Foxe - The Book of Martyrs

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
The Persecution of Dr. Constantine
Dr. Constantine, an intimate acquaintance of the already mentioned Dr. Aegidio, was a
man of uncommon natural abilities and profound learning; exclusive of several modern
tongues, he was acquainted with the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, and perfectly well
knew not only the sciences called abstruse, but those arts which come under the denomination
of polite literature.
His eloquence rendered him pleasing, and the soundness of his doctrines a profitable
preacher; and he was so popular that he never preached but to a crowded audience. He had
many opportunities of rising in the Church, but never would take advantage of them; for if a
living of greater value than his own was offered him, he would refuse it, saying, "I am content
with what I have"; and he frequently preached so forcibly against simony, that many of his
superiors, who were not so delicate upon the subject, took umbrage at his doctrines upon that
head.
Having been fully confirmed in Protestantism by Dr. Aegidio, he preached boldly such
doctrines only as were agreeable to Gospel purity, and uncontaminated by the errors which
had at various times crept into the Romish Church. For these reasons he had many enemies
among the Roman Catholics, and some of them were fully determined on his destruction.
A worthy gentleman named Scobaria, having erected a school for divinity lectures,
appointed Dr. Constantine to be reader therein. He immediately undertook the task, and read
lectures, by portions, on the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Canticles; and was beginning to
expound the Book of Job, when he was seized by the inquisitors.
Being brought to examination, he answered with such precaution that they could not find
any explicit charge against him, but remained doubtful in what manner to proceed, when the
following circumstances occurred to determine them.
Dr. Constantine had deposited with a woman named Isabella Martin, several books,
which to him were very valuable, but which he knew, in the eyes of the Inquisition, were
exceptionable.
This woman having been informed against as a Protestant, was apprehended, and, after a
small process, her goods were ordered to be confiscated. Previous, however, to the officers
coming to her house, the woman's son had removed away several chests full of the most
valuable articles; among these were Dr. Constantine's books.
A treacherous servant gave intelligence of this to the inquisitors, and an officer was
despatched to the son to demand the chests. The son, supposing the officer only came for
Constantine's books, said, "I know what you come for, and I will fetch them to you
immediately." He then fetched Dr. Constantine's books and papers, when the officer was
greatly surprised to find what he did not look for. He, however, told the young man that he
was glad these books and papers were produced, but nevertheless he must fulfill the end of
his commission, which was to carry him and the goods he had embezzled before the
inquisitors, which he did accordingly; for the young man knew it would be in vain to
expostulate, or resist, and therefore quietly submitted to his fate.
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