Taylor he called for John Bradford, and when he saw him, he put off his cap, and gave him his hand, saying, "Because I perceive that you are desirous to confer with some learned men, therefore I have brought Archdeacon Harpsfield to you: and I tell you, you act like a wise man."

Bradford." My lord, I never desired to confer with any man; however, if you will have one to talk with me, I am ready."

"What," said Bonner in a passion to the keeper, "did you not tell me that this man desired conference?"

Keeper."No, my lord; I told you that he would not refuse to confer with any, but I did not say that it was his desire."

Bonner." Well, Mr. Bradford, you are well-beloved, I pray you consider yourself, and refuse not charity when it is offered."

Bradford." Indeed, my lord, this is small charity, to condemn a man as you have condemned me, who never brake your laws."

Bonner." Well, well." And so he called for Doctor Taylor, and Bradford went his way.

On another day, Mr. Willerton, chaplain of the bishop of London, came to confer with Bradford, but when he perceived that Bradford did not desire to see him, he said "Well, Mr. Bradford, I pray you let us confer a little, for perchance you may do me good, if I can do you none." At these words Bradford consented, and they entered into conversation about the doctors, the fathers, and the sixth of St. John. He then departed, and in the afternoon he came again, and they had a long talk to little effect. At length Willerton began to talk of the church, saying that Bradford swerved from the church. Bradford." No, I do not, but you do; for the church is Christ's spouse, and Christ's obedient spouse, which your church is not, which robs the people of the Lord's cup, and of service in the English tongue." Willerton." Why, it is not profitable to have the service in English."

Bradford." Should not the people, then, have the scriptures? Wherefore serves this saying of Christ, Search the scriptures ?'"'

Willerton." This is not spoken to the people, but to the scribes and learned men.'

Bradford. Then the people must not have the scriptures ?"

Willerton.-"No; for it is written, They shall be all taught of God.'"'

Bradford." And must we learn all of the priests ?" Willerton.-"Yes."

Bradford." Then I see you would bring the people to hang up Christ and let Barabbas go, as the priests did then persuade the people."

On the 12th of February, there came one of the Earl of Derby's servants to Bradford, saying, "My lord hath sent me to you; he wishes you to tender yourself, and he will be a good lord to you."

Bradford."I thank his lordship for his good will towards me, but in this I cannot tender myself more than God's honour."

Servant." Ah, Mr. Bradford, consider your mother, sisters, friends, kinsfolk, and country; what a great discomfort will it be to them to see you die as an heretic." Bradford." I have learned to forsake father, mother, brother, sister, friend, and all that ever I have; yea, even mine own self, for else I cannot be Christ's disciple."

Servant." If my lord should obtain for you that you might depart the realm, would you not be content to be at the queen's appointment, where she would appoint you beyond the sea?"

Bradford." No, I had rather be burned in England than be burned beyond the seas. For I know that if she should send me to Paris, Louvain, or some such place, forthwith they would burn me.'

|

"Mr. Bradford, tell me what suit I should make for you ?”

Bradford.-" -"What you do, do it not at my request, for I desire nothing at your hands. If the queen will give me life, I will thank her; if she will banish me, I will thank her; if she will burn me, I will thank her; if she will condemn me to perpetual imprisonment, I will thank her."

Cresswell went away, and about eleven o'clock he and the other man came again, and brought a book of More's making, desiring Bradford to read it over.

Bradford, taking the book, said, “ Good Percival, I am fixed in this article."

Cresswell."Oh, if ever you loved me, do one thing for me."

Bradford.- " What is it

Cresswell." Desire and name what learned man, or men, you will have to come unto you. My lord of York, my lord of Lincoln, my lord of Bath, and others, will gladly come to you."

Bradford." No, I never will desire them, or any other, to come to confer with me, for I am as certain of my doctrine as I am of anything; but for your pleasure, and that all men may know that I am not ashamed to have my faith sifted and tried, bring whom you will, and I will talk with them."

On the 15th of February, after a fruitless conference with Harding on a previous day, Percival Cresswell came with Harpsfield, archdeacon of London. After formal salutations, he said that all men, even the infidels, Turks, Jews, anabaptists, and libertines, desire felicity as well as the christians, and that every one thinks they shall attain to it by their religion. To which Bradford answered briefly that he spake not far amiss.

Harpsfield." But the way thither is not all alike; for the infidels come to heaven by Jupiter and Juno, the Turk by his Alcoran, the Jew by his Talmud." Bradford." You speak truly."

Harpsfield." Well, then, here is the matter, to know the way to this heaven."

Bradford." We may not invent any ways. There is but one way, and that is Jesus Christ, as he himself witnesses, I am the way.""

After some further conference on the church and suc

cession of bishops, and on baptism, they departed.

On the 16th of February, in the morning, the archdeacon, and two others with him, came again, and after a few words they sat down.

The archdeacon began a very long oration, first repeating what they had said, and how far they had gone over before, and began to prove the succession of bishops here in England for eight hundred years: in France, at Lyons, for twelve hundred years : in Spain, at Hispalen, for eight hundred years : in Italy, at Milan, for twelve hundred years, labouring by this to prove his church. He used all the succession of bishops in the eastern church for the confirmation of his words, and so concluded with an exhortation and an interrogation: The exhortation, that Bradford would obey this church; the interrogation, whether Bradford could shew any such succession for the demonstration of his church, for so he called it, which followed.

To this long oration, Bradford made this short answer : │"My memory is bad, so that I cannot answer particularly your oration. Therefore I will do it generally. If Christ or his apostles here on earth, had been required by the prelates of the church that then was, to have made a demonstration of that church by a succession of such high priests as had approved the doctrine which he taught; I think that Christ would have done as I do : that is, have alleged that which upholds the church, even the truth, the word of God taught and believed, not by the high priests, who of long time had persecuted it, but by the prophets and other good men who perchance were accounted for heretics of the church; which church was not tied to succession, but to the word of God."

Harpsfield. "I can gather and prove succession in Jerusalem. "

Bradford-"Yes, and kept it, as touching the books thereof, as you do the bible and holy scriptures. But the true interpretation and meaning of it they corrupted, as you have done and do, and therefore the persecution which they stirred up against the prophets and Christ, was not for the law, but for the interpretation of it. For they taught as you do now, that we must receive the interpretation of the scriptures at your hands. But to conclude, I look daily for death; yea, hourly, and I think my time is but very short. Therefore, I had need to spend as much time with God as I can, whilst I have it, to pray for his help and comfort, and therefore, I pray you, bear with me, that I do not now particulary and in more words answer your long talk. If I saw death not so near me as it is, I would then weigh every piece of your oration; but because I dare not, nor will I, leave off preparing for that which is at hand, I shall desire you to hold me excused, though I do as I do, and heartily thank you for your gentle good will. I shall heartily pray God our Father to give you the same light and life I do wish to myself."

Then began the archdeacon to tell him he was in a very perilous case, and that he was sorry to see him so settled.

Bradford." I doubt not but that I shall die well; for as I hope and am certain my death shall please the Lord, so I trust I shall die cheerfully to the comfort of his children."

Harpsfield." But what if you be deceived?" Bradford." What if you should say the sun did not shine now?" (The sun was shining through the window

where they sat.)

Harpsfield. "Well, I am sorry to see you so secure and careless."

Bradford."Indeed, I am more carnally secure and careless than I should be. God make me more vigilant. But in this case I cannot be too secure, for I am most assured I am in the truth."

Harpsfield. "You are not; for you are out of the catholic church."

Bradford.-"No, though you have excommunicated me out of your church, yet am I in the catholic church of Christ, and am, and by God's grace shall be a child, and an obedient child of it for ever. I hope Christ will have no less care for me, than he had for the blind man excommunicated by the synagogue. And I am sure that the necessary articles of the faith, I mean the twelve articles of the creed, I confess and believe with that which you call the holy church, so that even your church has taken too much upon her to excommunicate me for that, which by the testimony of my lord of Durham, in the book of the sacrament lately put forth, was free many an hundred years after Christ, to believe or not believe."

Harpsfield." What is that?""

Bradford." Transubstantiation."
Harpsfield." Why you are not condemned for that

only."

Bradford." For that and because I deny that wicked men do receive Christ's body."

After some further conference on transubstantiation, they departed.

On the 23d of the same month, the archbishop of York, and the bishop of Chichester came to speak with Bradford. When he was come before them, they both, and especially the archbishop of York, used him very gently: they would have him to sit down, and because he would not, they also would not sit. So they all stood, and whether he would or not, they insisted he should put on not only his nightcap, but his upper cap also, saying to him that obedience was better than sacrifice.

Now thus standing together, my lord of York began to tell Bradford that they were not sent to him, but of love and charity they came to him; and after commending Bradford's godly life. he concluded with this ques

tion, "How he was certain of salvation and of his religion ?"

After thanks for their good will, Bradford answered, "By the word of God, even by the scriptures, I am certain of my salvation and religion."

York." Very well said. But how do you know the word of God and the scriptures, but by the church?" Bradford." Indeed, my lord, the church was and is a mean to bring a man more speedily to know the scriptures and the word of God, as was the woman of Samaria a mean that the Samaritans knew Christ: but when they heard him speak, they said,Now we know that he is Christ, not because of thy words, but because we ourselves have heard him :' so after we come to the hearing and reading of the scriptures showed unto us by the church, we do believe them, and know them as Christ's sheep, not because the church saith they are the scriptures, but because they are so, being assured by the same Spirit which wrote and spake them."

York. "You know that, in the apostles' time at the first the word was not written."

Bradford." True, if you mean it for some books of the New Testament: but for the old Testament, Peter tells us, We have a more sure word of prophecy.'" York."That place of Peter is not so to be understood of the written word."

Bradford." Yea, sir, that it is, and of none other." Chichester.-"Yea, indeed Mr. Bradford doth tell you truly in that point," and then added, "I pray you to tell me where the church which allowed your doctrine was these four hundred years ?''

Bradford." I will tell you, my lord, or rather you shall tell yourself, if you will tell me this one thing, where the church was in Elijah's time, when Elijah said that he was left alone?"

Chichester.-"That is no answer."

Bradford."I am sorry that you say so: but this I will tell your lordship, that if you had the same eyes wherewith a man might have espied the church then, you would not say it were no answer. The fault why the church is not seen by you, is not because the church is not visible, but because your eyes are not clear enough to see it."

:

Here my lord of York took a book of paper of common places, and read a piece of St. Augustine, how that there were many things that held him in the bosom of the church consent of people and nations; authority confirmed with miracles, nourished with hope, increased with charity, established with antiquity: "Besides this, there holds me in the church," said St. Augustine, "the succession of priests from Peter's seat until this present bishop. Last of all, the very name of catholic holds

Bradford." My lord, these words of St Augustine make as much for me as for you; although I might answer, that all this, if they had been so urgent as you make them, might have been alleged against Christ and his apostles. For there was the law and the ceremonies consented to by the whole people, confirmed with miracles, antiquity, and continual succession of bishops from Aaron's time till then."

York." But what say you to St. Augustine? Where is your church that has the consent of people and nations?"

Bradford.-Even all people and nations that are God's people have consented with me, and I with them in the doctrine of faith."

York."St. Augustine here talks of succession, even from St. Peter's seat."

Bradford." Yea, that seat then was not so corrupt as it is now."

York." Well, you always judge the church." Bradford." No, my lord, as Christ's sheep discern Christ's voice, but judge it not; so they discern the church, but judge her not."

York." Yes, that they do."

Bradford." No; and yet full well may one not only doubt, but judge also of the Romish church; for she obeys not Christ's voice, as Christ's true church does." York." Wherein ?"

Bradford." In Latin service, and robbing the laity of Christ's cup in the sacrament, and in many other things, in which it commits most horrible sacrilege." Chichester." Why? Latin service was in England when the Pope was gone."

Bradford.11 True; the time was in England when the pope was away, but not all popery; as in King Henry's days."

Chichester." Ye are too ready to blame, in saying that the church robs the people of the cup."

Bradford." Well, my lord, term it as it may please you; all men know that the laity have none of it."

Chichester." Indeed, I would wish the church would define again, that they might have it, for my part."

Bradford." If God make it free, who can define to make it bond ?"

And so after more conversation of this kind, the bishop left him.

On the 25th of February, two Spanish friars came to Bradford, when one of them, who was the king's confessor, asked him in Latin (for all their talk was in Latin) whether he had not seen or heard of one Alphonsus that had written against heresy?

Bradford." I do not know him."

Confessor." Well, this man (pointing to Alphonsus) is he. We are come to you out of love and charity, because you desire to confer with us."

Bradford." I never desired your coming, nor to confer with you, or any other. But as you are come out of charity, as you say, I cannot but thank you; and as touching conference, though I desire it not, yet I will not refuse to talk with you if you will."

Alphonsus." It were requisite that you prayed unto God, that you might follow the direction of God's Spirit, that he would inspire you, so that you be not addicted to your own self-will or wisdom."

Upon this Bradford offered up a prayer, and besought God to direct all their wills, words, and works, as the wills, words, and works of his children for ever.

Alphonsus." Yea, you must pray with your heart. For if you speak but with tongue only, God will not give you his grace."

Bradford." Sir, do not judge, lest you be judged. You have heard my words, now charity would have you leave the judgment of the heart to God."

Alphonsus." You must not be wedded to yourself, but as one standing in doubt: pray, and be ready to receive what God shall inspire."

Bradford." Sir, my conviction of religion must not be doubting or uncertain, and I thank God I am certain in that for which I am condemned: I have no cause to doubt of it, but rather to be more certain of it, and therefore I pray God to confirm me more in it. For it is his truth, and because it is so certain and true, that it may abide the light. I dare behold to have it looked on, and to confer about it with you, or with any man."

Alphonsus." Do you not believe that Christ is present really and corporeally in the form of bread?"

Bradford." No, I do believe that Christ is present to the faith of the worthy receiver, as there is present bread and wine to the senses and outward man."

Alphonsus." I am sure you believe Christ's natural body is circumscriptible." And here he made a long harangue about two natures of Christ, how that the one is every where, and the other is in his proper place, asking such questions as no wise man would have spent time about. He then said, "Will you believe nothing but that which is expressly spoken in the scriptures?" Bradford."Yes, sir, I will believe whatever you shall by demonstration out of the scriptures declare to

me."

"He is obstinate," said Alphonsus to his companion; and then turning to Bradford, said, "Is not God able to do it ?"

Bradford." Yes, but here the question is of God's will, and not of his power."

Alphonsus." Why? doth he not say plainly, 'This is my body?"

Bradford." Yes; and I deny not but that it is so, to the faith of the worthy receiver."

Alphonsus." To the faith? how is that?" Bradford." Forsooth, sir, as I have no tongue to express it, so I know you have no ears to hear and understand it. For faith is more than man can utter."

Alphonsus." But I can tell all that I believe." Bradford." You believe not much then. For if you believe the joys of heaven, and believe no more thereof than you can tell, you will not desire to come thither. For as the mind is more capable than the mouth, so it conceives more than tongue can express."

Alphonsus." Christ saith it is his body." Bradford." And so say I, after a certain manner." Alphonsus." After a certain manner! that is, after another manner than it is in heaven."

Bradford." Augustine tells it more plainly, that it is Christ's body after the same manner as circumcision was the covenant of God, and the sacrament of faith is faith, or to make it more plain, as baptism and the water of baptism is regeneration."

Alphonsus." Very well said, baptism and the water is a sacrament of God's grace and Spirit in the water cleansing the baptized."

Bradford." No, sir, away with your enclosing: but this I grant, that in the same way as Christ's body is in the bread, so the grace and Spirit of God is in the water." Alphonsus." In water is God's grace by signification." Bradford." So is the body in the bread in the sacra

ment."

Here the friar was in a wonderful rage, and spake so high, that the whole house rang again. He had a great name of learning, but surely he had little patience. For if Bradford had been hot, one house could not have held them. At length he came to this point, that Bradford could not find in the scripture baptism and the Lord's supper to bear any similitude together. And here he triumphed, saying, that these men would receive nothing but scripture, and yet were able to prove nothing by the scripture.

Bradford." Be patient, and you shall see that by the scriptures I will find baptism and the Lord's supper coupled together."

Alphonsus.-"No, that thou canst never do. Let me see a text of it."

Bradford." St. Paul saith,' By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit,' (1 Cor. xii. 13) meaning the cup in the Lord's supper."

Alphonsus." St. Paul hath no such words."
Bradford." Yes, he has."

Confessor.- "He has not."

Bradford.- "Give me a Testament, and I will shew

you."

So a priest that sat by them gave him his Testament, and he shewed them the plain text. Then they looked one upon another.

Alphonsus, who had the Testament in his hand, desirous to suppress this defeat, turned the leaves of the book from leaf to leaf, till he came to the place, 1 Cor. xi. 29. and there he read how that he was guilty, who made no difference of the Lord's body.

Bradford." Yea, but therewith he saith,' He that eateth of the bread:' calling it bread still and that after consecration, (as you call it), as in the first of Corinthians, (x. 16.) he saith, The bread which we break,' &c.

Alphonsus." Oh how ignorant you are, who know not that things after their conversion do retain the same names which they had before, as Moses' rod:" and calling for a Bible, after he had found the place, he began to triumph. But Bradford cooled him quickly, saying,

Bradford." Sir, there is mention made of the conversion in that case, and it appeared to the senses. But here you cannot find it so. Find me one word how the bread is converted, and I will then say, you bring some matter that makes for you."

At these words the friar was troubled, and at length he said, that Bradford depended on his own sense.

Bradford." No, I do not; for I will bring you the fathers of the church for eight hundred years after Christ, to confirm what I say."

Alphonsus. you."

Certain reasons against Transubstantion, gathered by John Bradford, and given to Doctor Weston, and others.

"1. That which is former (saith Tertullian) is true; that which is later is false. But the doctrine of transubstantiation is a late doctrine: for it was not defined generally before the council of Lateran, about one thousand two hundred and fifteen years after Christ's coming under Pope Innocent III. of that name. For before that time it was free for all men to believe it, or not to believe it, as the bishop of Durham doth witness in his book of the Presence of Christ in his Supper' lately put forth: Ergo, the doctrine of transubstantiation is false.

"2. That the words of Christ's supper are figurative, as the circumstances of the scripture, the analogy or proportion of the sacraments, and the sentences of all the holy fathers, who did write for the space of one thousand years after Christ's ascension, do teach: whereupon it follows, that there was no transubstantiation.

5. That the Lord gave to his disciples bread, and called it his body, the scriptures do witness. For he gave that, and called it his body; which he took in his hands; whereon he gave thanks; which also he brake, and gave to his disciples, that is to say, bread, as the fathers Irenæus, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, Epiphanius, Augustine, and all the residue who are of antiquity do affirm but in as much as the substance of bread and wine is another thing than the substance of the body and blood of Christ, it plainly appeareth that there is no transubstantiation.

"4. The bread is no more transubstantiated than the wine but that the wine is not transubstantiated, St. Matthew and St. Mark do teach us: for they witness, that Christ said, that he would drink no more of the fruit of the vine, which was not blood, but wine: and therefore it follows, that there is no transubstantiation. Chrysostom upon St. Matthew, and St. Cyprian, do affirm this reason.

"5. As the bread in the Lord's supper is Christ's natural body, so it is his mystical body: for the same Spirit that spake of it, 'This is my body;' did say also, For we, being many, are one bread, and one body,' &c. but now it is not the mystical body by transubstantiation, and therefore it is not his natural body by transubstantiation.

"6. The words spoken over the cup in Luke, and in the Corinthians, are not so mighty and effectual, as to transubstantiate it: For then it, or that which is in it, should be transubstantiated into the New Testament : therefore the words spoken over the bread, are not so mighty as to make transubstantiation.

"7. All that doctrine which agrees with those churches which are apostolic mother churches, or original churches is to be counted for truth, in that it holdeth that which these churches received of the apostles, the apostles of Christ, Christ of God. But it is manifest, that the doctrine taught at this present time by the church of Rome, concerning transubstantiation, does not agree with the apostolic and mother churches of Greece, of Corinth, of Philippi, Colosse, Thessalonica, Ephesus, who never taught transubstantiation; yea, it agreeth not with the doctrine of the church of Rome taught in time past. For Gelasius the pope, setting forth the doctrine which that See did then hold, doth manifestly confute the error of transubstantiation, and reproveth them of sacrilege, who divided the mystery, and kept from the laity the

These arguments were written out by Bradford, and handed to Weston, who expressed a desire to confer with him; but the conference, like all the others, ended in nothing but the confirming Bradford in the true faith which he had professed.

Thus continued Bradford in prison until the month of July, in labours and sufferings; but when the time ap. pointed for his death was come, he was suddenly conveyed in the night to Newgate, and from thence he was carried on the following morning to Smithfield, where, as was before narrated, he firmly adhered to the truth of God, which he had confessed, earnestly exhorting the people to repent, and to turn to Christ; and sweetly comforting the godly young man of the age of nineteen or twenty years, who was burned with him, he cheerfully ended his painful life, to live with Christ.

John Leaf, who was burned with Bradford, was an apprentice to Humphrey Gawdy, tallow-chandler, of the parish of Christ's Church, in London. He was born at Kirkby Moreside, in the county of York. On the Friday before Palm Sunday he was committed to the Compter in Bread-street, by an alderman of London who had the rule and charge of that ward or part of the city where John Leaf dwelt; and when brought before Bonner, he gave a firm and christian testimony of his doctrine and profession, answering to such articles as were objected to him by the bishop.

First, As touching his belief and faith in the sacrament of the altar, he answered, that after the words of consecration, spoken by the priest over the bread and wine, there was not the very true and natural body and blood of Christ in substance that the sacrament of the altar, as it is now called, used, and believed in this realm of England, is idolatrous and abominable-also, that he believed, that after the words of consecration spoken by the priest over the material bread and wine, there is not the self-same substance of Christ's body and blood there contained; but bread and wine, as it was beforeand further, that he believed, that when the priest delivers the material bread and wine to the communicants, he delivers but only material bread and wine; and the communicants do receive the same in remembrance of Christ's death and passion, and spiritually in faith they receive Christ's body and blood, but not under the forms of bread and wine; and also affirmed that he believed auricular confession not to be necessary to be made to a priest; for it is no point of the soul's health, nor that the priest has any authority given him by the scriptures to absolve and remit any sin.

On making these answers, he was dismissed at that time, and ordered to appear on the Monday following, being the 10th of June, then and there to hear the sentence of his condemnation. Accordingly the bishop then propounding the articles again to him, endeavoured by all manner of ways to turn him from truth to error, but notwithstanding all his persuasions, threats, and promises, found him the same man still, so firmly planted was he upon the sure rock of truth, that no words nor deeds of men could remove him.

Then the bishop, after many words to and fro, at last asked him, if he had been Master Rogers' scholar? John Leaf answered, that it was so, and that he did believe in the doctrine of Rogers, and in the doctrine of bishop Hooper, Cardmaker, and others of their opinion, who of late were burned for the testimony of Christ, and that he would die in that doctrine which they died for. And after other replications again of the bishop, moving him to return to the unity of the church, he with great courage of spirit, answered again in these words: "My lord, you call my opinion heresy; it is the true light of the word of God." And again repeating the same, he professed that he would never forsake his well-grounded opinion while breath was in his body. The bishop being too weak, either to refute his sentence, or to remove his constancy, proceeded to read the popish sentence of cruel condemnation; by which this godly and constant

young man, being committed to the secular power of the sheriffs, was then adjudged, and not long after suffered on the same day with John Bradford, confirming with his death, that which he had spoken and professed in his life.

It is reported of John Leaf, that after his examinations before the bishop, when two bills were sent to him, one containing a recantation, the other his confessions, to know to which of them he would put his hand, first hearing the bill of recantation read unto him, he refused it; and when the other was read to him, instead of a pen he took a pin, and so pricking his hand, sprinkled the blood upon the bill, desiring the reader to show the bishop that he had sealed the same bill with his blood already.

When these holy martyrs came to the stake in Smithfield to be burned, Bradford lying prostrate on the one side of the stake, and the young man John Leaf on the other side, they lay flat on their faces, praying to themselves for the space of an hour. Then one of the sheriffs said to Bradford, "Arise, and make an end; for the press of the people is great."

At that word they both stood upon their feet, and then Bradford took a fagot in his hand, and kissed it, and so likewise the stake. And when he had done so, he desired the sheriffs that his servant might have his raiment. "For," said he, "I have nothing else to give him; and besides that, he is a poor man." And the sheriff said he should have it. And so forthwith Bradford put off his raiment, and went to the stake: and holding up his hands, and casting his countenance to heaven, he said thus, "O England, England, repent thee of thy sins, repent thee of thy sins. Beware of idolatry; beware of false Antichrists; take heed they do not deceive you!" And as he was speaking these words, the sheriff bid them tie his hands, if he would not be quiet. "O Master Sheriff," said Bradford, "I am quiet. God forgive you this." And one of the officers who made the fire, hearing Bradford so speaking to the sheriff, said, "If you have no better learning than that, you are but a fool, and had better hold your peace." To which words Bradford gave no answer; but asked all the world forgiveness, and forgave all the world, and requested the people to pray for him. Then turning his head to the young man that suffered with him, he said, "Be of good comfort, brother; for we shall have a happy supper with the Lord this night." And spake no more words that any man heard; but embracing the reeds, said thus, "Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it."

And thus, like two lambs, they both ended their mortal lives, without any alteration of their countenance, being void of all fear, hoping to obtain the prize for which they had long run; to which may Almighty God happily conduct us, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

The Letters of Mr. John Bradford.

This godly and heavenly martyr, during the time of his imprisonment, wrote several comfortable treatises, and many godly letters, of which, some he wrote to the city of London, to Cambridge, Walden, Lancashire and Cheshire, and several to his private friends. By which letters will appear how piously this man occupied his time while a prisoner-what special zeal he bore to the state of Christ's church-what care he had to perform his office-how earnestly he admonished all men-how tenderly he comforted the heavy-hearted-how faithfully he confirmed them whom he had taught. I have thought well to give a few of the most important of those letters; referring the reader for the rest to the book of the Letters of the Martyrs, where they may be found.

"To the City of London.

"To all that profess the gospel and true doctrine of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the city of London, John Bradford, a most unworthy servant of the Lord, now not only in prison, but also excommunicated, and

condemned to be burned for the same true doctrine, wishes mercy, grace, and peace, with increase of all godly knowledge and piety from God the Father of mercy, through the merits of our alone and all-sufficient Redeemer, Jesus Christ, by the operation of the Holy Spirit for ever, Amen.

"My dearly beloved brethren in our Saviour Christ, although the time I have to live is very short (for hourly I look when I shall be had hence to be conveyed into Lancashire, there to be burned, and to render my life, by the providence of God, where I first received it by the same providence,) and although the charge is great to keep me from all things whereby I might signify anything to the world of my state; yet having, as now I have, pen and ink, through God's working, in spite of the head of Satan and his soldiers, I thought good to write a short confession of my faith, and thereto join a little exhortation unto you all, to live according to your profes

sion.

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First, for my faith, I do confess, and pray all the whole congregation of Christ to bear witness with me of the same, that I believe constantly, through the gift and goodness of God (for faith is God's only gift), all the twelve articles of the symbol and creed, commonly attributed to the collection of the apostles. This my faith I would gladly particularly declare and expound to the confirmation and comfort of the simple; but, alas! by starts and stealth I write in the manner that I do, and, therefore, I shall desire you all to take this brevity in good part. And this faith I hold, not because of the creed itself, but because of the word of God, which teacheth and confirmeth every article accordingly. This word of God, written by the prophets and apostles, left and contained in the canonical books of the whole Bible, I do believe to contain plentifully all things necessary to salvation, so that nothing (as necessary to salvation) ought to be added thereto, and therefore the church of Christ, nor none of his congregation, ought to be burdened with any other doctrine than which hereout hath his foundation and.ground. In testimony of this faith, I render and give my life, being condemned as well for not acknowledging the antichrist of Rome to be Christ's vicar, general and supreme head of his catholic and universal church here or elsewhere upon earth; as for denying the horrible and idolatrous doctrine of transubstantiation, and Christ's real, corporeal, and carnal presence in his supper, under the forms and accidents of bread and wine.

"To believe Christ our Saviour to be the head of his church, and kings in their realms to be the supreme powers, to whom every soul oweth obedience, and to believe that in the supper of Christ (which the sacrament of the altar, as the papists call it, and use it, doth utterly overthrow,) is a true and very presence of a whole Christ, God and man, to the faith of the receiver, but not to the stander by and looker upon, as it is a true and very presence of bread and wine to the senses of men; to believe this, I say, will not serve, and, therefore, as an heretic I am condemned, and shall be burned; wherefore I heartily ask God mercy, that I do no more rejoice than I do, having so great cause, as to be an instrument wherein it may please my dear Lord God and Saviour, to suffer.

"For though my manifold sins, ever since I came into prison, have deserved at the hands of God, not only this temporal, but also eternal fire in hell, much more then my former sinful life, which the Lord pardon for Christ's sake, as I know he of his mercy hath done, and never will lay mine iniquities to my charge, to condemnation, so great is his goodness (praised, therefore, be his holy name) although, I say, my manifold and grievous late sins have deserved most justly all the tyranny that man or devil can do unto me; and therefore I confess that the Lord is just, and that his judgments are true and deserved on my behalf; yet the bishops and prelates do not persecute them in me, but Christ himself, his word, his truth, and religion. And therefore I have great cause, yea, great cause to rejoice that ever I was born, and hitherto kept of the Lord; that by my death, which is deserved for my sins, it