THE MARTYRDOM OF MR. HUGH LATIMER.

 

 

 

 MR. HUGH LATIMER was the son of one Hugh Latimer, of Thirkesson, in the county of Leicester, a husbandman of good estimation, with whom he was brought up until he was about four years old. At which time, his parents (having this only son, with six daughters,) seeing his ready and sharp wit, proposed to train him up in literature; wherein he so profited in his youth, at the common schools of his own country, that at the age of fourteen years he was sent to the University of Cainbridge; where, after some continuance of exercises in other things, he gave himself to the study of divinity. He was then zealous in the popish religion, and a servile observer of the Romish decrees. And in this blind zeal he was a great enemy to the professors of CHRIST's gospel; as both his oration against Philip Melancthon, and his other works, did plainly declare. But especially his zeal could in no wise abide Mr. Stafford, reader of the divinity lectures in Cambridge; most spitefully railing against him, and willing the youth of Cambridge in no wise to believe him.

 

 Mr. Thomas Bilney being at that time a finder out of SATAN's subtilties, and a secret overthrower of antiCHRIST's kingdom, seeing Latimer to have zeal, (although without knowledge,) was stricken with a brotherly pity towards him, and bethought by what means he might win his zealous, ignorant brother to the true knowledge of CHRIST. Wherefore, after a short time, he came to Latimer's study, and desired him to hear him make his confession. Which thing he willingly granted; by hearing whereof, he was (through the good Spirit of GOD,) so touched, that hereupon he ceased studying the school-doctors, and became an earnest student of true divinity. So the persecutor of CHRIST was now a zealous seeker after him, changing his cavilling and railing into diligent conference with Bilney and others; and be came also to Mr. Stafford, before he died, and desired him to forgive hint. After this, he was not satisfied with his own conversion, but, like a true disciple of the blessed Samaritan, pitied the misery of others; anti became a public preacher and a private instructor of his brethren within the university for

 

three years; spending his time partly in the Latin tongue, among the learned; and partly amongst the simple people. Howbeit, as SATAN never sleepeth when he sees his kingdom decline, so now, seeing this worthy member of CHRIST would be a shrewd shaker thereof, he raised up his servants to trouble him.

 

 First, came out the prior of the Black-friars, called Buckenham, who’Znightily endeavored to confute his doctrine. Mr. Latimer, hearing this, came shortly after to the church, to answer the friar; whither resorted to him a great multitude, as well of the university as of the town, both doctors and,. other graduates, with great expectation, to hear what he could say; among whom also, directly in the face of Latimer, underneath the pulpit, sat Dr. Buckenham, whom Latimer so answered, that he durst never after peep out of the pulpit against him. But after this, whole swarms of friars and doctors flocked against him on every side, almost through the whole university, preaching and barking against him. Mr. Latimer, though he was thus baited by the friars, doctors, and masters of Cambridge, about the year 1529, continued yet in that university, preaching about the space of three years with favor and applause of the godly; also with such admiration of his enemies that heard him, that the bishop himself coming in, and hearing his gift, wished himself to have the like, and was compelled to commend him.

 

 Latimer continued yet in Cambridge a certain space, where he and Bilney used much to confer together; insomuch that the place where they used to walk in the fields was long after called, The Heretics' Hill. And these two were good examples to all such as would follow their doings, both in visiting the prisoners, in relieving the needy, and in feeding the hungry.

 

 Latimer mentions a certain affair which occurred about this time, between them two and a certain woman then prisoner in the castle of Cambridge. It so happened that Latimer and Bilney went to visit the prisoners in the tower of Cambridge; where, among other prisoners, there was a woman who was accused that she had killed her own child; which act she steadfastly denied. Whereby it gave them occasion to search into the matter, and at length they found it was thus, -A child of hers had been sick a whole year, and at length died in harvest, in a consumption. When it was gone, she went to have her neighbors to help her to the burial, but all were at harvest abroad, whereby she was forced, with heaviness of heart, alone to prepare the child for the burial. Her husband coming home, and not loving her, accused her of murdering the child. This was the cause of her trouble; and Latimer, by strict inquiry, thought the woman not guilty. Immediately after he was called to preach before king Henry VIII at Windsor, where, after his sermon, the king sent for him, and talked with him familiarly. At which time Latimer, finding opportunity, kneeled down, opened this whole affair to the king, and begged her pardon, which his majesty most graciously granted, and gave it him at his return homeward.

 

 After Latimer had labored in preaching and teaching in the university about three years, he was called to answer to the cardinal for heresy, where he was content to subscribe, and grant such articles as then they propounded to him. After that he returned to the university again. But shortly after, by means of Dr. Butts, the king's physician, a singularly good man, he went to court, where he remained some time, living with Dr. Butts, and preaching very often. At last, being weary of the court, having a benefice offered him by the king, at the suit of the lord Cromwell and Dr. Butts, he chose to depart, and reside at the same. This benefice was in Wiltshire, in the diocese of Sarum, and was called West-Kingston, where this good preacher exercised himself with much diligence to instruct his flock; and his diligence extended not only to them, but also to all the country about. In fine, his diligence was so great, his preaching so mighty, the manner of his teaching so zealous, that he could not escape there also without enemies. So true it is, " Who soever will live godly in CHRIST, shall suffer persecution." His chief molesters, besides the country priests, were Dr. Powel, of Salisbury, Dr. Wilson, some time of Cambridge, Mr. Hubberdine, and Dr. Sherwood. Of whom, some preached against him, some also wrote against him; insomuch that by their procurement he was cited to appear before W. Warham, archbishop of Canterbury, and John Stokesley, bishop of LONDON, January 29, 1531, Although Latimer appealed to his own ordinary against this citation, yet he was, had up to LONDON before the archbishop of Canterbury and the bishop of LONDON, where he was greatly molested, and detained a long space from his cure. He was called thrice every week before the bishops, to make answer "for his preaching, and had certain articles drawn out and laid to him, whereunto they required him to subscribe. But he durst not consent; though whether he was compelled afterwards to agree, through the cruel handling of the bishops, there is doubt.

 

 In these so dangerous straits, it, had been impossible to have escaped, had not the hand of the Highest preserved him through the power of his prince; who with much favor embraced him, and with his mere power delivered him out of the crooked claws of his enemies. Moreover, at length, through the procurement partly of Dr. Butts, partly of good Cromwell, he advanced him to the dignity of bishop of Worcester; who continued a few years instructing his diocese, according to the duty of a diligent and vigilant pastor, with wholesome doctrine, and an example of perfect conversation. It were long to stand particularly upon such things as might here be brought to the commendation of his pains; as study, readiness and a continual carefulness in teaching, preaching, exhorting, visiting, correcting, and reforming, either as his ability could serve, or the time would bear. But the days then were so dangerous and variable, that he could no(in all things do what he would. Yet what he could do, that he performed to the uttermost of his strength; so that, although he could not utterly extinguish the old superstitions, yet he so wrought that they should be used with as little hurt, and wink as much profit as might be.

 

 But, (as before,) both in the university and at his benefice, he was tossed and troubled by wicked persons; so in his bishopric also he was not clear of some that, sought his hurt, Among many other evil willers, one especially there was, and that no mean person, who accused him to the king. His own words be these: " In the king's days, (who is dead,) a great many of us were called before him, to declare our minds in certain matters. In the end,. one kneeled down and accused me of sedition; and that I preached seditious doctrine. The king turned to me and said, ` What say you to that, Sir' Then I kneeled down, and turned me first to my accuser, and required him, ` Sir, what form of preaching would you appoint me, in preaching before a king Would you have me preach nothing as concerning a king, in the king's sermon Have you any commission to appoint me what I shall preach' Besides this, I asked divers other questions, and he would make no answer to any. Then I turned to the king, and said, I I never thought myself worthy, nor did I ever, sue to be preacher before your grace, but I was called to it; and would be willing, if you mislike me, to give place to my betters; for I grant there be a great many more worthy of the room than I am. And if it be your grace's pleasure so to allow them for preachers, I could be content to bear their books after them. R it if your grace allow me for a preacher, I would desire your grace to give me leave to discharge my conscience; give me leave to frame my doctrine according to my audience. I had been a very dolt, to have preached so at the borders of your realm, as I preach before your grace.' And I thank Almighty GOD, who has always been my support, that my sayings were well accepted of the king; for, like a gracious lord, he turned to another communication. Certain of my friends came to me with tears in their eyes, and told me, they looked I should hai e been in the Tower the same night."

 

 He continued in this laborious function of a bishop some years, till the coming out of the six articles. Then being distressed, so that either he must lose the quiet of a good conscience, or else forsake his bishopric, he did of his own free accord resign his pastorship. At the time he first put off his rochet in his chamber, among his friends, he gave a sudden skip in the floor for joy, feeling his shoulder so light, and being discharged, as he said, of such an heavy burden. Howbeit, neither was he so lightened but that troubles and labors followed him wheresoever he went. For a little after he had renounced his bishopric, first he teas almost killed, being sore bruised with the fall of a tree: then, coming up to LONDON, he was molested and troubled by the bishops, whereby he was again in no little danger, and at length was cast into the Tower, where he remained prisoner till the time king Edward came to the crown; by means whereof his mouth, that had been long shut, was now opened again. And so he, beginning afresh, continued all the time of the said king, laboring in the Lord's harvest most fruitfully; employing his talent, as well in divers other places of this realm, as in Stamford, and before the dutchess of Suffolk; as also at LONDON, in the Convocation-house, and before

 

the king at the court. In the same place of the inward garden, which was before applied to courtly pastimes, he dispensed the fruitful word of the glorious gospel of JESUS CHRIST, preaching there to the king and his whole court, to the edification of many.

 

 In this his office, he occupied himself all king Edward's days, preaching twice every Sunday, though he was above sixty-seven years of age. As to private studies, notwithstanding both his years, and pains in preaching, every morning orderly, winter and summer, about two o'clock he was at his books most diligently. How careful his heart was of the preservation of the church, and the good success of the gospel, his letters can testify, wherewith he admonished such as were then in authority of their duty, and assisted them with his godly counsel.

 

 As the diligence of this man of GOD never ceased all the time of king Edward, to profit the church, both publicly and privately, so among other doings remarkable in him, this is not to be overlooked, that GOD not only gave him his Spirit plenteously and comfortably to preach his word unto his church, but also by the same Spirit he so evidently foreshewed all those kinds of plagues before, which afterward ensued, that if England ever had a prophet, he might seem to be one. And as touching himself, he ever affirmed that the preaching of the gospel would cost him his life; to the which he no less cheerfully prepared himself, than certainly was persuaded that Winchester was kept in the Tower for the same purpose. After queen Mary was proclaimed, a pursuivant was sent down, by the means no doubt of Winchester, into the country, to call him up; of whose coming, although Latimer lacked no forewarning, being premonished about six hours before, by one John Careless, yet so far was he from any thought to escape, that he prepared himself towards his journey before the pursuivant came to his house. At which, when the pursuivant marvelled, seeing him so prepared towards his journey, he said unto him, "My friend, you are a welcome messenger: and be it known unto’you, and to all the world, that I go as willingly to LONDON at this present, (being called by my prince to render a reckoning of my doctrine,) as ever I went to any place in the world. I doubt not that as GOD has made me worthy to preach his word before two excellent princes, so he will enable me to witness the same unto the third, either to her comfort or discomfort, eternally." The pursuivant, when he had delivered his letters, departed, affirming that he had commandment not to tarry for him. By whose departure it was manifest that they would not have him appear, but rather to have fled out of the realm. They knew that his constancy would condemn them in their popery, and confirm the godly in the truth.

 

 Latimer coming to LONDON, as he passed through Smithfield, he merrily said, That Smithfield had long groaned for him. Being brought before the council, he patiently bore all the mocks and taunts given of the scornful papists, and was cast into the Tower; where, being assisted with the grace of CHRIST, he most patiently sustained imprisonment a long time, notwithstanding the cruel handling of the lordly papists. Indeed, he skewed himself not only patient, but also cheerful, in all that they could work against him; yea, such a valiant spirit the Lord gave him, that he was not only able to despise the terribleness of prisons and torments, but also to deride and laugh to scorn the doings of his enemies. For when the lieutenant's man upon a time came to him, the aged father, kept without fire in the frosty winter, and well nigh starved for cold, bade the man tell his master,’ That if he did not look better to him, perchance he should deceive him.' The lieutenant hearing this, and fearing he intended to escape, began to look more straitly to his prisoner, and coming to him, charged him with his words: "Yes; Mr. Lieutenant, so I said," quoth he, "for I think you look I should burn; but except you let me have some fire, I am likely to deceive your expectation, for I shall starve for cold."

 

After Latimer had been a long time in the Tower, he was carried from thence, with Dr. Cranmer and Dr. Ridley, to Oxford, by Sir John Williams, there to dispute with the learned men of that place and of Cambridge, upon certain articles sent down from bishop Gardiner.

 

 Friday, April 13, he was separated from his fellow prisoners, and the next day they were all brought before the commissioners. _The archbishop and Dr. Ridley first; and last of all came in Mr. Latimer, with a handkerchief and two or three caps on his head, his spectacles hanging by a string at his breast, and a staff in his hand, and was set in a chair. He also denied the articles. Then he had the next Wednesday appointed for disputation; but he alleged age, sickness, disuse, and lack of books, saying, That he was almost as meet to dispute, as to be a captain of Calais; but he would, he said, declare his mind, either by writing or word, and would stand to all they could lay upon his back; complaining, moreover, That he was permitted to have neither pen nor ink, nor yet any book but only the New Testament there in his hand, which he said he had read over seven times deliberately, and yet could not find the mass in it, neither its marrowbones, nor sinews. At which words the commissioners were not a little offended; and Dr. Weston said, That he would make him grant that it had both marrow-bones and sinews in the New Testament. To whom Latimer said again, "That you will never do, Mr. Doctor;" and so they forthwith put him to silence.

 

 On Wednesday, the 18th day of April, Latimer was brought forth to dispute. The disputation began at eight o'clock. It was in English; for Latimer alleged, that he was out of use with the Latin. There replied to Latimer, Mr. Smith, of Oriel college, Dr. Cartwright, and divers others, who gave him bitter taunts. He escaped no hissings and scornful laughings, no more than the archbishop and Dr. Ridley, who had disputed before hint. He was very faint, and desired that he might not tarry long. The disputation ended before eleven o'clock; though he was not suffered to read what he had, as he said, painfully written.

 

Dr. Weston began thus: " Men and brethren, we are come together this day, by the help of GOD, to vanquish the strength c the arguments of adversaries, against the real presence of the Lord's body in the sacrament. And therefore, you, father, if you have any thing to answer, I admonish that you answer in short and few words." Then Latimer replied, " I pray you, Mr. Prolocutor, do not exact that of me, which is not in me. I have not these twenty years much used the Latin tongue." Then said Dr. Weston, " Take your ease, father." " I thank you, Sir," said Latimer; adding, " Let me here protest my faith, for I am not able to dispute; and afterwards do your pleasure with me." He then read part of his protestation. After which he added, " I have heard much talk of Dr. Weston in my time; but I never knew your person, till I came before you, as the queen's commisioner. I pray GOD send you so right judgment, as I perceive you Lave a great wit, great learning, with many other qualities. GOD give you grace ever to use them well, and ever to have in remembrance, that He that dwells on high, looketh on the low things on the earth; and that there is no counsel against the Lord; and also that this world has been, and yet is a tottering world.

 

 And yet again, that though we must obey the princes, yet that has this limitation, namely, in the Lord. For whoso obey them against the Lord, they be most pernicious to them, and the greatest adversaries that they have. For they procure GOD’s vengeance upon them, if GOD be only the ruler of things. There be some great, learned men, and yet men of no learning, but of railing, and raging about questions and strife of words. I call them men of no learning, because they know not CHRIST, how much else soever they know. For it is nothing but plain ignorance, to know any thing without CHRIST: whereas whoso knows CHRIST, the same has knowledge enough, although in other knowledge he be to seek. The apostle St. Paul confesseth of himself to the Corinthians, that he did know nothing but JESUS CHRIST crucified. Many men babble many things of CHRIST, which yet know not CHRIST; but pretending CHRIST, do craftily color and darken his glory. I Depart from such men,' said St. Paul to Timothy. There be some that speak many false things more probable, and more like the truth, than the truth itself. Therefore Paul gives a watch-word; `Let no man deceive you with probability, and persuasions of words."' " What mean you (said one) by this talk so far from the matter" " Well," said Latimer, LO I hope, good masters, you will suffer an old man to play the child, and to speak one thing twice. O Lord God! you have changed the most holy communion into a private action; and you deny to the laity the Lord's cup, contrary to CHRIST's commandment: and you blemish the annunciation of the Lord's death till he come; for you have changed the common prayer, called the divine service, with the administration of the sacraments, from the vulgar and known language, into a strange tongue, contrary to the will of the Lord, revealed in his Word. GOD open the door of your heart, to see the things you should see herein. I would as fain obey my sovereign as any in this realm; but in these things 1 can never do it with an upright conscience. God be merciful unto us. Amen."

 

 Weston said, "Refuse you to dispute Will you then subscribe" Latimer answered, " No. Good master, I pray be good to an old man. You may, if it please GOD, be once old as I am: you may come to this age, and to this debility. Disputation requires a good memory; but my memory is clean gone, and marvelously weakened, and never the better I wist for the prison, where I have been these three quarters of a year." " Do you believe what you have written" says Weston. " Yea, sir, replied Latimer. " Then," said Weston, ~' you have no faith." "Then should I be sorry, sir," said Latimer.

 

 After much disputing, Weston said, "Well, Mr. Latimer, this is our intent, to will you well, and to exhort you to come to yourself, and remember, that without Noah's ark there is no salvation. Remember who were the beginners of your doctrine A few apostates that fled from German,, for fear of the faggot. And who set it forth in the realm A pack of fling brains and light heads, never constant in one thing: they say they will be like the apostles: they care for no churches: a hovel is good enough for them. Your stubbornness comes of a vain glory, which is to no purpose: for it will do you no good when a faggot is in your beard. The queen is merciful if ye will turn." " Then," says Latimer, " you shall have no hope in me to turn. I pray for the queen daily, from the bottom of my heart, that she may turn

 

from this religion."

 

 When the disputations were ended, the prisoners were all committed to prison again, and there continued from April to October; where they were most godly employed, as they had opportunity, either in brotherly conference, fervent prayer, or useful writing. Bishop Latimer especially had much conference with bishop Ridley. I shall here subjoin part of an epistolary conference between them. Among many other things, Ridley wrote to Latimer thus " In Tindale, where I was born, I have known my countrymen watch night and day in their harness, with their spears in their hands, when they had privy warning of the coining of the Scots. And so doing, although at every such skirmish some of them spent their lives, yet by such means they defended their country; and all the country loved their offspring the better for their fathers' sake. And in the quarrel of CHRIST our Savior, in the defense of his own Divine ordinances, by which he gives unto us life and immortality; yea, in the quarrel of faith and the Christian religion, wherein resteth our everlasting salvation, shall not we watch shall not we go always armed ever looking, lest our adversary, who like a roaring lion seeks whom he may devour, come upon us Yea, and woe be unto us, if he can oppress us unawares; which undoubtedly he will do, if he find us sleeping. Let us awake therefore. Let us not suffer our house to be broken up. Let us resist the devil manfully, and taking the cross upon our shoulders, let us follow our captain CHRIST, who by his own blood has dedicated and hallowed the way which leadeth unto the Father, that is, to the light which no man can comprehend; the fountain of the everlasting joys. Let us follow, I say, whither He calls us, that after these afflictions, which last but for a moment, whereby He trieth our faith, as gold by the fire, we may everlastingly reign and triumph with him in the-glory of the Father.

 

 " Good father, forasmuch as I have poured forth these my cogitations into your bosom, methinks I see you lifting up your head towards heaven, after your manner, and then looking upon me with your prophetical countenance, and speaking unto me with these or like words:’ Trust not, my son,' (I beseech you to vouchsafe me the honor of this name,)’ to these word-weapons; for the kingdom of GOD is not in word, but in power. And remember always the words of the Lord. Do not imagine aforehand, what and how you will speak; for it shall be given you even in that same hour what you shall speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which is in you.' I pray you, therefore, father, pray for me, that I may cast my whole care upon GOD, and trust upon him in all perils. For I know, and am surely persuaded, that whatsoever I can imagine or think beforehand, it is nothing, except he assist me with his Spirit when the time is. I beseech you therefore, father, pray for me, that such a complete harness of the Spirit, such boldness of mind, may be given unto me, that I may out of a true faith say with David, "I will not trust in my bow, and it is not my sword that shall save me. But the Lord's delight is in them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy.' I beseech you, pray, pray, that I may enter this fight only in the name of GOD, and that when all is past, I, being not overcome, through his gracious aid, may remain and stand fast in him, till that day of the Lord, in the which, to them that obtain the victory, shall be given the living manna to eat, and a triumphant crown for evermore. Now, father, I pray you, help me to buckle on this armor a little better. For you know the deepness of SATAN, being an old soldier, and have collared with him ere now; blessed be GOD, that has ever aided you so well."

 

 

 

To which bishop Latimer answered

 

" SIR,

 

" You shall not lack my prayer, trusting that you do the like for me; for indeed there is the help. Many things make confusion in memory. And if I were learned as well as St. Paul, I would not bestow much amongst them. There is no remedy but patience, now they have the master-bowl in their hands. And better it is to suffer

 

what they will put upon us, than to incur GOD’s high indignation. Wherefore, good my. lord, be of good cheer in the Lord, with due consideration what he requireth of you, and what he does promise you. Our common enemy shall do no more than GOD will permit him. GOD is faithful, to who will not suffer us to be tormented above our strength. Be at a point what you will stand to; stick to that, and let them -both say and do what they list. They can but kill the body, which is of itself mortal. Neither yet shall they do that when they list, but when GOD will suffer them. To use many words with them will be' but in vain, now they have a bloody law prepared for. them. But it is very requisite that you give an account of your faith, if they will quietly hear you; else, you know, in a wicked place of judgment, a man may keep silence, after the example of CHRIST. Let them not deceive you with their sophisms and fallacies. You know that false things may have the appearance of truth. Neither is it requisite that with the contentious you should follow strife of words, which tend not to edification, but to the subversion of the hearers. Fear of death does persuade a great number. Be well aware of that argument; that persuaded Shaxton, after he had once made a good profession openly before the judgmentseat. The flesh is weak, but the willingness of the spirit shall refresh the weakness of the flesh.

 

 " The number of the criers tinder the altar must needs be fulfilled. If we are called thereunto, happy are we. That is the greatest promotion that GOD gives in this world, to be such, to whom it is given not only to believe, but also to suffer. But who is able to do these things Surely all our ability, all our sufficiency is of God. He requires and promises. Let us declare our obedience to his will, when it shall be requisite in the time of trouble, yea, in the midst of the fire. Pray for me, pray for me, I say; pray for me, I say. For I am some times so fearful that I would creep into a mouse-hole; sometimes God does visit me again with his comfort. So he comes and goes, to teach me to feel and know mine infirmity, to the intent I should give thanks to him, that is worthy, lest I should rob him of his due, as many do, and almost all the world. Fare ye well."

 

 Although Mr. Latimer, by reason of the feebleness of his age, wrote least of them all in this latter time of his imprisonment; yet in prayer he was fervently occupied, wherein he oftentimes continued kneeling so long, that he was not able to rise without help: and amongst other things, these were the three principal matters he prayed for,

 

 1. That as GOD had appointed him to be a preacher of his Word, so also he would give him grace to stand to his doctrine until his death.

 

 2. That GOD of his mercy would restore his gospel to England once again; and these words, once again, once again, he did so inculcate, as though he had

 

seen GOD before him, and spoken to him face to face.

 

 3. For the preservation of the princess, afterwards queer. Elizabeth, whom in his prayers he was wont to name, and even with tears desired God

 

to make her a comfort to this comfortless realm of England. Neither were these things desired by him in vain.

 

 Sept. 3O, 1556. After Dr. Ridley had been examined, bishop Latimer was sent for to be examined also before the commissioners. Accordingly he came, habited as usual; having a kerchief on his head, and upon that a nightcap or two, and a great cap with two broad flaps to button under his chin. He wore on his back an old thread-bare frize gown, girded about with a penny leathern girdle; at which hung his testament by a leathern string, and his spectacles, without a case, hung upon his breast by a string that went about his neck. He tarried sometime in the divinity-school, before he was called for.

 

 Afterwards being placed before the commissioners, he said, " My lords, if I must appear again, I pray you not to send for me until you are ready; for I am an old man, and it is great hurt unto mine old age to tarry so long, gazing upon the cold wall." Then the bishop of Lincoln said, " Mr. Latimer, I am sorry you were brought so soon, although it is the bailiff's fault; but yet it shall be amended." Then Latimer bowed his knee to the ground, holding his hat in his hand.

 

The bishop of Lincoln then with many words, exhorted him to recant. And when he had done speaking, Latimer lifted up his head, (for before he leaned on his elbow,) and asked, whether his LORDSHIP had spoken The bishop answered, " Yes." "'!`hen will your LORDSHIP give me leave to speak a word or two" says Latimer. " Yes, Mr. Latimer, so that you use a modest kind of talk, without railings or taunts," says the bishop. “I beseech your LORDSHIP, then," said Latimer, "license me to sit down." " At your pleasure, Mr. Latimer," replied the other, " take as much ease as you will."

 

 After some discourse, the bishop of Gloucester took occasion to upbraid Latimer for want of learning. Latimer interrupting him, said, " You look for learning at my hands, who have gone so long to the school of oblivion, making the bare walls my library, keeping me so long in prison without book, or pen and ink; and now let me loose to come and answer to articles. You deal with me as though two were appointed to fight for life and death, and over night the one is cherished, and has good counsel given him, how to encounter with his enemy. The other, for envy or lack of friends, all the whole night is set in the stocks. In the morning, when they shall meet, the one is in strength and lusty; the other is stark in his limbs, and almost dead for feebleness. Think you, that to run this man through with a spear, is not a goodly victory"

 

 Then the bishop of Lincoln rehearsed the articles, as before to Ridley, and required Latimer's answer to the first. Then Latimer making his protestation, that notwithstanding these his answers, it should not be taken, that thereby he would acknowledge any authority of the bishop of Rome, he answered as follows: " I do not deny that in the sacrament by spirit and grace, is the very body a'r d blood of CHRIST; because that every man, by receiving bodily that bread and wine, spiritually receiveth the body and blood of CHRIST, and is made partaker thereby of the merits of CHRIST's passion: but I deny that the body and blood of CHRIST is in such sort in the sacrament, as you would have it." Then said the bishop of Lincoln, "What say you to the second article" Latimer replied, " There is, my lord, a change in the bread and wine, and such a change as no power but the omnipotence of GOD can make, inasmuch as that which before was bread, should now have the dignity to exhibit CHRIST's body, and yet the bread is still bread, and the wine still wine; for the change is not in the nature, but in the dignity; because now that which was common bread has the dignity to exhibit CHRIST's body; for whereas it was common bread, it is now no more common bread, neither ought it so to be taken, but as holy bread sanctified by rod's Word."

 

 The bishop then asked him, " What say you to the third question" " My lord, CHRIST made one perfect sacrifice for all the whole world, neither can any man offer him again; neither can the priest offer up CHRIST again for the sins of man, which he took away by offering himself once for all, as St. Paul says, upon the cross; neither is there any propitiation for our sins, saving his cross only."

 

 After several questions, to which Latimer did not give such answers as the bishop liked, the. bishop told him, he must appear again to-morrow at eight in St. Mary's church. And forthwith he charged the mayor with Latimer, and dismissed him, and then brake up their session for that day.

 

 On the first day of October, after sentence had been passed by the bishop of Lincoln upon Ridley, and he was committed as a prisoner to the mayor, immediately Latimer was sent for, but in the mean time the carpet which lay upon the table whereon Ridley stood, was removed, because Latimer had never the degree of a doctor, as Ridley had. When Latimer appeared, apparelled as the day before, perceiving no does upon the table, he laid his hat, which was an old felt, under his elbows, and spoke to the commissioners, saying, " My lords, I beseech your LORDSHIPs to set a better order here at your entrance; for I am an old man, and have a very bad back, so that the press of the multitude hurts me much." The bishop told him he was sorry for his hurt, and then began to examine him.

 

After his answers were penned by the notaries, and the bishop of Lincoln had exhorted him to recant, as he had done Ridley, and Latimer had answered, that he neither could nor would deny his master CHRIST, and his truth, the bishop desired him to hearken to him. Then Latimer, hearkening for some new matter, the bishop read his condemnation of burning. After which Latimer said, 11 I thank GOD most heartily, that he has prolonged my life, to the end that I may glorify GOD by this kind of death." Dr. Weston answered him,. "If you go to heaven in this faith, I will never come thither." Then they broke up their sessions, and the bishop committed Latimer to the mayor, who had him again to prison, where he lay till the day of execution.

 

 October 16, 1555, he was brought forth to be burnt with Dr. Ridley. He had on a poor thread-bare frize frock, with his buttoned cap, and a kerchief on his head, all ready for the fire, and a new long shroud hanging over his hose down to his feet: which at first sight moved men's hearts; beholding on one hand, the honor they lately had, and on the other the calamity whereunto they were fallen.

 

 Dr. Ridley, having been led on a little before, looking back, espied Mr. Latimer coming after; to whom he said, " Oh! oh! are you there" " Yes," answered Latimer, very cheerfully, " have after, as fast I can follow." So he followed at a distance, till he came to the stake, where the doctor embraced and encouraged him. Then they kneeled down and prayed. Dr. Smith preached a sermon, which being ended, Mr. Latimer said, he could answer him well enough if they would suffer him; and then subjoined his usual saying, " Well, there is nothing hid, but it shall be opened."

 

 Being commanded to prepare themselves, Mr. Latimer very quietly suffered his keeper to pull off his hose, and his other array, which to look unto was very simple; and being stripped into his shroud, he seemed as comely a person to them that were present, as one should see; and whereas in his clothes he appeared a withered and crooked silly old man, he now stood bolt upright, as comely a father as one might lightly behold.

 

 When he and Dr. Ridley were chained to the stake, and the faggots were set round them, they brought a lighted faggot, and placed it at Dr. Ridley's feet. Then said Mr. Latimer, be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day, by GOD’s grace, light such a candle in England, as, I trust, shall never be put out." While Dr. Ridley was praying on one side of the stake, Mr. Latimer cried as vehemently on the other, " O Father of heaven, receive my soul." He received the flame as it were embracing it; and after he had stroked his face with his hands, and, as it were, hased them a little in the fire, he soon died, as it seemed, with very little or no pain. And thus much concerning this old and faithful servant of GOD, for whose fruitful life, and constant death, the whole realm has cause to give great thanks to Almighty God.