THE HISTORY OF MR. JOHN BRADFORD.

 

 MR. BRADFORD was born at Manchester, in Lancashire. His.parents brought him up in learning from his infancy, until he attained such knowledge in the Latin tongue, and skill in writing, that he was able to gain his own living. Then he became servant to sir John Har rington, who in the great affairs of King Henry VIII. and King Edward 6. which he had in hand when he was treasurer of the king's camps and buildings, had such experience of Bradford's activity, his expertness in the art of auditors, as also of his trustiness, that not only in those affairs, but in many others of his private business, he used his faithful service above all others.

 

Thus continued Bradford certain - years in a right honest and good way of life, after the course of this world; but the Lord had elected him to a better function. For which he forsook his worldly affairs, and, after a just account given to his master of all his doings, he departed from him, to further the kingdom of GOD by the ministry of his holy word. He then gave himself wholly to the study of the Scriptures; which to accomplish the better, he departed from the Temple at LONDON, and went to the University of Cambridge. Here his diligence in study, his profiting in knowledge and godly conversation, so pleased all men, that within one year after he had been there, the university gave him the degree of master of arts. Immediately after the master and fellows of Pembroke-Hall gave him a fellowship in their college; yea, Martin Bucer so liked him, that he held him most dear, and often exhorted him to bestow his talent in preaching. Unto whom he always answered, that he was unable to serve in that office, through want of learning. Bucer was wont to reply, "If you have not fine bread, give the poor people barley-bread, or whatsoever else the Lord has committed unto thee." While he was thus persuaded to enter into the ministry, Dr. Ridley, bishop of LONDON, called him to take the degree of a deacon. This being done, he obtained for him a licence to preach, and gave him a prebend in his cathedral church of St. Paul. In this office, by the space of three years, how diligently he labored, many parts of England can testify. He opened and reproved sin sharply; he preached CHRIST crucified sweetly; he impugned heresies forcibly; and persuaded men to a godly life earnestly. After the death of King Edward he still continued diligent in preaching, till he was deprived both of his office and liberty by the council. To do which they took occasion for such an act, as among Turks and infidels would have been with thankfulness rewarded.

 

 The fact was this: On August 13, in the first. year of Queen Mary, Mr. Bourn, afterwards bishop of has, made a sermon at1 Paul's-Cross to set popery abroad, in such wise that it moved the people to no small indignation. Neither could the reverence of the place, nor the presence of bishop Bonner, stay their rage, but the more they spoke, the more the people were incensed. At length Bourn, seeing himself in such peril, desired Bradford, (who was in the pulpit behind him,) to come forth and speak to the people. Mr. Bradford did so. Whom as soon as the people saw, all the raging ceased, and in the end every man quietly departed to his house. Yet Bourn thought himself not sure of his life; wherefore he desired Bradford not to depart from him till he was in safety. This also he performed: for while the mayor and sheriffs led Bourn to the school-master's house, Bradford went at his back, shadowing him from the people with his gown, and so set him safe. The same Sunday, in the afternoon, Bradford preached at Bow church, and reproved the people sharply for their seditious misbehavior. After this he abode still in LONDON with an innocent conscience.

 

 Within three days after, in the month of August, 1553, he was sent to the Tower, where the queen then was, to appear before the council. There was he charged with this act of saving of Bourn, which act they called seditious, and also objected against him for preaching; and so he was committed to the Tower, where he lay till the 22d of January, 1555. On which day he was called before bishop Gardiner, and the other commissioners, to be examined: who, being come into the presence of the council sitting at a table, kneeled down on his knee, but immediately by the lord chancellor was bidden to stand up, which he did. When he was risen, the lord chancellor earnestly looked upon him; and he in like manner looked on the lord chancellor; only once he cast up his eyes to heaven, and sighed for GOD’s grace. Then the lord chancellor, as it were amazed, and something troubled, spoke thus: That he had been imprisoned a long time justly for his seditious behavior at Paul's Cross, the 13th of August, and for taking upon him to preach there without authority. But now, (quoth he,) the queen's highness offers you mercy. Bradford replied, " My lord, and lords all, I confess that I have been long imprisoned, and (with humble reverence be it spoken,) unjustly, for that I did nothing seditiously, in word or act, by preaching or otherwise, but rather sought truth', peace, and all godly quietness, as an obedient and faithful subject, both in going about to save the bishop of has, (then Mr. Bourn,) and in preaching for quietness accordingly." At these words the lord chancellor said, " That is a loud lie; for the act. was seditious, as you my lord of LONDON can bear witness." Says Bonner, " You say true, my lord; I saw him with mine own eyes, when he took upon him to rule and lead the people malepertly, thereby declaring that be was the author of the sedition." Mr. Bradford replied, " My lords, notwithstanding my lord bishop's seeing and saying, yet I have told the truth, as one day my Lord GOD Almighty shall reveal to all the world, when we shall all appear before him: in the mean season I am ready to suffer whatsoever GOD shall permit you to do unto me."

 

 The lord chancellor said, " 1 know you have a glorious tongue; but all is lies you speakest. I have not forgot how stubborn you wast when you wast before us in the Tower: I have not forgotten thy behavior and talk, for which you have been deservedly kept in prison, as one that would have done more hurt, than I will speak of. But to leave this matter: how sayest you now Wilt you return again, and receive the queen's mercy and pardon" Bradford answered, "My lord, I desire mercy with GOD’s mercy, but mercy with GOD’s wrath, GOD keep me from. Although, (I thank GOD,) my conscience does not’accuse me,. that I did speak any thing whereof I should need receive the queen's mercy or pardon. For all that I spoke was both agreeable to GOD’s laws, and the laws of the realm at that present, and did make much for quietness." " Well, (quoth the chancellor,) if you make this babbling, yet being altogether ignorant and vain-glorious, and wilt not receive mercy, know for truth, that the queen is minded to make a purgation of all such as you art." Bradford replied, "The Lord, before whom I stand, as well as before you, knows what vain-glory I have sought. His mercy I desire, and also would be glad of the queen's favor, to live as a subject without a clog of conscience;

 

but otherwise the Lord's mercy is better to me than life.

 

 And I know to whom I have committed my life, even into his hands who will keep it, so that no man may take it away before it be his pleasure. There are twelve hours in the day, and as long as they last, so long shall no man have power thereon. Therefore his will be done. Life in his displeasure is worse than death, and death with his favor is true life." " Be sure, (quoth the chancellor,) as you have deceived the people with false and devilish doctrine, so shall you receive." To which Bradford said, “I have not deceived the people, nor taught any other doctrine, than, by GOD’s grace, I am ready to confirm with my life."

 

 Then Mr. Secretary Bourn said, " It was reported this parliament-time, by the earl of Derby, that he has done more hurt by letters, and exhorting those that have come to him in prison, than ever he did when he was abroad by preaching. How say you, sir, have you not thus seditiously written to, and exhorted the people" Bradford replied, "What I have written, I have written."

 

 Whereupon Richard Southwell spoke thus, " Lord God! what an arrogant and stubborn boy is this, that thus stoutly behaveth himself before the queen's council!" Whereat one looked upon another with disdainful countenances. Then said Mr. Bradford, " My lords and masters, the Lord who is, and will be, judge to us all, knows, that as I am certain I stand now before his majesty; so with reverence in his sight I stand before you, and unto you accordingly, in words and gesture, I desire to behave myself. If you otherwise take it, I doubt not but GOD, in his time, will reveal it. In the mean season, I shall suffer, with all due obedience, your sayings and doings too, I hope." " These are gay words, (quoth the chancellor,) but as in all other things, so herein also, you dost nothing but lie." Hereupon Bradford said, " Well, I would GOD, the author of truth, and abhorrer of lies, would pull my tongue out of my head before you all, if I have purposed, or do purpose to lie before you, whatsoever you shall ask me." Then said the chancellor, " We shall never have done with thee, I,perceive: be short, be short. Wilt you have mercy" Bradford answered, " I pray GOD give me his mercy, and if therewith you will extend your's, I will not refuse it, but otherwise I will none."

 

After some further discourse, the under-marshal was called in; to whom the chancellor said, " You shall take this man to you, and _keep him close without conference with any man, but by your knowledge; and suffer him not to write any letters, for he is in another manner of charge to - you now, than he was before." And so they ended the first examination, and departed.

 

 The second examination of Mr. Bradford was January 29, at St. Mary Overy's church, where, standing before the lord chancellor and other bishops, the lord chancellor spoke to this effect: "Advise you well, Mr. Bradford, there is yet space and grace before we so proceed, that you be committed to the secular power." Then Mr. Bradford began to speak thus: " My lord, and my lords all, as I now stand in your sight before you, so I humbly beseech your honors, to consider, that you sit in the seat of the Lord, who (as David does witness,) is in the congregation of judges, and demonstrate yourselves to follow him; that is, seek no guiltless blood, nor hunt by questions to bring into the snare them that are out of the same. At this present I stand before you guilty or guiltless; if guilty, give sentence accc,rdingly; if guiltless, then give me the benefit of a subject, which hitherto I could not have." "This, and all thy gesture, (quoth the chancellor,) declareth but hypocrisy and vain-glory." And further, the made much ado to purge himself that he sought not guiltless blood, and so began a long process, how that Bradford's act at Paul's-Cross was presumptuous and arrogant. Bradford replied, " My lord, whereas you accuse me of hypocrisy and vain-glory, I must and will leave it to the Lord's declaration, which one day will open your's. and my truth.. In the mean season, I will content myself with the testimony of mine own conscience, which if it yielded to hypocrisy, I could not but have GOD to be my foe also; and so both GOD and man would be against me. And as for my act at Paul's-Cross, and behavior before you in the Tower, I doubt not but GOD will reveal it to my comfort. For if ever I did a thing, which GOD used for a public benefit, I think that my deed was one; and yet for it I have been kept a long time in prison." The lord chancellor said, " All men may well see thine hypocrisy: for if for thine oath's sake you didst not answer us before, then wouldst you not have spoken as you didst, and have answered me at the first. This is but a starting-hole to hide thyself in, because you darest not answer, and so wouldst escape; blinding the simple people's eyes, as though of conscience you didst all."

 

 Bradford replied again, " That which I spoke at the first, was not an answer to what you spoke to me; and therefore I needed not to allege for me mine own oath. For I thought you would have more weighed what I spoke than you did. But when I perceived you did not consider it, but came to ask matter, whereto by answering, I should consent to the practising of jurisdiction on the bishop of Rome's behalf here in England, and so be forsworn; then of conscience I spoke as I do yet again speak, that I dare not for conscience sake answer you. And therefore I seek no starting-holes, nor go about to blind the people, as GOD knows. For if your honors shall tell me, that you do not ask me any thing, whereby mine answering should consent to the bishop of Rome's jurisdiction, ask me wherein you will, and I will answer you as flatly as ever any did. I am not afraid of death, I thank God; for I look, and have looked for nothing else at your hands of long time; but I am afraid when death comes, I should have matter to trouble my conscience, by the guiltiness of perjury, and therefore I answer as I do." " These be gay, glorious words, (said the lord chancellor,) full of hypocrisy and vain-glory. Dost thou not know that I sit here as bishop of Winchester, in mine own. diocese, and therefore’ may do this which I do, and more too" Mr. Bradford replied, " My lord, give me leave to ask you this question, that my conscience may be out of doubt in this matter. Tell me here, before GOD, all this audience being witness, that you demand nothing whereby mine answering should confirm the practice of jurisdiction for the bishop of Rome in England, and your honor shall hear me give you as flat and as plain answers to whatsoever you shall demand, as ever any did."

 

 Here my lord chancellor again was much offended, stilt saying that Bradford durst not answer. But Bradford answered, "That howsoever his honor took him, yet he was assured of his meaning, that no fear, but the fear of perjury, made him unwilling to answer. For as for death, my lord, (said he,) as I know there are twelve hours in the day, so with the Lord my time is appointed. And when it shall be in his good time, then I shall depart hence; but in the mean season I am safe enough, though all the people had sworn my death. Into his hands have I committed it; his good will be done. And, saving mine oath, I will answer you in this behalf, that the oath against the bishop of Rome was not, nor is, against charity, nor against GOD’s Word, but with it, being taken in such sense as it may well be taken; that is, attributing to the king's power the sovereignty in all his dominion. For I find it in many places, but especially in the 13th chapter to the Romans, where St. Paul writeth, I Let every soul be subject to the superior power:' but what power `The power verily which bears the sword;' which is pot the spiritual, but the temporal power. As Chrysostom full well noteth upon the same place, skewing that bishops, prophets, and apostles, are obedient to the temporal magistrates.

 

 Here the lord chancellor was yet more stirred, and said, How that Bradford went about to deny all obedience to the queen for his oath: and so he began to tell a long tale, how if a man should make an oath to pay an hundred pounds by such a day, and the man to whore it was due should forgive the debt, the debtor should say, No, you cannot do it, for I am forsworn then. Here Bradford desired my lord chancellor not to trifle; saying, He wondered his honor accounted solemn oaths made to GOD trifles, and made so much of vows made to the bishops concerning the marriage of priests. At these words the lord chancellor was much offended, and said, He did not trifle; but (said he,) you goest about to deny obedience to the queen, who requires obedience to the bishop of Rome. " No, my lord, (says Bradford,) I do not deny obedience to the queen, if you,would discern between genus and species. Because I may not obey in this, therefore I may, not obey in the other, is not good reasoning. As if a man sell a piece of his inheritance, yet all his inheritance is not sold; so, in this case, all obedience I deny not, because I deny obedience in this branch." 111 will none of these similitudes," says the chancellor. Bradford said, " I would not use them, if you went not about to persuade the people that I meant that which I never mean; for I myself not only mean obedience, but will give ensample of all most humble obedience to the queen's highness, so long as she requires not obedience against God." Here the lord chancellor was thoroughly inoved, and said still, That Bradford had written seditious letters,

 

and perverted the people; and did stoutly stand as though he would defend the erroneous doctrine in king Edward's time, against all men; and now, quoth he, he says, He dares not answer. To this Bradford answered, " I have written no seditious letters, I have not perverted the people; but that which I have written and spoken, that will I never deny, by GOD’s grace. And whereas your LORDSHIP says, that I dare not answer you; that all men may know that I ale not afraid, saving mine oath, ask me what you will, and I will plainly make you answer, by GOD’s grace, although I now see my life lies thereon.

 

 `But, O Lord, into thy hands I commit it, come what will: only sanctify thy name in me as in an instrument of thy grace. Amen.' Now ask what you will, and you shall see that I am not afraid, by GOD’s grace, flatly to answer." Then, after he had been asked some questions concerning the sacrament, to which he gave free and open answers, he said, "I have been now a year and almost three quarters in prison, and in all this time you never questioned me hereabout, when I might have spoken my conscience frankly, without peril; but now you have a law to put to death, if a man answer freely; and so now you come to demand this question. Ah, my lord, CHRIST used not this way to,bring men to faith. No more did the prophets or apostles. Remember what Bernard writeth to Eugenius, the pope:’ I read that the apostles stood to be judged, but I read not, that they sat to judge. This shall be-that was." Here the lord chancellor was appalled, as it seemed, and said, that he used not this means. " It was not my doing, (quoth he,) although some there be that think this to be the best way: I, for my part, have been challenged for being too gentle, oftentimes:" which thing the bishop of LONDON confirmed; and almost all the audience said, that he had been ever too mild and gentle. At which words Bradford spoke thus: "My lord, I pray you, stretch out your gentleness, that I may feel it, for hitherto I never felt it." The lord chancellor said, That with all his heart, not only he, but the queeri'shiighness, would stretch out mercy, if he would return. " Return, my lord! (says Bradford,) GOD save me from that going back: I mean it not so; but I mean, that I was three quarters of a year in the Tower; you forbade me pen, ink, and paper; and never in all that time, I nor since, did I feel any gentleness from you. I have rather hitherto found, as I looked for, extremity. And I thank GOD that I perceive now ye have kept me in orison thus Inner, *, WL, rte_ matter you would have: GOD’s good will be done."

 

 Here divers telling my lord it was dinner-time, he rose up, saying, In the afternoon they would speak more with him. So he was had into the vestry, and was there all that day, till dark night, and then was conveyed again to prison. Thither came to him Hussey and Dr. Seton, and with flatteries strove to persuade him to desire respite, and some learned men to confer withal. But Bradford kept still one answer: "I cannot, nor I will not so offend the people. I doubt not; but am most certain of the doctrine I have taught." Here Dr. Seton grew hot, and called Bradford arrogant, proud, vain-glorious, and whatsoever it pleased him. Then Bradford, perceiving by them that he should shortly be called for, besought them both to give him leave to talk with GOD, and to beg wisdom and grace of him; "for (quoth he,) otherwise I am helpless." And so they with much ado departed, and Bradford went to GOD and made his prayers. Shortly after they were gone, he was led again to St. Mary Overy's church, and there tarried till eleven o'clock. Then he was called'; and being brought before the lord chancellor and other the bishops there sitting, the lord chancellor mad an exhortation to him to recant his doctrine.

 

 After the lord chancellor had ended, Bradford began thus: "As yesterday I besought your honors to set in your sight the majesty and presence of GOD, to follow him, which seeks not to subvert the simple by subtle questions; so I humbly beseech every one of you to do this day-, for you know that guiltless blood will cry for vengeance. And this I beseech not your LORDSHIPs to do as one that takes upon me to condemn you herein, but that ye might be more admonished to do that which none does so much as he should do. Again, as yesterday I protested against the bishop of Rome's jurisdiction; so do I again this day, lest I should be perjured. And last of all, as yesterday the answers I made, were saving my oath, so mine answers shall be this day: and this I do, that when death (which I look for as your hands,) shall comes, I may not be troubled with the guilt of perjury.

 

 Then the lord chancellor said, “What! I perceive we must begin all again with thee. Did I not yesterday tell thee plainly, that you madest a conscience where none should be Did I not make it plain that the oath against the bishop of Rome was an unlawful oath" "No, indeed, my lord, (said. Bradford;) you said so,

 

but you proved it not yet, nor ever can do." The lord chancellor then said, " O Lord God! what a fellow art thou You woulddst go about to bring into the people's

 

heads that.we, all the lords of the parliament house, the knights and burgesses, and all the whole realm, are perjured. O what an heretic is this! Here, good people,

 

you may see what a senseless heretic this fellow is." At length they came to this issue, Who should be judge of the lawfulness of the oath Bradford said, The Word of God; according to CHRIST's word, John 12. `My word shall judge,;' and according to the testimony of Isaiah and Micah, that GOD’s word, coming out of Jerusalem, shall give sentence among the Gentiles. "By this word, (quoth Bradford,) my lord, I will prove the oath against the bishop of Rome's authority, to be a good, a godly, and a lawful oath." So that the lord chancellor left his hold. And as the other day he pretended a denial of the queen's authority, so did he now. But Bradford now, as the day before, proved, that obedience in this point to the queen, if she should demand an oath to the bishop of Rome, being denied, was not a general denial of her authority, and of obedience to her.

 

 And thus much ado was made about this matter. In the end, the lord chancellor said, The queen might dispense with the oath, and did so, to all the whole realm. But Bradford said, That the queen's highness could do no more butt remit her right; as for the oath made to GOD,

 

she could never remit, forasmuch as it was made unto God. At which words the lord chancellor chafed wonderfully, and said, he slandered the realm of perjury; "And therefore," quoth he to the people, "you may see how this fellow takes upon him to have more knowledge and conscience than all the wise men of England, and yet hath no conscience at all." Then said Bradford, "Well, my lord, let all the standers-by see who has conscience. I have been a year and a half in prison: now, before all this people, declare why I was imprisoned, or what cause you had to punish me. There sitteth by you my lord of has, who desired me himself, for the passion of CHRIST, I would speak to the people. Upon whose words 1, coming into the pulpit, had like to have been slain with a dagger, (which was hurled at him, I think,) for it touched my sleeve. He then prayed me I would not leave him; and I promised him, as long as I lived, I would take hurt before him that day; and so went out of the pulpit and entreated the people, and at length brought him myself into a house. Besides this, in the afternoon I preached at Bow church, and there going up into the pulpit, one willed me not to reprove the people; for, said he, you will never come down alive if you do it. And yet, not withstanding, I did in that sermon reprove their act, and call it sedition, at the least twenty times. 

 

 For all which my doing, I have received this recompense; prison for a year and a half and more, and death now, which you go about. Let all men judge where conscience is! "While he was speaking these words, there was an endeavor to interrupt him; but he still spoke on till he had made an end. And then the lord chancellor said, That for all that fair tale, his act at the cross was naught. Bradford said, "No, my act was good, as yon yourself did bear witness with me. For when I was at first before you in the Tower, you yourself said, that my act was good, but (said you,) thy mind was evil."

 

 Here the lord chancellor was offended, and said, that he had never said so. Then he said, that Bradford was put in prison at the first, because he would not yield to the queen's religion. Bradford then answered, "Why, my lord Your honor knows that you would not reason with me in religion, but said a time should afterwards be found when I should be talked with. But if it were, as your LORDSHIP says, that I was put in prison for religion, in that my religion was then authorized by the public laws of the realm, could conscience punish me, or cast me in prison therefore Wherefore, let all men be judges in whomn conscience wants." Here my lord chancellor was smitten blank. At last he said, you are an heretic." Yea, quoth the bishop of LONDON, "he wrote letters to Mr. Pendleton. your honor saw the letters." "This is not true," quoth Bradford; "I never wrote to Mr. Pendleton since I came to prison, and therefore I am unjustly spoken of." -

 

All being now answered, the lord chancellor began a new matter. "Sir," quoth he, "in my house, the other day, you did contemn the queen's mercy, and further

 

said, That you would maintain the doctrine taught in king Edward's days against all men." Bradford replied, " Well, I am glad that all men see now you have had no

 

matter for which to imprison me before that day. Now, I say, that I did not contemn the queen's mercy, but would have had it, (though if justice might take place, I need it not,) so that I might have had it with GOD’s mercy; that is, without doing or saying any thing against GOD and his truth. And as for maintenance of doctrine, because I cannot tell how you will stretch this word maintenance, I will repeat again that which I spoke. I said, I was more confirmed in the religion set forth in king Edward's days, than ever I was; and if GOD so would, I trust I should declare it by giving my life for the confirmation thereof. So I said then, and so I say now. otherwise to maintain it, than pertains to a private person, I thought not, nor think not."

 

 Then said the lord chancellor, "Well, Yesterday you didst maintain false heresy concerning the sacrament, and therefore he gave thee respite to this day to deliberate." "My lord," says Bradford, "as I said at the first, I spoke nothing of the sacrament but that which you allowed, and therefore you reproved it not, nor gave me any time to deliberate. I never denied, nor taught, but that to faith, whole CHRIST, body and blood, was as present as the bread and wine to the due receiver." " Aye," says the lord chancellor, "but dost you not believe that CHRIST's body, naturally and really, is there, under the forms of bread and wine" Bradford answered, “My lord, I believe that CHRIST is present there to the faith of the due receiver; as for transubstantiation, I plainly and flatly tell you, I believe it not." After much calling, the lord chancellor began to read the excommunication. And in the excommunication, when he came to the name of John Bradford, layman,-" Why," quoth he, "art you not a priest" Bradford answered, "No, nor ever was; either priest, or benefited, or married, or any preacher, before public authority had established religion; or preacher after public authority had altered religion; and yet I am thus handled at your hand: but GOD, I doubt not, will give his blessing where you curse." And so he fell down on his knees, and heartily thanked GOD that he counted him worthy to suffer for his name's sake. Then praying GOD to give him repentance and a good mind, after the excommunication was read, he was delivered to the sheriff of LONDON, and had to the Clink, and afterwards to the Poultry-Compter; this being purposed, that he should be delivered from thence to the earl of Derby, to be conveyed into Lancashire, and there to be burned in Manchester, where he was born; but their purpose concerning the place was afterward altered.

 

 Upon the 25th of February, Percival Creswell, with Mr. Harpsfield, archdeacon of LONDON, came to Mr. Bradford. After formal salutations, he made a long oration, skewing, That all men, even infidels, Turks, Jews, and libertines, desire felicity as well as the Christians, and how that every one thinks they shall attain to it by their religion. To which Bradford answered, " You speak truly."‘" Well then," says Harpsfield, " here is the matter, to know the way to this heaven." Bradford replied, "We may not invent any manner of ways. There is but one way, that is, JESUS CHRIST, as he himself does witness` I am the way.' Whoso believeth in CHRIST, the same shall be saved." Harpsfield answered, "No; not all that believe in CHRIST; for some shall say, ’Lord, Lord, have we not cast out devils' &c. But CHRIST will answer in the day of judgment to these, ’Depart from me, - I know you not."' Bradford replied, "You must make a difference between believing, and saying, I believe. As, for example, If one should say and swear he loves you, for all his saying,. you will not believe him, when you see he goes about to utter and do all the evil against you that he can." Then said Harpsfield, " Well, this is not material. There is but one way-CHRIST. How come

 

we to know him Where shall we seek to find him" Bradford answered, "We must seek him by his Word, and in his Word, and after his Word." "Very good," says Harpsfield; "but tell me, now, how we come first into the company of them that could tell us this, but by baptism." Bradford answered, "Baptism is the sacrament, by the which we are outwardly engrafted into CHRIST; I say, outwardly, because I dare not exclude from CHRIST all that die without baptism. I will not tie GOD, where he is not bound. Some infants die, whose parents desire baptism for them, and cannot have it." Harpsfield said, "To these we may think, perchance, that GOD will show mercy." "Yea," says Bradford, "the children whose parents do contemn baptism I will not condemn; because the child shall not bear the father's offence."

 

 "Well, we agree," says Harpsfield, "that by baptism then we are brought, and (as a man would say,) begotten to CHRIST. For CHRIST is our father, and the church, his spouse, is our mother. As all men naturally have Adam for their father, and Eve for their mother; so all spiritual men have CHRIST for their father, and the church for their mother: and as Eve was taken out of Adam's side, so was the church taken out of CHRIST's side; whereout flowed blood for the satisfaction and purgation of our sins." Bradford replied, "All this is truly spoken." `F Now then tell, me," says the archdeacon, “whether this church of CHRIST has not been always,"' Yes, (says Bradford) since the creation of man, and shall be for ever." Then said Harpsfield, "Very good: but tell Inc whether this church is a visible church, or not" Bradford answered, " It is no otherwise visible, than CHRIST was here on earth; that is, by no exterior pomp or show that setteth her forth commonly; and therefore to see her, we must put on such eyes, as good men put oh to see and know CHRIST, when he walked here on earth: for as Eve was of the same substance that Adam was of, so was the church of the same substance that CHRIST was of; ` flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone,' as St. Paul says, Ephes. 5. Look therefore how CHRIST was visibly known to be CHRIST, when he was on earth, that is, by considering him after the Word of GOD, so is the church known." The archdeacon then brought several marks, whereby to discern the true church of CHRIST, but Bradford objected to them all. Whereupon he said, " If we knew that you had the Holy Ghost, then we could believe you." Bradford would have answered, but as he was speaking, Mr. Harpsfield rose up, and insisting that Bradford was out of the church, he departed, saying, that he wont' come again the next morning.

 

 Upon the 16th of February in the morning, archdeacon: Harpsfield, and other two with vim, came to Mr. Bradford, and after some talk, the archdeacon began to tell him, he was in a very perilous case, and that he was sorry to see him so settled. " As for death," said he, " whether it be nigh or far off, I know not, neither signifies it, so that you die well." Bradford replied, " I doubt not in this case but I shall die well; for as I hope, and am certain, my death shall please the Lord, so I trust I shall die cheerfully to the. comfort of his children."

 

 " But what if you be deceived" says Harpsfield. Bradford answered, "What if you should say the sun does not shine now", [The sun then shone through the window where they sat.] Then Harpsfield said, " Well, I am sorry to see you so secure and careless." Indeed, says Mr. Bradford, " I am more carnally secure and careless than I should be: GOD make me more vigilant! But in this case I cannot be so secure, for I am most assured I am in the truth." After much more talk,

 

Harpsfield said, " If I could do you good, I would be right glad, either in soul or body. For you are in a perilouscase." " Sir, I thank you for your good-will," replied

 

Bradford. " My case is as it is. I thank GOD it was never so well with me; for death to me shall be life."

 

 Being then moved to ask the archdeacon to procure him time to confer, he answered, " I will not desire any body to sue for time for me. I am not wavering, neither would I, that any body should think I were so. But if you have the charity and love you pretend towards me, and therefore think that I am in an error, I think the same should move you to do, as you would be done unto. As ye think of me, so do I of you, that you are far out of the way; and I not only think it, but am most sure of it." And with such like talk they departed.

 

 On the 23d of the same month the archbishop of York and the bishop of Chichester, came to the Compter to speak with Bradford. My lord of York began to tell Bradford, how that they were not sent to him, but of love and charity they came to hint: and after commending his godly life, he concluded with asking, " How he was certain of salvation, and of his religion" Bradford answered, " By the Word of God; even by the Scriptures I am certain of salvation and religion." The archbishop replied, " Very well; but how do you know the Word of GOD and the Scriptures, but by the church" " Indeed, my lord, (said Bradford) the church was and is a means to bring a man more speedily to know the Scriptures and the Word of God; as was the woman of Samaria a means that the Samaritants knew CHRIST. But as when they had heard him speak, they said, Now we know that He is CHRIST; not because of thy words, but because we ourselves have heard him so after we come to the hearing and reading of the Scriptures skewed unto us, and discerned by the church, we do believe them, and know them as CHRIST's sheep; not because the church says they are the Scriptures, but because they be so; being thereof assured by the same.Spirit which wrote and spoke them." After much more discourse on this head, the archbishop said, " It is evident that you are too far gone; but let us come to the church, out of which you are excommunicated." Bradford replied, " I am not excommunicated out of CHRIST's church, my lord. Although they which seem to be in the church, and of the church, have excommunicated me, as the poor blind man was, (John 9.) I am sure CHRIST receiveth me." Then said the archbishop, " You deceive yourself."

 

Here, after much talk of excommunication, at length Bradford said, "To have communion with the church requires nothing visible in it; for communion consists in faith, and not in exterior ceremonies." And afterwards he proved from the words of St. Paul, That the church is not often glorious in this world, but poor and persecuted. And he alleged farther, That the church consists not in men, by reason either of secular or temporal power; but in men endued with true knowledge and confession of faith; end that it is hid rather in caves and holes, than shines in thrones of pre-eminence. Then came one of the servants, and told them that my lord of Durham waited for them at Dr. Heath's house. So, after three hours talk with Mr. Bradford, they said they lamented his case, and willed him to read over a book which did Dr. Crome good; wishing him good in words, they went their way, and Bradford to his prison.

 

 Upon the 25th of February, about eight o'clock in the morning, two Spanish friars came to Mr. Bradford. Then one of them, which was the king's confessor, asked Bradford, whether he had not seen or heard of one Alphonsus, who had written against heresies Upon Bradford's saying, " I do not know him;" the confessor said, "Well, this man (pointing to Alphonsus) is he. We are come to you in love and charity, by the means of the earl of Derby. Then said Alphonsus, " It is requisite that you should pray unto GOD, that you might follow the direction of GOD’s Spirit, that he would inspire you, so that you be not addicted to your own self-will or wit." Whereupon Bradford made a prayer, and besought GOD to direct all their wills, words, and works, as the wills, words and works of his children for ever. Then said Alphonsus, " You must be as it were a neuter, and not wedded to yourself, but as one standing in doubt: pray and be ready to receive what GOD shall inspire; for in vain laboreth our tongue to speak else." "Sir, (said Bradford) my sentence, if you mean it for religion, must not be in doubt or uncertain; as I thank GOD I am certain in that for which I am condemned: I have’no cause to doubt of it, but rather to be more certain of it; and therefore I pray GOD to confirm me more in it. For it is his truth; and because it is so certain and true that it can abide the light, I dare be bold to have it looked on, and confer it with you or

 

any man." Alphonsus then asked him, " Do you not believe that CHRIST is present really and corporally in the form of bread" Mr. Bradford replied, " No. I do

 

believe that CHRIST is present to the faith of the worthy receiver, as there is present bread and wine to the senses and outward man. As for any such presence of including and placing CHRIST, I believe not, nor dare. believe."

 

 "Why, (Alphonsus again asked him) “does he not say plainly, This is my body" "Yes, (says Bradford) and I deny not but that it is so, to the faith of the worthy receiver." Alphonsus replied, " To the faith! how is that" Then answered Bradford, " Forsooth, sir, as I have no tongue to express it, so I know you have no ears to understand it. For faith is more than man can utter." Alphonsus said, " But I can tell all that I believe." " You believe not much then," said Bradford. " For if

 

you believe the joys of heaven, and believe no more thereof than you can tell, you will not yet desire to come thither. For as the mind is more capable than the mouth, so it conceiveth more than tongue can express." Besides these, he had several other conferences with divers adversaries, from the time of his condemnation, (which was Jan. 31,) to the day of execution. In all which he steadfastly maintained the truth of the gospel against the corruptions and superstitions of the Romish church.

 

 During the time of his confinement in the Compter in the Poultry, he preached twice a day continually; where also the sacrament was often administered, and through his means, (the keepers so well bore with him,) such resort of good folks was daily to his lecture, and to the administration of the sacrament; that his chamber was commonly well nigh filled. Preaching, reading, and praying was his whole life. He did not eat above one meal in a day, which was but very little when he took it: and his continual study was upon his knees. In the midst of dinner, he used to muse within himself, having his hat over his eyes; from whence commonly came plenty of tears. He was very gentle to man and child, and in so good credit with his keeper, that at his desire in an evening, (being prisoner in’ the King's-bench, in Southwark,) he had license, upon his promise to return again that night, to go into LONDON, (without any keeper,) to visit one that was sick. Neither did he fail to keep his promise, but returred to his prison again; rather preventing his hour, than breaking his fidelity.

 

 He was somewhat tall and slender, spare of body, of a faint sanguine color, with an auburn beard. He slept commonly not above four hours in the night; and in bed, till sleep came, his book was always in his hand. His chief recreation was not in gaming, nor in any other pastime, but with godly talk, and in honest company; with whom he would spend a little time after dinner, and so apply to prayer and his book again. He counted that hour not well spent, wherein he did not some good, either with his pen, study, or in exhorting of others.

 

 He was no niggard of his purse, but would liberally share what he had to his fellow-prisoners. And commonly once a week he visited the felons, and such other prisoners as were on the other side, unto whom he gave a godly exhortation, to amend their lives by their trouble; and after that he distributed among them some small portion of money. While he was in the King's-bench, and Mr. Saunders in the Marshalsea, both prisoners, in the back-side of those two prisons they met many times, and conferred together when they would: so mercifully did the Lord work for their). And Mr. Bradford was so trusted by his keeper, that there was no day, but he might have escaped; but the Lord had -another work for him. In-the summertime, while he was in the King's-bench, he had liberty of his keeper to ride into Oxfordshire, to a merchant's house of his acquaintance, and his horse -and all things were provided for him for the journey; but GOD prevented him by sickness.

 

 One of his old acquaintance came to him, whilst he was a prisoner, and asked him, if he sued to get him out, what he would do or whither he would go Unto whom he made answer, he cared not, whether he went out or not; but if he did, he would marry, and abide still in England secretly, and teach the people, as the time would suffer him. He was had in so great reverence with all good men; that a multitude, who never knew him but by fame, greatly lamented his death; yea, and a number of the papists- themselves wished heartily his life. There were few days in which he did not spend some tears before he went to bed; neither was there ever any prisoner with him, but by his company he greatly profited.

 

 The night before he was taken to Newgate, he was sore troubled by dreams, how the chain for his burning was brought to the Compter-gate, and how the next day, being Sunday, he should be had to Newgate, and on the Monday after burned in Smithfield. Now he being vexed so oftentimes in this sort, about three o'clock in the morning he awoke him that lay with him, and told his unquiet sleep, and what he was troubled with. Then after a little talk, Mr. Bradford rose, and gave himself to his old exercise of reading arid praying: at dinner, according to his custom, he eat his meat, and was very cheerful, no body being with him from morning till night, but he that lay with him, with whom he had many times’on that day spoken of death, of the kingdom of heaven, and of the ripeness of sin in that tune.

 

 In the afternoon, as they two walked together in the keeper's chamber, suddenly the keeper's wife came up, as one half amazed, and seeming much troubled, said, " Oh! Mr. Bradford, I come to bring you heavy news." "What is that" said he. " Marry, (quoth she,) tomorrow you must be burnt; your chain is buying; and you must soon go to Newgate." With that, Mr. Bradford put off his cap, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, said, " I thank GOD for it: I have looked for the same a long time, and therefore it corneth not now suddenly, but as a thing waited for every day and hour. The Lord make me worthy thereof:- and so thanking her for her gentleness, departed into his chamber, and called his friend with him. He went secretly alone a long time, and prayed: which being done, he came again to him that was in his chamber, and gave him divers writings and papers, and skewed him what he would have done; and after `,hey had spent the afternoon in sundry such things, at last came to him half a dozen of his friends more, with whom he spent the evening in prayer and other good exercises, so wonderfully, that it was marvelous to hear arid see what was said and done.

 

 A little before he went out of the Compter, he made a farewell prayer, with such plenty of tears, and abundant spirit of prayer, that it ravished the minds of the hearers. Also when he shifted himself with a clean shirt that was made for his burning, (by one Mr. Walter Marar's wife, who was a good nurse unto him, and his very good friend,) he made such a prayer concerning the wedding garment, that those that were present were in great admiration. At his departure out of the chamber, he made likewise a prayer, and gave money to every servant and officer of the house, with exhortation to them to fear and serve GOD, continually laboring to eschew all manner of evil. That done, he turned him to the wall, and prayed vehemently, that his words might not be spoken in vain, but that the Lord would work in them effectually, for his CHRIST's sake. Being beneath in the court, all the prisoners cried out, and bid him farewell, as the rest of the house had done before, with tears.

 

 About l1 or 12 o'clock at night he was conveyed to Newgate, when it was thought none would be stirring. And yet, contrary to their expectation, there was in Cheapside, and other places, (between the Compter and Newgate) a great multitude of people that came to see hin), which most gently bade him farewell, praying for him with most lamentable tears; and he again as gently bade there farewell, praying most heartily for them and their welfare. There was a great noise over-night about the city, that he should be burned the next day, by four in the morning. The next day, at the said hour, there was such a multitude of men and women in Smithfield, that many wondered at it.

 

 It was nine o'clock before Mr. Bradford was brought into Smithfield; who, in going through1Newgate, espied a friend of his whom he loved, standing on one side the way, to whom he reached his hand over the people, and plucked him to him, and delivered to hint his velvet cap from off his head, with his handkerchief, and other things besides. And after a little secret talk with him, each of them parting from the other, immediately came to him a brother-in-law of his, called Roger Beswick. As soon as he had taken Mr. Bradford by the hand, one of the sheriffs, called W4odrofffe, came with his staff, and brake Beswick's bead, so that the blood ran about his shoulders. Which sight, Bradford beholding with grief, bade his brother farewell, willing him to commend him to his mother,--and to the rest of his friends, and desired him to go soon to cone surgeon. Then he was led to Smithfield, with so great a company of armed men, as the like was not seen before at any man's burning: for ill every corner of Smithfield there were some, besides those that stood about the stake. Bradford being come to the place, fell flat on the ground, secretly making his prayers to Almighty God. Then rising again, and putting off his clothes unto his shirt, he went to the stake, and there suffered with a young man, of twenty years of age, whose name was John Leaf.

 

 John Leaf was an apprentice to a tallow-chandler, of the parish of CHRIST-church, in LONDON, born at Kirkby Moorside; who, on the Friday before Palm-sunday, was committed to the Compter in Bread-street. Afterwards, upon his examination before Bonner, he gave a firm and Christian testimony of his profession. Touching his belief in the sacrament of the altar, he answered, That after the words of consecration, spoken by the priest, there was not the very true and natural body and blood of CHRIST in substance. And further, did hold and believe, That the said sacrament of the altar, so called, as it is now used in England, is idolatrous and abominable; and also affirmed, That he believed auricular confession not to be necessary to be made unto a priest; because it was rot necessary to soul-health, neither had the priest any authority given him by the Scripture, to absolve and remit any sin. Being dismissed at that time, he was ordered the Monday next, being the 1Oth of June, to appear again in the said place, to hear the sentence of his condemnation. Then the bishop, after many words, asked him, If he had been Mr. Rogers's scholar Leaf answered, He had, and that he did believe in the doctrine of the said Rogers, of bishop Hooper, Cardmaker, and others of their opinion, which were lately burned for the testimony of CHRIST, and that he would die in that belief.

 

 After other replications of the bishop, moving him to return to the unity of the church, he with great courage of spirit, answered, " My lord, you call nine opinion heresy; it is the true light of the Word of God." Where upon the bishop proceeded to read the sentence of condemnation against him. When John Leaf and Mr. Bradford came to the stake in Smithfield, Bradford on one side of the stake, and John Leaf on the other, lay flat on their faces, praying by themselves the space of a minute. Then one of the sheriffs said to Mr. Bradford, " Arise, and make an end; for the press of the people is great." At that word they both stood upon their feet, *and then Mr. Bradford took a faggot in his hand, and kissed it, and likewise the stake.

 

 When he had so done, he desired of the sheriffs, that his servant might have his raiment. " For, (said he,) I have nothing else to give him; and besides he is a poor man." The sheriff said he- should have it. And forthwith Mr. Bradford put off his raiment, and went to the stake; and holding tip his hands, and casting his countenance to heaven, he said thus, " O England, England, repent thee of thy sins, repent thee of thy sins. Beware of antiCHRISTs; take heed they do not deceive you." And as he was speaking these words, the sheriff ordered his hands to be tied, if he would not be quiet. " O Mr. Sheriff, (said Bradford,) I am quiet-: GOD forgive you this, Mr. Sheriff." One of the officers hearing Mr. Bradford speak thus to the sheriff, said, " If you have no better learning than that, you are but a fool, and had best hold your peace." To which Mr. Bradford gave no answer; but asked all the_ world forgiveness, and forgave all the world, desiring the people to pray for him. Then turning his head to the young man that suffered with him, he said, " Be of good comfort, brother, for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night." He spoke no more words that any man heard, only embracing the reeds, he said thus, " Strait is the way, and narrow is the gate that leadeth to eternal life, and few there be that find it." Then they both, like patient lambs, ended their lives in the flames.

 

 

 

THE MARTYRDOM

 

OF

 

MR. ROBERT GLOVER.

 

 

 

 MR. ROBERT GLOVER, gentleman, lived in the town of Mancetor, in the days of queen Mary. As soon as the bishop of Coventry heard of the fame of his brother, Mr. John Glover, he wrote to the mayor and officers of Coventry, to apprehend him as soon as might be. As soon as the mayor had received the bishop's letters, he forthwith sent a privy watch-word for him to convey himself away; who, with his brother William, was scarce departed out of his house, when the searchers rushed in to take him. But when John could not be found, one of the officers going into an upper chamber, found Robert lying on his bed, and sick of a long disease; who was brought by him before the sheriff. The sheriff, not withstanding, favoring Robert and his cause, would fain have dismissed him, saying, that was not the man for whom they were sent; yet, being afraid of the officer, contending to have him stayed till the bishop's coining, he was constrained to carry him away. The whole narration of the same he wrote to his wife. " To nay entirely beloved wife, Mary Glover. The peace of conscience, which passes all understanding, the sweet consolation, strength, and boldness of the Holy Ghost, be continually increased in our hearts, through a fervent, earnest, and steadfast faith in our most

 

dear and only Savior, JESUS CHRIST. Amen! I thank you heartily, for your letters sent unto me in my imprisonment. I read them with tears,. more than once or twice; with tears, I say, for joy and gladness, that GOD had wrought in you so merciful a work. First, an unfeigned repentance: secondly, a n humble and hearty reconciliation; and thirdly, a willing submission and obedience to the will of GOD in all things. Which when I read in your letters, and judged them to proceed from the bottom of your heart; I could not but be thankful to GOD, rejoicing with tears for you, and these his great mercies poured out upon you. These your,. letters have much relieved and comforted me at all times, and shall be a good testimony with you at the great day, against many who set more by their own pleasure, than by GOD’s glory; little regarding, (as it appears,) the everlasting health of their own souls, or the souls of others. My prayer shall be, whilst I am in this world, that GOD, who of his great mercy has begun his good work in you, would finish it to the glory of his name, and by the mighty power and inspiration of his Holy Spirit, so strengthen, establish, and confirm you in all his ways to the end, that we may together show forth his praises in the world to come, to our consolation everlastingly. Amen

 

 " So long as GOD shall lend you continuance in this miserable world, above all things give yourself continually to prayer; lifting up, as St. Paul says, clean hands without wrath or doubting;, forgiving, if you have any thing against any man, even as CHRIST forgives us. And that we may be the better willing to forgive, it is good often to cal to remembrance the multitude and greatness of our sins, which CHRIST daily and hourly forgives us; and then we shall be ready to cover the offences of our brethren, be they never so many. And because GOD’s Word teaches us, not only the true manner of praying, but also what we ought to do, or not to do, in the whole practice of this life; and that, as CHRIST says, ` The Word of GOD that he has spoken shall judge us in the last day;' let your prayer be to this end especially, that GOD, of his great mercy, would open and reveal more and more daily to your heart the true sense, knowledge, and under.. standing of his most holy Word, and give you grace in your living, to express the fruits thereof.

 

 " And forasmuch as it is, as the Holy Ghost calls it, the word of affliction; that is, it is seldom without hatred, persecution, danger of life or goods, and whatsoever seems pleasant in this world; call upon GOD continually for his assistance, as CHRIST teaches, casting your accounts, what it is like to cost you, endeavoring yourself, through the help of the Holy Ghost, by continuance of prayer, to lay your foundation so sure, that no storm or tempest may’be able to overthrow, or cast it down; remembering always (as CHRIST says) Lot's wife; that is, not looking back. And because nothing displeases GOD so much as idolatry, that is, false worshipping of GOD, otherwise than his Word commandeth: look not back to their idolatrous and blasphemous massing, manifestly against the word and example of CHRIST; as is most manifest to all that have any true understanding of GOD’s word. Have no fellowship with them therefore, my dear wife, nor with their doctrine and traditions, lest you be partaker of their sins, for whom is reserved a heavy damnation, without speedy repentance. Beware of such as

 

shall advertise you, something to bear with the world as they do, for a season. There is no dallying with GOD’s matters: ` It is a fearful thing (as St. Paul says) to fall

 

into the hands of God.' Remember the prophet Elijah. Why halt ye between two opinions' Remember what CHRIST says, ’He that putteth his band to the plough, and looketh back, is not worthy of me.' And seeing God hath hitherto allowed you as a, good soldier, play not the coward, neither draw back. St. John numbereth among them that shall dwell in the fiery lake, such as be fearful in GOD’s cause. Set before your eyes always the examples of such as have behaved themselves boldly in GOD’s cause, as Stephen, Peter, Paul, Daniel, the three children, the widow's sons; and in your days, Anne Askew, Laurence Sanders, John Bradford, with many other faithful witnesses of CHRIST. "Be afraid in nothing (says St. Paul,) of the adversaries of CHRIST's doctrine, the which is to

 

them the sign of perdition, but to you of everlasting salvation. "CHRIST commandoes the same, saying, " Fear them not." Let us not follow the example of him Which asked first to take leave of his friends. If we do so, we shall find few of them that will encourage us to go forward in our business. We read not that James and John, Andrew and Simon, when they were called, put off the time till they had known their fathers' and friends' pleasures. But the Scripture says, " They forsook all and followed CHRIST." CHRIST likened the kingdom of GOD to a precious pearl, which whosoever finds, selleth all that he has to buy it. Yea, whosoever has but a little taste how precious a treasure the kingdom of heaven is, will gladly forego both life and goods for the obtaining of it.

 

 " If I would have given place to worldly reasons, these might have moved me: first, the foregoing of you and my children; the consideration of the state of my children, being yet tender of age, inclinable to virtue and learning, and so having the more need of my assistance, being not altogether destitute of gifts to help them with; possessions above the common sort of men; because I was never called to be a preacher or minister; and (because of my sickness) fear of death in imprisonment before I should come to my answer, and so my death to be unprofitable. But these and such like considerations, I thank my heavenly Father, (who of his infinite mercy inspired me with his Holy Ghost, for his Son's sake, my only Savior and Redeemer) prevailed not in me; but when I had, by the wonderful permission of GOD, fallen into their hands, at the first sight of the sheriff, nature was a little abashed; yet ere ever I came to the prison, by the working of GOD, and through his goodness, fear departed. I said to the sheriff, at his coming unto me, "What have you, Mr. Sheriff, to charge me with all"

 

 He answered, " You shall know when you come before the masters." And so taking me with him, I looked to have been brought before the masters, and to have heard what they could have burdened me with: but contrary to my expectation, I was committed to the gaol, little justice being showed therein. But the less justice a man finds at their hands, the more consolation in conscience shall he find from God; for whosoever is of the world, the world will love him.

 

 "After I came into prison, and had reposed myself there a while, I wept for joy, musing much on the great mercies of GOD, and, as it were, saying to myself after this sort, ` O Lord, who am I, on whom you should bestow this thy great mercy, to be numbered among the saints that suffer for the gospel's sake' And so beholding and considering on the one side my imperfection, sinfulness, and unworthiness, and on the other side the greatness of GOD’s mercy, to be called to so high promotion, I was, as it were, amazed and overcome for a while with joy and gladness, concluding thus with myself in my heart,

 

 O Lord, you showest power in weakness, wisdom in foolishness, mercy in sinfulness; who shall hinder thee from choosing where and whom you wilt As I have zealously loved the confession of thy word, so I ever thought myself to be most unworthy to be a partaker of affliction for the same.' Not long after came to me Mr. W. Brasbridge, Mr. C. Phineas, and Mr. N. Hopkins, persuading me to be dismissed upon bonds. To whom my answer was, Forasmuch as the masters have imprisoned me, having nothing to charge me with, if I should enter into bonds, I should accuse myself; and seeing they have no matter to lay to my charge, they may as well let me pass without bonds as with them. Secondly, if I shall enter into bonds, and promise to appear, I shall do nothing but excuse and cloak their wickedness, and endanger myself nevertheless, being bound by my promise to appear.

 

 When they were somewhat importunate, I took, as it were, a pause, lifting up my heart to GOD earnestly for his aid, that I might do the thing that might please him. And so when they had let their suit fall, my heart was wonderfully comforted. Mr. Dudley communed with me in like manner; whom I answered in effect as I did before.

 

 " Afterward, debating the matter with myself, these considerations carne into my head: I have from time to time with a good conscience, (God I take to record,) moved all such as I had conference with, to be no dalliers in GOD’s matters, but to show themselves, after so great light and knowledge, hearty and stable in so manifest a truth. Now thought I, if I should withdraw myself, and pull my neck out -of the collar, I should give great offence to my weak brethren in CHRIST. It will be said, He has been a great encourager of others to fear no dangers, but he himself will give no such example. Wherefore I thought it my bounden duty, both to GOD and man, being, by the great goodness of GOD, called hereunto, to set aside all fear, all worldly respects; and as I had heretofore, according to the measure of my small gift, unfeignedly exhorted and persuaded all that profess GOD’s word, manfully to persist in the defense of the same, not with sword and violence, but with suffering and loss of life, rather than to defile themselves again with the abominations of the Romish,, antiCHRIST; so the hour being cone, with my example to confirm the same to the hearts of all true believers. To this end, by the mighty assistance of GOD’s Holy Spirit, I resolved, with, much peace of conscience, to sustain whatsoever antiCHRIST should do against me, and the rather because I understood the bishop's coming to be at hand, and considered that poor men's consciences would be then sharply assaulted. So I remained prisoner ten or eleven days, being never called to my answer, contrary to the laws of the realm, they having neither law, proclamation, warrant, nor commandment for my apprehension. They would have laid all the matter upon the sumner; who being examined, denied it before their faces, saying, that he had no commandment concerning me, but for my elder brother.

 

 The second day after the bishop's coming to Coventry, Mr. Warren willed the jailor to carry me before the bishop. I laid to Mr. Warren's charge the seeking of my death; and when he would have excused himself, I told him he could not wipe his hands so; he was as guilty of my blood before GOD, as though he had murdered me with his own hands. GOD open his eyes, and give him grace to believe this; that all who persecute the members of CHRIST for their conscience sake, without speedy repentance, shall dwell with the devil and his angels in the fiery lake everlastingly, where they shall cry and call, but in vain, (as Dives did,) to be refreshed of them, whom in this world they disdained, as slaves and wretches.

 

 When I came before the bishop, he willed me to submit myself. I said to him, I am not come to accuse myself; what have you to lay to my charge He asked me whether I was learned I answered, Smally learned. The chancellor standing by, said, I was a master of arts. Then my lord lad to my charge my not coming to the church. Here I might have put him to his proof, forasmuch as I had not been for a long season in his diocese, neither was any of the citizens able to prove any such matter against me. Notwithstanding I answered him, through GOD’s help, that I neither had nor would come to their church, so long as their mass was used there, to save (if I had them,) five hundred lives. I willed him to show me one tittle in the Scriptures for the proof and defense of the mass. He answered, He came to teach, and not to be taught. I told him I was content to learn of him, so far as he was able to teach me by the word of God. I offered him further, That I was content the primitive church, next to the apostles' time, should judge between him and me. But he refused also to be judged -by that: Then he said, he was my bishop, and therefore I must believe him. But I said,’ If you say black is white, my lord, must I also say as you say, and believe the same because you say it is so'

 

The chancellor here noted me to be arrogant, because I would not give place to my bishop. But I said, I If you will be believed because you are a bishop, why find you fault with the people that believed Mr. Latimer, Mr. Ridley, and Mr. Hooper' The bishop replied, ’Because they were heretics.' `And may not you err, (quoth I,) as well as they' I looked for learning at my lord's hand to persuade me, and he oppressed me only with his authority. He said, I dissented from the church; and asked me, where my church was before King Edward's time I desired him to skew where their church was in Elijah's time, and what outward show it had in CHRIST's time The bishop said, Elijah's complaint was only of the ten tribes that fell from David's house, whom he called heretics. I answered him, I You are not able to show any prophets that the other two tribes had at that time.' My lord making no answer to that, Mr. Rogers, one of the masters of the city, coming in the mean season, took upon him as though he would answer to the text. But my lord forthwith commanded me to be committed to some tower, if they- had any besides the common goal, saying, he would, at the end of his visitation, weed out such wolves. Mr. Rogers willed him to content himself for that night, till they had taken further order for me. ’Even where it pleases you, (said I to my lord,) I am content:' and so I was returned to the common goal.

 

 The next day, I had warning by one of the prisoners to prepare myself to ride with my fellow-prisoners to Litchfield, there to be bestowed at the bishop's pleasure. Which tidings at the first, something discouraged me, fearing, lest I should by the means of my great sickness, through extreme ill handling, (which I looked for,) have died in the prison before I should come to my answer. But I immediately rebuked this infidelity in myself with GOD’s word, and by the same corrected mine own mistrust after this manner. What make I of God Is not his power as great in Litchfield as in Coventry Doth not his promise extend as well to Litchfield as to Coventry Was he not with Habakkuk, Daniel, Meshech, and Jeremy, in their most dangerous imprisonments He knows what things we have need of. He has numbered all the hairs of our head. The sparrow falleth not on the ground, without our heavenly Father's will; much more will he care for us if we be not faithless, whom he hath made worthy to be witnesses of his truth. So long as we put our trust in him, we shall never be destitute of his help, neither in prison, nor in sickness, nor in health, neither in life, nor in death, neither before kings, nor before bishops. The devil himself, much less one of his ministers, shall riot be able to prevail against us. With such like meditations I waxed of good comfort; so that hearing one say they could not provide horses enough for us, I said, let them carry us in a dung-cart, if they list; I am well content for my part.

 

 Notwithstanding, at the request of my friends, I wrote to Mr. Mayor and his brethren, requiring them that I might make answer to such things as should be laid to my charge: the contents of which letter were these: I beseech you to understand, that it is not unknown, as well to the keeper of the goal, as to the inhabitants about me where I dwell, that I am a man subject to very great sickness, and have been by the space of seven years and more; so that it is not like that I shall be removed without danger of life. And because I was here committed to ward by your appointment, I would gladly here answer to such things as should be laid to my charge. If I may obtain this of you, I am thankful; if otherwise, I pray GOD it be not laid to your charge at the great day, when every man shall have just judgment without respect of person. Your prisoner in the Lord, always mindful of you in my poor prayer.

 

 But I, received no answer to my letter. I conjectured, that when the bishop and the chancellor had seen it, it moved them the rather to have me away, being desirous to have had. me privily despatched in prison. The manner off using me at my first coming to prison, did partly declare the same. Certain constables being appointed to convey us to Litchfield, to be delivered there to one Jephcot, the chancellor's man, we were commanded to horseback about eleven or twelve o'clock on Friday, being market-day, that we might be the more gazed at. We came to Litchfield about four o'clock at night,. and had leave to repose ourselves for our supper-time. We sinned at the sign of the Swan, where we were entertained friendly and gently. After supper, Jephcot repaired to us, whom we intreated, that upon sureties, we might rest ourselves that night, being unprovided of any thing to help ourselves withal in the prison at' that present. He was content at the first, (as he seemed,) but afterwards, whether it was by persuasion, or rather, (as it seemed to me,) out of policy, he did but put off the time, till he had gathered a multitude to stare' upon us, and also that we should provide nothing to rest ourselves withal; he revoked his promise,. and so we were taken to prison. I willed Jephcot before, to execute his office with mercy, telling him that they should have judgment without mercy, that showed no mercy.. And this mercy I found at his hand!.

 

He put mine into a prison that same night, where I continued till I was condemned,. in a place next to the dungeon, narrow, and very cold, with small light, and there allowed me a bundle of straw, instead of my bed, without chair,. form, or any thing else to ease myself' withal. GOD of his mercy gave me patience through prayer that night, so that if it had been his pleasure, I could have been contented to have ended my life: but Jephcot, and one Percy, the bishop's man, which afterwards was my continual keeper, came to me in the morning, to whom I said, This is a great extremity, GOD send us patience. Then they were content that I should have a bed of mine own procurement. But I was allowed no help, neither day nor night, nor company of man, notwithstanding my great sickness,; nor pen, ink, paper, or books, saving my New Testament, in Latin, and- a prayer-book, which I privily stole in.

 

 Within two days after, Mr. Chancellor, and one Temsey, a prebendary there, came to me into prison. The chancellor exhorted me to conform to the church. I answered, That I refused not to be ruled by that church, that was content to be ordered and governed by the word of God. He asked me how I knew the word of GOD, but by the church. I answered, I The church shows which is the word of GOD, therefore the church is above the word of God: this is not good reasoning; for it is like unto this: John showed the people who was CHRIST) therefore John was above CHRIST.' The chancellor said, He came not to reason with me, and so departed. So I remained without any further conference of any man, eight days, till the bishop's coming. In which time I gave myself continually to prayer, and meditation of the merciful promises of GOD, made unto all, without exception of person, that call upon the name of his dear Son, JESUS CHRIST. I found in myself daily amendment of health and body, increase of peace in conscience, and many consolations from GOD, by the help of his Holy Spirit, and sometimes a taste and glimmering of the life to come: all for his only Son, JESUS CHRIST's sake: to him be all praise for ever and ever.

 

 The enemy ceased not many times to assault me, often objecting mine unworthiness, to be counted among the number of them that should suffer for CHRIST's sake. Against him I replied with the word of GOD on this sort, What were all those whom GOD had chosen from the beginning, to be his witnesses Were they not men subject to sin and imperfections, as other men be! As Paul says,’ Who gave first unto him' And also speaking to every man,’ What hadst You, that you receivedst not' Likewise John,’ All have received of his fullness;' they were no bringens to GOD, but all receivers. They loved riot GOD first, but he loved them. Yea, he both loved and chose them when they were his enemies, full of sin and corruption, and void of all goodness. He is arid will be still the same GOD, as rich in mercy as mighty, as willing to forgive sins without respect of persons, to the world's end, of all them that call upon him. GOD is near, he is at hand, he is with all;. with all (I say,) and refuses none, excepteth none, that faithfully in true repentance call upon him, in what hour, what place, or what time soever it be. It is no arrogancy or presumption in any man, to burden GOD, (as it were,) with his promise, and challenge his help in all our dangers and distress; calling upon him, not in the confidence of our own godliness, but in the trust of his promises made in CHRIST; in whom, and by whom, and for whose sake, whosoever boldly approacheth to the mercy-seat of the Father, is sure to receive whatsoever is expedient or necessary, either for body or soul, in more ample wise, and large manner, than he can well wish, or dare desire. His word cannot lie, ` Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will hear thee, and you shall praise me.' I answered the enemy also on this manner: I am a sinner, and therefore unworthy to be a witness of this truth. What then Must I deny his word, because I am not worthy to possess it What bring I to pass in so doing, but add sin to sin What is greater sin than to deny the truth of CHRIST's gospel as CHRIST himself bears witness,’ He that is ashamed of me, or of my words, of him I will be also ashamed before my Father, and all his angels.' I might also by like reason forbear to do any of GOD’s commandments,

 

 When I am excited to pray, the enemy may say to me, I am not worthy to pray, therefore I shall not pray: and so in like manner of all the coinrnandmer.ts. I shall not forbear swearing, stealing, murdering, because I am not worthy to do any commandment of God. These be the delusions of the devil; and SATAN's suggestions, which must be overcome by continuance of prayer, and with the word of GOD applied, according to the measure of every man's gift, against all assaults of the devil.

 

 At the bishop's first coming to Litchfield, after mine imprisonment, I was called into a chamber next to my prison, to my lord. Before whom when I came, and saw none but his officers, chaplains, and servants, I was partly amazed, and lifted up my heart to GOD for his merciful help and assistance. My lord asked me how I liked my imprisonment. I gave no answer touching that question. He proceeded to persuade me to be a member of his church, which had continued so many years. As for our church, -(as he called it,) it was not known, (he said,) but in King Edward's time.’ I profess myself to’be a member of that church, (said I,) that is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, JESUS CHRIST being the head corner-stone; and so alleged the place of St. P•nul to the Ephesians. And this church has been from’,he beginning, (said I,) though it bear no glorious skew before the world, being for the most part, under the cross and affliction, despised and persecuted." My lord, on the other side, contended that they were the true church. I said, So cried all the clergy against the prophets of Jerusalem, saying,’ The temple of the Lord are we.' But always, when I was about to speak any thing, my lord cried, "Hold thy peace; I command thee to hold thy peace, you proud, arrogant heretic."

 

 I willed my lord to come to particulars. Then he began to ask certain questions. I refused to answer him in corners, requiring that I might make my answer openly. He said, I should answer him there. I stood with him upon that point, until he said, I should go to prison again, and there have neither meat nor drink till I answered him. Then I lifted up my heart to GOD, that I might stand to the doctrine of his most holy word. The first question was this: How many sacraments CHRIST instituted in the church I The sacrament of baptism, (said I,) and the sacrament that he instituted at his last supper.' ` No more' said he. I replied,’ To all those that declare a true and unfeigned repentance, trust and confidence in the death of CHRIST, to such, ministers (I grant,) have authority to pronounce, by the power of GOD’s word, the remission of sins.' He asked me further, Whether I allowed of their confession I answered,’ No.' Then he would know what I thought of the presence of CHRIST's body in the sacrament. I answered, `That their mass was neither sacrifice nor sacrament; because, (said I,) you have taken away the true institution; which, when you restore again, I will tell you my judgment concerning CHRIST's body in the sacrament.'

 

 Thus much did this worthy martyr leave behind him in writing. More examinations he had, (no doubt,) with the bishop in the public consistory, when he was brought forth to be condemned, which also he would have left unto us, if time had permitted him to finish that he intended; but, by reason of the writ for his burning being come down from LONDON, time did not serve him so to do. Only this. I could learn of one Austen Bernher, a minister, and a familiar friend of his, after he was condemned, and was now to be delivered out of this world two or three days before, his heart being destitute of all spiritual consolation, he felt' in himself no willingness, but rather a heaviness and dullness of spirit, full of much discomfort 1 o bear the bitter cross of martyrdom. Whereupon fearing himself lest the Lord, had utterly withdrawn his wonted favor from him, he made his moan to this Austen, signifying how earnestly he had prayed day and night unto the Lord, and yet could receive no motion nor sense of any comfort from him. Unto whom Austen, answering again, desired him patiently to wait the Lord's pleasure, and howsoever his present feeling was, yet seeing his cause was just and true, he exhorted him constantly to stick to the same, nothing misdoubting that the Lord in his good time would visit him, and satisfy his desire with consolation, whereof (he said,) he was right certain, and therefore desired him when such a feeling of GOD’s mercies should begin to touch his heart, that he should show some signification thereof, whereby he might witness the same. The next day, when the time came of his martyrdom, as he was going to the place, and was now come to the sight of the stake, although all the night before praying for strength and courage, he could feel none, suddenly he was so mightily replenished with GOD’s comfort, that- he cried out, clapping his hands, "Austen, he is come! he is come!" and that with such joy and alacrity, as one seeming rather to be risen from death to life, than as one passing out of the world. Thus ended he his life in the flame, in full triumph of faith.

 

 

 

THE HISTORY OF

 

DR. NICHOLAS RIDLEY.

 

 

 

 NICHOLAS RIDLEY was born at Tindale, in Northumberland. He learned grammar in Newcastle, and was removed from thence to the University of Cambridge, where he in a short time became so famous, that for his singular abilities, he was called to be head of Pembroke Hall, and made doctor of divinity. After this, departing from thence he went to Paris; and at his return, was made chaplain to King Henry VIII. and promoted to the bishopric of Rochester; and from thence translated to the see of LONDON, in King Edward's days. In which calling and offices he so labored, preaching and teaching the true doctrine of CHRIST,, that never was a good child more loved by his dear parents, than he by his flock and diocese. Every holiday and Sunday he preached in some place or other, except he were hindered by weighty affairs; to whose sermons the people resorted, crowding about him, and coveting the wholesome doctrine, which he did not only preach, but showed by, his life, in such pure order and chastity, (declining from evil desires,) that his very enemies could not reprove him in any one jot thereof. He was remarkably well learned; his memory great; and he of such reading withal, that of right he deserved to be compared to the best of this our age. And besides all this, he was wise in counsel, of deep understanding, and very public in all his doings. How merciful and careful he was to reduce the obstinate papists from their erroneous opinions, and by gentleness to win them to the truth, his gentle ordering and courteous handling of Dr. Heath, (late archbishop of York, being prisoner with him in King Edward's time,) in his house one year, sufficiently declareth. In fine, he was such a prelate, and in all points so good, godly, and spiritual a man, that England might justly lament the loss of so worthy a treasure.

 

 To speak something of his person and conditions. He was a man right comely, and well proportioned in all respects, both in the complexion and lineaments of - his body. He took all things in good part, bearing no malice nor rancor in his heart, but straightways forgetting all injuries and offences. He was very kind to his kinsfolk, and yet not bearing with them any thing otherwise than right would require; giving them always for a general rule, yea, to his own brother and sister, that if they did evil, they should look for nothing at his hand, but should be as strangers to him, and those should be his brother and sister, who acted honestly, and loved a godly life.

 

 He was accustomed always to mortify himself, and was much given to prayer and contemplation. For duly every morning, as soon as his apparel was on, he went to his bed-chamber, and there upon his knees prayed the space of half an hour; after which he immediately went to his study, (if there came no other business to interrupt him,) where he continued till ten o'clock, and then came to the common prayer, used daily in his house. The prayers being done, he went to dinner; where he used little talk, except occasion had been ministered, and then it was sober, discreet, and wise, and sometimes cheerful, as cause required. The dinner done, which was not long, he used to sit talking an hour, or thereabouts: afterwards he returned to his study, and there continued, except business occasioned the contrary, till five o'clock in the evening; then he came to common prayer, as in the forenoon; which being finished, he went to supper, behaving himself there as at his dinner before. After supper he used generally to recreate himself the space of an hour, and would then return to his study; continuing there till eleven at night, which was Iiis common hour to go to beet; then praying upon his knees, as in the morning when he rose. Being at his manor of Fulham, as divers times he used to be, he read daily a lecture to his family at the time of prayer, beginning at the Acts of the Apostles, and so going through all the epistles of St. Paul, giving to every man that could read, a New Testament; hiring them besides with money to learn by heart certain principal chapters, but especially the 13th chapter of the Acts, reading also unto his household oftentimes the 1O1st Psalm, being marvelously careful over his family, that they might be a spectacle of all virtue and honesty to others. To be short, as he was godly and virtuous himself, so nothing but virtue and godliness reigned in his house, feeding all with the food of our Savior, JESUS CHRIST.

 

Now remains a word or two to be declared of his usage of Mrs. Bonner, mother to Dr. Bonner, some time bishop of LONDON. Bishop Ridley being at Fulham,

 

always sent for Mrs. Bonner, dwelling in a house adjoining, to dinner and supper, with one Mrs. Mungey, Bonner's sister, saying, " Go for my mother Bonner,"

 

who coming, was ever placed in the chair at the table's end, being as kindly treated, as though he had been born of her body; never displaced of her seat, although the king's council had been present, saying, when any of them were there, By your, LORDSHIP's favor, this place of right is for my mother Bonner."

 

 The first occasion of his conversion was by reading of Bertram's book of the sacrament, which also conference with bishop Cranmer, and with Peter Martyr, did not a little confirm. Being thoroughly brought to the true way, as he was before zealous in his old ignorance, so he was now constant and faithful in the right knowledge which the Lord had opened unto him; and did much good, while authority supported the peace of the church, and proceedings of the gospel. But after that it pleased GOD to call King Edward from us, bishop Ridley was soon laid hands on, and committed to the Tower.

 

 About the 1Oth of April 1554, he, and likewise archbishop Cranmer and bishop Latimer, were all conveyed as prisoners from the Tower, to the common goal in Oxford, called Bocardo, there to dispute with the divines and learned men of both the universities, upon these questions: 

 

 1. Whether the natural body of CHRIST be really in the sacrament, after the words spoken by the priest, or not

 

 2. Whether any other substance remain in the sacrament, after the words of consecration, than that of the body and blood of CHRIST

 

 3. Whether in the mass be a sacrifice propitiatory for the sins of the quick and the dead

 

 The names of the doctors and graduates, appointed to dispute against them, were these: of Oxford, Dr. Weston, prolocutor, Dr. Tresham, Dr. Cole, Dr. Oglethorpe, Dr. Pie, Mr. Harpsfield, and Mr. Fecknam. Of Cambridge, Dr. Young, vice-chancellor, Dr. Glin, Dr. Seaton, Dr. Watson, Dr. Sedgewick, Dr. Atkinson, and several others.

 

 On April 13, the three prisoners were separated, Dr. Ridley to alderman Irish's house; Mr. Latimer to another; and Dr. Cranmer remained still in Bocardo.

 

On Saturday, the 14th, at eight o'clock, the vice-chancellor of Cambridge, with the other doctors of the same university, repaired to Lincoln College, and found Dr. Weston, the prolocutor above in the chapel, with a company of the house, singing mass, and tarried there till the end. Then they, consulting all together in the masters' lodging, about nine came to the University church, called St. Mary's; and there, after a short consultation, the vice-chancellor of Oxford caused the vicechancellor of Cambridge, and the rest of the doctors of that university, to send for their scarlet robes. And in this time, the regents in the congregation-house had

 

granted all the Cambridge doctors their graces, to be in corporate there; and so they went up, and were admitted immediately, Dr. Oglethorpe presenting them, and the proctor reading the statute, and giving them their oaths.

 

 That done, they came all into the quire, and there held the convocation of the university. They had mass so lemnly sung by the quiremen of CHRIST church. But first the cause of the convocation was opened by the vice chancellor, and the prolocutor. Mass being done, they went in procession to CHRIST church, and there the quire men sung a Psalm, and after that a collect was read. Then the commissioners, doctors, and many others, departed to Lincoln College, where they dined with the mayor of the town. After dinner they all went again to St. Mary's church; and there, after a short consultation, all the commissioners came into the quire, and sat on seats before the altar, to the number of 33 persons: and first they sent to the mayor, that he should bring in the prisoners; who, within a small while were brought to them, guarded by a great number of bill-men. After archbishop Cranmer had been examined upon the articles above-mentioned; bishop Ridley was examined upon the same, and answered without delay, they were all false; and said further, thaat they sprang out of a bitter and sour root. After that, he was asked, Whether he desired not my lord chancellor, that now is, to stick to the mass He said, My lord would say no such thing; for if he did, he reported not the truth. Then he was asked, Whether he would dispute or not He answered, That as long as GOD gave him life, he should not only have his heart, but also his mouth and pen to defend the truth; but he required time and books. They said, He should dispute on Tuesday, and till that time he should have books. He said, It was not reason that he might not have his own books, and time also to prepare for his disputations. Then they gave him the articles, and bade him write his mind on them that night, and so they commanded the mayor to have him to alderman Irish's, from whence he came.

 

 April 17, he was brought forth to dispute with Dr. Smith, Dr. Weston, and the other doctors and learned men before-mentioned. He made a preface to the questions, but they would not let him go forward in it; but said it was blasphemy. Dr. Smith could get nothing at his hand; in so much that others took his arguments and prosecuted them. He skewed himself to be learned, and a great clerk. They could bring nothing, but he knew it as well as they. After some hours, Dr. Weston, dissolving the disputations, spoke these words, " Videtis praefractum hominis animuni, gloriosum, vafram, inconstantem: videtis hodie veritatis vires inconcussas. Itaque clamate, Vicit veritas." That is, "You see the stubborn, boasting, crafty, inconstant mind of this man. You see this day, that the strength of the truth is without foil. Therefore I beseech you all cry out, Truth has the victory." Which they accordingly did.

 

 The last day of September, 1555, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer, were again cited to appear before the lords commissioners, in the Divinity School at Oxford, at eight o'clock. At which time thither repaired the lords, placing themselves in the high seat, made for public lectures and disputations, according to the usage of that school, being then fair set, and trimmed with cdoes of tissue, and cushions of velvet: and after the said lords were placed and set, the said Latimer and Ridley were sent for; and first appeared Dr. Ridley, and anon Mr. Latimer. But because it seemed good severally to examine them, Mr. Latinier was kept back till Dr. Ridley was thoroughly examined. Therefore, soon after the coming of Dr. Ridley into the school, the commission was published by an appointed notary, and openly read. Dr. Ridley standing bare-headed, humbly expecting the cause of that his appearance, as often as he heard the cardinal and the pope aamed, put on his cap. Wherefore after the commission was published, in form and sense above specified, the bishop of Lincoln spoke to this effect " Mr. Ridley, although neither I, nor my lords here, in respect of our own persons, look for cap or knee, yet because we represent such persons as we do, that is, my lord cardinal's grace, legate ti latere to the pope's holiness, as well in that he is of a noble parentage, (and therewith Mr. Ridley moved his cap with lowly obeisance,) descending from the regal blood, as in that he is a man worthy to be reverenced with all humility, for his great knowledge and learning, noble virtues, and godly life, and especially in that he is here in England deputy to the pope's holiness, it should have become you at this name to have uncovered your head. 

 

 Wherefore, except you will of your own self take the pains to put your hand to your head, and at the nomination, as well of the said cardinal, as of the pope's holiness, uncover the same, you will cause us to take the pains to cause some mail to pluck off your cap from you." To whom Dr. Ridley, making his petition for license, answered, "As for that you said, my lord, that you of your own persons desire no cap nor knee, but,only require the same, in consideration that you represent the cardinal, grace's person, I protest that I did put on my cap at the naming of the cardinal's grace, neither for any contumacy that I bear towards your own persons, neither for any derogation of honor toward the lord cardinal's grace. For I know him to be a man worthy of all reverence and honor, in that he came of -the regal blood, and in that he is a man endued with manifold graces of learning and virtue, and as touching these virtues and points, I with all humility, (therewith he put off his cap and bowed his knee,) and obeisance that I may, will reverence and honor his grace; but in that he is legate to the bishop of Rome, (and therewith he put on his cap,) whose usurped supremacy I utterly refuse and renounce, I may in no wise give any obeisance or honor to him, lest my so doing might be prejudicial to mine oath, and to the verity of GOD’s word. In taking off my cap, do as it shall please your LORDSHIPs, and I shall he content."

 

 Then the bishop of Lincoln, after the third admonition, commanded one of the beadles of the university to pluck his cap from his head; and Mr. Ridley bowing his head to the officer, gently permitted him to take away his cap. After this the bishop exhorted Dr. Ridley t o recant; adding several reasons, which Dr. Ridley answered. Then were read the articles against him: after which the bishops took/counsel together. At last the bishop of Lincoln said, " These are the same articles which you in open disputation defended. What say you to the first I pray you answer affirmatively or negatively." Ridley replied, "Why, my lord, I supposed your gentleness had been such, that you would have given nir space until to-morrow, that upon good advertisement l might bring a determinate answer." " Yes, Mr. Ridley, (said the bishop,) I mean not that your answers now shall be prejudicial to your answers to-morrow. I will take your answers at this time, and yet notwithstanding it shall be lawful for you to add, diminish, and change of these answers to-morrow what you will." To this Ridley answered, " At our last disputations I had many things promised, and few performed. It was said, that after the disputations I should have a copy thereof, and licence to change mine answers, as I should think good. It was meet also that I should have seen what was written by the notaries at that time. So your LORDSHIP pretended great gentleness in giving me a time; but this gentleness is the same that CHRIST had of the high-priest. For you, as your LORDSHIP says, have no power to condemn me, neither at any time to put a man to death; so in like sort the high-priests said, that it was not lawful for them to put any man to death, but committed CHRIST to Pilate, neither would they suffer him to absolve CHRIST, though he sought all the means that he might." Then spoke Dr. Weston, one of the audience, " What! do you make the king Pilate" " No, Mr. Doctor, (replied Ridley,) I do but compare your deeds with Caiaphas's deeds and those of the high-priests, which would condemn no man to death, as ye will not, and yet would not suffer Pilate to release CHRIST."

 

 "Mr. Ridley, (says the bishop,) we mind not but that you shall enjoy the benefit of answering to-morrow, and will take your answers now as now; to-morrow you shall change, take out, add, and alter what you will. In the mean season we require you to answer directly to every article, either affirmatively or negatively." Ridley answered again, " Seeing you appoint me a time to answer to-morrow, and, yet will take my answers out of hand; first, I require the notaries to take my protestation, that I in no point acknowledge your authority, as you are authorized from the pope." The bishop of Lincoln said, " What say you to the first article" Ridley in return said, " I answer, that in the sacrament of the altar is the very natural body and blood of CHRIST, indeed and really, i.e. spiritually by grace and efficacy; for so every worthy receiver receiveth the very true body of CHRIST: but if you mean really and indeed, so that thereby you would include a living and a movable body under the forms of bread and wine, then in that sense is not CHRIST's body in the sacrament really and indeed."

 

 This answer being taken, th' bishop of Lincoln proposed the second question. To whom Ridley answered, " My protestation always reserved, I answer thus; in the sacrament is a certain change, in that that bread, which was before common bread, is now made a lively representation of CHRIST's body; that even as the mortal body was nourished by that visible bread, so is the internal soul fed with the heavenly food of CHRIST's body, which the eye of faith sees, as the bodily eye sees only bread but notwithstanding this, the true substance of bread and wine remains; with which the body is in like sort nourished, as the soul is by grace and spirit with the body of CHRIST."

 

 Then the bishop of Lincoln recited the third article. To which Ridley answered, " CHRIST, as St. Paul writeth, made one perfect sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, neither can any man reiterate that sacrifice of his; and yet is the communion sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, acceptable to God; but to say, that thereby sins are taken away,. (which wholly and perfectly was done by CHRIST's passion, of which the communion is only a memorial,) that is a derogation from the merits of CHRIST's passion.. For the sacrament was instituted, that we receiving it, and thereby remembering his passion, should be partakers of the merits of the same."

 

 These answers the notaries wrote down. Then the bishop of Lincoln said, "To-morrow, at eight o'clock, you shall appear before us in St. Mate's church, and then, because we cannot well agree upon your answer to the first article, if you please to write your answer, you shall have pen, ink, and paper, and books, such as you shall require. But if you write any thing besides your answers to these articles, we will not receive it." So charging the mayor with him, he dismissed him.

 

The next day, (which was the first day of October,) somewhat after eight o'clock, the said lords repaired to St. Mary's church, and after they were set in a high throne, well trimmed with does of tissue and silk, then appeared Mr. Ridley, who was set at a table, a good space from the bishop's feet, which table had a silk does cast over it, the which place was compassed about with seats, partly, for gentlemen which repaired thither, (for this was the session-day also of gaol delivery,) and heads of the university to sit, and partly to keep off the press: for the whole body, as well of the university as of the town, came hither to see the end of the prisoners. Now after Dr. Ridley's appearance, and the silence of the audience, the bishop of Lincoln again required his answer to the three articles; and having received his, Dr. Cranmer's, and Mr. Latimer's answer, pronounced sentence severally upon them, declaring them to be heretics, and no members of the church, and that they should be burned. At which Dr. Ridley said, " Although I be not of your company, yet I doubt not but my name is written in another place, whither this sentence will send us sooner, than we should have come by the course of nature." 

 

 The assembly was then dismissed, and he was carried to the sheriff's house, where he remained till the day of his execution. In the mean season, upon the 15th day, in the morning, Dr. Brooks, bishop of Gloucester, Dr. Marshall, vice chancellor of Oxford, with divers other heads of the university, came to Mr. Irish's house, (then mayor of Oxford,) where Dr. Ridley was close prisoner. When the bishop came into the chamber where Dr. Ridley lay, betold him, That yet once again, the queen offered him her gracious mercy, if he would receive the same, and conic home again to the faith which he was baptized in, and revoke his erroneous doctrine that he of late had taught abroad, to the destruction of many. " My lord, (said Dr. Ridley,) you know my mind fully herein; and as for the doctrine which I have taught, my conscience assureth me that it was sound, and according to GOD’s word, (to his glory be it spoken,) the which doctrine, the Lord God

 

being my helper, I will maintain so long as my tongue shall move, and breath is in my body; and, in confirmation thereof, seal the same with my blood."

 

 The bishop then said, " Seeing you will riot receive the queen's mercy now offered to you, we must, against our wills, proceed according to our commission, to degrading, taking from you the dignity of priesthood. For we take you for no bishop, and therefore we will the sooner have done with you; so committing you to the secular power, you know what does follow." Ridley answered, "Do with me as it shall please GOD to suffer you; I am well content with all my heart to abide that, and more than that; the servant is not above his master. If they dealt so cruelly with our Savior CHRIST, as the Scripture makes mention, and he suffered the same patiently, how much more does it become us his servants" And in saying of these words, they put upon him the surplice, with all the trinkets pertaining to the mass. So they proceeded in their doings, and when they came to the place where Dr. Ridley should hold the chalice and the wafer-cake, (called the singing-bread,) they bid him hold the same in his hands. But Dr. Ridley said, " They shall not come into my hands: for if they do, they shall fall to the ground for all me." Then there was one appointed to hold them- in his hand, while bishop Brooks read a certain thing in Latin, touching the degradation of spiritual persons, according to the pope's law. After-' ward they put a book inn his hand, and withal read a certain thing in Latin, the effect whereof was, "We do take from thee the office of preaching the gospel." At which words Dr. Ridley gave a great sigh, looking up towards heaven, saying, 11O Lord GOD, forgive them this their wickedness."

 

 Mr. Ridley and Latimer being degraded, and all things finished, Brooks called the bailiffs, delivering to them Dr. Ridley with this charge, to keep hire safely from any man speaking with him, and that he should be brought to the place of execution when they were commanded. Then Mr. Ridley burst out with these words, " God! I thank thee, and to thy praise be it spoken. There is none of you all able to lay to my charge any open or notorious crime: for if you could, it would surely be laid in my lap, I see very well." Whereunto Brooks said, He played the part of a proud Pharisee, exalting and praising himself.

 

 But Dr. Ridley said, "No, no, no, as I have said before, (to GOD’s glory be it spoken,) I confess myself to be a miserable wretched sinner, and have great need of GOD’s help and mercy, and do daily call and cry for the same; therefore I pray you have no such opinion of me." Then they departed, and in going away a certain warden of a college bid Dr. Ridley repent, and forsake that erroneous, opinion. Whereunto Ridley said, " Sir, repent you,’or you arc out of the truth; and I pray GOD, (if it be his blessed will,) have mercy upon you, and grant you the understanding of his word." Then the warden being in a chafe, said, " I trust that I shall never be of your devilish opinion, or be in that place whither you shall go." Thus they left him. Bishop Ridley's Account of the Disputation had against him and his Fellow prisoners at Oxford, is as follows.

 

 " I NEVER yet saw, nor heard any thing done more vainly, or tumultuously, than the disputation which was with me in the schools at Oxford. Yea, verily, I could never have thought that it had been possible to have found, amongst men of knowledge and learning, any so barefaced and shameless, to behave themselves so disorderly and vainly; more like to stage-players in interludes, than to grave divines, in schools to dispute. The Sorbonical clamors (which at Paris I have seen in times past,) might be worthily thought (in comparison of this Thrasonical ostentation,) to have had much modesty. And no wonder, seeing they who should have been moderators, and should have given good examples, in words and gravity-they themselves gave worst example; and did, as it were, blow the trump to the rest to rave, roar, rage, and. cry out. But lest by the innumerable railings and reproachful taunts, wherewith I was baited on everyside, our cause-yea, rather GOD’s cause and his church's, -should be evil spoken of, I thought it no less my duty to write mine answers; to the intent, that whosoever is desirous to know the truth, may by this perceive, as well those things which were chiefly objected, as, summarily, that which was answered. Howbeit, it is impossible to set forth all that was tumultuously and confusedly objected on their parts, being so many, speaking many times so thick, that one could not well hear another; "all that was answered on my behalf, to them so sundry, and divers opponents. Moreover, a great part of the time appointed for the disputations -was consumed in opprobrious checks, and reviling taunts, with hissing and clapping of hands. All which, when I with great grief of heart beheld, protesting openly that such outrageous disorder was unseemly for those schools, and men of learning and gravity; and that they which were the doers of such things did nothing else but betray the slenderness of their cause; I was so far from doing any good by this my humble complaint, that I was forced to hear such rebukes, checks, hand taunts for my labor, as no person of any honesty, without blushing, could abide to hear' the like spoken by a most vile varlet against a most wretched ruffian.

 

 "At the beginning of the disputation, when I should have confirmed mine answer to the first proposition in few words, and that after the manner and laws of

 

schools, before 1 could make an end of my first probation, even the doctors themselves cried out, ` He speaks blasphemies, he speaks blasphemies.' And when I on my knees besought them that they would vouchsafe to hear me to the end, (whereat the prolocutor being moved, cried out on high, I Let him read it, let him read it;') yet when I began to read again, there followed immediately such shouting, such a noise and tumult, as I, to my remembrance, never heard or read the like; except it were that which was stirred up by Demetrius the silver-smith, and others of his occupation, crying out against Paul, j Great is Diana of the Ephesians!' "

 

October 15, 1555, the night before Dr. Ridley suffered, his beard and legs were washed; and as he sat at supper the same night, at Mr. Irish's, he bade his hostess, and the rest at the board, to his marriage; "for (says he,) to-morrow I must be married;" and so showed himself to be as cheerful as ever he was at any time. And asking his sister to his marriage, he asked his brother, sitting at the table, Whether he thought she could find in her heart to be there, or not And he answered, Yea, I dare say, with all her heart. At which word he said, He was glad to hear so much. So at that Mrs. Irish, (though a papist,) wept. But Mr. Ridley comforted her, and said, "O, Mrs. Irish, you lotie me not now, I see well enough; for in that you weep, it does appear you will not be at my marriage, neither are content therewith. Indeed, you are not so much my friend as I thought you had been. But quiet yourself;, though my breakfast shall be somewhat sharp, yet- I am sure my supper shall be sweet." When they arose from the table, his brother offered to watch all night with him. But he said, "No, no, that you shall not: for I mind (God willing,) to go to-bed, and sleep as quietly to-night, as ever I did in my life." So his brother departed, exhorting him to be of good cheer, and to take his cross quietly.

 

The next day, October 16, he and Mr. Latimer –were burnt at one stake; and for fear of any tumult that might arise, the lord Williams was commanded by the queen's letters, with the householders of the city, to be there, sufficiently appointed. And when every thing was in readiness, the prisoners were brought forth by the mayor and the bailiffs. Dr. Ridley had a fair black gown, furred and faced, such as he was wont to wear... being bishop, and a tippet of velvet furred about his neck., a velvet night-cap upon his head, and a corner-cap upon the same, going in a pair of slippers to the stake, and going between the mayor and an alderman. As he passed towards Bocardo, he looked up where Dr. Cranmer lay, hoping to have seen him at the window, and to have spoken unto him; but Dr. Cranmer was busy with friar Soto and his fellows, disputing. When Dr. Ridley entered the place, earnestly holding up both his hands, he looked towards heaven. Then shortly after espying Mr. Latimer, with a wondrous cheerful look, he ran to him, embraced and kissed him, and as they that stood near reported, comforted him, saying, 1' Be of good heart, brother, for GOD will either assuage the fury of the flame, or else strengthen us to abide it." With that he went to the stake, kneeled down by it, kissed it, and prayed; and behind him Mr. Latimer kneeled, as earnestly calling upon GOD as he. After they arose, the one talked with the other -a little while, till they who were appointed to see the execution removed themselves out of the sun. Then Dr. Smith, who, recanted in king Edward's time, began his sermon to them upon this text of St. Paul, in the 13th chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, "If I give my body to be burnt, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." He cried still to the people to beware of them, for they were heretics, and died out of the church: but the old church of CHRIST and the Catholic faith believed far otherwise. At which place they lifted up both their hands and eyes to heaven, as it were calling GOD to witness the truth. The which countenance they made in many other places of his sermon, where he spoke amiss. He ended with a very short exhortation to them to recant and save their lives and souls. His sermon, in all, was scarce a quarter of an hour.

 

 The sermon being ended, Dr. Ridley and Mr. Latimer kneeled down upon their knees towards my lord Williams of Thame, the vice-chancellor of Oxford, and divers other commissioners appointed for that purpose, which sat upon a form near. Unto whom Ms. Ridley said, " I beseech you, my lord, even for CHRIST's sake, that I may speak but two or three words." And whilst my lord bent his head to the mayor, to know whether he might give him leave to speak, the baliffs and Dr. Marshall, vice-chancellor, ran hastily to him, and with their hands stopped his: mouth, and said, "Mr. Ridley, if you will revoke your erroneous opinions, you shall not city have liberty so to do, but also the benefit of a subject; that is, have your life." "Not otherwise" said Mr. Ridley, " No, (quoth Dr. Marshall;) therefore if you will not do so, then there is no remedy, but you must suffer for your deserts." "Well, (quoth Mr.Ridley,) so long as the breath is in my body, I will never deny my Lord CHRIST and his known truth; GOD’s will be done in me." And with that he rose up, and said, with a loud voice, " Well, theta

 

I commit oar cause to Almighty GOD, who shall in differently judge all."

 

 Forthwith they were commanded to make then ready, which they with all meekness obeyed. Dr. Ridley took his gown and tippet, and gave it to his Brother-in-law, Mr. Shipside, who, all his time of imprisonment, although he might not be suffered to come to him, lay there at his own charges to provide him necessaries, which from time to time he sent him by the sergeant that kept him. Some other of his apparel, that was little worth, he gave away, other the bailiffs took. He gave away besides, divers other small things to gentlemen standing by, (several of them sadly weeping.) Of those that stood next him, some plucked the points off his hose, and happy was he that could get a rag of him. Then Dr, Ridley, standing as yet in his waistcoat, said to his brother, "It were best for me to go in my waistcoat still." "No, (quoth his brother,) it will put you to more pain, and it will do a poor man good." Whereunto Dr. Ridley said, "Be it, in the name of God;" and so unlaced himself. Then, being in his shirt, he stood upon the stone, and held up his hand, and said, "O, heavenly rather, I give unto thee most hearty thanks, for, that you have called me to be a professor of thee, even unto death. I beseech thee, Lord GOD, take mercy upon this realm of England, and deliver the same from all her enemies."

 

 Then the smith took a chain of iron, and brought the same about Dr. Ridley and Mr. Latimer's middles; and as he was knocking in a staple, Dr. Ridley took the chain in his hand, and shook the same, for it girded in his belly, and looking aside to the smith, said, "Good fellow, knock it in hard, for the flesh will have its course." Then his brother brought him gunpowder in a bag, and would have tied the same about his neck. Dr. Ridley asked, What it was His brother said, Gunpowder. Then said he, " I take it to be sent of GOD, and therefore I will receive it as sent of him. And have ye any for my brother" meaning Mr. Latimer. " Yea, Sir, that I have," quoth his brother. "Then give it him (said he,) betime, lest you come too late." So his brother went and carried of the same gunpowder to Mr. Latimer. In the mean time, Dr. Ridley spoke to my lord Williams, and said, "My lord, I must be a suitor unto your LORDSHIP, in the behalf of divers poor men, and especially in the case of my poor sister. I have made supplication to the queen's majesty in their behalf. I beseech your LORDSHIP, for CHRIST's sake, to be a suitor to her grace for them. My-brother here has the supplication, and will resort to your LORDSHIP, to certify you hereof. There is nothing in all the world that troubleth my mind, (I praise GOD,) this only excepted. Whilst I was in the see of LONDON, divers poor men took leases of me, and agreed with me for the same. I heard say, the bishop that now occupieth the same, will not allow my grants made unto them; but, contrary unto all law and conscience, has taken from them their livings. I beseech you, my lord, be a friend to them; you shall do a good deed, and God will reward you."

 

 Then they brought a faggot kindled, and laid it down at Dr. Ridley's feet. When he saw the fire flaming up towards trim, he cried, with a wonderful loud voice, " In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spirituin meum: Domine, recipe spiritum meum and after, repeated this latter part often in English, " Lord, Lord, receive my spirit." By reason of the ill making of the fire, the faggots being laid about the furze, and built too high, the fire burned first beneath, and was kept down by the wood. Which, when Dr. Ridley felt, he desired them, for CHRIST's sake, to let the fire come to him: which, when his brother in-law heard, but not well understood, intending to rid him out of his pain, as one in such sorrow, not well advised what he did, he heaped faggots upon him, so that he clean' covered him; which made the fire more vehement beneath, so that it quite burned all his nether parts before it once touched the upper; which made him leap up and down under the faggots, and often desired them to let the fire come unto him, saying, "I cannot burn." Which in'ieed appeared well; for after his legs were consumed, he showed that side toward us, shirt and all, quite untouched with flame. Yet in all this torment he forgot not to call unto GOD still, having in his mouth, "Lord, have mercy upon me;" intermingling his cry, "Let the fire come to me; I cannot burn." In which pains he labored till one of the standers-by with his bill pulled off the faggots above; and where he saw the fire flame up, he wrested himself to that side. And when the flame touched the gunpowder, he was seen to stir no more, but burned on the other side, falling down at Latimer's feet.

 

 Surely it moved hundreds to tears, in beholding the horrible sight. Signs there were of sorrow on every side. Some took it grievously to see their deaths, whose lives they held full dear. Some pitied their persons, that thought their souls had no need thereof. His brother moved many men, seeing him compelled to such infelicity, that he thought then to-do him best service when he hastend his end. But whoso considered their preferments in time past, the places of honor that they occupied, the favor they were in with their princes, and the learning they had, could not choose but be sorrowful; to see so great dignity, honor, and estimation; so many godly virtues,-the study of so many years,-such excellent learning,-to be put into the fire and consumed, as in one moment. What reward remains for them in heaven, the day of t1he Lord's glory shall declare.