A67926:4254
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.
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
Thus far Anthony Dalaber hath prosecuted this story, who before the finishing, departed the year 1562. in the Diocese of Salisbury: the residue thereof as we could gather it of ancient and credible persons, so have we added here unto the same.
Thus farre Anthonye Dalaber hathe prosecuted thys storye, who before the finishing, departed the yeare 1562. in the Dioces of Salisbury: the residue thereof as we coulde gather it of auncient and credible persones, so haue we added heere vnto the same.
After this, Garret was apprehended or taken by master Cole the Proctor or his men, going Westward, at a place called Hinksey a little beyond Oxford,1 and so being brought back again, was committed to ward, that done, he was convented before the Commissary, Doctor London and Doctor Higdon Dean of Friswides (now called Christs College) into S. Mary's Church, where they sitting in judgement,2 convicted him according to their law as an heretic (as they said) and afterward compelled him to carry a fagot in open procession from Saint Mary's Church to Friswides, and Dalaber likewise with him, Garret having his red hood on his shoulders like a master of Art. After that, they were sent to Osney, there to be kept in prison till farther order was taken.
After this, Garret was apprehended or taken by maister Cole the Proctor or hys men, going Westwarde, at a place called Hinksey a little beyond Oxforde,1 and so being brought back againe, was committed to ward, that done, he was conuented before the Commissary, Doctour London and Doctour Higdon Deane of Friswides (now called Christes Colledge) into S. Maries Churche, where they sitting in iudgement,2 conuicted him according to their law as an hereticke (as they said) and afterward compelled him to cary a fagot in open procession from Saint Maries Churche to Friswides, and Dalaber likewise wyth hym, Garret hauing his red hoode on hys shoulders like a maister of Arte. After that, they were sent to Osney, there to be kept in prison till farther order was taken.
There were suspected beside, a great number to be infected with heresy, as they called it, for having such books of Gods truth, as Garret sold unto them, as M. Clarke, which died in his chamber, and could not be suffered to receive the Communion, being in prison, and saying these words: Creed, & manducasti. Master Summoner, Master Bets, Taverner the Musician, Radley, with other of Friswides College,1 of Corpus Christi Colledge, as Udall and Diet, with other of Magdalene College one Eden, with other of Gloucester College, and two black Monks, one of S. Austin's of Canterbury named Langporte, the other of S. Edmund's Bury monk, named Joh. Salisbury, two white monks of Barnard College, two Canons of S. Mary's College, one of them named Robert Ferrar afterward Bishop of S. Davies,2 and burned in Queen Mary's time. These two Canons, because they had no place in the University with the other, they went on the contrary side of the procession bare headed, and a Bedel before them, to be known from the other. Divers other there were, whose names I cannot remember, which were forced and constrained to forsake their Colleges, and sought their friends. Against the Procession time, there was a great fire made upon the top of Carfax, whereinto all such as were in the said Procession, either convict or suspect of heresy, were commanded in token of repentance and renouncing of their errors, every man to cast a book into the fire as they passed by.
There were suspected beside, a great number to be infected with heresie, as they called it, for hauing such bookes of Gods truth, as Garret solde vnto them, as M. Clarke, which died in his chamber, and could not be suffered to receyue the Communion, being in prisone, and saying these woordes: Crede, & manducasti. Maister Somner, Maister Bettes, Tauerner the Musition, Radley, wyth other of Friswides Colledge,1 of Corpus Christi Colledge, as Udall and Diet, wyth other of Magdalene Colledge one Eeden, wt other of Glocester Colledge, and two blacke Monkes, one of S. Austines of Canterburye named Langporte, the other of S. Edmondes Burie monke, named Ioh. Salisbury, two white monkes of Barnard Colledge, two Canons of S. Maries Colledge, one of them named Robert Ferrar afterwarde Bishop of S. Dauies,2
After this, M. Garret flying from place to place, escaped their tyranny until this present time, that he was again apprehended and burned with D. Barnes. With whom also W. Hierome sometime vicar of Stepney,1 was likewise drawn into Smithfield, and there together with them, constantly endured martyrdom in the fire.
After this, M. Garret flying from place to place, escaped theyr tyrannie vntill thys present time, that he was againe apprehended and burned wt D. Barnes. With whome also W. Hierome sometime vicare of Stepney,1 was likewyse drawne into Smithfielde, and there together wyth them, constantly endured martyrdome in the fire.
Now let us add also to these, the story of Hierome.
Now let vs adde also to these, the storie of Hierome.
The third companion which suffered with Barnes and Garret, was W. Hierome Vicar of Stepney. This Hierome being a diligent preacher of Gods word,1 for the comfort and edification of the people, had preached divers and sundry sermons, wherein to the intent to plant in the consciences of men, the sincere truth of christen religion, he laboured as much as time then served, to extirp & weed out the roots of mens traditions, doctrines, dreams, and fantasies. In so doing it could not otherwise be, but he must needs provoke much hatred against him amongest the adversaries of Christs gospel.
THe third companion which suffered wyth Barnes and Garret, was W. Hierome Uicare of Stepney. Thys Hierome being a diligent preacher of Gods worde,1 for the comfort and edification of the people, had preached diuers and sondry sermons, wherein to the entent to plante in the consciences of men, the sincere truth of christen religion, he laboured as much as time then serued, to extirpe & weede out the rootes of mens traditions, doctrines, dreames, and fantasies. In so doing it coulde not otherwise be, but hee must needes prouoke much hatred against hym amongest the aduersaries of Christes gospell.
It so happened, that the said Hierome preaching at Pauls in the 4. Sunday of Lent last past, made there a sermon,1 wherein he recited and mentioned of Hagar, and Sarah, declaring what these ij. signified. In process, whereof he showed further, how that Sarah & her child Isaac, and all they that were Isaacs, and borne of the free woman. Sarah, were freely justified: Contrary they that were borne of Hagar the bondwoman, were bound and under the law, and cannot be freely justified. In these words, what was here spoken, but that S. Paul himself uttereth and expoundeth in his Epistle to the Galat. 4. Or what could here be gathered of any reasonable or indifferent hearer,2 but consonant to sound doctrine, and vein of the Gospel? Now see what rancour and malice armed with crafty and subtle sophistry can do. This sermon finished, it was not long but he was charged and convented before the king at Westminster, & there accused for erroneous doctrine.
It so happened, that the sayde Hierome preaching at Paules in the 4. Sonday of Lent last past, made there a sermon,1 wherin he recited and mētioned of Agar, and Sara, declaring what these ij. signified. In processe, wherof he shewed further, howe that Sara & her childe Isaac, and all they that were Isaacs, and borne of the free woman. Sara, were freely iustified: Contrary they that were borne of Agar the bondwoman, were boūd and vnder the law, and cannot be freely iustified. In these words, what was heere spoken, but that S. Paule himselfe vttereth and expoūdeth in his Epistle to the Galat. 4. Or what coulde heere be gathered of any reasonable or indifferēt hearer,2 but cōsonant to sound doctrine, and veine of the Gospel? Now see what rancor and malice armed with crafty and subtile sophistry can do. This sermon finished, it was not long but he was charged and conuented before the kinge at Westminster, & there accused for erroneous doctrine.
Percase thou wilt muse (gentle reader) what erroneous doctrine here could be picked out. Note therefore for thy learning, & he that listeth to study how to play the Sycophant, let him here take example.1 The knot found in this rush was this, for that he preached erroneously at Pauls cross, teaching the people, that all that were borne of Sarah, were freely justified, speaking there absolutely without any condition either of Baptism or of penance &c. Who doubteth here but if s. Paul himself had been at Pauls cross, and had preached the same words to the English men, which he wrote to the Gal. in this behalf, Ipso facto he had been apprehended for an heretic for preaching against the sacrament of Baptism and repentance?
Percase thou wilt muse (gentle reader) what erroneous doctrine here coulde be picked out. Note therefore for thy learning, & he that listeth to study how to play the Sicophant, let him here take exāple.1 The knot found in thys rush was this, for that he preached erroneously at Paules crosse, teaching the people, that all that were borne of Sara, were freely iustified, speaking there absolutely without any condition eyther of Baptisme or of penaunce &c. Who doubteth here but if s. Paule hymselfe had bene at Paules crosse, and had preached the same wordes to the Englishe men, which he wrote to the Gal. in this behalfe, Ipso facto he had bene apprehended for an hereticke for preachyng agaynst the sacrament of Baptisme and repentaunce?
Furthermore it was objected against him, touching matter against magistrates, and laws by them made. Whereunto he answered again and affirmed (as he had before preached) that no Magistrate of himself could make any law or laws, private or otherwise,1 to bind the inferior people, unless it were by the power, authority and commandment of his or their Princes to him or them given, but only the Prince. And moreover, to confirm the same he added, saying: that if the Prince make laws consenting to Gods laws, we are bound to obey them. And if he make laws repugnant to the laws of God, and be an evil and wicked prince: yet are we bound humbly to suffer him, and not violently to resist or grudge against him.
Furthermore it was obiected agaynst him, touchyng matter agaynst magistrates, and lawes by them made. Wherunto he answered agayn and affirmed (as he had before preached) that no Magistrate of himselfe coulde make any law or lawes, priuate or otherwise,1 to binde the inferior people, vnles it were by the power, authority and commandement of his or their Princes to him or them geuen, but onely the Prince. And moreouer, to confirme the same he added, saying: that if the Prince make lawes consenting to Gods lawes, we are boūd to obey them. And if he make lawes repugnant to the lawes of God, and be an euill and wicked prince: yet are we bound humbly to suffer him, and not violently to resist or grudge against him.
Also concerning his sermons, one Doct. Wilson entered into disputation with him,1 and defended that good works justified before God, and were necessary and available to salvation. To whom Hierome answered again, that all works whatsoever they were, were nothing worth, nor no part of salvation of themselves, but only referred to the mercy and love of God,2 which mercy and love of God directeth the workers thereof, & yet it is at his mercy & goodness to accept them. Which to be true doctor Wilson neither could, nor did deny.
Also concerning his sermons, one Doct. Wilson entred into disputation wyth him,1 and defended that good works iustified before God, and were necessary and auaileable to saluation. To whome Hierome answered agayne, that all workes whatsoeuer they were, were nothing worthe, nor no part of saluation of themselues, but only referred to the mercy and loue of God,2 which mercy and loue of God directeth the workers therof, & yet it is at his mercy & goodnes to accept them. Which to be true doctor Wilson neither could, nor did denie.
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.
