Deep Dive into Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe - William Flower

William Flower, also known as Branch, was born at Snow-hill, Cambridgeshire, where he also attended school. His early career began at the abby of Ely, where he became a professed monk and was made a priest, celebrating and singing Mass. Following injunctions under Henry VIII, he left monastic life to become a secular priest.He returned to Snow-hill to teach children and later served as a secular priest in places like Ludgate. Eventually, he went to Tewksbury where he married a wife, an act contrary to Catholic priestly vows, suggesting a shift in his religious views. He then practiced physic and surgery in Brosley before finally settling with his wife in Lambeth.On an Easter Sunday morning, while at home in Lambeth, he went to St. Margaret's Church in Westminster. Seeing Priest John Celtham administering the Sacrament of the altar, he was "greatly offended in his conscience" and attacked and wounded the priest with his wood knife.For this act, described as "injudicious zeal," he was immediately heavily ironed and imprisoned in the gatehouse at Westminster. He was then brought before Bishop Bonner for examination. Despite exhortations and promises, Flower steadfastly refused to return to the Catholic Church, nor would he apologize for striking the priest.Because of his unwavering faith and refusal to recant, Bishop Bonner condemned and excommunicated him for a heretic on April 20. He was then committed to the secular power.His martyrdom took place on April 24 in St. Margaret's churchyard. At the stake, after praying and confessing his faith, his right hand was held up and struck off before the fire was set. As he burned, he cried out, "O Thou Son of God receive my soul!" three times. The burning was described as cruel and prolonged due to insufficient fuel, requiring him to be struck down into the fire, where he finally died.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed