Office for the Dead, Dominican Rite

Over on the Liturgia Latina blog, I have written a short article on the Office for the Dead in the Dominican rite, in memory of Dominic Mary, Tertiary of the Order of Preachers, recently deceased.

http://liturgialatina.blogspot.com/2011/11/office-for-dead-dominican-rite.html

Two Doctors - Communis et Universalis

I admit that I've not been clear in my own mind on this point. The 'Universal Doctor' of the Church - isn't that St Thomas Aquinas.

I will now have no excuse, having read 'The New Theological Movement' on this point. 'The Universal Doctor' (Doctor Universalis) is St Albert the Great, the teacher of St Thomas. He is called the Universal Doctor because of the extent of his learning, which encompassed both faith and science - divine and natural learning.

St Thomas himself is 'The Common Doctor' (Doctor Communis) since he is the teacher of all, or 'The Angelic Doctor' (Doctor Angelicus) on account of his purity.

St Albert the Great, pray for us.

St Thomas Aquinas, pray for us.

All ye holy Doctors of the Church, pray for us.

It is the 80th anniversary today of the canonization and declaring as doctor of the church, by Pope Pius XI in 1931.

Read more at:
http://newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2011/11/universal-doctor-not-st-thomas-but-his.html

Blessed Hugh Faringdon

Today is the feast day of Blessed Hugh Faringdon and his Companions, kept in Reading and the diocese of Portsmouth.

For a write up of his life, see the companion 'Liturgia Latina' Blog:
http://liturgialatina.blogspot.com/2011/11/14th-november-blessed-hugh-faringdon.html

Hugh of Faringdon was the last Abbot of Reading, and was executed at the gate of his own Abbey for resisting the tyrant king Henry VIII.

Here is a depiction of Reading Abbey Gatehouse, which stands to this day:

The Oxford Catholic Martyrs, by Bishop Challoner

There were five Catholic Martyrs who were executed in Oxford on account of their Catholic Faith:

Blessed George Nichols: martyred 5th July 1589
Blessed Richard Yaxley: martyred 5th July 1589
Blessed Thomas Belson: martyred 5th July 1589
Blessed Humphrey Prichard: martyred 5th July 1589
Blessed George Nappier: martyred 9th November 1610

From the "Memoirs of Missionary Priests and other Catholics of Both Sexes that have suffered death in England on Religious Accounts" by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Challoner Vicar Apostolic.

73, * GEORGE NICOLS and, 74, RICHARD YAXLEY, Priests.

* From time Douay Catalogues, from Father Bibadaneira, in his Appendix to Dr. Saunders, chap. 3. from the Bishop of Tarrasona's history of the persecutions, book V. chap. 3, and from Dr. Champney's Manuscript.

George Nicols was a native of Oxford, and an alumnus and priest of Douay college, during its residence at Rhemes; from whence he was sent upon the mission, in 1583. My author gives him the character of a man of extraordinary virtue and learning, and of a zealous and laborious missioner, who, during the six years of his mission, was the happy instrument, in the hands of God, of the conversion of many souls. His mission was chiefly in and about Oxford: where, amongst other pious adventurers, the writers of his life particularly take notice of the reconciliation of a noted highwayman, who being apprehended and committed to Oxford castle, was, by the conversation of some catholics, who were prisoners there for their religion, brought to a sense of his crimes, and a desire of confessing them, and dying in the catholic faith; insomuch that he did nothing else, night and day, but bewail his sins, longing for the hour when he might
cast himself at the feet of a catholic priest to confess them. His catholic fellow prisoners found means to acquaint Mr. Nicols with these particulars; and failed not to instruct their convert how to prepare himself for a visit from this gentleman; who, on the very morning of the day of execution (no opportunity offering before) came to the jail, together with a crowd of others, whose curiosity brought them to see this famous malefactor before his death; and passing for a kinsman and acquaintance of the prisoner, after much salutations, he took him aside, as it were to comfort and encourage him, and heard his confession, for which he had prepared himself by spending the whole night before in prayers and tears; and which he made with great signs of a truly contrite heart; and having given him absolution, he left him wonderfully comforted, and armed against the terrors of death, which he now with joy was ready to welcome. The prisoner the

n declared himself a catholic; and though many persuasions were used to make him return to the protestant religion, he persisted to the end in his resolution of dying in the old faith, and professed under the gallows, that if he had a thousand lives, he would joyfully part with them, rather than renounce the catholic Roman Faith.

Richard Yaxley, who was Mr, Nicols's companion in death, was born at Boston, in Lincolnshire, of a gentleman's family, and was also an alumnus and priest of the same college, and was sent from Rhemes upon the English mission, in 1586. He was by many years younger than Mr. Nicols, and having his mission in the same country, regarded him as his father. They were apprehended together at the house of a pious catholic widow, who kept the St. Catherine's wheel, in Oxford, by the officers of the university, who broke in at midnight, and hurried them away, together with Mr. Belson, a catholic gentleman, who was come thither to visit his ghostly father, Mr. Nicols, Humprey, and Richard, the servant of the inn. The next morning they were all carried before the vice-chancellor, where several doctors were assembled, with many others who had the curiosity to see and hear the prisoners. Here they were examined concerning their religion, and they all readily answered, they were catholics. Then they were farther interrogated, if there were not any priest

among them? After some demur, for fear of prejudicing any other persons, Mr. Nicols, judging that it would be for the greater glory of God to confess his character, stoutly said, I confess that, by the grace of God, and of the holy see apostolic, I am a priest of the true holy catholic Roman church. The vice-chancellor and his assessors, from hence inferred, that he must needs be a traitor; and withal, some of them charged him with blasphemy, in taking to himself the name of priest which, as they pretended, belonged to Christ alone. This brought on a dispute concerning religion, in which Mr. Nicols pressed his adversaries so close, that the standers by appearing not a little moved with his arguments, the vice-chancellor thought proper to put an end to the controversy, by sending away the two priests to one prison, and Mr. Belson and the servant to another; and ordered. them all to be put in irons. Having thus, as they flattered themselves, tamed their spirits, they sent one of their most celebrated divines to the two priests, to confer with them concerning the blessed sacrament: but Mr. Nicols managed this controversy also so well, and urged so home the plain words of Christ, in the institution of the blessed sacrament, together with the current doctrine of the holy fathers, and of antiquity, and the authority of the church, and of her

general councils, compared with the novelty of the opposite doctrine, the inconstancy and infinite dissentions of its teachers, and uncertainty what they would beat, that he stopped the mouth of his adversary, to the great advantage of the catholic cause, in the minds of many who came into the prison to hear the dispute. Henceforward it was thought proper to let disputing alone, and to attack them another way. Therefore, the next day, they were all four brought, in their irons, before the vice-chancellor and his council, and examined again; not now concerning their faith, but why they, being priests, had presumed to come over into England? How they had employed their time here? with whom they had conversed? and upon what subjects? what acquaintance they had amongst catholics, &c.? To these questions the servants of God answered, that they came over upon no other errand, but to win souls to Jesus Christ, and to teach them the catholic faith; that this was their whole business here; and that they neither knew, nor treated, nor thought of any thing else, but how to discharge this great duty, though they were sensible of the danger which they thereby incurred by the laws; but they thought this was the least they could do for the honour and service of him who had died for them; and for whom they should be glad to sacrifice their lives. But as for any other catholics, they could not be prevailed on to name any, or bring any into danger. Upon this they were sent back to their prisons, and the queen's council was informed of all that had passed.

Soon after this, an order came down from the council, to have the prisoners sent up to London; who, pursuant to the instructions given from above, were set upon Rosinantes, with their hands tied behind them, and the two priests also, for greater disgrace, with their legs tied under their horses' bellies; and, in this manner, were conducted under a strong guard, from Oxford to London, being treated all the way with great cruelty by their guards, and affronted and abused by the populace, more especially when they came to London, where they were attended from the very skirts of the town to the gate of the prison by an insolent mob, loading them with reproaches and injuries, which they bore with invincible patience, setting before their eyes the sufferings of their Redeemer. And to add to their affliction, a young gentleman of the university, a graduate in arts, who, out of pure compassion, had attended them all the way from Oxford, and afforded them what service ho could, was, in reward of his charity, taken up as soon as he came to London; and whereas the persecutors could not proceed against him with any colour of law, they charged him with being mad, and as such, confined him to Bedlam, to be there treated (as one that had lost his senses) with low diet, and to be beaten into his senses again. In which manner they kept him a long time, for no other fault, but that of having been serviceable to these servants of God in their journey.

After they had remained some days in prison, at London, they were carried before secretary Walsingham, the capital enemy of the catholics, who put the like questions to them as the vice-chancellor had done before: to which Mr. Nicols would give no other answer, but that they were all catholics, and that he, for his own part, was, though unworthy, a priest of the holy Roman church. If you are a priest, said the secretary then, of course, you are a traitor. A strange consequence honoured sir, said Mr. Nicols, since, it is certain, that they, who first converted England from paganism, were all priests. But they, said the secretary, did not disturb the nation as you do, nor stirred up seditions against their sovereigns. To which the confessor replied, that, if preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, if instructing the ignorant in the catholic faith, be disturbing the nation, or stirring up sedition, then were they equally guilty; if not, both we and they are equally innocent; nor can there be any treason in the case. With this the two priests were ordered to Bridewell, where they were tortured, and hanged up in the air, for the space of five hours, to make them confess by whom they had been harboured or entertained, &c. But these torments they bore with great courage and constancy, and generously refused, to the end, to name any one who might be brought into trouble upon their account. Artifices were also employed,

and a pretended convert was sent to Nr. Nicols, desiring to be addressed by him to some priest, that was at liberty, for further instructions. But the man of God, who was very discreet, discovered the trick, and would have nothing to say to the false catechumen. After this they separated the two priests from each other, and thrust Mr. Nicols down into a dark and stinking dungeon, full of nauseous insects; but translated Mr. Yaxley from Bridewell to the Tower, where he was every day put upon the rack, till, at length, it was resolved in the council, that they should be sent back to Oxford to be executed there, for an example to the scholars, and other inhabitants of that city.

This resolution was no sooner taken, than the prisoners, under the same guard as before had brought them up to town, and with the like cruel treatment, were conducted back again to Oxford, to be tried at the assizes there; and that none of them might escape, sir Francis Knollys, one of the privy council, was appointed to be present at their trial, to overawe the jury that they might bring in a verdict agreeable to the inclinations of the court. And first the good widow, their hostess, was tried, and cast in praemunire, condemned to the loss of all her goods, and to perpetual imprisonment; which sentence she received with joy, only regretting that she was not to die with her ghostly fathers. Then the two

priests were condemned to die, as in cases of high treason and, lastly, Mr. Belson and the servant being convicted of having been aiding and assisting to the priests, were, on that account, sentenced to die, as in cases of felony. They all received their respective sentences with cheerfulness, giving thanks to God for the honour he did them of dying for his cause; and mutually embraced one another with extraordinary marks of the inward joy of their hearts. They were drawn to the place of execution, on July the 5th, 1589, still retaining the same serenity in their countenance, and joy in their hearts; and meeting there with an infinite multitude of people, assembled to see their last conflict, they saluted them, saying, behold, we are here brought to die for the confessions of the catholic Faith, the old religion., in which our forefathers and ancesters all lived and died.

The first that was called upon to go up the ladder was Mr. Nicols, who, after having made his prayer to God, and to the people the profession of his faith, would have spoken more at large upon the subject, but was interrupted. and forbid to go on; so recommending his soul into the hands of his Creator, he was thrown off the

ladder, and happily finished his course. He was followed by Mr. Yaxley, who, after having embraced the dead body of his companion with great affection, and recommended himself in this his last conflict, to the prayers of his happy soul, going up the ladder, and beginning to speak to the people, was, in like manner interrupted; and, after a short profession of his faith, was also flung off. The standers by seemed to have a more than ordinary compassion for him, upon account of his youth, beauty, and sweet behaviour, and the consideration of his family; but all these things he despised for the sake of his master; for whom he willingly offered himself a sacrifice. Their bodies were cut down, bowelled and quartered; and their heads were set on the old walls of the castle, and their quarters over the gates of the city. Some false zealots disfigured their faces, cutting and hacking them with their knives, because of the extraordinary beauty which was observed in them; and it was much taken notice of, that, in the disposing of their quarters, the right hand of Mr. Nicols, instead of hanging down from the shoulder, as is natural on the like occasions, stood up erected on high, and turned against the city, in the posture and manner of one that was threatening.

75 * THOMAS BELSON, Gentleman.

* From the same writers, and the Douay diary.

Thomas Belson was born at Brill, the seat of the family in the county of Oxford. I find him in the Douay diary at the college of Rhemes, in 1584: from whence he departed for England, on the 5th of April of that year, in the company of Mr. Francis Ingolby, priest, who suffered at York, in 1586. We have already seen how he was apprehended in the company of Nr. Nicols and Mr. Yaxley, examined both at Oxford and at London, and finally tried and condemned with them for his hospitality and charity to them; and God was pleased he should be their companion in death; for no sooner was Nr. Nicols and Mr. Yaxley dead, but Mr. Belson was also ordered up the ladder to finish his course. He first embraced the dead bodies of his pastors, which were then in quartering, and begged the intercession of their happy souls, that he might have the grace to imitate their courage and constancy. He added, that he looked upon himself very happy that he had been their ghostly child, and was now to suffer with them, and should quickly be presented before the Almighty in so good company. And thus, with great cheerfulness, he delivered his body to the executioner, and his soul to his Maker.

The last in the combat was Humphrey Prichard, a Welchman, a plain, honest, and well-meaning soul; and, as our authors all agree, a great servant of God; who, for twelve years, had done signal services to the poor afflicted persecuted catholics in those evil days. He came to the gallows with a cheerful and smiling countenance, and being now upon the ladder, and turning to the people, he said, I call you all to witness, in the presence of God, and of his holy angels, that I am a catholic, and that I was condemned to die for the confession of the catholic faith; amid that I die willingly for the catholic faith. A minister that stood by, told him, he was a poor ignorant fellow, and did not know what it was to be a catholic. To whom Humphrey replied, that he very well knew what it was to be a catholic, though he could not, perhaps, explain it in the proper terms of divinity: that he knew what he was to believe, and for what he came there to die; and that he willingly died for so good a cause. With that he was thrown off the ladder, and so reposed in the Lord. They all suffered, July 5, 1589.

148. * GEORGE NAPPIER, Priest.

* Frem T.W. and Raissius in their printed catalogues. But chiefly from a manuscript relation by a fellow prisoner, which I have met with in Mr. Knaresborough's collections.

George Nappier was born in Oxford, and there performed his grammar studies. From thence he passed over to Douay, or Rhemes, and became a student in the English college. Whilst he was there, among many other more examples of virtue which he gave, his charity for his neighbours was particularly taken notice of; when in the time of a plague, two of his fellow-students being seized with the infection, he voluntarily took upon him to attend them and to take care of them, not without evident danger of his own life; for he was also himself quickly seized by the contagion. But that sickness was not unto death, for all three by the mercy of God soon after recovered.

Having finished his studies, and received his orders in 1596, he resided for some time at Antwerp; and from thence in 1603, being the first year of king James the first, he passed over into England. Dr. Worthington in his catalogue gives this short account of his conduct, during the seven years of his mission in England, that he was remarkably laborious in gaining souls to God. Strenuam navavit lucrandis animabus operam, p. 51. In the year 1610, he fell into the hands of the persecutors. The particulars of his seizure, and of what passed from that time till his death are here abridged from a manuscript penned by a catholic gentleman who was a fellow-prisoner with him in Oxford goal.

A true relation of the Martyrdom of Mr. George Nappier, &c. in a Letter to a Clergyman.

My Rev. Friend,

According to your request, I have here set down all the particulars that befell Mr. Nappier, from the time of his apprehension, until his exit out of this world.

And first, I have heard him say, that he had made it his prayer to God, that if by the disposition of divine Providence he should fall into the enemies' hands, he might not be taken in his friend's house, because of the penalty of the laws against harbourers of Priests - and it seems that God was pleased to hear his prayer. For being seen by a young follow to go into a catholic woman's house on the 18th of July towards evening, the knave ran in great haste to the vicar's house, to give notice and concert measures with him for seizing the priest.

The informer met with a cold reception at the first, the parson's daughter flatly refusing to tell whether her father was at home; and the mother being no less reserved, and unwilling to let the man come under her roof. Some few days before, it seems, a quarrel had happened between this blade and the parson; so that his furious knocking at the door, and calling for the vicar in haste, with such disorder in his looks and speech, joined to the fright that both mother and daughter were in from a dream of the latter the night before, that her father was murdered, affected the good women in such manner, that they held fast the door and refused him entrance. The fellow perceived the mistake, and bid them be easy, for that he came upon another sort of an errant, to do a piece of good service to the church, and assist the vicar in seizing a popish Priest just gone into one of his parishioner's houses. Upon this they began to listen to the man, and the parson was called down; who commended the young man's zeal, but was of opinion that nothing was to be done that night, but that they would take care to have him secured early in the morning; and accordingly a constable was engaged to be ready for that purpose.

Mr. Nappier having assisted the family, and performed his devotions very early, according to the custom of those times, took his leave, and was making the best of his way on foot (his usual way of travelling) through the inclosures, supposing all quiet at that early hour, when to his great surprise two or three sturdy young fellows came up hastily towards him, and bad him stand - You must go back with us, says one: You are a priest, says another, we'll have you before a justice. - The good man made no words on it, but went quietly with them.

And first they charged the constable with him, and bade him carry him before Sir Francis Evers. When he came, the justice ordered the constable to search him. - It must be here observed, that Mr. Nappier had his pix with him, and in it two consecrated hosts and as he owned to me several times, when he heard Sir Francis give the constable orders to search, he was under the greatest concern, for fear lest the blessed sacrament should fall into their hands, and be exposed to some profane or sacrilegious treatment. - And he farther assured me, not without tears in his eyes, that whereas the search was most strict, even so far that his shoes were pulled off in the presence of the justice, that nothing might escape them. And whereas also in searching of his pockets, the constable, to his feeling, had his hands many times both upon the pix and upon a small reliquary, yet neither of them were discovered, to the great surprise and no less joy of the good man. A passage he never spoke of during his confinement without blessing and praising the divine goodness for this merciful, may I not venture to term it with him, even miraculous preservation? For after all their labour, they only found his breviary, his holy oils, a needle-case, thread and thimble. Sir Francis said he was but a poor priest, and I verily believe, says he, no great statesman, - and bade the constable take him into his custody, and look well to him. The constable replied, he should take a special care of his not making his escape, and would therefore set him in the stocks till his worship should otherwise dispose of him. But Sir Francis forbad him, and ordered the constable to let him have a bed, and what else he called for, and Sir Francis used him very kindly at his own house, as did my lady. 'She provided me a mess of good broth, said Mr. Nappier, for my supper; and in order to receive my mittimus, my lady provided for me a mess of milk, with cinnamon and sugar for my breakfast; and that being the 20th of July they carried me in Oxford goal.'

The prisoner was brought to the bar the next assizes, which happened soon after his commitment, and was tried before Mr. Justice Crook, upon an indictment of high treason, for taking priestly orders by authority derived from Rome, and remaining in England contrary to the laws.
The judge asked him whether he was a priest ? The prisoner answered, If he was such the law did not compel him to discover himself:
but if, my lord, says he, you have witnesses to prove me a priest, let them be called. - Once more the judge said to him, Will you deny that you are a priest? Mr. Nappier replied, if any man will prove me in orders, let the court produce him; and then, my lord, I shall submit to the penalty of the law. The judge then directed his discourse to the jury in these or the like words. - Gentlemen, you hear the prisoner will not deny himself to be a priest; and therefore you may certainly believe that he is a priest. For my part, if he will but here say that he is no priest, I will believe him. - But indeed these instruments of his priestly functions "the oil boxes" do plainly shew him to be in orders; and therefore you have evidence sufficient that he is guilty of the indictment. Upon which the prisoner was brought in guilty by the jury.

His relations made great interest to obtain a reprieve for him, and his execution was respited 'till the month of November; and, probably speaking, had not some back friends, more especially the vice-chancellor of Oxford and some others interposed, his reprieve might have been continued from time to time, and be either transported, or permitted to languish away his life in durance, as many others had done before him. But two faults he was guilty of, which according to the divinity of these men were crimes unpardonable. There was a poor wretch tried at the same assizes for felony, and found guilty, whose name was Falkner. Some few days before his execution, he was reconciled by Mr. Nappier, and had all the helps that a dying man could expect, as far as circumstances of time and place would allow. In short, at the gallows the matter was discovered!, the poor man declared himself a catholic, abjured the errors of his former religion, as well as begged pardon of God, and of all the world for the sins of his past life; and with great appearances of repentance, and a devout behaviour, submitted himself to the executioner.

The people stormed; the ministers threw all the blame upon the condemned priest, made a heavy rout, called for justice, and went strait away to Abington, to make complaint to the judges. The high sheriff and the vice-chancellor were ordered to examine into the fact, and lay before their lordships a true account of the whole proceedings, with the names of the persons concerned in the perversion of this poor fellow. Mr. Nappier was sent for to Christ Church, and strictly examined by the vice-chancellor and the high sheriff about the whole affair. To these he gave this full account; that he had no discourse nor acquaintance with Falkner, 'till they had both received sentence of death; and he was removed from his former chamber to the condemned hole, where be found the said Falkner. 'Here he applied to me (said Mr. Nappier) for my advice and instruction how to make a happy end, and save his soul. I was glad of the opportunity, encouraged him in his good resolutions, and on my part endeavoured by all proper means to improve these pious motions of the holy spirit, in order to bring him to a true repentance and confession of his sins.' In a word, Mr Nappier told him without more ado, that he was the person whom God was pleased to make use of for reconciling the poor wretch to him and his church, and that as he was the only person concerned, he desired that no other might be questioned or troubled about it.

The high sheriff and vice-chancellor gave him to understand, that they were to lay this whole matter before the judges, who were highly displeased with what they had already heard; and that as soon as they had received this further confirmation by his owning the fact before them, they persuaded themselves it would put a stop to the reprieve, and hasten his execution. 'Their will be done, says M. Nappier, I did nothing but what I thought a strict duty; and so far I am from repining any ways at what is done, that if you please, Mr. Vice-chancellor, with my hearty commendations to my good lord judges, you may assure them, that if they will come back to Oxford, and give me the same opportunity, I will do as much for their lordships.'

The vice-chancellor asked him, whether he would take the oath of allegiance? he told him with all his heart, as far as it related to the obedience due to princes in temporals only; and would acknowledge upon oath, if he pleased, that king James was his liege sovereign, and that he was vested with as much authority over all his subjects, catholics as well as protestants, as any of his predecessors whatsoever. They insisted upon his taking the oath of allegiance, as set forth in the act of parliament, and upon this condition they promised him his life should be saved. But this he refused. Then they persuaded him to peruse Mr. Blackwell's treatise of the lawfulness of this oath, and the vice-chancellor called for the book. Mr. Nappier took it, and gave it a reading: but some few days after sent back the book, and told Mr. Vice-chancellor, that he still continued in his former resolution, the oath of allegiance as it stood worded he would not take.

It was soon after noised about, that Mr Nappier was to be executed in a few days. However nothing was done till the return of the judges from their circuits. Then indeed Judge Crook (as the report then went) managed matters in such sort with the council, that a warrant was sent to the high sheriff for the execution of the prisoner. But here by the unwearied endeavours of his relations, his majesty was again petitioned, and another short reprieve was obtained till the 9th of November; upon condition, that in the interim he should confer with the vice-chancellor and other learned divines. The vice-chancellor happening to be at London during most of the time, Dr. Hammond and the pro-proctor had instructions to discourse with Mr. Nappier upon the subject of the oath of allegiance, &c. And it is said of him, that these conferences were managed with so much calmness, humility, and candor on the part of the prisoner, that these gentlemen were not a little moved with his meek and modest behaviour, and made their report in such favourable terms, as plainly shewed their great unwillingness to have him suffer.

Some few days before the expiration of the reprieve, the vice-chancellor returning, sent again to have time prisoner brought before him, and interrogated him upon the old chapter, was he yet disposed to take the oath of allegiance? The prisoner offered him a draught of an oath of fidelity, which he was ready to take. But the vice-chancellor told him in plain terms, that nothing would satisfy but the parliamentary oath. If he would take this, he would use his best endeavours to save him, and not otherwise.

On Thursday the 8th of November, the discourse was received that he was to die, and that the next day. The report was brought to the catholic gentleman prisoner in the same goal, and the good man himself was not kept in ignorance. A special friend of his, "a priest," sent him word that day, that he purposed to sup with him. Mr. Nappier understood the message: and as this confirmed him in his opinion that his dissolution was at hand; so it extremely rejoiced him to have the comfort of a priest, and the benefit of the church's absolution to prepare him for his death. He shut himself up under a stricter confinement upon this notice, and employed the remainder of the day in devotion: but withal desired his fellow-prisoner, "the writer of this relation," to order a breast of mutton for supper, and to invite two poor catholics to sup with him, which was done accordingly.

Thus far we have only abridged the account given by this catholic gentleman. What follows is set down in his own words, copied from the original.

'Little did he eat at supper, only a piece of pigeon-pye, and after a few stewed prunes, which one of his sisters had brought him; and very merry he was that evening. And being at supper I said unto him, Mr. Nappier if it be God's holy will that you should suffer, I do wish with all my heart, that it might be to-morrow, it being Friday, and said, that our Saviour did eat the paschal lamb with his disciples on Thursday at night, and suffered the Friday following: and therefore I wish, if you must die, it must be to-morrow. He answered me very sweetly, saving, Welcome by God's grace; and I pray God I may be constant; praying us all to pray for him. And thus much I must let you understand, that every time that he heard news that he should suffer, he would give to some poor boy that was catholic some of his cloaths; and I would say unto him, methinks you might make reservation of them again, if you should not die: he would say unto me, oh, no, for I have more upon my back than I brought into the world, and if I live I will put myself to God's Providence. And truly if he had lived he had left himself little more than he brought into the world, for he had given almost all away. After supper he and the other good man withdrew themselves to a secret place to confer of some special matters, and when they had made an end, they look their leaves of one another, and so did all the company, and every man to his chamber

The next day being Friday, and the 9th of November, about six in the morning, the under sheriff sent to the keeper's wife, and willed her to let Mr. Nappier know, that he should prepare himself to die, for that was the day, between one and two in the afternoon that he should be executed. The poor woman took it very grievously, and fell a crying, and came to me. I hearing her cry much, marvelled what the matter should be, and came and met her at my chamber-door, and asked what the matter was? who answered me crying, oh, the blessed man must die this day, and I cannot find in my heart to go tell him of it. I answered him again, welcome by God's grade for now I am assured it is God' s will to have it so, and therefore I will go unto him myself to let him understand the news. And so I went to his chamber, and knocking at his door, he came and opened it, and I saluted him and asked him how he did? And he answered me, saying, well, I thank almighty Jesus. And I asked him how he slept in the night? and he said, very well, I thank God. Then I said unto him, that time bell had tolled, and, rung out also: and he asked me what I meant by those speeches? I said unto him again, that now he must put on his armour of proof, for he must fight that day a great battle. He took me in his arms and embraced me, saying, it was the best news that ever was brought unto him, and I was most heartily welcome in declaring of it unto him, saying further, that he found himself cleansed, he hoped, from all the rust which had troubled him long before. And as I thought he rejoiced much, and asked me if he might not serve God, "say mass," that day? I said, the day was far spent, but if it pleased him I would go and make all things ready: and he prayed me to do so, for he was ready and surely methought he did celebrate that day, as reverently in all his actions, and with as much sweet behaviour, as ever I saw him in all my life; for I did take special notice of him; he shewed no fear in any respect and when he laid made an end, and all things were laid aside, he fell to his devotions ; and by the end of our service many scholars were come into the castle-yard, and into the court. And after he had prayed some hours I said unto him, and asked him, if I should send for some comfortable thing for him to drink? and he answered me, no; saying, he would neither eat nor drink, hoping in his saviour, that he should have a sumptuous banquet shortly. And after a little stay I considered that his time drew somewhat near, I came unto him again, and put him in mind of shifting him with a fair shirt, and he said he would willingly do so: and then I made him a fire, and warmed his shirt, and coming down to put on his shirt, he made a step down amongst the poor prisoners, and did distribute some money amongst them and coming up again, he brought a piece of silver of half a crown, and some money besides, and put it in my chamber window: and I asked him what he would do with that piece of silver, having the picture of St. George? and he told me, that he would give it to the executioner for his pains; and the rest he would give to some poor people; and so he did. And. when he had put on his clean shirt he fell to his prayers again. He had prayed but a short time when a couple of scholars, masters of arts, and I think one of them was a minister, came in; and they began to offer some speeches to him concerning the oath of allegiance; he prayed them to give him leave, and to let him prepare himself, for he had not long to stay: and it stood upon him to call to mind all his reckonings, which he was to make to his Lord and Master; and therefore with most mild and sweet words he entreated them not to trouble him; and they, like honest-minded men, stayed their speeches, seeming to be sorry for him. - And then the pro-proctor cometh to the castle to speak with him, and he sent the keeper to bring Mr. Nappier to him: he staying in the chamber with divers other scholars, and some others besides: and the blessed man being come unto him, he began to use some speeches to him, to persuade him to take the oath. But the good man prayed him to give him leave to spend that little time which was lent him in prayer. And so kneeled down at a round table, and prayed a little. But the under-sheriff willed him to make him ready, for all things were almost ready for the execution. And then he rose up and went into a little chamber hard by, and put on a white waistcoat, &c. and being apparalled to the end that the law had appointed, he came again into the keeper's chamber, and I meeting my keeper, he asked me, if I had taken my leave of him? I answered I would willingly see him again. And he willed me to go up with him, and I should see him; and so I went with him into his chamber; and as I was coming in the blessed man was about to kneel down, and seeing me he staid; and I pressed through the scholars and came unto him, and kneeling down he blessed me, and rising up again he embraced me and kissed me. And I heard the pro-proctor ask, who I was? and one answered him, that I was a gentleman and a prisoner for my conscience. And then the blessed man began to kneel down, and the proctor said to him, Mr. Nappier, shall I pray with you? and he answered him in these words, oh, no, good Mr. Proctor, you and I are not of one religion, and therefore may not pray together. Then the proctor asked him again, saying, shall I pray for you? The blessed man said unto him, I would to God you were in a state of grace to pray for me. And then he kneeled down, and I kneeled by him, and I think he said but one pater-noster, for I could say but one, and presently the under-sheriff called very earnestly to come away: and so prostrating himself on the ground he kissed it, and rose up, and made the sign of the cross, and went forward to the dungeon door, where the hurdle staid for him. And coming by the proctor, the proctor said unto him, Mr. Nap pier, if you will but take the oath of allegiance, I make no doubt of your life. He spoke unto him and said, good Mr. Proctor, do not wrong me when I am gone, for I know many speeches will go of me; and now I say again unto you, that I have prayed most heartily, for the king, the prince, and all his children, as any subject he hath in the world; and will yield him as much power and authority, as ever any prince had or ought to have. And then the hangman came unto him and asked him forgiveness, and the blessed man said and embraced him, I most lovingly forgive thee, and for a pledge I have willed one of the sheriff's men to give thee some silver; and the hangman said, he had received it, and thanked him for it. And so he being called for again he went; forward, and coming down to the stairs foot, the door was open, and I followed him; and seeing the hurdle most willingly went himself and laid down with a lively courage, having blessed himself: he had not so much as a thread to bind him, which I think every one was bound saving himself. And then they offered to draw forward, and one of the pins of the trace broke, so they staid till it was fastened: and the people were so unreasonable in pressing themselves to see him, that they pressed me down twice upon the hurdle: and then I called to the proctor to command them to give back; and then I took both his hands in my hands, and prayed God to comfort him, and looking upon me he prayed God to bless me; and with much ado I got from the throng of people. And more than this I cannot set down of my own knowledge. What follows is the report of Mr. Charles's own hearing at the place where he suffered his martyrdom.'

The 9th of November being Friday, 1610, it pleased God to appoint the time in which the faith of Mr. George Nappier, priest, was to be tried in the furnace. Being brought therefore out of prison, and laid on the hurdle, with hands joined and his eyes fixed towards heaven, without moving any way, he was drawn to the place of execution. Where being taken off and set on his feet, beholding the place where he was to suffer, he signed himiself with the sign of the cross; and ascending the step of the ladder with a cheerful mind to receive his martyrdom turning his face towards the people, having again signed himself with the sign of the cross, he began to speak as follows: Gentlemen, you must expect no great speech at my hands, for indeed I intend none; only I acknowledge myself to be a miserable and wretched sinner. And therewithal joining his hands with intention to pray, he was interrupted by a minister who called to him, saying, Nappier, Nappier, confess your treason. Wherewith bending himself, and looking down towards him, be answered him saying, treason, Sir! I thank God, I never knew what treason meant. To which the minister replied, be advised what you say, do not you remember how the judge told you it was treason to be a priest? he answered the minister again, for that I die, Sir, and that judge, as well as I, shall appear before the just Judge of heaven, to whom I appeal, who will determine whether it be treason or no to be a priest. And withal he protested that none but catholics can be saved. After these words he desired that he might have leave to pray; whereunto the minister replied, pray for the king, to which he answered, so I do daily. But, said the minister, pray for the king now. With that he lifted up his hands and said, I pray God preserve his majesty, and make him a blessed saint in heaven. Then he desired the company that he might pray to himself. The minister interrupting him the third time, said, go to pray, and we will pray with you. To which he answered, Sir, I will none of your prayers, neither is it my desire you should pray with me, but I desire all good catholics to join with me in prayer. So addressing himself to pray, he said, in te Domine speravi, &c. In thee, O Lord, I have put my trust, let me not be confounded for ever: then lifting up his hands and heart, he said the psalm, De profundis,&c. after that, Beati quorum remissae sunt iniquitates, &c.; lastly, the psalm Miserere. These being ended, he pulled down his night-cap over his eyes, and most part of his face, and often repeating these words: in manus tuas, &c. Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit: he yielded himself to one side of the ladder, having his hands still joined. So being turned off, he struck himself three times on the breast, and yielded his blessed soul into his hands that gave it. Thus beseeching God to defend you from your enemies, I most humbly desire you to remember me in your prayers. From my cell this 19th day of December, 1610.

P.S. - His charity was great; for if any poor prisoner wanted either meat to fill him, or cloths to cover him, he would rather be cold himself than they should; if any of them would pray him to give his word to the keeper for them, he would do it, if he paid it himself, as sometimes he did: and he would wait for the poorest prisoners in the castle. There was one wretch went away with 20 shillings and 9 pence of his, promising him he would send it him honestly, but he never heard of him. One other he lent his cloak to wear a few days, to keep him warm: and hath willed that as long as he stays in the goal he must wear it, which I fear will be so long, that he will wear that out, and such another. And thus beseeching you once more of your prayers, I in all duty commend me.

Mr. Nappier suffered at Oxford, November 9, 1610. His head was set up on Christ Church steeple, and his quarters on the four gates of the city.

Sometimes I want to ask ...