This book is called, The word of the Cross, because the cross always accompanies it: so that if you will be a student thereof, you must needs prepare yourself to that cross which you began to learn, before you learned your alphabet. And Christ requires it of every one that will be His disciple, therein not swerving from the common trade (manner, editor) of callings or locations, for no profession or kind of life wants its cross. So that they are far overseen (much mistaken, editor) who think that the profession of the gospel, which the devil most envies, the world does hate's, and the flesh most repines at, can be without a cross. Let us therefore enable us to take up our cross by denying ourselves.

From prison, 18th February, 1555.

John Bradford