and brought it unto me. Which when I did see, I thought it had been gun- Mary. powder, and thereupon I put fire to it, but it would not burn. Then I took it for poison, and so gave it to a dog, but it was not so. Then I took a little A. D. water, and it made as fair ink as ever I did write withal. Therefore, my lord, 1555. you may understand what a naughty fellow this is."

Philpot: :-"Ah, my lord! have you nothing else to charge me withal but these trifles, seeing I stand upon life and death? Doth the knife in the pig prove the church of Rome to be a catholic church?" etc. 1

conclud

and Cam

The cate

Then the bishop brought forth a certain instrument, containing Articles articles and questions, agreed upon both in Oxford and Cambridge, ed in whereof you have mention before. Also he did exhibit two books in Oxford print; the one was the catechism made in king Edward's days, bridge. anno 1552, the other concerning the true report of the disputation in chism. the convocation-house, mention whereof is above expressed. More of report over he did bring forth, and laid to master Philpot's charge two letters; of the the one touching Bartlet Green, the other containing godly exhortations tion in and comforts, which both were written unto him by some of his vocationgodly friends; the tenor whereof we thought here also to exhibit.

A Letter exhibited by Bonner, written by some Friend of Master
Philpot's, and sent to him, concerning the handling of Master
Green in Bishop Bonner's House at London.

The book

disputa

the con

house.

You shall understand that master Green came unto the bishop of London on Sunday last, where he was courteously received: for what policy the sequel declareth. His entertainment for one day or two, was to dine at my lord's own table, or else to have his meat from thence. During those days he lay in Dr. Chedsey's chamber, and was examined. Albeit in very deed the bishop Bonner earnestly and faithfully promised many right worshipful men (who were suitors breaketh for him, but to him unknown), that he in no case should be examined; before promise. which, master Fecknam would have had him in his friendly custody, if he would have desired to have conferred with him, which he utterly refused. And in that the bishop objected against him singularity and obstinacy, his answer thereunto was thus: "To avoid all suspicion thereof, although I myself am young, and utterly unlearned in respect of the learned (and yet I understand, I thank my Lord), yet let me have such books as I shall require; and if I, by God's Spirit, do not thereby answer all your books and objections contrary thereto, I will assent to you." Whereunto the bishop, and his, assented, permitting him at the first to have such books: who at sundry times have reasoned Master with him, and have found him so strong and rife in the Scripture and godly strong in fathers, that since, they have not only taken from him such liberty of books, Scripbut all other books, not leaving him so much as the New Testament, and tures and have sythens committed him in chamber to Doctour Dee the great conjurer; Feckwhereunto-conjecture you. Since, they have baited and used him most nam's cruelly. This master Fecknam reported, saying further, that he never heard report of the like young man, so perfect. What shall become further of him, God knoweth; but death I think, for he remaineth more and more willing to die, as I understand. Concerning your bill, I shall confer with others therein, knowing that the same court is able to redress the same: and yet I think it will not Appendix. be reformed, for that I know few or none that dare or will speak therein, or prefer the same, because it concerneth spiritual things. Notwithstanding, I will ascertain you thereof; committing you to the Holy Ghost, who keep you and us all, as his. Your own, etc.

The Copy of another Letter written by the faithful and christianhearted Lady, the Lady Vane, to Master Philpot, exhibited likewise by Bishop Bonner.

Hearty thanks rendered unto you my well-beloved in Christ, for the book ye sent me, wherein I find great consolations, and, according to the doctrine thereof, do prepare my cheeks to the strikers, and my womanish back to the

(1) Philpot had a knife brought him under a pig: ergo, the church of Rome is a catholic church! (2) This bill was a suppli to be offered up in the parliament.

Green

doctors.

Green.

See

A. D.

1555.

Mary. burdens of reproof. And so, in the strength of my God I trust to leap over the wall; for his sweetness overcometh me daily, and maketh all these apothecary drugs of the world even medicine-like in my mouth. For the continuance whereof, I beseech thee, my dear fellow-soldier, make thy faithful prayer for me, that I may with a strong and gladsome conscience finish my course, and obtain the reward, though it be no whit due to my work. I am not content that you so often gratify me with thanks for that which is none worthy, but duty on my part, and small relief to you. But if you would love me so much that I might supply your lacks, then would I think ye believed my offers to be such, as agreed with my heart. And for the short charges ye speak of, the means are not so pleasant, if God (whom my trust is in) will otherwise prepare; but Solomon saith, "All things here have their time;" you to-day, and I tomorrow, and so the end of Adam's line is soon run out. The mighty God give us his grace, that during this time, his glory be not defaced through our weakness! Because you desire to show yourself a worthy soldier, if need so require, I will supply your request for the scarf ye wrote of, that ye may present my handy-work before your Captain, that I be not forgotten in the odours of incense, which our beloved Christ offereth for his own; to whom I bequeath both our bodies and souls.

Over and besides these letters, the bishops did also bring forth a supplication made by master Philpot unto the high court of parliament, whereof mention is made in the first of the two letters last mentioned; the copy whereof doth here ensue as followeth :

To the King and Queen's Majesty's Highnesses, the Lords Spiritual and Tem poral, and the Commons of this present Parliament assembled.

In most humble wise complaineth unto this honourable court of parliament John Philpot clerk, that whereas there was by the queen's highness a parliament called in the first year of her gracious reign, and after the old custom a convocation of the clergy, your suppliant then being one of the said convocationhouse, and matters there rising upon the using of the sacraments, did dispute in the same, knowing that there all men had and have free speech, and ought not to be after-troubled for any thing there spoken: and yet, that notwith standing, not long after the said parliament, your said suppliant (without any act or matter) was commanded to prison to the King's Bench by the late lord chancellor, where he hath remained ever since, until now of late that my lord the bishop of London hath sent for your said suppliant to examine him (being none of his diocese) upon certain matters, wherein they would have your orator to declare his conscience, which, the said bishop saith, he hath authority to do, by reason of an act of parliament made in the first and second years of the king and queen's majesties' reigns, for the reviving of three statutes made against them that hold any opinion against the catholic faith: whereby he affirmeth, that every ordinary may, ex officio, examine every man's conscience. And for that your said orator hath and doth refuse, that the said bishop of London hath any authority over your said orator, for that he is neither his diocesan, nor hath published, preached, nor held any opinion against the catholic faith (notwithThe strait standing the said bishop of London detaineth him in the coal-house, in the stocks, handling without either bed or any other thing to lie upon but straw), and for that your of Philpot in the said orator cannot appeal for his relief, from the said bishop, to any other judge, bishop's but the same bishop may refuse the same by their law, and therefore hath no succour and help, but by this high court of parliament, for the explanation of the said act; therefore may please you, that it may be enacted by the king and queen's majesties, the lords spiritual and temporal, and the commons of this present parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, that no bishop nor ordinary shall commit or detain in prison any suspected person or persons for the catholic faith, except he or they have spoken, written, or done some manifest act against the catholic faith, and the same to be lawfully proved against every such person or persons, by the testimony of two lawful witnesses, to be brought before the said person or persons so accused, before he or they shall either be committed to prison, or convicted for any such offence or

coal

house.

Mary.

offences; the said former statute, made in the said first and second year of our said sovereign lord and lady notwithstanding: whereby your said orator shall not only be set at liberty, and divers others now remaining in prison; but also A.D. the blood of divers of the queen's majesty's true and faithful subjects preserved. 1555.

THE CONDEMNATION OF THE WORTHY MARTYR OF god,

JOHN PHILPOT.

These books, letters, supplications, and other matters being thus read, the bishop demanded of him, If the book intituled, "The true Report of the Disputation,"1 etc. were of his penning, or not? Whereunto Philpot answered, that it was a good and true book, and of his own penning and setting-forth.

The bishops, waxing now weary, and being not able by any sufficient ground, either of God's word, or of the true ancient catholic fathers, to convince and overcome him, fell by fair and flattering speech to persuade with him; promising, that if he would revoke his opinions, and come home again to their Romish and Babylonical church, he should not only be pardoned that which was past, but also they would with all favour and cheerfulness of heart, receive him again as a true member thereof. Which words when Bonner saw would take no place, he demanded of master Philpot (and that with a charitable affection I warrant you), whether he had any just cause to allege, why he should not condemn him as a heretic." Well," quoth master Philpot, your idolatrous sacrament, which you have found out, ye would fain defend; but ye cannot, nor ever shall."

66

of con

against

In the end the bishop, seeing his unmovable stedfastness in the sentence truth, did pronounce openly the sentence of condemnation against demnahim. In the reading whereof, when he came to these words, "Teque tion read etiam tanquam hæreticum, obstinatum, pertinacem, et impœniten- Philpot. tem," etc. master Philpot said, "I thank God that I am a heretic, His words out of your cursed church; I am no heretic before God. But God it. bless you, and give you once grace to repent your wicked doings, and let all men beware of your bloody church."

Moreover, while Bonner was about the midst of the sentence, the bishop of Bath pulled him by the sleeve, and said, “My lord, my lord, know of him first whether he will recant or no.' Then Bonner said (full like himself), "O let him alone;" and so read forth the

sentence.

in reading

delivered

And when he had done, he delivered him to the sheriffs; and so Philpot two officers brought him through the bishop's house into Paternoster- to the row, and there his servant met him, and when he saw him he said, "Ah! dear master."

Then master Philpot said to his man, "Content thyself, I shall do well enough; for thou shalt see me again."

sheriffs.

brought

man per

And so the officers thrust him away, and had his master to New- Philpot gate; and as he went, he said to the people, "Ah! good people; to Newblessed be God for this day." And so the officers delivered him to gate: his the keeper. Then his man thrust to go in after his master, and one mitted to of the officers said unto him, "Hence, fellow! what wouldst thou with him. have?" And he said, "I would go speak with my master." Master

(1) Of this book of Disputation in the convocation, read before, [Vol. vi. p. 395. ED.]
(2) Ah, my lord, what needed this question, when no reasonable answer could be allowed?

enter

Mary. Philpot then turned him about, and said to him, "To-morrow thou shalt speak with me.'

A. D. 1555.

tween

Philpot

ander the

keeper.

Then the under-keeper said to master Philpot, "Is this your man?" Talk be- and he said, "Yea." So he did license his man to go in with him; and master Philpot and his man were turned into a little chamber on and Alex- the right hand, and there remained a little time, until Alexander the chief keeper did come unto him; who, at his entering, greeted him with these words; "Ah!" said he, "hast not thou done well to bring thyself hither?" "Well," said master Philpot, "I must be content, for it is God's appointment: and I shall desire you to let me have your gentle favour; for you and I have been of old acquaintance." "Well," said Alexander, "I will show thee gentleness and favour, so thou wilt be ruled by me." Then said master Philpot,

Good

Philpot

loaden

with irons

he would

ander's

Alexander taketh Philpot's

tokens

man.

"I pray you show me what you would have me to do." He said, “If

66

would recant, I will show you any pleasure I can." you "Nay," said master Philpot, "I will never recant, whilst I have my life, that because which I have spoken, for it is most certain truth; and in witness not recant hereof I will seal it with my blood." Then Alexander said, "This at Alex is the saying of the whole pack of you heretics." Whereupon he bidding. commanded him to be set upon the block, and as many irons upon his legs as he could bear, for that he would not follow his wicked mind. Then the clerk told Alexander in his ear, that master Philpot had given his man money. And Alexander said to his man, "What money hath thy master given thee ?" He answered, My master from his hath given me none." "No!" said Alexander, "hath he given thee none? That I will know, for I will search thee." "Do with me what you list, and search me all that you can," quoth his servant : "he hath given me a token or two to send to his friends, as to his brother and sisters." Ah!" said Alexander unto master Philpot, "thou art a maintainer of heretics: thy man should have gone to some of thine affinity; but he shall be known well enough." "Nay," said master Philpot, "I do send it to my friends: there he is, let him make answer to it. But good master Alexander, be so much my friend, that these irons may be taken off." "Well," said Alexander, "give me my fees, and I will take them off: if not, thou shalt wear them still." Then said master Philpot, "Sir, what is your Alex- fee?" He said four pound was his fees. "Ah," said master Philpot, cruel I have not so much; I am but a poor man, and I have been long requireth in prison." "What wilt thou give me then," said Alexander? “Sir," said he, "I will give you twenty shillings, and that I will send my man for; or else I will lay my gown to gage. For the time is not long (I am sure), that I shall be with you; for the bishop said I should be soon dispatched.'

ander the

keeper

four

pounds of Philpot

for his irons.

Philpot

limbo.

Then said Alexander unto him,

"What is that to me ?"

And had into with that he departed from him, and commanded him to be had into limbo. And so his commandment was fulfilled; but before he could be taken from the block, the clerk would have a groat.

Then one Witterence, steward of the house, took him on his back, and carried him down, his man knew not whither. Wherefore master Philpot said to his man, "Go to master sheriff, and show him how I am used, and desire master sheriff to be good unto me." And so his servant went straightway, and took an honest man with him.

sheriff, a

sendeth

to take off Philpot's

to restore

And when they came to master sheriff (which was master Macham), Mary. and showed him how master Philpot was handled in Newgate, the A.D. sheriff, hearing this, took his ring off from his finger, and delivered 1555. it unto that honest man which came with master Philpot's man, and Master bade him go unto Alexander the keeper, and command him to Macham, take off his irons, and to handle him more gently, and to give his good man, man again that which he had taken from him. And when they came his ring again to the said Alexander, and told their message from the sheriff, Alexander took the ring, and said, "Ah! I perceive that master irons, and sheriff is a bearer with him, and all such heretics as he is: therefore the man's to-morrow I will show it to his betters." 99 1 Yet at ten of the clock tokens. he went in to master Philpot, where he lay, and took off his irons, and gave him such things as he had taken before from his servant. Upon Tuesday at supper, being the 17th day of December, there Philpot came a messenger from the sheriffs, and bade master Philpot make him ready, for the next day he should suffer, and be burned at a stake with fire. Master Philpot answered and said, "I am ready; him God grant me strength, and a joyful resurrection." And so he went the next into his chamber, and poured out his spirit unto the Lord God, day to the giving him most hearty thanks, that he of his mercy had made him worthy to suffer for his truth.

warned

by the

sheriff's to prepare

against

fire.

brought to

In the morning the sheriffs came according to the order, about eight of the clock, and called for him, and he most joyfully came down unto them. And there his man did meet him, and said, “Ah! dear master, farewell." His master said unto him, "Serve God, and he will help thee." And so he went with the sheriffs to the Philpot place of execution; and when he was entering into Smithfield, the the place way was foul, and two officers took him up to bear him to the stake. of marThen he said merrily, "What! will ye make me a pope? I am content to go to my journey's end on foot." But first, coming into Smithfield, he kneeled down there, saying these words, “I will pay my vows in thee, O Smithfield !”

tyrdom.

words go

stake.

He giveth

And when he was come to the place of suffering, he kissed the Philpot's stake, and said, "Shall I disdain to suffer at this stake, seeing my ing to the Redeemer did not refuse to suffer a most vile death upon the cross for me?" And then with an obedient heart full meekly he said the Philpot's 106th, the 107th, and the 108th Psalms. And when he had made prayers. an end of all his prayers, he said to the officers, "What have you the offidone for me?" and every one of them declared what they had done; and he of them money. to every gave Then they bound him to the stake, and set fire unto that constant martyr, who the 18th day of December, in the midst of the fiery flames, yielded his soul into the hands of Almighty God, and full like a lamb gave up his breath, his body being consumed into ashes.

cers mo

ney.

examina

John Phil

Thus hast thou, gentle reader, the life and doings of this learned The wriand worthy soldier of the Lord, John Philpot; with all his exami- tings and nations that came to our hands: first penned and written with his tions of own hand, being marvellously preserved from the sight and hand of pot, by the his enemies; who by all manner of means sought not only to stop dence of him from all writing, but also to spoil and deprive him of that which Almighty he had written; for the which cause he was many times stripped and served.

(1) Note the spitefulness of this keeper.

Provi

God, pre