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THE
MARTYRS,
OR A
HISTORY OF PERSECUTION-
FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF CHRISTIANITY TO THE
PRESENT TIME:
INCLUDING AN ACCOUNT OF THE TRIALS, TORTURES
AND TRIUMPlff ANT DEATHS OF MANY WHO
HAVE SUFFERED MARTYRDOM.
COMPILED FROM THE WORKS OF FOX AJ^D OTHERS.
Sir MARTIN EUTEH, S. T. B.
President of Augusta College,
CINCINNATI:
PUBLISHED BY R. ROBBINSr.
Printed at the Ctuoniole Ofi^ccr
18^0,
ii^: . :■ .■■■
I <-iK^
X*
_ , DISTRICT OF; PlaiO, SCT,
BE IT 'HEMEMBERED, that x)n the 14th day^xf' JVf arch, iir^^ifef^'i*;
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty, and in OTb/'.'^
54th year of the Independence of the United States of. Ameri(^- '".^
Robbins &, Deming, of said district, have deposited in , ttiis qffice;.tftp , •
title of a book, the right whereof they claim as proprietors,, .jnip^ ;
words and figures following— :*to -wit : , ".'"." ''•'■
^'■The MARTYRS, or a History of Persecution, /ram Xhelco^nmenctr^
mentof Christianity to the present time, including ariiCcauntsif. the trialsi,
tortures, and triumphant deaths of many whfi havv>^it^red%riicirtyrdom'. ..■
Compiled from the works of Fox andotheri.xjBy:'Mi^TIN. RUJlE^, ':
S. T. D. president of Augusta College.''' ."T - ' \
In conformity to the act of Congress of the UftiteS States entitled an
Qct for the encouragement of learning, jjggjj^^ng t.^ c6{)les of ma-figy 'r\*
charts and books, to authors and proprietors of such,, copies dtrffl^" ^,:
the times therein mentioned; and also an act entitled an act suppler /.
mentary to an act entitled an act for the encouragement of learpfng," *^*.
by securing the copies of maps, charts and books, to fhe authors an<jl' ' ?
proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned, and ex-
tending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engfavin^j c^jd
etching historical and Other prints. • ■•; .^
WILLIAM MINERv_ : '> vi;!
Clerk of the District of. Oh%4» •
■•<,■/.'.■.■•-■ %\
I-
•&^
PREFACE.
The firmness and integrity, the piety, patience, and
resignation of those who have suffered in the Christian
cause, have been subjects of admiration from the days of
our Saviour unto the present time. In view of such
irresistable evidence for Christianity, beUevers have been
comforted, the wavering confirmed in the truth, and con-
viction has seized the mind of the Skeptick. The history
of persecution presents to the world a scene of the deep-
est interest and astonishment; in which pious persons of
both sexes, of every age and condition, resolutely endured
the severest tortures, and met death in the most terrible
forms, for the sake of true religion.
When an immense army of witnesses had fallen victims
to Pagan malice, and persecution seemed almost ^eary
of its prey, it was renewed with increasing horrour by a
pf>np1/:» li^nring tli^ nnmo r^f CViricf An apOStatC church,
destitute of primitive Christianity, having mixed Pagan
rites with Christian forms of worship, assumed to herself
the prerogative of enforcing uniformity of opinion; and
with the Pope at her head, aided by the civil power, she
has, during several centuries, made dreadful havock of the
true Church, and added miUions to the list of martyrs.
That the spirit of intolerance is still abroad in the Earthy
we have abundant evidence ; but in America, and in some
parts of the Eastern continent, the enlightened policy of
civil government affords it but little encouragement, and
the rights of conscience are now more generally respected,-
than at any former period.
lY VREfACE.
The following work is intended to exhibit ii concise
view of the principal Christian martyrs, whose sufferings
have been recorded, and the diabolical intolerance under
which they suffered. In compiling it, I have had recourse
to several of the best authorities, but have copied chiefly
from Fox's Book of Martyrs. Among the works which
have been written on the subject, that of Mr. Fox has
been prepared with great labour, and possesses superior
merit; but being large, and expensive, it has a limited
circulation. The present work contains the most valuable
part of that, with many improvements, and a considerable
proportion of additional matter. In this form, it cannot
fail of being ijiteresting to the reader ; and should it prove
useful in extending light and knowledge, in discouraging
an intolerant spirit, and in advancing the true interests of
Christianity, my object in preparing it, will be fully ac?
complished.
M. R.
AucmsTAj January 1, 1830.
THE MARTYRS, AsCa
PART 1.
CHAPTER I.
BUFFERINGS OF CHRIST, HIS APOSTLES, EVANGELISTS, AND
DEACONS.
In surveying the history of the world, we find nothing
that furnishes a more striking evidence of human depravi-
ty, than the spirit of persecution displayed against Chris-
tianity, and the attempt of one man, or society of men, to
exercise authority over the consciences of others in mat-
ters of religion. This spirit has prevailed in different
ages and countries, and no wars have been conducted
with more perseverance and cruelty, than the wars waged
against the free exercise of religious principles.
Of the early sufferers in the Christian cause, the ac-
counts transmitted to us are brief^ including little more
than some principal events of their lives, and the circum-
stances of their n^artyrdom. In many instances we have
only the names and the history of their last moments ; and
there is good reason for believing that thousands have
died under the most dreadful tortures, whose names have
never been recorded.
The great Head of the Church was surrounded, du-
ring- the whole of his ministry, with the most bitter hostil-
ity, and with continual persecution, until he suffered the
death of the cross-. St. John the Baptist, and St.
Stephen, who were his faithful witnesses, were both the:
1*
X) HISTOnV OP THE MARTYRS.
victims of persecution; the one by being beheaded in
prison before the crucilixion of Christ, the other by being
stoned to death a short time after that event. For an
account of the sufferings and death of our Saviour, and
of the deaths of these two faithful v^^itnesses, the reader
is referred to the four Gospels, and the Acts of the Apos-
tles, as contained in the New Testament.
Upon the death of Stephen, a very cruel persecution
arose in Jerusalem and its vicinity, which was conducted
with the most horrid scenes of blood and outrao^e. The
prejudice of the Jews led them to unite with the Pagans
in attempting to destroy the Christian Churchyand dread-
ful tortures were inflicted on old and young of both sexes,
w^ho would not renounce their faith in Christ. Nicanor^
the deacon, together with two thousand Christians suffer-
ed martyrdom; many others finding no place of safety,
fled from the city, and the disciples were much scattered.
St. James the Great, was a Galilean, and brother to
Hi John. His father was a fisherman, and being one day
fishing with his father in the sea of Galilee, he and his
brother were called by their Lord and master to follow^
him. They obeyed tlic call, and were witnesses of his
miracles and sufferings. Herod Agrippa, raised a perse-
cution against the Church, and singled out James as a
particular object of revenge. He was apprehended and
condemned to death; but his faith sustained him in every
trial, and he rejoiced in the prospect of suffering for the
sake of Christ. Such was his firmness and intrepidity
under his sentence, that his accuser became a penitent
and a believer. This so enraged the magistrates, that
they condemned him also to death ; and James and his
converted accuser were slain with the same sword. About
the same time Timon and Parmenas, who were two of the
seven deacons^ suffered martyrdom ; the first at Corinth,
the latter at PhiVippi in Macedonia.
St. Philip was a native of Bethsaida, in Galilee. He
is said to have preached, after the resurrection of Christ,
in upper Asia, and to have laboured dilligently in his
apostleship. He afterwards travelled into Phrygia; and
when he arrived at Heliopolis. he found the inhabitants sa
IHSTOKY OP THE MARTYRS. '
5Uiik in iMorance and idolatry that they adored a hideous
serpent. After being instrumental in converting many ot
the inhabitants to Christianity, he succeeded in procuring
the death of the serpent. For this he was arrested, com-
mitted to prison, scourged with great cruelty, and after-
wards crucified. St. Bartholomew took down his body
from the cross, and had it interred; but this so enraged
the magistrates, that he was very near shanng tlie same
fate. This martyrdom happened eight years after the
death of James the Great, A. D. 52.
St. Matthew was a native of Nazareth, in Gahlee,
but resided during a part of h'f.f'"?,^' Capernaum Of
his early life, Uttle is known. (1) He was a collector of
tribute, and was sitting at the receipt of custom, when he
received the divine call to be a disciple and a mmister of
Christ. He obeyed the call, and accompanied his divine
Master through'various scenes of labour and sufferm^.
After Christ's ascension, he remained about mne years n
Judea, preaching to the inhabitants, and budding up the
cause of Christianity. Having determined on leaving
Judea, that he might visit other parts and preach among
the Gentiles, he wrote his gospel in Hebrew for the use of
the Jewish 'converts. (This work was translated into
Greek by James the Less.) He then departed foi Ethio-
^Tia! where he laboured with great succcss-ordaining
pre'achers and establishing churches in v^'nous p W
He visited Parthia, where he also beheld Chnstianit,
"reading, converts multiplying, and the church m prospei^
>fv. On his return to Ethiopia he was slam, it is said, by
a halberd,in the city of Nadabar, about the y^fjf-
St. Mark. This evangelist and martyr was by birth
1 Je^v of the tribe of Levi. After becoming a disciple,
he':;i^nded St. Peter in his apostolick f -F-^";-^^
When at Rome, the converts requested tnat ne wouta
commit to writing the instructions which they had receivea
from him and others who had preached to hem Ae gospel
n compliance with their request, he wrote ^^ f^Pf "l
the Greek language. Leaving Rome, he departed foi
Alexandria, and afterwards visited and made converts m
1 This may be said of allthe apostles, except St. Pa-iL
8 HISTORY CF THE MARTYRS.
Lybia, On his return to Alexandria, some of the Egyp-
tians, enraged at his si*ccess against idolatry, resolved on
his death. They dragged him through the streets, threw
Inm, mangled and bruised, into a dungeon, where he
remained during the night; and on the next day, they
burned his body. His bones were gathered up by the
Christians and decently interred. A seminary, which was
established at Alexandria under the patronage of Chris-
tians, and of high reputation for learning and piety, is said
to have been founded by this faithful and persevering ser-
vant of Christ.
The apostle James, called James the Less, to distinguish
him from the other disciple of the same name, was b>shop
of Jerusalem. He -vrote his epistle to suppress a danger-
ous crrour then spreading, viz. " That faitli in Christ was
alone sufficient for salvation, without good works." The
Jews being enraged that Paul had escaped from their
hands, by appealing to Rome, determined to wreak their
vengeance on James, who was then 94 years of age. — *-
They beat and stoned him, and afterwards dashed out his
brains with a club..
St. Matthias was called to the apostleship after the
death of Christ, to supply the vacant place o# Judas. —
Previously to this he had been one of the seventy disciples.
He was martyred at Jerusalem, being first stoned and then
beheaded.
St. Andrew was the brother of St. Peter, and a faithful
martyr. He preached the gospel in different parts of
Asia, labouring much to turn the multitudes from idolatr}-.
On arriving at Edessa, he was threatened and abused for"
preaching against the idols that were worshipped by the
inhabitants. The apostle persisting in his labours, was
ordered to be crucified on a cross, two ends of which wei e
transversely fixed in the ground. He told his accusers
that he would not have preached the glory of the cross, if
he had feared to die on it. He was not nailed to the cross,
but fastened to it with cords, that his death might be more
slow and painful. In this situation he is said to have
continued two days — sometimes preaching to the people in
the midst of his sufferings; after which he expired..
HISTORY OF THE MARl VRS. 9
St. PfJTER. This apostle was bom at Bctiisaida, in
Galilee, being the son of Jonah, a tisherman, — which
employment St. Peter himself followed. After becoming
a disciple, he gave evidence of great zeal for the service
of Christ, and appeared as the principal speaker among
the apostles. He had the weakness to deny his Master at
a time of great trial, but the sincerity of his repentance
was manifest through the whole of his subsequent life.
After the death of Christ, the Jews continued to perse-
cute the Christians ; and caused several of them, among
w^hom was Peter, to be scourged. This punishment they
bore with gladness, rejoicing that they were accounted
worthy to suffer for the sake of their Redeemer.
When Herod Agrippa caused St. James to be put to
death, and found that it pleased the Jews, he resolved that
Peter should fall the next sacrifice. He was accordingly
thrown into prison ; from which, however, he escaped by a
providential interposition. After various labours, miracles,
and much suffering, he is said to have retired to Rome,
where he was thrown into prison by order of Nero. —
Having been nine months in prison, Peter was brought out
for execution. After being severely scourged, he was
crucified with his head downwards. This manner of cru-
cifixion was what he had particularly requested, deeming
himself unvp-orthy to suffer as Christ had.
St. Paul was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born at
To reus in Cilicia. His education was of the best kind, both
in learning and morals, as far as they were then understood.
He was at first a most determined enemy to the Christian
cause, and a bitterjjersecutor of those who espoused it.
But after a miraculous conversion, he became a strenuous
supporter and an able minster of the gospels At Iconium,
Paul and Barnabas were near being stoned to death by the
enraged Jews. At Lystra, Paul was stoned, dragged out
of the city, supposed to be dead ; but afterwards he revived.
At Philippi, Paul and Silas were imprisoned and scourged.
Being afterwards taken at Jerusalem, he was sent to Cae-
sarea; but appealing to Caesar, he was sent to Rome. At
Rome he remained a prisoner at large for two years; but
•"ontinued to instruct and exhort all who came in his way,
10 HISTORY OF THE MARTVKS'.
and was useful to many. At length being released, he
visited the churches of Greece and Rome, and preached
in Gaul and Iberia. Returning to Rome, he was again
apprehended, and by order of Nero, received the crown
of martyrdom by being beheaded. His abundant l^ours,
extensive usefulness, and remarkable humility, are evident
from his own epistles, and from what is said in the Acts of
the Apostles concerning him.
St. Jude was the brother of James, and was sometimes
called Thaddaeus. Being sent to Edessa, he was exten-
sively useful, and made many converts to the Christian
cause. But the indignation of the Pagans was excited
against him, and he was crucified in the year 72.
Bartholomew, the apostle of Christ, is said to have
preached in several countries, and wrought miracles in
healing diseases. He translated St. Matthew's gospel into
the Indian language, and propagated it in that country. —
Persecution arose against him, and the idolaters becoming
exasperated, he was arrested, severely beaten, flayed, and
then crucified.
St. Thomas was called by this name in Syriack, but in
Greek he was called Didymus. He was an apostle of
Christ, and preached in Parthia and India; in which
places he was much persecuted — and in India he was
finally murdered, by being thrust through with a spear.
St. Luke, the evangelist, was the author of the gospel
that bears his name in the New Testament. He travelled
with St. Paul to Rome, and preached in various places to
the benighted Pagans, until he became the victim of their,
malice. The Pagan priests at G i e^ce hanged him upon a
tree. ^
St. Simon. This apostle and martyr was distinguished
by the name of Zelotes, on account of his zeal for Chris-
tianity. He preached with great success in Mauritania,
and other parts of Africa, and even in Britain, vrhere he
made many converts. He was crucified under Trajan, in
the year 74.
St. John was distinguished by being a prophet, apostle,
evangelist, and divine. He was a brother to James the
Great, and called the beloved disciple. He founded chur-
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. H
"^es m Smyrna, Pergamus, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodi-
cea, and Thyatyra, to whom, with the church at Ephesus,
he directs his book of Revelations. Beir.g at Ephesus, he
was ordered by the emperour Domitian to be sent bound
to Rome, where he was condemned to be cast into boiling
oil. But this sentence was executed without any injury
to him, and he was banished to the island of Patmos. He
was afterwards released from banishment by the empe-
rour Nerva. He was the only apostle who escaped a vio-
lent death ; and this seems to have been by miraculous inter-
position. He lived longer than any other apostle, and died
in peace, being nea»r one hundred years of age.
CHAP. n.
THE FIRST GENERAL PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS,
WHICH BEGAN IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD SIXTY-SEVEN,
UNDER THE REIGN OF THE E3IPER0R NERO,
This monarch reigned, for five years, with credit to
himself, but then gave way to the most extravagant and
atrocious barbarities. He ordered that the city of Rome
should be set on fire, by his officers, guards, and servants ;
and whilst the imperial city was in flames, he went up to
the tower of Maecenas, played upon his lyre, sung the song
of the burning of Troy^ and declared, "That he wished
the ruin of all things before his death." Among the no-
ble buildings burnt was the Circus, capable of accommo-
dating 100,000 spectators. Besides this, many palaces
and houses were consumed ; and thousands of the inhabi-
tants perished in the flames, being smothered with the
smoke, or buried beneath the ruins.
This dreadful conflagration continued nine days ; when
Nero, finding a severe odium cast upon him, determined
to lay the whole upon the Christians, at once to excuse
himself, and have an opportunity of glutting his sight
with new cruelties. Thus commenced the first general
persecution; and the barbarities exercised upon the
•Christians were such as even excited the conimiseration
12 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
of the Romans themselves. Nero even refined upon cru-
elty towards the Christians. In particular, he had some
sewed up in the skins of wild beasts, and then w^orried by
dogs till they expired; and others were dressed in gar-
ments made stiti" with wax, fixed to axle-trees, and set on
fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This per-
secution was general throughout the Roman empire; but
it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christi-
anity. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were
martyred.
Erastus, chamberlain of Corinth, converted through
the ministry o^^t, Paul, determined to follow the fortune
of that apospe. He therefore resigned his office, and ac-
companied 1§t. Paul in his voyages and travels, till the
latter left him in Macedonia, where he .was appointed
bishop of that province by the Christians; and afterwards
suflfered martyrdom, being tortured to death by the Pa-
gans at Philippi.
Aristarchus, the constant companion of St. Paul, hav-
ing accompanied him to Rome, suffered the same fate
as the apostle ; for being seized as a Christian, he was
beheaded by the command of Nero.
Trophimus, an Ephesian by birth, and a Gentile by re-
ligion, was converted by St. Paul to the Christian faith,
and was witness to the martyrdom of his master, wliich
was but the forerunner of his own; for being soon after
seized on account of his faith, he was beheaded by Nero's
express orders.
Joseph, commonly called Barsabas, was a primitive
disciple, and usually deemed one of the seventy. He was
related to our blessed Redeemer, and became a candidate,
together with Matthias, to fill the vacant place of Judas
Iscariot, the traitor.
During his life he was a zealous preacher of the gospel ;
and havingreceived many insults from the Jews, at length
w^s murdered by the Pagans in Judea.
Ananius, bishop of Damascus, celebrated in the sacred
writings for beirtg the person who cured St. Paul of the
blindness with which he was struck by the amazing bright-
ness which happened at his conversion, was one of the
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 13
seventy, and martyred in the city of Damascus. After
his death a Christian church was built over the place of
his burial, now converted into a Turkish mosque.
CHAP. III.
THE SECOND GENERAL PERSECUTION OF THE PRIMITIVE
CHRISTIANS, UNDER THE EMPEROR DOMITIAN.
DoMiTiAN, naturally inclined to cruelty, first slew his
brother, and then raised the second persecution against
the Christians ; he even put to death many of the Roman
senators; some through malice, and others to confiscate
their estates. He then commanded all the lineage of Da-
vid to be put to death. Two Christians were brought
before the emperor, and accused of being of the tribe of
Judah, and line of David ; but, from their answers, he de-
spised them as idiots, and dismissed them accordingly.
Determined to be more secure upon other occasions, he
took away the substance of many Christians, banished
others, aad put several to death.
During this persecution, Simeon, bishop of Jerusalem,
was crucified ; and St. John was boiled in oil, and after-
wards banished to Patmos. Flavia, the daughter of a Ro-
man senator, was likewise banished to Pontus ; and a law
was made, that no Christian, once brought before the
tribunal, should be exempted from punishment without
renouncing his religion.
A variety of fabricated tales Avere, during this reign,
composed, in order to injure the Christians. They were
accused of holding indecent nightly meetings, and being
of a rebellious turbulent spirit to the Roman empire, of
murdering their children, and even of being cannibals.
The infatuation of the Pagans was so great, that if famine,
pestilence, or earthquakes, afflicted any of the Roman
provinces, it was laid upon the Christians. These perse-
cutions increased tlie number of informers: and many, for
the sake of gain, perjured themselves to destroy the inno-
cent Christians.
14 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Another cruelty was, that when any Christians were
brought before the magistrate?^, a test oath was proposed,
and on refusal to take it, death was pronounced against
them; and the sentence was the same, if they confessed
themselves Christians, and they suffered the various kinds
of punishments of imprisonment, racking, searing, boiling,
burning, scourging, stoning, strangling, hanging, &c.
Some were torn piecemeal with red-hot pincers; and
others tiirown upon the horns of wild bulls! After hav-
ing suffered these cruelties, the friends of the deceased
Christians were refused the privilege of burying their
remains.
The most remarkable among the numerous martyrs,
who suffered during this persecution, were
DioNYsius, the Areopagite, an x\thenian by birth, and
educated in all the useful and ornamental literature of
Greece. He then travelled to Egypt to study astronomy,
and made very particular observations on the great and
supernatural eclipse which happened at the time of our
Saviour's crucifixion.
On his return to Athens he was highly honoured by the
people, and at length promoted to the dignity of senator of
that celebrated city. Becoming a convert to the gospel,
he changed from the Pagan magistrate to the pious Chris-
tian pastor.
The sanctity of his conversation, and purity of his man-
ners, recommended him so strongly to the Christians in
general, that he was appointed bishop of Athens. He dis-
charged his duty with the utmost diligence till the second
year of tliis persecution, A. D. 96, when he was appre-
hended and beheaded.
NicoMEDEs, a Christian of distinction at Rome, during
the rage of Domitian's persecution, sensed the afflicted,
by comforting the poor, visiting those confined, exhorting
the w^avering, and confirming the faithful. For these and
other pious actions, he was seized as a Christian, and
scourged to death.
Protasus and Gervvsius were martyred at Milan.
Timothy, the celebrated disciple of St. Paul, and bish-
op of Ephesus, w^as born at Lystra, in the province of
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 15
Lycaonia, his father being a Gentile, and his mother a
Jewess. But both his parents and his grandmother em-
braced Christianity, by which means young Timothy was
taught the precepts of the gospel from his infancy.
St. Paul sent to Timothy while he was in his last con-
finement at Rome, to come to him; and, after that great
apostle's martyrdom, he returned to Ephesus, where he
zealously governed the church till A. D. 97. At this pe-
riod the Pagans celebrating a feast called Catagogion, the
principal ceremonies of which were, that the people should
carry battons in their hands, go masked, and bear about
the streets the images of their gods. Timothy met the
procession, and severely reproved them for their ridicu-
lous idolatry, which so exasperated the people, that they
fell upon him with their clubs, and beat him in so dread-
ful a manner, that he expired of the bruises two days af-
ter.
CHAP. IV.
THE THIRD GENERAL PERSECUTION OF THE PRIMITIVE
CHRISTIANS.
Nerva succeeding Domitian, gave a respite to the
Christians ; but reigning only thirteen months, his succes-
sor, Trajan, in the tenth year of his reign, A, D. 108, be-
gan the third persecution against the Christians. Whilst
the persecution raged, the second Pliny wrote to the em-
peror in favour of the Christians ; to whose epistle Tra-
jan returned this ambiguous answer; '^The Christians
ought not to be sought after; but when brought before
the magistracy, they should be punished."
Such an absurd reply made TertuUian exckiim in the
following words, "O, confused sentence 1 he would not
have them sought for as innocent, and yet would have
them punished as guilty." The emperor's answer, how-
ever, occasioned the persecution in some measure to abate,
as his officers were uncertain, if they carried it on with
severity, how he might choose to wrest his own meaning.
Trajan, however, soon after wrote to Jerusalem, and gave
16 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
orders to his officers to exterminate the stock of David;
in consequence of which, all that could he found of that
race were nnurdered,
Sympiiorosa, a widow, and her seven sons, being com-
manded by the emperor, to sacrifice to the heathen deities,
unanimously refused to comply with such an impious re-
quest; tlie emperour,inarage, told her, that, for her obsti-
nacy, herself, and her sons, should be slain, to appease the
wrath of his offended deities: to which she answered,
'•That if he murdered her and her children, the idols he'
adored would only be held in the greater detestation."
The emperour, greatly exasperated at this, ordered her
to be carried to the temple of Hercules, where she was
scourged, and hung up, for some time, by the hair of her
head; then a large stone was fastened to her neck, and
she was thrown into the river, where she expired. The
sons were fastened to seven posts, and being drawn up by
pulhes, their limbs were dislocated. After being some
time under these tortures, they were stabbed in various
places, until they expired.
Phocas, bishop of Pontus, refusing to sacrifice to Nep-
tune, was, by the immediate order of Trajan, cast first in-
to a hot hme-kiln, and then thrown into a scalding bath
where he expired, '
Trajan likewise commanded the martyrdom of Ignatius,
bisaop of Antioch. This holy man was the person whom
when an infant, it has been said, Christ took into his arms
and shewed him to his disciples, as one that w^ould be a
pattern of humility and innocence. He received the gos-
pel afterwards from St. John the evangelist, and was ex-
ceedingly zealous in his mission. Having boldly vindica-
ted the faith of Christ before the emperour,he was cast into
prison, and tormented in the following most cruel manner.
After being dreadfully scourged, he was compelled to
hold fire in his hands; and at the same time, papers dip-
ped in 01 were put to his sides, and set on fire. His
flesh was then torn with red-hot pincers; and at last he
was dispatched by being torn to pieces by wild beasts.
Irajan being succeeded by Adrian, the latter contin-
ued this persecution with as much severitv as his predeces-
HISTORY OP THE MxVRTYRS. , 17
sor. About this time Alexander, bishop of Rome, and
his two deacons, were martyred; as were Quirinus and
Hermes, with their famihes ; Zenon, a Koman nobleman,
and about ten thousand other Christians.
In Mount Ararat many were crucified, crowned with
thorns, and spears ran into their sides, in imitation of
Christ's passion, Eustachius, a brave and successful Ro-
man commander, was by the emperour ordered to join in
an idolatrous sacrifice to celebrate some of his own victo-
ries ; but his faith (being a Christian in his heart) was so
much greater than his vanity, that he nobly refused it.
Enraged at the denial, the ungrateful emperour forgot the
services of this skilful commander, and ordered him and
his whole family to be martyred.
At the inartyrdom of Faustines and Jovita, brothers and
citizens of Brescia, their torments were so many, and
their patience so great, that Calocerius, a Pagan, behold-
ing them, was struck with admiration, and exclaimed, in
a kind of extasy, "Great is the God of the Christians!"
for which he was apprehended, and suffered a similar fate.
Many other similar cruelties and rigours were exercis-
ed against the Christians, till Quadratus, bishop of Athens,
made a learned apology in their favour before ihe empe-
rour, who happened to be there; and Aristides, a philoso-
pher of the same city, wrote an elegant epistle, which
caused Adrian to relax in his severities. He indeed went
so far as to command that no Christian should be punish-
ed on the score of religion or opinion only: but this gcive
other handles against them to the Jews and Pagans; who
began to employ and suborn false witnesses, to accuse
them of crimes against the state, or civil autliority.
Adrian dying in the year A. D. 138, was succeeded by
Antonius Pius, one of the most amiable monarchs that ev-
er reigned: his people giving him a title which he justly
deserved, viz. The Father of Virtues. Immediately
upon his accession to the imperial throne, he published an
edict, forbidding any farther persecutions against the
Christians, and concluded it in these words : "If any here-
after shall vex or trouble the Christians, having no other
cause but that they are such, let the accused be released,
18 IIISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
and the accusers be punished." This stopped the perse
cution; and the Christians enjoyed a respite from theii
sufferings during this emperor's reign; though their ene-
mies took all occasions privately to do them every injury
in their power.
CHx\P. V.
THE FOURTH GENERAL PERSECUTION OF THE PRIMITIVE
CHRISTIANS, A. D. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO.
The fourth persecution was commenced under Antoni-
nus, surnamed the Philosopher; who succeeded the former,
and was a strenuous Pagan.
The cruelties used in this persecution were such that
many of the spectators shuddered with horror, and were
astonished at the intrepidity of the sufferers. Some of
the martyrs were obliged to pass with their already
wounded feet over thorns, nails, sharp shells, &c. their
points being upwards; otiiers were scourged till their
sinews and veins were laid bare ; and, after suffering the
most excruciating torturs that could be devised, were de-
stroyed by the most terrible deaths.
Germanicus, a young Christian, being delivered to the
wild beasts on account of his faith, behaved with such as-
tonishing courage, that several Pagans became converts
to the faith which inspired such fortitude;
Polycarp, the pious and venerable bishop of Smyrna,
hearing that persons were about to apprehend him, es-
caped, but was discovered by a child. From this circunrt-
stance, he concluded that it was God's will that he sliould
seal his faith with martyrdom. He therefore would not
attempt to make a second e§cape, when he had an oppor-
tunity of so doing. Those who apprehended him, were
amazed at his serene countenance, and comely gravity.
After feasting them, he desired an hour in prayer, which
being allowed, he prayed with such fervency, that his
guards repented they had been instrumental in taking
him. He was, however, carried before the pro-consuL
v^^'
w^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 19
condemned, and conducted to the market-place. Wood
being provided, the holy man earnestly prayed to heaven,
after being bound to the stake ; and as the flames grew ve-
hement, the tormentors gave way on each side, the heat be-
coming intolerable. In the mean time the bishop sang
praises to God in the midst of the flames. Twelve other
Christians, who had been intimate with Polycarp, were
soon after martyred.
Metrodorus, a minister, who had boldly preached, and
Pionius, who made some excellent apologies for the
Christian faith, were likewise burnt. Carpus and Papilus,
and Agathonica, a pious woman, suffered martyrdom at
Pargamopolis, in Asia.
Felicitatis, an illustrious Roman lady, of a considerable
family, and the most shining virtues, had seven sons, whom
she had educated with the most exemplary piety. The
empire having been, about this time, grievously troubled
with earthquakes, famine, inundations, &c. the Christians
were accused as the cause, and Felicitatis was included
in the accusation. The lady and her family being seized,
the emperour gave orders to Publius, the governor of
Rome, to proceed against her.
Publius began with the mother, thinking that if he
could prevail upon her to change her religion, that the
example would have great influence with her sons. Find-
ing her inflexible, he turned his intreaties to menaces, and
threatened destruction to herself and family, She des-
pised his threats as she had done his promises ; on which
lie began with the sons, whom he examined separately.
They, however, remained unanimously steadfast in their
faith, on which, the whole family were ordered for execution.
Januarius, the eldest, was scourged, and pressed to death
with weights: Felix and Philip had their brains dashed
out with clubs ; Silvanus was murdered by being thrown
from a precipice ; and the three younger sons, viz. Alex-
ander, VitaUs, and Martial, were all beheaded. With
respect to the mother, she was beheaded with the same
sword as the three latter.
Justin, the celebrated philosopher, fell a martyr in
Ihis persecution. He was a native of Neapolis^ in Sa-^
20 HISTORY OF Tilt: MARTVRS.
maria, and was born A. J). 103. Justin was a great lover
of truth, and a universal scholar. He investi^Jtted the
Stoic and Peripatetic philosophy, and attempted the
Pythagorean; but the behaviour of one of its professqrs
disgusting him, he applied himself to the Platonic, in
which he took great delight; and about the year 133,
when he was thirty years of age, he became a convert to
Christianity, and then, for the first time, perceived the
the real nature of truth.
He also wrote an elegant epistle to the Gentiles, to
convert them to the faith he had newly acquired; and
lived in so pure and innocent a manner, that it was evi-
dent he merited the title of a Christian philosopher.
r Having employed his talents in convincing the Jews of
the truth of Christianity, he spent a great^deal of time
in travelling, till he took up his abode in Rome, and fixed
his habitation upon the Viminal mount.
He kept a public school, taught many who afterwards
became great men. and wrote a treatise to confute here-
sies of all kinds. As the Pagans began about this time
to treat the Christians with great severity, Justin wrote
his first apology in their favour, and addressed it to the
emperour, to the two princes whom he had adopted as his
sons, and to the senate and people of Rome in general.
This piece displayed great learning and genius, and was
written with such manly elegance, that it occasioned the
emperour to publish an edict in favor of the Christians.
The apology of Justin, upon these severities, gave Cre's-
cens, tho Cynic, an opportunity of prejudicing the em-
perour against the writer of it: upon which Justin, and
six of his companions, were apprehended. Being com-
manded, as usual, to deny their faith, and sacrifice to the
the Pagan idols, they absolutely refused to do either. On
their refusal, they were condemned to be first scourged
and then beheaded; -which sentence was executed with
all imaginable severity.
In Ga^l, the tortures to which many of the Christian^?
were puf, almost exceed the powers of description. Thus
aspersions, ililse accusations, taunts, ^ireats, revilings,
mcnacings, were but forerunners to all manner of punish-
HISTORV OF THE MARTYRS. 2i
ments, torments, and painful deaths ; such as being ban-
ished, plundered, beaten, imprisoned, stoned, assasinated,
hanged, burnt, &c. and even the servants and slaves of
opulent christians were racked and tortured, to make
them accuse their masters and employers.
. Yetius Agathus, a young man, having boldly plead-
ed the christian cause, was asked if he was a christian?
To which, answering in the affirmative, he was condem-
ned to death. Many, animated by this young man's in-
trepidity, boldly owned their faith, and suffered as he had
done.
Bla.ndinia, a Christian, but of a weak constitution, be-
ing seized and tortured upon the account of her religion,
received so much strength from heaven, that her torturers
became frequently tired, and were surprised at her being
able to bear her torments with such resolution, and for so
great a length of time.
Sanctus, a deacon of Vienne, was put to the torture,
which he bore with great fortitude, and only cried, " I am
a Christian." Red-hot plates of brass were placed upon
those parts of the body that were tenderest, which con-
tracted the sinews ; but he remaining inflexible, was re-
conducted to prison. Being brought out from his place
of confinement a few days afterwards, he received the
crown of martyrdom by being beheaded.
Biblias, a weak wornan^ had been an apostate, but
having returned to the faith, was martyred, and bore her
sufferings with great patience. Attains, of Pergamus,
was another sufferer: and Pothinus, the venerable bishop
of Lyons, who was ninety years of age, was so unmerci-
iUUy treated by the enraged Pagan mob, that he expired
two days after in prison.
When the Christians upon these occasions, received
martyrdom, they were ornamented, and crowned with
garlands of flowers; for which they in heaven received
eternal crowns of glory.
The torments were various; and, exclusive of those
already mentioned, the martyrs of Lyons were compelled
to sit in red-hot iron chairs till their flesh broiled. This
was inflicted with peculiar severity on Sanctus, already
22 histohy op the martyrs.
mentioned, and some others. Some were sewed up m
nets, and thrown on the horns of wikl hulls; and the car-
cases of those who died in prison, previous to the appoint-
ed time of execution, were thrown to dogs. Indeed, so
far did the malice of the Pagans proceed, that they set
guards over the bodies Avhile the beasts were devouring
them, lest the friends of the deceased -should get them
away by stealth; and the offals left by the dogs were
ordered to be burnt.
The martyrs of Lyons, who suffered for the gospel, ac-
cording to the best accounts, were forty-eight in number,
and their executions happened A. D. 177. They all died
with great fortitude and serenity of mind, evidently dis-
playing, that they experienced the hope of an immortal
and happy hfe.
Epipodius and Alexander, were celebrated for their
great friendship, and their Christian union with each
other. The first w as born at Lyons, the latter in Greece.
They were of mutual assistance to each other, and pre-
pared themselves for receiving martyrdom in this world,
and a crown of glory in the next, by the continual prac-
tice af all manner of Christian virtues.
When the persecution began first to rage at Lyons, they
were in the prime of life, and, to avoid the effects of its
severities, they withdrew to a neighbouring village. Here
they were for some time, concealed by a Christian widow,
whose piety protected, while her obscurity gave a sanction
to their retreat.
But as they were eminent persons, the malice of their
persecutors sought them out with indefatigable industry
to their place of concealment. Dragged from their re-
tirement, they were committed to prison without examina-
tion: but their misfortunes did not oppress their spirits;
for, shielded by the Gospel, they were secure against the
woes incident to this life.
At the expiration of three days, they were brought
before the governor, and examined in the presence of a
crowd of Pagans. They confessed the divinity of Christ;
when the governor, being enraged at what he termed
nrSTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 23
their insolence, exclaimed "what signifies all the forn^er
executions, if some yet remain who dare acknowledge
Christ?"
Having , separated them, that they should not console
with, or fortify each other, he hegan to tamper with
Epipodius, the younger. With a dissembled kindness,
he pretended to pity his condition, and intreated him not
to ruin himself by obstinacy. "Our deities (continued
he) are worshipped by the greater part of the people in
"the universe, and their rulers ; we adore them with feast-
ing and mirth, W'hile you adore a crucified man; we, to
honour them, launch into pleasures; you, by your faith,
are debarred from all that indulges the senses. Our re-
ligion enjoins feasting; yours fasting; our's the joys of
licentious blandishments, yours the barren virtue of chas-
tity. Can you expect protection from one, who could not
secure himself from the persecutions of a contemptible
people? Then quit a profession of such austerit}^, and
enjoy those gratifications which the world affords, and
w^hich your youthful years demand."
To this illusive harangue Epipodius repHed; "Your
pretended tenderness is actually cruelty; and the agreea-
ble life you describe, is replete with everlasting death.
Christ suffered for us, that our pleasures should be im-
mortal, and hath prepared for his followers an eternity of
bliss. The frame of man being composed of two parts,
body and soul ; the first, as mean and perishable, should
be rendered subservient to the interests of the last. Your
idolatrous feasts may gratify the mortal, but they injure
the immortal part: that cannot therefore be enjoying life,
which destroys the most valuable moiety of your frame.
Your pleasures lead to eternal death, and our pains to
perpetual happiness."
Epipodius, upon this, was severely beaten, arjd then put
to the rack, upon which being stretched, his flesh, was
torn Avitb iron hooks. Having born his torments with in-
credible patience, and unshaken fortitude, he w^as taken
from the rack, and beheaded.
Alexander, his companion, was brought before the
Judge, two days after the execution of that excellent
"^4: HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
young man. On his absolute refusal to renounce Chris-
tianity, he was placed upon the rack, and beaten by three
executioners, who relieved each other alternately. He
bore his sufferings with similar fortitude as his friend, and
at length received the conclusion of his glorious martyr-
dom, by being crucified. These martyrs suffered A. D. 179.
Valerian and Marcellus, who were nearly related to
each other, were imprisoned at Lyons, in the year 177,
for being Christians. By some means, however,, they
effected their escape, and travelled different ways.
Marcellus made several converts in the territories oi
Besancon and Chalons, but being apprehended, was car-
ried before Priscus, the governor of the province.
That magistrate, knowing Marcellus to be a Christian,
ordered him to be fastened to the branches of a tree, which
were drawn down for that purpose, with a design, that the
suddenness of the jerks on their return to their former
position, might tear him to pieces.
This horrid invention failing in its proposed end, the
martyr was conducted to Chalons, to be present at some
idolatrous sacrifices, at which, refusing to assist, he was put
to the torture, and afterwards fixed up to the waist in the
ground ; in which position, after rcmainin<2j three davs, he
expired, A. D. 179. ^ '
Valerian was soon after apprehended ; and, being first
put to the rack, was then beheaded.
The emperor Antonious dying, was succeeded A. D.
180, by his son Commodus, who'did not copy his father
either in his virtues or his vices; he was without his learn-
ing and morality, and, at the same time, without his preju-
dices against Christianity. His principal foible was pride,
and to that are chiefly ascribed the errors of his reio-n;
for having taken it into his head to fancy himself Hercu?es^
he sacrificed those to his vanity who refused to subscribe
to his absurdity.
Apollonius, a Roman senator, became a martyr in his
reign. This eminent person was at once skilled in all the
polite hterature of those times ; and was, indeed, an ac-
complished gentleman, as well as a sincere Christian.
He was accused by his own slave, Severus, upon aijL
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 25
unjust and contradictory, but unrepealed, edict of the
emperor Trajan. This inconsistent law condemned the
accused to die, unless he recanted his opinion ; and, at the
same time, ordered the execution of the accuser for
calumny,
Apollonius, refusing to recant his opinions, was, by order
of his peers, the Roman senators, to whom he had appealed^
condemned to be beheaded. The sentence was executed
A. D. 186; his accuser having previously held his legs
broken, and been put to death,
Eusebius, Vincentius, Potentianus, Peregrinug, were all
martyred for refusing to worship Commodus.
Julius, a Roman senator, becoming a convert to Chris-
tianity, was ordered, by the emperor, to sacrifice to him, —
This Julius absolutely refused, and publicly professed
himself a Christian, On this account, after remaining in
prison a considerable time, he was, in the year 190,
pursuant to his sentence, beat to death with cudgels, and
died a glorious martyr to the truth.
CHAPTER VI.
THE FIFTH GENERAL PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS^
Commodus dying in 191, was succeeded by Pertinax,
and Julianus. On the death of the last, in the year 192,
Severus became emperour.
Having been recovered from a severe fit of sickness by
a Christian, he became a great favourer of Christians in
general; and even permitted his son Caracalla to be nursed
by a female Christian. H^nce, during the reigns of these
two emperours, the Christians were not persecuted; but
ha4 a respite of several years.
At length, in the latter part of the reign of Severus, the
progress of Christianity alarmed the Pagans, and they
revived the calumnies of placing accidental misfortunes to
ttic account of its professors. Fire, sword, scourges, wild
beasts, and cruel imprisonments, were now used; and
even the dead bodies of Christians were torn from their
graves to be mangled, and to satisfy popular fury,
o
'26 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
But though persecution raged, yet the gospel shone with
resplendent brightness; and, hnn as an impregnable rock,
withstood the attack of its boisterous enemies with success.
TertuUian, who lived in this age, informs us, *' that if the
Christians had collectively withdrawn themselves from the
Roman territories, the empire would have beeo greatly
depopulated."
Victor, bishop of Rome, suffered martyrdom in the first
year of the third century.
Leonidas, the father of the celebrated Origen, was be-
headed. Previous to the execution, the son, in order to
encourage him, wrote to him in these remarkable words:
" Beware, sir, that your care for us does not make you
change your resolution." Many of Origen's hearers like-
wise suffered martyrdom ; particularly two brothers, named
Plutarchus and Serenus : another Serenus, Heron, llera-
clides, were beheaded: Rhais had boiling pitch poured
upon her head, and was then burnt, as was Marcella her
mother, and her sister Potamiena; but Basilides, an officer
belonging to the army, and one ordered to attend her exe-
cution, became a convert.
This Basilides, as an officer, being required to take a
profane oath, refused, saying, that he could not swear by
the Roman idols, as he was a Christian. Struck with
surprise, the people could not, at first believe what they
heard ; but he had no sooner confirmed what he had saic^,
than he was dragged before the Judge, committed to
prison, and speedily beheaded.
Irenasus, bishop of Lyons, was born in Greece, and
received a polite and a Christian education. It is gener-
ally supposed, that the account of the persecutions at liVons
was written by him. He succeeded the martyr Pothinus
as bishop of Lyons, and ruled his diocese with great pro-
priety: he was a zealous opposer of heresies in general,
and about A. D. 187, wrote a celebrated tract against
heresy. This zeal in favour of Christianity, pointed him
out as an object of resentment to the emperour; and in A.
D. '302, he was accordingly beheaded.
The persecutions now extended to Africa, and many
were martyred in that quarter of the globe — among whom
were the following:
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 2t
Perpetua^a married lady, of about twenty-two years of
age, with a young sucking child at her breast, was seized
for being a Christian. During her confinement, the father,
who tenderly loved her, went to console her; and at the
same time would fain have persuaded her to renounce
Christianity. Ferpetua, however, preserving all the re-
spect due to a parent, maintained the character of a Chris-
tian. Her resolution so much incensed her father, that he
now beat her unmercifully, and did not visit her for some
days after. This gave her, and some others who were
confined at the same time, an opportunity of being bap-
tized, as they were before only catechumens.
Being carried before the pro-consul Minutius, she was
commanded to sacrifice to idols; but refusing, she was
ordered to a dark dungeon. The gloom of this place was
of itself disgustful, but being deprived of her child was
much more so. Two deacons, Tertius and Pomponius,
who had the care of persecuted Christians, procured her
some few hours daily to breathe the fresh air, during
which time she had the satisfaction of being allowed to
suckle her child. Foreseeing, however, that she should
not long be permitted to take care of it, she recommended
it strongly to her mother's care.
The father of Perpetua paid her a second visit, and
again besought her to renounce Christianity. His beha-
viour now was all paternal tenderness, and endearing
humanity. If any thing worldly could have softened her,
this would; but inflexible to all things but Christ, she
knew she must leave every thing for his sake; and she
only said to him, " God's will must be done." With an
heart almost bursting he left her, and found his only con-
solation in his tears.
On her trial, Perpetua gave the greatest proofs of for-
titude, though of a sex naturally timorous ; and exhibited
to her friends, as well as a great number of spectators, an
amazing strength of mind.
The judge intreated her to consider her father's tears,
her infant's helplessness, and her own life ; but triumphing
over nature, she forgot the ideas of mental and corporeal
pain; and determined to sacrifice all transitory things to
that immortality offered by Christ,
28 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Finding that she must die, the fathers parental tender-
ness returned; and in the eagerness of his anxiety, he
attempted to carry her off — on which account he received
a severe blow from one of the oihcers. The daughter now
showed that she had not lost all natural sentiments of
filial duty; she immediately declared that she felt that
blow more severely than if she had received it herself.—-
Being conducted back to prisoi>, she remained for the day
of execution, when several other persons were to be exe-
cuted with her. These were —
Felicitas, a married Christian lady, and Revocatus, a
catechumen of Carthage; Saturninus, Secundulus, and
Satur.
On the day appointed for the execution, they were led to
the amphitheatre. Satur, Saturninus, and Revocatus,
were bold enough to denounce God's judgments upon
their persecutors, and were ordered to run the gantelope
between the hunters, or such as had the care of the wild
beasts. The hunters being drawn up in two ranks, they
ran between, and were severely lashed as they passed.
Felicitas and Perpetua were thrown to a mad bull. — .
The bull made his first attack upon Perpetua, and stunned
her; he then attacked Felicitas, and wounded her much;
but not killing them, the executioner did that office with a
sword. Revocatus and Satur were destroyed by wild
beasts; Saturninus was beheaded; and Secundulus died
in prison. These executions took place in the year 205.
Speratus, and twelve others, were likewise beheaded;
as was Andoclus in France. Asclepiades, bishop of An-
tioch, suffered many tortures, but his life was spared.
Cecilia, a young Christian lady of Rome, having been
married to a gentleman named Valerian, soon persuaded
her husband to embrace the same faith ; and his conversion
was speedily followed by that of his brother Tiburtius.
These things drew upon them all the vengeance of the
civil magistrate. The two brothers were beheaded ; and
the maximus, or officer who led them to execution, becom
ing their convert, suffered the same fate.
The lady was doomed to be placed naked in a scalding
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 29
bath, and having continued there a considerable time, her
head was struck off with a sword, A. D. 222.
Cahstus, bishop of Rome, was martyred A. D, 224;
and Urban, bishop of Rome, met the same fate, A. D. 232.
Agapetus, a boy of Prasneste, in Italy, only fifteen years
of age, absolutely refusing to sacrifice to the idols, was
severely scourged, and then hanged up by the feet, and
boiling water poured over him. He was afterwards
worried by wild beasts, and beheaded. The officer, named
Antiochus,^ who superintended this execution whilst it was
performing, fell suddenly from his judicial seat, cried out
*' that his bowels burnt him," and expired ; feeling mirac-
ulously, in this world, a sample of the torments due to
such cruelty in the next: while the martyr patiently suf-
fered, in hopes of a glorious resurrection..
CHAP. VII.
THE SIXTH GENERAL PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS^
UNDER THE ROMAN EMPEROURS,
M aximinus being emperour, A. D. 235, raised a perse-
cution against the Christians. In Cappadocia, the presi-
dent, Seremianus, strove all in his power to exterminate
the Christians from that province.
A Roman soldier, refusing to wear a laurel crown
bestowed on him by the emperour, and confessing himself
a Christian, was scourged, imprisoned, and put to death.
Pontianus, bishop of Rome, for preaching agamst idol-
atry, was banished to Sardinia, and slain in that island.
Anteros, a Greek,, who succeeded Pontianus, gave so
much offence to the government, by collecting the acts
of the martyrs, that he suffered martyrdom himself, after
having held his dignity only forty days.
Pammachius, a Roman Senator, with his family, and
other Christians, to the number of forty-two^ were all
beheaded in one day, and their heads set up on the city
gatesi
Simplicius, another senator, met with the same fate.
3*
30 IIISTOTIY OF THE MARTYRS.
Calepodius, a Christian minister, after being inhumanly
treated, and barbarously dragged about the streets, had
a mill-stone fastened about his neck, and was thrown into
the river Tiber.
Quiritus, a Roman nobleman, with his family and do-
mestics, were, on account of beiog Christians, put to the
most excruciating tortures, and the most painful deaths.
This nobleman suffered the confiscation of his effects,
poverty, revilings, imprisonments, scourgings, tortures,
and the loss of his life, for the sake of the great Redeemer.
Martina, a noble and beautiful virgin^ was variously
tortured, and afterwards beheaded.
Hippolitus, a Christian prelate, was tied to a wild horse,
and dragged through fields, stony places, bushes, &c. till
he expired.
During this persecution. Christians were slain without
trial, and buried indiscriminately in heaps; fifty or sixty
being cast into a pit together, without the least decency.
The tyrant Maximinus dying, A. D. 238, was succeed-
ed by Gordian, during whose reign, and that of his suc-
cessor Philip, the church was free from persecution for
the space of more than ten years ; but A. D. 249, a violent
persecution broke out in Alexandria, at the instigation
of a Pagan priest, but this was without the knowledge of
the emperour.
The mob broke open the houses of the Christiaifs, stole
away the best of their property, destroyed the rest, and
murdered the owners; the universal cry being, "Burn
'em, burn 'em; kill 'em, kill 'em." The names of only
three martyrs have been transmitted to posterity, who
suffered during this insurrection.
Metrus, an aged and venerable citizen, refusing to
blaspheme his Saviour, was beaten with clubs, pricked
with sharp reeds, and at length stoned to death.
Quinta, a devout female, being carried to the temple,
and refusing to worship idols, was dragged by her feet
over sharp flint stones, scourged with whips, and dispatch-
ed in the same manner as Metrus.
Apolonia, an ancient maiden lady, confessing herself
a Christian, the mob dashed out her teeth with their fists,
%
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. ul
and threatened to burn her alive. A tire was prepared,
for that purpose, and xVpollonia fastened to a stake ; but
requesting to be unloosed, it was granted, on a supposition
that she meant to recant, when, to their great surprise,
she immediately threw herself into the flames, and was
copisumed.
CHAP. VIIL
THE SEVENTH GENERAL PERSECUTION UNDER THE ROMAN
EMPEROURS.
Decius, emperour of Rome, began a dreadful persecu-
tion against the Christians, A. D. 249. This was occa-
sioned, partly by the hatred he bore to his predecessor
Philip, who was esteemed a Christian, and partly by his
jealousy of the amazing increase of Christianity; the
heathen temples being nearly forsaken, and the Christian
churches thronged.
These reasons stimulated Decius, to attempt the extir-
pation of the name of Christian; and it was unfortunate
lor the cause of the gospel, that many errours had, about
this time, crept into the church: the Christians were at
variance with each other; self-interest divided those whom
social love ought to have united; and the virulence of
pride occasioned a variety of factions.
The heathens, in general, were ambitious to enforce
the imperial decrees upon this occasion, and looked upon
the murder of a Christian as a merit in themselves. The
martyrs, upon this occasion, were innumcTable.
Fabian, bishop of Rome, to whom the deceased em-
perour Philip had, on account of his integrity, committed
his treasures, was seized A. D. 250, and suffered martyr-
dom, by being beheaded.
Abdon and vSemen, two Persians, were seized as stran-
gers; but being found Christians, were put to death, on
account of their faith; and Moyses, a priest, was behead-
ed for the sarae reason.
3Ji HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Julian, a native of Celicia, as we are informed by St
Ghrjsostom, was seized upon for being a Christian. He
was frequently tortured, but still remained inflexible ; and
though often brought from prison for execution, was again
remanded, to be the object of greater cruelties. He, at
length, was ordered to travel for twelve months together,
from town to town, in order to be exposed to the insults of
the ignorant populace.
Finding all endeavours to make him forsake his religion
ineffectual, he wa«! again brouglit before his judge, strip-
ped, and whipped in a most dreadful manner; then put
into a leathern bag, in which were a number of serpents
and scorpions, and thrown into the sea.
Peter, an amiable young man, was apprehended for
being a Christian, at Lampsachus, and carried before
Optimus, pro-consul of Asia. Being commanded to sacri-
fice to Venus, he said, " I am astonished that you should
wish me to sacrifice to an infamous woman, whose de-
baucheries even your own historians record, and whose
life consisted of such actions as your laws would pun-
ish. — No! I shall offer to the true God the acceptable
sacrifice of praises and prayers."
Optimus now ordered the prisoner to be stretched upon
a wheel, by which all his limbs were broken.
His torments, however, inspired him with fresh courage:
and he smiled on his persecutors ; till the pro-consul, tired
out with tormenting him, ordered him to be beheaded.
Nichomachus, being brought before the pro-consul, was
ordered to sacrifice to the Pagan idols. Nichomachus
replied, " I cannot pay that respect to devils, which is only
due to the Almighty." This speech so much enraged the
pro-consul that Nichomachus was put to the rack. He
bore the torments for some time with patience, and
great resolution ; but at length, when ready to expire with
pain, he forfeited all the advantages he had gained in his
former sufferings, by abjuring his faith, and becoming an
apostate; but no sooner had he given this proof of his
frailty, than he fell into the greatest agonies, dropped
down, and expired.
Denisa, a young girl, only sixteen years of age, beheld
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 3g
this terrible judgment, and suddenly exclaimed, " O un-
happy wretch, why would you buy a moment's ease at
the expense of a miserable eternity?" Optimus upon this,
called and asked her if she was a Christian? She replied
in the affirmative ; and being commanded to sacrifice to the
idols, absolutely refused, and was soon after beheaded*
Andrew and Paul, two companions of Nichomachus
the martyr, on confessing themselves Christians, were
condemned to die, and delivered to the multitude to be
stoned, A. D. 251, and expired calling on their blessed
Redeemer.
Alexander and Epimachus, of Alexandria, being ap-
prehended as Christians, and confessing the accusation,
were beat with staves, torn with hooks, and at length
burnt; and Eusebius writes, that four female martyrs
suffered on the same day, and at the same place, by being
beheaded.
T^iician and Marcian, two wicked Pagans, becoming
converts to Christianity, to make amends for their former
errours, lived the lives of hermits, and subsisted upon
bread and water.
After some time spent in this manner, they reflected
that their lives were inefficacious, and determined to leave
their solitude in order to bring others to Christianity.
Pursuant to this resolution they became zealous preachers,
and made many converts. They were seized, and carried
before Sabinus, governor of Bithynia. On being asked
by what authority they took upon themselves to preach,
Lucian answered, " That the laws of charity and human-
ity obliged all men to endeavour the conversion of their
neighbours, and to do every thing in their power to rescue
them from the snares of the devil." Marcian said, that
" their conversion was by the same grace which was given
to St. Paul, who, from a zealous persecutor of the church,
became a preacher of the gospel." The pro-consul, find-
ing that he could not prevail with them to renounce their
faith, condemned them to be burnt alive.
Trypho and Respicius, two eminent persons, were
seized, and imprisoned at Nice. They were soon after
put to the rackvwhich they bore with admirable patience
34 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
for three hours, and uttered the praises of the Almighty
during the whole time. They were then exposed i;ai(ed
to the severity of the open air, in the depth of winter, by
which their hmbs were rendered torpid ; they were then
remanded to prison, where they remained a considerable
time ; after which the cruelties of their persecutors were
repeated. Their feet were pierced with nails; they were
dragged through the streets, scourged, torn with iron
hooks, scorched with lighted torches, and at length be-
headed, A. D. 251.
Agatha, a Sicilian lady, not more remarkable for her
personal and acquired endowments, than her piety, was
scourged, burnt with red-hot irons, and torn with sharp
hooks. She bore these torments with admirable fortitude ;
she was next laid naked upon live coals, intermingled with
glass, and being carried back to prison, she there expired,
Cyril, bishop of Gortyna, was seized by order of Lucius,
governor of that place, who exhorted him to obey the im-
perial mandate, perform the sacrifices, and save his vener-
able person from destruction ; for he was now eighty-four
years of age. The good prelate replied, that he could
not agree to any such requisition; but as he had long
taught others to save their souls, he should now only think
©f his own salvation.
The governor, finding his persuasions vain, pronounced
sentence against the venerable Christian, in these remark-
able words: "I order and appoint, that Cyril, who has
lost his senses, and is a declared enemy of our gods, shall
be burnt alive."
The prelate heard his sentence without emotion, walk-
ed cheerfully to the place of execution, and underwent
his martyrdom with great fortitude.
The persecution raged in no place more than in the
island of Crete ; for the governor, being exceedingly ac-
tive in executing the imperial decrees, that place stream-
ed with pious blood.
Theodulus, Saturnius, and Europus, inhabitants of
Gortyna, who had been instructed in the Christian faith
by Cyril, bishop of that city; with Eunicianus, Zeticus,
Cleomenes, Agathopas, Bastides, and Euaristus, were
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 35
brought from different parts of the island on accusations
relative to their professing Christianity.
Being brought into court, they were commanded to sa-
crifice to Jupiter, which they refused ; on which the J udge
threatened them with the severest tortures imaginable;
they unanimously answered, "That to suffer, for the sake
of the Supreme Being, would to them be the sublimest of
pleasures."
The judge then attempted to gain them by descanting
on and recounting mythological histories. This gave the
prisoners an opportunity of remarking on the absurdity of
such fictions, and of pointing out the folly of paying ado-
ration to ideal deities, and real images.
Irritated to hear his favourite idols ridiculed, the gov-
ernor ordered the prisoners to be put to the rack; the
tortures of which they sustained with surprising fortitude ;
they were beheaded on the same day, A. D. 251, tri-
umphing over the fear of death.
Babylas, bishop of Antioch, A. D. 237, on the demise
of Zebinus, acted with inimitable zeal, and governed the
church with admirable prudence during the most tempes-
tuous times.
The city having been besieged by Sapor, emperour of
Persia, it was plundered and the Christian inhabitants
used with greater severity than the rest.
His cruelties, however, were not lasting; for Gordian,
the emperour, appearing at the head of a powerful army,
Antioch was retaken, the Persians driven entirely out of
Syria, pursued into their own country, and several places
in the Persian territories fell into the emperour's hands.
But after Gordian's death, Decius, his successor, came
to Antioch, where, having a desire to visit an assembly of
Christiaas, Babylas opposed him, and absolutely refused to
let him come in. The emperour dissembled his anger at
that time ; but soon sending for the bishop, he sharply re-
proved him for his insolence, and then ordered him to sa-
crifice to the Pagan deities as an expiation for his offence.
On his refusal, he vvas committed to prison, loaded with
chains, treated with great severities, a id then beheaded,
together with three young men who had been his pupils.
36 HISTORV or THE MARTYRS.
As they went to the place of e^mution, the bishop ex-
claimed, "Behold me, and the ciiilJren that the Lord
hath given me." The chains worn by tiie bishop in pris-
on were buried with him.
Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem, was cast into prison,
where he died by the severity of his confinement.
Serapian, at Alexandria, had his hones broken, and w^as
then killed by being thrown from a high loft.
Julianus, a lame old man, and Cronion, were bound on
the backs of camels, severely scourged, and then thrown
into a fire and consumed. A person seeming to commis-
erate them, was ordered to be beheaded, as a punishment
for entertaining sentiments of tenderness.
Macar, a Lybian, was burnt ; Heron-ater and Isidorus,
Egyptians, Avith Dioschorus, a boy of fifteen, after suffer-
ing many other torments, met with a similar fate; and
Nemesion, another Egyptian, was first tried as a thief; but
being acquitted, was accused of Christianity ; and on his
confession, he was scourged, tortured, and burnt.
Isehyrian, the Christian servant of an Egyptian noble-
man, and magistrate, was run through with a pike by his
own master, for refusing to sacrifice to idols; Venantius,
a youth of fifteen, was martyred in Italy ; and forty Vir-
gins, at Antioch, after being imprisoned and scourged,
were burnt!
During this year, the emperour Decius having erected
a Pagan temple at Ephesus, commanded all who were
in that city to sacrifice to the idols. This order was nobly
refused by seven of his own soldiers, viz. Maximianus,
Martianus, Joannes, Malchus, Dionysius, Seraion, and
Constantinus.
The emperour, wishing to win these soldiers by intrea-
ties and lenity, gave them a considerable respite till he
returned from an expedition; but during his absence,
they escaped, and hid themselves in a cavern ; which the
emperour being informed of at his return, the mouth of
the cavern was closed up, and they all perished with
hunger.
Theodora, a beautiful young lady of Antioch, on refu-
sing to sacrifice to the idols, w^as condemned to the Stews,
HISTORY OF THE MAliTYRS. 37
Did}inus, a Christian, disguised himself in the habit of a
Roman soldier, went to the house, informed Theodora
who he was, and advised her to make her escape in his
clothes.
This being effected, and a man found in the brothel in-
stead of a beautiful lady, Didymus was taken before the
president, to whom confessing the truth, and owning that
he was a Christian, the sentence of death was immediate-
ly pronounced against him.
Theodora hearing that her deliverer was hkely to suf-
fer, came to the judge, threw herself at his feet, and
begged that the sentence might fall only on her, as the
guilty person; but deaf to the cries of the innocent, and
insensible to the calls of justice, the inflexible judge con-
demned both ; and they were executed, being first behead-
ed, and their bodies burnt.
Secundianus was conveyed to prison by soldiers. On
the way, Verianus and Marcellinus said, "where are you
carrying the innocent?" This interrogatory occasioned
them also to be seized, and all three, after having been
tortured, were hanged ; and, when dead, their heads were
cut oflT.
Origen, the celebrated presbyter and catechist of
Alexandria, at the age of sixty-four, was seized, thrown
into a loathsome prison, laden with heavy fetters, his feet
placed in the stocks, and his legs extended to the utmost
tor several successive days. He was threatened with fire,
and tormented by every means that the most infernal
imagination could suggest. But unappalled with dangers,
and unshaken by sufferings, his Christian fortitude bore
him through all. Such was the rigour of his judge, that
his tortures were ordered to be lingering, that death might
not too soon put a period to his miseries. During this
cruel temporizing, the emperour Decius died, and Gailus,
who succeeded him, engaging in a war with the Goths,
the Christians met with a respite. In this interim. Origen
obtained his e-dargement, and retiring to Tyre, he there
remained till his death, which happened when he was in
the sixty-ninth year of his age.
Gailus, having concluded his wars, a plague broke out
4
38 HISTORY OF THE MARTYR&.
in the empire: sacrifices to the Pagan deities were order-
ed by the cmperour, and superstition immediately bowed
the knee to idols.
The Christians refusing to comply with these rites, were
charged with being the authors of the calamity; the storm
of persecution spread, from the interior to the extreme
parts of the empire, and many fell martyrs to the impetu-
osity of the rabble, as well as the prejudice of tli« magis-
trates.
Cornelius, bishop of Rome, was seized upon this occa-
sion. He was first banished to Centum-Cella?, now Civita
Vecchia; and, after having been cruelly scourged, was,
A. D. 252, beheaded, after having been bishop fifteen
months and ten days.
Lucius succeeded Cornelius as bishop, was the son of
Porphyrins, and a Roman by birth. His vigilance as a
pastor, rendered him obnoxious to the foes of Christianity,
which occasioned him to be banished ; but in a short time
he was permitted to return from exile.
Not long after, however, he was apprehended, after
having been bishop about six months, and beheaded,
A. D. 253. He was succeeded by Stephanus, who held
the dignity a few years, and might probably have fallen a
martyr, had not the emperour been murdered by his gen-
eral iEmilian; a profound peace succeeded throughout
the empire, and the persecution of course ceased.
Most of the errours which crept into the church at this
time arose from placing human reason in competition with
revelation ; but the fallacy of such arguments being proved
by the most able divines, the opinions they had created
vanished away like stars before the sun*
CHAP. IX.
THE EIGHTH GENERAL PERSECUTION, UNDER THE ROMAN
EMPEROURS.
iEmilian, the general, not being properly supported
by the army, was slain, and Valerian elected to th^ empire^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 39
For the space of four years this emperour governed
with moderation, and treated the Christians with lenity
and respect. But, A. D. 257, an Egyptian magician,
named Macrianus, gained a great ascendency over him,
and persuaded him to he a persecutor.
Edicts being pubHshed, the ungovernable rage of ig-
norance and superstition was let loose against the. Chris-
tians. This persecution continued for three years and
six months.
The martyrs that fell during this horrid period were
innumerable, and their tortures and deaths various and
painful. The most eminent martyrs were the following,
though neither rank, sex, or age were regarded.
Rufina and Secunda, two beautiful and accomplished
ladies, were the daughters of Asterius, a citizen of emi-
nence, in Rome. Rufina, the elder, was designed in mar-
riage for Armentarius, a young nobleman 5 and Secunda,
the younger, for Verinus, a person of rank and opulence.
The suitors, at the time of the persecutions commencing,
were both Christians •, but when danger appeared, to save
their fortunes, they renounced their faith, and took great
pains to persuade the ladies to do the same, but failed in
their purpose. Rufina and Secunda, though too just to
change their religious sentiments, were too diffident of
their own strength to remain longer the objects of such
solicitations ; therefore, they left the city.
The suitors were base enough, on their disappointment,
to inform against the ladies, who being apprehended as
Christians, were brought before Junius Donatus governor
of Rome, and having passed through several tortures,
sealed their faith, A. D. 257, by being beheaded.
Stephen, bishop of Rome, was beheaded in the same
year; and Saturnius, bishop of Thoulouse, being seized
by the rabble of that place, for preventing, as they
alleged, their oracles from speaking, and refusing to
sacrifice to the idols, was treated with every barbarous
indignity, and then fastened by the feet to the tail of a
bull. Upon a signal given, the enraged animal was driven
down the steps of the temple, by which the worthy martyr's
brains were dashed o\it. The small number of Christians
40 IIISTOUV OF Tim MARTi^RS.
in Thouiouse had not courage suilicicnt to carry oft" the
dead body, but two women conveyed it away, and deposit-
ed it in a deep ditch.
^ Sextus succeeded Stephen as bisliop of Rome, and had
lor some tmie served in the capacity of a deacon under
Stephen. His great fidehty, singular wisdom, and uncom-
mon courage, distinguished him upon many occasions; and
the happy conclusion of a controversy with some heretics
IS generally ascribed to his piety and prudence. '
In the year 258, Marcianus, who had the management
ol the Roman government, procured an order from the
emperour Valerian to put to death all the Christian clergy
m Rome. ^-^
The senate testifying their obedience to the imperial:
niandate, Sextus was one of the first who felt the severity
A ^^ l^'f'^t ^Fu^- ^^^^' "'' ^^^""^ ^^ -^^s beheaded
A. Lf. Zo^, fc>ix ol his deacons suffered with him of
whom the principal was — '
Laurentius, generally called St. Laurence, who followed
him to the place of execution ; when Sextus predicted that
he should three days after meet him in heaven. Lauren-
tius looking upon this as a certain indication of his own
approaching martyrdom, at his return, gathered together
all the Christian poor, and distributed the treasures of the
church, which had been committed to his care, among
them; thinking the money could not be better disposed of,
or less liable to fall into the hands of the Pagans. '
The persecutors seized on him to make a discovery
whence this liberality arose, and commanded him to give
an immediate account to the emperour, of the church
treasures.
This he promised, but begged a short respite to put
things in proper order; three days being granted him, he
was suffered to depart. Whereupon, with great diligence
he collected together a great number of aged, helpless, and
impotent poor, and repaired to the magistrate, to whom
he presented them, saying, "These are the true treasures
of the church."
Incensed at the disappointment, and thinking himself
ridiculed, the governor ordered him to be immediately
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 4i
scourged. He was then beat with iron rods, set upon /a
wooden horse, and his Umbs dislocated. These tortures
he endured with fortitude and perseverance 5 when he
was ordered to be fastened to a large gridiron, over a slow
fire, that his death might be more lingering.
His astonishing constancy during these trials, and under
such excruciating torments, gave the spectators so exalted
an idea of the dignity and truth of the Christian religion,
that many became converts upon the occasion.
After laying, for some time, upon this burning bed, he
lifted up his eyes to heaven, and with calmness yielded
his spirit to the Almighty, A. D. 258.
Romanus, a soldier who attended the martyrdom of
Laurentius, was one of the converts to his sufferings and
fortitude ; for he could not help feeling the greatest ven-
eration for that God who inspired his votaries with such
courage, and rendered his martyrs superior to all the cru-
elties of their persecutors.
The brave Romanus, when the martyr Laurentius was
remanded ta prison, took that opportunity of fully enqui-
ring into the nature of the Chistian faith ; and being en-
tirely satisfied by Laurentius, became firmly a Christian,
received his baptism from the captive, and seemed to
have his mind impressed with a lively idea of the king-
dom of Christ. The change of Romanus was soon known,
he was apprehended, severely scourged, and afterwards
beheaded.
Hypolitus was seized and suffered a similar death,
In-Africa the persecution raged with peculiar violence ;
arid thousands received the crown of martyrdom. The
most distinguished characters were —
Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, an eminent prelate, and a
pious ornament of the church.
It is said that this prelate was so perfectly a master of
the rules of rhetoric, and the precepts of logic, ahd so
complete in the practice of elocution, and the principles
of philosophy, that he was made professor of those sciences
in his native city of Carthage^ where he became so pop-
ular, and taught with such success, that many of his
students afterwards became ornaments of polite learning*
42 HISTORY OP tHe martyrs.
In his youth he was educated in the principles of Gentry
ism, and having a considerable fortune, he Hved in the
extravagance of splendour. Gorgeous in attire, luxurious
in feasting, vain of a numerous retinue, and fond of every
kind of fashionable parade, he seemed to fancy that man
was born to gratify all his appetites, and for pleasure.
About the year 246, Cuclius, a Chfistian minister of
Carthage, became the instrument of Cyprian's conversion 5
on which account, and for the great love that he always
afterwards bore for the author of his conversion, he was
termed Ccelius Cyprian. The best account of his conver-
sion is given in his own words :
'» While," says he, " I laid in darkness and uncertainty^
I thought on wnat I had heard of, a second birth, proposed
by the divine goodness; but could not comprehend how a
man could receive a new life from his being sprinkled
with water; cease to be what he was before, and still
retain the same body. How, said I, can such a change be
possible? How can he who is grown old in a worldly
way of living, strip himself of his former inclinations, and
inveterate habits? * * * I thought it was impossible for
me to leave my former course of life, and the habits I was
then engaged in, and accustomed to; but no sooner did
the life-giving water wash the spots of my soul, than my
heart received the heavenly light of the Holy Spirit,
w hich transformed me into a new,.^reature ; all my diffi-
culties were cleared, my doubts dissolved, and my dark-
ness dispelled. I was then able to do what before seemed
impossible ; could discern that my former life was earthly
and sinful, according to the impurity of my birth; but
that my spiritual birth gave me new ideas and inclinations,
and directed all my views to God."
Previous to his baptism he studied the Scriptures with
care ; and being struck with the beauties of the truths they
contained, he determined to practise the virtues therein
recommended. Subsequent to his baptism he sold his
estate, distributed the money among the poor, dressed
himself in plain attire, arid commenced a life of austerity.
He was soon after made a presbyter; and being greatly
admired for his virtues, and his works, on the death of
IIISTOHY OP THE MARTYRS. 43
Donatus, in A. D. i248, he was unanimously elected bishop
of Carthage. ^
Cyprian's care extended not only over Carthage, but
to Numidia and Mauritania.
A. D. 250, Cyprian was publicly proscribed by the em-
perour Decius, under the appellation of Coelius Cyprian,
bishop of the Christians; and the universal cry of the
Pagans was, "Cyprian to the lioips — Cyprian to the beasts."
The bishop, upon this, withdrew himself from the ragf^
of the populace, and his effects were confiscated.
In his retirement he wrote thirty pious and elegant let-
ters to his flock, on account of several schisms that had
crept into the church, which gave him great uneasiness:
but the rigour of the persecution abating, he returned to
Carthage, and did every thing in his power to expunge
those erroneous opinions.
A terrible plague breaking out at Carthage, it was, as
usual, laid to the charge of the Christians ; and the mag-
istrates began to persecute, which occasioned an epistle
from them to Cyprian, in answer to which he vindicates
the cause of Christianity.
A. D. 257, Cyprian was brought before the pro-consul
Aspasius Paturnus, when being commanded to conform to
the religion of the empire, he boldly made a confession
of his faith, and avowed his Christianity. This, however,
did not occasion his death, but an order for his banishment
to a little city on the Lybian sea. On the death of this
^ro-consul, he returned to Carthage, but was soon after
seized and carried before the new governor, who con-
demned him to be beheaded, which sentence was executed
on the 14th of September, A. D. 258.
The disciples of Cyprian martyred in this persecution
were, Lucius, Flavian, Victoricus, Remus, Montanus, Ju-
lian, Primulus, Donation.
At Utica a most terrible tragedy was exhibited. Three
hundred Christians were, by the orders of the pro-con-
sul, placed round a burning lime-kiln. A pan of coals
and incense being prepared, they were commanded either
to sacrifice to Jupiter, or to be thrown into the kiln. —
Unanimously refusing, they bravely jumped iato the pit,
and were immediately suffocated.
44 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
Fructuosus, bisnop of Tarragon in Spain, and his two
deacons, Augurius and Eulogius, were burnt.
Alexander, Malchus, and Priscus,. of Palestine, with a
woman of the same place, \ oluntarily accused themselves^
on which account they were sentenced to be devoured by
t^'gers.
Maxima, Donatilla, and Secunda, three virgins of Tu-
burga, had gall and vinegar given them to drink, were
then severely scourged, tormented on a gibbet, rubbed
with lime, scorched on a gridiron, worried by wild beasts,
£ind at length beheaded.
Pontius,, a native of the city of Simela, near the Alps,
being apprehended, w-as tortured on the rack, worried by
wild beasts, half burnt, then beheaded, and lastly thrown
into the river. Protus and Hyacinthus suffered martyrdom
also for the sake of Christ.
But it is time to speak of the singular and miserable
fate of the emperour Valerian, who had so long and so
terribly persecuted the Christians.
This tyrant, through stratagem, w^as taken prisoner by
Sapores, emperour of Persia, who carried him into his own
country, and there treated him with the most unexampled
indignity, making him kneel- down as the, meanest slave,
and treading upon him as a footstool when he mounted
his horse, saying in a vaunting manner, " This posture is a
greater proof which way the victory went, than all the
pictures the Roman artists can draw%"
After having kept him,, for the space of seven years, in
this abject state of slavery, he caused his eyes to be put
out, though he was then eighty-three years of. age.
This not satiating his desire of revenge, he soon after
ordered his body to be flayed alive, and rubbed with salt,
under which torments he expired; and thus fell one of
the most tyrannical emperours of Rome, and one of the
greatest persecutors of the Christians.
Gallienus, the son of Valerian, succeeded him A. D.
263, and during his reign, the empire suffered many com*
motions, particularly earthquakes, pestilence, inundations)
incursions of barbarians, and intestine broils.
Gallienus, however, having reflected that when his
HISTWRY OP Til|! MARTYRS. 45
father favoured the Christians he prospered, and that
when he persecuted them he was unsuccessful, determin-
ed to relax the persecution ; so that (a few martyrs ex-
cepted) the church enjoyed peace for some years. The
chief of the few martyrs alluded to, was the following:
Marnius, a centurion, who being apprehended, had but
three hours allowed him to deliberate, whether he would
sacrifice to the Pagan deities, or become a martyr? Being
wavering during this interval, a Christian prelate placed
the gospel and a sword before him, and demanded which
he would choose. Marnius without hesitation took the
sword.
Going again to the Governor, he made a noble confes-
sion of his faith, for which he was beheaded, A. D. 262.
CHAP. X.
THE NINTH GENERAL PERSECUTION UNDER THE ROMAN
EMPEROURS.
The emperour Aurelian commenced a persecution a-
gainst the Christians A. D. 274 ; the principal sufferers be-
iiigthe following:
Felix, bishop of Rome, was the first martyr to Aure-
lian's petulancy, being beheaded in the year 274.
Agapetus, a young patrician who sold his estate, and
gave the money to the poor, was seized as a Christian,
tortured, and beheaded at Prceneste, a city within a day's
journey of Rome.
These are the only martyrs left upon record during this
short reign, the emperour being murdered by his own do-
mesticks, at Byzantium.
Aurelian was succeeded by Tacitus, Probus, and Cams;
this emperour being killed by a thunder storm, his son&,
Carnius and Numerian, succeeded him; and dunng all
these reigns the church had peace.
Dioclesian mounting the imperial throne A. D. 284, at
first showed great favour to the Christians. In the year
286 he associated Maximian with him in the empire; and
iij HISTORY OF THE M.VRTYRS.
some Christiani were put to death before any general
persecution broke out. Among tliese were —
Felician and Primus, two brothers, who were seized by
an order from the imperial court; having owned them-
selves Christians, wxre scourged, tortured, and behead-
ed.
Marcus and Marcellianus, twin brothers, were natives
of Rome, and of a noble descent. Their parents were
heathens; but the tutors to whom the education of the
children had been entrusted, brought them up as Chris-
tians. These youths being apprehended on account of
their faith, were severely tortured, and then condemned
to lose their heads.
Their friends obtained for them the respite of a month,
when their father, mother, and all their relations, attemp-
ted to bring them back to Paganism, but in vain ; the calls
of nature were overcome by piety, and religion got the
better of worldly feelings. Their constancy at length
subdued their persyiaders, and their parents and whole
family became converts to a faith they had just before
reprobated.
The father of the two young men, named Tranquillinus,
was sent for by the prefect to give him an account of the
success of his endeavours. Appearing before the magis-
trate, he confessed, that so far from having persuaded
his sons to forsake the faith they had embraced, he was
himself become a Christian, Here he stopped till the
magistrate had overcome his surprise, and then resuming
his discourse, he used such powerful arguments that he
made a convert of the prefect, who soon after sold his
estate, resigned his command, and spent the remainder of
his days in pious retirement.
The prefect who succeeded the above mentioned con-
vm't, had nothing of the disposition of his predecessor; he
was morose and severe, and soon seized upon the whole of
this Christian family, who w ere martyred by being tied
io posts, and having their {eet pierced with nails. After
remaining in this situation for a day and a night, their
sufferings were completed by thrusting lances through
their bodies.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 47
' Zoe, the wife of the gaoler, who had the care of these
martyrs, being greatly edified by their discourses, had a
desire to become a Christian. This, as she was dumb with
a palsy, she could only express by gestures. Pitying her
condition, they gave her full instructions in their faith,
and told her to pray in her heart to God to relieve her
from her disorder. She complied with their request, and
was at length relieved ; for her paralytic disorder by de-
grees left her, and her speech was restored. This miracle
enforced her belief, and confirmed her in the Christian
faith; and her husband finding her cured, soon became a
convert to Christianity. These conversions made a great
noise, and the converts were soon apprehended. Zoe was
commanded to sacrifice to Mars ; and on her refusal, was
hanged upon a tree, and a fire of straw lighted under her.
When her body was taken down, it was thrown into a
river with a large stone tied to it.
Tibertius, a native of Rome, descended from a consid-
erable family, was accused as a Christian, and commanded
either to sacrifice to idols, or to walk upon burning coals.
He chose the latter, and passed over them without dread ;
when sentence was passed upon him that he should be
beheaded, A. D 286; his body was afterwards buried by
some Christians. '
In the year of Christ 286, a most remarkable circum-
stance occurred: a legion of soldiers, consisting of 6666
men, contained none but Christians. This legion was
called the Theban legion, because the men had been raised
in Thebais. They were quartered in the east, till the
emperour Maximian ordered them to march to Gaul, to
assist him against the rebels of Burgundy. They passed
the Alps into Gaul, under the command of Mauritius,
Candidus, and Exupernis, their worthy commanders, and
at length joined the emperour.
Maximain about this time ordered a general sacrifice,
at which the whole army were to assist; and likewise he
commanded that they should take oaths of allegiance, and
swear at the same time to assist him in the extirpation of
Christianity in Gaul.
Alarmed at these orders, each individual of the Theban
48 iiistorV of the martyrs.
legion absolutely refused either to sacrifice or take the
oaths prescribed. This so greatly enraged Maximian,
that he ordered the legion to be decimated, on which
every tenth man was selected from the rest, and put to
the sword.
This bloody order having been put into execution, those
who remained alive were still inflexible, when a second
decimation took place, and every tenth man of those
living were again put to death.
This second severity made no more impression than
the first had done ; the soldiers preserved their fortitude
and their principle; but by the advice of their oflicers,
drew up a remonstrance to the emperour, in which they
told him, " that they were his subjects and his soldiers,
but could not at the same time forget the Almighty ; that
they received their pay from him, and their existence from
God. While your commands (said they) are not contra-
dictory to those of our common master, we shall always
be as ready to obey, as we have been hitherto: but when
the orders of our prince and those of the Almighty differ,
we must always obey the latter. Our arms are devoted"
to the emperours use, and shall be directed against his
enemies; but we cannot submit to stain our hands with
the effusion of Christian blood : and how, indeed, could
you, O emperour! be secure of our allegiance and fidelity,
should we violate our obligation to our God, in whose
service we were solemnly engaged before we entered in
the army! you command us to search out and to destroy
the Christians: it is not necessary to look any farther for
persons'of that denomination, we ourselves are such, and
we glory in the name. We saw our companions fail with-
out the least opposition or murmuring, and thought them
happy in dying for the sake of Christ. Nothing shall
make us lift up our hands against our sovereign: we had
rather die wrongfully, and by that means preserve our
innocence, than live under a load of guilt; whatever you
command, we are ready to suffer; we confess ourselves to
be Christians, and therefore cannot persecute Christians^
nor sacrifice to idols."
A declaration like this, should have softened the em
niSTORY OT THE MART.YRS, 49
perour, but it had the contrary effect; for, enraged at their
perseverance and unanimity, he commanded that the
whole legion should be put to death, which was according-
ly executed by -the other troops, who cut them to pieces
with their sw^ords.
This affair happened A. Eh 286; and such was the in-
veterate malice of Maximian, that he sent to destroy every
man of a few detachments that had been drafted from the
Theban legion, and dispatched to Italy.
Victor, an old veteran soldier of another legion, met the
executioners of this bloody business. As they appeared
rather merry, he enquired into the cause of their jocularity,
and being informed of the whole affair, he sharply re-
proved them for their barbarity. This excited their
curiosity to ask him if he was of the same faith of those
who had suffered. On answering in the affirmative, sever-
al of the soldiers fell upon him, and immediately despatch-
ed him.
Alban, from whom St. Alban's received its name, was
the first British martyr. This island had received the
gospel during the reign of Lucius, the first Christian
king, and did not suffer by the rage of persecution for
many years after.
Alban was originally a Pagan, but naturally of a very
humane and tender disposition; he sheltered a Christian
ecclesiastic, named Amphibalus, when some officers were
in pursuit of him on account of his religion.
The pious example, and edifying discourses of the refu-
gee, made a great impression on the mind of Alban; he
wished to become a member of a religion which charmed
him, and to imitate what he admired. The fugitive min-
ister, happy in the opportanily, took great pains to instruct
him: and perfected Alban's conversion.
Alban now took a firm resolution to preecrve the senti-
ments of a Christian, or die the death of a martyr. The
enemies of Amphibalus having intelligence of the place
where he was secreted, came to the house of Alban in
order to apprehend him. Alban desirous of protecting
the guest by whom he had been converted, chan^rced clothes
with him, in order to facilitate his escape : and \viien the
.5
50 HISTORY OT THE MARTYRS.
soldiers came, offered himself up as the person they were
seeking for.
Being carried before the governor, the deceit was im-
mediately discovered ; and Amphibalus being absent, that
officer determined to wreak all his vengeance upon Alban.
The prisoner was accordingly commanded to advance to
the altar,and to sacrifice to the Pagan deities; or threatened
in case of refusal, with the vengeance intended to be exer-
cised against the person who had escaped by his contri-
vance'.
Unterrified by these menaces, he declared that he woul^
not comply with such idolatrous injunctions, but freely
professed himself to be a Christian ; upon this the governour
ordered him to be scourged, which he bore with great
fortitude, and seemed to acquire new strength by his suf-
ferings. He then was sentenced to be beheaded.
Faith was a Christian ferpale, of Acquitain, whilst Da-
cian presided as governour of Gaul, during the reign of
Maximian in Acquitain, and was very active in persecuting
the Christians.
Faith, being informed that there was a design to seize
her, forestalled the intention by surrendering herself up ;
and being inflexible in her faith, was ordered to be broiled
upon a gridiron, and then beheaded; which -sentence was
executed in the year 287.
Capacius concealed himself from the persecutors of
Christianity, but being informed of the fortitude of Faith,
openly avowed his religion, and delivered himself up to
the governour, who ordered him to be tortured, and then
beheaded.
Quintin, a native of Rome, determined to attempt the
propagation of the gospel in Gaul, and went to Picardy
attended by Lucian. They preached together at Amiens ;
after which Lucian went to another province, where he
was martyred.
Quintin remained in Picardy, and was very zealous in
his ministry. Being apprehended as a Christian, he was
stretched with puUies till his joints were dislocated. His
body was then torn with wire scourges, and boiling oil and
pitch poured on his naked flesh ; lighted torches were
HISTORY Of THE MARTYRS. Si
applied to his sides and arm-pits ; and after he had been
thus tortured, he was remanded back to prison.
Varus, the governour, being oblrged to repair to Ver-
mandois, ordered Quintin to be conducted thither under
a strong guard, where he died of the barbarities he had
suffered, A. D. 287, and his body was sunk in the Somme.
CHAP. XL
THE TENTH GENERAL PERSECUTION, OF THE CHRISTIANS5
UNDER THE ROMAN EMPEROURS, COMMONLY CALLED
THE iERA OF THE MARTYRS.
Many reasons have been assigned for this persecution ;
but the principal was the great increase of the Christians,
whose numbers had rendered them formidable; so that
many of them, by a false security, having lost their humil-
ity, and given themselves up to vanity, created the envy
and hatred of Galerius, the adopted son of Dioclesian,
who being stimulated by his mother, a bigoted Pagan,
never ceased persuading the emperour to enter upon the
persecution.
The fatal day fixed upon to commence the bloody work,
was that in which the Terminalia were celebrated (about
February 23) A. D. 303, on which, as the Pagans boasted,
they hoped to put a termination to Christianity.
The persecution began in Nicomedia, in the morning of
which, the Prefect of that city repaired, with a great
number of officers and assistants, to the church of the
Christians, where having forced open the doors, they
seized upon all the sacred books, and committed them to
the flames.
The whole of this transaction was encouraged by the
presence of Dioclesian and Galerius, who, not contented
with burning the books, caused the church to be levelled
with the ground. This was followed by a severe edict
commanding the destruction of all other Christian church-
es and books; and an order succeeded to render Christians
of all denominations outlaws, and consequently to make
i>'Z HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
them incapable of hoidiiig anj place of trust, protit, oi^
dignity, or of receiving any protection from the' legal in-
stitutions of the real™.
The publication of this edict occasioned an immediat<3
martyrdom; for a bold Christian not only tore it down
from the place to which it was aflixed, but execrated the
name of the emperour for his injustice.
Such a provocation was sufficient to call down Pagan
Viengeance upon his head ; he v^as seized, severely tortur-
ed, and then burnt alive.
All the Christian prelates were apprehended, and im-
prisoned; and Galerius privately ordered the imperial
palace to be set on tire, that the Christia; s might be
charged as the incendiaries, and a plausible pretence
given for carrying on the persecution with the greatest
severities.
A general sacrifice was then commanded, which occa-
sioned various martyrdoms. Among others, a Christian,
named Peter, was tortured, broiled, and then burnt ; several
deacons and Presbyters were seized, and executed by
various means; and the bishop of Nicomedia, named Ail-
thimus, was beheaded.
No distinction was made either to age or sex; the
name of Christian was so obnoxious to the Pagans, that
all fell indiscriminately sacrifice* to their opinions. Houses
w^ere set on fire, and whole Christian families perished in
the flames, others had stones fastened about their necks,
and being tied together were driven into the sea. The
persecution became general in all the Roman provinces,
but nriore particularly in the east ; and as it lasted ten years
it is impossible to ascertain the numbers martyred, or to
enumerate the various modes of martyrdom. Some were
beheaded in Arabia; many devoured by wild beasts in
Phoenicia; great numbers were broiled on gridirons in
Syria; others had their bones broken in Cappadocia, and
in that manner were left to expire; and several in Me-
sopotamia were hung with their heads downward over
slow fires, and suffocated.
In Pontus, a variety of tortures were used, pins were
thrust under the nails of the prisoners, melted lead was
HISTORY Of THE MARTVRg. 53
poured upon them: and modes "adopted in tormenting the
Christians, the indecency of wlikh could be only equalled
by the savage barbarities practised in their execution.
In Eo-vpt some of the Cliristians were buried alive m
the eartJi. others drowned in the waters of the Nile, many
were hung up in the air till they perished, aiid great
numbers received their death by being thrown into large
fires. . J
Racks, scourges, swords, daggers, crosses, poison, and
famine, were made use of in various parts to despatch the
Christians; and invention was exhausted to devise tortures
against such as had no crime, except thinking differently
from the votaiies of superstition. , ' ^,, . ,.
\ city of Phry2;ia, consisting entirely of Christians, was
surrounded by a number of Pagan soldiers, to prevent any
from escaping; who setting it -on hre, all the inhauitants
perished in the ilames. But though the sutlerings of
Christians were many, their souls were serene; a pertect
resignation being one of the greatest Christian duties.
Tired with slaughter, at length, several governors of
provinces represented to the imperial court that, ^'i was
unfit to pollute the cities with the blood of the mhaoi ants,
or to defame the government of the emperours wich the
death of so manv subjects." Hence many were respited
from execution, but though they were not put o death,
every possible method was used to render ttieir lives mis^
^'Thus, as marks of infamy, many of tiie Christians had
their ears cut off, their noses slit, their right eyes put out,
their limbs rendered useless by dreadful dislocations, and
their flesh seared in conspicuous places with red-hot irons.
Sebastian, who was born at Narbonne in Gaul, instruct-
ed in the principles of Christianity at Milan alter-
wards became an officer of the emperour's guard at Kome.
He remained a true Christian in the nndst of idolat.> ,
unallured by the splendours of a court, untamted by evil
examples, and uncontaminated by the hopes of Fefejm;:"-
Esteemed by the most eminent, beloved by his equnls,
and admired b^ his infeViors, he lived happily, and kept
j4 history of the martyrs.
his faith and place, till the' rigour of the persecution pur-
sued him to destruction. • •
He was betrayed to Fabian, the Roman pretor, by
Torquatus, a pretended Christian •, but being of a rank
too considerable to be put to death without the emperour's
express orders, Dioclesian was acquainted with the ciiv
cumstance.
The emperour, on hearing the accusation, sent for Se^
bastian, and charged him with ingratitude "in betraying
the confidence reposed in him, and being an enemy to the
gods of the empire and to him."
Sebastian rephed, "that his religion was of a good,,
not a pernicious tendency, and that it did npt stimulate
him to any thing against the welfare of the empire in
general, or the emperour in particular, and that the great-
est proof he could give of his fidehty, w^as the praying to
the only true God for the health and pro^erity of his
imperial person." Incensed at 'this reply, the emperour
ordered him to be taken to a field near the city, termed
the Campus Martins, and there to be shot to death with
arrows.
Some pious Christians coming to the place of execu-
tion, in order to give his body burial, perceived signs of
iife in him, and immediately removed him to a place of
security, and in a short time they effected his recovery,
))ut they only prepared him for a second martyrdom; for
as soon as he was able to go out, he placed himself inten-
tionally in the emperour's way as he was going to the
temple.
The appearance of a person supposed to be effectually
dead, greatly astonished the emperour, nor did the words
of the martyr less surprise him,, when he began with great
severity to reprehend him for his various cruelties, and
for his unreasonable prejudices against Christianity.
As soon as Dioclesian. had overcome his surprise, he
ordered Sebastian to be carried to a place near the palace,
and beat to death; and that the Christians should not
either use means again to recover, or bury his body, he
ordered that it should be thrown into the common sewer.
JMevertheless, a Christian lady, named Lucina, found
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 55
means to recover it from the sewer, and bury it in the,
catacombs, or repositories of the dead.
About this period the Christians, upon mature con*
siderations, thought it unlawful to bear arms under a
heathen emperour. Their reasons were many and sub-
stantial; the principal being:
1. *' That they thereby were frequently under the neces-
sity of profaning the Christian sabbath.
2. " That they were obliged, with the rest of the army,
frequently tob€ present at idolatrous sacrifices, before tiie
temples of idols.
3. " That they were compelled to follow the Imperial
standards, which were dedicated to heathen deities, and
bore their representations."
These reasons induced many to refuse entering into the
Imperial army, the Roman constitution obliging all your^g
men of a certain stature, to make several campaigns.
However mistaken such a notion migiitbeina civiJsense,
it was a religious scruple, and did not merit the dreadful
persecution which ensued. The first victim of this re-
fusal, was Maximilian, the son of Fabius Victor, who be-
ing pointed out as a proper person to bear arms, was or-
dered by Dion, the pro-consul, to be measured, in order to
be enlisted in the service. Maximilian, however, abso-
lutely refused to be enlisted, arid boldly declared himself
a Christian.
Being found of the standard height, Dion gave direc-
tions that he should be marked as a soldier according to
the usual custom. He, however, strenuously opposed this,
and told Dion that he could not possibly engage in the
service.
Incensed at his conduct, the pro-consul plainly told
him, that he should either serve as a soldier, or die for his
disobedience. " Do as you please with me (replied Max-
imilian;) behead me if you think proper; I am already a
soldier of Christ, and cannot serve any other power."
Perceiving Uie inflexibility of the young man, Dion
commanded his father to use his authority over him, in
order to persuade him to comply; but Victor coolly re-
plied, "my son knows best what he has to do."
C)6 HISTORY OF THE MARTYitS.
The pro-consul again demanded of Maximilian, with
some acrimony, if he was yet disposed to receive the
mark? to which the young man replied, he had already
received the mark of Christ, "llave you! (exclaimed
the pro-consul in a rage) then I shall quickly send you to
Christ.*' " As soon as you please (answered Maximilian,)
that is all 1 ^vish or desire."
Dion then seeming to soften, represented to him that it
•\as a great pity he should be lost in the prime of his
ears. Maximilian replied, that he might die, hut should
not be lost; for though he left the world, his immortal
soul would reside eternally with the xWmighty. On which
the pro-consul pronounced this sentence upon him, '• that
for disobedience in refusing to bear arms, and for profes-
ing tile Christian faith, he should loose his head." This
: cntence he heard with great intrepidity, and exclaimed,
with apparent rapture, " God be praised !"
At the place of execution, he exhorted those who were
Cliristians to remain so; and such as were not, to embrace
a faith which led to eternal glory.
Then turning to his father, with a cheerful countenance,
he desired that the military ha])it intended for him might
be given to the executioner; and, after taking leave of
fiiai, said, he hoped they should meet again in the other
world, and be happy to all eternity. lie then received
the fatal stroke, and crown of martyrdom.
The father beheld the execution with amazing fortitude,
and saw the head of his heroic son' severed from the body,
without any visible emotions, but such as seemed to pro-
ceed from a conscious pleasure, in being the parent of one
whose piety and courage rendered him so shining an ex-
ample for Christiri.' s to imitate.
Vitus was a Sicilian of a considerable family, whose
virtues increased with his years, his constancy supported
hin^i under all afflictions, and his faith was superior to the
most dangerous perils.
His father Hylas, a Pagan, finding that his son had been
instructed in the p inciples of Christianity, by the nurse
who brougl'.t him up, used all his endeavours to bring him
back to Paganism. Faihng in his design, he forgot all the
I
HISTORY OF THE MARTVRjf. 57
feelings of a parent, and impeached his son to \ alerian,
governor of Sicily, then very active in persecuting the
Christians.
Vitus, at the time of his apprehension, was little more
than twelve years of age ; Valerian, therefore, on account
of his tender age, thought to terrify him out of his faith.
He was, with great anger, accordingly threatened, and or-
dered to he scourged severely.
Having received his punishment, the governor sent him
back to his father, thinking that what he had sutfered
would certainly make him change his principles; but in
this he was mistaken : and Hylas, finding his son inflexible,
suftered parental feelings to be subdued by superstition,
ajiid determined to sacrifice his son to the idols.
Vitus, on being apprized of this horrid design, escaped
to Lucania, where he was discovered, seized, and by cfider
of Valerian, put to death, A. D. 303. Crescentia, the
nurse who brought him up as a Christian, and a person
who escaped with him, named Modestus, were martyred
at the same time.
Victor resided at Marseilles^ in France ; and spent a
great part of the night in visiting the atflicted, and con-
firming the weak; which pious work he, consistently with
his own safety, performed in the night; and his fortune he
spent in relieving the distresses of poor Christians.
At length he was seized by the emperours orders, and
carried before two prefects, who advised him to embrace
Paganism, and not forfeit the favour of his prince on ac-
count of a dead man, as they styled Christ. In answer, he
replied, "that he preferred the service of that dead man,
who was in reality the Son of God, and was risen from
the grave, to all the advantages he could receive from the
emperour's favour: that he was a soldier of Christ, and
would therefore take care that the post he held under an
earthly prince should never interfere with his duty to the
King of heaven ; and that as for the gods, whose worship
they recommended to him, be could not think them any
better than evil spirits."
For this reply he was loaded with reproaches, but be-
ing a man of rank he was sent to the emperour, who com-
manded him to sacrifice to the Roman idols.
58 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
On his absolute refusal to comply, Maximian ordered
him to be bound and dragged through the streets, where
he was treated with all manner of cruelties and indigni-
ties bj the enraged populace.
Remaining inflexible, he was ordered to be stretched
upon the rack, when turning his eyes towards heaven, he
prayed to God to endue him with patience ; after which
he underwent the tortures with admirable fortitude. The
executioners being tired of inflicting torment on him, he
was taken from the rack, and conveyed to a close dark
dungeon.
His confinement, however, became a fortunate circum-
stance, for he converted his gaolers, Alexander, Felician,
and Longinus. This coming to the ears of the emperour,
he o.rdered them immediately to be beheaded.
T Victor was then again put to the rack, and unmerciful-
ly beaten with batoons, and then again remundcd to pri-
son.
' Being a third time examined concerning his religion, he
persevered in his principles; a small altar was then
brought, and he was commanded to oflfer incense upon it
immediately. Fired with indignation at the request, he
boldly stept forward, and with his foot overthrew both al-
tar and idol.
This so enraged the emperour Maximian, who was pre-
sent, that he ordered the foot with which he had kicked
the altar, to be immediately cut off; and Victor was after-
wards sentenced to be thrown into a mill, and crushed to
pieces with the stones.
This cruel sentence was in some measure put into exe-
cution ; Victor was thrown into the mill, but part of the
apparatus breaking, he was drawn from it terribly bruis-
ed; and the emperour not having patience to stay till it
was mended, ordered his head to be struck off, which was
executed A. D. 303.
Maximus, governor of Silicia, being at Tarsus, three
Christians were brought before him by Demetrius, a mili-
tary officer.
: Tarachus, the eldest, and first in rank, was addressed
I
hlSTOR\ or THE MARTYRS. 59
first by Maximus, who asked him what he was? The pri-
soner repUed, " a Ctiristian." This reply oifended the
governor; who again made the same demand, and was an-
swered in a similar manner.
The governor then told him, that he ought to sacrifice
to the gods, as that was the only way to promotion, riches,
and honours; and that the emperours themselves did what
was recommended to be done by him.
To this Tarachus replied, " that avarice was a sin, and
gold itself an idol as abominable as any other; for it pro-
moted frauds, treacheries, robberies, and murders; it in-
duced men to deceive each other, by which in time they
deceived themselves, and bribed the weak to their own
eternal destruction. As for promotion he desired it not,
as he could not in conscience accept of any place, office,
or post, which would subject him to pay adoration to idols ;
and with regard to honours, he desired not greater than
the honourable title of Christian !"
For this boldness, his jaws were ordered to be broken,
that the parts which uttered the words should suffer for
their supposed impropriety. He was then stripped,
scourged, loaded with chains, and thrown into a dismal
dungeon, to remain there till the trial of the other prison-
ers.
Probus was then brought before Maximus, to whom the
prisoner boldly declared, that the most valuable name he
could boast of was that of a Christian ; but that the usual
appellation by which he was distinguished was Probus;
that his father was a Thracian, and that himself was born
at Sida, in Pamphylia.
Maximus replied to this in the following words: '
"Your name of Christian will be of little service to you,
be therefore guided by me; sacrifice to the gods, engage
my friendship, and the emperour's favour."
Probus nobly answered, "that as he had relinquished a
considerable fortune to become a servant to Christ, it
might appear evident, that he neither cared for his friend^
ship, or the emperour's favour.
He was, by the governor's order, then scourged ; and
Pemetrius, the officer, observing to him how his blood
CO HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
tlowed, advised him to comply ; but his only answer was,
-that those severities were agreeable to him." "What!
(cries Maximus,) does he still persist in his madness?" To
which Probus rejoined, "that character is badly bestow-
v.d on one who refuses to worship idols, or what is worse,
devils."
He was then committed to gaol, loaded with irons, and
his hands and feet stretched upon the stocks.
Andronicus was next brought up, w^hen being asked the
usual questions, he said, "1 am a Christian, a native of
Iiiphesus, and descended from one of the first families in
that city." After much altercation, in which the gover-
nor was unsuccessful In endeavouring to dissuade him
from his. faith, he was ordered to undergo punishments si-
milar to those of Tarachus and Probus, and then remand-
'^d to prison.
After being confined some days, the three prisoners
were brought before Maximus again, who began first to
reason with Tarachus, saying, "that as old age was hon-
oured from the supposition of its being accompanied by
wisdom, he was in hopes that what had already past must,
upon deliberation, have caused a change in his sentiments."
Finding himself, however, mistaken, he ordered him to be
tortured by various means ; fire was placed in the palms
■jf his hands; he was hung up by his feet and smoked
with wet straw; a mixture of salt and vinegar was poured
into his nostrils ; and he was then again remanded to pri-
son.
Probus being then called for, and asked if he would sa-
crifice, replied, "I come better prepared than before; for
what I have already suffered has only confirmed and
Strengthened me in my resolution. Employ your whole
power upon me, and you will find, tliat neither you, nor
your masters, the emperours, nor the gods whom you serve,
nor the devil who is your father, shall oblige me to adore
gods whom I know not."
The governor then attempted to reason with him on
religious subjects: for having a slender education he was
proud of showing his talents. He launched forth into the
most extravagant praises of the Paga» deities, and as he
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 6l
enumerated them, described their respective pov>'ers, and
separate virtues; and inferred, from what himself had
said, that such deities, possessed of such admirable quali-
ties, ought to be worshipped. "However," continues he,
"asyour chief objection is against a plurality of Gods, I
will not press you to sacrifice to all of them: sacrifice on-
ly to Jupiter, the chief, the most powerful, and most in-
vincible of our deities."
Probus easily confuted his arguments, turned his casu-
istry to ridicule, and in particular said, "shall I pay di-
vine honours to Jupiter, to one who married his own sis-
ter to an infamous debauchee, as is even acknowledged
by your own poets and priests?"
Incensed at this speech the governor ordered him to be
struck upon the mouth, for uttering what he called blas-
phemy: his body was then seared with hot irons; he was
put to the rack, and afterwards scourged ; his head was
shaved, and coals placed upon the crown ; and after all
these tortures, he was again sent to confinement.
These three worthy Christians were brought to a third
examination, when they retained their constancy, were
again tortured, and at length ordered for execution.
Being brought to the amphitheatre, several beasts were
let loose upon them: but none of the animals would touch
them. This so greatly irritated Maximus, that he severe-
ly-reprehended the keeper, and ordered him to produce a
beast that would execute the business for which he was
wanted. The keeper then brought out a large bear, that
had that very day destroyed three men; but this creature,
and a fierce lioness, both refused to touch the prisoners.
Finding the design of destroying them hj the means of
wild beasts ineffectual, Maximus ordered them to be slain
^y a sword, which was executed A, D. 303.
Romanus was a native of Palestine, and deacon of the
church of Cagsarea, at the time of the commencement of
Dioclesian's persecutioji. Being at Antioch when the
Imperial order arrived for sacrificing to idols, he was
greatly afflicted to see many Christians, through fear, sub-
mit to the idolatrous mandate, aid deny *^hV;r faith to
preserve their lives; be censured some of the recreants
6
iQiZ HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
for their conduct, for which they informed against him to
the governor. Before the tribunal, he boldly confessed
himself a Christian, and said he was ready and wilKng to
suffer any thing inflicted upon him on account of his faith.
Being condemned, he was scourged, put to the rack,
his body torn with hooks, his flesh cut with knives, his
face scarified, his teeth beat from their sockets, and his
hair plucked up by the roots. Thus cruelly mangled, he
turned to the governor, and very calmly thanked him for
what he had done, and for having opened so many mouths
to preach the doctrines of Christianity. He was then stran-
gled ; dying in hope of endless life in heaven, A. D. 303.
Marcellinus, an ecclesiastick at Rome, being apprehen-
ded on account of his religion, was ordered to be privately
beheaded in a forest.
Peter, a Christian, apprehended for the same cause, was
executed at the same time and place.
Much about this period Smaragdus, Largus, and Cyria-
ous, a deacon of the Christian church, were martyred.
Susanna, niece of Caius, bishop of Rome, having been
solicited by the emperour Dioclesian to marry a noble Pa-
gan, who was nearly related to him, refused the honour
intended, on account of her religion, which so greatly en-
raged the emperour, that he ordered her to be beheaded.
Dorotheus, high chamberlain of the household to Dio-
clesian, was a Christian, and took great pains to make
converts. In his rehgious labours he was joined by Gor-
gonius, another Christian, and one belonging to the palace.
They were both high in the emperour's favour, but soon
had an opportunity of evincing, that worldly honours and
temporary pleasures were nothing when set in competition
with the joys of immortality; for being informed against,
they were first tortured and then strangled.
Peter, an eunuch belonging to the emperour, was a
•Christian of singular modesty and humility. His humility
caused him to undertake any menial office to serve ihe
afflicted; and his benevolence occasioned him to give
whatever he possessed to those who needed assistance;
convinced that riches did not constitute happiness, and
that want could give instructions that wealth could never
bestow.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 63
Being informed against as a Christian, and confessing
the charge, he was scourged till his flesh was torn in a most
terrible manner; and then salt with vinegar was thrown
upon his wounds. Having endured these tortures with
the utmost patience, he was laid on a gridiron, and broiled
over a slow fire, till he expired.
Cyprian, known by the title of the Magician, to distin-
guish him from Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, was a native
of Antioch. He received a liberal education in his youth,
and particularly applied himself to astrology; after which
ke travelled for improvenient through Greece, Egjpt,
India, &c.
Having finished his studies, he settled near Babylon^
^«id, being skilled in the. Chaldean mysteries, he perverted
his talents in endeavouring to draw Vomen from chastity
and conjugal faith, in persecuting the Christians, and in
ridiculing their faith.
He became acquainted with Justma, a young lady of
Antioch, whose birth, beauty, and accomplishments, ren-
dered her an object of admiration.
This laQj had been Gducp.ted in idolatry; but being
happily converted to Christianity, she induced her father
and mother to embrace the same faith. Her modesty and
her prudence were extremely commendable. A Pagan
gentleman falling in love with her, an'd not being able to
obtain a favourable return to his addresses, applied to
Cyprian for assistance.
Cyprian undertook the design with a treacherous intent;
and, under the pretence of acting for his friend, deter-
mined, if possible, to possess the lady himself. To effect
this, he employed all his skill, and essayed a variety of
infernal contrivances; but his endeavours proving ineffec-
tual, he was fully convinced that a superior power protec-
ted her from his machinations.
His reflections, on this account, awakened him to search
into the truths of Christianity ; and his research became
so beneficial, that he renounced the errours of Paganism,
and embraced a faith, of the excellency of which he could
not fail to be convinced.
The repentance of Cyprian was sincere. He deter-
64 HISTORY OF Tin: i^fARTYRS.
mined to reform his conduct, and to make all ainends
in his power for the crimen he had committed. Eusebius,
a Christian, confirmed iiim in this resolution, and preven-
ted him from falling into despair f<jr his past follies.
Cyprian burnt his books ot" astrology and magic, receiv-
ed baptism, and became animated with a powerful spirit
of grace. The conversion of Cyprian had a great effect
on the Pagan gentleman who paid his addresses to Jus-
tina, and he, in a short time, embraced Christianity.
During this persecution, Cyprian and Justina were seized
upon as Christians; when the former was torn with pin*
cers, and the latter cruelly scourged; and after suffering
otiier torments, both were beheaded.
Sergius, an officer in the Roman army, attended the
emperour Maximian' into Syria. Being accused as a
Christian, he was ordered to sacrifice to Jupiter; but re-
fusing to perform apy such idolatrous command, he was
stripped of his military habit, and, by way of derision,
ifressed in women's clothes. He was then forced to walk
a considerable way with nails in his sandals, and a conclu-
sion was put to his sufferings by beuig beheaded.
Bacchus, an officer of the same rank as Sergius, being
apprehended at the same time, underwent similar suffer-
ings, and was beheaded on the same day, A. D. 303.
lEulalia, a Spanish lady, of a Christian . family, was re-
markable, in her youth, for a sweetness of temper, and
solidity of understanding. Being apprehended as a
Christian, the magistrate attempted, by mild means, to
bring her over to Paganism ; but she answ^ered him in so
determined a manner, and ridiculed the Pagan deities with
such asperity, that the judge, incensed at her behaviour;,
ordered her to be tortured.
Her sides were torn by hooks, and her breasts burnt in
the most shocking; manner, till the fire catching her head
and face, she expired by the violence of the flame.
In 304, the emperour Dioclesian falling ill, the persecu-
tion was deputed to Galerius, and the governours of the
several provinces, when the following fell victims to the
infernal malice of the persecutors:
Vincent, a Spanish Christian, educated by Valerius,
HISTORY or THE MARTYRS. 65
bishop of Saragossa, who, on account of his great merit,
ordained him a deacon. When the persecution reached
Spain, Dacian, the governour of Tarragona, ordered Va-
lerius, the bishop, and Vincent, the deacon, to be seized,
loaded witli irons, and imprisoned.
Tiiey were examined with great asperity, and threaten-
ed with death, unless they renounced their principles. — -
Vincent, undertaking to speak for both, as Valerius had
ai^ impediment in his speech, delivered himself with great
freedom, and avow^ed their full determination to persist in
the faith.
Dacian, in a rage declared, that, unless he immediately
burnt incense to the gods, he should fall a sacrifice to the
contempt he had expressed.
The prisoners being firm in their resolutions, Valerius
was banished, and the whole of the governour's rage di-
rected against Vincent, who was racked, his limbs disloca-
ted, his flesh torn with iron hooks, and being laid on a
gridiron, had not only a fire placed under it, but spikes at
the top, which run into his flesh. In this situation, while
broiling over the fire, he was tormented with red-hot irons,,
or salamanders; and then salt w^as thrown over the wounds
and scarified places.
These torments neither destroying him, nor changing
his resolutions, he was remanded to prison, and confined in
a small loathsome dark dungeon, w*hich, to make it the
more disagreeable, was strevred with sharp flints, and
pieces of broken glass. Orders were given not to suffer
him to have any provisions whatever, and that the news of
his death should be carried to Dacian as soon as known.
The keepers, by the time they thought him famished,
entered the dungeon, when, instead of seeing only a
corpse, as they expected, they beheld, to their great as-
tonishment, Vincent at prayers, his w^ounds healed, and his
body in tolerable health.
This speedy recovery and preservation had such an
effect upon the keepers, that it became the happy means
of their conversion.
Dacian, however, abandoned to the hardness of his
heart, and impenetrable to convictioD. instead of being
^
t)G HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS*
softened by these uncommon circumstances, was enraged
at the triumph of Vincent over bis cruelties; and gave
orders for new tortures to be prepared for him, of so severe
a nature, as to make him sink under them.
Here, however, malice was again disappointed ; for, be-
fore the instruments could be prepared, God took him to
himself; and he died with all the serenity of a good con-
science, and with as much calmness, as if he had only sunk
into a gentle slumber. ' •
The persecution of Dioclesian began particularly, to '
rage in Africa in this year, when many Christians were
put to cruel tortures, and the most painful and ignominious
deatlis. The most eminent of whom are thus enumerated :
Saturninus, a priest of Albitina, a town of Africa, was
aecttstonied to officiate in his clerical capacity, preach, and
administer the sacrament to a society of Christians, pri-
vately assembled at the house of Octavius Felix; the
severity of the times being such, that they could not pub-
licly perform their religious duties.
Saturninus, with four of his children, and several other
persons, were apprehended; and that their punishment
might be the more exemplary and public, they were sent
to Carthage, the capital of Africa; where they were ex-
amined before Anulinus, the pro-consul of the province.
Saturninus gave such spirited answers, and vindicated
the Christian religion with such force of eloquence, as
showed that he was worthy to preside over an assembly
that professed a faith of purity and truth. Anulinus, en-
raged at his superior arguments, which he could not con-
fute, ordered him to be stopped from saying any more, bj
being put to a variety of tortures, such as scourging,
tearing his flesh with hooks, burning with hot irons, &c.
All this he bore with the most manly patience.
After being tortured, he was remanded to prison, and
there starved to death.
The four children of Sattirninus, after being variously
tormented, remained steady in their faith, on which they
were sent back to the dungeon in which their father was
confinecJ, and shared the same fate as their parent.
Eight other Christians were tortured oq the same day
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.* Q7
as Saturninus, and much in the same manner. Two expi-
red on the spot through the severity of their sufferings;
and the other six being sent back to prison, were suffoca-
ted by means of the closeness of the dungeon.
Dativus, a noble Roman senator, Thelico, a pious
Christian, Victoria, a young lady, with some others of less
consideration, who had been all auditors of Saturninus,
were seized at the time he was, tortured in a similar man-
ner, and perished by the same means ; sealing their testimo-
ny with their lives, and receiving the glorious crown of
martyrdom, as a reward for their sufferings in this transi-
tory life.
Agape, Chionia, and Irene, three sisters, were seized
at Thessalonica, when Dioclesian's persecution reached
Greece. They had been educated in the Christian faith,
but had taken great precautions not to* be seized on that
account, being, from the softnesss of their natures, unwil-
ling to meet the rage of the times.
Hence they retired to a solitary place, and spent their
hours in performing religious duties. Being, however^
discovered and seized, they renounced their former timid-
ity, blamed themselves for being so fearful, and begged of
God to strengthen them against the great trial they had
to undergo.
Agape, being examined before Dulcatius, the governour,
was asked whether she was disposed to comply with the
laws of the land, and obey the mandates of the emperour?
h>he answered, " that, being a Christian, she could not
comply with any laws which recommended the w^orship
of idols and devils; that her resolution was fixed, and
nothing should deter her from continuing in it to the last
moment of her life,"
Chionia replied in the same manner as her sister had
done ; when the governour, not being able to draw them
from their faith, pronounced sentence of condemnation on
them; pursuant to which they were burnt, A. D, 304.
Irene w^as then brought before the governour, who fan-
cied that the death of her sisters would have an effect
upon her fears, and that the dread of similar sufferings
would engage her to comply with his proposals, Hf
G8 .lySTORV OF THE MARTYRS.
therefore exhorted her to acknowledge the heathen dei-
ties, to sacritice to tliem, to partake of the victims, and to
deUver up her books relative to Christianity.
She heard these propositions with indignation, and pos-
itively refused to comply with any of them. The gover-
iiour asked her, "who it was that persuaded her and her
sisters to keep those books and writings?" She answered,
"It was that God who commtiiided them to love him to
the last; for which reason she was resolved to submit to
be burned aUve, rather than give them up into the hands
of his professed enemies."
The governour, finding that he could make no impres-
sion on her, ordered her to be exposed naked in the streets,
which shameful order having been executed, she was
burnt at the same place where her sisters had but a few-
days previously sulfcred.
Agatho, a man of pious mind, with Cassice, Phillippa,
and Eutychia, were martyred about the same time.
Marcellinus, bishop of Rome, who succeeded Caius in
that see, was greatly perplexed during this pe*ecution;
and having strongly opposed paying divine honours to
Dioclesian, who wished to exact them from the people,
and to appear as a god, he was at leng:tli seized, and com^
mitted to prison.
In this situation his conduct was steady, his constancy
immoveable, and his patience great. He suffered mar-
tyrdom, by a variety of. tortures, in this year; comforting
himself till he expired, with the prospect of those glori-
ous rewards he would receive by the tortures sliffered in
the body.
Theodotus, a Dalmatian, kept an inn at Ancyra. 'Be-
ing a Christian, and of a very humane disposition, he de-
voted a great part of his time to visit the afflicted, and a
great part of his property to relieve the poor.
Theotecnus, the governour of these parts, whose cruelty
could be equalled by nothing but his bigotry, received
the mandate for persecuting the Christians with great
satisfaction, and wrote the emperour word, that he .would
do his utmost endeavour to root out Christianity from eve-
ry place where he had the least power.
HISTORY OF THK MARTY Rfc. 69
The Pagans, being encouraged by the goveiiiour, began
to inform against, abuse, and persecute the Christians.
Great numbers were seized upon, and imprisoned ; their
goods destroyed, and their estates confiscated. Many fled
into the woods, or retired to caves, where some supported
themselves by feeding upon such roots as they could casu-
ally find, and others perished by famine. Indeed, many
were starved in the city, by means of the following singu-
lar stratagem. The governour gave strict orders that no
provisions whatever should be exposed to sale in the mar-
kets, without haying been first consecrated tcr the idols ;
hence the Christians were compelled to eat what had
been ofifered to the devil, or to refrain from food and perish.
The latter dreadful alternative was chosen by many, who
heroically gave up their lives to preserve the purity of
their faith.
During these critical times, Theodotus did all that he
could to comfort the imprisoned, and buried the bodies of
several who had been martyred ; though it was forbidden,
on pain of death. He likewise privately assisted many
with such fnod as they might use with a safe conscience :
for, having laid in a great stock of corn and wine, he sold
it out at prime cost.
A Christian, named Polychronicus, being seized, for-
feited his faith, in order to preserve his life, and compoun-
ded for a frail existence, by informing against his friend
Theodotus, who hearing of this treachery, voluntarily sur-
rendered himself to the governour.
On his arrival in the court, he surveyed the divers in-
struments of torture with a smile, and seemed totally re^
gardless of their effect.
Being placed at the bar, the governour informed him,
that it was still in his power to save himself, and to escape
the torments prepared for disobedience, by sacrificing to
the gods of the empire ; " and (continued he) if you re-
nounce your faith in Christ, I promise you my friendship,
and the emperour's protection, and will constitute you one
of the magistrates of the town."
Theodotus, in his answer, discovered great courage and
eloquence. He absolutely refused to renounce his faith,
70 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
declined the friendship of tlje governour, and protecfion
of the emperour, upon the terms proposed, and treated
the Pagan idols with the greatest ridicule.
On hearing this, the Pagans, in general, were extreme-
ly clamorous for the prisoner to be immediately punished ;
and the priests, in particular, rent their clothes, and tore
their chaplets, the badges of their offices, through rage.
The governour, without hesitation, complied with their
desire; when Theodotus was scourged, torn with hooks,
and then placed upon the rack. After this, vinegar was
poured into his wounds, his flesh was seared with burning
torches, and his teeth were knocked out of their sockets.
He was then remanded to prison, and, by the way, point-
ing to his mangled body, he said to the people, "it was but
just that Christians should suffer for him who suffered for
us all."
At the expiration of five days, he was brought from pri-
son, tortured, and then beheaded.
Victor, a native of Ancyra, was accused by the priests
©f Diana, of having 'abused their goddess. For this im-
puted crime he was seized upon, commififtrl in piibuu, his
house plundered, his family turned out of doors, and his
estate confiscated.
Being put to the rack, his resolution failed him, and he
tegan to waver in his laith, through the severity of his
torments. Being carried back to prison, in order to make
a full recantation, God punished him for his intended
apostasy; for his wounds mortified, and put an end to hi«
life in a few days.
Seven aged women of Ancyra, being apprehended for
their faith, were examined before the governour, who, on
finding them steadfast in their religious principles^ reviled
their belief, ridiculed their age, and ordered them to be
delivered over to some young libertines, that their virtue
might be insulted.
One of the debauchees, more bold and forward than the
rest, seized upon the eldest of the women, whose name
was Tecusa, who thus addressed him: "What designs,
child, can you have on us, who are worn out with age and
infirmities? I am now more than three-score and ten
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 71
years old; my companions are not much younger. You
may look on us as so many rotten carcases, as we shall
soon be ; for the governour after death refuses us burial."
Then lifting up her veil, she shewed him her grey hairs,
and then went on; "You may, perhaps, have a mother of
nearly the same age as myself; this should give you some
respect to us." The young men, though entire libertines,
were so affected with this speech, that they desisted, and
went their ways.
The governour, having failed in his design, determined
to compel them to assist in the idolatrous' rites of washing
the goddesses Minerva and Diana: for it is to be under-
stood, that, in Ancyra, it was the "custom annually to wash
the images of those heathen goddesses,- and that the wash-
ing was considered as a material part of the adoration of
them.
These seven Christian women, whose names were Te-
cusa, Phamme, Claudia, Alexandria, Julitta, Euphrasia,
and Matrona, were forced to the temple ; but absolutely
refusing to wash the idols, the governour was so enraged,
that he ordered them all to have stones tied about their
necks, and to be pushed into the water intended for the
washing, in which they gloriously expired.
Timothy, being carried before Urban, governour olf Pa-
lestine, was sentenced to be burnt to death by a slow fire
at Gaza.
Philip, bishop of Heraclea, had, in every act of his life,
appeared as a good Christian. The chief of his disciples
were Severus, a priest, and Hermes, a deacon ; and these
three did all in their power to promote the cause of Chris-
tianity.
The worthy bishop was advised to secrete himself, in or^
der to avoid the storm of the persecution; but he reprov-
ed those who counselled him so to do, telling them, that
their merit would be enhanced by their sufferings, and
that death had no terrour for the virtuous.
An officer named Aristomachus, being employed to shut
up the Christian churches in Heraclea, Philip took great
pains to convince hi n, that the shutting up building
made by hands, could not destroy Christianity, while the
72 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
iiving temples of the Lord remained ; for the true faith
consisted not in the places where God is adored, but in
the hearts of those who adored him.
Being, however, denied entrance into the church where
he used to preach, Phihp took up his station at the door,
rind there exhorted the people to patience and persever-
ance.
These things caused him to be seized and carried be-
fore the governour, who severely reprimanded him, and
then continued to speak sternly in these words: "Bring
all the vessels used in your worship, and the scriptures,
which you read and teach the people, and surrender them
to me, before you are iorced thereto by tortures." "If,"
replied the bishop, "you take any pleasure in seeing us
suffer, we are prepared for the worst you can do. This
Infirm body is in your power; use it as you please. The
vessels you demand shall be delivered up; for God is not
honoured by gold and silver, but by the fear of his power:
the ornaments of the souls of his servants are more pleas-
ing to him than the decorations of churches: but as to the
sacred books, it is neither proper for me to part with
them, nor for you to receive them." This answer so
much incensed the governour, that he ordered Mucassor,
a person particularly distinguished for inhumanity, to tor-
ture the prelate. Hermes, expressing himself freely
against such barbarities, was likewise ordered to be scour-
ged.
Proceeding to the place where the scriptures and the
church plate were kept, both were seized by the Pagans.
The clmrch was unroofed, the doors were walled up, the
plate was embezzled, and the scriptures w^ere burnt.
Philip being taken to the market-place, was ordered to
sacrifice to the Roman deities in general, and to a very
handsome image of Hercules in particular; Xq which com-
mand, "alas!" replied the prelate, "how unhappy are you,
who are thus grossly mistaken in the nature of the deity,
and so ignorant in the truth, as to worship your own work-
mo r>ship. What value is there in gold, silver, brass, iron,
or lead, which are dug out of the earth? You are unac-
quainted with the divinity of Christ, which is incompre-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 73
nensible to human capacities: but what power can your
idols boast, which are made by base mechanics, a drunk-
en statuary, or a debauched carver, and tricked up by the
arts of the taylor and the goldsmith? and yet these are
your gods." And after some other observations on the
absurdities of the Pagan religion, he concluded, that *»from
what he had already said, it appeared that the heathens
worshipped what might lawfullybetrodenon, and made
gods of such things as Providence had designed for their
use."
The governour then tried the constancy of Hermes,
but finding him as inflexible as the bishop, he committed
them both, to prison. Soon after this, the governour's
time of ruling these parts being expired, a new governour,
named Justin, arrived ; but he was to the full as cruel as
his predecessor.
Philip was dragged by the feet through the streets, se-
verely scourged, and then brought again to the governour,
who charged him with obstinate rashness, in continuing
disobedient to the Imperial decrees: but he boldly repli-
ed, "my present behaviour is not the effect of rashness,
but proceeds from my love and fear of God, who made
the world, and who will judge the living and the dead,
whose commands I dare not transgress. I have hitherto
done my duty to the emperours,* and am always ready to
comply with their just orders, according to the doctrine
of our Lord Christ, who bids us give their due both to
Cassar and to God : but I am obliged to prefer heaven to
earth, and to obey God rather than man."
The governor, on hearing this speech, immediately passed
sentence upon him to be burnt, and the martyr expiree!
singing praises to God in the midst of the flames.
Hermes, for behaving in a similar manner, and Severus,
who had surrendered himself up, in order to suffer with
his friends, both met with the same fate. Such were the
effects of a diabolical zeal for the adoration of idols, and
such the consequences of the bhndness of Pagan super-
stitions.
Agricola, we are informed by St. Ambrose, was a Chris-
tian of so very amiable a disposition, that he even gained
74 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS.
the esteem and admiration of many Tagans; but beiug
apprehended, lie was cruciried, in imitation of the death
of our Saviour; and his body, with the cross, was buried in
one grave, at iJologna, in Italy.
VitaUs, the servant and convert of Agricola, being put
to the torture, died under the haiids of his tormentors.
Victorius, Carpophorus, Severus, and Severianus, broth-
ers, were employed in places of great trust and honour
in the city of Rome. Having exclaimed against the wor-
ship of idols, they were apprehended, and tormented with
scourges, to the ends of which were fastened leaden balls.
This punishment was exercised with such excess of cruel-
ty, that the pious brothers fell martyrs to its severity.
Chrysogonus, of Aquileia, was beheaded by order of
Dioclesian, for having instructed a young lady of that city
in the Christian faith.
Anastacia, the young lady whom he had brought up,
was descended from an illustrious Roman family. Her
mother, named Flavia, was a Christian, and dying while
her daughter was an infant, she bequeathed her to the
care of Chrysogonus, with a strict injunction to instruct
her in tlie principles of Christianity. This Chrysogonus
punctually performed: but the father of the young lady,
who was a Pagan, gave her in marriage to a person of his
own persuasion, named Publius.
The husband was of a good family, but ba'd morals;
and having spent his wife's and his own patrimony, he had
the baseness to inform against her as a Christian.
Publius, however, dying soon after, his wife was releas-
ed ; but continuing to perform many charitable actions to
distressed Christians, she was again apprehended, and
delivered up to Florus, governour of lllyricum. I lorus
commanded that she should be put to the torture, when
finding her constant in the faith, he ordered her to be burnt ;
this event took place about a month after the martyrdom
of <^3hrvsogonus, her instructer.
Mouris and Thea, two Christian women of Gaza, were
martvred in that city some time in this year. The former
died under the hands of her tormentors; and the latter
perished in prison, of the wounds she had received in
bei^ig tortured.
IIISTORY OF TlIC MARTVRS. 75
Timothy, a deacon of Mauritania, and Maura, his wife,
had not been united together by the bands of wedlock
above three weeks, when they were separated from each
other by the persecution.
Timothy, being apprehended as a Christian, was carried
before Arrianus, governourof Thebais, who did all in his
p9wer to allure him from his faith, and induce him to
embrace idolatry.
Finding his endeavours vain, and knowing that Timothy
had the keeping of the Holy Scriptures, the governour
commanded him to deliver them up, that they might be
burnt: to which Timothy answered, " Had I children, I
would sooner deliver them up to be sacrificed, than part
from the word of God." Tlie governour, much incensed
at this reply, ordered Ms ejes lu be put out with red-hot
irons, saying, "the books shall at least be useless to you;
for you shall not see to read them."
•His patience under the operation was so great, that the
governour grew more exasperated. He therefore, in
order if possible to overcome his fortitude, ordered him
to be hung up by tlie feet, with a weight tied about his
neck, and a gag in his mouth.
Timothy underwent this severity with the greatest cour^
age, when some busy person acquainted the governour
that he had been but newly married to a wife, of whom
he was extremely fond. Arrianus was glad to hear this,
thinking that conjugal regard might effect what menaces
could not; and that an affection for his wife might prevail
over that intrepid spirit, which could sustain so many
torments with such resolution.
Maura was sent for, and promised a handsome reward,
with the life of her husband, if she could prevail upon
him to sacrifice to the idols. This was a severe attack
upon the principles of Maura: weak by nature, wavering
in her fiiith, tempted by a bribe, and impelled by an un-
bounded affection for her husband, she undertook the inv
pious task.
Being conducted to him, she assailed his constancy with
all the persuasive language of real affection. When the
p-ao- was taken out of hY? mo^^ih. in order to give him
76 HIS roil Y or* tiil' martyr^,
an opportunity of replying, instead of consenting to fiia
wife's intreaties, as they expected, he greatly blamed her
mistaken love, and declared his resolution of dying for
the faith. The consequence of which was, that Maura
repeated her importunities, till the martyr, her husband,
reproached her so strongly with her weakness, that she
returned to his way of thinkhig, and resolved to imitjrte
his courage and fidelity, and either to accompany, or follow
him to glory. She went to Arrianus, and told him, that
she was united to her husband in opinion as well as by
love, and was ready to suflfer any thing to atone for har
late crime in wishing to make him an apostate.
The governour, after trying in vain to alter her resolu-
tion, ordered her to be tortured, which was executed with
great severity. Timothy and Maura were then crucified
near each other, both receiving the crown of martyrdom
with the greatest intrepidity.
Sabinus, bishop of Assissium, refusing to sacrifice to
Jupiter, and pushing the idol from him, had his hands cut
off by the order of the governour of Tuscany. After pa-
tiently suffering this barbarity, he was committed to pri-
son, where he remained a considerable time, without any
assistance or relief but what he received from a Christian
widow, whose blind grand-son had been by him restored
to sight.
The governoitr, himself, afflicted with sore eyes, on
hearing this intelligence^ revolved its singularity in his
mind, and began to consider the behaviour of the Chris-
tians, and the tenets of Christianity, in a more candid
light than he had hitherto done. Sending for Sabinus, he
informed him that he now entertained very different sen-
timents to what he had hitherto done, both with respect
to him and his faith: then throwing himself at the feet of
Sabinus, he intreated him to afford assistance both to his
inward and outward ailments, and to undertake the cure
of his soul and body.
The fervency with which he spoke, convinced Sabinus.
of his sincerity. Having received proper instructions
concerning the principles of Christianity, he was baptized^
and the disorder in his eyes soon disappeared.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 77
The conversion of the governour was followed by that
of his whole family, and some of his friends.
The tyrant Maximian, being informed of these circum-
stances, immediately sent one of his principal officers,
named Lucius, and Assassium, who, according to his in-
structions, ordered the goveniour, and all his family, to be
beheaded.
Soon after their execution, Sabinus himself was scourg-
ed to death. *
Marcellus and Experantius, two ecclesiastics, who offici-
ated under Sabinus, were scourged in a most dreadful
manner; but remaining constant in their faith, their flesh
was torn with hooks till they expired.
Tired with the farce of state, and public business, the
emperours Dioclesian and Maximian resigned the imperial
diadem, and were succeeded by Constantius a Briton, and
Galerius ; the former a prince of the most mild and hu-
mane disposition, and the latter equally remarkable for
his cruelty and tyranny.
These divided the empire into two equal governments ;
Galerius ruling in the east, and Constantius in the west;
and the people in the two governments felt the effects of
the different dispositions of the two emperours ; for those
in the west were governed in the mildest manner: but
such as resided in the east, felt all the miseries of op=-
pression.
With respect to the Christians, to whom Galerius bore
a most prejudicial and implacable hatred, we are informed,
that he not only condemned them to tortures, but to be
burnt in slow fires, after this horrible manner:— They
were first chained to a post, then a gentle tire put to the
soles of their feet, which contracted the callus till it fell
off from the bone: when flambeaux, just extinguished,
were put to all parts of their bodies, so that they might
be tortured all over; and care was taken to keep them
alive, by throwing cold water in their faces, and giving
them some thereof to wash their mouths, lest their throats
should be dried up with thirst, and choak them. Thus
their miseries were lengthened out whole days, till, at last^
their skins being consumed, and they. ju?t ready to expire.
78 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
were thrown into a great fire, and had tlieir bodies burnt
to ashes ; after which they were ground to powder, and
thrown into rivers.
Among the manj martyred by the order of Galerius,
the most eminent were: —
Amphianus, a gentleman of eminence in Lucia, and a
scholar to Eusebius. Pressing through the crowd whilst
the proclamation for sacrihcing to idols Was read, he
caught the governour Urbianus by the hand,* and severely
reproved him for his impiety.
The governour, being highly incensed at this freedom,
ordered him to be put to the torture, and then thrown in-
to the sea.
iEdesius, his brother, was, for nearly the same offence,,
much about the same time, martyred at Alexandria.
Julitta, a Lyconian lady of royal descent, brut more
celebrated for her virtues than noble blood, when the edict
for sacrificing to idols was published at Iconium, withdrew
from that city to avoid the bigoted rage of Domitian, the
governour, taking with her, her young son, Cyricus, and
two women servants. She was, however, seized at Tarsus,
and being carried before Alexander, the governour, ac-
knowledged that she was a Christian.
For this confession her son was taken from her, and she
was put to the rack, and tortured with great severity;
but she bore all her sufferings with fortitude.
Young Cyricus cried bitterly to get to his mother; when
the governour observing the beauty, and being melted at
the tears of the child, took him upon his knee, and en-
deavoured to pacify him. Nothing, however, could quiet
Cyricus ; he still called upon the name of his mother, and
at length, in imitation of her words, lisped out, " I am a
Christian." This innocent expression converted the go-
vernour's compassion into rage: he lost the man in the
bigot, and throwing the child furiously against the pave-
ment, dashed out its brains.
The mother, who, from the rack, beheld the whole
transaction, thanked the Almighty that her child was
gone before her; and she should be ^vithout any anxiety
concerning his future welfare, and certain that now no
HISTORY OF THE MAUTVRg. 79
advantage could be taken of his tender year?, to pervert
his principles, and defraud him of his salvation.
To complete the execution^ Julitta had boiling pitch
poured on her feet, her sides were torn with hooks, and
the conclusion of her miseries was by being beheaded,
A. D. 305.
Pantaleon, a native of Nicomedia, was taught most
branches of human learning by his father, who was a Pa-
gan; and the precepts of the gospel by his mother, who
was a Christian.
Applying to the study of medicine, he became eminent
in the knowledge of physrck, and in process of time, was
appointed physician to the emperour Galerius.
He assisted the poor, to the utmost, with his fortune:
and his skill in phjsick was attended with the most aston*
ishing success.
His reputation roused the jealousy of the Pagan phy-
sicians, and they accused him to the emperour. Galerius,
who finding him a Christian, which he had not before
known, ungratefully ordered him to be tortured, and then
beheaded.
Hermolaus, a venerable and pious Christian, and an
intimate acquaintance of Pantaleon's, suffered martyrdom
for his faith on the same day, and in the same manner, as
Pantaleon.
Julitta, of Cappadocia, a lady of distinguished capacity,
great virtue, and uncommon courage, was martyred on
account of a law-suit, of which Basil, bishop of Coesarea,
gives the following particulars:
" She had a troublesome law-suit with one of the prin-
cipal men of Caesarea, who was unjustly possessed of a
considerable part of her estate, and had seized both her
servants and cattle. This oppressive usurper had found
means to bribe the judges in his favour, and hired persons
to swear, that the land and goods in dispute were his
property. Julitta, supported by the justness of her cause,
thought that she had nothing more to do, but to give the
magistrates a plain and ingenuous account of her title. —
When the cause came to be tried, the defendant, instead
of supportmg his claimvor giving any answer to the plain-
80 HIS roil V OF THE MARTYRS.
tiff's plea, urged that the law would not suffer liim to
engage at that har with one of a different religion; so
that he could not proceed in his defence, unless the lady,
who was the plaintiff, renounced Christianity.
" The judge was too well instructed not to second the
motion, and gave it as his opinion, that what he insisted on
was according to the laws of the empire. He then order-
ed an altar to be brought in, and" some fire to be put on
it, and incense to be prepared, and then told the parties,
that if they expected, either of them, to enjoy any benefit
of the laws, they must both of them offer incense to the
gods.
" The usurper, who was a heathen, immediately com-
plied ; but Juhtta made it appear, that her faith was much
dearer to her than her goods, or even than life itself." "No
(said she) my affection to v/hat is undoubtedly my own,
shall never hinder me from sacrificing my all, and even
my life, if required, rather than violate my fidelity to my
God and 8aviour."
This declaration greatly incensed the judge; but Ju>
litta went on with the same intrepidity, and thanked God
for the assurance she had of an eternal inheritance, while
what was her own upon earth was disputed, and unjustly
taken from lier. Tlie magistrate made several attempts
to persuade her to renounce her fai-th, but was always
answered that she was the servant of Christ, and as such
she could not listen to his proposals without horrour ; upon
this she was condemned to be burnt.
Eustratius, secretary to the governour of Armenia, was
thrown into a fiery furnace, for exhorting some Christians,
who had been apprehended, to persevere in their faith.
Auxeutius and Eugenius, two of Eustratius's adherents,
were burnt at Nicopolis. Mardarius, another of his
» friends, expired under the hands of his tormentors; and
Orestes, a military officer, for wearing a golden cross at
his breast, was broiled to death on a gridiron.
Theodore, a Syrian by birth, a soldier by profession,
and a Christian bv faith, set fire to the temple of Cybele,
in Amasia, through an honest indignation at the idolatrous
worship practised therein; for which, being apprehended,
be was severely scoiirgerf, and tlien burnt. A, D. 306.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. ' 81
Dorothy, a christian of Cappadocia, by the governour's
order, was placed under the care of two women, who had
become apostates to the faith, with a view that she might
be induced to follow their example.
Her discourses, however, had such an effect upon the
two apostates, that they became reconverted, and were
put to death for not succeeding. Soon after Avhich, Dor-
othy herself was tortured, and then beheaded.
Pancratius, or Pancras, a native of Phrygia, being con-
verted, and brought to Rome by his uncle, suffered
martyrdom in that city by being beheaded, soon after the
decease of his uncle, who had died a natural death.
Basilides, Nabor, Nazarius, and Cyrinus, four officers
at Rome, were thrown into prison for their faith; and,
being condemned, were scourged with rods of wire, and
beheaded.
Nicander and Marcian, two Roman military officers,
were apprehended on account of their faith. As they
wprft hckth mt^n rkf erf^i*i aKilUips in their profession, the
utmost endeavours were made to induce them to renounce
Christianity; but these endeavours being found ineffectual,
they were ordered to be beheaded.
Crowds of people attended the execution, among whom
were the wives of the two sufferers. The consort of Ni-
cander was a Christian, and encouraged her husband to
meet his fate with fortitude; but the wife of Marcian
being a Pagan, intreated her husband to save himself, for
the sake of her and her child. Marcian reproved her for
her idolatry and folly, but embraced her and the infant
before the stroke was given. Nicander likewise took
leave of his wife in the most affectionate manner, and
then both, with great willingness, received the crown of
martyrdom.
In the kingdom of Naples several martyrdoms took
place: in particular Januarius, bishop of Beneventum;
Sosius, deacon of Misene; Proculus, another deacon;
Eytyches and Acutius, two laymen, Festus, a deacon;
and Desiderius, a reader; were all condemned by the
governour of Campania, to be devoured by wild beasts.
The savage animals, however, not touching them, thev
were ordered to be beheaded.
B'2 • IlfSTOIlY OF THE MARtVRS.
Marcellus, a certurioii of the Trajan legion, being post-
ed at Tangier*, suflered martyrdom for Christianity, of
■■.vhich we have the following account:
" It happened that while he was there, the emperour's
birth-day was kept with great solemnity, and the sacrifices
to the Pagan idols made a considerable part of that so-
lemnity. All the subjects of the empire were expected,
on that occasion, to conform to tlie blind religion of their
prince; but Marcellus, who had been well instructed in
tile duties of his profession, expressed his detestation of
those profane practices, by throwing away his bell, the
badge of his military character, at the head of his compa-
ny, declaring aloud, that he was a soldier of Christ, the
Eternal King. lie then quitted his arms, and added,
that, from that moment, he ceased to serve the emperour;
and that he thus expressed his contempt of the gods of
the empire, which were no better than deaf and dumb
idols. If (continued he) their imperial majesties impose
the oblij3jation of sacrificing to them and their srods, as a
necessary condition ol their- service, 1 here throw up my
commission, and quit the army."
His behaviour and speeches occasioned an order for his
being beheaded, on a double score — \\z. desertion from
the army, and impiety against the gods of the empire. —
He heard the sentence with intrepidity, and received the
crown of- martyrdom with pleasure.
Cassian, secretary to the court which tried Marcellus,
expressing his disapprobation of such severe proceediigs,
was ordered ir^o custody, and met with the same fate.
Quirinus, ILhop of Siscia, being carried before Mate-
nius the governour, was ordered to sacrifice to the Pagan
deities, agreeably to the edicts. To which he replied,
" The emperours insist upon our sacrificing to their deities,
against the express prohibition of God ; to deities which
we can by no means own, because they are, m reality,
nothing: whereas the power that I serve is every where,
above all things — supports, governs, and disposes of all
tilings, as he pleases: for he is the sovereign master, and
sole author of the universe." For this speech he was or-
dered to be severely beaten.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 80
Wliile he was uiider t\ie hand of the executioner, the
governour was urgent with him to sacviHce, and oifered to
make him a priest of Jupiter. To which Quirinus repUed,
that fie Avas already engaged in the priestly office, while he
thus offered a sacrifice" to the true God: " I (says he)
scarce feel my torments, and am ready to suffer still great-
er, that my example may show those whom God has com-
mitted to my care, the way to the glory which we desire."
The governour perceiving his constancy, .sent him to
gaol, and ordered him to be heavily ironed; flatterinsj
himself, that the hardships of a gaol, and the weight of
his chains, might overcome his resolutions.
Being deceived in his expectations, he sent him to A-
ma'itiu?, the principal governour of Parmonia, now Hun-
gary, who loaded him with chains, and carried him through
the principal towns on the Danube, exposing him to ridi-
cule wherever he went.
Arriving at length at Sabaria, and finding that Quirinus
would not renounce his faith, he ordered him to be cast
into a river, with a stone fastened to his neck. This sen-
fence being pitt into execution, Quirinus exhorted the
people in the most pious terms, concluding his admonitions
with this prayer;
"It is no new thing, O all-powerful Jesus, for you to
stop the course of rivers, or to cause a man to walk upon
the water, as thou didst thy servant Peter. The people
have already seen the proof of thy power in me: grant
me now to lay down my life for thy sake, O my God."
On pronouncing the last words, he immediately sunk
and died, A. D. 308. His body was afterwards taken up
and buried by some pious Christians.
Five Egyptian Christians, who were upon a visit to
their afflicted brethren in Caesarea, were apprehended
and carried befoi^ Firmilian, governour of Palestine,
who, on questioning them concernins; whence they came,
^nd 'vhat t'ncy were, was answered by one, in the name
of the rest, tiiat they were Christians, and beloi'ged to
the glorious citv of Jerusalem, speaking allegorical! v of
the heavenly Jerusalem. The governo'.ir was surpnsed
at the answer, as he knew Vespasian, and his son Titus,
84 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
had destroyed the ancient Jerusalem; and that the incon-
siderable town erected by Adrian upon the spot, was
called JElia Capitolina: he therefore enquired more par
ticularly concerning it. The Christian, who had spoken
before, again replied, and pursuing the allegory, described
with great force of imagination, the great beauty, riches,
and strength of the place. Firmilian, still mistaking the
Christian's meaning, by understanding his words in a lite-
ral sense, was dreadfully alarmed ; for not dreaming that
a heavenly city was alluded to, he fancied that the Chris-
tians were strengthening and fortifying some place, in
order to revolt from their allegiance to the emperour.
Full of this mistake, and enraged at the supposed disloy-
alty, he condemned the five prisoners to be cruelly tor-
mented, and then beheaded, A. D. 309.
Pamphilus, a native of Phoenicia, and of a considerable
family, was a man of such extensive learning, that he was
called a second Origen. He was received into the body
of the clergy at Caesarea, where he established a publick
library, and spent his time in the practice of every Chris-
tian virtue. He copied the greatest part of the works of
Origen with his own hand; and, assisted by Eusebius,
gave a correct copy of the Old Testament, which had
suffered greatly by the ignorance or negligence of former
transcribers. He likewise gave public lectures on reli-
gious and literary subjects, in an academy which he had
erected for that purpose, till the year 307, when he was
apprehended, and carried before Urban, goverhour of
Palestine.
Thinking that a man of his abilities must be of great
importance to any party, Urban did all in his power to
induce him to embrace Paganism. Finding his endeav-
ours vain, he changed persuasions into menaces, and, from
intreating, began to threaten. ,
Pamphilus maintaining his resolution, was ordered to
be tortured, and then sent to prison, which was immediate-
ly put into execution.
Soon after Urban, having displeased the emperour, was
displaced and beheaded; but another was appointed in his
room, who was equally prejudiced against the Christians.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. S5
Under the new governour, Pamphilus suffered martyr-
dom, by being beheaded ; together with Valens, a deacon
of the church of Jerusalem; and Paul, a layman of Jam-
nia, in Palestine.
Porphyrins, servant of Papiphilus, was martyred by
means of a straw lire, for only requesting leave to bury
the bodies of his master and the other martyrs.
Theodulus, a venerable and faithful servant to Firmili-
an, the governour, being accused as a professor of the
Christian faith, confessed the charge, and was, by order
of his cruel master, crucified, A. D. 309; and Julian, a
Cappadocian, was burnt on the same day,
Marcellus, bishop of Rome, having been banished on
account of his faith, fell a martyr to the miseries he suf-
fered in exile, A. D. 310.
In A. D. 310, the emperour Galerius was seized with
a most violent disorder, arising from an ulcer, which made
him loathsome to all about him, and racked him with in-
supportable pains, greater than any he had exercised on
the Christians, insomuch that he made several attempts to
kill himself; and had caused several physicians to be put
to death, because their medicines were ineffectual.
In thi^ dreadful misery he had languished for a full
year, when his conscience being at last av/akened, he was
forced to own the hand of the Almighty in his punish-
ment ; and in the intervals of his torments he often cried,
"that he would rebuild the church of Nicomedia, and re-
pair the mischief he had done to the Christians."
In his last agonies, having, consulted witli Constantine
and Licinius, he published an edict in favour of the Chris-
tians, whereby "he allowed them to continue in their reli-
gion, and permitted them to hold assemblies for their wor-
ship, provided they acted nothing contrary to their estab-
lished discipline; enjoining them, at the same time, to
pray for the health of the emperour, and the prosperity of
the commonwealth." This edict was published at Nico-
media, the place where this persecution began eight years
before, when the prison-doors were set open, and a great
number of Christians \vere set at liberty, A. D. 311.
Yet all this did not avert the judgments of God from
8 ^
86 IIISTORV OP THE MART\R?.
Galerius, who, in a few days after, died, leaving tiie em-
pire divided among four. Constantine had Gaul, Spain.
Britain, and Germany; Licinius the provinces of lllyri-
cum, Greece, and Asia Minor; Maximus Caesar, Egypt,
and the east; and Maxentius, the tyrant, Italy and Afri-
ca ; though the latter was partly possessed by an usurper,
named Alexander.
Peter, the sixteenth bishop of Alexandria, was martyred <
A. D. 311, by order of Maximus Caesar, who reigned ir
the east.
Lucian, a learned and eloquent Syrian, was a man Oi
so benevolent a temper, that he disposed of the greatest
part of his fortune in charitable actions; advanced to the
clerical character in Antioch, he became a true servant
o£ Christ, and a zealous pastor of the church. At length
he was apprehended, imprisoned for the space of nine
years, put to the rack, rolled upon sharp flints, nails, &c.
and tortured to death; his body was then thrown into the
sea; but it was afterwards cast on shore, and buried.
Agnes, a child only thirteen years of age, wa^ behead-
ed: Valentine, a priest, suffered the same fate at Rome:
and Erasmus, a bishop, was martyred in Campania.
Cosmus and Damian, x\rabians, and brothers, were mar-
tyred in Cilicia: Adrian, an imperial officer, was behead-
ed; Barbara, a young* lady, was martyred at Nicomedia;
Lucy, a Christian virgin, was put to death at Syracuse:
and even Serena, who had been the empress of Dioclesi-
an, was beheaded for being a Christian.
Gordius, a native of Cassarea, and a centurion m the
Roman army, was first tormented, and then burnt : Me^
nas, an Egyptian soldier, was beheaded: and Barlaam, a
noble martyr, as we are informed by Basil, having endur-
ed the torments of the executioners, even to the very point
of death, the tormentors at last brought him, and laid him
upon the altar where they used to offer sacrifices to their
idols, and put frankincense into his hand, which they light-
ed, imagining that the heat and force of the fire would
oblige him to scatter the burning incense on the altar,
that they might thereby say that he had sacrificed. But
fn this they were disappointed ; for the flame went round
THE NEW ^<*^^V.
5? ^** "'^'k
"■ws*--^
' 'iM.'r.M.m n !:' -r'r^[i^^_ i'r;OPII'
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 87
lus hand, which appeared as if it had been covered with
hot embers, while he uttered this exclamation of the
Psalmist, " blessed is the Lord my God, who teacheth my
hands to war, and my fingers to fight." After which, he
surrendered his soul into the hands of Christ his Saviour.
Power being given to the Pagans to use the Christians
as bad as they thought proper, the doors of a church, in
which were a Christian congregation, were shut up, and
the buildi-ng being set on fire, every person perished in
the flames ! Many were severely beaten with sticks, cords,
rods, whips, scourges, &c.
St. George, was a native of Cappadocia, and of Chris-
tian parents. His father dying when he was young, he
travelled with his mother into Palestine, her native coun-=
try. Here she claimed a patrimonial estate, which after-
wards descended to her son. St. George Ijeing strong,
active, and of a great spirit, took up the profession of a
soldier, and was made a tribune or colonel. In this post
he exhibited great proofs of his courage, and was accord-
ingly promoted in the army of the emperour Dioclesian.
During the persecution, St. George threw up his command ;,
went boldly to the senate-house, and avowed his being a
Christian; taking occasion, at the same time, to remon-
strate against Paganism, and point out the absurdity of
worshipping idols. This freedom so greatly provoked the
senate, that St. George was ordered to be tortured, which
he underwent ^vith great constancy, and without any
change in his religious principles. Exasperated at his
fortitude, they dragged him through the streets with great
cruelty, and on the following day he was beheaded.
After a reign of terrour and indescribable cruelties,
which lasted during ten years, the surviving part of the
church began to experience relief. Persecution seemed
to grow weary of its toil ; the army of martyrs was swel-
led to an astonishing number, and thousands more stood
ready to join it, if called upon; deeming it an honour and
a glory to die for him who died for the world. While
the Pagans triumphed over the lives and fortunes of
Christians, the latter triumphed over the Pagan religion ;
evincing a composure, a felicity of mind, and a firmness
in suffering, which no Pagan ever enjoyed^
IirSTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Upon the accession of Constantine the Great, who es-
poused the cause of Christianity, and who finally possess-
ed tlu) eastern and western empire, persecution ceased,
Paganism fell, and Christianity was exaltedi
CHAP. XII.
PERSECUTIONS AGAINST THE CHRISTIANS IN PERSIA, AND
VARIOUS OTHER PLACES, FROM THE END OF THE TENTH
GENERAL PERSECUTION TO THE CLOSE OF THE FIFTH
CENTURY,
When the gospel spread into Persia, the Pagan priests
were alarmed for the consequences, lest they should lose
the influence which they had maintained over the minds
and properties of the people. They complained to the
emperour, that Christians were obnoxious to the welfare
of the empire, and held a treasonable correspondence with
Constantine the Great, and with the Romans, who were
their enemies. The emperour believed the representa-
tions, or pretended to believe them, and gave orders to
persecute the members of the Christian Church in all
parts of his dominions. A most bloody scene of cruelty
and murder ensued. Simeon, Bishop of Seleucia, and
other ecclesiasticks to the number of a hundred and
twenty-eight, were apprehended and accused of having
betrayed the affairs of Persia to the Romans. They were
commanded to worship the Sun, agreeably to the Persian
customs; and as they unanimously refused to do it, they
were all beheaded. After these executions, an edict was
published to put to death all who confessed themselves
Christians; on which occasion great multitudes fell.
About this time the empress of Persia falling sick, the
sisters of Simeon, the bishop of Seleucia, were accused
by some of the magi of being the occasion of it. This
absurdity was received as a fact, and they were by the
emperour's order sawed in quarters, and the quarters
placed upon poles.
This time of oppression and astonishing cruelty towards
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 89
the disciples of Christ in the Persian dominions, continued
with unabated fury until it was checked by the exertions
and influence of Constantine the Great-
After the death of Constantine, the Arians found means
to ingratiate themselves into the favours of Constantius,
his son and successor in the East; and a persecution was
thereby raised against those of the Church who would
not espouse the Arian system. The celebrated Athana-
sius and other bishop* were sent into banishment. In
Egypt and Lybia, thirty bishops were martyred, and many
other members of the Church cruelly tormented.
In the year of Christ 336, a persecution was commenced
iii Alexandria and in its environs, which was conducted
with great severity. The flame was also lighted up in
other parts, and many fell victims to the rage of the
dominant party.
Constantius dying A. D. 361, was succeeded by Juhan,
the nephew of Constantine the Great. Though a Chris-
tian when he ascended the throne, he immediately re-
nounced Christianity and embraced Paganism. He re-
stored idolatrous worship, by opening several temples that
had been shut, rebuilding such as had been destroyed, and
ordering the magistrates and people to follow his example.
He made no pubhck edicts against Christianity, but tried
to do that privately which other emperours had done
openly. He allowed the free exercise of religion to every
sect, but deprived all Christians of offices at court, in the
magistracy and in the army. He endeavoured to under-
mine Christianity by artifice, instead of expelling it by
force ; and to make his measures more effectual, ^ he pro-
hibited any Christian from keeping a school or publick
seminary of learning, and deprived all Christian clergy
of the privileges granted them by Constantine the Great.
When Julian came to Constantinople, he oflfefed sacri-
fice to the goddess of fortune, in the Cathedral Church.^
Maris, the blind bishop of Chalcedon, caused himself to
be led to the emperour, whom he sharply rebuked, calling
him an impious person and an apostate. The emperour
called the bishop a fool, telling him, that his God of Gali-
lee would not restore him his sight. To which Maris
8*
1
90 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
replied, " I thank God who has made me bUnd, lest I should
see such an ungrateful countenance as tliine."
In several cities Julian placed his own statue among those
of the heathen gods. This he did because it was custo-
mary for the people to bow to the emperour"'s statues, from
respect to the emperour; and he hoped thereby to make
Christians that paid any such respect to him, bow also to
the statues of the- gods. If they omitted this kind of
homage, they were accused of disrespect to the emperour.
He ordered that Christians should be treated with cold-
ness on all occasions, and employed several witty persons
to turn them and their principles into ridicule. Many
were martyred in his reign ; for though he did not openly
persecute them himself, he connived at their being mur-
dered by his governours and other officers. While he
affected never to patronise them for their murders, -he
never offered to punish them for such crimes. Basil,
Donatus, Gordian, Hilarinus, and many others were put
to death, and some of them with the most dreadful tortures.
In Palestine many were burnt alive, others were drag-
ged through the streets naked until they expired. Some
were scalded to death, many were stoned, and great num-
bers had their brains beat out with clubs. In Alexandria,
innumerable sufferers fell by the sword, by burning, cruci-
fixion, and being stoned. In Arethusa, several had thei'r
bodies cut open and filled with corn. Swine were then
brought to feed on the corn, and in doing that they de-
voured the entrails of the martyrs.
Theodoras was seized and tortured upon the rack, though
not to death. After being taken from the rack, he was
asked how he could so patiently endure such exquisite
torments? his answer was remarkable. He said, "At first
I felt some pain, but afterwards there appeared to stand
by me a young man, who wiped the sweat from my face,
and frequently refreshed me with cold water; which so
delighted me, that I regretted being let down from the
rack." "
Marcus, bishop of Arethusa, destroyed a Pagan temple
in that city, and erected a Christian church in its room;
on which he was accused to Julian, as a Christian. His
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 91
persecutors stripped, and cruelly scourged him. He was
then thrust into a filthy sink until he was almost suffocated.
Afterwards he was goaded with pointed sticks ; and lastly,
having been besmeared with honey, he was hung up in a
basket in the heat of the sun, and stung to deatii by wasps,
Julian was at length called to his final retribution.
This notorious apostate died of a wound which he re-
ceived in his Persian expedition, A. D. 363 ; and even while
expiring, he uttered the most horrid blasphemies. He
was succeeded by Jovian, who restored peace to the
church. After the decease of Jovian, Valtinian succee-
ded to the empire, and associated to himself Valens, who
had the command of the east.
Valens being favourably inclined towards the Arians, did
all in his power against the Christian Church. On a certain
day, he ordered that all in Edessa who should attend or
publick worship should be slain while at their devotions.
The Christians were informed of this order, and advised
to keep themselves in safety by neglecting public devo-
tions. This advice they treated with entire indifference,
and assembled in crowds. While they were gathering, a
woman with a child in her arms broke through the ranks
of the troops, that had already been put in motion to de-
stroy them. The commanding officer ordered her to be
brought before him, and inquired whither she was going?
She answered, "to church^whither others are gathering."
She was then asked if she had heard of the emperour's
order, to put air such as were found there to death? She
replied that she had, and added, that on account of that
order she made the more haste. The officer inquired why
she took her child with her? She answered, "I take him
with me that he maybe reckoned among the martyrs."
Upon this, the officer returned to the emperour, and repre-
sented to him how rash it would be to murder so great a
raulti-tude of his subjects; and entreated him to relinquish
the design, until he at length complied.
Menedemus, Theodorus, and Urbanus, with several
other clergymen to the number of eighty, at Constantino-
pie, petitioned the emperour in the most humble terms,
to relieve them from the persecutions and cruelties of the
92 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Arians. The tyrant, instead of redressing their grievan-
ces, ordered them all to embark in a ship ; ^md then having
iire set to the ship, it was put under sail, and they all per-
ished in the flames.
Eusebius, a distinguished prelate and historian, was sent
into banishment, and soon after his restoration he was slain
by a tile which was thrown at him from the roof of a
house. The tile fractured his skull, and he died in the
year 380. Marcellus, bishop of Apamea, and a minister
of great merit, was so zealous in the Christian cause," that
he endeavoured to hasten the destruction of some Heathen
temples by assisting the magistrate in the work. While
at a place called Aulo, some Pagans privately seized him
and committed him to the flames.
In the fifth century, the Vandals passing through Spain
to Africa, committed astonishing cruelties upon the Chris-
tians, persecuting them wherever they came. Churches
were plundered, ministers were murdered, and the scene
was rendered more horrible by a variety of tortures.
They poured oil and stinking vinegar down the throats
of some until they expired, suffocated others by filling
their mouths with mud, and put others to death by stretch-
ing their limbs with cords. Numbers were scourged, and
banished. Others were fastened to chariots by their feet,
and dragged about until they were dashed to pieces.
Pampinian was tortured to death with plates of hot iron.
The bishop of Urice was burnt ; the bishop of Habensa
was banished; and a whole congregation who were as-
sembled in a church at their devotions, were all indiscrim-
inately murdered. Dionysia, a widow, and her son who
was a young lad, were tortured, and both died under cruel
sufferings. Many others of all ages, and of both sexes
were called, during this century, to endure the severest
tortures, and joyfully received the crown of martyrdom.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 93
CHAP. XIII.
PERSECUTIONS OP THE CHURCH IN VARIOUS PLACES, FROM
THE FIFTH, TO THE END OF THE ELEVENTH CENTURY.
The first account delivered to us is from Alexandria,
where, amidst the civil and ecclesiastical disorders of the
place, the spirit of persecution arose -with great bitterness..
Proterus, a pious prelate, perceiving a violent rage ex-
cited against him, fled to a church for refuge. He was,
nevertheless, pursued thither and slain. The murderers
dragged his body through the streets, cut it in pieces,
burned it, and scattered the ashes in the air.
Julia, a Carthagenian lady, was taken prisoner when
the Vandals sacked that city; and after being cold twice
as a slave, she became the property of a Syrian Pagan,
Her master could not but admire a religion which inspired
the resignation and patience, which she manifested, in a
state of slavery. He frequently took her with him in his
voyages; and in one of these, touching at the island of
Corsica, he joined in an idolatrous festival. During the
ceremonies, Julia kept at a distance, which the people ob-
serving, complained of her conduct, as disrespectful to the
gods ; and gave information, of it to the governour. The
governour, on making enquiry, and finding that she was a
Christian, offered to purchase her of her master, that he
might put her to death. Her master refused to part with
her at any price, and the governour determined to obtain
her by artifice. To effect this, he invited her master to
an entertainment, and having made him drunk, he sent
for Julia in the name of her master. The innocent slave,
not suspecting the intended mischief, came immediately.
The governour required her to sacrifice to the gods ; and
on refusing to do it, she was severely beaten, which she
bore with the utmost patience. She was offered her lib-
erty if she would worship the gods; to which she replied,
" that while she was permitted to enjoy her religion, she
was as free as she desired." The hair of her head was
then pulled out, but this barbarity had no greater effect -
than the former, and she was then sentenced to be hanged ;
94 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
which sentence was quicklj put in execution. JuHa wa«
scarcely dead when her master recovered from his intox-
ication. Finding what was done, he was greatly afflicted,
and returned home full of vexation and disgust.
Hermenigildus, son of the Gothick king in Spain, was
put to death by order of his own father.
Anastasius, a Persian, having embraced Christianity,
was seized by the governour of Cassarea, which was at
that time under the Persians, and sent to prison. Having
refused to make any retraction, he was sent to Persia, to
he punished by the king. All attempts to reclaim him to
Paganism proving ineffectual, the king ordered him to be
scourged, then hung up by one of his hands with a weight
fastened to his foot, and after being strangled he was
beheaded.
Martin, u bishop of Rome, was arrested and sent
a prisoner to Constantinople. Many witnesses were pro-
duced against him, who swore as they were directed,
charging him with pretended crimes that had been in-
vented for the purpose. Martin began his defence by
noticing certain errours which he thought it his duty to
oppose, but was immediately stopped by one of the court ;
who told him that he was only examined in relation to
civil affairs. The judge prevented him from proceeding;
and having dismissed the court, reported the trial to the
emperour, who patronised a particular sect, and who had
ordered the bishop to be arrested. Martin was now ex^
posed in various places to publick ridicule, treated with
scorn, and thrown into prison. He bore his degradation
and sufferings with great fortitude and patience. After
remaining some months in prison, Martin was conveyed
to an island at some distance from the city, and cut to pieces.
Boniface, bishop of Mentz, was a pious and faithful la-
bourer in the vineyard of his Lord and Master. After
labouring extensively and with great success in Germany,
and other parts of Europe, being enfeebled by age and in-
firmities, he resigned his charge at Mentz to Sullus whom
he consecrated for that purpose. Having relieved him-
self of his charge, and feeling unwilling to omit any labours
he had strength to perform, he travelled to Friezland^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 95
where lie was instrumental in the conversion oi several
thousands of the barbarous inhabitants, and formed chur-
ches. Having appointed a meeting in the open air, upon
a plain near the river Bourde, he repaired to the place on
the day preceeding, and pitched a tent for the purpose of
remaining during the night, that he might be on the
ground early in the morning. Some Pagans who were his
inveterate enemies, having intelligence of this, gathered
around him and the companions of his mission, in such
numbers during the night, as clearly to evince their hostile
intention. The servants of Boniface were for repelling
the barbarians by force ; but he opposed their intention,
telling them and the ministers that w^ere with him, that
the moment he had long wished for w^as now come, and
exhorted the ministers to prepare for martyrdom. While
he was thus engaged, the Pagans rushed upon them, and
killed him, together with his companions, A. D. 755,
In the year 845, forty-two persons were martyred in
Upper Phrygia; resigning themselves to their sufferings,
in hope of eternal blessedness. In the reign of Theophi-
lus, the Saracens ravaged many parts of the eastern em-
pire, gained several advantages over the Christians, and
at length laid siege to the city of Armorian, The garri-
son bravely defended the place for a time, until it w^as
basely betrayed into the hands of the enemy by a renega-
do. Great numbers were put to the sword; and two ge-
neral officers with some other persons of distinction, w^ere
carried prisoners to Bagdat, where they were loaded with
heavy chains, and thrown into a dark dungeon. Here
they were informed, that nothing could preserve their lives
but renouncing Christianity and embracing Mahometan-
ism. Money, clothes, and offers of promotion were sent to
them as inducements to become enemies to the cross of
Christ. But being resolute in their minds, and proof
against all these temptations, they were continued in their
confinement in dungeons, during seven years. After in-
expressible sufferings during this tedious term, they were
on a day appointed, brought forth for execution. As soon
as they came from their dungeons, they were again solici-
ted to join the Mahometan standard. But neither threats
96 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
nor promises could induce tiiem ^> renounce a religion,
that had sustained and comforled their minds during the
tedious years of t'leir persecution. Finding them firm in
their resolution, and that their faith could not be shaken,
the caliph ordered them to be executed. Flora and Ma-
ry, two ladies of distinction, were executed about the same
time, because they also refused to renounce the Christian
religion.
Perfectus was skilled in all the polite literature of
tlie age in which he lived, and was admired for his
piety. Having entered into orders as a minister, he la-
boured with great constancy and zeal to advance the
Christian cause. The Mahometans arrested him, and ac-
cused him before a magistrate of blaspheming their great
prophet. The allegation having been heard, the judge
orded him to be put in chains and confined in prison, until
the time of a celebrated feast called the feast of Ramaden,
when he should be made a victim to Mahomet. Perfec-
tus heard with joy the determination of the judge, and
prepared for his martyrdom with great fervency. When
the time arrived, he was led to the place of execu-
tion, where he made an open declaration of his faith in
the Saviour of the world, and declared Mahomet to be an
impostor. He pronounced the Alcoran an absurdity, full
of blasphemies, and proclaimed the way of life and salva-
tion by Jesus Christ. He was then beheaded, cheerfully
surrendering his life, in full hope of immortality.
Wenceslaus, duke of Bohemia, a pious and valiant
prince, was surrounded by numerous and powerful ene-
mies, who sought not only his destruction, but the total ex-
tirpation of Christianity throughout the country. In this
situation he was faithful in the discharge of his duties^,
watchful over his morals, and diligent in all the means of
grace. He passed much time in prayer, and made great
efforts to establish peace, justice, and religion, throughout
his dominions. His mother and brother being Pagans,
were among his most violent enemies, and stirred up ma-
ny factions among the people. Being determined on his
destruction, and with a view to the accomphshment of
their wicked purpose, they invited him to partake of aB
HISIXJRY OF THE MARTYRS. W7
entertainment. Not suspecting any evil design, he re-
paired to the place appointed, where they received him
with the appearance of friendship. After the prince had
remained a sufficient time, and the entertainment being
over, he retired to his dwelling. His mother now advised
that his brother should follow him immediately and put
him to death! In conformity with this advice, his broth-
er pursued him, but not finding him on the way, he re-
paired to his chamber. Wenceslaus had previously en-
tered and was on his knees in fervent prayer to Almighty
God; when his brother entering, fell upon him in all the
rage of Pagan malice, and murdered him, A. D. 929.
From this time to the end of the eleventh century mar-
tyrdoms became less frequent; the spirit of intolerance,
though raging at times with violence, was confined to par-
ticular places, and no longer possessed its former influ-
ence. Yet there were instances of cruel persecution and
torture, and a considerable number of the pious sealed
their testimony with their blood.
Among those who suffered death during this period, we
may mention Alphage, archbishop of Canterbury in Eng-
land. The Danish Pagans made incursions into this king-
dom during the Saxon governments, and nothing could
exceed the inveteracy which they manifested towards
Christianity and its professors. They laid siege to Can-
terbury, took it by storm, murdered above seven thousand
of the inhabitants, siezed Alphage, dragged him through
the streets, scourged him with great cruelty, and .put him
to death. During his sufferings he prayed for his ene-
mies, manifested much patience and firmness, and joyful-
ly resigned his life for a crown of righteousness, A. D. 1012.
Having taken a brief view of persecution during sever-
al ages among the Pagans, and chiefly under their influ-
ence, we proceed to consider the same spirit of intolerance
and oppression, and the same inhuman cruelties, under
the sanction of an apostate church, bearing the name of
Christ, but having departed from the faith.
:9
PART 2.
CHAPTER 1.
CHURCH, BY
MEANS OF PAPAL INFLUENCE.
When the darkness of popery had overspread the
Christian world, so that kings and princes employed their
authority to estahhsh the Romish idolatry, appointing to
slaughter such as denied transubstantiation, adoration of
the host, bowing the knees before it, &c. many Christians
loathing this superstition, as unknown to the apostles and
primitive church, God raised up Peter Valdo, a citizen of
Lions, in France, who courageously opposed the numerous
inventions and popish innovations, which had been intro-
duced into the church of Rome. Being in high esteem
for his learning, piety, and his liberality to the poor, he
was eagerly followed by multitudes who were ready to
receive and obey the truth. The archbishop of Lions
being informed that Valdo (or Waldo) thus instructed the
people, and boldly condemned the vices, luxury, and
pride of the pope and his clergy, forbade him on pain of
excommunication; and proceeded against him as being a
heretick.
Valdo replied, "that he could not be silent in a cause
of so great importance as the salvation of men's souls,
wherein he must obey God, rather than man." The arch-
bishop then sought to have him apprehended, but could
not effect it. Valdo's friends being numerous and power-
ful, and being generally beloved, he continued in Lions
^hree years in obscurity.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 99
Pope Alexander the Third, having been informed that
divers persons in Lions questioned his supremacy over the
whole church, cursed Valdo and his adherents ; command-
ing the archbishop to proceed against them by ecclesias-
tical censures, to their utter extirpation; whereupon they
were wholly driven from Lions. From Valdo, his follow^
ers were called Waldenses, who spread themselves into
divers countries and companies.
The opinions of the Waldenses, for which they were
declaimed against, and cruelly persecuted by the Roman-
ists, were these :
L That holy oil is not to be mingled in baptism.
2. That all such prayers are superstitious and vain^
which are made over the oil, salt, wax, incense, boughs
of olives and palms, ecclesiastical garments, chalices,
church-yards, and such like things.
3. That time is spent in vain, in ecclesiastical singings,,
and saying the canonical hours.
4. That flesh and eggs may be eaten in Lent; and that
there is no merit in abstinence at such times.
5. That when necessity require?, all sorts of persons
may marry, ministers as well as others.
6. That auricular confession is not necessary.
7. That confirmation is not a sacrament.
8. That obedience is not to be performed to the pope,
9. That ministers should live upon tithes and offerings.
10. That there is no difference between a bishop and a
minister.
IL That it is not the dignity, but deserts of a presby-
ter, that makes him a better man.
12. That they administer the sacrament, without the
accustomed form of the Roman church.
13. They said that images were to be taken out of
churches, and that to adore them was idolatry.
14. They contemned the pope's indulgences, and «aid.
that they were of no virtue*
15. They refused to take any oafh, whereby they
should be enforced to accuse themselves, or their friends.
16^^hey maintained their ministers out of their own
Durses, thinking it unreasonable that such should be di-
iOO HISTORY OF TIUE MARTYRS.
verted from their studies, whilst they were forced to get
their livings with their own hands.
17. They held, that the miracles done in the church of
Rome were false miracles.
18. That the religion of the friars- mendicant was in-
vented by the devil.
19 ThaJ no species of wickedness should be licensed
by law, under pretence of avoiding adultery.
20. That there is no purgatory, wherein the souls of
the deceased are to be purged, before they be admitted
into heaven.
21. That a presbyter, falling into scandalous sin, ought
to be suspended from his office, till he had sufficiently tes-
tified'his repentance.
22. That the saints deceased are not to be worshipped
and prayed unto.
23. That it matters not, for the place of their burial,
whether it were holy or no.
24. They admitted no extreme ujiction amongst the
sacraments of the church,
25. They said, that masses, indulgences, and prayers,
do not profit the dead.
26. They admitted no prayers, but such as did corres-
pond with the Lord's Prayer; which they made the rule
of all their prayers.
27. Lastly, though their adversaries charged them with
holding that every layman might freely preach to the peo-
ple, yet they had bishops and orders among themselves;
as the order of Bulgary, the order of Druguria: and they
who were their ministers, were ordained thereunto, though
they were not of the Romish institution, as Nicolaus Vi-
guierius, and others, report of them.
Valdo himself went into Dauphiny, conversing in the
mountains of the same province with the rude peasantry,
capable of receiving his belief: his disciples also spread
into Picardy, whence they were called Picards. Against
these, king Philip, enforced by the ecclcsiasticks, took
arms, and overthrew three hundred gentlemen's houses,
destroyed some walled towns, and pursued these ^Ig-otes-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 101
fants into Flaiiders, and caused many of them to be burnt
to death.
This persecution urged their flight into Germany and
Alsatia, where they spread their doctrine; and shortly
after, the bishops of Mayence and Strasburgh raised up a
great persecution against them, causing five and thirty
burgesses of Mayence to be burnt in one fire, and eighteen
in another, who with great constancy suffered death.
At Strasburgh eighty were burnt, at the instance of
the bishop ; yet multitudes of people received such edifi-
cation by the exhortations, constancy, and patience of the
martyrs, that, A. D. 1315, in the county of Passau, and
about Bohemia, above eighty thousand persons made pro-
fession of the faith of those martyrs,
A. D. 1160, some came into England, and at Oxford
were punished in the most barbarous and' cruel manner
for religion's sake. Three years after, in the council of
Tours in France, Pope Alexander the Third caused a de-
cree to be made, " that the gospellers, and all their fa-
vourers, should be excommunicated : and that none should
sell them any thing, or buy an}' thing of them."
In 1194, Alphonsus, King of Arragon, by the instiga-
tion of Pope Celestine, and misinformation of his clergy,
published the following edict against this persecuted peo-
ple.
*' Alphonsus, by the grace of God, King of Arragon, &c.
To all archbishops, bishops, and the rest of the prelates
of the church in his^kingdom; to earls, viscounts, knightv
and all the people of his kingdom; and to all that are in
authority, health, &c. Because God would have us to
be over his people, it is a worthy and just thing that we
take continual care, as far as in us lies, of the salvation
and defence of them: wherefore, being imitators of our
predecessors, and in obedience to the canons, we judge,,
that all hereticks cast out of the sight of God, and of all
catholics, are to be condemned, and persecuted every
where, namely, the Waldenses, or poor men of I.ions,
whereof there is no small number, who being Ctsr^'ed by
his holy church, we also command to depart, and fly
Irom all cur kingdoms, and places within oilr pb'wer. rr,
*/
lOa HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
enemies to the cross of Christ, ourselves, and this kingdonii
Therefore, whosoever from this day forward shall presume
to receive the foresaid Waidenses into their houses, or to
hear their doleful preaching, or to give them meat, or any
other relief; let him know, that he hath incurred the in-
dignation of God, and of us,, and that he shall be punished
as a traitor, and all his goods shall be confiscated without
remedy or appeal. And this our edict, we command to
be published upon Sundays, by bishops, and all rectors oi
churches, &c. through all our dominions. And we com-
mand that the foresaid punishments be inflicted upon all
transgressors of it, by our bailiffs, justices, &c. And if
any of the foresaid naughty people, whether noble or igno-
ble, shall presume to stay three days after the publication
hereof, and not hast« their removal ; we will and command
all men to bring upon them all mischief, disgrace, and ag-
grievance (except death, or cutting off their members)
which shall be grateful and acceptable to us ; neither shall
they fear any punishment for the same, &c."
But, by the just retribution of God, Alphonsus the very
next year lost part of his kingdom to the Moors, and his
son,fifty thousand of his men slain in one battle*
But Valdo, notwithstanding all the curses of the Pope,
continued tO' publish, " that the pope was Anti-Christ, the
mass an abomination, the host an idol, and purgatory a fa-
ble." Upoft this, Pope Innocent the Third, A. D. 1198,
finding that other remedies were insufficient to suppress
these hereticks, as he called them, authorised monks as in-
quisitors, who by process should apprehend and deliver
them to the secular power, by a far shorter, but much
more cruel way than was formerly used. By these means
the people were delivered by thousands into the magis-
trates' hands, and to the executioners; and in a few years
all Christendom was moved with compassion, to see num-
bers burnt and hanged, for trusting only in Christ for sal-
vation.
This measure of the Pope did not suppress, but rather
increased the number of his enemies; he therefore sent
bishops an(J monks to preach among the Waidenses; but
their prea^Jiing <:on verted none from their former opinions;,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. , 103
Amongst those monks was Dominic, a zealous persecu-
tor of the saints of God ; who instituted an order of beg-
ging monks, called Dominicans ; this order was confirmed
by the Pope, for their zealous assistance against the Wal-
denses ; and Dominic laboured in the inquisition so much
to the pope's salisfaction, that thence forward the monks
of his order have always been employed in the Inquisition.
The power of these inquisitors was without limitation;
they could assemble the people by the sound of a bell,
whenever they pleased; proceed against bishops; im-
prison and release without control; any accusation was
sufficient with them; a sorcerer, a debauchee, was a suffi-
cient witness in the case of pretended heresy: it mattered
not who accused, or whether by word of mouth, or ticket
thrown in before the inquisitor; for process was thereby
framed without party, without witness, or without other
law than the pleasure of the inquisitors.
To be rich was a crime allied to heresy, and he that had
any thing to lose was in the way to ruin, either as a he-
retick,or as a favorer of heresy: bare suspicion stopped the
mouths of parents, kinsfolk, and friends, that they durst
not intercede for each other! If any person conveyed a
cup of cold water, or some straw to the poor sufferers,,,
who lay in stinking dungeons, he was condemned as a fa-
vorer of the hereticks, and brought to the same or worse
extremities.
No advocate dared to advocate the defence of his near-
est kinsman, or friends: nor any notary to receive any act
in their favour; even death itself made not an end of
their punishment, for some times they passed sentence
against the bones of the dead, to disinter and burn them,,
thirty years after the death of the party accused.
Such as were heirs had no certainty of their estates, for
if their fathers or kindred were accused, they durst not
undertake the defence of their own right, or possess their
inheritance, without the crime or suspicion of heresy.
The greatest and richest amongst the people were con-
strained even to adore those inquisitors, and to give them
great sums for the building of their convents and houses^^
hr fear of being accused as hereticks.
104 HISTORY or THE MARTYRS.
And the better to keep the people in awe, the inquisT'
tors would sometimes lead in triumph their prisoners in
their processions, enjoining some of them to whip them-
selves, others to go in their shirts bare- foot and bare-head-
ed, having a withe about their necks ; and a torch in
their hands, for the greater terror to- thei* beholders, see-?
ing persons of all estates and sexes in so miserable a con-
dition.
Some of the accused persons were sent into the Holy
Land, or enrolled for some other expedition against the
Turks and infidels, where they were to serve for a certain
time at their own charge: in the mean time the fathers in-
quisitors took possession of their houses and goods, and
when they returned home, they must not so much as in-
quire whether these monks had in their absence lain with
their wives, lest they would be condemned as backsliders,
and unworthy of favor.
A knight, one of these Waldenses, called Enraudus, A.
D. 1201, whom Henry, earl of Nevers, had made gover-
nour of his land, was accused of heresy, and brought be-
fore the pope's legate, who called a council at Paris
against him, consisting of archbishops, bishops, and min-
isters of Paris ; who, after examination of witnesses, con-
demned him for a heretick, and delivered him to the
secular power, by whom he was burned.
Between the years 1176 and 1228, there was such
havock made of the Christians, that the archbishops of
Aix, Aries, and Narbonne, being assembled at the request
o( the inquisitors, to confer with them about divers diffi-
culties in the execution of their offices, had compassion on
the great number that were accused and cast into prison,
saying, " We hear that you have apprehended such a
multitude of the Waldenses, that it is not only impossible
to defray the charge of their food, but to provide lime and
vStone to build prisons for them; we therefore advise you
to forbear this rigour till the pope be a^lvertised, and di-
rect what he will have done in this case," Az:c. Yet with
all this cruelty, in the year 1260, according to MorrePs
Memorials, p. 54, above eight hundred thousand persons
had made profession of the faith of the Waldenses.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 105
Besides the churches in Valantinois, where tlie faith
was propagated from the father to the son, the true reli-
gion spread beyond the Alps into the valley of Pragela,
within the jurisdiction of the archbishop of Turin, from
whence were peopled the Waldensian valleys of Piedmont,
La Perouse, St. Martain, Angrogne, &c. The valley of
Pragela was one of the safest retiring places that the
Waldenses had, being environed on all sides by mountains
almost inaccessible. Into the caves of that valley they re-
tired in the times of persecution: and though they were
weakened on all sides^ environed with enemies, and in
danger of being apprehended, yet was there never any
worldly respect that had power to alter their holy resolu-
tion.
The pastors also not only preached on the sabbath days,
but went in the week days to instruct them in the villages
and hamlets, not sparing themselves for the roughness of
th-e rocks, the coldness of the air, and the cragginess of
the country, where they were obliged to climb up high
mountains to visit their flocks.
Holy discipline was also exercibed among them: the
people prayed with fervency at night when they went to
their rest, and in the morning before they went about their
labour; they also had schools wherein their children were
taught and nurtured.
Whilst they thus busily sought the advancement of
God's glory, and their own salvation, a persecution was
raised against them, A. D. 1380, by an inquisitor named
Francis Boralli^ who had a commission to enquire after the
Waldenses in Aix, Aries, Ambrun, Vienne, Geneva, Am-
bone. Savoy, the Venetian county, the principality of
Orange, the city of Avignon, &c. from Pope Clement the
seventh.
This monk cited to appear before him at Ambrun, all
inhabitants of Frassiniere, Argentier, and of the valley
Pute, upon pain of excommunication : but when they did
not appear, they were condemned for contumacy, and ex-
communicated : and for the space of thirteen years, as he
caught any of them, he delivered them to the secular pow-
er to be burnt at Grenoble. The number of these
too HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
amounted to a hundred and fiity men, many women,
their sons and daughters, besides about eighty persons
of Argentier.
The inquisitors also adjudged to themselves two parts
of all their goods, and tlie third part to the temporal
powers. They forbade all their bordering neighbours to
assist, receive, visit, or defend them, or to converse with
them in any sort, upon pain of being attainted, and pun-
ished as favourers of hereticks, &c.
The Waldenses of the vaUey of Pragela, in 1400, were
assaulted by their enemies on the side of Susa in Pied-
mont : but most of their assaults proved in vain, as the
Waldenses retired into high mountains, hiding themselves
in caves and hollow places, from whence they resisted
those that came to assail them.. Their enemies then
came upon them unsuspected in the depth of winter,
when all the mountains were covered with snow; the
persecuted then retired into the highest mountain of the
Alps, with their wives and children, the mothers carrying
some in their cradles, and leading others by the hand : but
the enemy followea them till night, and slew many before
they could recover the mountain; and they which were
slain had the best fortune : for night coming on, these
poor people being in the snow, without any means to make
a fire for their infants, in the morning above eighty of
them were discovered frozen to death in their cradles ;
most of their mothers also died, and divers others were
at the last gasp: their enemies lay all night in these
people's houses, which they ransacked and pillaged, and
so returned to Susa; but, by the way, meeting with a poor
Waldensian woman, they hanged her upon a tree, and so
departed.
The Waldenses of the valley of Frassiniere were much
persecuted by the Archbishop of Ambrun, in 1460, who
made a monk called John Vayleti his commissioner against
them. This monk proceeded with such diligence and
violence, that scarcely any person could escape his hands,
but was either apprehended for a heretick, or a favourer
of hereticks, by which means many papists suffered
amwgst the rest, which caused them to petition king
HISTORY OP THE MAIirV'RS. 107
Lewis the eleventh of France, by his authority to stay the
course of th it persecution. The king wrote to the gov-
ernour of Dauphine, signifying, " that whereas the inquis-
itors had daily sent forth their process against many poor
people in those parts without reasonable cause, putting
some to the rack, and condemning them for matters
whereof they were never guilty, and whi<^h they could
not prove by any witness: and of others they had ex-
acted great sums of money, and divers ways had unjustly
vexed and molested them: he therefore decreed that for
the time to come all such process should be void, and of
none effect, nor any wrong done to them in body, goods,
or good name, except there were any that obstinately
maintained and affirmed any thing against the holy catho-
lic faith."
Notwithstanding this, the archbishop prosecuted them
to the uttermost of his power, and caused most of them
to flee the country, except James Pateneri, who averring
before the court that he was unjustly vexed, contrary to
the king's letters, demanded a copy of the proceedings,
that he might have his remedy by law: upon this tlie
archbishop left him, and fell upon those whom he supposed
to want similar courage, citing the consuls of Frassiniere
to answer for themselves, and all the inhabitants of their
valley: but they also refused, observing, "that they had
nothing to say before the archbishop, seeing their cause
was now depending before the king and his council, pro-
testing against the archbishop's power, and demanding a
copy of the king's letter." But the archbishop, notwith-
standing this protestation, condemned them to the flames,
without any other indictment. Shortly after, however,
the archbishop died by the stroke of God's justice, and
so ended his persecution, A, D. 1487.
The villany of the inquisitor on these occasions is not
to be forgotten, when he examined any of the Waldenses^,
" wliether they believed that the bread in the sacrament,
after the consecration, was changed into the real and i-at-
ural body of Christ which hung upon the cross?" If the
Waldenses answered, ^' No," he set down his tmswer thus,
"that they believed not in God." When he asked,
I
108 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
"whether we ought not to pnij to saints?" If they an-
swered, ''No," he set down, ''that they railed upon, and
spoke evil of the saints." When he enquired, "whether
we ought not to pray to the Virgin Mary in our necessi-
tiesf if they answered, "No," he set down, "that they
spoke blasphemy against the Virgin Mary," &c. By God's
providence those records were kept in the archbishop of
Ambrun's house, till the city and their records fell into
the hands of the protestants a hundred years after, and
all their knavery was discovered.
The first persecution in Piedmont was occasioned by
the priests, who complained to the archbishop of Turin
that these people lived not according to the manner and
belief of the church of Rome ; that they offered not for
the dead, cared not for masses, absolutions, or to get any
of theirs out of the pains of purgatory, &c. The arch-
bishop complained of them to the prince to make them
odious: but he, enquiring of their neighbours, found the
accusation to be a mere calumny. He therefore purposed
•not to molest them: but the priests and monks delivered
them to the inquisitors, and the inquisitors to the execu-
tioners, so that there was scarcely a town in Piedmont
where some of them had not been put to death.
To recite all the outrages, cruelties, and villanies prac-
tised against them, would be tedious: many fled, and their
houses and goods were ransacked and spoiled. One of
their ministers was apprehended, and put to a shameful
and cruel death, but he evinced such admirable patience
as astonished his very adversaries. Some were taken and
sent to be galley-slaves ; yet others yielded to their adver-
saries, and were more cruelly handled than those that re-
mained constant in the truth.
Three of the most cruel persecutors of these faithful
servants of Jesus Christ, were, Thomas Jacomel, a monk,
an apostate, that had. renounced the known truth, and
pertecuted mortally and maliciously the poor Christians
against his own conscience: he was a debauchee and
given over to all villanies. His delight was to spoil, rob,
and torment the captive Waldenses, The second was a
collateral, called Corbis, who, in the examination of the.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 1D9
prisoners, was very rigorous, and burnt many: but in the
end, feeling remorse of conscience, he protested, "that
he would meddle with them no more.'' The third was
the provost of justice, who lay in wait in the hi^h-ways
to apprehend them, when they went abroad in the morning
to the market.
The m.onks of Pignerol also persecuted the churches
near them, took the clergy prisoners, and kept them in
their abbeys: then they assembled a company of ruffians,
sending them to spoil the churches, and to take prisoners
men, women, and children ; of whom some by torments
they forced to abjure; some they sent to the galleys;
others they burnt. ♦
These poor people were so harrassed that they were
compelled to forsake their houses, and fly into the moun-
tains, leaving their estates to the pillage of the robbers;
so that many who had lived in comfort, and relieved oth-
ers, were now obliged to crave relief and succour in
return.
The monks, with their troops of ruffians, continuing to
molest and persecute these people, they asked their min-
isters, " whether it were not lawful for them to defend
themselves against such violence?" the ministers answered,
"that it was, only they advised them to avoid bloodshed
as much as might be." This question being resolved,
their neighbours of Luserne and Angrognc sent aid to
their friends of St, Germain against the monks.
In the summer, many of these Waldenses went into the
fields to reap their harvest, and were all taken prisoners;
but they escaped out of prison, to the great astonishment
of their adversaries. At the same time, others, who had
been long in prison, and expected nothing but death,
through divine provid<|nee, were delivered in a surprising
manner.
During this time the inhabitants of Angrogne, being at
their harvest, perceived a company of soldiers spoiling-
the inhabitants of St. Germain: upon which, the people
of Angrogne ran thither; some by the valley, others
over the mountain: those who went by the valley, to the
number of fifty men, met with the spoilers, who were a
10
1 10 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS,
hundred and twenty men well armed, whom they fouglit
and overthrew. Some were drowned, and but few es-
caped ; not one of the Angrogne men being hurt in the
fight.
This defeat so affrighted the monks, that they ran away
from their abbey to Pignerol, to save their relics and im-
ages, which they carried thither: and if the protestant
ministers would have suffered their people to have at-
tempted it, they might easily have freed their brethren
who were imprisoned in the abbey.
After this the monks, being assisted by a martial ofhcer,
took many of the inhabitants of the valley of Luserne
J)risoners, spoihng their goods, driving away their cattle^
and causing them to be ransomed for great sums of money.
CHAP. II.
THE PERSECUTION OF THE ALBIGENSES.
The Albigenses were people of the reformed religion,
who inhabited the 'country of Albi, now Languedoc ; and
were condemned in the council of Lateran, for their re-
hgious principles, by order of Pope Alexander the Third.
Nevertheless, they increased so prodigiously, that many
cities were inhabited by persons of that persuasion, and
several eminent noblemen embraced their doctrines.
Among the latter were — Raymond earl of Thoulouse,
Raymond earl of Foix, the earl of Beziers, &c. The
pope, at length, pretending that he wished to draw them
to the Romish faith by sound argument and clear reason-
ing, ordered a general disputation, in which, however, the
popish doctors were entirely overcome by the arguments
of Arnold, a reformed clergyman, about which period a
friar, named Peter, having been murdered in the domin-
ions of the Earl of Thoulouse, the pope made that murder
a pretence to persecute the earl and his subjects. To effect
this he sent persons throughout all Europe, in order to
raise forces against the Albigenses, and promised paradise
to all that would engage in this war (which he termed a
Holy War) and bear arms for forty days. The same in-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. Ill
dulgences were likewise held out to all who should enter
themselves for this purpose, as to such as engaged in cru-
sades to the Holy Land.
The pope then sent orders to all archbishops, bishops,
&:c. to excommunicate the Earl of Thoulouse every sab-
bath and festival ; at the same time absolving all his subjects
from their allegiance to him, and commanding them to
pursue his person, possess his lands, destroy his property,
and murder such of his subjects as continued faithful to
him, &c. &c.
The Earl of Thoulouse hearing of these mighty prepa-
rations against him, wrote to the pope in a submissive
manner, desiring not to be condemned unheard, and as-
suring him, that he had not the least hand in Peter's death ;
for that fiiai was killed by a gentleman, who immediately
after the murder fled out of his territories, or otherwise
he would have punished him as the crime deserved.
But arguments were in vain, the pope being determined
on his destructiom A formidable army, with several
noblemen and prelates at the head of it, began their march
against the Albigenses. The earl had only tlie alterna-
tive, to oppose force to force, or submit.* As he despaired
of success in attempting the former, he determined on the
latter. The pope's legate being at Valence, the earl re-
paired thither, and expressed his surprise, " that such a
Dumber of armed men should be sent against him, before
the least proof of his guilt had been deduced. He had,
therefore, come voluntarily to surrender himself, armed
only with the testimony of a good conscience, and hoped
that the troops would be prevented from plundering his
innocent subjects, as he thought himself a suflicient pledge
for any vengeance they chose to take on account of the
death of the friar."
To this reasonable proposal the legate replied, "that he
was very glad the earl had voluntarily surrendered, but,
with respect to the proposal, he could not pretend to
countermand the orders to the troops, unless he would
consent to deliver up seven of his best fortified castles, as
securities for his future behaviour."
. This demand made the earl perceive his errour too late,
il'i IIISTORV OP THE MARTYRS.
in submitting; but coiisidering bimsclf a prisoner, he sent
an order for r .- delivery of the castles, which the pope's
lej^utc had to sooner garrisoned, than he ordered the re-
spective governours to appear before him. When they
came, he said, " that the Earl of Thoulouse having deliv-
ered up his castles to the pope, they must consider that
they were now the pope's subjects, and not the earl's;
and that they must act conformably to their new allegi-
ance."
The governours were astonished to see their lord thus
in chains, and themselves compelled into a new allegiance,
so much against their inclinations and consciences. But
what afflicted theni stili more, were the affronts afterwards
put upon the earl ; for he was stripped to his drawers, led
nine times round the grave of friar Peter, and severely
scourged before the lowest populace. Not contented with
this, they obliged him to swear that he would be obedient
to the pope during the remainder of his life, conform to
the church of Rome, and make irreconcilable war against
the Albigenses. The legate even went further than this,
and ordered him, by the oaths he had newly taken, to join'
the troops, and inspect the siege of Beziers. But think-
ing this too hard an injunction, he took an opportunity
privately to quit the army, and determined to go to the
pope, and relate all the ill usage he had received. The
army, however, proceeded to besiege Beziers; and the
Earl of Beziers, who was likewise governour of that city,
thinking it impossible to defend the place, came out, and
presenting himself before the pope's legate, implored mer-
cy for the inhabitants ; intimating, at the same time, that
there were as many Roman catholicks as Albigenses in the
city. The legate replied, that " all excuses availed noth-
ing; that the place must be delivered up at discretion, or
the most dreadful consequences should ensue."
The Earl of Beziers returning into the city, told the in-
habitants he could obtain no mercy, unless the Albigensefe
would abjure their religion, and conform to the worship of
the church of Rome. The Roman catholicks pressed the
Albigenses to comply with this request; but the Albigen-
ses nobly answered, "that they would not forsake their re-
lirSTOUY OF THE 3IARTVRa. 113
iigion for the base price of their frail life: that God was-
able, if he pleased, to defend them; but if he would be
olorifted by the confession of their faith, it would be a great
honour to them to die for his sake. That they had rather
displease the pope, who could but kill their bodies, than
God, who could cast both body and soul into hell."
The popish party finding their importunities ineffectuah
sent their bishop to the pope's legate, beseeching him not
to include them in the chastisement of the Aibigenses;
and representing, that the best means to win the latter
over to the Roman catholick persuasion was by gentle
means, and not by rigour. The legate, upon hearing this,
flew into a violent passion with the bishop, and declared,
that "if all the city did not acknowledge their fault, they
should taste of one curse, without distinction of religion,.
sex, or age."
The inhabitants refusing to yield upon such terms, a
general assault was given, and the place taken by storm;
when it is impossible for the imagination to paint a more
horrid scene than that which ensued. Every cruelty that
barbarity and superstition could devise was practised;
nothing was to be heard but the groans of men who lay
weltering in their blood, the lamentations of mothers who
were doublv wounded, wounded in the body by the spears
of the soldiers, and to the soul, by having their children
taken from them, and dashed to pieces before their
faces. The plaints of violated maidens and ravished mat-
rons^the cries of helpless infants, and the execrations of
the barbarians who committed these cruelties, rdded to
the sounds of horrour. The city being fired in various parts,
new scenes of confusion arose ; in several places the streets-
were streaming with blood; lofty buildings appeared in
clouds of smoke, and large ranges of houses were seen in
flames. Those who had hid themselves in the recesses of
their dwellings had only the dreadful alternative to re-
main and perish in the flames, or rush out and fall by the
swords of the soldiers. The blood-thirsty legate, during
these infernal proceedings, seemed to enjoy the carnage,
and even cried out to the troops, "kill them, kill them all,
ku man, woman, and child; kill Roman catholicks a? wel-
n.A HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
13 'vibigenses, for when they are dead the Lord knoA\s
how to pick out his own." Thus the beautiful city of
Beziers was reduced to a heap of ruins; and 60,000 per-
sons of both sexes, and dilferent ages, were inhumanly
massacred.
The Earl of Beziers and a few others made their escape j
and went to Carcasson, w^iich they put into the best pos-
ture of defence they could. The legate, unwilling to lose
an opportunity of spilHng blood during the forty days
which the troops were to serve, led them immediately
against Carcasson, As soon as the place was invested, a
furious assault was given, but the besiegers were repulsed
with great slaughter; upon this occasion the Earl of Be-
ziers gave the most distinguished proofs of his courage,
saying, to encourage the besieged, "we had better die
fighting than fail into the hands of such bigoted and
merciless enemies."
It is to be observed, that two miles from the city of
Carcasson there w^as a smali town of the same name,
which the Albigenscs had likewise fortified. The legate,
being enraged at the repulse he had received from the
city of Carcasson, determined to wreak his vengeance up-
on the town. The next morning he made a general as-
sault; and, though the place was bravely defended, the
legate took it by storm, put all the inhabitants to the sword,
and then consumed the town by fire.
During these transactions the King of Arragon arrived
at the camp, and after paying bis obedience to the legate,
told him, he understood the Earl of Beziers, his kinsman,
was in the city of Carcasson, and that if he would grant
him permission he would go thither^. and; endeavour to
make him sensible of the duty he owed both to the pope
and church. The legate readily acquiesehig, the king
immediate^ repaired lo the earl, and, among other ques-
tions, asked him "from what motives lie shut himself up in
that city, and against so great an army?" The earl an-
swered, "it was to defend his life, goods, and subjects;
that he knew the pope, under pretence of religion, resolv-
ed to destroy his uncle,.the Earl of Thoulouse, and him-
self; that he saw the cruelty which they bad used at B-^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 115
siers, even against the priests: adding also what they had
done to the town of Carcasson, and that they nriust look
for no mercy from the legate or his army; he, therefore,
rather chose to die, defending himself with his subjects,
than fall into the hands of so inexorable an enemy as the
legate ; that though he had in his city some that were of
another religion, yet they were such as had not wronged
any, w^ere come to his succour in his greatest extremity,
and for their good service he was resolved not to abandon
them; that his trust was in God, the defender of the op-
pressed ; and that he would assist them against those ill-ad-
vised men, w^ho forsook their own houses to burn, sack, and
kill other men without reason, judgment, or mercy."
The king reported to the legate what the earl had said:
the legate, after considering for some time, replied, " for
your sake, sir, I will receive the Earl of Beziers to mercy,
and with him twelve others shall be safe, and be permit-
ted to retire with their property; but as for the rest, I am
determined to have them at my discretion."
This answer displeased the king; and when the earl
heard it, he absolutely refused to comply with such terms.
The legate then commanded another assault, but his troops
Were again repulsed with great slaughter, and the dead
bodies occasioned a stench that was exceedingly offensive
both to the besieged and the besiegers.
The legate, chagrined at this disappointment, determm-
ed to act by stratagem, and sent one of his attendants,
well skilled in dissimulation and artiftcc, to the Earl of
Beziers, with a seeming friendly message. The design
s^as, by any means, to induce the earl to Laave thecity in
o>4er to have; on int'ervietv • with the. , legate; ; and to tins
MndXbe messengerwas to- promise, or swear, whatever he
thought ;proper; '^for," says the legate, "swear to what
falsehoods you; choose, in such a cause, I will give you ab*
solution."
U'>Unfortunattrlyv this infamous plot succeeded: for the
^arl, believing thie promises' made him of personal securi-»
iy^., aaid crediting the solemn oaths that the perjured agent
^wore upon the occasion, left the city, and went with him.
The legate :r.o- sooner saw him,, than he told him, "he was
il6 HISTORY OF TilE MARTYRS.
a prisoner, and must remain so till Carcasson was surren-
dered, and the inhabitants taught their duty to the pope."
The earl, on hearing this, cried out that he was betray-
ed, and exclaimed against the treachery of the legate, and
the perjury of the person he had employed. His com-
plaint?, however, availed- him nothing, for he was ordered
into close confinement, and the place summoned to sur-
render immediately.
The people, on receiving the summons, and hearing of
the captivity of the earl, were thrown into the utmost con-
sternation, -when one of the citizens, begging to be heard,
informed tlie rest, "that he had been formerly told by some
old men, that there was a very capacious subterraneous
passage, which led from thence to the castle of Cameret,
at three leagues distance. If (continued he) we can find
this passage, we may all escape before the legate can in
the least be apprized of our flight."
This information was joyfully received ; ail were em-
ployed to search for the passage, and, at length, it was
happily found. In the beginning of the evening the in-
habitants began their flight, taking with them their wives,
children, a few days provisions, and such moveables as
were most valuable and portable. They reached the cas-
tle by the morning, and escaped to Arragon, Catalonia^^
and such other places as they thought would secure them
from the power of the bloody legate.
In the morning, the troops were strangely astonished,
not hearing any noise, or seeing any man stirring in tlie-
city ; yet they approached the walls with much fear, lest
it should he but a stratagem to endanger them; but find-^
ing no opposition, they mounted the walls, crying out, that
the Albigenses were fled; and thus was the city, with all
the spoils, taken, and the Garl of Beziers committed to
prison in one of the strongest towers of Carcasson, where
be soon after died.
The legate being now in possession of the city, called
all the prelates and great lords of his army together, tel-
ling them, that though it v/as requisite there should be
always a legate in the army, yet it was likewise necessary
that there should he a secular general, wise and valiant,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 117
to command in all their affairs, &lc. This charge was
first offered to the duke of Burgogne, then to the earl of
Ennevers, and thirdly, to the earl of St. Paul: but they
all refused it. At length it was offered to Simon, earl of
Montfort, who, after some excuses, accepted it.
Four thousand men were left to garrison Carcasson, and
the deceased earl of Beziers was succeeded in title and
dignity by earl Simon, a bigoted Roman catholic, who
threatened vengeance on the Albigenses, unless they con-
formed to the worship of the church of Rome.
CHAP. III.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE HORRID MASSACRE OF THE PROTES-
TANTS IN PARIS AND OTHER PARTS OF FRANCE.
Henry, the prince of Navarre, was, on. August 17, A.
D. 1572, married to lady Margaret, sister to the king of
France ; and the admiral Coligni, who was present at the
wedding, was so far deluded, as to call it "not a marriage
of individuals, but a marriage between the churches of
the Roman catholics and protestants." Immediately after
the marriage, the king of France took Coligni aside, and
said, "Sir, I am sensible that you will carry yourself hon-
ourably towards the family of Guise ; but I am not sensible
that the individuals of that family will act with equal
candour towards you : therefore, as they have brought a
great number of armed men into Paris, under pretence of
gracing the nuptials, although I did not require their at-
tendance ; I hope you will think it owing to my affection
for you, if I introduce some troops for your protection."
Coligni, through the honesty of his own heart, still un-
suspecting the fraud in that of another, believed the royal
dissembler, and thanked him for introducing an armed
force, which was designed to cut the throats of the pro-
testants, and to perform one of the bloodiest tragedies
ever recorded in history.
The day after this conference, Coligni was wounded as
he was coming from the Louvre, by three musket ball*'
118 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
discharged from a window ; one ball broke the fore-finger
of his right hand ; the other two entered his left arm. —
He bore this affliction with admirable patience, and in-
stead of repining, said, "If God had dealt with me ac-
cording to my deserts, 1 should have been more severely
treated; but blessed be his holy name, who hath dealt
with me so lovingly and so kindly." The king of France
and queen-mother visited Cohgni on the occasion, and sit-
ting by his bedside, condoled with him, and acted with
their usual dissimulation. The protestant nobility like-
wise assembled, when one of them told him, that the best
thing he could do was to leave Paris immediately; "for,''
said he, " this is only the prologue to a bloody tragedy,
which I expect will shortly ensue. Many circumistances
give me reason for the surmise : in particular, many pa-
pists, on the wedding-day of the king of Navarre, had
been heard to say, that more blood should be spilt soon
after, than wine had been drank at the nuptial feast. —
The president of the senate advised a protestant noble-
man for whom he had a friendship, to retire for a few
days into the country with his family ; and the bishop of
Valentia, previous to his setting off on his embassy to Po-
land, said to the Count de Rochefoucault, a protestant
nobleman. Be not blinded with the smoke of a court., but
withdraw yourself and friends in time^ thai you may be out
of danger. These particulars give me just reason to ap-
prehend some impending mischief." After, however, can-
vassing the matter fully, the motion for removing from
Paris was unhappily overruled, and the chief persons of
the reformed religion determined to remaia in the city.
The next day a gentleman went to the king, and in-
formed him of several suspicious circumstances, but more
particularly of the great quantity of warlike weapons
which were carrying to the houses of certain Roman
catholick gentlemen; and therefore he humbly begged,
that Coligni might be provided with a guard, to secure
him from any insult. The king morosely replied, " Let
Cossen, with fifty men, guard him." The gentlemen ob-
jected to this for two reasons; because Cossen was a big-
oted Roman catholick, and because he was an enemy to
HISTORY OF THE 3IARTYRS. 119
the admiral. 1 he king, however, in a peremptory tone,
said, '-it shall be so," and the gentleman, not daring to
contradict him, departed.
Cosscn, agreeably to the royal mandate, at the head of
fifty men, took possession of the two houses adjoining that
in which Coligni resided ; and most of the other houses
in the street were soon after tilled with Roman catholick
troops, who occupied them under various pretences. A
council was then held at the palace, in which were present
the king of France, the queen mother, the duke of Anjou,
the duke of Nevers, the bastard of Angoulesme, and sev-
eral others; and the general massacre of all the protes-
tants of Paris was now fully determined on, exempting
only two by name, viz. the king of Navarre, and the young
prince of Conde. (2)
A few hours previous to the massacre, the young duke
of Guise, who was to be principally entrusted in the affair,
called together the French and Swiss officers, and told
them, "that the time was come in which the king was to
be revenged of the protestants ; the beast is caught," said
he, "let him" not therefore escape ; your triumph will be
glorious, your victory easy, and the spoils great." The
duke then sent to the provost of the city, and commanded
him to assemble the aldermen of the respective wards,
that they might be ready to receive the king's commands :
when they met together, the same orders were given to
them as to the officers ; and they were told, that the sig-
nal for beginning the bloody business, w^as to be the ring-
ing of a bell in the Louvre ; and the tokens, by which to
know each othei , were to be white crosses in their hats.
The dreadful hour arrived, and the fatal bell was tolled
about twelve o'clock at night, on the eve of the solemnity
of St. Bartholomew, 1572, which that year happened to be
on a sabbath. The signal thus given, the duke of Guise
hastened to Coligni's house, at the head of a body of
troops, and joined Cossen, who, with his guard, it was pre-
tended, were to defend the admiral. They knocked vio-
(2) The queen dowager of Navarre was destroyed by poison, before
this massacre was begun ; and was a noble martyr to the protesta^t
cause.
120 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
lently at Coligni's door, when Labornius,. one of his,
servants, immediately opened it, and was instantly stabbed
by Cossen. A num))er ol troops, with Cossen at the h^ad
of them, then entered the house ; but the duke of Guise
remained in the court-yard. These assassins ranged
through the several apartments, murdered all they met,
and at length came to Coligni's chamber. That brave
devoted martyr, when he saw them, said, " I have long pre-
pared myself for death, and now that 1 shall find it, com-
mend my soul to the Almighty God." A German soldier,
named Besme, first wounded him ; after which Cossen, and
several others, completed the murder. The duke of Guise
called out from below, " Is the business done?" The mur-
erders replied it was; and, to convince him, threw the
body out of the window. The corpse was then treated
with great indignity ; and a person belonging to the duke
of Nevers cut off the head, and carried it to the king. —
The cruel monarch appeared pleased with the sight, and
^he bloody-minded queen-mother ordered it to be embalm-
.ed, and sent as a present to the pope. The headless corpse
was dragged about the streets, with great indignity, for
several days, indecently mangled, and then hung upon a
gibbet, with the shoulders downw ards. This was the end
of one of the greatest men France ever produced; who,
by a glorious martyrdom, concluded a life spent in the
service of the Almighty. •
Immediately after the murder of Coligni, the attendants ]
and domesticks of the king of Navarre and the young
prince of Cond6 were basely butchered, and the streets
of Paris streamed with protestant blood. In some meas-
ure, to palliate their cruelties, the Roman catholicks, while
they were murdering the innocent people, cried out,
" Vile wretches, this is for wanting to overturn the consti-
tution of your country; this is for conspiring to murder
the king." Rank, sex, or age, were no protections; no-
bles sunk beneath the daggers of ruffians; the tears vtS"
beauty made no impression on the hearts of bigotry; the
silver hairs of venerable age, and the piteous cries of
helpless infancy, were alike disregarded. Malignity steel-
ed the hearts of the papists ; and infatuation directed the
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 121
sword of fcilse zeal, to pierce the bosoms of piety and in-
nocence. The lamentations of distress, the siirieks of
terrour, and the groans of the dying, were music to the
ears of the furious murderers: they enjoyed the horrours
of slaughter, and triumphed over the mangled carcases of
those whom they had so inhumanly butchered.
Upon this dreadful occasion, swords, pistols, muskets,
cutlasses, daggers, and other instruments of death, had
been p«t into the hands of above sixty thousand furious
and bigoted papists, who, in a frantic manner, ran up and
down the streets of Paris, uttering the most horrid blas-
phemies, and committing the most unaccustomed barbari-
ties. It is almost beyond the power of imagination to
paint, or of language to describe, the cruelties that were
acted on that fatal night, and the tw^o succeeding days, —
The infirm were murdered in the bed of sickness; the
aged stabbed while tottering on there crutches ; children
snatched from their mothers, and tossed on the points of
spears; infants strangled in their cradles; women ripped
open, and men indiscriminately murdered by various
means. The confusion and horrours of the scene were
dreadful! Oaths, shoutings, shrieks, and the discharge of
lire-arms, were heard in all quarters: houses w^ere defiled
with the blood of their owners; the streets strew^ed with
carcases ; and the waters of the Seine appeared of a crim-
son colour, froni the number of mangled bodies which had
been throw n into that river.
Several ruffians entered the house of Monsieur De la
Place, president of the court of requests, and having plun-
dered it of above a thousand crowns, they took that gen-
tleman into the street, stabbed him with their daggers,
laid his body in a stable, covered his face with dung, and
the next day threw him into the Seine.
Peter V amus, the royal professor of logick, was seized
in the college over w^hich he presided, for professing pro-
testant tenets; and after being murdered, his body was
thrown out of the window, and trailed about the streets in
derision, by several boys, who were ordered so to do by
their popish tutors.
Some soldiers entering the house of a doctor of civil
^ 11
122 HISTORY 01 Till] MARTYUS.
law, demanded a sight of his hbrary. With this he com-
pUed, when finding some proteslant books, tliey took him
into the street, and beat out his brains with a club. A
cook, who had hid himself on the first alarm, being pressed
by thirst, came from his lurking-place to procure food,
but was immediately murdered; and an apothecary, who
was carrying some medicines to a patient, met witii the
same fate.
Three hundred and fifty Protestants were confined in a
place called the Archbishop's Prison. To this place a
number of soldiers repaired, picked their pockets of what
money they had, took from them such garments as they
thought proper to appropriate to their own uses, and then
drawing their swords, cut them to pieces without the least
remorse.
A Protestant merchant, named Francis Bassu, cxpecl-
ing to share the fate of other Protestants, thus addressed
his two sons: "Children, be not terrified at M^iat may
happen: it is the portion of true believers, to be hated and
persecuted by unbelievers, as sheep are devoured by
wolves. But remember, that if we suffer for Christ, we
shall reign with him: therefore let not drawn swords ter-
rify you, they will be but a bridge over which to pass to
eternal life." He had scarcely uttered these words, ere
the murderers broke in, and cut to pieces the father and
both his sons.
' After the massacre had subsided, the inhuman assassins
paraded the streets, boasting that they had dyed their
white cockades red with the blood of the Huguenots, On
seeing a multitude of dead bodies lay about, a popish
apothecary suggested that money might be made of the
fat contained in them ; the plumpest bodies were accor-
dingly selected, and the fat being extracted from them,
was sold for three shillings per pound: A shocking in-
stance of the most depraved cruelty! The inhabitants of
the villages which lay below Paris, on the borders of the
Seine, were astonished to see the number of dead bodies
that floated down the stream; and even some of the Ro-
man catholicks were so much touched with compassion, as
to exclaim, " It surely could not be men, but devils in their
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 123
appeararice, who transacted these cruelties." The pope's
legate, soon after, gave all who v/ere concerned in these
murders a general absolution, plainly evincing that the
Roman catholicks themselves thought these transactions
criminal.
The King of France gave a formal account to the King
of Navarre and the Prince of Conde of the whole affair;
and told them, at the same time, "he expected they should
renounce their religion, as he had saved their lives with
that expectation only." The King of Navarre only an-
swered, / ^e^ you zoill rccoU(^ct our late alliance^ and not
think of forcing my conscience, but the Prince of Conde^
with more spirit, replied, i/oit may seize my estates, property,
nnd life, but my religion is out of your poicer. This answer
so much enraged the king, that he fell into a vehement
passion, and threatened him violently; but becoming cool
again, he thought proper to let his resentment subside,
and suffered anger to give way to policy.
It was now represented to the king by his council, that
the massacre would be ineffectual, if it did not extend to
every part of the kingdom; for though all the protestants
of Paris were murdered, yet if any were suffered to live
in other parts of France, they would again increase in
numbers, and spread to the metropolis. This occasioned
the massacre to become more general, for the king sent
orders to all the provinces to massacre the protestants.
At Meaux, the king's attorney. Cosset, having received
the bloody mandate, ordered a number of ruffians to at-
tend him at seven o'clock in the evening. At the ap-
pointed time, he commanded the city gates to be shut,
and all the Protestants to be seized, which was immedi-
ately executed ; many were murdered that night, and about
two hundred of the principal persons were confined till
the next day. On the ensuing morning. Cosset, and his
murderers, went to the prison, and having a list of the
confined protestants, called them one by one, and murder-
ed them as they answered. They then plundered the
houses of those who had been murdered, divided the spoil,
gave an entertainment upon the occasion, and concluded
fbe evonincj with illuminations.
124 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
At Troyes^ Oie protesta.it? were all seized, and put into
dungeoas. Ihe provost then commanded the common
€ixecunoner to go and murder them all. Shocked, how-
ever, at the inhumanity of the thing, the executioner had
spirit e-iough to refuse, with this remarkable expression:
My office obliges mc to execute none bid such as are legally
coudemnecl. But this did not save the protestants, for the
pjovost engaged the gaoler to perform what the execu-
tioner had refused; they were all murdered, and their
bodies buried in pits, dug on purpose, within the prison.
While the bloody tragedy was performing, one of the
*'uffians struck at a protestant two or three times without
killing him: the protestant then taking hold of the point
of the halberd with which he had been wounded, placed
it close to the left side of his breast, and then boldly cried,
'' Push it to my hearty fellov^^ push it to my heart,^'^
At Orleans, the massacre continued for a week, and a
prodigious number of men, women, and children, were
murdered; the general cry being, ''kill the Hvguenotsand
lake the spoiW^ Some v/ho w^ere weak enough to aposta-
tize from their faith to save their lives, had weapons put
into their hands, and were compelled to kill those of the
religion they had forsaken, or to be murdered themselves;
the Roman catholicks crying, in derision, all the time,
" Smite them smite them^
At Lyons^ all the protectants' houses were plundered,
and the slaughter almost incredible ; at Rouen, six thou-
sand were massacred ; at Thoulouse, about three hundred
were martyred; many were drowned at Anglers, and
several were butchered at Bourdeaux, though happily, at
the latter place, several escaped on board ship to England,
As a corroboration of this horrid carnage, the following
interresting narrative, written by a learned and sensible
Roman catholick, appears in this place, with peculiar
propriety.
" The nuptials (says he) of the young king of Navarre
with the French king's sister, were solemnized with pomp;
and all the endearments, all the assurances of friendship,
all the oaths sacred among men, were profusely lavished
by Catherine, the queen-mother, and by the king; during
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 125
which, the rest of the court thought of nothing but festiv-
ities, plays, and masquerades. At last, at twelve o'clock
at night, on the eve of St. Bartholeraew, the signal was
given. Immediately all the houses of the protestants
were forced open at once. Admiral Coligni, alarmed by
the uproar, jumped out of bed; when a company of as-
sassins rushed in his chamber. They were headed by one
Besme, who had been bred up as a domestick in the fam-
ily of the Guises. This wretch thrust his sword into the
admiral's breast, and also cut him in the face. Besme was
a German, and being afterwards taken by the protestants^
the Rochellers would have bought him, in order to hang
and quarter him; but he was killed by one Bretanville.
Henr}', the young Duke of Guise, who afterwards framed
the cathoHck league, and was murdered at Blois, standing
at the door till the horrid butchery should be completed,
called aloud, ' Besme ! is it done ?' Immediately after which,
the ruffians threw the body out of the window, and Coligni
expired at Guise's feet.
" Count de Teligny also fell a sacrifice. He had mar-
ried, about ten months before, Cohgni's daughter. His
countenance was so engaging, that the ruffians, when they
advanced in order to kill him, were struck with compas-
sion; but others, noore barbarous, rushing forward, mur-
dered him.
" In the mean time, all the friends of Coligni were as-
sassinated throughout Paris: men, women, and children,
were promiscuously slaughtered ; every street was strewed
with expiring bodies. Some priests, holding up a crucifix
in one hand, and a dagger in the other, ran to the chiefs
of the murderers, and strongly exhorted them to spare
neither relations nor friends.
"Tavannes, Marshal of France, an ignorant, super-
stitious soldier^ who joined the fury of religion to the rage
of party, rode on horseback through the streets of Paris,
crying to his men, 'Let blood! let blood! bleeding is as
wholesome in August as in May.' In the cnemoirs of the
life of this enthusiastick, written by his son, we are told,
that the father, being on his death bed, and making a
general confession of his actions, the priest said to him^
II *
126 HISTORY OF THE MARTYKS.
with surprise, 'What! no mention of St. Bartholemew'ci
massacre?' to which Tavannes replied, *I co)isider it as a
meritorious action, that will wash away all my sins.' Such
horrid sentiments can a false spirit of religion inspire !
" The king's palace was one of the chief scenes of the
butchery: the King of Navarre had his lodgings in the
Louvre, and all his domesticks were protestants. Many
of these were killed in bed with their wives ; others, run*
ning away naked, were pursued by the soldiers through
the several rooms of the palace, even to the king's anti-
chamber. The young wife of Henry of Navarre, awaked
by the dreadful uproar, being afraid for her consort, and
for her own life, seized with horrour, and half dead, fiew
from her bed, in order to throw herself at the feet of the
king her brother. But scarce had she opened her cham-
ber-door,, when some of her protestant domesticks rushed
in for refuge. The soldiers immediately followed, pur-
sued them in sight of the Princess, and killed one who
had crept under her bed. Two others, being wounded
with halberds, fell at the queen's feei^ so that she was
covered with blood.
" Count d^ la Rochefoucault, a young nobleman, great-
ly in the king's favour for his comely air, his politeness,
and a certain peculiar happiness in the turn of his con-
versation, had spent the evening till eleven o'clock with
the monarch, in pleasant familiarity; and had given a
loose, with the utmost mirth, to the sallies of his imagina-
tion. The monarch felt some remorse ; and being touch-
ed with a kind of compassion, bid him, two or three times^
not go home, but lie in the Louvre. The count said, he
must go to his wife ; upon which the king pressed him no
farther, but said, 'Let him go! I see God has decreed his
death.' And in two hours after he was murdered.
" Very few of the protestants escaped the fury of their
enthusiastick persecutors. Among these was young La
Force (afterwards the famous Marshal de la Force) a
child about ten years of ?ige, whose deliverance was ex-
ceedingly remarkable. His father, his elder brother, and
himself were seized together by the Duke of Anjou's^
soldiers. These murderers flew at all three, and struck
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 127
them at random, when they all fell, and lay one upon an-
other. The youngest did not receive a single blow, but
appearing as if he was dead, escaped the next day; and
his life, thus wonderfully preserved, lasted fourscore and
five years.
"Many of the wretched victims fled to the water-side,
and some swam over the Seine to the suburbs of St. Ger-
maine. The king saw them from his window, which
looked upon the river, and fired upon them with a carbine
that had been loaded for that purpose by one 'of his
pages: while the queen-mother, undisturbed and serene
in the midst of slaughter, looking down from a balcony,
encouraged the murderers, and laughed at the dying
groans of the slaughtered. This barbarous queen was
fired with a restless ambition, and she perpetually shifted
her party in order to satiate it.
" Some days after this horrid transaction, the French
court endeavoured to palUate it by forms of law. They
pretended to justify the massacre by a calumny, and ac-
cused the admiral of a conspiracy, which no one believed.
The parliament w^as commanded to proceed against the
memory of Coligni; and bis dead body was hung in chains
on Montfaucon gallows. The king himself went to view
this shockmg spectacle; when one of his courtiers ad^
vising him to retire, and complaining of the stench of the
corpse, he replied, 'A dead enemy smells well.' — The
massacres on St. Bartholomew's day are painted in the
royal salloon of the Vatican at Rome, with the following
inscription: Pontifex Coligni necem p'obaL i. e. 'The pope
approves of Coligni's death.'
^^ The young king of Navarre was spared through poli-
cy, rather than from the pity of the queen-mother, she
keeping him prisoner till the king's death, in order that
he might be as a security and pledge for the submission
of such protestants as might effect their escape.
"This horrid butchery was not confined merely to tlie
city of Paris. The like orders were issued from court to
the governours of all the provinces in France ; so that, in
a week's time, above one hundred thousand protestants
were cut to pieces in different parts of the kingdom ! Two
128 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
or three governours only retused to obey tlie king ■ borders.
One of thesey named Montmorrin,,governour of Auvergne,
wrote the king the following ktter^ which deserves to be
transmitted to the l^atest posterity.,
"Sire — I have received an order, under your majesty's
seal, to put to death all the Protestants in my province. I
have too much respect for your majesty, not to believe
the letter a forgery: but if (which God forbid) the order
should be gemine,. I have too much respect for your ma-
jesty to obey it."
These barbarities Inflamed such protestants as escaped
rather with rage than terrour: their irreconcilable hatred
to the court supplied them with fresh vigour, and the spir-
it of revenge increased their strength. The Kmg, Charles
IX., under whose influence this dreadful havoc had been
committed, never afterwards enjoyed his health, but, be-
ing in the prime of his youth, about twenty-four years old,
fell sick of a languishing disease; his physicians let him
blood and purged him, but to no purpose ; for by degrees
he so wasted away, as caused great astonishment. He
iong struggled against his disease, but at last betook to his
bed, and during the last two weeks of his sickness, much
blood issued from divers parts of his body, so that he lit-
erally rolled in his own blood, and a little before he died,
he desired his mother to pursue his enemies to the utter-
most, with great vehemency reiterating his speeches; say-
ing, " Madam, I pray you lieartily to do it." He wretch-
edly died on the 30th of May, 1574.
CHAP. IV.
THE SIEGE OF SANCERRE.
A. D. 1573, Sancerre, a city chiefly inhabited by pro-
testants, was besieged by the Lord of Chartres with a
considerable army. He planted his cannon judiciously,
and played incessantly on the place ; so that more were
woanded by the fragments of stones, and splinters of tim-
ber, broken by means of the artillery^ than by the balls
themselves.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 129
Besides cannonading the city almost continually, the
Lord of Chartres frequently gave furious assaults, in or-
der to take it by storm ; but was as often repulsed, with
loss, by the besieged. The conflict was dreadful, and
each side appeared resolved in their several purposes; the
one to succeed in compelling the city to surrender; the
other in defending it to the last extremity.
The want of provisions now seemed to threaten what
the arms of the besiegers could not perform; the long con-
tinuance of the siege had caused a great scarcity of the
necessaries of life, and the bravest of the besieged began
to fear they must either give up the place, or fall victims
to famine. So great, indeed, were the distresses of the
people, that the flesh of horses, mules, and asses, was pur-
chased at a great price ; and many were compelled to live
only upon the flesh of dogs, cats, mice, moles, &c. Even
these disagreeable resources at length failed, and the se-
verity cf hunger forced them to put up with leather,
parchment, beasts' hoofs, and horns stewed dovri^ to a jei-
}y, or boiled sufliciently soft to be swallowed. The wild
roots in the few gardens of the city, the grass and house-
leek which grew on the tops of houses, walls, and sheds,
were sought for with avidity, and devoured as delicacies.
The substitutes for bread were dried herbs and bran,
straw-meal, powdered nut-shells, and even pounded slates,
made into cakes with grease.
During this extremity, a poor man and his wife were
apprehended, for having eaten a part of their own daugh-
ter, a child three years old, who died of hunger: they had
already devoured the head and entrails, and when taken
were dressing some of the hmbs. In their excuse they
pleaded the horrid severity of the hunger with which they
were tormented, and that they had not murdered the child:
it was, however, proved against them, that on the very
day when they began to eat their offspring, some humane
person had charitably sent to their house a mess of pot-
tage, made with herbs and some w ine, which might have
enabled them to refrain, at least another day, from the un-
natural meal. The governour, therefore, to make an ex-
ample which might deter others from practising any thing
130 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
SO atrocious, ordered them to be hanged. , Their fate,
however, drew compassion from many, \\*o, from what
themselves felt, and considering the desperate circumstan-
ces of the persons, could not help sympathising with the
criminals, though they abhorred their crime.
A labouring man and his wife, who had a little vine-
yard within the city walls, and who had fed themselves, for
some time, with the leaves and branches of the vines, were
found dead, and two young children crying by them. The
children, however, were taken by a charitable widow, and
sustained with as much care as her present circumstances
would permit. Several others were found 4€ad in their
houses; many dropped down in the streets; the sorrowful
lamentations of the living for the dead were equally min-
gled with the cries of hunger, and, in conjunction, formed
the most doleful sounds of horrour.
A boy falling, through weakness, at the feet of his father
and mother, they bitterly lamented over him, when he he-
roically said, "don't weep to see me die with hunger; I do
not ask you for food ; I know you have none to give me :
it is the will of God I should die, and, therefore, I cheer-
fully submit." He expired the moment he had uttered
these words, leaving his parents astonished at his fortitude,
and happy in his religious resignation.
Several soldiers and citizens, iather than stay and be
starved, chose to escape from the place, and run all haz-
ards: some were immediately killed in the attempt, and
the rest put into prison, tried as traitors, and afterwards
executed.
Charles IX. was so much exasperated at the long and
valiant defence of the besieged, that he sent word to his
general, the Lord of Chartres, " if he took the place, to
massacre all within it; and if he could not, to block them
up till they devoured each other." But the full comple-
tion of this cruel order was providentially defeated by the
following circumstance: there being an election for a king
of Poland, the Duke of Anjou, brother to the king of
France, was elected, upon condition that the king of
France should cease the persecution against his protes-**
^ant subjects: these conditions were, for political reasons^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 131
complied with; and Sancerre, among other places, had
immediate relief. Eighty-four persons were killed during
the siege ; near six hundred perished by famine ; and sev-
eral were so emaciated from the same cause, that they
died soon after the siege was raised. Thus, when we
deem ourselves at the very last extremity, are we some-
times suddenly relieved by the most unexpected means:
so inscrutable are the ways of that Providence, on which,
in all emergencies, we ought to depend.
In the year 1684, persecution again broke with great
cruelty, and soldiers were spread all over France to en-
force the arbitrary maxims of popery. The dragoons
were particularly employed in this service, as the most
resolute and bloody of the troops; for none were admitted
into the dragoon service, but such as were known to be
rigid Roman cathohcks. As Louis XIV. publicly declared
he would exterminate the protestants from France, a gen-
eral panic seized the devoted victims. Orders were sent
to the intendants of provinces, to summon the protectant
inhabitants of their respective districts, and inform them
that they had only this alternative, to turn papists volun-
tarily, or be forced to it. Many resolutely replied: "Our
lives and fortunes are due to the king, and our consciences
to God; therefore we cannot dispose of them in any such
manner." The consequence of such replies was a general
persecution, or, as it was called, dragooning the protes-
tants ; for the dragoons seized all the gates and avenues of
the cities and towns; guards were posted on the public
roads, and the general cry was, "turn papists or die."
The dragoons, who were quartered upon protestants,
had orders to live at discretion; but the w^ord discretion
was left to their own interpretation, and they, by way of
exposition, deemed it acting discreetly to eat up the pro-
visions, steal the property, and force the wives and daugh-
ters of those upon whom they were quartered.
All protestants were prohibited from leaving home, and
commanded neither to hide or remove their effects ; and
all Roman catholicks received strict orders, neither to
countenance, conceal, or assist them. The dragoons took
a pleasure in the most wanton cruelties against ^e protes-
132 HISTORY OF THE MARTYllS.
tants. Some were hung Ly tiie hair of their heads, and
by ilieir feet to the cciHiigs of their respective apartments.
Many were made insensible with intoxicathig hquors, and.
persuaded in that state to renounce their rehgion; but on
the return of their reason, if they recanted what they had
done, a funnel was placed in their mouths, and brandy
poured into their throats till they were choaked.
Several had their brains beat out with clubs, or other-
Avise ill-treated and mangled till they died. Many exam-
ples are recorded of fathers, husbands, and brothers being
fastened to bed-posts, while their daughters, wives, or sis-
Jers, were forced before their faces.
In order to make some change their religion, they were
told they should not sleep till they consented ; and to pre-
vent them from sleeping, the following mode was pursued:
a number of dragoons watched the victim night and day,
relieving each other alternately ; and hindered those they
guarded from falling asleep, by pinching them., throwing
water in their faces, scorching them, or by beating upon
brass kettles over their heads ; till their spirits being ex-
hausted they either changed their religion, grew delirious,
or sunk under the oppression and died.
Protestants who were ill, they tormented, by ordering a'
number of drummers successively to beat their drums as
loud as possible in the chambers of the sick, and indeed,
practised such cruelties as none but the most infernal im-
aginations could suggest. Those who were not put to
death suffered imprisonment, had their houses pulled
down, their lands laid waste, their property stolen, aiid
their wives and daughters, after being violated, sent into
<;onvents.
If any fled from these cruelties, they were pursued
through the woods, hunted and shot like wild beasts. —
Some presented petitions to the king, and were sent to
the Bastile, others were transported to Canada, as it was
falsely pretended, but in reality the officers of the ships
had orders to throw them overboard in the passage.
At the head of the dragoons, in all the provinces of
France, marched the bishops, priests, friars, *&c. the clergy
being ordered to keep up the cruel spirit of the military.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS'. 133
An order was published for demolishing all protestant
churches, the execution of which was begun by pulling
down the noble protestant church of Charenton. The
oldest protestant minister in Paris was ordered to leave
that city in twenty-four hours, and the kingdom in a few-
days; this was the celebrated Monsieur Claude, author of
Plaintes des Protestants, or Protestant Lamentations, by
whom most of these facts are recorded. Many others
w^ere proscribed, and received the sentence of baniehtnent;
and, concerning these. Monsieur Claude, says, " Iii. the
frontier places many were stopt and imprisoned on ridicu-
lous pretences; such as the obliging them to prove them-
selves tha identical persons specified in the certificates;
the inquiring whether they were not subject to some
criminal information, or prosecution; and obliging them to
prove, that they did not carry off their effects. Some-
times, after thus detaining and amusing them, they were
fold, that the time allowed by the edict was expired, and
that they were no longer at liberty, but must go to the
gallies. — In a word, every chicane, every iniquity, w^as
employed, in order to plague them."
Exclusively of those who were murdered, and kept in
long imprisonment, it is computed, that about five hun-
dred thousand persons were banished, or escaped from the
kingdom. The refugees retired to England, Germany,
Holland, Denmark. Sw^eden, and America.
CHAP. V.
\N ACCOUNT OF THE MARTYRDOM OF M. JOHN CALAS AND
FOUR OTHERS, AT THOULOUSE, IN 1761—2.
Calas and his wife were protestants of the city of Thou-
louse, and had five sons, whom they educated in the
same religion; but Lewis, one of the sons, became a Ro-
man catholick, having been converted by a maid-servant,
who had lived in the family above thirty years. The fa-
ther, however, did not express any resentment or ill-will
upon the occasion, but kept the maid in the family, and
-settled an annuity upon the son. In October, 1761, the
12
134 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
family consisted of John Calas and his wife, one woman
servant, Mark Anthony Calas, the eldest son, and I'eter
Calas, the second son. Mark Anthony was bred to the
law, but could not be admitted to practice, on account of
hisprotestanism: hence he grew melancholy, read all the
books he could procure relative to suicide, and seemed
determined to destroy himself. To this may be added,
that he led a dissipated life, was greatly addicted to ga-
ming, and did all which could constitute the character of
a hbertine. On which account his father frequently
reprehended him, and sometimes in terms of severity,
which considerably added to the gloom that seemed to
oppress him. •'
On the 13th of October, 1761, M. Gober La Vaisse, a
young gentleman about nineteen years of age, the son of
M. La Vaisse, a celebrated advocate of Thoulouse, having
been sometime at Bordeaux, came back to Thoulouse to
see his father; but finding that he was gone to his countrj--
house, at some distance from the city, he went to several
places, endeavouring to hire a horse to carry him thither.
No horse, however, was to be Hired; and, about five
o'clock in the evening, he was met by John Calas the fa-
ther and the eldest son Mark Anthony, who was upon
terms of friendship with him. Calas, the father, invited
him to supper, as he could not set out for his father's that
night, and La Vaisse consented. All three, therefore,
proceeded to Calas's house together, and when they came
thither, finding that Madame Calas was still in b.er own
room, which she had not quitted that day. La Vaisse went
up to see her. After the first compliments, he told her,
he was to sup with her, by her husband's invitation, at
which she expressed satisfaction, and a few minutes after
left him, to give some orders to her servant. She then
went to look for her son Anthony, whom she found sitting
alone in the shop, very pensive: she gave him some money,
and desired him to go and buy some Roquefort cheese, he
being always the market-man for cheese, in the family. —
She then returned to her e^uest I -a Vaisse, who very soon
after went again to the liverystable, to inquire if any
horse was come in. that ho might secuje it for the nexi
morning.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 135
Anthony very soon returned, with the cheese, and La
Vaisse also coming back about the same time, the family
and their guest sat down to supper, in a room up one pair
of stairs; the whole company consisting of Calas the fath-
er and his wife, Anthony and Peter Calas the sons, and
La Vaisse the guest, no other person being in the house,
except the maid-servant, who has been already mentioned.
It was now about seven oVlock: the supper was not
long; but before it v/as over, or, according to the French
expression, "when they came to the dessert" Anthony left
the table, and went into the kitchen, which was on the
same floor, as he was accustomed to do. The maid-ser-
vant asked him if he w^as cold? He answered, "quite the
contrary, I burn;" and then left her. In the mean time
his friend and family left the room in which they had sup-
ped, and went into a bed-chamber; the father and La
Vaisse sat down together on a sofa; the younger son, Pe-
ter, in an elbow-chair; and the mother in another chair;
and, without making any inquiry after x\nthony, continued
in conversation together till between nine and ten o'clock,
w^hen La Vaisse took liis leave, and Peter, who had fallen
asleep, was awakened to attend him with a light.
On the groundfloor of Calas's house was a shop and a
warehouse ; the latter of which was divided from the shop
by a pair of folding-doors. When Peter Calas and La
Vaisse came down stairs into the shop, they were extreme-
ly shocked to see .\nthony hanging in his shirt, from a bar
which he had laid across the top of the two folding-doors,
having iialf opened them for that purpose. On discovery
of this horrid spectacle, they shrieked out, which brought
down Calas the father, the mother being seized with such
a terrour as kept her trembling in the passage above. The
unhappy old man rushed forward, and taking the body in
his arms, the bar, to which the rope that suspended him
was fastened, slipped off from the folding-door of the ware-
house, and fell down. Having placed the body on the
ground, he lo<>sed and took off the cord in an agony of
grief and aii^^iiisVi r;nt to be expressed, weeping, tremb-
linG:, and deplo.ing himself and his child. The two young
men, his second son and La Vaisse, who had not had pre-
SS^ HISTORY OF THE MARTYRSo
sence of mind enough to attempt taking down the bod^,
were standing by, stupid with amazement and horrour.
In the mean time the moilier, hearing the confused cries
and complaints of her husband, and finding no one come
to her, found means to get down stairs. At the bottom
she saw La Yaisse, and hastily demanded what was the
matter. This question roused Calas in a moment, and
instead of answering her, he urged her to go again up-
stairs, to which, with much reluctance, she consented ; but
the conflict of her mind being such as could not be long
borne, she sent down the maid to know what was the mat-
ter. When the maid discovered what had happened she
continued below, either because she feared to carry an
account of it to her mistress, or because she busied her-
self in doing some good office to her master, who was still
embracing the body of his son, and bathing it in his tears.
The mother, therefore, being thus left alone, went down,,
and mixed in the scene, with such emotions as her intense
feelings most naturally produced. In the mean time Pe-
ter had been sent for La Moire, a surgeon i- the neigh-
bourhood. La Moire was not at home, but his appren-
tice, M. Grosse, came instantly. Upon examination, he
found the body quite dead; and upon taking off the neck-
cloth, which was of black tafTeta, he saw the mark of the
cord, and immediately pronounced that the deceased had
been strangled. This particular had not been told, for
the poor old man, w hen Peter was going for La Moire,
cried out, "save at least the honor of my family; do not
go and spread a report that your brother has made away
with himself."
By this time a crowd of people were gathered about the
house, and one Casing, with another acquaintance or two
of the family, were come in. Some of those who were in
the street had heard the cries and exclamations of the fa-
ther, the mother, the brother, and his friend ; and having
by some means heard that Anthony Calas was suddenly
dead, and that the surgeon, who had examined the body,
declared he had been strangled, they took it into their
heads he had been murdered ; and as his family were pro-
testants, they presently supposed that the young man. be*
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 137
mg about to change ills religion, had been put to death for
that reason. The cries they had heard they fancied Avere
those of the deceased, while he was resisting the violence
that was offered him. The tumult in the street increased
every moment: some said that Anthony Calas was to have
abjured the next day; others, that protestants are bound
by their religion to strangle or cut the throats of their
children when they are inclined to become catholicks.
Others, who had found out that La Vaisse was in the
house when the accident happened, very confidently af-
firmed, that the protestants, at their last assembly, ap-
pointed a person to be their common executioner upon
these occasions, and that La Vaisse was the man, who, in
consequence of the office to which he had been appointed,
had come to Calas' house to hang his son.
The poor father, therefore, who was overwhelmed with
grief for the loss of his cliild,was advised by his friends to
send for the officers of justice, to prevent his being torn in
pieces by the multitude, who supposed that he had mur-
dered his son ; a messenger was dispatched to David, the
capitoul, or principal civil magistrate of the place ; and
another to an inferior officer, called an assessor. The ca-
pitoul had already set out, having been alarmed by the ru-
mour of a murder, before the messenger sent from Calas'
got to his house. He entered Calas' house with forty
soldiers, took the father, Peter the son, the mother. La
Vaisse, and the maid, all into custody, and set a guard-
over them. He sent for M. De la Tour, a physician, and
M. La Marque and Perronet, surgeons, who examined the
body for marks of violence, but found none except the
mark of the ligature on the neck: they found also the hair
of the deceased done up in the usual manner, perfectly
smooth, and without the least disorder: his clothes were
also regularly folded up, and laid upon the counter, nor
was his shirt either torn or unbuttoned.
Notwithstanding these appearances the capitoul thought'
proper to agree with the opinion of the mob, and took it
into his head that old Calas had sent for La Vaisse, tel-
ling him he had a son to be hanged 5 that La Vaisse had
12*
138 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS
come to perform the office of executioner; and that he had
received assistance from the father and brother.
In consequence of these notions the capitoul ordered
the body of the deceased to be carried to the town-house,
with the clothes. The father and son were thrown into
a dark dungeon; and the mother, La Vaisse, the maid,
and Ca.sing, were imprisoned in one that admitted the Hght.
The next day what is called the process verbal was taken
at the town-house, instead of the spot where the body was
found, as the law directs, and was dated at Calas' house
to conceal the irregularity. This process verbal is some-
what like the coroner's inquest in England: witnesses are
examined, and the magistrate makes his report, which is
the same there as the verdict of the coroner's jury in Eng-
land. The witnesses examined by the capitoul were the
physician and surgeon, who proved Anthonj^ Calas to have
been strangled. The surgeon, having been ordered to ex-
amine the stomach of the deceased, deposed also, that the
food which was found there had been taken four hours be-
fore his death.
As no proof of the supposed fact could be procured, the
capitoul had recourse to a monitory, or general informa-
tion, in which the crime was taken for granted, and all
persons were required to give such testimony against it as
they yi-erc able, particularizing the points to which they
were to speak. This monitory recites that "La Vaisse
was commissioned by the protestants to be their execu-
tioner in ordinary, when any of their children were to be
hanged for changing their religion:" it recites also, that
*'when protestants thus liang their children, tliey compel
them to kneel,'* and one of the interrogatories was, "wheth-
er any person had seen Anthony Calas kneel before his
father when he strangled him:" it recites likewise, that
" Anthony died a Roman catholick, and requires evidence
of his Catholicism."
Such ridiculous and scandalous opinions being thus pub-
lished by the principal magistrate of a considerable city,
the church of Geneva thought itself obhged to send an at-
testation of its abhorrence of opinions so abominable and
absurd, and of its astonishment that they should be sus-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 139
pected of such opinions by persons whose rank and office
required them to have more knowledge and better judg-
ment.
But before the monitory was pubHshed, the mob had
entertained a notion that Anthony Calas was the next day
to have entered into the fraternity of the White Penitents.
The capitoul immediately adopted this opinion also, with-
out the least examination, and ordered Anthony's body to
be buried in the middle of St. Stephen's church, forty
priests, and all the White Penitents, assisting in the funer-
al procession.
A {ew days after the interment of the deceased, the
White Penitents performed a solemn service for him in
their chapel: the church was hung with white, and a
tomb raised in the middle of it; on the top was placed a
human skeleton, holding in one hand a paper, on which
was written, "abjuration of heresy," and in the other a
palm, the emblem of martyrdom.
The next day the Franciscans performed a service of
the same kind for him ; and it is easy to imagine how much
the minds of the people were inflamed by this strange in-
fatuation of their magistrates and priests.
The capitoul continued the prosecution with unrelent-
ing severity; and though the grief and distraction of the
family, when he first came to the house, were alone suffi-
cient to have convinced any reasonable being that they
were not the authors of the event which they deplored,
yet having publicly attested that they were guilty in his
monitory without proof, and no proof coming in, he thought
tit to condemn the unhappy father, mother, brother, friend,
and servant, to the torture, and put them all inio irons on
the 18th of November. C'asing was enlarged upon proof
that he was not in Calas* house till after Anthony was
dead.
From these dreadful proceedings the sufferers appealed
to the parliament of Thoulouse, which immediately took
cognizance of the affair, and annulled the sentence of the
capitoul as irregular; but yet the prosecution was con-
tinued with unremitting severity.
Wlien the trial came on, the hangman, who had been
iJtO HISTORY OF TflE MMtTYRS.
takci'i to Caias*:^ hou: . ,: doors and.
the !)ai\ t.icpojed, tiial il -y^.: u.upt.;i3iOivi .^.ttuojijy siiouid
h^ng iiimself as was pretended. Another witness swore,
that slie looked' through the key-hole of Cala^'s door ii to
a room, where she saw mcii runijing hastily to aud iro.
A third swore, that his wife had told i»im, a woman named
Maandril had told her, that a certain woman unknown,
had declared^ she heard the. cries of Anthony Galas at the
farther end of the city.
Upon such evidence the majority of the parliament
imbibed the opinion, that the prisoners were guilty, and
therefore ordered them to be tried by the criminal court
of Thoulousc.
Among those who presided at the trial was one La
Borde, who had zealously espoused the popular preju-
dices; and though it was manifest to demonstration that
the prisoners were either all innocent or all guilty, he
voted that the father should first suffer the torture, ordi-
nary and extraordinary, to discover his accomplices, and
be then broken alive upon the wheel; to receive the
last stroke when he had laid two hours, and then to
be burnt to ashes. In this opinion he had tlie concur-
rence of six others; three were for the torture alone: two
were of opinion that they should. endeavour to ascertain
upon the spot whether Anthony could hang himself or
not; and one voted to acquit the prisoner. After long
debates the majority were for the torture and wheel, and
probably condemned the father by way of experiment,
whether he was guilty or not>, hoping he would, in the
agony, confess the crime, and accuse the other prisoners,
whose fate, therefore, they suspended.
Poor Galas, however, a worthy old man, of sixty-eight,
was condemned to this dreadful punishment alone. He
suffered the torture with great constancy, and was led to
execution in a frame of mind which excited the admira-
tion of all that saw him.
Two Dominicans, father Bourges and father Coldagues,
who attended him in his last moments, wished "their
latter end might be like his;" and declared, that they
thought him jiot only wholly innocent of the crime laid to
HISTORY OF TliE MARTYlcS. 141
his charge, but an exemplary instance of true Christian
patience, fortitude, and charity.
One single shriek, and that not very violent, escaped
him when he received the tirst stroke ; after that he ut-
tered no complaint. Being at length placed on the wheel,
to wait for the moment which was to end his life and his
misery together, he expressed himself with an humble
hope of a happy immortality, and a compassionate regard
for the judges who had condemned him. When he saw
the executioner prepared to give him the last stroke, he
made a fresh declaration of his inno(!ence to father Bour-
ges; but while the words were yet in his mouth the infa-
mous David, the capitoul, the promoter of this catastrophe,
and who came upon the scaffold merely to gratify his de-
sire of being a witness of his punishment and death, ran
up to M. Calas, and bawled out, " Wretch, there are the
fagots which are to reduce your body to ashes; speak
the truth." The martyr made no reply, but turned his
head a little aside, and that moment the executioner did
his office.
The popular outcry against this family w^as so violent
in Languedoc, that every body expected to see the chil-
dren of Calas broke upon the wheel, and the mother burnt
alive. Even the attorney general expected it. So weak,
it is said, had been the defence made by this innocent
family, oppressed by misfortunes, and terrified at the sight
of lighted piles, wheels, and racks.
After the popular fury had abated, some friends of this
most unlbrtunate family applied for a revision of the pro-
ceedings of the judges at Thoulouse, before the king's
council, and the petition was granted. Fifty masters of
the court of requests unanimously declared the whole
family of Calas innocent, and recommended them to the
benevolent justice of his majesty. The Duke de Choiseul
not only assisted them with money, but obtained for them
a gratuity of thirty-six thousand livres from the king.
On the 9th of March, 1765, the arret was signed, which
justified the family of Calas, and changed their fate. The
9th of March was the very day also on which the inno-
cent and virtuous father of that family had been execu-
14*2 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
ted. All Paris ran in crowds to see them come out of
prison, and clapped their hands for joy, while the tears
streamed from their eyes.
To the honour of British benevolence, a very liberal
subscription, at the head of which was Queen Charlotte,
the principal nobility, bishops, &c. was formed for the
support of the much-injured and worthy family of Calas.
Thus have we traced, through all its circumstances, one '
of the most singular affairs that ever the annals of super-
stition, or the history of bigotry, produced; and lament,
that a worthy and ftinocent man fell a sacrifice to that
narrowness which a popish education bestows, and which
settled prejudices always convert to cruelty. Hence we
may perceive, to what a depraved state the human mind
may be reduced, when left to the guidance of the passions,
or suffered to be the slave of enthusiasm. A sect which
would propagate its doctrines in blood, cannot be the
favourer of truth; that persuasion alone can merit the-
sacred name of religion, which wishes to reform mankind.
During November 1761, M. Francis Rochette, a min-
ister of the protestant persuasion, a young gentleman only
twenty-seven years of age, of the most amiable disposition,
and generally esteemed, having occasion to go to a village
at a small distance from Montauban, where he resided,
to drink the mineral waters, he was met by the guard
belonging to Caussade, a small town about three leagues
from Montauban, and carried before the judge. He de-
clared, without any hesitation, who he was; whereupon
he was loaded with irons, and conducted to prison.
Some short time after, several persons belonging to
Caussade, having had intimation of the intended imprison*
ment of this minister, assembled in a riotous manner, lay-
ing hold of the first fire-arms they could find.
In this interval Messrs. Greniers (that is the name of
tlie three brothers) ignorant of this tumult, and being at
that juncture at Caussade, went with a few persons in.
order to try if M. Rochette could not get away by their
means: in their way thither, they had to pass over a
bridge, which they found {guarded by fourteen or fifteen
men. They endeavoured to return; but were pursued.
HISTORY hv THE MARTYRS. 143
by some butchers' dogs, who tore their legs, and thus were
stopped. Intnis condition the three brothers were conduc-
ted to prison, and some time after tliey and the minister
were removed to Tlioulouse, where, having remained for
about four months, they were brought out on the 19th of
February, 176*2, in order to suffer their sentence.
When conducted to the gate of the catliedral of Tbou-
louse, the minister was desired to step out of the wagon,
and to ask pardon, on his kneess, of God, the king, a. d
the law, in that he had wickedly persevered in performing
the functions of his ministry in opposition to the Royal
Edicts. This he twice refused to do. He was told that
tliis was no more than a formahty ; to which he answered,
" That he neither would acknowledge nor submit to any
formality that was contrary to the dictates of his con-
science."
At length, however, being obKged, by force and violent
treatment, to leave the wagon, he fell upon his knees and
expressed himself thus: "I humbly ask of Almighty God
the pardon of all my sins, in the full persuasion of obtain-
ing the remission of them, through the blood of Christ. With
respect to the king, I have no pardon to ask of him, having
never offended him. I always honoured him as the Lord's
anointed; I always loved him as the father of my country;
I have always been to him a good and faithful suSiect,andof
this my judges themselves have appeared to be fully convin-
ced ; I always recommended to my flock patience, obedi-
ence, and submission, and my sermons have always been
confined to the two great objects contained in these words
of Holy Writ, ' fear God, and honour the king.' If 1 have
acted in opposition to the laws, that prohibited our reli-
gious assemblies, I did this in obedience to the laws of
him who is the king of kings. With respect to pubHck
justice, 1 have nothing to say but this, that I never offend-
ed it, and I most earnestly pray that God will vouchsafe
to pardon my judges." This was the only confession that
the officers of justice, after much importunity and contes-
tation, could obtain from Monsieur Rochette; and, though
it did not ansvver their purpose, yet they were obliged to
be satisfied with it, perceiving the imincible resolution
144 HISTORY OF THE MARTYllS.
with which this noble mart} r protested against going an;^
farther.
No such acknowledgment was required of the three
noblemen who suffered with him, as hy the laws of France
it is never demanded of such as are beheaded. They
were, however, conducted wdth Monsieur Rochette to the
place of execution. The ordinary place appointed for
the execution of criminals was not chosen upon this occa-
sion, but one much les^ spacious, that this glorious instance
of martyrdom might have the fewer spectators. All the
streets which led to it were lined with soldiers, on account
of the pretended apprehension of a rescue^ this, however,
they could only fear from the Roman catholicks, on whom
indeed the shedding thus deliberately the blood of the
innocent seemed to make a lively impression, for the small
number of protestant families that lived in that city, filled
with consternation at this unrighteous sentence, had shut
themselves up in their houses, where they were wholly
employed in sending up their prayers and lamentations to
heaven, while this terrible scene was transacting.
In the streets, which led to the place of e-xecution, the
windows were hired at very high prices; wherever the
martyrs passed they were accompanied with the tears and
lamentations of the spectators. One would have thought
by the expressions of sorrow that appeared every where,
that Thoulouse was, all of a sudden, become a protestant
city. The curate of Faur could not bear the affecting
spectacle. Yielding to the power of sympathy, and per-
haps of conscience, he fainted away, and one of his vicars
was sent for, to supply his place. The circumstance most
affecting, and that made every eye melt into tears, was
the inexpressible serenity that appeared in the counte-
nance of the young clergyman as he went on to death.
His graceful mien, the resignation and fortitude that
reigned in his expressions, his blooming youth, every thing,
in short, in his conduct, character, and appearance, inter-
ested all ranks of people in his favour, and rendered his
fate the subject of universal affliction. This affliction was
augmented by one particular circumstance, even its being
universally known, that Monsieur Rochette might have
HISTORY OF THE MAilTYUSs. 145
saved his Jife by an untruth, but refused to hold it at so
dear a rate ; for as his being a minister was his only crime,
and as there were no complaints made against hijn, no
advertisements describing his person, nor any witnesses to
prove his pastoral character, he had only to deny his being
a minister, and his life was saved; but he chose rather to
lose his life than deny his profession. He was the first
of the four that were executed; and in the face of death
he exhorted his companions to ..perseverance, and sung
those sublime verses of the 118th psalm, ^' This is the day
which the Lord hath made, we will be glad," &c. When
the executioner, among others, conjured him to die a Ro-
man catholick, the minister ansAvered him in this gentle
manner: "Judge, friend, which of the two is the best re-
-ligion, that which persecutes or that which is persecuted.'*
He added, that his grand-father, and one of his uncles,
had died for the pure religion of the gospel, and that he
Avould be the third martyr of his family. Two of the
three gentlem.en that suffered with him, beheld him tied
to the gibbet with an amazing intrepidity; but the third
covered his eyes with his hand, that he might not see
such a terrible spectacle. The commissaries of the par-
liament, and the deputies of the other courts of justice,
discovered by their pensive looks and downcast eyes, how
deeply they were affected upon this occasion. The three
brothers embraced each other tenderly, and recommend-
ed mutually tlieir departing souls to the father of spirits.
Their heads were struck off at three blows. When the
scene was finished, the spectators returned to their res-
pective homes, in a solemn silence, reflecting on the fate
of innocence and virtue, and scarcely able to persuade
themselves, that the world could present such a spectacle
of magnanimity, and such an instance of cruelty, as they
had been just beholding^ *
13
PARTS.
CHAPTER I.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE RISE, PROGRESS, 6CC, OP THE INQUISI|
TION.
When the reformed rehgion began to diffuse the gospel
light throughout Europe, pope Innocent the third enter-
tained great fear for the Romish church. Unwilhng that
the spirit of free enquiry should gain ground, or that the
people should attain more knowledge than the priests
were wilhng to admit, he determined to impede, as much
as possible, the progress of reformation. He therefore
instituted a number of inquisitors, or persons who were to
make enquiry after, apprehend, and punish hereticks, as
the reformed were called by the papists.
At the head of these inquisitors was Dominic, who had
been canonized by the pope, in order to render his author-
ity the more imposing. Dominic, and the other inquisi-
tors, spread themselves into various Roman catholick
countries, and treated the protestants with the utmost
severity. , In process of time, the pope not finding these
roving inquisitors so useful as he had iniagined, resolved
upon the establishment of fixed and regular courts of in-
quisition. After the order of these regular courts, the
first oflice of inquisition was established in the city of
Thoulouse, and Dominic became the first regular inquisi-
tor, as he had before been the first roving inquisitor.
Courts of inquisition were now erected in several coun-
tries ; but the Spanish inquisition became the most power-
ful, and the most dreaded. Even the kincs of Spain
148 HISTORY OP THE MAKTVIie.
themselves, though arbitrary in all other respects, wer*^
taught to dread the power of the lords of the inquisition;
and the horrid cruelties they exercised, compelled multi-
tudes, who diflfered in opinion from the Roman catholicl^s,.
carefully to conceal their sentiments.
The most zealous of all the popish monks, and those
who most implicitly obeyed the church of Rome, were
the Dominicans and Franciscans: these, therefore, the
pope thought proper to invest with an exclusive right of
presiding over, and mai:taging the different courts 6(
inquisition. The friars of these two orders were always
selected from the very dregs of the people, and therefore
were not much troubled with the. punctilios of honour:
they were obliged, by the rules of their respective orders,,
to lead very austere lives, which rendered their manners
unsocial and brutish, and, of course, the better qualified
them for the horrid employment to which they were
destined.
The pope gave to these inquisitors the most unlimited
powers, as judges delegated by him, and immediately rep-
resenting his person: they were permitted to excommuni-
cate, or sentence to death, whom they thought proper,
upon the most slight information of heresy. They were
allowed to publish crusades against all whom they deemed
hereticks, and enter into leagues with sovereign princes,
to join those crusades with their forces.
In 1244 their powers were farther increased by the
emperour Frederick the second, who declared himself the
protector and friend of all inquisitors, and puWished two
^ery cruel edicts, viz.
1. That all hereticks, who continued obstinate, should
be burnt.
2. That all hereticks, who repented, should be impris-
oned for life.
This zeal in the emperour for the inquisitors, and the
Roman catholick persuasion,arose from a report which had
been propagated throughout Europe, that he intended to
renounce Christianity, and turn Mahometan; the empe-
rour, therefore, attempted, by the height of bigotry, to
contradict the report, and to show bis attachment to pope-
ry by cruelty.
JilSTORY OF :rHE MARTYRS. 149
t
ilccording to the latest establishment, the officers of
the inquisitions are, three inquisitors, or judges, a fiscal
proctor, two secretaries, a magistrate, a messenger, a
receiver, a gaoler, an agent of confiscated possessions,
several assessors, counsellors, executioners, physicians,
surgeons, door-keepers, familiars, and visitors, who are all
sworn to secrecy.
The principal accusation against those who are subject
to this tribunal is heresy, which comprises all that is spo-
ken, or written, against any ©f the articles of the Romish
ritual, or the traditions of that church. The other arti-
cles of accusation are, renouncing the popish persuasion,
believing that persons of any other religion may be saved,
or even admitting that the tenets of any but papists are,
in the least, reasonable or proper. Two principal things,
however, which incur the most severe punishments, and
show the inquisitors, at once, in an absurd and a tyranni-
cal light, are. First — To disapprove of any action done by
the inquisition. Secondly — To disbelieve any thing said
by an inquisitor.
The grand article heresy Is.comprised in many &ubdi-
visions ; and, upon a suspicion of any of these, the party
is immediately apprehended: advancing an offensive pro-
position; failing to impeach others who may approve such
contemning church ceremonies j defacing idols; reading
books condemned by the inquisition ; lending such books to
read ; deviating from the ordinary practices of the Romish
church ;' letting a year pass without going to confession ;
eating meat on fast-days; neglecting mass; being present
at a sermon preached by a heretick; not appearing when
summoned by the inquisition; lodging in the house of,
contracting a friendship with, or making a present to an
a heretick; assisting a heretick to escape from confine-
ment, or visiting one in confinement, are all matters of
suspicion, and strictly prosecuted. Nay, all Roman cath-
olicks are commanded, under pain of excommunication, t»
give immediate information, even of their nearest and
dearest friends, if they judge them to be what are called
hereticks, or in the smallest degree inclining to heresy.
Those who give the least countenance or assistance to
150 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS.
protestants, are called abettors of iiercsy, and the accusa-
tions against these usually turn upon some of the follow-
ing points: comforting such as the inquisition have began
to prosecute; assisting, or not informing against such, if
they should happen to escape ; concealing, abetting, ad-
vising, or furnishing heretici<:s with money; visiting, wri-
ting to, or sending them subsistence; secreting, or burning
books and papers which migiit serve to convict them.
The inquisitors likewise take cognizance of such as are
accus.ed of being magicians, witches, blasphemers, sooth-
sayers, wizards, and common swearers: and of such who
read, or even possess the bible in the vulgar tongue, the
Talmud, or the Alcoran.
The inquisitors carry on their processes with the utmost
severity, and punish those who offend them with the most
unbounded cruelty. A protestant has seldom any mercy
shown him; and a Jew, who turns Christian, if he is known
to keep company with another new-coverted Jew, a
suspicion immediately arises that they privately practise
together some Jewish ceremonies ; if he keeps company
with a person who was latel)' a protestant, but now pro-
fesses poper}', they are accused of plotting together; but
if he associates with a Roman catholick, an accusation is
often laid against him for only pretending to be a papist,
the consequence is, a confiscation of his effects as a pun-
ishment for his insincerity, and the loss of his life if he
complains of ill usage.
A defence in the inquisition is of little use to the pris-
oner, for suspicion only is deemed sufficient cause of con-
demnation, and the greater the wealth the greater the
danger. The principal part of the cruelties practised by
the inquisitors, is owing to their rapacity: they destroy the
life to possess the property; and, under the pretence of
zeal, plunder the obnoxious individual.
A prisoner to the inquisitors is never allowed to see the
face of his accuser, or of the witnesses against him ; every
method being taken, by threats and tortures, to oblige
him to accuse himself, and by that means corroborate
that evidence. If the jurisdiction of the inquisition is not
fully, alio wed, vengeance is denounced against such as call
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 151
it in question; or if any of tlie ofticers are oppoged, those
who oppose them are almost certain to be sufferers for
their temerity; the maxim of the inquisition being, to
strike terrour, and awe those who are the objects of its
power, iiito obedience. High birth, distinguished rank,
great dignity, or eminent employments, are no protections
from its severities; and the lowest officers of the inquisi-
tioii can make the highest characters tremble.
Such are tne circumstances which su!)ject a person to
the rage of the inquisition, and the modes of beginning
the process are,
1. To proceed by imputation, or prosecute on common
report.
2. By the information of any indifferent person wha
chooses to impeach another.
3. On the information of those spies who are regularly
retained by the inquisition.
4. On the confession of the prisoner himself,
Wlien a person is summoned to appear before the inqui-
sition, the best method (unless he is sure of escaping by
flight) is Immediately to obey the summons; for though
really innocent, the least delay increases his crimin«lity in
the eye of the inquisitors, as one of their maxims is, that
backv/ardness to appear always indicates guilt in the per-
son summoned; and if he escapes, it is the same as per-
petual banishment, for should such ever return, the most
cruel death would be the certain consequence..
The inquisitors ..never forget nor forgive ; length of time
cannot efface their resentments; nor can the humblest
concessions, or most liberal presents, obtain a pardon:
they carry the desire of revenge to the grave, and would
have both the property and lives of those who have
offended them. Hence, when a person once accused to
the inquisition, after escaping, is re-taken, he ought se-
riously to prepare himself for martyrdom, and arm his
soul against the pangs of death. Every person, in such a
situation, ought to be composed for the awful occasion,
without expectation of remedy.
When a positive accusation is given, the inquisitors
direct an order under their hands to the executer, who
152 HISTORy OF THE MARTYRS.
takes a certain number of familiars with him to assist in
the execution. The calamity of a man under such cir
cumstances can scarcely be described, he being probably
seized when surrounded, by his family, or in company with
his friends. Father, son, brother, sister, husband, wife,
must quietly submit; none dare resist or even speak;
either would subject them to the punishment of- the devo-
ted victim. No respite is allowed to settle the most im-
portant affairs, but the prisoner is instantaneously hurried
away.
When the inquisitors have taken umbrage against an
innocent person, all expedients are used to facilitate con-
demnation ; false oaths and testimonies, founded on per-
jury, are directed by the virulence of prejudice to find the
accused guilty; and all laws, divine and human, all insti-
tutions, moral and political, are sacrificed to bigoted re-
venge.
When a person accused is taken, and imprisoned, his
treatment is truly deplorable. The gaolers first search
him for books or papers which may tend to his conviction,
or for instruments that might be employed in self-murder,
or breaking from confinement.^ But it is to be observed^
that the obvious articles of the search are not the only
things taken from a prisoner; for the conscientious gaolers
make free with money, rings, buckles, apparel, &:c. under
various pretences, such as, that money or rings may be
swallowed, to the great detriment of the prisoners health,
the prongs of buckles may be used to take away life, by
means of a neckcloth or a pair of garters a prisoner may
hang himself, &:c. <fec. Thus is he robbed under the
plausible pretext of humanity, and maltreated through
pretended tenderness.
When the prisoner has been strictly searched under
the name of care, and robbed beneath the mask of justice,
he is committed to prison by way of security. "Here
(says an authentic writer ) he is conveyed to a dungeon,
the sight of which must fill him with horrour, torn from
his family and friends, who are not allowed access, or even
to send him one consolatory letter, or take the least step
iii his favour in order to prove his innocence. He see&
IlISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 53
fiimself instantly abandoned to his inflexible judges, to
melancholy and despair, and even often to his most invet-
erate enemies, quite uncertain of his fate. Innocence on
such an occasion is a weak reed, nothing being easier than
to ruin an innocent personJ'
Death is usually the portion of a prisoner, the mildest
sentence being imprisonment for life ; yet the inquisitors
proceed by degrees, at once subtle, slow, and crueL The
gaoler first of all insinuates himself into the prisoner's fa-
vour, by pretending to wish him well, and advise him well,
and, among other hints falsely kind, tells him to petition
for a hearing.
This is the worst thing a prisoner can do, for the mere
petition is deemed a supposition of guilt, and he is persua-
ded to it only with a view to entrap him. When he is
brought before the consistory, the first demand is, " what
is your request?"
The prisoner very naturally answers that he would have,
$i hearing.
One of the inquisitors replies, your hearing is this — con-
fess the truth — conceal nothing, and rely on our mercy.
If the prisoner makes a confession of any trifling affair,
they immediately found an indictment on it: if he is mute,
they shut him up without hght, or any food but a scanty
allowance of bread and water till he overcomes his obsti-
nacy, as they call it; and if he declares he is innocent,
they torment him, till he either dies with the torment, or
confesses himself guilty.
Upon the re-examinations of such as confess, they con-
tinually say, "you have not been sincere, you tell not all ;
you keep many things concealed, and therefore must be
remanded to your dungeon." When those who stood
mute are called for re-examination, if they continue silent,
such tortures are ordered as will either make them speak,
or kill them ; and when those who proclaim their inno-
cence are re-examined, a crucifix is held before them, and
they are solemnly exhorted to take an oath of their con-
fession of faith. This brings them to the test, they must
either swear they are Roman catholicks, or acknowledge
they are not. If they acknowledge they are not Roman
154 HISTORV OF THE MARTYRS.
catholicks they are proceeded against as hereticks. If
they acknowledge they are Roman catholicks, a string of
accusations is brought against them, to which they are
obliged to answer extempore, no time being given even to
put their answer into proper method.
After they have verbally answered, pen, ink, and paper
are given them, in order to produce a written answer,
which it is required shall in eviery degree coincide with
the verbal answer. If the verbal and the written answer
differ, the prisoners are charged with prevarication, if one
contains more than the other with wishing to conceal cer-
tain circumstances; if they both agree, thf^y are accused
with premeditated artifice.
When the person impeached is condemned, he is either
severely whipped, violently tortured, sent to the gallies, or
sentenced to death ; and in either case his etfects are coi>-
fiscated. After judgment, a procession is performed' to
the place of execution, which ceremony is called, an Au-
to de F6, or Act of Faith.
The following is an account of an Auto de F^, perform-
ed at Madrid in the year 1682.
The officers of the inquisition, preceded by trumpets,
kettle-drums, and their banner, marched, on the 30th of
May, in cavalcade, to the palace of the great square, where
they declared by proclamation, that on the 30th of June
the sentence of the prisoners would be put in execution.
There had not been a spectacle of this kind at Madrid
for several years before, for which reason it was expected
by the inhabitants with as much impatience as a day of
the greatest festivity.
On the day appointed, a prodigious number of people
appeared dressed as splendidly as their respective circum-
stances would admit. In the great square was raised a
high scaffold; and thither from seven in the morning till
the evening, were brought criminals of both sexes; all the
inquisitions in the kingdom sending their prisoners to Ma-
drid.
Of these prisoners twenty men and women, with one
renegade Mahometan, were ordered to be burned; fifty
Jews and Jewesses, having never before been imprisoned*
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 155
and repenting of their crimes, were sentenced to a long
f onfinement, and to wear a yellow cap ; and ten others,
indicted for bigamy, witchcraft, and other crimes, were
sentenced to be whipped, and then sent to the gallies:
these last wore large pasteboard caps, with inscriptions on
them, having a halter about their necks, and torches in
their hands.
The whole court of Spain was present on this occasion.
The grand inquisitor's chair was placed in a sort of tribu-
nal far above that of the king. The nobles here acted
the part of the sheriffs' officers in England, leading such
criminals as were to be burned, and holding them when
fast bound with thick cords : the rest of the criminals were
conducted by the familiars of the inquisition.
Among those who were to suffer was a young Jewess of
exquisite beauty, and but seventeen years of age. Being
on the same side of the scaffold where the queen was seat-
ed, she addressed her, in hopes of obtaining pardon, in the
following pathetic speech: "Great queen! will not your
royal presence be of some service to me in my miserable
condition? have regard to my youth: and, oh! consider,
that I am about to die for professing a religion imbibed
from my earliest infancy!" Her majesty seemed greatly
to pity her distress, but turned away her eyes, as she did
not dare to speak a word in behalf of a person who had
been declared a heretick.
Now mass began, in the midst of which the priest came
from the altar, placed near the scaffold, and seated him-
self in a chair prepared for that purpose.
The chief inquisitor then descended from the amphi-
theatre, dressed in his cope, and having a mitre on his head.
After bowing to the altar, he advanced towards the kinc^s
balcony, and went up to it, attended by some of his offi-
cers, carrying a cross and the gospels, with a book contain-
ing the oath by which the kings of Spain oblige them-
selves to protect the catholick faith, to extirpate hereticks,
and support, with all their power, the prosecutions and
decrees of the inquisition.
On the inquisitor's approach, and presenting this book
to the king, his majesty rose up, bare-headed, and swore
i5b HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
to maintain the oath, which was read to him by one of his
councillors: after which the king continued standing till
the inquisitor was returned to his place; when the secre-
tary of the holy office mounted a sort of pulpit, and ad-
ministered the like oath to the councillors and the whole
assembly. The mass was begun about twelve at noon, and
did not end till nine in the evening, being protracted by a
proclamation of the sentences of the several criminals^
^vhich were all separately rehearsed aloud one after the
other.
After this, followed the burning of the twenty-one men
and women, whose intrepidity in suffering that horrid death
was truly astonishing: some thrust their hands and feet in-
to the flames with the most dauntless fortitude ; and all of
Ihem yielded to their fate with such resolution, that many
of the amazed spectators lamented that such heroic souls
had not been more enlightened.
The king's near situation to the criminals rendered their
dymg groans very audible to him: he could not, however,
be absent from this dreadful scene, as it is esteemed a reli-
gious one ; and his coronation-oath obliges him to give a
sanction by his presence to ail the acts of the tribunal.
Another Auto de Fe is thus described by the Rev. Doc-
tor Gedde. "At the place of execution there are so many
stakes set as there are prisoners to be burned, a large
quantity of dry furze being set about them.
"The stakes of the protestants, or, as the inquisitor's
call them, 'the professed,' are about four yards high, and
have each a small board, whereon each prisoner is to be
seated within half a yard of the top. The professed then
go up a ladder betwixt two priests, who attend them the
whole day of execution. When they come even with the
board, they turn about to the people, and the priests spend
near a quarter of an hour in exhorting them to be recon-
ciled to the see of Rome. On their refusing, the priests
eome down, and the executioner ascending, turns the pro-
fessed from off the ladder upon the seat, chains .^ijv bo-
dies close to the stakes, and leaves them. ;, ' . -"^ • i
"The priests then go up a second time to renew their
exhortations, and if they find them ineffectual, usually tell
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 157
them at parting, 'that they leave them to the Devil, who
is standing at their elbow ready to receive their souls, and
carry them with him into the flames of hell tire, as soon as
they are out of their bodies.'
"xV general shout is then raised, and when the priests
get off the ladder, the universal cry is, ' let the dog's beards
he made,' which implies, singe their beards, this is accor-
dingly performed by means of flaming furzes thrust against
their faces with long poles, g
"This barbarity is repeated till their faces are burnt,
-and is accompanied with loud acclamations. Fire is then
set to the furzes, and the criminals are <:onsumed."
Numerous are the martyrs who have borne these rig-
ours with the most exemplary fortitude.
What we have already said may be applied to all Pop-
ish inquisitions, as well as to that of Spain. The inquisi-
tion belonging to Portugal is exactly upon a similar plan,
having been instituted much about the same time, and put
under the same regulations, and the proceedings nearly
resemble each other; we shall, therefore, introduce an ac-
count of it in this place. The house, or rather palace of
the inquisition, is a noble edifice. It contains four courts,
each about forty feet square, round which are about three
hundred dungeons, or cells.
The dungeons on the ground-floor are allotted to the
lowest class of prisoners, and those on the second story to
persons of superior rank. The galleries are built of free-
stone, and hid from view both within and without by a
double wall of about fifty feet high, which greatly increas-
es the gloom.
The whole prison is so extensive, and contains so many
turnings and windings, that none but those well acquaint-
ed with it can find the way through its various avenues.
The apartments of the chief inquisitor are spacious and
elegant; the entrance is through a large gate, which leads
into a court-yard, round which are several chambers, and
some large saloons for the king, royal family, and rest of
the court, to stand and observe the executions during an
.\uto deFe.
With respect to the dungeons where the prisoners are
14
153 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRfc,
confined, they are not only gloomy in themselves, but ai'
miserably furnished as can be imagined ; the only accom-
modation being a frame of wood by way of bedstead, and
a straw bed, mattrass, blankets, sheets, and urinal, wash-
hand-basons, two pitchers, one for clean the other for foul
water, a lamp, and a plate.
A testons or seven-pence halfpenny English, is daily
allowed to each prisoner; and the principal gaoler, ac-
companied by two other officers, monthly visits every pris-
oner, to enquire how he would have his allowance laid
out. This visit, however, is only a matter of form, for thq
gaoler usually lays out the money as he pleases, and com-
monly allows the prisoner daily, a porringer of broth ; half
a pound of beef; a small piece of bread ; and a trilling
portion of cheese.
The above articles are charged to the prisoner at the
pate of seventeen testons in the month ; four are allowed
for brandy, or wine ; two for fruit, making in the whole
twenty-three ; and the rest of the money, to make up the
number of testons for the month, is scandalously sunk
in the articles of sugar and soap.
Some, who find their allowance too little, petition the
lords inquisitors for a greater portion, when the petition
is frequently granted ; and iti this particular the only mark
of humanity that hath been casually shewn: in all other
circumstances they are inhuman, cruel, and severe. They
not only exclude the prisoners from every intercourse with
their relations or friends, make them suffer every inclem-
ency of a gaol, or torture them in confinement, but even
prohibit them from making the least noise by speaking
aloud, singing psalms or hymns, exclaiming, or even utter-
ing the sighs of affliction.
Guards walk about continually to listen; if the least
noise is heard they call to, and threaten the prisoners; if
the noise is repeated, a severe beating ensues, as a punish-
ment to what is deemed the offending party, and to intimi-
date others. As an instance of this is mentioned the fol-
lowing fact: a prsioner having a violent cough, one of the
guards came and ordered him not to make a noise ; to
which he replied, that from the violence of his cold, it
was not in his power to forbear. The cough increasing,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 159
the guard went into the cell, stripped the poor creature
naked, and beat him so unmercifully, that he soon after
died of the blows. •
This enforced silence prevents thie prisoners from re-
ceiving any consolation, by conversing and condoling with
each other: some, indeed, who are lodged in contiguous
cells, have contrived to make holes in the partition, and
communicate their thoughts through them; but as soon
as this was discovered, they were removed to cells at a
greater distance from each other.
In this inquisition, as in that of Spain, if the prisoners
plead their innocence, they are condemned as obdurate,
and their effects embezzled ; if they plead guilty, they
are sentenced on their own confession, and their effects
confiscated of course; and if they are suffered to escape
with their lives (which is but seldom the case) as penitent
criminals who have voluntarily accused themselves, they
dare not reclaim their effects, as that would bring on them
an accusation of being "hypocritical and relaxed peni-
tents," when a most cruel death would be the certain con-
sequence.
A prisoner sometimes passes months without knowing
the cause for which he is accused, or having the least idea
when he is to be tried. The gaoler at length informs him,
that he must petition for a trial. This ceremony being
gone through, he is taken bareheaded for examination.
When they come to the door of the tribunal, the gaoler
knocks three times, to give the judges notice of their ap-
proach. A bell is rung by one of the judges, when an
attendant opens the door, admits the prisoner, and accom-
modates him with a stool.
The prisoner is then ordered by the president to kneel
down, and lay his right hand upon a book, which is pre-
sented to him close shut. This being complied with, the
following question is put to him: "Will you promise to
conceal the secrets of the holy office, and speak the
truth?"
If he answers in the negative, he is remanded to his
cell, and cruelly treated. If he answers in the affirmative,
he is ordered to be again seated, and the exammation
1^) HISTORY OF THE 3IAllTYKr;.
proceeds; when the president asks a variety of question?*
and the clerk minutes both them and the answers.
After the examination is closed, Ihe bell is again rung,
the gaoler appears, and the prisoner is ordered to with-
draw, with this exhortation ; " Tax your memory, recollect
all the sins you have ever committed, and when you are
again brought here, communicate them to the holy office."
The gaolers and attendants being apprized that the
prisoner hath made an ingenuous confession, and readily
answered every question, make him a low bow, and treat
him with an affected kindness, as a reward for his candour.
In a few days he is brought to a second examination,
with the same formalities as before. It is then demanded
of him, *'If he has taken a serious review of his past life,
and will divulge its various secrets, and the crimes and
follies into which he has run at different times," If h^
refuses to confess any thing, many ensnaring questions are
put to him, and the arts of casuistry are exhausted to
draw some secret from him. But if he accuses himself
of any crimes o^r follies, they are written down by the
secretary, and a process extracted from them. The in-
inquisitors often overreach prisoners, by promising the
greatest lenity, and even to restore their liberty, if they
will accuse themselves. The unhappy pei-sons who are
in their power frequently fall into this snare, and are
sacrificed to their own simplicity, and ill-placed confi-
dence. Instances have been known of some, who, relying
on the faith of the judges, and believing their fallacious
promises, have accused themselves of what they were to-
tally innocent. In expectation of obtaining their liberty
speedily; and thus, being duped by the inquisitors, they
become martyrs to their own folly, and suffer death for
fictitious transgressions.
Another artifice used by the inquisitors is, that if a
prisoner has too much resolution to accuse himself, and
too much sense to be ensnared by their sophistry, they
exhibit the copy of an indictment against the prisoner, in
which, among many trivial accusations, he is charged with
the most enormous crimes of w^hich human nature is ca-
pable. This, of course, rouses his temper, and he exclaims
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 161
against such falsities. He is then asked which of the
crimes he can deny? He naturally singles out the most
atrocious, and begins to express his abhorrence of them,
when the indictment being snatched out of his hand, the
president says, " By your denying only those crimes which
you mention, you implicitly confess the rest, and we shall
therefore proceed accordingly."
The inquisitors make a ridiculous affectation of equity,
by pretending that the prisoner may be indulged with a
counsellor, if he chooses to demand one. Such a request
is sometimes made, and a counsellor appointed, but upon
these occasions, as the trial itself is a mockery of justice,
so the counsellor is a mere cipher; for he is not permitted
to say any thing that might offend the inquisitor, or to ad-
vance a syllable that might benefit the prisoner. Amazing
profligacy, to turn that to a farce which ought to be rev-
erenced as a superiour virtue.
It is evident, that a prisoner to the inquisitors is re-
duced to the sad necessity of defending himself against
accusers he does not know, and of answering to the evi-
dence of witnesses he must not see. The only person he
is permitted to have a sight of upon his trial, exclusive of
the judges and secretary, is the fiscal, who acts officially
as the ostensible accuser, from the collected information
of others. A desire of being informed of the real accu-
ser's name, or to see the actual witnesses avail nothing, those
things he is told are always kept secret. Thus is he con-
tinued in suspense respecting his fate, and frequently in-
terrogated, perhaps for years together, before his trial is
finally concluded. When that fatal time comes, if he is
condemned to die, death is deferred for a considerable
time. To put him out of his misery immediately would
be too great a favour, and prevent the inquisitors from in-
dulging their sanguinary dispositions with other sufferings
which they intend to inflict. They begin by putting him
to the torture, under the pretence of making the poor
wretch discover his aecoraplices. For this purpose the
tortures are various, and the torments inflicted excrucia-
ting to the last degree. Well might a late writer, jn speak-
ing of these cruelties, exclaim, " O, that I was able to give
11*
162 HISTORY OF THE MARTYH&.
some faint idea of that variety of tortures which the mis-
erable victims are here forced to suffer; but no language
can represent such a complicated scene of horrours. It is
utterly impossible for any words to describe which of them
is the most cruel and inhuman. Every one is so exquisite
in its kind as to surpass all imagination. What detestible
monsters then must those judges be who are the inventors
and perpetrators of such misery? they are shaped, it is
true, like other men, but surely they seem to have a dif-
ferent kind of souls. They appear as little affected with
the groans and agonies of their fellow-creatures as the
cords, chains, and racks and tortures, which are Jipplied to
their wi'ithing limbs. The hearts of these ecclesiastical
butchers are grown callous, and like those of common
butchers,are so inured to the shedding of blood, and the hor-
rid sight of mangled carcases, as to have lost all the impres-
sions of sensibility, and every touch and feeling of human-
ity. Perpetual scenes of horrour and distress become so
familiar to their minds, that what would rend the very
heart-strings of some men, make no more impression on
theirs than on a rock of adamant. Indeed, without such
a fiend-like temper, it would be impossible for any man to
act the part of an inquisitor.
The inquisitors allow the torture to be used only three
times, but it is so severly inflicted, that the prisoner eith-
er dies under it, or continues always after a cripple, and
suffers the severest pains upon every change of weather.
An ample description of the severe torments occasioned
by the torture from the account of one who suffered it
the three respective times, but happily survived the cru-
elties he underwent, is the most accurate mode of des-
cription.
" On refusing to comply with the iniquitous demands of
the inquisitor^, by confessing all the crimes they thought
proper to charge him with, he was immediately conveyed
to the torture-room, where no light appeared but what
two candles gave. That the cries of the sufferers might
not be heard by the other prisoners, this room is lined with
a kind of quilting, which covers all the crevices, and deac^
ens the sound.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 163
" Great was the prisoner's horrour on entering this in-
fernal place, when suddenly he was surrounded by sis
\vretches, who, after preparing the tortures, stripped him
naked to his drawers. He was then laid upon his back
on a kind of stand, elevated a few feet from the floor.
" They began the operation by putting an iron collar
lound his neck, and a ring to each foot, which fastened
him to the stand. His limbs being thus stretched out,
they wound two ropes round each arm, and two round
each thigli ; which ropes being passed under the scaffold
through holes made for that purpose, were all drawn tight
at the same instant of time, by four of the men, on a
given signal.
^•It is easy to conceive that the pains which immediate-
ly succeeded were intolerable; the ropes which were of
a small size cut through the prisoner's flesh to the bone,
making the blood gush out at eight different places thus
bound at a time. As the prisoner persisted in not making
any confession of ^vhat the inquisitors required, the ropes
w^ere drawn in this manner four times successively.
" It is to be observed, that a physician and surgeon at-
tended, and often felt his temples, in order to judge of the
danger he might be in ; by which means his tortures were
for a small space suspended, that he might have suflftcient
opportunity of recovering his spirits, to sustain each ensu-
ing torture,
" In all this extremity of anguish, while the tender
frame is tearing, as it were, in pieces, while at every pore
it feels the sharpest pangs of death, and the agonizing soul
is just ready to burst forth, and quit its wretched mansion,
the ministers of the inquisition have the obduracy of heart
to look on w^ithout emotion and calmly to advise the poor
distracted creature to confess his imputed guilt, in doing
which, they tell him, he may obtain a free pardon, and re-
ceive absolution. All this, however, was ineffectual with
the prisoner, whose m.ind was strengthened by a conscious-
ness of innocence, and the divine consolation of religion.
" Whilst he was thus suffering, the physician and sur-
geon were so barbarously unjust as to declare, that if he
died upder the torture he would be, guilty, by bis obsti»
I6^i HISTORY or THE MARTYRS.
nacy, of self-murder. In short, at ttie last time of the
ropes being drawn tight, he grew so exceedingly weak, by
the circulation of his blood being stopped, and the pains
he endured, that he fainted away; upon which he was un-
loosed, and carried back to his dungeon.
" The barbarous savages of the inquisition, finding that
ail the torture indicted, as above described, instead of ex-
torting a discovery from the prisoner, only served the
more fervently to excite his suppHcations to heaven for
patience and power to persevere in truth and integrity,
were so inhuman, six weeks after, as to expose him to
another kind of torture, more severe, if possible than the
former; the manner of inflicting which was as follows:
they forced his arms backwards, so that the palms of his
hands were turned outwarcf behind him; when, by means
of a rope that fastened them together at the wrists, and
which was turned by an engine, they drew them, by de-
grees, nearer each other, in such a manner that the back
of each hand touched, and stood exactly parallel to the
other. In consequence of this violent contortion, both
his shoulders became dislocated, and a considerable quan-
tity of blood issued from his mouth. This torture was
repeated thrice; after which he was again taken to the
dungeon, and put into the hands of the physician and sur-
geon, who, in setting the dislocated bones, put him to the
most exquisite pain.
"Two months after the second torture, the prisoner,
being a little recovered, was again ordered to the torture
room; and there, for the last time, made to undergo ano-
ther kind of punishment, which was inflicted twice without
any intermission. The executioners fastened a thick iron
chain twice round his body, which, crossing upon his stom-
ach, terminated at the wrists. They then placed him
with his back against a thick board, at each extremity
whereof was a pulley, through which they run a rope that
catcbed the ends of the chain at his wrists. The execu-
tioners then stretching the end of this rope, by means of
a roller placed at a distance behind him, pressed or bruised
his stomach in proportion as the ends of the chain were
drawn tighter. They tortured him in this manner to such
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. iG5
a degree, that his wrists, as well as his shoulders, were
quite dislocated. They were, however, soon set by the
surgeons; but the barbarians, not yet satisfied with this
series of cruelty, made him immediately undergo the like
torture a second time ; which he sustained (though if poe-
sible attended with keener pains) with equal constancy
and resolution.
" After this he was again remanded to his dungeon, at"
tended by the surgeon to dress his bruises and adjust the
parts dislocated ; and here he continued till their Auto de
Fe,* or gaol delivery, when he was happily discharged.
* One of these Auto de F6's was appointed to be held at Lisbon on
All Saint's day, the 1st of November, 1755, when a great number of
nrisntiprs. who hafl hoor. o inng- time in Confinement, were to have been
Drought to execution. It was prevented, however, from taking place,
by a dreadful parthqnake which happened on the morning of the day
appointed, whereby the greatest part of the city was thrown into a
heap of ruins. The shock happened just at the time of •elebrating
their first mass, so that thousands were assembled in the churches, the
major part of whom were killed, for the great buildings, particularly
those situated on eminences, suffered the most damage; and indeed very
few of the churches or convents escaped. But what greatfy added to
to the calamity was, that some time after the shock, almost a general
conflagration took place, the city being in flames in various parts at
the same time. It continued burning for eight successive days, so that
the greater part of the buildings that had escaped the earthquake, were
consumed by fire. The surviving inhabitants fled to the neighbouring,
fields, almost naked, where they lived for some time in tents, and were
relieved by the munificence of the king of Spain. There was no
distinction of persons, for the wealthy before were now become' paupers,
all property being entirely lost. The convulsions of the earth were
repeated, at diflferent times, for eight days, when they happily subsided.
It was computed, that upwards of fifty thousand souls perished in the
ruins of Lisbon; and among those that escaped, many of them had
broken limbs, or were greatly bruised. In this calamitous circum
stance, Providence seems to have particularly distinguished the protes-
tants, (for amongst the numbers of them settled in Lisbon, only about
twelve or fourteen were missing) some of whom were saved in a very
strange and miraculous manner.
Mr. Baretti, who visited Lisbon soon after this dreadful accident,
mentions the follo^ving particulars: ^'As far as I can judge," says he,
"after having walked the whole morning, and the whole afternoon,
about these ruins, so much of Lisbon has been destroyed as would
make a town more than twice as great as Turin. Nothing is to be seen-
but vast heaps of rubbish, out of which arise, in numberless places, the
miserable remains of shattered ■walls and broken pillars. Along a
street, which is full four miles in length, scarce a building stood the
shock; and I see, by the materials in the rubbish, that many of the
166 iHSTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
*' From the before mentioned relation, it may easily be
judged what dreadful agony the sufferer must have la-
boured under, at being so frequently put to the torture.
Most of his limbs were disjointed; and so much was he
bruised and exhausted, as to be unable, for some weeks,
to lift his hand to his mouth; and his body became greatly
swelled from the inflammation caused by such frequent
dislocations. After his discharge, he felt the effects of
this cruelty for the remainder of his life, being frequently
seized with thrilling and excrutiating pains, to which he
had never been subject, till after he had the misfortune ta
fall under the merciless and bloody lords of the inquisition.
" Females, who fall into the hands of the inquisitors,
have not the least favour shown them on account of the
Softneee of their ecs, b«t ctic IvilureQ WlOl US mucll SeVCr*
ity as the male prisoners, with the additional mortification
of having the most shocking indecencies added to the
most savage barbarities.
" If the above mentioned modes of torturing force a
confession from the prisoner, he is remanded to his horrid
houses along that street must have been large and stately, and inter-
mixed with noble churches, and other publick edifices ; nay, by the
quantities of marble scattered oW every side, it plainly appears, that
oB.e-fourth, at least, of that street, ^as built of marble. The rage of
the earthquake (if I may call it rage) seems to have turned chiefly
against that long street, as almost every edifice on either side is in a
manner, levelled with the groimd : whereas, in other parts of the town,
houses, churches, and other buildings, are left standing, though all so
cruelly shattered as not to be repaired without great expense; nor is
there, throughout the whole town, a single building of any kind, but
Avhat wears visible mat ks of this horrible concussion. As I was thus
rambling over those ruins, an aged woman seized me by the hand with
some eagerness, and pointing to a place just by, * Here, stranger,' said
she, 'do you ?ee this cellar? It was only my cellar once, but now it is
my habitation, because I have none else left ! My house tumbled as I
was in it, and in this cellar was I shut by the ruins for nine whole days,
I had perished with hunger but for the grapes that I had hung to the
ceiling. At the end of nine days I heard people over my head, who
were searciung the rubbish ; I cried as loud as I could, when hearing
me, they removed the rubbish, and took me out.' Another deliverance,
no less singidar was the following : a gentleman was going in his calash
along a kind of terrace, raised on the brink of an eminence, which
conitnands the whole town. The frightened mules leaped down the
eminence at the first shock ; they and the rider were killed on the spot.
and the cala?h broke to pieces; Imt tbo gentleman escaped unhurt."
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 167
dungeon, and left a prey to the melancholy of his situation,
to the anguish arising from what he has suffered, and to
the dreadful ideas of future barbarities. If he still refuses
to confess, he is in the same manner remanded to his dun-
geon, but a stratagem is used to draw from him what the
torture fails to do. A companion is allowed to attend
him, under the pretence of waiting upon and comforting
his mind till his wounds are healed. This person, who is
always selected for his cunning, insinuates himself into
the good graces of the prisoner, laments the anguish he
feels, sympathizes with him, and taking an advantage of
the hasty expressions forced from him by pain, does all he
can to dive into his secrets.
" Sometimes this companion pretends to be a prisoner
like himself, and imprisoned for similar charges. This is
to draw the unhappy person into mutual confidence, and
persuade him, in unbosoming his grief, to betray his pri-
vate thoughts.
" These snares frequently succeed, as they are the more
alluring by being glossed over with the appearance of
friendship, sympathy, pity, and every tender passion. In
fine, if the prisoner cannot be found guilty, he is either
tortured, or harassed to death ; though a few have some-
times had the good fortune to be discharged, but not with-
out having, first of all, suffered the most dreadful cruelties.
If he is found guilty, all his effects are confiscated, and he
is condemned to be whipped, imprisoned for life, sent to
the gallies, or put to death. These sentences are put in
execution at an Auto de F6, which is not held annually,
or at any stated periods, but sometimes once in two, three,
or even four years."
After having mentioned the barbarities with which the
persons of prisoners are treated by the inquisitors, it will
be necessary to recount the severity of their proceedings
against books.
Immediately on the publication of a book, it is scru-
tinously read by some of the familiars belonging to the
inquisition. These wretched criticks are too ignorant to
have taste, too bigoted to search for truth, and too mali-
cious to relish beauties. They pursue, not for the merits,
168 HISTORY OF THE MAHTYRfe.
but lor the defects of an author, and pursue the slips of
his pen with unremitting dihgence. Hence they read
with prejudice, judge with partiahty, pursue errours with
avidity, and strain that which is innocent into an ofifensive
meaning.
They misunderstand, misapply, confound, and pervert
the sense; and when they have gratified the mahgnity of
their disposition, charge their blunders upon the author*
that a prosecution may be founded upon their false con-
ceptions, and designed misinterpretations.
The most trivial charge causes the censure of a book;
but the censure is three-fold,
1. When the book is wholly condemed.
2. When thp book is partly condemed, that is, when
certain passages are pointed out as exceptionable, and or-
dered to be expunged.
3. When the book is deemed incorrect; the meaning
of which is, that a few words or expressions displease the
inquisitions. These, therefore, are ordered to be altered,
and such alterations go under the name of corrections.
Thus the inquisitors check the progress of learning, im-
pede the increase of arts, nip genius in the bud, destroy
xiational taste, and continue the cloud of ignorance over
the minds of the people.
A catalogue of condemned books is annually published,
under the three different heads of censure already men-
tioned, and being printed on a very large sheet of paper,
is hung up in the most public and conspicuous places. Af-
ter which, people are obhged to destroy all such books as
come under the first censure, c.nd to keep none belonging
to the other two censures, unless the exceptionable passa-
ges have been expunged, and the corrections made, as in
either case disobedience would be of the most fatal conse-
quence, for the possessing or reading the proscribed books
are deemed very atrocious crimes.
The publisher of such hooks, probably ruined in his
circumstances isoften obliged to pass the remainder of his
life in the inquisition.
iflSTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 16^
CHAP. II.
INSTANCES OF BARBARITIES EXERCISED BY THE INQUISI-
TIONS OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL, FROM THE MOST GENU-
INE HISTORIANS AND THE BEST AUTHENTICATED RE-
CORDS,
Francis Romanes, a nnerchant of Spain, was employed
by those of Antwerp to transact some business for them at
Breme. He had been educated in the Romisli persuasion,
but going one day into a protestant church, he was struck
with the truths which he heard, and began to perceive the
errours of popery.
He read the sacred scriptures attentively, and perusing
the writings of some protestant divines, he plainly percei-
ved the errours of the principles he had formerly embrac-
ed ; and, therefore, renounced the impositions of popery
for the doctrines of the reformed church.
He now studied religious truths more than trade, and
purchased books rather than merchandise, convinced that
the riches of the body are trifling to those of the soul.
He then resigned his agency to the merchants of Ant-
werp, giving them an account at the same time of his coi>-
version; and resolving, if possible, to convert his parents,
he went to Spain for that purpose. But the Antwerp
merchants having given information to the inquisitors, he
was seized, imprisoned, and condemned to be burnt as a
heretick.
He was led to the place of execution in a garment pain-
ted with the representations of devils, and had a paper
mitre put upon his head, by way of derision. As he pas-
sed by a wooden cross, one of the priests bade him kneel
to it; this he absolutely refused to do, saying, "it is not
for Christians to worship wood."
Being placed upon a pile of wood, the fire quickly reach-
ed him, when he suddenly lifted up his head ; the priests
thinking he meant to recant, ordered him to be taken down.
Finding, however, <^hat thev were mistaken, and that he
still retained his constancy, he was placed again upon the
15
170 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRs.
pile, where, as long as he had life and voice remaining, he
repeated verses of the seventh psalm.
Rochus, a carver at St. Lucar, in Spain, was usually
employed in making images of saints and other Popish
idols. Becoming, however, convinced of the errours of the
Romish persuasion, he embraced the protestant faith, left
off carving images, and for subsistence followed the busi-
ness of a seal engraver only. He had, however, retained
one image of the Virgin Mary for a sign ; when an inqui-
sitor passing by, asked if he would sell it; Rochus men-
tioned a price; the inquisitor objected to it, and offered
half the money: Rochus replied, I would rather break it
to pieces than take such a trifle. "Break it to pieces!"
said the inquisitor, "break it to pieces if you dare !"
Rochus being provoked at this expression, immediately
snatched up a chisel, and cut off the nose of the image.
This was sufficient, the inquisitor went away in a rage, and
soon after caused him to be apprehended. In vain did he
plead that what he defaced was his own property, and
that if it was not proper to do as he would with his own
goods, it was not proper for the inquisitor to bargain for
the image in the way of trade. Nothing, however, avail-
ed him; his fate was decided: he was condemned to be
burnt; and the sentence was executed.
Doctor Cacalla, his brother Francis, and their sister
Blanch, were burnt at Yalladolid, for having spoken
against the inquisitors. Doctor Cacalla, who was very
old, when at the place of execution, repeated the words
of Solomon, which Prior thus beautifully translated: —
*' Behold where age^s wretched victim lieg,
See his head trembling, and his half-clos'd 63^03;
Frequent for breath his panting bosom heave?, i
To broken sleep his remnant sense he gives, V
And only by his pains, awaking, finds he lives, V
LoosM by devouring time, the silver cord
DisseVer'd lies, unhonor'd from the board ;
The crystal urn, when broken, is thrown by,
And apter utensils their place supply :
These things and I must share one common lot ;
Die, and be lost ; corrupt, and be forgot ;
While still another, and another race.
Shall now supply, and now give up the place.
From earth all came, to earth must all return ;
Frail as the cord, and brittle as the urn,"
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 171
At Seville, a gentlewoman, with her two daughters, and
her niece, were apprehended for professing the protestant
religion; put to the torture; and when that was over, one
of the inquisitors sent for the youngest daughter, pretend-
ed to sympathize with her, and pity her sufferings; then
binding himself with a solemn oath not to betray her, he
said, "if you will disclose all to me, I promise you I'll pro-
cure the discharge of your mother, sister, cousin, and your-
self."
Made confident by such an oath, and entrapped by his
promises, she revealed the whole of the tenets they pro-
fessed ; when the perjured wretch, instead of acting as he
had sworn, immediately ordered her to be put to the rack,
saying, "now you ]:^ve revealed so much, I will make you
reveal more." Refusing, however, to say any thing far-
ther, they were all ordered to be burnt, which sentence
was executed at the next \uto de Fe.
The keeper of the castle of Triano, belonging to the
inquisitors of Seville, happened to be of a disposition more
mild and humane than is usual with persons in his situa-
tion. He gave ever;) possible indulgence to the prisoners,
and showed them every favour in his power with much
secrecy. At length, however, the inquisitors became ac-
quainted with and determined to punish him severely for
his kindness, that other gaolers might be deterred from
showing the least traces of such compassion in future.
With this view they superceded him, threw him into a dis-
mal dungeon, and used him with such dreadful barbarity
that he was bereaved of his senses.
This deplorable situation, however, procured him no fa-
vour, for he was brought, frantick as he was, from prison,
at an Auto de F6, to the usual place of punishment, cloth-
ed with a sambenito (or garment worn by criminals) and a
rope about his neck. His sentence was then read, "that
he should be placed upon an ass, led through the city, re-
ceive two hundred stripes, and then be condemned six
years to the gallies.'^
The poor frantick wretch, just as they were about to be-
gin his punishment, suddenly sprung from the back of the
ass, broke the cords that bound him, snatched a sword from
172 mSTOliV OF Till; MAUTViih*
one of the guards, and dangerously wounded an officer of
the inquisition. Being overpowered by multitudes, he
was prevented from doing farther mischief, seized, bound
more securely on the back of the ass, and punished accor-
ding to his sentence. But so inexorable were the inquisi-
tors, that for the rash effects of his madness, four years
were added to his slavery in the gallios.
A maid-servant to another gaoler belonging to the in-
quisition was accused of liumanity, and detected in bidding
the prisoners "keep up their spirits." For these heinous
crimes, as they were called, she was publickly whipped,
banished her native place for ten years, and had her fore-
head branded by j'ed-hot irons, with these words, "a fa-
vourer and aider of hereticks."
John Pontic, a Spaniard by l)irth, a gentleman by edu-
cation, and a protestant by persuasion, was, principally on
account of his great estate, apprehended by the inquisitors,
when the following charges were exhibited against him: — -
That he had said he abhorred the idolatry of worship-
ping the host. — That he shunned going to mass* — That ik
asserted, the merit of Jesus Christ alone was a lull justifi-
cation for a christian. — That he declared there was no
purgatory. — That he affirmed the pope's absolution not to
be of any value.
On these charges his effects were confiscated to the ava-
rice of the inquisitors, and his body burnt to gratify their
revenge.
John Gonsalvo, originally a priest, having embraced the
reformed religion, was seized by thq inquiyitors, as were
his mother, brother, and two sisters. Being condemned,
they w ere led to execution, where they were ordered to
say the creed, which they immediately complied with, but
coming to these words. The holy Catholick church, they
were commanded to add the monosyllables "of Rome,"
which absolutely refusing, one of the inquisitors said, "put
an end to their lives directly;" which the executioners
obeyed, by strangling them.
Four protestant women were tortured and ordered for
execution at Seville. On the way they began to sing^
psalms ; but the officersof the inquisition, thinking that the
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 173
words of the psalms reflected on themselves, put gags into
all their mouths. They were then burnt, and the houses
in which thej resided were ordered to be razed to the
ground.
Ferdinando, a protestant schoolmaster, was apprehend-
ed for instructing his pupils in the principles of protestant-
ism ; and, after being severely tortured, was consigned to
the flames.
A Monk, who had abjured the errours of popery, was
imprisoned at the same time as Ferdinando; but through
the fear of death, and to procure mercy, said he was wil-
ling to embrace his former communion. Ferdinando, hear-
ing of this, got an opportunity to speak to him, reproach-
ed him with his weakness, and threatened him with eter-
nal perdition. The monk, sensible of his crime, returned
to, promised to continue in the protestant faith, and de-
clare to the inquisitors, that he solemnly renounced his in-
tended recantation. Sentence of death w^as therefore pas-
sed upon him, and he was burnt with Ferdinando.
Juliano, a Spanish Roman catholick, became a convert
10 the protestant religion in Germany ; and being zealous
for the faith he had embraced, undertook to convey from
Germany into his own country, a great number of Bibles,
concealed in casks, and packed up like Rhenish wine.
This dangerous commission he succeeded in so far as to
distribute the books. A pretended protestant, however,
who had purchased one of the Bibles, betrayed and accu-
sed him to the inquisition.
Juliano was immediately seized, and strict enquiry be-
ing made for the respective purchasers of the Bibles, eight
hundred persons were apprehended, who were all indis-
criminately tortured, and most of them sentenced to vari-
ous punishments. Juliano was burnt, twenty were roast-
ed upon spits, several imprisoned for life, some were pub-
lickly whipped, many sent to the gallies, and a few dis-.
charged.
John Leon, a protestant tailor, of Spain, travelled to
Germany, and from thence to Geneva, where hearing that
a great number of English protestants were returning to
their native country, he, and some more Spaniards, deter-
15 *
174 illSTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
mined to go with them. The Spanish inquisitors, appnz-*>
ed of their intentions, sent a number of famihars so expe-
ditiously in prursuit of them, that they overtook them at a
sea-port in Zealand, one of the United Provinces, then un-
der the jurisdiction of Spain, just before they had embark-
ed. The prisoners were heavily fettered, handcutfed, gag-
ged, and their heads and necks covered with a kind of iron
net-work. In this miserable condition they were convey-
ed to Spain, thrown into a dismal dungeon, nearly famish-
ed with hunger, barbarously tortured, and then cruelly
burnt.
A young lady, having been put into a convent, absolute-
ly refused to take the veil, or turn nun. On leaving the
cloister she embraced the protestant faith, which being
known to the inquisitors, she was apprehended, and every
method used to regain her to popery. This proving inef-
fectual,her inexorable judges condemned her to the flames,,
and she was burnt, persisting in her faith to the last.
Christopher Losada, an eminent physician, and learned
philosopher, having become extremely obnoxious to the
inquisitors, on account of exposing the errours of popery,
and professing the tenets of protestantism, was apprehend-
ed, imprisoned, and racked ; but those severities not bring-
ing him to confess the Roman catholick church to be the
only true church, he was sentenced to the fire; the flames-
of which he bore with exemplary patience, and resigned
his soul to that Creator by whom it was bestowed.
Arias, a monlc belonging to the monastery of St. Isidore
at Seville, was a man of great abilities, but of a vicious dis-
position. He sometimes pretended to forsake the errours
of the church of Rome, and become a protestant, and soon
after turned Rom.an catholick. Thus he continued a long
time wavering between both persuasions, till God thought
proper to touch his heart, and show him the great danger
of inconstancy in religious matters. He now became a
true protestant, and bewailed his former errours with con-
trition. The sincerity of his conversion being discovered,
he was seized by the oflftcers of the inquisition, severely
tortured, and burnt at an Auto de Fe.
Maria de Coceicao, a young lady who resided with heR-
HISTORY OF niE MARTYRS. 175
brother at Lisbon, was seized by the inquisitors, and or-
dered to be put to the rack. The exquisite torments she
felt staggered her resolution, and she fully confessed the
charges against her.
The cords were immediately slackened, and she was
re-conducted to her cell, where she remained till she had
recovered the use of her limbs; she was then brought
again before the tribunal, and ordered to ratify her con-
fession, and sign it. This she absolutely refused,, telling
them, "That what she had said was forced from her by
the excessive pain she underwent." Incensed at this re-
ply, the inquisitors ordered her again to be put to the
rack, when the 'weakness of nature once more prevailed,
and she repeated her former confession. She was imme-
diately remanded to her cell till her wounds were again
healed, when being a third time brought before the in-
quisitors, they, in a stern manner, ordered her to sign her
Jirst and second confessions. She answered as before, but
added, " I have twice given way to the frailty of the flesh,
and perhaps may, while on the rack, be weak enough to
do so again ; but depend upon it, if you torture me an
hundred times, as soon as I am released from the rack I
shall deny what was extorted frorh me by pain." The in-
quisitors ordered her to be racked a third time; and,
during this last trial, she exceeded even her own expecta-
tions: bore the torments inflieted with the utmost forti-
tude, and could not be persuaded to answer any of the
questions put to her. As her courage and constancy ii>
creased, the inquisitors imagined that she would deem
death a glorious martyrdom, and therefore, to disappoint
her expectations, they condemned her to a severe whip-
ping through the publick streets, and a ten years' banish-
ment.
Jane Bohorquia, a lady of a noble family in Seville,
was apprehended on the information of her sister^ who
had been tortured, and burnt for professing the protestant
religion. While on the rack, through the extremity of
pain, that young lady confessed that she had frequently
discoursed with her sister concerning protestanism, and
uppn this extorted confession was Jane Bohorquia seized
170 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
and imprisoned. Being pregnant at the beginning, they
let her remain tolerably quiet till she was delivered, when
they immediately took away the child, and put it to nurse,
that it might be brought up a Roman catholick.
The lady was not perfectly recovered from the weak-
ness caused by her labour, when she was ordered to be
racked, which was done with such severity, that she ex-
pired a week after of the wounds and bruises she rer
ceived. Upon this occasion the inquisitors affected some
remorse; and, in one of the printed acts of the inquisition,
which they always publish at Auto de F6, they thus men-
tion this young lady: — ^
^* Jane Bohorquia was found dead in prison ; after
which, upon reviving her prosecution, the inquisitors dis-
covered that she was innocent. — Be it therefore known,
that no farther prosecutions shall be carried on against
her, and that her effects, which were confiscated, shall be
given to th^ heirs at law. Thus have the lords of the
holy office of inquisition generously restored to her inno-
nocence, reputation, and estate." Strange inconsistency!
to take the property, and torture the person, before con-
viction of guilt, and then to compliment themselves for
moderation, in returning what they had no right to seize,
and forgiving one, who, by their own acknowledgment,
had never offended them. One sentence, however, in the
above ridiculous passage wants explanation, viz. " That
no farther prosecutions shall be carried on against her."
This alludes to the absurd custom of prosecuting, and
burning the bones of the dead ; for when a prisoner dies
rn the inquisition, the process continues the same as though
the accused were living; the bones are deposited in a
chest, and if a sentence of guilt is passed, they are
brought out at the next Auto de Fe; the sentence is read
against them with as much solemnity as against a living
prisoner, and they are at length committed to the flames.
In a similar manner are prosecutions carried on against
prisoners who escape; and when their persons are far
beyond the reach of the inquisitors, they are burnt in
effigy.
Dr. Isaac Orobio, a learned "physician, having beaten aL„
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 17^
Moorish servant for stealing, was accused by him of pro-
fessing Judaism. Without considering the apparent maUce
of the servant, the inquisitors seized the master upon the
charge. He was kept three years in prison before he had
the least intimation of what he was to undergo, and then
suffered the following six modes of torture: —
First, a coarse linen coat was put upon him, and then
drawn so tight that the circulation of his blood was nearly
stopped, and the breath almost pressed out of his body.
After this the strings were suddenly loosened, when the
air forcing its way hastily into his stomach, and the blood
rushing into its channels, he suffered the most incredi-
ble pains.
Secondly, his thumbs were tied with small cords, so
hard that the blood gushed from under the nails.
Thirdly, he was seated on a bench with his back against
a wall, wherein small iron pulHes were fixed. Ropes
being fastened to several parts of his body and Hmbs,
were passed through the pullies, and being suddenly
drawn with great violence, his whole frame was forced
into a distorted heap.
Fourthly, after having suffered for a considerable time
the pains of the last-mentioned position, the seat was
snatched away, and he was left suspended against the
wall in the most excruciating misery.
Fifthly, a little instrument with five knobs, and which
went with springs, being placed near his face, he sudden-
ly received five blows on the cheek, that put him to such
pain as caused him to faint ciway.
Sixthly, the executioners fastened ropes round his wrists,
and then drew them about his body. Placing him on his
back with his feet against the wall, they pulled with the
utmost violence, till the cords had penetrated to the bone.
The last torture he suffered three different times, and
then lay seventy days before his wounds were healed. He
was afterwards banished, and in his exile wrote the ac-
count of his sufferings, from which the above are ex-
tracted.
An excellent penman of Toledo, in Spain, and a pro-
testant, was fond of producing fine specimens of writing,
178 HISTORY OF TH£ MARTYRS.
and having them framed, to adorn the different apartments
of his house. Among other curious examples of penman-
ship was a large piece, containing the Lord's Prayer,
Creed, and Ten Commandments, thrown into verse, and
finely written. This piece, which hung in a conspicuous
part of the house, was seen by a person belonging to the
inquisition, who observed that the versification of the com-
mandments was not according to the church of Rome, but
according to the protestant church, for the protestants re-
tain the whole of the commandments as they are found in
the Bible, but the papists omit that part of the second
commandment which forbids the worship of images. The
inquisition soon had information against this ingenious
gentleman, who was seized, prosecuted, and burnt, for or-
namenting his house with a specimen of his skill and piety.
CHAP. III.
.IJIE SUFFEEINGS OF ?,IR. WiLLiAM LiTHOOW, A NATIVE Of
^ SCOTLAND.
This gentleman descended from a very respectable fam-
ily ; having a natural propensity to travelling, had rambled,
when very young, over the northern and western islands;
after which he visited France, Germany, Boliemia, Swit-
zerland, and Spain. He again set out on his travels in the
month of March, 1609, and the first place he went to was
Paris, where he i^tayed for some time. He then prosecu-
ted his travels through Germany, and at length arrived at
Malaga in Spain.
During his residence here, he contracted with the mas-
ter of a French ship for his passage to Alexandria, but
was prevented from going by the following circumsiances.
In the evening of the 17th of October, 1620, the English
fleet, at that time on a cruise against the Algerine rovers,
came to anchor before Malaga, which threw the people of
the town into the greatest consternation, as they imagined
them to be Turks. The morning, however, discovered
the mistake, and the governour of Malaga perceiving the
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 179
cross of England in their colours, went on board Sir Ro-
bert Manseil's ship, who cammanded on that expedition,
and after staying some time returned, and silenced the
fears of the people.
The following day many persons from on board the fleet
came ashore. Among these were several well known by
Mr. Lithgow, who, after reciprocal compliments, spent
some days together in festivity and the amusements of the
town. They then invited Mr. Lithgow on board, to pay
his respects to the admiral. He accepted the invitation,
was kindly received by him, and detained till the next day,
when the fleet sailed. The admiral would willingly have
taken Mr. Lithgow with him to Algiers ; but having con-
tracted for his passage to Alexandria, and his baggage,
&c. being in the town, he could not accept the oflfer.
As soon as Mr. Lithgow got on shore he proceeded to-
wards his lodgings by a private way (being to embark the
same night for Alexandria) when, in passing through a
narrow, uninhabited street, he found himself suddenly sur-
rounded by nine sergeants, or ofticers, who threw a black
cloak over him, and forcibly conducted him to the gover-
nour's house. After some little time the governour ap-
peared, when Mr. Lithgow earnestly begged he might be
informed of the cause of such violent treatment. The
governour only answered, by shaking his head, and gave
orders that the prisoner should be strictly watched till he
(the governour) returned from his devotions ; directing, at
the same time, that the captain of the town, the alcaid-
major, and town notary, should be summoned to appear at
his examination, and that all this should be done with the
greatest secrecy, to prevent the knowledge thereof reach-
ing the ears of the English merchants then residing in the
town.
These orders were strictly discharged, and on the gover-
nour's return, he, with the officers, having seated them-
selves, Mr. Lithgow was brouglit before them for examina-
tion. The governour began by asking several questions,
namely, of what country he was, whither bound, and how
long he had been in Spain. The prisoner, after answering
these, and other questions, was conducted to a closet,
1
180 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRiJ
where, in a short space of time, he was visited by the towii-
captain, who enquired whetlier he had ever been at Sev-
ille, or was lately come from thence ; and patting his cheeks
with an air of friendship, conjured him to tell the truth;
"for (said he) your very countenance shows there is some
hidden matter in your mind, which prudence should direct
you to disclose." Finding himself, however, unable to ex-
tort any thing from the prisoner, he left him, and reported
the ill success of his visit to the governour and the other
officers ; on which Mr. Lithgow was again brought before
them, a general accusation was laid against him, and he
was compelled to swear that he would give true answers
to such questions as should be asked him.
The governour then proceeded to enquire the quality
of the English commander, and the prisoners opinion what
were the motives that prevented his accepting an invita-
tion from the governour to come on shore. He demand-
ed, likewise, the names of the English captains in the
squadron, and what knowledge he had of the embarkation,
or preparation for it before its departure from England.
The answers given to the several questions asked were set
down in writing by the notary; but the junto seemed sur-
prised at his denying any knowledge of the fitting out of
the fleet, particularly the governour, who said he bed, that^
he was a traitor and spy, and came directly from England
to favour and assist in the designs that were projected
against Spain; and that he had been for that purpose nine
months in Seville, in order to procure intelligence of the
time the Spanish navy was expected from the Indies.
They exclaimed against his familiarity with the officers of
the fleet, and many other English gentlemen, between
whom, they said, unusual civilities had passed, but all
these transactions had been carefully noticed.
To sum up the whole of the accusation, and put the
truth, as they said, past all doubt, he came from a council
of war, held that morning on board the admiral's ship, in
order to put in execution the orders assigned him. They
upbraided him with being accessary to the burning of the
island of St. Thomas, in the West Indies; ^'wherefore
(said they) these Lutherans, and sons of the devil, ought
to have no credit given to what they say or swear,"
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 181
In vain did Mr, Lithgow endeavour to obviate every ac-
cusation laid against him, and to obtain belief from his
prejudiced judges. He begged permission to send for his
cloakbag, which contained his papers, and might serve to
show his innocence. Tliis request they complied with,
thinking it would discover some things of which they
were ignorant. The cloak-bag was accordingly brought,
and being opened, among other things, was found a license
from king James I. under the sign manual, setting forth the
bearers intention to travel into Egypt ; which was treated
by the haughty Spaniards with great contempt. The
other papers consisted of passports, testimonials, &c. of
persons of quality. All these credentials, however, seem-
ed rather to confirm than abate the suspicions of tliese
unjust judges, who, after seizing all the prisoners papers,
ordered him again to be withdrawn.
A consultation was then held to fix the place where the
prisoner should be confined. The alcade,^or chief judge,
was for putting him in the town prison; but this was ob-
jected to, particularly by the corrigidore, who said, in
Spanish, " in order to prevent the knowledge of Ms con-
finement from reaching his countrymen, I will take the
matter on myself, and be answerable for the consequen-
ces;" upon which it was agreed, that he should be confined
in the governours house with the greatest secrecy.
One of the sergeants went to Sir. Lithgow, and beg-
ged his money, with liberty to search him. As it was
needless to make any resistance, the prisoner quietly com-
plied, when the sergeant (after rifling his pockets of elev-
en ducatoons) stripped him to his shirt; and searching his
breeches found, enclosed in the waistband, two canvass
bags, containing one hundred and thirty-seven pieces of
gold. The sergeant immediately took the money to the
corrigidore, who, after having told it over, ordered him to
clothe the prisoner, a id shut him up close till after supper.
About midnight the sergeant and two Turkish slaves
released Mr. l>ithgow from his then confinement, but it
was to introduce him to one much more horrible. They
conducted him through several passages to a chamber in
a remote part of the palace, towards the garden, where
16
182 niSTOUY OF THE MARTYRS.
Ihey loaded him with irons, and extended his legs by means
of an iron bar above a yard long, the weight of which was
30 great that he could neither stand nor sit, but was obli-
ged to lie continually on his back. They left him in this
condition for some time, when they returned with food, con-
sisting of a pound of boiled mutton and a loaf, with a small
quantity of wine; which was not only the first, l)ut the
best and the last of the kind, during his confinement in
that place. After delivering these articles, the sergeant
locked the door, and left Mr. Lithgow to his sufferings.
The next day he received a visit from the governour,
who promised him his liberty, with many other advantages,
if he would confess being a spy ; but on his protesting that
he was entirely innocent, the governour left him in a rage,
saying, he should see him no more till farther torments
constrained him to confess; commanding the keeper, to
whose care he was committed, that he should permit no
person whatever to have access to, or commune with him:
that his sustenance should not exceed three ounces of
musty brep-d, and a pint of water every second day ; that
he should be allowed neither bed, pillow, nor coverlet. —
"Close up," said he, " this window in his room with lime
and stone; stop up the holes of the door with double mats:
let him have nothing that bears any likeness to comfort."
These, and several other orders of the like severity, w ere
given, to render it impossible for his condition to be known
to those of the English nation.
In this wretched and melancholy state did this unhappy
gentleman continue, without seeing any person for several
days, in which time the governour received an answer to
a letter he had written, relative to the prisoner, from
Madrid; and, pursuant to the instructions given him, be-
gan to put in practice the cruelties devised, which they
hastened, because christmas holydays approached, it being
then the forty-seventh day of his imprisonment.
About two o'clock in the morning of that day, he heard
the noise of a coach in the street; and some time after
heard the opening of the prison doors; he had been de-
prived of sleep for two nights; hunger, pain, and melan-
choly reflection liaving pri^vented him from taking any
HISTORY OF THE MAUTYRS. 183
iepose. Soon after the prison doors were opened, the nine
sergeants, who had first seized him, with the notary, enter-
ed the place where he lay, and, without uttering a word,
conducted him in his irons through the house into the
street, where a coach waited, and into which they laid
him at the bottom on his back, not being able to sit. Two
of the sergeants rode with him, and the rest walked by
the coach side, but all preserved the most profound si-
lence. They drove him to a vine-press house, about a
league from the town, to which place a rack had been
privately conveyed; and here they shut him up for that
night.
At day-break the next morning arrived the governour
and the alcade, into whose presence Mr. Lithgow was
imnaediately brought, to undergo another examination. —
The prisoner desired he might have an interpreter, which
was allowed to strangers by the laws of that country, but
this was absolutely refused, nor would they permit him to
appeal to Madrid, as being the superior court of judica-
ture. After a long examination, which lasted A'om morn-'
till night, there appeared in ail his answers so exact a con-
formity with what he had before said, that they declared
he had learned them by heart, there not being the least
prevarication. They, however, pressed him again to
make a full discovery; that is, to accuse himself of crimes
never committed, the governour adding, " You are still in
my power; I can set you free if you comply: if not, I
must deliver you to the alcade.*' Mr. Lithgow still per-
sisting in his innocence, the governour ordered the notary
to draw up a warrant for delivering him to the alcade to
be tortured.
In consequence of this, he wlas conducted by the ser-
geants to the end of a stone gpJlery, where the rack was
placed. The encarouador, or executioner, immediately
struck off his irons, which pi:t him to very great pain, the
bolts being so closely rivettcd, that the sledge hammer tore
away above half an inch of his heel, in forcing off the
belt; the anguish of which, together with his weak condi-
tion (not having had the least sustenance for three days)
occasioDed him to groan bitterly; upon which the merci-
184 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
less alcade snid, " Villain! traitor! this is but the earnest
of what you shall endure."
When his irons were off he fell on his knees, uttering
a short prayer, that God would be pleased to enable him
to be steadfast, and undergo courageously the grievous
trial he had to undergo. The alcade and notary having
placed themselves in chairs, he was stripped naked, and
fixed upon ttie rack, the office of these persons being to
be witness of, and set down the confessions and tortures
endured by the delinquent.
It is impossible to describe all the various tortures inflic-
ted on him. Suffice it to say, that he lay on the rack for
above live liours, during which time he received above
^■ixty different tortures of the most hellish nature; and had
they been continued a few minutes longer, he must h&ve
inevitably perished.
These cruel persecutors having glutted their infernal
appetites, for the present, the prisoner was taken from the
rack, and his irons being again put on, he was conducted
to his former dungeon, having received no other nourish-
ment than a little warm wine, given him rather to prevent
liis expiring, and to sustain him for future punishments,
than from any principle of charity or compassion.
As a confirmation of this, orders were given for a coach
to pass every morning before day by the prison; that the
noise made by it might give fresh terrours and alarms to
the unhappy prisoner, and deprive him of all possibility of
obtaining the least repose.
He continued in this horrid situation, almost starved for
want of the common necessaries to preserve his wretched
existence, till Christmas-day, when he received some relief
from Mariane, waiting woman to the governour's lady. —
This woman, having obtained leave to visit him, carried
with her some refreshments, consisting of honey, sugar,
raisins, and other articles: and so affected was she at be-
holding his situation, that she wept bitterly, and at her
departure expressed the greatest concern at not being able
to give him farther assistance.
In this loathsome dungeon was Mr. Lithgow kept till
he was nearly devoured with vermin* They crawled
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 185
about his beard, lips, eyebrows, &c. so that he could
scarcely open his eyes ; and his mortification was increased
by not having 'the iise of his hands or legs to defend him-
self, from his having been so miserably maimed by the
tortures. The miscreant governour, to heighten his cru-
elty, even ordered the vermin to be swept on Mr. Lithgow
twice in every eight days. He, however, obtained some
little mitigation of this part of his punishment, from the
humanity of a Turkish slave that attended him, who, at
times, when he could do it with safety, destroyed the ver-
min, and contributed every refreshment to him that laid
in his power.
From this slave Mr. Lithgow at length received that
information which gave him little hopes of ever being re-
leased, but, on the contrary, that he should finish his life
under new tortures. The substance of this information
was, that an English seminary priest, and a Scot's cooper,
had been for some time employed by the governour to
translate from the English into the Spanish language, all
his books and observations: and that it was commonly
said in the governour's house, that he was an arch heretick.
This information greatly alarmed him, and he began, not
without reason, to fear that they would soon finish him,
more especially as they could neither, by torture, or any
other means, bring him to vary from what he had all along
said at his different examinations.
Two days after he had received the above information,
the governour, an inquisitor, and a canonical priest, ac-
companied by two Jesuits, entered his dungeon, and being
seated, after several idle questions, the inquisitor asked
Mr. Lithgow if he was a Roman catholick, and acknowl-
edged the pope's supremacy? He answered, "that he
neither was the one, nor did the other: adding, that he
was surprised at being asked such questions, since it was
expressly stipulated by the articles of peace between
England and Spain, that none of the English subjects
should be liable to the inquisition, or any way molested by
them on account of diversity in religion, &:c." In the
bitterness of his soul, he made use of some warm expres-
sions not suited to his circumstances : "As you have almost
16*
186 HISTOnV OF THE MARTYRS.
murdered me (said he) for pretended treason, so now you
intend to make a martyr of me for religion." He also
expostulated with the governour on the ill return he made
the king of England (whose subject he was) for the
princely humanity exercised towards the Spaniards in
1588, when their armada was shipwrecked on the Scotish
coast, and thousands of the Spaniards found relief, who
must have otherwise miserably perished."
The governour admitted the truth of what Mr. Lithgow
said, but replied with a haughty air, " That the king,
who then only ruled Scotland, was actuated more by fear
than love, and therefore did not deserve any thanks." —
One of the Jesuits said, " There was no faith to be kept
with hereticks." The inquisitor then rising, addressed
himself to Mr. Lithgow in the following words: " You
have been taken up as a spy, accused of treachery, and
tortured, as we acknowledge, innocently (which appears
by the account lately received from Madrid of the inten-
tions of the English); yet it was the divine power that
brought those judgments upon you, for presumptuously
treating the blessed miracle of Loretto with ridicule, and
expressing yourself in your writings irreverently of his
holiness, the great agent, and Christ's vicar upon earthy
therefore you are justly fallen into our hands by their
special appointment: thy books and papers are miracu-
lously translated by the assistance of Providence influ-
encing thy own countrymen."
This trumpery being ended, they gave the prisoner eight
days to consider and resolve whether he would become a
convert to their religion ; during which time the inquisitor
told him, he, with other religious orders, would attend to
give him such assistance thereto as he might want. One
of the Jesuits said (first making the sign of the cross upon
his breast) " My son, behold, you deserve to be burnt
alive; but by the grace of our lady of Loretto, whom you
have blasphemed, we will both save your soul and body."
In the morning the inquisitor with the three ecclesias-
ticks returned, when the former asked the prisoner what
difficulties he had on his conscience that retarded his con-
version. To which he answered, " He had not any doubts
HISTORY OF THE MAHTVRS. 187
iii his mind, being confident in the promises of Christ, and
assuredly beHeving his revealed will signified in the gos-
pels, as professed in the reformed catholick church, being
confirmed by grace, and having infallible assurance there-
by of the true Christian faith." To these words the in-
quisitor replied, "Thou art no Christian, but an absurd
heretick, and without conversion a member of perdition."
The prisoner then told him, " It was not consistent with the
nature and essence of religion and charity, to convince by
opprobrious speeches, racks, and torments, but by argu-
ments deduced from the scriptures; and that all other
methods Avould v/ith him be totally inelfectual."
The inquisitor was so enraged at the replies made by
the prisoner, that he struck him on the face, used many
abusive speeches, and attempted to stab him, which he
had certainly done had he not been prevented by the Je-
suits ; and from this time he never again visited the pris-
oner.
The next day the two Jesuits returned, and putting on
a very grave supercilious air, the superior asked him,
" What resolution he had taken?" To which Mr. Lithgow
replied, " That he was already resolved, unless he could
show substantial reasons to make him alter his opinion."
The superior, after a pedantic display of their seven sac-
raments, the intercession of saints, transubstantiation, &c.
boasted greatly of their church, her antiquity, universality
and uniformity; all which Mr. Lithgow denied: "For (said
he) the profession of the faith I hold hath been ever since
the first days of the apostles, and Christ had ever his own
church (however obscure) in the greatest time of your
darkness."
The Jesuits, finding their arguments had not the
desired effect, that torments could not shake his con-
stancy, nor even the fear of the cruel sentence he had
reason to expect would be pronounced and executed
on him, after severe menaces, left him. On the eighth
day after, being the last of their inquisition, when sentence
is usually pronounced, they returned again, but quite al-
tered, both in their words and behaviour. After repeat-
ing much the same kind of arguments as before, they^
IHH HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
with seeming tears in tiieir eyes, pretended they were
sorry from their hearts he must be obliged to undergo a
terrible death; but above all, for the loss of his most pre-
cious soul; and falling on their knees, cried out, "Convert,
convert, O dear brother, for our blessed Lady's sake con-
vert!" To which he answered,"! fear neither fire nor
death, being prepared for both."
The first effects Mr. Lithgow felt of the determination
of this bloody tribuiial was, a sentence to receive that
night eleven dilTeret t tortures, and if he did not die in
the execution of them (vvhich might be reasonably expec-
ted from the maimed and disjointed condition he was in)
he was, after Easter holydays, to be tarried to Grenada,
and there burnt to ashes. The first part of the sentence
was executed with great barbarity that night; and it
pleased God to give him strength of body and mind, to
staiid fast to the truth, and to survive the horrid punish-
ments inflicted on him.
After these barbarians had glutted themselves with
exercising on the unhappy prisoner the most distinguished
cruelties, they again put irons on, and conveyed him to
his dungeon. The next morning he received some little
comfort from the Turkish slave (before-mentioned) who
secretly brought him, in his shirt sleeve, some raisins and
figs, which he licked up in the best manner his strength
would permit with his tongue. It was to this slave Mr.
Lithgow attributed his surviving so long in such a wretch-
ed situation ; for he found means to convey some of these
fruits to him twice every week. It is very extraordinary,
and worthy of note, that this poor slave, bred up from his
infancy, according to the maxims of his prophet and pa-
rents, in the greatest detestation of Christians, should be
be so affected at the miserable situation of Mr, Lithgow,
that he fell ill, and continued so for upwards of forty days.
During this period Mr. Lithgow was attended by a negro
woman, a slave, who found means to furnish him with re
freshments still more amply than the Turk, being conver-
sant in the house and family. She brought him every day
some victuals, a«id with it some wine in a bottle.
, The time was now kg far elapsed, and the horrid situa-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 189
tion so truly Toathsome, that Mr. Lithgow waited, with
anxious expectation, for the day, which, by putting an
end to his life, would also end his torments. But his me-
lancholy expectations were, by the interposition of Provi-
dence, happily rendered abortive, and his deliverance ob^
tained from the following circumstances.
A Spanish gentleman of quahty came from Grenada to
Malaga, who being invited to an entertainment by the go-
vernour, was informed by him of what had befallen Mr.
Lithgow", from the time of his being first apprehended as
a spy, and described the various suiferings he had endur-
ed. He likewise told him, that after it was known the
prisoner was innocent, it gave him great concern. That
on this account he would gladly have released him, restor-
ed his money and papers, and made some atonement for
the injuries he had received; but that, upon an inspection
into his writings, several were found of a very blasphemous
nature, highly reflecting on their religion. That on his
refusing to abjure these heretical opinions, he was turned
over to the inquisition, by whom he was finally condemned.
While the governour was relating this tragical tale, a
Flemish youth (servant to the Spanish gentleman) who
waited at table, was struck with amazement and pity at the
suiferings of the stranger described. On his return to his
master's lodgings he began to revolve in his mind what he
had heard, which made such an impression on him that he
could not rest in his bed. In the short slumbers he had,
his imagination painted to him the person described, on
the rack, and burning in the fire. In this anxiety he pas-
sed the night; and when the morning came, without dis-
closing his intentions to any person whatever, he went into
the town, and enquired for an English factor. He was
directed to the house of Mr. Wild, to whom he related
the whole of what he had heard pass, the preceding even-
ing, between his master and the governour; but could not
tell Mr. Lithgow's name. Mr. Wild, however, conjec-
tured it was him, by the servant's remembering the cir-
cumstance of his being a traveller, and his having had
some acquaintance with him.
On the departure of the Flemish servant, Mr. Wild ina
190 ftlSTOUY OF THE mahtyrs.
mediately sent for the other English factors, to whom he
related all the particulars relative to their unfortunate
countryman. After a short consultation, it was agreed
that an information of the whole affair should be sent, by
express, to Sir Walter Aston, the English ambassador to
the king of Spain, then at Madrid. This was accordingly-
done, and the ambassador having presented a memorial to
the king and council of Spain, he obtained an order fop
Mr. Lithgow's enlargement, and his delivery to the Eng-
lish factory. This order was directed to the governour of
Malaga; and was received with great dislike and surprise
by the whole assembly of the bloody inquisition.
Mr. Lithgow was released from his confinement on the
eve of Easter Sunday, when he was carried from his dun-
geon on the back of the slave that had attended him to
the house of one Mr. Busbich, where all proper comforts
were given him. It fortunately happened, that there was
at this time a squadron of English ships in the road, com-
manded by Sir Richard Hawkins, who being informed of
the past sufferings, and present situation of Mr. Lithgow,
came the next day ashore, with a proper guard, and re-
ceived him from the merchants. He was instantly carried
in blankets on board the Vanguard, and three days after
was removed to another ship, ]3y direction of the General
Sir Robert Mansel, Avho ordered that he should have pro-
per care taken of him. The factory presented him with
clothes, and all necessary provisions, besides which they
gave him two hundred reals in silver; and Sir R. Haw-
kins sent him two double pistoles.
Before his departure from the Spanish coast, Sir R.
Hawkins demanded the delivery of his papers, money,
books, &c. but could not obtain any satisfactory answer
on that head.
After lying twelve days in the road, the ship weighed
anchor, and in about two months arrived safe at Deptford.
The next morning Mr. Lithgow was carried on a feather-
bed to Theobalds, in Hertfordshire, at that time the resi-
dence of King James L and royal family. His majesty
happened to be that day engaged in hunting, but on his
"etnrn jn the evening Mr, T^itligow wns prespntod to him,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 191
and related the particulars of his sufferings, and his happy
delivery. The king was so affected at the narrative, that
he expressed the deepest concern, and gave orders that he
should be sent to Bath, and his wants properly supplied
from his royal munificence. By these means, under God,
after some time, Mr. Lithgow was restored, from the most
wretched spectacle, to a great share of health and strength;
but he lost the use of his left arm, and several of the smal-
ler bones were so crushed and broken, as to be ever after
rendered useless.
CHAP IV.
SOME PRIVATE ENORMITIES OF THE INQUISITION LAID OPEN,
BY A VERY SINGULAR OCCURRENCE.
"When the crown of Spain was contested in the begin-
ning of the last century, by two princes who equally pre-
tended to the sovereignty, France espoused the cause of
one competitor, and England of the other.
The Duke of Berwick, a natural son of James II. who
abdicated England, commanded the Spanish and French
forces, and defeated the English at the celebrated battle
of Almanza. The army was divided then into two parts ;
the one consisting of Spaniards and French, headed by the
Duke of Berwick, advanced towards Catalonia ; the other
body, consisting of French troops only, commanded by the
Duke of Orleans, proceeded to the conquest of Arragon^
As the troops drew near to the city of Arragon, the ma-
gistrates came to offer the keys to the Duke of Orleans;
Sut he told them, haughtily, they were rebels, and that he
would not accept the keys, for he had orders to enter the
city through a breach.
He then made a breach in the walls with his cannon,
and entered the city through it, with his whole army.
When he had made every necessary regulation, he depar-
ted to subdue other places, leaving a strong garrison, at
once to overawe and defend, under the command of his
iiieutenant-general M, De Legal. This gentleman, t,hough
192 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
brought up a Romaii catholick, was totally free from the
tra.ri.Ticls oi superstition: he united brilliaat talents with
great bravery; and was, at once, the skilful officer, and
accomplished gentleman.
The duke, before his departure, had ordered that the
following heavy contributions should be levied upon the
city :
" 1. That the magistrates and principal inhabitants
should pay a thousand crowns per month for the duke's
table.
" 2. That every house should pay one pistole, which
would monthly amount to eighteen thousand pistoles.
" 3. That every convent and monastery should pay a
donative, proportionahly to its riches and rents.
The two last contributions to be appropriated to the
maintenance of the army."
The money levied upon the magistrates and principal
inhabitants, and upon every house, was paid as soon as de-
manded ; but w^hen the proper persons applied to the heads
of the convents and monasteries, they found that the eccle-
siasticks were not so willing, as other people, to part from
their treasure.
Of the donatives to be raised by the clergy:
The College of Jesuits were to pay 2.000 pistoles.
Carmelites 1.000
Augustins 1.000
Dominicans 1.000
M. De Legal sent to the Jesuits a peremptory order to
pay the money immediately. The superior of the Jesuits
returned for answer, that for the clergy to pay money to
the army was against all ecclesiastical immunities; and
that he knew of no argument which could authorize such
a procedure. M. De Legal, by way of conviction, sent
four companies of dragoons to quarter themselves in the
college, with this sarcastick message: "To prove to you
the necessity of paying the money, I have sent four sub-
stantial arguments to your college, drawn from the system
of military logick; and, therefore, hope you will need no
farther admonition to direct your conduct."
Such proceedings greatly perplexed the Jesuits, who
HISTORY OP THE MAttTYKfe. 193
dispatched an express to court to the king's confessor, who
was of their order; but the dragoons were much more ex-
peditious in plundering and doing mischief, than the cou-
rier in his journey: so that the Jesuits, seeing every thing
going to wreck and ruin, thought proper to adjust the mat-
ter amicably, and paid the money before the return of their
messenger. The Augustins and Carmelites taking warn-
ing by what had happened to the Jesuits, prudently went
and submitted to the contribution, and by that means es-
caped the study of military argument, and of being taught
logick by the dragoons.
But the Dominicans, who were all familiars of, or agents
dependent on, the inquisition, imagined, that that very cir-
cumstance would be their protection; but they were mis-
taken, for M. De Legal neither feared nor respetted the
inquisition. The chief of the Dominicans sent word to the
military commander, that his order was poor, and had nc
money whatever to pay the donative; "for," says he, "the
whole wealth of the Dominicans consists only in the silver
images of the apostles and saints, as large as life, which
are placed in our church, and which it would be sacrilege
to remove."
The insinuation was meant to terrify the French com-
mander, who, the inquisitors imagined, would not dare to
be so profane as to wish for the possession of the pre-
cious idols ; but he sent word that the silver images would
make admirable substitutes for money, and would be more
in character in his possession, than in that of the Domini-
cans themselves, " for," says he, " while you possess them
in the manner you do at present, they stand up in niches,
useless and motionless, without the least benefit to man-
kind, or even to yourselves; but, when they come into my
possession, they shall be useful, I wijl put them in motion ;
for I intend to have them coined, when they may travel
like the apostles, be beneficial in various places, and cir-
culate for the universal service of mankind."
The inquisitors, astonished at this treatment, which
they never expected to receive, even from crowned heads,
determined, from necessity, to deliver their precious ima-
ges in a solemn procession, that they might excite the peo-
17
194 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRi^.
^le to an insurrection. The Dominican friars were order-
ed to march to De Legal's house, with the silver apostles
and saints in a mournful manner, having lighted tapers
with them, and bitterly crying all the way, "heresy,
heresy."
M. De Legal hearing of these proceedings, ordered four
companies of grenadiers to line the street which led to
his house; each grenadier was ordered to have his leaded
fuzee in one hand, and a lighted taper in the other; so
that the troops might either repel force by^ force, or do
honour to the farcical solemnity.
The friars did all they could to raise a tumult, but the
common people were too much afraid of the troops under
arms to obey them ; the silver images were, therefore, de-
livered' up to M. De Legal, who sent them to the mint, and
ordered them to be immediately coined.
The project of raising an insurrection having failed, the
inquisitors determined to excommunicate M. De Legal,
unless he would release their precious silver saints from
imprisonment in the mint, before they were melted down,
or othei'wise mutilated. The French commander abso-
lutely refused to release the images, but said they should
certainly travel and do good; upon which the inquisitors
drew up the form of excommunication, and ordered their
secretary to go and read it to M. De Legal.
The secretary punctually performed his commission,
and read the excommunication deliberately and distinctly.
The French commander heard it with great patience, and
politely told the secretary he would answer it next day.
When the secretary of the inquisition was gone, M. De
Legal ordered his own secretary to prepare a form of ex-
communication, exactly like that sent by the inquisition ^
but to make this alteration, instead of his name, to put in
those of the inquisitors.
The next morning he ordered four regiments underarms,
and commanded them to accompany his secretary, and
act as he directed.
The secretary went to the inquisition, and insisted upon
admittance ; which, after a great deal of altercation, was
granted. As soon as he entered, he read, in an audible
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 19cr
voice, tfee excommunication sent by M. De Legal, against
the inquisitors. The inquisitors were all present, and
heard it with astonishment, never having before met with
any individual who had dared to behave so boldly. They
loudly cried out against De Legal, as a heretick; and
said, this was a most daring insult against the catholick
faith. But, to surprise them still more, the French secr-e-
tary told them, they must remove from their present
lodgings; for the French commander waited to quarter
the troops in the Inquisition, as it was the most commo-
dious place in the whole city.
The inquisitors now exclaimed stlill more incessantly,
when the secretary put them under a strong guard, and
sent them to a place appointed by M. De Legal to receive
them. The inquisitors, in this predicament, begged that
they might be permitted to take their private property,
which was granted, and they immediately set out for
Madrid, where they made the most bitter complaints to
the king; but the monarch told them, he could not grant
them any redress, as the injuries they had received were
from his grandfather, the king of France's droops, by whose
assistance alone he could be firmly established in his king-
dom. "Had it been my own troops," said he, "I would
have punished them ; but as it is, I cannot pretend to exert
any authority."
In the mean time, Monsieur De Legal's secretary sat
open all the doors of the inquisition, and released the pris-
oners, whq amounted, in the whole, to four hundred; and
among these were sixty beautiful young women, who
appeared to form a seraglio for the three principal in-
quisitors.
This discovery, which exhibited in their true colours
the enormities of the inquisitors, greatly alarmed the
archbishop, who desired M. De Legal to send the women
to his palace, and he would take proper care of them ; and
at the same time he published an ecclesiastical censure
against all such as should ridicule, or blame, the holy office
of the inquisition.
The French commander sent word to the archbishop
that the prisoners had either ran away, or were so secure-
190 HISTORY OF THfi MARTYRF.
Ij concealed by their friends, or even by lis own officers,
that it was impossibte for him to send them back again;
an'^. therefore, the inquisition having committed such
atrocious actions, must now put up v»ith their exposure.
One of the ladies, thus happily delivered from captivity,
was afterwards married to the very French officer who
opened the door of her dungeon, and released her from
coniinement. This lady related the following circumstan-
ces to her husWind, and to M. Gavin, from the latter of
whom are selected the following material particulars: —
" 1 went one day," says the lady "with my mother, to
visit the Countess of * Attarass, and I met there Don Fran-
cisco Tirregon, her confessor, and second inquisitor of the
holy office.
'' After we had drank chocolate, he asked me my age,
my confessor's name, and many intricate questions about
religion. The severity of his countenance frightened me,
whicii he perceiving, told the countess to inform me, that
he v/as not so severe as he appeared. He then caressed
me in a most obliging manner, presented his hand, which
I kissed with great reverence and modesty; and, as he
went away, he made use of this remarkable expression:
*Mv- dear child, I shall remember you till the next time.'
I did not at the time mark the sense of the words ; for I
was inexperienced in matters of gallantry, being, at that
time, but fifteen years old. Indeed, he unfortunately did
remember me, for the very same night, when our whole
family were in bed, we heard a great knocking at the
door.
" The maid, who laid in the same room with me, went
to the window, and inquired who was there. — The answer
was, The Holy inquisition. On hearing this I screamed
out, 'Father! father! dear father, I am ruined for ever!'
My father got up, and came to me to know the occasion of
my crying out; I told him the inquisitors were at the door.
On hearing this, instead of protecting me, he hurried down
stairs as fast as possible ; and, lest the maid should be too
slow, opened the street door himself; under such abject
and slavish fears are bigotted minds ! A s soon as he knew
they came for me, he fetched me with great solemnity, and
delivered me to the officers with much submission*
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, l97
*' I was hurried into a coach, with no other clothing
than a petticoat and a mantle, for they would not let me
stay to take any thing else. My fright was so great, I ex-
pected to die that very night; but judge my surprise,
when I was ushered into an apartment decorated with all
the elegance that taste, united with opulence, could be-
stow.
'* Soon after the officers left me, a maid-servant appear-
ed with a silver salver, on which were sweetmeats and
cinnamon-water. She desired me to take some refresh-
ments before I went to bed; 1 told her I could not, but
should be glad if she could inform me whether I was to
be put to death that night or not.
" ' To be put to death !' exclaimed sjie, *you do not come
here to be put to death, but to live like a princess, and you
shall want for nothing in the world, but the liberty of go-
ing out; so pray don't be afraid, but go to bed and sleep
easy; for to-morrow you shall see wonders within this
house ; and as I am chosen to be your waiting-maid, I
hope you'll be very kind to me.'
" I was going to ask some questions, but she told me
she must not answer any more 'till the next day, but as-
sured me that no body would come to disturb me; I am
going then, said she, about a little business, but I will
come back presently, for my bed is in the closet next
yours ; so she left me for about a quarter of an hour, and
then returned. She then said, ' madam, pray let me know
when you will be pleased to have your chocolate ready
in the morning."
" This greatly surprised me, so that without replying to
her question, I asked her name; — she said, 'my name is
Mary.' — ' Mary, then,' said I, ' for heaven's sake tell me
whether I am brought here to die or not?' — ' I have told
you already,' replied she, ' that you come here to be one
of the happiest ladies in the world.'
" We then went to bed, but the fear of death prevent-
ed me from sleeping the whole night; Mary waked, she
was surprised to find me up, btit soon rose, and after
leaving me for about half an hour, she brought in two
cups of chocolate, and some biscuits on a silver plate.
' 17* '■• ■•
198 HISTORV OF IHE MARTYRS.
" I drank one cup of chocolate, and desired her to drink
the other, which she did; when wehaddone,! said, 'Well,
Mary, can you give me any account of the reasons for my
being brought here?' To which she answered, 'Not yet,
madam, you must have patience,' and immediately slipped
out of the room.
" About half an hour after, she brought a great quan-
tity of elegant clothes, suitable to a lady of the highest r^k,
and told me, I must dress myself. Among several trinkets
which accompanied the clothes, I observed, with surprise,
a snuff-box, in the lid of which was a picture of Don
Fracisco Tirregon. This unravelled to me the mystery
of my confinement, and at the same time roused my im-
agination to contrive how to evade receiving the present.
If I absolutely refused it, I thought immediate death must
ensue ; and to accept it, was giving him too much encour-
agement against my honour. At length I hit upon a me-
dium, and said to Mary 'pray present my respects to Don
Francisco Tirregon, and tell him, that, as I could not
bring my clothes along with me last night, modesty per-
mits me to accept of these garments, which are requisite
io keep me decent; but since I do not take snuff, I hope
his lordship will excuse me in not accepting his box.'
" Mary went with my answer, and soon returned with
Don Francisco's picture elegantly set in gold, and richly
embellished with diamonds. This message accompanied
it: 'That his lordship had made a mistake; his intent not
being to send me a snuffbox, but his picture.' I was at a
great loss what to do; when Mary said, pray, madam,
take my poor advice; accept of the picture, and every
thing else which his lordship sends you ; for if you do not,
he can compel you tc what he pleases, and put you to
death when he thinks proper, without any body being able
to defend you. But if you are obliging to him,' continued
she, 'he will be very kind, and you will be as happy as a
queen; you will have elegant apartments to live in, beau-
tiful gardens to range in, and agreeable ladies to visit
you: therefore, I advise you to send a civil answer, and
even not to deny a visit from his lordship, or perhaps you
may repent of your disrespect.'
HISTORY QJ? TH« MAHTVR*. 199
"O, my God! exclaimed I, must I sacrifice my honour
to my fears, and give up my virtue to his despotick power?
Alas! what can I do? To resist is vain. If I oppose his
desires, force will obtain what chastity refuses. I now fell
into the greatest agonies, and told Mary to return what
answer she thought proper.
" She said, she was glad of my humble submission, and
ran to acquaint Don Francisco with it. In a few minutes
she returned, with joy in her countenance, telling me his
lordship would honour me with his company to supper.
'And now give me leave, madam,' says she, ' to call you
mistress,' for I am to wait upon you. I have been in the
holy office fourteen years, and know all the customs per-
fectly well; but as silence is imposed upon me, under pain
of death, I can only answer such questions as immediately
relate to your own person. But I would advise you never
to oppose the holy father's will; or if you see any young
ladies about, never ask them any questions. You may
divert yourself sometimes among them, but must never
tell them any thing: three days hence you will dine with
them; and at all times you may have musick, and other
recreations. In fine, you will be so happy, that you will
not wish to go abroad; and when your time is expired,
the holy fathers will send you out of this country, and
marry you to some nobleman.' After saying these words
she left me, overwhelmed witli astonishment, and scarce
knowing what to think. As soon as I recovered myself, I
began to look about, and finding a closet, I opened it, and
perceived that it was filled with books: they were chiefly
upon historical and profane subjects, but not any on
religious matters. I chose out a book of history, and so
passed the interval, with some degree of satisfaction, till
dinner-time.
" The dinner was served up with the greatest elegance,
and consisted of all that could gratify the most luxurious
appetite. When dinner was over, Mary left me, and told
me, if I wanted any thing I might ring a bell which she
pointed out to me.
"I read a book to amuse myself during the afternoon,
and at seven in the evening Don Francisco came to visit
200 HISTORY OP THE M\HTY11S.
me in his night-gown <tnd cap, not with the g^iviiy of an
inquisitor, but with thegayetyofa gallant.
" lie saluted me with great respect, and told me, Hhat
he came to see me in order to shew the great re^-pect he
had for my family, and to inform me, that it was my lovers
who had procured my confmement, having accused me in
matters of religion; and that the infoimations were taken,
and the sentence pronounced against me, to he burnt
alive in a dry pan, with a gradual fire; but that he, out of
pity and love to my family, had stopped the execution
of it.'
"These words were like daggers to my heart; I drop-
ped at his (eet, and said, ^\h, my lord! have you stopped
the execution for ever?' He replied, Hhat belongs to
yourself only,' and abruptly wished me good night.
" As soon as he was gone I burst into tears, when Mary
came and asked what could make me cry so bitterly. To
which I answered, *0h, Mary, what is the meaning of the
dry pan and gradual fire? for I am to die by them.'
" ' Madam,' said she, 'never fear, you shall see, ere long,
the dry pan and gradual fire ; but they are made for those
that oppose the holy father's will, not for you that are so
good as to obey it. JBut pray, said she, was Don Francisco
very obliging?' — 'I don't know,' said I, 'for he frightened
me out of my wits by his discourse: he saluted me with
civility, but he left me abruptly.'
" ' Well, said Mary, you do not yet know his temper:
he is extremely obliging to them that are kind to him; but
if they are disobedient, he is as unmerciful as Nero: so,
for your own sake, take care to oblige him in all respects;
and now, dear madam, pray go to supper, and be easy.' 1
went to supper, indeed, and afterwards to bed ; but I could
neither eat or sleep, for the dry pan and gradual fire de-
prived me of appetite, and banished drowsiness.
" Early the next morning, Mary said, that as no body
was stirring, if I would promise her secrecy, she would
show me the dry pan and gradual fire; so taking me down
stairs, she brought me to a large room, with a thick iron
door, which she opened. Within it was an oven, with
fire in it at the time, and a large brass pan upon it, with
^ cover of the same, and a lock to it. In the next room
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 201
there was a great wheel, covered on both sides with thick
boards ; opening a little window in the centre, Mary de-
sired me to look in with a candle : there I saw all the
circumference of the wheel, set with sharp razors, which
made me shudder,
" She then took me to a pit, which was full of venomous
animals. On my expressing great horrour at the sight,
she said, * Now, my good mistress. Til tell jou the use of
these things. The dry pan is for hereticks,and those whoop-
pose the holy father's will and pleasure : they are put alive
into the pan, being first stripped naked, and the cover
being locked down, the executioner begins to put a small
fire into the oven, and by degrees, he augments it, till the
body is reduced to ashes. The wheel is designed for
those who speak against the pope, or the holy fathers of
the inquisition ; for they arc put into that machine through
the little door, which is locked after them, and then the
wheel is turned swiftly, till they are cut all to pieces. The
pit is for those who contemn the images, and refuse to
give proper respect to ecclesiastical persons; for they are
thrown into the pit, and so become the food of poisonous
animals,"
" We went back again to my chamber, and Mary said,
that another day she would show me the torments de-
signed for other transgressors; but I was in such agonies
at what I had seen, that I begged to be terrified with no
more such sights. She soon after left me, but not without
enjoining my strict obedience to Don Francisco ; ' For if
you do not comply with his will,' says she, Hhe dry pan
and gradual fire will be your fate.
" The horrours which the sight of these things, and
Mary's expressions, impressed on my mind, almost berea-
ved me of my senses, and left me In such a state of stu-
pefaction, that I seemed to have no manner of will of my
own.
" The next morning Mary said, now let me dress you
as nice as possible, for you must go and wish Don Fran=
cisco good-morrow, and breakfast with him. When I was
dressed, she conveyed me through a gallery into his apart-
ment, where I found that he was in bed. He ordered
•i02 . illSTOllY OF THE martyhs.
Mary to withdraw, and to serve up breakfast in about two
hours time. When Mary was gone, he connmanded me
to undress myself, and come to bed to him. The manner
in which he spoke, and the dreadful ideas with which my
mind was filled, so terribly frightened me, that 1 pulled off
my clothes, without knowing what I did, and stept into
bed, insensible of the indecency I was transacting: so to-
tally had the care of sell-preservation absorbed all my
other thoughts, and so entirely were the ideas of delicacy
obliterated by the force of terrour!
"Thus, to avoid the dry pan, did I entail upon myself
perpetual infamy; and to escape the so much dreaded
gradual fire, give myself up to the flames of lust,-~
Wretched alternative, where the only choice is an excru-
ciating death, or everlasting pollution!
"Mary came at the expiration of two hours, and se rved
us with chocolate in the most submissive manner ; fo. she
kneeled down by the bed-side to present it. When J was
dressed, Mary took me to a very delightful aparti lent,
which I had never yet seen. It was furnished with the
most costly elegance-, but what gave me the greatest as-
tonishment was the prospect from its windows, of a beau-
tiful garden, and a fine meandering river. Mary told me,
that the young ladies she had mentioned would come to
pay their compliments to me before dinner, and begged
me to remember her advice^ in keeping a prudent guard
over my tongue.
"In a few minutes a great number of very beautiful
young ladies, richly dressed, entered the room, and suc-
cessively embracing me, wished me joy. I was so sur-
prised, that I was unable to answer their compliments;
which one of the ladies perceiving, said, 'Madam, the soli-
tude of this place will effect you in the beginning, but
when you begin to feel the pleasures and amusements we
enjoy, you will quit those pensive thoughts. We, at pres-
ent, beg the honour of you to dine with us to-day, and
henceforward three days in a week.' I returned them
suitable thanks in general terms, and so we went to dinner,
in which the most exquisite and savoury dishes, of various
kinds, were served up, with the most delicate and pleasant
HISTORY OF THF. MARTYRS, 203
fruits and sweetmeats. The room was long, with two ta-
bles GO each side, and a third in the front. I re<koned
fifty-two young ladies, the eldest not exceeding twenty-
four years of age, Tliere were five maid-servants^ besides
Mary, to wait upon us; but Mary confined her attention
to me alone. After dinner we retired to a capacious
gallery, where some played on musical instruments, a few
diverted themselves with cards, and the rest amused them-
selves with walking about, Mary, at length, entered the
gallery, and said, ' Ladies, this is a day of recreation, and
so you may go into whatever rooms you please, till eight
o'clock in the evening,'
" They unanimously agreed to adjourn to my apartment.
Here we found a most elegant cold collation, of which all
the ladies partook, and passed the time in innocent con-
versation, and harmless mirth: but none mentioned a word
concerning the inquisition, or the holy fathers, or gave the
least distant hint concerning the cause of their confine-
ment.
" At eight o'clock Mary rang a bell, which was a signal
for all to retire to their respective apartments, and I was
conducted to the chamber of Don Francisco, where I slept*
The next morning Mary brought me a richer dress than
any I had yet had ; and as soon ,as I retired to my apart-
ment, all the ladies came to wish me good-morning, dressed
much richer than the preceding day. We passed the
time till eight o'clock in the evening, in much the same
manner as we had done the day before. At that time the
bell rung, the separation took place, and I was conducted
to Don Francisco's chamber. The next morning I had a
garment richer than the last, and they accosted me in ap-
parel still more sumptuous than before. The transactions
of the two former days were repeated on the third, and
the evening concluded in a similar manner.
. " On the fourth morning Mary came into Don Francis-
co's chamber, and told me I must immediately rise, for a
lady wanted me in her own chamber. She spoke with a
kind of authority that surprised me ; but as Don Francisco
did not speak a syllable, I got up and obeyed, Mary then
conveyed me into a dismal dungeon, not eight feet in
204 HISTORY OP THE MARTY life.
leagth; and said sternly to n.e, 'This is your room, and
this lady your hed-iellow and coir.panion.' At which
words she bounced out of the room, and left me in the ut-
most consternation.
" After remaining a considerable time in the most dread-
ful agonies, tears came to my relief, and 1 exclaimed,
* What is this place, dear lady! Is it a scene of enchant-
ment, or is it a hell upon earth? Alas! I have lost my
fother and mother; and, what is worse, I have lost my
honour, and my soul, for ever.'
" The lady took me by the hand, and said, in a sympa-
thizing tone of voice. ' Dear sister, for this is the name I
shall henceforth give you, forbear to cry and grieve, for
you can do nothing by such an extravagant behaviour, but
draw upon yourself a cruel death. Your misfortunes,
and those of all the ladies you have seen, are exactly of a
piece: you suffer nothing but what we have suffered before
you ; but w^e dare not show our grief, for fear of greater
evils. Pray take courage, and hope in God, for he will
surely deliver us from this hellish place ; but be sure you
discover no uneasiness before Mary, who is the only instru-
ment either of your torments, or comfort. Have patience
till we go to bed, and then I- will venture to tell you more
of the matter.'
" My perplexity and vexation were inexpressible ; but
my new companion, whose name was Leonora, prevailed
on me to disguise my uneasiness from Mary. I dissem-
bled tolerably well when she came to bring our dinners ;
but could not help remarking, in my own mind, the differ-
ence between this repast and those I had before partook
of. This consisted only of plain, common food, and of
that a scanty allowance, with only one plate, and one
knife and fork for us both, which she took away as soon as
we had dined,
"When we were in bed, Leonora was as good as her
word ; and, upon my solemn promise of secrecy, thus be-
gan to open her mind to me :
" My dear sister, you think your case very hard, but, I
assure you, all the ladies in the house have gone through
the same. In time you will know all their stories, s^s
HISTORY OF THE MARTYKS. 205
they hope to know yours. I suppose Mary hns been thie
chief instrument of your fright, as she has been of ours;
and 1 warrant she has shown you some horrible places,
though not all ; and that, at the very thought of them, you
were so terrified, that you chose the same way we have
done, to redeem yourself from death. By what hath
happened to us, we know that Don Francisco hath been
your Nero, your tyrant; for the three colours of our
clothes are the distinguishing tokens of the three holy fa-
thers. The red silk belongs to Don Francisco, the blue
to Don Guerrero, and the green to Don Aliaga; and they
always give those colours (after the farce of changing gar-
ments, and the short-lived recreations are over) to those
ladies whom they bring here for their respective uses.
"We are strictly "commanded to express all the demon-
strations of joy, and to be very merry for three days, Ivhen
a young lady first comes amongst us, as we did with you,
and as you must nov/ do with others. But afterwards we
live like the most wretched prisoners, without seeing any
body but Mary, and the other maid-servants, over whom
Mary hath a kind of superiority, for she acts as house-
keeper. We all dine in the great hail three days in a
week; when any one of the inquisitors hath a mind
for one of his slaves, Mary comes about nine o'clock, and
leads her to his apartm.ent.
^' Some nights Mary leaves the doors of our chambers
open, and that is a token that one of the inquisitors hath
a mind to come that night; but he comes so silently, that
we are ignorant whether he is our patron or not. If one
of us happens to be with child, she is removed into a bet-
ter chamber till she is delivered; but during the whole of
her pregnancy, she never sees any body but the person
appointed to attend her.
'* As soon as the child is born it is taken away, and car-
ried we know not whither; for we never hear a syllable
Mentioned about it afterwards. I have been in this house
six years, was not fourteen w,hen the officers took me from
my father's house, and have hac| one child. There are,
at this present time, fifty-two young ladies in the house;
but we annually lose six or eight, though w^e know not
18
206 HISTORV OF THE MARTVRS.
what becomes of them, or whither they are sent. Thib^
however, does not diminish our number, for new ones are
always brought in to supply the place of those who are
removed from hence ; and 1 remember, at one time, to
have seen seventy-three ladies here together. Our con-
tinual torment is to reflect, that when they are tired of
any of the ladies, they certainly put to death those they
pretend to send away ; for it is natural to think, that they
have too much policy to suffer their atrocious and infernal
villanies to be discovered, by enlarging them. Hence oujr
situation is miserable indeed, and we have only to pray
that the Almighty will pardon those crimes which we are
compelled to commit. Therefore, my dear sister, arm
yourself with patience, for that is the only palliative to
give you any comfort, and put a firm confidence in the
providence of Almighty God.'
"This discourse of Leonora greatly affected me ; but 1
found every thing to be as she told me in the course of time,
and I took care to appear as cheerful as possible before
Mary. In this manner I continued eighteen months, du-
ring which time eleven ladies were taken from the house ;
but in lieu of them we got nineteen new ones, which
made our number just sixty at the time we were so hap-
pily relieved by the French officers, and providentially
restored to the joys of society, and to the arms of our pa-
rents and friends. On that happy day, the door of my
dungeon was opened by the gentleman who is now my
husband, who, with the utmost expedition, sent both Leo-
nora and me to his father's; and (soon after the campaign
was over) when he returned home, he thought proper to
make me his wife, in which situation I enjoy a recompense
for all the miseries I before suffered."
From the foregoing narrative it must be evident, that
the inquisitors were a set of libidinous villains, lost to ev-
ery just idea of religion, and totally destitute of humanity.
Those who possessed wealth, beauty, or liberal sentiments,
were sure to find enemies in them. Avarice, lust, and
prejudice, were their ruling passions; and they sacrificed
every law, human and divine, to gratify their predominant
desires. Their supposed piety was affectation ; their pre-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 207
tended compassion hypocrisy; their justice depended on
their will; and their equitable punishments were founded
on their prejudices. None were secure from them; all
ranks fell equally victims to their pride, their power, their
avarice, or their aversion.
CHAP. V.
AN ACCOUNT OP THE SUFFERINGS OP JOHN COUSTOS.
Mr. John Coustos, a native of Berne, in Switzerland,
was by trade a jeweller and lapidary; and as he intended
to settle in England, got himself naturalized, and lived in
London, twenty-two years. He then went to Paris, where
he resided five years ; after which he removed to Lisbon
in Portugal, where he obtained the acquaintance of sever*-
al substantial jewellers, and other persons of credit, who
made him the kindest and most generous offers, in case he
would reside among them; w^hich he accepted, and set-
tled in the above-mentioned city, equally to the satisfaction
of his friends, his employers, and himself.
The officers of the inquisition were sent after Mr, Cous-
tos; and they seized him in the name of the Holy Inquisi-
tion, in a coffee-house, between nine and ten at night.
L^pon their seizing him, they divested him of his sword ;
then handcuffed him, and forced him into a chaise drawn
by two mules, and in this condition he was hurried away
to the prison of the inquisition.
Upon arriving at the prison, he was delivered up to the
officer of this pretended holy place : who called four guards,
and he was conveyed to an apartment, until such time as
notice should be given to the President.
He was next searched, and stripped of every thing, and
led to a lonely dungeon, and forbidden to speak loud, or
knock at the walls, but, in case he wanted any thing, to
beat against the door, with a padlock that hung on the
outward door, and which he could reach by thrusting his
hands through the iron grates.
1 He passed one day and two nights in great agitation of
208 IIISfORY Ol' THE MARTYRS.
mind, heightened, at every Httle interval, by the eoiii-
plaints, the dismal cries, and iiollov^^ groans of several oth-
er prisoners. It was now that time seemed to have lost
all motion, and these three-score hours appeared to him
like so many years.
His innocence, however, had so calmed his mind, that
neither tlie supposed partiality of his judges, nor the
dreadful ideas of their cruelty, could intimidate him at
that time.
He was next shaved, and led bare-headed to the Presi-
dent and four inquisitors, who, upon his coming in, bid him
kneel down and lay his right hand on the Bible, and swear,
in the presence of Almighty God, that he would speak tru-
ly with regard to all the questions they should ask him.
They then asked him his christian and surname, those of
his parents, the place of his birth, profession, religion, and
how long he had resided in Lisbon.- — These questions he
duly answered 5 and then they proceeded to address him
as follows: —
" Son, you have offended and spoken injuriously of the
Holy Office, as we know from very good hands ; for which
reason we exhort you to make confession, and accuse your-
self of the several crimes you have committed, from the
time you was capable of judging between good and evil,
to the present moment; in doing this, you will excite the
compassion of this Tribunal, which is ever merciful and
kind to those who speak the truth."
In answer to this solemn chaxge and admonition, he be-
sought them to let him know the cause of his imprison-
jnent; that having been born and educated in the protes-
tant religion, he had been taught from his infancy not to
confess his sins before men, but to God, who, as he only
can see into the inmost recesses of the human heart, knows
the sincerity or insincerity of the sinner's repentance ; and
being his Creator, it was he alone who could absolve him.
Three days after, they brought him forward again, and
asked him if b<? intended to confess his sins to them or not;
upon which he replied as before. They then asked him
if he was a Freemason; to which he answered in the af-
firmative. They then told him " that Freemasonry was
'history op the martyrs. 209
forbidden in Portugal; and that it was a great crime to
be a Freemason; and all who belonged to the society
were, by the laws of that kingdom, liable to be severely
punished.
Some time afterwards they sent for him again, and read
the sentence they had fixed on, which was —
"That he was adjudged to suffer the tortures employed
by the Holy Office, being a heretick, and for refusing to
discover the secrets of Masonry."
He was thereupon instantly conveyed to the torture-
room, built in the form of a square tower, where no light
appeared but what two candles gave ; and to prevent the
dreadful cries and shocking groans of the unhappy victim
from reaching the ears of the publick, the doors were lin-
«ed with a sort of quilt.
He was seized with horrour, when, at his entering this
infernal place, he saw himself surrounded by six wretches,
who, after preparing the tortures, stripped him naked (all
except his linen drawers) and laid him on his back on a
kind of table, when they began to lay hold of every part
of his body. First, they put round his neck an iron collar,
v/hich was fastened to the scaffold ; they then fixed a ring
to each foot; and this being done, the inquisitors asked
}iim "if he would now reveal those secrets?" he told them,
'^' he would never reveal them."
Upon which the signal was given; and these six wretch-
es pulled with all their might, and stretched his limbs.
He was then asked again, "if he would reveal those
secrets?" but he answered as before.
They next tied two ropes round each of his arms, and
two round each of his thighs; which ropes passed under
the scaffold, through holes made for that purpose, and be-
ing drawn tight at the same time by these men, u})on a
signal given for that purpose, the cords cut throughthe
flesh to the bone, making the blood gush out at the eight
different places that were thus bound.
By this time they thought they had so far overcome him
with pain, that he would now certainly confess, and they
put the question to him again, but he still persisted in- re-
lusing. Whereupon a fresh signal was given, and the
18*-
210 HISTORY OP THK MARTYRS.
ropes were drawn tight four different times, piercing to
tlie bone each time; and Mr. Coustos, with the fortitude
of a christian, constantly persisted in his refusal, and de-
clared that he would lose his life sooner than divulge any
thing belonging to his fraternity ; to which they replied,
that, " he had only himself' to thank for the sufferings he
had endured, and if he were to die under the torture, he
would be guilty, through his own obstinacy, of self-mur-
der." However their wish was not to kill him immedi-
ately, for they placed a physician and surgeon at his side,
who often felt his temples, to judge of the danger he
might be in, by which means his tortures were suspended
at intervals, that he might have an opportunity of recov-
ering himself a little.
After having endured this torture three times in the
course of half an hour, they again asked him if he were
still determined to persist in his refusal, when poor Cous-
tos gave the same answer as before: the signal was then
given by the president and the ropes were immediately
drawn tight once more, making the fourth time, upon
which he grew so weak, occasioned by the excessive* pain
and loss of blood, that he fainted away, and the doctors
declared he could bear no more at that time, so he was
supported between two men, and taken to his dungeon in
a state of insensibility; nor did he come to himself until
the next morning, wh'en he found himself unable to walk
or stand; the surgeon, however, attended him to dress his
wounds, and in the course of a month he found himself
fast recovering, and hoped, after such cruelty, they would
have set him at liberty; but in this he found himself mis-
taken, they cured him merely to have further revenge,
when he was more able to endure a fresh torture; for it
seems they were determined to put him in a more severe
torture shortly, hoping thereby to get at the desired infor-
mation, as the tortures he had already suffered seemed to
make no impression on his fortitude. Thus, the more they
made him suffer, the more fervently they heard him ad-
dress his supplications to heaven, for patience and strength
to go through the operations. In about six weeks he was
60 far recovered as to be thought able to undergo another
I
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 21 1
torture, more grievous, if possible, than the former; he
was accordingly brought again into the torture-room; and
the president then addressed him, and endeavoured to
convince him that "it was through his own obstinacy that
he had suffered so much, but that if he continued obstin-
ate, there were still greater tortures for him to go through,
and that he had better comply with the injunctions of the
holy office; that in respect to the oath he had taken, it
was nothing before them, for they could free and absolve
him from his oath; and if he would turn from his own, and
embrace the Roman catholick religion, his eyes would so
far be opened, that he would be able to see right from
wrong, and discover his own rashness in all the arguments
he had used ; that the holy office was merciful to such as
would confess and speak the truth, and turn from their re-
ligion.
Coustos was in a trying situation : he had life and death
placed before his eyes, and he was to choose which he
would accept; but he told the wicked and barbarous in-
quisitors the same as he had repeatedly told them before,
that **they might hang, burn, torture, or in any other man-
ner destroy him, if they chose ; for although he had suffer-
ed the torture many times already, and although another
and more horrid torture now stared him in the face, ready
to torture him afresh, yet all this gave him only more for-
titude, and that he would smile at the executioners whilst
they accomplished their bloody ends ; he told them he
would meet the fresh tortures with a smile.
This language did not obtain any lenity, but, on the
contrary, irritated the inquisitors to such a degree, that
they immediately proceeded with a fresh torture, in the
following manner: —
They mad^ him stretch his arms in such a manner, that
the palms of his hands were turned outward, when, by the
help of a rope that fastened them together at the wrist,
and which they turned by an engine, they drew them
gently nearer to one anpther behind, in such a manner,
that the back of each hand touched, and stood exactly pa-
rallel one to the other; whereby both his shoulders were
dislocated, and a considerable quantity of blood issued
212 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
from his mouth. This torture was repeated thrice, mak-
ing the seventli torture he iiad undergone; after which he
was again taken to his dungeon, and put into the hands of
physicians and surgeons, who, in setting liis bones, put him
to exquisite pain.
Two months after, being a Uttle recovered, he was again
conveyed to the torture-room, and there made to undergo
another kind of torture. The reader may judge of its
horrour, from the following description: —
The torturers turned a thick iron chain twice round his
body, which, crossing upon his stomach, terminated after-
wards at iiis wrist; they next set his back against a thick
board, at each extremity whereof was a pulley, through
which there was run a rope that caught the ends of the
chains at his wrist. The tormentors tiien stretching these
ropes, by means of a roller, pressed or bruised his stomach
in proportion as the ropes were drawn tighter: they now
tortured him to such a degree, that his wrists and shoul-
ders were put out of joint. The surgeons, however, set
them presently after; but the barbarians not having yet
satiated their cruelty, made him undergo this torture a
second time, making the ninth torture, which he sustained
with fresh pains, though with equal constancy and resolu-
tion. He was then sent back to his dungeon, attended by
the surgeons, who dressed his bruises; and here he con-
tinued till their Auto de Fg.
The reader may now judge of the dreadful anguish this
worthy protestant had laboured under, the nine differ-
ent times they put him to the torture. Most of his limbs
were put out of joint, and bruised in such a manner, that
he was unable, during some weeks, to put his hand to his
mouth, his body being vastly swelled, by the inflamma-
tions caused by the frequent dislocations.
The day of the Auto de F6 being come, he was made
to walk in the procession with the other victims of this
tribunal. Being come to Saint Dominick's church, his
sentence was publickly read ; by .which he was condemn-
ed to the galley during four years.
He was accordi!igly conveyed to tliis galley, which was
a prison, standing by the river-side, consisting of two very
HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS. 21S
spacious rooms, built one over the other; that on the
ground-floor for the slaves, and the other for the sick and
officers of the prison. The slaves fastened two and tw^o,
by one foot only, with a chain eight feet long. At their
girdle was an iron hook, by which they shortened or
lengthened their chain to make the weight less trouble-
some. Their heads and beards were shaved once a month ;
and they wore coarse blue clothes, caps and coats.
Mr. Coustos was now obliged to join in the painful oc-
cupations of his fellow-slaves: however, the liberty he had
of speaking to his friends, after having been deprived of
even the sight of them during his tedious wretched abode
in the prison of the inquisition ; the open air he now breath-
ed ; with the satisfaction he felt in being freed from the
dreadful apprehensions which always overspread his mind
whenever he reflected on the uncertainty of his fate ; these
circumstances united, made him find the toils of the galley
much more supportable.
As Mr, Coustos had suffered greatly in his body by the
tortures, he was quite unfit to go about the painful labour
that was immediately allotted him, such as carrying wa-
ter to the other prisons of the city ; and exerting himself
beyond his strength, so that he shortly fell grievously sick.
He was then sent to the infirmary, where he continued
two months, during which time he was offered his release
provided he would turn Roman cathohck; but all these
endeavours were fruitless, as he was determined not to
become an apostate.
But he soon after found friends, who interceded with
one of the principal secretaries of state of Great Britain,
who supplicated for leave from his Sovereign that his
minister at Lisbon might demand him as a subject of this
country, which was granted, and the King of Portugal or-
dering him to be discharged ; he soon afterwards received
his liberation, and embarked on board a ship that was
then about to sail for England ; and he arrived at Ports-
mouth, after a long and dangerous voyage of about a
week. Immediately on landing, he set off* for the metro-
polis, and arrived in London on the 15th December, 1744»
an object of commiseration; for although his bones were
'214 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
set, and his wounds cured, vet his constitution was so im-
paired, that at intervals he felt the most excruciating pains,
which never totally left him until the day of his death, a
few years since, near Gainsborough, in Lincolnshire.
i
PART 4*
CHAPTER I.
FIRST PERSECUTIONS UNDER THE PAPACY, IN ITALY.
In the twelfth century the first persecutions began in
Italy, at the time that Adrian IV. an Englishman, was
pope, occasioned by the following circumstances.
A learned man, and an excellent orator of Brixia, na-
med Arnold, came to Rome, and boldly preached against
the corruptions and innovations which had crept into the
church. His discourses were so clear, consistent, and
breathed forth such a pure spirit of piety, that the sena-
tors, and many of the people, highly approved of, and ad-
mired his doctrines.
This so greatly enraged Adrian, that he commanded
Arnold instantly to leave the city, as a heretick. Ar-
nold, however, did not comply, for the senators and some
of tiie principal people took his part, and resisted the au-
thority of the pope.
Adrian now laid the city of Rome under an interdict,
which caused the whole body of clergy to interpose ; and,
at length, persuaded the senators and people to give up
the point, and suffer Arnold to be banished. This being
agreed to, he received his sentence of exile, and retired
to Germany, where he continued to preach against the
pope, and to expose the gross errours of the church of
Rome.
Adrian now thirsted for his blood, and made several at-
tempts to get him into his hands; but Arnold, for a long
time, avoided every snare laid for him. At length, Fre^-t
216 HISTORY or THE MARTYRS.
erick Barbarossa arriving at the imperial dignity, request*
ed that the pope would crown liim with his own hand.
This Adrian complied with, and at the same time asked
a favour of the emperour, which was, to put Arnold' into
his hands. The emperour very readily delivered up the
unfortunate preacher, who soon fell a martyr to Adrian's
vengeance, being hanged, and his body burnt to ashes, at
Apulia. The same fate attended several of his friends
and companions.
Encenas, a Spaniard, having been sent to Rome^to be
brought up in the Roman catholick faith; by conversing
with some of the reformed, and reading several treatises
which they had put into his hands, he became a protes-
tant. This being discovered, one of his own relations in-
formed against him, when he was burnt by order of the
pope, and a conclave of cardinals. The brother of En-
cenas had been taken up about the same time, for having
a New Testament, in the Spanish language, in his posses-
sion; but before the time appointed for his execution, he
found means to escape out of prison, and retired to Ger-
many.
Faninus, a learned layman, by reading controversial
books, -became of the reformed religion. An information
being exhibited against him to the pope, he was apprehcn-
<^ed, and cast into prison. His wife, children, relations,
and friends, visited him in his confinement, and so far
wrought upon his mind, that he renounced his faith, and
obtained his release. But he was no sooner free from
confinement, than his mind felt the heavy weight of a
guilty conscience. His horrours were so great, that he
found them insupportable, till he had returned from his
apostasy, and declared himself fully convinced of the
errours of the church of Rome. To make amends for
his falling off, he now openly and strenuously did all he
could to make converts to protestantism, and was success-
ful in his endeavours. These proceedings occasioned his
second imprisonment; but his life was offered him if he
would again recant. This proposal he rejected with dis-
dain, saying, " that he scorned life upon such terms." —
Being asked "why he would obstinately persist in his
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 21T
opinions, and leave his wife and children in distress ;" he
replied, "I shall not leave them in distress, I have re-
commended them to the care of an excellent trustee." —
""What trustee?'' said the person who had asked the
question, with some surprise: to which Faninus answered,
" Jesus Christ is the trustee I mean, and I think I could
not commit them to the care of a better." On the day
of execution he appeared remarkably cheerful, which
some one observing, said, " It is strange you should appear
so merry upon such an occasion, when Jesus Christ him-
self, just before his death, was in such agonies, that he
sweated blood and water." To which Faninus replied ;
" Christ sustained all manner of pangs and conflicts, with
hell and death, on our accounts; and thus, by his suffer-
ings, freed those who really believe in him from the fear of
them," He was then strangled, and his body burnt to
ashes.
Dominicus, a learned soldier, after reading several
controversial writings, became a zealous protestant, and
retired to Placentia, where he preached the gospel in its
utmost purity, to a very considerable congregation. At
the conclusion of his sermon one day, he said, "If the
congregation will attend to-morrow, I will give them a
description of Anti-Christ, and paint him out in his proper
colours."
A vast concourse of people attended the next day ; but
just as Dominicus was beginning his sermon, a civil magis-
trate went up to his pulpit, and took him mto custody. —
He readily submitted; but, as he went along with the
magistrate, made use of this expression: "I wonder the
devil hath let me alone so long." When he was brought
to examination, this question was put to him: "Will you
renounce your doctrines?" He replied; "My doctrinesl
I maintain no doctrines of my own; what I preach are
the doctrines of Christ, and for those I will forfeit my
blood, and even think myself happy to suffer for the sake
of my Redeemer." Every method was taken to make
him reca it, and embrace the errours of the church of
Rome; but when persuasions and menaces were found
19
2tS HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS,
ineffectual, he was sentenced to death, and hanged in the
market-place.
Galeacius, a protestant gentleman, whose residence was
near the castle of St. Angelo at Rome, was apprehended
on account of his faith. Great endeavours having been
used by his friends, he recanted, and subscribed to several
of the superstitious doctrines propagated by the Romish
church. Becoming, however, sensible of his errour, he
publicly renounced his recantation ; on which he was again
apprehended, and condemned to be burnt; agreeably to
this order, he was chained to a stake, where he was left
several hours before the fire was put to the fagots, in
order that his wife, relations, and friends, who surrounded
him, might induce him to give up his opinions. Galeaciusj,
however, now retained his constancy of mind, and entrea-
ted the executioner to put fire to the wood that was to
burn him. This, at length, was done, and Galeacius was
«oon consumed in the flames, which burnt with amazing
rapidity, and deprived him of sensation in a few minutes.
Soon after this gentleman's death, a great number of
protestants were put to death in various parts of Italy, on
account of their faith, giving a sure proof of their sincer-
ity in their martyrdoms.
The state of Venice having been free from the power
of the inquisition, many of the protestants fixed their res-
idence there, and many converts were made by the purity
of the doctrines they professed, induced by the inoffen-
siveness of their lives and conversation.
The pope being disturbed by the great increase of pro-
testantism, sent inquisitors in the year 1542, to Venice, to
apprehend such as they might deem obnoxious persons. —
Thus commenced a severe persecution, by which many
worthy persons were martyred for serving God with
purity, and scorning the trappings of idolatry.
Various were the modes by which the protestants were
deprived of life ; but a particular method was invented
upon this occasion: as soon as sentence was passed, the
prisoner had an iron chain, which ran through a great
stone, fastened to his body. He was then laid flat upon
a plank, with his face upwards, and rowed between two
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS* 219
boats to a certain distance at sea, when the boats separa-
ted, and he was sunk to the bottom by the weight of the
stone. This was, however, a more merciful mode of de-
struction than many we have been compelled to describe.
If any denied the jurisdiction of the inquisitors at Ve-
nice, they were sent to Rome, where, being committed
purposely to damp prisons, and never called to a hearing,
their flesh mortified, and they died miserably in their con-
finement.
A citizen of Venice, named Anthony Ricetti, being ap-
prehended as a protestant, was sentenced to be drowned
in the manner we have described. A few days previous
to the time appointed for his execution, his son went to
him, and begged him to recant, that his life might be
saved, and himself not left fatherless. To which the fa-
ther replied, "A good Christian is bound to relinquish not
only goods and children, but life itself, for the glory of his
Redeemer: therefore, I am resolved to sacrifice every
thing in this transitory v/orld, for the sake of salvation in
a world that will last to eternity." The senators of V^e-
nice likewise sent him word, that if he would embrace
the Roman catholick religion, they would not only give
liim his life, but redeem a considerable estate which he
had mortgaged, and freely present it to him. This, how-
ever, he absolutely refused to comply with, sending word
to the senators, that he valued his soul beyond all other
considerations ; and being told that a fellow-prisoner, na-
med Francis Sega, had recanted, he answered," If he has
forsaken God I pity him 5 but I shall continue steadfast in
my duty." Finding all endeavours to persuade him to
renounce his faith ineffectual, he was executed according
to his sentence, dying cheerfully, and commending his
soul fervently to the Almighty.
What Ricetti had been told concerning the apostasy
of Francis Sega was absolutely false, for he had never
offered to recant, but steadfastly persisted in his faith, and
was executed, a few days after Ricetti, in the same
manner.
Francis Spinola, a protestant gentleman of very great
Jeacning, being apjMreheaded by order of the inquisitors.
230 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS.
wiis carried before their tribunal. A treatise on the
Lord's Supper was then put into his hands, and he was
asked if he knew the author of it. To which he rephed,
•'I confess myself to be the author of it, and at the same
time solemnly affirm, that there is not a line in it but what
is authorized by, and consonant to, the holy scriptures."
On this confession he was committed close prisoner to a
dungeon for several days.
Being brought to a second examination, he charged the
pope's legate and the inquisitors with being merciless
barbarians, and then represented the superstitions and
idolatries practised by the church of Rome in so glaring
.1 light, that not being able to refute his arguments, thcj
sent him back to his dungeon, to make him repent of what
he had said.
On his third examination, they asked him if he would
not recant his errours? To which he answered, that "the
doctrines he maintained were not erroneus, being purely
the same as those which Christ and his apostles had taught,
and which were handed down to us in the sacred writings."
The inquisitors then sentenced him to be drowned, which
was executed in the manner already described. He met
death with the utmost serenity, seeming to wish for disso-
lution, and declaring, that the prolongation of this life
did but tend to retard that real happiness which could be
only expected in the world to come.
A. D. 1555, Algerius, a very learned student in the
university of Padua, having embraced the reformed re-
ligion, did all he could to convert others. For these
proceedings he was accused of heresy to the pope, and
committed to the prison at Venice, where being allowed
the use of pen, ink, and paper, he wrote to his converts,
at Padua the following celebrated epistle:
"De\r Friends: — I cannot omit this opportunity of
letting you know the sincere pleasure I feel in my confine-
ment; to suffer for Christ is delectable, indeed; to under-
go a little transitory pain in this world, for his sake, is
cheaply purchasing a reversion of eternal glory in a lif©
that is everlasting,
. " Hence, I have found honey in the carcass of a lion ; a
HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS. 221
paradise tn prison; tranquility in the house of sorrow:
where others weep I rejoice; where others tremble and
foint, I find strength and courage. The Almighty alone
confers these favours on me; be his the glory and the
praise.
" How different do I find myself from what I was before
I embraced the truth in its purity; 1 was then dark, doubt
Jul, and in dread ; I am now enlightened, certain, and full
of joy. He that was far from me is now present with me ;
he comforts my spirits, heals my griefs, strengthens my
uiind, refreshes my heart, and fortifies my soul. Learn,
therefore, how merciful and amiable the Lord is, who
supports his servants under temptations, expels their sor-
rows, lightens their afflictions, and even visits them with
his glorious presence in the gloom of a dismal dungeon.
Your sincere friend,
ALGERIUS."
The pope, informed of Algerius's great learning, and
surprising natural abilities, thought it would be of infinite
service to the church of Rome, if he could induce him to
forsake protestantism. He, therefore, sent for him to
Rome, and tried, by the most profane promises, to win
him to his purpose. But finding his endeavours ineffec-
tual, he ordered him to be burnt, which sentence was
executed accordingly.
A. D. 1559, John Alloysius, being sent from Geneva to
preach in Calabria, was there apprehended as a protestant,
carried to Rome, and burnt by order of the pope ; and
James Bovellus, for the same reason, was burnt at
Messina.
A. D. 1560, pope Pius the fourth ordered all the pro-
testants to be severely persecuted throughout the Italian
states; the consequence was, that numbers of every age,
sex, and condition, suffered martyrdom. Concerning the
cruelties practised upon this occasion, a learned and hu-
mane Roman catholick thus speaks of them, in a letter to
a noble lord: " I cannot, my lord, forbear di closing my
sentiments, with respect to ithe persecution now going on:
. I think it cruel and unnecessary : I tremble at the manner
- 19*
^122 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS.
o{ putting to death, as it resembles more the slaughter of
calves and sheep, than the execution of human beings. I
will relate to your lordship a dreadful scene, of which I
was myself an eye-Avitness: seventy protestants were
cooped up in one tiltliy dungeon together; the execution-
er went in among them, picked out one from among the
rest, blindfolded him, led him out to an open place before
the prison, and cut his throat with the greatest composure.
He then calmly walked into the prison again, bloody as
he was, and with the knife in his hand selected another,
and despatched him in the same manner; and this, my lord,
he repeated, till the whole number were put to death. I
leave it to your lordship's feelings to judge of my sensations
upon the occasion; my tears now wash the paper upon
which I give you the recital. Another thing I must
mention, the patience with which they met death: they
seemed all resignation and piety, fervently praying to God,
and cheerfully encountering their fate, I cannot reflect,
without shuddering, how the executioner held the bloody
knife between his teeth; what a dreadful figure he ap-
peared, all covered -^vith blood, and with what unconcern
ne executed his barbarous ofiice!"
A young Englishman, who happened to be at Rome,
was one day passing by a church, when the procession of
the host was just coming out. A bishop carried the host,
which the young man perceiving, he snatched it from him,
threw it upon the ground, and tramped it under his feet^
crying out, " Ye wretched idolaters, that neglect the true
God to adore a morsel of bread." This action so pro-
voked the people, that they would have torne him to pie-
ces upon the spot; but the priests persuaded them to let
him abide by the sentence of the pope.
When the transaction was represented to the pope, he
was so greatly exasperated that he ordered the prisoner
to be burnt immediately; but a cardinal dissuaded him
from this hasty sentence, saying, " it were better to punish
him by slow degrees, and to torture him, that they might
find out if he had been instigated by any particular per-
son to commit so atrocious an act."
^ This being approved, he was tortured with the most
HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS. 223
exemplary severity, notwithstanding which they could
only get these words from him, " it was the will of God
that I should do what I did."
The pope then passed this sentence upon him:
1. Tliat he should be led by the executioner, naked to
the middle through the streets of Rome.
2. That he should wear the image of the devil upon
his head.
3. That his breeches should be painted with the repre-
sentation of flames.
4. That he should have his right hand cut off.
5. That after having been carried about thus in pro-
cession, he should be burnt.
When he heard his sentence pronounced, he implored
God to give him strength and fortitude to go through it.
As he passed through the streets he was greatly derided
by the people, to whom he said some severe things ve^
pecting the Romish superstition. But a cardinal, who
attended the procession, over-hearing him, ordered him
to be gagged.
When he came to the church door, where he trampled
on the host, the hangman cut off his right hand, and fixed
it on a pole. Then two tormentors, with flaming torches,
scorched and burnt his flesh all the rest of the way. At
the place of execution he kissed the chains that were to
bind him to the stake. A monk presenting the figure of
a saint to him, he struck it aside, and then being chained
to the stake, fire was put to the fagots, and he was soon
consumed to ashes.
Soon after the last-mentioned execution, a venerable
old man, who had long been a prisoner in the inquisition,
was condemned to be burnt, and brought out for execu-
tion. When he was fastened to the stake a priest held a
crucifix to him, on which he said, "If you do not take
that idol from my sight, you will constrain me ^o spit
upon it." The priest rebuked him for this with great
severity; but he bade him remember the first and second
commandments, and refrain from idolatry, as God himself
commanded. He was then gagged, that he should not
speak any more, and fire being put to the fagots, he suf-
fered martvrdom in the flames.
i24 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
CHAP. II.
PERSECUTIONS IN THE VALTOLINE.
This tine district composed part of the possessions of
the Grison lords, who, as petty sovereigns, had granted
several decrees in favour of tlie protestants. The papists,
however, of the Valtoline, hore them great maUce, which
first appeared pubUckly at the village of Tell, where they
broke into a protestant congregation whilst the minister
was preaching, and murdered several of the people.
They afterwards surrounded the village, and guarded
all the avenues: then parading the streets, they immedi-
ately shot every protestant they met. Many that were
sick were strangled in their beds; others had their brains
beat out with clubs; and several were drowned in the
river Alba.
Among others, a nobleman^, who had hid himself behind
some bushes in the river, being discovered, implored their
pity on account of his family, having a great number of
children. The papists, however, told him, that this was
no time for mercy, unless he would renounce his faith.
To which he replied, " God forbid, that to save this tem-
porary life, I should deny my Redeemer, and perish eter-
nally." These words were scarcely out of his mouth,^
than they cut him to pieces.
They broke into the house of the chief magistrate of
the village, who was a protestant, and murdered him and
his family. Women and girls they detiled, and put them
to death by various means, viz.
Hanging, broiling, ripping open, -cutting the throat,
worrying with dogs, worrying by fastening cats to several
parts of the body, drowning, frying in a dry pan, stabbing,
beheading, stoning, boiling in oil, pouring hot lead down
the throat, racking, &c. &c.
In short, in Tell and its neighbourhood, there only es-
caped, with their lives, three persons, who providentially
passed the Alps.
The papists, having thus exterminated the protestants
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 225
at Tell, now marched in triumph to a town at some miles
distance, and persuading the popish inhabitants to join
them, they determined to repeat the same bloody tragedy.
Being informed by two friars, that a protestant congrega-
tion was then assembled in the town, they went to the
place, surrounded it, siiot many through the windows,
knocked others on the head who attempted to run out,
and then setting the town on fire, burnt the rest.
After thus destroying those who had met together to
serve God, they visited the private houses of protestants,
and having murdered all they could find, proceeded with
drums beating, and colours flying, to the town of Sondres.
On their approach, the papists of the town pretended
they did not approve of the proceedings of those who
were coming: and, therefore, if the protestants thought
proper to put confidence in them^ they would guard them
from" the impending danger. Most of the protestants in-
discreetly believed them, and the papists arming them-
selves, surrounded the intended victims, under the pretence
of protecting them; but no sooner did their bloody breth-
ren appear, than they treacherously murdered those whom
they had promised to defend. However, eighteen men,
who suspected the sinister designs of the Roman catholicks,
had well armed themselves, and taking their wives and
children with them, they determined to attempt an escape.
They marched with great regularity, and were frequently
attacked by the papists, but they repulsed them with
great bravery, and kept in so compact a body, that the
papists could not break them. They proceeded in this
manner till they came to a church, where they found
seventy-three men armed, who were all protestants. This
body they joined, and both proceeded together through
the valley of Malone, where the papists made several un-
successful attacks upon them; for, by the providence of
God, they passed the Alps, and arrived in places of safety.
The property of those who were murdered, or made
their escape, became the plunder of the papists who had
committed these cruelties; and they paid themselves for
their inhumanity, by stealing th^ effects of those they
had destroyed.
226 HISTORY OP THE MAHTYHS.
In another place they seized a lady of very considerable
fortune, and of the most eminent virtues, telling her, they
insisted upon her renouncing her religion: this she abso-
iutely refused to do, when one of the papists said, "If you
won't recant for your own sake, do it for the sake of the
child you hold in your arms ; or else both yourself, and
that too, shall be put to death." The lady, remaining
inflexible, was hewn to pieces ; but the child being remark*
ably pretty, they changed their resolution, and instead
of killing it, put it to a popish nurse.
In a little town, from which the men had made their
escape, a number of protestant women were seized, and
taken to the top of a high precipice, when they were told
that their only alternative was to be hurled down, or go to
mass. One woman, through fear, consented ; but the rest
retained their resolution, when the papists suddenly pushed
them all down the cragged rocks, saying to her that con-
«Jented, " As we know you are not sincere, you shall go with
the rest."
Dominico Berto, a protestant youth aged only sixteen,
was set upon an ass with his fece to the tail, and the tail
in his hand for a bridle. In this manner he was led round
the town for the derision of the populace ^ when being
taken to the market-place, they cut off his nose and ears,
bored holes in his cheeks, and scarified his body with red-
hot pincers ; so that he expired under the excess of his
torments.
Theophilus Messina was shot with a musket-ball, but
the wound not proving mortal, they GiTetch«d open bia
mouth, filled it with gunpowder, and setting fire to it,
blew his head to pieces I
The papists stripped s(?veral of their victims naked,
gave them many wounds, carried them into the woods,
and there left them to perish. They threw many into the
Adda, from the bridges over that river; some had their
mouths slit to their ears, and numbers had slices of their
flesh cut off till they expired.
A noble protestant lady was seized, and carried almost
naked through the streets, with a paper mitre upon her
head, and her face besmeared with dirt. A priest struck
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 225^
her on the cheek, and said, " why don't you implore the
mercy of the saints?'' to which she replied, ** my trust and
salvation is in Jesus Christ only; 'tis not the saints, nor tiie
Virgin Mary, but my Redeemer alone that can save me."
Exasperated at this speech, they carried her into the iields,
and stoned her to death.
The pope sent a letter to these bloody papists of the
Valtoline, approving of their conduct in what they had
done, and recommending them not to leave a protestant
alive, if they could possibly help it. This gave the ruffians
new spirits, and redoubled their ardour for blood: they
sought their prey with the greatest avidity, killing the
protestants in the streets, murdering them in their houses,
and hunting them in the woods; or^i f they fied to caves
for shelter, shutting up the moutBH|f the caves till they
were famished. By these means, they totally extermina-
ted the protestants from the towns and villages of Tell,
Bruse, Malenco, Caspano, Tyrane, Sondres, Berbenno,
and Trahen.
Patience under sufferings, and perseverance in the faith,
are the true signs of pure religion: these poor persecuted
protestants met their martyrdoms with fortitude; con-
scious, that for. the barbarities they underwent here, a
glorious reward was reserved for them, in a life which
should last to eternity.
CHAP. III.
PERSECUTIONS IN THE VALLIES OF PIEDMONT, DURING THE
SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.
Pope Clement the Eighth, sent missionaries into the
rallies of Piedmont, to induce the protestants to renounce
their religion ; and these missionaries having erected mon-
asteries in several parts of the vallies, became exceeding-
ly troublesome to those of the reformed religion, where
the monasteries appeared not only as fortresses to curb,
but as sanctuaries for all such to fly to, as had any ways
injured them.
228 HISTORY OP THE MARTVRS.
The protestants petitioned the Duke of ^avoy against
these -missionaries, whose insolence and ill usage were
become intolerable; but instead of getting any redress,
the interest of the missionaries so far prevailed that the
duke published a decree, in which he declared, " that one
witness should be sufficient in a court of law against a
protestant; and that any witness, who convicted a pro-
testant of any crime whatever, should be entitled to a
hundred crowns."
It may be easily imagined, upon the publication of a
dewee of this nature, that many protestants fell martyrs
to perjury and avarice; for the papists would swear any
thing against the protestants for the sake of the reward,
and then fly to their own priests for absolution from their
false oaths. If anyjttlman catholick, of more conscience
than the rest, blamed these fellows for their atrocious
crimes, they themselves were in danger of being informed
against, and punished as favourers of hereticks.
The missionaries did all they could to get the books of
the protestants into their power, in order to burn them ;
when the protestants, doing their utmost endeavours to
conceal their books, the missionaries wrote to the duke
of Savoy, who, for the heinous crime of not surrendering
their bibles, prayer-books, and religious treatises, sent a
number of troops to be quartered on them. These mili-
tary gentry did great mischief in the houses of the pro-
testants, and destroyed such quantities of provisions, that
many families were ruined.
To encourage, as much as possible, the apostasy of the
protestants, the duke of Savoy published a proclamation,
wherein it was declared, that, " To encourage the here-
ticks to turn catholicks, it is our will and pleasure, and
we do hereby expressly command, that all such as
shall embrace the holy Roman faith, shall enjoy an exemp-
tion from all and every tax for the space oif five years,
commencing from the day of their conversion.'' The
duke of Savoy likewise established a court, called, "The
council for extirpating the hereticks." This court was
to enter into enquiries concerniTig the ancient privileges
of the protestant churches, and the decrees which had
HISTORY OF THE 3IARTYRS. ^!JJ9
been, irom time to time, made in favour of the protestants.
But the investigation of these cases was carried on with
the most manifest partiality; old charters were wrested to
a wrong sense, and sophistry was used to pervert the mean-
ing of every thing which tended to favour the reform.
As if these severities were not sufficient, the duke, soon
after, published another edict, in which he strictly com-
manded, "that no protestant should act as a school-nriaster,
or tutor, either in publick or private, or dare to teach any
art, science, or language, directly or indirectly, to persons
of any persuasion whatever."
This edict was immediately followed by another, which
decreed, "that no protestant should hold any place of pro-
fit, trust, or honour;" and to wind up the whole, the cer-
tain token of an approaching persecution came forth in a
final edict, by which it was positively ordered, "that all
protestants should diligently attend mass."
The pubhcation of an edict, containing such an injunc-
tion, may be compared to unfurling the bloody flag; for
murder and rapine were certain to follow. One of the
first objects that attracted the notice of the papists was
Mr. Sebastian Basan, a zealous protestant, who was seiz-
ed by the missionaries, confined, tormented for fifteen
months, and then burnt.
Previous to the persecution, the missionaries employed
kidnappers to steal away the children of the protestants,
that they might privately be brought up Roman catholicks;
but now they took away the children by open force, and
if they met with any resistance, murdered the parents.
To give greater vigour to the persecution, the Duke of
Savoy called a general assembly of the Roman caiholick
nobility and gentry, when a solemn edict was published
against the reformed, containing many heads, and includ-
ing several reasons for extirpating the protestants ; among
Kf^hich were the following:^ —
^^ 1. For the preservation of the papal authority.
"2. That the church livings may be all under one
mode of government.
" 3. To make an union among all parties.
20
230 HISTORY OF THE MAllTVliS.
** 4. In honour of all the saints, and of the ceremonies
pf the church of Rome."
This severe edict was followed by a most cruel Qrdcr,
published on January 25, A. D. 1G55, under the duke's
sanction, by Andrew Gastaldo, doctor of civil laws. This
order set forth, " that every head of a family, with the indi-
viduals of that family, of the reformed religion, of what
rank, degree, or condition soever, none excepted, should,
within three days after the publication thereof, depart,
and be withdrawn out of the country.
" And all this to be done on pain of death, and confis-
cation of house and goods, unless within the limited time
they turn Roman catholicks."
A flight with such speed, in the midst of winter, must
be a dreadful task, especially in a country almost surroun-
ded by mountains. The sudden order affected all, and
what would have been scarcely noticed at another time,
now appeared in the most conspicuous light.
The papists, however, drove the people from their hab-
itations at the time appointed, ^thout even suffering
them to have sufficient clothes v. cover them; and many
perished in the mountains through the severity of the
weather, and for want of food. Many who remained
behind after the decree was published, met with the se-
verest treatment, being murdered by the popish inhabi-
tants, or shot by the troops quartered in the valhes. A
particular description of these cruelties is given in a
letter, written by a protestant upon the spot, and who
happily escaped the carnage. "The army," says he,
"having got footing, became very numerous, by the addi-
tion of a multitude of the neighbouring popish inhabitants,
who finding we were the destined prey of the plunderers,
fell upon us with an impetuous fury. Exclusive of the
duke of Savoy's troops, and the popish inhabitants, there
were several regiments of French auxiliaries, some com-
panies belonging to the Irish brigades, and several bands
formed of outlaws, smugglers, and prisoners, who had been
promised pardon and hberty in this world, and absolution
in the next, for assisting to exterminate the protestants
from Piedmont.
I *^ This armed multitude being encouraged by the Rp^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 231
man catholick bishops and monks, fell upon the protestants
in a most furious manner. Nothing now was to be seen
but the face of horrour and despair; blood stained the
floors of the houses, dead bodies besti:ewed the streets,
groans and cries were heard from all parts. Some armed
themselves, and skirmished with the troops ; and many,
with their families, fled to the mountains. In one village
they cruelly tormented one hundred and fifty women and
children after the men were fled, beheading the women,
and dashing out the brains of the children. In the towns
o{ Villa ro and Bobbio, most of those that refused to go to
mass, who were upwards of fifteen years of age, they cru*
cified with their heads downwards ; and the greater num-
ber of those who were under that age were strangled."
Sarah Rastignole Des Vignes, a woman of sixty years
of age, being seized by some soldiers, was. ordered to pray
to saints; which she refusing, they thrust a sickle into her
bowels, ripped her up, and then cut off her head.
Martha Constantine, a handsome young woman, was
treated with great indecency and cruelty by several of the
troops, who killed her, by cutting off her breasts. These
they fried, and set before some of their comrades, who ate
them without knowing what they were. When they had
done eating, the others told them what they had made a
meal of, in consequence of which a quarrel ensued, swords
were drawn, and a battle took place. Several were kil-
led in the fray, the greater part of whom were those con-
cerned in the horrid massacre of the woman, and who had
practised such an inhuman deception on their companions.
Some of the soldiers seized a man at Thrassiniere, and
ran the points of their swords through his ears and through
his feet They then tore off the nails of his fingers and
toes with red-hot pincers, tied him to the tail of an ass,
and dragged him about the streets; and, finally, fastened
a cord round his head, which they twisted with a stick in
so violent a manner as to wring it from his body.
Peter Simons, a protestant, about eighty years of age,
\Vas tied neck and heels, and thrown down a precipice.
In the fall the branch of a tree caught hold of the ropes
that fastened him, and suspended him in the mid-way, so
^i3'2 HISTORY OF THE MAllTVfeS.
that he languished for several days, and at length misera^
blj perished ol' hunger.
Esay Garcino, refusing to renounce bis religion, was cu^
into small pieces ; the soldiers, in ridicule, saying, the y
had minced him. A ^yoman, named Armaud, had every
limb seperated from each other, and then the respective
parts hung upon a hedge. Two old women were ripped
open, and left in the tieids upon the snow, where they per-
ished 5 and another aged matron, who was deformed, had
her nose and hands cut off, and was left to bleed to death,
A great number of men, women, and children, were
fltmg from the rocks, and dashed to pieces. Magdalen
Bertino, a protestant v/oman of La Torre, was stripped
naked, her head tied between her legs, and thrown down
one of the precipices \ and Mary Raymondet, of the same
town, had her flesh sliced from her bones till she expired.
An inhabitant of. La Torre, named Giovanni Andrea
Michialin, was apprehended, with four of his children;
three of them were hacked to pieces before him, the sol-
diers asking him, at the death of every child, " if he would
renounce his religion?" which he constantly refused. One
of the soldiers then took up the last and youngest by the
legs, and putting the same question to the father, he re-
plied as before, when the inhuman brute dashed out the
child's brains. Th« father, however, at the same moment
started from them, and fled: the soldiers fired afterhim,
but missed him; and he, by the swiftness of his flight es-
caped, and hid himself in the Alps.
Giovanni Pelanchion, for refusing to turn papist, was
tied by one leg to the tail of a mule, and dragged through
the streets of Lucerne, amidst the acclamations of an in-
human mob, who kept stoning him, and crying out, "he is
possessed with the devil, so that neither stoning, nor drag-
ging him through the streets, will kill him, for the devil
keeps him alive." They then took him to the river side,
chopped off his head, and left that and his body unburied,
upon the bank of the stream.
Magdalen, the daughter of Peter Fontaine, a beautiful
child of ten years of age, was ravished and murdered by
i}iQ soldiers. Another girl, of about the same age, they
,1
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 23S
roasted alive at Villa A'ova; and a poor woman, hearing the
soldiers were coming towards her house, snatched up the
cradle in which her infant son was asleep, and fled towards
the woods. The soldiers, however, saw and pursued her,
when she lightened herself bj putting down the cradle
and child, which the soldiers no sooner came to, than they
murdered the infant, and continuing the pursuit, found the
mother in a cave, where they first ravished, and then cut
her to pieces.
Jacopo Michelino, chief elder of the church of Bobbio,
and several other protestants, were hung up by hooks fix-
ed in their bodies, and left to expire in the most excrucia-
ting tortures.
Giovanni Rostagnal, a venerable protestant, upwards of
fourscore years of age, had his nose and ears cut off, and
slices cut from the fleshy parts of his body till he bled to
death.
Seven persons; Daniel Saleagio and his wife, Giovan-
ni Durant, Lodwick Durant, Bartholomew Durant, Daniel
Revel, and Paul Reynaud, had their mouths stuffed with
gunpowder, which being fired, their heads were blown to
pieces.
Jacob Dirone, a school-master of Rorata, for refusing to
change his religion, had the nails of his toes and fingers
torn off with red-hot pincers, and holes bored through his
hands with the point of a dagger. He then had a cord
tied round his middle, and w^as led through the streets
with a soldier on each side of him. At every turning, the
soldier on his right-hand side cut a gash in his flesh, and
the soldier on his left-hand side struck him with a blud-
geon, both saying, at the same instant, "will you go to
mass? Will you go to mass?" He still replying in the
negative, he was at length taken to the bridge, w here they
cut off his head on the balustrades, and threw both that
and his body into the river.
Paul Gamier, a very pious protestant, had his eyes put
out, was then flayed alive, and being divided into four parts,
his quarters were placed on four of the principal houses
of Lucerne. He bore all his sufferings with the most ex-
emplary patience, praised God as long as he could speak^
-334 HISTORV O? THE MARTYRS
and plainly evinced what contiderice and resignations
good conscience can inspire.
Daniel Cardon, of Rocappiata, was seized by some sol-
diers, who cut his head off, and having fried his brains,
ate them. Two poor old blind women, of St. Giovanni,
were burnt alive; and a widow of La Torre, with her
daughter, were driven into the river, and stoned to death.
Paul Giles, on attempting to run away from some sol-
diers, was shot in the neck: they then slit his nose, sliced
his chin, stabbed him, and gave his carcass to the dogs.
Some of the Irish troops having taken eleven men of
Garcigliana prisoners, they made a furnace red-hot, and
forced them to push each other in till they came to the
last man, whom they pushed in themselves.
Michael Gonet, a man of ninety, was burnt to death j
Bapj;ista Oudri, another old man, was stabbed ; and Bar-
tholomew Frasche had holes made in his heels, through
ivhich ropes being put, he was dragged by them to the
gaol, vrhere his wounds mortified, and killed him,
Magdalene De La Peire, was thrown down a precipice
by the soldiers, and dashed to pieces. Margaret Revella,
and Mary Pravillerin, two very old women, were burnt
alive; and Michael Bellino, with Ann Bochardino, were
beheaded.
The son and daughter of a counsellor of Giovanni were
rolled down a steep hill together, and suffered to perish in
a deep pit at the bottom, A tradesman's family, viz. him-
self, his wife, and an infant in arms, were cast from a rock,
and dashed to pieces; and Joseph Chairet and Paul Car-
nie^'o were flayed alive.
Cypriania Bustia, being asked if he would renounce his
religion, and turn Roman catholick, replied, " I would ra-
ther renounce life, or turn dog:" to which a priest answer-
ed, "for that expression you shall both renounce life, and
be given to the dogs." They, accordingly, dragged him
to prison, where he continued a considerable time without
food, till he was famished ; they then threw his corpse in-
to the street before the prison, and it was devoured by
dogs in a most shocking manner.
Margaret Saretta, was stoned to death and thrown into
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. '235
the river; AntoLio bertina had his head cleft asunder;
and Joseph Pont was cut through the middle oi His body.
Daniel Maria, and liis whole family, being ill of a fever,
several papist ruflians broke into his house, telhng him
they were practical physiciar s, and would give them all
present ease, which they did, by knocking the whole fami-
ly on the head.
Three mfant children of a protestant, named Peter Fine,
were covered witii s: ow, and stifled; an elderly widow,
named Juditli, was beheaded; and a beautiful young wo-
ma was stripped naked, and a stake driven through her
boJy, of whicli she expired.
i^'rancis Gros, the son of a clergyman, bad his flesh slow-
ly cut from his body into small pieces, and put into a dish
before him: two of his children were minced before his
sig'U; and his wife fastened to a post, that she might be-
hold all these cruelties practised on her husband ard off
spring. Tiie tormentors, at length, tired of exercisir.g
their cruelties, cut off the heads of both husbard and v ife^
and then gave the flesh of the whole family to the dogs.
The Sieur Thomas Marcher, fled to a cave^ when the
soldiers shut up the mouth, and he perished v/ith famii-eo
Judith Ravelin, with seven children, were barbarously
murdered in their beds; and a widow, of nearly fourscore
years of age, was hewn to pieces by the soldiers. *
Jacob Roseno was ordered to pray to the saints, which
lie absolutely refused to do: some of the soldiers beat him
violently with bludgeons to maj^e him comply, but he still
refusing, several of them fired at him, and lodged a great
many balls in his body. As he was almost expiring, they
cried to him, "wiH,you call upon the saints? Will you
pray to the saints?" To which he answered, "No! no!
no!" when one of the soldiers, with a broad-sword, clave
liis head asunder, and put an end to bis sufferings.
A soldier, attempting to ruin a beautiful young woman,
named Susannah Giacquin, she made strong resistance,
and in the struggle pushed him over a precipice, when he
was dashed to pieces by the fail. His comrades, instead
of admiring the virtue of tlie young woman, and applaud-
ing her for so nobly defending her chastity, with their
swords cut her to pieces.
236 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS,
Giovanni Pullius, a poor peasant of La Torre, was or-
dered, bj the iSiarquis of ji'ionossa, to be executed in a
place near the convent. >V iien he canie to the gallows,
several Monks attended, and tried to persuade hinn to re-
nounce his religion. iJut he told them, he never would
embrace idolatry, and that he was happy in being thought
worthy to sutfer for the name of Christ. They then put
him in mind of what his wife and children, who depended
upon his labour, would suffer after his decease: to which
he replied, "I would have my wife and children, as well
as myself, to consider their souls more than their bodies,
and the liext world before this: and with respect to the
distress I may leave them in, God is merciful, and will pro-
vide for them while tiiey are worthy of his protection."
Finding the inflexibility of this poor man, the monks cried,
"turn him off, turn him off:" which the executioner did
almost immediately, and the body being afterwards cut
down, was flung into the river.
Paul Clement, an elder of the church of Rossana, being
apprehended by the monks of a neighbouring monastery,
was carried to the market-place of that town, where some
protestants having just been executed by the soldiers, he
was shown the dead bodies, in order that the sight might
intimidate him. On beholding the shocking objects, he
said calmly, "you may kill the body, but you cannot pre-
judice the soul of a true believer; but, with respect to the
dreadful spectacles which you have here shown me, you
may rest assured, that God's vengeance will overtake the
murderers of these poor people, and punish them for the
innocent blood they have spilt." Th.e monks were so ex-
asperated at this reply, that they ordered him to be hung
up directly; and while he was hanging, the soldiers amus-
ed themselves in standing at a distance, and shooting at
the body as at a mark.
Daniel Rambaut, of Villaro, the father of a numerous
family, was apprehended, and, with several others, com-
mitted to prison, in the gaol of Paysana. Here he was
visited by several priests, who, with continual importuni-
iies, endeavoured to persuade him to renounce the protes-
itant religion, and turn papist; but this he peremptorily
HISTORY OF THE >iAi:'i i 2tg, 237
refused, and the priests finding bis resolution, pretended
to pity his numerous family, and told him, that he might
yet save his life, if he would.subscribe to the belief of the
following articles:
" 1 , The real presence in the host.
"2. Transubstantiation.
*'3. Purgatory.
"4. The pope's infallibility.
" 5. That masses said for the dead will release souls
from purgatory.
"6. That praying to saints will proT;ure the remissioB
of sins."
M. Rambaut told the priests, that "neither his religion,
his understanding, or his conscience, would suffer him to
subscribe to any of the articles, for the following reasons:
"1. That tobeheve the real presence in the host, is a
shocking union of both blasphemy and idolatry,
"2. That to fancy the words of consecration performs
what the papists call transubstantiation, by converting the
wafer and wine into the real and identical body and blood
of Christ, which was crucified, and which afterwards as-
cended into heaven, is too gross an absurdity for even a
child to believe, who was come to the least glimmering of
reason ; and that nothing but the most blind superstition
could make the Roman catholicks put a confidence in any
thing so completely ridiculous.
'^3. That the doctrine of purgatory Wcis more incon-
sistent and absurd than a fairy tale.
"4. That the pope's being infallible was an impossi-
bility, and the pope arrogantly laid claim to what could
belong to God only, as a perfect being.
"5. That saying masses for the dead was ridiculous,
and only meant to keep up a belief in the fable of purga-
tory, as the fate of all is finally decided, on the departure
of the soul from the body.
"6. That praying to saints for the remission of sins, is
misplacing adoration ; as the saints themselves have occa-
sion for an intercessor in Christ. Therefore, as God only
can pardon our errours, we ought to sue to him alone for
oardon.'*
^238 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
The priests were so highly offended at M. Rambaut's
answers to the articles to which they would have had him
subscribe, that they determined to shake his resolution by
the most cruel method imaginable: they ordered one joint
of his fingers to be cut off every day, till all his fingers
were gone: they then proceeded in the same manner with
his toes 5 afterwards they alternately cut off daily a hand
and a foot ; but finding that he bore his sufferings with
the most admirable patience, increased both in fortitude
and resignation, and maintained his iaith with steadfast re-
solution, and unshaken constancy, they stabbed him to the
heart, and then gave his body to be devoured by dogs.
Peter Gabriola, a protestant gentleman of considerable
eminence, was seized by a troop of soldiers ; and refusing
to renounce his religion, they hung a great number of little
bags of gunpowder about his body, and then setting fire
to them blew him up.
Anthony, the son of Samuel Catieris, a poor and ex-
tremely inoffensive dumb lad, was cut to pieces by a par-
ty of* the troops; and soon after the same ruffians entered
the house of Peter Moniriat, and cut off the legs of the
whole family, leaving them to bleed to death, as they were
unable to assist themselves, or to help each other,
Daniel Benech had his nose slit, his ears cut off, and
was then divided into quarters, each quarter being hung
upon a tree ; and Mary Monino had her jaw-bones broke,
and was then left to languish till she was famished.
Mary Pelanchion, a handsome widow, belonging to the
town of Villaro, was seized by a party of the Irish brigades,
who having beat her cruelly, and defiled her, dragged her
to a high bridge which crossed the river, hung her by the
legs to the bridge, with her head downwards towards the
water, and then going into boats, they firjed at her till she
expired.
Mary Nigrino, and her daughter, an idiot, were cut to
pieces in the woods, and their bodies left to be devoured
by wild beasts: Susanna Bales, a widow of Villaro, was
immured till she perished through hunger; and Susanna
Calvio running away from some soldiers, and hiding her*
self in a barn, they set fire to. the straw and burnt her,
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. !239
Paul Armand was hacked to pieces; a child named Dan-
iel Bertino urts burnt; Daniel Michialino had his tongue
plucked out, and was left to perish in that ccndition; and
Andrea Bertino, a very old man, who was lame, was man-
gled in a most shocking manner, and at length had his bo-
dy ripped open, and his bowels carried about on the point
of a halberd,
Constantia Belhone, a protestant lady, being apprehend-
ed on account of her faith, was asked by a priest if she
would renounce the devil and go to mass ; to which she
replied, "I was brought up in a rehgion, by which I was
always taught to renounce the devil, but should I comply
with your desire, and go to mass, I should be sure to meet
him there in a variety of shapes." The priest was high-
ly incensed at what she said, and told her to recant, or she
should suffer cruelly.. The lady, however, boldly answer-
ed, that she valued not any sufferings he could inflict, and
in spite of all the torments he could invent, she would
keep her conscience pure and her feith inviolate. The
priest then ordered slices of her flesh to be cut off from
several parts of her body, which cruelty she bore with the
most singular patience, only saying to the priest, "what
horrid and lasting torments will you suffer in hell, for the
trifling and temporary pains which I now endure." Ex-
asperated at this expression, and willing to stop her tongue,
the priest orded a file of musketeers to draw up and fire
upon her, by which she was soon despatched, and sealed
her martyrdom with her blood.
A young woman, named Judith Mandon, for refusing to
change her religion and embrace popery, was fastened to
a stake, and clubs thrown at her from a distance. By this
inhuman proceeding, the poor creature's limbs were beat
and mangled in a terrible manner, and her brains were at
last dashed out by one of the bludgeons.
David Paglia and Paul Genre, attempting to escape to
the Alps, with each his son, were pursued and overta-
ken by the soldiers in a large plain. Here they hunted
them for their diversion, goading them with their swords,
and making thtem run about till they dropped down with
fatigue. When they found that their spirits were quite
240 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
exhausted, and that they could not aiford ihein auy more
barbarous sport, by runnhig, ttic soldiers hacked tiicm to
pieces, and left their mangled bodies o i the spot.
A young man of Bobbie, named Michael G.reve, was
apprehended in the town of La Torre, and being led to
the bridge, was thrown into the river. As he could swim
well, he swam down the stream, thinking to escape, but
the soldiers and mob followed on both sides the river, kept
stoning him, till receiving a blow on one of his temples,
he was stunned, consequently sunk, and was drowned.
David Armand was ordered to lay his head down on a
block, when a soldier, with a large hammer, beat out his
brains. David Baridona being apprehended at Villaro,
was carried to La Torre, where refusing to renounce his
religion, he was tormented by means of brimstone matches
tied between his fingers and toes, and set on fire ; and af-
wards, by having his flesh plucked off with red-hot pin-
cers, he exoired;" and Giovanni Barolina, with his wife,
were thrown into a pool of stagnant water, and, by means
of pitch-forks and stones, there heads were forced under
the water till they were suffocated.
A party of soldiers went to the house of Joseph Gar-
niero, and before ^they entered, fired in at the window, to
give notice of their approach. A musket ball entered
one of Mrs. Garniero's breasts, as she was suckling an
infant with the other. On finding their intentions, she
begged hard that they would spare the life of the infant,
which they promised to do, and sent it immediately to a
Roman catholick nurse. They then took the husband and
hanged him at his own door, and having shot the wife
through the head, they left her body weltering in its
blood, and her husband hanging on the gallows.
Isaiah Mondon, an elderly man, and a pious protestant,
fled from the merciless persecutors to a cleft in a rock,
where he suffered the most dreadful hardships; for, in
the midst of the winter, he was forced to lay on the bare
stone, without any covering; his food was the roots he
could scratch up near his miserable habitation; and the
only way by which he could procure drink, was to put
snow in his mouth till it melted. In this dreadful retire
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. ^4l
ment some of the inhuman soldiers found him, and after
having beaten him unmercifully, they drove him towards
Lucerne, goading him with the points of their swords. —
Being exceedingly weakened by his manner of living, and
his spirits exhausted by the blows he had received, he fell
down in the road. They again beat him to make him
proceed ; when, on his knees, he implored them to put him
out of his misery, by despatching him. This they, .' l
last, agreed to do; and one of them stepping up to him,
shot him through the head with a pistol, saying, ''There,
heretick, take thy request." i
Mary Revel, a worthy protestant, received a shot in
her back, as she was w alking along the street. She
dropped down with the wound, but/ecovering sufficient
strength, she raised herself upon her knees, and lifting
iier hands tow^ards heaven, prayed, in a most fervent
manner, to the Almighty; when a number of soldiers,
who were near at hand, lired a wht)le volley of shot at
her, man}' of which took place, and put an end to her
miseries in an instant.
Several men, women, and children, secreted themselves
in a large cave, where they continued, for some weeks, in
safety. It was the custom for two of the men to go when
it vTds necessary, and, by stealth, to procure provisions.-—
These were, however, one day watched, by which the cave
was discovered, and, soon after, a troop of Roman catho-
licks appeared before it. The papists w^ho assembled
upon this occasion were neighbours, and intimate acquain-
tances of the poor protestants in the cave ; and some of
them were even related to each other. The protestants,
therefore, came out, and implored them, by the ties of hos-
pitality, by the ties of blood, and as old acquaintances
and neighbours, not to murder them. But superstition
overcame every sensation of nature and humanity; so
that the papists, blinded by bigotry, told them, they could
not show any mercy to hereticks, and, therefore, bade
them all prepare to die. Hearing this, and knowing the
fatal obstinacy of the Roman cathoiicks, the protestants
fell prostrate, lifted their hands and hearts to heaven,
prayed with great sincerity and fervency, and then bow-
'21
M2 HISTORY OF THE MAllTYRS.
Ing down, put their faces close to the ground, and patient-
ly awaited their fate, which was soon decided, for the pa-
pists fell upon them with unremitting fury, and having cut
them to pieces, they left the mangled bodies and Hmbs in
the cave.
Giovanni Salvagiot, passing by a Roman catholick
church, and not taking otf his hat, was followed by some
of the congregation, who fell upon, and murdered him ;
and Jacob Barrel and his wife, having been taken priso-
ners by the count De St. Secondo, one of the duke of
Savoy's officers, was delivered by them to the soldiery,
who cut off the woman's breasts and the man's nose, and
then shot both through the head.
Anthony Guiguo, a protestant, of a wavering disposi-
tion, went to Periero, with an intent to renounce his re-
ligion, and embrace popery. This design he communica-
ted to some priests, who highly commended it, and a day
Tvas fixed upon for his public recantation. In the mean
time, Anthony grew fully sensible of his perfidy, and his
conscience tormented him so much, night and day, that he
determined not to recant, but to make his escape. This
he effected, but being soon missed and pursued, he was
taken. The troops on the way did all they could to bring
him back to his design of recantation ; but finding their
endeavours ineffectual, they beat him violently on the
road, when coming near a precipice, he took an opportu-
nity of leaping down, and was dashed to pieces.
A protestant gentleman, of considerable fortune, at
Bobbio, being highly provoked by the insolence of a priest,
retorted with great severity; and, among other things,
said, that " the pope was Anti-Christ, mass idolatry, pur-
gatory a farce, and absolution a cheat." To be revenged,
the priest hired five desperate ruffians, who, the same
evening, broke into the gentleman's house, and seized
upon him in a violent manner. The gentleman was terri-
bly affrighted, fell on his knees, and implored mercy ; but
the desperate ruffians despatched him without the least
remorse.
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 243*
CHAP. IV. "^
PERSECUTIONS IN GERMANY.
The general persecutions in Germany were principally
occasioned by the doctrines and ministry of Martin Lu-
ther. The pope was so terrified at the success of that
courageous reformer, that he determined to engage the
entiperour, Charles the Fifth, at any rate, to attempt the
extirpation of the protestants.
To this end he gave the emperour two hundred thou-
sand crowns in ready money. He promised to maintain
twelve thousand foot, and five thousand horse, for the
space of six months, or during a campaign. He allowed
the emperour to receive one half of the revenues of the
clergy of the empire during the war, and permitted the
emperour to pledge the abby-lands for five hundred thou-
sand crowns, to assist in carrying on hostilities against the
protestants.
Thus prompted and supported, the emperour under-
took the extirpation of the protestants, against whom,
indeed, he was particularly enraged himself; and raised
a formidable army in Germany, Spain, and Italy.
The protestant princes, in the mean time, formed a
powerful confederacy, in order to repel the impending
blow. A great army was raised, and the command given
to the Elector of Saxony and the Landgrave of Hesse.
The imperial forces were commanded by the Emperour
of Germany in person, and the eyes of all Europe were
turned on the event of the war.
The armies met, and a desperate engagement ensued,
in which the protestants were defeated, and the Elector
of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse both taken prisoners.
This fatal blow was succeeded by a horrid persecution,
the severities of which were such that exile might be
deemed a mild fate, and concealment in a dismal wood
pass for happiness; a cave might be considered a palace,
a rock a bed of down, and wild roo^s delicacies.
The fugitives who were taken experienced the most
244 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
cruel tortures fbaf infernal imaginations could inrent; buf
they evkiCcid, by their constancy, that a real christian can
surmount every difficulty, and despise every danger, to
acquire a crown of martyrdom.
Henry Voes and John Esch, apprehended as protestants,
were brought to examination; when Voes, answering for
himself and the other, gave the following answers to
questions asked by a priest, who examined them by order
cf the magistracy: —
Priest, " Were you not both, some years ago, Agus-
tine friars?"
Voes, " Yes."
Priest, " How came you to quit the bosom of the churcli
of Rome?"
Voes. " On account of her abominations."
Priest, " In what do you believe ?"
Voes, " In the Old and New Testament."
Priest, " Do you believe in the writings of the fathers-,^
and the decrees of the councils?"
Voes, " Yes, if they agree with scripture."
Priest, " Did not Martin I^uther seduce you both?"
Voes, " He seduced us even in the very same manner a&
Christ seduced the apostles ; that is, he made us sensible
of the frailty of our bodies, and the value of our souls."
This examination was sufficient; they were both con-
demned to the flames, and, soon after, suffered with that
manly fortitude which became Christians.
Henry Sutphen, an eloquent and pious preacher, was
taken out of his bed in the middle of the night, and com-
pelled to walk barefoot a considerable way, so that his
feet were terribly cut. He desired a horse^ but his con-
ductors said, in derision, " A horse for a heretick! no, no,
hereticks may go barefoot." When he arrived at the
place of his destination, he was condemned to be burnt 5
but, during the execution, many indignities were offered
him, as those who attended, not content with what he
suffered in the flames, cut and slashed him in a most terri-
ble manner.
Many were murdered at Halle; Middleburgh being
taken by storm, all the protestants were put to the sword,
and great mimbers were burnt at Vienna*
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. ' 245
A.n officer being sent to put a minister to death, pre-
tended, when he came to the clergyman's house, that his
intentions were only to pay him a visit. The minister^
not suspecting the intended cruelty, entertained his sup-
posed guest in a very cordial manner. As soon as dinner
was over, the officer said to some of his attendants, "Take
this clergyman, and hang him." The attendants them-
selves were so shocked, after the civility they had seen,
that they hesitated to perform the commands of their
master; and the minister said, " Think what a sting will
remain on your conscience, for thus violating the laws of
hospitaUty." The officer, however, insisted upon being
obeyed, and the attendants, with reluctance, performed
the execrable office of executioners.
Peter Spengler, a pious divine, of the town of Schalet,
was thrown into the river, and drowned. Before he was
taken to the banks of the stream which w^as to become his
grave, they led him to the market-place, that his crimes
might be proclaimed ; which were, not going to mass^ not
making confession^ and not believing in transubstantiation»
After this ceremony was over, he made a most excellent
discourse to the people, and concluded with a kind of
hymn.
A protestant gentleman^ being ordered to lose his head
for not renouncing his religion, went cheerfully to the
place of execution: A friar came to him, and said these
words in a low tone of voice, " As you have a great reluc-
tance publickly to abjure your faith, whisper your con-
fession into my ear, and I will absolve your sins." To
this the gentleman loudly replied, " Trouble me not, friar,
I have confessed my sins to God, and obtained absolution
through the merits of Jesus Christ." Then turning to the
executioner, he said, " Let me not be pestered with these
men, but perform your duty." On which his head was
struck off at a single blow,
Wolfang Scuch, and John Huglin, two worthy minis-
ters, were burnt, as was Leonard Keyser, a student of the
university of Wertemburgh: and George Carpenter, a
Bavarian, was hanged for refusing to recant protestantism.
The persecutions in Germany having subsided foe some
21*
^M6 HISJTOttt O*- THB MARTYKSf.
years, recommenced in 1630 in consequence of tli% w^ar
between the emperour and Gustavus Adolphus, King of
Sweden, a protestant prince; the protestants of Germany
having espoused his cause, greatly exasperated the empe-
rour against them.
The imperialists having laid siege to the town of
Passewalk, defended by the Swedes, took it by storm, and
committed the most horrid cruelties. They pulled down
the churches, burnt the houses, pillaged the proprietors,
murdered the ministers, put the garrison to the sword,
hanged the townsmen, violated the women, smothered the
children, &lc* Szc.
A most bloody tragedy was transacted at Magdeburg,
in the ensuing year. The generals Tilly and Pappenheim,
having taken that protestant city by storm, upwards of
twenty thousand persons, without distinction of rank, sex,
or age, were slain during the carnage, and six thousand
drowned in attempting to escape over the river Elbe. The
remaining inhabitants were stripped naked, severely
scourged, had their ears cropped, and being yoked togeth-
er like oxen, were turned adrift.
All the inhabitants of the town of Hoxter, as well as
the garrison, were put to the sword ; the houses fired, and
the dead bodies consumed in the flames.
At Griphenburgh, the imperial forces shut up the sena-
tors in the senate-chamber, and surrounding it by lighted
straw, suffocated them.
Franhendal surrendered upon articles of capitulation;
l)ut the inhabitants were most cruelly used, and at Heidel-
burg many were shut up in prison and starved.
The cruelties used by the imperial troops, under Count
Tilly, in Saxony, are thus enumerated:
Half strangling, and recovering the persons again re-
peatedly.
Rolling sharp wheels over the fingers and toes.
Pinching the thumbs in a vice.
Forcing the most filthy things down the throats, by which
they were choaked.
Tying cords round the head so tight that the blood
gushed out of the eyes, nose, ears, and mouthr
THE iwy' ^'—'"^
PUBLIC L^o aRY
ACTOR, LENOX AMO
TiLDiN F«;»UNOATJOriS
TORTTIRIXfl
HISTORY OP THE MARTYHSr 247
Fastening burning matches to the fingers, toes, ears,
arms, legs, and tongues.
Putting powder in the mouth and setting fire to it, by
which tiie head was shattered to pieces.
Tying bags of powder to all parts of the body, by
which the person was blown up.
Drawing cords backwards and forwards through the
fleshy parts.
Making incisions with bodkins and knives in the skin*
Running wires through the noses, ears, lips, &c.
Hanging protestants up by the legs, with their heads
over a fire, by which they were roasted.
Hanging up by one arm till it vas dislocated.
Hanging upon hooks by the ribs.
Baking many in hot ovens.
Forcing people to drink till they burst.
Fixing weights to the feet, and drawing up several
with pullies.
Hanging, roasting, stabbing, frying, racking, ravishing,
ripping open, breaking the bones, rasping off the flesh,
tearing with wild horses, drowning, strangling, burning,
broiling, crucifying, immuring, poisoning, cutting off ton-
gue, nose, ears, &;c. sawing off the limbs, hacking to
pieces, drawing by the heels through the streets.
Such enormous cruelties executed by count Tilly, will
be a perpetual stain on his memory; he not only permitted,
but even commanded his troops to put them in practice.
Wherever he came, the most horrid barbarities and cruel
depredations ensued: famine and conflagration marked
his progress ; for he destroyed all the provisions he could
not take with him, and burnt all the towns before he left
them; so that the results of his conquests were murder,
poverty, and desolation.
An aged and pious divine was stripped naked, he was
then tied on his back upon a table, and a large fierce cat
fastened upon his body. The cat was pricked and tor-
mented in such a manner, that the creature, v/ith rage,
tore him open, and gnawed his bowels.
Another minister, and his family, were seized by these
inhuman monsters; when they violated his wife and daugh-
248 histohy of the martyr^;,
ter before his face, stuck iiis infant son upon the point of a
lance, and then surrounding him with his whole hbrary of
books, set tire to them, ai.d he was consumed in the midst
of the flames.
In Hesse-Cassel some of the troops entered a hospital,
in which were principally mad women, when strippiiig all
the poor wretches naked, they made them run about the
streets for their diversioii, and then murdered them.
In I'omerania, some of the imperial troops entering a
small town, seized upon all the young women, and girls of
upwards of ten years, and then placing their parents in a
circle, they were ordered to sing psalms while their chil-
dren were violated, or else they swore they would cut them
to peices afterwards. They then took all the married
women who had young children, and threatened, if they
did not consent to the gratification of their desires, to burn
their children before their faces in a large fire which they
had kindled for that purpose.
A band of count Tilly's soldiers meeting with a compa-
ny of merchants belonging to Basil, who were returning
from the great market of Strasburg, attempted to sur-
round them: all escaped, however, but ten, leaving their
property behind. Those who were taken begged hard for
their lives ; but the soldiers murdered them, saying, "You
must die because you are hereticks, and have got no
money."
In 1733, above thirty thousand protestants were, con-
trary to the treaty of Westphalia, driven from the arch-
bishoprick of Saltzburg. They went away in the depth
of winter, with scarcely clothes to cover them, and with-
out provisions, not having permission to take any thing
with them. The cause of these poor people not being
publicly espoused by such states as could obtain then:!
redress, they emigrated to various protestant countries,
aifd settled in places where they could enjoy the free ex-
ercise of their religion, without hurting their consciences,
and live free from the trammels of popish superstition^
and the chains of papa) tyranny.
I
aiSTOHY OF THE AfARTVPS. 249
CHAP. V.
THE LIVES, SUFFERINGS, AND MARTYRDOMS OF JOHN IIUS6
AND JEROM OF PRAGUE.
As the names of these two eminent reformers have
been often mentioned in the relations of the persecutions
in Germany, the following anecdotes, we trust, will not
be unacceptable: —
John Huss was born at Hussenitz, a village in Bohemia,
about the year 1380. His parents gave him a good edu-
cation, and having acquired a knowledge of the classicks
at a private school, he was removed to the university of
Prague, where he soon gave strong proofs of his mental
powers, and was remarkable for his application to study.
In 1408 he commenced bachelor of divinity, and was
afterwards successively chosen pastor of the church of
Bethlehem in Prague, and dean and rector of the univer-
sity. In these stations he discharged his duties with great
fidelity, and became, at length, so conspicuoas for his
preaching, which was in conformity with the doctrines of
Wickliffe, that it was not likely he could long escape the
notice of the pope, and his adherents, against whom he
inveighed with no small degree of asperity.
The English reformer, Wickhffe, had so kindled the
light of reformation, that it began to illumine the darkest
corners of popery and ignorance. His doctrines spread
into Bohemia, and were well received by great numbers
of people ; but by none so particularly as John Huss, and
his zealous friend Jerom.
Queen Anne, the wife of Richard II. of England, was
daughter to the emperour Charles IV. and sister to Wen-
ceslaus, king of Bohemia, and being a princess of great
piety and knowledge, had strongly patronised Wickliffe.
Upon her death, in 1394, several of her attendants return-
ing into Bohemia, carried with them many of Wickliffe's
books, which were read with much avidity, and tended
greatly to promote the cause of the reformation.
The persecutions against the Protestants in England had
been carried on for some time, and the most cruel scenes
250 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS-
were exhibited. They now extended as far as Germany
and Bohemia, where Dr. Huss, and Jerom of Prague^
were particularly marked out to suffer death in the cause
of religion.
In the month of November, in the year 1414, a general
council was assembled at Constance, in Germany, in or-
der, as was pretended, "for the sole purpose of determin-
ing a dispute, then depending between three persons who
contended for the papacy ;" but the real motive was, to
crush the progress of the reformation.
John Huss was summoned to appear at this council;
and, to encourage him, the emperour sent him a safe-con-
duct, giving him permission freely to come to, and return
from the council. When Huss received this information,
he told the persons who delivered it, " That he desired
nothing more than to purge himself publicly of the im-
putation of heresy ; and that he esteemed himself happy
in having so fair an opportunity of it, as at the council to
which he was summoned to attend."
Towards the latter end of November, Huss sat out on
his journey to Constance, uccompanicd by two Bohemian
noblemen, who were among the most eminent of his disci-
ples, and who followed him merely through respect and
affection. He caused some placards, or writings, to be
fixed upon the gates of the churches of Prague, in which
he declared, that he went to the council to answer all al-
legations that might be laid against him. He also de-
clared, in all the cities through which he passed, that he
was going to vindicate himself at Constance, and invited
all his adversaries to be present on the occasion.
The civilities, and even reverence, which Huss met with
on his journey, were beyond imagination. The streets,
and sometimes the very roads, were lined with people,
whom respect rather than curiosity had brought together*
He was ushered into the towns with great acclamations;
and it may be said, that he passed through Germany in a
kind of triumph. He could not, however, help expressing
his surprise at the treatment he received: "I thought
(said he) I had been an outcast. I now see my worst
friends are in Bohemia."
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 251
As soon as Huss arrived at Constance, he immediately
took lodgings in a remote part of the city. A short time
after his arrival came Stephen Paletz, who was employed
by the clergy at Prague to manage the intended prosecu-
tion against him. Paletz was afterwards joined by Mi-
chael de Cassis, on the part of the court of Rome. These
two declared themselves his accusers, and drew up a set of
articles against him, which they presented to the pope,
and the prelates of the council.
It has been already observed, that the attendance of
Dr. Huss, at Constance, was by the emperour's own re-
quest, who gave him a safe-conduct; notwithstanding
which, according to the maxim of the council, that "faith
is not to be kept with hereticks," when it was known that
he was in the city, he was immediately arrested, and com-
mitted prisoner to a chamber in the palace.
This violation of common law and justice was particu-
larly noticed by one of Huss's friends, who urged the
imperial safe-conduct; but the pope repUed, "he never
granted any safe-conduct, nor was he bound by that of
the emperour."
Whilst Huss was in confinement, the council acted the
part of inquisitors. They condemned the doctrines of
Wickliffe, and ordered his remains in England to be dug
up, and burnt to ashes ; which orders were strictly com-
plied with.
In the mean time the nobility of Bohemia and Poland
strongly interceded for Huss ; and so far prevailed as to
prevent his being condemned unheard, which had been
resolved on by the commissioners appointed to try him.
When he was brought before the council, the articles
exhibited against him were read: they were upwards of
forty in number, and chiefly extracted from his writings.
3ut the principal allegations against him were, his propa-
gating the following opinions:
" 1. That there was no necessity for a visible head of
the church.
" 2. That the church was better governed in the apos-
tolick times without one.
" 3. That the title of holiness was improperly given to
man.
252 lilSTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
" 1, That a wicked pope coaid not possibly be the vicar
of Christ; that he denied the very authority on whicli he
pretended to act.
" 5. That liberty of conscience was every person's natu-
ral right.
**6. That ecclesiastical censures, especially such as
touched the life of man, had no foundation in scripture.
" 7. That ecclesiastical obedience should have its limits.
" 8. That no excommunication should deter the priest
from his duty.
''9. That preaching was as much required from the
minister of religion, as alms-giving from the man of abil-
ity; and that neither of them could hide his talent in the
earth, without incurring the divine displeasure."
These, and many other frivolous allegations. Dr. Huss
refuted with a manly eloquence; at the same time recom-
raending himself, and his cause, to God. After his exam-
ination, he was taken from the court, and a resolution
formed by the council, to burn him as a heretick if he
would not retract. He was then committed to a filthy
prison, where, in the day-time, he was so laden with fetters
on his legs, that he could hardly move; and every night
he was fastened by his hands to a ring against the wall of
the prison.
. On the 4th of July Dr. Huss was brought, for the last
time, before the council. After a long examination he
was desired to abjure, which he refused without the least
hesitation. The bishop of Lodi then preached a sermon,
concerning the destruction of hereticks, as the prologue
to his intended punishment. After the close of the ser-
mon the fate of Huss was determined, his vindication dis-
regarded, and judgment was pronounced. His books
were condemned, and he was declared a manifest here-
tick: he was convicted "of having taught many pernicious
errours; of having despised the keys of the church and
ecclesiastical censures; of having seduced and given
scandal to the faithful by his obstinacy, and having rashly
appealed to the tribunal of Christ." The council there-
fore censured him for being obstiaate and incorrigible, and
ordained, "that he should be degraded from the priest-
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. '25Z
hood, his books pubhcly burnt, and himself delivered to
the secular power."
Huss heard this sentence without the least emotion.—
At the close of it, he kneeled down with his eyes lifted
towards heaven, and, with all the magnanimity of a primi-
tive martyr, thus exclaimed: "May thy infinite mercy, O
my God! pardon this injustice of mine enemies. Thou
knowest the injustice of my accusations: how deformed
with crimes I have been represented: how I have been
oppressed with worthless witnesses, and a false condemna-
tion ; yet, O my God ! let that mercy of thine, which no
tongue can express, prevail with thee not to avenge my
wrongs."
On his arrival at the place of execution, he fell on his
knees, sang several portions of the Psalms, looked sted-
fastly towards heaven, and repeated these words: "Into thy
hands, O Lord! do I commit my spirit: thou hast redeem-
ed me, O most good and faithful God !"
When the chain was put about him at the stake, he
said, with a smiling countenance, " My Lord Jesus Christ
was bound with a harder chain than this for my sake,
and why then should I be ashamed of this old rusty one?"
When the fagots were piled up to his very neck, the
duke of Bavaria was so officious as to desire him to ab-
jure. " No (said Huss), I never preached any doctrine of
an evil tendency ; and what I taught with my lips, I now
seal with my blood." He then said to the executioner,
"You are now going to burn a goose (Huss signifying
goose in the Bohemian language), but in a century you
will have a swan, whom you can neither roast nor boil."
If he was prophetic, he must have meant Martin Luther,
who shone about an hundred years after, and who had a
swan for his arms.
The flames were now applied to the fagots, when the
martyr sang a hymn, with so loud and cheerful a voice,
that he was heard through all the crackling of the combus-
tibles, and the noise of the multitude. At length his
voice was interrupted by the severity of the flames, which
soon closed his existence. *
The Duke of Bavaria ordered the executioner to throw
[ -22
254 HISTORY OF THE iilARTYRS.
all his clothes into the flames ; after which his ashes were
gathered together, and cast into the Rhine.
Thus fell Dr. John Huss, a martyr to the doctrines of
the gospel which Wicklitfe had propagated, and which
struck so essentially at the root of corrupt religion, and
the secular interest of the clergy, that it is little to be
wondered at, he, as well as his friend Jerom, should be
persecuted with the utmost severity.
Whilst this excellent divine was in prison he wrote sev-
eral treatises, which were collected together after his
death, and published at Nuremburg, in 1588. A second
volume appeared, containing a harmony of the four Evan-
gelists ; and commentaries on several of the epistles in the
New Testament, &c.
Jerom, denominated of Prague, the companion of Dr.
Huss, and may be said to be co-martyr with him, was born
at Prague, and educated in that university, where he par-
ticularly distinguished himself for his great abilities and
learning. He visited several other learned , seminaries in
Europe, particularly the universities of Paris, Heidelburg,
Cologn, and Oxford. At the latter place he became ac-
quainted with the works of Wickliffe, and being a person
of uncommon application, translated many of them into
his native language, having, with great pains, made him-
self master of the English tongue.
On his return to Prague he professed himself an open
favourer of Wickliffe, and finding that his doctrines had
made a considerable progress in Bohemia, and that Huss
was the principal promoter of them, he became an assis-
tant to him in the great work of reformation.
When Huss went to the council of Constance, Jerom
very earnestly exhorted him to bear up firmly in the cause
he had undertaken; and in particular, to insist strenuous-
ly on the corrupt state of the clergy, and the necessity of
a reformation. He added, if he should hear in Bohemia
that Huss was overpowered by his adversaries, he would
immediately repair to Constance, and furnish him with
all the assistance that laid in his power.
Jerom promised no more than what he intended strictly
to perform. As soon as he was informed of the difficulties
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 256
under which Huss laboured, he immediately set out for
Constance, notwithstanding he received very pressing let-
ters from Huss, insisting on his putting off the design, as
dangerous to himself, and unprofitable to the cause of the
reformation.
On the 4th of April, 1415, Jerom arrived at Constance,
about three months before the death of Huss. He enter-
ed the town privately, and consulting with some of the
leaders of his party, whom he found there, was easily con"
vinced he could not be of any service to his friend.
Finding that his arrival at Constance was publickly
known, and that the council intended to seize him, he
thought it most prudent to retire. The next day, there-
fore, he went to Iberling, an imperial town, about a mile
from Constance. From this place he wrote to the empe-
rour, and proposed his readiness to appear before the coun-
cil, if he would give him a safe-conduct; but this was
refused. He then applied to the council, but met with
an answer no less favourable than that from the emperour.
Thus disappointed, Jerom caused papers to he put up
in all the publick places in Constance, particularly on the
doors of the cardinals' houses, in which he professed his
readiness to appear at Constance in the defence of his
character and doctrine, both which, he said, had been
greatly defamed. He also dieclared, that if any errour
should be proved against him, he would, with g?eiat readi-
ness, retract it ; begging only that the faith of the council
might be given for his security.
Not receiving any answer to these papers, he sat out on
his return to Bohemia. He had the precaution to take
with him a certificate, signed with several of the Bohe-
mian nobility then at Constance, testifying, that he had
used all prudent means in his power to procure a hearing.
Jerom, however, did not thus escape. He was seized
at Hirsaw, by an officer belonging to the Duke of Suits-
bach, who, though unauthorized, made little doubt of ob-
taining thanks from the council for so acceptable a service.
The duke of Sultsbach, having Jerom in his power,
wrote to the council for directions how to proceed. The
>uncil, after expressing their obligations to the duke, de^
256 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
sired him to send tlie prisoner immediately to Constance-
The elector-palatine met him on the way, and conducted
him into the city, himself riding on horseback, with a nu-
merous retinue, who led Jerom in fetters by a long chain;
and immediately on his arrival he was committed to a
loathsome dungeon.
Jerom was treated nearly in the same manner as Huss
had been, only that he was much longer confined, and
shifted from one prison to another. At length, being
brought before the council, he desired that he might plead
his own cause, and exculpate himself; which being refu§^
ed him, he broke into the following exclamation:
"What barbarity is this! For three hundred and forty
days have I been confined in a variety of prisons. There
is not a misery, there is not a want, which I have not ex-
perienced. To my enemies you have allowed the fullest
scope of accusation: to me, you deny the least opportuni-
ty of defence. Not an hour will you now indulge me in
preparing for my trial. You have swallowed the blackest
calumnies agaiost me. You have represented me as a
heretick, without knowing my doctrine: as an enemy to
the faith, before you knew what faith I professed: as a
persecutor of priests, before you could have any opportu-
nity of understanding my sentiments on that head. You
are a general council: in you centre all this world can
communicate of gravity, wisdom, and sanctity: but still
you are men, and men are seducible by appearances.
The higher your character is for wisdom, the greater ought
your care to be not to deviate into folly. The cause I now
plead is not my own cause : it is the cause of men : it is
the cause of Christians: it is a cause which is to affect the
rights of posterity, however the experiment is to be made
in my person."
This speech had not the least effect: Jerom was obli
ged to hear his charge read, which was reduced under
the following heads:
" 1. That he was a derider of the papal dignity.
" 2. An opposer of the pope.
** 3. An enemy to the cardinals.
**4. A persecutor of the prelates.
" 5. A hater of the Christian religion,"
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 25"7 *
To these several charges Jerom answered with an ama-
zing force of elocution, and strength of argument. "Now,"
said he, " wretch that I am 1 whitlier shall 1 turn me I To
my accusers? My accusers are as deaf as adders. To
you, my judges? You are all prepossessed by the arts of
my accusers." — After this speech Jerom was immediately
remanded to his dungeon.
Poggius, a Roman catholick historian, and a great ene-
my to Jerom, candidly acknowledges, that in all he spoke,
he said nothing unbecoming a great and wise man. "To
confess the truth," says he, in a letter to his friend at
Rome, "I never knew the art of speaking carried so near
the model of ancient eloquence. It was amazing, with
what force of expression, with what fluency of language,
and with what excellent reasoning, Jerom answered his
adversaries ; nor was I less struck with the gracefulness of
his manner, the dignity of his action, and the firmness and
constancy of his whole behaviour. It grieved me to think
so great a man was labouring under so atrocious an accu-
sation. For myself, I inquire not into the merits of it;
resting satisfied with the decision of my superiours."
The trial of Jerom was brought on the third day after
his accusation, and witnesses were examined in support of
the charge. The prisoner was prepared for his defence,
which appears almost incredible, when we consider he had
been three hundred and forty days shut up in loathsome
prisons, deprived of day-light, and almost starved for wanf
of common necessaries. But his spirit soared above those
disadvantages under which a man less animated would
have sunk; nor was he more at a loss for quotations from
fathers and ancient authors, than if he had been furnished
with the finest library.
The most bigoted of the assembly were unwilling he
should be heard, knowing what effect eloquence is apt to
have on the minds of the most prejudiced. At length,
however, it was carried by the majority, that he should
have liberty to proceed in his defence, which he began in
such an exalted strain of moving elocution, that the heart
of obduraie zeal was seen to melt, and the mind of super=
etition seemed to admit a ray of conviction.
22*
^58 HISTORY OP TIIJ; MARTYItS.
Jerom received many intcrrupUoiiS from the imperti-
nence of some, and the iijveteracy of others; but he
answered every one with so much readiness and vivacity
of thought, that at last they were ashamed, and he was
permitted to finish his defence. His voice was clear and
pleasant: pliable to captivate every passiofi, and able to
conciliate every affection. In short, he was pitied by his
friends, and admired even by his enemies.
The trbal being over, Jerom received the same sentence
that had been passed upon his martyred countryman. In
consequence of this he was, in the usual style of popish
affectation, delivered over to the civil po\f er ; but as he was
a layman he had not to undergo the ceremony of degra-
dation. They had prepared a cap of paper painted with
red devils, which being put upon his head, he said, " Our
Lord Jesus Christ, when he suffered death for me, a most
miserable sinner, did wear a crown of thorns upon his
>iead ; and I, for his sake, will wear this cap."
Two days were allowed him, in hopes that he would
recant; in which time the cardinal of Florence used his
utmost endeavours to bring him over. But they all proved
ineffectual: Jerom was resolved to seal his doctrine with
his blood ; and he sufferid death with the most distinguished
magnanimity.
In going to the place of execution he sang several
hymns; and when he came to the spot, which was the
same where Huss had been burnt, he kneeled down, and
prayed fervently. He embraced the stake with great
cheerfulness and resolution; and when the executioner
went behind him to set fire to the fagots, he said, " Come
here, and kindle it before my eyes; for if I had been
afraid of it, I had not come to this place, having had
80 many opportunities of making my escape."
The fire being kindled, he sang a hymn, but was soon
interrupted by the flames ; and the last words he was
heard to say were these :
Hanc animam in jlammis offero^ Christe^ tibi!
" This soul, m flames I offer, Christ, to theel"
Thus died these two Bohemian martyrs, whose blood
may be truly said to have been <thQ seed of the reformed
church.
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 259
CHAP. VI.
PERSECUTIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS.
From the same cause, that is to say, the success of the
gospel, which had spread over the Netherlaiids, the pope
instigated the emperour to commence a persecution against
the protestants; thousands fell martyrs to superstitious
malice and barbarous bigotry; among whom the most re-
markable were the following.
Wendelinuta, a pious protestant widow, w^as appre-
hended in consequence of her religious profession, wheri
several monks, unsuccessfully, endeavoured to persuade
her to recant. .\s they could not prevail, a Roman catho-
lick lady of her acquainta/ce desired to be admitted to
the dungeon in which she was confined, and promised to
exert herself strenuously towards inducing the prisc^xer
to abjure the reformed religion. When she was admitted
to the dungeon, she did her utmost to perform the task
she had undertaken; but finding her endeavours ineffect-
ual, she said, "If you will not embrace our faith, at least
keep the things which you profess secret within your own
bosom, and strive to prolong your life." To which the
v/idow replied, " Madam, you know not what you say; for
with the heart we believe to righteousness, but with the
tongue confession is made unto salvation." Upon her
positive refusal to recant, her goods were confiscated, and
she was condemned to be burnt. At the place of execu-
tion a monk held a cross to her, and bade her kiss and
worship God. To which she answered, " I worship no
wooden God, but the eternal God, who is in heaven."
She was then executed, but through the before-mentioned
Roman catholick lady, the favour was Ranted, that she
should he strangled before fire was put to the fagots.
Two protestant clergymen were burnt at Cologne; a
tradesman of Antwerp, named Nicholas, was tied up in a
sack, thrown into the river, and drowned; and Pistorius,
a learned student, was carried to the market of a Dutch
village in a party-coloured coat, and committed to the
flames.
260 HISTORY OP THK MARTYRS.
Sixteen protestams having received sentence to be be*-
headed, a protestant minister was ordered to atterd the
execution. This gentleman performed the function of his
office, exhorted them to repentance, and gave them comfort
in tile mercies of their Redeemer. As soon as they were
beheaded, the magistrate cried out to the executioner,
"There is another stroke remaining yet; you must behead
the minister, he can never die at a better time than with
such excellent precepts in his mouth, and such laudable
examples before him." He was accordingly beheaded.
Many of the Roman catholicks themselves reprobated
this piece of treacherous and unnecessary cruelty.
In Louvain, a learned man, named i*ercival, was mur
dered in prison; and Justus Insparg was beheaded, foi
having Luther's sermons in his possession.
Giles Tilleman, a cutler of Brussels, a man of great
humanity and piety, among others, w^as apprehended as a
protestant, and many endeavours were made by the monks
to persuade him to recant. He had once, by accident, a
fair opportunity of escaping from the prison, and being
asked why he did not avail himself of it, replied, " I would
not do the keepers so much injury, as they must have
answered for my absence had I got away." When he
was sentenced to be burnt, he fervently thanked God for
granting him an opportunity, by martyrdom, to glorify
his name. Perceiving, at the place of execution, a great
quantity of fagots, he desired the principal part of them
might be given to the poor, saying, a small quantity will
suffice to consume me. The executioner offered to stran-
gle him before the fire was lighted, but he would not
consent, telling him, that he defied the flames; and, indeed,
he gave up the ghost with such composure amidst them,
that he hardly seemed sensible of their effects.
In 1343 and 15^44, the persecution pervaded all Flan-
ders, in a most violent and cruel manner. .Some were
condemned to perpetual imprisonment, others to perpetual
banishment; but most were but to death either by hang-
ing, drowning, immuring, burning, the rack, or burning
alive.
A fishmonger of Ghent, named Martin, had for many
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 26JI
years lived a very dissolute life, when the monks of a
monastery, which he served with fish, took peculiar
delight in his company. Becoming, however, sensible of
his errours, he renounced them, embraced the protestant
religion, and lived a very pious and exemplary life. This
change for the better so greatly exasperated the monks,
that they had him apprehended, and finding he would not
recant, at their instigation he was condemned to be burnt.
At the stake one of the monks said, " Martin, unless
you again return to the church, and embrace the Roman
catholick faith, you will pass from this temporal to an
eternal fire." To which he replied, " Were I to do as
you advise me, I should be sure of an eternal fire ; but
while I remain as I am, my sufferings will be over with
these temporal flames."
Two young ladies of rank were burnt at Delden; and
at Dornick Adrian Taylor was beheaded, and his wife,
being placed in an iron cage, was buried alive in the
earth!
A family, consisting of a widow and four children, were
apprehended as protestants at Mechlin. On their exami-
nation, the mother and two eldest sons remained stedfast
in their faith; but the younger son and daughter con-
sented to recant. This judgment was then passed:
" The mother -to be imprisoned during life ; the two
eldest sons to be burnt ; and the younger son, with the
daughter, to be acquitted, and sent home." This sentence
was strictly executed; the younger son and daughter
were sent home, and allowed to take possession of the
imprisoned parent's effects; the unhappy mother was
closely confined, where she soon ended her days through
want of fresh air, proper exercise, and necessary food ;
and the two elder sons received the crown of martyrdom
with great fortitude, one of them saying, as soon as the
flames touched him, *' O what a trifling pain is this, com-
pared to the glory which is to reward it."
The magistrates of Strasburg, having intelligence that
a minister, named Peter Bruly, was very successful in his
converts, issued an order for apprehending him, and com-
manded the sentinels at the gates very strictly to examine
262 HISTORY OP THE MARTYR?
all who attempted to leave the city, that Ut might not
escape. Though the greatest vigilance was used to dis-
cover Bruly, yet some humane persons concealed him for
the space of three days, and then designed to facilitate his
escape, by letting him down from a window in a basket
by night, to an open place without the walls of the city.
This design was almost effected, when a stone tumbled
from the walls just as he reached the ground, and falling
on his leg, broke it in a most shocking manner. The
noise alarming the guards, they went round and appre-
hended him, when, instead of repining at what to another
might have appeared a misfortune, he exclaimed, in a kind
of rapture, " Thank God ! for by this accident it seems he
intends I shall stay here to bear witness to the truth of
the gospel ; I am particularly happy in so distinguished
an honour." He was kept several months in prison, and
every endeavour used to persuade him to recant; but the
magistrates, finding, their labours for that purpose ineffec-
tual, ordered him to be burnt in a slow fire, the excruci-
ating torments of which he bore with a manly fortitude,
and gave up his soiil with a christian resignation.
A minister, named Moce, having been condenmed to.
be burnt for his religion, a friar, at the stake, tied a bag
of powder about his neck, which, when the flames reached,
blew up, and shattered the minister's head to pieces ; upon
this the friar gravely told the people, that the noise they
heard was the devil leaving the heretick's body through
the force of the flames. To such ridiculous lengths did
superstition carry the weak ! and such were the absurdities
propagated by bigotry !
Another minister was kept a long time in prison, and
afllicted with various torments; at length they put out his
eyes, pared off the ends of his fingers, and then skinning
his head, rubbed it with salt 'till he expired.
At Antwerp a clergyman, named Christopher Fabri,
was apprehended, and condemned to be burnt. The ma-
jority of the inhabitants of Antwerp being protestants,
and Fabri having the affection of all who knew him, a
tumult ensued, and an attempt was made to rescue him.
The people began the attack by throwing stones at the
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 263
magistrates, officers, guards, priests, and executioner, which
obliged them all to retire. The executioner, however,
before he left the stake, took an opportunity to stab Fabri;
so that the people, when they came to unbind him from
the stake, to their great surprise found him dead.
Hostius, a pious protestant, was burnt at Norden, in
Friesland, for speaking against transubstantiation. Ber-
trand, a German protestant, having snatcned the host
from the hands of a priest at Dornick, was tormented with
all the cruelties that the most infernal imagination could
devise, and then roasted by a slow fire. Soon after, two
protestants were beheaded for singing psalms in the vulgar
tongue.
James Fabar, an aged man, of excellent sense, but
without elocution, being condemned to death, was asked
to defend the tenets of the doctrines he followed; when
he made this remarkable reply, " I cannot satisfy you by
reasoning, but I can abide by, and suffer for, the gospel:"
which he soon after did, being burnt for his constancy and
steadfastness in truth.
A worthy protestant, named Godfrid, condemned to the
flames, died in a most heroick manner. A priest at the
stake called out to him, " Recant, and do not die a her-
etick." To which he repUed, " Recant I shall not, but
why call me heretick? Take that term back to yourself,
and give me the appellation of an unprofitable servant of
Christ." The executioner would have strangled him, as
a favour, before fire was put to the fagots ; but he said,
" Friend, learn obedience to your superiours, perform your
duty exactly, and execute, in the most precise manner,
the sentence passed upon me by the judges, without show-
ing me the least indulgence ; for I'll assure you I am not
afraid of the flames, and would not, on any account, de-
cline experiencing any torment that might be inflicted
for the sake of Christ."
Charles Connick, a friar of Ghent, by conversing with
some of the reformed clergy, and attentively perusing
protestant books, became at length fully sensible of the
errours of the church of Rome, and his slavish supersti-
tions. The absurdities that principally struck him were.
264 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
"1. That St. Peter was infallible, and received from
Christ the keys of heaven and hell, with power to excom-
municate, anathematize or curse people, and to for-
give or absolve sins ; and from these premises, founded
in errour, inferring that as St. Peter was the first bishop
of Rome, his successors, the popes, must likewise be infal-
lible, and have the power to curse those who offended
them, or absolve the sins of such as pay their court to the
Romish church,
"2. The supposition of the pope's being the universal
head of the Christian church, and the supreme ruler in
state affairs, as well as those which are merely ecclesiasti-
cal. Of his being empowered to inaugurate and depose
kings and princes, as well as to ordain or excommunicate
bishops and priests, &c.
"3. The belief that the pope can grant indulgences for
committing sins, and dispensations for the perpetration of
crimes.
"4. The vain imagination of such a place as purgatory,
where souls are purified by fire, before they are qualified
to enter into eternal bliss; and the silly supposition, that
priests, by saying masses, can deliver souls from the fire
of purgatory, at the instigation of, and being paid by the
relations or friends of the deceased.
"5. Prohibiting the laity from reading the holy scrip-
tures, and thus depriving people not only of the natural
liberty of the mind, but preventing them from using that
reason with which God hath blessed them in the thing
that most essentially concerns them, the care of their
salvation.
«6. Receiving the apocrypha into the canon of the
authentick scriptures, and believing oral traditions, which
are enveloped in fables and chimeras.
"7. Making seven sacraments instead of the two real
ones, viz. Baptism, and the Lord's Supper; the other five
being confirmation, penance, extreme unction, taking or-
ders, and marriage.
«8. The doctrine of transubstantiation.
«9. The worship of the Virgin Mary, angels, saints,
images, &c. and the making offerings and prayers to each.
HifeTOKV OF THE MAllTYRi-. ^bi^
•" 10. The enjoining a state of celibacy, or bingie life, to
cheir priests.
"11. The making a distinction between nnortal and ve-
nial sins, to serve the purposes of avarice and ambition ;
for if the guilty person is able and willing to pay for a par-
don, the sin is called venial, and he receives absolution for
his money.
" 12. Auricular confession, in which one sinn"cr hears
the sins of another, and pretends to forgive them.
"13. The injunction of strictly keeping Lent, by ab-
staining from ail kinds of flesh; yet^ at the same time ad-
mitting the people to feast in the most luxurious manner,
upon the finest fish, dressed in the richest sauces. Such
is the affinity betvv-een popish divinity and philosophy, and
such the ridiculous injunctions which are delivered with
so much solemnity, commanded with such authority, and
kept so very strictly.
^ 14. Saying masses for tlie dead as well as the living,
in order to make a gain of godliness; by which theology
is turned to a trade, prayers are converted to merchan-
dize, and the imposition supplies the priests with regular
annuities.
" 15. The pretence that the fire of purgatory hath eight
-degrees of heat, by which the priests gain considerable
sums of money: for they pretend to know the particular
degree to which the soul of the deceased is confined, and
charge accordingly for the masses, by which it is to be
released.
" 16. Making it a mortal sin for any person to doubt of
the Roman tenets, though ever so ridiculous, absurd, or
contradictory to sense and experience.
"17. The imposition of penance for sin, and the remis-
sion of penance for money, by which the painful may be
exchanged for the pecuniary expiation; and the rich, if
they sin most, may buy oft the punishment, and suffer less
than the poor, v*^ho sin least.
" 18. Deeming all other religions heretical, and looking
upon every one out of the pale of the Roman catholick
church, as in a state of perdition.
"19. The persuasion that the Roman catholicks, who
23
266" HISTORY OI THE 3IARTYRS.
live exemplary lives, have the power of working miracle^.
"20. The canonization of many persons as. saints, par-
ticularly such as have left large donations to the church.
"21. Confining men and women, in monasteries and
convents, to a state of celibacy, contrary to the order of
nature, and the ordinances of God.
"22. The inhumanity of propagating rehgion by perse-
cution, which hath always been a principal rule and darl-
ing tenet of the church of Rome.
"23. The cruelty of erecting inquisitions, and otiiei
judicial offices, for the sole purpose of fettering the human
mind, extorting confessions to serve popish designs, and
forcing people to subscribe to, and believe religious tenets,
to which, in their consciences, they cannot assent.
" 24. Placing a great part of the essence of religion in
vain and ridiculous ceremonials, fasts, festivals, proces-
sions, pilgrimages, orders, offices, and a variety of other
innovations equally absurd, which have crept into the
Komish church long since the gospel was delivered by
Christ, and his apostles, in its primitive puiity."
Reflecting seriously on all these superstitions, defects,
and errours in the church of Rome, and comparing them
with the pure doctrines of the reformed church, Friar Con-
nick, at length,became a zealous protestant. This change
was no sooner known, than it d«ew upon him •4^he indigna-
tion of the priesthood, who soon caused him to be appre-
hended. On his trial he boldly confessed his faith, pointed
out the reasons of his change, and nobly declared, that he
was ready to suffer whatever torments they could inflict,
for the sake of the doctrines he had newly embraced. A
person in authority then told him, if he would recant, a
canonry should be immediately given him, and that he
would take particular care of his future promotion in the
church. To this Connick replied, "Sir, I thank you for
your kindness, but cannot accept your offer without offend-
ing God. Wealth, badly obtained, is poverty; and pro-
motion, which injures the conscience, degradation. I am
ready to suffer any thing; but those horrours of mind
which attend such as, for worldly views, sin against con-
fiction." Finding him resolute in his principles, sentence
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 267
of death wa^ passed upon him, and he was, soon after,
burnt. It is worthy of commemoration, that the person
who informed against him, and was the principal cause of
his sutfering, soon after fell into a dejection of spirits, suc-
ceeded by the most dreadful horrours of conscience, which,
in a short time, terminated his miserable life.
The Prince of Orange was one of the most amiable and
illustrious men of his times. But having warmly espous-
ed the protestant cause, and in many instances successful-
ly defended their rights, he became an object of catholick
vengeance, and was basely assassinated by a zealot of that
party. He had triumphed over his enemies and persecu-
tors ; had founded the commonwealth of the seven United
Provinces, and was hoping to close his brilliant career in
quietness. But in tiie tifty-first year of his age, passing
one day through the great hall of his palace, he was shot
in the vitals by the muiderer who had armed and conceal-
ed himself there for the purpose. On perceiving himself
mortally wounded, he only said, "Lord have mercy upon
my soul, and upon this poor people j" and immediately ex-
pired.
Besides the foregoing instances of suffering and cruelty,
history records numerous other scenes of dreadful distress
among the unoffending protestants in the Netherlands, a
detail of which would swell the present work beyond its
intended Umits. Multitudes suffered, and multitudes died
for the doctrines of the Reformation.
CHAP. VH.
PERSECUTIONS IN LITHUANIA AND POLANli.
The persecutions in Lithuania began in 1648, and
were carried on with great severity by the Cossacks and
Tartars. The cruelty of the Cossacks was so enormous,
that even the Tartars grew ashamed of it, and rescued
some of the intended victims from their hands.
The barbarities exercised were these: skinning alive,
itting off hands, taking out the bowels, cutting the flesh
268 iiiSTORY or THE MAMTVlir..
Open, puitiiig out the eyes, behe;iding, scalpii'^, tiu'ang oti
feet, boring the shin bone?, pouring melted lead into the
flesh, hanging, slabbing, and sendiiig to perpetual banish-
ment.
The Russians taking advantage of tlie dexastations
wliich had been made in the country, and of its incapa-
bility of defence, entered it with a considerable army, and,
like a flood, boie down all before them. Every thing
they met wdth v»a3 an object of destruction; they razed
cities, demolished castles, ruined fortresses, sacked towns,
burnt villages, and murdered people. The ministers of
the gospel were peculiarly marked out as the objects of
their displeasure, though every worthy Christian was lia-
ble to the effects of their cruelty, the following were
some of the more prominent of those barbarous transac-
tions :
Adrian Chalinsky, a clegyman, venerable for his age,
conspicuous for his piety, and eminent for his learning, was
suddenly seized upon in his own house, partially tried,
and speedily condemned. Having his hands and legs tied
behind him, he was roasted alive by a slow fire, only a few
chips, and a little straw, being hghted at a time, in order
to make his death more lingering.
A father and son, named Smolsky, both ministers near
Volna, had their heads sawed off. A gentleman, of the
clerical order; in the town of Hawloczer*, named Slawin-
skin, was cut piece-meal by slow degrees. Some perished
by being exposed, during the frosty season, to the inclem-
ency of the weather: many were flayed alive, several
hacked to pieces, and great numbers sent into slavery.
As Lithuania recovered itself afler one persecution,
succeeding enemies again destroyed it. The Swedes, the
Prussians, and the Courlanders, carried fire and sword
through it, and continual calamities, for some years, atten-
ded that unhappy district. It was then attacked by the
prince of Transylvania, who had in his army, exclusive of
his own Transylvanians, Hungarians, Moldavians, Ser-
vians, Walachians, &g. These, as far as they penetrated,
wasted the country, destroyed the churches, rifled the
nobilitv, burnt the houses, enslaved the healthy, and mur-
dered the sick.
HISTORV OF THE MARTYRS. 269
In this juncture of affairs, all the ministers of Christ
were forced to forsake their dwelling-places. And there
are above forty, of whom it is not known what kind of
death they suffered: but they are dead, is certain; be-
cause (hey are not found, nor were they carried into cap«
tivity, The churches, for the most part, as far as the ene-
my could reach, were destroyed by fire. The desolate
fields, and water oni), were left as witnesses of the mso«
lency of a barbarous enemy ; for all dwelling places and
woods were pulled and cut down, and burned to ashes.
The protestauts of Poland were persecuted in a dread-
ful manner. The ministers, in particular, were treated
with the most unexampled barbarity; some having their
tongues cut out, because they had preached the gospel
truths; others being deprived of their sight, on account of
having read the Bible; and great numbers were cut to
pieces for not recanthig.
Private persons were put to death by various methods;
the most cruel being usually preferred. Women were
murdered without the least regard to their sex; and the
persecutors even went so far as to cut off' the heads of suck-
ing babes, and fasten them to the breasts of their mothers.
Even the solemnity of the grave did not exempt the
bodies of protestants from the malice of persecutors; for
they sacrilegiously dug up the bodies of many eminent
persons, and either cut them to pieces, and exposed them
to be devoured by birds and beasts, or hung them up in
conspicuous and publick places.
In 1655, the Swedes made an irruption into Poland,
and committed many depredations. The Roman catho-
licks thought, though this was of disadvantage to their
country, to turn it to the advemtage of their religion, for
they laid the whole affair upon the protestants, alleging,
that the Polish protestants in general, and the protestants
of Lesna in particular, had invited the Swedes, who were
of the reformed religion, to make these incursions. — ■
Hence the Polish nobility, of the Romish persuasion, be-
gan to embody themselves to repel the invaders. The
clergy were very active upon the occasion, threatening
excommunication to those who did not take up arms, and
23*
270 HISTORY OP THE JtAllTYRS.
promising great rewards, with a relaxation of the pains of
purgatory, to such as would assist, not only to drive the
Swedes from Poland, but to exterminate the protestants.
The Romish clergy having thus awakened the suspi-
cions, and appealed to the passions of the people, the lat-
ter took it for granted that the protestants were guilty,
and began a most furious persecution. Every city, town,
and village, presented scenes of horrour and cruelty ; no
inhumanity was left unthought of, no barbarity unpracti-
sed. Age, sex, or rank, made no distinction; all protes-
tants fell alike, the undistinguished victims of bigoted
rage. Fathers of families were butchered in the sight of
their relations and dompsticks, who beheld, while unable
to assist them, the blood of worthy protestants besprinkle
the floors of their own houses, and stain those apartments
which had been the scenes of their former happiness. —
Tender mothers had infants snatched from their arms, and
barbarously stuck upon pikes, or cruelly thrown into the
tire before their faces. Chaste matrons, faithful wives,
and virtuous virgins, were, with the most indelicate inhu-
manity, violated in the presence of fathers, husbands, bro-
thers, and friends; and then, to complete the scene of out-
rage and horrour, they were cruelly murdered.
Thus it may be seen, that ignorance, superstition, and
fanaticism, generally go hand in hand; and whether
among the Pagans, Mahometans, or the followers of the
man of sin, their progress is always marked with blood
and merciless cruelty.
PART 5.
CHAPTER I.
PERSECUTIONS IN ENGLAND, BETWEEN THE FOURTH AND
SIXTEENTH CENTURV.
We come now to speak of persecutions in the British
dominions. Christianity was planted in Britain at an early
period of tlie Church, and some suppose it was done by
St. Paul himself. The first remarkable persecution in
this country was under the reign of Dioclesian and Max-
immian. At this time, so great was the rage of the Pagans
against the Christians, that seventeen thousand persons
are said to have suffered martyrdom. In the fifth century
the same spirit raged, and its effects were visible in the
destruction of churches, and in the cruel deaths of many
who were faithful ministers. From the times of these
early scenes of distress and cruelty, to the times of the
Reformation in the sixteenth century, the spirit of^ intol-
erance often prevailed, and multitudes suffered martyrdom.
Towards the close of this long period of Papal darkness,
the victims to the malice of a corrupt priesthood became
more numerous, and the punishment of burning alive^ by
a sloio fire, or with green wood, became frequent. We
shall mention a few of these sufferers, and hasten to the
bloody reign of queen Mary.
In the year 1156, Henry II. held a parliament at Ox-
ford, and before that court were brought eighty Germans,
men and women, who, to avoid persecution, had left their
own country, and come over to England. From the records
in the British museum, which have been published, it ap-
272 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
pears, that these people possessed the same sentiments witli
those afterwards called Waldenses: they denied the papal
supremacy, and rejected the sacrifice of the mass, which
gave great offence to the clergy.
The king himself was of a humane disposition, and in-
clined to treat those persons ratlier as madmen than crim-
inals. But the power of the clergy triumphed over the
humanity of the king. It was debated in parliament, wheth-
er they should be put to death; but no law at that time
authorizing such a proceeding, an order passed (for as
Lord Littleton says, it w^as not an act) that these people
should be set at liberty, and have leave to return to their
own country.
With this order was a proclamation published, prohibi-
ting any persons whatever from giving them any manner
of assistance; they w^ere not to furnish them with either
victuals or lodging; and it was then in the depth of winter.
In vain did they solicit a morsel of victuals from the peo-
ple in the country; the priests watched to give information;
and had any person given them any'assistance, they would
have been executed, outlawed, or imprisoned for life. In
this forlorn condition they wandered from place to place,
eating the leaves of trees, or any thing they could lay
Md of.
At last the unhappj^ creatures sunk under their afflic-
tions, and they died daily. In the compass of about one
month, there was not one of them left; and it may be
justly said of these people that they were starved to
death.
John Wickliffe, Doctor of divinity, lived in the four-
teenth century and was a conspicuous reformer. He
wrote many volumes against the Romish corruption, was
much hated and persecuted, but died in peace, A . D. 1385.
After the body of this pious and learned minister had
been forty-one years in his grave, such was at length the
spirit of intolerance, that his bones were dug up by a de-
cree of the catholick synod of Constance, publickly burn-
ed, and the ashes thrown into the river near the tow^n.
The following are among the articles of WickUffe which
were condemned as heretical : —
HISTORY OF THE MARTYR.S, 273
"The substance of material bread and v/ine doth re-'
main in the sacrament of the altar after the consecration.
" The accidents do not remain without the subject in
the same sacrament, after the consecration.
" That Christ is not in the sacrament of the altar truly
and really, in his proper and corporal person.
" That if a bishop or a priest be in deadly sin, he should
not order, consecrate, nor baptize.
" That if a man be duly and truly contrite and penitent,
all exteriour and outer confession is but superfluous and
unprofitable unto him.
'* That it is not found or established by the gospel that
Christ did make or ordain mass.
" If the pope be a reprobate and evil man, and conse-
quently a member of the devil, he hath no power, by
any manner of means, given unto him over faithful chris-
tians.
" That since the time of Urban VI. there is none to be
received for pope, but every man is to live after the man-
ner of the Greeks, under his own law.
^'That it is against the Scripture, that ecclesiastical
ministers should have any temporal possessions.
''That no prelate ought to excommunicate any man,
except he knew him first to be excommunicated of God.
"That he who doth so excommunicate any man, is
thereby himself either a heretick, or excouimunicated.
" That all such who do leave off preaching or hearing
the word of God, or preaching of the gospel for fear of
excommunication, they are already excommunicated, and
in the day of judgment shall be counted as traitors unto
God.
" That it is lawful for any man, either deacon or priesi,
to preach the word of God without authority or license
of the apostolic see, or any other of his catholicks.
" That so long as a man is in deadly sin, he is neither
bishop nor prelate in the church of God.-'
Wickliffe having written divers works, they were, in the
year 1410, burnt at Oxford, the abbot of Shrewsbury
being then commissary. And not only in England, but in
Bohemia likewise, his books were set on fire by Subinicus,
274 HISTORY OF THE MARTyRS.
archbishop of Prague, who mide diligent inquisition for
them. The number of the volumes which he is said to
have destroyed were most excellently written, and hand-
somely adorned with bosses of gold, and rich coverings,
being about the number of two hundred.
The followers of Wickliffe, then called Lollards, were
become extremely numerous, and the clergy were dis-
pleased to see them increase, because, whatever power or
influence they might have to molest them in an under-
handed manner, they had no authority by law to put them
to death. However, the clergy embraced the favourable
opportunity, and prevailed upon the king to suffer a bill
to be brought into parliament, by which all Lollards who
remained obstinate should be delivered over to the civil
power and be burnt as hereticks. This act was the first
in this islar.d for the burning of people for their religious
sentiments; it passed in the year 1401, and was soon after
put into execution.
Among the early sufferers, after the passage of this
act, was Lord Cobham, a British nobleman. He had
from his youth embraced the doctrines of Wickliffe, atid
having spoken with freedom and independence of the
Romish absurdities, charges were preferred against him
before king Henry V. with a view to his deetruction.
Having escaped from the hands of his enemies, he fled to
France j l>ut aftprwarris returning to England, he was in
1419, arrested and brought before the parliament as an
excommu.Hcated heretick. He said but little in his own
defence. They adjudged him worthy of death. He v/as
ordered to the Tower, and from thence to the gallows,
where he was to be hanged and burnt. The sentence
was executed with great severity. They lighted the
fagots as soon as he was hanged, and he was burnt and
strangled at the same time. History has recorded the
worth of this pious nobleman.
The next man who suffered under this bloody statute
was Thomas Badley, a layman. A letter having been
tendered to him, which he refused, he was declared an ob-
stinate heretick, and chained to the stake in Smithfield ;
where he was burnt alive. After having been placed in
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 275
an empty barrel, bound with iron chains, and fastened to
the stake, surrounded with dried wood, young Prince Hen-
ry, out of pity, intreated Badley to save his Vife by a re-
cantation; but nothing could induce, the martyr to pro-
fane his principles, and he died a pious protesting christian.
Anotlier who was tried upon this statute was William
Thorpe. He was tirst imprisoned in Shrewsbury, after-
wards removed to the castle of Saltwood, whence he was
brought before the archbishop Arundel, who charged him
for going about many years, to teach and dispe-rse his her-
etical opinions ; the archbishop then required him to kneel
down, and swear upon a book to submit to his correction,
and to stand to his award. Thorpe answered, " since you
consider me a heretick, I beseech you give me leave to
make a confession of my faith before you:" to which the
archbishop assenting, he made an ample confession of his
faith, and added : "to the rule and ordinances of God's
laws I meekly, gladly, and willingly submit me with all
my heart, and whosoever shall by the same convince me
of any errour, I am ready and willing to recant." Upon
this, the archbishop said, "I will that thou presently swear
to me, to forsake all the opinions which the sett of the
Lollards hold, and that thou shalt neither favour any man
or woman that holds any of the aforesaid opinions, and that
thou shalt publish their names, and make them known to
the bishop of the diocese where they live." Thorpe, in an-
swer, said, "sir, I may not do this, for it would be the
doom of my conscience, if I should be the cause of the death
of so many men and women which are now in the way of
salvation, who would justly charge me as being a traitor
both to God and them; and therefore, from this wicked-
ness preserve me, O Almighty God now and forever, for
thy holy name's sake." The archbishop was enraged at
this answer, and ordered him to prison, where he was af-
terwards put to death.
In the reign of Henry V. the rage of persecution was
such, that the intolerant party procured a law, requiring
that the followers of Wickliffe should be punished as guilty
of high treason, and therefore be both hanged and burned.
In this reign, Sir Roger Acton, Mr. John Brown, an*)
^76 nisTORv or the martyrs.
Mr. John Beverly, were put to death in St. Giles's in tii»
Fields, together with divers others, to the number of thir-
ty-six, by being hanged with hres made under them, thus
suffering a double death; Sir Roger was stripped naked,
and executed in that indecent manner.
These persons, and Mr. Beverly their preacher, in those
dangerous times, used to meet in the night in Stl Giles's
Fields, to pray and hear preaching. The hishops having
notice of this, informed the king that a dangerous conspi-
racy was intended against him, and to seize upon the city
of London, &;c. On this information the king with many
armed men went to seize them at midnight; but though
only the above thirty-six persoiiswere found, yet the num-
ber was greater, for some escaped by flight.
The people of England were for a while miserably ha-
rassed by Henry Chichley, archbishop of Canterbury.
This dreadful persecutor first wreaked his vengeance on
John Claydon, a free man of London, who was arrested
by the mayor, and taken before the archbishop. This man
being -called to give an account of his opinions, frankly ac-
know^ledged, that for twenty years before, he had consid-
ered it c^s his highest glory, to rank himself among those
people called Lollards. He added, that lie had suffered
many years imprisoiiment in different gaols, particularly
three years in the Fleet, out of which prison he had been
brought before John Searl, the chancellor, when he was
weak enough to abjure; but having considered the affair
more maturely, he returned to his former opinions, and
wrote several books on religious subjects.
Having made this confession, the archbishop ordered a
warrant to be made out, that his house should be searched
for what were then called heretickal books. A diligent
search was made, and some books were found, particular-
ly one, entitled, "The Lanthorn of Light," which Claydon
had written himself.
Ii^this book he maintained; "First, that the pope was
anti-christ, and that he was the enem} to the laws of
Christ."
Secondly, " that the archbishops and bishops are the
children of the beast anti-christ."
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 2^7
Thirdly, "that the bishop's Ucence for a man to preach
the gospel is the character of the beast."
Fourthly, "that the court of Rome is the head of anti-
christ, and the bishops the body."
Fifthly, "that no reprobate can be a member of the
church."
Sixthly, "that Christ did never teach any but one reli-
gion."
Seventhly, " that the material church should not be de-
corated with gold."
Eighthly, " that all persecutions were owing to the pride
and avarice of the priests."
Ninthly, " that no man had a right to give away that as
an alms, which he had not justly obtained; that often sing-
ing in the church is not founded on scripture ; that bread
and wine remain in the sacrament; that the pope's decrees
are unnecessary and unprofitable; that the laity are not
bound to obey the bishops, unless they command what is
consistent with the sacred scriptures; and that images are
not to be worshipped." •
Such were the sentiments of this man ; and we may here
find, that however the followers of Wickliffe differed in
some things, yet in general they agreed in the most lead-
ing principles in religion, namely, that the whole frame of
popery was corrupted; and that the scriptures alone, with
the grace of God, could lead men to salvation.
However, the archbishop, and the other bishops, order-
ed his books to be burnt, and then proceeded to declare
him a heretick. He was then consigned over to the civil
power, who condemned him to be bunit in Smithfield,
which sentence was executed with circumstances of cruel-
ty; but the martyr died, rejoicing in the Lord his God.
Ralph Mungin, a miiaster, was charged before the arch-
bishop with divers heretickal opinions^ and because he
could by no means be induced to recant them, the arch-
bishop condemned him to perpetual imprisonment. Many
others were driven to forsake their houses and families,
and to retire into private places, to preserve themselves
fjrom the rage of these bloody persecutors.
About the same time, Richard Turning was burned
2i
^'''S HISTORY OF THE MAKTYIIS.
alive in Smithlield, and suflered with all that constancy,
fortitude, and resignation, which have so much distinguish-
ed the primitive Christians.
In 1430, Richard Hovenden, a citizen of London, was
convicted for holding and professing the opinions of Wick-
liffe, and when he could not be brought to recant them, he
was condemned and burnt near the Tower of London.
Mr. Nicholas, a canon of Ely, was condemned to endure
three whippings about the cloister of" the cathedral church
in Norwich, and was afterwards kept in prison, for turn-
ing his face from the high altar, and reproving those who
did reverence to the host.
A. D. 1431, Thomas Bagly, a minister of Christ, and an
adherent to the doctrine of Wickliffe, was condemned at
London by the bishops, then degraded, and burnt in Smith-
field.
In 1439, Richard White, a minister, was apprehended
and examined, and when he would not retract his opinions,
he was condemned to be burnt on Tower-hill for heresy.
In the flames he resigned up his spirit unto God; and the
people much admired him for a holy man, as well as a
martyr.
In the reign of King Edward IV. John Goose, or Husse,
in 1473, was called before the bishops, and accused for
heresy; he was condemned, and delivered to the sheriff of
London to be burnt: the sheriff being a man of compas-
sion, took Husse home to his house, labouring much with
him to recant his heresies, and deliver himself from death.
Husse answered, " that for his religion he was at a pass,
and neither could, nor would recant," but desired the sher-
iff to give him some meat, for that he was very hungry.
The sheriff commanded meat to be brought, of which
Husse ate heartily, saying to the bye-standers, "I eat now
a good and competent dinner, for Tshall pass a httle sharp
shower ere I come to supper." When he had dined, he
gave thanks, and requested that he might be led to the
place of execution ; where, in the flames, he meekly re-
signed up his spirit unto God.
A. D. 1494, Joan Boughton, a widow, being about eigh-
ty years old, was accused of heresy, in holding many of
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 270
WicklifiVs opinions. She was so constant a defender of
the truth, that all the doctors in London could not turn
her from one of her opinions, and when they told her that
she should be burnt for her obstinacy and heresy, she set
light by all their threats. In the flames she cried imto
God to receive her soul into his holy hands, and quietly
expired.
In 1506, William Tilsworth was summoned before Doc-
tor Smith, Bishop of Lincoln, by whom he was condemn-
ed for heresy, and burnt in the town of Amersham. At
his burning, his only daughter, Mrs. Clarke, was compel-
led, with her own hands, to set fire to her father: and at
the same time John Clarke, her husband, with many oth-
ers, did penance by bearing fagots.
Mr. Roberts, a miller of Missenden, was burnt at Buck-
ingham: at the time of whose burning, above twenty per-
sons were compelled to bear fagots, and to do penance.
Two years after, Thomas Bernard, a husband-man, and
James Melton, a labourerj were both burnt at one fire at
Amersham.
A. D. 1506, at Amersham, Thomas Chase, having been
arrested by some wicked men, was brought before the
bishop at Woburn, who propounded many questions to
him, which he intermixed with many reproaches. Chase
strongly defended .the truth, and opposed idolatry, for
which the bishop put him into his prison called, " the Lit-
tle Ease:" where he was cruelly bound in chains, and
almost famished with hunger. The bishop sent his chap-
lains often to him with checks, taunts, rebukes, and threat-
enings ; all which the martyr bore with invincible patience
and constancy. When the bishop saw that by his cruelty
he could not prevail against Mr. Chase, but that rather
he was more fervent and zealous in defending the truth,
and that he patiently bore all his wicked persecution, he
consulted to put him to death privately, for fear of an up-
roar amongst the people ; and shortly after, he caused him
to be cruelly strangled, and pressed to death in the prison.
During the year in which this faithful martyr suffered,
several persons were apprehended in the dioceses of Nor-
^•ch and Lincoln, for having spoken disrespectfully of the
S80 HISTORY OF THE M.\RTYR.«.
clergy, and were braiidcd in tlic churches with red-hot
irons.
Father Roberts, a priest, was convicted of being a Lol-
lard before the bishop of Lincoln, and burnt at Bucking-
ham; he suffered with great constancy, piety, and resig-
nation; embr?iced the faggots, and rejoiced that God bad-
accounted him worthy to die for the truth of the gospel.
In 1507, Thomas Norris was burned at Norwich, for the
testimony of the truth. This was a poor inoffensive per-
son, but his parish priest conversing with him one day,
conjectured he Avas a Lollard. Li consequence of this
supposition, he gave information to the bishop, and Norris
was apprehended. It does not appear that he was guilty
of any other crime than that of condemning the vices of
the clergy; but that was sutiicient to produce his destruc-
-tion in this world. The priests, finding themselves con-
victed by the evidence of their own consciences, imagined
the best way was to put the protestants to death. This
was a diabolical work, but it was, in all respects, consistent
with the notions of the people in those barbarous and
ignorant times.
In 1508, Lawrence Guale, who had been kept in prison
two years, was burnt alive at Salisbury, for denying the
real presence id the sacrament. This man kept a shop
in Salisbury, and entertained some I>ollards in his house;
for which he was presented to the bishop ; but abiding by
his first testimony, he was condemned to suffer as a here-
tick. Lawrence had a wife and seven children, and the
bishop, hoping to overcome him by fatherly affection to
his children, when he was fastened to the stake, his wife
and seven children were brought to him: but, religion
overcoming nature in him, he remained constant and un-
moveable, and when his wife began to exhort him to fevour
himself, he desired her not to be in his way; that he was
running towards the mark of his salvation Fire being
put to him, he renounced his wife and children to follow
Christ, and in the midst of the flames resigned up his
spirit unto God. #
About the same time at Sodbury, a pious woman
was summoned before the Chancellor, Doctor ^Vhitting-
HISTORY OF TriE MARTYRS. 281
ton, when she made a confession of her faith, not shrink-
ing for any of his terrible threats, so that he condemned
her to he burnt. Against the day of her execution, mul-
titudes of people flocked together to Sodbury, and among
them Doctor Whittington came to see her executed. This
faithful servant of Jesus Christ, neither daunted with the
sight of the stake, nor shrinking at the torments of the
lire, quietly expired.
CHAP. 11.
PERSECUTIONS IN ENGLAND, FROM THE FIRST PART, TO THE
MIDDLE OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
From the days of Wickliffe, there were many tliat dif-
fered from the doctrines commonly received. He wrote
many books that gave great offence to the clergy, yet
being powerfully supported by the Duke of Lancaster,
they could not have their revenge during his life. The
Bible which he translated into English, with the preface
which he set before it, produced the best effects. In it
he reflected on the ill lives of the clergy, and condemned
the worship of saints and images, and the corporeal
presence of Christ in the sacrament; but the most crimi-
nal part was, the exhorting of people to read the Scrip-
tures,* where the testimonies against those corruptions
"* Perhaps there cannot be a stronger proof of the depravity of the.
Roman cathoHck religion, or ^ts perversion of truth, than its denying
to the laity the use of the sacred volume — "To the law and to the tes-
timony,'" saith the prophet; "If they speak not according to this, it is
because there is no light in them." — "Search the Scriptures," saith the
Lord. — "These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness of njind, and searched the
scriptures daily, Acts xyii. 11. There are some who would pervert the
gospel.'
The following article resnecting Wickliffe and his followers, appeared,
in the 16th volume of the Monthly Magazine, for 1 803, p. 225. •
*' Wickliffe, the celebrated priest and reformer in the end of Edward
III.'s reign, was not educated at Cambridge, but at Oxford ; in which
university, being a man of distinguished learning, he possessed consider-
able authority and influence. But his doctrines soon made their way
among all ranks of people; and Cambridire, as may be supposed, was
24^ ^
282 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
were such, that there was no way but to silence them. His
followers were not men of letters, but being wrought on
by the easy conviction of plain sense, were determined in
their persuasions. They did not form themselves into a
body, but were contented to hold their opinions secretly,
and did not attempt to spread them, but to their particu-
lar confidents. The clergy sought them out every whefe,
and delivered them after conviction to the secular arm,
to be destroyed by fire.
The canons of the council of the Lateran being re-
ceived in England, the proceedings against hereticks grew
to be a part of the common law, and a writ for burning
them was issued upon their conviction.
In the reign of Henry the VIII. persecution raged
with great violence, and many were called upon to abjure
the truth, or suffer for refusing. Among several who
were arrested in Coventry were Mrs. Smith, Messrs Hat-
cher, x\rcher, Haukins, Bond, Wrigsham, and Landsdale,
for teaching their children and servants the Lord's Prayer,
the ten Commandments, and the creed in the English
tongue : on which some of them were put into prison, and
others into dungeons under ground, and thence sent to
Maxtoke-abbey. In the mean time their children were
examined by the w^arden of the Grey-friars, in Coventry,
concerning their belief, and what heresies their parents
had taught them, and charging them upon pain of death
not to meddle any more with the Lord's Prayer, &c.
in English, Shortly after, those people were brought
back to Coventry, where they were condemned to be
burnt; and only Mrs. Smith was dismissed for that time.
It being night, Morton, the sumner, was ordered to con-
duct her to her home ; as he led her by the arm, he per-
ceived a paper in her sleeve, and on taking it out, the
paper discovered that it contained the Lord's Prayer, the
ten Commandments, and the Creed, in English, He then
not behind in g;iving them a hearing. Many of its members were fose-
most among Wickliff's advocates ; but as the Lollards (so WickliiF^s
followers were called, from liollardus, a German reformer) did not form
tWemselves into societies or churches; they were obliged to maintain
their opinions privately, and in th^ hearing only of their particular
confidents.
BISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 286
said, " Ah ! come, as well now as any other time 5" and so
brought her back to the bishop, who immediately con-
deinaed her, and the whole six were burnt in the little
parl< !
Robert Silkeb, at the apprehension of the others, ran
away; but two years after being taken, and carried to
Coventry, he was condemned, and burnt the next day.
On the martyrdom of these persons, the sheriffs presently
went to their houses, seized upon all their goods, not
leaving their wives and children any thing to support
them.
October 18, 1511, William Succling, and John Banis-
ter, who had formerly recanted, returned again to the
profession of the faith, and were burned alive in Smith-
field. The crime alleged against them was, for denying
the real presence in the sacrament; they died with a
constancy and fortitude which would have done honour
to the ancient martyrs.
September 24, 1518, John Stilman, who had before
recanted, was apprehended, brought before Fitz James,
bishop of London, and on the 25th of October was con-
demned as a heretick. He was chained to the stake in
Smithfield amidst a vast crowd of spectators, and sealed
his testimony to the truth with his blood. He declared
that he was a Lollard, and that he had always believed
the opinions of. Wickliffe; and although he had been weak
enough to recant his opinions, yet he was now willing to
convince the world that he was ready to die for the truth.
In the year 1517, one John Brown (who had recanted
before, in the reign of Henry VII, and borne a fagot round
St. Paul's) was condemned by Dr. Warham, Archbishop
of Canterbury, and burnt alive at Ashford. Before he
was chained to the stake, the archbishop and the bishop
of Rochester caused his feet to be burned in a fire 'til!
all the flesh came off, even to the bones. This was done
in order to make him again recant, but he persisted in his
attachment to the truth 'till the last.
March 29, 1519, Thomas Mann was brought before the
bishop of London, for declaring, " That auricular coi>
fession was not necessary.
284 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
" That the real presence was not in the bread, after the
words of consecration. .
'• That the worshipping of images was idolatry.
" That pilgrimages were no more than a human inven-
tion."" For these sentiments he was degraded from his
clerical habit, and condemned to be burnt ahve in Smith-
field.
The constancy with which this nrart}T suffered was
very remarkable. Dark and confined as men's notions
might have been in that "age, when light was only begin-
ning to break in upon the human mind ; yet this faithful
sufferer met the fire and the fagots with fortitude and
resolution.
The same year, Robert Celin, a plain honest man, was
condemned by the bishop of Lincoln, and burned alive at
Buckingham, for speaking against image worship and
pilgrimages.
About the same period, James Brewster, a native of
Colchester, w^as executed in SmithfieJd, for following the
doctrines of Wickliffe; and notwithstanding the innocence
of his life, and the regularity of his manners, he was
obliged to submit to papal revenge.
One Christopher Shoemaker, of Missenden, was burnt
alive at Newbury, in Berkshire, for denying the popish
articles already mentioned. This man had got some
^ooks in English, which were sufficient to render him
obnoxious to the Romish clergy.
We here pass over a multitude of persons, men, women,
and children, who were arranged on account of th^r
religious opinions, in these perilous times. Persecutions,
imprisonments, and various punishments, more or less
cruel were made the common occurrences of the day; and
heresy, as it was then called, was treated as the worst of
all crimes.
Among others who experienced the dreadful effects of
superstition and bigotry, was Thomas Bilney, Doctor of
Laws, a man of s^reat learning and piety. He had been
educated at the University of Cambridgeand was skilful,
in all the general science, particularly in law and divinity.
He was arrested for preaching what w^ere called the doc=
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 285
trines of Luther, for censuring the vices of the Romish
clergy, and for calhng in question the authority of the
pope. After a tedious trial, he was condemned to be
burnt ahve. In the midst of the Hames, he cried with a
loud voice " Credo r {5) And after lingering some time,
as the wind often blew away the flames, he joyfully re-
ceived the crown of martyrdom.
John Scrivener, a plain honest man, was condemned by
the bishop of Lincoln, and his own children were con-
demned to suffer as hereticks, unless they would set fire
to the fagots which were to burn their father. This was
not unusual, for the popish priests, who at that time had
the greatest part of the civil power in theii^own hands,
domineered over the consciences of the people; and the
more unnatural the executions, the more they considered
it as conducive towards preserving church power.
A question has been stated by bishop Kennet, namely,
what could induce the Roman catholicks to burn those •
whom they call hereticks, rather than to put them to any
other death or punishment. All respect should be paid
to what has been declared by that honoured prelate 5 and
yet he has not entered into tlie spirit of the argument. —
The truth is, the papists, in order to domineer over the
consciences of the people, taught them to believe, that
all hereticks, being deemed accursed and condemned to
everlasting torments, so it was necessary that their pun-
ishment in eternity should immediately begin.
Persecution, during the reign of Henry VIH. was not
confined to one part of the kingdom: its baleful influence
spread far and wide; there was a continual struggle be-
tween truth and superstition.
Some pious men had translated into English the Creed,
tlip. Lord's Prayer, and the ten commandments: these
were eagerly copied, and thousands of them were disper-
sed over the kingdom; for although the art of printing
had been known many years before, yet it was not then
much practised. Many of the pious people kept copies,
written on vellum, and for that, many were apprehended
and committed to prison.
(5; "I believe.'
286 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Robert Silks, who had been condemned in the bishop's
court as a heretick, made his escape out of prison, but was
taken two years afterwards, and brought back to Coven-
try, where he was burned ahve. The sheriffs seized the
goods of the martyrs for their own use, so that their wives
and children were left in want and wretchedness.
In 1523, Thomas Harding, at Chesham, in Bucking-
hamshire, on easter-day, when other people went to church
to commit idolatry, went into the woods, solitarily to wor-
ship the true and living God. Whilst he was reading an
English book of prayers, a person espied him, and imme-
diately informed the officers of what he had seen: on this
his house was searched for books ; and in searching very
narrowly under the boards of a floor, some portions of the
holy Scriptures in English were found. Harding, with
his books, w^as carried before bishop Longland, who with
his chaplains mocked and derided him.
He was then sent to the bishop's prison, where he en-
dured hunger and pain, till the bishop called him to
judgment, and condemned him to be burnt, appointing
Rowland Missenden, vicar of High Wickham, to see ex-
ecution done. This vicar, with a rabble, like himself,
carried him to Chesham, where he continued all night in
prayer and meditation, and next morning was carried to
the place of execution. When tied to the stake, he desi-
red the spectators to pray for him, and forgiving his ene-
mies and persecutors, commended his spirit to God, and
lifting up his hands to heaven, cried, "Lord Jesus receive
my spirit." A billet was then thrown at him, which dash-
ed out his brains. This worthy man was thus cruelly
martyred at the age of upwards of sixty years.
Memy persons of both sexes were at this time apprehen-
ded, but they had not the fortitude to suffer. Among
these were the following: —
John Raimund, a Dutchman, in 1528, was abjured in
London, for causmg 1500 of Tyndal's New Testaments to
be printed at Antwerp, and for bringing 500 of them to
England.
During 1529, Sigar Nicholson, stationer, in Cambridge,
was hunjr for having in his house some of Luther's books*
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 287
and others which were prohibited, lUid for not presenting
them to the ordinary.
Paul Luther, a grey-friar, was abjured for saying in his
sermon, that "it was pity so many images were suffered
in churclies; that there was no need to go on pilgrimages;
and, that if a man were near drowning, or any other dan-
ger, he should call only upon God; for the saints in heaven
could neither hear nor afford the least help."
William Tracy, Esq. of Todington, in Gloucestershire,
dying about this period, ordered in his will, "that he
would have no funeral pomp, mass, &c. but trusted in
God alone through Christ." The archbishop of Canter-
bury exhibited this will in the convocation house, when
Tracy's son brought the will to be proved : on which the
father's corpse was adjudged to be taken out of the grave
and burnt; which sentence was executed with due strict-
ness.
In 1530, Thomas Hitten, a minister at Maidstone in
Kent, was summoned before archbishop Warham, and
Fisher, bishop of Rochester, and accused of heresy. —
And when, after a long imprisonment, and various tor-
ments, those prelates were unable to prevent him from
his religious principles, they condemned him, delivered
him over to the secular power, and caused him to be burnt
at Maidstone.
Richard Byfield, was cast into prison and endured se-
vere whipping, for his adherence to the doctrines of Lu-
ther. This Mr. Byfield had been some time a monk, at
Barnes, in Surry, but was converted, by reading Tindal's
version of the New Testament. He saip that either po-
pery, or the New Testament, was false. He had an op-
portunity of reading some of the ancient fathers^ and from
them he learned, that there was a material difference be-
tween the primitive church and popery. The sufferings
this man underwent for the truth were so great, that it
would require a volume to contain them. Sometimes he
was shut up in a dungeon, where he was almost suffocated
by the offensive and horrid smell of filth and stagnated
water. At other times, he was tied up by the arms, till
almost all his joints were dislocated. He was whipped at
288^ HISTORY OF THE M.\ftTYKS.
a post several times, till scarce any flesh was left on his
back ; and ail this was done to make him recant. He was
then taken to the Lolkird's Tower in Lambeth-palace,
where he was chained by the neck to the wall, and once
e\ery day beaten in the most cruel manner by the arch-
bisiiop's servants.
At last he was brought before the Bishop of London, in
St. Paul's cathedral in London, where he was condemned
as a here tick, and a certiticate of his condemnation was
se)it into the Court of Chancery.
Sir Thomas More, at that time high chancellor of Eng-
land, granted a writ for his execution, directed to the
sheriffs of London. lie was then taken from Newgate to
St. Paul's, where he was degraded, stripped of all his ca-
nonical habits, and delivered over to the secular power.
The next day he was taken from Newgate to Smithfield,
where he was chained to a stake, and burned alive, amidst
a crowd of spectators. While he was in the fire, he lifted
up his right arm in a praying posture, but it soon dropped
into the names, and he expired. He continued calling on
his Saviour as long as he was able to speak, and at last
slept in the bosom of his God.
> In 1533, John Frith died a martyr for the tru^h. This
gentleman had been some time student in Cambridge, but
was afterwards removed to Christ's Church, Oxford. Hav-
ing received priest's orders, he obtained a living in the
neighbourhood of London; but through the force of con-
viction, he puMickly declared his assent to the doctrines
of Luther, for which he was taken into custody, and brought
before the bish||) of London. The bishop asked him sev-
eral questions in the usual form, and in the end declared
him to be an obstinate heretick.
With Mr. Frith was burnt Andi^w Hewet, a young
man, twentv years of a^e. When he was brought before
the chancellor of the Bishop of London, it was objected
jigainst him, "that he believed the sacrament of the altar,
after the consecration, to be but a signification of the bo-
dv of Chiist^ and that the host consecrated was not the
body of Christ."
When they were at the stake, Doctor Cook, a parson in
HISTORY OF THE M.VKTVUis. 289
Londoij, openly admonished all the people, '-* that they
should in no wise pray for thera, no more than they would
do for a dog."
Both these sufferers endured much torment, for the wind
blew the flames away from them, so that they were above
two hours in agony before they expired.
Mr. Tindal the translator of the New Testament, was
an Englishman, born near the borders of Wales, and fin-
ished his studies in the university of Oxford ; w hence he
went to Cambridge, where he remained some time, and
was afterwards a school-master in Worcestershire. Thence
he removed to London, where he undertook the transla-
tion of the New Testament, which was afterw ards*printed
at Antwerp.
He continued some years in Germany, embraced the
doctrines of Luther, and commenced a preacher, exhort-
ing such of his countrymen as were at that time exiles for
their religion. His followers being numerous, highly of-
fended the popish clergy; and at last a warrant was issued
out by the emperour to apprehend him. For some time
he concealed himself from popish rage, by shifting from
place to place, and at last settled in that city^ Here, how-
ever, he met with real enemies, and false or pretended
friends.
While he resided in that city, one Henry Philips, an
Englishman, arrived, and getting acquainted with Tindal,
pretended much friendship for him. But he went from
Antwerp to the court of Brussels, where at that time re-
sided no English ambassador. Here he gave information
against Tindal, and returned to Antwerp with the empe-
rour's attorney, and several other officers. *
Through the agency of Philips, the unfortunate Tindal
was apprehended by the emperour's officers, and hurried
to the castle of Fulford, a distai^ce from Antwerp of fif-
teen miles, where he was confined several months in a
dungeon,. and then burnt alive at a stake. It was about
the latter end of the year 1535, that this pious man met
his fate.
Grateful people erect statues, and embellish monuments
witli florid inscriptions, in honour of those who have done
25
290 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
service to their country. We may venture to affirm, tlia;
the pious Mr. Tindal, by translating the New Testament
into English, did as much towards expeiUng darkness and
superstition, as any man in the age. He was learned and
pious. Concerning his translation of the New Testament,
he says in the preface, "I call God to witness, when 1
shall appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an
account of all my actions, that I have not altered one syl-
lable of God's word against my conscience ; nor would I
for all the honours of this world, if they were laid at my
feet."(4)
In 1538, John Lambert, a valuable preacher of the gos-
pel fell a victim to intolerance. Many articles of heresy
were charged against him, and he was cordemned to the
flames. The manner of his death was terrible. It is
even said, that none who perished in the fires of Smithfield,
ever endured such tortures. After his legs were burnt
off, while he was standing on the remaining stumps, the
fire was partly withdrawn so as to prolong his sufferings.
In this situation, two who stood near him, picking him
upon their pikes, raised him as high as his chain would
permit. He then lifted up his hands, his fingers flaming
with fire, and cried, "None but Christ, none but Christ."
They then dropped him from their pikes into the fire, and
after lingering awhile in his agony, he resigned his spirit
to God.
In these days of ignorance and superstition, the agents
of oppression and cruelty took advantage of the political
dissensions that arose from time to time among the no-
bility, and ex§ited prejudices against such of them as fa-
voured the protestant cause. Thomas Cromwell, who was
earl of Essex, and private counsellor to the reigning king,
fell a victim to this policy. He had taken an active part
in favour of the reformation, was pious and highly es-
teemed; but his enemies found means to turn the king
against him, and to raise up many enemies who desired his
destruction. In 1540, he was thrown into prison, and
(4.) Mr. Tindal is mentioned here, because, being a native of Eng
jand, it scewed proper to reckon him among tlie English martyrs.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 291
.after remaining some time in that situation, was brought
to the scatibld and beheaded. He was charged by his
enemies with treason and heresy, and though evidently
innocent and pious, was condemned without trial.
Dr. Barns, Williciiii Jerome, and Thomas Garret, all
iuffered martyrdom by being burnt at Smithfield, under
sentence for heresy. Like others who had previously
suffered in the fires of that place, they were joyful in the
flames.
Richard Menkin, a lad under fifteen years of age, was
accused of speaking well of Dr. Barns, and of some ir-
reverent words concerning the sacrament. The first jury
finding no indictment against him, were dismissed, and
unother jury was called, who found a bill, by which this
child was condemned and burnt at Snaithfield.
John Porter was arrested for heresy, loaded with irons,
thrown into a most loathsome dungeon, and treated with
so much hardship and severity, that ho expired under his
sufferings.
Robert Testwood, Anthony Person, and Henry Filmer,
were all condemned for their religious opinions, and burnt
at one time. Robert Clark, and a man by the name of
Kerby, were burnt for heresy under circumstances of
great cruelty. Clark was burnt with green wood, and
his tortures were almost indescribable.
Ann Askew, a lady of great merit, was a dissenter from
t]\e doctrines of popery, for which she was thrown into
prison, and endured long and tedious sufferings. She
was cruelly tortured upon the rack, and became so feeble
and sickly under her oppressions, that she was unable to
walk, and was carried in a chair to the stake. Her mind
was superiour to the terrours of death in its most dreadful
form, and she died a true w itness for the truth, calmly re-
signing her spirit to him who gave it. With her were
burnt, under similar charges, Nicholas Belenian, John Ad-
ams, and John Larcels. The courage and constancy of
Mrs. Askew greatly strengthened the others, and they all
joyfully received the crown of martyrdom.
-* From the commencement of the sixteenth century to
e reign of queen Mary, there were many others who
'2^92 HtSTOilV OF THE MAllTVll^.
suffered peTsecution in England, in various ways, and under
flivers pretences, whose names are not here mentioned. —
The reader who wishes a more full account, may find it fh
the history of Martyrs hy Mr. Fox.
CHAP. III.
PERSECUTIONS IN SCOTLAND, IN THE sfjCTEENTII CENTTURY.
Though the persecutions against the protestants in
Scotland were not conducted with such vigour as in Eng-
land, yet there were many innocent people who fell vic-
tims to bigoLted malevolence, and cheerfully resigned up
their souls in testimony of the truth.
The first person who suffered in Scotland on account of
religion, was Patrick Hamilton, a gentleman of an inde-
pendent fortune, and descended from a very ancient and
honourable family.
Having acquired a liberal education, and desirous of
improving himself in useful knowledge, he left 8cutlaiid,,
and went to the university of Wittenburg, in Germany,
in order to finish his studies.
During his residence here, he became intimately ac-
quainted with those eminent lights of the gospel, Martin
Luther and Philip Melancthon ; from whose writings and
doctrines he strongly attached himself to the protestant
religion.,
After staying some time at Wittenburg, he left that
place, and w^ent to the university of Marpurg, lately es-
tablished by Philip, landgrave of Hesse. Here he formed
an intimacy with several distinguished characters, friends
to the reformation, among whom was Frarcis Lambert.
From him, Mr. Hamilton received such enhghtened
assistance, that he set up public disputations on religion at
Marpurg; and from the soHdity of his arguments, joined
to his well-knoAvn piety, and regular conduct in life, he
soon obtained a number of followers, who were happy in
having the opportunity of hearing the true gospel of
Christ displayed; in its proper colours.
^ After labouring here some time, he determined' to re^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 293
turn to his own country, and exert himself in behalf of
the protestant religion ; and from his great diligence, as
well as singular abilities as a preacher, soon became pop-
ular, and was followed by great numbers of advocates for
the cause of Christ.
Cadinal Beacon, archbishop of St. Andrew's, a rigid
papist, hearing of Mr, Hamilton's proceedings, cited him
to appear before him at his palace, where, after several
conferences with -him on dilferent points of religion, he
was dismissed, the archbishop seeming to approve of his
doctrines, and acknowledging, that in many particulars
there needed a reformation in the church.
This, however, was all hypocrisy and deceit; the arch-
bishop's intentions were to make a sacritice of Mr. Ham-
ilton; but he was fearful that his attempts would prove
abortive by Mr. Hamilton's acquaintance and connexion
with many personages who had free access to the king;
so that if he should convict him of heresy, he w^ould es-
cape by means of their Intercession.
To obviate this difficulty, the archbishop, who had
great ascendancy over the Scottish king, persuaded him to
go on a pilgrimage to St. Dothesse, in Rosse, The king,
also a strong bigot, readily took the bishop's advice, and
a few days after set out on his journey, little suspecting,
the archbishop's intentions.
The next day after his departure, the archbishop caused
Mr. Hamilton to be seized, and being brought before him,
after a short examination relative to his religious princi-
ples, he committed him a prisoner to the castle, at the
same time ordering him to be confined in the most loath-
some part of the prison.
The next morning Mr. Hamilton was brought before
Beaton, and several others for examination, when the
principal articles exhibited against him were, his publicly
disapproving of pilgrimages, purgatory, prayers to saints,
prayers for the dead, &c.
These articles Mr. Hamilton acknowledged to be true,
in consequence of which he was immmediately condemned
to be burnt; and that his condemnation might have the
greater authority, they caused it to be subscribed by all
25*
^94 HISTORY OF TlIS MARTYRS'.
those of any note wlio were present ; and to make the
number as considerable as possible, even admitted the sub-
scription of boys, sons of the nobility.
So anxious was this bigotted and persecuting prelate
for the destruction of Mr. Hamilton, that he ordered his
sentence to be put in execution on the afternoon of the
very day it was pronounced, lie was accordingly led to
the place appointed for the horrid tragedy, attended by a
prodigious number of spectators. The* greatest part of
the multitude would not believe it was intended he should
be put to death, but that it was only done to frighten him,
and tliereby bring him over to embrace the principles of
ihe Romish religion. But they soon found themselves
mistaken.
Arrived at the stake, he knelt down, and for some time,
prayed with the greatest fervency. After this he arose,
and was accosted by a priest, who told him, that "if he
would recant, his life should be spared: but the martyr
was so furnished with strength, that neither the love of
life, nor the fear of the most cruel death, could in the least
move him to deviate from the truth of that gospel he had
so religiously professed, and for which he was determined
to relinquish a miserable existence.
Having finished his devotions, he took off his gown, coat,
cap, and other garments, and delivered them to a faithful
servant that attended him, saying, " these will not profit
in the fire, but they will profit thee: after this, of me thou
canst receive no commodity except the example of my
death, which I pray thee to bear in mind ; for though it
be bitter to the flesh, and fearful before men, yet it is the
entrance into eternal life^ which none shall enjoy who de-
ny Christ Jesus before this wicked generation.
After this he was fastened to the stake, and the fagots
placed round him. A quantity of gunpowder having been
fastened under his arms, was first set on fire, which scorch-
ed his left hand and one side of- his face, but did him no
rrtaterial injury, neither did it communicate with the fag-
ots. In consequence of this, more powder and combus**-
'tible matter were brought, which being set on fire took
effect, and the fagots being kindled, he called out, with
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 29^
an niidible voice, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit! How
long shall darkness overwhelnn this realm? and how long
will thou suffer the tyranny of these men?"
The tire burning slow put him to great torment: but he
bore it with christian magnanimity. What gave him the
greatest pain was, the clamour of som.e wicked men set or
by the friars, who frequently cried out, 'Uurn, thou here-
tick; call upon our lady; say, Salve Regina^ &:c.'' To
whom he replied, " depart from me, and trouble me not,
ye messengers of satan." One Campb^l, a friar, who was
the ringleader, still continuing to interrupt him by oppro-
brious language; he said to him, "wicked man, God for-
give thee." After which, being prevented from farther
speech by the violence of the smoke, and the rapidity of
the flames, he resigned up his soul into the hands of him
who gave it.
This steadfast believer in Christ suffered martyrdour in
the year 1527.
Campbell, the friar, who had so interrupted him at the
place of execution, 'afterwards became distracted, and
died within the year. These two circumstances put to^
gether, made an impression upon the people ; and as these
points began to be inquired into, many embraced the new
opinions.
Henry Forest, a young inoffensive Benedictine, being
charged with speaking respectfully of the above Patrick
Hamilton, was throv/n into prison ; and, in confessing him-
self to a friar, owned that he thought Hamilton a good
man; and that the articles, for which he was sentenced to
die, might be defended. This being revealed by the friar,
it was received as evidence ; and the poor Benedictine
was sentenced to be burnt.
Whilst consultation was held, with regard to the man-
ner of his execution, John Lindsay, one of the archbishop's
gentlemen, offered his advice, to burn Friar Forest in some
cellar; "for," said he, "the smoke of Patrick Hamilton
hath infected all those on whom it blew."
This advice was taken, and the poor victim was rather
suffocated than burnt.
The next who fell victims for professing tlie truth of the
296 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
gospel were, David Stratton and Norman Gourlay. The^
iirst of these was by trade a tisherman, and a very illiter-
ate person, paying little regard either to morality or reli
gion.
The archbishop one day sent to Stratton, and demand-
ed of him a tithe of the hsh he caught; to which he re-
turned foi- answer, that if they would have tithe of what
his servants took in the sea, they should receive it in the
place where it was caught, and immediately ordered the
man to carry ever^ tenth iish, and throw it into the sea.
Though the bishop was greatly irritated at the beha-
viour of Stratton, yet he took no notice of him for the pre-
sent, but determined to be revenged on him at some future
opportunity.
In the mean time, Stratton having accidentally fallen
into the company of some pious and christian people, was
so struck with their conversation, that it impressed his mind
with a sense of his duty, to which he had hitherto been a
stranger.
From this period he attended, with the greatest dili-
gence, to hear the word of God, which, before, he had
despised ; and in a short time he became so serious a con-
vert, that he exhorted others to follow his example, and
not to fix their minds on the concerns of this world.
The great attention these two persons paid to the duties
of religion, made them so distinguished, that an informa-
tion of heresy was laid against them by their enemies be-
fore the archbishop, who now determined to punish Strat-
ton for the treatment he had received from him before his
conversion..
They were both apprehended, and committed to prison,
where they were confined for several weeks, during which
they were very cruelly treated. They had scarcely suffi-
cient refreshment allowed them to preserve their misera-
ble existence; nor were they suffered to be seen by any
of their friends or acquaintances.
At length they were brought before the archbishop, at
Holy Rood-house, for examination, the king himself being
present. ,.
Several articles of heresy were exhibited against them,
HISTOJIY OF THE JIARTYRS. 297
all which they answered with great fortitude and compo-
sure. The archbishop endeavoured to prevail on them to
recant their errours, and return to the mother-church; but
they denied having committed any offence, and said that
they were determined to preserve their religious senti-
ments, in opposition to every effort that might be offered
to make tUorm nl^pr their opinions.
In consequence of tnib, the archbishop pronounced on
them the dreadful sentence of death, which w^as, that they
should be first hanged, and then burnt ; and in the after-
noon of the same day they were led to the place appoint-
ed for their execution.
As soon as they arrived at the fatal spot, they both
kneeled down, and prayed for some time, with great fer-
vency. They then arose, when Stratton, addressing him-
self to the spectators, exhorted them " to lay aside their
superstitious and idolatrous notions, and employ their time
in seeking the true light of the gospel," He would hare
said more, but was prevented by the officers, at the desire
of the archbishop, who attended.
Their sentence was then put into execution, and they
cheerfully resigned up their souls to that God who gave
them, hoping, through the merits of the great Redeemer,
for a glorious resurrection to hfe immortal. — They suffer-
ed in the year 1534.
These martyrdoms were soon followed by that of Mr.
Thonjas Forret, for a considerable time Dean of the Rom-
ish church.
Having himself been enlightened with the truth of the
gospel, he was desirous of conveying the knowledge of it
to others. To effect this he preached every sabbath to
his parishioners,. from the epistles and gospels of the day;
which highly offending the friars, who claimed that privi-
lege to themselves only, they accused him of heresy, and
laid an information against nim before the bishop of Dun-
keld.
Though the bishop would willingly have avoided con-
cerning himself in this matter, yet, from the persons who
laid the information, he thought it most prudent to take
some notice of it. He accordingly ordered I)ean Forret
^VO HISTORY OIF THE MARTYRS.
to appear beibre*T»im ; which being immediately complied
with, the following dialogue ensued:
Bishop, "My good dean, I love you well, and therefore
1 must give you counsel how to govern yourself. I am
informed that you preach the epistle and gospel every
Sunday to your people, and that you take not your dues-
from them, which is very prejudicial to the rV>"rclimen.
Therefore, my good Dean Thom«a, 1 would advise you to
take your dues, otherwise it will be too much to preach
every Sunday; for by so doing you make the people think
we should do the same. It is enough for you, when you
find a good epistle or gospel, to set fourth and preach the
liberty of the holy mother-church."
Dean, " My lord, I presume none of my parishioners
complaiii for my not taking my dues. And whereas you
say it is too much to preach every Sunday, I think it is
too little, and wish your lordship Would follow my ex-
ample."
Bishop, " Nay, nay, Dean Thomas, let that be, for we
are not ordained to preach."
Dean. " My lord, you told me to preach when I meet
with- a good epistle and gospel: I have read them all over^
and I know no bad ones among them, but when your
lordship shows me such I will pass by them."
Bishop. "I thank God I never knew what the Old and
New Testament were ; and I desire not to know any thing
more than my pontifical. Go your ways, and lay aside
all these fancies; for if you persevere herein, you will re-
pent when it "is too late*."
Dean. "I trust my cause is good and just in the presence
of God, and therefore I care not what follows."
. The dean then took leave of the bishop, but was, a short
time after, summoned to appear before Cardinal Beaton,
Archbishop of St. Andrew's, by whom, after a short ex-
amination, he was condemned* to be burnt as a heretick.
The like sentence was pronounced, at the same time,
on four others, namely, Killor and Beverage, two black-
smiths; Duncan Simson, a priest; and Robert Forester, a
gentleman; who were all burnt together, on the Castle-
hill at Edinburgh, the last day of February, 1538.
■«-^-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 299
They endured their sufferings with great fortitude, and
died in the most Uvely exercise of faith in Christ, to obtain
eternal hfe in that glorious state, where the wicked cease
from troubling, and the weary are at rest.
The year following the martyrdoms of these persons,
two others were apprehended on a suspicion of heresy;
namely, Jerom Russel, and Alexander Kenedy, a youth
about eighteen years of age.
These persons, after having been some time confined
in prison, were brought before the archbishop for exami-
nation. Kennedy's tender years inclining him to pusilla-
nimity, he would at first have recanted ; but being sudden-
ly refreshed by divine inspiration, and feeling himself a
new creature, his mind was changed ; and falling on his
knees, he uttered a short, but very appropriate prayer.
He then said to his judges, "do with me as you please, I
praise God, I am ready."
In the course of their examination Russel, being a very
sensible man, reasoned learnedly against his accusers.
They, in return, made use of very opprobrious language;
to which Russel replied as follows: "This is your hour
and power of darkness: now ye sit as judges, and we stand
wrongfully accused, and more wrongfully to be condemn-
ed; but the day will come v/hen our innocence will appear,
and ye shall see your own blindness, to your everlasting
confusion. Go on, and fill the measure of your iniquity."
The examination being over, and both of them deemed
hereticks, the archbishop pronounced the dreadful sen-
tence of death, and they were immediately delivered
over to the secular power in order for execution.
The next day they were led to the place appointed for
them to suffer; in their way to which, Russel, seeing his
fellow-sufferer have the appearance of timidity in his
countenance, thus addressed him: "Brother, fear not;
greater is he that is in us, than he that is in the world.
The pain that we are to suffer is short, and shall be light;
but our joy and consolation shall never have an end. Let
us, therefore, strive to enter into our Master and Saviour's
joy, by the same strait way which he hath taken before
us. Death cannot hurt us ; for it is already destroyed by
him, for whose sake we are now going to suffer."
300 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Wlien they arrived at the fatal spot, they both kneeled
dov/n and prayed for some time; after which, being fasten-
ed to the staive, and the fagots lighted, they cheerfully
resigned their souls into the hands of him who gave them,
in full hopes of an everlasting reward in the heavenly
mansion.
In 1543, the Archbishop of St. Andrew's made a visita-
tion into various parts of his diocese, where several per-
sons were informed against at Perth for heresy. Among
these the following w^ere condemned to die;
William Anderson, Robert Lamb, James Finlayson,
James Hunter, James Raveleson, Helen Stark.
The accusations laid against these respective persons
were as follows:
The four first were accused "of having hung up the
image of Sir Francis, nailing horns on his head; but the
principal matter on which they were condemned w^as,
having regaled themselves with a fowl on a fast-day."
James Raveleson w^as accused "of having ornamented
his house with the three-crowned diadem of Feter, carved
in wood, which the archbishop conceived to be done in
mockery to his cardinal's cap."
Helen Stark was accused "of not having accustomed
herself to pray to the Virgin Mary!"
On these respective accusations they were all found
guilty, and immediately received sentence of death; the
four men, for eating the goose, to be hanged; James
Raveleson to be burnt; and the woman, with her suckling
infant, to be put into a sack, and drowned.
The four men, with the woman and child, suffered at
the same time*, but James Ftaveleson was not executed
'till some days after.
On the day appointed for the execution of the former,
they were all conducted, under a proper guard, to the
place where they were to suffer, attended by a prodijfious
number of spectators.
As soon as they ar'^ived at the place of execution, they
all fervently prayed for some time; after which Robert
Lamb addressed himself to the spectators, exhorting them
"to fear God, and to quit the practice of papistical,
abominations."
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. SOI
The four men were all hanged on the same gibbet; and
the woman, with her sucking child, conducted to a river
adjoining, when being fastened in a large sack, they were
thrown in and drowned!
They all suffered their fate with becoming fortitude
?ind resignation, committing their departing spirits to that
Redeemer who was to be their final judge.
When we reflect on the sufferings of these unhappy
persons, we are naturally induced, both as men and chris-
tians, to lament the times. The putting to death four
men, for little other reason than that of satisfying nature
with an article sent by providence for that very purpose,
merely because it was on a day prohibited by ridiculous
bigotry, is shocking ; but the fate of the innocent woman,
and her still more harmless infant, makes human nature
shudder.
Besides the above-mentioned persons, many others were
cruelly persecuted during the archbishop's stay at Perth,
some being banished, and others confined in loathsome
dungeons. In particular, John Rogers, a pious and learn-
ed man, was, by the archbishop's orders, murdered in
prison, and his body thrown over the walls into the street;
after which the archbishop caused a report to be spread,
that he had met with his d h by attempting to make
his escape.
CHAP. IV.
THE SUBJECT CONTINUED PERSECUTION OF GEORGE
WISHART.
Mr. George Wishart was born in Scotland; but after
receiving a grammatical education at a private school, he
left tha* country, and finished his studies at the university
of Cambridge.
In order to improve himself as much as possible in the
knowledge of literature, he travelled into various parts
abroad, >v'here he distinguished himself for his great learn-
ing and abilities, both in philosophy and divinity. His
302 HISTORY OF THE 3IAKTYKS.
desire to promote true knowledge and science among men,
accompanied the profession of it himself. lie was very
ready to communicate what he knew to others, and fre-
quently read various authors both in his own chamber, and
,in the public schools.
After being some time abroad he returned to England,
and took up his residence at Cambridge, where he was
admitted a member of Bennet college. Having taken up
his degrees, he entered into holy orders, and expounded
the gospel in so clear and intelligible a manner, as highly
to delight his numerous auditors.
Being desirous of propagating the true gospel in his
own country, he left Cambridge in 1544, and in his way
thither preached in most of the principal towns, to the
great pleasure of himself, and the satisfaction of his
hearers.
On his arrival in Scotland, he first preached at Mon-
trose, and afterwards at Dundee. In this last place, he
made a public exposition of the Epistle to the Romans,
which he went through with such grace and freedom as
greatly alarmed the papists.
In consequence of this, at the instigation of cardinal
Beaton, Robert Miln, a principal man at Dundee, went
to the church where Wishart preached, and in the middle
of his discourse publicly told him " not to trouble the
town any more, for he was determined not to suffer it."
This sudden rebuff greatly surprised Wishart, who,
after a short pause, looking sorrowfully on the speaker
and the audience, said, "God is my witness, that I never
minded your trouble but your comfort; yea, your trouble
is more grievous to me than it is to yourselves: but I am
assured, to refuse God's word, and to chase from you his
messenger, shall not preserve you from trouble, but shall
bring you into it: for God shall send you ministers that
shall neither fear burning or banishment. I have offered
you the word of salvation. With the hazard of my life
I have remained among you: now ye yourselves refuse
me ; and I must leave my innocence to be declared by my
God."
Jle then went into the west of Scotland, where he
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 303
preached God's word, which was gladly received by many ;
till the archbishop of Glasgow, at the instigation of cardi-
nal Beaton, came with his train to the town of Air, to
suppress Wishart, and insisted "on having the church him-
self to preach in." Some opposed this; but Wishart said,
*' Let him alone, his sermon will not do much hurt; let
us go to the market-cross." This was agreed to, and
Wishart preached a sermon that gave universal satisfac-
tion to his hearers, and at the same time confounded his
enemies.
He continued to propagate the gospel to the people
with the greatest alacrity, preaching sometimes in one
place and sometimes in another ; but coming to Macklene,
he was, by ibrce^ kept out of the church. Some of his
followers would have broken in; upon which he said to
one of them, " Brother, Jesus Christ is as mighty in the
fields as in the church; and himself often preached in the
desert, at the sea-side, and other places. The like word
of peace God spnds by rae: the Wood of nooe shall be
shed this day for preaching it." He then went into a
field and preached during three hours, with such energy
and success, that those who heard him were astonished
and edified.
A short time after this, Mr. Wishart received intelli-
gence that the plague had broken out in Dundee. It be-
gan four days after he was prohibited from preaching
there, and raged so extremely, that it was almost beyond
credit how many died in the space of twenty-four hours.
This being related to him, he, notwithstanding the impor-
tunity of his friends to detain him, determined to go thither,
saying, " They are now in troubles, and need comfort. —
Perhaps this hand of God will make them magnify and
reverence the word which before they lightly esteemed."
Here he was with joy received. He chose the east-
gate for the place of his preaching; so that the healthy
w^ere within, and the sick without the gate. He took his
text from these words, "He sent his xmrd and healed them^
&c." In this sermon he chiefly dwelt "upon the advan-
tage and comfort of God's word, the judgments that ensue
upon the contempt or rejection of it, the freedom of God's
304 nisToiiY OF THE Martyrs.
grace to all his people, and the happiness of those of hie
elect, whom he takes to himself out of this miserahlc
world." The hearts of his hearers were so raised by the
divine force of this discourse, as not to regard death, but
*Ho judge tiiem the more iiappy who should then be called,
not icnowing whether they might have such a comforter
again witii them."
After this the plague abated; though in the midst of it,
Wishart constantly visited tliose that lay in the greatest
extremity, and comforted them by his exhortations.
lie went thence to Montrose, where he sometimes
preached, but spent most of his time in private meditation
and prayer.
It is said, that before he left Dundee, and while he was
engaged in the labours of love to the bodies, as well as to
the souls, of those poor afflicted people. Cardinal Beaton
engaged a desperate popish priest, called John Weighton,
to kill him; the attempt to execute which was as follows:
one day, after Wishart had finished his aermon, and the
people departed, the priest stood waiting at the bottom
of the stairs, with a naked dagger in his hand, under
his gown. But Mr* Wishart, having a piercing eye, and
seeing the priest as he came from the pulpit, said to
him, "My friend, what would you have?" And imme-
diately clapping his hand upon the dagger, took it from
him. The priest being terrified, fell on his knees, con-
fessed his intention, and craved pardon. A noise be-
ing hereupon raised, and it coming to the ears of those
who were eick, they cried, "Deliver the traitor to us,
we will take him by force;" and they burst in at the
gate. But Wishart, taking the priest in his arms, said,
" Whatsoever hurts him shall hurt me ; for he hath done
me no mischief, but much good, by teaching me more
heedfulness for the time to come." By this conduct he
appeased the people, and saved the life of the wicked
priest.
Soon after his return to Montrose, the cardinal conspired
his death, causing a letter to be sent to him as if it had
been from his familiar friend, in which he was desired,
with all possible speed, to come to him, because he was
taken with a sudden sickness. In the mean time the car-
HISfORY «iF THE MARTYRS. 305
dinal had ptovided sixty men armed, to lie in wait within
a mile and a half of Montrose, in order to murder him as
he passed that way.
The letter coming to Wishart's hand by a boy, who also
brought him a horse for the journey, Wishart, accompa-
nied by some honest men, his friends, set forward; but
something particular striking his mind by the way, he re-
turned back, which they wondering at, asked him the
cause ; to whom he said, " I will not go ; I am forbidden
of God; I am assured there is treason. Let some of
you go to yonder place, and tell me what you find." Which
doing, they made the discovery; and hastily returning,
they told Mr. Wishart: whereupon he said, "I know I
shall end my Ufe by that blood-thirsty man's hands, but it
will not be in this manner."
A short time after this he left Montrose, and proceeded
to Edinburgh, to propagate the gospel in that city. By
the way he lodged with a faithful brother, called James
Watson, of Inner-Goury. In the middle of the night he
got up, and went into the yard, which two men hearing,
they privately followed him.
While in the yard, he fell on his knees, and prayed for
Bome time with the greatest fervency ; after which he a-
fose, and returned to his bed. Those who attended him,
appearing as though they were ignorant of all, came and
asked him where he had been? But he would not answer
them. The next day they importuned him to tell them^
saying, " Be plain with us, for we heard your mourning,
and saw your gestures."
On this he, with a dejected countenance, said, " I had
rather you had been in your beds." But they still pres-
sing upon him to know something, he said, '' I will tell
you; I am assured that my warfare is near at an end, and
therefore pray to God with me, that I shrink not when
the battle waxeth most hot."
When they heard this they wept, saying, " This is small
comfort to us." Then, said he, "God shall send you com-
fort after me. This realm shall be illuminated with the
light of Christ's gospel, as clearly as any realm since the
days of the apostles. The house of God shall be built
26 *
306 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
in it; yea, it shall not lack, in despite of all enemies, the
top-stone; neither will it be long before this be accom-
plished. Many shall not suffer after me, before the glory
of God shall appear, and triumph in despite of satan. —
But, alas, if the people afterwards shall prove unthankful,
then fearful and terrible will the plagues be that shall
follow."
The next day he proceeded on his journey, and when
he arrived at Leith, not meeting with those he expected,
he kept himself retired for a day or two. He then grew
pensive, and being asked the reason, he answered, "What
do I differ from a dead man? Hitherto God hath used my
labours for the instruction of others, and to the disclosing
of darkness ; and now I lurk as a man ashamed to show
his face." His friends perceived that his desire was to
preach, whereupon they said to him, "It is most comfort-
able for us to hear you, but because we know the danger
wherein you stand, we dare not desire it." " But," said
he, "if you dare hear, let God provide for me as best
pleaseth him:" after which it was concluded, that the next
day he should preach in Leith, His text was of the par-
able of the sower. Matt. xiii. The sermon ended, the
gentlemen of Lothian, who were earnest professors of Je-
sus Christ, would not suffer him to stay at Leith, because
the governour and cardinal were shortly to come to Edin-
burgh; but took him along with them; and he preached
at . Branstone, Longniddry, and Ormistone. He also
preached at Inveresk, near Muselburgh> he had a great
concourse of people, and amongst them Sir George Doug-
las, who after sermon said publicly, "I know that the
governour and cardinal will hear that I have been at this
sermon ; but let them know that I will avow it, and w-iil
maintain both the doctrine, and the preacher, to the utter^
most of my power."
Hence he went and preached at Branstone, Langue-
dine, Ormiston, and Inveresk, where he was followed by
^a great concourse of people. He preached also in divers
other places, the people flocking after him; and in all his
sermons he foretold the shortness of the time he had to
travel, and the near approach of his deatfe.
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 307
Cardinal BeatoiJ, being informed that Mr. Wishart was
at the house of Mr. Cockburn, of Ormiston, in East-Lothi-
an, apphed to the regent to cause him to be apprehended,
with which, much against his will, he complied.
The Earl of Bothwell beset the house of Mr. Cockburn,
witli proper attendants, about midnight. The laird of the
house, greatly alarmed, put himself in a posture of de-
fence, when the earl told him that it was in vain to resist,
for the governour and cardinal were within a mile, with a
great power; but if he would deliver Wishart to him, he
would promise, upon his honour, that he should be safe,
and that the cardinal should not hurt him. Wishart said,
"Open the gates, the will of God be done;" and Bothwell
coming in, Wishart said to him, "I praise my God, that
so honourable a man as you, my lord, receive me this night;
for I am persuaded that for your honour's sake you will
suffer nothing to be done to me but by order of law : 1 less
fear to die openly, than secretly to be murdered." Both-
well replied, "I will not only preserve your body from all
violence that shall be intended against you without order
of law ; but I also promise, in the presence of these gen-
tlemen, that neither the governour nor cardinal shall have
their will of you; but I will keep you in my own house,
till I either set you free, or restore you to the same place
where I receive you." Then said the laird, "my lord, if
you make good your promise, which we presume you will,
we ourselves will not only serve you, but we will procure
all the professors in Lothian to do the same."
This agreement being made, Mr. Wishart was deliver-
ed into the hands of the earl, who immediately conducted
him to Edinburgh.
As soon as the earl arrived at that place, he was sent
for by the queen, who being an inveterate enemy to Wis-
hart, prevailed on the earl, notwithstanding his premises,
to commit him a prisoner to the castle.
The cardinal, informed of Wishart's situation, went to,
Edinburgh, and immediately caused. him to be remove3 .
thence to the castle of St. Andrew's..
The inveterate and persecuting prelate, having nG>w got
Ms victim fully at his own disposal, resolved to proceed
808^ HISTORY OP THE MAllTYRS.
immediately to try him as a heretick; for which piarpose
he assembled the prelates at St. Andrew's cathedral on
the 27th of February, 1546.
At this meeting the Archbishop of Glasgow gave it as
his opinion, that application should be made to the regent,
to grant a commissioti to some nobleman to try the prison-
er, that all the odium of putting so popular a man to death
might not lie on the clergy."
To this the cardinal readily agreed ; but upon sending to
the regent, he received the follo\vi;sg answer: "That he
would do well not to precipitate this man's trial, but delay
it until his coming; for as to himself, he would not consent
to his death before the cause was very well examined ; and
if the cardiiial should do otherwise, he would make pro-
testation, that the blood of this man should be required at
Ms hands."
The cardinal was extremely chagrined at this message
jVom the regent; however, he determined to proceed in
the bloody business he had undertaken; and therefore sent
the regent word, "that he had not written to him about
this matter, as supposing himself to be any way depen-
dent upon his authority, but from a desire that the prose-
cution and conviction of hereticks might have a show of
publick consent; which, since he could not this way obtain,
he would proceed in that way which to him appeared the
inost proper^"
In consequence of this the cardinal immediately pro-
ceeded to the trial of Wishart, against whom no less than
eighteen articles were exhibited, which, in substance,
were as follows:
1. " That he had despised the holy mother-church, and
had deceived the people ; and that when he was ordered
to desist from preaching at Diindee by the governour, he
would not obey, but still persevered in the same.
2. "That he had said, the priest stending at the altar,
and saying mass, was like a fox wagging his tail.
3. "That he had preached against the sacraments, say-
ing, that there were not seven, but two only, viz. baptism
and the supper of the Lord.
4. "That he had taught, that auricular confession was
HISTORY OF THE i4AUTYllS. 309
hot a blessed sacrament; and hao said confession should
be made to God only, and not to a priest.
5. "That he had said it was necessary for every man to
know and understand his baptism, contrary to the estab-
Hshed maxims of the Roman catholick church.
6. " That he had said the sacrament of the altar was
but a piece of bread baked upon the ashes ; and the cere-
monies attending it was but a superstitious rite against
the commandment of God.
7. " That he had said extreme unction was not a sacra-
ment.
8. "That holy water was equally simple and insignifi-
cant as water not consecrated ; and that he had said the
eurses of the Romish clergy availed nothing.
9. "That he had said every layman was a priest; and
that the pope had no greater authority or power than an-
otlier iiiciij.
10. " That he had said, a man had no will, but was like
the stoicks, who said, that it was not in man's will to do
any thing, but that all desire came from God, of what kind
soever it might be.
11. "That it was as lawful to eat flesh on a Friday as
on a Sunday.
12. "That the people should not pray to saints, but to
God only.
13. "That in his preaching he had said, that there was
no purgatory, and that it was a false conception to ima-
gine there was any such thing after death.
14. "That he had taught plainly against the vows of
monks, friars, nuns, and priests ; and had said, that whoev-
er was bound to such vows, they vowed themselves to the
state of damnation. Moreover, that it was lawful for
priests to marry, and not to live single.
15. "That he had spoken disrespectfully of the general
and provincial councils.
16. " That he had said, it was in vain to build costly
churches to the honour of God, seeing that he remained
not in churches made with men's hands; nor yet could
God be in so small a space as between the priest's hands.
17. "That he had despised fasting, and had taught the
. people to do the like.
310 historV of the martyrs.
18. " That in his preaching he had said, the soul of man
should sleep till the last day, and should not obtain immor-
tal life till that time."
Mr. Wishart answered these respective articles with
great composure of mind, and in so learned and clear a
manner, as greatly surprised most present.
After the examination was finished, the archbishop en-
deavoured to prevail on Mr. "Wishart to recant; but he
was too firmly fixed in his religious principles, and too
much enlightened with the truth of the gospel, to be in
the least moved.
In consequence of this the archbishop pronounced on
him the dreadful sentence of death, which he ordered
should be put into execution on the following day.
As soon as the sentence of death was pronounced on Mr.
Wishart, he fell on his knees, and after uttering a short
prayer to Almighty God, m wmcii lie piajcU ocxrr.cotlj for
the preservation of the true church, and expressed entire
resignation, he rose and was conducted to prison whence
fee had been brought.
In the evening he was visited by two friars, who asked
him to make his confession to them; to whom he said, "I
will not make any confession to you ;" on which they im-
mediately departed.
Soon after this came the sub-prior, with whom Wishart
conversed in so feeling a manner on religious matters, as
to make him weep. When he left him, he went to the
cardinal, and told him, he came not to intercede for Wis-
hart's life, but to*make known his innocence to all men.
At these words, the cardinal expressed great dissatisfac
tion, and forbid the sub-governour from again visiting Wis
hart.
Towards the close of the evening the martyr was visited
by the captain of the castle, with several of his friends;
who bringing with them some bread and wine, asked him
if he would eat and drink with ,them. "Yes," said Wis-
hart, very willingly, for "I know you are honest men."
After this he gave thanks to God, and blessing the bread
and wine, he took the bread and brake it, giving some to
each, saying, at the same time, "eat this, remember that
HISTORY OF THE MART^YRS. 3H
Christ died for us, and feed on it spiritually." Then tak-
ing the cup, he drank, and bade them "remember that
Clirisf s blood was shed for them, itc." After this he gave
thanks, prayed for some time, took leave of his visitors,
and retired to his chamber.
On the morning of his execution there came to him two
friars from the cardinal; one of whom put on him a black
linen coat, aad the other brought several bags of gunpow-
der, which taey tied about different parts of his body.
In this dress he was conducted from the room in which
he had been confined, to the outer chamber of the gover-
nour's apartments, there to stay till the necessary prepa-
rations were made for his execution.
The windows and balconies of the castle, opposite the
place where he was to suffer, were all hung with tapestry
and silk hangings, with cushions for the cardinal and his
train, who were from thence to feast their eyes with the
torments of this innocent man. There was also a great
guard of soldiers, not so much to secure the execution, as
to show a vain ostentation of power; besides which, brass
guns were placed on different parts of the castle.
The necessary preparations being made, Mr. Wishart,
after having his hands tied behind him, was conducted to
the fatal spot. In his way thither he was accosted by two
friars, who desired him to pray to the Virgin Mary, to in-
tercede for him. To whom he meekly said, "Cease! —
tempt me not, I entreat ybii,"
As soon as he arrived at the stake, the executioner put
a rope round his neck, and a chain about his middle ; upon
which he fell on his knees and thus exclaimed:
"O thou Saviour of the world, have mercy upon me I
Father of heaven, I commend my spirit into thy holy hands."
After repeating these words three times he arose, and
turning himself to the spectators, addressed them as follows:
"Christian brethren and sisters, I beseech you, be not
offended at the word of God for the torrnents which you
see prepared for me; but I exhort you, that ye love the
word of God for your salvation, and suffer patiently, and
with a comfortable heart, for the word's sake, which is
your undoubted salvation, and everlasting comfort; I pray
31^ ' '■ HISTORY OF THE MARtYks,
you also, show my brethren and sisters, who have ofteli
heard nrie, that tliey cease liot to learn the wi/i-d oi God,
which I taught them according to the measure of grace
given me, but to hold fast to it with tlie strictest attention;
and show them, that the doctrnie was the truth of (^od;
for if I had taught men's doctrine, I should have had great-
er thanks from men: but for the word of God's sake i t ow
suffer, not sorrowfully, but with a glad heart ai d mind."
He then prayed for his accusers, saying, "I beseech
thee. Father of heaven, forgive them that have, from ig-
norance, or an evil mind, forged lies of me: 1 forgive them
with all my heart. I beseech Christ to forgive them that
have ignorantly condemned me."
Then, again turning himself to the spectators, he said,
*•* I beseech you, brethren, exhort your prelates to learn
the word of God, that they may be ashamed to do evil,
and learn to do good ; or also there will shortly come upon
them the wrath of God, which they shall not eschew."
As soon as he had finished this speech, the executioner
fell on his knees before him, and said, " Sir, I prav you
forgive me, for I am not the cause of your death."
In return to this, Wishart cordially took the man by the
hand, and kissed him, saying, " Lo, here is a token that I
forgive thee: My heart, do thine office."
He was then fastened to the stake, and the fagots be-
ing lighted, immediately set fire to the powder that was
tied about him, and which blew into a fiame and smoke.
The governour of the castle, who stood so near that he
was singed with the flame, exhorted our martyr, in a few
words, to be of good cheer, and to ask pardon of God for
his offences. To which he repUed, "this flame occasions
trouble to my body, indeed, but it hath in no wise broken
my spirit. But he who now so proudly looks down unon
me from yonder lofty place (pointing to the cardinal) shall,
ere long, be as ignominiously thrown down as now he
proudly lolls at his ease."
When he had said this, the executioner pulled the rope
which was tied about his neck with great violence, so that
he was soon strangled ; and the fire getting sti er.gtli, burnt
with such rapidity that in less than an hour his body was
totally consumed-
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 313
Thus died, in confirmation of the gospel of Christ, a
sincere beUever, whose fortitude and constancy, during
his sufferings, can only be imputed to the support of Di-
vine aid, in order to fulfil that memorable promise, " as is
thy day, so shall thy strength be also."
The prediction of Mr. Wishart, concerning Cardinal
Beaton, is related by Buchanan, as also by archbishop
Spotswood, and others; but it has been doubted, by some
late writers, whether he really made such prediction. Be
that as it may, the cardinal was soon afterwards murder-
ed, through the agency of one Norman Lesley, eldest son
of the Earl of Rothes; and his dead body was exposed
to publick view in the window from whence he had
so recently beheld the sufferings of Mr. Wishart.
CHAP. V.
l^UKTHER ACM:0UNT OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND, IN TlfB
SIXTEENTH CENTURY.
The death of Cardinal Beaton, for a short time, gave
new spirits to the reformed in all parts of Scotland; but
their pleasing expectations were damped, when they dis-
covered the disposition of his successor, who was no less
a rigid papist, and violent persecutor of the protestants
than his predecessor.
No sooner did he assume the archiepiscopal dignity,
than he dedicated the principal part of his time in op-
pressing those who favoured the reformed doctrine; many
of whom he caused to be imprisoned till they recanted ;
and others, who would not, were banished the kingdom.
The first person who fell a martyr, to satisfy this bigot-
ted man, w^as Adam Wallace, of Winton, in East-Lothian,
who having obtained a true knowledge of the gospel of
Christ, spent the greater part of his time in endeavouring
to propagate it among others.
His conduct being noticed by some bigotted papists,
information was laid against him for heresy, on which he
was apprehended, and committed to prison.
27
314 HISTORY OP THE MAKlTfRS.
A few days after, he was brought before the archbishop
of St. Andrew's, and several other prelates, in Edinburgh,
in order to be examined relative to his religious opinions,
when three separate articles were exhibited against him,
which, with the questions that ensued thereon, and his
respective answers, were as follow :
1. " That he had said and taught^ that the bread arid wine
in the altar ^ after the words of consecration^ were not the real
body and blood of Christ,^^
To this he replied, "I never said, or taught, any thing
but what I found in this book, (pointing to a bible that
hung by his side) which contains the word of God. From
this I am informed, as you may likewise be, that after our
Lord had eaten the paschal lamb, at his last supper with
his apostles, and fulfilled the ceremonies of the old law,
he instituted a new sacrament, in remembrance of his
death then to come. He took bread, and blessed it, and
brake it, and gave it to his disciples, and said. Take, eat;
^his is my body. And he took the cup and gave thanks,
and gave it to them, saying. Drink ye all of it : for this is
my blood of the JVew Testament, which shall be shed for the
remission of many. As oft as ye do this, do it in remembrance
of me."
The Earl of Huntley, addressing himself to Wallace,
said, " Thou answerest not to that which is laid against
thee ; say, either yes or no."
To this our martyr replied, " If ye will admit God, and
his word, spoken by the mouth of his blessed Son, ye will
admit what I have said ; for I have said and taught noth-
ing but what the word, which is the trial and touchstone,
saith, and which ought to be judge to me, and to all the
world." ^
He then quoted several texts of scripture, tending to
prove the absurdity of the popish doctrine; which not
being agreeable to his judges, they desisted from asking
any farther questions relative to the first article; and
therefore proceeded to state the second.
2. '^ That he had scid and openly taught, that the masa
y^as very idolatry, and an abomination in the sight of God,''
To this he replied, tliat "he had read the Bible in threp
mSTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 315
dift'erent tongues, and never met with the word mass in
either; therefore he thought it idolatry, and an abomina-
tion in the sight of God."
3. " That he had said^ and openly taught^ that the God
which was worshipped by the members of the holy mother-
churchy was but bread made from corn growing on the earthy
and that it was brought to the form in which it was used by
the hands of me«,"
Wallace, in answer to this, said, " I worship the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, three persons in one God-
head, which made and fashioned the heaven and earth,
and all that is therein. I know of no other God, and him
only will I worship so long as I live."
The arckhishop, after telling Wallace he had been
guilty of many othei crrours, which he should pass over,
asked him " whether he granted or denied the articles
propounded?" To which he answered in the affirmative.
He then pronounced sentence of death on him as a
heretick; and he was immediately delivered over to the
secular power, in order for execution.
In the evening of the same day, Wallace was visited
by several Romish priests, who endeavoured to prevail on
him to recant; but he stood so steadfast in the faith he
professed, and used such forcible arguments in vindication
of the true gospel, that they left him with some wrath
" he was too abandoned to receive any impression."
The next morning he was conducted to the Castle-hiU
at Edinburgh, when, being chained to the stake, and the
faggots lighted, he cheerfully resigned up his soul into the
hands of him who gave it, in full assurance of receiving a
crown of glory in the heavenly mansions.
It was supposed that the persecutors of Wallace were
more violent against him than they would otherwise have
been, on account of his wife, who being employed as
tutoress to the children of Lady Ormiston, catechised them
m the new forms of Religion.
The next, and last person who suffered martyrdom in
Scotland, for the cause of Christ, was Walter Mill, burrlt
at Edinburgh in the year 1558.
In his younger years, he had travelled into Germany,
ol6 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
and on Jiis return was installed a priest of the church oi
Lunan in Angus; but, on an information of heresy, in the
time of Cardinal Beaton, he was forced to abandon his
charge, and ribscond.
After the death of that prelate he returned, not know-
ing the persecuting spirit of his successor. Being well
known by several bigotted papists in the neighbourhood,
Ihey laid an information against him for heresy; in conse*-
quence of which he was apprehended, and committed to
prison.
A few days after, he was brought before the archbishop
and his suffragans, to be examined relative to his religious
opinions; when Sir Andrew Oliphant, by order of the
archbishop, interrogated him as follows:
Oliph. "What think you of pHcafs marriage?"
Mill, "I hold it is a blessed band; for Christ himself
voaintained and approved it, and made it free to all men."
Oliplu " You say there are not seven sacraments."
MilL " Give me the Lord's supper and baptism, and
take you the rest."
Oliph, " You say the mass is idolatry."
MilL " It undoubtedly is so, and highly derogatory to
the principles of all true christians."
Oliph. " You deny the sacrament of the altar to be the
very body and blood of Christ."
Mill, " The scripture of God is only to be considered in
a spiritual light; and as to the mass, it is wrong, and con-
tradictory to all reason; for Christ having once offered
himself up for the sins of men, all sacrifice then ended."
After being thus interrogated. Sir Andrew Oliphant
asked Mill, "if he would recant his opinions?" to which
he answered in the negative, saying, " he would sooner
forfeit ten thousand lives, than relinquish a particle of
those heavenly principles he had received from his blessed
Redeemer."
In consequence of this, sentence of condemnation was
immediately passed on him, and he was conducted to pris-
on for execution the following day.
This steadfast believer in Christ was eighty-two years of
age, and exceedingly inBrm; whence it was supposed, that
H-ISTORY OT THE MARTYRS. 315
lie could scarcely be heard. However, when he was led
to the place of execution, he expressed his religious senti-
ments with such courage, and at the same time composure
of mind, as astonished even his enemies. As soon as he
was fastened to the stake, and the fagots lighted, he ad-
dressed the spectators as follows:
" The cause why I suffer this day is not for any crime,
(thougii 1 acknowledge myself a miserable sinner) but
only for the defence of the truth as it is in Jesus. Christ;
and I praise God who hath called me, by his mercy, to
seal the truth with my life ; which as j received it from
him, so I willingly oifer it up to his glory. Therefore, as
^vou would escape eternal death, be no longer seduced by
the lies of the seat of anti-christ: but depend solely on
Jesus Christ, and his mercy, that you may be delivered
from condemnation." And then added, "That he trusted
he should be the last who would suffer death in Scotland,
upon a religious account."
Thus did this pious christian cheerfully give up his life,
in defence of the truth of Christ's gospel, not doubting
but he should be made a partaker of his heavenly king-
dom.
The people were so grieved at the death of this good
man, that, as a monument of it to future ages, they raised
a pile of stones on the spot where he -suffered. This,
however, was removed by order of the popish clergy, but
replaced again by the people several times, till at length
a guard was appointed to apprehend all persons who should
earry stones to that place.
It is remarkable that from the universal esteem in which
this man was held by the people, a cord could not be
found to tie him after his condemnation ; and on that very
account his execution was postponed till the next morning,
when they were reduced to the necessity «f using the
cords belonging to the archbishop's pavilion.
The death of these men proved the overthrow of popery
in Scotland. The clergy were so sensible that their af-
fairs were falling to decay, that they, from that time, never
dared to proceed to a capital punishment, on account of
27*
318 HISTOftY OF THE MARTYRS.
religion: insomuch, that in the synod held in Edinburgh,
in July, 1558, some persons who had been impeached of
heresy were only condemned, upon their non-appearance,
to make a public recantation at the market-cross, on the
1st of September, being St. Giles' Day, the tutelar saint
of that city.
It was usual, at the feast of this saint, which now nearly
approached, to carry his image in procession, and the
queen-regent was to honour the solemnity with her pres-
ence. But when the time had arrived, the image was
missing ; it having been stolen by them who were too wise
to pray to it.
This caused a halt, till another image was borrowed
from the Grey-friars, with which they set forward: and,
after the queen had accompanied them a considerable
way, she withdrew into the castle, where she was to dine.
But no sooner was she gone, than some persons, who had
been purposely appointed, tore the picture from off the
shoulders of those who carried it, threw it into the dirt,
and totally destroyed it.
This gave such universal satisfaction to the people, that
a general shout ensued, and a riot continued in the street
during some hours; which was at length suppressed by
the vigilance of the magistrates.
About the same time a similar disturbance happened at
Perth; a reforming minister having preached to a nume-
rous congregation, after sermon was over, some persons re-
mained in the church, when a Romish priest was so im-
prudent as to open a case, in which w^as curiously engraved
the figures of saints; after which he made preparations
for saying mass. A young man observing this, said aloud,
*' This is intolerable ! As God plainly condemns, in scrip-
ture, idolatry, shall we stand and see such an insult?" —
The priest was so offended at this, that he struck the youth
a violent blow on the head, on which he broke one of the
figures in the case, when immediately all the people fell
on the priest, and destroyed every thing in the church
that tended to idolatry. This being soon known abroad,
the people assembled in large bodies, and proceeded to
the monasteries of the Grey and Black friars, both oF
HISTORY OF THE MARTi'RS. 319
which they stripped ; and then pulled down the Carthusian
monastery ; so that in the space of two days, nothing re-
mained of those noble buildings but the bare walls. Sim-
ilar outrages were committed in many other towns in the
kingdom.
At this time there were many persons who made it
their business to solicit subscriptions in order to carry on
the work of reformation, and to abolish popery. Among
these were the Earl of Argyle, Lord James Stuart, the
Earl of Glencairn, &c. The endeavours of these refor-
mists were attended with such success, that, at length,
they effected a reformation throughout the kingdom.
PART 6.
CHAPTER I.
BEION OP Q1TT!E>I MARY— COMMENCEMENT OF HER PEBLSEr
CUTIONS.
The reign of the pious young king Edward VI. was
^ort and full of confusion. Much however was done to-
wards promoting the reformation ; and probably it would
have been completed, had it not been for the intrignes of
the Duke of Northumberland ; who from motives of ambi-
tion, in attempting to raise his son lord Dudley to the
crown, by marrying the lady Jane Gray, brought ruin
upon himself and his family. It is in this circumstance,
that the fallacious part of the papists' argument lies; and in
consequence of their managing it with dexterity, they
have made thousands of proselytes among the lower ranks
of the people.
The argument they make use of is, " That all those who
suffered death during the reign of queen Mary, had been
adjudged guilty of high-treason, in consequence of their
having stood up in defence of lady Jane Gray's title to
the crown."
To disprove this, would be no difficult matter for those
who have read the history of England ; and it will appear
very evidently, that those tried on the statute of 25th Ed-
ward I. were sentenced to be hanged and quartered ; but
no one can assert, that in England burning was the pun-
ishment lor high-treason. We shall admit the plea, that
some few suffered death in the ordinary way of process
at common law, for their adherence to lady Jane, hni
32^ illSTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
none of these were burned. Why, if they were traitors,
take them before the bishops, who possessed no power to
judge in criminal actions? Nay, allowing the bishops to
have had power to judge, yet their own hloody statute did
not give them power to condemn. Otherwise, why were
they obhged to certify to the chancellor, that the accused
person was a heretick before they could obtain a warrant
for his execution?
The proceedings against lhc^c martyrs are still extant,
and they were carried on directly according to the forms
prescribed by their own statute.
Mary succeeded to the throne, and laid the foundation
of her government in blood. To a disagreeable person,
and a weak mind, she joined ull thatbigotry, euperstition,
and cruelty, for which the family of Austria, from whence
her mother was descended, had been held so long in ab-
horrence.
She was crowned at Westminster in the usual form ; but
her exaltation was the presage of blood and slaughter.
Imprisonments, tortures and death marked every stage of
her administration. That narrowness of spirit which al-
ways distinguishes a weak mind from one that has been
enlarged by education, pervaded all the actions of this
princess. Unacquainted witli the constitution of the coun-
try, and a slave to superstition, she thought to domineer
over the rights of private judgment, and trample on the
privileges of mankind.
The first exertion of her regal power was, to wreak her
"vengeance upon those who had not supported her title to
ihe crown.
The first of these was the duke of Northumberland, who
was beheaded on Tower-hill, and who, in consequence of
his crimes, arising from ambition, died ur lamented.
The next sacrifice was the amiable Lady Jane Gray;
whose virtues and sufferings will be kept long in remem-
brance. She was considered by a large portion of the
English nation as justly entitled to the crown. Being ur-
ged and solicited by her friends, and almost compelled by
those whose judgment she respected, she conse^-ted, con-
trary to her own desires, to receive the dangerous diadem.
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. ^•2*3
The government afterwards declared for Mary, and Lady
Jane was notitied. thai she must prepare for death. This
fate she met with the utmost fortiiude and resignation.
She died upon the scatfold, amidst the sympathies and la-
mentations of thousar.ds. Had she been a papist instead
of a protestant, there is no doubt but her fate would have
beeij in the issue very differeiit from what it was.
Many executions followed that of Lady Jane, but as
they were conducted under the name of punishments for
high treason, we shall pass by them without any farther
notice.
Mary having satiated her malice upon those persons
who had adhered to Lady Jane Gray, she had next re-
course to the executions by hre.
Mr. John Rogers, the aged minister of St. Sepulchre's
church, was an early sacriiice offered up in this reign to
popery, and led the way for those sufferers, whose blood
has been the foundation, honour, and glory of the church
of England.
Mr. Rogers had been chaplain to the English factory
at \ntwerp, where he became acquainted with Mr. Tin-
dal, and assisted him in his translation of the New Testa-
ment. Several other worthy protestants were resident
at Antwerp at the same time, most of whom had been
driven out of England, on account of the persecutions for
certain articles, in the latter end of the reign of Henry
VIIL Mr. Rogers, considering that marriage was lawful,
jind even enjoined in scripture, entered into that state witfe
a virtuous woman, and soon after, in consequence of an
invitation, set out for Saxony.
But, King Edward having ascended the throne of Eng-
land, Mr. Rogers returned to his native country, and was
promoted by Bishop Ridley to a prebend in St. Paul's Ca-
thedral. He was also appointed reader of the divinity
lecture in the same cathedral, and vicar of St. Sepulchre's.
After the accession of Mary, as the queen was returning
from the Tower, where she had been attending Gardiner's
councils, Mr. Rogers was preaching at St. Paul's Cross.
He inveighed much as^ainst popery, expatiated on the ma-
ny virtues of the late King Edward, and exhorted the peo-
ple to abide by the protestant religion.
324 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
For this sermon he was sammoned before the council;
but he vindicated himself so well, that he was dismissed.
This lenity shown by the council was rather displeasing
to the queen; and Mr. ilogers's zeal agdi ; t popery being
equal to his knowledge and integrity, iic v/as considered
as a person who would prevent the re-estabhshment of
popery.
For this reason, he was summoned a second time before
the council; and, although there were many papists
among them, yet such w^as the respect that most people
liad for Mr. Rogers, that he was again dismissed, only
that he was commanded not to go out of his own house.
This order he complied with, although he might have
made his escape if he would. He knew he could have
had a living in Germany, and he had a wife and ten chil-
dren: but all these things did not move him; he did not
court death, but met it with fortitude when it came.
He remained in prison, in his own house several weeks,
till Bonner, bishop of London, procured an order to have
him committed to Newgate, where he was lodged among
thieves and murderers.
He was brought a third time before the council, where
Gardiner, the bishop of Winchester, presided. It was
not with any view of showing lenity to the prisoner; it
was not with a view of convincing him of errour, suppo-
sing him to be guilty of any; it was not to recall him to
the Romish Church: no, his destruction was designed,
and he was singled out to be an example to all those who
should refuse to comply with Romish idolatry.
After he had been examined several times before the
council, which was only a mere farce, he was turned ovei
to Bonner, bishop of London, who now began to appear
in his proper character. He caused Mr. Rogers to go
through a mock examination, and, at last, declared him to
be an obstinate herelick. A certificate, in the ordinary
course, was sent into chancery, and a writ was issued for
the burning of Mr. Rogers in Smithfield. This sentence
did not in the least affright the martyr, who, b}^ faith in
the blood of Christ, was ready to go through with his at*
tachment to the truth, without paying any regard to the
malice of his enemies.
HISTOllY OF Tim MAllTYllS. 325
On the 4tii of February he was taken from Newgate,
to the ])lacc of execution, when the sheriff asiied him if
he would recant his opinions? To this he answered, "That
what he had preached he would seal with his blood." —
'' Then," said the unfeeling sheriff, " thou art a herctick.''
To which Mr. Rogers answered, " That will be known
wJien we meet at the judgment-seat of Christ.*'
As they were taking him to Smithfield, his wife and
children went to take their last farewell of a tender hus-
band, and an indulgent parent. The sheriffs, however,
so unfeeling is bigotry, so merciless is superstition! would
not permit them to speak to him! When chained to the
stake, he took notice, that God would, in his own good
time, vindicate the truth of what he had taught, and ap-
pear in favour of the protestant religion. Fire w»--
set to the pile, and in about two hours this worthy
was consumed to ashes. (5)
The next victim was the reverend Mr. Latjrence
ders. His father had a considerable estate in Oxfora^^.^.c,
but dying young, he left a large family of children, of
whom Laurence was admitted to Eton college, as a king's
scholar.
From Eton, according to the rules of the foundation,
he was sent to King's college, Cambridge, where he
studied three years, and made great progress in the dif-
ferent sorts of learning then taught in the schools.
At the beginning of King Edv^'ard's reign, when the
true reh£jion began to be countenanced, he entered into
holy orders, and preached with great success. His first
appointment was at Fotheringham, where he read a divin-
ity lecture; but the college at that place having been
dissolved, he was appointed a preaclier in TJtchfield. In
that station his conduct entitled him to great respect; for
such was his sweetness of temper, his knowledge in his
profession, his eloquent manner of addressing his hearers-
the purity of his manners, and his affectionate addresses
to the heart, that all conspired to render him amiable, and
his ministry useful.
(5.) It has been said, that thid niartjr was seen washino; his hands m
the flames.
28
326 HISTORY or THE martyrs.
After being some months in Litchfield, he removed to
the living of Church-LMn^ton, in Leicestershire: where
he instructed many, who before were ignorant of the true
principles of the christian religion. He was the same to
men's bodies as to their souls. All that he received,
besides the small pittance for his mere support, was given
to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked.
His next removal was to Allhallows Bread-street,
London; of which living having taken possession, he went
down to the country, to part, in an alfectionate manner,
with his friends.
It was while he was in the country that King Edward
died, and Mary succeeding, published a proclamation,
commanding all her subjects to attend mass. Many pious
ministers refused to obey the royal proclamation, and none
more forward in doing so than Mr. Saunders. He con-
tinued to preach whenever he had an opportunity, and
read the prayer-book, with the scriptures, to the people,
till he was apprehended in the following manner: —
Mr. Saunders was advised to leave the nation, as Dr.
Jewel, and many others did; but he would not, declaring;
to his friends that he was willing to die for the name of
the Lord Jesus. Accordingly, he left his people in Lei-
cestershire, and travelled towards London. On his arri-
val near the city, he was met by Sir John Mordant, a
privy-counsellor to queen Mary, who asked him, "where
he was going?" Mr. Saunders said, "to his living in Bread-
street, to instruct his people." Mordant desired him "not
to go:" to which Mr. Saunders answered, "how shall I
then be accountable to God? if any be sick and die before
consolation, then what a load of guilt will be upon my
conscience, as an unfaithful shepherd, an unjust steward!'"*
Mordant asked him " whether he did not frequently
preach in Bread-street?" and being answered in the affir-
mative, he endeavoured to dissuade him from doing so
any more. Saunders, however, was resolute, and told
him he would continue to preach as long as he lived, and
invited the other to come and hear him the next day;
adding, " that he would confirm him in the truth of those
sentiments which he taught," Upon this they parted, and
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 3^7
Mordant gave information to bishop Bonner, that Saunders
would preach in his church the next Sunday.
In the mean time, Saunders went to his lodgings, with
a mind resolved to do his duty; when a person came to
visit him, and told him, "That he seemed to be in trouble."
He said he was; addifig, "I am, as in prison, till 1 speak
to my people." So earnest was his desire to discharge
his duty, and so little did he regard the malice of his
enemies !
The next Sunday he preached in his church, and made
a most elaborate discourse against the errours of popery:
he exhorted the people 'Ho remain steadfast in the truth;
not to fear those who can only kill the body, but to fear
him who can throw both body and soul into hell." He
was attended by a great concourse of people, which
gave much offence to the clergy, particularly to bishop
Bonner.
No notice, however, was taken of him in the forenoon,
but in the afternoon, when he intended to have preached
again, Bonner sent an officer to apprehend him; he went
with the officer, and Sir John Mordant appeared to give
evidence against him.
Mr. Saunders was charged with treason and sedition,
for having disobeyed the queen's proclamation; but Bon-
ner had other objects in view than that of bringing this man
to a trial at common law. Heresy was the main thing he
had in view, and nothing else would go down.
After much conversation on the different points in reli-
gion, the bishop desired Mr. Saunders to write what his
sentiments were concerning transubstantiation. To this
request he replied, "My lord, I know you want to ensnare
me ; you seek for my blood, and you shall have it. Per-
haps the reflection of taking my life without cause may
bring you to a sense of guilt, and make you a better
man."
The next thing the bishop did was, to send Mr. -Saun-
ders, under the care of Sir John Mordant, to the house
of the chancellor, who happened not to be at home ; ?o
that he was obliged to tarry for him four hours in the
^rvant's hall. During the whole of this space of time.
328 lilbTOliV 01' THE aiARtYRS.
Mr. Saunders did not so much as receive the least refresh-
ment, but stood bartihcaded, while Mordant kept walking
backwards and forwards across the room.
At lengtli bishop Gardiner, the chancellor, arrived, and
sending for Mr. Saunders into his chamber, asked him
**.how he could be so bold as to disobey the queen's pro-
clamation?'" Saunders acknowledged that "he had preach-
ed contrary to the proclamation, and that he thought it
his duty to do so, even although it should cost him his
life" He added, that Avhat he did, arose from the dictates
of his heart, Avhich commanded him to preach the gospel
in season, and out of season: that he could not be accoun-
table at the judgment-seat of Christ, if he neglected any
part of his duty in teaching and comforting his people in
their most holy faith, so as to meet them on the right-hand
of the judge.
The chancellor poured out much abuse on Mr. Saun-
ders, te]ling him '^hc was a hypocrite and a heretick,
notwithstanding all his pretensions to a tender conscience."
Saunders told the chancellor, "he had no objection
against suffering for that God who had given him courage
to declare his sentiments without fear, and w^ould support
him under all sorts of afflictions; and although he would
never give intentional offence, yet he was not, by any
means, to injr.re his conscience, by giving up the truth as
it was revealed in the word of God."
Gardiner, upon this, remanded Mr. Saunders to prison;
hut first told him "he was out of his mind, and a disturbed
madman, without the use of either sense or reason."
Gardiner was a doctor of the canon law, and knew
that none of the canons admitted madmen to come under
the denomination of hereticks. A heretick is one of those
men who wilfully, either from caprice or humour, oppose
or speak contrary to, the religion established by law. —
Now supposing Mr. Saunders had been a madman, how
then could he be a heretick? Gardiner knew by the laws,
both civil, canon, and common, " That the act of God
shall injure no man."
There was another person lay in the same room with
Saunders, who declared, the more he was treated with
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 329
cruelty and contennpt, the more he appeared comforted ;
and felt that consolation in his mind, which only can arise
from a belief of the truth. ^
Mr. Saunders continued in prison no less than one year
and three months, during which time he wrote several
letters to those great and worthy persons who afterwasds
suffered for the truth.
As this pious minister saw no hopes of getting released
from prison, he drew up a paper which he sent to the
chancellor, containing sentiments to the following purport;
namely, *• That he did not believe he had transgressed
against the proclamation, for it did not command ministers
to preach against the dictates of their consciences.
" As for his religion, he said it was the same as that
taught in the New Testament. He worshipped the God
of his fathers, after the manner they called heresy: that
it was an easy matter to call people hereticks, and to pro-
ceed against them by the assistance of the civil power;
but the best way was to attempt, and, if possible, to con-
fute their notions by solid argument."
The next observations made use of by Mr. Saunders
were of a striking nature indeed. He declared, " that no
man could be a faithful servant of Christ, who acknow-
ledged the papal supremacy." He said, "it was the*
noblest of his glory; and tliis is no more than what has
been certified by most of the martyrs who suffered under
the papal power." He observed ■ that " traditions were
not commanded by the word of God, nor did they make
any part of religion." We should have thought, that
such sentiments as these, especially where law itself was
commenced, would have gone a considerable way to ex-
culpate this man from all the horrid imputations that had
been brought against him; but this availed nothing, Gar-
diner had been stung to the quick by the rebuff, or rather
sarcasm, made use of by Saunders, and consequently
meditated severe revenge.
In some other of his letters, Mr. Saunders speaks of
his entire confidence in God, and ii» every one of them
there is something or other inviting the faithful to abide
by the truthi
28*
330 HISTORY OF THE MARTYrtSr •
Mr. Saunders was a married man, and in a letter to his
wife, he dechircd his lirm attachment to the truth of the
gospel, according to the reformed religion, as it had been
set forth in the reign of king Edward VI. The senti-
ments in this letter are truly evangelical, and such as
would have done honour to one of the primitive martyrs.
He told her, "There could be no confidence in the Di-
vine Being, where a fixed truth was not placed in the
righteousness of a Redeemer. He added further, that she
must not consider him any longer as a husband for her in
this world, but that he hoped to spend an eternity with her.
He told her, that if she should be molested for the truth,
that it was her duty to examine her own mind, and attend
to every thing that could lead her to happiness. That the
blessings of the everlasting covenant could only be insured
to believers in consequence ©f the death of Christ, and
that the firm persuasion of the resurrection of our Re-
deemer, was the only means the infinite wisdom could
contrive, in order to bring us to a state of happiness."
In another letter to his wife, he dwelt concerning "that
long friendship and happiness which he had enjoyed with
her.'' He expressed " his earnest desire still to have en-
joyed her company, had it been consistent with the will of
God. But as he knew his death was resolved on, he beg-
ged she v^^ould pray that God would enable her to bear
with such an event, and that he might likewise be enabled
io go through with it as became a good soldier of Jesua
Christ." He gave her the usual encouras^ement ''to
trust in the merits and mercies of Christ Jesus; to make
hira her only friend, and then lie would never leave her
nor forsake her." He said much " concerning the strength
lie had in Christ Jesus, who had gone the road of suffer-
ing before him, and cautioned her much against denying
Uie truth, whatever punishments the papists, and other
enemies of Christ, might threaten her with."
He was confined in the Marshalsea prison, and strict
orders were given to the keepers, not to suffer any person
to converse with him. His wife, however, came to the
prison with her young child in her arms, and the keeper
had so much compassion, that he took the child and car-
Tied it to it§ fathc^r.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 331
On the 4tli of February, the sheriiF of London dehv-
ered him to the bishop, who degraded him; and Mr.
Saunders said, "Thaid< God, 1 ♦am now out of your
church."
The day following, he was given up to some of the
queen's ofiicers, who were appointed to convey him to
Coventry, to be burned. The tirst night they lay at vSt,
Alban's, where Mr. Saunders took an opportunity of re-
buking a person who had ridiculed the christian faith.
The next night he spent in the common prison, praying
for, and exhorting all those who went to hear him.
The next day, tlie Sih of February, he was led to the
place of execution, in the park, without the gate of that
city, going in an old gown and a shirt, barefooted, and
often fell fiat on the ground and prayed. When he ap-
proached the place of execution,, the under-sheriff told
him "he was a heretick, and that he led the people away
from the true religion; but yet, if he would recant, the
queen would pardon him*" To this Mr. Saunders an-
swered, " That he had not filled the realm with heresy,
(or he had taught the people the pure truths of the gospel ;
and in all his sermons, while he exhorted the people,
firmly desired his hearers to be obedient to the queen."
When brought to the stake he embraced it, and after
being fastened to it, and the fagots lighted, he said, "Wel-
come the cross of Christ, welcome everlasting life :" seon
after which he resigned his soul into the hands of him who
gave it*
CHAP. 11.
vN ACCOUNT OF DH. JOHN HOOPER, BISIIOF OF GLOUCESTERy^
WHO WAS BURNT IN HIS IIPISCOPAL CITY.
We shall now produce another martyr, whose name
will ever be esteemed for his sincere attachment to the
protestant religion: this person was Dr. John Hooper, ed-
ucated in Oxford, but in which of the colleges does not
appear; probably it was in Queen V follcire. bec^^^v^ b«
333 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
was a north countryman, that seminary of learning being
appropriated for those of the northern counties.
He made the most «stonishii>g progress in his studies,
and was remarkable f6r liis early piety, lie studied the
sacred scriptures with the most unremitted assiduity, and
indeed was an ornament to the university. His piety in-
creased with his knowledge, and even while there was a
cloud of darkness fixed on the public mind. Hooper was
making such progress in scripture and divinity, as led him
to set their due value upon those thirigs of no real impor-
tance.
When the six articles were published. Hooper did all
he could to oppose them, as maintaining every thing in
the popish system, except the supremacy.(6) He preached
n^equently against tliem, which created him many enemies
in Oxford; but Henry VIH. had such an opinion of him,
that he would not suffer him to be molested. Soon after
this he left the university, to assume a lay character, and
became steward to Sir Thomas Arundel, who, at first, trea-
ted him with great kindness, till, having discovered his
sentiments as to rehgion, he became his most implacable
enemy.
Mr. Hooper having received intelligence that some mis-
chief was intended against him, left the house of Sir
Thomas Arundel, and hired a horse, and rode off towards
the sea-side, intending to go to France, sending back the
horse with a servant. He resided some time at Paris, in
as private a manner as possible. Returning again to Eng-
land he was informed against, and obliged to leave his
native country a second time..
He went over again to France, but not being safe there
he travelled into Upper Germany, M^hence he went to
Basil, where he married a pious woman, and afterwards
settled at Zurick, in Switzerland. There he applied so
closely to his studies, that he made himself master of the
Hebrew language.
(G.) The articles here meant, are certain articles, six in number,
■which were enacted in the reign of Henry VIII. They related to the
eommunion^ to the celibacy of the ckrgy^ vows of chastity^ private masses^
and auricular confession..
HISTORY O^ THE xMARTVRiS. 333
At length, when the true religion was set up after the
death of King Henry VI3I. amongst other EngUsh exiles
that returned, was Mr. Hooper. In the most grateful
manner he returned thanks to all his friends ahroad, who
had shown him so much compassion; particularly to the
learned Bullinger, who was a friend to those who were
persecuted for the gospel.
When Dr. Hooper arrived in London, he was so filled
with zeal to promote the gospel, that he preached every
day to crowded congregations. In his sermor-s he repro-
ved sinners in general, but particularly directed his dis-
course against the erroneous vices of the times.
In the whole of liis conversation, with those who waited
on him in private", ho spoke of the purity of the gospel, and
of the great things of God, cautioning the people from re-
turning again to popery, if any change should take place.
This was the more necessary, as the people in general
were but ill-grounded, though Cranmer, Ridley, and many
olher pious men, were using every means in their power
to make them acquainted with the true principles of the
christian religion. In this pious undertaking, none were
more forv/ard than Dr. Hooper; for at all times, in season,
and out of season, he was ready to discharge his duty as
a faithful minister of the Gospel.
After he had preached some time, with great success
in the city, he was sent for by King Edward VI. who ap-
pointed him one of his chaplains, and soon after made him
Bishop of Gloucester, by letters-patent under the great
seal; having at the same time the care of the bishop rick
of Worcester committed to him.
Dr. Hooper had been some time abroad, and had con-
tracted an aversion to popish ceremonies, and licfore he
went to his bishoprick, he requested of the king that he
might not be obliged to give countenance to certain cere-
monials in the church, which was complied with, though
much against the inclinations of the other bishops. Dr.
Hooper and his brethren had many disputes about these
tenets.
Having the care of two dioceses, he held and guided
them both together, as if they had been but one. His leis-
334 HISTORY OF THE BIAllTYRS.
ure time, which was but little, he spent in hearing causes,
private prajer, and reading the scriptures. He likewise
visited the sciiools, and encouraged the youth in their lear-
ning. He had children of his own, whom he likewise in-
structed, and treated them with all the tenderness of an
indulgent parent.
After this manner, Bishop Hooper continued to dis-
charge his duty as a faithful pastor, during the whole of
King Edward's reign. But no sooner was the pious young
king laid in the grave, and Mary proclaimed, than a Ser-
jeant at arms was sent to arrest Bishop Hooper, in order
to answer to certain charges.
Bishop Hooper was desired, by some of his friends, to
get away; but his ansvyor wao, '*I once fled for my life,
but I am determined, through the strength and grace of
God, to witness the truth to the last."
Being brought before the queen and council, Gardiner
was sitting as president, who accused Bishop Hooper of
heresy, calling him by the most opprobrious names. This
was in the month of September, 1553, and he lay in pris-
on, on a charge of being indebted to the queen in several
sums of money. The 19th of March, 1554, when he was
called agam to appear before Gardiner, the chancellor
and several bishops would not sulfer him to plead his cause,
but deprived him of his bishoprick.
Being asked whether he was a married man, he answer-
ed in the affirmative^ and declared that he would not be
unmarried until death occasioned the separation; hence
he looked upon the marriage of the clergy as necessary.
He was now committed to the Tower, under charge of
being indebted to the queen, for the rents of his bishoprick;
for which pro't^nce he was afterwards sent to the fleet.
This, however, was an unjust charge, for the protestant
relijM;ion had been established in the tirst year of the reign
of Edward, by act of parliament; so that Dr. Hoopers
accepting of a bishoprick was in all respects legal and
constitutional.
He was now in a very dreadful situation ; and the war-
den, whose name was Babington, informed against him for
not going to mass; upon which he was locked up in a
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 335
small room, where he had nothing but straw to lie upon,
witn a rotten covering, till at last some pious people sent
him a bed to he on.
During tiiis time he was taken ill, and the doors being
all fast locked, lie mourned and called for help; but the
warden would neither give him any assistance, nor suffer
the prisoners, who were willing to do so, telling them, it
would be well if he should die.
After he had been eighteen months in prison, on the 22d
of January, 1555, the warden of tlie Fleet was ordered to
bring iiim before the chancellor Gardiner, who, with oth-
er bishops, were appointed to examine him a second time,
at Winchester-house, in Southwark.
When brougiit before these merciless persecutors, the
chaiicoUor made a long speech to him, desiring him "to
forsake tne opinions he had embraced, and return to the
bosom of the church; adding, that as the pope was the
head of the church, so it was breaking through her unity
to separate from her. He promised to procure him the
pope's absolution if he would recant his opinions;" but
this was nothing more or less than a farce; for Gardiner
knew well, that Hooper was too well grounded in his reli-
gious opinions to comply with any such request.
To this Dr. Hooper answered, that "as the pope's doc-
trine was contrary to the sacred scriptures; and as he could
not be the head of the church, because there was no head
of it but Christ, so he would live and die asserting the
doctrines he had taught."
Gardiner replied, that " the queen would never show
any mercy to the enemies of the pope ;" whereupon Bab-
ington, the warden, was commanded to take him back to
the fleet. It was likewise ordered, "that he should be
shifted from his former chamber," which v/as done; and
he was searched to find, if possible, whether he had any
books concealed about him, but none were found.
On the '25th of January, he was again brought before
the chancellor to be examined whether or no he would
recant; but nothing could shake his constancy.
A few hours after he was degraded, the keeper came to
him, and told him he was to be sent down to Gloucester
336 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
to suffer death. Upon this he lifted up his eyes and hands
to heaven, praising God that he was to die among his own
people, as it would be the means of conlirming them in the
truth of what he iiad taught tiiem. He immediately sent
to his servant for his boots and cloak, that he mi^ht be in
readiness to attend them whenever they should come for
him.
About four in the morning he w^as taken out of prison
by the sheriif, and conducted to the sign of the Angel,
near St. Dunstan's church, i'leet-strect. There he was
received by the queen's officers, who had tiie warrant for
his execution; after which they permitted him to take
some refreshment.
About break of day he cheerfully mounted on horse-
back without help, having a hood on his head under hijj
hat, that he should not be known; and thus equipped,
with a serene and cheerful countenance, proceeded on the
road for Gloucesler, attended by his keepers. The guards
asked him what houses he was accustomed to use on the
road; and when they were informed, in order to perplex
him, they took him to othdrs.
On the Thursday following they arrived at Cirencester,
where they di-ied at a w aiianVi house who had always
hated the protestants, and had traduced Bishop Hooper's
character as miicii as possible. This woman, seeing his
suiFerings and his constancy, w^as so* affected, that she la-
mented with* tears, and begged liis pardon for the mannei
in which she had treated 'iim.
They arrived at Gloucester about five in the afternoon.
A grea.t crowd of people 'lad assem;)led about a mile with-
out the tow.i; so that oi^3 of t!)e guard, fearing a rese«e,
rode up to the mayor's house, to demand aid and assis-
tance. This being granted, the officers desired the peo-
ple to disperse, wViich they very readily obeyed.
The bishop lodged tiiat night in the house of one Tng-
ram, where he eat his supper with a good appetite, and
slept very quietly, as the guard declared, for they contin-
ued in the chamber with hirn all the night. In the mor-
ning, having prayed most ferventlv, he was visited bv Sir
Anthony Kingston, one appointed to see him execuied.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRf?. 337
When ^ir Anthony came into the chamber he found him
at his prayer's, and waiting till he had done, asked if he
did not know him? To this Bishop Hooper answered,
"that he did know him, and was glad to see him in good
health." He added, that "he was come there to end his
life, and blessed God that it was to be in the midst of his
diocese." He said he loved life as well as it ought to be
loved, but he was not to enjoy it at the expense of his fu-
ture Avelfare. He was not to blaspheme his Saviour by
denying his name, through which alone he looked for sal-
vation; but trusted that he should be endowed with for-
titude sufficient to bear all the torments his enemies could
inflict upon him."
Sir Anthony Kingston had profited much from the
preaching of bishop Hooper, and taking his leave, told
him, with tears, that he was extremely sorry to lose such
a worthy person. Dr. Hooper answered, "that it was his
iiaty to persevere in the truth, and not to be ashamed of
the gospel, lest Christ should refuse to acknowledge him
before his father in heaven,"
In the afternoon, a poor blind boy came to visit the
bishop ; and, falling on hi? knees before him, said, " Ah,
my lord, I am blind in my eyes, but your pious instructions
have removed a spiritual blindness from my heart. May
God support you under all your sufferings, and bring you,
even through flames, to heaven ! " ^
At the time appointed for the execution of this pious
bishop, he was delivered to the sheriffs of Gloucester, one
of whose names was Bind, and the other Jenkins; who,
with the mayor and aldermen, repaired to his lodgings,
:ind, at the first meeting, having saluted him, took him by
the hand. The resigned martyr, "thanked the mayor, and
the rest of the officers, for taking a condemned man by
the hand, and for all the friendship that had formerly sub-
sisted between them, for he had been long acquainted
with them. He begged of the sheriffs that they would
make the fire as violent as possible, that his pains might
be of the shorter duration;" adding, that "he might have
had his life if he had chosen it, but could not, consistent
with that duty ho owed to God, and his owo conscience.''
•29
338 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS,
He said, **he knew the bishop of Rome was anti-christ,
and, therefore, he could not be obedient to him." He
desired "they would not deny his request, but let him suf-
fer as soon as possible, without exercising any circumstan-
ces of cruelty, which was unbecoming the dignity of men
of honour, and particularly those v^ho enjoyed such offices
as they did."
A consultation had been held by the sheriffs, whether
or not they should lodge him, the preceding eV'Miir.g of
his execution, in the commor. gaol over the north gatp of
the city; but the gurads, who had brought him from Lon-
don, interceded so earnestly in his favour, that he was
permitted to remain in his former lodgings; and he spent
the evening in prayer, during as mucii of the night a's he
could spare from his ordinary rest.
When the bishop arose in the morning, he desired that
no person whatever should disturb him in his devotions,
"^lil the officers came to lead him out to execution. About
eight o'clock, the lord Chandoi.s, attended by several other
noblemen and gentlemen came to conduct him to the place
of execution; at nine, being brought down from his chamber,
when he saw the guards, he tcld the sheriffs that "he was no
traitor, but one who was willing to die for the truth; and
that if they would have permitted him, he would have wil-
lingly gone unguarded to the stake, without troubling any
officers." Afterwards, looking upon the multitude of people
that were assembled, who were above seven thousand in
number, it being the market-day, he said, "Alas! why
are so many people assembled ? 1 dare not speak to them
as formerly."
He was led forward between the two sheriffs, as a lamb
to the slaughter, having on a gown which the man of the
house, where he was confined, had given him ; and bein^
much afflicted with an illness he had contracted in prison,
he was obliged to walk with a stick in his hand. The
sheriffs, having commanded him not to speak one word,
he was not seen to open his mouth, but beholding the peo-
ple, who mourned bitterly, he sometimes lifted up his eyes
towards heaven, and looked clieerfully upon such as he
knew; and, indeed, his countenance was more cheerful
than it had been for a long time previous.
niSTOllY OF THE MAR,TYRS. 33^
When he was brought to the stake, he embraced it, and
?ooked with checrfuhiess at a place where he used for-
merly to preach. He then kneeled down to pray, and
beckoned several times to one whom he knew well, to
come near to hear him, that he might give an account of
what he said after his death, as he was not permitted to
speak aloud. When he had been some time at prayer, a
pardon was brought, and laid down before him, on condi-
tion he would recant his opinions; but neither promises of
pardon, nor threatnings of punishment, could have any
effect on him ; so immovable was he in the faith, and so well
established in the principles of the gospel. That reUgion
which can support men under such torments, must be of
God, and must be for his glory!
Prayers being ended, ne prepared himself for the stake,
by taking off his landlord's gown, which he delivered to
the sherirfs, requesting them to see it restored to the own-
er. He ihen took off the rest of his clothes, except his
doublet and hose, in which he designed to be burned ; but
the sheriffs not permitting that, he patiently submitted. —
After this, a pound of gunpowder was placed between his
legs, and the same quantity under each arm; three chains
were then fixed round him, one to his neck, another to
his middle, and a third to his legs; and with these he was
fastened to the stake.
This being done, fire was put to the faggots; but they
being green, he suffered inexpressible torment. Soon
after this, another load of dry faggots was brought, but still
the wind blew away the flames; so that he begged for
more, that he might be put out of his misery.
At length the fire took effect, and the martyr went tri-
umphant into heaven, after such a fiery trial as almost
exceeds any thing we meet with in the primitive ages. —
His last words were, ''Lord Jesus have mercy upon me ;
enable me to bear my sufferings for thy name-sake, and
receive my spirit."
^iO HISTORY OF THE MARTyRS-.
CHAP. III.
niE SUFFERINGS AND MARTVRD031 OF DR. ROWLAND
TAYLOR.
Dr. Rowland Taylor was born in the town of Hadleigh,
one of the first places in England that received the gos-
pel. Here it was that Dr. Taylor, who was in many re-
spects a very learned naan, preached constantly to the
people during the reign of king Edward. Archbishop
Cranmer, who was a good judge of merit, and loved to
reward it in learned men, took him into his family, and
presented him to this living, where he behaved as a most
excellent preacher and a faithful pastor. He made him-
self acquainted with every individual in his parish ; and
taught them like the apostles and primitive christians who
\vent from house to house. The love of Christ wrought
so strongly on his mind, that every Sunday and holiday he
preached in the most fervent manner to his people.
His preaching was not all: his life was one continued
comment on his doctrine; it was a life of holiness: he
studied nothing so much as doing good; he was a stranger
to pride; and it might be justly said of him, that he was
clothed witii humility. He was, in a particular manner, at-
tentive to the concerns of the poor, and all that he could
spare was given to them. While he rebuked sinners for
their enormities, he was ready to relieve all their wants.
This was a godlike disposition, and the mark of a true
character of the real christian.
In this heavenly manner Dr. Taylor continued to dis-
charge his duty as long as king Edward lived; but no
sooner was that pious monarch dead, than things took a
different turn.'
Two persons in his parish, one named Clarke, and the oth-
er Foster, hired a Romish priest to come to Hadleigh to say
mass. For this purpose, they ordered an altar to be built
up with all convenient speed, and appointed that the mass
sho'ild be said on palm Sunday. But the people met to-
gether in the evening, and beat the altar to pieces: how-
ever, it was built up again, and a watch appointed, lest it
should be demolished a second time.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 341
The day following, Clarke and Foster came, bringing
with them their popish priest, who was to perform the
service of the mass. The priest was dressed in all his
robes for that purpose, and had a guard with him, lest he
should be interrupted by the populace.
, When Dr. Taylor heard the bells ring^ he went into the
jchurch to know the reason, according to the duty of his
'station, but found the doors of the chancel barred against
him. However, getting within the chancel, he saw the
popish priest at the altar, attended by several persons with
their swords drawn. The doctor accused the priest of
idolatry, but the priest retorted upon him, and called him
traitor, for disobeying the queen's proclamation. Dr. Tay-
lor said he was no traitor, but a minister of the gospel,
commanded to teach the people, and then ordered the po-
pish priest to retire, as one who came in there to poison
the flock of Christ with his most abominable doctrines. —
Foster, who had a large share in this business, called Dr.
Taj'lor a traitor, and violently dragged him out of the
church; while his wife, on her knees, begged that God
would vindicate his innocence, and avenge the injuries he
bad so wrongfully received, which was what he had not
deserved, because he had not done more than his duty.
On this, Foster and Clarke exhibited a charge of heresy
against Dr. Taylor, to Gardiner the chancellor. The
chancellor sent a messenger, commanding Dr. Taylor to
sippear b'efore him, in order to answer to the charge that
bad been exhibited.
When Dr. Taylor's friends heard of this they were
much grieved; and suspecting what was likely to happen,
as law and justice were both trodden under foot, desired
him to flee the country and save his life. But wath this
request he would by no means comply; for he said, that
it was mor^ honourable to suffer for the cause of God,
than to flee from the wrath of wicked men. "God (said
he) will either protect me from sufferings, or he will enable
me to bear them." He added, "that he knew his dying
foj the truth would be of more service to Christ, than his
fiying away from the malice of his persecutors."
■\Vlien his friends saw that nothing could prevail upod .
29*
342 HISTORY OF THE MARTYFg.
him, they took farewell of him with tears; after which,
he set out for London, accompanied hy a servant, named
John Hull, who had been a considerable time in his family.
This faithful servant advised him to make his escape, but
all to no purpose; for he said, that the good shepherd
should never leave his sheep, till he was torn from them
by force. In the same heavenly manner he exhorted
John to be constant in the profession of Christianity, and
not return again to popery.
When Dr. Taylor was brought before the chancellor
Gardiner, that prelate reviled him in the most shocking
manner, calling him a traitor and a heretick; to all which
our pious martyr patiently submitted.
Dr. Taylor answered tlie chancellor with becoming
firmness: he told him, that "he was the persecutor of
God's people, and that he had not adhered to our Saviour
and his word:" he put bishop Gardiner in mind of the
oath he had taken in the beginning of king Edward's
reign, to maintain the protestant religion, and oppose the
papal supremacy; but Gardiner answered, that "the oath
had been extorted, so that he w as not obliged to abide
by it."
Dr. Taylor having explained to the bishop the nature
of his oath, told him ; that, " as he had not been forced to
take one contrary to the dictates of conscience, so he was
either prejudiced in what he did, or what was still worse,
he trifled with a sacred obligation: that no man whatever
could dispense with an oath, unless he knew it was his
duty to do so, in consequence of its having been imposed
on him by violence."
Gardiner, who was self-convicted, exclaimed, "Tush!
tush! it was Herod's oath; and therefore proper to be
broken!" and, evading the subject, turned to the disputed
points concerning the real presence, and some other
things in popery.
Dr. Taylor, after being interrogated by the chancellor
for a considerable time, was at length committed to prison.
The prison in which Dr. Taylor was confined, was the
King's bench, where he met with that pious man Mr.
Bradford, whose affinity in religious sentiments contributed
IlISTORV OF THE MARTYRS. 3^3
to mitigate his suirerings. If tv/o virtuous or pious per-
sons are of the same opinion, and under the same afflicting
circumstances, they generally feel for each other. This
was the case with Dr. Taylor and Mr. Bradford 5 for no
sooner did they meet each other in prison, than they
blessed God who had brought them together, to sulfer for
the truth of the gospel.
After Dr. Taylor had laid a considerable time in prison,
he was cited to appear at Bow church, in Cheapside, to
answer to the dean of the arches why he had married
a wife.
When he was brought before the dean of the arches,
he defended marriage in such a masterly manner, that tht*
dean would not venture to pronounce a divorce, but onlv
deprived him of his benefice. He was then remanded to
prison, and kept there above a year and a half; when he,
and several others, were brought to be examined before
the chancellor.
Gardiner asked him "whether he adhered to the form
of religion, as established by king Edward YI? Whether
he approved of the English book of common prayer?
Whether he was married?*' and many other questions.
To all these Dr. Taylor gave clear and satisfactory an-
swers, justifying his conduct; but these were not sufficient;
his death was resolved on.
The next time he was brought before the chancellor,
was in company with Mr. Saunders before mentioned,
and Mr. Bradford. Dr. Taylor was charged with heresy
by the chancellor, and the other bishops present. He
acknowledged that "he abhorred all the popish doctrines
of the church of Rome; that the pope was anti-christ;
that to deny the clergy the privilege of marrying was the
doctrine of devils. That there were but two sacraments
in the New Testament; that the mass was idolatry, the
body of Christ being in heaven; and last of all, that he
would abide by these sentiments to the last, being con-
vinced that they were consistent with the doctrines laid
down by Christ and his apostles."
The chancellor then pronounced sentence on him, and
he was taken to the Clink prisou in Southwark, where he
3'44 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS.
remaiaed till night, and ivas then sent to the Poultry
compter. Here iie remained seveii days; when, on the
4th of February, Bonner, bishop of London, with others,
came to degrade him, bringing with them the popish
habits.
The night after he was degraded, his wife, with his son
Thomas, came to see him; and such was the good nature
of the keeper, that he permitted them to go into hi«
apartment to sup with him. Tnus he found a great dif-
ference between the keeper of the bishop's prison, and
the keeper of the compter. The bishop's keepers were
ever cruel, blasphemous, and tyrannical, like their master;
but the keepers of the king's prisons, for the most ])art,
showed as much favour as could be granted to those whom
they had in custody. John Hull, the servant, came with
the wife and son of Dr. Taylor; and, at their lirst coming
in, they all kneeled down and prayed.
Having spent some time in conversing with them and
giving them his farewell advice, he fell down and prayed
with them once more. He then gave his wife an Enghsh
prayer-book, as set forth by king Edward VI. and unto
his son Thomas he gave a latin book, containing a collec-
tion of sentiments from the writings of the primitive
fathers, relating to the courage and constancy of the
ancient martyrs.
On the fifth day of February, the sheriff of London,
attended by his officers, came to the compter, and took
Dr. Taylor to the Woolpack, near Aldgate, at the early
hour of two in the morning. His wife, having some sus-
picion that he was to be taken out that morning, waited
all night in the church of St. Botolph, near Aldgate,
having with her a poor orphan girl, whom the doctor had
brought up, and one of her own children. When the
sheriff and his company came opposite Botolph church,
the orphan girl cried out, " O, my dear father; mother,
mother, here is my father led out." Then Mrs, Taylor
crie{| out, " Rowland ! Rowland ! where art thou ?" for the
morning was extremely dark. To this Dr. Taylor an-
swered, "Here I am, but I am confined.^ The sherifTs
officers wanted to hurry him away; but the sheriff, who had
KISTORV OF THE MARTVRS. 345
more humanity, ordered them to let him speak with his
wife.
She then came to him, when taking his wife and daugh-
ter, with the orphan girl, by the hands, he kneeled down,
and prayed with them; which, when the sheriff, and the
other people present saw, they shed tears. Prayers being
over, he rose up, and taking his wife by the hard, bid her
have good comfort, for he had a clear conscience. "God,
said he, will provide a father for my children, but lei
them be steadfast in the faith." To which his wife
answered, "God be with you, my dear Rowland, and I
fvill, with his grace, m.eet you at Hadleigh."
He was then put into a chamber, with four of the yeo-
man of the guard, and the sheriiTs officers. As soon as
he entered the chamber he gave himself wholly up to
prayer. There the sheriffs seeing his wife, told her that
"she must not speak to her husband; but that she might
go to his house, and he would provide for her, so os she
should not want for any thing." To this she answered,
that " she would rather go to her mother's house," and
two officers were sent to conduct her thither.
This part of the sheriffs conduct seems to have arisen
from principles of humanity; for what man can see a wife
and children weeping beside a father and husband, con-
demned fo" a disputable offence, without shedding a tear
of roinpa.asion'i
Dr. Taylor remained at the Woolpack till eleven in the
forenoon, when the sheriff of Essex came to receive hin),
and they prepared to set out on horseback. As they came
out of the gate of the Inn, John Hull, his old servant,
whom we have mentioned before, was there waiting,
having with him Dr. Taylor's son Thomas ; John lifted
tip the boy that he might see his father, and then set him
on the horse before him. Dr. Taylor taking off his hat,
said, "Good people, this is my own son. He then lifted
up his eyes towards heaven, and prayed for his son; laid
his hat upon the boy's head, and blessed him. After this
he delivered him to John Hull, whom he shook by the
hand and said, "thou hast been the most faithful servant
1 ever had."
!^6 HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS*
The procession then set out on the Essex road, but
when they came near Brentwood, one Arthur Taisie, who
had been formerly a servant with Dr. Taylor, not knowing
he had been condemned, came up and shook hands with
him, for he thought he had hpen at liberty: the sherift
told him that he was not, but that he v/as his prisoner.
When they arrived at Brentwood, they made a close
hood for Dr. Taylor, having two holes for his eyes, and
one for his mouth to breathe at. They did this, that no
man should know him or speak to him; which practice
they frequently used with others.
All the way Dr. Taylor was as joyful as if he had
been going to take the possession of an estate ; and, indeed,
how could it be otherwise? He knew he was suffering for
the faith, and that the truth was able to support him.
At Chelmsford they were met by the sheriff of Suffolk,
who was to take him into that county to be executed.
While they were at supper, the sheriff of Essex laboured
earnestly with him to return to the popish religion. He
told him, " that as he was a man of universal learning, so
his death would be a great loss to the nation." The sheriff,
whatever his own opinions were, said a great deal to Dr.
Taylor, and falling before him on his knees, with the tears
running down his cheeks, earnestly begged of him to re-
cant his opinions, and be reconciled to the church, promis-
ing that he, and all his friends, would prnmrp his pardon.
Dr. Taylor then took the cup in his hand, and looking
forward to the company, particularly to the sheriff of
-Essex, said, "I heartily thank you for your good- will; I
have hearkened to your words, and minded well your
councils; and, to be plain with you, I do perceive that I
have been deceived myself; and am like to deceive a great
many in Hadleigh of their expectations." At these
words the whole company clapped their hands with joy:
"God bless you, (said the sheriff of Essex) keep to that,
it is the most comfortable word we have heard from you.
Why should you cast away yourself? Play a wise man's
part, and then I am certain you w ill find favour." Upon
this Dr. Taylor told him, *^That there were a great num-
ber of worms in Hadleigh church-yard, who M'ould. have
TUSTOUY OF THE MARTYRS. 347
haj the Icasting, which no doubt they wished for many a
day ; but I know I am deceived, said he, and the worms
are so too; for my i,ody is to be burned to ashes, and they
will lose their ieast. "'
When the shentF, and his companions, heard him say
this, they were amazed at his constancy; for the nearer
his sufferings approached, the more he was strengthened
to endure them.
When he came within two miles of Hadleigh, he desir-
ed to alight from his horse, which done, he leaped two or
three times, as men do at country scenes of diversion.
The sheritf being surprised, asked him what he meant by
acting in that manner? His answer was, " good ?vlr. Sher-
iff, I am almost at liome." When he was arrived at Ald-
liam Common, the place where he was* to be burnt, he
lifted up his eves to heaven, and thanked God that the
last struggle was come, and he hoped lie should be ena-
bled to go through with it.
He tore the hood from his face, that he might be seen
by the numerous spectators, man} of whom had formerly
heen liis parishioners. He then begaii to speak to the
people who were praying for him: out the officers thrust
sticks into his mouth, and threatened to cut his tongue out,
unless he would promise to keep silence at the place of
execution.
When he had prayed, he kissed the stake, and set him-
self into a barrel filled with pitch, which had been placed
for that purpose. Fire being set to the pitch, Dr. Taylor
continued praying in the most devout manner, till one of
the officers, more humane than the rest, knocked out his
brains with a halbert; which put an end to his misery.
We have here an instance of popish superstition, in
some respects more violent than any we have yet taken
notice of. Dr. Taylor was not only a pious man, but he
had been, for his knowledge of the canon and civil laws,
long esteemed as the glory of Cambridge. He had, from
his distinguished abiHties, confuted the chancellor in his
arguments concerning the marriage of the clergy; and,
indeed, in all other respects he was so well acquainted
with the ancient fathers, that he was with great proprictjr
348 lIlsrORY OF VUE MARTVH5.
called "the Walking I/ibrary."' But no mercy is to be
shown, where religious rancour takers place. There is
something in all such persecutions that shuts up the bow-
els oi compassion, even towards the nearest relations.
Civil persecutors may iiave some compassion, but those
who persecute from erroneous notions of religion, are ge-
nerally strangers to every lender sensation.
CHAP. IV.
MARTYRDOM OP MESSRS. TOMKINS, HUNTER, AND OTHERS,
Thomas Tomkins, the first person on the bloody list,
was by trade a weaver, and lived, with great reputation,
in the parish of St. Leonard, Shorcdilch. Being accused
of heresy, he was summoned before the merciless Bonner,
who confined him, with many others, in his palace at Ful-
ham.
During his imprisonment he was treated by the bishop
in a manner not only unbecoming a prelate, but a man:
he several times beat him with unbounded cruelty, and
tore the greatest part of his beard from his face, for no
other reason but his not assenting to the doctrine of tran-
fsubstantiation.
Another instance of this cruel wretch's inhumanity to
Mr. Tomkins, was exhibited before several gentlemen v/ho
came to visit him. Bonner finding him inflexible, took
hold of him by the wrist, and held his hand over the flame
of a w ax-candle, in order, if possible, to make him deviate
from those uncorrupted truths of the gospel he had so
strongly preserved. This punishment Mr. Tomkins sub-
mitted to with great fortitude, till the veins burst, and wa-
ter issuing from the hand flew into the face of a by-stand-
er, who was so affected, that he requested Bonner to
forbear, saying, he had sufficiently punished the prisoner,
A few days after this Mr, Tomkins was brought before
Bonner, at his consistory court at St. PauPs, to whom he
delivered articles of confession in writing, sealed up, an*^
signed with his own hand.
' HISTOUV 01 THE MAltTYRS. 349
Bonner, and the rest of the tribunal, strongly pressed
Mr. Tomkins to recant his errours, and returH to the nno-
ther-church; but he only answered, "I was born and
brought up in ignorance till of late years, and now I know
the truth, I will continue therein unto death."
Finding him inflexible, they declared him a heretick,
and ordered the sheriff of London, who attended, to conduct
him immediately to Newgate. Here he remained till the
IGth of March, 1555, when he was conducted to Smith-
field, and burnt, triumphing in the midst of the flames, and
adding to those martyrs \vho had preceded him through
the path of the fiery trial to tlie realms of immortal glory*
William Hunter. This pious young man was the son
of poor, but honest and religious parents, who trained him
up in the doctrines of the reformation, and when at a pro-
per age put him apprentice to one Thomas Taylor, a silk-
weaver, in Coleman-street, London.
On the accession of Queen Mary, orders were issued to
the priests of every parish to summon all their parishon-
ers to receive the communion at mass the Easter following,
when young Hunter, who was then only nineteen years of
age, refusing to obey the summons, was threatened with
being brought before the bishop to answer for his disobe-
dience.
After this, he was repeatedly brought before the bishop ;
who, sometimes by soothing him, and sometimes by threats,
f!ndeavoured to bring him to a recantation; but all his
efforts proved ineffectual. In consequence of this, the
persecuting prelate passed sentence on him; which was,
that he should be remanded to Newgate for a time, from
whence he should be ren?oved to Brentwood; "where (said
the bishop) thou shalt be burned."
A few days after this, the bishop sent for him again, and
promised him preferment if he would recant: to which he
replied, "my lord, 1 thank you for your great offer; but,
if you cannot enforce my recantation from scripture, I
cannot, in my conscience, turn from God for the love of the
world, for I count all things but dross for the love of Christ."
On the morning of the 27th of March, 1555, the sheriff
gave orders for the necessary preparations to be made for
30
350 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
his execution. In the mean time the sheriff's son, who
was his friend, visited him, and encouraged him not to
iear the men who were making preparations for his death ;
to whom he said, that, "thank God, he was not in the least
intimidated, for that he had cast up his account, and well
knew the happy consequences that would attend his strict
adherence to the cause of Christ."
A short time after this, he was led from the inn to the
stake, between one of the sheriff's officers, and his brother
Robert. In their way he was met by his father, who,
with tears flowing from his eyes, said to him, ''God be
with thee, son William.''
When he arrived at the place of execution, he kneeled
on a fagot, and repeated the 51st psalm, till he came to
these words: "The sacrifice of God is a contrite spirit;
a contrite and a broken heart, O God, thou wilt not des-
pise." He was then interrupted by one of the officers,
who told him the translation was wrong, the words being
an humble spirit; but he said the translation was a con-
trite heart, on which he was told, that the hereticks trans-
lated books as they pleased.
The sheriff then produced him a letter from the queen,
containing his pardon if he would recant; but he refused
life on those terms, went up to the stake, and was chain-
ed to it, saying to the spectators, " good people, pray for
me, and make quick dispatch; pray for me while you see
me alive, and I will pray for you."
He then took a fagot, and embraced it in his arms;
and, on a priest's offering him a book, said, "away thou
false prophet, beware of him, good people, and come away
trom their abominations, lest ye be partakers of their
plagues."
As soon as the fire was kindled, our martyr gave his
prayer-book to his brother, who, to encourage him, remin-
ded him of the passion of his dear Redeemer, and bid him
be of good cheer: to which he replied; "I fear neither
tofture nor death; Lord Jesus, receive my departing spir-
it!" The fire burning rapidly, he was soon consumed,
yielding up his life, with patience and humility, to him
who gave it and in testimony of the truth of that God.,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 6bl
who cannot change, but whose word is the same yesterday,
to-day, and for ever.
On the same day that Hunter was executed, Thomas
Higbed, and Thomas Causton, two gentlemen of Esseic,
suffered the like fate ; the former being burnt at Horndon
on the hill, and the latter at Rayleigh.
William Pigot, Stephen Knight, and John Lawrence,
the two former laymen, the latter a priest, were all arres-
ted as enemies to the popish doctrine, pronounced here-
ticks, and condemned to be burned.
Pigot and Knight were first led to execution, the one
at Braintree, the other at Maiden.
Both these martyrs suffered with amazing fortitude and
resignation, proving to the spectators, that, as is the day
of the sincere believer, so likewise will be his strength.
The next day, March 29, John Lawrence suffered at
Colchester, He was carried to the place of execution in
a chair, being unable to walk, from the pressure of the
irons with which his legs were bound, and the weakness of
his body, through want of proper nourishment while in
prison. The chair was fastened to the stake, and he sat
in it for some time with great composure, praying to God
to euable him to undergo the fiery trial; at length the fag-
ots were lighted, and he triumphantly expired in the
cause of his glorious Master in sure and certain hope oi"
an eternal existence in heaven.
CHAR V.
MARTYRDOM OF BISHOP FARRAR, AJJD OTHERS.
The emissaries of the persecuting bishops had, for some
time, fixed their eyes on this worthy and pious prelate;
who, not only in the former reign, but also after the acces-
sion of Mary, had been particularly zealous in promoting
the reformed doctrines, and exploding the errours of po-
pish idolatry. Information of this being given to the bish-
op of Winchester, lord-chancellor. Dr. Farrar, with seve-
ral others, was summoned to appear before him, and the
352 lilSTOKY 01' TII'K :>IARTVIIS.
other commissioners, appointed for the cruel work of
massacreing protestants.
After some previous harangue, the bishop formally told
Ilim, that 'Hhe queen and parliament had restored religion
to the state in Avhich it was at the beginning of the reign
of Henry VIII. that he was in the queen's debt, but her
majesty would cancel the same, and re-admit him to her
favour, if he would return to the holy catholick church.
Undismayed by this information, Dr. Fariar answered ;
that, *»with respect to the debt, he submitted it to the
lord-treasurer; but his lordship might \vell remember,
that upon two former occasions he had solemnly sworn
never to acknowledge the papal jurisdiction over the
realm of England, and therefore it was needless to re
hearse what he had already so peremtorily declared."
After a long debate, Gardiner sternly demanded, " if
he would recant, and acknowledge the papal supremacy?"
to which Farrar, with a resolution becoming a true chris-
tian, and worthy bishop, expressed a degree of contempt,
♦'that his lordship should even think he would recede from
an oath he had made to his Maker: an oath he could not
break, consistently with his duty to God, and his regard
to the interest of the reformed religion in his native coun-
try."
The relentless Gardiner was so highly incensed at this
spirited behaviour in Dr. Farrar, that, according to his cus-
tom, he treated him with scurrility, calling him "froward
knave," and telling him, "that he should know his fate in
a short time." To this, Farrar coolly replied, that "he
would ever readily obey his summons, but would never
retract what he had solemnly sworn, either at the instiga-
tion of him, or any other man whatever."
The examination being over. Dr. Farrer was ordered
to Newga^, where he was a short time confined, and then
sent into Wales, there to receive his sentence of condem-
nation.
On his arrival at Carmarthen, he was delivered to the
sheriff of the county, who took him before Henry Mor-
gan, the bishop of St. David's, and Constantine, the
publick notary, by whom he was committed to ilic custo-
dy of the keeper of Carmarthen gaol.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 353
A few days after his commitment to that prison, he was
sent for by bishop Morgan, who exiiorted him to rccanl,
on condition of which he assured him of the queen's cle-
mency, as well as preferment to an office of dignity in the
church. But our martyr was inflexible: be would not
listen to any proposals derogatory to the oath he had
taken; upon which, bishop Morgan asked him the two
following questions:
" 1. Whether he believed the marriage of priests, al-
lowed by the laws of the holy church?
" 2. Whether he believed, that in the blessed sacrament
of the altar, after the words of consecration duly pro-
nounced by the priest, tlie very body and blood of Christ
are really and substantially contained, without the sub-
stance of bread and wine."
Dr. Farrar refused to answer to these questions, unless
the bishop produced a commission, authorizing him to ask
them; upon which he was remanded to prison.
At length, after various disputes with bishop Morgan,
he appealed from him, as an incompetent judge, to cardi-
nal Pole; notwithstanding which, sentence was pronoun-
ced against him as a heretick, and he was delivered over to
the secular power, having been previously degraded by
Morgan.
Thus, for his steadfast adherence to the uncorrupted
doctrines of the reformation, and resolute denial of the
papal jurisdiction, was Dr. Farrar condemned, degraded,
delivered up to the secular power, and, on the eve of Pas-
sion Sunday, in tlie bloody year 1555, executed in the
rnarket-place of Carmartiien, amidst a numerous crowd
of spectators.
The following circumstance is an evincing proof what
constancy and resolution this good man possessed, and
how determined he was to retain those religious principles
to the last; to which, during his life, he had so strongly
adhered.
The son of a person of distinction visiting him a few
days before his execution, and lamenting the cruel fate
that awaited him, the doctor told him, that *• if he saw
him once stir in the pains of burning, he might then give
354 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
no credit to his doctrine, but look upon it as the effects of
enthusiasm."
He rcsohitely fuUiUed h\< promise, and greatly surprised
liis friend, Avho came to condole his fate: for he stood mo-
tionless in the midst of the flames, holding both his hands
till they were burnt to the stumps, at which time, one of
the officers struck him on the head with a stalF, and put a
period to his life.
As Dr. Farrar gave many signal instances of his sincere
ond unshaken zeal for the honourof Christ, and exaltation
of his name, during life; so, at his death, he sutTered and
expired with a degree of christian heroism, at least equal
to the most primitive martyrs,
Rawlins White, a fisherman, hwA been so attentive to
the preacliing of the gospel during the late reign, that he
attained to a very competent knowledge of the holy scrip-
tures, and became a zealous asserter of the protectant doc-
trines, having wholly renounced the superstition and
idolatry of the popish religion, and conformed to the
publick worship of God, according to the English common
prayer book then set forth.
Having been himself converted to the tmie faith of
Christ, he took great pains to instruct his'son in the same
faith, causing him to read a portion of holy scripture every
night and morning, till he likewise became well grounded
in the principles of true religion, as contained in the
gospel.
White was not only desirous of acquiring saving knowl-
edge himself, but also of communicating it to others; in-
somuch that he took every opportunity of visiting his
neighbours, and endeavouring to instruct those whom hp
found desirous of obtaining a knowledge of the truth. *
lie continued to practice those devout exercises in a
publick manner, till the death of king Edward, when
popery being restored, and the pure religion discouraged
rind restrained, he used to meet privately with his friends,
pray, and encourage them to hold fast to the truth. At
length he was apprehended by one of tlie officers of the
town, on a suspicion of lieresy, who taking him before the
bishop of LandafT, he was, by that prelate, committed to
prison.
HIsTOHY OF THE MARTYRS. 355
Daring his conftrieaient, several oi" his friends sent him
money privately; and lie >vas visited by many, whom he
instructed iii the faith of Christ, and exhorted to beware
of popish emissaries, as wolvei in sheep's clothing.
After a long imprisonment. Dr. Kitchen, bishop of Lan-
daff, summoned Wiiite to appear before him, a!}d endea-
voured to bring him over to the popish idolatry and
superstition; but all his exhortations proving inetrectual,
he told him in anger, either to recant his heretical opin-
ions, or endure the rigour of the law against those who
maintained tenets repugnant to the doctrines of the holy
see.
On the day appointed for his examination, the oisliop, in
the presence of his chaplains, and many of the neighbours,
assembled in the chapel ; declared, that White was k.iown
'*not only to maintain heretical principles himself, but to
inculcate the same amongst his acquaintance.*' Then ad-
dressing himself to White, he told him, that "he had fre-
quently, since his tirst warning, both there and in his
house, been admonished to relinquish his heretical tenets,
and yet had always turned a deaf ear to the most salutary
advice.*' He added, tliat "out of clemency tliey had
once more sent for him, mildly to endeavour to bring him
to an humble sense of his errours, and assured him, that,
upon due penitence for the crimes he had committed, both
against God and the law of his sovereign, they were dis-
posed to show him m.ercy: but that if in spite of the royal
clemency, and admonition of the reverend fathers, he ob-
stinately persisted in his heresies, they were determined
to execute on him the utmost risrour of the law, as a most
o
damnable heretick."
White, without the least sign of fear at the peremptory
declaration of the bishop, told his lordship, that " he bles-
sed God he was a christian, and held no doctrines contrary
to the divine mind and will, as revealed in the scriptures
of truth: if he did, he begged to be convinced of the
same out of the divine word, to which he determined ever
most implicitly to conform."
After much more exhortation, the bishop assured him,
that "if he would not recant, he must condemn him as a
heretick.*' To which White replied, that "he might pro-
356 HISTORY or tke :,iartyr«.
cecd as he thought proper, but that he could not conderiiii
him as a heretick, as he did not maintain any opinion that
was rot supported by the word of God."
Tiie bishop then desired the peopki present to join with
him in praver, that it would please God to turn White's
heart, and jjring him to the acknowledgement of the true
religion.
Our martyr applauded this behaviour of tiie bishop "as
becoming his profession,'' assuring him, that "if their re-
quest was agreeable to the divine will, God would doubt-
less hear and grant the same; and that, while he wa-
praying to his God, he (White) would pray to his God,
who he knew would hear and perform i^as desire."
Accordingly, they all went to private prayer, which
being finished, the bishop asked him ''how lie found him-
self disposed in his mind?' He replied, "the very same
as before."
The bishop, incensed that no change could be wroughfci
upon him, was ready to have read the sentence, but he
was advised first to say mass, during which ceremony.
White standing at the door of the choir, cried out to the
populace, "Sear witness that I bow not to this idol,"
meaning the host, whicli the priest held over his head.
Mass having been concluded, he was again warmly ad-
monished to recant, but all exhortation was ineffectual; the
bishop, therefore, read the definitive sentence; after which,
he was carried to Cardiff, and imprisoned in a place cal-
led Cockmarel, a most filthy and loathsome dungeon,
where he continued till the writ for his execution came
from London.
Upon the day appointed for terminating his life, March
30, 1555, he was brought from prison; and, in his way to'
the place appointed for the bloody scene, met bis wiiie
and children, wringing their hands,, and most bitterly la-
menting his approaching fate. This affecting sight drew
tears from his eyes; but soon recollecting himself, and
striking his breast v/ith his hand, he said, "Ah! flesh,
stayest thou me, wouldest thou fain prevail? Well, do v/hat
thou canst, by God's grace thou shalt not get the victory."
As soon as he arrived at the stake, he fell on his knees.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 357
and kissed the earth, saying, "Earth to earth, and dust to
dust; thou art my mother, to thee I must return*"
When he was fastened to the stake, and the straw,
reeds, and wood were placed round him, a priest, appoin-
ted for tile purpose, stood up and liarrangued the specta-
tors, who were exceedingly numerous, it heing Mar-
ket-day.
The priest, having finished his discourse, in which he
inveighed against the opinion of the protestants concern-
ing the sacrament of the altar, our martyr rebuked hire.,
proved his doctrine to be false, and cited, as his authority,
those words of our Lord, "Do this in remembrance
of me."
The fire being kindled, he was soon surrounded by the
flames, in the midst of which this good old man, for he
was sixty years of age, held up his hands till the sinews
shrunk, crying earnestly, "O Lord, receive my soul; O
Lord, receive my spirit!" the flames were so vehement
about his legs, that they were almost consumed, before
the upper part of his body caught the fire; nTlwithstand-
ing which he bore his sufferings with the greatest compo-
sure and resignation, cheerfully resigning his soul into the
nands of him who gave it, in sure a«d certain hopes of
being hereafter rewarded with a crown of eternal life.
George Marsh, a minister of the gospel. This eminent
and pious divine was descended from poor, but honest and
religious parents, who educated him, from his earliest
years, in the principles of the reformed religion; so that
when he arrived at manhood, he was well versed in the
doctrines of the pure <rospel of Christ.
He had originally followed the business of farming, and
by his honest endeavours maintained his family with
decency and reputation for some years: but on the decease
of his wife, being disposed to study, he placed his children
with his father, quitted his farm, and went to Cambridge,
where he made such progress in literature, that he soon
entered into holy orders.
He ofliciated as curate in several parishes in the coun-
ty of Lancaster, kept a school at Dean, and was a zeal-
©as promoter of the tr'ie religion, as well as a vigourous
35B HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
opposer of the idolatries of the church of Rome, during
the reign of king Edward VI. But when popery raised
its destructive head, he, among many others, became the
object of its persecution, as one tliat propagated doctrines
contrary to the infalhble church, and therefore hable to
the severest censure and punishment.
Mr, Marsh, on hearing that search was made after him^
absconded for some time, and in his retirement often de-
liberated with himself, whether he should fly abroad to
save his life, or surrender himself up, in order to ward
off the mischief which threatened his mother and brother,
who were supposed to have concealed him from the per-
sons employed to search out hereticks.
During this unsettled state of his mind, he consulted
with his friends, and earnestly sought direction of God,
that he might be guided in the way which most conduced
to his glory, and his own spiritual and eternal interest.
At length, thinking that flight would evince cowardice
in the best of causes, he determined, by the grace of
God, to ab(de by the consequence, and accordingly sur-
rendered himself to the earl of Derby, at his seat at
Latham, in the county of Lancaster.
When brought into the earl's presence, he was charged
with propagating heresy, and sowing sedition amongst the
people ; but he denied the charge, and declared, that "he
preached no other doctrine than what was contained in
the W'Ord of God, and that he always enforced allegiance
to his sovereign, according to the will of God."
Being asked to deliver a summary of his belief, he de-
clared, that "he believed in God the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost, according to the creeds of the apostles, the
council of Nice, and the saints Athanasius, Austin, and
Ambrose.*"
A Romish priest, present, then proceeded to enquire
his opinion concerning the favourite tenet of the church
of Rome, relating to the sacrament. Marsh answered in
general, that he believed whosoever received the holy
sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, according to
his own appointment, did eat and drink his body and
blood, with all the benefits arising from the same, because
our lord was ever present at his own ordinances,"
HISTORY OF TUE MAKTVUS, 399
This general reply not pvppearing sali5factory, they
descended to particulars, and perennptorily demanded his
opinion, •' whether or not the elements were changed into
the very body and blood of Christ after consecration?"
Our martyr briefly observed, that " what he believed he
had already declared, and desired them not to propose to
him such hard and unprofitable questions, in order to
endanger his life, and, to suck from him his very blood."
Incensed at this reply, tlie earl told him, that instead of
seeking his destruction, he meant to preser\^e his life in
this w^orld, and secure his happiness in that which is to
come, by converting him from damnable errours and
heresies, and bringing him over to the holy mother-church,
out of which there was no salvation."
After many questions and exhortations, finding he stiH
persevered in the faith which opposed that of the infalli-
ble church, the earl gave him pen and ink, and ordered him
to write down his belief concerning the sacrament of the
altar; and on his writing just what he had before deliv-
ered, he was commanded io be more particular, w^hen
he wrote only the following words: "Further I know
not."
This resolute behaviour exposed him to the keenest
resentment of his popish prosecutors, who committed him
to prison, and suffered no one to come near him but the
keeper, M^ho brought him daily the scanty allowance of
the place.
Various attempts were made, during his confinement, to
bring him to a recantation; but as he still remained fixed
and determined in his faith, they administered to him the
four following articles, to which the earl declared, if he
would not subscribe, he should be sent to the county gaol^
and proceeded against with the utmost seventy.
*'l. Whether the mass now used in the church of
England was according to Christ's institution, and with
iaith, reverence, and devotion, to be heard and seen?
" 2. Whether Almighty God* by the words pronounced
by the priest, did change the bread and wine, after the
words of consecration, into the body and blood of Chrisft^
whether it were received or reserved?
360 mSTORV OF THE MARTVRS.
"3. Whether the lay-people ought to receive but under
the form of bread only, and tiiat the one kind was sufficient
for them?
"4. Whether confession to the priest now used in
England was godly and necessary?"
Having retired for some time to consider of these arti-
cles, he returned, and delivered his opinion of them as
follows :
*' The first he absolutely denied.
"The second he answered in the very w^rds he had
before written.
"With respect to the third, he declared, that lay-people,
according to the institution of Christ, ought to receive
under both kinds, and that, therefore, to receive under one
liind only was not sufficient.
" To the last he observed, that though auricular con-
fession was a good means to instruct ignorant people, it
was not necessarv to salvation, because not commanded
by God.
"To these points he added, that his faith in Christ,
founded on the infallible word of the only living and true
God, he never would deny at the instance of any living
creature, or through fear of any punishment whatsoever;
and moreover desired of the earl, that his friends might
be permitted to visit him during his confinement."
In a few days he was committed to Lancaster gaol, laid
in irons, and arraigned at the bar with the common felons,
where they endeavoured to extort from him informations
of several persons in that county, whom t-hey suspected of
maintaining heretical opinions; but no means could pre-
vail with him to utter a word that might endanger the
lives or liberties of his faithful brethren in Christ.
He was severely reprimanded for reading aloud to the
people, who flocked every morning and evening under
the prison window, the litany and prayers of the reformed
church, together with select passajres of holy writ in the
English tongue, which they termed preaching, and, there*
fore, deemed criminal.
After remaining some weeks in confinement at Lancas-
tev^ he was removed to Chester, and placed in the bishop's
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 361
liberty, where his lordship frequently conferred with him,
and used his utmost endeavours to bring him to an acknow-
ledgment of the corporal presence in the sacrament of the
altar, the mass, confession, and, in short, of all the tenets
and practices of the church of Rome.
When the bishop (Dr. Cotes) found he would not assent
to a single point, he remanded him back to prison; and
in a few days summoned him before him in the cathedral
church of Chester, where, in the presence of the mayor,
chancellor, and principal inhabitants of that city, both
laity and clergy, he caused him to take a solemn oath, to
answer truly to such articles as might be alledged against
him.
After he was sworn, the chancellor accused him "of
having preached and published most heretically, and blas-
phemously, within the parishes of Dean, Eccles, Berry,
and many other parislies within the bishop's diocese,
directly against the pope's authority, the catholick church
of Rome, the mass, and the sacrament of the altar ;" with
many other articles.
To all these charges Mr. Marsh answered in brief, that
"he had neither heretically nor blasphemously preached
or published against any of the articles, but as occasion
served; and as his conscience obliged him to maintain the
truth, as declared in God's word, and as all then present
had acknowledged in the preceding reign."
Being examined as to every particular article, he
modestly answered, according to the doctrine publickly
taught in the reign of King Edward VI.
After a confinement of three weeks longer in prison,
Marsh was again brought into the cathedral, where the
chancellor made a formal harrangue "on the bishop's care
of his flock, in order to prevent infection from scabby
sheep," and the like; which ended, the former articles
were propounded to Mr. Mar^h; to which he severally
answered in the negative.
Being charged with having declared that the church
and doctrine taught and set forth in King Edward's time
waft the true church, and that the church of Rome is not
31
363 HIST0R7 OP THE MARTYRS.
the true catholick churcli ;" he acknowledged the decia«
ration, and ratified it by a repetition.
Several persons present takine; occasion to ask him, *' as
he denied the bishop of Rome's authority in England,
whether Linus, Anacletus, and Clement, who were bish-
ops of Rome, were not good men," he replied in the affir-
mative, but reminded them, that " they claimed no more
authority in England than the Archbishop of Canterbury
doth in Rome."
As this observation highly reflected on the validity of
the papal supremacy, the bishop was so incensed, that he
gave Marsh very abusive language, calling him ''a most
damnable, irreclaimable, unpardonable heretick."
All endeavours proving ineffectual, the bishop proceed-
ed in passing sentence, M^hich being ended. Marsh was de-
livered up to the sheriffs, who conveyed him to the North
gate prison, where he was confined in a dungeon till the
day of his execution.
On the 4th of April, 1555, this firm believer was led to
the place appoiuted for the bloody scene, amidst a crowd
of lamenting spectators. It was near a village, called
Spittle-Boughton, at a small distance from Chester. As
soon as he arrived at the place, the chamberlain of that
city showed him a box, containing the queen's pardon, on
condition that he would recant. Our martyr coolly an-
swered, that " he would gladly accept the same, (for he
loved the queen) but as it tended to pluck him from God,
who was king of kings, and lord of lords, he could not re-
ceive it on such terms."
Then turning to the spectators, he told them the cause
of the cruel death which awaited him, and exhorted them
to remain stedfast in the faith of Christ; which done, he
kneeled on the ground, directed his praj-er to God, for
strength equal to the fiery trial, arose, and was chained to
the stake, having a number of fagots under him, and a
cask full of pitch and tar hanging over his head. As soon
as he was chained to the stake, he again addressed him-
self earnestly in prayer to God.
The fire being kindled, he suffered, for a considerable
time, the most exquisite torture, his flesh being so broiled
IMSTOilY Ol THt MARTVRS. SGo
and pufted up that those who stood before him could not
^ee the chain with which lie was fastened. x\t length,
with the utmost fortitude, he spread forth his arms, and
said, with a voice to be universally heard by the specta-
tors, " father of heaven, have mercy upon me." Soon af-
ter which he yielded up his spirit into the hands of him
who gave it.
William Flower was horn in Snow^-hill, in the county of
Cambridge. He was educated in the Roman catholick
persuasion ; and heing brought up to the church, when, at
a proper age, he was admitted into orders, and became a
professed monk in the abbey of Ely.
After residing some time in the monastery, he threw off
the monkish habit, became A secular priest, returned to
the place of his nativity, and officiated, for some years, in
a clerical capacity.
But on a serious review of the sacred scriptures, and
« andid comparisons of them with the doctrines and prac-
tices of the Romish church, he began to doubt of the
•mthenticity of the latter; and^ by a farther inspection,
tinding them wholly repugnant to the word of God, and
founded on the mere inventions of men, he abjured them,
and earnestly embraced the doctrines of the reformation.
After having thus departed from the Romish church, he
came to London, and took up his residence at Lambeth,
where he married, and kept a school;
Going one day from Lambeth to Westminster, he went
into St. Margaret's church, at the time that mass was per-
forming. As he refused to kneel at the elevation of the
host, he was severely reprimanded by the priest; at which
Flower was so irritated, that he struck him on the head,
\iie priest having, at the same time, in his hand a chalice,
containing some consecrated wafers.
As his behaviour, on this occasion, proceeded rather
from rash zeal than well-grounded knowledge, he submit-
ted himself to the award of bishop Bonner, willing to
endure, for his folly, whatever punishment he should think
proper to inflict.
The bishop would have mitigated his punishment for
the crime he had committed on the priest, if he would have
364 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Subscribed to the popish fuith; but that he would not coin
sent to on any terms whatever; in consequence of which j
he was committed a pritfoner lo the Gatehouse.
After remaining some time in prison, he was brought
before the bishop, who administered to him, on oath, sev-
eral articles. But not answering satisfactorily, he was
committed to the fleet prison, when he was brought before
the warden, and found guilty of abusing a priest in the du-
ty of his office, and also of maintaining damnable heresies-
He was again brought before the bishop, who used the I
most forcible arguments to induce him to recant; but
these all proving ineflectual, he asked him, "if he knew
any matter, or cause, why sentence should not be pro-
nounced against him as a heretick?" To which he an-
swered, "I have nothing at all to say, for I have already
said unto you all that 1 had to say; and that I have said
I will not go from: and, therefore, do what you will."
The bishop then proceeded to the sentence, condemning
ahd excommunicating him as a heretick: after which he
was degraded, and delivered over to the secular power;
the 24th of April being the day appointed for his exccu-
.tion in St. Margaret's church-yard, Westminster.
On the morning of the fatal day he was led to the stake^
amidst a prodigious number of spectators. Immediately
on his arrival at the place, he knelt down, and prayed to
God, acknowledging his faith, as follows: —
^'O eternal God, most mighty and merciful father, who
hast sent down thy son upon the earth, to save qie, and all
mankind; who ascended up into heaven again, and left
his blood upon the earth behind him, for the redemption
of our sins, have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me,
for thy dear son our Saviour Jesus Christ's sake, in whom
I confess only to be all salvation and justification, and that
there is no other means, nor way, nor holiness, in which,
or by which, any man can be saved in this world. This
is my faith, which I beseech all men here to bear witness of." '
lie then repeated the Lord's prayer very deliberately,
and with an audible voice ; after which he arose, and pre-
pared himself for undergoing his destined punishment.
A Romish priest, who was present, desired him to r'
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 365
cant his heresy, and thereby save his hfe : to whom he said ;
"Sir, I beseech you, for God's sake, to be contented, for
that I have said, I have said ; and I trust to the hving God,
he will give me his holy spirit to continue to the end."
He then desired all the world to forgive him, whom he
had offended, as he, from his heart, forgave all the world.
This done, he was chained to the stake, and his left hand
fastened to his side. The other hand, with which he had
struck the priest, was then held up, and cut off, the blood
plentifully gushing from the wrist; which punishment he
bore without the least apparent emotion. The fagots
were then piled round him, and being immediately kin-
dled, he cried out, with a loud voice, "O the Son of God,
have mercy upon me ; O the Son of God, recejve my soul."
These words he repeated three times, when the violence
of the smoke took away his speech ; but he still showed
the spectators that he was not yet deprived of life, by hol-
ding up the arm from whence the hand liad been cut,
with the other, as long as he was able. There not being
a sufficiency of fagots, he underwent great torture, the
lower parts being consumed a considerable time before
the others were scarcely affected. At length, however,
they finished his miseries, by striking him a violent blow
on the head, vrhich brought the upper part of him into the
tire; and in this dreadful manner he yielded up his life.
John Cardmaker, for some years a friar of the order of
St. Francis. After tlie dissolution of religious houses by
Henry VHI. he attended v/itk such diligence to the
preaching and writing of pious and learned divines, that
he became a convert to the protestant faith, obtained a liv-
ing in the reformed church, and was an eminent preacher
of the gospel.
In the reign of Edward VI. he was appointed reader at
St. Paul's, and prebendary of Wells, in which functions
he continued indefatigable till the accession of Queen
Mary, when he was apprehended, together with Dr. Bar-
bw, bishop of Bath and Wells, and committed to the fleet,
though the laws of King Edward were then in full force.
When the papal supremacy an(J jurisdiction prevailed
hi England, and bishops had authorltv, by virtue of the
31*
366 WISTttRY OF THE 3IARTVRS.
statute ex officio, to proceed against liercticks, CarJmak-
er was removed from the fleet to <?he Compter, where he
contracted an acquaintance with Mr. Lawrence Saunders,
by whom he was animated and encouraged to continue
steadfast in his faith and profession.
He was summoned to appear before the arrogant Bon-
ner, who alledged against him divers charges, some of
which, with Cardmaker's answers, were as follows: —
L "That after his professing the Roman catholick re-
ligion, and entering into holy orders, he took a wife, and
iiad by her a child, thereby breaking his vow, and the or-
der and ordinance of the church,"
The first part of this charge he allowed, but ''denied
his having broken any vow by this marriage; because he
was allowed to marry, both by the laws of the realm, and
also by the laws of the church of England.
2, ''That he had believed and taught, that in the sa
crament of the altar, under the visible signs, that is, under
the fovms of bread and wine, there is really the body of
Christ; and that he now denied that doctrine."
He replied, that "he had once so believed and taught^
but now believed differently."
Several other questions were put to him which he an-
swered, and to his answers he subscribed his name.
For persisting in these answers he was condemned, and
sent to Newgate, where he was visited by a messenger
from the council, to know " whether or not he would re-
cant."
He told the messenger, that "since God, of his mercy,
had opened his eyes to see his eternal truth,^he had cal-
led upon his name to give him his grace to understand his
word, and was determined, by the aid of the same grace,
to continue steadfast in the same."
After some debate, concerning the corporeal preselice
in the sacrament of the altar, the messenger, finding Card-
maker inflexible in his opinion, departed, and acquainted
the council with the result of his message.
John Warne, fellow-martyr with Cardmaker, lived in
the parish of Walbrook, with great credit and reputation,
being a very pious and concientious man.
HIStORY OF THE MARTYRS. 367
As all who professed the protestant faith, in tliese per-
secuting times, were liable, not only to molestation in the
performance of religious duties, hut also to be arraigned
at the bloody tribunal of the relentless Bonner; Warne,
among the rest, was suspected of heresy, brought before
the bishop, and had the following articles laid to his-
charge : —
1. *'That he believed that in the sacrament, called the
sacrament of the altar, there is not the very, true, and na-
tural body of our Saviour Christ in substance, under the
forms of bread and wine.
2. " That he believed, that after the words of consecra-
tion spoken by the priest, there is not (as the church of
England doth believe and teach) the body of Christ, but
fhat there doth only remain the substance of material
bread, as it is before the consecration, and that the said
bread is no ways altered and changed.
3. "That he believed, that if the catholick church doth
believe and teach, there is in the mass (now used in Eng-
land, and in other places of Christendom) a sacrifice,
wherein there is a sacrament concerning the body and
blood of Christ, really and truly, then that belief and faith
of the church is nought, and against God^s truth and the
scripture.
4. " That neither in Lent past, nor any time since the
queen's reign, he had been at church, nor heard mass, nor
had been confessed, or had received the sacrament of the
altar; and said that he was not sorry for the same, be-
cause his conscience was not deiiled, as it would otherwise
have been."
Warne underwent several examinations, in the presence
of different persons, on these articles ; at all of which he
declared, that he did believe and confess the same to be
true.
At length, the bishop of London having frequently war/*
ned him to abjure his heretical tenets, and return to obe-
dience to the church of Rome, but all without effect, the
definitive sentence was pronounced, when he was deliver-
ed up to the sheriffs, and sent. to Newgate.
On the 30th of May, 1555, these two martyrs were con-
3(l8 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.'
ducted, U'ader a strong guard, from Newgate to Smitlifield,
the place appointed for their execution.
As soon as they arrived at the stake, Warne began his
prayer, which having iinished, he prepared himself for the
liery trial. While Warne was at prayers, Cardmaker
was discoursing with the sheriffs, insomuch that the friends
of the reformation feared he would recant; but these ap-
prehensions soon subsided, for after his conference with
the sheriffs, and a short prayer, he courageously went to
the stake, took his fellow-sufferer by the hand, comforted
him, and cheerfully submitted to be bound.
When the people beheld this they were greatly rejoiced,
as it totally removed their fearful apprehensions that he
would recant; and they exclaimed, with the most distin
gulshed satisfaction, "God be praised, the Lord strengthen
thee, the Lord Jesus receive thy spirits."
The executioner having set fire to the fagots, they
burnt with great rapidity, and the bodies of the two mar-
tyrs soon perished in the flames, to enjoy the crown of
triumph and victory, prepared for the true soldiers of
Christ in his blessed kingdom.
On the same day these martyrs suffered in Smithfield,
John Ordeley and John Simpson were burnt in Essex; the
former at Rayleigh, and the latter at llochford.
Thomas Hawkes was the son of reputable and pious
parents, who gave him a good education, and brought him
up in the reformed religion. He strictly adhered to his
religious principles; so that finding the gospel, after the
death of king Edward, began to decline, especially among
great families, in one,of which he lived, he quitted his
service, and returned home, where he hoped quietly to
enjoy the worship of God, according to the dictates of his
own conscience.
In these expectations, however, he soon found himself
disappointed. As there were now popish emissaries in
every corner, laying in wait to give information if any one
was only suspected of favouring the doctrines of reforma-
tion, Hawkes was apprehended, and brought before the
earl of Oxford, in whose service he had formerly lived^
for being unsound in religion, and contemning the sacra-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 369
incuts of liic church, in that he liad kept a son unbaptized
three weeks, because he would not sulFer him to be bap-
tized after the popish manner.
The earl referred him to bishop Bonner; to whom^
having written that he had refused to have his child bap-
tized according to the order of the church now in use, he
left him to his lordship's discretion.
When liawkes was brought before the bishop, he was
asked the cause of keeping the child unbaptized so long;
to which he returned for answer, that "he M^as bound to
do nothing contrary to the word of God."
The Bishop then urged, that "baptism being a sacra-
ment contained in the word of God, and incumbent on
every christian; he was, consequently, criminal in denying,
or not conforming to tlie same." To this he said, that
••he, by no means, denied God's institution, but men's in-
vention therein ; such as the use of oil, cream, spittle, salt,
candle," &c.
After much debate on the subject, the bishop asked him
if he would have his child baptized according to the
service-book set out in the reign of Edward VI. To
which he replied, that " it was the very thing he desired
from his soul."
This, however, was but mere equivocation to learn his
sentiments; for it appeared in the sequel, that Bonner's
drift was to compel him to submit to the superstitions of
the church of Rome, which, however, with all his artifice*
he was not able to effect.
On his stedfastly persevering in the faith which he
professed, the bishop read the sentence of condemnation
against him, and five others; after which, he was sent
back to prison, where he remained till June following,
when he was delivered into the hands of lord Rich, who
caused him to be conveyed to Chelmsford, and from thence
to Coggeshall, in Essex, where he was burned on the tenth
of the same month,
Mr. Hawkes gave many pious exhortations, and admo-
nitions to his friends who came to visit him; and several
of them requesting, "if it was possible, that he would
gbow them some token, by which might appear the possi-
S70 HISTORY OF TitE MAltTYRS.
bility of burning without repining,'' he promised, "by the
help of God, to show them, that the most exquisite tor-
ments were to be endured in tlie glorious cause of Christ,
and his gospel, the comforts oi which were able to lift
the believing soul above all that men or devils could
inflict."
Accordingly, it was agreed between them, that if the.
rage of pain was tolerable, he should lift up his hands
towards heaven, before he gave up the ghost.
A short time after this ag^reemcnt, he was led to the
place of execution, where being fastened to the stakt
with a chain, he addressed the multitude, and especially
lord Rich, reasoning with him on the iniquity and dread-
ful consequences of shedding the innocent blood of the
saints.
Having fervently prayed to Almighty God, the flames
were kindled around him, and he continued in them so
long, that his speech was taken away by their violence;
his skin was contracted, and the spectators thought he was
dead ; when, on a sudden, and contrary to all expectation,
this eminent and zealou^ servant of God, mindful of the
promise he had made to bis friends, held his hands flaming
over his head, and, as if in an extacy of joy, clapped them
thrice together!
The astonished multitude testified their approbation of
his faith and patience, and his friends, to whom he made
the promise, were exceedingly confirmed in the most holy
faith, by being eye-witnesses to the power of divine
strength, which is able to support the servants of God-
under every trial that may befall them, tor the sake of the
truth, as it is in our blessed Redeemer.
Mr. Thomas Watts w^as born of reputable and pious
parents in the county of Essex, educated in the reformed
religion, and during the reign of Edward VI. was a zeal-
ous professor of the protestant faith. On the accession
of Queen Mary to the throne, apprehending that he should
be troubled, if not persecuted, on account of his following
a religion contrary to that which was then introduced, he
relinquished business, sold his goods, and disposed of hi'^-
substance to his wife and children.
HISTORY OP TItE MARTYn^. 37 J
As he lived in the county of Essex, he came' under the
cognizance of lord Rich, before whom he was brought,
and by whom was demanded the reason of his disobeying
the queen's laws, absenting himself from church, neglect-
ing the mass, and setting up unlawful conventicles, contra'
ry to her majesty's command.
»Mr. Watts replied, with composure, that "if he bad
offended against the law, he was subject to the penalty of
the law;'' upon which a justice of the peace, then present,
enquired of him, "from whom he had imbibed his new-
fangled religion?" Watts upbraided the justice with
hypocrisy, reminding him, that "in the days of the late
king, no one inveighed more strenuously against the Ro-
mish doctrines than himself, pronouncing the mass to be
abominable, earnestly exhorting none to believe therein^
and that their belief should be only in Christ; nay, adding
further, that whosoever should introduce any strange no-
tion here, should be deem.ed a traitpr, and punished as
such."
The justice reviled Watts as " an insolent, lying knave,"^
and persuaded the sheriff not to pay any regard to what
he had said.
Soon after this, information wns given to bishop Bonner,
that Thomas Watts "maintained, inculcated, and encour-
aged heretical opinions." Jn consequence of this, he
w^as brought into the consistory court in London, and
there examined concerning the discourse he had with
lord Rich, and other corjimissioners, at Chelmsford, when
he publicly related the (ruth.
Several propositions and questions were read to him,
and his answers minuted dowm; after which the bishop
used the most forcible arguments to bring him to a denial
of, what he called, "his errours," and to be obedient to
the holy-mother church.
Mr. Watts, however, remaining inflexible, and beseech-
ing of God that " he might be enabled to hold out to the
end in the true faith of Christ," sentence of condemnation
was pronounced against him, and he was delivered up to
the sheriffs of London, who conducted him to Newgate, i
On the 9th of June, he was carried from Newgate to
372 HISTORY op THE MARTYRS.
Chelmsford, his execution being appointed at that phicc
on the 11th. On the evening of his arrival at Chelms-
ford, he was in company with Thomas Hawkes, and others,
and they all joined together in the most fervent prayer.
The day preceding his execution, he was visited by his
wife, and six children, whom he addressed in the following-
manner: «
"My dear w^ife, my good children, the time of my de-
parture is at hand; tlierefore, henceforth I know you no
more, but as the Lord hath given you unto me, so I give
you again unto the Lord, whom I charge you to obey and
fear; beware that ye turn not to this abominable popery,
as a testimony against which, I shall shortly, by God's
grace, shed my blood. Let not the murdering God's
saints cause you to recant, but take occasion thereby,
more earnestly, to contend for the faith once delivered
to the saints. My dear children, I trust God will be a
merciful father unto you."
This affecting address made such an impression on two
of his children, that they desired to be burned with him.
So sympathetic a feelmg, from such tender branches, for a
time discomposed our martyr, the man giving way to the
parent; but after having a little recovered himself, he em-
braced them with all the tenderness of a dying father,
took his leave, and was led to the stake, where he quietly-
yielded up his spirit into the hands of him who gave it,
saying, "Inta thy hands, O God, I commend my spirit."
About the same time that Mr. Watts suffered, three
others shared the same fate, for their adherence to the
truth of the gospel; namely, Nicholas Chamberlain,
Thomas Osmond, and William Bamford. The first of
these was burnt at Colchester on the I4th of June ; the
second suffered the next day at Manbgtree; and the
third the following day at Harwich.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 373
CHAP. VI.
THE SUFFERINGS AND DEATHS OF THE REV. JOHN BRAD-
FORD, JOHN LEAFE, AN APPRENTICE, AND OTHERS.
The first of these martyrs was born at Manchester,
where he received an education sufficiently liberal to qual-
ify him for the more exalted offices of life, having attained
to a considerable knowledge in classical and mathematical
literature.
On his arrival at years of maturity, having some distin-
guished friends, by their interest he became secretary to
sir John Harrington, who was treasurer to Henry VIII.
After having been in this office for some time, being of
a studious turn of mind, he quitted it, and went to Cam-
bridge, where he made such great improvements, that in
the space of one year that university conferred on him
the degree of master of arts; soon after v/hich he was
admitted to a fellowship in Pembroke college.
At this time there was at Cambridge theiamous Martin
Bucer, a zealous advocate for the reformed religion. —
This person discovered a great regard for Mr. Bradford,
and persuaded him to follow those studies which most,
conduced to qualify him for the work of the ministry.
Mr. Bradford having that diffidence of himself, which
is generally the attendant on real merit, excused himself
from taking upon him that important office, as not being
sufficiently qualified; but Bucer, at length, brought him
to consent to enter on the solemn work, and he was or-
dained a deacon, by Dr. Ridley, bishop of London, who
made him a prebendary of Kentish Town, in the Cathe-
dral of St. Paul, where, in rotation, he preached for three
years the true gospel of Christ; namely, the doctrines of
salvation by faith and repentance unto life, together with
the necessity of a life of holiness, as the evidence oi mat
faith; at the end of which time the protestant cause suf-
fered a violent shock, in the death of the pious young king.
After the accession of queen Mary, Mr. Bradford con-
tinued his course of preaching till he was obstructed by
the following incident.
32
374 iPisTORY or the martyrs.
In the first year of the reign of that princess, Bonner^
then bishop of London, ordered Mr. Bourn, a canon of
St. Paul's, and afterwards bishop of Bath, to preach a
sermon, wherein he took occasion, from the gospel of the
day, to justify Bonner, then restored to his bishoprick, in
preaching on the same text that very day four years, and
enforcing doctrines, for which, according to the terms of
the preacher, he was thrown into the Marshalsea, and
there kept prisoner during the time of king Edward VI.
These words occasioned great murmurings amongst the
people, nay, so incensed weie tliey, that one of them threw
a dagger at the preacher, and threatened to drag him
from the pulpit, insomuch that he was obliged to withdraw,
and desired Mr. Bradford to advance, and endeavour to
appease the people, who were so tumultuous, that lhe>
could not be quelled even from the authority of the lord-
mayor.
As soon as Mr. Bradford ascended the pulpit, the people
shouted "God save thy life, Bradford;" and then quietly
attended to his discourse, in w^hich he reproved them for
their disorderly behaviour, and exhorted them to peace
and tranquility; on which, after he had finished, they
peaceably dispersed.
In the afternoon of the same day, Mr. Bradford preach-
ed at Bow church, when he took occasion to rebuke the
people for their tumultuous behaviour at St. Paul's in the
morning.
Three days after this incident, he w^as summoned before
the queen and her council, and there charged as the cause
of the late riot about Bourn 's preaching at St. Paul's*
though he was tlie very person that preserved him from
the outrage of the people, and appeased the tumult.
He was also accused for preaching to the people at Bow
church, thougli he then warmly exhorted them to peace.
But nothing that he could allege, in vindication of his
innocence, availed, for he was committed to the Tower on
a charge of sedition, because they found he was a popular
man, and grentlv caressed by the people.
He was confined above a year and six months, till the
oooish religion wtiS restored by act of parliament. He
HI6T0RV or THE MAUTYRS. 37o
then took occasion to examine himself concerning his faith,
because lie could not speak against the doctrine of the
church of Rome, without incurring much danger; where-
as, while the laws of king Edward were unrepealed, he
might freely speak according to the dictates of his con-
science, and the rules of God's most holy word.
Tiie principal articles alledged against Mr. Bradford
were, his denying the doctrine of transubstantiation, or the
corporeal presence of Christ in the sacrament, and assert-
ing, that wicked men did not partake of Christ's body in
the said sacrament.
• Several bishops, and other learned men, were appointed
to confer with him, but their arguments had no weight,
because they were not founded on scripture, but human
tradition.
As Mr. Bradford would not admit of any tenets, or
practices, but what were contained in the revealed word
of God, he was deemed a heretick, first excommunicated,
then condemned, and committed to the custody of the she-
riffs of London, by whom he was conducted, the night be-
fore his execution, to the prison of Newgate; and the
following day brought to the stake, with the martyr which
succeeds in the order of this catalogue.
John Leafe was an apprentice to a tallow-chandler, and
at the age of nineteen years, on an information laid against
him of heresy, was committed to the Compter, by the al-
derman of the ward in which he lived.
x\fter being some time confined in that prison, he was
brought before bishop Bonner, and by him examined con-
cerning his faith in the sacrament of the altar, and other
f oints ; to all which he answered in such a manner as gave
little satisfaction.
A few days after he underwent another examination :
but his answers being the same as before, he was condemn-
ed, and delivered over to the secular power, '^for not be*
lieving that the bread and wine in the sacrament, by the
words of consecration, are changed into the very body and
blood of Christ, really and substantially."
After his condemnation the bishop sent two bills to him,
the one containing a recantation, and the other his confes-
37G HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
sion. The messenger, after reading llic former to hin],
for he could neither read or write himself, asked if he
would sign it; to which, without the least hesitation, he
answered in the negative. lie then read to him his con
fession, when he immediately took a pin, and pricking his
hand, sprinkled the hlood upon the bill, desiring the mes-
senger to show the bishop that he had already signed it
with his blood.
When these two martyrs were conducted to the place
of execution in Smithticld, Mr. Bradford fell prostrate on
one side of the stake, and Lcafe on the other. In this
position they continued praying some minutes, till Mr.
Bradford was desired by the sheriff to make an end, and
arise, the multitude of people being very great.
On this notice they both arose, and after Mr. Bradford
had made a short harangue to the people, they were both
fastened to the stake, and the reeds and fagots placed
round them.
Thus prepared, Mr. Bradford, lifting up his eyes and
hands to heaven, exclaimed, "O England, England, re-
pent thee of thy sins; beware of Anti-Christ, beware of
idolatry; take heed they do not deceive you." Then tur-
ning to young Leafe, who was to suffer with him, he said,
" be of good comfort, brother, the time of our dehverance
is at hand." The young man said, ."Lord Jesus receive
our departing spirits."
The fire was then put to the fagots, and they both en-
dured their sufferings with the utmost composure and re-
signation, reposing an unshaken confidence in that blessed
Redeemer, who died to save mankind. Thus died the
worthy martyrs, one of whom was now commonly known
by the name, "Holy John Bradford."
Information being given against a Mrs. Margaret Pol-
ley, to Maurice Griffith, bishop of Rochester, her ordinary,
and diocesan, she was brought before him, when his lord-
ship, according to the pontiticeal solemnity of the church
of .Rome, rose from his chair, and, in solemn parade, ha-
rangued her as follows: —
" We, Maurice, by the sufferance of God, bishop of
Rochester, proceeding of our mere office in a cause of
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 377
heresy, against thee, Margaret Polley, of the parish of
Popingherry, in our diocese and jurisdiction of Rochester,
do lay, and object against thee, all, and singular the ensu-
ing articles: —
*' To these, all and singular, we require of thee a true,
full, and plain answer, by virtue of thine oath thereupon
to be given."
The oath being administered hy the official, the bishop
looked stedfastly at the woman, and demanded of her a
peremptory answer to each of the foUovving articles.
1. " Are not those hereticks, who maintain and hold
other opinions than osr holy mother and catholick church
dotli?"
Ans. " They are, indeed, hereticks, and grossly deceived^
who hold and maintain doctrines contrary to the will of
God, contained in the holy scriptures, which I sincerely
believe were written by holy men immediateiy taught and
instructed by the Holy Ghost."
2. " Do you hold and maintain that in tlie sacrament of
the altar, under the form of bread and wine, there is not
the very body and blood of Christ, and that the said body
is verily in heaven only, and not in the sacrament."
Ans. " What I have learned from the holy scriptures,
those living oracles of God, I do, and will stedfastly main-
tain, viz, that the very body which was crucified for the
very sins of all true believers, ascended into heaven, is
there placed at the right hand of the Majesty on high;
that such body ha^ ever since remained there, and there-
fore cannot, according to my belief, be in the sacrament of
the altar.
'' I believe that the bread and wine in the sacrament
are to be received as symbols and representatives of the
body and blood of Christ, but not as such really and sub-
stantially.
"• I think, in my weak judgment, that it is not in the
power of any man, by pronouncing words over the ele-
fnents of bread and winc% to transubstantiate tliem into
the real body and blood of Christ.
^ In short, it is my belief, that the eucharist is only a
32 *
I
378 HISTORY OF THE MAlirYRS.
commemoration of the death of our Saviour, who said,
»As oft as ye do this, do it in remembrance of me.' "
These pertinent and frank rephes greatly provoked the
haaghty prelate, who exclaimed against the woman, as an
obstinate heretick ; and, after much scurrilous language,
told her, '-she was a silly woman, knew not what she said,
and that it was the duty of every christian to believe as
the mother-church hath and doth teach."
The bishop then asked her the following question: "Will
you, Margaret Policy, recant the errour which you main-
tain, be reconciled to the holy church, and receive the
remission of sins?" To which she replied, "I cannot be-
lieve otherwise than I have spoken, because the practice
of the church of Rome is contrary not only to reason, and
my senses, but also to the word of God."
Immediately on this reply, the bishop pronounced
sentence of condemnation against her; after which, she
was carried back to prison, where she remained, daily
celebrating the praises of God, for upwards of a month.
She was a woman in the prime of Jife, pious, charitable^
humane, learned in the scriptures, and beloved by all with
whom she was acquainted.
During her imprisonment she was repeatedly exhorted
to recant; but she refused all offers of life on such terms,
choosing glory, honour, and immortality hereafter, rather
than a few days here in this vale of tears, and those pur-
chased at the expense of truth and conscience.
When the day arrived appointed for her execution she
was conducted from the bishop's prison at Rochester, to
Tunbridge, where she was burned, sealing the truth of
what she had testified with her blood, and showing that
the God of all grace, out of the weakest vessel, can give
strength, and cause the meanest instruments to magniiy
the glories of his redeeming love.
On the same day that Margaret Policy suffered, one
Christopher Wade, a weaver, of Dartford, in Kent, who
had also been condemned by bishop Griffiths, shared the
same fate, and at the same place; but they were executed
separately, he first submitting to the dreadful sentence.
About the same time, Jolwi Bland, John Frankesh,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 379
Nicholas Sheterden, and Humphrey Middleton, were all
burnt together at Canterbury. The two first were minis-
ters and preachers of the Gospel, Ihe one being rector of
Adesham, and the other vicar of Rolvindon, in Kent.
They all resigned themselves to their fate with christian
fortitude, fervently praying to God to receive them into
his heavenly kingdom,
John Launder, of Godstone, in the county of Surrey,
husbandman; and Dirick Carver, of Brighthelmstone, in
the county of Sussex, brewer, were apprehended in the
dwelling-house of the latter, as they were at prayers, and
sent up to the queen's council at London, where being
examined, and not giving satisfactory answers to the ques-
tions proposed, they were committed prisoners to New-
gate, to wait the leisure, and abide the determination of
the cruel and arrogant bishop Bonner.
Launder, on his examination, confessed, that " the occa-
sion of his being at Brighthelmstone was to transact some
business for his father, and that hearing Mr. Carver was
a great promoter of the doctrines of the reformation, he
went to his house in order to join in prayer to God, with
the pious christians which resorted thither; on which he
was apprehended by Mr. Gage the officer appointed for
that purpose."
He also confessed that "there is here on earth one
whole and universal catholick church, the members of
which are dispersed throughout the world; that he be-
lieved the same church doth set forth and teach only two
sacraments, which are. Baptism, and the Lord's Supper;
that whosoever doth teach or use any more sacraments,
or any other ceremonies, he doth abhor them from the
bottom of his heart."
He further said and believed, that " all the service,
sacrifices, and ceremonies, now used in this realm of En-
gland, and .in other parts of the world, where they are
used after the same manner, are erroneous, contrary to
Christ^s institution, and the determination of Christ's
catholick church, whereof he believeth himself to be a
member."
- He also confessed and believed, that " in the sacrament.
38Q HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
called the sacrament t)f the altar, there is not really and
truly contained, under the forms of bread and wine, the
very natural body and blood of christ in substance; but
that when he did receive the material bread, he received
the same in remembrance of Christ's death and passion,
and no otherwise."
Having openly acknowledged and maintained these
opinions, in the bishop's consistory court, and refusing to
recant, he was condemned, and delivered over to the
secular power. ^
Dirick Carver, being examined by bishop Bonner "con-
cerning his faith in the sacrament of the altar, the mass,
auricular confession, and the religion then taught and set
forth in the church of England," delivered the following,
as his invariafble tenets, because founded on the infaUible
word of the only living and true God.
To the first point he declared, that "he had, and did
believe, that tlie very substance of the body and blood of
Christ is not in the sacrament of the altar; and that
there is no other substance remaining in that sacrament^
after the words spoken by the priest, but the substance of
bread and wine."
As to the mass, he believed " there was no sacrifice in
it, nor any salvation for a christian, except it was said in
the mother-tongue, that he might understand it."
With respect to auricular confession, he believed that
*4t was necessary to apply to a priest for spiritual council;
but that the absolution of the priest, by the imposition of
hands, was not profitable to salvation, acknowledging, at
the same time, that he had not been confessed, nor re-
ceived the sacrament since the coronation of the queen."
Concerning the last point, he declared it as his opinion
and belief, that " the faith and religion then taught, and
set forth, was not agreeable to God's word, and that
bishop Hooper, Mr. Cardmaker, Rogers, and other pious
men, who were lately burned, were sound divines, and
preached the true doctrine of Christ."
Being farther examined, he confessed, that "since the
queen's coronation he had the bible and psalter read in
English divers times, at his house in Brighthclmstone^
HISTORY OF THE MARTVUS. 381
and that, about twelve months then past, he had the Eng- ,
lish htany said m his house, with other prayers, in Eng-
lish."
After these examinations he was strongly urged to re-
cant, but this he peremptorily refused; on which, sentence
of condemnation was passed on him at the same time as
on Launder, and the time of his execution was fixed for
the 22d of July, at Lewes, in Sussex.
On his arrival at the stake, he kneeled down and pray^
cd; and when he had finished his prayers, he arose, and
.iddressed in a few words the spectators.
Being then fastened to the stake, and the fire kindled
round him, he patiently submitted to his fate, and expired,
calling out, "O Lord, have mercy upon me! I^ord Jesus
receive my spirit."
His fellow-martyr, John Launder, was burnt the follow-
ing day at Steyning; where he cheerfully gave up his life
to that God, from whose hands he had received it.
Mr. Denley and Mr. Newman were travelling together
into Essex, on a visit to some friends, w^hen they were ac-
cidentally met by Mr. Tyrrel, justice of the peace for the
county, who, suspecting them of heresy, caused them to
be apprehended, and searched ; and at the same time took
from Mr. Deniey a confession of his faith in writing, con-
cerning the sacrament of the altar, together with certain
notes collected from the holy scriptures.
The justice immediately sent them to London, and with
them a letter to be presented to the queen's council, to-
gether w4th the papers he found on the former.
On their being brought before the council, they were
admonished, and desired to yield obedience to the queen's
laws; but this advice proving ineffectual, their examina-
tion was referred to Bonner, bishop of London.
On the 28th of June, 1555, Denley and Newman, to-
gether w4th Patrick Packingham, who had been appre-
hended two days before, were brought before Bonner, at
his palace in London.
The bishop having examined the two former upon their
confessions, and finding them inflexible, he used his custo-
mary exhortation; on which Denley said, "God save me
382 HISTO^V OF THf; MARTYR*.
(torn your counsel, and keep me in the mind I am in; for
that which you count heresy, I take to be the truth."
Bonner then ordered them to appear in the bishop's
consistory court, where the following articles were jointly
and severally exhibited against them: —
1. "That they were now in the diocese 'of London, and
under the jurisdiction of the bishop of London."
This they acknowledged to be true.
2. ''That they had not, nor did believe, that there is u
gatholick church of Christ here on earth."
This they severally denied; 'Hot that they did believe
the holy catholick church, which is built upon the founda-
tion of the propliets and apostles, Christ being the head;
and that where two or three are gathered together in
Christ's name, they are the members of the said holy cath-
olick church, which is dispersed throughout the world;
which church doth preach God's word truly, and doth al-
so minister the two sacraments. Baptism, and the Supper
of theLord according to his blessed word."
3. " That each of them had not, nor did believe tha't
this church of England is any part or member of the said
cathoUck church."
They severally answered, that "they did believe that
this church of England, using the faith and practice that
is now used, is no part or member of the aforesaid holy
catholick church, but is the church of anti-christ, the bish-
op of Rome being the head thereof."
4. " That they had believed, and did believe, that the
mass, now used in the church of England, was abomina-
ble, and blasphemy against God's word."
They answered in the affirmative; "for Christ, in his
holy supper, instituted the sacrament of bread and wine,
to be eaten together, in remembrance of his death, till he
come, and not to have them worshipped and idolized. It
also appeareth, by his commandment, that we ought not
to worship the sacrament of bread and wine, because it is
plain idolatry; for the commandment saith, 'thou shalt
not bow dov/n to them nor worship them,' meaning plainly,
any created thing; besides, it is plain from many passages
m scripture,, that the body of Christ is in heaven, and not
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 383
in the sacramental bread and wine; and, therefore, that it
is idolatry to worship them,"
5. "That they had believed, .and did belieVe, that auri-
cular confession, now used in the realm of England, was
not profitable, but contrary to God's word."
To this they all answered in the affirmative.
().,"That they had believed, and did believe, that abso-
lution given by the priest, and hearing confession, is not
good, nor allowable by God's word, but contrary to the
same."
To this they answered, that "remission of sins is only to
be obtained from God, through the blood of Jesus Christ."
7. "That they had believed, and did believe, that chris-
tening of children, as it is used now in the church of Eng-
land, is not good nor allowable by God's word. Like-
wise confirming of children, giving of orders, saying matins
and vespers, anointing or oiling of sick persons, making
holy bread and hdly water, with other rites of the church."
To this they replied, that "christening of children, or
the sacrament of baptism, is altered and changed, for John
the baptist used nothing but preaching of the word and
water, as appears from Christ's desiring to be baptized by
him; for we do not read that he asked for any cream, or
oil, or spittle, or wax, or salt, but used merely water, nor
was this water consecrated."
8. "That they had believed, and did believe, that there
are but two sacraments in Christ's catholick church, the
saxrament of baptism, and the sacrament of the altar."
To this they briefly replied, that "they believed )io
more, except they would make the rainbow a sacrament,
for there is no sacrament but hath a promise annexed to it."
The bishop then stated one article to Packingham alone,
which was, " that he, Patrick Packingham, being of the
age of twenty-one years at least, did irreverently stand in
the great chapel, having his cap on his head during the
time of mass, on the 23d of June; that he refused holy
bread, and holy water at the priest's hands, thereby coI^
temning and despising both the mass, holy water, and holy*
bread."
This article he acknowledged to be true*
384 IIISTORV OF THE MAIITYRS.
On the 5th of July, the bishop proceeded in the usual
form, against these three persons, in his consistory court
at St. Paul's. After various articles and answers were
publicly read, they were exhorted to recant, and both
promises imd threats were used by Bonner, in order to
prevail with them; but, on their remaining steadfast in
their faith and profession, they were all condemned as
hereticks, and deUvered into the custody of the sheriffs of
London, who conducted them to Newgate, where they
were kept till writs were issued for their respective exe-
cutions.
Denley was ordered to be executed at Uxbridge ; where^
being conveyed on the day appointed, he was chained to
the stake, and when the tlames began to be powerful, he
expired in the midst of them, singing a psalm to the praise
of his Redeemer. A popish priest, who was present at
his execution, was so incensed at his singing, that he or-
dered one of the attendants to throwa fagct at him, which
was accordingly done, and he received a violent fracture
in his skull, which, with the fire,^oon deprived him both of
speech and life.
A few days after, Packingham suffered at the same
place ; but Newman was executed at SaiFron-Walden, in
Essex. They both died with great fortitude and resigna-
tion, cheerfully resigning their souls into the hands of him
who gave them, in full expectation of receiving crowns of
glory in the heavenly mansions.
Information having been given, at the same time, against
the following six persons, namely: William Coker, Wil-
liam Hooper, Henry Lawrence, Richard Collier, Richard
Wright, and WiUiam Steer, they were brought before Dr.
Richard Thornton, Suffragan of Canterbury, and Bishop
of Dover; Dr. Harpsfield, arch-deacon; and Richard Fa w-
cet, and Robert Collins, of the spiritual court of Canter-
bury; when divers articles were respectively exhibited
against them; to all which they answered, as men deter-
mined to adhere to the truth of that gospel they had pro-
fessed.
When again brought before the above persons, they
were farther examined, and the substance of their respec-
tive answers was as follows: —
HIiJTORY OP THE MARTVUS. 385
William Coker declared "he would answer no other-
%vise than as he had done before." Being offered six days
respite to consider of it, he refused to accept their indul-
gence ; in consequence of which, he immediately received
sentence of death.
William Hooper, at first, seemed to assent to the faith
and determination of the Roman cathoiick church; but,
on serious reflection, he retracted, and firmly professed
his faith in the pure gospel of Christ, as well as renounc-
ed the errours of popery. He was, therefore, immediate-
ly sentenced to be burned.
Henry Lawrence denied auricular confession, and refu-
sed to receive the sacrament of the altar, because the
order of the hoi) scripture was changed in the order of the
said sacramient.
Being charged with not taking off his cap, when the
suffragan mentioned the sacrament, and did reverence the
same, he said, " there was no need for him so to do."
Being likewise asked concerning " the verity of the sa-
crament given to Christ's disciples," he affirmed, that
"even as Christ gave his very body to his disciples, so
likewise Christ himself said, he was a door, &c. adding,
moreover, that as he said before, so he still said, that the
sacrament of the mass is an idol, and no resemblance of
Christ's passion."
Being required to subscribe to these articles, he wrote
under the bill of examination as follows: —
" Ye are all of anti-christ, and him ye follow." He was
then prevented from speaking farther, and sentence of
condemnation was pronounced on him in the usual form.
Richard Collier being examined with respect to the sa-
crament of the altar, answered, "he did not believe there
was the real and substantial body and blood of Christ, but
only bread and wine ; and that it was most abominable,
detestable, and wicked, to believe otherwise." In conse-
quence of which, he also received sentence of death.
Richard Wright being asked by the judge " what he
believed of the real presence in the sacrament?" answer-
ed, that, "touching the sacrament of the altar and the
mass, he was ashamed to speak of it ; nor would he, there-
33
38t> HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
fore, by any means allow it." In consequence of whicb,
he likewise received sentence of cond^;mnation.
. William Steer, the last examined, was n^quired by the
judge "to answer the articles laid before him." But he
denied the judge's authority, for which he was deemed
guilty of denying the authority of the queen. He also
observed, 'Hhat Thomas Cranmer, archbishop of Canter-
bury, then in prison, was his diocesan; and, therefore,
required Dr. Thornton to show his authority from the
archbishop, or otherwise he would deem it invalid.
" With respect to the sacrament of the mass, he said,
as he found not the popish belief contained in the scrip-
tures, he entirely disbelieved it;" in consequence of which^
he received the same sentence with his fellow-prisoners.
These six men being thus condemned for professing the
truth of Chrisfs gospel, were immediately dehvered over
to the secular power. They continued in prison, consoling
each other daily in prayer, till the 31st of August, the
day appointed for their execution, when they were con-
veyed to Canterbury, and there led to the stakes, of which
there were three, two of them chained to each. They
all joyfully yielded up their lives as sacrifices to God, in
testimony of their regard to the word of truth.
George Tankerfield was brought up by his parents in
the popish religion, to which he zealously adhered till the
beginning of the reign of queen Mary, when the horrid
cruelties exercised on those who dissented from that
church so strongly impressed his mind, that he began to
detest the principles of that religion wliich abounded in
cruelty and persecution.
i This deviation from the principles he had before so
warmly professed, and zealously maintained, excited Ijie
astonishment of his acquaintances, and raised the resent-^
' ment of the popish faction, especially those who were
more immediately concerned in its restoration; insomuch
that sir'RofTer Cholmondely, and Dr. Martin, two of the
queen's commissioners for ecclesiastical a tHiirs, dispatched
a yeoman to Tankerfield's house, jn order to apprehend,
and bring him before them.
The messenger not finding him at Ijomc, he was on thf^
IIISTOIIY OF THE MAliTVllS. 387
ilexi day seized and committed to prison. Aficr remain-
ing some time in conlinement, he was brouglit before, and
repeatedly examined by bishop Bonner, and others, con-
cerning divers articles and tenets of religion. He was
rhiefly required to give his opinion "concerning auricular
confession, the popish sacrament of the mass, and other
ceremonies."
In answer to the lirst' of these he said, "he bad not
confessed to any priest for several months, and that he
would not be confessed by any priest hereafter, because
he found no such duty commanded in the word of God^
which he now took as his only guide in all matters of re-
ligion.
" With respect to the sacrament, commonly called the
sacrament of the altar, he declared he did not believe that
in the said sacrament there was the real body and blood
of Christ, because the body of Christ, was ascended into
heaven, and there sat at the right hand of God the fa=
ther."
To the last point he answered, that "the mass then used
in the church of England was full of idolatry, abomina-
tion, and wholly inconsistent with the word of God ; ad-
ding, that there were but two sacraments in Christ's
church, namely, baptism, and the Lord's supper."
fiBonner, used many enticing words to bring him to the
mother-church; but our martyr boldly told him, without
the least reserve, that "the church of which the pope is
supreme, is no part of Christ's catholick church;" and
pointing to the bishop, he said, "Good people, beware of
nim, and such as he is, for these be they that deceive you.''
The bishop proceeded to read the sentence of condem-
nation; immediately after which, Mr. Tankerfield was
delivered over to the secular power.
The place allotted for his execution was St. Alban's, in
Hertfordshire, whither being conveyed, he, with patience
and constancy, resigned his life into the hands of that God
who gave it.
Mrs. Elizabeth Warne, according to the dying request
of her husband (mio, some time before had sealed the
truth with his blood, in compafiy with Mr. Cardmaker)
388 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
persisted in worshipping God according to the dictates of
her own conscience, and the form she conceived was con-
tained in the divine command.
Information being given agahist her, s>he v/as apprehen-
ded in a liouse in Bow-church-yard, in company with sev-
eral others, who were assembled for prayer and other
spiritual exercises, and with them sent to the compter,
whence she was committed to Newgate.
She had been but a few days confined before she was
sent for by the queen's commissioners, who after some ex-
amination, gave her up to the bishop of London.
The chief article alleged against her by Bonner was,
"her not believing the real presence in the sacrament of
the altar: she was also accused of absenting herself from
church, speaking against tlie mass, despising the ceremo-
nies of the holy mother-church, &:c,^
To these accusations she gave such answers as highly
offended the bishop, who warmly exhorted her "to recant
her erroneous and heretical opinions." She replied, "do
with me what you will; for if Chiist v>as in,an errnur,
then I am in an errour."
On this peremtory declaration she was condemned as
a heretick, delivered to the sheriff of London, and con-
ducted to Newgate.
When the day appointed for her execution arrived, she
was carried from Newgate to Sratford-le-Bow, where she
suffered martyrdom for the cause of Christ and his gospel^
following her husband through the path of a fiery trial, to
the heaven of rest.
Robert Smith, was originajly educated in the Roman
cathohck rehgion; but having for some time enjoyed a
place under the provost of Eton college, he was converted
to the true faith by the preaching of several reformed
ministers in that learned seminary.
By continually searching into the scriptures, he soon
became well acquainted with the doctrines of the gospel,
and was also very exemplary in his Hfe and conversation,
attracting the veneration and esteem of all those with
whom he was acquainted. \
But as he was known to profess the protestant religion,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 389
he was, on the accession of queen Mary, deprived of his
post in the college, and sent up prisoner to the bishop of
London, by whom he was committed to Newgate, after
having been examined by him divers times, at his palace
and in other places.
Being questioned by the bishop " concerning auricular
confession," he declared "he had never been confessed
since he arrived at years of discretion, because he never
thought it needful, nor commanded of God to confess his
faults to any of that sinful number called priests."
The bishop then enquired, "how long it was since he
h^i received the sacrament of the mass, and what was his
opinion concerning the same?"
To this he replied, that "he had never received the
same, since he arrived at years of discretion, nor, by the
grace of God, ever would ; neither did he esteem it in
any point necessary, because it was not God's ordinance,
but rather set up in mockery of God, and to deprive him
of the honour which is his due."
Being questioned " concerning his belief in the corpc-
real presence in the sacrament, after the words of conso-
cration pronounced by the priest?" he replied, "I have
once told you, that it was not God's ordinance, much less
can it be of God, or any part of his substance, but only
mere bread and wine, and to be received in a figurative
sense alone ;" adding further, that " if he could prove from
scripture that it was the very body, he would believe it,
but till then he should esteem it a detestable idol, not
God, but contrary to God and truth."
This answer so irritated the haughty prelate, that he
greatly reviled Mr. Smith; but his passion abating, he
afterwards examined him in milder terms, and coolly en-
quired his opinion concerning the catholick church.
Mr. Smith replied, "I beheve there is one cathoHck
church, or congregation of the faithful, which, as the apos-
tle saith, is built upon the prophets and apostles, Christ
Jesus being the chief corner-stone. I also believe, that
this church, in all words and works, maintaineth the word
of God, and bringeth the same for her authority; of this
church I am assured, that by grace I am made a member."
33-
390 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
He was then examined " concerning holy bread, hofy
water, and otlier ceremonies of the church;" but these
points he denied "as unscriptural," and persisting in his
opinions, notwithstanding the repeated admonitions of the
bishop, lie was summoned to appear at the consistory
court, where having made the same confession as before,
sentence of condemnation was passed upon him, cind he
was delivered over to the secular power.
After this Mr. Smith was carried back to Newgate,
where he was closely contined till the 8th of August^
which was appointed for his execution. On the moriiing
of that day he was conducted, under a proper guard^lo
Uxbridge, and led to the stake. He bore his punishment
with the most amazing fortitude, in full hopes that he was
giving up a temporary existence for one that would be
immortal.
About the same time that Mr. Smith was burnt, three
others, who had been condemned by bishop Bonner, shar-
ed the same fate; namely, Stephen Harwood, Thomas
Fust, and William Hale. The first of these suffered at
Stratford, Bow ; the second at Ware ; and the third at
Barnet.
Mr. Robert Samuel wjts a veiy pious man, and an em-
inent preacher of the gospel, according to the principles
of the reformation, during the reign of Edward VI. He
attended his charge with indefatigable industry, and by
his preaching and living, recommended and enforced the
truth of the gospel.
Soon after the accession of queen Mary he was turned
out of his living, and retired to Ipswich; but he could not
withstand using his utmost efforts to propagate the reform-
ed religion, and therefore, what he was denied doing in
publick, he did in private. He assembled those who had
been accustomed to hear him, in a room belonging to his
house, and there daily taught them such precepts as might
lead them to salvation.
Whilst he was spending his time in this christian man-
ner, the queen commanded the commissioners, for eccle-
siastical affairs, to publish an order, "that all priests, who
had been married in the days of king Edward, should put
HISTORY OF THE MARTYllS. 391
away their wives, and be compcrlled again to chastity,"
as their hypocritical term expressed it, '-and a single life."
This order Mr. Samuel could by no means obey, be-
cause he knew it to be abominable, contrary to tlie law
of Christ, and every tie, social and humane. Therefore,
determining with himself that God's laws were not to be
violated for the traditions of men, he still kept his wife at
Ipswich, and omitted no opportunity of instructing his
christian friends in the neighbourhood.
At length, his conduct reaching the ears of Foster, a
justice of peace in those parts, and very probably the
enemy of Dr. Rowland Taylor, before-mentioned; every
artifice was used by that popish zealot to apprehend Mr,
Samuel, who was taken into custody by some of his myr-
midons, when on a visit to his wife at Ipsvrich. Many
Ipfforts had been made without success, but, at length, in-
formation having been given of the precise time when
he was to visit his wife, they deferred the surprise till
night, fearing the resentment of the people, if they should
attempt to apprehend him by day, when great numbers
beset him, and he, without the least resistance, quietly
resigned himself into their hands.
Being taken before Foster, he was committed to Ipswich
gaol, where he conversed and prayed with many of his
fellow-sufferers, during his confinement in that place.
In a short time he was removed from Ipswich to Nor-
wich, where Dr. Hopton, the persecuting bishop of that
diocese, and Dunning the chancellor, exercised on him the
most intolerable cruelties.
Among all the inhu«nan v/retches with which the nation
abounded at that time, none could be compared for cruel-
ty with these two tyrants; for w^hiist the rage of others
was glutted with imprisonment and death, these were
notorious for new-invented tortures, by which some were
brought to recant, and others were driven into horrours
of the most bewildered madness.
In order to bring Mr. Samuel to recant, they confined
him in a close prison, where he w^as chained to a post in
such a manner, that standing only on tiptoe, he was, in
that position, forced to sustain the whole weight of his
body.
393 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
To aggravate this torment, they kept him in a starving
condition twelve days, allowing him no more than two
bits of bread, and three spoonfuls of water each day,
which was done in order to protract his misery, till they
could invent new torments, to overcome his patience and
resolution.
At length, when all the torture that they could invent
proved ineffectual, and nothing could induce our martyr
to deny his great Lord and master, he was condemned to
be burned, an act less cruel than what he had already
suffered.
On the 31st of August 1555, he was led to the stake,
where he declared to the people around him what cruel-
ties he had suffered during the time of his imprisonment,
but that he had been enabled to sustain them all by th^
consolations of the divine spirit, with which he had been
daily visited.
As this eminent martyr was going to execution, a young
woman, who had belonged to his congregation, and re-
ceived the benefit of his spiritual discourses, came up to
him, and, as the last token of respect, cordially embraced
him. This being observed by some of the blood-thirsty
papists, diligent inquiry was made for her the next day,
in order to bring her to the stake, but she happily eluded
their search, and escaped their cruel intentions.
Before Mr. Samuel was chained to the stake, lie ex-
horted the spectators to avoid idolatry, and hold fast the
truth of the gospel-, after which he knelt down, and, with
an audible voice, prayed most fervently.
When he had finished his prayer he arose, and being
fastened to the stake, the fagots were placed round him,
and immediately Hghted. He bore his sufferings with
a courage and resolution truly christian, cheerfully resign-
ing this life of care and trouble in exchange for another,
where death shall be swallowed up in victory; where
tears shall be wiped away from all eyes, and an eternity
employed in singing the praises of that grace, which has
brought the redeemed of the Lord from much tribulatiori,
and advanced them to mansions at the right band of God,
where are pleasures for evermore.
HISTORY OF THE MAnXYRS. 393
^ About the same time that Mr. Samuel suflfered, several
others shared the same fate, for adhering to the principles
of the reformed rehgion.
William Allen, a labouring man, was burnt at Walsmg-
ham, in Norfolk. mi r j • u
Thomas Cob, a butcher, suffered at Thetford, m the
same county.
Roger Coo, a man of respect and independence, was
burnt at Yoxford, in Suffolk.
Four others also suffered about the same time at Can-
terbury; viz. George Cotmer, Robert Streater, Anthony
Burward, and George Brodridge; who all bore their pun-
ishment with christian fortitude glorifying God in the
midst of the flames.
Mr. Robert Glover, was apprehended when he lay
sick at the house of his brother, John Glover, who had
secreted himself, on account of a warrant being issued
to bring him before his ordinary, on a suspicion of heresy.
Though Mr. Robert Glover was in great danger from
the indisposition of his health, yet such was the brutality
of the popish emissaries, that they took him out of his
bed, and carried him to Coventry gaol, where he con-
tinued ten days, though no misdemeanor was alledged
against him. , . i u a- j
When the ten days were expired, m which he sutlered
<rreat affliction itom his illness, he was brought before his
ordinary. Dr. Baines, bishop of Litchfield and Coventry,
who told him, that "he must submit to ecclesiastical
authority, and stand reproved for not coming to church."
Mr. Glover assured his lordship, that " he neither had,
nor would come to church, so long as the mas5 was used
there, to save five hundred lives, challenging him to pro-
duce one proof from scripture to justify that idolatrous
practice." ^.' x, mt
After a long altercation with the bishop, m which Mr.
Glover, "both learnedly and judiciously defended the
doctrines of the reformation, against the errours and
idolatries of popery, and evinced, that he was able to
crive a reason for the faith he professed," he was remand-
ed back to Coventry gaol, where he was kept close priso^
394 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRfe'.
ner, without a bed, though much indisposed; but nevci-
theiess, the divine comforts enabled hiiii to sustain such
cruel treatment without repining; till, at length, he was
permitted to provide himself v/ith that necessary con-
venience.
From Coventry he was removed to Litchfield, where he
was visited by the chancellor and prebendaries, who ex-
horted him "to recant his errours, and be dutiful to the
holy mother-church;'' but he refused to conform to that^
or any other church, "whose doctrines and practices were
not founded on scripture authority, which lie determined
to make the sole rule of his religious conduct."
After this visit, he remained alone eight days, during
which time he gave himself up to constant prayer and
meditation, " on the exceeding precious promises of God,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, to all true believers;"
daily amending in bodily healthy and increasing in the true
faith of the gospel.
At the expiration of the eight days he was again
brought before the bishop, who enquired "hoAv his impris-
onment agreed with him, and warm.ly entreated him to
become a member of the mother-church, which had con-
tinued many years; whereas the church, of which he had
professed himself a member, was not known but in the
timeof Edward VL?"
With respect to the inquiry, our martyr was silent,
treating it with that contempt which such mean behaviour
in a prelate deserved, but told his lordship, that "he pro-
fessed himself a member of that church which is built
upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. " This
church," added he, "hath been from the beginning,
though it bore no pompous show before the world, being,
for the most part, under crosses and afflictions, despised,
rejected, and persecuted."
After much debate, in which Mr. Glover cited scrip-
ture for whatever he advanced, to the confusion and indig-
nation of the haughty prelate, he was commanded, "on
his obedience, to hold his peace, as a proud and arrogant
beretick." He then dismissed him with an assurance^
HISTORY OF THE MAHTYRS, 39^
"that he should be kept in prison, and there have neither
meat or drink, till he recanted his heresies."
Oar martyr heard the cruel words with patience and
resignation, lifting up his heart to God, that he might be
enabled to stand steadtast in the faith of the glorious
gospel.
When he was brought into the consistory court, the
bishop demanded of him **how^ many sacraments Christ
had instiiuted to he used in his church?"' lie rephed,
**two; Captitin, and the Lord's Supper, and no more/'
Being asked *'if he allowed confession?" he answered in
the negative.
With respect to the real presence in the sacrament of
the altar, he declared that "the mass was neither sacrifice
nor sacrament, because they had taken away the true in-
stitution; and when they should restore it, he would give
bis judgment concerning Christ's body in the sacrament."
After several other examinations, publick and private,
he was condemned as a heretick, and delivered over to
the secular poner.
Cornelius Bongey, who was apprehended much about
the same time as Mr. Glover, and suffered with him, v/as
examined by the same bishop, and the following allegations
alleged against him: —
1. "That he did hold, maintain, and teach in the city
of Coventry, that the priest hath no power to absolve a
sinner from his sins.
2. "That he asserted, there vvere in the church of
Christ but two sacraments. Baptism, and the Lord's
Supper.
3. "That in the sacrament of the popish altar, there
was not the real body and blood of Christ, but the sub-
stance of bread and wine even after consecration.
4. "That for the space of several years, he did hold
and defend, that the pope is not the head of the visible
church on earth."
Mr. Bongey acknowledged "the justness of these alle-
gations, and protested that he w ould hold fast to them so
long as he lived;" in consequence of which, he also wae
delivered over to the secular power.
39d HISTORY OP THE MATITYUS.
On the 20th of September, 1555, these two martyrs
were led to the stake at Coventry, where they both yield-
ed up their spirits to God who gave them; hoping, through
the merits of the great Redeemer, for a glorious resur-
rection to life immortal.
John and William Glover, brothers to Robert, were
sought after by the popish emissaries, in order to be
brought to the stake, but they eluded their searches, and
happily escaped. How^ever, the resentment of the popish
persecutors did not cease here, for after their deaths, the
bones of one ^vere taken up and dispersed in the high-
way; and the remains of the other were deposited in a
common field.
The next victims that we shall mention, were William
Wolsey and Robert Pigot.
William Wolsey w^as tirst taken, and being brought
before a neighbouring justice, was bound over to appear
at the ensuing sessions, to be holden for the Isle of Ely*
But a few days after he was taken into custody, and com-
mitted to Wisbeach gaol, there to remain till the next
assizes for the county.
During his confinement at Wisbeach, he was visited by
the chancellor of Ely; who told him, that he was out of
the pale of the catholick church, and desired that "he
would not meddle any more with the scriptures than
became a layman."
After a short pause, Mr. Wolsey addressed the chan-
cellor as follows: "Good Doctor, what did our Saviour
mean, when he said; Matt, xxiii. Woe be unto you,
Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye shut up the
kingdom of heaven before men; ye yourselves go not in^
neither suffer ye that come to enter in."
Robert Pigot was apprehended, and brought before
Sir Clement Hyam, who reproved him severely* for ab-
senting himself from church. The reason he assigned
for his absence was, that "he deemed the church a con-
grega^on of believers, assembled together for the worship
of God, according to the manner laid down in his most
holy word ; and not a church of human invention, founded
on the whimsical fancy of fallible men."
In consequence of this answer he was, with Wolsey,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 397
committed to prison, where they both remained till the
day appointed for their execution.
During their confinement, several of the neighbours
came to visit them, among whom was Peter Valerices, a
Frenchman, chaplain to the bishop of Ely, who thus ad-
dressed them: "My brethren, according to mine office,
I am come to talk with you, for I have been almoner here
these twenty ^-^ars and more, wherefore, my brethren, I
desire you to take it in good part. I desire not to force
you from your faith, but 1 require and desire you, in the
name of Jesus Christ, that you stand to the truth of his
gospel, and his word ; and I beseech Almighty God, for
iiis son's sake, to preserve both you and me in the same
unto the end, for I know not, brethren, how soon I may
be in the same case with you."
This address being so different from what was expected,
drew tears from all who were present, and greatly com-
forted our martyrs.
On the 9th of October, Pigot and Wolsey were brought
before Dr. Fuller, the chancellor, and other commissioners
for ecclesiastical affairs, who laid several articles to their
charge, but particularly that of the sacrament of the altar.
When that article was proposed, they jointly declared
the sacrament of the altar " v/as an idol, and that the real
body and blood of Christ was not present in the said
sacrament: and to this opinion they said they would stand,
though at the peril of their lives, being founded on the
authority of God's v/ord, which enjoined the worship of
the supreme God alone."
These two martyrs thus persevering in the faith of the
pure gospel, sentence of death was passed, and they were
both ordered to be burned as hereticks.
On the 16th of October, 1555, the day appointed for
their execution, they were conducted to the stake, amidst
the lamentations of great numbers of spectators. Several
Enghsh translations of the New Testament being ordered
to be burned with them, they took some of them in their
hands, lamenting, on the one hand, the destroying of so
valuable a repository of sacred truth, and glorying, on the
34
398 HISTORY OF the maxtyrs.
other, that they were deemed worthy of seaHng the same
with their blood
They both died in the triumph of faith, magnifying the
power of Divine grace, which enables the servants of
God, to glory in tribulation.
CHAP. VII.
lyiARTYRDOM OP HUGH LATIMER, BISHOP OF "WORCESTER,
NICHOLAS RIDLEY, BISHOP OF LONDON, AND SEVERAL
OTHERS,
Hugh Latimer v/as a native of Thirkaston, in Leices-
tershire, and born about the year 1475; he received a
good education, and was sent to Cambridge, where he
showed himself a zealous papist, and inveighed much
against the reformers, who, at that time, began to make
some figure in England. But conversing frequently with
Thomas Bilney, the most considerable person at Cam-
bridge of all those who favoured the reformation, he
saw the errours of popery, and became as zealous a
protestant.
Latimer, thus converted, laboured both publicly and
frrivately, to promote the reformed opinio^is, and pressed
the necessity of a holy life, in opposition to those outward
performances, which were then thought the essentials of
religion. This rendered him obnoxious at Cambridge,
then the seat of ignorance, bigotry, and superstition^
However, the unaffected piety of Mr. Bilney, and the
cheerful and natural eloquence of honest Latimer, wrought
greatly upon the junior students, and increased the credit
of the protestants so much, that the papist clergy were
greatly alarmed; and, according to their usual practice,
called aloud for the secular arm.
Under this arm Bilney suffered at Norwich; but his
sufferings, far from shaking the reformation at Cambridge,
inspired the leaders of it with new courage. Latimer
began to exert himself more than he had yet done; and
succeeded to that credit which Bilney had so long sup^
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 399
poi'ted. Among other instances of his zeal and resolution
in this cause, he gave one which was very remarkable : he
had the courage to write to king Henry VIII. against a
proclamation, then just published, forbidding the use of
the bible in English, and other books on religious subjects.
He had preached before his majesty once or twice at
Windsor; and had been noticed by him in a more affable
manner, than that monarch usually indulged towards his
subjects. But whatever hopes of preferment his sover-
eign's favour miglit have raised in him, he chose to put all
to the hazard, rather than omit v/hat he thought his duty.
Lord Cromwell was now grown up into power, and
being a favourer of the reformation, he obtained a bene-
fice in Wiltshire for Latinler, who immediately went
thither and resided, discharging his duty in a very con-
scientious manner, though persecuted much at the same
time, by the Romish clergy; who, at length, carried their
mahce so far as to obtain a citation for his appearance in
London. His friends would have had him fly; but their
persuasions were in vain. He set out for London in the
depth of winter, and under a severe fit of illness; but he
was most distressed at the thoughts of leaving his parish
exposed to the popish clergy. On his arrival at London,
he found a court of bishops and canonists ready to receive
him • where, instead of being examined, as he expected,
about his sermons, a paper was put into his hands, which
he was ordered to subscribe, declaring his belief in the
efficacy of masses for the souls in purgatory, of prayers
to the dead saints, of pilgrimages to their sepulchres and
reliques, the pope's power to forgive sins, the doctrine of
merit, the seven sacraments, and the worship of images ;
which, when he refused to sign, the archbishop, with a
frown, begged he would consider what he did. '* We in-
tend not (said he) Mr. Latimer, to be hard upon yon ; we
dismiss you for the present; take a copy of the articles;
examine them xarefully, and God grant, that at our next
meeting we may find each other in better temper.''
The next, and several succeeding meetings, the same
scene was acted over. He continued inflexible, and
they continued to distress him. Three times every week
400 HISTORY OF THE MABTYR1S.
they regularly sent for him, witli a view either to draw
something from him by captious questions, or to teaze him
at length into compliance. Tired out with this usage, af-
ter he was summoned at last, instead of going, he sent a
letter to the archbishop, in which he spoke with great
freedom.
The bishops, however, continued their persecutions, but
their schemes were frustrated in an unexpected manner,
Latimer being raised to the see of Worcester, in the year
1533, by the favour of queen Anne Boleyn, to whom, most
probably, he was recommended by Lord Cromwell, he
had now a more extensive field to promote the principles
of the reformation, in which he laboured with the utmost
pains and assiduity. All the historians of those times
mention him "as a person remarkably zealous in the
discharge of his new office; and tell us, that in overlook-
ing the clergy of his diocese, he was uncommonly active,
warm, and resolute, and presided in his ecclesiastical court
with the same spirit. In visiting, he was frequent and ob-
servant; in ordaining, strict and wary; in preaching, inde-
fatigable; and in reproving and exhorting, severe and
persuasive."
In 1539, he was summoned to attend the parliament:
the bishop of Winchester, Gardiner, was his great enemy ;
who, upon a particular occasion, when the bishops were
with the king, kneeled down and solemnly accused bishop
Latimer of a seditious sermun picrvohcd a.i court. Being
called upon by the king, with some sternness, to vindicate
himself, Latimer was so far from denying and paUiating
what he had said, that he boldly justified it; and turning
to the king, with that noble unconcern which a good con-
science inspires, " I never thought myself worthy, said he,
nor did I ever sue to be a preacher before your grace ;
but I was called to it, and would be willing, if you mislike
it, to give place to my betters: for I grant, there may be
a great many more worthy the room than I am. And if
U be your grace's pleasure to allow them for preachers, I
can be content to bear their books after them. But if
your grace allow me for a preacher, I would desire you to
iirive me leave to discharf:je my conscience, and to frame
HISTORY OF THE MARTVR9. 401
iny doctrine according to my audience. I had been a very
dolt indeed to have preached so at the borders of your
realm, as 1 preach before your grace." The greatness of
his answer batHed his accuser's maUce ; the severity of the
king's countenance changed into a gracious smile, and the
bishop was dismissed with that obliging freedom, which
this monarch never used but to those he esteemed.
However, as the bishop could not give his vote for the
act of the six papistical articles, drawn up by the duke of
Norfolk, he thought it wrong to hold any office in a church
where such terms of communion were required, and there-
fore he resigned his bishoprick, and retired into' the coun»
try, where he purposed to live a sequestered life. ^ But in
the midst of his security, an unhappy accident carried him
again into the tempestuous weather, which was abroad :
he received a bruise by the fall of a tree, and the contu-
sion was so dangerous, that he was obliged to seek out for
better assistance than could be afforded him by the unskil-
ful surgeons of those parts. With this view he repaired
to London, where he had the misfortune to see the fall of
his patron, the Lord Cromwell: a loss which he was soon
made sensible of. For Gardiner's emissaries quickly found
him out in his concealment, and something, which some-
body had somewhere heard him say, against the six arti-
cles, being alleged against him, he wtis sent to the Tower;
where, without any judicial examination, he suffered,
through one pretence or another, a cruel imprisonment for
the remaining six years of king Henry's reign.
On the death of Henry, the protestant interest revived
under his son Edward ; and Latimer, immediately upon
the change of the government, was set at liberty. An ad-
dress was made by the protector, to restore him to his
bishoprick: the protector v;as vdry wiUing to gratify the
parliament, and proposed the resumption of his bishoprick
to Mr. Latimer; who now thinking himself unequal to the
weight of it, refused to resume it, choosing rather to ac-^
cept an invitation from his friend archbishop Cranmer,
and to take up his residence with him at Lambeth; where
his chief employment was to hear the complaints, and re-
dress the grievances of the poor people; and hi^~ character.
3i*
402 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
for services of this kind, was so muveisally known,, that
strangers from every part of England would resort to him.
. In these employments he spent more than two years,
daring which time he assisted the archbishop in compos-
ing the homilies, which were set forth by authority, in the
first year of king Edward: he was also appointed to
preach the Lent sermons before his majesty, which office
he also performed during the three first years of his reign.
Upon the revolution, which happened at court after the
death of the duke of Somerset, he retired into the coun-
try, and made use of the king's licence as a general preach-
er in those parts where he thought his labours might be
most serviceable.
He was thus employed during the remainder of that
reign, and continued the same course, for a short time, in
the beginning of the next; but as soon as the re-introduc-
tion of popery was resolved on, the first step towards it
was the prohibition of all preaching, and licensing only
such as were known to be popishly inclined. The bishop
of Winchester, who was now prime-minister, having-pro-
scribed Mr. Latimer from the first, sent a message to cite
liim before the council. He had notice of this design some
hours before the messengers arrival, but he made no use
of the intelligence. The messenger found him equipped
for his journey, at which, expressing his surprize, Mr. La-
timer told him, that he was as ready to attend him to
London, thus called upon to answer for his faith, as he
ever was to take any journey in his life; and that he
doubted not but that God, who had enabled him to stand
before two princes, would enable him to stand before a
third. The messenger then acquainting him that he had
no orders to seize his person, delivered a letter, and de-
parted. However, opening the letter, and finding it a ci-
tation from the council, he resolved to obey it, and set out
immediately. As he passed through Smithfield, he said,
cheerfully, "this place of burning hath long groaned for
me." The next morning he waited upon the council, who
having loaded him with many severe reproaches, sent him
to the Tower, fron^ whence, after some time, he was re-
moved to Oxford.
HISTORY OF THE MARTyR3» 403
Nicholas Ridley, bishop of London, received the ear-
liest part of his education at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, whence
he was removed to the university of Cambridge, where
his great learning, and distinguished abilities, so recom-
mended him, that he was elected maser of Pembroke-hall,
in that university.
After being some years in this office he left Cambridge,
and travelled into various parts of Europe for the advance-
ment of knowledge. On his return to England he was
made chaplain to king Henry VIII. and bishop of Roches-
ter, from which he was translated to the see of London by
king Edward VI,
In private life he was pious, humane, and affable; in
pubhck he was learned, sound, and eloquent; diligent in
his duty, and very popular as a preacher.
He had been educated in the Roman catholick religion,
but was brought over to that of the reformed by means
of reading Bertram's book on the sacrament; and he was
confirmed in the same by frequent conferences with Cran-
mer and Peter Martyr, so that he became a zealous pro-
moter of the reformed doctrines and discipline during the
reign of king Edward.
On the accession of queen Mary he shared the same
fate with many others who professed the truth of the gos-
pel. Being accused of heresy, he was first removed from
his bishoprick, then sent prisoner to the tower of Londoii,
and afterwards to Bocardo prison, in Oxford; whence he
was committed to the custody of Mr. Irish, mayor of that
city, in whose house he remained till the day of his exe-
cution.
On the 30th of September, 1555, the two eminent pre-
lates, Ridley and Latimer, were cited to appear before
the divinity-school at Oxford.
Agreeable to this citation, they both appeared on the
day appointed.
Dr. Ridley was first examined, and severely reprimand
ded by Dr. Whyte, bishopof Lincoln, because, when he
heard the cardinal's grace, and the pope's holiness men-
tioned in the commission, he kept on his cap. The words
of the bishop were to this effect; *'Mr. Ridley, if you
404 HISTORY OF THE MARTVU?.
will not be uncovered, in respect to the pope, and the car^
dinal his legate, by whose authority we sit in commission.
your cap shall be taken off."
The bishop of Lincoln then made a formal harangue,
in which he entreated Ridley " to return to the holy mo-
Iher-church, insisted on the antiquity and authority of the
see of Rome, and of the pope, as the immediate successor
of St. Peter."
Dr. Ridley, in return, "strenuously opposed the argu-
ments of the bishop, and boldly rindicated the doctrines
of the reformation."
After much debate, the five following articles were pro-
posed to him, and his immediate and explicit answers re-
quired.
1. " That he had frequently affirmed, and openly main-
tained and defended, that the true naturaj body of Christ,
after consecration of the priest, is not really present in
the sacrament of the altar.
2. " That he had often publicly affirmed, and defended,
tiiat in the sacrament of the altar remaineth still the sub-
stance of bread and wine.
3. " That he had often openly affirmed, and obstinately
maintained, that in the mass is no propitiatory sacrifice
for the quick and the dead.
4. " That the aforesaid assertions, have been solemnly
condemned by the scholastical censure of this school, as
heretical, and contrary to the catholick faith, by the pro-
locutor of the convocation-house, and sundry learned men
of both universities.
5. " That all and singular the premises are true, and
notoriously known, by all near at hand, and in distant
places."
To the first of these articles Mr. Ridley replied, that
" he beheved Christ's body to be in the sacrament, really,
by grace and spirit effectually, but not so as to include a
lively and moveable body under the forms of bread and
wine."
To the second and third he answered in the affirmative.
Part of the fourth he acknowledged, and part he denied.
To the fifth he answered, that " the premises were ko
HISTOIiY OP THE MARTYRS. 405
iar true, as his replies had set forth. Whether all men
spoke evil of them he knew not, because he came not so
much abroad to hear what every man reported."
He was then ordered to appear the following day in St.
Mary's church, in Oxford, to give his final answer; after
which he was committed to the custody of the mayor.
When Latimer was brought into court, the bishop of
Lincoln warmly exhorted him to return to the unity of
the church, from which he had revolted.
The same articles which were proposed to Dr. Ridley
w^ere read to Mr. Latimer, and he was required to give a
full and satisfactory answer to each of them.
His replies not being satisfactory to the court, he was
dismissed; but ordered to appear in St. Mary's church, at
the same time with Dr. Ridle}'.
- On the day appointed, the commissioners met, when
Dr. Ridley being first brought before them, the bishop of
Lincoln stood up, and began to repeat the proceedings of
the former meeting, assuring him that "he had full liberty
to make what alterations he pleased in his answers to the
articles proposed to him, and to dehver the same to the
court in writing."
After some debate. Dr. Ridley took out a paper, and
began to read ; but the bishop interrupted him, and or-
dered the beadle to take the writing from him. The doc-
tor desired permission to read on, declaring the contents
were only his answers to the articles proposed ; but the
i^JoK^P atiri ^tKoio, navmg privately reviewed it, would not
permit it to be read in open court.
He desired to delare "his reasons, wherefore he could
not, w^ith a safe conscience, admit of the popish suprema-
cy," but his request was denied.
The bishop finding him inflexible in the faith, according
to the doctrine of the reformation, thus addressed him:
" Dr. Ridley, it is with the utmost concern that I observe
your stubbornness and obstinacy, by persisting in damnable
errours and heresies: but unless you recant, I must pro-
ceed to the other part of my commission, though very
much against my will and desire."
Dr. Ridley not making any reply, sentence of condem-
too HISTORY OF THE MARTVllS.
nation was read; after which he was carried back to
continement.
When Mr. Latimer was brought before the court, the
bishop of Lincoln informed him, that 'though they had
already taken his answers to certain articles alleged against
him, yet they had given him time to consider on the same,
and would permit him to make w^hat alterations he shoula
deem fit, hoping, by that means, to reclaim him from his
errours, and bring him over to the faith of the holy oath-
olick church."
The articles were again read to him, but he deviated
aot, in a single point, from the answers he had already
given.
Being again warned to recant, and revoke his errours,
he refused, declaring, that "he never would deny God's
truth, which he was ready to seal with his blood." Sen-
tence of condemnation was then pronounced against hin\^
and he was committed to the custody of the mayor.
A few days after this, they were both solemnly degra-
ded by the bishop of Gloucester, and the vice-chancellor
of Oxford; after which they were delivered over to the
secular power.
The 16th of October, 1555, was the day appointed for
their execution, in Townditch, behind Baliol college.
Mr. Latimer went to the stake in an humble, plain lay-
dress, and Dr. Kidiey m hi« ecclesiastical habit, which he
wore when a bishop. The^ emhmrpd each other on the
melancholy occasion; and Dr. Ridley encouragea nis lei-
low-labourer, and fellow-sufferer, in the cause of Christ,
*Uo be of good cheer, assuring him that God Avould either
assuage the fury of the flames, or enable them to endure
them." To which Latimer answered "God will this day
light such a candle in England, as all the infernal powers
shall not be able to extinguish !"
The martyrs then kneeled down, and, with great earn-
estness, prayed to Almighty God " to enable tliem to sus-
tain the fiery trial that awaited them."
\Vlien they arose from prayer, one of the popish priests,
in an occasional sermon, upbraided them "with heresy and
departure from tlie church of Christ." Dr. Ridley was
mST6RY OF THE MARTYRS. 40^
4esirou3 of vmdicating himself from the aspersion of the
priest, but was denied that liberty, and commanded to
prepare immediately for the fire, " unless he would recant,
and abjuie his heretical opinions;" without hesitation,
therefore, he took off his clothes, distributed them among
the populace, and, together with Latimer, was chained to
the stake.
Latimer soon expired, crying, "O father of heaven re-
ceive my soul." But Ridley, by reason of the fire burning
low, and not flaming about his body, endured the most
exquisite torture, leaping in the fire, and begging for
Christ's sake, that the flames might surround him; till, at
length, some of the spectators having taken off part of
the fagots, the fire had vent, and the bag of gunpowder
that was fastened to his neck exploded, after which he
was not seen to move, but fell down at the feet of his fel-
low-sufferer.
" Thus did these two pious divines, christian prelates,
and steadfast believers, testify, with their blood, the truth
of the everlasting gospel, upon which depends all the sin-
ners hopes of salvation ; to suffer for which was the joy,
the glory of many eminent christians, who, having followed
their Lord and Master, through much tribulation in this
vale of tears, will be glorified for ever with him, in his
kingdom.
Mr. Latimer, at the time of his death, was in the eight-
ieth year of his age, and preserved the principles he had
professed with the most distinguished magnanimity. He
had naturally a happy temper, formed on the principles of
true Christianity. Such >Vas his cheerfulness, that none of
the accidents of life could discompose him: such was his
fortitude, that not even the severest trials could unman
him; he had a collected spirit, and on no occasion wanted
a resource; he could retire within himself, and hold the
world at defiance. An instance of this was exhibited
whilst in the tower, he sent a message to the lieutenant|
telling him he was afraid he should disappoint his enemiesi
On which the officer, fearing an escape, began to rate him.
"You think I shall burn," replied Latimer, "but except
you supply me with coals, I am like to starve to death***
408 HISTORY OF tllE MABTVE4-:,
And as danger could not daunt, so neither could anibi-
tion ailure him: though conversant in courts, and intimate
with princes, he preserved, to the last, a rare instance of
moderation! his primeval plainness: in his profession he
was indefatigable; and that he might bestow as much
time as possible on the active part of it, he allowed him-
self only those hours for his private studies, when the busy
world is at rest, constantly rising, at all seasons of the
year, by two in the morning. How conscientious he was
in the discharge of the publick parts of his oflice, we
have many examples. No man could persuade more
forcibly ; no man could exert, on proper occasions, a more
commanding severity. The wicked, in whatever station,
he rebuked with censorian dignity, and awed vice more
than the penal laws.
He was not esteemed a very learned man, for he culti-
vated only useful learning, and that he thought lay in a
very narrow compass. He never engaged in worldly af-
fairs, thinking that a clergyman ought to employ himself
only in his profession. Thus he lived, rather a good, than
what the world calls a great man. He had not those
commanding talents which give superiority in business;
but for purity and sincerity of heart, for true simplicity
of manners, for apostolick zeal, in the cause of religion,
and for every virtue, both of a publick and private kind,
which should adorn the life of a christian, he was eminent
beyond most men of his own, or any other time.
His action, and manner of preaching, were very affec-
ting; and no wonder; for he spoke immediately from
his heart. His abilities, however, as an orator, made only
an inferior part of his character as a preacher. What
particularly recommends him, is that noble and apostolick
zeal which he continually exerted in the cause of truth.
Dr. Ridley was no less indefatigable in promoting the
reformed religion, than his fellow-sufferer Latimer. He
was naturally of a very easy temper, and distinguished
for his great piety and humanity to the distressed. He
persevered, to the last, in that faith he had professed, and
cheerfully resigned up his life in defence of the truth of
the gospel.
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 40^
{ A few days, after Latimer and Ridley suffered, three
others shared the hke fate, for professing the truth of the
gospel. Their names were John Webb, George Roper,
and Gregory Parke.
They were all bur^t in one fire at Canterbury, most
patiently enduring their tormeats, and accounting them-
selves happy and blessed of the Lord, that they were
made worthy to suffer for the gospel of their Redeemer.
The bloody transactions of the year 1555, were termi-
nated in the death of the Rev. Mr. John Philpot, who,
after a long confinement, during which he underwent
various examinations, shameful persecutions, was, at
length, brought to the stake in Smithfield, on the 18th of
December, where he patiently resigned his soul into the
hands of him who gave it. He was a very lesirned man,
and pious Christian; and, during his confinement, wrote a
great number of letters to his friends and others; as also
a variety of treatises on that religion, in defence of which
he gave up his existence in this mortal world.
A charge of heresy was preferred against Rev. Thomas
Whittell, Bartlet Green, John Tudson, John Went,
Thomas Brown, Isabel Foster, and Joan Lashfield, who
were all arrested and brought before bishop Bonner.
Having severally passed examination, this persecuting
prelate sentenced them to he burnt at Smithfield.
On the 27th of January, 1556, these seven believers
and faithful servants of Christ, were conducted from New-
gate to Smithfield, there to endure the last torments that
could be inflicted on them by their cruel persecutors.
They all went with great cheerfulness, singing hymns to
the praise of their Redeemer, both in the way to, and at
the place of execution.
They were chained to three different stakes, but con-
sumed together in one fire, freely fielding up their lives
in testimony of the truth, and sealing, with their blood,
the doctrines of that gospel they had so zealously sup-
ported. . ,
Four days after the before -mentioned seven martyrs
Suffered in Smithfield, five others were burnt at Canter-
35
410 HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS.
bury. Their names were John Lomas, Anne Albright,
John Cotmer, Agnes Snoth, and Joan Sole.
These five steadfast servants of God, and willing fol-
lowers of Christ, were bound together at two stakes,
rejoicing in the flatnes, and chanting hallelujahs to God
and the Lamb.
CHAP. VIII.
MARTYRDOM OF THOMAS CRANMER, ARCHBISHOP OP CAN-
TERBURY, AND SEVERAL OTHERS.
This eminent prelate was born at Astacton, in Notting-
hamshire, on the 2d of July, 1489. His family was an-
cient, and came in with William the conquerour. He
was early deprived of his father, Thomas Cranmer, Esq.
and was sent by his mother to Cambridge, at the age of
fourteen, according to the custom of those times.
Having completed his studies at the university, he took
the usual degrees, and was so well beloved that he was
chosen fellow of Jesus college ; soon after which he be-
came celebrated for his great learning and abilities.
In 1521, he married, by which he forfeited the fellow-
ship of Jesus College ; but his wife dying within the year,
he was re-elected. This favour he most gratefully ac-
knowledged, and chose to decline an offer of a much more
valuable fellowship in Cardinal Wolsey's new seminary
at Oxford, rather than relinquish friends who had treated
him with the most distinguished respect.
In 1523, he commenced doctor of divinity; and being
in great esteem for theological learning, he was chosen
divinity lecturer in his own college, and appointed, by the
university, one of the examiners in that science. In this
office he principally inculcated the study of the holy
scriptures, then greatly neglected, as being indispensably
necessary for the professors of that divine knowledge.
The plague happening to break out at Cambuidge, Mr.
Cranmer, with some of his pupils, removed to Waltham-
abbey, where, falling into company with Gardiner an^
HISTORY OF TUB MARTYRS* 411
Fox, one the secretary, the other almoner of king
Henry VIII. that monarcxVs intended divorce of Catharine
hi^ queen, the common subject of discourse in those daysj
came upon the carpet: when Cranmer advising an appU-
cation to our own, and to the foreign universities, for their
opinion in the case, and giving these gentlemen much
satisfaction, they introduced him to the king, who was so
pleased with him, that he ordered him to write his
thoughts on the subject, made him his chaplain, and ad-
milted him into that favour and esteem which he never
aftervvards forfeited.
In 1530, he was sent by the king, with a solemn embas-
sy, to dispute on the subject of the divorce at Paris, Rome,
and other foreign parts. At Rome he delivered his book,
which he had written in defence of the divorce, to the
pope, and offered to justify it in a publick disputation: but
after various promises and appointments none appeared
to oppose him; while in private conferences he forced
them to confess " that the marriage was contrary to the
law of God."
During the time he was abroad, archbishop Warham
died. Henry, convinced of Cranmer''s merit, determined
that he should succeed him; and commanded him to re-
turn for that purpose. He suspected the cause, and
delayed: he was desirous, by all means, to decline this
high station, for he had a true and primitive sense of the
office. But a spirit so different from that of the church-
men of his times stimulated the king's resolution; and the
more reluctance Cranmer showed, the greater resolution
Henry exerted. He was consecrated on March 30, 1533,
10 the office ; and though he received the usual bulls from
the pope, he protested, at his consecration, against the
oath of allegiance, &c. to him. For he had conversed
freely with the reformed in Germany, had read Luther's
books, and was zealously attached to the glorious cause
of reformation.
The enemies of the reformation, however, were restless ;
and Henry was no protestant in his heart. Cromwell fell
a sacrifice to them, and they aimed every possible shaft at
Cranmer. Gardiner in particular was indefatigable; 4re
412 HISTORY OF THE MARTYR^;.
caused him to be accused in parliament, and several lords
of the privy-council moved the king to commit the arch-
bishop to the Tovi^er. The king perceived their malice;
and one evening, on pretence of diverting himself on the
water, ordered his barge to be rowed to I^ambeth side.
The archbishop, being informed of it, came down to pay
his respects, and was ordered by the king to come into the
barge and sit close by him. Henry made him acquainted
"with the accusations of heresy, faction, &lc. which were
laid against him; and spoke of his opposition to the six
articles; the archbishop modestly replied, that he could
not but acknowledge himself to be of the same opinion,
with respect to them ; but was not conscious of having of-
fended against them. The king then putting on an air of
pleasantry, asked him, if his bed-chamber could stand the
test of th^se articles? the archbishop confessed, that he
was married in Germany, before his promotion; but as-
sured the king, that on passing that act, he had parted
with his wife, and sent her abroad to her friends. His
majesty was so charmed with his openness and integrity,
that he discovered the whole plot that was laid against
him ; and gave him a ring of great value to produce upon
any future emergency.
A few days after this, Cranmer's enemies summoned
him to appear before the council. He accordingly attend-
ed, when they suffered him to wait in the lobby amongst
the footmen, treated him on his admisiiion with haughty
contempt, and would have sent him to the Tower. But
he produced the ring; and gained his enemies a sevprft
reprimand from Henry, and himself the highest degree of
security and favour.
On this occasion he showed that lenity and mildness for
which he was always so much distinguished : he never
persecuted any of his enemies; but on the contrary, (Eee-
!y forgave even the inveterate Gardiner, on hi? writing a
supplicatory letter to him for that purpose. The sama
lenity he showed towards Dr. Thornton, the suffragan or
Dover, and Dr. Barber, who though entertained in his
family, and entrusted with his secrets, and indebted to him
for many favours, had ungratefully conspired with Gardi-
ner to take away his life.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 413
When Cranmer first discoved their treacher)', he took
them aside into his study, and telHng them, that he had
been basely and falsely accused by some, in whom he had
always reposed the greatest confidence, desired them to
advise him how he should behave himself towards them?
They, not suspecting themselves to be concerned in the
question, replied, that such vile, abandoned villains, ought
to be prosecuted with the greatest rigour; nay, deser\^ed
to die without mercy. At this the archbishop, lifting up
his hands to heaven, cried out, "merciful God! whom may
a man trust?" And then taking out of his bosom the let-
ters, by which he had discovered their treachery, asked
them if they knew those papers? When they saw their
Own letters produced against them, they were in the ut-
most confusion; and falling down upon their knoes, hum-
bly sued forgiveness. The archbishop told them, " that he
forgave them, and would pray for them; but that they
must not expect him ever to trust them for the future."
In 1546, king Henry experienced the ImpartiaHty of
deaths and left his crown to his only son Edward, who was
godson to Cranmer, and had imbibed all the spirit of a
reformer. This excellent young prince, influenced no less
by his own inclinations than by the advice of Cranmei',
and the other friends of reformation, was diligent, in every
endeavour, to promote it. Homilies were composed by
the archbishop, and a catechism: Erasmus's notes on the
New Testament translated, and fixed in churches ; the sa-
crament administered in both kinds; and the liturgy used
in the vulgar tongue. Ridley, the archbishop's great
friend, and one of tTie brightest lights of the English refor-
mation, was equally zealous in the good cause; and with
him the archbishop drew up the forty-two articles of reli-
gion, which were revised by other bishops and divines;
as, through him, he had perfectly conquered all his scru-
ples, respecting the doctrine of the corporeal presence,
and published a much-esteemed treatise, infitled, "a de-
fence of the true and catholick doctrine of the sacrament
of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ."
But this prosperous state of things was of short cotinu.
ance. The pious young Edward died in 1553, and gave
35*
414 inSTORY or THE MARTVRS.
place to the bloody reign of Mary. The scene was chari-
ged, the Romish party came into power, persecution im-
mediately awoke, and Cranmer being arrested as a here-
tick, was thrown into prison. ,
The Tower was crowded with prisoners; insomuch
that Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, and Bradford, were all
put into one chamber; which they were so far from think-
ing an inconvenience, that, on the contrary, they blessed
God for the opportunity of conversing together ; reading
and comparing the scriptures, confirming themselves in the
true faith, and mutually exhorting each other to constan-
cy in professing it, and patience in suftering for it. Hap-
py society! blessed martyiis! rather to be envied, than the
purple tyrant, with the sword deep-drenched in blood,
though encircled with all the pomp and peagantry of
power !
In April 1554. the archbishop, with bishops'Ridley and
Latimer, was removed from the Tower to Windsor, and
thence to Oxford, to dispute with some select persons of
both universities. But, alas! whdt farces were disputa-
tions, when the fate of men was fixed, and every word
misconstrued. Such was the case here; for on April the
20th, Cranmer was brought to St, Mary's, before the
queen's commissioners, and refusing to subscribe to the pa-
pish articles, he was pronounced a heretick, and sentence
of condemnation was passed upon liim. Upon which he
told them, that "he appealed from their unjust sentence
to that of the Almighty ; and that he trusted to be receiv-
ed into his presence in heaven for maintaining the truth,
as set forth in his holy gospel." ^
After this, his servants were dismissed from their atten-
dance, and himself closely confined in Bocardo, the prison
of the city of Oxford. But this sentence being void in
law, as the pope's authority was wanting, a new commis-
sion was sent from Rome in 1555; and in St. Mary's
church, at the high altar, the court sat, and tried the al-
ready condemned Cranmer. He was here well nigh too
strong for his judges; and, if reason and truth could have
prevailed, there would have been no doubt who should
have been acquitted, and who condemned.
HISTORY OF THE MARTVRS. 415
Tlie February following, a new commission was given
to bishop Bonner and bishop Thirlby, for the degradatiou
of the archbishop. When they came down to Oxford he
was brought before tliem; and after they had read their
commission from the pope (for not appearing before whom
in person, as they had cited him, he was declared contu-
macious, though they themselves had kept him a close
prisoner) Bonner, in a scurrilous oration, insulted over him
in the most unchristian manner, for which he was often
rebuked hy bishop Thirlby, who WQpt, and declared it the
most sorrowful scene he had ever beheld in his whole life.
In the commission it was declared, that the cause had
been impartially heard at Rome; the witnesses on both
sides examined, and the archbishop's counsel allowed to
make the best defence for him they could.
At the reading this, the archbishop could not help cry-
ing out, " Good God ! what lies are these ; that I, being
continually in prison, and not suffered to have counsel or
advocate at home, should produce witnesses, and appoint
my counsel at Rome! God must needs punish this shame-
less and open lying."
When Bonner had finished his invective, they proceeded
i,o degrade him; and that they might make him as ridic-
ulous as they could, the episcopal habit which they put
on him was made of canvass aftd old rags. Bonner, in
the mean time, by way of triumph and mockery, calling
him Mr. Canterbury, and the like.
He bore all this treatment with his wonted fortitude
and pa^tience; told them, "the degradation gave him no
concern, for he had long despised those ornaments:" but
when they came to take away his crosier, he held it fast,
and delivered his appeal to Thirlby, saying, "I appeal to
the next general council."
When they had stripped him of alHiis habits, they put
on him a poor yeoman-beadle's gown, thread^bare, and ill-
shaped, and a townsman's cap; and in this manner deliver-
ed him to the secular power to be carried back to prison,
where he was kept entirely destitute of money, and totally
secluded from his friends. Nay, such was the iniquity of
the times, that a ge»tlemaa was vtak-en into tjustedy by
416 HISTORY or the martyrs.
Bonner, and nearly escaped a trial, for giving th^poor
archbishop money to buy liim a dinner.
Cranmer had now been imprisoned almost three years,
and death should have soon followed his sentence and
degradation: but his cruel enemies reserved him for great-
er misery and insult. Every engine that could be thought
of was employed to shake his constancy; but he held fast
to the profession of his faith. Nay, even when he saw
the barbarous martyrdom of his dear companions Ridley
and Latimer, he was so far from shrinking, that he not
only prayed to God to strengthen them, but also, by their
example, to animate him to a patient expectation and en-
durance of the same fiery trial.
The papists, after trying various severe ways to bring
Cranmer over without effect, at length determined to try
•what gentle methods would do. They accordingly remo-
ved him irom prison to the lodgings of the dean of Christ
church, where they urged every persuasive and affecting
argument to make him deviate from his faith; and, indeed,
too much melted his gentle nature, by the false sunshine
of pretended civility and respect.
The unfortunate prelate, however, withsfood every
temptation; at which his enemies were so irritated, that
they removed him from the dean's lodgings to the most
loathsome part of the prison in which he had been confined,
and then treated him with unparalleled severity. This
was more than his infirmities could support: the frailty of
human nature prevailed; and he was induced to sign six
different recantations, drawn from him by the malice and
artifice of his enemies.
This, however, did not satisfy them: they were deter-
mined not to spare his life. Nothing less than his death
could satiate the gloomy queen, who said, that "as he had
been the promoter of heresy, which had corrupted the
whole nation, the abjuration, which was sufficient in other
cases, should not serve his turn; for she was resolved he
should be burned." Accordingly, she sent orders to Dr.
Cole to prepare a sermon on the occasion of his death,
which was fixed to be on the 21st of March.
X The archbishop had no suspicion that such would be
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS^ 4lt
his fate, after what he had done ; but he Soon found his
mistake.
The papists, determining to carry their resentment to
the most extravagant length, thought to inflict a farther
punishment on him, by obhging him to read his recanta-
tion pabUcly in St. Mary's church; and on this they pro-
posed to triumph in his death: but their base intentions
were happily frustrated.
On the morning of the day appointed for his execution,
he was conducted between two friars to St. Mary's church.
As soon as he entered, Dr. Cole mounted the pulpit, and
the archbishop was placed opposite to it on a low scaffold,
a spectacle of contempt and scorn to the people !
Cole magnihed his conversion as the immediate work of
God's inspiration; exhorted him "to bear up with resolu-
tion against tiie terrours of death; and by the example of
the thief on the cross, encouraged him not to despair,
since he was returned, though late, into the bosom of the
church." He also assured him, that "dirges and masses
should be said for his soul in all the churches of Oxford."
As soon as the archbishop perceived, from Cole's ser-
mon, what was the bloody decree, struck with horrour at
the base inhumanity of such proceedings, he gave, by all
his gestures, a full proof of the deep anguish o£ his eoul.
At length, being called upon by Cole"" to declare his
faith nnd reconciliation with tho catholick church," he
rose with all possible dignity; and while the audience was
wrapped in profound expectation. He kneeled down, and
repeated u, most fervent prayer.
He then rose up, exhorted the people to a contempt of
this world, to obedience to their sovereign, and 'to mutual
love and charity. He told them, that " being now on the
brink of etennity, he would declare unto them his faith,
without reserve or dissimulation: he then repeated the
apostles creed, and professed his belief thereof, and of all
things contained in the Old and New Testament."
By speaking thus in general terms, the attention of the
audience was kept up ; but amazement continued that at-
tention, when they heard him, instead of reading his re-
cantation, " declare his great and unfeigned repentance^
418 mSTOBY OP THE MARTYRS.
for having been induced to subscribe the popish erroufst
he lamented, with many tears, his grievous fall, and de-
clared that the hand which had so offended, should be
burned before the rest of his body."
He then "renounced the pope in most express terms,
and professed his belief concerning the eucharist to be
the same with what he had asserted in his book against
trardmer.'
This was a great disappointment to the papists: they
made loud clamours, and charged him with hypocrisy and
falsehood; to which he meekly replied, "that he was a
plain man, and never had acted the hypocrite, but when
he was seduced by them to a recantation."
He would have gone on further, but Cole cried, "stop
the heretick's mouth, and take him away."
Upon this, the monks and friars rudely pulled him from
the scaffold, and hurried him away to the stake, where
Ridley and Latimer had before been offered up, which
was at the north side of the city, in the ditch opposite
Baliol college.
But if his enemies were disappointed by his behaviour
in the church, they were doubly so by that at the stake.
He approached it with a cheerful countenance, prayed^
and prepared himself for the devouring flames. His
beard was so long and thick that it covered his face with
wonderful gravity; cmd V.i«; reverend countenance moved
the hearts both of friends and enemies.
The friars tormented him with their admonitions ; while
Cranmer gave his hand to several old men, whu stood bj-,
bidding them farewell.
When he was chained to the stake, and the fire kindled,
he seemed superiour to all sensation but of piety. He
stretched out the offending hand to the flame, which was
seen burning for some time before the fire came to any
other part of his body; nor di^-he draw it back, but once
to v/ipe his face, till it was entirely consumed: saying of-
ten, "this unworthy hand, this hand hath offended;" and
raising up his eyes to heaven, he expired with the dying
prayer of St. Stephen in his mouth, " Lord Jesus, receive
my spirit!"
HISTORV OF THE MARTYRS. 449
He burned, to all appearance, without pain or motion j
and seemed to repel the torture by mere strength of mind',
showing a repentance and a fortitude which ought to can-
cel all reproach of timidity in his life.
Thus died archbishop Cranmer, in the sixty-seventh
year of his age, and the twenty-third of his primacy ; leav-
ing an only son, of his own name, behind him.
His candour and sincerity, meekness and humility, were
admired by all who conversed with him: but the queen
could not forgive his zeal for the reformation, nor his di-
vorce of her mother; and, therefore, she brought him to
the stake; which has justly numbered him amongst the
noblest martyrs who suffered for the truth of the gospel.
He may truly be ranked with the greatest primitive
bishops, and the fathers of the very first class, who were
men as well as himself; and, therefore, if in a scrutiny of
theirs or of his character, some infirmities and imperfec-
tions may appear, we may learn thereby to make a wise
and moral improvement.
During the same season, Agnes Potten and Joan Trunck-
field, two pious females, were apprehended on an informa-
tion of heresy, and brought before the bishop of Norwich.
They were examined on the favourite doctrine of the pa-
pists concerning the sacrantient of the altar; and on their
refusing to admit that the bread and wine were changed
into the body and blood of Christ, sentence was pronoun-
ced against them as hereticks, and they were delivered
over to the secular power.
On the day appointed for their execution, in the month
of March, 1556, they were both led to the stake, and burnt
in the town of Ipswich, where they had resided. Their
constancy was admired by the multitude who saw them
suffer; for as they prepared themselves for the fire, they
earnestly exhorted the people " to believe only in the un-
erring word of the only living and true God, and not re-
gard the devices and inventions of men."
They both openly declared that " they despised the er-
rours and superstitions of the church of Rome, and most
patiently submitted to the acute torments of devouring
flames, calling upon the God of their salvation, and tri'
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
umphing in being deemed worthy to suiFer for the glorious
cause of Jesus Christ, their lord and master."
Six persons residing in the county of Essex, being ac-
cused of heresy, were all apprehended, and sent by Lord
Rich, and other commissioners, at different times, to bish-
op Gardiner, lord-chancellor of England; who, after a
short examination, sent the four first to the Marshalsea
prison in the Borough, and the two last to the king's Bench,
where they continued during the space of a whole year,
till the death of bishop Gardiner.
When Dr. Heath, archbishop of York, succeeded to
the chancellorship, four of these persecuted brethren,
namely, Richard and Thomas Spurg, John Cavil 1 and
George Ambrose, weary of their tedious confinement, pre-
sented a petition to the lord-chancellor, subscribing their
names, and requesting his interest fiH^^their enlargement*
A short time after the delivery of this petition, Sir
Richard Read, one of the officers of the court of Chance-
ry, was sent by the chancellor to the Marshalsea to exanv
ine them.
Richard Spurg, the first who passed examination, being
asked the cause of his imprisonment, replied, that "he,
with several others, being complained of by the minister
of Bocking for not coming to their parish church, to the
Lord Rich, was thereupon sent up to London by his lord-
ship, to be examined by the late chancellor."
He acknowledged that "he had not been at church since
the English service was changed into Latin (except on
Christmas day was twelve-month) because he disliked the
same, and the mass also, as not agreeable to God's holy
word."
He then desired that "he might be no farther examined
concerning this matter, until it pleased the present chan-
cellor to enquire his faith concerning the same, which be
was ready to deliver,"
Thomas Spurg, on his examination, answered to tho
same effect with the other, confessing that "he absented
himself from church, because the word of God was not
then truly taught, nor the sacraments of Christ duly, ad-
ministered, as prescribed by the sajne word."
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 421
Being farther examined touching his faith in the sacra-
ment of the altar; lie said, that >* if he stood accused in
that particular, he would answer as God had given him
knowledge, which he should do at another opportunity."
John Cavill likewise agreed in the chief particulars with
his hrethren; hut farther said, *'the cause of his ahsenting
himself from church was, that the minister there had ad-
vanced two doctrines contrary to each other; for first, in
a sermon he delivered when the queen came to the crown,
he exhorted the people to believe the gospel, declaring it
to be the truth, and that if they believed it not, they would
be damned; and that, secondly, in a future discourse, he
declared that the New Testament was false in forty pla-
ces, which contrariety gave him much disgust, and was,
among other things, the cause of his absenting himself
from church.''
George Ambrose ansvrercd to the same elTcct, adding
moreover, that "after he had read the late bishop of Win-
chester's book, intitled, De vera Obediential with bishop
Bonner's preface thereunto annexed, both inveighing
-igainst the authority of the bishop of Rome, he esteemed
their principles more lightly than he had done before."
Robert Drake was minister of Thundersley, in Essex,
to which living he had been presented by Lord Rich in
the reign of Edward YI. when he was ordained priest by
Dr. Ridley, then bishop of London, according to the re-
Ibrmed English service for ordination.
On the accession of queen Mary to the throne of Eng-
land, he was sent for by Gardiner, bishop of Winchester,
who demanded of him " whether he would conform, lijce a
good subject, to the laws of the realm then in force?" He
answered, that "he would abide by those laws that were
agreeable to the law of God;" upon which he was imme-
diately committed to prison.
William Tims was a deacon and curate of Hockley, in
Essex, in the reign of Edward VL hut being deprived of
his living soon after the death of that monarch, he abscon-
ded, and privately preached in a neighbouring wood.,
whither many of his flock attended to hear the word of
God.
36
4*2'2 iiisTottY OP THE martyr?.
In consequence of these proceedings, he was apprehen-
<led by one of the constables, and sent up to the bishop of
London, by whom he was referred to Gardiner, bishop of
Winchester, and lord-chancellor, who committed him to
the king's bench prison.
A short time after his confmement, he, with the others
beforementioned, was ordered to appear before the bishop
of London, who questioned them in the usual manner,
"concerning their faith in the sacrament of the altar."
Mr. Tims answered, that " the body of Christ was not,
in the sacrament of the altar, really and corporeally, after
the words of consecration spoken by the priest ; and that
he had been a long time of that opinion, ever since it had
pleased God, of his infinite mercy, to call him to the true
knowledge of the gospel of his grace."
On the SSth of March, 1556, these six persons were all
brought into the consistory court, in St. Paul's church,
before fhe bishop of London, in order to be examined, for
the last time; who assured them, that "if they did not
Fubmit to the church of Rome, they should be condemned
for heresy."
The bishop began his examination with Tims, whom he
called "the ringleader of the others:" he told him, that
"he had taught them heresies, confirmed them in their
erroneous opinions, and endeavoured, as far as in him lay,
to render them as abominable as himself;" with many
other accusations equally false and opprobrious.
He w as then asked by the bishop " what he had to say
in his own vindication, in order to prevent him from pro-
ceeding against him as his ordinary?" To which he re-
plied as follows: —
"My lord, I am astonished that you should begin your
charge with a falsehood ; you aver that I am the ringlea-
der of the company now brought before you, and have
taught them principles contrary to the Romish church,
since we have been in confinement; but the injustice of
this declaration will soon appear, if you will inquire of
these my brethren, whether, when at liberty, and out of
prison, they dissented not from popish principles as much
as they do at present ; such inquiry, I presume, will ren-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 423
der it evident, that they learned not their rehgion in prison,
"For my own part, I declare I never knew them, till
such time as I became their fellow-prisoner, how then
could I be their ringleader and teacher? With respect
to the charge alleged against me, a charge which you en-
deavour to aggravate to the highest degree, whatever
opinion you maintain concerning me, I am well assured I
hold no other religion than what Christ preached, the
apostles witnessed, the primitive church received, and of
late the apostolical and evangelical preachers of this realm
,have faithfully taught, and for v/hich you have cruelly
caused them to be burnt, and now seek to treat us with
the like inhuman severitjt". I acknowledge you to be my
ordinary.-'
The bishop, finding it necessary to come to a point with
him, demanded, -^f he would submit himself to the holy
mother-church, promising, that if he did, he should be
kindly received; and threatening, at the same time, that
if he did not, judgment should be pronounced against him
as a heretick."
In answer to this, Tims told his lordship "he was well
persuaded that he was within the pale of the catholick
church, whatever he might think; and reminded him, that
he had most solemnly abjured that very church to which
he since professed such strenuous allegiance ; and that,
contrary to his oath, he again admitted in this realm the
authority of the pope, and was, therefore, perjured and
foresworn in the highest degree. He also recalled to his
memory, that he had spoken with great force and per-
spicuity against the usurped power of the pope, though he
afterwards sentenced persons to be burnt, because they
would not ackAowledge the pope to be the supreme head
of the cburch." .
To this Bonner sternly demanded, "what he had writ-
ten against the church of Rome?"
Mr. Tims pertinently answered, "My lord, the late
bishop of Winchester wrote a very learned treatise, inti-
tled, De vera Obediential which contains many solid argu-
ments against the papal supremacy: to this book you
v/rote a preface, strongly inveighing against the bishop of
4:^i IllSTOllY OF THE MARTYRS.
Rome, reproving his tyranny and usurpation, and showing
ihat his power was ili-foundcd, and contrary both to the
will of God, and the real interest of mankind.
The bishop, struck with the poignancy of this reproof,
evasively told him, that the bishop of Winchester wrote a
book against the supremacy of the pope's holiness, and
he wrote a preface to the same book, tending to the same
purpose: but that the cnu.se of the same arose not from
their disregard to his hohness, but because it was then
deemed treason by the laws of the realm to maintain the
pope's authority in England."
Mr, Tims, sLill persisting in the vindication of his own
conduct, and reprehension of that of the bishop, again
replied, '*My lord, that which you have written against
the supremacy of the pope may be well proved from
scripture to be true; that which you now do is contrary
to the word of God, as I can sufficiently prove."
Bonner, after much farther conversation, proceeded to
form of law, causing his articles, with the respective an-
swers to each, to be publicly read in court.
Mr. Tims acknowledged only two sacraments, baptism
and the Lord's supper; commended the bishop of Win-
chester's book De vera Obedientid, and the bishop of Lon-
don's preface to the same. He declared that the mass
was blasphemy of Christ's passion and death ; that Christ
is not corporeally but spiritually present in the sacrament*
and that as they used it, it was an abominable idol."
Bonner exhorted him "to revoke his errours and here-
sies, conform to the church of Rome, and not abide so
strenuously by the" literal sense of the scripture, but use
the interpretation of the fathers."
Our martyr frankly declared "he would not conform
thereunto, notwithstanding the execrations denounced
against him by the church of Rome, and demanded of the
bishop what he had to support the doctrine of the real
presence, of Christ in the sacrament of the altar, but the
bare letter of scripture?"
On tlie bishop's replying, " the authority of the holy
catholick church;" Tims informed him that "he had the
popi?i]\ church, for which he was perjured and foresworPj
HISTORY CF THE MARTYRS. 425
declaring that tne see of Rome was the see of Antichrist,
and therefore he would never consent to yield obedience
to the same."
The bishop, finding Mr. Tims so inflexible in his adhe-
rence to the faith he professed, that every attempt to draw
him from it was vain and fruitless, read his definitive sen-
tence, and he was delivered over to the secular power.
Bonner then used the same measures with Drake as he
had done with Tims ; but Drake frankly declared, that he
denied the church of Rome, with all the works thereof,
even as he denied the devil, and all his works.
The bishop, perceiving all his exhortations fruitless,
pronounced sentence of condemnation, and he was imme-
diately delivered into the custody of the sheriffs.
After this, Thomas and Richard Spurg, George Am-
brose, and John Cavili, were severally asked, if they
would forsake their heresies, and return to the catholick
church? They all refused consenting to the church of
Rome; but said, '*they were willing to adhere to the true
catholick church, and continue in the same."
Bonner then read their several definitive sentences, after
which he committed them to the custody of the sheriflfe
of London, by whom they were conducted to Newgate.
On the 14th of April, 1556, the day appointed for their
execution, they were all led to Smithfield, where they were
chained -to the same stake, and burnt in one fire, patiently
submitting themselves to the flames.
John Harpole, and Joan Beach, a widow, were arrested
for heresy, and after remaining some time in prison, were
examined by the bishop of Rochester. On their refusing
to conform to the doctrine of the Romish church, they
were condemned; and in April, 1556, were burnt in one
fire, in the city of Rochester. They sang hallelujahs in
the flames.
John Mace, John Spencer, Simon Joyn.Richard Nichols,
John Hammond, and Christopher Lister, were appre-
hended upon a charge of heresy and brought before bishop
Bonner. Afler the usual examination, and various efforts
to induce them to recant, finding them inflexible in their
belief, the bishop passed upon them the sentence of con-
36*
426 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS,
demnation, and they were delivered over to the secular
power. On the 28th of April, 1556, the six martyrs were
chained to two stakes, and were all burnt in one (ire in
Colcheetcr, dying triumphantly together.
Among others who experienced the cruelties of these
times, were Hugh Laverock, an old infirm man, and John
Apprice, a blind man. The former of these martyrs was
by trade a painter, and lived in tiie parish of Barking, in
Essex. At the time of his apprehension he was in the
sixty-eighth year of his age, and \ery helpless from the
natural infirmities of life. Being however accused of
heresy by some of the popish emissaries in his neighbour-
hood, he, with his fellow-sufferer, were taken before Bon-
ner to be examined with respect to their faith.
The bishop laid before them the same articles as men-
tioned in former cases and they returned answers to the
same effect with other advocates for the truth.
On the 9th of May, 1556, they were both brought into
the consistory court at St. Paul's, where their articles and
answers were publicly read; after which the bishop en-
deavoured to persuade them to recant their opinions con-
cerning the sacrament of the altar.
Hugh Laverock declared, that "by the grace of God
he would stand to the profession he had already made, for
he could not find the least authority in the word of God
for approving the doctrine of the corporeal presence in
the sacrament."
The bishop then addressed himself to John Apprice,
and demanded "what he had to say in his defence?" The
honest blind man answered the haughty prelate, that "the
doctrine he set forth and taught was so conformable to
the world, that it could not be agreeable to the scripsture
of God; and that he was no member of the catholick
church of Christ, seeing he made laws to kill men^ and
made the queen his executioner."
The first examination being over, they were for the
present dismissed, but ordered to appear the next day at
the bishop's palace at Fulham. Being accordingly con-
ducted there, the bishop, after some discourse with them,
and finding them steadfast in their faith, pronounced the
HISTORY OP THE MARTYRS. 427
definitive sentence; when, being delivered over to the secu-
lar power, they were committed to Newgate.
On the 15th of May, they were conveyed to Stratford-
le-bow, the place appointed for their execution. As soon
as they arrived at tlie stake, Laverock threw away his
crutch, and thus addressed his fellow-sufferer:
"John Appricc, be of good comfort, brother, for my
lord of London is our good physician: he will cure us
both shortly, thee of thy blindness, and me of my lame-
ness."
After this they both knelt down, and prayed with great
fervency, that God would enable them to pass, with chris-
tian resolution, through the fiery trial.
These two steadfast believers in Christ were both
chained to one stake. They endured their sufferings with
great fortitude, and cheerfully yielded up their lives in
testimony of the truth of their Redeemer.
Three pious females, namely, Catharine Hut, Joan
Homes, and Elizabeth Thackville, being apprehended on
suspicion of heresy, were carried before the magistrates,
who sent them prisoners to the bishop of London, for not
conforming to the order of the church, and not believing
the real presence of Christ's body in the sacramental
bread. x\fter a close examination, in which each of them
was questioned separately, the bishop urged them to re-
cant their opinions and conform to the order of the church,
which refusing to do, they were condemned and delivered
to the secular power.
On the 16th of May, the day appointed for their execu-
tion, they were conducted to Smithfield, Vv-here, being all
fastened to one stake, and the fagots lighted, their bodies
were soon consumed, after they had recommended their
spirits into the hands of God, for the truth of whose word
they joyfully suffered death, in hopes of obtaining life
everlasting.
On the same day these three were executed in Smitli-
field, two others suffered at Gloucester, namely, Thomas
Drowry, a blind boy ; and Thomas Croker, a bricklayer.
They both submitted to their fate with great fortitude
and resignation, cheerfully yielding up their souls to him
who gave them.
428 HISTORY OF THE JIARTYRS.
Thomas Spicer, John Denny, and Edmund Pool, were
apprehended in the county of Suffolk, for not attending
mass, and committed to prison.
After being some time in confinement, they were
brought before the chancellor of the diocese of Norwich,
and the register, who sat at the town of Beccles, to ex-
amine them with respect to their faith. The articles
alleged against them were as follows: —
1. "That they believed not the pope of Rome to be
supreme head immediately under Christ, of the universal
catholick church.
2. *' That they believed not holy bread and holy water,
ashes, palms, and other like ceremonies used in the
church, to be good and laudable for stirring up the. people
to devotion.
3. " That they believed not after the words of conse-
cration spoken by the priest, the very natural body of
Christ, and no other substance of bread and wine, to be
in the sacrament of the altar.
4. "That they believed it to be idolatry to worship
Christ in the sacrament of the altar.
5. " That they took bread and wine in remembrance
of Christ's passion.
6. " That they would not follow the cross in procession,
nor be confessed to a priest."
They all acknowledged the justness of those articles,
in consequence of which they were condemned by the
chancellor, who first endeavoured to reclaim them from
their opinions, and bring them over to the church of
Rome; but all his admonitions and exhortations proving
ineffectual, he pronounced sentence on them, and they
were immediately delivered in the hands of the high-
sheriff of the county.
On the 21st of May, 1556, these pious christians were
led to the stake in the town of Beccles, amidst a great
number of lamenting spectators. As soon as they arrived
at the place of execution they prayed devoutly, and re-
peated the articles of their faith. When they came to
that article concerning the holy catholick church, Sir
John Sillard, the high sheriff, thus addressed them: "That
HISTORY OP THE MARtYRS# '120
:s well said, sirs; I am glad to hear you say you believe
the catholick church; this is the best expression I ever
heard from you yet."
To this Poole answered, that "though they believed*
the catholick church, yet they believed not in their popish
church, which is no part of Christ's catholick church, and,
therefore, no part of their belief."
When they arose from prayer, they went joyfully to the
stake, and being chained to it, and the fagots lighted, they
praised God with such cheerfulness in the midst of the
flames, as astonished the numerous spectators.
Soon after they were fastened to the stake, several big«
oted papists called to the executioner to throw fagots at
them, in order to stop their mouths ; but the martyrs, dis-
regarding their malice, boldly confessed the truth with
their latest breath, dying, as they had lived, in certain
hope of a resurrection to life eternal.
Thomas Harland, John Oswald, Thomas Abington, and
Thomas Read, were arrested as hereticks and sent to Lon-
don, to be examined by Bonner, bishop of that diocese. —
The bishop finding them all resolute, and that they were
determined to adhere to their religious opinions, after en-
deavouring to prevail on them to recant, passed sentence
of condemnation on them, and they were immediately de-
livered over to the secular power.
After a long confinement in the king's bench prison,
they were sent down to Lewes, in Sussex, where, on the
6th of June, 1556, they were burned together in one fire,
praising God for enabling them to withstand the malice of
their enemies, and to bear with fortitude the punishment
allotted them for professing the truth of his holy word.
On the 20th of the same month, two others suffered at
the same place, namely, Thomas Wood, minister, and
Thomas Mills. They both died with christian fortitude,
rejoicing and praising God' that he had numbered them
among those who freely gave up their miserable existence
here for the truth of the gospel, in hopes of obtaining an
everlasting inheritance in the heavenly mansions.
Henry Wye, William Holywell, Ralph Jackson, Law-
rence Pern, John Derifall, Thomas Bowyer, George
430 HISTORV OF THE MARTI RS.
Searls, Lyon Couch, Henry Adlingtoii, John Routh, Ed-
mund Hurst, Ehzabeth Peper, and Agnes George, were
.siezed as hereticks, sent to London, and examined befoi
Dr. Darbyshire, the bishop's chancellor, who, in form ol
law, administered to them the following articles, with some
others not inserted, viz.
L " That there is on earth a catholick church, wherein
the religion of Christ is truly professed."
To this they all answered in the affirmative; but added,
that " they believed the true faith of Christ was wherever
the word of God was trul^ preached."
2. " That there were seven sacraments."
-They all answered in the negative; some affirmed, that
"in the church of Christ there were only two sacraments,
viz. baptism and the Lord's supper;" others desired to be-
lieve as the scriptures taught them; and others refused to
reply, not properly understanding these points.
3. " That they were baptized in the faith of the catho
lick church, professing, by their godfathers, &c. the reli
gion of Christ, and to renounce the devil and all his
works," &c.
To this they all assented without exception.
' 4. " That when they came to years of discretion, they
did not depart from the said profession and faith, and did
not disprove any part thereof for several years."
The greater part of them answered in the affirnoative.
One of the women added, that "in the days of king Ed-
ward VL she departed from her old faith and religion,
and embraced the gospel of Christ, as it was then taught
and set forth."
5. "That of late they had swerved from their former
catholick faith, and had spoken against the mass, the sacra-
ment of the altar, and authority of the papal see."
This, upon the whole, they confessed to be true.
6. " That they refused to be reconciled to the unity of
the church, or to confess the lawfulness of the papal see."
To this article they all, except two, answered in the af-
firmative. Those who refused sftid, " they did not under-
stand the import of the same." The two women added,
"they refused to be reconciled to the faith and religioQ^
that was then used in the realm of England, though they
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 431
never relused to be reconciled and brought to the unity of <
:he cathoiick church of Christ."
7. **That disproving the service of the church, they
refused to come to tneir parish churches, denied the bodily
presence of Christ in the sacrament, called the mass an
abominatian," &c.
This was answered in general in the affirmative; but
one denied that *• he called the mass an abomination, or
an idol:" another, "though he granted the article, confes-
sed his infirmity, that he went to his parish church, and
received it before he was put into prison."
Being thus examined by the bishop of London's chan-
cellor, in open court, persisting in their answers, and refu-
v^ing to recant, or be reconciled to the church of Rome,
they had sentence of condemnation pronounced against
them: and being delivered over to the secular power,
were all sent to Newgate.
Three others were also condemned to die at the same
time; but before the day appointed for their execution, a
reprieve was sent them by cardinal Pole.
» On the Sunday following, the condemnation of these
pious christians, Dr. Fecknam, dean of St. Paul's, told
the audience, in his sermon, that "they held as many ten-
ets as there were faces among the whole ;" which being
represented to them, they drew up the following con-
fession of their faith, to which they respectively sub-
scribed their names:
1. "There are but two sacraments in Christ's church,
that is, the sacrament of baptism, and the Lord's supper.
For in these are contained the faith of Christ's church;
that is, the two testaments, the law and the gospel. The
effect of the law is repentance, and the effect of the gos-
pel remission of sins.
2 " We believe there is a visible church, wherein the
word of God is preached, and the holy sacraments truly
administered,, visible to the world, although it be not cred-
ited, and by the death of saints confirmed, as it was in the
time of Elias the prophet, as well as now.
3 " The see of Rome is the see of anti-christ, the con-
g|;egation of the wicked, &C,. whereof the pope is head
under the devil.
4S^ HISTORY OF THE MARTYllfe.
4. " The mass is not only a profanation of the Lord's
supper, but also a blasphemous idol.
5. '* God is neither spiritually nor corporeally in the
sacrament of the altar, and there remaineth no substance
in the same, but only the substance of bread and wine.
" For these, the articles of our belief, we being condem-
ned to die, do willingly offer our corruptible bodies to
be dissolved in the fire, all with one voice assenting and
consenting thereunto, and in no point dissenting or disa«
greeing from any of our former articles."
Early in the morning of the 28th of June, 1556, being
the day appointed for their execution, they were conduc-
ted from Newgate to Stratford-le-Bow, the place allotted
for burning them alive.
On their arrival at the place, the sheriff loade use of a
stratagem to bring them over to the Romish faith. He
divided them into two companies, and placed them in sep-
arate apartments. This done, he visited one company,
nnd told them that "the other had recanted, by which
their lives would be saved; and exhorted them to follow
their example, and not cast themselves away by there own
mere obstinacy."
But this scheme failed in its effect; for they told the
sherifT, 'Hhat their faith was not built on man, but on
Christ crucified."
The sheriff, finding his project fail with the first party
to whom he applied, had recourse to the same means with
the others, admonishing them "to recant like wise men«
and not be guilty of destroying themselves by their own
bigotry and prejudice."
But they answered to the same effect as their brethren
had before done, assuring the sheriff, that "their faith was
not built on man, but on Christ, and his infallible word."
They were then brought from their different apartments,
and all led together to the place of execution, where
they embraced each other, and after praying in the most
fervent manner, prepared themselves for their fate.
Thus these thirteen steadfast believers in Christ were
chained to different stakes, but all burnt together in one
fire, showing such firm faith in their Saviour and Redeemer,
lUSTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 433
Jesus Christ, that the concourse of spectators, assembled
on the occasion, were astonished.
Two days after this dreadful execution, Robert Ber-
liard, Adam Foster, and Robert Lawson, having been ar-
rested and condemned for heresy, as it was then called,
were burnt at one stake at St. Edmund's Bury; making a
joyful and triumphant exit from the land of blood to the
celestial city.
CHAP. IX.
SUFFERINGS AND DEATH OF JULIUS PALMER, JOHN GWIN,
AND TH03IAS ASKINE.
Julius Palmer,' the son of a reputable merchant, was
born in the city of Coventr}'. He received his first educa-
tion at the free-school of that city; after which he was
sent to Oxford, where, in process of time, he obtained a
fellowship in Magdalen college, in that university.
When the persecution raged in the beginning of the
reign of queen Mary, he inquired, very particularly, into
the cause of persons being apprehended, the nature of the
articles upon which they were condemned, the manner of
their treatment, and their behaviour at the time of their
suffering. Nay, so desirous was he of knowing this, that
he sent over one of his pupils from Oxford to Gloucester,
to see the whole form of bishop Hooper's execution, snd
bring him a minute account of the bloody transaction.
Before he had imbibed well-grounded notions of the
gospel of Christ, and the uncorrupted worship of God, he
was inclined to think that very few would undergo the fie-
ry trial for the ^ake of their profession: but when experi-
ence proved to Inm the cruelties which the papists inflict-
ed, and the protestants endured; when he had been pres^
ent at the examination of bishops Ridley and Latimer,
and had seen them burnt at Oxford, as well as been an
eye-witness to their faith, patience and fortitude, these
scenes converted him absolutely from popery; and on his
return from the execution, he v/as heard to utter these ex-
^ 37 -
434 IIISTORV OF THE MARTYRS.
presslons amongst his friends, " O raging cruelty! O barba=
rous tyranny!"
From that day he applied himself most assiduously to
learn the truth of God's word; and, to that end, borrowed
Peter Martyr's Commentary on the Corinthians, and read
many other well written treatises on religion, till, at length,
he became as zealous an assertor of the protestant cause,
as he before had been an obstinate opposer of it.
He now began to form excuses and pretences for absent-
ing himself from mass, and other popish services and cere-
monies ; but finding that his absence, on these occasions,
incurred the suspicion of many, and disapprobation of the
president of the college, to avoid expulsion, which might
be attended with danger, and to preserve his conscience
inviolate, he resigned his fellowship.
On his leaving the college, his friends procured him the
place of teacher to the grammar-school at Reading, in
Berkshire, where he was received by those who loved the
gospel of Christ, both on account of his eminent learning
and zealous adherence to the truth.
In process of time, some hypocritical professors of the
reformed religion msinuated themselves into his confidence,
with a design to learn his religious principles. Their dis-
ingenious stratagem succeeded to their wishes ; for as he
was a man of an open, unreserved temper, he freely de-
clared his sentiments, which those snakes reported to his
enemies, who thereupon caused his library to be searched
for heretical books, and finding some of his writings, both
in Latin and English, that inveighed against popish cruel-
ty, they threatened " to lay this discovery before the queerCs
commissioners, unless he zcould quietly resign his school to a
friend of theirs, and depart,''''
Mr. Palmer, fearful of death, complied with their un-
just proposal, and departed from Reading, leaving behind
riim all his goods, with a quarter's salary due to him.
Being thus destitute of a livelihood, he went to Eves-
ham, in Worcestershire, where his mother lived, in order
to obtain from her a legacy, which his father had be-
queathed him four years before.
As soon as he saw his mother, he implored her blessing
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS, 435
on his bended knees; but she having been informed, by
his brother, of the cause of his resignation, and the busi-
ness of his visit, hastily exclaimed, "thou shalt have
Christ's curse and mine, whithersoever thou goest."
Julius, at first, stood amaZed at so unexpected and hea-
vy a curse from his own mother; but after he had recol-
lected himself a little, he said, "O mother, your own curse
you may give me, which God knoweth I never deserved;
but God's curse you cannot give me, for he hath already
blessed me."
His mother then vehemently declared, that "he bellev*
ed not as his father and forefathers had done, but accord-
ing to the new doctrine taught and set forth in the days
of king Edward VI. which is damnable heresy."
In answer to this he confessed, "he believed the doc*
trine that was publickly set forth in the reign of king Ed-
ward VI." He also affirmed "it to be truth, and that,
instead of being new, it was as old as Christ and his
apostles."
The mother, incensed at this frank declaration of his
principles, ordered him to depart the house, nor eyermore
esteem her as his mother, informing him, at the same time,
"^ that he had no property there, either in money or goods,
T.^ his father bequeathed nothing to hereticks."
Mr. Palmer, being thus repulsed by his mother, on
whom he relied as his only friend, as well as disregarded by
his brother, was destitute of all help, and knew not what
steps to take in order to obtain subsistence.
At length, he thought of returning privately to Magda-
len college, depending on the confidence of a few friends
he had in that house. He accordingly went thither, and
through the interest of Mr. Allen Cope, a fellow of the
^ame, he obtained a recommendation to a school in Glou-
cestershire.
He had not proceeded far on his journey to that place
before he altered his resolution, and determined to go pri-
vately to Reading, to try if he could obtain his salary that
was due, and at the same time dispose of the goods he
had left there.
No sooner had he arrived at Reading, than his old ene=
436 insTORY OP the martyrs.
mies got knowledge of it, and consulted in what manner
they should proceed against him.
In a short time it was concluded amongst them, that
one Mr. Hampton, who had formerly professed himself a
protestant, but was, in reality, a time-server, should visit
him under colour of friendship, to learn the cause of his
return.
Hampton traitorously went, when Palmer, with his
usual sincerity and openness of soul, disclosed his whole
design, which the other immediately related to the con-
federates, who caused him to be apprehended that very
night.
Mr. Palmer was then carried to prison, where he re-
mained ten days in the custody of an unmerciful keeper,
at the expiration of which time he was brought before
the mayor of Reading, and charged with the following
crimes:
* 1. " That he said the queen's sword was not put into
her hand to execute tyranny, and to kill and murder the
true servants of God.
2. " That her sword was too blunt towards the papists,
but too sharp towards the true christians.
3. " That certain servants of Sir Francis Knowles, and
others, resorting to his lectures, fell out among them, af5d
had almost committed murder; therefore he was a sower
of sedition, and a procurer of unlawful assemblies.
4. "That his landlady had written a letter to him,
which they had intercepted, wherein she requested him
to return to Reading, and sent her commendations by the
token, that the knife lay hid under the beam, whereby
they inferred that she had conspired with him against her
husband.
5. " That they once found him alone with his said land-
lady-, by the fire-side, the door being shut, thereby sus"-
pecting him of incontinency with her.''
Three men, who were suborned for the purpose by one
of the confederates, swore these thin?^^ against him be-
fore the ma>'or. who thereupon sent him to the cage, to
be an open spectacle of contempt to the people.
The same villians also spread a report, that he was thus
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 437
punished for the most enormous crimes and misdemeanors,
which had been fully proved against him.
After he had been thus unjustly exposed to pubUck
shame, the mayor sent for him to answer for himself, con-
cerning what was laid to his charge.
He fully overthrew all the evidence, by proving the
letter said to have been written to him by his landlady,
to be of their own forging ; and in the most incontestable
manner acquitted himself of all the other crimes laid to
his charge. The mayor was confounded, to think he
should have given such credit to his persecutors; and
though he did not choose to discharge him immediately,
jet he thought of doing it as soon as a convenient oppor-
tunity should offer.
When his enemies found tluiy had miscarried in their
plot against him, they determined to accuse him of heresy;
in consequence of which he was taken before the mayor,
and Mr. Bird, the bishop of Salisbury's official, to give an
account of his faith, and answers to such information as
might be laid against him.
In the course of his examination they gathered from
him sufficient grounds to proceed against him. Articles
were drawn up, and sent to Dr. Jeffrey, at Newbury,
who was to hold his visitation there on the Thursday
tbllowing.
The next day Palmer was conducted to Newbury, to-
gether with Thomas Askine, who had been for some time
imprisoned on account of his religion. Immediately on
their arrival they were committed to the Blind-house
prison, where they found John Gwin, who was also con-
iined there for professing the truth.
On Tuesday, July 10, I55G, a place being prepared in
the parish church of Newbury to hold the consistory court.
Dr. Jeffrey, representative of the bishop of Sarum, Sir
Richard Adridge, and John Winchom, Esq. and the minis-
ter of Inglefield, repaired thither, as commissioners ap-
pointed for the purpose.
After the prisoners were produced, the commission
read, and other things passed according to the usual form.
Dr. Jeffrey, in the presence of several hundred spectators.
37*
438 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
called to Palmer, and asked if he was the writer of a two-
penny pamphlet that had been lately published?
Having some altercation about this affair, in which
Palmer answered in his own behalf with great force and
propriety, the doctor rising from his seat, said to him,
"Mr. Palmer, we have received certain writings and ar-
ticles against you from the right worshipful the mayor of
Reading, and other justices, whereby we understand, that
being brought before them, you were convicted of certain
heresies."
1. " That you deny the supremacy of the pope's holi-
ness.
2. "That you afiirm there are but two sacraments."
3. " You say that the priest showcth up an idol at mass,
and therefore you went to no mass since ) our first coming
to Reading.
4. "You hold there is no purgatory.
5. "You are charged witii sowing sedition, and seeking
to divide the unity of the queen's subjects."
Several books and pamphlets were then produced, and
Palmer being asked if he was the author of them, replied
in tlie affirmative, declaring, at the same time, that they
contained nothing but wlnit was founded on the word of
God.
Jeffrey then reviled him, declaring that such opinions
were dictated by no good spirit, and that he was very
wicked in slandering the dead, and railing at a catholick
and learned man living.
Mr. Palmer replied, "if it be a slander, he slandered
himself, for I do but report his own writings, and expose
absurdities therein contained; and I esteem it not raihng
to inveigh against Annas and Caiphas, being dead."
After much farther discourse, the minister of Inglefield
pointed to the pix over the altar, saying to Palmer, "What
scest thou there?" To wliich he replied, "A canopy of
silk embroidered with gold."
" But what is within?" demanded the priest. "A piece
of bread in a cloth," replied our martyr.
The priest then upbraided him as a vile heretick, and
asked him " if he did not believe that those who receive
HISTORY OF THE ItlARTYRS. 439
the holy sacrament of the altar do truly eat Christ's natu-
ral body?
He answered, "If the sacrament of the Lord's supper
be administered as Christ did ordain it, the faithful receiv-
ers do, indeed, spiritually and truly, eat and drink in it
Christ's body and blood."
On being asked, "if he meant with the ^holy inother-
church, really, carnally, and substantially?" He declared,
"he could not believe so absurd and monstrous a doctrine."
After much conversation had passed, and many efforts
were tried in vain. Palmer was remanded back to prison;
but the other men, John Gwin and Thomas Askine, were
brought into the consistory court, received their definitive
sentence, and were delivered over to the secular power,
to be burned as hereticks.
Though the particular examinations and answers of
these two martyrs are not recorded, there is no doubt but
they were of the same faith, and equally steadfast in it,
as their fellow-sufferer Palmer; but they were \evy illit-
erate, whence it is supposed their examination was short,
they not having a capability of making any defence.
The next morning the commissioners required Juliu^
Palmer to subscribe to certain articles which they had
gathered from his answers, with the addition of those odi-
ous epithets and terms, horrid, heretical, damnable, and
execrable doctrines, which, when he had read, he refused
to subscribe, affirming, that " the doctrine which he held
and professed, was not such, but agreeable to, and found-
ed on, the word of God."
Jeffrey being now greatly incensed. Palmer consented
to subscribe, provided they would strike out those odious
epithets; upon which they gave him a pen, and bid him
do as he pleased, when he made such alterations as he
thought proper, and then subscribed.
Having thus set his hand to the articles which they had
drawn up, they asked him "if he would recant?" but he
peremptorily refusing, they pronounced sentence against
him, and he was delivered over to the secular power.
While he was in prison he gave great comfort to his
two fellow-sufferers, and strongly exhorted them to hold
440 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
fast to the faith they had professed. On the morning ot
their execution, ^bout an hour before they were led to the
stake, he addressed them in words to the following effect:
"Brethren, be of , good cheer in the Lord, and faint not;
remember the words of our Saviour Christ, who saith,
'Happy are ye when men shall revile and persecute you
for my saliie: rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is
your reward in heaven.' Fear not them that kill the body,
but are not able to hurt the soul: God is faithful, and will
not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to
bear. We shall end our lives in the fire, but exchange
them for a better life: yea, for coals ye shall receive
pearls; for God's spirit certifieth our spirit, that he hath
prepared for us blissful mansions in heaven for his sake,
who suffered for us."
These words not only strengthened and confirmed the
resolution of his two weak brethren, but drew tears from
many of the multitude.
When they were brought by the high-sherilf and con-
stables of the town to the Sand-pits, the place appointed
for their execution, they fell on the ground, and Palmer,
with an audible voice, repeated the 31st psalm; but the
other two made their prayers secretly to Almighty God.
When Palmer arose from prayer, thei-e came behind
him two popish priests, exhorting him " to recant, and save
his soul."
Our martyr exclaimed, "away, away, and tempt me no
longer; away! I say from me, all ye that work iniquity,
for the Lord hath heard the voice of my tenrs."
When they were chained to the stake. Palmer thus ad-
dressed the spectsrtors ; " good people, pray for us, that
we may persevere to the end, and for Christ's sake beware
of popish teachers, for they deceive you."
As he spoke this, one of the attendants threw a fagot at
him, which striking him on the face, caused the blood to
gush from three several places.
When the fire was kindled, and began to reach their
bodies, they lifted up their hands towards heaven, and
cheerfully, as though they felt not much pain, said, " Lord
Jesus, strengthen us ! Lord Jesus, assist us! Lord Jesus,
HISTORY or THE MARTYRS. 441
receive our souls!" and thus they continued strugghng,
holdmg up their hands, and sometimes beating upon their
breasts, and calhng on the name of Jesus, till they ended
their mortal lives for an everlasting habitation in the heav-
enly mansions.
About the same time the above three persons suffered
at Newbury, three women were burnt in the island of
Guernsey, whose names were, Catharine Cawches, the
mother; Guillemine Gilbert, and Perotine Massey, her
daughters.
Their execution was attended with distinguished marks
of cruelty, but they bore all with a fortitude that evinced
their steadfast faith in him who died for all mankind. —
They were fastened to ditTerent stakes, the mother being
placed in the middle, the eldest daughter on her right hand,
and the youngest on the left. They were first ordered
to be strangled, but the fagots being immediately lighted,
the ropes with which they were fastened gave way before
they were deprived of life. Such was the Herodian
cruelty of these persecuting times, when reason was influ-
enced by bigotry, and humanity sacrificed to the vilest
conceptions !
In the same month, two men and a woman were burnt
at Grinstead, in Sussex, and one man in the town of Lei-
cester. The names of the three former were, Thomas
Dungate, John Foreman, and Mary Tree; and that of
the latter, Thomas Moor. They all bore their sufferings
with great fortitude, and cheerfully resigned their souls
into the hands of that God who gave them, as a testimony
of their faith in the truth.
Joan Waste, a poor blind woman, in the time of king
Edward VI. became a convert to the reformed religion.
Having purchased a New Testament in the English
tongue, she applied to an old man, whom she paid for read-
ing such passages as she directed liim; by which means
she became so well versed in the holy scriptures, that she
could repeat entire chapters by heart, and by citing proper
texts of scripture, would reprove the errours In religion,
as well as the vicious customs and practices that prevailed
in those days.
442 HISTORY OF TriE MARTYRS.
On the demise of king Edward, and the introduction of
popery, on the accession of queen Mary, because this
poor woman continued steadfast in the profession of that
faith she had embraced from the knowledge of the divine
word, and refused to communicate with those who main-
tained contrary doctrines, she was brought before Dr.
Ralph Baines, bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, and Dr.
Braycott, the chancellor, as one suspected of heresies, and
by them committed to Derby prison.
She was divers times privately examined by Peter
Finch, the bishop's official; and afterwards brought to
publick examination before the bishop, his chancellor, and
several more of the queen's commissoners; when the fol-
lowing articles were alleged against her: — ■
1. " That she held the sacrament of the altar to be
only a memorial, or representation of Christ's body, and-
materiai bread and wine; and that it ought not to be re-
served from time to time, but immediately received.
2. " That she held, that in the receiving the sacrament
of the altar she did not receive the same body that was
born of the Virgin Mary^ r.nd suffered on the cross for the
redemption of mankind,
3. ** That she held, that Christ, at his last supper, did
not only bless the bread which he had then in his hands,
but was blessed himself; and that, by virtue of the words of
consecration, the substance of the bread and wine was not
converted, nor turned into the substance of the body and
blood of Christ.
1. " That she granted she was of the parish of Allhal
lows, in Derby, and that all and singular the premises
were true."
To these respective articles she answered, that " she
believed just as much as the holy scriptures taught her,
and according to what she had heard preached by many
pious and learned men ; some of whom suffered imprison-
ment, and others death, for the same doctrine.
Among others, she mentioned Dr. Taylor, and asked,
'*if they would follow his example in testimony of their
doctrine ? which, unless they were willing to do, she desi-
red, for God's sake, they would not trouble her (being a
lilSTOUV OF THE 3IARTYRa, 443
poor, blind, and illiterate woman) declaring, at the same
time, she was ready to yield up her life in defence of that
faith she had publicly professed."
The bishop, and his chancellor, urged many arguments
in proof of the doctrine of the real presence m the sacra-
ment of the altar, demanding " why Christ was not as able
to make the bread his body, as to turn water into wine,
to raise Lazarus from the dead, and the like, threatening
her, at the same time, with imprisonment, torments, and
death."
The poor woman, terrified at these threatenings, told
the bishop, "if he would, before that company, take it up-
on his conscience, that the doctrine which he woiild have
her to believe concerning the sacrament was true, and that
he would, at the awful tribunal of God, answer for her
therein, as Dr. Taylor, in several sermons had offered, she
would then further answer them."
The bishop, declaring " that he would," the chancellor
said to him, "my Lord, you know not what you do," you
may in no case answer for a heretick."
The bishop, struck by this interposition of the chancel-
lor, demanded of the woman, " whether she would recant
or not?" and told her "she should answer for herself."
This honest Christian finding, at length, they designed
but to prevaricate, told his lordship, that "if he refused to
take upon himself to answer for the truth of what they
required her to beHeve, she would answer no farther,' but
desired them to do their pleasure."
In consequence of this, sentence of death was pronoun-
ced against her, and she was delivered to the sheriff, who
immediately conducted her to the prison at Derby.
On the first of August, 1556, the day appointed for her
execution, she w^as led to the stake. Immediately on her
arrival at the fatal spot, she knelt down, and in the most
fervent manner repeated several prayers she had been ac-
customed to use, and desired the spectators to pray also
for her departing soul. Having finished her prayers she
arose, and was fastened to the stake ; when the fagots be-
ing lighted, she called on the Lord to have mercy on her,
and continued so to do tili the flames deprived her both
444 HISTORY OF Tllli MARTYRS.
of Speech and life. And thus did this poor woman quit
mortality, to obtain a life of immortality, the sure and cer-
tain reward of all those who suffer for the sake of the true
gospel of their Redeemer.
On the 8th of September, Edward Sharp was burnt at
Bristol ; and on the 25th of the same month, a young man,
by trade a carpenter, suffered at the same place.
The day preceding the last martyrdom, John Hart, a
shoe-maker, and Thomas- Ravendale, a currier, were
burnt at Mayfield, in Sussex. And on the 27th of the
same month, one John Hor<>, and a woman, suffered at
Wotton-Underedge, in Gloucestershire.
All these martyrs submitted to their fate with the most
Christian fortitude, giving glory to God for having num-
bered them among the followers and advocates of his
gospel.
The last we find recorded, who suffered for the truth of
the gospel in the bloody year 1556, were five persons, con-
fined with many others, in Canterbury castle who were
cruelly starved to death. Their names were as follows:
William Foster, Alice Potkins, John Archer, condemned :
John Clark, Dunstan Chittenden, not condemned.
The cruel usage these unhappy persons suffered from
their unfeeling persecutors, was displayed in a letter writ-
ten by one of them, and thrown out of the window of the
prison; of which the following is a copy.
" Be it known unto all men that shall read, or hear read,
these our letters, that we the poor prisoners of the castle
of Canterbury, for God's truth, are kept^ and lie in cold
irons, and our keepers will not suffer any meat to be
brought to us to comfort us. And if any man do bring us
any thing, as bread, butter, cheese, or any other food, the
said keeper will charge them that so bring us any thing,
except money or raiment, to carry it them again ; or else,
if he do receive any food for any of us, he doth keep it for
himself, and he and his servants do spend it, so that we
have nothing thereof; and thus the keeper keepeth away
our victuals from us: insomuch, that there are four of us
prisoners there for the truth, famished already; and thus
it is his mind to famish us all. And we think he is ap-
HISTORY OP THE MAUTYRS. 445
pointed thereunto by the bishops and priests, and also of
tlie justices, so to famish us; and not only us of the said
castle, but also all other prisoners, in other prisons, for the
like cause to be also famished; notwithstanding, we write
not these our letters, to the intent that we might not af-
ford to be famished for the Lord Jesus' sake, but for this
<:ause and intent, that they, having no law to famish us in
prison, should not do it privily, but that the murderers'
hearts should be openly known to all the world, that all
men may know of what church they are, and who is their
father. — Out of the castle of Canterbury."
Among the others confined witli these five, were ten
men, who having been examined by Dr. Thornton, suffra-
gan of Dover, and Nicholas Harpsfield, arch-deacon of Can-
terbury, were sentenced to be burnt. They had been con-
fined a considerable time, but their sentence was, at
length, put into execution; and they were the first who
opened the bloody transactions of the year 1557, Their
names were as follows : Stephen Kemp, of Norgate ; Wil-
liam Waterer, of Beddingden; W. Prowting, of Thorn-
ham; W. Lowick, of Cranbroke; Thomas Hudson, of
Salenge ; William Hay, of Hy the ; Thomas Stephens, of
Beddingden; John Philpot, of Tenterden; Nicholas Fi-
nal, of Tenterden; Matthew Bradbridge, of Tenterden.
The six first were burnt at Canterbury on the 15th of
January, 1557.
Stephens and Philpot suffered the next day at Wye ;
and Final and Bradbridge the day after, at Ashford.
They all bore their sufferings with Christian fortitude,
happily rejoicing that their troubles were drawing to an
end, and that they should leave this world, to be trans-
planted to that where "the weary are at rest, and the
wicked cease from troubling."
88
446 HISTORY OP THE MABTYRS.
CHAP. X.
MARTYRDOM OF THOMAS LOSEBY HENRY RAMSAY, AND
MANY OTHERS WHO WERE BURNT IN 1557.
. Thomas Loseby, Henry Ramsay, Thomas Thyrtell,
Margaret Hyde, and Agnes Stanley, were apprehended
as hereticks, and examined before several justices in the
county of Essex in which they resided, and were by them
sent up to the bishop of London for further examination.
On their arrival the bishop referred them to the chancel-
lor, who, after propounding to them the articles usual on
the occasion, in the diocese of London, committed them
to Newgate.
After being imprisoned about three months, they were
summoned to appear before the bishop himself, when the
following singular articles were exhibited against them: —
L " That they thought, believed, and declared, within
some part of the city and diocese of London, that the
faith, religion, and ecclesiastical service here observed
and kept, as it is in the realm of England, was not a true
and laudable faith, religion, and service, especially con-
cerning the mass and the seven sacraments, nor were they
agreeable to God's word ; and that they could not^ without
grudging and scruple, receive and use it, nor conform
themselves unto it, as other subjects of this realm custo-
marily have done,
2. "They had thought, &;c. that the English ser-
vice set forth in the time of king Edward the sixth, in this
realm of England, was good, godly, and catholick in all
points, and that it alone ought here in this realm to bq
received, used, and practised, and none other.
3. "They had thought, &c. that they were not bound
to their parish-church, and there to be present at matins,
mass, even-song, and other divine service.
4. " They had thought, &c. that they were not bound
to come to procession to the church, upon times appointed,
and to go in the same wdth others of the parish, singing or
saying the accustomed prayers used in the church, nor to
bear a taper, or candle, on candlemas-day, nor take ashes
History of the martyrs. 447
•an ash-Wednesday, nor bear palms on palm-Sunday, nor
to creep to the cross upon days accustomed, nor to receive
holy water and holy bread, or to accept or allow the cere-
emonies and usuages of the church, after the manner in
which they were then used in this realm.
5. " That they had thought, &c. that they were not
bound, at any time, to confess their sins to any priest, and
to receive absolution at his brands as God's minister, nor
to receive, at any time, the blessed sacrament of the altar,
especially as it is used in the church of England.
6. " That they had thought, &c. that in matters of reli-
gion and faith they were bound to follow and believe their
own conscience only, and not credit the determination
and common order of the catholick church, and see of
Rome, nor any member thereof, ^ - •-*
7. " That they had thought, &c. that the fashion and
manner of christening infants is not agreeable to God's
word, ajid that none can be effectually baptised, and
therefore saved, except they are arrived to years of dis-
cretion to believe themselves, and willingly accept or
refuse baptism at his pleasure.
8. '• That they had thought, &c. that prayers to saint?,
or prayers for the dead, were not available, nor allowable,
hy God's word, and that souls departed this life do imme-
diately go to heaven or hell, or else do sleep till the day
of doom: so that there is no place of purgation at all.
9. " That they had thought, &c. that all those who, in
the time of king Henry VIII. or in the time of queen
Mary, the present sovereign of England, had been
burned as hereticks, were no hereticks, but faithful, sin-
cere christians ; especially Barns, Garret, Jerome, Frith,
Rogers, Hooper, Cardmaker, Latimer, Taylor, Bradford,
Cranmer, Ridley, &c. and that they did allow and approve
all their opinions, and disapproved their condemnations
and burnings.
10. "That they had thought, &c. that fasting and
prayers used in the church of England, and the appoint-
ing a day for fasting and abstaining from flesh upon fasting
days, especially in the time of Lent, is not laudable nor
allowable, by God's word, and that men ought to have
liberty, at all times, to eat all kind of meats.
i48 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
11. "That they had thought, &c. that the sacrament
of the altar is an idol, aiid to reserve, keep, and honour it,
is idolatry and superstition, as was also the mass and
elevation of the sacrament.
12. " That they had thought, &:c. that they were not
bound to be convened before an ecclesiastical judge, con-
cerning matters of faith, nor to make answer at ally
especially upon oath on a book."
The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, eighth, and ninth,
they granted in general, excepting tliat "they denied the
the souls departed to sleep till the day of judgment, as
mentioned in the eighth article,"
With respect to the sixth article objected to them^
"they thought themselves bound to believe the triie
catholick church, so far as it instructed them according
to God's IlOly TTOrcJ', t>ut not to TOMow' iiie u^teiiiHiimlGIlS
■of the superstitious church of Rome."
Concerning the seventh, eleventh, and twelfth articles,
they admitted them, but with some exceptions.
To the tenth article they answered, that " true fasting
and prayer used, accord^ing to God's wordy was allowable,
and approved in his sight; and that, by the same word,
every faithful man may eat all meats at all times, with
thanksgiving to God for the same."
Having given these answers, they were dismissed, and
conveyed to their respective places of confinement, where
they remained till they were again brought before the
bishop, who made no other enquiry, than " whether they
would abjure their heretical opinions?" and on their re-
fusal, again dismissed them.
At length, they were brought into the publick consis-
tory court at St, Paul's and severally demanded what
they ^ad to allege, why sentence of condemnation should
not be pronounced against them.
Thomas Loseby being first questioned, thus replied,
"God give me grace to withstand you, your sentence, and
your law, which devours the flock of Christ, for I per-
ceive death is my certain portion, unless I will consent to
believe in that accursnd idol the mass."
Thomas Thyrtell being next examined, said. " My lord,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 449
if you make me a heretick^ you make Christ and the
twelve apostles all hereticks, for I hold one and the same
faith with them, and I v/ill ahide in that fliith, being
assured that it will obtain for me everlasting life."
Henry Ramsay being required to recant, answered,
"My lord, would you have me abjure the truth, and, for
fear of death here, forfeit eternal felicity hereafter?"
Margaret Hyde being questioned, replied, " My lord,
you have no cause to pronounce sentence against me, for
I am in the true faith, nor will ever forsake it; and I wish
I was more confirmed in it than I am."
Agnes Stanley, the last examined, said, "My lord, 1
would suffer every hair of my head (o be burned, before
I would renounce the faith of Christ, and his holy gospel."
The court now broke up, but was convened again in
the afternoon, when the prisoners appeared, and were
again severally examined.
. Thomas Loseby being first called upon, his articles and
answers were read; after which many attempts were
made to briiig him to a recantation, but he persisted in his
faith, declaring, that "he hoped he had the spirit of God,
which had led him into all truth:" his sentence of con-
demnation was therefore pronounced, and he was deliver-
ed to the custody of the sheriff, in order for execution.
Various arguments w^ere used by the bishop to bring
over Margaret Hyde; but she declared "she would not
depart from what she had said upon any penalty what-
ever; and added, that she would gladly hear his lordship
instruct her from some part of God's word, and not talk
to her concerning holy bread and holy water, which was
no part of God's word."
The bishop, finding her resolute, pronounced sentence
oil her, and she was delivered over to the secular power.
Agnes Stanley was also admonished to return to the
communion of the holy mother-church, but she continued
steadfast in her faith, declaring that "she was no heretick,
and that those w^ho were burned, as the papists said, for
heresy, were true martyrs in the sight of God." In con-
sequence of this, she likewise received sentence of death,
and was committed to the care of the sheriff.
38*
450 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
Thomas Thyrtell being asked what he had to allege,
answered, "My lord, I will not hold with those idolatrous
opinions you would inculcate; for I say the mass is idol-
atry, and I will abide by the faith of Christ as long as I
live."
He was then proceeded against in the same manner as
the former.
Henry Ramsay, who was last called, being asked
" whether he would stand by his answers as the rest had
done, or recant and become a new member of the church?"
replied, " I will never abjure my religion, in which I will
live, and in which I will die."
Their examination being closed, and sentence of death
passed on them all, they were immediately conducted to
Newgate, where they continued till the 12th of April,
1557. On the morning of that day they were conducted
to Smithfield, the place appointed for their execution^
where, being fastened to two stakes, they were burnt in
one fire, praising God as long as they had the power of
speech, and cheerfully giving up their lives in testimony
of the truth of the gospel.
Stephen G rat wick, being informed against by somt of
the popish emissaries, on a suspicion of heresy, was appre-
hended, and being carried before a justice of peace, was
committed to the Marshalsea prison, where he continued
for a considerable time.
At length he was brought before Dr. White, bishop of
Winchester, in St. George's church, Southwark, in order
to answer such questions as he should state, relative to
his religious opinions.
The bishop first asked him "if he would revoke the
heresies which he had maintained and defended within
his diocese?" when Mr. Gratwick answering in the nega-
tive, he administered the usual articles, desiring him to
give an ample answer to eacji.
These articles being read, Mr. Gratwick replied, " My
lord, these articles are of your making, and not of mine,
nor have I had any time to examine them, therefore I
desire the liberty of lawful appeal to mine ordinary,
having no concern with you.''^
HISTORY OF TME MARTYRS. 451
During his examination, the bishop of Rochester, and
Archdeacon of Canterbury arrived, when, on a consulta-
tion about the present case, it was agreed to introduce a
person to represent the ordinary, which being done, G rat-
wick desired leave to depart, but the counterfeit ordinary
insisted on his being detained; "that he was justly sum-
moned before those lords, and him, on trial of his faith;
and that if he confessed the truth, he should be quietly
dismissed, and alloAved full liberty,"
Gratwick told him, that "he would turn his own argu-
ment upon him, for Christ came before the high-priest,
scribes, and pharisees, bringing the truth with him, being
the very truth himself; yet both he and his truth were
condemned, and had no avail with them ; the apostles like-
wise, and all the martyrs that died since Christ, did the
same."
The Bishop of Winchester then asked " his opinion con-
cerning the sacrament of the altar?" to which he replied,
"my lord, I do verily believe, that in»the sacrament of the
Lord's supper, truly administered in both kinds, accord-
ing to the institution of Christ, unto the worthy receiver,
he eateth mystically, by faith, the body and blood of
Christ."
The bishop of Rochester observed, that "this definition
was a mere evasion of the principal points, for that he se-
parated the sacrament of the altar from the supper of the
Lord, intimating thereby, that the former was not the true
sacrament ; and also condemned their method of adminis-
tering it in one kind, as well as hindered the unworthy
receiver to eat and drink the body and blood of Christ,
which, if duly weighed, were points of the highest impor-
tance, though he had craftily evaded them."
Having entered into closer examination concerning this
matter, the counterfeit ordinary ordered the articles to be
read again, and Gratwick refusing to make any reply, was
threatened with sentence of excommunication; on which
he thus addressed himself to his examiners : —
"Since you thirst for my blood, before you are glutted
with the same, permit me a word in my own cause. On
Sunday, my Lord of Winchester, I was before you, who
452 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
took occasion to preach from these words of St. James:
^ If any man among you seem to be religious^ and bridleth not
his tongue^ but deceiveth his own hearty this man''s religion is
vain.'' From these words, my lord, by wrested inferences,
you slandered us poor prisoners, upbraiding us with the
title of Arians, Herodians, Sacramentaries, and Pelagians.
When we stood up to speak in vindication of ourselves,
you threatened to cut out our tongues, and caused us to
be dragged out of the church by violence; nevertheless, I
will abide by the truth to the end of my life."
The incensed prelate, after various endeavours, by
threats and promises, to bring him tj a recantation with
out any effect, pronounced sentence of condemnation up-
®n him, and he was delivered over to the sheriff, who im-
mediately conducted him to the Marshalsea prison. Here
he remained till the latter end of May, 1557, when he w^as
brought to the stake in St. George's Fields, and cheerful-
ly resigned up his soul into the hands of him who gave it.
William Morant and John King suffered with him; but
%ve have no account on record relative to their examina-
tions.
Alice Bendon, the wife of Edward Bendon, of the par-
ish of Stablehurst, in the county of Kent, being brought
before a magistrate on an information of heresy, was ask-
ed "why she absented herself from church?" — To which
she replied, "because there was much idolatry practised
there against the honour and glory of God."
' In consequence of this answer she was committed to
Canterbury castle; but her husband making interest for
her enlargement, she was ordered to appear before the
bishop of Dover, who asked her "if, on condition she was
released, she would go to church?" To this she gave no
satisfactory answer, notwithstanding which the bishop
gave her liberty.
On her arrival at home, her husband admonished her
for her conduct, and advised her to go to church with him;
but this she absolutely refused; on which she was again
apprehended, and taken before Sir John Gifford, who
committed her to her former place of confinement.
In consequence of this, her husband made a second ap-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 453
plication for her discharge to the bishop of Dover; but in
this he failed, the bishop telling him, '* she was a most ob-
stinate, irreclaimable heretick, and therefore he could not
release her."
Her husband then informed his lordship, that if he could
keep her brother, Roger Hall, from her, she would con-
form to the mother-church; whereupon she was removed
to another prison, and charge given, that if her bn)ther
came to visit her he should be apprehended.
She continued some time in this place without her bro-
ther's knowledge, though he sought dilligently to find her,
at the hazard of his life.
In process of time, he accidentally found her out, by
hearing her voice as he passed by the prison window,
when she was repeating a psalm, and bemoaning herself;
but fearing to go to her in a publick manner, he found a
lYiethod of conveying to her seme money and sustenance^
hy means of a long stick, which reached to the window ot
the prison.
In this prison she continued nine weeks, without seeing
any one but her keeper, lying in her clothes upon straw,
and having but three farthings a day, in bread, allowed for
her subsistence, with no drink but water.
This hard usage brought upon her a complication of
disorders, insomuch that she could not walk without the
greatest pain.
After being some time confined in this loathsome prison,
the bishop summoned her before him, and asked her "if
she would go to church, promising her great favours if
she would be reformed, and return to the holy mother-
church?"
To this she answered, " 1 am verily persuaded, by the
great severity which you have used towards me, that ye
are not of God, neither can your doings be godly; and I
see that you seek my utter destruction."
She then showed them how miserable and lame she was,
by lying so long on the cold ground in that filthy prison,
where she was deprived of the necessaries of life.
After this, the bishop caused her to be removed to the
prison, at the West-gate in Canterbury, where she had
454 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
better usage, and continued till the latter end ot April fol-
lowing, when she, and six^other prisoners, (7) being brought
before the commissioners, were severally examined ; and
on persisting in those principles which their persecutors
deemed heresy, they received sentence of excommunica-
tion, were delivered to the sheriffs^ and &ent back to
prison.
Here they continued till the 19th of June, when they
were brought to the place of execution.
Alice Bendon behaved remarkably courageous on this
melancholy occasion, setting an example to her fellow-
martyrs, who kneeled down, joined together in prayer,
and behaved with such zeal and affection, as excited the
esteem of their very enemies.
Having finished their devotions, and mutual salutations,
they were chained to several stakes, and being encompas-
sed with the fiames, they quietly yielded up their souls
to the Lord, in hopes of a joyful resurrection to life
eternal.
Richard Woodman, a merchant in the county of Sussex,
was arrested as a heretick, and nine others with him. Of
the nine other persons, we have only the account of their
being arrested, and of their martyrdom. Mr. Woodman's
sufferings arose from the following incident:
One Fairbank for some time had been a married priest,
and served the cure of Warbleton, where he often per-
suaded the people not to credit any doctrine but that
which he preached, and which was then taught and set
forth in the days of king Edward the Sixth ; but in the
beginning of the reign of queen Mary, Fairbank deserted
his reformed principles, and favoured the Romish tenets;
upon which Woodman upbraided him with inconstancy
and cowardice, and reminded him "how differently he
then preached from what he had formerly done."
In consequence of this open and frank behaviour, he
was apprehended, and being brought before several of
the justices of peace for the county of Sussex, was com-
(6.) The names of the other sufferers were, John Fishcock, Nicholaa
White, Nicholas Pardue, Barbara Finall, Mary Bradbrcge, aad Amoe
Wilson. ' "
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 4o5
mitted to the king's-bench prison, where he remained a
considerable time.
At length Mr. Woodman, and four other prisoners,
were brought together to be examined by Bonner, bishop
of London, who, after asking them some questions, *' de-
sired they would be honest men, and profess themselves
members of the true catholick church, which was built
upon the apostles and prophets, Christ being the head of
the same." To this they all said, that " they were mem-
bers of the true church, and determined, by God's grace,
to continue in the same:" upon which they were all dis-
charged.
Mr. Woodman had not long returned home, before a
report was spread " that he had c'onformed to the church
of Rome:" but he vindicated himself from that aspersion
in several companies; in consequence of which, complaint
was made to Sir John Gage, who issued warrants for
apprehending him.
As he was one day employed in his ordinary occupation,
three men came to him from the queen's chamberlain, ar-
rested him in her majesty's name, and told him he must go
with them before their lord.
The surprise of the action put him into great conster-
nation, and he desired to go home, in order to put on a
dress suitable to appear in before his superiours.
On his way homeward he reflected on the unreasonable-
ness of his fear, as they could lay no evil to his charge;
and if they killed him for well-doing, he might think him-
self happy.
These reflections afforded him courage and comfort:
he found that his fear arose from the frailty of human
nature, his attachment to his worldly possessions, and his
love to his w ife and children.
But when, on the most serious consideration, he deter-
mined, by the grace of God, to die for the sake of Christ
and his gospel, he regarded nothing in this world, resol-
ving to give up every thing in defence of the truth of the
gospel.
When he came to his house, he demanded of the men
that arrested him to show their warrant, that he might
456 HISTORY OF TOIE MARTYRS.
know the cause of his apprehensiop, and be better pre-
pared to answer for liimself when he should come before
their master.
The men, not having any warrant, were startled at his
demand, and Woodman severely reprimanded them for
offering to take him without. " I heard (says he) there
were several warrants out against me, but they were
called in as soon as I had satisfied the commissioners b}?
letter, that I was not guilty of the things laid to my
charge; therefore set }'our hearts at rest, for I will not go
with you without a warrant, unless you force me, which
do at your peril."
On their leaving his house, he called them back, and
told them, if they would produce a warrant he would go
with them freely. One of them said he would fetch one
that was left at his house ; but while he was gone Wood-
man escaped, and absented himself from home three days,
during which they searched his house several times, but
could not find him.
Mr. Woodman, finding his enemies thus resolute on his
destruction prepared himself a convenient cottage in a
wood, near his house, where he had pen and ink, a bible,
and such necessaries as he had occasion for, daily brought
him.
♦ His absence soon produced a report that he had left
the kingdom, inconsequence of which his enemies ceased
to search for him, and he embraced this opportunity of
visiting his friends and brethren; after which he went
over to Flanders, but not approving of so remote a situa-
tion from his family, he soon returned to England.
When it was known that he was come home, the curate
of the parish, and other popish emissaries, procured war-
rants to apprehend him. They often searched his house
for that purpose, but could not find him, (or he had artfully
contrived a secret place which they could not discover.
At length through the treachery of his father, and one
of his brothers, whom he had told of his hiding place, and
having great part of his substance, both land and money,
in their hands, his house was beset in the night, which as
tioon as he discoviered, he ran out bare-foot, but unhappily
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 457
treading upon some stones, he fell down,'and being seized,
was sent prisoner to London.
On the 14th of April, 1557, he was brought before Dr.
Christopherson, bishop-elect of Chichester, who told him
" he was sorry to see him on tlie present occasion, as he
heard that he was a man greatly esteemed in the country
where he lived, for his probity and charity; and at the
same time advised him seriously to consider his present
situation, nor think himself wiser than all the realm,
assuring him that he meant to do him much service."
Mr. Woodman replied, that "so far from esteeming
!iimseif wiser than all the realm, he was disposed to learn
of every man that could teach him the truth; and that,
with respect to the general esteem in virhich he was held
by his neighbours, he had ever endeavoured to maintain
a conscience void of oftence. As for my wife and chil-
dren," said he, "they are all in God's hand, and I have
them all as though I had them not, according to the words
of St. Paul; but had I ten thousand pounds in gold, I
would forego it all, rather than displease my God."
When the bishop informed him, that "the sheriff applied
to him out of respect to his character," he replied, that
"he thought proper to appeal to his ordinary;" for, said
he, "they seek most unrighteously to shed my blood, and
have laid many unjust things to my charge. If you can
prove, from the word of God, that any of my religious
principles are false, I am willing to renounce the same,
and stand here desirous of being reformed."
After this, several divines conversed with him on the
sacrament of the aitar, purgatory, and other popish
topics ; when Woodman confuted his opponents with great
energy and propriety, asserting, and proving, from scrip-
ture, " that there were but two sacraments ordained by
Christ, and observed by him, and his immediate disciples
and apostles."
Being required, by the bishop of Chichester, to relate
"a plain and full account of his belief concerning the
sacrament of the altar?" he made this explicit confession:
" I do believe, that if I came to receive the sacrament of
the body and blood of Christ, truly ministered, believing
.SO
158 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
that Christ was born for me, and that he died on the cross
for me, and that I shall be saved from my sins by his blood,
and receive the sacrament in that remembrance, then 1
believe that I do receive tiie whole Christ, mystically, by
faith."
A few days after this, Woodman was privately exam-
ined by lord Mountague's chaplain, who made use of
many arguments to bring him over to the Romish faith;
but all his efforts were ineffectual, for Woodman would
not yield to any thing that was not founded on the autho-
rity of sacred writ.
After some time he«was again brought before the bishop
of Winchester, in St. George's church, Southwark, where
several gentlemen and clergy were present, and examined
him concerning the cause of his imprisonment? to which
he replied, *'it was for speaking to the curate of his parish
in the pulpit, and not for heresy."
Being asked "what he had to allege in vindication of
himself from that charge," he cited the following words
of the statute: —
" Whoso doth interrupt any preacher, or preachers,
lawfully authorized by the queen's majesty, or by any
other lawful ordinary, that all such shall suffer three
months imprisonment for so doing; and furthermore, be
brought to the quarter-sessions, and being sorry for the
same, shall be released, upon his good behaviour, for one
whole year."
He then observed, that " he had not so offended against
the statute, for the person to whom he spoke was not law-
fully authorized, as he had not put away his wife, and,
consequently, according to the law then in force, he had
no right to preach."
On the 15th of June, Mr. Woodman was again brought
before the bishop of Winchester, in St. Saviour's church,
Southwark, in the presence of the arch-deacon of Canter-
bury, Dr. Langdall, and several other dignitaries.
The bishop of Winchester producing some writings,
asked if they were his ; to which he replied in the affir-
mative; but refused to answer to the articles he might
exhibit against him, because he was not of his diocese,
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 459
though he was then in it, consequently he had nothing to
do with him, who was not liis ordinary.
After some dispute, the hishop peremptorily asked hiir^,
" if he would become an honest man, and conform to the
iioly mother-church?" To which Mr. "Woodman replied,
that "no person could, with justice, object to his charac-
ter; and he was surprised he should charge him with
heresy, as the bishop of London had discharged him of
all matters that were laid against him on that head."
The bishop then observed:, that " when he was released,
perhaps those things were not laid to his charge; and,
therefore, they were now objected to him, because he was
suspected of being a heretick."
Mr. Woodman, at length, consented to answer to the
several articles exhibited against him, which having done,
he distinctly rehearsed the articles of his belief in the
following form: ,^
"1 beheve in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker
of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisi-
ble. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, my Saviour, very
God and man. I believe in God the Holy Ghost, the
Comforter of all God's chosen people, and that he is equal
with the Father and the son. 1 believe the true catholick
church, and all the sacraments that belong thereto."
Being farther asked concerning his belief in the sacra-
ment of the altar, he told them "he would answer no
farther questions, because he perceived they sought, to
shed his blood."
As the bishop of Chichester was not yet consecrated,
he would not undertake, judicially, to examine Woodman,
and therefore submitted the whole to the bishop of Win-
chester, who, after many other questions, and farther ar-
guments, to bring him over to recant, at length pronoun-
ced sentence of condemnation against him, and he was
accordingly delivered over to the secular power.
About a fortnight after this, Mr. Woodman was con-
veyed to Lewes, in Sussex, with the other nine martyrs, who
were all condemned for heresy a few days after their
apprehension.
^ On the 22d of July, 1557, these ten steadfast believers
460 HISTORY OF TlfE MARTVRS.
in Christ were all led to the place of execution; and be-*
ing chained to several stakes, were all consumed in one
lire. Thej died with becoming fortitude and resignation,
committing their departing spirits into the hands of that
Redeemer, who was to be their final judge, and who, they
had reason to hope, would usher them into the realms of
bliss, with " come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king-
dom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."
John Hullier, descended of reputable parents, received
a liberal education at a private school, and was then sent
to Eton college, whence, according to the rules of that
foundation, he was elected to King's college, Cambridge.
After he had been at college about three years, he was
admitted to a fellowship, and obtained a curacy at Babra-
ham, a village about three miles from Cambridge. He
had not been long here before he went to Lynn, where he
had several debates with the papists. They reported his'
principles to Dr. Thirlby, bishop of EI}^, who sent for him,
and, after a short examination relative to his faith, com-
mitted him to the castle of Cambridge.
A short time after this, he was cited to appear at St.
Mary's church, before several doctors both of law and di-
vinity, by whom he was reprimanded for opposing the
doctrines of the church of Rome, and maintaining and de-
fending those set forth in the days of king Edward VI.
His examination being finished, he was required to re-
cant his erroneous opinions ; which peremptorily refusing,
he was degraded, condemned, and delivered over to the
secular power, who immediately divested him of all his
books, papers, and writings.
On the day appointed for his execution, he was conduc-
ted to the stake without the town, at a place called Jesus
Green, near Jesus college, where, having made the neces-
sary preparations on the melancholy occasion, he desired
the spectators "to pray for him, and to bear witness that
he died in the faith of Christ, sealing the same with his
blood." He likewise assured them that " he died in a good
cause, for the testimony of the truth, .and that there was
no other rock, but Jesus Christ, to build upon, nor any
hope of salvation, but through his death and sufferings*" '
UlsrORY OF THE MARTYRS. 1(31
One of the proctors of the universit}', and some of the
fellows of Trinity college, were offended at his address to
the people, and reproved the mayor for giving him liberty
to speak. To this our martyr made no reply; when be-
ing chained to the stake, Mr. Hullier earnestly called up-
on God for his grace and support, to enable him to under-
go the fiery trial.
As soon as the fagots were lighted, a ivumber of books
were thrown into the midst of them, and among the rest
a communion-book, which our martyr catching, joyfully
read in it till the flames and smoke prevented him from
seeing. He then prayed with a loud voice, holding the
book as long as he was able, and praising God for send-
ing it to him as a comforter in his last moments !
After the spectators thought he had been dead, he sud-
denly uttered, *• Lord Jesus receive my spirit," and then
quietly expired.
His death was greatly lamented by many of the specta-
tors, who prayed for him, and expressed their grief by
iloods of tears, life having been a man of eminent piety,
and the most exemplary virtue.
Shimon Miller was an eminent merchant in the town of
Lynn-Regis ; a pious man, zealous for the truth of the gos-
pel, and averse to the popish religion.
Having occasion to go to Norwich on business, he in-
quired of some people coming out of church from the po-
pish service, where he might go and recciv(i the commu*
nion, which being reported to Chancellor Dunning, he
ordered him to appear before him. This summons he rea-
dily obeyed, when the chancellor asked him several ques-
tions, to which answering agreeable to the dictates of his
conscience, he- was committed prisoner to the bishop*g
palace.
After being some time in confinement, he obtained per-
mission to go home, in order to settle his worldly concerns,
On his return he was again examined by the chancellor,
who required him to recant his opinions, and return to the
holy mother-church; but Mr. Miller remaining inflexible
in his faith and profession, was condemned as a heretick,
and delivered over to the secular power,
39*
462 History of the martyrs.
Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper was the wife of a tradesman in
Norwich. She liad formerly been prevailed on to recant
the protestant, and embrace the Romish religion; but be-
ing troubled in her conscience for so doing, she went one
day to St. Andrew's church, where, in the presence of a
numerous audience, she stood up, and publickly revoked
her recantation. She was immediately apprehended, and
committed to prison, and next day brought before the bish-
op, when persisting in her faith, he condejjmed her as a
relapsed person, and delivered her to the sheriff for exe-
cution.
On the 30th of July, 1557, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Coop-
er, were both led to the stake in a hollow, without the
city of Norwich, near Bishopsgate. As soon as the fagots
were lighted, Elizabeth Cooper expressed some fear; but
being encouraged by the advice and example of her fel-
low-martyr, she remained fixed, and they both cheerfully
resigned their souls into the hands of him who gave them.
On the 7th of March, 1557, about two o'clock in the
morning, Edmund Tyrrell, a descendant of that Tyrrell
who murdered King Edward V. in the Tower of London,
assisted by the baliff. of the hundred, two constables, and
a great number of other attendants, went to the house of
William Munt, farmer, at Much-Bentley, in Essex; and
after alarming the family, told Mr. Munt that he and his
wife must both go with him to Colchester castle.
This sudden surprise greatly affected Mrs. Munt, who,
after she had a little recovered herself, desired of Tyrrell
that her (daughter might be permitted to fetch her some-
thing to drink before she went with him. This being gran-
ted, Tyrrell took the opportunity of advising the daugh-
ter, as she passed by him, to give her father and mother
better counsel, and admonish them to behave more like
good christians, and members of the catholick church.
The daughter replied, "they had the holy ghost for
their instructer, and therefore needed no other." This
answer greatly irritated Tyrrell, who, after using many
harsh words, assured her, " he was now convinced of the
absolute necessity of cdling such hereticks to immediate
account.'*
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 463
Tyrrell, from the most abusive language, proceeded to
the most cruel behaviour; and in order to try if she could
bear burning, took the girl by the wrist, and held the
lighted candle under her hand, burning it across the back
till the sinews cracked, frequently exclaiming, during the
barbarous operation, "2i'%, inlt thou not cry?'' This she
endured with the utmost patience, telling the villain, " if
he thought proper, he might tiien begin at her feet and
proceed to the head, for that he that prompted him to
such work would one day pay him his wages."
Tyrrell then seized William Munt, Alice his wife, and
Rose Allen, their daughter, and immediately conducted
them to Colchester castle, together with John Johnson,
whom they took in their way, in consequence of an infor-
mation that had been laid against him for heresy.
They also the same morning apprehended William Bon-
geor, Thomas Benhote, William Purchase, Agnes Silver-
side, Hellen Ewring, and Elizabeth Folk ; but not choos-
ing to place those with the rest, they sent them prisoners
t© Mote-hill.
After they had been confined a few days, they were all
brought together before several justices of the peace,
priests and officers, amongst whom were Kingston the
commissary, and Boswell the bishop of London's secretary,
with many others, in order to be examined relative to
their faith.
The first person called was William Bongeor, who be-
ing examined concerning his faith in the sacrament, repli-
ed, that "what they termed the sacrament of the altar
was bread, is bread, and remaineth bread, and was not in
the least holier for the consecration." This he affirmed,
and at the same time protested against all the popish doc-
trines in general ; upon which he immediately received
sentence of condemnation.
Thomas Benhote also denied the sacrament of the ajtar,
and abjured the errours of the Romish church.
William Purchase declared, that "when he received
the sacrament of the altar, he received bread in a holy
use, and both bread and wine as such, but in remem»
brance of Christ's death and passiwi."
404 HISTOKV OF THE MARTYRS.
Agnes Silverside said " she approved not of the popish
consecration, nor any of the pageant ahsurdities and su-
perstitions of the Church of Rome, which was the church
of anti-christ."
Hellen Ewring also renounced all the doctrines and
practices set fortli by the church of Rome.
Elizabeth Folk being asked, "whether she believed the
presence of Christ's body to be in the sacrament of the
altar, really and substantially?" replied, "she believed it
was a substantial and a real lie."
The commissioners being incensed at so abrupt a reply,
asked her, "whether, after consecration, there remained
not the body of Christ in the sacrament?" She answered,
that "before consecration, and after, it was bread, and that
what man blessed without God's word, was accursed and
deemed abominable by that word."
They then examined her relative to her confession to a
priest, of going to church, to hear mass, of the authority of
the bishop of Rome, &c. Unto all which she answered,
that "she would neither use, nor frequent any of them, by
the grace of God, but did utterly detest them from her very
heart and soul."
In consequence of this, sentence of condemnation was
passed on her; immediately after which she kneeled down,
lifted her eyes and hands to heaven, and in an audible voice
"praised Cod, that she was deemed worthy to suffer for
the testimony of Christ, praying, at the same time, for her
persecutors."
William Munt being asked his opinion concerning the
sacrament of the altar, said, " it was a most abominable
idol, and that if he should observe any part of the popish
superstition, he should displease God, and bring a curse
upon himself; and therefore-, for fear of the divine ven-
geance, he would not bow down to an idol."
John Johnson answered to the same effect with Munt;
but added, that "in receiving the sacrament, according to
Christ's institution, he received the body of Christ spir-
itually."
Alice, the wife of William Munt, renounced all popish
errour and superstition, and continued steadfast in the pro*
fession of *^^he true faith of Jesus Christ.
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 46&
Rose Ailen, who was last called, being examined "con-
cerning auricular confession, hearing mass, and the seven
sacraments?" answered, that *nhey were an abomination
in the eyes of the Lord, and that she would therefore for
ever reject them." She likewise told them that "she was
no member of their church, for they were the members of
anti-christ, and would have the reward of anti-christ, if
they repented not."
In consequence of this, sentence was then read against
her, and she and the rest were all delivered over to the
secular power.
They continued nutler con^nenwut with much joy and
comfort, frequently reading the word of God, and exer-
cising themselves in fervent prayer^ impatiently waiting
their happy dissolution.
Bishop Gardiner having an account transmitted to him
of the condemnation of these ten innocent persons, for
the alleged crime of heresy, sent down a warrant for
their being burned, and fixed the time on the 2d of
August.
As the prisoners were confined in different places, it
was resolved by the officer, that part of them should be
executed in the former, and the rest in the latter part of
that day. Accordingly WiBiam Bongeor, William Pur
chase, Thomas Benhote, Agnes Silverside, Hellen Ewring,
and Elizabeth Folk, were brought early in the morning
to the place appointed for them to suffer, where every thing
was prepared for the bloody catastrophe.
When these martyrs arrived at the spot, they kneeled
down, and humbly addressed themselves to Almighty
God, though they were interrupted by their popish
enemies.
After they had done praying, they arose, were fastened
to the stakes, and burnt in one fire. They died with
amazing fortitude and resignation, triumphing in the midst
of the flames, and exulting in hopes of the future glory
that awaited their departure from a sinful world.
In like manner, in the afternoon of the same day,
William and Allice Munt, Rose Allen, and John Johnson,
were brought to the game place where their fellow-mar^
466 HISTORY OF THE MARTVItS.
tyrs had suffered in the morning. As soon as they arrived,
they all kneeled down, and for some time prayed with the
greatest fervency. After prayers, they arose, and cheer-
fully submitted to be fastened to the stakes; they then
earnestly prayed to God to enable them to endure the
fiery trial, exhorted the people to beware of idolatry, and
with their latest breath confessed the faith of Christ cru-
cified, whom to know is eternal life, and for whom to die
is the glory of all his chosen people.
Information having been laid against Richard Crash-
field, he was apprehended on suspicion of heresy, brought
before chancellor Dunning, and examined concerning "the
ceremonies of the church, whether he believed them to
be good and godly?"
Mr. Crashtield replied, "he believed as many of them
as were founded on the word of God, and authorized by
the practice and example of Christ and his apostles,"
. The chancellor then particularly examined him con-
cerning "the corporeal presence in the eucharist:" to
which Crashfield said, "he believed that Christ's body
was broken by him upon the cross, and his blood shed
for his redemption, of which bread and wine are a per-
petual remembrance, the pledge of God's mercy, and the
seal of his promise to those who faithfully believe in his
most holy gospel."
Mr. Crashfield was then dismissed for the present and
sent back to prison; but the next day he was again brought
before the chancellor, who asked him "if he still persisted
in his heretical opinions?"
On his replying in the affirmative, and confirming the
same by his answers to other questions and articles pro-
posed to him, the chancellor stood up, and in form requir-
ed him "to turn from his wicked errours and damnable
heresies, and not be an example of impiety and obstinacy,"
adding, "through his presumptuous reading, he persuaded
silly women to embrace his errours at the hazard of their
souls," and promising him mercy on his compliance with^
these terms.
Our martyr boldly maintained "his faith in the pure
doctrines, and uncorrupted ceremonies of the church of
^tlSroilY OF THE MAUTVRS. 467
Christ, telling the arrogant chancellor, that it was of God
whom he had oftended, that he craved mercy, and not of
him who was a sinner like himself, and therefore inccipa-
blfc o( dispensing forgiveness, or giving any satisfaction to
his precious soul."
At length, the chancellor finding him inflexibly attached
to his opinions and principles, in order to obtain pretence
for condemning him, asked " when he was last at his
parish-church?"' and on his answering that "it was two
years past," told him " he stood excommunicated, and con-
sequently condemned as a heretick."
Mr. Crashfield not making any reply, sentence of death
was passed on him, and he w^as delivered to the sheriff of
the connty in order for execution.
A few days after his condemnation he was brought to
the stake, where, in the presence of numerous spectators,
with great patience and constancy, he yielded up his soul
to God in testimony of the truth of his holy word.
In the beginning of the reign of queen Mary, a Mrs.
Lewis went to church, heard mass, w^as confessed, and at-
tended to all the ceremonies of the Romish church, till at
length it pleased God, by the preaching of a protestaiit,
minister, to convince her of her errours, and convert her
to the true faith of the gospel of Christ.
What greatly contributed to her conversion was the
burning of a faithful servant of God at Coventry. She
enquired into the cause of that cruel affair, and being
told " it was because he would not receive the mass," she
began to entertain doubts concerning the truth of the
religion she professed, and accordingly applied for satisfac-
tion to one Mr. Glover, who had suffered much himself
for his steadfast attachment to the truth of Christ's gospel.
This good man pointed out to her the errours of the
Romish church, proving them to be antiscriptural and
antichristian, and advising her "to make the word of God
her constant study, and regulate her faith and practice by
that alone."
Mrs. Lewis immediately took his advice, and gave her-
self up to prayer and acts of benevolence, determined, by
the grace of God, both to do and believe what she was
enjoined by the word of God.
468 HISTORY QF THE MAUTYRS.
Being one day urged by her husband to go to church,
she went, and when the holy water was spread about, she
turned her back on it, and highly expressed her displeas-
ure. This being observed by several of the congregation,
an accusation was, the next day, laid against her before
the bishop of Litchfield, *' for despising the sacrament of
the church."
The bishop sent an officer to summon her to appear
before him; but when it was delivered to her husband, he
threatened the officer, unless he immediately withdrew.
This treatment being reported to the bishop, he ordered
both Mr. Lewis and his wife to appear before him; when,
after a short examination, he dismissed the husband, on
his begging pardon for his conduct, and offered forgiveness
to her for the offence she had committed at the church,
on the same terms. But she courageously told his lord-
ship, that "by refusing holy water, she had not offended
God, or any of his laws."
" Though the bishop was greatly offended at this reply,
yet as she was a person of considerable repute, he did not
proceed immediately against her, but gave her a month to
consider of it, binding her husband in an hundred pound
bond, to bring her again to him at the expiration of that
time.
When the period fixed was nearly arrived, many of
their friends advised her husband, by all means, not to
deliver her up, but to convey her to some convenient
retirement, sayitig, "he had better sustain the loss of an
hundred pounds, than be instrumental to his wife's des-
truction."
To these remonstrances the unnatural husband replied,
'*he would not forfeit his bond for her sake," and, accor-
dingly, when the time was expired, he delivered her to the
bishop, who still finding her resolute, committed her to a
loathsome prison.
She was several times examined by the bishop, who
reasoned with her "on her not coming to mass, receiving
the sacrament, and the sacramentals of the holy church:"
to this she replied, that "she found not those things iij
God^s words, which he so much urged and magnified as
HISTORY OF TiM* MARTYils. *ib9
ueeessary to salvation,-' adding, that if those thiugs were
founded on God's word, she would receive them with all
her heart.''
He told her, " if she would believe no more than was in
scripture, she was a damnable heretick;" and after much
farther discourse with her, pronounced sentence against
her as an irreclaimable heretick.
After her condemnatien she remained a whole year in
confinement, when, at length, the writ for her execution
arriving, she sent for several of her friends to advise her
"how to behave herself, that her death might redound to
the glory of God, and the establishment of his people;"
declaring, at the same time, that "she feared not death,
when she thought on her Saviour Christ,"
The night !)efore she suffered, two priests visited her, and
desired to hear her confession, but she ritjected their re-
. quest with disdain,
> In the morning of the iOth of September, 1557, she
was conducted to the place of execution by the two sher-
^iTs, and a strong guard. As soon as she arrived at the
stake, she kneeled down, and prayed most earnestly to God»
" beseeching him to abolish the idolatrous m<iss„ and de-
liver the kingdom from popery;" to which one of the
sheriffs, and many of the spectators, cried, "Amen."
When she was. chained to the stake she appeared not in
the least afraid of the horrid punishment that awaited
her; but, on the contrary, wore a calm and pleasing
countenance: and when the fagots were lighted, she lifted
up her hands and eyes to heaven, in which posture she
quietlv resigned her soul into the hands of her blessed
Redeem.er.
Mr. Ralph Allerton was informed against by several
bigoted papists in the neighbourhood where he lived, ap-
prehended on suspicion of heresy, and after undergoing
a short examination before a magistrate, was committed
to prison.
A few days after, he was brought before lord Darcy,
who accused him "of not only absenting himself from
church, but also that, by pre2u;hing, he had persuaded
others to follow his example."
40
•170 HISTORY OF TIIE MARTYRS.
To this Mr. Allerton made the following confession:
that coming to his parish church, and tinding the people
sitting there, some gazing about, and others talking on
unprofitable subjects, he exhorted them " to pray, meditate
on God's word, and not sit idle, to which they willingly
consented; and after prayer, he read a chapter to them in
the New Testament. This he continued to do for some
time, till he was informed his proceedings were contrary
to law, as he was neither priest or minisjter; upon which
he desisted."
He likewise confessed, that "he was taken up for read-
ing in the parish of Welly; but when those that appre-
hended him understood he had read but once, and that it
\Tas an exhortation to obedience, they let him go ; after
which, being afraid, he kept in woods, barns, and solitary
places, till he was apprehended."
After this examination, the lord Darcy sent him to
London to the queen's commissioners, by whom he was
referred to bishop Bonner, who persuaded him publicly
to recant his profession at St. Paul's church, and then dis-
missed him; whereupon he returned into the country.
He was greatly troubled in his conscience for what he
had done, earnestly repented of the same, and openly
professed the faith he had shamefully revoked; till Thomas
Tye, priest of the parish, who had been a professor of
the truth, but was now a persecutor, caused him to be ap-
prehended, and again brought up to the bishop of London.
When he came before this haughty judge, he asked
him the cause of his being brought, telling him, '^he be-^
lieved he was WTongfully accused, unless he had dis-
sembled."
Allerton told his lordship, that he was not guilty of
what was laid to his charge, and desired to know his ac-
cusers, and the particulars of his accusation, in order that
he mighfbe able to defend himself."
In answer to this request the bishop told him, that "if
he had not dissembled, he needed not to be afraid, or
ashamed; and urged him to tell him if he dissembled in
his former recantation."
Allerton replied, "if my accusers are not produced
UISTOUY OF THE MARTYRS. 471
before your lordship, my conscience will constrain me to
accuse myself; for i confess 1 have most grievously oflend-
ed God' by my dissimulation, when 1 was last before your
lordship, for which I am now heartily concerned."
When the bishop enquired the cause of his dissembling,
he replied, ''My lord, if your lordship remembers, I set
my hand to a certain writing, the contents of which were,
that I did believe in all things as the catholick church
teacheth, &:c. in which I did not disclose my mind, but
most shamefully dissembled, as I made no distinction be-
tween the true church and the false one."
Being called upon to declare ''what he thought to be
the true church?" he would not allow the church of Rome
to be so; but said, that on the contrary, those christians
who w^ere persecuted by the Romish church, were mem-
bers of the true catholick church of Christ. Upon w^hich
the bishop called him "heretick, and sent him to the
Little-ease prison at Guildhall, in London.
After being confined there a whole day, the bishop
•again sent for him, and in the presence of the dean of
St. Paul's and the chancellor of the diocese, produced
some writings, which Mr. Allerton acknowledged to be
his. The bishop then asked "if he bad been at mass
since he was last before him?" to which he answered in
the negative, declaring, that "he had neither been at mass,
or matins, nor any other strange worshipping of God."
The chief person that appeared against him in the
court, 'was Thomas Tye, the priest of the parish of Great
Bentley, in Essex, who affirmed, that "he was a seditious
person, and had stirred up great strife in the neighbour-
hood where he lived."
This, with other complaints, being alleged against him,
he was sent to prison again, and in a short time brought
before the queen's council, who demanded of him "wheth-
er he believed, that after the words of consecration spoken
by the priest, there retnained no bread, but the very body
of our Saviour Jesus Christ, God and Man, and no other
substance under the form of bread?"
On Mr. Allerton's demanding scripture proof for this
doctrine of tran?ubstantiation, the bishop asked him "if
172 IIISTOUY OF THE MARTYRS.
Christ did not say, This is mij body?^' adding, **vvilt thou
deny these words of our Saviour Christ, or was he diss^tn-
bier?'' — "No, my lord," replied Mr. Ailerton, "Christ is
true, and all men are liars: yet I must refuse to under-
stand the words of our >Saviour so fantastically as you
teach or take them, for then we should agree with the
hcreticks, called, Nestorians, who denied that Christ had
a true natural body. This, methinks, you do, my lord, if
you afiirm his body to be there, because you then affirm
his body to be fantastical, not natural; and therefore look
well to it, for God's sake."
The bishop, after severely reprimanding him for what
he said, dismissed him for the present, and he was recon-
ducted to prison.
On the 15th of IMay he was brought before bishop
Bonner, at his palace in London, where the following
articles were exhibited against him:
1 "That he was of the parish of Much-Bentley, in
Essex, and of the diocese of London.
2. "That on the 10th of January last past, Mr. John*
Mordant preaching at St. Paul's, London, the said Ralph
Ailerton did there openly submit himself to the church
of Rome, with the rites and ceremonies thereof.
3. "That he did consent and subscribe, as well unto
the submission, as also to one other bill, in the which he
granted, that if he should, at any time, turn again unto
his former opinions, it should be then lawful for the
bishop immediately to denounce and adjudge him as ii
heretick.
4. "That he had subscribed to a bill, wherein he af-
firmed, that in the sacrament, after the words of consecra-
tion be spoken by the priest, there remaineth still materi-
al bread and material wine; and that he believed, that
the bread is the bread of thanksgiving, and the memorial
of Christ's death; and that, when he received it, he re-
ceived the body of Christ spiritually, in his soul, but ma-
terial bread in substance.
5. " That he had openly affirmed, and also advisedly
spoken, that which is contained in the said former fourth
artick; last before specified;
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 473
6. " That he had spoken against the bishop of Rome,
with the see and church of the same, and also against the
seven sacraments, and other ceremonies and ordinances
of the same church, used then within this realm.
7, "That he had allowed and commended the opinions
and faith of Mr. Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer, and others,
of late burnt within this realm, and believed their opinions
to be good and godly.
8". " That he had divers times affirmed, that the religion
used within this realm, at the time of his apprehension,
w^as neither good nor agreeable to God's word, and that
he could not conform himself thereunto,
9. '^ That he had affirmed, that the book of common-
prayer, set forth in the reign of king Edward VI. was in
all parts, good and godly: and that the said Ralph and his
company, being prisoners, did daily use, among themselves,
in prison, some part of the same book..
10. "That he had affirmed, that if he were out of
prison he would not come to mass, matins, nor even-song,
nor bear taper, candle, nor palm, nor go in procession,
nor would receive holy water, holy bread, ashes, or pix,
nor any other ceremony used within tliis realm.
11. "That he had affirmed, that if he was at liberty
he would not confess his sins to any priest, to receive ab-
solution of him, nor yet would receive the sacrament of
the altar, as it was then used.
1*3. "That he had affirmed, that praying to saints, and
prayers for the dead, were neither good nor profitable, and
that a man is not bound to fast and pray, but at his own
will and pleasure; neither that it is lawful to reserve the
sacrament, nor to worship it.
13. " That the said Ralph Alierton hath, according to
these affirmations, abstained and refused to come unto his
parish-church ever since the 10th of January last, or to
use, receive, or allow any ceremonies, sacraments, or other
rites then used in the church.*'
To these articles Mr. Alierton, in general, answered in
the affirmative, objecting only to that clause in the T^th,
*'that a man is not bound to fast and pray, but at his own
will and pleasure j" and confessed, at the same time, that
40*
474 HISTORY OP the martyrs.
" he had neither fasted nor prayed so frequently as it was
his duty to have done."
Many arguments were used by Dr. Darbyshire, the
bishop's chancellor, and others, to bring Mr. Allerton to
a recantation; but all proving ineffectual, he was sent
back again to prison.
A few days after, he, with his fellow-martyrs, were
ordered to appear before bishop Bonner, at his palace at
Fulham, where, hi his private chapel, he judicially pro-
pounded to thera divers articles, the particulars of which
were addressed to Ralph Allerton, in the following
form: —
" Thou Ralph Allerton, canst not deny but that the in-
formation given against thee, and remaining now in the
acts of this court of thine ordinary Edmund Bonner,
bishop of London, was, and is, a true information.*'
The substance of the informp.tion was this: —
" That one Lawrence Edwards had a child unchristen-
ed, and Mr. Tye, the curate, asked him why his child was
not baptized? Edwards replied, 'Mt should be baptized
when he could find one of his own religion,*'
Mr. Tye told him, "he had imbibed those notions from
some busy people, who go about to spread heresy." Ed-
wards acknowledged "he had," telling him, at the same
time, "if his doctrine was better he would receive it."
He then produced Allerton^ to whom the curate said, "if
be had instructed Edwards, it was against God's com-
mandments to enter into the church." On this, Allerton
thus addressed the people who were present: "O good
people, now is fulfilled the saying of the priest and proph-
et Esdras, viz. The fire of a multitude is kindled against
a few, they have taken away their houses, and spoiled
their goods. Which of you have not seen this day? Who
Is here among you that seeth not all these things done up-
on this day? The church, unto which they call us, is the
church of Anti-Christ, a persecuting church, and the
church militant."
This was the cause of his being apprehended, and sent
up to the bishop of London.
He was also charged with writing several letters, and
HISTORY OF TIIK M VHTYRS. 475
Other things, which were found on him in prison. He con-
fessed, when they were produced, that "he had written
them, and that they were intended to he sent to some per-
sons that were in prison for the sake of the gospel, at Col-
chester, where they were afterwards hurnt."
AUerton was then dismissed, and the examination de-'
ferred to the afternoon, when several other articles were
ohjected to him; but these being mostly false, he refused
to answer. lie granted, indeed, that "he disapproved of
the mass, and other ceremonies, that were contrary to the
express word of God."
When the decree of Pope Innocent III. concerning fhe
sacrament of the altar, was read to him by the bishop, he
declared "he regarded it not, nor was it necessary that
any man should believe it."
When Bonner asked him "what he had to .allege why
Sentence of condemnation should not be passed upon him?"
he briefly answered, "my lord, you ought not to condemn
me as a heretick, for I am a good Christian: but do as
you have determined, for I perceive that right aiKl truth
are suppressed, and cannot now appear upon earth."
In consequence of this answer Mr. Allerton was con-
demned as a heretick, and immediately delivered over to
the secular power.
James Astoo, and Margery, his wife, v/ere next exam-
ined; Vv-hen the bishop, among other things, asked the for-
mer "if he had been confessed in Lent, and whether he
•had received the sacrament at Easter?" Mr. Astoo repli-
ed, "he had been confessed by the curate of Allhallows^
Barking, near the Tower of London ; but that he had not
received the sacrament of the altar, because he detested
it as an abominable idol."
The bishop then asked Margery, his wife, "if she ap-
proved of the rehgion then used in the church of England?"
She replied in the negative, affirming it to be "corrupt and
anti-scriptural; and that those who conformed to it were
infl^uenced rather by fear than a conviction that it was
founded on the- word of God."
Being required by the bishop to " go to church, hear
massj and pray for the prosperity of the queen f' she de
47'6 HISTORY OF the martyrs*
clared " her abhorrence of the mass, and that she would
not conne into any church where there were idols."
The bishop then made use of the most forcible argu-
ments to induce them to recant; but they both persisted
in their faith and profession, and the renouncing all popish
doctrines and practices; in consequence of which they se-
parately received sentence of condemnation, and were de-
livered into the hands of the sheriff, in order for execution.
Richard Roth, the last examined, was strongly urged by
the bishop "to acknowledge the seven sacraments, as also
the corporeal presence in the eucharist." But he briefly
told him, that "if those doctrines were tauglit in the holy
scriptures, he would believe them ; if otherwise, he must
reject them."
Being examined more particularly "concerning the sa-
crament of the altar, and other points," he plainly declar-
ed, that "in that ceremony there was not the very body
and blood of Christ; but that it was a dead god, and the
mass was abominable, and contrary to God's holy word
and will, from which faith and opinion he was determined,
through the strength of divine grace, never to depart."
He was afterwards accused "of being an encouragerof
hereticks, and that he had written divers letters to certain
persons who were burnt at Colchester;" the latter of.
which he frankly acknowledged.
Being asked "his opinion of Ralph Allerton?" he an-
swered, that " he esteemed him as a sincere servant of*
God ; and that if hereafter, at any time, he should be put
to death for his faith and religion, he believed he w^ould
die a martyr for the cause of Christ, and the truth of his
gospel."
He was then asked, "if he approved of the order and
rites of the church at that time used in England?" To
which he answered in the negative, declaring, that "he
utterly abhorred them." In consequence of this he re-
ceived sentence of death, and was immediately delivered
to the sheriff, in order for execution.
On the 17th of September, 1557, these four steadfast
believers in Christ were conducted by the sheriff, and his
attendants, to Islington, where they were fastened to two
HISTORY or TIIE^IARTVRS. 477
stakes, and consumed in one fire. They all behaved in a
manner truly consistent with their situation, and as became
the real followers of Jesus Christ, cheerfully resigning up
their souls in testimony of the truth of his holy word.
John Hallingdale, William Sparrow, and Richard Gib-
son, were seized as hereticks; and after being confined for
some time, were brought before Bonner for examination.
The first person examined was John Hallingdale, against
whom the following articles were exhibited.
1. " That the said John Hallingdale is of the diocese of
London, and subject to the bishop of London's jurisdiction.
2. "That the said John, before the time of the reign of
Edward the sixthy late king of England, was of the same
faith and religion that was then observed, believed, taught,
and set forth here in this realm of England.
3. "That during the reign of the said Edward the sixth,
late king of England, upon the occasion of the preaching
of certain ministers in that time, he did not abide in his
former faith and religion, but did depart from it, and so
did, and doth continue, till this present day,. and so deter-
mineth to do (as he saith) to his life's end.
4. "That the said John Hallingdale hath thought,believ-
ed, and spoken, divers times, that the faith, religion, and-
ecclesiastical service, received, observed, and used now
in this realm of England, is not go'od and laudable, but
against God's commandment and word; especially con-
cerning the mass, and the seven sacraments: and that the
said John will in no wise conform himself to the same, but
speak and think against it during his natural life.
5. "That the said John absenteth himself continually
from his own parish church of St. Leonard, neither hear-
ing matins, mass, nor even-song; nor yet confessing his
gins to the priest, or receiving the sacraments of the altar
at his hands, or in using other ceremonies, as they are now
used in the churches and realm of England: and, as he
remembereth, he never came but once into the said par-
ish-church of St. Leonard, and careth not (as he saith) if
he never come there any moro, the service being as it is
there at present, and so many abuses being there, as he
saith there are, especially the mass, tbjp sacraments, and
the ceremomes and service set forth in Latin.
478 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRF.
6. "That the sciid John caused his child to be christion-
ed in EngUsh, after the same manner and form, in all
points, as it was used in the time of the reign of King Ed-
ward the sixth, aforesaid, and caused it to be called
Joshua, and would not have the said child christened in
Latin, after the form and manner now used in the church
and realm of England; nor will have it, by his will, (as he
saith) confirmed by the bishop."
The particulars stated in all these articles were ac-
knowledged by Mr. Hallingdale to be just; and he said,
"he would not, on any condition whatever, revoke his an-
swers."
The bishop then asked him, " whether he did firmly be-
lieve, that in the sacrament, commonly called the sacra-
ment of the altar, there is really and truly the very body
and blood of our Saviour Christ, or not?" To which Hal-
lingdale made answer, that "he neither, in the time of
King Edward VI. nor at present, did believer that in the
said sacrament there is really the very body and blood of
Christ: for, if he had so believed, he w^ould, as others had
done, have received the same, which he did not, because
he had believed, and then did believe, that the very body
of Christ is only in heaven, and no where else."
He likewise said, that "Cranmer, Lattimer, Ridley,
Hooper, and many others, who had been lately burned for
hereticks, were far otherwise, as they all preached the
true gospel. That on their preaching he grounded his
faith and conscience, according to the saying of St. John,
in the 18th chapter of his Revelation, that the blood of
the prophets and of the saints, and of all that were slain
upon earth, was founded in the anti-christian church,
by which is understood, that church whereof the pope is
head."
After this examination he was re-conducted to prison,
and the next day brought again before the bishop, who
used his utmost endeavours to prevail on him to recant;
but finding them all ineffectual, he read the sentence of
condemnation, and he was immediately delivered over to
^he secular power.
The articles exhibited against WiHiam Sparrow were
the following:
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 479
1. **That thou, William Sparrow, wast, in times past,
detected and presented lawfully unto thine ordinary the
bishop of London, called Edmund, who also is now thine
ordinary, and of the said diocese : and thou wast present-
ed and detected unto him for heresy, errours, and unlaw-
ful opinions, which thou didst believe, set forth, and hold.
2. "That thou, before thy said ordinary, didst openly
and judicially confess the said heresies, errours, and un-
lawful opinions, as appeareth plainly in the acts of the
court made before thine ordinary.
3. "That thou, after the premises, didst make thy sub-
mission in writing, and didst exhibit and deliver the same
as thy deed to thy said ordinary, openly confessing and re-
cognizing thy heresies, errours, and unlawful opinions, and
thine otfences and translations in that behalf.
4. "That thou, after the premises, didst promise unto
thy said ordinary, voluntarily, and of thine own accord,
that always, after the said submission, thou wouldest in
all points conform thyself unto the common order of the
catholick church observed and kept here in this realm of
England, and in no wise fall again into heresies, errours,
or unlawful opinions.
5. " That thou, since thy said submission, hast willingly
fallen into certain heresies and errours, and hast holden
and set fourth divers unlawful opinions, to the very great
hurt of thine own soul, and also to the great hindrance and
loss of divers others, especially against the sacraments of
the catholick church,
6. "That thou, since the said submission, hast willingly
gone about divers places within the diocese of London, and
sold divers heretical, erroneous, and blasphemous ballads,
and was apprehended and taken with the ballads about
thee, and committed to prison."
To these respective articles Mr. Sparrow gave the fol-
lowing answers; —
To the first, second, third, and fourth articles, he an-
swered affirmatively: that "he was presented and detect-
ed by bishop Bonner, unto whom he made his subjection,
&c. as in the said articles."
V. To the fifth article he answered, that "if he had spoke
480 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS,
against the sacrament of the altar, &c. he had spoken but
the truth."
To the sixth he answered, that "he granted it; adding,
that "he did sell the ballads then showed and read before
him, and that the same contained God's holy word/'
After this examination he w^as sent back to prison; but
in th« afternoon of the same day he was again brought be-
fore the bishop, who charged him with his foimer sub-
mission.
To this charge he answered, "I am very sorry that I
ever made it; for it w^ds the worst deed I ever did."
The bishop then told him, that " he w ent to church, and
there was confessed, and heard mass."
This Mr. Sparrow acknowledged, and that "it was with
a troubled conscience;" and added, "that which you call
the truth I do believe to be heresy."
Bonner then charged him with the contents of the fifth
article; to which he answered, that "he had done as was
contained in that article, and so he would again, were he
at liberty."
Being then asked by the bishop "whether he would per-
sist and continue in the same?" he answered, that "he
would not go from his opinion:" and added, "that which
you call heresy is good and godly; and if every hair of my
head was a man, I would burn them all, rather than go
from the truth!"
After this, the bishop endeavoured to prevail on him to
recant, saying, that "on those conditions he should be dis-
missed;" but Sparrow continuing resolute in his faith and
opinions, the bishop proceeded to read the sentence of ex-
communication against him, and he was condemned as a
heretick; after which he was delivered into the hands of
the sheriff, and by him again conducted to prison.
The misfortunes of Richard Gibson arose from his do-
ing a singular piece of ser\ice to one with whom he was
particularly acquainted. This person was arrested for
debt, when Mr. Gibson being surety for him, he treacher-
ously fled, and Mr. Gibson not being able to discharge the
debt, was thrown into the Poultry Compter, where he re-
tnaiaed upwards of two yeax>
histohy of the mahtyus. 4Sl
When he was about to bo released, some Htigious and
-bigoted papist laid an accusation against him, to the bish-
op of London, of heresy, because he had never confessed,
nor received the sacrament of the altar, whilst he was in
confinement.
* In consequence of this, he was ordered to appear before
the bishop, who examined him concerning his faith and
religion. At first he seemed to make a certain submis-
sion, which was recorded in the bishop's register: but this
not appearing sufficiently satisfactory, the following arti-
cles were exhibited against him:
1. "That the said Richard Gibson, prisoner in the
Compter in the diocese of London, hath, otherwise than
became a faithful Christian, and a good subject in this
realm of England, behaved himself, in words and deeds,
in divers conditions and points, contrary to the order, reli-
gion, and feifh of Christ's catholick church, and contrary
to the order of this realm, to the pernicious and evil ex-
ample of the inhabitants of the city of London, and the
prisoners of the prison of the said Compter in the Poultry,
and greatly to the hurt and damage of his own soul ; of-
fending, especially in the articles following: by reason
whereof the said Richard Gibson was, and is, in the juris-
diction of the said bishop of London, and subject to the
said jurisdiction, to make answer to his offences and trans-
gressions underwritten, according to the order of the law.
•2. " That the said Richard Gibson hath irreverently
spoken against the pope, and see, and church of Rome,
and likewise against the whole church of this realm of
England, and against the seven sacraments of the catho-
lick and whole church of Christendom, and against the
articles of the Christian faith, here observed in this realm
of England, and against the commendable and laudable
ceremonies of the catholick church.
3. " That the said Richard Gibson hath commended,
allowed, defended, and liked, both Cranmer, Latimer, and
Ridley, and also other hereticks here in this realm of Eng-
land, according to the ecclesiastical laws condemned as
hereticks; and also liked all their heretical, erroneous,
damnable, and wicked opinions, especially against the sa-
41
i8^ HISTORY OF TUB 3IARTYRS.
crament of the altar, and the authority of the pope and
see of Rome, with the whole reli<^ion thereof.
4. "That the said Ricliard Gibson hath comforted, aid-
ed, assisted, and maintained, both by words and otherwise,
hereticks and erroneous persons, or at least suspected and
infamed of heresies and errours condemned by the catho-
lick church, to continue in their heretical and erroneous
opinions aforesaid, favouring and counselling the same un-
to his power.
5. "That the said Gibson hath affirmed and said, that
the religion and faith commonly observed and kept, and
nsed now here in this realm of England, is not good or lau-
dable, nor in any wise agreeable unto God's word and
commandment.
6. "That the said Richard Gibson hath affirmed, that
the English service, and the books commonly called the
books of communion, or common-prayer, her^ set forth in
this realm of England, in the time of king Edward the
sixth, were in all parts and points good and godly, and
the same only, and no other, ought to be observed and
kept in this realm of England.
7. " That the said Gibson hath affirmed, that if he may
at once be out of prison and at liberty, he will not come to
any parish church, or ecclesiastical place, to hear the ma-
tins, mass, or even-song, or any divine service now used in
this realm of England, nor come to the procession upon
times and days accustomed, nor bear at any time any ta-
per or candle, or receive pix, at mass time, nor to receive
holy water, nor holy bread, nor observe the ceremonies or
usages of the catholick church here observed and kept
commonly in this realm of England.
8. " That the said Gibson hath affirmed, that he is not
bound at any time, though he have liberty, and the pres-
ence of a priest, convenient and meet, to confess his sins
to the said priest, nor to receive absolution at his hands,
nor to receive of him the sacrament, called the sacrament
of the altar, after such form as is now used within the
realm of England.
9. "That the said Richard Gibson both affirmed, that
prayer unto saints, or prayers for the dead, are not lauda-
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS* 483
(Die, or prolitablc ; and that no man is bound, at any time,
or in any place, to fast or pray, but only at his own will
and pleasure; and that it is not lawful to reserve, or keep,
the said sacrament of the altar,*'
Mr. Gibson having answered these respective articles,
was dismissed for the present; but the next day was again
brought before the bishop for a farther examination.
Several questions vrere put to him, but he refused an-
swering to either, saying, '^ the bishop of London was not
his ordinary."
His last examination was at the bishop's consistory court,
where Bonner, after some discourse, asked, "if he knew
any cause why sentence should not be pronounced against
him?" To which he told the bishop, " there was not any
thing against him, for which he might justly be con-
demned."
The bishop then told him, that "men said he was an
evil man."
Gibson replied, " Yea, my lord, and so mav I say of you
also."
After this sentence of condemnation was read, at the
«nd of which he said, " Blessed am I that I am cursed at
your hands."
He was then delivered to the sheriff, who conducted
him to prison in order for execution.
On the 18th of November, 1557, these three servants
of Christ were conducted under a strong guard, to Smith-
field, where they were all fastened to one stake. After
they had, for some time, fervently prayed to God to enable
them to endure the tiery trial, the fagots were lighted,
and they all cheerfully resigned their souls into the hands
of their creator.
Mr. John Rough, a native of Scotland, was born of
reputable and pious parents. Being deprived of his right
of inheritance to certain lands by some of his kindred, he
was so irritated, that, though very young, he entered
himself a member of the order of Black Friars, at Stirling,
Here he continued upwards of sixteen years, when the
earl of Arran, then Regent of Scotland, and afterwards
«iuke of Hamilton, taking a liking to him, applied to the
484 HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS.
archbishop of St. Andrew's to dispense with his professed
order, that he might serve him as his chaplain.
The archbishop readily granting the earl's request,
Mr. Rough was disengaged from his monastick order, and
continued chaplain to his patron about a year; when
it pleased God to open his eyes, and give him some know-
ledge of the truth of the gospel.
A.t this time the earl sent him to preach in the county
of Ayre, where he continued about four years, during
which time he discharged the duties of his office with the
strictest diligence.
On the death of the Cardinal of Scotland, he was sent
for to ofliciate at St. Andrew's, for which he had a pension
allowed him from king Henry VIII.
After being .some time in this situation, he began to
abhor the idolatry and superstition of his own country;
and when he found, that on the accession of Edward VI.
there was free profession of the gospel in England, he left
his situation, and went first to Carlisle, where he was ap-
pointed preacher, as also to Berwick, and Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, by the duke of Somerset, protector to the young
king.
A short time after this he married, and the archbishop
of York gave him a benifice near the town of Kingston-
upon-Hull, which he enjoyed till the death of the king.
On the accession of queen Mary, when persecution
took plac^ in all parts of the kingdom, Mr. Rough fled
with his wife into the low-countries, and took up his resi-
dence at a place called Norden. Here he maintained
himself by knitting and selling caps and hose till the
month of October, 1557, when wanting yarn, and other
necessaries for his trade, he embarked for England, and
arrived in London on the 10th of November following.
Soon after his arrival, he was informed there was a
private congregation of religious people in a certain part
of the city, which having found out, he joined them, and
was elected their minister.
In this office he continued for some time, till, at the in-
fftignation of Roger S( -jeant, a hypocrite and false brother,
on the 13th of December, he, and Cuthbert Simson, deacoa
HISTORY OF THE MARTYRS. 485
of the aforesaid congregation, were apprehended by the
vice-chaml)erhiin of the queen's household, at the Sar-
acen's-head, in Ishngton, where the congregation had
assembled for the purpose of performing their usual
worship.
Mr. Rough and Mr. Simson were both conducted, by
the vice-chamberlain, to the queen's council, who charged
them with assembling to celebrate the communion, or
Lord's supper. After a long examination Simson was, for
the present, dismissed, but Rough was sent prisoner to
Newgate.
On the 18th of December, bishop Bonner ordered
Rough to be brought before him at his palace in London,
to examine him concerning his religious faith; when the
following articles were exhibited against him:
L "That thou, John Rough, didst directly speak
against the seven sacraments used commonly and reverent-
ly, as things of estimation and great worthiness in the
catholick church; and also didst reprove and condemn
the substance of the altar, affirming, that in the same is
not really and truly the very body and blood of Christ;
and that confession to the priest, and absolution given him
(by the minister of Christ) for sins, is not necessary nor
available in any wise.
2. " Thou hast misliked and reproved the religion and
ecclesiastical service, as it is now used in this realm: and
hast allowed the religion and service used in the latter
years of king Edward the Sixth; and so much as in thee
lieth, hast, by word, writing, and deed, set forv/ard, taught,
and preached the same openly; and in sundry places af-
firmed, that the said English service, and doctrine therein
contained, is agreeable, in all points, to God's word, and
to the truth, condemned utterly the liatin service now
used in the queen's reign, and induced others, by thine
example, to do the like.
3. " Thou hast, in sundry places within this realm, com-
mended and approved tlie opinion and doctrine of Thomas
Cranmer,late archbishop of Canterbury, Nicholas Ridley,
and Hugh Latimer, concerning the sacrament of the altar;
affirming, that in the sacrament there remained, after tlie
41 *
486 IllSTORV OF TlIK MARTYRS'.
words of consecration, material bread and material wine,,
without any transubstantiation.
4. " That thou hast, in sundry places of this realm,
since the queen's reign, ministered and received the com-
munion, as it was used in the late days of king Edward
V'l. and thou knowest, or credibly hast heard, of divers
that yet do keep books of the said communion, and use
the same in private houses, ont of the church, and are of
opinion against the sacrament of the altar.
5. '• Thou dost know, and hast been conversant with ally
or a great part of such Englishmen as have fled out of
the realm; and hast consented and agreed with them in
their opinions, and hast succoured, maintained, and holpen
ihem ; and hast been a conveyor of their seditious letters
and books into this realm.
6. "That thou, in sundry places of this realm, hast
spoken against the pope of Rome, and his apostolick see,
and hast plainly contemned and despised the authority of
the same, misliking,' and not allowing the faith and doc-
trine thereof, but directly speaking against it; and, by
thine example, hast induced others, the subjects of this'
realm, to speak and do the like.
7. *• That thou hast said, that thou hast been at Rome,
and tarried there about thirty 
