondered what troubles he raised, and least he should loose his occupation by delays: He first assaults Robert Barns, Thomas Gerrard, and William Jerome, whom he caused to be put to execution two days after Cromwell; and first of Barns Doctor of Divinity.

There was sent down a Sergeant at Arms to Cambridge, who arres •• d Doctor Barns in the Conuocation house: and they determined to make privy search for Luther's Books, and all the Germans works, but they that were suspected had word thereof, and the Books were conveyed away before they came, and he was brought to Cardinal Wolsey in Westminster: At last he spake with the Cardinal in his Chair of State, kneeling on his knees: Then said the Cardinal, What Master Doctor▪ had you not scope sufficient in the Scriptures to teach the people: but my golden shows, my pollaxes, my pillars, my golden Cushions, my crossee did so much offend you, that you made us Ridiculum caput amongst the people, we were iollily that day laughed to scorn: Verily, it was a Sermon more fitter to be preached on a Stage, then in a Pulpit: At last you said, I wore a pair of red Gloues, I should say bloody Gloues, that I should not be cold in the midst of my Ceremonies: He answered, he spake nothing but the truth, according to the Scriptures, and the old Doctors: Then he delivered the Cardinal six sheets of Paper to coroborate his saying: He receiving them said, we perceive you intend to stand to your Articles, and show your learning: Yea said Barns, by God's Grace, and your Lordships favor: He answered, such as you bear us and the Catholic Church, little favor: whether do you think it more necessary that I should have this royalty, because I represent the Kings person in all High Courts of this Realm to the terror of all rebellions, Treasons, & all the wicked members of this Common-wealth, or to be as simple as you would have us to sell these things, and giu • them to the poor, which shortly would pisse it against the walls, and pull his Majesty from his dignity: He answered, I think it necessary to be sold and given to the poor, for it is not comely for your calling, and the King is not maintained by your pomp, and pollaxes, but by God, which saith per me Reges regnant: Then the Cardinal said to Doctor Gardener, and Master Fox, Loe Master Doctors, here is the learned and wise man that you told me of: Then they kneeled and desired his Grace to be good unto them, for he would be reformable: Then said he for your sakes, and the University, we will be good unto him: Master Doctor • dost thou not know that I am legatus de latere, and that I am able to dispence with all matter in this Realm as much as the pope may: He answered, I know it: Then he bad him be ruled by him and I will do all things for thy honesty, and the honesty of the university: he thanked him, and said, he would stick to the Scriptures according to his little Talent: Then the Cardinal told him he should have his learning tried, and have the Law, and commanded him to the Tower: But Gardener and Fox, became his sureties: After he was twice brought before the Bishops, and the Abbot of Westminster, in the Chapter-house at Westminster: Then he was put to have the Council of Gardener, and Fox, and they persuaded him rather to abjure the • burn, & that he might do more in time to come, and with other persuasions, mighty in the sight of reason and foolish flesh: whereupon he abjured, and bore a faggot: the Bishop of Rochester preaching at the abjuration of him and others, stood up and declared unto the people, how many days of forgiveness of sins they had for being at that Sermon; yet he continued half a year after in prison, and then he was committed to be free prisoner in the Augustine Friers in London: when these Caterpillars and bloody beasts had undermined him, they complained on him again to my Lord Cardinal: Then he was delivered to the Friers of Northampton to be burned: Then Master Horne heard that a writ should come shortly to burn him; then he counseled him to fain himself desperate, and writ a Letter to the Cardinal, signifying that he would drown himself, and to leave his clothes there, and another Letter to the Mayor of the Town to search for him in the water, because he had a Letter written in parchment, wrapped in wax about his neck, for the Cardinal which would teach all men to beware of him: upon this they were seven days a searching for him, but he went to London in a poor man's apparel, and thence to Anwerpe to Luther, and there answered all the Bishops of the Realm, and made a Book called acta Romanorum pontificum, and another Book with a supplication to King Henry: When it was told the Cardinal he was drowned he said, perit memoria eius cum sonitu, but this lighted upon himself, for shortly after he poyso-himself.

In the beginning of the Rain of Queen Anne, he and others came again into England, and continued a faithful Preacher in the City of London, and in her Graces time well entertained and promoted; and after sent by King Henry the eight, Ambassador to the Duke of Cleaue, for the marriage of the Lady Anne of Cleaue, between the King and her; and was well accepted until Gardener came out of France: but then neither Religion nor the Queen prospered, nor Cromwell, nor the preachers: Then followed alteration in marriage until he had grafted the marriage into another stock, by the • ccasion whereof he began his bloody work. Soone after Doctor Barns, and his Brethren, were carried to the King to Hampton Court to be examined: But the King seeking means of his safety, bad him go home with Gardener, and confer with him: they not agreeing▪ Gardener sought opportunity to dispatch Barns, and the rest, as he had done by the Que • ne the Lady Anne of Cleue, and the Lord Cromwell: and he appointed them three to preach three Sermons at the Spittle, which were baits to minister just occasion of their condemnations: A hen they were sent for to Hampton Court, and from thence carried unto the Tower, and came not thence but to their deaths. Then the Protestants went beyond Sea, Priests were divorced from there Wives, certain Bishops deposed, and other good men denied Christ, and bore Faggots: then they were put to d • ath without judgment; a Papist and a Protestant were laid upon one hurdle and drawn to Smithfield: This was Winchesters devise to color his tyranny: Then Barns hid the Sheriff bear him witness he died Christianly, and Charitably, and prayed them all to pray for him, and if the dead may pray for the quick we will pray for you, so they forgave their enemies, and kissed one another, and stood hand in hand at the stake until the •• re came, and so rested in Christ.

The same day one Powell, Fetherstone, and Abel, were hanged, drawn, and quartered in the same place, for denying the Kings Supremacy, and maintaining the Kings marriage with the Lady Katherine Dowager: The reason was because as one half of the Council being Papists called upon Barns, Garet, and Jerome, to be executed: so the other part of the Council called upon these three Papists to be executed.

In this years a Boy, one Richard Mekins, but fifteen years old was burned in Smithfield, for speaking somewhat against the Sacrament of the Altar.

In like manner Richard Spencer Priest, leaving his papistry, married a Wife, and got his living by day-labor; He was burnt in Salisbury, because he was thought to hold opinion against the Sacrament, and one Andrew Hewet, was burned with him.

About this time Cardinal Poole, Brother to the Lord Mountegew, was attainted of high treason, and fled to Rome, where he was made Cardinal of Saint Mary Cosmoden, where he remained until Queen Mary's time. Stokely, Bish • p of London, and Tunstone, Bishop of Duresme writ to him, to persuade him to abandon the Supremacy of the Pope, and to conform himself to the Religion of his King, which Letter thou mayest read in the Book at large, which sufficiently proveth the Pope not to be supreme head of the Church, but because this Doctrine is as sufficiently proved in other places, I omit to abridge it.

In this year the King by the advice of his Council, sent forth a Decree for the setting up the Bible in the great volume in every parish Church in England.

This year John Porter a Taylor, a lusty young man, was by Bonner Bishop of London cast into Newgate, for reading in the Bible in Paul's Church, where he was miserably famished to death.

About this time John Longland, Bishop of Lincoln, burned two upon one day: one Thomas Barnard, and the other James Morton, the one for teaching the Lord's Prayer in Engl • sh, and the other for keeping the Epistle of Saint James in English.

In this year the Kings Majesty understanding that all Idolatry, and vain • pilgrimages were not utterly abolished within these Dominions: directed his Letters unto the Archbishop of Canterbury, for the speedy amendment of the same.

Anthony Pierson Priest, Robert Testwood singing man, Henry Finmore Taylor, and John Marbeck singing man, were burned at Windsor.

THese Articles were objected against Pierson, that he had said, Even as Christ once hanged between two thieves, so when he is holden up betwixt the Priests hands, he hangs betwixt two thieves, except the Priest sincerely preach God's word.

That he preached that Christ should not be eaten as he did hang upon the Cross • with his flesh torn, and the blood running about their mouths, but he was to be eaten this day, that we might also feed on him tomorrow, and next day, and continually, and that he was of more power after his resurrection then he was before.

That Christ sitting amongst his Disciples, commended the Scriptures unto them when he said, This is that bread, this is that body of Christ; so when he brake bread and bade them devide it amongst them, and eat it, for it was his body, and likewise the cup, saying, This is my blood; he signified to us that we should receive the Scriptures, and distribute them unto the people.

It was objected against Finmore, that he had said that the Sacrament of the Altar was but a similitude, and that if it were God he had eaten twenty God's in his life.

He condemned Testwood for jesting with the Priest when he lifted up the host, saying, Ho, take heed that he fall not.

That Marbeck with his own hands had writ notes out of certain Authors, which were repugnant to the mass and sacrament of the Altar: and that he said, The Mass was impure and defiled with much ungodliness, and it spoileth God of his honor; and that the elevation of the sacrament represents the Calves of Jeroboam, and is worse Idolatry then those were, and that therein Christ was counted a mocking-stock.

There was a fifth man named Bennet, unto whose charge it was laid that he should say, the daily Masses used in the Church were superfluous, and that it were sufficient the seventh day were kept holy. Bennet and Marbeck were pardoned by the King; the other three stoutly suffered martyrdom.

We will pass over the Priest which was hanged in the Porters lodge of Gardener Bishop of Winchester, and one Henry his servant burnt at Colchester, and one Kerby a Taylor, burnt at London, because we have no certainty of the time.

Doctor London Prebend of Windsor, and one William Simonds, which were the accusers of the foresaid five of Windsor: they went about to trouble four Gentlemen of the Kings privy Chamber, that they forced thē to plead their cause in open Court: they declared to the King what danger they were in, whereupon they themselves were called in question; being convicted of manifest perjury, they were adjudged to wear papers, signifying their perjuries, in the open market of Windsor: then they were cast in prison at London, where the said Doctor London died.

About this time was one Rogers, a Lay-man of Northfolk, burned by the Duke of Norfolk, for the true affirmation of the Sacrament: half a year after the Duke lost his eldest son, and himself was committed to prison, who then acknowledging his error, became more meek to such kind of men.

John Athee was indicted for saying, He would not believe that which the knave Priest made and Longs wife sold; meaning the Host. And when it was told him God could make it flesh and blood, he said, He might put into it a Chicks leg.

This year John Heywood was attached for treason, for denying the Kings supremacy, but he recanted, and confessed to the people, that the Pope had no more authority then other Bishops, and that the King was supreme head by the Law of God.

The destruction of Merindall and Cabriers.

IN the year 1218. as is aforesaid, God raised up one Waldo, a rich Merchant of Lions in France, which having attained perfect knowledge by the word of God, discovered the naughtiness of the Ecclesiastical Ministers, many joined themselves unto them, which were called Waldenses, and being by persecution dispersed into di • ers Countries, there were two towns remaining of their Religion in France, to wit; Merindall and Gabriers.

Certain of the chief of Merindall, were commanded to appear at the Parliament of Prouence, they would have retained Advocates to answer for them, who told them, it was not lawful for them to give council to them, because they were but Lutherans, but one told them secretly; That they should not appear before the said Court, except they were fully determined to be burned by a little fire made of Chaff, without any further judgment: for the Court had already determined the matter against them; whereupon, and because they had seen many good men served so, having no other cause of condemnation, but that they were reported to be Lutherans, for these causes they did not appear at the day appointed: whereupon, the Parliament gave out an arrest, whereby not only they of Merindal, that were appointed to appear, were condemned to be burned, as attainted of heresy and high Treason, and their goods confiscate unto the King, but also all the inhabitants of Merindall, wherein was fourscore houses to be burned, men, women, and children, & the town to be rased, and the trees cut up 500. paces round about.

A little after there was a great banquet at Ayx, at which was the president Cassane, and many Counselors and Nobles, and the Archbishop of Arles, and the Bishop of Ai • , with their Ladies and Gentlewomen: One that was the Bishop of Aixis Concubine, said, My Lord president will you not execute the arrest that is given out against the Lutherans of Merindall? And she recited the manner of it, forgetting nothing the Lord Alenson said; Gentlewoman, you have learned this of them that would have it so, or else it was given out by a Parliament of women. Then the L. of Senas said it is true, & you do not well to call the parliament a Parliament of women, he answered, he did not believe it, for it is a thing that the & • ueliest tyrants of the world, would judge most inhumane & detestable, & many of Merindal which seem to me to be very honest men: thē the gentl • woman lifting up her eyes with a great chafe, said, O that it pleased God that all Lutherans had horns growing on their foreheads. Then said my Lord Bewieu, I would all Priests harlots chattered like Pies: she said, My L. you ought not to sp • ak against our holy mother the Church; for there was never any dog that bar • ed against the cross, but he waxed mad: the Bishop of Aix laughed and clapt her on the back, saying, By my holy orders my minion, you have don me great pleasure, remember me the lesson she hath taught you. The Lord answered, I will not learn of her, nor of thee, neither honesty nor honor; for the most part of the Bishops and Priests are Adulterers, Deceiuers, Thieves, Seducers: I should not speak against the holy Church, but I speak against a flock of Wolves, Dogs, and abominable Swine. Then said the Archbishop, My L. you must give account of these words in time and place: he answered, I would it were now; for I will be bound to prove more naughtiness in Priests then I have spoken. When Christ called the Priests deceiving Hypocrites, blind Seducers, and robbers, did he them any wrong? They answered no, for the most part of them were so. Then said my Lord Bewieu, Even so is it with the Bishops and Priests; for they are such kind of men and worse. Then he said, A • ant thou Herodias, thou vnshamefacit and dishonest harlot, is it thy part to speak in this company? thou shouldst not desire the innocent blood to be shed, then she said, if I were a man I would offer you combat, to prove that I desire not to shed innocent blood, do you call the blood of these wicked men of Merendoll innocent blood? I do desire and offer with my who • e power, that such as they should be destroyed, from the greatest to the least: and to see the beginning of this work I have not been wanting to employ all my credit and frien •• ▪ and do not spare neither body nor goods to make the utter ruin and destruction of them, and to deface their memory from amongst men, I had rather meet ten di • else then one Lutheran.

After the Bishops and Clergy met again to consult about the executing of the said Arest, and they had a banket at the Bishops house of Ruda: to this banket the • ayrest and best Ladies of A • inion were invited to solace these good Prelates: after they had dined, danced, and used their pastime, they walked until supper, and as they passed the streets leading everyone a Gentlewoman upon his arm, they saw a man that sold dishonest Images to stir up the people to whoredom and knavery, and all these pictures the Bishops bought, which were as many as a Mule could carry: a little further a Book-binder had set out Bibles of lattin and french to se • l, then the Bishops said, who hath made thee so hardy to set forth these Marchandise to sell? dost not thou know these Books are forbid? the Book binder answered, is not the holy Bible as good as these goodly pictures? the Bishop of Air said, I renownce my part of Paradise if he be not a Lutheran, let him be tried what he is: then the Book-binder was carried into prison, and a company of ruffins cried, a Lutheran to the fire with him, and own struck him with his fist, another pulled him by the beard, so that he was all imbrued with blood, the morrow he was brought before the Bishops, he justified the selling of the Bibles, and said; There was no Nation but had the Bible in their own language; Will you forbid and hide that which Christ hath commanded to be published? Did not Christ give power to his Apostles, to speak all manner of tongues to the end that his Gospel might be taught to every Creature in every language? And why do you forbid this Book, a • d buy such profane painting? What cruelty is this, to take the nourishment from poor souls, but you shall gi • e account hereof, which call sweet sower, and sower sweet: you be rather the Priests of Bacchus and Venus, then Pastors of the Church: Then he was condemned to be burned the same day, and to have two Bybles hang, one before, and another behind, to signifi • the cause of his death.

The Bishops twice raised an Army at their own charges, to execute the aforesaid arrest, but their enterprises were let by one means or other: and the King hearing the confession of this Faith of Merindole, and finding that it did agree in all points to the Word of God, gave them their pardon: Some of the Bishops resort to them to get them to recant, but they proved their Religion so agreeable to the Word, that many Doctors were converted to their opinions, and confessed they never learned so much in all their time, as by hearing them: Their Children were so well taught, and they questioned and answered one another so divinely; that the Doctor • confessed, they had not heard Arguments, so well answered in the divinity Schools.

Yet notwithstanding in this year, the twelfth of April, John Miners, President of the Council of Aygues, called the Senate and read the Kings Letters▪ which the Cardinal had obtained for that purpose, and commanded them to execute the sentence: Now everywhere he had mustered men for the English Wars, but he used them for this purpose, and took up more Soldiers out of every Town, and they had aid sent them out of the Popes Dominions. First they set upon the Uillage about Merindoll, and destroyed and burned them, the Merindolins seeing their cruelty, left their houses and fled into the Woods, carrying their Children upon their Shoulders and Arms: then it was showed unto them, that Miners came with all his whole power to destroy them: then the men went away and left the women and children, with some to look to them, hoping they would show mercy to them; whom when the soldiers found, they abstained from slaughter: but when they had spoiled them of their money and victuals, they lead them away. Their purpose was to handle them more shamefully, but that they were let with a Captain of horse-men; so they left the women and drove away the booty: there were five hundred women. Miners burned Merindoll; and finding there but one young man, he • aused him to be tied to a tree, and shot in with Dagges: then he went to Cabriers, and persuaded the townsmen to open the gates, promising they should have no hurt; but when they were let in, they slew both man, woman, and child. Miners shut forty women into a • arne of straw, set it on fire and kept them in till they were all burned. The number slain within the town and without, were eight hundred: the infants that escaped their fury were baptized again of their enemies. Then they took the town of Costa and served it so, and many maids and women being lead into a Garden of the Castle they ravished them all: and when they had kept them a day and a night, they handled them so beastly, that the mayds and them with child died shortly after. In the mean time the Merindoles and diverse others that wandered in the woods and mountains, were either sent to the Gallies or were slain. Many also died for hunger: five and twenty hid themselves under a rock, and they smothered and burned them; so that no kind of cruelty was omitted: notwithstanding diverse which had escaped came to Geneva and other places near.

The persecution in Calais, with the martyrdom of George Bucket, alias Adam Damlip.

THis Adam Damlip had been a great Papist, and Chaplain to the Bishop of Rochester: he iournyed to Rome, thinking to have found all godly and sincere religion, where he found, as he confessed, such blasphemy of God, contempt of Christ's true religion, looseness of life, and abomination and filthiness, that he abhorred to tarry there any longer, although he was greatly requested by Cardinal Poole, to continue there to read three Lectures every week in his house, offering him great entertainment, which he refused; and returning home, the Cardinal gave him a French crown. And waiting at Calais for passage into England, William Stevens and Thomas Lancaster desired him to read there two or three days, and got him license of the Lord Lisle the Kings Deputy of the town, and the license of John Butler the Commissary.

When he had preached three or four times he was well liked, so that they hired him to preach there; and twenty days or more, every morning at seven of the clock, he preached learnedly and plainly the truth of the blessed Sacrament of Christ's body and blood, mightily inueighing against all Papistry, but especially against transubstantiation & the propitiatory sacrifice of the mass, declaring how popish himself was, and how by the detestable wickedness that he did see universally in Rome, he was returned and become an enemy to all Papistre. He came at last to speak against the Pageant or picture set forth of the resurrection, in Saint Nicholas his Church, that it was mere Idolatry and illusion of the French-men before Calais was English.

Then there came a commission to the Lord Deputy, the Commissary, and others, to search whether there were three Hosts lying upon a Marble stone besprinkled with blood, as was put in writing under a Bull and Pardon; and that if they found it not so, that immediately it should be pulled down, and so it was; for they breaking up a stone in the corner of the Tomb, instead of three Hosts found souldred in the Cross of Marble lying under the Sepulcher, three plain Counters, which they had pointed like unto Hosts: and above that was the tippe of a Sheeps tail, which Damlip shown to the people the next day, which was Sunday, out of the Pulpit. And after they were sent by the Lord Deputy to the King. Then the Prior of the white Friers, and one of the Lord Lisle his Chaplains, contradicted his Sermons, and caused him to be sent for to Cranmer and Stephen Gardener, and others, before whom he did so constantly defend the doctrine which he had taught, that Cranmer being yet but a Lutheran, marvelled exceedingly at it, and said, that the Scripture knew no such term of transubstantiation. Then the other Bishops threatened him, to whom he promised, the next day to deliver them all in writing which he had formerly preached in Calais. In the mean time he had secret intimation given him by Cranmer, that if he appeared the next day, he should be sure to be committed: whereupon he sent them his Faith with the arguments thereupon in writing, and he went aside into the West country.

Then the King was certified that there were many diversities of opinions in Calais, tending to the danger thereof: Whereupon Doctor Champion and M. Garnet, who after was burned, were sent over to preach to them, where he preached the same true Doctrine which Adam Damlip had done. After them, one William Smith, Curate of our Ladies Parish in Calais, preaching earnestly inuaying against Papistry and willful ignorance, exhorting them to embrace the word, and not to contemn it, least God's wrath fall upon them, which followeth the contempt of his holy word.

At length the said Lord Lisle, which was Bastard to King Edward the fourth, which maintained Damlip as before, by the enticing of his wicked wife, the Lady Honora, she being thereunto provoked by Sir Thomas Palmer, and John Rockwood▪ Esquire: these, with seven others, wrote very heinous Letters unto the King and Council, against diverse of the Town of Calais. Whereupon, diverse of them were often punished in Calais, and many of them sent for over into England, and were • orely imprisoned and punished, and had not escaped the fire, but by the Kings pardon.

The aforesaid Adam Damlip taught School about some two years in the West Country, after he was apprehended and brought unto Stephen Gardener, who committed him to the Marshalsie, where he continued two years: and for his honest behavior he was beloved of the whole house, and especially of the keeper, and he did much amongst the common sort of the prisoners in reproving vice: Then being resolved rather to loose his life, then not to suffer his talent to be used to God's glory by being detained in prison.

Wherevpon he sent an Epistle to Gardener: And then by the Bishops commandment he was had to Calais, where first he laid unto his charge heresy; but because all such offenses before such a day were pardoned by an Act of Parliament: then for the receiving of the aforesaid French Crown of Cardinal Poole, as you heard before he was condemned of Treason in Calais, cruelly put to death, being hanged, drawn and quartered: At his death Sir Raph Ellerker Knight Marshall there would not suffer him to declare his Faith or cause he died for, but bad the executioner dispatch the Knaue: and said, he would not away before he saw the Traitors heart out: but shortly after in a skirmish with the Frenchmen at Boleyn he was slain, and his enemies cut off his members, and cut the heart out of his body and so left him a terrible example of the Justice of God, upon all bloody persecutors.

The said Lord Lisley with the others as before unjustly charging them of Calais with sedition and heresy, were all shortly after either greatly out of the Kings favor, and committed unto prison, or else by desperate deaths died. I will recite but Rockwood the chief stirrer of the afflictions aforesaid, who at the last breath staring and raging cried he was damned; and being bid to ask God mercy, he cried out, All too late, for I have sought maliciously the deaths of a number of the Town, which in my heart I thought to be honest men: which words he used when thirteen were carried in Irons into England; when one told him he never saw men of such honesty so sharply corrected, and taking it so joyfully▪ Rockwood then leaping, scoffingly said, All too late: and the under Marshall suddenly fell down in the Council Chamber, and never spake.

A laboring man having heard Damplip, said, He would never believe that Priests could make the Lord's body at their pleasure: whereupon he was condemned by one Haruy a Commissary, who said he was an heretic, and should die a vile death. The poor man answered, he was no heretic, but in the faith of Christ, and said, Whereas thou sayest I shall die a vile death, thou shalt die a viler death shortly; and so it came to pass: for within half a year the said Haruy was hanged, drawn, and quartred in Calais for treason.

DODDE alias SCOT.

HEe was taken in Calais, with certain Germane books about him, and being examined thereupon, and standing constantly to the truth, he was condemned and burned there.

WILLIAM BVTTON.

HEe being a soldier of Calais, merrily asked a Papist, Whether one that were suddenly taken might not occupy one of the Popes pardons instead of a broken paper: and another question, Whether the world might better want Dogs then Popish Priests, and answered it, that if there were no Dogs, we could make no more, but if there lacked ignorant Priests, we might soon make too many of them.

There came a black Frier to Calais with the Popes pardons, who for 4. pence would deliver a soul out of Purgatory; this Button asked him, if the Pope could deliver souls out of Purgatory: the Frier said, there is no doubt of that: then he said, Why doth he not of charity deliver all the s • ules thereout? for which cau • e he was accused unto the Commissary, who chafing, called him heretic: then said Button, If the Pope can deliver souls out of Purgatory, and will not of chariti • do it, then would God the King would make me Pope, for surely I would deliver all out without money. Whereupon the Commissary made him bear a Billet, and procured his wages, which was six pence a day, to be taken from him: then he went unto the King, and declared the whole matter, who after gave him eight pence a day.

In November, after the King had subdued the Scots, and joining with the Emperor, had invaded France, and had got the Town of Boleyn, he summoned a Parliament, in which was granted him, besides subsidies of money, all Colleges, Chanteries, Free Chapels, Hospitals, Fraternities, Guilds and perpetuities of stipendary Priests to be disposed at his will and pleasure.

They being thus given to him by act of Parliament in December, the next Lent Doctor Crome preached in the Mercers Chapel: amongst other reasons to induce the people from the vain reasons of Purgatory, he said, It Trentalls and Masses could avail the souls in Purgatory, then did not the Parliament well in giving away Monasteries, Colleges, and Chanteries, which served principally to that purpose: but if the Parliament did well, as no man could deny, then it is plain that such Chanteries and private masses confer nothing to relieve them in Purgatory. This Dilemma was insoluble, but at Easter next they brought him in question for it, and so handled him, that they made him to recant, or else they would have dissolved him and his argument in the fire.

ANNE ASKEW.

AFter she had been many times examined, and she had answered so wisely, that though she had affirmed the truth of the Sacrament, yet none could touch her for her arguments by the law. Then she wrote her mind of the Sacrament, as followeth:

I perceiu • , dear friends in the Lord, that you are not yet persuaded of the truth in the Lord's Supper, because Christ saith, Take, eat, this is my body: but he giving the bread as an outward sign to be received with the mouth, he meant in perfect belief they should receive his body which should die for the people; and to think his death the only salvation of their souls. The • read and Wine were left us for a Sacramental communion of the benefit of his death; and that we should be thankful for the grace of redemption. And in the closing thereof he saith, This do in remembrance of me so often as you eat and drink; or else we should have been forgetful of that we ought to have in daily remembrance, and also been unthankfull: therefore we ought to pray to GOD for the true meaning of the Holy Ghost touching this communion; for the letter slayeth, and the spirit giveth life. In the sixth of John all is applied unto • aith: and in 1. Cor. 4. The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are everlasting: and in the third of the Hebrews, Christ ruleth over his house, whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of hope unto the end: and the dead Temple is not his house, Wherefore today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Her confession in Newgate.

CHrist took the bread, saying to his Disciples, Take, eat, this is my body which shall be broken for you, meaning his body the bread, but a sign and Sacrament: and so he said, He would break down the Temple, and in three days build it up again, signifying his body by the Temple, although there be many that cannot perceive the true meaning thereof; for the veil that Moses put ever his face before the children of Israel remaineth to this day: but when God shall take it away, then shall these blind men see. For it is plainly expressed in the History of Bell; O King, saith Daniel, be not deceived, for God will be worshipped in nothing that is made with hands of men. O what stiff-necked people are these, that will always resist the Holy Ghost, as their fathers have done. Truth is laid in prison, Luk. 21. The law is turned to wormwood, Amos 6. and there can no right judgment go forth, Isaiah 59.

Her condemnation.

THey said I was an heretic, and condemned by the law, if I would stand to my opinion; I said, touching my Faith I said and wrote to the Council, I would not deny because I knew it true: then they would know whether I would deny the Sacrament of Christ's body and blood; I answered yea: for the same Son of GOD that was borne of the blessed Virgin Mary, is now glorious in the heavens, and will come again at the last day as he went up: and that which you call your God is a piece of bread, and for more proof thereof, let it lie in a box but three months and it will be mouldy and turn to nothing that is good, therefore I am persuaded it is no God.

Then they willed me to have a Priest and then I smiled, then they asked me if it were not good, I said I would confess my faults unto God, for I was sure he would hear me with favor, and so we were condemned by the quest.

This was my belief which I wrote to the Council, that the Sacramental bread was left us to be received with thanksegiuing in the remembrance of his death, the only remedy of our so • les recovery, and thereby we also receive the whole benefit of his passion, then they would needs know whether the bread in the box were God or no, I said God is a spirit and will be worshipped in spirit and truth, then they said, will you plainly deny Christ to be in the Sacrament? I answered I believe the eternal son of God, not to dwell there, in witness whereof I recited again the history of Bell and the 7. and 17. of the Acts and the 24 of Matthew concluding I neither wish death nor fear it, God have the praise thereof with thanks, then she wr • te to the Lord Chancellor and the King but it prevailed not.

After she was sent from Newgate to the Tower, then Master Rich and one of the Council charged me upon mine obedience, to show unto them if I knew any of my Sect, I answered I knew none, they asked me of my Lady Suffolk, my Lady Sussex, my Lady Hereford, my Lady Denny, and my Lady Fitzrallins. I said if I should pronounce anything against them I am not able to prove it, they said the King was informed I could name if I would a great number of my sect, I said the King was as well deceived in that behalf as dissembled with in other matters.

Then they commanded me to show how I was maintained in the Counter, and who willed me to stick to mine opinion, I said there was none did strengthen me therein, and I was maintained in the Counter by the means of my Mayde, for she made mone unto the Prentises, and they by her did send me money, but who they were I know not.

Then they said diverse Gentlewomen gave me money, but I know not their names, then they said many Ladies sent me money, I answered, there was a man in a blew cote delivered me ten shillings and said my Lady of Hereford sent it me, and another in a Uiolet cote gave me eyght shillings, and said my Lady Denny sent it me, but I am not sure who sent it me, then they said there were of the Council which did maintain me, and I said no.

Then they put me upon the Racke and kept me there a long time, because I would not confess any Gentlewomen or Ladies on my opinion, and because I did not cry, my Lord Chancelor and Sir John Baker took pains to rack me with their own hands until I was nigh dead.

Then the Liefetennant caused me to be loosed from the rack and incontinently I swounded, and they recovered me again: after I sat two hours reasoning with my Lord Chanc • llor upon the bare flour, where with flattering words he persuaded me to leave my opinions, but God gave me grace to persevere and will do I hope, then I was brought to bed with as painful bones as ever patient Job: then my Lord Chancellor sent me word if I would leave mine opinions, I should lack nothing, if I would not I should to Newgate and be burned: I sent him word again I would die rather then break my faith,

She was borne of such a kindred, that she might have lived in great prosperity, if she would rather have followed the world then Christ: at the day of her execution she was brought into Smithfield in a chair, because she could not go on her feet by means of her torments, she was tied by the middle with a chai • e that held up her body, then Doctor Shaxton began his Sermon: Anne Askew hearing and answering again unto him, where he said well, she confirmed the same, where he iaid amiss, she said, he speaketh without book. There was at the same time three burned with her: One Nicholas Belemy a Priest of Shropshire, John Adams a Taylor, and John Lacels, Gentleman of the Court and Kings household.

Wrisley Lord Chancellor, the old Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Bedford, and the Lord Mayor: Wrisle sent Anne Askew the Kings Pardon, if she would recant: she said the came not thither to deny her Lord, and master; Then were the Letters likewise offered unto the others, who in like manner followed the constancy of the woman: Wherevpon the Mayor commanded the fire to be put unto them.

Sir George Blage of the Priuy Chamber was imprisoned, condemned, and should have been burned, but that the King pardoned him: For saying the Mass auail • th neither quick nor the dead, being asked what then it was good for, he said belike to keep a horse from stumbling.

The troubles of Katherine Parre, Henry the eight his last Wife, for the Gospel, by the means of Gardener and others.

A Yeere after the King came from Boleyn, he was informed that the Queens Katherine Parre, was much given to the reading and study of • he Scriptures; and that she had retained diverse godly learned Preachers to instruct her therein, with whom she used privately to confer, and in the afternoons one of them made collation to her: her Ladies and Gentlewomen and others disposed to hear, in which Sermons they oftentimes touched the abuses in the Church, and often she would debate with the King touching Religion, and persuade him as he had to the glory of GOD, and his eternal fame b • gunne a godly work in ban • shing that monstrous Idol of Rome, so he would purge his Church from the dregs thereof, wherein was yet great superstition: And though the King in the later end grew opp • nionate, and would not be taught nor contended withal by Argument yet towards her he refrained his accustomed manner, for never handmaid sought more to please her Mistress, then she to please his humor; and she was of such singular beauty, fau • ur, and comely personage, wherein the King was greatly delighted: but Gardener Bishop of Winchester, Wrisley Lord Chancelor, and others of the Kings Priuy Chamber, practiced her death, that they might the better stop the passage of the Gospel: and having taken away the patronesse of the professors of the truth, they might invade the remainder with fire and sword, but they du • st not speak to the King touching her, because they saw the King loved her so well.

At length the King was •• cke of a sore leg, which made him very froward, and the Queen being with him did not fail to use all occasions to moo •• him zeal • usly to proceed in the reformation of the Church: The King shown some tokens of mislike, and broke off the matter, and knit up the Arguments with gentle words, and after pl • asant talk she took her leave: The Bishop of Winchester being there; the King immediately upon her departure used these words; It is a good hearing when women become such Clerks, and much to my comfort to come in mine old age to be taught by my Wife.

Then the Bishop shown a mislike that the Queen would so much forget her self to stand in Argument with his Majesty, whose Judgment and Di • initie he extolled to his face above Princes of that and other ages, and of Doctors professed in Divinity, and that it wss unseemly for any of his Subjects to argue with him so malapertly, and that it was grievous to all his Councelors and Servants to hear the same: inferring how perilous it hath ever been for a Prince to suffer such insolent words of a Subject, who as they are bold against their Sovereigns words, so they want not will but strength to overthwart them in deeds.

Then the Religion by the Queen so stiffly maintained, did dissolve the politick govern • meant, and made the people's opinions so odious, and perilous unto the Princes estate, that they da • e aff •• me that the greatest Subject in the Land, defendeth those arguments which they do: yet he said he would not, neither durst without good warranty from his Majesty, speak his knowledge in the Queens cause, though many apparent reasons made for him: and such as his duty and zeal to his Maies • ies preservation would not license him to conceal, though the uttering thereof through her, and her faction, might be his d • struction and theres which tendered his Majesty's safety, without his Majesty would be his protector, which if he would do, he with others of his faithful Councelors, could disclose such Treasons, cloaked with heresies, that his Majesty should cas • lie perceive, how perilous a matter it is to cherish a Serpent within his own bosom, and he crept so far into the King at that time, that he and his fellows filled the Kings mistrustful mind, with such fears, that the King gave them warrant to consult together, about drawing of Articles against the Queen, wherein her life might be touched.

Then they thought it best at first to begin with such Ladies as she most esteemed, and wer • privy to all her doing, as the Lady Harbert, after Countess of Pembro • ke the Queens Sister; and the Lady Jane, and the Lady Tirwit, all of her Priuy Chamber: and to accuse them upon six Articles, and to search there Closets and Coffers, that they might find somewhat to charge the Queen, and that being found, the Que • ne should be taken and carried in a Barge by night to the Tower: of which advice the King was made privy by Gardener, and the Lord Chancelor, to which they had the Kings cons • nt, and the time and place appointed.

This purpose was so finely handled, that it grew within few days of the time appointed, and the poor Qu • ene suspected nothing, but after her accustomed manner visited the King, still ••• deal with him touching Religion as before: After the King brake the whole practice to one Doctor Wendy, one of his Physicians, telling him that he would no longer be troubled with such a Doctresse as she was, but charged him upon his life, not to utter it to any.

But it came to pass that the Bill of Articles drawn against the Queen, and subscribed with the Kings own hand, falling from the b • some of one of the Council was found of some godly person, and brought to the Queen; who seeing it, fell into a great agony and Melancholy.

The King hearing what peril of life she was in, sent his Physician unto her; and the said Doctor Wendy perceiving the matter by her words, brake with her touching the said Articles, devised against her, and gave her warning of that mischief which hanged over her head: beseeching her to be secret, and to conform her self to the Kings mind, and no doubt she should find him gracious: After the King came to her himself, unto whom after she had uttered her grief, how it was for fear his Majesty had forsaken her, he so refreshed her with comfortable words, that she began to recover.

Then she commanded her Ladies to convey away her Books which were against the Law, and then she went to the King: he courteously welcomed her, and entered into talk of Religion, seeming desirous to be resolved of the Queen of certain doubts.

The Queen perceiving to what purpose this his talk tended, your Majesty doth well know (quoth she) and I am not ignorant of what great weakness by our first Creation is allotted to us women, to be subject unto man as our head: from which head all our direction must proceed, and as God made man after his own Image, that being endued with more special gifts of perfection, might be stirred to meditate heavenly things, and obey his commandments, so he made woman of man, of whom, and by whom, she is to be commanded and governed, whose womanly weakness ought to be tolerated and aided, that by his wisdom such things as be lacking in her might be supplied: Therefore your Majesty being so excellent in ornaments of wisdom, and I so much inferior in all respects of Nature: Why doth your Majesty in such defuse causes of Religion require my Judgment, which when I have uttered & said, what I can, yet I must and will refer my Judgment in this and all causes to your Majesty's wisdom, as my only Anker, supreme head, and the governor here in earth next unto God.

Not so by Saint Mary said the King, you are become a Doctor late to instruct us.

She answered, your Majesty hath much mistaken me, who have ever thought it preposterous for the woman to instruct her husband, but rather to learn of him; and where I have been bold to hold talk with your Majesty, wherein there hath seemed some difference in opinion, I have not done it to maintain opinion, but to minister talk that your Majesty might with less grief pass the pain of your infirmity, being attentive to your talk, and that I might receive some profit by your Majesty's learned Discourse: wherein I have not missed any part of my desire, always referring myself in such matters to your Majesty.

• hen said the King▪ tendeth your Argument to no worse end, then we are now as perfect friends as euere we were, and he embraced her, and kissed her; saying it did him more good to hear these words, then if he had heard news of a hundred thousand pound fallen to him.

On the day that was appointed for the aforesaid Tragedy: the King went into his Garden, whether the Queen being sent for came, only the three Ladies above named waiting on her; with whom the King was as pleasant as ever he was in his life: In the midst of his mirth the hour appointed being come, the Lord Chancelor cometh into the Garden, with forty of the Kings guard at his he • les, with purpose to take the Queen with the three Ladies to the the Tower, whom the King sternely beholding, called him to him, who on his knees whispered to the King: the King called him knave, arrant knave, and beastly fool, and commanded him to auant out of his presence; which words the Queen heard, though they were low spoken: then he departed with his train, the whole mould of his device broken.

The Queen seeing the King so cha • ed, spoke for the Lord Chancellor: Ah poor soul quoth he, thou little knowest how evil he deserveth this grace at thy hands, he hath been towards thee sweet heart an arrant knave, and so let him go.

If King Henry had lived, he and the French King had been at this point, within half a year after to have changed the Mass in both their Realms into a Communion, as we now use it, and also utterly to have extirped the Popes usurped power; out of both their Realms: and they meant to exhort the Emperor to do the like in Flanders, and his other countries, or else to break off from him: and herein quoth the Archbishop Cranmer, the King willed me to pen a form thereof to be sent to the French King, but that it was letten by the death of King Henry.

When the Bishops had brought ANNE ASKEW and her fellow Martyrs to death, being now in their triumph, as the Pharisees were when they had killed Christ: they devised how to ever read the truth forever: whereupon they made a strait Proc • amation authorised by the Kings 〈◊〉 for abolishing of the Scripture, and all other English Books which mi • ht g •• e light to the setting forth of God's Word, and the grace of the Gospel, which thou mayest see in the Book at large, which no doubt had done much hurt in the Church amongst the godly, in bringing them to danger, or keeping 〈◊〉 in blindness, had not the shortness of the Kings days stopped the malignant purposes of the Pr • lat • s, causing the King to leave that to the people by his death, which by his life he would not grant, for within four months after the proclamation, he deceased the eight and thirty year of his reign.

The History touching the Persecutions in Scotland: Dean, Thomas Forret.

THis Dean, Thomas Forret, preached every Sunday in his parish upon the Epistle and Gospel, which was novel • y in Scotland to see any preach but the Black Fri • r, or the Gray. Wherefore the Friers envied him, and accused him to the Bishop of Donkelden as an heretic, which shown the mysteries of the Scripture unto the vulgar people, to make the Clergy detestable: The Bishop sending for him said: my Joy, Dean Thomas, I leave you well, • am informed you preach the Epistle and Gospel every Sunday, and that you take not the Cow for mortuarie, nor the upper Cloth for Crisome of your parishioners, which is very prejudicial to the Church men: My joy Dean Thomas, take your Cow and your upper Cloth, and preach not every Sunday, for in so doing, you will make the people think we should preach likewise: But when you find a good Epistle or a good Gospel that setteth forth the l • bertie of the Church, preach that and let the rest be.

Thomas answered, my parishioners pay me my dueti • s willingly, and w • e agree well: and where your Lordship saith it is too much • o preach every Sunday, I think it too little: and also would wish that your Lordship would do the like: nay, nay, we are not ordained to preach M. Forret: and where your Lordship speaketh of a good and an evil Epistle, I could never find none but good.

Then spake my Lord, I thank God I never knew what the Old & New Testament meant: (Wherevpon, grew a proverb, you are like the Bishop of Dunkelden, that kn • w neither new nor old Law) therefore said the Bishop, I will know nothing but my portous, and my pontifical: if you forgo not these fantasies you shall repent it. Thomas said, my cause is just before God, and I pass not what followeth thereon.

After he was summoned by the Cardinal of Saint Andrew's, and the said Bishop of Dunkelden, and with him were summoned Frier John Kellow, Frier Beuarage, Duncane Simson Priest: Robert Foster, a Gentleman, with three or four other men of Striueling, who at thei • day of apparance were condemned to death without any place of recantation, because they were chief heretics, and teachers of heresies: and because many of them were at the marriage of the Priest of Twybody, and eat flesh in Lent at their Bridall, and they were all together burn • d upon the Castle Hill of Edenbrough, where they comforted one another merueilously.

The Persecution of certain in the town of Perth.

THere was an Act of Parliament in the government of the Earl of Arrai, giving privilege to read the scriptures in their mother tongue, but secluding all conference thereof, whereby y ^• eyes of the elect of God, were opened to see the true • h, and abhor Papistical abominations, at which time Friar Spencer preached, that Prayers made to Saints were necessary, and without it no hope of salvation: Then Robert Lamb, a Burgess of Perth, accused him op • nl • in the Church of erroneous Doctrine, and adjured him in God's name to utter the truth, whereupon trouble and tumul • of people arose, so that the said Robert with great danger of his life escaped, even the Women addressed themselves to great cruelty against him.

Shortly after the Cardinal and the Earl of Argile sat about the matter, before these persons were brought; Robert Lamb, William Anderson, James Hunter, James Rauelson, James Fouleson, and Hellen Sirke his Wife, and the next day were condemned to death by an Assize, for violating the foresaid Act of Parliment by conferring together of the Scripture, and for that the said Robert Lamb, William Anderson, and James Raueleson, hanged the Image of Saint Francis in a cord, nailing Rammes horns to his head, and a Cowes rump to his ta • le, and for eating a Goose of Alhollow Eve: and James Hunter for keeping company with th • m: He • len Sirke, for saying Mary merited not by works to be the Mother of Christ, and to be preferred before other Women, but God's free mercy • xalted her to that estate: John Raueleson for setting up in his house a triple Crown of Saint Peter, which the Cardina • l took to be done in mockage of his Card • nals ha • .

At the place of execution Robert Lamb exhorted the people to fear God, and to leave the leaven of Papistical abominations, and prophesied of the ruin of the Cardinal, which after came to pass: and comforting one another, that they should sup together in the Kingdom of heaven. The Woman desired to die with her Husband, but was not suffered, then she kissed him, saying; We have lived together joyful days, but this day is most joyful, because we must have joy forever. I will not bid you God night, for we shall all this night meet with joy in heaven.

The condemnation of GEORGE WISHARD Gentleman, and his Articles before the Cardinal of Scotland, and others.

1 TOuching Preaching when he was forbidden, he answered; I have read in the Acts of the Apostles, that it is not lawful to desist from preaching the Gospel for menaces of men, therefore it is written, we must rather obey God then men, and I believe that the Lord will turn your cursings of me unto blessings: and as in the second of Malachi; I will curse your blessings, & bless • your cursings.

2 He affirmed the moving of the body outward of the Priest at Mass, without the inward moving of the heart, is but the playing of an ape, and not the serving of God, who must be honored in spirit and verity.

3 That auriculer confession hath no promise of the Evangel, and therefore it cannot be a Sacrament, but there are many testimonies of confession made to God.

4 As none will make merchandise with one of a strange Language, except that he do understand the promise made by the Stranger: So I would that we understood what we promise in the Name of the Infant to GOD in Baptism: then said one Bleiter a Chaplain; The • hast the Devil and Spirit of error: then said a Child, the Devil cannot speak such words as he doth.

5 The lawful use of the Sacraments is most acceptable unto God, but the great abuse is very detestable unto him: I once met with a Jew as I was sailing on the Sea, I inquired of him what was the cause of his pertinency, that he did not believe the true Messias was come, being that he saw the prophesies of him fulfilled, and the Prophesies and the Scepter of Judah was likewise take • n away: He answered me; When the Messias cometh, he shall restore all things, and he shall not abrogate the Law given unto our forefathers as ye do: for we see the poor almost ready to perish for hunger amongst you, and you pity them not, and amongst us Jews, though we are poor, there are no beggars found.

And it is forbidden by the Law, to fain an Image of anything in Heaven or Earth, but only to honor God, but your Churches are full of Idols, and ye adore a piece of Bread baked upon the ashes, and that it is your God, then the Bishops shook their heads, and spitted on the earth.

6 He reproved coniurings and exorcisms of holy Water, and said that they were contrary to God's word.

7 Saint Peter saith, God hath made us Kings and Priests: and again, he hath made us a kinglie Priest-hood; therefore I affirm, that any man cunning in the Word of GOD, and the Faith of Christ, he hath power from God, by the Word of God to bind and lose: and a man that is not conversant in God's Word, nor constant in Faith, what estate or order soever he be of, hath no power to bind or lose, being he wanteth the word of God, the instrument to bind and lose with.

8 Touching freewill, he said; as many as firmly believe in Christ, have liberty, as in the 8. of John, If the Son make you free, then verily shall you be free, but as many as believe not in Christ, are bond servants of sin, he that sinneth is bond to sin.

9 Touching praying to Saints, he said; it is certain in Scripture, that we should worship and honor one God, but for honoring of Saints it is doubtful, whether they hear our invocation made to them; therefore I exhort all men, that they would leave the unsure way, and follow that way which our Master Christ taught us: He is our only Mediator, and maketh intercession for us; he is the door, he that entereth not in by this door, but climbeth in another way, is a Thief and a Murderer; he is the verity and life, he that goeth out of this way, is fallen into the mire.

10 Touching Purgatory, he never found any place of Scripture appliable thereto: then he said to Master John Lander his accuser, if you have any testimony of Scripture, by which you can prove such a place, show it before this Auditory: but he had not a word to say for himself.

11 Touching the Uowes of the religious, he said; some be gelded by nature, and some are gelded of men, and some are chaste for the Kingdom of Christ: these are blessed, but as many as have not the gift of chastity▪ neither have overcome the lusts of the Flesh for the Gospel, and yet vow chastity, you have experience (though I hold my peace) to what inconvenience they have vowed themselves, whereat they were angry, thinking better to have ten Concubines then one Wife.

12 Touching general Councils, he said he would believe them no further the • they agreed with the word of God: then one John Graysend bad John Landers hast to read the rest of the Articles, and not to • arry for his answer, for we may not abide them (quoth he) no more, then the Devil may abide the sign of the Cross.

Then the Cardinal and Bishops pronounced their sentence▪ definitive against him, and as he went to execution, two Friars said to him; pray to our Lady, that she may be a mediatrix for you to her Son: to whom he said, Tempt me not my Brethren: when he came to the fire, he said thrice upon his knees, O thou Father of heaven I commend my spirit into thy hands, O thou sweet Savior of the world, have mercy on me.

Then he said, I beseech you Christian Brethren and Sisters be not offended in the word of God, for the torments you see prepared for me, but love the word, and suffer for it, it being your salvation and everlasting comfort, and pray them that have heard me, that they leave not off the Word of GOD, which I taught them for no persecutions: for my Doctrine was no Wives Fables, after the Constitutions of men. If I had taught men's Doctrine, I had gotten great thanks, but I suffer this for teaching the Gospel, and I do it gladly: consider my visage, you shall not see me change my color for fear of this grim fire, and so I pray you for to do, if any persecution come unto you for the words sake: some have said of me, that I taught that the soul of man should sleep until the day of Iudgem • nt, but I know surely my Soul shall sup with my Savior Christ this night within this six hours. I beseech you exhort your Prelates to the learning of the Word of GOD, that they may be ashamed to do evil, and learn to do good, and if they will not convert from their wicked errors, the wrath of GOD shall hastily come upon them: then the Hang-man asked him foregiuenesse, and he kissed him and said; My heart do thine office, I forgive thee, then he was hanged by the middle and neck, and burned: the people pitiously mourned for his great torments.

Within two months after the martyrdom of this blessed man, George Wisehard, David Beaton, the bloody Archbishop and Cardinal of Scotland, was by the just judgment of God • lain by one Lech, and other Gentlemen, who suddenly brake into his Castle upon him, and murdered him in his bed, crying out, alas slay me not, I am a Priest: and so like a Butcher he lived and eyed, and he lay seven months unburied, and at last like a Carion was buried in a dunghill.

ADAM WALLACE in Scotland.

IN the year one thousand five hundred forty nine, John Hamelton was made Archbishop of S. Andrew's and Cardinal, not inferior to his Predecessor in cruelty: in the next year he condemned Adam Wallace, and one Feane, for these Articles following.

1 That the Bread and Wine on the Altar, are not the body and blood of Jesus Christ after consecration.

2 That the Mass hath no ground in the word of God, and is very Idolatry and abhominable in the sight of God.

3 That the God which they worship, is but Bread sown of Corn, growing out of the Earth, baked of men's hands, and nothing else: Then he was asked whether he would recant; He said he had answered nothing but that which agreed with the Word of God, so GOD judge him and his conscience, wherein he would abide unto death, and if you condeme me for holding God's Word, my innocent blood shall be required at your hands, then they gave forth sentence against him: the night after he spent in singing and lauding God, having learned the Psalter of David without book, being besides the fire, he lifted by his eyes three or four times, and said to the people; Let it not offend you that I suffer death for the truth, for the Disciple is not above his Master: then he said; They will not let me speak, so the • ire was lighted, and he departed to God constantly.

A schism in Scotland for the Pater-noster.

ONe Richard Marshall preached at S. Andrew's, that the Pater-noster should be said only to God, and not to Saints: the Friars had great indignation, that their old Doctrine should be repugned, and stirred up Toittis a Gray-Friar to preach against it, who preached the Lord's Prayer might be offered to Saints, b • cause every Petition therein appertained to them, as we call an old man Father, much more may we call Saints our Father, and because they are in Heau • n, we may say our Father which art in Heaven, and because they are holy, we may make their Names holy, and say hallowed be thy Name; and because the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs by possession, we may say to everyone of them thy Kingdom come; and because their will is God's will, we may say, thy will be done to any of them: but he confessed, Saints had no power to give us our daily bread, but that they should pray to God to give it unto us, and so he glosed the rest to the end: and he affirmed, that Paul's Napkin and Peters shadow, did miracle • , and Eliseus Cloake divided the Waters, attributing nothing to the power of God.

Upon this there was a dangerous Schism in Scotland; some affirming one thing, and some another: Whereupon rose this Prouerb; To whom say you your Pater-noster, and the people called the Friar, Friar Pater-noster, so that for very shame he left the Town. At length there was a disputation about it at the University: The Popish Doctors affirmed, it should be said to GOD formaliter, and to Saints materialiter; others Vltime & non vltime, Others, that it should be said to GOD principaliter, and to Saints minus principaliter: Others, that it should be said to God primarily, and to Saints secondarily; Others, to God it should be Capiendo strict; and to God Capiendo large: by which subtle Sophistry, the people were more doubtful then before.

The Doctors said, because Christ, who made the Pater-noster, never came into Britta • ne▪ and so understood not the English tongue; therefore the Doctors concluded it should be said in Latin.

WALTER MILL.

AMongst the rest of the Martyrs of Scotland the constancy of Walter Mill, is not to be passed in silence, out of whose Ashes sprang thousands of his opinion▪ who chose rather to die, then to be any longer over-trodden with the cru •• l, beastly, and ignorant Bishops, Abbots, Monks, and Friars: and scone after his Martyrdom, the Congregation began to debate true Religion against the Papists.

He climbing up into a Pulpet to be examined before the Bishops, they seeing him so weak, partly by age, and partly travel, and evil intreatment, that he could not climb up without help: they thought they should not have heard him, but when he spake he made the Church sound with great stoutness, that the Christions rejoiced, and the Adversaries were ashamed: At first he kneeling, praying long, and was commanded to rise and answer his Articles, calling him Sir Walter Mill, He said, he ought to obey God more then Men, and where you call me Sir Walter, call me Walter; for I have been over long one of the Popes Knights.

When sentence was pronounced, and he to be delivered to the temporal Judge, his constancy so moved the hearts of many, that the Prouost of the Town Patrick Learmond, though he were Steward of the Bishops regalitie, refused to be his temporal Judge: and the Bishops Chamberlain being therewith charged, would not take upon him so ungodly an office: the Bishops servants could get never a cord in the whole town for money to tie him to the stake withal, nor a Tarre barrel to burn him when he came to the stake. He said to Oliphant, Put me up with thy hands, and take part in putting me to death, for by God's law I am forbidden to lay hands on myself. Then he put him up with his hands; and he ascended gladly, saying, Introibo ad altare Dei, and desired he might speak to the people, which was denied him, they saying he had spoken too much already. Then some of the young men committed the burners, and the Bishops their Masters to the Devil, and bade him speak what he pleased.

Then after he had prayed, standing upon the coals, said, I die only for the defense of the faith of Christ, for the which the faithful Martyrs have offered themselves gladly before, being assured after the death of their bodies of eternal felicity. And I praise God he hath called me of his mercy, amongst the rest of his servants, to seal up his truth with my life; therefore as you will escape eternal death, be not seduced with the lies of Priests, Monks, Friers, and the rest of that Sect, but depend only upon the death of Jesus Christ and his mercy, that you may in the time to come be delivered from condemnation. All the while the multitude greatly mourned, perceiving his mighty patience, constancy and boldness; whereby their hearts were so much enkindled and inflamed, that he was the last Martyr that died in Scotland ever after for religion.

After this by God's just judgment, in the same place where Walter Mill was burned, the Images of the great Church of the Abbey, which passed in number and costlines, were burned in time of reformation.

Here followeth in the book of Martyrs the names of diverse which were omitted by him in King Henry the eighth his time, and an instrument of the Popes definitive sentence against Henry the eighth for his diuorse with Katharine Dowager, and the instrument of the Bull of Pope Leo against Martin Luther, and his answer to it; in which for brevity sake I leave thee to the book at large if thou be disposed to see them, and also the last Will and Testament of King Henry, and the manner of his death.

A Story of certain Friers in France in the City of Orleans in the year 1534.

THe Mayors wife of the City provided in her Will that she should be buried without any pomp or solemnity: for the Bell did use to warn everyone to pray for the dead corps; and when it is carried forth all or the most part of the begging Friers go before it with Torches and Tapers, and the more pomp is used, the greater is the concourse of people; but this woman would none of this gears, the which burial of hers, her husband performed according as she required in her Will.

Then one Colman and Stephen Arras Doctors of Divinity: and the first a Coniurer, set a young man, which was a novice, over the Uault of the Church, and when they came according to their use to Mattins at mid-night, he made a wonderful noise and shrieking: then this Colman went to crossing and conjuring, but the other above would not speak; and being charged to make a sign whether he were a dumb spirit or no, he ratled and made a great noise again.

Then they told some of the chiefest of the City what a heavy chance had happened, and entreated them to come to their service at night. When they were there, and the service begun, he aloft made a great noise: being demanded what he would, he made signs he could not speak: then he was commanded to answer Intergatories by signs, and when any question was asked he struck upon the Table so that he might be heard: then he was demanded whether he was any that were buried there; then they reckoned up diverse, and at last the Mayors wife: here he made a sign that he was the spirit of that woman; then he was asked whether he was damned for Covetousness, Pride, Lecherie, or not doing works of Charity, or else for Lutheranism; then by striking twice or thrice upon the Table gave them to understand that Luther's heresy was the cause of her damnation: and being asked whether the body buried in holy ground should be digged up and carried • hence, he made signs it should be so: then the Friers desired the Citizens to set their hands to a writing, testifying that which they had seen, but for fear of the Mayor, they refused to subscribe: then the Friers took the Pixe, with the Host, and the Lord's body, and all the relics of Saints, and carried them to another place, and there they said their masses: then the official came thither, and would fain have seen the spirit conjured, and one should go into the vault and see if any spirit appeared: but he could not get them to disturb the spirit anymore.

• Then the Mayor informed the King of the whole matter, and the King sent certain to know whether it were so, or no: then they put the d • ers thereof into several Prisons, and examined them apart, and a great while they would confess nothing: at length, the Judges promising the novice that he should have no harm, nor come no more into the Friars hands, he declared to them the whole matter in order: whereupon they were committed to Orleans to prison. And it was certainly reported, that the King would have plucked down the House: but even at the same time chanced a persecution against the Lutherans, and they feared the punishment of these men should have been a reproach unto the Order, and a cause of much rejoicing to the Lutherans. These were Francis • an Friars.

A Story of certain Monks of Sueuia.

GVnrame, a noble Baron, in the year 1130. built an Abbey in Sueuia, called Salmesuille, of Cistercian Monks. Amongst many Benefactors to the said House, the Earls of Montfort had bestowed upon that Monastery many new Liberties and Privileges, upon condition, that they should receive with free hospitality any stranger, Horse-man or Foot-man, for one night: but this hospitality did not long continue, through a subtle devise of one of the Monks, who would counterfeit the Devil, rattling and raging in chains at the lodgings where the strangers should lie: and so continued this a long space. At length, an Earl of the house of Montfort was lodged at the Monastery: when the Earl was at his rest, in the night the Monk, after his wonted manner, began to play the Devil, roaring, thundering, spitting of fire, and making a noise: the Earl hearing thereof, took a good heart, and taking his sword, slew the Monk. And thus the Devil of the Abbey was conjured, which stopped the guests from coming to the House. Who lift to see more and worse pranks of Friers and Monks, played in their Houses & Cloisters, let them resort to the Epistle of Erasmus, and he shall find enough to infect the air.

JOHN BROWNE, a blessed Martyr, burned at Ashford in the second year of Henry the eighth, Anno 1511.

THe said John Brown passing to Graues-end in a Barge, a Priest began to swell and stomach that he should sit so near him, at length said, Doest thou know who I am, thou fittest so near me and upon my clothes? No sir, said the other. I tell you, said he, I am a Priest. What sir, are you a Parson or Uicar, or some Ladies Chaplain? No, said he, I sing for a Soul. I pray you, said the other, where find you the Soul when you go to Mass? I cannot tell, said he. I pray where do you leave it when you have done Mass? I know not; said the Priest. How then, said the other, can you save the Soul? I perceive thou art an Heretic, said the Priest. Within three days after, by virtue of a Warrant • rom the Archbishop, with a Baylife and two of the Bishops men, they came suddenly into the house of the said Brown, as he was carrying a dish of meat to his guests (for his wife was that day Churched) they laid hands on him, and carried him to Canterbury, where they kept him forty days: in which time he was so pitifully entreated by Warram the Archbishop, and Fisher Bishop of Rochester, that he was set bare-footed upon hot burning coals, to make him deny his Faith; which he bare patiently, and continued in maintaining the Lord's quarrel unremoveable: then he was sent to Ashford, where he dwelt, the next day to be burned: where he was set in the Stocks all night; his wife sat all the while by him, to whom he declared the whole Tragedie of his handling: how they burned his • e • t to the bones, that he could not set them to the ground, to make him deny his Lord here: which if I should have done, he would deny me hereafter; therefore good wife, continue as thou hast begun, and bring up thy children in the fear of God: where the next day he was burned. This John Brown bare a Faggot seven years before this, whose son • , named Richard Brown▪ for the like cause of Religion, was imprisoned at Canterbury in the later time of Queen Marie, and should have been burned, with two more: but the next day after Queen Marie died, and they escaped by the Proclamation of Queen • Elizabeth.

THOMAS DOBBE.

THis man, in the beginning of King Edwards Rain, coming from S. John's College in Cambridge to London, as he passed through Paul's Church, there was a Priest at Mass at the South side of the Church: being at the elevation, this young man, replete with godly zeal, pitying the ignorance and Idolatry of the people, in honoring that which the Priest lifted up, he exhorted the people not to honor that visible bread as God, which was neither God nor ordained of God to be honored; wherefore he was apprehended by the Mayor, and accused to the Bishop of Canterbury, and was committed to the Counter in Bread-street, where shortly falling sick, he died; whose pardon was obtained of the Lord Protector, if he had lived.

JOHN HVNNE.

IN the first year of the Kings raig • e one Master Lewnax of Wresell and his wife, sent this John Hunne their servant, unto the Bishop of Canterbury for denying the flesh and blood of Christ to be really in the Sacrament of the Altar, and saying he would never veil his Hatte to it if he should be burned for it: and that if he should hear mass he should be damned. But because I find nothing done therein, I leave it.

When this godly young Prince was peaceably established in his Kingdom, and had a godly, wise, and zealous Council about him, especially the Duke of Sommerset, he earnestly desired the advancement of the true honor of God, and planting of sincere Religion, and the s • ppressing of all Idolatry, Superstition, and hypocrisy throughout his Dominions: Following the good example of the good King Josiah, and being he found most of his Laws repugnant to his zealous enterprise: He by the advice of his wise and Honorable Council, of his own regal authority, did prosecute his godly purpose, until by consent of the whole estate of Parliament he might establish, a more free and uniform order, and those certain wi • e, learned, and discreet personages for Commissioners, generally to visit all the Bishoprics of this Realm, to understand and redress the abuses of the same: and divided them into several companies, and assigned them several Dioceses to be visited, appointing to every company, one or two godly Preachers which should preach to the people at every Sessions, the true Doctrine of the Gospel of Christ, and exhort them to all love and obedience of the same: and earnestly dehort them from their old superstition, and wonted Idolatry: and that they might the more orderly be directed in this their Commission, there were delivered unto them certain injunctions, and Ecclestasticall orders drawn out by the Kings learned Council, the which they should both inquire of, and also command in his Majesty's behalf, to be thenceforth observed of every person to whom they did severally appertain within their several circuits: the which Injunctions if thou beest disposed for to read, I leave thee for brevity to the Book at large.

Now during the time the Commissioners were in their circuits, about diligent execution of their godly and zealous orders of the King and Council, de • iring a further reformation, as well in Ecclesiastical as in Civil government, appointed a Parliament to be summoned on the fourth of November, in the first year of his reign, which continued until the twenty four day of December then next following.

Whereby he caused to be enacted, that all Acts of Parliaments and Statutes, touching, menci • ning, or any wise concerning Religion, or opinions, to wit; the Statute of the first year of Richard the second, and the statute made in the second year of the reign of Henry the fifth, and the statute mad • in the fifteenth year of the reign of Henry the eight, concerning the punishments and reformation of Heretics and Lolards: and the six Articles made in the thirty one year of Henry the eight, and the statute made in the thirty three year of Henry the eight, against the books of the old and New Testament in English, and the printing and uttering of English or books writings, and preaching the Scriptures, an another Statute in the 35. year of Henry the eyght touching the qualification of the Stat • te of six Articles, and a • l and every other Act or Acts of Parliament concerning Doctrine or matters of Religion, should from thenceforth be repealed and of none effect, by occasion whereof all his godly subjects abiding within the Realm had free liber • y to profess the gospel, and those beyond Sea wer not only licensed to ret • rne home but encouraged boldly and faithfully to travel in their calling, so that God was much glorified and the people edified.

And in this Parliament it was enacted, that the Sacrament should be ministered in both kind, and letters missiue were sent fr • m the Council to the Bishops of the Realm, concerning the communion to be ministered in both kinds, and from Bishop to Bishop, as thou mayest see in the book at large.

Another Parliament was assembled in the second year of his Rain, beginning upon the forth day of November 1548. continuing until the 14. day of March, wherein a book in English entitled the Book of Common prayer and administration of the Sacraments and other Rightes and Ceremonies of the Church, after the use of the Church of England, was concluded upon by the Clergy, which his highness receiving with great comfort, did exhibi •• it unto the Lord's and Commons of the Parliament, who for the honor of God and great quietness which by the grace of God should ensue upon that one uniform right and order in such Common prayer, rites and externe Ceremonies to be used throughout England, Wales, Calais and the Marches of the same, authorise • the said Book by Act of Parliament, and set great penalty upon them that woe • ld be disobe • ient thereto, as is to be seen in the book at large.

A • so the marriage of Priests was authorized by the said Parliament by these proceedings, and the Injunctions, which thou mayest see in the book at large: thou mayest well perceive the great zeal of the King and the Lord Protector, in reformation of t • ue Religion, and also the lingering slackness on the other side of others, especially of the Bishops and old Popish Curates, by whose cloaked contempt and willful winking, the Book of Common prayers was long after the publishing thereof very irreverently used throughout many places of this Realm, which when the King by diverse complaints understood, he wrote speedily to all the Bishope of the Realm for the speedy redress thereof: and because Bonner was one of the backwardest, he was peremtor • lie admonished under pain of deprivation to preach the next Sunday three weeks after the date there of at Paul's Cross, none but such Doctrine as was appointed him in the said Iniuntion, and should preach the same Doctrines every quarter of a year yearly, • f sickness or some reasonable cause did not let.

Secondly, you yourself in person, shall from henceforth celebrate the Communion at the high Altar in Paul's every such days as your Predecessors were wont to sing Mass.

The Popish Priests grudging and mourning to see their old Pop • sh Church of Rome to decay, ceased not by all subtle and sinister means; first under God's name and the Kings, and under color of religion, to persuade the people to rebellion. This first burst out in Cornwell and Devonshire, of whom the chief Gentlemen Captains were Humfrey Arundell Esquire, James Rosogan, John Rosogan, John Walkock, John Payne, Thomas Underhill, John Soleman, and William Segar. There were e • ght Priests governors of the Campes and principal stirrers, beside • • multitude of other Popish Priests, there was ten thousand stout traitors in this rebellion.

Commotions likewise began to broyle in Oxford-shire, York-shire, and especially in Norfolk and Suffolk, these aforesaid hearing thereof, took courage, hoping they should well • aue forti • ied the same quarrel: their intent was to invade the Citty of Exeter, and twice they burned the gates thereof, but gained thing but shot, being put from Exeter, they fell on spoiling and robbing, where or howsoever they might catch, then laying their heads together, they consulted of certain Articles to be sent up to the King as followeth.

First they would have that their Curates should minister the Sacrament of baptism, at all times of need as well in the week days as on the holy-days, and their Children confirmed of the Bishop whensoever we resort to him.

Secondly because they did constantly believe that in the Sacrament, after consecration there is the very body and blood of Christ, and no substance of bread and wine remaineth: therefore we will have the Mass celebrated as in times past, without any man communicating with the Priests, because many presuming unworth •• y to receive the same, put no difference betwixt the Lord's body and other bread, and we will have the consecrated body of our Lord reserved in our Churches.

Thirdly we will have holy bread and holy water, in remembrance of Christ's body and blood.

Fourthly we will that our Priests shall sing and say with an audible voice, God's service in the Choir of the Parish Churches, and not to have it set forth as a Christmas play.

Fifthly because Priests be men dedicated to God to celebrate the blessed sacraments and preaching of God's word, we will that they shall li • e chaste without marriage.

Sixthly we will the six Articles shall stand in force.

To which Articles the King did particularly answer and set forth reasons against them in writing, and shown that he would spend his life and all that he had to maintain the Godly reformation which was begun, yet he offered them pardon if they would desist from the deceitful counsel of the seekers of dissention who sought for nothing else but to vnd • e them, their wives and children: and if they would not be moved to repentance with his fatherly kindness shown unto them, he would proceed against them as against the Heathen with force and Arms.

A • d because they would not accept mercy, Sir John Russell Knight, Lord privy seal, was sent by the King and council against them, and next to him were joined Sir William Harbert, Sir John Paulet, Sir Hugh Paulet Sir Thomas Speck with the Lord Gray and others.

Thus the Lord Priuy seal accompanied with the Lord Gray advancing his power against the rebels, yet by God's providence they gave them the repulse, who recovering themselves again, encountered the second time the Lord privy seal, but by God's help they with their whole cause of false religion were utterly vanquished, the popish rebels not only lost the field, but a great part of them lost their lives lying slain the compass of two miles; diverse were taken as Humphry Arundell, Berry, Thomas Underhill, John Soleman, William Seger, and two Priests Tempson and Barret, and two Mayors Henry Bray and Henry Lee with diverse mo, all which afterward were executed.

These rebels to make their part more sure by the presence of their consecrated God, brought with them unto the Battle the pyx under his Canopy riding and in a Cart, neither was there lacking Masses, Crosses, Banners, Candlesticks, with Holy-bread and Holy-water plenty to defend them from Devils, and all enemies which could not save them from their enemies: but both the consecrated God and all the trumpery about him was taken in the Cart, lea • ing a Lesson of better experience how to put their confidence in such vain Idols.

Like unto this was the field of Musclebrough fought in Scotland the year before this when the Scots incamping thenselves against the Lord Protector & the Kings power sent into Scotland, they likewise brought into the field the God's of their Altars, with Masses, Crosses, Banners, and all their popish stuff, having great affiance therein, to have a great day against the English army, as to man's indgement might seem not unlike. The number of the Scots army far exceeded ours: but the arm of the Lord so turned the vi • tory, that the Scots in the end with all their Masses and Trinkets were put to the worse • , of whom were slain between thirteen and fourteen thousands, and not passing a hundred English men: The cause of this war was because the Scots had promised King Henry the eight, that the young Scottish Quee • e should marry with King Edward, which promise they afterward brake and paid therefore: and this victory was the same day and hour, when the Images were burned openly in London.

There was the like commotion in Oxford, and Buckingham, but that was soon appeased by the Lord Gray, of whom two hundred were taken, and twelve of them ringleaders delivered to him; where of certain were executed.

In Norfolk & the parts thereabouts the Marquess of Northampton, was sent to repress the rebellion, who was appointed to keep the field and passages, to stop them from victuals, whereby they might the sooner be brought to acknowledge their fault, and seek pardon, who pined himself within the City of Norwich, but the Rebels pressed upon the City, and at length obtained it, yet there was but a hundred on both sides slain, and the Lord Shefield, then the Earl of Warwick was sent against them, by whom the confused rabble was overthrown, to the number of four thousand, and both the Kets, chief stirrers of that Commotion▪ were put to death, and one of them hanged in chains.

In this year likewise the like commotion began at Semer in the North-riding of York shire, and continued in the East-riding of the same, and there ended. The principal doers thereof were William Ombler, Thomas Dale, with one Steuenson.

They intended to stir in two places at one instant, seven miles from the other, and at the first rush to destroy such Gentlemen and men of substance as favored the Kings proceedings, and to set the Beacons on fire to bring the people together: and having the ignorant people assembled, then to pour out their poison, beginning with such as they thought were pinched with poverty, and unwilling to labor, therefore the more ready to follow the spoil of rich men's goods, blowing in their ears that God's service was now quite laid aside, and new inventions, neither good nor godly, put in their stead, feeding them with fair promises, to reduce into the Church again their old ignorance and abominable Idolatry.

Putting this practice in execution, they took one M. White, and one Clopton, and one Sauage a Merchant of York, and one Bery, and cruelly murdered them, and took • away all that was about them: then they ranged from Town to Town and enlarged their • and, leaving in no town any men above the age of 16. years, until they had gathered about 3000.

Then came the King • pardon to them, which Ombler con • umelio • sly refused, and persuaded others so to d • e, and some excepted thereof; but shortly after, Ombler as he was riding from town to town, to charge all the Constables and Inhabitants in the Kings Namo, to resort to Humumby, he was taken and imprisoned at • orke. After him, Thomas Dale and Henry Barton, John Dale, Robert Wright, William Peacock, Wetherell, and Edmund Buttry, busy stirrers in this sedition, as they traveled from place to place to draw people unto their faction, were likewise apprehended and committed to Ward, and after executed at York.

The King of France bearing of the Insurrections of the Kings Subjects in diverse places, supposing to take the time, he made invasion against the Isles of Jersey and Gernesey, and thought to have surprised the Kings Ships in the said Isles, with his shipp • s and Gallies, but he was so hotly saluted with the Kings Ships in the Island, that the French-men lost at least a thousand men, and their Shippes and Gallies were so spoiled, as they were forced to return home, and not able to come out again: and they brought into one Town in one vessel, at least sixty Gentlemen to be burned, and the King gave out a special inhibition, that none should speak of the success of that journey, so the arm of God mercifully fought for King Edward his Servant, to defend and deliver him from so many hard dangers, all in one year, which is worthy of all posterity to be noted.

The examination of Bonner.

THE King sent forth his Commission under his broad Seal, to the Bishop of Canterbury, and the Bishoppe of Rochester, and other trusty personages and Councelors, appointing and authorising them, to examinine the Bishoppe of London, and to proceed against him according to law and Justice, either to suspension, excommunication, committing to prison, or deprivation, if the quality of the offense so required.

At Bonners first entering into the place, within the Arch-bishops house at Lambeth (where the Arch-bishop and the other Commissioners sat) to be examined: he kept his hat on his head, making as though he saw them not, until one bad him reverence the Commissioners, then laughingly he said; What my Lord's are you there, by my troth I saw you not: No said the Archbishop you would not see; well (quoth he) you sent for me, have you anything to say to me; Yea, said the Commissioners, we have authority to call you to account for your Sermon you made lately at Paul's Cross, because you did not preach to the people the Articles you were commanded to preach upon.

Then said Bonner; In good Faith my Lord, I would one thing were had in me • ereuerence then it is, What is that said the Archbishop, The blessed Mass (quoth he) you have written well of the Sacrament, I marvel you do no more honor it: The Arch-bishop said; If you think I have wrote well of it, it is because you understand it not. Bonner said, I think I understand it better then you that wrote it: The Archbishop replied, he would easily make a Child of ten years old understand therein as much as you.

And when they had called forth Master Latimer, and John Hooper, Preachers, to propound such matter as they had to say against him, he hearing them speak, fell to scorning and taunting them, calling one Goose, and the other Woodcocke, and denying their accusation to be true. Whereupon the Arch-Bishop asked him whether he would credit the people there present, and because many of them that were there, were at his Sermon. The Arch-Bishoppe stood up and read the Article of the Kings authority during his young age, saying unto them; How say you my Masters, did my Lord of London preach this Article, they answered, No, no: Then Bonner deridingly said; Will you believe this fond people.

Then was shown forth a • ill of Complaint, exhibited unto the King by the said Master Latimer and John Hooper, which was read; Then Bonner prayed that the Bill of Complaint should be delivered unto him, which when he had pervsed, he said; it was so general, as he could not directly answer unto it: The Arch-bishop said, the special cause was, because he had transgressed the Kings commandment, in not setting forth in his last Sermon at Paul's Cross, the Kings Hignesse Royal power in his minority: and for the proof thereof, he called Master LATIMER and JOHN HOOPER, to whom BONNER said; As for this Merchant Latimer, I have winked at his evil doings a great while, but I have • ore to say to him hereafter: But as touching this Merchant Hooper, I have not seen him before, howbeit I have heard much of his naughty preaching; Then he said, Ah my Lord, now I see the cause of my trouble is not for the matter you pretend, but because I did preach in my late Sermon the true presence of the most blessed body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, to be in the Sacrament of the Altar: And as for these my accusers, they are notorious evil persons, and notable Heretics and Seducers, especially touching the Sacrament of the Altar, and most of all this Hooper: for whereas I preached, that after consecration of the Sacrament, there is the self same body and blood of Christ in substance, that was hanged upon the Cross: he in the afternoon having a great rabblement with him of his damnable Sect, did preach to the people erroniouslie against it, and untruly expounded my words: for whereas I said the same substance that was hanged upon the Cross, he like an Ass, (as he is an Ass indeed) turned the word That, into As, saying; That I said, as it hanged upon the Cross: Then the Arch-Bishoppe demanded of him, whether Christ were in the Sacrament, Face, Nose, Mouth, Eyes, Arms, and Lips, with other lineaments of the body; whereat Bonner shook his head, and said; I am right sorry to hear your Grace to speak those words which you have done.

He appeared seven times before the said Commissioners, and ever used very irreverent, uncomely, and frowar • words and behaviors towards the Commissioners and others, and he still shifted off the matter by subtle dilatories, and frivolous cauiling about the Law, and with facing and railing upon the Denouncers, that he thought to countenance out the matter before the people. But to conclude, for all his subtle, crafty, cautels, and tergiuersations, he was justly imprisoned, and in the end most lawfully deprived.

The first trouble of the Lord Protector, was presently after the deprivation of Bishop Bonner, but shortly after he was delivered out of the same by the mighty working of GOD, the tractation whereof shall be delayed, until the time of his second trouble, which was two years after. The vulgar people hearing of the apprehension of the Lord Protector, they began to brute abroad, that now they should have their Latin Service, the holy Bread and holy Water, and their other Ceremonies again: Wherefore strait commandment was sent to the Bishops of the Dioces, to warn the Parsons, Uicars, Curates, and Church-wardens of every Parish, to deliver up all Antiphoners, Missalls, Grayles, Processionals, Manualls, Legends, Pyes, Portuasies, Iournals, and Ordinals, and all other Books of Service: the having whereof, might be any let unto the Service that now is set forth in English, commanding all such persons as should be found disobedient in this matter, to be committed to ward.

And because many refused to pay towards the finding of Bread and Wine for the Communion, whereby the Communion in many places was omitted: the Bishops had charge for the redress hereof, and to punish such as refused so to do.

In this year Letters were sent for the taking down of Altars in Churches, and setting up a Table in the steed thereof, unto Nicholas Ridley, who being Bishop of Rochester before, was made Bishop of London in Bonners place.

The Story of STEPHEN GARDNER, Bishop of Winchester.

WHereas the Kings Majesty made a general visitation, as before is said, and appointed certain injunctions to be generally observed, they were obediently received, and reverently executed of all men of all sorts, saving only of the Bishop of Winchester, who by conference with others, by open protestations and Letters also, shown such a willful disobedience therein as might have bred much trouble: Wherefore he was sent for before the Council, before whom he denied to receive the said Articles, and so misused himself before them▪ that he was sent to the Fleet: but upon promise of conformity, he was set at liberty again, then he set forth such matters as bred more contention in that Shire, then in all the Realm again, and he caused all his Servants to be secretly armed and harnised, to withstand such as he thought to have been sent by the Council into those parts, and when Preachers were sent into that Country by the Council to preach the Word of GOD, the Bishop to disappoint and disgrace them, and to hinder his Majesty's proceedings, did occupy the Pulpit himself, and in his Sermons would warn the people of such new Preachers, and to embrace no other Doctrine then that which he had taught them. Wherefore being sent for again before the Council, yet in the end upon his second promise of conformity, they left him at liberty, willing him to remain at his house at London, yet he began afresh to ruffle and meddle in matters that touched the Kings Majesty.

Whereupon being once again admonished, be promised again conformity, and that he would declare his conscience to be well satisfied with the Kings proceedings, to the satisfaction and good quiet of others; but at the day appointed he did speak of certain matters contrary to express commandment of the King: and in the Articles whereu • to he had agreed before, he used such a manner of utterance, as was v • ry like there presently to have stirred a great tumult, and in great matters touching the policy of the Realm, he so handled them, that he shown himself a very seditious man, and that in the presence of his Majesty, the Lord's of the Council • , and of such an audience, as the like thereof hath not been seen: whereupon he was committed to the Tower, and after justly deprived for his obstinaey therein.

He wrote a Letter unto Master Vaghan, in defense and praise of Images, which the Lord Protector answered very learnedly, as thou mayst see in the Book at large.

He wrote another Epistle, wherein he first railed and findeth fault with the Paraphrase of Erasmus, which he calleth a Book of abomination: secondly, he showeth, that he can in no case away with the Homily of salvation▪ set out by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which Article marue • lously vexeth his Spirit.

His third purpose whereunto his Letters chiefly draw, is to insinuate the Lord Protector, that no alteration should be made of Religion, during the time of the Kings minority, but to let all things stand as King Henry had left them.

The judgment of Doctor REDMAN on his death-bed, touching certain points of Religion.

1 THE Sea of Rome in this last days, is a sink of all evil.

2 Purgatory, as the Schoolmen used it, was ungodly, and there was no such kind kind of Purgatory as they phantasied.

3 That the offering up of the Sacrament in Masses and treutals for the sins of the dead, is ungodly.

4 That the wicked are not partakers of the body of Christ, but receive the outward sacrament only.

5 That the sacrament ought not to be carried about in procession, for it is taught what is the use of it by these words, Take, eat and drink, do this in remembrance of me.

6 That nothing which is seen in the sacrament, or perceived with any outward sense, is to be worshipped.

7 That we receive not Christ's body corporally, that is to say, grossly like other meats, and like as the Capernayts did understand it.

8 That we receive Christ's body so spiritually, that nevertheless truly.

9 Touching transubstantiation, there is not in any of the old Doctors any good ground and sure proof thereof, or any mention of it, as far as ever he could perceive; neither that he doth see what could be answered to the objections made against it.

10 Being asked of Master Wilkes what that was which was lifted up betwixt the Priests hands, he answered, that he thought that Christ could be neither lifted up nor down.

11 That Priests may by the law of God marry wives.

12 That as only faith doth justify, so that doth signify a true, a lively, and a faith resting in Christ, and embracing Christ: and this is true, godly, sweet and comfortable doctrine, so that it be so taught that the people take non • occasion of carnal liberty.

13 That works had their reward and crown, but they did not deserve eternal life and the kingdom of God, no not the works of grace; for everlasting life is the gift of God.

The history of WILLIAM GARDNER an Englishman, who constantly suffered in Portingall for the Truth.

HEe was borne at Bristow, and gave himself unto the trade of Merchandise, he was sent into Spain by Master Paget, being six and twenty years old, the ship arrived by chance at Lishborne the chief City of Portugal, he tarrying there about merchandise, became a profitable servant to his Master and others, yet he reserved his religion in that popish country: there were also besides him diverse good men in the same City, neither lacked he good books nor the conference of good and honest men, to whom he would often bewail his weakness, that he was not sufficiently touched with the hatred of his sins, nor inflamed with the love of godliness.

There was a solemn marriage celebrated between two Princes, the son of the King of 〈◊〉 , and the daughter of the King of Spain, to which marriage there was great resort of nobles, and there lacked no Bishops with Miters, nor Cardinals with Hats, to set out this royal wedding. William Gardner was there when they went forward to the celebrating of the Mass, for that alone did serve for all purposes: the Cardinal did execute it with much singing and Organ-playing: the people stood with great deu • tion and silence, praying, looking, kneeling, and knocking, their minds fully bent upon the external sacrament, which did grievously prick and mo • e this young man, to see so many noble personages and others so seduced with this Idolatri • , that if the press of people had not hindered him he would that day have done some notable thing in the Kings presence: he came home and made up all his accounts of that was due to him, and that which was owing to others, that no man could ask anything of him, he fell to prayer and meditation of the Scriptures: The Sunday came again to be celebrated with like pomp and solemnity: The said William was early present, and stood as near the Altar as he could: When the King with all his Nobles were come the Mass began, which was solemnized by a Cardinal, when he began to • osse the Host too and fro round about the Chalice, making certain circles, The said William Gardener not able to suffer any longer, he ran to the Cardinal in the presence of the King, Nobles, and Citizens, with the one hand he snatched away the Cake and tr • de it under his feet, and with the other hand overthrew the Chalice: Wherevpon rose great tumult, and one wounded him with a Dagger in the soulder: The King commanded to save him, whereby they abstained from murdering him.

When he was brought before the King: he demanded what country man he was, and how he durst work such a contumacy against his Majesty, and the Sacraments of the Church: He answered he was an English man, by birth and Religion, and am come hither for traffick of Marchandize, and when I saw in this famous assembly so great Idolatry committed, my conscience neither ought nor could any longer suffer, but must needs do that you have seen me do, which was not done for any contumacy of your Majesty, but of purpose, as before God I do confess to seek the salvation of this people: then understanding that king Edward had restored Religion in England, and thinking he had been set on by some others: they would know who set him on; He answered he was not moved thereto by any man, but by his own conscience, but that he owed this service first unto God, and secondly unto their salvation, and they ought to impute the act only to themselves, which so unreverantly used the holy Supper of the Lord unto so great Idolatry, to the peril of their own souls, except they repented. He was like to faint with the abundance of blood that ran out of his wound, and Surgeons were sent to cure it, then all English-men were committed unto Prison, and one Pendigrace, because that he was his Bed-fellow, was gree • ously tormented and examined, and scarce delivered after two years imprisonment.

Then they caused a Linnen Cloath to be sowed round like a Ball, which they violently put down his throat to the bottom of his belly, tied with a small string which they held in their hands; and when it was down they pulled it up again with violence, so plucking it too and fro through the meat pipe. When all torments and tormentors were wearied, they asked him if he did not repent his wicked deed, he answered, if it were to do again he thought he should do it, but he was sorry it was in the presence of the King: the fault ought to be ascribed to the King and not to him, in that he having power would not prohibit so great Idolatry used amongst his people.

Three days after they brought him to execution: when they had used all kind of torments against him, then they cut off his right hand, which he took up with his left and kissed it; then they cut off his other hand, which he, kneeling down, kissed, and so he was carried to the place of execution, where was an Engine, from the which a great rope coming down by a pullie, was fastened about this Christian, which first pulled him up: then there was a great pile of wood set on fire beneath him into the which he was by little and little let down, not with the whole body, but so that his feet only felt the fire: then he was hoysed up and so let down again; in the which torment he continued with a constant spirit, and the more terribly he burned the more vehemently he prayed.

When his feet were burned the tormentors asked him whether he did not yet repent, and exhorted him to call upon our Lady and other Saints; he answered he had done nothing whereof he did repent, and needed not our Ladies nor Saints help, and what torments soever they used: he remained always one, desiring them to leave off such vanities and follies, for when Christ ceased to be our Advocate, then he would pray our Lady to be his Advocate: and when they sought to stop his prayers, he said Judge me O Lord, and revenge my cause against the unmerciful people, before he had ended the Psalm, pulling him up & down in the fire for the more torment, the rope was burned, he fell into the midst of the fire, where he changed his Temporal pains, for eternal quietness: Thus GOD by this message did provoke the Portugales to the sincere knowledge.

But this cruelty was not unrevenged, for with a spark from the fire of his burning, one of the Kings Shippes was burned, and the Kings Son that was married died half a year after, and the next year the King himself died.

The Clergy appointed a solemn Fast certain days for penance to purge that fact: there be some yet as I have heard diverse report, out of whose remembrance this constant Martyr can never be pulled, and is so fresh yet amongst them as if it were but lately done, his death as fruitful seed hath taken such fruit in some that it is yet a linely, and diligent preaching unto some against superstition and Idolatry used in their Churches.

The tragical History of the worthy Duke of Sommerset.

KIng Edward had three vnckles by his mothers side: Edward, Thomas & Henry Semer: Edward was made protector of the Realm, and Thomas was made high Admiral of the same, so long as they were joined together in amity, they preserved themselves, and the King, and the Common-wealth: Sir Thomas Semer high Admiral, married Queen Katherine, late wife of King Henry, as you have heard; betwixt the said Queen, and the Duchess of Somerset, there fell great displeasure: And thereupon in the behalf of their wives grudge began between the brethren, after it was laid unto the Lord Admirals charge, that he purposed to destroy the young King • and trans • ate the Crown unto himself, and for the same he was attainted and condemned, and did suffer at Tower Hill the twentieth of March, one thousand five hundred forty and nine, many reported that the Duchesse of Sommerset had wrought his death: whereby it came to pass, whether by God's just judgment or no, In October after, that there was great consultation amongst the Lord's, in the house of Master York, and at Baynards Castle, and in the Lord Mayor of London's house, against the Lord Protector, remaining then with the King at Hampton Court: The King with his Council hearing thereof, first Secretary Peter with the Kings message was sent unto them, whom the Lord's retained still with them, making no answer: whereupon the Lord Protector writ unto them, that the King was informed of your assembly: wherefore we sent Master Secretary Peter unto you: His Majesty, and we of his Council here do not a little marvel, that you stay here • he said M. Peter, and have not answered his Majesty, and we are sory to see your doings bent with violence to bring the King and us to these extremities: which if you will take no other way, we intend with violence to defend with death, and to put it in God's hand, who giveth victory as it pleaseth him: as touching private matters • o avoid the effusion of Christian blood, and to preserve the Kings Majesty's person, his Realm and Subjects, you shall find us agreeable to any reasonable conditions that you will require, for we esteem • the Kings wealth, and tranquility of the Realm, more then other worldly things, yea then our life; praying them to send their determinate answer by Master Peter, or some other.

Notwithstanding this Letter, the Lord's persisted still in their purpose, and took advice to keep themselves in the City of London, as strong as they might, and willed the Mayor and Aldermen to provide a substantial watch by night, and by day, for the safeguard of the City and gates.

Then they demanded five hundred men to aid them to fetch the Lord Protector out of Windsor from the King: and they published a Proclamation against the said Protector to this effect.

First that the Protector by his evil government was the cause of all the sedition, that of late happened within the Realm: and of the losses of the Kings ordinance in France: and that it appeared by the building of his sumptuous houses in the time of the Kings war, that he sought his own glory: that he esteemed nothing the grave counsel, of the Counselors, that he had sowed divisions between the Nobles, Gentlemen, and Commons.

That the Nobles assembled themselves only to cause the protector to have lived within limits, & to have put such order for the surety of the King as was fit.

That the protector slandered the Council unto the King: and that he was a great traitor, and therefore the Lord's defired the City & Commons to aid them to take him from the King.

Then the King sent a Letter unto the Mayor and Citizens, commanding them to aid him with a thousand men out of their City, well armed, and to send them with all speed unto the Castle of Windsor.

These contrary commandments coming both at one instant unto the Mayor & Citizens of London: it seemed very doubtful to them which way to take: at the last stepped up a Citizen George Studlaw, and said. I remember in the time of Henry the third; the Barons as the Lord's do now, demanded aid of the Mayor and Citizens of London, and the City aided them against the King, and it came to an open battle, and the Lord's prevailed against the King, and took the King and his son prisoners, and upon certain conditions, the King & his Son were restored again, and the King openly granted his pardon to the Lord's and Citizens, & it was ratified by Act of Parliament, but it was never forgotten during the Kings life: the Liberties of the City were taken away, and strangers appointed to be our governors, and the Citizens given away body and goods, and from one persecution unto another were most miserably afflicted, such it is to enter into the wrath of a Prince: for Solomon saith, the wrath of a Prince is death: Therefore I would council the Lord's with us, to make suit to the King, that he would please to hear the complaints that may be justly proved against the L. Protector, and I doubt not but this matter will be pacified, and that the King, nor yet the Lord's have cause to seek for further aid, neither we to offend any of them both.

Then the Lord's sent Sir Philip Hobby, with their Letter of credence unto the King, beseeching him to give credit to that which he should say: who so handled the matter, that the Lord Protector was commanded from the Kings presence: and shortly committed to ward in the Castle of Windsor: The same day the Lord's of the Council resorted unto the King, and the next day they brought the Lord Protector unto the Tower.

Shortly after the Lord's resorted unto the Tower, and there charged the Lord Protector with sundry Articles; the effect of them is contained in the proclamation aforesaid: and although these purposes of man intended the spilling of his life; and the Lord so ordered the matter by the means of the Kings so laboring for his vnkle, that in short while he was let out of the Tower, and continued at liberty two years and two days.

After he was again apprehended & committed again to the Tower, after he was brought to Westminister Hall to be arraigned, and there was charged with felony & treason: he put himself to be tried by his Peers, who discharged him of treason, but they accounted him guilty of Felony, for purposing the death of the Duke of Northumberland and others, and was returned unto the Tower again.

When he was brought to his execution upon tower Hill, he came with the same gesture which he used, changing neither voice nor countenance, and kneeling down he commended himself to God, and his prayers ended, he turned toward the people, as it were with a certain fatherly love to children, and said:

Dearely beloved friends, I am brought hither to suffer death, albeit I never offended against the King in word nor deed: and have always been as faithful as any man unto this Realm: but because I am by Law condemned to die, to testify my obedience which I owe unto the Laws, I am come hither to suffer death: Wherefore I thank God that he hath given me this time of repentance, who might so suddenly have been taken with death that I could not have acknowledged God, nor myself.

I would something put you in mind of the Christian Religion, which so long as I was in authority I did always diligently set forth, and I rejoice therein, since now the state of Christian Religion cometh most near to the order of the Primatiue Church, which I esteem as a great benefit of God to me, and unto you: most heartily exhorting you all, that you will most thankfully embrace it, & set out the same in your living, which if you do not, no doubt great calamity will follow.

Upon these words there was heard a terrible noise, as it had been of some great tempest from above, as if a great deal of Gun-powder, being enclosed in an armory, having caught fire, had violently broke out: or as if a great company of horsemen had been running together upon them, whereby the people were so amazed, that they ran away; s • me into Ditches and Puddles, and some into the houses; others with their Halberts fell unto the ground: Crying out, Jesus save us, Jesus save us: and those which tarried in their places knew not where they were: It happened here even as when the officers of the High Priests came to take Christ: They run back and fell to the ground, in so great slaughter of Dukes within this few years, there were never so many weeping eyes at one time, and the people seeing Sir Anthony Brown ride to the Scaffold: they conjectured that the King had sent his Uncle pardon, therefore with great rejoicing they cast up their caps, and cried out pardon, pardon, is come, God save the king. Thus the good Duke, although he was destitute of man's help, yet he saw before his departure in what great love and favor he was with all men.

Then said the Duke, dearly beloved friends, there is no such matter as you vainly believe: Therefore I pray you be contented with my death which I most willingly suffer; let us join in prayer for the King, unto whom I have always shown myself a faithful Subject, and have been most diligent to seek the commodity of the whole Realm; at which words all the people cried out and said, it was most true: And praying for the King and Council, and exhorting the people to obedience, forgiving all his enemies, and desiring forgiveness of them which he • had offended, and praying them to bear witness, he died in the faith of Christ.

Then he kneeled down and prayed, and rising again without any trouble of mind, he took them all on the Scaffold by the hand, and bid them all farewell: when he lay upon the block he called thrice on the name of Jesus, saying, Lord Jesus save me: And as the name of Jesus was repeating the third time, in a moment, he was bereft both of head and life.

The Lady MARY.

THe King & his Council had much travel by Letters and messengers, to reduce the Lady Mary to obedient con • ormitie of Religion: yet she would not be reclaimed from her own singular opinion, fixed upon custom, to give any indifferent hearing unto the word and voice of verity, the which set will of the said Lady Mary, the young King, and also his Father King Henry, right well perceiving they were both much displeased against her, insomuch that not only her brother did sequester her in his Will, but also her own father considering her inclination, did conceive such a hate against her, that for a great space he did seclude her from the title of Princesse, yea, and seemed so greatly incensed against her, that he was fully purposed to have proceeded further with her, as it is reported, had not the intercession of Thomas Cranmer the Archbishop reconciled the King again to favor and pardon his own daughter.

And about the eighth of September 1552. Doctor Ridley Bishop of London, went to visit the Lady Mary, and was gently entertained of Sir Thomas Wharton, and other her officers. About eleven of the clock the Lady Mary came forth of her chamber of presence: then the Bishop saluted her Grace, and said he was come to do his duty unto her Grace; she thanked him, and for a quarter of an hour talked with him pleasantly, and said, she knew him when he was Chaplain to her father, and remembered a Sermon that he made before her father, at the Lady Clintons marriage, and so dismissed him to dine with her officers.

After dinner the Bishop being called, resorted again unto her Grace: then said the Bishop, Madam, I come not only to do my duty to see your Grace, but also to offer myself to preach before you on Sunday next, if it please you to hear me: she said, I pray make the answer yourself, for you know the answer well enough: but if I must make answer, this shall be your answer, The door of the Church shall be open for you if you come, but neither I nor none of mine shall hear you. The Bishop said, Madam, I trust you will not refuse GOD'S word. She answered, I cannot tell what you call GOD'S word; that is not GOD'S word now that was GOD'S word in my fathers days. The Bishop said, GOD'S word is one in all times, but it hath been better understood and practiced in some ages then in others. She said, you durst not for your ears have avouched that for GOD'S word in my fathers days that now you do: as for your new books, I thank GOD for it, I never read none of them, nor never will do.

After many bitter words against the form of Religion then established, and against the government of the Realm, and the laws made in the young years of her brother, which she said she was not bound to obey until her brother came to perfect age, and then affirmed she would obey them. Then she asked him whether he were one of the Privy Council; he answered no: you might well enough, quoth she, as the Council goeth now-a-days: so she concluded, that she thanked him for his gentleness to come and see her, but for your offering to preach before me, I thank you never a whit.

Then was the Bishop brought by Sir Thomas Wharton unto the place where he dined, who desired him to drink: after he had drunk he looked very sadly, and brake out in these words, Surely I have done amiss, in that I have drunk in that place where GOD'S word hath been offered and refused, whereas indeed if I had been mindful of my duty, I ought not to have stayed, but to have departed immediately, and to have shaken off the dust of my feet for a testimony against this house.

Touching the disputations of Peter Martyr, Martin Bucer, and Paulus Phagius, because they are only touching the Sacrament, which is so often handled in this book, for brevity I refer thee to the book at large.

The decease of King EDWARD.

ABout a year and a half after the death of the Duke of Sommerset, King Edward died, entering into the seventeenth year of his age, and in the seventh year of his reign. As the time approached that it pleased Almighty God to call this young King from us, which was on the sixth day of July, about three hours before his death his eyes being closed, speaking to himself, and thinking none had heard him, he made this prayer as • olloweth.

LOrd God deliver me from this miserable and wretched life, and take me amongst thy chosen, howbeit not my will but thy will be done, for I commit my spirit unto thee. O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee, yet for thy chosens sake send me life and health, that I may truly serve thes. O my Lord GOD, bless thy people and save thine inheritance: O Lord save thy chosen people of England: O my GOD defend this realm from Papistry, and maintain thy true religion, that I and my people may praise thy holy name, for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake.

Then he turned his face, and seeing who was by him, he said unto them, are you so nigh? I thought you had been • further off: then smilingly he said; I was praying to God. The last words he spake were these: I am faint, Lord have mercy upon me, and take my spirit. And thus he yielded up the Gh • st, leaving a woeful kingdom behind unto his sister.

The communication betwixt the Lady Jane and Fecknam.

Then Feckham took his leave, and said he was sorry for her, and said he was sure they two should never meet.

Jane, that is true, if God turn not your heart you are in an ill case, I pray God send you his spirit, he bath given you a great gift of utterance if it please him to open your eyes.

She wrote a letter to her father to comfort him, and to show how joyful she was to die, and she wrote another letter to one Master Harding, who was late Chaplain to her Father, and fell from the truth of God's word, and rebuked him, that he put his hand to the plow • and looked back, and lost the comfortable promises that Christ maketh to them that forsake themsel • es to follow him, thou did • st seem to be a lively member of Christ, but now an imp of the Devil, once though beautiful Temple of God, now the filthy kennel of Satan, once the vnspotten spouse of Christ, now the unshamefast Param ••• re of Antichrist, once my faithful brother, now an Apostate, once a floute Christian soldier, now a cowardly runaway: thou seed of Satan and not of Judah, the Devil, the world, and desire of life, hath made thee of a Christian an Infidel, thou hast taught others to be stro • g, and thyself dost shamefully shrink, thou hast taught others not to t • call, and thy self hast committed most heinous sacrilege, and robbest Christ of his right members and of thine own body and soul, thou chosest rather to live miserably with shame in the world, then to die gloriously to • aygne with Christ, in wh • m in death is life, how darest thou refuse the true God, and worship the invention of man, the golden Calf, the Whore of Babylon, the Romish Religion, the ab • ominable Idol, the most wicked Mass, wilt thou tear again the pretio • s body of our Savior with thy fleshly teeth, and she exhorted him that the • ft falling of th • se Heavenly showers might pierce his stony heart, and the two edged word of God's word sear asunder the sinews of worldly respects that thou mayst once again forsake thyself and embrace Christ.

The night before she suffered, the sent a New Testament to her sister Katherin, and wrote a letter to her in the end thereof, that though it were not outwardly trimmed with gold, yet inwardly it was more worth then precious stones. It was the last will that Christ bequeathed to us wretches, it will b • ing you to eternal life▪ teach you to live, and learn you to die: you shall gain more by it, then by the possession of your woeful fathers lands: think not that your young year • s will lengthen your life, for soon, if God call, goeth the young, as the old, deny the world, despise the Devil and the flesh, rejoice in Christ as I do, I exhort you that you never swerve from the Christian faith, neither for hope of life nor fear of death, if you deny Christ, he will deny you and shorten your days, put your whole trust in God: she made a prayer full of faith, which thou mayest see in the book at large.

When she cam • upon the Scaffold, she protested her innocence in the cause she was to die for, and prayed them to bear her witness that she died a true Christian woman, and that she looked to be saved by no means, but by the mercy of God in Christ, and my negligence of the word of God, and loving of the world brought this punishment upon me, and I thank God that he hath given me a time of repentance, then she prayed them whilst she was alive to assist her with their prayers: then she said the one and fifti • h Psalm in devout manner, then she made her self ready, and gave her things to her Maides, and caused a handkerchife to be tied about her face: the hang-man asked her forgiveness, and she forgave him most willingly, and prayed him to dispatch her quickly: then she laid her head upon the block, and said, Into thy hands I commend my spirit, and so finished her life. With her also was beheaded the Lord Gilford her husband.

Judge Morgan, who gave the sentence of condemnation against her, shortly after fell mad, and continually cried to have the Lady Jane taken from him, and so ended his life.

Not long after her death was the Duke of Suffolk, her father, beheaded at the Tower-hill: about which time also were condemned many Gentlemen and Yeomen, whereof some were executed at London, and some in the country, and Thomas Gray brother to the said Duke was executed.

The four and twentieth of February Bonner sent a Commission to all Pastors and Curates of his Diocese, to take the names of all such as would not come the Lent following to auricular confession, and to the receiving at Easter.

The fourth of March following the Queen sent certain Articles to Bonner to • e speedily put in execution: that the Canons in King Henries time should be used in England, that none exact any oath of any Ecelesiasticall person touching the supremacy, that none, defamed with heresy, he admitted to ecclesiastical benefice or office, that Bishops and other officers diligently travel about for repressing of heresies, unlawful books and ballads, and that School-masters and Preachers teach no evil doctrine; that they deprive all married Priests, except they renounce their wives: but if they return to their wives to be divorced both from wife and benefice: that for want of Priests the parishi • ners go to the next parish to service or one Curate serve diverse places: That processions in Latin be used after the old order: for the observing of Holy days, and Fasting days, that the ceremonies of the Church be restored, that Ministers which were ordered in King Edwards time should be new ordered: that the parishioners be compelled to come to their several Churches: that Schoolmaisters be examined and if they be suspected, to place Catholic men in their room, and that they instruct the children to answer the Priest at Mass.

She sent likewise a commandment to the Lord Mayor of London, with the foresaid Articles to be careful with all his power for the performance thereof.

Then the Queen sent forth a Proclamation, that the strangers which in King Edwards time were received into England for Religion, should 〈◊〉 driven out of the Realm. Wherevpon Peter Martyr, Johannes Alasco, uncle to the King of Poland, and many others, were banished, and many English men also fled into Germany▪ and were scattered in diverse places, where by God's pro • idence they were sustained, and entertained with great favor, to the number of eight hundred persons.

The twenty five of March, the Lord Courtney and Lady Elizabeth were susspected to consent to Wiats conspiracy: and thereupon apprehended and commit • to the Tower. This was a political practice of Stephen Gardener, which always was an enemy to Lady Elizabeth, Wyat at his deat • protested to the people, that the Lord Courtney and Lady Elizabeth were clear from all suspicion of Commo • ion, but Doctor Weston cried to the people, believe him not, • or he confessed otherwise before unto the Co •• cell. The same day it was told in the Parliament house, that Wiat desired the Lord Courtney to confess the truth, as he had done before.

One Cut a Prentice of London, was sent for by Gardener unto the Star-chamber, for that he should say that Wiat was constrained by the Council to a • cuse the Lady Elizabeth and the Lord Courtney, to be consenters to his ris • ng. When the Mayor brought him thither, Gardener began to declare how miraculously God had brought the Queen to the Crown: the whole Realm in a manner being against her, and it was that she might reduce this Realm, overwhelmed with heresies to the Catholic faith: and where she l • ued the Lady Elizabeth tenderly, and delivered the Lord Courtney out of prison, yet they conspired traitorously against her with Wyat, as he confessed; yet there are some in London which reported that Wyat was constrained by the Council to accuse them, yet you, my Lord Mayor, have not seen the same punished. The party is here, said the Mayor▪ Gardner said, punish him according to his deserts, and take heed to your charge: the City of London is a whirl-pool of evil rumors.

The Londoners not favoring the Queens proceedings to their displeasure, summoned a Parliament at Oxford, because they would be forward in the Queens business, but after it was holden at Westminster, where her marriage with king Philip was agreed upon.

Bonner being Uicegerent of the Conuocation, in his Oration said that Priests were like the Virgin Mary; as she by five words conceived Christ, so the Priest by five words loath make the very body of Christ: and as immediately upon the consent of Mary Christ was all whole in her womb, so immediately after the consecration the bread is transubstantiated into the very body of Christ; and as the Virgin laid Christ in the • anger, so the Priest lifteth up the body of Christ, and carrieth it; and as Mary was sanctified before she conceived, so the priest is ordained & anointed before he do consecrate; for a lay-man though he be never so holy, and do speak the same words, yet he cannot consecrate: Therefore the dignity of Priests passeth the dignity of Angels, for no Angel can make the body of Christ, whereby the least Priest can do more then the greatest Angel: therefore Priests are to be • onoured before Kings and Princes, and Nobles: for a Priest is higher then a King, happier then an Angel, and maker of his Creator.

The effect of the communication between Doctor Ridley, and Secretary Bourne, and others at the Lieutenants table at the Tower.

Thomas Cranmer Archb. of Canterbury, Ridley Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worster, were sent to Oxford, to dispute with the Divines of Oxford and Cambridge.

THere was three questions, First, whether the natural body of Christ be really in the sacrament after consecration: secondly, whether any other substanc • doth remain after consecration then the substance of the body and blood of Christ: thirdly, wh • there in the mass there be a sacrifice propitiatory for the sins of the quick & the dead. Thirty three Commissioners being set in the Choir of S. Mary's Church in Oxford before the Altar, Cranmer Archb. was brought to them with a number of Bill-men. When he had read over the Articles, he said they were all false and against God's holy word. Then was Doctor Ridley brought in, who hearing the Articles read, answered they were all false, and that they sprang out of a bitter root. Then came in Latimer: when he had denied the Articles, he said he had read over the New Testament seven times, and yet could not find the mais • in it, nor the mary-bones nor sinews of the same.

All their arguments were of nothing but the real presence in the Sacrament, which point is already sufficiently argued in many places of this book, and will 〈◊〉 more hereafter. If thou desire to see the disputations, resort to the book at large; for the Commissioners were so clamorous that they could not be suffered to speak, as it appeareth by the report of Bishop Ridley.

Bishop RIDLEY his report.

NEuer did I see a thing done more vainly and contumeliously then the disputations with me in the Schools in Oxford: I thought it had not been possible to have been found amongst men of learning and knowledge, any so brazen faced and shameless, so disorderly and vainly to behave themselves, more like to Stage-players then Divines. The Sorbonicall clamours, which in times past I have seen in Paris, when Popery most reigned, might be thought modesty in respect of them, yea, and the chiefest did as it were blow the Trump unto the rest, to rail, roar, rage and cry out, whereby it appeareth they never sought for the verity but for their own glory and bragging victory. Much time appointed for Disputations, was vainly consumed in opprobrious checks, taunts, hissings, and clapping of hands. Whensoever I would make an end of my probations, they would ever cry out Blasphemies, blasphemies. I never heard or read the like, but by Demetrius the Silver-smith, and them of his occupation, crying but against Paul, Great is Diana of the Ephesians: and except it be a disputation of the Arians against the Orthodoxes, where it is said that such as the Presidents of the disputations were, such were the rest, all were in a hurly-burly; and the Arians cast out such great slanders, that nothing could quietly be heard; and he concludes, thus ended this glorious disputation of the Sacrificers, Doctors, and Masters, which fought manfully for their God and goods, their faith and felicity, country and Kitchen, and for their beauty and belly, with triumphant applauses and favor of the whole University.

After several disputations with everyone of them, the Commissioners sat in Saint Mary's Church, and Doctor Weston, used particular persuasions with every one of them, and would not suffer them to answer but pe • emptorily to say whether they would subscribe or no: He told the Bishop of Canterbury, he was overcome in Arguments, which he said was false, for he was not suffered to oppose as he would, nor answer as he would, unless he would have brauled with them, all denying to subscribe: then sentence was read over them, that they were no members of the Church, and therefore condemned for heretics.

Then the Archbishop Cranmer answered, from this your sentence I appeal to the just judgment of God, trusting to be present with him in heaven, for whose presence in the Altar I am thus condemned.

Bishop Ridley answered, though I be not of your company, yet my name is written in another place, whither this sentence will send me sooner then we should by nature have come.

Bishop Latimer. I thank God most heartily that he hath prolonged my life to this end, that I may in this case glorify GOD by that kind of death.

After they were all three called to behold a solemn procession, wherein Doctor Weston carried the Sacrament, and four Doctors carried the Canapie over him.

In the last year one thousand five hundred forty and three, it is shown how the Duke of Northumberland was apprehended by the Guard, and brought to London by the Earl of Arundell and others, these were committed to the Tower with the Duke, the Earl of Warwick, the Earl of Huntingdon, Lord Ambrose, and Lord Henry Dudley, Lord Hastings, who was delivered the same night: Sir John Gates, Sir Henry Gates, Sir Andrew Dudley, Sir Thomas Palmer, and Doctor Sands Chancelor of Cambridge, many were committed to diverse prisons about the same time.

About this time Master Bradford, Master Beacon, and Master Veron were committed unto the Tower, and Master Sampson was sought for, and because he could not be found the Bishop of Winchester fumed.

About this time Doctor Weston preached at Paul's Cross, he willed the people to pray for the souls departed, that be neither in heaven nor hell, but in a place not yet sufficiently purged to come to heaven, that they may be relieved by your devout prayers: he named the Lord's Table an Oyster board: he said the Catechism lately set forth was abominable heresy, and likeneth the setters forth of the same to Julianus Apostate, and the book to the book of Julianus Apostate, wherein Christ and Pilate were the speakers, which Sermon was learnedly confuted in writing by Master Couerdall.

About this time a Priest of Canterbury said Mass on the one day, and the next day he came into the Pulpit, and desired all the people to forgive him, for he said he had betrayed Christ, but not as Judas, as Peter, and made a long Sermon against the Mass.

In February one thousand five hundred fifty and four, before the coming of King Philip, upon the fifteenth day, about nine of the clock in the forenoon, there was seen two Suns both shining at once: and that time was also seen a Rain-bow turned contrary, and a great deal higher then it was wont.

About this time at Saint Pancrase in Cheape, the Crucifix with the Pixe were taken out of the Sepulcher before the Priest rose to the resurrection: so that when he put his hand into the Sepulcher, & said very devoutly surrexit non est hic, he found his words true, for he was not there indeed, whereupon being dismayed, and debating amongst themselves whom they thought likest to do it: they laid it to one Marsh, which a little before had been put from that parsonage because he was married, but when they could not prove it, being brought before the Mayor, they burdened him to have kept company with his wife since they were divorced: He answered that the Queen had done him wrong to take from him both his living, and his wife: whereupon he and his wife were committed several Counters.

About this time there was a Cat hanged upon a Gallow • s at the Cross in Cheape, appareled like a Priest, ready to say Mass with a shaven Crown: her two fore-feet were tied over her head, with a round paper like a Wafer Cake put between them, where on rose great evil will against the City of London: the Queen and the Bishops were very angry, and there was a proclamation in the afternoon, that whosoever could bring forth the party that hanged up the Cat should have twenty Nobles, which after was increased to twenty Markes, but none would • ar • e it, the occasion of this was, because the Bishop of Winchester had preached before the Queen for the strait execution of Wyats Soldiers: Wherevpon there was twenty Gibbets and Gallows set up, in and about the streets of London, which there remained for the terror of others from the 13. of February, until the fourth of June, and at the coming of King Philip were taken down.

One Master Walter Mantell, one of them which rose with Wyat, being prisoner in the Tower, the Queen sent unto him Doctor Bourne, to convert him: he answered Bourne that he believed in the holy Catholic church of Christ, grounded upon the Prophets and Apostles, but he took exception to the Antichristian popish Church: and he said, he thought the Mass not fit, both for the occasion of Idolatry, and also the clear 〈◊〉 of Christ's institution: and said it was not a propitiatory sacrifice for sin: for the death of Christ was only that sacrifice, and certain Collects therein are blasphemous. Then said the Doctor, see how vain-glory toucheth you; then I found fault it was not a Communion: Yes said he one Priest saying Mass here, and another there, and the third in another place is a Communion: Then he desired God to receive him to his mercy, that he might die undefiled in his truth, at utter defiance with all papistical and Antichristian Doctrine: and to defend all his chosen, from the tyranny of the Pope and Antichrist and from his subtleties: at his first casting off the Gallows the rope broke, then they would have had him re • ant, and received the Sacrament of the Altar, and then he should have the Queens Pardon: but Master Mantell, like a worthy gentleman, refused their serpentine Council, and chose rather to die then to live for dishonoring of God.

Master Bradford, Master Sanders, and diverse other good preachers hearing that they should be brought unto a Disputation at Cambridge, sent a Declaration out of prison, to the effect as followeth; That they did not purpose to dispute otherwise then by writing, except it be before the Queens Highnes & her Council, and before the Parliament houses, because we shall dispute against the things which already they have determined, whereby it appeareth they seek not the derity▪ but our destruction, and their glory; otherwise they would have called us to show our consciences before their laws were so made: and again the Censors and Judges are manifest enemies of the truth, before whom Pearls are not to be cast by the commandment of Christ, and by his example: and because some of us have been in prison eight or nine months, where we have had no Books, paper, nor Inke, and because we shall be stopped of our Arguments, as the Bishops were at Oxford: and because the Notaries that shall write our Arguments shall be such as either do not, or dare not favor the truth, therefore must write to please them, or else they will put to, or take from, at their pleasure, as it appeared at Oxford: Yea if any man was seen there to write, he was sent for and his writings taken from him.

If they will write, we will answer by writing, and prove by the word of God and most ancient Fathers, this our faith & every piece thereof, and we are ready to seal it with our lives: First we confess & bele • ue all the Canonical books of the Old Te •• ament and the New, to be truth written by the Spirit, and to be the Judge of all Controuersies of Religion: and we believe the Catholic Church is the Spouse and beloved Wife of Christ, and to embrace the doctrine of these books in all matters of Religion, and therefore to be heard accordingly, and those that will not hear her, are Heretics and Schismatics, according to the saying: He that will not hear the Church, let him be an Heretic; and we believe the Symbols of the Creed of the Apostles, and of the Councils of Nice, Constantinople, Ephesus, Chalcedon, and of Toletum, before the four hundred fifty four year, and the Symbols of Athanasius, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and of Damasus, which was in the year three hundred seventy six. We believe that Justification cometh only from the mercy of GOD through Christ, and it is had of none of discretion but by Faith: which Faith is a certain persuasion wrought by the Holy Ghost, and as it lighteneth the mind, so it suppleth the heart, to submit it self to the will of God.

By this we disallow Papistical Doctrines of free will, of works of supererogation, of merits, of the necessity of auriculer confession and satisfaction: And we believe, that the exterior service of God, ought to be according to the word, in such a tongue as may be most to edify and not in Latin, where the people understand not the same: And we believe, that God only by Jesus Christ, is to be prayed unto, and we disallow invocation to Sa • nts departed; and we believe, as a Man departeth this life, he is either blessed, or damned forever; by reason whereof we affirm Purgatory, Masses of Scala Caeli, Trentals, and such suffrages as the popish Church doth obtrude, as necessary, to be the Doctrine of Antichrist. And we believe two Sacraments of Christ, Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and that they ought to be ministered according to the institution of Christ, and that they be no longer Sacraments then they were in use, and used to the end for which they were instituted, and the mutilation of the one kind from the Lord's Supper, from the Lay people, is Antichristian; and so is the transubstantiation; and so is the adoration of the Sacrament, and the reservation and carrying about of the • ame, and so is the Doctrine of the Mass, it to be a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and dead, or a work that pleaseth God: and so of the inhibition of marriage in any state as unlawful; we doubt not but we shall be able to prove all these our verities by God's word, and the Church which hath followed God's word and Spirit: and we heartily desire all men to be obedient with us unto all that be in authority, and not to cease to pray to God for them, that he would govern them with his Spirit of wisdom, and not to consent in any kind of rebellion against the Queens Highness, but where they cannot obey, but they must disobey God, there to suffer with all patience the pleasures of the higher powers, as we are ready to do, rather then we will consent to any doctrine contrary to this which we here confess, we shall be justly convinced thereof. The Lord indue us with his Spirit of truth, and grace of perseverance.

Upon the twentieth day of July, the Prince of Spain landed at Southampton: He was the first that landed, and presently he drew his Sword, and carried it naked in his hand a pretty way, the Mayor of the Town met him, and delivered him the Keys, which he received in his right hand, and put his sword into his left, then met him the Earl of Arundell, and Lord Williams, and brought him to his lodging.

The twenty five day, He and Queen Mary were married at Winchester, by the Bishop there, then they came to Windsor, and from thence to Southwarke, and from thence through the Citty of London to White-hall: by the way, many Pageants and glorious sights were made. Upon the Cunduit in Gracious-street, was painted King Henry the eight • n harness, with a Sword in one hand, and in the other hand a Book▪ whereon was written Verbum Dei, delivering the Book to his Son Edward painted by him: Whereupon the Bishoppe of Winchester sent for the Painter, and called him • naue, rank Traitor and villain, for painting a Book in King Henries hand, and writing Verbum Dei thereon, he should rather to have put the Book in Queen Mary's hand, that was there also pictured, for that she had reformed the Church and Religion.

Against this time Bonner in his Royalty, and all his Prebendaries about him, the doors of Paul's being shut, a new Rood being laid upon the Pauem •• ts, they sung diverse Prayers by the Rood, then they anointed it with Oil in diverse places: After they crept unto it and kissed it, after they weighed it up into his accustomed place, and the while the whole Choir sang Te D • um, and then the Bels rang for joy.

From White-hall they went to Richmond, then all the Lord's had leave to depart, and there remained no English Lord at the Court, but the Bishop of Winchester, from thence to Hampton-Court, where the Hall door was continually kept shut, that no man might enter, unless his arrand were first known, which seemed strange to English-men.

Upon the fourth day of November, •• ue Priests did pe •• ance at Paul's Cross, which were content to put away their Wives, and take upon them again to minister: everyone of them had a taper in his hand, and a rod, wherewith the Preacher did disple them.

The twenty seven day of November, Cardinal Poole being but a littl • before come into the Realm, came to the Parliament-House, the King and Queen sitting under the Cloath of Estate, and the Cardinal sitting on the right hand.

The Cardinal made a long Oration, showing first how this Realm had ever been forward to receive Religion: first in the time of the Britain's, and then in the time of the Saxons, and that the means came from Rome, in the Faith of which Church we have ever since continued; and shown what devotion this Island hath had to Rome, that King Offa and Adulphus thought their obedience to the Sea not sufficient, but in their own persons went to the place where they received so great grace.

And when Carolus Magnus founded Paris, he sent into England for Alcui • us, which first brought learning to that Uniuersity.

I will not rehearse the benefits this Realm hath received from Rome, nor the miseries this Realm hath suffered by swerving from that Unity, so all Countries that have refused the Unity of the Catholic Faith, hath had the like plagues, as Asia, and the Empire of Greece, by swar • ing from Rome, are brought into the subjection of the Turk: And Germany by swerving from this unity, are afflicted with diverse Sects and factions: then he pra •• ed the King for his greatness and riches, and the Queen, as one in whose heart God had preserved the Catholic truth, when all light of the truth seemed utterly to be extinct, whom GOD had most miraculously brought unto the Crown, being a helpless Virgin, naked and unarmed, had the victory of all policies and armed powers, prepared to destroy her, and God hath appointed her to reign over you, for the restitution of true Religion, and exterpation of errors and Sects.

God hath divided his power unto two parts hear in Earth, that is; into th • Imperial and Ecclesiastical power, the Seculer Princes and Ministers of God to execute vengeance upon transgressors, and to preserve well doers, which is represented in these two most excellent Princes, the King and Queen.

The other power, is the power of the Keys, which belongeth by prerogatiu • to the Sea Apostlike of Rome, from which Sea I am deputed Legate, having the Keys committed to my hands, I confess I have the Keys not as mine own Keys, but as the keys of him that sent me, but certain impediments in you to receive it must be taken away before my Commission can take place. I came to reconcile, and not to condemn, and not to compel, but to call again: My Commission is of Grace and clemency, to all such as will receive it: touching the matter • past, they shall be as things cast into the Sea of forgetfulness.

the means whereby you shall receive this benefit, is by revoking the laws, whereby you have disseuered yourselves from the unity of Christ's Church, therefore you, as provident men for the weal of your souls and bodies, powder what is to be done in this weighty cause. The next day the three estates sitting in the Parliament-house, all on their knees exhibited a Supplication to their Highnesses, the King and Queen, that their humble suit, by their Graces intercession and mean▪ might be exhibited unto the Cardinal, declaring themselves sorry and repentant for the Schism committed in this Realm against the Apostolic Sea, promising, in token of their repentance, to be ready unto the uttermost of their power, to do their endeavor for the repealing of the said laws: and we desire that your Majesty's will so set forth this our humble suit, that we may obtain from the Sea Apostolic, by the said most Reverend Father, as well particular as universal absolution, and that we may be received into the bosom of Christ's Church, so that this whole Realm may in perfect obedience unto the Sea Apostolic serve God and your Majesty's, to the furtherance of his honor and glory. The king and Queen delivered it unto the Cardinal, who perceiving the effect thereof to answer his expectation, he received it most gladly: and after he had thanked Almighty God for the prosperous success of his coming from Rome, by the Popes authority he gave them full absolution: Then they went to the Chapel & sung te Deum with great joy of the reconciliation: the report of this was sent to Rome with great speed, as well by the King and Cardinals Letters, which thou mayest see in the Book of Martyrs: Wherevpon the Pope caused Processions to be made with great joy for the conversion of England, and praising the Cardinals deligence, and the devotion of the King and Queen, on Christmas Even by his Bulls he set forth, a general pardon to all such as did truly rejoice for the same.

The Sunday following the second of December, Gardener Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor preached at Paul's Cross: Upon the third to the Romans: It is time that we should awake out of sleep, for our salvation is nearer then when we believed: First he shown how the saying of Saint Paul was verified upon the Gentiles, which had long time slept in ignorance: therefore to stir up their dullness he desired them to wake out of sleep: then he compared our time to theirs.

As the sacraments of Christ did declare Christ to come, our Sacraments declare that he is come: now that he is come the Jews sacrifices be done away, a • d ours only remain, they had him as a sign, but we have his very body in our Sacrament: wherefore it is time that we now also awake who have slept & rather dreamed this twenty years, as shall be declared by the properties of sleep or dream.

As we going to sleep, separate our selves from company, so we have separated our selves from the Sea of Rome, no Realm in Christendom like us, and as Shepherds dream sometimes of killing, mayning, or drowning, and sometimes of beastliness, so we have not only dreamed of beastliness, but also done it: and as in sleep, all ones senses is stopped, that he cannot see, not smell, nor hear; so the Ceremonies of the Church being to move our senses, are taken away, whereby our senses are stopped: and further, when a man would sleep, he will put out the Candle, least it wake him. So lately, all such Writers as did hold with the Apostolic Sea, are forbidden to be read, and Images, which were Lay men's Books, were cast down and burned.

We have been this twenty years without a head, for when King Henry first took upon him the head of the Church, it was then no Church at all. After whom King Edward could not be head, but was only a shadow of a head: and in our Queens time we had no head, for she alone could not be head, and her two Arch-bishops were both convicted of one crime, and deposed in Henry the eights time, when the tumult was in the North, the King would have given the supremasie again to the Pope, but the hour was not then come, least it had been said he did it for fear. After Master Kneuet and I were sent Ambassadors to the Emperor, to be a means to reconcile the King to the Pope, but the time was not come, for it might be said it was done for policy: the matter was likewise moved in the beginning of King Edwards reign, hut the time was not yet come; for it might have been said, the King was bought & sold in his infancy, neither was the hour come in the beginning of the Queens reign, for it would have been said it was done in weakness, and if it had been done when the King first came, it might have been said it had been done by violence, but now, hora est, when nothing can be objected, but that it is the providence of God. Now Pope Julius the hath sent unto us this most reverend Father the Cardinal, not to revenge injuries done, but to give his benediction to those which defamed and persc • uted him.

And that they may be the meeter to receive it, let us acknowledge our selves of • enders against his Holiness, I do not exclude myself of the number: I will weep with them that weep, and rejoice with them that rejoice. The King and Queens Majesty's have restored the Pope to his supremacy, and the three Estates of Parliament have also submitted themselves to his Holiness, and his successors forever, therefore let us no longer stay.

And as S. Paul saith to the Corinthians, He was their Father, so may the Pope say, he is • ur Father; for we received our doctrine first from Rome, therefore he may challenge us as his own; he hath prevented us before we sought him, he hath sent one of our Brethren to speak unto us, not as unto strangers: and now let us awake, which so long have slept, and in our sleep don so much naughtiness against the Sacraments, and pulling down the Altars, which thing Luther would not do, but reproved them which did.

In his prayer, he prayed for the Pope and Cardinals, and for the souls departed, living in pains of Purgatory.

Upon Newyeares day at night, thirty Men and Women, and one Master Rose a Minister, were taken in a house in Bow Church-yard at the Communion, and committed to prison, and Master Rose was examined before Cranmer, and committed unto the Tower.

Neere Lancaster in Lankishire, at Cockram, the Church-wardens and Parishioners made bargain with one for the framing of their Rood, who made them one, and set it up in their Church, but they misliked his workmanship; and refused to pay him: the matter was brought before the Mayor of Doucaster▪ th • y shown the Mayor, that the Rood they had before was a welfauoured man, and he promised to make us such another, but this is the worst favored thing that ever was seen, gaping and grinning that none of our Children dare look on him and come near him: the Mayor concluded the poor man must be paid, for if it will not serve for a God, put a pair of Horns on his head, and it will make an excellent Devil: This the Parish took well a worth, and the poor man had his Money.

On New-years day at night, was a great stir betwixt the Spaniards and English men, the occasion was about two Whores, which were in the Cloister of Westminster with a sort of Spaniards, whilst some played the knave with them, others kept the entry of the Cloister with Dags in harness, they discharged their Dags at the Deans men that came into the Cloister, and hurt some of them, at length almost the whole town was up, by reason of a Spanish Friar which got into the Church and rung Alarum, so that many were afraid.

At was publicly noised, that Quee • e Mary was with child, there were diverse prayers made in every Church, and processions for her deliverance with a man child, and that it should be beautiful, comely, and wise: And there was an Act of Parliament made, that if the Queen should die in the infancy of the child, that the King should have the government of it and the Realm, until it came of full age: •• uers were punished, for saying the Queen was not with child. About Whitsuntide the time was thought to be nigh, and mid-wives, rockers, and nurses, with tradle, and all were prepared in readiness, and a rumor was blown in London of the prosperous deliverance of the Queen, so that the bells were rung, bon-fires and processions made, not only in the City, but in most parts of the Realm▪ and in Antwarp guns were shot off in English ships, and the Mariners were rewarded with an hundred Pistols by the Queen of Hungary. The Parson of S. Anns within Aidersgate, and diverse other Preachers took upon them to describe how fair and beautiful the child was: at length the people were certified the contrary, that the Queen was not delivered, nor in hope to have any child.

The two and twentieth of January all the Preachers in prison were called before Gardnor, at his house in S. Mary-Oueries: after communication, they were asked whether they would convert and enjoy the Queens pardon, or stand to that which they had taught: they answered they would stand to that which they had taught: then they were committed to a straighter prison then before, with charge that none should speak with them. James George the same time died in prison, and was buried in the fields.

Upon the five and twentieth of January, on the day of the conversion of S Paul, there was a general and solemn procession through London, to give God thanks for their conversion to the Catholic Church, wherein were four score and ten crosses, and a hundred and sixty Priests and Clerks, who had everyone Copes on, singing lustily: there followed eight Bishops, and last of all Bonner carrying the Pixe under a Canopy, and there was the Mayor, Aldermen, and all the Liuerie of every occupation, and the King and the Cardinal came to Paul's Chu •