gospel to England once again, and
preserve the Lady Elizabeth to be queen; all which happened. When he
stood at the stake without the Bocardo-gate, Oxford, with Dr. Ridley,
and fire was putting to the pile of fagots, he raised his eyes
benignantly towards heaven, and said, "God is faithful, who doth not
suffer us to be tempted above our strength." His body was forcibly
penetrated by the fire, and the blood flowed abundantly from the heart;
as if to verify his constant desire that his heart's blood might be shed
in defence of the gospel. His polemical and friendly letters are lasting
monuments of his integrity and talents. It has been before said, that
public disputation took place in April, 1554, new examinations took
place in Oct. 1555, previous to the degradation and condemnation of
Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer. We now draw to the conclusion of the lives
of the two last.

Dr. Ridley, the night before execution, was very facetious, had himself
shaved, and called his supper a marriage feast; he remarked upon seeing
Mrs. Irish (the keeper's wife) weep, "though my breakfast will be
somewhat sharp, my supper will be more pleasant and sweet." The place of
death was on the north side of the town opposite Baliol College:--Dr.
Ridley was dressed in a black gown furred, and Mr. Latimer had a long
shroud on, hanging down to his feet. Dr. Ridley, as he passed Bocardo,
looked up to see Dr. Cranmer, but the latter was then engaged in
disputation with a friar.--When they came to the stake, Dr. Ridley
embraced Latimer fervently, and bid him be of good heart. He then knelt
by the stake, and after earnestly praying together, they had a short
private conversation. Dr. Smith then preached a short sermon against the
martyrs, who would have answered him, but were prevented by Dr. Marshal,
the vice-chancellor. Dr. Ridley then took off his gown and tippet, and
gave them to his brother-in-law, Mr. Shipside. He gave away also many
trifles to his weeping friends, and the populace were anxious to get
even a fragment of his garments. Mr. Latimer gave nothing, and from the
poverty of his garb, was soon stripped to his shroud, and stood
venerable and erect, fearless of death. Dr. Ridley being unclothed to
his shirt, the smith placed an iron chain about their waists, and Dr.
Ridley bid him fasten it securely; his brother having tied a bag of
gunpowder about his neck, gave some also to Mr. Latimer. Dr. Ridley then
requested of Lord Williams, of Fame