but his unvarying answer was, that he would never go from the belief he was in as long as he lived.

Seeing that their efforts were all in vain, the sentence of death was pronounced upon him, which was to take effect on the ninth of February. His execution was, however, prolonged, and he remained in prison till the tenth of June, when he was committed to the hands and charge of Lord Rich, who had a sufficient delegation of power to enable him to finish the work.

While on his way to the scene that was to terminate his life, he used much exhortation to his friends, and improved every opportunity to familiarly admonish them. A little before his death, there were several of his intimate acquaintances and friends who had been in the habit of seeking his society, seeming to be greatly confirmed both by the example of his constancy and his pious conversation.

Being terrified at the prospect of such great suffering as was before him, they privately desired that in the midst of the flames he would show them some token, if he could, whereby they might be more certain whether the pain of burning were so great that a man might not keep his mind quiet and patient therein.

This he promised, and it was agreed between them that if the rage of the pain were tolerable and might be endured, then he would lift his hands above his head, toward heaven, before he expired.

Not long after, when the hour was come, he was led to the spot prepared for him, and there he mildly and patiently prepared himself for his doom.

He reasoned with his persecutors, of the innocent blood of saints, and, having offered a fervent prayer, he suffered the fire to be kindled.

His speech was taken away by the violence of the flame, and, when every one thought he was gone, as if mindful of the promise he had made, he threw up his burning hands with evident rejoicing, and forthwith from those who understood the matter there went up a shout that the victory was gained.

He immediately sank into the fire, and the life of this

constant and faithful witness of Christ's holy gospel was closed, it being the tenth of June, 1555.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

John Bradford.

LITERARY ATTAINMENTS; IS PERSUADED TO ENTER THE MINISTRY; IMPRISONED, AND FINALLY SUFFERS MARTYRDOM.

HIS man was born at Manchester, in Lancashire. His parents brought him up in learning from his infancy, until he attained such knowledge in the Latin tongue, and skill in writing, that he was able to gain his own living by his exertions in

this direction.

He became servant to Sir John Harrington, knight, who in the great affair of king Henry Eighth, and Edward Sixth, which he had in hand when he was treasurer of the king's camps and buildings, at divers times in Boulognois, had such experience of Bradford's activity in writing, his expertness in the art of auditors, as also his faithful trustiness, that not only in those affairs, but in many others of his private business, he placed particular confidence in him.

Bradford continued several years in an honest and thriving way, after the course of this world, but his mind could not be satisfied with following after the perishable things of earth, which endure but a little time, and then pass away forever. The Lord had elected him unto a better function, and preordained him to preach the gospel of Christ, and for this He called this chosen servant to the understanding and partaking of the same gospel. In this he was so truly taught, that forthwith his effectual call was perceived by the fruits. He forsook his worldly affairs and forwardness in worldly wealth, and after a just account given to his master of all his doings, he departed from him, and with marvelous favor to further the kingdom of God by the ministry of His

Holy Word, he gave himself wholly to the study of the Holy Scriptures. The better to accomplish his design, he departed from the Temple at London, and went to the university of Cambridge, to learn by God's law, how to further the building of the Lord's temple. In Cambridge, his diligence in study, his profiting in knowledge and pious conversation, obtained for him the degree of Master of Arts in a short time.

Immediately after, he obtained an appointment at the college of Pembroke Hall; and that good man, Martin Bucer, so liked him, that he not only highly esteemed him as a friend, but oftentimes exhorted him to bestow his talent in preaching. To this Bradford always answered, that he was unable to serve in that office through want of learning; but Bucer was wont to reply, " If thou hast not fine wheat bread, then give the poor people barley bread, or whatsoever else the Lord hath committed unto thee."

While he was thus persuaded to enter the ministry, Ridley, that worthy bishop of London, and glorious martyr of Christ, according to the order that then was in the church of England, called him to take the degree of deacon. This being done, he obtained for him a license to preach, and gave him a prebend in his cathedral church of St. Paul's.

He labored diligently in the ministry for the space of three years. Sharply he reproved sin, sweetly he preached Christ crucified, ably he disproved heresies and errors, earnestly he persuaded to godly life.

After the death of Edward VI., when queen Mary had received the crown, he still continued faithful, till he was unjustly deprived of both his office and liberty, by the queen and her council.

The occasion of his deprivation was his interference to save one Bourne, who had excited the indignation of the people against himself, by a sermon on the Sabbath, with regard to popery. He was not permitted to finish, and Bradford being behind him in the pulpit, was called forth to stand in his place and speak to the people. He arose and spake of quiet and godly obedience, and when they heard his voice, a shout was heard, " Bradford, God save thy life,

Bradford;" well declaring not only what affection they had for him, but also what regard they felt for his words.

The same Sunday in the afternoon, he preached at Bow church, in Cheapside, and reproved the people sharply for their misdemeanor. After this he abode still in London, with an innocent conscience awaiting the anticipated results of his plain dealing.

Within three days after, he was sent for to the Tower of London, where the queen then was, to appear before the council. There he was charged with the act of saving Bourne, which they called seditious; and they also objected against him for preaching. He was first committed to the Tower, then to other prisons, out of which neither his innocency, piety, nor charitable dealing, could purchase to him liberty of body, till by death, he obtained the heavenly liberty, of which neither pope nor papist shall ever deprive him.

He remained a prisoner some time, during which, preaching, reading and praying, was all his life.

He ate only one meal a day, which was but very little when he took it, and his continual study was upon his knees.

He counted that hour not well spent, in which some good was not accomplished, either with his pen, study, or in exhorting others. He was not sparing of his purse, but gave liberally of what he had to his fellow prisoners.

Such confidence was reposed in him, by the keeper, and such liberty given him, that there was no day, but he might have escaped easily, had he been so disposed. Upon his promise to return again at night, he was permitted to go abroad to perform his gentle ministrations to the sick, and so fearful was he of breaking his promise, and being found wanting in fidelity, that he was always at his post before the time.

One of his old friends and acquaintances came unto him, while he was a prisoner, and asked him, if he sued to get him out, what he would do, or whither he would go? He made answer as caring little whether he went or not; but, if he did, he would still proclaim the gospel as time and opportunity were given him.

In his retirement he wrote many letters to his friends, breathing the spirit of christian submission, and showing the power of faith in enabling one to rise superior to the world. By his godly discourses and holy efforts he was successful in leading some to embrace the faith of Christ, and this, to him, was a sufficient reward for his own privation and suffering.

While walking with a friend one afternoon, he was suddenly accosted by the wife of the keeper, on whose countenance terror was plainly visible, and informed him that plans were even then in operation for the termination of his life on the next day. With that Bradford lifted his eyes to heaven and said, "I thank God for it; I have looked for the same a long time, and, therefore, it cometh not suddenly, but as a thing waited for every day and every hour; the Lord make me worthy thereof."

Thanking her for her kindness, he departed to his chamber, where he continued in secret prayer for some time, and afterward admitted his friends, with whom he had pleasant and holy converse.

About midnight he was carried to Newgate, when it was thought none would be stirring abroad; but, contrary to their expectation, a multitude were assembled to see him and bid him farewell.

He was held in such reverence and admiration that many who never knew him but by fame, greatly lamented that he must die; and even the papists themselves heartily wished his life.

But the time of his determined death was come. During a long examination which was held by his enemies, he remained true in his adherence to the gospel, and earnestly exhorted the people to repent and return to Christ. This was sufficient to excite the malice of those whose hearts were never moved by the grace of God, and he was carried from Newgate to Smithfield, surrounded by a guard of men.

As he neared the stake at which he was to be burned, he held up his hands, and lifted his eyes to heaven, and said, "O, England, England! repent of thy sins; beware of idolatry, beware of Antichrist; take heed they do not deceive you."