Henry need, because the two gentlemen which were my friends, were able enough to VIII. testify what I should say.

A.D.

1545

to

1546.

Talk be

tween the

archdea

con and

her.

Rash

reproved.

Good council

given to

Anon after he went into his gallery with Master Spilman, and willed him in any wise that he should exhort me to utter all that I thought. In the meanwhile he commanded his archdeacon to commune with me, who said unto me, Mistress, wherefore are you accused and thus troubled here before the bishop?" To whom I answered again and said, 'Sir, ask, I pray you, my accusers; for I know not as yet.' Then took he my book out of my hand, and said, ' Such books as this, have brought you to the trouble that you are in. Beware,' said he, beware, for he that made this book, and was the author thereof, was a heretic, I warrant you, and burned in Smithfield.' And then I asked him, if he were certain and sure that it was true which he had spoken. And he said, he knew well the book was of John Frith's making. Then I asked him if he judgment were not ashamed to judge of the book before he saw it within, or yet knew the truth thereof. I said also, that such unadvised hasty judgment is a token apparent of a very slender wit. Then I opened the book and showed it him. He said he thought it had been another, for he could find no fault therein. Then I desired him no more to be so unadvisedly rash and swift in judgment, till he thoroughly knew the truth: and so he departed from me. Immediately after came my cousin Brittayne in, with divers others, as Master Talk be- Hall of Gray's Inn, and such other like. Then my lord of London persuaded my cousin Brittayne, as he had done oft before, which was, that I should utter the bottom of my heart in any wise. My lord said after that unto me, that he would I should credit the counsel of such as were my friends and well-willers in this behalf, which was, that I should utter all things that burdened my conscience; for he assured me, that I should not need to stand in doubt to say any thing. For, like as he promised them (he said), he promised me, and would perform it; which was, that neither he, nor any man for him, should take me at advantage for any word that I should speak: and therefore he bade me say my mind without fear. I answered him, that I had nought to say, for my conscience (I thanked God) was burdened with nothing.

the archdeacon.

tween

Anne Askew and

Bonner.

Bonner's similitude.

Bonner's first ob

jection against Anne Askew.

The second article.

Then brought he forth this unsavoury similitude; that if a man had a wound, no wise surgeon would minister help unto it before he had seen it uncovered. 'In like case,' saith he, 'can I give you no good counsel, unless I know wherewith your conscience is burdened.' I answered, that my conscience was clear in all things, and to lay a plaster unto the whole skin, it might appear much folly.

Then you drive me,' saith he, to lay to your charge your own report, which is this: you did say, He that doth receive the sacrament by the hands of an ill priest, or a sinner, receiveth the devil, and not God.' To that I answered, 'I never spake such words: but, as I said before, both to the quest and to my lord mayor, so say I now again, that the wickedness of the priest should not hurt me, but in spirit and faith I received no less than the body and blood of Christ.' Then said the bishop unto me, 'What saying is this, in spirit? I will not take you at that advantage.' Then I answered, My lord, without faith and spirit, I cannot receive him worthily.'

Then he laid unto me, that I should say, that the sacrament remaining in the pix, was but bread. I answered that I never said so; but indeed the quest asked me such a question, whereunto I would not answer (I said) till such a time as they had assoiled me this question of mine, Wherefore Stephen was stoned to death? They said, they knew not. Then said I again, no more would I tell them what it was.

Then said my lord unto me, that I had alleged a certain text of the Scripture. I answered that I alleged none other but St. Paul's own saying to the Athenians, in the 17th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands.' Then asked he me, what my faith and belief was in that matter? I answered him, I believe as the Scripture doth teach me.'

Then inquired he of me, What if the Scripture doth say, that it is the body of Christ?' I believe,' said I, as the Scripture doth teach me.' Then asked he again, 'What if the Scripture doth say, that it is not the body of Christ?' My answer was still, I believe as the Scripture informeth me.' And upon this argument he tarried a great while, to have driven me to make him an answer

Henry

VIII.

to his mind: howbeit, I would not, but concluded this with him, that I believed therein, and in all other things, as Christ and his holy apostles did leave them. Then he asked me, why I had so few words? And I answered, God hath A.D. given me the gift of knowledge, but not of utterance: and Solomon saith, That a woman of few words is the gift of God.' [Prov. ix. 13.]

1545

to

1546.

article.

Thirdly, my lord laid unto my charge, that I should say that the mass was superstitious, wicked, and no better than idolatry. I answered him, No, I said not so. Howbeit I say the quest did ask me whether private mass did The fifth relieve souls departed or no? Unto whom then I answered, O lord! what idolatry is this, that we should rather believe in private masses, than in the healthsome death of the dear Son of God?' Then said my lord again, ' What an answer is that!' Though it be but mean,' said I, ' yet is it good enough for the question.'

Then I told my lord, that there was a priest who did hear what I said there before my lord mayor and them. With that the chancellor answered, Who was the same priest? So she spake it in very deed,' saith he, 'before my lord mayor and me.'

Then were there certain priests, as Dr. Standish and others, which tempted me much to know my mind. And I answered them always thus: "That I said to my lord of London, I have said.' Then Dr. Standish desired my lord to Dr. Stanbid me say my mind concerning the same text of St. Paul's [I answered, dish's dethat it was against St. Paul's]1learning, that I, being a woman, should interpret the Scriptures; especially where so many wise learned men were.

Then my lord of London said, he was informed that one should ask of me,

if I would receive the sacrament at Easter, and I made a mock of it.

not.

mand.

Then I desired that mine accuser might come forth; which my lord would Anne AsBut he said again unto me, I sent one to give you good counsel, and at kew the first word you called him papist.' That I denied not, for I perceived he could not was no less, yet made I him none answer unto it.

have her accuser.

Lincoln

Then he rebuked me, and said that I should report, that there were bent The against me threescore priests at Lincoln. Indeed,' quoth I, 'I said so. For priests of my friends told me, if I did come to Lincoln, the priests would assault me, and against put me to great trouble, as thereof they had made their boast: and when I her. heard it, I went thither indeed, not being afraid, because I knew my matter to be good. Moreover I remained there nine days, to see what would be said unto me. And as I was in the minster, reading upon the Bible, they resorted unto me by two and two, by five and by six, minding to have spoken unto me, yet went they their ways again without words speaking.'

Then my lord asked if there were not one that did speak unto me. I told him, yes; that there was one of them at last, who did speak to me indeed. And my lord then asked me what he said? And I told him his words were of small effect, so that I did not now remember them. Then said my lord, 'There are many that read and know the Scripture, and yet follow it not, nor live thereafter.' I said again, My lord! I would wish that all men knew my conversation and living in all points; for I am sure myself this hour, that there are she none able to prove any dishonesty by me. If you know that any can do it, I standeth pray you bring them forth.' Then my lord went away, and said he would entitle somewhat of my meaning, and so he wrote a great circumstance: but what it was, I have not all in my memory; for he would not suffer me to have the copy thereof. Only do I remember this small portion of it:

upon her

honesty.

Askew's

Be it known,' saith he, of all men, that I, Anne Askew, do confess this to Bonner's be my faith and belief, notwithstanding many reports made afore to the con- misreport trary. I believe that they which are houseled at the hands of a priest, whether of Anne his conversation be good or not, do receive the body and blood of Christ in sub- contesstance really. Also, I do believe, that after the consecration, whether it be sion. received or reserved, it is no less than the very body and blood of Christ in substance. Finally, I do believe in this and all other sacraments of holy church in all points, according to the old catholic faith of the same. In witness whereof, I, the said Anne, have subscribed my name.'

There was somewhat more in it, which because I had not the copy, I cannot now remember. Then he read it to me, and asked me if I did agree to it. And I

(1) These words are supplied from 'The First Examinasyon of Anne Askew, with the Elucydacyon of Johan Bale.' (16mo. Marpurg. 1546), p. 32.-ED.

Henry
VIII.

A. D.

1545

said again, I believe so much thereof, as the holy Scripture doth agree unto: wherefore I desire you, that ye will add that thereunto.' Then he answered, that I should not teach him what he should write. With that he went forth into his great chamber and read the same bill before the audience, who inveigled and willed me to set to my hand; saying also, that I had favour showed me. Then said the bishop, I might thank others, and not myself, for the favour that I found at his hand; for he considered, he said, that I had good friends, and The tenor also that I came of a worshipful stock.

to

1546.

of Bonner's wri

ting, whereto

she sub

scribed.

The copy

of the bishop's report upon the confession of Anne As

kew, as it standeth in registers.

Then answered one Christopher, a servant unto Master Denny: 'Rather ought you, my lord, to have done it in such case for God's sake, than for man's.' Then my lord sat down, and took me the writing to set thereto my hand, and I wrote after this manner: 'I, Anne Askew, do believe all manner of things contained in the faith of the catholic church.'

And forasmuch as mention here is made of the writing of Bonner, which this godly woman said before she had not in memory, therefore I thought in this place to infer the same, both with the whole circumstance of Bonner, and with the title thereunto prefixed by the registrar, and also with her own subscription: to the intent the reader, seeing the same subscription neither to agree with the time of the title above prefixed, nor with the subscription after the writing annexed, might the better understand thereby what credit is to be given hereafter to such bishops, and to such registrars. The tenor of Bonner's writing proceedeth thus:

"The true Copy of the Confession and Belief of Anne Askew, otherwise called Anne Kyme, made before the Bishop of London, the twentieth day of March, in the year of our Lord God, after the computation of the Church of England, 1545; and subscribed with her own hand in the presence of the said bishop and others whose names hereafter are recited, set forth, and published at this present to the intent the world may see what credence is now to be given unto the same woman, who, in so short a time, hath so damnably altered and changed her opinion and belief; and therefore was rightly, in open court, arraigned and condemned."1

:

Be it known to all faithful people, that, as touching the blessed sacrament of the altar, I do firmly and undoubtedly believe, that after the words of consecration be spoken by the priest, according to the common usage of this church of England, there is present really the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, whether the minister which doth consecrate be a good man or a bad man; and that also, whensoever the said sacrament is received, whether the receiver be a good man or a bad man, he doth receive it really and corporally. And moreover, I do believe that, whether the said sacrament be then received of the minister, or else reserved to be put into the pix, or to be brought to any person that is impotent or sick, yet there is the very body and blood of our said Saviour; so that whether the minister, or the receiver, be good or bad, yea, whether the sacrament be received or reserved, always there is the blessed body of Christ really.

And this thing, with all other things touching the sacrament and other sacraments of the church, and all things else touching the christian belief, which are taught and declared in the king's majesty's book, lately set forth for the erudition of the christian people, I, Anne Askew, otherwise called Anne Kyme, do truly and perfectly believe; and so here presently confess and acknowledge. And here I do promise, that henceforth I shall never say or do any thing against the premises, or against any of them. In witness whereof, I, the said Anne, have subscribed my name unto these presents.

Written the 20th day of March, in the year of our Lord God 1545.3
By me, Anne Askew, otherwise called Aune Kyme.

Henry

VIII.

Witnesses: Edmund, bishop of London; John, bishop of Bath; Owen Oglethorp, doctor of divinity; Richard Smith, doctor of divinity; John Rudde, bachelor of divinity; William Pie, bachelor of divinity; John Wimsley, arch- A. D. deacon of London; John Cook; Robert John; Francis Spilman; Edward Hall; Alexander Bret; Edmund Buts, with divers others more being then present.

1546.

and

with an

Here mayest thou note, gentle reader, in this confession, both in Bonner the bishop and his register, a double sleight of false conveyance. For register although the confession purporteth the words of the bishop's writing, reproved whereunto she did set her hand, yet by the title prefixed before, untruth. mayest thou see that both she was arraigned and condemned before this was registered; and also, that she is falsely reported to have put to her hand, which indeed, by this her own book, appeareth not so to be, but after this manner and condition: "I, Anne Askew, do believe all manner of things contained in the faith of the catholic church, and not otherwise." It followeth more in the story:

against

Then, because I did add unto it 'the catholic church,' he flung into his chamber Bonner in a great fury. With that, my cousin Brittayne followed, desiring him, for God's in a chafe sake, to be good lord unto me. He answered, that I was a woman, and that Anne he was nothing deceived in me. Then my cousin Brittayne desired him to take Askew. me as a woman, and not to set my weak woman's wit to his lordship's great wisdom.

Then went in unto him Dr. Weston, and said, that the cause why I did write Dr. Westhere the catholic church, was, that I understood not the church written afore. ton. So, with much ado, they persuaded my lord to come out again, and to take my name, with the names of my sureties, which were my cousin Brittayne, and Master Spilman of Gray's Inn.

brought

hall.

This being done, we thought that I should have been put to bail immediately, Anne according to the order of the law: how beit he would not suffer it, but committed Askew me from thence to prison again until the next morrow, and then he willed me to the to appear in the Guildhall, and so I did. Notwithstanding they would not put guildme to bail there neither, but read the bishop's writing unto me, as before, and so commanded me again to prison. Then were my sureties appointed to come before them on the next morrow, in Paul's church, which did so indeed. Bailed at Notwithstanding, they would once again have broken off with them, because last under they would not be bound also for another woman, at their pleasure, whom they sureties, knew not, nor yet what matter was laid unto her charge! Notwithstanding at much the last, after much ado and reasoning to and fro, they took a bond of them of ado. recognisance for my forth-coming: and thus I was at the last delivered. Written by me, Anne Askew.

The latter Apprehension and Examination of the worthy Martyr of
God, Mistress Anne Askew, A.d. 1546.

I do perceive, dear friend in the Lord, that thou art not yet persuaded thoroughly in the truth concerning the Lord's supper, because Christ said unto his apostles, Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you.'

with

Anne

words of our Sa

In giving forth the bread as an outward sign or token to be received with the Adeclaramouth, he minded them in perfect belief to receive that body of his which should tion of die for the people, and to think the death thereof to be the only health and Askew of salvation of their souls. The bread and the wine were left us for a sacramental these communion, or a mutual participation of the inestimable benefits of his most precious death and blood-shedding, and that we should, in the end thereof, be viour, thankful together for that most necessary grace of our redemption. For, in the This is closing up thereof he said thus, 'This do ye in remembrance of me: yea, so oft my body. as ye shall eat it or drink it.' Else should we have been forgetful of that we ought to have in daily remembrance, and also have been altogether unthankful for it. Therefore it is meet that in our prayers we call unto God to graft in our (1) Luke xxii. 19. 1 Cor. xi. 25.

Henry foreheads the true meaning of the Holy Ghost concerning this communion. VIII. For St. Paul saith, The letter slayeth; the Spirit is it only that giveth life."1 A.D. Mark well the sixth chapter of John, where all is applied unto faith: note also 1546. the fourth chapter of St. Paul's second Epistle to the Corinthians, and in the end thereof ye shall find, that 'the things which are seen are temporal, but they that are not seen are everlasting.' Yea, look in Hebrews iii., and ye shall find that Christ as a son (and no servant) ruleth over his house, 'whose house are we,' and not the dead temple, if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of that hope to the end." Wherefore,' as said the Holy Ghost, 'To-day if ye shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts,' &c.

3

The sum of my Examination before the King's Council at Greenwich.

4

Your request as concerning my prison-fellows I am not able to satisfy, because I heard not their examinations. But the effect of mine was this: I, being before the council, was asked of Master Kyme. I answered, that my lord chancellor knew already my mind in that matter. They with that answer were not contented, but said it was the king's pleasure that I should open the matter unto them. I answered them plainly, I would not so do; but if it were the king's pleasure to hear me, I would show him the truth. Then they said, it was not meet for the king to be troubled with me. I answered, that Solomon was reckoned the wisest king that ever lived, yet misliked he not to hear two poor common women, much more his grace a simple woman and his faithful subject. So, in conclusion, I made them none other answer in that matter. Then my lord chancellor asked of me my opinion in the sacrament. My answer was this, I believe that so oft as I, in a christian congregation, do receive the bread in remembrance of Christ's death, and with thanksgiving, according to his holy institution, I receive therewith the fruits, also, of his most glorious passion. The bishop of Winchester bade me make a direct answer: I said, I would not sing a new song of the Lord in a strange land. Then the bishop Winches- said, I spake in parables. I answered, it was best for him, for if I show the open truth,' quoth I, 'ye will not accept it.' Then he said I was a parrot. I told him again, I was ready to suffer all things at his hands, not only his rebukes, but all that should follow besides, yea, and all that gladly.

Parables

best for

ter: he beginneth to scold.

Anne
Askew

brought
again be

fore the council.

Winches

ter answered home.

Then had I divers rebukes of the council, because I would not express my mind in all things as they would have me. But they were not in the mean time unanswered for all that, which now to rehearse were too much, for I was with them there about five hours. Then the clerk of the council conveyed me from thence to my lady Garnish.

The next day I was brought again before the council. Then would they needs know of me what I said to the sacrament. I answered, that I already had said what I could say. Then, after divers words, they bade me go by. Then came my lord Lisle, my lord of Essex, and the bishop of Winchester, requiring me earnestly that I should confess the sacrament to be flesh, blood, and bone. Then, said I, to my lord Parre and my lord Lisle, that it was a great shame for them to counsel contrary to their knowledge. Whereunto, in few words, they did say, that they would gladly all things were well.

Then the bishop said he would speak with me familiarly. I said, 'So did Judas, when he unfriendly betrayed Christ.' Then desired the bishop to speak with me alone. But that I refused. He asked me, why. I said, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter should stand, after Christ's and Paul's doctrine."

Then my lord chancellor began to examine me again of the sacrament. Then I asked him how long he would halt on both sides. Then would he needs know The lord where I found that. I said, in the Scripture. Then he went his way. Then the bishop said I should be burned. I answered, that I had searched all the Scriptures, yet could I never find that either Christ, or his apostles, put any creature to death. 'Well, well,' said I, 'God will laugh your threatenings

chan

cellor mute.

(1) 2 Cor. iii. 6.

(2) Heb. iii. 14.

(3) Psalm xev. 7, 8.

(4) Concerning that which they here demanded, as touching Master Kyme, read in the century of John Bale writing upon this place. [See the Lattre Examinatyon of Anne Askew, with the Elucydacyon of Johan Bale, (16mo. Marpurg. 1547), p. 15.-ED.]

(5) This lord chancellor was Wrisley or Wriothesley.
(6) Matt. xviii. 16. Cor. xiii. i.

(7) 1 Kings xviii. 21.