aised up like unto thyself, privileged as thou art to
minister the bread of life to the hungry and famishing poor in this
barren corner of God's spiritual vineyard."

"And yet," replied Marsh, "I ought with all boldness to confess the
truth, fearing not to answer for the hope that is in me; and why should
I refuse to obey the commands of those who are in authority? for the
magistrate beareth not the sword in vain."

"Truly, obedience were his right, if so be this were some righteous
judge raised up of God for the punishment of evil-doers. But, as thou
well knowest, the justice thou shalt demand will not be rendered: the
summons thou hast received to answer on doctrinal and disputed points,
and to argue them before these wicked and crafty men, as touching thy
belief, are but manifest excuses to get thee into their power, from
which they mean not to liberate thee but by the fire that shall consume
thy body, and free it for ever from their murderous gripe. Thou knowest,
too, that Sir Roger beareth thee a malice, and hath used all subtlety
that he might have wherewith to seek occasion against thee. Didst thou
not rebuke him openly for his irreverence, when that he must needs play
with his puppy, that had its collar full of bells, during God's holy
service--that comfortable form of worship established and publicly
taught in the lifetime of our last good King Edward, and not this
papistical, idolatrous mass which they now use, to the eternal ruin of
both soul and body? No mercy shalt thou have at their hands. And doth
our blessed Master require of us that we give our bodies up to these
wicked and malignant deceivers, that their devilish pleasure may be
glutted in torturing and spitefully using us, while they go about
putting innocent men to cruel and shameful deaths? As soon would He
require that we should yield our bodies up to Satan and his angels."

"I know not how to answer thee, Bradshaw, in this matter; but my mind
misgives me in taking so hasty a departure from our suffering and
afflicted realm. Yet will we ask counsel of Him who guideth the weak,
and will not suffer us to be tempted beyond measure."

Whereat these persecuted disciples did unite in prayer to that throne
before which, having finished their earthly warfare, they now stand with
crowns of victory on their foreheads, purified from this gross
mortality. Marsh, much comforted by the exercise, doubted not that,
according to his faith, wisdom and direction w