The first examination of Anne Askewe, lately martyred in Ginythfelde, by the Romish pope's upholders, with the elucidation of johan Bale.  Psalm 116. The verity of the lord endureth for ever. 
Anne Astewe stood 〈…〉 God to the 〈◊〉  
  

johan Bale to the Christian readers.  
Among other most singular offices (diligent reader) which the lord hath appointed to be done in the earnest spirit of Belyas, by the forerunners of his lastre appearance, this is one very special to be noted. They shall turn the hearts of their anncyent elders into the children. Mala. 4. And the unbe jevers of their time, to the wisdom of those ryghrouse fathers, as did johan baptist afore his first coming, Luce 1. That is (saith Bedas ca 68 de temporum 
Bede● prophecy.  ratione) the faith and fervent zeal of the prophets and Vpostles shall they plant in their hearts, which shall in though se days line and be among men conversant. & than will break fourth (saith he as a very true prophet) such horrible persecution, as will first of all take from the world, those mighty heliases by triumphant martyrdom, to the terryfyenge of other in the same faith. of whom some shall become through that occasion, most glorious martyrs unto 
〈◊〉. sorts.  Christ also, & some very wicked Aposta taes for saking his lively doctrine. For by the said Bedas testimony in the beginning of the same chapter, two most certain signs shall we than have that the latter judgement day is at hand. The return of Israel's remnant unto their lord God, and the horrible persecution of Antichrist. 
2. signs.   
Confer with this treated scripture and former prophecy of that virtuous man Bedas, the worlds alteration now, with the terrible turmoylyng●s of our time. And as in a most clear mirror, ye shall weal perceive them at this present, to be in most quick working. And as concerning the israelites or 
israelites.  jews, I have both scene and known of them in germany, most faithful Christian believers. Neither is it in the prophecy (Osee 3.) that they should at that day be all converted, no more than they were at johan baptists preaching, Luce 1. For as Isaiah reporteth, though the posterity of jacob be as the see sand (innumerable) yet shall but a remnant of them convert than unto their lord God. isaiah 10. And though the lord hath sifted that house of Israel (as braised corn in a syffe) among all other nations, Amos 9 Yet shall not that remnant of theirs perish, but at that day be saved, through the only election of 
preachers  grace, Romano. 11. Now concerning the afore said foreronners, in this most wonderful change of the world before the latter end thereof. I think within this realm of England, besides other 
Tyndale. Barnes.  nations abroad, the spirit of Belyas was not all a sleep in good William Tyndale, Robert Barnes, & such other more, whom Antichristes' violence hath sent hens in fire to heaven, as Belyas went afore in the frerye charet, 4. Regum 2.  
These turned the hearts of the fathers into the children, such time as they took from a great number of our nation, by their godly preachings and writings, the corrupted believe of the pope & his mastery workers (which were no fathers, but cruel robbers & destroyers, joan. 10.) reducing them again to the true faith of Abraham and Peter, Gene. 15. and Math. 16. The pure believe in Christ's birth and passion, wh●ch Adam and Noah sucked out of the 
The fathers.  first promise of God, jacob and Moses out of the second, David and the prophets out of the third, and so fourth the Apostles and fathers out of the other scriptures, so firmly planted they in the consciences of many, that no cruel kind of death could avert them from it. As we have for example their constant disciples, and now strong witnesses of jesus Christ, johan Lassels and Anne Askewe, with their other. ij. come 
Martyr's  panyons, very glorious martyrs afore God, what though they be not so afore the wrong judging eyes of the world whom the bloody remnant of Antichrist put unto most cruel death in smithfield at London, in the year of our lord, M. D. XLVI. in july.  
If they be only (as was johan baptist) great afore the lord by the holy scriptures allowance, which are strongly adorned with the graces of his spirit, as faith, force, understanding, wisdom, patience, love, long sufferance and such like. I dare boldly affirm these 4. mighty witnesses also to be the same, so well as the martyrs of the primitive or Apostles church. For so 
Christian martyrs.  strongly had these those virtues as they, and so boldly objected their bodies to the death for the undefiled Christian believe, against the malygnannt synagogue of Satan, as ever did they, for no tyranny admitting any create or corruptible substance for their eternal living god. If their blind babies 
Bread.  to prove them unlike, do object against me, the miracles showed at their deaths more than at these, as that unfaithful generation is ever desirous of wonders, Math. 12. I would but know of them, what miracles were showed when johan baptists head was cut of in the preson? Marci 6. and when james 
miracles  the Apostle was byheaded at Jerusalem? Aero. 12. These 2. were excellent afore God, what though they were but miserable wretches, light fellows, seditious heretics, busy knaves, and lousy beggars in the sight of noble king Herode and his honourable counsel of 
rochettes  prelate's. For had not rochets and side gowns been at hand, haply they had not so lightly died.  
If they allege Steven, to maintain their purpose, that he at his death beheld beaven open. I ask of them again 
Steven.  what they were which see it more than his own person? Sure I am that their wicked predecessors there present, see it not. For they stopped their cares, when he told them thereof, Actorum 7. If they yet bring fourth the other histories 
Legends.  of Apostles and martyrs. I answer them, that all they are of no such authority. as these here afore. The pope's martyrs in deed, were moche fuller of miracles than ever were Christ's, as his self told us they should be so, Mathei 24. Yet wrought friar Forest, johan Fisher, and Thomas More no miracles, 
Forest. fisher. More.  what though many be now rege stred in their lives and legends by the friars of France, italy, and Spain. Besides that johan Cochleus hath written of them, ad Paulum Pontificem, ad regem Henricum, and also in their defence against doctor Samson. With that Erasmus did also ad Hutrenun. P. 
Writers.  M. ad Gasparem Agrippam, Albertus Pighius, Rivius, Fichardus, & a great sort more. And as for the holy maid of ●ent with Doctor Bockynge, though they wrought great wonders by their life, yet aperednon at their deaths. Of his own chosen martyrs, Christ looketh for 
Christian martyrs.  non other miracle, but that only they persever faithful to the end, Math. 10. And never deny his verity afore men. Luce 12. For that worthy victory of the synncfull world, standeth in the invyncyblenesse of faith, and not in my racles and wonders, as those wavering wits suppose, 1. joan. 5.  
Right wonderfully will this apere in the ij. mighty conflicts here after 
Anne Askewe.  following, which the faithful servant of jesus Anew Askewe, a gentlewoman very young, dainty, and tender, had with that outraging synagogue, in her ij. examinations. about the xxv. year of her age, whom she sent abroad by her own hand writing. The handlings of her other iij. companions, shall be showed in other several treatises at leisure. For the glory and great power of the 
God's power.  lord, so manifestly appearing in his elect vessels, may not now perish at all hands, & be unthankfully neglected but be spread the world over, as we'll in Latin as English, to the perpetual in famye of so will fully cruel and spite full tyrants. Nothing at all shall it terryfye us, nor yet in any point let us of our purpose, that our books are now in England condemned and brent, by the bishops and priests with their 
Books condemned.  frantic affinity, the great Antichristes' upholders, which seek by all practises possible to turn over the kings most noble and godly enterprise. But it will from hens forth occasion us, to set fourth in the Latin also, that afore we wrote only in the English, and so make 
Latin.  their spiritual wickedness and treason known moche farther of. What availed it joakim to burn Bieremyes proyhecye by the ungracious counsel of his prelate's? Heir. 36. Either yet An tiochus to set fire on the other scriptures? 1. Macha. 1.  
After the Apostles were brought afore 
God will be known.  the counsel and strayghilye commanded to cease from preaching, they preached moche more than afore. Acto. 4. In most terrible persecutions of the primitive church, were the examinations & answers, torments and deaths of the constant martyrs written, and sent a broad all the whole world over, as testifieth Eusebius Cesariensis in his ecclesyastyck history. Their copies abound yet every where. Great slaughter & burning hath been here in England for johan Wycleve'S books, ever 
johan wycleue● books.  since the year of our lord. M. CCC. LXXXII. Yet have not one of them throughly perished. I have at this hour the titles of a C. and XLIIII. of them, which are many more in number. For some of them under one title come prehendeth two. books, some iij. some iiij. Yea, one of them containeth xii. I think not the contrary, but ere the world be at a full end, God will so glorify that twenty times condemned heretic, 
canonize  execrated, cursed, spitted, and spat led at, that all your popish writers before his time and after, will be reckoned but vile swineherds to him, for the good favour he bore to Christ's holy Gospel, A very madness is it to strive against God, when he will have the hidden iniquities known. As the godly wise man Gamaliel said, Acto. 5. If this enterprise that is now taken 
gamaliel  against you, be of God, ye shall never be able with all your tyrannous practises to dissolve it.  
Now concerning that blessed woman Anne Askewe, which lately suffered the tyranny of this world for 
Anne As kewe.  rightwiseness sake. In Lyncolne shire was she borne of a very ancient and noble stock, Sir William Askewe a worthy knight being her father, But no worthiness in the flesh, neither yet any worldly nobleness availeth to god ward, afore whom is no acceptation of person, Actorum 10. Only is it faith with his true love and fear, which 
True nobility.  maketh us the accept, noble and worthy children unto God, joan. 1. Whereof by his gift, she had wonderful abundance. such a won was she, as was Lydia the purple cellar, whose harte 
Lydia.  the lord opened by the godly of Paul at Thyatira, Acto. 16. for diligent heed gave she to his word when it was once taught without superstition, & would no longer be a false worshipper orydolatour after the wycfed school of Antichrist. But became from thensfourth a true worshipper, worship ping her lord God (which is a spirit & not bread) in spirit & in verity, according to that word of his, joan. 4. The Gospel of Christ bore she in her heart, asded the holy maid Cecilia, & never after ceased from the study thereof, nor from 
Ceciliae?  godly communication & prayer, till she was clerlye by most cruel torments, ta ken from this wretched world.  
By her do There (dear friends in the lord) as did the faithful brethren in france, at the cities of Lions and Vienna by a like faithful young woman called Blandina. Which was there put to death with. in. mighty 
Bladina  companions more among other (as this was) for her Christian believe, about the year of our lord, C. and LXX. in the primitive spring of their christianity. They wrote unto their brethren in the lands of Asia & Phrygia very far of, her mighty strong sufferings for Christ's faith, which they knee we nothing of afore. I writ here unto in England the double process of thy● noble woman, whereof ye are not ignorant, for so moche as it was there so manifestly done among you, Coupled I 
Anne Askewe.  have these ij. examples together, because I find them in so many points agree. Blandina was young and tender, So was Anne Askewe also. But that which was frail of nature in them both, Christ made most strong by his grace. Blandina had iij. earnest companions in Christ, Maturus, Sanctes, and Attalus, 
Companions.  so fervently faithful as herself. So had Anne Askewe iij. fire fellows, a gentleman called johan Lassels her instructor, a pres●e, and a tailor called johan Adlam, men in Christ's verity unto the end most constant. With Blandina were in preson, to the number of x. 
Recanters  which renayed the truth and were clearly forsaken of God for it. Howmanye fell from Christ besides Crome and Shaxton, when Anne Askewe stood fast by him, I am uncertain. But I counsel them, as saint johan counseled the Laodycyanes', in the miserable estate 
Tried Gold.  they are now in, to buy them through tried gold of Christ, lest they perish all together. Apoca. 3. If they had not still remained in that chancel, whom Christ commanded johan in no wise to measure, Apoca. 11. They had 
The chancel.  never so shamefully blasphemed, like as Bedas also toucheth in his former propheeye.  
Prompt was Blandina, and of most justye courage, in rendering her life for the liberty of her faith. No less lively 
Corage.  and quick was Anne Askewe in all her enprysonynges and torments. Great was the love, Blandina had to Christ. No less was the love of Anne Askewe. Blandina never fainted in torment. No 
Racked.  more did Anne Askewe in spirit, when she was so terribly racked of Wrysleye the chancellor and Rich, that the strings of her arms and eyes were perished Blandina derided the cruelty of the tyrants. So did Anne Askewe the madness of the bishops and their speech men. Read burning plates of iron and of brass had Blandina put to her sides, 
Burned.  So had Anne Askewe the flaming bran des of fire. Full of God and his verity was Blandina. So was Anne Askewe to the very end. Christ wonderfully triumphed in Blandina. So did he i● Anne Askewe, when she made no noise on the rack, and so cr●estlye afterward rejoiced in him. Blandina was given fourth to wild beasts to be devoured. So was Anne Askewe to cruel Bys 
Beasts.  hops & priests, whom Christ calleth ravening wolves, devourers, and thieves, Math. 7. & joan. 10. Blandina upon the scaffold boldly reprehended the pagan priests of their error. So did Anne Askewe when she was fast tied to the stake, with stomach rebuke that blasphemous apostata Shaxton with the bishops and priests genera 
Shaxton.  cyon, for their manifest maintenance of idolatry.  
Blandina at the stake showed a visage unterryfyed. So did Anne Askewe a countenance stout, mighty and earnest infatigable was the spirit of Blandina. So was the spirit of Anne Askewe. The love of jesus Christ, the gift of the holy Ghost, and hope of the crow 
Graces.  ne of martyrdom, greatly mitigated the paynim Blandina. So did those three worthy graces, the terror of all torments in Anne Askewe. The strong spirit of Christ gave stomach to Blandi na, both to laugh and dance. The same mighty spirit (& not the pope's desperate spirit) made Anne Askewe both to rejoice 
Spirit.  and sing in the preson. So bold was Blandina (saith Eusebius) that with a presumption of stomach she commoued with Christ unseane. I suppose Anne Askewes latter examination, will show her, not to do moche less. gentle was 
High stomach.  Blandina to the ●hristen believers, & terrible to their adversaries. So was Anne Askewe very lowly to true teachers, but scornful and high stomached to the enemies of truth. Many were converted by the sufferance of Blandina. A far greater number by the burning of Anne Askewe. Though Blandina we reyonge, yet was she called the mother 
Mother.  of martyrs. Many men have supposed Anne Askewe, for her Christian constancy to be no less. Blandina prayed for her persecutors. So did Anne Askewe most fervently. The ashes of Blandina 
Ashes.  and of other martyrs, were thrown into the flood of Rhodanus. What was done with the Ashes of Anne Askewe & her companions, I can not yet tell.  
All these former reports of Blandina and many more besides, hath Eusebius in Ecclesiastica historia, libro 5. cap. 1. 2. & 3. Hugo Floriacensis, Hermannus 
authors.  Contractus, Uincentius, Antoninus, Petrus Equilinus, and other hystoryanes more. And as touching Anne Askewe. these ij. examinations, with her other known handlings in England, are witnesses for her sufficient. Thus hath not the fire taken Anne Askewe 
Not all dead.  all whole from the world, but left her here unto it more pure, perfect, & precious than afore, as it will also johan Lassels within short space. So that concerning her, it may weal be said, that Paul verefyeth, 2. Cor. 12. The strength of God is here made perfectly by weakness. When she seemed most feeble, 
Weakness.  than was she most strong. And gladly she rejoiced in that weakness, that Christ's power might strongly dwell in her. Thus chooseth the lord, the foolish of this world to confound the wise, & the weak to deface the mighty. Yea, things despised & thought very vile, to bring things unto nought which the world hath in most height reputation. I think if this martyr were right lie conferred, with those canonized mar tyrs, which have had, and yet hath still, sensings and syngynges, massings & 
Martyr's  ryngyngesis the pope's English church, cause with cause and reason with reason, (as haply here after they shall) she should be a great blemish unto them. An example of strong sufferance might this holy martyr be, unto all them that the lord shall after like manner put forward 
Example  in this horrible fury of An tichrist, to the glory of his persecuted church.  
Amen.   

A table compendious of this first book.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Barns and Tyndale, pre. 3  
Beasts eat the priests God, 14  
Bedas prophecy, pre. 2. 8  
Believe in priests lechery 36  
Blandina with Anne Askewe, pre. 7. 8. 9  
Books condemned & brent. pre. 5. 22. 43  
Books not yet answered, 42  
Books of johan Wycleve, pre. 6  
Bonner a crafty wolf, 18. 29. 42  
Bonner playeth the fox 18. 19 20. 22  
Bonner a false surgeon, 24  
Boxers of their God, 26  
Bread in a box 26  
caiphass of London, 22. 23. 25. 29  
Catholic, not esteemed, 38. 39  
Chancellor of London, 10. 16. 30  
Christ's divinity, 9  
Christiudged an heretic, 25  
comparison of Blandina, pre. 7. 8. 9  
Counsels for recanting, pre. 7  
Crome and Shaxton, pre. 7  
Delays of deliverance, 40  
Doctrine of the supper, 4  
Dogs Rhetoryck, 32  
Drunkenness of priests, 14  
druids, are pagan priests, 7. 30  
eating diverse, 4  
English women learned, 11  
England, all for the pope, 30  
Eva, an Ankorasse, 26  
examinations written, pray. 5. 6  
Faith of the fathers, pray. 3  
Faith of the pope, 36  
Feast of Corpus Christi, 26  
Fire, taketh not all away, pre. 9  
Forcronners of Christ, pre. 2. 3  
friars, for their Mass 30  
Germans, railed on, 43  
God a spirit & no bread, pre, 7. 14  
God falleth & is eaten, 14  
God in the box, 26  
Guimundus Auersanus, 9  
Hawking of bishops, 20  
Helias spirit in our age, pre. 2. 3  
henry Spenser, warreth, 29  
Heresy is Christ's doctrine, 25  
Hieremyes prophecy brent, pray. 5 22  
Hilda, a woman learned, 11  
Hystoryanes diverse, pre. 9  
hypocrites resisted, 45. 46  
Host, a God of the papists, 14  
james the apostle, pre. 4  
Idolaters without wit, 14  
Ignorant magistrates, 8  
In Godstede, 28  
joakim brent scriptures, pray. 5. 22  
johan baptist, great, pre. 3. 4  
johan Wickliff's books, pray. 6  
johan wycleue disputeth, 30  
johan Wycleve and huss, 45  
johan frith offendeth, 21  
johan Lassels martyred pray. 3. 7  
israelites converted, pray. 2  
judas sent to betray, 12. 21, 25  
King, to be honoured, 46  
Kings godly enterprise, 5. 42  
Kings, in God's cause resisted 45  
kingdom of the pope, 46. 43  
Lechery honoured, 36  
Legends and histories, pray. 4  
lordships of the clergy 33. 35  
Man wounded, 7. 24. 26  
Marriage of priests, 35. 39  
Martyrs of the pope, pre. 4  
Martyrs hallowed and sensed, pray. 9  
Mass, is not of faith, 3. 36  
Mass is no good work, 7  
Mass, a mamm●trouse Mazon▪ 21  
Masses private & common, 6. 30  
Mice houseled of papists, 9  
Miracles looked for, pre. 4. 5  
Mouse eateth God, 8  
New martyrs of Christ, pre. 3. 4  
New articles of faith, 36  
New saints of the pope, pre. 4  
nobility, whereof it riseth, pray. 6  
No field yet gotten, 42  
No sureties for Christ. 11  
objection of papists, pray. 4  
Obey and pray, 45  
Offence of priests dangerous, 17  
Order of popish scoles, 14. 15  
PEryn, a foxish friar, 8. 14. 30. 43  
Peryn howseleth a mouse, 9, 14  
Peryns iij. sermons, 43. 44  
Peryn, the pope's ape, 44  
practise of priests, 13. 18. 22. 28. 40, 41.  
priests ministration in sin, 4. 25. (42  
priests are tempters, 6. 12. 24  
priests mass helpeth not, 7  
priests of Lyncolne, 33. 34  
private masses, 6. 30  
quarrelings of papists, 32. 38  
Question very beastysh, 14. 29  
Questmonger for antichrist, 3. 5. 25. 28  
Racked was Anne Askewe, pre. 8  
Reallye, is not of believe, 〈◊〉  
Renyers of Christ, pre. 7  
receiving of the priest, 7  
Rochestre and More pre. 4  
Sacrament, what it is, 2  
Sampson and Wynchestre, 43  
Scripture judged heresy, 27. 28  
Shaxton and Crome, pre. 7. 8  
Silence for the pope, 43  
Standysh a blasphemous papist, 31  
Steven done to death. pre. 4  
Temple's God dwelleth not in, 28  
temptations of Bonner, 21. 22. 23. 31  
Thomas walden a friar, 9  
Thomas More and Rochestre pre. 4  
Tyndale and Barnes, pre. 3  
Titles of Wycleves books, pray. 6  
UEryte deemed heresy, 25  
Vipers whelps, 30  
Vnsuffycyent make they Christ, 37  
WUlter hunt, a doctor 2●  
Whoredom is honoured 36  
Why Christ is renayed, pray. 7  
Wynchestres moust houseled, 8. 14  
Wynchestre and Samson 43  
Wynchestre the pope's bear 44  
Wynchestre at Vttecht 44  
wits soft and tender 44  
Women learned 10  
Wrysleye and Rich 〈◊〉   
God save the king.   

The first examinarion of the worthy servant of God master's Vnne Askewe the younger doughter of Sir William Askewe knight of lincoln shire/ lately martyred in Smith field. by the Romish pope's upholders.  
The censure or judgement of johan Bale thereupon, after the sacred Scriptures and chronicles.  
Of no less Christian constancy was this faithful witness and holy martyrs of God, Anne As kewe, nor no less a fast member of Christ by her might ye persistence in his verity at this time of mischief, than was the aforenamed Blandina in the prymatyne church. This shall weal apere in her it. 〈◊〉mination or tyrannous handelynge● here following, whom she wrote with her own hand, at the instant desire of 〈◊〉 ten faithful men and women, yea rath● at the secret motion of God, that the truth thereof might be known the world over. Us within short space it will be● if the latin speech can cayrye it. Mark weal the communycacyons here both of her and of her examyners, so proving their sprites as S. johan the Apostle giveth 
Spretes  you counsel. 1. Io. 4. And than shall ye know the tree by his fruit, and the man by his work.  Anne Askewe. 
To satisfy your expectation, good people (saith she) this was my first examination in the year of our Lord M. D. xlv and in the month of March, first Christofer dare examined me at Saddler's hall, being one 
Christofer dare.  of the quest, and asked if. I did not believe that the sacrament ●angynge over the altar was the very body of Christ realye. Then I demanded this qestyon of him, wherefore S. Steven was stoned to death: And he said, he could not tell. Then I answered, that no more would I assoil his vain question.  johan Bale. 
A sacrament (saith Saint Augustyne) is a sign, shape, or similitude of that it represeutyth, and no God nor yet thing represented. This word real or really, is not of believe, for it is not in all the sacred scriptures. Only is it 
really.  sophystycallye borrowed of the pagans jerning by wynchestre & his fellows, to corrupt our Christian saith. Be ware of that filthy poison. The perfect believe of Steven, A●torum seven. of Paul Act. 17. and of Solomon, 3. Regum 8. et 2. Parali. 6. was, that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands. agreeable unto this was the faith of this godly woman, which neither could believe that he dwelleth in the box. God 
The ●ors  saith, isaiah ●vj. Heaven is my seat, not the box. David saith, Psalm. 113● our God is in heaven, not in the pixt● Christ taught us to say, when we praye● Matth. 6. Luce 11, our father which art in heaven, and not our father which art in the box. Now discern and judge.  Anne Askewe. 
Secondly he said, that there was a woman, which did testify, that I should read, how God was not in temples made 
Temples.  with hands. Then I showed him the seven. and the xvij. chapter of the Apostles acts, what Steven & Paul had said there in. Whereupon he asked me, how I took those sentences? I answered, that I would not throw pearls among swine, for acorns were good enough.  johan Hale. 
An ignorant woman, yea a beast without faith, is herein allowed to judge the holy scriptures heresy, and against all good laws admitted to accuse this godly woman the servant of Christ, for ●n heinous heretic, for the only reading 
Accusers.  of them. As perverse and blasphemous was this qwestmonger as she, & ●s beastly ignorant in the doctrine of ●elthe, yet is neither of them judged ill ●f the world, but the one permitted to ●accuse this true member of Christ, and the other to condemn her. Wherefore her answer out of the seven. chapter of Matthew, was most fit for them. For they are no better than swine, that so contem pne the precious treasure of the Gospel, for the mire of men's traditions.  Anne Askewe. 
Thirdly he asked me, wherefore I said, that I had rather to read five lines in the Bible, than to hear five masses in 
Masse●  the temple. I confessed, that I said no less. Not for the dispraise of either the Epistle or Gospel. But because the one deed greatly edify me, & the other nothing at all. As saint Paul doth witness in the xiv chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinth's, where as he doth say. If the trump giveth an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself to the battle?  johan Hale. 
A commandment hath Christ given us, to search the holy scriptures, Io han. 5. for in them only is the life eternal. Blessed is he (saith Christ unto johan) which readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy, Apo. 1. But of the latin popish mass, is not one word in all the Bible, and therefore it pertaineth not to faith. A straight commandment have almighty God given, Deutro. 12. that nothing be added to his word, nor yet taken from it. Put thou nothing unto 
God's word.  his words (saith Solomon, Prou. 30.) lest thou be found in so doing, a reproba te person and a liar. S. Paul willed nothing to be uttered in a dead speech. 1. Corin. 14. (as are your mass and matins) but silence always to be in the congregations, where as is no interpreter, for five words (saith he) availeth more to understanding, than x. thousand words with the tongue. This proveth temple service of the papists all the year, to be worth nothing.  Anne Askewe. 
Fortlye he laid unto my charge, that I should say, If an ill 
The priest  priest ministered, it was the devil and not God. My answer was, that I never spoke such thing. But this was my saying, That what so ever he were, which ministered unto me, his ill conditions could not hurt my faith. But in spirit I received never the less, the body and blood off Christ.  johan Hale. 
Christ saith, joan. 6. Have not I chosen you xii. and yet one of you is a devil? meaning judas that false & unfaith 
judas.  full priest. No less saith Peter. 2. Pet. 2. of those dying curates, by whom the truth is blasphemed, and the people made merchaundyce of in their covetousness. If the ill fruit than, be all one with the ill tree in naughtiness, the work of a devil must be devilish. God said unto the wicked priests, ●sa. j Licr. 6. Amos 5. and Mala. 2. that he abhorred their sacrifices, and also hated them, even at the very heart, willing both heaven & 
Sacryfyc●s.  earth to mark it. Into judas entered Satan, after the sop was given him, Io●. 13. where as the other Apostles received the body and blood of Christ. The table was all one to them both, so was the bread which their mouths received. The inward receyvynges' i●an in Peter and in judas, made all the diversity, which was believe and unbelief, or faith and unfaithfulness, as Christ largely declareth in the vj. of johan, 
The vj. of johan.  where as he showed afore hand, the full doctrine of that mystical supper. Only he that believeth, hath there the promise of the life everlasting, and not he that eateth the material bread. Of God are they taught, and not of men, which truly understand this doctrine.  Anne Askewe. 
Fiftly he asked me, what I said concerning confession? I 
Confession  answered him my meaning, which was as Saint james saith, that every man ought to acknowledge his fa●tes to other, & the one to pray for the other.  johan Bale. 
This confession only do, the scripture appoint us, jac. 5. as we have offended our neighbour: But if we have offended God, we must sorrowfully acknowledge it before hym-And he (saith Saint johan, 1. johan. 1. hath faithfully promised to forgive us our sins, if we so do, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If the law of truth be in the priests mouth, 
priests.  he is to be sought unto for godly coum sell, Mala. 2. But if he be a blasphemous hypocrite or supersticious fool, he is to be shourned as a most pestilent poison.  Anne Askewe. 
Sixtly he asked me, what I said to the kings book? And 
The tynges' book,  I answered him, that I could say nothing to it, because I never saw it.  johan Bale. 
All crafty ways possible, fought this quarrelling qwestm●nger, or elsthe devil in him, to bring this poor innocent lamb to the slaughter place of Antichrist. Moche after this sort sought the wicked pharisees by certain of their own 
pharisees.  faction or hired satellytes with the Be rodyanes, to bring Christ in danger of Cesar, & so to have him slain, Mat. 22. Mar. 12. Luce 21.  Anne Askewe. 
Seventhly he asked me, if I had the spirit of God in me? I answered if I had not, I was but a reprobate or cast away.  johan Bale. 
elect are we of God (saith Peter) through the sanctyfyenge of the spirit. j Petri j In every true Christian believer dwelleth the spirit of God. Io. 14. Their 
The spre te.  souls are the sanctified temples of the holy Ghost. 1. Corin. 3. Be that hath not the spirit of Christ (saith Paul) is none of Christ's, Roma. 8. To them is the holy Ghost given, which heareth the Gospel and believeth it, and not unto them which will be justified by their works, Gala. 2. All these worthy scriptures confirm her saying.  Anne Askewe. 
Then he said, he had sent for a priest to examine me, which was there at hand. The priest asked 
Ap.  me, what I said to the Sacrament of the aulbe? & required mo●he to know therein my me a ninge. But I desired him again, to hold me excused concerning that matter. Non other answer would I make him, be cause I perceived him a papist.  johan Bale. 
Mocking priests (saith Isaiah) hath rule of the lords people. Whose voices 
Mockers.  are in their drūc●nnesse. Bid that may be bidden, forbid that may be forbidden. keep back that may be kept back, here a little and there a little. isaiah xxviii. A plague shall come upon these, for why, they have changed the ordinances, and made the everlasting testament of non effect. Esa. 24. They withhold (saith S. Paul) the verity of God in unrighteousness, Roma. 1. They breed cockatrice eggs (saith Isaiah) and we●e 
A serpent riseth.  the spiders web. Who so eateth of their eggs, dieth. But if one treadeth upon them, there cometh up a serpent, isaiah 59  Anne Askewe. 
eightly he asked me, if I did not think, that private masses did help souls departed. And I said, it was great idolatry to believe more in them, than in the death which Christ died for us.  johan Bale. 
Here, riseth the serpent of the cockatrice eggs, workmanly to fulfil the afore alleged prophecy. If their Masses had been of God's creation, ordinance 
Masses private.  or commandment, or if they had been in any point necessary for man's behove, they had been registered in the book of life, which is the sacred Bible. But therein is, neither mention of Mass pry vate nor public, several nor comen, single nor double, high nor low, before not on horse back, or by note as they call it. If they be things added by man's invention (as they can be none other, not being there named) than am I sure that the scriptures call them filthiness, rust, chaff, draff, swylle, drunkenness, fornication, menstrue, man's dirt, adders eggs, poison, snares, the bread of wicked lies, and the cup of God's curse. Their original ground should seem to be taken of the druids or pagan priests, 
druids.  which inhabited this realm long afore Christ's incarnation, and had than practised sacrifices public and private. Look Cornelius Tacitus, Caius Julius, Plinius, Strabo, & such other authors. That name of privation added unto their Mass, clearly depriveth it of Christian communion, where one man eateth up all, & dystrybuteth nothing.  
How such ware should help the sow les departed, I can not tell. But weal I wot, that the wounded man betwixt High 
For souls.  rusalem and Hierico, had no help of them, Luce 10. The samaritan which was reckoned but a pagan among them, was his only comfort. In the most popish time was never more horrible blasphemy, than this is. This wickedness impugneth all the promises of God concerning faith and remission of sins. It repugneth also to the whole doctrine of the Gospel. The application of Christ's supper, availeth them only that be alive, taking, eating, and drinking that ●s therein ministered. no more can the priests receiving of that sacrament profyght an other man, than can his receyvyn 
〈◊〉 priests receiving.  ge of baptism or of penance, as they call it. If it profiteth not the qwyck, how can it profyght the dead? No sacrifice is the Mass, nor yet good work, but a blasphemous prophanacyon of the Lord des holy supper, a manifest wickedness, an horrible idolatry, and a fowl abomination, being thus a rite of worshipping without the word, yea against the express word of God.  Anne Askewe. 
Then they had me from thence, unto my lord Mayre. And he 
Mayre.  examined me, as they had before, and I answered him directly in all things, as I answered the qweste afore.  johan Bale. 
After this sort was Christ led from the examination of the clergy to pilate, Matth. 17. In that the examination of the qweste and of the Mayor was all one, ye may weal know that they had both one school master, even the brutish bishop of London. The ignorant magy 
Bonner.  strates of England will neither be god lie wise with David & Solomon, nor yet embrace the earnest instructions of God, to be learned in the scriptures, Psa. 2. Sapien. 6. but still be wicked ministers, and cruel servant slaves to Antichrist and the devil, Apoc. 17. More fit are such witless mayors and graceless officers, 
ignorance.  as knoweth not white from black, & light from darkness. Esa. 5. to feed swine or to keep kaddowes, than to rule a christian commonalty. A terrible day abideth them, which thus ordereth the innocent. jaco. 2.  Anne Askewe. 
Besides this my lord mayre laid one thing unto my charge, which was never spoken of me, but of them▪ And that was, whether a mouse eating the host, received God or no? This questyonded I never ask, but in deed they asked it of me, whereunto I made them no answer, but smiled.  johan Bale. 
Is not here (think you) weal faverd & weal fashioned divinity, to establish an article of the Christian faith? wily wynchestre answereth this question as foolish as it is, in his wise detection of the 
Wynchestre.  devils sophistry, fo. 16. Believe (saith he) that a mouse can not devour God. Yet reporteth he after, in fo. 21. that Chri stes body may as weal dwell in a mouse as it did in judas. Than followeth friar fynke, friar Peryn I should say, a bachelor of the same school. And he answereth 
Peryn.  in the end of his third sermon, that the Sacrament eaten of a mouse, is the very and real body of Christ. And when he hath affirmed it to be no derogation to Christ's presence, to lie in the maw of that mouse. He divideth me 
Divisio  the one from the other, the sacrament from Christ's body, concluding. That though the sacrament be digested in the mouse's maw, yet is not Christ's body there consumed. O blasphemous beasts, & blind blodering Balaamytes.  
Because these ij, workmen be scant witty in their own occupation, I shall bring them forth h●re ij. old artificers of theirs to help them, Guimundus Auer 
Guimundus. Waldenus.  sanus a bishop, to help bishop Steven, & Thomas walden a friar, to help friar Peryn. The sacraments (say they both) are not eaten of mice, though they seem so to be in the exterior similitudes. Forth virtues (saith Guimundus) of holy men, are not eaten of beasts, when they are eaten of them, li. 2. de c●●pore & sanguine d●●i. No marry (quoth walden) no more is the painters occupation destroyed, when a picture is destroyed. Mark this gear for your learning. But now cometh Algerus a monk, more 
Algerus.  crafty than they both, and he saith li. 2 cap. 1. de Eucharistia, that as weal is this meat spiritual, as material, because David calleth it the bread of Angels, and a bread from heaven, Psa. 77. That which is material in this bread (saith he) is consumed by digestion, but that which is spiritual remaineth uncorrupted.  
If we would attend weal unto Chri stes divinity, and let these oiled divines dispute among old gossips, we should soon discharge mice and rats, weak stomachs and parbreaking drunkards, of a far other sort than thus, he that eateth my flesh (saith Christ Io. 6. 
Christus.  and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me & I in him. This eating is all one with the dwelling, & is neither for mice nor rats, brent chancels not drunken priests. For as we eat we dwell, and as we dwell we eat, by a graunded and pe●fyght faith in him. The substance of that most godly refection lieth not in the mouth eating nor yet in the belly seading, though they be necessary, but in the only spiritual or soul eating. No wise man will think, that Christ will dwell in a mouse, nor yet that a 
Faith.  mouse can dwell in Christ, though it be the doctrine of these doughty dowsepers, for they shall find no scriptures for it. If these men were not enemies to faith and friends to idolatry, they would never teach soche filthy learning. More of this shall I write (God 
N●ta.  willing) in the answer of their books.  Anne Askewe. 
Then the bishops chancellor rebuked me, & said, that I was moche to blame for uttering the scriptures. For S. Paul (he said) forbade women 
Women.  to speak or to talk of the word of God. I answered him, that I knew Paul's meaning so well as he, which is, j Corinthiorum xiv. that a woman ought not to speak in the congregation by the way of teaching. And then I asked him, how many women he had scene, ●go into the pulpett and preach, He said, he never saw none. Then I said, he ought to find no fault in poor women, except they had offended the law.  johan Bale. 
plenteous enough is her answer here, unto this quarrelling, and (as appeareth) unlearned chancellor. Many godly woe men both in the old law and the new, 
Scripture women.  were learned in the scriptures, and made utterance of them to the glory of God. As we read of Helisabeth. Marry, and An na the widow, Lu. 1. & 2. yet were they not rebuked for it. yea, Marry Christ's mother retained all, that was afterward written of him, Luc. 2. yet was it not imputed unto her an offence. Christ blamed not the woman that cried whiles he was in preaching, happy is the womb that bore thee, Luce 11. The women which gave knowledge to his dyscy 
Women  bless, that he was risen from death to lie fe, discomfited not he, but solaced them with his most glorious appearance. Mat. 28. Io. 20. In the primitive church, specially in Saint Hieromes' time, was it a great praise unto women to be learned in the scriptures. Great commendations keveth our English chronicles to Hele●a, 
English women  Ursula, and Hilda, women of our nation, for being learned also in the scriptures. Soche a woman was the said Hil ●a, as openly disputed in them against ●he superstitions of certain bishops. But this chancellor by like, chanced ●pon that blind popish work which ●alter Hunt a white friar, wrote iiij. 
Walter hunt.  ●core years a go, Contra doctrices mu●ieres, against school women, or else some ●ther like blind Romish beggeryes.  Anne Askewe. 
Then my Lord mayre commanded me to ward. I asked 
Preson.  him, if suretees would not serve me, And he made me short an swear, that he would take non. Then was I had to the Country, and there remained xii. days, no friend admitted to speak with me.  johan Bale. 
Here is Christ yet trodden on the heel, by that wicked serpent which tempted 
Christ ●ro  Eua. Gene. 3. His faithful member for believing in him, is here thrown in pre 
den on the heel.  son. And no marvel, for it was his own promise, ye shall be brought before rulers & debytees (saith he) for my truths sake Mat. x ye shall be betrayed of your own nation and kindred, & so thrown in pre son, Luc. 21. If they have persecuted me, think not but they will also persecute you, Io. 15 This serpent is again become the prince of this world, & holdeth the governors thereof captive, Io. 14. Suertees would have been taken for a thief or a mourtherer, but not for Christ's member, the bishops chancellor being at hand, nor yet her friends permitted to comfort her.  Anne Askewe. 
But in the mean time there was a priest sent to me, which 
A priest.  said that he was commanded of the bishop to examine me, & to give me good counsel, which he deed not But first he asked me for what cause I was put in the Counter: And I told him I could not tell. Then he said, it was great pity that I should be there without cause, and concluded that he was very sorry for me.  johan Bale. 
O temptation of Satan. Christ being in the solitary wilderness alone, was after this flattering sort assaulted first of his enemy, Matt. 4. This judas was sent afore to give a fryndelye kiss, the 
Iuda●.  more deeply to trap the innocent in snare. But God's wisdom made her to perceive what he was. A false prophet is soon known by his fruits, among them that are godly wise. Mat. 7. She consider with Solomon, that more to profit are the stripes of a friend, than the fraudolent kisses of a deceitful enemy. Proverb. 27.  Anne Askewe. 
Secondly he said, it was told him, that I should deny the sa 
The Sacrament.  crament of the altar. And I answered him again, that that I had said, I had said.  johan Bale. 
In thyobrefe answer, she remembered Salomōs counsel, Answer not a fool, all after hysfolyshnesse. Beware of them (saith Christ) which come in sheeps clothing, for inwardly they are most ravening wolves, Mat. 7. God destroyeth the crafts of the wicked (saith job) so that they are not, able to perform that they take in hand. job 5  Anne Askewe. 
Thirdly he asked me, if I were shriven, I told hymno. Then he said, he would bring one to me, for to shrive me. And I told him, so that I might have one 
Shriff●e.  of these in, that is to say, Crome, sir Gyllam, or Huntyngton, I was contented, because I knew them to be men of wisdom. As for you or any other, I will not dispraise, because I know ye not. Then he said, I would not have you think, but that I or another that shall be brought you, shall be as honest as they. For if we were not, ye may be sure, the King would not suffer us to preach. Then I answered by the saying of Solomon. By commoning 
preachers.  with the wise, I may learn wisdom, but by talking with a fool, I shall take scathe, Prover. f.  johan Bale. 
See how this adversary compasseth like a ravening lion, to devour thyslambe 1. Pet. 5. Now tempteth he her with Cō fessy●n, which hath been soche a bait of 
confession  theirs, as hath brought in to their nets and snares the mightiest princes of the world, both kings and emperors. See here if they leave any subtlety unsought, to obtain their pray. See reckoned by this to win his purpose, which way so ever she had taken. If she had 
practise  been confessed to him, he had known which way she had been bend. If she had utterly refused confession, he had more matter to accuse her of. O 〈◊〉 sede of the serpenr. This part played your old generation the pharisees and priests with Christ, to bring him in danger of the law, Mat. 2●. & Io. 8. ●o Christen erudition bringeth this priest, nor yet good counsels of the scripture. But as Isaiah saith. The hypocrite imagineth 
hypocrite  abomination against God, to famish the hungry, and withhold drink from the thirsty. Yet shall not the eyes of the saying be dim, nor the ears of the hearing be deaf, Esa. 32. If the king admit so he preachers (as I can not thine 
preachers  ke it) a sore plague remaineth both to him and to his people.  Anne Askewe. 
Fortly he asked me, if the host 
The host.  should fall, and a beast did eat it, whether the beast did receive God or no? I answered, saying ye have taken the pains to ask this question, I desire you also to take so moche pain more, as to assoil it yourself. For I will not do it, because I perceive ye come to tempt me▪ And ●e said, it was against the order of scoles, that he which asked the question, should answer it. I told him. I was but a woman, & knew not the course of scoles.  johan Bale. 
beastly was that question, and of a more beastly brain proponed to this woman. Lyttlenede shall other men have to manifest their blasphemous follies. when they do it so plainly their selves. Who ever heard afore, that their host 
A falling goe God.  was a God, and might fall, and be eaten of a beast, till they now so beastly told the tale? Though Saint Paul, where as it is rightly ministered, doth call it the body of the Lord. j Corin. 11. Yet doth he not call it a God. Though Christ saith, This is my body, Matth. 26. Marei 14. Luce 22. yet saith he not this is a God. For God is a spirit, and no body, joannis 4. Where God is eaten, it is of the spirit, and neither of mouse nor rat, as Wynchestre and Peryn, 
Wynches tree. Peryn.  with other like popish heretics have taught now of late by their own hand writings. Our God is in heaven, and cannot fall nor yet be eaten of beasts. If they have such a God, as may both fall, and so be eaten, as thy● priest here confesseth, it is some false or counterfert God of their own making. 
An Idol  If he may putrefy or be consumed of worms, mole, rust, beast, or fire, Baruch saith, it is an Idol, & no God, Ba ruch 6.  
These witless idolaters have no grace in this age, to hide their old legerdemaynes. They far like those drunken gossips, which tell more than all, wh● their heads be full of we'll gyngerdeale. 
Like old gossips.  The proud crown of the drunken Ephraemytes (saith Isaiah) shall be trow den under foot. The priests and the prophets do stagger, they are so overseen with wine, Esa. 28. They stumble in the streets, and have stained themselves with blood. Treno. 4. All the dwellers of juda (saith the lord) shall I fill with, both the kings and the priests. 
drunkenness.  I will neither pardon them, spare them, nor yet have pity on them, Hierc. 13. And where as that drunkenness is (saith Solomon) there is no counsel kept, Pro. 31. In the end, this hypocrite full 
hypocrite  life himself, allegeth to this woman, a manner used of his old predecessors in the schools of falsehood. But from the school of truth he bringeth nothing to the comfort of her conscience. He declareth full workemanlye in this, what he and his generation seeketh, by such their spiritual and justifying works, ex opere operato.  Anne Askewe. 
fifthly he asked me, if I Intended to receive the sacrament 
Howsell  at easter, or no: I answered, that else I were no Christian woman, and that I did rejoice, that the time was so near at hand. And than he departed thence, with many fair words.  johan Bale. 
This hungry wolf practiseth by all crafty ways possible, to suck the blood 
Spiritually.  of this innocent lamb. Is not that (think you) an holy congregation, which is thus spiritually occupied? Some godly wise men will wondre, that they be not ashamed. But marvel not of it. For the holy Ghost saith, in hy● fore judgements, that the same holy more thet which hath hatched them up in oils & in havings; is an unshame fast whore, 
A whore.  Apo. 17. et Dan. 8. Than of very nature must her whelps be shameless children. Soche shameless dogs are they 
Dogs.  (saith Isaiah) as be never satisfied. Es. 56. when they kill you (saith Christ) they shall think they do God good service, Io. 16. so greatly have their malice blinded them, Sapien 2. which is partly the drokennesse afore spoken of.  Anne Askewe. 
And the twenty-three. day of March, my cousin Britain came into the Counter to me, and asked there, whether I might be put to bail or no: Then went he immediately unto my lord 
Bayling.  Mayre, desiring of him to be so good lord unto me, that I might be bailed. My lord answered him, and said, that he would be glad to do the best that in him lay, howbeyt he could not bail me without the consent of a spiritual office. So requiring him to go and speak with the chancellor of Lon done. For he said, like as he could not commit me to prison without the consent of a spiritual office, no more could he bail me without consent of the same.  johan Bale. 
True is it here, that is written of S. johan in the Apocalyppes, that Antichrist 
antichrist  is worshipped of the potentates & kings of the earth, Apo. 13. The mayre of London, which is the kings lief tenant, and representeth there his own person, standeth here like a dead Idol, or like such a servant slave as can do nothing within his own city concerning their matters. Who is like the Beast (saith Saint johan) who 
The beast  is able to war with him: He hath brought all lands and their kingdoms in fear (saith isaiah) the strength of their cytic● hath he taken away, and restrained the deliverance of their prisoners, Esa. 14. The parents of him that was borne blind, feared this spiritual tyranny or captivity of theirs, such time 
Examples  as they were examined of the bishop pes for the sight of their son. joan. 9 Soche as believed in Christ among the chief rulers of the jews, would not be acknown thereof, for fear of like violence, joan. 12. No new thing is it than 
I custom.  in that spiritual generation, but a custom of old antiquity. Both Christ and his Apostles have suffered like tyranny under them. But never did they yet minister it to any creature after their example.  Anne Askewe. 
So upon that he went to the chancellor, requiring of him as he did afore of my lord may 
The chancellor  re. He answered him, that the matter was so heinous, that he durst not of himself do it, without my Lord of London were made privy thereunto. But he said, he would speak unto my lord in it. And bade him repair unto him the next morrow and he should weal known my lords pleasure.  johan Bale. 
rightwiseness judge they sin, & sin ne rightwiseness, Es. 5. so unperfectly is their sight, Io. 12. in that God hath given them up to their own lusts, Rom. j What an heinous matter is it holden here, to believe in Christ after the scriptures 
faith in Christ, , & not after their supersticious manner? For non other cause could they lay to this woman, as ye have heard here afore, and as ye shall here after perceive more largely. What so ever it be to offend God or man, their offence may be no less than prison and death. The Turk 
tyranny,  is not more vengeable, than is this spite full spiritual generation. Yet boast they Christ's religion, and the holy mother church.  Anne Askewe. 
And upon the morrow after, he came thydre, and spoke both with the chancellor, & with lord bishop of London. My lord declared unto him, that he was very weal contended that I should come forth to a communication. And appointed me to apere afore him the next day after, at iij. of the clock, at after none. More over he said unto him, that he would there should be at that examination, 
wily. wily.  such learned men as I was affectioned to. That they might see, and also make report, that I was handled with no rigour. He answered him, that he knew no man that I had more affection to than other. Than said the bishop. Yes, as I understand, 
gentle.  she is affectioned to Doctor Crome, Sir Gyllam, Whyteheade, and Huntyngton, that they might hear the matter. For she did knowethens to be learned, and of a godly judgement.  johan Bale. 
A foxysh favour was this, both of the chancellor & bishop, and such a benevolent gentleness, as not only sought her blood, but also the blood of all them which are here named, if they had than come to this examination. For the 
A wolf,  evening afore (as I am credyblye informed) the bishop made boast among his own sort, that if they came thither, he would tie them a great deal shorter. A voice was this full like to him that uttered it. For thereby he appeareth, not one that will save and feed, but rather such a one as seeketh to kill and destroy. johannis 10. The foxes run 
Foxe●  over the hill of Zion (saith ●ieremye) because she is fallen from God. Threnorum 5. O Israel (saith the Lord) thy prophets are like the wily foxes upon the dry fields, Ezechielis 13. The Poet hath a byword, that happy is he which can take heed by another man's hurt. I add this here, that ye should be ware, if ye come in like danger of any such foxish bishop. By one of his day devils, whom this caiphass sent to comen with the woman in 
A priest.  preson, he knew part of her meaning, and what they were also which favoured her opinions. Yea, he craftily undermined this gentleman which entreated for her, if ye mark it weal. Trust not to much in the flatterouse fawning of such wily foxes.  Anne Askewe. 
Also he required my cousin britain, that he should earnest lie persuade me to utter, even the very bottom of my heart. And he swore by his fidelity, 
A thief.  that no man should take any ad vantage of my words. Neither yet would he lay aught to my charge, for any thing that I should there speak. But if I said any manner of thing amiss, He with other more would be glad to reform me therein, with most godly counsel.  johan Bale. 
O vengeable tyrant and devil. How subtly sekyst thou the blood of this innocent woman, under a colour of fryndelye 
judas.  handling. God ones commanded the earnestly, in no case to compass thy neighbour with deceit, to the effusion of his blood, Leu. 19 But his commandment, thou reckonest but a Caunterburye tale. By swearing by thy fidelity, thou art not all unlike unto Herode, whom 
Herode.  Christ for like practises, first to put johan, and than him to death, called also a most crafty cruel fox, Luce 13. Thu labourest here, to have this woman in snare, with certain of her friends. But God put in her mind at this time, to reckon the a dog and a swine. Matth. 7. and thereupon to have few words.  Anne Askewe. 
On the morrow after, my lord of London sent for me, at one of the clock, his hour being appointed at three. And as I ca 
A false liar.  me before him, he said, he was very sorry of my trouble, & desired to know my opinion in such matters, as were laid against me. He required me also in any wise, boldly to utter the secrets of my heart, bidding me not to fear in any point. For what so ever I did 
O trayte:  say within his house, no man should hurt me for it. I answered. For so moche as your Lordeshypp appointed iij. of the clock, and my friends shall not come till that hour, I desire you to pardon me of giving answer till they come.  johan Bale. 
In this preventing of the hour, may the diligent reader perceive the gredyneffe of this Babylon bishop, or bloudrhurstie wolf, concerning this 
A tyrant.  pray. Swift are their feet (saith David) in the effusion of innocent blood, which have fraud in their tongues, venom in their lips, and most cruel vengeance in their mouths. Psal. 13. David in that Psalm moche marveleth in the spirit that taking upon them the spiritual governance of the people, they can fall in such frencsye or forgetfulness 
Murderers.  of themselves, as to believe it lawful thus to oppress the faithful, and to devour them with as little compassion, as he that gredylye denoureth a piece of bread. If such have red any thing of God, they have little minded their true duty therein. More swift (saith Hieremye) are our cruel persecutors, than the eagles of the air. They 
Eagles.  follow upon us over the mountains, and layepre●ye wait for us in the wilderness. Trenorum 4. He that will know the crafty hawking of bishops to bring in their pray, let him learn it here. judas (I think) had never the x. part of their cunning warkemanshyppe. Mark it here, and in that which followeth.  Anne Askewe. 
Then said he, that he thought 
Morel● bes to devour.  it meet, to send for those iiii. men which were afore named, & appointed. Then I desired him, not to put thè to the pain. For it should not need, by cause the 〈◊〉. gentlemen which were my friends, were able enough to testify that I should say. Anon after he went into his gallery with master Spylman, and willed him in any wise, that he should exhort me, to utter all that I thought.  johan Bale. 
Christ showeth us in the seven. chapter of Matthew, & in other places more of the Gospel, how we shall know a false prophet or an hypocrite, and willeth us to be ware of them. Their manner is as the 
Life the devil.  devils is, flatteryngly to tempt, & deceit fully to trap, that they may at the latter, most cruelly ●ee. Soche a won (saith David) hath nothing in his tun goe, but plain deceit. He layeth wait for the innocent, with no less cruelty than the lion for a sheep. He lurketh to ravish up the poor. And when he hath gotten him into his net, than throweth he him down by his authority, Psalm. 9 This is the third temptation of thy● bishop, that the woman should utter, to her own confusion.  Anne Askewe. 
In the mean while he commanded his archdeacon to 
Archedea con.  comen with me, who said unto me. Masters wherefore are ye accused? I answered. Axe my accusers, for I know not as yet. Then took he my book out of my hand, and said. Soche books as this is, hath brought you to the trouble ye are in. Be ware (saith he) be ware, for he that made it, was brent in smithfield. Then I asked him, if he were sure that it was true that he had spoken. And he said, he knew weal, the book was of Io han frithes making. Then I 
A Lyar.  asked him, if he were not ashamed for to judge of the book be fore he saw it within, or yet knee we the truth thereof. I said also, that soche unadvised & hasty judgement, is a token apparent of a very slendre wit. Then I opened the book & showed it him. He said, he thought it had been an other, for he could find no fault therein. Then I desired him, no more to be so swift in judgement, till he through ye knew the truth. And so he departed.  johan Bale. 
Here sendeth he fourth an other judas of his, to betray this true servant of 
judas.  God. Mark the good workemanshypp hardly, and tell me if they be not the of spring of the serpent. Moche are they offended with books, for that they so plainly do manifest their mischiefs. johan Frith is a great moat in their eyes, 
johan Frith.  for so turning over their purgatory, and heaving at their most monstruose Mass, or mammetrouse Mazon, which signifieth bread or feeding. notwithstanding Daniel calleth it Maozim, betokening strength or defence, Dan. 11. because the false worshipping ●s thereof should be so mightily defended by worldly authority and power. No new thing is it, that good men & 
Books con dempned.  their books are destroyed now a days, when they touched the mischiefs of that generation. For joakim the king of juda, cut Hieremyes prophecies in pieces with a pen knife, & in his madness threw them into the fire, commanding both Hieremye which taught them, and Baruch that wrote them, to be put to death. Hieremie 36. When king Antiochus had set upon the altar of God, the abominable Idol of desolation (which is now the poyshmasse, Mat. 24) the books of God's law commanded he to be 
Books brent.  torn in pieces and brent in the fire, sending fourth thereupon, this cruel proclamation. That what so ever he was, which had a book of the lords Testament found about him, or that endeavoured themselves to live after the laws of God, the Kings commandment was, they should be put to death. 1. Machabe●rum 1.  Anne Askewe. 
immediately after came my cousin britain in with diverse 
Her friends.  other, as master Hawe of Gray's inn, & such other like. Then my lord of London persuaded my cousin britain, as he had done oft before, which was, that I should utter the bottom of my heart in any wise.  johan Bale. 
This is the fort temptation, or crafty calling upon, to utter her mind, that he might say of her, as Cayphas said 
Cayphas  of Christ. Matt. 26. what need we any more witnesses? Lo, now ye have heard a blasphemy or an heresy. How say ye now to it, which are her friends? Is she not guilty of death? If they should have said nay, unto this, they should have been so, in as depedaunger as she. This serpentine practise, was as weal to trap 
practise.  them as her, ●ete it not be unmarked.  Anne Askewe. 
My lord said after that unto me, that he would I should credit the counsel of my friends in his behalf, which was, that 
Satan.  I should utter all things that burdened my conscience. For he insured me, that I should not need to stand in doubt to say any thing. For like as he promised them (he said) he promy said me, & would perform it. Which was, that neither he, nor any man for him, should ta ke me at advantage of any word I should speak. And therefore 
Tempter  he bade me, say my mind without fear. I answered him, that I had nought to say. For my conscience (I thanked God) was burdened with nothing.  johan Bale. 
Still followeth this ghostly enemy, hysformer temptation, and calleth upon mortal utterance, or utterance full of death, that he might cry with Cayphas, Luc. 22. what need we further testimony? 
Cayphas  Her own mouth hath accused her. We are able withnesses thereof, sea our own ears have heard it. Thus lay they wait for blood (saith Solomon) and lurk payvelye for the innocent, without a cause, Proverbierun 1. Consent not (saith he) unto such tyrants, if they entice the. For though 
enemies.  their words apere as honey, Prouerbio rum 16. Yet shalt th● find them in the end, so ●ytter as wormewode, Prouerbio●um 5. Though that whorish generacyen pretendeth a colour of gentleness, yet biteth it at the latter like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder, throwing fourth poison. Prou. 23.  Anne Askewe. 
Then brought he fourth this unsavoury similitude, That if a man had a wound, no wise surgeon would minister help 
surgery.  unto it, before he had scene it uncovered. In like case (saith he) can I give you no good counsel, unless I know where with your conscience is burdened. 
Counsel.  I answered, that my conscience was clear in all things. And for to lay a plaster unto the whole skin, it might apere moche folly.  johan Bale. 
Hath not he (thynkeyow) moche need of help, which seeketh to such a surgeon. Vncircumspect is that patient, and most commonly unfortunate, which goeth to a comen murderer to be healed of his disease. Christ had us evermore 
A murderer.  to be ware of all such, unless we would be woryed, Matth● 7. The nature of these, Lord (saith David) is not to make whole, but to persecute them whom thou hast smitten, and to add wounds unto wound, Psalmo 68 Their own 
Botches.  botches are insanable, Efaie 1. for the multitude of their mischiefs, Heir. 30. The priest and the levity, which travailed betwin Jerusalem and Hierico, healed not the wounded man, yet were they no wonders. Lu. 10. Who can think that he will unburden the conscience, which stodyeth nothing else but to over load it with most grievous and dangerous burdens; Math. 23.  Anne Askewe. 
Then ye drive me (saith he) to lay to your charge, your owe ne report, which is this. Ye did say, he that doth receive the sa 
Gathered store.  crament by the hands of an ill priest or a sinner, he receiveth the devil, & not God. To that I answered, that I never spoke such words. But as I said afore both to the qwest and to my Lord Mayre, so say I now again, that the wickedness of the priest should not hurt me, but in spirit and faith I received 
Sinon caste.  no less, the body and blood of Christ. Then said the bishop unto me, what a saying is this? In spirit. I will not take you at that advantage. Then I answered, My lord without faith and spirit, I can not receive him worthily.  johan Bale. 
Now showeth this caiphass where about he Goeth, for all his false flattering colours afore. And saying he can win non advantage to his cruel purpose, of her own communication, he shafeth the howgettes of his provided Judases 
Bowgettes.  and betrayers of innocent blood He bringeth fourth such stuff and store, as that wicked qwest had gathered of her answer to them, to flatter and to please his tyranny therewith. It is to be feared, that as far was the fear of God here from them, as from him/ Psal. 13. for as weal practised they this mischief against her, as he. Mark here the natural working of a very full Antichrist. 
Antichrist.  Be defendeth sin in his o●w generation, and condemneth virtue in Chri stes dear member. Malice, pride, whoredom, sodometry, with other most devilish vices, reckoneth he not to hurt the ministration of a priest/ yet judgeth it he an heresy, no less worthy than death, to believe that Christ's flesh and blood is received in faith and spirit. What though it be Christ's most 
A sore heresy.  earnest doctrine, joan. 6. what a saying (saith this Bishop) is this? In s●te. I will not take you at the worst, saith he. As though it were a most heinous heresy. But most discrete and godly was the woman's answer, declaring her a right member of Christ. 
priests.  where as those priests, whom he here the, are unworthy receivers and members of the devil, joan. 13. & i Corin. 11. Thus is an Antichrist here know ne by his fruits. For he uttereth blasphemies against God, Daniel 7. Apoc. 13. he calleth evil Good, and Good cuyll, Esa. 5. & Prouerbiorum 3.  Anne Askewe. 
Then he laid unto me, that I should say, that the sacrament remaining in the pixte, was but bread. I answered that I never said so: But in deed the qwest asked me 
Bread.  such a qwestion, whereunto I would not answer (I said) till such time as they had assoiled me this question of mine. Where for Steven was stoned to death. 
Steven.  They said, they knew not Then said I again, no more would I tell them what it was.  johan Bale. 
O Idolouse shepherd (saith Zach.) thou seekest not to heal the wounded, but to eat the flesh of the fat. Zach. 11. The watch men of Israel (saith the lord) are very blind beasts, and 
Beasts.  shameless dogs. They have no under standing, but follow their own beastly ways for covetousness, isaiah 56. Whoever red in the scripture or autorysed chronicle, that bread in a box should be Christ's body? Where or when commanded he his most holy body, so to be bestowed? What have ye to lay for this doctrine of yours? Are ye not 
The box.  yet ashamed of your unreverent and blasphemous beastliness? will ye still pluck our Christian believe from the right hand of God the eternal father, and send it to a box of your braynysh devising?  
The first boxer of it, was pope Honorius the third in the year of our lord. 
Honorius  M. CC. XVI. after the manifoldrevelations of diverse religious w●men. Neither was there any great honour given unto it of the common people, till a sorry solitary sister or Ankorasse in the land of Leodium or Luke, called Eva 
Eva reclusa  after certain visions, had procured of Pope Urbanus the fort, in the year of our Lord. M. CC. LXIIII the feast of Corpus Christi to be holden solemn all Christendom over. Astestyfyeth Arnol does Bostius, Epist. 6. ad joannem Paleenydorum. 
Bostius  In all the xii. hundred years a fore that, was it neyter boxed nor pixed, honoured nor sensed universally And see what an horrible work here is now, for the boxing thereof, and what a great heresy it is to believe that Christ dwell not therein, contrary both to his own and to his Apostles doctrine. Marke 
Judases.  also how this God's creature is handled here for it, and how subtly she is betrayed of the bishops begles and limbs of the devil.  Anne Askewe. 
Then laid it my Lord unto me, that I had alleged a certain text of the scripture. I answered that I alleged non other but S. Paul's own saying to the Athenianes, in the xvii. chapter ptre of the Apostles acts. That God dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Then asked he 
Temple's  me. what my faith and believe was in that matter? I answered him. I believe as the scripture doth teach me. Then 
A tempter.  inquired he of me, what if the scripture doth say, that it is the body of Christ? I believe (said I) like as the scripture doth teach me. Then asked he again, what if the scripture doth say, that it is not the body of Christ? My answer was still. I believe as the scripture informeth me. And upon this argument he carried a great while, to have driven me to make him an answer to his mind. Howbeit I would not, but concluded thus with him, that I believed therein and in all other things, as Christ and his holy Apostles did leave them.  johan Bale. 
See what an horrible sin here was. She alleged the scripture for her believe, which is a sore and a dangerous 
Scripture.  matter. For it is against the pope's canon laws, and against the old customs of holy church. Seus' king Henry's days the fort, hath it been a burning matter, only to read it in the English tongue, and was called Wickliff's learning, till now of late years. And it will not be weal with holy church, till it be brought to that point again. For it maketh many heretics against holy church. O incipient papists. These are your corrupted practises and abominable studies, 
practises  to drive the simple from God, and yet ye think, he saith you not, Psalm 13. Saint Paul saith (Roma. 15.) what so ever things are written in the scriptures, are written for our learning, that we through patience and con for't in them, might have hope, and ye will rob us thereof. Christ commanded 
Christ.  all people's, both men and women (johan. 5.) to search the scriptures, if they think to have everlasting life, for that life is no where but in them. Yet will you in pain of death keep them still from them.  
For ye take upon ye to sit in God's 
In God's stead.  stead, and think by that usurped office, that ye may turn over all, 2. Thes. 2. But Christ bade us to be ware both of you and your chaplains, when he said. There shall arise false Christ's and false prophets, working many great wone dear, and saying. Lo, here is Christ, and there is Christ. Believe them not. Matt. ●4. And therefore alleged this woman unto your q●estmongers (the dogs that Christ warned us of, Mathe● 7.) and now unto yo● that saying of S. Panle, Ato. 17. That God dwelleth not in topless 
Temples,  made with hands/ which also were the words both of Solomon long afore 3. Reg. 8, and of Steven, Acto. 7. in his tynie. That scripture so much offended you, that ye would needs know thereof the understanding. For such texts as agree not with the cloynings of your comlrrers, and the conveyances of your sorcerers, must needs be seasoned with Aristotle's Physyckes', and sauced with johan Sonses subtyltecs. Here 
Arystotle Sons.  make ye a wonderful turm●lynge to wring out of this Womamnis believe in that matter, that she myghe either bec● me a creature of your old God the pope, or else be burned, yet have she not once removed her foot from the hard founda●on or save rocte Jesus' Christ. 1. Corinth. 11. Blessed be his holy name for it.  Anne Astewe. 
Then he asked me, why I had so few words? And I 
few words.  answered. God hath given me the gift of knowledge, but not of utterance. And Solomon saith, that a woman of few words, is a gift of God, Prover, 19  johan Bale. 
When Christ stood before Cayphas, he asked him, moche aftet this sort, where for he had so few words? Thu answer rest not (saith he) to those things which are laid Here against the of these men. Nevertheless he held his peace. 
Silence.  Mar. 14. But when he was once through lie compelled by the name of the living God, to speak, and had uttered a very few words, he took him at such advantage, though they were the eternal verity, as he was able through them, to procure his death, Matth. 26. like as this bloody Bishop. Bonner, 
Bonne●  of the same wicked generation, did at the latter, by this faithful woman.  Anne Askewe. 
thirdly my lord laid unto my charge, that I should say, that the Mass was idolatry I answered him. No, I said not so. howbeit (I said) the qwest did askeme, whether pry vate Masses did relieve souls departed, or nor Unto whom 
private Masses.  than I answered, O Lord, what idolatry is this? that we should rather believe in pryva temasses, than in the helthsom death of the dear son of God Than said my lord again. What an answer was that: Though it were but mean (said I) yet was it good yvough for the question,  johan Bale. 
About the latter days of johan wycleue, in the year of our lord a M. CCC. LXXXII. as henry Spenser than 
henry Spenser.  bishop of Norwych, was with a great number of English warriors besiegynge the Town of Bypers in flanders, in the quarrel of pope Urbanus the 〈◊〉. The vessels of perdition or very organs 
●rires.  of Satan, the iiij. orders of begging friars, preached all England over, that that most holy father of theirs, had liberally opened the well of mercy, and granted clean remission to all them that would either fight, or give any thing towards the maintenance of those wars in that quarrel of holy church against schismatics and heretics. For than was this matter of their popish 
Mass.  Mass, in great controversy like as it is now. More over they promised by ver tu of his great pardons, to send the souls departed, to heaven. And diverse of them said, they had scan them fly up, out of the church yards from their graves thither ward.  
This most devilish blasphemy with such other like, provoked the 
johan ●cleue  said johan Wycleve, the very organ of God, and vessel of the holy Ghost not only to reply than against them at Oxford in the open schools, but also to write a great number of books against that pestilent popish kingdom of theirs. life as Martyne Luther hath done also in our time, with many other godly men. And life as those false prophets the friars did than attribute unto the pope's pardons, the remission of sins, the deliverance from damp 
Pardons.  nation, and the free entrance of heaven, which peculyarlye belongeth to the precious payment of Christ's blood. i. Petri 1. & 1. joan. 1. So do these false anointed, or blasphemous Eyssoppes and priests now, attribute them again ●n to their private and public Masses, 
druids.  the pope's own wares as prowling and pelfering as the pardons, with no less blasphemy. The devilishness of this new doctrine of theirs, shall be refelled in my books against friar Peryn and Wynchestre, and therefore I writ 
Perin.  the less here.  Anne Askewe. 
Then I told my lord, that there was a priest, whychded hear what I said there before my lord mayre and them. with that the chancellor answered, which was the same priest. So 
Chance ler.  she spoke it in very deed (saith he) before my lord the mayre and me. Then were there certain priests as doctor Standysh and other, which tempted me 
Standysh.  moche to know my mind. And I answered them always thus. That I have said to my lord of London, I have said.  johan Bale. 
By this ye may see, that the bishops have every where their wachmen. lest the kings officers should do any thing, 
watchmen.  contrary to their bloody behove. This Chancellor would not have thus answered hardly, so agreeably to her tale, had it not been to their advantage against her, as here after will apere. Mark here the fashion of these tempting serpents, Standysh and hyssellawes, And tell me if they be not like unto these rypers whelps which came to Johan's baptism, Matthei 3. and to 
Vipers,  Christ jesus preaching, Luce 11. I think ye shall find them the same regeneration.  Anne Askewe. 
And then doctor Standish 
A tempter.  desired my lord, to bid me say my mind, concerning that same text of S. Paul. I answered, that it was against saint Paul's learning, that I being a woman, should interpret the scriptures, specially where so many wise learned men were.  johan Bale. 
It is not yet half a score of years a go, sens this blasphemous Idyote 
●dish.  Standish, compared in a lewd sermon of his, the dear price of our redemption, or precious blood of Christ, to the blood of a filthy swine, like himself a swine. And for his good doing, he is now becomen a daw, a doctor I should say, of the pope's divinity, and a scolas●: 
Doctor.  call interpreter of the scriptures to his behove. Here would the swinish gentleman tylman have proved, both that S. Steven died an heretic, and S. Paul 〈◊〉 schismatic, for teaching that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands Act. 7. & 17. if he might have reasoned out the matter with this woman. But 
Swine.  she took a swine for a swine, and would lay no pearls afore him, as Christ had charged her afore. Matthei 7. for all their interrogations are now about the temple and the temple wares. Matthei 26.  Anne Askewe. 
Then my lord of London said he was informed, that one should ask of me, if I would receive the Sacrament at Easter, 
Acenser.  and I made a mock of it, Then I desired that mine accuser might come fourth, which my lord would not. But he said again unto me. I sent one to ge ye you good counsel, and at the first word ye called hympa pyst. That I denied not. for I perceived, he was no less. yet made I non answer unto it.  johan Bale. 
No comfortable scriptures, nor yet any thing to the souls consolation, may come out of the mouths of these spiritual fathers, But dogs rhetoryck 
dogs rhetoryck  and cur's courtesy, narrings, brawlings, and quarrelings When she was in the mids of them, she might weal have said with David. deliver me lord from the quarelouse dealings of men, that I may keep thy commandments. I deal with the thing that is lawful and right, O give me not over to these oppressers, let not these proud quarrelers do me wrong. Psalm. 118, 
quarrelers.  But among all these quarrelings, her accusers might not be scene/ which were the grounders of them.  Anne Askewe. 
Then he rebuted me, and said, that I should report, that there 
Three score priests  were bend against me, three score priests at Lyncolne. In (quoth I) I said so. for my friends told me, if I did come to Lyncolne, the priests would assault me and put me to great trouble, as thereof they had made their boast. And when I heard it, I went thither in deed, not being afraid, be cause I knew my matter to be good, More over I remained there. vi. days, to see what would 
priests.  be said unto me. And as I was in the minster, reading upon the Bible, they resorted unto me by ij. and by ij. by v. & by vi. minding to have spoken to me, yet went they their ways again with out words speaking.  johan Bale. 
Rebukes in that generation, are much more ready at hand, than either Christian admonyshmentes, or gentle exhortations, though they be all spyrytuall● And that cometh by reason of their lo●de ships, which wanteth due furnishing 
Lordship  out, unless they have tyrannous brags and brawlings. Herein follow they the examples of their natural pre decessours the jewish bishops, pharisees, and priests, joan. 7. and 9 She might full weal say, that the priests were against her. Forhypocresye & Idolatry were never yet with him, whose 
hypocrisy.  blessed quarrel she took. Mark the fort chapter of johan, and so fourth almost to the end of his Gospel. Behold also how 〈◊〉 Apostles & disciples were han dealed of the priests, after his glorious as●yon, Acto. 4. and all that book folo wing, & ye shall find it no new thing The servant is no better than her master which suffered of that malignant generation like quarrelings and handlings, joan. 15. See here how they wondered upon her by couples, for reading the 
Wonderers.  Bible, as their fore fathers wondered upon Christ for preaching and doing miracles.  Anne Askewe. 
Then my lord asked, if there were not one that did speak unto me. I told him, yes, that there wa● one of them at 
A priest.  the last, which did speak tome in deed. And my lord thait asked me, what he said? And I told him, his words were of so small effect, that I deed not now remember them.  johan Bale. 
So far was not Lyncolne from London, but the bishop there had knowledge of this tragedy. Hereby may ye see their spiritual occupying 
occupying.  against Christ and his faithful membirs. God, is the study (saith S. johan) of that congregation, which is a spiritualty, called Sodom and Egypte. They rejoice in mischiefs among themselves, and send massenges one to an other against God's witnesses, when they are vexed by them, Apoca. 11.  Anne Askewe. 
Then said my lord, There are many that read & know the scripture, & yet do not follow it, nor live thereafter. I said again. 
Scripture.  My lord, I would wish, that all men knew my conversation & living in all points, For I am so sure of myself this hour, that there are non able to prove any dyshonestie by me. If you know any that can do it, I pray you bring them fourth.  johan Bale. 
I marvel that bishops can not see this in themselves, that they are also no followers of the scriptures. But peradventure they never read them, but as 
followers  they find them by chance in their popish portyfolyoms and masking books. Or else they think all the scriptures fulfilled, when they have said their matins and their masses. Christ said to the hypocrite. Why seist thou a moat in thy neighbour's eye, and considerest not the great beam that is in thine own eye? Luce 6. Matth. 7. Christ forbade his bishops under pain of damnation 
Lordship pes possess scion's.  to take any lordships upon them. Luce two. How is this followed of our pre lates? He commanded them also to possess neither gold nor silver. Matth. 10. How is this commandment obeyed? If we looked so earnest lie to Christ's institutions, as we look to the pope's to be observed, these would also be scene to, by act of parliament, so we'll as priests marriage whom Christ never inhibyted. 
Marriage.  I doubt it not, but this will also be one day scan to. Godly did this woe man in defending here her innocency. For S. Peter saith, j Petri 4. See that non of you suffer as an evil doer. But in your hard sufferings, commit your souls unto God with weal doing, a● unto your faithful creator,  Anne Askewe. 
Then my lord went away, and said, he would entitle somewhat of my meaning. And so he writ a great circumstance. But what it was. I have 
He writeth.  not all in memory. For he would not suffer me to have the cop pie thereof. Only do I remember this small portion of it.  johan Bale. 
Here wrote he certain articles of the pope's Romish faith, willing her to subscribe unto them, & so blaspheme God or else to burn. His seeking was here, to make her to worship the first beast, 
Worship the beast,  whose deadly wound is healed again Apoc. 13. But she would not so have her name razed out of the lambs book of life. Apoca. 20. Rather would she contend to the end, hoping by the might of his spirit, at the last to overcome, and so to be clothed with the promised white apparel, Apoca. 3.  Anne Askewe. 
Be it known (saith he) to all men, that I Anne Askewe, do confess this to be my faith and believe, notwithstanding my reports made afore to the contrary. I believe that they 
Holy le cherye,  which are houseled at the hands of a priest, whether his conversation be good or not, do receive the body and blood of Christ in substance really. Al so I do believe it after the consecration, whether it be received or reserved, to be no less than the very body and blood of Christ in substance. finally I do believe in this and in all 
papysty●  other sacraments of holy church, in all points according to the old catholic faith of the same. In witness whereof, I the said Anne have subscribed my name. There was somewhat more in it, which because I had not the copy, I cannot now remember.  johan Bale. 
All the world knoweth, that neither in Christ's time, nor yet in the days of his Apostles, was any such confession 
New 〈◊〉  of faith, Neither yet in the church that followed after, by the space of moche more than a M. years, What have christian men's conscience than to do with such a progydyouse confession? Are not Christ and his Apostles, teachers sufficient enough for our Christian believe, and their holy doctrines lawful, but we must have these unsavoury brablementes? We must now believe in the bawdry of priests, or that their sodometry and Whoredom for want of marriage, can be no impediment to 
canonized jecherie.  their Godmaking. What is it else to be sworn unto the believe of such articles, but to honour their abominable jecherye? O most swinish sacryfyers of Baal peor, Psalm 105. You is it that the Apostle judas, in his canonical epistle speaketh of. Ye have turned the grace of God, into your jecherie, denying our only governor Jesus' Christ. The holy 
Priapystes.  Ghost showeth us. Apoca. 21. & 22. that non are of the new hallowed city or congregation of the lord, which worketh abomination or maintaineth lies, as ye do them both here.  Anne Askewe. 
Then he red it to me, and asked me, if I did agree to it. An● I said again, I believe so moche thereof, as the holy scripture doth agree to. Wherefore I 
Scripture.  desire you, that ye will add that thereunto. Then he answered, that I should not teach him what he should write, With that, he went forth in to his great chamber, and red the same bill afore the audience, which enuegled and willed me to set to my hand, saying also that I had faver showed me.  johan Bale. 
In every matter concerning our Christian believe, is the scripture reckoned unsufficient of this wicked genera 
Vnsuffycyent.  cyon. God was not wise enough in setting the order thereof▪ but they must add thereunto their swybber swylle, that he may abhor it in us, as he did the jews ceremonies, Esa. 1. Heir. 7. Zacha. 7. Amos 5. Michee 6. But this godly woman would corrupt her fayth● with no such beggary, lest she in so doing should admit them and ●ir pope to sit in her conscience above the eternal God, which is their daily study, 
The pope  2. Thes. 2, A virgin was shein that behalf, redeemed from the earth & following the lamb, & having in her fore head the father's name written. Apocalypsys 14.  Anne Askewe. 
Then said the bishop, I might thank other & no● myself, of the favour I found at 
Faver.  his hand. For he considered (he said) that I had good friends, and also that I was come of a worshipful stock. Then answered one Christofet, a servant to master Dennye. Rather ought ye (my lord) to have done it in such case. for God● sake than for man's.  johan Bale. 
spiritual will these fathers be named. 
Falshed●  and yet they do all to be scene of men, Math. 23. Their old conditions will they change, when the black moreane change his skin, and the cat of the mountain her spotres. Hieremyc 13. If I sought to please men (saith S. Paul) I were not the servant of Christ. Gala. 1. When this tyrannous bishop can do no more mischief, than flattereth he the world, seeking to have thanks where he hath none deserved. 
Flattery●  And as concerning the love or true fear of God (as is herelayed unto him) he hath none at all, Psal. 13.  Anne Askewe. 
Then my lord sat down, and took me the writing to set thereto my hand, and I writ after this manner, I Anne Askewe do believe all manner things contained in the faith of the catholic 
catholic  church. Then because I did add unto it, the catholic church, he flung into his chamber in a great fury. With that my cousin Britain followed him, desiring him for God's sake to be good lord unto me. He answered that I was a woman, and that he was nothing deceived in 
A woman.  me. Then my cousin Britain desired him to take me as a woe man, and not to set my weak woman's wit, to his lordships great wisdom.  johan Bale. 
Was not this (think you) a sore matter to be so grevoslye taken of this prela te? But that they are naturally given to such quarrelings, Matth. 23. This word catholic was not wont to offend 
Catholic  them. How becometh it than now a name so odious? peraventure through this only occasion. They knew not till now of late years (for it come of the Greek) the true signification thereof. As that it is so moche to say in the. En glysh, as the universal or whole. Afore time, they took it to mean their oiled congregation alone. But now they perceive 
Fron oil.  that it includeth the layte so well as then no longer they do esteem it. Other cause can I non conjecture, why they should now more contemn it than afore.  Anne Askewe. 
Then went in unto him doctor weston, and said, that the cause why I did writ there 
Weston.  the catholic church, was, that I understood not the church written afore. So with moche a do, they persuaded my lord to come out again, & to take my name with the names of my sureties, which were my cousin Britain and master Spylman of Gray's inn.  johan Bale. 
For an holy church will they be taken, 
Layte.  and seem moche to differ from the lewd lousy layte or profane multitude of the common people, by reason of their holy unceyons and shauyng●s which came from their pope. Most spe cyallye because they have nothing a do with marriage, reckoned a most contagyouse poison to holy orders, as their fore said Romish father hath taught, which bringeth up all his children in Sodom & Gomor. Jude 1. Apoc. 11. And this 
sodomites.  point have they learned of their predecessors the old pharisees and priests, which were not, sicut ceteri hominum, as the common sort of men are, but holy, spiritual ghostly fathers, Luce 18. Where for they will not now be called a catholic, but an holy spiritual church.  Anne Askewe. 
This being done, we thought that, I should have been put to bail immediately, according to the order of the law. 
Many delays.  Howbeit he would not so suffer it, but committed me from thence to preson again until the next morrow. And than he willed me to apere in the guild hall, & so I ded. notwithstanding they would not put me to bail there neither, but red the bishops witing unto me as before, and so commanded me again to preson.  johan Bale. 
A very servitute of Egipte is it, to be in danger of these papystyck bishops, as in this act doth apere. See what cavillations this Pharaoh did seek here to hold this Christian woman still un 
Phara●  dre his captivity, solouth is the greedy wolf to departed from his desired pray joan. 10. These delays & these sends from caiphass to Pilate, and from By late again to Annas in Paul's, were not else but to seek more matter against 
practise.  her, and to know more deeply who were her friends and maintainers. They that shall confer the fashions of this termagant bishop concerning this woman, with the cruel manners of great Pharaoh in the deliverance of the people of Israel at Gods commandment, Exo. 5. or with the handlings of the jews spirytualte concerning Christ, Math. 26. and johan. 18. they shall not find them all unlike.  Anne Askewe. 
Then were my sureties appointed to come before them on the next morrow in Paul's church, which deed so in deed. Not withstanding they would once again have broken of with them, by cause they would 
●nauerye spiritual  not be bound also for an other woman at their pleasure. whom they knew not, nor yet what matter was laid unto her charge. notwithstanding at the last, after much a do & reasoning to and fro, they took a bond of them of recognisance for my fourth coming. And thus I was at the last, delivered. Written by me Anne Askewe.  johan Bale. 
No verity (saith O seas the Prophet) no mercy, nor yet knowledge of God, is now in the earth, but abominable vices have every where gotten the overhand, one bloudgyltynesse following 
With pre stes.  an other, Osce 4. Think you that the bishops and prestea could take so cruel ways, & would work so false sea tea, if they had the true fear of God, or yet reckoned to feel a rightwise judge at the latter day? Suppose it not. Not only minded they to show no mercy 
tyrants  to this woman, but also to weary all her friends and acquaintance, which is most extreme cruelty and malice.  
The other woman, whom they would hear most craftily have delivered with this (as I am credyblye informed) was a certain popish quean, which they had afore provided both betray her, and accuse her. In more depedaunger 
practise  of the law at that time, was this for her false accusement without record, than was the other which was so fall silly accused. Fain would the prelate's therefore have had her at liberty, but they feared moche to be noted partial. Mark this crafty point for your 
subtlety  learning, and tell me if they be not a subtile generation. More of their spiritual packings and conueya●, for the death of this faithful woman, and most dear member of Christ Anne Askewe, shall ye we'll perceive in the latter part here following, by her own confession and hand writing also to the honour of God and their great dishonour. So be it.  Vain is the conversation, which ye received by the traditions of your fathers, 1. Petri 1. The verity of the lord endureth for ever. Psalm. 116.  

The Conclusion.  
HEre haste thou (gentle reader) the first examination of the faithful martyr of Christ Anne Askewe with my simple elucidation upon the same. Wherein thou master clearly be hold our bishops & priests so spirytuallye 
bishops.  to be occupied now a days, as is the greedy wolf that ravenouslye runneth upon his pray. For the tyrannous be haver in their cruel predecessors have they no manner of shame. Neither yet cepont they their own blasphemous trea son against God and his verity, what though their most wretched consciences do daily accuse them thereof. The king 
Kings of God.  doom of God, which is a true faith in his word, or a perfect knowledge of the gospel, do not they seek to uphold. But vyolentlye they speak ill of it, trouble it, persecute it, chase it, and banish it, because it is of him and from within Luce 17. The kingdom of the pope, 
Pope's kynged●.  which cometh with outward observation of days, persons, places, tymce, meats, garments, & ceremonies, they magnify above the moan, because it is from without, and to their peculiar advantage in the loitering reign of idleness.  
They have thought and yet think by their terrible turmoilings to turn over all, & to change the most noble enter prize of our king, yet once again leisure 
A change  lie, to their pope's behove. But the godly wise man Salomonsayth, There is no policy, there is no practise, no, there is no counsel that can any thing prevail against the lord, Prouerbiorum 21. They reckon that with fire, water, & sword they are able to answer all books made against their abuses, & 
policy.  so to discharge their invincible arguments (for otherwise they have not assoiled them as yet) but truly they are sore deceived therein, as shall weal apere. They suppose by consuming of a score or ij. i● the fire, they have gotten the field of the lamb and his host. Apoca. 17. No, they rather by that mea 
No field.  nes, add strength thereunto, and so demynysh their own. I dare boldly say unto them, that by burning Anne Asfewe and her. iij. companions, they have one thousand less of their popish believe than they had afore. They think 
Books.  also by condemning and burning our books, to put us to silence. But that will surely bring double upon them, if they be not ware, Apoca. 18. For if we should be still. the very stones would speak in these days, Luce 19 And detect their horrible treason against God and the king.  
If they mind to hold their idle offices still, and here after to have profit 
Counsel.  of their old sale wares, as Diriges, Masses, & such other. My counsel were that they did by them, as they now do by their pope the great master and first founder of them. A subtile silence is among them concerning him, and hath been ever since his first putting down. Ye shall not now hear a word spoken against him at Paul's cross, nor yet against his old juggling 
Silence.  feats. And in deed it is a good wise way to set him up again. Wynchestre and Samson made a little brag at the beginning, to seem yet to do somewhat, but since they have repent, and made a large amends for it other ways friar Peryn began to write in defence 
Perryn.  of their monstrous Mass, but now of late days, and he can not find therein one blasphemous abuse justly to be reprehended. Men say, there be crafty knaves abroad in the world in all age● Well, this polytyck silence would do weal also peraventure i other matters. For the more rufflings they make, & the 
take heed  more murder they do, for that idle king done of theirs, the more clear the verity appeareth, and the more vile their sorcerous wares. For the more dirt be shaken (they say) the more it stinketh.  
So outrageously to rail in their, of the noble and learned Germans 
Germans.  (which of all nations loveth our king most inteyrlye) for secluding their pope and changing their masses, they do not most wisely for themselves. They are not so ill beloved of their cun●aye merchants, which customably travail thydre, but they know what is the● both said & done against them. By that 
Peryns sermons.  means came Peryns book of his iij. most idolatrous & foxysh sermons, first of all to my hands. Wherein he rhetorical lie calleth them, in the hot zeal of his Romish father, the erroneous Germans, subtile witted heretics, obstinate adversaries new fangled expositors, perverse sacramentaries, blasphemous apostates, wicked wretches, devilish liars, lewd livers, & abominable believers, with such otherlike. But I know, that they will one day be even with him & with other like apes of Antichrist, for it. When the pope's gre 
Wynchestre.  at dancing bear, a proud pranking prelate of there's, was the last year with the emperor Charles at his fourth going against the said Germans, his bragging begles were not ashamed to boast it in the open streets of Vtrecht in holland, that the pope should again have his full sway in England. Of a likelihood they know there, some secret my steryes in working. I say yet, be ware of that subtile generation, which seeketh not else but to work all mischief.  
gentle and soft wits are oft times offended, that we are now a days so vehement in rebukes. But this would I fain know of them, what modesty they would use (as they call it) if they 
modesty  were compelled to fight with dragos. hiders, and other audible monsters. How patient they woldebe and how gentle, if a ravenous wolf came upon them, they having able weapon to put him a side Surely I know no kind of Christian charity to be showed to the devil. Of non other nature is Moses serpent, but to 〈◊〉 up the serpents of Pharaocs' sorcerers, Exod. 7. If we dead suffer any longer the oak grove of Baal to stand about the altar of the lord, we should modye offend his commandment. 
Oak gro●e.  judi. 6. If I should hold my peace, and not speak in this age, the verity so blasphemed, my conscience would both accuse me and condemn me of the unconsyderaunce of my lord God. More 
conscience.  precious is the thing which is in daily controversy and apparel (which is now Gods true honour) than is all this worlds treasure here. What Christian heart can abide it, to see the creature yea not of God but of man, to be worshipped in the stead of God, and say nothing therein?  
Solomon saith, there is as weal a time to speak, as a time to keep silence, and a time as weal to hate, as a 
hate them.  time to love, Ecclesiastes 3. With a per fight hate, lord (saith Savid) have I hated those bloudthurstye enemies, which were in their presumption against thee, Psalm 118. Strongly and with most mighty stomach, are hypocrites to be invaded, which will not give place to the reryte. Mark how mightily Moses resisted Pharaoh, Helyas king 
Examples.  Achab, Helyseus joram, Zachary joas, Daniel the idolaters, johan Baptist the pharisees and Herode, Steven the jews, the Apostles the bishops & priests. Christ rebuked his disciple Peter, & bade him, come after him devil, Math. 16. Yet called be judas his friend, Math. 26. Necessary is it that the elect flock of God, do hate the unclean fowls, which yet hold their habitation in Babylon, Apoca. 18. johan wycleue and johan huss confess in their 
Wycleue, and huss.  writings, that they were by strong force inwardly constrained of God to work against the great antichrist Erasmus boldly uttered it, that God for the evils of this latter age, hath provided sharp phesycyanes. Quench not the spirit (saith S. Paul) despise not prophecies, 1. Thessalon. 5. I put 
Spirit.  my earnest words into thy mouth (said the lord to Hieremye) that thou shouldest both destroy and build. Hieremye 1. 〈◊〉 this suffice ye concerning our rebukes, for they are Gods enemies whom we invade.  
If ye perceive it and feel it on the other side, that the waves of the see are great also, and doth horryblye rage in these days, Psalm 92. consider again 
Waves.  (saith David) that the lord which dwelleth on high, is a great deal mightier than they. As he is of power to cease the storm and to make the wether calm, Psalm 106. So is he able to change a fynges' indignation (which is but death) into most peaceable favour and loving gentleness, Prouerbiorum 16. For the heart of a king is evermore 
●are & 〈◊〉.  in the hand of God, and he may turn it which way he will, Prover. 21. His eternal pleasure it is, that ye should honour your king as his immediate my nyster concerning your bodies and lives 〈◊〉. Petri 2 and that ye should with all ●en tylnesse obey the temporal rulers. Romano. 13. But soche spiritual hypocrites, both bishops and priests, as are continual haters of his heavenly verity; would he that we should hold for 
Abhor.  most detestable apostates and blasphemous reprobates, as did Christ and his Apostles which never obeyed them, but most sharply rebuked them, Mathei 23. Acto. 20. and 2. Petri 2. The grace of that lord Jesus' Christ, be ever with them, which rightly hate that synagogue of Satan, as did Anne Askewe,  
Amen.  God standeth by the generation of the righteous, Psal. 13.  
Thus endeth the first examination of Anne Askewe, lately done to death by the Romish pope's malicious remnant, and now canonized in the precious hloude of the lord jesus Christ, imprinted at Marpurg in the land of Hessen, in No vembre, Anno 1546.  

The voice of Anne Askewe out of the 54. Psalm of David, called. Deus in nomine tuo.  

FOr thy name's sake, be my refuge,  
And in thy truth, my quarrel judge.  
Before thee (lord) leteme be heard,  
And with favour my tale regard  
Loo, faithless men, against me rise,  
And for thy sake, my death practise.  
My life they seek, with main & might  
Which have not thee, afore their sight  
Yet helpest thou me, in this distress,  
Saving my soul, from cruelness.  
I wot thou wilt revenge my wrong,  
And visit them, ere it be long.  
I will therefore, my whole heart bend.  
Thy graeyouse name (lord) to commend.  
From evil thou hast, delivered me,  
Declaring what, mine enemies be,  
Praise to God.    

The Preface.  
Who ever heard any goodness yet reported of Dionothus with his M. & CC. companions, whom Augustyne caused to be slain at Westchestre in his 
Augustyne.  church's beginning, because they would not preach as he did appoint them, nor baptize after the Romish manner, neither yet hallow the easter feast as they ded. Many a blessed creature, both men & women, have been brent since johan Why cleves time & afore, for only disclosing 
Wycleue  the pharisees yokes & teaching the Gospels liberty. And then have that baw die bloody synagogue of Satan defamed, blasphemed, condemned, execrated & cursed to hell asmost detestable heretics and dogs. Where as if they were of Christ, they ought (in case they were their haters or enemies) to suffer them, 
Suffer.  to say weal of them, to do them good, & to pray for them. Math. 5. Luce 6. and not thus to use more tyranny over them, than ever did Saracene, Turk, Tyrannt or devil. A great difference is there of the martyrs whom they make, from the martyrs whom they canonyse. Of them 
difference of mar tyrs.  whom they damn, from them whom they worship. Yea, so great a difference or diversity between them (if ye mark them weal) as is betwixt gold and dirt, or light and darkness.  
The martyrs, whose deaths they have 
Martyr's  procured by all ages of their bloudthurstye church, hearkened unto Christ, he old of righteousness, & sought their lord God in spirit, Esa. 51. but the mar tyrs for the most part, whom they have with so many latin wawlings, torches & candle burnings, magnified in their temples, hearkened to the pope, healed of his unrighteousness, & sought out his supersticious idolatries. In the conferring of their old canonized 
Compare  martyrs, with our newly condemned martyrs here. Anne Askewe and her other iij. companions, with such like, their difference will be much more ease lie perceived. First let us begin with Thomas Becket, which was so glorious 
Becket.  a martyr and precious advocate of theirs, that they made his blood equal with Christ's blood and desired to cly me to heaven thereby. Many wonderful miracles could that mitred patron of 
miracles  theirs do in those days, when the monks had friar Bakons books and knew