A67926:4204
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 2, part 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. 2, part 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
No title page in the transcription: set from the catalogue record.
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.
to whom the said Boner said when he took his oath, master Grafton, so it is, that the kings most excellent majesty hath by his gracious gift presented me to the Bishopric of London,1 for the which I am sorry, for if it would have pleased his grace, I could have been well content to have kept mine old bishopric of Hereford. Then said Grafton I am right glad to hear of it, and so I am sure will be a great number of the City of London: for though they yet know you not, yet they have heard so much goodness of you from hence,2 as no doubt they will heartily rejoice of your placing. Then said Boner, I pray God I may do that may content them, and to tell you M. Grafton. Before god (for that was commonly his oath) the greatest fault that. I ever found in Stokesley, was for vexing and troubling of poor men, as Lobley the bookbinder and other, for having the scripture in english, and God willing he did not so much hinder it, but I will as much further it, and I will have of your Bibles set up in the Church of Pauls, at the least in sundry places six of them,3 and I will pay you honestly for them and give you hearty thanks. Which words he then spake in the hearing of divers credible persons, as Edmund Stile Grocer, and other. But now M Grafton at this time I have specially called you to be a witness with me that upon this translation of Bishops Sees, I must according to the statute take an oath unto the kings majesty knowledging his Supremacy, which before God I take with my heart and so think him to be,4 and beseech almighty God to save him, and long to prosper his grace: hold the book sirrah, and read you the oath (said he) to one of his chaplains, & he laid his hand on the book and so he took his oath. And after this he showed great friendship to the said Grafton, and to his partner Edward Whitchurch, but specially to Myles Coverdale, who was the corrector of the great Bible.
to whom the said Boner saide when he tooke his othe, maister Grafton, so it is, that the kings most excellent maiestie hath by his gracious gift presented me to the Bishopricke of London,1 for the which I am sory, for if it would haue pleased his grace, I could haue bene well content to haue kept mine old bishopricke of Herford. Then said Grafton I am right glad to heare of it, and so I am sure will bee a great number of the Citie of London: for though they yet know you not, yet they haue heard so much goodnes of you frō hence,2 as no doubt they wil hartily reioyce of your placing. Then said Boner, I pray God I may doe that may content them, and to tel you M. Grafton. Before god (for that was commonly his othe) the greatest fault that. I euer found in Stokesley, was for vexing and troubling of poore men, as Lobley the bookebinder and other, for hauing the scripture in english, and God willing he did not so much hinder it, but I wil as much further it, and I wil haue of your Bibles set vp in the Church of Paules, at the least in sundrie places sixe of them,3 and I will pay you honestly for them and giue you hartie thankes. Which wordes hee then spake in the hearing of diuers credible persons, as Edmund Stile Grocer, and other. But now M Grafton at this time I haue specially called you to be a witnes with me that vpon this translation of Bishops Sees, I must according to the statute take an othe vnto the kings maiestie knowledging his Supremacie, which before God I take with my heart and so thinke him to be,4 and beseech almightie God to saue him, and long to prosper his grace: holde the booke sirah, and reade you the oth (said he) to one of his chapleins, & he layd his hand on the booke and so he tooke his othe. And after this he shewed great friendship to the saide Grafton, and to his partener Edward Whitchurch, but specially to Myles Couerdail, who was the corrector of the great Bible.
Now after that the foresaid letters were delivered, the French king gave very good words, and was well content to permit the doing thereof. And so the printer went forward and printed forth the book even to the last part, and then was the quarrel picked to the printer, and he was sent for to the inquisitors of the faith,1 and there charged with certain articles of heresy. Then were sent for the Englishmen that were at the cost and charge thereof, and also such as had the correction of the same, which was Myles Coverdale, but having some warning what would follow the said Englishmen posted away as fast they could to save themselves, leaving behind them all their Bibles, which were to the number of 2500. called the Bibles of the great volume, and never recovered any of them, saving that the Lieutenant criminal having them delivered unto him to burn in a place of Paris (like Smithfield) called Mavibert place, was somewhat moved with covetousness,2 and sold 4. great dry fats of them to a Haberdasher to lap in caps, and those were bought again, but the rest were burned, to the great and importunate loss of those that bare the charge of them. But notwithstanding the said loss after they had recovered some part of the foresaid books, and were comforted and encouraged by the Lord Cromwell, the said Englishmen went again to Paris, & there got the presses, letters, and servants of the aforesaid Printer, and brought them to London, and there they became printers themselves (which before they never intended) and printed out the said Bible in London,3 and after that printed sundry impressions of them: but yet not without great trouble and loss, for the hatred of the bishops namely, Steven Gardiner, and his fellows, who mightily did stomach and malign the printing thereof.
Now after that the foresaid letters were deliuered, the French kyng gaue very good wordes, and was well content to permit the doing therof. And so the printer went forward and printed forth the booke euen to the last part, and then was the quarell picked to the printer, and he was sent for to the inquisitors of the fayth,1 and there charged with certaine articles of heresie. Then were sent for the Englishmen that were at the cost and charge thereof, and also such as had the correction of the same, which was Myles Couerdale, but hauing some warning what would folow the said Englishmē posted away as fast they could to saue themselues, leauing behynd them all their Bibles, which were to the number of 2500. called the Bibles of the great volume, and neuer recouered any of them, sauing that the Lieftenaunt criminal hauing them deliuered vnto hym to burne in a place of Paris (like Smithfield) called Mauibert place, was somewhat mooued with couetousnes,
Here by the way, for the more direction to the story, thou hast loving Reader, to note and understand that in those days there were ij. sundry Bibles in English, printed and set forth, bearing divers titles, and printed in divers places. The first was called Thomas Mathews Bible, printed at Hamburg, about the year of our Lord, 1532. the corrector of which print was then John Rogers, of whom ye shall hear more Christ willing hereafter. The Printers were Richard Grafton, and Whitchurch. In the translation of this Bible, the greatest doer was in deed William Tyndall, who with the help of Miles Cove••ale had translated all the books thereof, except only the Apocrypha, and certain notes in the margin which were added after. But because the said William Tyndall in the mean time was apprehended before this Bible was fully perfected,1 it was thought good to them which had the doing thereof, to change the name of William Tyndall, because that name then was odious, and to farther it by a strange name of Thomas Matthew, John Rogers the same time being corrector to the print, who had then translated the residue of the Apocrypha, and added also certain notes thereto in the margin,2 and thereof came it to be called Thomas Mathews Bible. Which Bible of Thomas Matthew, after it was imprinted and presented to the Lord Cromwell, & the Lord Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, who liked very well of it, the said Cromwell presented it to the king, and obtained that the same might freely pass to be read of his subjects with his graces licence: So that there was Printed upon the same book, one live in red letters with these words: Set forth with the Kings most gracious licence.
Here by the way, for the more direction to the story, thou hast louyng Reader, to note and vnderstand that in those daies there were ij. sundry Bibles in English, printed and set forth, bearing diuers titles, and printed in diuers places. The first was called Thomas Mathews Bible, printed at Hambrough, about the yeare of our Lord, 1532. the corrector of which print was then Iohn Rogers, of whom ye shall heare more Christ willing hereafter. The Printers were Richard Grafton, and Whitchurch. In the translation of this Bible, the greatest doer was in deede William Tyndall, who with the helpe of Miles Coue••ale had translated all the bookes thereof, except onely the Apocrypha, and certaine notes in the margent which were added after. But because the said William Tyndall in the meane tyme was apprehended before this Bible was fully perfected,
The setting forth of this book did not a little offend the Clergy, namely, the Bishop aforesaid, both for the Prologues, & specially because in the same book was one special table collected of the common places in the Bible, and the scriptures for the approbation of the same, & chiefly about the supper of the lord and marriage of priests, and the mass, which there was said not to be found in Scripture.
The setting forth of this booke did not a little offend the Clergy, namely, the Bishop aforesayd, both for the Prologues, & specially because in the same booke was one special table collected of the common places in the Bible, and the scriptures for the approbation of the same, & chiefly about the supper of the lord and mariage of priests, and the masse, which there was said not to be found in Scripture.
Furthermore, after the restraint of this foresaid Bible of Matthew,1 another Bible began to be printed at Paris, an. 1540. Which was called the Bible of the large Volume. The Printers whereof were the foresaid Richard Grafton, and Whitchurche which bare the charges. A great helper thereto was the lord Cromwell. The chiefest overseer was Myles Coverdale, who taking the translation of Tyndall, conferred the same with the Hebrew, and amended many things.
Furthermore, after the restraint of this foresayde Bible of Mathew,1 another Bible began to be printed at Paris, an. 1540. Which was called the Bible of the large Uolume. The Printers whereof were the foresayde Richard Grafton, and Whitchurche which bare the charges. A great helper thereto was the lord Cromwell. The chiefest ouerseer was Myles Couerdale, who taking the translation of Tyndall, conferred the same with the Hebrue, and amended many things.
In this Bible, although the former notes of Thomas Matthew was omitted,1 yet sundry marks & hands were annexed in the sides, which meant that in those places should be made certain notes, wherewith also the clergy was offended, though the notes were not made.
In this Bible, although the former notes of Thomas Mathew was omitted,1 yet sondry markes & handes were annexed in the sides, which ment that in those places shuld be made certeine notes, wherwith also the clergy was offended, though the notes were not made.
After this, the bishops bringing their purpose to pass, brought the Lord Cromwell out of favour, and shortly to his death: and not long after, great complaint was made to the king of the translation of the Bible, and of the preface of the same,1 and then was the sale of the Bible commanded to be stayed, the B. promising to amend & correct it, but never performing the same: Then Grafton was called, & first charged with the printing of Mathews Bible, but he being fearful of trouble, made excuses for himself in all things. Then was he examined of the great Bible, and what notes he was purposed to make. To the which he answered, that he knew none. For his purpose was to have retained learned men to have made the notes,2 but when he perceived the kings majesty, and his Clergy not willing to have any, he proceeded no further. But for all these excuses, Grafton was sent to the Fleet, and there remained ⟨p. 1192⟩vi. weeks, and before he came out, was bound in CCC.li that he should neither sell, nor imprint, or cause to be imprinted any moe Bibles, until the king & the clergy should agree upon a translation. And thus was the Bible from that time stayed, during the reign of King Henry the viij.
After this, the bishops bringing their purpose to passe, brought the Lord Cromwell out of fauour, and shortly to his death: and not long after, great complaint was made to the king of the translation of the Bible, and of ye preface of the same,1 and then was the sale of the Bible commaunded to be stayed, the B. promising to amend & correct it, but neuer performing the same: Then Grafton was called, & first charged with the printing of Mathewes Bible, but he being feareful of trouble, made excuses for himselfe in all things. Then was he examined of the great Bible, and what notes he was purposed to make. To the which he aunswered, that he knewe none. For his purpose was to haue retayned learned men to haue made the notes,2 but when he perceyued the kynges maiestie, and his Clergye not willing to haue any, he proceded no further. But for al these excuses, Grafton was sent to the Fleet, and there remayned
But yet one thing more is to be noted, that after the imprinters had lost their Bibles, they continued suitors to Boner, as is aforesaid, to be a mean for to obtain of the French king their books again: but so long they continued suitors, and Boner ever fed them with fair words, promising them much, but did nothing for them, till at the last Boner was discharged of his ambassade, and returned home, where he was right joyfully welcomed home by the lord Cromwell, who loved him dearly, and had a marvellous good opinion of him.1 And so long as Cromwell remained in authority, so long was Boner at his beck and friend to his friends, and enemy to his enemies: as namely, at that time to Gardiner B. of Winchester, who never favoured Cromwell, & therefore Boner could not favour him, but that he and Winchester were the greatest enemies that might be.2 But so soon as Cromwell fell, immediately Boner and Winchester pretended to be the greatest men that lived, and no good word could Boner speak of Cromwell, but the lewdest, vilest, and bitterest that he could speak, calling him the rankest heretic that ever lived: and then such as the said Boner knew to be in good favour with Cromwell,3 he could never abide their sight. Insomuch, as the next day after that Cromwell was apprehended, the abovenamed Grafton, who before had been very fam•liar• with Boner, met with the said Boner suddenly, and said unto him, that he was sorry to hear of the news that then was abroad. What are they, said he? Of the apprehension of the L. Cromwell, said Grafton. Are ye sorry for that (said he?) It had been good that he had been dispatched long ago. With that Grafton looked upon him and knew not what to say, but came no more to Boner. Howbeit afterward the said Grafton being charged for the imprinting of a ballet made in the favour of Cromwell was called before the Council,4 where Boner was present and there Boner charged him with the words that he spake to him of Cromwell, and told out a great long tale. But the lord Awdeley, who then was Lord Chancellor, right discreetly and honourably, cut of the matter, and entered into other talk.
Like as in foreign battles the chief point of victory consisteth in the safety of the General or captain:1 even so when the valiant standard bearer and stay of the church of England, Tho. Cromwell I mean, was made away, pity it is to behold, what miserable slaughter of good men and good women ensued thereupon, whereof we have now (Christ willing) to entreat. For Winchester having now gotten his full purpose & free swing to exercise his cruelty, wonder it was to see that Aper Calydonius, or (as the scripture speaketh) that Ferus singularis, 2what troubles he raised in the Lords vineyard. And least by delays he might loose the occasion presently offered, he straight ways made his first assaults upon Robert Barnes, Thomas Garret and William Hierome, whom in the very same month within ij. days after Cromwels death, he caused to be put to execution. Whose histories severally to comprehend, first of all we will somewhat speak of Barnes D. of divinity, whose particular story here followeth.
LIke as in forreine battails the chiefe poynt of victorie consisteth in the safetie of the Generall or captayne:1 euen so when the valiaunt standerd bearer and stay of the church of England, Tho. Cromwell I meane, was made away, pitie it is to behold, what miserable slaghter of good men and good women ensued thereupon, wherof we haue now (Christ willing) to entreat. For Winchester hauyng now gotten his full purpose & free swinge to exercise his cruelty, wonder it was to see that Aper Calydonius, or (as the scripture speaketh) that Ferus singularis, 2what troubles he raised in the Lordes vineyard. And least by delayes he might loose the occasion presently offered, he straight wais made his first assaultes vpon Robert Barnes, Thomas Garret and William Hierome, whom in ye very same moneth within ij. dayes after Cromwels death, he caused to be put to execution. Whose histories seuerally to comprehend, first of all we will somewhat speake of Barnes D. of diuinitie, whose perticular story here followeth.
This Barnes, after he came from the University of Louvain,1 went to Cambridge, where he was made Prior and master of the house of the Augustines. At that time the knowledge of good letters was scarcely entered into the University, all things being full of rudeness and barbarity, saving in very few, which were privy and secret. Whereupon Barnes having some feeling of better learning and authors, began in his house to read Terence, Plautus, & Cicero,2 so that what with his industry, pains & labours, and with the help of Tho. Parnell his scholar, whom he brought from Lovane with him, reading Copia verborum & rerum, he caused the house shortly to flourish with good letters, and made a great part of the house learned (which before were drowned in barbarous rudeness) as M. Cambridge, master Field, M. Colman, M. Burley, M. Coverdale, with divers other of the University, that sojourned there for learnings sake. After these foundations laid, then did he read openly in the house, Pauls Epistles, and put by Duns and Dorbel, and ye• he was a questionary himself: and only because he would have Christ there taught and his holy word, he turned their unsavoury Problems and fruitless disputations to other better matter of the holy scripture, & thereby in short space he made divers good divines. The same order of disputation which he kept in his house, he observed likewise in the university abroad when he should dispute with any man in the common schools. And the first man that answered Doctor Barnes in the Scriptures, was Master Stafford for his form to be Bachelor of divinity, which disputation was marvellous in the sight of the great blind Doctors, and joyful to the godly spirited.
This Barnes, after he came from the Uniuersitie of Louaine,1 went to Cambridge, where he was made Prior and maister of the house of the Augustines. At that tyme the knowledge of good letters was scarcely entred into the Uniuersitie, all things beyng full of rudenes and barbaritie, sauing in very few, which wer priuy and secret. Wherupon Barnes hauing some feeling of better learning and authors, began in his house to read Terence, Plautus, & Cicero,2
Thus Barnes what with his reading, disputation and preaching, became famous and mighty in the Scriptures, preaching ever against bishops and hypocrites, and yet did not see his inward & outward idolatry, which he both taught and maintained, till that good M. Bilney, with other (as is aforesaid in the life of M. Bilney) converted him wholly unto Christ.
Thus Barnes what with his reading, disputation and preaching, became famous and mighty in the Scriptures, preaching euer against bishops and hypocrites, and yet did not see his inward & outward idolatry, which he both taught and mainteined, till that good M. Bilney, with other (as is aforesayd in the lyfe of M. Bilney) conuerted him wholy vnto Christ.
The first sermon that ever he preached of this truth, was the Sunday before Christmas day, at S. Edwards church longing to Trinity hall in Cambridge,1 by the Pease marker: whose theme was the epistle of the same sunday, Gaudete in domino, &c. and so postilled the whole epistle, following the scripture and Luther's postil, and for that sermon he was immediately accused of heresy by ij. fellows of the kings hall. Then the godly learned in Christ both of Pembroke hall, S. Johns, Peter house, Queens college the Kings college, Gunwell hall, & Benet college, showed themselves & flocked together in open sight, both in the schools, and at open Sermons at S. Mary's, and at the Austens, and at other disputations, and then they conferred continually together.
The first sermon that euer he preached of this truth, was the Sonday before Christmas day, at S. Edwardes church longing to Trinitie hall in Cambridge,1 by ye Pease marker: whose theame was the epistle of the same sonday, Gaudete in domino, &c. and so postilled the whole epistle, folowyng the scripture and Luthers postill, and for that sermon he was immediatly accused of heresie by ij. fellowes of the kings hall. Then the godly learned in Christ both of Penbroke hall, S. Iohns, Peter house, Queenes colledge the Kings colledge, Gunwell hall, & Benet college, sh•wed themselues & flocked together in open sight, both in the scholes, and at open Sermons at S. Maries, and at the Austens, and at other disputations, and then they conferred continually together.
The house that they resorted most commonly unto, was the white horse, which for despite of them to bring Gods word into contempt was called Germany. This house especially was chosen because of them of S. Johns. The kings college, and the Queens college, came in on the back side. At this time much trouble began to ensue. The adversaries of D. Barnes accused him in the Regent house before the Uicechancelor, where as his articles were presented with him & received, he promising to make answer at the next convocation, and so it was done. Then Doctor Nottoris a rank enemy to Christ, moved Doct. Barnes to recant, but he refused so to do: which appeareth in his book that he made to king Henry the 8. in English, confuting the judgement of cardinal Wolsey, and the residue of the Bishops papistical,1 and so for the time stood steadfast. And this tragedy continued in Cambridge, one preaching against another, in trying out of Gods truth, until within vj. days of Shrovetide. Then suddenly was sent down to Cambridge a sergeant of arms called master Gibson, dwelling in s. Thomas Apostles in London,2 who suddenly arrested D. Barnes openly in the convocation house, to make all other afraid: and privily they had determined to make search for Luther's books, and all the Germans works suddenly.
The house that they resorted most commonly vnto, was the white horse, which for despite of them to bryng Gods word into contempt was called Germany. This house especially was chosen because of them of S. Iohns. The kings colledge, and the Queenes colledge, came in on the backe side. At this tyme much trouble began to ensue. The aduersaries of D. Barnes accused him in the Regēt house before the Uicechancelor, where as his articles were presented with him & receyued, he promising to make answer at the next conuocation, and so it was done. Then Doctor Nottoris a ranke enemy to Christ, mooued Doct. Barnes to recant, but he refused so to do: which appeareth in hys booke that he made to king Henry the 8. in English, confuting the iudgement of cardinall Wolsey, and the residue of the Bishops papisticall,1 and so for the tyme stoode stedfast. And this tragedy continued in Cambridge, one preachyng agaynst another, in trying out of Gods truth, vntil within vj. dayes of Shrouetyde. Then sodenly was sent downe to Cambridge a sergeaunt of armes called maister Gibson, dwelling in s. Thomas Apostles in Londō,
But good D. Farman of the Queens College, sent word incontinently thereof,1 to the chambers of those that were suspected, which were in number xxx. persons. But God be praised they were conveyed, by that time that the sergeant at arms, the Uicechauncelor and the Proctors were at every mans chamber,2 going directly to the place where the books lay (whereby it was perceived that there were some privy spies amongst that small company) and that night they studied together and gave him his answer, which answer he carried with him to London the next morning, which was Tuesday before Shrovesonday,3 & came on the Wednesday to London, & lay at M. Parnell's house by the stocks. In the morning he was carried by the Sergeant at arms to cardinal Wolsey to Westminster, waiting there all day, and could not speak with him till night.4 Then by the reason of D. Gardiner Secretary to the cardinal (of whose familiar acquaintance he had been, before) and M. Fox M. of the Wards, he spake the same night with the cardinal in his chamber of estate, kneeling on his knees. Then said the cardinal to them, is this D. Barnes your man that is accused of heresy? Yea, and please your grace, and we trust you shall find him reformable, for he is both well learned and wise.
But good D. Farman of the Queenes Colledge, sent word incontinently thereof,1 to the chambers of those that were suspected, which were in number xxx. persons. But God be praysed they were conueied, by that tyme that the sergeant at armes, the Uicechauncelor and the Proctours were at euery mans chamber,2 goyng directly to the place where the bookes lay (wherby it was perceiued that there were some priuy spies amongst that small company) and that night they studied together and gaue him his answer, which answer he caried with him to Londō the next morning, which was Tuesday before Shrouesonday,3
What M. doctor (said the cardinal) had you not a sufficient scope in the scriptures to teach the people,1 but that my golden shows, my poleaxes, my pillars, my golden cushions, my crosses did so sore offend you, that you must make us Ridiculum caput amongst the people. We were jollily that day laughed to scorn. Verily it was a sermon more fitter to be preached on a stage, than in a pulpit: for at the last you said, I wear a pair of red gloves, I should say bloody gloves (quoth you) that I should not be cold in the midst of my ceremonies, And he answered. I spake nothing but ⟨p. 1193⟩the truth out of the scriptures, according to my conscience and according to the old Doctors: and then did he deliver him vi. sheets of paper written to confirm and corroborate his sayings.
What M. doctor (sayd the cardinal) had you not a sufficient scope in the scriptures to teach the people,1 but that my golden shewes, my pollaxes, my pillers, my goldē cusshiōs, my crosses did so sore offēd you, that you must make vs Ridiculum caput amongst the people. We were iolily yt day laughed to scorne. Uerily it was a sermon more fitter to be preached on a stage, thē in a pulpit: for at the last you sayd, I weare a payre of red gloues, I should say bloudye gloues (quoth you) that I should not be cold in the midst of my ceremonies, And he answered. I spake nothing but ⟨p. 1193⟩the truth out of the scriptures, according to my conscience and according to the old Doctors: and then did hee deliuer him vi. sheetes of paper written to confirme and corroborate his sayinges.
