Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - Mrs. Prest

Mrs. Prest was a poor, unlearned woman from Cornwall who became a martyr during the reign of Queen Mary I due to her Protestant faith and defiance of the Roman Catholic Church.Her troubles began when her husband and children's "bigotry" forced her to participate in Catholic practices she considered "abominations." Following her conscience, she left her family and supported herself by spinning and laboring for her living, sometimes working as a servant.When she returned home, her neighbors accused her for her refusal to attend the Catholic church and partake in the Mass, which she called a "foul idol." This led to her examination by religious authorities in Exeter, including Bishop Troubleville and Chancellor Blackston.During her examinations and interactions with priests and friars, Mrs. Prest steadfastly rejected core Catholic doctrines. She argued that Christ is not physically present in the bread of the Mass, calling it just a piece of bread, and stated that He sits perpetually in heaven as our Advocate. She condemned the worship of images, referred to the Catholic Church as full of "idols and abominations," and called the Pope the "chaplain of that whore of Babylon." She also criticized confession to priests, purgatory, praying to saints, and selling prayers and pardons.Her unwavering refusal to recant, despite imprisonment, ridicule, and pressure, led to her condemnation. She remained resolute in her faith, viewing her earthly life and family as secondary to her eternal salvation. When condemned to be burned, she praised God and expressed joy, stating she had found what she long sought. She was burned at the stake outside Exeter, reportedly enduring the fire patiently and maintaining her fidelity to her beliefs until the end.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed