A67922:2553
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol.…Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol.…
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
Book 4 › The life and history of Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury.
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.
The life and history of Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury.
1IF the cause make a Martyr (as is said) I see not why we should esteem Tho. Becket to dye a martyr, more then any other whom the Princes sword doth here temporally punish for their temporal deserts. To dye for the Church,2 I grant is a glorious matter. But the Church, (as it is a spiritual and not a temporal Church) so it standeth upon causes spiritual, and upon an heavenly foundation, as upon saith, religion, true doctrine, sincere discipline, obedience to Gods commandments. And not upon things pertaining to this world, as possessions, liberties, exemptions, privileges, dignities, patrimonies, and superiorities. If these be given to the Church, I pray God churchmen may use them well, but if they be not given, the church cannot claim them: or if they be taken away, that standeth in the princes power. To contend to Princes for the same, it is no matter (in my mind) material, to make a martyr, but rather a rebellion against them, to whom we owe subjection. Therefore as I suppose Tho. Becket to be far from the cause and title of a Martyr (neither can he be excused, from a plain rebel against his prince) so yet would I have wished again, the law rather publicly to have found out his fault: then the swords of men (not bidden not sent) to have smitten him, having no special commandment, neither of the prince nor of the law so to do. For though the indignation of the Prince (as the wise Prince saith) is death: yet it is not for every private person straightways to revenge the secret indignation of his Prince, except he be publicly authorised thereunto. And thus had been (as I suppose) the better way, the laws first to have executed their justice upon him. Certes, it had been the safest way for the king, as it proved after: who had just matter enough, if he had prosecuted his cause against him. And also thereby, his death had been without all suspicion of martyrdom, neither had their followed this shrining and fainting of him as there did. Albeit, the secret providence of God (which governeth all things) did see this way percase to be best, and most necessary for those days. And doubtless (to say here what I think, and yet to speak nothing again charity) if the Emperors had done the like to the Popes, contending against them what time they had cook them prisoners: