"Let us not turn the clock back and return to Egypt. Let us have no peace
with Rome - until Rome abjures her errors, and is at peace with Christ.
Until Rome does that, the vaunted reunion of Western churches, which s
some talk of, and press upon our notice, is an insult to Christianity."
The Words of Bishop J.C. Ryle.
God's Curse Upon Those Who Rebuild
Jericho (by C.H. Spurgeon)
"Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho." Joshua 6:26
Since he was cursed who rebuilt Jericho - how much more will God curse the man who labours to restore Popery amongst us.
In our fathers' days, the gigantic walls of Popery fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets.
Yet nowadays there are those who wish to rebuild that accursed system upon its old foundations.
O Lord, be pleased to thwart their unrighteous endeavours, and pull down every stone which they build.
It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error which may have a tendency to foster the spirit of Popery, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decided testimony.
We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome.
We must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in olden times.
We must ensure that the light of the gospel spreads throughout the length and breadth of this land - because priests (like owls) hate daylight.
Are we doing all that we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, then our negligence plays directly into the hands of priestcraft.
The Word of God is a powerful bane and poison against the forces of Popery - therefore what are we doing to spread the Bible and place a copy of it in the hands of everyone throughout the world?
Are we 'casting abroad' and distributing good, sound gospel writings?
As Martin Luther once said, "The devil hates goose quills" - and doubtless he has good reason to do do, because ready writers (by the Holy Spirit's blessing) have done much damage to the kingdom of darkness.
If those who read these words will diligently work to hinder the rebuilding of Satan's accursed Jericho (i.e. Popery) - then we can expect to see the glory of God shine forth amongst the sons of men.
Reader, what can you do? What will you do?
In our fathers' days, the gigantic walls of Popery fell by the power of their faith, the perseverance of their efforts, and the blast of their gospel trumpets.
Yet nowadays there are those who wish to rebuild that accursed system upon its old foundations.
O Lord, be pleased to thwart their unrighteous endeavours, and pull down every stone which they build.
It should be a serious business with us to be thoroughly purged of every error which may have a tendency to foster the spirit of Popery, and when we have made a clean sweep at home we should seek in every way to oppose its all too rapid spread abroad in the church and in the world. This last can be done in secret by fervent prayer, and in public by decided testimony.
We must warn with judicious boldness those who are inclined towards the errors of Rome.
We must instruct the young in gospel truth, and tell them of the black doings of Popery in olden times.
We must ensure that the light of the gospel spreads throughout the length and breadth of this land - because priests (like owls) hate daylight.
Are we doing all that we can for Jesus and the gospel? If not, then our negligence plays directly into the hands of priestcraft.
The Word of God is a powerful bane and poison against the forces of Popery - therefore what are we doing to spread the Bible and place a copy of it in the hands of everyone throughout the world?
Are we 'casting abroad' and distributing good, sound gospel writings?
As Martin Luther once said, "The devil hates goose quills" - and doubtless he has good reason to do do, because ready writers (by the Holy Spirit's blessing) have done much damage to the kingdom of darkness.
If those who read these words will diligently work to hinder the rebuilding of Satan's accursed Jericho (i.e. Popery) - then we can expect to see the glory of God shine forth amongst the sons of men.
Reader, what can you do? What will you do?
The above article was taken from 'Morning & Evening' (by C.H. Spurgeon) - a devotional reading for 29th May.
THOMAS DROWRY
The Poor Blind Boy Who Was Martyred During the English Reformation.
"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
Words like these from Scripture were of great comfort and encouragement to evangelical Christians during the 'killing times' of the Reformation when Roman Catholicism sought to destroy all who dared to disagree with it.
Queen Mary was on the throne and spread much unhappiness and terror throughout the nation of England.
She was nicknamed ‘Bloody Mary’ due to the large number of evangelical Christians that she had murdered in the name of restoring Roman Catholic power in England.
During her reign, over 300 Protestants were burned at the stake and a further 100 were starved to death in prison.
When the great Protestant martyr and hero of the English Reformation, Bishop Hooper, was in jail and about to be burned at the stake - a young blind boy prevailed upon a prison guard to let him meet the good bishop.
That boy’s name was Thomas Drowry.
Like Bishop Hooper, Thomas had been thrown into prison for believing the great truths of the Protestant Reformation.
Hooper looked upon him steadfastly, with tears in his eyes, and said,
"Ah! Poor boy. God hath taken from thee thy outward sight, for what reason He best knoweth; but He hath endued thy soul with the eye of knowledge and faith. God give thee grace continually to pray unto Him, that thou lose not that sight, for thou wouldst then be blind both in body and soul."
How often or how long Thomas had endured imprisonment for the truth’s sake is not known, but we do have access to a significant amount of information about his 'final examination' when he was brought before Chancellor Williams of Gloucester.
Chancellor Williams was a former Protestant who had recanted his faith and returned to Roman Catholicism when its power began to rise during Queen Mary’s reign.
He was an exceptionally ruthless and cruel man who 'knew what side his bread was buttered on'.
Williams basked in his reputation as a bloodthirsty and fanatical servant of the Vatican.
At young Thomas' trial, Williams showed no mercy and chose to lead the attack.
He urged Thomas to reject the Reformation and bend the knee to Rome’s teaching on the mass:
"Dost thou not believe that, after the words of consecration spoken by the priest, there remaineth the very real body of Christ in the sacrament of that altar?"
"No," answered the blind boy, "that I do not."
"Then," said the Chancellor, "Thou art a heretic, and shalt be burned. But who taught you this heresy?"
“You, Master Chancellor."
"Where, I pray thee?"
"Even in yonder place," replied the boy, turning and pointing with his hands towards where the pulpit stood.
The Chancellor again inquired, "When did I teach thee so?"
Thomas answered, ‘When you preached there a sermon to all men, as well as me, upon the sacrament. You said the sacrament was to be received spiritually, by faith, and not carnally and really, as the Papists have heretofore taught."
The shameless, cowardly apostate Chancellor replied, "Then do as I have done, and thou shalt live, as I do, and escape burning."
The blind boy replied: “Though you can easily dispense with yourself, and mock God, the world, and your conscience, yet I will not do so."
"Then God have mercy upon thee," hissed the Chancellor, "for I will read the condemnation sentence against thee."
"God’s will be fulfilled!" answered the young martyr.
Upon which, the registrar, moved with the scene, arose and said to Williams, "Fie, for shame, man! Will you read the sentence against him, and condemn yourself? Away, away, and substitute some other to give sentence and judgment."
"No, registrar," said the twisted, hardened man; "I will obey the law, and give sentence myself according to mine office."
He duly did so.
On that very same day, Thomas the blind boy was burned at the stake in Gloucester, together with a poor bricklayer.
Closing their eyes in this world, they opened them in God’s eternity and entered into the rest of the Lord.
When he entered Heaven, Thomas was no longer blind. The first face that he saw was the face of Jesus Christ.
Words like these from Scripture were of great comfort and encouragement to evangelical Christians during the 'killing times' of the Reformation when Roman Catholicism sought to destroy all who dared to disagree with it.
Queen Mary was on the throne and spread much unhappiness and terror throughout the nation of England.
She was nicknamed ‘Bloody Mary’ due to the large number of evangelical Christians that she had murdered in the name of restoring Roman Catholic power in England.
During her reign, over 300 Protestants were burned at the stake and a further 100 were starved to death in prison.
When the great Protestant martyr and hero of the English Reformation, Bishop Hooper, was in jail and about to be burned at the stake - a young blind boy prevailed upon a prison guard to let him meet the good bishop.
That boy’s name was Thomas Drowry.
Like Bishop Hooper, Thomas had been thrown into prison for believing the great truths of the Protestant Reformation.
Hooper looked upon him steadfastly, with tears in his eyes, and said,
"Ah! Poor boy. God hath taken from thee thy outward sight, for what reason He best knoweth; but He hath endued thy soul with the eye of knowledge and faith. God give thee grace continually to pray unto Him, that thou lose not that sight, for thou wouldst then be blind both in body and soul."
How often or how long Thomas had endured imprisonment for the truth’s sake is not known, but we do have access to a significant amount of information about his 'final examination' when he was brought before Chancellor Williams of Gloucester.
Chancellor Williams was a former Protestant who had recanted his faith and returned to Roman Catholicism when its power began to rise during Queen Mary’s reign.
He was an exceptionally ruthless and cruel man who 'knew what side his bread was buttered on'.
Williams basked in his reputation as a bloodthirsty and fanatical servant of the Vatican.
At young Thomas' trial, Williams showed no mercy and chose to lead the attack.
He urged Thomas to reject the Reformation and bend the knee to Rome’s teaching on the mass:
"Dost thou not believe that, after the words of consecration spoken by the priest, there remaineth the very real body of Christ in the sacrament of that altar?"
"No," answered the blind boy, "that I do not."
"Then," said the Chancellor, "Thou art a heretic, and shalt be burned. But who taught you this heresy?"
“You, Master Chancellor."
"Where, I pray thee?"
"Even in yonder place," replied the boy, turning and pointing with his hands towards where the pulpit stood.
The Chancellor again inquired, "When did I teach thee so?"
Thomas answered, ‘When you preached there a sermon to all men, as well as me, upon the sacrament. You said the sacrament was to be received spiritually, by faith, and not carnally and really, as the Papists have heretofore taught."
The shameless, cowardly apostate Chancellor replied, "Then do as I have done, and thou shalt live, as I do, and escape burning."
The blind boy replied: “Though you can easily dispense with yourself, and mock God, the world, and your conscience, yet I will not do so."
"Then God have mercy upon thee," hissed the Chancellor, "for I will read the condemnation sentence against thee."
"God’s will be fulfilled!" answered the young martyr.
Upon which, the registrar, moved with the scene, arose and said to Williams, "Fie, for shame, man! Will you read the sentence against him, and condemn yourself? Away, away, and substitute some other to give sentence and judgment."
"No, registrar," said the twisted, hardened man; "I will obey the law, and give sentence myself according to mine office."
He duly did so.
On that very same day, Thomas the blind boy was burned at the stake in Gloucester, together with a poor bricklayer.
Closing their eyes in this world, they opened them in God’s eternity and entered into the rest of the Lord.
When he entered Heaven, Thomas was no longer blind. The first face that he saw was the face of Jesus Christ.
He was ready to die because he was saved. Can the same be said of you?
You need to know this............
God is holy, but we’re not.
If that is all there was to it, He could solve it all very easily indeed and just send us all to Hell.
Fortunately for us however, God is loving as well as holy.
He loves us despite the fact that we are sinners.
He wants us to go to Heaven, therefore He sent Jesus to take our sins away.
Do you want this?
It can be yours if you want it.
How do you receive it?
You must be saved.
How do you get saved?
You receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal, one and only Saviour - placing all of your trust in Him (and Him alone) for entry into Heaven.
Please click here for more information about how to make sure that you are going to Heaven.
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11:32-38).
God is holy, but we’re not.
If that is all there was to it, He could solve it all very easily indeed and just send us all to Hell.
Fortunately for us however, God is loving as well as holy.
He loves us despite the fact that we are sinners.
He wants us to go to Heaven, therefore He sent Jesus to take our sins away.
Do you want this?
It can be yours if you want it.
How do you receive it?
You must be saved.
How do you get saved?
You receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal, one and only Saviour - placing all of your trust in Him (and Him alone) for entry into Heaven.
Please click here for more information about how to make sure that you are going to Heaven.
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11:32-38).
WILLIAM HUNTER
The Boy Martyr & The Miracle of the Sunshine
In Brentwood (Essex), a large monument stands with the following words on it:
"William Hunter. Martyr. Committed to the Flames March 26th 1555.
Christian Reader, learn from his example to value the privilege
of an open Bible. And be careful to maintain it."
"William Hunter. Martyr. Committed to the Flames March 26th 1555.
Christian Reader, learn from his example to value the privilege
of an open Bible. And be careful to maintain it."
William Hunter was a young boy who loved the Word of God. Whilst reading it, he received the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour and was gloriously saved.
Unfortunately, the agents of Roman Catholicism caught him as he was reading his Bible. They dragged him before the judges and demanded that he be put to death as a heretic.
At his trial, Master Brown (one of the RC prosecutors) tried to ask William Hunter difficult questions, hoping to trick him into making a fool of himself. Fortunately however, William held his ground and was able to answer all of Brown's questions.
It soon became obvious that William was running rings around Brown. The longer the questioning continued - the deeper Brown's humiliation became. With his pride and ego sunk, he quickly became flustered and flew into a rage. Not being able to win the argument, he took William’s Bible and threw it on to the floor.
In response to this tirade, William asked Brown to either hear him quietly (and allow him to answer for himself) or dismiss him from the court.
Upon hearing this, Brown announced that William would be sent to Bishop Bonner (the RC Bishop of London). Bonner commanded his men to put William in stocks for two days and nights with only a crust of bread and a cup of water.
At the end of the two days, Bonner came to him. The cup of water and the crust of bread were untouched.
Bonner demanded that William recant his evangelical faith, but he refused.
After threatening to burn him at the stake, Bonner commanded that William be taken to a convict’s prison and placed in irons.
In response, William said: "God strengthen me in His truth.”
Despite everything, William still refused to recant his evangelical faith – therefore he was condemned to be burned at the stake.
On the night before his execution, he met with his Father and Mother.
On the day of his execution, the Sheriff’s son came to William, took him by the right hand and said: “William, be not afraid of these men who are here present, with blows, bills, and weapons prepared to bring you to the place where you shall be burned.”
William answered: “I thank God that I am not afraid, for I have already taken account of what it will cost me.”
At this, the Sheriff's son wept so heavily that he couldn’t continue the conversation any further.
William Hunter went cheerfully to the stake, the Sheriff's servant taking him by one arm, and his brother by the other.
While on his way he met his Father, who spoke to his son, weeping and saying: “God be with thee, son William”; and William answered: “God be with you, good father, and be of good comfort; for I hope we shall meet again when we shall be happy.”
His Father said: “I hope so, William.”
Then William went to the place of execution, but the stake wasn’t ready, so he kneeled down and publically read from Psalm 51.
The Sheriff then came to him and said: “Here is a letter from the Queen. If thou wilt recant, thou shalt live; if not thou shalt be burned.”
Answering him, William said: “No, I will not recant, God willing.”
He was then chained to the stake.
William turned to the massive crowd that had assembled around the stake and said: “Good People, pray for me; and make speed and despatch me quickly; and pray for me while you see me alive, good people, and I will pray for you likewise.”
One of the Roman Catholics shouted out: "'What! Pray for thee? I will pray no more for thee than I would pray for a dog.”
William answered: “Now you have that which you sought for; and I pray God, it be not laid to your charge in the last day. I forgive you.”
William then publically prayed: “Son of God, shine upon me!”
After he said these words, a single thin ray of glorious sunlight immediately broke through a sky that had, up until then, been covered in thick, dark clouds. This shaft of sunlight shone right into William’s uplifted face. It then lit up the small area surrounding the stake.
The watching crowds were amazed at what they saw.
Shortly before the fire was lit, a Roman Catholic priest approached William and said: “As thou burnest here, so shalt thou burn in hell.”
As the flames began to rise around him, William lifted up his hands to heaven and said: “Lord, Lord, receive my spirit”.
Soon afterwards, William Hunter, the boy martyr of Brentwood, went to be with Christ. Closing his eyes in this world, he opened them in Heaven.
Unfortunately, the agents of Roman Catholicism caught him as he was reading his Bible. They dragged him before the judges and demanded that he be put to death as a heretic.
At his trial, Master Brown (one of the RC prosecutors) tried to ask William Hunter difficult questions, hoping to trick him into making a fool of himself. Fortunately however, William held his ground and was able to answer all of Brown's questions.
It soon became obvious that William was running rings around Brown. The longer the questioning continued - the deeper Brown's humiliation became. With his pride and ego sunk, he quickly became flustered and flew into a rage. Not being able to win the argument, he took William’s Bible and threw it on to the floor.
In response to this tirade, William asked Brown to either hear him quietly (and allow him to answer for himself) or dismiss him from the court.
Upon hearing this, Brown announced that William would be sent to Bishop Bonner (the RC Bishop of London). Bonner commanded his men to put William in stocks for two days and nights with only a crust of bread and a cup of water.
At the end of the two days, Bonner came to him. The cup of water and the crust of bread were untouched.
Bonner demanded that William recant his evangelical faith, but he refused.
After threatening to burn him at the stake, Bonner commanded that William be taken to a convict’s prison and placed in irons.
In response, William said: "God strengthen me in His truth.”
Despite everything, William still refused to recant his evangelical faith – therefore he was condemned to be burned at the stake.
On the night before his execution, he met with his Father and Mother.
On the day of his execution, the Sheriff’s son came to William, took him by the right hand and said: “William, be not afraid of these men who are here present, with blows, bills, and weapons prepared to bring you to the place where you shall be burned.”
William answered: “I thank God that I am not afraid, for I have already taken account of what it will cost me.”
At this, the Sheriff's son wept so heavily that he couldn’t continue the conversation any further.
William Hunter went cheerfully to the stake, the Sheriff's servant taking him by one arm, and his brother by the other.
While on his way he met his Father, who spoke to his son, weeping and saying: “God be with thee, son William”; and William answered: “God be with you, good father, and be of good comfort; for I hope we shall meet again when we shall be happy.”
His Father said: “I hope so, William.”
Then William went to the place of execution, but the stake wasn’t ready, so he kneeled down and publically read from Psalm 51.
The Sheriff then came to him and said: “Here is a letter from the Queen. If thou wilt recant, thou shalt live; if not thou shalt be burned.”
Answering him, William said: “No, I will not recant, God willing.”
He was then chained to the stake.
William turned to the massive crowd that had assembled around the stake and said: “Good People, pray for me; and make speed and despatch me quickly; and pray for me while you see me alive, good people, and I will pray for you likewise.”
One of the Roman Catholics shouted out: "'What! Pray for thee? I will pray no more for thee than I would pray for a dog.”
William answered: “Now you have that which you sought for; and I pray God, it be not laid to your charge in the last day. I forgive you.”
William then publically prayed: “Son of God, shine upon me!”
After he said these words, a single thin ray of glorious sunlight immediately broke through a sky that had, up until then, been covered in thick, dark clouds. This shaft of sunlight shone right into William’s uplifted face. It then lit up the small area surrounding the stake.
The watching crowds were amazed at what they saw.
Shortly before the fire was lit, a Roman Catholic priest approached William and said: “As thou burnest here, so shalt thou burn in hell.”
As the flames began to rise around him, William lifted up his hands to heaven and said: “Lord, Lord, receive my spirit”.
Soon afterwards, William Hunter, the boy martyr of Brentwood, went to be with Christ. Closing his eyes in this world, he opened them in Heaven.
He was ready to die because he was saved. Can the same be said of you?
You need to know this............
God is holy, but we’re not.
If that is all there was to it, He could solve it all very easily indeed and just send us all to Hell.
Fortunately for us however, God is loving as well as holy.
He loves us despite the fact that we are sinners.
He wants us to go to Heaven, therefore He sent Jesus to take our sins away.
Do you want this?
It can be yours if you want it.
How do you receive it?
You must be saved.
How do you get saved?
You receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal, one and only Saviour - placing all of your trust in Him (and Him alone) for entry into Heaven.
Please click here for more information about how to make sure that you are going to Heaven.
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11:32-38).
God is holy, but we’re not.
If that is all there was to it, He could solve it all very easily indeed and just send us all to Hell.
Fortunately for us however, God is loving as well as holy.
He loves us despite the fact that we are sinners.
He wants us to go to Heaven, therefore He sent Jesus to take our sins away.
Do you want this?
It can be yours if you want it.
How do you receive it?
You must be saved.
How do you get saved?
You receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal, one and only Saviour - placing all of your trust in Him (and Him alone) for entry into Heaven.
Please click here for more information about how to make sure that you are going to Heaven.
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy" (Hebrews 11:32-38).