The History of the Bohemian Persecution/Chapter 70
Chap. LXX.
Bohoslaus de Michalowtz Lord of Rugenice.
I. HE was a man excellent in abilities of the mind and zeale for God, having deserved much both of the Kings and Kingdome of Bohemia.
2. Being adjudged to die, he said it was more welcome to him, than if the Emperour had commanded him to live, and restored him to all his goods with an addition of more. For he knew their secret counsels, and perceived what would follow. The fear and griefe of Death (saith he) is but for a few hours, and then comes the desired Rest. Being asked with others, by the Minister of the Word, whether they did acknowledge themselves justly condemned to the death? Hee answered: If we did think that we were the causes of these evils, we would not be ashamed to confesse and detest it. But we will not fall downe and desire favour, lest we give to man that honour which is due to God, and betray our own innocency. For God knowes, the Papists did that secretly by their plots, which we see now done: They provoked us to take up armes, and now they slanderously lay to our charge many things, which never entred into ony thoughts. God is our witnesse, that we fought for nothing but the liberty of Religion: and in that we are overcome and condemned to die, we acknowledge, that God will not have his Truth defended by swords, but by our bloud. We will die therefore with an assured hope, that our death will be a Martyrdome in the eyes of God: therefore let us hasten to die, that wee may bee numbred in the assembly of the holy Martyrs.
3. Which desire of Martyrdome did demonstrate it selfe in the instant of death: For when the Lord de Bile was called out by the Sheriffe, he (as if there were yet place for emulation) said: Why is de Bile preferred before me in death, of whom I alwayes tooke place in life? But yet arising, hee embraced and kissed him, saying: Go before (Brother) according to Gods wil, and I will follow. When in the mean time, the Lord Otto, Czervin, Konez, Chlumskie were called out in order: Hee (as if hee were afraid to be passed by) said with a loud voice: What is the matter, my God? Thou knowest that I resigne my selfe wholly to thee. Ah doe not despise thy servant, but make hast to take me away. The Minister having espied the Sheriffe returning, told him, That that glory which he made such hast unto, was now present; for now they come to call you. Hee exceedingly rejoycing, said: Praise be to thee my God, that I shall now be taken out of the world that may be with Christ. And went forward to meete hem.
4. When the Minister of the word put him in mind of Christ his speech, I will not leave you comfortlesse, he added: So our Saviour hath promised: but he hath also added, Father, I will that where I am, my servant also may bee, that hee may behold that glorie which thou gavest me. Because therefore our heavenly Father hath the same will with the Sonne, I know that this is confirmed. Therefore I make hast to die, that I may be with Christ, and see his glory, &c. And then he suffered Martyrdome couragiously.