who serve God daily in this cathedral church,-fixed up with wax such cursed Henry and heretical bills, full of blasphemy, upon the doors of this and other holy VIII churches within this city. Excommunicated plainly be he or she plenally, or A.D. they, and delivered over to the devil, as perpetual malefactors and schismatics. 1533. Accursed may they be, and given body and soul to the devil. Cursed be they, he or she, in cities and towns, in fields, in ways, in paths, in houses, out of houses, and in all other places, standing, lying, or rising, walking, running, waking, sleeping, eating, drinking, and whatsoever thing they do besides. We separate them, him or her, from the threshold, and from all the good prayers of the church; from the participation of the holy mass; from all sacraments, chapels, and altars; from holy bread and holy water; from all the merits of God's priests and religious men, and from all their cloisters; from all their pardons, privileges, grants, and immunities, which all the holy fathers, popes of Rome, have granted to them; and we give them over utterly to the power of the fiend: and let us quench their souls, if they be dead, this night in the pains of hell-fire, as this candle is now quenched and put out (and with that he put out one of the candles): and let us pray to God, if they be alive, that Mark the their eyes may be put out, as this candle light is (so he put out the other apish candle); and let us pray to God and to our lady, and to St. Peter and Paul, of these and all holy saints, that all the senses of their bodies may fail them, and that popelings. they may have no feeling, as now the light of this candle is gone (and so he put out the third candle) except they, he or she, come openly now and confess their blasphemy, and by repentance, as much as in them shall lie, make satisfaction unto God, our lady, St. Peter, and the worshipful company of this cathedral church: and as this holy cross-staff now falleth down, so may they, except they repent and show themselves.

Here, one first taking away the cross, the staff fell down. But Lord! what a shout and noise was there; what terrible fear; what holding up of hands to heaven: that curse was so terrible!

66

pageants

laughed

Now this fond foolish fantasy and mockery being done and played, Benet which was to a christian heart a thing ridiculous, Benet could no at their longer forbear, but fell to great laughter, but within himself, and for cursing. a great space could not cease; by which thing the poor man was espied. For those that were next to him, wondering at that great curse, and believing that it could not but light on one or other, asked good Benet, for what cause he should so laugh. My friends," said he, "who can forbear, seeing such merry conceits and interludes played by the priests ?" Straightway a noise was made, Here is the heretic! here is the heretic! hold him fast, hold him fast! With that, there was a great confusion of voices, and much clapping of hands, and yet they were uncertain whether he were the heretic or no. Some say, that upon the same he was taken and apprehended. Others report, that his enemies, being uncertain of him, departed, and so he went home to his house; where he, being not able to digest the lies there preached, renewed his former bills, and caused his boy, early in the morning following, to set the said bills upon the gates of the churchyard. As the boy was setting one of the said Benet is bills upon a gate, called 'The little Stile,' it chanced that one W. S., going to the cathedral church to hear a mass, called Barton's Mass, which was then daily said about five o'clock in the morning, his bills. found the boy at the gate, and asking him whose boy he was, did charge him to be the heretic that had set up the bills upon the gates: wherefore, pulling down the bill, he brought the same, together with the boy, before the mayor of the city; and thereupon Benet, being known and taken, was violently committed to ward.

(1) Bless and curse not,' saith the Lord: 'curse and bless not,' saith the pope..

means of

taken, by

his boy setting up

Henry
VIII.

A. D.

1533.

He con

fesseth

the cause

why he

up.

On the morrow began both the canons and the heads of the city joined with them, to fall to examination; with whom, for that day, he had not much communication, but confessed and said to them, "It was even I that put up those bills; and if it were to do, I would yet do it again; for in them I have written nothing but what is very truth." "Couldst not thou," said they, "as well have declared thy mind by set them mouth, as by putting up bills of blasphemy ?" "No," said he, “I put up the bills, that many should read and hear what abominable blasphemers ye are, and that they might the better know your Antichrist, the pope, to be that boar out of the wood, which destroyeth and throweth down the hedges of God's church; for if I had been heard to speak but one word, I should have been clapped fast in prison, and the matter of God hidden. But now I trust more of your blasphemous doings will thereby be opened and come to light; for God will so have it, and no longer will suffer you."

Benet

sent to the

The next day after, he was sent unto the bishop, who first committed him to prison, called 'The Bishop's Prison,' where he was prison. kept in stocks and strong irons, with as much favour as a dog should

bishop's

against

him.

find. Then the bishop, associating unto him one Dr. Brewer, his chancellor, and other of his lewd clergy and friars, began to examine Articles him, and burdened him that, contrary to the catholic faith, he denied praying to the saints, and also denied the supremacy of the pope. Whereunto he answered in such sober manner, and so learnedly proved and defended his assertions, that he did not only confound and put to silence his adversaries, but also brought them in great admiration of him; the most part having pity and compassion on him. The friars took great pains with him to persuade him from his erroneous opinions, to recant and acknowledge his fault, touching the bills; but they did but dig after day; for God had appointed him to be a blessed witness of his holy name, and to be at defiance with all their false persuasions.

Basset in

is com

To declare here with what cruelty the officers searched his house for bills and books, how cruelly and shamefully they handled his wife, charging her with divers enormities, it were too long to write. But she, like a good woman, took all things patiently that they did unto her; like as in other things she was contented to bear the cross with him, as to fare hardly with him at home, and to live with coarse meat and drink, that they might be the more able somewhat to help the poor, as they did to the uttermost of their power.

Amongst all other priests and friars, Gregory Basset was most busy with him. This Gregory Basset, as is partly touched before, was learned, and had a pleasant tongue, and not long before was Gregory fallen from the truth, for which he was imprisoned in Bristol a long prison at time; at whose examination was ordained a great pan of fire, where Bristol, his holy brethren (as the report went abroad) menaced him to burn pelled by his hands off: whereupon he there before them recanted, and became to recant. afterwards a mortal enemy to the truth all his life. This Gregory, Busy as it is said, was fervent with the poor man, to please the canons of that church, and marvellously tormented his brains, how to turn him from his opinions; yea, and he was so diligent and fervent with him, that he would not depart the prison, but lay there night and day, who notwithstanding lost his labour: for good Benet was at a point

the friars

against

Thomas
Benet.

not to deny Christ before men. So Gregory, as well as the other Henry holy fathers, lost his spurs, insomuch that he said in open audience, that there was never so obstinate a heretic.

VIII.

A. D. 1533.

The Matter between Gregory Basset and Thomas Benet. The principal point between Basset and Benet was touching the supremacy of the bishop of Rome, whom in his bills he named Antichrist, the Thief, the Mercenary, and the Murderer of Christ's Flock: and these disputations lasted about eight days, where, at sundry times, repaired to him both the black and grey friars, with priests and monks of that city. They that had some learning persuaded him to believe the church, and showed by what tokens she is known. The others unlearned railed, and said that the devil tempted him, and spat Railing upon him, calling him heretic; who prayed God to give them a better mind, against and to forgive them: For,' said he, I will rather die, than worship such a beast, the very whore of Babylon, and a false usurper, as manifestly it doth appear by his doings.' They asked, What he did, that he had not power and authority to do, being God's vicar? He doth,' quoth he, 'sell the sacraments The of the church for money, he selleth remission of sins daily for money, and so abuses of do you likewise: for there is no day but ye say divers masses for souls in to be feigned purgatory: yea, and ye spare not to make lying sermons to the people, noted. to maintain your false traditions and foul gains. The whole world doth begin Selling of now to note your doings, to your utter confusion and shame.'

6

Benet.

the pope

souls.

'The shame,' say they, shall be to thee, and such as thou art, thou foul heretic! Wilt thou allow nothing done in holy church? what a perverse heretic art thou!' 'I am,' said he, no heretic, but a christian man, I thank Christ; and with all my heart will allow all things done and used in the church to the glory of God, and edifying of my soul: but I see nothing in your church, but what main- The taineth the devil.' What is our church?' said they. It is not my church,' pope's quoth Benet, God give me grace to be of a better church, for verily your painted church is the plain church of Antichrist, the malignant church, the second in her church, a den of thieves, and an awmbry of poison, and as far wide from the colours. true, universal, and apostolic church, as heaven is distant from the earth.'

church

"all the

Dost not thou think,' said they, that we pertain to the universal church?" "Yes,' quoth he,' but as dead members, unto whom the church is not beneficial; for your works are the devices of man, and your church a weak foundation: for ye say and preach that the pope's word is equal with God's word in every degree.' Why,' said they, did not Christ say to Peter, To thee I will The keys give the keys of the kingdom of heaven?' He said that,' quoth he, to all, given to as well as to Peter; and Peter had no more authority given to him than they, apostles. or else the churches planted in every kingdom by their preaching are no churches. Doth not St. Paul say, Upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets? Therefore I say plainly, that the church that is built upon a man, The is the devil's church or congregation, and not God's. And as every church this church day is appointed to be ruled by a bishop or pastor, ordained by the word of upon God in preaching and administration of the sacraments under the prince, man, is the supreme governor under God, so, to say that all the churches with their the devil's princes and governors be subject unto one bishop, is detestable heresy; and the pope, your god, challenging this power to himself, is the greatest schismatic that ever was in the church, and the most foul whore; of whom John, in the Revelation, speaketh.'

6

builded

church.

world.

O thou blind and unlearned fool!' said they, is not the confession and Consent consent of all the world, as we confess and consent-That the pope's holiness of the is the supreme head and vicar of Christ?' That is,' said Benet, because they are blinded and know not the Scriptures: but if God would of his mercy open the eyes of princes to know their office, his false supremacy would soon decay.' 'We think," said they, 'thou art so malicious, that thou wilt confess no church.' 'Look!' said he, where they are that confess the true name of Jesus Christ; Where and where Christ only is the head, and under him the prince of the realm, to order all bishops, ministers, and preachers, and to see them do their duties in setting forth the only glory of God by preaching the word of God; and where it is preached that Christ is our only Advocate, Mediator, and Patron before God his Father, making intercession for us; and where the true faith and con

the true church is.

Henry fidence in Christ's death and passion, and his only merits and deservings are VIII. extolled, and our own depressed; where the sacrament is duly, without superstition or idolatry, administered in remembrance of his blessed passion and only A. D. sacrifice upon the cross once for all, and where no superstition reigneth:—of 1533. that church will I be!'

why.

6

'Doth not the pope,' said they,' confess the true gospel? do not we all the same?' 'Yes,' said he, but ye deny the fruits thereof in every point. Ye build upon the sands, not upon the rock.' And wilt thou not believe indeed,' The pope said they, that the pope is God's vicar?' 'No,' said he, ' indeed.' • And not God's why?' said they. Because,' quoth he, he usurpeth a power not given to him vicar, and by Christ, no more than to other apostles; and also because, by force of that usurped supremacy, he doth blind the whole world, and doth contrary to all that ever Christ ordained or commanded.' 'What,' said they, if he do all things after God's ordinance and commandment: should he then be his vicar?" Then,' said he, 'would I believe him to be a good bishop at Rome over his own diocese, and to have no further power. And if it pleased God, I would every bishop did this in his diocese: then should we live a peaceable life in the church of Christ, and there should be no such seditions therein. If every bishop would seek no further power than over his own diocese, it were a goodly thing. Now, because all are subject to one, all must do and consent to all wickedness as he doth, or be none of his. This is the cause of great superstition in every kingdom. And what bishop soever he be that preacheth the gospel, should be and maintaineth the truth, is a true bishop of the church.' 'And doth not,' ruled by said they, our holy father the pope maintain the gospel?' 'Yea,' said he, 'I think he doth read it, and peradventure believe it, and so do you also; but neither he nor you do fix the anchor of your salvation therein. Besides that, ye bear such a good will to it, that ye keep it close, that no man may read it but yourselves. And when you preach, God knoweth how you handle it; insomuch, that the people of Christ know no gospel well-near, but the pope's gospel; and so the blind lead the blind, and both fall into the pit. In the true gospel of Christ, confidence is none; but only in your popish traditions and fantastical inventions.'

What in ence fol

conveni

loweth, that all

bishops

man.

The pope's gospel,

Benet weary

Then said a black friar unto him (God knoweth, a blockhead), Do we not preach the gospel daily?' 'Yes,' said he,' but what preaching of the gospel is that, when therewith ye extol superstitious things, and make us believe that we have redemption through pardons and bulls of Rome, a pœna et culpa, as ye term it: and by the merits of your orders ye make many brethren and sisters; ye take yearly money of them, ye bury them in your coats, and in shrift ye beguile them; yea, and do a thousand superstitious things more: a man may be weary to speak of them.' I see,' said the friar, 'that thou art a damned wretch; I will have no more talk with thee.'

Then stepped to him a grey friar, a doctor (God knoweth of small intelligence), and laid before him great and many dangers. I take God to record,' said Benet, my life is not dear to me; I am content to depart from it, for I am weary of it, seeing your detestable doings, to the utter destruction of God's flock; and, for my part, I can no longer forbear. I had rather, by death (which I know is not far off), depart this life, that I may no longer be partaker of your detestable idolatries and superstitions, or be subject unto antichrist your pope.' 'Our pope,' said the friar, is the vicar of God, and our ways are the ways of God.' 'I pray you,' said Benet, 'depart from me, and tell not me of of your ways. He is only my way, who saith, I am the way, the truth, and the the friar's life. In his way will I walk, his doings shall be my example; not yours, nor your false pope's. His truth will I embrace; not the lies and falsehood of you and your pope. His everlasting life will I seek, the true reward of all faithful people. Away from me, I pray you. Vex my soul no longer; ye shall not prevail. There is no good example in you, no truth in you, no life to be hoped for at your hands. Ye are all more vain than vanity itself. If I should hear and follow you this day, everlasting death should hang over me, a just reward for all them that love the life of this world. Away from me: your company liketh me not.'

talk.

Thus a whole week, night and day, was Benet plied by these and such other hypocrites. It were an infinite matter to declare all things

VIII.

done and said to him in the time of his imprisonment; and the hate Henry of the people that time, by means of ignorance, was hot against him: notwithstanding they could never move his patience; he answered to A.D. every matter soberly, and that, more by the aid of God's Spirit, than 1533. by any worldly study. I think he was at least fifty years old. Benet paBeing in prison, his wife provided sustenance for him; and when she constant. lamented, he comforted her, and gave her many good and godly exhortations, and prayed her to move him nothing to apply unto his adversaries.

tient and

against

Benet.

the secu

Thus when these godly canons and priests, with the monks and friars, had done what they could, and perceived that he would by no means relent, then they, proceeding unto judgment, drew out their bloody sentence against him, condemning him, as the manner Sentence is, to be burned. This being done, and the writ which they had read procured de comburendo,' being brought from London, they Thomas delivered him on the 15th of January, 1531, unto sir Thomas Denis, knight, then sheriff of Devonshire, to be burned. The mild martyr, Benet derejoicing that his end was approaching so near, as the sheep before livered to the shearer, yielded himself with all humbleness to abide and suffer lar power. the cross of persecution. And being brought to his execution, in a Brought place called Livery-dole, without Exeter, he made his most humble to the confession and prayer unto Almighty God, and requested all the execupeople to do the like for him; whom he exhorted with such gravity and sobriety, and with such a pithy oration, to seek the true honouring of God, and the true knowledge of him; as also to leave the devices, fantasies, and imaginations of man's inventions, that all the hearers and beholders of him were astonied and in great admiration; insomuch that the most part of the people, as also the scribe who wrote the sentence of condemnation against him, did pronounce and confess that he was God's servant, and a good man.

place of

tion.

To Benet

refuseth

to pray to

Christ.

bush

Nevertheless two esquires, namely, Thomas Carew and John Barnehouse, standing at the stake by him, first with fair promises and goodly words, but at length through rough threatenings, willed him to revoke his errors, and to call to Our Lady and the saints, and to say, "Precor sanctam Mariam, et omnes sanctos Dei," &c. whom, with all meekness, he answered, saying, "No, no; it is God only upon whose name we must call; and we have no other advocate our Lady. unto him, but only Jesus Christ, who died for us, and now sitteth at the right hand of his Father, to be an advocate for us; and by him one Admust we offer and make our prayers to God, if we will have them to vote, take place and to be heard.' With this answer the aforesaid Barne- A furzehouse was so enkindled, that he took a furze-bush upon a pike, and thrust in having set it on fire, he thrust it unto his face, saying, "Ah! hore- his face, son heretic! pray to our Lady, and say, Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis, he would or, by God's wounds, I will make thee do it." To whom the said to our Thomas Benet, with an humble and a meek spirit, most patiently answered, "Alas, sir! trouble me not." And holding up his hands, he said, "Pater! ignosce illis." Whereupon the gentlemen caused the wood and furzes to be set on fire, and therewith this godly man lifted up his eyes and hands to heaven, saying, "O Domine! recipe spiritum meum." And so, continuing in his prayers, he did never and marstir nor strive, but most patiently abode the cruelty of the fire, until Benet.

because

not pray

Lady.

The con

stant end

tyrdom of