New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-03-26
RIDLEY 1ND LATIMER AT THE STAKE.
E,.om N.e Historu Of Protestantisn,.

From ne History Of Professionalism.
The night before his death Ridley supped with the
stake darkened his face saddened his talk. lie
invited the hostess to his marriage; her reply was
burst of tears, for which he child her as II she were
unwilling to be present on SO joyous an occasion.
sayng at the same time, MY breakfast may be
sharp. but am sure my supper VIII DE most sweet.
When he from table his brother offered to watch
with him all night. No. no." replied lie " shall
go bed and God willing shall sleep quietly to-
night a. ever did in my life" The place OF execu-
ton was a ditch by the north wall of the town. over
against BaoI 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 CTanmer was confined, he looked
up expecting TO SEQ the archbishop at the window,
and exchange final adleus with him. Cranmer. rs
Foxe informs us, then engaged IN debate with
Spanish rIaT but learning soon alter that his TEL
l0w-prisoners had passed to the stake, the arch
bishop hurried to the roof of his prison, whence he
beheld their marJyrdOm, and on his knees begged
God TO strengthen them III their agony, and 10 pre-
pare him for his own. On his way to the stake, Kid
lev saw Latimer following hlm--the Old man making
what haste he coud. Ridley ran and, folding him
IN his arms kissed him. saying: BE OF good heart,
brother; for God will either asSuage the Jury OF the
flames or else strengthen Us to abide It, .
They kneeled down and prayed, each by himself;
afterwards they talked together little while, but
what they said says toxe. 81 can learn of no
man" After the sermon usual on such occasions,
both undrcssed for the fire. Latlmer stripped by his
keeper stood in q shroud. With his garments he
seemed to have put off the burden OF his many years
Ills bent figure instantly Strengthened withered age
WAS transformed INTO what seemed vigorous man
ho"d and standing bolt upright he looked as
comey father as Que might lightly behold" All
was now ready. An iron chain had Deen put round
the martyrs and u staple driven in TO make Il firm.
The two were fastened at one stake A lighted
tagot was brought and laid at Rldleys feet: Then
atuer addressed his companion III words sui fresh
after three centunes-ls Oh the day on which they
were uttered " Be of good comfort, Master Ridley,
and play the man. we shall tins day uSht such q
candle, by Gods grace. i'll England as trust shall
never 6e put OUT The flames b!azed up rapidly
and tercely LatiIner bent towards them, AS If
eager to embrace those minister's terrible only In
appearance, which were to give him exit from a
wnrld of sorrow into the bliss eternal StrokIng his
face with his hands. he speedily, and with little
pam departed. Not so Ridley His suterings were
profracted and severe. The fagots piled high and
solidly around him. stihed the iames and his lower
eytreinlties we're burned, while the upper part OF
his body was untouched, and his garments on one
aide were hardly scorched cannot burn" ne
said /" let the nro come 10 me-" Al last no was an
derstood; the upper fagots were pulled away; the
flames rose; Ridley leaned towards them ana cry
ing: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" his body
turned over the iron chaln the legs being already
consumed and he fell at Latimers feet