OUR first acquaintance with Rogers presents him as a diligent and successful student in the University of Cambridge; an accomplished and promising youth. Then we find him chaplain to the Merchant Adventurers at Antwerp, and discharging the duties of the office in a manner highly satisfactory to his flock. The little that we know of Rogers's character at this time gives the impression of an able, energetic man; honest, and as elevated in his tone and aims as could be expected in his position. That position was sufficiently unfavourable he was a Romish priest.

But he was a chosen vessel, an appointed witness to the truth of the Gospel, and in due time the knowledge of that Gospel was brought to him. At the period of Rogers's residence in Antwerp, Tyndale and Coverdale sought refuge there from the persecutions which oppressed their native land. The English chaplain came into contact with these men, and through their means was made acquainted with the truth, as taught in the Scriptures, which truth was speedily and joyfully embraced by him. He then became associated with his teachers in the English translation of the Scriptures, which is known as "The Translation of Thomas Matthews."

Henceforth he devoted himself to the service of that Gospel, which gives life and purifies the soul.

VOL. XXXVI.

Here

From Antwerp Rogers removed to Wittenberg, and became pastor of a German church in that city. Here he married and remained for many years. It is a pleasant thing to dwell on this period of the reformer's life. A state of mental darkness-the darkness of Romish superstition-came before, persecution and trouble followed. was an interval of holy and happy work, and of quiet enjoyment of the sweetest relations of life. There was the neat simple home under the loving care of a gentle wife, and dear little prattlers crowding round a fond father's knee; there were the hours of deep study and intellectual culture, in which he delighted, alternating with hours of active labour in feeding the flock of God, and in various works of faith and charity, all of which were still better loved. His home was one of the loveliest and brightest spots which this dark world can show, in which human affection is purified and intensified by Christian principle, and where the culture of the heart, the culture of the intellect, and the active practice of those good works which adorn the Christian character, are all found mingled in beautiful harmony.

Meanwhile, a change had come over his native land—the imperious Harry was laid in the grave of his fathers, and his son Edward reigned in his stead. The hearts of all enlightened and patriotic Englishmen beat high.

K

How bright their hopes for their country under the rule of this promising young monarch! Heartily, most heartily did John Rogers sympathize with this patriotic joy. Happy as he was in Germany, England still held the first place in his affections. And should he not now return and forward the good cause there? Obstacles stood in the way doubtless-serious obstacles. He had a wife and eight children to think of. In Germany he had a sure provision for them, in England his prospects would be all uncertain. Yet the baance fell on the side of England. He would go forth in faith, trusting Him who had said, "Cast all thy cares upon me." The German home was broken up, and the foot of John Rogers once more pressed his native soil.

At first all went on happily and prosperously-Rogers's learning, abilities, and worth were duly appreciated by those in high places. He was appointed a Prebendary of St. Paul's by Ridley, Bishop of London; the Dean and Chapter chose him for Divinity lecturer, and he also held the living of St. Sepulchre's. With men of like spirit he was engaged in clearing away, as speedily and effectually as their knowledge and circumstances permitted, the rubbish accumulated during centuries of Romish superstition and corruption. It was a most delightful work to these Christian patriots, and often would Rogers and his compeers thank God that they had lived to see this day, and were privileged to take part in such service.

But, in the inscrutable providence of Him whose ways are in the deep, the brightness was but brief, and terrible was the darkness which succeeded. Edward's death rung "for the time being" the knell of England's hopes. Sore were the hearts of her best and wisest sons, gloomy their forebodings. But their courage failed not; they had worked for the good cause in the sunshine, they would not desert it in

the storm.

In the beginning of Mary's reign

Rogers was called to take his turn to preach at St. Paul's Cross, and took occasion earnestly to exhort the people to adhere to the truth, and to beware "of all pestilent popery, idolatry, and superstition." It was a bold deed, and the reformer was called before the Privy Council to answer for it. This time, however, he was dismissed. Then came the Queen's proclamation commanding that "none should preach or expound Scripture, or print any books without her special licence." While willing to

render all lawful obedience to the "powers that be," John Rogers was not the man to shrink from disobeying the lower authority when it contravened the commands of his Supreme Lord and Master. He must obey God rather

than man.

The result was what might have been anticipated. He was again called before the Council, and commanded to keep his house as a prisoner. This order he obeyed, although the temptations to break it were many and strong. Escape from his cruel persecutors was now easy, soon it might be impossible. Now he might secure in Germany a happy home for his wife and ten children; if he remained, their probable lot was such as must have wrung his tender heart with inexpressible anguish. But it seemed to him that he was called by his Master to witness for the truth in England, and, hazardous as the duty was, he would not fly from it.

For six months he continued a prisoner in his own house, and then he was removed to Newgate, where he lingered out a weary year.

By this time Parliament had reenacted the old sanguinary laws against heretics, and the bishops, nothing loth, proceeded to put them in execution. Rogers was a man of mark, and he was selected for the first victim.

On the 22nd of January, 1555, he was examined by the Lord Chancellor and Council. "How say ye?" he was asked. "Are ye content to unite and knit yourself to the faith of the Catholic Church with us, in the state in which it