A01115:1057
An abridgement of the book of acts and monuments of the ChurchAn abridgement of the booke of acts and monumentes of the Church
An abridgement of the book of acts and monuments of the Church: written by that Reverend Father, Master John Fox: and now abridged by Timothy Bright, Doctor of Physic, for such as either through want of leisure, or ability have not the use of so necessary an historyAn abridgement of the booke of acts and monumentes of the Church: written by that Reuerend Father, Maister Iohn Fox: and now abridged by Timothe Bright, Doctour of Phisicke, for such as either through want of leysure, or abilitie haue not the vse of so necessary an history
London: printed by I. Windet, 1589
Volume 1 › Book 5: The fifth Book.Volume 1 › Book 5: The fifth Booke.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Besides these articles, it was also objected to him, what he thought of auricular confession: which he answered to be unnecessary, but only a contrite, and penitent heart unto God. And if any man feel the burden of his sins grievous, and his conscience disquieted, then were it not amiss, to resort to a good priest: and if he failed, that a man might lawfully take counsel, and comfort at a Lay mans hand. The discourse was long betwixt the archb. and him, and very excellently, and courageously did Thorp maintain the trueth, against the archbishop. Who, among many arguments of no weight, alleged the examples of P. Rampington (who now persecuted the brethren, although he had before professed the truth,) the B. of Hereford, and Purvey, &c. that had relapsed from the trueth which they once maintained: but nothing could discourage, or alter the constant hart of the godly man. Which the Archb. perceiving, after many threatenings,1 and contumelious words, he called a Clerk, and rounded him in the ear, who went forth, and straightway feet the Constable of Saltwood Castle, whom the Archb. commanded to carry William away: who led him into a foul and filthy prison: where notwithstanding, he felt the exceeding comfort ⟨p. 302⟩of Gods spirit most plentifully. Besides his examination written with his own hand, there is also extant a treatise, under the title of his will, containing a complaint against vicious priests: their pride; pleasure of this life; neglecting of their duties; &c. What became of him is not in stories specified: but it is most likely (being committed to most straight prison) he was closely made away, or died by sickness.
Besides these articles, it was also obiected to him, what he thought of auricular confession: which he auswered to bée vnnecessarie, but onely a contrite, and penitent heart vnto God. And if any man féele the burthē of his sinnes gréeuous, and his conscience disquieted, then were it not amisse, to resort to a good priest: and if he fayled, that a man might lawfullie take councell, and comfort at a Lay mans hand. The discourse was long betwixt the archb. and him, and very excellently, and couragiously did Thorp maintaine the trueth, against the archbishop. Who, among many arguments of no waight, alledged the examples of P. Rampington (who now persecuted the brethren, although he had before professed the truth,) the B. of Hereford, and Puruey, &c. that had relapsed from the trueth which they once mainteyned: but nothing could discourage, or alter the constant hart of the godly mā. Which the Archb. perceiuing, after many threatnings,