Christs Victory over Satans Tyranny

The ninth examination.

Being brought to New-gate after he was condemned, when Alexander the keeper came in; Ah said Alexander, Hast thou not done well to bring thyself hither: Master Philpot said, I must be content, it is God's appointment, and I shall desire you to have your gentle favor, for you and I have been of old acquaintance: Well said Alexander, if you will recant I will show you any pleasure that I can • Nay said Master Philpot, I will never recant that which I have spoken, for it is most certain truth, in witness whereof I will seal it with my blood: Then h • s commanded him to be set upon the block, and as many Irons put upon his Legs as he might bear. Then the Clarke told Alexander, that Master Philpot had given his Man Money; Alexander said to his man, what money hath he given you • And he searched him, and took money from him: Then said Master Philpot, Good M. Alexander be so much my friend, that these Irons may be taken off, He said, Give me my fees and I will take them off, if not thou shalt wear them still; Then said he, what is your fees? He said four pounds, Ah said Master Philpot, I have not so much, if you will take twenty shillings I will send my man for it, or I will lay my Gowne to gage, for the time is not long I am sure that I shall be with you: then Alexander commanded him to be had into Limbo, and so he was; Then his man took an honest man with him, and went and shown the Sheriff, one Master Michael, how master Philpot was handled in Newgate, then the Sheriff took his Ring from his finger, and delivered it unto the honest man which came with Master Philpots man, and bad him command the Keeper, by that token, to take off his Irons, and handle him more gently, and to give his man again that which he took from him: when they told their message to Alexander, he said, I perceive Master Sheriff is a bearer with Heretics, tomorrow I will show it to his betters, yet he went to Master Philpot at ten of the clock and took off his Irons, and gave his man that which he took from him. He gave God thanks when news came he should be burned the next day: when the Sheriff called him to go • to execution, he came down most ioyfullie; when he came to Smithfield the way was soul, so two of the Officers took him up and carried him unto the stake: Then he said merrily, what will you make me a Pope, then he kissed the stake and said, Shall I disdain to suffer at this stake, seeing my Redeemer suffered vile death upon the Cross for me, in the midst of the flames he yielded up his soul unto Almighty God, and like a Lamb gave up his breath.

Thomas Whittle Priest, Bartelet Green Gentleman, John Tudson and Thomas Went Artificers, Thomas Brown, Isabell Foster wife, Joan Warren, alias Lashford, Maid.

THe Papists having this last years, murdered the learned and princi • all members of Christ's Church, whereof there were now very few, which either were not consumed with fire, or compelled to fly their Country, they continued this year likewise no less cruelty towards the inferior sort of people; whereof these seven were burned in Smithfield the 27. day of January at one fire, and they were condemned all in one day upon one manner of Articles: the special points were for denying the Sacrament of the Altar, and the Mass.

This Thomas Whittle was the Priest that Philpot maketh mention of, where you may see how he recanted, and then became desperate, and could not be at quiet in conscience, until he had gotten to see the Bill again which he had subscribed and torn off his name; wherefore Boner buffeted him, and plucked off a piece of his beard, but after he had torn it he was in great peace of conscience, and stood out manfully for the faith, and sealed to the truth with his martyrdom. In an Epistle of his, he calleth the Bishops and Priests the sworn Soldiers of Satan, the arch-enemies in whom so lively appear the very visage and shape of Satan, that a man may well affirm them to be Devils incarnate, as I by experience do speak; wherefore who so shall for conscience matterscome into their hands, had need of the wiliness of the Serpen •• e save his head, and to take heed how he, consenteth to their wicked writings: sore did they assault me, and craftily tempt me to their wicked ways.

Bartlet Green was borne in the Parish of Bassinghall in London, being a Student in Oxford at the first he was an utter enemy to the truth, until God of his mercy opened his eyes by coming unto the Lectures of Peter Martire, Reader of the Uniuersity Lecture in the said Uniuersity, whereof when he had once tasted, it came unto him as the Fountain of living Water, so that he never thirsted any more, but had a Well springing unto eternal life; and though he were called by his Friends from the Uniuersity unto the Temple in London, to study the Common Laws, yet be continued in his earnest study and profession of the Gospel. He writing a Letter unto one Goodman, who was fled beyond the Sea for Religion, containing a report of certain Articles of questions which were cast abroad in London, and an answer to a Letter that Goodman wrote unto him, in which he required to have the certainty whether the Queen were dead, as it was reported beyond-sea. Whereupon Green answered, that she was not dead. The bearer of this letter, and many other letters from others, was apprehended by the way, and the letters brought to the Council.

These words, The Queen is not yet dead, seemed heinous to some of the Council: yea, they would have made treason of them if they could by Law; but when they could not make it treason, they examined him upon points of Religion; and after they had long detained him in prison, as well in the Lower, as elsewhere, they sent him at last to Bonner, to be dealt withal according to the Ecclesiastical Laws: And being presented to Bonner, his Arch-deacon and diverse others sitting at the Table with him, who demanded of him the cause of his imprisoning; which when he had shown him, he asked him if he had not since written, or spoken against the natural presence in the Sacrament. Then he desired to be charged according to the order of the Law to hear his accusers. Then Doctor Chadsey was sent for, who reported that before him, M. Mosly, and the Lieuetenant of the Tower, he spake against the real presence, and the Sacrifice of the Mass, and affirmed our Church to be the Church of Antichrist, which he confessed, and said he would continue therein, and maintain it. Then M. Well • h arose, and desired to talk with me alone: and having taken me into another Chamber, he said he was sorry for my troubles, and would be glad to see me at liberty: and he marvelled that I, being a young man, should stand against all the learned men of the Realm, against the determination of the Catholic Church from Christ's time. I promise you, quoth he, I have read all Peter Martyrs, and Cranmer's, and all the rest of their Books, and have conferred them with the contrary, as Roffensis, and the Bishop of Winchester, and the rest, and could not perceive but that there was one continual truth, which from the beginning had been maintained; and those that any time severed from this unity, were answered and answered again. This was the sum of his talk, which lacked neither wit nor eloquence.

I answered, I am young, and lack both wit and learning, but God is not bound to time, wit, or knowledge; but rather chooseth the weak things of the world to confound the strong: neither can men appoint bounds to God's mercy: For he saith, I will have compassion on whom I will: He hath no respect of persons, whether old or young, rich or poor, wise or foolish, Fisher or Basketmaker, God giveth knowledge of his truth through his free grace, to whom he listeth, James. 1. And I believe Christ hath his universal Church, his Spouse, scattered through many Realms, where he list: the Spirit inspireth where it will, he is no more adicted to any one place, then to the person and quality of any one man of this Church. I know I am a member trusting to be saved by the faith that is taught therein: But how this Church is known, is the end of all Controuersies; the true marks of this Church, is the true preaching of his Word, & ministering of his Sacraments: these marks were sealed by the Apostles, and confirmed by the ancient Fathers, until the wickedness of Men and the Devil, these marks were sore worn, and almost taken away, but God hath • enued the Print, that his Church may be known in many places: I would all that were of contrary opinion, would seek the knowledge of the truth with prayer and tears, as I have done. Now I am brought before a many of Bishops, and learned men to be made a fool and laughing stock; but I weigh it not a rush. For God knoweth that my whole study is to please him, and I care not for man's pleasure or displeasure.

Then we fell again in long talk of the Church, wherein his learning and wit was much more then mine▪ and being diverse times examined by the Bishop and others, standing stiff in his opinion, and neither by flattery nor fear, could be won from the truth, he was condemned, and burned, as before.

He being in Prison in New-gate, having persuaded many of the common goal to repentance and faith; he, the day before he was executed, wrote to diverse Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, of his acquaintance in commendation of the true spiritual love of God's children, how that it is the chief fruit of the spirit, where it is the only line that tieth Christ's members to him, and one to another: and that neither prison, nor distance of place, nor time, can break this love, nor death it self: For Faith and Hope have finished their course when we are come to heaven; but our love to God's children doth remain there they in heaven love us, & pray for us; and we love them. Now for this love sake he chargeth ye said Gentlemen his acquaintance, by all menes to seek the deliverance of these prisoners that he had converted, & to help them with necessaries.

Thomas Brown was borne in the Parish of Histon, in the Diocese of Eli, and after dwelt in the Parish of S. Brides in Fleetstreet, & was brought to Bonner by the Constable, and was condemned, as before.

John Tudson was borne in Ipswich, in the County of Suffolk, and after he was prentice at London in the Parish of S. Buttolph, and was sent by Story to Bonner, and was condemned as before.

John Went, borne at Langham in Essex, a Shere-man; he was likewise sent by Story to Bonner, and condemned, as before.

Isabell Foster was wife to one John Foster, a Cutler, of the Parish of S. Brides in Fleetstreet, she was sent to Bonner for not coming to Church, and condemned, as aforesaid.

Joan Lashford, Alias Warne: there is mention before of Elizabeth Warne, with John Warne her husband, were apprehended at a Communion in Bow-Church-yard, and both were burned for the same: and now the daughter followed the Parents in the same Martyrdom. Doctor Story procured their death, and after their deaths he was charged with forty pounds that he owed them: she confessed and protested there was no real presence of Christ's body and blood in • Sacrament of the▪ Altar, and that auricular confession and absolution, after the popish sort, was not necessary, nor the Mass good, or according to the scriptures, and saith, that these & all other supertiuous Sacraments, ceremonies, and divine service now used in this realm of England, was most vile, & contrary to Christ's words and institutions, so that they neither were at the beginning, nor shall be at the latter end. The Bishop exhorting her to return to the holy mother Church, she said boldly to him again: If you will leave your abomination, so I will return, and otherwise I will not. These seven were all burned together in one fire as aforesaid.

John Lomas, Anne Albright, Joan Catmer, Agnes Snoth, Joan Sole.

John Lomas of the parish of Tenderden in Kent, was cited to appear at Canterbury, being examined upon diverse Articles, he answered still that he believed as it was contained in God's Book; and being examined whether he believed the body of Christ to be in the Sacrament of the Altar really under y ^• forms of bread and wine after consecration: he answered that he believed no realty of Christ's body in the Sacrament, neither under foorme nor trestle: wherefore he was condemned the 18 day of January.

Agnes Snoth, Maid, of the parish of Smarden in Kent, was likewise examined before the Pharisaical Judges; and for denying auricular confession, and for saying none could receive y ^• Sacrament of the Altar, as now it is used, without danger of damnation; and for denying penance to be a Sacrament, & for saying the popish absolution was not cōsonant to God's word, she was likewise condemned,

Anne Albright, alias Champnes, being examined, denied to be confessed of a Priest, saying, you Priests are the children of perdition, and can do no good by your confession; and told the Judge and his assistants, that they were subuerters of Christ's truth; and she said, the Sacrament of the Altar was a naughty and a • ominable Idol, wherefore she was likewise condemned.

Joan Sole of Horton in Kent, was condemned of the same Pharisees & Priests for not allowing Auricular confession, and for denying the real presence in the Sacrament.

Joan Cormer of the parish of Hithe in Kent, the fifth and last of these heavenly Martyrs, she denied Auricular confession; she said, the Sacrament of the altar was now made a very Idol, she was likewise coudemned: these five were bu • ned at two stakes in one fire together at Canterbury the 31. of January.

Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Cauterbury.

HE was borne in Nottingham shire, his fathers name was Thomas Cranmer his ancesters were worthy Esquires, his mother was a gentle woman named Agnes H • tfield, he was of Cambridge in the time when good Authors were neglected, and filthy barbarousness embraced in all schools and universities, only the names and number of liberal Arts did remain, the arts themselves were clean lost. Logic was gone into sophistical trifles, Philosophy both moral and natural was miserably defaced with infinite questions and subtleties: the use of tongues and eloquent learning, was either small or none at all: and divinity was so laden with articles and definitions, that it served rather for the gain of a few, then for the edification of many. So he was constrained to spend a part of his youth until he was twenty years old, in the peevish questions of Duns and other masters of that sort, at length the tongs and other learning began a little to spring, and the books of Erasmus began to be much esteemed, with a number of good Authors besides, on which Cranmer rubbed away his old ruf • inesse as upon a whetstone, then Luther rose, the happy day of God's knowledge, who wakened men's minds to the clear light of the truth. At thirty years old he gave his mind wholly to discuss matters of religion on both parts, and having performed the same, he spent three years in the study of the Scriptures, then he read the old writers, despising not the new, weighing all men's opinions with secret judgment, he neu • r read any writers book without pen and ink • , in all controversies he gathered every authors sentence briefly: at 35. years old he proceeded Doctor of Divinity, he was chosen one of the 12 that should decide y ^• matter of kings Henries divorce, and by his arguments, learning, and means it was brought to pass, then he was sent to Paris with diverse Noble men and Bishops, where he behaved himself in that case, that he was commended by the Ambassadors to the king for his singular wisdom, gravity, and learning, that he won such great credit that he was alone sent Ambassador to the Emperor to debate this business, but the Emperor refused to determine the matter, but remitted the whole question to the Popes court: after he was sent to Rome Ambassador to the Pope, where he behaved himself with • o less diligence, that he compelled the Popes chief divines by arguments to grant the marriage to be against the law, but yet by the dispensation of the Pope it might be made lawful. Warram Archbishop of Canterbury dying, he was sent for by king Henry and made Archbishop of Canterbury, then came in the question of the Popes supremacy, and all the weight of the business was chiefly laid upon Cranmer's shoulders; he therefore alone received, answered, and confuted all the objections of the Papists, he proved that the Popes Lordship was not brought in by any authority of Scriptures, but by ambitious tyranny, and that the chiefest power on earth, belonged to the Emperor, to kings and Potentates, to whom the Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, by God's commandment were no less subject then other men, and therefore it were best by the consent of the king, and other estates, the ambitious Lordship of the Pope, being driven out of England, should keep it self within his own Italy, as a river is kept within his banks, which was performed by act of Parliament, then by little and little he reformed the Church into a more wholesome discipline of Christ, and labored to banish the Popes errors, heresies, and corruptions, and he obtained of the king, that certain learned men should make a book of Ecclesiastical institutions, which was called the Bishops Book: then the abolishing of Monasteries began to be talked of, the kings desire was, that all the Abbey lands should come unto his coffers, the Archbishop and others would have them employed to other good uses, whereby the king being bent against Cranmer, especially by the instigation of Gardener Bishop of Winchester, which sought all occasions to hinder the Gospel, he set forth the 6. Articles by full consent of Parliament, which contained the sum of Popish religion. What slaughter by the space of 8. years these Articles made, is already declared: but after, he forgoing his anger with the Archbishop: seeing he stood against him, in conscience, not in stubburnesse, he began to favor him, and thought to have taken away the 6. Articles, and reformed other matters if he had lived; but Cranmer and the Lord protector brought it to pass in king Edwards days: his story how he was used in Queen Mary's reign is mentioned before, and his disputations at Oxeford, and how he was condemned there and left in prison until this time.

And because the sentence was void in law, because it was given by persons excommunicated, (for they were not then absolved by the Pope nor his authority received in the realm) therefore there was a new commission sent from the Pope for the conviction of Cranmer, Latimer, and Ridley, and the Bishop of Gloucester was appointed the Popes delegate, and after they had condemned Latimer and Ridley, as before is said. The said Legate and his company being set in Saint Mary's Church appareled in his Pontificalibus as if the Pope in person had been there: the Bishop of Canterbury was brought before them, putting off his cap he did obeisance to the king and queenes proctors, then looking in the Legates face, he put on his bonnet again, making no obedience toward him, wherefore the Bishop said unto him, that it might beseem him well, waying the authority which he did represent, to do his duty to him: he answered, he had sworn never to admit the Pope into this Realm, and therefore he would commit nothing by sign or token which might argue his consent to the re • eiuing of him, and that he did it not to any contempt of his person.

Then the Legate made an eloquent oration, to put him in remembrance, that from a mean gentleman he was raised to be a Princes Ambassador, and further to be Archbishop and Primate of the Realmealmost 30, years, and s • far in trust with the king, that he made him president of his council, and after left him in special trust for the government of the young Prince during his minority, such blessing God had given him whilst he continued in the Catholic faith.

He exhorted, him on the other side, to consider how he was now fallen from his dignities and officices, and in high displeasure of the King and Queen, judged to die for high treason; and all these things to have happened unto him, only because he had severed himself from the Sea of Rome, and was become a father of new devised religion, and although your estate is so miserable, that the meanest in this assembly will not change his condition and calling with you: yet further he was like to fall by the just judgment of God into hell and everlasting damnation, if he did not repent of his errors and schisms, whilst he had time of repentance, whereunto he exhorted him earnestly, repeating many places of Christ's mercies to them that repent, and shown that to return to the Church was the o • ely way to save both body and soul, and I doubt not but the King and Queen will perdon your condemnation of treason if you will return unto the Church and forsake your opinions, which I desire you to do.

Then Cranmer desired license to speak, which was gently granted him: first he made protestation that he did not answer to him as to a lawful Judge; because he was deputed for the Pope, but to give a reason of his faith, which God hath commanded him to do to everyone that shall demand a reason thereof.

Then he said, My Lord you have learnedly put me in remembrance of many things touching myself, which I will not answer: I acknowledge God's goodness unto me, and thank him as heartily for this estate that now I am in, as ever I did for the time of my prosperity, showing that his greatest grief was, to see the Popes Jurisdiction restored to England again: Alas! what hath the Pope to do in England, whose laws are so far different from the Laws of this realm, that whosoever sweareth to both, must needs incur perjury in the one? And I am heartily sorry to think that her grace, the day before her Coronation, took an oath to observe the laws of this realm; and also took an oath to the Bishop of Rome, promising to maintain that Sea, which was impossible but she must needs be forsworn in the one.

And as for the matter of Heresy, wherewith you charge me, I call God to witness I know none which I maintain: but if it be heresy to deny the Popes authority, and the religion which the sea of Rome hath published unto the world these latter years, then all the ancient Fathers of the primitive Church, the Apostles, and Christ himself, taught heresy: And he desired all them present to bear him witness, that he took the Traditions and Religion of the Pope to be most erroneous, false, and against the doctrine of holy Scriptures, which he had often proved by preaching and writing; and the Pope to be very Antichrist, so often preached by the Apostles and Prophets, in whom most evidently doth concur all the signs and tokens whereby he was painted unto the world to be known by: for he advanceth himself above all Emperors and Kings of the world, whom he affirmeth to hold of him, and to be at his commandment: and the stories make mention of his intolerable pride and tyranny used to them, as no King would have done to his subjects, nor a good master to his servants, setting his feet upon Emperors necks, and making others to hold his stirrups, and removed others from their Empires; & hath not only occupied the highest places in the world above Kings, but hath presumed to fit in the seat of Almighty God, which is the conscience of man, & to keep the possession thereof, he hath promised forgiveness of sins, he hath brought in God's of his own framing, and invented a new religion full of lucre, quite contrary to the Scriptures, only for maintaining of his kingdom, displacing Christ from his glory, & holding his people in miserable servitude of blindness, to the loss of a number of souls which God at the latter day shall exact at his hands; boasting in his Canons & decrees, that he can dispense against Peter, Paul, the Old Testament, & New: & that in his fullness of power he can do as much as God. If any man can be advanced above him, let him be judged Antichrist.

This enemy of God and our redemption is so evidently painted out in the Scriptuers, with such manifest tokens which all see clearly appear in him, that except a man will shut his eyes and heart against the light, he cannot but know him; therefore I will never give my consent to the receiving of him into the Church of England: and my Lord sand you that be here, examine your own consciences, you are sworn against him, you are learned and can judge the truth, I pray God you be not willfully blind, I have discharged my conscience to the world & I will write my mind to her grace, which letter you may see in the book at large.

Story and Martin diverse times interrupted him, saying, he spake blasphemy, and would fain have the Bishop put him to silence, who notwithstanding suffered him to end his speech.

Then they charged him that he was sworn unto the Pope when he was made Archbishop; but he denied it, and said: It appeareth that he did not, by the record of the country, which one of them confessed. Many marvelled that in so perilous a time he had so sincerely proceeded, choosing rather to venture the loss of his life, and all his glorious pomp, then to do anything that might spill his conscience.

Then they objected, that he was married; which he confessed: Doctor Martin said, his children were bond-men to the Sea of Canterbury. At which he smiled, saying: If a benificed Priest had a Concubine, and had bastards by her, they are not bond-men to the benifice, I trust you will make my children's cause no worse.

Then D. Martin demanded of him who was the supreme head of the Church; he said, Christ: Martin said, you made K. Henry supreme head of the Church. He said, of the people of England, Ecclesiastical & Temporal, and not of the Church: for Christ is the only head of the Church, and of the Faith and Religion of the same.

The Articles of religion, touching the Sacrament, denying transubstantiation, the Sacrifice of the Mass, and the real presence, he affirmed as he taught in his Book. Then they cited him to appear 80, days after at Rome, and then sent him to prison; where thou mayest see their visored face of Justice, as though the Court of Rome would condemn no man before he answered for himself: but the same time the Pope sent letters executory unto the King and Queen to disgrade and deprive him, which was done before twenty days were done: And though he were kept in prison, at the end of the 80 days he was decreed Contumax, and thereupon condemned.

Upon S. Valentines day next after, the Archbishop was disgraded, and condemned by Bonner, & Thurlby Bishop of Eli, who sometimes was Cranmer's Chaplain, and preferred by him: at which time Bonner, which a long time had borne great malice towards him, and rejoiced greatly see this day wherein he might triumph over him at his pleasure, made an Oration to the people in this sort:

This is the man who hath ever despised the Popes holiness, and now is to be judged by him: this is the man that hath pulled down so many Churches, and now is come to be judged in a Church: this is the man that contemned y ^• blessed Sacrament of the Altar, and now is come to be condemned before the said Sacrament, hanging over the Altar: this is the man, that like Lucifer, sat in the place of Christ, upon an Altar, to judge others, and now is come before the Altar to be judged himself. Thus he continued half an hour heaping up a number of lies together, beginning everyone with, This is the man, so lothsomly, that he made every man weary. When they had disgraded him, they stripped him of his gown, & put upon him a poor yeoman Bedles gown thread-bare, and as ill-favoredly made as could be, and a Townsmans cap upon his head, and so delivered him to the secular power: in this filthy gown he was carried unto prison.

The Queen & Bishops having kept the Archbishop now almost three years in prison, seeing by no means they could prevail with him all this while, to turn him from his religion, they suborned certain men which should, by entreaty, and fair promises, or any other means, allure him to recantation: so the wily Papists flocked about him, laboring to draw him from his former sentence to recantation, especially Henry Sidall, and Frier John, a Spaniard, they shown him how acceptable it would be to the Kings & Queen, and how gainful it would be both bodily & spiritually, they added that the Council & Noble-men bare him good will, promising him both his life & ancient dignity, saying the matter was but small, the setting of his hand to a few words; but if he refused, there was no hope of pardon: for the Queen was purposed that she would have Cranmer a Catholic, or else no Cranmer at all. By these and such like provocations, they at last w • nne him to subscribe: It may be supposed that it was for hope of life and better days to come: But it appeareth by a Letter of his to a Lawyer, that the most cause why he desired his life to be delayed, was, that he might make an end of a Book against Marcus Antonius, a Papist, which he had begun; but it is manifest that it was against his conscience: it pleased God that so great virtues in this man should not be without some blemish; and that y ^• falsehood of the Pop • sh generation by this means might be the more evident, and that we should have the less confidence of our own strength, presently this recantation was put in Print and published, notwithstanding it was decreed that Cranmer should be burned out of hand, and the Queen commanded a funeral Sermon to be made for him by Doctor Cole; and having his lesson given him, he went speedily to Oxford to play his part. The morning before he should be executed Cole gave him 15 crowns to give to y ^• poor. The Archbishop surmised whereabouts they went, after the Spanish Frier came unto him with a paper of Articles which Cranmer should openly profess in his recantation before the people, desiring him to write his name unto it: then he prayed him to write a Copy of it, and keep it with him, which he did, & knowing whereunto their devices tended, he put secretly into his bosom his prayer with his exhortation written in another paper. Cranmer was brought from prison to S. Mary's Church betwixt two Friers, which mumbled certain Psalms in the streets as they went: when they came unto the Church they sung Nunc dimittis: then they brought him to his standing, where they left him, there he stood all y ^• Sermon in a bare ragged gown, & ill-favoredly clothed with an old square cap, exposed to the contempt of all men. In this habit when he had stood a good while upon the stage, he turned unto a pillar, & kneeling & lifting up his hands to heaven, he prayed unto God once or twice. After a while Cole came & began his Sermon, altogether to the disgrace of Cranmer, showing that he was the only man that began this heresy & schism from the Catholic Church, that he was the cause of the divorce betwixt the Queens father and mother: and that for these and other main causes, the Queen and Council did think fit that he should be burned, although he had recanted.

At the end of his Sermon he brought many scriptures to comfort him, that such as die in God's faith, he will either abate y ^• fury of y ^• flame or else give him strength to abide it, he glorified God much in his conuersi • n, because it appeared to be only his work, showing what great means was used to convert him, but none could prevail until God reclaimed him, saying; whilst he flowed in riches & honor, he was unworthy of death; but lest he should carry with him no comfort, he promised, that immediately after his death there should be Dirges, Masses, &Funerals executed in all the Churches in Oxford for • uccour of his soul. But Cranmer, during the Sermon, lifted up his hands & eyes to heaven: the very shape of sorrow was lively expressed in him, more then twenty times: he shed abundant tears from his fatherly face, but especially when he made his prayer before the people. After Cole had done his Sermon, he had Cranmer perform his promise, to express your faith, that you may take away suspicion from men, that they may vnvnderstand you a Catholic indeed.

I will do it said the Archbishop with a good will: then he desired y ^• people to pray for him, that God would forgive him his sins: and one offense doth trouble me more then all the rest, whereof in process of my talk you shall hear; and after he had made a very pithy prayer with y ^• people, which you may see in y ^• book at large, then he said, every man at the time of his death, desireth to give some god exhortation unto others: so I pray God at this my departing, I may speak somewhat whereby God may be glorified, & you edified. His first exhortation was, that we should not set our minds too much upon this glozing world, but upon God, & the world to come. His next exhortation was to obedience to y ^• King & Queen • . His third exhortation was, that they should love together like brothers & sisters. The fourth was, that rich men would weigh three sayings in y ^• scripture: First Christ saith, it is hard for a rich man to enter into y ^• kingdom of heaven. Secondly, S. John saith, he that hath this worlds goods, and shutteth his compassion upon his needy brother, how can he say he loveth God. Thirdly, Saint James biddeth them weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon you, your clothes be moth-eaten, your gold and silver cankered and rusty, and the rust shall witness against you, and consume you like fire: you hoard up treasure of God's indignation against the last day. Let them that be rich ponder well these three sentences: for if ever they had occasion to show their charity, it is now, the poor being so many, and victuals so deer.

Now being I am come to the end of my life, whereupon hangeth my life past, and my life to come, either to live with my Master Christ forever in joy, or else forever in pain with the Devil: Therefore I will declare my faith unto you without dissembling.

I believe all the Articles of the Creed, and all the Doctrine of Christ, his Apostles and Prophets in the new and Old Testament; and now I come unto the great thing that so much troubled my conscience more then all that ever I did in all my life; and that is in setting abroad a writing contrary to truth, which now I renounce, as written with my hand, contrary to my heart, for fear of death; and that is all such Billes and Papers which I have written or signed with my hand since my degradation; and because my hand writ contrary to my heart, it shall be first burned. And as for the Pope I refuse him, as Christ's enemy, and Antichrist, with all his false Doctrine. And as for the Sacrament, I believe as I have taught in my Book, and my Book shall stand at the last day, before the judgment of God, when the Papistical doctrine shall be ashamed to show her face.

It was a world to see the Doctors beguiled of so great a hope, I think there was never cruelty more notably deluded; and when he began to speak more of the Sacrament, and of the Papacie, Cole cried to stop the Heretics mouth: then the Friers pulled him from his seat, and led him to the fire: then they cried to him; What madness hath brought thee again into this error, by which thou wilt draw innumerable souls with thee into hell. He answered them not, but directed his talk unto the people: But the Spanish Barker raged, and foamed almost out of his wits; and he and the other Spanish Frier began to exhort him afresh, but all in vain. When the fire began to burn near him, he put his right hand into the flame, which he held so steadfastly, that it was burned before his body was touched, he abode the fire with such constancy, that he stood always in one place without moving of his members, with his eyes upward, he off repeated his unworthy right hand, saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit, and so gave up the Ghost.

Agnes Potten, and another woman.

ONe was the wife of Robert Potten of Ipswich in Suffolk, the other the wife of Michael Trouchfield of the same town shoemaker, they were burned at Ipswich the 16. of February, for denying the sacrament of the Altar: their constancy in burning was wonderful, they earnestly exhorted the people to credit and lay hold upon the word of God, and to despise the institutions of the Romish route, with all their superstitions and rotten religion.

Robert Spicer, William Coberley, Maundrel.

THese three were burned at one stake in Salisbury, what their confessions were, and by whom they were condemned it appeareth not.

Robert Draks Minister, William Tims Ioyner, Richard Spurge Fuller, John Cauell Weaver, George Ambrose Fuller, and Thomas Spurge Fuller.

THese six were burned at one fire in Smithfield the four and twentieth day of April: they were all of Essex, and sent at diverse times by the Lord Rich to Gardner, who sent them to prison, where they remained a year almost, and then they were sent to Bonner, to whom they all denied the real presence in the Sacrament of the Altar: after they were all sent for unto the Consitory; first Tims was sent for, and exhorted to conformity: he answered, we have been brought hither this day for God's word, which we have been taught by the Apostolic Preachers in King Edwards time, whom you have murdered because they preached the truth, and they have sealed their doctrine with their blood, whom I will follow. Then Bonner persuaded them not to stand to the literal sense of the Scriptures, but to use the interpretation of the Fathers. Then Tims said, what have you to maintain the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament, but only the bare letter? We have (quoth Bonner ) the Catholic Church: no, said he, the Popish Church of Rome, for which you be perjured, and the Sea of Rome is the Sea of Antichrist, therefore to that Church I will never consent; I confess Christ is present with his Sacraments, but with your Sacrament of the Altar he is neither present corporally nor spiritually, for as you use it, it is a detestable Idol. Then the Bishop seeing his constant boldness, condemned him.

Then Robert Draks was called, and being exhorted to return to the Church of Rome, he said, he utterly defied it and all the works thereof, even as I defy the devil and all his works; then was he likewise cond • mned.

Then Thomas Spurge was demanded if he would return to the Catholic Church: and then he called the rest, and upon the like demands he received the like answers: so they had all their judgments, and delivered unto the Sheriff, and after burned, as before.

John Hullier Minister.

HEe was bur • ed at Cambridge upon the second day of April for the professing of Christ's Gospel, under Thurlby Bishop of Eli and his Chancellor: only a Pra • er and a Letter of his are recorded; his Letter is to prove the Romish Church Antichrist, and exhorteth from dissembling with God and the world, in coming to mass.

Christopher Lister Minister, John Mace, John Spencer, Simon Join, Richard Nicoll, and John Hamond.

THese six were burned together at Colchester in Essex, where the most part of them did inhabit: the eight and twentieth day of April: Bonner now waxing weary, made a very quick dispatch with these; for as soon as they were delivered by the Earl of Oxford and other Commissioners, unto John Kingstone the Bishops Register: Bonner caused them to be brought unto his house at Fulham, where, in the open Church he ministered unto them articles, to which they answered alike, as followeth:

That the Church of Rome is the malignant Church, and no part of the Cathotholike Church, and that they believe not the doctrine thereof, and that they believe there be no mo but two Sacraments in the Church of Christ, to wit, Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that they learned the truth of their profession by the doctrine set forth in King Edwards time, and therein they would continue as long as they lived; they refused to be partakers of the Sacrament of the Altar, because it was used contrary to God's word and glory; they said the Popes authority was usurped, and that he was an oppressor of Christ's Church and Gospel, and that he ought not to have any authority in England, and that they utterly abhorred the Sea of Rome, for putting down the book of God, and setting up the Babylonicall Mass, with all the rest of Antichrists merchandise; and that after consecration there remaineth in the Sacrament Bread and Wine as well as before; and that the real flesh and blood of Christ is not in it; and that the Mass is not propitiatory, neither for the quick nor for the dead, but mere Idolatry and abomination. And in the afternoon, when they would not recant, they were condemned and burned, as before.

Margaret Ellice, Hugh Lauerock an old lame man and John Apprice a blind man.

SHe was of great Bursteed in Essex, and was sent to Bonner by Sir John Mordant Knight, and Edmund Tyrrell Esquire: she died in Newgate the thirteenth of May, being condemned to be burned before.

Hugh Lauerocke an old lame man, and John Apprice a blind man; when they were examined, answered in effect as Christopher Lister, John Mace, and others before mentioned had done: after they were brought to the Consistori • , and being persuaded to recant their opinions of the Sacrament, Hugh Lauerock said, I will stand to my answer, I cannot find in the Scriptures that the Priests should lift up over their heads a cake of bread: then Bonner asked John Apprice what he would say; he answered, your doctrine that you set forth is so agreeable with the world, and embraced, of the world, that it cannot be agreeable with the Scriptures; and ye are not of the Catholic Church, for ye make laws to kill men, and make the Queen your executioner, whereupon they were condemned and sent to Stratford the Bow, and there burned, the • ifteenth of May: at their deaths Hugh Lauerock comforting John Apprice, said, be of good comfort, my brother, for my Lord of London is our good Physician, he will heal thee of thy blindness, and me of my lameness.

Katharine Hutte widow, Elizabeth Tharnell, and Joan Horns.

IN the year 1556. these were burned in Smithfield, & were sent to Bonner, with Margaret Ellice and the blind and lame man, for denying the real presence in the Sacrament of the Altar, and for calling the Mass an Idol. Katharine Hutte being required to recant, and say her mind of the Sacrament, said, I deny it to be a God, because it is a dumb God, and made with men's hands. Ione Horns said, if you can make your God to shed blood, or to show any condition of a lively body, then will I believe you: but it is bread, and that which you call heresy, I trust to serve my Lord God in. And touching the Romish Sea, she said, I forsake all his abominations, and from them all good Lord deliver us: they died more joyfully in the fire then some that burned them did in their beds.

John Harpole and Joan Beach widow.

THese two were burned at Rochester for their constant persevering in Christ's truth, about the first of April.

A blind boy and another suffered martyrdom at Gloucester: one of them was the blind boy which came unto Bishop Hooper, whom the said virtuous Bishop confirmed in the Lord, and the doctrine of his word, as is before mentioned, whose examinations are not come unto our hands.

Thomas Spicer, John Deny, and William Pole.

THese were bro • ght before Dunnings, Chancellor of Norwich, and Minges his Register: the Chancellor persuaded what he could to bring them from the truth: and being he could not prevail he burst out in tears, entreating them to turn again unto the holy mother Church. As he was thus laboring them, and seemed unwilling to give judgment, the Register said, in what do you make such ados? they be at that point they will be, therefore read sentence and dispatch the knaves; whereupon he condemned them with tears, and the next day, being the one and twentieth of May, they were burned at Beckles by Sir John Silliard high Sheriff, without any writ from my Lord Chancellor. As the fire burned about them, they praised God with such an audible voice, that it was wonderful to all those that stood by. One Robert Bacon, and enemy to the truth willed the tormentors to throw on • aggots to stop the knaves breaths, but they confessed the truth, and gave their lives for the testimony thereof very gloriously and joyfully. Thomas Spicer was a laborer dwelling at Wenson in Su •• olke.

The persecution of the towns of Wenson and Mendleson in Suffolk.

AT the commandment of Sir John Silliard High Sheriff, and Sir John Tyrrill Knights, these, whose names follow, were persecuted out of the said towns. From Wenson Alice Twayts & two of her servants, Humfrey Smith and his wife, William Kachpoole and his wife, John Mauling and his wife, Nicholas Burlingham and his wife, and one Rought and his wife.

From Mendleson Simon Harlstone and Katharine his wife with five children, William Whiting and Katharine his wife, Thomas Dobson and his wife, Thomas Hubbard and his wife, John Poncon, Thomas Woodward the elder, one Rennolds wife, and a poor widow, and one mother Semons maid, besides those that were constrained against their consciences, by the help of John Brodish the Parish priest: the points of religion that they held, for which they were persecuted, were these;

1 They held the word of God to be sufficient doctrine unto salvation.

2 They denied the Popes authority, & said their Church was Antichrist, and Christ's adversary, they refused the abused Sacraments, defied the mass, and all Popish service and ceremonies, saying they robbed God of his honor, and Christ of his death and glory, and would not come to Church, except it were to the defacing of that they did there.

3 That Ministers of God's Church might lawfully marry.

4 That the Queen was chief head, and wicked Rulers were a great plagues of God sent for sin.

5 They denied man's free-will, and the Popes Church did err, and many other in that point with them, rebuking their false confidence to be justified by works and man's righteousness: when they were rebuked for talking so freely, they would answer, they acknowledge, confess and believe, and therefore they must speak: they acknowledged that tribulations were God's prouidences, and that his judgments were right, to punish them and others for their sins, and that their troubles were of his faithfulness and mercy, and that one hair of their heads should not perish before the time, but all things should work to the best to them that love God, and that Christ was their only life and righteousness, and that only by faith in him, and for his sake, all good things were freely given them, as also forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. Many of these persecuted were of great substance, and had possessions of their own.

William Slech died the thirtieth of May 1556. being imprisoned for the doctrine of the Gospel, and the profession of the truth, in the Kings bench, and was buried in the back-side of the same prison, because the Papists thought him not worthy to be laid in their Pope-holy Churchyards.

Thomas Harland MillWright, John Osward, Thomas Reed, and Thomas Auington.

T They were long prisoners in the Kings Bench for the confession of the truth, and were burned together at one fire the sixth of June, in Louis in South-sex.

Thomas Wood Minister, and Thomas Miles were burned likewise at Louis in South-sex the twentieth of June, for resisting the erroneous and heretical doctrine of the papistical and fall •• y pretended Catholics.

William Adherall Minister, and John Clement-Wheel-wright▪

THese died in the Kings Bench the three and twentieth of June, and were buried in the backside, being imprisoned for the profession of the truth.

A Merchants servant the next day was burned at Leicester for the like godliness, by the cruel persecution of the Papists.

About this time there were thirteen burned in one fire at Stratford the Bow by London eleven of them being men and two of them women, whose dwellings were in sundry places in 〈◊〉 , and whose names f • llow: Henry Adlington, Lawrence Parman, Henry Wye, William Hallywell, Thomas Bowier George Searle, Edmond Hurst, Lion Cawch, Ralph Jackson, John Perifall, John Roth, Elizabeth Peper, and Agnes George Their points of Religion doth better appear by a Certificate under all their hands, which I have here inserted, then by their examination which followeth.

Be it known unto all to whom this our Certificate shall be feene, that whereas upon Saturday the thirteenth of June, sixteen of us were condemned to die, by the Bishop of London, for the sincere truth of Christ's verity, which truth hath been continually defaced from the beginning by the wicked adversaries, as it is slandered now by the Devil and his Imps, which constraineth us to manifest our belief, and the articles, wherefore we were condemned for avoiding the slanders that might happen by occasion of the flanderous Sermon lately preached at Paul's Cross by Doctor Fecknam Dean of Paul's, where he defamed us to be of sixteen sundry opinions.

1 We believe by Baptism we were made members of Christ's Church, and although we erred for a time, yet the root of Faith was preserved in us by the Holy Ghost, which maketh us certain of the same, and we do and will persist by God's assistance unto the end: And though the Minister were of the malignant Church, yet he did not hurt us, because he baptized us in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; there was the word and the element; Godfathers, and Godmothers, renouncing for us the Devil and all his works, and confessing the Articles of the Christian Faith.

2 There are but two Sacraments, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, in these are contained the two Testaments: the effect of the Law is Repentance, and the effect of the Gospel is remission of sins.

3 There is a visible Church wherein the word of God is preached, and the Sacraments truly ministered: Uisible to the wicked world, although it be not credited, and by death of Saints confirmed: as in the time of Elias as well as now.

4 The Sea of Rome is the Sea of Antichrist: The Congregation of the wicked, whereof the Pope is head under the Devil.

5 God is neither spiritually nor corporally in the Sacrament of the Altar, and there is no other substance but bread and Wine.

2 The Mass is not only a profanation of the Lord's Supper, but a most blasphemous Idol.

We affirmed to believe all that the Bishop or any could prove by Scriptures: but he said he would not stand to prove it with heretics, but said, they themselves were the holy Church, and that we ought to believe them, or else to be cut off like withered branches.

When they were brought to Stratford the Bow they were divided into two parts, and put into two chambers: then the Sheriff came to the one part and told them that the other had recanted and were saved, and exhorted them to do the like, and not cast away themselves: they answered, their faith was not built on man, but Christ crucified: When he could do no good with them, he went to the other place, and told them their Fellowes had recanted, and were saved, and counseled them to do the like, and not willingly to kill themselves: unto whom they answered as their fellows had done. When he saw he could not prevail, he lead them to the fire, they joyfully kissed the stake: the eleauen men were tied to four stakes, and the two Women loose in the midst, and so they were burned all in one fire, with such love one to another, and constancy in our Savior Christ, that it was wonderful.

Thomas Free-man, William Stannard, and William Adames.

THese were also condemned to die with the other at the same time, and being in the hands of the secular power, Cardinal Poole sent his dispensation for their lives, and by that means they were kept from mart • rdome.

The fourteenth of June John Colstoke of Wellington in Liechfield Dioces, for holding against the real presence and auricular confession, was compelled to recant and to bear a faggot before the Cross bare-headed, having in one hand a Taper, and in the other a pair of Beads.

The seventeenth of June Thomas Barns and Ellice Birth were accused that one wished to the other, in the beginning of Queen Mary's reign, his dagger in the belly of him that sung to the Organs • he denied not but he spake these words, and that he then thought the mass abominable; and though he submitted himself he was condemned to bear a faggot, with beads and his taper before the cross.

The seven and twentieth of June Thomas Paret, Martin Hunt, and John Norrice died in the Kings Bench, and were buried in the back-side: they were imprisoned for the profession of the truth.

Robert Bernard, Adam Foster and Robert Lawson.

THe 30. of June Hopton B of Norwich called Robert Bernard Heretic, because he said he would never be confessed of a Priest: he answered, it grieveth me not to be called heretic at your hand▪ for so your forefathers called the Prophets and Confessors long ago: then the B: • ad him follow him, and went and kneeled before the Sacrament of the Altar: and as he was at his prayers, he looked back and asked Barnard why he did not as he did, He answered, I cannot tell why you should do so, the Bishop asked him, whom see you yonder, pointing to the Pixe hanging over the Altar? Do you not see your maker there? He said, No, I see nothing but a few clothes hang together in a heap: then the Bishop commanded him to the Jail, and • ad put Irons enough upon him.

After one of the Guard had him to a Tavern where many Priests were, when they could not persuade him, they threatened h • m with whipping and stocking, and when they could pervert him by no means, then they carried him to the Bishop, who immediately condemned him: He was a laborer, dwelling in F • an • den in Suffolk.

Adam Foster was a Husbandman, dwelling in Mendlesam in Suffollke: He was apprehended by Thomas Mouse, and George Reuet Constables, at the command • meant of Sir John Terill, because he would not hear Mass: He was cast into Aye dungeon, from whence he was sent to Norwich, and condemned by the aforesaid Bishop: Mouse presently after fell sick, and pined away to death: the • there came to the like end not long after.

Robert Lawson a Linnen Weaver, was likewise apprehended at the commandment of Sir John Terill, and sent to Aye Dungeon, because he would not come to Church, nor receive their Popish Idol.

When they were carried to their deaths, they most triumphantly ended their lives in the fixe.

John Careles of Coventry Weaver.

ABout this time he died in the Kings Bench, having been long imprisoned there, he was examined before Doctor Martin, one of the Masters of the Chancery, a jolly stirrer in those matters: in which examination I find no matters of religion, but that he answereth a popish opinion of election, that we are elected in respect of our good works, and so long elected as we do them, and no longer, but he believed that God of his infinite goodness (through Jesus Christ) did elect and appoint in him, before the foundation of the earth was laid, a Church or Congregation, which he doth continually guide and govern by his grace and holy spirit; so that not one of them shall ever finally perish, and that God hath e • ernally predestinated me to eternal life in Jesus Christ. I am most certain and likewise sure that his holy spirit (wherewith I am sealed) will so preserve me from all heresies and evil opinions, that I shall die in none at all: I do believe that Christ did effectually die for all those that repent, and believe, & for none other. At his first coming into prison, his conscience was over much oppressed with the consideration of his sins, until he had a comfortable letter of Philpot, concerning the mercy of Christ to them that repent: and although a sorrowful spirit be a sacrifice acceptable to God, and the earnest penny of election, yet the end of it must be comfort and joy of the holy Ghost in assurance of the remission of sins, therefore he • iddeth him be careless, according to his name, in assurance of the remission of sins in Christ.

Wherefore Carles thanketh God heartily, and confesseth that Philpots sweet exhortations had brought much glad tidings unto his tired soul, and that it was greatly refreshed with the sweet savor of his precious Nard. I will now according to your loving request cast away all care, & rejoice with you, and pray God for you day & night, for now my foul is turned unto her old rest again, & hath taken a sweet na • in Christ's lap, I have cast my care upon the Lord, which will care for me, and will be careless, according unto my name: as soon as I had read your comfortable Letter, my sorrows vanished away, as smoke in the wind: I am sure the spirit of God was a • thor of it: Good M. Philpot thou art a principal Pot indeed, filled with most precious liquor: Oh pot most happy of the high Potter ordained to honor, which doest contain such heavenly treasure in the earthen vessel: Oh pot most happy, in whom Christ hath turned water into wine, and that of the best, whereof the Master of the Feast hath fi • led my cup so full, that it hath made me drunken in the joy of the spirit: When martyrdom shall break thee (oh vessel of honor) the fragrant savor of the precious ointments will much rejoice the he • y hearts of Christ's true members.

John Gwinne, Askin, Iulines Palmer.

THe 16. of July these three godly and constant martyrs were burned at Newbery in Barkshire. Iulines Palmer had been student in Magdalene College in Oxford, and was Schoolmaster of Redding: all King Edwards days he was an obstinate Papist, abhorring all godly prayer and sincere preaching, and was abhorred and put out of the College for the same, yet after in Queen Mary's time, suffered a most cruel death at the Papists hands. He was born in Coventry, his father had sometimes been Mayor of the Citty. When Queen Mary came to her reign, he was received into the fellowship of the College again, but his mind was • o far altered, that he would not come to prayers for fear of suspicion: but when he should keep his bowing measures at the Confiteor, in turning upward & downward, and knock his breast with Idolatrous adoration, at the lifting up of the Sacrament, his heart rose against it, that he would get him out of the Church, wherefore he left the College and became Schoolmaster in Redding, and being vexed with the consideration of the cruelty that was then shown to the Christians, he made a testimony of his Faith, and delivered it to Doctor Geffery in his visitation, who reading the same put him in Prison, and within a fortnight after burned him as before, where he yielded up as joyful a Soul to God, as ever any did.

Katherine Cauches mother and Paratine and Guillimiue her Daughters.

THE said Katherine was a Widow, they were of the Isle of Garnesey, the 10. of July they were there burned for her • ticks for professing the truth: Paratiue being great with child, and ready to be brought a bed the womb of the said Paratine being bu • ned, there issued from her a goodly man Child, which by the officer was taken up, and after most spiteful manner thrown into the fire, and most cruelly burned with her seely mother.

The cause was thi • ; a woman had stolen a cup and pawned it to this Katherine for six pence, she perceiving whose cup it was thought to have carried it home: In the mean time the owner of the cup missed it, and charged ber with it that stole it, who confessed it and brought the owner of the cup to the Widow who delivered him the Cup: shortly after the Bailiff • s hearing thereof, searched her house, they finding one Platter which had no mark, and another that had the mark scraped out: Whereupon they brought her and her two Daughters to the Justices, who committed them unto prison, and the Bailiffs seized upon all their goods, and when they could prove nothing against them, the Bailiffs accused them of heresy and caused them to be committed again; and the Bailiffs wrote to Iaques Amy Dean of the I will aforesaid, to desire him to proceed against them in the cause of heresy: whereupon the said Dean, assisted by the Curates there, did make an inquiry of the said widow and her daughters, and condemned them for heretics, the widow and her daughters never hearing thereof, and delivered it to the Bailiffs and Iurats, whereupon when the Bailiffs did know that the said Dean and Curates had not examined the woman, they would not sit in judgment that day, but ordained that the women should first be examined of their Faith before the Dean and Curates: wherefore the women were presented before the said Dean and Curates who answered that they would obe • the Ordinances of the King and Queen, and the commandments of the Church, notwithstanding they were condemned, and thereupon burned, and the Bailiffs had all their goods, as before, but in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign the Gern •• y men, and one Matthew Cauches, brother to • he said two Sisters presented a supplication to the Queens Commissioners touching that matter, who sitting upon the cause, found the matter probable, and commit • ed the Dean to prison, and dispossessed him of all his livings and possessions.

Thomas Dungate, John Forman, Mother Tree.

THe 18 of July these gave themselves to the fire for righteousness sake, patiently abiding what the rage of man could say or do against them: they were burned at Grinsted in Sussex.

Joan Wast was of the Parish of Alhallowes in Darby, she was condemned by Radulph Bane Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, his Chancellor, and others, for that she did hold the Sacrament of the Popish Altar to be but a representation of Christ's body and material bread and wine, and not his natural body, unless it were received, and that it ought not to be reserved from time to time over the Altar, but immediately to be received. She was burned at the aforesaid Darby: when she suffered she made her prayer to the Lord Ies • s to assist and strengthen her, and being bound to the stake with flames about her, she suffered with joy and triumph, as though she had rather been going to a banket, then to yield up her life.

Edward Sharp was an aged man, borne in Wilshire, he was condemned the 8. of September, where he constantly and manfully persisted in the just quarrel of Christ's Gospel, for misliking & renouncing the ordinances of the Romish Church. He was tried as pure gold, and made a lively sacrifice in the fire.

John Hart, Tho: Rauensdale, and two whose names we have not, the one a Shomaker, the other a Coriar.

THese four were burned at Mayfield in Sussex the 24. of September, being at the place where they should suffer, after they had made their Prayer, they constantly and joyfully ended their lives, for the testimony of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. The next day, a young man, a Carpenter, whose name we know not, was burned for the Testimony of Christ at Bristow: he died with much joy, constancy, and triumph.

Thomas Horne and a woman.

THe 25. of September th • se two godly Martyrs were consumed by the fire at Watton Underhedge in Glocestershire, who died very gloriously in a constant Faith, to the terror of the wicked, and comfort of the godly.

A Shoemaker was a true Witness and Disciple of the Lord, he renounced the false coloured Religion of the Romish Sea, wherein many a good man hath been drowned: he was burned at Northampton.

Three in the Castle of Cicester being in like bonds for the like cause of Christ's Gospel, died in Prison, and were buried in the fields, who had been burned if the cruel handling of Papists had not made them away before.

John Clarke, Dunstone Chittenden uncondemned, William Foster of Stone, Allice Potkins of Staplehurst, John Archer of Cranbroke Weaver.

THe first of November these five were macerate and pined to death by famine in the Castle of Canterbury: they answered all to this effect, that they believe the Articles of the Creed, but they believe no more Sacraments but two, that prayers to Saints or souls in purgatory profit not, that faith only justifieth; they denied the Popish ceremonies in the Church: that it was as good to carry a Dungfork as Candles on Candlemas day, and that it is as necessary to carry the Gallows about if ones father were hanged, as to carry the Cross; that they could not come to Church with a safe conscience. There was fifteen of them in prison, and it seemeth the Bishops and Priests had appointed to starve them all, had not a Certificate of the manner of their cruel handling been thrown out of the Castle window, whereby their doings were made manifest: so the other ten were burned, as after appeareth.

In the Months of September, November, and December, there was a great persecution in Coventry and Lichfield: the cruel Bishop Radulph Bane, and his cruel Chancellor, Doctor Draycot, and nine Priests, and a number of others were compelled to recant, and one Hoke was burned at Chester, as thou mayst see in the Book at large.

Thomas Loseby, Henry Ramsey, Tho: Thyrtell, Margaret Hyde, Agnes Stanley.

THe twelfth of April these were burned at one fire in Smithfield, Bonner framed now Articles unto them, and confessing these points of his Articles, they were condemned.

1 For speaking against the Faith, Religion, and Ecclesiastical service, especially concerning the Mass and the seven Sacraments, saying they agreed not w • th God's word.

2 For being persuaded that the English service in King Edwards time, was godly and Catholic.

3 That they did not think themselves bound to come to Church to hear the Mattins, Mass, and Euening song.

4. That they did not think themselves bound to go a Procession, nor to bear Tapers and Candles at Candlemas, nor take Ashes upon Ashwednesday, nor bear Palms upon Palme-sunday, nor to creep to the Cross upon days accustomed, not to receive and kiss the Paxe at Mass time, not to receive holy water or holy bread, nor to except or allow the Ceremonies and usages of the Church, as they are used in this Realm.

5 For thinking they were not bound to confess their sins unto a Priest, nor to receive absolution at his hand, nor to receive the Sacrament of the Altar.

6 For thinking prayers to Saints, or prayers for the dead are not laudable, profitable, not allowed by God's Word, and that the souls departed go straight ways to Heaven or Hell, so that there is no Purgatory.

7 For thinking all those that were burned in King Henry the eights time, and in Queen Mary's time as Heretics, were no Heretics, but faithful and good people: and for approving their opinions, and mis • iking their condemnations.

8 For thinking the Sacrament of the Altar to be an Idol, and to reserve it to be honored, to be Idolatry: and likewise of the Mass, and • l • uation of the Sacrament.

After this, they were convented again before the Bishop, in the Con •• story, where these being asked what they had to say against judgment, Thomas Los • by said, God give me strength to stand against you and your 〈◊〉 : your Law • s a de • ouring Law, I perceive there is no way with me but death, except I will believe in that Idol, the Mass.

Thomas Thirtle said, If you make me an Heretic, then you make Christ and all the twelve Apostles Heretics: for I am in the true faith, and I will stand to it, for I know I shall have eternal life.

R • msey said, my opinion is the very truth, which I will not go from: There are two Churches, and we the Martyrs of Christ are the true Church, and ye be not.

Margaret Hide affirmed, she was in that true Faith, and would never forsake it.

Agnes Stanly said, if every hair of her head were never so much worth, I had rather they were reburned, then I will for sake my true faith.

Then they were put off until the afternoon, then as Loseby his answer was reading, mention being made of the Sacrament, Boner put off his Cap, and Loseby put on his hat: and he said, I trust I have the Spirit of truth, which you detest, for the wisdom of God is foolishness unto you, whereupon they had judgment.

Margaret Hide said, My Lord, I will not depart from my sayings till I be burned: and she said, • would see you my Lord instruct me with some part of God's word, and not to give me instructions of holy Bread, and holy Water, for it is no part of Scripture. Agnes Stanly answered, I am no • ereticke no man that is wise will believe as you do: I believe those that you have burned be true Martyrs, I will not go from my faith as long as I live. Thomas Thirtle said, I will not believe your Idolatrous ways, your Mass in Idolatry, I will stick to my faith as long as I live. Henry Ramsey said, Your doctrine is naught, and not agreeable to God's word, and I will stand to my Faith as long as I live: So they were condemned and burned, as before.

In May William Norant, Stephen Gratwicke, and one King, were burned in S. Georges field in Southwarke.

John Bradbridge of Stapleherst, Walter Apleby of Maydstone, and Petronell his wife, Edmund Allen of Fritendid, and Katherine his wife, Joan Mannings of Maydstone, Elizabeth a blind Maid.

THe 18. of June these seven faithful Martyrs of Christ, were burned at Maidstone: their answers were like in effect to the five that were famished to death in Canterbury Castle.

The 19. of June John Fishcock, Nicholas White, Nicholas Pardue, Barbara Final Widow, Bradbregs Widow, Bendens Wife, and Wilsons Wife, were burned at Canterbury: their Articles were as the others, they joyfully vndressed themselves unto the fire, and all of them (like the Communion of Saints) kneeled down and prayed, with such zeal, as the enemies of the Cross of Christ could not but like it. Ten they arose and went to the stake, where they yielded their souls gloriously unto the Lord.

Richard Woodman, George Stephens, William Maynard, Alexander Hosman his Man, Tomasine Awood his Maid, Margery Moris, James Moris hir Son, Denis Burgess, Ashdownes wife, Groues wife.

THese ten blessed Martyrs were burned at Louis in Sussex the 22. of June, without a writ from the Lord Chancelor.

The first examination of RICHARD WOODMAN, before the Bishop of Chichester.

The second Examination before the Bishop of Winchester and others.

The third examination.

Story came in pointing at me with his finger: I can say nothing to him but an heretic, I have heard you talk this hour and a half, and can hear no reasonablenes in him.

The fourth examination before Doctor LANGDAL.

AMBROSE.

HE died in Maidstone goal, who else should have been burned for his conscience, in the truth, as the other were.

Simon Miller, and Elizabeth Cooper.

SImon dwelt at Linne, he came to Norwich, where he standing in the press, and hearing the people coming out of the Church, the Mass being ended, he asked them where he might go to have the Communion: they marvelled to hear his boldness; and some said, if he would needs go to a Communion, he would bring him where he should be sped of his purpose: whereupon he was brought unto Dowing, Chancellor of Norwich; who, after a little talk with him, committed him to prison. As he was examined, a p • ece of paper appeared above his shoe: it was spied, and taken out, and it was a confession of his faith. The Chancellor asked him if he would stand to that confession of his faith: he constantly affirmed he would. The Keeper gave him leave to go to his house, whilst he set all things in order: and then he returned, and constantly abiding in his purpose, and defense of God's truth, he was by the Bishop and his Chancellor condemned and burned.

With him was burned the said Elizabeth, a Pewterers wife dwelling in Saint Andrew's in Norwich, where she had before recanted, and being troubled inwardly for the same, she came to Saint Andrew's Church, whilst they were at their Popish Service, and said, she revoked her recantation before made in that place, and was heartily sorry that she ever did it, willing the people not to be deceived, nor to take her doing before for any example. Then Master Marsham, and one Bacon of the said Parish, cried, Master Shriefe, will you suffer this? Whereupon the Shriefe came to her house, at whose knocking she came down, and was taken, and sent to Prison: she was condemned and burned with the said Simon Miller.

William Bougeor, Thomas • Benold, Robert Purcas, Agnes Silver-side, alias Smith, Widow, Ellen Ewring, Elizabeth Folkes Maid, William Munt, John Johnson, Allice Munt, Rose Allen, Maid.

WIlliam Bougeor was of the Parish of S. Nicholas in Colchester, he said the sacrament of the Altar was bread, is bread, & so remaineth bread, and is not the Holier, but the worse for the Consecration. To this he did stand, and against all the rest of their Papistical Doctrine: and so had sentence read against them.

Thomas Benold of Colchester, Tallow-Chaundler, affirmed the like in effect, and so had sentence.

William Purchas of Bocking in Essex, Fuller, said when he received the Sacrament, he received bread in an holy use, that preacheth y ^• remembrance that Christ died for him: he stood in this, and against other their Popish matters, a • d also had sentence.

Agnes Silver-side, alias Smith, Widow, dwelling at Colchester, said she loved no consecration: for the Bread and Wine is the worse for it. She answered them with sound judgment, and great boldness to all things they asked her, and was condemned.

Ellen Ewring, the wife of John Ewring of Colchester, Widow, answered to the like effect as the other did, denying all the laws, set forth by the Pope, with her whole heart, she was condemned.

Elizabeth Folkes, Maid-servant in Colchester, being examined whether she believed the presence of Christ's body in the Sacrament Substantially or no, answered, she believed that it was a substantial lie, and real lie. They chafing, asked her again, whether, after Consecration, there remained not in the Sacrament the body of Christ: she answered, that before consecration, and after it is but bread, and the man the blesseth without God's word, is accursed and abhominable by the word. Then they examined her of confession to a Priest, of going to Mass, and of the authority of the Bishop of Rome: she answered, she would neither use nor frequent any of them, but did abhor them from the bottom of her heart, and such like trumpery: so she was condemned, she kneeled down and praised God that ever she was borne to see that blessed day, that the Lord would count her worthy to suffer for the testimony of Christ: and Lord forgive▪ them that have done this, if it be thy will: for they know not what they do: And rising up, she exhorted them all to Repentance, and bad the halting Gospellers beware of blood, for that would cry for vengeance.

William Munt of Muchbentley in Essex, said that the Sacrament of the Altar was an abhominable Idol, and that he should displease God if he should observe any part of the Popish proceedings: and therefore, for fear of God's vengeance he dare not do it. He was 61 years old; he was examined of many things, but he stood to the truth, and was condemned.

John Johnson of Thorp in Essex was condemned, who answered to the same effect as the other did.

Allice Munt, the wife of the said William Munt, 61 years old, answered as her husband had done, and was condemned.

Rose Allen, Maid, the daughter, of • the said Allice Munt, M. Edmond Terrell, which came of the house of them Terrels which murdered K. Edward the fifth, and his brother; when, with diverse others, he was come into the house of William Munt, to search his house, and to apprehend him and his wife.

He met with this Rose Allen going with a candle to fetch drink for her mother, and willed her to give her father and mother good counsel, she said, they have a better councellour then I: for the Holy Ghost doth teach them, I hope, which I trust will not suffer them to err. Why, said he, art thou still in this mind, thou naughty house-wife, it is time to look to such heretics. She said, with that which you call heresy, I worship my Lord God. Then (quoth he) I perceive you will burn with the rest for company. She said, not for company, but for Christ's sake, if I be compelled. Then he took the Candle from her, and held her wrist, and the burning Candle under her hand so long, until the sinews cracked in sunder, saying often unto her, Thou young Whoore, wilt thou not cry: she answered, she thanked God she had cause to rejoice, he had more cause to weep then she: when her synowes brake, all in the house heard them, he thrust her from him and said, Ah strong whore, thou shameless beast, with such vile words; then she said, have you done what you will? I (said he) if you think it be not well mend it: she said the Lord give you repentance if it be his will, and you think it good begin at the feet and burn unto the head also, for he that set you no work will pay you your wages one day.

She being examined of auricular confession, of going to Mass, and of the popish seven Sacraments: she answered that they stank in the face of God, she said they were the members of Antichrist, and should have, if they repented, not the reward of Antichrist. Being asked what she could say of the Sea of the Bishop of Rome, his Sea (quoth she) is for Crowes and Kites, Owls and Ravens to swim in, such as you be; for I by the grace of God will not swim in that sea while I live, then she was condemned.

These ten godly Martyrs were burned at Colchester, sire in the forenoon, and four in the afternoon, when the fire was about them, they clapped their hands for joy, & joyfully joyed in the fire, and thousands standing by, cried generally all almost, the Lord strengthen them, the Lord comfort them, as was wonderful to hear.

John Thurstone.

HE was taken in the house of William Munt, with him he died in May in Colchester castle, a constant confessor of Jesus Christ.

Thomas Moore.

HE was a Merchant dwelling in Leicester about 24. years old, for saying his maker was in heaven and not in the Pixe, he was apprehended, the Bishop said to him, what is yonder above the altar? he said, I cannot tell what you would have me to see, I see fine clothes with golden tassels, and other gay gear hanging about the Pixe, what is within I cannot see, why said the Bishop, doest thou not believe Christ to be there flesh and bone? 〈◊〉 said he that I do not; whereupon the Ordinary condemned him, who suff • red a joyful and glorious Martyrdom for testimony of righteousness in Leicester.

George Eagles, alias Trudge-over.

HE wandered abroad in diverse countries, where he could find any of his brethren, did there more earnestly encourage and comfort them, now tarrying in this town, and sometimes in that, certain months as occasion served; sometimes for fear lying in fields and woods, who for his unreasonable going abroad was called Trudge-over, for three years he drank nothing but water, and when he perceived that his body by God's providence proved well enough therewith, he thought best to inure himself therewithal, against all necessities: when he had profited the Church of God by this going abroad a year or two, diverse spies were sent out for him, who had in commandment to bring him quick or dead, wheresoever they found him; but when they could not take him, they sent out an Edict in the Queens name into four shires, promising twenty pounds to him that should take him, at length he was seen at a fair in Colchester, and being pursued, he hid himself in a wood, and from thence got into a corn field, when they could not find him, they returned, but one got upon the top of a tree, to spy if he could see him stir, the poor man thinking all sure, because he heard nothing, rose upon his knees, the lurker perceiving him, came down and took him, and brought him to prison to Colchester; notwithstanding, the Judas -knave which had so much promised him, was fain to take a little reward, this George within four days after, was conveyed to Chelmester where he was so cruelly handled, that he had but two pound of bread and a little water measured to him, to serve him a week together: after a while he was brought out and indicted of treason, because he had assembled companies together contrary to the laws in that case provided to avoid sedition, that if above six should flock together, they should be attached of treason, which straight law was the casting away of the good Duke of Sommerset. This George, was led to be hangd, drawn and quartered betwixt two thieves, the one of them did nothing but mock him, and the more he was rebuked, the more he mocked him, but when he should die, he could not speak to utter his mind, nor say his prayers, and one said the Pater noster to him word by word as to a child, which he could not answer but fumblingly, many did wonder at the just judgment of God upon him for mocking the good martyr. He that apprehended the said George Eagles, his name was Ralph Hardin dwelling in Colchester, who in the year 1561. was condemned at Chelmsford to be hanged, and being at the bar, • he told the Judge and a great multitude of people, this is most justly fallen upon me, for that I betrayed the innocent blood of a good and just man George Eagles, who was condemned here in the time of Queen Marie through my procurement, who sold his blood for a little money.

Richard Crashfield of Wimondham.

HE suffered at Norwich, whose examination before Downings the Chancellor, written by himself as followeth:

One Frier and the sister of George Eagles.

THese suffered the like martyrdom by the unrighteous Papists, whose tyranny the Lord of his mercy abate and cut short, turning that wicked generation to abetter mind. They were burned at Rochester.

JOHN CVRD.

HE was a Shoemaker of Sisam in Northamptonshire, he was imprisoned in Northampton castle for denying the Popish transubstantiation, for the which William Bru • ter Chancellor unto the Bishop of Peterborrow did pronounce sentence of death against him: a popish priest standing by when he was to be burned, one John Rote vicar of S. Giles in Northampton, shown him if he should recant he was authorised to give him his pardon, he answered, he had his pardon by Jesus Christ.

Cicelie Ormes.

SHe suffered at Norwich; she was taken at the death of Simon Miller, and Elizabeth Cooper, for that she said she would pledge them of the same cup they drank of, one master Cobet of Sprowson took her and sent her to the Chancellor, he asked her what she said unto the Sacrament of Christ's body, and what is that the Priest holdeth over his head, she answered, it was bread, and if you make it better, it is worse; so she was sent to prison, after she was called and examined before the Chancellor, and master Bridges the Chancelor offered her, if she would go to Church & keep her tongue, she should be at liberty, and believe as she would: but she told him she would not consent to his wicked desire therein, and if she should God would plague her: then he told her, he had shown more favor unto her then ever he did unto any, and when he could not prevail, he condemned her; she was borne in East Derrham and was daugh • er unto one Thomas Hawood Tailor, she was taken a twelve-moonth before and recanted, but was never after quiet in conscience: she had gotten a letter written to be delivered to y ^e Chancelor, to let him know she repented her recantation, & would never do the like again as long as she lived, but before she exhibited her bill, she was taken and imprisoned as before; when she was at the stake she told the people, I would you should not report of me that I believe to be saved in that I offer myself here to death for the Lord cause, but I believe only to be saved by the death of Christ's passion, and this my death is and shall be a witness of my faith unto you all, good people, as many of you as believe as I do, pray for me: then she kissed the stake and said, welcome sweet cross of Christ; aft •• the fire was kindled, she said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit doth rejoice in God my Savior: and so yielded her life unto the Lord as quietly as if she had been in a slumber, or as one feeling no pain, so wonderfully did the Lord work with her.

Mistress Ioyce Lewis.

SHe was the wife of Thomas Lewis of Mancetter, in the beginning of Queen Mary's time she went to Church and heard Mass, until the burning of Laurence Saunders in Coventry, then she inquired of such as she knew feared God, the cause of his death, and when she knew it was because he refused to receive the Mass, she began to be troubled in conscience, & she reforted to master John Glover, a very godly man, of whom mentioned is made before, and desired him to tell her the faults that were in the Mass, who instructed her in the ways of the Lord, approving unto her, out of God's holy word, that the Mass, with all other papistical inventions, was odious in God's sight, so she began to hate the Mass, & being compelled by her husband to come unto Church, • when the holy water was cast, she turned her back towards it: whereupon she was accused unto the Bishop, and a citation was s • nt for her and her husband, the Sumner delivered the citation to her husband, who willed him to take the citation away with him, or else he would make him eat it, and in the end he made the Sumner eat the citation by setting a dagger unto his breast, and then he caused him to drink, and so sent him away, but after they were commanded to appear before my Lord, her husband desired my Lord to be good unto him: my Lord was content to receive his submission▪ so that his wife would submit her self likewise, but she told the Bishop that she had neither offended God nor his laws in refusing holy water: the Bishop gave her a months respite, binding her husband in a hundred pound to bring her to him at the months end. When the month was almost expired, her husband was advertised by the said M. Glover and others, not to carry his wife to the Bishop, but to seek some way to save her; and if the worst should come, to be content to forfeit the Band rather then to cast his wife into the fire: he answered, he would not forfeit anything for her sake, but carried his wife unto the Bishop, who found her more stout then she was before: so she was sent to such a stinking prison, that a maid that was appointed to keep her company did sound in the said prison. She was often examined, and ever found stout; at length she was pronounced an heretic. When the Bishop asked her, why she would not come unto the mass, and receive the sacraments and sacramentals of holy Church: she answered, because she could not find them in God's word: he said, if thou wilt believe no more then is in the scriptures concerning matters of religion, thou art in a damnable case: she told my Lord his words were ungodly and wicked. After her condemnation she continued a year in prison. Wher • the Writ came to burn her, she said▪ as for the fear of death I do not greatly pass: when I behold the amiable countenance of Christ my dear Savior, the ugly face of death doth not greatly trouble me. In the which time she reasoned most comfortably out of God's word of election and reprobation: in the evening before she should die, two Priests came to her to hear her confession; for they would be sorry, they said, she should die without it. She sent them word she had made her confession unto Christ, at whose hands • she was sure to have forgiveness of her sins: for the cause for which she should die, she had no cause to repent, but rather to praise God that he made her worthy to suffer death for his word, and the absolution that they were able to give her by the authority of the Pope, she defied it. Well, said the Priests, to morrow her stoutness will be tried. All the night she was wonderful cheerful and merry. About three of the clock in the morning, Satan began to stir himself busily, questioning with her, how she could tell that she was chosen to eternal life, and that Christ died for her: I grant he died, but that he died for thee, how canst thou tell? She being troubled with this suggestion, they that were about her counseled her to follow the example of S. Paul, to be faithfully persuaded that Christ loved her, and gave himself for her: for S. Paul was persuaded that Christ loved him; and her calling, and true belief, and knowledge of God's word was a manifest token of God's love towards her, and the operation of the spirit of God, in working in her a love and a desire to please God: by these persuasions and the comfortable promises of Christ brought out of the Scripture, Satan was put to flight, and she comforted in Christ. When she came to the stake, she prayed to God most instantly to abolish the vile mass; at which prayer all the people said Amen: then she took a cup of drink that was brought unto her, and drunk unto all them that unfeignedly loved the Gospel of Christ, and wished for the abolishment of papistry: a great number of the women of the town pledged her. When the fire was kindled about her, she neither struggled nor stirred: the Papists had appointed some of theirs to rail upon her, and reu • le her openly as she went to execution; and whilst she was at the stake, amongst others there was an old priest which had writing tables, and noted the names of the women which drunk with her, and caused Processe to be sent for them, but God defended them from the hands of the Tyrants.

Ralph Alerton, James Awstoo, Margery Awstoo and Richard Roth.

ON the 17. of September these four were burned at I •• ington near London. Ralph Alerton coming to his parish Church of Bently, and seeing the people sitting there idle, exhorted them that they would fall to prayer, and meditation of God's word, whereunto they consented: after prayer, he read unto them a chapter out of the New Testament, and departed; In which exercise he continued until Candlemas: and then being informed that he might not do so by law (because he was no Priest) he left off and kept himself • close in his house until Easter: after he was constrained to forsake his house, and live in woods, and such places until he was apprehended

After his Examination, my Lord Darcy sent him up unto the Council, who sent him to Boner; who tempted him openly to recant at Paul's Cross, and set him at liberty, which after wrought such a terror in his conscience: but the Lord with his favorable chastisement did raise him up again with Peter, giving him unfeigned repentance, and a most constant boldness to profess his name, and glorious Gospel: Wherefore at the procurement of Thomas Tye Priest, he was apprehended again, and sent to Boner, before whom he was diverse times examined, which examinations written with his own hand in blood for lack of Inke, hereafter follow.

His first Examination.

After, because he misliked the mass, calling upon Saints, and carrying the Cross on procession, with other their ceremonies, calling them Idolatry, and for singing in 〈◊〉 against the Sacrament of the Altar, and other ordinances of the Church, so loud that the people abroad might hear them, and delight in them, and for saying that he believed nothing that was contained in the Council hold • under Innocentius the third, and for affirming that those that were burned at Colchester were Saints in heaven. He was condemned, and he and the other three before mentioned were all burned as before.

Awstoo being in the Bishops Chapel at Fulham, the Bishop asked him if he knew where he was; he answered in an Idol Temple: and he said he received the very body and blood of Christ by faith in the Supper of the Lord, but not in the Sacrament of the Altar: and his wife said, she believed that the Religion then used in England was not according to God's word, but false and corrupted, and that they which did go thereto did it more for fear of the law then otherwise; and she said that she defied the Mass with all her heart, and that she would not come into any Church wherein was Idols.

As she was in the Bishops prison, by his procurement there was sent a stout Champion, as appeareth, about twelve of the clock at night, who suddenly opened the door, and with a knife drawn, fell upon her to have cut her throat; but she calling to God for help, he giving a grunt, and fearing (belike) to commit so cruel a deed, departed without anymore hurt doing: the next night they made a great rumbling like thunder over her head, to the intent to have feared her out of her wits, but God be thanked they missed of their purpose.

The aforesaid Richard Roth affirmed that there was not the very body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar, as it was then used, but that it was a dead God, and that the Mass was detestable and contrary to God's word and will, from the which faith he would not decline. He said to Bonner, My Lord, because the people should not see your doings, you cause me and others to be brought to our examinations by night, being afraid belike to do it by day: and being persuaded to recant and ask mercy of Bonner; No (quoth Roth ) I will not ask mercy of him that cannot give it, whereupon he and the rest were condemned, as before, and most joyfully ended their lives in the fire at Islington, for the testimony of Christ and his Gospel.

Agnes Bonger and Margaret Thurstone.

THese were condemned at the same time and in the same place that the ten before mentioned were, which suffered Martyrdom at Colchester, and for the like cause, and answered also in their examinations the like in effect as the other did.

When these good and godly women were brought unto the place in Colchester where they should suffer; after they had fallen down upon their knees, and made their most humble and hearty prayers unto God, they went to the stake joyfully, where with great joy and glorious triumph, gave up their souls unto the hands of the Lord.

John Noyes of Lexfield, in the County of Suffolk, Shoemaker.

THe twenty two of September, he was taken by the Constables, and brought before Master Thurstone, Sir John Tyrell, Master Kene, Justices, and Sir John Silyerde, high Sheriff, who cast him into Eye-dongeon: he was carried from thence to Norwich, and so came before the Bishop, who condemned him, because he answered that he thought the natural body of Christ to be only in Heaven, and not in the Sacrament: as he remained Prisoner in the Guild-hall of Norwich, one Nicholas Fiske his Brother in Law came to him to comfort him, he asked if he did not fear death when the Bishop condemned him: he said, he thanked God, he feared not death no more at that time then when he was at liberty. When he was bound unto the stake, he said, fear not them that • ill the body, but fear him that can kill both body and soul, and cast it into everlasting fire.

When he saw his Sister weeping, he said, Weep • not for me, but weep for your sins: when the Faggots were set unto him, he said; Blessed be the time that ever I was borne to come unto this, and kissed the Faggot. Then he said to the people, they say, that they can make God of a piece of Bread, but believe them not: Then said he, Good people bear witness, that I do believe to be saved by the merits and passion of Christ, and not by mine own deeds, so the fire was kindled about him: then he said, Lord have mercy upon me, Christ have mercy upon me, Son of David have mercy upon me.

In the Dioces of Chichester, diverse were martyred for the testimony of righteousness in Queen Mary's reign, in the number of whom were these: John Forman of East-Grinsted, John Warner of Berne, Christian Grouer of the Arch-deaco •• y of Lewis, Thomas Athoch Priest, Thomas Auington of Erdingly, Denis Burgs of Bursteed, Thomas Rauensdale of Ri • ▪ John Milles of Hellinglegh, Nicholas Holden of Withiam, John Hart of Withiam, Margery Moris of Hethfielde, Anne Try of East-Grinsteed, John Osward of Woodmancote, Thomas Harland of Woodmancote, James Moris of Heathfield, Thomas Dowgate of East-Grinsteed, John Ashdon of Retherfield.

Thomas Spurdance Queen Mary's Servant.

HE was examined before the Chancellor of Norwich, who asked him if he had confessed his sins unto a Priest: I said, I had confessed my sins unto God, who saith: Whensoever a Sinner repenteth, and is sorry for his sins, and asketh him forgiveness, willing no more so to do, he will no more reckon his sin unto him, and that is sufficient for me: I deny that I should show my sins unto the Priest.

Chancel. Have you received the blessed Sacrament of the Altar at Easter: he answered: I dare not meddle with it as you use it, for the holy Supper of the Lord serveth for the Christian Congregation, and you are none of Christ's Members, I dare not meddle with you, least I be like unto you, for you teach Laws contrary to God's Laws: then he said; Do you not believe, that after the Sacrament is consecrated, it is the very same body that was borne of the Virgin Mary, and I said no, that was a bloody sacrifice, and this is a dry sacrifice: And I said, Is the Mass a Sacrifice? a Doctor answered, it is a Sacrifice both for the quick and the dead: I said it is no sacrifice, for S. Paul saith, That Christ made one sacrifice once for all, I believe in no other sacrifice.

Another Examination before the Bishop.

John Hallingsdale, William Sparrow, Richard Gibson.

THese three were produced before Bonner Bishop of London: John Halingsdale said, that neither in the time of King Edward the sixth, nor at that present he did believe that in the Sacrament is really the body and blood of Christ, and he would not receive the same, because he did believe that the body of Christ was only in heaven: and he said that Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley, Hooper, and generally all that of late have been burned for heretics, did preach truly the Gospel, and upon their preaching he grounded his faith, and he said that the saying of Saint John in the eighteenth chapter of the Revelation, That the blood of the Prophets and Saints and of all that were slain upon the earth was found in the Babylonicall Church, is understood of the Church whereof the Pope is head: where upon he was condemned.

William Sparrow was charged with a submission made the year before unto the Bishop: he said he was sorry that ever he made it, and it was the worst deed he ever did: and being charged that he went to the Church and heard Mass; he confessed he did so, but it was with a troubled conscience. He told the Bishop, that which you call truth I believe to be heresy: he confessed that since his submission he had preached against the Sacrament of the Altar, against auricular confession, and other Sacraments, and he said, If every hair of his head were a man, he would burn them all rather then go from the truth: and he said, that the Ecclesiastical Laws and the Mass were naught and abhominable, whereupon he was condemned.

Richard Gibson was condemned for not coming unto confession, and for not receiving the Sacraments of the Popish Mass, and for that he would not swear to answer unto their intergatories laid against him: When sentence was read against him, he boldly affirmed, that he was an enemy unto them all in his mind, though he had kept it secret for fear of the Law, and he said he was blessed in that he was cursed of them: so these three were burned in Smithfield, where they yielded gloriously and joyfully their souls into the hands of God.

John Rowth Minister, and Margaret Mearing.

IN King Edwards time he was a Preacher at New-Castle, Barwicke, and Carliel. In Queen Mary's time he fled with his Wife into Friseland, and dwelled at Norden, and lived by knitting of caps, h • se • , and such like things, but in October last he came over into England to buy yarne, and hearing of the secret society of the congregation of God's children their assembled▪ he joined himself unto them, and was elected their preacher, and he taught and confirmed them in the truth of the Gospel: But on the twelfth of December, he with Cuthbert Simpson, and others were appr • hended at the Sarisons head in Islington: where the congregation had appointed to assemble themselves to pray, and hear God's word: they were brought before the Council, who sent Rowgh to Newgate, and writ to Boner to examine him, and proceed according unto the law, who upon examination before Bonner, confessed that he had spoken against the number of the Sacraments, being persuaded that there were but two: Baptism and the Lord's Supper: and that he had taught that in the Sacrament of the Altar, there is not really and substantially the body and blood of Christ, but that the substance of bread and wine remaineth without transubstantiation, and that he thought Confession to a Priest necessary if he had offended the Priest, but if the offense were unto another, it was not necessary, but the reconc • liation ought to be made to the party so offended, he denied La • ine service, and allowed the service of King Edwards time, and he commended the opinion of Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, and Hugh Latimer, and that they were godly learned men.

He confessed he had been famil • ar with diverse Englishmen & women in Frieseland, and agreed with them in opinion: as Master Story, Thomas Yong, George Roe, and others, to the number of 100. persons, which fl • d thither for Religion, using the order set forth in King Edwards time.

He said that he had been at Rome about thirty days, and he saw no good there, but much evil, amongst which he saw one great abomination, to wit; the Pope being a man that should go upon the ground, to be carried upon the should • ers of four men, as though he had been God and no man: also a Cardinal to have his Harlot to ride openly behind him; and thirdly, a Popes Bull that gave express license to have and use the Stews, and keep open bawdery by the Popes authority.

And he confessed, that since his last coming unto England, he had in sundry places in London read Prayers and Service as is appointed in the Book of Communion, and had willed others to do the like: and he affirmed, that he being a Priest might lawfully marry, and that his Children which he had by his Wife were lawful, and he utterly detested the service then used, saying, that if he should live as long as Methusala, he would never come unto the Church to hear the abhominable Mass, and other service then used. Whereupon he was disgraded and condemned: he was a means to save Docror Watson's life then Bishop of Lincoln▪ when he preached erroneous doctrine in the days of King Edward the sixth; and the said Watson being with Bonner at the examination of the said M. Rowgh, to requite his good turn in saving his life, said there, that he was a pernicious heretic, who did more hurt in the North parts then an hundred besides of his opinion.

M. Rowgh further said, he had lived thirty years, and yet had not bowed his knee unto Baal: and he affirmed that he had been twice at Rome, and there he had seen that which he had many times heard of before, that the Pope was the very Antichrist: for he saw him carried upon men's shoulders, and the false named Sacrament borne before him, yet was there more reverence given unto him then unto it, which they accounted their God. Then Bonner rose up, making as though • e would ha • e torn his garments, saying, Hast thou seen our holy father, and doest thou blaspheme him thus? and flying upon him he plucked off a piece of his beard, and after made speedy hast to his death.

He wrote this Letter to confirm the brethren the same day that he was condemned: The comfort of the holy Ghost make you able to give consolation to others in these dangerous days, when Satan is let loose to the trial of the chosen to sift the wheat from the Chaff, whosoever denieth Christ▪ before men, he will deny him before his Father and the Angels: and to save the life corporal, is to lose the life eternal; and he that will not suffer with Christ, shall not reign with Christ: Therefore I have given over the flesh, with the fight of my Soul, and the Spirit hath the victory. The flesh ere it be long, shall leave off to sin, the spirit shall reign eternally: I have chosen death to confirm the truth which I have taught. What can I do more, pray that I may continue unto the end: I have in all my assaults felt the present aid of my GOD: be not ashamed of Christ's Gospel, nor of the bonds that I have suffered for the same: The holy ones have been scaled with the same mark: It is no time for the loss of one man, for the campe to turn back▪ up with men's harts and blow down the daubed walls of heresies, let one take the banner, and another the Trumpet, and I mean not to make corporal resistance, but pray and you shall have Elias his defense, and Helizeus his company to fight for you, the cause is the Lord's: Pray for me, and salute one another with an holy kiss, the peace of God r • st with you all, Amen.

Margery Mearing said that the Mass was abhominable in the sight of GOD and all Christian people, and that it is the plain c • p of fornication, and the whore o • Babylon; and she believed that there was no such Sacrament as the Sacram • nt of the Altar in the Catholic Church: and she said she utterly abhorred the authority of the Pope, with all the Religion observed in the same Antichrists Church, and that • he never meant to come unto the Church during these Idolatrous days. And being demanded whether she would stand to these answers; I will (quoth she) stand to them unto the death, for the very Angels in heaven do laugh you to scorn, to se • your abomination that you use in the Church, whereupon she was condemned. They were burned both together in Smithfield, where they most joyfully and willingly gave their li • es for the profession of the Gospel of Christ.

Master Rowgh had excommunicated this Margerie Mearing but the Sunday before he was taken, yet he being in prison in the Gate-house at Westminster, where none of his friends could come unto him to visit him, she gother a Basket and put a clean Shirt in it, and feigning her self to be his sister, got into the prison unto him, and did him no small comfort: then she went to one Sergeants house, who betrayed Master Rowgh, and asked whet her Judas that betrayed Christ dwelt not there: and she seeing Cluny come unto her house, she went home, and asked him whom he sought, he said for you, you must go with me: she said, she would go with him, the Bishop cast her into prison▪ and the wednesday after she was burned with Master Rowgh.

Cutbert Simpson, Hugh Fox, and John Deuenish.

SImpson was Deacon of the said godly Congregation in London: he was faithful and zealous unto Christ and his true flock: the Friday at night before M. Rough the Minister of the Congregation was taken, he dreamed that he saw two of the Gard leading Cutbert Simpson, & that he had a book about him, wherein was the names of all them which were of the Congregation: so he told his Wife and made her light a Candle, and fell to reading, and falling asleep again, he dreamed the like dream.

Then he said to his Wife, that his brother Cutbert was gone, and as Master Rough was ready to go to see Master Cutbert, he came in with the Book, containing the names and accounts of the Congregation: then M. Rough told him his dream, and bade him carry the book no more about him, so he left the book with M. Rowghs wife; the next night M. Rowgh dreamed that be himself was carried unto the Bishop, and that the Bishop plucked off his beard and cast it into the fire, saying, Now I may say I have had a piece of an heretic burned in my house, and so accordingly it came to pass, for shortly after they were both taken at the Saracens head in Islington, as before. Here followeth the story of his sufferings upon the rack, and otherwise, for the Congregations sake, as he wrote it with his own hand:

I was called before the Constable of the Tower and the Recorder of London; they commanded me to tell them whom I willed to come to the English service, I answered I would declare nothing, whereupon I was set in a rack of Iron three hours, then they asked if I would tell them, I answered as before: the Sunday after they examined me again, and I answered them as before: then they bound my two fore-fingers together, and put a small arrow betwixt them, and drew it thorough so fast that the blood followed, and the arrow brake, then they racked me twice, and so I was carried unto my lodging again. Ten days after the Lieutenant asked me if I would not confess, I answered I had said as much as I would: five weeks after he sent me unto the high Priest, where I was greatly assaulted, at whose hands I received the Popes curse for bearing witness of the resurrection.

Bonner in his Consitory gave this testimony of Cutbert Sampson, ye, see said he, what a personable man he is, and concerning his patience, I say unto you, that if he were not an heretic, he is a man of the greatest patience that ever came before me; he hath been thrice racked in one day in the Tower, and in my house he hath felt some sorrow, yet did I never see his patience broken.

They all three answered Bonner, that the Church is grounded upon the Apostles and Prophets, Christ being the head corner stone, and in that Church there is the true faith and religion of Christ: that there is but two Sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper; they said that they have and will speak against the sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacrament of the Altar, and the authority of the Sea of Rome, and John Deuenish said that the Sacrament of the Altar, as it is now used, is no Sacrament at all.

These three blessed witnesses of Jesus Christ, Simpson, Fox and Deuenish, as they were all together apprehended at Islington, so they suffered together in Smithfield.

WILLIAM NICOLE.

HEe was an honest simple poor man, apprehended the ninth of April by the Popes Champions for speaking certain words against the cruel kingdom of Antichrist: he was butcherly burned and tormented at Hereford west in Wales, where he ended his life in a blessed estate, and gloriously gave his soul into the hands of the Lord.

Willam Seaman, Thomas Carman, and Thomas Hudson.

WIlliam Seaman was a husbandman dwelling in Mendlesam in the County of Suffolk: he was taken the nineteenth of May, by one Robert Balden his neighbor, whom he greatly trusted: as they were leading him by night to Sir John Tyrill, there fell a light out of the Element betwixt them, and parted them: albeit this Balden was then in his best age, yet after that time • e never enjoyed good day, but pined away even unto death: Sir John Tyril as • ed him why he would not go unto Mass, and receive and worship the Sacrament: He said it was an Idol, and therefore would not receive it: Whervpon he was sent to the Bishop of Norwich, who condemned him: He had a wife, and three children, who because she would not go unto Mass, all her corn and goods were taken away from her, by Christopher Cole, being Lord of the town of Mendlesham.

Thomas Carman was apprehended for pledging Richard Crashford at his burning: he was brought before the Bishop of Norwich, and answered no less in his masters quarrel th • n th' other, and he had the like reward.

Thomas Hudson was of Aylesham in Norffolke a Glover: he bore so good will unto the Gospel, that in the days of King Edward the sixth, that when he was thirty yeareo old, he learned to read, wherein he so greatly profited, that in Queen Mary's reign avoiding all their beggarly ceremonies of superstition, he absented himself, and traveled from place unto place, and returning home unto his own house to comfort his Wife and Children: When he perceived that his continuance there would be very dangerous, he and his wife devised to make him a place in his Faggots to hide himself in, where he remained all the day, reading and praying, for half a year. In the mean time came thither one Berry Uicar of the Town, and inquired of his Wife for him: She said she • new not where he was: Then he threatened to burn her: because she would not bewray her husband: After this, Hudson waxed every day more zealous then other, and the people often resorted unto him to hear his Sermons: at last he walked abroad for certain days into the town, crying out against the Mass, and all their trumpery: at the length one John Crouch, his next neighbor, went with speed to the Constables to certify them that he was at home, who went about to catch him in the break of the day. Wh • n Hudson saw them, he said now mine hour is come: welcome friends: you be they that shall lead me unto life everlasting, I thank GOD therefore, and the Lord enable me for his mercy sake; Then they led him unto Berry their Uicar, being Commissar • e as before, who asked him where he kept his Church, four years before: He answered, wheresoever he was there was the Church: Then he asked him whether he believed in the Sacrament of the Altar: He answered that was but worms meat, my belief is in Christ crucified: Then he asked him whether he did not believe that the Mass taketh away sins.

Joan Seaman, Mother of the said William Seaman.

SHe was threescore and six years old: She was persecuted from her house by the said Sir John Tyrill, because she would not go unto the Mass, nor receive against her conscience: sometimes she was glad to lie in the bushes, Groues, and Fields: but her husband being fourscore years old, and falling sick, she returned unto her house, to show her duty unto her husband, until he died: then she fell sick, and died: and one Master Simonds the Commissary commanded straightly that she should not be bur • ed in any Christian burial: Wherevpon her friends were fain to bury her under a mote side.

Mother Benet.

THis old woman likewise was persecuted from Whetherset by the aforesaid Mendlesam, because she would not go unto the Mass, and other beggarly ceremonies, and returning home secretly unto her house, she died most ioifully: but Sir John Tyrill, and the said Master Simonds Commissionary, would not let her be buried in the Church-yard, but her grave was made by the high-way side: Her husband would say unto her, that if she had been sparing, they might have been worth a hundred marks more then they were: She would answer, O man be content, I cannot barrel my Butter, and keep my Cheese in the Chamber, to wait a great price, and let the poor want, and so displease God; but let us be rich in good works, so shall we please God, and have all good things given us.

William Harris, Richard Day, and Christian George.

THe twenty six day of May these were burned at Colchester in Essex, when they were brought unto the stake, and had joyfully and fervently made their prayers, the fire was set unto them, in the midst of the fire they triumphantly praised God.

The same Christian Eagles Husband had another Wise named Anne, which likewise suffered for the truth, with the aforesaid thirteen at Strat • ord the Bow: after he married another Wife, and they both were laid in prison for the truth, where they remained until the death of Queen Marie, and were delivered by Queen Elizabeth.

Henry Pond, Reynald Estland, Robert Southam, Matthew Richarby, John Floyd, John Holiday, Roger Holand.

THe twenty seven of June, these with others, to the number of forty Men and Women, were assembled together in a field by Islington at Prayer, and meditating upon the word of God: at length the Constable of Islington, with six or seven others came unto them, and bad them deliver their Books, and bad them stand and not depart: then they were carried unto Sir Roger Cholmeley, by the way all saving two and twenty escaped, which were sent to Newgate, where word was sent to them by Alexander the Keeper, that if they would hear Mass they should all be delivered: seven of them escaped, though not without much trouble, and two, to wit; Matthew Withers and Thomas Tyler died, the rest were burned, as before.

They answered that they were not at Church since Latin service was devised, becau • e it was against the Word of GOD, and that Idolatry was committed in creeping to the Cross, and because the Churches were furnished with Idols, and because they believed the Sacrament of the Altar to be an Idol, and because the Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies of the Church then used, are not agreeable unto God's word.

They said, that they believed that no Priest had power to remit si • s, and that those that kneel unto the Sacrament and worship it, commit Idolatry.

Reynald Estland refused to be sworn to answer, alleging that to end a strife an oath is lawful, but to begin a strife an oath is not lawful: thus they standing unto their answers, and refusing to acknowledge the Doctrine of the Romish Church, they were all together condemned.

The aforesaid Roger Holand was a Merchant Taylor of London, he was sometime Prentice unto one Master Kempton, at the Black Boy in Watling-street: In his prentiship he was a Papist, and very licentious, and having plaid away thirty pounds of his Masters Money, he purposed to have conveyed himself beyond Sea, but a religious Maid in the house understanding his mind, lent him thirty pounds to save his credit, and made him premise her to refuse all lewd and wild company, and all swearing and • iba • ory talk, and to leave Papistry, and to resort every day unto the Lecture of Alhollowes, and to the Sermon of Paul's every Sunday, and to cast away all his Papistry Books, and to pray to God for remission of sins, and grace to fear and break his laws, and then shall God keep thee, and send thee they harts desire.

Halfe a year after God wrote such a changing in this man, that he was become an earnest professor of the truth, and detested all Papistry and evil company: then he repaired unto Lancashire unto his Father, and brought diverse good Books with him, and bestowed them upon his friends, so that his father and others began to • ast the Gospel, and to detest the Mass, Idolatry, and superstition: and his father giving him a stock of Money, he married the aforesaid Maid, called Elizabeth, and having a child by her in the first year of Queen Mary, he caused Master Rose to baptize his Child in his house, and being • one into the Country to convey away the Child, that the Papists should not have it in their annointing hands: he was bewrayed, and Bonner caused his goods to be ceased upon, and used his wife most cruelly: after this he remained closely in the Citty, until he was taken as before.

When he came before Bonner, who was acquainted with his friends, and for his friends sake and his, he persuaded him what he could to Papistry, and a Kinsman of his standing by, said; I thank your good Lordship, your Honor meaneth good unto my Cozen, I pray God he have grace to follow your council.

Robert Miles, Stephen Cotten, Robert Dynes, Stephen White, John Slade, William Pickes or Pikars.

THe fourteenth of July these six were taken at Islington, with the other seven as before, and were burned at Brainford: the Articles that were ministered unto them were the same that were ministered unto the other seven, and their answers the same in effect as the others were. When they were brought unto the stake they addressed themselves, and joyfully went unto the fire, and ye • lded their souls, bodies, and lives into the hands of the omnipot • nt Lord.

RICHARD YEOMAN.

HEe was the Curate of Doctor Taylor before mentioned: he was a godly and devout old man, being of the age of threescore and ten years, and had many years dwelt in Hadlie; with him Doctor Taylor left his cure at his departure, but as soon as M. Newall had gotten the Benefice be drove away good M. Yeoman, as is before said, and set in a Popish Curate to maintain the Romish Religion; then wandered he long time from place to place, exhorting all men to stand faithfully unto God's word, and to give themselves unto prayer, with patience to bear the cross laid upon them for their trial, and with boldness to confess the truth before the adversaries, and with undoubted hope to wait for the crown of eternal felicity: and perceiving his adversaries to lie in wait for him, he got a Pedlers pack, and traveled from village to village, selling such things, and thereby got somewhat to sustain himself, his wife and children.

At last M. Moyle a Justice of Kent took him, and set him in the stocks a day and a night; but when he had nothing against him, he discharged him, so he came unto Hadley, and tarried secretly a year with his wife and children, spending the time in prayer and reading the Scriptures, and carding of wool, which his wife did spin; his wife also did beg bread and meat for her self and her children: thus the Saints of God sustained hunger and misery, whilst the Prophets of Baal lined in jollity, and were costly pampered at Iesabels table: at last Parson Newall perceiving this, came with the officers in the night, and broke open five doors upon Yeoman, whom he found in bed with his wife and children: then he said he thought he should find a knave and a whore together, and he would have plucked off the clothes, but that Yeoman held them fast, and bade his wife arise and put on her clothes: then he said, Nay parson, no whore, but a man and his wife, according to God's ordinance, and blessed be God, for lawful matrimony, and I defy the Pope and all his popery: then they led him unto the Cage, and set him in the stocks until it was day. There was then in the Cage an old man, named John Dale, who had sitten there three or four days for saying unto Parson Newall and his Curat, Miserable and blind guides, will you ever be blind leaders of the blinds, will you never amend, will you never see the truth of God's word, will neither God's threats nor promises enter into your hearts, will not the blood of Martyrs nothing mollify your stony stomachs? O indurate, hard hearted, perverse and crooked generation, O damnable sort, to whom nothing can do good.

The said parson Newall caused them both to be carried unto Bury Jail, being pinioned and bound like thieves, and their legs tied under the horse bellies; where they were • yed in Irons: and because they continually rebuked Popery they were thrown into the lowest dungeon, where John Dale died in prison, whose body was buried in the fields. He was a Weaver by his occupation. Then Richard Yeoman was removed to Norwich prison, where he was straitly kept: he boldly professed himself to be of the faith and religion that was set forth by King Edward the sixth, and from that he would in no wise vary. Being required to submit himself to the holy Father the Pope, I defy him (quoth he) and all his detestable abominations; I will in no wise have to do with him, or with anything that appertaineth unto him. The chief articles objected against him were his marriage and the mass sacrifies, wherefor when he continued steadfast in the profession of the truth: he was condemned, & not only burned, but cruelly tormented in the fire.

JOHN ALCOCK.

THis John was a Shereman, which came unto the aforesaid Hadley to seek work: after Doctor Tailor was martyred, and Richard Yeoman was taken, he used to read the Service in English in the Church of Hadley, as is touched before: at the length, because he would not move his Cap, nor show reverence when Parson Newall went of procession: when Newall was almost out of the Church, he run back again and caught him, and delivered him unto the Constable, saying; he is an Heretic and a Traitor, and despised the Queens proceedings. Wherefore I command you in the Queens Name, to have him unto the stocks: when he was brought unto the Parson, he asked him▪ Fellow, What sayest thou to the Sacrament of the Altar? I say (quoth he) as ye use the matter, you make it a shameful Idol, and you are false Idolatrous Priests everyone of you: then the Parson committed him to Ward, and the next day rode up to London, and carried the said Alcocke with him; and after he had long been imprisoned in Newgate, after many examinations and troubles, because he would not ask forgiveness of the Pope, and be reconciled unto the Romish Religion, he was cast into the lower Dungeon, where he died: His body was buried in a Dunghill.

THOMAS BENBRIDGE.

VPon the twenty nine of July he was apprehended for an Adversary of the Romish Religion, and was examined before Doctor White, Bishop of Winchester, where he sustained sundry conflicts for the truth: The points of Religion that he stood upon were these:

That Baptism is not administered at this present, as it was in the Apostles time, because it is not in the English tongue, that in the Sacrament is not the body and blood of Christ; that he knoweth not whether Confirmation be a Sacrament or not, and whether the Bishop giveth Grace or not; that sins be not forgiven by absolution pronounced of a Priest, and that it is not necessary for a man to confess all his sins unto a Priest: that he believed that the Bishops be not the Successors of the Apostles, for that they be not called as they were, nor have not that Grace; that it is not the Pope but the Devil that is supreme head of the Church which you speak of; that he will not believe touching Purgatory as their Church doth; that Matrimony is no Sacrament, but a sacred order in sign of an holy thing; that Martin Luther died a good Christian, whose doctrine and life he did allow, for which he was condemned. He came unto the stake very rich in apparel, when the fire was kindled, first it took away a piece of his Beard, whereat he nothing shrank, then it took his legs, and his stockings being Leather made the fire to pierce the sharper, and the intolerable heat made him cry I recent, and suddenly thrust the fire from him, and having two or three of his Friends by, they helped to take the fire from him: and the Sheriff being Sir Richard Pecksall, of his own authority took him from the stake, and sent him to Prison again: wherefore the Sheriff was sent unto the Fleet, and his friends that helped him to prison. Before he was taken from the stake, Doctor Seaton made him to subscribe to certain Articles touching the Pope, the Sacrament, and such other trash; but being in prison, he wrote a Letter unto Doctor Seaton, and recanted those words that he spake at the stake unto which he had subscribed: whereupon the same day seanight he was burned, where the vile Tormentors did rather broile him, then burn him.

John Cook Sawyer, Robert Milles alias Plumer, Sheareman, Alexander Lane a Wheelewrite, James Ashly a Bachelor.

IN August these were burned at S. Edmundsbury by the Bishop of Norwich, and Sir Edward Walgraue.

Sir Edward said unto Cook, why come you not to Church?

Alexander Gouch, and Allice Driuer.

GOuch was a Weaver of Shreaden Co • erlits at Woodbridge in Suffolk, and burned at Uxford: The Woman was Driuers Wife of Grosborough: One Master Moon a Justice searching for them, they were compelled to hide them in a Hay-ricke, but by gaging thereof with Pickforks, at the last they found them, and sent them to Mel • on Jail: from thence they were carried to Bury unto the Assizes, and being examined of their Faith, they did boldly confess Christ crucified, defying the Pope and all his Papistical trash. And Driuers Wife likened Queen Mary unto Jezebel: Whereupon Sir Clement Higham Chief Judge, adjudged her ears to be immediately cut off, which was done, and she joyfully yielded her self unto the punishment, and thought her self happy that she was counted worthy to suffer for Christ: then they were sent again unto Melton Jail, where they were examined, as followeth:

When Driuers Wife came before Doctor Spencer to be examined, she smiled: then he said; Why Woman dost thou laugh us to scorn: she said; She might well enough to see what fools you be. Then he said, Woman, what sayest thou to the Sacrament of the Altar? Dost thou not believe that it is very flesh and blood after the consecration.

Phillip Humphrey, John David, and Henry David his Brother.

THese were burned at Bury, in the same month that Queen Mary died, Sir Clement Highama, bout a fortnight before the Queen died, did sue out a writ for the burning of these three godly and blessed Martyrs, though the Queen was then known to be past remedy of her sickness.

Good-wife Prest.

SHe was the wife of one Prest, dwelling not far from Launceston in Erecester D • oces. She told the Bishop, that she would rather die then worship that foul Idol, which with your Mass you make a God.

Then diverse Priests persuaded her to leave her wicked opinion of the Sacrament: but she answered, that it was nothing but bread and wine, & that they might be ashamed to say, that a piece of bread should be turned by a man into the natural body of Christ; which bread doth sennew, and Mice oftentimes do eat it, and it doth mould, and is burned, God's own body will not be so handled or kept in prison or Boxes: let it be your GOD, it shall not be mine, for my Savior sitteth at the right hand of God, and doth pray for me, and to make it the very body of Christ and to worship it, is foolish and devilish deceit.

Then an old Frier as • ed her what she said of the holy Pope, I say (quoth she) he is Antichrist, and the Devil, then they all laughed; • ay said she, you had more need to weep then laugh, in that you are Chaplains unto that wh • re of Babylon: I defy him and all his falsehood: you damn souls, when you teach the people to worship Idols, and to worship a false God of your own making, of a piece of Bread: and that the Pope is God's Uicar, and can forgive sins, and that there is a Purgatory, when God's Son hath by his Passion purged all, and say you make God and sacrifice him, when Christ's body was a Sacrifice once for all: you teach the people to number their sins in your ears, and say they be damned • f they do not confess all, when GOD saith, Who can number his sins? You promise them Trentalls and Dirges, and Masses for Souls, and sell your prayers for Money, and make them buy pardons, and trust in such foolish inu • ntions: you teach us to pray upon Beads, and to pray unto Saints; you make Holy bread and holy water to fray Devils, and you do make a thousand moe abominations, yet you say you came to save my soul; no, no, one hath saved me, farewell with your salvation.

In Saint Peters Church she beheld a cunning Duch-man how he made new Noses, to certain Images which were disfigured in King EDWARDS time, What a mad man art thou (said she) to make new noses, which within a few days shall all loose their heads: thou & thine Images are acccursed: he called her whore, nay said the thine Images are whores, and thou art a whore-hunter: For God saith,