ner. instigation of the relentless and cruel Bon-leg, and sometimes by the other), William Fetty, one of his sons, came to the bishop's Among those who were persecuted and palace, in order to obtain permission to see imprisoned for the profession of Christ's him. gospel, and yet delivered by the providence When he arrived there, one of the bishof God, was John Fetty, the father of this op's chaplains asked him his business; the lad. He had been accused, by his own boy replied, he wanted to see his father, at wife, to the minister of the parish in which the same time shedding tears, and expressne lived, of absenting himself from church, ing the greatest unhappiness. The chapthe sacrament of the altar, confession, and lain asked who was his father; and when other ceremonies; for which he was appre- the boy told him, he pointed towards Lolhended by one of the officers employed for lards' Tower, intimating, that he was there that purpose. confined. Immediately after his apprehension his The chaplain then told him his father wife grew delirious, in consequence of was a heretic; to which the boy (who was which, though they were regardless of of a bold and forward spirit, and had been him, pity towards that wicked woman instructed by his father in the reformed rewrought upon the magistrates, so that, for ligion) answered, "My father is no heretic; the preservation and support of her and her but you have Balaam's mark." children, they discharged him, with an order that he should continue in his own house. On this the incensed priest took the boy by the hand, and dragged him to a large room in the palace, where, after stripping Notwithstanding the ingratitude of his him, he scourged him in the most severe wife, he provided for her in such a manner, and unmerciful manner; after which he or that within three weeks, she had, in some dered one of his servants to carry him in measure, recovered her senses. But such his shirt to his father, the blood running was the disposition of this woman, that, not- down to his heels. withstanding this instance of his conjugal As soon as the child saw his father, he affection, she laid a second information fell on his knees, and craved his blessing. against him; upon which he was appre- The poor man, beholding his son in so hended, and carried before Sir John Mor- dreadful a situation, exclaimed, with great daunt, one of the queen's commissioners, grief, "Alas! who hath thus cruelly treatby whom, after examination, he was sent ed you?" The boy replied, "Seeking to to Lollards' Tower,* where he was put into find you out, a priest with Balaam's mark, the stocks, and had a dish of water set by took me into the bishop's house, and treated him, with a stone in it, to point out to him, me in the manner you see." that it was the chief sustenance he might The servant then seized the boy with expect to receive. After he had been in prison for fifteen days (the greatest part of which time he was kept in the stocks, sometimes by one * Lollards' Tower, which we have had frequent occasion to mention in the course of this volume, was a large, detached room, belonging to bishop Bonner's palace, in London, and formed a prison of the most gloomy nature. It was set apart for the punishment of Protestants, (formerly called Lollards), who were brought before him on an accusation of heresy, and who were here subjected great wrath, and dragging him from his father, took him back to the place where he had been scourged by the priest. Here he was kept three days, in the course of which his former punishment was several times repeated, though not in so severe a manner as before. At the expiration of that time, Bonner, in order to make some atonement for this cruel treatment of the boy, and to appease the father, determined to release them both. He, therefore, ordered the latter to be brought before him, in his bed-chamber, early in the morning. to various tortures, at the discretion of that bigoted and merciless tyrant. The most common punishment inflicted was, setting them in the stocks, in which some were fastened by the hands, and others by the feet They were, in general, permitted to sit bishop, he said, "God be here, and peace." When the poor man came before the on a stool, but to increase their punishment, some were deprived of that indulgence, so that, lying To which the bishop replied, "That is with their backs on the ground, as represented in neither God speed, nor good-morrow." our engraving, their situation was exceedingly One of the bishop's chaplains standing painful. In this dungeon, and under these tor- by, reviled Fetty for the speech he had tures, they were kept, some for several days, others made; when he, after looking about, and for weeks, without any other sustenance than bread and water; and, to aggravate their suffer- spying a string of black beads, and a small ings, they were prohibited from being seen by crucifix, said, "As Christ is here handled, their relations, or friends. Many of those who had so you deal with Christ's chosen people." tender constitutions, died under these inhuman inflictions; but those who were otherwise, sur- The bishop was so enraged at this, that vived to execrate the name of their barbarous per- he called him a vile heretic, and said, "I I will burn thee, or I will spend all that 1 secutor, possess." However, in a little time his Mills, John Slade, and Stephen Cotton, anpassion cooled, and thinking of the conse-swered, that they did not allow the popish quences that might arise from scourging service then set forth, because it was the child, he ordered them both to be dis- against the truth, and in a language which charged. the common people did not understand. The father immediately went home with his son; but the poor boy, from an extraordinary effusion of blood, and a mortification which ensued, died a few days after, to the great grief of his persecuted and indulgent parent. The old man remained without farther persecution, during the residue of his life, often praising God for delivering him out of the hands of his enemies, and expressing the deep sense he had of the divine protection. MARTYRDOMS OF ROBERT MILLS, STEPHEN These six men were apprehended, with several others, in a close near Islington, where they had assembled to pay their devotions to their Maker; and being taken before a magistrate were committed to prison as heretics. A few days after their apprehension, they were brought before Dr. Thomas Darbyshire, the bishop of London's chancellor, for examination; when the usual articles were exhibited against them, to which they answered as follows: Robert Dines, and William Pikes, would neither allow nor disallow the Latin service, because they did not understand it. Stephen Wight would not make any answer to either of these two articles, neither to the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, or fourteenth articles; but the rest of his fellow prisoners answered as follows: To the eleventh article Robert Mills, John Slade, and Stephen Cotton, answered, that concerning the books, faith, and religion, specified in this article, they did allow them, so far as they agreed with God's word. Robert Dines would not make any answer to this, saying, he did not understand it; and William Pikes said, that he would abide by the service, faith, and religion, as set forth in the days of king Edward VI. To the twelfth article they said, they would agree to it, provided they might receive the sacrament as administered in the reign of king Edward. The thirteenth and fourteenth articles they granted to be true in every part. After they had been all examined, they were reconducted to prison, but ordered to appear on the 11th of July at the consistory court at St. Paul's. Accordingly, on that The first article they all granted. Rob- day, they were brought before the bishop ert Mills and Stephen Wight said, they and his chancellor, by the latter of whom had not been at church for three quarters they were asked, if they would turn from of a year; Stephen Cotton not for a twelve- their opinions against the holy mother month; Robert Dines for two years; and John Slade, and William Pikes, not since the queen's accession to the throne. To the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth articles, they all answered, in effect, as other Protestants had done; asserting, that as the rites, ceremonies, and customs of the then church were against the word of God, so they would not observe any part of the same. The seventh article they all granted in every part. church; and if not, whether they could show cause why sentence of condemnation should not be pronounced against them. To this they all answered, that they would not depart from the truth, nor any part of the same, on any conditions whatever. The chancellor then dismissed them, but ordered that they should appear again before him the next day in the afternoon, to hear their definitive sentence pronounced, agreeably to the ecclesiastical law then in force. To the eighth article they likewise They were accordingly brought at the unanimously agreed; but Robert Mills time appointed, when the chancellor sat as added, that he would not come to church, judge, accompanied by Sir Edward Hastnor approve of their religion, so long as the ings and Sir Thomas Cornwallis. The cross was crept to and worshipped, and chancellor used his utmost endeavors to images kept in the church. prevail on them to recant, but all proved inJohn Slade affirmed, in effect, the same effectual. He therefore read the sentence as Robert Mills, adding farther, that there were not seven sacraments, but two, namely, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord. Stephen Cotton and Robert Dines would no farther allow the popish religion than it agreed with God's word. To the ninth and tenth articles Robert of condemnation, and they were delivered over to the sheriffs, who conducted them to prison, in order for execution. The chancellor, having condemned these six innocent persons, sent a certificate of their condemnation to the lord chancellor's office, from whence, the next day, a writ But was issued for their being burnt at Brent-rebuking the wilful and obstinate papistry, ford. as also the licentious living of this Roger On the 14th of July, 1558, they were Holland. To whom he said, Elizabeth, I conducted, by the sheriffs and their attend- would I had followed thy gentle persuaants, from Newgate, to the place appoint- sions and friendly rebukes; which if I had ed for their execution. As soon as they done, I had never come to this shame and arrived at the fatal spot, they all knelt misery which I am now fallen into; for down, and, for some time, prayed in the this night I have lost thirty pounds of my most fervent manner. After this they master's money, which to pay him and arose, and undressing themselves, went make up my accounts I am not able. cheerfully to the stakes, of which there this much, I pray you, desire my mistress, were three, though all were consumed in that she would entreat my master to take one fire. Being bound to the stakes, and this note of my hand, that I am thus much the fagots being lighted, they all calmly indebted to hiin, and if I am ever able, I and joyfully yielded up their souls to that will see him paid; desiring him that the God, for whose gospel they suffered, and matter may pass with silence, and that whose heavenly mansions they were in none of my kindred and friends may ever hopes of inheriting. understand this my lewd part. The maid considering that it might be MARTYRDOMS OF HENRY POND, RAINHOLD his utter ruin, Stay, said she; and having a EASTLAND, ROBERT SOUTHAM, MATTHEW sum of money by her, which was left her RICARBY, JOHN FLOYD, JOHN HOLIDAY, by a kinsman at his death, who was thought to be Dr. Redman, she brought unto him A few days after the execution of the be- thirty pounds, saying, Roger, here is thus forementioned six martyrs at Brentford, much money, I will let thee have it, and I seven others, who were apprehended with will keep this note. But since I do thus them at the same time and place, were much for thee, to help thee, and to save burnt in Smithfield. Their names we have thy honesty, thou shalt promise me to regiven above. AND ROGER HOLLAND. The particular examinations of these persons are not recorded, except that of Roger Holland, which, together with his story, we give at length, as being both interesting and edifying. HISTORY, EXAMINATION, AND CONDEMNA TION OF ROGER HOLLAND. fuse all lewd and wild company, all swearing and ribaldry talk; and if ever I know thee to play one twelve-pence at either dice or cards, then will I show this thy note unto thy master. And furthermore thou shalt promise me to resort every day to the lecture at All-hallows, and the sermon at St. Paul's every Sunday, and to cast away all thy books of popery and vain ballads, and get thee the Testament and This Roger Holland, a merchant tailor book of service, and read the Scriptures of London, was first an apprentice with with reverence and fear, calling unto God Mr. Kempton, at the Black Boy in Watling- still for his grace to direct thee in his truth. street, where he served his apprenticeship And pray fervently to God, desiring him to with much trouble to his master, in break- pardon thy former offences, and not to reing him of the licentious liberty which he member the sins of thy youth; and ever be had before been trained and brought up in, afraid to break his laws, or offend his magiving himself to riot, as dancing, fencing, jesty. gaming, banqueting, and wanton company; After this time, within one half year, and besides all this, an obstinate papist, God had wrought such a change in this unlike to come to any such end as God man, that he was become an earnest procalled him unto. His master, notwithstanding his lewdness, trusted him with his accounts; and on a time he received the sum of thirty pounds for his master, and falling into ill company, lost every groat at dice; being past all hope which way to answer it, and therefore he purposed to convey himself beyond the seas. fessor of the truth, and detested all popery and ill company; so that he was in admiration to all that had seen his former life. Then he repaired to his father in Lancashire, and brought divers good books with him, and bestowed them among his friends, so that his father and others began to taste the sweetness of the gospel, and to detest the mass, idolatry, and superstition; and in the end his father gave him fifty pounds to begin the world withal. Having determined with himself thus to do, he called betimes in the morning on a servant in the house, an ancient and dis- Then he came to London again, and creet maid, whose name was Elizabeth, went to the maid that lent him the money who professed the gospel, with a life agree- to pay his master withal, and said unto her, ing unto the same, and at all times much Elizabeth, here is thy money I borrowed of thee, and for the friendship, good-will, together, in the end saith Johnson, Roger, and good counsel I have received at thy how sayest thou? wilt thou submit thyself hands, to recompense thee I am not able, unto my lord, before thou be entered into otherwise than by making thee my wife; the book of contempt? and soon after they were married, which Holland. I never meant but to submit was in the first year of queen Mary. And myself unto the magistrates, as I learn of having a child by her, he caused Mr. Rose St. Paul to the Romans, chap. xiii.: and so to baptize it in his own house. Notwith- he recited the text. standing he was betrayed to the enemies, Chedsey. Then I see you are no Anabapand he being gone into the country to con- tist. vey the child away, that the papists should Holland. I mean not yet to be a papist; not have it in their anointing hands, Bonner for they and the Anabaptists agree in this caused his goods to be seized on, and most point, not to submit themselves to any other cruelly used his wife. prince or magistrate, than those that must After this he remained closely in the first be sworn to maintain them and their city, and in the country, in the congrega- doings. tions of the faithful, until the last year of Chedsey. Roger, remember what I have queen Mary. Then he, with the six others said, and also what my lord hath promised before-named, were taken, in or not far he will perform with further friendship. from St. John's wood, and so brought to Take heed, Roger, for your ripeness of wit Newgate upon May-day in the morning, hath brought you into these errors. 1558. Holland. Mr. Doctor, I have yet your words in memory, though they are of no such force to prevail with me. Then being called before the bishop, Dr. Chedsey, both the Harpsfields, and certain others, after many other fair and crafty Then they whispered together again, persuasions of Dr. Chedsey, thus the bishop and at last Bonner said, Roger, I perceive began with him: thou wilt not be ruled by good counsel, for any thing that either I or your friends can say. Holland, I for my part do wish well unto thee, and the more for thy friend's sake. And as Dr. Standish telleth me, you and Holland. I may say to you, my lord, as he were both born in one parish, and he Paul said to Felix and to the Jews, as doth knoweth your father to be a very honest appear in the 22d of the Acts, and in the Catholic gentleman; and Mr. Doctor told 15th of the first epistle to the Corinthians. me that he talked with you a year ago; and It is not unknown unto my master to whom found you very wilfully addicted to your I was apprentice withal, that I was of your own conceit. Divers of the city also have blind religion, having that liberty under showed me of you, that you have been a your auricular confession, that I made no great procurer of men's servants to be of conscience of sin, but trusted in the priest's your religion, and to come to your congre- absolution, he for money doing also some gations; but since you be now in the dan- penance for me: which after I had given, I ger of the law, I would wish you to act a cared no further what offences I did, no wise man's part: so shall you not want any more than he minded after he had my favor I can do or procure for you, both for money, whether he tasted bread and water your own sake, and also for your friends, for me, or no; so that lechery, swearing, who are men of worship and credit, and and all other vices, I accounted no offence wish you well, and by my troth, Roger, so of danger, so long as I could for money do I. have them absolved. So straitly did I obThen said Mr. Eglestone, a gentleman serve your rules of religion, that I would of Lancashire, and near kinsman to Roger, have ashes upon Ash-Wednesday, though being there present, I thank your good I had used ever so much wickedness at lordship; your honor meaneth good unto night. And albeit I could not of conscience my cousin: I beseech God he have the grace eat flesh upon the Friday, yet in swearing, to follow your counsel. Holland. Sir, you crave of God you know not what. I beseech God to open your eyes to see the light of his word. drinking, or dicing all the night long, I made no conscience at all. And thus I was brought up, and herein I have continued till now of late, that God hath opened Eglestone. Roger, hold your peace, the light of his word, and called me by his lest you fare the worse at my lord's hands. grace to repentance of my former idolatry Holland. No, I shall fare as it pleaseth and wicked life; for in Lancashire their God, for man can do no more than God blindness and whoredom is much more than doth permit him. may with chaste ears be heard. Yet these Then the bishop and the doctors, with my friends, which are not clear in these Johnson, the register, casting their heads notable crimes, think the priest with his mass can save them, though they blaspheme hear them; and in the mean time the peoGod, and keep concubines besides their ple, when they should pray with the priest, wives as long as they live. are set to their beads to pray our Lady's Mr. Doctor, now to your antiquity, unity, psalter. So crafty is Satan to devise these and universality, (for these Dr. Chedsey his dreams (which you defend with fagot alleged as notes and tokens of their reli- and fire), to quench the light of the word gion) I am unlearned. I have no sophistry of God; which, as David saith, should be a to shift my reasons withal; but the truth I lantern to our feet. And again, wherein trust I have, which needeth no painted shall a young man direct his ways but by colors to set her forth. The antiquity of the word of God? And yet you will hide our church is not from pope Nicholas, or it from us in a tongue unknown. St. Paul pope Joan, but our church is from the be- had rather have five words spoken with unginning, even from the time that God said derstanding, than ten thousand in an ununto Adam, that the seed of the woman known tongue; and yet will you have your should break the serpent's head; and so to Latin service and praying in a strange faithful Noah; to Abraham, Isaac, and Ja- tongue, whereof the people are utterly igcob, to whom it was promised, that their norant, to be of such antiquity! seed should multiply as the stars in the The Greek church, and a good part of sky; and so to Moses, David, and the holy Christendom besides, never received your fathers that were from the beginning unto service in an unknown tongue, but in their the birth of our Savior Christ. All they own natural language, which all the people that believed these promises were of the understand, neither yet your transubstantiachurch, though the number was often- tion, your receiving in one kind, your purtimes but few and small, as in Elias's days, gatory, your images, &c. when he thought there was none but he As for the unity which is in your church, that had not bowed their knees to Baal, what is it else but treason, murder, poisonwhen God had reserved seven thousand ing one another, idolatry, superstition, and that never had bowed their knees to that wickedness? What unity was in your idol: as I trust there be seven hundred church, when there were three popes at thousand more than I know of, that have once? Where was your head of unity not bowed their knees to the idol your when you had a woman pope? mass, and your God Maozim; the upholding Here he was interrupted, and could not whereof is your bloody cruelty, while you be suffered to proceed. THE SECOND EXAMINATION OF ROGER HOLLAND daily persecute Elias and the servants of The bishop then said, Roger, these thy blood of St. Thomas. And as for your Holland. I mean that church which hath though he did well understand Latin, yet Then Chedsey interrupted him, and should he understand few words thereof, said, Is that a Testament you have in your the priests do so champ them and chew hand? them, and post so fast, that they neither Holland. Yea, Mr. Doctor, it is a New understand what they say, nor they that Testament. You will find no fault with |