Foxe's Book of Martyrs: Select Narratives (Oxford World's Classics) by Foxe John

Author:Foxe, John [Foxe, John]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2009-03-12T04:00:00+00:00

12. The martyrdom of Thomas Haukes, Coggeshall, Essex

13. JOHN BRADFORD AND JOHN LEAF

The history of the worthy martyr and servant of

God, Master John Bradford, with his life and acts,

and sundry conflicts, with his adversaries, and

martyrdom at length most constantly suffered for the

testimony of Christ and his truth.

As touching first the country and education of John Bradford, he was born at Manchester in Lancashire. His parents did bring 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 in some honest condition. Then he became servant to Sir John Harington* knight, who in the great affairs of King Henry the eighth and King Edward the sixth which he had in hand when he was Treasurer of the King’s camps and building, at diverse times in Boulogne, had such experience of Bradford’s activity in writing, of expertness in the art of auditors, and also of his faithful trustiness, that not only in those affairs, but in many other of his private business he trusted Bradford, in such sort that above all other he used his faithful service.

July 1. The history of Master John Bradford, martyr.

Sir John Harington, knight.

Thus continued Bradford certain years in a right honest and good trade of life, after the course of this world, like to come forward (as they say) if his mind could so have liked, or had been given to the world as many other be. But the Lord which had elected him unto a better function, and preordained him to preach the gospel of Christ in that hour of grace which in his secret counsel he had appointed, called this his chosen child, to the understanding and partaking of the same gospel of life. In which call, he was so truly taught, that forthwith his effectual call was perceived by the fruits. For then Bradford did forsake his worldly affairs and forwardness in worldly wealth, and after the just accompt given to his master of all his doings, he departed from him, and with marvellous favour 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 which his purpose to accomplish the better, he departed from the Temple at London, where the temporal law is studied, 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 godly conversation so pleased all men, that within one whole year after that he had been there, the University did give him the degree of a Master of Art.

The trusty service of John Bradford under Master Harington.

Bradford called to the gospel.

Bradford giveth himself to the study of scripture.

Immediately after the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall did give him a fellowship in their College with them: yea that man of God Martin Bucer*

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