11. "As a father may forbid certain of his children to marry, so may a king Mary. in his kingdom forbid certain of his subjects to marry; that is to say, all the priests of this realm.”1 12. "He that would take away the pope's ceremonies out of the church, should drive away all godliness and seemliness, all religious and devout behaviour out of the church." 2 A. D. 1555. Winchester's manner of cere ly pre the fa vour of Here hast thou, good reader, this stout prelate of Winchester, monies. with all his properties, doings, and qualities, as in a certain anatomy proportioned out unto thee, whereby thou mayest boldly judge (and nothing err in thy judgment), what is to be esteemed of him by his fruits, as who neither was true protestant, nor right papist; neither constant in his error, nor yet steadfast in the truth; neither friend to the pope, and yet a perfect enemy to Christ: false in king Henry's time, a dissembler in king Edward's time; double perjured, and a murderer in queen Mary's time;3 mutable and inconstant in all times. And finally, whereas in his letters to the lord protector and others, He falseusually he vaunteth so much of his late sovereign lord king Henry tendeth the Eighth, and of the great reputation that he was in with him, read, I beseech thee, and behold in the depositions of the lord Paget, king in the Old Book, page 816, fol. 1, and also in the depositions of the wards earl of Bedford, page 824,5 and there you shall see the king, before his death (both excepting him out of his pardons, and quite striking him out of his last will and testament), so detested and abhorred him, as he did no Englishman more. And whereas the lord Paget being sent in message from the king to the bishop, by other words than the king's mind and will was, of his own dexterity gave to him good and gracious words, which indeed the king neither knew, nor yet were sent by him: the bishop, persuading himself otherwise of the king's favour towards him, than it was indeed, was therein far deceived, and brought into a fool's paradise; whereof read both in the Old Book before, and also in these present volumes. Henry to him. ter un To describe and paint out the unstable mutability of this bishop Winchesaforesaid, albeit here need no more to be added besides that which is stable in already declared; yet, notwithstanding, seeing the matter is not religion. long, it shall not be out of the way to annex withal unto the premises, a piece of Driander's letter written to one Crispine," a physician in Oxford, sent from Antwerp, concerning the doings and behaviour of this bishop of Winchester, whose story we have now in hand; the copy of which Driander's letter, written to the said Crispine his friend, beginneth thus: "Doctissimo viro Edmundo Crispino, amico integerrimo Oxoniæ.-Ante meam ex Lutetiâ profectionem, dedi literas ad te per Anglum illum, communem amicum nostrum," etc. And this now being sufficient for Gardiner's story, to leave him to his Judge, and to let him go, we shall return and proceed (by the (1) Fol. 83. (2) Fol. 94. (3) Like a person whose common sense is leaving him, Dr. Lingard calls for more evidence to substantiate Gardiner's claim to the character here, and at page 592, given: he may find it in Todd's Introduction to his reprint of archbishop Cranmer's "Defence of the Catholic Doctrine of the Sacraments," etc. Lond. 1825, pp. 92-94.-ED. (4)" The Old Book," is the First Edition. See vol. vi. p. 162, of this Edition.-ED. (7) Read in the First Edition, p. 802. [The whole of this letter in Latin and "the English, as much as to the present purpose pertaineth," may be found in vol. vi. pp. 139, 140, of this Edition. --ED.] Mary. grace and leave of the Lord), as the course of these doleful days shall lead us, to prosecute the residue of Christ's martyrs, as now in order followeth. A. D. 1555. The ap of Webbe bishop of Dover. The Burning of John Webbe, Gentleman, George Koper, and Next after the death and constant martyrdom of the two most worthy champions and standard-bearers of Christ's army, Dr. Nicholas Ridley, and master Hugh Latimer (of whom ye have heard at large), followed three other stout and bold soldiers; that is to say, John Webbe, gentleman, George Roper, and Gregory Parke. This John Webbe was brought before the bishop of Dover and Date Nicholas Harpsfield, or some other deputed in their room, long before the before the other two, videlicet, the 16th day of September; and there had propounded unto him such ordinary articles as (it seemeth) were commonly ministered by Bonner to those of his jurisdiction. And being willed for that present to depart, and to deliberate with himself upon the matter against the next time of his appearance, he made answer that he would no otherwise say (by God's grace) than he had the already said, which was this: "As touching the sacrament of Christ's bishop's body, I do believe," quoth he, "it to be left unto his church (with thanksgiving) in commemoration of his death and passion, until his coming again. So that it is left in remembrance of his body; and not by the words of consecration to be made his body really, substantially, and the same body that was born of the virgin Mary-I utterly deny that.” His answer to articles. Roper leapeth at After this (besides sundry other times) the 3d day of October, the said John Webbe, and George Roper, and Gregory Parke, were brought all three together before the said judges: who there and then agreeing, and steadfastly allowing the former answer made before by master Webbe, were by the bloody prelates adjudged heretics; and therefore, about the end of the same month of October, or else, as I otherwise find, in the latter end of November,' they together were taken and brought out of prison to the place of martyrdom; who by the way, going towards the stake, said certain Psalms mournfully. Roper was a younger man of a fresh colour, courage, and comthe stake. plexion; the other two were somewhat more elderly, all going in Roper white linen, with their gowns on. Roper, at his coming to the in the fire stake, putting off his gown, fetched a great leap. So soon as the standeth like a rood. The martyrdom of Roper, and flame was about him, the said Roper put out both his arms from his body like a rood, and so stood steadfast, continuing in that manner, not plucking his arms in, till the fire had consumed them, and burnt them off. And thus these aforesaid martyrs of Christ, being brought (as I Webbe, said) to the stake, and there compassed about with a chain, were burnt and consumed all three together in one fire at Canterbury, abiding most patiently their torments, and counting themselves happy and blessed of the Lord, that they were made worthy to suffer for Christ's gospel sake. Parke at Canterbury. (1) Nov. 30. The Death of William Wiseman, in Lollard's Tower The 13th of December, in the Lollards' Tower, died William Wiseman, a clothworker of London, where he was in prison and bonds for the gospel and word of God-how and whereupon he deceased, it is not fully certain. Some thought that either through famine, or ill handling of some murdering papists, he was made away; by reason whereof the coroner, named John Gibbes, gentleman, with an inquest of twelve men, were fain to sit upon him; who, although to the outward appearance they were said to find nothing in him else but only God's visitation, yet what other privy causes there might be of his death, the Lord knoweth; I have not to say. Mary. A.D. 1555. Dec. 13. man's into the After the said William was departed (as is said) in the Tower, the Wiseholy catholic church-men cast him out into the fields, commanding body cast that no man should bury him; according as their devout manner is fields. to do with all such as die in like sort, whom they account as profane, and worthy of no burial, but to be cast to dogs and birds, λúpia KÚVEσol, as the poet saith.1 And yet all this their merciless commandment notwithstanding, some good Tobits there were, which buried him in the evening, as commonly they did all the rest, thrown out in like sort, whom they were wont privily by night to cover; and many times the archers in the fields standing by, and singing together psalms at their burial. The Death of James Gore, in Colchester Prison. In the same month, about the 7th day of December, deceased. also James Gore in the prison at Colchester, laid there in bonds for the right and truth of God's word. The Process and History of Master John Philpot, EXAMINED, CONDEMNED, AND MARTYRED FOR THE MAINTE NANCE AND DEFENCE OF THE GOSPEL'S CAUSE, AGAINST THE ANTICHRISTIAN SEE OF ROME. son, and a law in Next followeth the constant martyrdom of master John Philpot, of whom partly ye heard before in the beginning of queen Mary's time, in prosecuting the disputation of the Convocation-house. He was of a worshipful house, a knight's son, born in Hampshire, brought up Philpot, a in the New College in Oxford, where he studied the civil law the knight's space of six or seven years, besides the study of other liberal arts, student of especially of the tongues, wherein very forwardly he profited, namely, New Colin the knowledge of the Hebrew tongue, etc. In wit he was preg-ford. nant and happy, of a singular courage, in spirit fervent, in religion zealous, and also well practised and exercised in the same (which is no small matter in a true divine), of nature and condition plain and apert, far from all flattery, further from all hypocrisy and deceitful dissimulation. What his learning was, his own examinations penned of his own hand can declare. From Oxford, desirous to see other countries as occasion served (1) Homer, Il. i. line 4.-ED. lege, Ox A.D. Philpot Mary. thereunto, he went over into Italy, and places thereabouts, where he, coming upon a time from Venice to Padua, was in danger through a 1555. certain Franciscan friar accompanying him in his journey, who, coming to Padua, sought to accuse him of heresy. At length regoethover turning into England his country again, as the time ministered more to Italy boldness to him in the days of king Edward, he had divers conflicts' with Gardiner the bishop in the city of Winchester, as appeareth into Eng- by divers of Winchester's letters, and his examinations; whereof read before. The re turn of Philpot land. Philpot con of ter. After that, having an advowson by the said bishop, he was made archidea there archdeacon of Winchester, under Dr. Poinet, who then sucWinches- ceeded Gardiner in that bishopric. Thus during the time of king Edward, he continued to no small profit of those parts thereabout. When that blessed king was taken away, and Mary his sister came in place, whose study was wholly bent to alter the state of religion in the woful realm of England, first she caused a convocation of the prelates and learned men to be congregated to the accomplishment of her desire. In the which convocation master Philpot, being present according to his room and degree, with a few others, sustained the cause of the gospel manfully against the adversary part (as is above recited); for the which cause, notwithstanding the liberty of the house promised before, he was called to account before bishop Gardiner the chancellor, then being his ordinary, by whom he was first examined, Philpot although that examination came not yet to our hands. From thence Gardiner again he was removed to Bonner and other commissioners, with to Bonner. whom he had divers and sundry conflicts, as in his examinations here following may appear. sent from See Appendix. Story's words to Philpot. Cause of The first Examination of Master John Philpot before the Queen's Dr. Story, before I was called into an inner parlour where they sat, came out into the hall where I was, to view me among others that there were, and passing by me said, "Ha! master Philpot;" and in returning immediately again, stayed against me, beholding me, and saying that I was well fed indeed. Philpot If I be fat, and in good liking, master doctor, it is no marvel, since I have been stalled up in prison this twelve-month and a half, in a close corner. I am come to know your pleasure wherefore you have sent for me." Story::-"We hear that thou art a suspect person, and of heretical opinions; and therefore we have sent for thee." Philpot :-" I have been in prison thus long, only upon the occasion of disPhilpot's putation made in the convocation-house, and upon suspecte of setting forth imprison- the report thereof." ment. Story:-"If thou wilt revoke the same, and become an honest man, thou shalt be set at liberty, and do right well: or else thou shalt be committed to the bishop of London. How sayest thou, wilt thou revoke it or no?" Philpot:-"I have already answered in this behalf to mine ordinary." (1) See Strype. Memorials under Mary, chap. 33, page 456. Edit. Lond. 1816.-ED. (2) This Dr. Poinet, bishop of Winchester, fied afterwards into Germany, and there deceased, anno 1557.. (3) An Examination of the constante Martir of Christ, John Philpot, archdeacon of Winches ter," etc. Printed by Henry Sutton, 1559. Dibdin's Ames's, etc. vol. iv. 487.-ED. shalt hear more of our minds:" and with that he went into the parlour, and I Mary. within a little while after was called in. The Scribe:-"Sir, what is your name?" Philpot::-"My name is John Philpot." And so he intituled my name. Story:-"This man was archdeacon of Winchester, of Dr. Poinet's presentment." Philpot: -"I was archdeacon indeed, but none of his presentment, but by virtue of a former advowson, given by my lord chancellor that now is." Story::-"Ye may be sure that my lord chancellor would not make any such as he is archdeacon." Roper:-"Come hither to me, master Philpot. We hear say that you are out of the catholic church, and have been a disturber of the same; out of the which whoso is, he cannot be the child of salvation. Wherefore, if you will come into the same, you shall be received, and find favour." A.D. 1555. fore he was called Philpot: "I am come before your worshipful masterships at your appoint- Philpot ment, understanding that you are magistrates authorized by the queen's lying in prison a majesty, to whom I owe, and will do my due obedience, to the uttermost. year and a Wherefore I desire to know what cause I have offended in, wherefore I am half benow called before you. And if I cannot be charged with any particular matter done contrary to the laws of this realm, I desire your masterships that I may to his anhave the benefit of a subject, and be delivered out of my long wrongful im- swer. prisonment, where I have lien this twelve month and this half, without any calling to answer before now, and my living taken from me without all law." No partiRoper :-"Though we have no particular matter to charge you withal, yet cular matwe may both by our commission and by the law drive you to answer to the sus- ter but picion of a slander going on you: and, besides this, we have statutes to charge suspicion. you herein withal." Philpot:-" If I have offended any statute, charge me therewithal; and, if I have incurred the penalty thereof, punish me accordingly. And because you are magistrates and executors of the queen's majesty's laws, by force whereof you do now sit, I desire that if I be found no notorious transgressor of any of them, I may not be burdened with more than I have done." Cholmley:-" If the justice do suspect a felon, he may examine him upon suspicion thereof, and commit him to prison though there be no fault done.' Story:-"I perceive whereabout this man goeth He is plain in Cardmaker's case, for he made the selfsame allegations. But they will not serve thee; for thou art a heretic, and holdest against the blessed mass. How sayest thou to that?" Philpot: Story:- ·- "I will prove thee a heretic. Whosoever hath holden against the blessed mass, is a heretic: but thou hast holden against the same, therefore thou art a heretic." ""1 Philpot:-" :-"That which I spake, and which you are able to charge me withal, was in the convocation, where, by the queen's majesty's will and her whole council, liberty was given to every man of the house to utter his conscience, and to say his mind freely of such questions in religion, as there were propounded by the prolocutor; for the which now I thought not to be molested and imprisoned as I have been, neither now be compelled of you to answer to the same." Story:-"Thou shalt go to the Lollards' Tower, and be handled there like a heretic, as thou art; and answer to the same that thou there didst speak; and be judged by the bishop of London." dinary. Philpot: :-" I have already been convented of this matter before my lord Philpot chancellor mine ordinary, who this long time hath kept me in prison. There- appealeth fore, if his lordship will take my life away, as he hath done my liberty and this or living, he may; the which I think he cannot do of his conscience, and therefore hath let me lie thus long in prison: wherefore I am content to abide the end of him herein that is mine ordinary, and do refuse the auditory of the bishop of London, because he is an incompetent judge for me, and not mine ordinary." Story: :-" But sir, thou spakest words in the convocation-house, which is of the bishop of London's diocese, and therefore thou shalt be carried to the (1) The major is not universally true; for in the time of king Edward he that spake against the mass, as Philpot did, by those laws, was no heretic, but a perfect Christian. |