each other daily, in prayer, till the 31st of ed to each. They all joyfully yielded up August, the day appointed for their execu- their lives as sacrifices to God, in testition, when they were conveyed to Canter-mony of their regard to the word of truth, bury, and there led to the stakes, of which "which abideth to all eternity." there were three, two of them being chain

SECTION VIII.

Martyrdoms of George Tankerfield, Elizabeth Warne, Robert Smith, and others.

GEORGE TANKERFIELD was brought up by required to give his opinion concerning auhis parents in the popish religion, to which ricular confession, the popish sacrament he zealously adhered till the beginning of of the mass, and other ceremonies. the reign of queen Mary, when the horrid In answer to the first of these he said, cruelties exercised on those who dissented" he had not confessed to any priest for sevefrom that church, so strongly impressed his ral months, and that he would not be conmind, that he began to detest the principles fessed by any priest hereafter, because he of that religion he had hitherto professed. found no such duty commanded in the word In consequence of this, he applied him- of God, which he now took as his only guide self, with great diligence, to obtain a know- in all matters of religion." ledge of the scriptures, sought the direc- With respect to the sacrament, commonly tions of unerring wisdom, and the teach- called the sacrament of the altar, he declaring of that Spirit, which alone can lead ed, "he did not believe that in the said saunto all truth, and, by the grace of God, soon crament there was the real body and blood attained to a very competent knowledge of of Christ, because the body of Christ was the doctrines of the reformed church, as ascended into heaven, and there sat at the well as detected the errors, superstition right hand of God the Father." and idolatry of the popish faith.

To the last point he answered, that "the

Being thus grounded in the great truths mass then used in the church of England of the gospel, he communicated his senti- was full of idolatry, abomination, and wholly ments to his most intimate friends, whom he inconsistent with the word of God;” adding, exhorted to search the sacred records, nor be" that there were but two sacraments in blindly led by such as imposed on them Christ's church, namely, baptism, and the creeds, which on examination, he found con- Lord's supper." trary to the divine mind and will, as contained in the holy scriptures.

The bishop, after this confession, in his usual manner, exhorted him to recant his This deviation from the principles he had opinions, declaring them to be damnable before so warmly professed, and zealously heresies; but Tankerfield assured his lordmaintained, excited the astonishment of his ship that he would persist in his belief till it friends, and raised the resentment of the should be proved erroneous from scripture popish faction, especially those who were authority, being regardless of the tenets of more immediately concerned in its restora- the greatest prelate upon earth, if not foundtion; insomuch, that Sir Roger Cholmonde-ed on the word of eternal truth, declaring, ley, and Dr. Martin, two of the queen's com- at the same time, that the arbitrary commis missioners for ecclesiastical affairs, dispatch- sioners for ecclesiastical affairs condemned ed a yeoman to Tankerfield's house, in persons without proving any thing against order to apprehend, and bring him before them. them.

Bonner, with an affected concern for his . Mr. Tankerfield being absent when the interests, temporal and eternal, used many yeoman came in quest of him, it was pre- enticing words to bring him to the "mother tended that he was wanted to dress a dinner church," but our martyr boldly told him, at the house of lord Paget. When he came that the church of which the pope is su home, his wife told him that he was required preme, is no part of Christ's Catholic church; to attend at a banquet, to which he replied, and pointing to the bishop, he said, "Good "A banquet, woman! such a banquet as will people, beware of him, and such as he is, for not be pleasing to the flesh; but God's will these be they that deceive you.” be done." The bishop was so enraged at his resolute He was then seized by a constable, and behavior, that he immediately proceeded to committed to Newgate; and after being read the sentence of condemnation; after confined there some time, was brought be- which, Mr. Tankerfield was delivered over fore, and repeatedly examined by, bishop to the secular power. Bonner, and others, concerning divers arti- The place allotted for his execution was cles and tenets of religion. He was chiefly St. Alban's in Hertfordshire, and the follow

ing "Notes" give so interesting an account man, or in contempt of those which are of his behavior and sufferings, that we give thy ministers, but only because I cannot them verbatim. have it administered according to thy "NOTES CONCERNING GEORGE TANKERFIELD, and such like words, he received it with word, &c.' and when he had spoke these

AFTER HE WAS CARRIED TO ST. ALBAN'S
TO SUFFER MARTYRDOM.

giving of thanks.

"When some of his friends desired him "He was brought to St. Alban's by to eat some meat, he said he would not eat the high sheriff of Hertfordshire, Edward that which should do others good that had Brocket, Esq. and Mr. Pulter, of Hitchen, more need, and that had longer to live than who was under-sheriff. They put up at the he.

Cross-Keys inn, where there was a great "He prayed his host to let him have a concourse of people to see and hear the pris-good fire in the chamber, which was granted oner; some were sorry to see so pious a him; and then he, sitting on a form before it, man brought to be burned, others praised put off his shoes and hose, and stretched out God for his constancy and perseverance in his leg to the flame; and when it had touchthe truth. Contrariwise, some said, it was ed his foot, he quickly withdrew his leg, pity he did stand in such opinions: and showing the flesh did persuade him one way others, both old men and women, cried and the spirit another. The flesh said, Ŏ against him; one called him heretic, and thou fool, wilt thou burn, and needest not? said it was pity that he lived. But Tanker- The spirit said, Be not afraid, for this is no field spake unto them so effectually out of thing in respect of fire eternal. The flesh the word of God, lamenting their ignorance, said, Do not leave the company of thy friends and protesting unto them his unspotted con- and acquaintance, which love thee, and will science, that God did mollify their hardened let thee lack nothing. The spirit said, The hearts, insomuch that some of them departed company of Jesus Christ and his glorious out of the chamber weeping. presence doth exceed all fleshly friends. "There came a certain school-master to The flesh said, Do not shorten thy time, for have communication with him, the day be- thou mayest live if thou wilt much longer. fore he was coming to St. Alban's, concern- The spirit said, This life is nothing unto the ing the sacrament of the altar, and other life in heaven which lasteth for ever, &c. points of the popish religion: but as he urged And all this time the sheriffs were at a genTankerfield with the authority of the doc- tleman's house at dinner, not far from the tors, wresting them after his own will; so, town, whither also resorted many knights on the other side, Tankerfield answered him and gentlemen out of the country, because mightily by the scriptures, not wrested after his son was married that day; and until they the mind of any man, but being interpreted returned from dinner, the prisoner was left after the will of the Lord Jesus, &c. So that to the care of his host, by whom he was as he would not allow such allegations as kindly treated; and considering that his Tankerfield brought out of the scriptures, time was short, his saying was, 'That alwithout the opinions of the doctors; so again though the day was ever so long, yet at Tankerfield would not credit his doctrine to the last it ringeth to evening song.' be true, except he would confirm it by the "About two o'clock, when the sheriffs re scriptures. In the end, Tankerfield prayed turned from dinner, they brought Mr. Tanhim that he would not trouble him in such kerfield out of the inn to the place where matters, for his conscience was established, he should suffer, which was called Rome&c. He, therefore, departed from him, land, being a green place near the west end wishing him well, and protesting that he of the Abbey church; unto which when he meant him no more hurt than his own soul. was come, he kneeled down by the stake “When the hour drew on that he should that was set up for him; and after he had suffer, he desired the wine-drawer that he ended his prayers he arose, and with a joy, might have a pint of malmsey and a loaf, ful faith said, that although he had a sharp that he might eat and drink in remembrance dinner, yet he hoped to have a joyful supper of Christ's death and passion, because he in heaven.

could not have it administered to him by "While the fagots were set about him, others in such manner as Christ command- there came a priest and persuaded him to ed: and then he kneeled down, making his believe on the sacrament of the altar, and confession unto the Lord with all which he would be saved. But Tankerfield cried were in the chamber with him; and after vehemently, 'I defy the whore of Babylon: he had prayed earnestly, and had read the fy on that abominable idol: good people, do institution of the holy supper by the Lord not believe him.' And then the mayor of Jesus out of the evangelists, and out of St. the town commanded fire to be set to the Paul, he said, 'O Lord, thou knowest it, I heretic, and said, If he had but one load of do not this to derogate authority from any fagots in the world, he would give them to

purn him. Amidst this confusion, there was true faith by the preaching of several rea certain knight who went unto Tankerfield, formed ministers in that learned seminary. and taking him by the hand, said, “Good brother, be strong in Christ;' this he spake he soon became well acquainted with the By continually searching the scriptures, softly; and Tankerfield said; ‘O sir, I thank doctrines of the gospel. He was also very you, I am so, I thank God.' Then fire was set exemplary in his life and conversation, atunto him, and he desired the sheriff and all tracting the veneration and esteem of all the people to pray for him; most of them those who knew him. did so. And so embracing the fire, he called on the name of the Lord Jesus, and was quickly out of pain."

ELIZABETH WARNE

ant religion, he was, on the accession of As he was known to profess the Protestqueen Mary, deprived of his post in the college, and soon after sent up prisoner to committed to Newgate, after having been the bishop of London, by whom he was examined by him several times, at his palace, and in other places.

This pious woman, and stedfast believer in the pure gospel of Christ, (according to the dying request of her husband, who, some time before, had sealed the truth with Being questioned by the bishop concernhis blood) persisted in worshipping God ac- ing auricular confession, he declared, "he cording to the dictates of her own con- had never been confessed since he arrived science, and the form she conceived was con- at years of discretion, because he never tained in the divine command. Information being given against her, she to confess his faults to any of that sinful thought it needful, nor commanded of God was apprehended in a house in Bow-church- number called priests." yard, in company with several others, who

were assembled for prayer and other spirit- was since he had received the sacrament of The bishop then inquired, how long it ual exercises, and with them sent to the the mass, and what was his opinion conCompter, from whence she was committed cerning the same.

to Newgate.

She had been but a few days confined be- received the same, since he arrived at years To this he replied, that he had never fore she was sent for by the queen's com- of discretion, nor, by the grace of God, missioners, who, after some examination, ever would neither did he esteem it in gave her up to the bishop of London. The chief article alleged against her by God's ordinance, but rather set up in any point necessary, because it was not Bonner was, her not believing the real pres- mockery of God, and to deprive him of the ence in the sacrament of the altar: she was honor which is his due.. also accused of absenting herself, from church, speaking against the mass, despi- in the corporeal presence in the sacraBeing questioned concerning his belief sing the ceremonies of the holy mother ment, after the words of consecration prochurch, &c. To these accusations she gave such an- once told you, that it was not God's ordinounced by the priest, he replied, “I have swers as highly offended the bishop, who nance, nor a sacrament; but only man's warmly exhorted her to recant her errone- vain invention. If ye can show from scripous and heretical opinions. She replied, "Do ture that it is the very body, I will believe with me what you will; for if Christ was in it, but till then I shall esteem it a detestaan error, then I am in an error." truth." ble idol, not God, but contrary to God and

On this peremptory declaration, she was condemned as a heretic, delivered to the sheriff of London, and conducted to Newgate.

prelate, that he greatly reviled Mr. Smith; This answer so irritated the haughty When the day appointed for her execu- amined him in milder terms, and coolly inbut his passion abating, he afterwards extion arrived, she was carried from Newgate quired his opinion concerning the Catholic to Stratford-le-Bow, where she suffered church. martyrdom for the cause of Christ and his gospel, in August 1555, following her one Catholic church, or congregation of the Mr. Smith replied, "I believe there is husband through the path of a fiery trial, faithful, which (as the apostle saith) is built to the heaven of rest that awaits all the upon the prophets and apostles, Christ Jesus disciples of our blessed and glorious Re- being the chief corner-stone. I also believe, deemer.

ROBERT SMITH.

This martyr was originally educated in the Roman Catholic religion; but having for some time enjoyed a place under the provost of Eton college, he was converted to the

that this church, in all words and works, maintaineth the word of God, and bringeth am assured, that by grace I am. made a the same for her authority; of this church member."

I

bread, holy water, and other ceremonies of He was then examined concerning holy

the popish church; but these points he de- deny me that right, which the heathen have nied as. unscriptural, and persisting in his suffered: if you do, then shall all this audiopinions, notwithstanding the repeated. ad-ence, yea, and the heathen, speak shame monitions of the bishop, he was summoned of your act.. For all that do well come to to appear at the consistory court, where the light, and they that do evil hate the having made the same confession as before, light. sentence of condemnation was passed upon At this the lord mayor was abashed, and him, and he was delivered over to the secu- said nothing, but the bishop told Smith he lar power. should preach at the stake, and the sheriff After the articles against him were read, cried, Away with him. Mr. Smith remonstrated with the lord Before the bishop passed sentence, in demayor, sheriffs, and others who were present rision of Tankerfield, who was also senon the occasion, in the following manner: tenced at the same time, and was a victurning to the lord mayor he said, I re- tualler, he told a tale of a gentleman and quire you, my lord, in God's behalf, unto his cook. To which Smith answered, “My whom pertaineth your sword and justice, lord, you fill the people's ears with fanthat I may here before your presence answer tasies and foolish tales, and make a laughto these objections that are laid against me, ing matter at blood; but if you were a and have probation of the same; and if any true bishop, you should leave these railing thing that I have said, or will say, be proved sentences, and speak the words of God." (as my lord saith). heresy, I shall not only Bonner. Well, I have offered to that with all my heart forsake the same, and naughty fellow, Mr. Speaker, your compan cleave to the truth, but also recant whereso-ion the cook, that my chancellor should here ever you shall assign me, and all this audience shall be witness to the same." L. May. Why, Smith, thou canst not deny but this thou saidst.

Smith. Yes, my lord, I deny that which he hath written, because he hath both added to and diminished from the same but what I have spoken, I will never deny.

instruct him, but he hath with great disdain refused it. How sayest thou, wilt thou have him instruct thee, and lead thee into the right way?

Smith. My lord, if your chancellor will do me any good, and take any pains, as you say, let him take mine articles in his hands, that you have objected against me, and L. May. Why, thou speakest against the either prove one of them heresy, or any Blessed sacrament of the altar. thing that you do to be good and if he be Smith. I denied it to be any sacrament, able so to do, I stand here with all my heart and I do stand here to make probation of the to hear him; if not, I have no need, I same; and if my lord or any of his doctors praise God, of his sermon: for I come to be able to prove either the name or usage answer for my life, and not to hear a ser of the same, I will recant mine error. Bonner. By my troth, Mr. Speaker, you shall preach at a stake.

Smith. Well sworn, my lord, you keep good watch.

a

Bonner. Well, Mr. Controller, I am no

saint.

Smith. No, my lord, nor yet a good bishop. For a bishop, saith St. Paul, should be faultless, and a vessel dedicated unto God; and are you not ashamed to sit in judgment and be a blasphemer, condemning innocents!

mon.:

Then began the sentence, "In the name of God," &c. To which Smith answered, that he began in a wrong name, asking him, where he learned in scripture to give sentence of death against any man for his conscience sake. To which he made no answer, but went on, and immediately cried, "Away with him." Then Smith turned to the lord mayor, and said, "Is it not enough for you, my lord mayor, and you that are the sheriffs, that you have left the straight way of the Lord, but you must condemn Christ cause

Bonner. Well, Mr. Controller, you are less?" Bultless.

Bonner. Well, Mr. Controller, now you Smith. My lord mayor, I require you, in cannot say, but I have offered you fair, to God's name, that I may have justice. We have instruction. And now, I pray thee, be here to day a great many innocents call me Bloody Bishop, and say, I seek thy. wrongfully accused of heresy. And I re- blood.

pure you, if you will not seem to be partial, Smith. Well, my lord, if neither I nor et me have no more favor at your hands, any of this congregation do report the truth than the apostle had at the hands of Festus of your fact, yet shall these stones cry it out, nd Agrippa, who being heathens and infi- rather than it shall be hidden.. els, gave him leave not only to speak for self, but also heard the probation of his This require I at your hands, who Beg a Christian judge, I hope will not

'Bonner, Away with him, away with him!. Smith then addressed himself to the spec-. tators in the following manner:

"Ye have seen and heard, my friends, the

great injury I have this day received; and himself is guilty, doth give his neighbor the ye are all witnesses, that we have referred clear wine, and keepeth the dregs to himthe equity of our cause to the book of God, self. which appeal not being admitted, we are condemned unheard."

"Beware of riches and worldly honor; for without understanding, prayer and fastAddressing the lord mayor, he said, ing, it is a snare, and also poverty, all which "Though, my lord, you have here exer- are like to consuming fire, of which, if a cised your authority unjustly, and will not man take a little, it will warm him, but if attend to the cry of the poor, I commit my he take too much, it will consume him: for cause to that God who judgeth aright, and it is hard for a man to carry fire in his bosom, will render unto every man according to his and not be burnt.

deeds; that God, at whose awful bar both "Show mercy to the saints for Christ's you and I must stand without respect or au- sake, and Christ shall reward you for the thority, and where sentence will be passed saints' sake. Among all other prisoners without partiality, bigotry, or caprice, and visit your own; for it is inclosed in a according to the eternal laws of infallible perilous prison.

truth." If you love God, hate evil, and ye shall After this, Mr. Smith was carried back to obtain the reward of well doing. Newgate, where he was closely confined "Thus fare you well, good Anne. Have till the 8th of August, which was appointed me heartily commended to all that love the for his execution. On the morning of that Lord unfeignedly. I beseech you have me day he was conducted, under a strong in your prayer while I am living, and I am guard, to Uxbridge, and there led to the assured the Lord will accept it. Bring up stake. He bore his punishment with the most amazing fortitude, in full hopes that he was giving up a temporary existence for one that would be immortal.

Mr. Smith had received a very liberal education, and, during the time of his imprisonment, he wrote a great number of treatises, letters, &c. He had a good turn for poetry, in which several of his compositions were formed. Among the number of his writings we shall preserve the following

Be always an enemy to the devil, and the world, but especially to your own flesh. "In hearing of good things, join the ears] of your head and heart together.

"Seek unity and quietness with all men, but especially with your conscience; for he will not easily be entreated.

"Love all people, but especially your

my children, and yours, in the fear of God
and then shall I not fail, but receive you to
gether in the everlasting kingdom of God,
into which I hope to go.
"Your husband,

"ROBERT SMITH."

His "Short Address to all the faithful Servants of Christ, exhorting them to be strong under Persecution," we present as a specimen of his verse, which, considering the age in which it was written, is not def cient in harmony, although full of quain conceits, like the other productions of tha time.

Content thyself with patience,

With Christ to bear the cross of pain,

Which can and will thee recompense,

A thousand fold, with joys again.

Let nothing cause thy heart to quail,
Launch out thy boat, hale up thy sail,
Put from the shore:
And be thou sure thou shalt attain
Unto the port that shall remain
For evermore.

About the same period that Mr. Srait was burnt, three others, who had been co

enemies. "Hate the sins that are past, but espe-demned by Bishop Bonner, shared the sa cially those to come.

"Be as ready to further your enemy, as he is to hinder you, that ye may be the child of God.

"Defile not that which Christ hath cleansed, lest his blood be laid to your

charge.

"Remember that God hath hedged in your tongue with the teeth and lips, that it might speak under correction.

fate; namely, STEPHEN HARWOOD, THOM FUST, and WILLIAM HALE. The first these suffered at Stratford, near Bow; second at Ware, and the third at Barnet

GEORGE KING, THOMAS LEYES, AND JOE

WADE.

These three persons being most crue used in Lollard's Tower, and falling there, were so weak that they were remo "Be ready at all times to look to your into different houses in the city, where brother's eye, but especially in your own died, and were then thrown into the fiel eye: for he that warneth others of what he and there buried in the night by some of