A67926:4243
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.
The Christmas before that time, I Antony Dalaber then Scholar of Alborne Hall,1 who had books of master Garrets, had been in my country in Dorsetshire at Stalbridge, where I had a brother Person of that Parish, who was very desirous to have a Curate out of Oxford, and willed me in any wise to get him one there if I could. This just occasion offered, it was thought good among the brethren (for so did we not only call one an other, but were in deed one to an other) that master Garret changing his name, should be sent forth with my letters into Dorsetshire unto my brother, to serve him there for a time, until he might secretly from thence convey himself some whether over the Sea. According hereunto I wrote my letters in all haste possible unto my brother, for master Garret to be his Curate, but not declaring what he was in deed, for my brother was a rank papist,2 and after was the most mortal enemy that ever I had for the Gospels sake.
The Christmas before that time, I Antonye Dalaber then Scholer of Alborne Hall,1 who had bookes of maister Garrets, had bene in my countrey in Dorsetshire at Stalbridge, where I had a brother Person of that Parish, who was verye desirous to haue a Curate out of Oxforde, and willed me in any wise to gette him one there if I coulde. Thys iust occasion offered, it was thoughte good amonge the brethren (for so did wee not onely call one an other, but were in deede one to an other) that maister Garret chaunging hys name, should be sent foorth wyth my letters into Dorcetshire vnto my brother, to serue him there for a time, vntill hee myghte secreately from thence conueye hymselfe some whether ouer the Sea. According hereunto I wrote my letters in all haste possible vnto my brother, for maister Garret to be hys Curate, but not declaring what hee was in dede, for my brother was a rancke papist,2 and after was the most mortall ennemie that euer I had for the Gospels sake.
So the wednesday in the morning before Shrovetide, M. Garret departed out of Oxford, toward Dorsetshire, with his letters for his new service. How far he went, & by what occasion he so soon returned, I know not. But the Friday next,1 in the night time he came again to Rodleyes house, where he lay before, and so after midnight in the privy search, which was then made for him, he was apprehended and taken there in his bed by the 2. Proctors and on the saturday in the morning was delivered unto one D. Cotisford, M, of Lincoln College, then being Commissary of the university, who kept him as prisoner in his own chamber. There was great joy and rejoicing among all the papists for his apprehension, and specially with Doctor London: Warden of the new College, and Doctor Higdon Dean of Frideswides, two Archpapistes. Who immediately sent their letters in post hast unto the Cardinal to inform him of the apprehension of this notable Heretic: for the which their doing, they were well assured to have great thanks. But of all this sudden hurly burly, was I utterly ignorant, so that I knew neither of master Garrets so sudden return, neither that he was so taken, until that afterward he came unto my chamber, being then in Gloucester College, as a man amazed, & as soon as he saw me, he said he was undone, for he was taken. Thus he spake unadvisedly in the presence of a young man that came with him. When the young man was departed, I asked him what he was, and what acquaintance he had with him. He said he knew him not, but he had been to seek a Monk of his acquaintance in that College, who was not in his chamber, and thereupon desired that his servant (not knowing my chamber, for that I was newly removed thither) to bring him to me: and so forth declared how he was returned and taken that night in the privy search, as ye have heard and that now when the Commissary & all his company were gone to Evensong, and had locked him alone in his chamber,2 he hearing no body stirring in the College, put back the bar of the lock with his finger, and so came straight unto Gloucester College, to speak with that monk, if he had been within, who had also bought books of him.
So the wedensday in the morning before Shroftyde, M. Garret departed out of Oxforde, toward Dorsetshyre, with his letters for his new seruice. How farre he went, & by what occasion he so soone returned, I know not. But the Friday next,
Then said I unto him: Alas M. Garret, by this your uncircumspect coming unto me, and speaking so before this young man, you have disclosed your self, and utterly undone me. I asked him why he went not unto my brother with my letters accordingly. He said, after that he was gone a days journey and a half, he was so fearful, that his heart would no other, but that he must needs return again unto Oxford, and so came again on Friday• at night, and then was taken, as ye heard before. But now with deep sighs, and plenty of tears, he prayed me to help to convey him away, and so he cast of his hood & his gown, wherein he came unto me, and desired me to give him a coat with sleeves, if I had any,1 and told me that he would go into Wales, and thence convey himself into Germany, if he might. Then I put on him a sleeved coat of mine. ⟨p. 1195⟩He would also have had an other manner of cap of me, but I had none but priestlike, such as his own was.
Then sayd I vnto him: Alas M. Garret, by this your vncircumspect comming vnto me, and speaking so before this young man, you haue disclosed your selfe, and vtterly vndone me. I asked him why he went not vnto my brother wyth my letters accordingly. Hee sayde, after that hee was gone a dayes iourney and a halfe, he was so fearefull, that his heart would no other, but that he must needes returne againe vnto Oxford, and so came againe on Friday• at night, and then was takē, as ye heard before. But nowe wyth deepe sighes, and plentie of teares, hee prayed mee to helpe to conuey him away, and so he cast of his hoode & hys gowne, wherein he came vnto me, and desired me to geue him a coate with sleeues, if I had any,1 and tolde me that he wold go into Wales, and thence conuey himself into Germany, if he might. Thē I put on him a sleued coat of mine. ⟨p. 1195⟩He woulde also haue had an other maner of cap of me, but I had none but priestlike, such as his owne was.
Then kneeled we both down together on our knees, and lifting up our hearts and hands to God our heavenly father, desiring him with plenty of tears, so to conduct and prosper him in his journey, that he might well escape the danger of all his enemies, to the glory of his holy name. if his good pleasure and will so were, and then we embraced and kissed the one the other, the tears so abundantly flowing out from both our eyes,1 that we all bewet both our faces, and scarcely for sorrow could we speak one to the other, and so he departed from me, apparelled in my coat, being committed unto the tuition of our almighty and merciful father.
Then kneeled we both downe together on our knees, and lifting vp our hearts and hands to God our heauenly father, desiring him wyth plentie of teares, so to conducte and prosper him in his iourney, that he myght well escape the daunger of al his enemies, to ye glory of his holy name. if his good pleasure and will so were, and then we embraced and kissed the one the other, the teares so aboundantly flowing out from both our eies,1 that we al bewet both our faces, and scarcely for sorrowe coulde we speake one to the other, and so he departed from me, apparelled in my coate, being committed vnto the tuition of oure almyghtye and mercifull father.
When he was gone down the stairs from my chamber, I straightways did shut my chamber door, and went into my study, and took the new Testament in my hands, kneeled down on my knees, and with many a deep sigh and salt tear, I did with much deliberation read over the 10. chapter of S. Matthew his Gospel: and when I had so done,1 with fervent prayer I did commit unto God, that our dearly beloved brother Garret, earnestly beseeching him, in and for Jesus Christs sake, his only begotten son our Lord, that he would vouchsafe, not only safely to conduct and keep our said dear brother, from the hands of all his enemies, but also that he would endue his tender and lately borne little flock in Oxford, with heavenly strength by his holy spirit, that they might be well able thereby valiantly to withstand to his glory, all their fierce enemies, and also might quietly, to their own salvation, with all godly patience, bear Christs heavy cross, which I now •awe was presently to be laid on their young and weak backs, unable to bear so huge a burden, without the great help of his holy spirit.
When he was gone downe the staires from my chamber, I straightwayes did shut my chamber doore, and wēt into my study, and tooke the new Testament in my hands, kneeled downe on my knees, and with many a deepe sigh and salt teare, I did wyth much deliberation read ouer the 10. chapter of S. Mathew his Gospell: and when I had so done,1 with feruent prayer I did cōmit vnto God, that our dearely beloued brother Garret, earnestly beseeching him, in and for Iesus Christes sake, his onely begotten sonne our Lord, that he would vouchsafe, not only safely to conducte and keepe our saide deare brother, from the hands of all his ennemies, but also that he would endue hys tender and lately borne litle flock in Oxford, wt heauenly strength by his holy spirite, that they might be well able therby valiauntly to wythstand to hys glory, al their fierce enemies, and also myght quietly, to theyr owne saluation, with all godly pacience, beare Christes heauy crosse, which I now •awe was presently to be laide on their young and weake backes, vnable to beare so huge a burden, wtout the greate helpe of his holy spirite.
This done, I laid a side my books safe, folded up M. Garrets gown and hood, and laid them into my press among mine apparel, & so having put on my short gown, shut up my study and chamber doors, and went towards Friswides, to speak with that worthy martyr of God M. Clarke, and others, and to declare unto them what had happened that after noon. But of purpose I went by S. Mary church,1 to go first unto Corpus Christi Colledge, to speak with Diet and Udall, my faithful brethren and fellows in the Lord there. But by chance I met by the way with a brother of ours, one master Eden, fellow of Magdalene College, who, as soon as he saw me, came with a pitiful countenance unto me, saying that we were all undone, for M. Garret was returned again to Oxford, taken the last night in the privy search, and was in prison with the Commissary. I said it was not so. He said it was so. I told him it could not be so, for I was sure he was gone. He answered me and said, I know he was gone with your letters, but he came again yesterday in the even, & was taken in his bed at Radleis this night in the privy search: for (quod he) I heard our Proctor M. Cole say and declare the same this day in our college, to divers of the house. But I told him again, that I was well assured he was now gone, for I spake with him later than either the Proctor or Commissary did, and then I declared the whole matter unto him, how and when he came unto me, and how he went his way, willing him to declare the same unto other our brethren whom he should meet with all, and to give God hearty thanks for his wonderful deliverance, and to pray him also that he would grant him safely to pass away from all his enemies, and told him that I was going unto master Clarke of Friswides, to declare unto him this matter, for I knew, & thought verily that he and divers others there, were then in great sorrow for this matter. Then went I straight to Friswides, and Evensong was begun, and the Dean and the other Canons were there in their grey Amices: they were almost at Magnificat before I came thither,2 I stood at the quier door and heard master Taverner play, and others of the Chapel there sing, with and among whom I my self was wont to sing also, but now my singing and music was turned into sighing and musing.
This done, I laide a side my bookes safe, folded vp M. Garrets gowne and hoode, and laide them into my presse among mine apparel, & so hauing put on my short gowne, shut vp my study and chamber doores, and went towards Friswides, to speake with that worthy martyr of God M. Clarke, and others, and to declare vnto them what hadde happened that after noone. But of purpose I went by S. Mary church,
As I thus and there stood, in cometh D. Cotisforde the Commissary,1 as fast as ever he could go, bare headed, as pale as ashes (I knew his grief well enough) and to the Dean he goeth into the Quier, where he was sitting in his stall, and talked with him very sorrowfully: what I know not, but whereof I might and did well and truly guess. I went aside from the Quier door: to see & hear more. The Commissary and Dean came out of the Quier wonderfully troubled, as it seemed. About the middle of the Church met them D. London, puffing, blustering and blowing like a hungry and greedy Lion seeking his pray. They talked together a while, but the Commissary was much blamed of them for keeping of his prisoner so negligently, in so much that he wept for sorrow: and it was known abroad, that master Garret was escaped, & gone out of the Commissaries chamber at Evensong tune, but whether no man could tell. These doctors departed, and sent abroad their servants and spies every where. Master Clarke about the middle of Compline,2 came forth of the Quier: I followed him to his chamber, and declared what was happened that after noon, of master Garrets escape. He was glad, for he knew of his foretaking. Then he sent for one M. Sumner anst M. Bets,3 fellows and Canons there. In the mean• while he gave me a very godly exhortation, praying God to give me and all the rest of our brethren, prudentiam serpentinam, & simplicitatē columbinam, for we should have shortly much need thereof, as he verily thought. When M. Sumner and M. Bets were come unto him, he caused me to declare again the whole matter unto them two, and they were very glad, that M. Garret was so delivered, trusting that he should escape all his enemies. Then desiring them to tell unto our other brethren, what was happened (for there were divers other in that College) I went to Corpus Christi colledge to comfort our brethren, there being in like heaviness. There I tarried and supped with them. At which supper we were not very merry, considering our state and peril at hand.
As I thus and there stoode, in commeth D. Cotisforde the Commissary,1 as fast as euer he could goe, bare headed, as pale as ashes (I knewe his griefe well inough) and to the Deane he goeth into the Quier, where he was sittinge in hys stall, and talked wyth him verye sorrowfully: what I know not, but whereof I might and did well and truely gesse. I went aside from the Quier doore: to see & heare more. The Commissary and Deane came out of the Quier wonderfully troubled, as it seemed. Aboute the middle of the Church met them D. London, puffing, blustering and blowing like a hungry and gredy Lion seeking hys pray. They talked together a while, but the Commissarie was much blamed of them for keeping of hys prisoner so negligently, in so muche that hee wepte for sorrowe: and it was knowen abroade, that master Garret was escaped, & gone out of the Commissaries chamber at Euensonge tune, but whether no man coulde tell. These doctours departed, and sent abrode their seruants and spies euery where. Maister Clarke aboute the middle of Compline,
When we had ended our supper, and committed our whole cause with fervent sighs and hearty prayers unto God our heavenly father, I went to Alborne hall, & there lay that night. In the morning I was up very early, and as soon as I could get out at the door, I went straight toward Gloucester College to my chamber. It had rained that morning, and with my going I had all to be sprinkled my hose and shoes with mire. And when I was come unto Gloucester college, which was about 6. of the clock, I found the gates fast shut. Whereat I did much marvel for they were wont to be opened daily long before the time. Then did I walk up and down by the wall there, a whole hour before the gates were opened. In the mean while my musing head being full of forecasting cares, & my sorrowful hart flowing with doleful sighs, I fully determined in my conscience before God, that if I should chance to be taken & be examined, I would accuse no man nor declare any thing further then I did already perceive was manifestly known before. And so when the gate was opened, thinking to shift my self & to put on a longer gown, went in towards my chamber, & going up the stairs would have opened my door, but I could not in a long season do it. Whereby I perceived that my lock had ben meddled withal, and therewith was somewhat altered. Yea at last with much ado I opened the lock and went in.1 When I came in, I saw my bed all to tossed and tumbled, my clothes in my press thrown down, & my study door open. Whereof I was much amazed, and thought verily that some search was made there that night for M. Garret, and that it was known of his being with me, by the Monks man that brought him to my chamber.
When we had ended our supper, and committed our whole cause with feruent sighes and harty prayers vnto God our heauenly father, I went to Alborne hall, & there lay that night. In the morning I was vp very early, and as soone as I could get out at the dore, I went straight toward Gloucester Colledge to my chamber. It had rayned that morning, and with my goyng I had all to be sprinckled my hose and shoes with myre. And when I was come vnto Gloucester colledge, which was about 6. of the clock, I found the gates fast shut. Whereat I did much marueile for they were wont to be opened dayly long before ye time. Then did I walke vp and downe by ye wal there, a whole houre before the gates were opened. In the meane whyle my musing head being full of forecasting cares, & my sorowfull hart flowing with dolefull sighes, I fully determined in my conscience before God, that if I shuld chance to be taken & be examined, I would accuse no man nor declare any thing further then I did already perceaue was manifestly known before. And so when the gate was opened, thinking to shift my selfe & to put on a longer gowne, went in towardes my chamber, & goyng vp the stayres would haue opened my dore, but I could not in a lōg season do it. Wherby I perceiued that my lock had ben medled wtall, and therwith was somewhat altered. Yea at last with much ado I opened the locke and went in.
Now was there lying in the next chamber unto me a Monk, who as soon as he had heard me in the chamber, came to me, and told how M. Garret was sought in my chamber that night, and what ado there was made by the Commissary & the two proctors, with bills & swords thrusted through my bedstraw, and how every corner of my chamber was searched for M. Garret. And albeit his gown and his hood lay there in my press with my clothes▪ yet they perceived them not. Then he told me he was commanded to bring me as soon as I came in, unto the Prior of the students named Antony Dunstan a Monk of Westminster. This so troubled me that I forgot to make clean my hose and shoes, & to shift me into an other gown: and therefore, so all to be dirted as I was, & in my short gown I went with him to the said Priors chamber, where I found the said Prior standing & looking for my coming.1 He asked me where I had been that night. I told him I lay at Alborne Hall with my old bedfellow Fitziames, but he would not believe me. He asked me if M. Garret were with me yesterday, I told him yea. Then he would know where he was, and wherefore he came unto me, I told him I knew not where he was except he were at Woodstock. For so (said I) he had showed me that he would go thither, because one of the keepers there his friend, had promised him a piece of venison to make merry withal the shrovetide, and that he would have borrowed a hat and a payer of high shoes of me, but I had none in deed to lend him. This tale I thought meetest, though it were nothing so. Then had he spied on my forefinger a big ring of silver very well double gilded with 2. letters A. D. engraved in it for my name: I suppose he thought it to be gold. He required to see it. I took it unto him. When he had it in his ⟨p. 1196⟩hand, he said it was his ring, for therein was his name. an A. for Antony,2 and a D. for Dunstan. When I heard him so say, I wished in my heart to be as well delivered from and out or his company, as I was assured to be delivered from my ring for ever.
Now was there lying in the next chamber vnto me a Monke, who as soone as he had heard me in ye chamber, came to me, and told howe M. Garret was sought in my chāber yt night, and what ado there was made by the Cō missary & the two proctors, with billes & swords thrusted thorow my bedstraw, and how euery corner of my chāber was searched for M. Garret. And albeit his gowne and his hoode lay there in my presse with my clothes yet they perceiued them not. Then he told me hee was commaunded to bring mee as soone as I came in, vnto the Priour of ye students named Antony Dunstane a Monk of Westminster. This so troubled me that I forgot to make cleane my hose and shoes, & to shift me into an other gowne: and therfore, so all to be dirted as I was, & in my short gowne I went with him to the sayde Priors chamber, where I found the sayd Prior standing & looking for my comming.
Then he called for pen, ink, and paper, and commanded me to write when & how Garret came unto me, & where he was become. I had not written scarcely three words, but the chief beadle with ij. or iij. of the Commissaries men, were come, unto Master Prior, requiring him straightways to bring us away unto Lincoln College to the Commissary, and to D. London. Whether when I was brought into the chapel, there I found D. Cotislorde commissary, D. Higdon then Dean of the Cardinals College, and D. London Warden of the new College standing together at the altar in the chapel. When I was brought unto them, after salutations given and taken between them, they called for chairs and sate down, & called for me to come to them. and first they asked what my name was.1 I told them that my name was Antony Dalaber. Then they also asked me how long I had been student in the University, and I told them almost 3. years. And they asked me what I studied. I told them that I had read sophistry and logic in Alborne Hal, and now was removed unto Gloucester College to study the Civil law, the which the foresaid Prior of the students affirmed to be true. Then they asked me whether I knew M. Garret, and how long I had known him. I told them I knew him well, & had known him almost a twelvemonth. They asked me when he was with me. I told them yesterday at after noon.
Then he called for pen, inke, and paper, and commāded me to wryte when & howe Garret came vnto me, & where he was become. I had not wrytten scarsly three woordes, but the chief bedle with ij. or iij. of the Commissaries men, were come, vnto Maister Prior, requiring hym strayghtwayes to bryng vs away vnto Lyncolne Colledge to the Commissarye, and to D. London. Whether when I was brought into the chapel, there I found D. Cotislorde commissarie, D. Higdon then Deane of the Cardinals Colledge, and D. London Warden of the new Colledge standinge together at the altare in the chappel. When I was brought vnto them, after salutations geuen and taken betweene them, they called for chaires and sate downe, & called for me to come to them. and fyrste they asked what my name was.1 I told them that my name was Antonye Dalaber. Then they also asked me howe long I had bene student in the Uniuersitie, and I tolde them almost 3. yeares. And they asked mee what I studied. I tolde them that I had read sophistrie and logicke in Alborne Hal, and nowe was remoued vnto Glocester Colledge to study the Ciuil lawe, the which the foresayde Prior of the studentes affirmed to be true. Then they asked me whether I knew M. Garret, and how long I had knowen him. I told them I knew him wel, & had knowen him almost a tweluemōth. They asked me when he was with me. I told them yesterday at after noone.
Now by this time whiles they had me in this talk, one came unto them which was sent for, with pen, ink and paper. I trow it was the Clerk of the University. As soon as he was come, there was a board & tresses with a form for him to sit on, set between the Doctors and me, and a great Mass book laid before me, and I was commanded to lay my right hand on it, and to swear that I should truly answer unto such articles and interrogatories as I should be by them examined upon.1 I made danger of it a while at first, but afterward being persuaded by them, partly by fair words, and partly by great threats. I promised to do as they would have me, but in my hart nothing so meant to do. So I laid my hand on the book, and one of them gave me my oath, and that done commanded me to kiss the book.2 Then made they great courtesy between them who should examine me, & minister interrogatories unto me. At the last, the rankest Papistical Pharisee of them all D. London took upon him to do it.
Now by this time whiles they had me in this talke, one came vnto them which was sent for, wt pen, inke and paper. I trowe it was the Clerke of the Uniuersitie. Assoone as he was come, there was a bourd & tres•es wyth a forme for him to sit on, set betweene the Doctours and me, and a great Masse booke layde before me, and I was commaunded to lay my right hand on it, and to sweare that I should truely aunswere vnto such articles and interrogatories as I should be by them examined vpon.1 I made danger of it a while at first, but afterwarde being perswaded by them, partly by faire words, and partly by great threates. I promised to do as they wold haue me, but in my hart nothyng so ment to do. So I layd my hand on the booke, and one of them gaue me my othe, and that done commaunded me to kisse the booke.2 Then made they greate curtesie betweene them who should examine me, & minister interrogatoryes vnto me. At the last, the rankest Papistical Pharisey of thē all D. London tooke vpon hym to do it.
Then he asked me again by my oath. where M. Garret was, and whether I had conveyed him. I told him I had not conveyed him, nor yet wist not where he was, nor whether he was gone, except he were gone to Woodstock, (as I had before said) as he showed me he would. Then he asked me again when he came to me, how he came to me, what and how long he talked with me, and whether he went from me, I told him he came to me about evensong time, and that one brought him unto my Chamber door, whom I know not, and that he told me he would go to Woodstock for some venison to make merry withal this Shrovetide, and that he would have borrowed a hat, and a pair of high shoes of me, but I had none such to lend him, and then he straight went his way from me, but whether I know not. All these my sayings the scribe wrote in a paper book.
Then he asked me againe by my othe. where M. Garret was, and whether I had conueyed hym. I tolde him I had not conueyed hym, nor yet wist not where he was, nor whether he was gone, except he were gone to Wodstocke, (as I had before sayde) as he shewed me he woulde. Then he asked me agayne when he came to me, howe he came to me, what and howe long he talked with me, and whether he went from me, I tolde hym he came to me about euensong time, and that one brought hym vnto my Chamber doore, whome I knowe not, and that he told me he would goe to Woodstocke for some venison to make mery withall this Shroftide, and that he woulde haue borowed a hatte, and a paire of high shoes of me, but I had none such to lēd hym, and then he straight went hys way frō me, but whether I knowe not. All these my sayings the scribe wrote in a paper booke.
Then they earnestly required me to tell them whether I had conveyed him, for surely they said I brought him going some whether this morning, for that they might well perceive by my foul shoes and dirty hosen, that I had travailed with him the most part of this night. I answered plainly that I lay at Alborne Hall with sir Fitziames, and that I had good witness thereof there. They asked me where I was at Evensong. I told them at Friswides, and that I saw first M. Commissary, and then master D. London come thither at that time unto M. Dean of Frisewides, and that I saw them talking together in the Church there. D. London and the Dean threatened me, that if I would not tell the truth where I had done him, or whether he was gone, I should surely be sent unto the Tour of London, and there be racked, and put into little ease. But M. Commissary prayed me with gentle words to tell him where he was, that he might have him again, & he would be my very great friend, & deliver me out of trouble straightway. I told him I could not tell where he was, nor whether he was become. Thus did they occupy and toss me almost two hours in the chapel, sometimes with threatenings and foul words, and then with fair words and fair promises flattering me. Then was he that brought M. Garret unto my chamber, brought before me, and caused to declare what M. Garret said unto me at his coming to my chamber, but I said plainly I heard him say no such thing, for I thought my nay to be as good as his yea, seeing it was to rid and deliver my Godly brother out of trouble and peril of his life.
Then they earnestly required me to tell them whether I had conueyed hym, for surely they sayde I brought hym going some whether this morning, for that thei might wel perceiue by my foule shoes and dirty hosen, that I had trauailed wyth hym the most part of this night. I aunswered plainly that I lay at Alborne Hall with sir Fitziames, and that I had good witnes therof there. They asked me wher I was at Euensong. I tolde them at Friswides, and that I sawe firste M. Commissarie, and then maister D. London come thether at that time vnto M. Deane of Frisewides, and that I saw them talking together in ye Church there. D. London and the Deane threatned mee, that if I would not tell the truthe where I had done hym, or whether he was gone, I should surely be sent vnto the Toure of London, and there be racked, and put into litle ease. But M. Commissary prayed me with gentle words to tell him where he was, that he might haue him againe, & he would be my very great frende, & deliuer me out of trouble straitway. I told hym I could not tel where he was, nor whether he was become. Thus did they occupie and tosse mee almost two houres in the chappel, sometimes with threatnings and foule wordes, and then wyth faire wordes and fayre promises flattering mee. Then was hee that brought M. Garret vnto my chamber, brought before me, and caused to declare what M. Garret sayde vnto me at hys comming to my chamber, but I saide plainely I heard him say no such thing, for I thoughte my nay to be as good as hys yea, seeing it was to rid and deliuer my Godly brother out of trouble and pearill of his life.
At the last, when they could get nothing of me whereby to hurt or accuse any man, or to know any thing of that which they sought, they all 3. together brought me up a long stairs into a great chamber over M. commissaries chamber,1 wherein stood a great pair of very high stocks. Then M. Commissary asked me for my purse & girdle, toke away my money and my knives, and then they put both my legs into the stocks, and so locked me fast in them: in which I sate, my feet being almost as high as my head, and so departed they (I think to their abominable mass) locking fast the chamber door, and leaving me alone. When all they were gone, then came unto my remembrance the worthy forewarning and godly declaration of that most constant martyr of God, M. John Clarke my father in Christ, who well nigh two years before that, when I did earnestly desire him to grant me to be his scholar, & that I might go with him continually when and wheresoever he should teach or preach (the which he did daily) said unto me much after this sort:2 Dalaber, you desire you wot not what, & that you are, I fear me, unable to take upon you. For though now my preaching be sweet and pleasant unto you, because there is yet no persecution laid on you for it, yet the time will come, & that peradventure shortly, if ye continue to live godly therein, that God will lay on you the cross of persecution to try you withal, whether you can as pure gold abide the fire, or as stubble and dross be consumed therewith. For the holy Ghost plainly affirmeth by S. Paule, quod omnes qui pie volunt vivere in Christo Jesu, persecutionem patientur. Yea,3 you shall be called and judged an heretic, you shall be abhorred of the world, your own friends and kinsfolk will forsake you, and also hate you, and you shall be cast into prison, and no man shall dare to help or comfort you, and you shall be accused & brought before the bishops, to your reproach and shame, to the great sorrow of all your faithful friends and kinsfolk. Then will ye wish ye had never known this doctrine. Then will ye curse Clarke,4 and wish that ye had never known him, because he hath brought you to all these troubles. Therefore rather then that ye should do this, leave of from meddling of this doctrine, and desire not to be and continue in my company.
At which words I was so grieved, that I fell down on my knees at his feet, & with abundance of tears and sighs even from the bottom of my heart, I earnestly besought him, that for the tender mercy of God showed unto us in our Lord Jesus Christ, he would not refuse me, but receive me into his company, as I had desired, saying that I trusted verily, that he which had begun this in me, would not forsake me, but give me grace to continue therein unto the end. When he heard me say so, he came to me, and toke me up in his arms, kissed me, the tears trickling down from his eyes, & said unto me: The Lord almighty grant you so to do, and from henceforth for ever take me for your father, and I will take you for my son in Christ. Now were there at that time in Oxford, divers Graduates and Scholars of sundry Colleges & Halls, whom God had called to the knowledge of his holy word, which all resorted unto M. Clerks disputations & lectures in divinity at all times as they might: and when they might not come conveniently, I was by M. Clarke appointed to resort to every one of them weekly, and to know what doubts they had in any place of the scriptures, that by me from him they might have the true understanding of the same: which exercise did me most good and profit, to the understanding of the holy scriptures, which I most desired.
At which wordes I was so grieued, that I fell downe on my knees at his feete, & with aboundance of teares and sighes euen from the bottome of my heart, I earnestly besought him, yt for the tender mercy of God shewed vnto vs in our Lord Iesus Christ, he would not refuse me, but receiue me into his company, as I had desired, saying that I trusted verily, that he which had begon this in me, woulde not forsake me, but geue me grace to continue therin vnto the ende. When he heard me say so, he came to me, and toke me vp in his armes, kissed me, the teares trickling downe from his eyes, & sayd vnto me: The Lorde almighty graūt you so to do, and from henceforth for euer take me for your father, and I will take you for my sonne in Christe. Nowe were there at that time in Oxforde, diuers Graduates and Scholers of sundry Colledges & Halles, whome God had called to the knowledge of his holy worde, which all resorted vnto M. Clarkes disputations & lectures in diuinitie at all times as they might: and when they might not come conueniently, I was by M. Clarke appoynted to resort to euery one of them wekely, and to know what doubts they had in any place of the scriptures, that by me frō hym they might haue the true vnderstanding of the same: which exercise did me most good and profite, to the vnderstandinge of the holy scriptures, which I most desired.
This foresaid forewarning and godly declaration (I say) of this most godly Martyr of God M. Clarke, coming to my remembrance, caused me with deep sighs to cry unto God from my hart to assist me with his holy spirit, that I might be able patiently & quietly to bear & suffer whatsoever it should please him of his fatherly love to lay on me,1 to his glory & the comfort of my dearly beloved brethren, whom I thought now to be in great fear & anguish, least I would be an accuser of them all, for unto me they all were well known, & all their doings in that matter. But God be blessed, I was fully bent never to accuse any of them, whatsoever should happen of me.2 Before dinner M. Cotisforde came up to me and requested me earnestly to tell him where master Garret was, and if I would so do, he promised me straightways to deliver me out of prison. But I told him I could not tell where he was: no more in deed I could. Then he departed to dinner, asking me if I would eat any meat, and I told him, yea right gladly. He said he ⟨p. 1197⟩would send me some. When he was gone, his servants asked me divers questions, which I do not now remember, and some of them spake me fair, and some threatened me, calling me heretic, and so departed, locking the door last upon me.
This foresaide forewarnyng and godly declaration (I say) of this most godly Martir of God M. Clarke, cōming to my remembrance, caused me wyth depe sighs to cry vnto God from my hart to assist me wyth his holy spirit, that I might be able paciently & quietly to beare & suffer whatsoeuer it shuld please him of his fatherly loue to lay on me,1 to his glory & the comfort of my dearely beloued brethren, whom I thought now to be in great feare & anguish, least I would be an accuser of them all, for vnto me they al were well knowne, & all theyr doings in that matter. But God be blessed, I was fully bēt neuer to acuse any of thē, whatsoeuer should happen of me.2 Before dinner M. Cotisforde came vp to me and requested me earnestly to tel him wher master Garret was, and if I would so do, he promised me straightwaies to deliuer me out of prison. But I told hym I could not tell where he was: no more in deede I coulde. Then hee departed to dinner, asking mee if I woulde eate any meate, and I tolde him, yea right gladly. He sayde hee
At the last, when they could get nothing of me whereby to hurt or accuse any mā, or to know any thyng of yt which they sought, they al 3. together brought me vp a lōg staires into a great chamber ouer M. cōmissaries chamber,1 wherin stode a great paire of very high stocks. Then M. Commissary asked me for my purse & girdie, toke away my mony and my kniues, and then they put both my legs into ye stockes, and so locked me faste in them: in which I sate, my fete being almost as high as my head, and so departed they (I thinke to their abominable masse) locking fast ye chamber doore, and leauing me alone. When all they were gone, then came vnto my remembrance the worthy forewarning and godly declaration of that most cōstant martyr of God, M. Iohn Clarke my father in Christ, who well nigh two yeres before that, whē I did earnestly desire hym to graūt me to be his scholler, & that I myght go wt hym continually when and wheresoeuer he shoulde teache or preache (the whych he did daily) sayd vnto me much after this sort:2 Dalaber, you desire you wot not what, & that you are, I feare me, vnable to take vpon you. For though nowe my preaching be swete and pleasaunt vnto you, because there is yet no persecution laide on you for it, yet the time will come, & that peraduenture shortly, if ye continue to liue godly therin, that God will lay on you the crosse of persecution to try you withall, whether you can as pure golde abide the fire, or as stubble and drosse be consumed therewt. For the holy Ghoste plainely affirmeth by S. Paule, quod omnes qui pie volunt viuere in Christo Iesu, persecutionem patientur. Yea,3 you shall be called and iudged an heretike, you shalbe abhorred of the world, your owne friends and kinsfolke wil forsake you, and also hate you, and you shalbe cast into prison, and no man shall dare to help or comfort you, and you shall be accused & brought before the bishops, to your reproche and shame, to the great sorow of all your faithfull friendes and kinsfolke. Then wil yee wish yee had neuer knowen thys doctrine. Then will ye curse Clarke,4 and wish that yee had neuer knowen him, because he hath brought you to al these troubles. Therfore rather then that ye shuld do this, leaue of from medling of this doctrine, and desire not to be and continue in my company.
