A WORK OF THE BEAST OR A Relation of a most Censure, Executed upon JOHN LILBURNE, (Now prisoner in the fleet) the 18 of April 1638. With the heavenly speech uttered by him at the time of his suffering. Very useful for these times both for the encouragement of the Godly to suffer, And for the terror and shame of the Lords Adversaries. HEB. 10.36. For you have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promises HEB. 11.36. And others had trial of cruel mockings, and scourge yea moreover of bands and imprisonments. RIGHT RICHED crest or blazon Printed in the year the Beast was Wounded 1638 The Publisher to the Reader. Tender hearted Reader. OF The wicked it is truly said in job. their Light shallbe Put out: Now we see, in a Candle, being almost extinguished, that after it hath glimmered a while, it raiseth some few blazing flashes, and so suddenly vanisheth. To speak what I think, my mind gives me, that the Lord is now upon extinguishing the bloody Prelates out of our Land. For whereas they have not, in some late years shown the cruelty which they did before, but now increase in persecution; me thinks this is a clear foregoing sign, that (like a snuff in the socket) their end and ruin is at hand. I writ this, to have thee the more patiented, contented, and comforted, when thou either hearest, seest, or readest of their barbarous cruelty; besure their condemnation sleepeth not, but when their wickedness is full, I say when they have once filled up the measure of their iniquity the which I trust they have almost done) then will the Lord send back these locusts to the Bottomless pit, from whence they came. In the mean time fear not their faces, but stand in the truth, and let God's house and his ordinances be dear to thy soul, And know, that as the Lord gave strength to this his Servant to suffer joyfully for Christ's cause; so he will to thee and me and all others of his saints, if he count us worthy to be called thereto. Thine if thou be Christ's, and a hater of the English Popish Prelates. F. R. A WORK OF THE BEAST, OR A Relation of a most unchristian Censure, executed upon JOHN LILBURNE, (Now prisoner in the fleet) the 18. of April 1638 with the heavenly speech utter by him at the time of his suffering. Upon Wednesday the said 18 of April, Having no certain notice of the execution of my Censure, till this present morning, I prepared myself by prayer unto God, that he would make good his promise, to be with me & enable me to undergo my Affliction with joyfullnes & courage: and that he would be a mou●h and utterance unto me to enable me to speak that which might make for his greatest honour. And in my meditations my soul did principally pitch upon these Three places of Scripture. First, That in Jsay. 41.10.11.12.13. Fear thou not for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded, they shall be as nothing, and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them & shall not find them, even them that contented with thee, they that war against thee shall be as nothing & as a thing of nought. For I the Lord thy God will hold thee by thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee, Fear not thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel, I will help, thee saith the Lord and thy Redeemer the Holy one of Israel. etc. Secondly, that place in Isay, 43.1.2. Where God speaks thus to his Elect. Fear not for I have Redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters I willbe with thee, and though the rivers they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kin●ell upon thee. Thirdly, that in Heb. 13.5.6. In these words For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, So that we may boldly say the Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do to me. With the consideration of these and other gracious promises, made to his people, I being one of his chosen ones, did claim my share & interest in them, and the Lord of his infinite goodness enabled me to cast myself upon and rest in them, knowing and steadfastly believing that he is a God of faithfulness and power, who is able and willing to make good these his promises to the utmost, and (to his praise be it spoken I desire to speak it) my soul was that morning exceedingly lifted up with spiritual consolation: and I felt within me such a divine supportation, that the baseness of my punishment I was to undergo did seem as a matter of nothing to me. And I went to my suffering with as willing and joyful a heart as if I had been going to solemnize the day of my maraige with one of the choicest Creatures this world could afford. The Warden of the Fleet having sent his men for my old fellow soldier. Mr. john Wharton, and myself being both in one Chamber, we made ourselves ready to go to the place of execution. I took the old man by the hand and led him down three pair of stairs, and so along the yard till we came to the Gate. And when we came there George Harrington the Porter told me I must stay alitle, and after our parting (commending one another to the protection of our alsufficient God) I was bid go to the Porter's Lodge, no sooner was I gone in, but came john Hawes, the other Porter to me using these words. Mr Lilburne, I am very sorry for your punishment, you are now to undergo, you must strip you, and be whipped from hence to Westminster. I replied, the will of my God be done, for I know he will carry me through it with an undaunted Spirit; But I must confess it seemed at the first a little strange to me, in regard I had no more notice given me for my preparation for so sore a punishment. For I thought I should not have been whipped through the street but only at the Pillory. And so passing a long the Lane being attended with many Staves and Halberds, as Christ was when he was apprehended by his Enemies and led to the High Priests Hall. Mat. 26, we came to ffleete-bridge where was a Cart standing ready for me. And I being commanded to strip me, I did it with all willingness and cheerfulness, where upon the executioner took out a Cord and tied my hands to the Cart's Arse, which caused me to utter these words, Welcome be the Cross of Christ, With that there drew near a Young man of my acquentance, and bid me put on a Courageous resolution to suffer cheerfully & not to dishonour my cause for you suffer (said he) for a good cause, I gave him thanks, for his christian encouragement, I replying I know the cause is good, for it is God's cause, & for my own part I am cheerful & merry in the Lord, & am as well contented with this my present portion as if I were to receive my present liberty. For I know my God that hath gone along with me hither to, will carry me though to the end. And for the affliction itself, though it be the punishment inflicted upon Rogues. yet I esteem it not the least disgrace, but the greatest honour that can be done unto me, that the Lord counts me worthy to suffer any thing for his great name; And you my Brethren that do now here behold my present condition this day, be not discouraged, be not discouraged at the ways of Godliness by reason of the Cross which accompanies it, for it is the lot and portion of all which will live Godly in Christ jesus to suffer persecution, The Cart being ready to go forward. I spoke to the executioner (when I saw him pull out his Corded whip out of his pocket) after this manner, Well my friend do thy office. To which he replied I have whipped many a Rogue but now I shall whip an honest man, but be not discouraged (said he) it will be soon over. To which I replied, I know my God hath not only enabled me to believe in his name, but also to suffer for his sake. So the Carman drove forward his Cart, and I laboured with my God for strength to submit my back with cheerfulness unto the smitter. And he heard my desire & granted my request, for when the first stripe was given I felt not the least pain but said, Blessed be thy name O Lord my God that hast counted me worthy to suffer for thy glorious names sake; And at the giving of the second, I cried out with a loud voice Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Glory, Honour, and Praise, be given to thee O Lord for ever, and to the Lamb that sits upon the Throne. So we went up Fleetstreet, the Lord enabling me to endure the stripes with such patience and cherefullnes, that I did not in the least manner show the least discontent at them, for my God hardened my back, and steeled my reynes, and took a way the smart and pain of the stripes from me. But I must confess, if I had had no more but my own natural strength, I had sunk under the burden of my punishment, for to the flesh the pain was very grievous & heavy: But my God in whom I did trust was higher and stronger than myself, who strengthened and enabled me not only to undergo the punishment with cherefullnes: but made me Triumph & with a holy disdain to insult over my torments. And as we went along the Strand, many friends spoke to me & asked how I did, & bid me be cheerful, to whom I replied, I was merry and cheerful: and was upheld with a divine and heavenly supportation, comforted with the sweet consolations of God's spirit. And about the middle of the Strand, there came a Friend and bid me speak with boldness. To when I replied, when the time comes so I will▪ for than if I should have spoken and spent my strength, it would have been but as water spilt on the ground, in regard of the noise and press of people. And also at that time I was not in a fit temper to speak: because the dust much troubled me, and the Sun shined very hot upon me. And the Tipstaffe man at the first would not let me have my hat to keep the vehement heat of the Sun from my head. Alsoe he many times spoke to the Cart man to drive softly, So that the heat of the Sun exceedingly pierced my head: and made me somewhat faint. But yet my God upheld me with courage, and made me undergo it with a joyful heart. And when I came to Cheering Cross some Christian friends spoke to me and bid me be of good cheer. So I am (said I) for I rest not in my own strength. but I fight under the Banner of my great and mighty Captain the Lord Jesus Christ who hath conquered all his Enemies, and I doubt not but through his strength I shall conquer and over come all my sufferings, for his power upholdes me, his strength enables me, his presence cheers me, and his Spirit comforts me, and I look for an immortal Crown which never shall fade nor decay. the assured hope and expectation where of makes, me to contemn my sufferings, and count them as nothing, for my momentany affliction will work for me a fare more exceeding Crown and weight of glory. And as I went by the King's palace a great Multitude of people came to look upon me. And passing through the gate unto Westminster, Many demanded what was the matter. To whom I replied, my Brethren, against the Law of God, against the law of the Land, against the King or State have I not committed the least offence that deserves this punishment, but only I suffer as an object of the Prelate's cruelty and malice; and hereupon, one of the Warden of the Fleets-officers, began to interrupt me, and tells me my suffering was just and therefore I should hold my tongue; Whom I bid meddle with his own business, for I would speak come what would, for my cause was good for which I suffered, and here I was ready to sh●…d my dearest blood for it. And as we went through King's street, many encouraged me, and bid me be cheerful; Others whose faces (to my knwoledge) I never saw before, and who I verily think knew not the cause of my suffering, but seeing my cheerfulness under it, beseeched the Lord to bless me and strengthen me. At the last we came to the Pillory, where I was unloosed from the Cart, and having put one some of my we went to the Tavern, where I stayed a pretty while waiting for my Surgeon. whoe was not yet come to dress me. Where were many of my Friends, who exceedingly rejoiced to see my courage. that the Lord had enabled me to undergo my punishment so willingly. Who asked me how I did. I told them, as well as ever I was in my life I bless my God for it. for I felt such inward joy and comfort, cheering up my soul, that I lightly esteemed my sufferings. And this I counted my wedding day in which I was married to the Lord jesus Christ: for now I know he love's me in that he hath bestowed so rich apparel this day upon me, and counted me worthy to suffer for his sake. I having a desire to retire into a private room from the multitude of people that were about me, which made me like to faint: I had not been there long but Mr. Lightburne the Tibstasse of the Star-Chamber, came to me saying the Lords sent him to me, to know if I would acknowledge myself to be in a fault and then he knew what to say unto me. To whom I replied, Have their Honours caused me to be whipped from the Fleet to Westminster, and do they now send to know if I will acknowledge a fault. They should have done this before I had been whipped; for now seeing I have undergone the greatest part of my punishment, I hope the Lord will assist me to go through it all, and beside, if I would have done this at the first I needed not to have come to this, But as I told the Lords when I was before them at the Bar. So I desire you to tell them again, that I am not conscious to myself of doing any thing that deserves a submission, but yet I do willingly submit to their Lordship's pleasures in my Censure. He told me if I would confess, a fault it would save me astanding on the Pillory otherwise I must undergo the burden of it. Well, I (Said I) I regard not a little outward disgrace for the cause of my God, I have found already that sweetness in him in whom I have believed, that through his strength I am able to undergo any thing that shallbe inflicted on me; But me thinks that I had very hard measure that I should be condemned and thus punished upon two Oaths in which the party hath most falsely foresworn himself: and because I would not take an Oath to betray mine own innocency; Why Paul found more favour and mercy from the Heathen Roman-Governors, for they would not put him to an Oath to accuse himself, but suffered him to make the best defence he could for himself, neither would they condemn him before his accusers and he were brought face to face, to justify and fully to prove their accusation: But the Lords have not dealt so with me, for my accusers and I were never brought face to to face to justify their accusation against me: it is true two false Oaths were Sworn against me: and I was thereupon condemned, and because I would not accuse myself. It is true (said he) it was so with Paul but the Laws of this Land, are otherwise then their Laws were in those days. Then said I, they are worse and more cruel, than the Laws of the Pagans and Heathen Romans were, who would condemn no man without witnesses, and they should be brought face to face, to justify their accusation. And so he went away, & I prepared myself for the Pillory, to which I went with a joyful courage, and when I was upon it, I made obeisance to the Lords, some of them as (I suppose) looking out at the Sarr-Chamber-window, towards me. And so I put my neck into the hole, which being a great deal to low for me, it was very painful to me in regard of the continuance of time that I stood on the Pillory: which was about two hours, my back also being very sore, and the Sun shining exceeding hot. And the T●pstaffe man, not suffering me to keep on my hat, to defend my head from the heat of the Sun. So that I stood there in great pain. Yet through the strength of my God I underwent it with courage: to the very last minute. And lifting up my heart and spirit unto my God, While I was thus standing on the Pillory. I craved his Powerful assistance with the spirit of wisdom and courage, that I might open my mouth with boldness: and speak those things that might make for his greatest glory, and the good of his people, and so casting my eyes on the multitude, I began to speak after this manner. My Christean Brethren, to all you that love the Lord jesus Christ▪ and desire that he should reign and rule in your hearts and lives, to you especially: and to as many as hear me this day: I direct my speech. I stand here in the place of ignominy and shame. Yet to me it is not so, but I own and embrace it, as the Welcome Cross of Christ. And as a badge of my Christian Profession. I have been already whipped from the Fleet to this place, by virtue of a Censure: from the Honourable Lords of the Star Chamber hereunto, The Cause of my Censure I shall declare unto you as briefly as I can. The Lord by his special hand of providence so ordered it, that Not long ago I was in Holland. Where I was like to have settled myself in a Course of trading, that might have brought me in a-pretty large portion of earthly things; (after which my heart did too much run) but the Lord having a better portion in store for me, and more durable riches to bestow upon my soul. By the same hand of providence: brought me back a gain. And cast me into easy affliction, that there by I might be weaned from the world, and see the vanity and emptiness of all things therein. And he hath now pitched my soul upon such an object of beauty, amiableness: & excellency, as is as permanent and endurable as eternity itself, Namely the personal excellency of the Lord jesus Christ. the sweetness of whose presence, no affliction can ever be able to wrest out of my soul. Now while I was in Holland, it seems there were diverse Books. of that Noble and Renowned Dr. john Bastwicks' scent into England, which came to the hands of one Edmond Chillington, for the sending over which I was taken, and apprehended, the plot being before laid, by one john Chilliburne (whom I supposed) & took to be my friend) servant to my old fellow soldier Mr. John Wharton living in Bowlane (after this manner.) I walking in the Street, with the said john Chilliburne, was taken by the Pursuivant and his men. the said john as I verily believe, having given direction to them: where to stand, and he himself was the third man that laid hands on me to hold me. Now at my Censure before the Lords: I there declared upon the word of a Christian that I sent not over those Books, neither did I know the Ship that brought them. nor any of the men that belonged to the Ship, nor to my knowledge did I ever see, either Ship: or any appertaining to it, in all my days. Besides this, I was accused at my examination before, the King's Attorney at his Chamber, by the said Edmond Chillington Button Seller jiving in Canon street near Abchurch Lane, and late Prisoner in Bridewell & Newgate, for printing 10. or 12. thousand Books in Holland, and that I would have printed the Unmasking the mystery of iniquity if I could have got a true Copy of it, and that I had a Chamber in Mr. John Foots house at Delfe where he thinks the books were kept. Now here I declare before you all, upon the word of a suffering Christian: that he might have as well accused me of printing a hundred thousand books, and the on been as true as the other; And for the printing the Unmasking the Mystery of Iniquity, upon the word of an honest man I never saw, nor to my knowledge heard of the Book, till I came back again into England: And for my having a Chamber in Mr. John Foots house at Delfe, where he thinks the Books were kept. I was so fare from having a Chamber there, as I never lay in his house, but twice or thrice at the most, and upon the last Friday of the last Term I was brought to the Star-Chamber Bar, where before me was read the said Edmond Chillingtons' Affidavit, upon Oath, against Mr. John Wharton and myself. The Sum of which Oath was, That he and I had Printed (at Rotterdam in Holland,) Dr. Bastwicks' Answer, and his Litany, with diverse other scandalous Books. Now here again I speak it in the presence of God, & all you that hear me, that Mr. Wharton, and I never joined together in printing, either these or any other Books whatsoever. Neither did I receive any money from him, toward the printing any. Withal, in his first Oath, he peremptorily swore that we had printed them at Rotterdam. Unto which I likewise say, That he hath in this particular forsworn himself, for my own part, I never in all my days either printed, or caused to be printed, either for myself or Mr. Wharton any Books at Rotterdam. Neither did I come into any Printing house there all the time I was in the City. And then upon the Twesday after he swore, against both of us again. The sum of which Oaths was, that I had confessed to him (which is most false) that I had Printed Dr. Bastwicks' Answer to Sr. John Banks his Information, and his Litany; & another Book called Certain answers to certain Objections; And another Book called The vanity & impiety of the old Litany; & that I had diverse other Books of the said Dr. Bastwicks' in Printing, & that Mr. Wharton had been at the charges of Printing a Book called A Breviat, of the Bishop's late proceeding; and another Book called 16. new Queries, and in this his Oath hath sworn they were Printed at Rotterdam, or some where else in Holland; & that on James Oldam. a Turner keeping Shop at Westminster-hall-gate dispersed diverse of these books. Now in this Oath he hath again forsworn himself in a high degree, for whereas he took his Oath that I had printed the Book called The Vanity and impiety of the old Litany, I here speak it before you all, that I never in all my days did see one of them in print, but I must confess, I have seen & read it, in written hand, before the Dr. was censured, & as for other books, of which he saith I have divers in printing. To that I answer, that for mine own particular I never read nor saw any of the Drs. Books: but the forenamed four in English▪ and one little thing more of about two sheets of paper, which is annexed to the Vanity of the Old Litany, And as for his Latin Books I never saw any but two: Namely his Flagellum, for which he was first censured in the High Commission Court: and his Apologeticus, which were both in print long before I knew the Dr. But it is true, there is a second edition of his Flagellum, but that was at the press above two years ago: namely Anno 1634. And some of this impression was in England before I came out of Holland, And these are the main things for which I was Censured and Condemned. Being two Oaths in which the said Chillington, hath palpably forsworn himself. And if he had not forsworn himself. Yet by the law (as I am given to understand) I might have excepted against him, being a guilty person himself and a Prisoner, and did that which he did against me for purchasing his own liberty which he hath by such judasly means got and obtained. Who is also known to be a lying fellow, as I told the Lords I was able to prove and make good. But besides all this, there was an inquisition-Oath-tendered unto me (which I refused to take) on four several days; the sum of which Oath is thus much. You shall swear that you shall make true answer to all things that shall be asked of you: So help you God. Now this Oath I refused as a sinful and unlawful Oath: it being the High-Commission Oath, with which the Prelates ever have and still do so butcherly torment, afflict and undo, the dear Saints and Servants of God, It is also an Oath against the Law of the Land, As Mr. Nicholas Fuller in his Argument doth prove. And olso it is expressly against the Petition of Right an Act of Parliament Enacted in the second year of our King. Again, it is absolutely against the Law of God, for that law requires no man to accuse himself, but if any thing be laid to his charge: there must come two or three witnesses at the least to prove it. It is also against the practice of Christ himself, who in all his examinations before the High Priest would not accuse himself: but upon their demands, returned this answer: Why ask yea me, go to them that heard me. With all this Oath is against the very law of nature, for nature is always a preserver of itself and not a destroyer. But if a man takes this wicked Oath he distroyes and undoes himself, as daily experience doth witness. Nay it is worse than the Law of the Heathen Romans, as we may read Act. 25.16. For when Paul stood before the Pagan Governors, and the laws required Judgement against him, the Governor replied, it is not the manner of the Romans to condemn any man before his accusers & he were brought face to face to justify their accusation. But for my own part, if I had been proceeded against by a Bill, I would have answered & justified all that they could have proved against me, & by the strength of my God would have sealed whatsoever I have done with my blood, for I am privy to mine own actions, & my conscience bears me witness that I have laboured ever since the Lord in mercy made the riches of his grace known to my Soul, to keep a good conscience and to walk inoffensably both towards God, & man. But as for that Oath that was put unto me I did refuse to take it, as a sinful and unlawful Oath, & by the strength of my God enabling me I will never take it though I be pu●d in pieces with wild horses as the ancient Chritians were by the bloody Tyrants, in the Primitive Church, neither shall I think that man a faithful Subject, of Christ's Kingdom, that shall at any time hereafter take it, seeing the wickedness of it hath been so apparently laid open by so many, for the refusal whereof many do suffer cruel persecution to this day. Thus have I as briefly as I could; declared unto you, the whole cause of my standing here this day, I being upon these grounds censured by the Lords at the Starr-chamber on the last Court day of the last term to pay 500 'pon to the King and to receive the punishment which with rejoicing I have undergon, unto whose censure I do with willingness & cheerfulness submit, myself. But seeing I now stand here at this present, I intent the Lord assisting me with his power, and guiding me by his spirit, to declare my mind unto you. I have nothing to say to any man's person, and therefore will not meddle with that. Only the things that I have to say in the first place, are concerning the Bishops & their calling. They challenge their callings ●o be jure Divino, & for the oppugning of which, those three renowned living marters of the Lord, Dr. Bastwick M. Burton & M. Prinne: did suffer in this place, and they have sufficiently proved, that their, Calling is not from God, which men I love and honour, and do persuade myself their souls are dear and precious in the sight of God, though they were so cruelly and butcherly dealt with by the Prelates, and as for Mr. Burton and Mr. Prynne they are worthy and learned men, but yet did not in many things writ so fully as the Dr. did, who hath sufficiently & plentifully set forth the wickedness, both of the Prelates themselves & of their callings▪ (as you may read in his Books) that they are not Jure Divino, which noble and reverend Dr. I love with my Soul▪ and as he is a man that stands for the truth and Glory of God, my very life and hart blood I will lay down for his honour, and the maintaining of his cause, for which he Suffered, it being God's cause. As for the Bishops, they used in former times to challenge their jurisdiction, Callings, and power from the King. But they have now openly in the High Commission Court renounced that as was heard by many, at the Censure of that Noble Dr. And as you may fully read in his Apollogeticus. And in his Answer to Sr. john Banks his Jnformation. Now I will here maintain it before them all. That their Calling is so fare from being jure Divino (as they say they are) that they are rather jure Diabollico. Which if I be not able to prove, let me be hanged up at the Hall Gate. But my Brethren, for your better satisfaction, read the 9 & 13. Chapters of the Revelation, and there you shall see, that there came Locust out of the Bottomless Pitt, part of whom they are▪ and they are there lively discirbed. Also you shall there find, that the Beast (which is the Pope, or Roman State and Government.) hath given to him by the Dragon (the Devil) his Power and Seat, and great authority. So that the Pope's authority comes from the Devil, and the Prelates, and their Creatures in their printed Books, do challenge their authority jurisdiction and Power, (that they exercise over all sorts of people) is from Rome. And for proving of the Church of England to be a true Church, their best & strongest argument is: that the Bb. are lineally descended from his Holiness (or impiousnes) of Rome: as you may read in Pocklingtons' Book, called Sunday no Sabbath. So that by their own confession they stand by that same power and authority that they have received from the Pope. So that their calling is not from God but from the Devil. For the Pope cannot give a better authority or calling to them, than he himself hath. But his Authority and Calling is from the Devil: Therefore the Prelates Calling and authority is from the Devil alfoe. Revel. 9.3. And there came out of the smoke, Locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power as the Scorpions of the earth have power to hurt and undo men, as the Prelates daily do. And also Revel. 13.2. And the Beast which I saw (saith S. john) was like unto a Leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a Bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lion, and the Dragon (that is to say the Devil) gave him his power, his seat, and great authority▪ and ver. 15.16.17. And whether the Prelates as well as the Pope, do not daily the same things: let every man that hath but common reason judge. For do not their daily practices and cruel burdens, imposed on all sorts of people, high and low, rich and poor: witness that their descent is from the Beast, part of his state and kingdom. So also Revel. 16.13.14. All which places do declare, that their Power and authority being from the Pope, (as they themselves confess) Therefore it must needs originally come from the Devil For their power & callings, must of necessity proceed either from God, or else from the Devil, But it proceeds not from God, as the Scriptures sufficiently declares▪ Therefore there calling and power proceeds from the Devil, as both Scripture and there own daily practices do demonstrate and prove. And as for that last place cited Rev. 16.13.14. If you please to read the Second, and third parts of Dr. Bastwicks' Litany, you shall find, he their proves that the Prelate's practices do every way suit with, and make good that portion of Scripture to the utmost. For in their Sermons that they preach before his Majesty: how do they incense the King & nobles against the people of God, labouring to make them odious in his sight & stirring him up to execute vengeance upon them, though they be the most harmless generation of all others. And as for all these officers that are under them & made by them, for mine own particular I cannot see but that their callings are as unlawful as the Bishops themselves, and in particular for the callings of the ministers, I do not, nor will not speak against their persons, for I know some of them to be very able men, and men of excellent gifts and qualifications, and I persuade myself their souls are very dear and precious in the sight of God. Yet not withstanding, this proves not their Callings to be ever the better. As it is in civil government. If the King (whom God hath made a lawful Magistrate) make a wicked man an officer, he is as true an officer and as well to be obeyed, coming in the King's name, as the best man in the world coming with the same atthoritie, for in such a case, he that is a wicked man hath his calling from as good authority as the godliest man hath: And therefore his calling is as good as the others. But on the other side, if he that hath no authority make officers, though the men themselves be never so good and holy. Yet their holiness makes their calling never a whitt the truer, but still is a false a calling: in regard his authority was not good nor lawful that made them; & even so the ministers, be they never so holy men: yet they have one and the same calling with the wickedest that is amongst them, their holiness proves not their callings to be ever the truer: seeing their authority that made them ministers is false, and therefore they have more to answer for then any of the rest: by how much the more God hath bestowed greater gifts upon them then upon others, and yet they detain the truth in unrighteousness from God's people: and do not make known to them as they ought, the whole will and counsel of God. And again, the greater is their sin if their callings be unlawful, (as I verily believe they are) in that they still hold them and do not willingly lay them down & renounce them, for they do but deceive the people and highly dishonour God, and sin against their own souls, while they preach unto the people by virtue of an Antichristian and unlawful Calling, and the more godly and able the Minister is that still preaches by virtue of this calling, the more hurt he doth, for the people that have such a Minister will not be persuaded of the truth of things, though one speak & inform them in the name of the Lord; but will be ready to reply, Our Minister that preaches still by virtue of this Calling, is so holy a man, that were not his calling right & good: I do assure myself he would no longer preach by virtue thereof, And thus the holiness of the minister is a Cloak to cover the unlawfulness of his calling, and make the people continue rebels against Christ's his Sceptre and Kingdom, which is an agrevation of his sin▪ for by this means the people are kept off from receiving the whole truth into their souls, & rest in being but almost Christians, or but Christians in part. But Oh my Brethren, it behoves all you that fear God, and tender the Salvation of your own Souls, to look about you & to shake of that long security & formality in Religion, that you have laid in. For God of all things cannot endure Luke warmness Revel 3.16. And search out diligently the truth of things, and try them in the Balance of the Sanctuary. I beseech you take things no more upon trust, as hitherto you have done, but take pains to search and find out those Spiritual and hidden truths that God hath enwraped in his sacred Book, and find out a bottom for your own souls. For if you will have the comforts of them, you must bestow some labour for the getting of them, and you must search diligently before you find them Pro. 2. Labour also to withdraw your necks from under that Spiritual and Antichristian bondage, (unto which you have for a long time subjected your souls) lest the Lord cause his plagues and the fierceness of his wrath to seize both upon your bodies and souls: seeing you are now warned of the danger of these things. For he himself hath said Revel. 14.9.10.11. That if any man worship the Boast and his Image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand. The same shall drink of the wine of his wrath: which is powered out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presences of the holy Angels & in the presence of the Lamb, and the smoke of their Torment ascended, up for ever and ever, and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the Beast, & his Image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Therefore as you love your own souls and look for that immortal Crown of happiness in the world to come, look that you with draw yourselves from that Antichristian power & slavery that you are now under, even as God himself hath commanded and enjoined you in Rev. 18.4. saying Come out of her my people that you be not partaker of her sins and that ye receive not of her Plagues, for her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Here is the voice of God himself commanding all his chosen ones, though they have lived under this Antichristian slavish power and estate along time, yet at last to withdraw their obedience, and subjection from it. My Brethren, we are all at this present in a very dangerous and fearful condition, under the Jdolatrous, and spiritual bondage of the Prelates, in regard we have turned Traitors unto our God, in seeing his Almighty great name and his Heavenly truth trodden under foot, and so highly dishonoured by them, and yet we not only let them alone in holding our peace, but most slavishlie & wickedly, subject ourselves unto them, fearing the face of a piece of dirt, more than the Almighty great God of Heaven and earth, who is able to cast both body & Soul in to everlasting damnation. Oh repent, I beseech you therefore repent, for that great dishonour you have suffered to be done unto God by your fearfulness, and cowardliness, & for the time to come, put on courageous resolutions like valiant soldiers of jesus Christ, and fight manfully in this his spiritual battle, in which battle some of his soldiers have already lost part of their blood, and withal; Study this Book of the Revolution, and there you shall find the mystery of iniquity fully unfolded and explained; and also you shall see what great spiritual battles have been fought betwixt the Lamb & his Servants, and the Dragon (the Devil) and his vassals, and some are yet to fight. Therefore gird on your Spiritual armour Spoken of Ephes. 6. that you may quit yourselves like good & faithful Soldiers, and fear no colours the victory and conquest is ours already, for we are sure to have it, (I do not speak of any bodily and temporal battle but only of a spiritual one) and be not discouraged and knoct of from the study of it, because of the obscurity and darkness of it, for the Lord hath promised his enlightening Spirit unto all his people that are laborous and studious to know him aright, and also he hath promised a blessing and pronounced a blessedness unto all that read and labour to keep the things contained in this book Rev. 1.3. My Christian Brethren, in the bowels of jesus Christ I beseech you do not contemn the things that are delivered to you, in regard of the meanness and weakness of me the instrument, being but one of the meanest and unworthiest of the Servants of Jesus Christ, for the Lord many times doth great things by weak means, that his power may be more seen, for we are to ready to cast our eye upon the means and instrument: not looking up unto that Almighty power that is in God, who is able to do the greatest things by the weakest means, and therefore out of the mouths of Babes & Sucklings he hath ordained strength Psal. 8.2. And he hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, & base things of the world, & things which are despised hath God chosen, Yea things which are not, to bring to nought things that are 1. Cor. 1.27.28. And he gives the reason wherefore he is pleased so to do. That no flesh should glory in his presence So you see God is not tied to any instrument & means to effect his own glory, but he by the least instrument is able to bring to pass the greatest things. It is true, I am a young man and no Scholar, according to that which the world counts Scollership, yet I have obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful, & he by a divine providence hath brought me hither this day, & I speak to you in the name of the Lord, being assisted with the spirit & power of the God of Heaven and earth, & I speak not the words of rashness or inconsiderateness, but the words of soberness, and mature deliberation, for I did consult with my God before I came hither, and desired him that he would 〈◊〉 and enable me to speak that which might be for his glory and the good of his people, And as I am a Soldier fight under the banner of the great and mighty Captain the Lord jesus Christ, and as I look for that Crown of immortality which one day I know shall be set upon my temples, being in the condition that I am in, I dare not hold my peace, but speak unto you with boldness in the might and strength of my God, the things which the Lord in mercy hath made known unto my Soul, come life come death. When I was here about, there came a fat Lawyer, I do not know his name, & commanded me to hold my peace & leave my preaching. To whom I replied and said, Sr. I will not hold my peace but speak my mind freely though I be hanged at Tyburn for my pains. It seems he himself was gauled and touched as the Lawyers were in Christ time, when he spoke against the Scribes & Pharisees, which made them say, Master in saying thus thou revilest us also. So he went away and (I think) complained to the Lords, but I went on with my speech and said, My Brethren, be not discouraged at the ways of God for the affliction and Cross that doth accompany them, for it is sweet & comfortable drawing in the Yoke of Christ for all that, and I have found it so by experience, for my soul is filled so full of spiritual and heavenly joy, that with my tongue I am not able to express it, neither are any capable (I think) to partake of so great a degree of consolation but only those upon whom the Lords gracious afflicting hand is. And for mine own part I stand this day in the place of an evil doer, but my conscience witnesseth that I am not so. And here a bout I put my hand in my pocket, and pulled out Three of worthy D. Bastwicks' Books and threw them among the people and said. There is part of the books for which I suffer, take them among you, and read them, and see if you find any thing in them, against the Law of God, the Law of the Land, the glory of God, the honour of the King or state. I am the Son of a Gentleman, and my Friends are of rank and quality in the Country where they live, which is 200. miles from this place, and I am in my present condition deserted of them all, for I know not one of them dare meddle with me in my present estate, being I am stung by the Scorpions (the Prelates) and for any thing I know, it may be I shall never have a favourable countenance from any of them again, and withal, I am a young man and likely to have lived well and in plenty, according to the fashion of the world. Yet notwithstanding, for the cause of Christ, and to do him service, I have and do bid a due to Father, Friends, Riches, pleasures, ease, contented life and blood, and lay all down at the Footstool of jesus Christ, being willing to part with all rather than I will dishonour him, or in the least measure part with the peace of a good conscience, & that sweetness and joy which I have found in him, for in naked Christ is the quintessence of sweetness & I am so far from thinking my affliction and punishment which this day I have endured and still do endure and groan under (a disgrace) that I receive it as the welcome Cross of Christ, and do think myself this day more honoured by my sufferings then if a Crown of gold had been set upon my head; for I have in some part been made conformable to my Lord and Master, and have in some measure drank of the same Cup which he himself drank of, while he was in this sinful world, for he shed his most precious blood for the salvation of my poor soul, that so I might be reconciled to his father, therefore am I willing to undergo any thing for his sake, & that in ward joy & consolation within me that carries me high above all my pains & torments, & you (My Brethren) if you be willing to have Christ, you must own him and take him upon his own ●…a●…es, & know that Christ and the Cross is in separable, for he that will live godly in Christ jesus must suffer persecution and affliction, it is the lot and portion of all his chosen ones, through many afflictions & trials we must enter into glory and the Apostell saith, that if we be without afflictions whereof all are partakers, then are ye Bastards and, not Sons. And therefore if you will have Christ sit down & reckon before ever you make profession of him what he will cost you; lest when you come to the trial you dishonour him, and if you be not willing and contented to part withal; and let all go for his sake, you are not worthy of him. If Parents, husband, wife or children, lands or live, riches, or honours, pleasure, or ease, life or blood, stand in the way, you must be willing to part with all these and to entertain Christ naked & alone, though you have nothing but the Cross, or else you are not worthy of him Math. 10. 37-38. Oh my Brethren there is such sweetness and contentedness in enjoying the Lord jesus alone, that it is able where it is felt, to make a man go through all difficulties, & endure all hardshipps that may possible come upon him. Therefore if he call you to it, do not deny him nor his truth in the least manner, for he hath said, He that denies him before men, him will he deny before his Father which is in Heaven. And now is the time that we must show ourselves good Soldiers of Jesus Christ, for his truth, his cause and glory lies at stake in a high degree, therefore put one courageous resolutions, and withdraw your necks and souls from all false power and worship, and fight with courage and boldness in this spiritual Battle, in which Battle the Lord before your eyes hath raised up some valiant Champions that fought up to the ears in blood, therefore be courageous Soldiers and fight it out bravely, that your God may be glorified by you, and let him only have the service, both of your inward and outward man, and stand to his cause, and love your own Souls, and fear not the face of any mortal man, for God hath promised to be with you and uphold you that they shall 〈◊〉 prevail against you, Isay. 41.10.11. But alas, how few are there that dare show any courage for God and his cause, though his glory lies at the Stake, but think themselves happy and well, and count themselves wise men if they can sleep in a whole skinn, when Christ hath said, He that will save his life shall lose it, and he that will lose his life for his sake shall find it, What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world & lose his own Soul? Therefore is it better for a man to be willing and contented to let all go for the enjoying of Christ and doing him service, then to sit down and sleep in a whole skin, though in so doing he gain all the world and see him dishonoured, his glory and truth trodden under foot, and the blood of his Servants shed and Spilt? Yes without doubt it is. But many are in these times so far from suffering valientlie for Christ, that they rather dissuade man from it, and count it a point of singularity and pride, and self ends for a man to put himself forward to do God service; ask, what calling and warrant any private man hath thereunto, seeing it belongs to the Ministers to speak of these things. Yes so it doth, But alas they are so cowardly and fearful that they dare not speak; And therefore it belongs also to thee, or me, or any other man, if thou be'st a Soldier of jesus Christ, whatsoever by place or Calling thy rank or degree be, be it higher or lower, yet if he call for thy service, thou art bound though others stand still, to maintain his power and glory to the utmost of thy power and strength, yea to the shedding the last drop of thy blood, for he hath not loved his life unto the death for thy sake, but shed his precious blood for the redemption of thy soul, hath he done this for thee, and darest thou see him dishonoured and his glory lie at the stake, and not speak on his behalf, or do him the best service thou canst? If out of a base and cowardly Spirit thus thou dost, Let me tell thee here and that truly to thy face, thou hast a Dalila in thy heart which thou lovest more than God, and that thou shalt on day certainly find by woeful experience. Alas if men should hold their peace in such times as these, the Lord would cause the very Stones to speak to convince man of his cowardly baseness. Having proceeded in a manner thus fare by the strength of my God, with boldness and courage in my speech, The Warden of the Fleet came with the fat Lawyer, and commanded me to hold my peace. To whom I replied, I would speak and declare my cause and mind, though I were to be Hanged at the gate for my speaking. And he caused proclamation to be maid upon the Pillory: for bringing to him the Books. So then he commanded me to be gagged, and if I spoke any more that then I should be whipped again upon the Pillory. So I remained about an hour & a half gagged, being intercepted of much matter which by God's assistance I intended to have spoken, But yet with their cruelty I was nothing at all daunted, for I was full of comfort and courage, being mightily strengthened with the power of the Almighty which made me with cheerfulness triumph over all my sufferings, not showing one sad countenance or a disconted heart. And when I was to come down having taken out my head out of the Pillary, I looked about me upon the people and said. I am more than a conqueror though him that loved me. Vivat Rex. Let the King live for ever, and so I came down, and was had back again to the Tavern, where I to gether with Mr. Wharton, stayed a while till one went to the Warden to know what should be done with me, who gave order we should be carried back again to the Fleet, and as I went by land through the streets, great store of people stood all along to behold me, and many of them blessed God for enabling me to undergo my sufferings with such cheerfulness and courage as I did, for I was mightily filled with the sweet presence of God's Spirit, which caused me notwitstanding the pains of my sufferings to go along the streets with a joyful countenance not showing the least discontentedness, as if I had been going to take possession of some great treasures. After I came back to the prison, none were suffered to come at me out the Surgeon to dress me, & I feeling myself somewhat Feverish I went to bed, & my Surgeon doubting the same also, gave me a Glister, and appointed to come the next morning & let me blood, but when he came, he could not be permitted to come at me: not any else, for the Porter kept the key, and locked me up very close: saying the Warden gave him strait command so to do. Whereup on I desired the Surgeon to go to Westminster to the Warden & certify him how it was with me, (being very ill) & that he might have liberty to come at me to let me blood and dress me, which could not be obtained till the Warden himself came home. About one of the clock John Hawes the Porter came to me, to know what I had to say to the warden, to whom I said, Mr. Hawes, this is very cruel & harsh dealing, that after so sore whipping my Surgeon shall not be admitted to come & dress me, nor any other be suffered to administer to my necessities, having not eaten all this day nor the last evening but a little Ca●dle, I hope the Lords will be more merciful then after the undergoeing the extremity of my Censure to take my life from me, by letting me perish for want of looking to, therefore I pray speak to Mr. Warden, that he would be pleased to give leave to my Chirurgeon to come dress me and let me blood; otherwise I was in danger of a Fever, which might take away my life; So he wished me to have written to the Warden; I told him, if he would help me to Pen Ink and Paper, so I would. No (said he) I dare not do that; Then I desired him to deliver my mind to the Warden by word of mouth; who then went away, and after I was in my bed, he came to me again, and said thus unto me: Mr. Lilburne I have one suit to you. What is that, said I? It is this, said he, that you would help me to one of those Books that you threw abroad at the Pillory, that I might read it, for I never read any of them; I speak not for it to do you any hurt, only I have a great desire to read one of them. Sir, I think you do not (said I) but I cannot satisfy your desire, for if I had had more of them; they should yesterday have all gone. I verily believe you, said he, and so we parted. And in a very little while after, came the Warden himself with the Porter, and I being in my bed, he asked me how I did? Said I, I am well, I bless my God for it, and am very merry and cheerful. Well (said he) you have undone yourself with speaking what you did yesterday. Sir (said I) I am not sorry for what I said, but am heartily glad that the Lord gave me strength and courage to speak what I did, and were I to speak again, I would speak twice as much as I did, if I could have liberty, though I were immediately to lose my life after it, wouldst thou so, said he? Ay indeed Sir would I, with the Lords assistance, said I, for I fear not the face of Man; And concerning what I yesterday spoke, I did not in the least manner speak against any of the Lords, but did openly declare, that I did willingly with all contentedness submit myself to their Censure; and as for the Bishops, I said nothing against any of their persons, but only against their callings. Ay, said the Warden, and thou saidst their calling was from the Devil. Yes Sir so I did, said I, and I will prove it, and make it good, or else I willbe willing to lose my dearest blood; For if you please to read the 9 & 13. chap. of Rev. you shall there find, that the Beast which ascended out of the bottomless Pitt (which is the Pope and Roman State, hath his power and authority given him by the Dragon; (the Devil) So that all the power which the Pope hath and doth exercise, originally comes from the Devil: If you read also some Books lately set forth by the Prelates themselves and their Creatures, you shall there find, that they claim their jurisdiction, standing, and power from the Pope: Now, if their power and calling be from the Pope, (as they themselves say it is) than it must needs be from the Devil also; For the Pope's power and calling is from the Devil; And he cannot give a better power and calling to them then he himself hath; and I pray Sir, if the Bishop of Canterbury be offended at that which I spoke yesterday, tell him I will seal it with my blood; And if he please to send for me, I will justify it to his face, and if I be not able to make it good before any noble man in the Kingdom, let me lose my life. Ay, but it had been a great deal better, said he, for thine own particular good to have been more sparing of thy speech at that time. No Sir, said I, nothing at all, for my life and blood is not dear and precious to me, so I may glorify God, and do him any service therewith. I assure thee, said he, I was exceedingly chidd about thee; and also there were old businesses rubbed up against me concerning Dr. Laiton and Mr. Burton, for that Liberty that they had. Wherefore were you chidd for me, said I? About the Books, said he, that you threw abroad, in regard you were close Prisoner, and yet had those Books about you; I would ask you one question: Did you bring those Books to the Fleet with you, or were they since brought to you by any other? I beseech you Sir pardon me for revealing that said I. Then he would have known who they were that most resorted to me. I desired I might be excused in that also. Ay, but you must give me an answer, said he, for I must certify the Lords thereof. Then, said I, I pray you tell their Honours, I am unwilling to tell you. What were those Books, said he, that you threw abroad, were they all of one sort? Those that have them, said I, can certify you of that. I myself have one of them, said he, and have read it, and I can find no wit in it, there is nothing but railing in it. Sir, said I, I conceive you are mistaken, for the Book is all full of wit; it is true, this Book which you lighted on, is not so full of solidity as other of his Books are; but you must understand, that at that time when the Dr. made that Book, he was full of heaviness and in danger of a great punishment, for the Prelates had breathed out more cruelty against him for writing his Apology; And at that time also he was compassed about on every side with the Pestilence; Therefore he made that Book to make himself merry. But, said he, he doth not write any thing in it to the purpose against the Bishop's callings. Sir, said I, I must confess, you lighted on the worst of the 3. And it is true, there is not much solidity and force of argument in it but only mirth; But the other two are as full of solidity as this is of mirth. What, were they of 3. sorts, said be? Yes Sir, that they were, said I. What were the other two called, said he? The one (said I) was his Answer to Sr. John Banks his Information; The other is an Answer to some Objections that are made against that Book which you have; But if ever you read his Latin Books, you shall there find solidity enough, and the wickedness and unlawfulness of the Bishop's Callings and practices set forth to the full. What Latin Books be they, said he? His Flagelluw, for which he was first Censured, said I. What, hath he been twice Censured, said he? Yes, said I, he was Censured in the High-Commission Court, for writing his Flagellum; And after that he wrote his Apology; and that little Book which you have, which were the cause of his Censure in the Starr-Chamber. But hast thou any more of those Books, said he? Sir, said I, if I had had 20. of them more, they should all have gone yesterday. But, hast thou any more of them now, said he? Sir, said I, I verily think, that if I should tell you, I had not, you would not believe me, and therefore if you please, you may search my Chamber. So I must (said he) for the Lords have commanded me so to do, therefore open your Trunk. Sir, said I, it is open already. Search it John Hawes, said he. So he searched it, and found nothing there. Open the Cupboard, said he. So I gave the Porter the key of my Cupboard, to search it, and he found nothing there but my victuals. Search his pocket said the Warden. Indeed Sir, said I, there is none in them; Yet he searched them, and found as I said. Then he searched all my Chamber over, but found nothing at all. Well Sir, said I, now you can certify the Lords how you find things with me; But I pray Sir, must I still be kept close Prisoner? I hope, now the Lords have inflicted their Censure on me, they will not still keep me close. No, said he, within a little time you willbe eased of it; So we took our leaves each of other, and he went away. And the next day, being Friday, and a Starr-Chamber-day, I hoped I should have had the Liberty of the Prison; But in stead thereof, news was brought me at evening, that I must be removed to the Common Goal, or a worse place, and that I must be put in Irons. Well, for all this my God enabled me to keep my hold still, and not to let my confidence go; For (blessed be his name for it) this news did not in the least manner trouble me. And upon Saturday morning john Hawes the Porter came with the Woman that looked to me to my Chamber, to stand by her that none might speak with me till she had made my bed, and done other things for me; And he told me, he was forrie to hear such news as he did concerning me. What is it, said I? I hear, said he, that the Lords have ordered, that you must be put into the Wards, and kept close Prisoner there, and lie in irons, and none must be suffered to come at you, to bring you any thing; but you must live upon the Poor Man's Box. Sir, that's very hard, said I, but the will of my God be done; For mine own part, it nothing at all troubles me; For I know in whom I have believed, and I know, not one Hair of my Head shall fall to the ground without his providence; And I have cast up my account already what it will cost me; Therefore I weigh not any thing that can be inflicted on me; For I know, that God, that made Paul and Silas to sing in the Stocks at midnight, will also make me rejoice in my Chains; But it is very much that they will let none come to me, to bring me any thing; it seems, they willbe more cruel to me then the very Heathens and Pagan Romans were to Paul, who when he was in Prison, did never refuse to let any come to him, to administer to his necessities; But I weigh it not, for I know my God is and will be with me, to make me go through all my afflictions with cheerfulness, for I feel his power within me so mightily supporting and upholding me, that no condition in this World can make me miserable; And for mine own part, I do no more set by my life and blood in this cause, than I do a piece of bread when I have newly dined. Afterwards the Woman telling me she hoped I should not have so fore a punishment laid on me, but that I might have things brought me from my Friends, I told her I did not much care how it went with me, for jeremies' Dungeon, or daniel's Den, or the 3. children's Furnace, is as pleasant and welcome to me as a Palace; For wheresoever I am I shall find God there, and if I have him, that is enough to me; And for victuals, I told her I did not doubt but that God that fed the Prophet Eliah by a Raven, would preserve me, and fill me to the full by the way of his providence; And if no meat should be brought me, I knew, if they take away my meat, God would take away my stomach; Therefore I weighed not their cruelty; And thereupon uttered to her these 4. Verses: I do not fear nor dread the face of any mortal man, Let him against me bend his power, and do the worst he can, For my whole trust, strength, confidence, My hope, and all my aid Is in the Lord JEHOVAHS' fence, which Heaven and Earth hath made. The rest that I intended by the strength of my God to have spoken (if I had not been prevented by the Gag) I now forbear to set down, in regard I hear I am to come into the Field again to fight a second battle, unto which time I reserve it, if the Lord so order it that I may have Liberty to speak, I doubt not but by the might and power of my God, in whom I rest and trust, valiantly to display the weapons of a good Soldier of jesus Christ; Come life, come death; And in the mean time to what I have here said and written, I set to my name, by me JOHN LILBURN, being written with part of my own blood; The rest of which by the Lord's assistance I will willingly shed, if he call for it, in the maintaining of his Truth and Glory, and that which I have here said and written by me JOHN LILBURNE. My verses are to follow here. I Do not (a) Psa. 27 1 2, 3, & 3.6, & 1.8.6. Isa. 51.12 fear the face nor power of any mortal man, Though he against me ●ife, to do the worst he can, Because my )b) Jsa. 18.2, & 31.3, & 28.7.8. trust, my hope my strength, my confidence and aid Is in the Lord jehovahs' power, both now and ever stayed. Therefore my soul shall never cease, Triumphantly to sing, Thou art my Fort, (c) Psa. 33 & 119, 5.7. joh. 20. Revel. 1.5 my sure defence, my Saviour and my King, For in my (d) Psal. 37.7. strayts and trials all, thou well with me hast dealt, Thy mercies and (e) Jsa. 41.10.13.14 & 40.31 upbearing hand, most sweetly I have feit. Thou hast in my (f) Revel. 2. 1●, & 3.8. Psal. 119. 167.16●. distresses great, my stripes and bitter smart So held my soul as from thy truth, I never once did start. But to thy truth with cheerfulness, and courage have I stood, Though tortured for it were my flesh, and lost my dearest blood, When from Fleet-bridg to Westminster, at Cart's Arse I was whipped, Then thou with joy my soul (g) Psal. 116.8. upheldst, so that I never wept. Likewise when I on Pillory, in Pallace-yeard did stand, Then by thy help against my foes, I had the upperhand, For openly I to their face, did there truly declare, That from the Pope our Prelates all, descended still they are, And that I might for what I said, make confirmation; I named Chapters the 9 and 13. of Revelation. Likewise I then did fearelesly, unto the people show That what Pocklington hath writ, is found now very true, Namely, that rhey come lineally, from (h) Goodwills Catol. of Bb. Dr. Bastwicks' answer to the information: the 2. & third parts of his Litany Antichrist his Chair, Even to him that now doth reign, the great Archbishop here. All which I did on Pillory, there offer to make good, Or else I would lose willingly, my best and dearest blood; Moreover there to God's people, I did most plainly show That we have been, and so are still, ruled by a Popish crew; Therefore against them valiantly, we must (i) Revel. 12.7. & 4.4. & 15.3, & 20.4. fight in the field, And to their Laws at any hand, not ever once to yield. But from their (k) Revel. 18 4. Yoke without delay, we must our necks outdraw, If that we will true Subjects be, unto our Saviour's Law. (l) Psal. 2 Therefore my Friends, if that you will, Christ jesus here (m) 1. Cor. 7.29.30.31, & joh. 2.15.16. enjoy, Withdraw yourselves from these vile men, and every Popish toy, And (n) Matth. 10.37.38.39. naked Christ be willing still, and ready to embrace; Though for the same you suffer shame, and wicked men's (o) Mark. 13.13. Joh. 15.9, & 16.2.3 disgrace, Because in him is more content, more full and (p) joh. 14 16.17.18.27, & 16.33. sweeter bless Then can be found in any (q) Psal. 37.16. thing; that in the world now is; And this I have by (r) Psal. 119.67.71.75. trial found, what here I do declare That to the comforts of our God, the Earthly nothing are. And he that will not (s) Mat. 19.21, 22 23, & 16.24, 25. Luke 14, 26.27. quite deny, all things for jesus sake, The joys of Christ he neither hear, nor (t) Mat. 10, 23. Luke. 12, 8, 9 after shall partake; Therefore my friends if you, your Souls, will Really preserve, (v) Jsa. 5, 2.11. 1 Cor. 6.17. Revel. 14 Reject their Antichristian Laws, and from Christ never swerve, Because the Lord hath said on those, his (x) Revol. 14, 9, 10, 11 & 17, 8, & 19, 20. wrath shall surely come, His sorest ire, his greatest strokes, his deepest plagues and doom, That do on hand or head receive, the Hell-marke of the Hour, Or do the Beast and his image, not cease for to adore Thus and much more on Pillary, there openly I said, Till at the last my mouth was gagd, and by them basely stayed; And threatened there once again, that my back should be wiped, If that my tongue but one word more, against Rome's Priests let slipped, Thus with a strait Gag in my mouth, about an hour stood I, Having my God to comfort me, in all my misery; And having stood a long time there, I was at length down brought. Most sweetly cheered with (y) Heb. 6 1. Io. 1, 7. Rev. 1, 5. his blood, that had my poor soul bought, And when I was come down, I cheerfully did say, I am more than a Conqueror, (z) Rom. 8, 37. through Christ that is my stay. Hallelujah, (a) Rev. 19 1, 4. all blessing, glory, honour, laud and praise, Be rendered to thee my God, of me (b) Psa. 34 1, 2, 3, 4, & 103, 1, 2 and thine always, For though that I was in myself, a Creature poor and (c) Psal. 119, 141. weak, Yet was I made through thy great strength, with boldness for to speak It was (d) Isa. 4, 1, 3, & 26, 4, 5. thou Lord, that didst uphold, with mercy and thy grace, My feeble (e) Psal. 27, 13. flesh so that I did, rejoice in my disgrace, Thou fildst my soul so full of joy, and inward feeling peace As that my tongue thy praise to tell, no time shall ever cease, And now, O Lord, keep thou my (g) Psal. ●1, 5, & 119, 94. soul, most humbly I thee pray, That from thy just (h) Psal. 119, 80, & 66, 34. Commandments, I never run a stray, But unto thee, and to thy Truth, my heart may still be fast, And not offend in any (i) 119, 112, 118, 157. thing, so long as life doth last, And as thou hast in me (k) begun, the saving work of grace, So grant, that I thy poor servant, may still therein increase, And when I shall lay down this House, of frail mortality, Then let thy Angels bring my soul, sweet jesus unto thee. (i) Philip. 1.6. These Verses were my Meditation the next day, after the Execution of my Censure; after the Warden of the Fleet had been with me, from the Lords of the Counsel; and had searched my Chamber, it being after noon, and I being not well, writ them in my bed. By me JOHN LILBURNE. FINIS.