N20568:5083
The new and complete book of martyrs; or, An universal history of martyrdom: being Fox's Book of martyrs, revised and corrected, with additions and great improvements. : Containing an authentic account of the lives, persecutions and sufferings of the holy martyrs; and the many dreadful persecutions against the Church of Christ in all parts of the world, by pagans, Jews, Turks, papists, and others, from earliest ages of the church to the present period. ... The whole forming at once a general Christian martyrology, and a complete history of persecutions. / By the Rev. Mr. John Fox, M.A. late of Magdalen College, Oxford. ; Now revised, corrected and improved, with many additional articles, relating to the acts and monuments of the church. By Paul Wright, D.D. ; Embellished with forty elegant copper plate engravings. ; In two volumes. Vol. I[-II].The new and complete book of martyrs; or, An universal history of martyrdom: being Fox's Book of marytrs, revised and corrected, with additions and great improvements. : Containing an authentic account of the lives, persecutions and sufferings of the holy martyrs; and the many dreadful persecutions against the Church of Christ in all parts of the world, by pagans, Jews, Turks, papists, and others, from earliest ages of the church to the present period. ... The whole forming at once a general Christian martyrology, and a complete history of persecutions. / By the Rev. Mr. John Fox, M.A. late of Magdalen College, Oxford. ; Now revised, corrected and improved, with many additional articles, relating to the acts and monuments of the church. By Paul Wright, D.D. ; Embellished with forty elegant copper plate engravings. ; In two volumes. Vol. I[-II].
New-York: printed by William Durell, 1794
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
AND so he was led forth to the Woolpack, and his wife followed him. As soon as they came to the Woolpack, he was put into a chamber, wherein he was kept with four yeomen of the guard, and the sheriff's men. Dr. Taylor, as soon as he was come into the chamber, fell down on his knees, and gave himself wholly to prayer. The sheriff then seeing Dr. Taylor's wife there, would in no case grant her to speak any more with her husband, but gently desired her to go to his house and take it as her own, and promised her she should lack nothing, and sent two officers to conduct her hither. Notwithstanding, she desired to go to her mother's, whither the officers led her, and charged her mother to keep her there till they came again.
DR. TAYLOR remained at the Woolpack, kept by the sheriff and his company, till eleven of the clock; at which time the sheriff of Essex was ready to receive him: and they set him on horseback within the inn, the gates being shut.
AT coming out of the gates, John Hull stood at the rails with Thomas, Dr. Taylor's son. When Dr. Taylor saw them, he called them, saying, Come hither, my son Thomas. And John Hull lifted the child up, and set him on the horse before his father: and Dr. Taylor put off his hat, and said to the people that stood there looking on him, Good people, this is mine own son, begotten of my body in lawful matrimony; and God be blessed for lawful matrimony. Then he lifted up his eyes towards heaven and prayed for his son, laid his hat upon his head and blessed him, and so delivered the child to John Hull, whom he took by the hand and said, Farewell John Hull, the faithfullest servant ever man had. And so they rode forth, the sheriff of Essex, with four yeoman of the guard, and the sheriff's men leading them.
AT coming out of the gates, John Hull stood at the rails with Thomas, Dr. Taylor's son. When Dr. Taylor saw them, he called them, saying, Come hither, my son Thomas. And John Hull lifted the child up, and set him on the horse before his father: and Dr. Taylor put off his hat, and said to the people that stood there looking on him, Good people, this is mine own son, begotten of my body in lawful matrimony; and God be blessed for lawful matrimony. Then he lifted up his eyes towards heaven and prayed for his son, laid his hat upon his head and blessed him, and so delivered the child to John Hull, whom he took by the hand and said, Farewel John Hull, the faithfullest servant ever man had. And so they rode forth, the sheriff of Essex, with four yeoman of the guard, and the sheriff's men leading them.
WHEN they were come almost to Burntwood, one Arthur Faysy, a man of Hadley, who formerly had been Dr. Taylor's servant, met with them, and he, supposing him to have been at liberty, said, Master, I am glad to see you again at liberty, and came to him and took him by the hand. Sir, returned the sheriff, he is a prisoner; what hast thou to do with him? I crave your mercy, said Arthur, I knew not ⟨p. 484⟩so much, and I thought it no offence to talk to a true man. The sheriff was very angry with this, threatened to carry Arthur with him to prison; notwithstanding he bid him get quickly away, and so they rode forth to Burntwood; where they caused to be made for Dr. Taylor a close hood, with two holes for his eyes to look out at, and a slit for his mouth to breathe at. This they did, that no man should know him, nor he speak to any man. Which practice they used also with others. Their own consciences told them, that they led innocent lamb to the slaughter. Wherefore they feared, lest if the people should have heard them speak, or have seen them they might have been much more strengthened by their pious exhortations to stand steadfast in God's word, and to fly the superstitions and idolatries of the papacy.
WHEN they were come almost to Burntwood, one Arthur Faysy, a man of Hadley, who formerly had been Dr. Taylor's servant, met with them, and he, supposing him to have been at liberty, said, Master, I am glad to see you again at liberty, and came to him and took him by the hand. Sir, returned the sheriff, he is a prisoner; what hast thou to do with him? I crave your mercy, said Arthur, I knew not ⟨p. 484⟩so much, and I thought it no offence to talk to a true man. The sheriff was very angry with this, threatened to carry Arthur with him to prison; notwithstanding he bid him get quickly away, and so they rode forth to Burntwood; where they caused to be made for Dr. Taylor a close hood, with two holes for his eyes to look out at, and a slit for his mouth to breathe at. This they did, that no man should know him, nor he speak to any man. Which practice they used also with others. Their own consciences told them, that they led innocent lambe to the slaughter. Wherefore they feared, lest if the people should have heard them speak, or have seen them they might have been much more strengthened by their pious exhortations to stand stedfast in God's word, and to fly the superstitions and idolatries of the papacy.
ALL the way Dr. Taylor was joyful and merry, as one that accounted himself going to a most pleasant banquet or marriage. He spoke many notable things to the sheriff and yeomen of the guard that conducted him, and often moved them to weep through his much earnest calling upon them to repent, and to amend their evil and wicked living. Oftentimes also he caused them to wonder and rejoice, to see him so constant and steadfast, void of all fear, joyful in heart, and glad to die. Of these yeomen of the guard, three used him very friendly, but the fourth (whose name was Holmes) used him very unkindly, and churlishly.
ALL the way Dr. Taylor was joyful and merry, as one that accounted himself going to a most pleasant banquet or marriage. He spoke many notable things to the sheriff and yeomen of the guard that conducted him, and often moved them to weep through his much earnest calling upon them to repent, and to amend their evil and wicked living. Oftentimes also he caused them to wonder and rejoice, to see him so constant and stedfast, void of all fear, joyful in heart, and glad to die. Of these yeomen of the guard, three used him very friendly, but the fourth (whose name was Holmes) used him very unkindly, and churlishly.
AT Chelmsford the sheriff of Suffolk met them, there to receive him, and to carry him into Suffolk. Being at supper, the sheriff of Essex very earnestly besought him to return to the popish religion, thinking with fair words to persuade him, and said, Good Doctor, we are right sorry for you, considering what the loss is of such a man as you might be. God hath given you great learning and wisdom; wherefore you have been in great favour and reputation in times past with the council and highest of this realm. Besides this, you are a man of goodly personage, in your best strength, and by nature like to live many years, and without doubt, you would in time to come be in as good reputation as ever you were, or rather better, for you are well beloved of all men, as well for your virtues as for your learning: and it were great pity you should cast away yourself willingly, and so come to such a painful and shameful death. You would do much better to revoke your opinions, and return to the catho••• universal church of Rome, acknowledge the pope's holiness to be the supreme head of the ch•••h, and reconcile yourself to him. You may do well yet if you will: doubt you not but you shall find favour at the queen's hands. I and all these your friends, will be suitors for your pardon, which, no doubt, you will obtain; this council I give you, good Doctor, of a good heart, and good-will towards you: and thereupon I drink to you. In like manner said all the yeomen of the guard, Upon that condition, Doctor, we will all drink to you.
AT Chelmsford the sheriff of Suffolk met them, there to receive him, and to carry him into Suffolk. Being at supper, the sheriff of Essex very earnestly besought him to return to the popish religion, thinking with fair words to persuade him, and said, Good Doctor, we are right sorry for you, considering what the loss is of such a man as you might be. God hath given you great learning and wisdom; wherefore you have been in great favour and reputation in times past with the council and highest of this realm. Besides this, you are a man of goodly personage, in your best strength, and by nature like to live many years, and without doubt, you would in time to come be in as good reputation as ever you were, or rather better, for you are well beloved of all men, as well for your virtues as for your learning: and it were great pity you should cast away yourself willingly, and so come to such a painful and shameful death. You would do much better to revoke your opinions, and return to the catho••• universal church of Rome, acknowledge the pope's holiness to be the supreme head of the chh, and reconcile yourself to him. Yow may do well yet if you will: doubt you not but you shall find favour at the queen's hands. I and all these your friends, will be suitors for your pardon, which, no doubt, you will obtain; this council I give you, good Doctor, of a good heart, and good-will towards you: and thereupon I drink to you. In like manner said all the yeomen of the guard, Upon that condition, Doctor, we will all drink to you.
WHEN they had all drank to him, and the •up was come to him, he staid a little, as one studying what answer he might give. At the last thus he answered and said, Mr. Sheriff, and my masters all, I heartily thank you for your good-will; I have hearkened to your words, and marked well your counsels. And to be plain with you, I do perceive that I have been deceived myself, and am like to deceive a great many of Hadley of their expectation. With that word they all rejoiced. Yes, Doctor, said the sheriff, God's blessing on your heart; hold you there still. It is the most comfortable word that we heard you speak yet. What? should you cast away yourself in vain? Play a wise man's part, and I dare warrant you will find favour. Thus they rejoiced very much at the word, and were very merry.
AT last, Good Doctor, said the sheriff, what meant you by this, that you say you have been deceived yourself, and think you shall deceive many in Hadley? Would you know my meaning plainly, said he? Yes, said the sheriff, tell it us plainly.
THEN said Doctor Taylor, I will tell you how I have been deceived, and, as I think, I shall deceive a great many. I am, as you see, a man that hath a very great carcass, which I thought should have been buried in Hadley church-yard, if I had died in my bed, as I well hoped I should have done▪ but herein I see I was deceived; and there are a ⟨p. 485⟩great number of worms in Hadley church-yard, which should have had jolly feeding upon this carrion, which they have looked for many a day. But now I know we be deceived, both I and they; for this carcass must be burned to ashes, and so they shall lose their bait and feeding, that they looked to have had of it.
WHEN the sheriff and his company heard him say so, they were amazed and looked one on another, marvelling at the man's constant mind, that thus without all fear made but a jest of the cruel torment, and death now at hand prepared for him. Thus was their expectation clean disappointed. And in this appeareth what was his meditation in wealth and prosperity; namely, that he should shortly die, and feed worms in his grave; which meditation if all our bishops, and spiritual men had used, they had not for all worldly glory forsaken the word of God and truth, which they in king Edward's days had preached and set forth, nor yet to maintain the bishop of Rome's authority, have committed so many to the fire as they did.
WHEN the sheriff and his company heard him say so, they were amazed and looked one on another, marvelling at the man's constant mind, that thus without all fear made but a jest of the cruel torment, and death now at hand prepared for him. Thus was their expectation clean disappointed. And in this appeareth what was his meditation in wealth and prosperity; namely, that he should shortly die, and feed worms in his grave; which meditation if all our bishops, and spiritual men had used, they had not for all wordly glory forsaken the word of God and truth, which they in king Edward's days had preached and set forth, nor yet to maintain the bishop of Rome's authority, have committed so many to the fire as they did.
BUT let us return to Dr. Taylor, who at Chelmsford was delivered to the sheriff of Suffolk, and by him conducted to Hadley, where he suffered. When they were come to Lanham, the sheriff staid there two days▪ and thither came to him a great number of gentlemen and justices, who were appointed to aid the sheriff. These gentlemen endeavoured very much to reduce Dr. Taylor to the Romish religion, promising him his pardon, which, said they, we have here for you. They promised him great promotions, even a bishopric if he would take it: but all their labour and flattering words were in vain. For he had not built his house upon the sand in peril of falling at every puff of wind, but upon the sure and immovable rock, Christ. Wherefore he abode constant and immovable to the end.
BUT let us return to Dr. Taylor, who at Chelmsford was delivered to the sheriff of Suffolk, and by him conducted to Hadley, where he suffered. When they were come to Lanham, the sheriff staid there two days▪ and thither came to him a great number of gentlemen and justices, who were appointed to aid the sheriff. These gentlemen endeavoured very much to reduce Dr. Taylor to the Romish religion, promising him his pardon, which, said they, we have here for you. They promised him great promotions, even a bishopric if he would take it: but all their labour and flattering words were in vain. For he had not built his house upon the sand in peril of falling at every puff of wind, but upon the sure and immoveable rock, Christ. Wherefore he abode constant and immoveable to the end.
AFTER two days, the sheriff and his company led Dr. Taylor towards Hadley, and coming within two miles of the town, he desired to light off his horse to make water: which done, he leapt, as men commonly do in dancing. Why, Doctor, said the sheriff, how do you now? He answered, Well, God be praised, good sheriff, never better: for now I know I am almost at home. I lack not past two stiles to go over, and I am even at my father's house. But Mr. Sheriff, said he, shall we not go through Hadley? Yes, said the sheriff. Then said he, O good Lord, I thank thee, I shall yet once ere I die see my flock, whom thou Lord knowest I have most heartily loved, and truly taught: good Lord bless them, and keep them steadfast in thy word and truth.
AFTER two days, the sheriff and his company led Dr. Taylor towards Hadley, and coming within two miles of the town, he desired to light off his horse to make water: which done, he leapt, as men commonly do in dancing. Why, Doctor, said the sheriff, how do you now? He answered, Well, God be praised, good sheriff, never better: for now I know I am almost at home. I lack not past two stiles to go over, and I am even at my father's house. But Mr. Sheriff, said he, shall we not go through Hadley? Yes, said the sheriff. Then said he, O good Lord, I thank thee, I shall yet once ere I die see my flock, whom thou Lord knowest I have most heartily loved, and truly taught: good Lord bless them, and keep them stedfast in thy word and truth.
WHEN they were come to Hadley, and riding over the bridge, at the bridge-foot waited a poor man with five small children: who when he saw Doctor Taylor, he and his children fell down upon their knees, and held up their hands, and cried with a loud voice, and said, O dear father and good shepherd Dr. Taylor, God help and succour thee, as thou hast many a time succoured me and my poor children. Such witness had the servant of God of his virtuous and charitable alms given in his lifetime. For God would now the poor should testify of his good deeds to his singular comfort, to the example of others, and confusion of persecutors and adversaries. For the sheriff and others that led him to death, were wonderfully astonished, and and rebuked the poor man for so crying. The streets of Hadley were beset on both sides the way with men and women of the town and country, who waited to see him: whom when they beheld so led to death, with weeping eyes and lamentable voices they cried, saying one to another, Ah good Lord! there goeth our good shepherd from us, that so faithfully hath taught us, so fatherly hath cared for us, and so godly hath governed us! O merciful God! what shall we poor scattered lambs do? What shall come of this most wicked world? Good Lord strengthen him, and comfort him: with such other most lamentable and piteous voices. Wherefore the people were rebuked by the sheriff and his men, that led him. And Dr. Taylor repeatedly said to the people; I have preached to you God's word and truth, and am come this day to seal it with my blood.
COMING against the alms-houses, which he well knew, he cast to the poor people money, which remained out of what had been given him in the time of his imprisonment. As for his living, they took it from him at his first going to prison, so that he ⟨p. 486⟩was sustained all the time of his imprisonment by the charitable alms of good people that visited him.
THEREFORE the money that now remained he put into a glove, ready for the same purpose, and gave it to the poor alms-men standing at their doors to see him. And coming to the last of the alms-houses, and not seeing the poor that dwelt there ready at their doors as the others were, he asked, Is the blind-man and blind-woman that dwelt here, alive? It was answered, Yes, they are within. Then he threw the glove and all in at the window, and rode on.
THUS this good father and provider for the poor now took his leave of those, for whom all his life he had a singular care and love. For this was his custom, once in a fortnight at least, to call upon sir Anthony Doyl, and others of the rich cloth-makers, to go with him to the alms-houses, and there to see how the poor lived; what they lacked in meat, drink, clothing, bedding, or any other necessaries. The like did he also to other poor men that had many children, or were sick. Then would he exhort and comfort them, and where he found cause, rebuke the unruly, and what they wanted, that gave he after his power: and what he was not able, he caused the rich and wealthy men to minister unto them. Thus showed he himself in all things an example to his ••ock, worthy to be followed; and taught by his deeds, what a great treasure alms is to all such as cheerfully for Christ's sake do bestow them.
THUS this good father and provider for the poor now took his leave of those, for whom all his life he had a singular care and love. For this was his custom, once in a fortnight at least, to call upon sir Anthony Doyl, and others of the rich cloth-makers, to go with him to the alms-houses, and there to see how the poor lived; what they lacked in meat, drink, clothing, bedding, or any other necessaries. The like did he also to other poor men that had many children, or were sick. Then would he exhort and comfort them, and where he found cause, rebuke the unruly, and what they wanted, that gave he after his power: and what he was not able, he caused the rich and wealthy men to minister unto them. Thus shewed he himself in all things an example to his ••ock, worthy to be followed; and taught by his deeds, what a great treasure alms is to all such as chearfully for Christ's sake do bestow them.
