This godly young man, not long after his condemnation, was brought to the stake, where with much patience and constancy he entered his blessed martyrdom.

Fryer, and a Sister of George Eagle's.

About the same time and month, one named Fryer, with a woman who was the sister of George Eagles, suf. fered the like martyrdom at Rochester, by the unrighteous papists, whose tyranny the Lord of his mercy abate and cut short, turning that wicked generation, if it be his will, to a better mind.

The Death of Mistress Lewis.

Mistress Joyce Lewis, a gentlewoman born, was delicately brought up in the pleasures of the world, having delight in gay apparel, and such like foolishness; she was married to Thomas Lewis of Mancetter, in Warwickshire. In the beginning of queen Mary's time she went to the church, and heard mass as others did, but when she heard of the burning of that most godly and learned martyr Laurence Sanders, who suffered in Coventry, she began to take more heed to the matter, and enquired earnestly of such as she knew feared God, the cause of his death: and when she perceived it was because he refused to receive the mass, she began to be troubled in conscience, and waxed very unquiet. And because her house was even hard by Master John Glover's house, of whom mention was made before,* a man of blessed memory, and a singular example of unfeigned godliness, she did often resort to him, and desire him to tell her the faults that were in the mass, and other things that at that time were urged as necessary to salvation.

He perceiving both her unquiet mind, and also the desire she had to know the truth, did most diligently instruct her in the ways of the Lord. By which godly counsel it happened that she began to grow weary of the world, and thoroughly sorrowful for her sins, being inflamed with the love of God, desirous to serve him according to his word, purposing also to flee from those things the which did displease the Lord her God. And because she had learned the mass to be evil and abominable, she began to hate it. And when at a time she was compelled by the furiousness of her husband to come to the church, at the same time when the holy water was cast, she turned her back towards it, and shewed herself to be displeased. Whereupon she was accused before the bishop for the despising of their

sacraments.

Immediately, a citation was sent for her to her husband's house, to appear before the bishop. The summoner that brought the citation delivered it to her husband, who looking upon it, and perceiving what it was, was moved with anger, willing the summoner to take the citation with him again, or else he would make him to eat it. The summoner refused to take it again, for he thought no man durst have been so bold to trouble him. But in the end Lewis compelled the said summoner to eat the citation indeed, by setting a dagger to his heart; and when he had eaten it, he caused him to drink to it, and so sent him away. But immediately after, Lewis with his wife were commanded to appear before the bishop, where Lewis submitted himself, and desiring the bishop to be good to him, excused himself after the best manner he could. Whereupon the bishop was content to receive his submission, with condition that his wife should submit herself also. But she stoutly told the bishop, that by refusing of the holy water she had neither offended God, nor any part of his laws. At the which words the bishop being grievously offended, yet because she was a gentlewoman, he would not take her

In the account of Robert and John Glover, in page 814, they are erroneously stated to have been of the town of Manchester, whereas they were of Mancester or Mancetter, a village in Warwickshire, about twelve miles from Coventry, and the detailed account of their sufferings, to which the reader was referred, is

at the worst, as he said, he gave her one month's respite, binding her husband in one hundred pounds to bring her again to him at the month's end, and so they were both let go.

When they came to their own house, Mistress Lewis gave herself to most diligent prayer, and invoking of the name of God, resorting continually to Master John Glover, who most diligently instructed her with God's word.

When the month was now almost expired, her husband carried her to the bishop, where she was examined, and found more resolved than she was before death was threatened. And to begin with, she was sent to such a loathsome prison, that a maid who was appointed to keep her company swooned in the prison.

Being thus kept in prison, and often examined, at length she was brought in judgment, and pronounced an heretic worthy to be burned. When the bishop rea soned with her, why she could not come to the mass, and receive the sacraments and sacramentals of the Holy Ghost, she answered, "Because I find not these things in God's word, which you so urge and magnify, as things most needful for men's salvation; if these things were in the same word of God commanded, I would with all my heart receive, esteem, and believe them." The bishop answered, "If thou wilt believe no more than is in the scripture, concerning matters of religion, thou art in a damnable case." At which words she was won. derfully amazed, and being moved by the Spirit of God, told the bishop that his words were ungodly and wicked. After her condemnation, she continued a whole twelvemonth in prison, because she was committed to the sheriff that was lately chosen, who could not be compelled to put her to death in his time, as he affirmed. All the time she was in prison, her beha viour was such both in words and deeds, that all they that had any spark of godliness or honesty, greatly lamented her case.

Now when the time drew near which God had ap pointed for her deliverance, the writ for burning being brought down from London, she desired certain of her friends to come to her, with whom she consulted how she might behave herself, that her death might be more glorious to the name of God, comfortable to his people,

and also most discomfortable to the enemies of God. "As for death," said she, "I do not greatly heed it, when I behold the amiable countenance of Christ, my dear Saviour, the face of death doth not greatly trouble me." In which time also she reasoned most comfortably out of God's word, of God's election and reprobation.

In the evening, before the day of her suffering, two of the priests of Lichfield came to the under-sheriff's house where she lay, and sent word to her by the sheriff that they were come to hear her confession; for they would be sorry that she should die without that. She sent them word she had made her confession to Christ her Saviour, at whose hands she was sure to have forgiveness of her sins. As concerning the cause for which she should die, she had no cause to confess that, but rather to give unto God the most humble praise, that he made her worthy to suffer death for his word. And as concerning the absolution they were able to give to her, being authorised by the pope, she rejected it even from the bottom of her heart. Which when the priests heard, they said to the sheriff, "Well, to-morrow her resolution will be proved and tried, for although she has now some friends that whisper in her ears, tomorrow we will see who dare be so hardy as to come near her." And so they went their ways with anger, that their confession and absolution was set at nought.

All that night she was wonderfully cheerful and happy, with a certain gravity, spending the time in prayer, reading, and talking with them that were par posely come to her, to comfort her with the word of

God.

About three of the clock in the morning, Satan, who

written, not by a Rev. Mr. Hitchin, Incumbent of Manchester, but by the Rev. Benjamin Richings, Vicar of Mancetter, who has collected a number of particulars of these martyrs, not recorded by Foxe.-ED.

never sleepeth, especially when death is at hand, began to stir himself busily, shooting at her that fiery dart which he is wont to do against all that are at defiance with him, questioning with her how she could tell that she was chosen to eternal life, and that Christ died for her; I grant that he died, but that he died for thee how canst thou tell; with this suggestion when she was troubled, they that were about her did counsel her to follow the example of St. Paul, where he saith, "Who loved me, and gave himself for me."-Gal. ii. 20. Also, that her vocation and calling to the knowledge of God's word, was a manifest token of God's love towards her, especially the Holy Spirit of God working in her heart, that love and desire towards God to please him, and to be justified by him through Christ, &c. By these and like persuasions, and especially by the comfortable promises of Christ, brought out of the scripture, Satan was put to flight, and she comforted in Christ.

About eight o'clock, the Sheriff came to her into her chamber, saying these words, "Mistress Lewis, I am come to bring you tidings of the queen's pleasure, the which is, that you shall live no longer than one hour in this world; therefore prepare yourself. At which words, being so grossly uttered, and so suddenly by such an officer as he was, she was somewhat abashed. Wherefore one of her friends and acquaintance standing by, said these words, "Mistress Lewis, you have great cause to praise God, who will vouchsafe so speedily to take you out of this world, and make you worthy to be a witness of his truth, and to bear record unto Christ that he is the only Saviour."

After which she said, "Master Sheriff, your message is welcome to me, and I thank my God that he will make me worthy to venture my life in his cause." And thus Master Sheriff departed; and within the space of one hour he came again, with swords and staves; and when he came up into the chamber, one of her friends desired him to give him leave to go with her to the stake, and to comfort her, which the sheriff granted at that time, but afterwards he was sore troubled for it when she was dead.

Now, when she was brought through the town, a great multitude of people being present, she being led by two of her friends, was brought to the place of execution; and because the place was far off, and the throng of the people great, and she not accustomed to the fresh air (being so long in prison,) one of her friends sent a messenger to the sheriff's house for some drink ; and after she had prayed three several times, in which prayer she desired God most instantly to abolish the idolatrous mass, and to deliver this realm from papistry, (at the end of the which prayers the most part of the people cried Amen, yea, even the sheriff that stood by her, ready to cast her in the fire for not allowing the mass, at this her prayer, said with the rest of the people, Amen ;) when she had thus prayed, she took the cup into her hands, saying, "I drink to all them that unfeignedly love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and wish for the abolishment of papistry." When she had drank, they that were her friends drank also. After that a great number, especially the women, drank with her; who afterwards were put to open penance in the church by the cruel papists, for drinking with her.

When she was tied to the stake with the chain she shewed such cheerfulness, that it passed man's reason, being so devoid of any fear, and so patient, that the most part of them that had honest hearts lamented, and even with tears bewailed the tyranny of the papists. When the fire was set upon her, she neither struggled nor stirred, but only lifted up her hands towards heaven, being dead very speedily: for the under-sheriff, at the request of her friends, had provided such inflammable stuff, that she was suddenly dispatched out of this miserable world.

This amongst other things may not be forgotten, that the papists had appointed some to rail upon her openly, and to revile her, both as she went to the place of execution, and also when she came at the stake. Amongst others there was an old priest, who had a pair of writing tables to note both the names of the women that drank

The Martyrdom of Ralph Allerton, James Austoo, Margery Austoo, and Richard Roth, burned at Islington.

I find, that about the 17th day of September, were burned at Islington, nigh unto London, these four con. stant professors of Christ. Among whom it appears that Ralph Allerton confessed that he coming into his parish of Bentley, and seeing the people sitting there, either gazing about, or else talking together, he exhorted them that they should fall unto prayer, and meditation of God's most holy word, and not sit idly; they willingly consented. Then after prayer was ended, he read unto them a chapter of the New Testament, and so departed.

In which exercise he continued until Candlemas, and then being informed that he might not do so by the law, for he was not priest or minister, he left off, and kept himself close in his house. Afterwards, certain men sworn for the inquiry into such matters, came to his house, and attached him for reading in the parish of Welley.

After his examination, he was sent up to the council; and Bonner, by threatenings and other subtle means, so abused the simple heart of this man, that he made him openly at Paul's cross recant his former profession; which yet brought such a bondage and terror of soul and conscience, and so cast him down, that except the Lord, whose mercies are immeasurable, had supported and lifted him up again, he had perished for ever. the Lord gave him not only hearty and unfeigned repentance, but also a most constant boldness to profess again, even to the death, his most holy name and glorious gospel, wherefore he was again apprehended, and sent to Bonner, before whom he was the 8th day of April, and other times examined.

But

The following articles were objected against him and confessed by him.

"1. That he was of the parish of Muchbentley, and so of the diocese of London.

"2. That the 10th day of January then last past, when Master John Morant was preaching at St. Paul's, the said Ralph Allerton did there openly submit himself unto the church of Rome, with the rites and ceremonies thereof.

"3. That he did consent and subscribe as well unto the same submission, as also to one other bill, in the which he granted, that if he should at any time turn again unto his former opinions, it should be then lawful for the bishop immediately to denounce and adjudge him as an heretic.

"4. That he had subscribed to a bill, wherein he affirmed, that in the sacrament, after the words of consecration be spoken by the priest, there remaineth still material bread and material wine; and that he believeth that the bread is the bread of thanksgiving, and the memorial of Christ's death; and that when he receiveth it, he receiveth the body of Christ spiritually in his soul, but material bread in substance.

"5. That he had openly affirmed, and also advisedly spoken that which is contained in the said former fourth article, last before specified.

"6. That he had spoken against the bishop of Rome, with the church and see of the same, and also against the seven sacraments and other ceremonies and ordinances of the same church, used then within this realm.

7. That he had allowed and commended the opinion and faith of Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, and others of late burned within this realm, and believed that their opinions were good and godly.

"8. That he had divers times affirmed, that the

religion used within this realm, at the time of his apprehension, was neither good, nor agreeable to God's word, and that he could not conform himself thereunto.

9. That he had affirmed, that the book of common prayer set forth in the reign of King Edward VI., was in all parts good and godly; and that the said Ralph and his fellow prisoners, did daily use amongst themselves in prison some part of the book.

10. That he had affirmed, that if he were out of prison, he would not come to mass, matins, nor evensong, nor bear taper, candle, or palm, nor go in procession, nor would receive holy water, holy bread, ashes, or pax, or any other ceremony of the church then used within this realm.

"11. That he had affirmed, that if he were at liberty he would not confess his sins to any priest, nor receive absolution of him; nor yet would receive the sacrament of the altar, as it was then used.

"12 That he had affirmed, that praying to saints and prayers for the dead, were neither good nor profitable, and that a man is not bound to fast and pray, but at his own will and pleasure; neither that it is lawful to reserve the sacrament, or to worship it.

"13. That the said Allerton hath, according to these his affirmations, abstained and refused to come unto his parish church ever since the 10th day of January last, br to use, receive, or allow any ceremonies, sacraments, or other rites then used in the church."

To all these articles he answered affirmatively, denying precisely none of them; except to this clause, contained in the twelfth article, that a man is not bound to fast and pray but at his own will and pleasure, he said that he had affirmed no such thing, but he confessed that he had not fasted nor prayed so oft as he was bound to do. And unto this answer he also subscribed in this sort. 66 Except it be proved otherwise by the holy scripture, I do affirm these articles to be true. By me Ralph Allerton."

Other articles were afterwards objected, and when he would not recant, Bishop Bonner pronounced the sentence of condemnation, and so delivered him unto the temporal officers who reserved him in their custody until the 17th day of September, at which time, both he and the other three before mentioned, were all burned.

James Austoo, and Margery his Wife.

These two being once delivered into the pitiless hands of Bonner, their examinations were not long deferred. For on the 16th day of July, 1557, they were brought before him. He demanded of James Austoo, amongst other questions, where he had been confessed in Lent, and whether he had received the sacrament of the altar at Easter?

He answered, "That indeed he had been confessed of the curate of Allhallows, but that he had not received the sacrament of the altar; for he rejected it from the bottom of his heart."

"Why," said the bishop, "dost thou not believe, that in the sacrament of the altar there is the true body and blood of Christ?''

"No," said Austoo, "not in the sacrament of the altar; but in the supper of the Lord, to the faithful receiver is the very body and blood of Christ by

faith."

Bonner, not well pleased with this talk, asked then the wife, how she did like the religion that then was in Eng

land?

She answered, "That she believed it was not according to God's word, but false and corrupted."

Then he again asked her, if she would go to the church and hear mass?

She said, "That she rejected the mass with all her heart, and that she would not come into any church in which there were idols."

After this the bishop objected unto them certain articles, which being read, and their constancy in the faith perceived, Bonner pronounced against them the sentence

of condemnation, and delivering them to the sheriff, rid his hands of them.

Richard Roth.

Richard Roth, being apprehended, and brought to the bishop of London, was examined on the 4th of July; the bishop earnestly laboured to induce him to believe that there were seven sacraments in Christ's church, and that in the sacrament of the altar after consecration, there remained the very substance of Christ's body and blood, and none other. He made only this answer, "That if the scripture did so teach him, and that he might be by the same so persuaded, he would so believe, otherwise not." But at another examination he declared plainly, "That in the sacrament of the altar, as it was then used, there was not the very body and blood of Christ, but that it was a dead God, and that the mass was detestable, and contrary to God's holy word and will, from which faith and opinion he would not go or decline."

The bishop objected against him; "That he was comforter of heretics; and had written a letter to that effect to some that were burned at Colchester;" as follows:

A Letter written by Richard Roth.

"O, dear brethren and sisters, how much have you to rejoice in God, that he hath given you such faith to overcome this blood-thirsty tyrant thus far! and no doubt he that hath begun that good work in you, will fulfil it unto the end. O, dear hearts in Christ, what crown of glory shall ye receive with Christ in the kingdom of God! O, that it had been the good will of God that I had been ready to have gone with you. For I lie in my lord's prison in the day, and in the night I he in the coal-house, away from Ralph Allerton, or any other and we look every day when we shall be con demned. For he said, that I should be burned within ten days before Easter; but I lie still at the pool's brink, and every man goeth in before me: but we wait patiently the Lord's leisure, with many bonds, in fetters and stocks: by the which we have received great joy in God. And now fare you well, dear brethren and sisters in this world, but I trust to see you in the heavens face to face.

:

"Oh brother Munt, with your wife and my dear sister Rose, how blessed are you in the Lord, that God hath found you worthy to suffer for his sake! with all the rest of my dear brethren and sisters known and unknown. O, be joyful even unto death. Fear it not, saith Christ for I have overcome death, saith he. Oh dear hearts! seeing that Jesus Christ will be our help, oh tarry you the Lord's leisure. Be strong, let your hearts be of good comfort, and wait you still for the Lord. He is at hand. Yea, the angel of the Lord pitcheth his tent round about them that fear him, and delivereth them which way he seeth best. For our lives are in the Lord's hands; and they can do nothing unto us before God suf fer them. Therefore, give all thanks to God.

"Oh dear hearts! you shall be clothed with long white garments upon the mount Sion, with the multitait of saints, and with Jesus Christ our Saviour, which wil never forsake us. Oh blessed virgins! ye have played the wise virgin's part, in that ye have taken oil in your lamps, that ye may go in with the bridegroom, when be cometh, into the everlasting joy with him. But as for the foolish, they shall be shut out, because they made not themselves ready to suffer with Christ, neither g about to take up his cross. Oh dear hearts! how precious shall your death be in the sight of the Lord for dear is the death of his saints. Ŏ fare you well, and pray. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen, Amen. Pray, pray, pray.

"By me, RICHARD ROTH,
"written with my own blood."

This letter he confessed he had written with his blood, having no ink, and that he meant to have sent it to such as were condemned at Colchester for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and were afterwards burned there.

He was (as the rest before mentioned) condemned and delivered to the sheriff, and the 17th day of September they all most joyfully ended their lives in one fire, at Islington, for the testimony of Christ.

Agnes Bongeor, and Margaret Thurston, two godly Christian Women, burned at Colchester, for the sincere Profession of Christ's Gospel.

A little before mention was made of ten that suffered martyrdom at Colchester, at which time there were two women, Margaret Thurston, and Agnes Bongeor, that should have suffered with them, and were likewise condemned at the same time and place that the other ten were but Margaret Thurston was for that time deferred.

Agnes Bongeor was also kept back at that time, because her name was wrong written in the writ.

But when she saw herself so separated from her prison fellows, what piteous moans that good woman made, and how bitterly she wept; what strange thoughts came into her mind; how naked and desolate she esteemed herself, and into what depth of despair and care her poor soul was brought, it was piteous and wonderful to see: which all came because she went not with them to give her life in the defence of her Christ; for of all things in the world, life was least looked for at her hands.

However, in a short time a writ came from London for burning them, which was executed the 17th day of September.

When these good women were brought to the place in Colchester, where they should suffer, they fell down upon their knees, and made their humble prayers to the Lord, which being done, they rose and went to the stake joyfully, and were immediately chained; and after the fire had compassed them about, they with great joy and glorious triumph gave up their souls, spirits, and lives, into the hands of the Lord, under whose government and protection, for Christ's sake, we beseech him to grant us his holy defence and help for evermore. Amen.

John Kurde, Martyr.

John Kurde, a shoemaker, of the parish of Syrsam, in Northamptonshire, was imprisoned in Northampton castle, for denying the popish transubstantiation, for which they pronounced sentence of death against him, in the church of All Saints, in Northampton, in August, A.D. 1557. And in September following, he was burned. A popish priest standing by, whose name was John Rote, vicar of St. Giles', in Northampton, declared to him, that if he would recant, he was authorised to give him his pardon. His answer was, that "he had his pardon by Jesus Christ."

John Noyes, Martyr.

In the month of September suffered the blessed martyr John Noyes.

Thomas Lovel, chief constable of Hoxton, in Suffolk, and the under constables of Laxefield, and two others, were commanded to be that day before the justices, and high sheriff. And there having commandment of the justices to inquire in their town if there were any that would neglect to come to their service and mass,; and further, to examine the cause why they would not come, and thereupon to bring certificate to the justices, within fourteen days then next ensuing: they therefore took counsel how to attach John Noyes.

So they took him and carried him to the justices next day. The justices and the sheriff cast him into the dungeon, and there he lay some time; and then he was carried to Norwich, before the bishop, where were ministered to him these positions:

"1. Whether he believed that the ceremonies used in the church were good and godly, to stir up men's minds

to devotion.

"2. Whether he believed the pope to be supreme head of the church here on earth.

"3. Whether he believed the body of our Lord Jesus

Christ to be in the sacrament of the altar under the forms of bread and wine, after the words of consecration." Whereunto he answered, that he thought the natural body of Christ to be only in heaven, and not in the sacrament, &c. For which answers sentence at last was read by the bishop against him.

In the mean time his brother-in-law, one Nicholas Fisk, of Dinnington, going to comfort him as he remained prisoner in Norwich, after christian exhortation, asked him if he feared death when the bishop gave judgment against him, Noyes answered, "He thanked God he feared death no more at that time, than he or any other did, being at liberty." Then Nicholas required him to shew the cause of his condemnation. Upon which John Noyes wrote with his own hand as follows:

"I said, that I could not believe, that in the sacrament of the altar there is the natural body of Christ, that same body that was born of the Virgin Mary; but that the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ is received by christian people in the remembrance of Christ's death, as a spiritual food, if it be ministered according to Christ's institution. The bishop said, 'That the sacrament was God, and must be worshipped as God.' So said the chancellor also. Then answered I, my lord, I cannot so believe."

He was sent to Laxefield to be burned, and on the next morning was brought to the stake. The fire in most places of the street was put out, saving a smoke was espied by Thomas Lovel proceeding out from the top of a chimney, to which house the sheriff went, and broke open the door, and got fire, and brought it to the place of execution. When John Noyes came to the place where he was to be burned, he kneeled down and said the 50th Psalm, with other prayers, and then they bound him to the stake; and being bound, John Noyes said, "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matt. x. 28.

When he saw his sister weeping and making moan for him, he bade her that she should not weep for him, but weep for her sins.

Then one Nicholas Cadman, a valiant champion in the pope's affairs, brought a fagot and set against him; and the said John Noyes took up the fagot and kissed it, and said, "Blessed be the time that ever I was born to come to this."

Then he delivered his psalter to the under-sheriff, desiring him to be good to his wife and children, and to deliver to her that book; and the sheriff promised he would, notwithstanding he never performed his promise. Then John Noyes said to the people, "They say they can make God of a piece of bread, believe them not.' Then said he, "Good people, bear witness that I do believe to be saved by the merits and passion of Jesus Christ, and not by mine own deeds," and so the fire was kindled, and burned about him, then he said, "Lord have mercy upon me. Christ have mercy upon me. Son of David have mercy upon me."

A Letter that he sent to comfort his Wife as he lay in Prison.

"You desired me that I would send you some tokens that you might remember me. As I did read in the New Testament, I thought it good to write unto you certain places of the scripture for a remembrance. St. Peter saith, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.'-1 Pet. iv. 12-14.

"For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing.'-1 Pet. iii. 17. "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men's