Thus passed I forth the time at Limehurst until Christmas [1553] was passed, then I waxed something strong. I then thought it best to shift from thence; for that I had there fierce enemies; especially [Henry More the Vicar of Stepney, Abbot quondam of St. Mary de Grace on Tower Hill. He died in November, 1554.]
Whom I apprehended in King Edward's time, and carried him to Croydon to Cranmer, Bishop of Canterbury, for that he disturbed the Preachers in his Church [at Stepney] causing the bells to be rung when they were at the Sermon; and sometimes begin to sing in the Choir before the sermon were half done, and sometimes challenge the Preacher in the Pulpit. For he was a strong stout Popish prelate: whom the godly men of the parish were weary of; specially my neighbours of the Limehurst, as Master Driver, Master Ive, Master Pointer, Master Marche, and others.
Yet durst they not meddle with him, until it was my hap to come and dwell amongst them: and for that I was the King's Servant, I took it upon me; and they went with me to the Bishop to witness those things against him. Who was too full of lenity. A little he rebuked him, and bad him do no more so.
"My Lord," said I, "methinks, you are too gentle unto so stout a Papist!"
"Well," said he, "we have no law to punish them by."
"We have, my Lord!" said I. "If I had your authority, I would be so bold to un-Vicar him; or minister some sharp punishment unto him, and such other. If ever it come to their turn; they will show you no such favour."
"Well," said he, "if GOD so provide, we must abide it."
"Surely," said I, "GOD will never cone you thank for this; but rather take the sword from such as will not use it upon His enemies." And thus we departed.
The like favour is shewed now [i.e., in Elizabeth's reign]; and therefore the like plague will follow.