The first examination of Anne Askewe lately martyred in smithfield, by the romish pope's upholders, with the elucidation of johan Bale.  Psame. cxvi. 
The verity of the Lord endureth for ever.  
Anne Askewe stood fast by this verity of God to the end.  
¶ Favour is deceitful, & beauty is a vain thing. But a woman that feareth the Lord, is worthy to be praised. She openeth her mouth to wisdom, and in her language is the law of grace.  Proverb. xxxi.  

johan Bale to the christian readers.  
Among other most singular offices (diligent reader) which the lord hath appointed to be done in the earnest spirit of Helyas, by the foreronners of his latter appearance, this is one very special to be noted. They shall turn the hearts of their ancient elders into the children. Mala. iiii. And the unbelievers of their time, to the wisdom of those righteous fathers, as did johan baptist afore his first coming. Luce. i. That is (say the Bedas cap. lxviii. de temporum ratione) the faith and fervent zeal of the prophets and Apostles shall they plant in their hearts, 
Bedes prophecy.  which shall in those days live and be among men conversant, & than will break fourth (saith he as a very true prophet) such horrible persecution, as will first of all take from the world, those mighty helyases by triumphant martyrdom, to the terryfyenge of other in the same faith of whom some shall become through that occasion, 
2. sorts.  most glorious martyrs unto Christ also, & some very wicked Apostates forsaking his lively doctrine. For by the said Bedas testimony in the beginning of the same chapter, two most certain signs shall we than have that the latter judgement day is at hand. The return of Israel's remnant unto their lord God, 
2. signs.  and the horrible persecution of Antichrist.  
Confer with this treated scripture and former prophecy of that virtuous man Bedas, the worlds alteration now, with the terrible turmoilings of our time. And as in a most clear mirror, ye shall well perceive them at this present, to be in most quick working. And as concerning the israelites or jews, 
israelites.  I have both scene and known of them in germany, most faithful Christian believers. Neither is it in the prophecy (Osee. iii.) that they should at that day be all converted, no more than they were at johan baptists preaching. Luce. i. For as Isaiah reporteth, though the posterity of jacob be as the see sand (innumerable) yet shall but a remnant of them convert than unto their lord God. isaiah x. And though the Lord hath sifted that house of Israel (as bruised corn in a syffe) among all other nations, Amos. ix. Yet shall not that remnant of theirs perish, but at that day be saved, 
preachers,  through the only election of grace, Romano. xi. Now concerning the afore said foreronners, in this most wonderful change of the world before the latter end thereof. I think within this realm of England, besides other nations abroad, the spirit of Helyas was not all a sleep in good Wyllam Tydall, Robarte Barnes, 
Tyndale. Barns,  & such other more, whom antichrist's violence hath sent hens in fire to heaven, as Helyas went afore in the fiery chariot. iiii. Regum. two.  
These turned the hearts of the fathers into the children, such time as they took from a great number of our nation, by their Godly preachings, and writings, the corrupted believe of the pope & his mastery workers (which were no fathers, but cruel robbers & destroyers. joan. x.) reducing them again to the true faith of Abraham and Peter. Gene. xv. and Math. xvi. The pure believe in Christ's birth and passion, which Adam and Noah sucked out of the first promise of God, 
The fathers.  jacob and Moses out of the second, David and the prophets, out of the third, and so fourth the Apostles & fathers out of the other scriptures, so firmly planted they in the consciences of many, that no cruel kind of death could avert them from it. As we have for example their constant disciples, and now strong witnesses of jesus Christ, 
Martyrs.  johan Lassels and Anne Askewe, with their other. two. companions, very glorious martyrs afore God, what though they be not so afore the wrong judging eyes of the world whom the bloody remnant of Antichrist put unto most cruel death in smithfield at London, in the year of our lord. M.D.XLVI. in july.  
If they be only (as was johan baptist) great afore the Lord by the holy scriptures allowance, which are strongly adorned with the graces of his spirit, as faith, force, understanding wisdom, patience, love, long sufferance and such life. I dare boldly affirm these iiii. mighty witnesses also to be the same, so well as the martyrs of the primitive or Apostles church. 
Christian martyrs.  For so strongly had these those virtues as they, and so boldly objected their bodies to the death for the undefiled Christian believe, against the malygnaunt synagogue of Satan, as ever did they for no tyranny admitting any create or 
Bread.  corruptible substance for their eternal living god. If their blind babies to prove them unlike, do object against me, the miracles showed at their deaths more than at these, as that unfaithful generation is ever desirous of wonders. Math. xii. I would but know of them, what miracles were showed when johan baptists head was cut of in the preson? 
miracles.  Marci. vi. and when james the Apostle was byheaded at Jerusalem? Acto. xii. These. two. were excellent afore God, what though they were but miserable wretches, light fellows seditious heretics, busy knaves, & lousy beggars in the sight of noble king Herode and his honourable counsel of prelate's. For had not rochets and side gowns been at hand, 
rochets.  haply they had not so lightly died,  
If they allege Steven, 
Steven.  to maintain their purpose, that he at his death beheld heaven open. I ask of them again what they were which see it more than his own person? Sure I am that their wicked predecessors there present, see it not. For they stopped their ears, when he told them thereof. Actoru. seven. If they yet bring fourth the other histories of Apostles and martyrs. 
Legends  I answer them, that all they are of no such authority, as these here afore. The pope's martyrs in deed, were moche fuller of miracles than ever were Christ's, as his self told us they should be so. Mathey. xxiiii. Yet wrought friar Forest, johan Fisher, & Thomas More no miracles, 
Forest. fisher. More.  what though many be now registered in their lives and legends by the friars of France, italy, and Spain Besides that johan Cochleus hath written of them, ad Paulum Pontificem, ad regem Henricum, and also in their defence against doctor Samson. With that Erasmus did also ad Huttenum. 
Writers.  P. M. ad Basparem Agrippam, Albertus Pighius, Rivius, Fichardus, & a great sort more. And as for the holy maid of kent with Doctor Bocking, though they wrought great wonders by their life, yet appeared none at their deaths. Of his own chosen martyrs, 
Christian martyrs.  Christ looketh for non other miracle, but that only they persever faithful to the end. Mathe. x. And never deny his verity afore men Luce. xii. For that worthy victory of the sinful world, standeth in the invyncyblenesse of faith, and not in miracles and wonders, as those wavering wits suppose. i joan. v.  
Right wonderfully will this apere in the. two. mighty conflicts here after following, 
Anne Askewe.  which the faithful servant of jesus Anne Askewe, a gentlewoman very young, dainty, and tender, had with that outraging synagogue, in her. two. examinations, about the xxv. year of her age, whom she sent abroad by her own hand writing. The handlings of her other three companions, shall be showed in other several treatises at leisure. For the glory and great power of the lord, 
God's power.  so manifestly appearing in his elect vessels, may not now perish at all hands & be unthankfully neglected but be spread the world over, as we'll in Latin as English, to the perpetual in famye of so wilfully cruel and spiteful tyrants. Nothing at all shall it terryfye us, nor yet in any point let us of our purpose, that our books are now in England condemned and brent, 
Books condemned  by the bishops and priests with their frantic affinity, the great Antichristes' upholders which seek by all practices possible to turn over the kings most noble and godly enterprise. But it will from hens forth occasion us, to set fourth in the Latin also, 
Latin.  that afore we wrote only in the English, and so make their spiritual wickedness and treason known moche farther of. What availed it joakim to burn Hieremie's proyhecye by the ungracious counsel of his prelate's? Heir. xxxvi. Either yet Antiochus to set fire on the other scriptures? i. Macha. i.  

God will be known.  After the Apostles were brought afore the counsel and straightly commanded to cease from preaching, they preached much more than afore. Acto. iiii. In most terrible persecutions of the primative church, were the examinations & answers, torments and deaths of the constant martyrs written, and sent abroad all the whole world over, as testifieth Eusebius Cesariensis in his ecclesyastyck history. Their copies abound yet every where. Great slaughter & burning hath been here in England for johan Wycleve'S books, 
johan Wlcleves books.  ever since the year of our lord. M. CCC. LXXXII. Yet have not one of them throughly perisheth. I have at this hour the titles of a C. and XLIIII. of them, which are many more in number. For some of them under one title comprehendeth two. books, some three some iiii. Yea, one of them containeth xii. I think not the contrary, but ere the world be at a full end, 
Canonize  God will so glorify that twenty times condemned heretic, execrated, cursed, spitted, and spatled at, that all your popish writers before his time and after, will be reckoned but vile swine herds to him, for the good favour he bore to Christ'S holy Gospel. A very madness is it to strive against God, when he will have the long hidden iniquities known. As the godly wise man Gamaliel said. Acto. v. 
Gamaliel  If this enterprise that is now taken against you, be of God, ye shall never be able with all your tirannouse practises to dissolve it.  
Now concerning that blessed woman Anne Askewe, 
Anne Askewe.  which lately suffered the tyranny of this world for rightwiseness sake. In Lyncolneshyre was she borne of a very ancient and noble stock. Sir William Askewe a worthy knight being her father. But no worthiness in the flesh, neither yet any worldly nobleness availeth to god ward, afore whom is no acceptation of person. Actorum x. Only is it faith with his true love and fear, which maketh us the accept, 
True nobility.  noble and worthy children unto God. joan. i. Whereof by his gift, she had wonderful abundance. such a won was she, as was Lydia the purple cellar, 
Lydia.  whose heart the lord opened by the godly preaching of Paul at Thiatira, Acto. xvi. For diligent heed gave she to his word when it was ones taught without superstition, & would no longer be a false worshipper or ydolatour after the wicked school of Antichrist. But became from thence forth a true worshipper, worshipping her lord God (which is a spirit & not bread) in spirit & in verity, according to the word of his, joan. iiii. The Gospel of Christ bore she in her heart. as did the holy maid Cecilia, 
Cecilia.  & never after ceased from the study thereof, nor from godly communication & prayer till she was clearly by most cruel torments, taken from this wretched world.  
By her do I here (dear friends in the Lord) as did the faithful brethren in France, at the cities of Lions and Vicuna by a like faithful young woman called Blandina, 
Blandina  Which was there put to death with. iii. mighty companions more among other (as this was) for her Christian believe, about the year of our lord. C. and. lxx. in the primative spring of their christianity. They wrote unto their brethren in the lands of Asia & Phrygia very far of, her mighty strong sufferings for Christ's faith, which the knew nothing of afore, I writ here unto you in England the double process of this noble woman, whereof ye are not ignorant, for so much as it was there so manifestly done among you. Coupled I have these two. examples together, because I find them in so many points agree Blandina was young and tender. So was Anne Askewe also. 
Anne Askewe.  But that which was frail of nature in them both. Christ made most strong by his grace. Blandina had iii. earnest companions in Christ. 
Companions.  Maturus saints, and Attalus, so fervently faithful as herself. So had Anne Askewe iii. fire fellows, a gentleman called johan Lassels her instructor, a pressed, and a tailor called johan Adlam, men in Christ'S verity unto the end most constant. 
Recanters.  With Blandina were in preson, to the number of x. which denied the truth and were clearly forsaken of God for it. How many fell from Christ besides Crome & Shaxton, when Anne Askewe stood fast by him, I am uncertain. But I counsel them, as saint johan counseled the Laodycyanes', in the miserable estate they are now in, to high them through tried gold of Christ, 
Tried Gold.  lest they perish all together. Apoca. iii. If they had not still remained in that chancel, 
The chancel.  whom Christ commanded johan in no wise to measure, Apoc. two. They had never so shamefully blasphemed, like as Bedas also toucheth in his former prophecy.  
Prompt was Blandina, and of most lusty courage, 
Corage.  in rendering her life for the liberty of her faith. No less lively and quick was Anne Askewe in all her enprisoninges and torments. Great was the love, Blandina had to Christ. No less was the love of Anne Askewe. Blandina never fainted in torment. 
Rakced.  No more did Anne Askewe in spirit, when she was so terribly racked of the chancellor and Rich, that the strings of her arms and eyes were perished Blandina derided the cruelty of the tyrants. So did Anne Askewe the madness of the bishops and their speech men Read burning plates of iron and of brass had Blandina put to her sides. 
Burned.  So had Anne Askewe the flaming brands of fire. Full of God and his verity was Blandina. So was Anne Askewe to the very end. Christ wonderfully triumphed in Blandina. So did he in Anne Askewe, when she made no noise on the rack, and so earnestly afterward rejoiced in him. Blandina was given fourth to wild beasts to be devoured. 
Beasts  So was Anne Askewe to cruel bishops & priests, whom Christ calleth ravening wolves, devourers, and thieves. Mathe. seven. & johan, x. Blandina upon the scaffold boldly reprehended the pagan priests of their error. So did Anne Askewe when she was fast tied to the stake, with stomach rebuked that blasphemous apostata Shaxton with the Bishops and priests generation, 
Shaxton.  for their manifest maintenance of idolatry.  
Blandina at the stake showed a visage unterryfyed. So did Anne Askewe acountenaunce stout, mighty and earnest. infatigable was the spirit of Blandina. So was the spirit of Anne Askew. The love of jesus Christ, the gift of the holy Ghost, and hope of the crown of martyrdom, greatly mitigated the pain in Blandina. So did those. iii worthy graces, 
Graces.  the terror of all torments in Anne Askewe. The strong spirit of Christ gave stomach to Blandina, both to laugh and dance. The same mighty spirit (& not the pope's desperate spirit) made Anne Askewe both to rejoice and sing in the preson. 
Spirit.  So bold was blandina (saith Eusebius) that with a presumption of stomach she commoned with Christ unseen. I suppose Anne Askewes latter examination, will show her, not to do moche less. gentle was Blandina to the Christian believers, 
High stomach.  & terrible to their adversatyes. So was Anne Askewe very lowly to true teachers, but scornful and high stomached to the enemies of truth: Many were converted by the sufferance of Blandina. A far greater number by the burning of Anne Askewe. Though Blandina were young, yet was she called the mother of martyrs. 
Mother.  Many men have supposed Anne Askewe, for her christian constancy to be no less. Blandina prayed for her persecutors. So did Anne Askewe most fervently. The ashes of blandina and of other martyrs, were thrown into the stood of Rhodanus. What was done with the Ashes of Anne Askewe & her companions, 
Ashes.  I can not yet tell.  
All these former reports of Blandina and many more besides, hath Eusebius in Ecclesiastica historia, libro. v. cap. i two. &. iii. Hugo Floriacensis, Hermannus Contractus, 
authors.  Vincentius, Antoninus, Petrus Equilinus, & other hystoryanes more. And as touching Anne Askewe, these. two. examinations, with her other known handlings in England, 
Not all deed.  are witness for her sufficient. Thus hath not the fire taken Anne Askewe all whole from the world, but left her here unto it more pure, perfect, & precious than afore, as it will also johan Lassels within short space. So that concerning her, it may well be said, that Paul verefyeth. two. Cor. xii. The strength of God is here made perfectly by weakness. 
Weakness.  When she seemed most feeble, than was she most strong. And gladly she rejoiced in that weakness, that Christ's power might strongly dwell in her. Thus chooseth the lord, the foolish of this world to confound the wise, & the weak to deface the mighty. Yea, things despised & thought very vile to bring things unto nought which the world hath in most high reputation. I think if this martyr were rightly conferred, 
Martyrs.  with those canonized martyrs, which have had, and yet hath still sensings and syngynges, massings & ryngynges in the pope's English church cause with cause and reason with reason (as haply here after they shall) she should be a great blemish unto them. An example of strong sufferance might this holy martyr be, 
Example.  unto all them that the Lord shall after like manner put forward in this horrible fury of antichrist, to the glory of his persecuted Church. Amen.   

The first 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 romish pope's upholders.  

The censure or judgement of johan Bale thereupon, after the sacred Scriptures and chronicles.  
OF no less Christian constancy was this faithful witness and holy martyr of God, Anne Askewe nor no less a fast member of Christ by her mighty persistence in his verity at this time of mischief, than was the afore named Blandina in the primitive church. This shall weal apere in her. two. examinations or tyrannous handlings here following, whom she wrote with her own hand, at the instant desire of certain faithful men and women, yea rather at the secret motion of God, that the truth thereof might be known the world over. As within short space it will be, if the latin speech can carry it. Mark well the communycations here both of her and of her examyners, so proving their sprites as S. johan the Apostle giveth you counsel. 
Spirits.  i Io. iiii. And than shall ye know the tree by his fruit, & the man by his work.   

Anne Askewe.  
To satisfy your expectation, good people (saith she) this was my first examination in the year of our Lord M.d.xlu and in the month of March, first Christofer Dare examined me at Saddler's hall, 
Christofer dare,  being one of the quest, and asked if I did not believe that the sacrament hanging over the altar was the very body of christ really. Then I demanded this question of him, wherefore S. Steven was stoned to death? And he said he could not tell. Then I answered, that no more would I assoil his vain question.   

johan Bale.  
A sacrament (saith Saint Augustyne) is a sign, shape, or similitude of that it representith, and no God nor yet thing represented. This word real or really, 
really.  is not of believe, for it is not in all the sacred scriptures. Only is it sophistycallye borrowed of the pagans learning by wynchestre & his fellows, to corrupt our Christian faith. Be ware of that filthy poison. The perfect believe of Steven, Actoru. seven. of Paul Act. xvii. & of Solomon. three Reg. viii. & two, Par●. vi. was, that god dwelleth not in temples made with hands. agreeable unto this was the faith of this Godly woman, which neither could believe that he dwelleth in the box. 
The box  God saith. Isaiah. lxvi. Heaven is my seat, not the box. David saith. Psal. cxiii. our God is in heaven, not in the pyx. Christ taught us to say, when we pray Mat. vi. Luce. xi. our father which art in heaven, and not our father which art in the box. Now discern and judge.   

Anne Askewe,  
Secondly he said, that there was a woman, which did testify, that I should read, how God was not in temples made with hands. 
Temples.  Then I showed him the. seven. and the. xvii. chapiter of the Apostles acts what Steven and Paul had said therein. Whereupon he asked me, how I took those sentences? I answered, that I would not throw pearls among swine, for acorns were good enough.   

johan Bale.  
An ignorant woman, yea a beast with out faith, is herein allowed to judge the holy scriptures heresy, and against all good laws admitted to accuse this godly woman the servant of Christ, for an heinous heretic, for the only reading of them. 
Accusers.  As perverse and blasphemous was this qwestmonger as she, & as beastly ignorant in the doctrine of health, yet is neither of them judged ill of the world, but the one permitted to accuse this true member of Christ, and the other to condemn her. Wherefore her answer out of the. seven. chapter of Matthew, was most fit for them. For they are no better than swine, that so contemn the precious treasure of the Gospel, for the mire of men's traditions   

Anne Askewe.  
thirdly he asked me, wherefore I said, that I had rather to read five lines in the Bible, than to hear five Masses in the temple. 
Masses.  I confessed, that I said no less. Not for the dispraise of either the Epistle or Gospel. But because the one did greatly edify me, and the other nothing at all. As saint Paul doth witness in the. xiiii. chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinth's, where as he doth say. If the trump giveth an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself to the battle?   

johan Bale.  
A commandment hath Christ given us, to search the holy scriptures, johan. v. for in them only is the life eternal. Blessed is he (saith Christ unto johan) which readeth & heareth the words of this prophecy. Apo. i. But of the latin popish mass, is not one word in all the Bible, and therefore it pertaineth not to faith. A strait commandment have almighty God given Deuteo. xii that nothing be added to his word, 
God's word.  nor yet taken from it. Put thou nothing unto his words (saith Solomon, Pro. thirty) lest thou be found in so doing, a reprobate person and a liar. S. Paul willed nothing to be uttered in a dead speech, i. Cor. xiiii. (as are your mass and matins) but silence always to be in the congregations, where as is no interpreter, for five words (saith he) availeth more to understanding, then. x. thousand words with the tongue. This proveth temple service of the papists all the year, to be worth nothing.   

Anne Askewe.  
fourth he laid unto my charge that I should say, If an ill priest ministered, 
The priest  it was the devil and not God. My answer was, that I never spoke such thing. But this was my saying. That what so ever he were, which ministered unto me, his ill conditions could not hurt my faith. But in spirit I received never the less, the body and blood of Christ.   

johan Bale.  
Christ saith, joan. vi. Have not I chosen you. xii. & yet one of you is a devil? meaning judas that false & unfaithful priest. 
judas.  No less saith Peter. two. Pet. two of those dying curates, by whom the truth is blasphemed, and the people made marchaundyce of their covetousness. If the ill fruit than, be alone with the ill tree in naughtiness, the work of a devil must be devilish. God said unto the wicked priests, Esa. i. Hier. vi. Am. v. and Mala. two. that he abhorred their sacrifices, 
sacrifices.  and also hated them, even at the very heart, willing both heaven & earth to mark it. Into judas entered Satan, after the sop was given him. joan. xiii. where as the other Apostles received the body and blood of Christ. The table was all one to them both, so was the bread which their mouths received. The inward receivings than in Peter and in judas, made all the diversity, which was believe & unbelief, or faith and unfaithfulness, as Christ largely declareth in the vi. of johan, 
Thevi. of johan.  whereas he showed a fore hand, the full doctrine of that mystical supper. Only he that believeth, hath there the promise of the life everlasting, and not he that eareth the material bread. Of God are they taught, and not of men, which truly understand this doctrine   

Anne Askewe  
fifthly he asked me, what I said concerning confession? 
Confession  I answered him my meaning, which was as Saint james saith, that every man ought to acknowledge his faults to other and the one to pray for the other.   

John Bale.  
This confession only do the scripture appoint us: ja. v. as we have offended our neighbour: But if we have offended god we must sorrowfully acknowledge it before him. And he (saith Saint johan), i. johan. i. hath faithful ye promised to forgive us our sins, if we so do & to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If the law of truth be in the priests mouth, 
priests.  he is to be sought unto for godly counsel. Mala. two. But if he be a blasphemous hypocrite or superstitious fool, he is to be shourned as a most pestilent poison   

Anne Askewe  
Syxhtly he asked me, what I said to the kings book. 
The kings book.  And I answered him that I could say nothing to it, because I never saw it.   

johan Bale.  
All crafty ways, possible, sought this quaretling questmonger, or else the devil in him, to bring this poor innocent lamb to the slaughter place of Antichrist. Moche after this sort sought the wicked Pharisees by certain of their own faction or hired satellytes with the Herodyanes', 
pharisees.  to bring Christ in danger of Cesar, & so to have him slain, Mat. xxii. Mar. xii. Luce. xx.   

Anne Askewe.  
Seventhly he asked me, if I had the spirit of God in me? I answered if I had not, I was but a reprobate or cast away.   

johan Bale.  
Elect are we of God (saith Peter) through the sanctifying of the spirit. i Pe. i. In every true christian believer dwelleth the spirit of God. 
The spirit.  joh. xiiii. Their souls are the sanctified temples of the holy Ghost. i Corin. iii. He that hath not the spirit of Christ (saith Paul) is none of Christ's. Rom. viii. To them is the holy Ghost given, which heareth the Gospel and believeth it, and not unto them which will be justified by their works Gala. two. All these worthy scriptures confirm her saying.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he said, he had sent for a priest to examine me, 
A priest.  which was there at hand. The pressed asked me, what I said to the Sacrament of the altar? & required moche to know therein my meaning. But I desired him again, to hold me excused concerning that matter. None other answer would I make him, because I perceived him a papist.   

john Bale.  

mockers.  Mocking priests (saith Isaiah) hath rule of the lords people. Whose voices are in their drunkenness. Bid that may be bidden, forbidden that may be forbidden, keep back that may be kept back, here a little and there a little. Esay xxviii. A plague shall come upon these, for why, they have changed the ordinances, and made the everlasting testament of non effect, Esa. xxiiii. They wytholde (saith. S. Paul) the verity of God in unrighteousness. Roma. i. They bred cockatrice eggs (saith Esay) and weave the spiders web. Who so eateth of their eggs, dieth. But if one treadeth upon them, there cometh up a serpent, 
A serpent riseth.  Isaiah. lix.   

Anne Askewe  
eightly he asked me, if I did not think, that private masses did help souls departed. And I said, it was great Idolatry to believe more in them, than in the death which Christ died for us.   

johan Bale.  
Here riseth the serpent of the cockatrice eggs, workmanly to fulfil the afore alleged prophecy. If their Masses had been of God's creasyon, ordinance or commandment, or if they had been in any point necessary for man's behove, they had been registered in the book of life, which is the sacred Bible. But therein is neither mention of Mass private nor public, 
Masses private.  several nor comen. single nor double, high nor low, by foot nor on horse back, or by note as they call it. If they be things adds by man's inucution (as they can be none other, not being there named) than am I sure that the scriptures call them filthiness, rust, chaff, draff, swill, drunkenness, fornication, menstrue, man's dirt, adders eggs, poison, snares, the bread of wicked lies, & the cup of God's curse. Their original ground should seem to be taken of the druids or pagan priests, 
druids.  which inhabited this reavile long afore Christ's incarnation, and had than practised sacrifices public and private. Look Cornelius Tacitus, Caius julius, Plintus, Strabo, & such other authors. That name of privation added unto their Mass, clearly depriveth it of Christian communion, where on man eateth up all, & dystrybuteth nothing.  
How such ware should help the souls departed, I can not tell. But weal I wot, 
For souls.  that the wounded man betwixt Jerusalem and Hierico, had no help of them Luce x. The Samaritane which was reckoned but a pagan among them, was his only comfort, in the most popish time was never more horrible blasphemy, than this is. This wickedness impugneth all the promises of God concerning faith, and remission of sins. It repugneth also to the whole doctrine of the Gospel. The application of Christ's supper, availeth them only that be alive, taking, eating, and drinking that is therein ministered. No more can the priests receiving of that sacrament profit an other man, 
The priests receiving.  than can his receiving of baptism or of penance, as they call it. If it profiteth not the qwyck, how can it profyght the dead? No sacrifice is the Mass, nor yet good work, but a blasphemous prophanacyon of the Lords holy supper, a manifest wickedness an horrible Idolatry, and a fowl abomination, being thus a rite of worshipping without the word, yea against the express word of God.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then they had me from thence, unto my lord Mayre. 
Mayre.  And he examined me, as they had before and I answered him directly in all things, as I answered the qweste afore.   

johan bail.  
After this sort was Christ led from the examination of the clergy to pilate, Matth. xxvii. In that the examination of the qweste and of the Mayor was all one, ye may weal know that they had both one school master, even the brutish bishop of London. 
Bonner.  The ignorant magistrates of England will neither be Godly wise with David & Solomon, nor yet embrace the earnest instructions of God, to be learned in the scriptures, Psa. two. Sapien. vi. but still be wicked ministers, and cruel servant slaves to Antichrist and the devil, Apoc. xvii. More fyr are such witless mayors and graceless officers, 
Ignorance.  as knoweth not white from black, & light from darkness. Esai. v. to feed swine or to keep kaddowes, than to rule a christian comminalte. A terrible day abideth them, which thus ordereth the innocent. jaco. two.   

Anne Askewe.  
Besides this my lord Mayre laid one thing unto my charge which was never spoken of me, but of them. And that was whether a mouse eating the host, received God or no? This question did I never ask but indeed they asked it of me, whereunto I made them no answer, but smiled.   

john Bale.  
Is not here (think you) weal faverd & weal fashioned divinity, to establish an article of the Christian faith? Wily wynchester answereth this question as foolish as it is, 
Wynchester.  in his wise detection of the devils sophistry, fo. xvi. Believe (saith he) that a mouse can not devour God. Yet reporteth he after, in fo. xxi. that Christ's body may as we'll dwell in a mouse as it did in judas. Than followeth friar fynke, friar Perin I should say, 
Peryn.  a bachelor of the same school. And he answereth in the end of his third sermon, that the Sacrament eaten of a mouse, is the very and real body of Christ. And when he hath affirmed it to be no derogation to Christ's presence, to lie in the maw of that mouse. 
Divisio.  He divideth me the one from the other, the sacrament from Christ's body, concluding. That though the sacrament be digested in the mouse's maw, yet is not Christ's body thee consumed. O blasphemous beasts, & blind blodering Balaamytes.  
Because these. two. workmen be scant witty in their own occupation, I shall bring them forth here. two. old artificers of theirs to help them, Guimundus Auersanus a bishop, 
Guimundus.  to help bishop Steven, & Thomas walden a friar, 
Waldenus.  to help friar Perin. The sacraments (say they both) are not eaten of mice, though they seem so to be in the exterior similitudes. For the virtues (saith Guimundus) of holy men are not eaten of beasts, when they are eaten of them, li. two. de corpore & sanguine dni. No marry (quoth walden) no more is the painters occupation destroyed. when a picture is destroyed. Mark this gear for your learning. But now cometh Algerus a monk, 
Algerus.  more crafty than they both, and he saith li.ii. cap. i. de Eucharistia, that as weal is this meat spiritual, as material because David calleth it the bread of Angels, and a bread from heaven. Psa. lxxvii That which is material in this bread (saith he) is consumed by digestion, but that which is spiritual remaineth uncorrupted.  
If we would attend weal unto Christ's divinity, and let these oiled divines dispute among old gossips, we should soon discharge mice and rats, weak stomachs and parbreaking drunkards, of a far other sort than thus, he that eateth my flesh (saith Christ) Io. vi. and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me & I in him. 
Christus.  This eating is all one with the dwelling, & is neither for mice nor rats, brent chancels nor drunken priests. For as we eat we dwell, and as we dwell we eat, by a grounded and perfect faith in him. The substance of that most godly refection lieth not in the mouth eating nor yet in the belly feeding, though they be necessary, but in the only spiritual or soul eating, No wise man will think, 
faith.  that Christ will dwell in a mouse, nor yet that a mouse can dwell in Christ, though it be the doctrine of these doughty dowsepers, for they shall find no scriptures for it. If these men were not enemies to faith and friends to Idolatry, they would never teach soche filthy learning. More of this shall I write (God. 
Nota.  willing) in the answer of their books   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishops chancellor rebuked me, and said, that I was moche to blame for uttering the scriptures. For S. Paul (he said) forbade women to speak or to talk of the word of God. 
Women.  I answered him, that I knew Paul's meaning so well as he, which is. i. Corintheorum. xiiii. that a woman ought not to speak in the congregation by the way of teaching. And then I asked him, how many women he had scene, go into the pulpette & preach. He said he never saw none. Then I said, he ought to find no fault in poor women, except they had offended the law.   

johan Bale.  
plenteous enough is her answer here unto this quarellinge, and (as appeareth) unlearned chancelloure. Many godly women both in the old law & the new, were learned in the scriptures, 
Scripture women.  and made utterance of them to the glory of god. As we read of Helisabeth, Mary, and Anna the widow, Lu. i. &. two. yet were they not rebuked for it, yea, Marry Christ's mother retained all, that was afterward written of him, Luc. two. yet was it not imputed unto her an offence. Christ blamed not the woman that cried whiles he was in preaching, happy is the womb that beat thee, Luce. xi. The women which gave knowledge to his disciples, 
Women.  that he was risen from death to life, discomfited not he, but solaced them with his most glorious appearance. Mat. xxviii. Io. xx. In the primitive church, specially in Saint Hieromes' time, was it a great praise unto women to be learned in the scriptures. Great commendations giveth our English Chronicles to Helena, Ursula, and Hilda, women of our nation, 
english women.  for being learned also in the scriptures. such a woman was the said Hilda, as openly disputed in them against the superstitions of certain bishops. But this chancellor by like, chanced upon that blind popish work which Walter Hunt a white friar, 
Walter hunt.  wrote iiii. score years ago, Contra doctrices mulieres, against school women, or else some other like blind Romish beggeryes.   

Anne askewe  
Then my Lord Mayre commanded me to ward. 
Preson.  I asked him, if suertees would not serve me. And he made me short answer that he would take none Then was I had to the Counter, and there remained xii. days, no friend admitted to speak with me.   

johan Bale.  
Here is Christ yet trodden on the heel. 
Christ trodden on the heel.  by that wicked serpent which tempted Eua. Gene. iii. His faithful member for believing in him, is here thrown in preson. And no marvel, for it was his own promise, ye shall be brought before rulers & debitees (saith he) for my truths sake Mat. x. ye shall be betrayed of your own nation and kindred, & so thrown in prison, Luc. xxi. If they have persecuted methinks not but they will also persecute you, Io. v. This serpent is again becomen the prince of this world, & holdeth the governors thereof captive, Io. xiiii. Suertees would have been taken for a thief or a mourtherer, but not for Christ'S member, the bishops chancellor being at hand, nor yet her friends permitted to comfort her.   

Anne Askewe.  
But in the mean time there was a priest sent to me, 
A priest.  which said that he was commanded of the bishop to examine me, and to give me good counsel, which he did not. But first he asked me for what cause I was put in the Counter? And I told him I could not tell. Then he said, it was great pity that I should be there with out cause, and concluded that he was very sorry for me.   

johan Bale.  
O temptation of Satan. Christ being in the solitary wilderness alone, was after this flattering sort assaulted first of his enemy. Matt. iiii. This judas was sent afore to give a frindelie kiss the more deeply to trap the innocent in snare. 
judas.  But God's wisdom made her to perceive what he was. A false prophet is soon known by his fruits, among them that are godly wise. Mat. seven. She considered with Solomon, that more to profit are the stripes of a friend, than the fraudulent kisses of a deceitful enemy, Proverb. xxxvii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Secondly he said, it was told him that I should deny the sacrament of the altar. 
The sacrament.  And I answered him again, that that I had said, I had said.   

johan Bale.  
In this brief answer, she remembered salomon's counsel, Answer not a fool, all after his foolishness. Beware of them (saith Christ) which come in sheeps clothing, for inwardly they are most ravening wolves, Mat. seven. God destroyeth the crafts of the wicked (saith job) so that they are not able to perform that they take in hand. job. v.   

Anne Askewe.  
Thirdly he asked me, if I were shriven, I told him no. Then he said, he would bring one to me, for to shrive me. And I told him, 
shrift.  so that I might have one of these. iii. that is to say, doctor Crome, sir Gyllam, or Huntyngton, I was contented, because I knew them to be men of wisdom. As for you or any other, I will not dispraise, because I know ye not. Then he said, I would not have you think, but that I or an other that shall be brought you, shall be as honest as they. For if we were not, ye may be sure, the king would not suffer us to preach. Then I answered by the saying of Solomon. 
preachers.  By commoning with the wise, I may learn wisdom, but by talking with a fool I shall take scathe, Prou. i.   

johan Bale.  
See how this adversary compasseth like a ravening lion, to devour this lamb i. Pet. v. Now temptethhe her with Confession, 
confession  which hath been such a bait of theirs, as hath brought into their nets and snares the mightiest princes of the world, both kings and emperors See here if they leave any subtlety unsought, to obtain their pray. He reckoned by this to win his purpose, which way so ever he had taken. If she had been confessed to him, he had known which way she had been bent. If she had utterly refused confession, 
Practice.  he had more matter to accuse her of. O subtile sede of the serpent. This part played your old generation the Pharisees and priests with Christ, to bring him in danger of the law. Mat. xxii. & joha. viii. No Christian erudition bringeth this priest, nor yet good counsels of scripture. But as Esay saith. The hypocrite imagineth abomination against God, 
hypocrite  to famish the hungry, and withhold drink from the thirsty Yet shall not the eyes of the saying be dim, nor the ears of the hearing be deaf, Esa. xxxii. If the king admit such preachers (as I can not think 
preachers.  it) a sore plague remaineth both to him and to his people.   


The host●  Anne Askewe.  
fourth he asked me if the host should fall, and a beast did eat it, whether the beast did receive God or no? I answered. saying ye have taken the pains to ask this question, I desire you also to take so moche pain more, as to assoil it yourself. For I will not do it, because I perceive ye come to tempt me. And he said, it was against the order of scoles, that he which asked the question, should answer it. I told him I was but a woman, & knew not the course of scoles.   

johan Bale.  
beastly was that question, and of a more beastly brain proponed to this woman. little need shall other men have to manifest their blasphemous follies, when they do it so plainly their selves Who ever heard afore, that their host was a God, and might fall, 
A falling God.  and be eaten of a beast, till they now so beastly told the tale? Though Saint Paul where as it is rightly ministered, doth call it the body of the Lord. i, Corin. xi. Yet doth he not call it a God. Though Christ saith. This is my body, Math. xxvi. Mar. xiiii. Luc. xxii. yet saith he not this is a God. For God is a spirit, & no body, joan. iiii. Where God is eaten, it is of the spirit, and neither of mouse nor rat, as wynchestre and Peryn, 
Wynchestre. Peryn.  with other like popish heretics have taught now of late by their own hand writings. Our God is in heaven, and cannot fall nor yet be eaten of beasts. If they have such a God, as may both fall, and so be eaten, as this priest here confesseth, it is some false or counterfeit god of their own making. If he may putrefy or be consumed of worms, mole, rust, beast, or fire, Baruch saith, it is an Idol, 
An Idolle  & no God. Baruch. vi.  
These witless ydolators have no grace in this age, to hide their old legerdemaynes. They far like those drunken gossips, 
Like old gossips.  which tell more than all, when their heads be full of well gyngerdeale. The proud crown of the drunken Ephraemytes (saith Isaiah) shall be trodden under foot. The priests and the prophets do stagger, they are so overseen with wine. Esa xxviii. They stumble in the streets, & have stained themselves with blood. Tren. iiii. All the dwellers of juda (saith the lord) shall I fill with drunkenness, 
drunkenness.  both the kings and the priests. I will neither pardon them, spare them, nor yet have pity on them, Hier. xiii. And where as that drunkenness is (saith Solomon) there is no counsel kept Pro. xiii. In the end, this hypocrite full like himself, 
hypocrite.  allegeth to this woman, a manner used of his old predecessors in the schools of falsehood. But from the school of truth he bringeth nothing to the comfort of her conscience. He declareth full workmanly in this, what he & his generation seeketh, by such their spiritual and justifying works, ex opere operato.   

Anne askewe.  
fifthly he asked me, if I intended to receive the sacrament at Easter, 
Howsell.  or no? I answered, that else I were no Christian woman, and that I did rejoice, that the time was so near at hand. And than he departed thence, with many fair words.   

johan Bale.  
This hungry wolf practiseth by all crafty ways possible, to suck the blood of this innocent lamb. Is not that (think you) an holy congregation, which is thus spiritually occupied? 
Spiritually.  Some Godly men will wondre, that they be not ashamed. But marvel not of it. For the holy Ghost saith, in his fore judgements, that the same holy mother which hath hatched than upin oils & in havings, is an unshamefast whore. Apo. xvii. & Dan. viii. 
A whore.  Than of veri nature must her whelps be shameless children. Such shameless dogs are they (saith Isaiah) as be never satisfied. 
dogs  Es. lvi. when they kill you (saith Christ) they shall think they do God good service. Io, xvi. so greatly have their malice blinded them. Sap. two. which is partly the drunkenness afore spoken of.   

Anne Askewe.  
And the. xxiii. day of March, my cousin Britain came into the Counter to me, and asked there, whether I might be put to bail or no? 
Bayling  Then went he immediately unto my Lord Mayre, desiring of him to be so good Lord unto me, that I might be bailed. My lord answered him, and said, that he would be glad to do the bests that in him lay. Howbeit he could not bail me without the consent of a spiritual office. So requiring him to go and speak with the chancellor of London. For he said, like as he could not commit me to prison without the consent of a spiritual office, no more could he bail me without consent of the same.   

johan Bale.  
True is it here, that is written of S. johan in the Apocalyppes, that antichrist is worshipped of the potentates & kings of the earth. 
antichrist  Apo. xiii. The mayre of London, which is the kings lief tenant, and representeth there his own person, standeth here like a dead Idol or like such a servant slave as can do nothing within his own city concerning their matters. Who is like the Beast (saith saint johan) who is able to war with him? 
The beast  He hath brought all lands and their kingdoms in fear (saith Isaiah) the strength of their cities hath he taken away, and restrained the deliverance of their prisoners. Esai. xiiii. The parents of him that was borne blind, 
Examples  feared this spiritual tyranny or captivity of theirs, such time as they were examined of the bishops for the sight of their son. Io vi. Such as believed in Christ among the chief rulers of the jews, would not be acknown thereof, for fear of like violence, Io. xii. No new thing is it than in that spiritual generation, but a custom of old antyquite. 
A custom  Both Christ and his Apostles have suffered like tyranny under them. But never did they yet ministre it to any creature after their example.   

Anne Askewe.  
So upon that he went to the chancellor, 
The chancellor,  requiring of him as he did afore of my lord Mayre. He answered him, that the matter was so heinous, that he durst not of himself do it, without my Lord of London were made privy thereunto. But he said, he would speak unto my Lord in it. And bade him repair unto him the next morrow and he should weal known my lords pleasure.   

johan Bale.  
rightwiseness judge they sin, & sin rightwiseness. Es. v. so unperfight is their sight, Io. xii. in that God hath given them up to their own lusts. 
faith in Christ.  Rom. i. What an heinous matter is it holden here, to believe in Christ after the scriptures, & not after their superstitious manner? For non other cause could they lay to this woman, as ye have heard here afore, and as ye shall here after perceive more largely. What so ever it be to offend God or man, their offence may be no less than prison and death. 
Tyranny  The Turk is not more vengeable, than is this spiteful spiritual generation. Yet boast they Christ's religion, and the holy mother church.   

Anne Askewe.  
And upon the morrow after, he came thydre, and spoke both with the chancellor, and with my lord bishop of London. My lord declared unto him, that he was very weal contented that I should come forth to a communication. And appointed me to apere afore him the next day after, at iii of the clock. at after noon. More over he said unto him, that he would there should be at that examination, 
wily. wily.  such learned men as I was affectioned to. That they might see, and also make report that I was handled with no rigour. He answered him, that he knew no man that I had more affection to than other. Than said the bishop. Yes, 
gentle.  as I understand, she is affeccioned to Doctor Crome, Sir Gyllam, Whyteheade, and Huntyngton, that they might hear the matter. For she did know them to be learned, and of a godly judgement.   

johan Bale.  
A foxysh favour was this both of the chancellor & bishop, and such a benevolent gentleness, as not only sought her blood, but also the blood of all them which are here named, 
A wolf.  if they had than come to this examination. For the evening afore (as I am credybly informed) the Bishop made boast among his own sort, that if they came thither he would tie them a great deie shorter. A voice was this full like to him that uttered it. For thereby he appeareth, not one that will save and feed, but rather such a one as seeketh to kill & destroy. johannis x. The foxes run over the hill of Zion (saith Hyeremye) because she is fallen from God, 
Foxes.  Threnorum. v. O Israel (saith the Lord) thy prophets are like the wily foxes upon the dry fields, Ezechiel. xiii. The Poet hath a by word, that happy is he which can take heed by another man's hurt. I add this here, that ye should be ware, if ye come in like danger of any such foxish bishop. By one of his day devils, 
A priest.  whom this caiphass sent to cammen with the woman in preson, he knew part of her meaning, and what they were also which favoured her opinions. Yea, he craftily undermined this gentleman which entreated for her, if ye mark it weal. Trust not to much in the flatterouse fawning of such wily foxes.   

Anne Askewe.  
Also he required my cousin britain, that he should earnestly persuade me to utter, even the very bottom of my heart, 
A thief.  And he swore by his fidelity, that no man should take any advantage of my words. Neither yet would he lay aught to my charge, for any thing that I should there speak. But if I said any manner of thing amiss, He with other more would be glade to reform me therein, with most godly counsel.   

johan Bale.  
O vengeable tyrant and devil. How subtly sekist thou the blood of this innocent woman, under a colour of fryndelye handling. 
judas.  God ones commanded the earnestly, in no case to compass thy neighbour with deceit, to the effusion of his blood. Leu. nineteen. But his commandment, thou reckonest but a Caunterburye tale. By swearing by thy fydelete, thou art not all unlike unto Herode, 
Herode.  whom Christ for like practises, first to put johan, & than him to death, called also a most crafty cruel fox. Luc. xiii. Thou labourest here, to have this woman in snare, with certain of her friends. But God put in her mind at this time, to reckon that a dog & a swine. Matth. seven. and thereupon to have few words.   

Anne Askewe.  
On the morrow after, my lord of London sent for me, at one of the clock, his hour being appointed at three. 
A false liar.  And as I came before him, he said, he was very sorry of my trouble, and desired to know my opinion in such matters, as were laid against me. He required me also in any wise, boldly to utter the secrets of my heart, bidding me not to fear in any point. 
O traitor.  For what so ever I did say with in his house, no man should hurt me for it. I answered. For so moche as your lordship appointed. iii. of the clock and my friends shall not come till that hour. I desire you to pardon me of giving answer till they come.   

johan Bale.  
In this preventing of the hour, may the diligent reader perceive the greediness of this Babylon bishop, or blood thirsty wolf, 
A tyrant.  concerning this pray. Swift are their feet (saith David) in the effusion of innocent blood, which have fraud in their tongues, venom in their lips, and most cruel vengeance in their mouths. Psal. xiii. David in that Psalm much marveleth in the spirit that taking upon them the spiritual governance of the people, they can fall in such frenzy or forgetfulness of themselves, 
Murderers.  as to believe it lawful thus to oppress the faithful, and to devour them with as little compassion, as he that gredylye devoureth a piece of bread. If such have red any thing of God, they have little minded their true duty therein. More swift (saith Hieremye) are our cruel persecutors, than the eagles of the air. 
Eagles.  They follow upon us over the mountains, and lay privy wait for us in the wilderness. Trenorum. iiii. He that will know the crafty hawking of Bishops to bring in their pray, let him serve it here. judas (I think) had never there part of their cunning warkemanshippe. Mark it here, and in that which followeth.   

Anne Askewe.  

More lambs to devour.  Then said he that he thought it meet, to send for those. iiii. men which were afore named, and appointed. Then I desired him not to put them to the pain. For it should not need, because the. two. gentlemen which were my friends, were able enough to testify that I should say. Anon after he went into his gallery with master Spylman, and willed him in any wise, that he should exhort me, to utter all that I thought.   

johan Bale.  
Christ showeth us in the seven. chapter of Matthew, & in other places more of the Gospel, how we shall know a false prophet or an hypocrite, and willeth us to be ware of them. Their manner is as the devils is flatteringly to tempt, & deceitfully to trap, 
Like the devil.  that they may at the latter, most cruelly slay. Soche a won (saith David) hath nothing in his tongue, but plain deceit. He layeth wait for the innocent, with no less cruelty than the lion for a sheep. He lurketh to ravish up the poor. And when he hath gotten him into his net, than throweth he him down by his authority. Psalm. ix. This is the third temptation of this bishop, that the woman should utter, to her own confusion.   

Anne Askewe.  
In the mean while he commanded his archdeacon to 
archdeacon.  comen with me, who said unto me. masters wherefore are ye accused? I answered. Axe my accusers, for I know not as yet. Then took he my book out of my hand, and said. Soche books as this is hath brought you to the trouble ye are in. Beware (saith he) be ware, for he that made it, was brent in smithfield. Then I asked him, if he were sure that it was true that he had spoken. And he said, he knew weal, the book was of johan Frithes making. 
A liar.  Then I asked him, if he were not ashamed for to judge of the book before he saw it within, or yet knew the truth thereof, I said also, that soche unadvised and hasty judgement, is a token apparent of a very slendre wit. Then I opened the book and showed it him. He said, he thought it had been an other, for he could find no fault therein. Then I desired him, no more to be so swift in judgement, till he thoroughly knew the truth. And so he departed.   

johan Bale.  
Here sendeth he fourth an other judas of his, 
judas.  to betray this true servant of god. Mark the good workemanshypp hardly, and tell me if they be not the of spring of the serpent. Moche are they offended with books, for that they so plainly do many feast their mischiefs. johan Frith is a great moat in their eyes for so turning over their purgatory, 
johan. Frith.  and heaving at their most monstruose Mass, or mammetrouse Mazon, which signifieth bread or feeding notwithstanding Daniel calleth it Maozim, betokening strength or defence. Dani. xi. because the false worshippings thereof should be so mightily defended by worldly authority and power No new things is it, that good men & their books are destroyed now a days when they touch the mischiefs of that generation. 
Books condemned.  For joakim the king of juda cut Jeremy's prophecies in pieces with a pen knife, & in his madness threw them into the fire, commanding both Hieremye which taught them, and Baruch that wrote them, to be put to death Heir. xxxvi. When king Antiochus had set upon the altar of God, the abominable Idol of desolation (which is now the popish mass. Mat. xxiiii) the books of God's law commanded he to be torn in pieces and brent in the fire, 
Books brent.  sending fourth thereupon, this cruel proclamation. That what so ever he was, which had a book of the lords Testament found about him, or that endeavoured themselves to live after the laws of God, the Kings commandment was, they should be put to death. i Mach. i.   

Anne Askewe.  
immediately after came my cousin britain in with diverse other, 
Her friends.  as Master Hawe of Gray'S inn, and such other like. Then my lord of London persuaded my cousin britain, as he had done oft before, which was, that I should utter the bottom of my heart in any wise.   

johan Bale.  
This is the fourth temptation, or crafty calling upon, to utter her mind, that he might say of her, as Cayphas said of Christ. 
Cayphas.  Mat. xxvi. what need we any more witnesses? Lo, now ye have heard a blasphemy or an heresy. How say ye now to it, which are her friends? Is she not guilty of death? If they should have said nay, unto this, they should have been so, in as deep danger as she. This serpentine practice, 
Practice.  was as well to trap them as her, let it not be unmarked.   

Anne Askewe.  
My lord said after that unto me, that he would I should credit the counsel of my friends in his behalf, which was, that I should utter all things that burdened my conscience. 
Satan.  For he insured me, that I should not need to stand in doubt to say any thing. For like as he promised them (he said) he promised me, and would perform it. Which was that neither he, nor any man for him, should take me at advantage of any word I should speak. 
Tempter.  And therefore he bade me, say my mind without fear. I answered him I had nought to say. For my conscience (I thanked god) was burdened with nothing.   

johan Bale.  
Still followeth this ghostly enemy, his former temptation, and calleth upon mortal utterance, or utterance full of death, that he might cry with Cayphas. 
Cayphas  Luc. xxii. what need we further testimony? Her own mouth hath accused her. We are able witnesses thereof, for our own ears have hard it. Thus lay they wait for blood (saith Solomon) and lurk privily for the innocent, without a cause. Proverbiorum. i. Consent not (saith he) unto such tyrants, 
Enemies  if they entice the. For though their word apere as honey. Proverbiorum. xvi. Yet shalt thou find them in the end, so bitter as wormewode. Proverbiorum. v. Though that whory she generation pretendeth a colour of gentleness, yet bite the it at the latter like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder throwing forth poison Prover. xxiii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then brought he fourth this unsavoury similitude. That if a man had a wound, no wise surgeon would minister help unto it, 
surgery  before he had scene it uncovered. In like case (saith he) can I give you no good counsel, 
Counsel  unless I know where with your conscience is burdened. I answered, that my conscience was clear in all things. And for to lai a pliaster unto the whole skin, it might apere much folly.   

johan Bale.  
Hath not he (think you) much need of help, which seeketh to such a surgeon Vncircumspect is that patient, and most commonly unfortunate, which goeth to the comen murderer to be healed of his disease. 
A murderer.  Christ had us evermore to be ware of all such, unless we would be woryed. Matth. seven. The nature of these, Lord (saith David) is not to make whole, but to persecute them whom thou hast smitten, & to add wounds unto wound. Psalm. lxviii. Their own boches are insanable, 
Botches.  Esa. i. for the multitude of their mischiefs. Hie. thirty. The priest and the levity, which travailed between Jerusalem and Hierico, healed not the wounded man, yet were they no wonders. Lu. x. Who can think that he will unburden the conscience, who studieth nothing else but to out load it with most grievous and dangerous burdens: Math. xxiii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then ye drive me (saith he) to lay to your charge, your own report, which is this. 
Gathered store.  Ye did say, he that doth receive the sacrament by the hands of an ill priest or a sinner, he receiveth the devil, and not God. To that I answered, that I never spoke such words. But as, I said afore both to the qwest and to my lord Mayte, so say I now again, that 
Sinon cast.  the wickedness of the pressed should not hurt me, but in spirit and faith I received no less, the body and blood of Christ. Then said the bishop unto me, what a saying is this? In spirit. I will not take you at that advantage than I answered, my lord with out faith and spirit, I can not receive him worthily.   

johan Bale.  
Now showeth this caiphass where about he goeth, for all his false flattering colours afore. And saying he can win none advantage to his cruel purpose, of her own communication, he shaketh the bougettes of his provided Judases and betrayers of innocent blood He bringeth fourth such stuff and store, 
Bowgittes.  as that wicked qwest had gathered of her answer to them, to flatter and to please his tyranny therewith. It is to be feared, that as far was the fear of God here from them, as from him, Psa. xiii. for as well practised they this mischief against her, as he. Mark, here the natural working of a very full antichrist. 
Antichrist  He defendeth sin in his own generation, and condemneth virtue in Christ's dear member. Malice, pride whoredom, sodometry, with other most devilish vices, reckoneth he not to hurt the ministration of a priest, yet judgeth it he an heresy, no less worthy than death, to believe that Christ's flesh and blood is received in faith and spirit. What though it be Christ's most earnest doctrine, 
a sore heresy.  joan. vi. what a saying (saith this Bishop) is this? In spirit. I will not take you at the worst, saith he. As though it were a most heinous heresy. But most discrete and godly was the woman's answer, declaring her a right member of Christ, where as those priests, 
priests.  whom he here defendeth, are unworthy receivers and members of the devil. joan. xiii. & i. Corin. xi. This is an Antichrist here known by his fruits. For he uttereth blasphemies against god Daniel. seven. Apoc xiii. he calleth evil Good, and Good evil. Esa. v. & Prouerbiorum. iii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he laid unto me, that I should say, that the sacrament remaining in the pixte, was but bread. 
Bread.  I answered that I never said so. But in deed the quest asked me such a question, whereunto I would not answer (I said) till such time as they had assoiled me this question of mine. Wherefore Steven was stoned to death, 
Steven.  They said, they knew not Then said I again, no more would I tell them what it was.   

johan Bale.  
O Idolouse shepherd (saith zach.) thou seekest not to heal the wounded, but to eat the flesh of the fat. zach. xi The watch men of Israel (saith the lord) are very blind beasts and shameless dogs. 
Beasts.  They have no understanding, but follow their own beastly ways for covetousness. isaiah. lvi. Who ever red in the scripture or autorysed chronicle, that bread in a box should be Christ's body? 
The box.  Where or when commanded he his most holy body, so to be bestowed? What have ye to lay for this doctrine of yours? Are ye not yet ashamed of your unreverent and blasphemous beastliness? will ye still pluck our Christian believe from the right hand of God the eternal father, and send it to a box of your braynyshe devising?  
The first boxer of it, was pope Honorius the third in the year of our lord M.CC.XVI. after the many fold revelations of diverse religious women. 
Honorius  Neither was there any great honour given unto it of the common people, till a sorry solitary sister or Ankorasse in the land of Leodium or Luke, called Eva after certain visions, 
Eva reclusa.  had procured of pope Vrbanus the forth in the year of our Lord. M.CC.LXIIII. the feast of Corpus Christi to be held solemn all Christendom over. As testifieth Arnoldus Bostius, 
Bostius.  Epist vi. ad joannem Paleonydorum. In all the. xii. hundred years afore that, was it neither boxed nor pixed, honoured nor sensed universally And see what an horrible work here is now, for the boxing thereof, and what a great heresy it is to believe that Christ dwell not therein, contrary both to his own & to his Apostles doctrine. 
Judases.  Mark also how this God's creature is handled here for it, and how subtly she is betrayed of the bishops begles and limbs of the devil.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then laid it my Lord unto me, that I had alleged a certain text of the scripture. I answered that I alleged none other but saint Paul's own saying to the Athenianes, in the. xvii. chapter of the Apostles acts. That God dwelleth not in temples made with hands. 
Temples.  Then asked he me, what my faith and believe was in that matter? I answered him. I believe as the scripture doth teach me. 
A tempter.  Then inquired he of me, what if the scripture doth say that it is the body of christ? I believe (said I) like as the scripture doth teach me. Then asked he again, what if the scripture doth say that it is not the body of Christ? My answer was still. I believe as the scripture informeth me. And upon this argument he tarried a great while, to have driven me to make him an answer to his mind How be it I would not, but concluded thus with him, that I believed therein and in all other things, as Christ and his holy Apostles did leave them.   

johan Bale.  
See what an horrible sin here was. She alleged the scripture for her believe, 
scripture.  which is a sore and a dangerous matter For it is against the pope's canon laws, and against the old customs of holy church. Sens king Henry's days the fourth, hath it been a burning matter, only to read it in the english tongue, and was called Wickliff's learning, till now of late years. And it will not be weal with holy church, till it be brought to that point again. For it maketh many heretics against holy church. O insipyent papists. These are your corrupted, practises and abominable studies, 
practises.  to drive the simple from God, and yet ye think, he saith you not, Psalm. xiii. S. Paul saith (Roma. xv.) what so ever things are written in the scriptures, are written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort in them, might have hope, and ye will rob us thereof. Christ commanded all people's, 
Christ.  both men and women (johan. v.) to search the scriptures, if they think to have everlasting life, for that life is no where but in them. Yet will you in pain of death keep them kill from them.  
For ye take upon ye to sit in God's stead, 
In God's stead.  and think by that usurped office, that ye may turn over all. two. Thes. two. But Christ bade us to be ware both of you and your chaplains, when he said. There shall arise false Christ's and false prophets, working many great wonders, and saying. Lo, here is Christ, and there is Christ. Believe them not. Matt. xxiiii. And therefore alleged this woman unto your qwestmongers (the dogs that Christ warned us of, Mathei. seven.) and now unto you that saying of S. Paul. Acto. xvii. That God dwelleth not in temples made with hands which also were the words both of Solomon long afore. three Reg. viii. & of Steven. 
Temples.  Act seven. in his time. That scripture so moch offended you, that ye would needs know thereof the understanding. For such texts as agree not with the cloynings of your conjurers, and the conveyances of your sorcerers, must needs be seasoned with Aristotle's Physics, and fawced with johan Donses subtleties. 
Arystotle. Dons.  Here make ye a wonderful turmoiling to wring out of this woman's believe in that matter, that she might either become a creature of your old God the pope or else be burned, yet have she not once removed her foot from the hard foundation or saving rock Jesus' Chryst. i. Corinth. xi. Blessed be his holy name for it.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he asked me, why I had so few words? 
Few words.  And I answered God hath given me the gift of knowledge, but not of utterance. And Solomon saith, that a woman of few words, is a gift of God, Prover. nineteen.   

johan Bale.  
When Christ stood before Cayphas he asked him, moche after this sort, wherefore he had so few words: Thou answerest not (saith he) to those things which are laid Here against that of these men. Nevertheless he held his peace Mar. xiiii. 
Silence.  But when he was once thoroughly compelled by the name of the living God, to speak and had uttered a very few words, he took him at such advantage, though they were the eternal verity, as he was able through them to procure his death. Matth. xxvi. like as this bloody Bishop Bonner, 
Bonner.  of the same wicked generation, did at the latter, by this faithful woman.   

Anne Askewe.  
thirdly my lord laid unto my charge, that I should say, that the Mass was idolatry I answered him. No, I said not so. howbeit (I said) the quest did ask me, whether private Masses did relieve souls departed, 
Private Masses.  or no? Unto whom than I answered. O Lord, what idolatry is this? that we should rather believe in private masses, than in the healthsome death of the dear son of God Than said my lord again. What an answer was that? Though it were but mean (said I) yet was it good enough for the question.   

johan Bale.  
About the latter days of johan wycleue, in the year of our lord a M.CCC. LXXXII. as henry Spenser than Bishop of Norwich, 
henry. Spenser  was with a great number of English warriors besieging the Town of Hypers in Flaunders, in the quarrel of pope Vrbanus the. vi. The vessels of perdition or very organs of Satan, the iiii. orders of begging friars, 
friars.  preached all England over, that that most holy father of theirs, had liberally opened the weal of mercy, and granted clean remission to all them that would either fight, or give any thing towards the maintenance of those wars in the quarrel of holy church against schismatics and heretics. For than was this matter of their popish Mass, 
Masses.  in great controversy like as it is now. More over they promised by virtue of his great pardons, to send the souls departed, to heaven. And diverse of them said, they had scene them fly up, out of the church yards from their graves thither ward.  
This most devilish blasphemy with such other like, provoked the said johan Wycleve, 
johan Wycleue.  the very organ of God, and vessel of the holy Ghost not only to reply than against them at Oxford in the open schools, but also to write a great number of books against that pestilent popish kingdom of theirs like as Martin Luther hath done also in our time, with many other godly men. And like as those false prophets the friars did than attribute unto the pope's pardons, 
Pardons.  the remission of sins, the deliverance from damnation, and the free entrance of heaven which peculiarly belongeth to the precious payment of Christ's blood. i. Petri. i. &. i Io. i. So do these false anointed, or blasphemous bishops and priests now, 
druids  attribute them again unto their private and public Masses the pope's own wares as prowling and pelfering as the pardons, with no less blasphemy. The devilishness of this new doctrine of theirs, shall be refelled in my books against friar Peryn and Wynchestre, 
Perin.  and therefore I writ the less here.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then I told my Lord, that there was a priest, which did hear what I said there before my lord Mayre & them, with that the chancellor answered, 
Chancellor.  which was the same priest. So she spoke it in veri deed (saith he) before my lord the Mayor & me. Then were there certain priests as doctor Standyshe & other, 
Standyshe  which tempted me moche to know my mind. And I answered them always thus. That I have said to my lord of London, I have said.   

johan Bale.  
By this ye may see, that the bishops have every where their watchmen, 
watchmen.  lest the kings officers should do any thing, contrary to their bloody behove. This Chancellor would not have thus answered hardly, so agreeably to her tale, had it not been to their advantage against her, as here after will apere. Mark here the fashion of these tempting serpents, Standysh and his fellows. And tell me if they be not like unto those vipers whelps which came to Johan's baptism, 
Vipers.  Mathei. iii. and to Christ jesus preaching, Luce. xi. I think ye shall find them the same generation.   

Anne Askewe.  
And then doctor Standyshe desired my lord, 
I tempter.  to bid me say my mind, concerning that same text of S. Paul. I answered, that it was against saint Paul's learning, that I being a woman, should interpret the scriptures, specially where so many wise learned men were.   

johan Bale.  
It is not yet half a score of years ago, since this blasphemous Idyote Standyshe, 
Standyshe  compared in a lewd sermon of his, the dear price of our redemption, or precious blood of Christ, to the blood of a filthy swine, like himself a swine. And for his good doing, he is now becomen a daw, a doctor I should say, 
Doctor.  of the pope's divinity, and a scholastical interpreter of the scriptures to his behove. Here would the swinish gentleman have proved, both that S. Steven died an heretic, and S. Paul a schismatic, for teaching that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands Act seven. &. xvii. if he might have reasōe● out the matter with this woman. But she took a swine for a swine, 
Swine.  and would lay no pearls afore him, as Christ had charged her afore. Mathei. seven For all their interrogations are now about the temple and the temple wares. Matthei. xxvi.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then my lord of London said he was informed, that one should ask of me, if I would receive the Sacrament at Easter, and I made a mock of it. 
Accuser.  Then I desired that mine accuser might come fourth, which my lord would not. But he said again unto me. I sent one to give you good counsel, and at the first word ye called him papyste. That I denied not, for I perceived, he was no less, yet made I non answer unto it.   

johan Bale.  
No comfortable scriptures, nor yet any thing to the souls consolation, may come out of the mouth of these spiritual fathers. But dogs rhetorycke and cur's courtesy, 
dogs rhetoryck.  narrings, brawlings, and quarrelings. When she was in the mids of them, she might weal have said with David. deliver me lord from the quarelouse dealings of men, that I may keep thy commandments. I deal with the thing that is lawful and right. O give me not over to these oppressers, let not these proud quarrelers do me wrong. 
quarrelers.  Psal. cxviii. But among all these quarrelings, her accusers might not be scene, which were the grounders of them.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he rebuked me, and said that I should report, that there were bent against me three score priests at Lyncolne. 
Three score priests.  In deed (quoth I) I said so. For my friends told me, if I did come to Lyncolne, the priests would assault me and put me to great trouble, as thereof they had made their boast. And when I heard it, I went thither in deed, not being afraid, because I knew my matter to be good. 
priests.  More over I remained there. vi. days, to see what would be said unto me. And as I was in the minster, reading upon the Bible, they resorted unto me by. two. and by. two. by v. and by. vi minding to have spoken to me, yet they went their ways again with out words speaking.   

johan Bale.  
Rebukes in that generation, are much more ready at hand, than either christian admonyshmentes, or gentle exhortations, though they be all spiritual. And that cometh by reason of their lordships, 
Lordship.  which wanteth due furnishing out, unless they have tyrannous brags and brawlings. Herein follow they the examples of their natural predecessors the jewish bishops, pharisees, and priests. joan. seven. &. ix. She might full well say, that the priests were against her. For hypocrisy & Idolatry were never yet with him, 
Hypocresi  whose blessed quarrel she took. Mark the forth chapter of johan, and so fourth almost to the end of his Gospel. Behold also how his Apostles & disciples were handled of the priests, after his glorious ascension, Acto. iiii. & all that book following & ye shall find it no new thing The servant is no better than her master which suffered of that malignant generation like quarrelings and handlings, johan. xv. See here how they wondered upon her by couples, 
Wonders  for reading the Bible, as their fore fathers wondered upon Christ for preaching and doing miracles.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then my lord asked, 
I priest.  if there were not one that did speak unto me. I told him, yes, that there was one of them at the last which did speak to me in deed And my lord than asked me, what he said? I told him, his words were of so small effect that I did not now remember them.   

johan Bale.  
So far was not Lyncolne from London, but the bishop there hade knowledge of this tragedy. Hereby may ye see their spiritual occupying against Christ and his faithful members. 
occupying.  Such is the study (saith S. johan) of that congregation, which is a spiritualty, called Sodom and Egypte. They rejoice in mischiefs among themselves, and send messengers one to an other against God's witnesses, when they are vexed by them, Apoca. xi.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then said my lord. There are many that read and know the scripture, 
Scripture  & yet do not follow it, nor live thereafter. I said again. My lord, I would wish that all men knew my conversation and living in all points, For I am so sure of myself this hour, that there are non able to prove any dishonesty by me. If you know any that can do it. I pray you bring them forth.   

johan Bale.  
I marvel that bishops can not see this in themselves, that they are also no followers of the scriptures. 
followers  But peraventure they never read them, but as they find them by chance in their popish portifolioms and masking books. Or else they think all the scriptures fulfilled when they have said their matins and their masses. christ said to the hypocrite. Why seist thou a moat in thy neighbour's eye, and considerest not the great beam that is in thine own eye? Luce vi. Matth. seven. Christ forbade his bishops under pain of damnation to take any lordships upon them. Luce xxii. 
Lordship's possessions.  How is this followed of our prelate's? He commanded them also to possess neither gold nor silver. Matth. x. How is this commandment obeyed? If we looked so earnestly to Christ'S institutions, as we look to the pope's to be observed, these would also be scene to, by act of parliament, so we'll as priests marriage whom Christ never inhibyted. 
Marriage.  I doubt it not, but this will also be one day scene to. Godly did this woman in defending here her innocency. For S. Peter saith, i. Petri iiii. Se that non of you suffer as an evil doer. But in your hard sufferings, commit your souls unto God with weal doing, as unto your faithful creator.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then my lord went away and said, he would entitle somewhat of my meaning. And so he writ a great circumstance. 
He writeth.  But what it was. I have not all in memory. For he would not suffer me to have the copy thereof. Only do I remember this small portion of it.   

johan Bale.  
Here wrote he certain articles of the pope's Romish faith, willing her to subscribe unto them, & so blaspheme God or else to burn. His seeking was here, to make her to worship the first beast, 
Worship th● beast  whose deadly wound was healed again Apo. xiii. But she would not so have her name razed out of the lambs book of life Apoca. xx. Rather would she contend to the end, hoping by the might of his spirit, at the lazy to over come, and so to be clothed with the promised white apparel. Apoc. iii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Be it known (saith he) to all men, that I Anne Askewe, do confess this to be my faith & believe, notwithstanding my reports made afore to the contrary. I believe that they which are houseled at the hands of a pressed whether his conversation be good or not, 
Holy lechery.  do receive the body & blood of Christ in substance really. Also I do believe it after the consecration, whether it be received or reserved, to be no less than the very body and blood of Christ in substance. finally I do believe in this and in all other sacraments of holy church, 
papystyck  in all points according to the old catholic faith of the same. In witness whereof, I the said Anne have subscribed my name. There was somewhat more in it, which because I had not the copy, I can not now remember.   

johan Bale.  
All the world knoweth, that neither in Christ's time, nor yet in the days of his Apostles, was any such confession of faith. Neither yet in the church that followed after, by the space of much more than a M. years. What have christian men's conscience than to do with such a progydyouse confession? Are not Christ and his Apostles, teachers sufficient enough for our Christian believe, and their holy doctrines lawful, but we must have these unsavoury brablementes? We must now believe in the bawdry of priests, or that their sodometry and Whoredom for want of marriage, 
canonized lecheri  can be no impediment to their God making. What is it else to be sworn but the believe of such articles, but to honour their abominable lechery? O most swinish sacrifiers of Baal Peor, Psalm. cv. You is it that the Apostle judas, in his canonical epistle speaketh of. Ye have turned the grace of God, into your lechery, denying our only governor Jesus' Christ. 
Priapystes.  The holy Ghost showeth us. Apoca. xxi. & xxii. that none are of the new hallowed city or congregation of the lord, which worketh abomination or maintaineth lies, as ye do them both here.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he red it to me, and asked me, if I did agree to it. And I said again. I believe so moche thereof as the holy scripture doth agree to. 
Scripture  Wherefore I desire you, that ye will add that thereunto. Then he answered, that I should not teach him what he should write. With that, he went forth in to his great chamber, and red the same bill afore the audience. which enuegled and willed me to set to my hand, saying also that I hade favour showed me.   

johan Bale.  
In every matter concerning our Christian believe, is the scripture reckoned unsufficient of this wicked generation. 
Vnsuffycient.  God was not wise enough in setting the order thereof, but they must add thereunto their swybber swylle, that he may abhor it in us, as he did the jews' ceremonies, Esa. i. Heir seven. zacha. seven. Amos. v. Michee vi. But this godly woman would corrupt her faith with no such beggary, least she in so doing should admit them and their pope to sit in her conscience about the eternal God, 
The pope  which is their daily study. two. Thes. two. A virgin was she in that behalf, redeemed from the earth & following the lamb, and having in her forehead the father's name written. Apocalypses. xiiii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then said the bishop, I might thank other and not myself, of the favour I found at his hand. 
Faver.  For he considered (he said) that I had good friends and also that I was come of a worshipful stock. Then answered one Christofer, a servant to master Dennye. Rather ought ye (my lord) to have done it in such case for God's sake than for man's   

johan Bale.  

falsehood.  Spiritual will these fathers be named, and yet they do all to be scene of men. Mat. xxiii. Their old conditions will they change, when the black moreane change his skin, and the cat of the mountain her spots. Hieremy. xiii. If I sought to please men (saith S. Paul) I were not the servant of Christ. Gala. i. When this tyrannous bishop can do no more mischief, than flattereth he the world seeking to have thank where he hath none deserved. 
flattery.  And as concerning the love or true fear of God (as is here laid unto him) he hath none at all. Psal. xiii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then my lord sat down, and took me the writing to set thereto my hand, and I writ after this manner, I Anne Askewe do believe all manner things contained in the faith of the catholic Church. 
catholic  Then because I did add unto it, the catholic Church, he flung into his chamber in a great fury.  
With that my cousin britain followed him, desiring him for God's sake to be good lord unto me. He answered that I was a woman, 
● woman  and that he was nothing deceived in me. Then my cousin Britain desired him to take me as a woman, and not to set my weak woman's wit, to his lordships great wisdom,   

johan Bale.  
Was not this (think you) a sore matter to be so grievously taken of this prelate? But that they are naturally given to such quarellinges. Math. xxiii. This word catholic was not wont to offend them. 
Catholic  How becometh it than now a name so odeose? peraventure through this only occasion. They knew not till now of late years (for it came of the Greek) the true signification thereof. As that it is so moche to say in the English, as the universal or whole. Afore time, 
Fron oil.  they took it to mean their oiled congregation alone. But now they perceive that it includeth the layte so well as then no longer they do esteem it. Other cause can I non conjecture, why they should now more contemn it than afore.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then went in unto him doctor weston, 
Weston.  and said, that the cause why I did writ there the catholic church, was, that I understood not the church written afore. So with moche a do, they persuaded my lord to come out again, and to take my name with the names of my sureties, which were my cousin Britain and master Spylman of Gray's inn.   

johan Bale.  
For an holy church will they be taken, and seem moche to differ from the lewd lousy layte or profane multitude of the common people, 
Layte.  by reason of their holy unctions and havings which came from their pope. Most specially because they have nothing a do with marriage, reckoned a most contagious poison to holy orders, as their for said Romish father hath taught, why she bringeth up all his children in Sodom & Gomor. jude. i. Apoca. xi. 
sodomites.  And this point have they learned of their predecessors the old pharisees and priests, which were not, sicut ceteri hominum, as the common sort of men are, but holy, spiritual ghostly fathers, Luce xviii. Wherefore they will not now be called a catholic, but an holy spiritual church.   

Anne Askewe.  
This being done, we thought that, I should have been put to bail immediately, according to the order of the law, 
Many delays.  Howbeit he would not so suffer it, but committed me from thence to preson again until the next morrow. And than he willed me to apere in the guild hall, and so I did. notwithstanding they would not put me to bail there neither, but red the bishops writing unto me as before, and so commanded me again to preson.   

johan Bale.  
A very servitude of Egypte is it, to be in danger of these papystyck bishops, as in this act doth apere. See what cavillations this Pharaoh did seek here to hold this Christian woman still under his captivity, 
Pharaoh.  so louth is the greedy wolf to departed from his desired pray joan. x. These delays and these sendings from Cayphas to Pilate, and from pilate again to Annas in Paul's, 
practise  were not else but to seek more matter against her, and to know more deeply who were her friends and maintainers, They that shall confer the fashions of this termagant bishop concerning this woman, with the cruel manners of great Parao in the deliverance of the people of Israel at God's commandment. Exo. v. or with the handelinges of the jews spirytualte concerning Christ, Math. xxvi. & johan. xviii. they shall not find them all unlike.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then were my sureties appointed to come before them on the next morrow in Paul's church, which did so in deed. notwithstanding they would once again heave broken of 
Knavery spiritual.  with them, because they would not be bound also for an other woman at their pleasure, whom they knew not, nor yet what matter was laid unto her charge. notwithstanding at the last, after much a do and reasoning to and fro, they took a bond of them of recognisance for my fourth coming. And thus I was at the last, delivered. Written by me Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
No verity (saith Oseas the Prophet) no mercy nor yet knowledge of God, is now in the earth, but abominable vices have every where gotten the overhand, one blood guiltiness following an other, Osee. iiii. Think you that the bishops and priests could take so cruel ways, 
With priests  & would work so false feats, if they had the true fear of God, or yet reckoned to feel a right wise judge at the latter day? Suppose it not. Not only minded they to show no mercy to this woman, 
tyrants  but also to weary all her friends and acquaintance, which is most extreme cruelty and malice.  
The other woman, whom they would hear most craftily have delivered with this (as I am credyblye informed) was a certain popish quean, which they had afore provided both to betray her, and accuse her. In more deep danger of the law at that time, 
practise.  was this for her false accusement without record, than was the other which was so falsely accused. feign would the prelate's therefore have had her at liberty, but they feared moche to be noted partial. Mark this crafty point for your learning, and tell me if they be not a subtile generation. 
subtlety.  More of their spiritual packings and conveyances, for the death of this faithful woman, and most dear member of Christ Anne Askewe, shall ye well perceive in the latter part here following, by her own confession and hand writing also to the honour of God and their great dishonour. So be it.   
Vain is the conversation, which ye received by the traditions of your fathers.  i Pet. i. 
The verity of the lord endureth for ever.  Psalm. cxvi.  

The Conclusion.  
HEre haste thou (gentle reader) the first examination of the faithful martyr of christ Anne Askewe with my simple elucidation upon the same, Wherein thou mayst clereli behold our bishops and priests so spiritually to be occupied now a days, 
bishops.  as is the greedy wolf that ravenouslye runneth upon his pray. For the tyrannous behaviour in their cruel predecessors have they no manner of shame. Neither yet repent they their own blasphemous treason against God and his verity, what though their most wretched consciences do daily accuse them thereof. The kingdom of God, 
kingdom of God.  which is a true faith in his word or a perfect knowledge of the gospel, do not they seek to uphold. But violently they speak ill of it, trouble it, persecute it, chase it, and banish it, by cause it is of him and from within Luce seven. The kingdom of the pope, 
Pope's kingdom  which cometh with outward observation of days, persons, places, times, meats, garments, and ceremonies, they magnify above the move, because it is from without, and to their peculiar advantage in the loitering reign of idleness  
They have thought and yet think by their terrible turmoilinges to turn over all, & to change the most noble enter prise of our king, 
A change.  yet once again laiserlie, to their pope's behove. But the godly wise man Solomon saith. There is no policy, 
policy.  there is no practice, no, there is no counsel that can any thing prevail against the lord, Proverbiotum. xxi. They reckon that with fire, water and sword they are able to answer all books made against their abuses, & so to discharge their invincible arguments (for otherwise they have not assoiled them as yet) but truly they are sore deceived therein, as shall weal apere. They suppose by consuming of a score or two. in the fire, they have gotten the field of the lamb and his host. 
No field.  Apoca. xvii. No they rather by that means, add strength thereunto, and so diminish their own. I dare boldly say unto them, that by burning Anne Askewe and her. three companions, they have one thousand less of their popish believe than they had afore. They think also by condemning and burning our books, to put us to silence. But that will sureli bring double upon them, if they be not aware. Apoc. xviii. For if we should be still, the very stones would speak in these days. Luc. xvi. And detect their horrible treason against God and the king.  
If they mind to hold their idle offices still, and here after to have profyghte of their old sale wares, as Diriges, Masses, & such other. My counsel were that they did by them, 
Counsel.  as they now do by their pope the great master and first founder of them. A subtile silence is among them concerning him, 
Silence  and hath been ever sins his first putting down. Ye shall not now hear a word spoken against him at Paul's cross, nor yet against his old juggling feats. And in deed it is a good wise way to set him up again. Wynchester and Samson made a little brag at the beginning, to seem yet to do somewhat, but since they have repent, and made a large amends for it other ways friar Peryn began to write in defence of their monstrous Mass, 
Perryn.  but now of late days, and he can not find there in one blasphemous abuse justly to be reprehended. Men say there be crafty knaves abroad in the world in all ages Well, this polytyk silence would do well also paraventur in other matters. 
take heed.  For the more rufflings they make, & the more murder they do, for that idle kingdom of theirs, the more clear the verity appeareth, and the more vile their sorcerous wares. For the more dirt be shaken (they say) the more it stinketh.  
So outrageously to rail in their preachings, of the noble and learned Germans (which of all nations loveth our king most intyerlye) for secluding their pope and changing their masses they do not most wisely for themselves They are not so ill beloved of their country merchants, 
Germans.  which customabli travail thither, but they know what is there both said & done against them. By that means came Peryns book of his. iii. most idolatrous & foxysh sermons, 
Peryns sermons.  first of all to my hands. Wherein he rhetorically calleth them, in the hot zeal of his Romish father, the erroneous Germans, subtile witted heretics, obstinate adversaries, new fangled expositors perverse sacramentaries, blasphemous apostates, wicked wretches, devilish liars, lewd livers, & abominable believers, with such other like, But certainly I know, that they will one day be even with him & with other like apes of Antichrist, for it. 
Wynchestre  When the pope's great dancing bear, a proud pranking prelate of there's, was the last year with the emperor Charles at his fourth going against the said Germans, his bragging begles were not ashamed to boast it in the open streets of Vtrecht in holland, that the pope should again have his full sway in England. Of a likelihood they know there, some secret mysteries in working. I say yet, be ware of that subtile generation, which seeketh not else but to work all mischief.  
gentle and soft wits are oft times offended, that we are now a days so vehement in rebukes. But this would I fain know of them, what modesty they would use (as they call it) if they were compelled to fight with dragon's hiders, 
modesty.  and other audible monsters. How paycyent they would be and how gentle if a ravenous wolf came upon them, they having able weapon to put him a side Surely I know no kind of Christian charity to be showed to the devil. Of non other nature is Moses serpent, but to eat up the serpents of Pharaoes' sorcerers. Exo. seven. If we did suffer any longer the oak grove of Baal to stand about the altar of the lord, 
Oak grove.  we should much offend his commandment, judi. vi. If I should hold my peace, and not speak in this age, the verity so blasphemed, my conscience would both accuse me and condemn me of the unconsyderaunce of my lord God. More precious is the thing which is in daily controversy and apparel (which is now Gods true honour) than is all this worlds treasure here. 
conscience.  What Christian heart can abide it, to see the creature yea not of God but of man, to be worshipped in the stead of God, and say nothing therein?  
Solomon saith, there is as well a time to speak, as a time to keep silence, and a time as well to hate, 
Hate them  as a time to love. Ecclesiast. iii. With a perfect hate, lord (saith David) have I hated those blood thirsty enemies, which were in they presumption against thee, Psalm. cxviii. Strongly and with most mighty stomach, are hypocrites to be invaded, which will not give place to the verity. Mark how mightily Moses resisted Pharaoh, 
Examples.  Helyas king Achab, Helyseus joram, zachary joas Daniel the idolaters, johan baptist the pharisees and Herode, Steven the jews, the Apostles the bishops and priests. Christ rebuked his disciple Peter, and bade him come after him devil Math. xvi. Yet called he judas his friend, Mat. xxvi. Necessary is it that the elect flock of God, do hate the unclean fowls, which yet hold their habitation in Babylon. Apoca. xviii. johan wycleue and johan Huse confess in their writings, 
Wycleve. and huse.  that they were by strong force inwardly constrained of God to work against the great antichrist. Erasmus boldly uttered it, that God for the evils of this latter age, hath provided sharp phesycyanes. Quench not the spirit (saith S. Paul) despise not prophecies. 
Spirit.  i Thessalon. v. I put my earnest words into thy mouth (said the Lord to Hieremye) that thou shouldest both destroy and build. Hieremye. i Let this suffice ye concerning our rebukes, for they are Gods enemies whom we invade  
If ye perceive it and feel it on the other side, that the waves of the see are great also, and doth horryblye rage in these days, 
Waves.  Psa. xcii. Considre again (saith David) that the Lord which dwelleth on high, is a great deal mightier than they. As he is of power to cease the storm and to make the wether calm, Psalm. cvi. So is he able to change a kings indignation (which is but death) into most peaceable favour and loving gentleness. 
Pray and obey.  Prouerbiorum xvi. For the heart of a king is evermore in the hand of God, and he may turn it which way he will, Prove. xxi. His eternal pleasure it is, that ye should honour your king as his immediate minister concerning your bodies and lives i Petri. two. and that ye should with all gentleness obey the temporal rulers. Romano. xiii. But such spiritual hypocrites, both bishops and priests, as are continual haters of his heavenly verity, 
Abhor  would he that we should hold for most detestable apostates and blasphemous reprobates, as did Christ and his Apostles which never obeyed them, but most sharply rebuked them. Matthei xxiii. Acto. xx. and. two. Pet. xi. The grace of that lord jesus Christ, be ever with them, which rightly hate that synagogue of Satan, as did Anne Askewe. Amen  
God standeth by the generation of the righteous.  Psal. xiii. 
Thus endeth the first examination of Anne Askewe, lately done to death by the romish pope's malicious remnant, and now canonized in the precious blood of the lord jesus Christ. Imprinted at Marpurg in the land of Hessen, in Novembre. Anno. 1546.   

¶ The voice of Anne Askewe out of the. 54. Psalm of David, called. Deus in nomine tuo.  
FOr thy name's sake, be my refuge.  
And in thy truth, my quarrel judge  
Before thee (Lord) let me be hard  
And with faver my tale regard  
Loo, faithless men, against me rise,  
And for thy sake, my death practise,  
My life they seek, with main & might  
Which have not thee, afore their sight  
Yet helpest thou me, in this distress,  
Saving my soul, from cruelness.  
I wot thou wilt revenge my wrong,  
And visit them, ere it be long.  
I will therefore, my whole heart bend  
Thy gracious name (Lord) to commend.  
From evil thou hast, delivered me,  
Declaring what, mine enemies be.  
Praise to God.  
Who so ever liveth, and believeth in me shall never die.  joan. xi. 
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. v.  

¶ The latter examination of Anne Askewe lately martyred in smithfield, by the wicked synagogue of antichrist, with the elucidation of johan Bale.  Psalm. cxvi. 
The verity of the lord endureth for ever  
Anne Askewe stood fast by this verity of god to the end.  
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. two.   

¶ johan Bale to the Christian Readers.  
IN the primative church, as the horrible persecutions increased, many diligent writers collected the godly answers & tryumphaunte sufferings of the martyrs, as necessary examples of Christian constancy to be followed of other. Of this number was Lucas, which wrote the Apostles acts So were after him Linus, Marcellus, Egesippus, Meliton Asianus, Abdias Babilonius, 
Writers.  josephus Antiochenus, Clemens Alexaundrinus, 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, 
notaireye.  to hold them in continual remembrance, as witnesseth Platina Polydorus, Masseus, & such other chroniclers. No les necessary is that office now though few men attempt it, nor no less profitable to the christian common wealth than it was in those terrible days. For now are persecutions all Christendom over, so we'll as were than. 
Martyrs.  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. v. 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. i. 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. Saint Barnard saith in his homilies upon salomon's canticles, 
Bernardus,  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 bestering, and not that all men in these days be idle concerning that godly office. Many have suffered in this realm of late years, 
Barns & other.  by the bold calling on of Antichristes' furious advocates, whose latter confessions, causes, & 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 solempnitees, 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, or the primative church of this realm, which never had authority of the romish pope. 
britain church.  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 sh●pe among wolves. Men shall deliver ye up in their counsels & synagogues. 
Christ.  Ye shall be brought before rulers and kings, and be hated of all men in a manner for my name's sake, Mathei x. 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, Luce xxi. They shall excommunicate you or condemn you for heretics. Yea, 
bishops.  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 father nor yet me, johan. xvi.  
Many other like sentences left the lord jesus Christ in his holy Gospel, that we should always by them discern his true martyrs, from the pope's & Mahomettes counterfeit martyrs. In England here since the first plantation of the pope's English church, 
English church.  by Augustine & other Romish monks of Benettes superstition, two. kinds of martyrs hath been, One of monastery builders and chaunterye founders, whom the temporal princes & secular magistrates have diversely done to death, sometime for disobedience, and sometime for manifest treason, as we have of Wallenus of Crowland, 
Martyrs.  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 vigils, holy days, ringings, sacrificings, candles offerings, feasting, & much a do besides, as they had. The other sort were preachers of the Gospel, 
Other martyrs.  or poor teachers thereof in corners, 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 & lollerye, they say. These Christian martyrs were never solemnized of them. No, they had not so much as a penny dirge or a groat mass of Requiem, 
No dyrge  no more than 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, 
Augustine  whom Augustyne can said to be slain at Westchestre in his church's beginning, because they would not preach as he did appoint them, nor baptize after the Romish manner, neither yet hollow the easter feast as they did. Many a blessed creature, both men & women, have been brent since johan Wycleve'S time & afore, 
Wycleve.  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, they ought (in case they were their haters or enemies) to suffer them, 
Suffer.  to say weal of them, to do them good, & to pray for them. Math. v. Luce. vi. & 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, from the martyrs whom they canonyse. Of them whom they damn, 
Difference of martyrs.  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, 
Martyrs.  whose deaths they have procured by all ages of their bloud-thursty church, hearkened unto Christ, healed of righteousness, and sought their lord God in spirit, Esa. li, but the martyrs for the most part, whom they have with so many latin wawlings, torches & candle burnings, magnified in their temples, hearkened to the pope, healed of his unrighteousness, & sought out his supersticious idolatries. 
Compare.  In the conferring of their old canonized martyrs, with our newly condemned martyrs here. Anne Askewe and her other three 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. Many wonderful miracles could that mitred patron of theirs do in those days, 
Miracles  when the monks had friar Bakons books and knew the bestowing of friar Bongays mists but now he can do none at al. This Becket in all his flourishing doings, hearkened to the pope, defended his pompous kingdom, supported his church's excess, & wretchedly died for the sinful liberties of the same. Anne Askew & her sort, 
Right matyrs.  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 Wenefrid, otherwise called Boniface an English monk & archbishop of Magunce was slain confirming neophytes, 
Bonifacius Anglus  or professing his newly baptized broad to the Romish pope's obedience. There was found about him a casket full of rellickes or dead men's bones, when he was put to death in the year of our lord. seven. c. lv. Anne Askewe & here fellowship, had none other relics about than, when they stood at the stake to be brent in smithfield 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 by headed in his own garden by procuriment of a woman. S. Clitanke of South-Wales, was in like case stabbed in with a dagger, 
Clitancus  because a young maiden loved him. The only true honour of God was it, & no worldly cause, that Anne Askewe & her company died for. Saint edwin being well armed, 
Edwinus  was slain in battle at Hatfelde in the North, and S. Edward riding a Hunting in the forest of Warham in the west, 
Edwardus.  was killed upon his horse in drinking a cup of wine. And all this was done for the kingdoms of this world. The martyrdom of Anne Askewe and her brethren, was neither in battelinge nor hunting, riding nor drinking, but in that right course which Christ prescribed unto his disciples under the cruel bishops, for his only glory.  
Saynet Cadocke of Cowbridge a bishop, 
Cadocus.  was pierced through with a spear, as he stood at his Mass at one of the clock at after non, because he would be of the order of martyrs. saint Elphege archebishopp of Caunterburye was stoned to death of the Danes, because he would not pace them three. M. Mark, in the year of our lord. M. & xii. Of such martyrs, much doubted Lāfrancus, 
Lanfrancus.  which succeeded him in that office about a iiii. score years after, and disputed thereof with Anselmus. The cause of Anne Askewe and her companions, was neither madness nor money, but the only seeking of their lord God right. As saint Indract with other devout pilgrims of Rome lay in bed in their inn at Shapwyck by Blastenbury, 
Indractus.  their throats were cut in the night for money, which was reckoned to be in their pilgrims scryppes. Saint Iuthware a virgin was beheaded 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 the black and Hewalde the white two. English monks, 
Newaldy duo.  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 country for teaching a strange religion, and are worshipped at Coleyne for martyrs. For bearing about Christ's testament, which is most heavenly treasure, 
Anne Askewe.  and for spreading the wholesome doctrine thereof, was Anne Askewe and her sort brent by the priests procurement, yet are they no honour for it.  
Osytha running away from her husband, 
Ositha.  by the intysement of. two. monks became a professed nun, and was murdered of the Danes. Wenefryda by counsel of a priest, 
Wenefrida.  dysdaynouslye refusing the marriage of a prince christened, lost her head for it. Maxentia also played a part not all unlike to this. 
Maxentia.  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 & household, ydly to trudge on pilgrimage, was stricken in the head with an axe, of his own companion by the way. saint Thomas of Dover a monk was such a won, 
Thomas.  as was slain of the french men for hiding the church's jewels, crosses, chalices & copes. No such light corruptible vanities were they, that Anne Askewe & her constant brethren died for, but for the precious verity of God. young S. William of Norwych, 
Young Saints  young S Robert of bury, young S. Hugh of Lyncolne, young S. Melor of cornwall, young s. Kenelm of Glocestre, young S. Eldrede of Rāsaye & 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 babish in comparison of these the verity having by them so small furtherance  
Foillanus & his. three brethren, 
Foillanus.  going homeward in the night, after they had well banqueted with S. Gertrude & her nuns, were killed in a wood of one murderer, and their horses sold in the next market town. justinanus. S. Davies ghostly father in Wales, 
justinanus.  was slain in a garden of his three monks, because he compelled them to do more labour than he would do his self. After Kilianus was come home from Rome, 
Kilianus  he was murdered in his sell with other holy pilgrims by a woman, as they lay there a sleep in the night. Saint Ursula also and her she pilgrims, 
Ursula.  with their chaplains, nurses, and sucking babes were but homely handled at Coleyne of the hunnes and pietes (if that legend be true) as they were coming homewards from Rome. Compare me Anne Askewe and her condemned company, with these clouted, canonized, solemnized, sensed, matrensed, and massed, martyrs, 
Prove the ipretes.  and tell me by the Gosples' trial, which of them seem most Christenlyke martyrs. Yea, bring saint Edmound of bury, saint Fremund of Dunstable, saint Ethelbert of Herforde, S. oswald of Glocestre, saint oswin of Tynmoth, and saint Wynstane of Euesham (which are the best of the english martyrs) to the touch stone of God's word, 
Edmundꝰ. Fremundꝰ and other  and ye shall find their martyrdoms and causes full unlike to theirs whom the bishops murder now apace in England.  
In all these English martyrs rehearsed here afore, 
Tokens.  ye shall find very few colours or yet tokens, that Christ said his martyrs should be known by, on less ye take pilgrimages, pomps relics, women, battles, huntings, idleness, monkeryes, money, treasure, worldly kingdoms, contempt of marriage, superstitions & such other vanities for them. 
the author.  And than will I say, and not lie in it, that ye are much better overseane than learned in the scriptures of God, as your old blind bluddering predecessors hath been. Ye will axe me here, 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 the Gospel in the primitive church of the britains, 
Brytannyshe,  by the cruel calling on of the pagan priests. But nothing like to that hath been showed since in the English church by the spiritual tyrant of Rome & his mitred termagauntes, 
english.  at the invocation of their oiled swylbolles & blind Baalamites. For they most cruelly brent those innocentes, which did but only read the testament of God in their mother rung, & do not yet repent them of that mischief but continue therein.  
If ye mark well these. two. examinations of Anne Askewe, ye shall find in her & in her other. 
Tokens.  three commpanions, besides other whom the bishops in our time & afore hath brent, the express tokens that Christ sealeth his martyrs with. They appeared as sheep among wolves. They were thrown in strong prison. They were brought forth into counsels & synagogues. Their answers were out of gods spirit (as herein appeareth) & not out of their own. 
Answers.  They were reviled, mocked, stocked, racked, execrated, condemned, and murdered, as is said afore. By a spiritualty also, as he promised they should be. Mat. xxiii. and xxiiii. Yea, those spiritual tyrants besides their mortal malice upon the innocent bodies, 
tyrants  have most blasphemously uttered in their spyghtful sermons and writings, that their souls are dampened, as is to be scene in the books of winchester and Peryn. 
Winchostre 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. xii. That their souls they can not harm with all their pope's black curses. Full swetelye rest they now in the peace of God, where their slanderous and malicious judgements can not hurt them at all Sapi. three Let those epicures pigs damn them with as many blasphemous lies as they can imagine, 
Epicure's pigs.  for other armour they have not. And we shall on the other side canonyse than again with the mighty words and promises of Christ, which they shall never be able to resist. The father of our lord jesus Christ, grant the light of his word so to spread the world over that the dark mysces of Satan may clearly be expelled, 
Light.  to the special comfort of his redeemed Church, and glory of his eternal name. Amen.   

¶ The latter examination of the worthy servant of God masters Anne Askewe the younger goughter 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 saint johan the Evangelist, 
S. johan.  to signify by writing to the overseer 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. two. That Behemoth (saith job) that Leviathan, that Satan, reigneth as a most mighty king over all the spiritual children of pride. job. xlii A murderer (saith Christ to the spiritualty of the jews') & a blasphemous liar, 
Satan.  is that father of yours, and hath been from the worlds beginning johan. viii. These manners hath he not yet left, but continueth them still in his wicked posterity.  
In the primitive church (as testifieth 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. i. They slew those true believers which his word and spirit had depured from all false worshippings, and made fit for all tribulations to be suffered for his name's sake. In these latter days they meddle with his feet, 
Christ's feet.  which are like unto brass, burning as it were in an hot furnace, Apocalypsis. i. For they that believe now agreeably to his word, and not after their corrupted and cursed customs, are consumed in the fire As here after will appear, 
Fire.  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 latter 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 manner following.   

Anne Askewe.  
I do perceive (dear friend in the Lord) that thou art not yet persuaded thoroughly in the truth concerning the lords supper, because Christ said unto his Apostles. 
Christ.  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 mouth, he minded them in a perfyghte 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 of me. 
Remember.  Yea, so oft as ye shall eat it or drink it, Luce xxii. and. i Corinth. xi. Else should we have been forgetful of that we ought to have in daily remembrance and also been altogether unthankful for it.   

johan Bale.  
agreeable is this woman's doctrine here, 
Edere & Bibere.  to the scriptures of both testaments. Wherein these words Edere & Bybere to eat & to drink, are often times spiritually taken for Credese, to believe or receive in faith. The poor (saith David) shall eat and be satisfied. All that seek to please the lord shall praise him, & their souls shall never perish, Psal. xxi. They that eat me (saith the verity of God) shall hunger more and more, & they that drink me shall thirst more desirously for me. 
Believe.  Eccles. xxiiii. On less ye eat the flesh of the son of man (saith christ) and drink his blood, ye can have no life in you, joan. vi. These scirptures expound the doctors spiritually, yea, the papists & al. Whereas the other three evangelists, 
evangelists.  Matthew Mark, and Luke, showeth nothing else of the lords supper but the plain history. Saint johan writing last of them all, 
Doctrine.  manifesteth there the whole complete doctrine & full understanding thereof after Christ's own instructions and meaning. Required it is 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, is not there the putting of bread into the mouth and belly, but to believe or exactly to consider, 
Faith.  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 none 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. I am the living bread (saith he) which came down from heaven. He only that believeth in me, 
Christ.  hath the life everlasting, johan. vi. The spirit is it that quickeneth, the fleshly under standing, or only mouth eating, profiteth nothing at all. Here will an obstinate papist 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 sturrethe up that brotherly Christian love which we ought to have towards our neighbour, 
love.  besides that this faithful woman hath spoken here of it afore. And these are the only fruits which he requireth of us in that supper of 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. For saint Paul doth say that the letter slayeth. 
Letter.  The spirit it is only that giveth life. two. Cor. iii. Mark weal the vi. chapiter of johan, where all is applied unto faith. Note also the fourth chapter of Saint Paul's first epistle to the corinths, and 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, and ye shall find that christ as a son and no servant, 
Christ.  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. xciiii.   

johan Bale.  
By the fore heads understand she the hearts or minds of men, 
Foreheads.  for so are they taken of S. johan, Apoc. seven. & xxii. I can not think, but herein she had respect unto the plate of fine gold which the lord commanded to be set upon Aaron's fore heed, for the acceptation of the people of Israel. Exodi two. For here would she all men's hearts to be endued and lightened with the most pure spirit of Christ, 
Hearts.  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 spytfull enemies to the soul of man, that applieth that office to the corruptible lips, 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. i. lamenting it with the righteous, at the very heart rote. And in this she showed herself to be a natural member of Christ's mystical body. 
A member  i Cor. xii. 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 preson 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, 
Kyme.  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 was reckoned the wisest king that ever lived, 
Solomon  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 Kyme, this should seem to be the matter. Her father Sir William Askewe knight and his father old master Kyme, 
Kyme.  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 heir (as an ungodly manner it is in England much used among noble 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 to wine. So that in the end she was compelled against her will or free consent to marry with him. notwithstanding the marriage one's paste, she demeaned herself like a Christian wife, 
Married.  and had by him (as I am informed) two. 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 afore) that he at their suggestion, vyolentlye drove her out of his house. Whereupon she thought herself free from that uncomely kind of coacted marriage, 
Exiled.  by this doctrine of S. Paul i. Cor. seven. 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 sought of the law a divorcement from him, 
divorcement.  namely & above all, because he so cruelly drove her out of his house in despyt of Christ'S verity. She could not think him worthy of marriage which so spyghtfullie hated God the chief author of marriage. 
A beast.  Of this mattre 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, and with thanks giving according to his holy institution. I receive therewith the fruits also of his most glorious passion. The Byshope of wynchestre bade me make a direct answer. 
Wynchestre.  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 oiled 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 superstitious vain glory, if any crafty policy might help it. What offended this godly Christian woman here, either in opinion or faith, ye cruel and vengeable tyrants? 
Tyrant.  But that ye must (as David saith) temper your tongues with venomous words to destroy the innocent. Psal. lxiii. Can you have brought in against her a matter of more danger concerning your laws, 
Danger  to deprive her of life, ye would have done it, such is your ghostly charity. But be sure of it, as haughty as ye are now, the hard plague thereof will be yours, when the great vengeance shall fall for shedding of innocentes blood. Mat. xxiii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop said, I speak in parables. 
Parables  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 because I would not express my mind 
Rebukes.  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, 
Parables  when he perceived his audience rather given to the hearing of Pharisaical constitutions and customs, than to his heavenly verity. Mathei. xiii. Marc. iiii. Luc. seven. which rule this woman being his true disciple, forgot not here, in commening with this proud bishop whom she knew to be always most obstinate withstander of that wholesome verity of his. 
Wynchestre.  And as concerning mocks and scornful revilings, 
Mockers  they have been ever in that generation of scorners more plenteous than good counsels to the rightwise. And therefore as a name after their conditions, it is unto them appropriate of the holy Ghost in many places of the scriptures. In the latter 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 spirytualtye, 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 had me, go by. Then came my lord Lyle, my lord of Essexe, and the bishop of winchester requiring me earnestly, 
Wynchester  that I should confess the sacrament to be flesh, blood and bone Then said I to my Lord Par and my Lord Lyle, that it was great shame for them to counsel contrary to their knowledge. Whereunto in few words they did say, 
Godly.  that they would gladly all things were well.   

johan Bale.  
Always have the wordly governors showed more gentleness and favour to the word of God, 
Princes.  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 Mycheas the true prophet unto death, 
Micheas.  when he had prophesied the destruction of Samaria for their idolatry, and for the tyranny of their princes and false prophets, Miche. i and. iii. Neither would the princes at the priests heady exclamations, murder Hieremye for the lords verity preaching, 
Hieremye.  but mercifully delivered him out of their malicious hands. Hieremi. xxvi. pilate in like case, 
pilate.  concerning the new law, pleated with the jews spiritualty, to have saved Christ from the death. Math xxvii. Io. xviii. So did the captain Claudias Lisias deliver Paul from their mortal malice, 
Lisias.  after that the high priest Ananias had commanded him to be smitten, and his retinue conspired his death, Act. xxiii. 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, Esebius, and other old hystoryanes.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop said, he would speak with me famylyarlye. I said, so did judas when he unfryndelye betrayed Christ Then desired the bishop to speak with me alone. 
Wynchester.  But that I refused. He asked me, why? I said, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every mattre should stand, after Christ's and Paul's doctrine. Mathei. xviii. and. two. Cor. xiii.   

johan Bale.  
Did she not (think you) it the nail on the head, in thus taunting this bishop? 
Treason.  yeas. 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 latter day) which have believed in me, ye have done unto mine own person, 
Christ's.  Math. xxv. Who so toucheth them (saith zachary) shall touch the apple of the lords own eye zacha. two. 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. three Reg. xviii. Then he went his way   

johan Bale.  
Of Helias the prophet were these words spoken, to the people of Israel, such time as they halted between. two. opinions or walked unryghtly between the true living god, 
Halt  & the false God Baal as we do now in England between Christ's Gospel and the pope's old rotten customs. We slenderly consider with S. Paul, 
England  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. two. Corinth. vi. For all our new Gospel, yet will we still bear the strangers yoke with the unbelievers, and so come neither hot nor cold, that god may spew us out of his mouth as unsavoury morsels. 
Tepidi.  Apo. iii. saying unto us as to the foolish virgins. Verily I know you not. Math. xxv.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop said, I should be brent. 
Brenne  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. Psalm. two. Then was I commanded to stand a side.   

johan Bale.  
Among other songs, that the holy scripture giveth us to know an antichrist by, 
Antichrist.  it showeth that he shall be an adversary. two. These. two. An unsatiable dog, Esa lvi. A pursuing enemy. psa. iiii. An enemy in the sanctuary, Psal. lxxiii. A ravening wolf, 
To brenne.  Mat. seven. Luce x. johan. x. Acto. xx. And a most cruel murderer, Dani. xi. johan xvi. Apoc. xiii. Unto such (saith S. johan) is it given to vex men with heat of fire. Apo. xvi. The wickedness of priests (saith Heir.) sheddeth innocentes blood. Yea (say they) ye must be brent, ye must dwell among the gentiles. Treno iiii. Or be committed to prison of the wordli powers, & so put unto death by them. We marvel not therefore though these parts be played of proud bishops. 
priests.  considering the holy Ghost must be found true in his foriudgementes, & that some there must be to do the feats. But truly did this woman conclude with the prophecy of David, Psalm two. 
God laugheth  That God which dwelleth in heaven shall have their tyranny in deryson, and bring all their wicked counsels to nought, in the clear opening of his word, have they never so many painted colours of false rightwiseness.   

Anne Askewe  
Then came master Pagette to me, and desired me to speak my mind to him. I might (he said) deny it again, if need were. I said, that I would not deny the truth. He asked me, how I could avoid the very words of christ. Take, eat, This is my body, which shall be broken for you. I answered, that Christ'S meaning was there, 
Christ's meaning  as in these other places of the scripture. I am the door joan. x. I am the vine. joan xv. Behold the lamb of God johan. i. The rock stone was Christ. i Cor. x. and such other like. Ye may not here (said I) take christ for the material thing that he is signified by. 
signify.  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 died do signify christ, like as the bread doth his body in that place. And though he died say there. Take, eat this in remembrance of me. 
Remembrance.  Yet died he not bid them hang up that bread in a box, and make it a God, or bow to it.   

johan Bale.  
Moche ado is here made, and many subtle ways are sought out, to bring this woman into their corrupted, 
idolatry.  and false believe, that the corruptible creature made with hands, might stand in place of the eternal creatore or maker God and man for the priests advantage. But all is in vain. In no case would he so accept it. Nothing less minded Chryst, than to dwell in the bread, 
Not in 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 spirtivall meare, his blood a spiritual drink, and both them to be received in faith, the bread and the wine remaining as signs of his everlasting covenant. Reason is it that he rather be judged the receiver which liveth in that refection than he which liveth not thereby. Which is the soul & not the body. 
The eater  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 sufficiently enough declareth his own meaning, Luce xxii. Where he commandeth us to do it in his remembrance, and not to make him again by blowing upon the bread. This sacramental eating and drinking in his remembrance, 
Remembrance.  S. Paul more largely declareth, i. Cor. xi. 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. 
Till he come.  If ye earnestly mark that latter clause (till he come) ye shall weal perceive that his bodily presence in the bread, is utterly denied there. More over in the afore said xxii. chapter of Luke, because we should not be to scrupulose, 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 (or eat of this fruit of wheat) till the kingdom of God be come, 
Fruit of the vine.  or till I drink it new with you in my father's kingdom, Math. xxvi. Marci. xiiii. 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 of Christ's blood, and the bread that we break there, the partaking of Christ'S body, 
Partaking.  i. Corint xi. But that is in faith and spirit, as afore in johan.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then came to me doctor Cox, and doctor Robynson. 
Cox and 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 Latimer it would not be. Then was I sent to Newgate in my extremity of sickness. For in all my life afore, 
newgate  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, johan. vi. But that is not sufficient (say the priests) on less ye believe also, that he is that dead bread which came from the waffer bakers And thereunto must ye set your own hand writing, 
A waffer  else will it not be allowed in the spiritual court. For he that speaketh great things and blasphemies (which is antichrist) making war with the saints, 
antichrist  will have it so, Apo. xiii. In the Apostles time, & many years after, it was enough for a christen man is rightwiseness, to believe with the heart, that jesus is the lord, & that God raised him up from the dead. Roma. x. But now we must believe that he cometh down again at the will of the priests, to be inpaned or inbreaded for their bellies common wealth, 
Inpaned  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' catrell. Else shall we to stinking Newgate by their spiritual appointment, 
newgate.  be we never so sick, and with in 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.  & 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, and in three days build it up again, signifying his own body by the temple, 
Temple.  as, saint johan declareth it. joan two. 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, whereby we are knit unto him by a communion of christian love. Although there be many that can not perceive the true meaning thereof, for the veil that Moses put over his face before the children of Israel, 
Moses veil  that they should not see the clearness thereof, Exo. xxxiiii. & two. Cor. iii. I perceive the same vail remaineth to this day. But when God shall take it a way, than shall these blind men se.   

johan Bale.  
Ye will say peraventure, that the symplitudes 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 & advantage, that he blessed the temple also, 
Blessed  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 commodity in idleness, without the other. But take good heed of it, if ye list. 
Temple.  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. two. and Luce nineteen. He hath also promised to overthrow it, Math. xxiiii. and not to leave one stone thereof standing upon an other, Marci. xiii. Because ye have not regarded the time of your visitation, or not accepted his eternal word of health. A warning might the turning over of your monasteries have been unto you, 
warning  if ye were not, as ye are altogether blind.  
I can not 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 abomination of desolation, or such an abominable idol as subverting Christ's true religion. 
The mass  will be your final destruction both here and in the world to come. For idols are called abomination, 
Idols.  all the scriptures over. Yet shall it endure (say the Daniel) somewhere, unto the end of all Daniel. ix. Whereby ye may well perceive, that it comprehendeth not only the triumphant streamers of Tiberius or golden images of Caligula, 
Tiberius' Caligula.  which both prevented the subversion of Jerusalem, but some other idols 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. xxiiii. And not in the pagans temples. Tell me if your Masses be done any where else, 
Masses.  than in your hallowed sanctuaries, 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 & sorcerers.  
Not without the holy place (sayth-Christ) is that abomination, but in it, Mathei. xxiiii. antichrist (saith saint Paul) shall sit, 
Antichrist  not without, but within the very temple of God. two. Thessalo two. The papacy is not without, but within the very church of Christ, what though it be no part thereof. Apoca. xi. Therefore it shall be meet that we be ware, and separate ourselves from them at the admonyshmentes of his holy doctrine, 
Shurns them.  least we be partakers with you in their promised damnation. Apoca. xviii. 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, as S. Paul doth call them, 
The vails  Gala. iiii. Whereby the verity of God is sore blemished. The spiritual knowledge, which cometh by the clear doctrine of the Gospel, ministereth no such impediments of darkness. 
Darkness.  But all things are clearly scene to them which are endued therewith. They can be deceived by none of Satan's subtile conveyers, but perceiveth all things, which have obtained the pure eyes of faith. 
Sight.    

Anne Askewe.  
For it is plainly expressed in the history of Bel in the Bible, that God dwelleth in nothing material. O king (saith Daniel) be not deceived Daniel. 
Daniel.  xiiii. For God will be in nothing that is made with hands of men. Actor. seven. Oh what stiffnecked people are these, that will always resist the holy Ghost. But as their fathers have done, so do they, because there 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. Luce. xxi. The law is turned to worm wood. Amos. vi. And there can no right judgement go forth, Esay. lix.   

johan Bale.  
Mark here how graciously the lord keepeth promise with this poor servant of his. 
Promise.  He that believeth on me (saith Christ) out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. joa. seven 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 pure 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 What a constancy was this of a woman, frail, 
A martyr  tender young and most delycyouslye brought up? But that Christ's spirit was mighty in her who bade her be of good cher. For though the tyrants of this world have power to fleye the body, 
tyrants  yet have they no power over the souls. Matthei. xx. Nether have they power in the end to demynyshe one hear of the head, Luce. xxi.  
She fainteth not in the mids of the battle. i. Corint. ix. But perseverethe strong and steadfast to the very end. 
Stedefast  Mathei. x. Not doubting but to have for her faithful perseverance, the crown of eternal life. Apoc. two. 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 valiant witness, in the painful kingdom of patience Apocalip. i. 
Valcaunt.  She faithfully reckoned of her lord God, that he is not as men are fickle, Numeri. xxiii. But most sure of word and promise, Psalm. cxliiii. And that he would most faithfully keep covenant with her, when time should come. Apoca. two. She had it most groundedly planted in her heart, that though heaven and earth did pass, yet could not his words and promise pass by unfulfilled. 
Faith.  Lu. xxi. Ashamed may those carnal Helchesytes be, 
Helchesytes.  which have not on lie denied the verity of their lord god, but also most shamefully blasphemed, & dishonoured both it and themselves for the pleasure of a year or. two. 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. xii. They shall not find it a matter light, for their inconstancy to be vometed out of the mouth of God as unsavoury morsels. Apocalypsis. iii Neither shall they prove it a Christmas game, to be denied of Christ before his heavenly father and his angels, 
In constant.  for denying here his verity. Math. x.   

Anne Askewe.  

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

johan Bale.  
All these words alleged she out of the last chapter of Oseas the prophet, 
Oseas.  where as he prophesied the destruction of Samaria for the only vice of idolatry. 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, 
idolatry  either stone, 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 in his word, 
Ephraimytes.  what she hath any more to do with idols? or whyether mind so tyrannously enforce her to the worshipping of them? considering that he so earnestly abhorreth them finally. two. sorts of people she reckoneth to be in the world, 
two. sorts.  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. two. Corinth. two.   

Anne Askewe.  

S. Steven.  Solomon (saith saint Steven) builded an house for the God of jacob. How be it the high of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands. As saith the prophet. Isaiah. lxvi. Heaven is my seat and 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? Actorum. seven. 
Temple.  Woman believe me (saith Christ to the Samaritane) 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 and verity. joannis. iiii. Labour not (saith Christ) for the meat that perisheth, 
Meat.  for that endureth into the life everlasting, which the son of man shall give you. For him god the father hath sealed, johan. vi.   

johan Bale.  
Here bring she. iii. strong testimonies of the new testament, to confirm her own christian believe therewith and also both to confute and condemn the most execrable heresy and false filthy believe of the papists. 
3. bulwarks.  The first of them proveth, that the eternal God of heaven, will neither be wrapped up in a clout, 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, neither yet consumeth or wasteth away in the belly. 
●omystes.  Let not the Romish pope's remnant in England think, but in condemning the faith of this godly woman, they also condemyne the verity of the lord, unless they can discharge these three texts of the scripture with other three more effectual. As I think, they shall not, nisi ad Calendas Grecas. If they allege for their part, the saying of Christ, Math. xxiiii. Lo here is Christ, 
Lo, here, See there.  or there is Christ. They are confounded by that which followeth. Wherein he earnestly chargeth his faith full followers not to believe it, calling the teachers of such doctrine, false anointed deceivable prophets, and sorcerous work men. Marci. xiii.   

Anne Askewe. The sum of the condemnation of me Anne Askewe. at yield haul.  
They said to me there, that I was an heretic and condemned by the law, 
heretic  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 to be Christ'S body and blood: 
Sacrament.  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 latter day like as he went up. Acto. i. And as for that ye call your God, is but a piece of bread. For a more proof thereof (mark it when ye list) let it lie in the box but three months, 
Mould in the box.  and it will be mould, and so turn to nothing that is good. Whereupon I am persuaded, that it can not be God.   

johan Bale.  
Christ jesus the eternal son of God, was condemned of this generation for a seditious heretic, 
Christ condemned  a breaker of their sabbath, a subverter of their people a defiler of their laws, and a destroyer of their temple or holy church, joan. seven. Luce xxiii. Mathei. xxvi. Mar. xiiii, & 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 do the same, 
Membre  at the cruel calling on and violent vengeance of their posterity? No, no, the servant must follow her master, and the foot her head, and may be found in that point no better than he, joan. xiii. Saint Augustine diffyning a sacrament, calleth it in one place, 
Sacrament.  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 in died, signified by those figures of bread and wine. But how that dry and corruptible cake of theirs should become a God, many men wonder now a days in the light of the Gospel, like as they have done afore time also. And specially why the the wine should not be accepted and set up for a God also so we'll as the bread, 
the wine  considering that Christ made so moche of the one as of the other.   

Anne Askewe.  
After that they willed me to have a pressed. And than I smiled. Then they asked me, if it were not good? I said, I would confess my faults to God, 
Confess.  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 did not refuse. For the knew that they are the messengers of the lord, 
Teachers  & that his holy words are to be sought at their mouths, Mala. two. Of them she instantly 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. thirty. As for the other sort of priests, she did not amiss to laugh both them and their maintainers to scorn. For so doth God also, Psalm two. And curseth both their absolutions & blessings, Mala. two. 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, must have an other kind of tyranny added thereunto, 
Tyranny.  besides the unryghteouse bestowing of that law. Do 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. Esaie. x Do unto him that buildeth Babylon with blood, and maintaineth that wicked city still in unrightwiseness. Abacuch. two. Nahum. iii. Ezech. xxiiii.   

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, in remembrance of Christ'S death, 
Remembrance.  the only remedy of our souls recover. And that thereby we also receive the whole benefyghtes 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 other wise 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. xxii. The eating of his flesh and drinking of his blood therein, 
Eating.  to the relieving of their souls thirst and hunger, they knew to pertain unto faith according to his instructions in the vi. of johan. What have this godly woman than offended, which neither have denied his incarnation nor death in this her confession of faith, 
The sūm● of belief.  but most firmelye and groundedly trusted to receive the fruits of them both.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then would they needs know whether the bred in the box were God or no? 
O beastly idolaters.  I said God is a spirit and will be worshipped in spirit and truth, joan. iiii. Then they demanded. Will you plainly deny Christ to be in the sacrament? I answered that I believed faithfully the eternal son of God not to dwell there. In witness where of I recited again the history of Bel, 
O constant martyr.  and the. ix. chapter of Daniel, the seven. and the. xvii. of the Acts, and the. xxiiii. 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, some the moan, some the fire, some the water, with such other like for their Gods, 
Old idolaters.  as witnesseth Dioderus Siculus, Herodotus, Plynius, Lactantius & diverse authors more. Now come our dottinge papists here, wading yet more deeper in idolatry, 
New idolaters.  and they must have bread for their God, 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. 
The supper.  No thing is here spoken against the most holy table of the lord, 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 showeth herself, in the answer making to this blasphemous beggary, 
Answer.  when she said, that god was a spirit and no waffer cake, & would be worshipped in spirit and verity, & not in superstition and ingling 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. In that she feareth not the power of death, 
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. viii. Again they that believed on him should joyfully pass through from death unto life. johan. v. And upon these promises, 
Promises  she most strongly trusted. She considered also with Peter, that Christ had swallowed up death, to make us the heirs of everlasting life. i. Petri, three More over that he had overthrown him which sometime had the rule of death. Hebreorum. two. And also taken away the sharp sting of the death itself. Osee. xiii.   

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 lordship is only, that it may please the same to be a mean for me to the kings majesty, 
The king  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 well perceive me to be weighed in an uneven payer of balances. But I remit my matter & cause to almighty God, 
To God.  which rightly judgeth all secrets. And thus I commend your lordship to the governance of him, and felyshipp of all saints. Amen. By your handmaid Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
In this bill to the chancellor, appeareth it plain, all froward affections sequestered, what this woman was. 
Strong.  She is not here defected with the desperate, for unryghteouse handling, mourning, cursing, and sorrowing, as they do commonly. But standing up strongly in the lord, most gently she obeyeth the powers, she blesseth her vexers & pursuers and wisheth them the light of God's necessary knowledge. Luce. vi. She considereth the powers to be ordained of God, Romanorum. xiii. 
obedient.  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. i. Peter. iiii. 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. iii. Regu. x. Not that she coveted thereby to avoid the death, but to put them in remembrance of their office concerning the sword, 
Their office.  which they ought not vainly to minister, Roman. xiii. and that they should also be without excuse of ignorance in the great day of reckoning, for permitting such violence to be done. Roma. two. 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. cxlv.   

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. 
heresies.  And as concerning the supper of the Lord, I believe so moche as Christ hath said therein. Which he confirmed with his most blessed blood. I believe also so much as he willed me to follow and 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 dyschargethe 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 his prophet. 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. lv. 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. xxi. 
What it is.  defineth it. But heresy is a voluntary dissenting from the verity of the scriptures of God, and also a blasphemous depraving of them, for the wretched bellies sake, & to maintain the pomps of this world. Thus is it defined of S. Hierome in commentariis Heir. S. Augustyne and Isidorus agreeing to the same. consider than whether he be the thief 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 de fuga adversus Arrianos, calleth them the heretics, which seeketh to have the Christian believers murdered as did the said Arrians. This godly woman, 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. vi. 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 departure from New gate.  
On twesday I was sent from new gate to the sign of the crown where as master Rich and the bishop of London with all their power & flattering words went about to persuade me from God. 
Rich.  But I died not esteem 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.  
Afer that Chryst had once overcomen Satan in the desert, 
Satan  where he had fasted long time, Math. iiii. 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, that these three ghostly enemies, 
3. ghostly enemies.  the prelate's, the priests, and the layers, or the bishops, pharisees, 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 Arm Askewe, than the Bishop of London, master Rich, and doctor Shaxton, besides the great Caiphas of Winchestre with his spiteful (I should say) spiritual table, 
Wynchestre.  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, 
spiritual  because he is not anointed with the pope's grease. But than are ye much deceived. 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 bewitched 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, 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 double damnation? 
Double.  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 vacation (as ye are but swine, Mathei. seven.) ye had persevered faithful and constant to the end, Mathei. x. and so have worthily received the crown thereof, Apoca. two. But the love of your beastly flesh, hath very far in you over weighed the love of the lord jesus christ. Ye now show what ye are in deed, even wavering reeds with every blast moved, Luce seven. Yea very faint hearted cowards and hypocrites, 
hypocrites.  Apo. iii. Ye abide not in the sheep fold as true shepherds, but ye flee like hirelings, johan. x. Had ye been builded upon the hard rock, as ye were on the fickle sand, Math. seven. neither Romish stoodes nor English winds had overthrown you. But now look only, after your deserving, for this terrible judgement of God. 
judgement  For them (saith S. Paul) which voluntarylye blaspheme the truth, 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, Hebrew. vi. and x.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then master rich sent me to the tower, 
Rich.  where I remained till 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, 
Christian ladies  my lady of Suffer 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 turmoiling on the earth, as is now a days for that wretched blind kingdom of the Romish pope. But trust upon it truly, 
Babylon.  ye terrible termagantes of hell. There is no practice, there is no wisdom, there is no counsel, that can against the lord prevail Proverb. xxi. Ye look to be obeyed in all devilyshnesse. But ye considre not, that where God is dishonoured by your obedience, 
Obedience.  there belongeth none to you. Acto, v. Ye have much ado 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 was ever yet a more pestilent and devilish sect, 
A sect.  than is that Sodomytyshe sect, whom ye here so earnestly maintain with tyranny and mischief? How gredilye seek you the slaughter of God's true servants, ye blood thirsty wolves? as the holy Ghost doth call you. Psal. xxv. 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. ix. have thrown of their shoulders for Christ's easy and gentle burden, Mathey. xi. the pope's uneasy and importable yoke. Luce xi. 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. iiii. The pope's old traditions and customs, being but the wisdom of the flesh, are very poison and death, Roma. viii.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then said they unto me, that the king was informed, 
The king  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 was a traitor, 
Mardocheus.  which nevertheless had discovered two. traitors a little afore, and so saved the kings life, Hester. iii. But Haman that false counsellor, 
Haman.  which so informed the king, was in the end proved a traitor in deed (as I doubt it not 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. seven. Albertus Pyghius, Cochleus, Eckius, & such other pestilent papists, 
Papists.  have filled all Christendom with railings books of our king, for renouncing the Romish pope's obedience, but thereof ye inform not his grace. No, neither excuse ye, nor yet defend ye his godly act in that behalf. 
Crafty.  But ye are (as appeareth) very well contented, that he be ill spoken of for it.  
It is not a year ago, since out wynchestre was at Vtrecht in holland (where as the said Pighius dwelled, 
Pyghius.  & was for his papistry in great authority) I know certainly, the man there was much more easy to please in that cause, than in another sleeveless matter of his own concerning Martyne Bucer. 
Bucer.  His gallauntes also warranted 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 somewhat 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 friars & other ranging Rome ronners, 
observants.  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, 
Letters.  sent from Emeryck to Frystande, & from the country of Coleyne into Westphalie. Of this and such other conveyances, the king is not yet informed, but (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. And as for the help that I had in the counter, 
to accuse.  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 did send me money. But who they were, I never knew.   

johan Bale,  
joseph was in prison under Pharaoh the fierce king of Egypte, 
joseph.  yet was he favourably handled and no man forbidden to comfort him. Gen. xxxix. When johan Baptist was in strong durance under Herode the tyrant of Galilee, his disciples did freely visit him, and were not rebuked for it, Mat. xi. Paul being imprisoned and in chains at Rome, 
Paul.  under the most furious tyrant Nero, was never blamed for sending his servant Onesimus abroad, nor yet for writing by him to his friends for succour. Philem. i. 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 well perceive our english rulers and judges in their new Chrystyanyte 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. 
Prelates.  Be ashamed cruel beasts, be ashamed, for all Christendom wondereth on your madness above all.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then they said, that there were diverse gentlewomen, 
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 vyolette coat did give me. viii. shillings, and said that my lady Dennye sent it me. Whether it were true or no, I cannot tell. For I am not sure who sent it me, but as the men did say.   

johan Bale.  
In the time of Christ's preaching what though the holy clergy were than not pleased therewith, 
Christ.  but judged it (as they do still to this day) most horrible heresy, yet certain noble women, is mary Magdalene. johan the wife of Chusa Herodes high steward, Susanna, & many other followed him from Galilee, & ministered unto him of their substance, 
Noble women.  concerning his bodily needs Luce. viii. 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. xxiiii. & also proclaimed abroad his glorious resurrection to his Apostles and other, joan. xx. contrary to the bishops inhibition Act. iii. 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 Thyatira & called Lydia by name, 
Lydia  a purple seller very rich in merchandise, received Paul, Sylas, and Timothe with other suspected brothers into her house & abundantly relieved them there. Acto. xvi. yet was she not troubled for it. In like manner at Thessalonica, a great number of the Greeks and many noble women among them, 
Noble women.  believed Paul's forbidden doctrine, and resorted boldly both to him and to Sylas. Act. xvii. yet were they not cruelly handled for it.  
Be ashamed than ye tyrants of England, that your horrible tyrannies should exeede all other jews or gentiles, 
tyrants  turks or idolaters. More noble were these women here rehearsed, for thus 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 conserved in the most noble and worthy scriptures of God, the tyrannous bishops and priests with their tyrannous maintainers there condemned. 
Prelates.  A through Christian charity is not lightly terrified, with the tempests of worldly afflictions, no more than true faith is changed in men that be christianly constant. 
Faith.  Soch can not chose but consider that it is both glorious to be afflicted for Christ. i. Pet. iii. and also most meritorious to relieve them here in their afflictions. Mat. xxv. Unto that Christian office hath Christ promised the life everlasting at the latter day, where as Mass hearing is like to remain without reward, 
Masses hearing.  except it be in bell for idolatry and blasphemy. Not unto them that in prison visiteth murderers and thieves (if ye mark well 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 gentylwomen to be of my opinion, & thereon they kept me a long time And because I lay still and did not cry, the 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 flee him, joan. seven. 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, he is not meet for me, Math, x. I fear me this will be judged high treason. 
High treason.  But no matter. So long as it is Christ's word, he shall be also under 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, and a most cruel tormentoure. 
A tourmentour.  Without all discretion, honesty, or manhood, he casteth of his gown, and take the here upon him the most vile office of an hangman and pulleth at the rack most vyllanouslye. O chancellor and rich. two. false Christians and blaphemouse apostates from God. 
chancellor & rich.  What chaplain of the pope hath enchanted you, or what devil of hell bewytched you, to execute upon a poor condemned woman, so prodigious a kind of tyranny? Even the very Mammon of iniquity, 
Mammon.  and that insatiable hunger of avarice, which compelled judas to betray unto death his most loving, master, joan. xii. The winnings were not small that ye reckoned upon, when ye took on ye that cruel enterprise, and would have had so many great men and women accused. But what else have ye won in the end, 
wretches.  than perpetual shame and confusion? God hath suffered you so to discover your own mischiefs, that ye shall no more be fogotten of the world, than are now Adomsedech, Saul, Hieroboam, Manasses, 
tyrants  Olophernes Haman, Tryphon, Herode, Neto, Traianus, and such other horrible tyrants. 
tyrants.   
And as concerning the innocent woman, 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, 
A lamb.  and suffered your uttermost violence, till the sinews 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. two. 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, ye abominable perjures, 
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, that it were better they had a millstone tied about their necks, 
A mylston  and were so thrown into the bottom of the see, Luce xvii. What will he say to them that so villaynouslye pull at the rack in their mischievous malice? These are but warnings take heed if ye life, 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 two. long hours reasoning with my lord Chancellor upon the bare floor, where as he with many ftattering 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.  
Ever more have the old modye tyrants, used this practise of devilyshnesse. 
practise.  As they have perceived themselves not to prevail by extreme handelinges they have sought to prove masteries by the contrary. With gay glozing words and fair flattering promises, they have craftily compassed the servants of God, to cause them consent to their wickedness. And in this tempting occupation, 
Temptation  are Wrisleye and rich very cunning, notwithstanding they shall never find the chosen of God, all one with the forsaken reprovates. The elect vessels hold the eternal God for their most special treasure, and have him in such entire love, that they had much liefer to lose themselves, than him. The wicked desperates have the voluptuous pleasures of this vain world so dear, that they hade liefer to forsake God and all his works, 
●. sorts.  than to be sequestered from them. This godly young woman referreth praise unto her lord God, that he hath not left her in this painful conflict for his verities sake, 
Praise.  but persevered strong with her, being in hope that he would so still continue with her, to the very end, as without fail he did.  
Many men sore wondre now a days that Wrisleye which was in my lord Cromwel's time so earnest a doer against the pope, 
Wrisleye  is now becomen again for his red larye wares so mighty a captain. But they remember not the common adage, that honour changeth manners, and lucre judgements. These great in keepers (they say) had liefer to have one good horse man to host, 
In keepers.  than vi. men on foot, specially if they wear velvet hoods or fine rochets. What else followeth Chryst but beggary and sorrows which are very hateful to the word? Where fatness is cause of every man's labour, there is yet sum what to be looked for. 
profit  If his christian zeal be such, 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  peraventure he may find about my lady his wife, a rellycke of no little virtue, a practise of Pythagoras, or an old midwife's 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 wolsey our late cardinal. 
cardinal  This heresy goeth neither to the rack nor to 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. Then my lord Chancellor sent me word if I would leave my opinion I should want nothing. 
A tyrant  If I would not, I should fourth to Newgate, & so be burned. I sent him again word, that I would rather die, than to break my faith. Thus the lord open the eyes of their blind hearts, 
Sweet woman.  that the truth may take place. Far weal dear friend, and pray, pray, pray.   

johan Bale.  
Behold in this last parcel, most evident signs of a christian martyr and faithful witness of God, 
A martyr  besides that went afore, She allegeth not in all this long process, lienge legends, popish fables, nor yet old wives parables, but the most lively autoritees 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 bruised 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. Neither was she perverted with flattering promises, 
Christ's servant.  nor yet over comen 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. 
A very Saint.  If these be not the fruits of a true believer. 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, as to fear death, 
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 fervent 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. two. Mach. vi. & seven. 
Death.  For she said, that it was but the end of all sorrows. She reckoned not with the covetous man, the remembrance thereof bitter, Eccle. xiiii. But with the righteous she thought it a most ready & swift passage unto life, joan. v. 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 loses 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, is as a profitable harvest, 
Harvest.  which after sweat & labour bringeth in most delectable fruits. None otherwise thought it Anne Askewe, than a very entrance of life, when she had it thus in desire, & faithfully trusted with Paul that God would finish in her that he than begun to his own glory. Philippen. i.   

Anne Askewe.  
I understand, the counsel is not a little disposed, that it should be reported abroad, that I was racked in the tower. 
Racked.  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 information thereof. Wherefore they would no man to noise it. 
No noise  Well, their cruelty God forgive them. Your heart in Christ jesu. Farewele, and pray.   

johan Bale.  
Hypocrites and tyrants would never be gladly known abroad, for that they are in died. But for that they are not they look always to be gloriously noised. Wrisleye & Rich would yet be judged of the world, 
Wrisleye & Rich.  two. sober wise men, and very sage counsellors. But this ty●●nnouse 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 ignomynyt 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, whereas these forworn enemies and pursuers of his word, have purchased themselu●● a perpetual infamy by their cruelty, and mischief. In excuse of their madness, 
In excuse  they say, they did 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 hangemannes office upon your own precious persons. O tormentors and tyrants abominable. 
tyrants  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. But I promise you, so to dywlge this unseemly fact of yours in the latin, that all christendom over, 
No noise.  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. Notwithwanding this I confess, that in my first troubles. I was examined of the Bishop of London about the sacrament, 
Of Cayphas.  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, 
Christ's martyr.  and not Antichristes'. To the voice of him she faithfully obeyed, but the voice of that romish monster and other strangers she regarded not, johan. x. As she perceived when she was before the bishop of London, 
Bonnee.  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 none other than Christ warned his disciples to be ware of Luce. xii. 
Wolves.  Whereupon she through●●e covenanted with herself, never to deny his verity afore men at their calling on, lest he should again deny her before his eternal father. Math. x. For if the confessing thereof bringeth salvation, as saint Paul saith it doth, Romanorum. x. 
salvation  The denying thereof on the other side, must needs bring in damnation.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then he made a copy, which is now in print, and required me to set thereunto my hand But I refused it. Then my. two. sureties did will me in no wise to stick thereat, 
Hand writing  For it was no great matter, they said. Then with much ado, at the last I wrote thus. I Anne Askewe do believe this if God's word do agree to the same, and 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 bludderinge bishop of London here, which for their old fantasied superstition, laboured in this woman to displeace the sincere verity of the lord. But so surely was she builded upon the hard rock, 
Builded.  that neither for enmity nor fryndeshyp, would she once remove her foot. Math, seven. Neither anguish, trouble, torment, nor fire, could separate her from that love of her lord God Rom. viii. 
A lamb.  Though she were for his sake rebuked and vexed, and also appointed as a sheep to be slain. Psa, xliii. Yet did she strongly thorughe him overcome, & have (I doubt it not) obtained the crown of life. Apoc. two.   

Anne Askewe.  
Then the bishop, being in great displeasure with me, because I made doubts in my writing, commanded me to 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 covet most to know. Resort to the. vi. of johan, 
Eucharysties.  and be ruled always thereby. Thus far ye well. Quoth Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
In all the scriptures we read not, 
Prison.  that either christ or yet his Apostles commanded any man or woman to prison for their faith, 
Prison.  as this tyrant Byshope 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. iiii. v. xii. xvi. Christ willed his true believers to look for none other at their spiritual hands, 
Chryst  than enprisonmentes and death. Math. x. johan. xvi. And therefore said Peter unto him. I am ready to go with thee, Lord, both into prison and to death. Luce. xxii. Paul greatly complaineth of his enprysonmentes and scourgings by them. two. Corinty. xi. diverse in the congregation of Smyrna were imprisoned by that fierce synagogue of Satan, 
Smyrna  Apocal. two. Isaiah prophesying the conditions of the spiritual antichrist, 
Antichrist  saith among other, that he should bold men captive in prison, Isaiah. xiiii. Ezechiel reporteth that he should churlyshlye check, and in cruelty rule. Ezech. xxxiiii. zacharye showeth that he should eat up the flesh of the fattest. zachary. xi. Daniel declareth that he should persecute with sword and fire. 
With fire  Daniel. xi. And saint johan verefyeth that he should be all drunk with the blood of the witnesses of jesus, Apoca. xvii. And therefore in these feats, his bishops do put their kinds.   
Thus endeth the latter examination.   

The confession of her faith which Anne Askewe made in Newgate afore she suffered.  
I Anne Askewe, of good memory, although my merciful father hath given me the bread of adversity, and 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. I take the same most merciful God of mine, 
Condemned.  which hath made both 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? Not a few of most evident arguments are therein, to prove her the true servant of God. 
Prove her  Her wits were not once dystracted, for all her most tyrannous handlings. She was still of a perfect memory, accounting her emprysonmentes, revilings, rackings, and other torments, but the bread of adversity and the water of trouble, as did David afore her. Psa. lxxix. 
●●nt●s of faith.  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 iudegementes. i. johan. iiii. & perceived them far unlike. Isaiah. iv.   

Anne Askewe.  
And I trust in my merciful Lord, which is the giver of all grace, that he will gracyoslye assist me against all evil opinions, 
No here●yke.  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, that after the priest hath spoken the words of consecration, there remaineth bread still. 
Bread.    

johan. Bale.  
Consydre without froward, party all or wilful affection, the points herein contained, 
Prove yet  and than judge of what hat or conscience they have risen. 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 cleaved to his eternal word. If these with those that went afore, be not fruits of true christianyte, 
Fruits of faith.  or of a perfect member of God's election, what fruits will we demand? S. Paul saith No man can confess that jesus is the lord (as she hath done here) but in the holy Ghost, i. Corinth. xii. David also specifieth, that the lord never forsaketh them which call upon his name, & put their trust in him. Psal. ix. And as touching the priests consecration, 
consecration.  which is such a charm of inchauntement as may not be done but by an oiled office of the pope's generation, she did godly to reject it in that clouting kind. For in all the Bible is it not that any man can make of a dry waffer cake, 
Waffer.  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 teach 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 b'ing 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 to judge the quick and the dead. 
Shall come.  Loo, this is the heresy that I hold, and for it must suffer the death.   

johan Bale.  
Of Antichrist read we in the scriptures, 
Antichrist.  that he & his oiled Apostles should do false miracles, Math. xxiiii. two. Thes two. & Apoca. xiii. 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 wonder that a dry cake might become a God to be worshipped? A miracle were this above all the miracles that ever were wrought, 
Miracle  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. i. 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 antichrists afore him. And where as he rested wholly in the seventh day, from that office of creation, Gene. two. and never took it upon him since that time, as testifieth johan chrysostom, Augustyne, Hierome, Bedas, Alcuinus, and all there other doctors. 
Doctor's  Yet will they take upon them to create every day a fresh, and when their old God stinketh in the box, 
Mould in the boxes  remove him out of the way, and put a new in his room, yea, they can make of bread (which is but man's corruptible creature, and ordained only to be eat) such a God as shall stand checkmate with the great God of heaven and peraventure deface him also. Oh blasphemous wretches and thieves. 
Godmakers.  Be once a shamed of your abominable blindness, and submit yourselves to a just reformation.   

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

johan Bale.  
No godly institution nor ordinance of Christ, do this faithful woman contemn, but reverently submitteth herself thereunto, 
Without Mass.  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 did she in conscience refuse and abhor, 
idolatries.  the idle observations, the pagans superstitions, the sorcerers enchantments, 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. i. Corint. two. My talking (said he) and my preaching, was not with persuasyble or enticing words of man's corrupt wisdom, 
Man's 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 xvi.   

Anne Askewe.  
Yea, and as saint Paul saith, those scriptures are sufficient for our learning and salvation, 
Scriptures.  that Chri●te 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, that have I with God's grace, 
Hope.  closed up in my heart. And my full trust is (as David saith) that it shall be a lantern to my foot steps, Psa. cxviii.   

johan Bale.  
Still are these fruits of inestimable wholesomeness, declaring this woman a most perfect and innocent member of jesus Christ. In this whole process (mark it hardly) she joineth not for socourre to muddy waters or broken pits of the Phylystynes, 
prove still  Hieremye. two. Which are the corrupt doctrines and traditions of men. But she seeketh to the very wellspring of health, and fountain of salvation. joan iiii. All unwritten verities left she to those wavering wanderers which will eternally perish with them. And in the verities written, 
Fruits of faith.  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. vi. As the hate in the forest desireth the pleasant water brooks, so longed her soul and was desirous of the manifest glory of her eternal God, Psal. xli. If her portion be not in the land of the living, 
Her god.  Psal. cxli Yea, if she be not allowed a citizen with the Saints, Ephe. i. And her name registered in the book of life, Apoca. xxi. It will be hard with many. But certain and sure I am, that with mary Martha's sister, such a sure part have she chosen, 
A sure part.  as will not be taken away from her, Luce. x.   

Anne Askewe.  
There be some do say, that I deny the eucharist or sacrament of thanks giving. 
eucharisty.  But those people do untrulye 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 reverenlye 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. 
obidyence.  The Mass (which is in all points, 
The Mass  of that filthy antichrist's creation) took she for the most execreable idol upon earth. 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, is none other than a dog, when he cometh once to his age. idols (saith David) are like them that make them. 
idolaters  So are they also which put their trust in them, Psalm. cxiii. An idol doth zachary call that proud slaughterouse shepherd, 
An idol  zacharye. xi. Who then can deny his prodigious ordinances to be the same? What other is the work of an idolatrous worker, than an execrable idol. And look what properties any idol hath had, or feats hath wrought yet since the worlds beginning, the pope's prodigious Mass hath had and wrought the same, with many conveyances more.  
Of pope's hath it received disgisynges, 
Popes.  instruments, blessings, turnings and legerdemains, with many strange observations borrowed of the jews and pagans old sacrifices, besides pardons for deliverance of souls. Of monks have it gotten a purgatory after many strange apparitions with a long ladder from thence to scale heaven with. 
Monks.  It hath obtained also to be a remedy for all diseases both in man and beast, with innumerable superstitions else. Of universities and their doctors, have it cawte all the subtleties and crafty learnings of the profane philosophers, to be defended by, as is to be scene in the works of their sentencioners, 
Vniversytees.  like as I have showed in the mystery of iniquity. fo. xxxiii. It serveth all witches in their wytchery, all sorcerers, charmers, enchanters, 
The mass  dreamers, soothsayers, necromansers, conjures, cross dyggers, devil raysers, miracle doers, doggeleches, and bawds. For without a Mass, they can not well work their feats. The layers, like wise, which seek in Westmynstre haul to get most money by falschede, can neither be well without it. It upholdeth vain glory, pride, ambition, avarice, gluttony, sloth, idleness, 
Profitable.  hypocrisy, heresy, tyranny, and all other devilishness besides. It maintaineth the spiritual soldiers of antichrist, 
necessaries  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 Perine. 
miracles of the mass.  Perchance some devout Mass hearers will lay for the holiness thereof, that it containeth both pistle and Gospel. truly that epistle and that Gospel may well have a name of life, as S. johan saith of the church of Sardis. Apoca. z. Yet is it in that office of massing, non other than the dead or mortyfienge letter. 
Dead letter.  two. Cor. iii. For the spirit that should quicken, 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 alleged unto Christ upon the pinnacle of the temple? 
Satan.  Mat iiii. 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, 
witches  of his Angels, & of his saints, more rife than among witches, charmers, enchanters, & sorcerers? Yet can ye not say, that they are among them to any man's salvation as they would be in right handling. What it is that serveth an idol, 
An idol.  let godly wise men conjecture, which are not all ygnorraunt how the Angel became a devil.   

Anne Askewe.  
O Lord, I have more enemies now, 
Enemies  than there be hears on my head. Yet lord let them never overcome 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 amthipore creature. Yet sweet lord, let me not set by them which are against the. For in that is my whole delight. 
Hate them.    

johan Bale.  
O blessed 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 hast here reckoned. And the more thou hast had, the greater is now thy victory in Christ. The great body of the Beast thou hast had to enemy, which comprehendeth the malignant muster of Satan on the one side, & the earthly worshippers of his blasphemous beastliness on the other side, 
Haters.  Daniel. xi. Apoc. xi: i. whose number is as the sand of the sec, infinite. Apo. xx. But consider again, what fryndeshyp thou hast gotten for it on the other part. 
friends.  Thou hast now to friend for thy faithful perseverance against those idol mongers, the sempiternal trinity, the father, the son, & the holy Gost. joan. xiiii. With the glorious multitude of Angels, the patriarchs, Prophets, apostles & Martyrs, with all the electnombre from righteous Abel hitherto. Thou hast also here upon earth, & evermore shall have, the favour of all them which have not bowed to that filthy Beast, 
Favourers  whose names are registered in the book of life. Apo. xxi. 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. i.   

Anne Askewe.  
And Lord I heartily desire of thee, that thou wilt of thy most merciful goodness, forgive them that violence, which they do and have done unto me. Open also thou their blind hearts, 
Prayer.  that they may hereafter do that thing in thy sight, which is only acceptable before the. And to set fourth thy verity a right, without all vain fantasies of sinful men. So be it. O Lord, so be it. By me Anne Askewe.   

johan Bale.  
Afore here she confesseth with David that on God she had cast her care, 
Sweet woman.  and that in him was all her hearts delight Psa. lx. She desired him also, never to fail herein to is hard condicte, but strongly to assist her, and in no case to permit her to be overcomen of the flattering world, neither yet to give place to his enemies. And I doubt it not, but these are most evident signs that she was his faithful servant. 
God's true servant.  I know certainly, that all the power of hell, can not prevail against so earnest a faith. Math xvi. For he hath so spoken it there, which can not lie, Luc. xxi. and. i Petri. two. In this latter part, she showeth the nature of Christ's lively member, 
Christ's member.  and of a perfect christian martyr in ii points, first she desireth god to forgive her enemies as Christ desired him in the time of his passion, Luc. xxiii. And as holy Steven also did for the time of his death. Actorum. seven. secondly she desireth their hearts to be opened, that they may truly believe and be saved. Actorum. xvi. This supernatural affect of charity had she only of the spirit of Christ, 
charity.  which willeth not the death of a froward sinner, but rather that he be from his wickedness turned, and so live Ezech. xxxiii. Thus is she a Saint canonized in Christ's blood, 
A Saint.  though she never have other canonisation of pope, pressed, nor bishop.   
The destroyer shall be destroyed without bands,  Daniel. viii.  

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 shallbe 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.  
Thou 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 head  
Let them not me deprave  
But fight thou in my stead.  
On the my care I cast  
For all their cruel spite  
I set not by their haste  
For thou art my delight.  
I am not she that list  
My anchor to let fall  
For every drysting mist  
My ship substantial.  
Not oft use I to write  
In prose nor yet in time  
Yet will I show our sight  
That I saw in my time.  
I saw a tyall throne  
Where justice should have sit  
But in her stead was one  
Of modye cruel wit.  
Absorbed was tyghtwysnesse  
As of the raging flood  
Satan in his excess  
Suete 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.  
God save the king.  
God hath choose the weak things of the world to confound things which are mighty. Yea, & things of no reputation, for to bring to nought things of reputation, that no flesh should presume in his sight.  1. Corin. 1.  

The Conclusion.  
THus hast thou (diligent reader) the end of these. two. examinations and answers of the most christian martyr Anne Askewe, with other additions besides. Mark in them the horrible mad fury of antichrist and the devil how they work in this age by their tyrannous membres, 
Antichrist  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, ronnynyge 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 had inquired, 
pilate  what accusation the jews clergy had against Christ, he perceived they did all of malice, and refused to meddle therein. joan. xviii. In Wrisleye and Rich is no such equity. 
Wrisleye.  But they rather seek occasion to accomplish the full malice of antichrist.  
pilate showed the accused all faver 
pilate  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. xviii far contrary to this were Wrisleye and Rich, 
Wrysleye  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 spoke for the innocent, 
pilate.  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, Mat xxvii. These perjured magistrates Wrisleye & Rich, 
Wrisleye.  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 would shed no innocent blood, 
pilate.  but laboured to mitigate the bishops fury, & instaunted them as they were religious, to show godly favour, concluding that he could by no law of justice, judge him worthy to die Marci. xv. These vengeable tyrants Wrisleye and rich insaciably thirsted. 
Wrisleye  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 Suffexe, the blood of the faithful lady Dennye, 
Ladies.  of the good lady Fizwilliams, and of other godly women more, such widows and wives as Paul, Peter, and johan commendeth in their epistles, besides the blood of certain noblemen of the kings high counsel. And all at the spiteful calling on of the bishops. Slack ear gave Pilate to the priests, 
pilate.  he regarded not their displeasure, he detected their proternouse madness, by delays he differed the sentence, and finally washed his hands as one that was clear from their tyranny, Luce. xxiii. Swift ear gave Wrisleye & Rich with their wicked affinity to the puffed up porkelynges of the pope Gardiner, 
Wrisleye & rich.  Bonner, & such other, they followed their revel counsel, they enprysoned her, judged her, condemned her, & racked her, at the last with their own polluted bloody tormentors hands, till the veins and sinews braced.  
If ye mark the scriptures weal, ye shall easily perceive that pilate was not in fault of Christ'S bufferings, 
pilate,  bearings, scornings, face spittings, crowning with thorn, and such other extreme handlings. But the malicious bishops & priests which waged judas to betray him, 
priests.  hired false witness to accuse him, moneyed the multitude to diffame him, feigned false matter against him, compelled the law and terrified the judge, to have their full mischief accomplished, as our Bishops have done in this cruel act and such other. When the priests would have blemished his name by the ignomyniouse death which he suffered among thieves on the cross, Pilate proclaimed it glorious unto all the world, 
pilate.  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. xvi. Wrisleie & rich with their ungracious affinity, 
Wrysleye  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. xxvii. Wrisleye commanded this martyr of God with her faithful companions to be brent to ashes. pilate was ignorant of God's laws, 
Pilate.  and a pagan Wrisleye and Rich know both the law and the Gospel, 
Wrisleye  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.XLVI And in the month of july, at the prodigious procurement of Antichristes' furious remnant, Gardyner, 
Brent.  Bonner and such like, she suffered most cruel death in smithfield with her three faithful companions, johan Lassels a gentleman which had been her instructor, johan Adlam a tailor, 
Martyr's  and a priest so constant in the verity against the said Antichristes' superstitions as they, whose name at this time I had not. Credybyle am I informed by diverse duche merchants which were there present, that in the time of their sufferings, the sky abhorring so wicked an act, 
A sign.  suddenly altered colour, and the clouds from above gave a thunder clap, not all unlike to that is written, Psa. lxxvi. 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 with those that were with him, 
Centurio  for the tokens showed at Christ's death, confessed him to be the son of God, Math. xxvii. So did a great number at the burning of these martyrs, upon the sight of this open experiment, affirm them to be his faithful members.  
Full many Christian heart have risen and will rise from the pope to christ through the occasion of their consuming in the fire. 
Christianes'.  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, 
Take heed  O that woman that woman, 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 gaudish ceremonies, 
Ceremonies.  as they are for bear baitings, cock fightings tennis play, tables, tombelinge, dancing, or hunting, who list & who may. for as little have those traditions of his of the word of God, in their proudest out show, as they have. Here will some tender stomachs be grieved, 
Tendrelynges,  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.  Mat xxvii. and Luce xxiii. These were the idle witted priests at London and their beastly ignorant broods with old supersticious bawds and brethels, the pope's blind cattle. 
Bawds.  These cried there like mad me die 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 no billie are they overseane in the Bible that judge the thunders to signify damnation. Thunder (saith the scripture) is the voice of god, 
thunders.  Eccle. xliii. Thunder is the helping power of the lord, job. xxvii. and no damnation. Christ called johan and james the sons of thunder, Marci iii. Which betokened that they should be earnest preachers, and no children of damnation. The lord by thunder showeth his inscrutable working, 
Thunder.  job. xxxviii. Moses received the law. Helias the spirit of prophecy, the Apostles the holy Ghost, & all in thunder. What wicked sole 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. vi. which is no damnation, 
Apocal.  but a sharp calling of people to Godward. The thunderings that appeared when the Angel filled his censer. 
thunders.  Apoc viii. were no dampnations but God's crueste words rebuking the world for sin. The best interpreters do call those thonderinges which came from the throne of God. Apocal. iiii. soch verities of the scripture as terrifieth sinners, and no dampnations. Neither were the seven. thunderings which gave their voices, Apoc. x. any other than mysteries at their times to be opened, Eucherius Lugdunensis & other moralisers, 
Eucheryus  call thunders in the scripture, the voices of the Gospel, and their lightenings, the clear openinges of the same. If thunder be a thretteninge or a fearful judgement of God (as in Psal. ciii.) it is to them that abide here, and not to them that depart from hens. A token is it also that the horrible tyrants shall be as the meledust, 
For tyrants.  that the wind taketh away suddenly, isaiah xxix. If Plague do follow of thunder, as it did in Egypt, when Moses stretched forth his rod, Exodi. ix. 
North folk.  It shall light upon them which hath showed the tirannouse violence on the people of God, as it did upon pharaoh and his cruel ministers.  
At the mighty voice which was both sensible heard and understandyd of the Apostles from heaven, 
Markewele.  that the father was & would be glorified by Christ the people said nothing but, It thondereth, joan. xii. For nothing else they understood thereof. What Anne Askewe and her companions both heard and see in this thunder to their souls consolation in their painful sufferings, no mortal understanding can discern. Only was it Steven (and peradventure a few disciples) that see the heavens open when he suffered, 
S. Steven  and not the cruel multitude which ran upon him with stones, Acto. seven. 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 and promise, 
god's words  to prove them both saved and glorified in Christ. For God ever preserveth them which trust in him, Psal. xvi. All that call upon his holy name, are saved, jobel. two. 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 my sheep out of my hands, 
Not lost.  but I will give them eternal life, joan. x. Believe (saith Paul to the jailer at Philippos) on the lord jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved & thy whole household, Acto. xvi. 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. iii. With other in numerable scriptures, to the praise of God, whose name be glorified world without end, Amen.  
FINIS.  
God save the king.  
Thus endeth the latter conflict of Anne Askewe, lately done to death by the Romish pope's malicious remnant, and now canonized in the precious blood of the lord jesus christ Imprinted at Marpurg in the land of Hessen. 16, die january, anno 1.5.4.7.