Nature's Cruel Stepdames: OR, Matchless Monsters of the Female Sex; Elizabeth Barnes, and Anne Willis.  
Who were executed the 26. day of April, 1637. at Tyburn, for the unnatural murdering of their own Children.  
Also, herein is contained their several Confessions, and the Courts just proceedings against other notorious Malefactors, with their several offences this Sessions.  
Further, a Relation of the wicked Life and impenitent Death of john Flood, who raped his own Child.   

A Narration of the Diabolical seduction of Elizabeth Barnes, late of Battersey in the County of Surrey widow, mercilessly to murder Susan Barnes her own natural Child.  
A Whole month, as she confessed in the public hearing of diverse persons of good repute, this Savage continued with this hellish fire kindled in her breast, violently at the last breaking forth into the unnatural deprivation of the life of the fruit of her own womb. The subtle serpent Satan, that thus long time had possessed her, putteth into her mind the manner how to put in execution her diabolical execrable intention on the innocent child, without its least suspicion, as you may perceive by the sequel of the History. To entice the child unto its slaughter, and to go abroad with her, she provided the 24 day of March last 1637. very early in the morning, an Apple Pie, a Herring Pie, Raisins of the Sun, and other fruits which she carried with her; accustomed baits, used by loving Parents, to quiet and still their children in their unquietness, but this creature otherwise, to destroy her child by that means. These things being thus prepared beforehand, and the child beholding them, did set an edge on its affections, willingly to accompany her cruel mother, in her travel towards her long home.  
The innocent Lamb and ravenous Wolf both spend out the day together; with joyful expectation, the one willingly endureth the travel and heat of the day, to go to be placed with a kinswoman of hers, as was pretended, but alas this was but flattery to shed innocent blood. Towards the evening of the same day, these her alluring kind of deadly junkets, she brings with her child, into a Wood called Wormewall Wood, being in the Parish of Fulham in the County of Middlesex, some 4. miles' distance from the place where she dwelled; being there in secret, and covered with darkness, she feigneth unto the child this excuse, saying, that she was very weary, and was not able to go any further, but must upon necessity stay a while, there to rest and ease herself, the which the poor child, as she said, most lovingly entreated her to do, being also glad of such repose. Being set down together, she taketh out of her basket, the Pies, and fruit, and sets them before the child, for to eat of them, which did so.  
Thus having eaten of such things formerly provided for it, being tired with going so far a journey, it being but of the age of eight years, afterwards sweetly falleth into a fast sleep, which was very opportune for her mother's accursed design, for that same night about the hours of xj. and xii. she drew out of her sheath a knife, and with that knife barbarously did cut the throat of the child. Soon after this bloody fact, being done by her, her eyes were opened, that she beheld her miserable condition, and that, that by her bloody hands had been done, that could no way be again undone. She resolved before hand, how to dispose of herself after the fact committed. For she carried with her the instrument of her own death, as she did the child's; for it a knife, so a halter, wherewith to end her own life, and attempted it, but had not power to lay violent hands on herself, being mercifully thereof prevented by the all-powerfull hand of heaven: after this first attempt, as she said, she was strongly set on again by the Devil to drown herself, but that prevailed not against her, but forthwith broke out then into a great passion, as it were a fountain of tears, humbly and heartily imploring Heaven's mercy and forgiveness for her bloody crying-fact.  
Her guilty conscience, will no way permit her to rest, of show her any place of refuge for safety; but according unto that saying of the Psalmist, it falleth upon her. Evil shall hunt the wicked person to overthrow them, and so it did, to the full satisfaction of all the beholders. For whither doth this affrighted Creature, run or flee suppose ye, but even unto the gates of Justice, crying, as it were there, for Justice to be rendered according to her demerit? From the wood she flees into Kensington, and there hides herself all in straw, in the Barn of one Disney: and being there found, suspicion of this murder was laid unto her charge, which she confessed to his wife and servant, and afterwards she was carried unto Master Pen a Justice in that Town, unto whom she confessed the same fact.  
This fact being rumoured abroad, I went unto Newgate to visit this miserable delinquent, who at my first view of her matron like aspect, induced me to enter into present discourse with her, to prevail if I could possibly, to find out the cause that moved her unto such unheard of cruelty: she answered me again, none but the Devil alone tempted her thereunto, and with tears fast trickling down her cheeks, desired myself, with the rest that stood by, to pray unto Almighty God, to take mercy on her poor sinful soul, to save that from hell.  
A second time I urged her, to discover the cause of that fact, and disburden her conscience, and somewhat then fell from her, thus saying, that she had spent all the estate she had upon one that pretended love unto her, and being by that means become poor and indebted, knew not what would become of her, but instantly resolved on this desperate course, leaving such deep impression in her mind, with the continuance of time in not disclosing of it, that the temptation, and resolution waxed daily stronger, and powerfully wrought on her. Being demanded what she thought should become of her after the fact done, thus replied, that she attempted to hang herself, but had not power, nor doubtless could not have such a hard heart, to kill the child, had it been but awake, as it was a sleep. For that time I departed from her, and freshly the third time endeavoured to discover more but could not, but constantly she adhered to her former confession, no whit varying.   

Serious advertisements unto all good Christians, and cautions, by this ignorant sinful woman's sudden downfall.  
IF this woman's house had been set on fire, doubtless she would have made such an outcry in the streets, that all her neighbours must of necessity rise, and add unto her all help possible to quench the fire. Her heart was here set on fire by hell, musing to perpetrate mischief, her tongue is silent, and mouth is shut, when it should have been wide open, to cry aloud unto God, for grace and mercy, and to crave the help of the effectual prayers of Gods holy Ministers, and Congregations of his Saints here on earth, to deliver her out of the snare and bondage of Satan, whom she voluntarily obeyed. If a limb had been broken, she would not rest satisfied till a Chirurgeon had been present for to cure her.  
If she had fall'n suddenly desperate sick for fear of death, hastily they post and run to seek for a Physician; but her soul is sick, and draws nigh downward into Hell, whatcare or cure of that, where was God or his Ministers thought of all this while, blessed Saint Paul so soon as the Viper seized on his hand, shook it off immediately into the fire: a whole month this venomous Viper, Murder, lodgeth in her heart; God, prayer unto him, and hearing of his Word all this while was laid aside. Cunning deluding Satan sitteth likewise on her tongue, as he took seizure on her heart, that he tieth fast, not able to pray, which might have prevailed against him. Devoute Prayer is his scourge, and faithless faint-hearted people only give place unto him, and sink down at his feet.  
The Devil is but a weak faint-hearted Coward, Resist him, saith the blessed Apostle, and he will fly from you. This kind of evil spirit, saith our Saviour Christ, cannot be cast out, but by fasting and prayer. Our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ in the disconsolate time of his most bitter passion on the Cross for our sakes, to encounter Satan, to comfort himself in that great Agony he was in, and to get the Conquest of that grand captain of all mischief, prayer unto his heavenly Father in the Garden, inculcates frequently this duty unto his distressed followers, Watch and pray, and joins the necessity of it, lest ye fall into Temptation. Is a weak child able to stand in the way of a Lion stirred up unto fury and rage, no whit possible: much less is a sinful weak man able to grapple with the powerful strength of sin and Satan; and therefore pray, that power may be given unto you from above, to resist, the least of whose temptations, ye are no ways able to resist of yourselves. 1 Pet. 5. 8. Be sober, and watch for your adversary the Devil, as a roaring Lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Diabolus non dormit, the Devil is not idle, neither sleeps nor slumbers, but watcheth to take his advantage, seeketh which way unawares to rush in suddenly upon poor souls. By lamentable late experience, Satan hath foiled many, witness those weekly bills of casualties for London and Middlesex. The Devil although he is impudent and potent, the holy Apostle in the ninth verse, shows a means there, to abate his pride who resist in the faith, a faithful Christian makes him to fly, fear, and quake. In the first of Samuel 17. chap. 40. verse. There is mention made, that David chose him five smooth stones out of a brook, with one of them he flew Goliath.  
Medici utuntur diversis medicamentis ad diversos morbos at Christianis contra omnia mala unicum remedium est praecationis medicina Granatensis.  
Learned Physicians apply various medicines unto the nature of the disease, but unto Christians only, one Sovereign medicine, as an Antidote is prescribed, against all manner of malignous diseases, the only remedy is medicine of Prayer, the healthy man prayer preserveth alive, the sick man Prayer restoreth health: In time of war prayer is the victorious Conqueror; In the time of peace prayer is the infallible Defender of King and people, in health and prosperity: Saint james 5 chapter 15. verse. Sins are promised to be forgiven, and the prayer of a righeeteous man availeth much if it be servant: Praecibus, non passibus itur ad Deum, ergo ascendat oratio, ut descendat gratia: as the foot by paces carry the body, so the soul is carried up unto Heaven by Prayer; therefore let thy prayer ascend up unto thy God daily, that he may send down, the dew of his holy Spirit into thy soul. Deijcitur Satan cum tu ascenderis, ascendis duobus modis, meditatione et oratione, meditatio quod decet docet, oratio quod deest obtinet, Gregory. Satan is cast under thy foot when thou raisest up thy soul toward Heaven by Prayer. Two manner of ways there are that man may climb up unto the top of Heavens holy hill, namely meditation and prayer; meditation is prayers handmaid, Meditation instructeth, what becometh the soul to do, prayer supplies what is wanting unto the soul.  
Good King David in the 5. Psalm. ver. 3. made a promise unto Almighty God, and what was it. My voice shalt thou hear betimes, Oh Lord, early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up: A domino hoc iubemur orare, ut ab eo qui secretorum cognitor est, recipiamus orationis occultae mercedem: Chrysoftom. in Math. Homil. 8.  
We are of the Lord Jesus commanded this chiefly (to pray) that of him unto whom the secrets of all hearts are manifest, we may receive openly a heavenly Reward of our Prayers offered in secreets, to conclude this, as the Psalmist advised, Pour out your prayers before him, without which no minute of the day can be happy unto us. I will commend unto your daily meditations and practise that replete zealous Collect prescribed to be read in the second Sunday in Lent, and the Lord give a daily blessing to those that do embrace the instruction.   

The last Caution is the neglect of God's Minister in not repairing unto him.  
Sin is like a spot in a garment, at the first it may be easily expunged, but by continuance, it gathereth more and more soil unto it, making it so difficult that it fretteth the garment into pieces, before it can be clean. Ignorant people behold their sins, through the spectactles of their own fantasies, they extend or extenuate their sins as they please, thereby deceiving themselves, some make sins lesser, and and others greater than they are, and it cannot otherwise possible be; because, they are not able to judge of the difference being ignorant and unlettered, than a blind man can distinguish colours.  
A stumbling block into this women's way the Devil casts, not to go unto her Minister unto whom the Almighty GOD had given the pastoral Cure of her soul, to reveal her mind unto him, for fear of revealing it again, what doth GOD intrust us with your dear souls? and will not you trust us with your filthy sins? to discover them, to disburden your heavy jaded consciences, will you not make nice to show a noisome foul ulcerated body, and show the place where it paineth you most to the chirurgeon, to have thereby ease, and be too too curious in the matters of your soul; your abominable sins let them alone untouched, or not confessed at all, which by confession may be lessened, and people made wary to walk more circumspectly, and the heinousness of sin being set before men's eyes, may deter them from committing of them again. Beloved, a weak slight and subtlety in the Devil, that withholds the poor pensive sinner, from his ghostly comforter (Confession) what then? oh no, by no menaes, I will not do it, he will reveile me, will you not blush for shame, nor hold it no blemish, to harbour wicked thoughts in your hearts, which GOD knoweth, and seeth, and in the open day of the world exorbitantly commit them, and is this a greater offence to confess them, and to turn from them, judge ye? Our aim of the Church of England is not such, as that of Rome, to creep into men's secrets hearts, to hold them in awe, but discover their sins, to save that way their souls, and as for disclosing of such kind of persons, let me advise them, not in the least manner to doubt our secrecy, we have learned better, and desire our Auditors to be otherwise persuaded of us. Whether is God or men wiser? the holy Spirit adviseth unto this duty of Confession, by that means ye lessen sin in you, and cast out the Devil. Christ cured none but those that showed their disease, and believed his power, by confession of sin the way for the Lord jesus is prepared, and by the prayer of the faithful Minister unto God for the poor penitent sinner, his sins are forgiven him, Satan cast out, and his soul better armed against his future strong temptations. King David resolved saying: Palm 38. verse 18. I will confess my wickedness, and be sorry for my sin.  
Magnus accessus ad Deum, cognitio est infirmitatis suae, the step that we set forwards Hsaven, after we have fall'n into sin, is the unfeigned confessing of our downfall by sin. S. Luke 15. chap. with the prodigal? I will go to my father, and say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and thee. Psal. 15. Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight, at last he prayeth, O cleanse thou me from my secret faults, there is none whole in my body or soul by reason of sin.  
32. Psalm. 5, 6 vers. I will knowledge my sin unto thee, and mine unrighteousness have I not hid. I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord, and so thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin. These were the ensuing comforts and favours of God to the sinner; remission of sins for confessing of them. Read the 5th. Chap. of james, ver. 6. Acknowledge your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. Our blessed Saviour, when he sent his Disciples into the world, as he gave them a Commission for to preach, so likewise power over unclean spirits, to cast them out. In a word, he gave them power of sins in the total lump: Whosoevers sins ye retain (saith he) they are retained, and whosoevers sins ye remit, they are remitted. What greater comfort could Christ pronounce then say, Son, thy sins be forgiven? and how did the jews disdain at those words, saying, Who can forgive sins, but God only? Christ readily replieth, and giveth-them a token of the truth thereof, by the peraliptick man to rise up and walk before them, That ye may know the Son of man hath power to forgive sins here on earth, I say unto thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and walk. Primus ad indulgentiam gradus est agnoscere delictum. The chiefest way to obtain mercy at God's hands for sins past, is to acknowledge the offences done. Dum agnoscit reus, ignoscit Deus. and the sinner is not readier to confess his wickedness, but God is as ready again for to forgive them. Novit Deus omnia, vocem tamen tuam expectet, si taces Secretarius es Diaboli, saith S. Ambr. God knoweth all things, yet the voice, and confession of penitent sinners, he regardeth, and expecteth; If a sinner be at any time silent, he is but the Devil's Secretary.   

The Confession of Elizabeth Barnes, the 26. of April, 1637, at the place of Execution.  
During the time she was in prison, she concealed her Adultery, that she was begot with Child, by him on whom she had wasted her estate, and deluded with hopes of Marriage. His name, as she said, was Richard Evans, a Tailor dwelling in Battersey in the County of Surrey: upon whose conscience lieth very heavy, his false dealing with the poor woman. I wish that he may heartily ask God and the world forgiveness for his impieties in public. Through whose deceits and flatteries, this poor creatures ruin was occasioned. And so much for Elizabeth Barnes.   

A Relation of Anne Willis, the manner of of the murdering of her own Child, confessed by her at the place of Execution.  
Upon an Inquisition of one of the Coroners Inquest, for the County of Middlesex, upon the view of the body of her Basterd-child, taken out of a vault in Rosemary Lane, by Tower Hill, by her therein thrown, being by the jury made, return unto the Coroner of Murder, Warrants were immediately sent out unto all parts for the apprehending of the said Ann Willis, who upon the seventh day of March, 1637, was taken, and brought before Sir Thomas jaye, unto whom she confessed the fact: That the Child was borne alive: there was two upon oath justified it, that she said it was alive. Oh cruel Monsters of that tender Sex. Can a woman forget the child of her womb? Isa. 9 Heaven's infinite compassion is compared unto the Mother and Infant, the near tie between them, and the entire care of mothers over their children! When I lift up mine eyes towards the Heavens, & again cast them down to the earth; Birds and Beasts, me thinks, do rise up in judgement against these unnatural cruel Beasts in women's shapes. The Swallow flieth high, and in the towering Trees, Churches, and Houses build their Nests, to preserve their young ones 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; The Sparrow watcheth alone on the House top, as careful what it had hatched and brought forth. Beasts, such as Lions, Woolves, Tigers and Foxes, have secret caves and woods where they hide there young, to preserve & foster them alive: But these bloody dogs degenerate from them. O let therefore the memorial of them perish.   

A Relation of john Flood, late of S. Giles in the Field, for the committing of a Rape on the body of his own natural child, being under the age of ten years.  
THis man was most notorious, and generally reported to be of a most dissolute conversation. The fact which was laid unto his charge, fully proved by the Testimony of diverse grave and sober Matrons, which searched the Body of the Child, and said, she had been abused by a man without all question. The Honourable Judges, before whom this heinous fact was tried, inquired to find out the Actor of so horrid a deed. The Child on whom it was done, produced, nor accused any other person but Flood her own Father, and related very confidently the manner of their carnal knowledge of each other, to the full satisfaction of all that heard her, that none but he could be the man. Being demanded the reason why she did not immediately reveal that her Father had to do with her, she answered, That she durst not speak of it again unto any body, because her father said, If she should at any time tell what he did unto her, the Devil would presently tear her in pieces. This the child averred unto the Court before his face, at the time of his Trial.  

What Flood said at the place of Execution.  
As he impudently denied the Fact at the time of his Trial, he persevered to the instant of his death, of the denial of the fact, with many fearful imprecations of judgements, and renunciation of God's mercies if he were any ways guilty: In great passionate hot terms he broke forth against his wife, on this wise saying, That three years she was conspiring to work his downfall, which now by her was effected. And thus this barren Tree at the Tree of execution stood and fell.    

The Confession of joan Burrs, taken before Sir james Cambell, Knight, the 8. day of April, 1637.  
She said that the Saturday before Christmas last, her Master having given her sharp correction, for the stealing away of a Runlet of Wine, and expending it out in the company of Lewd creatures lazing about the City; in revenge unto her Master and Mistress, she went and bought Mercury, and put it into a Posser, and gave it unto them both for to drink, which did endanger their lives; but blessed be God, are both yet alive: And for that exorbitant Fact, was by the Court fined, and remains in the Goal to this present. Being demanded why she did so unto her Master and Mistress, She stood mute: but it was justified unto her face at her Trial, that these words should proceed out of her own mouth, That if her Mistress were dead, she might afterwards have better clothes; And to her Master she did it, because he did beat her so cruelly. But observe in this silly Girl a passage worth note: Who perceiving the Mercury to work violently on her Mistress, brought some thereof in a Paper, and showed it unto her Mistress, saying, that doubtless her Master had put something into the Posset, that made her so sick; craftily intending by this, to cast off all suspicion from herself; but that fastened it upon her, as just cause there was. And so much for that.   

The Confession of Anne Holden, before Sir james Cambell, the 16. day of March, 1637.  
THe said Anne Holden confessed, as it was in the Court read, That last Night was seven weeks, she being lodged in the house of john Atkins at Colebrook, was delivered of a Child, no body being with her; which said Child she threw into a Ditch, on the Backside of the said House, because it should not be known nor seen. But she was spared her Trial, because she is to be removed unto Buckingham, there to be tried upon another Murder.  
Lastly, there is one Notorious Bawd Rebecca Smith, who dwelled at the Seven-stars in White-cross-street, convicted for a Bawd; who according unto her deserts, is to be Carted about the City, and thence aught to be banished.  
FINIS.