University of Virginia Library

THE PERSECUTIONS Of the Church of England,

From the first planting of the Gospel, to the end of Queen Maries Reign.

SECT. I. The Persecution of the British Church, till the coming in of the Saxons.

To tell exactly who the persons were
That first preach'd to the Britains, in what year
The Gospel first took root, is past my skill,
Since Authors cite them with a diff'ring Quill.
Some say Zelotes preach'd here first of all;
Some Arimathean Joseph; others Paul:
Fagan, and Damian, did the Gospel bring
Into great Britain. Lucius the King,
With many of his subjects, did embrace
The proffer'd Gospel, as the means of grace:
Converted, and baptiz'd, they overturn'd
Th' Idol'trous Temples, and the Altars burn'd:
All superstitious rites they laid aside,
Advancing Christ: the Scripture was their guide,
And onely rule; they judged nothing fit
But what had warrant from the Sacred Writ.
Two hundred sixteen years this faith did flame
Amongst them till the Pagan Saxons came.
Religious Lucius without issue dy'd,
And now the Barons and the Nobles vy'd
For King; and while they for the crown contended,
In step'd the Romans, so the quarrel ended:
For they usurp'd the crown, and did o'rewhelm
With misery and ruine the whole Realm.
Sometimes th' Idol'trous Romans bore the sway;
Sometimes the Christian Britans won the day:
By turns they got the best, by turns they got
The worst, as Providence did them allot.
In Dioclesian's time, and in the Reign
Of Maximinian, the Christians slain
In Britany and elsewhere, did amount
To sev'nteen thousand. One of great account,
Alban his name, the Proto-Martyr was
Of Englands Isle; and many more did pass
That way he went. Religion decaid,
Bibles were burned, and the Churches laid,
Laid level with the ground; disord'red orders
Took place; and Piety forsook our borders.
But the fore-named Tyrants over-tir'd
With blondy butcheries, at last respir'd;
Experience telling them, the more they shed
The Christians blood, the more the faith still spread.
They both went down from the Imperial seat;
Constantius; next Constantine the Great
Succeeding in the British government,
The Church was quiet, and enjoy'd content:
Which peace continu'd till the Arrian Sect
The novelty-affectors did infect.
Hereat God raised up the Picts and Scots
(Two barb'rous nations) and to them alots
The Victors wreath: poor England was opprest,
And did for many years enjoy no rest.
Which made them send Embassadors to Rome
With sad complaints, entreating them to come
To aid them; so a Roman Legion came,
Slew some, making the rest retreat with shame,
And quit these coasts; advising us withal
To raise betwixt us and the Scots, a wall:
A wall being builded by the English men,
The Roman force returned home agen.
This news was brought unto the Picts and Scots
One this side of the wall; they landed boats,
O're-ran the country, laid the corn-fields waste,
And bare down all before them as they past.
The Britans send their Legates unto Rome
A second time; the sent-for souldiers come
And vanquish'd them; the rest put to disorders,
Enforcedly desert the British borders.
Which done, they told the Britans flat and plain,
They should expect no aid from them again;
Besides, it stood not with their ease, to take
So long and tedious journeys for their sake:
Now therefore arm your selves, and exercise
In Warlike feats (said they) if yee be wise:
Go, go and build you firmer walls, that so
You may be able to keep out your foe,
The Romans having took their last farewel
Of Britany, the Picts and Scots soon fell
On the re-builded walls, and put to flight
The trembling Britains, not train'd up to fight.
They that stood out were barb'rously destroy'd;
And all their goods the enemies enjoy'd.
Lo an Aceldama of blood! what store
Of slaughtred Carkasses, ev'n swim in gore!
Rome b'ing again solicited to send
Relief, refus'd; the Britains in the end
Took heart to grass, when earthly comforts fail'd
Sought God, and 'gainst their enemies prevail'd;
Gave them the total rout; the Picts began
To keep their bound, save onely now and than
They inroads made into the Land; the Land
At last became under her own command.
The ground was now manur'd; the Lord did bless
Th' industrious Britains with a large encrease
Of full-ear'd corn, that such abundant store
Scarce ever in the Land was seen before.
But Oh! mans sinful heart! this Peace, this Quiet,
This Plenty, led them to excess, and riot,
To pride, contention, envy, and the like:
God sent the plague among them, which did strike
So many dead, that the alive were all
Unable to afford them burial.
Yet could the judgements that abroad were sent
Not melt their hearts, nor move them to repent;
The death of friends, the danger they were in
Themselves, but hardened them more in sin;
Not work'd their Reformation; oftentimes,
Judgements prove Shooing-horns to greater crimes.
They wax still worse and worse; the Laity chose,
And Clergy too, to live like ranc'rous foes,
Gods thundring vengeance which upon them fell,
My breathing Muse shall in the sequel tell.

SECT. II. The Persecution of the British Church under the Heathen Saxons and English, Anno 429, &c.

The Britains with ill-neighbours re-infested,
Instead of turning to the Lord, requested
The Pagan Saxons aid, for to oppose
The raging fury of these Northern foes;
They came, and coming, conquer'd them; at length,
The Saxons knowing their sufficient strength
To over-pow'r the weaker Britains, they
Fell foul on them, exacting greater pay,
And more provision, or else they would
Side with the Picts, and do the best they could
To spoil their country. This their resolution
No sooner said, was put in execution:
All goodly edifices they destroy'd:
The Ministers, the while they were employ'd
In Divine service, were of lives depriv'd,
And rev'rend Bishops with their flocks disliv'd.
Some left their country and beyond Seas fled;
Some on the mountaines tops were murthered.
Some pin'd with hunger, creeping from their caves,
Were soon dispatch'd, or made perpetual slaves.
The English Nobles summoned to treat
Concerning peace, did on a fix'd time meet
At Almsbury; but by the faithless train
Of Saxons, were most treacherously slain
At Stoneheng; and, that they were bury'd there,
The yet-remaining monuments declare.
Now when the Britans found no other way
Lay open to redress, they fell to pray.
A fast was call'd, and all, with one accord
Humbled their souls, before th' Almighty Lord.
Ambrosius Aurelian, being chose
To be their King, did profligate their foes;
And from that day Gods hand appearing glorious,
They went out prosp'rous, and return'd Victorious.
At last Aurelian with poyson dead,
Uter Pendragon reigned in his stead:
He bidding battail to the enemy,
Two of their Chieftains took; who scaping fly
To Belgia for more aid; and in the mean
The Saxons flock'd in; conflicts past between
Th' English and them: now these, and sometimes they,
(As Providence saw good) did win the day,
Octa, and Cosa, with a force renew'd
Came o're again; the Britans are subdu'd;
Their pastors slain, Churches demolished,
No mercy's shown; King Uter sick in bed,
Seeing his Subjects fall, would needs be brought
Into his camp: so resolutely fought
His souldiers then, they (under God) obtain
The Victors wreath: Octa and Cosa slain.
Soon ever this great Victory was won,
Uter of poyson dy'd; Arthur his son
Was crowned King, who twice six Victories
Obtain'd against the Saxon enemies,
His stranger acts, and unbeliev'd success,
As fabulous, I leave; but questionless
Much peace and safety to the British Isle
Was in his happy reign enjoy'd; yet while
They were at Peace with others, they agin
Returning to their loathed wayes of sin,
Fell to intestine broils, embracing evil
Instead of good, and worshipped the Devil,
Under the notion of an Angel bright.
The Priests withheld the Gospels purer light
From deviating souls; which soon procur'd
The wrath of God (too great to be endur'd)
Driv'n out of house and home, no ease, no rest
They found; the Saxons had the Land possest,
And turn'd out all the Christian Divines.
So done, they did in the usurp'd confines,
The Heptarchy erect: These Kings did smother
All peace, fell out and warr'd with one another:
Till disempowr'd, they could not well defend
Themselves, much less with enemies contend.
King Lucius was the first that did receive

Anno 180.

The Gospel, and in Jesus Christ believe:
From which time (as't in Chronicles appears)
It staid in Britain full four hundred years:
One hundred fourty and three years Gods word

Anno 598.

Grew cold; but Austins comming it restor'd.
Some English children being brought to Rome,
There to be sold, Gregory chanc'd to come
Into the market-place: when his fix'd sight
Saw in their lovely cheeks pure red and white
Contend for Mastership, he much admir'd
At their so sweet complexions, and enquir'd
What country they were of; then being told
That they were English heathens, to be sold
For slaves: here's choice enough, if any wants,
Said he, 'tis pity such inhabitants,
So fair, and so Angelical, should dwell
As subjects to the sooty Prince of hell.
Inform'd their Province Deira was; said he, I
Could wish them Manu-miss'd De ira Dei.
And further, being given to understand,
That one nam'd Alle rul'd the British land;
There, there, saith he, ought Praises to be given
And Allelujah's to the King of heaven.
He also had a great desire to go
To England, and there preach: but Rome said, no.
Pelagius dy'd: he in his room assign'd
Romes Bishop, calling his intent to minde:

Anno 590.

Austin, and forty more Divines, he sent
To undertake this work: they land in Kent,
At Thanets fertile Isle: King Ethelbert,

Anno 186.

In Canterbury City, they convert,
And did baptize: by whose example, many
Dayly came in, the King enforc'd not any,
But much respected, and affected those
Who willingly with Christ would make a close.
Austin sends Greg'ry word, how God did bless,
And crown their labours with desir'd success.
The joyful Bishop sendeth more Divines
Over, for to effect those great designs
Were now on foot: a letter of advise
He writes to Austin, not to be too wise
In his own eyes, nor be puft up at all
By those great miracles, which did befall
The English Church: For why? for this intent,
God onely us'd him, as an instrument.
Ascribe all, Austin, to God's pow'r Divine;
His be the glory, and the praise, not thine:
And when thy heart t'ebullulate begins,
O think upon thy God-offending sins,
And that will humble thee: all Gods elect
Have of themselves no power to effect
A miracle like this; and yet heav'ns book
Contains their names. O do not, do not look
So much on thine own works; be this thy strife,
To have thy name writ in the book of life.
What ever miracle the Lord hath brought
To pass by thee, know this, it was not wrought
For thy sake; no, 'twas wrought for the salvation
Of the seduc'd, misguided English nation.
If I might be so worthy to advise,
The Temples built for heath'nish sacrifice
I would not have demolish'd, but th' abuse
Remov'd, converted to another use.
God go along with you, and lest you stumble
Through pride, and glory, keep you alwayes humble, &c,
He an Epistle also did direct
Unto the King, which was to this effect:
He first prais'd God, then did the King commend,
Wishing he might prove constant to the end
In his professed faith; and to his power,
Convert his Subjects to a Saviour,
Who holds forth life to those that will receive
It freely, and in's promises believe.
And lastly, he intreats his gifts may finde
Acceptance, coming from a willing minde.
Miletus, by his preaching did convert
Th' east Angles and the then-King Sigebert;
Who with his Unckle Ethelbert did found
St. Paul his Church, and built it from the ground.
Austin a Synod gath'red in this nation
Of Bishops, to consult of Reformation;
But nothing's done therein: King Ethelbert
Having a mighty force, went to evert
The Chestrian City, where the Monks of Bangor
Assembling, pray'd God to divert his anger,
From their friends heads, and turn it on their foes,
To shield the English from approaching woes.
When the king saw them so intent in pray'r,
Demand he did, what sort of men they were:
And being credibly inform'd, they pray'd
For those that were his enemies; he said,
Although unarm'd, they fight against us do,
And with their prayers persecute us too;
My hearts, fall bluntly on them; upon pain
Of our displeasure, let them all be slain.
Eleven hundred Monks had their blood spill'd;
Which God reveng'd: the bloody Tyrant's kill'd
In fight by Christian Edwin, who obtain'd
The crown, and the Christ-builded faith maintain'd.
The Idols, and the Altars he destroy'd,
Making all ancient ceremonies voyd.
He caused brazen dishes to be tide
By ev'ry fountain in the High-wayes side,
That so each passenger without controul,
Might be refreshed with a liberal boul:
He alwayes carried himself propitious
Unto the good, but rig'rous to the vitious:
So that a woman charg'd with gold might pass
From Sea to Sea, unquestion'd who she was.
At last, by Penda, and Cadwalla's might,
Subdu'd, Josiah-like, he dy'd in fight:
His Christian Subjects felt the worst of woes,
Nay, cruelst deaths, by those insulting foes.
The Queen, her daughter, and Paulinus went,
To save their lives, by water into Kent:
Oswald was crowned next; whose pray'rs did gain
A glorious Victory, Cadwalla slain.
His love to piety, his fervent zeal
To spread the Gospel in his common-weal,
Was known to all. From Scotland he procur'd
Aidanus Bishop; and the King inur'd
To Scoth, himself interpreted the words
Aidanus preach'd, unto his noble Lords
And Subjects in their mother tongue, more known
To them then the exotique Scotish tone.
He to the poor was so compassionate,
That when on Easter-day at meat they sate
And serv'd in silver, he was told the poor
Stood flocking thick and threefold at the door
He caused them for to be serv'd in state
With his own food, taking a silver plate,
And straight-way breaking it in pieces small,
Distribute it he did amongst them all.
Aidanus seeing this, admir'd, and got
Him by the hand, O may this never rot
That to the poor so beneficial was
(Said he:) as Authors say, it came to pass.
This Oswald also was a means to bring
Kinigilsus of the West-Saxons King,
And Quicelinus King of Dorsetshire,
With many of their Subjects, to the clear
Knowledge of Christ; under the Minist'ry
Of Berinus famous for piety.
Thus Oswald having reigned nine years space,
Mercian Penda did his life uncase.
Oswic succeeded him; Oswic as glorious
A Prince, as pious, and no less Victorious:
He rais'd an army, fought, and overthrew
A greater force, and impious Penda slew.
And now the Bishops and the Ministers,
Sequester'd from the World, and its affairs,
Preach'd freely to the people, until they
About the celebrating Easter-day
(Which bone amongst them Satan cast) contended,
A Synod's call'd, nor was the diff'rence ended,
Wolferus now a license having gain'd,
Converted the south-Saxons; then there rain'd
Abundant showrs which fertiliz'd the land
Laine barren for three years: thus Gods good hand
Appeared in a plenteous increase;
He sent his Gospel, with his Gospel-peace.
Thus the South-Saxons, with the Isle of Wight,
Did last of all embrace the Gospels light.
About this time the Roman Church disown'd
Her pristine beauty; Antichrist enthron'd,
The Pope did Lord it over all; he sent
Italian Theodorus into Kent
With many Monks, there Masses must be sung,
And in the Latin, not the mother-tongue:
Bishops, and Ministers he did displace
At's pleasure, so that in a little space
Truth turn'd to errour, Piety to vainness,
Zeal to contempt, Religion to profaness.
Because their iterated crimes did urge
Gods wrath, the Pagan-Danes became their scourge.

SECT. III. Of the Heptarchy united by Egbert; and of the invasion by the Danes, and of the Persecution of the English Church under them

King Egbert after many battails fought,
United first the Heptarchy, and brought
In Monarchy, into the British land;
The whole Realm his, he gave a strict command
That Britain should be England nam'd, and all
The Saxons answer to the English call.
The Pagan-Danes invaded several times
(To plague her for her execrable crimes)
This British Isle, not striving to enjoy
And conquer it, but t'utterly destroy.
They whosoe're they met, man, woman, child,
Kill'd or enslaved, and the Churches spoil'd.
They sacked Canterbury, in which place
Above nine thousand souls they did uncase.
Throughout the Land their cruelty was such,
Of blood they thought they could not shed too much.
This Isle was subject to a forreign power,
Till freed by William the Conquerour.
Who list to know the intercourse of things.
The Acts and the Successions of Kings,
May if he please, (for brevity's my mark)
Read them at large in famous Mr. Clarke.

SECT. IV. The Persecution of the English Church under the Papacy.

Although Religion from the time this Isle
Embrac'd grace first, retain'd not all this while
Its Prim'tive splendour, but grew more obscure,
More superstitious, and no less impure;
Yet in those Pristine dayes, the peoples crimes
Were not equivalent to after-times.
The Church now being in the desarts hid,
Affraid to shew her face, th' Almighty did
Raise Bernard up, and many more beside,
T'unmask and check the Antichristian pride;
And superstitious disordred orders
Too too luxuriant in the British borders.
At which the Pope and his adherents urg'd,
They were imprison'd, hang'd, and burnt, and scourg'd
About the streets, or branded in the forehead,
With an Heret'cal character: O horrid!
Yet many did most readily embrace
Their Doctrine, as the onely meanes of grace:
That man of sin, that offspring of perdition
Renounc'd, and all the wayes of superstition.
God still preserv'd a Church unto his name,
From Christs time, till the time that Luther came.

Anno 1518.

John Patrick Engina, when Alfred reign'd,
The first Reader in Oxford was ordein'd:

Anno 884.

He wrote a book about the Sacrament,
For which a Martyrs death he underwent.
They branded in the face, and banish'd some

Anno 960.

Divines at Oxford, who declam'd 'gainst Rome.
One Arnold there they butcher'd, who decry'd
Against the Priests lewd lives, and Prelates pride.

Anno 1126.

In Henry's reign the second of that name,
Thirty Waldenses into England came,

Anno 1160.

Gerard their Pastor; and without all pity,
Were whipped publickly through Oxford City;
They singing all the while, Blessed are yee,
When you shall hated, and misused be, &c.
With want and cold, they dy'd; none might afford
Them any comfort, nor at bed nor board.
Gualdo who 'gainst the priests invectives wrote,

Anno 1170.

And also Doctor Gilbert Foliot,
Who oft blam'd Thomas Becket to his face,
Were persecuted much: to them a grace.
Sylvester Gyrald by his writings rears
Such Hornets up, as fall about his ears.

Anno 1200.

One Alexander, for his bitter stile
Banish'd by Langton, died in exile.

Anno 1207.

Ashton fellow of Merton colledge went
Into perpetual imprisonment.
One William Sawtre, Thorp, and Swinderby,
With sundry more Divines condemn'd, did die
Under the Christian Banner, and their spirits

Anno 1382.

Pass'd into glory through Christ Jesus merits.
And now because my Muse finds nothing new
But onely Martyrs names, she dids adieu
At present, Reader, but intends to meet
Thy serious eye within another sheet.

SECT. V. The Persecution of the English Church after the rising of Martin Luther.

The Christian world appear'd not very clear
Until the fifteen hundred eighteenth year,
Wherein God pleased to unbosome night,

Anno 1518.

The Art of Printing being brought to light;
Which furnished the Church with useful books,
And made them to discerne Religions looks
From superstition, (as in a mirrour;)
Substantial Truth, from counterfeited errour.
God also rais'd up sundry men of parts;
Who by their learning and ingenious Arts,
Most strenuously opposed Barbarism,
Truths Sunshine breaking from the clouds of Schism.
Picus, and Franciscus Mirandula,
Laurentius Valla, Francis Petrarcha,
Erasmus, Doctor Collet, Wesalinus
Rhenanus Grocinus, and Revelinus, &c.
Were in Gods vineyard faithful labourers;
Then Martin Luther, and his followers,
By Gods appointment came into this nation,
To work his Church t'a fuller Reformation.

Anno 1519.

Six persons suff'red death at Coventry,
Onely for teaching of their family
The Lords pray'r, ten commandments, and the creed,
I'th' English tongue. Severity indeed!

Anno 1523.

One Thomas Harding on an Easter day,
When others worship'd Idols, went to pray
Within a silent grove; where apprehended,
Condemn'd, and burnt, his soul to heaven ascended.
At London one John Raimond was abjur'd;

Anno 1528.

Who fifteen hundred Testaments procur'd
Of Antwerp Print, and brought five hundred over
Into this Isle, the darkness to discover.
One Sigar Nicholson was hung up by

Anno 1529.

The privy members: and the reason why,
Was this: in Cambridge he (a Stationer)
Kep'd in his house some works, that Luther's were.
One Thomas Hitten, a Divine in Kent,

Anno 1530.

After a tedious imprisonment,
Was over to the sec'lar power turn'd,
And by them in the Town of Maidstone burn'd.
Cardinal Woolsy persecuted sore

Anno 1531.

Bilny, Lome, Garret, Barnes, and many more.
One Richard Bayfield, was from Lollards tower

Anno 1532.

Deliver'd over to the sec'lar power,
And after bound at stake; when with the flame
His left arm burned was, he rubb'd the same
With his right hand so hard, that down it fell:
He pray'd until he went in heaven to dwell.
Edward Freese, Johnstone, Wylie, Father Bates,
All shut up with their wives in Fulham grates,
During their hard imprisonment, were fed,
O misery indeed! with saw-dust bread.
After a tedious lying in the stocks,
Thay let them go, but clog'd their legs with locks.
James Bainham, when half burned at the stake,
To this effect unto the Papists spake:
Behold, ye look for miracles; and here
A miracle indeed, doth now appear:
For I am as insensible of pain,
As if I on a bed of down were lain;
All's one to me, both equally do please:
O tis a Rosy bed, a bed of ease!

A. 1530.

An Idol nam'd The Rood of Dover Court,
Was burnt, and some in chains were hanged for't.
Now suffer'd Andrew Hewet, and John Frith.
One Thomas Bennet, who was cursed with
Bell, Book, and Candle, fastned to the stake,
And fir'd a comfortable end did make.
The Papists to their power the truth supprest,
And Persecuted those that it profest:
But God was pleas'd deliverance to bring
To his afflicted Saints; for now the King
Divorc'd the Lady Katharine of Spain,
And took to wife Lady Anne Bullen. Vain
Were all the Popes projects; none in this nation
Might now enforced be to abjuration.
Eliz'beth Barton, th' holy maid of Kent,
A Nun both subdolous and fraudulent,
By the strange alt'ring of her countenance
Gull'd silly people, lying in a trance
(As Quakers do) and then, as if sh' had been
Inspir'd by God, would in reproof of sin
Speak much, and raile against the Gospels light,
Calling it Heresy; her ranc'ous spight
She vented to the King and Queens dishonour.
By Satan back'd, she also took upon her
T'advance Rome's Doctrine, praising constitutions
Idol'try, Pilgrimages, Absolutions, &c.

Anno 1533.

But Doctor Cranmer, with the Lord Cromwel,
And Mr. Latimer, did wisely smell

Anno 1534.

Out all the knavery; so that the Nun
And her associates hang'd, their dayes were don.

Anno 1536.

Though England did the Popish pow'r disown,
Yet Popery still hover'd up and down:
And William Tindal was betraid, arrain'd,
Condemn'd and burned for the Truth maintain'd.
Anne Bullen also, that Religious Queen,
(Who now about three yeers had married been)
By false reports and sinister suggestions,
Had lost the Kings affection; he questions
Her dearest love; which he intends to smother,
By marrying himself unto another.
Queen Anne was to the Tower carried;
And, e're three weeks were over, lost her head.
The Vertuous Lady, standing up erect
Upon the Scaffold, spake to this effect:
Good Christian people, if you wonder why
I am come hither, know, it is to die;
Having already heard my sentence strict:
Nor lies it in my pow'r to contradict.
I come not hither for this end, to clear
My self, nor tell who my accusers are:
I pray God save the King his life maintain,
And make you flourish in his happy reign, &c.
And if among you, there be any shall
Presume to question my untimely fall;
Anne Bullen begs, Anne Bullen does implore,
That they would judge the right, and judge no more.
Thus, thus vain world, I take my leave of you:
Dear Christian friends, I bid you all adieu:
I pray be fellow-feelers of my case,
And put up prayers to the Throne of grace
In my behalf. Oh Lord in mercy shine
Upon me, take my soul, for it is thine:
Sweet Jesu, it is thine. This oft she sed
On her bent knees, until she lost her head.
The King, (no longer time then three dayes tarried,
But) to the Lady Jane Seymor was married.
About this time, (which God to pass did bring)
Lord Cromwel grew in favour with the King:
By whose advise, and sage deliberation,
The Church was brought unto a reformation.

Anno 1538.

The Kings injunctions all abroad made known,
Idol'trous Images were overthrown:
Our Ladies at Walsingham, Worcester,
Ipswich, and Thomas Becket's image, were
Cast down; with others, which had long deceiv'd
The silly people, who indeed believ'd
They liv'd; for they (by secret Engines found)
Could open, shut their eyes, and roll them round.
The same year (as Lord Cromwel, did advise)
Abbeys were ruin'd and Monasteries.
A little after, for opposing Rome,
Mr. John Lambert suff'red Martyrdome.
Packington Collins, Leiton, Puttedew,
Peck, Doctor Barnes, Garret, and Heirom too,
Two eminent Divines, the Lord Cromwel,
Great Essex Earl, all for the truths sake fell.
Yea all the prisons, within London walls
Were fill'd, and many were enclos'd in Halls,
By vertue of an Act for prohibition
Of truth, and countenancing superstition.

Anno 1541.

John Porter, unto New-gate Dungeon sent
For reading in the Bible; underwent
Hard usage: bolts and Iron chains did check
The freedom of his legs, his hands, and neck:
At last, into the lowest dungeon cast,
Not many dayes expir'd, he breath'd his last.
At Lincoln Bishop Longland took away
James Morton, Thomas Bernard, in one day.
One Mr. Barber, who the truth deny'd,
With sorrow wore away until he dy'd.
One Testwood, Person, Filmore, tost and turn'd

Anno 1544.

Under afflictions hand, at last were burn'd
Neer Windsore Castle: with a cheerful face,
Anthony Person did the stake embrace,
Kissing it, said, Welcom mine own sweet Bride,
For this blest day shalt thou and I be ty'd
As man and wife together, in the love
And Matrimonial peace of God above,
Of God above; I long for to be there, &c.
When all of them unto the stake bound were,
Said Filmer then, My bretheren rejoyce
In God, unto him make a joyful noise:
For after this sharp breakfast, we a boon
Dinner shall have with Christ in heaven at noon.
Testwood with hands and eyes to heaven up heav'd,
Desir'd God that his spir't might be receiv'd.
Person (said thus) tricking with straw his head,
This is Gods hat, now I am dress'd indeed,
Like a true souldier of Christ, by whom
This day into his joy I trust to come.
And so they suffer'd with such constancy,
That many with them could afford to die.
The Lord Lisle, Thomas Brooks, James Cook, Ralph Hare,
James Barber, Mr. Smith, John Butler, bare
The cross of Christ. Said Rockwood, Bad's my state
I can't repent, All too late, all too late.
The under-Marshal fell upon the floor,
I'th' Councel-room, and never spake word more.
One Richard Mekins, that had scarce out-worn
The fifteenth year, they did in Smithfield burn.

Anno 1541.

Two labouring men, there was at Callice Martyr'd;
And Mr. Damslip was hang'd, drawn and quarter'd.
Button, was persecuted; Mr. Dod
Resign'd up in the flame his soul to God.
One Mr. Saxie, to his end was brought,

Anno 1546.

By Gardiner's appointment, as 'twas thought.
Kerby at Ipswich, Roger Clarke at Bury
Fry'd Faggots, to appease their foemens fury.
Anne Askew being tost from post to pillar,
And cruelly misus'd, an evil-willer
Led her into a dungeon; where he rack'd
Her body till her very bowels crack'd:
Nay, when her bones and joynts were pluck'd asunder,
She praised God and pray'd; (to all a wonder)
Then the Lord Chanc'ller sent her word that burn'd
She should be, if she chang'd not: she return'd
An answer back, that she would rather die,
Then once recant, and her true faith deny.
To New-gate being sent, she penned there
Her faith's confession, ending with this prayer:
O Lord, the hairs which on my head do grow,
Are not so num'rous as my foes, I know:
Yet Lord, take not thy grace and comfort from me;
So shall they not with flatt'ring words o'recome me:
Do thou fight for me; so my soul shall fear
No danger, for on thee I cast my care.
With all the mischief that they can invent
They fall upon me, and have even spent
Me thy poor creature. Sweet Lord let me slight
My foes, for thou alone art my delight.
And Lord, I pray thee, when thy wrath begins
To burn them, quench it: O forgive their sins:
Lord open thou their hearts, restore the blind,
That they may please thee; give them grace to minde
The things that do belong unto their peace
In this their day, lest when they would, they cease.
Let not the fancies vain of sinful men
Destain thy truth: Amen, O Lord, Amen.
She brought to Smithfield in a chair, was bound
To th' stake, and with the flames besieged round.
So slep'd she in the Lord, and in Gods eyes

Anno 1546.

Became an acceptable sacrifice.
At that time Nicholas Belerrian,
A Shropshire Min'ster; and a Gentleman,
John Lacels, servant to the King; with one
John Adams Tailour, burning undergon.
The same year, Bishop Gardiner did bring
Malicious accusations to the King
Against Queen Kath'rin Parre (supposing all
The boughs would wither, if the stock did fall)
In that she gave her minde (which was unfit)
To read and meditate on Sacred Writ.
And Chaplains kept seditions to rear,
None b'ing deny'd the priviledge to hear:
As also, that her heart was fully bent
To spurn against the present government:
Her life was dangerous: nor could he rest,
That nourish'd such a Viper in his brest.
The Kings love turn'd to hate; and now the Queen
Must die the death: but Prov'dence stept between;
The plot's found out; she wisely did behave her:
The King receiv'd her to his wonted favour.
Now also Sir George Blake condemned was,
For casting out some words against the Mass.
A pardon's granted him; after which thing,
He being in the presence of the King;
The King said to him, Ah my Pig, (for so
He us'd to call him:) yea, said he, I know,
Had not your Majesty been more enclin'd
To save my life, (such was your Royal minde)
Then were your Bishops to reak out their teen;
Your Pig, I'm sure, e're this had rosted been.
Streight after, Winchester, and his complices
(Sworn foes to Vertues, and fast friends to Vices)
Set forth in the Kings name, a Proclamation
That all the English Bibles in the Nation,
And other Books which yielded any light
Unto the truth, should be abolish'd quite.
This done, said they, So, now the Gospels lain
So low that it shall never rise again;
And for the greater terrour, strict inquest
They made for those that verity profest:
Of many pricked down the names; of whom,
They some expelled, and imprison'd some:
So that these varlots did in no wise doubt
The bringing of their wicked ends about.
But God, who careth for his truth, and those
That countenanc'd the same, dispers'd their foes:
Amidst their vain projects the King was dead,
And with him all their hopes were buried.

SECT. VI. The Persecution of the Duke of Somerset in the Reign of King Edward the sixth.

Now when King Henery the eighth was dead,
His son Prince Edward reigned in his stead;
During whose happy reign Religion flourish'd,
Pop'ry decai'd, the Church of God was nourish'd
With the full breasts of Peace, the Gospel spred
And superstition was abolished:
Onely the Godly Duke of Somerset
With Persecutions, and great troubles met;
Some of the Nobles lab'ring most of all
To raise themselves upon his suddain fall.
Edward, and Thomas Seymer were ally'd
Unto King Edward, by his mothers side;
Edward the eldest (fit to guide the Helm)
Was made Protector of the King, and Realm:
Thomas the second, of this British Isle
Was chosen Lord high Admiral; the while
These brethren joyned in fraternal love,
Nothing fell out amiss; but when they strove,
(Spur'd on by make-bates) unto one another
They prov'd destructive; and the younger brother
Attainted, was condemn'd, and lost his head
On Tower-hill: hence insurrections bred.

Anno 1549.

The Lords, at London privily conjur'd
Against the Lord Protector, and immur'd
Him once, nay twice, yea thrice, in a short season,
Then charged him with Felony, and Treason.
He's to the Tow'r-hill brought, where he commended
His soul to God; his prayers being ended,
He rose from off his knees, and like a man
Couragiously bold, he thus began:
Dearly beloved friends, Lo, I am here
To suffer death, though (God knows) I am clear
From thinking, speaking, or from acting ought
Against the King, in word, in deed, or thought;
But alwayes to this Realm have born a brest
As faithful, and as loyal as the best.
Yet in obedience to the Laws command,
I here as a condemned person stand;
And praise my God, for his abundant grace
In giving unto me both time and space,
Who might have justly took away my breath,
Had he so pleased, by a sudden death,
Now as for the Religion which I
During the time of my Authority
Maintain'd to my power, nor do I now
Repent of what I did, but both to you
And me agnize it as a favour great;
And do you all most heartily entreat
To joyfully receiv't, and set it forth
In your lives, as a thing of unknown worth;
Which studiously to do, if you neglect,
Great misery I fear you may expect.
These words no sooner out, a sudden sound
As terrible as thunder, did confound
The people so, that some fell down through fear,
Some this some that way run, but none knew where.
Anthony Brown Knight came; that he did bring,
The crowd suppos'd, a pardon from the King;
With that a shout arose: but the good Duke
Did gravely with his beck'ning hand rebuke
The clam'rous throng. And silence being gain'd,
He said, Dear friends, Pardon is not obtain'd
As you conceive; God otherwise is bent;
His will be done, and we must be content.
Let's joyn in prayer, that safety may pursue
The King, t'whom loyal I have bin. 'Tis true,
The people cryed out. O heaven bless
His Highness with all health and happiness:
I wish his Counc'llours grace to rule, and then
You all obedient hearts: all said, Amen
I ask forgiveness if I wronged any;
O Lord remit my sins, for they are many.
As for my foes, I freely them forgive.
For Christ I die, in whom I hope to live, &c.
Farewel, farewel, he lay him down, and spoke

A. 1552.

Christ save me, thrice: the hangman gave the stroke.

SECT. VII. The Persecution of the English Church under the Reign of Queen Mary.

Sommoner.
O now I know your minde, y'are one of them
That slight the Queen, and her decrees contemn;
But you and others, must a new leaf turn,
Or else I fear me, you'l go neer to burn.

Hunter.
Pray God I build my faith on his word still,
And his great name confess, come what come will.

Sommoner.
Confess his name? No, no, you'l in a mess
All to the Devil go, and him confess.
Then step't the Somm'ner forth, and fetch'd a Priest,
The Vicar of that place, a drunken beast,
VVho finding William Hunter at his Book,
Rebuk'd him for't, and ask'd if he could brook
The Doctrine well of Transubstantiation:
Hunter made answer it had no relation
Unto the truth reveal'd: he understood
Those words of Christ touching his flesh and blood
Carnal Capernait-like, who thought to feed
On Christ his flesh, and drink his blood indeed.
VVherefore to them he said, The words I speak
Are spirit, and life, and not as flesh so weak.
Ah! quoth the Vicar, have I found you out?
Thou art an Her'tick now, without all doubt, &c.

Hunter.
VVhereas you of my faith do question make,
I would we two were fastned to the stake,
To prove whether of us should closest stick
Unto our faith, and which was Heretick, &c.

Hunter.
Sir you have got
What you desir'd; I pray God it be not
Laid to your charge, but I forgiv'n you have,
Said Brown,

Brown.
That's more then at your hands I crave.

Hunter.
If God forgive you not, I tell you true,
This blood of mine shall be requir'd of you.
O Son of God shine on me; from a cloud
The Sun brake out (till then thick shades did shroud
The face of day) his eyes he turn'd aside,
Too weak such radiant glory to abide.
A Priest brought him a book to look upon.
To whom he thus, False Prophet thou, be gon:
Good folk beware of them, for Jesus sake;
Who of their sins, shall of their plagues partake.

Brown.
Marke what I say, as thou burn'st in this fire,
So shalt thou burn in hell.

Hu.
Thou art a lyar.
False Prophet hence, from me away be gon:

Hauks.
Sir, is not that sufficient to save?

Bishop.
Yes, but not to instruct: that I may have

H.
Salvation to my God, I humbly sue,
As for instruction, that I leave to you.

B.
Shall your child be baptiz'd, you not look o're?

H.
I had such councel given me before.

B.
Why we can have it done, if we be bent,

H.
True, but you never shall, with my consent.

B.
I'd Gladly do thee good, save thee from hell;
I am thy pasture and would teach thee well.

H.
I'll stand to what I said, you shall not finde
My resolutions waver like the winde.

B.
I am the bread of life, the Scripture saith,
And this bread is my flesh; is this thy faith?

H.
'Tis so, I will believe what Scriptures say.

B.
Well, let's to Evensong.

H.
There I'll not pray,
I'm best when furthest off from such resort:
And so he walked forth into the Court.

B.
What thinke you of the Altar's Sacrament?

H.
Excuse me, for I nere knew what it meant.

B.
But we will make you know't, when we begin,
Faggots shall make you do't.

H.
Faggots? a pin
For all your faggots, you no more can do
Then God permits you, and no further go.

SECT. Ult. God's Judgements upon the Persecutors of his Church and children.

Is not destruction to the wicked, and strange Judgements to the Workers of iniquity?

It's a Righteous thing with God, to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you that are troubled, rest with us.