paper, ink, books, and such-like, that great marvel it is how they could be able to write any one of these or others so excellent and worthy letters. For so hardly were they used (as I said afore), for the most part they could not end their letters begun: sometime for lack of ease, being so fettered with chains, and otherwise handled as you have heard sometime for lack of light, when they could neither see to write well, nor to read their letters again: and sometime through the hasty coming in of the keepers or officers, who left no corner nor bedstraw unsearched: yea, sometimes they were put to so hard shifts, that like as for lack of pens they were fain to write with the lead of the windows: so for want of ink they took their own blood (as yet it remaineth to be seen), and yet sometimes they were fain to tear and rend what they had written at the hasty coming in of the officers. Thus, thus unkindly, thus churlishly, thus cruelly and unnaturally were even they entreated and handled, whose most notable and godly writings are here set forth in this book. For the which, and such other monuments, great cause have we to praise God: which he himself hath preserved and brought to light, no doubt by his singular great providence, that hereby we, being taught to have his might, mercy, and merciful working, the more in reverent and thankful regard, might not only consider what heavenly strength and rich possession of constant faith, of ardent zeal, of quiet patience, o peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, he useth to arm them, that can find in their hearts to abhor all ungodliness both of doctrine and life: but also to join with them ourselves in such sort, that looking to Jesus our Captain, abiding the cross and despising the shame, as they did for the joy that was set before them, may with much quietness of a good conscience, end this our short course, to his glory, to the edifying of his church, to the confusion of Satan, to the hindrance of all false doctrine, and to our own eternal comfort in the same our Lord and alone Saviour Jesus Christ. To whom with the Father and Holy Ghost be all honour, all glory, all thanks, and all praise, world without end. Amen. |