Abridgment of the Book of Acts and Monuments by Timothy Bright

and proceeded further against all the Prelates, for supporting the Cardinal: by reason whereof, they also were entangled with premunire. For the releasement whereof, they offered the king 118840. pounds, which was accepted with much ado. In this submission the king was called of the Clergy, Supreme head.

The motion of the Commons to the king, touching their greeuances from the Clergy, in the prorogation of the parliament took good success. Wherein the king provided remedies, and enacted in the same Parliament, that no man should be troubled for speaking anything against the usurped power of the Bishop of Rome, or his laws, not grounded on the law of God. In this Parliament also, the decrees and provincial constitutions were committed to be examined of 32. persons, chosen by the king out of the higher and lower house, and at their discretions to be abrogated, or to stand in strength.

Also it was decreed, that the Clergy of this Realm, submitting themselves to the king, should and did promise, in verbo Sacerdotij, never to assemble their Conuocations without the kings writ, nor to enact, or to execute such constitutions without his Royal assent.

Moreover, that no person should appeal, provoke, or sue to the Court of Rome, under pain of prouisures, prouisure, or premunire. Item that no Annuales, and first fruits of Bishops, and Archbishops, should be paid to Rome, for any Bulls, Breeues, Palles, &c. Item that the king should nominate the person to be elected into any Ecclesiastical dignity, and so the Prior and Convent, Deanrie, Chapter of those Cathedral Churches, where the Seat was vacant, by the virtue of the kings letters missiues, should within 12. days, choose that person nominated by the king, &c.

Moreover, it was decreed against all intolerable exactions of the Bishop of Rome, in pensions, Peterpence, procurations, fruits, &c. And finally, in this Parliament it was consulted, concerning the lawful succession of the Crown, in ratifying it to the heirs of the kings body and Q. Anne. In which Parliament also, the degrees of marriage were plainly set out, according to the word of God. Not long after, the king required an oath of the Spiritualty, to be made unto him, & abolished that which they were wont to make to the Pope: In which only they acknowledged the king to be Supreme head. Which oath Sir Thomas Moore misliking, was enforced to resign up his Chauncellorship, and to deliver up the great Seal of England, into the K. hands. After whom succeeded Sir Th. Awdley knight, who favorably inclined to the doctrine of the Gospel.

Not long after, the king proceeded to marry the Lady Anne Bulleine, who was a special favorer of the gospel, and so was divorced both from the Lady Dowager, and the Pope together. The Princesse Dowager, after the divorce, procured from the Pope an interdictment of the king, and the whole Realm.

Anno 1533. Queen Anne was crowned: and not long after her coronation, the 7 of September she was brought a bed, and delivered of a fair Lady, named at the Font Elizabeth; the Archbishop of Canterbury being Godfather, and the old Dutches of Norfolk, and the old Marchionesse of Dorcet, widows, Godmothers.

After this, the Monks and Friers, and other evil disposed persons, feigned that God had reueyled to a Nun, Elizabeth Barton, whom they called the holy maid of Kent: that if the king proceeded in that divorce, he should not be K. of this Realm one month after: and in the reputation of God, not one day, nor hour. This dissimulation was found out by the diligence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Cromwell, and Master Hugh Latimer: and she condemned, and put to death, with certain of her counsel, in the month of April, anno 1533. as, Henry Golde, Bachelor of divinity; Richard Master, Parson of Aldington; Edward Bocking, Monk of Canterbury; John Dearing, Monk of Canterbury; Hugh Ritch, Frier, Warden of the Graye friers of Canterbury; Richard Risbie, attaint of treason by act of Parliament, and so put to death. Others of the same conspiracy, as, Fisher, bishop of Rochester; Thomas Golde, Thomas Laurence, Edward Thwates, John Adeson, and Thomas Abel, being convict and attainted of mesprision, were condemned to prison, and forfeyted their goods and possessions to the king.

This yere, 1533. [ 1533] one Pauier, or Pauie, Towneclarke of the City of London, a notorious enemy of God's truth, and a very busy fellow about the burning of Rich. Bayneham, hanged himself: he said, rather than he would see y ^e scripture in English, to be read of the people, he would cut his own throat; but he made his choice rather of an halter.

About this time also died Doctor Foxforde, Chancellor to the B. of London, a common butcher of God's saints, who was the condemner of all those, which were put to death, troubled, or abjured, under Stokesley, throughout all the Dioces of London. He died sitting in his chair, sodainlie, his belly being burst, & his guts falling out before him.

About the same time also died Will. Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, whom succeeded Th. Cranmer.

This yere, at Dunkirke in Flaunders, a writ of Excommunication was set up against the king, for the divorce: which being known unto the king, he caused to be discharged a great sort of the princesse Dowagers servants, and they that remained still were sworn to serve her as a Princesse only, and not as Queen: and because she refused to be served of such, she remained with a very few, living after this sort the space of two years.

An. 1534. [ 1534] Upon the iii. of February the parliament was assembled again, wherein was made an act of succession, whereto every person should be sworn. During this parliament time, every Sunday preached at Paul's cross a bishop, which declared the pope not to be head of the Church.

John Fisher bishop of Rochester, sir Thomas Moore, and Doctor Nicholas Wilson parson of S. Thomas Apostles in London, refused the oath to the Act of succession made then: wherefor they were sent to the Tower. In the end, the Doctor was content to dissemble the matter, and so escaped: but the other two remained obstinate.

The third of November, this parliament was again assembled, in which the Pope and Cardinals, with his pardons and indulgences were wholly abolished: to the abolishing whereof, and to the ratifying of the kings title of supreme head, Stephen Gardener gave his oath, so did John Stokesley, B. of London, likewise Edward Lee Archbishop of York, Cuthbert, B. of Duresme, and all the rest of the Bishops in like sort, to this title agreed also the sentence of the University of Cambridge.

Also, Ed. Bonner then Archdeacon of Leicester, was of the same judgment, and prefixed his preface to Stephen Winchesters book, de obedientia, of the same argument. To this also agreed the whole Clergy of the Church of England, and subscribed with the hands of the Bishops, and other learned men, to the number of 46. doctors of divinity, and of both laws.

Anno 1535. Fisher the Bishop of Rochester, [ 1533] and Sir Thomas Moore, were executed, for refusing the oath of supremacy, which all the other Bishops and Clergy yielded unto: one was executed the xxij. of June, the other the vi. of July.

Shortly after the overthrow of the Pope, by little and little began the ruin of the Abbeys and Religious houses: and the same year in the month of October, the king having then Thomas Cromwell of his counsel, sent Doctor Lee to visit the Abbeies, Priories and Nunneries in all England, and to set at liberty all such religious persons as desired to be free, and all other that were under the age of xxiiij. years: providing withal that such Moonkes, Canons and Friers as were dismissed, should have given them by the Abbot or Prior in steed of their habit, a secular priests gown, and xl shillings of money, and likewise the Nuns to have such apparel as secular women did then commonly use, and suffered to go where they would. At which time also, from the said Abbeies and monasteries were taken the chief Jewels and and relics.

After these things done of the king against the Pope, he endeavored by all means to entertain the favor & friendship of other princes, as the Emperor, the king of France, the king of Scots, to whom he purgeth himself concerning his divorce and lawfulness of his marriage with the Lady Anne, and declareth the manifold injuries which the Pope had done unto him, and how he deferred the cause of his divorce and second marriage: which he did, fearing the malice of the Pope and prelates, least they should stir them up to war against him, which they labored by all means to bring to pass, especially Cardinal Poole played his part therein.

Anno 1536. Will. Tyndale, who translated the New Testament in English, and the five books of Moses, with many other godly works, was burned at the town of Filforde in Flaunders, by virtue of the Emperors decree, made in the assembly at Auspurgh. He was first strangled, and after consumed with fire. At the stake he cried with a fervent zeal and loud voice: Lord open the king of England's eyes.

Tyndale was borne about the borders of Wales, and brought up from a child in the University of Oxford, where he increased in knowledge of arts and tongues. From thence he went to the University of Cambridge, where having abode a while, he departed, and resorted to one Master Welch a knight of Glocestershire, and was there Schoolmaster to his children, where he so behaved himself boldly in disputing with Abbots, Deans & Archdeacons, &c. that he was fain to depart that coūtry. Such was the grudge of the priests against him, especially after they perceived, by his means, that they were not so welcome to M. Welches house as in times past. From master Welche, Tyndale cometh up to London, & sought to serve Tunstall B. of London, but being refused of him, he abode notwithstanding in London the space almost of a year: & finding no place in England to translate the New testament, having some aid & provision ministered unto him of Humfrey Monmouth, & certain other godly men, he departed into Germany, and there took in hand the translation of the New testament, which he finished first Anno 1527.

After he had continued a while in Germany, as in Saxony, where he had conference with Luther and other learned men, he came down into the Low countries, and had his moste abiding in the town of Antwerpe, until the time of his apprehension: which was about one whole year; in the house of Thomas Poynes an Englishman, who kept an house of English merchants. Aboute which time came thither one out of England, whose name was Henry Phillips, his Father being customer of Poole. This Phillips grew into acquaintance with Tyndale, and pretended much favor unto him. After this, Phillips goeth from Antwerpe to the court of Brussels: which is from thence xxiiij. English miles (the King having then no Ambassador there), and procured to bring from thence with him to Antwerpe, that procurour general, which is the Emperors atturney, with other certain officers. Within a while after ( Poynes siting at his door) Phillips man came unto him, and asked whether M. Tyndale were there, and said his master would come to him, and so departed: Poines within iii. or iv. days being departed out of the town to Barrow xviij. miles from Antwerp, Phillips cometh again to Poines wife, & asketh for M. Tyndale, and what good cheer there was in the house, & whether he would dine with him: that done, he goeth out to provide and set the officers which he had brought from Brussels in the street, and about the door. Then about noon he came again, & went to M. Tyndale, and said, he had lost his purse; and prayed him to lend him xl. s̄, which M. Tyndale did. Then said Phillips to M. Tyndale, you shall be my guest here this day. No said M. Tyndale; I go forth this day: you shall go with me and be my guest, where you shall be welcome. So when it was dinner time, M. Tyndale went out with Phillips, and at the going forth of Poines house, Master Tyndale would have put Phillips before him, but Phillips would in no wise, pretending a show of great humanity: so M. Tyndale went before him. He had set officers on either side the door upon seats, to whom Phillips pointed, with his finger over M. Tindals head that the officers might see it was he, & so should apprehend him. Who there took him, & brought him to the Emperors atturney, the procuror general; where he dined: Frō whence he was had to the castle of Filford, xviij, miles from Antwerpe, where he remained til he was put to death; Poines laboring for the release of M. Tyndale, with letters directed out of England by the Lord Cromwell & other, to the court of Brussels. Then the Lord of Barowe was also clapt in prison, & after long imprisonment, was fain to escape by flight. But good Master Tyndale could not escape, but was put to death for the testimony of the truth. Of whom the Emperors Attorney left this testimony, that he was a learned, good, and godly man. Concerning his translation of the new testament, thus himself protested: I call God to record, against the day in which I shall appear before y ^e Lord Jesus, to give a reckoning of my doings, that I never altered one syllable of God's word against my conscience, nor would do this day, if all that is in earth, whether it be honor, riches, or pleasure, might be given me.

The same year that Tyndale was burned, Anno 1536. In the beginning of the year, first, died Lady Katherine, Princesse dowager, in the month of January, after whom the same year, in the month of May next following, Queen Anne, who had now been married to the king, the space of three years, was put to death; very likely by the practices of the prelates against her, who was an earnest favorer of God's people: and incontinent after the suffering of Queen Anne: the king within iii. days after, married Lady Jane Seimer. About this time, Paul iii. Bishop of Rome appointed a general counsel at Mantua in Italy, requiring all kings and princes to be there present in person, or to send their Ambassadors: pretending to suppress heresies, to reform the Church, and to war against the Turk. To this Council the king refused either to come, or to send Ambassador: and made his protestation against the sea of Rome.

A little before the death of Queen Anne, there was a parliament at Westminster, wherein was given to the king, by general consent of the Abbots, all such houses of religion, as were under iii. hundred marks: which did prognosticate what would befall the rest.

Shortly after the marriage of the king, with the Lady Jane Seimer, in the month of June, during the continuance of the Parliament, by the consent of the Clergy in the Conuocation house in Paul's Church, a book was set out, containing certain Articles of religion necessary to be taught to the people: wherein they treated specially, but of three sacraments, baptism, penance, and the Lord's supper: where (also diverse things were published, concerning alteration of certain points of religion; and certain holy days forbidden: & many Abbeies agreed on to be suppressed. For the which cause a Monk, named Doct. Mackrell, naming himself Captain Cobbler, stirred up to rebel the number of xxvi. thousand in Lincoln shire: which was quietly suppressed. Also, he raised another of xl. thousand Yorkshire men, by stirring up of Monks and priests. They called their rebellion, an holy pilgrimage: which was also by the great providence of God quieted without bloodshed. At that time, diverse priests, which were stirrers up of the people, were executed.

Anno 1537. The month of October, was borne Prince Edward, shortly after whose birth, Queen Jane his mother, the second day after, died in childbed, and left the king a widower: who so continued the space of two years together.

By reason of the kings departure from the pope, the Emperor, the French king, and Scots began to ruffle against him: but hearing of the birth of Prince Edward, and understanding of the death of Queen Jane, whereby the king was a widower: and the brute being that he would match with the Germans, they began to be calm again.

Anno 1536 The king began with a little book of articles, for the instruction of the people, bearing this title: Articles devised by the kings highness to stablish Christian quietness & unity among the people. It contained the Creed, iii. sacraments, how images might safely be worshipped, and how saints departed ought to be reverenced: that the parsons should teach their people, that Christ is their only mediator, & how the ceremonies of holy water, holy bread, candles, &c. should without superstition be used. It took away also the abuses which rose upon the imagination of Purgatory, as, Masses for souls departed, pardons, &c. Not long after these Articles, certain other Injunctions were also given out, about the same yere. Whereby a number of holidays were abrogated, and especially such as fell in harvest time.

After these Injunctions, other mo followed afterward, given out by the king, concerning Images, Relics, and blind miracles. For, abrogating of Pilgrimages, devised by superstition, and maintained for lucres sake. Also for the Lord's prayer, belief, and ten commandments, and the Bible to be had in English.

Anno 1538. [ 1538] yet again other Articles were set out, whereby both the Parsons of Churches, and the Parishes together, were bound to provide in every Church, to buy a Bible in English. Also, for every Parishioner to be taught by the Minister, to understand, & say the Lord's prayer, and Creed, in their own vulgar tongue, with other necessary and most fruitful Injunctions. As, for the free preaching of the word of God; against Images; pilgrimages; for a Register book in every Church; against Beckets day; knelling, Auies; Suffrages of Saints, &c.

This yere was Frier Forest burned quick, hanging in chains, in Smithfield. He denied the kings supremacy, and was convict of diverse other damnable articles. He was an observant Frier. With this Forest, was Daruell Gatheren, an abhominable Idol of wales, burned: and it fulfilled a blind prophesy, that it should set a Forest on fire. He took his death very vnpatiently.

In the months of October, & November, the same yere, the religious houses, by the special motion of the L. Cromwell, were from the very foundations rooted up.

Immediatly after the ruin and destruction of Monasteries, the same yere in the month of November, followed the condemnation of John Lambert, the faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

This Lambert being borne and brought up in Norfolk, was first converted by Bilney, and studied in the University of Cambridge, from whence, through the violence of the time, he departed to the partes beyond the Seas, to Tyndale, and Frith, and there remained the space of a yere and more, being Preacher to the English house at Antwerpe, till he was disturbed by Sir Thomas Moore, and through the examination of one Barlowe, was carried from Antwerpe to London, where he was brought to be examined. First at Lambeth, then at the Bishops house at Oxford, before Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, and other adversaries, having 45. Articles laid against him, concerning the Sacraments, of orders; of penance; of confession; concerning unwritten verities; purgatory; prayer to Saints; pilgrimage, lent fast; Images; praying for souls departed; preaching without license of Bishops; the Popes excommunication; Scripture in the mother tongue; justification by faith only; concerning the Council of Constance; the number of Sacraments; the power of Peter; the power of y ^e pope, &c.

Whereto John Lambert made a large and learned answer, and constantly testified the truth of the same points agreeable to the Scriptures. He was moreover required to bewray his fellows, which he refused to do with great boldness. These answers of Lambert were delivered to Doctor Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, about the yere 1532. at what time he was in custody, in the Bishops house at Oxford: from whence the next yere, through the death of the Archbishop, he was delivered. After Warhā, succeeded D. Crāmer, Lambert in the mean time being delivered, returned to Lond. & taught childrē about y ^e Stocks.

Anno. 1538. [ 1538] It happened that Lambert was present at a Sermon in Saint Peters Church in London, preached by Doctor Taylor, who after was a Cōfessour of Jesus Christ: with whom (after the Sermon) Lambert went and talked, and uttered his diverse arguments, where he desired to be satisfied. The matter was concerning the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. Tailor desired him to defer the matter till another time, and to write his mind: which he did, and at last it brake out to be a public matter; so that he was sent for by the Archbishop of Canturbury, and was forced to defend his cause openly. In that disputation it is said, that Lambert did appeal from the Bishops to the king: and the rumour of the disputation was spread to the court. Now at this time Stephen Gardener then bishop of Winchester, was in authority among the kings Counselors, and persuaded the king by the burning of Lambert to quiet the people, who grudged at diverse of his dooinges, both touching his divorce, and pullinge down the Popes pride, and thereby to declare how stoutly he would resist Heretics, whereby the people might take some contentment. So by these persuasions a day was set & Lambert brought forth, where besides he had y ^e kings fierce countenance against him, he had x. disputers against him frō xii of the clock, till v. at night, among which were, the archbishop, Stephen Gardener, Tunstall B. of Durham, & Stokesley bishop of London. In fine, through Winchesters persuasion, to gratify the people, the king himself condemned Lambert, and commanded Cromwell the chief friend of the gospellers to read the sentence. Upon y ^e day that was appointed for this holy martyr to suffer, he was brought out of the prison, at viii. of the clock in the morning unto the house of the L. Cromwell, & so carried into his inner chamber, where as it is reported of many, Cromwell desired him of forgiveness for that he had done: from thence he was brought into the hall, and so into Smithfield, where he suffered most terrible torments: for after his legs were burned up to the stumps, & that the wretched tormentors had withdraw̄ the fire from him, so that but a small fire was left under him, two that stood on each side of him, with their halbards pitched him upon their pikes, as far as the chain would reach, then he lifting up such hands as he had, and his fingers ever flaming with fire, cried unto the people in these words: None but Christ, none but Christ, and so being let down again from their Halbards, he fell into the fire, & yielded up the ghost.

During the time that he was in the Archbishops house, he wrote a treatise to the king touching the Sacrament, wherein he proved that the body could be but in one place, and that the Sacrament was a mystical matter.

The same year 1538. Robert Packington Mercer, brother of Agustine above mentioned, because he little favored the clergy, being a man of courage, and a burges of the parliament house for the City, and was thought to have had some conference with the king, to the disaduauntage of the clergy, at five of the clock in the morning as he was wont, going from his house in Cheapside, to prayers at a church called S. Thomas of Acres, but now Mercers chapel, he was slain with a gun by an Italian, whom D. Incent Dean of Paul's had hired for lx. crowns to do that feat, as he himself afterward on his death bed confessed.

The same year was Collins a mad man and his dog burned, because as the priest lifted his God, so Collins in the Church at the same time, lifted his dog over his head: his dog was burnt also with him.

Likewise another mad man called Cowbridge was burned at Oxford the same year: who, what ever his madness was before, yet in the middes of the flame, he lifting up his hand to heaven, soberly and discreetly called upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and so departed.

About the same time and year Putdewe was put to death for saying merrily to a priest; after he had drunk the wine, he blessed the hungry people with the empty Chalice.

At the same time also was condemned W. Letton a moonke of Aye in the County of Suffolk, & was burned at Norwich: for speaking against an idol, that was used to be carried in procession at Aye; and for holding that the Sacrament ought to be ministered in both kinds.

Somewhat before the burning of these men, Nich. Peke was burned at Ipswich: and when (the firres were set on fire) he was so scorched, that he was as black as pitch, Doctor Reading standing there before him, with Doctor Heirre and Doctor Springwell, having a long white wande in his hand, did knock him upon the right shoulder, and said, Peke, recant, and believe in the Sacrament: to whom Peke answered: I defy thee and it also, and with great violence, he spatte from him blood: which came by reason the veins brake in his body for extreme anguish. Which when he said, Doctor Reading granted, by the authority of the Bishoppe of Norwich forty days of pardon, to so many as should cast a stick to burn the heretic: whereupon Baron Curson, Sir John Audley knight, and others were moved so to do; and cut down boughs, and threw them into the fire.

This year the king was again required by the Emperor, and other States to be a sender to the general Counsel at Vincence. For the Duke of Mantua would suffer none there, except the pope would with a sufficient army gard this city. The king again refused, and sendeth his protestation in way of defense for himself to the Emperor, and other Christian princes: which he concludeth with this farewell. Thus mighty Emperor, fare ye most heartily well, and you Christian princes, the pillars and stay of Christendom, fare ye heartily well: also you, what people soever you are, which do desire, that the Gospel and glory of God may flourish, fare ye heartily well.

As Thomas Cromwell favored the Gospel, so Stephan Gardener, B. of Winchester, practiced all he could against the same, and wrought so with the king, that the year 1539. [ 1539] severe Injunctions were set out by the kings authority, against English scripture books, without examination: against translations, without the authors name were put to it: against sacramentaries, that no man should dispute of the sacrament, & with the rest the canon of Becket rased &c. and in fine, so was he nusled by Winchester, that Anno 1540. He summoned a parliament to be holden at Westminster the xxviij. of April: also a synod of prelates, in which the six articles were concluded, touching matters of religion: which were commonly called the whip with six strings.

The first article was concerning transubstantiation. 2, Against the communicating in both kinds. 3. That priests might not marry, after y ^e order of priesthood received. 4. that the vows of chastity made above 21. years of age, & of widowhood, advisedly made, should be observed. 5. The establishing of private masses. 6. Auricular confession to be expedient. The punishment for breach of the first article, was burning without any abjuration, with loss of all goods & lands, as in case of treason: the default against the other five articles was fellony, without any benefit of clergy, &c.

Against these articles, only D. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, stood up, and three days disputed against them, with such strength of reason, that the king (whoever bare especall favor unto him) well liking his zealous defense, only willed him to depart out of the parliament house, unto the Counsel chamber for a time, (for safeguard of his conscience) till the Act should pass, and be granted: which he notwithstanding with humble protestation, refused to do.

After the parliament was finished, the king sent the Lord Cromwell, (who in few days after was apprehended) the two Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, and all the Lord's of the parliament house to dyne with the Archbishop at Lambith, and to comfort him: and within few days also upon the same, required, that he would give a note of all his doings and reasons in the said parliament, which Cranmer eftsoons accomplished accordingly, and sent the copy thereof to the king.

Besides these six Articles, in the same parliament was ordained, that if Priests were taken in Adultery or Fornication, and duly convict, for their not Caste nor Caute, at first time they should forfeit their goods, and for the second fault, be taken and executed as fellons: this was brought in by the Lord Cromwell's advise: Who if he might have had his will, the first crime of these concubinarie Priests, as well as the second, no doubt had been punished with death: but so Gardener did bar that article with his shifts, that the first was loss of goods, and the second death: and the next year he so provided, that the pain of death, by Act of parliament was clean repealed: So that by this statute it was provided, for all such votaries as lived in whoredom and adultery: For the first offense, to lose his goods, and all his spiritual promotions, except one. For the second, to forfeite all that he had to the king. For the third conviction, to sustain continual imprisonment.

Anno 1541. The eight and twentieth day of July, the noble lord Cromwell, the maule of the Pope and Papists in this land, and the great favorer of the gospel was put to death at Tower hill. The crimes objected against him, were, first heresy, and that he was a supporter of Barns, Clarke, and many other, whom by his authority and letters, written to Sheriffs and Justices, in diverse Shires, he had discharged out of prison. Also, that he did disperse books of heresies among the kings Subjects. Item, that he caused to be translated into English diverse books, that contained matter against the Sacrament, &c. Besides all this, there were brought in certain witnesses, which charged him with words that he should speak against the king in the Church of S. Peter the poor in the xxx. yere of the kings reign.

In the month of July during the Parliament being in the Counsel chamber, he was suddenly attainted, and carried to the Tower, the xix. of the month of July, & the xxviij. day put to death. He was borne of a simple parentage, at Putney or there abouts, being a Smiths son, his mother married after to a Sherman. Cromwell being ripe of years was at Antwerp retained to be secretarie to the merchants there: From whence being procured by Geffery Chambers with another companion, (whom the men of Boston sent to Rome for the renewing of their privileges,) to go to Rome and aid them in their suite, he departed and accompanied the Boston men's Ambassadors to Rome: where he advised with himself, how he might have best access unto the pope, and best dispatch of his business: and having knowledge how that the popes holy tooth greatly delighted in new fangled strange delicates, it came into his mind to prepare certain fine dishes of gelly made after our country manner here in England, which to them of Rome was not known, nor seen before. This done, Cromwell observing his time, as the pope was newly come from hunting into his pauiliō, he with his companions approached with his English presents, brought in with a threemans song (as we call it) in the English tongue, and all after the English fashion.

The pope suddenly marueiling at the strangeness of the song, and understanding that they were Englishmen, and that they came not empty handed: willed them to be called in. Cromwell there showing his obedience, and offering this iolie Iunkets: such as kings & Princes only used (said he) in the Realm of England to feed on: desired that to be accepted in good part, which he & his companions, as poor Suters unto his Holiness, had there brought, and presented, as Nouelties meet for his recreation. Pope Julius so liked their Iunkets, that he desired to know the making of their daynties: And understanding their suites, without anymore ado, stamped both their pardons, both the greater and the 〈2 pages missing〉 England: the king also wrote in like manner to Boner his Ambassador, to assist the doers thereof in all their reasonable suites: whereto the king of France gave license, & Boner shown himself very diligent about the work. So the book was printed even to the last part, & then was quarrels picked to the printer, who was sent for to the inquisitors of the faith, & there charged with certain articles of heresy. Then were sent for the Englishmen that were at the cost & charge thereof, Richard Grafton and Whitchurch, & the corrector Miles Coverdale, but having warning what would follow, the Englishmen posted away, leaving behind them their Bibles to the number of 2500. called the Bibles of the great volume, and never recovered any of them, saving the Lieuetenant criminal sold four great dryfats of them to an Haberdasher, to lap in caps, and those were brought again: but the rest were burnt at the place called Maulbert in Paris. But notwithstanding the loss, after they had recovered some part of the foresaid books, and were comforted, and encouraged by the L. Cromwell, the same men went again to Paris, and there got the presses, letters, and servants of the foresaid printer, and brought them to London, and there they became printers themselves, (which before they never intended) and imprinted out the said Bible in London, and after that printed sundry impressions of them, but yet not without great trouble and loss, through the hatred of Steeuen Gardener, and his fellows.

In those days there were two sundry Bibles in English, printed and set forth, bearing diverse titles, and printed in diverse places.

The first was called Thomas Matthews Bible, printed at Hamborough, about the yere 1532. The Corrector of which Printe was John Rogers, the Printers were Richard Grafton and Whitchurch. In the translation of this Bible, the greatest doer, was William Tyndale, who with the help of Miles Coverdale, had translated all the books thereof, except only the Apocrypha and certain notes in the Margent, which were added after. But because William Tyndale in the mean time was apprehended before his book was fully perfected, it was thought good to them that had the doing thereof to change the name of William Tyndale, because that name was then odious, and to further it by a strange name of Thomas Matthew (John Rogers being the same time corrector to the print): who had then translated the residue of the Apocrypha, and added also certain notes thereto in the Margent: and thereof came it to be called Thomas Matthews bible. Which bible of Thomas Matthews, after it was imprinted and presented to the Lord Cromwell, and the Lord Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, who liked very well of it, Cromwell presented it to the king, and obtained, that it might freely pass to be read of subjects, with his graces license: So that there was printed on the same book, one line in red letters, with these words: Set forth with the Kings most gracious license. This book did greatly offend the Bishops, both for the prologues, and especially, for a table, called, of the common places of the Bible, and the scriptures, for the approbation of the same, and chiefly, about the supper of the Lord, and priests marriages, and the mass, which there was said not to be found in the Scripture.

After the restraint of this bible of Matthew, another came to be printed at Paris, anno 1540. which was called the bible of the large volume. The Printed that printed it, was the former, & the overseer was Miles Coverdale, who conferred Tindalles Translation with the Hebrew, and mended diverse places there.

In this Bible, although the former notes of Thomas Matthew were omitted, yet sundry marks, and hands were annexed in the margent; which meant that in those places should be made certain notes; wherewith also the Clergy was offfended: and Cromwell being dead, complaints were made to the king, of the translation of the Bible, and of the Preface of the same, and then was the sale of the Bible commanded to be stayed, the B. promising to amend and correct it, but never performed it. Then Grafton was called for, and troubled & cast in the Fleet, where he remained six weeks, and before he came out was bound in 300. l, neither to print, to sell, nor cause to be printed any mo books till the king and the clergy should agree on the translation; and thus was the Bible stayed from that time, during the reign of king Henry the eight.

Anno 1541. D. Cutbert Barns, Thomas Garret, and William Jerome were burned in Smithfield for the testimony of Jesus Christ, after the death of the lord Cromwell, who whiles he lived was a great defense unto diverse that professed the truth, but he being taken away, many godly Christians in diverse places went to wrack.

Doctor Barns after that he came from the university of Louaine, went to Cambridge, where he was made Prior and Master of the house of Augustine's, at which time the knowledge of good letters was very scant in the University: which Barns thinking to redress, read in his house Terence, Plautus, and Cicero, so that what with his labor and help of Thomas Parnell his scholar whom he brought from Louaine with him, reading Copia verborum & rerum, he caused the house shortly to flourish with good letters, and made a great part of his house learned: as M. Cambridge, M. Field, M. Coleman, M. Burley, M. Couerdall, &c. After these foundations laid, he did openly read in the house, S. Paul's Epistles, and put by Duns & Dorbell, and (yet though he were a questionarie himself) in short space made he diverse good divines, observing disputations of necessary points of faith in his house, & also in the schools when he should dispute with any man. The first man, that answered Doctor Barns in the Scriptures was M. Stafford, for his form to be batchellour of divinity; Which disputation was marvelous in the sight of the great blind Doctors: notwithstanding all this, till he was converted by Bylney; he remained in his superstition still. The first Sermon that ever he preached according to the truth of the Gospel, was the Sunday before Christmas day at S. Edwards church belonging to Trinitrie hall in Cambridge, by the pease market: whose theme was the Epistle of the same Sunday, Gaudete in Domino &c. For which Sermon he was immediately accused of heresy by two fellows of kings hall. Then the godly mē flocked, and conferred together: the house that they most commonly resorted unto, was the white horse, which for despite of them, to bring God's word into contempt was called Germany. This house was especially chosen, because they of S. John's, Kings and Queens Colleges might come on the backside thither.

Doctor Barns was accused in the regent house, and constantly continued, with much preaching of diverse parties one against another, in trying out God's truth, till within six days before Shrouetide, then was there sent down a Sergeant at arms called master Gibson, dwelling in Saint Thomas Apostle in London, who suddenly arrested Doctor Barns in the Regent house: and privily they had determined to make search for Luther's books, and all the Germans works suddenly: but by Doctor Farmans warning of Queens College the books were conveyed away: thirty persons they had in special suspicion. Doctor Barns was carried to Cardinal Wolsey, and after he had a while stood constant (by the persuasion of Doctor Gardener his secretarie, and Fox ) he relented and submitted himself: and with five Stylliard men he bare his faggot at Paul's: the bishop of Rochester there preaching against Luther, & Doctor Barns. Notwithstanding his submission the Bishop commanded he should be had to the Fleet again, and be permitted to have such liberty as other prysoners had: where Doctor Barns continued half a year: at length was delivered, and committed to be free prisoner at the Agustine friers in London. Where being undermined and complained of: it was determined he should be removed to the Augustine friers in Northampton, there to be burned, he himself knowing nothing thereof: but by the advise of Master Horne, who brought him up, he made escape, came to London, and by long Seas went to Antwerpe, and so to Luther, and there fell to study till he had made answer to all the bishops of the Realm, and had made a Book entitled, Acta Romanorum Pontificum, and another Book, with a supplication to King Henry. And such favor God gave him in fight of the Duke of Saxony, and the King of Demarke, that the king of Denmark sent him with the Lubeckes as Ambassador to King Henry the eyght, and was lodged with the Lubeckes Chancellor at the Stillyarde.

Syr Thomas Moore the Chancellor would fain have entrapped him, but the king would not suffer him: For Cromwell was his great friend, and ere he went, the Lubeckes and he disputed with the Bishops of this Realm in defense of the truth, and so departed with them again without resistance: and afterward having set forward in Germany his works in print that he had begun: he returned again in the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne: and after that was sent Ambassador by king Henry the eight to the Duke of Cleue, for the marriage of the Lady Anne of Cleue, between the King and her: and was well accepted therefore, until the time that Stephen Gardener came out of France: after which time, neither religion prospered, nor the Queen, nor Cromwell, nor the Preachers: for not long after, Doctor Barns with his brethren were apprehended, and carried before the Kings majesty at Hampton Court, and there was examined. Where, the Kings majesty seeking the means of his safety: and desirous that Winchester and he might agree, granted him leave to go home to confer with the Bishop: but they not agreeing, through certain complaints, Barns and his fellows were inioined to make three sermons the next Easter following, at the spittle. In which, not satisfying the Prelates, they were sent for to Hampton Court again, and from thence to the Tower by Sir John Gostwicke, from whence they came not out til they came to their death. And thus much concerning Doctor Barns.

About the year 1526. Master Garret Curate of Honie lane in London came to Oxford, and dispersed there certain Books in Latin, not agreeable to the Romish superstition, with Tindalles Testament: and had not long been there, but he was searched for in London to be apprehended for an Heretike: and afterward a privy search was made in Oxford: whereof Garret being warned by Master Cole of Magdalene College, who after was cross bearer to Cardinal Wolsey: he departed out of Oxford in the morning before Shrouetide, towards Dorcetshyre, where he would have for a time hid himself. But altering his mind, on the Friday night next, he returned to Oxford, and lay in Radlies house, where, by the privy search the same night he was taken, and kept prisoner in Doctor Cotfords chamber, master of Lincoln College, then being Commissary of the University: from whence, (when the Commissary and his company was at Evensong,) Garret putting back the lock of his door with his finger, escaped again, and (changing his apparel by the help of Anthony Delaber scholar of Alborne hall) departed: but afterward was again taken by master: Cole or his men, going Westward, at a place called Hincksey, a little beyond Oxeford, and so being brought back again, was committed to ward: that done, he was convented before the Commissary, Doctor London, and doctor Higden Dean of Frisewides, now called Christ's College, into Saint Mary's Church, where they compelled him to carry a Fagot in open Procession, and Delaber with him, and after were sent to Osney, there to be kept in prison, till further order was taken. Yet again after this, M. Garret flying from place to place, escaped till the time he was apprehended, and burned with Doctor Barns: with whom also W. Jerome, sometime Vicar of Stepney, was likewise drawn into Smithfield, and together with them endured constantly martyrdom in the fire.

This Jerome, for preaching at Paul's the 4. Sundays in Lent, and saying that all that were of the Freewoman Sara, were freely justified; for preaching that we are not bound to princes laws, further than according to the word of God; and that works are no part of our salvation; was committed to the Tower, and the xxx. of July, two days after the death of the Lord Cromwell, not coming to any answer, nor yet knowing any cause of their condemnation without any public hearing, (process being made out against them by the kings Counsel, in the Parliament time) Barns, Jerome, and Garret were brought together from the Tower into Smithfield, and by constant suffering the rage of the fire, they gave testimony to the truth. After they had made confession of their faith, and prayed, there was one asked Doctor Barns if the Saints prayed for us, he said he would refer that unto God: and if they did, then I trust (said he) to pray for you within this half hour, M. Sheriff: and asked the Sheriff if he had any Articles against him, for which he was condemned. The Sheriff answered, no: Then (said he) is there any man else that knoweth wherefore I die, or y ^t by my preaching hath taken any error, let them now speak, and I will make them answer. And no man answered: So praying earnestly for his persecutors, he gave himself to suffer, and required master Sheriff to have him commended unto the king, and to show him that he required of his grace four requests. First, that he would bestow parte of the Abbey possessions on the relief of the poor. Secondly, that he would see matrimone to be had in more reverence. Thirdly, that swearers might be punished. Fourthly, that he would set up Christ's true religion.

The same yere and day, and in the same place, were four Papists executed for denying the kings Supremacy, which brought the people to a marueylous admiration. Their names were Powell, Fetherstone, and Abel. All 3. drawn, hanged, and quartered. It fell out thus, by reason the kings Counsel was divided in Religion: the one side hastening the execution of the Papists, and the other of the Protestants.

The favorers of the truth were these, Canterbury, Suffolk, Viscount Beauchampe, Viscount Lisle, Russell Treasourer, Paget, Sadler, Awdeley. The favorers of the Papists, Winchester, Duresme, Norfolk, Southhampton, Anthony Brown, William Paulet, John Baker, Rich, Chancellor of the Augmentation, Winckfielde Vice-chauncellour.

There suffered besides those traitors, in the time of king Henry, for the cause of Supremacy, to the number of four and twenty in all.

Such was the furious prosecuting of the commission for the vi. Articles, that in London a great number came into question, and great trouble, to the number almost of two hundredth persons: and out of other quarters, such a number were apprehended through this Inquisition, that all the prisons in London were too little to hold them: in so much that they were fain to lay them in Halles. At the last, through the means of the Lord Awdeley, such pardon was obtained of the king, that the Lord Awdeley, then Lord Chancellor, being content that one should be bound for another, they were all discharged.

Edmund Boner who had before been advanced by Cromwell, and preferred before another way, being now B. of London, shown himself a most cruel executor of the commission, in such sort that he burned Richard Mekins being but of xv. years of age, for chauncing to speak against the Sacrament of the Altar, as he had heard other say; and other were caused to recant, as Towling parson of S. Anthony's, and Alexander Seaton a Scottish man, and a worthy preacher: this was Anno 1541.

An. 1541. [ 1541] John Porter a young man, was by Boner cast into prison in Newgate, for reading the Bible in Paul's: yet the king had commanded it should be read: and Boner himself in the days of Cromwell appointed that vi. bibles of the great volume should be set up in the church of Saint Paul's in London for the people to read. Wherevpon great multitudes would resort thither to hear this Porter read. Hereat Boner being grieved, caused him to be put in the dungeon of Newgate: where he was fettered in irons both legs and arms, with a collar of iron about his neck, fastened to the wall in the dungeon. From this torment, by suite of his brother and many other he was released, to be among the other prysoners, fellons and murderers: whose blasphemy and wickedness he being not able to bear, and therewith finding fault, and giving them instructions, he was complained of and carried down again, and laid in the lower dungeon of all, and oppressed with boltes and irons. It is thought that he was fettered with one Ingine in the prison, called, The Devil in the neck, which is so devised that within three or four hours, it breaketh and crusheth a man's back or body in pieces, so that within six or eight days after, being heard pitifully crying and groaning he was found dead.

In the time of the Cardinal, Thomas Somers an honest Merchant was in prison in the Tower for having of Luther's books, and penance being enjoined, that he should with three other Merchaunts, ride with books into Cheapeside hanged about their necks, with a bason tinged on before them, and there cast their Testaments in the fire. Now because he cast his book over or through the fire, and would not cast it into it, he was complained of and cast again into the Tower by the Cardinal, where he died.

In the diocese of Lincoln, under John Longland, and Doctor Dracot his Chancellor, great persecution was about Buckingham, and Amersham for the six Articles, and the same time the Bishop burned two in one day: the one named Thomas Barnarde, and the other James Morton, the one for teaching the Lord's prayer in English, and the other for keeping the Epistle of saint James translated into English.

In Oxford also the same time or much there about, recanted one master Barber, a master of arts of that University, a man excellently learned. His cause was the matter of the Sacrament.

Not long before his recantation there was one master Malarie, master of arts of Cambridge of Christ's College, who for like opinions contrary to the Romish faith, was convented before the Bishops, and in the end sent to Oxford there openly to recant, and to bear his faggot, to the terror of the students of that University, at whose recantation while Doctor Smith preached, and treated of the Sacrament, there rose a false imagination of firs that should be over their heads; and such impression it took in Doctor Smith, that in manner he first of all cried out in the pulpet: these are the trains and subtleties of Heretics against me. Lord have mercy upon me, Lord have mercy upon me, &c. Claymunde with other of the aged sort, that could not run and make shift for themselves, kneeled down before the high Altar, committing themselves and their lives unto the sacrament, all full of terror. While the rest thronged & thrust to get out of the Church; among them there was a boy, that seeing the doors so stopped with press, that he could not get out, climbed up upon the door, & among them gate out over men's heads: being upon the door, he saw a Monk coming towards him, which had a great wide cowle hanging at his back: which the boy perceiving, leaps down into the Monks cowle: the Monk at the first perceiving nothing, but after a while, feeling his cowle heavy, and hearing the voice of the boy; thought it had been a devil: and began to conjure him, in the name of God and all saints; I command thee to declare what thou art, that art behind my back? to whom the boy answered: I am Bartrams boy. But I (said the Monk) adjure thee in the name of the inseperable trinity, that thou wicked spirit, do tell me who thou art, from whence thou camest, and that thou get thee hence: I am Bartrams boy, said he, good master let me go: and with that, his cowle began to crack upon his shoulders: the monk, when he perceived the matter, took the boy out and discharged his cowle, the boy took his legs and ran away as fast as he could, and this was the perplexity of the good Catholics in that assembly: which rose upon the crying of fire in the streets, by one Hewster, who saw a chimney on fire: and according to the custom, cried: Fire, fire, as he passed by Saint Mary's Church. Now as touching the Heretike, because he had not done his sufficient penance there, by occasion of this hurliburly: therefore the next day he was reclaimed into the Church of Saint Frisewide, where he supplied the rest of his penance that lacked.

An. 1541. By the sentence of y ^e convocation house, the Lady Anne of Cleue was divorced, & the king permitted to mary with y ^e L. Katherine Hawarde, and within a while, she also was put to death for incontinency with Tho. Culpepper.

The same year, in the month of August 1541 six were executed at Tiborne for the matter of supremacy: The Prior of Dancaster, Giles Horne a monk of the Charterhouse of London, Thomas Epsame a monk of Westminster, who was the last in king Henries days that ware a monks weed: the fourth, one Philpot, the fifth, one Carew, the sixth was a Frier.

The king after the death of his first wife, now more and more he missed his old Counselor Cromwell, and partly smelling the ways of Winchester, began a little to set his foot in the cause of religion: and now the want of Cromwell, did more mightily knit his affection to Cranmer, whō he always before loved well. And in the same year, the month of October, after the execution of this Queen: the king understanding some abuses, yet to remain unreformed, namely, about pilgrimages and idolatry, &c. directed his letters to the Archb. of Canterbury for speedy redress of the same: this was Anno 1542. [ 1542]

The year 1543. in the month of February, followed another Proclamation given out by the Kings authority, whereby whitemeates were permitted to be eaten in Lent.

Anno 1544. [ 1544] Anthony Parson priest, Henry Filmer. John Marbeck, were sent from London to Windsor by the Sheriffs men, the Saturday before S. James day: and laid fast in the town jail, Robert Testwood, (who had kept his bed) was brought out of his house upon crowches and laid with them. Robert Bennet was the fourth apprehended with them, and being sick of the pestilence, and a great sore running upon him, he was left behind in the Bishop of London's jail, whereby he escaped the fire.

Now these being brought to Windsor, there was a session specially procured to be holden the Thursday after, which was S. Agnes day. Against which sessions by the counsel of Doctor London and Simon's a cruel Persecutour, were all the Farmers belonging to the College of Windsor warned to appear to be the iurers. The Judges were these: Doctor Capon bishop of Salisbury, sir William Essex knight, sir Thomas Bridges knight, sir Humfrey Foster knight, Franckelen Dean of Windsore, and Fachell of Readyng: Robert Ockam occupied the clarke of peaces room: who called Anthony Parson and read his indictement: which was, preaching against the real presence: Thomas Testwood, whom they alleged against, that he mocked the Priest at the lifting &c. Next, Filmer, whom his own brother accused, for the matter of the real presence: there being none but his own brother to witness against him, whom Doctor London flattered and entertained in his own house to that ende. Lastly, John Marbecke being called, was charged to have resembled the lifting up of the Sacrament, to the setting up of Jereboam's calves, and for speaking against the Mass: In which Articles they were found guiltye by the Quest: one Hyde, dwelling beside Abington in a Lordeshippe belonging to the College of Windsor, spake in the mouth of the rest. Then the Judges beholding the prisoners a good while, (some with watery eyes) made courtesy who should give judgment: which when Fachell that was the lowest in the benche perceived: if no man will do it, then will I (said Fachell ) and so gave judgment. So were they had away, who with comforting one another, prepared themselves to die the next day. All the night, till dead sleep took them, they continued still calling on the name of the Lord, and praying for their persecutors.

On the next morrow, which was Friday, as the prisoners were all preparing themselves to suffer, the Bishop of Sarum and others, had sent a letter by one of the Sherifes Gentlemen, called master Frost, to the bishop of Winchester, (the Court being then at Oking) in the favor of Marbecke, at the sight of which letter the Bishop straight way went to the king and obtained his pardon: which was to the end he might betray others. On the Saturday morning the other three were had to suffer, and all three being bound to the post, a certain young man of Filmers acquaintance brought him a pot of drink: asking him if he would drink? Yea quoth Filmer I thank you, and so they encouraging themselves, drancke one to another. Filmer rejoicing in the Lord, said: be merry my brethren and lift up your hearts to God: for after this sharp breakfast I trust we shall have a good dinner in the kingdom of Christ our Lord and redeemer: at which words Testwood lifting up his hands and eyes to heaven, desired the Lord above to receive his spirit. And Anthony Parson pulling the straw unto him, laid a good deal thereof upon the top of his head, saying: This is God's hatte: now am I dressed like a true soldier of Christ, by whose merits only I trust this day to enter into his joy: and so they yielded up their souls unto the Lord with such patience, as it was marvelous to the beholders.

The meaning of Gardener was after this to have dealt with great personages, had not the Lord prevented his cruel practices.

On the Monday after the men were burnt: it was determined by the Bishoppe of Salisbury, that Robert Ockam should go to the Bishop of Winchester with the whole process done at the Sessions the thursday before. And also, had writings of those that were privily endicted: whereof one of the Queens men (named Fulke ) having knowledge, gat to the Court before, and told Sir Thomas Cardine, and other of the privy Chamber, how all the matter stood. Whereupon, Ockam was laid for, & passing the streets by the Earl of Bedfordes lodging, was pulled in by y ^e sleeve, and kept secrete at my Lord privy Seals, till certain of the privy Counsel had perused all his writings: Among which, they found certain of the privy Chamber endicted, with other the kings Officers, and their wives. That is to say, Sir Thomas Cardine, Sir Philip Hobbie, with both their Ladies. Master Edmund Harmon, Master Th. Weldowe, with Snowball and his wife. All these they had endicted by the force of the vi. articles, as aiders, helpers, and mainteyners of Anthony Parson. And besides them, they had endicted of heresy, a great number mo of the kings true and faithful Subiectes. Whereof the kings Majesty being certified, gave unto them his gracious pardon. And so had Benet a discharge withal: and being certified of the sheriffe and Sir Humfrey Foster, of the death of the poor men at Windsor, the king turning from them, to depart, said, Alas poor Innocents. And after this withdrew his favor from Winchester, caused Doctor London, and Simon's the Lawyer, and a fierce persecutor of them, to be apprehended, and brought before the Counsel: and examined upon their oath, of alleigeance, who for denying their wicked fact, were found perjured, and were judged as perjured persons, to wear papers in Windsor, and Ockam to stand upon the Pillorie at Newberie, where he was borne. The judgment of the three was, to ride about Windsor, Reading, and Newberie, with papers on their heads, and their faces turned to the horsetailes, and so to stand upon the Pillorie in every of those Towns, for false accusation of the forenamed Martyrs, and for perjury.

Anno 1539. [ 1539] There was commission sent to Calais, to inquire of heresy, through a complaint made of the entertainment and accepting of Adam Damlip, alias George Bucker, who there for xx. days or more, preached every day at vii. of the clock. He preached very godly sermons against Transubstantiation, and adoration of the sacrament. Damlip by this Commission was cited, and appeared before the Archb. of Canterbury, Winchester, Chichester, and diverse others: before whom constantly he maintained the truth of the sacrament, and being dismissed for that time, & enjoined to appear the next day, by the secret warning of the archb. of Cant. he stepped aside into the West country, while great trouble was kindled against God's people in Calais, namely, against sir W. Smith, curate, & a zealous preacher, T. Brook R. Hare, sir I. Butler, then Commissary, James Cock, alias Coppē, D. Lane, I, Barber, and others. Of the which persons T. Brooke, R. Hare, Coppen, D. Lane, & I. Barber, were apprehended, and sent over, and committed to prison in Westminster gate: and then commanded to appear before the Archb. Winchester, Chichester, and ten other, appointed by the kings majesty. Sir W. Smith preacher, and I. Butler, by commandment were apprehended in Calais, and bound by surety, not to pass the bounds of Calais.

Sir William Smith was accused to preach against our lady, and praying to saints, good works, &c. Brooke, for speaking against the sacrament, Rafe, Hare for speaking against holy bread & holy water, Butler was charged to have maintained Adam Damlippe: for which he was dismissed of his Commissariship. And it was determined, that sir W. Smith, Rafe Hare, James Cock, and James Barber, should be sent to Calais, and there to abjure, and do penance: where sir Williā Smith was enjoined to make the sermon, R. Hare, I. Cock, and James Barber, there standing with fagots upon their shoulders: saving because he dwelled there, Barber was enjoined to bear his fagot iv. miles of Calais, on the market day: where sir. W. Smith preached also, as before, and so ordered the matter in his sermon, that in effect he denied nothing he had taught before. His accuser was one R. Long, a man at arms in Calais, who falsely swore that he had eaten flesh in Lent, at Brookes house: after which oath, he having taken displeasure some way, ran out of his house, and in the eyes of a number of people, went & drowned himself.

After this commission, which was executed by M. Greenfield, sir I. Butler, the K. mason, & others (through the rage of the enemy, and complaint to the king, that the commons were in peril through dissention of opinions,) there were sent over new commissioners, the earle of Sussex, lord great Chamberlain, the lord S. John, sir John Gage knight, sir John Baker knight, M. Layton clerk of the closet, and D. Currin with special instructions, besides signed with the kings own hand: so that if God had not taken compassion, there had an hundredth been burnt or hanged shortly after: but it happened far otherwise: for of the number of those accusors, iv. were by the cōmissioners sent over into England: to wit, Clement Philpot servant to the L. Lisle, sir Edmund curate of our Ladies church, Thomas Towchet a postmaister, Peter Requet: of the which Philpot and the Curat were drawn, hanged and quartered at London: and contrarily, of them that were accused, not one lost an hair of his head. Inquisition being made, Thomas Brooke aforementioned, was committed to ward: and so were Anthony Pickering Gent. Henry Turney gentleman, Sir George Darby priest, John Shepherd, William Pellam, William Reuerdall, John Whitewood, John Boote, Robert Clodder, Copen de Lane, & Matthew de Lound, sent to close prison: William Stephens likewise, who was Adam Damlips host, was sent into England and clapt in the Tower: and after him the L. Lisle deputy, who died in the Tower.

The seconde day after Easter, Thomas Brooke was sent for, and committed to close prison in the maiors jail: and George Brodway was suborned by the Counsel of Calais: who threatened him greatly, if he would not burden Brooke with some concealementes (which he at length by strait imprisonment & threats, did, and set to his hand, that Brooke had for a long time concealed four groates every day, for his Clerks wages:) for which after a while Brodway being grieved in his conscience, with a knife went about to cut his own throat, had not the gaoler prevented him; who heard him groan w ^t the pain he felt of y ^e wound: after, through guilt of conscience and shame he fell out of his wits. Of this dealing with Brooke, his wife gave intelligence to the lord Cromwell; wherein she desired the lord Cromwell to be a means to the king that the afflicted, and their causes might be heard in England, which he with speed did accomplish, and wrote to the Commissioners in the kings name, that Brooke, and xii. or xx. of his complices should be sent over into England with their accusers.

Now by the time that the Commissioners had received these letters, they had made out precepts for viii. or ix. score honest men more to be cast in prison; but these Letters appalled and stayed them: notwithstanding they banished the men before named, out of the town for an hundredth years: and sent them back to prison, staying them there upon hope, that the Lord Cromwell should sooner come into captivity then he did: but at last they sent xiii. prisoners with Brook, who within xxiiij. hours, were at anker before the Tower wharfe: whom when the Lord Cromwell understood to be come, he commanded their irons to be smote off at the tower wharfe, and the prisoners to be brought unto him, whom he greatly comforted. After that, they were sent to the Fleet, and whiles they were in the Fleet, and William Stevens in the tower, the xix. day of July Anno 1541, the Lord Cromwell their great favorer was beheaded at Tower hill, so that all hope seemed to them to have been utterly lost of any deliverance: but the Lord had them in remembrance, and stirred up the Lord Awdley, Lord Chancellor of England, without further examination, to deliver them. And at length, two years after, he delivered William Steeuens also, by the kings own motion. The unjust Coūsellers, who charged the Town with sedition and heresy, fell afterward into the kings displeasure, and the L. Graie, Sir George Carew, and Sir Richard Greenfield, who purged the town of the slander, although for a time they were in displeasure, yet w ^t in a while after, they came into greater favor then before; and were rewarded with xx. l. a year a piece at the least: Rockwood one of the fearcest persecutors fell into despair: and at the last breath cried, he was utterly damned, for that he said, maliciously he sought the death of such good men. The Vndermarshall also (another persecutor) suddenly fell down in the counsel chamber and never spake word: and the rest of the persecutors had the revenging hand of God following after them.

Adam Damlip who before escaped & lay hid in the Westcountry, teaching a school about a year or two: by the miserable inquisition of the six articles, was again taken and brought up to London, where he was by St. Gardener commanded to the Marshalsea, & there lay the space of other two years, where thinking he had been forgotten; he in the Latin tongue wrote an epistle to the B. of Winchester, wherein he said he would write his obedience & submission: for said he, I had rather die then here to remain, and not to be suffered to use my talent to God's glory: This he said to M. Marbecke then prisoner in the Marshalsea. This epistle he delivered to his keeper about Saturday in y ^e morning, which was about the ii. week before Whitsuntide, desiring him to deliver it at the court to the B. of Winchester, which he did. The B. made such quick dispatch, that y ^e keeper came home at night very late, & brought with him a precept for the executiō of Adam Damlip. So upon Monday early in the morning, the keeper & other of the knight Marshals men, cōueied Adam unto Calais upon the Ascension even, & there committed him to the Mayors prison: & because they could not burden him with anything, within a sufficient cōpass of time, to condemn him: they laid to his charge he had received a French crown of cardinal Poole at Rome; where before his first coming to Calais, he was requested to read three lectures a week in Cardinal Pooles house: & therefore they condemned him and executed him for treason: which death he most meekly and heartily took: John Butler and sir Daniel the curate before mentioned, after ix. months imprisonment were with much labor permitted to return to Calais again: William Stevens above mentioned, who had remained all this time in the Tower, was condemned also of treason with his guest Adam Damlip, & pardoned by the king. Adam Damlip had sometimes been a great papist & chaplain to Fisher B. of Rochester: & after the death of his master, traveled France, Dutchland, and Italy, and came to Rome: where he would not for the wickedness of the place abide to remain, though cardinal Poole offered him maintenance to read iii. lectures a week in his house; which he refused: & for receiving only a French crown, he was condemned and executed for treason: he received it at the Cardinals hand to drink, and bear some charge of expense.

By the preaching of Adam Damlip in Calais, among others, there was a poor mā whose name is not yet certainly known: who was converted to the truth & therefore condemned by one Haruey there, being cōmissarie: whom this Haruey in time of his judgment called Heretic, and said he should die a vile death: the poor man answered again, and said that he was no heretic, but was in the faith of Christ: and whereas thou saidest, said he, that I shall die a vile death, thou thyself shalt die a viler death, and that shortly. And so it came to pass, for within half a year after Haruey was hanged, drawn and quartered for treason in the same town of Calais.

After the burning of this poor man, there was also a certain other schooler counted to be a dutchman named Dodde, who coming out of Germany, was there taken with certain Germane books about him: & being examined & standing stoutly to the doctrine of the gospel, he was burned.

A little before this time, Will. Bolton, alias Crosbowmaker, for saying the Pope wanted Charity: if he could, and would not release souls out of Purgatorye, by Doctor Darlie parson of our Ladies Church in Calais, then Commissary for Archbishop Warham, was made to bear a fagotte, and lost his wages, which was vi, pence a day: who complaining thereof to the king, and declaring unto his majesty the cause, sent him to Calais again: and after that gave him viii. pence a day.

As for the vi. articles, many good men were put to death, so for the Popes supremacy diverse suffered. And about this time, Lark a priest of Chelsey for the supremacy, and Germine Gardener, near kinseman to Stephen Gardener, and his secretarie, for practicing for the Pope against the King, were put to death.

By an act of parliament holden An. 1544. the rigor of the vi. articles was asswaged a little: & at the first time it was permitted, that they which offended against them might recant: which if they refused to do, and offended again, they should bear a fagot, and should be admitted to abjure: if the third time they offended, then they should sustain punishment according to law. Notwithstanding this Parliament had thus mittigated the rigor, yet remained the poison: and all manner of books bearing the name of Williamm Tyndale, or what other book soever contained anything against the vi. articles, were debarred. In this Parliament also, it was permitted only to noblemen and gentlemen, to read the scriptures to their edifying: so they did it without discussing or urging thereupon.

In this Parliament also it was permitted to the party detected, to try his cause by witnesses: as many (or more) in number as the other which deposed against him,

Anno 1545. the vi. articles were yet much more qualified by Act of Parliament: whereby it was also decreed, that the king should have full power to appoint 32. persons: to wit, sixeteene of the Clergy, and sixeteene of the temporality, to peruse and oversee, & examine the Canons, constitutions and ordinances of the canon law, as well provincial, as synodall: and so according to their discretions to establish an order of ecclesiastical laws, such as should be thought by the king most convenient.

This year 1544. John Heywood recanted the Popes supremacy, and John Ath the truth of the sacrament.

About the year 1546. one Saixe a priest, was hanged in the porters lodge of Stephen Gardener, not without the consent of the Bishop, as it is supposed: there was also a servant in Colchester, named, Henry, burned for the testimony of the truth.

This year 1546. One Kerby was burned in Ipswich for the testimony of the truth: and the matter of the real presence: at whose death, the Lord Wentworth (who gave sentence against him) with others, wept bitterly: He was burnt the Saturday before Gang Monday, and at the same bar also was condemned one Roper, Clearke of Mendesham: & was burned at S. Edmundsbury, the Gang Monday after. He suffered great pains & torments in his burning, for y ^e wood was green, so that he was choked with smoke: and moreover being set in a pitch barrel, was therewith sore payned at length one standing by, took a fagot stick, and striking at the ring about his neck, stroke him belike upon the head, & so he sunk down and was dissolved. The other, Kerby, being dissuaded by master Robert Wingfield, that declared unto him the painfulnes of the death, said unto him. Ah Master Wingfield, be at my death, and you shall say: there standeth a Christian soldier in the fire.

At the later end of this year 1545. in the month of November, was granted unto the king (besides other subsidies of money,) all Colleges, Chauntries, Free chapels, hospitals, Fraternities, brotherhoods, guildes, & perpetuities of stipendarie priests, to be disposed at his pleasure.

The next Lent following, D. Crome made a dilemma against private masses: but the Prelates did so handle the matter that on Easter next, they made him to recant.

Anno 1546. About the month of June, Anne Askewe, John Lacels, gentleman, of the Court, John Adams a Tailor, Nicholas Belleman a priest of Shropshire, were burned at one fire in Smithfield. Anne Askew 1545. in the month of March, was first examined by C. Dare, Inquisitor, at sadlers hall, touching the Sacrament of the Altar, Masses, confession, the kings book: and afterward committed by him to be examined of a Priest, who propounded also concerning the sacrament: to whom she would make no answer, neither unto the Inquisitor, touching that matter.

He inquired also concerning private Masses, which she said was idolatrous. From thence they had her to my Lord Mayor, who examined her as they had done before: to whom she made such answer as she did to the quest before, which was in some things directly, in other some, by question. Again, because she said she would not cast Pearls among swine. From thence the L. Mayor commanded her to ward without baile: so she remained in the Counter xi. days, and no friend admitted to speak w ^t her, saving a priest was sent unto her by y ^e B. to examine her of his points of superstition.

The xxiii. of March, her Cosen master Britain, went to my Lord Mayor, desiring of him she might be bayled: who said he would not do it without the consent of the Spiritual Officer. Whereupon he went to the Chancellor: but the matter was so heinous, that he durst not do it without the B. of London were made privy to it. So from him he went to Bonner, who said to master Britain, that he was well contented that she should come forth to a communication: and appointed her to appear the next day at iii. of the clock at after noon: but sent for her at one of the clock, and by flattering words endeavored to persuade her to declare her whole mind without fear: and promised her that no vauntage should be taken of any word she should there speak: but she would declare nothing. Wherwith the bishop being offended, charged her with words she should be reported to speak against the sacrament of the altar, against the mass, with other such like questions, some true, some false: whereto she made such answer as was not to the B. contentmēt: yet subtly he drew out a circumstance, as it were a recantation, & required her to subscribe to it: which she said she would do so far forth as the holy scripture doth agree unto. Frō thence she was carried again to prison, until y ^e next morrow, at which time she was commanded to appear at y ^e guild hal: from whence again she was committed to prison: neither could she yet be bayled. Thē were her sureties commanded to come before thē the next morrow in Paul's church: where w ^t much a do they took a bond of them of recognisaunce for her forth coming, and so she was delivered.

Anno. 1546. she was examined again before the kings counsel at Green wich: to whō she answered in many things parabolically: & when the B. of Winchester bad her make a direct answer, she said she would not sing a new song of y ^e Lord in a strange land. The next day she was again brought before the Counsel, and (as before) was questioned w ^t touching the Sacrament of the altar: to whom she boldly and roundly (with some check unto the adversaries) made answer in such sort, as they could take no direct vauntage against her. On the sunday after she fell sore sick, & desired to speak with M. Latimer, which might not be permitted. After that she was sent to Newgate, in her extremity of sickness, & from thence they brought her to the guild hall: where she was condemned for y ^e article of y ^e real presence in y ^e sacrament.

After her condemnation, on Tuesday, she was sent from Newgate to the sign of the Crown, where M. Riche, the Bishop of London, and N. Shaxton, labored to persuade her to recant by fair words, but it would not prevail: then M. Rich sent her to the tower, where she remained till 3. of the clock: then came M. Rich & one of the counsel, & charged her upon her obedience, to show unto them, if she knew any man or woman of her Sect, and asked of the Lady of Suffolk, of Sussex, of Hertforde, my Lady Dennie, and my Lady Fitzwilliams: which she would not disclose, nor any other. Then they put her on the rack, because she confessed no Ladies nor Gentlewomen to be of her opinion, and thereon they kept her a long time: and because she lay still and did not cry, my Lord Chancellor and Master Rich took pains to rack hir with their own hands, till she was nigh dead, then the Liefetenant caused her to be loosed from the rack: which done, incontinently she souned. Then they recovered her again: and after that, she sat two long hours reasoning with the lord Chancellor upon the bare floor: who with flattering words persuaded her to leave her opinion. Then was she brought to an house, and laid upon a bed with painful bones: after which the lord Chancellor sent her word, that if she would leave her opinion, she should want nothing: if she would not, she should to Newgate, and thence to the fire. To whom she sent word again, that she would rather die, then break her faith. The king understanding by the Liefetenaunt of her cruel racking, was greatly displeased therewith.

The day of her executiō being appointed, she was brought into Smithfield in a chair, because she could not go on her feet, by reason of her racking, and was girded by the middle with a chain that might hold up her body, and so was she with her fellows a witness of the truth, and sealer of the same with her blood. Anne Askew having letters of pardon offered her at the stake by Wrisley lord Chancellor, if she would recant, she refused so much as to look on them. They were there also offered to the rest, but they by her example were confirmed, and likewise refused the same.

About the same time and year, Doctor Ripse bishop of Norwich did incite the old duke of Norfolk against Rogers in the county of Norfolk: who was condemned, and suffered for the cause of the six Articles.

An. 1546. Winchester practiced against Q. Catherine Parre the last wife to king Henry, who was very zealous towards the Gospel, and had persuaded with the king to make a perfect reformation, and so far he prevailed with the king, persuading him of the factious disposition of the gospellers, and of the dangerous example of the Queen his wife; that, before that he and the L. Chancellor, and others (who conspired together against her) departed, the king had given out commandment, with warrant to certain of them made for that purpose, to consult together about drawing of certain articles against the Queen, wherein her life might be touched: which y ^e king by their persuasions pretended not to spare, having any rigor or color of law to countenance the matter. With which commission they departed that time from the king; resolved to put their pernicious practice in executiō: & first determined to deal with those whō they knew were great about her, as the Lady Harbert, afterward the Countess of Penbrooke, and sister to the Queen, and chief of her privy chamber: the lady Lane being of her privy chamber, and also her cosin Germane; the lady Terwit being of her privy chamber. It was devised that these three should first of all have been accused, & brought to answer to the six articles: and upon their apprehension in the court, their closets and coffers should have been searched, that somewhat might have been found whereby the Queen might be charged, which being found, she her self presently should have been taken, & likewise carried by barge in the night to the Tower. To all this the king seemed to give his assent, and afterward opened all the matter to D. Wendy his Physician, charging him withal upon peril of his life, not to utter it to any person. Now the time drawing nigh when they minded to put their mischeefes in practice, the bill of articles drawn out against the Queen, and subscribed with the Kings own hand, falling from the bosom of one of those wicked counselors, was found, and taken up of some godly person, and brought immediately to the Queen: who seeing the same fell into a marvelous perplexity, almost to the peril and danger of her life: whereof the king hearing, he sent his Physician Wendie, and came also himself to comfort her: to whom she delared her grief; but the king gave her most comfortable words: and so when he had tarried an hour with her, he departed. She afterwards being recovered, came to the King, and found such favor with him, and had so satisfied him in those things, for which the Prelates conspired against her, that his mind was fully altered, and detested in his heart the bloody conspiracy of those Traitors: who yet notwithstanding the next day determined to have carried the Queen to the Tower: and at the hour appointed, the Lord Chancellor, with forty of the garde at his heels, cometh into the garden where the Queen was with the King, and those three Ladies, in pleasant communication, fully determining from thence to have taken the Queen and those three Ladies, and to have carried them to the Tower: whom the King stearnely beholding, and breaking of his mirth with the Queen, stepped aside and called him knave, arrant knave, beast and fool, and commanded him presently to avoid out of his presence. So departed the Chancellor with his train, and all his devises brought to naught, and the subtlety of Gardener discovered, who was always a cruel enemy against the Gospel, and professors of the same. Gardener not only practiced in England against reformation, but also when the King was minded to reform in England, he being Ambassador beyond the seas, for the agreement of a league between England, France, and the Emperor: he wrote unto the king, and persuaded him, that if he proceeded to alter any whit in England in matters of religion, the league would not go forward: whereby the Kings determinate purpose for that time was altered, although before he had commanded the Archb. Cranmer to cause two letters in his name to be drawn for the abolishing of Roodlofts, and ringing on allhallow night.

After this, Anno 1546. The matter of reformation began to be revived: and the French king, and the king of England did agree to make a perfect reformation: and were so fully resolved therein, that they meant also to exhort the Emperor to do the same in Flaunders, and other his countries, or else to break off from him. And herein the king commanded the Archbishop Cranmer to pen a form thereof, to be sent to the French king to consider of: but by the death of these Princes, that purpose was cut off.

About this time, Sir Hugh Cauerley knight, & master Litleton, falsely accused Sir George Blage, one of the kings privy chamber, the sunday before Anne Askew suffered, before Wriseley Lord Chancellor: the next day he was carried to Newgate, & from thence to the guild hall: where he was condemned the same day, and appointed to be burned the wednesday after. They laid to him, that he should say, that if a mouse did eat the bread, they should by his consent hang up the mouse: with other such light matters. When the King understood hereof, he was sore offended with their doings, and sent him his pardon: and so was he set at liberberty. Who coming after to the kings presence, ah my pig said the king to him, (for so he was wont to call him.) Yea (said he) if your majesty had not been befter unto me, then your Bishops were, your pigge had been roasted ere this time.

After the death of Anne Askew, the Prelates made out straight proclamation against English books of scripture, and whatsoever might give any light to the word: and drew out a number of heresies (as they call them) out of those books, and condemned them.

Within four months after, this proclamation coming out in August, the king deceassed in the beginning of January, in the 38. year of his reign, Anno 1547. leaving behind him, king Edward, Queen Marie, and Queen Elizabeth. Not only in England but also in Scotland there was great persecution for the truth: And anno 1540. was Sir John Brothwicke knight, called captain Brothwicke cited for heresy: & not appearing, but escaping out of their hands, was condemned for the same (though he were absent) by the sentence of David Beaton Archbishop of S. Andrew's and other prelates of Scotland: They objected, against him x. Articles, 1. That the Pope hath no more authority then another Bishop. 2. That the Popes indulgences and pardons are of no force. 3. That the Pope is an open vser of Symonie, selling the gifts of spiritualty. 4. That he persuaded many to embrace heresies in England. 5. That he said, that the Clergy of Scotland was blind. 6. He condemned the counsel of Constance. 7. He persuaded the king to appropriate unto himself the goods of the Church. 8. He desired that the Church of Scotland were in the same estate, that the Church of England. 9. That the canons were of no force. 10. He persuaded against the religion of Scotland, &c. To all which articles, he made a learned and large answer: the Papists condemned him being absent, and openly burned his picture in token of his condemnation, without all hope of pardon.

Not long after the burning of David Stratton, and master Gurley: in the days of David Beaton, B. and Cardinal of Saint Andrew's: and George Treighton Bishoppe of Dunkelden, a Chanon of Saint Colines, and Vicar of Dolone, called Dean Thomas Ferret was condemned to death, without any place of recantation, for preaching every Sunday to his Parishioners, and with him two black Friers, one called John Relowe, the other called Beuerage, a priest of Striueling, called Duncan Simon's, and one Gentleman called Robert Foster, in Striueling, with other three or four of the same Town of Striueling, because they were chief Heretics: and especially, because many of them were at the Bridall and marriage of a priest, who was vicar of Twilodie beside Striueling, and did eat flesh in the Lent at the same brydall. And so they were altogether burnt upon the Castle hill of Edinburgh, where constantly they endured to the end, one comforting another.

Anno 1543. Robert Lamb, William Anderson, James Hunter, James Raueleson, James Founteson, and Helen Stirke his wife, were put to death for the testimony of the truth against the romish church. William Anderson, & Robert with James Raueleson were accused for hanging up the Image of S. Francis in a cord, nailing of rams horns to his head, and a Cowes rump to his tail, and for eating of a goose on alhallow eve. James Hunter because he used the suspect company of the rest: the woman for that in her childebed she was not accustomed to call on the Virgin Marie, and that she said no merit of the Virgin, but God's free mercy, procured her the honor to be made the mother of Christ. James Raueleson for building an house, and setting upon the round of his fourth stair, the three crowned diademe of Peter with the Cardinals book, as done in mockage of his Cardinals hat. These persons on the morrow after Saint Paul's day were condemned, upon the Act against conferring, and reasoning of the Scriptures.

The woman aforesaid, Helen Stirke desired to die with her husband, and greatly encouraged him, & parting with him at the stake with a kiss, said, this was the ioyfullest day that ever she had; and said she would not bid him good night: for (said she) we shall sodeinly meet with joy in the kingdom of heaven: and so she was taken away, & drowned, although she had a child sucking on her. David Beaton Bishop, and Cardinal of S. Andrew's, was the chief doer in this persecution.

In this year 1543. John Chartnons, being Prouost of S. Johnston, alias Pereth, was deposed for favoring of the truth.

Anno 1546. The first of March, master George Wiseheart suffered martyrdom for the faith of Jesus Christ, at Saint Andrew's in Scotland, anno 1543. He was a Student in Cambridge in Bennet College, where he was a special pattern of godliness and learning. Afterwarde in Scotland he was apprehended, and charged to have preached, notwithstanding he were forbidden: and to have spokē against the mass, and the five odd Sacraments, against auricular confession, against the sacrament of the altar, against unction, holiwater, against the power of the Pope, free will, distinction of meats, against prayer to Saints, purgatory, against vows, and the use of popish superstitions: to which, (as they would for fury give him leave) George Wisehart made a sufficient and Christian answer. When he came to the place of execution, and the Executioner prayed him of pardon, he said, come hither, and kissed him: and said, lo here a token that I forgive thee: My heart, do thine office: and so meekly he ended, and constantly gave testimony to y ^e truth of Jesus: the people piteously mourning for his death.

It was not long after, but the Cardinal was slain by the hands of one Lech, and other Gentlemen, who sodeinly brake in upon him, and slew him: after which he lay seven months unburied at the least: and at last, like carrion, was buried in a dunghill,

After Beaton, succeeded John Hambleton, Archbishop of saint Andrew's, 1549. who the next yere following, burned Adam Wallace, for the matter of the Sacrament. He was burned on the Castle hill of Edinburgh. Before his execution they had taken frō him all his books, which might serve for his comfort; but that he had learned by heart all David's Psalter, and supplied comfort that way. When the fire was prepared, he himself asked one of the Officers that stood by, if the fire were making ready: who told him it was He answered, as it pleaseth God, I am ready, soon or late, as it pleaseth him: & so brought to the stake, he ended with constancy and patience, and gave testimony to the truth: first exhorting the people not to be offended at his suffering for the truths sake.

Anno 1551. After that Richard Marshall doctor of Divinity, and prior of the black Friers at Newcastle in England, had declared in his preachings at Saint Andrew's in Scotland, that the Lord's prayer, commonly called the Pater noster, should be said only to God, and not to Saints, neither to any other creature. The Doctors of divinity of S. Andrew's, together with the black Friers, who had long ago taught the people to say the Pater noster to Saints, had great indignation that their old doctrine should be impugned: and stirred up a Gray fryer, called Frier Toyttes, to teach the people to pray yet to Saints. Whereupon fell such a schism, that not only the Clergy, but also the people were divided among themselves for the matter: in so much y ^t there rose a proverb: to whom say you your Pater noster? And the clergy for to decide the same controversy, & to put y ^e people out of doubt, assembled thenselves: yet notwithstanding it so depended, y ^t it was thought good to call a principal counsel to decide y ^e matter: which being assembled at Edēburgh, the papists wanting reason, brast out into unseemly speech: as frier Toyt being asked to whom he should say his pater noster, answered: say it to the devil, knave. In y ^e end, they that were called churchmē, were divided: for some of y ^e bishops and divines consented y ^t it should be said to saints: but y ^e B. of S. Andrew's, Caitenes and Athenies, refused utterly to subscribe to the same. Finally, it was declared unto the people, that it should be said unto God, with certain restrictions: and so by little and little the brute ceased.

Anno 1558. W, Mill was the last y ^t was burned in Scotland for the doctrine of the gospel, the xx. day of April, before the B. of S. Andrew's, Murray, Brechin, & a number of other prelates. He was brought to the metropolitan church, where he was put in a pulpet before y ^e bishops to be accused: his weakness partly of age & ill usage being such, as it was thought, he should not be able to be heard speak. But when he began to speak, he made the church ring & sound again, to the confusion of the adversaries and comfort of the godly. And being long in his prayers sir Andrew Oliphant one of the Bishops priests called him: sir Walter Mill arise, and answer to the Articles, for you hold my Lord here over long: In deed (said he) I have been over long one of the Popes knights: (for he had been before a Papist) but I am called Walter and not Sir. When neither threats nor allurements could prevail, they condemned him, for the article of Priests marriages, the seven Sacraments, the sacrament of the Altar, pilgrimage. Before sentence was pronounced, Oliphant asked him: wilt thou not recant thine erroneous opinions: and if thou wilt not, I will pronounce sentence against thee. I am accused of my life (said he) again I know I must die once, friend therefore, (as Christ said to Judas ) do it quickly: ye shall know that I will not recant the truth: for I am corn: I am no chaff. I will not be blown away with the wind, nor burst with the flail, but I will abide both. Such was his marvelous boldness & constancy, which did so move the hearts of many, that the B. steward of his regaltie, prouost of the town, called Patrick Learmend, refused to be his temporal Judge: to whom it appertained. Also the Bishops Chamberlain being therewith charged, would in no wise take upon him so ungodly an office. Yea, the whole town was so offended with his unjust condemnation, that the bishops servants could not get for their money, so much as one cord to tie him to the stake, or Tarre barrel to burn him, but were constrained to cut y ^e cords of their masters own Pauilion, to serve their turn. So being tied to the stake, & having exhorted y ^e people, and prayed, fire being put unto him, he ended in the Lord, w ^t such cheerfulness and constancy enduring his martyrdom, that he was the last martyr in Scotland: this was in the time of Mary Longawale Queen regent of Scotland, and John Hamelton bishop of Saint Andrew's and primate of Scotland.

Anno 1511. Under William Warrham Archb. of Canturburie, certain martyrs that were omitted which suffered at that time with him, because they are not to be forgotten, are to be referred to that year. They suffered for denying the Sacrament of the Altar, &c for auricular confession, the extreme unction, images, pilgrimages, prayer to saints, holy bread, holy water, &c. They deny all that they had uttered anything against those popish pointes: yet witnesses, who had partly abjured before, and others against nature, as the husband against the wife, and children against the mother: being brought forth, they were condemned, and put to death. Their names were: William Carder of Tenderden, Weaver, Agnes Grebill of the same town of threescore year old, Robert Lawson of Halden, of the age 60. John Brown of Ashford, Edward Walker of Maidston, Cutler: who all notwithstanding they promised to submit themselves, yet were they condemned. The cause why the good woman so stood (as she did) to the denial of those articles, objected against her was, for that she never thought that her husband and her own children, (who only were privy of her religion) would have testified against her: which when she perceived, she repented the time that ever she bare those children of her body. So, notwithstanding that she offered conformity, she was condemned and put to death. Her husbands name was John Grebill: her sons, Christopher and John. Besides these, which were put to death, a number under Warren were forced to abjure the truth against the real presence, confession, sacrament of matrimony, unction, pilgrimages, Images, Saints, holy water, holy bread, &c.

Also omitted before, anno 1539. John a Painter, and Giles German, who were accused and condemned for heresy at London before the Bishop and other Judges, where, by chance coming in one of the kings servants named Lancelot, a very tall man, and seeming by his countenance and gesture to favor the cause of the poor men, was also examined and condemned with them and the next day at five a clock in the morning, was carried with them into Saint Giles fields, and there burned.

Also about the latter end of Tonstals time bishop of London, one Style was burned in Smithfield with the Apocalypse (whereon he used to read,) about his neck. Which book when he saw fastened to the stake with him: he lifted up his voice, and said: O blessed Apocalypse, how happy am I, that I shall be burned with thee: and so with the book was he consumed with fire.

Also overpassed before, about the second year of the reign of king Henry the eight, John Brown of Ashford after xl. days imprisonment, when the Archbishop and Doctor Fisher had burned his feet with hot coles to the stumps to make him recant. On Friday before Whitsunday he was sent to Ashford where he dwelt, the next day to be burned: and a young maid of his house espying him in the stocks, told hir mistress, who ran and sat by him also all night: to whom he gave exhortation, and declared how he had been tossed to make him deny his Master, which he would not do for all their torments. The cause of his death, was because he said to a Priest, bragging he was a soul Priest: where find you the soul when you go to Mass, and where do you leave it when you go from Mass? when the Priest said, he could not tell, how can you then save the soul said he. For this he was complained of to William Warham Archbishop of Canturburie, and suddenly was taken in his own house the same day when his wife was churched, as he was bringing in a mess of pottage to the borde, serving in his guests: and his feet bound under his own horses belly was carried away to Canterbury, neither he nor any of his friends knowing whether he went: where after he had continued in prison forty days, from Low-sunday till Friday before Whitsuntide he was sent to Ashford, and there put to death (as hath been declared) comfortably and cheerfully giving testimony to the truth.