Her gloomy bigotry caused
that two hundred and seventy-seven persons should be committed to
the flames, including prelates, private clergymen, laymen of all
ranks, women, and even children.
Among the number were archbishop Cranmer, bishops Ridley. Latimer,
and Hooper, John Rogers, John Bradford, and John Philpot.
Bishops Latimer and Ridley were burnt together. When they came to
the stake, Dr. Ridley embraced Latimer fervently, and bade him be of
good heart; he then knelt by the stake, and after earnestly praying
together, they had a short private conversation. A lighted fagot was
laid at Dr. Ridley's feet, which caused the other to say, "Be of
good cheer, Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day, by God's
grace, light up such a candle in England, as I trust will never be
put out." When Dr. Ridley saw the flame approaching him, he
exclaimed, "Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Latimer
ceased not to say, "O Father of heaven, receive my soul."
Sanders, another martyr, was offered a pardon; but he rejected it,
and embraced the stake, saying, "Welcome the cross of Christ!
welcome, everlasting life!" Fox's Book of Martyrs and Hume's Hist.
Eng] days here at home, there were such sweet songs sung in the
fire, such sweet notes answering them from prison, and such
providences, like coals of burning fire, still dropping here and
there upon the heads of those that hated God, that it might, and
douhtless did, make those that did wisely consider of God's doings,
think God was yet near in behalf of his despised and afflicted
people.
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