Who so ever liveth, and believeth in me, shall never die. joan. 11.  
He that heareth my words, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into damnation, but pass from death unto life. joan. 5.   

The lattre examination of Anne Askewe, lately martyred in smithfield, by the wicked synagogue of Antichrist, with the elucidation of johan Bale.  
Anne Askewe stood fast by this verity of God to the end.  
Psalm 116.  
The verity of the lord endureth forever.  
I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh (saith God) your sons and your daughters shall prophecy. And who so ever call on the name of the lord/ shall be saved. johel. ij.   

johan Bale to the Christian Readers.  
IN the prymatyne church, as the horrible persecucyōs increased, many diligent writers collected the godly answers and tryumphannt sufferings of the mattyrs, as necessary examples of Christian constancy to be followed of other. Of this number was Lucas, which wrote the Apostles acts Sowere after him Linus, 
Writers.  Marcellus, Egesippus, Meliton 〈◊〉, Abdias Babylonius, josephus Antiochenus, Clemens Alexandrinus, Antherus, Phileas, Eusebius, Nicephorus, & a great sort more, Fabianus, not a chair bishop, but a pulpit bishop of Rome, ordained in his time for that only office seven. deacons & so many notayres, about the year of our lord. CC.XXXVI. that they should faithfully register their martyrdoms, 
notairey●  to hold them in continual remembrance, as witnesseth Platina Polydorus, Masseus, & such other chroniclers. No less necessary is that office now, though few men attempt it, nor no less profitable to the christian commonwealth than it was in those terrible days. For now are persecutions all Christendom over, 
martyrs  so we'll as were than. Now are the true christians vexed of the sitting bishops for their Christian believe, so weal as than. Now are they reviled, punished, imprisoned, & have all evil spoken against them for Christ's verities sake. Math. 5. so weal as than.  
And what can be more comfortable to the sufferers, 
sufferers.  than to know the earnest constancy of their troubled companions in that kingdom of patience? Apo. 1. or to mark in them the strong working of faith, & behold the mighty majesty of God in their agonies? what though they were afore, sinners of the world. 
Bernardus.  Saint bernard saith in his homilies upon salomon's canticles, that the godly sufferance of martyrs hath given as good erudition to the christian church, as ever did the doctrine of the saints. Than is it meet that some be steering, and not that all men in these days be idle/ concerning that godly office. 
Barnes. and other  Many have suffered in this realm of late years, by the bold calling on of Antichristes' furious advocates, whose lattre confessions, causes, and answers, are a great deal more notable & godly, if they be rightly weighed, than ever were the confessions, causes and answers of the old canonized martyrs, which in the pope's English church have had so many solemnities, services, and sensings. 
Recanters  Many have also most desperately recanted through their most wicked persuasions and threatenings, in whose vain recantations are both to be scene, their blasphemies against God, and manifest treasons against their king.  
Now in conferring these martyrs, the old with the new/ and the pope's with Christ's. I seclude first of all the britain church, 
britain church.  or the primitive church of this realm, which never had authority of the Romish pope. Her martyrs in deed were agreeable to that Christ spoke afore in the Gospel concerning his martyrs, whereby we should know them, as we evidently find in the lives of Emerita king Lucyes' sister, Amphibalus, Albanus, Aaron, julius, Dionothus, & such other. I Send you forth (saith he) as sheep among wolves. Men 
Christ.  shall deliver ye up in their counsels and synagogues. Ye shall be brought before rulers, and kings, and be hated of all men in a manner for my name's sake, Mathei 10. Cast not afore in your minds what answer to make. For I in that hour shall give ye both utterance and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand, 
bishops.  Luce 21. They shall excommunicate you or condemn you for heretics. Yea, they shall bring you in such hate of the world, that who so ever killeth you, will think he doth God great good service. And this shall they do because they know rightly neither the father nor yet me, joan. 16.  
Many other like sentences left the ford jesus Christ in his holy Gospel, that we should always by them discern his true martyrs, from the pope's & Mahometes counterfeit martyrs. In England here since the first plantacyon of the pope's English church, 
English church.  by Augustyne & other Romish monks of Benettes superstition, ij. kinds of martyrs hath been, One of monastery builders and chaunterye founders, whom the temporal princes & secular magistrates have dyversiye done to death, sometime for disobedience, & sometime for manifest treason, as we have of Wallenus of Crowlande, 
Martyr's  Thomas of Lancastre, richard Scrope, Becket & such other. The images of these have been set up in their temples, like the old gods of the pagans, & have had their vygyls, holy days, ryngynges, sacryfysynge, candles, offerings, feastings, & much a do besides, as they had. The other sort were preachers of the Gospel, or poor teachers thereof in corners, 
Other martyrs.  when the persecution was such, that it might not be taught abroad. And these poor souls, or true servants of God, were put to death by the holy spiritual father's bishops, priests, monks, canons, & friars, for heresy & jollerye, they say. These Christian martyrs were never solemnized of them. No, 
No dyrge  they had not so much as a penny dyrge or a groat mass of Requiem, no more then had johan baptist and Steven among the jews. But they have been holden for condemned heretics ever since.  
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, 
Wycleue  have been brent since johan Wyclenes time & afore, for only disclosing the pharisees yokes & teaching the Gospels liberty. And then have that bawdy bloody synagogue of Satan defamed, blasphemed, condemned. execrated & cursed to hell as most detestable heretics and dogs. Where as if they were of Christ, 
Suffer.  they ought (in case they were their haters or enemies) to suffer them, 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, Tyrant or devil. A great difference is there of the martyrs whom they make, 
difference of martyrs.  from the martyrs whom they canonyse. Of them 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, 
Martyr's  whose deaths they have 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 martyrs for the most part, whom they have with so many latin wawlynges, torches & candle burnings, magnified in their temples, hearkened to the pope, healed of his unrighteousness, & sought out his supersticious idolatries. 
Compare  In the conferring of their old canonized martyrs, with our newly condemned martyrs here. Anne Askewe and her other iij. companions, with such like, their difference will be much more easily perceived. First let us begin with Thomas Becket, 
Becket.  which was so glorious a martyr and precious advocate of theirs, that they made his blood equal with Christ's blood and desired to climb to heaven thereby. 
miracles  Many wonderful miracles could that mitred patron of theirs do in those days, when the monks had friar Bakons books and knew the bestowing of friar ●ō●ayes mists but now he can do none at all. This Becket in all his flourishing doings, hearkened to the pope, defended his pomponse kingdom, supported his church's excess, & wretchedly died for the synnefullly bertees of the same. 
●yght martyrs.  Anne Askewe & her sort, gave diligent heed to their lord jesus Christ, sought the kingdom of heaven in daily repentance, mightily detested all idolatrous worshippings, & in conclusion suffered most triumphant death for the same.  
Concerning other martyrs. As Ween fryd, 
Bonifacius Anglus  otherwise called Bonyface an English monk & archbishop of Magunce was slain confirming neophytes, orprofessing his newly baptized broad to the Romish pope's obedience. There was found about him a casket full of relics or dead men's bones, when he was put to death in the year of our lord. 755. Anne Askewe & her fellowship, had none other relics about than, when they stood at the stake to be brent in Smyth field. but a bundle of the sacred scriptures enclosed in their hearts, and ready to be uttered against Antichristes' idolatries, Saint Clare of Orchestre contemning lawful marriage, 
Clarus,  made himself an idle priest, & was byheaded in his own garden by procurement of a woman. 
Clitancus  S. Elytanke of South-Wales, was in like case stabbed in with a dagger, because a young maiden loved him. The only true honour of God was it, & no wordly cause, that Anne Askewe & her company died for. Saint edwin 
Edwinus  being weleanned, was slain in battle at ●at field in the North, 
Edwardus.  and S. Edwardery ding a Hunting in the forest of Warham in the west, was killed upon his horse in drinking a cup of wine. And all this was done for the kyngedomes of this world. The martyrdom of Anne Askewe and her brethren, was neither in batteling nor hunting, riding nor dryking, but in that right course which Christ prescribed unto his disciples under the cruel bishops, for his only glory.  
Saynce Cadock of Cowbridge a bishop, 
Cadocus.  was pierced through with a spear, as he stood at his Mass at one of the clock at after none, because he would be of the order of martyrs. Saint Elphege archbishop of Caunterburye was stoned to death of the Danes, because he would not pay them three. M. Mark, 
Lanfrancus.  in the year of our lord. M. and xii. Of such martyrs, much doubted Lanfrancus, which succeeded him in that office about a iiij. score years after, and disputed thereof with Anselmus. The cause of Anne Askewe and her companions, was neither madness nor money, 
Indractus  but the only seeking of their lord God a right. As Saint Indract with other devout pilgrims of Rome lay in bed in their inn at Shapwyck by Glastenbury, their throats were cut in the night for money, which was reckoned to be in their pilgrims scryppes. Saint juthware a virgin was by headed also, 
juthwara.  for laying fresh cheese or cruds whether ye will, to her breasts. The cause of Anne Askewe and her other fellows, conferred with Christ's scriptures, seemeth a far other matter, Hewalde 
Hewaldiduo.  the black and Hewalde the white ij. English monks, going from place to place with cruets, chalice, and superaltar, to do their daily sacrifices, were done to death in Frislande by the bowers of the cuntraye for teaching a strange religion, and are worshipped at Coleyne for martyrs. For bearing about Christ's testament, which is most heavenly treasure, and for spreading the wholesome doctrine thereof, was Anne Askewe 
Anne Askewe.  and her sort brent by the priests procurement, yet axe they no honour for it.  
Osytha running away from her husband, 
Ositha  by the intysement of ij. monks became a professed nun, and was murdered of the Danes. Wenefryda 
Wenefrida.  by counsel of a priest, dysdaynouslye refusing the marriage of a prince christened, lost her head for it. 
Maxēti●  Maxentia also played a part not all unlike to this. Soch pylde popish martyrdoms, compared to the martyrdom of Anne Askewe and her faithful company, is as is rusty iron compared to pure silver. 
Guilhelmus.  S. William of Rochestre a Scotte. leaving both wife and household, ydellye to trudge on pilgrimage, was stricken in the head with an axe/ of his own companion by the way. Saint Thomas 
Thomas.  of Dover a monk was such a won, as was slain of the french men for hiding the church 〈◊〉, crosses, ●●●lyces & cepes. No such light corruptible vanyrees were they, that Anne Askewe & her constant brethren died for, but for the precious verity of God. young S. 
Young Saints.  William of Norwych. young S. Robert of bury, young S. Hugh of Lyncolne, young S. Melor of cornwall, young S. Renelme of Glocestre, young S. Eldrede of Ramsaye & his brother, with such other like, were but very babes (they say) & were martyred of the jews & of other enemies. Wherefore their martyrdoms shall be but babysh in comparison of these. the verity having by them so small furtherance.  
Foillanus & his iij. 
Foillanus  brethren, going homeward in the night, after they had weal bankered with S. Gertrude & her nuns, were killed in a wood of one murderer, and their horses sold in the next market rowne. justinanus, S. Davies ghostly father in Wales, 
justinanus.  was slain in a garden of his iij. monks, because he compelled them to do more labour than he would do his self. After Rilianus 
Rilianus  was come home from Rome, he was murdered in his sell with other holy pilgrims by a woman, as they lay there asleep in the night. Saint Ursula also and her she pilgrims, with their chaplains, 
Vrsula●  nurses, and sucking babes, were but homely handled at Coleyn● of the hunnes and pyctes (if that legend be true) as they were coming homewards from Rome. Compare me Anne Askewe and her condemned company, with these clouted, 
proveth sprites.  canonized, solemnized, sensed, mattensed, and massed martyrs, and tell me by the Gospel's trial, which of them seem most Christenlyke martyrs, Yea, bring saint Edmonde of bury. S. Fremunde of Dunstable, S. Ethelbert of Herforde, S. oswald of Glocestre, S. oswin of Tynmoth, 
Edmund● Fremnndꝰ & other.  and Saint Wynstane of Euesham (which are the best of the English martyrs) to the touch stone of God's word, & ye shall fynhe their martyrdoms and causes full unlike to theirs whom the bishops murder now apace in England.  
In all these English martyrs rehearsed here afore, 
token  ye shall find very few colours or yet tokens, that Christ said his martyrs should be known by, unless ye take pilgrimages, pomps relics, women, battles, huntynges, idleness, monkeryes, money, 
the author  treasure, worldly kyngedomes, contempt of marriage, superstitions & such other vanities for them. And than will I say, & not lie in it/ that ye are much better overseane than learned in the scriptures of God/ as your old blind bladdering predecessors hath been. Ye will axe me here, 
Good store.  if I reckon England than all barren of Christian martyrs? Nay marry do I not. For I know it hath had good store since the pope's faith came first into England to the Gospel's obscuracyon/ though their names be not known to all men. Great tyranny was showed by the heythnysh emperors & kings/ at the first preaching of them Gospel in the primitive church of the britains 
Brytannysh. / by the cruel calling on of the pagan priests But nothing like to that hath been showed since in the English 
English.  church by the spiritual tyrannt of Rome & his mitred termagauntes/ at the invocation of their oiled swylbolles & blind Balaamytes. For they most cruelly brent those innocentes/ which did but only read the testament of God in their mother tongue/ & do not yet repent them of that mischief but continue therein.  
If ye mark weal these ij. examinations of Anne Askewe, ye shall find in her and in her other ●ij. 
Tokens.  companions, besides other whom the bishops in our time and afore hath brent, the express tokens that Christ sealeth his martyrs with. They appeared as sheep among wolves They were thrown in strong preson. They were brought forth into counsels and synagogues. 
Answers  Their answers were out of God's spirit (as her in appeareth) and not out of their own. They were reviled, mocked, stocked, racked, execrated, condemned, and murdered, as is said afore, 
tyrants  By a spiritualty also, as he promised they should be, Math. 23. and 24 Yea, those spiritual tyrants besides their mortal malice upon the innocent bodies, have most blasphemously uttered in their spiteful sermons and writings, that their souls are dampened, as is to be sea●e in the books of wynchestre and Peryn. 
Wynchestre Peryn.  But let them be ware lest they damn not their own wretched souls. For full sure we are by Christ's strong promise, Luce 12. That their souls they can not harm with all their pope's black c●rses, Full swetelye rese they now in the peace of God, where their slanderous and malycyon see judgements can not hurt them at all. Sapi. 3. let those Epycures pigs damn them with as many blasphemous 
epycures pigs.  lies as they can imagine, for other armour they have nor. And we shall on the other side can●nyse them again with the mighty words and promises of Christ, which they shall never be able to resist. The father of our lord jesus Christ, 
Light.  grant the light of his word so to spread the world over that the dark mists of Satan may clearly be expelled, to the special comfort of his redeemed church, and glory of his eternal name.  
Amen.   

The lattre examination of the worthy servant of God masters Anne Askewe the younger daughter of Sir William Askewe knight of Lyncolne shire, lately martyred in smithfield by the wicked synagogue of Antichrist. The censure or judgement of johan Bale thereupon, after the sacred Scriptures and chronicles.  
CHrist willed his most dear Apostle and secretary Gaynt johan the 
S. johan.  Evangelist, to signify by writing to the ever fear or preacher of the congregation of Pergamos, that there only are his faithful members murdered, where Satan inhabiteth or holdeth residence. And for example he bringeth forth his constant witness Antipas, which was there most cruelly slain of that synagogue of his, for confessing the verity, Apoca. 2. That Behemorh (saith job) that Leviathan, that Satan, 
Satan.  reigneth as a most mighty king over all the spiritual children of pride. job 42. A murderer (saith Christ to the spirituality of the jews) and a blasphemous liar, is that father of yours, & hath been from the worlds beginning joan. 8. These manners hath he not yet left, but continueth them still in his wicked posterity.  
In the primitive church (as restyfyeth Bedas) they persecuted the hears of Christ's head, 
Christ's hears.  which were so pure as the white wool that is apt to receive all colours, Apoca, 1. They slew those true believers which his word & spirit had depured from all false worshippings, and made fit for all tribulations to be suffered for his name's sake. In these lattre days they meddele with his feet, 
Christ's feet.  which are like unto brass, buring as it were in an hot furnace, Apo. 1. For they that believe now agreeably to his word, and not after their corrupted and cursed customs, 
Fire.  are consumed in the fire. As here after will apere by this godly woman Anne Askewe, which with other more was brent at London in the year of our lord a M.D.XLVI. For the faithful testimony of jesus against Antichrist. Whose lattre handling here followeth in course, like as I received it in copy, 
Coppye.  by certain duche merchants coming from thence, which had been at their burning, and beholden the tyrannous violence there showed. First out of the preson she wrote unto a secret friend of hers, after this maner following.  

Anne Askewe.  
I do perceive (dear friend in the lord) that thou art not yet persuaded throughly in the truth concerning the lords supper, 
Christ.  because Christ said unto his Apostles. Take, eat This is my body which is given for you. In giving forth the bread as an outward sign or token to be received at the mouche, he minded them in a perfect believe to receive that body of his which should die for the people, or to think the death thereof, the only health and salvation of their souls. The bread and the wine were left us, 
Bread.  for a sacramental communion, or a mutual participation of the inestimable benefyghtes of his most precious death and blood shedding. And that we should in the end thereof, be thankful together for that most necessary grace of our redemption. For in the closing up thereof, he said thus. This do ye, in remembrance 
Remember  of me. Yea, so oft as ye shall eat it or drink it, Luce 22. and 1. Corinth. 11. Els should we have been forgetful of that we ought to have in daily remembrance, & also been altogether unthankful for it.   

johan Bale.  
agreeable to this woman's doctrine here, 
Edere & Bibere.  are the scriptures of both testamenice. Wherein these words Edere & Bibere, to eat & to drink, are oft times spirytuallye taken for Credere, to believe or receive in faith. The poor (saith David) shall eat and he satisfied. All that seek to please the lord shall praise him, & their souls shall never perish, Psal. 21. They that eat me (saith the verity of God) shall hunger more and more, 
Believe.  and they that drink me shall thirst more desyerouslye for me. Eccles. 24. unless ye eat the flesh of the son of man (saith Christ) and drink his blood, ye can have no life in you, joan. 6. These scriptures expound the doctors spirytuallye, 
evangelists.  yea, the papists & all Where as the other iij. Evangelists. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, showeth nothing else of the lords supper but the plain history, S. johan writing last of them all, 
Doctry●ne  manifesteth there the whole cōplte● doctrine & full understanding thereof after Christ's own 〈…〉 and meaning. 〈◊〉 is it there, that the true receivers thereof, be taught of God, and learned of the heavenly father and not of sinful men's customs.  
The work of God, or that pleaseth God. 
Faith.  is not there the putting of bread into the mouth and belly, but to believe or exactly to consider, that Christ died for us to cleanse us from sin, to join us into one mystical body, and to give us the life everlasting. And that there is non other but he that can procure us that life. For that which entereth the Mouth, feedeth only the body. But that entereth faith, feedeth the soul. 
Christ.  I am the living bread saith he) which came down from heaven. He only that believeth in me, hath the life everlasting, joan. 6. the spirit is it that quickeneth, the fleshly under standing, or only mouth eating, profiteth nothing at all. Here will an obstinate papyst peraventure say, that we attribute nothing to the corporal communion. 
communion.  yes, we reverently, grant, that rightly ministered after Christ's institution it both confirmeth our faith in the necessary considerations of his death, and also stirreth up that brotherly Christian love which we ought to have towards our neighbour, 
love.  besides that this faithful woman hath spoken here of it a force. And these are the only fruits which he requireth of us in that supper or sacramental meeting.   

Anne Askewe.  
Therefore it is meet, that in prayers we call unto God, to graft in our foreheads, the true meaning of the holy Ghost concerning this communion. 
Letter.  For S. Paul doth say that the letter slayeth. The spirit is it only that giveth life. 2. Cor. 3. Mark wenle the vj. chapter of johan, where all is applied unto faith. ●ore also the fort chapter of S. Paul's first epistle to the corinths, & in the end thereof ye shall find plainly, that the things which are scene are temporal, but they that are not scene are everlasting. Yea, look in the third chapter to the hebrews, & ye shall find that Christ 
Christ.  as a son and no servant▪ ruleth over his house (whose house are we, and not the dead temple) if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of that hope to the end. Wherefore as saith the holy Ghost. To day if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts, etc., Psalm. 94.   

johan Bale.  
By the fore heads 
Foreheads.  understand she the hearts or minds of men, for so are they take of S. johan, Apoc. 7. and 22. I can not think, but herm she had respect unto the plate of fine gold which the lord commanded to be set upon Aaron's forehead, for the acceptation of the people of Israel, 
Hearts.  Exodi 2. For here would she all men's hearts to be endued and lightened with the most pur● spirit of Christ, for the understanding of that most holy and necessary communion, the corrupted dreams and fantasies of sinful men set a part. She knew by the singular gift of the holy Ghost, that they are dying masters, procurers of idolatry, and most spyghfull enemies to the soul of man, that applieth that office to the corruptible lips, 
Liars  which belongeth to an uncorrupted faith, so setting the creature that is corruptible bread, in place of the creator Christ both God and man, Roma. 1. lamenting it with the righteous, at the very heart rote. 
A member.  And in this she showed herself to be a natural member of Christ's mystical body. 1. Cor. 12. relygyouslye careful for her Christian brethren & cistern, lest they should take harm of the pope's massmongers.   

Anne Askewe.  
The sum of my examination afore the kings counsel at Grenewyche. Your request as concerning my prison fellows, 
companions.  I am not able to satisfy, because I heard not their examinations. But the effect of mine was this I before the counsel, was asked of master kyme. I answered, that my lord chancellor knew all ready my mind in that matter, They with that answer were not contented, but said, it was the kings pleasure, 
Rhyme.  that I should open the matter to them. I answered them plainly, that I would not so do. But if it were the kings pleasure to hear me, I would show him the truth. Then they said, it was not meet for the king with me to be troubled. I answered, that Solomon 
Solomon  was reckoned the wisest king that ever lived, yet misliked not he to hear two poor common women, much more his grace a simple woman and his faithful subject. So in conclusion, I made them non other answer in that matter.   

johan Bale.  
Concerning master Rhyme, 
Rhyme.  this should seem to be the matter. Her father Sir William Askewe knight and his father old master Rhyme, were sometime of familiarity and neybers within the county of Lyncolne shire. Whereupon the said Sir William, covenanted with him for lucre, to have his eldest daughter married with his son and 〈◊〉 (as an ungodly manner it is in England much used among neble men) And as it was her chance to die afore the time of marriage, 
An use.  to save the money he constrained this to supply her room. So that in the end she was compelled against her will or free consent to marry with him. notwithstanding the marriage once passed, she demeaned herself like a Christian wife, 
Married  and had by him (as I am informed) ij. children. In process of time by oft reading of the sacred Bible, she fell clearly from all old superstitions of papistry, to a perfyght believe in Jesus' Christ Whereby she so offended the priests (as is to be scene after) that he at their suggestion, 
Exiled.  vyolentlye drove her out of his house. Whereupon she thought herself free from that uncomely 〈…〉 marriage, by this doctrine of S. Paul 1 Cor. 7. If a faithful woman have an unbelieving husband, which will not tarry with her she may leave him. For a brother or sister is not in subjection to such▪ specially where as the marriage afore is unlawful. Upon this occasion (I hear say) she s●ught of the law a dyuorcemē● 
divorcement.  from him, namely and above all, because he so cruelly drove her out of his house in despite of Christ's verity. She could not think him worthy of her marriage which so spitefully hated God the chief author of marriage. 
A beast.  Of this matter was she first examined (I think) at his instant labour and suit.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then my lord chancellor asked me of my opinion in the sacrament. 
Sacrament.  My answer was this. I believe, that so oft as I in a Christian congregation, do receive the bread in remembrance of Christ's death, & with thanks giving according to his holy institution, I receyne therewith the fruits also of his most glorious passion. 
〈◊〉.  The bishop of wynchestre bade me make a direct answer. I said, I would not sing a new song to the lord in a strange land.   

johan Bale.  
Direct enough was this answer after Christ's single doctrine, but not after the pope's double and covetous meaning for his wyled choristers advantage. 
Answer.  And here was at hand his general advocate or steward, to look upon the matter, that nothing should perish pertaining to the maintenance of his supersticious vain glory, if any crafty policy might help it. 
Tyrant.  What offended this godly Christian woman here, either in opinion or faith, ye cruel and vengeable tyraunies? But that ye must (as David saith) temper your tongues with venomous words to destroy that innocent. Psal. 63. Could you have brought in against her a matter of more danger concerning your laws, to deprive her of life, ye would have done it, 
Danger  such is your ghostly charity. But be sure of it, as haughty as ye are now, the hard plague thereof will ●e yours, when the great vengeance shall fall for shedding of innocentes blood. Mathe● 23.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop said, I spoke in parables. 
Parable●  I answered it was best for him. For if I show the open truth (quoth I) ye will not accept it. Then he said I was a paratte. I told him again, I was ready to suffer all things at his hands. Not only his rebukes, but all that should follow besides, yea, and that gladly. Then had I diverse rebukes of the counsel. 
Rebukes.  because I would not express my mind in all things as they would have me. But they were not in the mean time unanswered for all that, which now to rehearse, were to much. For I was with them there above five hours. 
v. hours  Then the clerk of the counsel conveyed me from thence to my lady Garnyshe.   

johan Bale.  
Most commonly Christ used to speak in dark similitudes and parables, when he perceived his audience rather gevon to the hearing of pharysaycall constytutions and customs, than to his heavenly verity, Math. 13. Mar. 4. Luce 7. Which rule this woman being his true disciple, forgot not here, in commening with this proud bishop. 
Wyuchesnstre.  whom she knew to be always a most obstinate withstander of that wholesome verity of his. And as concerning mocks and scornful re●ylynges, they have been ever in that generation of scorners more plenteous than good counsels to the rightwise. 
Mockers  And therefore as a name after their conditions, it is unto them appropryate of the holy Ghost in many places of the scriptures. In the lattre days (saith judas the apostle) shall come mockers, walking in ungodliness all after their own lusts. These are they which separate themselves from the common sort by a name of spirytualtie, being in conversation beastly, and having no spirit that is godly. 
hypocrites.  But dearly beloved (saith he) ground yourselves surely upon our most holy faith, etc.   

Anne Askewe.  
The next day I was brought again before the counsel. Then would they needs know of me, what I said to the sacrament. 
Sacrament.  I answered, that I already had said that I could say Then after diverse words▪ they bade me, go by. Then came my lord Lyle, 
Wynchestre.  my lord of Essexe, and the bishop of wynchestre requiring me earnestly, that I should confess the sacrament to be flesh, blood and bone. Then said I to my lord Para●d my lord Lyle, that it was great shame for them to counsel contrary to their knowledge. 
Godly.  Whereunto in few words they did say, that they would gladly all things were weal.   

johan Bale.  
Always have the wordly governors showed more gentleness and favour to the word of God, 
Prynces●  than the consecrate priests and prelate's. As we have for example in the old law▪ that Ezechias the king of juda would in no case at their calling on. put Micheas 
Michea●  the true prophet unto death, when he had prophesied the destruction of Samaria for their idolatry, and for the tyranny of their princes and false prophets, Miche 1. and 3. Neither would the princes at the priests heady exclamations, murder Hieremye 
hieremye  for the lords verity preaching, but mercifully delivered him out of their malicious hands, Hieremye 26. pilate in 
Pylate●  like case, concerning the new jaw, plea●ed with the jews spiritualty, to have saved Christ from the death, Math. 27. joan. 18. So did the captain Claudius Lisias 
Lisias  deliver Paul from their mortal malice, after that the high priest Ananias had commanded him to be smitten, and his retinue conspired his death, Acto. 23. At the priests only provocation was it, that the heythnysh emperors so grievously vexed and tormented the Christian believers in the primitive church, 
Cesares.  as testifieth Egesyppus. Clemens Alexandrinus, Eusebius, a●d other old hystoryanes.   

Anne Askew.  
Then the bishop said, he would speak withme famylyarlye. I said, so did judas when he unfryndelye betrayed Christ Then desired the bishop to speak with me alone. 
Wynchestre.  But that I refused. He asked me, why? I said, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter should stand, after Christ's & Paul's doctrine. Math. 18. and 2. Cor. 13.   

johan Bale.  
Deed she not (think you) hit the nail on the head▪ in thus taunting this bishop? yeas. 
Treason.  For as great offence doth he to Christ, that giveth one of his believing members unto death, as did he that betrayed first his own body. That ye have done unto those little ones (shall he say at the lattre day) which have believed in me, 
Christ's.  ye have done unto mine own person, Math. 25. Who so toucheth them (saith Zacharye) shall touch the apple of the lords own eye. Zacha. ●. But this believeth not that perverse generation.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then my lord chancellor began to examine me again of the sacrament. 
Sacrament.  Then I axed him, how long he would halt on both sides? Then would he needs know, where I found that? I said in the scripture 3. Reg. 18. Then he went his way.   

johan Bale.  
Of Helias the prophet were these words spoken, to the people of Israel. soch time as they halted between ij. 
Halt,  opinions or walked unryghtlye between the true living God, & the false God Baal as we do now in England between Christ's Gospel and the pope's old rotten customs. 
England  We slenderly consider with S. Paul, that Christ will have no fellowship or concord with Belial, light with darkness, rightwiseness with unrightwiseness, the temple of God with images, or the true believers with the infidels, 2. Corinth. 6. For all our newo Gospel, yet will we still bear the straungersyoke with the unbelievers, and so be come neither hot nor cold, that God may spew us out of his mouth as unsavoury morsels. 
●epidi.  Apoc. 3. saying unto us as to the foolish virgins. Verily I know you not. Mathei 25.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop said, I should be brent. 
Brenn●.  I answered, that I had searched all the scriptures yet could I never find there that either Christ or his Apostles put any creature to death. Well, well, said I, God will laugh your threatenings to scorn, Psal. 2. Then was I commanded to stand a side.   

johan Bale.  
Among other signs, that the holy scripture giveth us to know an Antichrist by, 
antichrist  it showeth that he shall be an adversary, 2. Thes. 2. An unsatiable dog, Esa. 56. A pursuing enemy▪ psa. 4. An enemy in the sanctuary, Psal 73 A ravening wolf, 
T●br●̄ne,  Mat. 7. Luce 10. joan. 10. Act●. 20. And a most cruel murderer, Dani. 11. joan. 16. Apoc. 13. Unto such (saith S. johan) is it given to vex men with heat of fire, Apo. 16. The wickedness of priests (saith Heir.) sheddeth innocentes bleud●. Yea (say they) ye must ●e brent, ye must dwell among the gentiles, Tren●. 4. Or be committed to prison of the worldly powers, & so put unto death by them. 
priests.  We marvel not therefore though these parts be played of proud bishops. considering the holy Ghost must be found true in his fore judgements, & that some there must be to do the feats. But truly did this woman conclude with the prophecy of David, Psalmer. That God which dwelleth in heaven shall have their tyranny in derision, and bring all their wicked counsels to nought, 
God law heath.  in the clear opening of his word, have they never so many painted colours of false right wiseness.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then came master Pagett to me with many glorious words, and desired me to speak my mind to him. 
Pagett.  I might (he said) deny it again, if need w●re. I said, that I would not deny the truth. He asked me, how I could avoid the very words of Christ. Take, care. This is my body, which shall be broken for you. I answered, 
Christ's meaning  that Christ's meaning was there, as in these other places of the scripture. I am the door, joan▪ 10. I am the vine, joan. 15. Behold the lamb of God, joan. 1. The rock stone was Christ. 1 Cor. 10. and such other like. Ye may not here (said I) take Christ for the material thing that he is signified 
signify.  by. For than ye will make him a very door, a vine, a lamb, and a stone, clean contrary to the holy Ghosts meaning. All these in deed do signify Christ, like as the bread doth his body in that place. And though he did say there. Take, 
Remembrance.  eat this in remembrance of me. Yet did he not bid them hang up that bread in a boy, and make it a God, or bow to it.   

johan Bale.  
Moche a do is here made, and many subtile ways are sought out, to bring this woman into their corrupted, and false believe, 
idolatry.  that the corruptible creature made with hands, might stand in place of the eternal creator or maker God and man for the priests advantage. But all is in vain. 
Not in bread.  In no case would he so accept it. Nothing less minded Christ, than to dwell in the bread, or to become a feeding for the body, when he said. Take, eat. This is my body. For a contrary doctrine he taught his disciples the year afore his last supper, as we have in the vi. chapter of johan Where as he declareth his flesh to be a spiritual meat, 
spiritual  his blood a spiritual drink, and both them to be received in faith, the bread and the wine remaining as signs of his ever lasting covenant. Reason is it, that he rather be judged the receiver which liveth in that refection, than he which liveth not thereby. 
the eater  Which is the soul and not the body, What needed Christ to have given to those bodies a new body lie feeding, which were sufficiently fed afore with the pass over lamb? If he had not meant therein some other manner of thing?  
But he suffycyentlye enough declareth his own meaning, Luce 22. Where he commandeth us to do it in his remembrance, and not to make him again by blowing upon the bread. 
Remembrance.  This sacramental eating and drinking in his remembrance, S. Paul more largely declareth, 1, Cor, 11. So oft (saith he) as ye shall eat of that bread and drink of that cup, ye shall show the lords death till he come. If ye earnestly mark that lattre clause (till he come) 
Till he come.  ye shall weal perceive that his bodily presence in the bread, is utterly denied there. More over in the afore said xxij. chapter of Luke, because we should not be to scrupul●se. Christ showeth what that wine & bread of his supper were, yea, as he left them there, even in these words. I say unto you (saith he) that hens forth I shall not drink of this fruit of the vine 
Fruit of the vine.  (or eat of this fruit of wheat) till the kingdom of God be come, or till I drink it new with you in my father's kingdom, Math 26. Marci 14. Here calleth it he the juice of the grape or fruit of the vine, and not the blood issuing from his body. Yet is that cup (as S. Paul saith) the partaking 
Partking  of Christ's blood, and the bread that we break there, the partaking of Christ's body, 1. Corint. 10. But that is in faith and spirit, as afor●●●han.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he compared it unto the king, 
Pagett.  and said, that the more his magestees honour is set forth, the more commendable it is. Then said I, that it was an abominable shame unto him, to make no better of the eternal word of God, than of his slenderly conceived fantasy. A far other meaning requireth God therein, 
Idle wit.  than man's idle wit can devise, whose doctrine is but lies without his heavenly verity. Then he asked me, if I would comen with some wiser man? That offer, I said, I would not refuse. Then he told the counsel. And so went I to my ladies again.   

johan Bale.  
〈…〉 first Patron. S. Frances, 
S. frances  as we find in the history of his idolatrous feast, and also in the book of conformytees of Frances to Christ, written by an Italysh friar called Bartholomeus Pisanus. In Frances (they say) is expressed the full signification of Christ, by reason of his wounds. 
A compaeryson.  And Pagett here compareth Christ's presence in the sacrament, to the kings presence, I wot not where. And as great pleasure (I think) he doth the king therein, as though he threw dust in his face or salt in his eyes, but that soch flattering Gnato's must do their feats, though they be most blasphemous. Neither head norntayle hath this witless comparison of his, to make good his enterprise with this woman. And much doubt it is, whether he maketh here Christ a shadow to the king, or the king a shadow to Christ. 
Christ a shaddo●.  But he should seem rather to take Christ for the shadow. O graceless papists, when will ye be godly wise? Thus to your own damp●●●● 〈…〉   

Anne Askewe.  
Then came to me doctor Cox, 
Cox and Robynson.  and doctor Robynson. In conclusion we could not agree. Then they made me a bill of the sacrament, willing me to set my hand thereunto, but I would not. Then on the sunday I was sore sick, thinking no less than to die. Therefore I desired to speak with ●atymer it would no be. Then was I sent to Newgate 
newgate  in my extremity of sickness. For in all my life afore, was I never in such pain. Thus the lord strengthen you in the truth. Pray, pray pray.   

johan Bale.  
What an hurly burly is here, for this new believe? that Christ should dwell in the bread, 
In bread.  which is man's creature & not gods, Christ is the living bread which came from heaven, joan. 6. But that is not sufficient (say the priests) unless ye believe also, that he is that dead bread which came from the waffer 
A waffer  bakers And thereunto must ye set your own hand writing, else will it not be allowed in the spiritual court. For he that speaketh great things and blasphemies (which is Antichrist 
antichrist ) making war with the saints, will have it so, Apo. 13 In the Apostles time, & many years after, it was enough for a christian man's rightwiseness, to believe with the heart, that jesus is the lord, & that God raised him up from the dead. Roma. 10. But now we must believe that he cometh down again at the will of the priests, to be inpaned 
Inpaned  or inbreaded for their bellies common wealth, like as he afore came down, at the will of his heavenly father, to be incarnated or infleshed for our universal souls health. And unto this we must set our hand writing, that we may be known for Antichristes' cattle. Else shall we to stinking Newgate 
newgate.  by their spiritual appointment, be we never so sick, and within a while after, to the fire in smithfield For Christ's member must taste with him both esell and gall.   

Anne Askewe.  
The confession of me Anne Askewe, for the time I was in Newgate, concerning my believe.  
I find in the Scriptures (saith she) that Christ took the bread, 
Bread.  and gave it to his disciples, saying. Eat, This is my body, which shall be broken for you, meaning in substance his own very body, the bread being thereof an only sign or sacrament. For after like manner of speaking, he said, he would break down the temple, & in iij. days build it up again, signifying his own body by the temple, 
Temple.  as S. johan declareth it. joan. 2. And not the stony temple itself. So that the bread is but a remembrance of his death, or a sacrament of thanks giving for it, wherhy we are knit unto him, by a communion of Christian love. Although there be many that can not perceive the true meaning thereof, 
Moses veil.  for the veil that Moses put over his face before the children of Israel, that they should not see the clearness thereof, Exo. 34. & 2. Cor. 3. I perceive the same veil remaineth to this day. But when God shall take it away, than shall these blind men se.   

johan Bale.  
Ye will say paraveuture, that the similitudes here of bread and of the temple, are not like. For he blessed the bread with thanks giving. So will ye say, an other time for your pleasure and advantage, 
Blessed  that he blessed the temple also, and called it both the house of his father and also the house of prayer. I pray ye, be as good here to your market place, as ye are to your sale wares therein, for your only bellies sake. For the one will not do weal to your commodate in idleness, 
Temple.  without the other. But take good heed of it, if ye list. For Christ hath already called one of them an house of merchandise and a den of thieves, by reason of your unlawful occupying therein, joan. 2. and Luce 19 Be hath also promised to overthrow it, Math. 24. and not to leave one stone thereof standing upon another, Marci 13. Because ye have not regarded the time of your visitation, 
warning  or not accepted his eternal word of health. A warning might the turning over of your monasteries have been unto you, if ye were not, as ye are altogether blind.  
I cannot think the contrary, but he calleth the other also, as ye handle it now a days in the pope's old toys of conveyance, 
The mass.  the abomination of desolation, or such an abominable idol as subverting Christ's true religion, will be your final destruction both here and in the world to come. 
Idols,  For idols are called abomination, all the Scriptures over. Yet shall it endure (saith Daniel) somewhere, unto the end of all, Daniel 9 Whereby ye may we●e. perceive, that it comprehendeth not only the tryumphawt streamers of Tiberius, 
Tiberius' Caligula  or golden images of Caligula, which both prevented the subversion of Jerusalem, but some other ●doll else which should continue. And it followeth in the gospel text, that he should sit in the holy place for the time of his continuance, Mathei 24. And not in the pagans temples. Tell me if your Masses 
Masses  be done any where else, than in your hallowed sanctuaryes, upon your sanctified altars, and in your holy ornaments and consecrate cups? Neither may any do them, unless they be anointed thereunto of your bishops and sorcerers.  
Not without the holy place (saith Christ) is that abomination, but in it, Math. 24. Antichrist 
antichrist  (saith S. Paul) shall sit, not without, but within the very temple of God. ●. Thessalon. 2. The papacy is not without, but within the very church of Christ, what though it be no part thereof, Apoca. 11. Thefor it shall be meet that we be ware, 
Shurne them.  and separate ourselves from them at the admonyshmentes of his holy doctrine, lest we be partakers with you in their promised damnation, Apoca. 18. By the veil over Moses face, she meaneth the blind confidence that many men yet have in old jewish ceremonies and beggarly traditions of men, 
the ●ayle  as S. Paul doth call them, Gala. 4. Whereby the verity of God is soreble myshed. The spiritual knowledge, which cometh by the clear doctrine of the Gospel, ministereth no such impediments of darkness. 
Darkness.  But all things are clere●lye s●ane to them which are endued the● with. They can be deceived by non o● Satan's subtile conveyers, but perceiveth all things, 
Sight.  which have obtained the pure eyes of faith.   

Anne Askewe.  
For it is plainly expressed in the history of Bel in th● Bible, that God dwelleth in n●thynge material. I king (saith Daniel 
Daniel. ) be not deceived Daniel 14. For God will be in nothing that is made with hands of men, Acto. 7. Oh what stiffnecked people are these, that will always resist the holy Ghost. But as their fathers have done, so do they, because they have stony hearts. Written by me Anne Askewe, that neither wish death, 
Strength.  nor yet fear his might, and as merry as one that is bown towards heaven. Truth is laid in prison, Lu●ce 21, The law is turned to wormwood, Amos 6. And there canno right judgement go forth. isaiah 59   

johan Bale.  
Mark here how graciously the lord keepeth promise with this poor serua●nt 
Promise.  of his. He that believeth on me saith Christ) out of his belly shall ●owe rivers of living water, joan. 7. Neither lasheth this woman out in her extreme troubles, language of despair nor yet blasphemous words against God with the unbelieving, but uttereth the scriptures in wonderful abundance to his laud and praise. She rebuketh here the most pestilent vice of idolatry. 
Faith.  Not by old narrations and fables, but by the most pair word of God, as did Daniel & Steven. And in the end she showeth the strong stomach of a most Christian martyr, in that she is neither desirous of the death, neither yet standeth in fear of the violence or extremity thereof. 
A martyr  What a constancy was this of a woman, frail, tender, young and most delycyouslye brought up? But th●● Christ's spirit was mighty in her who bade her be of good cheer, For though the tyrants of this world have power to slay the body, 
tyrants  yet have they nopower over the soul, Mathei 20. Neither have they power in the end to demynysh one hear of the head, Luce 21.  
She fainteth not in the mids of the battle, 
Stedefast.  1. Cor. 9 But persevereth strong and steadfast to the very end, Math. 10. Not doubting but to have for her faithful perseverance, the crown of eternal life, Apoc. 2. So merry am I (saith she good creature, in the mids of Newgate) as one that is bown towards heaven. A voice was this of a most worthy and valcaunt witness, in the painful kingdom of patience, Apoca. 1. 
valiant.  She faithfully reckoned of her lord God, that he is not as men are, fickle, Numeri 23. But most sure of word and promise, Psalm 144. And that he would most faithfully keep covenant with her, when time should come, Apoca. 2. She had it most grounded lie planted in her heart, that though heaven and earth did pass, yet could not his words and promise pass by unfulfilled, Luc. 21. 
Faith.  Ashamed may these carnal Helchesytesbe, 
Oelchesytes,  which have not only denied the verity of their lord God, but also most shamefully blasphemed & dishonoured both it and themselves for the pleasure of a year or ij. to dwell still in this flesh. They consider not, that he, with whom they mock, hath power to send them to hell, for their blasphemy, Luce 12. They shall nor find it a matter light, for their inconstancy to be ●ometed out of the mouth of God, as unsavoury morsels, Apoca. 3. Neither shall they prove it a Christmas game, 
inconstant.  to be denied of Christ before his heavenly father and his angels, for denying here his verity, Math. 10.   

Anne Askewe.  
Oh forgive us all our sins & receive us graciously. 
Prayer.  As for the works of our hands, we will no more call upon them. For it is thou lord that art our God. Thu showest ever mercy unto the fatherless. Oh if they would do this (saith the lord) I should heal their sores, yea withal my heart would I love them. 
ephraim.  O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols any more Who so is wise, shall understand this. And he that is ryghlye instructed, will regard it. For the ways of the lord are righteous. such as are godly will walk in them. And as for the wicked, they will stumble at them, Osee 14.   

johan Bale.  
All these words alleged she, out of the last chapter of Useas the prophet, where as he prophesied the destruction of Samaria for the only vice of idolatry. 
Useas.  In the word of the lord, she declareth herself therein, to detest and abhor that vice above all, and to repent from the heart, that she hath at any time worshipped the works of men's hands, either stone, 
idolatry  wode, bread, wine, or any such like, for the eternal living God. consequently she confesseth him to be her only God, and that she had at that time trust in non other else, neither for the remission of her sins, nor yet souls comfort at her need. And like such a won as is unfeignedly converted unto the lord, she asketh of the spiritual Ephraimytes 
Ephraimytes.  in his word, what she hath any more to do with idols? or why they should so tyrannously enforce her to the worshipping of them? considering that he so earnestly abhorreth them. finally ij. 
ij. sorts.  sorts of people she reckoneth to be in the world, and showeth the diverse manner of them. The one in the spirit of Christ obeyeth the word, the other in the spirit of error contemneth it, And like as S Paul doth say. To the one part is it, the savour of life unto life and to the other, the savour of death unto death. 2. Corinth. 2.   

Anne Askewe.  
Solomon (saith S. Steven) 
S. Steven  builded an house for the God of jacob. howbeit the highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands. As saith the prophet, Esa. 66. heaven is my seat & the earth is my foot stole. What house will ye build for me? saith the lord, or what place is it that I shall rest in: hath not my hand made all these things? 
Temple.  Acto. 7. Woman believe me (saith Christ to the Samarytane) the time is at hand that ye shall neither in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem worship the father. Ye worship ye wot not what, but we know what we worship. 
worship  For salvation cometh of the jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, wherein the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit & verity, joan. 4. Labour not) saith Christ) for the meat that perisheth, 
Meat.  but for that endureth into the life everlasting. which the son of man shall give you. For hymgod the father hath sealed, joan. 6.   

johan Bale.  
Here bring she three 
●. bulwe●kes.  strong restymdnyes of the new testament, to confirm her own Christian believe therewith, and also both to confute and condemn the most execrabyle heresy and false filthy believe of the papists. The first of them proveth, that the eternal God of heaven, will neither be wrapped up in a clow●e, nor yet shut up in a box. The second declareth, that in no place of the earth, is he to be sought, neither yet to be worshipped▪ but within us, in spirit and verity. The third of them concludeth, that Christ is a feeding for the soul and not for the body. More over he is such a meat, as neither corrupteth, mouldeth, nor perisheth, 
Romystes  neither yet consumeth or wasteth away in the belly. let not the Romish pope's remnant in England think, but in condemning the faith of this godly woma●, they also condemn the verity of the lord, unless they can discharge these iij. texts of the scripture with other iij. more effectual. As I think, they shall not, nisi ad Calendas Grecas. If they allege for their part, the saying of Christ, Math. 24. Lo here is Christ, 
Lo, here, Set here.  or there is Christ. They are confounded by that which followeth. Wherein he earnestly chargeth his faithful followers not to believe it, calling the teachers of such doctrine, false anointed, deceivable prophets, and sorcerous workmen. Marci. 13.   

Anne Askewe.  
The sum of the condemnation of me Anne Askewe, at yield haul.  
They said to me there, that I was an heretic 
heretic  and condemned by the law, if I would stand in my opinion. I answered that I was no heretic, neither yet deserved I any death by the law of God. But as concerning the faith which I uttered and wrote to the counsel, I would not (I said) deny it, because I knew it true. Then would they needs know, if I would deny the sacrament 
Sacrament.  to be Christ's body and blood: I said, yea. For the same son of God, that was borne of the virgin Marie▪ is now glorious in heaven, and will come again from thence at the lattre day like as he went up. Acto. 1. And as for that ye call your God, is but a piece of breade● For a more proof thereof (mark it when ye list) let it lie in the box but iij. months, 
Mould in the box.  and it will be mould, and so turn to nothyge that is good. Whereupon I am persuaded, that it can not be God.   

johan Bale.  
Christ jesus the eternal son of God, 
Christ condemned  was condemned of this generation for a seditious heretic, a breaker of their sabbath, a subverter of their people, a defyler of their laws, and a destroyer of their temple or holy church, joan. 7. Luce 23. Mathei 26. Marci 14. and suffered death for it at their procurement, by the law than used. Is it than any marvel, if his inferior subject here, and faithful member 
Membre  do the same, at the cruel calling on and violent vengeance of their posterity? No, no, the servant must follow her master, & the foot her head, and may be found in that point no friar than he, joan. 13. Saint Augustyne dyffynyng● a sacrament, 
Sacrament.  calleth it in one place, a sign of an holy thing. In an other place a visible shape of an invisible grace. Whose office is to instruct, animate, and strengthen our faith towards God, and not to take it to itself, and so deprive him thereof. Christ's body and blood are neither signs nor shadows, 
no signs  but the very effectual things indeed. signified by those figures of bread and wine. But how that dry and corruptible cake of theirs should become a God, many men wondre now a days in the light of the Gospel, 
the wine.  like as they have done afore time also. And specially why the wine should not be accepted and set up for a God also so we'll as the bread, considering that Christ made so moche of the one as of the other.   

Anne Askewe.  
After that they willed me to have a priest. And than I smiled. Then they asked me, if it were not good? 
Confessy●  I said, I would confess my fawtes to God. for I was sure that he would hear me with favour. And so we were condemned without a quest.   

johan Bale.  
priests of godly knowledge she deed not refuse. 
Teachers  For she knew that they are the messengers of the lord, & that his holy words are to be sought at their mouths, Mala .2. Of them she instant lie desired to be instructed, and it was denied her, as is written afore. What should she than else do, but return unto her lord God? in whom she knew to be abundance of mercy for all them which do from the heart repent, 
Bell's priests.  Deutro. 30. As for the other sort of priests, she deed not amiss to laugh both them and their maintainers to scorn. For so doth God also, Psalm 2. And curseth both their absolueyons & blessings, Mala .2. A thief or a murderer should not have been condemned without a quest, by the laws of England. But the faithful members of jesus Christ, for the spite and hate that this world hath to his verity, 
Tyranny  must have an other kind of tyranny added thereunto, besides the unryghtouse bestowing of that law. Woe be unto you (saith the eternal God of heaven by his prophet) or damnation be over your heads, that make wicked laws, 
Wicked laws.  and devise cruel things for the poor oppressed innocentes. isaiah 10. woe unto him that buildeth Babylon with blood, and maintaineth that wicked city still in unrightwiseness. Abacuch 2. Nahum. 3. Ezech. 24.   

Anne Askewe.  
My believe which I wrote to the counsel was this. That the sacramental bread was left us to be received with thanks giving, 
Remembrance.  in remembrance of Christ's death, the only remedy of our souls recover. And that thereby we also receive the whole henefyghtes and fruits of his most glorious passion.   

johan Bale.  
We read not in the Gospel, that the material bread at Christ's holy supper▪ was any otherwise taken of the Apostles, than thus. Neither yet that Christ our master & saver required any other taking of them. If so many strange doubts had been therein, and so high difficulties, as be moved and are in controversy among men now a days both papists and other, they could no more have been left undiscussed of him, than other high matters were. 
Apostles.  The disciples axed here neither how nor what as doubtless they would have done, if he had minded them to have taken the bread for him. They thought it enough to take it in his remembrance, like as he than plainly taught them, Luce 22. 
Eating  The eating of his flesh and drinking of his blood therein, to the relieving of their souls thirst and hunger, they knew to pertain unto faith according to his instructions in the vj. of johan. What have this godly woman than offended, which neither have denied his incarnation nor death in this her confession of faith, 
The sum of believe.  but most firmelye and groundedly trusted to receive the fruits of them both.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then would they needs know, whether the bread in the box were God or no? I said. God is a spirit, 
O beastly idolaters.  and will be worshipped in spirit and truth, joan. 4. Then they demanded. Will you planelye deny Christ to be in the sacrament? I answered that I believed faithfully the eternal son of God not to dwell there. In witness whereof I recited again the history of Bel, 
O constant martyr.  & the ix. chapter of Daniel, the seven. and xvij. of the Acts, and the xxiv. of Matthew, concluding thus. I neither wish death, nor yet fear his might, God have the praise thereof with thanks.   

johan Bale.  
Among the old idolaters, some took the sun, 
Old yd●laters.  some the moan, some the fire, some the water, with such other like for their Gods, as witnesseth Diodorus Siculus, Herodotus, Plynius, Lacrantius & diverse authors more. Now come our doting papists here, wading yet more deeper in idolatry, and they must have bread for their God, 
new idolaters.  yea, a waffer cake which is scarce worthy to be called bread. In what sorrowful case are Christian people now a days? that they may worship their lord and redeemer Jesus' Christ in no shape that his heavenly father hath set him forth in, but in such a shape only as the waffer baker hath imagined by his slender wit. 
A waffer  God's creatures were they whom the idolaters took for their Gods, but this cake is only the bakers creature, for he alone made it bread, if it be bread. And so much is it a more unworthy God than the other. far was it from Christ to teach his disciples to worship such a God, either yet to have himself honoured in such a similitude. Nothing is here spoken against the most holy table of the lord, 
The supper.  but against that abominable idol of the priests, which hath most detestably blemished that most godly and wholesome communion.  
A glorious witness of the lord did this blessed woman show herself, 
Answer  in the answer making to this blasphemous beggery, when she said, that god was a spirit and no waffer cake, & would be worshipped in spirit and verity, & not in superstition and juggling of the idol priests. 
An idol.  Godly was she to deny. Christ's presence in that execrable idol but much more godly to give her life for it. Her alleged scriptures prove, that God dwelleth not in temples, but a fowl abomination in his stead, as is showed afore. 
Death.  In that she feareth not the power of death, she declareth herself a most constant martyr praising her lord God for his gift. She called to remembrance the promises of her lord Jesus' Christ, that they should see no death which observed his word, joan. 8. Again they that believed on him, should joyfully pass through from death unto life, joan. 5. And upon these promises, she most strongelye trusted. She considered also with Peter, 
Promises  that Christ had swallowed up death, to make us the heirs of everlasting like, 1. Petri 3. More over that he had overthrown him which sometime had the rule of death, Hebre. 2. And also taken away the sharp sting of the death itself. ●see 13.   

Anne Askewe.  
My letter sent to the lord Chancellor.  
The lord God, by whom all creatures have their being, 
To the Chancellor.  bless you with the light of his knowledge, amen. My duty to▪ your lordship remembered etc. It might please you to accept this my bold suit, as the suit of one, which upon due considerations is moved to the same and hopeth to obtain. My request to your lordeshypp is only, 
The king  that it may please the same to be ameane for me to the kings majesty, that his grace may be certified of these few lines which I have written concerning my believe. Which when it shall be truly conferred with the hard judgement given me for the same. I think his grace shall weal perceive me to be weighed in an unevenpayer of balances. But I remit my matter and cause to almighty god, 
To God.  which rightly judgeth all secrets. And thus I commend your lordeshypp to the governance of him, and fellowship of all saints. Amen. By your handmaid Anne Askewe,   

johan Bale.  
In this bill to the chancellor, appeareth it plain, all froward affections sequestered, 
Strong  what this woman was. She is not here dejected with the desperate, for unryghtouse handling, mourning, cursing, and sorrowing, as they do commonly. But standing up strongelye in the lord, most gently she obeyeth the powers, she blesseth her vexers & pursuers & wisheth them the light of God's necessary knowledge, 
Obedy●●  Luce 6. She considereth the powers to be ordained of God, Romanorum 13. And though their authority be sore abused, yet with Christ and his Apostles, she humbly submitteth herself to them, thinking to suffer under them as no ill doer but as Christ's true servant, 1. Pet. 4. notwithstanding she layeth forth here both before chancellor & king, the matter whereupon she is condemned to death, 
Her matter.  that they according to their bound duty, might more rightly way it, 3. Regum 10. Not that she co●●ted thereby to avoid the death, but to put them in remembyaunce of their office concerning the sword, 
Their office.  which they ought not vainly to minister, Roma, 13. and that they should also be without excuse of ignorance in the great day of reckoning, for permitting such violence to be done, Roma. 2. In the end yet to make all sure, 
To god.  she committeth her cause and quarrel to God, wherein she declareth her only hope to be in him, and no man. Psalm. 145.   

Anne Askewe.  
My faith briefly written to the kings grace.  
I Anne Askewe of good memory although God hath given me the bread of adversity and the water of trouble, 
Trouble.  yet not so much as my sins have deserved, desire this to be known to your grace. That for as much as I am by the law condemned for an evil doer, Here I take heaven and earth to record, that I shall die in my innocency. And according to that I have said first, and will say last, I utterly abhor and detest all heresies. And as concerning the supper of the lord, 
heresies  I believe so much as Christ hath said therein. which he confirmed with his most blessed blood. I believe also so much as he willed me to follow & believe, and so much as the catholic church of him doth teach. For I will not forsake the commandment of his holy lips. 
Faith.  But look what God hath charged me with his mouth, that have I shut up in my heart. And thus briefly I end, for lack of learning. Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
In this she dischargeth herself to the world against all wrongful accusations & judgements of heresy, 
discharge.  what though it be not accepted to that blind world, unto whom the lord said by hysprophete. Your thoughts are not my thoughts, neither yet are your ways my ways. But so far as the heavens are higher than the earth, so far do my ways exceed yours, & my thoughts yours, Esa. 55. Heresy is not to dissent from the church of Rome in the doctrine of faith, 
Heresy.  as Lanfrancus in his book de Eucharistia adversus Berengarium, & Thomas walden in his work of sermons, Ser. 21. defineth it. But heresy is a voluntary dyssenting from the verity of the scriptures of God, 
What it is.  and also a blasphemous depravyuge of them, for the wretched bellies sake, & to maintain the pomps of this world. Thus is it defined of S. Hierome in cōm●ntar●●● Heir. S. Augustyne and Isidorus a greing to the same, consider than whether he be the these that sitteth upon the bench, or he that standeth at the bar? 
Who is the heretic.  The popish clergy that condemneth, or the innocent that is condemned? Athanasius in his book defuga adversus Arrianos, calleth them the heretics, which seeketh to have the Christian believers murdered as did the said Arryanes'. This godly womau, her innocency to clear, laboureth not here to an inferior member of the realm, but to the head thereof, the kings own person. Whom she believeth to be the high minister of God, 
the king  the father of the land, and upholder of the people, Sapi. 6. that he might faithfully and rightly judge her cause. But who can think that ever it came before him? Not I, for my part.   

Anne Askewe.  
The effect of my examination and handling, since my depature from Newgate.  
On tewesday I was sent from newgate to the sign of the crown where as master Rich 
Rich.  and the bishop of London with all their power and flattering words went about to persuade me from God. But I did not exteme their glozing pretences. Then came there to me Nicolas Shaxton, 
Shaxton  and counseled me to recant as he had done. Then I said to him, that it had been good for him, never to have been borne with many other like words.   

johan Bale.  
After that Christ had once over comen Satan 
Satan.  in the desert, where he had fasted long time, Math. 4. We read not in the scriptures that he was much assaulted or vexed of the world, the flesh, and the fyende, which are reckoned the common enemies of man. But yet we find in the Gospel, 
3. ghostly enemies.  that these iij. ghostly enemies, the prelate's, the priests, and the layers, or the bishops, pharysecs, and scribes, never left him afterward, till they had throughly procured his death. Mark it (I desire you) if it be here any otherwise with his dear member. What other enemies tempteth here A●ne Askewe, than the bishop of London, master Rich, and doctor Shaxton, 
Wynchestre.  besides the great caiphass of Wynchestre with his spiteful (I should say) spiritual rabble, or who else procureth her death? Ye will think peraventure, concerning master Rich, that though he be an enemy, yet is he no spiritual enemy, because he is not anointed with the pope's grese. But than are ye much deceived. 
spiritual  For it is the spirit (of blasphemy, avarice, and malice) and not the oil, that maketh them spiritual. And where as they are anointed in the hand with oil, he is in the heart anointed with the spirit of Mammon, 
Mammon  betraying with judas at the bishops malicious calling on, the poor innocent souls for money, or at the least for ambitious favour.  
O Shaxton, 
Shaxton.  I speak now unto the & (I think) in the voice of God. What devil bywytched the to play this most blasphemous part▪ as to become of a faithful teacher, a tempting spirit? Was it not enough, that thou and such as thou art, 
Double.  had forsaken your lord God and trodden his verity most unreverently under your feet, but with such feats (as this is) thou must yet procure the a more deeper, or doubled ampnacyon? rightly said this true servant of God, that it had been better for the and thy fellows, that ye never had been borne. Ye were called of God, 
Unworthy  to a most blessed office. If ye had been worthy that vocation (as ye are but swine, Mathei 7.) ye had persevered faithful and constant to the end, Mathei 10. and so have worthily received the crown thereof, Apoca. 2. But the love of your beastly flesh, hath very far in you overwayed the love of the lord jesus Christ. Ye now show what ye are in deed, even wavering reeds with every blast moved, Luce 7. Yea very faint hearted cowards and hypocrites, 
hypocrites.  Apo. 3. Ye abide not in the sheep fold as true shepherds, but ye flee like hirelings, joan. 10. Had ye been builded upon the hard rock, as ye were on the fycklesande, Math. 7. neither Romish floods nor English winds had over thrown you. But now look only, after your deserving, for this terrible judgement of God. For them (saith S. Paul) which voluntarily blaspheme the truth, 
judgement.  after they have received the Gospel in faith and in the holy Ghost, remaineth no expiation of sin, but the fearful judgement of hell fire. For a mock have they made of the son of God, Hebreo. 6. and 10.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then master rich 
Rich.  sent me to the tower, where I remaynedtyll three of the clock. Then came rich and one of the counsel, charging me upon my obedience, to show unto them, if I knew man or woman of my sect. My answer was, that I knew none, Then they asked me of my lady of Sothfolke, my lady of Sussex, 
Christian ladies.  my lady of Hertforde, my lady Dennye, and my lady Fizwyllyams. I said, if I should pronounce any thing against them, that I were not able to prove it.   

johan Bale.  
Never was there soche turmoyling on the earth, 
Babylon.  as is now a days for that wretched blind kingdom of the Romish pope. But trust upon it truly, ye terrible termagauntes of hell, There is no practise, there is no wisdom, there is no counsel, that can against the lord prevail, Proverb. 21. Ye look to be obeyed in all devilishness. But ye consider not, 
Obedience.  that where God is dishonoured by your obedience, there belongeth none to you, Acto. 5. Ye have much a do here with sects, as though it were a great heresy, rightly to believe in our lord jesus Christ, after the Gospel & not after your Romish father. But where 
A sect.  was ever yet a more pestilent and devilish sect, than is that Sodomytysh secre, whom ye here so earnestly maintain with tyranny and mischief? How gredylye seek you the slaughter of God's true servants, ye blood thirsty wolves? as the holy Ghost doth call you. Psal. 25. If the virtuous ladies & most noble women, 
Ladies.  whose lives ye cruelly seek in your mad raging fury, as ravishing lions in the dark, Psal. 9 have thrown of their shoulders for Christ's easy and gentle burden, Mathei 11. the pope's uneasy and importable yoke, Luce 11. Happy are they that ever they were borne. For thereby have they procured, a great quietness and health to their souls. 
health.  For Christ's word is quick, and bringeth nothing else to the soul but life, Hebreo. 4. The pope's old traditions and customs, being but the wisdom of the flesh, are very poison and death, Roma. 8.   

Aune Askewe.  
Then said they unto me, that the king 
The king  was informed, that I could name, if I would a great number of my sect. Then I answered, that the king was as weal deceived in that behalf, as dissembled with in other matters.   

johan Bale.  
Great Assuerus, king of the Perseanes & Medes, was informed also, that the servant of God Mardocheus 
Mardocheus.  was a traitor, which nevertheless had discovered ij. traitors a little afore, and so saved the kings life, Hester 3. But Haman that false counsellor, which so informed the king, was in the end proved a traitor in deed (as I doubt it not 
Haman.  but some of these will be found after this) and was worthily hanged for it, so falling into the snare that his self had prepared for other, Psal. 7. Albertus Pyghius, Cochleus, 
Papists  Eckius, & such other pestilent papists, have filled all Christendom with railing books of our king, for renouncing the Romish pope's obedience, but thereof ye inform not his grace. No, neither excuse ye, nor yet defendeye his godly act in that behalf. 
Crastye.  But ye are (as appeareth) very well contented, that he be ill spoken of for it.  
It is not a year a go, since our winch stre was at Vtrecht in Holland (where as the said Pyghius 
Pyghius.  dwelled, & was for his papistry in great authority) I know certainly, the man there was much more casye to please in that cause, than in an other sleeveless matter of his own concerning Martyne Bucer. 
Bucer.  His gallauntes also warrannted there (I know to whom) that the Romish pope, by the emperor's good help, should within few years have in England, as great authority as ever he had afore. I doubt not but sum what they knew of their masters good conveyance, but of this is not the king informed. I could write here of many other mysteries, concerning the observant 
Obseru●untes.  fryres & other rannging Rome ronners, what news they receive wekelye out of England from the papists there, & in what hope they are put, of their return thither again. For I have scene their bragging letters thereof, sent from Emeryck to Frislande, 
Letters.  & from the cuntraye of Coleyne into Westphalye. Of this and such other conveyances, the king is not yet in formed, that (I trust) he shall be.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then commanded they me to show, how I was maintained in the Counter, and who willed me to stick by my opinion. I said that there was no creature, that therein did strengthen me. 
to accuse.  And as for the help that I had in the Counter, it was by the means of my maid. For as she went abroad in the streets, she made to the prentices, and they by her deed send me money. But who they were, I never knew.   

johan Bale.  
joseph 
joseph.  was in prison under Pharaoh the fierce king of Egypte, yet was he favourably handled and no man forbidden to consort him, Gene. 39 When johan Baptist was in strong durance under Herode the tyrant of Galilee, his disciples did freely vysytt him, and were not rebuked for it, Math. 11. Paul 
Paul.  being imprisoned and in cheanes at Rome, under the most furious tyrant Nero, was never blamed for sending his servant Onesimus abroad, not yet for writing by him to his friends for succour, Philem. 1. Neither yet was Philemon troubled for relieving him there by the said Onesimus, 
Onesymus.  nor yet his old friend Onesipherus, for personally there visiting him, and supporting him with his money, like as he had done afore also at Ephesus. Now confer these stories and such other like, with the present handling of Anne Askewe and ye shall weal perceive our English rulers and judges in their new christianity of renouncing the pope, 
judges.  to exceed all other tyrants in all cruelty, spite and vengeance. But look to have it no otherwise, so long as mitred prelate's are of counsel. 
Prelate's  Be ashamed cruel beasts, be ashamed, for all Christendom wondereth on your madness above all.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then they said, that there were diverse gentle women, 
Gentyllwomen.  that gave me money. But I knew not their names. Then they said that there were diverse ladies, which had sent me money. I answered, that there was a man in a blue coat, which delivered me, x, shillings, and said that my lady of Hertforde sent it me. 
Ladies.  And an other in a violet coat did give me viii. shillings, and said that my lady Dennye sent it me. Whether it were true or no, I can not tell. For I am not sure who sent it me, but as the men did say.   

johan Bale.  
In the time of Christ's 
Christ.  preaching what though the holy clergy were then not pleased therewith, but judged it (as they do still to this day) most horrible heresy, yet certain noble women, 
Noble women.  as Mar ye Magdalene. joanna the wife of Chusa Herodes high steward, Susanna, & many other followed him from Galilee, & ministered unto him of their substance, concerning his bodily needs Luce 8. These with other more, after he was by the said clergy done to most cruel death for the verity preaching, both prepared ointments and spices to anoint his body, Luce 24. and also proclaimed abroad his glorious resurrection to his Apostles and other, joan. 20 contrary to the Byhoppes in hybycyon, Acto. 4. Yet read we not that any man or woman was racked for the accusement of them. A woman among the Macedonyanes', dwelling in the city of Thya●●ra, 
Eydia.  & called Lydia by name, a purple seller very rich in merchandise, received Paul, Sylas, and Timothe with other suspected brethren in to her house & habnndauntlye relieved them there. Act. 16. yet was she not troubled for it. In like manner at Thessalonica, a great number of the Greeks and many noble woman 
Noble women.  among them, believed Paul's forbidden doctrine, and resorted boldly both to him and to Sylas, Acto. 17. yet were they not cruelly handled for it.  
Be ashamed than ye tyrants 
tyrants  of England, that your horrible tyrannies should exceed all other, jews or gentiles, turks or Idolaters. More noble were these w●men here rehearsed, forthus' relieving Christ and his members, than for any other act, either yet degree of nobility. For where as all other have perished, these shall never perish, but be censerued in the most noble, and worthiest scriptures of God, the tyrannous bishops and priests with their tyrannous maintainers there condemned. 
Prelates.  A through Christian charity is not lightly terryfyed, with the tempests of worldly afflictions, 
Faith. , no more then true faith is changed in men that be christianly constant. Soch can not chose but consider, that it is both glorious to be afflicted for Christ, 1. Petri 3. and also most meritorious to relieve them here in their afflictions, Math. 25. Unto that Christian office hath Christ promised the life everlasting at the lattre day, 
Mass hearing  where as Mass hearing is like to remain without reward, except it be in hell for idolatry and blasphemy. Not unto them that in prison visiteth murderers and thieves (if ye mark weal the text) is this reward promised. For they are not there allowed for Christ's dear members, but unto them that relieve the afflicted for his verities sake.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then they said, there were of the counsel that did maintain me. And I said, no. Then they did put me on the rack, 
the rack  because I confessed no ladies nor gentle women to be of my opinion, and thereon they kept me a long time. And because I lay still and did not cry, my lord Chancellor and master Rich, took pains to rack me their own hands, till I was nigh dead.   

johan Bale.  
Nicodemus, 
Nicodemus.  one of the high counsel, was sore rebuked among the seniors of the jews, for defending Christ's innocency, when they went about to slay him, joan. 7. And therefore it is no new thing that Christ's doctrine hath supportation among the counsels of this world. All men be not of one corrupted appetite, nor yet of one ungracious diet. Christ promised his disciples, that they in one how should should find both his enemies and friends. 
friends.  I am come (saith he) to set man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against the mother in law. He that loveth his father or mother, his son or daughter, his prince or governor, above me, 
high treason.  he is not meet for me, Math. 10. I fear me this will be judged high treason. But no matter. So song as it is Christ's word, he shall be also v●dre the same judgement of treason. let no man care to be condemned with him, for he in the end shall be able to rectyfye all wrongs.  
Mark here an example most wonderful, and see how madly in their raging furies, 
frenzy.  men forget themselves and lose their right wits now a days A kings high counsellor, a judge over life and death, yea, a lord Chancellor of a most noble realm, is now become a most vile slave for Antichrist, 
A tourmentour.  and a most cruel tormentoure. Without all discretion, honesty, or manhood, he casteth of his gown, and taketh here upon him the most vile office of an hangman and pulleth at the rack most vyllanouslye. O Wrisleye and rich 
Wrisleye & rich.  ij. false Christians & blasphemous apostara●s from God. What chaplain of the pope hath enchanted you, or what devil of hell bewytched you▪ to execute upon a poor condemned woman, 
Mammon.  so prodigious a kind of tyranny? Even the very Mammon of iniquity, & that insatiable hunger of avarice, which compelled judas to betray unto death his most loving master, joan. 12. The winnings were not small that ye reckoned upon, when ye took on ye that cruel enterprise, & would have had so many great men and women accused But what else have ye won in the end, 
wretch●●  than perpetual shame and confusion? God hath suffered you so to discover your own mischiefs, that ye shall no more be forgotten of the world, than are now Adonisedech, Saul, Hieroboam, 
tyrants  Manasses. Olophernes, Haman, Tryphon, Herode, Nero, Traianus, and such other horrible tyrants.  
And as concerning the innocent woman, 
A lamb.  whom you so cruelly tormented. Where could be scene a more clear and open experiment of Christ's dear member, than in her mighty sufferings? like a lamb she lay still without noise of crying, and suffered your uttermost violence, till the synnowes of her arms were broken, and the strings of her eyes perished in her head. Right far doth it pass the strength of a young, tender, weak, 
tyrants  and sick woman (as she was at that time to your more confusion) to abide so violent handling, yea, or yet of the strongest man that liveth. Think not therefore but that Christ hath suffered in her, 
Christ.  and so mightily showed his power, that in her weakness he hath laughed your mad enterprises to scorn, Psalm. 2. Where was the fear of God, ye tyrants? Where was your christian profession, ye hell hounds? Where was your oath and promise to do true justice, 
perjures  ye abominable perjures, when ye went about these cursed feats? More fit are ye for swine keeping, than to be of a princes counsel, or yet to govern a Christian comen wealth. If Christ have said unto them which do but offend his little ones that believe in him, 
A millstone.  that it were better they had a millstone tied about thyir necks, and were so thrown into the bottom of the see, Luce 17. What will he say to them that so vyllaynouslye pull at the rack in their mischievous malice? These are but warnings take heed if ye list, for a full sorrowful plague will follow here after.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the lyefetenaunt caused me to be loused from the rack. 
Unloosed.  incontinently I swooned, and then they recovered me again. After that I sat ij. long hours reasoning with my lord Chancellor upon the bare floor, where as he with many flattering words, persuaded me to leave my opinion. But my lord God (I thank his everlasting goodness) gave me grace to persever, 
Persever.  and will do (I hope) to the very end.   

johan Bale.  
Evermore have the old modye tyrants, used this practise 
practise.  of devilishness. As they have perceived themselves not to prevail by extreme handlings they have sought to prove masteries by the contrary. With gay glozing words and fair flattering promises, they have craftily ●n̄passed the servants of God, to cause them consent to their wickedness. And in this tempting occupation, 
temptation  are Wrisleye & rich very c●nnynge. notwithstanding they shall never find the chosen of God, all one with the forsaken reprobates. The elect vessels hold the eternal God for their most special treasure, and have him in such inteire love, that they had much jener to lose themselves, than him. The wicked desperates have the voluptuous pleasures of this vain world so dear, 
3. sorts.  that they had liefer to forsake God and all his works, than to be sequestered from them. This godly young woman referreth praise 
Praise.  unto her lord God, that he hath not left her in this painful conflict for his verities sake, but persevered strong with her, being in hope that he would so still continue with her, to the very end, as without fail he ded.  
Many men sore wondre now a days that ●risleye which was in my lord 
Wrisleye  Cromwel's time so earnest a doer against the pope, is now becomen again for his pedlarye wares so mighty a captain. But they remember not the common adage, that honour changeth manners, 
in keepers.  and lucre judgements. These great in keepers (they say) had liefer to have one good horse man to host, than v●. men on foot, specially if they wear velvet hoods or fine rochets. What else followeth Christ but beggery and sorrows which are very harefull to the world? Where fatness is cawte of every man's labour, there is yet somewhat to be looked for, If his christian zeal be such, 
profit  that he will have no she heretics unpunished let him do first of all, as we read of diverse rightful governors among the heathen. let him search his own house weal. 
my lady.  Paranenture▪ he may find about my lady his wife, a rellyck of no little virtue, a practise of Pythagoras, or an old midwives' blessing, which she carrieth closely on her, for preservation of her honour. Her opinion is (folk say) that so long as she hath that upon her, her worldly worship can never decay. 
Honour  I pray God this provision in short space deceiveth her not as it hath done pope Silvester the second, and as it did of late years Thomas Swolsye our late cardinal. 
cardinal  This heresy goeth neither to the rack nor the fire, to Newgate nor yet Smythfelde, as continually doth the poor Gospel.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then was I brought to an house, and laid in a bed, with as weary and painful bones, as ever had patient job, I thank my lord God thereof. 
A tyrant.  Then my lord Chancellor sent me word if I would leave my opinion. I should want nothing If I would not, I should fourth to Newgate, and so be burned I sent him again word, that I would rather die, than to break my faith. 
Sweet woman.  Thus the lord open the eyes of their blind hearts, that the truth may take place. Far weal dear friend, and pray, pray, pray.   

johan Bale.  
Behold in this last parcel, 
A marty●.  most evident signs of a Christian martyr and faithful witness of God, besides that went afore. She allegeth not in all this long process, dying legends, popish fables, nor yet old wives parables, but the most lively autorytees and examples of the sacred Bible. 
God's creature.  She putteth herself here in remembrance, not of desperate Cain, nor yet of sorrowful judas, but of most patient job, for example of godly sufferance. For anguish and pain of her broken joints and broused arms and eyes, she curseth not the time that ever she was borne, as the manner of the unfaithful is. But she highly magnifieth and praiseth God for it. 
Christ's servant.  Neither was she perverted with flattering promises, nor yet overcomen with terrible threatenings of death. Neither doubted she the stink of Newgate, nor yet the burning fire in smithfield. But coveted rather death of her body for the sincere doctrine of Christ, than life of the same under the idolatrous doctrine of the Romish pope. She desired God to take mercy of her enemies, and exhorted all Christian people instantly to pray for them. If these be not the fruits of a true believer, 
A very Saint.  what other fruits else can we axe?   

Anne Askewes answer unto johan Lassels letter.  
Oh friend most dearly beloved in God. I marvel not a little, what should move you, to judge in me so slender a faith, 
Death.  as to fear death. which is the end of all misery. In the lord I desire you, not to believe of me such wickedness. For I doubt it not, but God will perform his work in me, like as he hath begun.   

johan Bale.  
I would but know of them which are common readers of chronicles and Saints lives, 
chronicles.  where they ever red of a more servant and lively faith than was in this godly young woman As light a matter esteemed she death, as did Eleazarus that ancient senior, or yet the seven. Maccabees with their most worthy mother, 2. Mach. 6. & 7. For she said, 
Death.  that it was but the end of all sorrows. She reckoned not with the covetous man, the remembrance thereof bitter, Eccle. 14. But with the righteous she thought it a most ready & swift passage untolyfe, joan. 5. The fear of death judged she great wickedness in a Christian believer, & was in full hope that God would not suffer her to be troubled therewith. For why, 
No fear.  death loseth us no life, but bringeth it in unto us like as the hard winter bringeth in the most pleasant summer. Who can think, when the sun goeth down, that it utterly so perisheth? Death unto the righteous believer, 
Harvest.  is as a profitable harvest, which after fweate & labour bringeth in most delectable fruits. Non otherwise thought it Anne Askewe, than a very entrance of life, when she had it thus in desire, and faithfully trusted with Paul, that God would finish in her that he than begun to his own glory. Philippen. 1.   

Anne Askewe.  
I understand, the counsel is not a little disposed, that it should be reported abroad, that I was racked 
Racked.  in the tower They say now, that they did there, was but to fear me. Whereby I perceive, they are ashamed of their uncomely doings, and fear much least the kings majesty should have in formation thereof. 
No noise  Wherefore they would no man to noise it. Well, their cruelty God forgive them. Your heart in Christ jesu. Far weal, and pray.   

johan Bale.  
hypocrites and tyrants would never be gladly known abroad, 
Wrisleye & Rich.  for that they are in deed. But for that they are not, they look always to be gloriously noised. Wrisleye & Rich would yet be judged of the world, ij. sober wisemen, and very sage counsellors. But this tyrannous example of theirs, maketh a most manifest show of the contrary. Yea, and the God of heaven will have it so known to the universal world, to their ignominy and shame. So is he wont to reward all cruel Apostates, as he rewarded julianus. 
julianus  for their wilful contempt of his verity. The martyr of Christ for her patient sufferance shall leave here behind her a glorious report, where as these forsworn enemies and pursuers of his word, have purchased themselves a perpetual infamy by their cruelty and mischief. In excuse 
an excuse  of their madness, they say, they ded it only to fear her. Is it not (think you) a proper frayenge play, when our arms and eyes are compelled to leave their natural holds? Ye meant no light dalliance, when ye would have had so many great women accused, & took the hangemannies office upon your own precious persons. O tormentors and tyrants 
tyrants  abominable. Ye fear least your temporal and mortal king should know your mad frenesyes. But of the eternal king, which will rightly punish you for it, with the devil & his angels (unless ye sore repent it) ye have no fear at all. It is so honest a part, ye have played, that ye will not have it noised. 
No noise  But I promise you, so to dy●●lg● this unseemly fact of yours in the latin, that all christendom over, it shall be known what ye are.   

Anne Askewe.  
I have red the process, which is reported of them that know not the truth, to be my recantation. But as sure as the lord liveth. I never meant thing less, than to recant. notwithstanding this I confess, 
Of Cayphas.  that in my first troubles. I was examined of the bishop of London about the sacrament. Yet had they no grant of my mouth but this. That I believed therein as the word of God did bind me to believe. More had they never of me.   

johan Bale.  
In the end of her first examination▪ is this matter treated of more at large. Here do she repeat it again, only to be known for Christ's steadfast member, and not Antichristes'. 
Christ's martyr.  To the voice of him she faithfully obeyed, but the voice of that Romish monster and other strangers she regarded not, joan. 10. As she perceived when she was before the bishop of London, 
Bonner.  that all passed still after their old tyranny, and nothing after the rules of scripture, she suspected their doctrine more than afore, and thought them non other than Christ warned his disciples to be ware of, 
Wolves.  Luce 12. Whereupon she throughly covenanted with herself, never to deny his verity afore men at their calling on, lest he should again deny her before his eternal father. Mathei 10. For if the confessing thereof bringeth salvation, 
salvation.  as saint Paul saith it doth, Roman. 10. The denying thereof on the other side, must needs bring in damnation.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he made a copy, which is now in print, & required me to se●t thereunto my hand. But I refused it. Then my ij. sureties did will me in no wise to stick thereat. 
Hand writing  For it was no great matter, they said. Then with much a do, at the last I wrote thus. I Anne Askewe do believe this if God's word do agree to the same, & the true catholic church,   

johan Bale.  
Commonly is it spoken of popish priests, that in doing their false feats, they sit in God's stead. 
God's stead.  This point followed the bluddering bishop of London here, which for their old fantasyed superstition. laboured in this woman to dysplace the sincere verity of the lord. 
Builded.  But so surely was she builded upon the hard rock, that neither for enmity nor fryndeshypp, w●lde she ones remove her fo●e, Mathei 7. Neither anguish, trouble, torment, nor fire, could separate her from that love of her lord God Roma. 8. 
Alambe.  Though she were for his sake rebuked and vexed, and also appointed as a sheep to be slain, Psal. 43. Yet did she strongly through him overcome, and have (I doubt it not) obtained the crown of life, Apoca. 2.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop, being in great displeasure with me, because I made doubts in my writing, commanded me to prison. 
Prison.  Where I was a while. But afterwards by the means of friends. I came out again. Here is the truth of that matter. And as concerning the thing that ye cover most to know, 
eucharisty.  Resort to the vj. of johan, & be ruled always thereby. Thus far ye weal. Quoth Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
In all the scriptures we read not. that either Christ or yet his Apostles commanded any man or woman to prison 
Prison.  for their faith, as this tyrant bishop did here. But in deed we find that Christ's holy Apostles, were oft-times cruelly commanded to prison of the same spitefully spiritual generation, Acto. 4. 5. 12. 16. Christ 
Christ.  willed his true believers to look for non other at their spiritual hands, than enprysonmentes and death, Mathei 10. joan. 16. And therefore said Peter unto him. I am ready to go with thee, lord, both into prison and to death, Luce 22. Paul greatly complaineth of his enprysonmentes and scourgings by them, 2. Corinth, 11. diverse in the congregation of Smyrna 
Smyrna.  were imprisoned by that fierce synagogue of Satan, Apoca. 2. Isaiah prophesying the conditions of the spiritual Antichrist, 
●ntichrist  saith among other, that he should hold men captive in preson, isaiah 14. Ezechiel reporteth that he should churlyshlye check, and in cruelty rule, Ezechie. 34. Zacharye showeth that he should eat up the flesh of the fattest, Zacharie 11. Daniel declareth that he should persecute with sword and fire. 
with fire  Daniel 11. And saint johan verefyeth that he should be all drunk with the blood of the witnesses of jesus, Apoca. 17. And therefore in these feats, his bishops do but their kinds.  
Thus endeth the lattre examination. The confession of her faith which Anne Askewe made in Newgate afore she suffered.   

I Anne Askewe, of good me morye, although my merciful father hath given me the bread of adversity, & the water of trouble, 
Trouble.  yet not so much as my sins hath deserved, confess myself here a sinner before the throne of his heavenly majesty desiring his eternal mercy. And for so much as I am by the law unrighteously condemned for an evil doer concerning opinions, 
Condemned.  I take the same most merciful God of mine, which hath made hoth heaven and earth, to record, that I hold no opinions contrary to his most holy word.   

johan Bale.  
What man of sober discretion, can judge this woman ill, indifferently but marking this her last confession? Nor a few of most evident arguments are therein, to prove her 
prove her  the true servant of God. Her wits were not once dystracted, for all her most tyrannous handlings. She was still of a perfect memory, accounting her emprysonmentes, re●ylynges, rackynges, and other torments, but the bread of adversity and the water of trouble, as did David afore her. 
Fruits of faith.  Psalm. 79. As the loving child of God, she received them without grudge, and thought them deserved on her party. She took them for his hand of mercy, and gave most high thanks for them. She mekelye confessed herself in his sight a sinner, but not an heinous heretic, as she was falsely judged of the world. 
obedient to God.  In that matter she took him most strongly to witness, that though in faith she were not agreeable to the worlds wild opinion, yet was she not therein contrary to his heavenly truth. She had afore that proved their sprites conferring both their judgements, 1. joan. 4. and perceived them far unlike, isaiah 55.   

Anne Askewe.  
And I trust in my merciful lord, which is the giver of all grace, that he will graciously assist me against all evil opinions, 
No heretic.  which are contrary to his blessed verity. For I take him to witness, that I have, do, and will do unto my lives end, utterly abhor them to the uttermost of my power. But this is the heresy which they report me to hold, 
Bread,  that after the priest hath spoken the words of consecration, there remaineth bread still.   

johan Bale.  
Consydre without froward, partial or wilful affection, the points herein contained, and than judge of what heart or conscience they have risen. 
Prove yet  The hope of this woman was only in God. Him she confessed to be of all grace the giver. Alone in his mercy she trusted. She instantly desired him to defend her from all errors. She abhorred all heresies. She detested men's supersticious inventions. And most firmly clea●ed to his eternal word. If these with those that went afore, be not fruits of true christianity, 
Fruits of faith.  or of a perfect member of God's election, what fruits will we demand? S. Paul faith No man can confess that jesus is the lord (as she hath done here) but in the holy Ghost, 1. Corinth. 12. David also specifyeth, that the lordenever forsaketh them which call upon his name, & put their trust in him, Psal. 9 And as touching the priests consecration, 
consecration,  which is such a charm of inchauntement as may no● be d●ne but by an oiled office of the pope's generation, she did godly to reject it in that clow●ynge kind. For in all the Bible is it not that any man can make of a dry waffer 
Waffer.  cake, a new saver a new redeemer, a new Christ, or a new God, No though he should utter all the words and scriptures therein.   

Anne Askewe.  
But they both say, and also reach it for a necessary article of faith, that after those words be once spoken, there remaineth no bread, but even the self same body that hang upon the cross on good friday, 
Bread.  both flesh, blood, and bone. To this believe of theirs, say I nay. For than were our comen Crede false, which saith that he sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty, and from thence shall come 
Shall come.  to judge the quick & the dead. Loo, this is the heresy that I hold, and for it must suffer the death.   

johan Bale.  
Of Antichrist 
antichrist  read we in the scriptures, that he & hysoyled Apostles should do false miracles, Math. 24. 2. Thes. 2. & Apoca. 13. We find also in the same self places, that he should exalt himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped as God. Who ever heard of so great a wondre▪ that a dry cake might become a God to be worshipped? A miracle 
Miracle  were this above all the miracles that ever were wrought, and a work above all the works that ever were done, if it were true as it is most false. Though our eternal God created heaven and earth in the first beginning, and formed all other creatures, Gene. 1. Yet read we not of him, that he made of his creatures any new God to be worshipped. 
No God.  In that point are our oiled Antichristes' afore him. And where as he rested wholly in the seventh day, from that office of creation, Gene. 2. and never took it upon him since that time, as testifieth johan chrysostom, Augustyne, Hierome, Bedas, Alcuinus, and all there other doctors. 
Doctors.  Yet will they take upon them to create every day a fresh, and when their old God stinketh in the box, 
Mould in the box.  remove him out of the way, and put a new in his room. yea, they can make of bread (wkych is but man's corruptible creature, and ordained only to be eat) such a God as shall stand check mate with the great God of heaven, & peraventure deface him also. Oh blasphemous wretches and thieves. Be once ashamed of your abominable blindness, 
Godmakers.  and submit yourselves to a just reformation.   

Anne Askewe.  
But as touching the holy and blessed supper 
The supper.  of the lord, I believe it to be a most necessary remembrance of his glorious sufferings and death. More over I believe as much therein, as my eternal & only redeemer jesus Christ would I should believe. finally I believe all those scriptures 
Scriptures.  to be true. whom he hath confirmed with his most precious blood.   

johan Bale.  
No godly institution nor ordinance of Christ, do this faithful woman contemn, 
Without Mass.  but reverently submitteth herself thereunto, in the kind that he did leave them. She protesteth here to believe so much, as can be showed by the scriptures of both testaments. And what is more to be required of a Christian believer? Only ded she in conscience refuse and abhor, 
idolatries.  the idle observations, the pagans superstitions, the sorcerers in chauntmentes, and the most parellouse idolatries, which the Romish pope and his clergy have added to their Mass for covetousness. In this (I suppose) she remembered the words of saint Paul, 1. Corinth. 2. My talking (said he) and my preaching, was not with persuasyble or enticing words of man's corrupt wisdom, 
Mannys wisdom  but in utterance of the spirit and of power, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. For that (saith Christ) which seemeth high and holy afore men, is filthy abomination before God, Luce 16.   

Anne Askewe.  
Yea, and as S. Paul saith, those scriptures 
Scriptures.  are sufficient for our learning and salvation, that Christ hath left here with us. So that I believe, we need no unwritten verities to rule his church with. Therefore look what he hath laid unto me with his own mouth, in his holy Gospel, 
Hope.  that have I with God's grace, closed up in my heart. And my full trust is (as David saych) that it shall be a lantern to my foot steps, Psalm 118.   

johan Bale.  
Still are these fruits of inestimable wholesomeness, declaring this woman a most perfect and innocent member of jesus Christ. 
pr●nestyll  In this whole process (mark it hardly) she ●●nneth not for succour to the muddy waters or broken pits of the Phylistynes, Hieremye 2. Which are the corrupt doctrines and traditions of men. But she seeketh to the very wellspring of health, & fountain of salvation. joan. 4. All unwritten verities left she to those wavering wanderers which will eternally perish with them. 
Fruits of faith.  And in the verities written, appointed she to journey among the true Christian believers towards the land everlasting. In all her affairs most firmly she cleaveth to the scriptures of God, which giveth both spirit and life, joan. 6. As the heart in the forest desireth the pleasant water brooks, so longed her soul and was desirous of the manifest glory of her eternal God, 
Her god.  Psal. 41. If her portion be not in the land of the living, Psal. 141. Yea, if she be not allowed a citizen with the Saints, Ephe. 1. And her name registered in the book of life, Apoca. 20. It will be hard with many. But certain and sure I am, that with mary Marthaes' sister, 
A sure part.  such a sure part have she chosen, as will not be taken away from her, Luce 10.   

Anne Askewe.  
There be some do say, that I deny the eucharisty 
eucharisty.  or sacrament of thanks giving. But those people do untruely report of me. For I both say and believe it, that if it were ordered like as Christ instituted it and left it, a most singular comfort it were unto us all. But as concerning your Mass, as it is now used in our days, I do say & believe it, to be the most abominable idol that is in the world. 
mass. an idol.  For my God will not be eaten with tethe, neither yet dieth he again. And upon these words, that I have now spoken, will I suffer death.   

johan Bale.  
All the works of God and ordinances of Christ, she reverently admitted, as grounded matters of Christian believe But the Romish pope's creatures would she in no case allow to stand up check mate with them. 
obedience.  The Mass (which is in all points, of that filthy Antichristes' creation) took she for the most execrable idol upon earth. 
The Mass.  And rightly. For non other is the child to be reckoned, than was his father afore him▪ be he man or beast. The whelp of a dog ●e, is none other than a dog, when he cometh ●nest● his age. 
idolaters  Idols (saith Savid) are ly●e them that ma●e them. ●o are they also which put their trust in them, Psalm 113. An yd●ll doth Zacharye call that proud slaughterouse shepherd, Zacharye 11. Who then can deny his prodigious ordinances to be the same? 
An idol.  What other is the work of an idolatrous worker, than an exccrable idol? And look what propyrrces any idol hath had, or feats hath wrought yet since the worlds beginning, the pope's prodigious Mass hath had & wrought the same, with many conveyances more.  
Of pope's 
Popes.  ●ath it received dysgysynges, instruments, blessings, turnings and legerdemains, with many strange observations borrowed of the jews and pagans ●lde sacrifices, be sides pardons for delyucraunce of souls. Of monks 
Monks.  have it gotten a purgatory after many strange apparitions, with a long ladder from thence to scale heaven with. It hath obtained also, to be a remedy for all diseases both in man and beast, with innumerable supper stycyons else. Of unyverfytees and their doctors, have it cawte all the subtleties and crafty learnings of the profane philosophers, to be defended by, 
Vniversytees.  as is to be scene in the works of their sentencioners, like as I have showed in the mystery of iniquity, fo. 33. It serveth all wytches in their wytcherye, all foreerers, 
the mass  charmers, enchanters, dreamers, soothsayers, necromansers, conjures, cross dyggers, devil raysers, miracle doers, doggeleches, and bawds. For without a mass, they can not we'll work their feats. The layers like wise, which seek in Westmynstre haul to get most money be falfehede, can neither be weal without it. It upholdeth vain glory, pride, ambition, 
Profitable.  avarice, gluttony, sloth, idleness, hypocrisy, heresy, tyranny, and all other devilishness besides, It maintaineth the spiritual soldiers of Antichrist, 
Necessary.  in all superfluous living and wanton lecherous lusts, with the chaste occupyings of Sodom and gomor.  
What other ghostly fruits it hath. I shall more largely show in my book called, The miracles of the Mass against Peryne. 
miracles of themasse.  Perchance some devour Mass hearers will lay for the holiness thereof, that it containeth both pistle and Gospel. truly that epistle and that Gospel may weal have a name of life. as S. johan saith of the church of Sardis, Apoca. 3. Yet is it in that office of massing, non other than the dead or mortifying letter. 2. Cor. 3. For the spre●e that should quyeken, 
Seed letter.  is clearly taken from it, So that nothing else thereof remaineth to the common people, but a dead noise and an idle sound, as it is now in the Romish language. Who can say, but it was the scripture, that Satan 
Satan.  alleged unto Christ upon the pinnacle of the temple? Math. 4. Yet remaineth it there still, after his ungracious handling thereof, as a false crafty suggestion, a devilish error, or a shield of his wickedness, & will do evermore. Where are the names of God, of his Angels, & of his saints, more rife, than among witches, 
Wytches  charmers, enchanters, etc. sorcerers? Yet can ye not say, that they are among them to any man's salvation. as they would be in right handelynge●. What it is that serveth an idol, let godly wise men comecture, 
An idol.  which are not all ignorant how Angel became a devil.   

Anne Askewe.  
I lord, I have more enemies 
Enemies  now, than there be hairs on my head. Yet lord let them never over come me with vain words, But fight thou lord, in my stead. For on the cast I my care. With all the spite they can imagine, they fall upon me which am thy poor creature, 
hate them.  Yet sweet lord, let me not se● by them which are against the. For in the is my whole delight.   

johan Bale.  
Oblessyd woman, and undoubted citizen of heaven. Truth it is, that thou hast had many adversaries, 
Adversaries.  yea, and a far greater number of them, than thou haste here reckoned. And the more thou hast had, the greater is now they victory in Christ. The great body of the Beast thou haste had to enemy. which comprehended the malignant muster of 〈…〉 one side, 
●●ters.  & the earthly worsh●●pers of his blasphemose beastliness 〈◊〉 the other side, Daniel 11. Apo. 13. whose number is as the sand of the see, in finite, Apoc. 20. But consider again, what fryndeshypp thou hast gotten for it on the other part. Thu hast now to friend 
friends.  for thy faithful perseverance against those idol mongers, the sempiternal trinity, the father, the son, & the holy Ghost, joan. 14. With the glorious multitude of Angels, the patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles & Martyrs, with all the electnombre from ryghtcouse Abel hitherto. 
Favourers  Thu hast also here upon earth, & evermore shall have, the favour of all them which have not bowed to that filthy Beast, whose names are registered in the book of life, Apo. 21. And as for thy ungodly & cruel enemies, as dust in the wind the lord will scatter them from the face of the earth, 
Norfolk.  be they never so stout and many, Psal. 1.   

Anne Askewe.  
And lord I heartily desire of thee, that thou wilt of thy most merciful goodness, forgive them that violence, which they do & have done unto me. 
Prayer.  Open also thou their blind har●es, that they may her after do that thing in thy sight, which is only acceptable before the. And to set fourth thy verity a right, without all vain fanta syes of sinful men. So be it. I lord, so be it. By me Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
Afore here she confessed with David that on God she had cast her care, 
Sweet woman.  and that in him was all her hearts delight. Psal. 60. She desired him also, never to fail her in this hard conflict, but strongly to assist her, and in no case to permytt her to be over comen of the flattering world, neither yet to give place to his enemies. 
God's true servant.  And I doubt it not, but these are most evident signs that she was his faithful servant. I know certainly, that all the power of hell, can not prevail against so earnest a faith, Math. 16. For he hath so spoken it there, which can not lie, Luce 21. & 1. Petri 2. In this lattre part, she showeth the nature of Christ's lively member, 
Christ's member.  and of a perfect christian martyr in ij. points first she desireth God to forgive her enemies as Christ desired him in the time of his passion, Luce 23. And as holy Steven also did for the time of his death, Acto. 7. secondly she desireth their hearts to be opened, 
charity.  that they may truly believe and be saved, Acto. 16. This supernatural affect of charity had she only of the spirit of Christ, which willeth not the death of a froward sinner, but rather that he be from his wickedness turned, 
A Saint.  & so live Ezech. 33. Thus is she a Saint canonized in Christ's blood, though she never have other canonisation of pope, priest, nor bishop.  
The destroyer shall be destroyed without hands. Daniel. 8.   

The ballad which Anne Askewe made and sang when she was in Newgate.  
Like as the armed knight  
Appointed to the field  
With this world will I fight  
And faith shall be my shield.  
Faith is that weapon strong  
Which will not fail at need  
My foes therefore among  
Therewith will I proceed.  
As it is had in strength  
And force of Christ's way  
It will prevail at length  
Though all the devils say nay.  
Faith in the father's old  
Obtained rightwiseness  
Which make me very bold.  
To fear no worlds distress.  
I now rejoice in heart  
And hope bid me do so  
For Christ will take my part  
And ease me of my wo.  
Thu sayest lord, who so knock.  
To them wilt thou attend  
Undo therefore the lock  
And thy strong power send.  
More enemies now I have.  
Than hairs upon my heed  
let them not me deprave  
But fight thou in my steed.  
On the my care I cast  
For all their cruel spite  
I set not by their haste  
For th● art my delight.  
I am not she that list  
My anchor to let fall  
For every drysling mist  
My ship substantial.  
Not oft use I towryght  
In prose nor yet in rhyme  
Yet will I show one sight  
That I saw in my time.  
I saw a rial throne  
Where justice should have syt●  
But in her stead was one  
Of modye cruel wit.  
Absorbed was rygtwysnesse  
As of the raging flood  
Satan in his excess.  
Suc●e up the guiltless blood.  
Then thought I, jesus lord  
When thou shalt judge us all  
Hard is it to record  
On these men what will fall.  
Yet lord I the desire  
For that they do to me  
let them not taste the hire  
Of their iniquity.  
FINIS.  
God save the king.  
God hath chosen the weak things of the world, to confound things which are mighty. Yea, and things of no reputation, for to bring to nought things of reputation, that no flesh should presume in his sight. 1. Cormth. 1.   

The Conclusion.  
THus haste thou (diligent reader) the end of these ij. examinations and answers of the most Christian martyr Anne Askewe, with other additions besides. Mark in them the horrible mad fury of Antichrist 
antichrist  and the devil, how they work in this age by their tyrannous members, to bring the last vengeance swiftly upon them. Afore time hath not been scene, such frantic outrage as is now, the judges without all sober discretion, running to the rack, togging, haling, and pulling thereat, like tormentors in a play. 
compassion.  Compare me here pilate with Wrisleye the high chancellor of England, with Rich and with other which will be counted no small moats. And see how much the pagan judge excelleth in virtue and wisdom, the false christened judge, yea, rather prodigious tyrant. When pilate 
pilate.  had inquired, what accusation the jews clergy had against Christ, he perceived they did all of malice, and refused to meddle therein. joan. 18. In Wrisleye 
Wrisleye  and rich is no such equity. But they rather seek occasion to accomplish the full malice of Antichrist.  
pilate 
pilate.  showed the accused all faver possible. He examined him privately, he gave him fryndelye words, he had him not fear to speak, he heard him with gentleness, he counseled with him that he might the more freely suppress their mad fury, and he promised, they should do him no wrong in case he would utter his full mind, joan. 18. far contrary to this were Wrisleye 
Wrysley●  and Rich, which not all ignorant of the bishops beastly errors, maliciously without all fear of God and shame of the world, executed upon this godly woman most terrible tyranny. pilate 
pilate.  spoke for the innocent, excused him, defended him, laid fourth the law, pleated for him sharply, required them to show mercy, alleged for him their custom, declared him an innocent & sought by all means to deliver him, Math. 27. These perjured magistrates Wrysleye 
Wrisleye  & Rich, not only examined this innocent woman with rigour, but also hated her, scorned her, reviled her, condemned her for an heretic, & with unspeakable torments sought to enforce her to bring by accusation other noble women and men to death.  
More over pilate 
pilate.  would shed no innocent blood, but laboured to mitigate the bishops fury, & insta●ited them as they were religious, to show godly favour, concluding that he could by no law of justice, judge him worthy to die Marci 15. These vengeable tyrants Wrisleye 
Wrisleye  and rich insacyably thirsted, not only the innocent blood of this faithful servant of God, but also the blood of the noble duchess of Sothfolke, the blood of the worthy countess of Hertforde, and of the virtuous countess of Sussexe, the blood of the faithful lady 
Ladies.  Dennye, of the good lady Fizwyllyams, and of other godly women more, such widows and wy●es as Paul, Peter, and johan commendeth in their epistles, besides the blood of certain noble men of the kings high counsel. And all at the spiteful calling on of the bishops. Slack care gave pilate 
pilate.  to the priests, he regarded not their displeasure, he detected their proteruouse madness, by delays he differed the sentence, and finally washed his hands as one that was clear from their tyranny, Luce 23. Swift ear gave Wrisleye & Rich 
Wrisleye & Rich.  with their wicked affinity to the puffed up pork●lynges of the pope Gardyner, Bonner, & such other, they followed their cruel counsel, they enprysoned her, judged her, condemned her, & racked her at the last with their own polluted bloody tormentors hands, till the veins and synnowes braced.  
If ye mark the scriptures weal, ye shall easily perceive that pilate 
pilate.  was not in fault of Christ's buffetynges, beatings, scornynge, face spittings, crowning with thorn, and such other extreme handlings. But the malicious bishops & priests 
priests.  which waged judas to be●raye him, hired false witnesses to accuse him, moneyed the multitude to dyffaine him, feigned false matter against him, compelled the law and terryfyed the judge, to have their full mischief accomplished, as our bishops have done in this cruel act and such other. 
pilate.  When the priests would have blemished his name by the ignomynyouse death which he suffered among thieves on the cross, pilate proclaimed it glorious unto all the world, writing his title in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, jesus of Nazareth king of the jews, and would not at their instant calling on, change it, joan. 19 Wrisleye 
Wrisleye  & rich with their ungracious affinity, have in every point followed here the execrable affects of the priests. favourably pilate licenced joseph of Arymathye to take down Christ's body, and to bury it, Math. 27. Wrisleye commanded this martyr of God with her faithful companions to be brent to ashes. pilate 
pilate.  was ignorant of God's laws, and a pagan. Wrisleye 
Wrisleye  and Rich know both the law and the Gospel, and are christians, the more is it to their damnation, to execute soch turkish tyranny.  
Now to conclude with Anne Askewe as the argument of this book requireth In the year of our lord a M. D.ELVI And in the month of july, 
Brent.  at the prodigious procurement of Antichriste● furious remnant, Gardyner, Bonner and such like, she suffered most cruel de●the in smithfield with her iij. faithful companions, johan Lassels a gentleman which had been her instructor, johan Adlam a tailor, 
Martyr●  and a priest so constant in the verity against the said Antichristes' superstitions as they, whose name at this time I had not. Credyblye am I informed by diverse duche merchants which were there present, that in the time of their sufferings, 
A sign.  the sky abhorring so wicked an act, suddenly altered colour, and the clouds from above gave a thunder clap, not all unlike to that is written, Psal. 76. The elements both declared therein the high displeasure of God for so tyrannous a murder of innocentes, 
God's hand.  and also expressly signified his mighty hand present to the comfort of them which trusted in him, besides the most wonderful mutation which will within short space thereupon follow. And like as the centurion 
Centurio  with those that were with him, for the tokens showed at Christ's death, confessed him to be the son of God, Math. 27. So did a great number at the burning of these martyrs, upon the sight of this open experyment, affirm them to be his faithful members.  
Full many a Christian heart have risen and will rise from the pope to Christ through the occasion of their consuming in the fire. 
christians.  As the saying is, of their ashes will more of the same opinion arise. Many a won saith yet both in England and Duchelande, also, O that woman that woman, 
take heed  O those men those men. If the pope's generation and wicked remnant make many more such martyrs, they are like to mar all their whole market in England. It were best for them now a days to let men be at liberty for their holy father's ga●dy she ceremonies, as they are for bear baytynges, cock fyghtynges tennis play, 
Ceremonies.  tables, tombeling, dancing, or hunting, who list & who may. For as little have those traditions of his of the word of God, in their proudest outshewe, as they have. Here will some tender 
Tenderlynges.  stomachs be grieved, and report that in our heady hastiness, we refuse to suffer with our weak brethren according to the doctrine of Paul. But I say unto them, what so ever they be which are so scrupulous wanderers, that they most execrably err in so bestowing the scriptures. For abominable is that tolerance of our brethernes weakness, 
hypocrisy.  where God is by idolatrous superstitions, disobeyed, dishonoured, and blasphemed. A plain practise were this of Satan in hypocrisy to uphold all devilishness.  
On the other side was there an other sort at the death of these blessed martyrs, 
Papists  and they judged of this alteration of the air and thunder clap, as did the jewish bishops with their perverted multitude. Which wagging their heads, railed, reviled, jangled, jested, scorned, cursed, mocked, and mowed at Christ's precious sufferings on the cross, 
priests.  Math. 27. and Luce 23. These were the idle witted priests at London and their beastly ignorant broods, with old supersticious bawds and brethels, 
Bawds.  the pope's blind cattle. These cried there like mad modye bedlemes, as they heard the thunder, They are dampened, they are dampened, their wise preachers outasing the same at Paul's cross. In deed full nobylle are they overscane in the Bible that judge the thunders 
thunders.  to signify damnation. Thunder (saith the scripture) is the voice of God, Eccle. 43. Thunder is the helping power of the lord, job 26. and no damnation. Christ called johan and james the sons of thunder, Marci 3. Which betokened that they should be earnest preachers, and no children of damnation. The lord by thunder, 
Thunder.  showeth his inscrutable working, job 38. Moses received the law, Helyas the spirit of prophecy, the Apostles the holy Ghost, & all in thunder. What wicked fool will say, they received so damnation?  
As the lamb had opened the first seal of the book, the voice that went forth was as it had been thunder, Apoca. 6. 
Apocal.  which is no damnation, but a sharp calling of people to Godward. The thonderynges that appeared when the Angel filled his censer. Apoca. 8. were no damnations but Gods earnest words rebuking the world for sin. 
thunders.  The best interpreters do call those▪ thonderynges which came from the throne of God. Apocal. 4. such verities of the scripture as terryfyeth sinners, and no damnations. Neither were the seven. thonderynges which gave their voices, Apoc. 10. any other than mysteries at their times to be opened, Eucherius 
Eucherius  Lugdunensis & other moralysers, call thunders in the scripture, the voices of the Gospel, and their lightenings, the clear openynges of the same. If thunder be a threttening or a fearful judgement of God (as in Psal. 103.) it is to them that abide here, 
For tyrants.  and not to them that depart from hens, A token is it also that the horrible tyrants shall be as the meledust, that the wind taketh away suddenly, isaiah 29. If plague do follow of thunder, as it did in Egypt, when Moses stretched forth his rod. 
Norfolk.  Exodi 9 It shall light upon them which hath showed the tyrannous violence on the people of God, as it did upon pharaoh and his cruel ministers.  
At the mighty voice which was both sensyblye heard and understanded of the Apostles from heaven, 
Mark weal.  that the father was & would be glorified by Christ the people said notthing b●t. It thondereth, joan. 12. For nothing else they understood thereof. What Anne Askewe and her companions both heard and s● in this thunder to their souls consolation in their painful sufferings, no mortal understanding can discern. Only was it Steven 
S. Steven  (and peraventure a few disciples) that see the heavens open when he suffered, and not the cruel multitude which ran upon him with stones, Acto. 7. let beastly blind babbyllers and bawds with their charming chaplains than prate at large, out of their malicious spirit and idle brains. We have in abundance the verity of God's word 
god's word.  and promise, to prove them both saved and glorified in Christ. For God ever preserveth them which trust in him, Psal. 16. All that call upon his holy name, are saved, johel. 2. What reasonable man will think that they can be lost, which have their lord God more dear than their own lives? No man shall be able (saith Christ) to pluck myshepe out of my hands, 
Not lost.  but I will give them eternal life, joan. 10. Believe (saith Paul to the jailer at Philippos) on the lord jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved and thy whole household, Acto. 16. They that seem in the sight of the unwise to go into destruction, do rest in the peace of God, and are replenished with immortality, Sapien. 3. With other innumerable scriptures, to the praise of God, whose name be glorified world without end, Amen.  
FINIS.  
God save the king.  
Thus endeth the lattre conflict of Anne Askewe, lately done to death by the Romish pope's malicious remnant, & now canonized in the precious blood of the lord jesus Christ imprinted at Marpurg in the land of Hessen, 16▪ die januarij, anno 1. 5. 4. 7.    


A table compendious of this lattre book.  
Arm Askewe a martyr, 6. 54. 55  
Anne Askewes sufferings, 45. 49. 62. 67  
Antichristes' badges, 20. 53. 56.  
Antichrist, where he dwelleth, 26  
Augustyne, a blood sheder, 4  
BOnuer Bysh. of London, 52  
Bread is no God, 21. 34. 56.  
Britain church. 3. 8  
Ceremonies at liberty, 67  
Christ, what meat he is, 30  
Christ, wherefore condemned, 31  
chronicle writers, ●  
consecration of priests, 55  
Constancy of Anne Askewe, 27. 35. 46  
Death not feared, 27. 35  
difference of martyrs, 4. 5  
Doctrine of the supper, 12  
Edere, what it is, 12. 33  
Enemies iij. ghostly, 38  
English church, 4. 8  
Eucherius Lugdunensis, 69  
Faith plenteous, 28, 50. 55  
Frances above Christ, 23  
Fruits of faith, 54. 55  
friends and enemies, 45. 61  
Godliness of Anne Askewe. 27  
Governors worldly, ●8  
gray fryres Christ, 23  
Heresy defined, 37  
Hewaldes white & black, 6  
House of merchandise, 25  
idolatry of Bread. 21. 24. 59  
Idolaters of ij. sorts, 34  
Inco●staunt Chrystyanes', 28. 39  
johan wycle●es time, 6  
johan lassels brent, 49. 67  
juthwara a martyr, 6  
Kilianus & his fellows, 7  
Rhyme, a gentleman, 15  
Ladies, sought to death, 40. 6●  
Lady chancellor, 48  
Lanfrancus and walden, 37  
Marriage of Anne Askewe, 14  
Martyrs of England, 3. 4  
Mass is idolatry, 26. 44. 59  
Mass with his receipts, 59  
Mass with his fruits, 60  
Masses, who do them, 26  
Mass hearing unrewarded. 44  
Miracles of the mass 60  
Mould in the box, 31. 56  
Name's of English martyrs 5. 6  
Noble women, 40. 43  
Norfolk, & tyrant, 61. 69  
Obedience, where, 40  
Oswalde and oswin, 8  
PEryn all fryerysh, 9 60  
pilate with Wrisleye, 64  
priests of 2. sorts 32  
priests and bawds, 66. 68  
Prisoners have favour, 41  
RAckedis Anne Askewe, 45. 64  
Renouncers of God, 3. 28. 39  
Right martyrs, 5  
SAcrament, what it is, 32  
Sacramental communion, 22  
Saints of England, 5. 6.  
Shaxton recanteth, 39  
Song of Anne Askewe, 63  
strength of a martyr, 36. 46  
Tyranny of rulers 45. 47. 65. 69  
Thomas walden 37  
Thunder declared, 67▪ 69  
Tokens of martyrs, 9 45. 49. 54  
UAyle of Moses, 26  
Ursula with other, 8  
WAffer cake, no God, 24. 34. 56  
Wynchestre at Vtrecht, 42  
Wrys●eye, a tyrant, 45. 50. 64.  
Young martyrs, 7   
God save the King