value than his own was offered him, he would refuse it, saying,
I am content with what I have; and he frequently preached so forcibly
against simony, that many of his superiors, who were not so delicate
upon the subject, took umbrage at his doctrines upon that head.

Having been fully confirmed in protestantism by Dr. AEgidio, he preached
boldly such doctrines only as were agreeable to gospel purity, and
uncontaminated by the errors which had at various times crept into the
Romish church. For these reasons he had many enemies among the Roman
catholics, and some of them were fully determined on his destruction.

A worthy gentleman named Scobaria, having erected a school for divinity
lectures, appointed Dr. Constantine to be reader therein. He immediately
undertook the task, and read lectures, by portions, on the Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, and Canticles; and was beginning to expound the book of
Job, when he was seized by the inquisitors.

Being brought to examination, he answered with such precaution that they
could not find any explicit charge against him, but remained doubtful in
what manner to proceed, when the following circumstances occurred to
determine them.

Dr. Constantine had deposited with a woman named Isabella Martin several
books, which to him were very valuable, but which he knew, in the eyes
of the inquisition, were exceptionable.

This woman having been informed against as a protestant, was
apprehended, and, after a small process, her goods were ordered to be
confiscated. Previous, however, to the officers coming to her house, the
woman's son had removed away several chests full of the most valuable
articles; and among these were Dr. Constantine's books.

A treacherous servant giving intelligence of this to the inquisitors, an
officer was despatched to the son to demand the chests. The son,
supposing the officer only came for Constantine's books, said, I know
what you come for, and I will fetch them to you immediately. He then
fetched Dr. Constantine's books and papers, when the officer was greatly
surprised to find what he did not look for. He, however, told the young
man, that he was glad these books and papers were produced, but
nevertheless he must fulfil the end of his commission, which was, to
carry him and the goods he had embezzled before the inquisitors, which
he did accordingly; for the young man knew it would be in vain to
expostulate, or resist, and therefore quietly submitted to his fate.