The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-05-24
Ridley and Latimer at the Stake

The night before his death Ridley sup
ped with the family of the mayor. At
the table no shade of the stake darkened
his face or saddened his talk. He in
vited his hostess to his marriage her
reply was burst of tears, for which he
child her as if she were unwilling to be
present on so 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 the
table his brother offered to watch with
him all night. No, no, - replied he; al
shall go to bed and (God wiling shall
sleep as quietly tonight as ever did in
my life. >" The place of execution was a
ditch by the north wall of the town, over
against Ballot 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 confined
he looked up, expecting to see the arch
bishop at the window, and exchange final
adieus with him. Cranmer, as Foxe in
forms us, was then engaged in debate
with 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 beg
ged God to strengthen them in their
agony, and to prepare him for His own.
On his way to the stake, Ridley saw
Latlmer following him-the old man
making what haste he could. Ridley ran
and, folding him in his arms, kissed him.
saying, " Be of good heart, brother for
God will either assuage the fury of the
fiamesj or else strengthen us to abide it."
They kneeled down and prayed each
by himself; afterwards they talked to-
gether little while, "but what they
said, says Foxe, l can learn of no man. -
Alter the sermon usual on such occasions.
both undressed for the fire. Latimer,
stripped by his keeper, stood in a shroud.
With his garments he seemed to have
put off the burden of his many wears.
His bent figure instantly Strengthened,
Wlthered age was transformed into what
seemed vigorous manhood and standing
bolt upright, he looked "as comely a
father as one might lightly behold" All
was now ready. An iron chain had been
put around the martyrs, and staple
driven in to make it firm The two were
fastened to one stake A lighted fagot
was brought and placed at Ridley feet.
Then Latimer addressed his companion
IN words still iresh-aiter three centu-
ries-as on the day on which they were
uttered Be of good comfort. Master
Ridley, and play the man we shall this
day light such candle, by Gods grace,
IN England, as l trust shall never be put
out. The flames blazed up rapidly and
tiercely. Latimer bent towards them, as
If eager to embrace those ministers, ter
rlble only in appearance, which were to
give him exit from world of sorrow into
the bliss eternal. Stroking his face with
his hands, he speedily and with little pain
departed. Not so Ridley. His suffer.
lngs were protracted and severe. The
fagots piled high and solidly around him.
stltied the flames, and his lower extreni.
ties were burned, while the upper part
OF his body was untouched and his gar
ments on one side were badly scorched.
l 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 nv
spirit j. his body turned over the iron
chain, the legs being already consumed
and he fell at Latimer's feet From the
HJStOy/ of PTOtest0Itis0l