Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - Deliverance of Dr. Sands

Dr. Sands, an eminent prelate and Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, was initially imprisoned by order of Queen Mary. This occurred because he preached a sermon supporting Lady Jane Grey's claim to the throne at the request of the Duke of Northumberland. When Queen Mary was proclaimed queen shortly after, Dr. Sands was compelled to give up his office and was arrested, becoming the first prisoner to enter the Tower on a religious account that day.He was held in the Tower for twenty-nine weeks with Mr. Bradford, where they converted their keeper, John Fowler, to Protestantism. He was then transferred to the Marshalsea prison for nine weeks. The keeper there initially threatened harsh treatment but was impressed by Dr. Sands' unwavering faith and granted him favor, allowing him to meet Mr. Bradford and have Mr. Saunders as a bedfellow. Dr. Sands and other preachers refused an offer of liberation from Wyat's rebellion, unwilling to accept freedom under such terms.Dr. Sands was set at liberty after nine weeks through the mediation of Sir Thomas Holcroft. However, he refused the condition of providing sureties to prevent him from leaving the realm, stating he would not go forth a "bondman." Sir Thomas, acting as a true friend, ultimately set him free unconditionally and advised him to leave England quickly.After his release, Dr. Sands evaded a strict search ordered by Gardiner, relying on a network of friends in London and Essex for hiding places. A farmer and a shipmaster named James Mower helped him reach the coast, and Mower's mariners promised him protection. He successfully took sea passage to Antwerp, but then fled to Augsburg, Strassburg, and Zurich to avoid apprehension by King Philip's order. While in exile, he endured hardship, including the death of his wife.Upon Queen Mary's death and Queen Elizabeth's accession, Dr. Sands returned to England on the day of the coronation. Under Queen Elizabeth, he rose to high distinction in the Church, becoming successively bishop of Worcester, bishop of London, and archbishop of York.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed