Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - Rev. John Rough

John Rough, a pious martyr from Scotland, entered the order of Black Friars at Stirling at the young age of seventeen. His unusual motivation for this was an act of revenge against friends who had prevented him from receiving an inheritance. He remained a Black Friar for sixteen years.Later, Lord Hamilton, the Earl of Arran, took a liking to Rough. With the help of the archbishop of St. Andrew's, Rough was released from his monastic vows and became the Earl's chaplain. During this year, he experienced a spiritual awakening, gaining a "saving knowledge of the truth." This led the Earl to send him to preach in Ayr for four years.Finding danger in Scotland due to the religious climate, Rough moved to England, seeking "Gospel freedom." Under the Duke of Somerset, he received a salary and authorization to preach in various northern locations, including Carlisle, Berwick, and Newcastle, where he married. He later held a benefice at Hull.Upon the death of King Edward VI, a "tide of persecution" began. Rough and his wife were forced to flee to Friesland, where they supported themselves by knitting hose and caps. Returning to England to procure yarn for his business, Rough joined a secret society of the faithful in London, becoming their minister.He was arrested with others at the Saracen's Head in Islington, informed on by a member named Taylor. Brought before the Council and later Bishop Bonner, Rough faced charges for being a married priest and rejecting the Latin service. During his examination, despite having saved Dr. Watson's life previously, Watson accused him. Rough criticized the Pope, which enraged Bonner, who physically assaulted him by tearing his beard. Rough was quickly degraded, condemned, and ordered by Bonner to be burned the following morning.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed