The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

III. Barnes Burned for Rejection of the Papal Chaff

ROBERT BARNES (d. 1540), martyr of Smithfield, specializing in the ancient languages, was educated at the universities of Cambridge and Louvain, receiving the D.D. degree from the latter. Then he went back to Cambridge, where he was made prior, and master of the house of the Augustines. Intensively studying Paul’s epistles, he became famous as a preacher. The godly and learned flocked to hear him in sermon and disputation. ²⁰ Barnes was one of the early converts to Luther’s doctrines, and there were frequent private meetings of friends for study of the new faith. PFF2 358.3

Barnes’ enemies, however, soon accused him of heresy be fore the vice-chancelor, and the search was made for Luther’s books and Lollard writings. Conflict continued for some time. Then Barnes was arrested and taken to London. With him were numerous other suspects. Disputations, threatenings, and imprisonment went on for months, Barnes abjuring certain minor points. Fearing violence, he escaped and fled to Antwerp and then to Germany, where he made contact with Luther. While there he wrote Acta Romanorum Pontificum (Acts of the Roman Pontiffs), and his faith was strengthened by conferring with Luther, Melanchthon, Justus Jonas, and others. Bishop Fox found him there and recommended him to Thomas Cromwell. He was later sent as the king’s representative to Schmalkalden. PFF2 358.4

Picture 1: SMITHFIELD MARTYRS DIE FOR PROPHETIC FAITH
Robert Barnes, and companions, burned at smithfield stake for identifying antichrist (upper left); oxford martyrs’ memorial (upper right); tablet marking scene of numerous smithfield burnings, near london (lower left); and sdithfield memorial martyrs’ church, london (lower Right); Discussion on Pages 352 and 366
Page 360

Returning to England, Barnes was once more apprehended, when Roman influence was revived. With Garret and Jerome, likewise Protestant clergymen, he was induced to preach three sermons which were secretly reported and used against him. And with these same men he was taken to the Tower, from which he never emerged until taken out for his execution. PFF2 360.1

Two days after Thomas Cromwell’s death, in 1540, ²¹ the three were taken to Smithfield. Praying together, they declared their faith and spoke plainly to the people. Then they kissed one another farewell. All were tied to one stake, and suffered without crying out—though condemned without formal trial or due process of law. ²² PFF2 360.2

They prayed on until the fire silenced them. Luther publicized an account of this martyrdom. A graphic picture of the three men appears in The Workes of Doctour Barnes (London: Daye, 1572)—the curious crowd, the bundles of branches and lighted fagots, with soldiers and monks in the foreground and royalty peering from the windows of the building in the rear. PFF2 360.3

1. DECLARES ANTICHRIST REIGNS UNDER NAME OF CHRIST

Regrettably, not all of Barnes’ writings have been preserved. But one sermon—“That all men are bounde to receiue the holy Communion vnder Both Kyndes”—has this statement: PFF2 360.4

“But now seeyng that they will doe the open deedes of Antechrist, they must bee content that I may also geve them his name. And that all the world may openly know, y Antechrist doth raine in the world (yea and that under the name of Christ).” ²³ PFF2 361.1

2. SHOWS SCRIPTURE OUTBALANCES DREGS OF ANTICHRIST

In this same work a graphic cartoon contrasts the weight of God’s Word as against the chaff of papal tradition, and Justice holds the balances. The pope is loading the high end of the balance with bulls, decretals, crosses, and rosaries. A monk tries to even the balance beam with his hands, and the devil himself attaches his weight in vain to the elevated pan. The legend reads: PFF2 361.2

“How light is chaffe of Popish toyes, if thou desire to trye, Loe Justice holdes true beame without respect of partiall eye: One ballance holdes Gods holy word, and on the other parte, Is layde the dregs of Antichrist, devisde by Popish arte: Let Friers and Nunnes and baldpate Priestes, with triple crowne of pope, The Cardinals hatt, and devill him selfe, by force plucke downe the rope: Bryng bell, booke, candle, crosse, & beades, and mitred Basan bull, Bryng buls of leade and Popes Decrees, the ballance downe to pull: Yet shall these tares and filthy dregs, invented by mans brayne, Through force of Gods most mighty word, be found both light and vayne.” ²⁴ PFF2 361.3