His Story:
Provide all the incentives a young adult might want - those were the bishop's tactics. Just offer the lad what he needs and doesn't have. Offer him money. Offer him a bit of public honor. That's enough for any boy. He'll take it. London's Bishop Bonner was confident. He knew the mind of London's youth. But Bonner, trying to buy William Hunter's obedience, instead brought the judgement of history upon himself and his queen.
William Hunter's case was clear enough. Raised in a Christian home, he learned the Bible and loved it. He trusted God and distrusted the established church. The charge against him was just as clear. Queen Mary had decreed that everyone in London must take Mass. No ambiguity there. But young Hunter did not take Mass. Even in the big city, he could hide only so long.
The lawbreaker was finally caught. He explained to the sheriff that reading the Bible, even alone, was worship. He had obeyed the edict, just not in the edict's required way. Then the bishop got involved, even though he certainly must have had more important responsibilities. Who was this young boy? Why should he be petulant? Failing to coax him by money, Bonner had William Hunter placed in stocks. For two days Hunter crouched in the wood frame without food or water. Now will you obey the Queen? No? To Newgate prison then. No honor awaits you there.
For the next 9 months Willian Hunter carried chains around the dismal prison - all for reading a Bible, for not taking the Mass, for defying the Queen's express order. By February 9, 1555, Bishop Bonner had troubled himself enough with this boy. Still No? Then back to Brentwood with you, your home village, to be burned as a heretic.
On March 26, with Psalm 51 on his lips, William Hunter, Bible reader, age 19, died in the fire lit by bailiff Richard Ponde, acting on orders of the state.
As the wood ignited, William's brother yelled to him, "Think on the holy passion of Christ, William, and be not afraid of death!!"
The sheriff said to his convict: "I would no more pray for you than for a dog."
"I AM NOT AFRAID," William replied.
Today a monument in Brentwood carries this message:
William Hunter: Martyr
Committed to the flames March 26 MDLV
Christian Reader, learn from his example to value the privilege of an open Bible.
And be careful to maintain it.
**May the Lord, by this Testimony change our hearts!! Know that the true testimonies of Saints like William encourage us far more than a wimpering flesh that says with laziness, "Yeah, I should do a bit more Bible reading......"
May we be rebuked by these Testimonies and rush to Repentance; followed by urgent and Faithful Obedience - The time is short.
**Act"S"aved**
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