A True Relation OF A YOUNG MAN About Seventeen Years of Age, who was struck Dumb for the space of Twenty Four Hours, Because he would not believe what was said unto him.  
By THOMAS ASTRY.  
WITH ALLOWANCE.  
LONDON, Printed for the Author, living near the great North Door in S. Paul's Churchyard, 1671.   

A True Relation Of a Young Man about Seventeen years of Age, who was struck Dumb for the space of Twenty four Hours, because he would not Believe what was said unto him.  
Reader,  
I Have a strange thing to acquaint thee withal, concerning my Son; which was made known to him the 20th day of September 1671. And and it is as true as it is strange; the Lord hath been working so powerfully upon my heart, that I am constrained to give the world this True Account, and it is likely to be handed out unto thee by an unworthy Servant, and also by a very weak hand; but it doth come from a very warm and enlarged heart; For the Lord hath said, that his strength is made perfect in weakness, and hath wrought my heart into such a frame, which doth encourage me that he will assist me to make known unto thee the truth, and nothing but the truth, so far a, the Lord hath made it known unto me; And whosoever thou art that read these lines, I earnestly beg it of the Lord, that thou mayest believe these truths: And that thou mayest not be unbelieving; For it was for Unbelief that my Son was struck Dumb, as I shall give thee an account at large hereafter,  
Only, I shall desire in the first place to give thee an Account what he wos, which may be answered in these words; That he was a Disobedient, Stubborn, and undutiful Child, for which my heart was much alienated from him: The following Account will satisfy thee; Insomuch that I had given him over for lost, for ever having any hopes or Comfort from him.  
If Father and Friends cannot prevail, we are apt to give such a Child over for lost for ever; But blessed be God, He did not give him over, but meets with him by a strong hand, and by an Almighty power; And if he shall Work, none shall Let; If He speak but the word, the most Rebellious shall be made willing to come in, and close with the Lord Jesus upon his own Terms. For he saith, that he hath Gifts laid up even for the most Rebellious as in the 68 Psalm. and the 18. ver. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led Captivity Captive, thou hast received gifts for men; Yea, for the rebellious also that the Lord God may dwell among them. Let not Truth be slighted, although they come to you in a very plain Dress; embrace them, and the Lord work it powerfully upon thy heart, as it hath been upon mine; and if thou shalt receive any good by it, give God the Praise and Glory of it, and I have my end and aim in it; And I fearing that I shall neither have time nor strength to give every one a particular account by word of mouth, I have thoughts to have it Printed, whereby I might give every one satisfaction; that may come to make enquiry into the truth of it.  

MY Son going to School to Christ's Hospital, there were 10 Boys sent to the East-India, (as he told me) and ever since he hath had a mind to go beyond-Sea; He hath asked when I would put him forth Apprentice? and I told as soon as I could provide myself with an Apprentice, than you shall go as soon as I can provide a Master for you; I cannot tell how to spare you before I have an Apprentice myself; He also knew that I had no body to do the least kindness for me: He saw that I was sickly and weak, so that in my thoughts, and in the Opinion of others, that I should not recover; But the Lord bringeth to the brink of the Grave, and raiseth up again, blessed be name of the Lord: But my condition was not at all considered or minded by him. There was a friend of mine that did give him good Council, as he had others that did the like Office of love; and saith, that he should be a dutiful Child to me, and give me content; He also telling him that I should be willing to do any thing that might be for his good; and if he were more minded to go to Sea, than for a Trade here, I should be willing to it; he replied to my Friend, I should be glad to hear my Father say so; I cast my eyes upon him, and saw tears run down his Cheeks; so I said unto him, be a good Child, and as soon as I have an Apprentice, I shall be willing to place you out, for your good, and that with speed. I being a little better in health now, than what I had formerly been; so not long after he commits a fault, and I thought he did deserve to be corrected for it, and I did so; and after I gave him the Key of my Lodging-Chamber. I being then at my Shop, they being distant from each other, but he did not go home, but went below the Tower, and there be crossed the water, and that night he went as far as the Half-way-house towards Gravesend by the Thames side; and going into the House, he called for a Pint of Beer or Ale, and some Bread, and while his stay there to refresh himself, he falls into discourse with two Hoy-men as they proved after; and in his Discourse inquires what Ships were going out; they demanded what Ships did he lack? he told them any Ships that were going to Virginia, or Jamaica, or any place to the Western Plantations, for he had a great mind to travail, and this was in Septem. 1669.  
So they seeing him in good Apparel, and perceiving his design, they made a strict enquiry of him what he was, supposing him to be an Apprentice; and further, what Friends he had, and where they lived? he told them, his Father was living, but his Mother was lately dead; These two men being bound for Feversham in Kent, to fetch Timber, they agreed to take him with them; and at their return, to deliver him to his Father, so he went aboard with them, their Vessel lying by waiting for the Tide; but their Voyage being longer that tune, than what was usual, it being above a month before their return; in which space of time I laid wait all about the City for the discovery of him, and went twice to Gravesend to search some Ships that lay there, and beyond, and all other Ships that were outward bound for Virginia, Jamaica, or any of the Plantations that were in the River; and I being both very weary, and doubtful of hearing of him, I was resolved to desist from searching any more at present: so after this, the Hoy returned, and the Man sent his Wife to me according to his first resolution? who enquiring if I had not had a Son gone from me? I answered, I had; she replied, if you will go with me as far as Wapping, you may see him; which news was very welcome to me, for I had been at a great expense of Money, time, and trouble; for by water, up, and down, in and about the City, I believe 200 miles at least; and during his absence, I had no body but myself to do any thing in my Trade; so when I saw him, I chid him for his disobedience, yea my bowels earned to him; He was amazed to see me, for it was upon a sudden that I went down to Wapping, immediately after the Hoy came to the Wharf; so I took him home with me. He stayed with me all the next Winter, and the Spring; and in the Summertime towards Harvest-time, he takes his opportunity on a Sabbath day; I being hearing the word of God, and he went with me; but he seeing me secure for a while, takes another journey, and that was about 90 Miles into Warwickshire, by the way he went to an Uncle of his, my Wife's brother, to whom he gives an account, that he had taken that journey in hand on purpose to him, that he would be pleased to be instrumental to his Father on his behalf, that he might be placed out; he writ to me concerning it; I writ to him, it was my resolution as soon as I had an Apprentice, to provide for him; so after many Letters had passed betwixt us, he was persuaded to return again to me; and after some stay with me, he goeth away again on a Sabbath day some 5 mile off, but returned again of himself; and indeed all this while I was unprovided of a Boy, for I could not hear of one till this last Summer but we not liking each other, we parted; and I have another Boy; since his coming, I had a resolution to inquire out a Master for his going to Sea, as soon as the Boy was bound. About Bartholomew-tide last, he committed a fault, and I reproveing him for it he seemed somewhat stubborn, and withal gave some words that I did not approve of; so I struck him, he resisted again and struck me, which did increase my passion, and caused me to correct him severely, so to be clear of me he crieth out Murder, at which noise some Neighbours came in, and when they understood that he had been so disobedient as to strike his Father, they very much blamed him. So I held him fast till I saw that he was somewhat abated in his stubborness, and then let him lose, and did treat him with mild words. At last he became quieter, and in few days after asked me leave to go to the Fair, I granted it: And when Southwark Fair came; he desired me to give him leave to go thither also: At which desire of his, I was much troubled he should not be satisfied with the former Liberty I had given him at Bartholomew-tide. But he continuing his request still to me, at last I did grant he should go; though not very willing. So on Wednesday in the Afternoon the 20. of September 1671. He went into Southwark Fair, and found it to be a dirty place, did not like it, but goes in to see a play: And when he come forth of the place, he walked about in it a little, but took no delight in it, and was troubled that he should come to see it. He returns to came homewards, and upon London-Bridge in the open place, he makes a stand, looking towards the Tower, upon the Boats and Ships, and leaning upon the place, there were two Boys came and stood by him, one on his left Hand, the lesser of them puts forth a Riddle and saith tell me what is this, that flies as swift as an Arrow out of a Bow, and carries his Bridle under his Tail, this was a ship under Sail, there was a man that stood by him on his right hand and he turned himself toward the Sun; and said to my Sonn before the Sun be down, that shall be tied that was never tied before, and before the Morrow Sun be down, that shall be loose that was never tied before. One of the Boys being very earnest with the Man, saith, I pray you Sir, tell me the meaning of this, but he would not. So the Boys went away towards Southwark, the Man and my Sonn stayed at the same place, the Man saith to him, it was a fine thing to be a Traveller, and my Sonn saith to him, I hope I shall go very suddenly to Sea, and he saith to him, have you your Friend's consent, Yes saith he? The Man saith to him he would not have him go to Sea, for if he did, he would have a great fit of sickness naming the Flux, and that would cost him his life. Saith he, why shall I be any more sick than any body else? It would be so, how do you know it? He said he knew it very well. If you do go, the Ship and all the Men, shall go safe to the place where it was to go, and should all come home safe again, only he was excepted, for it should cost him his life. He asked him whether he did believe him, he saith, no, he did not believe him, nor would not, but he would go to Sea, he endeavoured to persuade him to live in London, and it should be well for him, and my Sonn saith, hang London, I will go and Travel. So when my Sonn takes his leave of the Man upon the Bridge, he puts off his Hat in a jeering and deriding way, and saith unto him, I thank you for your good Council, but in his Heart at that time he did not intend to take his Council; and so parts from him, and he thought the Man had stayed there at the place where he parted from him. So my Sonn coming homewards, and when he came just to the Corner of Thames-street the Man overtook him, and saith, no further yet? And he saith, no, so my Son seeing of him and speaking to him of a sudden, was afraid, and he saith be not afraid, I will do you no harm. So the Man turns with him at the Corner, and after turns with him into St. Michael's Lane, that comes into Crooked Lane, and so into Cannon Street. The Man was speaking what a fine place this City was, if it were all built and inhabited, and that the building in it was more stately than those of Paris, and in other Countries. When he drew near to Queens-street Corner, they had some Discourse, but cannot remember what those words were at present; but he told the Man he was a Liar. The Man was a little before him, and goes over the Kennel, at the end of Queens-street, as though he would have gone along Watling-street. My Son turns up at the Corner of Queens-street, and begins to run away from the Man, and presently had a great pain took him in the Calves of his Legs: So that it forced him to stand still: and stooping down to feel on his right Leg that most pained him, he looks over his left shoulder, and seeing the man gone he was glad he had lost his Company, and cast his Eye on his right Hand, there the Man was come even with him, and seeing him, he was afraid. The Man said, be not afraid so they come up that Street, and crossed over to the other side of the way, but he kept as it were a loof off from the Man. But when they drew near to come into Cheapside, the Man step before him, and takes him by the Cloak, and saith unto him, be not afraid, do you believe what I have said unto you. My Sonn answered, no, I do not believe you, nor I will not believe you what you say, Do you not remember that Zacharias wear struck dumb, naming that it was in the first Chapter of Luke, my Son saith, I do remember there is such a place, but that was, because he did not believe the Angel that told him what should come to pass, and he said, it may be so with you, and he said to the man, are you an Angel, so the man gave him no answer, and broke off that discourse, and came towards Cheapside, and when my Son parted from the man and began to come homewards, he heard the man say, it shall be so. So my Son turned back to have called to him, but could not speak, and stood at the corner looking after the man, and saw him turn at the corner the same way as they came together. So the man being out of sight he turned now to come home towards his Father's house. I do verily believe my Son's Heart was full of sorrow, and how to declare it he could not then, still he was troubled that he should answer the man in such a scornful and deriding way, and that he should answer him so thwartingly. So he came home to me about five a clock, and I being buisy in the shop I said nothing to him, but I wondered he came home so soon, but he went directly up stairs into the Kitchen, the Maid being there he looks about him, as though it was some strange place unto him, Saith the Maid to him Thomas, methinks you have made great haste home; be sat down by the Table and struck his hand twice upon it, she saith Thomas, how do you do? are you not well? what makes you so heavy? have you had an ill day to day? you did use to speak to us when you came in? what is the matter with you? now his Sister hearing the Maid urging of him to speak, she said to him, brother, will you not speak to us? I coming into the room seeing him lean on his elbow, bearing is head up with his hand, I thought he had been weary with his walk. I said unto him, can you find nothing to do? must you sit still? go down and help the boy to shut up the shop, and as I spoke he went down, knowing nothing of his being dumb: He helped the boy to shut up the shop, his sister being there, said to him, brother, hath any body met with you, and cut out your tongue? he turning towards her, put forth his tongue, and made signs to the boy with his hand for a pen and ink. The boy comes up stairs to me, and saith, I think Thomas hath lost his tongue, presently cometh up again, and saith, Master, I think Thomas hath lost his tongue: his sister cometh up also, Father, I think my brother hath lost his tongue: I sat still by the fire, and none of these messengers did move me, I thought he was not minded to speak to them. But the Maid going down of her own accord, saith to him, Thomas, why will you not speak to us? you will make your Father angry, tell us, what is the matter with you? he was then writing in a piece of paper, and turns that paper to her, wherein was writ these words; I cannot speak, and shaked his head. Whereat she was much troubled, and coming up saith to me, I fear all is not well with Thomas: Hearing of this it struck me to the heart, than I went down to him, and laid my hand upon his head, and said, Child, how dost thou do? he turns a paper to me, wherein was writ, I cannot speak. I was greatly amazed, and affrighted: his hand moved towards his Heart, he shaken his head, his countenance was exceeding sad, his tears ran down from his Eyes: These all gave in their Testimonies, that they were sorrowing for the sad Condition that had befallen him. Methinks, I have the sight thereof always in my Eyes, in my thoughts, and on my Heart, Hand, Head, Countenance and Tears, these all have a loud and speaking voice: And often since he was dumb, it draweth Tears from mine Eyes. I casting my Eyes upon his Paper the second time, I saw he had writ underneath those former words, I cannot speak, speak you and I can understand. So when I saw them, I said unto him, Child, give me an account, where you have been since you went out, and who you have been withal, and he ●hen did give me an account to this Effect, but since, he hath given me a larger account, as the Lord hath brought those things into his mind. The next day as I was reading by him in the Afternoon, the window being open, he cast his Eyes upon the Sun, very earnestly for a time; I thought he might have been affected with what I was reading off, but he was only viewing of the Sun as he confessed afterwards, He immediately pulleth out his Inkhorn and began to write, but could not proceed for looking on the Sun; the Maid observing, that his Lips did move much, and lifted up his Hands, she beckoned to me to observe him, what he was a doing; I rose up, to look in his Face, his Back being towards me, but turning about I saw tears running very fast from his Eyes, I took him in my Arms; and said unto him, be not cast down, at what time thou art afraid, trust in God, as David saith, in the 56. Psalm the Third Verse, I found much comfort in these words, who among you that feareth the Lord and obeyeth the voice of his Servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God, in the ●0. of Isaiah 10. verse. While my Sonn was still weeping he Coughed three times, and at the last time something gave a jerk, as though it had been the breaking of a string, which hurt him a little. Whereupon, his Tongue was loosed, and he spoke, and said, blessed be God, I can speak, and then he told to me what the Man said to him on London-Bridge, That before the Sun be down, that shall be tied that was never tied before, and before the Morrow Sun be down that shall be loose that was never tied before. This was remembered by him not above half an hour before he spoke. My Sonn faith, the man said he was a Seaman, he was a man of a middle Statute, his Clothes under his Coat was of a sad coloured Silk watered, a sad colour Cloth Coat with Gold Buttons, with a Crevait plain, twice about his Neck, a Cain in his Hand with a silver Head, and a Sword by his side.  
Thus Reader, I have taken care to make good my promise to thee, that I would declare the truth and nothing but the truth, the Lord give a blessing that it might find warm entertainment in thy heart, as it hath done in mine, the Lord work it powerfully upon every soul in my Family, for he only bringeth light out of darkness, and good out of evil, as I can experience it at this day, for thou art a Wonder-working God.  
My Sonn hath said unto me, if he had not been struck dumb, he would never have told me any thing what this Man had said unto him, but he would have gone to Sea. But since the Lord hath been pleased to give him his speech, he hath said, he will not now go to Sea, for he hath seen the Hand of the Lord hath been against him in a wonderful manner.  
FINIS.