The tragical death of Dauid Beato[n] Bishoppe of sainct Andrewes in Scotland Whereunto is ioyned the martyrdom of maister George Wyseharte gentleman, for whose sake the aforesayed bishoppe was not long after slayne. Wherein thou maist learne what a burnynge charitie they shewed not only towards him: but vnto al suche as come to their hades for the blessed Gospels sake.

The Tragical death of Dauid Beaton Bishoppe of sainct Andrewes in Scotland . Wherunto is ioyned the martyrdom of maister George Wyseharte gentleman , for whose sake the aforesayed bishoppe was not longe after slayne . Wherein thou maist learne what a burnynge charitie they shewed not only towardes him : but vnto al suche as come to their handes for the blessed Gospels sake .

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❧ Roberte Burrant to the reader .

ATtendauntly consyderyng ( most benigne reader ) the effecte of thys Tragicall wrytte , suche was the tendernes of myne affection , that I could do no lesse then the same , wyth suche knowledge as in me lyeth , make manifeste to all mennes vnderstandynges , to the good exemple , and no lesse profit of all creatures , & especially of those whom God hath of his secrete motion , frely called to the administration of his spiritual gyftes . Wherein I do moste chiefly note the secrete iudgemente of God , The secret iudgement of God executed in all ages . whiche hath not onely bene nowe declared by the moste wretched slaughter of thys member of Antichriste , but also heretofore in all tymes and ages euen from the first creation of man , to this present time of our sensible vnderstandynge of this exemple & many others chaūceinge to lyke effecte .

For after that God had made God fyrste entred into iudgement with Adam . Adam in his perfection and associated hym with a companion for his comforte : He gaue vnto him incontinently certeyne preceptes , which he commaunded moste diligently to be obserued , that is , to vse all his heauenvly giftes conteined within Paradise to his most delectation , sauynge one pore seely tree , which he had reserued to his godly pleasure .

But this obliuious minister Adam , hauynge more respecte to the flattering tonge of Eua , who had receyued a corrupt doctrine of the serpent , and wyth lyght persuasion inkenled in his herte wyth the pestilent flame of vayne glorie , in that he thoughte to atteyne to the estimation to knowe boeth good and euyl , and so be made equal in knoweledge wyth God , was by iust and secrete iudgement of God depriued of his administration , ex pulsed out of Paradise , and made a slaue and vile bondman to death and synne . Notwithstandyng the wrath of God dyd not so farre entre into iudgemente wyth Adam , that he dyd vtterly forsake hym , but yet once more made him a ministre vpon the earth , & gaue hym Ciuile power geue to Adam in earth . ciuile power to rule all his creatures therin , & to constitute other rulers vnder hym . By the whiche authoritie Adam dyd substitute Cain his elder sonne & Abell his brother lyke ciuile officers vnto God . But Cain beinge a spiteful Cain an enuious and couetous minister . and enuious minister , wyllynge his owne prefermente , boastynge his hypocritical deedes , iudgynge euyll of his brothers conscience , misusyng his function , vnsaylled in his administration , vnderstandynge not his vocation : yea couetyng hym selfe only to be in office , and his vnpure sacrifice to seme moste best , beganne moste tyrannously to persecute his brother & at the laste slewe hym to the high displeasure of god : whereupon almightie god procedynge into definite sentence of his moste secrete The iudgement of god agaynste Cain and al his issue . iudgement wyth Cain , gaue hym vp into lyke death , and all his posteritie linially descendynge from hym was consumed in the floude of Noe. In the whiche floude is in lyke case to be noted the greate Ire and wrath of god agaynste the vniuersall worlde , for that The iudgement of god agaynste the whole worlde , they contempned hym . For theyr adulterie and tyrannte , wherein they moste abhominably dyd vse all kynde of fylthie and viciouse lyuynge . For the texte sayeth . The sonnes of the godlie beganne to wexe tyrannes vpon the earth .

❧ After thys stoude , the seede of man beinge multiplyed agayne , to some numbre , among the Chaldeis The iustice of God agaynst the Chaldeis . they beganne to buylde a citie , and a stronge towre , and called it Babylon , whereby they thoughte in theyr folyshe cogitations to prostrate vnto theyr obeysaunce the vniuersall earth .

But God of hys diuine power forseynge theyr folyshe thoughtes , and wycked Imaginations , preuented them , and ministred vnto them hys iustice , confoundynge theyr speaches , whereby theyr workes were lefte vnperfected , theyr councelles broken , theyr Kyngdome in processe made desolate , and ledde awaye captyue by the Assirians , and so came to an vtter destruction . And not without iuste cause dyd God precede wyth this wycked generation into iudgement , for by them arose the first The fyrste occasion of Idolatrie . occasion of Idolatrie . For when the godly amonge them , made sacrifice vnto God , it so pleased God to kendle their sacrifice ( whiche they had prepared ) wyth fier from heauen . The vngodly folowinge theyr maner of sacrifice , brunte it in lyke fashion wyth fier , and so of their imaginations and dreames made a newe sacrifice vnto God , wythout expresse commaundement of the word of God , or els hauyng any truste in the promise of Christes commynge . The same vengeaunce of God was not absent from Kynge Pharao , who wyth obstinate Pharao . wyll and purpose abusynge the myght of his ciuile power , did most cruelly persecute the chyldren of God . God loked vpon the house of Israel , and among kinges there sate he in iudgemente , where he found Abimelech giltie of his brothers Abimelech death , and hym lefte not vnplaged for his offence . Into the same iudgement entred god wyth Saule , who for his malicious stomacke and stubburne hert against the electe of God , miserably perished , the ceptre and kyngly honor beinge taken awaye from his posteritie , yea , he laste of all rigned amonge his generation , and together Saule . wyth hym vtterly dyed his generation . And the kyngdome was deliuered into the handes of Dauid the annoynted of god . Although that Asa deserued muche commendation , for that he abrogated Asa. the vayne & superstitious honouring of god in so much that he spared not to punishe his owne naturall mother in this behalfe , for she also vsed a certeyne superstition in hir religion : yet escaped not he thys strayght iudgement of god , for that he had wroughte a certeyne conspiracie , & had set apart his truste and hope in god . Ioram commanded the Elders of the realme & his Joram bretherne to be slayne , and he was the authour of a newe Idolatrie , wherfore god for his iniquitie plaged hym , and gaue hym ouer into the handes of the Philistians , by whom he was slayne , his wife and chyldren ledde away prisoners , sauing his yongest sonne Dchosias . Ochosias . who folowynge the steppes of his father renewed false religion , wherfore god extended his Ire agaynste hym , & gaue hym ouer into destruction . Howbeit his mother Athalia Athalia when she sawe hir sonne dead , dreadynge leste some of his kynred would take vpon him the crowne , she comaunded that al , whiche remayned of the kinges bloud shoulde be slayne . And so by thys meanes the Salomons bloude destroyed . stocke & whole house of Salomon was extinguished for the only cause of disobeyinge goddes word , for the maintenaunce of Idolatry , & despising true religion . And Athalia hir Athalia slayne . selfe for hir tiranny & vsurpation contrary the wil of god escaped not vnauenged . For the high priest commaunded hir to be slaine as an enemie to goddes trueth , and vnmete ministre in the house of the Lorde . Ioas was an holy man , & loued wel to heare Ioiada preache the worde Ioas of god , as long as he lyued , but when Ioiada was dead , he fel to Idolatry , & kylled the prophete zachary Ioiada sonne before the temple . And for this , gods wil was that he should be punished among the Sirians , and at the laste he was strangled among his owne seruauntes . A story of like effecte we reade of kynge Amasias . This Amasias when he was fyrst chosen kynge , wholy disposed Amasias hym selfe to godly lyuinge , and elected to heare the prophetes preache , & for that cause god made hym fortunate agaynste the Idumers . But incontinuaunce he beganne to were proud against god , and beinge constrayned of no necessitie , to fulfyll his owne sensual appetite , he woulde nedes haue warre , wherein he was taken prisoner , and so died wretchedly . And as Ozias , otherwyse called Asarias Ozias alias Asarias succeded hym in administration of the kyngdom , so lyke wise he folowed hym in state and condition of lyuynge , for at the begynnynge he was vertuous and a fauourer of the worde of God , and had thorowe the healpe of god , a notable victory against the Philistians .

Afterwarde where as he woulde haue done sacrifice in the temple contrary the commaundement of god , he was striken wyth an horrible leprosie . I maye not in thys place forget Achas , who also ordeined Achas . false religion , and of a peruers studie & affection conceiued in superstition , he buylded chappels and aultares euery where thorowout al his realme , but god espied hym , and gaue hym and all his realme into the spoyle of straungers . No parcial iudge was god who spared not his anger from his onely chosen people , and the posteritie and ofsprynge of Abraham , to whom he made so greate and fayethfull promises : but iustly punished them in the sixt yere of Ezechias , when the kyng of the Assirians conquered the citie of Samaria , and led awaye captiue the. x. tribes of Israell . For that they had instituted The. x. tribes of Israell . a peculiar and a straunge religion wythin them selues , taught a newe doctrine , and made sacrifice contrary the decrees whiche god had geuen ouer them , abusynge themselues vnder the pretence of Goddes worde and name , to maynteyne and vpholde theyr priuate power and vsurped Kyngdome . What secrete iudgement God vsed wyth Manasse , howe ryghtuously he deite wyth hym , let your Manasse consciences iudge . Wicked and ab horninable was his administration , for of a false & diabolicall zeale of holynes he burned his owne sonnes in steede of sacrifice vnto the lorde , he persecuted the prophetes , and sawed Esaias the holy one in sunder . Yet being taken of his enemies , knowledgyng his detestable factes , god toke hym into fauour . Did not god abbreuiat and shortten the kyngdome of Amon , and gaue hym ouer into the handes of Amon his owne seruauntes to be slayne , for his wycked administration before the Lord : Who would thinke that God would haue ben displeased wyth Iosias , which suppressed all false religion , pulled downe , Iosias . the chapples and Idolles , and commaunded the bones of the false preachers to be burned , whom they had tofore misused for reliques : Yea , he restored the bokes of Moyses whiche had bene hydden away a longe tyme . That not wythstandynge , where as he thoughte that all thynges woulde frame well and luckely wyth hym , because he was so holte a man , because he dyd so many good deedes of charitie , he woulde needes fyghie wyth the Kynge of Egypte , who woulde gladly haue lyued in peace and requiryng the same at Iosias hand .

But Iosias presumynge vpon his holynesse , and trustyng in his owne strengthe , was stroken to death in the same battayle . And althoughe these were sufficient to feare any christians hert , willing to subdue his stubberne & to muche swellynge stomacke againste the wyll of the Lorde , yet I wyl briefly recite ( so that ye shal not thinke it tedious ) howe god dyd prostrate and vtterly destroye the persecutours of his faythfull people , and the stoute rebellions agaynste his worde in the reste of the age of the world , as I hetherto haue begon . Dyd not the pertinacy and stoute stomacke of Sedechias despisynge the godly preachyng of Hieremias Sedechias make god angry wyth hym and suffre him to be taken prisoner , his owne sonnes to be kylled afore his face , his eyes to be plucked out of his head , the parentes to eate theyr owne chyldren for hunger , the citie of Hierusalem to be destroyed , the temple ( whom he had commaunded to be buylded ) consumed wyth fyer , the most chosen part of the people of Iuda brought into captiuitie of the Babilonians . God of his moste secrete iudgement stirred vp the hertes of the Medtans and Persians agaynst Balthasar , who Balthasar blasphemed the name of God , and abused the vesselles of the Lordes house ( dedicated to his holy administration ) in the Bankatyng●●● his concubines . And so throught this blasphemynge and stoute resistaunce of goddesholy wyll , the citie of Babilon was conquired and the whole empire of the Chaldeis and Assirians made subiect to the rule of the Persians . I cannot omitte the tyrannicall and bloudy persecution of Aman the vicegerent to kynge Assuerus who thorowe Amos his power and subtil ingine had obteyned a commission of the kynge to destroye Goddes people vnder the name of Iewes , wherby he was sure to haue the godly quene Hester put to death . But god being , a present remedy to his electe rewarded Aman wyth the same gibbet or haulter , whiche he prepared for goddes people . Howe longe dyd god defer his iudgement from Antiochus , the very figure of Antichrist , who commaunded goddes holy word to be burned , he sore punished those christians that woulde Antiochus not beleue vpon his fayth ▪ He also prophaned the temple of god , for he set vp there an Idoll of the gentiles . Howbeit the anger of god fel vpon hym . For his stocke & ofspring dyd not onely perishe vtterly , but the whole Empyre also was ouerturned and subiected to the Siri ans. And nowe to perfourme my promise that I in the begynnynge dyd make , that is , in fewe wordes to notice the most notable hie stories concernying the persecution of the christians executed in all ages , let vs come to the tyme of Christ . In the which the fyrst and most cruel persecution was of Herode agaynst Iohn Baptist. For at the shameles requeste of Herodiades his brothers Herode doughter , who had wel pleased hym wyth hir friscalles & most lasciuious daunsing , he graunted hir by an othe , to fulfyl hir request what soeuer she would demaunde . where vpon she asked the heade of saincte Iohn Baptiste . But to the greate and miserable rueth of the boeth . For they were banished out of theyr countrey and depriued of their princely honoure by Caius Caligula . An other of the same bloud , called likewise Herode , neuy to the aforesayed Herode , slewe the Herode apostle S. Iames the elder , wherfore god shortned their kingdoms and roted them out as vnprofitable ministers vnto hym , & brought their posteritie into vtter confusion , and that wythin a shorte tyme . And foras much as : it is o●ē to euery mans syghte , and easie to their vnderstandynges what persecution the apoostles and messengers of God dyd suffre , and vnder whose tyrannie : I thynke it therfore sufficient to admonishe you , that for their death lykewyse God alwaies entred into iudgemente , and spared not to plage the world for their obstinate and wylful blindnesse in despisynge their doctrine , and kylled them whiche preached the true Messias to haue redemed all men frely from sinne , and is a sufficient sacrifice to appease Gods wrath .

❧ But nowe if ye wyll vouchsafe wyth diligent eye to peruse these aforesayed storyes , and conferre them ( wyth indifferente iudgemente ) wyth the lyke exemples chaunced in oure tyme : ye shall fynde God to be no lesse myndefull of his seruauntes nowe adayes , no slowar auenger agaynst them that iniuriously shed tye vioude of his electe , no vniuster in entrynge into Iudgemente wyth them , that stoutly , & stubburnly refuse to admit his holy worde . Thys diligently marcked , what neede I make any rehearsal of their names , places or tymes ? And as yet dayly practise of the same commeth in vre . For fyrste consydre , howe iustlie God hath ouerthrowen that babilonious The Bishoppe of Rome harlotte , and our great enemie the bishop of Rome , Christes onelie deceyuer in earth . Yea and not onelie hy . n , but also as manie ( be they neuer so secrete in their wycked thoughtes ) as maynteyne his superstitious traditions , and dampnable heresies . Amonge whome I founde none to appeare so notable , as thys Dauid Beaton , that obstinate Sedechias , Dauid Beaton of Scotland that harde herted Pharao , that blasphemous Balthasar , that bloude suckar Aman , that cruell murtherar of the nobles and elders of his realme Ioram , that detestable Idolater Achas , and the peruerse hinderar of gods worde Antioch . I know not who hath most cause to reioyse and prayse the Lorde of his deliueraunce , whether Scotlande for that they are deliuered from his trayterous tyranny , or els England who founde hym an obstinate and proude enemy . But well I knowe that the papistes of iust cause muche lament & mourne , for they loste a ryght trustie speare of their chiualry . Muche good reporte I hearde of hym , by his familiars that he vsed to sweare but in trifles , and in weighti matters to blaspheme stoutly . Whose othe was moste communely gods bloude as most semely for his estate . Many tymes & often curssed he England for their doctrine . He rayled at their counselles as vayne , and con dempned the clergie as heritickes , Al countreis loue winchester . and not one bishop to be good , but onely Winchester , and that was bounde wyth an holie daye othe . What neede I make farther rehersall of his abhominable factes & tragicall dedes , when they be manifestly declared in thys litle treatise folowing . But for asmuche as the cause of his death is not to euery man apparant : I thinke it necessary The cause of Beatons death therefore to put you in mynde , that the last day of Marche , in the yere of oure Lorde . M. D. xlvi . he moste cruelly put to death in his castle of sainct Andrewes , the man of god maister George wysehart a man descendyng of a noble house , for that he truly and sincerely preached George Wysehart the word of god to the simple and ignoraunt people . But god ( as it is manifestly afore declared ) neuer leauing the bloude of his elece vnauenged , thorowe his secrete motion , he moued the hertes of certeine gentlemen in Scotlande , to conspire the death of this tyranne & the oppressour of his people . So that ther by diuine policie intung the castle , & garded with the faithful hope of a good intent to acquite their countrey of an intollerable burthen of tyranny & trayterous Dauid Beaton slayne rebellion , fynding al waies open to their pretensed purpose : slewe thys Antichrist lurkynge in his dungion the last day of May in the yere aforesayed . So that it may be wel verified in hym . He that stryketh with the sworde , shal perishe with the sworde . Therefore I woulde wishe that al those whiche are called to the administration of commune weales and also to the office and dignitie of Elders in the congregation woulde wyth moste circumspecte diligence marcke these forsayed stories and late exemples , and dayly sette them before theyr eyes as appoynted tokens by God , Lucifer . to auoyed lyke daungers , whyche assuredly are promised by the word of God to al them that striue so obstinately and wilfully agaynst his holy wyll . And as Lucifer could no longar be permitted to occupy the estate of an angel in heauen , when that he fel into obstinate and arrogant contention with God : lykewyse can no ministre of Christes here in earth ( accordyng to his vndoubted promises longer obteyne a rule among his electe , then that the same ministre be subiected and obedient to Goddes ordinaunce , and wyllynglie doeth fulfyll the same , appliyng al his administration to the glorie of God , to the encrease of his faith among his people , & so necessaryly to the profit of the commune weale . And to suche a minister the scriptures do vouchsafe to attribute double honoure boeth for the worthinesse of his office , and also for his spirituall and Godlie councel . And beside al this Christe hath faythfully promised to glorifie hym amonge his sainctes , for that he in earth glorified his father whiche is in heauen .

Wyth whom the same Christ graunte all vs to reste in lyke glorie .

Amen .

Here foloweth the Tragedy of the late moste reuerende father Dauid , by the mercie of God Cardinall and archbishoppe of sainct Andrewes . And of the whole realme of Scotland primate , Legate and Chaunceler , administrator of the bishopriche of Merapois in Fraunce , and commendator perpetuall of the Abbay of Aberbrothoke , compiled by sir Dauid Lyndsaye of the mounte knyghte . Alias Lione , kyng of armes .

❧ Anno. M. D. xlvi . Ultimo Maii.

¶ The wordes of Dauid Beaton the Cardinall aforesaied at his death .

Alas alas , slaye me not , I am a Priest .

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NOt long sence , after the houre of prime Secretely sittyng in myne Oratorie I to be a boke , to occupie the tyme where I found , many Tragedy & storie Which Iohn Bochas had put in memory How many a prince , conquerour & captaine Were dolfully deposed from their raigne Howe Alexander the potent conquerour In Babilon was poysonned petiously , And Iulius the mightie Emperour , Murthered at Rome causeles and truelly Prudent Pompey in Egypt shamefully , Murthered was , what nedeth processe more Whose Tragedies are petifull to deplore I sittynge so , vpon my boke readyng Ryght sodenly , afore me dyd appeare One wounded man , aboundauntly bledyng Wyth visage pale , and wyth a deadly cheate Seinyng a man of two and fyftie yeare . In rayment red , clothed ful curiously Wyth fyne veluet , and satten richely . Wyth feble voice , as man opprest with payne ▪ Softly he made me supplication , Saiynge , my friende , reade , and reade agayne Yt thou can fynde by true narration Of one payne , lyke to my passion , Ryght sure I am , were Iohn Bochas alyue , My Tragedie at length he woulde discryue . Seinge he is gone , I pray the to endyte Of myne infortune , some remembraunce , Or at the lests my Tragedie wryte , As I to the , shall shewe the circumstaunce , In termes briefe , of my vnhappy chaunce , Sence my begynnyng , vnto my fatall ende , Whiche I woulde to all creatures were kende . I woulde ( sayed I ) make suche memoriall Yt of thy name , I had intelligence I am Dauid that carefull Cardinall Whiche doth appeare ( sayed he ) to thy presence , That sometyme had so greate preeminence . Then he beganne his deedes to endyte , As ye shall heare , and I beganne to wryte .

The Tragedie . ¶ I Dauid Beaton some tyme Cardinall Of noble bloude , by lyne I dyd descende Duryng my tyme , I had no peir equall , But nowe is come , alas , my fatall ende . Aye , gree by gree , vp warde I dyd ascende , So that in thys realme dyd neuer reigne So greate a man ( as I ) vnder my soueraigne . When I was a yonge ioyly gentleman Princes to serue , I set my whole entent . First to ascende , at Arbroth I began , An abbasie of greate ryches , and rent , Of that estate , yet was I not content , To get more ryches dignitie and glore , My herte was set , alas alas therfore . I made suche seruice , vntyll our Souereigne He dyd promote me , to more high estate , A Prince aboue all priestes , for to Reigne , Archbishoppe of sainct Andrewes consecrate , To that honour , when I was eleuate My prydefull herte , was not content at all Tyll that I was created a Cardinall . Yet preste I , to haue more authoritie And finally was chosen Chauncelat And for vpholdynge , of my dignitie Was made Legate , then had I no compare , I purchest , for my profit singulare , My cofers , and my treasure to auaunce , The bishopriche of Merapois in Fraunce . Of al Scotlande , I had the gouernal But myne aduise concluded was not certeyne Abbot , bishoppe , archbishoppe , cardinal In thys realme no higher coulde I reigne But I had ben Pope , Emperour or souereigne For shortnes of tyme , I am not able At length to shewe myne actes honourable For my moste princely prodigalitie Amonge prelates in Fraunce , I toke the pryce I dyd shewe my lordly liberalitie In banketyng , playinge at cardes and dice In suche wysedome I was holden wyse And spared not , to playe wyth hang or knyght Thre thousand crownes of gold vpon one nyght In Fraunce , sir , I made honest voyages Where I dyd artes , digne of remembraunce Thorowe me were made triumphant mariages To our souereigne both profit and pleasaunce Quene Magdalen , the fyrst doughter of Fraunce With great riches , was into Scotland brought That mariage thorow my wisdom was wrought After whose death into Fraunce I past agayne The seconde quene , homewarde I dyd conuoye , That lustie Princesse , Mary de Loraine Whiche was receiued wyth tryumph and Ioye So serued I , our ryght redoubted Roye , Sone after that , Henrie of Englande kynge Of our soueraigne , desyred one communyng . Of that metyng , our kynge was wel content So that in Yorke , was set both tyme and place , But our prelates and I , woulde neuer consent , That he shoulde see , kynge Henry in the face . But we were wel content , so that his grace , Had sayled the sea , to speake wyth any other , Except the king , which was his mothers brother Where thorowe , there arose , great war & mortal strife , Great heirships , hungar , darth , & desolation On the other syde many dyd lose their lyfe . If I woulde make any true narration , I caused , all that tribulation , For to take peace I neuer woulde consent , Wythout the kynge of Fraunce , had ben content Duryng these warres , were taken prisoners Of noble men , fyghtyng ful turiously Many a Lorde , baron , and bacchillers . Where thorowe our kynge , toke such melancoly Whiche draue him , to the deede ryght dolefully , Extreme dolour , ouerset dyd so his herte That from thys lyfe , alas he dyd departe But after that , boeth strength & speach were losed , A paper blanke , I gatte his grace subscriue , Into whiche I wrought , al that me pleased . After his death , whiche longe were to discriue , Thorowe that wrytyng , I purposed belyue , Wyth support of some lordes beneuolence , In thys region , to haue preeminence . As for our Lorde , our rightuous Gouernour . If I woulde shortly , shewe the veritie , To hym I had no maner of fauour . Durynge that tyme , I purposed that he Shoulde neuer come , to none authoritie , For his support , therfore he broughte among vs Forth of Englande , the noble Erle of Anguishe . Then was I put abacke from my purpose , And sodenly caste into captiuitie , My prideful herte , to breake , as I suppose , Deuised by the high diuinitie . Yet in my herte , sprange no humilitie , But nowe the worde of God ful wel I knowe , Who doth exalt hym selfe , God shal hym lowe . In the meane tyme , when I was so subiected , Ambassatours were sent into Englande , Where they both peace , and maryage contracted And more suerly for to obserue that bande Were promised diuerse pledges of Scotlande . Of that contracte , I was no waye content , Nor euer woulde therto , geue my consent . To captaines that kept me in warde Gyftes of golde , I gaue them greate plentie Rulars of courte , I rychely dyd rewarde , Wherby I escaped , from captiuitie , But when I was free , at my libertie , Then lyke a Lyon , losed of his caige , Out thorow this realme , I began to raile & raige . Contrary the Gouernour , and his companie , Ofte tymes made I , insurrection . Purposyng for to haue hym hastely , Subdued vnto my correction , Or put hym to extreme subiection , Duryng thys tyme , if it were wel dissided Thys realme , by me , was vtterly deuided , The Gouernour purposyng to subdue , I raysed an hoste of many a bolde baron , And made a rode , which Lyghgowe yet may rue For we destroyed , one myle aboute the towne For that I gate , many blacke malison , Yet contrary the Gouernours entent , Wyth our yong princesse , we to Steruiling went For high contemptation of the Gouernour , I brought the Erie of Lemox , forth of Fraunce That lustie Lorde , lyuyng in greate pleasure Dyd lose that laude , and honest ordinaunce , But he and I fell cone at variaunce , And thorowe my councell , was in short space Forfaited , and banished , he gate no other grace . Then thorowe my prudence , practice and ingine Our Gouernour I caused to consente , Ful quietly , to my councel incline , Wherof his nobles , were not wel content , For why , I gate , dissolued , in playne parliament The bande of peace , contarcted with Englande , Where thorow came harme , & heirship to Scotlande . That peace broken , arrose newe mortall warre , By sea and lande , suche theifte wythout releue , Whiche to reporte , it frayeth my herte farre . The veritie to shewe in termes breue I was the rote of al that greate mischeue The South countrey ( may say ) it had ben good , That my nourice , had smored me in my coud . I was the cause of mykle more mischaunce For vpholde of my glore and dignitie , And pleasure of the potent kynge of Fraunce ▪ Wyth Englande woulde I haue no vnitie , But who consider woulde , the veritie . We myght full wel , haue lyued in peace and rest Nyne or tenne yeres , and then played lose or fast Had we wyth Englande kept our contrackes Our noble men had lyued , in peace and rest Our marchauntes had not lost , so many packes . Our commune people , had not ben opprest , On thother syde , al wronges had ben redrest , But Endenburgh ( sence that ) Lyth & Kyngorne , The day and houre , maye ban that I was borne Our Gouernour to make hym to me sure Wyth sw●te and subtile wordes I did hym fyle Tyll I his sonne and heyre , gat in my cure To that effecte , I founde that craftie wyle , That he no maner of way myght me begyle . Then laughed I , when his liege dyd alleage Howe I his sonne had gotten into pleage . The Erle of Anguishe , ▪ his germaine brother I purposed , to ryd them out of thys lyfe , Ryght so to haue destroyed many other , Some wyth the fyre , some with the sworde & knyfe Especially many gentlemen of Fyfe , And purposed , to haue put to torment Al fauourers of the olde and newe testament . Then euery man toke of me suche feare That tyme when I had , so greate gouernaunce Greate lordes dreading , I shoulde do them deare They dursie not come at courte , but assuraunce Sence that tyme , there hath not ben such variaunce Nowe to our princesse , barons obediently Wyth assuraunce , they come ful curteously My hope was moste , in the kynge of Fraunce , to gether , wyth the Popes holynes , More then in God , my worshippe to auaunce , I rested so into their gentlenesse , That no man durst presume me to oppresse , But when the daye came , of my fatal houre Farre was from me , their support and succour Then to preserue , my ryches , and my lyfe , One strength , of walles high and brode , I made Suche a fortresse was neuer founde in Fyfe , Beleuynge there durste , no man inuade . Now fynd I true , the saiyng , which Dauid sayd Without God of an house , be maister of warke He worketh in vain , though it be neuer so starke For I was thorowe the high power deuine Right dolfully stroken downe , among the asshe , Which could not be thorow mortall mans ingine But as Dauid dyd slaye , the greate Golyasse , Or Olopharne , by Iudeth , kylled wasse . In mydde amonge , his triumphaunt armie So was I slayne , in my chiefe citie When I had greatest dominion As Lucifer had , in the heauenly Empire Came sodenly , my depriuation , By them whi●he dyd my dolent conspire So cruell was , their furious burnynge Ire I gat , no tyme , leasure , nor libertie To saye , In manus tuas domine . Beholde my fatal infelicitie , I beinge in my strength incomparable . That dreadful doungion , made me no saftie My greate ryches , nor rentes profitable , My syluer warke , Iewelles inestimable , My papall pompe , of golde , my riche treasure , My lyfe and al , I loste in halfe an houre . To the people , was made a spectacle Of my dead , and deformed carion , Some sayed it was a manifest miracle , Some sayed it was devine punition So to be stayne , in my stronge doungion , When euery man , had iudged as him list , They salted me , and then closed me in a chist , I laye vnburyed , seuen monethes and more Or I was borne to cloyster , churche , or quiar In a donghyll , whiche is payne to deplore , Wythout suffrage of chanon , monke , or friar , Al proud prelates , by me maye learne to be wisar Whiche reigned so longe , and so triumphantly , Sence in the dust , stroken downe , so dolefully .

¶ His exhortation . To the Prelates . O ye my bretherne , Princes of the priestes , I make you hertely , supplication , Both nyght and daye , reuolue in your breastes , The processe , of my depriuation , Consider , what is your vocation , To folowe me , I praye you , not pretende you , But read at length this shedul that I sende you Ye knowe howe Iesu his disciples sent , Ambassatours , to euery nation , To shewe his lawe , and his commaundement , To al people , by predication . Therfore I make , to you narration Seeinge you to them , are very successours , You ought so to do , as dyd your predicessours . Howe dare ye be so bolde , to take in hande , To be heraldes , to so greate a Kynge , To beare his message , boeth to borough & lande . Ye beinge domme , and can pronounce nothynge , Lyke minstrels , that can not playe , nor synge , Or why shoulde men , geue suche heardes hyre , Whiche can not guide , their ship , out of the myre Shame ye not , to be christen seruitures , And for your fee , haue greate temporal landes , Seeinge of your office , ye can not take cures ? As commune lawe , & scriptures you commaundes ? Ye wyl not want , teathing sheaffe , nor offeringes , Tithing wol , teathing lambe , teathing calfe , & like thinges To do you true seruice , you make many abusinges My deare bretherne do not as ye were wount Amend your lyfe now , while your dayes indures , Truste wel , ye shal be called to a count , Of euery thynge belongyng to your cures , Leaue Idolatrie , your harlotrie and whores , Remembryng on , my vnpromised dede , For after death , maye no man make remede , Ye prelates , which haue thousandes for to spend Ye sende one simple fryar , for you to preache It is your crafte , I make it to you kend , Your selues , in your temples for to teache Therfore marueil not , at their flattering speach For and they playnely , shewe the veritie , Then will they want the bishoppes charitie Wherfore is geuen to you suche royal rent But for to fynde the people spiritual fode Preaching to them , the olde and newe testament ? The lawe of God , doeth playnly so conclude Put not your hope in your worldly good , As I haue done , beholde my greate treasure made me no healpe , at myne vnhappy houre . That daye when I was bishoppe consecrate The greate Bible was bounde vpon my backe What was therin litle I kn●we God woate More then a beast , bearynge a precious packe But hastely my couenaunt I brake . For I dyd forget , wyth myne owne consent The lawe of God , to preache wyth good entent Bretherne ryghte so , when ye were consecrate , Ye so got you all , in the same wyse . Ye maye be called , bishoppes counterfayte As gallandes busked , to make a gyse , Nowe thynke I princes , are nothynge wyse , To geue a famouse office to a fole to rule As , who woulde put a mytar , vpon a mule . Alas and ye , that sorowful sight had sene , Howe I laye blentheryng bathed in my bloude To amende your lyfe , it had occasion bene , And lefte your olde , corrupte consuetude , Blamynge the same , then shortly I conclude Wythout ye from your rybauldrie aryse , Ye shall be serued on the same wyse .

¶ His exhortation to the Princes . Imprudent princes wythout discretion , Hauing in earth power imperiall Ye be the cause of thys transgression I speake to you all in generall , Whiche do dispone , all office spirituall , Gyuyng the soules , whiche are Christes sheepe , To blynde postours , wythout conscience to keepe When ye princes do lacke an officer A baker , a brewer , or any maister coke , A tryme taylour , a cunnyng cordiner Ouer al the lande , at length ye wyll sende to loke Moste able men suche office to broke ▪ A brewer , whiche can brewe moste holsome ale , A cunnyng coke , whiche best can season cayle . A taylour , whiche fostered hath ben in Fraunce That can make garmentes of the gayest gyse , Ye princes , be the cause of thys mischaunce , That when there doth voyed any benefice Ye oughte to do , euen the same wyse . Go searche and seche , both borough and lande , The lawe of God , who best can vnderstande , Make him bishippe , that prudently can preache , As doth perteyne , to his vocation . A person , whiche his parisheners can teache , Cause vicars , make , dewe ministration , Also I make you , supplication , Make your abbotes of ryghte religious men Whiche Christes lawe can to their couent ken , But not to rybauldes , newe come from the roste Nor to a lackey , stollen out of a stable , Whiche into the scholes made neuer no coste N●r euer was to spirituall science able , Excepte the cardes , the dice , the chest and table To Rome rakars , nor to rude ruffianes , To quarell pykars , nor to prophanes . Nor to phantastatical , fantased flatterars , Moste mete to gether muscles in Maye , To lacke lattins , nor yet to flatterars , That in the churche , can neither synge nor saye , Though they be cloked vp , in clerkes araye Iyhe doughtie doctors , newe come out of Athens And mumble ouer , a payre of mangled mattens . Not qualified , to broke any benefice , But thorowe sir Simons sollicitation I was promoted , in the same wyse , Alas thorowe Princes supplication , And made in Rome , thorowe false narration Bishoppe , Abbot , but no religious man , Who me promoted , I nowe their banes ban . Howbeit I was Legat , and Cardinall Litle I knewe , therin what shoulde be done I vnderstode no science , spirituall , No more then dyd , blynde Alane of the mone , I dread the kynge , that sitteth on heauenvly throne On you Princes , he shall make sore punishment , Ryght so on ve , thorowe ryghtuous iudgement . On you Princes , for vndiscrite gyuyng To ignorauntes , suche offices to vse , And we , for our importune ashyng , Whiche shoulde haue done , suche dignitie refuse Our ignoraunce , hath done the worldly abuse , Thorowe couetice of ryches and of rent That euer I was a prelate , I repent . O Kynges , make you no care to gyue in cure Uirgins profest into religion Into the keepyng of one commune whore To make , thynke ye not greate derision A woman , person , of a paryson Wherin are twentie thousande soules to guyde That from harlottes can not hir lyppes hyde ? What , and Kynge Dauid , lyued in these dayes Or out of heauen , what and he loked downe The which dyd founde so many fayre Abbayes ▪ Scinge the greate , abomination , In many Abbayes of thys nation ? He would repent , that narrowed so his boundes , Of yerely rent , three score thousande poundes . Wherefore I counsayle euery christened Souereigne Wythin hys realme , make reformation And suffre no mo rybauldes for to reigne , Abusyng Christes true congregation , Faylyng therof , I make narration , That ye Princes and prelates al at ones . Shal buryed be , in hell , soule , body and bones . That euer I broked benefice , I rewe Or to suche height , so proudly dyd pretende , I muste departe , therfore my friende adewe , Where euer it pleaseth god , now must I wende , I praye the , to my friendes me recommende , And fayle not at length to put in wryte , My Tragedy , as I haue nowe endyte .

FINIS .

¶ The accusation of maister George wysehart gentleman , who suffered martyrdome for the faith of Christ Jesu , at S. Andrewes in Scotland the first day of March. In the yere of our Lorde . M D. xlvi . wyth the articles , which he was accused of , and his s●ete answeres to the same , whereunto are ioyned his godly orations & praiers .

WYth most tendre affection and vnfeyned herte , considre ( gentle reader ) the vncharitable maner of accu●ation of maister George Wyseharte made by the bloudie enemies of Christes sayeth . Note also the articles wherof he was accused , by ordre digested , and his meke answeres so farre as he had leaue and leasure to speake .

Finally ponder wyth no dissembling spirite the tyrannicall fury , & infernall crudelitie of the malingnant churche , in aponing the saied The loue of God taketh a way al humane dreade . articles , and of the contrary the humble , pacient , & moste pleasaunt answeres of maister George , made to them sodenly wythout all feare , not hauyng respecte to their glorious manassinges & bostious threates : but cheritably and wythout stoppe of tonge answered , not mouyng his countenaunce , nor chaunginge his visage , as in his accusation hereafter folowinge manifestly shall appeare : to the sayed maister George beinge in captiuitie in the castle of saincte Andrewes , the Deane of the same towne was sent by the commaundement of the Cardinal , & his wicked counsayle . And The deane of saincte Andrewes was summonet there summoned the sayed maister George , that he shoulde vpon the morne folowing appeare before the Iudge , then and there to geue accompte of his seditious & hereticall doctrine . To whom maister George A pritie taunt answered , what needeth ( sayed he ) my lorde Cardinal to summon me to answer for my doctrine openly before hym , vnder whose power and dominion , I am thus strayghlie bounde in Irons ? Maye not my lorde compell me to answer of his extort power ? Or beleueth he that I am vnprouided to render accompt of my doctrine ? To manifest your selues , what men ye are , it is well done that ye keepe your olde ceremonies and constitutions made by menne . Upon the nexte morne my Lorde Cardinall caused his seruauntes to adresse them selues in theyr moste warlyke arraye , wyth Iacke , Knapskall . Splente , Speare & Are , more seming for the war , then for the preachyng of the true worde of God . And when these armed champions marchyng in warlike order had conueyed the bishops into the abbaye churche : Incontinently thei sent for Maister George who was conueyed into the sayed churche , by the captayne of the castle , and the numbre of an hundreth men adressed in maner aforesayed . Lyke a lambe ledde they hym to Maister George his aliues . sacrifice . As he entred in at the abbaye churche dore , there was a pore man liynge vexed wyth great infirmities , askinge of his almesse , to whom he slange his pursse . And when he came before the Cardinal , by and by the suppriour of the abbaye , called Dane Iohn Wyntime stode vp in the pulpet & made Iohn Wintyme preached . a sermon to all the congregation there then assembled , takynge his matter out of the. xiii . Chapter of Mathew . Whose sermon was diuided into foure principall partes . The fyrste parte was a shorte and briefe declaration of the Euangel.

The seconde parte , of the interpretation of the good sede . And because he called the worde of god the good side , and heresie the euyl sede , he declared what heresie was , and howe it shoulde be knowen , which he defined on thys maner . Heresie is a false opinion defended wyth Heresie . partinacie , clearely repugning the worde of god . The thirde parte of his sermon was the cause of heresy wythin that realme , and all other realmes . The cause of heresie ( quod he ) is the ignoraunce of them , which haue the cure of mennes soules , to The cause of heresie whom it necessarily belongeth to haue the true vnderstandinge of the worde of god , that they may be able to wynne agayne the false doctours of heresies with the sword of the spirite , whiche is the worde of god . And not only to winne agayn but also to ouercome , as sayeth l. ad Titum Paule . A bishop must be faultles , as becometh the minister of god , not stubburne , not angrie , no drunkard , no fighter , not geuen to filthy lucre , but herberous , one that loueth goodnes , sobre minded , rightuous , holy , temperate , & such as cleaueth vnto the true word of doctrine , that he may be able to exhorte with wholsome learninge , & to improue that which they saye against hym . The fourth part of his sermon was how heresies should be knowen . Heresies ( quod he ) be knowen on this maner . As the goldsmith knoweth the fine golde from the vnperfit , by the touchstone . So likewise may we knowe The maner to know 〈◊〉 hereticks heresy by the vndoubted touchstone that is the true sincere , & vndefiled word of god . At the last he added , that heretickes should be put downe in this present life . To whiche proposion the gospell apeared to repugne . whiche he entreated of . Let them not growe vnto the harueste , the harueste is the ende of the worlde . Mat. xiii . Neuertheles he affirmed that thei should be put downe by the ciuile and maiestrate lawe . And when he ended his sermon : incontinentlie they caused maister George to ascend into the pulpet , there to heare his accusation and articles . For ryghte againste hym stode vp one Iohn Lander accusar of the fedde flocke a monster , Iohn Lander , laden full of curssynges wrytten in paper . Of the whiche he toke out a rolle , voeth longe and also full of curssynges , threates , maledictions , and wordes of dyuylyshe spytte and malice : saiynge to the Innocent maister George , so The way to feare the ignorant . many cruel & abhominable wordes and hit hym so spitefully wyth the Popes thunder , that the ignorant people dreaded , leste the earth then woulde haue swallowed hym vp quicke . Notwythstanding he stode styll wyth great patience , hearyng their saiynges , not once mouynge or chaungyng his countenaunce . When that thys fed sowe , had red thorowout al his liyng manassynges , his face runnyng downe with swette , and frothing at his mouth The fruites of that charitie . like a beare , spit at maister George his face , saiynge : what answereste thou to these saiynges , thou runna gate traytoute , thiefe , whithe we haue duely proued by sufficient wytnesse against the ? Maister George hearynge thys , sate downe vpon his knees in the pulpet , makynge his prayer to God . When he had ended his prayer , swetely and christianlike he answered to them all in thys maner .

¶ Maister George his oration .

MAnie & horrible saiynges vnto me , one christian man , manie wordes ahhominable for to heare , ye haue spoken here this day . Which not only to teach , but also once to thinke , I thought The causes why master George deserued to be hearde euer great abhomination . Wherfore I pray your discretions quietly to heare me , that ye may knowe what were my saiynges , & the maner of my doctrine . Thys my petition ( my lordes ) I desire to be heard for three causes . The fyrste is , because thorowe preachynge of the worde of god , his glory is made manifest . It is reasonable therfore , for the auauncynge of the glorie of god , that ye heare me teachynge truly the pure worde of god without any dissimulation . The second reason is , because that your health springeth of the word of god ( for he worketh all thing by his worde ) It were therefore an vnryghtuous thinge , if ye should stoppe your eares from me , teaching truly the word of god . The third reason is , because your doctrine speaketh furth many pestilentious , blasphemous & abhominable wordes , not comyng by the inspiration of God , but of the deuyll , on no lesse peril than my life . It is Iust therfore and reasonable your discretions to know , what my wordes & doctrine are , and what I haue euer taughte in my tyme in this realme , that I perish not vniustly to the great peril of your soules . Wherfore both for the glory & honor of god , your owne health , and sauegard of my life , I beseche your discretions , to heare me , and in the meane tyme I shall recite my doctrine wythout any colour . First & chiefly , sence the tyme I came into this reame , I taught nothing , but Maister George his doctrine . their commaundementes of god , the xii . articles of the fayeth , and the prayer of the Lorde in the mother tonge . Moreouer in Dundie , I taughte the Epistles of Saincte Paule to the Romaynes . And I shal shewe your discretions faithfully what fashion and maner I vsed when I taughte , wythout any humane dreade . So that your discretions , giue me your eares beneuolente and attente . Sodenlie then wyth an high voice cryed , the accusar the fedde sowe ) thou hereticke , runnagate , traytoure and thiefe . It was not lawefull for the to preache . Thou haste taken the power at thyne owne hande , without any authoritie of the churche , we forthynke that thou haste bene a preacher so longe . Then all the whole congregation of the prelates wyth their complices , sayed these The crye of the scribes and phariseis wordes . And if we giue him licence to preache , he is so craftie , and in the holy scripture so exercised , that he wyll persuade the people to his opinion , and rayse them agaynste vs . Maister George seinge their malicious and wycked intent , appealed to an indifferent and equal Iudge . To whom the accusar Iohn Master George apprateth to the Gouerner . Lander aforesayed with hoggishe voice answered . Is not my Lorde Cardinal the second person wythin thys Realme ? Chaunceler of Scotland ? Archbishoppe of sainct The style of an unworthye prelate . Andrewes ? byshop of Meropois : Commendator of Aberbrothoke ? Legatus natus ? Legatus a latere ? And so recitynge , as many titles of his vnworthy honours , as would haue loden a shippe , muche soner an asse . Is not he ( quod Iohn Lander ) an equall Iudge apparantly vnto the ? Whom other desirest thou to be thy Iudge ? To whome thys humble man answered , saying . I refuse not my Lorde Cardinall , but I desire the worde of god to be my iudge , and the temporal estate with some of pour Lordeshippes Beholde their traiterous hertes ? myne auditours , because I am here my Lorde Gouernours prisoner . Wherupon the prydefull & skornful people that stode bi , mocked hym , saiynge . Suche man , suche Iudge . Speakinge seditious & reprochefull wordes agaynst the Gouernour & other the nobles , meanynge them also to be heretickes .

And incontinente wythout all delaye they woulde haue geuen sentence vpon maister George , & that wythout farther processe , had not certerne men there councelled my lorde Cardinal to read againe the articles , and to heare his answeres therupon , that the people myght not complaine of his wrongfull condempnation . And shortly for to declare , these were the articles folowinge wyth his answeres , as far as they woulde geue hym leaue , to speake . For when he entended to mittigate their leasynges , & shewe the maner of his doctrine , by & by thei stopped his mouth with an other article .

¶ The fyrst article .

☞ Thou false hereticke , runnagate These be their accustomed termes Curssinges traitoure , & thiefe , disceiuer of the people , despiseste the holy churche curssinges , & in like case cōtēpneste my lorde Gouernours authoritie . And this we know for suertie that when thou preached est in Dundy , & wast charged by my lord gouerner his authoritie to desist : neuertheles thou wouldest not obei , but perseus redst in the same . And therfore the bishop of Brothen curssed the , & dell uered the into the deuils handes , & gaue the in commaundemet that thou shouldest preache no more . That not with standing thou diddest continue obstinately .

¶ The answer .

❧ My Lordes I haue red in the actes of the apostles , that it is not lawefull for the threates and manassinges of men to desist from the preachynge of the Gospell . Therfore it is wrytten , we shall rather obey God then men . I haue also redde in the prophete Malachie . I shall cursse your blessynges , and Mala. ii . blesse your curssynges . If my conscience had iudged me to haue done euyll , I shoulde haue desisted for your curssynges , or elles for your brotherlyke warnynges , but because I vsed no vngodly deede , I suffered paciently your curssinges beleuynge firmely , that the Lorde woulde turne your curssynges into blessynges .

¶ The seconde article .

☞ Thou false hereticke didest say that a priest standynge at the aultare The pri●st at masse saiyng Masse , was lyke a foxe waggyng his tayle in Iuly .

¶ The answer .

❧ True worshippynge of God . My Lordes I said not so , these were my saiynges . The mouynge of the bodie outwarde , wythout the inward mouing of the hert , is noughte els , but the plaiyng of an ape , & not the true seruyng of god . For God is a secrete sercher of mens hertes . Therefore who wyll trulie adorne and honoure god , he muste in spirite and veritie honour him . 〈◊〉 .

Then the accusar stopped his mouth wyth another article .

¶ The thirde article .

☞ Thou false hereticke preachedst Sacramentes . agaynst the sacramentes , saiynge : that there were not seuen Sacramentes .

The answer .

❧ My lordes and it be your pleasures , Howe many sacramentes be allowed . I taughte neuer of the number of the Sacramentes , whether they were seuen or an eleuen . So many as are instituted by Christe , and are showen to vs by the Euangell , I professe openly . Excepte it be the worde of god I dare affirme nothynge .

¶ The iiii . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke hast openly taught , that auricular confession Auricular confession is not a sacramente . And thou sayest , that we shoulde onely confesse vs to god and to no priest .

¶ The answer .

❧ My Lordes , I say that auricular confession , seinge that it hath no promesse of the Euangell , therfore it cannot be a sacrament Of the confession Ps. xxxii to be made to god , there are many testimonies in scripture , as when Dauid sayeth . I thoughte that I woulde knoweledge myne iniquitie against my selfe vnto the Lorde , and he forgaue the trespase of my synnes . Here confession signifieth the secrete knoweledge of oure synnes before God . When I exhorted the people in thys maner , I reproued no maner of confession And farther sainct Iames sayeth . Knowledge your sinnes one to Iac. v an other , and so let you haue peace amonge your selues . When that he had sayed these wordes , the bishoppes and their complices cryed and girned wyth their teeth , saiynge : Se ye not what colours he hath in his speakyng , that he may begile vs and seduce vs to his opinion .

¶ The fifte article .

☞ Thou hereticke dyddest say openly , that it was necessary to euery Baptisme man , to knowe and vnderstand his baptisme , and what it was . Contrary or generall councels and the states of holy churche .

¶ The answer .

❧ My Lordes , I beleue there be none so vnwyse here , that wyll make Baptisme necessarily to be knowen of all men . marchaundice with a french man , or any other vnknowen straunger , excepte he knewe and vnderstode fyrst the Confirmation condition or promesse made by the frenche man or straunger . So like I would that we vnderstode what thynge we promesse in the name of the Infant vnto god in baptisme . For thys cause I beleue ye haue confirmation .

Then saied maister Bleiter chaplaine , that he had the Deuyl within hym and the spirite of erroure .

Maister Bleiter Answerth by a chylde . Then answered hym a chylde saiyng the Deuil cannot speake such wordes , as yonder man doth speake .

¶ The. vi . article .

☞ Thou hereticke traytoure , and thiefe , thou saydest that the sacrament The sacramente of the aultare of the aultare was but a piece of breade baken vpon the ashes , and no other thynge elles , and all that is there done is but a superstitious rite agaynst the commaundement of God .

¶ The answer .

❧ Oh Lorde God so manifest lies & blasphemies the scripture doeth not teache you . As concerning the sacrament of the aultare ( my Lordes ) I neuer taught any thinge agaynst the scripture , the whiche I shall ( by Goddes grace ) make manifeste thys daye , I beinge readye therfore to suffre death .

The lawefull vse of thys sacrament The laweful vse of the sacrament of the aultare is most acceptable vnto god , but the greate abuse of it , is verie detestable vnto him . But what occasion they haue to saye such wordes of me , I shall shortly shewe your Lordshippes . I once chaunced to mete with a Iewe when I was saylyng vpon the water of Rene.

I dyd enquire of hym what was The tale of a Iewe the cause of his pertinacie , that he dyd not beleue that the true Meslias was come , considerynge that they had seene all the Prophesies ( whiche were spoken of hym ) to be fulfilled . Moreouer the prophesies taken away and the ceptre of ●uda , by many other testimonies of the scripture , I vanquest him that Messias was come the whiche thei called Iesus of Nazareth . Thys Iewe answered agayne vnto me . When Messias cometh , he shal restore all thynges . And he shall not abrogate the lawe , whiche was geuen to oure forefathers as ye do .

For why ? we see the pore almoste perishe thorowe hungar amonge The pore you : yet ye are not moued wyth pietie towardes them . But amonge vs Iues ( though we be pore ) there are no beggers founde .

Secondarely , it is forbydden by the lawe , to fame any kinde of Imagery , of thynges in heauen aboue , or in the earth beneth , or in the sea vnder the earth : but one God onely to honoure . But your sanctuaries and churches are ful of Idols . Images .

Thyrdly a piece of breade baken The sacrament of t●● aultare . vpon the ashes , ye adorne & worship & say , that it is your God . I haue rehearsed here : but the saiynges of the Iewe , which I neuer affirmed to be true . Then the bishops shoke their heades and spitted into the erth . And what he ment in this matter farther , thei would not heare .

¶ The. vii . article .

Thou false heretike diddest say that extreme Extreme vnction vnction was not a sacrament .

The answer .

❧ My Lordes , forsoth I neuer taught any thyng of extreme vnction in my doctrine , whether it were a sacrament or no.

The. viii . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke , saydest that holy water is not so good as Holy water washe , & suche lyke . Thou contemnest coniuryng and sayest that holy churches curssynges auaile not

The answer .

¶ My Lordes as for holy water , what strength it is of , I taughte neuer in my doctrine . Cōiuringes & exorzismies , if ther were conformable to the worde of god , I woulde commende them , but in so farre as they are not conformable to the commaundement maundement and worde of God , I reproue them .

¶ The. ix . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke and runnagate , haste sayed that euery ley ley man a priest The Popes authoritie man is a priest , and suche like . Thou sayest that the Pope hath no more power , then any other man .

¶ The answer .

¶ My Lordes , I taught nothing but the worde of god . I remembre that I haue reade in some places ●po . ● . ● . v ● . Pet. ii in saincte Iohn and sainct Peter , of the whiche one sayeth , he hath made vs kynges and priestes . The other sayeth , he hath made vs the kingli priesthod . Wherfore I haue affirmed any man beinge cunning in the worde of God and the true fayth of Iesu Christe , to haue his power geuen hym from god , & not by the power or violence of men but by the vertue of the worde of god , the whiche worde is called the power of god , as witnesseth S. Paul Ro. i. euidently inough . And agayne I saye any vnlearned man , and not exercised in the worde of god , nor yet constant in his fayth , what soeuer estate or ordre he be of , I say he hath no power to bynde or lose , seinge he wanteth the instrumente , The instrumente to bynde and lose by the whiche he bindeth or loseth , that is to saye , the worde of God .

After that he had sayed these wordes , all the bishoppes laughed and mocked hym . When that he behelde their laughinge . Laugh ye ( sayeth he ) my lordes . Though that these saiynges appeare scorneful & worthy of derision to your Lordships . Neuerthels they are very weightie to me , & of a greate valewe , because that they stande not onely vpon my lyfe , but also the honour and glorie of God . In the meane tyme many godly men beholdynge the wodnes , and greate crudelitie of the bishoppes and the inuincible paciencie of maister George did greatly morne and lament .

The. x. article .

☞ Thou false hereticke saydest that a man hath no free wyll . But Free wil is like to the Stoykes , whiche say , that it is not in mans wyl to do any thynge , but that all concupiscence and desire cometh of God of what soeuer kynde it be of .

The answer .

❧ My Lordes I sayed not so truly . I saye that as many as beleue in Christe firmly vnto them is geuen libertie , conformable to the sayinge Iohn . viii of saincte Iohn . If the sonne make you free , then shall ye verily be free . Of the contrary as many as beleue not in Christe Iesu , they are bonde seruauntes of synne . He that syndeth is bonde to synne .

¶ The. xi . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke saiest , it is as lawefull to eate fleshe vpon the Eating of meates friday as on sundaye .

The answer .

❧ Pleaseth it your Lordships , I haue reade in the epistles of sainct Titum . i. Paule , that who is cleane , vnto them al thinges are cleane , of the contrary to the filthy men all thinges are vncleane . A faithful man , cleane , & holy sanctifieth by the word the creature of God . But the creature maketh no man acceptable vnto God . So that a creature may not sanctify any impure & vnfaithful man . But The creature doeth not ●anctifie without the word . to the faithful man , all thinges are sanctified , by the praier of the word of God . After these saiynges of maister George , then sayed all the bishoppes wyth their complices : what needeth vs any wytnesse against hym : hath he not openly here spoken blasphemie ?

The. xi . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke doste saye that we shoulde not praye to sanctes , Praying to sanctes but to God onely . Saye whether thou haste sayed this or no , say shortly .

¶ The answer .

❧ For the weaknes and the infirmitie To honor one God is certeyne of the hearers , he sayd wythout doubte playnely that sainctes shoulde not be honoured . My lordes ( sayed he ) there are two thynges worthy of note . The one is certeyne , the other vncerteyne . It is founde playnly & certeyne in scripture , that we shoulde worship and honour one God , accordyng to the saiyng of the fyrst commaundement . Thou shalte onely worshippe and Mat. iiii . honoure thy Lorde God , wyth all thy herte . But as for prayinge to and honourynge of sainctes , there To pray to sainctes is great doubt among many whether they heare , or no , inuocation made vnto them . Therefore I exhorted al men equally in my doctrine , that they should leaue the vnsure waye , and folowe that waye , which was taughte vs by oure maister Christ . He is our only Mediatour and maketh intercession for vs to God his father . He is the dore by the whiche we muste entre in . He that entreth not in by thys dors , The surest way is to be folowed but clymeth an other waye , is a thiefe & murtherar . He is the veritie & life . He that goeth out of this way , there is no doubt but he shal fall into the myre : yea verily he is fallen into it already . Thys is the fashion of my doctrine , the whiche I haue euer folowed . Uerily that which I haue hearde and reade in the worde of god I taughte openly , and in no corners . And nowe ye shall witnes the same , if your lordships wil heare me , but it be by the worde of god I dare not be so bold to affirme any thynge . These saiynges he rehearsed diuerse tymes .

The xiii . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke haste preached Purgatorie plainly , satynge that there is no purgatorie . And that it is a fatned thynge , any man after thys lyfe , to be punished in purgatorie .

The answer .

My lordes as I haue often tymes sayed heretofore , wythout expresse witnes and testimonie of the scripture Purgatori●●ot once named in scripture I dare affirme nothynge . I haue ofte , and diuerse tymes reade ouer the Bible , & yet suche a terme founde I neuer , nor yet any place of scripture applicable thereunto . Therfore I was ashamed euer to teach of that thing , which I could not fynde in the scripture . Then sayed he to maister Iohn Lauder his accusar . If you haue any testimony of the scripture , by the which ye may proue any such place , shewe it nowe before this auditorie . But thys dolte had not a worde to saye for hym selfe , but was as domme as a bitle in that matter .

The. xiiii . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke haste taught plainely against the vowes Uowes of monkes , friers , nones & priestes , saiyng : that who soeuer was bounde to suche lyke vowes , they vowed them selues to the estate of dampnation . Moreouer that it was lawful for priestes to mary wyues and not to lyue sole .

¶ The answer .

¶ Of soth ( my Lordes ) I haue reade in the Euangell , that there are three kyndes of chaste menne . Some are gelded from their mothers wombe . Some are gelded by Three kyndes of chast men Mat. xix . men . And some haue gelded them selues , for the kyngdome of heauen sake . Uerily , I saye , these men are blessed by the scripture of God . But as many as haue not the gyfte of chastitie , nor yet for the Euangell , The d●unger of vnchastitie haue not ouercome the concupiscence of the sleshe , and haue vowed chastitie , ye haue experience , although I shoulde holde my peace , to what inconuenience they haue vowed them selues .

When he had sayed these wordes , they were al domme , thinking better to haue tenne concubines , them one maryed wyfe .

¶ The. xv . article .

☞ Thou false hereticke and runnagate , sayest that thou wylte not obey oure generall nor prouinciall General councels councelles .

¶ The answer .

¶ My lordes , what your generall councelles are , I know not , I was neuer exercised in them : but to the pure worde of God I gaue my labours . Reade here your generall councelles , or elles geue me a boke wherein they are conteyned , that I maye reade them . If that they agree wyth the worde of God , I wyll not disagree .

Then the rauenyng wolues turned into woodnes & sayed , wherun Thei runne apase to shed bloud to let we hym speake any farther ? Reade furth the rest of the articles and staye not vpon them . Amonge these cruell tygres , there was one false hypocrite , a seducer of the people called Iohn Grayfynde Scot , standyng behinde Iohn Lauders Iohn Grayfynd Scotte an hastie buccher to his slaughter backe , hasting him to reade the rest of the articles , and not to tary vpon his wittie & godly answeres . For we may not abyde them , quod be , no more then the Deuyl maye abide the signe of the crosse , when it is named .

The. xvi . article .

☞ Thou hereticke sayest , that it is vayne to buylde to the honoure Building of churches of god costly churches . Seing that God remayneth not in the churches made by mennes handes , nor yet , god can be in so litle space as betwixt the priestes handes .

¶ The answer .

¶ My Lordes , Salomon sayeth . If that the heauen of heauens can not ii . Re. viii comprehende the , howe muche lesse thys house , that I haue buylded ? And Iob consenteth to the same sentence . Seing that he is higher then the heauens , therefore what Iob. xi can thou buylde vnto hym . He is deepar then hell , then howe shalte thou knowe him ? He is longar then the earth , & broder than the sea . So that god can not be comprehended into one place , because that he is infinite . These saiynges notwithstandyng , I sayed neuer that churches Whereunto churches shuld serue shoulde be destroyed . But of the contrary I affirmed euer , that churches should be susteyned and vpholden , that the people should be congregated into them , there to heare of god And moreouer , wher soeuer is the true preachynge of the word of God , and the lawefull vse of the sacramentes , vndoubtedly there is God presente hym selfe . So that boeth these saiynges are true together . Mat. xviii God can not be comprehended into anie place . And where so euer there are two or three gathered in his name , there is he present in the middest of them . Then saied he to his accusar . If thou thynkest any other wise , then I saye , shewe forth thi reasons before this auditory . Then he without al reason was dom , & could not answer one word .

The. xvii article .

☞ Thou false hereticke , contemnest Fastyng fasting , and sayest thou shouldest not fast .

The answer .

¶ My Lordes , I fynde that fasting is commended in the scripture : The true fastyng he alloweth therefore I were a sclaunderer of the gospell , if I contemned fastyng . And not so onely , but I haue learned by experience , that fastynge is good for the health of the bodie . But god knoweth who fasteth the true fast .

The. xviii . article .

☞ Thou false heresicke hast preached openly , saiynge that the soule Of the reseruing of the soule . of man shall sleepe to the later daye of iudgement , and shal not obteine lyfe immortall vntyl that daye .

The answer .

❧ God ful of mercie and goodnes : forgeue them that sayth such thinges of me : I wotte and know surely by the word of god : that he which hath begonne to haue the fayth of Iesu Christ and beleueth firmly in hym . I knowe suerly that the soule of that man shall neuer The faithful soule shall neuer sleepe . sleepe but euer shall lyue an immortal lyfe . The whiche lyfe from daye to daye is renewed in grace and augmented : Nor yet shall euer perishe , or haue ane nde : but euer immortall shall lyue with Christ . To the whiche lyfe all that beleue in hym shall come and rest in eternall glorie . Amen .

¶ When that the Bishoppes Maister George condemned wyth theyr complices had accused thys innocente man in maner and forme afore said , incontinently they condempned hym to be burnte as an hereticke , not hauynge respecte to his Godly answeres and trewe reasons whiche he alledged : nor yet to theyr owne consciences . Thynkyng verily that they shoulde do to God good sacrifice , conformable to the sayinges of sainct Iohn . They shall excommunicate you : yea , and the tyme shall come that he whiche kylleth Iohn . xvi . you shal thinke that he hath done to God good seruice .

¶ The prayer of maister George .

O Immortal god howe long shalt thou suffre the wodnesse Maister George his prayer for the tōgregation of . God . and greate crudelitie of the vngodlie , to exercise their fury vpon thy seruauntes whiche do farther thy word in this world seeynge they desyre to be contrarie , that is to choke and destroye thy trewe doctrine and veritie , by the whiche thou haste shewed the vnto the worlde whiche was all drowned in blyndnesse and misknowledge of thy name . O Lorde we knowe suerly that thy trewe seruauntes must needes suffre for thy names sake persecution , afliction and troubles in thys present lyfe whiche is but a shadowe , as thou haste shewed to vs by thy Prophetes and Apostles . But yet we desyre the hertely , that thou conserue , defende , and healpe thy congregation , whiche thou haste chosen before the beginning of the worlde . And geue them thy grace to heare thy worde , and to be thy trewe seruauntes in thys present lyfe .

☞ Then by and by , they caused the commune people to remoue , whose desire was alwaies to heare that innocente speake . And the sonnes of darckenesse pronounced theyr sentence definitiue , not hauynge respecte to the iudgemente of God . When all thys was done and sayed , my Lorde Cardinall caused his tormentours to passe agayne wyth the meeke lambe into the Castle , vntyll suche tyme the fyer was made readye . When he was come into the Castle , then there came two gray findes , Fryar Scotte and his mate , saiynge : Sir ye muste make your confession vnto vs . He answered and sayed . I wyll make no confession vnto you . Go fetch me younder man Maister George confessed . that preached thys daye , and I wil make my confession vnto him . Then they sente for the Supprior of the Abbaye , who came to him with all diligence . But what he sayed in his confession I can not shewe . When the fyre was made readye , and the gallouse at the weste parte of the Castle nere the Priorie , my Lorde Cardinall dreadynge that maister George shoulde haue bene taken awaye by his friendes , therefore he commaunded to bende all the ordinaunce of the Castle forryghte agaynste that parte . And commaunded all his gunners to be ready and stande besyde theyr gunnes vnto suche tyme he were burned . All thys beinge done , they bounde maister Georges handes behynde his backe , and ledde hym furth wyth theyr souldiars from the Castle to the place of theyr wycked execution . As he came furth of the Castle gate , there mette hym certeyne beggars askynge of his almesse for God his sake . To whom Maister George prayeth for the reliefe of the pore he answered , I wante my handes ▪ wherewyth I shoulde geue you almesse . But the mercifull Lorde of his benignitie and aboundaunce of grace , that feedeth all menne , vouchsafe to geue you necessaries boeth vnto your bodies and soules . Then afterwarde mette hym two false findes , I shoulde saye fryars , saiynge . Maister George Maister George answereth the fryers temptynge hym . praye to our Ladie , that she may be mediatrix for you to hir sonne . To whom he answered meekelie . Cease tempt me not my brethren . After thys he was ledde to the fyre wyth a Rope about his necke and a cheyne of Iron aboute his middle . When that he came to the fyre he sate downe thryse vpon His praier his kneees , and rose agayne , And thryse he sayed these wordes . O thou Sauiour of the worlde haue mercie on me . Father of heauen I commende my spirite into thy holie handes . When he had made thys prayer , he turned hym to the people and sayed these wordes .

❧ I beseche you christian brethren and sisters , that ye be not offended in the worde of God , His sermon to the people . for the aflictions and tormentes , whiche ye see alreadye prepared for me . But I exhorte you that ye loue the worde of God and suffre patientlie and wyth a comfortable herte for the wordes sake , whiche is youre vndoubted saluation and euerlastynge comfort .

❧ Moreouer I praye you shewe my brethren and sisters , whyche haue hearde me ofte before , that they cease not , nor leaue of the worde of God , whyche I taughte vnto them after the grace gyuen vnto me , for no persecutions , or troubles in thys worlde , whyche lasteth not . And shewe vnto them that my doctrine was no wyues favies after the constitutions made by men . And if I had taughte mennes doctrine , I had gotten greate thankes by menne . But for the wordes sake and trewe Euangell , whiche was geuen to me , by the grace of God , I suffre His vpryght conscience felt no death thys daye by menne , not sorowfullie , but wyth a gladde herte and mynde . For thys cause I was sente , that I shoulde suffre thys fyer for Christes sake . Consider and beholde my visage , ys shall not see me chaunge my coloure . Thys grimme fyer I feare not . And so I praye you for to doe , if that anie persecution come vnto you : for the wordes sake . And not to feare them that slaye the bodye , and afterwarde haue no power to slaye the soule .

Some haue sayed of me that I taughte , that the soule of man shoulde sleepe vntyl the laste day . But I knowe suerlye and my fayeth is suche , that my soule shal suppe wyth my Sauioure Christ thys nyghte or it be sixte houres , for whome I suffre thys . Then he prayed for them whyche accused His prayer for his accusars hym , saiynge : I beseche the ( father of heauen ) to forgeue them , that haue of anie ignoraunce , or elles of anye euyll mynde , forged anie lyes vpon me . I forgeue them wyth all my herte , I beseche Christ to forgeue them that haue condempned me to death thys daye ignorauntly .

❧ And laste of all , he sayed to the people on thys maner . I beseche you brethren and sisters to exhorte youre Prelates to the learnynge of the worde of God , His exhortation for the clergie to learne Goddes worde that they at the laste maye be ashamed to do euyll and learne to do good . And if they wyll not conuerte them selues from theyr wycked erroure , there shall hastelye come vpon them , the wrath of god whyche they shall not eschewe .

Many faythfull wordes sayed he in the meane tyme , takynge no hede or care of the cruell tormentes whyche were then prepared for hym .

And laste of all the hange man , that was his tormentor sate downe vpon his knees , and sayed . Sir I praye you forgeue me , for I am not giltie of your death . To whom he answered . Come hither to me . When that he was come to hym , he kissed his cheke , and sayed . Lo here is a token that I forgeue the , and I beseche Christe to forgeue the. My herte do thine office . And then by and by , he was put vpon His wordes to the hangman . the gibbet and hanged , and there burnt to pouder . When that the people behelde the greate tormentynge , they myghte not wythholde from pitiouse mournynge , and complayning of thys innocente lambes slaughter .

¶ Imprinted at London , by Iohn Day , and William Seres , dwellynge in Sepulchres parish , at the signe of the Resurrection , a litle aboue Holbourne conduite .

❧ ❧

☞

❧ Cum gratia & priuilegio ad imprimendum solum .

Notes, typically marginal, from the original text

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