A BREVIARY OF THE LATER PERSECUTIONS  
Of the Professors of the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS, under the Romish and Antichristian Prelates through Christendom, from the time of John Wickliff in the year of God 1371. to the Reign of Queen Elizabeth of England, and the reformation of Religion in Scotland: And of the cruel Persecutions of the Christians under the Turkish Emperors, with some memorable occurrences that fell out in these times through divers Realms & Countries; Collected out of the Ecclesisticall History and Book of Martyrs, By Mr. Robert Young.  Luke 9 23. 
And he said unto them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, & take up his cross daily & follow me.  Vers. 24 
For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake the same shall save it.  Verse 25. 
For what advantageth it a man, if he gain the whole World, and destroy himself, or lose himself.  Verse 26. 
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shalt the Son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his glory, and in the glory of the Father and of the holy Angels.  
GLASGOW Printed by ROBERT SANDERS, Printer to the City, and are to be Sold at his Shop. 1674.   

TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.  
Rome is not now, as it was in the Primitive times, it was then the seat of the true service and worship of God, where the Word or God was truly and purely preached, professed and maintained, but now Rome is full of errors, superstition and idolatry, of all iniquity and wickedness, full of vile abominations. petrarch Mantuan, and many others, call Rome the Shop of all wickedness, Babylon, Sodom, the School of errors, the Church of heresies, an harlot with a shameless face; Mantuan thus noteth the vice there used, 
Pudor in villas, si non patiantur easdem  
Et villae vomicas. Roma est jam tota lupanar,  that is, go shame to the Villages, if they be yet as free from the same filth, or now all Rome is nought save bo●therlie. And Pasquil confirmeth the same, when one having b●en at Rome, at his departure taketh his leave thus,  
Roma vale vidi, satis est vidisse, revertar  
Cum leno aut mertrix, scurra, cynedus ero.  
That is, Rome farewell, I have seen, and now I am glutted with the fight, I will return when I am bawd gester, catamit.  
All things are now saleable at Rome, saith Mantuan, 
— Venalia nobis  
Templa, Sacerdotes, Altaria, Sacra, Coranae,  
Ignis, Thura, Preces, Coelum est venale, deusque.  
Temples, Priests, Altars, rites (I tell not tale)  
Crowns, Sacrifices, Heaven and God are set to sale,  and the souls of men. Tecelius the Pope's pardon-monger persuaded the people in Germany that whosoever would give ten shillings should at his pleasure deliver one soul out of the pains of Purgatory, and assoon as the money rang in the Basin, that soul was set at liberty, but if it were one jot less than ten shillings, it would profit them nothing. This gainful gul●e●●e Luther cried down with all his might, and so marred the Market; and therefore it is said by on● very well, 
Vivere qui sanctè cupitis, discedite Roma,  
Omnia cum liceant▪ non licet essepium,  that is, ye that desire to live holy, depart from Rome, for when all things are lawful, it is not lawful to be holy. And as Rome is not now as it was of old, so neither are the Bishops of Rome such men as were in the primitive times, they were then Preachers of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, maintainers and defenders of it, and gave their lives to Martyrdom for the cause of Christ and his Gospel, so that there were 25. of them that died Martyrs, in order one after another. But now the Bishops of Rome ●re become Tyrants, and cruel persecuters of the Saints of God, and Professors of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, with fire and sword, as we may see in the Martyrdom of John Hus and Jerome of prague▪ and thousands ●●oe. And as this ensuing Treatise doth declare, they are men of wicked and vicious lives, given to unlawful Arts and Sciences, as to Necromancy. There were eighteen Pope's Necromancers, one succeeding another: they are lifted up in intolerable pride, and claim and take to themselves high and arrogant titles, as universal Bishops, Princes of Priests, supreme head of the Universal Church, and Vicars of Christ here one earth, which must not be judged of any, having all knowledge of Scriptures, and all Laws contained within the Chest of their breasts, chief Magistrates of the world: they exalt themselves above Kings, Princes and Emperors, causing some of them to lie under their feet, some to hold their stirrup, some to lead their horse by the bridle, some to kiss their feet, placing and displacing Emperors, Kings, Dukes and Earls, whom and when they pleased. Was it not a presumptuous thing in Gregorius the seventh, to cause the Emperor Henry the fourth to stand at his gate three days and three nights barefoot and barelegged, with his wife and child, in the deep of Winter, both frost and snow, entreating for his absolution, and after did Excommunicate him again, so that he was twice Excommunicate in his days. And did not I Paschalis after Gregory set up the son of the said Henricus against his father in war to possess the Empire, and to put down his father, and so he did. And did not I Gregorius set up Robert Wysard and make him King of Sicilia and Duke of Capua. Did not I Pope Alexander bring under Henry the second King of England for the death of Thomas Becket, and cause him to go bare foot to his Tomb at Caunterbury with bleeding feet. Did not I Innocentius the third cause King John to kneel down at the feet of Pandolphus my Legate, and offer up his Crown to his hands, and to kiss the feet of Stephen Langtoun Bishop of Canterbury, and besides, merced him in a thousand Me●ks be year. Did not I Alexander bring the valiant Emperor Frederick the first to Venice by reason of his son Otho there taken prisoner, and there in St. Marks Church made him fall down flat upon the ground, while I set my feet upon his neck, saying that verse of the Psalm, Super aspidem & Basiliscum ambulubis, etc. Did not I Adrianus Pope, an Englishman born, control and correct the forsaid Frederick the Emperor for holding the left stirrup of my horse when he should have holden the right, and afterward did I not Excommunicate him and curse him, for that he was so saucy to set up his own name in writing before mine. Did not I Pope Celestine Crown Henry the fifth Emperor with my foot, and with my foot spurned the Crown from his head again in St. Peter's Church, to make him know that the Popes of Rome have power both to Crown Emperors and to dispose them again. And briefly says the Pope, who is able to comprehend the greatness of my power and of my seat? All the earth is my Diocese, and I the ordinary of all men● having the authority of the King of all Kings upon subjects, I am all in all, and above all so that God himself and I the Vicar of God hath but one Consistory, and I am able to do almost all that God can do, clavenon errante. It is in my power to alter and abrogate Laws, to dispense with all things, yea, with the precepts of Christ: and in a word, I declare and pronounce to stand upon necessity of salvation for every human● creature to be subject to me. And as their pride, so their avarice is insatiable in exacting and gathering of money of all under their jurisdiction & putting it into their treasury, for Petrarch recordeth that in the Treasury of Pope John the 22. were found after his death 250 Tuns of gold. And of Boniface the 8. It is storied that when he was taken by Ph●lip the fair King of France, and his Palace rifled, there was more Treasure found then all the Kings of the earth were able to show again. What huge sums of money did Thecelius and his companions take together out of Germany for indulgences and pardons. The Pope had yearly out of England above nine Tuns of Gold. Otto one of the Pope's Muscipulatores, mice catchers, as the story calls, departing out of England left not so much money in the whole Kingdom as he either carried with him, or sent to Rome before him. It was truly an trimly said by Pope Innocent the fourth. Vere enim hortus deliciarum Papis fuit tum Anglia & puteus in exhaustus. England was then a gallant garden to the Pope, and a Wellspring of wealth that could not be drawn dry. Cardinal Volsey emptied the land of Twelve score thousand pound to relive and ransom Pope Clement the seventh imprisoned by the Duke of Bourbon. The Apostle Paul in the 2. to the Thes. foretells of the nature and manners of those wicked men and their destruction, and by speaking of one he pointeth out the body of that tyrannous and persecuting Church, he calls him that man of sin, that breathing Devil so portentuously, so peerlesly vicious, Vtejus nomen non hominis sed vitii esse videatur, as Lipsius saith of one Tubulus a Roman Praetor that sin itself can hardly be more sinful, next he calls him the son of perdition, destined to destruction even to be cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. Rev. 19.29. Well might Pope Marcellus the second, strike his hand upon the Table and say, Non video quomodo qui locum hunc altissimum tenent salvari possunt. I see not how any Pope can be saved when I was first in order said Pope Pius Quintus, I had some good hope of Salvation, when I wae made a Cardinal I doubted, but now that I am Pope I almost despair. Again the Apostle calls him an adversary, and exalteth himself against all that is called God or that is worshipped, all men know who he is that saith he can shut up heaven and open it at his pleasure, and take upon him to be Lord & Master above all Kings and Princes; before whom Kings and Princes fall down and worship, honouring that Antichrist as a God. And he sitteth as God in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God. In the year 1540 Pope Paul the third suffered himself to be thus blasphemously flattered. Paulo tertio optimo maximo in terris Deo. In the year 1610. Books were printed at Bononi and at Naples with this Inscription, Paulo 5. Vice Deo christianae reipublicae Monarchae invictissimo, pontificiae omnipotentiae conseruatori acerrimo▪ To Paul the 5. Vicegod, most invincible Monarch of Christendom, most stout defender of the Papal Omnipotency, The Pope can do all that Christ can do, of wrong he can make right, of vice virtue, of nothing, something saith Bellarmine, he is lifted above the Angels, so that he can excommunicate them, he can dispense against not only the law of nature, but against all the Evangelists, Prophets & Apostles saith Pope John etc. In Extract, One of his parasites clawed him thus.  
Oraclis vocis mundi moderaris habenas  
Et merito in terris diceris esse Deus.  
He is cried up for the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, and that hath both the swords throughout the World, and an illimited Empire over all reasonable creatures, duliae adorandus etc. Ye see then what kind of men their Popes are, who call themselves universal Bishops, and that the charge and government of Christ's universal Church is committed to them, that they are the Vicars of Christ and the successors of Peter, yet they are the greatest enemies that Christ and his Church have, they are subverters and overthrowers of his Kingdom, what cruel and bloody practices they have used throughout Christendom to subvert the Gospel, and the professors thereof, what innocent blood they have shed, the Book of Martyrs doth abundantly testify, and this small ensuing Treatise doth compendiously declare: but God will bring down their intolerable pride and Tyranny and lay them low and consume them with the breath of his mouth, as saith the Apostle. And as for Rome the Seat of Antichrist which is called Babylon, shall come to fearful ruin and destruction as St. John in the 18. Rev. foretells it is fallen, It is fallen▪ Babylon that great City, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of all soul Spirits, and a Cage of every unclean and hateful bird, for all Nations have drunken of the wrath of her Fornication, and the Kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; that is spiritual whoredom which is Idolatry; the Merchants of the Earth which were enriched with the pomp and luxuriousness of it shall weep and wail etc. But all the Elect shall rejoice for the just vengeance that God hath taken on her. Also the Emperor Frederick is reported to have foretold the ruin of Rome in this distich.  
Roma diu titubans variis erroribus acta  
Corruet, & mundi desinet esse caput,  
But not to trouble Thee Gentle Reader with longer preface, I rest.  
Thine in the Lord to serve thee, Mr. ROBERT YOUNG.   

A BREVIARY OF THE LATER PERSECUTIONS. Of the Professors of the Gospel of CHRIST JESUS, under the Romish and Antichristian Prelates.  

THe Persecution of the Christians in the Primitive Church under the Heathen Emperors and Tyrants of Rome, continued the space of three hundred years after the passion of Christ, to the seventh year of Constantine the great, who stayed the Persecutions, and settled peace in the Church, so that there was no set or universal persecution in the Church, for the space of a thousand years thereafter, for all that time Satan was tied and bound up, and his rage restrained against the Professors of the Gospel, thereafter was Satan let lose again for a time, to vex and trouble the Church, as we have it in the 20. of the Revelation in these words, And I saw an Angel descending from Heaven, having a key of the bottomless pit, and a great chain in his hand, and he took the Dragon the old Serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and put him into the bottomless dungeon, and shut him up, and signed him with his seal, that he should no more seduce the Gentiles, till a thousand years were expired, and after that he must be loosed again for a little space of time, etc. The thousand years being now expired, & Satan let lose, he gins again to persecute the Church of God, and the professors of the truth, in the person of Wickliff, in the year of our Lord 1371. in the days of Edward the third King of England.  
This Wickliff was an Englishman, and a Professor of Divinity in Oxford, a man of great spirit, and of great learning, he came to such a degree or erudition, that he was thought the most excellent amongst all the Theologians at that time, he perceiving the true Doctrine of Christ's Gospel to be adulde●at and defiled with so many filthy inventions of Bishops; Sects of Monks, and dark errors, and after long debating and deliberating with himself, with many secret sighs and bewaling in his mind the general ignorance of the whole world, could no longer s●ffer or abide the same; he at the last determined with himself to help and remedy such things as he saw to be wide and out of the way, and so he began as from a deep night, to draw out the truth of the Doctrine of the Son of God, with the purity of the Doctrine which he taught, he also lively touched the abuses of the Popedom, in so much that the Locusts (that is to say, the Monks and begging Friars) listed themselves up against him, to persecute him, with all the rabble of, the Popish Clergy, but the Lord gave him for a Protector King Edward the third, the Duke of Lancaster the King's son, and Lord Henery Peircy the Marshal of England, for all the time of King Edward's reign, he had great liberty of his profession, and that the King carried a special favour and goodwill to him, appears in this, that he sent him with his Ambassador over into the parts of Italy, to treat with the Pope's Legates concerning affairs betwixt the King and the Pope, with full commission.  
This King Edward was a good man and hath this commendation that he was, Orphanis quasi Pater, afflictis compations miseris condol●ns, oppressis releva●s, & cunctis indigentibus impendens auxilia opportuna, that is, to the Orphans he was a Father, competient to the afflicted, mourning with the miserable, relieving the oppressed; and to all them that wanted a helper in the time of need, etc. Pope Gregory, being informed of Wickliffs', Doctrine, & that was pred abroad through the land, He wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and to the Bishop of London, to cause apprehend the said John Wickliff, and to cast him into prison, and that the King and Nobles of England should be admonished not to give any trust to the said John Wickliff, or to his Doctrine in any ways. As also, he wrote unto King Edward, or rather unto King Richard who succeeded King Edward to persecute this Wickliff, but God shortened the rage and fury of this cruel Prelate against him, for that in the same year, or, in the beginning of the next year following, the forsaid Pope Gergory the eleventh turned up his heels and died: Yet the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of London did vex & trouble him, and held sundry meetings of the Clergy against him, to condemn him and his Doctrine. And here is not to be passed over the great miracle of God's Divine admonition or warning; for when as the Archbishop and Suffragans with the other Doctors and Lawyers, with a great company of babbling Friars and Religious persons were gathered together to consult as touching John Wickliffs books and that whole sect. When as I say they were gathered together at the Gray-friers in London to begin their business upon St. Dunstanes day after dinner, about two in the cloak the very hour and instant that they should go forward with their business, a wonderful and terrible earthquake fell throughout all England; whereupon divers of the Suffragans being feared by the strange and wonderful demonstration, doubting what it should mean, thought it good to leave off from their determinat purpose. But the Archbishop (as the chief Captain of that Army, more rash and bold then wise) interpreting the change which had happened clean contrary to another meaning and purpose, did confirm and strengthen hearts and minds which are almost daunted with fear stoutly to proceed and to go forward in their attempted enterprise; who then discoursing Wickliffs Articles, not according to the sacred Cannons of the Holy Scripture, but unto their own private affections and traditions, pronounced and gave sentence that some of them were simply and plainly Heretical, other some false, erroneous, other irreligious, some seditious and not consonant to the Church of Rome.  
John Wickliff a long time after this returning again, either from his banishment, being banished by King Richard, or from some other place where he was secretly keeped, repaired to his Parish at Lutterworth where he was Parson, and there quietly departing this mortal Life, steeped in peace in the Lord▪ 1384. Here is to be noted in this Man as in divers others, whom the Lord so long preserved in such rages, of so many enemies from all their hands, even to his old age. This Wickliff had written divers and sundry works, the which in the year of our Lord 1410. were burnt at Oxford. And not only in England, but in Bohemia. Likewise the Books of the said Wickliff were set on fire by the Archbishop of prague, who made diligent inquisiition for the same and burned them. The numbers of the Volumes which he is said to have burned most excellently written and richly adorned with bosses of Gold, and cover (as Aeneas Silvius writeth) were about the number of two hundred. Great was the testimony given out by the University of Oxford touching the commendation of the great Learning and good Life of John Wickliff; as also great was the testimony and commendation of Master John Hus concerning John Wickliff, who affirmed that he was no Heretic, and yet the Counsel of Constance condemned him for an Heretic, and caused his Body and Bones to be raised and burnt 41. years after his Death, and took his Ashes and threw into the River, thinking thereby utterly to extinguish and abolish both the Name and Doctrine of Wickliff for ever, for though they digged up his Body, and burned his Bones, and drowned his Ashes, yet the Word of God and truth of his Doctrine, with the fruit and success thereof, they could not burn; which yet to this day for the most part of his Articles do remain. After the Death of Pope Gregory the eleventh, there ensued such a great Schism in Rome between two Popes, Urban and Clement, and other succeeding after them, one striving against another that the Schism thereof endured the space of 39 years or there about, until the time of the Counsel of Constance. As touching this pestilent and miserable Schism, It would require here another Iliad to comprehend in order all the circumstances and tragical parts thereof, what trouble in the whole Church, what parts taking in every country, what apprehending and imprisoning of Priests and Prelates taken by land and sea, what shedding of Blood did follow thereoff; how Otho Duke of Brunswick, and Prince of Tarentum was taken and murdered, how Joan his wife Queen of Jerusalem and Sicilia who before had sent to Pope Urban beside other gifts at his Coronation 40. m. Ducats in pure Gold, was after by the said Urban committed to prison, and in the same prison strangled: What Cardinals were racked and miserably without all mercy tormented on Gibbets to death, what slaughter of men, what Battles were fought between the Popes, whereof 5000. on the one side were slain, beside the number of them who are taken Prisoners, of the beheading of five Cardinals together after long torments, And how the Bishop of Aquilonensis being suspected of Pope Urban for not riding faster with the Pope, his horse not being so good, was there slain by the Pope's commandment, sending his Soldiers unto him to slay him, and cut him in pieces, with many more acts of horrible cruelty happening in the time of this abominable Schism. About the same time also or about three years after there fell a cruel dissension in England between the common people, and the Nobility, the which did not a little disturb and trouble the Commonwealth. In this tumult Simon of Sudbury Archbishop of Canterbury was taken by the Rustical and rude people and was beheaded.  
In the year of God 1397. there was a battle foughteen betwixt Tamerlane the Tartarian Prince, and Bajazet the fourth King of the Turks, not far from the Mount Stella, where Bajazer there lost his son Mustapha, with two hundred thousand of his men, and Tamerlane not many fewer. Bajazet himself was taken, and being brought to Tamerlane, and after sundry things asked of him, he inqired of him what he would have done with him if it had been his fortune to have fallen into his hands as thou art now in mine, I would, said Bajazer, have enclosed thee in a Cage of Iron, and so in triumph have carried thee up and down my Kingdom; Even so said Tamerlane shalt thou be served: And so he made him to be schaked in fetters and chains of gold, and to be shut up in an Iron Cage, made like a Great, in such sort as that he might on every side be seen, and so carried him up and down as he passed through Asia, to be of his own people scorned and derided. And to his own further disgrace, upon Festival days used him for a footstool to tread upon when he mounted to horse, and at other times scornfully feed him like a Dog, with crumbs fallen from his Table. A rare example of the uncertainty of worldly honour, that he unto whose ambitious mind Asia and Europe, two great parts of the world were too little, should be now carried up and down cooped up in a little Iron Cage, like some perilous wild beast; all which Tamerlane did not so much for the hatred to the man, as to manifest the just judgement of God against the arrogant folly of the proud. It is reported, that Tamerlane being requested by one of his Noblemen that might be bold to speak unto him, to remit some part of his severity against the person of so great a Prince, answered, that he did not use that rigour against him as a King, but rathet did punish him as proud ambitious Tyrant, polluted with the blood of his own brother.  
About this time Berthold Schwartz and Alchemist invented the Guns and Artillery.  
After the death of John Wickliff, many were persecuted and suffered most cruel death in England, and many moe did forsake the Realm, and we●e persecuted for the embracing, professing and maintaining of Wckliffs doctrine. And first of all we begin at one William Sawtre, a good man, and a faithful Priest of the Churrh of St. Margaret in the Town of Lin, and zealous of the true Religion, he is brought before Thomas Arnndell Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Clergy, and is before them convict and condemned for Heresy, he is first disposed and degraded from his Office, and thereafter delivered to the secular power to be burned: This it may appear how tKings and Princes have been blinded and abused by ●he false Prelates of the Church, in so much that they have been their slaves and butchers to slay Christ's poor innocent members. See therefore what danger it is for, princes not to have knowledge and understanding themselves, but to be led by other men's eyes, and especially trusting to such guides, who through hypocrisy both deceive them, and through cruelty devour the people.  
As this King Henry the fourth was the first of English Kings that began the unmerciful burning of Christ's Saints for standing against the Pope, so was this William Sawtre the true and faithful Martyr, the first of all them after Wickliffs death, which I find to be burned in the reign of the forsaid King, which was in the year of our Lord, 1400. After the Martyrdom of this godly man, the rest of the same company began to keep themselves more clearly, for fear of the King, who was altogether bend to hold up the Pope's Prelacy. Such was the reign of this Prince, that to the godly he was ever terrible, in his actions immeasurable, of few men hearty beloved, but Princes never lack flatters about them; neither was the time of his reign very quiet, but full of trouble, of blood and misery.  
After the death of William Sawtre was apprehended one John Badby a Tailor, a Layman, he was accused of heresy and other Articles repugnant to the determination of the Church of Rome, before Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, and other his assiants, both Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and was condemned for an Heritick, and delivered over to the Secular power to be burnt, the King's warrant is given for his burning, he is brought into Smithfield, and there being put in an empty Barrel, was bound with Iron Chains fastened to an Stake, having dry Wood put about him. And as he was thus standing in the Pipe or Tun, it happened that the Prince, the King's eldest son was there present, who showing some part of the good Samaritan, began to endeavour and essay how to save his life, he admonished & counselled him, that having respect unto himself, he would speedily withdrawn himself out of these dangerous Labyrinths of opinions, adding oftentimes threaten, the which might have daunted any man's stomach, but he harkened not thereunto, and then was the Tun put over him, and fire put unto him; and when he felt the fire, he cried, mercy, calling belike unto the Lord, and so the Prince immedialy commanded to take away the Tun and quench the fire: The Prince his commandment being done, asked him if he would forsake Heresy to take him to the faith of Holy Church, which thing if he would do he should have Goods enough, promising also unto him a yearly Stipend out of the King's Treasury so much as should suffice his contentation, but this valiant Champion of Christ neglecting the Prince's fair words and promises, continued constant in his profession; then the Prince commanded him strait to be put again into the Pipe or Tun, and that he should not afterward look for any grace or favour, and so he was burnt to death. Other servants of God good & religious men were accused of Heresy, and brought before the Archbishop of Canterbury, as William Thorp, who gave a large and notable confession of his Faith, and answered wisely and godly to all the points whereof he was accused by the Archbishop, where he suffered mocking and scorning and threatening; what became of this good man, and blessed servant of God, is not at yet in Story specified, by all conjecture, it is thought that the Archbishop Thomas Arundel being so hard an adversary against him, would not let him go; much less it is to be supposed that he would ever retract his sentence and opinion which he so valiantly maintained before the Bishop, neither doth it seem that he had any such recanting spirit; Again, neither is it found that he was burned, wherefore it remaineth most likely to be true, that he being committed to some straight Prison (according as the Archbishop in his Examination before did threaten him) was so straight keeped, that either he was secretly made away, or, else there he died by sickness. The like end also I find happen to John Ashton another good fellower of Wickliff, he was condemned by the Bishops, and because he would not recant, he was committed to perpetual Prison, wherein the good man continued till his death.  
And as great was the constancy of the true professors, so many did shrink, and did revolt and renounce for danger of the Law.  
In those days great was the pride and glory of the Clergy of England, that none durst stir, or once mute against them, having the King so full on their side, armed moreover with Laws, Statutes, Punishments, Imprisonments, Sword, Fire and Faggot, reigned and ruled as they listed, as Kings and Princes within themselves. So strong were they of power, that no humane force was able to stand against them, so exalted in pride, and puffed up in glory, that they thought all things to be subject to their reverend Majesties, whatsoever they set forth or decreed, it must be of all men received and obeyed: What greater show of arrogancy and pride could there be then in this. When Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury passed by the high Street of London, and because they did not ring their Bells for a triumph of his coming, took great snuff thereat, and did suspend all such Churches in London, not only with the Steeple and Bells, but also with the Organs; so many as did not receive his coming with the noise of Bells. The like stir for Bell-ringing, and for Processions, had almost happened between the Archbishop of Canterbury, Successor to this Thomas Arundel, named Henry Chic●ly on the one part, and the Abbey of St. Albon on the other part, had not the Abbot in time submitting himself to the Archbishop so provided, that the ringing of their Bells at his coming might not redound to any derogation of their Liberties, whereunto the Archbishop granted by his Lettert direct to them. To express moreover, and describe the glorious pomp of these Princely Prelates in those blind days of Popish Religion reigning then in the Church. I though to adjoin hereunto another example not much unlike, neither differing much in time, concerning certain poor men cited up, and enjoined straight penance by William Courtney, predecessor of the said Thomas Arundel, for bringing Litter to his Horse, not in Wains as they should do, but in privy Sacks, in a secret manner under their Cloaks or Coats, for the which, so heinous, and horrible trespass, the said Archbishop sitting in his Tribunall-seat, did call and cite before him the said persons pro litera. 1. For Litter after his own Latin) and after their submission, enjoins them Penance, that is, that they going leafurly before the Procession, every one of them should carry openly on his shoulder his Bag stuffed with Hay and Straw, so that the said Hay or Straw should appear hanging out, the mouths of the Sacks being open; whereupon it was said, 
This Bag full of Straw, I bear on my back,  
Because my Lords Horses his Litter did lack;  
If ye be not good to my Lords Graces horse,  
Ye are like to go bare foot before the Cross.   
King Henry the fourth had a Prophecy that he thould die in Jerusalem, and lying sick in a fair Chamber at Westminster, and lying on his Bed, he asked how they called the said Chamber, and they answered and said Jerusalem, and then he said, it was his Prophecy that he should make his end in Jerusalem: And so disposing himself toward his end in the foresaid Chamber, he died upon that sickness, whether of Leprosy or of some other sharp disease I have not to affirm. The like Prophecy we read of Pope Sylvester 2. to whom being inquisitive for the time and place where he should die, it was answered that he should die at Jerusalem, who then saying Mass in a Chapel (called likewise Jerusalem,) perceived his end there to be near, and died.  
Sir John Oldcastle the Lord Cobham a most worthy and religious Knight was suspect of Heresy, and to be a favourer and maintainer of Wickliffs Doctrine, and the professors thereof, for the which he was apprehended, and accused and falsely condemned for Heresy. In his examination before the Archbishop Arundel and his Clergy, he answered wisely and Religiously to every point he was posed upon, especially anent the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and constantly and zealously maintained the Truth, but in end he is falsely and unjustly condemned as an Heretic. After that, the Archbishop Thomas Arundel had read the bill of his condemnation with most extremity before the whole multitude, the Lord Cobham said with a most cheerful countenance, though ye judge my body, which is but a wretched thing, yet am I certain and sure that ye can do no harm unto my Soul, no more than could Satan unto the Soul of Job, he that created that, will of his infinite mercy and promise save, I have therein no manner of doubt. And as concerning these Articles of my Belief that I have given in unto you, I will stand to them even unto the very death by the grace of my Eternal God. And therewith he turned him unto the People, casting his hands abroad, and saying with a very loud voice; Good Christian people, for Gods love be well war of these men, for they else will beguile you and lead you blindfold into Hell with themselves, for Christ saith plainly unto you, If one blind man lead another, they are like both to fall into the ditch. After this he fell there down upon his knees, and thus before them all prayed for his Enemies, holding up both his hands and his eyes toward Heaven, and saying, Lord God Eternal, I beseech thee of thy great mercy sake to forgive my pursuers if it be thy blessed will. And then he was delivered to Sir Robert Morley, and so led forth again unto the Tower of London there to be imprisoned, but he escaped afterward out of the Tower, how and by what means it is uncertain, and was in Wales about the space of four years, at which time a great sum of Money was proclaimed by the King to him that could take the said Sir John Oldcastle either quick or dead, about the end of which four years being expired, the Lord Powes, whether for love or greediness of the money, or whether for the hatred of the true and sincere Doctrine of Christ, seeking all manner of ways how to play the part of Judas, at length obtained his bloody purpose and brought the Lord Cobham bound up to London, and was brought before the Parliament, and being outlawed in the King's binch, and excommunicated before the Archbishop of Canterbury, for Heresy, where he was adjudged that he should be taken as a Traitor to the King, & to the Realm: What was the point of Treason is not expressed, that he should be carried to the Tower of London unto the new Gallows in St. Giles without Temple-bar, and there to be hanged and burned hanging, Treason was falsely surmised against him, his execution arose principally of his Religion which first brought him in hatred of the Bishops, the Bishops brought him in hatred of the King, the hatred of the King brought him to his death & martyrdom.  
The Clergy then tanq●am Leones rugientes, ceased not to roar after Christian blood, and whatsoever else was in fault, still the Clergy cried, Crucify Christ, and deliver us Barrabas, for then all horrible facts and mischiefs, if any were done, were imputed to the poor Lollards, whom they so misnamed, that is, withered Darnell: Lollard by the Pope's interpretation is a word derived of Lollium, that is Darnell. Yet after the burning of the Lord Cobham, the Bishops and priests were in great discredit, both with the Nobility and Commons, partly for that they had so cruelly handled the good Lord Cobham, and partly again, because his opinion, as they thought all at that time was perfect concerning the Sacrament. The prelates feared this to grow to further inconvenience toward them both ways, wherefore they drew their heads together, and at the last consented to use another practice, somewhat contrare to that they had done before, they caused by and by to be blown abroad by their hired servants, friends, and babbling Sir John's, that the said Lord Cobham was become a good man, and had lowly submitted himself in all things unto the holy Church, utterly changing his opinion concerning the Sacrament, and thereupon they counterfeited an abjuration in his name, that the people should take no hold of his opinion by any thing they heard of him before, and so to stand the more in awe of them, considering him so great a man, and by them subdued. At this time Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury died, and this may seem strange, that the same Thomas Arundel, who a little before sat in Judgement against the Lord Cobham, and pronounced sentence of death upon him, did himself feel the stroke of death, and the sentence of God executed upon him before the other, who would have thought but that the Lord Cobham being so cast and condemned definitely by the Archbishop's sentence should have died long before the Bishop, but such be the works of Gods Almighty hand, whoso turned the Wheel; that this condemned Lord survived his condemner three or four years.  
Now to leave England for a while, and to take a view of the Church of Bohemia, and the persecution there, for the profession of the Gospel of Christ, in the year of our Lord 1400. there was great divisions in Religion in the Country of Bohemia. The Emperor Charles the fourth instituted the University of prague, and provided it of learned men, and as a Prince given to Letters, adorned often with his presence the Disputations made in Schools, but because the● Teutonians (or Almains) in that University, seemed to carry away the praise and honour there in Disputations above the Bohemians, they were greatly ashamed that strangers should surmount them. It came to pass that one of the Bohemians having recovered the Books of Wickliff, communicated them to his companions, and they drew out of them great Arguments, which the Teutonians could not resist, whereupon many dissensions fell amongst them, even to Batteries and Murders: The Teutonians seeing this, forsook the place, in so much that more than 2000 Scholars on one day went out of prague, and came to Lipse, where they began an University after leave obtained. John Hus then had the greatest renown, a man that came out of a Village called Hus, which signisieth an Hen, whereof he took his name, he was of a great and quick spirit, and well spoken, beginning to recommend the Doctrine of Wickliff in his Sermons to the people; the occasion how the Doctrine of wickliff came to Bohemia, was this, there chanced at this time a certain Student of the Country of Bohemia to be at Oxford one of a wealthy house, and also of a noble stock, who returning home from the University of Oxford, to the University of prague. carried with him certain Books of wickliffs who being communicated to John Hus a man of great knowledge, and of a prognant wit, took such pleasure in reading of them, that not only he began to defend this Author openly in the Schools, but also in his Sermon commending him as a good man an holy and heavenly man, wishing himself when he should die to be there placed, whereas the Soul of wickliff should be. The Bohemians being instructed with his Doctrine, began first to set against the Pope, esteeming him no more Honourable nor great nor other Bishops or Priests, and thereupon reform the Doctrine by the conclusions and Articles following. First, that the dignity makes not the Priest or Bishop honourable, but Sanctity of life and good Doctrine. 2. That souls separat from the bodies, go right unto eternal pains, o strait obtain happy life. 3. That there is no witness in all the Scripture whereby can be proved that there is purgatory after this life. 4. To make oblation and Sacrifices for the dead is an invention of the covetousness of Priests. 5. Images of God or Saints, benedictions of waters and such like things are forged of men against the Word of God. 6. That the orders of begging Friars are invented by Devils. 7. That Baptism ought to be administered with water without cream, oil, spittle and such pollutions. 8. That the Temple of God is the world, That such as build Churches, Monasteries and Oratories therein to enclose him, do enclose Majesty which is incomprehensible. 9 That the Ornaments of Priests chasubles, corporals, chaleices, plates, vestments, and Altars, are all but vanity. 10. That in vain we implore the help of Saints, and that it is time lost using the cononical hours, 11. That fastings, merit nothing 12. That the Eucharist ought to be administered under both kinds 13. They rejected the Mass, and received only the communion of the Supper, the word and prayer and many other Articles draw from the holy Scripture.  
Before we come to the Counsel of Constance where John Hus compeared & was condemned, It shall not be impertinent nor out of purpose to repeat a certain merry History and worthy otherwise to be noted that fell out at that time. Pope John 23. of that name, holding a Synod at Rome, In the first Session of the Synod, as the aforesaid John was sitting on an high seat after the Mass of the holy Ghost was sung, there came an owl, who placing herself upon one of the balks of the Temple, and looking directly upon the Pope, Saluted him in a strange manner with her fearful Song, such as were there present began to wonder, looking one at another, and also casting their view upon the Pope, they could scant keep to be much ashamed, to sweat, & to be sore anguished and tormented in himself, finally finding no other mean whereby he might remedy his so great confusion, after he had given leave to such as were assembled, he risen up and retired. There was an other Session after this, wherein came the like, for this Owl could not be chased away, neither for any cries, no nor yet for stones and staffs which were cast at it. There was then many which by this spectacle were induced to believe that such spiritual pillars have long time governed the Church of Rome. In the year of God 1414. there was a General Counsel holden at Constance by Sigismond the Emperor, and Pope John the 23. for the pacifying of the Schism in the Church which was then between three Popes striving for the Popedom. The first was John whom the Italians set up, the second was Gregory whom the French men set up, the third was Benedic whom the Spainards' placed, all three were deposed, ●nd Martin is chosen Pope, he is enthronized with great solemnity, the Emperor on foot leading his horse by the bridle on the right hand, and the marquis of Brandeburg, Prince Elector likewise leading his horse on the left hand, the Pope himself riding in the mids upon his Palfrey. This Counsel of Constance continued for the space of four years, and had in it 45 Sessions wherein many things were concluded; as here it was enacted that the Pope's Authority is under the Counsel, and that the Counsel ought to judge the Pope. And touching the Communion in both kinds, although the Counsel could not deny that it was by Christ and his Apostles used; yet notwithstanding by the same Counsel it was decreed to the contrare. Great was the convention at this Counsel of Constance. The number of Prelates convened at this Counsel were 346. Of Abbots and Doctors 564. Secular men, Princes and Dukes, Earls, and Knights, esquires 16000 besides common women belonging to the said Counsel. 450. Barbers 600. Minstrels, Cooks, and Jesters, 320. So that the whole multitude which were viewed to be in the Town of Censtance between Easter and Whitsuntide were numbered to be 60500. Strangers and Foreigners at the Counsel.  
At this time Wenc●laus King of Bohemia was required by the Counsel to send John Hus that he might purge himself of the slanders that was raised upon him, who went thither with the Emperor's safe conduct given him; he is brought before the Pope and the Cardinals, and of them is slanderously accused of many crimes, he is keeped a while in prison amongst them, during which time he wrote certain Books, that is to say, Of the Ten Commandments, Of the love and knowledge of God, Of Matrimony, Of Penance, Of the enemies of Mankind, Of the Prayer of our Lord, And of the Supper of our Lord After Pope John fled out of Constance, the Pope's servants delivered up the Keys of the prison where John Hus was, unto the Emperor Sigismond, and to the Cardinals; then by the whole consent of the Counsel the said John Hus was put into the hands of the Bishop of Constance, who sent him to a Castle of the other side of the River of Rhine, not very far from Constance, where he was shut up in a Tower, with fetters on his legs, that he could scarcely walk in the day time, and at night he was fastened up to a Rack against the Wall, hard by his Bed. In the mean season the Nobles of Bohemia did all their endeavour to purchase hid deliverance, having respect to the good renown of all the Realm, the which was wonderfully desamed and slandered by certain naughty persons, and to this effect the Nobles of Bohemia gave in a Schedul or Bill to the Counsel, humbly entreating that John Hus might be delivered out of prison, and defend his own cause openly, he is brought before the Counsel, where many things were falsely said to his charge by his adversaries, whereof he cleared himself, yet he is condemned for an Heretic, and a teacher of false and erroneous Doctrine: when sentence and judgement was given out against him, kneeling down upon his knees, he said, Lord Jesus Christ forgive mine enemies, by whom thou knowest that I am falsely accused, and that they have used false witness and slanders against me, forgive them, I say, for thy great mercy's sake. This his prayer and Oration, the greater part, and especially the chief of the Priests did deride and mock, he is first degraded and deprived of all the Priestly ornaments and privileges, and before they deliver him over unto the Secular power, they put this reproach upon him, they caused to be made a certain Crown of Paper almost a cubit deep, in the which were painted three Devils of wonderful ugly shape, and this Title set above their heads, Haeresiarcha, the which when he saw, he said, My Lord Jesus Christ for my sake did wear a Crown of Thorns, why should not I then for his sake again wear this light Crown, be it never so ignominious, truly I will do it, and that willingly. When it was set upon his head, the Bishops said, now we commit thy soul unto the Devil. But I said John Hus, lifting up his eyes towards the heavens, I commit my spirit unto thy hands O Lord Jesus Christ, unto thee I commend my spirit which thou hast redeemed These contumelous opprobries thus ended, the Bishops turning themselves towards the Emperor, said, this most sacred Synod of Constance leaveth now John Hus which hath no more any office, or to do in any Church of God, unto the Civil Judgement and power. Then the Emperor commanded Lodovieus Duke of Bavaria, which stood before him in his Robes, holding the Golden Apple with the Crosses in his hands, that he should receive John Hus off the Bishops, and deliver him unto them which, should do the Execution, by whom as he was led to the place of Execution, before the Church doors he saw his Books burning, whereat he smiled and laughed: And all men that passed by he exhorted, not to think that he should die for any error or heresy, but only for the hatred and ill-will of his adversaries, which had charged him with most false & unjust crimes; all the whole City in manner being in Armour, followed him. When as he was brought to the place of Execution, he kneeled down upon his knees, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he prayed, and said certain Psalms, and especially the 50. and 31. Psalms; and they which stood hard by, heard him often times in his prayer, with a merry and cheerful countenance rep●●t this verse, In thy hands O Lord I commend my spirit, etc. Which thing when the Lay-people beheld which stood next unto him, they said, what he hath done before we know not, but now we see and hear that he doth speak and pray very devourly and godly. In the mean time while he prayed, as he bowed his neck backward to look upward unto heaven, the Crown of Paper fell off from his head upon the ground. Then one of the Soldiers taking it up again, said, let us put it again upon his head, that he may be burned with his Masters the Devils whom he hath served. When as by the commandment of the Torments he was risen up from the place of his prayer, with a loud voice he said, Lord Jesus Christ assist me, and help me that with a constant and patiented mind, by thy most gracious help. I may bear and suffer this cruel and ignominious death whereunto I am condemned for the preaching of thy most holy Gospel and Word. Then as before he declared the cause of his death unto the people, in the mean time the Hangman stripped him of his garments, and turning his hand behind his back, tied him fast unto the Stake with Ropes that was made wet. And whereas by chance he was turned towards the East, certain cried out that he should not look toward the East, for he was an Heretic, so he was turned toward the West. Then was his neck tied with a Chain unto the Stake, the which Chain when he beheld, smiling, he said that he would willingly receive the same Chain for Jesus sake, who he knew was bound with a far worse Chain. Under his feet they set two Faggots, admixing Straw withal, and so likewise from the feet up to the chin, he was enclosed in round about with Wood But before the Wood was set on fire, Lodovicus Duke of Bavaria, with another Gentleman with him which was the son of Clement, came and exhorted John Hus that he would be yet mindful of his safeguard, and renounce his errors. To whom he said, what error should I renounce when as I know myself guilty of none, for as for these things which are falsely alleged against me, I know that I never did so much as once to think them, much less to preach them, for this was the principal end purpose of my Doctrine, that I might teach all men penance and remission of sins according to the verity of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, and the exposition of the holy Doctors, wherefore with a cheerful mind and courage, I am here ready to suffer death. When he had spoken these words they left him, and shaking hands together, they departed. Then was the fire kindled, and John Hus began to sing with a loud voice, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God have mercy upon me. And when he began to say the same the third time. the wind drove the flame so upon his face that it choked him, yet notwithstanding he moved a while after by the space that a man might almost say three times the Lords Prayer. When all the Wood was burned and consumed, the upper part of the body was left hanging in the Chain, the which they threw down stake and all, and making a new sire, burned it, the head being first cut in Gobbets that it might the sooner be consumed into ashes. The heart which is found amongst the bowels being well beaten with staves and clubs was at last pricked upon a sharp stick, and roasted at a fire a part until it was consumed. Then with a great diligence gathering the ashes together they cast them into the River of Rhine, that the least remnant of the ashes of that man should not be left upon the earth, whose memory notwithstanding cannot be abolished out of the minds of the people, neither by water, neither by any kind of torment. And here is to be considered that notwithstanding the Emperor had promised unto Master John Hus safe conduct that he might come freely unto Constance, but also that he should return again unto Bohem without fraud or interruption, yet the Emperor is forced by the importunity of the Cardinals and Bishops, to break promise, for said they, that no defence could or might be given either by safe conduct of or by any other mean unto him which was suspected or judged to be an heretic.  
Not long after followed the burning of that famous and learned man and godly Martyr of Christ Master Jerome of prague burned at Constance for like cause and quarrel as Master John Hus was. This Jerome grievously sorrowing for the slanderous reproach and defamation of his country of Boheme. And also hearing tell of the manifest injuries done unto that man of worthy memory Master John Hus freely and of his own accord came unto Constance, to declare openly before the Counsel the purity and sincerity of his faith and his innocency, and how to purge himself of Heresy whereof he was slandered and defamed and gave intimation set up in divers places of the town of Constance, charging his slanderers of what Nation or Estate soever: they be which will object against him any crime of error or heresy to come forth openly before him in the presence of the whole Counsel to object against him, and he shall be ready to answer openly and publicly before the whole Counsel of his innocency, and to declare the purity and sincerity of his true Faith. And finding no safe conduct to compare before the Counsel, the Nobles, Lords, and Knights specially of the Bohemian Nation present in Constance gave unto Master Jerome their Letters, parents confirmed with their Seals for a testimony and witness of the premises, with the which Letters the said Master Jerome returned again into Bohemia, but by the treason and conspiracy of his enemies, he was taken and brought back again bound with fetters and chains, and was cited to compear before the Counsel, and compearing, after some examination he is sent to prison, where he is cruelly handled with chains and bolts of Iron put upon him, and being hardly entertained he is keeped in prison the space of an year, in end he is forced to abjure and recant and consent unto the death of Master John Hus that he was justly and truly condemned and put to death by them, He, what for fear of death, and hoping thereby to escape out of their hands according to their will and pleasure, and according to the tenor which was exhibited unto him, did make abjuration and that in the Cathedral Church and open Session, the draught thereof penned to him be the Papists may be seen in the Book of Martyrs.  
After his abjuration he returns to prison where he is not so straight chained and bound as he was before, notwithstanding he is keeped every day with Soldiers and armed men; he is brought again before the Counsel, where his enemies laid against him of new an hundred and seven Articles, to the intent he should not escape the snare of death, which they provided and led before him, unto the which Articles most subtly objected against him, he denied that he held or maintained any such Articles as were either hurtful or false, and affirmed that these witnesses had deposed them against him falsely and slanderously, as his most cruel and mortal enemies; he revoked his former recantation that he had wickedly consented and agreed to the sentence and judgement of the condemnation of Wickliff and Hus and that he had most shamefully lied in approving and allowing the said sentence; neither was he ashamed to confess that he lied, yea he did also revock and recant his confession, approbation and protestation which he had made upon their condemnation, affirming that he never at any time had read any errors or heresy in the Books and Treatises of the said Wickliff and Hus, etc. The Counsel condemns him as an Heritick, and drowned in all kind of Heresies, Excommunicate and accursed, leaving him unto the Arbitrement and Judgement of the Secular Judge to receive just and due punishment according to the quality of so great an oftence. After he is condemned of the Counsel, he told them that his death would leave a remorse in their consciences, and a nail in their hearts, and said he, Et cito vos omnes ut respondeatis mihi coram altissimo & justissimo judice post centam annos, that is, And here I cite you to answer unto me before the most high and just Judge within an hundred years; as also, when the sentence was given out against him, a great and long Mitre of Paper was brought unto him, Painted about with red Devils, the which when he beheld and saw, throwing away his Hood upon the ground amongst the Prelates, he took the Mitre and put it upon his head, saying, Our Lord Jesus Christ when as he should suffer death for the most wretched sinner, did wear a Crown of Thorns upon his head and I for his sake in stead of that Crown will willingly wear this Mitre and Cap, Afterward he was laid hold of by the Secular power and brought forth to execution. When he was going out of the Church, with a cheerful countenance and loud voice lifting his eyes up to Heaven he began to sing, Credo in unum Deum, as it is accustomed to be sung in the Church. Afterward as he passed along, he did sing some Canticles of the Church. After he came to the place of Execution, where Master John Hus had before suffered death innocently, kneeling down, he made a certain devour prayer: while he was thus praying, the torments took him up, and lifting him up from the ground, spoiled him of all his garments, and left him naked, and afterwards girded him about the Loins with a Linen Cloth, and bound him fast with cords and chains of Iron to the picture of John Hus. which was made fast unto the earth, and so standing upon the ground when as they began to lay the Wood about him, he sang Salve festa dies, and when the Hymn was ended, he sang again with a loud voice, Credo in unum Deum unto the end. That being ended he said unto the people in the German. Tongue in effect as followeth. Dear beloved children, even as I have now sung, so do I believe, and none otherwise. And this Creed is my whole faith, notwithstanding I die for this cause because I would not consent and agree to the Counsel, and with them affirm and hold that Master John Hus was by them holily and justly condemned, for I did know well enough that he was a true Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After that he was compassed with the Wood up to the crown of the head, they cast all his garments upon the Wood also, and with a Firebrand they set it on fire; the which being once fired, he began to sing with a loud voice, In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meam. When that was ended, and that he began vehemently to burn he said in the vulgar Bohemian Tongue, O Lord God Father Almighty have mercy upon me, and be merciful unto mine offences, for thou knowest how sincerely I have loved thy truth. Then his voice by the vehemency of the fire was choked and stopped that it was no longer heard, but he moved continually his mouth and lips as though he had still prayed or spoken within himself. As he was burning in the sire, they brought his bedding, his straw-bed, his Boots, his Hood, and all other things he had in the Prison, and burned them all to ashes in the same fire. The which ashes after that the fire was out they did diligently gather together and carry them in a Cart, and cast them into the River of R●ine, which ran hard by the City.  
The Bohemians understanding what was done at Constance against their Doctors, and being greatly grieved thereat directed their Letters to this Barbarous Counsel of Popish murderers, compleaning of their cruel and unjust dealing against Master John Hus being a just good and catholic man etc. Also that they have apprehended, imprisoned and condemned and even now peradventure, like as ye did to Master John Hus, ye have most cruelly murdered the worshipful man, Master Jerome of prague, a man abounding in eloquence, Master of the seven liberal Arts, and a famous Philosopher, not being convict but only at the sinister and false accusations of his and our accusers and betrayers, as the Letter in itself at more length bears. The Nobles and Gentlemen of Bohem and Moratia are cited up to the Counsel, and to suppress the Bohemians from making any stir, did make Laws and Articles to the number of 14. whereby to bridle them. And first, that the King of Bohemia shall be sworn to give obdience, and to defend the Liberties of the Church of Rome. 2. That all Ministers, Doctors and Priests shall be sworn to abjure the Doctrine of Wickliff and Hus etc. The Bohemians notwithstanding these cruel Articles contemning the vain de-devices of those Prelates and Fathers of the Counsel ceased not to proceed in their League and purpose begun, joining themselves more strongly together. And first of all these Bohemians partly for the love of John Hus and Jerome their country men partly for the hatred of their Malignant Papistry assembling together agreed to celebrate a solemn memorial of the Death of John Hus and Jerome, decreeing the same to be beholden and celebrat yearly; this done, they suppressed divers Monastries, Pharisaical temples, and idolatrous Phanes, beginning first with the great Monastery of the Blackfriars 8. miles from prague, driving away the wicked and vicious Priests and Monks out of them, or compelling them unto a better order, whereupon ensued great troubles. Wars and Bloodsheds between the Pope Sigismond the Emperor on the one hand, and the Bohemians on the other; Immediately after the death of Wenceslaus, arose Zisca a Noble man, and being sore grieved with the death of John Hus and Jerome, of prague, he minded to revenge the injuries which the Counsel had done, greatly to the dishonour of the Kingdom of Bohem upon their complices and adherents, he gathered together a number of men of War and subverted the Monastries and idolatrous temples, pulling down and breaking in pieces the Image and Idols, driving away the Monks and Priests which he said were kept up in their closters like Swyn in their sties to be fatted etc. He gathered together about forty thousand men, many battles were fought between him and the Emperor. Zisca having but one eye before, lost the other in Battle, yet for all that he would not forsake his Army, but still took the charge of them. As the Emperor with the whole power of Germany was busied on the one side against the Bohemians, So Martin the Pope was as much occupied on the other side who about the same time directed forth a terrible Bull full of all poison to all Bishops and Archbishop's against all such as took any part or side with Wickliff, John Hus, Jerome or with their Doctrine and opinions. At this time the Bohemians wrote a fruitful and Christian exhortation to the Kings and Princes to stir them up to the zeal of the Gospel. Zisca being now sick and near his death, being demanded what place he would be buried, he answered and commanded his skin to be plucked off from his dead Carcase, and the flesh to be casten unto the fowels and beasts, and that a Drum should be made of his skin which they should use in their battles, affirming that as soon as their enemies should hear the sound of that Drum, they would not abide but take their flight: He was a valiant Captain of the Bohemians, he was eleven times victor in the field, he was a severe punisher of the pride and avarice of the Clergy. After Zisca was dead their was great fear, sorrow and lamentation in the Army, the Soldiers accusing fortune which gave over such an invincible Captain to be overcome with Death; immediately there was a division in the Host, the one part choosing Procopius Magnus to be their captain, the other part saying, that there was none could be found worthy to succeed Zisca, whereupon they choosing out certain to serve the Wars, named themselves Orphans, and albeit that oftentimes there was division between them, yet whensoever any foreign power came towards them, they joined their Powers together in one Camp and defended themselves and prevailed mightily against their enemies. These things thus done the Emperor sent for the Nobles of Bohem which went unto him into a town of Hungary called Posonium in the borders of Austria upon the banks of the River Dannubius, but they would not enter into the Town, but remain without in their Tents, whether as the Emperor going out unto them, communed with them as touching His right and Title, and recovering of his Father's kingdom promising if there were any cause which did alienat the Bohemians minds from him, that he would take away all the occasion thereof. They made answer that he had made war upon them without cause, and that he had suffered their countrymen contrary to his promise to be burnt at Constance not being heard, and the Kingdom to be contumeliously interdicted, and the Nobles of Bohemia to be condemned by the Church of Rome as Heretics, and that he should think the force and power of the Bohemians not to be so small, but that they would provide for their own honour, whereunto the Emperor answered very gently, and offered them a General Counsel wherein they might declare their innocency, if they would submit themselves to the judgement of the Universal Church. But the Bohemians which were now become valiant victors in Arms, would not now be overcome with words; and so nothing being finally concluded, the Emperor returned home. Then Pope Martin perceiving the Gospel to increase daily more and more, sent the Cardinal of Winchester, an Englishman, born of a Noble House into Germany, to move them unto War against the, Bohemians, whereunto also the Emperor did assist him. There was three Armies provided; In the first Army were the Duke of Saxony and the lower Cities. The second Army which was gathered of the Franconians was under the conduct of the marquis of Brandeburg. The third Army was led by Otho the Archbishop of Trevers, whom the Rhenenses, the Bavarians, and the Imperial Cities of Snevia followed. These Armies entering into Bohemia into three several parts, after they were passed the Wood they joined together & pitched before Misia, this City which was taken from the Papists the night before, before they went any further they were determined to recover, but when as news came to the Host how the Protestants had gathered an Army and came with all speed towards them, they fled before they saw their enemies, leaving behind them their Warlike Engines with a great prey. In end there was a Counsel h●●den at Basil, which went to the Bohemians that they should send their Ambassadors which should show a reason of their Faith, promising a safe conduct to go and come, and free liberty to speak what they would. An Ambassage of three hundred Horses was sent unto Basil, they compeared before the Counsel, and being heard they were demanded in what point they did disagree from the Church of Rome, they proponed four Articles; First, they affirmed that all such as would be saved, ought of necessity to receive the Communion of the Last Supper under the kinds of Bread and Wine. The second Article, they affirmed all civil rule and dominion to be forbidden unto the Clergy by the Law of God. The third Article, that the Preaching of the Word of God is free for all men, and in all places. The fourth Article, as touching open crimes and offences which are in no ways to be suffered for the avoiding of greater evil. Some were chosen by the Bohemians, and some by the Counsel, to consider the Articles, and to dispute them; this Disputation continued fifty days, where many things were alleged on either part. In end, after long dispute and reasoning between the Bohemians and the Counsel, there was a concord and unity concluded between them. The Counsel permitted the Bohemians to Communicate under both kinds as a thing lawful by the authority of Christ, and profitable and healthful to all such as duly received it. As for the other three Articles the Bohemians promised to receive the Declaration of the Church touching them, and confirmed it setting to their hands; what the determination was of these three Articles I find it not. Thus the Bohemians did constantly defend and maintain their Religion, that Bishop of Rome could never yet divert them from it, especially from the Communion of both kinds.  
In the year of God 1438. The noble Art of Printing with Letters made in Brass was found out, a very Divine Invention, worthy of memory and admiration: yet were it more admirable if it beware not so much profaned. The Invention was Germanic, and very strange at the beginning, and of great profit. John Gutemberge Knight was the first Author of this goodly Invention. The thing was first essayed at Magance, sixteen years before it was divulged in Italy. One saith that John Faustus, called Gutman Invented it with Peter Scheffer.  
Now to leave the estate of the Church of Bohemia for a while, we return to speak of the Persecutions in England, and elsewhere, for if we will read and mark and take a view of the stirs that have been from time to time for Religion, we shall find that in England is more burning and slaying for Religion, and more blood shed amongst them then in any other Country or Nation in Christendom besides; and because we cannot name all that hath been troubled and persecuted amongst them for Religion, we shall name some of the most memorable, And first of all in the first year of King Henry the sixth his Reign, was burned the constant witness-bearer and testis of Christ's Doctrine, William Taylor a Priest under Henry Chichelie, Archbishop of Canterbury, for maintaining erroneous and heretical Doctrine as they alleged, as that prayer ought to be directed to God alone, and to pray to any creature is to commit idolatry. After long imprisonment, with great constancy did consumat his Martyrdom.  
Next, William White Priest, he was a follower of john Wickliff, and a Priest, not after the common sort of Priests, but rather reputed amongst the number of them whom the Wiseman speaks, he was as the Morning Star in the midst of a Cloud, etc. This man was well learned, upright, and a well spoken P●iest, he was apprehended and taken by the Bishop of Norwich, and of him condemned and burnt in Norwich; this man was of so divine and holy life, that all the people had him in great reverence, and desired him to pray for them, insomuch that one Margaret Wright confessed that if any Saints were to be prayed unto, she would rather pray to him then any other, when he was come unto the Stake, thinking to open his mouth to speak unto the people to exhort and confirm them in the verity, one of the Bishop's Servants took him on the mouth, thereby to force him to keep silence. And thus this good man receiving the Crown of Martyrdom, ended this mortal life, to the great dolour and grief to all the good men of Norfolk. About this time also was burned Father Abraham of Colchester, and John Waddon Priest, for suspected Heresy.  
Many both men and women in those days in the time of King Henry the sixth being suspect of Heresy or Lollaroy were apprehended and accused, and cast into prison, and greatly vexed, and after their abjuration brought into open shame in Churches and Markets; the form of the Popish penance was this, three fuistgations or displings in procession about the Cathedral church three several Sundays, and three displings about the market place three principal market days, his head and neck and feet being bare, and his Body covered only with a short shirt or vesture, having in his hands a taper of Wax of a pound weight, which the next Sunday after his penance, he should offer to the Trinity, and that for the space of three years after every Ash wednesday and Monday and thursday he should appear in the Cathedral Church before the Bishop or his Vicegerents to do open penance among the penitentiaries for his offences.  
In the year of God 1430. shortly after the solemn coronation of King Henry the sixth, a certain man named Richard Hoveden a woll-winder and a citizen of London was burnt for suspicion of Heresy. This man when he could by no persuasions be withdrawn or plucked back from the opinions of Wickliff, he was by the rules of the Church condemned for Heresy and burned hard by the town of London. Thomas Bagely a Priest being a valiant Disciple and adherent of Wickliff was condemned by the Bishop, of Heresies at London and was degraded & burnt in Smithfield.  
In the days of King James the first Anno 1431. was deprehended in the University of St. Andrews one named Paul Craw a Bohemian and delivered over to the Secular power to be burnt for holding contrary opinions unto the church of Rome touching the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, the worshipping of Saints, Auricular confession with others of Wickliffs' opinion; they put a ball of Brass in his mouth, to the end he should not give confession of his Faith to the people, neither yet that they should understand the defence which they had against their unjust acculation and condemnation.  
Richard Which Priest a man suspect of Heresy was degraded and burned at the Tower-hill. It is testified of him that before his death he spoke (as prophesying that the posterior of the Tower should sink, which also afterward came to pass, wherefore of many of the people he was counted for an holy man in so much (as it is affirmed) they came to the place where he was burnt and there made their oblations and prayers, and a red great heap of stones and set up a cross there by night, so that by this means a great clamour ran upon the Church men and especially upon such as put him to death, Then to cease therein more, the King gave commandment to punish such as went thither on pilgrimage.  
Here is to be remembered the lamentable losing of Constantinople, in the year of God 1453. Constantinus Palaeologus being Emperor of Constantinople, was taken by the Turk Mahomates, after the siege of fifty four days, which siege began in the beginning of April. The Emperor was slain, and the Turks sacking and ranging about streets, houses, and corners, did put to the sword most unmercifully whomsoever they found both aged and young, Matrons, Virgins, Children and Infants, sparing none. The Noble Matrons and Virgins were horribly ravished, the Goods of the City, the Treasures in houses the Ornaments in the Churches were all sacked and spoilt, the Pictures of Christ opprobriously handled in hatred of Christ. The spoil and havoc of the city lasted three days together while the barbarous Soldiers murdered and rispled what them listed. These things thus being done, and the tumult ceased, after three days Mahomet's the Turk entereth into the city, and first calling for the Heads and Ancients of the city, such as he found to be left alive, he commanded them to be mangled and cut in pieces. It is also reported that in the feasts of the Turks honest Matrons and Virgins and such as were of the King's stock, after other contumelies were hewn and cut in pieces for their disport. And this was the end of that princely and famous city of Constantinople, beginning first by Constantinos, and ending also with Constantinus. This terrible destruction of the city of Constantinople the Queen of cities, may be a warning to all Christendom.  
Rynold Peacock Bishop of Chichester is greatly afflicted & persecuted by the Pops Prelates for his faith and profession he is forced by menaces and threaten to recant, and notwithstanding his recantation he is detained still in prison, where some say, that he was privately made away to death.  
In the Reign of King Edward the fourth, Joh Goose, or John Hus, a goodly & constant servant of Christ was unjustly condemned and burnt at the Tower-hill. Thus had England also this John Hus as well as Bohemia: John Goose in Englsh, is as much as John Hus in the Bohemian Language, This John Goose being delivered to Robert Belisdon one of the Sheriffs, to see him burnt in the afternoon. The Sheriffliffe a charitable man had him home to his house, and there exhorted him to deny (saith the Story) his error. But the godly man after long exhortation heard, desired the Sheriff to be content, for he was satisfied in his conscience. notwithstanding this he desired of the Sheriff for God's sake to give him some meat, saying tha the was very sore hungered. Then the Sheriff commanded him meat, whereof he took and did eat, as if he had been toward no manner of danger, and said to such as stood about him, I eat now a good and complete Dinner, for I shall pass a little sharp shower ere I go to Supper; and when he had Dined he gave thanks, and requested that he might shortly be led to the place where he should yield up his spirit unto the Lord, and so he was burned.  
In the time of this King Edward the fourth this is not to be passed by, that one Burdet a Merchand dwelling in Cheapside, at the Sign of the Crown, which is now the Sign of the Flower deluce, merrily speaking to his son, that he would make him Inheritor of the Crown, meaning indeed his own house, for the which words King Edward causing them to be misconstrued, and interpreted as though he had meant the Crown of the Realm, within leffe than four hours he was apprehended, judged, drawn and quartered at Cheapside, here is Tyranny in misconstruing a man's words, and the Laws of the Realm misconstrued for the King's pleasure.  
In the ninth year of the Reign of Henry the seventh was burned a very old Woman above fourscore years, named Joan Boughton, Widow and Mother to Lady Young, which Lady was also suspect to be of that opinion that her Mother was, she was a Disciple of Wickliff, and held so fast and firmly eight of his opinions, that all the Doctors of London could not turn her from one of them: And when it was told her that she should be burnt for her obstinacy and self-belief, she set nothing by their menacing words, but defied them, for she said that she was so beloved of God and his holy Angels that she passed not for the fire. And in the mids thereof she cried to God to take her soul into his holy hands, and so she was burnt; he night following the most part of her ashes were had away of such as had a love unto the Doctrine she died for. In the next year following was a Priest burned which was so strong in his opinion that all the Clerks and Doctors then there being, could not remove him from his Faith, whereof the King being informed, he caused the said Priest to be brought before his presence, who by his persuasion caused him to revolt, and so he was burnt immediately.  
The storm of persecution which had raged long in England against many good and godly men, broke forth likewise in other parts of Christendom, as in Germany, Italy and France: In Germany and other parts there about after the burning of John Hus were many put to death for religion. In Italy one Thomas Rhedone a Frenchman and a Camelit Friar was burnt for the profession of Christ at Rome. At this time also fell out the Martyrdom and burning of Hieronymus Savanatola, a man no less godly in heart then constant in his profession, he was a Monk in Italy, and singularly well learned, he Preached sore against the evil life and living of the Spirituality, and especially of his own Order, complaining sore upon them as the Springs and Authors of all mischiefs and wickedness, etc. He with his two companions was hanged and burnt for the Gospel's truth. This man foreshowed many things to come, as the destruction of Florence and Rome, and the renewing of the Church, which three things have happened in these times in this our remembrance; also he foreshowed that the Turks and Moors in the latter days should be converted unto Christ; he also declared that one should pass the Alps into Italy, like unto Cyrus, who should subvert and destroy all Italy, whereupon Johannes Franciscus Picus Earl of Mirandula called him a holy Prophet, and defended him by his Writtings against the Pope, as many other learned men also defended the innocency of the said Savanarola.  
And speaking of this Joannes Picus Earl of Mirandula, it shall not be amiss to show this Story of him. This Picus being but a young man, was so excellently witred and so singularly learned in all Sciences, and in all Tongues, both Latin, Greek and Hebrew, Chaldie and Arabia, that coming to Rome Booted and Spurred, he set up nine Conclusions to Dispute in the same with any in all Christenstome, whosoever would come against him. Of which Conclusions divers were touching the matter of the Sacrament: And when none was found in all Rome or in Europe that openly would Dispute with him, privily and in corners certain of the Pope's Clergy, Prelat, Lawyers and Friars by the Pope appointed, consulted together to inquire upon his Conclusions, whereupon they did Articulate against him for suspicion of Heresy: And thus the unlearned Clergy of Rome privily circumvented and entangled this learned Earl in their snare of Heresy, against whom they durst never openly Dispute: he died being of the age of thirty two years, of such wit and towardness as is hard to say whither ever Italy bred up a better. In his sickness Charles the eight then French King moved with fame of his Learning came to visit him. The furniture of his Books cost him 70●0. Florents, a little before his death his mind was to give all away, and to take a Towl and Preach, but the Lord would not permit him. With two Popes, that is, with Pope Innocent and Alexander the sixth he had much vexation. Under the Reign of Fredericus the third Emperor of Germany, was one john, a Pastor or a Neat herd, which was a keeper of , him the Bishop of Herbipolis condemned and burnt for an Heretic, because he taught and held that the life of the Clergy was ignominious and abominable before God.  
But to proceed in the Persecutions of the Godly in England in King Henry the seventh his Reign. In the Diocese of Lincoln in Buckinghame-shire, William Smith being Bishop of the same Diocese, one William Tylesworth was burned in Amershame, his only Daughter being a married Woman, a Godly and a Faithful Woman, was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her dear father, and at the same time her husband did penance at her father's burning, and bore a Faggot, as did also many more. At the burning of this William Tylsworth were sixty and above that were put to bear Faggots for their Penance, of whom divers were enjoined to bear and wear Faggots at Lincoln for the space of seven years, some at one time, some at another, etc. In which number was also Robert Barlet a rich man, who for his Possessions sake was put out of his Farm and Goods, and was condemned to be kept in the Monastery of Ashange, were he did wear on his right Sleeve a square piece of Cloth the space of seven years together. About the same time also of the burning of Wil●iam Tylesworth was one Father Roberts burned at Buckinghame, he was a Miller and dwelled at Missenden and at his burning there were about twenty persons that were compelled to bear Faggots and to do such penance as the wicked Pharisees did compel them. After that, by the space of two or three years was burned at Amersham Thomas Bernard a husband man and James Mordan a labourer and they two was burned both at one fire, Also there were thirty burned on the right Cheek at the same time and bare Faggots; the cause was, that they would table against Superstition and Idolatry and were desireous to hear and read the holy Scriptures. The manner of their burning on the cheek was this, their necks was tied fast to a Post or Stay with Towels, and their hands holden that they might not stir, and so the Iron being hot was put to their cheeks, and thus bore they the Prints and Marks of the Lord Jesus about them. At this time also in the days of King Henry the seventh, was one Laurence Guest which was burned in Salisbury for the matter of the Sacrament, he was of a comely and tall Personage, he was kept in Prison the space of two years. This Laurence had a Wife and seven Children, wherefore they thinking to expugn and persuade his mind by stirring his fatherly affection toward his Children, when the time came which they appointed for his burning, as he was at the Stake, they brought before him his Wife and his foresaid seven Children, at the sight whereof, although Nature is commonly bend to work in other, yet in him Religion overcoming Nature, made his constancy to remain unmoveable, in such sort, as when his Wife began to exhort and desire him to favour himself, he again desired her to be content, and not to be a block in his way, for he was in a good course running towards the mark of his Salvation, and so fire being put to him he finished his life, renouncing not only Wife and Children, but also himself, to follow Christ. As he was in burning, one of the Bishop's men threw a firebrand at his face, whereat the brother of Laurence standing by, ran at him with his Dagger and would have slain him had he not been otherwise stayed.  
It is recorded likewise in the reign of this King Henry the seventh when the people was returning from the burning of a faithful woman at Cheaping Sadbery for alleged Heresy by Doctor Whitington the Bishop's Chancellor who was present at the execution, as he returned with the rest there happened that a Bull, escaping from the Butcher into the street, he passed through the throng of the people, every one drawing aside and shifting for himself, and touching neither man nor child till he came where the Chancellor was, against whom the Bull as pricked with a sudden vehemency ran upon him with his horns, and taking him upon the paunch gorred him throw and throw and so killed him immediately, carrying his guts, and trailing them with his horns all the streets over, to the great admiration and wonder of all them that saw it. Here we see a plain miracle of God's mighty power and judgement both in the punishing of this wretched Chancellor, and also in admonishing all other like persecutors by his example to fear the Lord, and to abstain from the like cruelty.  
Besides these before mentioned, many moe in this King Henry the seventh his reign were persecuted for their Religion, specially in the diocese of Coventree and Lich-field, among whom we shall name these few. First, John Blomston was openly and publicly infamed, accused reported and apeached that he was a very Heretic, because he had preached, taught, holden and affirmed that the power attributed to St. Peter in the Church o● God, by one Saviour Jesus Christ immediately, did not flit or pass from him to remain with his Successors. Item that there was as much virtue in an Herb, as in the Image of the Virgin Mary. Item that prayer and Alms avail not the dead, for incontinent after death he goeth either to Heaven or hell, whereupon he concludeth there is no Purgatory etc.  
Richard Heghame in the same City of Coventree was accused to be a very Heretic, because that he did hold that a Christian man being at the point of death should renounce all his own works good and ill, and submit him to the mercy of God. Item, It was fondness to worship the images of our Lady of Tower in the forsaid City, or of other Saints, for they are but stocks and stones. Item that if the image of our Lady of Tower were put into the fire, it would make a good fire. Item that it were better to deal money unto the poor folks, than to offer to the Image of Christ and other Saints, which are but dead stocks and stones. John Smith was accused to be a very Heretic, because he did hold every man is bound to know the Lords Prayer and the Creed in English if he might for these false Priests. Thomas Butler was likewise accused to be a very Heretic because he did hold that there were but two ways that is to say, to heaven and to hell. Item that there was no Purgatory, for every man immediately after death passeth either to heaven or hell. Item that prayers and pilgrimages are nothing worth, and avail not to purchase heaven etc. All these and many moe were forced to recant and put to penance. We are not here to let pass the fearful and miserable end of Pope Alexander who before was called Roderick Borgia that fell out at this time in the year 1502. who made a covenant with the Devil that he might attain to the Popedom, and being inquisitive how long he should reign, It was told him that he should reign the space of eleven and eight, which was an ambiguous answer, for the Pope promised to himself the time of nineteen years in his Popal dignity but Satan's meaning was but eleven years and eight months, the time being expired and his death drawing near, on a certain day as he made ready an exceeding great banquet for certain rich Senators and Cardinals and had recommended to his son Valentine that he should give Wine to drink unto one of the said Cardinals wherein there was poison put. It came to pass that he that had the charge to deliver the Wine, unwitting he gave unto the Pope of that flagon wherein the poison was, who being of great age, was taken with a languishment and grievous pain, he had by the space of eleven years and ceretain months excessively oppressed Italy and troubled the world. Being then detained in his Bed (as John Baleus saith) he commanded one of his men called Madena, which amongst all them of his Court and House was his most faithful and familiar to go into his Guard rob or Wadrop and to bring him a certain little Book enriched with Gold and precious stones which was in an armoury which he specified, but this little Book contained all manners and kinds of illusions and enchantments of Necromancies, whereby the old man thought to inform himself to be certified of the close and end of his life. The servant obeying the commandment of the Pope his Master, and going unto the place specified. And after he had opened the door, he was ready to have entered into the Chamber, he saw a certain person sit in the Pope's Chair who was altogether like unto his Master at whose sight being supprised with an horrible fear and astonishment, and as it were half dead without taking the book ran back again toward Alexander, unto whom he rehearsed what he had seen, namely that in his Wardrobe he found such a Pope as himself set in a Chair. Alexander after he had understood the thing, and seeing his servant exceedingly afraid, suffered him to rest a while, after he did so much persuade him that he returned unto the said Wardrobe to see if again he could find the said Pope. The servant then being entered found in the said chamber him whom before he had seen, and that more is, being asked by him that sat there, what cause brought him into that place and what business he had there, he being taken with a sore trembling and as it were out of breath, answered he came to take a certain garment for the Pope. All which words the Devil being then in the chair making an horrible noise said, what Pope? I am the Pope. But after that these things were reported unto Alexander, his evil began to increase and death approach. A short day after, a man apparelled like a carrier or Lackey, came and fiercly knocked at the Chamber door, wherein the Pope was detained sick, saying the must needs speak with him. The door being opened and he admitted partly with the Pope, all others drew aside, and the Pope and he spoke together as two use to do in secret causes, yet men may see a great and marvellous strife and debate betwixt them two, and that the Pope was not content, for he said unto him, how goes this? My term is not accomplished, thou knowest that thy promise was 19 years, whereof I have brewed but eleven and eight months Unto which words the Lucky hardly answered, ye understand not well the speech, but are with it abused, for I said not nineteen years as ye imagined, but I said, ye should remain Pope eleven years and eight months, the which are come and passed, and therefore ye must needs die. But although the Pope was very active to require and to pray instantly that he would have regard to his life and to the term that he had granted him in his Popedom, yet it was as to speak to a deaf man, and to plead in vain, for all his allegations, remonstrations, exceptions and requests profited nothing, so that they which were in the chamber and heard this marvellous debate and difference, might judge that Satan was more expert in the Art of Arithmetic than the Pope was, and they might easily conclude that Alexander erred in his account; Finally to close up the matter, even as Satan went and departed from the place, in like manner also with great cries, sighs and fearful sobs, the Pope's soul (as it were) following his steps dislodged and miserably departed from his Body. This miserably and ungodly died this Pope Alexander leaving to his Son his Seignory altogether wasted and ruinous, and to the Italians their commonwealth all confused, perverted and wasted to the end he might be a public example to all ages how things evil gotten melt away, and are wickedly and unluckily spent. This Pope had with his said Son a daughter called Lucretia, with whom both he and his Son lay, as Potantus and Samazarias have left written.  
Now to come to the Persecutions that were in King Henry the eight his Reign. During the time and Reign of King Henry the eight there was great alteration of things as well to the  State of the Realm, as especially to the State Ecclesiastical and matters of the Church appertaining; for at last by him was exiled and abolished out of the Realm the usurped power of the Bishop of Rome, idolatry and superstition some what suppressed, Images and pilgrimages defaced, Abbeys and Monasteries pulled down, Sects of Religion rooted out, Scriptures reduced to the knowledge of the vulgar tongue, and the estate of the Church and Religion redressed.  
There was at this time a fierce contention which long before had troubled the Church, and now this present year 1509. was renewed afresh between two certain orders of begging Friars, to wit, the Dominick Friars and the Franciscans, about the Conception of the Virgin Mary the Mother of Christ. The Franciscans or Gray-fries held that the Virigin Mary prevented by the grace of the Holy Ghost, was so sanctified that she was never subject one moment in her conception to Original sin. As for the Dominicks which were commonly called Blackfriars or Preaching Friars held that he Virgin Mary was conceived as all other Children of Adam be, so that this privilege only belongeth to Christ to be conceived without Original sin, not withstanding the said blessed Virgin was sanctified in her Mother's womb, and purged from the Original sin, so as John Baptist, Jeremiah, or any other privileged person. This frivolous Question kindling and gendering between these two Sects of Friars burst out in such a flame of parts and sides taking, that it occupied the heads and wits, Schools and Universities almost through the whole Church, some holding one part with Scotius, some the other part with Thomas Aquinas, but in end Pope Sixtus decided the Question, and sent forth his Bull for the Conception of the Virgin to be without Original sin.  
Having made mention of this Pope Sixtus the fourth, It shall not be amiss to she what manner of Pope he was, he builded up in Rome a Stews of both kinds, getting thereby no small Revenues and Rents unto the Church of Rome. This Pope among other his Acts reduced the Year of jubilee from the fifty unto the twenty five: He also instituted the Feast of the Conception and the presentation of Mary, and of Anna her Mother, and Joseph. Also he Canonised Bonaventur and Sir Frances for Saints. By this Sixtus also Beads were brought in and institute to make our Lady's Psalter, through the occasion of one Alanus and his order, whom Baptista maketh mention of in this Verse, high filo insertis numerant sua murmura baccis, that is, these men putting their Beads upon a string, number their Prayers. This Sixtus the Pope made two and thirty Cardinals in his time, of whom Patrus Ruerius was the first, who for that he was Cardinal, which was but two years, spent in luxurious riot, wasted and consumed two hundred thousand Florins, and was left 6000. in debt. And what vile abominations this Pope permitted to this Cardinal and his Family to be done is unworthy to be named. Wesellus Gromugensis in a certain Treatise of his de indiligentiis Papalibu● does declare. The Pope Sixtus was a Monster rather of Nature than a Prelate of the Church. After this Sixtus came Innocentius the eight, as rude and as far from all learning as his Predecessors was before him. Amongst the noble facts of this Pope this was one, that in the Town of Polus and Equicolos he caused eight men and six women with the Lord of the place to be apprehended and taken, and judged for Heretics, because they said that none of them was the Vicar of Christ which came after Peter, but they only which follow the poverty of Christ. Also he condemned of Heresy George the King of Bohemia, and deprived him of his dignity, and also of his Kingdom, and procured his whole Stock to be utterly rejected and put down, giving his Kingdom to Mathias King of Pononia. Many godly persons both men and women were persecuted for their Religion in the Diocese of London by Fitz James, and after him Tunstal Bishops of London, cruel persecuters of Christ's Church. Amongst others, the chiefest objection against Joan Baker was that she would not only herself not reverence the Crucifix, but had also persuaded a friend of hers lying at the point of death not to put any trust or confidence in the Crucifix, but in God which is in Heaven who only worketh all miracles that be done, and not the dead Images that be but stocks and stones, and therefore she was sorry that ever she had gone so often on pilgrimage to St. Saviour and other Idols. Also that she did hold opinion that the Pope had no power to give Pardons, and that the Lady Young her Mother, who was not long before that time burned, died a true Martyr of God, and therefore she wished of God that she herself might do no worse than the said Lady Young her Mother had done. Unto William Pottier besides divers other false and slanderous Articles, it was alleged that he should affirm that there was six Gods, the first three was the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; the fourth was a Priest's Concubine being keeped in his Chamber the fifth was the Devil, and the sixth the thing that a man setteth his mind most upon, The first part of his Articles he utterly denied, confessing most firmly and truly the blessed Trinity to be only one God in one Unity of Deity, as to the other three he answered that a Priest delighting in his Concubine made her as his God, likewise a wicked person persisting in his sin without repentance, and made the Devil his God. And lastly, he granted that he once hearing of certain men which by the singing and chattering of Birds would seek to know what things were to come either to themselves or others, and that these men esteemed their Birds as Gods, and otherwise he spoke not. Some were accused and challenged for speaking against Pilgrimages, praying unto Saints, that they denied the carnal and corporal presence of Chtists' Body and Blood in the Sacrament of the Altar. And many were charged to have spoken against Pilgrimages, and to have read and used certain English Books repugnant to the faith of the Romish Church, and the four Evangelists, Wickliff, Wicket, a Book of the Ten Commandments of Almighty God, the Revelation of St. John, the Epistles of Paul and James, with other like, which these holy ones could never abide, and good cause why, for as darkness could never agree with light, no more can ignorance the maintainer of that Kingdom with the true knowledge of Christ and his Gospel. John Household was charged to have called them Antichrists and Whoremongers, and the Pope himself a strong strumpet and a common bawd unto the world, who with his pardons had drowned in blindness all Christian Realms and that for money. Moreover about the same time were certain articles objected against John Hig alias Noke, alias Johnson, by the Bishop's vicar General amongst which were these, first that he had affirmed that is was as lawful for a temporal man to have two Wives at once, as for a Priest to have two benefits. Also that he had in his custody a book of the four Evangelists in English, and did often read therein, and that he did favour the Doctrines and opinions of Martin Luther, openly pronouncing that Luther had more learning in his little finger then all the Doctors of England in their whole Bodies, and that all the Priests in the church were blind and had led the people the wrong way. Likewise It was alleged against him that he had denied Purgatory and had said, that while he were alive he would do as much for himself as he could, for after his death he thought prayer and alms deeds would little help him, these and such like matters were they wherewith these poor and simple men and women were chief charged, and as heinous Heretics excommunicated, imprisoned and at last condemned to recant, and some of them in utter shame and reproach, besides the ordinary bearing of Faggots before the cross in procession, or else at a Sermon were enjoined for penance (as they termed it) as well to appear once every year before their ordinary, as also to wear the sign of a Pagot painted upon their sleeves other part of their outward garment and that during all their lives, or so often or so long as it pleased their ordinary to appoint, by which long rigorous and open punishing of them, they meant as it should seem utterly to terrify and keep back all others from the true knowledge of Jesus Christ, and his Gospel. But the Lord be evermore praised, what effect their wicked purposes therein have been taken these our most lightsome days of Gods glorious Gospel do most joyfully declare.  
William Sweting and John Brewster were put to death and burnt together in Smithfield, the chiefest case of Religion alleged against them in their Articles was their Faith concerning the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood, which because it differed from the absurd, gross and Capernaitical opinion of the new School men, was counted as most heinous Heresy.  
John Brown▪ was put to death and burned at Ashford in the year of God 1517. about the fourth year of King Henry the eighth, upon the declaration of a Priest in a conference between him and the Priest, who took him for an Heretic, whereupon he was apprehended and committed to Prison, the same night as he was in the Stocks at Ashford, where he and his Wife dwelled, his Wife came and sat beside him all the night before he should be burned, to whom he declaring the whole story how he was handled showed and told how that he could not set his feet to the ground, for they were burned to the bones, and told her how by the two Bishops Warham and Fisher his feet were heated upon the hot coals, and burnt to the bones, to make me (said he) to deny my Lord which I will never do, for if I should deny my Lord in this World, he would hearafter deny me; I pray thee therefore (said he) good Elizabeth, continue as thou hast begun, and bring up thy Children virtuously and in the fear of God, and so the next day this godly Martyr was burned, commending his spirit into the hands of the Lord, At the fire the Bayllie Arrant bade cast in his Children also, for they would spring (said he) of his ashes. This blessed Martyr John Brown had born an Faggot seven years before in the days of King Henry the 7. Richard Hun Merchand Tailyour, dwelling within the City of London, and freeman of the same, who was esteemed during his life, and worthily reputed and taken not only for a man of true dealing and good substance, but also for a good Catholic man; this man was suspect of Heresy, and committed to the Lollords' Tower, where he was first murdered by his adversaries the Priests, and by them hanged, whereupon they made the people to believe that he had desperately hanged himself, and after his death led a process against him, and condemned him of Heresy; and at last burned him in Smithfield.  
Thomas Man for alleged Heresy suffered much trouble and long imprisonment, and in end was condemned and burnt in Smithfield. This Tomas Man, called Doctor Man confessed that he turned seven hundred people to his Religion and Doctrine, for the which he thanked God.  
Against the faithful Christians of Amershame was great trouble and persecution in the time of William Smith Bishop of Lincoln. At which time divers and many were abjured, and it was called abjuratio magna, the great abjuration, and they which were noted of that Doctrine and profession were called amongst themselves by the name of known men, or just fast men, as now they are called by the name of Protestants.  
At this time although public authority than lacked to maintain the open Preaching of the Gospel, yet there were many in secret, good Christians and true Professors of the Gospel; truly the fervent zeal of those Christian-dayes, seemed much superior to these our days and times, as manifestly may appear by their sitting up all night in reading and hearing, also by their charges and expenses in buying of Books in English. In which rarity of books, and want of Teachers, this one thing may be much marvelled and mused at, to note in the Registers, and to consider how the word of truth notwithstanding did multiply so exceedingly as it did amongst them, wherein is to be seen no doubt the marvellous working of God's Almighty power, for so it is found and observed in considering the Registers, how one neighbour resorting and conferring with another, oft seemed with a few words of the first and second Table, did win and turn their minds to that wherein they desired to persuade them, touching the truth of God's Word, and their Sacraments. To see their travels, their earnest seeking, their burning zeal, their readings, their watch, their sweet assemblies, their love concord, their godly living, their faithful meaning with the faithful, may make us now in these our days of free profession to blush for shame. Four prinipal points they stood in against the Church of Rome, in pilgrimage, adoration of Saints, in reading of Scripture-books in English, and in the carnal presence of Christ's Body in the Sacrament.  
After the death of William Smith succeeded John Longland, a bloody and cruel persecutor of the Saints of God, he caused the Wife to detect the Husband, the Husband the Wife, the Father the Daughter, the Daughter the Father, the Brother to disclose the Brother, and Neighbour the Neighbour, neither were there any Assemblies nor readings kept, but both the persons and also the books were known; neither was one word so closely spoken, nor Article mentioned, but it was discovered. So subtly and slightly these Catholic Prelates did use their inquisions and Examinations, that nothing was done or said among these known men fifteen or twenty years before so covertly, but it was brought at length to their intelligence, as appears in a Table describing the grievous afflictions of good Men and Women in the Diocese of Lincoln under John Longland their Bishop, with the names both of the accusers and of them that were accused, also with the crimes to them objected out of the Registers of the said Diocese; all these were constrained to abjure and do penance, and they which were Relapse, were committed to the Secular power and burnt.  
As touching the burning of John Scrivener, here is to be noted that his Children were compelled to set the fire unto their Father, in like manner as Joan Clerk also Daughter of William Tylesworth, was compelled to give fire for the burning of her own natural Father. The example of which cruelty, as it is contrary both to God and Nature, so it had not been seen nor heard of in the memory of the Heathen.  
Now to leave England for a while, and to take a view of other Countries, and the Persecutions for Religion there, we shall begin first with Germany.   

OF MARTIN LUTHER by whom God began the Reformation of his CHURCH.  
MARTIN LUTHER born at Isleben in Saxony one Augustine Friar arose in the year of God 1516. to detect and discover the errors of the Church of Rome, and to cry out against indulgences upon this occasion. Leo the tenth of that name, Pope of Rome, who under pretence of War against the Turk, sent a ●ubile with his Pardons abroad through all Christian Realms and Dominions, whereby he gathered together innumerable riches and Treasure. The Gatherers and Collectors thereof persuaded the people that whosoever would give ten shillings, should at his pleasure deliver one soul from the pains of Purgatory, for thus they held as a general Rule that God would do whatsoever they would have him, according to the saying, quicquid solveritis super terram, erit solutum in Coelis, whatsoever ye lose upon earth, the same shall be loosed in Heaven, but if it were but one jot less than ten shillings, they preached that it would profit them nothing. This filthy kind of the Pope's Merchandise as it spread through all quarters of Christian Regions, so it came also to Germany through the means of a certain Dominick Friar named Tecellius who men impudently caused the Pope's Indulgences or pardons to be carried and sold about the Country. Whereupon Luther much moved with their blasphemous Sermous of this shameless Friar, and having his heart earnestly bend with arden desire to maintain true Religion, published certain Propositions concerning Indulgences, and set them openly on the Temple of Wittemberge. This Friar and the rest of the Monks there cried out against Luther, that he was an Heretic, and worthy to be persecuted with fire. And besides this, he burned openly Luther's Propositions, and the Sermon which he wrote of Indulgences. This rage and fumish fury of this Friar enforced Luther to treat more amply of the cause, and to maintain his matter. And thus risen the beginnings of this controversy, wherein Luther neither suspecting nor dreaming of any change that might happen in Ceremonies, much less such a Reformation of Doctrine and Ceremonies as afterward did follow, did not utterly reject the Indulgences, but required a moderation in them. The Duke of Saxony at this time being very inquisitive to understand the truth of Luther's Doctrine and consulted the learned men thereupon. In the number of whom was Erasmus, whom the Duke desired to declare unto him his opinion touching that matter of Martin Luther saying and protesting that he would rather the ground should open and swallow him, than he would bear with any Opinions which he knew to be contrary to manifest truth; And therefore he desired him to declare his judgement in the matter to him freely and friendly Erasmus thus being entreated of the Duck, began thus jestingly and merrily to answer the Duke's request, saying, that in Luther were two great faults, First, that he would touch the bellies of Monks; the second, that he would touch the Pope's Crown, which two matters are in no case to be dealt withal. Then opening up his mind plainly to the Duke, thus he said, that Luther did well in detecting errors, and that Reformation was to be wished and very necessary in the Church, and added moreover that the effect of his Doctrine was true, but only that he wished in him a more temperate moderation and manner of writing and handling. Luther was condemned of the Pope as an Heretic, and rejected from the communion of the Faithful, he appealed to the Counsel to come. After this, Leo the Pope commanded that his Books should be burnt at Rome. And on the other side Luther burnt at Wittemberge his Canons, Popish decretals. And the Emperor by the Pope's instigation was ordained to exile him, but he was kept secret and solitary for a time by the advice and conveyance of certain Nobles in Saxony, In the absence of Luther out of Wittemberge, Andreas Carolastadius proceeding more roughly and eagerly in causes of Religion had stirred up the people to throw down Images in the Temples besides other things moe. For the which cause Luther returning again into the City, greatly misliked the order of their do, and reproved the rashness of Carolastadius, declaring that their proceed herein were not orderly, but that Pictures and Images ought first to be thrown out of the hearts and consciences of Men, and that the people ought first to be taught that we are saved before God and please him only by Faith and that Images serve to no purpose. This done, and the people well instructed, there was no danger in Images, but that they would fall of their own accord. Not that he repyned to the contrary (he said), as thought he would mantain Images to stand or to be suffered, but that this aught to be done by the Magistrate and not by force upon every man's head, and without order and authority etc. The cause why Luther so stood against that violent throwing down of Images, and against Carolastadius, seemeth partly to rise off this, by reason this Pope Adrian in his Letters sent to the Princes and States of Germany doth grievously complain and charge the Sect of Luther for sedition and tumults and rebellion against Magistrates, and subverters and destroyers of all order and obedience as appeareth by the words of the Pope's Letter, therefore Martin Luther to stop the mouth of such slanderers, and to prevent such sinister suspicions, was enforced to take this way as he did to proceed as much as he might by order and authority. Zuinglius and Luther agreed in all points of Doctrine, saving in the Doctrine of the Sacrament; neither were there opinions so different in the matter of the Lords Supper, but that in the principal points they accorded. For if the question be asked of them both, what is the material substance of the Sacrament which our outward senses do behold and feel; they will both confess bread, and not the accidents only of bread: Further if the question be asked whither Christ be there present, they will both confess. His true presence to be there, only in the manner of presence they differ. Again ask whether the material substance laid before our eyes in the Sacrament, is to be worshipped, they will both deny it and judge it Idolatry; and likewise for transubstantiation, and for the Sacrifice of the Masle, they both do abhor and deny the same: As also the Communion to be in both kinds to be administered, they do both assent and grant. Only their difference is in this concerning the sense and meaning of the words of Christ, hoc est corpus meum, this is my body etc. Which words Luther exponneth to be taken nakedly and simply as the letter standeth without trop and figure, and therefore holdeth the Body and Blood of Christ truly to be in the Bread and Wine, and so also to be received with the mouth Uldricus Zuinglius with Joaunes Oecolampadius, and other more do interpret these words, otherwise to be taken not literally but to have a spiritual meaning, and to be expounded by a Trope and Figure, so that the sense of these words, This is my body thus to be expounded; this signifieth my Body and Blood The Saxons follow Luther, and the Helvetians Zuinglius, and as time did grow, so the division of these opinions in sides, spread in further Realms and Countries, the one part called of Luther, Lutherians, the other having the name of Sacramentaries. Notwithstanding in this one unity of opinion, both the Lutherians and Sacramentaries do accord and agree, that the Bread and Wine there present is not transubstantiat unto the Body and Blood of Christ as said, but is a true Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. Many conflicts he had with the Pope, his Cardinals and Clergy, and notwithstanding their fury and rage and plots against him, and the great power of his adversaries, the Emperor and the King of Spain and other Potentats, yet they could not prevail against him God keeping and defending him, that they could not bereave him of his life, but died peaceably in his own country where he was born, teaching and preaching Christ the space of 29 years. Many dangers he escaped, especially these two which are not to be passed by, wherein appears the great providence of God toward him; First, when a certain Jew by his enemies was appointed to come to destroy him by poison, yet was it so the will of God, that Luther had warning thereof before, and the face of the Jew sent to him by picture, whereby he knew him, and avoided the peril. Another time as he was sitting in a certain place upon his stool, a great stone there was in the Voult over his head where he did sit, which being stayed miraculously, so long as he was sitting, assoon as he was up, immediately fell upon the place where he sat, able to have crushed him all in pieces if it had light upon him. And what should I speak of his prayers which were so ardent unto Christ, that (as Melancton writes) they which stood under his window, where he stood praying might see his tears falling and dropping down. Again with such power he prayed that he (as himself confesseth) had obtained of the Lord that so long as he lived, the Pope should not prevail in his country. After his death (said he) let them pray who could. Again, it is reported of him that a young man about Wittemberge, who being kept bare and needy by his Father, was tempted by way of Sorcery to bargain with the Devil or a familiar as they call him, to yield himself body and soul into the Devil's power, upon condition to have his wish satisfied with money, so that upon the same, an Obligation was made by the young man written with his own blood and given to the Devil. Upon the sudden, wealth and alteration of this young man, the matter first being noted, began afterward more and more to be suspsuspected, and at length after long and great admiration was brought unto Martin Luther to be examined; the young man, whether for shame or fear long denied to confess, and would be known of nothing, yet God so wrought being stronger than the Devil that he uttered unto Luther the whole substance of the case as well touching the money as the Obligation Luther understanding the matter, and pitying the lamentable estate of the man, willed the whole congregation to pray, and he himself ceased not with his prayer to labour, so that the Devil was compelled at the last to throw in his Obligation at the window, and bade him take it again unto him. And as he was mighty in his prayers so in his ●●●mons. God gave him such a grace that when like preached they which heard him, thought every one his own temptations severally to be noted and touched. Whereof when signification was given unto him by his friends, and he demanded how that could be; my own manifold temptation (said he) and experiences are the causes thereof. For Luther from his tender years was much broken and exercised with several conflicts, for he confessed that he was afflicted and vexed with all kind of temptations saving only one which was with covetousness. With this vice he was never (said he) in all his life to be troubled nor once tempted.  
Pope Leo the tenth of that name bore an irreconciliable heatred unto the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, which he persecuted in the person of Luther and many others: for as one day the Cardinal Bembo uttered before him a certain thing drawn from the Gospel, he answered him mocking. It hath ever sufficiently been known what profit that sable of Jesus hath brought us and our company. O execrable blasphemy! Luther died in the year of our Lord 1546. being 63. years of age. The Prayer of Luther at his death was this. My Heavenly Father, eternal and merciful God, thou bath manif stead unto me thy d●ar Son, our Lord ●esus Christ. I have taught him, I have known him, I love him as my life, my health and my redemption whom the wicked have persecuted, maligned, and with injury afflicted, draw my soul to thee. After this, he said as ensueth thrice, I commend my spirit into thy hands, thou hast redeemed me, O God of truth: God so loved the World, that he gave his only Son, that all these that believe in him should have life everlasting, Joh. 3.   

The Martyrs of GERMANY.  
MAny after the death of Luther were troubled for their Religion, some tossed from place to place, same exiled out of the Land for fear, some cau●ed to abjure, some driven to Caves in Woods, some racked with torment, and some pursued to death with faggot and fire. And because we cannot name all that were persecuted and put to death for their Religion, we shall name some few of the choicest.  
And first, there were two young men burnt at Bruxlies, the one named Henry Voes, being of the age of twenty four years, and the other john Esh, which before had been of the order of the Augustine Friars, for that they would not retreat and deny their Doctrine of the Gospel, which the Papists call Lutheranism. As they were led to the place of Execution, they went joyfully and merrily, making continually protestations that they died for the glory of God, and the Doctrine of the Gospel, believing and following the holy Church of the Son of God, saying also that it was the day which they had long desired. After they were come to the place where they should be burned, and were despoiled of their garments, they tarried a great space in their shirts, and joyfully embraced the Stake that they should be bound to, patiently and joyfully enduring whatsoever was done unto them, praising God with Te Deum laudamus, and singing Psalms and rehearsing the Creed in testimony of their death. One of them seeing that fire was kindled at his feet, said, me thinks ye do straw Rose, under my feet, finally the smoke and the flame mounting up to their face, choked them.  
The next year after the burning of these two young men before rehearsed, was Henry Sutphen put to death by the conspiracy of the Monks and Friars, without all order of judgement, or just condemnation: about the City of Diethmar in the borders of Germany, in the year 1524. they resolved to take him by night and burn him, before the people should know it, as he came to his defence to answer. They with a confused multitude of people came unto him in the night, and drew him naked out of his bed, bound his hands hard behind him, and carried him away; then he being marvellous weary and faint required to be set on horseback, for his feet were all cut and hurt with the ice, because he was led all night barefoot, when they heard him say so, they mocked and laughed at him, saying, must we hire an horse for an Heretic, he shall go on foot whither he will or not, and after a world of indignities, mockings, striking and bustetting him, he was burnt without any judgement, his cause not being heard. In the mean time a certain Woman as he passed by, offered herself to suffer a thousand stripes, and to give much money, so that they would pacify the matter, and keep him in the prison, until that he might plead his matter before the whole convocation of the country people. When they heard these words, they waxed more mad, and threw the Woman down under feet, and trod upon her, and beat the said Henry unmercifully; the fire as often as it was kindled, would not burn, notwithstanding they satisfied their minds upon him, striking and pricking him with all kind of Weapons, the said Henry standing in the mean time in his shirt before all the rude people at the last they having gotten a great Ladder, bound him hard thereunto, and cast him into the fire. And when he began to pray, and to repeat his Creed, one strake him upon the face with his fist, saying, thou shall first be burnt, and afterward pray and prat as much as thou wilt. Then another treading upon his breast, bound his neck so hard to a step of the Ladder, that the blood gushed out of his mouth, and nose. This was done to strangle him withal, for they saw that for all his sore wounds he would not die. After that with their weapons they had killed him, they roasted him upon the coals, for the Wood as often as it was set on fire, would not burn out. And thus, this godly Preacher finished his Martyrdom, and many moe godly Preachers were burnt.  
About the same time many other godly Persons and such as feared God for the testimony of the Gospel were thrown into the River of Rhine and into toher Rivers were their Bodies afterward were found and taken up. In the same year of God 1524. the Town of Mihtemherge in Germany was taken and ransacted and divers of the inhabitants there slain, and many imprisoned for maintaining and keeping with them Carolastadius to be their preacher. The lamentable Martyrdom of John Clerk of Melden in France. Melden is a City of France ten miles distant from Paris where John Clark was first apprehended and taken for setting up upon the Church door against the Pope's pardon lately sent thither from Rome, in which Bill he named the Pope to be Antichrist, for the which his punishment was this, that three several days he should be whipped, and afterwards have a mark imprinted in his forehead as a note of infamy, his mother being a Christian Woman, although her Husband were an adversary, when she beheld her son thus pitionsly scourged, and ignominously deformed in the face, constantly and boldly did encourage her son, crying with a loud voice blessed be Christ, and welcome be these prints and marks; thereafter leaving the Town, he came to Merz in Lotharing, where he remained a certain space, applying his Vocation, being a Wool-carder in his Occupation; whereas he the day before that the people of that City, should go out to the Saburbs to worship certain blind Idols, thereby (after an old use and custom amongst them received) being inflamed with the zeal of God, went out of the City to the place where the Images were, and broke them all down in pieces; trial being taken who should be the doer thereof, this man was suspected and examined upon the same, at first confesseth the fact, rendering also the cause which moved him so to do, he was condemned and led to the place of Execution, where he sustained extreme torments, for first his hand was cut off from his right arm, than his nose with sharp pinson's was violently plucked from his face, after that both his arms and his papes were likewise plucked and drawn out with the same Instrument: To all them that stood looking upon it was an horror to behold, and doleful sighs of his pains. Again to behold his patience, or rather the grace of God giving him the gift to suffer, it was a wonder. Thus quietly and constantly he endured in his torments, pronouncing, or in a manner singing the Verses of the 115. Psa. Simulachra corum sunt argentum & aurm, &c, Their Images be silver and gold the work only of man's hands, etc. The residue of his life that remained in his rend body was committed to the fire, and therewith consumed.  
A certain godly Priest in Suevia being commanded to come and give good counsel to sixteen Countrymen that should be beheaded, afterward was bid himself to kneel down to have his head cut off, no cause nor condemnation further being laid against him, but only of mere hatred against the Gospel.  
After that George Sherter had instructed the people in knowledge or the Gospel in Rastar, ten miles distant from Saltzburg, was accused of his adversaries, and put in prison, where he wrote a Confession of his Faith, he was condemned to be burned alive, but means, was made that first his head should be cut off, and his body afterward be cast into the fire, going toward his death, he said crying aloud, that ye may know (said he) that I die a true Christian, I will give you a manifest sign, and so he did by the power of the Lord, for when his head was taken off from his shoulders, the body falling upon his belly, so continued the space while one might well eat an Egg, after that it softly turned itself upon the back, and crossed the right foot over the left, and the right hand over the left; at the sight whereof they which saw it were in a great marvel. The Magistraces which before had appointed to have burned the body after the beholding, seeing this mira●● would not burn it, but buried it with other Christian men's bodies, and many by the same example were moved to believe the Gospel. Thus God is able to manifest the truth of his Gospel in the midst of persecution who is to be blessed for ever. Amen.  
Giles of ●rasels as he was brought to the place of burning, where he saw agreat heap or Wood pyled, he required the greater part to be taken away, and be given to the poor, a little, said he, would suffice him. Also seeing a poor man coming by, as he went, that lacked shoes, he gave his shoes unto him; better, (said he) so to do, then to have his shoes burnt, and the poor to perish for cold. Standing at the Stake, the Hangman was ready to strangle him before, but he would not, saying that there was no such need that his pain should be mitigated, for I fear not (said he) the fire do therefore as thou art commanded. And thus the blessed Martyr lifting up his eyes to Heaven in the middle of the flame, was extincted, to the great lamentation of all that stood by. After that time when the Friars of that City would go about for their Alms, the people would say, it was not meet for them to receive Alms with bloody hands. At this time also was great Persecution in Gaunt and other parts of Flanders, as Charles, this Emperor did lie in Gaunt, the Friars and Doctors there obtained that the Edict made against the Lutherians might be red openly twice a year, which being obtained, great persecution followed, so that there was no City nor Town in all Flanders, wherein some either were not expulsed, or headed, or condemned to perpetual prison, or had not their goods confiscate, neither was there any respect of Age or Sex. At Gaunt especially many there were of Head men which for Religion sake were burned: Afterward the Emperor coming to Brusels there was terrible slaughter and persecution of God's people, namely in Brabant, Hennegow and Artoys, the horror and cruelty whereof is almost incredible, in so much that at one time, as good as two hundreth men and women together were brought out of the Country about into the City, of whom some were drowned, some  quick, some prively made away, others sent to perpetual prison, whereby all prisons and towers were replenished thereabout with prisoners and captives, and the hands of the Hangman tired with slaying and killing, to the great sorrow of all them which knew the Gospel; being now compelled either to deny the same or confirm it with their Blood.  
Ursula and Maria virgins of noble stock were burned for the Go●pel in Delden, a Town in lower Germany, First Mary being the younger was put to the fire where she prayed ardently for her enemies commending her soul to God. At whose constancy the Judges did greatly marvel. Then they exhorted Ursula to turn, or if she would not, at least that she should request to be beheaded. To whom she said, that she was guilty of no error, nor defended any thing but which was consonant to the Scripture in which she trusted, to preserve unto the end. And feared not the fire, but rather would follow the example of her dear Sister that went before. This was marvellous that the executions could in no wise consume their dead bodies with fire, but left them whole lying upon the ground white, which certain good Christians privily took up in the night and burned: thus God many times showeth his power in the midst of T●ibulations,  
At Dornick in Fanders, Marion wife of Adrian Tailyour, for the Gospel's of Christ was burned quick, she was enclosed in an iron grate form in shape of a paslie, was laid in the earth and burned quick. A certain Prince in Germany about Hungary or the parts of Pannonia, his name is not expressed, put out the eyes of a certain Priest in Germany for no other cause but for that he had said the Mass to be no Sacrifice, in that sense as many Priests do take it. Neither did the cru●l Prince immediately put him to death, but first keeped him in prison a long time afflicting him with divers torments, than he was brought forth to be degraded, after a barbarous and tyrannous manner, first, they shaved the crowr, of his Head, than rubbed it with Salt that the blood came running down his shoulders. After that, they razed and paired the tops of his Fingers with cruel pain that no savour of the holy oil might remain. At last the patiented and godly Martyr four days after yielded up his life and spirit.  
Joannes Diazius a Spainyard Martyr was killed of his own brother at Neoberge in Germany.  
In Hungary a certain godly Priest preached that the eating of flesh is not prohibited in the Scripture, for the which the cruel Bishop after he had imprisoned him certain weeks, caused him to be brought out and his body to be tied over with Hairs, Geese, and Hens, hanging round about him, and so the beastly Bishop made Dogs to be set upon him, which cruelly rend and tore whatsoever they could catch. And thus the good Minister of Christ being driven about the City with the barking of Dogs died and was Martyred. The sight whereof as it was lamentable to the godly, so it seemed ridiculous to the wicked, but within few days after the impious Bishop by the stroke of God's just hand fell sick, and became horn mad, and so raving without sense or wit misarably died.  
Great likewise was the persecution in Bohemia for two hundreth Ministers and Preachers of the Gospel were banished out of Bohemia, for preaching against the Superstition of the Bishop of Rome, and extolling the glory of Christ.  
Besides these Germanus above specified and others a great number there was both in the Higher and Lower Countries of Germany, which were secretly drowned or buried, or otherwise in prison made away, whose names although they be not known to us, yet they are Registrated in the books of life. But leaving to speak any further of the Martyrs which suffered in Germany which were many, we come to speak of the French Martyrs. And because it is impossible to name all that suffered for the cause of Christ we shall make choice to some select ones.   

The French MARTYRS.  
ANd first, John Cornon a husband man of Mascon uncleetered, but to whom God gave such wisdom that his judges were amazed when he was condemned by their sentence and burned.  
Stephen Brune a husband man at the place of his burning, the wind ●o●e and blew the fire so from him as he stood exhorting the people, that he there continued about the space of an hour, in manner not harmed or scarce touched with any flame, so that all te Wood being wasted away, they were compelled to begin the fire again with new faggots and vessels of oil and such other matter, and yet neither could he with all this be burned, but stood safe. Then the hangman took a staff and let drive at his head, to whom the holy Martyr being yet alive said, when I am Judged to the fire, do ye beat me with staffs like a Dog, with that the hangman with his Pike thrust him through the belly and the guts, and so threw him down into the fire and burned his body to ashes, throwing away his ashes afterward with the wind.  
Constantinus a Citizen of Rhone with three other for the defence of the gospel being condemned to be burned, were put in a dung Cart, who the reat rejoicing, said that they were reputed here as excrements of this world, but yet their death was a sweet odour unto God.  
Aymo●d D●lavoy a Preacher of the Gospel being accused to have teached false Doctrine, and having intelligence that he was to be apprehended, was willed by his friends to flee and shift for himself, but he would not, saying that he had rather that he had never been born then so to do. It was the office of a good shepherd (he said) not to flee in time of peril, but rather to abide the danger, lest the flock be scartered, or lest peradventure in so doing he should leave some scruple in their minds thus to think that he had fed them with dreams and fables contrary to the word of God, therefore beseeching them to move him no more therein, he told them that he feared not to yield up both body and soul in the quarrel of that truth which he had taught, saying with St. Paul that he was ready not only to be bound for the testimony of Christ in the City of Bordeaux but also to die, the Summoner came, and was in the City three days, during which time Aymondus preached three Sermons, the people in defence of their Preacher flew upon the Summoner to deliver him out of his hands: But Aymond desired them not to stop his Martyrdom seeing that it was the will of God that he should suffer for him he would not (said he) resist. Then the Consuls suffered the Summoner, and so Aymond was carried to Bordeaux, there he was accused and false witness brought in against him, all their accusation was only for denying purgatory; after long and miserable imprisonment he is put to death and burnt.  
Frances Bonbard was said to be Secretary of the Cardinal of bellare, who being also for the Gospel condemned, after his tongue was cut off, did with like constancy sustain the sharpness of burning.  
The enemies of the Gospel seeing that these that were condemned to die at the place of the Execution, moved many with their speech, therefore they obtained a decree of the Judges that all which were to be burned, unless they recanted at the fire, should have their tongues cut off, which Law diligently afterward was observed.  
Michael Michelot a Tailor being apprehended for the Gospel's sake, was judged first if he would turn to be beheaded, and if he would not turn then to be burned alive, who being asked whether of these two he would choose, answered, that he trusted that he which hath given him grace not to deny the truth, would also give him patience to abide the fire: He was burned at Warden by Turney.  
Seven men and women of the City of Langres for the Word and Truth of Christ Jesus were committed to the fire, wherein they died with much strength and comfort, but especially Joan which was Simon Martial his Wife, being reserved to the last place because she was the youngest, confirmed her Husband and all the other with words of singular consolation, declaring to her Husband that they should the same day be married to the Lord Jesus to live with him for ever.  
Anne Andebert an Apothecary's Wife, and Widow, going to Geneva, was taken and brought to Paris, and by the Counsel there judged to be burned at Orleans. When the Rope was put about her, she called it her Wedding girdle, wherewith she should be married to Christ. And as she should be burned upon a Saturday, upon Michaelmas-even, upon a Saturday I (said she) I was first married, and upon a Saturday I shall be married again. And seeing the Dung-cart brought wherein she should be carried, she rejoiced thereat, showing such constancy in her Martyrdom, and made all the beholders to marvel.  
Among many other godly Martyrs that suffered in France, a story of a poor Tailor of Paris, that dwelled in the Street of St. Antony, is not the least and worst to be remembered, his name is not expressed, he was apprehended of a certain Officer in the King's house, for that upon a certain Holiday he followed his Occupation, and did work for his living, before he was had to the Prison the Officers asked him why he did labour and work, giving no observation of the Holiday, to whom he answered, that he was a poor man living only upon his labour. And as for the day, he knew no other but the Sunday wherein he might not lawfully work for the necessity of his living, he is clapped into Prison: word hereof coming to the King's ears, the poor man was sent for to appear, that the King might have the hearing of him, who being come before the King, the King commanded Petrus Castellanus Bishop of Mascon to question with him. The Tailor being entered, and nothing appalled at the King's Majesty, after his reverence done unto the Prince, gave thanks to God that he had so greatly dignified him being such a wretch as to bring him where he might testify his truth before such a mighty prince. Then Castellanus entering talk began to reason with him touching the greatest and chiefest matter of Religion. Whereunto the Tailyour without fear or any halting in his speech, with present audacity, wit and memory so answered for the sincere Doctrine and simple truth of God's Gospel as was both convenient to the purpose, and also to his Questions aptly and fitly correspondent notwithstanding the Nobles there present with cruel taunts and rebukes did what they could to dash him out of countenance, yet all this terrified not him, but with boldness of Heart and free Liberty of Speech, he defended his cause, or rather the cause of Christ the Lord, neither flattering with their persons, or fearing their threats, which was to them all a singular admiration to behold the simple poor Artificer to stand so firm and bold answering before the King to these Questions propounded against him. Whereat when the King seemed to muse with himself, as one somewhat amazed, and which might soon have been induced at that present to further knowledge, the egregious Bishop and other Courtiers seeing the King in such a muse, said, he was an obstinate and a stubborn person obfirmed in his own opinion, and therefore was not to be marvelled at, but to be sent to the judges and punished, and therefore lest he should trouble the ears of the said King Henry, he was commanded again to the hands of the Officers that his cause might be informed, and so within few days after he was condemned by the high Steward of the King's house to be burned alive. And lest any deep consideration of that excellent fortitude of the poor man might further peradventure pierce the King's mind, the Cardinals and Bishops were ever in the King's ear, telling him that these Lutherans were nothing else but such as carried vain smoke in their mouths, which being put to the fire would soon vanish. Wherefore the King was appointed himself to be present at his execution, which was sharp and cruel, before the Church of Marie the Virgin where it pleased God to give such strength and courage to his servant in suffering his Martyrdom, that the beholding thereof did more astonish the King than all the other did before. Thomas Sanpaulinus a Young Man of the Age of e●ghten years coming from Geneva to Paris, rebuked there a man for swearing, for the which cause he being susected for a Lutherian, was followed and watched whither he went, and was taken and brought before the Counsel of Paris, and put in Prison, where he was racked and miserably tormented, to the intent he should either change his opinion, or confess others of his profession, his torments and rackings were so sore through the setting on of Mallard and another Sorbonists, that the sight thereof made Auberius one of the Counsel, a cruel and vehement enemy against the Gospel, to turn his back, and wept. The young man when he had made the torments weary with racking, & yet would utter none, at last was had to Manbelt Place in Paris to be burned, where he being in the fire, was plucked up again upon the Gibbet, and asked whether he would turn. To whom he said, that he was in the way toward God, and therefore desired them to let him go. Thus this glorious Martyr remaining inexpugnible, glorified the Lord with constant confession of his truth.  
Nicholas Nail a Schoemaker coming to Paris with certain fardels of Books was there apprehended who stoutly persisting in coufessing the truth was tried with his sundry torments to utter what follows he had besides of his profession so cruelly that his body was dissolved almost one joint from another, but so constant he was in his silence that he would express none. As they brought him to the Stake, first, they put a gage or piece of wood in his mouth which they bond with Cords to the hinder part of his head so hard, that his mouth on both sides gushed out with blood, and disfigured his face monstruously; by the way they passed an Hospital, where they willed him to worship the Picture of St. Mary standing at the Gate: But turned his back as well as he could, and would not, for the which the blind people was so grieved, that they would have fallen upon him. After he was brought to the fire, they so smeared his body with Fat and Brimstone, that at the first taking of the fire, all his skin was parched, and the inward parts not touched, with that the Cords burst which were about his mouth, whereby his voice was heard in the midst of the flame praising God, and so the blessed Martyr departed. One of the Parliament seeing the great zeal and patience of the Martyrs at their burning, said that way not to be best to bring the Lutherans to the fire, for that would do more hurt then good.  
A Carpenter, and another a Pointmaker, going to Execution to be burnt for the profession of the Gospel, their tongues were commanded to be cut off, and being cut off, there appeared a marvellous work of the Lord, for nevertheless that their tongues were taken from them, to the intent they should not speak, yet God gave them utterance, their tongues being cut out, to speak at their death, saying, we bid sin, the flesh, the world and the devil farewell for ever, with whom never we shall have to do hearafter. Divers other words they spoke beside, which the people did hear and note: At last when the Tormenter came to smear them with Brimstone and Gunpowder, go to said Filiolus, salt on, salt on the rotten and stinking flesh; finally, as the flame came bursting up their faces they persisting constant in the fire, gave up their lives, and finished their Martyrdom.  
There was at Montpelliers in the year of God 1554. a certain Sheerman or Cloath-worker, who had been long in durance for Religion, but at length for fear and infirmity he revolted. To whom it was enjoined by the Judges to make public Recantation, and to be present also at the burning of Alencon, who was condemned to death. At the beholding of whose death and constancy, it pleased God to strike in this man such boldness, that he desired the Judges that either he might be burnt with this Alencon, or else be brought again to Prison, saying, that he would make no other Recantation but so: wheresore within three days after he was likewise condemned to the fire, and burned in the Town aforesaid.  
There was a rich Merchant in Paris, who said in jest to the Friars of St. Frances, ye wear a Rope about your bodies because St. Francies once should have been hanged, and the Pope redeemed him upon this condition that all his life after he should wear a Rope: Upon this the Franciscan Friars of Paris caused him to be apprehended and laid in Prison, and so Judgement passed upon him that he should be hanged, but he to save his life was contented to recant, and so did. The Friars hearing of his Recantation commended him, saying, if he continued so he should be saved, and so calling upon the Officers, caused them to make haste to the Gallows to hang him up while he was yet in a good way (said they) lest he fall again. And so was this Merchand notwithstanding his Recantation hanged for jesting against the Friars.  
To this Merchand may also be adjoined the Brother of Tamer, who when he had before professed the truth of the Gospel, and afterward by the counsel and instruction of his Brother was removed from the same, fall in desperation and such sorrow of mind, that he hanged himself. As one Thomas Galbergue was in the flame at Tourney, the Warden of the Friars stood crying, Turn Thomas, yet it is time, remember him that came at the last hour. To whom he cried out of the flame with a loud voice, and I trust to be one of that sort: and so calling upon the Name of the Lord gave up his spirit, As two Martyrs at Bordeaux were in the flame and almost consumed in the fire to ashes, suddenly without matter or cause such a fear fell upon them at the execution, that the Justices & the people, notwithstanding that they had the Gates locked to them, and were defenced with all manner of weapons about them not knowing wherefore, took them to their legs, in such haste flying away, that they overran one another. The Pior of St. Antony's fell down so that a great number went over him. The Judge Pontach on his Mule with his red robe flying as the other did, was overthrown with the press in the street, in such sort that he was fain to be carried to Pichons' house a widow, and there cried within, hid me, save my life, I am dead, my friends, hid my Mule that no m●n see her nor know her, briefly such was the fear which came from them, that every man shut up their houses. After the fear was past, every man asked what the matter was, but none could tell, neither could the enemies of God's truth perceive who was he that put them so to the flight and fear without any semblance of any adversary about them, Impius fugit & nemo perseqnitur.   

Of the cruel Masscre in FRANCE. Anno 1572.  
THere was at this time a marriage to b●e between the King's Sister and the Prince of Navar. To this pretended Marriage it was divised that all the chiefest Protestants or France should be invited and meet in Paris, being met and convened that same night of the Marriage, Soldiers were appointed in divers places of the City to be ready at a watchword, to break in into the Protestants houses; at which watchword given, they burst out to the slaughter of the Protestants, first beginning with the Admiral who was slain in his bed, and thrown out at a window into the street, where his head being first stricken off and embalmed with Spices to be sent to the Pope, At this time there was slain in three days above ten thousand Men and Women, old and young of all sorts and conditions, yea, and slew all the Protestants they knew or could find within the city Gates enclosed. So great was the rage of the Heathenish persecution that not only the Protestants, but also, certain whom they thought indifferent Papists, they put to the sword in steed of Protestants, In the number of them that were sl●●n of the more learned sort was, Petrus Ramus, Lumbinus, and others. And not only within the Walls of Paris was this uproar contained, but extended further into other Cities and quarters of the Realm, especially Lions, Orleans, toulouse and Rouen. In which Cities it is almost incredible, nor scarlely ever heard of in any Nation, what cruelty was showed, what numbers of good M●n were destroyed, in so much that within the space of one month thretty thousand at least of Religious Protestants are numbered to be slain. Furthermore here is to be noted, that when the Pope first heard of this bloody stir, he with his Ca●dinals made such joy at Rome with their procession, with their Gun-shot and singing Te Deum, that in honour of that lawful festival Act, a jubilee was commanded by the Pope with great indulgence and much Solemnity, whereby thou hast here to discern and judge with what spirit and charity these Catholics are moved to maintain their Religion withal, which otherwise would fall to the ground without all hope of recovery. Likewise in France no less rejoicing there was, the King commanding public processions through the whole City to be made with Bonfires, Ringing and singing, where the King himself with the Queen his Mother and his whole Court resorting together to the Caurch, gave thanks and laud to God for that so worthy victory archieved upon St. Bartholomews' Day against the Protestants whom they thought to be utterly overthrown and vanquished in all the Realm for ever. And in very deed to man's thinking, might appear no less after such a destruction of the Protestants, having lost so many worthy and noble Captains-as than were cut off, whereupon many for fear revoking their Religion returned to the Pope; divers fled out of the Realm, such as would not turn, kept themselves secret, durst not be known or seen, so that it was passed all hope of man that the Gospel should ever have any more place in France, but such is the admirable working of the Lord, where man's help and hope most faileth, there he showeth his strength and helpeth, as here is to be seen and noted by stirring up Rochel to stand to the defence or their Religion against the King's power, by whose example certain Cities hearing thereof, took no little courage to do the like, as Mountaban and others who being confederate together, exhorted one another to be circumspect, and take good heed of the false dissembling practices not to be trusted of the merciless Papists, intending nothing but blood and destruction. Rochel standing to the defence of their lives and consciences, and to adventure the worst, whereupon began great siege and battery to be laid against Rochel both by sea and land, which was Anno 1572. The whole power of France is set against Rochel. Thus the whole power of France being gathered against one power town, had not the mighty hand of the Lord stood on their side, it had been impossible for them to escape. Daring the time of this siege which lasted about seven months, what skirmishes and conflicts were on both sides, it would require a long tractation, In all which assaults ever the Popes Catholics had the worst. Concerning the first assault thus I find written that within the space of 26. days were charged against the walls and houses of Rochel to the number or thretty thousand shot of iron Bullets and globes, where by a great breach was made for the adversary to invade the city, but such was the courage of them within not men only, but also of Women, Matrons and maids, with spites, fire and such other weapons that came to hand, that the adversary was driven back, with no small slaughter of their Soldiers. Likewise in the second assault 2000 great field pieces were laid against the Town whereupon the adversary attempted the next day to invade the Town, but through the industry of the Soldiers and citizens and also of women and maids the invaders were forced at length to flee away faster than they came. No better success had all the assaults that followed. M●ny were the tokens of Gods gracious deal with them during the time of the siege, and amongst the rest this was very memorable at Rochel, whereas the poorer sort began to lack corn and victual, there was sent to them every day in the River (by the hand of the Lord, no doubt a great multitude of fish called Surdones) which the poor people did use in stead of bread: Which fish the same day as the siege broke up, departed and came no more, testified by them which were present there in Rochel all the time. The King in end being weary of those chargeable wars, there was a peace agreed and concluded between the King and the Protestants of Rochel, in which were included other Cities of the Protestants, granting to them benefit of peace, and liberty of Religion. The next year following, died Charels the 9 the French King and the Cardinal of Lorain brother to Guise. The King died of the age of 25. years, and the manner of his death is to be noted. The constant report To goeth that his blood guishing out by divers parts of his body, he tossing in his bed, and casting out many horrible blasphemies, laid upon pillows with his heals upward and head downward, voided so much blood at his mouth, that in few hours he died. Which story if it be true as is recorded and testified, may be an spectale and example to all persecuting Kings and Princes polluted with the blood of Christian Martyrs.   

The cruel Persecution and Bloody Boutchery of the MERINDOLIANS.  
FOllows the Tragical Persecution, and horrible murder of the faithful flock of Christ, inhabiting in Merindol in the Country of Province in France; this people of a long continuance and custom had refused the Bishop of Rome his Authority, and observed ever a more perfect kind of Doctrine than others, delivered them from the Father to the Son ever since the year of our Lord 1200. for this cause they were often accused, and complained of to the King, as contemners and despisers of the Magistrates, and Rebels; they were oftentimes persecuted, and many put to death for their Profession; in end the Court or Parliament at Province gave out a cruel sentence against Merindol, and condemned all the Inhabitants to be burned, both Men and Women, sparing none, no not the little Children and Infants, the Town to be razed, and their Houses to be beaten down to the ground; also their trees to be cut down, as well Olive-trees as all other, and nothing to be left, to the intent it should never be inhabited again, but remain as a Desert or Wilderness. The violence and execution of this cruel and bloody sentence was for a time restrained, and the rage of the adversaries repressed, till Minerius a bloody persecuter, and the King's Lieutenant of Province, forged a most impudent lie against these innocent Christians, giving the King to understand that they of Merindol, and all the Country near about, to the number of twelve or fifteen thousand, were in the field in Armour; with their Ensign displayed, intending to take the Town of Mansfield, and make it one of the Cantons of the Swissers, and to stay this enterprise; he said it was necessary to execute the Arrest manumilitari, and by this means he obtained the King's Letters Patents though the help of the Cardinal of Tournon, commanding the sentence to be executed against the Meridolians, notwithstanding the King had before revoked the said sentence, and given straight commandment that it should no ways be executed. After this he gathered all the King's Army which was then in Province, ready to go against the Englishmen, and took up all besides that were able to bear Armour in the Chief Towns of Province, and joined them with the Army which the Pope's Legate had Levied for that purpose in Avinion, and all Countries of Venice, and employed the same to the destruction of Merindol, Cabriers, and other Towns and Villages, to the number of 22. giving Commission to his Soldiers, to spoil, ransack, burn and destroy all together, and to kill Man, Woman, and child, without all mercy, sparing none, no otherwise then the Infidels and cruel Turks have dealt with the Christians So Merindol without any resistance, was taken, ransacked, , razed, and laid even with the ground, and killed all, both young and old whom they found in the Town. When he had destroyed Merindol, he laid siege to Catriers, and battered it with his Ordinance, but when he could not win it by force, he with the Lord of the Town, and Powling his chief Captain, persuaded with the Inhabitants to open their Gates, solemnly promising that if they would so do, they would lay down their Armour, and also that their cause should be heard in Judgement with all equity and justice, and no violence or injury should be showed against them. Upon this they opened their Gates, and let in Minerius, with his Captains, and all his Army; but the Tyrant when he was once entered, falsified his promise, and raged like a Beast, for first of all he picked out about thirty men, causing them be bound and carried into a Meadow near to the Town, and there to be miserably cut and hewn in pieces by his Soldiers; then because he would not leave no kind of cruelty unattempted, he also exercised outrage and fury upon the poor silly women, and caused forty of them to be taken, of whom divers were great with child, and put them into a Barn full of Straw and Hay, and caused it to be set on fire at four corners: And when the silly women running to the great Window where the Hay is wont to be cast into the Barn, would have leapt out, they were keeped in with Pikes and Halberds: then there was a Soldier, which moved with pity at the crying out and lamentation of the Women, opened a door to let them out, but as they were coming out, the Tyrant caused them to be slain and cut in pieces, opening their bellies that the children fell out whom they trod under their feet, with many other cruel and barbarous acts against the poor innocents'. This done, this Tyrant more cruel than ever was Herod, commanded one of his Captains, with a Band of Ruffians, to go into the Church (where was a great number of Women, Children, and young Infants) to kill all whom he found there, which the Captain at the first refused to do, saying that were a cruelty unused among men of War: Whereat Minerius being displeased, charged him upon pain of Rebellion and disobedience to the King, to do as he had commanded him. The Captain fearing what might ensue, entereth with his men and destroyed them all, sparing neither young nor old.  
We are not here to pass by the fearful judgement of God that fell upon Minerius the cruel Persecuter of their innocents', being stricken with a strange kind of bleeding at the lower parts, in manner of a bloody Flux, and not being able to avoid any Urine, thus by little and little his Guts within him rotred, and when no Remedy could be found for this terrible disease, and his entrails now began to be eaten of Worms, a certain famous Chirurgeon named La Motte, which dwelled at Arles (a man no less Godly than expert in his Science) was called for, who after he had cured him of this difficulty of making Water, and therefore was in great estimation with him, before he would proceed further to search the other parts of his putrified body, and to search out the inward cause of his Malady, he desired that they which were present in the Chamber with Minerius would departed a little aside: Which being done, he began to exhort Minerius with earnest words, saying, how the time now required that he should ask forgiveness of God by Christ for his enormous crimes and cruelty in shedding so much innocent blood, and declared the same to be the cause of this so strange profusion of blood coming from him. These words being heard, so pierced the impure conscience of this miserable wretch, that he was therewith more troubled then with the agony of his disease, in so much that he cried out to lay hands upon the Chirurgeon as an Heretic; Lafoy Motte hearing this, eftsoons convyed himself out of sight, and returned again to Arles, notwithstanding it was not long but he was sent for again, being entreated by his friends, and promised most firmly that his coming should be without any peril or danger, and so with much ado he returned again to Minerius, raging and cast out most horrible and blasphemous words, and feeling a fire which burned him from the Navel upward, with extreme stink of the lower parts, finished his wretched life, whereby we have notoriously to understand that God through his mighty arm at length confoundeth such persecuters of his innocent and faithful servants, and bringeth them to nought, to whom be praise and glory for ever.   

The Persecutions of the WALDENSES, Or, WALDOYES.  
THe Waldenses, otherwise called Pauperes de Lugduno, have their beginning of one Petrus Waldus Citizen of Lions, their first teacher and instructor, by violence o● persecution being driven out of Lions, were dispersed abroad in divers Countries, of whom some fled to Massilia, some to Germany, Livonia, Bohemia, Calab●ia, and Apulia, divers strayed to the Countries of France, especially about Province and Piedmont, of whom came these Merindolians above mentioned; they which were of the Country of Tolousa, of the place where they frequented, wer● c●lled Albii. or Albigenses. Against the which Albigenses, Frier Dominicus was a great doer, labouring and Preaching against them ten years together, and caused many of them to be burned. And albeit great was their Persecution in all parts where they were scattered, yet could they never be utterly destroyed, nor yet compelled to yield to the superstitious and false Religion of the Church of Rome, but ever abstained from their corruption and Idolatry as much as was possible, and gave themselves to the word of God, as a Rule both truly to serve him, and to direct their lives accordingly.  
It happened that John Martin of Briqueras, a mile from Angrogne, which vaunted every where that he would slit the Minister's nose of Angrogne, Was assaulted by a Wolf, which bitten off his nose, so that he died thereof mad. This was commonly known to all the Town thereabout; this was the just hand of God upon this Persecutior.  
As the Precedent of St. Julian coming to Angrogne to vex the people there, by the way he enquired for one dwelling at St. John's near to Angrogne and examined him whether he had not baptised his child at Angrogne, and wherefore he had so done: The poor simple man's answered that he had baptised his child at Angrogne, because baptism was there ministered according to the institution of Ch●ist. Then the Precedent in a great rage commanded him in the King's name to baptise his child again or else he should be burnt. And here we see how the Papists play the Anabaptists. The poor man desired the Precedent that he might be suffered to make his prayer to God before he should make answer thereunto, which after he had done in the Hall before all the company there present he, required the Precedent that he would writ and sign it wi●h his own hand, that he would discharge him before God of the danger of that offence if he should baptise his child again, and that he would take the peril upon him and his. The Precedent hearing this was so confounded that he spoke not one word a good while after. Then said he in a great fury, away thou villain out of my sight, and after that he never was called again any more.  
Barbarous was the cruelty that the enemies of the Gospel did to a good Minister of St. German in the valley of peruse, they sent a company of Ruffians by night who brought him out of his house and after sore imprisonment they put him to a cruel death, for they roasted him by a small fire, and when half his body was burnt, he confessed and called upon the Lord Jesus with a loud voice; In all these parts at this time was great Persecution, great robbery and spoiling of men's goods and lives.  
In their cruel outrages against those innocent people of the Waldoyes this is not to be passed by. A certain old man about threescore years of age, whose name was Odut Gemet, being apprehendit of them suffered a strange and cruel death, for when they had bound him, they took all kind of beasts, which live in horse dung called in French Escarborz and put them unto his navel, covering them with a Dish, the which within a short space, pierced into his belly and killed him. In that fight between the lord of Trinity & the Angronguians there were burned about 1000 houses of Angrogne. And here is not to be forgotten that they often times set fire upon the two Temples of Angrogne where the word of God was preached, but they could never burn them. A notable miracle of God in keeping the temples of the Gospel from burning: So did they also to the Ministers house, which notwithstanding remained whole, the houses round about, being all consumed with fire. That day none of Angrogne was slain or hurt, saving only one that was hurt in his thigh. There were in all Angrongne but two that were enemies to the word of God, which that same day were slain by the soldiers, not in the combat but for their riches they had about them as they were running away. The one of them was a very covetous wretch and had great store of gold and silver, and would spend nothing either to help himself, or secure others, no not his poor parents. All this was spoiled by the soldiers with a hundreth or two hundreth, Crowns besides, which he had about him. Besides these two there was not one of Angrogne slain that day.  
In the overthrew of the Lord of Trinity his Army by the Walloyes, the rest that retired cried out with a loud voice, God fighteth for them, and we do them wrong. The next day one of the principal Captains of the Army surrendered his charge to the Lord of Trinity, saying unto him that he would never fight against this people any more, & upon that he departed. It is a marvellous thing and worthy of perpetual memory that in that combat there were but two or the Waldoyes slain and two hurt, through the whole country of Piedmont every man said God fighteth for them. One of the Captains confessed that he had been at many fierce assaults and combats, and sundry battles fought, but yet he never saw soldiers so faint-hearted and amazed, yea the soldiers themselves told him they were astonished that they could not strike. Moreover they said, that this people never shot but they hurt and killed some of the Soldiers. Some other said, that the Ministers by their prayers conjured and bewitched them that they could not fight, and indeed wondrous is it and marvellous are the judgements of God, that notwithstand so many combats and conflicts, so great assaults, and adventures so much and so terrible shot continually made against this poor people, yet all in a manner came to no effect, so mightily Gods holy power wrought for his people. In end after many battles and conflicts there is agreement made up and agreed upon between the Lord of Raconis on the part of the Duke of Savoy his Highness their Master; and them of the valleys of Piedmont called Waldoyes through the mediation of the Duchess, The first Article is a promise of forbearing armour against his Highness. 2. That it shall be lawful for them of Angrongron and the rest of the valleys to have their congregations, sermons and others ministers of their Religion in places accustomed 3. The goods already ●eased as forefault shall be restored to all the inhabitants of the said valleys, all their franchises, freedoms and privileges shall be restored and confirmed to them. The Mass and other service after the usage of Rome, shall be keeped in all the Parishes of the said valleys where the Sermons, Assemblies, and other ministers of their Religion are made, but none shall be compelled to be present thereat, no● to Minister aid or favour to such as shall use that service. Furthermore his highness shall set order to stay all troubles, inconveniences, secret conspiracies of wicked persons after such sort that they shall remain quietly in their religion with many other articles, which for observance was subscribed by the Lord Raconis and the Commissioners sent from their commonalities and their Ministers.  
This accord being thus made and passed by the means of the Duchess of Savoy, the poor Waldoys have been in quiet until this present, and God of his infinite goodness having delivered them out of so many troubles and conflicts, hath set them at liberty to serve him purely, and with quietness of conscience.  
To these foreign matters aforesaid, we will also adjoin the History of a certain Jew, who dwelling in the City of Constantinople, and there received the Sacrament of Baptism, was converted and became a good Christian. When the Turks understood thereof, they were vehemently exasperated against him, that he forsaking his Jewishnesse, should be regenerate to the Faith of Christ, and fearing lest his conversion should be a detriment to their mahometical Law, they sought means how to put him to death, which in short time after they accomplished. And for the greater infamy to be done unto the man, they cast his dead Corpse into the streets, commanding that no man should be so hardy as to b●ry the same; wherein the marvellous glory and power of God appeared, for the dead Corpse lying so by the space of nine days in the midst of the streets, retained so his native colour, and was so fresh, without any kind of filthiness and corruption, and also not without a certain pleasant and delectable scent or odour as if it had been lately slain, or rather not slain at all, which when the Turks beheld, they were thereat marvellously astonished, and being greatly afraid, they themselves took it up and carried it to a place near without the Town, and buried it.   

The spanish MARTYRS.  
WE come now to speak of the Spanish Martyrs: And first of all there was one Franciscus San Romanus a Marchand at Bruges, laid in dark Prison under the ground; oft and many times he was called for to Examination, where he suffered great injuries and contumelies, but ever remained in his conscience firm and unmoveable. The Articles whereupon he stood, and for which he was condemned, where these; First, that life and salvation in the sight of God cometh to no man by his own strength, works or merits, but only by the free mercy of God in the blood and Sacrifice of his Son our Mediator. That the Sacrifice of the M●sse, which the Papists do account a available ex opere operato, for remission of sins both to the quic● and dead, is horrible blasphemy. That Auricular Confession with the numbering up of sins, that satisfaction, Purgatory, Pardons, Invocation of Saints, worshipping of Images, be mere blasphemy against the Living God. Item, that the Blood of Christ is profaned and injured in the same aforesaid. After that the Inquisitors perceived that by no means he could be reclaimed from his Assertions, they proceeded at last to the sentence, condemning him to be burned for an Heretic.  
Many other Malefactors were brought also with him to the place of Execution; but all they were pardoned and dismissed, he only for the Gospel being odious to the whole world was taken and burned, here barabas was delivered, and Christ taken. As he was led to the place of suffering, they put upon him a Mitre of Paper, painted full of Red Devils, after the Spanish guise. Furthermore as he was brought out of the City Gate to be burned, there stood a Wooden Cross by the way, whereunto Frances was required to do homage, which he refused answering that the manner of Christians is not to worship Wood, and he was (said he) a Christian. Hereupon arose great clamour among the vulgar people, for that he denied to worship the Wooden Cross; but this was turned incontinent to a miracle. Such was the blind rudeness of that people, that they did impute this to the Divine virtue, as given that Cross from Heaven, for that it would not suffer itself to be worshipped of an Heretic and immediately for the opinion of that great miracle, the multitude with their swords did hue it is pieces, every man thinking himself happy that might carry away some chip or fragment of the said Cross. When he was come to the place where he should suffer, the Friars were busy about him, to have him recant, but he continued ever firm: As he was laid upon the heap of Wood, and the fire kindled about him, he began a little at the feeling of the fire to lift up his head toward Heaven, which when the Inquisitors perceived, and hoping that he would recant his Doctrine, they caused him to be taken from the fire, but when they perceived nothing less in him, the Adversaries being frustrate of their expectation, willed him to be thrown in again, and so he was immediarly dispatched. After that the Martyrdom of this blessed man was thus consumat, the Inquisitors proclaimed openly he was damned in Hell, and that none should pray for him, yea, and that all were Heretics who doubted of his damnation, Nevertheless certain of the Emperor's Soldiers gathered of his ashes. Also the English Ambassador procured a portion of his bones to be brought unto him, knowing right well that he died a Martyr, yet this could not be so secretly done, but it came to the ears of the Inquisitors, and of the Emperor. Wherefore the Soldiers going in great danger of life, were committed to Prison. Neither did the Ambassador himself escape clear from the danger of the Pope's scourge, for he was for the same sequestered from the Court, and commanded to be absent for a space.  
Rochus at St. Lucar in Spain was by his science a Carver or grover of Images, who as soon as he began first to taste the Gospel, he fell from making such Images as use to serve for idolatry in temples, and occupied himself in making seals, save only that he keeped standing on his stall an image of the virgin Mary artificially graven for a sign of his occupation. It happened unhappily that a certain Inquisitor passing by him in the street, and beholding the carved Image asked of Rochus what was the price thereof, which when Rochus did set (not willing belike to sell it) the Inquisitor bade him scarce half the money. The other answered again that he could not so live of that bargain; but still the Inquisitor urged him to take his offer. To whom Rochus again, it shall be yours (said he) if ye give me that which my labour and charges stand me in, but of that price I cannot afford it, yet had I rather break it in pieces, yea saith the Inquisitor break it, let me see thee Rochus, with that he took up a chissel and dashed it upon the face of the Image wherewith the nose or some oath part of the face was blemished. The Inquisitor seeing that cried out as he were mad and commanded Rochus forthwith into prison. To whom Rochus cried again that he might do in his works what he listed. And if the workmanship of the image were not after his fantasy what was that to them. But all this could not help Rochus, but within three days after, sentence was given upon him that he should be burned and so was he committed to the Executer. As Rochus was entering the place there to be burned, he, cried with a loud voice, ask among the multitude which there stood by, if any man of Flanders were there: It was answered, Yea, and also that there were two Ships already fraught and appointed to sail to Flanders. Then said he, I would desire some of them to signify unto my father dwelling in Antwerp, that I was burned here in this City, and for this cause which ye all have heard. And thus after his prayers made to God, this good man being wrongfully condemned after his godly l●fe made this blessed end. And thereafter a certain Spainard coming to Antwerp, made diligent Inquisition there among the Image-makers to find out the Parents of this Rochus, and signified to them what had happened toward their son, as hath been by his said Parents and friends declared: And the Father at the hearing of the said message for sorrow thereof died shortly after, many were imprisoned and died in prison.   

The execrable Inquisiton of SPAIN.  
THe cruel and barbarous Inquisition of Spain, first begun by King Ferdinandus, and Elizabeth his Wife, and was instituted against the Jews, which after their Baptism, maintained again their own Ceremonies, that now it is practised against them that be never so little suspected to favour the verity of the Lord; the Spainards', and especi lly the great Divines there, do hold that this holy and sacred Inquisition cannot err, and that the holy Eathers the Inquisitors cannot be deceived. Three sorts of men most principally be in danger of these Inquisitors, they that be greatly rich, for fear the spoil of their goods, they that be Learned, because they will not have their misdealing and secret abuses to be espied and detected; they that begin to increase in honour and dignity; lest they being in Authority should work them some shame or dishonour. The abuse of the Inquisition is most execrable; If any word shall pass out of the mouth of any, which may be taken in evil part, yea, and though no word be spoken, yet if they bear any grudge or ill-will against the Party, incontinent they command him to be taken, and put into an horrible Prison, and then find out crimes against him at leisure, and in the mean time, no man living is so hardy once to open his mouth for him. If the Father speak on word for his child he is also taken and cast into Prison as a favourer of Heretics; neither is it permitted to any Person to go in to the Prison, but there he is alone in such a place where he cannot see so much as the ground where he is, and is not suffered either to read or write, but there endureth in darkness palpable, in horrors infinite, in fear miserable, wrestling with the assaults of death. And moreover, to these distresses and horrors of the Prison, the injuries, threats, whip and scourge, Irons, Tortures and Racks which they endure; And thus are they detained there, some many years, and murdered by long torments, and whose days together entreated much more cruelly (out of all compassion) then if they were in the Hangman's hand to be slain at once. During all this time what is done in the Process no person knoweth but only the Holy Fathers, and the Torments which are sworn to execute the Torments, etc. By the vigour and rigour of this Inquisiton, many good true servants of Jesus Christ, have been brought to death, especially in the la●ter years, since the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.  
In the Town of Valedolid, where commonly the Counsel of the Inquisition is wont to be keeped, the Inquisitors had brought together many Prisoners, both of high and low estate, to the number of thirty, also the Coffin of a certain Noble-woman, with her Picture lying upon it, which had been dead long before; there to receive Judgement and Sentence. To the heating of which sentence, they had ordained in the said Town there might be theatres or Stages: Upon the first was placed Dame Jane, sister to King Philip, and chief Regiment of his Realms: Also Prince Charles, King Philip's son, with other Princes and Estates of Spain. Upon the other Scaffold mounted the Archbishop of Seville, Prince of the Synagogue of the Inquisitors, with the Counsel of the Inquisition, also other Bishops of the Land, and the King's Counsel with them. After all were set and placed in great pomp, were brought forth (as a spectacle and triumph) the poor servants and witnesses of Jesus Christ, to the number of thirty, clothed with their Sanbenito as the Spaniards do call it, which is a manner of Vesture of yellow Cloth, coming both before them and behind them, spangled with red Crosses, having burning Clerges in their hands, also before them was born a Crucifix covered with black Linen-cloth in token of mourning: Moreover, they which were to receive the sentence of death, had Mitres of Paper upon their heads which the Spaniards call Coracas: After this followed a Sermon made by a Dominick Friar, which endured about an hour. After the Sermon was finished, the Procurator General, with the Archbishop, went to the Stage where the Princes and Nobles stood, to Minister a solemn Oath unto them upon the Crucifix painted in the Mass Book, the tenor, of which Oath was this, Your Majesties shall swear that ye will favour the holy Inquisition, and also give your consent unto the same, and not only that ye shall by no manner of way hinder and impeach the same, but also ye shall employ to the uttermost of your help and endeavour hereafter to see all them to be executed which swerve from the Church of Rome, and adjoin themselves to the Entherian Heretics, without all respect of any person or persons, of what estate, degree, quality, or condition soever they be. Item, your Majesties shall swear that ye shall constrain all your Subjects to submit themselves to the Church of Rome, and to have in reverence all the Laws & Commandments of the same. And also to give your aid against all them whosoever shall hold of the Heresy of the Lutherians, or take any part with them. After the Oath, the Archbishop lifting up his hand, gave them his Benediction, saying God bless your Highness, and give you long life. In end the poor Captives & Prisoners were called our, the Procurator-Fiscall, or the Pope's great Collector, first beginning with Doctor Cacalla, this Doctor Cacalla was a Friar of Austin's Order, a Priest of the Town of Valedollid, and Preacher sometimes to the Emperor Chrales the fifth, a man well accounted of for his learning, who, for that he was thought to be as the Standard-bearer to the Gospelers (whom they called Lutherians) and Preacher and Doctor unto them, therefore he being first called for, whose sentence was to be degraded, and presently burned, and all his goods couns cat to the profit and advancement of the Justice. Sentence was given out against the rest, some put to penance, whereof there were some Noble Personages, some to be condemned to perpetual Prison, and the most part to be burnt. After the sentence pronounced, they which were condemned to be burned, with the Coffin of the dead Lady, and her Picture upon the same, were committed to the Secular Magistrate, and their Executioners, which were commanded to do their endeavour; then were they all incontinent taken, and every one set upon an Ass, their faces turned backward, and led with agreat Garrison of armed Soldiers unto the place of punishment, which was without the Gate of the Town called Del Campo. And thus these faithful Christians for the verity and pure World of God were led to death as sheep to the shambles, who not only most Christianly did comfort one another, but also did so exhort all them there present, that all men marvelled greatly both to hear their singular constancy, and to see their quiet and peaceable end.  
There dwelled in Valadolid a Knight well qualified, who in the Inquisition had two daughters which constantly perservering in the true Religion that they had learned of the good Doctor Cacalla, and others Martyrs of Jesus Christ, were condemned to be burned. The father being a most rank Papist, besought the Inquisitors to permit them for their better information to be carried to his house, which thing the inquisitors, in regard of the great credit they reposed in him, granted. And brought th●s to his house, the father endeavoured to divert them from their constant resolution, but seeing he could not convince them, but it was in vain, for the Lord (as in Luk. 21.15. he had promised) gave them utterance and wisdom, which the new Pharisees, Priests, and Friars were not able to resist or gainsay. The father seeing then that his endeavour not availed, went humself to his Grove, cut down Wood, and caused it to be drawn to Valadolid, he himself kindled the fire, and so they were both burned. Now to come to speak of the Martyrs that suffered for the Testimony of the Gospel in Italy.   

The ITALIAN Martyrs.  
GAleacius Trecius, of the City called Laus Pompeia in Italy, a Gentleman of a good Calling, and wealthy in worldly substance, and very beneficial to the poor, he was apprehended and brought to the Bishop's Palace, where he was kept in bands, having under him but only a Pad of Straw, although his Wife sent unto him a good Featherbed with Sheets to lie in, yet the Bishop's Chaplains and Officers keeped it from him, dividing the prey among themselves. When the time came that he should be examined, he was thrice brought before the Commissioners, where he rendered Reasons and Causes of his Faith answering to their Interrogatories with such evidence of Scriptures, and constancy of mind, that he was an admiration to them that heard him. Albeit not long after through the importonat persuasions of his Kins-folks and friends, and other cold Gospelers, laying many considerations before his eyes, he was brought at length to assent to certain points of the Pope's Doctrine, but yet the mercy of God which began with him so left him not, but brought him again to such Repentance and bewailing of his fact, that he became afterward according to the example of Peter and St. cyprian, and others more valiant in defence of Christ's quarrel, neither did he ever desire any thing more than occasion to be offered again by confession; that he had lost before by denial, affirming that he never felt more joy of heart then at the time of his Examinations, where he stood thrice to the constant confession of the Truth, and contrary, that he never tasted more sorrow in all his life, then when he slipped afterward from the same by dissimulation, declaring moreover to his brethren that death was much more sweet unto him with Testimony of the verity, than life with the least denial of Truth and loss of a good conscience. Again Galeacius returned again to the defence of his former Doctrine with much more boldness of spirit, confessing Christ as he did before, and detested Images, affirming and proving that God only is to be worshipped, and that in spirit and verity. Also to be no more Mediators but Christ alone, and that he only and sufficiently by his sufferings hath taken away the sins of the whole world, and that all they which depart hence in his faith are ascertained of the everlasting life; they which do not are under everlasting damnation; with such other like matter which was repugnant utterly to the Pope's proceed. His adversaries perceiving that he in no case could be revoked, caused him to be committed to the Secular Judge to be burned. Thus Galeazius early in the morning being brought out of Prison to the Marketplace, there was left standing bound by the Stake till noon, as a gazingstock for all men to look upon: In the which mean time many came about him exhorting him to recant, but nothing could stir the settled mind of this valiant Martyr, and so he was brought to the fire and burned. Touching the story of this blessed Martyr, this by the way is to be given for a Memorandum, that a little before this Galeazius should be burned, there was a controversy between the Major of the City and the Bishop's Clergy for the expenses of the Wood that should go to his burning, he hearing thereof, sent word to both the parties to agree, for he himself of his own goods would see the cost of that matter discharged. Another note moreover is here to be added, that while Galeazius was in captivity, certain of the Papists perceiving that Galeazius had great goods and possessins', practised with his wife, under colour to release her husband, that she should lay out a sum of money to be sent to the wife of the chief Lord of Milan, called Ferrarius Gonzaga, to the end that she should entreat both with her husband, and with the Senate for Galeazius life: which money when they had thus juggled into their hands, Galeazius notwithstanding was burned, and so was the silly woman rob and defeated both of her husband and also of her money.  
Doctor Mollius a Gray-friar for the teaching and profession of the Gospel of Christ Jesus was four times imprisoned, and as oft delivered out of prison, all the time he remained constant in the defence of Christ's gospel, at last was brought with certain other men (which were also apprehended for religion) into the temple of St. Mary at Rome either to revoke or to be burned. There sat on them six Cardinals in high seats beside the Judge, before whom preached a dominick-Frier, which cruelly inveighing against the poor prisoners, incensed the Cardinals with all the vehemency he might to their condemnation, the poor man stood holding a burning Taper in their hands, of whom some for fear of death revolted. But this Doctor Mollius with a weaver of Perusium remained constant. Then Mollius began an earnest sermon in the Italian tongue wherein he confirmed the articles of faith, by the sacred Scriptures, declaring also that the Pope was not the successor of Peter, but Antichrist and his sectaries do figure the whore of Babylon. Moreover he cited them up to the tribunal seat of Christ, and they being replenished with anger, condemned him with the weaver to the fire; and commanded them to be had away. So were they carried incontinent to the camp or field called Florianum, where they remained cheerful and constant, first the weaver, was hanged. Mollius then willing the hangman to execute his office likewise upon him, began to exhort the people, to beware of idolatry, and to have no other Saviour but Christ alone, for he only is the Mediator between God and man, and so also he was hanged, commending his soul to God, and afterward laid in the fire and burned. The people having divers judgements upon him, some said he died an heretic, some said he was a good man.  
Furthermore in the same city of Rome and about the same time in the Monastery of St. Augustine were found two monks in their Cells with their tongues and heads cut off, only for rebuking the immoderate and outrageous excess of the Cardinals. Such was the cruelty then of the malignant adversaries.  
In Pope Pius the fourth his time was hot persecution in all the territories of the church of Rome against them which were suspected for Lutherans, whereupon ensued great trouble and persecution in the Kingdom of Naples in such cruel sort that many Noble Men with their wives and others are reported there to be slain in Calabria beyond Naples in Italy, likewise the same time suffered a great number of Christ's well-beloved Saints both old and young put together in one house, to the number of 88 persons, all which one after another were taken out of the house, and so being laid upon the Butcher's stall like the sheep in the shambless, with one bloody knife were all killed in order, a spectacle most tragical for all posterity to remember and almost incredible to believe; beside also a great number condemned.   

Now to return again to the Isse of Britain to England and Scotland, and to take a view of the affairs of the Churches there. And first to begin with England In the reign of King Henry the eight at Coventree there were seven apprehended, and burnt for the gospel of Christ, to wit, Mistress Smith widow, Robert Hatchers a Shoemaker, Wrigsham a glover, Lansdale a Hosier, Archer a shoemaker, Hawkings a shoemaker, Thomas band shoemaker. The principal cause of the apprehension and burning of these persons was for teaching their children and family the Lords prayer, and ten commandments in English: the children were sent for to the Gray-friers in Coventree before the Warden of the said Friars called Frier-Stafford, who straight examining them of their belief, and what Heresy their Fathers had taught them, charged them upon pain of suffering such death as their Fathers should in no ways to meddle any more with the Lords prayer, the Creed, and the ten Commandments in English.  
Thomas Harding, dwelling at Che●ham in the County of Euchingham with Alice his Wife was first abjured by Wi●●am Smith Bishop of Lincoln, with divers others more which the same time were taken, and compelled some to beat Faggots, some were burned in the check with hotirons, some condemned to perpetual prison, some threstinto Monasteries and spoilt clean of all their goods, some compelled to make pilgrimage to the great Block, otherwise called our Lady in Lincoln, some to one part, some to another. Harding for reading upon English boo●s waa condemned for relapse to be burned to ashes, and was burnt being of the age of threescore years, Many simple people in the Diosie of Lincoln, were vexed afflicted and persecuted for then Religion, the Son was compelled to testify against the Father, the Father against the son, the wife against the Husband, and the husband against the wife, the sister against the brother.   

A Brief Discourse concerning the story and Life of Thomas Volsey, la●e Cardinal of York, wherein is to be seen and noted the express Image of the proud, vain glorious Church of Rome, how far it differeth from the true Church of Jesus Christ.  
THis Cardinal Volsey and the Pope's Legate of Rome was so puffed up in pride that he thought himself equal with the King. And when he had said Mass; he made Dukes and Earies to serve him of Wine with a say taken and to hold the basin at the Lavatories. Furthermore as he was Ambassador sent to the Emperor at Eruxels, he had over with him the great Seal of England, and was served with his Servitors, kneeling on their knees and many Noble men of England waiting upon him to the great admiration of all the Germans that beheld it, such was his monstruous pomp and pride. That glorious Cardinal in his tragical do did exceed so far all measure of a good subject, that he became more like a Prince than a priest, for although the King bore the sword, he bore the stroke (making in a manner) the whole Realm to bend at his beck, and to dance after his pipe. Such practices and fetches, he had that when he had well stored his own Coffers, first he fetched the greatest part of the King's Treasure out of the Realm in twelve great barrels full of gold and silver to serve the Pope's wars. And as his avaricious mind was never satisfied in getting, so his restless head was so busy ruffling in public matters that he never ceased before he had set both England, France, Flanders, Spain and Italy, together by the ears, for his pride and avarice he was hated of all men. At what time Pope Clement was taken prisoner, Cardinal Volsey wrote tot he Emperor to make him Pope, but when he returned an answer, wherein he was not pleased, he waxed furious mad, and sought all means to displease the Emperor, writing very sharply unto him many minacing letters, that if he would not make him Pope, he would make such a ruffling between christian Princes as was not this hundreth years before to make the Emperor repent, year, though it should cost the whole Realm of England. Whereupon the Emperor answering, biddeth him look well about him, lest through his do and attempts, he might bring the matter in that case that it should cost him the Realm of England indeed.  
The King finding himself deluded by Cardinal Campegius and Cardinal Volsey, anent the question of his Marriage, the decision whereof was referred to them by the Pope but nothing in it by them done, Volsey tell from the King's favour, so that after that time he never came more to the King's presence, for he was mightily offended with him whom he before so highly exalted and promoted to so many great dignities, as to the Archbishoprik of York, the Bishopric of Winchester, of Durham, the Abbee of St. Albon, besides the Chancelorship of England, and many other high dignities and preferments in the Realm: He is deprived of his Chancelorship, and it is given to Sir Thomas More. There are sundry Articles given in against the Cardinal, he is arrested and brought up toward London, he fell sick by the way, and by immoderate Purgations killed himself. This was the end of this vain glorious Cardinal.  
It is recorded of one Humphrey Mummuth Alderman of London, much troubled for his Religion, a notable example of Christian patience. In the Sermons of Master Latimer, which the said Latimer heard in Cambridge of Master George Stafford, Reader to the Divinity Lecture in that University, who expounding the place of St, Paul to the Romans, that we shall overcome our enemy with well-doing, and so heap hot coals upon his head, brought in this example, saying that he knew in London a great rich Merchand, (meaning this Humphrey) which had a very poor neighbour, yet for all his poverty he loved him very well, and sent him money at his need, and let him come to his Table whensoever he would. Now the Rich Man began to be a Scripture-man, he began to smell the Gospel, the poor man was a Papist still. It chanced on a time when the rich man talked of the Gospel at the Table, where he reproved Popery and such kind of things: This poor man being there present, took a great displeasure against the rich man, in so much that he would come no more to his house, he would borrow no more money of him as he was wont to do before-times, yea, and conceived such hatred and malice against him, that he went and accosed him before the Bishops. Now the rich man not knowing of any such displeasure, offered many times to talk with him, and to set him at quiet: It would not be. The poor man had such a stomach that he would not vouchsafe to speak with him. If he met the rich man in the street, he would go out of his way. On a time it happened that he met him so in a narrow street that he could not avoid, but come near him, yet for all that this poor man (I say) had such a stomach against the rich man, that he was minded to go forward and not to speak with him. The rich man perceiving that caught him by the hand, and asked him, saying, Neighbour, What is come into your heart to take such displeasue with me; What have I done against you? Tell me, and I will be ready at all times to make you amends. Finally he spoke so gently, so charitably, so lovingly and friendry, that it wrought so in the poor man's heart, that by and by he fell down upon his knees and asked him forgivennesse. The rich man forgave him, and so took him again to his favour, and they loved as well as ever they did before. Agree with thine enemy while thou art in the way with him, Mat. 5.  
Great was the courage and constancy of Thomas Bilney in his martyrdom. The night before his execution one of his friends coming to him, finding him at his repast with such a cheerful heart and quiet mind, said that he was glad to see him at that time, so shortly before his heavy and painful departure, so hearty to refresh himself, whereunto he answered: Oh said he I follow the example of the husband men of the country who having a ruinous house to dwell in, yet bestow cost so long as they may hold it up: And so do I now with this ruinous house of my body, and with God's creatures in thanks to him to refresh the same as ye see. Then sitting with his said friends in godly talk to their edification, some put him in mind, that though the fire which he should suffer the next day, should be of great neat to his body, yet the comfort of God's spirit should cool it to his everlasting refreshing. At this word the said Thomas Bilney putting his hand toward the flame of the candle barning before then (as also he did divers times besides) and feeling the heat thereof, O said he, I feel by experience and have known it long by Philosophy, that fire by God's ordinance is naturally hot, but yet I am persuaded by God's holy word, and by the experience of some spoken or in the same, that in flame they felt no heat, and in the fire they felt no consumption. And I constantly believe that howsoever the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by it, yet my soul and spirit shall be purged thereby, a pain for a time, whereon notwithstanding follows joy unspeakable. At the coming forth of the said Thomas Bilney preacher out of the prison doors, one of his friends came unto him and with few words as he durst, speak to him, and prayed him in God's behalf to be constant and take his death as patiently as he could. Whereunto the said Bilney answered with a quiet and mild countenance, ye see when the Mariner is entered his ship to sail on the troublous sea, how he for a while is tossed in the billows of the same, but yet in hope that he shall once come to the quiet haven, he beareth in better comfort the perrels which he feeleth So am I now toward this sailing, and whatsoever storms I shall feel, yet shortly after shall my ship be in the haven as I doubt not thereof by the grace of God, desiring you to help me with your p●ayers to the same effect. And going forth into the streets he gave much alms by the way, by the hands of one of his friends. Doctor Warner taking his leave of Thomas Bilney, he said, pasce gregem tuum, pasce gregenituum ut cum venerit Dominus inveniat te sic facientem that is, feed your flock, feed your flock, that when the Lord cometh he may find you so doing.  
When Richard Byfield was degraded, kneeling upon the highest step of the Altar, the Bishop of London took his crosier staff and smote him on the breast, that he threw him down backwards, and broke his head that he sowuned, and when he came to himself again he thanked God he was delivered from the Malignant church of Antichrist, and that he was come into the true sincere church of Jesus Christ Militant here on earth, and I trust anon said he to be in heaven with Jesus Christ and the Church triumphant for ever, and so he was led to the fire in his apparel manfully and joyfully, and there for laik of a speedy fire, was half an hour alive, and when the left arm was on fire and burned, he rubbed it with his right hand, and it fell from his body, and he continued in prayer to the end without moving.  
At the burning of James Baynham a Lawyer, appeared a miracle and wondrous work of God, that as he was at the stake in the midst of the flaming fire, which fire had half consumed his arms and legs, he spoke these words. O ye Papists, behold ye look for miracles, and hear now may ye see a miracle, for in this fire I feel no more pain than I were in a bed of Down, but it is to me as a bed of Roses. These words spoke he in the midst of the flaming fire when his legs and arms (as I said) were half consumed William Tracie a worshipful Esquire in Gloucester and then dwelling at Todingtown made in his will that he would have no funeral pomp at his burying, neither passed he upon mass, and he further said that he trusted in God only and hoped by him to be saved and not by any Saint. This Gentleman died, and his Son as Executor brought the Will to the Bishop of Canterbury to prove, which he shown to the Convocation, and there most cruelly they judged that he should be taken out of the ground and burnt as an Heretic. This Commission was sent to Doctor Parker Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcest●r, to execute their wicked of sentence, who accomplished the same. The King hearing his Subject to be taken out of the ground two years after his death, and burnt without his knowledge, or order of the Law, sent for the Chancellor, and laid high offence to his charge, who excused himself by the Archbishop of Canterbury which was late dead; but in conclusion it cost him three hundred pound to have his pardon. And as many were burnt at this time for the profession of the truth, so multitudes both of men and women were compelled to abjure and recant, and to do penance, and to bear faggots. So great was the trouble of these times, for either they were driven out of the Realm, or were cast out from their goods and houses, or brought to open shame by abjuration: Such decrees and injunctions than were set ●orth by the Bishops, such Laws and Proclamations were provided, such watch and narrow search was used, such ways were taken by force of oath to make one detect another, so subtly that unneth any good man could or did escape their hands that either his name was known, or else his person was taken: yet nevertheless so mightily the power of God's Gospel did work in the hearts of good men, that the number of them did no less●l●ssen for all the violence or policy of the adversary's, but rather increased.  
King Henry is divorced from Lady Cathrenes Dowager, and married with Lady Ann●●ullen, which was the fi●st occasion and beginning of a public Reformation. The King had married. Prince Arthur hi● Brothers' wife; the Pope which then ruled at Rome was Pope Julius the second, by whose dispensation this Marriage which neither sense of nature would admit; nor God's Law would bear, was concluded, approved and ratified, and so continued as lawful without any doubt or scruple, near the space of twenty years, thereafter there arose doubts and scruples about the lawfulness of his Marriage, that first hindered the Emperor to marry Lady Mary the King's Daughter, and upon the same doubt the King of France refused to marry the said Lady Mary the King's daughter. The King being herewith perplexed anent the lawfulness of his Marriage, consulted the Universities of all Christendom, by whom it was discussed to be unlawful, whereupon ensued a divorce between the King and the Queen.  
In the Parliament in the year 1533. the commons gave in a supplication, complaining of the straight dealing of the Clergy in their proceeding exofficlo; this wicked act was broken by the King, for the King having more clear understanding of the abuses and enormities of the Clergy, and in special of the corrupt Authority of the See of Rome, provided certain Acts against the same.  
In the same parliament it was enacted and decreed that no man should appeal to the court of Rome, even the Parliament decreeth the pope's Annats to cease, etc. All exactions and sums of money used to be paid to the Bishop of Rome, in pensions, Peter Pence should utterly surcease. As touching these. Peter Pence they were first brought in imposed, by King Iva about the year of our Lord 70. Which Iva king of the West Saxons caused through all his dominion in every house having a Chimney, a penny to be collected and paid to the Bishop of Rome, in the name of Peter, and thereof were they called Peter Pence. And the said Peter Pence ever since or for the most part have used of along custom to be gathered and summoned by the Pope's Collectors here in England from the time of Iva, to this present Parliament. The oath of the Clergymen which they were wont to make to the Bishop of Rome (now pope quondam was abolished and made void by stature and a new oath ministered and confirmed for the same, wherein they acknowledged the King to be supreme head under Christ in this Church of England; these oaths were the occasion that the pope lost all his interest and jurisdiction in England within short while after. In this Parliament amongst other divers statutes, most graiously, and by the blessed will of God, it was enacted, that the Pope and all his College of Cardinals, with his Pardons, Indulgences, which so long had clogged this R●al n of England to the miserable slaughter or so many good men and which never could be removed ●way before was never abolished, eradicat and exploded out of this land, and sent home ●g●in to their own country of Rome from whence they came, God be everlastingly praised therefore, Amen.  
An act was made concerning the King's highness to be the suppream head of the Church of England and to have authority to reform and redress all errors heresies and abuses in the same.  
When all other the King's subjects and the learned of the Realm had taken and accepted the oath of the King's supreamacy, only Fisher, the Bishop of Rochester, and Sir Thomas Moor refused to be sworn, who therefore falling into the danger of the Law, were committed unto the Tower & executed for the same. This Fisher, with Sir Thomas Moor, were great persecutors of the saints of God. Tindal betrayed be Henry Philip's, was delivered into his enemy's hands and burnt in Flanders by Filfoord castle. The worthy virtues and do of this blessed Martyr, who for his painful travels and singular zeal to his country, (may be called in these our days, an Apostle of England (it were long to recite. Among many other, this because it seemeth to me worthy of remembrance, I thought it not in silence to overpasse, which hath unto me credibly been testified by certain grave Merchants, and some of them also such as were present the same time at the fact, and men yet alive, the story whereof was this: There was at Antwerp on a time amongst a company of Merchants as they were at supper, a certain Juglar which through his Diabolical enchantments or Art magical, would fetch all kind of Viands and Wine from any place they would, and set it upon the table incontinent before them with many other such like things. The fame of this Juggler being much talked of, It chanced that as Master Tindal heard of it, he desired certain of the Merchants that he might also be present at Supper to see him play his parts. To be brief the supper was appointed and the Merchants with tindal, were there present. Then the Juglar being required to play his feats, and to show his cunning, after his wont boldness began to utter all that he could do, but all was in vain. At the last with his labour, sweeting and toiling, when he saw that nothing would go forward, but that all his enchantment were void, he was compelled openly to confess that there was some man present at Supper which disturbed and setted all his do. So that a man even in the Martyrs of these days cannot lack the miracles of true faith, if miracles were now to be desired.  
After King Henry his Marriage was declared to be unlawful, and being divorced from Lady Cathrens, he married Lady Anna ●ullen, who three years after she was married was had to the Tower with the Lord Rochfort her brother, and the nineteen day thereafter was beheaded. The words of this worthy and christian Lady at her death were these, Good Christian people I am come hither to die, for according to the Law, & by the Law, I am judged to death and therefore I will speak nothing against it, I am to accuse no man nor to speak any thing of that whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God to save the King and send him long to reign over you, for a Gentler, or more merciful Prince was there never, & to me he was ever a Good, a Gentle, and a Sovereign Lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the World, and of you all, & I hearty desire you all to pray for me, so she was beheaded. Whatsoever the cause was, or quartel objected against her life, this was a great commendation she left behind her that during her life the Religion of Christ most happily flourished, and had a right prosperous course, for she was an enemy to Popery, she was a great giver of alms beyond all other Queens, and the Revenues almost of her estate, in so much that the alms which she gave in, three quarters of a year in distribution is summed to the number of fourteen or fifteen thousand pounds, beside the great piece of money which Her grace intended to impart unto four sundry quarters of the Realm, as for a stock there to be employed to the behoove of poor Artificers and occupiers.  
Again, what a zealous Defender she was of Christ's Gospel all the world doth know, and her acts do and will declare to the world's end. After the suffering of Queen Anna, the King married Lady Jane Seimer, of whom came King Edward as great an enemy to God's enemies the Pope, as ever his father was, and greater too. Shortly after his birth Queen Jane his Mother the second day after died in Child bed and left the King again a Widower, which so continued the space of two years together. After this, Religion b●gan to go backward, as appears in the condemnation, burning and martyrdom of John Lambert and others. For as the King was ruled, and gave over some time to one, some time to another, so one while Religion went for●w●rd, and at another time as much backward again, and sometimes clean altered and changed fo● a season according as they could prevail which were about the King, so variable was the change and mutation of Religion in King Henry's days, for the state of R ligion decayed, all the residue of King Henry. A Parliament is summoned at Westmi stir in the ear, 15 〈◊〉 through the devise and practi●● of certain of the Pope's factors about him: Al●o a Synod or convocation of all the Archbishops, Bishops, and other learned of the clergy of this realm to be in like manner assembled. In which Parliament, Synod or convocation, certain articles, matters and q●estions touching religion, were decreed to the number especially of six, commonly called the six Articles, or the whip ●ith six strings to be had and receiv●d among the King's Subjects in pretence of Unity.  
The first Article in the present Parliament accorded and agreed upon was this, that in the most blessed Sacrament of the Altar, by the strength and efficacy of Christ's mighty word (it being spoken by the Priest) is present really under the form of Bread and Wine, the natural body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, conceived of the Virgin Mary, and that after the consecration there remaineth no substance of Bread or Wine, or any other substance, but the substance of Christ, God and man.  
Secondly, that the Communion in both kinds is not necessary ad salutem, by the Law of God to all persons, and that it is to be believed and not doubted of, but that in the flesh under the form of Bread, is the very Blood, and with the Blood under the form of Wine, is the very flesh, as well in parts as they were both together.  
Thirdly, that the Priests after the order of Priesthood received, may not marry by the Law.  
Fourthly, that the vows of chastity of Widowhood by man or woman made to God advisedly, aught to be observed by the Law of God, and that it exeemeth them from other liberties of Christian people, which without that they might enjoy.  
Fifthly, that it is meet and necessary that private Masses be continued and admitted in this English Church and Congregation, as whereby good Christian people ordering themselves accordingly, do receive both godly and goodly consolations and benefits, and it is agreeable also to Gods Law.  
Sixthly, that Auricular Confession is expedient and necessary to be retained and contained, used and frequented in the Church of God.  
All agreed to these six Articles except Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, who stood openly in the Parliament against them, bringing forth such Allegations as might easily have helped the cause, nisi paucos major vicisset ut saepe solet meliorem.  
Great was the trouble and persecution at London for these six Articles, and elsewhere through the land. Doctor Barnes, Garret, and Hicrome were burnt for the Gospel at Smithfield.  
At this time when Lambert was burnt, there was one Colins at London, sometime a Lawyer, and a Gentleman, being distracted of his wits, coming into a Church where a Priest was saying Mass, and was come to the place where they use to hold and show the Sacrament, he seeing the Priest holding the host over his head and showing it to the people, he in like manner counterfeiting the priest, took up a little dog by the legs and held him over his head, showing him unto the people, for this he was by and by apprehended and condemned to the fire, and burned and the dog with him.  
About the same time John Longland Bishop of Lincoln burned two upon one day, the one named Thomas Bernard, and the other James Morton, the one for teaching the Lords Prayer in English, and the other for keeping the Epistle of St. James translated into English. Richard Mekins a boy not past the age of fifteen, years, was condemned to be burnt by Boner, for speaking against the Sacrament of the Altar.  
In Oxford also the same time or not much thereabout, recanted one Master Barker master of Art of that University, a man excellently learned, who being called up to Lambeth before the Archbishop Thomas Granmer, was in his examination so stout in the cause of the Sacrament, and so learnedly defended himself therein, neither Cranmer himself, nor all they could well answer to his allegations brought out of Au●eu, wherein he was so promp & ripe of himself that the Archbishop with the residue of his company were brought in a great admiration of him, notwithstanding by compulsion of the time, and danger of the six articles at last he relented, and returning again to Oxford was there caused to recant. After which the good man prospered not but wore away.  
The year 1541. The King was divorced from the Lady Anna of Cleve which was his fourth wife and married to the fifth, which was to Lady Cathrens Howard, Nice to the Duke of Norfolk and Daughter to my Lord Edmund Howard, the Duke's brother, but this Marriage likewise continued not long.  
At this time were six Popish Monks executed for denying the King's Supremacy.  
Now as touching the late Marriage between the King and the Lady Howard, this Matrimony endured not long, for in the year next following 1542. the said Lady Cathrens was accused of the King of incontin● n● living not only before her marriage with Frances Durham, but also of spouse breach since her marriage, with Thomas Culpeper, for the which both the men aforesaid by act of Parliament were attained and executed for high Treason, and also the said Lady Cathrens late Queen, with the Lady Jane Rochfort Widow, late Wise to Georg Bullen Lord Rochfords, Brother to Queen Anna Eullen, were beheaded for their deserts within the Tower.  
The King missing Cromwell his old Counsellor Earl of Essex, and smelling somewhat the ways of Winchester began a little to set his foot again in the cause of religion; And therefore in the same year after the execution of this Queen, the King understanding some abuses yet to remain unreformed, namely about pilgrimages and Idolatry, and other things moe besides to be corrected within his dominions, directed his letters unto the Archbishop of Canterbury for the speedy redress and reformation of the sam●.  
A proclamation concerning white meats, as milk, eggs, butter, cheese and such like during the time of lent, without any scruple or grudge of conscience, any law, constitution, use or custom to the contrary notwithstanding,  
All this time great was the persecution in Caleice for Religion. Amongst the rest one Adam Damlip was falsely accused for Treason, and innocently put to death, At his death, Sir Ralph Elleker Knight, than knight marshal there, would not suffer the innocent and godly man to declare either his faith or the cause he died for, but said to the executioner, dispatch the knave, have done. Sir Ralph Elleker saying that he would not away before he saw the traitor's heart out. But shortly after Sir Ralph Elleker in a skirmish or road between the Frenchmen and us at Eullen was amongst others slain whose only death sufficed not his enemies, but after they had stripped him stark naked, they cut off his privy members, and cut the heart out of his body and so left him a terrible example to all bloody and merciless men, for no cause was known why they shown such indignation against the said Sir Ralph Elleker more than against the rest, but that it is ●ritten faciens justitias Dominus & judicia omnibus injuria pressis.  
It is reported of a certain poor labouring man of Caleice who being in a certain company said that he would never believe that a priest could make the Lords body at his pleasure, whereupon he was then accused and condemned by one Harvie Commissary there, which Harvie in time of his judgement inveighing against him with approbrious words said that he was an Heretic, and should die a vile death. The poor man answering for himself again, said, that he was not Heret ck, but was in the faith of Christ, and whereas thou sayest (said he) that I shall die a vile death, thou thyself shall die a viler death, and that shortly, and so it came to pass, for within half an year after, the said Harvie was hanged, drawn and quartered, for Treason, in the said town of Caleice. Here is a notable example of God's judgement upon a bloody Persecutor. The rigour of the six Articles were a little assuaged in a Parliament Anno 1544. Mistress Anna Askew was brought before the Inquisitors and examined, and after that, sundry times examined and put to great trouble, and put to the rack, because she would not confess what Ladies or Gentlewomen were of her opinion, and therein, says she, they keeped me along time, and because I lay still and did not cry, my Lord Chancellor and M. Richardo took pains to rack me with their own hands till I was nigh dead, than the Lieutenant caused me to be loosed from the Rack, 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, whereas he with many flattering words persuaded me to leave my opinion, but my Lord God I thank his everlasting goodness gave me grace to persevere, and will do (I hope) to the very end; then was I brought to an house and laid in a bed, with as weary and painful bones as ever had patiented Job, I thank the Lord my God therefore. Then my Lord Chancellor sent me word, if I would leave my opinion, I should want nothing, if I would not, I should forth to Newgate and so be burned: I sent him again word that I would rather die then to break my faith, hereafter she is condemned to be burnt for her opinion touching the Sacrament, for holding that after the Priest hath spoken the words of Consectation there remaineth bread still; they both say and also teach it for a necessary Article of faith, that after these words be once spoken there remaineth no bread but even the self same body that hang upon the Cross on goodfryday, both flesh, blood, and bones: to this belief of theirs said I nay, for than were ou● common Creed false, which saith that he sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. Lo this is the heresy that I hold and for it must suffer the death. 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. Moreover, I believe as much therein as my eternal and only Redeemer Jesus Christ would I should believe. She is brought into Smithfield to her execution in a Chair, because she could not go on her feet by means of her great torments, there she patiently endured death, with sundry moe that at that time was burnt with her. Then Urisley Lord Chancellor sent to Anna Askew Letters offering to her the Kings pardon if she would recant, who refusing once to look upon them, made this answer again, that she came not thither to deny her Lord and Master. Then were the Letters offered unto the other, who in like manner following the constancy of the woman, denied not only to receive them, but also to look upon them, whereupon the Lord Major commanding fire to be put to them, cried with a loud voice, fiat Justitia.  
Queen Catherine Parr, late Queen and wife to King Henry the eight was in great danger for the Gospel, the Chancellor Bishop of Winchester, and others of their conspiracy but she was graciously preserved by her kind and loving Husband the King. King Henry died in the thirty eight year of his Reign. King Henry of his own nature and disposition was so inclinable and forward in all things, virtuous and commendable, that the like enterprise of redress of Religion hath not lightly been seen in any other Christened Prince, as in abolishing the stout and almost invincible authority of the Pope, in suppressing Monasteries, in repressing custom of Idolatry and Pilgrimages, etc. which interprises as never King of England did accomplish (though some began to attempt them) before him, so yet to this day we see but few in other Realms dar follow the same. So long as Queen Bull●n, Thomas Cromwell, Bishop of Cranmer, and such like good counsellors were about him he did much good. So again when sinister and evil counsel under subtle and crafty pretences had gotten once the foot in thrusting truth and verity out of the Prince's ears, how much Religion and all good things went prosperously forward before, so much on the contrary side, all revolted backward again.  
Prince Edward succeeded his father, being of the age of nine years, and Reigned six years and eight months and eight days, and deceased Anno 1553. He was a virtuous and religious Prince, of admirable gifts and graces far beyond his years, Religion flourished in his time, for by the advice of his Governors, especially by his Uncle Lord John Simer Duke of Somerset, Protector of the Realm, that monstrous Hydra with six heads, the six Articles I mean, who devoured up so many men before, was abolished and taken away, the holy Scriptures were restored to the Mother Tongue, Masts extinguished and abolished, these that were before in banishment for the danger of the truth, were again received to their Country, for the most part of the Bishops of Churches and Dioceses were changed. Such as had been dumb Prelates before were compelled to give place to others than that would preach & take pains. Besides other also out of foreign Countries, men of learning and notable knowledge were sent for and received, among whom was Peter Martyr, Martin Bucer, and Paulus Phagius, which were set into the Universities. Of the old Bishops some were committed to one Ward, some to another, but these meek and gentle times of King Edward under the Government of this noble Protector, hath this one commendation proper unto them, for that amongst the whole number of the popish sort, of whom some privily did steal out of the Realm, many were crafty dissemblers, some were open and manifest adversaries, yet of all that multitude there was not one man that lost his life, for during all the time of King Edward's Reign, which was about six years, neither in Smithfield nor any other quarter of this Realm any was heard to suffer for any matter of Religion, either Papist or Protestant; either for one opinion or other, except only two, one an Englishwoman, called Joan of Kent, and the other a Dutchman named George, who died for certain Articles not much necessary here to be rehearsed. Besides these two there was none else in all King Edward's Reign that died in any manner or cause of Religion, but that one Thomas Dobbie, who in the beginning of this King's Reign was apprehended for speaking against the Idolatry of the Mass, and in the same Prison died, whose pardon notwithstanding was obtained of the Lord Protector, and should have been brought him if he had continued.   

The horrible and bloody Time of Queen MARY.  
QUeen Mary succeeded her brother King Edward to the Crown, ingyring herself by force and violence notwithstanding that Lady Jane was proclaimed Queen before her by King Edward's testament and the consent of the Nobility. She altered Religion that was in King Henry's time and King Edward's, she made an Inhibition by proclamation that no man should preach or read openly in the Churches the word of God, the Mass is set up and a proclamation that no man should interrupt any of these that would say mass, the Pope's Authority is restored, In a word she banished the Gospel, and true Religion and brought in the Antichrist of Rome with his Idolatry & supperstition, turned the English service into Latin again etc.  
About this time a priest of Canterbury said mass the one day, and the next day after he came into the Pulpit, and desired all the people to forgive him, for he said he had betrayed Christ, but not as Judas did, and there made a long Sermon against the Mass.  
Marriage is concluded between Queen Mary and the King of Spain.  
Strange sights were seen before the coming in of King Philip, and subversion of Religion, for in the month of February, 1553. there was seen within the City of London about the 9 of the clock in the forenoon two Suns Shining at once, the one a good pretty way distant from the other. At the same time was also seen a rain bow turned contrary and a great deal higher than hath been accustomed, it stood with the head downward, and the feet as it were upward.  
In the second year of Queen Mary, there was a Cat hanged upon a Gallows at the cross in Cheap, apparelled like a priest ready to say mass with a shaved crown, her two fore feet tied over her head with a round paper like a wafer cake put between them, whereon arose a great ill-will against the city of London, for the Queen and the Bishops were very angry withal, and therefore the same afternoon there was a proclamation that whosoever could bring forth the party that did hang up the Cat should have twenty Nobles, but none could or would earn it.  
Philip Prince of Spain, and Mary Queen of England were married together by the Bishop of Winchester in the presence of a great number of Noblemen of both the Realms in the year of God, 1554. Cardinal Pool is sent legate to the King and Queen to reconcile England to their mother Church Rome, the Parliament su●mit themselves to the Pope his authority is restored which was matter of great joy to Rome. Great was the bloody murdering of God's Saints in the time of Queen Mary. And first to begin with Master John Rogers, he is condemned of the Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor for two articles, first for that he affirmed the Romish Catholic Church to be the Church of Antichrist, and that he denied the reality of their Sacrament, he cursed him to be disgraded and condemned and put into the hands of the Laity, and so he gave him over into the Shireffs hand which were much better than his. 2. That in the Sacrament of the Altar there is not substantially nor really the natural body and blood of Christ. After that this John Rodgers had been long and straight imprisoned by the space of an year and an half at Newgate amongst Thiefs, often examined and very uncharitably entreated, and at length unjustly, and most cruelly by wicked Winchester condemned. Such was the Bishop of Winchester and Boner Bishop of London their charity that he could not obtain of them that favour as to talk a little with his wife before his burning; for his wife and children being eleven in number, ten able to go, and on sucking on her breast met him by the way, as he went towards Smithfield, this sorrowful sight of his own flesh: blood could nothing move him but that he constantly and cheerfully took his death with wonderful patience in the defence and quarrel of Christ's Gospel. As he was going to Smithfield, he said the Psalm Miserere by the was, all the people wonderfully rejoicing at his constancy with great praises and thanks to God for the same. A little before his burning at the stake, his pardon was brought if he would have recanted, but he utterly refused it, so he was burned into ashes washing his hands in the flame as he was in burning, he was the first Protomartyr of all that blessed company that suffered in Queen Mary's time that got the first adventure upon the fire, he was vicar of St. Pulchers, and Reader of Paul's in London.  
After that M●ster Rodgers had broken the ice here, under Queen Marry there suffered in like sort an Archbishop, four Bishops, twenty one Divines, eight Gentlemen, eighty four Artificers, one hundred Husbandmen Servants and Labourers, twenty six Wives, twenty Widows, nine Virgins, two boys, and two Infants with many more, yea it is recorded that in less than four years they sacrificed the lives of eight hundred innocents' here to their Idols in Queen Mary's days. We shall take a view of them that are most memorable.  
Laurence Sanders Preacher, a man of worshipful Parentage, was burned for the defence of the Gospel at Coventree, being led to the place of Execution, he went in an old Gown and a Shirt, , and oftentimes fell flat on the ground and prayed. When he came to the fire he fell to the ground and prayed, he risen up again and took the Stake to which he should be chained in his arms and kissed it, saying welcome the Cross of Christ, welcome everlasting life, and being fastened to the Stake, and fire put to him, full sweetly he sleeped in the Lord.  
Mr. John Hooper Bishop of Worchester and Gloucester was burnt for the defence of the Gospel at Gloucester, he was a worthy Bishop, endued with these qualities that St. Paul requires in a Bishop, he was condemned at London, and degraded by Bishop Winchester and others, and sent to Gloucester to be burnt. As he went to the fire he was led between two Sheriffs (as it were a Lamb to the place of slaughter) in a Gown of his Hosts, his Hat upon his head, and a staff in his hand to stay himself withal, for the grief of the Sciatica which he had taken in prison, caused him sometimes to halt. All the way he was straight charged not to speak, the people mourned bitterly for him. After he was entered into his prayer, a Box was brought and laid before him upon a Stool with his pardon (or at the least wise, it was feigned to be his pardon) from the Queen if he would, he at the sight thereof cried, if ye love my soul, away with it, if ye love my soul, away with it; the Box being taken away, the Lord Shandois said seeing there is no remedy dispatch him quickly; Mr. Hooper said God my Lord, I trust your Lady will give me leave to make an end of my prayers. Then said the Lord Shandois to Sir Edmund Bridges, take heed that he do nothing else but pray, if he do, tell me, and I shall quickly dispatch him; so he prayed in these words following, Lord (said he) I am hell, but thou art heaven, I am swill and a stink of sin, but thou art a gracious God and a merciful Redeemer, have mercy therefore upon me most miserable and wretched offender after thy great mercy, and according to thy inestimable goodness. Thou that art ascended into heaven, receive me hell to be partaker of thy joys, where thou sittest in equal glory with t●y Father, for well knowest thou Lord, whereof I am, come hither to s●ffer, and why the wicked do ●●●secute this thy poor servant, not for my sins and ●●●sgressions committed against thee, but because I will not allow their wicked do, to the contaminating of thy blood, and to the denial of the knowledge of thy truth, wherewith it did please thee by thy holy Spirit to instruct me, the which with as much diligence as a poor wretch might (being thereto called) I have set forth to thy glory. And well seest thou my Lord and God, what terrible pains and cruel torments be prepared for thy creature, such, Lord, as without thy strength none is able to bear or patiently to pass, but all things that are impossible with man are possible with thee. Therefore strengthen me of thy goodness, that in the fire I break-not the rules of patience, or else assuage the terror of the pains, as shall seem most to thy glory. After he had done, he was put to the fire, and he abode three quarters of an hour in the fire, for it was slow in burnning and thrice it was kindled before he was consumed. In the midst of the fire he prayed with a loud voice, Lord Jesus have mercy upon me, Lord Jesus have mercy upon me, Lord Jesus receive my spirit, and these were the last words that he was heard to utter. But when he was black in the mouth and his tongue swollen that he could not speak, yet his lips went till they were shrunk to the Gams, and he knocked his breast with his hands until one of his arms fell off, and then knocked still with the other, what time the fat water and blood dropped out at his finger's ends, until by renewing of the fire his strength was gone, and his hand did cleave fast in knocking to the iron upon his breast. So immediately bowing for wards he yielded up his spirit.  
Doctor Tailyour was burned at Hadley for the testimony of the Gospel, when he was going to execution the people greatly lamented him, and cried one to another, Ah good Lord, there goeth our good Shepherd from us, that so faithfully hath taught us, so fatherly hes cared for us, and so godly hath governed us. O merciful God, what shall we poor scattered Lambs do? What shall come of this wicked world? Good Lord, strengthen him and comfort him, with such other most lamentable and piteous voices. And he cried to them, I have Preached to you God's word and truth, and am come this day to seal it with my blood. Coming against the Almshouse which he well knew, he cast to the poor people money which remained of that good people had given him, in time of his imprisonment. As for his living, they took it from him at his first going to Prison, so that he was sustained all the time of his imprisonment by the charitable Alms of good people that visited him; he is not permitted to speak at his death, and therefore he kneeled down and prayed, and a poor woman that was among the people stepped in and prayed with him, but her they thrust away, and threatened to tread her down with horses, notwithstanding she would not remove, but abode and prayed with him. When he had prayed, he went to the Stake and kissed it, and set himself in a pitch Barrel which they had set for him to stand in, and so stood with his back upright against the Stake, with his hands folded together, and his eyes toward Heaven, and so he continually prayed. So stood he still without either crying or moving, with his hands folded together, till Soyce with an Halberd struck him on the head that the brains fell out, and the dead Corpse fell down into the fire and burnt.  
The Lord Chancellor, and other his fellow. Bishops, caused the Image of Thomas Becket that old Romsh traitor to be set over the Mercer's Chappel-door in Cheapside in London, in the form and shape of a Bishop, with Mitre and Crosier, howbeit within two days after his erection, his two blessing-fingers were first broken away, and the next day his head also was stricken off, whereupon arose great trouble, and many were suspected, among whom one Master John Barnes Mercer, dwelling over against the same Chapel, was vehemently by the Lord Chancellor charged withal as the doer thereof, and though rather for that he was a Professor of the truth, wherefore he and three of his servants were committed to Prison, and at his delivery) although it could not be proved upon him (he was bound in a great sum of money, as well to build it up again as often as it should be broken down, and also to watch and keep the same.  
And therefore at his compelled charges, the Image was again set up the second day of March than next ensuing, but (for lake belike of careful watching) the 14. day of the said month in the night, the head of that dangerous beast (over whom there was such a charge given) was again the second time broken off, which thing was so heinously taken, that the next Day there was a proclamation made in London, that whosoever would tell who did strike off his head (though he were of counsel and not the principal doer (he should have not only his pardon, but also an hundreth crowns of Gold with hearty thanks, but it was not known who did it.  
Thomas Tomkins of the Diocese of London having first his hand burned, after was burnt himself by Bishop Boner for the constant testimony of Christ's true profession. This Tomkins was a weaver by his occupation, he was of so godly life and disposition, that if any woman had come to him with her Web, as some time they did three or four in a day, he would always begin with prayer, Or if any other had come to talk with him of any matter he would first begin with prayer, and if any had sought unto him to borrow money, he would show him such money as he had in his purse and bid him take it, and when they came to repay it again, so far off was he from seeking any usury at their hand, or from straight exaction of his due that he would bid them keep it longer while they were better able. When Boner saw that by no means he could prevail with Tomkins to forsake the truth, he found out a cruel device, First he burned his hand at a Taper or wax-candle, supposing that by the smart and pain of the fire being terrified, he would leave off the defence of his Doctrine which he had received. In the time that his hand was in burning, the said Tomkins afterward reported to one James Hinse that his spirit was so rapt up that he felt no pain. In the which burning he never shrunk, till the veins shrunk and the sinews burst, and the water did spirit into Mr. Harpfields' face, one that was with the Bishop, insomuch that the said Mr. Harpsfield moved with pity desired the Bishop to stay, saying that he had tried him enough, this burning was in the hall at Fulham, and such was the cruelty of this Boner that he was not contented with the burning of his hand, rested not till he had consumed his whole body into ashes at London in Smithfield.  
Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor seeing he could not prevail by cruelty to reduce men to the unity of the Catholic faith, and to call them from their errors and heresies, he gave over his murdering office to Boner Bishop of London who supplied that part right doughtily as in the further process of this History hereafter evidently and too much may appear.  
William Hunter a young man of nineteen years, a Prentice in London is burnt for the Gospel's sake, when he is condemned to die, his father and his mother came to comfort him, and desired hearty of God that he might continue to the end in that good way which God had begun, and his mother said to him that she was glad that ever she was so happy to bear such a Child which could find in his heart to lose his life for Christ's name sake. As he came to the place of execution, The Shireff said unto him here is a letter from the Queen, if thou wilt recant thou shalt live, if not thou shall be burned. No quoth William Hunter I will not recant God willing, than he went to the staik and prayed, saying, Son of God shine upon me, and immediately the Sun in the Element shined out of a dark cloud so full in his face that he was constrained to look another way, whereat the people mused, because it was so dark a little time before, and here was an external show of Christ's favour upon him.  
After the burning of William Hunter was Mr. Highed, and Mr. Caustoun two worthy Gentlemen of Ess●x, which for the sincere profession of their Faith under Boner Bishop of London were martyred and burned in Essex.  
John Laurence priest, laimed with irons in Prison was born to the fire in a chair at Colchester, and so sitting was in his constant faith consumed with fire. At the burning of this Laurence he sitting in the fire, the young children came abo●t the fire, and cried as well as young Children could speak, saying, Lord strengthen thy servant and keep thy promise, Lord strengthen thy servant and keep thy promise, which thing as it is rare, so it is no small manifestation of the glory of God which wrought this in the hearts of these little ones, nor yet a little commendation to their parents which from their youth brought them up in the knowledge of God and his truth.  
Follows the worthy and constant martyrdom of the Bishop of St. David in Wales, called Robert Farrar, who was the next Bishop in this catalogue of of Christian martyrs that suffered after Mr. Hooper. This foresaid Farrar by the favour and goodwill of the Lord Protector was first called and promoted to that dignity. This man I may well call twice a martyr, not only for the cruel death of the fire which he suffered most constantly in the days of Queen Mary unto the shedding of his blood, but also for divers other injuries and molestations in King Edward's time, which he noblesse firmly then unworthily sustained at the hands of his enemies after the fall of the Duke of Somerset. Of these his vexations and troubles, with the wrangling articles and informations laid against him to the number of 56. and of the malice conceived against him by certain covetous Canons of the Church of Carm●rthen, and what were the proceed of both pa●ts, as well of innocent, as of the crafty adversaries, what were their names in their Articles against him is to be seen in his History, unto the which he answered all. Thus this godly Bishop being condemned and degraded, was committed to the Secular power, who not long after was brought to the pl●ce of Execution in the Town of Carmarthen, where he in the Mercat-place most constantly sustained the torments & passion of the fire. Touching the which constancy of this blessed Mutyr, this is moreover to be added and noted, that one named Richard Ionas a Knight's son, coming to Mr. Farrar a little before his death, seemed to lament the painfulness of the death he had to suffer. Unto whom the Bishop answered again to this effect saying that if he saw him once to stir in the, pains of his burning, he should then give no credit to his Doctrine. And as he said, so he right well performed the same, for so patiently he stood that he never moved, but even as he stood holding up his stumps, so still he continued, till one Richard Gravel with a staff dashed him upon the head, and so struck him down.  
There was one at this time called Rawlins White a fisher man in the Country of Wales, gave his life like a valiant Soldier of Jesus Christ to martyrdom, and was burned at Cardiff, he was illiterate, but had a great desire to know the truth, he had a Boy that red to him the Scripture and other Books, whereby he attained through the grace of God to the knowledge of the truth, and conferred with others, and became an instructor of others, and converted many to the truth; at last he was taken as a man suspect of Heresy, and committed to prison, and being desired oftentimes by the Bishop to recant, could not be persuaded thereto, he is condemned as an Heretic, and to be burnt. As he was going to execution, he saw his Wife and Children by the way weeping and making great lamentation, the sudden sight of whom so pierced his heart, that the very tears trickled down his face. But he soon after, as though he had misliked this infirmity of the flesh, began to be as it were altogether angry with himself, insomuch that striking his bre●st with his hand, he used these words, Ah filthy flesh, stayest thou me so, wouldst thou fain prevail; Well, I tell thee, do what thou canst, thou shalt not by God's grace have the victory. As he went to the Stake, he fell down upon his knees and kissed the ground, and in his rising again, the earth a little sti●k●ng on his nose, he said these words, Earth unto earth, and d●st unto dust, thou art my mother, and unto thee I shall return. When he was standing at the Stake, he cast his eyes upon one, and called him unto him, and said, I feel a great fight between the flesh and the spirit and the flesh would very fain have his swing, and therefore I pray you when ye see m● any thing tempted, hold your finger up to me, and I trust I shall remember myself. When the Smith brought a Chain of Iron to fasten him to the Stake, and as he was making it fast on the other side, Rawlins said unto him, I pray you good friend knock in the Chain fast, for it may be that the flesh would strive mightily, but God of thy great mercy give me strength and patience to abide the extremity; so with patience and great constancy he suffered his Martyrdom. He was of age about threescore years.  
At this time died Pope Julius third, a Porkish and blasphemous Pope. Amongst other pranks and deeds of this foresaid Pope, this is also reported of him in his life that he delighted greatly in Pork flesh and Peacocks. Upon a time when he was admonished of his Physician to abstain from all Swine's flesh, for that it was noisome for his Gout, and yet would not follow his counsel, the Physician afterward gave warning to his Steward or orderer of his diet, that he should set no more Pork flesh before him. Whereupon when the Pope perceived the said Pork flesh to be laking in his accustomed service, where (said he) is my Pork? and when his Steward had answered that his Physician had forbidden any Pork to be served, than the Pope brasting out in a great rage, said these words, bring me (said he) my Pork flesh, all dispet to di D●o, that is to say in English, in the despite of God. At another time he sitting at dinner pointed to a Peacock upon his Table which he had not touched, keep (said he) this cold Peacock for me against supper, and let me sup in the Garden, for I shall have Guests. So when supper came, and amongst other hot Peacocks, he saw not his cold Peacock brought to his Table: The Pope after his wont manner most bitterly blasphemed God, fell into an extreme rage. Whereupon one of his Cardinals sitting by, desired him, saying, Let not your Holiness I pray you be so moved with a matter of so small weight. Then this Julius the Pope answering again, What, said he, If God was so angry for an Apple, that he cast our first parents out or Paradise for the same? Why may not I, being his Vicar, be angry then for a Peacock, since a Peacock is a greater matter than an Apple? Behold here, good Reader, by this Pope, the holiness of that blasphemous See, and yet thou shalt see how what affection was born unto this Pope here in England, by the Dirigies, Hearses, and Funerals commanded to be had and celebrated in all Churches by the Queen and her Counsel. At what time it chanced a woman to come into St. Magnus' Church at the Bridge foot in London, and there seeing an Hearse and other preparation, asked what it meant, and others that stood by said it was for the Pope, and that she must pray for him, nay (quoth she) that will I not, for he needeth not my prayer, and seeing he could forgive us all our sins, I am sure he is clean himself, therefore I need not to pray for him; she was heard to speak these words of certain that stood by, which by and by carried her to the Cage of London Bridge, and bade her cool herself there.  
In the close of the Examination of John Simpson and John Audely, two Husbandmen, is to be noted the sudden fear of Bishop Boner and his Doctors, which was thus, there was assembled at that time a great multitude of people, that because the Consistory was not able to hold them, they were fain to stand in the Church near about the said Consistory, waiting to see the said prisoners when they should departed, and hearing the Bishop say, Have him speaking to Simpson, being in a rage at his stout answers, Have him away. Now the people hearing in the Church these words, and thinking because the day was far spent, that the prisoners had their judgement, they being desirous to see the prisoners had to Newgate, severed themselves, one running one way, another, another way, which caused such a noise in the Church, that they in the Consistory were all amazed, and marvelled what it should mean, wherefore the Bishop also being somewhat afraid of this so sudden fear, asked what there was to do? The standers by answering, said that there was like to be so tumult, for they were together by the ears. When the Bishop heard this, by and by his heart was in his heels, and leaving his seat, he with the rest of that Court betook them to their legs, hastening with all speed possible to recover the door that went into the Bishop's house, but the rest being somewhat lighter of foot then my Lord, did soon recover the door, & thronging hastily to get in, keeped the Bishop still our, and cried, Save my Lord, save my Lord, but meaning yet first to save themselves if any danger should come; whereby they gave the standers by good matter to laugh at the ridiculous fear of Boner and his Doctors, and so thereafter their two godly persons Simpson and Audely were burnt.  
The Counsel of Trent was in this Pope Julius his time, betwixt the first and last Session thereof were eighteen years. In it all the Articles of the Popish Doctrine were confirmed.  
At this time by the Popish Clergy the bones of Martin Bucer and Paulus Phagins which had lain almost two years in their graves, were taken up and burned at Cambridge, besides this, they caused Peter Martyrs wife, a woman of worthy memory to be digged out of the Churchyard, & to be burned on the dunghill.  
A little before Thomas Hawkes Gentleman his death, some of his acquaintance & friends which seemed not a little to be confirmed by the example of his constancy, and by his talk, yet notwithstanding the same again being feared with the sharpness of the punishment which he was going to, privily desired that in the midst of the flame he would show them some token if he could whereby they might be more certain whether the pain of such burning were so great that a man might not therein keep his mind quiet and patiented. Which thing he promised them to do, and so secretly between them it was agreed that if the rage of the pain were tolerable, and might be suffered, than he should lift up his hands above his head towards Heaven before he gave up the Ghost. In the fire when he continued long, & when his speech was taken away by violence of the flame, his skin also drawn together, and his fingers consumed with the fire, so that now all men thought certainly that he had been gone, suddenly, and contrary to all expectation, the blessed servant of God being mindful of his promise made before, reached up his hands burning in a light fire (which was marvellous to behold) over his head to the living God, and with great rejoicing as seemed, did strike or clap them three times together. At the sight whereof there followed such applause and outcry of the people, and especially of them which understood the matter, that the like hath not commonly been heard, And so the blessed Martyr of Christ strait way sinking down into the fire, gave up his spirit. Mr. John ●radfoord Preacher most constantly suffered for the testimony of Christ and his truth, he was long in prison, he had many conflicts with his adversaries, he was burnt at Smithfield, many Doctors and Bishops did talk with him in prison, and two Spanish Friars dealt with him to recant, and to leave his errors, but he abode constant in the truth. When he came to the Stake he took a Faggot in his hand and kissed it, and so likewise the Stake. And when he had so done, he desired of the Sheriffs that his servant might have his raiment, for (said he) I have nothing else to give him, and besides that he is a poor man; and the Sheriff said he should have it. And so forthwith Mr. Bradfoord did put off his Raiment and went to the S●●ke, and holding up his hands, and casting his countenance to Heaven, he said thus: O England, England, repent thee of thy sins, beware of Idolatry, beware of false Antichrists, take heed they do not deceive you: but he was commanded by the Sheriff to be quiet. At that time with him was burnt a young man named John Lease, a Prentice, of ninteen or twenty years, whom he greatly encouraged, & said to him, be of good comfort brother, for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night, & he spoke no more words that any man did hear but embracing the reed, s●id thus, straight is the way, and narrow is the gate that leadeth to eternal salvation, and few there be that find it. Here is not to be passed by a notable example of God's hand upon W●droff, one of the Sheriffs that would not suffer him to speak, but dealt churlishly with him. It happened within half an year after the burning of this blessed Martyr that he was so stricken on the right side with such a Palsy, or stroke of God's hand, whatsoever it was, that for the space of eight years after till his dying day, he was not able to turn himself in his bed, but as two men with a sheet were fain to stir him, and withal such an insatiable devouring came upon him, that it was monstrous to see. And thus continued he the space of eight years together. This godly Eradfoord, and Heavenly Martyr, during the time of his imprisonment, wrote sundry comfortable Treatises, and many godly Letters, of which some he wrote to the City of London, Cambridge, Walden, to Lancashire, and Chasshire, and divers to his private friends, and to his mother, brethren, and sisters. Bradfoord was a godly and learned man, while he was in prison he teached twice a day continually, unless sickness hindered him, where also he ministered the Sacrament often. Preaching, Reading and Praying, was all his whole life, and he was in great credit with his Keeper, that he might go out and in when he pleased. He counted that hour not well spent wherein he did not some good, either with his Pen, Study, or in exhorting of others, etc. He was had in great reverence and admiration with all good men, that a multitude that never knew him but by fame, greatly lamented his death, yea and a n●mber of the Papists themselves wished hearty his life. In his Letter to his mother, he dissuades her from the Mass, and tells her the difference betwixt the Lord's Supper and the Mass. The Supper was ordained to be received of us in the memorial of his death, for the confirmation of our faith, that his body was broken for us, and his blood shed for pardon of our sins: But in the Mass there is no receiving, but the Priest keepeth all to himself alone. Christ saith, Take, eat, no, saith the Priest, Gape, peep: There is a sacrificing, yea, killing of Christ again as much as they may: there is Idolatry in worshipping the outward sign of Bread and Wine, here is all in Latin, yea cannot tell what he saith. To conclude, there is nothing as God ordained, wherefore my good mother come not at it.  
In mortem Johannis Bradfordi constamissimi Martyris.  
Discipulo nulli supra li●et esse Magistrum,  
Quique Deo serrit, tristia multa ferret.  
Corripit omniporens natum quem diligit omnem,  
Ad Coelum stricta est difficilisque via.  
Has Bradforde tuo dum condis pectore voces,  
Non hominum rigidas terribilesque minas,  
Sed nec blanditias, non vim, nic vincula curas,  
Tradis & accensae membra cremanda pyrae.  
There were at this time also two Ministers, Rland and Frankish Sheterden and Midletoun burnt at Cauterbury, at two several Stakes, but all in one fire together, where they in the sight of God and of his Angels, and before men like true Soldiers of Jesus Christ gave a constant testimony of the truth of his Gospel. Sheterden wrote sundry Letters from the prison in Westgate, and one to his mother before his execution, to whom he gives warning to beware of the great idolatry, and blasphemous Mass. O let not that be your God which Mice and Worms can devour; behold, I call Heaven and Earth to record that, that it is no God, yea, the fire that consumeth it, and that moistness that causeth it to mould, and I take Christ's Testament to witness that it is none of his Ordinances, but a mere invention of men, and a snare to catch innocents' blood, and now that God hes shown it unto you, bewarned in time. O give over all customs, and become new in the truth: what state soever your fathers be in, leave that to God, and let us follow the counsel of his Word.  
Thomas Jueson Carpentar being earnestly traveled with all to recant, said in this wise, I would not recant and forsake my opinion and belief for all the goods in London, I do appeal to God's mercy, and will be none of your Church, nor submit myself to the same, and that I have said, I will say again, and if there came an Angel from heaven to teach me any other doctrine, then that which I am in now, I would not believe him: Which answer thus made he was condemned as an heretic, and committed to the secular power and burned at Chicesher, pursuing him in his constant faith unto the end.  
Among many that traveled in these troublesome days to keep a good conscience, there was one James Ables a young man, which through compulsion of the tyranny then used, was enforced to his part with his brethren in wand'ring and going from place to place to avoid the peril of apprehending, but when time came that the Lord had another work to do for him, he was caught by the hands of wicked men, and brought before the Bishop of Norwich, Doctor Hopton, who examining him of his Religion, and charging him therewith very sore, both with threats and fair speech, at the last the said poor James did yield and resented to their naughty persuasions, although his conscience consent not thereto. Now when he was dismissed and should go from the Bishop, the Bishop calling him again gave him a piece of money, which when the said James had received and was gone from the Bishop, his conscience began to throb and inwardly to accuse his fact how he had displeased the Lord by consenting to their beastly illusions, In which combat with himself, being piteously vexed, he went immediately to the Bishop again and there threw him his said money which he had received at his hand, and said it repent him that ever he gave his consent to the wicked persuasions, and that he gave his consent to the taking of his money. Now this being done, the Bishop with his Chaplains did labour a fresh to win him again but in vain; for the said James Abbes would not yield for none of them all, although he had played Peter before through infirmity, but stood manfully to his Master's quarrel to the end, and above the force of the fire, to the consuming of his body into ashes, which tyranny of burning was done in Berie.  
M●ster John Denly at Uxbridg was burnt for the testimony of the truth, being set in the fire with the burning flame about him he sang in it a Psalm. Then cruel Doctor Story being there present, commanded one of the tormentors to hu●le a Faggot at him, whereupon being hurt therewith upon the face that he bled again, he left his singing and clapped his hands upon his face, truly quoth Doctor Story to him that hurled the Faggot, thou hast marred a good old song. The said John Denly being yet still in the flame of the fire put his hands abroad and sang again, yielding at the last his spirit into the hands of God through his Son Jesus Christ.  
There was six godly Martyrs burnt at one fire at Canterbury for the testimony of the Truth. Elizabeth Narne widow that was one of them that was burnt at Stafford bow nigh unto London, her husband was burnt before for the profession of the truth in the month of May last by past; the chief thing objected against her as against all the rest, was touching the real and corporal presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar; many other matters was objected against them, as for not coming to the church, for speaking against the mass, for despising their Ceremonies and new found Sacraments with divers other fond and trifling toys not worthy any mentioning. This woman being exhorted to recant, she said, do what ye will, for if Christ was in an error, then am I in an error, upon which answer she was adjudged and condemned as an Heretic, and so delivered unto the secular power to be by them put to death, and so she was burnt.  
George Tankerfield a little before his execution prayed his Host to let him have a good fire in his Chamber, he had so, and then he sitting on a Form before the fire, put off his shoes and hose, and stretched out his leg to the flame, and when it had touched his foot he quickly withdrew his leg, showing how the flesh did persuade him one way, and the Spirit another way. The Spirit said, be not afraid, for this is nothing in respect of fire eternal. The flesh said, leave not the company of thy friends & acquaintance, which love, and will not let thee lack nothing. The Spirit said, the company of Jesus Christ and his glorious presence doth exceed all fleshly friends. The flesh, said, do not shorten thy time, for thou mayest live if thou wilt, much longer. The Spirit said, this life is nothing unto the life in Heaven which lasteth for ever, etc. And when he came to the place of execution, after he ended his prayer, he arose, and with a joyful faith he said, that although he had a sharp dinner, yet he hoped to have a joyful supper in Heaven. While the Faggots were set about him, there came a Priest unto him and persuaded him to believe ●n the Sacrament of the Altar and he should be saved. But George Tankerfield cried out vehemently, and said, I defy the Whore of Babylon, I I defy the Whore of Babylon, fie on that abominable Idol, good people do not believe him. Then the Major of the Town commanded to set fire to the Heretic, and said if he had but one load of Faggots in the whole world, he would give them to burn him. There was an certain Knight by, and went unto Tankerfield, and took him by the hand, and said, good brother, be strong in Christ; this he spoke softly, and Tankerfield said, O Sir, I thank you, I am so I thank God, so he was put to the fire and burnt.  
Rob●rt Samuel a very godly and right faithful Preacher of God's Word in King Edward his days, was now apprehended and cast into prison, and miserably handled under the Bishop of Norwich, Doctor Hop●on an unmerciful Prelate, he so far exceeded the bounds of piety and compassion in tormenting their poor brethren as this Bishop did, in such sort that many of them he perverted and brought quite from the truth, and some from their wits also, he is keeped in strict prison, where he was chained bolt upright to a great post, in such sort, that standing only on the tiptoe, he was fain to stay up the whole poise or weight of his body thereby, and to this they added a far more grievous to meant, keeping him without meat and drink, whereby he was unmercifully vexed through hunger and thirst, saving that he had every day allowed two or three mouthfuls of bread, and three spoonfuls of water to the end rather that he might be reserved to further torment, then that they would preserve his life. O worthy constancy of the Martyr. O pitiless hearts of Papists, worthy to be complained of, and to be accursed before God and nature O the wonderful strength of Christ in his members, whose stomach, though it had been made of Adamant stone, would not have relented, and these intolerable vexations, and extreme pains above nature, how often times would he have drunken his own water, but his body was so dried up with his long emptiness, that he was not able to make one drop of water. At the last when he was brought forth to be burned, which was but a trifle in comparison of these pains that he had passed; certain there were that heard h●m, what strange things had happened unto him, during the time of his imprisonment, to wit, that after he had been famished, or pined, with hunger two or three days together, he then fell into a sleep, as it were one half in a slumber, at which time one clothed all in white seemed to stand before him, which ministered comfort unto him by these words, Samuel, Samuel, be of good cheer, and take a good heart unto thee, for after this day shalt thou never either be hungry or thirsty, which thing came even to pass accordingly, for sppedily after he was burned, and from that time that he should suffer he felt neither hunger nor thirst. And thus declared he to the ends as he said, that all men might behold the wonderful works of God. Many more like matters concerning the great comfort he had of Christ in his afflictions, he could utter (he said) besides this, but shamefastness and modesty would not suffer him to utter it. The report goeth among some that were there present, and saw him burnt, that his body in burning did shine as light and white as new tried silver in the eyes of them that stood by.  
After the suffering of Robert Samuel was burned William Allen in Walfinghame, a labouring man, he being brought before the Bishop, and asked the cause why he was imprisoned, answered, that he was put in prison because he would not follow the Cross, saying that he would never go in procession. Then being willed by the Bishop to return again to the Catholic Church, he answered that he would turn to the Catholic Church, but not to the Romish Church, and said, that if he saw the King and Queen and all other follow the Cross, or kneel down to the Cross, he would not, for the which, sentence of condemnation was given against him, and he burned, who declared such constancy at his martyrdom, and had such credit with the justices, by reason of his upright and well tried conversation amongst them, that be was suffered to go untved to his suffering, and there being fastened with a Chain, stood quietly without shrinking until he died.  
There were five worthy Martyrs burned at Canterbury in one fire, because they denied that Christ was corporally and bodily in the Sacrament: Master Robert Glover at Coventree being apprehended for suspi●ion of Heresy and imprisoned, was burnt for the testimony of the truth There was one Austen Bernher a Minister and a familiar friend of his, testified this of him. After he was condemned by the Bishop, and was now at the point to be delivered out of this world, It so happened that two or three days before his heart being lumpish and desolate of all spiritual consolation, felt in himself no aptness nor willingness, but rather a heaviness and dulness of spirit, finding much discomfort to bear the bitter cross of martyrdom ready now to be laid upon him, and here we see that God's Saints may be destitute for a time, of the Lords comfort. Unto whom the said Austen answering again, willed and desired him patiently to wait the Lords pleasure, and how soever his present feeling was, yet seeing his cause was just and true, he exhorted him constantly to stick to the same, and to play the man, nothing misdoubting but the Lord in his good time could visit him and satisfy his desire with plenty of consolation. whereof he said he was right certain and sure, and therefore desired him whensoever any such feeling of God's heavenly mercies should begin to touch his heart, that then he would show some signification thereof whereby he might witness with him the same, and so departed from him. The next day when the time came of his martyrdom as he was going to the place, and was now come to the sight of the Stake, although all the night before praying for strength and courage he could feel none, suddenly he was so mightily replenished with God's holy comfort and heavenly joys, that he cried out, clapping his hands to Austen and saying in these words, Austen he is come, he is come, and that with such joy and alacrity, as one seeming rather to be risen from some deadly danger to liberty of life, then as one passing out of the world by any pains of death. And so he was put to the fire and burnt for the testimony of the truth.  
Denton being afraid of burning said to Wolsey that he cannot burn, but he that could not burn in the cause of Christ, was afterward burned against his will when Christ had given peace to his Church, for his house was set on fire, and while he went in to save his goods he lost his life with two other that were in the same house. Not much unlike to this was also the example of Mr. West Chaplain to B. Ridley, who refusing to die in Christ's cause with his masters, said mass against his conscience, and soon afterward died.   

The Death and Martyrdom of Bishop Ridley, and Bishop Latimer.  
MAster Ridley Bishop of London, and Latimer Bishop sometimes of Worcester, men of memorable leaning and incomparable ornaments, and gifts of grace, joined with no less commendable sincerity of life, as all the Realm can witness sufficiently, were burnt at Oxford for the testimony of the truth. This B. Ridley was descended of a stock right worshipful, he was born in Northumberlandshire. After he passed his course at Cambrige & made Doctor of Divinity, he went to Paris, and after his return was made Chaplain to King Henry the eight, and promoted afterward by him to the Bishopric of Worcester, and so from thence translated to the Se● and Bishopric of London in King Edward's days, & now in Queen Mary's time they were laid hands upon, and committed to prison and accused as Heretics. Great was the conference and godly talk that was between them while they were in prison. Mr. Ridley wrote many letters from the prison, as a letter from him and his prison-fellows unto Mr. Braidford, and his prison-fellows in the King's bench at Southwark, and to many others. And besides these letters of his, divers other tracttations were written by him, partly out of prison, and partly in prison.  
As for Mr. Latimer that famous Preacher and worthy Martyr of Christ and his Gospel, he was a long time a zealous and superstitious Papist, and in this blind zeal he was a very enemy to the professors of Christ's Gospel, as both his. Oration made when he proceeded Bachelor of Divinity against Philip Melancton, and also his other works did plainly declare; but he through the goodness of God was converted by Mr. Bilney unto the truth, so that whereas before he was an enemy, and almost a persecuter of Christ, he was now a zealous seeker after him, howbeit as Satan never sleepeth when he seethe his kingdom begin to decay, so likewise now seeing that this worthy member of Christ would be a  shaker thereof, he raised up his impious Imps to molest and trouble him. He wrote also many letters from the prison. Touching the memorable acts and do of this worthy man, amongst many other, this is not to be neglected what a bold enterprise he attempted, in sending to King Henry a present, the manner whereof was this. There was then and yet remaineth still an old custom received from the old Romans, that upon new years' day being the first day of January, every Bishop with some handsome new years gift should gratify the King, and so they did, some with gold, some with silver, some with a purse full of money, some with one thing, and some with another, but Mr. Latimer being Bishop of Worcester then amongst the rest, presented a new Testament for his new years gift with a napkin having this poesy about it, Fornicatores & adulteros judicabit Dominus.  
Now in Queen Mari●s time, after their long imprisonment they are brought forth to their final examination and execution, are degraded and condemned as Heretics, and delivered to the Secular power to be put to death. When they came to the fire, they brought a Eagot kindled with fire and laid the same down at Doctor Ridleys' feet, to whom Mr. Latimer spoke in this manner, be of good comfort Mr. Ridley, and play the man, we shall this day light such a Candle by God's grace in England as I trust shall never be put out. And here we see the Church to be lightened by the Martyrdom of Saints. And so the fire being given to them, when Doctor Ridley saw the fire flaming up toward him he cried with a wondered loud voice, In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum, Domine sujcipe spiritum meum, and after repeated this latter part often in English, Lord, Lord, receive my spirit. Mr. Latimer crying as vehemently on the other side, Oh Father of Heaven receive my soul; who receiving the flame, as it were embracing of it. After, as he had stroaled his face with his hands (as it were) bathed them a little in the fire, he soon died (as it appeared) with very little pain, or none. B●t Mr. Ridley by reason of the evil making of the fire unto him, he was long in burning, he cried to let the fire come to him, for his nether pa●ts were burnt before the fire touched his upper parts, yet for all this to meant he forgot not to call upon God still, it moved hundreds to tears in beholding this horrible sight, for I think there was none that had not clean exiled all humanity and mercy, which would not have lamented to behold the fury of the fire, so to rage upon their bodies. Thus their two godly and learned men ended their lives for the cause of Christ, and testimony of his truth.   

The death and end of Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, and Chancellor of the Kingdom, enemy of God's Word.  
THe next month after the burning of Doctor Ridley and Mr. Latimer, which was the month of November, Stephen Gardiner Bishop and Chancellor a man hated of God and all good men, ended his wretched life. The same day when as Bishop Ridley and Mr. Latimer suffered at Oxford, came the servant of the said Winchester posting in all possible speed from Oxford, bringing intelligence to the Bishop that Ridley and Latimer were burnt, he came out rejoicing and saying to the old D●ke of Norfolk, being then in his house. Now (saith he) let us go to dinner. Whereupon they being set down, meat was immediately brought, and the Bishop began merrily to eat; but what followed? The bloodyly ●yrant had not eaten a few bits, but the sudden stroke of God, his terrible hand fell upon him in such sort as immediately he was taken from the Table, and so brought to bed, where he continued for the space of fifteen days in such intolerable anguish and torments, that all that mean while, during these fifteen days he could not avoid by order of Urine, or otherwise any thing that he received, whereby his body being miserably infamed within (who had inflamed so many good Martyrs before) was brought to wretched end. And therefore no doubt, as most like it is, came the thrusting out of his tongue from his mouth so swell and black with the Inflammation of his body; a spectacle worthy to be noted and behold of all such bloody persecuters. Moreover it is recorded concerning the said Bishop, that when Doctor Day Bishop of Chicester came to him and began to comfort him with words of God's promise, and with the free justification in the blood of Christ our Saviour, repeating the Scriptures to him. Winchester hearing that, What my Lord (quoth he) will ye open that gap now, (than farewell altogether) to me and such other in my case ye may speak it, but open this window to the people, then farewell altogether.  
The Martyrdom of Mr. John Philpot , was burnt for the defence of the Gospel's cause against the Antichristian See of Rome. After long imprisonment, & oft Examination he is condemned as an Heretic, and delivered to the Secular Power to be burnt. When he came to the place of suffering, to wit, in Smithfield, he kissed the Stake, and said, Shall I disdain to s●ffer at this Stake, seeing my Redeemer did not refuse to suffer most vile death upon the Cross for me, and then with an obedient heart full meekly he said the 106.107, and 108. Psalms, and when he had made an end of all his prayers, he said to the Officers, What have ye done for me, and every one of them declared what they had done, and he gave to every one of them money, than they bond him to the Stake, and set fire unto that constant Martyr, who in the midst of the fiery flames yielded his soul into the hands of the Almighty God, and like a Lamb gave up his breath, his body being consumed into ashes. The writings and examinations of Mr. Phipòt were by the providence of God preserved from the sight and hands of his enemies, who by all manner and means sought not only to stop him from all writing, but also to spoil and deptive him of that which he had written, for the which cause he was many times stripped and searched within the prison by his Keeper, but yet so happily these his Writings were couveyed and hid in places about him, or else his Keeper's eyes so blinded, that notwithstanding all this malicious purpose of the Bishops are yet remaining, and come to light.  
There were seven Martyrs that suffered together at one fire in Smithfield at London for the testimony of Christ's Gospel, in the second year of persecution under Queen Mary; five men, one wife, and one maid, all which seven as they were burned together in one fire, so were they likewise all upon one sort and form of Articles condemned in on day. Amongst the rest of the Articles objected against them were, that they misliked the Sacrifice of the Mass, and the Sacrament of the Altar, refusing to come to their Parish Church to hear Mass, and that they did expressly say that in the Sacrament of the Altar is not the very body and blood of our Saviour Christ, really, substant●●ly and truly, and hath affirmed expressly that the Mass is idolatry and abomination, and that in the Sacrament of the Altar there is none other substance but only material bread, and material wine, which are tokens of Christ's body and blood, and that the substance of Christ's body and blood is no ways in the Sacrament of the Altar, etc. As for the first of these seven, to wit, Thomas Whitlie Minister upon persuasion and coun●●l recanted, and subscribed a Bill of submission to renounce all errors and heresies against the Sacrament of the Altar, etc. And I do protest and declare by these presents that I do both now hold observe, and keep in all points the Ctaholick ●a●th and belief of Christ's Church, according as this Church of England ●eing a member of this Catholic Church doth now profess and keep, and in no ways to swerve, decline, or go from the said faith, during my natural life, submitting myself fully and wholly to you reverend Father, my said ordinary in all things concerning my reformation and amendment at all times. Now when he had thus done, he was troubled in his mind and conscience for forsaking the cross of Christ and had no rest till he obtained again the submission he had subscribed, which having gotten he was very glad and returned again, and with great constancy and fortitude stood to the defence or Christ Doctrine to the fire against the Papists. Five other Martyrs in Can●erbury, four Women, and on Man at two staiks and one fire altogether burned, who when the fire was flaming about their ears, do sing Psalms. Where at the good knight Sir John Norton, being there present, weeped bitterly at the sight thereof.   

The Martyrdom of Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury.  
THe Martyrdom of the reverend Pastor and Prelate Thomas Cranm●r Archbishop of Canterbury, who was burned at Oxford ●nder Queen Marie, for the confession of Christ's true Doctrine, he was a gentleman born of good parentage, he attained to great knowledge and learning, and was reader of Divinity lecture in the College of Cambridge, and was in such special estimation and reputation with the whole University, that being Doctor of Divinity, he was commonly appointed one of the heads? which are two or three of the chiefest learned men) to examine such as yearly profess in comencement, either Bachelors or Doctors of Divinity, by whose approbation the whole University licenseth them to proceed unto their degree, and again by whose dissalowance the University also rejecteth them for a time to proceed until they be better furnished with more knowledge. When the great and weighty cause of King Henry the either his divorce with the Lady Kathrens Dowager of Spain came into question, which being many ways by the space of two or three years amongst the Canonists, Civilians and other learned men diversely disputed and debated, at what time Cardinal Campeius and Cardinal Volsey being in commission from the Pope to hear and determine that great cause in controversity between the King and the Queen his pretended wife, dallied and delayed all the Summer time, hearing the said cause in controversy debated, and the little minding to proceed to sentence giving, took occasion to finish their commission, and not further to determine therein. So on a night two Doctors of the king's side and Doctor Cranmer being lodged in one house, and as they were at supper, they conferred with Doctor Cranmer concerning the King's cause, and ask his judgement, he answered that in his opinion they made more ado in prosecuting she law ecclesiastical than needed. It were better I suppose quoth Doctor Cranmer that the question whether a man may many his brother's wife or no, were decided and discurss●d by the Divines, and by the authority of the word of God, whereby the conscience of the Prince may be better satisfied and quieted, then thus from year to year by frustretory delays to prolong the ein●, leaving the very tr●th of the matter un●oulted o it by the w●rd of God, and this may be done as well in England in the Universities here, as at Rome, or else where in any foreign nation. When Doctor Cranmer had thus ended his Tale, the other two well liked of his devise: The King hearing of this advice of ●ranmers, caused in all haste to send for him, I perceive said the King, I perceive that, that man hath the Sow by the right ear. And if I had known of this devise two years ago, it had been in my way a great piece of money, and had also read me out of much disquietness, he comes to the King and after conference between the King and him, he lays a charge upon him to search the Scripture in the cause of his divorce, and to write his mind therein, so he went about the business, and incontinent wrote his mind concerning the King's question adding to the same besides the authority of the Scriptures, of General Counsels, and of ancient writers also, his opinion which was this, that the Bishop of Rome had no such authority as whereby he might dispense with the word of God and the Scriptue. When Doctor Cranmer had made this book, and committed it to the King the King said to him, will ye abide by this that ye have here written before the B. of Rome, that will I do by God's grace quoth Doctor Cranmer, if your Majesty do send me thither? Marry quoth the King, I will send you even to him in a sure Ambassage. And this by means of Doctor Cranmers handling of this matter with the King, not only certain learned men were sent abroad to the most part of the Universities in Christendom to dispute the question, but also the same being by commission disputed by the Divines in both the Universities in Cambrige and Oxford, It was there concluded that no such Matrimony was by the word of God lawful. Whereupon a solemn Ambassage was then prepared and sent to the Bishop of Rome, wherein went the Earl of Wiltshire, Doctor Cranmer and other Doctors. And when the time came that they should come before the Bishop of Rome to declare the cause of their Ambassage, the Bishop sitting on high in his cloth of state and in his rich apparel, with his Sandals one his feet, offering as it were his foot to be kissed of the Ambassadors, the Earie of Wiltshire disdaining thereat, stood still and made no countenance thereunto, so that all the rest keeped them from that idolatry, howbeit one thing is not here to be omitted as a Prognosticat of our separation from the seat of Rome, which then chanced by a Spaniel of the Earl of Wiltshire, for he having there a great Spaniel which came out of England with him, stood directly between the Earl and the Bishop of Rome, when the said Bishop had advanced forth his foot to be kissed, now whether the Spaniel perceived the Bishop foot of another matter than it ought to be, and so taking it to be some kind of repast, or whether it was the will of God to show some token by the Dog unto the Bishop of his inordinate pride, that his foot were mo●e meet to be bitten of dogs then kissed of Christian men, the Spaniel I say when the Bishop extended his foot to be kissed, no man regarding the fame, strait ways (as though he had been of purpose appointed thereunto) went directly to the Pope's foot, and not only kissed the same unmannerly, but as some plainly reported and affirmed took fast with his mouth the great toe of the Pope, so that in hast he pulled in his glorious feet from the Spaniel, whereat one man smiling in their sleeves, what they thought God knoweth. But in fine the Pontifical B. after that, sought no more at that present for kissing his feet, but without any ceremony gave ear to the Ambassadors what they had to say. Who entering there before the Bishop offered on the King's behalf to be defended that no man Jure Divino could or ought to Marry his Brother's wife, and that the Bishop of Rome by no means ought to dispense to the contrary. Divers promises were made, and sundry days appointed wherein the question should have been disputed, and when one part was ready to answer, no man there appeared to dispute in that behalf. So in the end the B. making to our Ambassadors good countenance and gratifying Doctor Cranmer with the office of the penitentiariship, dismissed them undisputed withal, the Ambassadors returned, but Cranmer went forward in his Ambassage to the Emperor, and there to answer such learned men of the Emperor's Counsel as would or could say any thing to the contrary part, etc.  
At this time B. Warhame then Archbishop of Canterbury departed this transitory life, whereby that dignity then being in the gift and disposition of the King was given unto Cranmer as worthy for his travel of such a promotion. He proved a notable B. being endued with all these qualities that the Apostle requires in a Bishop. He had many enemies in King Henry's time, but the King held him up. In Queen Mary's time he is put to great trouble for his Religion, he is imprisoned and keeped long in prison, and brought out to his examination and trial sundry times, he is degraded from his office, and condemned. The Doctors and Divines of Oxford busied themselves all that ever they could about Mr. Cranmer to have him recant, assaying by all crafty practices and allurements they might devise, to bring their purpose to pass, he at last overcome with their persuasions, whether through their importunity, or by his own imbecility, or of what mind I cannot tell, the recantation is drawn up and subscribed by him, the Doctors and Prelates without delay caused the same to be imprinted and set abroad in all men's hands, this made the Papists greatly to rejoice; all this while Cranmer was in no certain assurance of his life, although the same was faithfully promised to him by the Doctors. The Queen having now gotten a time to revenge her old grief, received his recantation very gladly, but of her purpose to put him to death she would nothing relent. The Queen appoints Doctor Cole to make his Funeral Sermon before his death. At the day of his execution he makes his Sermon at S. Mary's Church in Oxford, there was a Stage set up over against, the Pulpit of a mean height from the ground, where Cranmer had his standing, waiting until Cole made him ready to his Sermon. The lamentable case and sight of that man gave a forrowf●ll spectacle to all christian eyes that beheld him, he that late was Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of England, and the King's privy Counsellor being now in a bare and ragged Gown, and ill favouredly clothed with an old square Cap, exposed to the contempt of all men, did admonish men not only of his own calamity, but also of our state and fortune, wherein he declared against him that being a traitor he had dissolved the lawful Matrimony between the King her Father and Mother, besides the driving out of the Pope's authority while he was Metropolitan, that he had been an heretic, etc. Besides these, there were other just and weighty causes which seemed to the Queen and Counsel, which was not meet at that time to be opened to the common people, etc. He enc●urageth him to take his death patiently by many places of Scripture. Doctor Cole rejoiced in his conversion, but that lasted not long. After the Sermon Cranmer was required to declare his faith, he declared the true confession of his faith without all colour or dissembling, for now is no time to dissemble, whatsoever I have said or written in time past, I believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Farth, etc. And now I come to the great thing that so much troubleth my conscience more than any thing that ever I did or said in my whole life, that is the setting abroad of a writing contrary to the truth, which here now I renounce and refuse, as things written wi●h my hand contrary to the truth, which I thought in my heart, and written for fear of death, and to save my life if it might be etc. And for as much as my hand offended writing contrary to my heart, my hand shall first be punished therefore, for may I come to the fire, it shall be first burned. And as for the Pope; I refuse him, as Christ's enemy, and Antichrist, with all his false Doctrine. And as for the Sacrament, I believe as I have taught in my Book against the Bishop of Winchester, the which my Book teacheth so true a Doctrine of the Sacrament, that it shall stand at the last day before the Judgement of God, where the Papistical Doctrine contrary thereto shall be ashamed to show her face. Here the standers by were all ashamed, marvelled, were amazed, did look one upon another whose expectation he had so notably deceived. Some began to admonish him of his recantation, and to accuse him of falsehood; briefly, it was a world, the Doctor beguiled of so great an hope: I think there was never cruelty more notably or better in them deluded and deceived, for it is not to be doubted but they looked for a glorious victory, and a perpetual triumph by this man's recantation, so the Papists were in a great chafe against him, he is plucked down from the Stage by Friars and Papists for the true confession of his faith, he is led to the fire, when he is brought to the fire, he putteth his right hand which subscribed, first in the fire, which he held so steadfast and  (saving that once with the same hand he wiped his face) that all men might see his hand burned before his body was touched, his body did so abide the burning of the flame with such constancy and steadfastness, that standing always in one place, without moving of his body, he seemed to move no more than the Stake to which he was bound, his eyes were lifted up unto heaven, and oftentimes he repeated his unworthy right hand so long as his voice would suffer him, and using oft the words of Stephen, Lord Jesus receive my spirit; in the greatness of the flame he gave up the Ghost.  
At this time in Suffolk at Ipswich Agnes Potten and Joan Trunchfield were burnt for affirming that in the Sacrament was the memorial only of Christ's death and passion, for, said they, Jesus Christ is ascended up into heaven, and is on the right hand of God the Father, according to the Scriptures, and not in the Sacrament as he was born of the Virgin Mary, for this they were burned, which they constantly suffered, which was to be wondered at, who being so simple women so manfully stood to the confession and testimony of God's word and verity. The burning of Agnes Potten was revealed to her before in her sleep, for being asleep in her bed, saw a bright burning fire right up as a Pole, and on the side of the fire she thought there stood a number of Queen Mary's friends looking on. Then being asleep, she seemed to muse with herself whether her fire should burn so bright or no, and indeed her suffering was not far unlike to her dream.  
Hugh Laverock Painter, an old lame man of sixty eight years, John Apprice a blind man, Martyrs, were burned at Stratford the Bow. In this discourse of this parcel or part or History, I know not whether more to marvel at the great and unsearchable mercies of God (with whom there is no respect in degrees of persons, but he chooseth as well the poor, lame, and blind, as the rich, mighty, and healthful, to set forth his glory) or else to note the unreasonable, or rather the unnatural do of these unmerciful Catholics (I mean Bishop Boner and his complices) in whom was so little favour or mercy to all sorts and kinds of men, that also they spared neither impotent age, neither lame nor blind, as may well appear by these poor creatures. They after their trial and examination by B. Boner, were condemned and delivered un●o the civil power to be burnt. At their death the old lame man casting away his Couch, and comforting the blind men his fellow Martyr, said unto him, be of good comfort my brother, for my Lord of London is our good Physician, he will heal us both shortly, thee o● thy blindness, and me of my lameness; & so patiently these two good Saints of God together suffered.  
After the burning of this lame and blind man were brought to the fire a● Smithfield a widow and three maids, they constantly suffered for the cause of Christ There was also about this time a blind boy named Thomas Drowrie put to death at Gloches●er, in his examination besides Doctor Williams then Chancellor of Gloucester, amongst other Articles, he urged the Article to Transubstantiation, saying, dost thou not believe that after the words of Consecration spoken by the Priest, there remaineth the very real body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar, the blind Boy answered, that I do not. Then ●aid he, than thou art an Heretic, and shall be burned, but who hath taught thee this heresy; Ye M●ster Chancellor, when and where did I teach so, when ye preached, naming the day a Sermon to all men, as well as to me, upon the Sacrament: Ye said, the Sacrament was to be received spiritually by faith, & not carnally and really, as the Papists, have therefore taught. Then said the Chancellord● as I have done, and thou shalt live, as I do and escape burning. Then said the Boy though ye can so easily dispense with yourself, & mock with God, the world, and your conscience; yet will I not so do, than said the Chancellor, God have mercy upon thee, for I will read the condemnatory sentence against thee, Gods will be done, said he. The Register being herewith somewhat moved, stood up, & said to the Chancellor, Fie fo● sh●me man, will ye read the sentence against him and condemn yourself: away, away, and substitute some other to give sentence and judgement. No, said the Chancellor to the Register, I ill obey the Law, and give sentence myself according to mine office; and so he read the sentence condemnatory against the Boy (with an unhappy tongue, and more an unhappy conscience) delievering him over to the Secular power. So he was b●ought to the fire & burnt: who constantly suffered for the defence of the truth.  
There were burned at one fire at Stratford the Bow by London, eleven men and women, whole dwellings were in sundry places in Essex, the eleven men were tied to three Stakes, & the two women loo●e in the midst without any Stake, and so were all burnt with such love to each others, and constancy in our Saviour Christ, that it made all the beholders to marvel. The Sheriff that attended upon them came to the one part, and told them that the other had recanted, and their lives therefore should be saved, willing and exhorting them to do the like, and not to cast away themselves. Unto whom they answered, that their faith was not builded upon man, but on Christ crucified. Then the Sheri●ff perceiving no good ●o be done with them, went to the other part, and said (like a liar) the like to th●m, that they whom he had been with before had recanted, and should therefore not suffer death, counselling them to do the like, and not wilfully to kill themselves, but to play the wise men, etc. Unto whom they answered as their brethren had done before, that their faith was not builded on man, but on Christ and his sure word.  
The Martyrdom of a learned and virtuous young man called Julius Palmer, some time Fellow of the Magdalen College in Oxford burned at Newberie. This young man in all King Edw●rds days when the Gospel was preached & professed was a Papist within the University of Oxford and so obstinate that he did utterly abhor all godly prayer and sincere preaching and almost of all them, with whom he lived, was therefore likewise abhorred, and (as I may say) pointed at with the finger, yet did after in Queen Mari●s time when the Gospel was surpressed, and the Mass let up, suffer most cruel death, so the Lord does call when and whom it pleases him, according to his good will and pleasure, and animats and strengthens them to give their life for his cause. When Palmer came to the fire and two other with him, they fell all three to the ground, and Palmer with an audible voice pronounced the 31. Psalms, but the other two made their Prayers secretly to Almighty God And as Palmer began to arise there came behind him two popish Priests, exhorting him yet to recant and save his soul. Palmer answered and said, away, away, tempt me no longer, away I say from me all ye that work iniquity, for the Lord hath heard the voice of my tears, and so forthwith they put off their raiment and went to the Stake, and kissed it, and when they were bound to the Post, Palmer said, good people Pray for us, that we may persevere unto the end, and for Christ's sake beware of Popish teachers, for they deceive you. As he spoke this, a servant of one of the Bailiffs threw a Faggot at his face, that the blood gushed out in divers places, for the which fact the Sheriff reviled him, calling him cruel tormenter, and with his walking staff broke his head that the blood ran about his ears. And when the fire was kindled and began to take hold upon their bodies, they lift their hands towards Heaven and quietly and cheerfully, as though they had felt no smart, they cried, Lord Jesus strengthen us, Lord Jesus assist us, Lord Jesus receive our souls. And ●o they continued without any struggling, holding up their hands, and knocking their hearts, and called upon Jesus until they had ended their mortal lives. Among other things this is also to be noted that after their three heads by force of the raging and devouring flames of fire, were fallen together in a plump or cluster which was marvellous to behold, and that they all were judged already to have given up the ghost, suddenly Palmer as a man awaked out of sleep, moved his tongue and jaws, and was heard to pronounce this word, Jesus. So being resolved into ashes, he yielded to God as joyful a soul (confirmed with the sweet promises of Christ) as any one that ever was called beside to suffer for his blessed Name.  
The Martyrdom of three women, with a young infant burned, to wit, the mother, her two daughters, and the child, in the Isle of Garnsey, for Christ's true Religion, the year of our Lord 1556. Among all the Martyrdoms of this Book rehearsed, there is none almost either in cruelty to be compared, or so far off from all compassion and sense of humanity, as this merciless fact of the Papists done upon these women; their challenge was for not coming to the Church. Upon rash information given before their cause was tried, was condemned, and ordained ●o be burnt fo● Heretics, and notwithstanding that these three women were willing to be conformed to the Queen's ordinances, were condemned; they made their appeal to the Queen, but could not be heard. One of the women being great with child, by the vehemency of the flame, the infant being a fair man child, fell into the fire, and eftsoons being taken out of the fire by one standing by, and was laid upon the grass, than was the child had to the Provest, and from him to the Bailiff, who gave censure that it should be carried back again, and cast into the fire, and so was the child burnt; a merciless and barbarous fact. Such was the bloody rage of persecution at this time that spared neither man nor woman, child wife, nor maid lame, blind, nor cripple.  
The Martyrdom of Joan Waste, a blind woman from her birth, in the Town of Derbie, about the age of 22. years, burnt. In her examination before the B. and Doctor Draicot, and being asked sundry questions of them, and if she believed there things, answered, she believed as the holy Scriptures taught her, and according to that she had heard preached unto her by divers learned men, whereof some suffered imprisonment, and other some suffered death for the same Doctrine, among whom she named, beside others, Doctor Tailor, whom she said took on his conscience, that, that Doctrine was true, and asked of them if they would do so in like case for their Doctrine, which if they did not, she desired them for God's sake not to trouble her, being a blind, poor and unlearned woman, with any further talk, saying (by God's assistance) that she was ready to yield up her life in that faith, in such sort as they should appoint; for all this she is condemned and given over to the secular power to be burnt. Doctor Draicot being appointed to preach at her execution, the blind woman being brought to the Church, and set before the Pulpit, where the Doctor entering the Sermon, he railed mightily against this poor blind woman, saying to the people that she was condemned for denying the blessed Sacrament of the Altar to be the very body and blood of Christ, really and substantially, and was thereby cut off from the body of the Catholic Church, and said that she was not only blind of the bodily eyes, but also blind in the eyes of her soul. And he said that as her body should be presently consumed with material fire, so her soul should be burned in hell with everlasting fire, assoon as it should be separated from the body, and there to remain world without end. And said that it was no● lawful for the people to pray for her. And thereafter she was taken to the fire, which she constantly endured praying to the Lord to have mercy upon her.  
Follows a pitiful Story concerning the unmerciful handling of William Dangerfield, and Joan his wife, being in childbed taken out of her house, with her sucking infant of fourteen days old, and laid in the common Jail, amongst thiefs and robbers. There was in Gloccester, in the Parish of Wotton, not far from Bristol, one Dangerfield, a right honest and godly poor man, who by his wife had nine children, and she now lying in child bed of the tenth. This William after he had been abroad from his house a certain space for fear of persecution, hearing that his wife was brought to bed, repaired home to visit her, as natural duty required, and to see his children, she being now delivered four days before. The return of this man was not so soon known to some of his unkind and uncharitable neighbours, but they incensed with the spirit of Papistry, eftsoons beset the house about, and there took the said William, and carried him to prison, and so at length was brought to the Bishop, being then Doctor Brooks, in whose cruel handling he remained a certain space so long till his legs were almost fretted off with irons. After the apprehension of the husband, the wife likewise was taken, with her young born child, being but fourteen days of her childbed and carried into the common Jail, and there placed among thiefs and murderers, where both she and her poor innocent found so small charity among the Catholic men, that she could never come to any fire, but was driven to warm the  that she should put about the child in her bosom. In the mean season while they lay thus enclosed in several prisons, the husband and the wife, the B. practices with the man, and made him believe falsely that his wife had recanted, and so persuaded him likewise to recant, and so subtly drew out a form of recantation, and so likewise promised to recant, he being permitted to go to his wife, he shown this to her, whereat she was wonderfully grieved, and lamented the fall of her husband, and he lamented his promise made to the B. and to make his prayer to the Almighty God, and so departed he home to his house, whereby the way he took his death, and shortly after departed. After this Joan his wife continued still in prison with her little Infant, till at length also the child being starved for cold and famine, was sent away when it was passed all remedy, and so shortly after died; and not long after the mother also followed, besides the old woman which was Mother of the husband of the age of ●o years and upward, who being left in the house after their apprehension for lack of comfort there perished also, what became of their nine children it as uncertain.  
There were five famished at Canterbury Castle by the unmerciful tyranny of the Papists.  
There were at this time fifteen Martyrs and confessors together prisoned in the Castle of Canterbury, of which number not one escaped with their light, but either were burned o● else famished in prison. In the fifth year of Queen Marie there is an visitation commanded to be holden by the Cardinal at the University of Cambridge and Oxford for, reformation of Religion, and any abuses and disorders that were there; many Bishops and Doctors with great pomp and solemnity were convened there, among other things done there, they enter into process against Martin Eucer, and Paulus Phagius for heresy, who were now dead and buried long ago, they are condemned for, heres●●, they are taken up, and their bones and books burned. When the country people saw this, M●●●ed to execution that were dead before partly dete●●ed and abhorred the extreme cruelty of the Commissioner toward the rotten Carcases, and partly laughed at their folly in making such preparation for their burning, for what needeth any weapon, said they, as though they were afraid that the dead bodies which felt them not, would do them some harm, or to what purpose serveth that chain wherewith they are tied, since they might be burnt lose without any peril, for it was not to be feared that they would run away. And not only digged they up Peter Martyes bones and burned them, but such was the despiteful handling and madness of the Papists towards his wife at Oxford, that they took her out of her grave, at the commandment of Cardinal Pool, and after buried her in a dunghill, for they could not prove her to be an Heretic to burn her, but in the time of Queen Elizabeth she was taken out of that unclean and dishonest place where she lay, and solemnly in the face of the whole Town to bury her again in amore decent and honest monument.  
After this there is abloody commission given forth by King Philip and Queen Mary to persecute the poor members of Christ: There were many apprehended, and at one time 22. prisoners were sent up together for God's word to London from Colchester, all whom bloody Boner B. of London was minded to have executed, by persuasion of the Cardinal he was stayed. This Cardinal, was a Papist, but no bloody papist, always for fear of stir among the people to see so many execute at once, upon a reasonable submission were sent away again, yet the rage of the persecution ceased not, so that sometime ten at once, sometime seven, sometimes five excuted and burnt in Smithfield, and some in other parts of the Country.  
A certain woman being condemned of the Bishop to be burnt at Canterbury, had two children named Patience and Charity, who then said to the Bishop that if he would need burn her she trusted that he would take and keep Patience and Charity, meaning her two children. Nay quoth the Bishop, by the faith of my body I will meddle with none of them both, for the Bishop will neither keep patience nor charity.  
At Colchester there were three men and three women burned in the forenoon, besides four other burned at afternoon. There that were put to the fire before noon they clapped their hands for joy in the fire, that the standers by which were very many, cried generally all almost, the Lord strengthen them, the Lord comfort them, the Lord pour his mercies upon them, with such like words as was wonderful to hear, thus yielded they up their souls and bodies into the Lords hands for the testimony, of his truth.  
Cicely Ormes was burnt at Norwich, she was a very simple woman, but yet zealous in the Lord's cause, she did for a twelve month before she was taken, recant, but never after was she quiet in conscience until she was utterly driven from all their Popery, between the time she recanted and that she was taken, she had gotten a letter made to give the Chancellor, to let him know that she repent her recantation from the bottom of her heart, and would never do the like again whilst she lived, but before she exhibited her bill, she was taken and sent to prison, and going to execution, she said unto the people, I would ye should not think of me that I believe to be saved in that I offer myself here unto the death for the Lords cause, but I believe to be saved by the death of Christ's passion, and this my death is and shall be a witness of my faith unto you all here present. Good people, as many of you as believe as I believe, pray for me. Note well this saying of hers. Then she came to the Stake and kissed it, and said, welcome the sweet cross of Christ, and so gave herself to be bound thereto. After the Torments had kindled the fire to her, she said, my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour. And in so saying, she set her hands together, right against her breast casting her head and eyes upward, and so stood having up her hands by little and little, till the very sinews of her arms braced asunder, and then they fell, but she yielded her life unto the Lord, and quietly as she had been in a slumber, or as one feeling no pain. So wonderfully did the Lord work with her, his name therefore be praised for evermore. Amen.  
In this furious time of persecution was burned John Rough Minister, he was born in Scotland: At the age of 17. years he entered into the order of the black Friars at Sterling, he remained the space of 16. years, until such time as the Lord Hamiltoun, Earl of Arrane, and Governor of the Realm of Scotland, casting a favour unto him, did sue unto the Archbishop of St. Andrews, to have him out of his professed order, that as a Secular Priest he might serve him for his Chaplain. At which request the Archbishop caused the Provincial of that house, having thereto authority to dispense with him for his habit and order. This suit being thus by the Earl obtained, the said Rough remained in his her service one whole year, during which time it pleased God to open his eyes, and to give him some knowledge, and thereupon was by the said Governor sent to preach in the freedom of Air, where he continued four years, and then after the death of the Cardinal he was appointed to abide at St. Andrews, and there he had assigned unto him a yearly pension of twenty pound from King Henry the eight King of England; howbeit at last weighing with himself his own danger, and also abhorring with himself the idolatry and superstition of his country, and hearing of the freedom of the Gospel within the Realm of England, he went to England in King Edwar●s time, and there was preferred by the Duke of Somerset as a Preacher to serve at Ca●lill, and other places, but in the beginning of the reign of Queen Mary, he fled with his wife into Friesland, there labouring truly for his living, in knitting of Capes, Hose, and such like things, till about the end of the month of October last before his death: At which time lacking yarn, and other necessary provision for the maintenance of his occupation, he came over again into England here to provide for the same, he joineth himself to the Congregation at London, and was there Minister, and thereafter he was betrayed and apprehended, and sent to Newgate, he is brought to his examination before Boner. After his examination he is condemned as an Heretic and degraded, exeeming him from all been fits and privileges of their Church, and committed his body to the Secular power. Touching him two things may be noted, first, he being in the north Country in the days of King Edward the sixth, was the mean to save Doctor watson's life, who in Queen Mary's time was Bishop of Lincoln, for a Sermon that he made there. The said Watson after that in the said days of Queen Mary, being with Boner at the examination of the said Mr. Rough, to requite the good turn in saving his life, detected him there to be a pernicious Heretic, who did more hurt in the north parts, than an hundred beside of his opinion. Unto whom Mr. Rough said again, Why Sir? Is this the reward that I have for saving your life when ye preached erroneous Doctrine in the days of King Edward the sixth. 2. Being before Boner, among other talk, he affirmed that he had been twice at Rome, and there had seen plainly with his eyes which he many times heard of before namely, that the Pope was the very Antichrist, for there he saw him carried on men's shoulders, and the false named Sacrament born before him, yet was there more reverence given unto him, then unto that which they counted to be their God, When Boner heard this, rising up, and making as though he would have torn his garments, hast thou (said he) been at Rome, and seen our holy father the Pope, and dost thou blaspheme him. After this sort, and with that flying upon him, he plucked off a piece of his beard, and after making speedy haste to his death, he burned him half an hour before six of the clock in the morning, because the day (belike): should not be far spent before he had done a mischievous deed. Another note concerning John Rough is this, being at the burning of Austo in Smithfield, and returning homeward again, met with one Mr. Farrar a M●rchant of Hallifax, who asked him where he had been, unto whom he answered, I have been (saith he) where I would not for one of mine eyes but I had been. Where have you been said M. Farrer? Forsooth saith he, to learn the way; and so he told him he had been at the burning of Austo, where shortly after he was burned himselt. As also John Rough had a vision of his trouble before his death, the friday before he suffered, he had a dream, in his sleep, the matter was this, he thought in his dream that he was carried forcibly to the Bishop, and that the Bishop plucked off his beard, and cast it into the fire, saying these words, now I may say that I have had a piece of an Heritick burned in my house, and so accordingly it came to pass.  
Richard Gibson being brought our of prison unto his neal examination. Here is to be noted that Mr. Gibson being a very big and tall man, of a personable and heroical stature, was sent for of Boner by a little and short person, a promoter, like Robin Pap●st, called Robin Caley, if it were not he himself. This Robin Caley having the conducting of the said Gentleman from the Pultrie, would needs hale him through Cheapside, the Gentleman desiring him to turn some other way, but the more the Gentleman entreated the more fierce was the silly Jack upon him, and drawing and holding him by the arm, would needs hale him through the high street, that all the world might see what he could do in his office. Mr. Gibson desirous to be led without holding, willed and entreated him to let his arm lose, he would go quietly of his own accord with him whither he would, only craving that he might go by him freely without noting of the people: The saucy and impotent miser the Promoter hearing this, nay, saith he, thou shalt not escape me, so come on thy ways, thou shalt not choose but come, and so reaching at his arm would needs drag him to the Bishop The Gentleman content to go, yet loath to be notified in the streets, gently requested again and again that refraining his hold he would suffer him to go of his own free and voluntary will, he should not need to fear him, for he would not start from him. To whom the catiff looking upon his face, come on thy way, saith he, I will hold the fast spite of thy beard, and whether thou wilt or no. Mr. Gibson seeing and beholding the intolerable bragging of the wretched miser, and moved therewith not a little, could bear no longer, but said, wilt thou not, said he, and addeth moreover, bitterly looking down towards him, that if he did not incontinently pluck away his hand (and so stayed withal) he would immediately wring his neck from his body whereupon Robin Papist the promotor was fain to pluck away his hold, and so proceeded they to the Bishop.  
Next after, the Martyrdom of Mr. Rough Minister of the Congregation, succeeded in like Martyrdom the Deacon also of the said godly company or Congregation in London, named Cuthbert Simson, being committed to fire. This Cuthbert Simson was a man of a faithful and zealous heart to Christ and his true flock, insomuch that he never ceased labouring and studying most earnestly, not only how to preserve them without corruption of the Popish religion, but also his care was ever vigilant how to keep them together without peril or danger of persecution, etc. And as Mr. Rough had a vision of himself touching his afflictions, so had he of this Deaconfor he dreamt that he saw two of the Guard leading Cuthbert Simson Deacon of the said Congregation, and that he had the book about him, wherein were written the names of them all which were of the Congregation, whereupon being fore troubled and awaked, and called his wife to strike light, for I am much troubled with my brother Cuthbert this night, and giving himself to read upon his book a while, he fell asleep again: being asleep, he dreamt the like dream again, and awaked therewith, he said to his wife, my brother Cuthbert is gone. And as Mr. Rough was making himself ready to go to Cuthbert to see how he did, in the mean time the said Cuthbert came in with the book concerning the names and accounts of the Congregation, to whom he said he was fore troubled with him all night, and declared to, him his dream. After he had so done he willed him to lay the book from him, and so carry it no more about him, unto which Cuthber answered he would not so for dreams he said were but fantasies and not to be credited. Then Mr. Rough straight charged him in the Name of the Lord to do it, and so he left the book behind him. The next night following he had a dream of his afflictions, Simson is apprehended and sent to the Tower of London by the Counsel. And being there commanded to tell whom I did will to come to the English service, he answered he would tell nothing, whereupon he was set in a rack of iron the space of three hours, than they asked him if he would tell them, he answered as before, than he was loosed, and carried to his lodging again. On the Sunday after he was brought into the same place again before the Lieutenant and the Recorder of London, and being examined, he answered as he said before, than the Lieutenant did swear by God he should tell, than they bind his two fingers together, and, put a small arrow betwixt them, and drew it through so fast that the blood followed, and the arrow broke. Then they racked himtwise, but he would not confess. Now as touching this Cuthbert Simson, this further is to be noted, that Eoner in his Consistory, speaking of Cuthbert Simson, gave this testimony of him there to the people, saying, ye see this man (faith he) what a personable man he is, and after he had thus commended his person, added moreover; And as concerning his patience, I say unto you, if he were not an Heretic, he is a man of the greatest patience that ever yet came before me, for I tell you, he hes been thrice racked upon one day in the Tower, also in my house he hath felt some sorrow, and yet I never see his patience broken, etc. It is thought and said of some that, that arrow which was grated betwixt his fingers being tied together, was not in the Tower, but in the Bishops H. B, he is condemned sad burns in Smithfield, and two other with him. The day before this Simson was condemned, he being in the Stock, Cloney his Keeper cometh in with the keys about nine of the clock at night, after his usual manner to view his prison, and see whether all were present, when he espied the said Cuthbert to lie there, departed again, locking the doors after him within two hours after, about eleven of the clock toward midnight, the said Cuthbert, whether being in a slumber, or being, awake, I cannot say, heard one coming in, first opening the outward door, than the second, afterward the third door, and so looking, in to the said Cuthbert, having no Candle or Torch that he could see, but giving a brightness & ligh most comportable and joyful to his heart, saying Ha' unto him, and departed again: who it was he could not tell, neither I dare define, this that he saw himself, he declared four or five times to the said Mr. Austen, and to others, at the sight whereof he received such joyful comfort, that he also expressed no little solace in telling and declaring the same.  
Roger Holland in his examination by Bishop Boner, propnefied thus, this I dare be bold in God to speak, which by his Spirit I am moved to say, that God will shorten your hand of cruelty, that for a time ye shall not molest his Church. And this shall ye in, short time well perceive, for after this day in this place shall there not be any by him put to the trial of fire and faggot. And after this day there was never one that suffered in Smithfield for the testimony of the Gospel. So Roger Holland was the last that suffered in Smithfield. This Loner was a bloody persecutor, for in the space of three years he put three hundred to death. The last that suffered in Queen Mary's time, were five at Carterbury burned about six days before the death of Queen Mary. Their godly Martyrs in their prayers which they made before their martyrdom, desired God that their blood might be the last that should be shed, and soit was.  
Many were delivered by God's providence from the fi●e in Queen Mary's time, amongst others the Duchess of Suffolk with her husband were preserved, and fled out of the Country.  
Great were the b●oubles of Lady Elizabeth in Queen Maries in her sister, being assly suspect of Sir Thomas Wyat's rising, was sent for by the Queen with great routs and bands, being armed men, as the greatest traitor in the world. And as at that time she was sick and not able to travel, and yet notwithstanding they brought her to London, and not seeing the Queen she was clapped into prison into the Tower. And again tossed from thence from house to house, from prison to prison, at length also prisoner in her own house, and guarded with a sort of cutthroats, and was continually in fear and danger of her life. Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor, was a great foe unto her, and sundry conspired against her, to take her life, but God graciously delivered her out of their hands, especially out of the hands of the Bishop of Winchester. being in prison at Woodstock in the hands of her enemies hearing upon a time a certain milkmaid singing pleasantly, wishing herself to be a milkmaid as she was saying, that her case was better, and life more merry than was hers in that state as she was. At this time died the Bishop of Winchester, and so by God's providence Lady Elizabeth was delivered from the snares and plots that by him was laid for her life; three years after the death of Winchester died Queen Mary.  
Queen Mary being long sick, died on the 17. day of November, Anno 1558. and the same day she died was Elizabeth proclaimed Queen. As touching the manner of her death, some says she died of a Tympany, some by her much sighing before her death, supposed that she died of thought and sorrow. Whereupon the Counsel seeing her sighing, and desirous to know the cause, to the end they might minister the more ready consolation unto her, feared, as they said, that she took that thought for the King's Majesty her husband, which was gone from her. To whom she answering again, Indeed (said she) that may be one cause, but that is not the greatest wound that pierceth my oppressed mind, but what that was she would not express to them, but afterward opened the matter now plainly to Mr. Rise etc. When I am dead and opened, ye shall find Caleice lying in my heart; she took though for the loss of Calais. There was more English blood shed in Queen Mary's time for the space of four years, than ever was in any King's reign before her, and so her reign was unprosperous to her and to all her Realm in all respects, for she had never good success in any thing she went about. She reigned only five years and five months.   

The severe punishment of God upon the persecuters of his People, and enemies to his Word, with such also as have been blasphemers, contemners, and mockers of his Religion.  
LEaving now Queen Mary being dead and gone, I come to them which under her were the chief Ministers and doers in this persecution, the Bishops (I mean) and Priests of the Clergy, to whom Queen Mary gave all the execution of her power, as did Queen Alexandra to the Pharisees after the time of the Maccabees, of whom Josephus thus writeth, Ipsa solum nomen Regium serebat, caeterum omnent Regni potestatem, Pharisaei possidebant that is, she only retained to herself the name and title of the Kingdom, but all her power she gave to the Pharisees to possess, etc. Touching which Prelates and Priests here is to be noted in like sort the wonderful and miraculous providence of Almighty God, which as he abridged the reign of their Queen, so he suffers them not ●o escape unvisited: First, beginning with Stephen Gardiner the Archpersecuter of Christ's Church, whom he took away about the midst of the Queen's Reign, or w●ose poisoned life and stinking end, for so much as sufficient hath been touched before, I shall not need here to make any new rehearsal thereof.  
After him dropped others away also, some before the death of Queen Mary, and some after, as Morgan Bishop of St. David's, who sitting upon the condemnation of the blessed Martyr Bishop Farrar, and unjustly usurping his room, not long after was stricken by God's hand after such a strange sort, that his meat would not go down, but rise and pick up again, sometimes at his mouth, sometimes blown out of his nose, most horrible to behold, and so continued till his death. Where note moreover, when Mr. Leyson being then Sheriff at Bishop Farrars burning, had fercht away the  of the said Bishop from his servant's house, into his own enstody, the  coming into the Sheriff's ground, divers of them would never eat meat, but say bellowing and roaring and so died.  
Also Justice Morgan who sare upon the death of the Lady Jane, and not long after the same fell mad, and was beseft of his wits, and so died, having ever in his mo●th, Lady Jane, Lady Jane.  
Before the death of Queen Mary, died Doctor Dunning that bloody and wretched Chancellor of Norwich●, he died suddenly. The like sadden death tell also upon ●errie Commissar of Norfolk, four days after Queen Mary's days, he suddenly fell down to the ground with a heavy groan, and never st●red after. The Bishop or Suffragan of Dover broke his neck falling down a pair of stairs in the Cardinal's chamber at Greenwich, as he had received the Cardinal's blessing.  
One John Cowper an Carpenter, an honest and godly man, that favoured Religion, and these that were religious, had a couple of fair Bullocks, one William Fenning came to him to see if he would sell them, who told that he would not sell them, but keep them for his own house, than Fenning threatened him, and falsely accused him of high Treason. The words he charged him with were these, how he should pray that if God would not take away Queen Mary, that then he would wish the devil to take her away, upon this he was taken, and Fenning brought in two false witnesses against him, whereupon he was condemned to be hanged, quartered and drawn, leaving his wife and nine children behind him, and all their goods taken from them. In the Harvest after, one Greenwood that was one of his witnesses, as he was stacking corn, having his health, and fearing no peril, suddenly his bowels fell out of his body, & immediately most miserably he died, such was the terrible judgement of God to show his displeasure against this bloody act, and to warn the rest by this his judgements to repentance. Doctor Goffery Chancellor of Salisbury died in the midst of his buildings. Moreover, as touching this foresaid Chancellor, here is to be noted, he had appointed, to call before him ninety persons to examine them by Inquisition, had not the goodness of the Lord and his providence thus prevented him by death, providing for his poor servants in time.  
So the heavy hand of God fell upon Bishop Thorntown Suffragan of Dover, abloody persecuter or the Saints of God, upon a Sunday, looking to his men playing at the bowls, fell suddenly in a Palsy, and so was had to bed, and being willed to remember God, yea so I do, said he, and my Lord Chancellor too, etc. And now to come from Priests to Laymen, we have to find in them also less terrible demonstrations of Gods heavy Judgement upon such as have been vexers and persecuters of his people.  
And first, of Mr. Woodroff Sheriff used much to rejoice at the death of the poor servants of Christ, and so hard he was in his office, that when Mr. Rojers was in the Cart going toward Smithfield, and in the way his children were brought unto him, the people making a Lane for them to come, the Sheriff threatened to break the Carters head for staying the Cart, but what happened, he was not come out of his office the space of a week but he was stricken by the sudden hand of God, the one half of his body in such sort that he lay benumbed and bedrid, not able to move himself, but as he was lifted of others, and so continued in that infirmity the space of seven or eight years, till his dying day.  
Barton Bailiff of Crowland being instant to have the Mass set up, and threatening the Curate for not saying Mass. Not long after this, the Bailiff road from home upon certain businesses, accompanied with one of his neighbours, and as they came riding together homeward again, a Crow sitting on a Willow Tree took her flight over his head, singing after her wont note, Knave, knave, and withal let fall upon his face, so that her excrements ran from the top of his nose down to his beard. The poisoned scent and savour whereof so noyed his stomach, that he never ceased vomiting until he came home, where with his heart was so sore, and his body so distempered, that for extreme sickness he got him to bed, and so lying, he was not able for the stinch in his stomach, and painful vomiting, to receive any relief of meat or drink, but cried out still, sorrowfully complaining of stink, and with no small oaths cursing the Crow that poisoned him. To make short he continued but a few days, but with extreme pain of vomiting and crying, he desperately died without any token of repentance of his former life.  
As James Abbes Martyr was led by the Sheriff toward his execution, divers poor people stood in the way, and asked their alms, he then having no money to give them, and desirous yet to distribute something amongst them, did pull off all his apparel saving his shirt, and gave the same amongst them, to some one thing, to sonme another: In the giving whereof he exhorted them to be strong in the Lord, and as faithful followers of Christ to stand steadfast unto the truth of the Gospel, which he through God's help would then in their sight seal and confirm with his blood: while he thus occupied, a servant of the Sheriffs going by, and hearing him, cried out aloud unto them, and blasphemously said, Believe him not good people, he is an Heretic, and a mad man out of his wit, believe him not, for it is heresy that he saith. But immediately after the fire was put to him, such was the fearful stroke of God's justice upon this blasphemous railer, that he was there presently in the sight of all the people stricken with a frenzy, who in his furious rage and madness casting off his shoes, with all the rest of his , cried out unto the people, and said, Thus did James Abbes the true servant of God, who is saved, but I am damned, and thus ran he round about the Town of Bury still crying out that James Abbes was a good man, and saved, but he was damned, etc.  
Clark, an open enemy to Gospel and all goodly preachers in K. Edward's days, hanged himself in the Tower of London.  
The great and notable papist called Torling Smith, of late fell down suddenly in the street and so died. Dally the Promoter was eaten into his body with louse, and so died.  
Cox, and earnest Protestant in King Edward's days, and in Queen Mary's time a Pastist and a Promoter going well and in health to bed, was dead before the morning.  
Alexander the Keeper of Newgate, a cruel enemy to those that lay there fo● Religion, died very miserably, being so swollen that he was more like a monster then a man, and so rotten within, that no man could abide the smell of him. This cruel wretch to hasten the poor Lambs to the slaughter would go to Boner, Story and othe●s, crying out, rid my prison, I am to much pestered with the●e Heretics. John Peter son in Law to this Alexandr, an horrible blasphemer of God & no less cruel to the said prisoners, rotten away, and so most miserably died, who commonly when he would affirm anything, were it true or false, used to say, if it be not true, I pray God I may root or die: with many more who felt the stroke of his hand. To add to these also the stinking death of Edmond Boner, commonly named the bloody Bishop of London, who not many years ago, in the time and reign of Queen Elizabeth, after he had long feasted and banqueted in Durance at the Marshal-sea, as he wretchedly died in his blind Popery, so as stinkingly and as blindly at midnight was he brought out and buried in the outside of all the City amongst thiefs and murderers, a place right convenient for such a murderer, with confusion and derision both of men and children, who trampling upon his grave, well declared how he was hated both of God and man.  
I might bring in here many more, and foreign examples of Kings, Princes, and great men, of the wrath of God that hes pursued them, for persecuting of the Professors of the Gospel, but I content me with these already rehearsed.  
After the death of Queen Mary succeeded Lady Elizabeth her sister to the Crown, a godly and religious Princess that brought much joy and happiness to the Realm by her gracious and peaceable government.  
The Queen immediately at her entry haying heard of the diversity of opinions in certain matters of Religion amongst sundry of her loving subjects, and being very desirous to have the same reduced to some godly and christian concord by the advice of the Lords and others of the privy Counsel, as well for the satisfaction of persons doubtful, as also for the knowledge of the very truth in certain matters of difference, to have a convenient chosen number of the best learned of either part, and to confer together their opinions and reasons, and thereby to come to some good and charitable agreement. And so there was named on the one side nine, and on the other nine On the Papists side were named the B. of Winchester, the B. of Lich, the B. of Chester, the B. of carlil, the B. of Lincoln, Doctor Cole, Doctor Harpsfield, Doctor Langdale, Doctor Chedsey. On the protestants side, o● l●t● b●n shed P●eachers, Doctor Scorie, B of Chicester, Doctor Cox, Mr. Whythead. Mr, Grindal, Mr Horner, Doctor Sands, Mr. Gest Mr. Aimer, Mr  who were to confer and reason at Westminster upon certain questions or Articles of Religion to be proposed in presence of the Nobility, and Lords of his Majesty's secret Counsel, the matter they should talk upon was comprehended in these three propositions under-specified. 1. It is against the Word of God, and the custom of the ancient Church to use a Tongue unknown to the people in common prayer and administration of the Sacrament. 2. Every Church hath authority to appoint, take away, and change Ceremonies and Ecclesisticall Rites, so the same be to edification. 3. It cannot be proved by the Word of God that there is in the Mass offered up a Sacrifice propitiatory for the qui●k and the dead. It was hereupon fully resolved by the Queen's Majesty, with the advise aforesaid, that it should be in writing on both parts, for avoiding of much alteration in words, and in English, and each of them should deliever their Writings to the other what were to be improved therein etc. And their writings were to be put in the English Tongue. Now after they had sitten one day in this conference, the second day it was broken up by the Papists default, for they would have the order inverted and altered, that was appointed and agreed upon. Afterward for this contempt so notoriously made, and dissolving of the Assembly, and the godly and most christian purposes of the Queen's Majesty made frustrate, the B. of Winchester and Lincoln who shown more folly than the other, were condinly committed to the Tower of London. Boner about this time B. of London was committed to the Marshal-sea, whereas he both in his blind bloody Heresy, as also in his deserved captivity, long remained abiding the Queen's pleasure.  
About this time at the beginning of the flourishing Reign of Queen Elizabeth, was a Parliament summoned and holden at Westminster, wherein was much debating about matters touching Religion, and great study on both parts employed, the one to retain still, the other to impugn the Doctrine & faction which before in Queen Mary's time had been established. But especially here is to be noted, that though their lacked no industry on the papists side to hold fast that which they most cruelly from time to time had studied, and by all means practised to come by, yet notwithstanding was the providence of God at that time, that for lack of the other Bishops, whom the Lord had taken away by death a little before, the residue that there were left could do the less. And in very deed, (God be praised therefore) did nothing at all in effect, although yet not withstanding their laicked in them neither will nor labour to do what they could, if their cruel ability there might have served. Although in this Parliament then, some diversity there was of judgement and opinion between parties, yet notwithstanding through the merciful goodness of the Lord, the true cause of the Gospel had the upper hand, the Papists hope was frustrate, and their rage abated, the order and proceed of King Edward's time concerning Religion was revived again, the Supremacy of the Pope abolished, the Articles of bloody statutes of Queen Mary repealed, briefly the furious firebrands of cruel persecution which had consumed so many poor men's bodies, were now extict & quenched: Finally, the old Bishops deposed for that they refused the Oath in renouncing the Pope, and not subscribing to the Queen's just and lawful Titles, in whose rooms and places, were others put.   

The SCOTISH Martyrs.  
HAving spoken of the Martyrs of England, let us now speak of the Martyrs of Scotland. And first to begin with M. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm, he was a man nobly descended, for he was Nephew to the Earl of Aran by his Father, & to the Duke of Albany by the Mother, and not much past twenty three years of age; this young Gentleman had traveled in Germany, and falling in familiarity with Martin Luther, Phi. Melanchton, Frances Lamberr & other learned men, was by them instructed in the knowledge of true religion; In the profession whereof he was so zealous as he was resolved to come back into his country, & communicate the light he had received unto others &c. under colour of conference he is brought to S. Andrews & accused before the B. for maintaining erroneous, points of doctrine, as that the corruption of sin remains in children after their Baptism. 2. That no man by the power of his free will can do any good. 3. That no man is without sin so long as he liveth, etc. After answer and censure of the Theologs of thee Articles he maintained, is declared to be an heretic, and given over into the hands of the secular power to suffer punishment due to heresy. He was condemned by the secular Judge, and burned alive: when he came to the place of Execution he put off his gown, and gave it with his bonnet, coat and other apparel to his servant, saying this stuff will not help in the fire, yet will do thee some good, I have no more to leave thee, but the example of my death, which I pray thee keep in mind, for albeit the same be bitter and painful in men's judgement, yet is it the entrance to everlasting life which none can inherit that denieth Christ before this congregation. At his death the Friars vexed him bidding him convert, pray to our Lady, and say, salve Regina, but none was more troublesome than Fire Alexander campbel whom he often besought to departed and not to vex him, but when he would not cease, he said, wicked man thou knowest I am not an heretic, and that it is the truth of God for which I now suffer, so much thou didst confess unto me in private, and thereupon I appeal thee to answer before the Judgement seat of Christ: his body was quickly consumed, for the fire was vehement, but the patience and constancy he shown in his dying, stirred up such compassion in the beholders as many of them doubted not to say that he suffered an innocent, and was indeed a true Martyr of Christ. This opinion was further confirmed by the death of the F●●er and that manner of it, for within a year and l●sse, he fell into a frenzy and died as one desperate; numbers were brought to the knowledge of ●he truth by his suffering. This Mr. Patrick Hammiltoun suffered martyrdoms in the year of God, 1527 Under Jimes Beton Archbishop of St. Andrews ●●d Chancel●o r of the Kingdom.  
After the de●●h of Mr. Patrick Hamilton, his Brother german James Hamilton o● Levingston was accused likewise, but the King did cause convey him secretly out of the way. Also Kathren Hamilton his sister was accused, and being questioned upon works, she answered that none was saved by his works. Then John Spence spoke to her of the works of congruo and condigno, to which she answered, work here, work there, what kind of working is all this? no works can save me but Christ's. At this the king being present laughed, and after conveyed her away secretly.  
One Henry Forrest a Monk of the order of Benet, and Cellet, as they spoke then, was also accused of Heresy, but without sufficient proof. Then he was sent to Walter Ange (whom Buchanan in his satire against the grey Friars called Langius) to be confessed, Langius having asked him by way of confession what he thought of Patrick Hamilton, he answered that he was a good man, and that his articles were to be mantained. Lang discovers this simple man's confession, and this confession being taken for a sufficient proof, the poor man was condemned to be burnt, and so he was immediately after they degraded him according to their custom. As they were leading him to the execution place, he complained of the Friar who had betrayed him, and said let no man trust the false Friars after me, They were despisers rof God and deceivers of men, they burned him at the north style of the Abbey Church in Sr. Andrews, that the heretics of Angus might see the fire.  
Mr. Normend Gourley and David Straton were brought to trial, and condemned, the one for denying Purgatory, and that the Pope should have no jurisdiction within Scotland, the other was charged with the same points, and further was accused for maintaining the Tithes were not due to Churchmen, which point he denied, confessig that the tithes of ●ome fish which his servants had taken at sea being too rigorously exacted, he said that if they would have the tithes of the fishes, they should go and receive them where the stock was taken, & that he gave order to his servants to cast every tent fish they took into the sea, because he saw nothing but rigour would content the Church, these two were burnt at one stake as heretics, between Leith and Edinburgh to the intent the inhabitants of Fife seeing the fire, might be stricken with the more terror and fear not to fall into the like.  
After the death of the foresaid Martyrs under James Betoun Archbishop of St. Andrews, consultation was taken by the Bishops to proceed and to burn more heretics, for then men began liberally to speak of religion. A merry Gentleman named John Lindsay familiar to B. James Betoun standing by when consultation was had, said, my Lord, if ye burn any more except ye follow my counsel, ye will utterly destroy yourselves, if ye will burn them, let them be burnt in hollow Cellars, for the smoke of Mr. Patrick Hamilton hath infected as many as it blew upon. Thus it pleased God that they should be taunted in their own face.  
At this time when Normond Gourlay and David Straton were put to trial and condemned, were summouned Sir William Kird, Adam Days Henry Kerns, John Stewart of Leith, with divers others, such as Mr. William Johnstoun Advocate, Mr. Henry Henderson Schoolmaster of Edinburgh, of whom some compeared in the Abbey Kirk of Halyrudhouse, and so abjured, and publicly burnt their Bills; the burning of the Bill was a sign of recantation, others compeared not, and therefore was exiled.  
About this time Mr. George Buchanan for some biting verses against the Franciscans, was commanded to prison, but he escaping by a window of the Chamber where he was detained prisoner, whilst the Keepers were fast asleep, fled into France, thus there passed few days wherein some one or other was not called into question for Religion, but the more hot the persecution was, the favourers of the truth did every day the more increase.  
The Archbishop James Betoun committed the charge of the Church affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal, who succeeded in his place, for he was sickly himself, and not seen often abroad. In his time lived Mr. John Major, Hector Boeth. Gilbert Crab, and William Gregory, men of good learning, and worthy to be remembered. Hector Boethius was Principal of the College of Aberdene, a great Philosopher, and much commended by Erasmus for his Eloquence and felicity of ingeny. Buchanan who could well discern of learned men, speaking in a certain place of him, saith, quod non solum artium liberalium cognitione supraquam illa ferchant tempora insignis erat, sed etiam humanitate & comitate singulari praeditus, that he was not only learned in the liberal Sciences above the condition of these times, but also of an exceeding courteous and humane inclination, yet is he traduced by some of the English Writers for a fabulous and partial Historian. But they who like to peruse his History, will perceive that is spoken out of passion and malice, and not upon just cause. Mr. John Mair wrote also the History of Scotland, and wrote upon the four Evangelists.  
Sir John Borthwick Knight, commonly called Captain Borthwick, who being accused of heresy (as the Papists call it, and cited therefore, and not appearing, and escaping into other countries', was condemned for the same, being absent, by the sentence of David Betown Archbishop of St. Andrews, and other Prelates of Scotland, and all his goods confiscate, and his Picture at last burned in the open Marketplace, the Articles whereupon he was accused and condemned came to his hands whereunto he answered very wisely and religiously, confuting them all.  
At this time also was Thomas Forret Priest, Friar John Kello, Friar Beverage, Duncan Simpson Priest, Robert Foster a Gentleman, with three or four other men of Striviling persecuted for the Gospel and testimony of Christ. This Dean Thomas Forret preached every Sunday to his Parishioners the Epistle or Gospel as it fell for the time, which then was a great novelty in Scotland, to see any man preach except a black Friar, or a grey Friar, and therefore the Friars envied him, and accused him to be the B. of Dunkel, in whose Diocese he remained, as an heretic, and one that shown the mysteries of the Scriptures to the vulgar people in English, to make the Clergy detestable in the sight of the people. The B. of Dunkel named George Crighton, moved by the Friar's instigation, called the said Dean Thomas, and said unto him, my Joy Dean Thomas, I love you well, and therefore I must give you my counsel how ye shall rule and guide yourself. To whom Thomas said, I thank your Lordship hearty. Then the B. began this counsel on this manner, my Joy Dean Thomas, I am informed that ye preach the Epistle or Gospel every Sunday to your parishioners, and that ye take not the Cow nor the upermost cloth from your parishioners, which thing is very prejudicial to the Churchmen, and therefore my Joy Dean Thomas, I would ye took your Cow and your upmost cloth or Mortuary as other Churchmen do, or else it is too much to preach every Sunday, for in so doing ye make the people think that we should preach likewise; but it is enough for you when ye find any good Epistle, or any good Gospel that setteth forth the liberty of the holy Church, to preach that, and let the rest be▪ Thomas answered, My Lord, I think that none of my parishioners will complain that I take not the Cow nor the uppermost cloth, but will gladly give me the same, together with any other thing that they have, and I will give and communicate with them any thing that I have, and so my Lord we agree right well, and their is no discord amongst us. And where your Lordship saith it is too much to preach every Sunday, indeed I think it too little, and also would with that you L. did the like. Nay, nay, Dean Thomas (saith my Lord) let that be, for we are not ordained to preach. Then said Thomas, when your L. biddeth me preach when I find any good Epistle, or a good Gospel, truly I have read the New Testament and the Old; and all the Epistles and the Gospels amongst them all I could never find any evil Gospel, or any evil Epistle, but if your L. will show me the good Epistle, and the good Gospel, and the evil Epistle, and the evil Gospel, than I shall preach the good and ommit the evil. Then spoke my Lord stoutly, and said, I thank God that I never knew what the Old and New Testament was (and of these words arose a proverb which is common in Scotland, ye are like the B. of Dunkelden that knew neither new nor old Law) therefore Dean Thomas I will know nothing but my Portuise and my Pontifical: Go your way; and let be all these fantasies, for if ye persevere in these erroneous opinions, ye will repent it when ye may not mend it. Thomas said, I trust my cause is just in the presence of God, and therefore I pesse not much what do follow thereupon; and so my Lord and he departed at that time. And soon after a summons was directed from the Cardinal of St. Andrews, and the said B. of Dunkelden upon the same Dean Thomas Forret, and upon two black Friars called Friar John Kello, and another called Reverage, and upon one Priest of Striviling called Duncan Simpson, and one Gentleman called Robert Forester in Stirling, with other three or four with them of the Town of Stirling, who at this day of their appearance, after their summonding, were condemned to the death without any place of recantation (because, as was alleged, they were Heresiarches, or chief Heretics, and teachers of Heresies, and especially because many of them were at the Bridle and Marriage of a Priest who was Vicar of Till●bodie beside Stirling, and did eat flesh in Lent, at the said Bridle, and so they were altogether burnt upon the Castle-hill of Edinburgh, where they that were first bound to the Stake, godly and marvellously did comfort them that came behind. At this time likewise were apprehended two of the Diocese of Glasgow, the one named Jeremiah Russel a grey Friar, a young man of a meek nature, quick spirit, and good learning; and one Alexander Kennedy who passed not eighteen years of age, one of excellent wit in vulgar poesy. To assist the B. of Glasgow in that cruel judgement, or at  to dip his hands in the blood of the Saints of God, were sent Mr. John Lawder, Mr. Andrew Oliphant, and Friar Mortman, servants to Satan, apt for that purpose. The day appointed to the cruelty approaching, the two poor Saints of God were persecuted before these bloody Boutchers. Grievous were the crimes that were laid to their charge, Kennedy at the first was faint, and gladly would have recanted, but while the place of repentance was denied unto him, the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of all comfort began to work in him, yea the inward comfort began to burst forth, as well in visage as in tongue and word, for his countenance began to be cheerful, and with a perfect joy upon his knees, he said, O eternal God, how wonderful is that love and mercy that thou bearest unto mankind, and unto me the most catiff and miserable wretch above all others: for even now when I would have denied thee and thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, my only Saviour, and so have cast myself into everlasting damnation, thou by thine own hand hast pulled me from the very bottom of hell, and made me to feel that heavenly comfort, which takes from me that ungodly fear, wherewith before I was oppressed. Now I defy death do what ye please, I praise God I am ready. This godly and learned Jerremie railed upon by these godless Tyrants, answered this is your hour and power of darkness. Now sit ye as Judges, and we stand wrongfully accused, and more wrongfully to be condemned, but the day shall come when our innocency shall appear, and that ye shall see your own blindness to your everlasting conconfusion. Go forward and fulfil the measure of your iniquity. While that these servants of God thus behaved themselves, variance ariseth betwixt the B. and the beasts that came from the Cardinal: for the B. said, I think it better to spare these men then to put them to death, whereat the idiot Doctors offended, said, what will ye do my Lord? Will ye condemn all that my Lord Cardinal and the other Bishops and we have done? If ye so do, ye show yourself enemy to the Church and us, and so we will repute you, be ye assured. At which words the faithless man afraid, adjudged the innocents' to die according to the desire of the wicked, and so they were burnt, constantly triumphing over death and Satan in the midst of the fire.  
The King at this time was ruled wholly by the Cardinal, and made a solomn vow that none should be spared that was suspect of heresy, yea although it were his own son, which put many into fear.  
The fearful vision which the King had by night much terrified him, that he withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him.  
The King died in the year of the Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the loss of his Army received at Solway by the Englishes, he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age, some few days before he died, he had advertisement that his Queen was deliveaed of a daughter at Linlithow, at which time it is said he burst forth in passion, saying, it came with a Laste (meaning the Crown) and will go with a Lass, fie upon it, after which he was not heard to utter many words.  
The Earl of Arran, Lord Hamilton was chosen Regent and Governor of the Realm. At this time there was a certain act of Parliament made, giving privilege to all men of the Realm of Scotland to read the Scripture in their Mother tongue and language, secluding nevertheless all reasoning, conference, convocation of people to hear the Scriptures read or expounded. Which liberty of private reading being granted by public proclamation, lacked not his own fruit, so that in sundry parts of Scotland thereby were opened the eyes of the elect of God to see the truth, and to abhor the Papistical abominations. Now there was certain in St. Johnstoun that were apprehended and accused for transgressing the act of Parliament before expressed and then conference and assemblies in hearing and expounding the Scripture against the Tenor of the said act. All these were condemned and judged to death, as Robert Lamb William Anderson, James Hunter and his wife Helen Stirk and others, and that by an assize by violating as was alleged the act of Parliament in reasoning and conferring upon the Scripture, for eating flesh upon the days forbidden, for dishonouring of images, etc. There was great intercession made by the Town in the mean season, for the life of these persons aforenamed to the Governor who of himself was willing to have done that they might have been delivered. But the Governor was so subject to the appetite of the cruel Priests, that he could not do that which he would, yea, they menaced to assist his enemies, and to depose him except he assisted their cruelty, the men were hanged, and the women drowned. Robert Lamb prophesied of the ruin and plague that came upon David Beton the Cardinal thereafter.  
The Martyrdom of Mr, George Wisher.  
This Mr. George was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Merns, a great knowledge, etc. He made his chief resort in the Towns of Dundie and Montrose where he taught publicly with great profit and applause. He is discharged from preaching at Dundie, he goeth to the West where the Archbishop of Glasgow seeketh to apprehend him. In end he is apprehended and put to his t●yall, and condemned to be burnt as an heretic. As he came forth of the Castle gate, there met him certain beggars ask his alms for God's sake. To whom he answered I want my hands wherewith I should give you alms, but the merciful Lord of his benignity and abundance of grace that feedeth all men vouchsafe to give you necessaries both unto your bodies and souls, than afterward met with him two false fiends, I should say Friars, saying, Mr. George pray to our Lady that she may be Mediatrix for) on to her Son, to whom he answered meekly, cease tempt me not my brethren. After this he was led to the fire with a rope about his neck, and a chain of iron about his middle. After his prayer made to God, and his exhortation to the people, the hangman that was his tormentor, ●ate down upon his knees, and said, sir, I pray you forgive me, for I am not gullty of your death, to whom he answered, come hither to me, when that he was come to him, he kissed his cheek, and said, Lo here is a token that I forgive thee, my heart do thy office, and by and by he was put upon the Gibbet and hanged, and there burnt to powder. At his execution he prophecies of the Cardinal's death, he who from you higher place beholdeth us with such pride, shall within few days lie in the same as ignominiously, as now he is seen proudly to rest himself. The Cardinal's death is conspired by Normond Lesly brother to the Earl of Rothesse's, John Lesly his Uncle, William Kirkaldy of Grange, Peter Carmichel of Fyfe, and James Melvill one of the house of Carnbie they met at St. Andrews, and entered into the Cardinal's chamber and killed him in his chamber. The people of the town crying for a sight of the Cardinal's corpses, was brought to the very same place where he sat be holding Mr. George Wishart his execution, many than did call to mind the Martyr his last words were thereby confirmed in the opinion they had of his piety and holiness.  
After this David Betoun succeeded John Hamilton Archbishop of St. Andrews, who to the intent that he would in no ways appear inferior to his predecessor in augmenting the number of the holy martyrs of God in the next year following, called a certain poor man to judgement whose name was Adam Wallace, he was accused for teaching, saying and teaching of abominable heresies which are particularly la●d to his charge, as first thou hast said and taught that the bread and wine on the Altar, after words of consecration, are not the body, and blood of Christ. He turned to the L. Governor, who was there present with a number of Noblemen, and of the Clergy, saying, I said never, nor taught nothing but that I found in this book and writ (having there a Bible at his belt, in French, Dutch and English) which is the word of God, and if ye will be content that the Lord God and his word be judge to me, and this his holy writ, here it is, and where I have said wrong, I shall take what punishment ye shall put to me, for I never said nothing concerning this that I am accused of, but that which I find in this writ, etc. They gave forth sentence and condemned him by the Laws, and so left him to the hands of the secular power in the hands of S. J. Campb●l Justice Deputy, who delivered him to the Prov●st of Edinburgh to be burnt on the Castle-hill, who incontinent made him to be put into prison with Irons about his legs and neck. At his forthcoming the Provest with great menacing words forbade him to ●peak to any man, or any to him, as belike he had commandment of his superiors. Coming from the town to the Castle-hill, the common people said, God have mercy upon him, and on you said he; being beside the fire, he lifted up his eyes to heaven twice or thrice, and said to the people, let it not offend you that I suffer the death this day for the truth's sake, for the Disciple is not above his Master. Then was the Provest angry that he spoke then looked he to Heaven again and said, they will not let me speak. The cord being about his neck, the fire was lighted, and so departed he to God constantly and with good countenance to our sights.  
There arose in Scotland about this time a Schism for the Pater Noster, by reason of a Sermon of Richard Martial a black Friar, teaching that the Pater Noster should not be said to Saints, whereupon the Doctors of the University of St. Andrews, together with the g●ay Friars who long ago t●ught the people to pray the Pater N●ster to Saints, had great indignation, that their old Doctrine should be repugned, and stirred up a grey Friar called Toitts to preach again to the people that they should and might pray the Pater Nost●r to Saints: Upon this followed incontinent a dangerous schism in the Church of Scotland, for not only the Clergy but the whole people were divided among themselves, one defending the truth, and another the Papistry, in such sort, that there arose a Proverb, to whom say ye your Pater Noster. And although the Papists had the upper hand as then, whose works were almost holden for Law, so great was the blindness of that age, yet God so inspired the hearts of the common people, that so many as could get the understanding of the words of the Lords Prayer in English, which was then said in Latin, utterly detested that opinion, holding that it should be in no ways said to the Saints, so that the Craftsmen and their servants in their Booths, when the Friars came, exploded him with shame enough, crying Friar Pater Noster, Friar Pater Noster, who at last being convict with his own conscience, was ashamed of his former Sermon, was compelled to leave the Town of S●. Andrews. Shortly the Christians were so hotly offended, and the Papists on the other side so proud and wilful, that necessary it was to eschew greater inconveniences, that the Clergy at last should be assembled to dispute and conclude the whole matter, that the Lay people might be put out of doubt, which being done, and the University agreed, whosoever had been present might have heard much subtle Sophistry, for some of the popish doctors affirmed that it should be said to God formaliter, and to Saints materialiter, others ultimate & non ultimatè: Others said i● should be s●id to God Principaliter, and to Saints minus Principaliter; Others that it should be said to God Primarie, and to Saint's secundary Others that it should be said to God Capiendo strict, and to Saints Capie●do large. Which vain distinctions being heard and considered by the people, they that were simple remained in greater doubtfulness than they were in before, so that a well aged man and a servant to the Superior of St. Andrews, called the Subprior Thome, being demanded to whom he said his P●●er Noster, he answered to God only. Then he asked again what should be said to the Saints, he answered, give them Aves and Creeds enough in the devil's name, for that may suffice them well enough, albeit they do not spoil God of his right. Others making their vaunt of the Doctors, said, that because Christ (who made the Pater Noster) never came into the Isle of Britain, and so understood not the English tongue, therefore it was that the Doctors concluded it should be said in Latin. This perturbation and open slander yet depending, it was thought good to call a Provincial Counsel to decide the matter, which being assembled at Edinburgh, the Papists being destitute of reason, defended their parts with lies, alleging that the Univeasity of Paris had concluded that the Lords prayer should be said to Saints, but because that could not be proved and that they could not prevail, by reason they used their will in place of reason, and sometime despiteful and injurious talk. As Friar Scot being asked of one to whom he should say the Pater Noster, he answered, saying, say it to the devil knave. So the Counsel perceiving they could profit nothing by reasoning, they were compelled to pass voting▪ that is to the numbering of votes. But then incontinent they that were called Churchmen were found divided and repugnant among themselves, for some Bishops with the Doctors and Friars consented that the Pater Noster should be said to Saints, but the Bishops of Sr. Andrews Caithnes and others with other moe learned men refused utterly to subscribe the same. Finally with consent of both parties, commission was given by the holy Church to D●an John Winram then Superior of St. Andrews to declare to the people how and after what manner they should pray the Lords prayer, who accepting to the Commission declared that it should be said to God, with some other restrictions which are not necessary to be put in memory, and so by little and little the bruit and tumult ceased.  
Queen Dowager passed by sea to France and took with her divers of the Nobility of Scotland, with divers Barons and Gentlemen and many others. The Dowager had to practise somewhat with her brethren the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Lorrane, the weight whereof the Governor after felt, for shortly after her return was the Governor deposed of his government (justly by God, but most unrustly by man) and she made Regent in the year of our Lord 1554. She was an deadly enemy to the Gospel.  
In the cruel persecution used by Queen Mary of England, were godly men dispersed into divers nations, of whom it pleased the goodness of God to send some unto us for our comfort and instruction. And first came a simple man William Harlaw, whose erudition, although it excelled nor, yet for his whole and diligent plainness in doctrine is he to this day worthy of praise, and remains a faithful member within the Church of Scotland. After him came that notable man John Willock as one that had some commission ●o the Q. Regent from the Duchess of Emden, but his principal purpose to assay what God would work by him in his native country. These two did some times in several companies assemble the Brethren, who by their exhortations began greatly to be encouraged, and did show that they had an earnest thirst of godliness. And last came John Knox, who bot privately and publicly preached the word of God.  
John Knox returned again to France to visit that little flock of his which he had in Geneva of the Englishes, which the wickedness of men had compessed him to leave. Immediately after his going away the Bishop summoned him for non-appearance, burned him in Effigy at the Cross of Edinburgh in the year of our Lord 1555. from the which unjust sentence the said John made his appellation, and caused to print the 'samine, and directed it to the Nobility and Commons of Scotland, which is yet to be seen. But John Willock returning again from Emden and others, as William Harlaw, John Dowglas, and others, began in Edinburgh and others Towns of the Country publicly to exhort. The Nobility and Gentry and others, being by them godly instructed and comforted, they keep their conventions, and held Counsels with such gravity and closnesse, that the enemies trembled. The Images were stolen away in all parts of the Country. And in Edinburgh was that great Idol called St. Gile, or Sanctus Egidius, first drowned in the north Loch, after , which raised no small trouble in the Town, for the Friars rooping like Ravens upon the Bishops, the Bishops ran upon the Queen, who to them was favourable enough, but that she thought it could not stand with her advantage to offend such a multitude as then took upon them the defence of the Gospel, and the name of Protestants, and yet consented she to summoned the preachers, whereat the Protestants neither offended, nor yet thereof afraid, determined to keep the day of summons, as that they did, which perceived by the Prelates and Priests they procured a Proclamation to be publicly made that all men that were come to the town without commandment of the authority should with all diligence repair to the Borders, and there remain fifteen days, for the Bishop of Galloway in this manner of rhyme said to the Queen, Madam because they are come without order. I rid you send them to the Border. Now had God so provided that the quarter of the West-land (in the which was many faithful men) was that same day returned from the Border, who understanding the matter to proceed from the malice of the Priests, assembled themselves together and made passage to themselves, till that they came to the very privy Chamber, where the Queen Regent and the Bishop were. The Gentlemen began to complain upon their strange entertainment, considering that her Majesty had found in them so faithful obedience in all things lawful. While the Queen began to craft a zealous and bold man James Chalmers of Gaithgyrth said, Madam, we know that this is the malice and device of the jewels, and of that Bastard (meaning the Bishop of St. Andrews) that standeth by you, we avow to God we shall make a day of it, they oppress us and our Tenants, for feeding of their idle bellies, they trouble our Preachers and would murder them and us, shall we suffer this any longer? no Madam it shall not be, and therewith every man put on his sty bonnet. There was heard nothing of the Queen's part but my joys, my hearts, what ails you, me means no evil to you nor to your preachers, the Bishops shall do you no wrong, ye are all my loving subjects, I know nothing of this proclamation; the day of your Preachers shall be discharged, and we will hear the controversy that is betwixt the Bishops and you, they shall do you no wrong. My Lords (said she to the Bishops) I forbidden you either to trouble them or their preachers, & unto the Gentlemen who were wondrously commoved, she turned again and said. O my hearts, should you not love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your minds, and should ye not love one another as yourselves: With these and the like words she keeped the Bishops from buffers that time, and so the day of summons being discharged, began the brethren universally further to be encouraged, but yet could the Bishops in no fort be quiet, for St. Geils day approaching, they gave charge to the Provest Bailies and Counsel of Edinburgh, either to get again the old St. Gile, or else upon their expenses to make a new Image. The Counsel answered that to them the charge appeareth very unjust for they understood that God in some places had commanded idols and Images to be destroyed, but where he had commanded Images to be set up, they had not read, and desired the Bishop to find a warrant for his commandment. Whereat the Bishop offended, admonished under pain of cursing which they prevented by a former appellation, appealing from him as a partial and corrupt Judge unto the Pope's holiness, and so great things following that passed in oblivion. Yet would not the Priests and Friars cease to have that great Solemnity and manifest abomination which they accustomedly had upon St. Giles day, to wit, they would have that Idol born, and therefore was all preparation duly made. A Marmouset Idol was borrowed from the Gray-friers, Thus the Priests and the Friars carried with Tabors and Trumpeters, Banners and Bagpipes, and who was there to lead the ring, but the Queen Regent herself with all her shavelings for honour of that feast, well, about goeth it, and cometh down the high street to the Bow. The Queen Regent dined that day in Alexander Carpenter his house, betwixt the Bows, and so when the idol returned back again, she left it and past into her dinner. The hearts of the brethren were wonderfully inflamed to see such abomination so manifestly maintained, and so immediately after that the Q. was entered into the lodging, some of them drew nigh unto the Idol, and willing to help to bear him, and getting the ferror upon his shoulders, etc. And some began to cry, down with the idol, down with it, and then without delay, it was pulled down and broken, the Priests and Friars fleed. Queen Regent laid up this amongst her other inventions, till that she might have seen the time proper to have revenged it. After this some Noblemen, and Barons, and others resolving upon a Reformation of Religion, their petitions put up to the Queen Regent taking no effect, joining in Counsel, did bind themselves by oaths and subscriptions to assist one another, and hazard their lives and substance to advance the cause of Religion, and so proceed peace and peace till the Reformation was established.  
Shortly after these things, that cruel tyrant, and unmerciful hypocrite, falsely called B. of St. Andrews apprehended that blessed Martyr of Christ Jesus Walter Mill, a man of decrepit age, whom most cruelly and unjustly he put to death by fire in St. Andrews in the year of God, 1558. Which thing did so highly offend the hearts of all godly, that immediately after his death, began a new fervency among the whole people, yea, even in the Town of St. Andrews, began the people plainly to condemn such unjust cruelty, his constancy moved so the hearts of many, that the B. steward of his Regality, Provest of the Town called Patrick Lermond refused to be his temporal Judge, to whom it appertained if the cause had been just. Also the B. Chamberlain being therewith charged, would in no ways take upon him so ungodly an office, yea, the whole Town were so offended with his unjust condemnation, that the B. servants could not get for their money so much as one cord to tie him to the Stake, or Tar-barrel to burn him, but were constrained to cut the cords of their own master's Pavilion to serve their turn. Nevertheless one servants of the B. more ignorant and cruel than the rest, called Allexander Somervel interprysing the office of atemporal judge in that part, conveyed him to the fire. While he was exhorting the people, there was great mourning and lamentation of the multitude, for they perceiving his patience, stournesse and boldness, constancy and hardiness were greatly moved and stirred up, and their hearts mightily inflamed for him.  
This Walter Mill was the last Martyr that died in Scotland for Religion, and his death, the every death of Popry in this Realm.  
John Knox returns again from Geneva to Scotland and joins himself to the congregation (for the Reformers of Religion at this time were called the congregation (he preached to them at Perth where the Reformation began. The people having heard how odious idolatry was in God's presence, what commandment he had given for the destruction of the Monuments thereof, and what idolatry and what abomination was in the Mass, they were so inflamed, that neither could the exhortation of the Preachers, nor the commandment of the Magistrate stay them from destroying the place of idolatry. So the Monastery at Perth was demolished, the Charterhouse a building of exceeding cost and largeness was not only ruined, but the stones and timber so quickly taken away, as in less than two day's space a vestige thereof was scarce remaining to be seen, the Images were publled down at Cowper in Eyfe, which the Curate took so heavily as the night following, he put violent hands in himself, And so the Images & Altars, and Monasteries were demolished throughout the Country, and by the just judgement of God in the same place where Walter Mill was burnt, the Images of the great Church of the Abbey which passed both in number and costliness were burnt as the rest were. When Q. Regent heard what was done at Perth she was so enraged that she did vow utterly to destroy St. Johnston Man, Woman and Child; and to consume the same by fire, and the reafter to salt it in sign of a perpetual desolation. The congregation labours to pacify the Q. Regent's rage by their Letters directed unto her, but her rage and the Priests could not be stayed, but forward they move against these, who then were in St. Johnston a very few and mean number of Gentlemen, who perceiving the extremity to approach, did write to all their brethren to repair toward them for their relief, to the which they found all men so ready bend, that the work of God was evidently to be espied; for the Earl of Glencarn and the brethren of the West, came with all haste for the relief of St. Johnston, by whose presence the tyranny of the enemy was bridled. There is an appointment concluded between Q. Regent and them, and so the Lords departed out of the Town, but before their departure they make a new Covenant to concur and assist one another for the mentinance of Religion. The Q. entered into the Town, the Duke Monsieur Dosel, and the Frenchmen, who in discharging their volley of Harquebuts, killed a Son of Patrick Murray about ten or twelve years of age, who being brought to the Q. presence, and understanding whose Son he was, said, It is pity it chanced on the Son and not on the Father, but seeing it is so chanced, we cannot be against fortime. She erects idolatry against the appointment. The Q. began to rage against all godly and honest men, their houses were oppressed by the French, the lawful Magistrates as well Provest and Bailies were unjustly and without all order deposed from their Authority. She left four colours of the Soldiers to abide in the Town to mantain idolatry and to ressist the congregation, and so she left the Town in extreme bondage, but shortly after from this bondage was the Town delivered by the Congregation, and the French forced to leave the Town, and made parent to all the King's subjects. When the Nobility and Gentry and others of the Congregation saw that their just petitions was rejected of Queen Regent for Reformation of Religion, and strangers brought in to suppress them, their commonwealth and posterity, Idolatry mantained, and Christ Jesus his true Religion despised, while idle bellies and bloody tyrants the Bishops maintained, and Christ's true Messengers persecuted, while finally virtue contemned & vice extolled, and while that a great part of the Nobility and Commonallity are most unjustly persecuted, after consultation and good advice, they deprive her from all regiment and authority amongst them, and this was divulga● by sound of Trumpet at the Mercat cross of Edinburgh, and proclaimed by officers of Arms in head Burrows within the Realm of Scotland.  
The day following all the Soldiers in Leith, French and Scots are summoned by sound of Trumpet to departed out of Leith within the space of 12. hours: defiance is given; whereupon there was Skirmishing without great slaughter, and preparation of Scalls and Ladders was made for the assault, which was concluded by common consent of the Nobility and Barons. The French Soldiers issued many a time out of Leith and did great harm through the Country, the Congregation not able to suppress them & Queen Regent her faction, they were constrained to implore the Q. of England her aid and support, which she most willingly granted upon certain conditions specified in a Treaty passed at Barwick betwixt the Duke of Norfolk, Lieutenant to her Majesty on the one part, and certain of our Commissioners on the other part. The Army she sent by Land was esteemed ten thousand men, the Town is assaulted. The Queen Regent sat all the time of the assault (which was both terrible and long) upon the fore-wall of the Castle of Edinburgh, and when she perceived the overthrow of us, and that the Ensigns of the French were again displayed upon the walls, she did laugh hearty, and said, now I will go to the Mass and praise God for that mine eyes have seen. The French proud of the victory, stripped naked all the slain, & laid their dead carcases before the Sun along the wall, where they suffered them to lie more days than one. And here we may see the inhumanity of the merciless French. The siege is continued, and 2000 fresh men sent for that purpose, which the Camp greatly comforted, began to forget the former discomfiture, and to sustain the daily Skirmishing as they did before. In the which the French after the day of the assault, did ever receive the hurt and the repulse.  
At this time Queen Regent sickened, and shortly thereafter she finished her life, unhappy to Scotland from the first day she entered into it, until the day she departed this life, which was the 9 day of June, in the year of God 1560.  
Upon the 16. day of June, after the death of the Q. Regent, came into Scotland Monsieur Randam, and with him the B. of Valance in commission from France to negotiate a peace, from England there came Sir William Cecil chief Secretary, & Doct. Whitton their negotiation was long some, for both England and we fearing deceit, sought by all means that the Contract should be sure: In end peace was concluded and proclaimed, and sudden provision was made for transporting of the French to France. The English Army departed by Land, the most part of our Nobility Protestant's honourably conveyed them (as in very deed they had well deserved) but Lord James would not leave the Lord Grace with the other Noblemen of England till that they entered into Berwick. After whose r turning the Counsel began to look as well upon the affairs of the Commonwealth as upon the matters that might concern the stability of Religion. And first of all there is public thanksgiving to God for their delivery, and the Ministers distributed as the necessity of the Country required. And so was John Knox appointed to Edinburgh, Christopher Goodman, (who the most part of the troubles had remained at Air) was appointed to St. Andrews, Adam Herriot to Aberdene, Mr. John Row to St. Johnstoun, Paul Messen (to whom was no infamy then known) to Jedburgh, William Christison to Dundee, David Ferguson to Dumfermling, & Mr. David Lindsay to Leith. There were nominated for Superintendents & overseers, that all things should be carried in the Church with order and well, Mr. John Spotswood for Lothian, Mr. John Winram for Fyfe, Mr. John Willock for Glasgow, the Laird of Dun for Angus, and Merns, Mr. John Carswell for Argyl and the Isles, these to be elected at the days appointed, unless that the Countries whereto they were to be appointed, could in the mean time find out men more able and sufficient, or else show such causes as might disable them from that employment. The sum of the Doctrine that they were to establish & maintain was drawn up in plain and several heads, as most true and necessary to be believed, and to be received within the Realm, which was presented to the Parliament; and by them confirmed, ratified and approven as wholesome and sound Doctrine, grounded upon the infallible truth of God. Also at the same time in the Parliament there was an act made against the Mass, & the sayers & the hearers thereof, & the abuse of the Sacraments. And an act for the abolishing of the Pope and his usurped authority in Scotland. The 19 day of August 1561. betwixt seven & eight hours before noon arrived from France, Mary Queen of Scotland then widow, her husband the King of France then being dead, she is received with great mirth & joy, but the Sunday thereafter, the 24. of August when that preparations began to be made for that Idol of the Mass to be said in the Chapel, the godly began to be offended & displeased thereat, & to cry out against it, and openly to say, shall that Idol be suffered again to take place within this Realm? It shall not be. The Lord Lindsay (then but Master) with the Gentlemen of Fyse and others, plain cried in the Close or Yard, the idolatrous Priests should die the death according to God's Law, the godly departed with grief of heart, and after noon repaired to the Abbey in great companies, and gave plain signification that they could not abide the Land which God by his power had purged from idolatry, should in their eyes be polluted again. Great pains and travel was taken by the Nobility & the Church to move the Queen to renounce the Mass, but could never prevail with her, but were forced to suffer her to enjoy it.  
In the year of God 1564, about the midst of July (the dispensation of the Marriage being brought from Rome) the Queen was espoused to the Lord Darnley after the Popish manner in the Chapel of Halyrudhouse, by the Dean of Restalrig, and the next day he was by the sound of Trumpet proclaimed King, and declared to be associated with her in the Government.  
The slaughter of Signior Davie is conspired. Divers tails were brought to the King of the neglect & contempt that he was holden in, & of the great respect carried to the stranger, the vanity and arrogancy of the man himself was likewise so great as not content to exceed the chief of the Court, he would outbrave the King in his apparel, in his Domestic furniture, in the number and sorts of his horses, and in every thing else, so as no speech was for the time more common and current in the country then that of Davies greatness, of the credit and honour whereunto he was risen, and of the small account that was taken of the King, this the King taking in heart, he did open his grief to his Father, who advised him to assure the Nobility at home, and to recall these that were banished in England, which done he might easily correct the insolency, and aspiring pride of that base fellow. The slaughter of Davie was this: The King taking of the Lord Ruthven with him, who was but lately recovered of a fever, and followed by four or five men at most, entered into the room where the Queen sat at supper, Ruthven seeing Davie at the table (for the Queen was accustomed when she supped private, to admit others to sit by her) and that night the Countess of Argyle and beneath her Davie was placed, commanded him to arise and come forth for the place where he sat did not beseem him. The Queen starting up hastily, went hastily between Davie and Ruthven to defend him, and Davie clasping his hands about her middle, the King laboured to lose them, willing her not to be afraid, for that they were come only to take order with that villain. Then was he dragged down the stairs to the Gallery, where Morton with his company was walking, there they set upon him, and striving who should give the first stroke, killed him with many wounds. The conspirators fleed into England. The King by sound of Trumpet at the Mark●● Cross of Edinburgh protested his innocency, denying that ever he gave his consent to his death, yet was the contrary known to all men, so as this served only to the undoing of his reputation, and made him find few or no friends thereafter to aid him in his necessity; Inquisition being made for the murderers, Thomas Scot Sheriff-Depute of Perth and servant to the Lord Ruthven, with Sir Henry Zair sometimes a Priest, being apprehended, were after trial hanged and quartered. Many for not appearing were denounced rebels. In all this proceeding there was none more earnest or forward than the King, notwithstanding whereof the hatred of the fact lay heavy upon him, nor could he ever after this again recover his former favour with the Queen.  
Anno. 1566. the 19 of June, betwixt nine and ten of the Clock in the evening the Q. was brought to bed of a son to the exceeding joy of the Subjects, for which the Nobles and whole people assembled the next day in the Church of St. Geils, gave solemn thanks to God.  
The Queen waxing strong went by water to Allaway, a house belonging to the Earl of Mar, and keeped private a f●w days. In that place broke out first her displeasure against the King her husband, for he followed her thither, was not suffered to stay but commanded to be gone. And when at anytime after he came to Court, his company was so loathsome unto her, as all men perceived she had no pleasure nor content in it, such a deep indignation had possessed her mind, because of the disgrace offered to her in the slaughter of her man Davie, the envy whereof was all laid upon the King as she would never digest it. Preparation is made for the Prince's Baptism, he is baptised in Stirling the 15. day of December 1566. Ambassadors were sent from France to be Gossips and witnesses to the Baptism. The Earl of Bedford is sent from the Queen of England, who brought with him a Font of Gold; weighing two stone weight, with a Basin and Ewer for the Baptism; 's the King was neither admitted to come to the Baptism, nor suffered to come to the feast, the Ambassadors had a watch word given them not to see nor salute him; the King all this time keeped his Chamber, his Father hearing how he was used, writ to him to repair unto him who soon after went (without goodnight) toward Glasgow to his Father, he was hardly a mile out of Stirling when the poison (which they had given him) wrought so upon him that he had very great pain and dolour in every part of his body. At length being arrived at Glasgow the blisters broke out of a bluish colour, so the ●●●ysicians presently knew the disease to come by Poison, he was brought ●o low that nothing but death was expected, yet the strength of his youth at last did surmount the poison. The Queen hearing that the King was recovered, she went to Glasgow to visit him, and thereafter goes with her to Edinburgh where he is murdered by Bothwell, and the house where he lay burned with powder about twelve of the clock in the night, his body was cast forth in a yaird without the Town wall adjoining close by: there was a servant likewise murdered beside him, who had been also in the Chamber with him, he had been King but 18. Months, he was of a comely stature, and none was like unto him within this Island, he died under the age of 21. years. The Earl of Lennox in the mean time wrote to the Queen to cause punish Bothwell with his other complices for murdering the King. A day is appointed for his trial by an assyle, he is acquit of the murder by the Jury, yet the suspicions of the people were nothing diminished. Bothwell is divorced from his wife, the banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked, Mr. John Craig protesteth against it, notwithstanding of his opposition the marriage went on and was celebrated, the 15. of May by Adam B. of Orkney in the Abbey of Halyrudhouse after the manner or the reformed Church, yet was no sooner finished, than the ill fruits thereof began to break out. The Queen by Bothwels' persuasion taking purpose to visit the Borders, and having change d the Subjects to accompany her thither with a provision for 15. days, it was publicly rumoured that these forces were gathering for some other business, and that the intention was to have the Prince her Sun in her own custody, and taken out of the Earie of Mar his hands. The Noble men that had combined themselves at Stirling, took Arms, Bothwell flieth, and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords, she is sent prisoner to Lochlevin and Bothwell was declared by open proclamation● not only the murderer of the King, but also the committer of it with his own hand, and a thousand crowns were offered to any man that would bring him in. Bothwell taketh the sea, and there he plays the Pirate, and made spoil of all that came in his way, he is pursued by Grange with five ships well manned who coming upon him unlooked for as he lay in one of the Creeks of Orkney, gave him the chase, and had certainly taken him if they had not been hindered by Rocks and shallow waters. Shortly after he was taken upon the coast of Norroway, and conveyed to Denmark, where being detected by some Scotish Merchants, he was put in a vile and loathsome prison, and falling in a frenzy, which keeped him 14. years made an ignominious and desperate end, such as his wicked and flagitious life had deserved. The Q. is moved to make resignation of the Crown, the King is Crowned at Stirling, the Earl of Murray is elected Regent.  
Few days after the commitment of the Quenn the Earl of Glencairn with his domestics, went to the Chapel of Halyrudhouse where he broke down the Altars and the Images, which fact as it did content the zealous Protestants, so it did highly offend the Popish affected.  
The Bishop of Orkney was convened before the General Assembly of the Church, and deposed from his function and Office for marrying the Queen and Bothwell, and the Countess of Argyle ordained to make public satisfaction for giving her presence at the Prince's baptism, at the Papistical rites there used.  
At this time John Hepburn called Bolton, John Hay younger of Tallow, and two chamber boys of Bothwells, Powry and Dalgleish were brought to trial for the King's murder, and found guilty by their confessions, being enticed to the said wicked fact by Bothwell.  
The Queen after eleven months' imprisonment escapeth out of Lochlevin. The Queen's resignation is discerned null being extorted by fear, and proclamations made in her name, commanding all the Leeges to meet is Arms at Hamilton for pursuing the Rebels that had usurped the Royal Authority: Many of the Nobility took her part. The Regent assembleth his Forces, there gathered to him about 40●0. The Queen's power was much greater. The Earl of Argyle was Lieutenant on the Queen's part the battle between them was fought at Langside the 13. of May 1568. The Queen who stood a mile off from the battle on a little height, perceiving the field lost, made towards the borders, the rest that escaped fled the readiest way they could find, every man to his own house, the number of the slain was about 300. Many were taken prisoners, amongst whom the most eminent was Lord Seaton & Rosse, the Mrs. of Cassels and Eglinton, Sir James Hamilton of Evendale, and Sherifts of Air and Linlithgow.  
Of the Regent's side one only was slain, the Lords home and Ochilerie wounded: all the rest with few escaped that followed the chase too far returned with him to Glasgow, where they went first to the Church and gave thanks to God for the victory they had obtained almost without any effusion of blood. This conflict happened upon the 13. of May the eleventh day after her escape from Lochlevin. The Queen fleeth to England, and writeth to Queen Elizabeth.  
The Bishop of Orkney was reponed to his place, and for removing the scandal he was enjoined in his first Sermon to make public acknowledgement of his fault, and crave forgiveness of God, the Church and State whom he had offended.  
The Duke of Chattellerault returned, and being made Deputy by the Queen, caused publish his Letters prohibiting the subjects to acknowledge any other Sovereign than the Queen, hereupon the Regent gave forth Proclamations, charging the Liege's in the King's name to meet him in Arms at Glasgow the 10. of March. The Regent and the Duke were agreed by the means of the Superintendents.  
James Hamiltoun of Bothwell-Haugh taketh in hand the Regent's murder, he is killed by him at Linlithgow as he was riding, by the shot of a Bullet: the Murderer escapeth, and the death of the Regent was greatly lamented.  
The Earl of Lennox is chosen Regent & Governor of the Realm until the King's Majority, or till he were able by himself to administrate the public affairs.  
The Regent was shot by Captain Calder at Stirling and with the same bullet Wormestoun who did what he could to save the Regent was stricken dead.  
After him the Earl of Marre was elected Regent. After the Earl of Marre was the Earl of Morton elected Regent, as the man in that time of greatest courage and counsel.  
The Earl of Morton is challenged for the murder of the King's father by Captain James Steward, and is committed, and thereafter brought to his trial, sentence is pronounced, and he execute for concealing the King's murder.  
The Queen is excute and beheaded after 19 years' captivity in England.  
The Spanish Navy was in the year of God 1583. In the year of God 1597. there was a great business for the trial of Witches. Amongst others one Margaret Aikin being apprehended upon suspicion, and threatened with torture, did confess herself guilty; being examined touching her associates in that trade, she named a few, and perceiving her delations find credit, made offer to detect all of that sort, and to purge the country of them, so she might have her life granted, for the reason of her knowledge, she said that they had a secret mark all of that sort in their eyes, whereby she could surely tell how soon she looked upon any, whether they were Witches or not, and in this she was so readily believed, that for the space of three or four months she was carried from Town to Town to make discoveries in that kind. Many were brought in question by her delations, especially at Glasgow, where divers innocent women through the credulity of the Minister Mr. John Cowper were condemned and put to death. In end she was found to be a mere deceiver, for the same persons that the one day she had declared guilty, the next day being presented in another habit, she cleansed and sent back to Fife where first she was apprehended. At her trial she affirmed all to be false that she had confessed, either of herself or others, & persisted in this to her death, which made many for think their to great forwardness that way, and moved the King to recall the commissions given out against such persons, discharging all proceed against them, except in case of voluntary confession, till a solid order should be taken by the Estates touching the form that should be keeped in their trial.  
In the year of God 16●0. was Gowries conspiracy against the King discovered, both he and his brother Mr. Alexander Ruthven were killed at St. Johnstoun, and the King delivered. The Ministers of Edinburgh, being required by the Counsel to give thanks for his Majesty's deliverance, refused to obey, excusing themselves that nothing ought to be deliv red in Pulpit, but that whereof the truth was known, and that all which is uttered in that place should be spoken in faith. When by no persuasion they could be moved to perform that duty, it was resolved that the Counsel should go together to the Market Cross, and that the Bishop of Rosse should after a naration of the King's daughter and deliverance conceive a public thanksgiving, which was done, the multitude applauding and expressing a great joy. Mr. Patrick Galloway the Mononday thereafter in presence of the King Preached at the Market Cross, who choosed the 124. Psalms for his Theme, did take occasion to discourse of all the particulars of the conspiracy, and gave the people great satisfaction, for many doubted that there had been any such conspiracy, the condition of Princes being as the Emperor Domitian said herein miserably, that even when conspiracies made against their persons are discovered, yet they are not credited unless they be slain. The King to testify his thankfulness for his deliverence mortified a thousand pound to the poor yearly to be taken of the readiest fruits of the abbacy of Scoon. After this order was taken for a public and solemn thanksgiving to be made in all the Churches of the Kingdom. The Ministers of Edinburgh who gave the refuse were commanded to remove themselves out of the town within 48. hours, and inhibited to Preach within his Majesty's dominions under the pain of death. Three of the number, to wit, Mr. Walter ●elcanquel, Mr. William Watson, and Mr. John Hall, acknowledging their fault were pardoned, Mr. James Balfour likewise remitted, But Mr. Robert Truce taking a course by himself, and saying he would reverence his Majesty's report of that accident, but could not say he was persuaded of the truth of it, was banished the King dominions, and went into France.  
The 15. of November a Parliament was held at Edinburgh, wherein sentence of the forfeiture was pronounced against Gowry and Mr. Alexander his brother, their posterity disinherited, and in detestation of the paracid attempted, the whole surname of Ruthven abolished, but this last was afterwards dispensed with; and such of that name as were known to be innocent, tolerated by the King's clemency to enjoy their surnames and titles as in former times. The bodies of the two brethren being brought to the Parliament house, were after sentence given, hanged upon a Gibbet in the public street, and then dismembered, their hands cut off and affixed upon the top of the prison house, and the 5. of August ordained to be keeped yearly in remembrance of his Majesty's delivery.  
Prince Charles was born at Dumfermling.  
The Queen of England continuing constant in her affection when she was asked a little before her death by the Lord Keeper and Secretary who were directed by the Counsel to understand her will touching her Successor, answered, none but my Cousin the King of Scots After which words she spoke not much. A Queen incomparable for wisdom and fidelity of Government. She departed this life the 24. of March, in the 70 year of her age, and 44. of her reign. The same day in the forenoon the King of Scots was proclaimed King first at the Palace of White hall next at the Cross in Cheapside within the City of London with an infinite applause of all sorts of people. But leaving the prosecution of any more occurences that fell out in this our Realm, which late Histories at large does declare, I shall close this part with one or two remarkable things specially concerning Glasgow, in reckoning out the Bishops of Glasgow till the Reformation, I find St. Mungo to be the first.  
This City was made famous at first by Kentigern commonly called St. Mungo. He was begotten by Engenius the third, King of the Scots upon Thametis Daughter to Loath King of Picts. His Mother finding herself with child, out of shame and fear of her Father's wrath, stole privily away; and entering into a little Vessel that she found in the nearest coast, was by the wind and waves cast on land where the town of Culrosse is now situated, and there was delivered of her birth, and leaving the Child with a Nurse, returned home. His Parents b●ing unknown, he was brought to Servanus and baptised, and bred up by him, yet it seems by the Hymn they did ordinarily sing in the Festivals that made his Father afterwards to be known. They repo t of him that a Lady of good place in the Country having lost a King, which her Husband gave her, as she crossed the River of Clyde, and her Husband waxing jealous, as if she had bestowed the same upon one of her lovers, she did mean herself unto him in roating his help for the safety of her honour, and that he going to the river after he had used his devotion, willed one who was making to fish, to bring him the first that he caught, which was done, in the mouth of the fish he found the Ring, and sending it to the Lady, she was thereby fred of her Husband's suspicion. The credit of this I believe upon the reports, but howsoever it be the sea and City do both of them w●ar in their Arms a fish with a ring in the mouth even to this day: He was certainly a man of rare piety, and to the poor exceeding bountiful, lived to a great age beyond the ordinary course of men, to wit nine score and five years as in the conclusion of the he is said. 
Cum octogenos centum qu●que quinque vir annos  
Complerat, sanctus est Closgow sunere sunctus.   
He laid the foundation of the high Church of Glasgow, and was therein at his d●ath interred.  
After his death for many ages the See was in a manner desolate unto the reign of Malcolm the third, who restored the same to some integrity. The first Bishop I find named after the restitution, was 1. John Achaean, who took great pains in building the Cathredal, and having brought it to a reasonable perfection did dedicate ●he same in the year 1137. Jocelin Abbot of Melrosse was his successor, in his time the City of Glasgow was erected a Burgh royal.  
Willi●m Babinton Chancellor of the Kingdom was after him elected Bishop. In his time as Both. writeth, the fabric of the Church of Glasgow was fully accomplished, his words are, absolutum est ea temp●state Templum Cat●edr●le Glasgu nsis sedes profe●to magnifica cujus ●aud exignam partem Guilielmus ibid. m Episcopus iberalitate sua extruxerat, nec d●u operi perfecto, supersuit. He died the 25. of January 1261.  
William Rae the 19 Bishop, a good and z●alo●s man build the stone Brid e of Glasgow, and died in year 1367. In the time of Mr. Matthew Gl n linen the 21. Bishop the steeple which was all built of timber w●s burnt by lightning, in place whereof he intended to build one of stone, and made therefore great preparation, but was prevented by death in the year 1408. His successor William Lawder finished the work, he was Chancellor of Scotland.  
Mr. William Tu●●bull the 25. Bishop founded the College of Glasgow.   

The cruel persecution of Christians under the TURKISH Emperors.  
NOw last of all having spoken of the persecutions of the Christians under the Roman Emperor's in a tractate by itself, and of the persecutions of the Roman Bishops in this place for the professing of the Gospel of Christ Jesus, we shall speak a little of the miserable persecutions, slaughter and captivity of the Christians under the Turks; thus from time to time the Church of Christ almost hath had little or no rest in this earth, what for the heathen Emperors on the one side, what for the proud Pope on the other side, on the third side what for the barbarous Turk, for these are and have been from the beginning the three principal and capital enemies of the Church of Christ signified in the Apocalypse, by the Beast, the false lamb, and the false prophet, from whom went out three foul spirits like Frogs, to gather together all the Kings of the Earth, to the battle of the day of the Lord God Almighty, Apoc. 16. The cruelty and malice of these enemies against Christ's people hath been such that to judge which of them most exceeded in cruelty of persecution it is hard to say, but it may be thought that the bloody and beastly tyranny of the Turks, especially above all the rest incomparable, surmounteth all the afflictions and cruel slaughters that ever were seen in any age, or read of in any story, in so much that their is neither History so perfect, nor writer so diligent, who writing of the miserable tyranny of the Turks is able to express or comprehend the horrible examples of the unspeakable cruelty and slaughter exercised by these twelve Turkish tyrrants upon poor Christian men's bodies, within the compass of these later three hundreth years. Where of although no sufficient relation can be made nor number expressed, yet to give to the Reader some general guesss or view thereof, let us first perpend and consider what Dominions and Empyres, how many countries, Kingdoms, Provinces, Cities, Towns Strong holds and forts, these Turks have surprised, and won from the Christians, in all which victories being so many. This is secondly to be noted, that there is almost no place which the Turks ever came to, and subdued, where they did not either slay all the inhabitants thereof, or led away the most part thereof into such captivity and slavery that they continued not long after alive, or else so lived that death almost had been to them more tolerable. Like as in the time of the first persecutions of the Roman Emperors, the saving was that no man could step with his feet in all Rome but should tread upon a Martyr, so here may be said that almost there is not a town, city or village in all Asia, Grecia, also in a great part of Europe and Africa, whose streets have not flowed with the blood of the Christians, whom the crueli Turks have murdered, and of whom are to be seen in Histories, Heaps of soldiers slain, of men and women cut in pieces, of children sticked upon Poles and staiks, whom these detestable Turks most spytfully (and that in the sight of their Parents) use to gore to death, some they drog at their horse tails, and famish to death, some they tore in pieces tying their arms and legs to four horse s, other some they make Mar●●s to shoot at, upon some they try their swords how deep they can cut and slash, the aged and feeble they tread under their horse, womans with child they spare not, but ●ip their bodies, and cast the Infants into the fire, or otherwise destroy them. Whether the Christians yield to them or yield not, all is a matter. As in their promises their is no truth, so in their victories there is no sense of manhood or mercy in them, but they make havoc of all. So the Citizens of Croia after they had yielded & were all promised their lives, were all destroyed & that horribly. In M sia after the King had given himself to the Turks hand having promise of life, Mahomet the Turk slew him with his own hands. The Princes of Rasia had both their eyes put out with Basins red hot set before them. Theodosia otherwise called Capha was also surrendered the Turk having the like assurance of life and safety, and yet contrare to the league the citizens were put to the sword an slain. At the winning and yielding of Lesbos what a number of young men and children were put upon sharp stakes and poles and so thrust throw At the winning of the City of Buda, what tyranny was showed and exercised against the poor Christians which had yeeled themselves, and against the two Dukes Christopher Biss●rer and Joannes Tranbunger contrary to the promise and hand writing of the Turk is to be seen in the story of Malchior Soiterns de bello pannonico.  
The like also is to be read in the story of Pernardus de Brydenbach, who writing of the talking of Hydrantum a City in Apulia, testifieth of the miserable slaughter of the young men that were there slain, of old men trodden under horse feet, of matrons and virgins ravished, of women with child cut and rend in pieces, of the Priests in the Churches slain, and of the Archbishop of that City who being an aged man, and holding the Cross in his hands, was cut asunder with a wooden Saw, etc. The same Bernardus also writing of the overthrow of Nigro-Pontus, otherwise called Chalcides, describeth the like terrible slaughter which was their exercised, where the Turk after his promise given before to the contrary, most cruelly caused all the youth of Italy to be pricked upon sharp stakes, some to be dashed against the hard stones, other some to be cut asunder in the midst, and other more with other kinds of torments to be put to death insomuch that all the streets and ways of Chalcid●s did flow with the blood of them which were there slain. In which History the foresaid Writer recordeth one memorable example of maidenly chastity, worthy of all Christians to be noted and commended. The story is told of the Praetor's daughter of that City, who being the only daughter of her father, and noted to be of an exceeding singular beauty, was saved out of the slaughter, and brought to Mahomet the Turk to be his Concubine. But she denying to consent to his Turkish appetite and filthiness, was commanded forthwith to be slain and murdered, and so died she a Martyr, keeping both here faith and her body undefiled unto Christ her Spouse. The like cruelty also was showed upon them that keeped the Castle, and afterwards yielding themselves upon hope of the Turks promise, were slain every one. What should I speak of the miserable slaughter of Methone, and the Citizens thereof, dwelling in Peloponesus who seeing no other remedy, but needs to come into the Turks hands, set the Barn on fire wherein they were gathered together, men, women, and Children, some women also with child voluntarily cast themselves into the sea, rather than they would sustain the Turks captivity. Miserable it is to behold, long to recite, incredible to believe all the cruel attempts, and horrible slaughters wrought by these miscreants against the Christians through all places almost of the world, both in Asia, and Africa, but especially in Europe, etc. At the siege of Vienna, were all the Christian captives were brought before the whole Army and slain, and divers drawn in pieces with horses, but especially at the winning of Constantinople , also at Croia and Methone, what beastly cruelty was shed, it is unspeakable, for as in Constantinople Mahomet the drunken Turk never risen from dinner, but he caused every day for his disport 300. Christian captives of the Nobles of that City to be slain before his face. So in Methone after that his Captain Omares had sent unto him at Constantinople five hundred prisoners of the Christians, the cruel tyrant commanded them all to be cut and divided asunder by the middle, and so being slain, to be thrown out into the fields.  
Leonicus Chalcondyla writing of the same story, addeth moreover a prodigious narration (if it be true) of a brute Ox, who being in the fields, and seeing the carcases of the dead bodies so cut in two, made there a loud noise after the lowing of his kind and nature, and afterwards coming to the quarters of the dead bodies lying in the field, first took up t●e one half, and then coming again took up likewise the other half, and so (as he could) joined them both together. Which being espied of them which saw the doing of the brute Ox, and marveling thereat, & word being brought thereof to Mahomet▪ he commanded the quarter's again to be brought where they were before, to prove whether the beast will come again, who failed not (as the Author record●th) but in like sort as before, taking the fragments of the dead Co●ps, laid them again together. It followeth more in the Author, how that Mahomet being astonished at the strange wonder of the Ox, commanded the quarters of the Christian men's body to be interred, and the Ox to be brought to his house and much made of. Some said it to be the body f a Ven●ian, some affirmed that he was an Illyrian, but whatsoever he was, certain it is that the Turk himself was much more bestial than was the brute Ox, which being a beast, shown more sense of humanity to a dead man then one man did to another.  
What Christian heart will no● pity the incredible slaughter done by the Turks in Euboia, where Fab●r testifieth that innumerable people sticked and gored upon stakes, divers were thrust through with a hot iorn, children and infants yet not wained f am the mother were b●shed against the stones, and many cut asunder in the midst. But never did country taste and feel more the better and deadly tyranny of the Turks, than did Rasia called Mysia Inferior, and now Servia, where the Prince of the same Country being sent for, under fair pretence of words and promises to come and speak with the Turk after he was come of his own gentleness, thinking no harm, was apprehended, and wretchedly and falsely put to death, and his skin slain off, his brother and sister brought to Constantinople for a triumph, and all the Nobles of his Country, as Faber addeth, had their eyes put out, etc. Briefly to conclude, by the vehement and furious rage of those cursed catiffs: It may seem that Satan the old Dragon, for the great hatred he beareth to Christ, hath stirred them up to be the Butchers of all Christian people▪ inflaming their beastly hearts with such malice and cruelty against the name and Religion of Christ, that they degenerating from the nature of men to devils, neither by reason will be ruled, nor by any blood or slaughter satisfied.  
And now to speak a little of the miserable estate of the Christian captives under the Turk. And here, First is to be noted that the Turk never cometh into Europe to war against the Christians, but there followeth after his Army a great number of brokers or Merchants, such as buy men, and children to sell again, bringing with them long chains in hope of great cheats. In the which chains they lock them by fifty and sixty together, such as remain undestroyed with the sword, whom they buy of the spoils of them that rob and spoil the Christian countries, which is lawful for any of the Turks Army to do, so that the tent of their spoil or prey (whatsoever it be) be reserved to the head Turk, that is to the great Mr. Chief. Of such as remain for tithe if they be aged of whom very few be reserved alive, because little profit cometh of that age) they be sold to the use of husbandry or keeping of beasts. If they be young men or women they be sent to certain places there to be instructed in their language and Arts, as shall be most profitable for their advantage, and such are called in their tongue Sarai, and the first care of the Turk is this to make them to deny the Christian Religion and to be circumcised, and after that they are appointed every one as he seemeth most apt, either to the learning of their Laws, or else to learn the fates of the war, the first Rudiments of war is to handle the bow, first beginning with a weak Bow, and so as they grow in strength coming to a stronger Bow, and if they miss the Mark, they are sharply beaten, and their allowance is two pence or three pence a day, till they come to take Wages to serve in War. Some are brought up for the purpose to be placed in the number of the wicked Janziarics, that is the order of the Turks Champion, which is the most abominable condition of all other. And if any of the foresaid young men or children shall appear to excel in any beauty, him they so cut, that on part of that which nature giveth to man remaineth to be seen in all his body, whereby while the freshness of age continueth, he is compelled to serve their abominable abomination, and when age cometh then they serve instead of Eunuches to wait upon Matrons, or keep horses or mules, or else to be secullians as drudges in their Kitchens. Such as be young Maidens and beautiful, are deputed for Concubines. They which be of mean beauty, serve for Matrons for their drudgery work in their houses and chambers, or else are put to spinning and such other Labours, but so that it is not lawful for them either to profess their Christian Religion, or ever to hope for any liberty. And thus much for them that fall to the Turk by tithe. The other● which are bought and sold among private subjects, first alured with fair words and promises to take circumcision, which if they will do, they are more favourable entreated, but all hope is taken from them of returning again into their own country, which if they attempt, the pain thereof is burning. And if such, coming at length to liberty will marry, they may, but then their children remain bound to the Lord for him to s●ll at his pleasure, and therefore such as are wsse among them marry. They which refuse to be circumcised are miserably handled, etc. When they are brought to the Market to be sold, the buyer if he be disposed, plucking off their garments, vieweth all the bones and joints of the body, and if he like them, he giveth his pierce and carrieth them away into miserable servitude, either to tilling of their ground, or to p●stor their Cattles, or some other strange kind of misery incredible to speak of, so much that certain of such Christian captives yoked together like Horse and Oxen, draw in the plough. The maidservants likewise are keeped in perpetual toil and work in close places, where they neither come in sight of any man, neither be they permitted to have any talk with their fellow servants, etc. Such as are committed to keep beasts, lie abroad day and night in the wild fields, without house and harbour, and so changing their P●sture, go from mountain to mountain, of whom also b●side the office of keeping the beasts, other handy-labour is exacted at spare hours, such as pleaseth their masters to put them unto. And such is the lamentable afflictions of our christian brethren under the cruel tyranny and captivity of the Turks, p●ssing all other captivities that ever have been to God's people, either under Pharaoh in Egypt▪ or under Nebu●hadn●zzar in Babylon, or under Antio●hus in the time of the Maccabees. We are to pity the lamentable slavery that christians are in under the barbarous Turks, and to pray for their delivery, and to be thankful to God for our liberty and freedom.   
FINIS.