J. WILSON. 389 16. Eicasmi, seu Meditationes in Apocal. S. Jobannis, 1587.- 17. Papa Confutatus.-18. A brief Exhortation, to be read in the time of God's Visitation.-He published severaltranslations of the works of other learned men : but his most celebrated work is his " History of the Acts and Monuments of the Martyrs," commonly called " The Book of Martyrs." JOHN WiLsox was born in the parish of Kildwick in Yorkshire, and ordained deacon according to the order of the church of England ; when he obtaineda license from the Archbishop of York to preach at Skipton, in the same county. He was a pious, faithful, and useful preacher, but endured much severe usage for nonconformity. Arch- bishop Sandys receiving complaints against him, sent his pursuivant with all haste to apprehend him,and bring him before the high commission. Upon his appearance before their lordships, and inquiring what charges were alleged against him, he was told that he must obtain two sureties to be bound in two hundred pounds for his future appearance. Accordingly, he obtained the securities demanded, and, January 9, 1587, appeared again before the archbishop and other commissioners at Bishopsthorp, when he under- went the following examination : Archbishop. You are brought before us for certain disorders, contempts, and disobedience, by you committed, to which you must answer as they shall be objected against you. Dean. You must answer as truly as if you were sworn. A. He must be sworn, and answer upon his oath. Hold him abook, and let him take the oath. Wilson. If the law require me to be sworn, I am con- tented. But I think it doth not compel a man to accuse himself; and I hope I shall not be urged to do more than the law requireth. A. Ifyou refuse to be sworn, answer as you will ; but be sure, if I prove any thing against you which you deny, you shall smart for it. W. Letme have the law, and spare not. But because I mean to deny no truth objected against me, whether I be sworn or not, I am, therefore, contented to answer upon my oath. (He then took the oath.) A. Read the first article against him. Fathergill. You have taken upon you to execute The office of a minister for the space of three years, without any warrant so to do.
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