To procure a Bible in the sad days of Queen Mary's reign was difficult, and to inquire for it publicly was dangerous; still Humphrey Clayton kept to his resolution to possess one. He dared not tell his father, lest he might prohibit him from carrying out his purpose. He had saved some gold pieces—a large sum in those days. Mr. Clayton had business to transact on a certain day with a merchant in London; but, just before, he was laid up with a fit of sickness, and he deputed his steady, thoughtful son, Humphrey, to go in his stead. Humphrey was also to bring out stores for the household; so taking a cart and horse, he joyfully set forth, trusting that now he might accomplish his purpose.
John Harding, the London merchant, kindly received his young guest. His broad brow, clear gray eyes, and the intelligent and benignant expression of his countenance, gained him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was known also to be attached to the glorious principles of the Reformation; but, from his cautious conduct, no accusations could be brought against him. He had been abroad for some time; and as Humphrey Clayton came from Brentwood, he inquired the particulars of the execution of William Hunter. Though without himself making any comment, Humphrey told him in a way which brought a satisfied expression into his countenance.
“And you deem that he was unjustly put to death?” He said.
"If for reading and loving the Bible, which he believed to be the Word of God, most unjustly," answered Humphrey firmly.
“And do you read and love the Bible, young man?" asked the merchant, in a kind tone.
“Would that I did," said Humphrey, feeling perfect confidence in the good merchant. "But alas! I do not possess the Book.”
“Then you wish for a copy?" said the merchant.
“Indeed I do, and would gladly give these eight gold pieces for one, if money can purchase one," exclaimed Humphrey producing his long-hoarded wealth.
“Put up your purse, young sir," said the merchant kindly. “I will gladly present you with the precious Book, on condition that you let it not be known from whom you obtained it; for it were unwise, by bringing myself into trouble, to curtail my power of usefulness. Consider, however, before you accept the gift, that it is dangerous to be found with that book in your possession; and that, through it, the same fate which befell William Hunter may overtake you.”
Humphrey's lip curled, and his eye kindled. "If that Book is, as I have been told, the Word of God, a precious gift sent to guide us aright, I fear no danger, so that I may possess it.”
“Possess it you shall, dear youth; and may God bless the reading of it to your own soul, and to the souls of those you love," said the merchant warmly.
Humphrey was certain that he had fallen into no trap, and the merchant felt equally sure that the youth would not betray him. Humphrey then drove off to procure his stores; and on his return, some yards of broad-cloth, and other articles, were placed in the cart. Among them lay concealed the merchant's priceless gift. With a glad and thankful heart he commenced his homeward journey. He had been watched by suspicious eyes leaving John Harding's house; and, ere long, as he drove through the city, he was stopped and questioned as to his business he had been about, and the contents of his cart. His answers were clear; and, for the contents of his cart, the officers were free to examine it. His courage was tried while the officers searched among his goods; but so well had the Bible been concealed that it escaped detection. Once more he entered his cart and drove on. Unacquainted with the streets of London, he lost his way, and found himself close to an open space surrounded by houses, where a large concourse of people were assembled. He inquired of a passer-by where he was, and for what reason that multitude had collected. Scarcely had he uttered the words, when a column of smoke ascended and flames burst forth from among the crowd.
"Know ye not, young man, that this is Smithfield; and these are pious bishops and lords, and other dignitaries and godly men come to burn Master Card maker, the late vicar of St. Bride's, and two other contumacious heretics, a worthy man and his wife, for the love of Christ; and because he first preached and the other two listened to the Gospel. These are happy times, truly;" and the stranger having thus given vent to his feelings, with a sad countenance hurried on.
Humphrey, seeing an open road before him, drove along it, that he might get away from the hateful spot as soon as possible; and at length found himself on the high road leading to Brentwood. His father was well pleased with the way in which he had executed his commission. Humphrey would have taken the opportunity of telling him that he had become possessed of a Bible; but remembering the merchant's caution, he felt that he must refrain till another occasion.
In the meantime, he commenced in secret the study of the book; and soon Mary joined him, and became as eager as he was in searching the Scriptures and discovering the inestimable riches therein contained.
Humphrey Clayton had received an excellent education for those days, and was of a peculiarly inquiring mind. About a month after his first visit to London, his father, who was well pleased with the way he had executed his commission, directed him to go again to transact another piece of business with the worthy merchant John Harding. He was kindly welcomed as before.
“Have you read the Holy Scriptures, and imbibed their truths, young friend?" asked the merchant. "If you have, you will find them like a well of living waters, drinking of which you will never thirst.”
“Indeed I have Master Harding," said Humphrey. "I have found them all that you describe, and more; though now and then I come to difficulties which I should like to have solved. You spoke before of books written in Germany, and by our own Reformers, which show the errors of the Church of Rome, and point out the glorious truths of the Gospel.”
“Yes, my young friend, such books do exist in great numbers, even in England. They were written by Tyndale, and Coverdale, by Latimer, Fryth, Bayfield, Cranmer, and many other enlightened Englishmen, while others are translations from works by German, French, and Swiss writers-Drs. Luther and Melancthon, Zwingle, Æcolampadius, Lambert, and others. But you are aware that, even to be found possessed of those books would certainly bring you into great trouble; and that, were it discovered that I had given them to you, the fact would probably bring me to the stake.”
“I am well aware of the danger of possessing these books," answered Humphrey; "but I have counted the cost, and am ready to pay it for possessing them, fully believing that they will enlighten my mind; and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, lead me to the truth, and enable me to lead others into it.”
“Bravely spoken, young man, like a true soldier of Christ," said Master Harding, pressing Humphrey's hand. “If you are ready to fight I will not shrink from furnishing you with the weapons; and may you use then effectually to the overthrow of ignorance, superstition, and Popish idolatry, and to the establishment of the true faith. I will conceal them as I did your Bible among your goods, and may you reach home with your treasures in safety.”
Humphrey again and again thanked the Christian merchant, and asked him for his prayers in addition to his other gifts.
Still, not without anxiety he drove away from John Harding's house. He could not help fancying that the object of his visit might have been suspected; and though he could honestly say that he had been sent to transact business with Master John Harding, by his father, a well-known Catholic gentleman near Brentwood; yet if the officers of the Government were to examine his goods and discover the books, he should implicate, not only the merchant, but his father also. More than once, as he drove slowly along, he thought that he saw people watching him. He passed two or three melancholy groups. Two young women, and their aged mother, were being dragged off to prison on a charge of heresy, while young ruffians in the street were insulting them and reminding them of their probable fate at the stake. Another group came along, with countenances denoting grief, horror, and indignation also. One bore a hat, another a stick, and a third a cloak. These things were all that remained to them on earth of the father and guide of their youth, who that morning had been burned at Smithfield. Humphrey did not breathe freely till he got into the open country, and was able to quicken the speed of his horse. He again reached home safely, and lost no time in commencing the study of the works of which he had become possessed. His sister Mary joined him in his studies, and as fully as he had done imbibed the principles of the Reformation.