Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-04-17
Ridley and Latin.er ut the stake.

Nith VI tuN at tnt t9Dlt
no shade of the stake darkened his face or
saddened his talk. He invited the hostess TO
his marriage; her reply was burst of tears,
for which he child her AS if she were unwill-
ing to be present on go joyous an occasion,
saying at the same time, my breakfast may
be sharp, but | am sure my supper will be
most sweet" When he rose from table his
brother offered to watch with him all night
mo. no." replied he; II shall go to bed
and, God willing, shall sleep as quietly to-
night as ever did in my lfe." The place Of
execution was ditch by the north wall of the
town, over against Baliol College. Ridley
came first, dressed in his black furred gown
and velvet cap, walking between the mayor
and an alderman. As he passed Bocardo.
where Cranmer was csnfined, he looked up,
expecting to see the archbishop at the win
dow, and exchange final adieus with him
Cranmer, as Foxe informs us, was then en-
gagged in debate with a Spanish friar, but
learning soon after that his fellow prisoners
had passed to the stake, the archbishop
hurried To the roof of his prison, whence he
beheld their martyrdom and on his knees
begged God TO strengthenthem in their agony,
and to prepare him for his own. On his way
to the stake. Ridley saw Latimer following
him--the old man making what haste he
could. Ridley ran and folding him in his
'ibS. N'sstu uiui' rdy bt VI kbou uedIts
brother; for God will either assuage the fury
of the flames, or else strengthen us TO abide
it."
They kneeled down and prayed. each by
himself; afterwards they talked together a
little while. 'but what they said, says Foxe,
"I can learn of no man" After the sermon
usual on such occasions, both undressed for
the fire, Latimer, stripped by his keeper.
stood in a shroud With his garments hs
seemed to have put off the burden Of his
many years. His bent figure instantly
Strengthened, withered age was transformed
into what seemed vigorous manhood; and
standing bolt upright, he looked "as comely
father one might lightly behold" All
was now ready. An iron chain had been put
round the martyrs, and a staple driven in to
make it firm. The two were fastened at one
stake. lighted fagot was brought and laid
mt Ridley's feet. Then Latimcr addressed
his companion in words still fresh-atter three
ceDturies--as on the day on which they were
uttered: "Be of good comfort, Master Rid
ley, and play the man, we shall this day light
such candle, by Gods grace, IN England, a.
| trust shall never be put out The flames
blazed up rapidly and fiercely. Latimer
bent towards them, as if eager to embrace
those ministers. terrible only in appearance.
which were to give him exit from world ot
sorrow into the bliss eternal Stroking his
face with his hands, he speedily, and with liz.
tie pain departed. Not so Ridley. His suf-
ferings were protracted and severe. The
fagots piled high and solidly around him.
suiied the flames. and his lower extremities
were burned, while the upper part Of his body
was untouched, and his garments on one side
were hardly scorched. ~ cannot burn" he
said, 'let the fire come to me-" At last he
was understood; the upper fagots were pulled
away; the flames rose; Ridley leaned towards
them; and crying: Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit" his body turned over the iron chain,
the legs being already consumed, and he fell
at Latimer's feet.-The History Of Profes-
foaf,sm.