Simon Miller And Elizabeth Cooper
SIMON MILLER AND ELIZABETH COOPER
Simon Miller was a prosperous merchant of the town of Lynn-Regis. He was an earnest supporter of the reformers’ doctrines, and having occasion to go to Norwich on business, he inquired while there for a place of worship. This being reported to Chancellor Dunning, he ordered Miller to appear before him. When the chancellor asked him the usual questions, Miller answered without attempting to hide his thoughts on the subject of religion, so he was committed to the bishop’s palace as a prisoner.
After spending some time in prison, Miller was allowed to go home to settle his affairs. On his return he was again examined by the chancellor, who warned him to recant and return to the Catholic Church, but Miller remained firm in his faith and was condemned as a heretic.
Elizabeth Cooper, who was burned with Simon Miller, was the wife of a tradesman in Norwich. She had formerly been persuaded to recant, but her conscience bothered her so that one day she went to St. Andrew’s Church and withdrew her recantation in the presence of a large congregation. For this she was immediately arrested and sent to prison. The next day she was brought before the bishop and examined. This time she remained true to her faith and was condemned as a relapsed heretic.
On July 30, 1557, Simon Miller and Elizabeth Cooper were both led to the stake, which was set up in a field outside Norwich, near Bishopgate. When the fire was lit, Elizabeth Cooper was afraid and cried out. Miller put his hand out toward her, telling her to be strong and of good cheer, “For, good sister,” he said, “we shall have a joyful meeting hereafter.” Upon hearing Miller’s words, the woman seemed reassured and stood still and quiet until they both committed their souls to Almighty God and ended their lives.