John Rogers

On Monday morning, the 4th of February, Mr. Rogers was awakened from a sound sleep by the keeper's wife, who warned him to make haste in preparing himself for his latter end. If it be so, said he, I need not tie my points. He was then taken before bishop Bonner, who degraded him. Here he requested the bishop that his wife might be allowed to speak with him before he suffered. This small favor being also denied him, he added, you thus evidence the extent of your charity! The 'hour arrived, Rogers was brought out of Newgate, and delivered up to the sheriffs of London. One of them said, Mr. Rogers, Will you revoke your abominable doctrine, and your evil opinion of the sacrament of the altar? What I have preached, said Mr. Rogers, I am ready to seal with my blood. Then thou art an heretic, said the sheriff. That will be known, said Rogers, at the last judgment. Well, said the sheriff, I will not pray for thee. But I will pray for thee, said Mr. Rogers; and so proceeded towards Smithfield, reciting the 51st Psalm; while the people, rejoicing at his steadfastness, gave thanks to God for the fortitude with which he inspired him. His wife, with ten children by her side, and one at her breast, met him by the way, being the only opportunity left of ever seeing one another in this life; and though it is difficult even to imagine any thing more tender and affecting than this parting scene, this last adieu to a beloved wife, and so numerous an offspring, all in tears; he stood the shock with the feelings of a father and husband, but with the unshaken confidence of a Christian hero. When he came to the stake, having been indulged to speak only a few words, he very briefly admonished the people to hold fast the doctrines he had taught them, and for which he was now about to deliver up his body to the flames, as an evidence of his belief of their truth and infinite importance. He was again offered a pardon on condition of recanting. This he again rejected with Christian magnanimity, and suffered with the most astonishing patience, washing his hands, as it were, in the flames, and ejaculating with his last breath, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit