¶Mistress Roberts.¶Maistresse Roberts.
pp. 20733 passages
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.
Furthermore to both these may also be associate another Gentlewoman to make the third, named mistress Roberts, yet living and dwelling (as I understand) in the town of Haukehurst in Sussex. She being earnestly addicted to the truth of Christs Gospel, and no less constant in that which she had learned therein, so kept her self during all the brunt of Queen Mary's time, that she never came to their popish service, nor would pollute her conscience with hearing their Idolatrous mass. There dwelt the same time not far of, a Justice called sir John Guildford, who being as fervent on the contrary side, to set forward the proceedings of Q. Mary, thought to prove masteries with this Gentlewoman, in forcing her to the Church. And first sending his wife, he attempted her by fair words and gentle persuasions to conform herself to the Princes laws, and to come as other christian people did, to the Church. Notwithstanding, she constantly persisting in the sincerity of the truth, would by no persuasions be won to do therein against her conscience: and so kept at home a certain space, till again the second time, Master Guildford thinking not to give her over so, sent his Officers and servants to her, by force and power to hale her out of her house to the church, and so did. Where by the way she for grief of conscience swooned, and so of necessity was brought home again, and falling into an Ague, was for that time dispensed withal.