THE HISTORY
OF
DR. ROWLAND TAYLOR.

            THE town of Hadley, in Suffolk, was one of the first that received the word of GOD in all England, through the preaching of Mr. Bilney: by whose industry the gospel of CHRIST had such success, and took such root there, that a great number in that parish became exceedingly well learned in the holy Scriptures, as well women as men. Their children and servants were also trained so, diligently in the knowledge of GOD’s word, that the whole town seemed rather an university of the learned, than a town of cloth-making, or laboring people. And what is, most to- be commended,. they were faithful followers of" GOD’s word in their living.

            In this town Dr. Rowland Taylor was minister; who, at his first entering into his benefice, did not, as too many do, let out his benefice to -.a farmer, that should gather up the profits, and set in an ignorant unlearned priest to serve the cure; and so they have the fleece, care little or nothing for feeding the flock: but, contrarily, he left archbishop Cranmer, with whom he was in house= hold, and made his abode in Hadley. Here, as a good shepherd, he gave himself wholly to the study of the holy Scriptures; most faithfully endeavoring to fulfill that charge which the Lord gave to Peter, saying, " Peter, loves you me? feed my lambs, feed my sheep." No Sunday, nor holiday passed, nor other time, when he might get the people together, but he preached to them the word of God. And not only his preaching, but all his con­versation, was an example of unfeigned Christian life and true holiness. He was void of pride, humble and meek as any child: so that none were so poor but they might boldly resort unto him. Neither was his lowliness childish or fearful; but as occasion required, he would be stout in rebuking the evil doers; so that none was so rich but he would tell him plainly his fault, with such earnestness and gravity, as became a good pastor. He was a man very mild; void of all rancor, grudge, or ill will; ready to do good to all men; readily forgiving his enemies; and never sought to do ill to any. To the poor that were blind, lame, sick, bed-ridden, or that had many children, he was a father; a careful patron, and diligent provider; insomuch that he caused the parishioners to make a general provision for them: and he himself (besides the continual relief that they found at his house,) gave a portion yearly, to the common alms­box. His wife also was an honest and sober matron; and his children brought up in the fear of GOD, and good learning. In a word, he was a good " salt of the earth," savourily biting the corrupt manners of evil men; a light in GOD’s house, set upon a candlestick, for all men to imitate and follow. Thus continued this good shepherd among his flock, governing and leading them through the wilderness of this world, all the days of Edward the Sixth.

            In the beginning of queen Mary's reign, a certain lawyer, called Foster, with one John Clerk, of Hadley, conspired to bring popery again into Hadley church. For as yet Dr. Taylor, as a good shepherd, had retained in his church the reformation made by king Edward, and most earnestly preached against the popish corruptions.. This Foster and Clerk, with all haste, built up the altar, intending to bring in their mass again, on Palm-Monday. But this device took no effect; for in the night the altar was beaten down. Wherefore they built it up again, a second time, and set diligent watch, lest any should break it down again. On the day following they came, bringing the parson of Aldam, a popish sacrificer, who brought with him all his implements; whom they and their men guarded with. swords and bucklers, lest any man should disturb him in his sacrifice. When Dr.. Taylor, who sat studying the Word of GOD, heard the bells ring, he arose and went to the church, supposing something had been there to be done, according to his pastoral office. Coming to the church, he found the church-doors shut and fast barred, saving the chancel­door, which was only latched-. '' here entering in, and coming into the chancel,. he saw a popish sacrificer in his robes,. ready to begin his apish sacrifice, beset round with drawn swords and. bucklers; lest any man should approach to disturb him. Then said Dr. Taylor,. " You devil, who made thee so bold to enter into this church of CHRIST, to profane and defile it with this abominable idolatry?" With that started up Mr. Foster, and with a. furious countenance said, " You traitor,_ what doest you here to disturb the queen's proceedings?" Dr. Taylor answered,. " I am no traitor, but I am the shep­herd that CHRIST has appointed to feed this his flock Wherefore I have good authority to be here; and I com­mand thee, you popish wolf, in the name of GOD, to avoid hence, and not to presume here, with such popish idolatry, to poison CHRIST's flock." Then said Foster, " Wilt you traitorously make a commotion, and resist the queen's proceedings?" Dr. Taylor answered, " I make no com­motion; but it is you papists that make conunotions and tumults.’ I resist only with GOD’s Word, against your popish idolatries, which are against GOD’s Word, the queen's honor, and tend to the utter subversion of this realm." Then Foster, with his armed men, took Dr. Taylor, and led him with a strong hand out of the church, and the popish prelate proceeded. Dr. Taylor's wife, who followed her husband into the church, wwhelt she saw her husband thus violently thrust out of his church, kneeled down and held up her hands, and with a loud voice said, " I beseech GOD, the righteous Judge, to avenge this injury." Then they thrust her out of the,church also, and shut the doors; for they feared the people would have rent their sacrificer in pieces. Not­withstanding one or two threw in great stones at the windows, and missed very little the popish masser.

            Within a day or two after, Foster and Clerk complained of Dr. Taylor to Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, and lord chancellor. When the bishop heard this, he sent a letter to Dr. Taylor, commanding him within certain days to appear before him. When Dr. Taylor's friends heard of this, they came to him, and counselled him to flee; alleging, that he could neither be heard to speak his conscience, nor look for justice at the chancellor's hands. Then said Dr. Taylor, " Dear friends, I most heartily thank you, for your tender care over me. And although I know that there is neither justice nor truth to be looked for at my adversaries' hands, yet I know my cause to be so good and righteous, and the truth so strong upon my side, that I will go, by GOD’s grace, and appear before them, and to their beards resist their false doing." Then-said his friends,.«Mr.'Doctor, we think it not best so to do. You have sufficiently done your duty, and testified the truth, both by your godly sermons, -and also in resisting the parson of Aldam." " Oh," quoth Dr. Taylor, " what will ye have me do? I am old, and have already lived too long to see these terrible days. Flee you, and do as your consciences lead you; I am fully determined, with GOD’s grace, to go to the bishop, and to his beard to tell him, that he does naught. GOD shall raise up teachers of his people, which shall teach them with more diligence and success than I have done. For GOD will not forsake his church, though for a time he cor­recteth us, and not without cause. As for me, I believe before GOD, 1shall never be able to do GOD so good ser­vice, as I can do now.; nor shall I ever have so glorious a calling as I now have, nor so great mercy of GOD prof­fered me, as is now at this present. For what Christian man would not gladly die against the pope and his adherents? I know that the papacy is the kingdom of antiCHRIST, altogether full of falsehood,. so that all their doctrine, even from CHRIST's cross and St. Nicholas be my speed, unto the end of their apocalypse, is nothing but idolatry, superstition, errors, hypocrisy, and lies. Where­tore I beseech you, and all my friends, to pray for me; and I doubt not but GOD will give me strength and his Holy Spirit, that all mine adversaries shall be ashamed of their doings," When his friends saw him so constant, they with weeping eyes, commended him unto God; and he within a day or two prepared himself for his journey, leaving his cure with a godly old priest, named sir Richard Yeoman; who afterwards, for GOD’s truth, was burnt at Norwich,

            There was also in Hadley, one Alcock, a very godly man, well learned in the holy Scriptures, who (after sir Richard Yeoman was driven away) used daily to read a chapter and the English litany in Hadley church. But they fetched him up to LONDON, and cast him into New" gate, where, after a year's imprisonment, he died.  Dr. Taylor, being accompanied with a servant of his own, named John Hull, took his journey towards LONDON, By the way, Hull labored to persuade him to flee, and proffered himself to go with him, and venture his life for him. But Dr. Taylor would in no wise consent, but said, " Oh, John I shall I leave my flock in this danger’

            Remember the good shepherd, CHRIST, which not only fed his flock, but also died for his flock. Him must I follow, and with GOD’s grace, will do; therefore, good John, pray for me; and if you scest me weak at any time, comfort me, and discourage me not." Thus they came up to LONDON, and shortly after, Dr. Taylor pre­sented himself to the bishop of Winchester. When Gar­diner saw Dr. Taylor, according to his common custom, he reviled him, calling him knave, traitor, heretic, with many other reproaches; which Dr. Taylor heard patiently, and at last said unto him, " My lord, I am neither traitor nor heretic, but a true subject, and a faithful Christian man, and am come, according to your commandment, to know what is the cause that your LORDSHIP has sent for me." Then said the bishop, " Art you come, you villain? How darest you look me in the face for shame? Knows you not who I am?" " Yes," said Dr. Taylor, " I know who you are. You are Dr. Stephen Gardiner, bishop of Winchester and lord chancellor, and yet but a mortal man, I trow. But if I should be afraid of you, why fear you not GOD, the Lord of us all? How dare you for shame look any Christian man in the face, seeing you have forsaken the truth, denied our Savior CHRIST and his Word, and acted contrary to your own oath and writings? With what countenance will you appear before the judgment-seat of CHRIST, and answer to your oath made first unto king Henry VIII: and afterward unto blessed king Edward." The bishop answered, " Tush, tush, that was Herod's oath, unlawful; and therefore worthy to be broken: and I thank GOD, I am come home again to our mother the church of Rome, and so I would you should do." Dr. Taylor answered, " Should I forsake the church of CHRIST, which is founded upon the true foundation of the apostles and prophets, to approve those lies, superstitions, and idolatries, that the popes and their company so blasphemously do approve? Nay, God forbid. Let the pope and his, return to our Savior CHRIST and his Word, and thrust out o_f the: church those abominable idolatries, and then will Christian men turn unto him. You wrote truly against him, and were sworn against Min." " I tell thee," said the bishop, a it was Herod's oath, unlawful; and therefore ought to be broken: and our holy father the pope has discharged me of it." Then said Dr. Taylor, " But you shall not be so discharged before CHRIST, who doubtless will require it at your hands, as a lawful oath made to our sovereign lord the king, from obedience to whom no man can absolve you." " I see," said the bishop, " you art an arrogant knave, and a very fool." " My lord," said Dr. Taylor, " leave your railing, which is not seemly for one in authority as you are. You know, that c he that says to his brother, Racha, is in danger of the council; and he that says, You fool, is in danger of hell fire." The bishop answered, " You are liars all the sort of you." " Nay," said Dr. Taylor, " we are true men, and know that it is written, I The mouth that speaks lies, slayeth the soul:' and again,, You shall destroy all that speak lies.' And therefore we abide by the truth of GOD’s word, which ye, contrary to your own consciences, for-, sake."

            "You art married," said the bishop. " Yea," said Dr. Taylor, " I thank GOD I am, and have had nine chil­dren; and blessed be GOD that ordained matrimony, and commanded that every man, that has not the gift of continency, should marry, and not live in adultery or whoredom." Then said the bishop, " You have resisted the queen's proceedings, and wouldest not suffer the parson to say mass in Hadley." Dr. Taylor answered, « My lord, I am parson of Hadley, and it is against all right and law, that any man should come into my charge, and presume to infect the flock committed unto me." With that the bishop grew very angry, and said, "You art a blasphemous heretic, that blasphemest the blessed sacrament," (and put off his cap.) Dr. Taylor answered, Nay, I blaspheme not the blessed sacrament which CHRIST instituted; but I reverence it as a true Christians than ought to do, and confess, that CHRIST ordained the holy communion in the remembrance of his death and passion, which when we keep according to his ordinance, we (throub h faith) eat the body of CHRIST, and drink his blood." " You sayest well," quoth the bishop. " It is all that you have said, and more too; for it is a propiti­atory sacrifice for the quick and the dead." Then answered Dr. Taylor, " CHRIST gave himself to die for our redemption upon the cross, whose body there offered was the propitiatory sacrifice, full, perfect, and sufficient for all them that believe in him. And this sacrifice did our Savior CHRIST offer in his own person himself once for all; neither can any priest any more offer him; nor need we anymore propitiatory sacrifice; and therefore I say with Chrysostom, and all the doctors, Our sacrifice is only commemorative, a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and therefore the fathers called it Euucharistia: and other sacrifice has the church of GOD none." " It is true," said the bishop, " the sacrament is called Eucharistia, a thanksgiving; and it is also a sacrifice propitiatory for the quick and the dead; which you shall confess ere you and I have done." Then the bishop called his men, and said, " Have this fellow hence, and carry him to the King's-bench, and charge the keeper that he be straitly kept." Then Dr. Taylor kneeled down, and holding up his hands, said, " Good Lord, I thank thee; and from the tyranny of the bishop of Rome, and all his detestable

idolatries and abominations, good Lord, deliver us." So they carried him to the King's-bench prison, where he was confined almost two years. Being in prison, Dr. Taylor spent all his time in prayer, reading the holy Scrip­tures, writing, preaching, and exhorting the prisoners, and such as resorted to him, to repentance and amendment of life.

            Within a few clays divers other learned and godly men, in sundry counties of England, were committed to prison,

so that almost all the prisons in England were become Christian schools and churches; and there was no greater

comfort for Christian hearts, than to come to the prisons to behold their virtuous conversation, and to hear their -prayers, preachings, exhortations, and consolations.  When Dr. Taylor was come into the King's-bench, he found there Mr. Bradford, _ whom he began to exhort to faith and patience, and to persevere constant unto the end. Mr. Bradford, hearing this, thanked God. that he had provided him such a comfortable fellow-prisoner;­ and so they both together praised GOD, and continued in prayer, reading, and exhorting one another: insomuch that Dr. Taylor told his friends that came to visit him, that GOD had most graciously provided for him, in sending him to that prison where he found such In angel of GOD to be in his company to comfort him. After he had lain in prison a while, he was cited to appear at Bow church, where he. alleged many laws and constitutions for himself, but all availed not; for he was again carried into prison, and his livings taken away.

            After a year and three quarters, in which time the papists got certain old tyrannous laws, which were put down by king Henry VIII. and king Edward, to be again revived by parliament; so that now they might, ex officio, cite whom they would, upon their own suspicion, and charge him with what articles they pleased, and except they in all things agreed to their purpose, burn them. When these laws were once established, they convened Dr. Taylor before the chancellor and other commissioners, on the 22nd of January. The talk between them is de­scribed by himself in his letter to a friend, as follows Whereas you would have me write the talk between the king and queen's most honorable council and me, on Tuesday the 22d of January, so far as I remember First, my lord chancellor said, " You, among others, are at this present time sent for, to enjoy the king and queen's majesties favor and mercy, if you will now rise again with us from the fall which we have received." I answered, " So to rise, would be the greatest fall that ever I could receive. For I should so fall from my dear Savior CHRIST to antiCHRIST. For I do believe, that the religion set forth in king Edward's days, was according to the holy Scripture, from which I do not intend to decline so long as I live, by GOD’s grace." Then Mr. Secretary Bourn said, " Which of the religions mean you in king Edward's days? For you know there were divers books of religion set forth in his days." I answered, " There was set forth by the most innocent king Edward, the whole church service, with great deliberation, and the advice of the best learned men in the realm, and autho­rized by the whole parliament, which book was never reformed but once, and by that one reformation it was fully perfected, according to the rules of our, Christian religion: I mean that book." Then my lord chancellor said, " Didst you never read the book that I set forth of the sacrament?" I answered that I had read it. Then he said, " How likest you that book?" With that one of the council (whose name I know not) said, " My lord, that is a good question; for I am sure, that book stoppeth all their mouths." Then said I, " My lord, I think many things be far wide from GOD’s word in that book." Then my lord said, " You art a very varlet." To that I Answered, "That is as ill as Racha!" Then my lord said, " You art an ignorant beetle-brow." To that I answered, " I have read over and over again the holy Scriptures, and St.Augustine's works through, St. Cyprian, Eusebius, Origen, Gregory Nanzianzen, with divers other books; therefore, I thank GOD, I am not utterly ignorant. Besides these, my lord, I professed the civil laws, as your LORDSHIP did, and I have read over the canon law also." Then my lord said, " With a corrupt judgment you readest all things. I have written divers books." Then said I, " My lord, you did write one book, De Vera Obedientia; I would you had been constant in that for indeed you never did declare a good conscience that I heard of, but in that one book." Then my lord said, " Tut, tut, tut, I wrote against priests' marriages: but such books please not such wretches as thou art, who halt been married many years." I answered, " I am married indeed, and I have had nine children in holy matrimony, I thank God: and this I am sure of, that your proceedings at this present against priests' marriages, is the main­tenance of the doctrine of devils, against natural law, civil law, canon law, general councils, canons of the apostles, ancient doctors, and GOD’s laws. "Then spoke my, lord of Durham, «You have professed the civil law! then you know that Justinian writeth, that priests should, at their taking of orders, swear that they were never married."

I answered, " I did not remember any such law of Justinian. But I am sure that Justinian writeth, That if one would bequeath to his wife a legacy, under a condition that she should never marry again, and take an oath of her for accomplishing the same, yet she may marry again if he die, notwithstanding the aforesaid conditions."

            Then my lord chancellor said, "You sayest that priests maybe married by GOD’s law. How provest you that?" I answered, " By the plain words of St. Paul, both to Timothy and to Titus, where he speaks most evidently of the marriage of priests, deacons, and bishops. And Chrysostom, writing upon the epistle to Timothy, says,’It is an heresy to say, that a bishop may not be married."' Then said my lord chancellor, "You beliest Chrysostom. But you dost, as all thy companions do, belie both the Scriptures and the doctors. Didst you not also say, That by the canon law priests may be married? which is most untrue." I answered, " We read in the decrees, that the four general councils' have the same authority that the four evangelists have. And we read in the same decrees, (which is one of the chief books of the canon law) that the council of Nice did allow priests and bishops' marriages: therefore by the best part _of the canon law priests may be married." Then my lord chancellor said, " You falsifiest the council. For there is mention in the said decree, that priests should be divorced from their

hives."

            'Then said i, “If those words be there, I am content to lose this great head of mine. Let the book be fetched."

Then spoke my lord of Durham, " Though they be not there, yet they may be in Eusebius, out of which book the decree was taken." To that, said I, " It is not likely the pope would leave out any such sentence, making so much for his purpose." Then my lord chancellor said, " Gratian was but a patcher, and you art glad to snatch up such a patch as makes for thy purpose." I answered, " My lord, I cannot but marvel that you call one of the chief papists that ever was, but a patcher." Then my lord chancellor said, " Nay, I call thee a snatcher and patcher. To make an end, wilt you not return to the catholic church?" And with that he rose. And I said, " By GOD’s grace, I never will depart from CHRIST's church." Then I required that I might have some of my friends to come to me in prison. And my lord chancellor said, " You shall have judgment within this week." And so I was delivered again unto my keeper.

            On the 31st of January, Dr. Taylor, (together with Mr. Bradford and Mr. Sanders,) was again called to appear before the bishops of Winchester, Norwich, LONDON, Salisbury, and Durham; and a determinate answer was required, whether they would abjure their errors? Or else they would proceed to their condemnation. When Dr. Taylor and his fellows heard this, they answered boldly, That they would not depart from the truth which they had preached, neither would they submit to the Romish antiCHRIST; but they thanked GOD for so great mercy, that he would call them to suffer for his word and truth.

When the bishops saw them so constantly fixed in the truth, they read the sentence of death upon them, which when they had heard, they most joyfully gave GOD thanks, and said unto the bishops, " We doubt not, but GOD, the righteous judge, will require our blood at your hands, and the proudest of you all shall repent this your tyranny, that ye now skew against the flock of CHRIST."

            The keeper of the prison had then charge of him, and brought him towards the prison, the people flocking about to gaze upon him: unto whom he said, " GOD be praised, good people, I am come away from them unde­filed, and will confirm the truth with my blood.". He was bestowed in the Clink till towards night, and then removed to the Compter.

            The 4th day of February, Bonner came to the Compter to degrade him. Dr. Taylor was brought down to Bonner

and at his coming the bishop said, " Mr. Doctor, I would you would remember yourself, I and turn to your mother holy church: I will sue for your pardon." Whereunto Mr. Taylor answered, " I would you and your fellows would turn to CHRIST. As for me, I, will not turn to antiCHRIST." " Well," quoth the bishop, " I am come to degrade you; wherefore put on those vestures." (Offering him the ornaments belonging to the mass.) "No, (quoth Dr. Taylor) I will not." " Wilt you not, (said the bishop) I shall make thee ere I go." Quoth Dr. Taylor, " You shall not, by the grace of God." Then he charged him upon his obedience to do it; but he would not. So he willed another to put them upon his back, and when he was throughly furnished therewith, he set his hands to his side, walking up and down, and said, " How say you, my lord, am I not a goodly fool? How say you, my masters? If I were in Cheapside, should I not have boys enough to laugh at these apish toys?" So the bishop scraped his fingers, thumbs, and the crown of his head, and did the rest of their observances. At the last, when he should have given Dr. Taylor a stroke on the breast with his crosier-staff, the bishop's chaplain said,, " My lord, strike him not, for he will surely strike again." " Yea, (quoth Dr. Taylor,) the cause is CHRIST's, and I were no good Christian, if I would not fight in my master's quarrel." So the bishop laid his curse upon him, but struck him not. Then Dr. Taylor said, "Though you do curse me, yet GOD does bless me. I have the witness of my conscience, that ye have done me wrong and yet I pray God; if it be his will, to forgive you. But from the tyranny of the bishop of Rome, and his detest­able enormities, good Lord deliver us." And in going up to his chamber, he still said, " GOD deliver me from you. GOD deliver me from you." And when he came up, he told Mr. Bradford, (for they both lay in one chamber,) that he had made the bishop of LONDON afraid; for (says he,) his chaplain gave him counsel not to strike me with his crosier-staff, for that I would strike him again; and, by my troth, (said he, rubbing his hands,) I made him believe I would do so indeed.

            The night after he was degraded, his wife and his son were, by the gentleness of the keepers, permitted to sup with him. (For this difference was ever found between the keepers of the bishops' prisons, and the keepers of the king's prisons: that the bishops' keepers were ever cruel, blasphemous, and tyrannous, like their masters; but the keepers of the king's prisons showed, for the most part, as much favor as they possibly might.) So Dr. Taylor's wife, his son, and John Hull, his servant, came to sup with him; and at their coming in before supper, they kneeled down and prayed. After supper, walking up and down, he gave GOD thanks for his grace, that had called him, and given him strength to abide by his Holy Word: and turning to his son Thomas, " My dear son," said he, " Almighty GOD bless thee, and give thee his Holy Spirit, to be a true servant of CHRIST, to learn his Word, and constantly to stand by his truth all thy life long. And, my son, see that you far God always. Flee from all sin; be virtuous, serve GOD with daily prayer, and apply to thy book. In any wise see that you be obedient to thy mother, love her and serve her; be ruled by her now in thy youth, and follow her good counsel in all things. Beware of young men that fear not GOD, but follow vain appetites. Fly from whoredom, and hate all filthy living, remembering that I, thy father,.

do die in defense of holy marriage. Another day, when God shall bless thee, love and cherish the poor people, and count that thy chief riches is,_ to be rich in alms, and when thy mother is waxed old, forsake her not; bat provide for her to thy power: for so will GOD bless thee, and give thee long life upon earth and prosperity; which I pray GOD to grant thee."

Then turning to this wife, " My dear wife, (quoth he) continue steadfast in the fear and love of God; keep yourself undefiled from popish idolatries and superstitions: I have been unto you a faithful yoke-fellow, and so have you been unto me; for which I pray GOD to reward you, and doubt not, dear wife, but GOD will reward it.

            " Now the time is come that I shall be taken from you, and you discharged of the wedlock bond towards me; therefore I will give you my counsel, what I think most expedient for you. You are yet a child-bearing woman, and therefore it will be most convenient for you to marry. For doubtless you shall never be at a convenient stay for our poor children, nor out of trouble till you be married. Therefore as soon as GOD will provide it, marry with some honest faithful man that feareth God. Doubt you not, GOD will provide an honest husband for you, and He will be a merciful father to you and to my children; whom, I pray you, bring up in the fear of GOD, and in learning to the utmost of your power, and keep them from Romish idolatry." When he had thus said, they with tears prayed together, and kissed one the other; and he gave his wife a book of the church-service, set out by king Edward, which in the time of his imprison­ment he daily used. And unto his son Thomas he gave a Latin book, containing the sayings of the old martyrs; and in the end of that book, he Wrote as follows

The last Will and Testament of DR. ROWLAND TAYLOR,
Parson of Hadley.

            " I say to my wife and to my children, the Lord gave you unto me, and the, Lord has taken me from you, and you from me; blessed be the name of the Lord. I be­lieve that they are blessed which die in the Lord. GOD cares for sparrows, and for the hairs of our heads. I have ever found Him more faithful than any father or husband. Trust ye, therefore, in him through our Savior CHRIST's merits believe, love, fear, and obey him: pray to him, for he has promised to help. Count me not dead, for I shall certainly live, and never die. 1 go before, and you shall follow after, to our long home. I go to the rest of my children, Susan, George, Ellen, Robert, and Zachary: I have bequeathed you to the only Omnipotent. I say to my dear friends of Hadley, and to all others which have heard me preach, that I depart hence with a quiet conscience, as touching my doctrine; for which, I pray you, thank GOD with me. For I have, after my little talent, declared to others those lessons that I gathered out of GOD’s hook. Therefore if 1, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any other gospel than that ye have received, GOD’s great curse upon that preacher. Beware, for GOD’s sake, that ye deny not GOD, neither decline from the word of faith, lest GOD decline from you, and so you everlastingly perish. The Lord grant all men his Holy Spirit, increase of his wisdom, contemning the wicked world, hearty desire to be with GOD and the heavenly company, through JESUS CHRIST, our only mediator, advocate, righteousness, life, sanctification, and hope. Amen, amen. Pray, pray.

" ROWLAND TAYLOR, departing hence in sure hope, without all doubting of eternal salvation, I thank GOD, my heavenly Father, through JESUS CHRIST, my certain Savior. Amen.

"February the 5th, 1555.

" The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom then shall I fear," Psal. 27. " GOD is He that justifieth, who is he that condemneth?" Rom. viii. " In thee, O Lord, have I trusted, let me never be confounded," Psal. 30.

            On the morrow (the 5th of February) the sheriff of LONDON, with his officers, came to the compter by two o'clock in the morning, and so brought forth Dr. Taylor, and without any light led him to the Woolpack, an inn without Aldgate. Dr. Taylor's wife, suspecting that her husband would that night be carried away, watched all night in St. Botolph's church-porch beside Aldgate, having with her two children, the one named Elizabeth, of 13 years of age, (who being left without father or mother, Dr. Taylor had brought up bf alms from three years old,) the other named Mary, Dr. Taylor's own daughter. When the sheriff came over-against St. Botolph's church, Elizabeth cried, " O my dear father! Mother! mother! here is my father led away!" Then cried his wife, “Rowland! Rowland! where art thou?" for it was so dark a morning, that the one could not see the other. Dr. Taylor answered, a Dear wife, I am here;" and stayed. The sheriff's men would have led him forth; but the sheriffs said, " Stay a little, master, I pray you, and let him speak to his wife." Then came she to him; when betook his daughter Mary in his arms: and he, his wife, and Elizabeth, kneeled down to -prayer. At which sight the sheriff wept a-pace; and so did divers of the company. After they had prayed, he rose up and kissed his wife, and shook her by the hand, and said, sc Farewell, my dear wife, be of good comfort, for I am quiet in my conscience. GOD, shall raise up a father for my children." And then he kissed his daughter Mary, and said, " GOD bless thee and make thee his servant:" and kissing Elizabeth, he said, " GOD bless thee. I pray you all stand strong and steadfast unto CHRIST and his Word, and keep from idolatry." Then said his wife, " GOD be with thee, dear Rowland: I will, with GOD’s grace, meet thee at Hadley "

He was then led forth to the Woolpack, and his wife followed him. As soon as they came to the Woolpack,. he was put into a chamber, wherein he was kept with four yeomen of the guard and sheriff's men. Dr. Taylor, as soon as he was come into the chamber, fell down on his knees, and gave himself wholly to prayer. The sheriff, seeing Dr. Taylor's wife there, would in no case grant her to speak any more with her husband, but gently desired her to go to his house, and take it as her own; and promised her she should lack nothing, and sent two officers to conduct her thither. Notwithstanding she desired to go to her mother's, whither the officers led her, charging her mother to keep her there till they came again. Thus Dr. Taylor remained at the Woolpack, till eleven o'clock. At which time the sheriff of Essex was ready to receive Min: and so they set him on horse-back within the inn, the gates being shut. At the coming out of the gates, John Hull stood at the rails with Dr. Taylor's son, Thomas. When Dr. Taylor saw them, he called them, saying, " Come hither, my son Thomas." And Hull lifted the child up, and set him on the horse before his father: and Dr. Taylor put off his hat, and said to the people that stood looking on him, " Good people, this is mine own son; begotten in lawful matrimony: and GOD be praised for lawful matrimony." Then lifted he up his eyes towards heaven, and prayed for his son, laid his hat upon the child's head, and blessed him; and so deli­vered him to Hull, whom he took by the hand, and said, cc Farewell, John Hull, the faithfullest servant that ever man had." And so they rode forth, the sheriff of Essex, with four yeomen of the guard, and the sheriff's men leading him.

            When they were come almost to Burntwood, One Arthur Faysie, a man of Hadley, who before had been Dr. Taylor's servant, met them; and lie, supposing him to have been at liberty, said, " Mr. Doctor, I am glad to see you again at liberty;- and came to him and took him by the hand. " Soft, sir," said the sheriff, " he is a prisoner; what have you to do with him?" " I cry your mercy," said Arthur; " I knew not so much, and I thought it no offence to talk to a good man." The sheriff was very angry with this, and threatened to carry Arthur with him to prison; not withstanding, he bade him get quickly away; and so rode forth to Burutwood where they caused a close hood to be made for Dr. Taylor, with two holes for his eyes, and a slit for his mouth. This they did, that no man should know him, nor he speak to any one. Which practice they used also with others. Their own consciences told them, that they led innocent lambs to the slaughter. Wherefore they feared, lest if the people should have heard them speak, or have seen them, they might have been much more strengthened by their godly exhortations, to stand steadfast in GOD’s Word, and to flee the superstitions and idolatries of the papacy.

            All the way Dr. Taylor was joyful and merry, as going to a banquet or bridal. He spoke many things to the sheriff and yeomen of the guard; and often moved them to weep, through his much earnest calling upon them to repent and to amend their lives. Oftentimes also he caused them to wonder and rejoice, to see him so constant and steadfast,. void of all fear, joyful in heart, and glad to die. Of these yeomen of the guard,, three used Dr. Taylor well,. but the fourth (whose name was Holmes) used him: very unkindly and churlishly.

            At Chelmsford the sheriff of Suffolk met them, there to-receive him, and to carry him forth into Suffolk. And being at supper, the sheriff of Essex said, " Good Mr. Doctor,. we are right sorry for you, considering what the loss is of such a one as you might be. GOD has given you great learning and wisdom, wherefore you have been in great favor in times past with the highest of this realm. Besides this, you are a man of goodly personage, in your best strength, and by nature like to live many­years; and without doubt you would in time to come be in as good reputation as ever you were, or rather better:. for you are well beloved by all men, as well for your virtues as your learning; and methinks it were great pity you should cast yourself away:. you would do much better to return to the catholic church; and I and- all these your friends will be suitors for your pardon. This counsel I give you,  good Mr. Doctor of a good heart and good-will toward you; and thereupon I drink to you." In like manner said the yeomen of the guard, " Upon that condition, Mr. Doctor, we will all drink to you." When they had all drank to him, and the cup was come to him, he staid a little, as one studying what answer he might give. At the last he said, " Mr. Sheriff, and my masters all, 1 heartily thank you for your good-will; I have hearkened to your words, and marked well your counsels. And to be plain with you, I do perceive that I have been deceived myself, and am like to deceive a great many of Hadley of their expectation." With that word they all rejoiced. " Yea, good Mr. Doctor," quoth the sheriff, " GOD’s blessing on your heart; hold you there still. It is the comfortablest word that we have heard you speak yet_ What I should you cast yourself away in vain? Play a wise man's part, and, I dare warrant it, you shall find favor. But what meant you by this, that you say you think you have been deceived yourself, and think you shall deceive many one in Hadley?" " Would ye know my meaning plainly?" quoth he. "Yea," said the sheriff, " tell it us plainly." Then said Dr. Taylor, " I will tell you how I have been deceived, and as I think, I -shall deceive a great many. I am, as you see, a man that has a very great carcase, which I thought would, have been buried in Hadley church-yard; but herein I see I was deceived: and there are a great number of worms in Hadley church-yard, which would have had jolly feeding upon this carrion, which they have looked for many a day. But now I know both I and they are deceived; for this carcass must be burnt to ashes." When the sheriff:-and' his company heard him say so, they were amazed, and looked one on another, marveling at the man's constant mind, that thus without all fear made but a jest of death.

            Being delivered to the sheriff of Suffolk, they conducted him on the way to Hadley. When they were come to ‘Lanham, the sheriff stayed there two days; and thither came to him a great number of gentlemen and justices, who were all appointed to aid the sheriff. These gentlemen labored with Dr. Taylor to reduce him to the Romish religion, promising him his pardon, which, said they, we have for you. They promised him also a bishop rick; but all their labor was in vain. For he abode constant and unmoveable. After two days, the sheriff led him on; and coming within two miles of Hadley, he desired to_ light off his horse to mare water: which done, he leaped cheerfully, and gave a frisk or twain, as men com­monly do in dancing. " Why, Mr. Doctor," said the sheriff, " how do you now?" He answered, "Well; GOD be praised, good Mr. Sheriff, Never better: for now I know I am almost at home. I lack not past two styles to go over, and, I am even at my father's house. But Mr. Sheriff,"., said 1w, " shall we not go through Hadley?" " Yes," said the sheriff. Then said he, " O good Lord, I thank thee, I shall yet once ere I die see my flock, whom you knows I have most heartily loved, and truly taught. Good Lord bless them, and keep them steadfast in thy word. and truth."

            When they were come to Hadley, as they were riding over the bridge, a poor man with his five small children, when they saw Dr. Taylor, fell upon their knees, and held up their hands, and the man cried with a loud voice, " O dear father and good shepherd, Dr. Taylor, GOD help and succor thee, as you have many a time succored me and my poor children." The sheriff, and others that led him, were astonished at this; and the sheriff sorely rebuked the poor man for so crying. The streets of Hadley were crowded on both sides' the way with men and women of the town and country, who waited to see him; whom when they beheld so led to death, with weeping eyes and lamentable voices they cried one to another, " Ah, GOD Lord! there goes our good shep­herd from us, that taught us so faithfully; so fatherly cared for us, and so godly governed us. O merciful GOD 1 what shall we, poor scattered lambs, do? What will become of this wicked world? Good Lord, strengthen him, and comfort him." Wherefore the people were sorely rebuked by the sheriff and his men. Whilst Dr. Taylor continually said to the people, " I have preached to you GOD’s word and truth, and am come this day to seal it with my blood." Coming against the alms­houses, which he well knew, he cast money to the poor people, which remained of that which good people had given him in time of his imprisonment. This he kept in his glove, and distributed it as he went. Coming to the last of the alm-houses, and not seeing the poor that dwelt there ready at their doors, as the others were, he asked, "Is the blind man and blind woman, that dwelt there, alive " It was answered, " Yea, they are within." Then he threw the glove and all in at the window, and se rode on.

            Thus this father of the poor took his leave of those for whom all his life he had had a singular care. For this was his custom, once in a fortnight at least, to call upon sir Anthony Doyl, and other rich clothiers, to go with him to the alms-houses, and there to see how the poor lived; what they lacked in meat, drink, clothing, bedding, or other necessaries. The like did he also to other poor men that had many children, or were sick. Then would he exhort and comfort them; and where he found cause, rebuke the unruly; and what they lacked, that gave he after his power: and what he was not able, he caused the wealthy men to minister unto them. At last, corning to Aldham Common, and seeing a great multitude of people gathered thither, he asked, What place is this. and what, meaneth it that so much people are gathered hither? It was answered, It is Aldham Common, the place where you are to surfer; and the people are come to look upon you. Then said he, "God be thanked, I am even at home;" and so, alighting from his horse, with both hands he rent the hood from his head.

His head was knotted ill-favoredly, and clipped as a man would clip a fool's head; which cost Ronner had bestowed upon him when he degraded him. When the people saw his reverend and ancient face, with a long white beard, they burst out with tears, and cried, " GOD save thee, good Dr. Taylor! JESUS CHRIST strengthen thee, and help thee: the Holy Ghost comfort thee!" Then would he have spoken to the people, but the yeoman of the guard were so busy about him, that as soon as he opened his mouth, one or other thrust a tipstaff into his mouth, and would in no wise permit him to speak. Then desired he license of the sheriff to speak; but the sheriff denied it, and bade --him remember his promises to the council. " Well, (quoth Dr. Taylor,) promise must be kept." What this promise was, it is unknown; but the common fame was, that after he and others were con­demned, the council sent for them, and threatened they would cut their tongues out, except they would promise, that at their deaths they Would not speak to the people ’for they feared lest any tumult or uproar might have been stirred up, the people having so just a cause not to be contented with their doings. But, thanks be to GOD, which gave to his witnesses faith and patience, with manly hearts, to despise all torments. Neither was there so much as any one man that once chewed any sign of dis­obedience towards the magistrates. They shed their blood gladly in the defense of the truth; so leaving an example unto all men of true and perfect obedience; which is, to obey GOD more than men; and, if need require it, to shed their own blood, rather than to depart from GOD’s truth.

            Dr. Taylor, perceiving that he could not be suffered to speak, sat down, and seeing one named Soyce, he called him, and said, "Soyce, I pray thee come and pull off my boots, and take them for thy labor." Then he rose up, and put off his clothes unto his shirt, and gave them away. Which done, he said, with a loud voice, "Good people, I have taught you nothing but GOD’s holy Word, and those lessons that I have taken out of GOD’s blessed book; and I am cone hither this day to seal it with my blood." With that word, Holmes, who had used Dr. Taylor very cruelly all the way, gave him a great stroke upon the head, and said, 11 Is that the keeping of thy promise, you heretic?" Then he kneeled down and prayed, and a poor woman that was among the people stepped in and prayed with him; but they thrust her away, and threat­ened to tread her down with horses; notwithstanding which she would not remove, but abode and prayed with him. When he had prayed, he went to the stake, and kissed it, and set himself in a pitch-barrel, which they had placed for him to stand in, and so stood with his back upright against the stake, with his hands folded together, and his eyes toward heaven. Then they bound him with chains, and the sheriff called one Richard Donningham, a butcher, and commanded him to set up the faggots; but he refused to do it; and said, "I am lame, Sir, and not able to lift a faggot." The sheriff threatened to send him to prison; notwithstanding, he would not do it. Then he appointed one Warwick, and three others, to set up the faggots, and make the fire, which they did most dili­gently; and Warwick cast a faggot at him, which alighted upon his head, and broke his face, that the blood ran down his visage. Then said Dr. Taylor, "O friend, I have harm enough, what needed that?"

            Furthermore, sir John Shelton standing by, as Dr. Taylor was speaking, and saying the 51st Psalm in English, struck him on the lips: " You knave, (said he,) I will make thee speak Latin." At the last they set to the fire; and Dr. Taylor, holding up both his hands, called upon GOD, and said, " Merciful Father of heaven, for JESUS CHRIST, my Savior's sake, receive my soul into thy hands." So he stood still, without either crying or moving, with his hands folded together, till Soyce with a halberd struck him on the head, so that the brains fell out, and the dead corps fell down into the fire, February ~, 1555.

            ON the 8th of February, 1555, six prisoners were brought and examined before bishop Bonner. The first of these was Thomas Tomkins, a weaver, dwelling in Shoreditch, LONDON, who was of such conversation and dis­position, that if any woman came to him with her web, as sometimes there did three or four in a day, he would always begin with prayer. - Or if any others came to talk with him of any matter, he would likewise first begin with prayer. And if any sought unto him to borrow money, he would show him such money as he had in his purse, and bid him take it.

            Dr. Bonner kept him in prison half a year; during which time he was so rigorous to him, that he beat him bitterly about the face, which caused it to swell. Having Tomkins prisoner at Fulham, in the month of July, he set him, with his other work-folks, to make hay. And seeing him labor well, the bishop sitting down, said, " I like thee well, for you laborest well; I trust you wilt be a good catholic." "My lord, (said he,) St. Paul says, He that does not labor, is not worthy to eat." Bonner said, " Ah, St. Paul is a great man with thee." After other talk, the bishop said, " I wish your beard was off; you would then look like a catholic." "My lord, (said Tomkins,) before my beard grew, I was, I trust, a good Christian, and so I trust to be, my beard being on." But Bonner sent for the barber, and caused his beard to be shaved off. The true cause was, Bonner had plucked off a piece of his beard before.

            When the bishop saw he could by no means prevail with him,, he devised another method. Having with him, Mr. Harpsfield, Mr. Pembleton, Dr. Chedsey, Mr. Willer­ton, and others, he called for Tomkins, who coming before him, and standing (as he was wont,) in defense of his faith, the bishop fell from beating to burning. Having there a, wax-candle standing upon the table, he took Tomkins by the fingers, and held his hand directly over the flame, supposing that being terrified by the pain of the fire, he would leave off the defense of the doctrine which he had received. Tomkins thinking no otherwise but presently to die there, began to commend himself unto the Lord, saying, "O Lord, into thy hands I coin­mend my spirit." Tomkins afterwards reported to one James Hinse, That during the time his hand was burning, his spirit was so wrapt, that he felt no pain: he never shrunk, till the veins shrunk, and the sinews burst, and the water spirted in Mr. Harpsfield's face: insomuch that Mr. Harpsfield, moved with pity, desired the bishop to stop, saying, that he had tried him enough. This burn­ing was in the hall at Fulham.

            After he had remained half a year in prison, he was brought before Bonner, sitting in his consistory, to be examined. To whom first was brought forth a certain bill or schedule, subscribed with his own hand, contain­ing these words:  "Thomas Tomkins, of Shoreditch, and of the diocese of LONDON, has believed, and does believe, that in the sacrament of the altar, under the forms of bread and wine, there is not the very body and blood of our Savior JESUS CHRIST in substance, but

only a token and remembrance thereof; the very body and blood of CHRIST being only in heaven, and no where else.   By me, "THOMAS TOMKINS."

            The bishop then went about to persuade him to relin­quish his opinions; but when he saw he could not, he brought forth and read to him, another writing, containing articles and interrogatories, whereunto he should come the next day to give his determinate answer, either to revoke, or else have justice (as he called it,) ministered unto him. After he had been twice before examined, on the 9th of March, at two o'clock in the afternoon, he was (the last time) brought before the bishops of LONDON, has, and St. David's, where he was earnestly exhorted, by the bishop of has, to revoke his heretical opinions. Unto whom he answered, "My Lord, I was brought up in ignorance until of late years; and now I know the truth, wherein I will continue unto the death." The bishop, seeing he would not recant, gave sentence of con­demnation upon him. Then he delivered him to the sheriff of LONDON, who carried him to Newgate, where he remained, most joyful and constant, until the 16th day of March, 1555; on which day he was by the said sheriff conveyed into Smithfield, and there sealed his faith in the flames.

THE HISTORY

OF

WILLIAM HUNTER.

            WILLIAM HUNTER, an apprentice in LONDON, in the first year of queen Mary, was commanded at Easter following to receive the communion at a mass, by the priest of the parish where he dwelt, called Coleman­street; but he refusing to do it, was threatened to be brought before the bishop of LONDON. Wherefore his master, one Thomas Taylor, a silk-weaver, required him to depart from him, lest he should come in danger be­cause of him, if he continued in his house. On which account Hunter took leave of his master, and came to Burntwood, in Essex, where his father dwelt, with whom he afterwards remained about seven weeks. While he was here, going one day into the chapel of Burntwood, he found a Bible lying on a desk, and read therein. In the mean time, there came in one father Atwell, sumner, who hearing William read in the Bible, said to him, "Why meddlest you with the Bible? Knows you what you readest? And can you expound the Scriptures?" To whom William answered, " Father Atwell, I take not upon me to expound the Scriptures; but finding the Bible here, I read in it to my comfort." To whom father Atwell said, " It was never a merry world since the Bible came abroad in English." William answered, " Say not so, for GOD’s sake: for it is GOD’s book; out of which every one that has grace may learn to know both what things please GOD, and what displease him." Then said father Atwell, " Could we not tell before this time, as well as now, how GOD was served?" William answered, " No; nothing so well as we-might now, if we might have his blessed Word among us still, as we have had." At­ well said, "I perceive your mind well enough; you are one of them that mislike the queen's laws; you must turn over a new leaf; or else you, and a great sort more here­ tics, will broil, I warrant you." William said, " God

give me grace that I may believe his Word, and confess his name, whatsoever- come thereof." " Confess his name! (quoth Atwell,) no, no, you will go to the devil, all of you, and confess his name." At which words he went out of the chapel in a fury, saying, "I am not able to reason with thee; but I will fetch one straight which shall talk with thee, I warrant thee, you heretic." And he, leaving Hunter reading in the Bible, directly brought one Thomas Wood, vicar of Southwell, who was at an alehouse over-against the chapel; who, hearing Atwell say, that William Hunter was reading the Bible in the chapel, came to him, and finding him reading, took the matter very heinously, and said, "Sirrah, who gave thee leave to read in the Bible, and expound it " William answered, "I expound not the Scriptures, Sir, but read them for my comfort." "Why meddlest you with them at all said the vicar. It becomes not thee, nor any such, to meddle with the Scriptures." William answered, "I will read the Scriptures (God willing,) while I live; and you ought, Mr. Vicar, not to discourage any man from it, but rather exhort men diligently to read the Scriptures, for your discharge and their own." Unto which the vicar answered, "It becomes thee well, to tell me what I have to do! I see, you art an heretic, by thy words. You art meddling, father Atwell tells me, with the sixth of St. John, wherein you mayst perceive how CHRIST says, I Except that ye eat the flesh of CHRIST, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." William said, " I read the sixth of St. John, indeed; howbeit, I make no exposition on it." Then said father Atwell, "When you read it, I said that you there might understand, how that in the sacrament is CHRIST's natural body and blood. Unto which you answered, that you would take the Scrip­tures as they are, and that you would meddle with no exposition." "Why, (said the vicar,) dost you not believe in the sacrament of the altar?" "I believe (said Hunter,) all that GOD’s Word teaches." " Why, (said the vicar,) you may plainly learn this which I say, in the sixth of St. John."

            Then said William, "You understand CHRIST's words much like the carnal Capernaites, who thought CHRIST would have given them his flesh to feed upon: which opinion CHRIST corrected, when he said, ’The words which I speak to you are spirit and life."' "Now (says the vicar,) I have found thee out: I see that you art a heretic indeed, and that you dost not believe in the sa­crament of the altar." William answered, "I would that you and I were even now fast tied to a stake, to prove whether I or you would stand strongest to our faith." But the vicar answered, "It shall not be so tried." "No, (quoth William,) I think so: for if it should, I think I know who would soonest recant; for I durst set my-foot against yours, even to the death." "That we shall see," quoth the vicar; and so they departed; the vicar threat­ening William much that he would complain of him.

            This vicar told Mr. Brown of the communication which William Hunter and he had together. Which when Mr. Brown understood, he sent for William's father and the constable, one Robert Salmon. For immediately after Hunter and the vicar had reasoned together, he took his leave of his father and fled. When the constable and William's father were come, Mr. Brown asked where William Hunter was. His father answered, "If it please you, Sir, I know not." "No! (quoth Mr. Brown,) I

will make thee tell where he is, before I have done with thee." "Sir, (said William's father,) I know not where he is, nor where to seek for him." Then said Mr. Brown, "Why didst you not bring him when you hadst him? If you wilt not fetch him, I will send thee to prison. See that you seek him, and bring him to me."

            After that old Mr. Hunter had ridden two or three day's journey, to satisfy Mr. Brown's expectation, it hap­pened that William met with his father in the highway, and spoke to him, and told him he thought that he sought for him; and then his.-father confessing it, wept sore, and said, that Mr. Brown charged him to seek him, and bring him to him; howbeit, (said he,) I will return home, and say I cannot find you." But his son said, "Father, I will go with you, and save, you harmless, whatever come of it."

            Thus they came home together; but William, as soon as he was come, was taken by the constable, who laid him in the stocks. When Brown heard that William was come, he sent for him, and said to him, "Ah, sirrah, are you come?" Then he commanded the Bible to be brought and opened, and began to reason with William on this manner: "I hear you are a Scripture-man, and can reason much of the sixth of St. John. How say you to another place?" turning to Luke 22. "Look here; CHRIST says, that the bread is his body." Hunter answered, "The text says, CHRIST took bread, but not that he changed it into another substance, but gave that which he took, and brake that which he gave, which was bread, as is evident by the text." Then Brown said, "You naughty boy, does not CHRIST call the bread his body, plainly? and you wilt not believe that the bread is his body after the conse­cration. You goest about to make CHRIST a liar." Hunter answered, "I mean not so, Sir, but rather more earnestly to search what the mind of CHRIST is in that holy insti­tution, wherein he commends unto us the remembrance of his death, passion, resurrection, and coming again, saying, This do in remembrance of one. And though CHRIST calls the bread his body, as he does also say that he is a vine, a door, yet is not his body turned into bread, no more than he is turned into a door, or vine. Wherefore CHRIST called the bread his body by a figure." At that word, Brown said, "You art a villain, indeed! Wilt you make CHRIST a liar still?" and was in such a fury, that Hunter could not speak a word. Wherefore Hunter desired him either to hear him quiety, or else send him away. To which Brown answered, 111 will send thee to­morrow to my lord of LONDON:" which he accordingly did. And the bishop caused Hunter to be brought into a chamber, where he said, " I understand that you have had certain communication with the vicar of Southwell, about the blessed sacrament of the altar. Howbeit, if you wilt be ruled by me, you shall come to no harm for what you has said." Hunter answered, "My lord, I understand that Mr. Brown has certified you of the talk which he and I had together, and thereby ye know what I said to him; which I will not recant, by GOD’s help." Then said the bishop, " I think you art ashamed to bear a faggot, and recant openly; but if you will recant thy sayings, I will promise thee that you shall not be put to open shame. Speak the word here now between me and thee, and you shall go home without any hurt." Hunter answered, " My lord, if you will let me alone, and leave me to my conscience, I will go to my father, and dwell with him." Then said the bishop, "I am content, so that you wilt go to church, and receive, and be shriven, and so continue a good catholic Christian." " No, (quoth Hunter,) I will not do so for all the good in the world." Then, quoth the bishop, " If you will not do so, I will make you, sure enough." " Well, (replied Hunter,) you can do no more than GOD will permit you." " Well, (quoth the bishop,) wilt you not recant?" "No, (says Hunter,) never while I live, GOD willing." Then the bishop commanded his men to put Hunter in the stocks in his gatehouse, where he sat two days and nights, only with a crust of brown bread and a cup of water.

            At the two days' end the bishop sent for Hunter, and demanded whether he would recant, or not. Hunter made him answer, That he would never recant that which he had confessed before men, as concerning his faith in CHRIST. Then the bishop sent him to the prison, com­manding the keeper to lay as many irons upon him as he could bear; and moreover asked him how old he was; and William said that he was nineteen years old. "Well, (said the bishop,) you will be burned ere you be twenty years old, if you will not yield yourself better than you have done yet." Hunter answered, "God strengthen me in his truth:". and then he departed; the bishop allowing him a halfpenny a day to live on.

            He continued in prison three quarters of a year; in which time he had been before the bishop five times, besides the time when he was condemned in the consis­tory in Paul's, the 9th day of February. The bishop then calling William, asked him if he would recant; which he refused to do; saying, " If you can separate the accidents from the-substance, and spew me the substance without the accidents, I could believe." Then said the bishop, "You wilt not believe that GOD can do any thing above man's capacity.;" a Yes, (says William,) I must needs believe that, for daily experience teaches all men that thing plainly; but our question is not what GOD can do, but what he will have us to learn in his holy supper." After this, the bishop pronounced. sentence upon him, That, seeing there was no hope of reclaiming him; he should go from that place to Newgate for a time, and from thence be carried to Burntwood, and there be burnt.

            Then the bishop called for several others; and when he had condemned them, he called for Hunter again, and persuaded him, saying, "If you wilt yet recant, I will make thee a free man of the city, and give thee forty pounds in money to set thee up in thine occupation: or I will make thee steward of my house; for I like thee well; you have wit enough."

Hunter answered, " I thank you for your great offers.

            Notwithstanding, my lord, if you cannot persuade my conscience with scriptures, I cannot find in my heart to turn from GOD for the love of the world; for’ I count all wordly things but dung and dross,' in respect of the love of CHRIST." Then said the bishop, "If you diest in this mind, you art condemned for ever." Hunter answered, "God judges righteously, and justifieth them whom man condemneth." Then the bishop departed, and Hunter and the rest were conveyed to Newgate, where they re­mained about a month. Afterward he was sent down to Burntwood, the Saturday before the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, that followed on the Monday after, and there remained till Tuesday, because they would not put him to death then, for the holiness of the day.

            In the mean time, William's father and mother came to him, and desired heartily of GOD that he might con­tinue to the end. And his mother said, " I rejoice that ever I was so happy to bear such a child, who can find in his heart to lose his life for CHRIST's sake." Then Wil­liam said to his mother, " For the little pain which I shall suffer, CHRIST has promised me a crown of joy; ought you not to be glad of that, mother?" With that, his mother kneeled down and prayed, saying, "I pray GOD strengthen thee, my son, to the end: yea, I think thee as well bestowed as any child I ever have borne."

            Thus passing away Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, Hunter had a dream," about two o'clock on Tuesday morning, which was this,-That he was at the place where the stake was pitched, which (as he thought,) was at the town's end, where the butts stood; that he met his father as he went to the stake; and that there was a priest at the stake, who went about to have him recant; to whom he said, Away,’ false prophet;' and exhorted the people to beware of him.

            When it was day, Mr. Brocket (the sheriff,) called to set forward to the burning of W. Hunter. Then came the sheriff's son, and embraced him, saying, "William, be not afraid of these men that arc here with bows, bills, and weapons, ready prepared to bring you to the place where you shall be burned." To whom Hunter answered, " I thank GOD, 1 am not afraid; for I have cast my account what it will cost me already." Then the sheriff's son could speak no more to him for weeping.

Then Hunter pulled up his gown, and went forward cheerfully, the sheriff's servant taking him by one arm, and his brother by the other; and thus going on the way, he met his father, (according to his dream,) who said to his son, weeping, " GOD be with thee, son William." William said, "God be with you, good father; be of good comfort; for I hope we shall meet again, when we shall be merry." So William went to the place where the stake stood, (even according to his dream,) where all things were very unready. Then he took a wet broom faggot, kneeled down thereon, and read the 51st Psalm, till he came to these words, "The sacrifice of GOD is a contrite spirit. A contrite and a broken heart, O GOD, you wilt not despise." Then said Mr. Tyrrill, " You liest; you readest false; for the words are, an humble spirit." Hunter said, "The translation says, a contrite heart." "Yea,’(quoth Mr. Tyrrill,) the translation is false: ye translate -books as ye list yourselves, like heretics." "Well, (quoth Hunter,) there is no great difference." Then said the sheriff, " Here is a letter from the queen. If you wilt recant, you shall live; if not, you shall be burned." "No, (quoth Hunter,) I will not recant, GOD willing." Then he arose and went to the stake, and stood upright to it." Then came one Richard Ponde, a bailiff, and made the chain fast about him. Then Mr. Brown said, "Here is not wood enough to burn a leg of him." Then said Hunter, "Good people, pray for me; and make haste and despatch me quickly. Pray for me while you see me alive, and I will pray for you." "How, (quoth Mr. Brown,) pray for thee! I will pray no more for thee than I will pray for a dog." To whom Hunter replied, "Mr. Brown, now you have what you sought for; and I pray, God it be not laid to your charge; howbeit, I forgive you." Then said Mr. Brown, " I ask no forgiveness of thee." "Well, (said Hunter,) if GOD forgive you, I shall not require my blood at your hands."

            Hunter then said, " Son of GOD, shine upon me!" And immediately the sun shone out of a dark cloud so full in his face, that he was constrained to look another way; at which the people marvelled, because it was so dark a little before. Then he took a faggot of broom, and embraced it in his arms. Then the priest came with a popish book to Hunter, that he might recant. When he saw the priest, he said, "Away, you false prophet! Be­ware of them, good people, and come away from their abominations, lest you be partakers of their plagues." Then the priest said, "Look how you burnest here, so shall you burn in hell." Hunter answered, "You liest, you false prophet, away, you false prophet, away."

            There was a gentleman then present, who said, " I pray GOD have mercy upon his soul." The people said, Amen, amen. And immediately the fire was made. William then cast his psalter right into his brother's hand, who said, "William, think on the passion of CHRIST, and be not afraid of death." William answered, " I am not afraid." Then he lifted up his hands towards heaven, and said, "Lord, Lord, Lord, receive my spirit;" and casting down his head again into the smothering smoke, he yielded up his life for the truth, sealing it with his blood, to the praise of GOD, on the 26th of March, 1556.

THE MARTYRDOM

OF

DR. FARRAR.

            ROBERT FARRAR, bishop of St. David's, was called before Dr. Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, with Mr. Hooper, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Sanders, and others, on the 4th of February, 1555, and would then also have been condemned with them; but because at that time the bishop had not leisure, his condemnation was deferred, and he sent to prison again, where he continued till the 14th day of the month. Part of his examinations and answers before the bishops of Winchester, Durham, Worcester, and other commissioners, I have here an­nexed.

            After a few trifling questions, Winchester said, " The queen and the parliament have restored religion to the same state it was in at the beginning of the reign of king Henry VIII. You are in the queen's debt; and her majesty will be good to you, if you will return to the catholic church." Farrar replied, " I made an oath, never to consent nor agree that the bishop of Rome should have any power or jurisdiction within this realm." "You art a false knave," says Gardiner. Then Farrar stood up, unbidden, (for before he kneeled,) and said, " No, my lord, I am a true man, I thank GOD for it. I was born under King Henry 8. I served King Henry VIII And King Edward 6. truly; and have served the queen that.now is, truly, with my poor heart and word: more I could not do: and I was never false, nor ever shall be, by the grace of God." •"How sayest thou; wilt you be reformable?" says Gardiner. " My lord," replied Farrar, " I have made an oath to GOD, and to King Henry VIII. and also to King Edward, which I can never break while I live." " Well," cried Gardiner, " you arc a froward knave: we will have no more to do with you we will be short with you; and that you shall know within this seven-night." Farrar said, " 1 am as it pleases your honor to call me; but I cannot break my oath which your LORDSHIP yourself made before me." Gardiner then rang a little bell; and Mr. Farrar said, " I pray GOD, save the king and queen's majesties long to continue to GOD’s glory, and their comforts, and the comfort of the whole realm: and I pray GOD save all your honors." And so departed.

            After these examinations, bishop Farrar remained in prison, uncondemned, till February 14, and then was sent down into Wales, there to receive condemnation. Ac­cordingly, on the 26th of the same month, he was brought to the church of Caermarthen, by Griffith Leyson, esq. sheriff of the said county; and there presented before Dr. Henry Morgan, pretended bishop of St. David's, who received him into his own custody. On Wednesday, March 13, after several appearances, Dr. Farrar was de­manded by Henry, the new bishop of St. David's, whether he would recant his heresies, which hitherto he had main­tained, and subscribe to the catholic articles? Upon his refusal, the said bishop pronounced the definitive scri­tence against him; by which he denounced him an heretic excommunicate, and to be given up forthwith to the secular power, namely, to the sheriff of the town of Caermarthen.

            On March 3O, 1556, bishop Farrar was brought to the place of execution, which was on the south side of the

market-cross, in the market-place of the town of Caer­marthen. Here Mr. Rich. Jones, a knight's son, coming to him, seemed to lament the painfulness of the death he had to suffer; unto whom the bishop answered, "That if he saw him once to stir in his burning, he should then give no credit to his doctrine."- And as he said, so he right well performed the same; for he stood so patiently, that he never moved, but even as he stood, holding up his stumps, so he still continued, till one Richard Gravell, with a staff' smote him upon the head, and struck him down.

THE HISTORY

OF

RAWLINS WHITE.

            RAWLINS WHITE was by calling a fisherman, in which occupation he lived in the town of Cardiff about twenty years, and had a very good name amongst his neighbors. He was a great partaker of the superstition and idolatry used in the reign of King Henry VIII. But after GOD of his mercy had raised up the light of his gospel, he blegan partly to dislike that which before he had embraced, and to have some good opinion of that which before had been concealed from him. But being altogether unlearned, he knew no way to satisfy his great desire. At length it came into his mind to take a special remedy to supply his necessity. He had a little son, whom he sent to school to learn to read English. After the child could read indifferently well, his father every night after supper, summer and winter, would have him read the holy Scripture, and now and then some other good book. In which kind of exercise the old man had such a delight, that within a few years he was not only able to resolve himself touching his former blindness, but also to admonish and instruct others; and therefore when occasion served he would go from one place to another, visiting such as he had best hope in. By which he be­came, in that country, an open professor of the truth, being never without the company of his little boy. And to this his great industry in the holy Scripture, GOD added a singular gift of memory, so that he could do that in rehearsing of the text, which men of riper knowledge, by their notes and other helps of memory, could very hardly accomplish.

            When he had thus continued in his profession the space of five years, King Edward died. Rawlins did not then use open instruction and admonition, (as before he was wont,) but often in some private place he would call his friends together, and with earnest prayer, and great lamentation, passed away the time, so that by his vir­tuous instructions, being without any blemish of error, he converted a great number. Mean time he expected every hour to go to prison. Whereupon many of those which had received comfort by his instructions, resorted unto him, and by all means possible persuaded him to dispose of his goods to the use of his wife and children, and to escape that danger which was imminent over his head. Rawlins thanked them most heartily for their good will; and told them plainly, that he had learned one good lesson, "That if he should deny his Master CHRIST, CHRIST in the last day would deny and condemn him; and therefore," said he, u I will, by grace, confess him before men, that I may find him in everlasting life."

            Soon after he was taken by the officers of the town, and convened before the bishop of Landaff, the said bishop

being then, at his house beside Chepstow; by whom, after divers conflicts with him and his chaplains, he was committed to prison in Chepstow. But this his keeping, whether it were by the bishop's means, because he would rid his hands of him, or through the favor of his keeper, was not so severe, but that, if- he had listed, he might have escaped oftentimes. Notwithstanding, he continued still, insomuch that at the last he was removed from Chepstow to the castle of Cardiff, where he continued a whole year. Yet his heart was so set on the furtherance of others in the way of salvation, that he was never quiet, but when he was persuading and exhorting such of his friends as commonly came unto him. Insomuch that on Sundays, and other times of leisure, when his friends came to visit him, he would pass away the time in prayer and exhortations, admonishing them always to beware of false prophets which come in sheep's clothing.

            When he had continued in Cardiff castle a year, the bishop of Landaff caused him to be brought again from thence to his own house beside Chepstow; and whilst he continued there, the bishop assayed many ways to reduce him to conformity; but when Rawlins would in no wise recant, the bishop told, him plainly, that he must con­demn him as an heretic. " Proceed in your law in GOD’s name," said Rawlins; " but for an heretic you shall never condemn me while the world stands." Then said the bishop, "Before we proceed any further, let us pray unto GOD that he would send some spark of grace upon him, and it may so chance, that GOD, through our prayer, will turn and convert his heart." When Rawlins heard the bishop say so, " Ah, my lord," quoth he, "now you deal well, and like a goodly bishop, and I thank you heartily for your great charity and gentleness.  And therefore, my lord, go to, do you pray to your GOD, and I will pray to my God. I know that my GOD will

both hear my prayer, and perform my desire." So the bishop with his’ company fell to prayer; and Rawlins, turning himself to a pew that stood near him, fell down upon his knees, covering his face with his hands: and when they had prayed a while, the bishop arose; and then also arose Rawlins, and came before him. Then said the bishop, " Now, Rawlins, wilt you revoke thy opinions or not?" He answered, " My lord, Rawlins you left me, and Rawlins you find me, and by GOD’s grace Rawlins I will continue. Certainly if your peti­tions had been just and lawful, GOD would have heard them: but you pray not as you should pray; and there­fore GOD has not granted your desire. But I am one poor simple man, as you see, and GOD has heard my complaint, and I trust he will strengthen me in his own cause." The bishop then with hot words reproved him, and was ready to read the sentence. Howbeit, upon some advice given to him by his chaplains, he thought best first to have a mass, thinking that by so doing, some wonderful work would be wrought in Rawlins. The mass being ended, Rawlins was called again. To whom the bishop used many persuasions; but the blessed man continued so steadfast in his former profession, that the bishop's talk was altogether in vain. Whereupon he caused the sentence to be read; which being ended, Rawlins was dismissed, and from thence, by the bishop's commandment, carried again to Cardiff, there to be put into the prison of the town. Here Rawlins passed the time in prayer, and chiefly in singing psalms; which kind of godly exercise he always used, both at Cardiff castle, and all other places.

            Now when the day was coming, wherein he should accomplish the last act of his conflict, he was the night before willed to prepare himself. When he perceived this, he sent forthwith to his wife, and willed her by the messenger, that she should send unto him his wedding­garment; meaning his shirt, which afterwards he was burned in. Which his wife with great sorrow of heart performed, and early in the morning sent it to him, which he received most joyfully.

            When the hour of his execution was come, he was brought out of prison, having on the long shirt, which he called his wedding-garment, and an old russet-coat which he was wont to wear; he had upon his legs an old pair of leather-buskins, which, he had used long before. Being brought out of prison, he was guarded by a great company of halberds. "Alas," quoth he, "what meaneth all this? By GOD’s grace I will not start away; but I, with all my’heart,- give GOD thanks, that he has made me worthy to abide all this for his holy name's sake." So he came to a place where his wife and children stood weeping, and making great lamentation: the sudden sight of whom so pierced his heart, that the tears trickled down his face. But he soon after, as though he misliked this infirmity, began to be as it were angry with himself; insomuch that, striking his breast with his hand,.he used these words, "Ah flesh, stayest you me so? woulcistt you fain prevail? Well, I tell thee, do what you can, you shall not, by GOD’s grace, have the victory." By this time he came to the place appointed for his death, and there found a stake ready set up, with some wood toward the making of the fire: which when he beheld, he set forward very boldly; but in going toward the stake he fell down upon his knees, and in rising again, the earth a little sticking on his nose, he said these words, "Earth unto earth, and dust unto dust: you art my mother, and unto thee I shall return." Then went he cheerfully and very joyfully, and set his back close unto the stake; and when he had stood there a while, he cast his eye upon one, and called him unto him, and said, " I feel a great fighting between the flesh and the Spirit, and the flesh would very fain have his swing; and therefore I pray you, when you see me any thing tempted, hold your finger up to me, and I trust I shall remember myself."

As he was thus standing with his back close unto the stake, a smith came with a great chain of iron; whom when he saw, he cast up his hands, and with a loud voice gave GOD thanks. Then the smith cast the chain about him, and as he was making it fast on the other side, Rawlins said to him, " I pray you, good friend, knock in the chain fast; for it may be that the flesh will strive but GOD, of his great mercy, give me strength and pati­ence to abide the extremity." Now when the smith had made him fast to the stake, the officers began to lay on more wood, with a little straw and reed: wherein the good old man was no less occupied than the best; for as far as he could reach his hands, he would pluck the straw and reed, and lay it about him in places most convenient for his speedy despatch. Which thing he did with such a cheerful countenance and familiar gesture, that all men present were astonished.

            Thus when all things were ready, so that there lacked nothing but the putting to of the fire, directly over against the stake, in the face of Rawlins, there was a standing erected, whereon stepped up a priest, addressing himself to speak to the people, which were many in number, because it was market-day. When Rawlins perceived him, and considered the cause of his coming, he reached a little straw unto him, and made two little stays and set them under his elbows. Then went the priest forward in his sermon, wherein he spoke of many things touching the authority of the church of Rome.  In the mean time Rawlins gave such good attention, that he seemed nothing at all disquieted. At last the priest came to the sacrament of the altar, on which he cited the common place of Scripture. Now when Rawlins perceived that he went about not only to preach false

doctrine, but also to confirm it by Scripture, he suddenly started up, and beckoned to the people, saying twice, Come hither, good people, and hear not a false pro­phet preaching." At id then said unto the preacher, " Ah you naughty hypocrite: dost you presume to prove thy false doctrine by Scripture? Look in the text what fol­loweth: did not CHRIST say,  Do this in remembrance of me?' " After which words, the priest being amazed, forthwith held his peace.

            Then some that stood by cried out, "Set to fire." Which being done, the straw arid reed immediately cast up both a great and sudden flame. In which flame he has his hands so long, until such time as the sinews shrunk, saving that once he wiped his face with one of them. All this while he cried with a loud voice, " O Lord, receive my spirit; O Lord, receive my spirit;" until he could not open his mouth. At last the extremity of the fire was so vehement against his legs, that they were consumed before the rest of his body was burned, which made the body fall over the chain into the fire sooner than it would have done. During which time of his burning, he abode both quietly and patiently, even unto the departure of his life. Thus died this godly old man, Rawlins White, for the testimony of GOD’s truth, in the month of March, 1555.

            It is recorded furthermore, that as he was going to his death, he seemed in a manner to be altered in his nature. For before he was wont to go stooping, or rather crooked, through the infirmity of age, having a sad countenance and a very feeble complexion, and withal very soft in speech and gesture; now he not only stretched himself upright, but also bore withal a most pleasant and comfortable countenance, not without great courage and boldness both in speech and behavior. He had about his head a handkerchief, the hairs of his head, (somewhat appearing beneath his handkerchief,) and also of his beard, were more inclining to white than grey, which gave such a spew and countenance to his whole person, that he seemed to be like an angel.