Protestantism in England From the Times of Henry VIII - James Aitken Wylie

day he was told that he was to undergo his sentence
at Gloucester. His enemies had done unwittingly
the greatest kindness. To die for Christ anywhere
was sweet to him; but to give his blood in the
presence of those to whom he had preached Him,
and whose faith he would thereby confirm, made
him leap for joy. Now would he crown his ministry
by this the greatest of all the sermons he had ever
preached. Next morning, attended by six of the
queen's guards, he began his journey before it was
light. On the third day he arrived at Gloucester,
where he was met at the gates by a crowd of people
bathed in tears. A day's respite being allowed him,
he passed it in fasting and prayer, and in bidding
adieu to friends. He retired early to rest, slept
soundly for some time, and then rose to prepare for
death. At eight o'clock on the 9th of February he
was led out. The stake had been planted close to
the end of the cathedral, in which he had so often
preached to the very persons who were now
gathered to see him die. It was market day, and a
crowd of not less than 7,000 had assembled to
witness the last moments of the martyr, many
climbing up into the boughs of an elm that
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