Mrs Joyce Lewes
This lady was the wife of Mr. T. Lewes, of Manchester. She had received
the Romish religion as true, till the burning of that pious martyr, the
Rev. Mr. Saunders, at Coventry. Understanding that his death arose from
a refusal to receive the mass, she began to inquire into the ground of
his refusal, and her conscience, as it began to be enlightened, became
restless and alarmed. In this inquietude, she resorted to Mr. John
sources of gospel knowledge he possessed, particularly upon the subject
of transubstantiation. He easily succeeded in convincing her that the
mummery of popery and the mass were at variance with God's most holy
word, and honestly reproved her for following too much the vanities of a
wicked world. It was to her indeed a word in season, for she soon become
weary of her former sinful life, and resolved to abandon the mass and
idolatrous worship. Though compelled by her husband's violence to go to
church, her contempt of the holy water and other ceremonies were so
manifest, that she was accused before the bishop for despising the
sacramentals.
A citation, addressed to her, immediately followed, which was given to
Mr. Lewes, who, in a fit of passion, held a dagger to the throat of the
officer, and made him eat it, after which he caused him to drink it
down, and then sent him away. But for this the bishop summoned Mr. Lewes
before him as well as his wife; the former readily submitted, but the
latter resolutely affirmed, that, in refusing holy water, she neither
offended God, nor any part of his laws. She was sent home for a month,
her husband being bound for her appearance, during which time Mr. Glover
impressed upon her the necessity of doing what she did, not from
self-vanity, but for the honour and glory of God.
Mr. Glover and others earnestly exhorted Lewes to forfeit the money he
was bound in, rather than subject his wife to certain death; but he was
deaf to the voice of humanity, and delivered her over to the bishop, who
soon found a sufficient cause to consign her to a loathsome prison,
whence she was several times brought for examination. At the last time
the bishop reasoned with her upon the fitness of her coming to mass, and
receiving as sacred the sacrament and sacramentals of the Holy Ghost.
"If these things were in the word of God," said Mrs. Lewes, "I would
with all my heart receive, believe, and esteem them." The bishop, with
the most ignorant and impious effrontery, replied, "If thou wilt believe
no more than what is warranted by scripture, thou art in a state of
damnation!" Astonished at such a declaration, this worthy sufferer ably
rejoined, "that his words were as impure, as they were profane."
After condemnation, she lay a twelvemonth in prison, the sheriff not
being willing to put her to death in his time, though he had been but
just chosen. When her death warrant came from London, she sent for some
friends, whom she consulted in what manner her death might be more
glorious to the name of God, and injurious to the cause of God's
enemies. Smilingly, she said, "As for death, I think but lightly of.
When I know that I shall behold the amiable countenance of Christ my
dear Saviour, the ugly face of death does not much trouble me." The
evening before she suffered, two priests were anxious to visit her, but
she refused both their confession and absolution, when she could hold a
better communication with the High Priest of souls. About three o'clock
in the morning, Satan began to shoot his fiery darts, by putting into
her mind to doubt whether she was chosen to eternal life, and Christ
died for her. Her friends readily pointed out to her those consolatory
passages of Scripture which comfort the fainting heart, and treat of the
Redeemer who taketh away the sins of the world.
About eight o'clock the sheriff announced to her that she had but an
hour to live; she was at first cast down, but this soon passed away, and
she thanked God that her life was about to be devoted to his service.
The sheriff granted permission for two friends to accompany her to the
stake--an indulgence for which he was afterward severely handled. Mr.
Reniger and Mr. Bernher led her to the place of execution; in going to
which, from its distance, her great weakness, and the press of the
people, she had nearly fainted. Three times she prayed fervently that
God would deliver the land from popery and the idolatrous mass; and the
people for the most part, as well as the sheriff, said Amen.
When she had prayed, she took the cup, (which had been filled with water
to refresh her,) and said, I drink to all them that unfeignedly love the
gospel of Christ, and wish for the abolition of popery. Her friends, and
a great many women of the place, drank with her, for which most of them
afterward were enjoined penance.
When chained to the stake, her countenance was cheerful, and the roses
of her cheeks were not abated. Her hands were extended towards heaven
till the fire rendered them powerless, when her soul was received into
the arms of the Creator. The duration of her agony was but short, as the
under-sheriff, at the request of her friends, had prepared such
excellent fuel that she was in a few minutes overwhelmed with smoke and
flame. The case of this lady drew a tear of pity from every one who had
a heart not callous to humanity.
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God's Punishments Upon Some Of The Persecutors Of His People In Mary's Reign
After that arch-persecutor, Gardiner, was dead, others followed, of whom Dr. Morgan, bishop of St. David's, who succeeded bishop Farrar, is to be noticed. Not long after he was installed in his bishopric, he was stricken by the visitation of God; hi... Great Difficulties In The Way Of Asaad's Release
18. Tannoos came to converse about his brother Asaad. He had just received a letter in Asaad's own hand-writing, saying, that he was reduced to a great extremity of distress, and perhaps had not long to live, and begging Tannoos to come up and see i... His Early History
Asaad Shidiak was born in the district north of Beyroot, called Kesruan, where, and at Hadet, a small village five miles south-east of Beyroot, his family have ever since lived. This family now consists of the widowed mother, five sons, (of whom Asa... His Family Attempt His Liberation
19. Phares brought us a letter, which had just been received by the family at Hadet, from the patriarch, wishing them to come immediately to Cannobeen. Tannoos and his mother have gone, and intend, if possible, to bring Asaad away, either to Kesroan... His Relatives Deliver Him Up To The Patriarch
31. Information is received, that Asaad has been taken away against his will, to the patriarch. April 4. Phares Shidiak arrived here in the evening direct from Der Alma, and said he had accompanied Asaad to that convent a week ago, that Asaad was... His Return To Mr Bird
Dec. 12. Shidiak returned, after nearly a month's absence, to continue with me for a year, risking whatever obloquy and violence might come upon him. He has just been obliged to give up an advantageous contract of marriage, into which he had some mo... History Of Christian Martyrs To The First General Persecution Under Nero
The history of the church may almost be said to be a history of the trials and sufferings of its members, as experienced at the hands of wicked men. At one time, persecution, as waged against the friends of Christ, was confined to those without;... Holland Even Now I Told You That Your Authority Was From God And By
his sufferance: and now I tell you God hath heard the voice of his servants, which hath been poured forth with tears for his afflicted saints, whom you daily persecute, as now you do us. But this I dare be bold in God to say, (by whose Spirit I am mov... Hugh Laverick And John Aprice
Here we perceive that neither the impotence of age nor the affliction of blindness, could turn aside the murdering fangs of these Babylonish monsters. The first of these unfortunates was of the parish of Barking, aged sixty-eight, a painter and a cr... Interference Of Government Against The Protestants
M. Bernis, extraordinary royal commissioner, in consequence of these abuses, issued a proclamation which reflects disgrace on the authority from whence it emanated. "Considering," it said, "that the residence of citizens in places foreign to their d... Interference Of The British Government
To the credit of England, the reports of these cruel persecutions carried on against our protestant brethren in France, produced such a sensation on the part of the government as determined them to interfere; and now the persecutors of the protestan... Interview With A Younger Brother
Asaad's brother Galed came again to-day, and discovered more feeling than yesterday on the subject of his brother's leaving the English. He said he had brought an insupportable shame upon the family. Asaad insisted, that such shame was no argument w... Interview With Several Of His Relatives
6. Among those who came to see Asaad to-day, were three of his brothers and an uncle. Mansoor, the oldest of the brothers, we had never before seen. He is a furious bigot, and perfectly ignorant and regardless of the first principles of religion. Th... Is Forcibly Detained
Feb. 22. Fearing for the safety of Asaad, since hearing that he has not written to his friends, we this morning sent a messenger with a short note, to find him, and ascertain his state. 23. The messenger returned, saying, that he yesterday went to... Is Visited By His Mother
This letter had been gone scarcely time sufficient to reach Hadet, when the mother herself was announced at the door. We welcomed her with all cordiality, and treated her with all the respect and attention we could. But all we could do or say did no... Jerom Of Prague
This reformer, who was the companion of Dr. Huss, and may be said to be a co-martyr with him, was born at Prague, and educated in that university, where he particularly distinguished himself for his great abilities and learning. He likewise visited ... Joan Waste
This poor honest woman, blind from her birth, and unmarried, aged 22, was of the parish of Allhallows, Derby. Her father was a barber, and also made ropes for a living: in which she assisted him, and also learned to knit several articles of apparel.... John Calvin
This reformer was born at Noyon in Picardy, July 10, 1409. He was instructed in grammar learning at Paris under Maturinus Corderius, and studied philosophy in the college of Montaign under a Spanish professor. His father, who discovered many marks o... John Denley Gent John Newman And Patrick Packingham
Mr. Denley and Newman were returning one day to Maidstone, the place of their abode, when they were met by E. Tyrrel, Esq. a bigoted justice of the peace in Essex, and a cruel persecutor of the protestants. He apprehended them merely on suspicion. O... John Huss
John Huss was born at Hussenitz, a village in Bohemia, about the year 1380. His parents gave him the best education their circumstances would admit; and having acquired a tolerable knowledge of the classics at a private school, he was removed to the... John Lomas Agnes Snoth Anne Wright Joan Sole And Joan Catmer
These five martyrs suffered together, January 31, 1556. John Lomas was a young man of Tenterden. He was cited to appear at Canterbury, and was examined January 17. His answers being adverse to the idolatrous doctrine of the papacy, he was condemned ... John Rogers Vicar Of St Sepulchre's And Reader Of St Paul's London
John Rogers was educated at Cambridge, and was afterward many years chaplain to the merchants adventurers at Antwerp in Brabant. Here he met with the celebrated martyr William Tindal, and Miles Coverdale, both voluntary exiles from their country for... John Simpson And John Ardeley
John Simpson and John Ardeley were condemned on the same day with Mr. Cardmaker and John Warne, which was the 25th of May. They were shortly after sent down from London to Essex, where they were burnt in one day, John Simpson at Rochford, and John A... John Wickliffe
This celebrated reformer, denominated the Morning Star of the Reformation, was born about the year 1324, in the reign of Edward II. Of his extraction we have no certain account. His parents designing him for the church, sent him to Queen's College, ... Letter From Asaad To Mr Bird
"Dear Sir,--After expressing imperfectly the love I bear you, and the desire I have to see you in all health, I have to say, that in due time your letter came to hand, and I read and understood it. You ask respecting our health.... Letters From Louvois To Marillac
"The king rejoices to learn from your letters, that there are so many conversions in your department; and he desires that you would continue your efforts, and employ the same means that have been hitherto so successful. His majesty has ordered me to... Martin Luther
This illustrious German divine and reformer of the church, was the son of John Luther and Margaret Lindeman, and born at Isleben, a town of Saxony, in the county of Mansfield, November 10, 1483. His father's extraction and condition were originally ... Martyrdom Of John Calas
We pass over many other individual martyrdoms to insert that of John Calas, which took place so lately as 1761, and is an indubitable proof of the bigotry of popery, and shows that neither experience nor improvement can root out the inveterate preju... Martyrdom Of Tomkins Pygot Knight Lawrence Hunter And Higbed
Thomas Tomkins was by trade a weaver in Shoreditch, till he was summoned before the inhuman Bonner, and confined with many others, who renounced the errors of popery, in a prison in that tyrant's house at Fulham. Under his confinement, he was trea... Massacre And Pillage At Nismes
Nismes now exhibited a most awful scene of outrage and carnage, though many of the protestants had fled to the Convennes and the Gardonenque. The country houses of Messrs. Rey, Guiret, and several others, had been pillaged, and the inhabitants treat... Massacre Of Prisoners
The number of individuals accumulated in the various prisons of Paris had increased by the arrests and domiciliary visits subsequent to the 10th of August, to about eight thousand persons. It was the object of this infernal scheme to destroy the gre... Monstrous Outrage Upon Females
At Nismes it is well known that the women wash their clothes either at the fountains, or on the banks of streams. There is a large basin near the fountain, where numbers of women may be seen every day, kneeling at the edge of the water, and beating ... Mr John Philpot
This martyr was the son of a knight, born in Hampshire, and brought up at New College, Oxford, where he several years studied the civil law, and became eminent in the Hebrew tongue. He was a scholar and a gentleman, zealous in religion, fearless in ... Mr John Webb George Roper And Gregory Parker
These martyrs, after being brought before the bishop of Dover and Dr. Harpsfield, were finally examined, October 3, 1555, adjudged to be heretics, and at Canterbury, terminated their existence. Wm. Wiseman, clothworker of London, died in Lollard's... Mr William Flower
William Flower, otherwise Branch, was born at Snow-hill, in the county of Cambridge, where he went to school some years, and then came to the abbey of Ely. After he had remained a while he became a professed monk, was made a priest in the same house... Mrs Cicely Ormes
This young martyr, aged twenty-two, was the wife of Mr. Edmund Ormes, worsted weaver of St. Lawrence, Norwich. At the death of Miller and Elizabeth Cooper, before mentioned, she had said that she would pledge them of the same cup they drank of. For ... Mrs Joyce Lewes
This lady was the wife of Mr. T. Lewes, of Manchester. She had received the Romish religion as true, till the burning of that pious martyr, the Rev. Mr. Saunders, at Coventry. Understanding that his death arose from a refusal to receive the mass, sh... Mrs Prest
From the number condemned in this fanatical reign, it is almost impossible to obtain the name of every martyr, or to embellish the history of all with anecdotes and exemplifications of Christian conduct. Thanks be to Providence, our cruel task begin... Murder Of General La Garde
At length a check was put to these excesses by the report of the murder of Count La Garde, who, receiving an account of this tumult, mounted his horse, and entered one of the streets, to disperse a crowd. A villain seized his bridle; another present... Napoleon's Return From The Isle Of Elba
Soon after this event, the duke d'Angouleme was at Nismes, and remained there some time; but even his influence was insufficient to bring about a reconciliation between the catholics and the protestants of that city. During the hundred days betwixt ... Nicholas Hall And Christopher Waid
The same month of July, Nicholas Hall, bricklayer, and Christopher Waid, linendraper, of Dartford, suffered death, condemned by Maurice, bishop of Rochester, about the last day of June, 1555. At the same time three others were condemned, whose names... Outrages Committed In The Villages &c
We now quit Nismes to take a view of the conduct of the persecutors in the surrounding country. After the re-establishment of the royal government, the local authorities were distinguished for their zeal and forwardness in supporting their employers... Papal Persecutions
Thus far our history of persecution has been confined principally to the pagan world. We come now to a period, when persecution under the guise of christianity, committed more enormities than ever disgraced the annals of paganism. Disregarding the m... Perjury In The Case Of General Gilly &c
This catholic system of subornation and perjury was carried to such an infamous degree, that twenty-six witnesses were found to sign and swear, that on the 3d of April, 1815, general Gilly, with his own hand and before their eyes, took down the whit... Persecution In The Pays De Vaud
In the month of December, 1823, a letter was addressed by three young men, ministers of that canton, and subsequently signed by a few others, to the council of state, intimating a determination to withdraw from the established church, and requesting... Persecution Of The Christians By The Goths And Vandals
Many Scythian Goths having embraced Christianity about the time of Constantine the Great, the light of the gospel spread itself considerably in Scythia, though the two kings who ruled that country, and the majority of the people continued pagans. Fr... Persecution Of The Waldenses In France
Popery having brought various innovations into the church, and overspread the christian world with darkness and superstition, some few, who plainly perceived the pernicious tendency of such errors, determined to show the light of the gospel in its r... Persecution Of The Wesleyan Missionaries In The West Indies
The exertions of Christians to spread the truths of the gospel among the Africans in the West Indies, have met with much opposition from the white population. Moravian missionaries, at first, sold themselves as slaves, and laboured with the negroes ... Persecution Under Julian The Apostate
This emperor was the son of Julius Constantius, and the nephew of Constantine the Great. He studied the rudiments of grammar under the inspection of Mardomus, a eunuch, and a heathen of Constantinople. His father sent him some time after to Nicomedi... Persecutions And Oppressions In Georgia And Mingrelia
The Georgians, are christians, and being very handsome people, the Turks and Persians persecute them by the most cruel mode of taxation ever invented, namely, in lieu of money, they compel them to deliver up their children for the following purposes... Persecutions At Port Au Prince
The following extracts from the journal of Mr. St. Denis, and letters of Mr. Pressoir, members of the Methodist Society at Port au Prince, we copied from the Wesleyan Magazine. The first extracts are from the journal of Mr. St. Denis. On Sunday, ... Persecutions From About The Middle Of The Fifth To The Conclusion Of The Seventh Century
Proterius was made a priest by Cyril, bishop of Alexandria, who was well acquainted with his virtues, before he appointed him to preach. On the death of Cyril, the see of Alexandria was filled by Discorus, an inveterate enemy to the memory and famil... Persecutions From The Early Part Of The Eighth To Near The Conclusion Of The Tenth Century
Boniface, archbishop of Mentz, and father of the German church, was an Englishmen, and is, in ecclesiastical history, looked upon as one of the brightest ornaments of this nation. Originally, his name was Winfred, or Winfrith, and he was born at Kir... Persecutions In England During The Reign Of Queen Mary
The premature death of that celebrated young monarch, Edward the Sixth, occasioned the most extraordinary and wonderful occurrences, which had ever existed from the times of our blessed Lord and Saviour's incarnation in human shape. This melanchol... Persecutions In Switzerland From 1813 To 1830
The information contained in the following account of the persecution in Switzerland, is derived principally from the Christian Spectator and the London Christian Observer. Scarcely any country of Continental Europe, has excited so deep an intere... Persecutions In The Diocess Of Canterbury
In the year 1557, fifteen were imprisoned in the castle of Canterbury, five of whom perished of hunger. We now proceed to the account of the other ten; whose names were--J. Philpot, M. Bradbridge, N. Final, all of Tenterden; W. Waterer and T. Stephe... Persecutions In The Eleventh Century
Alphage, archbishop of Canterbury, was descended from a considerable family in Gloucestershire, and received an education suitable to his illustrious birth. His parents were worthy christians, and Alphage seemed to inherit their virtues. The see ... Persecutions Of The Albigenses
The Albigenses were a people of the reformed religion, who inhabited the country of Albi. They were condemned on the score of religion, in the council of Lateran, by order of Pope Alexander III. Nevertheless, they increased so prodigiously, that man... Persecutions Of The Christians In Persia
The gospel having spread itself into Persia, the pagan priests, who worshipped the sun, were greatly alarmed, and dreaded the loss of that influence they had hitherto maintained over the people's minds and properties. Hence they thought it expedient... Persecutions Of The French Protestants In The South Of France During The Years 1814 And 1820
The persecution in this protestant part of France continued with very little intermission from the revocation of the edict of Nantes, by Louis XIV. till a very short period previous to the commencement of the late French revolution. In the year 17... Persecutions Of The Wesleyan Methodists In St Domingo
We extract from the publications of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, the following account of the aggressions committed upon the Protestant population of Hayti, by the Roman Catholics of that Island, during the year 1824. ... Persecutions Under The Arian Heretics
The author of the Arian heresy was Arius, a native of Lybia, and a priest of Alexandria, who, in A. D. 318, began to publish his errors. He was condemned by a council of Lybian and Egyptian bishops, and that sentence was confirmed by the council of ... Petition Of The Protestant Refugees
To these reproaches it is proper to oppose the petition which the Protestant Refugees in Paris presented to Louis XVIII. in behalf of their brethren at Nismes. "We lay at your feet, sire, our acute sufferings. In your name our fellow-citizens are... Preservation Of George Crow And His Testament
This poor man, of Malden, May 26, 1556, put to sea, to lade in Lent with Fuller's earth, but the boat, being driven on land, filled with water, and every thing was washed out of her; Crow, however, saved his Testament, and coveted nothing else. With... Progress Of His Opinions
13. Spent most of the day in conversation with Asaad on the subject of religion. He had lately been much in company with the emir Sulman, and observed, that his prejudices against christianity were evidently much softened. 14. Conversed with Asaa... Public Statement Of Asaad Shidiak
Beyroot, March 1826. Respected Brethren and Friends,--Since many have heard a report, that I have become insane; and others, that I have become a heretic; I have wished to write an account of myself in few words, and then let every reflec... Queen Mary's Treatment Of Her Sister The Princess Elizabeth
The preservation of the princess Elizabeth may be reckoned a remarkable instance of the watchful eye which Christ had over his church. The bigotry of Mary regarded not the ties of consanguinity, of natural affection, of national succession. Her mind... R Bernard A Foster And R Lawson
The first was a labourer, and a single man, of Framsden, Suffolk. He was a shrewd, undaunted professor, and fearlessly replied to the bishop's questions. Adam Foster was a husbandman, married, aged 26, of Mendlesham, Suffolk. Refusing to go to churc... Rawlins White
Rawlins White was by his calling and occupation a fisherman, living and continuing in the said trade for the space of twenty years at least, in the town of Cardiff, where he bore a very good name amongst his neighbours. Though the good man was al... Removal Of The Prisoners To Oung-pen-la Mrs Judson Follows Them
"Notwithstanding the order the governor had given for my admittance into prison, it was with the greatest difficulty that I could persuade the under jailer to open the gate. I used to carry Mr. J's. food myself, for the sake of getting in, and would... Rev John Bland Rev John Frankesh Nicholas Shetterden And Humphrey Middleton
These Christian persons were all burnt at Canterbury for the same cause. Frankesh and Bland were ministers and preachers of the word of God, the one being parson of Adesham, and the other vicar of Rolvindon. Mr. Bland was cited to answer for his opp... Rev John Bradford And John Leaf An Apprentice
Rev. John Bradford was born at Manchester, in Lancashire; he was a good Latin scholar, and afterward became a servant of Sir John Harrington, knight. He continued several years in an honest and thriving way; but the Lord had elected him to a bett...