Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - An Account of the Life and Sufferings of Mr. William Lithgow, a Native of Scotland

William Lithgow, a Scottish traveler, arrived in Malaga, Spain, and shortly after visiting a recently anchored English fleet, he was secretly arrested by Spanish sergeants. The authorities suspected him of being a spy and a traitor, believing he was gathering intelligence against Spain. Despite presenting papers, including a license from King James I, to prove his innocence, these were dismissed and seized. Lithgow was held in secret confinement in the governor's house, enduring severe conditions. He was loaded with heavy irons, leaving him unable to move, and subjected to extreme deprivation of food and comfort. When he would not confess to espionage, he was taken to a vinepress house, stripped, fixed on the rack, and endured over sixty different tortures for hours, resulting in permanent injuries. The accusations then shifted to religion. His translated books and observations were deemed blasphemous, and the Inquisition accused him of heresy. When he refused to convert from his Protestant faith, he was condemned to further tortures and sentenced to be burnt at the stake. His deliverance came unexpectedly when a Flemish servant overheard the governor discussing his plight and bravely informed English factors in Malaga. This led to the English ambassador, Sir Walter Aston, intervening with the Spanish king, who ordered Lithgow's release. He was rescued by English merchants and Sir Richard Hawkins, and returned to England. Presented to King James I, Lithgow received support for his recovery at Bath, but he lost the use of his left arm and suffered crushed bones. Despite promises from the Spanish ambassador, he never recovered his money or effects. Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian Patreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed