The true report of a late practice enterprised by a Papist, with a young Maiden in Wales, accounted amongst our Catholics in those parts for a greater prophetess, than ever was the Holy Maid of Kent, till now on Sunday being the iiij. of March this present year 1582. in the Cathedral Church at Chester, before the whole assembly then at a Sermon she confessed, how she had been seduced by a ronegate Priest, and how by his instructions she had feigned to see certain Visions, which likewise follow in due form. The perusing whereof, the reformed Protestaunte shall find cause worthy to laugh at: the wilful Papist matter to be ashamed at: and all sorts of people good example to be warned at: Truly set down without any manner of partiality, by Barnaby rich gentleman. Malui me divitem esse quàm vocari. Perused and allowed according to the order appointed. ¶ Imprinted at London by Robert Walley dwelling in Paul's Church yard. 1582. ¶ TO THE RIGHT Honourable Sir Fraunsis Walsingam Knight, principal Secretary to her Highness and one of her majesties most Honourable privy Counsel: Barnaby rich wisheth increase of honour, continuance of health and happy estate. AS in all Actions and attempts (Right Honourable) it is most requisite to choose out such as are most politic and prudent performers, so in causes of protection it is most necessary to account of such as are greatest favours of the cause, whereupon: knowing your Honour to be a Pillar and underprop of true Christianity, a maintainer of Religion, and a zealous professor of the Gospel, I thought it not amiss, to offer these trifles (in wisemen's Judgementes, yet divine miracles in the wilful and Ignorant Papists opinion) to your Honour, to be safcundited under your grave title, and the rather, for that my simplicity shall find safeguard under so Honourable a name, and my good meaning (which would stretch far if ability were corespondent) might be manifest unto you, who have bound me by several good turns, and in whom those in necessity always find refuge. May it please you therefore to give it the overreading, and as it deserveth, the laughing at, and as your Honour likes of the miracles, so impart it for the strangeness to those shall best like you. And thus I most humbly take my leave. Your Honours in all serviceable duty to command. Barnaby rich. The report of a late practice enterprised by a Papist. THe unadvised regard of the world now a days (courteous reader) in pubilshing printed untruths, to bring in variety of vanities (for the better satisfying of idle heads) almost withdraweth my mind from my pretenced purpose. But for that I am most assuredly persuaded, and not induced only by reports, but confirmed by learned and discrite beholders, myself being an eye witness to some part, it maketh me therefore nothing doubtful to lay open to the world, a thing of most assured verity, and with all a most pestiferous practice of a grossheaded Papist but lately put in ure: Not doubting but that all things shall draw to a good exigent, since the grounds be so certain. And whereas it may be wondered, why amongst the rest myself only addicted to Military profession, should dare presume to enter into those matters, which by Antichrist and his upholders are deemed to be more than demi heavenly: Know you, that two special causes have drawn me to it: The one the serious persuasions of dear friends, namely (amongst many others) Master Richard joiner a Physician dwelling in Chester, sometimes a disciple of the Popes, and a chief companion in Oxenford, with our late hallowed, Saint Edmund Campion, and now (by God's permission) both himself freed from his former follies, and desirous that others should be warned of the like. My second reason is, for that I find the matter so simple, as I esteem it to insufficient to deserve the overlooking of the learned, and yet so pernicious, as it could not escape the scoff of a Soldier, who as in time of war, he is bound to his Country's behoof with his Pike, so in causes that grow within compass of his conjecture (being profitable to the Commonweal) ●e is not to with hold his pen. So it is, that having been in Ireland upon her Majesty's affairs, I made my return accompanied with the worshipful Captain Thomas North, brother to the right honourable the Lord North Captain Thomas Maria Wyngfeeld with sundry others that can likewise testify a truth in this cause, it was our chance to arrive at Chester on Satirdaie being the third of March this present year 1582. where amongst other matters of worthiness, we heard great good report, of that grave and studious divine Master Goodman, who as we understood the next day was appointed to preach, we being desirous to stay our journey on the Sabbath day, addressed ourselves to Church, where to our great edification, we heard the learned discourse of Master Goodman, whose bolsome advertisements, tended to the confusion of error, admonishing his hearers, to beware of the subtle practices of Papists, which were continually busied with sedusing the simple and ignorant. In the end of his Sermon, there stood forth in open view a young Maiden, called by the name of Elizabeth Orton borne in Orton Madocke in the County of Flint, & Diocese of Chester, about the years of fourteen or fifteen of proper parsonage, and the Daughter of John Orton yet living, and dwelling in Orton a foresaid. This young Maiden, before the whole assembly there present after the Sermon, delivered this protestation Verbatim as followeth. ¶ The Confession of Elizabeth Orton uttered by her the fourth of March last passed, in the Cathedral Church of Chester. GOod people, you shall understand, that I Elizabeth Orton have been seduced by a vile runagate Papist, named Sir Hughes, once Schoolmaster in Orton Madocke, where my father dwelleth, who having (as I right well perceived since) an intent to deceive the simple and Ignorant people, and to carry them from the light of the Gospel into the darkness of Papistry, abused the simplicity of my tender years, and brought me to believe, that if I would not do as he instructed me, I could never be saved, and so putting me in fear that my soul could not otherwise escape eternal damnation, he wrought me at length to yield to his persuasions and allurements, and caused me to take upon me, that I saw Visions of the fire of Purgatory, and affirm that I was laid therein, and of the Mass, and of the Mother of Christ, and sundry others which of truth I did not see: But now being of more discretion then at that time I was, and knowing better of true Religion (God be therefore thanked) then at that time I did, I do here before God and you protest, that those Visions which are reported to be seen of me, I never did see neither did know, what such matter meaneth, neither did ever see any Mass, or any sign of fire of Purgatory, or any such thing in vision or out of vision, but was misled by the wicked counsel, and false practices, of that naughty fellow Hughes, to affirm and say, I saw such things as I did indeed never see, whereof I do heartily desire you all to beware of traitorous Papists, and to take heed how you hearken or give ear to such forged and vain tales and reports, as are raised upon those unseen visions of mine, and to pray to GOD for me, that it would please him to forgive all my offences, and this offence especially, which I committed of simple Ignorance, being thereunto persuaded, by such a crafty and subtle seducer. Her speech being thus ended, Master Bavyan the Mayor of Chester invicted Master North, Master Wyngfeeld, and myself to go home with him to Dinner, where we found very worshipful entertainment, there dined likewise other Aldermen and Towns men of Chester, amongst whom I inquired, what might be the meaning why the young Maiden had made this open protestation, I was answered, that it was now almost two years past sith she had feigned in Vision to see our Saviour jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary his Mother, S. Anne our Lady's Mother, Mary Magdalene, Saint John Babtist saying Mass, accompanied with the Apostles: and that she had seen Purgatory and been in Purgatory, with many other like revelations, the which she either so cunningly counterfeited, or at the least her beholders that were present during the time of her ecstasies, were so credilous, or peradventure willing to have furthered her in her purpose, that it was straight ways imagined, by a multitude of dull headed Papists in those parts, that God had raised that little young Prophetese, to the great glory of their holy Father the Pope, and to the high advancement of their little wheaten God: And although that sith that time she had passed the examinations of so Honourable as the Earl of Derby, and so reverend as the Bishop of Chester with sundry others, yet she still stoutly stood to her tackling, mainetayning her unseen revelations to be true, till now at the length by the admonitions of this good father Master Goodman, she was become penitent, confessed a truth, and in our presents, and that open assembly so disclosed and detested her error as you have heard. After this, I had intelligence of a Pamphlet that was secretly spread, wherein was described the manner of her Visions, penned by some Archpapist that was ashamed to put to his own name, and yet of such account amongst our Catholics in those quarters, that it carrieth better credit then either the Epistles of Saint Paul, or the Gospels of the four Evangelists: and by the reports of sundry credible personages, divers Copies of it are sent over the Sea as a precious present, some to France, some to Rome, but very many into Ireland. The Copy of this Pamphlet was given me by Master Gondman, the which when I had overlooked, I found in it such profound and deep doctrine, as although before me in my younger days, I had over read the famous Histories of Sir Bevis of Hampton, of Sir Guy of Warwick, of the Friar and the Boy, of Howleglas, of Friar Rush, and sundry other like, yet I dare boldly affirm, that this for matter and circumstance doth far exceed and go beyond them all: yea, and nothing put down but might be approved by good authority, and thoroughly confirmed by Legenda Aurea: Were it not pity then that so worthy a work as this, should be still thus smothered up amongst our Catholics? the which questionless if it were published and brought to light, could not be but accounted of, even amongst children and fools. Receive then with reverence this precious piece of work in due manner, as it was first penned by that great Clerk johannes sive nomine, saving that in the margin I have coated down certain principal points worthy to be noted: willing thee (friendly Reader) before thou adventure to peruse it, first to sanctify thyself with crossings and blessings, it skills not how few, Pater nosters in Latin the more the better, half a dozen of Creeds may very well suffice, but as many ave Maries as will fill a quarter Sack, this done, fear not then thou mayst read it at thy pleasure: But if thou wilt use it to thy better avail, read it fasting, then make thy Dinner with a pound of Potato roots, and I warrant thee it shall make thee as holy as a poke full of the Pope's pardons, and thus followeth the text. ¶ The true report of two miracles or visions that appeared unto Elizabeth Orton, Daughter to John Orton of Orton Madocke, being in the County of Flint and Diocese of Chester, the one, the first of February, the other, the four and twenty of the same month in this present year. 1580. An honourable thing no doubt, to publish lies. Understanding by the testimony of raphael the Archangel, it is an honourable thing to publish the works of GOD, and reading in the Monuments of the ancient fathers, the holy Bishops did use to declare unto the people, What a multitude of Fathers he hath brought her for his encouragement, he hath named S Augustin who blamed a Gentlewoman, we can not tell wherefore. such Visions and Miracles as had happened amongst them, whereof S. Augustine himself so well liked, that he blamed greatly a noble Gentlewoman of his acquaintance for not revealing the power of God showed upon her. Wherefore, being encouraged by the wholesome admonition of an Angel, and examples of so many grave fathers of great antiquity, I am the rather induced to communicate unto the devout Reader, certain marvelous Visions that our Lord hath revealed of late unto a young girl, to the increase of his honour, His Honour you must understand the Mass, his enemies be the Protestants, the poor afflicted flock are the Papists. confusion of his enemies, and comfort of his poor afflicted servants, whom he hath yet stayed, within the unity of his Catholic Church, protesting faithfully that in this writing, I shall neither add nor diminish * Nor yet say truth. Her friends that were furtherers of so notorious a lie, whose zeal towards Popery is such that they care not what they do to maintain their folly. He fears aforehand that you will smell out a lie, therefore you must needs believe that all is true, otherwise a lie is not worth the telling. any thing, but sincerely report (as near as my memory can bear away) what I have learned of the party herself, and other her friends, that were witnesses of so great a wonder, in whose honesty and credit I have such affiance, that I am sure they would not be abashed to justify the truth what they have seen and heard before any man living, wherein if some thing should seem to the hearers uncredible, let him not measure Gods omnipotent power by his own infirmity, but with all meekness let him endeavour to apply these heavenly Visions, as a special warning to himself, for the amending of his own life: And because the matter may be of the Reader better conceived, I will first declare what the company (that remained with the said young wench) did observe, during this ecstasy, and then I will open her Vision, as by diligent examination, I received it from out her own mouth. This girl having to name Elizabeth Orton, being about the age of thirteen or fourteen years, and brought up according to the corruption of the time, in ignorance and liberty, * Somthyng in knavery instructed by obstinate Papists. upon Candelmas even at eight of the Clock within night, this present year of our Lord 1580. sitting by the fire, A matter to be wondered at, to see a woman weep. began to weep suddenly, whereat the beholders were suddenly amazed, especially because they knew her to be in perfect health, and in her own father's house, where she might be most bold, and while she thus continued, or rather increased her weeping, one of her friends demanded the cause of her heaviness, unto whom she made no answer, wherewith incontinently a whole fountain of tears issued from her eyes most abundantly, very lamentable to the beholders, and falling down upon her knees before her stepmother, with others that were present bitterly weeping, sobbing and sighing, she spoke as followeth. My time is appointed, I have to remain but a little space with you, wherefore if I have offended any of you all, as I know I have done, even as you look to obtain forgiveness of God for your own sins, I desire you for his sake to forgive me (a miserable sinful creature) those things wherein I have offended you. The which words being uttered with marvelous vehemency, made all the company that heard the same astonished: And when they had answered we forgive with all our hearts, she arose and thanked them, whereupon incontinently turning from them, she stared and fixed her eyes towards one place, as beholding some body, and joining both hands in most reverent manner said these words: jesus forgive me, jesus forgive me a sinful wretch, sweet jesus forgive me, watering her prayers with salt tears. Afterwards pausing a while and turning again to the assistance, she spoke again on this wise. God himself I thank him of his goodness hath freely forgiven me my sins and wickedness, I know it, I know it, A bad forgiveness, if you mark the sequel. for he hath so promised me, lo where he standeth, behold I see him, let me go to him, let me embrace him, I see him stand here before my face, accompanied with his holy Mother, behold she standeth by him, and rushing herself with very great strength, offered towards the place where she said Christ appeared unto her, casting both her arms abroad, as one ready to embrace, then joining them again to her body very fast, she said: Now I have him, I have him in mine arms, O good Lord forgive me, thou knowest what great desire I have to come unto thee, fie fie on this wretched world, here is no goodness in it, I defy the world, I defy the world. With these words and the like, she moved her audience to great remorse for their sins, and admiration at the sight, the rather, because they understood by her sober wise answers to all their demands, that she had the perfect use of her wit and memory. After this staying herself awhile, and being somewhat more quiet, the assistants hoped the fit was ended, but lo, besides their expectation, she began again to be pitifully troubled, with intolerable pains, and to power forth tears as before she did, but yet more abundantly, that they seemed to drop down both her eyes bigger than Hailstones, uttering moreover these words with great vehemency. Peruse this circumstance well, and than tell me if a wise man would believe that any dunce headed Ass, would so far overshoot himself to persuade so mea●e a vanity, for an undoubted virtue. O Lord hast thou provided for me this Purgatory the which I see before my face, burning with Pitch Rosin and Brimstone: Lord I thank thee thou hast freely forgiven me, & now O Lord, the blessed Virgin thy Mother hath likewise promised forgiveness, but yet she hath not forgiven me as thou hast done, I must enter into this fire that doth so extremely burn, good Lord I had rather wallow my naked body the space of four and twenty hours in angry sire, than once to put the end of my finger in this fire of Purgatory, which burneth so marvelously: then casting her eyes aside, joining both her hands together, with very devout gestures and blubbered cheeks, in most pitiful manner she spoke as followeth. O blessed Virgin and holy Mother of God, forgive me as thy holy Son hath done, and suffer me not to go to yonder fire to be tormented in this wife. Here you may see what a cruel hatred gentlewoman our Lady is. This doctrine is far fet I can tell you She continued a certain space most earnestly craving pardon of the holy Mother the Virgin, not for her sins (to my simple judgement) already forgiven her by Christ, but for the temporal punishment due to her sins, that then was represented before her eyes, as it shall appear anon more plainly by her own words to the holy Virgin: In the mean time let the Reader understand that her pardon was denayed, where at you shall have no such cause to marvel, in beholding the Mother of mercy so hard to be entreated, O wisely considered. if you consider that she might commit some sin against the holy Virgin, that deserved condign punishment, although to say the truth unfeignedly, I believe that our blessed Lady did therein more for her, then if she had quite released her pains, as they can best testify, who have ever sithence perceived in her life wonderful alteration. But to return again where I left, A great grace of God that it did not set the house on fire. the seely wench beholding this fire to draw nearer and nearer, and fearing that she could not escape it, at last yielded her will to God's determination, uttering these words to the Mother of Christ. Well blessed Virgin Mary, since it is thy will (good Virgin) I should enter into this fire, because I can not have forgiveness at thy hands I must be contented, and now I go into it, jesus help me, jesus be merciful unto me, wherewith immediately, she made a show, both by gesture of body & words, uttered in such lamentable wise, that all the lookers on were fully persuaded, this tender girl to endure unspeakable torments, the space of one hour and more, sustaining to their judgements, * Or wiseman able to believe. greater pangs than pen is able to write or tongue is able to express, for it seemed more terrible than a woman's pains in travail with Child, or a man when the stitch teareth his body in pieces, and woundeth the heart to death: In so much that the beholders wondered greatly, how her young and tender flesh could endure the same, for she burned within as well as without, that the heat broiled up to her mouth, This fire is more hot than the scorching flames of love. and her skin scorched with such excessive heat, that hardly could any man abide to touch her to be brief, for very pain her eyes were covered with a mist, and her mouth foamed, that all the company assistants despaired of her life, and were sore grieved to see so heavy a spectacle, and to hear so pitiful a voice piercing their ears, oh, oh, oh, O good Lord I burn, good Lord I burn. The rest of her words were such as became the servant of God, never ceasing, whilst her body lay in the fire, to occupy her tongue with praising God, and calling upon his holy name, for help and ease of her pain, utterly defying the whole world, withal the vanities thereof, sin, and all sinful means: To conclude, being come at the last to an end of her punishment, and feeling her poor body unable to endure the pain, she said: oh that I had one drop of water to cool this cruel burning heat wherein I am, Lord, Aqua vitae, a precious ointment against the fire of Purgatory. Lord, if it be thy will send it me: and forth with one of the standers by, spilled upon her a little Aqua vitae, whereupon in their conceit, the burning slaked somewhat, for she said, Lord I thank thee now some of the great heat is cooled, I thank thee good Lord. Finally, being thoroughly released from all her pains, she called often upon a young Maid named Alco jova, who had been buried the same day, and stretching her arm from her, as if she took her by the hand, crying earnestly upon her to stay till she was ready, for she would come with her: and this is the effect of her words and behaviour during the first ecstasy, that they could bear away who were nearest unto her as I learned out of their mouths by several examinations: Much more than is here written she said, and did as devoutly as heart could wish, but their wits were so ravished to behold such a lamentable sight, that they had no mind nor leisure to mark every thing particularly. Nevertheless, by this that is spoken, He that will not credit this tale, it were pity but he should want a merry tale. I hope the devout Reader shall find sufficient instruction to credit the Vision, that dependeth wholly upon the girls report in order as followeth. After all her troubles now ended, and the Vision now vanished, some of the company did convey her to bed, where she had a short slumber very unquiet, and lo this while her senses were so taken, that to their judgements she lay stark dead, but being at the length awaked, she did complain that all the joints of her body were so weary, as if they had been stretched out of the Rack. About this time, her Stepmother began to examine her what she had seen and heard, but she desired respite, because of her weariness, whereof her said Mother being ill apaied, expected better opportunity, and within five hours after, understanding the girl to be in very good mood, she brought with her certain of the company, that had been present, who demanded forthwith whither she did remember her talk to them the night before, whose answer was, that she neither remembered them to be in place, nor any communication between her and them, wherewith they were not a little amazed, having also known her to be in very perfect health and broad waking all the said while, therefore persuading themselves, that she could not endure those troubles without some strange alteration of mind, they exhorted her earnestly to open what she had seen and heard, wherewith she spoke as followeth. Yesternight as I sat by the fire, my heart and conscience was grievously troubled with sensible remorse for my sins, than followed tears in such abundance, that I had no power to refrain them, and lo this while appeared unto me, a goodly fair bird, having the body of a Sparhauke, the face of a Man, the beak of a Pigeon, and feathers of divers colours, making great speed towards me, It should be some Pursevaunte from the Pope by his ●ied cote. lighting upon my breast, and with his wings covered the same, and very softly first laid his bill on my forehead, then on mine eyes, lips and breast, that being done, he declared that he was a messenger from God, charging me to be ready at an hours warning, and to ask them forgiveness whom I had offended, and so varnished away from my sight. This saying made me to fear that my time was now come, and that the Angel (for so I took him to be) would fetch me, within a while after, having asked forgiveness, behold I might see our Saviour Christ, She knew them at the first sight. with the blessed Virgin his Mother, and lastly the fire of Purgatory outrageously burning before me, wherein I lay punished from the breast downward, head, arms and shoulders being free from all pain. The assistants hearing of Purgatory, were very desirous to understand the colour and nature thereof, etc. Who answered them again, that this fire of Purgatory, The description of Purgatory. seemed to her in colour very blue, and vehement in burning, faster boiling then any water seething, and without interruption, casting like Mountains great waves, not forward as the Sea, but upward, especially when there lay any soul tormented, for it appeareth 1 That is, when the Pope is charitably disposed, and gives a free pardon with out money. sometime void of souls, and then it seemeth to be more calm. To be brief, 2 Here you may earn to make Purgatory. this fire in his nature did nothing agree with our fire, the matter that burned therein was Pitch, Rosine, Grease, Brimstons' & boiling Lead, all contained in a large Furnace: More I can not remember, saving that I asked forgiveness: and so ended her vision, Whereof I doubt 3 There is none, unless he be some arrant heretic that will ever doubt of this some incredulos person will make small account, that the saying of S. Paul may ye verified in them, Animalis homo non percepit ea que sunt dei: A sensual man understandeth not those things that are of God: And I for my part believe it as verily as I think him to be honest that pend it down. for mine own part I am assuredly persuaded that all is most true, as having received it out of her own mouth, with whose good nature and virtuous disposition, I am thoroughly acquainted withal, therefore I need not fear to conclude of her with the holy Scripture, In furnace probabit electos dominus, & quasi holo castum accepit eos in eternum: In a Furnace our Lord hath received his chosen, and as a burnt offering he hath accepted them for ever: Laus dei Amen. When it seemed convenient to the wisdom of God, that his servant should be released of her troubles, it pleased his divine goodness at parting to bestow on her a gift, what she should feel in herself, a deadly hatred to sin in token of his being with her. For immediately after, what great care she did take to forego ragious oaths, idle talk, with other pleasures of the world, and briefly what thing so ever beside she understood to be an offence against God, If you mark this sequel well, you shall easily perceive our authors whole drift, who yet hitherto though he hath played the fool, and set down matter fit for Children to spout withal, yet now if his wit would serve him, he would feign play the knave but that God knoweth his conceit is so gross, that every fool may find it. such of her friends and acquaintance as know her familiarly can witness the same: Nevertheless, being amongst them conversant, who had no true knowledge of God, she prayed still of the new English Primer, and refreined not the Service now used in Churches, but by the way it is to be noted, that all her friends as many as were privy unto her first Vision, of purpose conspired to tread underfoot the miracle, more tendering the favour of men, than the displeasure of God. notwithstanding, he to whose divine power nothing is unpossible, would not have so miraculous a work to be long secret, for within three weeks after and three days, being the Feast of Saint Mathias the Apostle, about seven of the Clock at night, the foresaid young wench sitting by the fire, began to weep, as in her former Vision she had done, wherewith the company about her suspected a storm, and lo immediately in their hearing she said jesus welcome: and rising up, offered to go towards the place where he appeared unto her, but one of the company stayed her, to whom she spoke as being somewhat offended, what will you not suffer me to embrace my GOD, let me go to him: and because she was somewhat unruly, they laid her in her bed, where three strong persons had business enough to hold her, for she made much ado to rise on her feet, crying still O God I see thee, O that I might embrace him, but perceiving her little body to weak, she reached her arm towards the place whereupon her eyes were fixed, saying: come lord come, let me have thee by the hand, behold I see him before my face, holding in the right hand a 1 You know they must needs have candle light at that time of year, for by 7. a clock it is dark in February. Wax Candle burning together with the blessed * Is not here good rule think you, that being so few women in heaven as they say there is, and yet three of the chiefest of them should be out of their lodgings at that time of night Virgin Mary, S. Anne the holy Virgin's Mother, Mary Magdalene, and Saint John Babtist, whom I see here hard by my bed's side, and turning from them again, she said with very great vehemency, O Lord, he reacheth his hand towards me, let me go to him, let me embrace him, wherewith immediately by mere force in despite of them all, she rose upon her feet, and spreading both arms she joined them again fast to her stomach, uttering these words: I have have him now in arms, O good Lord I have thee, jesus help me, leave me not sweet jesus leave me not: never ceasing to call upon his holy name. But one of the assistants being weary to hear the often repetition of jesus, of Christ, and of our Lady, desirous to put her to silence, said unto her: content yourself Elizabeth, we see Christ as well as you do: Whom she answered with indignation, fie upon thee shameful wretch full of iniquity and sin, how falsely dost thou lie, it is not possible for thee nor any wicked creature to look upon him, no corporal eyes can have the sight of his glory: mine eyes dazzle and smart to behold his Clothes, much more than if I gazed against the Sun beams at noon, when they are strongest: And more she spoke with a loud hollow voice in the throat: Nay, thou shalt as dearly buy it as I have done before thou see him. And having no sooner ended her talk, there came upon her a marvelous great terror and fear, whereof ensued trembling of her body, panting of her heart, working of her veins, foaming at her mouth, falling grovelling on her bed for pain, struggling, and crying out most pitifully, defying the world, and all sinful creatures therein (for so she termed them) and calling without intermission upon the holy name of jesus, to be delivered from all pains, which lasted two hours long, most ruthful to the beholders, and nothing inferior to her former punishment when she lay in Purgatory: and this (as I suppose) chanced, for fear she should feel again the foresaid torment, being (as it is evident by her own speech in their hearing) already represented before her eyes, for she called often Alice jova, and Mistress Conway her Grandmother, at length she was admonished in her Vision, to procure that S. Ihons' Gospel written by a Priest, might be tied about her neck: Whereof being very desirous, one of the assistants offered her the Gospel in writing, which she repelled quickly as made by him, whom she knew to be a sinful man, and considering no lawful Priest was to be had, priests be no sinful men. she called importunately for the Minister of Orton, but the messenger loitered and went not: whereof she informed the assistants, desiring them in all haste to send for him, but one of the company replied again, and confirmed it with an oath, that the messenger had gone, whom bitterly she rebuked, and sharply admonished, that he had sworn falsely, that which in deed after diligent inquisition, was found to be true. And now the said Minister being come, he offered her the foresaid written Gospel, two sundry times, persuading the same to be his own doing, the which she refused, and witted him to take the pains himself, for she knew well he did but delude her: at the last, reaching the Gospel of his own hand written; she accepted it thankfully, and the sign of the Cross being made by her appointment in the end thereof, it was tied fast about her neck, and the same folded crosswise by her appointment: whereupon she had presently better rest as they supposed. Being demanded, why she desired the Ministers help, her answer was, that 1 This could not be true, for both Christ and Saint John Baptist stood by, and they were both Priests, or else the Pope would never have suffered them to have said Mass, now Christ was the first that eversaid Mass on Maundie thursday, when he said hoc est corpus meum, & Saint John Baptist song mass, as you shall perceive by the which followeth presently. although he was a Minister, yet being in heart a Catholic, she took him to be more fit than any other that were about her, and hoped that GOD would not be offended, knowing her present necessity and want of a lawful Priest. Here I would wish the Catholic Reader to understand, that Saint Ihons' Gospel may be lawfully used, by the learned judgement of the famous jesuit Father Robertes: But whereas God's holy spirit stirred the girl in all haste to send for this minister, it is to be referred to his secret dispensation, whose good will & pleasure was (as it seemed) to have him in place, that he might also bear witness to the truth against himself and his own profession, according to the testimony of our Saviour Christ: Ex ore tuo, te iudicabo serve iniquam: O naughty servant, I will judge thee out of thine own mouth. Immediately after, she uttered many words in his hearing to the detestation of the 2 This same Protestants Religion hath so displaced our holy Father, that the devil himself will never be able to salve the sore again. Protestants Religion and Service, as hereafter followeth: the which truly at that instant did work in his heart great remorse. About this time, one of the company reached to her a little Crucifix, You may perceive by this, that there was good company. the which she received with very great reverence, and caused it to be laid in her bosom, taking occasion thereby, to call upon Christ crucified, whom the picture presented, craving still for mercy and forgiveness: but what need I (said she) to have the Picture of Christ, when I see him present before mine eyes, and pointed her finger towards him. Then she fell to exclaim against the Religion of the Protestants, and despising it wonderfully uttered these words: Fie upon this wretched world, and fie upon the naughty Religion now used, fie upon their wicked and accursed Church, most abominable in God's sight: I will never enter into it as long as I live, to hear their accursed Service, unless I be carried thither by force: O that you did now behold the difference that I see between both. This is like to be true, you might perceive that one of them had a crucifix so ready. With these words and the like, she wearied the ears of the hearers, as being (in deed) themselves of the same Religion, that the holy Ghost through her mouth accounted damnable and accursed. Thus I have declared the effect of her doings and sayings, during the second ecstasy, as near as I could carry the fame away, by the relation of those that were about her all the said time: And now remaineth her * If the Vision contain as good matter as this that is past, 'tis worthy the hearing. Vision to be opened, which by God's help shall be laid down sincerely, as I received it from her own mouth word for word, and thus it followeth. This honest company he might have said. The assistants whom our Lord did especially elect to be witnesses of this strange miracle, gathering by her words and behaviour, that she had now seen and heard greater mysteries, then in her former Vision. Therefore, For fear it should have been forgotten, and what pity had that been. being not able to content themselves any longer, the next day after, earnestly desired to hear the truth of the last ecstasy, as they had heard of the first, to whose expectation as duty required condescending, she uttered the same after this manner and form. Yesternight standing by the fire in the old Hall (as you know) amongst the rest of our family, there appeared unto me a goodly old man all in white, who after he had made two or three turnings before my face, returned to the new Parlour, The old man went out of the old Hall into the new Parlour. from whence he was come as we thought, whither also I followed him to see what he did, but missing him there, I made haste towards the upper Chamber, where I hoped to find him, and lo suddenly no small number of Wax Candles burned in my fight, whereat gazing with great admiration (for that I had never seen the like before) & perceived the foresaid old * Here you may see the wisdom of God, to send an old man of his errand for had it been a young man, it had been somewhat suspicious, but they had good store of candle light, that was the best. man himself again approached near me, I was afraid: but he comforted me saying, be not afraid, for here is none will do thee hurt: then pausing a little he said moreover, art thou contented to do after me: I answered that I would gladly do after him if he came from God, I am (said he) doubt nothing: Whereupon I wild him to tell his message, wherefore with very familiar speech, he admonished me of my nature, much inclined to vice, body subject to great troubles and dangers, whereof I should feel shortly the effect, if I would not prevent the same in due time: therefore he exhorted me to fast and pray, whereby he said I should overcome my evil destiny. As he thus communed with me, behold I did see our Saviour Christ and his Apostles after him, accompanied with the blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Anne the holy Virgin's Mother, and Mary Magdalene: Wherewith the audience interrupting her talk, examined the Maid of their habit and forms: who told them that Christ and Saint Anne did wear Purple robes, our Lady Scarlet, all the rest white garments down to the ground, It should seem he had come lately from the Barbers. our saviours beard somewhat short, & the heirs of his head thin, and both in colour very black, the heir of his holy Mother's head was Abraham colour, hanging down her shoulders most decently, her face shined brighter than any Crystal, her voice amiable beyond measure: but her blessed sons countenance she could not describe, because of the lightness thereof, for her eyes dazzled to behold his Robes, 1 It should seem his robes were of Purple in Gr●●ne, for that is a very clear colour able to dazzle our eyes. and his voice seemed to her terrible as Thunder, that she shaked for fear at every word, holding continually in his right hand a Wax Candle burning. Saint Anne was of low stature with a hoary head: That was Christ's grandmother. Marry Magdalene she marked not, saving that she rembreth certain white places in her head, by plucking the heirs for sorrow, carrying in her hand a pewter bottle full (as it seemed) of some Belike 'twas Aqua vitae for some of her friends that were in Purgatory. liquor. Much she rehearsed of the Apostles particularly, the which I have omitted here to avoid tediousness. And so having satisfied their requests, she returned to her former talk, as hereafter followeth. As soon as this heavenly choir had presented themselves before me, I began forthwith to fear that they might be some wicked Spirits or Goblins: whereupon Christ stepped towards the place where I stood, and reached me his hand to be felt, the which I did handle as the hand of any other man, where withal he spoke these words. A ghost although it appear in the form of man to thy sight, yet being handled, it hath not flesh & bones, as thou mayest feel in mine: and then he repaired again to his former place. After this, my guide (whom I supposed to have been Saint John the Babtist) laboured much to reconcile me unto Christ, the which he said might not be, unless I would reconcile myself unto his Church, and continue in a right faith: for he certified me that I was blindly led, and lacked the true knowledge of his holy will, often repeating that I believed amiss: At length being not able to avoid his importunity, I demanded whither I must believe as my neighbours do, meaning the Catholics, who absent themselves from the new Service now used: Even so said he, believe as they do, and absent thyself also from that wicked Service if thou wilt be saved: Whereat I stayed a long time, and seemed as one very loath to yield, for casting in my mind the dangers and troubles that might ensue thereof. In the mean space he travailed much between Christ and me, persuading still in his name to promise amendment. But understanding that his persuasions could take no place, he represented before mine eyes the fire of Purgatory, & threatened sharply to plunge me therein if I would not relent: the sight whereof so frighted me, that I yielded to forego the Church, as I would have done gladly to abide any worldly torment, rather than I should be laid again in that burning furnate: Clapped hands, and so 'twas a bargain. and joining my hand to his, I confirmed the former promise, the which I mean by God's grace to perform, for any punishment in this world, because I can not feel greater, than already I have suffered in Purgatory: Ye may perceive the wench though she was young, yet she had wit to make her bargain And withal I added, unless I be brought thither by main force: wherewith he replied, that they are blameless who be forced, and their compellers answerable for the fact. To conclude, after many words he commended unto me Beads hallowed, as of singular virtue to pray withal, and far exceeding the Beads unhalowede Much more talk he had with me that I have utterly forgotten, but in the end finding me very tractable, he commended me unto a Catholic Priest by name, demanding whither I knew such a one (this Priest had been at that instant in the Parish Church adjoining, openly proclaimed for a seditious person and seducer of the people) my answer was that I knew him not, whereat he seemed to be angry, charging me that I uttered an untruth, for I had seen him twice (the which indeed sit hence I remember well) and commanding to search for him amongst the Apostles, whom diligently perusing, I said that I could not find him: whereupon he replied, than thou knowest him well, learn of him what to believe, his counsel if thou follow thou shalt be saved: It should seem he was some of our Lady's chaplains, that she undertook so much for his honesty. Fellow his counsel said our Lady and thou shalt be saved I warrant thee: the which I had no sooner promised to do, but lo incontinently I was conveyed into a Church very little, where I beheld an Altar furnished for Mass, with a goodly Crucifix of pure gold, placed in the midst thereof, and at either end tapers burning, before the which on either side stood Christ and his Mother, having rolls of Wax Candles burning, folded about the wrist to their arms, the rest kneeling down devoutly before the Altar, and the Angel that I had seen in the beginning of my first vision in the likeness of a ●ir●s, fitting upon the said Altar, than stepped forth Saint John (before named) and first sprinkling the company about with holy water, That was fort●are of Buibeggers Saict John Baptist a Massing Priest. went strait towards the Altar, where he began Malie in his foresaid white garments, saving that now I marked he had a Cross on his breast, an other on his back about the midst, where he preached in Latin, an unknown language unto me as I supposed: Pershe knew it was latin. in the mean time I counted the Apostles, whose number I remember well to be just eleven, all the which at elevation very devoutly knocked their breasts. Thus having received himself alone, for I did see no body Communicate with him, the Mass ended, In came the certain and put out the candles, and so the Cock crew and it was day. the lights were put out, and the sight vanished: therewith immediately mine eyes were opened, that I beheld you all about me, and so endeth her Vision. But afterwards being examined by a Catholic of the Mass more particularly, You may perceive that the Chalice was but silver▪ though the Crucifix were gold. she described in very good order divers things belonging to Mass: as the silver Chalice, shorter and brother than the Communion Cup, the Host with letters therein graven, and the Ceremonies also she noted, as his standing before the Altar, the book removed by one that attended and served, That was when he said Dominus vobiscum. the turning of his face towards them: Briefly, in all points agreeable to the Mass after the Roman use restored by the counsel of Trent, and preached by the Seminary in England. Finally, certain Gentlemen being moved with the fame of these news, made means to see the said young girl, the eight of April, * This can not lie, when all is set down so per●●●●e. Anno. 1581. and entreated to understand out of her mouth, what they heard of her by others, but she had utterly forgotten all, in so much that being asked divers questions, as her being in Purgatory, and at S. Ihons' Mass, and she remembered nothing: whereat the said Gentlemen were greatly astonished: at last one of the company suspecting the malice of the ghostly enemy, caused her to make sign of the * Some gentleman that had great experience in the virtue of a Cross. Cross on her forehead and breast: whereupon incontinently, she opened both the Visions at large, and uttered & more than she could remember at any time before. * Yea and more than ever was heard of before to be true, and yet this is no lie for see here witnesses enough to confirm a greater lie than this. Witnesses. Thomas appe jones Orton, Recorder to the Right Honourable the Earl of Derby. John Orton, servant to the Earl of Derby. John Edwardes. servants to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. John Humfey. servants to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. John the Minister of Orton. Edward appe jones Orton. David his servant. John Ortons' Wife. Owen Werch Thomas his Sister. Annis Werch Thomas a servant Maid, with an other Maid servant. Gyles Orton, with divers others. TEll me now (friendly Reader) is not this pretty stuff to be made so much account of, must not this Religion be profound, that is propte up with such Pillars as this, and yet thou seest that the greatest fortification of our holy Father's doctrine, consisteth in Dreams, old Wives tales, Vnknowwen scriptures, Traditions of men, strange Miracles, Fables, and Follies. Truly our country is to be lamented, in which the Gospel having reigned long, and Religion flourished so many years, yet Superstition prevaileth so much, that they be ready to be lead away with such evident shows of folly, that unless their eyes were bleared with too much impudency, it were not possible they should be so deceived. But what Ass but would have been ashamed to have penned down so ridiculous a matter, under such a show of verity, but that he knew amongst whom to send it: For truly the foolish credulity of the simplest sort of our ignorant Papists is such, that tell them a tale of a Mass, Purgatory, of holy Water, of the sign of the Cross, or of any other such like vanity: and they are straightly lead in belief of such things, to be more than divine, that (in deed) do most deserve to be laughed at. You may see they are driven to a bare shift, that (for want of better matter) would foist in a Religion with such trash as this, but unhappy they that are so blinded in error, that they should not be able to discern vanity from verity: And this is the cause why they restrain the laity, from the reading of the Scripture, for otherwise it were not possible, that such Fables could be so preciously accounted of: And this is the cause that I have laid open these Visions, to the view of the world, that those that be wise might laugh, at the doltish devices of our seducing Papists, who under a show of learning, deceives the simple sore with such manifest untruths. But yet to lament the weakness of those that be ignorant, who be still ready to entertain such trifles, as divine and heavenly mysteries, to feed them in their farther follies. But I must needs blame our author, what so ever he was, who (as it seemeth) having been long time schooled in the lying Legend of Antichrist, hath yet forgotten the chiefest axioma that longs to his profession, which is, oportet mendatem esse memorem, who lies must be careful to remember, for in knitting up his Visions, where he would have made greatest show of verity, even there he lays in sight most manifest untruths: which I will not touched in particularities, for that they be frevilous, yet will I note them in general, for that they be odious, and deserves no better answer, than a scoff or a mock. His exordium taken from the sanctified archangel raphael might well have stand, if his cause had been just, but now it is confessed, that all these Miracles were but fantasies, and the Prophetess in her Pathetical ecstasies, but a silly Maiden, seduced by a runagate Papist, as now it is proved: And the matter itself if it be wisely marked, is interlarded with contrariety of untruths: in one place she could describe the robes which Christ should wear, to be of Purple colour, and presently she feigneth them to be more brighter than the beams of the Sun: and although she knew Christ, with his mother the Virgin Marie, his Grand mother Saint Anne, with Marry Magdalene, and Saint John the Baptist, even at the first sight, both of her first and last Visions, yet when Saint John should come to say his Mass, she was afraid of them, and took them to be Goblins, till Christ had given her his hand to be felt. The assistants so many times spoken of, our author would persuade they were Protestants, and therefore wearied with her exclamations against Religion now used, yet who would believe any word to be true, when one of them had a Crucifix so ready to present, and the rest was so foolish to suffer her to take it. The Apostles when she counted them, she saith were just eleven, I wonder where the twelve was, or who it was that was missing, but it might be that this Vision was revealed before Mathias was chosen in judas room, or else it was Saint Peter that was missing, for he is Porter in heaven, and therefore could not be spared out of his office, and I think if he had been there, he had been a fit man to have said Mass, than Saint John, for that he himself was our Pope, and therefore should have so much the better experience. Thus thou mayest see (gentle reader) that variety, and impossibility are the two best strings that our author hath to his bow, who finding no other means to maintain his uncertainties, thinketh under dissebling untruths, to draw the simplicity of the common sort, from the truth and right Religion. But admit that these feigned Visions had been sensibly seen, and that some appearance had been made of these surmised Revelations, should we thereupon strait ways establish a Religion, without any further examination, how they might stand with the will of God. Our learned Fathers lead by the spirit of Wisdom, when they heard of such Visions or Revelations, they brought them strait to the touchstone comparing them to the holy Scriptures, if they found them such as tended to the glory of God, they admitted them for good, if otherwise misleading to ignorance and error, they condemned them as illusions sent by the Devil. But is there any thing more repugnant to Christian belief, then that God is not sufficient to forgive us our sins, but we must have a quittance sealed from our Lady, and she that was wont to be called our Lady of Pity, is now become a gentlewoman of too much cruelty. But our author very wisely excusing the matter, thinks there was some sin, that was committed against herself, and though that both her son Christ and she had forgiven all the rest, yet she might not forgive that. And believe me this may well be true, for the Pope himself is of the same condition, for he hath Pardons for him that will kill his father, for him that should commit incestuous fornication with his mother, for him that should be a rebel to his Prince, a traitor to his Country, to be short, Treason, Murder, Robbery, Adultery, Bawdry, Buggery: and what not but our holy Father will forgive you, so you do not touch himself, nor none of his brood: but the least offence that may be committed against any of these, though God and our Lady both would forgive ye, yet I can tell you the Pope will never do it. But what a pretty wipe hath our author given here to our holy father's Bulls, who the Devil will make any account of them now hereafter this, for the Pope though he be Christ's Vicar, yet he is none of our Ladies, and though he may dispense with matters in controversy between us and God, yet he hath nothing ado between us and our Lady, unless it be by the way of entreaty, and our Lady I perceive when she is angered, hath a woman's stomach, she will not easily be pacified, and then there is no shift but you must to Purgatory, for Christ's forgiveness will do you no good, and the Pope can pardon no more, than Christ is able to forgive: And therefore I perceive the Proverb to be true, the house is too unquiet where the good wife wears the breeches, and yet you see it is so in heaven. When Marie Magdalen went to the Sepulchre with tears to seek Christ, to whom although he first showed himself, yet she might not so much as once to touch him, yet our young Prophetess, who as our author affirmeth was ignorant, an heretic, one that was severed from the Pope's Church, and therefore by their own Canons and General Counsels condemned, not worthy to touch any of their holy relics, and yet she might be suffered to embrace Christ in her arms. The matter that our Author by these Visions would feignest induce you unto, consisteth especially in these three points. First he would bring you in good liking of their blessed Mass. second, he would make you afeard of their dreadful Purgatory: And lastly, it grieves him to the heart that any body should go to Church to hear the word of God: for if they could once bar us from reading the Scriptures, all the pain were passed, all the rest would be easily brought to a good pass. Now, first for the Sacrifice of the Mass, who doubteth (unless directly blinded) but they must resolutely conclude, that our forefathers, Adam, Lot, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, jacob, with the rest are stopped from the fruition of Heaven, in that they could not be partakers of the Real reception of the Sacrament, unless it were through faith in believing and spiritual feeding, by the which we are likewise made partakers all of one body, and all through one faith. For Purgatory, if it grow by the multiplication of our sins, either in excess or defect, what shall we imagine of the Thief on the Cross, who by Christ's own words was assured this: To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise: He never spoke word of Purgatory. Or what of Mary Magdalene, whose sins were freely forgiven her by Christ, without going to Purgatory. And what of the poor Publican, that acknowledged himself a miserable sinner, and yet was justified by Christ. Or who now hence forward will give any credit to Saint Paul, who writing to the Hebrews 9 saith: There is no remission of sins without blood. When our Catholics making him a manifest liar, hath found a way to salve all sores through the fire of Purgatory. But be that would be better confirmed in this point, let him read John Frith against the Bishop of Rochester: sir Thomas Moor, and John Rastell, where they shall find this fantastical Purgatory so undermined, that no Papist but might be ashamed once to make mention of it. Now lastly as before I have said: the Pope is very unwilling that the Scripture should be in a known language amongst us: but in the steed of them, he hath bequeathed us Legenda Aurea, the life of Christ, written by a fift Evangelist, named Bonaventura: We have likewise their Festival, with such other stuff. These we may read in English, you may easily guess why, but the Scriptures we must not hear but in Latin, because they say it is dangerous that we should read the Scripture in a known language: so that the right construction of this sentence, Beati qui audiunt verbum dei & costodiunt ipsam, after the interpretation of our holy Father, may thus be understood: Blessed are they which hear the word of God and knows not what it meaneth. These matters have been by many men so Clarckly discoursed, and of so long a time so learnedly confuted, and therefore by me lightly overpassed: I do but only aim at the intent and wish the wisest to laugh at the error. Thus (gentle Readers) you see the course of these unnatural Antichristians, who when they find no one way, to maintain their ungodly opinions, seek by sequester dealings to oppress the truth. But dissimulation is espied by his contrary, and truth speaketh in no corners: Religion that is in itself perfect, requireth no fabulous miracles to confirm it: but where vanity is workemistris, than all things are confirmed with shadows. Truly it seemeth strange unto me, that either blinded error should seduce us so far, or suppositions of good meaning blind us so greatly, where the good work is so frevilous. Let not the God of this world so much blear your eyes, be not led away with every blast of report: Simon Magus, though he be his crafts master, he is yet found out by a professed Apostle: and the ungracious practices, and Ceremonious intentes, of our foolish massmongers are proved frivolous, being looked into by the true Religion. O call your selves home, and remember from whence you are fallen, be not seduced by false Gods, to forsake the true Lamb, that sacrificed for you. God is truth, and he that worshippeth him must worship him in spirit and truth. Let not fantasies misgovern you, let not your hearts be hardened against wholesome admonitions. Arm yourselves with the reading of the word of God, so then charm the Charmer never so wisely, he shall not yet be able is compass you. Peruse the old Fathers, examine the holy Scriptures, confer indifferently both literal and substantial interpretations, and you shall find that Antichrist the Pope, doth but dissemble with you, and that all his allegations, are but falsifications. The poor Publicant shall be justified, and the proud Pharisie shall be condemned: Not he that crieth Lord Lord, but he that doth the will of the Father. Much babbling makes not Religion, nor burning Tapers zealous Orisons: But that Lord that knoweth the heart and rains, revealeth his wisdom to Infants, and confoundeth the wisest in their own overwenynges. The practices that of late days have been brought into this Realm, might confirm our Papists neither to be zealous nor honest. Did not Campion sell Pardons to employ his money against her Majesty? did not they of that confederacy, sell the death of her highness with the chiefest Pillars of the state. But the Lord preserved Elizabeth to the comfort of all true English minds, and iniquity is fallen into the pitfall, that he hath prepared for other. And here I must something expostulate with some our hollow hearted subjects, how they can without blushing, pronounce that they love her Majesty, when they daily entertain those jesuits which seek her destruction. How may we account them subjects, when they reject laws: or men of religious conscience, when in their demeanours they are so traitorous. My friends, turn away your face from leasings, desire the Lord to deliver you from lying lips and a deceitful tongue, and he will make you spectacles of his mercy. Let not forlorn hope mislead you, or feigned miracles withdraw you, nor old wives prophesies so misgovern you, but with all submission acknowledge gracious Elizabeth your sovereign Queen, who as you are malefactors can and will punish you, so in your humble and hearty submission, no doubt she will receive you to mercy. The Lord increase her majesties reign, preserve her Counsel, continue Religion in the zealous subjects, and grant amendment to the abstinat Papists. Amen. FINIS.