The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1902-01-24
JOHN ROGERS, MARTYR.
Burned at the Stake in l5S4-A
Courageous Christian.


miles. 1t is here given for its histo
j interest, as we'll as on account of It
ligious inspiration that pervades t
'rses throughout.
John Rogers, minister of tie &C
j in London, was the first martyr
ueen Mary's reign, and was burnt
Feb. Ia, 1854. His wi
18th nine small children, and one at b
east. following him to the flames, wi
hich sorrowful fight he was not t
asst daunted, but with wonderful /
7nce, died courageously for the gosr
Jesus Christ.
Some few days before his death
rote the following advice to his ch
EN-:
Give ear, my children, to my words,
Whom God hath dearly bought,
Lay up his laws within your hearts,
And print them i'll your thoughts,
leave you here little book
For you to look upon,
That you may see your fathers face
When he is dead and gone,
Who for the hope of heavenly thiugs
While he did here remain,
Gave over all his golden years
To prison or to pain.
Where among my iron bands,
Enclosed i'll the dark,
Nor many days before my death.
Composed this little work.
And for example to your youth,
To whom wish all good,
send you here Gods perfect truth,
And seal it with my blood
To " Il my heirs of earthly things,
Whom do leave behind,
That you may read and understand
And keep it in your mind;
That as you have been heirs Of that
Which once shall wear away.
You also may POSSESS the part,
Which never shall decay.
Keep always God before your eyes.
With all your whole intent,
Commit no sin in any way,
Give honor to your mother dear,
Remember well her pain,
And recoinpense her in her age
With the like love again;
Be always ready for her help
And let her not decay,
Remember well your father all.
Who should have been your fay.
Give of your portion to the poor,
As riches..do arise,
And from the needy naked foul
Turn.not away your eyes
For he that doth not hear the cry,
OF these that stand i'll need,
Shall cry himself and not be heard,
When he doth hope to speed.
If God hath given you increase.
And blessed well your store,
Remember you were put in trust,
And should relieve The poor
Beware of foul and filthy lusts,
Let such things have NO place,
Keep clean your vessels in the. Lord
That he may.you. embrace.
We are the temples of the Lord,
For you are dearly bought,
And they that.do defle the same,
Shall surely come.to naught,
Be never proud by any means,
Build Not your house too high,
But.always. have before.your eyes
That you.were born to die
Defraud not him who hired Is
Your labor to sustain,
And pay him still without delay
His wages for his pain.
And as'you would thar other men
Against you should proceed,
Do you the same to them again
When they do stand in need,
Impart your portion to the poor
In money and i'll meat.
And send the feeble, fainting souls
of that which you do eat
Ask counsel always of the wife,
Give ear unto the end,
And ne'er refuse the sweet rebuke
OF him that is thy friend.
Be always thankful to the Lord
With prayer and with praise
Begging of him to bless your work,
And to direct your ways.
Seek first. say, the living God,
And always him adore
And then be sure that he will bless
Your basket and your store.
And beseech Almighty Cod
Replenish you with grace,
That may meet you i'll the heavens
Aud see you face to face.
And though the FIRE my body burns
Contrary to my kind,
That cannot enjoy your love
According to my mind;
Yet do hope that when the heavens
Shall vanish like scroll,
shall see you in perfect shape
In body and in soul,
And that may enjoy your love
And you enjoy the land,
do beseech the living Lord
To hold you in his hand.
Tho here my body be adjudged
In flaming FIRE to fry
My soul trust will straight ascend
TO live with God on high.
What though this carcass smart awhile
What though this life decay
My soul, hope, will be with God
And live with him for aye.
know am sinner born,
From the original,
And that do deserve to die
BY my forefather's fall
But by our Saviour's precious blood.
Which on the cross was split.
Who freely offered up his life,
To Sax,a O,,r ec,,t., e~.,,. @x,.,tt