WONDERFUL PRODIGIES OF Judgement and Mercy: Discovered in Above Three Hundred Memorable Histories, CONTAINING 

I Dreadful Judgements upon Atheists, Perjured Wretches, Blasphemers, Swearers, Cursers and Scoffers.  
II. The Miserable Ends of divers Magicians, Witches, Conjurers, etc. with several strange Apparitions.  
III. Remarkable Presages of Approaching Death, and of Appeals to Divine Justice.  
iv The Wicked Lives, and Woeful Deaths of Wretched Popes, Apostates, and Desperate Persecutors.  
V Fearful Judgements upon Cruel Tyrants, Murderers, etc. with the Wonderful Discovery of Murders.  
VI Admirable Deliverances from Imminent Dangers and Deplorable Distresses at Sea and Land.  
VII. Divine Goodness to Penitents, with the Dying Thoughts of several Famous Men concerning a Future State after this Life.    
Impartially Collected from Ancient and Modern Authors, of undoubted Authority and Credit, and Embellished with divers Curious Pictures, of several Remarkable Passages therein.  
By R. B. Author of the History of the Wars of England, and the Remarks of London, etc.  
LONDON, Printed for Nath. Crouch at the Bell, next to Kemp's Coffee-house in Exchange-Alley, over against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill. 1682.   


Wonderful PRODIGIES Discovered in above: Three Hundred Memorable Histories By R. B.  
Devils of several Shapes in a Nobleman's house in Germany pa. 20.  
London Printed for 〈◊〉 Crouch.    

TO THE READER.  
THIS small Treatise cannot be thought unseasonable in this Age, wherein Atheism and Impiety doth so much ahound. And as the Holy Scriptures (which we ought first and principally to study and regard) do sufficiently discover the Wonderful Judgements of the Almighty upon Profane and Impenitent Sinners in former Ages; so the Divine Justice hath not left itself without Witness in all Times since, of the like severe Vengeance against them; and since Examples commonly prevail upon Men more than Precepts, this little Collection may, by the Blessing of Heaven, prevail upon some profligate Offenders, to forsake their evil ways, lest they themselves be likewise made Examples 〈◊〉 Monuments of God's Wrath and Displeasure: And as the Judgements, so likewise the Mercy and Goodness of God hath appeared in all Times & Places, towards those that put their Trust in him. or have returned 〈…〉 serious and hearty Repentance; of which 〈◊〉 have abundant Instances both in Scripture an● History; and whereof I have likewise transcribed some few out of very Approved an● Credible Historians, both Ancient and Modern whose Names are added to every particular Relation, that they may thereby obtain th● more Credit with the Reader; who may her find in a small Manual, and for a small Price what has been dispersed in several large Volumes; and therefore I hope will not be unacceptable to the World: Which is the hearty desire of  
R. B.   


CHAP. I.  
Dreadful Judgements upon Atheists, Scoffers, Blasphemers, Swearers, Cursers, and Perjured Persons; in several Terrible Examples.  
NEver yet were any Nation or People so Barbarous, who by the Instinct of Nature have not always believed a certain Deity; and the denying thereof was accounted so detestable, absurd, and contrary to Humane Reason, even among the Ancient Heathen, that they reckoned it to be horrible Blasphemy. The Athenians banished Protagoras both from their City and Country, and caused his Books to be openly burnt because in one of them he seemed to doubt of a Deity: ' Neither were they less severe toward Diagoras, surnamed The Atheist, who being accused of Atheism, fled for fear of punishment; upon which they proclaimed, That whosoever did kill him, should have a Talon of Silver in Recompense, which is as much as six hundred Crowns: How much more than is the State of Christendom to be lamented, which is generally infected with this Contagious Pestilence? And how many bold and impudent Atheists are there in these Times, who daringly and confidently deny the Providence of God believe not the Immortality of the Soul! think there is no such thing as a Life to come! and consequently they live like Swine and brute Beasts in the world, wallowing in all manner of Lusts and Sensuality! But let such mad, and brutish Wretches know, that they shall one day be convinced of their folly, when it is too late: And they may likewise find by the following Instances, which are of undoubted truth and certainty, that the Divine Justice doth sometimes execute his severe Judgements upon them in this world, and makes them Monuments of Vengeance, for deterring others, That they may hear, and fear, and do no more so wickedly.  
I. A certain Blasphemous Wretch being drinking and merry at a Common Inn, among his Companions, asked them, Whether they thought a man was possessed with a Soul, or no? To which some replied, That the Souls of Men were Immortal, and that some of them after their release from the Body, lived in Heaven, and others were condemned to Hell, as we are taught from the Writings of the Prophets and Apostles; but he replied, and swore, He did not believe the Soul did survive the Body, but that Heaven and Hell were mere Fables, invented by the Priests to get money; and as for his part, he would sell his Soul to any who would buy it. Then one of his Companions took up the Cup, and said, Sell me thy Soul for this Cup of Wine, which he consented to, and drank it off: Now the Devil himself was there in the shape of a man (as he is commonly not far from such Debauchees) who bought it again of the other man at the same price; and soon after peremptorily demanded his Soul; the whole company affirming it was fit he should have it, since he bought it, not knowing who it was that asked it: But on a sudden this Infernal Merchant laid hold of this wretched Soul-Seller, and carried him into the Air before them all, toward his own Habitation, to the great astonishment and amazement of the Spectactors, and was never after heard of; but no question found to his cost that men had Souls, and that Hell was no Fable, contrary to his profane and senseless Opinion. Discipul. de temp. Serm. 132.  
II. Not inferior to the former was the Impiety of one not many years since in this Nation, called Marlin, a Scholar by Profession, brought up from his Youth in the University of Cambridge, and afterwards a scurrilous Poet, and Playmaker, who giving the Reins to his Wit and Fancy, ran into such Extremes, that he denied God, and Jesus Christ, and blasphemed the Trinity, not only in words, but as it is credibly reported, writ Books against it, affirming our Saviour to be a Deceiver, and Moses a Seducer of the People, and the holy Scriptures to be but vain and idle Stories, and all Religion to be only a Politic Cheat and Device: But Heaven, by an eminent Judgement, stopped the mouth of this Blasphemer; for it happened, that as he intended to have stabbed a person, whom he had malice against, the other perceiving it, avoided the stroke; and withal catching hold of his wrist, he stabbed in his own Dagger into his own head, which wounded him in such a terrible manner, that notwithstanding all the help of Chirurgery, he died soon after, and that in a very sad condition; for he cursed and blasphemed to the last gasp; and his last breath passed out of his body with an horrid Oath, to the terror of all that beheld him; and herein did the Divine Justice remarkably appear, in that his own hand which had written those Blasphemies, was made an Instrument to punish that head and brain, which had wickedly devised them. Beards Theatre.  
III. In the year 1527. A young Italian, esteemed a man very brave, and valiant in Arms, was to fight with another young man, who (because he was melancholy, and spoke very little) was called Forchebene; they went together with a great company to the Place appointed, which was without the Port of St. Gall; whither being come, a friend to the former went to him, and said, God give you the Victory; the proud young man adding blasphemy to his Temerity, answered, How shall he choose but give it me: They came to use their weapons, and after many blows given and taken both by the one and the other; Forchebene being become as the Minister and Instrument of God, gave him a thrust in the mouth, with such force, that having fastened his Tongue to the Poll of his Neck (where the Sword went thorough, above the length of a Span) he made him 〈…〉, the Sword remaining in his Mouth, to the end that the Tongue which had so grievously offended, might even in this world endure punishment for so horrible a sin. L. Remies Consid. c. 59  
iv Another of our own Nation is not to be overpassed, who for Atheism may be compared to the former, and for God's severe Judgement upon him, may give place to none: It was a Gentleman in Bark-shire, whose Name I forbear to mention; This man had a great Estate, but was an open Scoffer, and Contemner of all Religion; a professed Atheist, and a Scorner of the Word and Sacraments, insomuch that I have heard it very credibly reported, that being Witness to the Baptising of a Child, he would needs have it named Beelzebub. He was likewise given to all manner of Debauchery, keeping several notorious Strumpets openly in his House, without shame: He was so accustomed to Swearing, that he could scarce speak without an Oath. This miserable Man (or rather Brute) having continued long in this damnable course of life, at last Divine Vengeance found him out, for going one day a hunting with one of his Companions: As they were discoursing of divers Idle Stories, it pleased Almighty God to strike him with sudden death; for falling suddenly on the Crupper of his Horse, backward, he was taken off stark dead, with his Tongue hanging out of his Mouth, in a very fearful manner, and became a terrible Example of God's Justice against all wicked Atheists. Beards Theatre.  
V Cluverius, an Author worthy of credit, who professeth that he had this Relation, not only by hear-say, but from Eye-witnesses, who saw it, gives this wonderful Account, That in the Month of March, 1632, there lived in the Borders of Muscovia a Nobleman, by Office a gatherer of Tribute, or Taxes, by name Albertus Peri●scius; his manner was, when poor men could not presently pay their Taxes, to distrain upon their Cattle, and drive them to his own home: Now it came to pass, that this Nobleman being from home, lost all his unjust gains in one 〈…〉 for all his Cattle, both those he had taken by Violence, and what he had bought with his Money, suddenly died: This wretched man coming home, was told ● his Wife and Servants what a fearful Judgement from God was befallen him, whereat he began to rage and rave extremely; and taking his Musket, shot it up against Heaven, breaking forth into these blasphemous speeches, Let him that killed my attle devour them; If thou wouldst not let me eat them, eat them thyself: Upon these furious barkings against God, there fell some drops of blood, and this wicked man was turned into a black Dog, and howling, he ra● to the dead Cattle, and began to feed upon them; and for aught I know (saith mine Author, who wrote this story presently after) is yet feeding upon them. His Wife great with Child, being astonished, and terrified with the strangeness of God's Judgements, shortly after died. Clark's Exam. 1 Part.  
VI Simon Churmay in 1201. having most subtly and acutely disputed about the Trinity, some of his familiar friends persuaded him to put it into writing, that so the memorial of such excellent things might not be lost; whereupon he proudly broke forth into this Atheistical speech, O Jesule, Jesule, etc. O little Jesus, little Jesus, how much have I confirmed and advanced thy Law in this Question! but if I had a mind to deal crossly, I know how with stronger Reasons and Arguments to weaken and disprove the same: Which was no sooner spoken, but he was strucken dumb; and not only so, but he became an Idiot, and ridiculously foolish, and was made a common hissing and mocking-stock to all that saw him. Mat. Paris. Not much unlike this, is that of Michael, a blasphemous Jew, who as he was banqueting with his Companions, fell to blaspheming Christ, and his Mother, boasting, That he had gotten the Victory over the Christians God; but as he went down Stairs out of the Room, he fell down, and broke his Neck. Fincelius. Miserable was the end of Perieres, who writ a blasphemous Book, wherein he openly mocked at God, and all Religion; for he fell into most desperate despair; and notwithstanding strict watch was kept about him, yet he killed himself 〈…〉 the year 1502. there lived one Hermanus Biswick, a Grand Atheist, and a notable Instrument of the Devil, who affirmed, That the World never had a beginning, as foolish Moses dreamt; and that there were neither Angels, nor Devils, nor Hell, nor future a Life, but that the Souls of Men perished with their Bodies; and that Jesus Christ was nothing else but a Seducer of the People; and that the Faith of Christians, and whatever else was contained in the Holy Scriptures, was mere vanity. These Opinions full of Atheism and Impiety he was so hardened in, that he constantly avouched them to the death, and was for the same, together with his Books, deservedly burnt in Holland. Theat. Hist.  
VII. A certain Rich man at Halterstadt in Germany, abounding with all manner of worldly happiness, he gave up his whole Soul in delighting therein; so that he had no sense of Heaven or Religion; yea, he was so Atheistical as to say, That if he might lead such a life continually upon the Earth, he would not envy those that enjoyed Heaven, ne'er desire to exchange his condition with them: But soon after it pleased God, contrary to his expectation, to cut him off by death, and so the pleasures which he doted on came to an end. But after his death there were seen such Diabolical Apparitions in his House, that no man durst inhabit it, so that it became desolate: For every day there appeared the Form of this Epicure, sitting with a great many Guests, drinking, carousing, and making good Cheer; the Table being furnished seemingly with all manner of Delicacies, and attended on by many Persons, together with Fiddlers, Trumpeters, and the like; so that whatever he delighted in while he was alive, was there daily to be seen; God permitting Satan to deceive men's sight by such Appearances, to deter others from living in such a course of Atheism and Impiety. Theat. Hist.  
VIII. At a Village called Benarides in Spain, two young men (one whereof was noted to be an outrageous Swearer, and Blasphemer of God's Holy Name) being together in the Fields, on a sudden there arose a terrible Tempest of Rain and Wind, accompanied with so impetuous a Whirlwind, that it amazed all that beheld it; the two young men seeing it furiously coming toward them, to avoid the danger ran away as fast as they could possible; but notwithstanding their haste, it overtook them, and for fear it should carry them up into the Air, they fell flat down upon the ground, where the Whirlwind whilked about them for some time, and then passed forward; one of them arose so affrighted, and in such an Agony, that he was scarce able to stand on his feet; the other lying still without motion, some that stood under an hedge hard by, came to see how he did, and found him to be stark dead, not without some wonderful symptoms of Divine Justice; for all his bones were so crushed, that the Joints of his Legs and Arms were to be turned every way, as though his whole Body had been made of Moss; and besides, his Tongue was plucked out by the roots, and could not by any means be found, though it was diligently sought for; and this was the miserable end of this wretched youth, who was made an Example to the World, of God's Vengeance against Swearers and Blasphemers. Beards Theatre.  
IX. Mirtiques, Governor of Britain in France, in the War against the Protestants, persuaded them to yield to the King, since their strong God had now forsaken them, and scoffingly said, It was time for them to sing, Help us now O Lord, for it is time, but he soon found that their strong God was able to defend them, and to confound the Proud; he himself being presently after slain in the Siege. Acts & Mon. Remarkable is the Relation of one Libanius, who was a Sophistical Atheist; he being at Antioch, demanded blasphemously of a Learned and Religious Shoolmaster, What the Carpenter's Son did, and how he employed himself? To whom the Schoolmaster, full of the Divine Spirit, replied, The Creator of the World, whom thou disdainfully callest the Carpenter's Son, is making a Coffin for thee, to carry thee to thy Grave; at which the Sophister laughing, went away, and within few days after died, and was buried in a Coffin, according to the Prophecy of that Holy Man. Beards Theatre. In the 〈…〉 an Arrian Bishop, called Olympius, being in the Baths of Carthage, openly scoffed, and blasphemed the Holy and Sacred Trinity; but Lightning fell down from Heaven upon him three times, wherewith he was burnt and consumed to Ashes. There was also in the time of Alphonsus, King of Arragon and Sicily, in an Isle toward Africa, a certain profane Hermit, called Antonius, who impudently and impiously belched out blasphemous speeches against our Blessed Saviour, and the Virgin Mary his Mother, but he was struck with a most grievous and tormenting Disease, so that he was eaten and gnawn to pieces with Worms till he died, Aeneas Silvius.  
X. Neither hath Divine Vengeance left itself without witness against Cursers, and those who by denying God give themselves to the Devil; as may plainly appear ●y the following dreadful Examples. A Soldier travelling through Marcia, a Country of Almaign, and finding himself not well, went to an Inn, where he lay, to recover his health, and delivered to his Hostess a certain sum of money, which he had about him: A while after being recovered of his Sickness, he demanded his money again, but the Woman, upon consultation with her Husband, denied the receipt of any, and accused him of wronging her, in demanding what she never received: On the other side, the Soldier was much enraged, accusing her of cheating him; when the Man of the House heard the noise, though he was privy to all before, yet he dissembling the matter, took his Wife's part, and thrust the Soldier out of doors; who seeing himself thus abused, drew his Sword, and ran against the door with the point thereof, whereat the Host began to cry out, Thieves, Thiefs, affirming, that he would have entered his House by force, and have rob him; whereupon the poor Soldier was taken, and cast into Prison, and by process of Law, was ready to be condemned to death; but the very day wherein this heavy Sentence was to be pronounced, and Executed, the Devil entered into the Prison, and told the Soldier, That he was condemned 〈…〉 die; nevertheless, if he would give himself, Body and Soul to him, he would promise to deliver him out of their hands: The Prisoner replied, That he had rather die, being innocent, and without cause, than to be delivered upon that account. The Devil then represented to him the great danger of death wherein he was, and used all manner of craft to delude him; but finding all his Arguments uneffectual, he at length left his suit, but yet promised him both assistance, and revenge upon his Enemies for nothing; advising him when he came to his Trial, he should plead not guilty, and declare his innocence, and the wrong which he suffered, and to entreat the Judge to grant him the favour, That one in a Blue Cap, who was in the Court, might make his Defence for him; (now this one in the Blue Cap, was the Devil himself.) The Soldier accepted his offer, and being called to the Bar, and Indicted of Felony, he presently desired to have his Attorney, who was there present, to plead his Cause; which being granted him, this witty crafty Lawyer began very cunningly to defend his Client, affirming him, To have been falsely accused, and consequently would be unjustly condemned, and that his Host did withhold the money, and had offered him violence; and to demonstrate the Truth of what he asserted, he reckoned up every Circumstance of the whole Action; yea the very place where they had hid they money. The Host on the other side very impudently denied all, wishing withal, That the Devil might take him Body and Soul if he had: This subtle Attorney in the Blue Cap, finding now the advantage which he had hitherto looked for, left off his pleading, and immediately seizing upon the Host, carried him out of the Sessions-House, and hoist him into the Air so high, that he was never after seen nor heard of. And thus was the Soldier wonderfully delivered from death, to the astonishment of all the Beholders, who were Eye-witnesses of this terrible Judgement upon this perjured, cursing Host. Wierus of Spirits, lib. 3.  
XI. Luther in his Exposition upon the Corinthians, gives this Relation; That a certain debauched Person, of a very wicked Life, and of such evil Education, that at every word he spoke almost, the Devil was in his mouth; for which practice, though he was often reproved by his Neighbours, and exhorted to correct and amend so vile and detestable a Custom, yet it was all to no purpose: Continuing therefore in this damnable practice, it happened, that as he was one time passing over a Bridge, he fell down, and in his fall, he cried out, Hoist up with an hundred Devils, which he had no sooner uttered, but the Devil, whom he had called for so oft, was at his Elbow, who presently strangled him, and carried him away with him.  
John Wierus gives an Account also to this purpose, That in the year 1551. at Megalopole, near Voildstat, it happened, that the People being drinking and carousing at Whitsuntide, a Woman in the company commonly named the Devil in her Oaths, till he that had been called upon so often, came on a sudden, and carried her thorough the Gate aloft into the Air, before all the company, who ran out in great astonishment, to see whether he would transport her, and observed her hanging in the Air without the Town; and then falling down on the ground, they found her stark dead. Wierus.  
XII. The same Author affirms, That about this time there dwelled in a City of Savoy, a man who was of a very vicious conversation, and likewise a monstrous Swearer, who put many good men to much fruitless pains in admonishing and reproving him for his wicked behaviour; for he would give no ear to them, nor in the least reform his ways; now it happened that the Plague was in the City, and he was infected therewith; and therefore himself, his wife & kinswoman withdrew themselves apart into a Garden-house that he had; yet in this his Extremity did not the Ministers forsake him, but continually exhorted him to Repentance, and to discover to him his grievous Offences; but he was so far from being moved with these Religious Admonitions, that he seemed daily more and more to harden himself in his ill course of life; therefore hastening his own destruction, it happened one day as he was swearing, denying God, and giving himself to the Devil, and calling for him with horrid vehemency; behold the Devil appeared, and suddenly snatching him up, carried him into the Air; his wife and kinswoman looking on, and seeing him fly over their heads: In this his swift transportation, his Cap fell off his Head, and was found at Rosne, but himself was never after seen, nor heard of. The Magistrate being advertised hereof, came to the place where he was taken up, to be better informed of the Truth, and took the Depositions of the two Women upon Oath, of what they had seen. By this we may see the terrible, yet just Vengeance of God upon such Wretches; and it may be a warning to those who are so inspired by Satan, that they cannot speak but they must name him, who is both an Enemy to God and Man, instead of commending themselves to God, and praying for his Grace and Assistance. John Wierus de Spirit.  
XIII. Martin Luther in his Table-talk mentions this Remarkable History: There was a Popish Priest, who had formerly been a Protestant, and Apostatised to Popery, as Adam Budissina testifies: This Priest thundered out most bitter curses against Luther in the Pulpit, Preaching at a Town called Ruthnerwald; and among the rest he wished, That if Luther's Doctrine were true, a Thunderbolt might strike him to death: Now about three days after there arose a mighty Tempest with Thunder and Lightning, whereat this cursed Priest was extremely afraid, his guilty conscience accusing him, that he had spoken falsely and maliciously against the Truth, and thereupon he ran with all speed into the Church, and there fell to his Prayers before the Altar; but the Vengeance of Heaven found out his Hypocrisy; for he was there struck with Lightning; and though they with much difficulty recovered life in him, yet as he was led homeward through the Churchyard, another flash fell upon him in such a manner, that he was burnt from the crown of the head, to the sole of the foot, as black as a Shoe, dying with a manifest mark of Divine Justice upon him. Luther's Col. Men.  
XIV. Theodorus Beza gives an Account of two 〈◊〉 ●ble Instances of the severity of God's Judgement upon a Curser, and a Perjured Person, of his own knowledge. I knew, said he, a man in France, of good understanding, well instructed in Religion, and a Master of a Family, who in his anger cursing, and bidding the Devil take one of his Children, had presently his wish answered; for his Child was immediately possessed with an Evil Spirit, from which, though by the fervent and continual Prayers of good Christians, he was at length released, yet ere he had fully recovered himself, he died. The like we read to have happened to a Woman, whom her Husband in great rage devoted with bitter Curses to the Devil, upon which Satan immediately assaulted her, and rob her of her Wits, so that she could never be recovered. Another Example, saith he, happened not far from hence, even in this Country, upon a Perjurer, who forswore himself, intending thereby to prejudice, and deceive another; but he had no sooner made an end of his false Oath, ere a grievous Apoplexy seized upon him; so that without ever speaking one word more, he soon after miserably died. Beza, Homiliae.  
XV. Strange and terrible is that which happened at Noeburg in Germany, to a Son who was cursed by his Mother in her Anger, wishing, and praying to God that she might never see him return alive; which accordingly happened; for the same day the young man bathing himself in the Water, was drowned, and never returned to his Mother alive, according to her ungodly wish. Theat. Hist. Henry Earl of Schwartzenburg, through a corrupt custom, used commonly to wish he might be drowned in a Privy; and as he wished, so it happened to him; for in the year 1148. he being in St. Peter's Cloister, in the City of Erford, with Frederick Emperor of Germany; the Emperor had occasion to go to the Privy, whither he was followed by some of his Nobles, and Schwartzenbourg, among the rest, when suddenly the floor that was under them began to sink, the Emperor immediately took hold of the Iron Grates of a window, whereat he hung by the hands till some came and succoured him; some of the Gentlemen fell to the bottom, and were drowned; and amongst others, this Henry, Earl of Schwartzenburg. Wanley Hist. Man. A young Courtier at Mansfield used upon any earnest asseveration to say, The Devil take me if it be not so; and the Devil indeed took him while he slept, and threw him out of an high window, where, through by God's good Providence, be escaped with his life; yet he learned by experience to bridle his Tongue from all such cursed speeches; this being but a taste of God's Divine Wrath, which hath happened upon such Wretches as he. Cyria● Spangen.  
XVI. In the year 1557. the day before Good-Friday, at Forchenum in Germany, there was a certain Priest who was crooked in body and mind, through Age, and ill nature; and likewise so infirm, that he could not go but upon Crutches, yet he would needs be carried up into the Pulpit to Preach a Sermon; his Text was in the Eleventh Chapter of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, from whence he took occasion to defend the Mass and other Errors of the Papists; and then breaking forth into a rage, he uttered these or the like blasphemous speeches; Oh Paul, Paul! If thy Doctrine touching the Receiving of the Sacrament in both kinds be true; and if it be a wicked thing to Receive it otherwise, then would, the Devil might take me; and then turning to the People, he said, If the Pope's Doctrine concerning this Point be not true, then am I the Devil's Bondslave; neither do I fear to pawn my Soul upon it: These, and many other horrible words he used, till the Devil came indeed transformed into the shape of a tall black man, terrible of countenance, and before him there was such a fearful noise and wind, that the People were afraid the Church would have fallen on their heads; but without doing the least hurt to any of the rest, he only took away the Old Priest, his Devoted Bondslave, and carried him so far, that he was never heard of. The Bishop of Rugenstine's Brother hardly escaped his hands; for he came to fetch him, but he defending himself with his Sword, wounded his own body, and very narrowly saved his life. After this, there were many Visions se●n about the City, as Armies of Men seeming ready to enter and surprise them, so that happy was he who could secure himself in a corner. At another time the like noise was heard in the Church, while they were Baptising a Child, and all this for the abominable cursing and blasphemy of the profane Priest. Beards Theatre.  
XVII. At Oster, a Village in Germany, there happened a most strange and fearful Judgement upon a Woman who gave herself to the Devil, both Body and Soul, and used horrible Curse and Oaths both against herself and others, which detestable Custom she practised upon all occasions, but more especially at a Marriage in that Village upon St. John Baptist's day; and though the whole company exhorted her to leave off that monstrous Villainy, yet she would not be persuaded, but continued therein till all the People were set at Dinner, and very merry; when the Devil having got full possession of her, suddenly appeared, and taking her away before them all, transported her into the Air with most horrible outcries and roar; and in that manner he carried her round about the Town, so that the Inhabitants were ready to die for fear; and soon after tore her body into four pieces, leaving a quarter of her in the four several highways, that all who came by might be witnesses of her punishment; and then returning to the Marriage, he threw her bowels upon the Table before the Mayor of the Town, with these words; Behold these Dishes of Meat belong to thee, whom the like destruction awaiteth, if thou dost not amend thy wicked life. The Reporters of this History were John Herman, the Minister of that Town, with the Mayor himself, and all the Inhabitants, they being desirous to have it known for Examples sake. Beards Theatre.  
XVIII. Most dreadful is that Relation of Johannes Fincelius; That in 1553. near Bellisina, a City in Helvetia, there were three profane Wretches that played at Dice upon the Lord's Day, without the Walls of the City, one of whom called Vlrick Schaeterus, having lost much Money, and offended God by many cursed speeches; at last expecting a good cast, he broke forth into this horrible and blasphemous speech, If fortune deceive me now, I will thrust my Dagger into the very Body of God as far as I can; and the cast miscarrying, he immediately drew his Dagger, and threw it up against Heaven with all his strength, when behold the Dagger vanished out of sight, and five drops of blood fell upon the Table in the midst before them, and immediately the Devil came, and carried away this blasphemous Wretch, with such a fury and noise, that the whole City was amazed, and astonished thereat; the other two half distracted with fear, strove with all their might to wipe away the drops of blood from the Table, but all in vain; for the more they wiped them, the more clearly they appeared. The rumour of this dreadful Accident soon flew into the City, and multitudes flocked to the place, where they found the two other Gamesters washing the Board, whom by Order of the Senate they bond in Chains, and carried toward the Prison; but by the way; as they were going thorough the Gate of the City, one of them was suddenly struck dead, with such a number of Lice, and Worms creeping out of him, as was wonderful and loathsome to behold: The Third, to avert the Divine Indignation which seemed to hang over their heads, the Citizens, without any further Inquisition or Trial, put presently to death: The Table, with the spots of blood thereon, was taken, and reserved as a Monument of this fearful Judgement of the Almighty. Clarks Examples. 1 p.  
XIX. It is notoriously known at Oundle in Northamptonshire, that one William Hacket, used upon occasion in earnest discourse, to curse himself in this manner; If it be not true, then let a visible confusion come upon me; and he wanted not his wish, as appears by the following Relation. In the year 2591. and the 33. of Queen Eliz. Edmand Coppinger, and Henry Arthington, two Gentlemen associating themselves with this Hacket, who had formerly been a profane and lewd Person, but now pretended great Reformation; these three ran into very strange and dangerous Opinions, and at last came to think, that this Hacket was anointed to be Judge of the World; and coming to his Lodging one day in London, Hacket told them, that he had been anointed with the Holy Ghost; then Coppinger asked what his pleasure was to command them; Go, saith he, and proclaim in the City, that Jesus Christ is come with his Fan in his hand, to judge the Earth; and if they will not believe you, let them come and kill me if they can: Coppinger answered, That it should be done; and thereupon he and Arthington ran immediately into the Streets, and proclaimed their Message; and when by reason of the confluence of People, they could go no further, they got up into two empty Carts in Cheapside, crying, Repent, Repent, for Jesus Christ is come to Judge the World: And so pulling a Paper out of their bosoms, they read out of it many things touching the Calling and Office of Hacket; as how he represented Christ, by taking part of his glorified Body, etc. They likewise called themselves the Prophets, one of Justice, and the other of Mercy. The Citizens being amazed at them, took Hacket, and carried him before a Justice of Peace, who after Examination, committed him to Prison; and at the Sessions being found guilty of Sedition, and speaking Traitorous words against the Queen, he was condemned, and hanged on a Gibbet in Cheapside, uttering horrible Blasphemy against the Majesty of God. Coppinger, died the next day in Bridewell; and Arthington afterward made a public Recantation. Thus the Curse of Hacket happened to him; for a visible confusion came upon him, according to his wish. Beards Theatre.  
XX. In the City of Astorga, a Mother in her rage cursed one of her own Sons with detestable Maledictions, wishing The Devils in Hell to take him; and that they would fetch him out of her presence; with many other horrible Execrations: This was about Ten a Clock at night, and very dark; the Boy at last, for fear of her, went into a little Court behind the House, from whence he was suddenly hoist up into the Air, by Men, in appearance, with grim countenances, of large stature, loathsome and horrible, and were indeed evil Spirits of Hell, who carried him away with such swiftness (as he himself after confessed) that it was impossible for any Bird in the World to fly so fast; and falling down amongst certain Mountains of Bushes and Briars, he was drawn thorough the thickest of them; and being all over torn and rend, both in his , face and body, he began to call upon God, and to beseech him for his help and assistance; upon which these cruel Fiends were forced to bring him back again thorough the Air, and put him thorough a little window, into a Chamber in his Father's House, where after much search and grief for him, he was found in this pitiful condition, and almost distracted with fear: And thus, though they had not power to to deprive him of his life, as they have done to others; yet God suffered them to afflict the Parents in the Son, to warn them to forbear such horrid wickedness. But above all, that is most remarkable which happened in a the Town of Misina in the year 1552. Sept. 11. where a passionate Father observing his Son to be slack in his business, wished He might never stir from the place; which he had no sooner spoken, but his Son stuck fast indeed; nor could by any means possible be removed, no not so much as to sit or bend his Body, till by the Prayers of good Christians his pains were mitigated, though not remitted; three years he continued standing, with a post at his back, for his ease; and four years sitting; at the end whereof he died; nothing weakened in his understanding, but professing the Faith, and not doubting of his Salvation through Jesus Christ: When he was demanded at any time how he did, his Answer usually was, That he was fastened of God, and that it was not in Man but the Mercy of God only must release him. Clarks Exampl. 1 Vol.  
XXI. John Peter, Son-in-law to Alexander the cruel Keeper of Newgate, being a most horrible Swearer and Blasphemer, used commonly to say, If it be not true, I pray God I may rot ere I die, which happened to him; for he rotten away indeed, and so died in misery. To this may be added a notable Example of a certain young Gallant, that was a monstrous Swearer, who riding in the company of divers Gentlemen out of Cornwall, in the days of King Edward the Sixth; he began to curse and blaspheme most horribly, whom one Mr. Hains a Minister, with mild words reproved, telling him, He should one day answer for it; whereat the Gentleman being in a fume, bid him, Take no thought for him, but prepare for his own winding-sheet; Well (saith the Minister) Amend, for Death gives no warning; as soon comes the Lamb's Skin to the Market, as an old Sheep's; Gods wounds! (said he) care not thou for me, still raging worse and worse, till at length going on their Journey, they came to a great Bridge, which was made over an Arm of the Sea; in passing of which this swearing Gallant spurred his Horse with such fury, that he leapt clear over the Bridge, with the Man on his back, who as he was falling, cried out, Horse, and Man, and all to the Devil. This terrible Story Bishop Ridly preached and delivered in a Sermon at Paul's Cross, and Mr. Hains himself reported the Truth thereof to Mr. Fox, from whence this is taken. Acts and Monuments.  
XXII. At a Town called St. Gallus, in Helvetia, a certain Man that earned his Living by making clean foul Linen; going into a Tavern, tasted so much of the Grape, that in his Drunkenness he used horrible Curse, wishing, That if ever he went into the Fields again to his old Trade, the Devil might break his Neck; but when sleep had conquered Drink, and Sobriety had restored his Senses, he went to his business as formerly, remembering indeed his late words, but not regarding them; howbeit the Devil, to show his double diligence, attended him in the likeness of a big swarthy Man, alking him, If he had not forgot his promise and vow which he had made the day before; and likewise demanding whether it were not lawful to break his Neck? and withal struck the poor Man, trembling with fear, over the shoulders, that his feet and hands presently dried up, and there he ●ay, not able to stir till he was carried home; the Almighty not giving Satan so much power over him, as he himself wished, but yet permitting him to punish him in this manner, for his amendment, and our Example. Beards Theatre.  
XXIII. A Man in Lincolnshire, for every trifle used to swear by God's Precious Blood, and would not take warning from his Friends, till at length falling into a grievous Sickness, he was again much persuaded by his Friends to Repent, whose counsel he still rejected; and hearing the Bell Toll, in the very pains of death he started up, swearing, God's Wounds! the Bell Tolls for me, but he shall not have me yet; whereupon the Blood issued but in a most fearful manner from all the joints and parts of his Body, as Mouth, Nose, Wrists, Knees, Heels, Toes, and every where else; and so he miserably ended his wretched life. Mr. Perkins. Another, for many years together, had a wicked custom of Swearing by God's Arms; in the end his own Arm being hurt with a Knife, could not by any means be cured, but rankled, and festered daily more and more, and at last rotten so much, that it fell away piecemeal, and himself through anguish and pain thereof died. Mr. Philip Stubs. At Tabinga in Germany, a desperate Boy used to invent such New Oaths, as were not common; but it pleased God to send a Canker, or some worse Disease, which eat out his Tongue, that Instrument wherewith he blasphemed, German. Hist. There was a certain wretch, who in his life-time was dreadfully inclined to the horrid sin of Swearing; and when he came upon his Deathbed, his heart was so set on fire of Hell, and so exceedingly filled with enraged madness against Heaven, that he desperately desired the standers by to help him with Oaths, and to Swear for him, though he himself in the mean ●ime swore as fast and furiously as he could. Mr. Robert Bolton.  
XXIV. One hearing Perjury condemned by a Minister, and how it seldom or never escaped unpunished, he in a bravery said, I have often forsworn myself, and yet my Right Hand is no shorter than my Left; which words he had scarce uttered, when such an Inflammation arose in that Hand, that he was forced to have it immediately cut off, lest it should have infected the whole Body, whereby it soon became shorter than the other. Clarks Examples, 1 p. A young Lady of a considerable Estate in Saxony, promised Marriage to a handsome Young Man, but of a mean Fortune; he foreseeing that Wealth and Inconstancy might alter her mind, freely discovered his thoughts to her, whereupon she made a thousand Protestations of her Constancy to him, and as many Imprecations upon herself, wishing, That if ever she Married another, the Devil might take her away on the Wedding day; yet afterwards a Person of more Wealth making his Addresses to her, she was contracted, and Married to him; a great Marriage-Feast was provided, but while they were at Dinner, two Men on Horseback came to the House, and as Strangers, were invited to the Feast; after Dinner one of them desired to lead the Bride a Dance; and taking her by the Hand, led her a turn or two, and then in the presence of her Bridegroom, and all her Friends, he caught her up in his Arms, crying in vain for help; and going out of the Gate, he hoist her up into the Air, and vanished away together with his companions and Horses, so that she was never seen more. Sword for Swearers.  
A Blasphemer turned into a black Dog pa. 4.  
A Woman torn in pieces by the Devil. pa. 14.  
XXVI. Godwin Earl of Kent, in the Reign of Edward the Confessor, 1055. sitting at Table with the King, it happened that one of the Cupbearers stumbled, but did not fall, whereat Godwin laughing, said, That if one Brother had not helped another (meaning his Legs) all the wine had been spilt; With which words the King calling to mind his Brother's death, who was slain by Godwin, answered, So should my Brother Alfred have helped me, had it not been for Godwin; whereat Godwin fearing the King's new kindled displeasure, excused himself by many words, and at last said, If I be any way guilty of Alfred 's Death, I pray God I may never six allow down a morsel of bread more; but he swore falsely, as the Judgement of God declared; for he was immediately choked in the presence of the King, before he stirred one foot from the place. Beards Theatre. In the days of Queen Mary John Cooper, an honest Religious Man, was falsely accused by one Grimwood, for Treason, in speaking some words against the Queen, and was accordingly put to Death; but this Perjured Villain did not long escape divine Vengeance; for being shortly after about his Labour in the Harvest, and in good health, his bowels suddenly fell out of his Body and so he miserably died. Acts. and Monuments.  
XXVII. In the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, Thomas Lovelace, by forged Letters, sought to have three of his Cousin Germane brought into question for their Lives, about Matters of High Treason; but the Malice and Forgery, of this wicked business being found out, the false Accuser had Judgement to be carried on Horseback about Westminster-Hall, with his Face to the Horse Tail, and a Paper on his Back containing his Offence; from thence to be carried in the same manner, and set on the Pillory in the Palace Yard, and there to have one of his Ears cut off; also to be set on the Pillory on a Market day in Cheapside with the like paper, after that to be carried into Kent, and at the next Assizes there to be set on the Pillory with the like Paper, & his other Ear to be there cut off; also to stand in the Pillory one Market day at Canterbury, & another at Rochester; and in all these Places his Offence to be openly Read; which Sentence was accordingly Executed, and may be rather thought too mild against such Villains, as by Forgery, Perjury, and False Swearing shall endeavour to destroy Innocent Persons, Stow's Annals.  
XXVIII. Narcissus, Bishop of Jerusalem, though a man famous for his Virtues and Faithfulness in the Reproof and Correction of Vice, was yet maliciously and falsely accused of Incontinency: There were three of these wicked and Suborned Varlets, who bond their Accusations with Oaths and fearful Imprecations upon themselves: The first of these, at the close of his Testimony, added, If I say not the Truth, I pray God I may perish by Fire: The second said, If I speak any thing of falsehood, I pray God I may be consumed by some filthy and cruel Disease; And said the third, If I accuse him falsely, I pray God I may lose my sight, and become blind: This wicked charge, although it was not believed by such as knew the gre● Integrity of the Bishop; yet the good man, partly fo● grief to lie under such a scandal, and partly to reti●● himself from worldly Affairs, left his Bishopric, an● lived privately: But his forsworn Accusers escaped no● the Allseeing Justice of Heaven; for the first, according to his Imprecation, had his House set on fire (it 〈◊〉 unknown how) and was therein himself, together with his Family, burnt to Ashes: The second languished away under a soul and loathsome Disease: The third seeing the woeful ends of his Companions, confessed all the complotted Villainy; and lamenting his case and crime, be continued weeping so long, till he utterly lost his sight; and thus God said Amen to all that they had wickedly and presumptuously wished upon themselves. Eusebius lib. 6.  
XXIX. Vladislaus, King of Poland and Hungary, had fortunatey sought against the Turks at the Mountain Hamus, and taken Carambey, the General of their Army; by means of which Victory, he occasioned Amurath, Emp. o● the Turks, to sue for Peace, which was agreed to upon honourable and advantageous Terms, and was solemnly sworn to by the King of Poland, upon the Holy Evangelists, and by Amurath's Ambassadors in behalf of their Master, upon the Turkish Alcoran. This being known to the Pope, and other Christian Princes, they said, it was unseasonable, unprofitable, and dishonourable; whereupon the Cardinal Julian is s●nt by the Pope as his Legate, to break the Peace, and to absolve the King from his Oath: The young King therefore by their persuasion, breaks the League, and undertakes the War, with greater preparations and vigour than sormerly, advancing with his Army to Varna, a City upon the Pontic Shore, doing all the mischief he was able to the Enemy's Country; which as soon as the Great Turk understood, he returns out of Cilicia, and enters Battle with the Christians; where at the first the Turks were beaten, and retired with great Slaughter, being almost ready to fly: Amurath seeing all brought into extreme danger, beholding the Picture of Christ Crucified in the displayed Ensigns of the Christians, he plucked the Writing out of his bosom, wherein the late League was comprised, and holding it in his hand with his Eyes cast up to Heaven, he said; Behold thou Crucified Christ, this is the League thy Christians in thy Name made with me, which they have without cause broken; now if thou be a God, as they say thou art, and as we dream, revenge the wrong now done unto thy Name, and Me, and show thy Power upon the perjured People, who in their deeds deny thee their God; It was not long after this, but the fortune of the Battle was quite changed, for King Vladislaus was slain, his head cut off by a Janisary, and fastened to the end of a Lance; Proclamation was made that it was the head of the Christian Ring, by which the rest were so daunted, that they fled; Julian the Legate also, who exhorted to this War, was slain, and his dead body exposed to the scorn and contempt of the common Soldiers, for that being a Priest, he had contrary to the Law of Nations advised, and persuaded to break the Peace. This battle was sought 1444. Turkish History.  
XXX. In the year 1070, or thereabout, there arose so great a difference between the Emperor, Henry the 4th. and Pope Gregory the 5th, that the Pope excommunicated him, and depriving him of his Imperial dignity, caused Rodulphus Duke of Swtvia to be made Emperor in his stead, after which, there happened a great Battle between them at the River Ellester, where the Emperor Henry had the victory; Rodulphus by a terrible blow, had his right Arm struck off from his Body, ●●t which he cried out, Behold O ye Nobleses, that right hand of mine which I gave to my Lord Henry, inconfirmation of the fidelity I had sworn to him; which Oath notwithstanding, contrary to all Justice ad Equity I have violated, and am now thus justly punished. Zuing. Theat. vol. 2. lib. 7.  
Burghard, Archbishop of Magdeburgh, though in regard of his place and profession he ought to have given good example, and to have punished Perjury in others, yet he thrice broke his Promise, and Oath to his own Citizens, the Senate and People of Magdeburgh; for first he besieged them with a great Army, and though they redeemed their liberty with a sum of Money, he swearing not to be siege them any more, yet without any regard to Faith or Honesty he returned afresh to the Siege, but his per●●diousnes did not prosper for he was taken Prisoner at the next assault; yet he so appeased them with his humble carriage and demeanour, together with h●● repeated Oaths never to trouble them any more, but to continue their steadfast friend for the future, that they not only freed hi● from his Imprisonment, but restored him to all his dignities with great solemnity. Nevertheless the Traitorous Archbishop returning to his old vomit, procured a dispensation for his Oath from Pope John the 23. and began again to molest, vex, and murder the Citizens, whom he had vowed to protect; but vengeance at last overtook him, for being catched once again, and Imprisoned, while his Friends were treating for his liberty, the Jailor beat him to death with the bar of a door, or as some say with an Iron rod o●● of a window, and so at last his Perjury found its desert. Beards Thea.  
XXXI. In the Reigh of Queen Elizabeth, there was one Am Avery a Widow, who forswore herself for a little Money which she should have paid for six pound of Flax at a shop in Woodstreet, upon which she was suddenly surprised by the Justice of God, and fell down immediately speechless, casting up at her mouth what nature had ordained to pass another way, and in this agony died. Clarks Examples. About the beginning of April, 1661. A Woman in Derbyshire having cozened a Boy of some Money, was charged with it, but she stiffly denied it, and being further urged to confess the truth, she in a fearful manner prayed God, That the Earth might open, and swallow her up quick if she had it, and immediately the Earth under her opened, and she sank into it, and being afterwards digged for, they found her nine foot within the Earth, and that very Money was found in her pocket. Clarks Examples, 2 vol.  
XXXII. In the Year 1551. Five drunken men quaffing together in the Kingdom of Bohemia, profaned the name of God with horrible Blasphemies, and the Picture of the Devil being painted upon the wall, they caroused healths to him, which the Devil pledged soon after, for the next morning all five were found dead, their necks being broken, and quashed to pieces, as though a wheel had gone over them, blood running out of their mouths, nostrils, and ears, to the great astonishment of the spectators. Johan Fincel. Not many years since, two men contended together, who should pour forth most blasphemies against God, but whilst they were exercising this devilish contention, one of them was strucken with madness, and so continued to his lives end. In the same manner several young men at Rome agreed together that he should have the victory, who could swear most, but as soon as they entered into this wicked strife, one of them was deprived of the use of his tongue, another of his reason and understanding, and the rest remained for some time as dead men, God reserving them alive for Repentance. Beards. Thea.  
XXXIII. At Eslinga in Germany, a certain Nobleman having lost much Money at play; fell into horrible Execrations and Blasphemies, and commanded his man to bring him his Horse, that he might ride home in a very dark night; his Servant diffuaded him from his Journey, affirming how dangerous the way was, by reason of the waters, and Fens that lay in the midst, whereat he began to rage and swear the more, and resolved to go; but as he was riding along, he was encountered by the way with an Army of Infernal Soldiers, or Evil Spirits, who beset the Nobleman on every side, and threw him from his Horse; now there was in his Company a virtuous, and valiant Gentleman, whoset him again on his Horse, and held him on one side, whom when the Spirits durst not attempt, by reason of his Innocence, they vanished out of sight; the Nobleman was carried into a Monastery hard by, where he lay three days and died, such many times is the end of horrible, and fearful Blasphemers. Lonicerus. A Vintner who accustomed himself to Blaspheming, Swearing, and drunkenness, and delighted to entertain such as were like himself to swallow his Wine; upon the Lord's Day standing at the door with a Pot in his hand, to call in more guests, there came suddenly a violent Whirlwind, and carried him up into the Air, in the sight of all men, and he was never seen more Beards Theatre.  
XXXIV. Lamentable is, the Relation of what happened in Holland in June last 1681. as it is written by Theodorus Paludamus, a Protestant Minister at Lewarden in Freizland, which may serve for a Terror to all wretched Swearers and Drunkards; A Person named Dowee Sitses, a Mason in that Country, being reported ro be in a desperate condition, I accompanied a Gentleman, who was sent to him by Order from the Lords of the Provincial, where we found two Master Surgeons, and their two Servants busy in making Plasters, and dressing the Patient, and he in such a lamentable condition, as we could not behold but with amazement, his Hair was burnt off his Head to his Ears; his whole Face burnt except his Eyes, his Arms burnt in several Places, his Hands to the ends of his fingers were burnt like a roasted Fowl, but could move all his fingers, his Breast and Back burnt in several places, and yet his shirt whole, his Belly under the Navel, for about the breadth of an hand was as black as a stock, in which place the Surgeons made several incisions, and he felt it not, his Privities, Hippolito Thighs, and Legs were terribly burnt, yet not his stockings, his feets were also burnt, and indeed no part was free, so that he was a woeful sight; after the Patient was dressed, and had got a little breath, both he and his Wife gave a full account of the following passages upon Oath; Upon the 15 of June last at Evening, this Dowee Sitses came drunk into a Tavern, where he with the Man of the House, and another drank three Quarts of Wine, and coming home at ten at night, he lay down to sleep upon Cushions in the Kitchen, and fell into a dream about a Story he had read in a book of Simon de Vries, of a certain Company that danced in Masquerade, with every one a lighted Torch in their hand, wherewith they burned one another; whereupon he waked, and stood up, thinking to go into the yard to make water, and of a sudden he found himself of a light flame in the midst of the room, which burned him thus dreadfully, and some part of his ; upon which he cried out for help, but none came; then he began to faint, and in his distress cried out; O God be gracious unto me a poor Sinner; and thereupon the flame ceased in the twinkling of an Eye, but he growing faint, laid his head upon a Cushion in the room; about two in the morning his Wife came down and found him in this sad condition, and felt something under her feet, which was like a parcel of red ashes and  rags, and taking hold of her Husband, had only a  piece of his Sleeve in her hand, whereopen she cries out, O Lord! Dowee, Thou art grievously burnt: He answered, The Devil hath brought me in this Case; upon which she called in the Neighbours, and Surgeons; his Wife said he had been much given to Drunkenness, and often reproved in vain by the Ministers, that he drank much Brandy, and other strong Liquors, though he had often sworn against it, and usually cursed himself, Wishing that if he were drunk again, the Devil might tear him Limb from Limb, so that God made use of the Devil as an Executioner of his Judgement to bring the miserable man's own curse upon him, not one Limb or Member being left upon him. Drunkard forewarned.  
XXXV. Remarkable is the Relation, of undoubted credit, (and with which we shall conclude this Chapter) of the Dreadful Judgement that happened upon one John Duncalf, of Kings-Swinferd in Staffordshire, who in January 1677. coming to the House of Humphrey Baby at Grangewell, about three miles from Wolverhampton, He begged of the Woman Victuals and Drink, who formerly knowing him, and compassionating his condition, freely gave it him; but while she was stooping to draw him some Drink, he stole her Bible, and sold it afterward for three Shillings, to a Maid not far off, whereby the Woman came to hear of it, and paying her the Money, received it again, but could not hear what was become of the Man; but a while after John Duncalf hearing it discoursed that he stole a Bible, grew very angry, and gave out threathning words against a young Man that Reported it; but being severely charged with it, he did not only deny it with some fierceness, but execrated, and cursed himself, wishing, his Hands might not off if it were true; which words he had no sooner uttered, but by his own confession to divers that came to see him in his miserable condition, he said, That immediately thereupon he had an inward horror and trembling upon him, a dread and fear of the Divine Majesty and Justice of God; which fear and working of his Conscience, continued many days after; and being asked upon this ingenuoas acknowledgement, Why he did not confess his wickedness, and endeavour that the Bible might be restored to the owner; he answered, The Devil and his own heart would not suffer him, but acknowledged, That withia a few days after his cursing himself, his flesh began to look black at the wrists of his hands, and so continued divers weeks before it did sensibly rot; when he finding himself weak and faint, and fearing an Ague, was going to his acquaintance, but not being able to go further, he laid himself down in a Barn, and there continued two days and nights before he was found, from whence he was removed to another Barn near Wolverhampton, and had a Keeper appointed him: His flesh began first to rise in great knots and lumps at his wrists and knees, and to break and run, and after to shrink from the Bones; at which time white putrid matter came out abundantly, causing exquisite pain and torment; and the smell was so offensive for several weeks together, that those who came to visit him (who were many thousands) were not able to abide the place, nor stand near without door, except they had herbs, or other things to smell to: After this many little Worms came out of his rotten flesh, and soon after both his Legs fell off at his knees, and then both his Hands; he constantly acknowledging it to be the just Judgement of God for this fearful cursing of himself, and for all his other sins; desiring the Prayers of some Reverend Divines, who came to vint him in his misery, That God would give him Repentance, and pardon his sins of Idleness, Stealing, Lying, Cursing, Swearing, Drunkenness,  Thoughts, and constant Profaneness; and that he would save him for Christ's sake, and give him patience in the mean time. Thus he continued a dreadful Spectacle of Divine Justice for some weeks, and then died, and may be looked upon as a Monument of God's severity; and that although Sentence against every evil work is not always Executed speedily, yet God leaves not himself without Witness in this, as well as in former Ages against Atheism and Impiety; and particularly against Blasphemers, Scoffers, Swearers, Cursers, and Perjured Persons, as manifestly appears by the foregoing dreadful Examples.   

CHAP. II.  
The miserable ends of Magicians, Conjurors, and Witches, with an account of Apparitions, Possessions, and other strange, and wonderful Feats and Illusions of the Devil.  
THat there are really Magicians, Conjurers, and Witches, who have commerce, and familiarity with evil Spirits, is so clear, and plain, both from holy Scripture, Councils, Canon & Civil Laws in all Nations, that none but those Atheists who would endeavour to persuade themselves there are no Spirits, and consequently no other Life after this, ever denied it, but since the reality of this converse with Demons, and their appearances, and Possessions has been so clearly demonstrated in former Ages, but especially in this, by persons of most acute judgement and Learning, wherein they have fully answered all Objections to the contrary, I shall not now engage in the least in the controversy, but shall only give an account of the miserable deaths of some Persons mentioned in History, who were concerned in these cursed Arts, and likewise of some remarkable Apparitions, and actions of evil Spirits, and their taking possession of the Bodies of several Persons, and tormenting them; with several other strange Feats, and illusions of Satan, as I have collected them from very credible and approved Authors; together with the danger of those who are so vainly curious in knowing future events, as to inquire, or ask Counsel of any of these Sorcerers, which is so strictly forbid in the Law of Moses.  
I. Saul, the first King of Israel, being much disturbed in mind for fear of the Army of the Philistines, which came against him, would by all means know aforehand the issue of this doubtful War; now whereas before whilst he performed the duty of a good King, and obeyed the Commandments of God, he had cleansed his Realm of Witches and Enchanters; yet he is now so senseless, as in his extremity to ask Counsel of them, adding this wickedness to all the rest of his Sins, that the measure thereof might be full; he went therefore to a Witch to know his Fate, who caused a Devil to appear to him in the shape of Samuel, and foretell him of God's just Judgement upon him in the final ruin and destruction of himself and his Family. An example not much unlike this in the Event we find recorded of Natholicus the 31 King of the Scots, who after he had unjustly usurped the Crown and Sceptre, and by much bloodshed had obtained the Throne of that Kingdom without any legal Right or Title thereunto, he endeavoured by the same means to confirm and establish the Government to himself, and therefore, as guilt is always accompanied with suspicion and sear, he sent one of his trustiest Servants to a Witch, to inquire of things to come, both how long he should enjoy the Crown, and how many years he should live; the Witch answered, That he should not live long, but should shortly be murdered, not by his Enemy, but by his familiar Friend; and when the Messenger was very earnest to know who should kill him, she answered, He himself should do it; the man at first heard this with detestation, abhorring the thought of any such Villainy, yet at length considering that it was not safe to discover the Witches answer, and on the other side that it could not be long concealed, he resolved for his own security, rather to kill the Tyrant with the favour of many, than to save him alive with the hazard of his own head; therefore as soon as he was returned home, he desired the King that he might speak with him in private about the Witches answer, & there he suddenly slew him, & gave him his just desert, both for his horrible cruelty, and wicked Sorcery; let all those that make no conscience of running to Witches, either for lost goods, reconvery of their own or Friend's health, or upon any other occasion, remember this example, either for their instruction to amend, or for their terror if they continue that devilish practice, Buchan. Hist. Scot lib. 4.  
II. As divers very worthy Authors have credibly related several wicked actions committed by Magicians, & Witches, so some of them have recorded the manner of their entering themselves into that cursed profession, and the Ceremonies thereof, as they have been discovered by those who have renounced those detestable practices, which it may not be improper here briefly to relate. The Wizards and Witches being met at a place and time appointed, the Devil there appears to them in human shape, admonishing them to be faithful, and promising them success and length of Life; then those that are present, recommend the Person who is to be entered; the Devil than requires him to renounce the Christian Faith, and Sacraments, and giving him his hand, tells him that this alone is not sufficient, but that he must worship him likewise, and give himself to him Body and Soul for ever, and bring as many as possibly he can into the same Society, and that he must prepare himself certain Ointments, and then be confirmed therein. Manlius writes, that in the Year 1553, Two Witches stole a Neighbour's Child, and murdering it, cut it in pieces, and put it into a Kettle to boil, when the sorrowful Mother looking for her Infant, came by chance into the house, & found the Limbs thereof horribly consumed; for which abominable Fact the Authors of it were burnt, having confessed this their villainy. Another Author says, two other Witches are reported to have killed abundance of Children, and that in Germany Eight Witches were taken, who confessed they had murdered an hundred forty and five Children in making their Ointments; they are also reported to have each of them a Spirit or Imp attending on them, who are to assist and obey them in all things, and to give them notice of their solemn Meetings, or appointments, at which time it is said, they separate themselves from all company, and night being come, they strip themselves naked, ane anoint themselves with their Ointments; then are they carried out of the house, either by the window, door, or Chimney, mounted on their Imps, to their meeting place, which is sometimes many hundred miles from their dwellings, where they find great numbers of Wizards and witches arrived by the same means, who all make their accustomed reverence to Lucifer in his Throne, adoring him, proclaiming him their Lord and rendering him all honour, as their King; this Solemnity being finished, they fit at Table, where no delicate meats are wanting to please their appetites, after which they dance, and the Incubuses in the shape of proper men satisfy the lusts of the Witches, and the Succubusses serve for Whores to the Wizards; sometimes at their solemn Assemblies the Devil commands each to tell what wickedness he hath done, and according to the detestableness thereof, he is honoured and applauded; these, and many other such wonderful things are mentioned by Authors of good credit, and several Persons have made Confession, and given an account thereof.  
III. In the year 1645. One Rebecca Jones, being suspected for a Witch, was brought before Sir Harbottle Grimstone, and Sir Thomas Bows, Justices of the Peace for Essex, to whom she voluntarily confessed, That about 25 years before, living with one John Bishop in that County, there came one morning to the door a very handsome young Man, as she then thought, but now she thinks it was the Devil, who asked her how she did, and desired to see her left wrist, and then he took a pin from her sleeve, and pricked it twice, and there came out a drop of blood, which he took upon his finger and departed; and going a while after to St. Osyths, she met a Man in a ragged Suit, with such great Eyes, as much affrighted her, who came to her, and gave her three things like to Moles, having four feet apiece, but no tails, and black, and bid her nurse them till he desired them again, she asked what she must give them, he answered Milk, & that they would not hurt her, but would avenge her on her Enemies, and bid her murder some, but not too many, and he would forgive her, and then went away; after which she said, She sent one of these Imps to kill a Sow of one Benjamin Hows, which was done accordingly; she then with one Joyce Bones, did send each of them an Imp● to kill one Thomas Brunstead of S● Osyths, who died about three weeks after, and she believes the two Imps killed him; she confessed likewise that she sent another of her Imps to Brunsteads house to kill his Wife, and that the reason of her offence against them, was because they beat a Son of hers upon a small occasion; for these and other villainies this woman was arraigned at Chelmsford, and upon her own confession condemned and hanged. Inform of Witches.  
iv There was a Conjurer at Saltzburg in Germany, who boasted that he could gather together all the Serpents within half a mile round about, into a Ditch, and feed them, and bring them up there; and being about the Experiment, behold the Old and Grand Serpent came in the while, which whilst he thought by the force of his Charms to make enter into the Ditch among the rest, he set upon him, and enclosed him round about like a Girdle; so strongly, that he drew him by force into the Ditch with him, where he miserably died; and so this Juggler was cozened by the Devil, who was more cunning than himself. Beards Theatre. Lamentable was the Death of the Governor of Mascon, a Magician, whom the Devil snatched up while he was at Dinner, and carried into the Air, three times round about the Town of Mascon, in the sight of many Spectators, to whom he cried out, Help, Help my Friends: so that the whole Town stood amazed thereat; yea the remembrance of this strange Accident continued in the minds of the Inhabitants in and about that Country long after with horror: It was Reported, That this wretch had given himself to the Devil, and had provided store of Holy Bread (as they called it) which he always carried about with him, thinking thereby to secure himself from him; but it served to little purpose, as the sequel declared. About the year 1437. Charles the Seventh, being King of France, Sir Gyles of Britain, High Constable of France, was accused for having murdered above an hundred and threescore Infants, and Women with Child, with whose blood he writ, or caused to be written books full of Conjuration, hoping by such abominable practices, to obtain great perferment; but it happened quite contrary to his Expectation; for being convicted of these horrible crimes, (it being the Divine Will that such gross and horrid iniquities should not go unpunished) he was condemned to be hanged and burnt to death, which was accordingly executed upon him at Nants by the Authority of the Duke of Britain, Beards Theatre. Johan. Mirandula saith, That there was in his Time a Conjurer, who promised to present to a curious but no very wise Prince, the Siege of Troy, and Hector & Achilles fight together as if they were alive upon a Stage, but he could not be so good as his word; for while he was practising his Hellish Arts to this purpose, he was carried away alive by the Devil, and never after heard of. It is not long since that there was a man called Coulen, living in Lorraine, who was given over to this cursed Art of Necromancy; and amongst other wonderful feats, he would suffer Muskets and Pistols to be shot at him, and would catch the Bullets in his hands without receiving any hurt; but one time it happened, that one of his Servants being angry with him, struck him such a blow with a Pistol, that notwithstanding all his cunning, he was killed therewith. Beards Theatre.  
V There was within the memory of our-fathers' (saith Camerarius) John Faustus of Cundligon, a Germane, who had learned the Black Art at Cracovia in Poland; he meeting one day at the Table with some who had heard much of his Magical Tricks, was earnestly entreated by the Company to show them some sport; and being overcome in the end by the Importunity of his Pot-Companions, who were also well armed in the head promised to show them whatsoever they would have; they with a general consent require him to bring into the place a Vine laden with ripe Grapes, ready to be gathered; for they thought because it was in the month of December, Faustus could not show them that which was not; yet he condescended to them, saying, That immediately before they stirred from the Table, they should see the Vine they desired; but upon this condition, that they should not speak a word, nor offer to rise from their places, but should all tarry till he did them cut the Grapes; and that whosoever should do otherwise, was in danger to lose his life: They having all promised to obey him Fanstus so charmed the Eyes of these drunken Revelers, that they saw, as it seemed to them, a marvellous goodly Vine, and upon the same so many bunches of Ripe Grapes, extraordinary fair, as there were men sitting at the Table, who being inflamed with such rare Dainties, and very dry with much drinking, every man takes his Knife in his hand, looking when Faustus would give the word, and bid them cut the Cluster; but he having held them a while in suspense about this vain piece of Witchcraft, behold all the Vine and the Bunches of Grapes were in the turn of a hand quite vanished away; and every one of these drunken Companions, thinking he had a Cluster of Grapes in his hand, ready to lop off, was seen to hold his own Nose with one hand, and the sharp Knife with the other, ready to cut it off; so that if any of them had forgot the Conjurer's Lesson, and had been never so little too forward, instead of cutting a Bunch of Grapes, he had whipped off his own Nose: This wicked wretch is reported to have led about with him an Evil Spirit, in the likeness of a Dog; and being at Wittenburg, an Order was sent from the Emperor to seize him, but by his Magical Delusions, he made his escape; and afterward being at Dinner at Noremburge, he was secretly sensible by an extraordinary Sweat which came upon him, that he was beset; whereupon he suddenly paid his Reckoning, and went away, but was hardly out of the City Walls ere the Sergeants and other Officers came to apprehend him; yet Divine Vengeance followed him; for coming into an Inn, in a Village of the Dukedom of Wittenburg, he sat very sad, and his Host demanding the cause thereof, he answered, That he would not have him saffrighted if he heard great noise and shaking of the House that night, which happened according to his own prediction; for in the morning he was found dead by his Bedside, with his Neck wrung behind him, and the House wherein he lay was beaten down to the ground. Wanly Hist. Man.  
VI Fazelus writes, that a certain Sicilian called Lyodor, a most notorious Magician, got himself great repute in the City of Catania, by his wonderful Illusions, for he seemed by the Extraordinary working of his Charms and Spells, to transform Men into brute Beasts, and to bestow upon all things else such form and likeness as himself pleased; and by general Report he drew to him as soon & as easily Persons that were distant from thence many day's Journey, as those that were in the same Place; he did also many injuries and shameful outrages to the Citizens of Catania; so that the common People bewitched with a fearful and false Opinion fell to worshipping of him; and when for his wicked deeds he was condemned to die, he by virtue of his Charms escaped out of the Hangman's hands, causing himself to be carried in the Air by Devils from Catania to Constantinople, and after that brought back again from thence into Sicilia: This made him admired of all the People, who imagining the Divine Power was laid up in him, they ran into an horrible Error, offering him Divine Honour: But at last Leo, Bishop of Catania, inspired with a sudden Zeal, laid hands on this Devilish Magician in an open place before all the People, and caused him to be cast alive into an hot burning Furnace, where he was consumed to Ashes. Schotus Phil. Curios.  
VII. In the year 1558. in a Village near to Ihena in Germany, a certain Magician being instructed by the Devil, in the Composition of divers Herbs, restored many to their Healths: he had daily commerce with Evil Spirits, and used their Counsels in the curing of Discases; but it happened that there was some difference betwixt him, and a Neighbour of his a Carpenter, who so exasperated him by some urging words, that in few days after he caused the poor Carpenter by his Magical Arts, to fall into a grievous Disease: The poor Carpenter sent for this Magician, and entreated him to help him in his extremity; the Magician under pretence of friendship, though with inward design of revenge gave him a Potion composed of such venomous Herbs and Roots, that the man by taking it, soon after died; whereupon the Carpenter's Wife accused the Magician of murdering her Husband, and the cause is heard before the Senate of Ihena, who upon examination of all circumstances caused him to confess the murder, and many other villainies; for which he was fastened to a stake, and burnt to death. Beards Theatre.  
VIII. Delrio in his Magicaldiscourses gives this Relation. Two Magicians met together in the Queen of England's Court, as I have it from unquestioned witnesses; these two agreed, that in any one thing they should infallibly obey one another; the one therefore commands the other to thrust his head out of the Casem. of a Window which he had no sooner done, but a large pair of Stag's Horns, were seen planted on his forehead, to the great pleasure of the Spectators, who joked upon him with a thousand abuses, and mocks; he resenting the disgrace, and thirsting after revenge, when his turn came to be obeyed, he with a Charcoal drew the Lineaments of a man upon the wall, and then commanded the same Magician to stand under that Picture, that the wall should immediately give place to receive him; the other apprehensive of the extreme danger he was in, began to beseech him that he would excuse him, but the other absolutely refused, being therefore compelled, he stands under it, and then the wall seemed to open, and he being entered therein, was never afterward seen more. The same Authors sets down another Relation as a matter of undoubted truth; a notable Conjurer, for a trial of his great skill, had cut off the head of the Innkeepers Servant, where he lodged, and when he was about to set it on again, he perceived he was hindered by the presence of another Magician, that chanced to be by at that time; he therefore besought him that he would not oppose him; but the other not regarding his request, the first Magician caused a Lily to spring out upon the top of the Table, and when he had chopped off the head of it, together with its Flowers, upon the sudden down falls the Magician that had hindered him, headless to the ground; that done, he sets on the head of the Servant again, and speedily conveys himself away, lest he should be questioned for the murder of his Rival. Delrio, Disquis. Magic.  
IX. There was a young man at Friburg in Germany, who by the help of a Magician, hoped to enjoy a young woman whom he earnestly loved; the Devil appeared to him in the likeness of the same Maid, and the young man putting forth his hand without the enchanted Circle to embrace her, was presently grasped of the wicked Spirit, who crushed him against a wall, and made the pieces of him fly every way round about, and cast the remainder of the dead body so torn in pieces at the Conjurer, who therewith fell down in the place much bruised, and not able to stir from thence, till some hearing a cry and noise ran to him, took him up, and carried him away half dead. Camerarius Ox. Sul Bladud the Son of Lud, King of Britain (now called England) who as our late Histories report, built the City of Bath and likewise made the Baths therein; this King addicted himself so much to the devilish Art of Necromancy, that he wrought wonders thereby, insomuch that he made himself wings, and attempted to fly (as it is related of Dedalus) but the Devil, who was always a deceiver forsook him in his flight, so that he fell down, and broke his neck. Beards Theatre. Philip Melancthon reporteth that he had an account from twomen of good credit, & repute, that a certain young Woman of Bottonia, two years after her death, returned again in humane shape, and went up and down the House, and sat at meat with them, but eat little; this young Woman being one time in company among other Virgins, a Magician came into the place, who being skilful in Diabolical Arts, he told the People about her, That that Woman was but a dead Carcase, carried about by the Devil and presently he took from under her right Armpit the charm; which he had no sooner done, but she fell down a dead Carcase. Phil. Melanct.  
X. Not long since at Stetin, an University of Pomerania, there was a young Student, who upon some discontent, gave himself to the Devil, and made a Bond upon the Contract; which that it might not come to the knowledge of any, he laid up in one of his Books; but it pleased God some time after, that another Student wanting that Book upon some occasion, knew not where to get it, at last he remembered that such an one had it, and thereupon went to him, and borrowed it of him; the young men having forgotten that he had put his Bond into it: The other, when he came home, began to turn over the Book, and there met with the Bond; and reading of it, was much affrighted; and not knowing what to do, he went to Doctor Cramerus, Professor of Divinity in that University, to ask his Advice; who wished him to keep the Bond; the other replied, he durst not; then said the Doctor, Bring it to me, and I well keep it. Some few nights after, as the Doctor was in his Study, the Devil came rapping at his Study door, saying, Cramer, Cramer, Give me my Bond for it belongs to me, and thou hast nothing to do with it: To whom the Doctor answered, Satan, Satan, Thou shalt not have the Bond; thou hast nothing to do with it; I have put it where thou canst not fetch it; for it is in my Bible, at the third Chapter of Genesis, where these words are, The Seed of the Woman shall break the Serpent's Head: Upon which the Devil went his way, taking the Chamber window with him, and the young man never heard of him afterward. Beards Theatre.  
XI. A young man at Wittenburg in Saxony, being kept short of Money by his Father, was tempted by the Devil to yield himself Body and Soul to him, upon condition to have his wishes satisfied, and his necessities supplied; which he being pinched with want, consented to, and confirmed it by a Bond, written with his own Blood: But presently after he began to decay in his bodily health; and being thereupon brought to Martin Luther, and by him examined, he at length confessed the whole matter to him; which when Luther heard, he Assembled the whole Congregation together; and all of them joined together, and prayed for him, whereby the Devil at last was forced to bring the Bond, and to throw it into the window amongst them, bidding the young man to take it to him again. On a time as Luther was walking in his Garden, the Devil appeared to him in the likeness of a black Boar; but he slighting him, and not regarding him, he vanished away. Luther likewise telleth us, That when he was lodged in the Castle of Warteburg, in a Chamber far from any Company, he was many times molested by noises made by the Devil in his Chamber, and on the Stairs, But I (saith he) Encountered him with that sentence, Omnia subjectisti pedibus ejus, Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet; and so I laid me down and slept in safety. Another of the Germane Divines in Luther's Time, as he was sitting at his Book in his Study, the Devil appeared looking over his shoulder, which the Minister perceiving, took a piece of Paper, and writ in it, The Son of God came to destroy the works of the Devil; and so holding up that Paper, he immediately vanished Luther, Colloq. Mensal.  
XII. In the Life of Mr. Richard Rothwell (a famous Preacher at Mansfield, in the County of Nottingham, about the year 1627.) we have this remarkable Account, as it was drawn up by Mr. Stanley Gower of Dorchester: There was one John Fox, living about Nottingham, who had no more Learning than enabled him to Write and Read; this Man was possessed with a Devil, who would violently throw him down, and take away the use of every Member of his Body, which was changed as black as Pitch, while those Fits were upon him; and then spoke with an audible voice within him, which seemed sometimes to sound out of his Belly, sometimes out of his Throat, and sometimes out of his Mouth, his Lips not moving; and thus he continued for a considerable time; many prayers were put up to God for him, and great resort was made to him, especially by several famous Ministers; as Mr. Bernard of Batcomb, Mr. Langly of Truswell, and others, betwixt whom and John Fox there passed many Papers in Writing, he discovering his Temptations, and they writing him Answers, because he was struck dumb, as ye shall find afterwards. Among the rest Mr. Rothwell went to see him and before he came, the Devil told all that were in the House of it, saying, Yonder comes Rothwell, but I will make a fool of him before he goes; whereupon the People looked out, and saw him coming about a quarter of a mile from the House: As soon as he entered the Room, the Devil said, Now Rothwell is come, and as some say added, Thou sayest there is no Possession; What thinkest thou now? Here is a man opens not his lips, and yet he speaketh: And after a while he said, Say nothing to me of this man, for I tell thee he is damned; and he added thereto many fearful Blasphemies.  
Rothwell; Thou art a Liar, and the Father of Lies; nor art thou so well acquainted with the mind of God concerning this man, which makes thee thus to torment him; therefore I believe thee not; I believe he shall be saved by Jesus Christ.  
Devil; He is a Murderer, and thou knowest, no Murderer, must come into Heaven.  
Rothwell; Thou liest again; for David murdered, and is in Heaven; and the Jews with wicked hands crucified the Lord of Glory; yet Christ prayed for them: And St. Peter exhorted them to Repentance, that their sins may be hlotted out.  
Devil; But this man hath not, cannot, shall not Repent.  
Rothwell; If he had not Repent, thou wouldst not have told him so: but if he have not, I believe God ' will give him Repentance, and thou shalt not be able to hinder it.  
Devil; Thou art a Murderer thyself ' and yet talkest thou thus?  
Rothwell; Thou liest again; I have fought the Lords Battles against his known Enemies, the Idolatrous and bloody Papists in Ireland, Rebels to Queen Elizabeth my Soutreign, by whose Authority I bore Arms against them, otherwise I have killed not man.  
nehT the Devil swore, and Blasphemed, saying, thou ●●dst murder one this day as thou camest hither, and ●here is one behind thee that will justify it; upon which Mr. Rothwell looking over his shoulder, the Devil set up ●n hideous laughter, that nothing could be heard for a great while, and then said, look you now, did not I tell ●ou I would make Rothwell, a Fool? and yet it is true ●hou didst murder one this day; for as thou camest o●ver such a Bridge (which he named) there I would have ●illed thee, and there thy Horse trod upon a Fly, and ●illed it. It seems Mr. Rothwells' Horse stumbled at that ●lace, the Devil having power to cause it, though without ●urt either to Horse or Man.  
Mr. Rothwell then said, Thou hast often beguiled me, I hope God will in time give me wisdom to discern, and power to withstand all thy delusions, and he it is that hath delivered me ●ut of thy hands, and I doubt not will also deliver this poor Man; The Devil then blasphemed fearfully, and quoted many Scriptures out of the Old and New Testament, ●oth in Hebrew, and Greek, cavilling and playing the critic therewith, and backing his allegations with say ●ut of the Fathers, and Poets in there own Language, which he quoted very readily, so that the Company trembled to hear such things from one that understood ●o learning, and neither moved tongue nor lip all the awhile; but Mr, Rothwell was wonderfully enabled by Divine Power to detect the Devil's Sophistry, upon which ●he Devil said, What stand I talking with thee, all Men know thou art bold Rothwell, and fearest no body, nor carest, ●or words, therefore I will talk to thee no more; This name ●e carried to his Grave, for the People would say, This ●s he whom the Devil called bold Rothwell.  
Mr. Rothwell turning to the People, said, Good People you ●ee the goodness of our God, and his great power, though the ●Devil made a fool of me even now through my weakness, God hath ●ade the Devil dumb now, do but observe how the Man lies; ●herefore let us go to Prayer, and that God who hath made him ●umb, will I doubt not drive him out of this poor man.  
The Devil hereupon raged, blasphemed, and said, ●nd wilt thou go to Prayer, if thou dost, I will make such a noise, that thy Prayer shall be distracted, and th● knowest God will not hear a distracted Prayer; b● thou hast got a device, because thou wilt not be distracted, thou shutest thy Eyes in Prayer, (for so he always did) but if thou pray, I will pull out thy Eyes.  
Rothwell. I look to find thee as great an Enemy in this d●ty now, as I have done heretofore, but I fear not thy threats, ● know thou art limited, God heareth the Prayers of the upright and hath promised to give his Spirit to supply infirmities, the● fore in confidence of his promise, and powerful assistance of b● Spirit, and in the name and intercession of his Son Jesus Chri● we will go to Prayer; and accordingly they did so, M● Rothwell kneeling by the Bedside where the poor M● lay; the Devil for above a quarter of an hour made● most horrible noise: however Mr. Rothwells voice w● louder than his, and a while after the Devil roared ev● at the very face of Mr. Rothwell wherewith the Body 〈◊〉 the man moved, and the hand was held up, which was th● first time he stirred; Mr. Rothwell took the hand, & held 〈◊〉 down with much ease, two men being scarce able to ho● the other hand; yet Prayers were still continued, and length the Devil lay silent in the Man and soon after d● parted out of him, the Man then fetched several de● sighs, in somuch that they thought he had been d●ing, but his colour suddenly returned to him, and the 〈◊〉 of all his Members, Senses, and understanding, and at 〈◊〉 next Petition, to the Glory of God, and amazement, b● comfort of all the company, he said Amen; and so continued to repeat Amen to every Petition: Prayers a● hereupon now turned into Thanksgivings, wherewith the Company concluded.  
After which, John Fox said, good Mr, Rothwell le●● me not, I shall not live long, for the Devil tells me he will cho● me with the first bit of meat that jet, Mr. Rothwell answered, Wilt thou believe the Devil that seeks thy destruction, ●●fore thou will trust in God through Jesus Christ, that seeks t● Salvation; hath not God by his, Almighty Power dispossess him, had he had his will, thou hadst been in Hell before now? ● he is Liar, and as he is not able to hinder thy Soul's life, so neit● shall he be able to destroy the life of thy Body, wherefore get me something (saith he) ready for him, and I will see him eat before I go, and will beg a blessing upon it.  
When it was brought, that (saith Mr. Rothwell) and fear not the Devil, and urged him to eat, as being a means appointed by God to preserve life, and quoted the example of Jairus' Daughter, whom our Saviour after he had restored her to life, Commanded to give her meat, St. Luke 8.55. With much ado, and great trembling, at last he took and eat; look you (says Mr, Rothwell) you all see that the Devil is a Liar, the first bit hath not choked him, nor shall the rest; Mr. Rothwell then left him; after which he was struck dumb for three years together, and continued to be tempted, though no longer possessed; at length by Prayer likewise, which was instantly put up to God for him, his mouth was opened, and his speech restored to him at that very instant, when a Minister praying for him in the Congregation, where he was present, used this expression, Lord open thou his mouth, that his lips may show forth thy praise; to which he presently answered Amen, and so continued to speak, and lived religiously and virtuously to his dying day, Clarks Martyrol. 2 p. 1.  
XIII. In the year 1323, Frederick, D. of Austria, who was chosen Emp. against Lewis, was overcome by Lewis in a great Battle, and sent to be kept Prisoner in a strong Castle; it fell out afterward that a Magician coming into Austria, to Leopold his Brother, promised that by his Art and the assistance of his Spirits, he would free Frederick, and within the space of an hour, bring him into his presence, if he would give him a good reward; the Duke replied, That if he performed his promise, he would worthily reward him. The Magician placed himself together with Leopold in a Circle, and by Conjurations called up that Spirit that was wont to obey him, who appearing in the shape of a man, he commanded that he should speedily go and free Frederick and bring him to him into Austria without hurt; the Spirit answered, I shall willingly obey thy Commands, if the Captive Prince will come with me; this said, the Spirit flew into Bavaria, and in the form of a stranger came to the Prince, to whom he said, If thou wilt be freed from thy captivity, mount this Horse, and I will carry thee safe into Austria, to Leopold thy Brother; who art thou said the Prince? Ask me not (said the Spirit) who I am, for that is nothing to the purpose; but do as I desire, and I will perform what I say: Which heard, a certain horror seized upon the Prince, though otherwise a man of a bold Spirit; so that blessing himself, the Horse disappeared and returned to the Conjurer, by whom he was chid for not bringing with him the Prisoner; he told him all that had passed: At last Frederick was freed out of Prison, and confessed, that upon the same day the same thing had happened to him: But Leopold (saith Camerarius) was so affrighted with the Spirit he had seen, that within a while after he died. Camerarius Hor. Subses.  
XIV. In a Treatise called Speculum Historiae, we have this strange Relation; An old Witch who had been very famous in her time for her Enchantments, kept a Jackdaw, which at a certain time spoke; at which the Woman let fall her Knife as she was at Dinner, and grew extreme pale, and at length after many sighs and groans, she broke forth into these words, This day my Plough is come to its last period, and I shall certainly suffer some great evil: Whilst she thus spoke. a Messenger brought word that her Son was dead; upon which news she fell immediately sick; and sending for her other two Children, who were a Monk, and a Nun, she with abundance of tears spoke thus to them; I have by my wretched Fate followed Witchcraft these many years, and have given myself Body and Soul to the Devil; who, as he was the Author of this my wickedness, by persuading me to it; so he will likewise be the punisher thereof; I desire you therefore that you would not cease to pray for me while I am alive; for I doubt the destruction of my Soul is irrevocable: You shall also sow up my Body in a Buck-Skin, and put it into a stone Coffia, making fast the top with Lead, and besides, you shall bind it with three great Chains; and if I lie securely three days, the fourth you shall bury me: Moreover, let there be sung and said for me Psaims and Prayers, for fifty nights. All these things her two Children performed; but it prevailed nothing; for the first two nights when the Monks began to sing Hymns about the Body, the Devils opened the Church doors, which were shut with a great Bar, and broke two Chains; but the middlemost remained whole; the third night the noise of those Demons, who came to fetch the Body, was so great, that the very Foundation of the Church was shaken: But one Devil more terrible in shape than the rest, broke open the door, and went toward the Coffin, commanding the Body to arise, which answered It could not for the Chain; Thou shall be delivered (replied he) from that hindrance; and going to the Coffin, he broke the Chain, and with his foot thrust off the covering; then taking the Woman by the hand, he led her out of the Church, in the presence of them all, to the door, where stood a black Horse ready, and proudly neighing, upon which the Woman was placed, and all the Company of Devils went away with her through the Air; their noise being so great, that the Inhabitants thereabouts were no less astonished than the beholders. Spe. Hist. lib. 26.  
XV. About the year 1644, the Lord Grandison, a Scottish Nobleman, took up his Habitation for some time at Berwick upon Tweed and brought his Family with him; in which, among others, was the Steward of his House, who was a very Religious man, But was then very much afflicted in mind: Among others, Mr. Robert Balsam, a very zealous Minister in those parts, came to visit him, and for the present somewhat satisfied him; but two or three days after, being againg sorely afflicted, Mr. Balsam was sent for, who finding him Very much weakened by the violence of this Destemper of mind, began to speak comfortably to him; but perceiving he could fasten nothing upon him, he whispered to him in his Ear to this purpose, I doubt there is something within, which you would do well to discover: Hereupon the Man's Tongue swollen immediately, and came out of his mouth, so that he was not able to speak; Mr. Balsom continued to discourse with him, till at length, to the astonishment of all that were in the Room (who were many, and some of them Persons of good Quality) a shrill voice was heard, as coming out of his Throat, without any motion of his Tongue, saying, What dost thou talk to him of Promises, and Free Grace? He is mine; Mr. Balsam apprehending it to be the voice of the Devil, replied, No Satan, thou dost not know any man to be thine while there is life in him.  
Satan; But this is a notorious wicked wretch, and therefore he is mine.  
Balsom; Yet the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin.  
Satan; If God would let me lose upon you, I should find enough in the best of you to make you all mine.  
Balsom; But thou art bound Satan; and so turning himself to the standers by, he said with a cheerful countenance, What a gracious God have we that suffers not Satan to have his will upon us! The Devil hereupon began to curse, swear, and to blaspheme the Blessed Trinity in a most searful and horrible manner; to whom Mr. Balsam said, The Lord rebuke thee Satan.  
Satan; But this Man is mine, for he hath given himself to me, and sealed it with his own Blood.  
Balsom; I do not believe that the Father of Lies speaketh Truth; and I do believ e, how confident soever thou art, that thou wilt lose thy hold before to morrow morning: The Devil then continued to curse and swear abominably, and said, How canst thou endure to hear thy God thus blasphemed? I will never give over blaspheming as long as thou stayest in the Room.  
Balsom; I will pray for the Man.  
Satan; Wilt thou pray for a Man that is damned?  
Balsom; I will go home and pray for him, and get all the force I can in the Town to join with me. After this there being no voice any more heard, Mr. Balsam went home about Eleven of the Clock at night, where he found in his House divers Christian Friends, which he intended to have sent for, waiting for him; and upon the fight of them, he spoke to this purpose, Friends, I wonder at th● Brovidence of God in bringing you hither at this time; for otherwise I must have sent for you; and so declaring to them what had befallen the afflicted Person, he desired them to join their Prayers with his on his behalf; which they continued for some part of the night: And the next morning Mr. Balsam going to visit him again, found him in a very comfortable condition; and ask him how he did, he answered; Through the Goodness of God I have overcome Satan, and am now as full of Comfort as I was before of Trouble: Thus he continued cheerful (though very weak) all that day, and the next morning died, no Disease being apparent on him. Clarks Martyr.  
XVI. Strange is the Relation of the Devil of Mascon in France, as it is translated by Dr. Peter du Moulin, at the Request of the Honourable Robert boil Esquire, who was fully satisfied of the certainty and reality thereof; that in the year 1612 one Monsieur Perreaud, a Protestant Minister, being from his own House one night, his Wife being in Bed, and in her first slee●, was awakened by the noise of her Curtains, which were drawn violently; her Maid lying in the same Room, arose, and wet to see what was the matter, but could discern nothing: The night following the Maid lying with her Mistress, presently after they were in Bed, they felt something that palled off their Blankers; hereupon the Maid a rose, intending to go into the Kitchen, but found the Chamber door bolted on the outside; so that she could not get out till she had called a Boy that lay near, to unbolt the door; coming into the Kitchen, and lighting a Candle, she found the Pewter and Brass thrown all about the Room, which both that, and the night following, made a very great and confused noise: Mr. Perreaud coming home, was told of all this; and before he would go to Bed, he carefully searched every corner of the House, and set Bolts and Barricadoes to all the Doors and Windows, stopping every Cathole in the Doors, and left nothing that might cause suspicion of Imposture, and so went to Bed; scarce was he in his Bed when he heard a great noise in the Kitchen, as the rolling of a Billet, thrown with great strength; and also a knocking against a Partition of Wainscot, and things thrown against the Wainscot; and Music was made with a Brass Cullen der; upon this Mr. Perreaud rose, took his Sword, and went into the room where the noise was, but found nothing. Next morning Mr. Perreaud made it known to the Elders of the Church, and also to Mr. Francis Tornus, a Roy all Notary, after which the Notary, and some others sat up with him every night till midnight, during that affliction. The first night they came, and several others, all was quiet, but Septemb. 20. about nine a clock, in the presence of them all the Devil began to whistle three or four tunes with a loud, and shrill tone, & presently spoke (though somewhat hoarse) which seemed to be about three or four steps from them; singing a little tune of five notes, which Birds are taught to whistle, and after he often repeated this word Minister, Minister; then said Mr. Perreaud, get thee from me Satan, the Lord rebuke thee; but continuing to repeat the word Minister, Mr. Perreaud said, Yes indeed I am a Minister, a Servant of the living God, before whose Majesty thou tremblest; the Devil replied, I say nothing to the contrary: Mr. Perreaud said, I have no need of thy testimony; yet did he continue to repeat the same; then he endeavoured to transform himself into an Angel of Light, saying over very loud the Lords Prayer, the Creed, the Morning and Evening Prayers, and the 10 Commandments, but he always clipped, and left out some part of them, he also sung with a loud and audible voice the 81 Psalms; then he related many things concerning Mr. Perreauds Family, as that his Father was poisoned, naming the man that did it, and the reasons why, and the place and manner of it; he further said, That very night he came from Pais de Vaux, and had passed through the Village of Allancogne, that at the door of Mr. Perreauds elder Brothers House, he had seen him with Mr. de Pau, Minister of Thoiry, who were ready to go to supper together, and that they were Neighbours, and dear Friends, that he had saluted them, and asked them whether they would command him any service to M. Perreaud, because he was going to Mascon; that they were very kind to him, and desired him to remember their love to Mr. Perreaud, and invited him to drink with them; to this Mr. Perreaud replied, Thou wicked fiend, if thy had known thee, they would not have been so kind to thee; Mr. du Pau afterward told Mr. Perreaud that he remembered very well that at that very time, a man of a strange shape came riding on a very lean Horse, that hung down his head, and spoke to them to that purpose.  
the Devil told them also of another Brother of Mr. Perreauds, living in the vale of the Lake de Joux, who one day, when some of their Kindred came to visit him, to give them some divertisement, carried them upon the Lake, upon a float of Wood, and that presently a storm arose, which overturned the float, and almost drowned them all; which stor●● he affirmed to be of his own raising; he than told them also that the Man and his Wife, who had lived formerly in Mr. Perreauds house being fallen out, the Wife took her time, when her Husband was going down into his Shop, and pushed him with such violence, that her Husband fell down stairs stark dead, and that she going down a back pair of Stairs presently called her Servants, who finding their Master, judged him to die of some sudden disease; Another time the Devil told one that was present, of such private and secret things, that the Man affirmed never to have told to any one, and thereupon he judged that the Devil knew his thoughts; then he began to mock God, and all Religion, and said Gloria Patri, but skipped over the Second Person, and made a foul, horrible, and detestable equivocation upon the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity; he also desired them earnestly to send for Mr. Du Chassin, the Popish Priest of St. Stephen's Parish, to whom he would confess himself, and to desire him that he would not fail to bring Holy Water along with him, for that (said he) would send me packing presently; and there being a fierce Dog in the House, the Devil said, You wonder that the Dog barks not at me, when I make all this noise; it is because I made the sign of the Cross upon his head.  
Then he fell a scoffing and jeering, saying, That he was one of those who scaled the walls of Geneva, and that the Ladder breaking, he fell from the wall into the Ditch, where he was like to be eaten up with the Frogs, and then he imitated their croaking; he said also, that Father Alexander, a Jesuit, stood at the foot of the Ladder, encouraging the Savoyards to go up boldly, assuring them that they should take the City, and thereby win Paradise, and that when the thirteen that were got upon the wall, and were taken by them of Geneva, were led to the Gallows, the Women of the City said to the Hangman, Courage Tabasou; thou shalt have money to drink. Then speaking of Pais du Vaux, he said it was a Country where they made goodly Carbonadoes of Withes, and at that he laughed very loud.  
He jested much with one Michael Repay, and told him he should go with him, and be a Soldier under the Marquis of St. Martin's; what (said Repay) should I go to war with such a Coward as thyself, who confessest that thou didst fly at the Scalado of Geneva; the Devil answered, And do you think that I would go to be hanged with my Comerades, no, I was no such fool; At another time he told them in a faint, and mournful tone that he had a mind to make his will, for he musts needs go presently to Chamberey, where he had a Lawsuit, and that he might die by the way, and therefore he bid the Maid to go for Mr. Tornus, the Notary, and declared to him what legacies he would leave, and to one present he said, he would bequeath five hundred pound, but he answered, I will have none of thy Money, thy Money perish with thee; he named another to be his HeirGeneral, who also answered, That he would not accept of the Inheritance; whereupon the Devil replied, I will free thee from it for six pence, and a piece of Bread. As he was once speaking, a man who used to be present, rushed into the place, whence the voice seemed to come, and searched it strictly, as many had done before him, but found nothing, except several odd things which he brought forth, and among them a small bottle, at which the Devil fell a laughing and said to him, I was told long since that thou wast a Fool, and I see now thou art one indeed, to believe that I am in the bottle; I should be a Fool myself to get into it, for so I might be catched by stopping the bottle with ones finger; He was once very angry, because Mr. Perreaud said to him, Go thou cursed into everlasting Fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels; whereupon he replied, Thou liest, I am not cursed, I hope yet for Salvation, by the Death and Passion of Jesus Christ.  
He threatened Mr. Perreaud, what he would do to him, as that when he was in bed, he would pluck off the the blankets, and pull him out of the bed by the feet; Mr. Perreaud answered, I will lay me down, and sleep, for the Lord maketh me to dwell in safety, thou canst have no power over me, but what is given thee from above; whereupon he said, it is well for thee, it is well for thee; the Devil at last confessed, That he could not prevail against them, because they did too much call upon the name of God, and indeed it was observed that as often as they kneeled down to Prayer, the Devil left talking, and often said, While you are at your Prayers, I'll go take a turn in the Street; but no sooner was Prayer ended, but he used to begin as before, urging them to talk with him, which course he continued till the 25th of November, at which time he spoke these his last words, Alas, Alas, I shall speak no more; after which he was never heard to utter any word.  
Mr. Perreaud told Mr. Du Moulin, that a grave Divine once coming to his house, and hearing the Devil speak profanely, rebuked him sharply for it, whereupon the Devil answered, Minister, you are very holy and zealous in this Company, but you were not so, when you were singing such a bawdy song, in such a Tavern, and then the Devil sung the same song before them all; the Divine said, It's true Satan, I have been licentious in my younger years, but God of his Mercy hath given me repentance, and pardon for it, but for thy part thou art hardened in sin, and shalt never have repentance and pardon; he spoke also of those that: professed the Reformed Religion in France, saying, O poor Hugonots, you shall have much to suffer within a few years, O what mischief is intended against you.  
An Officer, who was a Papist, belonging to a Court of Justice came out of curiosity to Mr. Perreauds house, and hearing that the Devil foretold future things, and some secrets, he would needs question him about many matters; but Mr. Perreaud desired him to forbear, representing to him both the sin and danger of it; the Lawyer rejected his Council with scorn, bidding him Teach his own Flock, and let him have the Government of himself, and so proceeded to propound several questions to the Devil, as about absent Friends, private business, News, and State-Affairs, unto all which the Devil answered him, and then added, Now Sir I have told you all that you have demanded of me, I must tell you next what you demanded not, that at this very time you are propounding these questions to the Devil, such a man (whom he named) is doing your business with your Wise; and then he further discovered many secret, and foul practices of the Lawyer, which shown his dishonesty; neither was this all; for in conclusion the Devil told him, Now Sir let me correct you for being so bold as to question with the Devil, you should have taken the Ministers safe Counsel; then upon a sudden the whole Company saw the Lawyer drawn by the Arm into the midst of the Room, where the Devil whirled him about, and gave him many turns with great swiftness, touching the ground only with his Toe, and then threw him down upon the floor with great violence, and being taken up, and carried to his house, he lay sick and distracted a long time after.  
It seems at this time Satan was let lose in France; for about the same time the Devil appeared at Lions in the shape of a fine Gentlewoman, to the Lieutenant of the Knight of the Watch, called Lafoy Jacquiere, and to two others of his Companions, which three had carnal knowledge of her, and thereby came to a most Tragical and fearful end. At the same time a Person of Quality at Paris, had Cohabitation with the Devil in the shape of a beautiful Lady, who being visited by some Justices and Physicians, was found to be the Body of a Woman hanged some few days before: And at this time the Prisons in Mascon were filled with a great number of Men and Women, young and old, all Indicted of Witchcraft, who appealed to the Parliament at Paris; and as they went thither under a Guard, a Coach met them, and in it one like a judge, who asked the Captain what Prisoners he conducted; the Captain having satisfied him, he called to one of them by name, saying, How now! Art thou one of them too? Fear nothing; for neither thou, nor any of thy Company shall suffer: And these words proved true; for soon after they were all released.  
Likewise about the same time a Girl at Mascon, of about thirteen years old, who was Daughter to one of the Chief Citizens, lying with the Maid, perceived that she absented herself many times in the night, and therefore asked her whence she came? the Maid answered, That she came from a place where there was good Company, gallant Dancing, and all kind of Sport and Merriment: The Girl desired the Maid to bring her also to that place, and accordingly she anointed her, and made her do the Ordinary Ceremonies prescribed by the Devil to Witches; after which the Girl was carried up into the Air; but seeing herself above the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, she called upon God for help, who caused the Devil to lay her down in the Friar's Garden about midnight: The Capuchins hearing her lamenting voice went to her, to whom she related these Passages, whereupon two of them secretly conducted her to her Father's House. At the same time also the Devil haunted the house of a Woman-Baker in Mascon, in the shape of a Man with a Red Cap on his head, and would often look out of the Window by Moonlight, and was seen by many. Also the Devil kept a great stir in St. Stephen's Church in Mascon, overturning divers Graves, which many resorted to see. He did the like also in the Church of St. Alban, at the same time: And in a Widows House not far from Mascon, he did much hurt, for three months together letting out the Wine in the Cellar, and beating several Persons outrageously: And among others a Lock-Smith, who coming drunk into the House, gave many ill and threatening words to the Devil, who presently took one of the Andirons, and therewith grievously beat him, till in great hast he run away out of the House.  
The ten or twelve last days the Devil threw stones about Mr. Perreauds House continually, from morning to evening, and in great quantity some of them of two or three pounds' weight: One of those last days Mr. Tornus went to Mr. Perreauds House, to know whether the Devil was there still; and whistling several tunes, the Devil still answered him in the same; then the Devil threw a stone at him, which falling at his feet, he took up, marked it with a Coal, and threw it into the backside of the House, and presently the Devil threw it at him again; when he took it, up, he sound it very hot, whereupon he said, That he believed it had been in Hell since he handled it first. The 22th of December the Devil went quite away; and the next day a great Viper was seen going out of Mr. Perreaud's House; which being discovered by some Nailors that lived by, they seized it with long Pincers, and carried it all over the Town crying, Here is the Devil that came out of the Ministers House, and then lift it with one Mr. Clark, an Apothecary, and it was found to be a True und Natural Viper; a Serpent rarely seen in those Countries. All the while the Devil haunted Mr. Perreauds' House, God suffered him not to do the least hurt either to their Persons or Goods.  
This is a brief Account of some particulars, the Narrative whereof was drawn up more at large by Mr. Perreaud himself, a Reverend and Religious Divine, and is attested by so many, and those such credible Witnesses, as the Truth of it cannot rationally be questioned by any.  
Considering therefore the notable Pranks played by the Devil and his Disciples, it might seem strange that there is no more hurt done in the world, did we not remember that their Power, and that of their Black Master himself also is so limited and restrained by a Superior hand of Goodness, that he cannot perform what his ma●●ce would prompt him to commit; and for those who are resolved not to believe (or at least pretend not to believe) that there are Spirits, or any such Apparitions or Possessions as we have before related, because they have neither seen, nor been sensible of any such matter, I shall conclude with this short but True Account.  
XVII. In the year 1599, there lived at Loim, in the Duchy of Gulick, a certain Damsel called Helena, that was possessed by the Devil, whom the Popish Curate of the Place undertook to eject; but when he had used many Charms to cast him out, and all to no purpose, being in a great rage, he spoke to the Devil in Latin saying, If thou hast any Power to enter into a Christians Body, depart out of the Damsel, and enter into me: To whom the Devil answered, Quid mihi opus est eum tentare quem novissimo die jure optimo possessurus sum; What need I tempt him whom by good right Ishall be sure to enjoy at the last day? Chasson. Loci Commun.   

CHAP. III.  
Remarkable Predictions and Presages of Approaching Death; and how the Event has been answerable: With an Account of some Appeals to heaven in case of Injustice from Men, and what hath followed thereupon.  
HIstorians have made observation, that there have seldom been any remarkable Revolutions in the Fortunes of considerable Places or Persons, but that there were certain Previous Presages, and Presignifications thereof: And though some of them may seem to be only casual and accidental, and afterwards adapted to the occasion by the Ingenuity of others; yet there want not many notable Instances of such as may seem to be sent on purpose from Heaven with no obscure intimations of what Divine Providence was about to bring to pass in the Places, or upon the Persons where they happened.  
It is likewise very observable, that when men who sit in the Place of God, shall through corruption or malice wilfully prevaricate, and knowingly and presumptuously oppress the Innocent, in such cases the supreme Judge oftentimes reserves the decision of the cause to be made at his own Bar; and thereupon hath inspired the injured Persons to give their Oppressors a summons of Appearance, which they have not been able to avoid, though they have sometimes been told of the Affixed days wherein their Destiny should happen: Of both these kinds we shall briefly recite several very wonderful Examples from Authors of undoubted Reputation.  
I. Josephus sets down this as a Prodigy presaging the Destruction of the Jews; There was, saith he, one Jesus the Son of Ananias, a Countryman of mean Birth, who four years before the Siege of Jerusalem (at a time when all was in deep Peace and Security) coming up according to the Custom, to the Feast of the Tabernacles. began upon a sudden to cry out and say, A Voice from the East, a Voice from the West, a Voice from the four Winds, a Voice against Jerusalem, and the Temple, a Voice against Bridegrooms and Brides, a Voice against all the People: Thus he went about all the narrow Lanes, crying night and day; and being apprehended and scourged, he still continued the same Language, even under the very strokes, without any other word; whereupon they supposing it some Divine Motion (as in deed it was) brought him before the Roman Perfect; and being by his command again wounded with whips, and his flesh torn to the bones, he neither shed one tear, nor entreated for mercy; but to every blow in a most lamentable, mournful tone cried out, Woe, woe to Jerusalem: This he continued to do till the time of the Siege, even for seven years together; and at last to this common saying of, Woe to the City, the People, the Temple etc. he added. Woe likewise to myself; and immediately a stone from the Battlements fell down upon him, and killed him. Josephus Hist. Jews, lib. 7.  
II. I have spent some inquiry, saith Sir Henry Wotton, whether the Duke of Buckingham had any ominous presagement before his end, wherein though ancient and modern Stories have been infected with much vanity, yet often times things fall out of that kind, which may bear a sober construction, whereof I will glean two or three in the Duke's case. Being to take his leave of the Bishop of Canterbury (then of London) after courtesies of course had passed between them, My Lord (saith the Duke) I know your Lordship hath worthily good access to the King our Sovereign, let me pray you to put His Majesty in mind to be good (as I no ways distrust) unto my poor Wife and Children; at which words, or at his countenance in the delivery, or at both, the Bishop being somewhat troubled, took the liberty to ask him whether he had ever any secret abodement or presage in his mind; No (said the Duke) But I think some adventure may kill me as well as another man. The very day before he was slain, feeling some indisposition of body, the King was pleased to give him the honour of a visit, and found him in his bed, where after much serious and private conference, the Duke at His Majesty's departing, embraced him a very unusual, and passionate manner, and in like sort his Friend the Earl of Holland, as if his Soul had divined he should see them no more; which infusions toward fatal ends, have been observed by some Authors of no light Authority. On the very day of his death the Countess of Denbigh his Sister, received a letter from him, whereunto all the while she was writing her answer, she bedewed the Paper with her tears; and after a bitter passion (whereof she could yield no reason, but that her dearest Brother was to be gone) she fell down in a swound; her said letter ended thus, I will pray for your happy return which I look at with a great Cloud over my head, too heavy for my poor heart to bear without torment but I hope the great God of Heaven will bless you; The day after his murder the Bishop of Ely (her devoted Friend) who was thought the fittest preparer of her mind to receive such a doleful accident, came to visit her, but hearing she was at rest, he attended till she should awake of herself, which she did with the affrightment of a dream; her Brother seeming to pass through a Field with her in her Coach, where hearing a sudden shout of the People, and ask the reason, it was answered, to have been for joy that the Duke of Buckingham was sick; which natural impression she had scarce related to her Gentlewoman, before the Bishop was entered into her Bedchamber, for a chosen Messenger of the Duke's most sudden Death. Wottons Remains. The Continuator of Baker's Chronicle, mentions several other Presages of this Duke's untimely end; as that his Picture fell down in the High Commission Chamber, at Lambeth, on the same day that Doctor Lamb, his great Favourite, was slain in the City of London for a Conjurer; also that the Lady Davis, who was reputed a great Prophetess, had in June foretold that the Duke's fatal time would not come till August; and lastly, that one Mr. Towerson, an Officer of the Custom-house, was charged by a Phantasm, or Spirit like the Duke's Father, to tell him, That if he changed not his Courses, he would shortly become a great Fairing to the City of London; which afterward was thought accomplished by his death, which happened Aug. 23. 1628. and the day before Bartholomew Fair which was occasioned by the treachery of John Felton, who waiting upon the Duke at Portsmouth, gave him with a back blow, a deep wound in his left side, which the Duke himself pulling out, sunk under the Table in the room, and immediately expired; one thing in this enormous accident (saith Sir Henry Wotton) is I must confess to me beyond all wonder, as I received it from a Gentleman of judicious, and diligent observation, and one whom the Duke much favoured; That within the space of not many minutes after the Duke's fall, and removal of the body into the first room, there was not a living creature in either of the Chambers near the Body, no more than if it had lain in the Sands of Ehiopia, whereas commonly in such cases, you shall note every where a sudden conflux of People to the place to hearken and see; but it seems the horror of the fact stupefied all Curiosity. Reliquiae Wottonianae.  
III. In the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, there was one Mr. Gresham, a Merchant of London, who was sailing homeward from Palermo, a City in Sicily, wherein was dwelling at that time one Antonio, surnamed The Rich, who had at one time two Kingdoms mortgaged to him by the King of Spain; Mr. Gresham crossed by contrary winds, was constrained to anchor under the Lee of the Island of Strombulo, where was a burning Mountain: Now about the Midday, when for a certain space the Mountain used to forbear sending forth flames; he with Eight of the Sailors ascended the Mountain, approaching as near the Vent as they durst; where amongst other Noises, they heard a voice cry aloud, Dispatch, Dispatch, the Rich Antonio is coming; terrified herewith, they hasted their return, and the Mountain presently vomited out fire; and from so dismal a place, they made all the haste they could; but desiring to know more of this matter (since the Winds still thwarted their course) they returned to Palermo, and forthwith enquiring for Antonio, they found that he died about that very Instant (so near as they could compute) when that voice was heard by them; Mr. Gresham at his return into England, reported this to the King; and the Mariners being called before him, confirmed the same on their Oaths: This wrought so deep an impression upon Mr. Gresham, that he gave over all Merchandizing, and distributed his Estate, partly to his kindred, and partly to good uses, retaining only a Competency for himself and so spent the rest of his days in a solitary Devotion. Sandys Travels, lib 4.  
iv It is a very memorable thing which (from the mouth of a very credible Person, who saw it) George Buchanan relates concerning James the Fourth King of Scotland who intending to make a War with England, a certain Old Man, of a very venerable Aspect, and clad in a long Blue Garment, came to him at the Church of St. Michael's at Linlithgow, while he was at his Devotion, and leaning over the Canon's Seat where the King sat, said, I am sent unto thee, O King! to give thee warning that thou proceed not the War thou art about, for if thou do, it will be thy Ruin: And having so said, he withdrew himself back among the multitude: The King after Service was ended, enquired earnestly for him, but he could not where be found, neither could any of the standers by feel or perceive how, when, or where he passed from them, having as it were vanished in their hands; but no warning could divert his destiny, which had not been destiny if it could have been diverted. His Queen also had acquainted him with the Visions and Affrightments of her sleep, that her Chains and Armlets appeared to be turned into Pearl; that she had seen him fall from a great Precipice; that she had lost one of her Eyes: But he answered, These were but Dreams arising from the many thoughts and cares of the day; and therefore marched on and fought with the English, and was slain in Flodden Field, with a great number of his Nobility, and common Soldiers, upon Sept. 9 1513. Baker's Chronicle.  
V The Lord Hastings was arrested by Richard the Third (called Crook-back) because he would not join with him against the young King Edward the Fifth, and in making Richard King, who was already Protector: And being charged with High Treason; Richard wished him to make haste to be confessed; for he swore, by St. Paul (his usual Oath) That he would not touch Bread or Drink till his head was off; whereupon he was led forth unto the Green before the Chapel within the Tower, where his Head was laid upon a log of Timber, and there stricken off. In this man's death we may observe how inevitable the blows of Destiny are; for the very night before his death, the Lord Stanley sent a secret Messenger to him at midnight, in all haste, to acquaint him with a Dream he had, in which he thought that a Boar with his Tusks so gored them both in the heads, that the blood ran about their shoulders: And because Richard Protector, gave the Boar for his cognizance in his Arms, the dream made so fearful an impression upon his heart, that he was throughly resolved to stay no longer, and had made his Horse ready, desiring the Lord Hastings, by all means, to go with him presently thereby to be out of the danger before daylight: But the Lord Hastings answered the Messenger, Good Lord! doth your Master lean so much to such Trifles, to put such faith in Dreams, which either his own Fear fancieth, or else do rise in the night's rest by reason of the day's thoughts; Go back therefore to thy Master, and commend me to him, and pray him to be merry, and have no fear; for I assure him, I am as sure of the man be thinketh of, as of mine own head: The man he meant was one Catesby, who deceived him, and was himself the first mover to rid him out of the way: Another warning he had the same morning, in which he was beheaded; his Horse twice or thrice stumbled with him, almost to falling, which though it often happen to such to whom no mischance is towards, yet hath it of old been observed to be many times a foregoing token of some great misfortune. Baker's Chronicle.  
VI There was an Italian called David Risio, who had followed the Ambassador of Savoy into Scotland; and in hope of bettering his Fortune, gave himself to attend the Queen, Mary, at first in the Quality of a Musician, afterward growing into more favour, he was admitted to write her French Letters, and in the end was preferred to be Principal Secretary of State, had only the Queen's Ear, and Governed all Affairs at Court: Yea to that excess of Pride and Arrogancy was he grown, that he would outbrave the King in his Apparel, in his Household-furniture, in the number and forts of his Horses; and in deed in every thing else, This man had warning given him more than once by Joh. Damiot a French Priest, who was thought to have some skill in Magic, to do his business, and be gone, for that he could not make good his part, nor stand against those that opposed him; to whom he answered disdainfully, The Scots are given more to brag than fight. Some few days before his death, being warned by the same Priest, to take heed of the Bastard, he replied, That whilst be lived, he should not have credit, nor Power enough in Scotland to do him hurt; for he thought the Earl of Murray to be the man of whom he was advertised to take heed; but being found one day in the Queen's Bedchamber, the first stroke was given him by George Douglas, base Son to the Earl of Anges, after whom every man inflicted his wound till he was dispatched; this was in the year 1565. Sp●●swoods Hist. of Scotland.  
VII. Dr. H●ylin in the Life of William Laud, Arch. Bishop of Canterbury, mentions these as the strange Presages of his fall and death. On Friday night the 27th of Decemh. 1639. there happened such a violent Tempest, that many of the Boats which were drawn to Land at Lambeth, were dashed one against another, and broke to piece; the Shafts of two Chimneys were blown down upon the Roof of his Chamber, and beat down both the Lead and Rafters upon his Bed, in which Ruin he must needs have perished, if the roughness of the Water had not forced him to keep his Chamber at Whitehall. The same night at Croyden (a retiring place belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury) one of the Pinnacles fell from the Steeple, beating down the head and roof of the Church above twenty foot square. The same night too at the Cathedral Church in Canterbury, one of the Pinnacles upon the Belfry Tower, which carried a Vane with this Archbishop's Arms upon it, was violently struck down (but carried a great distance from the Steeple) and fell upon the roof of the Cloister, under which the Arms of the Archbishops See itself were engraven in stone; which Arms being broken in pieces by the former, gave occasion to one that loved him not, to collect this Inference, That the Arms of the present Archbi hop of Canterbury, breaking down the Arms of the See of Canterbury, not only presaged his own fall, but the Ruin of the Metropolitical Dignity by the weight thereof. But of these he took not so much notice as he did of an Accident which happened on St. Simon and Judes Eve, not above a week before the beginning of the Long Parliament 1640. which drew him to his fatal Ruin: On which day going to his upper Study, to send some Manuscripts to Oxford, he found his Picture (which was at full length, and taken as near the Life, as the Pencil could express it) to be fallen on the floor, and lying flat on its face, the string being broke by which it was hanged against the Wall yet the sight whereof he took such a sudden apprehension, that he began to fear it as an Omen of that Ruin which was coming toward him, and which every day began to be threatened to him as the Parliament grew nearer and nearer, to consult about it: These things occasioned him to look back on a former misfortune which chanced Septemb. 19 1633. being the very day of his Translation to the See of Canterbury, when the Ferry Boat transporting his Coach and Horses, with many of his Servants in it, sunk to the bottom of the Thames. Heylins' Life, A.B. Land.  
VIII. Duncan, King of Scots, had two principal Men, whom he employed in all matters of Importance called Macbeth and Banquo; these two travelling together through a Forest, were met by three Witches, or Wizards, as the Scots call them, whereof the first Witch making obeisance to Macbeth, saluted him by the name of Thane, or Earl of Glammis; the second Witch saluted him Thane or Earl of Cauder, the third saluted him King of Scotland. This is unequal dealing said Banquo, to give my Friend Macbeth all the honours, and none to me; to which one of the Witches answered, That he indeed should not be King, but out of his Loins should come a Race of Kings that should overrule the Scots; and having thus said, they all vanished; upon their arrival at Court, Macbeth was immediately created Earl of Glammis, and not long after some new service requiring some new recompense, he was honoured with the Title of Earl of Cander; seeing then how happily the prediction of the three Wizards fell out in the two former, he resolved not to be wanting to himself in fulfilling the third; he therefore first killed the King, and after by reason of his Command among the Soldiers, he succeeded in this Throne. Being scarce warm in his Seat, he called to mind the prediction given to his Companion Banquo, whom hereupon suspecting as his Supplanter, he caused to be killed, together with his whole posterity, only Fleance, one of his Sons escaped with much difficulty into Wales, Macbeth thus freed, as he thought of all fear of Banquo, and his Issue, he built Dunsinan Castle, and made it his ordinary residence; afterwards on some new fears, consulting with his Wizards, concerning his future State, he was told by one of them, That he should never be overcome till Bernane Wood (which was some miles distant) came to Dunsinan Castle, and by another, That he should never be slain by any Man that was born of a Woman; secure then as he thought from all future dangers, he gave himself up to all manner of debauchery, lasciviousness, and cruelty for the space of eighteen years, for so long he Tyrannised over Scotland; but having then made up the measure of his iniquities, Mackduff, the Governor of Fife, with some other good Patriots of their Country, met privately one evening at Bernane Wood, and taking every one of them a bough in his hand, the better to keep them from discovery, they marched early in the morning toward Dunsinan Castle, which they took by storm; Macbeth escaping, was pursued by Mackduff, who having overtaken him, urged him to the Combat, to whom the Tyrant half in scorn returned answer; That he in vain attempted to kill him, it being his destiny never to be slain by any Man that was born of a Woman; now then (said Mackduff) is thy fatal end drawing fast upon thee, for I was never born of a Woman; but violently cut out of my Mother's belly; which so daunted the Tyrant (though otherwise a valiant Man) that he was easily slain. In the mean time Fleance so prospered in Wales, that he gained the affection of the Prince's Daughter of the Country, and by her had a Son called Walter, who flying out of Wales, returned into Scotland, where his descent being known, he was restored to the Honours, and Lands of his House, and preferred to be Steward to the House of Edgar (the Son of Malcolm the Third, firnamed Conmer) King of Scotland, the name of Stewart growing hence hereditary unto his posterity; from this Walter descended that Robert Stewart, who succeeded David Bruce in the Kingdom of Scotland, the Progenitor of nine Kings of the name of Stewart, which have reigned successively in that Kingdom, Heylins' Cosmography. p. 336  
IX. The D. of Byron, a great Peer of France, when he was only Baron of Byron, being in some trouble, by reason of the death of the Lord Gerency, and others slain in a quarrel, is said to have gone disguised like a Carrier of Letters to one La Brosse, a great Mathematician, who was held to be skilful in Nativities, to whom he shown his Nativity drawn by some other, and pretended it was not his, but a Gentlemen whom he served, and that he desired to know what end that Man should have; La Brosse having rectified this Figure, said to him that he was of a good house, and no elder than you are, said he to the Baron, ask him if it were his; the Baron answered, I will not tell you, but pray let me know what his life, and means, and end shall be; The old Man who was, then in a little Garret, which served him for a Study said unto him, My Son, I see that he whose Nativity this is shall come to great honour by his Industry, and Military Valour, and may be a King, but thut there is a Caput Argol which hinders it; and what is that said the Baron; ask me not (said La Brosse) what it is; I must know it, (replied he;) in the end he answered, My Son it is this, that he will commit such things, as will make him lose his head; whereupon the Earon beat him cruelly; and leaving him half dead, went down, and carried the Key of the Garret door with him, as he bragged afterward. Byron had conference likewise with one Caesar, who was a Magician at Paris, who old him, That only a backblow of a Burgonian, would hin●er him from being King; he remembered this prediction, being a Prisoner in the Bastile, and entreated one that went to visit him, to inquire if the Hangman of Paris were a Burgonian, and having found it so, he said, I am a dead Man; and soon after he was beheaded for his conspiring against the King. De Serres Hist. France, p. 1051.  
X. In the year 1279. There lived in Scotland one Thomas Lermouth, a Man very much admired; he may justly be wondered at, for foretelling so many Ages before, the Union of England and Scotland, in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood, with the succession of Bruce himself to the Crown, being yet a Child; and many other things, which the event hath made good; the day before the death of King Alexander, he told the Earl of March, that before the next day at noon, such a Tempest should blow, as Scotland had not felt many years before, the next morning proving a clear day, the Earl challenged Thomas as an Imposter, he replied, That noon was not yet past; about which time a Post came to inform the Earl of the King's sudden death, and then said Thom as, This is the Tempest I foretold, and so it shall prove to Scotland, as indeed it did, spotswood's Hist. Scotland.  
XI. Two Gentlemen, who were intimate acquaintance, traveled together to the City of Megara where when they were arrived, the one went to lodge with a Friend of his, and the other betakes himself to an Inn; he that was at his Friend's House, saw in his sleep his Companion, beseeching him to assist him, for he was set upon by his Host, and that by his speedy coming to him, he might deliver him from a very imminent danger; being awakened with what he had seen, he leaps from his bed, and intends to go to the Inn, but by an unhappy fate he desists from his compassionate purpose, and believing that his dream had nothing in it; he returns both to his bed and sleep; when the same Person appears to him the second time all bloody, and requested him earnestly, That seeing he had neglected him as to the preservation of his life, yet at least ●e would not be wanting to him in the revenge of his death, declaring That he was murdered by his Host. and that at this very time he was carried out in a Cart toward the Gate of the City, covered over with Dung; The Man overcome with these entreaties of his Friend, immediately runs out to the Gate, where he finds the Cart he had seen in his dream, which he seizes, and searching it, finds there the body of his Friend, and drags the Innkeeper to his deserved punishment. Dr. More, Immortal. Soul.  
XII. Mr. Morison, an English Gentleman, in his Travels, gives this Relation; whilst I lived at Prague, and had sat up very late one night drinking at a Feast, early in the morning the Sunbeams glancing on my Face, as I lay in my Bed, I dreamt that a shadow passing by me, told me That my Father was dead; at which awaking all in a sweat, and affected with this dream, I arose, and wrote the day and hour, and all circumstances thereof in a paper book, which book with many other things, I put into a barrel, and sent it from Prague to Stood, thence to be conveyed into England. And now being at Newemburgh, a Merchant of a Noble Family, well acquainted with me and my Relations, arrived there, who told me that my Father died some months past; I design not to write any lies, but that which I writ is as true as strange; when I returned into England some four years after, I would not open the Barrel I sent from Prague, nor look into the paper book, in which I had written this dream, till I had called my Sisters, and some other Friends to be witnesses, where myself and they were astonished to see my written dream answer the very day of my Father's death. Morisons Travels. p. 1.  
XIII. The night before Heury the Second, King of France was slain, Queen Margaret his Wife dreamt, That she saw her Husband's Eye put out; there were Justs and Tournaments at that time, into which the Queen besought her Husband nor to enter, because of her dream; but he was resolved, and there did great things; when all was almost now done, he would needs run a tilt with a Knight who refused him, his name was Montgomery, but the King was bend upon it, whereupon they broke their Lances to Shivers in the encounter, and a splinter of one of them struck the King so full into the Eye, that he thereby received his deadly wound. It is observed of this King, That one Ann du Bourg, a Noble Councillor, and a man of singular understanding and knowledge, making a Speech before him a little before his Death, in defence of the Protestant Religion, and against persecuting the Professors thereof, he therein rendered thanks to Almighty God for moving the King's heart to be present at the decision of so weighty a Cause as that of Religion was, and humbly entreated him to consider thereof; it being the Cause of Christ himself, which of good Right aught to be maintained by Princes, etc. But the King, instead of harkening to his good Advice, was so far incensed against him, that he caused him to be apprehended by the Count of Montgomery, Constable of France, and to be carried to Prison, protesting to him in these words; These Eyes of mine shall see thee burnt; and presently after he sent a Commission to the Judges to make his Process: In the mean time great Feasts were preparing in the Court for Joy of the Marriages that should be, of the King's Daughter and Sister: The day whereof being come, the King employed all the Morning in examining the Precedent, and other Councillors of the Parliament against Du Bourg (and other of his Companions who were charged with the same Doctrines) intending to glut his Eyes in seeing his Execution; but that very Afternoon he received that fatal blow in his Right Eye, which so pierced his head, that his brains were perished; which wound despising all means of cure, killed him within eleven days, whereby his hope of seeing Du Bourg burned, was frustrated, Clarks Martyr. P. 231.  
XIV. There was one who dreamt that he was bitten to death by a Lion of Marble, that was set at the entrance of the Temple; and being the next morning to go to that Temple, and beholding the Marble Statue of the Lion, he jestingly told his dream to those that went with him; and putting his hand into the Lion's mouth, he said laughing. By't now my valiant Enemy, and if thou canst, kill me: He had scarce spoke the words when he was stung to death with a Scorpion that there lay hid, and thereby unexpectedly found the Truth of his dream. Crescentius the Pope's Legate at the Council of Trent 1552 was busy writing Letters to the Pope, till it was late in the night; whence arising to refresh himself, he saw a black Dog of a vast bigness, flaming Eyes, and Ears which hung down almost to the ground, enter the room, which came directly toward him, and laid himself down under the Table; frighted at the sight, he called his Servants in the Antichamber, and commanded them to look for the Dog, but they could find none: The Cardinal hereupon fell Melancholy, and afterward sick, dying in a short time at Verona, crying out on his deathbed, Drive away the Dog that leaps upon the Bed, Wanly Hist. Man.  
XV. In the year 1154. Frederick Aenobardus being Emperor of Germany, Henry Archbishop of Mentz, a pious and peaceable man, but not able to endure the dissolute Manners of the Clergy under him, determined to subject them to sharp censure: but while he thought of this, he himself was by them beforehand accused to Pope Eugenius the Fourth. The Archbishop sent Arnoldus, his Chamberlain to Rome, to make proof of his Innocency; but the Traitor deserted his Lord, and instead of defending him, traduced him there himself. The Pope sent two Cardinals as his Legates to Mentz, to determine the cause; who being bribed by the Canons and Arnoldus, deprived Henry of his Bishopric, with great scorn and ignominy, and substituted Arnoldus in his stead, Henry bore all patiently, without appealing to the Pope, which he knew would be to no purpose; but openly declared, That from their unjust Judgement he made Appeal to Christ the Just Judge; there (said he) will I put in my Answer, and thither I cite you: The Cardinals jestingly replied, When thou art gone before, we will follow thee. About a year and an half after, the Archbishop Henry died; upon the hearing of his death, both the Cardinals said, Lo, he is gone before, and we shall follow after: But their Jest proved in earnest; for both of them died in one and the same day; one in an House of Office, and the other gnawing off his own Fingers in the madness of his Distemper. Arnoldus likewise, who was accessary hereunto, was assaulted in a Monastery, butchered, and his Carcase thrown into the Town-Ditch. Chetwind. Hist. Collect. 1 part, p. 21.  
XVI. One Philibert Hamlin, a Popish Priest in France, was in the year 1557. Converted to the Protestant Religion, and thereupon went to Geneva, where he exercised the Art of Printing, and published many Books: After which he was made a Minister of the Reformed Religion, and Preached with good success at the Town of Alevart, and other places: At last he with his Host, a Priest whom he had Instructed in the Protestant Profession, were apprehended, and cast into Prison at Bordeaux; and whilst they lay there, in came a Priest with all his Accoutrements, to say Mass: But Philibert inflamed with Zeal against such ridiculous Fopperies, went and plucked the Garments from his back, and overthrew the Chalice and Candlesticks, saying, Is it not enough for you to blaspheme God in the Churches, but you must also pollute the Prison with your Idolatry: The Jailor seeing this, fell upon him, and beat him with his Staff, and also removed him into a Dungeon, loading him with Irons, which made his Legs to swell, where he lay eight days. The Priest his Host terrified with the Prison, and fear of Death, renounced his Profession, and was set at Liberty, whereupon Philibert said to him, O unhappy, and more than miserable man! is it possible that you should be so foolish, as for to save your life a few days, you should so start away from, and deny the Truth? know you therefore, that although you have hereby avoided the Corporal Fire, yet your life shall be never the longer; for you shall die before me, and yet shall not have the honour to die for the Cause of God; and you shall be an Example to all Apostates. Having ended his Speech, and the Priest going out of Prison, he was presently slain by two Gentlemen, who formerly had a quarrel against him. Philibert hearing of it, protested seriously, That he knew ●f no such thing before, but spoke as it pleased God to guide 〈◊〉 Tongue: Philibert being condemned, and carried to 〈…〉, they endeavoured to drown his voice, by sounding of Trumpets; and so in the midst of the Flames, praying and exhorting the People to Constancy in the Truth, he rendered up his Soul unto God. Clarks Martyrol. p. 228.  
XVII. When by the counsel and persuasion of Philip the Fair King of France, Pope Clement the Fifth had condemned the whole Order of the Knight's Templars, and in divers places had put many of them to death: there was a Neapolitan Knight brought to suffer in like manner, who espying the Pope, and the K. of France looking out at a window, he with a loud voice spoke to them as followeth; Clement, Thou cruel Tyrant, seeing there is none now left among Mortals unto whom I may make my Appeal as to that grievous Death whereunto thou hast most unjustly condemned me, I do therefore appeal unto the Just Judge, Christ our Redeemer, unto whose Tribunal I cite thee, together with King Philip, that you both may make your Appearance there within a year and a day, where I will then open and defend my cause. Pope Clement died within the time, and King Philip soon after him, in 1214. Lipsius' Mon. l. 2.  
XVIII. A Master of the T●●tonick Order, whose name (saith our Author) I forbear to mention, proposed a Match between a young Merchant, and a Woman of a doubtful Fame in respect of her Chastity, the young Man refused the overture, and the rather, because he that persuaded the Marriage, was supposed to be no hater of the Woman; the Master resented this refusal so ill, that he determined the life of the refuser should pay for it; he therefore contrived that the young Man should be accused of Theft, for which being condemned, he commanded he should be hanged; prayers, and tears were of no avail, and therefore the innocent had recourse to the safest Sanctuary of innocency, and as he was led to Execution, said with a loud voice, I suffer unjustly, and therefore appeal to the supreme Lord of Life, and Death, to whom he that hath so unjustly condemned me, shall render an account thirteen days after this very day; The Master scoffed at this, but upon that same thirteenth day, being taken with a sudden sickness, he cried out, Miserable Man that I am, behold I must die, and this day must I appear before the Allseeing Judge; and so died presently after. Wanly. Hist. Man.  
XIX. A poor Labourer at Calais, who had been an hearer of Mr. Adam Damlip (a famous Protestant Preacher at Calais, when it was in the hands of the English) said among some Company, That he would never believe the Priest could make the Lords Body at his pleasure; whereupon he was accused, and condemned by one Harvey, a Commissary there, who also with opprobrious, and abusive words railed upon him, calling him Heretic, and saying He should die a vile death, the poor Man answered, That he was no Heretic, but one that held the True Faith of Christ, and whereas thou sayest (said he) that I shall die a vile death, thou thyself shalt die a vile death, and that shortly; The poor Man was burnt, and Harvey within half an year after was hanged, drawn, and quartered for Treason. Clarks Martyr. p. 427.  
XX. In Sweden, Johannes Turso gave Sentence upon a certain Man, that he should lose his head, who when all other defence was denied him, fell down on his knees, and with great earnestness spoke as followeth, Behold I die unjustly, and I cite thee, unjust Judge, to God's Tribunal, there to answer for my head within this hour; These were looked upon as frivolous words, but scarce was the Man beheaded by the Executioner, when the Judge himself fell down dead from his Horse. Delrio, Disquisit. l. 4. Otho the first Emperor of Rome, being freely reprehended by his Son William (who was then Bishop of Mentz) for his Marriage with Adelaida, the Emperor was so offended, that he sent his Son to Prison; whereupon the Bishop cited his Father Otho to the Tribunal of Christ, And (said he) upon Whitsunday both of us shall appear before the Lord Christ, where by Divine Judgement it shall appear who hath transgressed the limits of his duty; In pursuance of this appeal, the Emperor Otho died upon Whitsunday suddenly in Saxony, his Son the Bishop deceasing some short time before. Drevel. Op.  
XXI. Rodulphus, Duke of Ausiria, being grievously offended with a certain Knight, caused him to be apprehended, and being bound hand and foot, and thrust into a Sack to be thrown into the River; the Knight being in the Sack, and it as yet not sown up, espying the Duke looking out at a Window (where he stood to behold that spectacle) cried out to him with a loud voice; Duke Rodulph, I summon thee to appear at the dreadful Tribunal of Almighty God, within the compass of one year, there to show cause wherefore thou hast undeservedly put me to this bitter and unworthy death. The Duke received this Summons with laughter, and unappalled and unconcerned, made answer; Well go thou before, and I will then present myself; the year being almost spent, the Duke fell in to a light Fever, and remembering the appeal, said to the standers by The time of my death does now appreach, and I must go to Judgement; and so it happened, for he died soon after. Dinoth. lib. 8.  
XXII. Ferdinand, the fourth King of Spain, was a great Man, both in Peace, and War, but somewhat rash and rigid in pronouncing Judgement, so that he seemed to incline to cruelty. About the year 1312. he commanded two Brothers, Peter and John of the Noble Family of Carvialii to be thrown headlong from an high Tower, as being suspected guilty of the death of Benavidius, a noble Person of the first rank; and though they with great constancy denied they were guilty of any such crime, yet it was to small purpose; when therefore they perceived that the King's Ear was shut against them, they openly cried out they died innocently, and since, they found the King had no regard to any Plea, or defence they could make, they did appeal to the Divine Tribunal, and turning themselves to the King, bid him Remember to make his Appearance there within the space of thirty days at the furthest; Ferdinand at that time made no reckoning of their words, but upon the thirtieth day after, his servants supposing he was asleep, found him dead in his Bed, in the flower of his Age, for he was but twenty four years, and nine months old, Wanly. Hist. Man.  
34. Lambertus Schasnaburgenss, an excellent writer as most in these times tells, that Buchardus Bishop of ●a●berstadt, in the year 1059 had an unjust controversy with the Abbot of Helverdense, about some Lands in Saxony, which the Bishop by force without Law sought to make his own; it was to small purpose to make any resistance against so powerful an Adversary; but the injured Abbot some few days before his death sent to Frederick Count Palatine, and entreated him to bear these his last words to the Prelate, That being too weak to contend (though the Law was on his side) he gave place, and was also departing this life, but that God would be the Judge, unto whom he made his Appeal; that therefore both of them should prepare to order their cause before his Tribunal, where favour and power set aside, only Justice should prevail; In a short time the Abbot died of a Fever, and not long after him the Bishop also, for as he was one time mounting his Horse, he fell down, as one stricken with a Thunderbolt, and his last words were, That he was hurried away to the Judgement Seat of God there to be Judged. Delrio. Disquisit. l. 4.  
XXV. Francis, Duke of Britain, cast his Brother Aegidius into Prison, who was one of his Council, and falsely accused him of Treason, where when Aegidius was almost famished, perceiving that his fatal hour approached, he spied a Franciscan out of the window of the Prison, and calling him to confer with him, he made him promise, That he would tell his Brother, that within fourteen days he should stand before the Judgement Seat of God; The Franciscan having found out the Duke in the Confines of Normandy, where he than was, told him of his Brother's death; and of his Appeal to the high Tribunal of God; the Duke terrified with this message, immediately grew ill, and his distemper increasing, he expired upon the very day appointed, Drixelius Oper. The Genoese sent out their Galleys against the Pirates, and in the way took a small Ship of Sicily, together with the Mr. of it, whom in contempt of the Sicilians they hanged up; the poor man pleaded he suffered unjustly, since he had never done any the least injury to them, but perceiving all his plaints to be in vain, he appealed unto God for Justice, and cited the Admiral of the Genoese to make his Appearance at his Bar within six months, within which time he that was thus cited, died. Wanly. Hist. Man.  
XXVI. Master Patrick Hamilton, of an Ancient, and Honourable Family in Scotland, left his own Country, and went into Germany, where he became acquainted with those worthy Men, Martin Luther, and Philip Melancthon, then at the famous University of Wittenburg, from thence he went to the University of Marpurg, which was then newly erected, where he was intimate with other learned Men, and by reason of his Learning, and Integrity of life, he was had in admiration of many; however he could not rest till he had returned into his own Country, where the Doctrine of the Reformation began then to break forth, as well in public, as in private; which so disturbed the Popish-Clergy, that James Beaton, Archbishop of St. Andrews sent for Mr. Patrick Hamilton to St. Andrews, where after divers days conference he had his Freedom, and Liberty, the Bishop seeming to approve his Doctrine, acknowledging that in many things there needed a Reformation in the Church; but withal searing that their Kingdom of Darkness should be endamaged, they persuaded the King, who was then young, and much led by them, to go on Pilgrimage to St. Dothess, in Ross, that so by reason of his absence no application might be made to him for the saving the life of this innocent Gentleman, who not suspecting their malice, remained like a Lamb among Wolves; the King being gone, one night Mr. Hamilton was seized upon by the Bishop's Officers, and carried to the Castle, and the next day was brought forth into Judgement, and Condemned to be burnt upon several Articles about Pilgrimages, Purgatory, Prayers to Saints, etc. After Dinner the fire was prepared, and being tied to the Stake, he cried out with a loud voice, Lord Jesus receive my Spirit; how long shall darkness overwhelm this Realm, and how long wilt thou suffer the Tyranny of these Men? The fire was slow, and therefore put him to the greater torment; but that which most troubled him, was the clamour of some wicked Men, set on by the Friars, who continually cried, Turn thou Heretic, call upon our Lady, say, Salve Regina, etc. To whom he answered, Depart from me, and trouble me not, thou Messenger of Satan; and speaking to one Alexander campbel, a Friar, with whom he had conferred about matters of Religion, and who had informed against him, and was now the Ringleader who roared against him, to recant; Mr. Patrick with great vehemency said to him, Wicked Man, thou knowest the contrary, and hast confessed the contrary to me, I appeal thee before the Tribunal of Jesus Christ, After which words he resigned up his Spirit unto God in the year 1527. campbel was troubled at these words, and from that very day was never in his right mind, but soon after died mad. Clarks Martyr.  
Thus, Though the Fool hath said in his heart there is no God, and because Justice is not presently inflicted upon Sinners, men harden themselves in Rebellion, and Wickedness against Heaven, yet we find that many times, The Lord is known by the Judgements which he executeth upon Impenitent, Unjust, and Profligate Wretches, as by the foregoing examples doth sufficiently appear.   

CHAP. IU.  
The Wicked Lives, and Woeful Deaths of several Popes, and likewise of Apostates, and Desperate Persecutors.  
AFter the Bishops of Rome had tasted the sweetness of Power, Wealth and Prosperity, they at once lost their Humility and Purity of Religion, and assumed Politic and Tyrannical Principles, laying aside the Sword of the Spirit, and defiling their hands in the blood of Emperors, Kings, Princes, and all sorts of People; and hereby Apostatising from Christianity; the Popes their Successors wallowed in all kinds of wickedness, as Usurpation, Sodomy, Conjuration, and all manner of Oppressions, and thereby from being poor persecuted Bishops, they became Persecutors of others: But Divine Justice hath oftentimes inflicted severe Vengeance both upon them, and their Instruments; since Apostasy is thought to be the sin of the Holy Ghost, the Apostle says, It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly Gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the Powers of the World to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again to Repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame, Heb. 6.4, 5, 6. therefore God hath not left himself without witness against them, but hath made them Examples of his Severity in this world, as the following Instances plainly demonstrate, both as to wicked Popes, Apostates and Persecutors.  
I. Pope John the Thirteenth was accused of Witchcraft, and Using Magic, and was given to all manner of Debauchery, Perjury and Villainy; he dismembered divers of his Cardinals for taking part with Otho against him, plucking out the Eyes of some, cutting off the Hands, and gelding others: He made Deacons in his Stables among his Horses, and for Money made Boys Bishops; he lay with Reynora a Widow, his Father's Concubine, and Anna another, with her Niece; put out the Eyes of his Ghostly Father Benedict, broke windows in the night, set houses on Fire, drank an health to the Devil, would say Mass, and not communicate; for which and other intolerable Rogueries, he was deposed by Otho, in a Council, and Leo the Eighth put into his place; but his Whores and other Friends, (as soon as Otho had turned his back) soon got him in again: From this Gallant our St. Dunstan with a round sum of Money, purchased a Prohibition of Priests Marriages, which caused no small disturbance in England at that time: At last being taken in the Act of Adultery, with a resolute man's Wife, he received such a deadly gash from the Husband, as in eight days sent him packing into another world, Prideaux Introduct.  
II. Pope Alexander the Sixth, was a cruel Tyrant, and a scourge of God to all Italy, and plagued especially that corrupt College of Cardinals, who had chosen him not for his Virtues, but for the heaps of Gold which he had distributed among them; he was void of Sincerity, Faith, Truth, or Religion, unquenchably covetous, unreasonably ambitious, and more than barbarously cruel, and had a burning desire to advance his Bastards, whereof he had many: He set Benefices and Promotions to sale: He poisoned John Michael, Cardinal of Venice, that he might obtain his Gold and Treasures: In Magic he was very learned, and therefore very wicked: He poisoned his own Father: And likewise Zemes, Brother to the great Turk (being hired thereto for two hundred Ducats) after he had sworn to him that he would secure him; he procured Aid of the Turk against the French King: He caused the Tongue and Hands of Anthony Manrivil, a learned and wise Man, to be cut off, for making an Oration in reproof of his wickedness: In Adulteries he was most filthy and abominable, and committed Incest with his own Daughter Lucretia, the Wife to three Princes, upon whom these Verses are extant.  

Hic jacet in Tumulo Lucretia nomine, sed re  
Thais, Alexandri filia, sponsa, nurus.  
Ergone te semper rapiet Lucretia Sextus?  
Heufatum dici nominis! hic Pater est,  
Sextus Tarqvinius, Sextus Nero, Sextus & iste,  
Semper sub Sextis Perdita Roma fuit.   

Lucrece by name here lies, but Thais in life,  
Pope Alexander's Child, Spouse, and Sons Wife,  
And must a Sextus Lucrece always ravish?  
Cursed name! but here's a Father that's most knavish.  
Tarqvinius, Nero, this a Sextus too,  
Sextus was ever born Rome to undo.   
This Pope never attempted any thing, but he first consulted the Devil, to whom he gave himself, and who at length fetched him, for being accustomed to poison any whom he disliked; he had prepared some poisoned Wine to dispatch some of his Cardinals, which his Butler through a mistake, put into his own hand, and he drinking it off, with horrible cries and groans immediately died; his Son Caesar Borgia as murdering a Villain as himself, drinking of it likewise, whereby he fell into a sharp and dangerous disease. Symson Hist. Church.  
III. Sylvester the Second, was a French man born, and bred up a Conjuring Friar, in the Abbey of Floriack, were Necromancy at that time was held an eminent piece of Learning; to perfect his skill that way, he goes to a Saracens in Sivil, and cousins him of his chief Conjuring Book, by being inward with the Magician's Daughter; then he contracts with the Devil to be wholly his, upon condition he would conduct him back to France, and fit him with promotions in order to his advancement to the Popedom: Upon his return to France he became admirable for his deep Learning, and (amongst others of great State (had several Scholars in the Black Art; by the help of whom and his other Arts, he became first Bishop of Rheims, than Archbishop of Ravenna, and thence to be Pope; in which Seat he concealed, yet always privately practised his Devilish Mystery, having in secret a Brazen Head, which he consulted instead of a Delphic Oracle; consulting with whom on a time when he should die, answer was given him, he should live until he said Mass in Jerusalem; this made him confident of a long continuance, but he was cozened by the Devil's Equivocation, though he dreamt of immortality, and that he should never die. For it happened on a time, that as he was singing Mass at Rome in a Temple called St. Gross, otherwise Jerusalem (which was the place assigned him to die in, and not Jerusalem in Palestine, as he imagined) he heard a great noise of Devils, who came to fetch him away even in the very time of Mass; he being very much terrified and tormented therewith, is said to have repent, and in token thereof, to have requested that his Hands, Tongue, and secret Members, might be cut off, wherewith he had offended God, and his Body to be cut in four pieces, and laid on a Cart, and the Beasts to draw it whither they would; which being accordingly performed, they of their own accord drew him to the Lateran Church, and (as some Authors writ) the Body was immediately carried out of the Church by the Devil. Beards Theatre.  
iv Gregory the Seventh, without any Election of Emperor or Clergy, but only by his own Intrusion, got into the Chair, having poisoned six or seven Popes before he could get the Popedom himself: He had a trick to shake out sparks of fire from his sleeve, and by some other ways brought it about, that the voice of the People was, Peter the Apostle hath made choice of Hildebrand to be Pope, which was his own name before he changed it to Gregory: He set himself with all his might against the Emperor Henry the Fourth, and had plotted his death; so that when he went to prayers at St. mary in Aventine Hill, a Villain was set with a stone to roll down from the Roof to beat out the Emperor's brains; but it fell out to the ruin and quashing of the Executioner, who fell down, and was killed therewith: He threw the Sacrament into the fire, because it did not answer his demands (as the Heathen Gods did) concerning his success against the Emperor, whom he Excommunicated, and sent a Crown to Rodulphus, Duke of Suevia, with this verse upon it.  

Petra dedit Petro, Petrus Diadema Rodolpho.   

That Crown the Rock did give to Peter,  
Peter on Ralph bestows in Meeter.   
This Crown was sent to cause Rodulphus to Rebel against his Master, wherein he received an utter defeat, and died miserably by the hand of a Woman, tumbling down a Stone upon him, as he was besieging a certain Castle in Germany; at last he got the Emperor at such an advantage, that he was fain to come to his Castle at Canusium, with his Empress and Son bore footed in the cold of Winter, and there to wait three days fasting, till he might have Audience, which at length he obtained by the mediation of Madam Matilda, one of the Pope's Wenches, or St Peter's Daughter, (as they called her) who left her Husband to live with this Holy Father; when he pronounced Sentence of Excommunication against the Emperor, the new Seat whereon he sat, unexpectedly rend in pieces; he condemned Berengarius, his opinion against the corporal Presence, and was against Priests Marriages; he Sainted Liberius the Arrian Heretic, exercised what cruelty he pleased, especially against a Widows Son, whose Foot he cut off; but at last vengeance overtook him; for in a Synod at Brixia he was deposed, and died miserably in banishment. Symson, Hist. Church.  
V Pope Paul the Third prostituted his Sister Julia Farnesia to Alexander the Sixth, that he might be made Cardinal, committed Incest with his own Daughter Constantia, and poisoned her Husband to enjoy her more freely; he likewise poisoned his own Sister, upon suspicion she played false with him; Peter Aloysius, his Bastard Son, practised all manner of horrible Villainies, Robberies, Murders, Adulteries Incest, & Sodomy, thinking that because his Father was Pope, therefore no wickedness was unlawful for him to commit; he was by the report of Authors, one of the most notorious villains the world ever saw; he forced the Bishop of Favence to his unnatural lust, so that the poor Bishop with mere anger and grief, that he should be so abused died immediately. Being afterward made Duke of Plaisence and Parma, he exercised most cruel Tyranny over many of his Subjects, insomuch that several Gentlem. resolved no longer to endure it, and therefore hired divers Ruffians to kill him, they themselves likewise joining with them; the Pope his Father by the Art of Magic, which he practised, warned him carefully to look to himself upon the tenth day of September, in which, notwithstanding he was slain, for as he returned toward his Castle in the evening in an Horselitter, with a great retinue about him, having been to see some Fortifications which he had made, the Conspirators to the number of 36, marched before him, as if to do him honour, but as soon as he was entered the Castle, they drew up the Draw-bridge, for fear of his retinue that were without, and coming to him with their naked Swords, charged him with his Cruelties and Tyrannies, and then presently slew him in his Horselitter, together with a Priest, the Master of his Horse, and five Almaigns that were his Guard; his dead Body they hung by a chain over the walls, and shaking it to and fro in the view of the People, threw it down headlong at last into the Ditch, where the People to show their detestation of him wounded the Carcase with daggers, and trampled it under their feet; this happened Septemb. 10. 1547. When Pope Paul was Legate at Ancona, he cozened the Mother of this Aloysius, by persuading her to yield to his Lust under the pretence of Marriage, who upon the discovery that he was a Priest, fell almost distracted, yet brought him this hopeful Son aformentioned, This Pope maintained forty five thousand Whores, He was a great Conjurer, and conferred daily with Gauricus Servita, and others of that damned crew of Necromancers, who were always at his Elbow; from this Pope's piety we had the Council of Trent, and he confirmed the Order of Jesuits, who have since proved the Firebrands of the world; he likewise Excommunicated, and Cursed King Henry the Eighth, and gave away his Kingdom; but at last endeavouring to debauch his Niece Laura Farnesia, Nicholas Quercen, her Husband taking him in the Act, gave him a mark, that he carried with him to the grave. Beards Theatre.  
VI Pope Innocent the Fourth was a Genoese, he Excommunicated and Cursed the Emperor Frederick, who had been his greatest Friend, and holding a Council at Lions, deposed him, and set up Henry of Thuring in his Place, and after him William of Holland, who was assisted by a great company of Crusadoes or persons designed for the recovery of the Holy Land, whom the Pope had marked for his own Beasts, they wearing a Cross upon their Garments, but the Emperor crossed their Crowns as he met with them, and nobly defended himself until he was poisoned at length by the Pope's means, and then smothered by his Bastard Manfred. This Pope was the only Patron of the four Orders of begging Locusts, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustine's, who hatched under him those addle Eggs of Summaries, Sophisms, Exorcisms, Breviaries, and the like; he offered to sell the Kingdom of Sicily at a reasonable rate, being none of his own, to Henry the Third, and quarrelled with our Robert Grostead, Bishop of Lincoln, who withstood him stoutly, and contemned his Excommunication; and after his death is said to have appeared to the Pope, and that he struck him with his staff on his side, and said, Surge Miser, & veni in Judicium; Arise wretched Man, and come to Judgement, after which the Pope in a few days ended his life, and so the world was eased of this Tyrant. Prideaux. Introduct.  
VII. It was said of Pope Boniface the Eighth, that he entered like a Fox, reigned like a Lion, and died like a Dog, he sent an Ambassage to Philip the fair King of France, to command him to take upon him an expedition against the Saracens in the Holy Land, upon pain of forfeiting his Kingdom into his hands, and having his Sword by his side, he had the Impudence to say, That he alone, and none else was Emperor, and Lord of all the world; and to make this good, he bestowed the Empire of Germany, and the Crown of France, upon Duke Albert, though none of his to give; and not content herewith, he was so insolent, as to charge Philip the Fair, to acknowledge him to be his Subject in all Causes, as well Temporal, as Spiritual, requiring him likewise to levy a Subsidy upon the Clergy for his Holinesses use, and denying his Authority in bestowing Church livings, which were vacant, as being a Prerogative challenged by the Holy See, and in the conclusion of this Bull, or Decree were these words, Aliud credentes fatuos reputamus; We count him a fool who is of another mind; whereunto the King returned this Answer, Philippus Dei Gratia, etc. Philip, by the Grace of God, King of France, to Boniface calling himself Pope, little or no health, be it known to the exceeding great Foolishness, that we in Temporal Affairs are subject to none, and that the bestowing of Benefices belongs to us as our Royal Right, and ●f there be any that think otherwise, we judge them to be erroneous, and doting Fools; an answer will beseeming a Prince, who in pursuance thereof, immediately assembled a National Council of all the Barons, and Prelates, within his Dominions, at Paris, wherein Pope Boniface was Condemned as an Heretic, a Simonist, a Manslayer, and it was generally concluded, That the King should show no obedience to him, nor take the least notice of whatever he should impose for the future, whereupon the King to pull down his Pride and Arrogance, dispatched two hundred Soldiers privately into the Kingdom of Naples, (whither the Pope was fled for fear of divers Gentlemen who were resolved to be revenged on him, for causing their Houses, and Castles to be plucked down) who by a stratagem surprised him, and carried him to Rome, where he died miserably; some Authors affirming, that the Extremity of his Torment brought him into such a terrible Frenzy, that he gnawed off his own hands for pain; and that at the hour of his death there were horrible Thunders, Lightnings and Tempests about the place where he died. Beards Theatre.  
VIII. Adrian the Fourth was an Englishman, whose name was Nicholas Brakespear before he was Pope: He would not suffer the Consuls of Rome to have any power, and condemned Arnold of Brixia for an Heretic in upholding their Rights: He quarrelled with the Emperor Frederick, for not holding, (Hostler like) his Stirrup, and afterward excommunicated him for claiming his Rights, and writing his name before the Popes: He conspired with his Cardinals to ruin the Emperor, and had sent a counterfeit Villain to stab him, and an Arabian to poison him; but while this proud Prelate designed the murdering of others, he lost his own Life by a very despicable and inconsiderable creature; for he was choked with a Fly, which got into his Throat in drinking a glass of Wine, which verified what he was often wont to repeat, That there is no kind of life upon Earth more wretched than to be a Pope. Symson. Hist. church.  
Emp: Germany 3 days at the Pope's Gate pa. 83.  
An Oiul in the Pope's Council, pa. 39  

Scimus Alexandrum per secula commemorandum.   

As long as there is Goose or Gander,  
We must remember Alexander.   
This Pope plagued the World about one and twenty years, and was then suddenly hurried out of it in the midst of his wretched and ambitious Contrivances. Symson Hist. Church.  
X. Pope John the Twenty Third called a Council at Rome against the Protestants in Bohemia; when the Council was set, the Mass of the Holy Ghost sung, and the Pope placed in his Chair, there came flying in among them an ugly Owl, with an ill-favoured hooting, and set herself upon a cross Beam, just over against the Pope, casting her staring Eyes upon him, whereupon the whole company began to marvel; and whispering each to other, said, Behold the Spirit is come in the likeness of an Owl: The Pope himself blushed at the matter, and began to sweat fret and fume; and being in great distraction, as looking upon it to be ominous, he dissolved the Council for that time; yet afterward calling another Session; when they were met, in came the Owl as before, still looking steadfastly upon the Pope; whereupon he was more ashamed, saying, That he could no longer abide the sight of her; and commanded her to be driven away; but with all the shouts and hollow they could make, she would not be forced from her place, till with Clubs and Sticks thrown at her she fell down dead among them all. After this a Council was by his Consent Assembled at Constance 1414. in which this Pope for divers Intolerable Villainies, was deposed, and afterward died miserably. Acts and Monum.  
XI. Pope Julius the Second was more addicted to War than Writing, or Teaching his Flock: He excommunicated Lewis the French King, but he did not value it in the least; for he Coined Money with this Inscription, Perdam Babylonem, I will destroy Babylon. He is said to have thrown St. Peter's Keys into the River Tiber, of whom this Epigram was written,  

Cum contra Gallos Bellum Papa Julius esset  
Gesturus; sicut fama vetusta docet, etc.   

When Julius Pope against the French  
Determined to make War,  
As fame reports, he gathered up  
Great Troops of Men from far.  
And to the Bridge of Tiber then  
Marching as he were 
* or mad.  wood;  
His Holy Keys he took, and cast  
Them down into the Flood:  
And afterward into his hand  
He took his naked Sword,  
And shaking it, broke forth into  
This fierce and warlike word:  
This Sword of Paul, quoth he, shall now  
Defend us from our Foe,  
Since that this Key of Peter doth  
Nothing avail thereto.   
This Pope breaking his Oath in not celebrating a Council, the Cardinals Assemble a Council at Pisa, to depose him, but he easily avoided that by a Counter Council at Lateran: He dispensed with our King Henry the Eighth, to Marry his Brother Arthur's Wife: He horribly abused two Ingenious Youths, who were sent by the Queen of France, to be bred in Italy, of which one wrote, 
To Rome a Germane came, of fair aspect,  
But he returned a Woman in effect.   
And this was written of the Pope himself.  

Genoa cui Patrem, genetricem Graecia, etc.  
He that from Greece and Genua had his blood,  
And on the waves his Birth, can be prove good?  
The Genoese Cheats, the Greeks men Liars call,  
The Sea Perfidious, Julius hath these all.   
He Sainted one Mother Francis, a Roman Matron, for preserving her Chastity by melted Lard, etc. In his time 〈◊〉 Cistertian Monk preached at Mantua, that our Saviour was not conceived in the Virgin's Womb, but in a place hear her heart, of three drops of blood: Of these Times Maximilian the Emperor used to say, Deus eterne nisi ●igilares, etc. O Eternal God if thou didst not watch over ●s, how ill would it go with the World which we govern, I being a miserable Hunter, and wicked Pope Jusus, a beastly Drunkard? It is credibly reported of this Julius, that partly with his Wars, and partly with his Curse and Excommunications, he destroyed Two hundred Thousand Christians within the space of Seven ●ears: He was hurried away in the midst of all his Debaucheries. Prideaux Introd.  
XII. Pope Julius the Third was Chosen not without ●ome disturbance; as soon as he was Elected, he gave ●is Cardinals Hat to a Sodomitical Boy, whom he had abused, called Innocentius, at which the Cardinals repining, and ask him the reason of it, What reason had ●u (said he) to Choose me Pope? Fortune favours whom she leaseth. John Casa, Archbishop of Beneventum, and Dean ●f the Apostolical Chamber, in this Pope's Time Printed Book at Venice, in defence of Sodomy, by whom also Francis Spira was seduced to revolt to Popery, and died desperately. This Pope being sick, desired to have some Pork, which being forbidden by his Physicians, he said. He would have in despite of God; and having appointed a cold Peacock to be reserved for him; when he miss it the next Meal, he grew into a great rage; and being requested not to be so angry for such a trifle, he blasphemously answered, That if God was so angry with Adam's eating an Apple, why might not he be as angry for his Peacock? From this Pope we had the Reconciliation, and Blessing of the Mother Church, so submissively taken from the hands of Cardinal Pool, in Queen Mary's days, which cost the Lives of so many Innocents', by various Executions; whereupon Walterius describes the See o● Rome under him in these verses:  

Roma quid est? quod te docuit praeposterus ordo;  
Quid docuit? jungas versa elementa scies;  
Roma Amor est, Amor est? qualis, praeposterus? unde hat●  
Roma Mares, noli dicere plura scio.   

What's Rome? even that preposterousness doth show,  
What's that spelt backward, than thou soon may'st know  
Backward 'tis Amor, Love, what Love? nay hold,  
It is Male Love, most odious to be told.   
And Beza plays upon three evacuating Basins, which this Pope was wont to have in his filthiness; and thu● by letting fly at both ends, his Life went after it. Clark Examples.  
XIII. John the Eighth, otherwise called Pope Joa● was a Lass of Mentz in Germany, that ran away with a● English Monk of Hulda, in Man's Apparel, and studie● with him at Athens till he died there; thence this Virago came to Rome, and so learnedly trussed her Point● that after Leo's death, she was advanced to St. Peter Chair, where for two years and an half she celebrate Mass, gave Orders, frees the Emperor Lewis from h● Oath to Aldegisus, Crowns Charles the Bald, takes up th● Controversies between the two Hincmares, establishe● the Learned Photius, in the Patriarchship of Constantinople writ a Learned Letter to the Prince of Moravia, and wanted nothing requisite for a complete Pope but the Right Gender; the defect of which discovered itself in her going to the Lateran, between Colossuses and St. Clement's, where, without a Midwife, she was delivered of a Bastard, and her Life together; for which her Successors have never since gone that unlucky way; and have provided a hollow Seat of Porphyry, to search the Popes, and prevent After-claps, This Story of Dame Joan, some of the Popish Writers would decry by all means possible; but we have fifty at least of their own Authors against them. Prideaux Introduct.  
XIV. Pope Vrbane the Sixth was a most cruel and bloody man; at his first Election he was much graced by Jane Queen of Naples, and Otto of Brunswick her Husband, but the rude Beast soon forgot it: and afterward was the cause of both their deaths; to make good that saying,  

Asperius nihil est humili cum surgit in altum,  
Cord stat inflato, pauper honore dato.   

None looks to be accounted  
More than a Beggar mounted?  
He struts with heart full blown,  
When Honour's on him thrown.   
In the beginning of his Popedom he was much for Charles King of Naples, having an Eye to the making of his Roguish Nephew Francis Batillus a Prince; but this Friendship was soon turned into spite; and Batillus, after his Uncle's death, was stripped of what he had heaped together, according to that Epigram,  

Cum moritur Praesul Cognatio tot a fit exul.   

When once the Prelate fails,  
His Kin may pair their Nails-   
The brutish Tyranny of this Pope to some of his Cardinals, whom he suspected, was very horrible; he caused one to be slain, five others of them to be sowed up in sacks, and thrown into the Sea, three others to be knocked on the head before all the People, and their Bodies to be dried in an Oven, and carried in Chests about with him, with their red Hars upon the same; but shortly after as he was with great greediness gathering Money, he fell from his Mule, and so bruised himself, that he languished thereof for twenty seven days, dying by degrees, and so suffering the pains which he caused the Cardinals to endure. Symsons Hist.  
XV. Pope Sixtus the Fourth most unjustly vexed all Italy with Wars, and Dissensions; one of their own Writers saith, That amongst all the Pimps of these latter days, that built Bawdy Houses, this Pope surmounted them, all, for he erected Stews at Rome of double Abomination, one for Women, and another for Boys; he allowed the whole Family of the Cardinal of St. Lucia the use of unnatural Lusts and Sodomy for the three hot months in the year, June, July, and August; he caused every Whore to pay him a certain rate, which amounted to the Sum of forty thousand Ducats a year, he provided Shoes for his Concubine Tyresia, covered all over with Pearls, and died suddenly in the midst of his Filthiness, Symsons Hist.  
XVI. It would be too long to insist upon every particular Pope, who after the first six hundred years were for the most part Monsters, rather than Men, and are therefore numbered by an ingenious Person under the several following heads, that is, Usurping Nimrods', Luxurious Sodomites, Egyptian Magicians, Devouring abaddon's, and Incurable Babylonians, many of whom by the just Judgement of Heaven were cut off by strange, and prodigious Deaths, as Poison, Stabbing, Plagues, Wars etc. It happened that one Pope's name was Bocco de Porco, Hogs, or Swine's Face, which he being ashamed of, he changed it into Sergias, and ever since all Popes have taken up their name by the rule of contraries, the most Cruel being called Clement, or Merciful; the most Wicked Innocent, the most cursed Pope's Benedict, or Blessed, the greatest Clowns, Vrbane, or Courteous, and the vilest Wretches Pius. Neither hath Divine Justice less appeared against Apostates and Persecutors, as by the following fearful examples it is evident,  
XVII. Judas Iscariot, that wicked, and accursed wretch, was guilty of this horrid Sin, for he being a Disciple, nay an Apostle of Jesus Christ, moved with Covetousness, after he had conspired with the Enemy, Traitorously sold his Lord and Master, the Saviour of the World, into the hands of Thiefs and Murderers, for thirty pieces of Silver, who sought only his destruction; after this vile creature had perpetrated this execrable deed, for which he was called the Son of Perdition, he could find no rest nor peace in his guilty conscience, being horribly tormented with remorse for his wickedness, judging himself worthy of a thousand deaths, for betraying that Innocent and Guiltless Blood; if he looked up, he saw the vengeance of God ready to fall upon him, and destroy him, if he looked down, he saw nothing but Hell gaping for him, to swallow him up; the light of the Sun was dreadful to him, and he was even weary of his own life; so that being plunged into the bottomless pit of despair, he at last hanged himself, and burst in two in the midst, so that all his bowels gushed out, and his memory is abhorred to this day, as a dreadful Apostate from Christianity.  
XVIII. There are two memorable examples of Apostates; the one of Lucian, who having professed the Christian Religion for some time under Trajan the Emperor, fell afterwards away, and became so Profane and Impious, as to mock at Religion, and the Divinity, so than he was firnamed the Atheist; this wretch, who like a foul mouthed Dog, barked, and belched out bitter Jeers, and Scoffs against the Religion of Christ, seeking to make it ridiculous, and thereby destroy it, was himself in God's vengeance torn to pieces, and devoured by Dogs. The other is Porphyry, who after he had received the knowledge of true Religion, out of despite and anger, because he was reproved for his faults by the Christians, set himself against them, and published Books full of horrible Blasphemies, to discredit and overthrow the Christian Faith; but when he observed how fully, and clearly all his wretched Arguments were answered, and confuted, and that he was accounted a villainous Atheist for his labour, in terrible despair, and anguish of Soul, he died. Beards Theater.  
XIX. Julian the Emperor, notoriously known by the name of Apostate, fell into the same dreadful gulf; for having been brought up, and instructed from his Childhood in the Christian Religion, and afterward for some time a professed Reader thereof to others in the Church, as soon as he had obtained the Empire, he maliciously revolted from his Profession, and resisted with all his power the Faith, and Church of Christ; endeavouring by all means possible, either by force to ruinated and destroy it, or by craft and subtlety to undermine it; and because he designed to do what mischief he could to the Christians, he therefore endeavoured by all means, to please, and oblige the Pagans their Enemies; and therefore he first ordered their Heathen Temples to be opened, which Constantine his Predecessor had caused to be shut up; then he took from the Christian Churches, and their Ministers those Liberties, Privileges and Immunities, which Constantine had bestowed upon them; and not content herewith, he confiscated the Church Revenues, and imposed great Taxes, and Tributes upon all that professed the name of Christ, and forbidden them to have any Schools of Learning to teach their Children; and used many of the Customs, and Orders of the Christian Religion in his Heathen Worship; after he had thus by all means laboured to beat down the Sceptre of Christ's Kingdom, it happened quite contrary to his expectation, for instead thereof, the Sceptre of his own Kingdom was destroyed, and broken; for, making War against the Persians, he furnished himself with such Gallantry of Armour, Apparel, Soldiers, and all things else, that he thought of no less than to have overcome the whole world, continually belching out threaten against the poor Christians, whom he had determined at his return out of Persia to have utterly destroyed, and to have left none alive, as was afterward discovered by one of his Council; the number of his Army was so great, and his strength (as he thought) so impregnable, that he doubted not in the least, but to have conquered all Persia in a short time; but behold how God overturneth the contrivances and Plots of his Enemies! this great Army, (as St. chrysostom writing against the Heathen observes) in which he put so much confidence, seemed in a little space to be rather a vast, and weak multitude of Women and Children, than an Army of Warriors; for by the ill management, and conduct thereof, there arose so great a Famine amongst them, that their Horses which were provided for the Battle, were fain to be killed to save them from starving, yea and for want of that too, many hundreds died of hunger, and Thirst: so that when they had any skirmish with their Enemies, they were always put to the rout, doing more mischief to themselves than their Foes; and lastly, they were led so indiscreetly, that they could not by any means escape but were constrained after he was slain, to beseech the Persians to suffer them to retire, whereby as many as could, escaped, and fled away to save their lives; and thus this gallant Army was miserably discomfited, and destroyed, to the everlasting shame and infamy of that cursed Apostate, who was struck with an Arrow in the Battle, that was never known from whence it came, which pierced through his Armour, and wounded him, very deep in his side; and feeling his strength fail, by reason of his wound, he took some of his own Blood in his own hands, and throwing it up in great pride and malice, cried out, O Galilean, thou hast overcome me; (meaning thereby our Blessed Saviour, whom he in scorn termed so) and soon after wretchedly gave up the Ghost. One of the Treasurers of this wicked Emperor who, to please his Master, forsook likewise the Religion of Christ, being on a time mocking and deriding the Ministry of God's holy Word, died miserably on a sudden, with vomiting blood out of his mouth, his privy parts, (as St. chrysostom saith) being likewise so rotten, putrified, and consumed with louse, that he could find no remedy for the same, and so died. Symsons Ch. Hist.  
XX. Arnold Bonelius, a Student in the University of Louvain, a Man much commended for an excellent wit, ripeness of Learning, and for favouring the Protestant Religion, but afterward Apostatising to Popery, he began to be much troubled in mind, and thence fell into despair, against which he wrestled a great while, but at length being wholly overcome by it, as he was drawn to walk in the Fields with some Scholars, his familiar Friends, he pretended himself weary, and so sat down by a Spring's side, and his Friends being gone a little before, he drew out a dagger, and stabbed himself into the breast; his Friends observing him to shrink down, and the water discoloured with his blood, ran to him, took him up, carried him to the next house, and searched his wound; but whilst they were busy about him, he espied a knife by one of their sides, whereupon he plucked it forth, and suddenly stabbed himself into the heart, whereby he miserably died. Acts & Monuments.  
XXI. The Chancellor Oliver, having against his Conscience renounced the Protestant Religion in France, was restored to his former Estate, and afterward became a very violent Persecutor, shedding much innocent blood, but such a fearful Judgement was denounced against him by those innocent Souls whom he condemned, as struck him into so great dread, and terror, that he presently fell sick, and was surprised with such extreme melancholy, that sobbing out deep sighs, and murmur continually against God, he so afflicted his half dead body, that he was like a distracted Person, yea his fits were so vehement, that he would shake the Bed as if he had been young and strong; and when a certain Cardinal came to visit him in his extremity, he could not abide his sight, his pains increasing thereby, but cried out, That it was the Cardinal who brought them all to damnation; When he had been long tormented in this manner, at last in extreme anguish and terror he gave up the Ghost. Beards Theatre.  
XXII. King Henry the Fourth of France, who had all his life time before been a Protestant, yet after he came to the Crown of France, when he had almost subdued all his Enemies which opposed him therein, suddenly turned Papist; not long after as he was taking his leave of his Nobles, to begin his progress, one John Castille, influenced by the Jesuits, intended to have stabbed him into the Body with a Knife; but the King at the same instant stooping down to take up one of his Lords, who was on his knees before him, the blow happened upon his upper Jaw, cutting out one of his Teeth, and somewhat wounding his Tongue; it is reported that in his Progress, a Protestant Minister in private conference said unto him, Sir, you have denied God with your Tongue already, and have now received a wound in the same; take heed of denying him with your heart, lest you receive a wound in that also; which afterward proved a true Prophecy; for riding abroad in his Coach to refresh himself, as he passed through a narrow Street, one Ravillack watched 〈…〉 portunity, and with a Dagger stabbed him first into the left Pap, and with a second blow struck him between the fifth and sixth Rib, cutting asunder the vein which leads to the heart, of which wound he immediately died. De Serres Fr. Hist.  
XXIII. Among those who were most cruel in persecuting the poor Protestants at Valence in France, at the same time when two Ministers of that City suffered Martyrdom, there was one Lambespine a Councillor of the Parliament at Grenoble; and one Porsenna's, the King's Attorney, who had formerly been Protestants, but were now very active against them; but they were both made dreadful Examples of Divine Vengeance; for Lambespine falling in Love with a young Woman, was so extremely passionate therein, that he left his Estate, and Employment to follow her up and down whithersoever she went; and still seeing his love and labour despised, and slighted, he pined away with grief, and grew so neglectful and careless of himself, that multitudes of Lice bred, and fed upon him, so that he could no way be freed from them, for they continually increased, and issued out from all parts of his Body, in such great numbers, as Worms upon a rotten Carcase; so that seeing his own misery, & feeling Gods heavy vengeance upon him, he began to despair of mercy, and was therefore desperately resolved to starve himself to death; which purpose the Lice seemed to further, for they clustered so thick in his Throat, as if they would have choked him every moment, neither could he suffer any sustenance to pass down, by reason of them; and when some of his Friends being moved with compassion, were resolved to force him to eat, providing broths to that purpose, he refused and strove against them, so that they were forced to bind his Arms, and put a Gag into his Mouth, to keep it open, while they poured in the food; and being thus Gagged, he died like a mad Beast, the abundance of Lice that went down his throat choking him; which was so terrible an example, that the very Papists themselves said, As he had caused the Ministers of Valence, to have Gags thrust into their mouths, and so to be put to death, so likewise he himself died with a Gag in his mouth. Hist. Fr. Persecut.  
XXIV. As for Porsenna's, (commonly called Bourreel) who was indeed a very Butcher to the poor Protestants: After he had sold his own Estate, and likewise his Wives and Friends, to raise money to buy his Place, hoping soon to get a great deal more by his accursed Office, he found himself mightily disappointed, whereby he shortly after fell into despair of God's Mercy; and likewise into a strange and unknown Disease; neither could those whom he had put to death depart out of his mind, but he still imagined they presented themselves before him; so that as one deprived of his reason, he denied and defied the Almighty, and called upon the Devil in a most horrible manner; which his Clerk hearing, he discoursed to him of the Mercies of God, out of several places of Scripture, to comfort and restore his decayed senses; but instead of Returning to God by Repentance and Prayer, he continued more obstinate, and called to his Clerk, saying, Stephen, Stephen, Thou art black; so I am and it please you, quoth he, but I am neither Turk nor Moor, but a Gascoigne, with red Hair; No, no, said he, not so, but thou art black with sin; That is true, quoth he, but I hope in the bountiful mercy of God, that for the Love of Christ who died for me, my black sins shall not be imputed to me: Upon which he being more enraged, called his Clerk Lutheran, Huguenot, Villain. etc. desiring his Friends, who rushed in at the noise, that Stephen should presently have bolts clapped on his Legs; and be burnt for an Heretic: In brief, his Rage and Fury increased so much, that in a short time he died a fearful death, with horrible howl and outcries; his Creditors scarce giving time to draw his Carcase out of his Bed before they seized upon all his Goods, not leaving his poor Wife and Children so much as a Bed of Straw to lie on; so grievous was the Curse of God upon him and his House Hist. Persecut.  
XXV. A Smith in King Edward the Sixth's Time called Richard Denson, was a zealous Professor of Religion, and by his Christian Instructions, the happy Instrument of converting a Young Man to the Faith: Afterward in the Reign of Queen Mary this Young Man was cast into Prison for his Religion, who remembering his old Friend the Smith, to whom he always carried a Reverend Respect for the good that he had received by him, sent to know whether he was not imprisoned also; and finding that he was not, desired to speak with him; & when he came, asked his Advice, whether he thought it comfortable for him to remain in Prison? and whether he would encourage him to burn at a Stake for his Religion? To whom the Smith answered, That his Can 〈◊〉 was good, and he might with comfort suffer for it; but for my part (saith he) I cannot burn: But he that could not burn for his Religion, by God's Just Judgement was burned for his Apostasy; for shortly after, his Shop and House being set on fire, whilst he over-earnestly endeavoured to save his Goods, himself was burnt. Acts and Monum.  
XXVI. In the year 1617. Marcus Antonius De Dominis, Archbishop of Spalleto (though he was old and corpulent, and thereby unfit for Travel, being almost at his Journeys end by nature,) came into England, leaving Italy his own Country, as he pretended, for Religion and writ several Reasons thereof; whereupon being entertained, he preached and writ against Rome, extolling the Protestant Religion. so that he became Dean of Windsor, and Master of the Savoy, which he enjoyed for some time; but whether he had higher hopes at home, or the humour and fancy altering, after five years stay here, he retracted all that he had said and written, which so incensed King James, that he commanded him within three days, at his peril, to departed the Realm; who thereupon went to Rome, and there inveighed as bitterly against the Protestants, as he had done in England against the Papists, hoping at least for Pardon, if not for preferment: But notwithstanding his Recantation, according to the Law of the Inquisition, having once revolted, though now returned, he suffered the death of an Heretic, and an Apostate, though not the shame; and had the punishment of a Martyr, though not the Honour, being publicly Burnt at Rome, yet not Burnt alive; for dying in Prison, and then buried, it is said, his Body was afterward taken up and burnt. Baker's Coronicle.  
XXVII. One James Latomus, a Divine of Louvain, sometimes a Professor of the Gospel, but afterwards an Apostate, being one time got into the Pulpit to Preach before the Emperor Charles the Fifth, at Brussels, was at that very instant so amazed and astonished, that no body could understand him; so that he was laughed to scorn by the Courtiers; seeing himself thus disgraced, he returned to Louvain where in his public Lecture he fell into such grief and sorrow of mind for the dishonour he had got, that at length it turned into an open frenzy and madness, uttering such words of Desperation, and blasphemous Impiety, that by other Divines present, he was carried away raving, and shut up in a close Chamber; from which time to his last breath he cried out, That he was damned, and rejected of God; and that there was no hope of Salvation for him, because that wittingly, and against his knowledge, and of mere malice, he had resisted and withstood the manifest Truth of the Word of God; and soon after died in this miserable condition. Beards Theatre.  
XXVIII. It is recorded of Trebellius, the First King of the Bulgarians, that he, with his People, being converted to the Christian Faith, that he might more quietly apply his mind and Soul to the Exercises of Religion he resigned up his Kingdom to his Eldest Son, who when he was King, renounced the Christian Religion, and worshipped the Gods of the Heathen; whereupon the Father not only deprived him of his Royal Dignity, but likewise caused his Eyes to be put out fora punishment of his Apostasy, and bestowed the Kingdom upon his other Son, showing thereby. That he who abandoneth and forsaketh the True Light of Salvation, is not worthy to enjoy the comfortable Light of the World. Beards Theatre.  
XXIX. Peter Castellon, Bishop of Maston, having attained great Riches and Renown by means of the Gospel, yet notwithstanding, he afterward turned his back upon the Protestant Faith, and mightily inveighed against the Profession of that Religion, in his Sermons at Orleans, endeavouring to demonstrate that he had not only abjured and denied it; but likewise that he was a professed Adversary thereunto: This Man sitting one time in his Chair, fell into a strange Disease, which no Physician had ever seen, or could find the cause or remedy thereof; for one half of his Body was extreme hot, and burned like Fire, the other extraordinary cold, and frozen like Ice; and in this Torment, with horrible cries and groans he ended his Life. Cardinal Pool, an Englishman, had sometimes professed himself a Protestant, yet afterward was a zealous Papist, and a cruel Persecutor in Queen Mary's days; but he died within two or three days after the Queen, in horrible grief and terror of Conscience, without any visible token of Repentance. Beards Theatre.  
XXX. But among all the Examples we read of, there is none more terrible than that of Francis Spira, a Lawyer of Cittadella, in the Territories of Venice, a man of great Credit and Authority in his Country, who embraced the True Religion with extraordinary Zeal, and made open profession of the same, teaching the Doctrines thereof first to his Family, and then to his Friends and Familiar Acquaintance, which he continued to do about six years, whereby he stirred up the malice of the Popish Clergy against him; so that they complained to the Pope's Legate thereof; which when Spira understood, & foresaw the danger wherein he was like to fall, after he had long debated and disputed the matter in his own Conscience, the Counsel of the Flesh and worldly Wisdom prevailing, he resolved at last to go to the Legate, and by doing whatever he should command him, to appease his Anger; and coming accordingly to Venice, being overruled with immoderate fear, he subscribes to a Catalogue of all the pretended Errors which the Legate had drawn up; together with his Confession annexed, which he promised to declare in his own Town, and to acknowledge the whole Doctrine of the Church of Rome to be True, and Holy, and to abjure the Opinions of Luther, and all such Heretics: As he was going home, to this purpose, he began to consider how wickedly he had denied Christ, and his Gospel at Venice, and what he had promised to do in his own Country; whereupon being confounded with fear and shame, he thought he heard a voice thus speaking to him; Spira, what dost thou here? Whither goest thou? Hast thou unhappy man, given thy Handwriting to the Legate? yet see thou do not seal it in thy own Country; Dost thou think Eternal Life so mean a thing, as to prefer the present life before it? Remember Man, that the sufferings of this present Life are not comparable to the Glory that shall be revealed: If thou suffer with him, thou shalt also Reign with him: Thou canst not answer what thou hast already done; yet the Gate of Mercy is not quite shut; heap not sin upon sin, lest thou repentest when it is too late. Now was Spira in a Maze, not knowing which way to turn; and when he came home, he acquainted his Friends with what he had done at Venice, and what he had promised to do there, and how the terrors of God on the one side, and the terrors of the World on the other, did continually torment him; they without more ado advised, and by divers Arguments persuaded him to do what he had promised; whereupon going to the Mayor, he offered to do what was enjoined him by the Legate; but all that night the miserable Man was vexed with restless cares, without a minute of sleep; yet the next morning he gets up, and desperately went into the public Congregation, and in the presence of the whole Assembly, he recited his infamous abjuration of the Protestant Profession; after which he was fined thirty pieces of Gold, and so restored to his Dignities, Goods, Wife and Children: As soon as he was departed, he thought he heard this dreadful Sentence; Thou wicked wretch, thou hast denied me; thou hast renounced the Covenant of thine Obedience; thou hast broken thy Vow; hence Apostate bear with thee the Sentence of thine Eternal Damnation: Spira trembling and quaking, afflicted in body and mind fell down in a swound, and from that time forward he never found any ease or peace in his mind, but professed, That he was captivated under the revenging hand of the Almighty God, that he continually heard the Sentence of Christ the just Judge against him; when his Friends brought him able Physicians, he said, Alas poor men, how far are you wide! it is neither Plaster nor Drugs that can cure a wounded Soul, cast down with the sense of Sin, and the Wrath of God, it's Christ only that must be the Physician, and the Gospel the sole Antidote; he was about fifty years of Age, his understanding active, quick of apprehension, witty in discourse above his ordinary manner; he refused nourishment, which his Friends forcing upon him, he was very angry, crying out, You strive to make me tyre out this misery, I would fain be at an end; O that I were gone from hence, that some body would let out this weary Soul. One asked what he conceived to be the cause of his disease; upon which he broke out into a lamentable discourse of the passages formerly related, and that with such passionate expressions as made many weep, and most tremble; his Friends minded him of several promises out of the Scripture, and of many examples of God's Mercy; My Sins, saith he, are greater than the Mercy of God, for I am one of those damned Reprobates whom God would not have to be saved, since I willingly, and against my knowledge denied Christ, and I feel that he hardens me, and will not suffer me to hope; one time seeing a knife on the Table, he snatched it up to have mischieved himself, had not his Friends prevented it, whereupon he said, I would I were above God, for I know that he will have no mercy upon me; in this condition he lay about eight weeks in a continual burning, neither desiring, nor receiving any thing, but by force, and that without digestion, & was like an Anatomy vehemently raging for drink, ever pining, and yet fearful to live long, dreadful of Hell, yet coveting Death, in a continual Torment, yet his own Tormentor; and thus consuming himself with Grief and Horror, Impatience, and Despair, like a living Man in Hell, he represented an extraordinary example of God's Justice and Power, and thus he ended his miserable life. Clarks Mirror.  
XXXI. It is observable that most, or all of those Roman Emperors who raised those ten horrid Persecutions against the Christians, came to very untimely ends; neither hath Divine Justice spared others since, who have set themselves to destroy poor innocent Christians, merely upon the account of their Religion, of which Histories give many remarkable instances, and among the rest these that follow. A Councillor of the Parliament of Provence in France, was so furious against the poor Protestants, that the sooner to dispatch them to the fire, he usually stayed in the Judgement Hall from morning till night, causing his meat and drink to be brought him thither; but whilst he was thus wickedly industrious in these Affairs, there began a little sore to rise upon his Foot, which at first was no more than if a Wasp had stung the place, yet increased so extremely the first day with redness, and pain, that his whole foot was inflamed therewith, so that it was judged incurable, unless he would cut off his foot, and thereby save the rest of his Body, which he not yielding to, the next day his whole leg was infected, the third day his thigh, and the fourth his whole body was inflamed, of which he presently died, his Corpse being all parched, as if roasted by a Fire; thus he that was so hot in burning poor Christians was himself by the secret flame of God's Wrath, burnt and consumed to death, as if it had been by a fierce and tormenting fire. Hist France, lib. 2.  
XXXII. John Mesnier, Lord of Oppede, was another chief instrument against the Protestants in France, and led his murdering Army against them, where they committed such horrid Cruelties, and Barbarities, as the most outrageous Heathens in the world would have blushed at; insomuch that abundance of complaints were made against him, and he accordingly summoned to appear personally before the Parliament at Paris, there to answer those Murders, Extortions, Robberies, and other Villainies laid to his Charge; but being Convicted, and found Guilty thereof, he was not only released, but restored to his former Estate; but though he escaped the hands of Men, yet he was overtaken by the hand of God; for when he was in the height of worldly prosperity and busier than ever in persecuting the distressed Protestants, even than a flux of blood came through his privy parts, which engendered a carnosity, and thickness of flesh therein, and thereby hindered his Urine, so that with horrible outcries; and raving speeches, he gave up the Ghost; feeling as it were a burning fire, broiling his Entrails, from his Navel upwards, and an extreme infection putrifying his lower parts, and beginning to taste even in this life, as it were, that vengeance of Eternal Fire both in Soul, and Body, which is prepared for the Devil and his Angels Hist. France.  
XXXIII. The Cardinal of Lorraine, a Principal Pillar of the House of Guise, in France, and a crafty and cruel Persecutor of the Protestants, as he was coming from Rome, with a design to stir up the Kings of France, and Poland utterly to root them out of their Dominions, it pleased God, for the deliverance of the Christians, to strike him stark mad at Avignion by the way, where he died in the flower of his youth; at the instant of whose death, there happened such an horrible Tempest, that all the People stood amazed thereat. Acts & Monu.  
XXXIV. Felix, Earl of Wurtemburg, one of the Captains of the Emperor Charles the Fifth, being at Supper at Ausburg, with many of his Companions, they breathed out horrible threaten of what Cruelty they intended to exercise upon the poor Protestants, and the Earl swore before them all, That before he died, he would ride up to his Spurs in the blood of the Lutherans; but it happened the same night that vengeance overtook him, for he was strangled, and choked in his own blood before morning, and so he did not ride, yet bathed himself, not up to the Spurs, but up to the throat, not in the Blood of the Lutherans, but his own blood, and so miserably ended his life. Flaccius Illyricus. John Martin of Piedmont, continually boasted how he would root out the Protestants, and in much Gallantry cut off a Minister's Nose of Angrogne; but immediately after, he himself was set upon by a Wolf, which bitten off his Nose, as he had abused the Minister, whereupon he grew mad, and died miserably; which strange Judgement was much discoursed of by all the Country round about, because it was never known that this Wolf had done any hurt to any Man before. Acts & Monu.  
XXXV. The Lord of Revest, who was Precedent of the Parliament at Provence, and by whose means many innocent Protestants were Martyred, was a while after put out of his Office, and returning to his own house, he was visited with so dreadful a sickness, accompanied with such mad, and furious fits, that his Wife nor Friends durst never venture to come near him, and so like a furious Madman, he in a solitary enraged humour ended his wrerched Life. About the same time there happened a very strange Judgement upon one John Cranequin, an Ancient Lawyer of Bruges, who was so violent and furious in the Popish way, that he turned Promoter against the Protestants, informing Ovy, one of the cursed Inquisitors against them, whereby many were taken and martyred: But Divine Justice struck him with a very strange Frenzy, insomuch that whatsoever his Eyes beheld, seemed in his Judgement to be crawling Serpents; and though all manner of means and Medicines were used for curing him; yea, though they used the help of wicked Conjuration and Sorcery, yet his Senses were quite benumbed, and he was bereft of his Reason, and so miserably died. Beards Theatre.  
XXXVI. John Morin, a cruel Enemy to the Professors of the Truth, who busied himself continually at Paris, in apprehending and accusing the Protestants, whereby he caused multitudes daily to be sent to the High-Court of the Palace: This Man himself soon after died in most grievous and horrible torture; and the Chancellor Prat, who gave out the first Commissions to destroy them, died swearing and blaspheming the Name of God, his stomach being most strangely gnawn in pieces, and consumed with Worms. Poncher, Archbishop of Tours, pursuing with all violence the burning of the Protestants, was himself surprised with a Fire from Heaven; which beginning at his heel, could never be quenched, till one Member after another was cut off, whereby he miserably died. Gaspard of Renialine, one of the Magistrates of the City of Anvers in France having condemned certain poor faithful Souls to be burned, received ere he moved out of the place, the terrible Sentence of God's Judgement against himself, falling immediately into desperation, and was led home to his house half distracted, where roaring out, That he had condemned and destroyed the blood of the Innocent, he presently died. French Hist.  
XXXVII. Lambert, a Friar in Liege, a very cruel Persecutor, & one of the bloody Inquisitors for Religion, whilst he was one day bitterly inveighing against the Protestants, he was on a sudden, in the midst of his Sermon, struck speechless, so that he was fain to be carried out of the Pulpit to his Cloister in a Chair, and was shortly after found drowned in a Ditch. Albertus' Pighius (a great Enemy to the Gospel, insomuch that he was called The Lutherans Scourge) being at Boulogne, at the Coronation of the Emperor, to behold the Pomp and Glory thereof, it happened that the Scaffold whereon he stood, fell down with the weight of the People, and Pighius came tumbling headlong amongst the Guard that stood below, and fell upon the points of their Halberds, which ran quite thorough his Body; the rest of the Company escaping without any great hurt. French Hist.  
XXXVIII. In the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, one Adam Damlip, a very worthy Protestant Preacher, was condemned to be Executed as a Traitor, pretendedly, though in truth for nothing but defending the Christian Religion against Popish Superstitions: Now there was one Sir Ralph Ellaker Knight Marshal of Calais, who was to see him Executed there, and was a very great Enemy to him, so that he would not permit him to make any Confession of his Faith, nor the Cause for which he died, but still cried out to the Hangman, Dispatch the Knave; make an end; not sufering him to speak a word in his own defence, nor clear himself from the Treason with which he was charged, but not proved against him; yea this bloody wretch swore, That he would not stir till he saw the Traitor's heart out. A while after there happened a skirmish between the English and French, at Boulogne, where this Sir Ralph was slain, with divers others, whose death only sufficed not his Enemies; for after they had stripped him stark naked, they cut off his Privy Members, and plucked the heart out of his body, and so left him a terrible Example to all merciless and bloody Men; for there was no cause ever known, why they should use him so, more than the rest, but only to discover the Just Judgement of Heaven upon him. Beards Theatre.  
XXXIX. James the Fifth King of Scotland, by the Instigation of the Popish Bishops, was a great Persecutor of the Protestants, (the Light of the Gospel breaking forth in his time) and gave Commission to Sir James Hamilton his Treasurer, to prosecute all Persons which should be found guilty of Heresy, and to inflict punishments upon them, the King being also heard to say, That none of that sort should expect any favour at his hands; nay, not his own Sons, if they should be found guilty: But this continued not long; for Sir James Hamilton was accused of a Design against the King's Life, for which he was shortly after Executed: And a War afterward breaking out with England, the King found his Nobility very averse in assisting him therein, which much discontented him: These thoughts, with some fearful Visions which he had by night, much terrified him, and altered his Mind from those Extremities which the Clergy had put him upon: For one night as he lay at Linlithgow, it seemed to him that Thomas Scot, Justice Clerk, came to him a with Company of Devils, crying, Woe worth the day that ever I knew thee, or thy service; for serving thee against God, and against his Servants, I am now Judged to Hell Torments: Hereupon awaking, he called for Lights, and causing his Servants to arise, he told them what he had heard and seen: The next morning by break of day, word was brought him, that the Justice Clerk was dead, which fell out just at the same time, when the King found himself so troubled, and almost in the same manner; for he died in great terror of mind, often repeating these words; By the Righteous Judgement of God I am condemned; and the manner of his death answering the King's Dream so exactly, made it yet more terrible to him. Another Vision he had in the same place, not many nights after, which did more affright him; for whilst he lay sleeping, he thought that Sir James Hamilton, whom he had caused to be Executed, came to him with a drawn Sword in his hand, and therewith cut off both his Arms, threatening also within a short time to return, and to deprive him of his Life; with which he awaked and as he lay musing what this Dream should signify, news was brought him of the Death of his Two Sons, James and Arthur; the one dying at St. Andrews, and the other at Sterling, at one and the same hour. The next year, which was 1542. being overwhelmed with grief, he died at Faulkland, in the Thirty second year of his Age; a little before he died, he had word brought him that his Queen was delivered of a Daughter, whereupon he burst forth into a passion, saying, It came with a Lass (meaning the Crown) and will go with a Lass; Fie upon it. spotswood's History of Scotland.  
XL. Drahomira Queen of Bohemia, was an implacable Enemy to the Christians, and caused many of them to be slain; but as she happened to pass over a place, where the Bones of some godly Ministers (who had been martyred) lay unburied, the Earth opened its mouth, and swallowed her up alive, together with the Chariot wherein she was, and all that were in it: which place is to be seen before the Castle of Prague to this day. About the year 1488, some Popish Bishops in Bohemia, stirred up the Queen, who was then great with Child, to move King Vladislaus her Husband, severely to punish the Piccards, as the Protestants were then called; and the Queen much pleased herself in thinking what grateful Spectacles she should have, when she should see some of them burnt, some beheaded, and others drowned in the River: But it pleased God, before she could see it effected, she fell in Travel, and could by no means be delivered of her burden; whereupon the Physicians advised, that the Child should be cut out of her Womb; which being done accordingly, the Child lived, but the Mother died. Two years after the Bishops by their Importunity prevailed with the King to use sharp Remedies against this growing Religion: whereupon an Edict was drawn up, That all the Piccards, or Protestants, without distinction of Age, Sex 
K. Hen. 2. whipped by the Pope's Order pa. 88  
Q: Bohemia swallowed up alive. pa. 112  or Quality, should be murdered. This Edict was brought ●o the Assembly of the States at Prague, to be confirmed by them; Many of the Nobles opposed it, but by subtlety of the Chancellor, and his bloody Associates, it was at last carried by the Major part. The Chancellor, as ●he returned from the Parliament, visited a Nobleman of his Acquaintance, and there with great rejoicing told him what was concluded against the Protestants: The Nobleman having a Servant by, who was a great favourer of them, asked him how, he liked this Decree? The Servant answered; That all Parties were not agreed: the Chancellor suspecting some Conspiracy, asked him, who durst oppose the States of the Kingdom? The Servant said, There is one in Heaven, who if he were not present at your Councils, you have but consulted in vain: The Chancellor replied, Thou Knave, thou shalt find that, as well as the rest of you; and so rising up in a fury, immediately a Carbuncle arose upon his foot, which turned to a Disease called Ignis Sacer, of which he died soon after in much misery. Clarks Martyr.  
XLI. Another who was very forward in promoting this Decree, in his return homeward, as he was alighting out of his Chariot to make water, struck his Privy Member on a sharp Nail that was in the Boot, whereby, as he fell forward, he drew out his Guts and Entrails along with him, and not long after gave up the Ghost, Another Nobleman who promoted this cruel Decree, as he was Hunting, his Horse threw him, and one of his Arrows ran into his Thigh, and came out at his Loins, whereby he died a very painful death. The year after, two Germane Tradesmen were apprehended at Prague, and by the Monks accused of Lutheranism, for which they were condemned, and burnt: One of their Chief Persecutors was so violent against the Protestants, that he wished they were all hanged, burnt or beheaded by his hands, but it pleased God in his Just Judgement, that shortly after all these evils fell upon himself; for being exceedingly in debt, for very trouble and vexation he went and hanged himself; and when his Friends had privately buried him; the common people hearing of it, digged up his Carcase, and threw it out, and by the Magistrates command, it was ordered to be burnt; but when the wood was consumed, and the Body only scorched, one came and cut off his head, Clerk's Martyr.  
XLII. Neither has Almighty God failed to show his displeasure against wicked Persecutors in our own Country; especially those in bloody Queen Mary's Reign; of which we shall only collect some few. Alexander the Keeper of Newgate, was a cruel Enemy to those that lay there for Religion and used to go to bloody Bonner, Story, Cholmly, and the rest, crying out, Rid my Prison, Rid my Prison; I am too much pestered with these Heretics: the wretch died a miserable death, his Body being so swollen that he was rather like a Monster than a Man, his Entrails also were so rotten, that none could abide the stink of them; his Son James, to whom he left a great Estate soon wasted it all, saying in a jeer, Ill gotten, ill spent; and as he went through Newgate-Market he fell down dead, John Peter, Son in Law to this Alexander, an horrible Blasphemer, who used upon every occasion to say, If it be not so, I pray God I may rot before I die; he was likewise very cruel to the poor Christians in Prison, but Divine Justice met with him for all; for his Body rotten away by peice-meal, and so he died miserably. Robert Baulding, as he was apprehending William Seaman the Martyr, was stricken with Lightning, and thereupon pined away, and died. Ralph Lardin, the Betrayer of George Eagles, was afterward Arraigned and hanged; as he stood at the Bar, he said publicly, This is justly fallen upon me, because I betrayed the Innocent blood of that good and just man, George Eagles, who was condemned by my means, and I sold his blood for a little money; The like vengeance of God fell upon Richard Petto, and Justice Brown, both cruel Persecutors of George Eagles; one Dale, a Promoter, and Persecutor, was eaten up of Lice, and died. Dr. Dunning, Chancellor of Norwich, a bloody Persecutor in Queen Mary's days, was suddenly taken sitting in his Chair, and died. Dr Berry, Commissary of Norfolk, another bloody Persecutor, as he was walking with one of his Concubines, fell down suddenly with an heavy groan, and never stirred after. A Persecuting suffragan of Dover having been with Cardinal Pool for his blessing, coming out of the Cardinal's Chamber, fell down stairs, and broke his Neck. Acts & Monu.  
XLIII. Bishop Thornton, a cruel Persecutor, as he was looking upon his Men at Bowls, fell suddenly into a Palsy, and being carried to his bed, and bid to remember the Lord; yea so I do, said he, and my Lord Cardinal too, and so he died. Dr. Jefferies, Chancellor of Salisbury., a wretched Persecutor, having appointed to call before him 90 Persons to examine them by Inquisition, the day before looking upon his Buildings, fell down dead. Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England, was a sworn Enemy to the Gospel, & a professed Persecutor by Fire, and Sword, of the Protestants, and as if he designed thereby to grow famous, and get renown, he caused a Sumptuous Tomb to be erected, whereon to eternize the memory of his Cruelty, he caused among other worthy deeds, this principally, to be Engraven thereon, That with all his might he had persecuted the Lutherans, but it fell out contrary to his expectation, for being Accused, Condemned, and Executed for High-Treason, his Head was taken off, and his Body found no other burial, but the Gibbet. Beards Theatre. These and many more such examples are recorded by Mr. Fox in his Acts & Monuments, which makes good that of the Psalmist, God hath prepared for the Wicked the Instruments of Death, he ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors, Psal. 7.13.  
If the Reader desire to know more of the Cruelties of the Papists in all Countries for above six hundred years past, and Gods judgements upon them, he may find it at large in a little book, called the Protestant Schoolmaster, of a shilliog price, and sold where this Book is to be had.   

CHAP. V.  
Fearful Judgements upon Cruel Tyrants, Murderers, and other notorious and debauched Persons, with the wonderful discovery of several Murders, etc.  
IT appeareth in History that there have been a multitude of proud, cruel, and vicious Princes, and Governors in former Ages, who have thought that their Will ought to be their Law, and have gloried in Tyrannising over their poor Subjects, however it hath pleased the Divine Majesty many times to discover his abhorrence and detestation of such practices, by his severe Judgements upon the Actors thereof: It is likewise as plain that God Almighty, as well to declare his detestation of that crimson sin of Murder, as to beget and retain in us a horror thereof, hath most vigorously employed his Providence by strange, and miraculous ways, to bring to light deeds of darkness, and to drag the bloody Authors of them out of their greatest privacies, and concealment, to condign punishment; it were an infinite Labour to trace the several footsteps of Divine Providence in this matter; neither hath Lust, Revenge, and other notorious enormities, escaped God's Justice many times in this world, as by the following relations it doth remarkably appear.  
I. Ptolomeus Pisco, one of the Kings of Egypt, caused his own Son Memphites (whom he had begot of his Wife & Sister Cleopatra) to be slain, and then commanded his Head, Hands, and Feet to be cut off, and to be shut up in a curious Casket, made for that purpose, and sent them to his Mother, as a present upon his Birthday; and when afterward he perceived that by his barbarous Tyranny he was grown odious to all his Subjects, to prevent the danger thereof, he caused a School where most of the Children of the Nobility, and others were educated, to be beset, and encompassed round with fire, and men with drawn Swords, and then suddenly assaulted them, whereby they were all destroyed, not one of them escaping; but that which he thought to be his refuge, proved his ruin, for the People were so extremely incensed with this cruel Act, that with an unanimous consent they fell upon him, and tore him to pieces. The like, if not greater Cruelty was practised by a Woman, one Cycenis, the Daughter of Diogerides, King of Thrace, who took great delight in beholding living men cut in the middle, and invited Parents to feast upon their own murdered Children, cooked and dressed several ways, but she was afterward deposed from her Government, and her Inhumanities' were so hateful, that none of her Subjects would relieve her, whereby she was famished to death, and died of hunger. Vitaldus, Prince of Lithuania, studied divers sorts of Tortures and Torments for men, whom upon every slight occasion he condemned to death; among the rest he would command them to be sowed up in Bear-skins, and then made it his sport to behold them torn in pieces with fierce Mastiffs; in all his warlike expeditions, he carried continually a Steel-bow, ready bent, and if any Soldier happened but to step out of his Rank, he instantly struck him dead with an Arrow, glorying to himself that he was so good a marksman; but after these, and abundance of other Cruelties, he that delighted to see men die like Bears, was himself in the end torn in pieces with wild Wolves, being requited much in the same manner as he had exercised Barbarities upon others. Beards Theatre.  
II. The Tyrant Periander usurped the Government over Corinth; after he had murdered the Principal men of the City, he put to death his own Wife, to content and please his Concubine; nay, he was so execrable, as to lie with his own Mother; he banished his Natural Son, and caused many Children of his Subjects to be gelded. Finally, he committed all manner of Villainies, which he was sensible had made him abhorred of his People; and therefore fearing that some miserable and monstrous death would be inflicted on him, and that he should not be buried: He gave Order to two of his stoutest Soldiers, that they should strictly guard a place by him appointed, and not to fail to kill the first that came in their way, and to bury his body, being slain: Now the first that met them was himself, who offered himself to them without speaking a word, and was therefore immediately killed, and afterward buried by them: These two were soon after encountered by four others, whom he had likewise appointed to kill them, as they had done him, which they performed accordingly. Sabellici opera.  
III. In the year 830. Popiel the Second King of Poland, careless of matters of State, gave himself over to all manner of Dissoluteness and Debauchery, so that his Lords and People scorned and despised him: He fearing therefore that they would set up one of his Kinsmen in his stead, by the advice of his Wife, whom he furiously loved, feigned himself sick, and sent for all his Uncle's Princes of Pomerania (being twenty in number) to come and see him; whom lying in his Bed, he earnestly desired, That if he chanced to die, they would make choice of one of his Sons to be King; which they willingly promised, in case the Lords of the Kingdom would consent thereunto. The Queen enticed them all, one by one, to drink a Health to the King; which as soon as they had done, they took their leaves: But they were scarce got out of the King's Chamber, before they were seized with intolerable pains, by the corroding of the Poison wherewith the Queen had intermingled their Drink; & in a short time they all died. The Queen gave it out as a Judgement of God upon them, for having conspired the death of the King, and prosecuting this Accusation, caused their bodies to be taken out of their Graves, and cast into the Lake Goplo, over a City called Crusphitz: But by a miraculous Transformation, an innumerable company of Rats and Mice did rush out of those Bodies, which gathering together in crowds, went and assaulted the King, as he was with great Jollity feasting in his Palace: The Guards endeavoured to drive them away with Weapons and Fire, but all in vain: The King perplexed with this extraordinary danger, fled with his Wife and Children into a Fortress, that is yet to be seen in that Lake of Goplo, whither he was pursued with such a number of these creatures, that the Land and the Waters were covered with them, and they cried, and hissed most fearfully; they entered in at the Window of the Fortress, having scaled the Walls, and there they devoured the King, his Wife and Children alive, and left nothing of them remaining; by which means all the Race of the Polonian Princes was utterly extinguished; and Pyast a Husbandman at the last was elected King. Heylins' Cosmography.  
iv Hatto the Second Duke of Franconia (Surnamed Bonosus) Abbot of Fulden, was Chosen Archbishop of Mentz in 968. at which time was a grievous Dearth, and the Poor being ready to starve for want of food, he caused great companies of them to be gathered together, and put into Barns, pretending that they should receive Corn, and other Relief; but he caused the Barns unmercifully to be set on fire, and the Poor People to be miserably burnt therein, saying withal, That the Poor were like the Rats and Vermin, who did eat up the fruits of the Land: But not long after an Army of Rats gathered themselves together; no man can tell from whence, and set upon him so furiously, that into what place soever he retired himself, they would come and fall upon him; if he climbed on high into Chambers, they would ascend the Wall, and enter at the Windows, and other small chinks and crevices; the moremen attempted to destroy them, the more outrageous they seemed, and the more to increase in number. The wretched Prelate seeing he could find no place by Land safe for him, resolved to seek some resuge on the Waters, and got into a Boat to convey himself to a Tower in the midst of the Rhine, near a little City called Bingen; but the Rats threw themselves by innumerable heaps into the Rhine, and swum to the foot of the Tower, and clambering up the Wall, entered therein, and fell upon him, gnawing and biting, and throttling, and tearing, and tugging him most miserably, till he died. This Tower is yet to be seen, and at this day called Rats Tower. It is also remarkable, that whiles the Archbishop was yet alive, and in perfect health, the Rats gnawed and razed out his Name written, and painted upon many Walls. Heylins' Cosmog.  
V Clearchus, after he had put to death the greatest part of the Nobility, and men of chiefest Account in the City of Heraclea, usurped a Tyrannical Authority over them; and amongst other horrid Cruelties and Enormities, he constrained the Widows of those whom he had murdered, to marry those Villains his followers, whom he allotted to them; insomuch that many with grief and anger killed themselves. Now there were two Persons of a stout and courageous Temper, who pitying the miserable condition of their Country, were resolved to venture their Lives to deliver the miserable People out of his wretched hands; whereupon they came accompanied with fifty others of the same mind and resolution, pretending as if they would have him decide a private Quarrel between them; but as soon as they had opportunity, they all jointly fell upon the Tyrant, and with their Swords hewed him to pieces, even in the very midst of his Guards. Beards Theatre.  
VI Andronicus was one of the most cruel Tyrants that ever lived; for he exceeded in all kind of wickedness, as Ambition, Murder, Adultery, Incest, and the like. He was so treacherous and disloyal, that he traitorously murdered the Son and Heir of Emanuel the Emperor, causing him to be tied up in a Sack, and so drowned in the Sea: After which he by violence took possession of the Empire of Constantinople, and like a strong Thief, seized upon that which was none of his own: Having thus attained his desire, he began to rage and rave, committing all manner of Villainies and Debaucheries; ravishing Women, and Virgins, and afterward giving them to his Pimps and Ruffians, to be abused; yea he committed a Rape upon one of his own Sisters; and to secure himself in this Tyrannical Estate, he murdered most of his Nobility, and all others that had any show of Civility or Honesty, living altogether by Robbery and Extortion; whereupon his Subjects, tired out by the multitude of Evils which he daily committed, were no longer able to endure his vile Outrages and Indignities, and therefore rise up against him, and after besieging him for some time, they at last got him into their hands, whom they used with as much cruelty as he had exercised upon them: For having degraded him, and despoiled him of all his Imperial Ornaments they plucked out one of his E●es, and then set him upon an Ass with his face to the Tail, which he held in his hand, instead of a Sceptre; and a Rope about his Neek, instead of a Crown; in this attire and order they led him through all the Streets of Constantinople, the people shouting, and reviling him on all sides, some throwing dung, others dirt and spittle upon him, and Women their Chamberpots upon his Head; lastly he was carried to the Gallows, and there hanged. Beards Theatre.  
VII. Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, was a restless Tyrant, his whole delight was in Murder and Bloodshed, but at last having cunningly gotten into the City of Argos, whilst the Citizens made head against him, he was hurt with a Pike; whereupon he fell upon him that hurt him, who was a Person of a mean condition, whose Mother a poor old Woman, was at that time got upon the top of a House to see the Fight, and perceiving that it was her Son whom Pyrrhus assaulted, she was so affrighted to see him in that danger, that she took a Tile, and with both her hands threw it at Pyrrhus, which glancing upon his Helmet, break his Neek bone, and slew him, Plutarch's Lives.  
VIII. Aristippus a Tyrant of Argos, left not an Enemy alive in the City, and had Antigonus, a Potent Prince for his Friend, yet was he so fearful, that he kept a great guard of Soldiers continually about him, causing them to watch night and day, and to lie about his Palace in the Cloisters and Galleries adjacent; after Supper he used to turn all his Men out of doors, and then shutting his Court Gates to him, he locked himself up only with his Concubine in a little high Chamber, with a Trap door, setting his bed every night over the door, as one that was continually afraid of his life; and when he was got up into his Chamber, his Concubine's Mother used to take away the Ladder, and to look it up in another Chamber till the next morning, yet notwithstanding all this extraordinary care and cautiousness, his Enemies broke in upon him, and slew him. Plutarch's Lives.  
IX. Alexander a Tyrant in Thessaly, was of so cruel a disposition, that he neither regarded Reason, nor Justice toward any; for he caused some to be buried alive, others he put into the skins of Bears, and wild Boars, and then set his Hounds upon them, and one day as the Inhabitants of a certain City in League with him, were assembled together in Council, he caused his Guard to enclose them round suddenly, and to kill them all, not sparing the very Infants; he consecrated the Dart, wherewith he had slain his Uncle, and crowned it with Garlands, calling it the Happy Killer. Being one time at a Tragedy, where the miseries of Hecuba, and Andromache were represented, he could not forbear weeping, and therefore went out of the place, lest it should be observed by the People that he pitied these feigned sorrows, who never had any compassion for the multitude of Citizens whom he had cruelly murdered; now though this Tiger was continually guarded with Troops of Soldiers, who kept watch about his Body night and day, and had also a most furious Dog constantly waiting on him, who was unacquainted with any but himself, his Wife, and one Servant who gave him his meat, and was tied to his Chamber door every night; yet vengeance found him out, for by his Wife's means he was killed, who taking away the Stairs of his Chamber, let in three or four of her own Brethren, with whom she had conspired to murder him; who finding him fast asleep, one took him by the heels, and another by the hair of the head, and wrung his neck behind, the third thrust him through with a Sword, she all this while giving them light to dispatch their business; the Citizens of Pheres having notice hereof, got the dead body, which they drew about the Streets, and having kicked, abused, trampled upon it, and drawn it through the mire and dirt, they threw it out to be devoured of the Dogs; so odious was the remembrance of his Tyranny among them. Plut. Lives.  
X. Nero, that Monster of Men was well educated under Burrhus, and Seneca, and for the first five years behaved himself very well, so that Trajan used to say, That all the Emperors came short of Nero's first five years; but afterward he fell into all manner of Wickedness and Debauchery; his manner was to come into the public theatres, and there to spend some days in singing, and he scarce took delight in any thing so much as the applause of the Vulgar, and the Crowns which they gave him for his s●nging, and playing on the Harp. At other times he would have them come and see his skill & dexterity in driving of Chariots; at Naples he came with his Harp into the public Theatre, afterward he used publicly to sing at Rome, and Athens, and would not suffer any to departed out of the Theatre, whilst he was singing, what necessary occasion soever they had, insomuch that Women with Child were sometimes delivered in the Theatre; and others being tired with hearing, and commending him, the doors being shut, would get over the walls, or seem to be dead, that they might be carried out; he caused his Statue to be made in the habit of an Harper, and all his Coin with the like; he exercised his Lust, Luxury, Covetousness, and Cruelty at first privately, but soon after more openly; when it began to be dark, he would go to the Taverns, and Victualling-Houses, and run about the Streets, doing mischief to many, by beating and abusing them, and sometimes if they resisted, throwing them into Privies; sometimes he would break open Shops, and rob them, and in his quarrels often endangered his life; he was once beaten to death almost by a man, whose Wife he had abused, after which he had Tribunes following him at a little distance; he used to lengthen out his Feasts from the midst of the day, to the midst of the night, and would oftentimes sup in public, being attended with the most famous Whores, and Women Pipers about the City: He was given to Sodomy, and caused the Genitals of a Boy called Sporus, to be cut off, and endeavoured to have made him a Woman, causing him to be dressed, and brought to him like a Bride; whereupon one merrily said, That it had been well for the world if Nero's Father had had such a Wife: He committed Incest with his own Mother Agrippina: He caused one Pythagoras to marry him, as he himself had married Sporus: He invented such Bestialities to be committed by Men and Women, as are not fit to be named: He murdered his Wife Octavia, by whom he had the Empire, and soon after married Poppaea Sabina (whom he took from her Husband a Roman Knight) and loved her dearly; yet when she was great with Child, he coming home late one night from his Chariot-driving, and she blaming him for it, he so kicked her on the Belly, that he killed her: He was of a most cruel and bloody disposition; he hastened the death of Claudius by Poison, which he would often boast of afterward, and exceedingly rail against him, though he received the Empire from him; before which Agrippina his Mother went to an ginger, to know the fortune of her Son Nero, who told her, He should be Emperor, but he should be the death of her; to which she replied, Let him kill me, so he does but Reign: The first part of the Prognostication she saw accomplished, and the last now followed; for having attempted by Poison, and divers other ways, to take away her life which did not succeed, he sent a Centurion to murder her; Agrippina seeing him coming toward her with his drawn Sword, took up her , & exposed her naked Belly to him, bidding him strike that, since her womb had brought forth such a Monster into the world. After she was slain, Nero came to view her naked Body and her wounds, and without any concernment, villainously said, I did not think I had been born of so beautiful a Mother: He than caused her womb to be ripped up, that he might see the place wherein himself had lain: After which horrid fact he was continually tormented with the sting of his own conscience, and protested, That his Mother often appeared to him with burning Torches, lashing him for that cruel Murder; yet he still continued his cursed Butcheries: He murdered his Aunt Domitia; and because Antonia the Daughter of Claudius, refused to marry him, he caused her to be slain, pretending that she went about to make some Innovations in the State. He hired Conjurers to lay the Ghost of his Mother: He caused Crisoinus his Son-in-law by Poppaea, to be drowned as he was fishing: He slew many others who by blood & affinity were near to him: He murdered Aulus Plancus a young man, after he had by violence committed Sodomy with him: He forced his Master Seneca to murder himself, though he had often sworn to him he would not do it; and that he would sooner perish himself, than do him any hurt; and he sent Poison to his other Master Burrhus. Divers of his Rich Freed men, and other Old men, who had helped him to the Empire, and favoured him therein, he murdered, by mixing Poison either in their meat or drink: Neither was he less cruel to others, especially after two Conspiracies were discovered against him; and some of the Conspirators confessed the Fact, saying, That they knew not how otherwise than by his death, to free him from all that wickedness wherewith he had defiled himself. And Nero ask Sulp●tius Aper a Centurion, why he conspired against him, he answered, Because I knew not how by any other means to do thee a kindness: After this he raged more extre●mly against all sorts of Persons, setting no bounds to his Cruelty, but murdering whom he pleased: He gave not above an hours space to any of those whom he commanded to ki●● themselves to prepare for d●ath, and had Surgeons ready to cut all their veins, if they made any delay; His Profuseness and Prodigality answered his Cruel●y: for it was without all measure, saying often, That those who proportioned their Expenses to their Incomes, were sordid and covetous, and that they only who most profusely and prodigally wasted their Estates, were magnificent and praiseworthy: He never put on the same Apparel twice; He was very extravagant in costly Buildings, and when his Treasury was exhausted, he endeavoured by Rapine and Forgeries to enrich himself. He never conferred an Office upon any man, but he would say to him, Thou knowest what I want, let us make it our business that none may have any thing but ourselves. He took the curious and costly Images of the Heathen Gods of Gold and Silver out of the Temple, and sold them; and as he spared not men, so neither did he spare the City of Rome; for being displeased with the Building, narrowness, and crookedness of the Streets, he sent some Villains, who made it their business to run up and down, and set the City on fire, and whilst it was all in a flame, he went up to the top of Moecenae his Tower, to feed his Eyes with that pleasant sight, and in a Player's Habit tuned his Harp and sung a song of the burning of Troy; and when he afterward heard how ill he was spoken of for this Act, he raised a Report, that it was done by the Christians, and thereupon used all manner of Cruelty toward them, and exposed them to the fury of the People, who horridly tormented them, as if they had been common Burners and Destroyer's of Cities, and the deadly Enemies of Humane Society: Yea, Nero himself caused some of them to be clothed in wild Beasts skins, and torn to pieces with Dogs; others were crucified, some he made Bonfires of to light him in his night sports: In brief, such exquisite Torments he put them, to as caused their Enemies themselves to pity them; and whereas Tiberius used to say, After my death let the World be destroyed by Fire, Pestilence, Famine, etc. Yea, (said Nero) let it be destroyed in my Life time, that I may be a spectator of it. But Almighty Justice at last overtook him; for being adjudged by the Senate to be an Enemy to Mankind, it was condemned to be whipped to death through the streets of Rome, and all his Armies and Forces forsaking him, to avoid this shameful, and ignominious death, he fled and hid himself among Briers and Thorns, and being weary of his life, desired some of his Attendants to kill him, which they refusing, he cried out, I have neither a Friend, nor an Enemy, miserable man that I am, and thereupon threw himself into a Pit four foot deep, and there desperately slew himself, Sueton.  
XI. Tigellinus, one of the Captains of Nero's Guard, had been a principal abettor, and encourager of him in his Tyrannies, and the chief cause of the death of many great Personages in Rome, enriching himself with their spoils, and the Robberies he committed; After the death of Nero, (whom in his extremity he forsook) he plunged himself, & wallowed in all manner of filthiness and debauchery; now though he was worthy of a thousand deaths for his Cruelties toward many worthy Citizens, yet by bribing some of the chief Favourites of the succeeding Emperor Galba, he escaped being questioned; but as soon as Otho was installed in the Empire, his destruction soon followed, for to gratify the Romans, Otho sent to apprehend him, who was then in his Banqueting Houses in the Fields, rioting and sporting with his Harlots, and finding himself thus surprised, and that he had no way to make his escape, though he had prepared Boats on purpose to carry him away in any danger; and not being able to bribe the Messenger sent to take him, though he offered him great rewards, he entreated only the favour to shave his beard before he went, which being granted, he took a razor, and instead of shaving, cut his own throat, Beards Theatre.  
XII. Antonius Heliogabalus, Emperor of Rome was infamous for Cruelty, Gluttony, Lust, and all manner of wickedness, and his death was answerable to his life; he had his name from an Idol of the Sun, whose Priest he had been in Syria, and being exceeding rich, by his profuse gifts to his Soldiers, he procured himself to be chosen Emperor, and sending Messengers thereof to Rome, he was by the Senate accepted; such was the luxurious pomp of this Beastly Emperor, that he used Balm in his Lamps, and filled his Fishponds with Rosewater; his Garments were of the finest Gold, and the most costly ●●lk, his Shoes glisteren with precious stones, curiously engraven, he was never two days served with one kind of meat, nor wore one Garment twice, he doted exceedingly upon his Mother, with whom he committed Incest, and did all by her appointment, and was the first that brought a Woman into the Senate, causing his Mother to sit in one of the Consul's Seats; he erected a Senate of Women, wherein many ridiculous Laws were made; he exercised all manner of filthiness in his Palace, and exceeded all that went before him in Lust and Uncleanness, and being unapt by nature for the act of Generation, he would turn himself into a Woman, and sought through the world for those who were most prodigious for Debauchery, that they might exercise their Lust upon him; he had some days at Dinner the Brains of Ostriches, another time the Tongues of Popinjays, and other singing Birds; when he was near the Sea, he would never eat Fish, but in places far distant from the Sea, his House was served with the most delicate Fish, his Table was furnished with seven thousand Fishes, and five thousand Fowls at one Supper; in his progress he was usually attended with six hundred Chariots; he cruelly Sacrificed young Children, and conferred the best Offices upon the most debauched Persons, as Bawds, Fiddlers, Players, and the like, in a word he was an utter Enemy to all honesty and Sobriety; and when he was foretold by his Astrologers, and Sorcerers, that he should die a violent death, he provided Ropes of Silk to hang himself, swords of Gold to stab himself, and strong Poisons in Jacinths, and Emeralds to poison himself, if he should on a sudden be forced thereto; he likewise made an high Tower, and covered the floor with Plates of Gold inlaid with precious Stones, and underneath the window the ground was covered with Sands of Gold, from whence he might throw himself down, if he were pursued of his Enemies; but notwithstanding all this Provision, Divine Vengeance would not suffer him to die as he desired, for his Soldiers abhorring his filthy carriage, they went to seize on him, upon which he fled into an house of Office, where they slew him, and because the Privy was not big enough to receive his body, they dragged him through the Streets of Rome, crying out, Behold a Whelp of Cruel, and Insatiable Lust, and then threw him into the River of Tiber, fastening a great stone to him, that he might be seen no more. Suetonius Hist.  
XIII. Caligula, another Roman Emperor, began to show his Cruelty to his own kindred as soon as he was settled in the Empire; disinheriting, and then flaying Tiberius, who was Co-heir with him; he compelled his Father in Law to murder himself, envying his Nobility, Virtues, and Affinity to him; his Adulteries were most abominable; abusing betrothed Virgins, and Married Wives, whom after he had defiled he hated, and abhorred, he abstained not from the most Illustrious, and Noble Women; he caused his Grandmother to kill herself for reproving him for his wickedness, and accused his two Sisters, with whom he had committed Incest for Adulteresses, and Conspirators against him, and therefore banished them; he caused the head of the Image of Jupiter to be taken off, and his own put in the place; he built his Palace as far as the Market place, and set up the Images of Pollux and Castor at his door, and oft standing between them, would cause all that passed by, to worship him as a God, and some of his flatterers called him Jupiter; he caused a Temple to be built for his Godhead, and had Priests and Sacrifices; he used all sorts of Magistrates scornfully, and irreverently, he would reach forth his Hands, and his Feet to the Senators to be Worshipped, and those who had this favour, must publicly thank him for it in the Senate; some of the Senators he privately murdered, and yet would have them called for, as if they had been living, and a few days after would declare that they had murdered themselves; many Persons of good quality he would stigmatize, or dismember, and then condemn them, some to the Mettal-mines, others to mend Highways, some to be cast to wild Beasts, and others to be sawn asunder; he used to compel Parents to be present at the torments of their Sons, and one excusing himself by reason of his sickness, he sent his Litter for him; another ask whether he might not shut his Eyes, whilst his Children were tormented, he caused him to be slain for it; another Father he brought home with him from seeing the miserable death of his Son, and would force him to laugh, jest, and be merry. A Roman Knight being cast to the wild Beasts, declared that he was Innocent, upon which he caused him to be brought back, and to have his tongue cut out, and then to be cast to them again. If he wanted Condemned Persons to be thrown to the wild Beasts, he would cause his Officers to seize any that stood near, and throw them to be torn to pieces, having first cut out their Tongues, that they might tell no tales; when he designed to destroy any one of the Senators, he suborned some Person to go into the Senate house, and there proclaim him a public Enemy, and so presently murder him, neither would he be satisfied till his Members, Joints, and Bowels were drawn about the Streets, and then brought, and laid on an heap before him; he would not suffer any to be slain presently, but commanded the Hangman so to strike, that they might feel themselves die; he had a Horse which he named Swift, whom he invited to Supper, and gave him Provender in a Golden Manger, and drank Wine to him in golden Bowls; he swore by his Horse's health and Fortune, and promised to make him a Consul, as before he had made him a Priest; he caused a Marble Stable to be built for him, and a Manger of Ivory, with Horsecloaths of Purple, and a chain of precious Stones; he gave him likewise a House furnished with costly Householdstuff, and Servants, that he might the more splendidly entertain those who in his name were invited to be his Guests; having by such mad profuseness, and prodigality exhausted his Treasury, he sought by all unjust and oppressive means to supply his wants; he disannulled many men's Wills, because they had not made him their Heir; he slew many rich Men, and seized upon their Estates, and confiscated the Estates of others, so that it was a Crime to be rich; he levied unheard of Taxes and Tributes; he proclaimed, that at New-years-tide he would receive New-years-gifts, and himself stood at the door to receive all that were brought him, even by the Common People; he set up likewise a Bawdy house, or Stews in his own Palace, and therein prostituted the chiefest Women, and the most noble Boys to the Lusts of all, and made gain, and advantage to himself thereby; he was so enamoured with a desire of handling Money, that he caused huge heaps of Gold to be spread over a large Room, and would walk barefoot upon it, and sometimes would strip himself naked, and roll himself upon it; he was an horrid Atheist, and desperate Blasphemer of the Deity, and yet when it thundered, he would wrap his head and face in his Garments; and if the Thunder were great, he would run under his Bed to hid himself, and yet he had caused an Engine to be made, wherewith to Thunder against Heaven, when it Thundered, and to Lighten against the Lightning, and when a Thunderbolt fell, he would throw up a Stone toward Heaven, saying, Either do thou destroy me, or I will destroy thee; and it was not long ere he met with his just reward; he designed a Progress into Alexandria, resolving before he went to murder all the chiefest Men in and about Rome, wishing, That all the People of Rome had but one Neck, that he might cut them off at one blow; beiing fretted that no terrible Calamities had happened in his days, whereas there could hardly be a greater than himself; but in the midst of his rage and wickedness, two of the Tribunes conspired against him, and one ask him some question about his Office, received a very harsh Answer, whereupon he gave the Emperor such a stroke between the head and shoulders, that with it, and the blows of the Accomplices who rushed in upon him, he was slain amongst them, no man stirring in his defence, though many looked on, and might have aided him if they would; he was no sooner killed, but the Conspirators likewise slew his best beloved Wife Coesonia, a Woman of prodigious lust and filthiness; they took his younger Daughter, and dashed out her Brains against the Walls. After his death there were found in his Closet two Books, one called his Sword, the other his Dagger, wherein were contained the names of all those whom he had designed to slaughter; there was found also a great Chest stuffed with all sorts of the most deadly Poisons, which being thrown into the Sea, poisoned a multitude of Fishes. Sueton. Hist.  
XIV. Commodus another Emperor of Rome, was a most wicked Son of a good Father, he exceeded if possible Nero, and Caligula in Lust, Cruelty, and Rapine; he had three hundred Concubines, whom he chose out of the most beautiful Matrons, and Whores of Rome, among whom he spent his time in his Palace in Feasting and Drunkenness; he killed his Sister Lucilla, and ravished his other Sisters; he used to fight among the Sword-players, and often in soort killed some of them; he likewise fought with wild Beasts, of whom he slew many thousands with his own hands; he was so impudent, that he came into the Senate in women's Apparel, where he sat publicly, and drank unmeasurably; he endeavoured to scrape Money together by selling Honours and Offices in all the Provinces; he rejected his own name, and would be called Hercules the Son of Jupiter, and despising the Roman Habit, he went clothed in a Lion's skin, carrying a Club in his hand, and so publicly fought with wild Beasts, and Men, whereof he killed some with Darts, others Giant like with his Club; yet would this wretch be called a Pious, and Happy God: he commanded the City of Rome to be burnt down, and sent his Soldiers, who slew multitudes of People that were met together in the Amphitheatre, and without any cause given, would slay all those of his Bedchamber; thus growing odious to all, some of his own Domestics, and among them one of his Concubines, named Matria, (whom he loved above all the rest, and called ●er his Amazon) conspired against him, and poisoned him. Clarks Mirror.  
XV. Bassianus Caracalla in his Childhood was merry and pleasant, and of a mild nature, so that it was hoped he would have proved an excellent Prince; but when he grew up he was strangely altered, and became fierce and cruel, that he did not seem the same person: His Father Severus left him such a large Roman Empire, as none before him had possessed, with a great and valiant Army to defend it; whereupon he began presently to discover his cruel and bloody disposition: For first, he slew his Physicians, because they had not obeyed his Command in killing his Brother-in-law soon enough: Then he murdered those who had educated him and his Brethren, because they endeavoured to make peace between him and his Brother Geta: He endeavoured to persuade his Captains to choose him sole Emperor; whereas his Father had divided the Empire between them; and when he could not prevail with them, he goes to his Mother, and pretends great love to her, and her Son Geta, yet watches his opportunity, and breaks into Geta's Chamber, and murders him in his Mother's Arms, defiling her all over with his blood, and then runs down into his Palace, crying out, That he had escaped a every great danger from his Brother Geta: From thence he runs into the Camp, and tells the Soldiers, What a Conspiracy Geta had made to take away his life, and how hardly he had escaped them by slaying him in his own defence; whereby and with large gifts, and larger promises, he won them to choose him sole Emperor, and to declare his Brother an Enemy. Then began he to exercise cruelty without pity, upon every trifling occasion: He caused all his Brother's Houshold-servants, and Friends to be slain, not sparing their very Infants, whether they were Noble or Ignoble: He caused the Rich Citizens to be slain, and then seized their Estates; & among others, he murdered Papinian, a famous Lawyer, because he would not defend the murdering of his Brother, but saying, That it was easier to commit Parricide, than to excuse it: He used publicly to commend Sylla and Tiberius, two as bad as himself, and sought wholly to root out all that were a kin to the Imperial Family, or eminent among the Senators, and at length raged against the Common People, causing multitudes of them without cause to be slain when they were met together at Public Plays: And being conscious of his own wickedness, and the People's hatred to him, he left Rome, and went into Germany, where he provided Guards, and clothed himself like them; from thence he went to Macedonia, and at Alexandria caused the Schools of Aristotle to be destroyed, and his Books to be burnt, because he said Aristotle was of Counsel in sending Poison to kill Alexander; from thence he went to Troy, and sought out the Tomb of Achilles; then he went to Antioch, to behold Alexander's Tomb, which too he pretended to imitate; and then was revenged of the Alexandrians, for some Scoffs and Jeers they had cast upon him, for having married Julia his Mother-in-law, whose Son Geta he had slain in her Arms, which happened upon this occasion: Julia, who was very fair, being one time in his company, as it were by negligence, discovered a great part of her naked body, whereupon Bassianus said, I would it were lawful; Julia replied, It is lawful if tho● pleasest; knowest thou not thyself to be an Emperor, and t● give, not to receive Laws. Hereupon he publicly married her, upon which the Alexandrians called him Oedipus, and her Jocasta; to be revenged on them for this Affront, he pretended that he would choose a Legion of Alexandrians; and when multitudes of them were met together unarmed, he caused his Soldiers to encompass them, and cut them all to pieces, so that the River Nilus overflowed with their blood: From hence he went to the East, and pretending to affect the Parthian name, he sent Ambassadors to Artabanus King of Parthia, to give him his Daughter in Marriage; Artabanus willingly embracing the motion, came to him as to his Son-in-law, bringing the Bride, and a multitude of unarmed followers, crowned with Flowers; and whilst they were offering Sacrifice to their Gods, giving the watchword to his Army, he slew them all, the King himself hardly escaping by flight: At length the People being wearied, by his Ravages and cruelties, as he was easing nature, Marcinus, Perfect of the Praetorian Soldiers stabbed him with a Dagger into his bowels, and slew him. Sue●onius Hist.  
XVI. Aulus Vitellius being chosen Emperor by the Army in Germany, hastened toward Rome: He used no Government either in his Family, or among his Soldiers; so that all places were filled with violence and rapine, which he turned into sport and joking: When he came into a Field where a late Battle had been fought, and all his followers were offended with the stench of the dead bodies, he uttered this detestable speech, That of all smells, he liked best the smell of a slain Enemy, but much more of a slain Citizen. When he entered Rome, he sacrificed to the Ghost of Nero in Mars his Field, to show what an excellent Pattern he would follow, and there prepared a Solemn Feast, sending for Musicians to sing Nero's Verses, which himself first of all much applauded: For the most part he governed the Commonwealth by the advice of the basest Players, and Chariot-Drivers, and was ready upon every small occasion, to deliver men over to death and punishment: He spared not Usurers, who had formerly called to him for their Debts; nor Publicans, who ●ad exacted Tribute from him: One of them coming to salute him when he came to the Empire, he caused him to be slain in his presence, saying, That he would ●eed his Eyes with his death. Two Sons of another coming to intercede for their Father, he caused to be killed: He ●anisht all Mathematicians out of Rome, because they had given out that he was born under unhappy Planets: He was suspected to be guilty of his own Mother's death: Neither was he only thus cruel, but likewise extremely given to Luxury and Excess: He feasted at least thrice, and often four times a day, after each of them, disburthening his stomach by vomiting: He used the most curious and costly delicates, which could not be had from remote parts atex cessive charges both from Land and Sea, insomuch that it was commonly said, That if he had lived longer, he would have undone the Roman Empire with his Luxury and costly Table: He was so extrean●ly given to Gluttony, that he could not forbear eating while ●e was sacrificing, or in a Journey: His whole life was spent in Gluttony, Drunkenness and Cruelty, whereby he grew so hateful, that the Army chose Vespasian then in Judea, for their Emperor, whereupon Vitellius forced Flavius Sabinus, Vespasians Brother, and the rest of his Family and Kindred, to fly into the Capitol for shelter, which Vitellius caused to be set on fire, and so burned them in it; and himself being at a Feast, fed his Eyes with that pleasing spectacle; for he was resolved to eat and drink well, that he might not die without his Dinner, and that he might not be afraid of death nor disgrace: The day after, when news was brought him that Vespasian his Enemey drew near, he sought out all private corners wherein to hid himself; all men forsaking him, but only his Baker and his Cook: When his Enemies entered the City, they sought for him, and some of the Soldiers that knew him not, finding him, he denied his own name; and when others that knew him came, he pretended he had something to reveal to Vespasian, that concerned his safety; but this prevailed not; for casting a Halter about his neck, they dragged him half naked into the Marketplace, where he received many scorns and reproaches; they than set a Dagger under his chin, that he might not hang down his head to hid his face: Some threw dirt and dung at him: Some reproaching him with one thing, and some with another; at last carrying him to Tiber, they there cut him in pieces; and then fastening a hook to his Trunk, they threw it into the River. Suet. Hist.  
XVII. Domitian was the younger Son of Vespasian; he behaved himself very wickedly in his Childhood, and Youth; and when he came to be Emperor, he retired himself every day for an hour in secret, as if it were to meditate upon some secret Affairs, but he spent that time in catching of flies, and pricking out their Eyes with a Bodkin, so that one ask his Chamberlain whether any body was with the Emperor, he wittily answered, No, not so much as a fly; he daily entertained the People with sumptuous, and costly Shows, wherein himself sat as chief in the habit of one of the Heathen Gods, and like Caligula, commanded himself to be called Lord, and God, and in his public Edicts he used this Phrase, Our Lord and God commands this to be done; one while he set himself to reform abuses, and enacted some good Laws, but quickly returned to his former Cruelty, causing many Senators, and such as had been Consuls to be slain, and among them one, because he had a Map of the world in his Chamber, and because he read the Orations of Kings and Princes, recorded by Titus Livius; he banished all Philosophers, and Mathematicians out of Italy, and sought out new ways to enrich his Coffers; his Cruelty was not only great, but crafty, and unexpected, for he would send some away merrily, and with assurance of safety, and presently send men to murder them; and that he might the more abuse men's patience, he would never pass any hard, and unjust Sentence, without a Preface to set forth his Clemency; his Treasury being exhausted, he contrived to recruit it by Rapine, and Oppression, suborning some to accuse both the living and the dead, that he might seize upon their Estates; he was extreme cruel against the Christians, because they would not Worship him as a God, or his Idols at least, pretending that he was Brother to the Sun and Moon; and adorning his Shoes with Gold, and precious Stones, he commanded the People to kiss his feet; he ordered all the Churches of the Christians to be pulled down, and destroyed, and the Book of the Holy Scriptures to be burnt, which was executed with all the rigour and contempt that could be; he than sent forth Edicts for displacing all Christian Magistrates, and put all others out of their Offices, imprisoning such of the common People, as would not abjure Christianity, and subscribe to the Heathen Idolatries; then were cruel Edicts sent abroad for Imprisoning the Elders and Bishops, and constraining them by divers torments to Sacrifice to Idols, upon which there followed all manner of Cruelty against the Christians, by all kind of tortures; among the rest Galerius his General was sent to invade Antioch, and to force all the Christians to renounce Christ, at which time they were assembled together; whereupon one Romanus a Nobleman ran to them, declaring, That the Wolves wen● at hand, which would devour them, yet he exhorted them not to fear, by reason of the danger; and through Divine Grace the Christians were greatly encouraged by him, so that old Men and Matrons, Fathers and Mothers were all of one mind and resolution to shed their dearest blood in the profession of the Christian Faith, and unanimously offered their naked throats to the Soldiers; whereupon they sent their Captain word, That they could not enforce the Christians to deny their Faith, by reaso of one Romanus, who did mightily encourage them; The Captain commanded he should be brought before him, to whom he said, What, art thou the Author of this Sedition? Art thou the cause that so many lose their lives? By the Gods I swear, thou shalt answer for them all, and shalt suffer those torments that thou encouragest them to undergo, Romanus answered, Thy Sentence O Emperor I joyfully embrace, I am most willing to be Sacrificed for my Brethren, although I should suffer the greatest torments that thou canst invent, the Captain being much enraged with this his stout answer, commanded him to be halled up, and his bowels to be plucked out, whereupon the Hangman more pitiful, and tenderhearted than he, said, Not so Sir, this man is of Noble Parentage, and therefore may not be put to so ignoble a death scourge him then (quoth the Captain) with whips, having knots of Lead at the ends, which was done accordingly, but Romanus instead of Sighs and Tears, and Groans, sung Psalms during his suffering, desiring the tormentors not to favour him for the sake of his Nobility, for it is not (said he) the blood of my Progenitors, but the Christian Religion which makes me noble; then did he earnestly reprove the Cruelty, and Idolatry of the Captain, and derided his Idol Gods; which so ●uch enraged him, that he commanded his sides to be ●unced with knives, till the bones were laid open, yet still ●id the Holy Martyr Preach the living God, and the ●ord Jesus Christ to him, upon which the Tyrant commanded to strike out his Teeth, that his Speech might ●e hindered, his order was obeyed, his face was also buffetted, his Eyelids torn off, his cheeks cut and gashed with knife's, the skin of his beard by degrees plucked off, and ●is comely countenance wholly defaced, and deformed, ●et for all this the meek, and patiented Martyr said only ●us, I thank thee O Captain that thou hast opened to me so ma●● mouths to Preach my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for as ●any wounds as I have, so many mouths I have to bless, and praise ●●y God, and Jesus Christ my Redeemer; the Captain astonished at his constancy, bid them give over tormen●ng him, yet threatens more cruel Tortures, ●nd in the mean time Blasphemed God and ●hrist, saying, Thy Crucified Saviour is but a God of yesterday; The Gods of the Gentiles are of great Antiquity: But Romanus taking occasion from hence, declared unto him ●●e Eternity of Jesus Christ, etc. and withal said, Captain, ●●ing me a Christian Child of seven years old, and you shall hear ●hat he will say: Hereupon a little Boy was called out of ●●e multitude, to whom Romanus said, Tell me my Child, ●hether thou think it reasonable that we worship one Christ, ●●d in him one Father; or that we worship many Gods? To ●hom the Child answered, That surely what we affirm to 〈◊〉 God, must needs be one; and since this Christ is one, in whom ●●e worship one God the Father, he must needs be the true God; ●●r that there be many Gods, we children cannot believe: The captain amazed at this, said, Thou young Villain and Trai●●r, where, and of whom learnedest thou this Lesson? Of my ●other (said the Child) with whose Milk I sucked in this ●esson, that I must believe in Christ. The Mother was calid, and appeared, being glad to see the courage of her ●hild: The cruel Captain commanded the Child to be ●alled up, and severely whipped; at which cruelty the pitful spectators could not forbear tears; only the joyful ●other stood by, and looked on with dry eyes; yea, she reproved her sweet Child for desiring but a little cold Water, charging ●t to thirst after the Cup that the Bab●● of Bethlehem once drank of; and bid him remember litt●● Isaac, who seeing the Sword over his head, and the Altar upon which he was to be sacrificed, willingly offered his tender ne●● to be cut off by his Father: Upon this the cruel Tormentor of a sudden plucked the shin off the Child's head, hair and all; whereupon the Moth●● cried out, Endure and suff●● it patiently, my Dear Child, and in a little time thou shalt g● to Jesus Christ, who will adorn thy naked he●d with a Crow● of Eternal Glory: Thus the Mother countess her Son, and the Child is inccu●aged, and receives the stripes and scourges with a ●●●ling countenance: The Captain perceiving the constancy of the Child to be invincible, and himself to be overcome, commandeth this precious soul▪ this Blessed Babe, this little Martyr, to be put into a filthy and stinking Dungeon: Then was Roman● brought forth again to receive new wounds upon his ol● sores; and the Captain raged against the Tormento for dealing so mildly with him, and then said, It is painful for thee Romants, to be so long a dying; I do assure the● in a short time the floming fire shall dispatch thee, wherein thou, and that Boy thy Fellow Rebel and Traitor, shal● be bur● to Ashes. As they were going to Execution, Roman●● turned back upon the Captain. and said, I appeal from this thy Tyranny, Changed unjust Judge! to the Righteeus Thro●● and Judgement of Jesus Chri●● the up ●●lit Judge, where i● will appear that thou an a 〈◊〉 and b●●edy Tyrant▪ to inflict such horrid Tortures 〈…〉 Innocent h●is●ians. When they were come to the 〈◊〉 of Execution, the Torn ento● required the Child 〈…〉 Mother, who had carried him in her Arms from 〈◊〉 Prison, whom she freely and joyfully delivered to them, saying, Farewell my swe● Babe; and when the Hargr●●● put his Sword to the Child's neck, she sang cheerfully in this manner;  

All laud and praise, with heart and voice,  
O Lord I yield to thee,  
To whom the death of all thy Saints  
We know most dear to be.   
The head of this blessed Innocent being cut off, the Mother wrapped in her Garment, laid it to her breast, and so departed: Then there was a mighty fire made, into which Romanus was cast; which being quenched with a great Storm of Rain, the Tyrant commanded his Tongue to be cut out, therefore the Executioner pulled it far out of his mouth, and cut it off by the roots, and yet for all this it is recorded (but with what credit I know not) that Romanus spoke, saying, He that speaketh for Christ shall never want a Tongue; do not think that the voice which Preacheth Christ, must always have a Tongue to be the Minister: The Captain at this grew even distracted, suspecting that the Hangman had deceived him by some slight of hand, and had not cut his Tongue off; If you suppose so, (saith the Executioner) open his mouth, and you may see the Roots of his Tongue: Whereupon the Captain being even confounded at the courage and constancy of the Martyr, commanded him to be brought back to Prison, and to be strangled, where his sorrowful life and pains ended together, and he received the Crown of Martyrdom. Acts and Monuments. 1 Part.  
About this time one Gordius a Centurion, upon professing himself to be a Christian, was apprehended, and boldly acknowledged, That he believed in Christ, and valued not what they could inflict on him for this his Profession, than did the Sheriff call for Scourges, Gibbets, and all manner of Torments; to whom Gordius said, That it would be a loss and damage to him, if he did not suffer divers torments and punishments for Christ, and his Cause; The Sheriff more incensed hereby, commanded all those torments to be inflicted on him, with which Gordius was nothing disturbed, but sung, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what Man can do unto me, I will fear no evil, because thou Lord art with me; Then he blamed the Tormentors for favouring of him, provoking them to do their utmost; the Sheriff not prevailing that way, sought by flattery to seduce him, promising him Preferment, Riches, and Honour, if he would deny Christ; but Gordius derided him as foolishly mad, saying, That he looked for greater preferment in Heaven, than he could give him here on Earth: He was then condemned, and carried out of the City to be burnt; multitudes followed him; and some kissing him, entreated him with Tears to pity himself; to whom he answered; Weep not, I pray you, for me, but weep for the Enemies of God, who fight against the Christians; weep, I say, for them, who prepare a fire for us, purchasing Hell fire thereby for themselves in the day of vengeance; and cease, I pray you, thus to molest my settled and quiet mind; for truly, for the name of Christ, I am ready to suffer a thousand deaths. Others persuaded him to deny Christ with his mouth, and to keep his conscience to himself: My Tongue (saith he) which by God's goodness I have, cannot be brought to deny the Author and giver of the same; for with the heart we believe unto Righteousness, and with the Tongue we confess unto Salvation. And thus persuading and encouraging the People to be willing to die in the like Cause, with an unappaled countenance, he gave up his body to the Flames. Acts and Monuments. 1. P.  
Menas also, a Soldier by profession, forsook all, and went into a Desert, where he gave himself to Fasting, Prayer, Meditation, and Reading of the Scriptures; at last returning into the City of Cotis, when the People were at their pastimes, he with a loud voice proclaimed himself to be a Christian, and thereupon was carried before the Precedent; and being demanded concerning his Faith, he said, It is convenient that I confess God, in whom is light, and no darkness; For with the heart we believe to Righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation: Then he was tormented with divers Tortures, which he regarded not, saying, There is nothing in my mind that can be compared to the Kingdom of Heaven; neither is all the world, if it were weighed in a balance, comparable to the price of one soul: And farther said, Who can separate us from the Love of Christ? Can Tribulation? or Auguish, etc. And again, I have learned of my Lord Christ, not to fear them that can kill the Body, and have no power to kill the Soul. Having endured a multitude of Torments, he received Sentence of Death; and at the place of Execution he said, I give thee thanks my Lord God, who hast aceepted me to be a partaker of thy precious Death, and hast not suffered me to be devoured of my fierce Enemies, but hast made me constant in thy True Faith unto the end: And so he lost his Head, but found a Crown of Glory. Acts and Monuments. 1. P.  
Amongst others, forty young Gentlemen that were Soldiers, freely confessed themselves to be Christians, declaring to the Marshal their names, who being amazed at their boldness, was in doubt what to do; he endeavoured with flatteries, and promises of preferment, to win them, persuading them to consider their youth, & not to change a pleasant life for a painful & untimely death: But they courageously replied, They neither desired money, honour, nor life, but only the Celestial Kingdom of Christ, for the love of which they were ready to endure the Wheel, Cross, Fire, or any other Torment: The Marshal being much offended herewith, devised a new Torment; for espying a Pond in the Street, that lay open to the Northwind, it being in the cold Winter time, he caused them to be put into it all night; but they being joyful, comforted one another as they put off their , saying, We put not off now our Old , but our Old Man (corrupted with the deceits of concupiscence) for which we bless and praise God; for by means of the Serpent we once put on the Old Man, but by the means of Jesus Christ we now put him off. Then were they brought naked, and put into the vehement cold water, where they were kept till the morning; so that all their Members were stark and stiff therewith; and as soon as it was day, they, having breath yet remaining in them, were brought to the fire, wherein they were consumed to Ashes, which were thrown into the Flood. It happened that one of the company being more lively, and not so near death as the rest, the Executioners pitied him, and delivered him to his Mother, who stood by, to save his life; but she led him to the piles of Wood, where the other starved creatures lay ready to be burnt, admonishing, and exhorting him to accomplish the Blessed Journey he had taken in hand, which accordingly he did, and was burnt with his Companions, Acts & Monu.  
A noble Virgin also named Eulalia, suffered about this time, she was not above twelve years of Age, and had great offers of Marriage made to her, but she observing the courage of the Christians, was very desirous to join herself with them; for which end she prayed fervently to God for strength, and faith to enable her thereunto; but her Religious Parents fearing that her zeal might make her guilty of her own death, kept her close at their Country house, a great way from the City, where she continued for a while; but at last detesting any delay, she went from her Father's house by night, and traveled all alone through byways with much danger, and weariness toward the City, whither she came in the morning, and going before the Judge, with a loud voice she said, What ashame is it for you thus wickedly to take away men's lives, by dashing their Bodies to pieces against the Rocks, and all manner of Cruelties, and also to endeavour to destroy their Souls, by compelling them to deny the Omnipotent God would you know (O you ignorant Souls) what I am, behold I am a Christian, and an Enemy to your devilish Sacrifices, I scorn and despise your Idols, and tread them under my feet, and acknowledge only God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and Jesus Christ his only Son, and the Saviour of the World; but what are your Gods, but dead Idols, and the works of men's hands, etc. Come on therefore, and let the Hangman burn, cut, and mangle this poor mortal Carcase; 'Tis very easy to break and destroy a weak, brittle, perishing body, but the mind and soul you cannot touch with all that you can do; the Judge enraged herewith, said to the Executioner, Take her, and pull her out by the hair of the head to torments, let her feel the power of our Gods, and know what we can do, but yet O sturdy Girl, I would fain have thee before thou diest, to recant this thy wickedness, and to save thyself from a wretched death; consider what pleasures thou mayst enjoy in the House of thy Honourable Parents, consider the Lamentations and Tears of thy miserable Family and Relations, which by thy perverseness will be brought to ruin; consider that thou art now in thy Youth, in the very flower of thine Age, in the way to Honour, and Preferment by an Honourable Marriage agreeable to thy Quality, and Estate; do not these glistering Glories, and the delights of the Marriagebed move thee, doth not the sorrow, and extreme grief of thy dear Parents incline thee to pity thyself and them? Yea, who is there almost that doth nonlament thy madness and folly? If this doth not prevail, yet consider the terrible death that thou art like to suffer, consider what variety of torments are prepared for thee, for thou shalt either be beheaded by this Sword, or thou shalt be torn in pieces by the teeth of wild Beasts, or else thou shalt be thrown alive into the burning flames, and there only attended with the lamentable bewailings of thy friends, and kindred, shalt be consumed to ashes; Now, how easy, and small a matter is required of thee to avoid all this punishment! for if thou wilt but take a little Salt, and Incense between thy fingers, and put it into the Censer, in honour of our Gods, thou shalt be set free, and delivered from all further danger and trouble; When Eulalia heard him thus speak, being extremely moved, she spit in the Tyrant's face, and presently threw down the Idols to the ground, and kicked about the Incense prepared for Sacrifice; whereupon without further delay the Hangmen took her, and with all their strength plucked her Limbs out of joint, and then with the Claws of wild Beasts tore off her flesh to the bones, while she all the while not in the least daunted with their cruel Torments, fell a singing, and praising in this manner, O Lord I will never forget thy goodness and mercy, what a pleasure is it O Jesus to remember thy Triumphant victories, who by suffering hast attained to the height of Glory; Thus with great constancy, and courage she continued joyfully, and cheerfully to sing praises to God, even when she was all over stained, and imbrued in her own blood, and cruelly tormented in all parts of her Body; they then proceeded to the last and final torture, which was the tearing, and rending of her Body with the Iron Grate, and Hurdle, and burning her Breasts and Sides with flaming Torches; but her Hair (which all this while hung down so low, that it covered her Modesty) at last took fire, and she being no longer willing to live, opened her mouth, and swallowed the flame, upon which she immediately gave up the Ghost; and is now one of those Souls under the Altar, who cry, how long, etc. Acts and Monu. 1. P.  
Also Agnes an Honourable young Virgin being accused for a Christian, was brought before the Judge, who endeavoured first by flatteries, and then by threatening her with cruel torments to draw her to the denial of her Faith, but she valiantly answered; That she feared not his Tortures, as being willing to suffer all manner of Torments, yea, death itself for the sake of Christ; well, said the Judge, though thou valuest pain and torment so little, yet I suppose thou hast a great esteem for thy Virginity and Chastity, therefore I am fully determined, unless thou Sacrifice to our Gods, thou shalt immediately be put into the Common Stews, and Brothel-houses; Agnes hereupon inveighs vehemently against Minerva, and her Worshippers; upon which the lose and debauched Youths desired earnestly of the Judge, that they might have Agnes as a Prey to their lust and filthiness; then said Agnes, Jesus Christ is not forgetful of those that are his, neither will he leave me destitute of his help nor assistance, but is always ready to protect and defend modest, and chaste Virgins, and therefore O Tyrant thou mayst freely bathe thy Sword in my blood, but thou shalt never defile my Body with filthy Lust with all that thou canst do. She had no sooner spoke these words, but the Tyrant commanded her to be tied stark naked at the corner of a Street, where Strumpets commonly used to haunt; upon which the greatest part of the People being both sorry, and ashamed to see so shameless, and unseemly a sight, some turning their heads, and some hiding their faces passed by; but one young Man among the rest with lascivious Eyes, and lustful thoughts beholding her, immediately a flash of Lightning struck out both his Eyes, and he falling down, wallowed in the Street; whereupon Agnes sung Praises to God; the ●●uel Tyrant enraged hereby, commanded the Executioner to draw out his Sword, and dispatch her, she seeing sturdy Soldier coming toward her with his drawn Sword, rejoiced, saying, This, O this is he that I love, I will make haste to meet him, and no longer protract my longing desires, I will willingly receive his Sword in my Breast; O Eternal Father vouchfafe to open the Gates of Heaven to my Soul, that seeketh thee; and so kneeling down in the midst of her Ejaculations, he at one blow cut off her head. Acts & Monum.  
Domitian by his Cruelties grew terrible and hateful to his very Friends and Servants, yea to his own Wife; a certain ginger boasted to him, that by his Art he could foretell what should come to pass; Domitian asked him if he foresaw what his own end should be; he answered, That he should be torn in pieces of Dogs: Domitian to prove him a Liar, commanded him presently to be slain, and his Body to be burnt to ashes; but as they were about to do it, so violent a shower happened, as quenched the fire, and immediately Dogs came, and tore him in pieces; this much increased the fear of Domitian, who had been told by a Chaldean when, and how he should die, which soon after happened, and the vengeance of Heaven fell upon him for all his Tyranny, and Cruelty; for Stephanus, one of his Officers, desiring to speak with him in private, presented him with a writing, which whilst he was looking upon, he stabbed him with a Dagger into the lower part of his Belly; but not being quite dead, seven of his own freed men came about him, and dispatched him; it is said that a while before his death, a Chough spoke Greek from the Tarpeian Rock, which was in English, All shall be well; which could not be till the Tyrant's Death; and Apollonius Tyaneus being at Ephesus in Asia, reading a Lecture in a Grove there, many hundred miles from Rome, he on a sudden began to speak low, and more slowly, and strait looked pale, and stood silent; at last stepping hastily some paces, he cried out as one transported, O brave Stephanus, strike the Tyrant, kill the Murderer; thou hast struck him, thou hast wounded him, thou hast slain him; this being spoke in public, it was carefully taken notice of, and the time when it was spoken, diligently observed, and it was afterward found, and well known, that Domitian was stabbed in Rome that day, and the same hour of the day, by Stephanus, who was of his Bedchamber, Lipsius' Monit. lib. 1.  
XVIII. Maximinus the Emperor was born in Thracia; his Parents were Barbarians; but being of a vast body, and huge strength, so that he could lift a Cart loaden, he applied himself to the Wars, under the Emperor Severus, who observing his Strength, Activity and Industry, preferred him to divers Offices in the Army, insomuch that when Severus was slain, the Army made him Emperor: Having thus attained to this high Dignity, he slew all those that knew any thing of the baseness of his Birth; yea many of his friends, who in his low condition had often relieved him: He would not suffer any Nobleman to be about him: He cruelly murdered all the Servants of Severus his Predecessor, and executed many of the Soldiers, hanging some, knocking others on the head, and throwing others to wild Beasts: He hired and suborned some Villains at Rome to accuse divers of the Senators of Treason, whom he presently commanded to be slain: By which means he became so feared, and consequently hated, and abhorred, that the Senate, yea the Women daily in their Temples, made solemn Prayers and Supplications against him. He slew divers of his Captains; which so provoked the Soldiers, that one day as he with his Son, whom he had made partner with him in the Empire, were refreshing themselves in his Tent, they rushed in upon them, and slew them both, declaring publicly, That of a Dog of so base a breed, the Whelp ought not to be spared, but to be destroyed likewise. Sueton. Hist.  
XIX. Charles King of Navarre, was a cruel Oppressor and Tyrant over his Subjects, for he imposed upon them grievous Taxes and Tributes; and when many of the chief of them came to complain of their Poverty, and that they were not able to bear them, he caused them all to be put to death for their boldness; He was the kindler of many great mischiefs in France, and also of Fires, wherewith divers Places of Strength, and famous Buildings, were burnt down: He counselled the Son of the Earl of Foix to poison his Father, and gave him the Poison to effect the Villainy with his own hand: His Lechery likewise and Adulteries besotted his Soul even in his Old Age; for at threescore years of Age he had a Whore, upon whom he extremely doted, and was hardly ever out of her company, who at length was the cause of his death: For returning from her, as he daily did, and entering into his Chamber, he went to Bed all quaking, and half frozen with cold; neither could he by any means recover his heat, until by Art they endeavoured to revive Nature, which was by blowing upon him with brazen Bellows, Aquavitae, and hot blasts of Air, but it happened that a spark of the fire by chance flew between the sheets, and inflamed the dry linen, and the Aquavitae in an instant, so that e'er it was quenched, his late quivering bones were now half burnt; he lived in great grief, and torment for fifteen days after, finding no help nor assuagement of his Torture, by Physic or Chirurgery, and then miserably died; and thus, as while he lived, his mind constantly burned in Lust, and his desires were hot upon mischief, and oppression, so his days were finished with cruel heat and burning. Beards Theatre.  
XX. Luctack, King of Scotland, succeeded his Father Galdus in that Kingdom, but was so wretched and mischievous a Tyrant, that his Subjects hated him no less for his Vices, than they loved his Father for his Virtues; he murdered many Rich, and Noble Persons for no cause but only to enrich himself with their Estates; he committed the Government of the Realm to debauched & wretched Persons, in whose Company he chief delighted, he was so impudent as to deflower his own Aunts, Sisters, and Daughters, and to forsake his own Wife, and scorned the Advice and Council of his wife and grave Counsellors, calling them Old doting Fools, all which monstrous Villainies with a thousand more, so incensed his Nobility, that they slew him after he had reigned three years; but as the Proverb says, Seldom comes a better, for another Tyrant as bad, if not worse, succeeded him, called Mogallus, Cousin German to Luctack, a Man notoriously infected with all manner of wickedness, for though at first he gave himself to follow the wisdom, and good Government of his Uncle Galdus, yet in his old Age, his vices abundantly discovered themselves, but chief in Oppression, Lechery, and Cruelty; this King Licenced Theives and Robbers to take the Goods of their Neighbours without punishment, and he first ordained that the Goods of condemned Persons should be confiscate to the King's use without respect either to their Wives, Children, or Creditors; but he also like his Predecessor was slain by his Nobles. There was likewise another King of Scots, called Athirco, in the year 240. who shown himself a most abominable wretch, for he wallowed in all manner of unclean, and effeminate Lusts, and was not ashamed to go along the Streets in sight of the People, playing upon a Flu●e, rejoicing more to be accounted a good Fiddler, than a good Prince; from this he proceeded at length to the deflowering, and ravishing of Women and Virgins, insomuch that the Nobleman's Daughters could not be secure from his unsatiable, and intolerable lust; whereupon being pursued by the Nobility, when he saw no means to escape, he desperately slew himself. Beards Theatre.  
XXI. Theodorick, King of France, for his negligence, and sluggishness in his Government, was Deposed, and of a King was made a Friar, being put into a Monastery, and Childerick succeeded him, who exercised Barbarous, and Inhuman Cruelty upon his Subjects; for he spared neither Noble, nor Ignoble, but sent them to their Graves without Justice, or Reason; among others, he caused a Nobleman to be fastened to a Stake, and beaten almost to death with Clubs; which monstrous Cruelty so incensed the People against him, that there wanted not hands to take part with this abused Nobleman against this Tyrant his Enemy, whereupon they laid wait for him as he came one day from hunting, and killed him, together with his Wife great with Child, no man either daring, or being willing to defend him. Beards Theatre.  
XXII. John Cameron, Bishop of Glasgow, was much given to violence and oppression, and committed many deeds full of Cruelty, and Covetousness, especially upon his own Tenants & Vassals, & is reported to have made a fearful, and unhappy end; for in the year 1446. the night before Christmas day, as he lay asleep in his House, about seven miles from the City of Glasgow, he seemed to hear a voice summoning him to appear before the Tribunal of Christ; thereupon he awaked, and being greatly terrified called to his Servants to bring lights, and fit by him; he himself took a Book in his hand, and began to read, but the voice being again heard, struck all the Servants with amazement; the same voice calling the third time far louder, and more fearfully, the Bishop after an heavy groan, was found dead in the Bed, his Tongue hanging out of his mouth; this is reported by Buchanan almost in the same words, which I thought good to remember, as a notable example of God's Judgement against the crying sin of Oppression. spotswood's Ch. Hist.  
XXIII. To conclude, Diomedes the Thracian King fed his Horses with Man's flesh, as with provender, but was made at last provender himself for his own Horses by Hercules. Clephes' the Second King of the Lumbards', for his savage Cruelties toward his Subjects, was slaughtered by one of his Friends. Damasippus, that Massacred so many Citizens of Rome, was cut off by Scylla. Ecelinus, that played the Tyrant at Taurisium, gelding Boys, deflowering Virgins, cutting off women's Breasts, ripping Children out of their Mother's Wombs, and killing twelve hundred Patavians at once, who were his Friends, was himself at last killed in a Battle; in a word if we read, and consult the Histories of all Countries and times, we shall feldom or never find any notorious Tyrant, or Oppressor of his Subjects that came to any good end, but generally some notable, and fearful Judgement fell upon them. Beards Theater.  
XXIV. In the aforementioned examples, we have given an Account of the flagitious actions, and ends of Murderers and Tyrants by wholesale, as being Persons of great power, and without restraint, whereby they had opportunity to do the greater mischief to mankind; but Divine Justice has not spared those of meaner quality, but hath both wonderfully discovered, and revenged those crying sins of Murder, and Cruelty, as the following instances do fully demonstrate.  
XXV. Bothwell, who was the chief contriver, and actor of the Murder of King Henry of Scotland, Father to our King James, fled into Denmark, where being discovered, he was apprehended, and imprisoned by the King, and despairing of recovering his liberty, he fell mad, and ended his life most miserably; the Archbishop of St. Andrews also, who had a hand in the murder of that King, being taken in the Castle of Dumbarton, was carried to Sterling, and hanged publicly on a Gibbet erected for that purpose. In the year 1584. Whilst our King James was in Scotland, there were two Gentlemen of good credit, the one called John Cuningham, and the other Malcolm Douglas, who was much feared for his valour and manhood; these two were falsely accused by some about the King, and one Robert Hamilton was suborned to swear against them, when the Indictment of Douglas was read, he denied all, and fully cleared himself by the unlikelyhood of the accusation, so that all that heard him, did in their minds believe him innocent; yet were they both condemned and hanged at Edinburgh; these Gentlemen were much pitied, especially Douglas; Hamilton the false Accuser, lived ever after this in continual fear, and abhorred of all men, but at last he was slain by one James Johnston, who had vowed to revenge the death of Douglas. spotswood's Hist. Scotland.  
XXVI. Sir James Tyrril, John Dighton, and Miles Forrest, who were procured by Richard the Third, called Crack-back, to murder King Edward the Fifth, and his Brother in the Tower, by entering their Chamber about midnight, and wrapping them up in the , keeping down the Featherbeds and Pillows hard upon their mouths, till they were smothered. These three Murderers did not long escape the Vengeance of God; for Miles Forrest rotten away by piecemeal. Dighton lived at Calais so disdained and hated of all men, that he died there in much misery: And Sir James Tyrril was beheaded on Tower Hill for Treason Act. & Mo. The Cardinal of Winch. commonly called the Rich Cardinal) who procured the death of the good Duke of Gloucester, in King Henry the Sixth's Time,) was shortly after struck with an incurable Disease; who understanding by his Physicians that he could not live, murmuring and repining thereat, he cried out, Fie, Will not Death be hired? Will Money do nothing? Must I die that have so great Riches? If the whole Realm would save my life, I am able either by Policy to get it, or by Riches to buy it: But all would not prevail; for he died miserably soon after. Speeds Chron.  
XXVII. The Duke of Suffolk also did not long escape unpunished; for in a Parliament holden soon after, he was accused as a Traitor to the Kingdom, a Murderer of the Duke of Gloucester, and a Robber of the King's Treasury, for all which he was banished for five years; he took Shipping in Suffolk, intending for France, but by the way, being encountered by a Man of War, that belonged to the Tower, he was taken and carried into Dover Road, where on the side of a Ship-boat one cut off his head 1450. Speeds Chron.  
XXVIII. In 1618. there lived a man at Perin, in Cornwall, who was blessed with ample Possessions, and a fruitful Issue, unhappy only in a younger Son, who growing Extravagant, went to Sea in a small Vessel, with several like himself, where they made Prize of all that they could master; and at last venturing into the straits, they set upon a Turks Man of War, which they took, and got great booty; but their Powder by chance taking fire, blew up the Ship; and our Gallant being a skilful Swimmer, got to shore upon the Isle of Rhodes, with the best of his Jewels, where offering some to sale to a Jew, he knew them to be the Governors of Algiers, whereupon he was seized, and condemned to the Galleys for a Pirate, among other Christians, whose miserable Slavery made them use their wits to recover their Liberty; and watching their opportunity, they effected it by killing some of their Officers: After which this Young Man got aboard an English Ship, and came safe to London, where his former misery, and some skill he had gotten in that Art, preferred him to be a Servant to a Chirurgeon, who after a while sent him to the East-Indies; there by his diligence and industry he got money, with which he returned home; and longing to see his native Country Cornwall, he sailed in a small Ship from London Westward; but ere he attained to his Port, he was cast away upon that Coast, where once more his excellent skill in Swimming brought him safe to Shoar: But having been fifteen years absent, he understood his Father was much decayed in his Estate, and had tetired himself to a place not far off, being indeed in debt and danger: His Sister he finds married to a Mercer, to whom he at first appears as a poor stranger; but after a while privately reveals himself to her, showing her what Gold and Jewels he had concealed in a Bow-case about him; and they concluded that the next day he should appear to his Parents; yet to keep himself unknown to them till his Sister and her Husband should come thither to him, to make their common Joy complete; accordingly he goes alone to his Father's house, where his humble behaviour, suitable to his poor , melted the old couple into so much compassion, as to give him shelter from the cold weather, under their outward roof, and by degrees his Relations of his Travels and sufferings told with so much passion to the Aged People, made him stay so long by the Kitchen fire, that the Husband bid them Good Night, and went to Bed; and soon after his true Stories moving compassion in the Woman, she wept, and so did he: But taking pity on her tears, he comforted her with a piece of Gold, which gave her assurance that he deserved a Lodging; to which she brought him, and being in Bed, he shown her his wealth, which was girded about him, which he told her was sufficient to relieve her Husband's wants, and to spare for himself; and so being weary, sell asleep: The Old Woman being tempted with the golden bait which she had received, and greedily thirsting after the enjoyment of the rest, went to her Hushand, and awaking him, told him this news, and what further she intended to do; and though with horrid apprehensions he often refused, yet her puling Elequence (Eves Enchantments) moved him at last to consent to be Master of all that wealth, by murdering the owner thereof; which accordingly they effected, & afterward covered the Corpse with , till they had opportunity to convey it away. The early morning hastens the Sister to her Father's house, where, with signs of great Joy, she inquires for a Sailor that should lodge there the last night: The Old People at first denied that they had seen any such, till she told them, that he was her Brother, her lost Brother, whom she certainly knew to be so, by a scar upon his Arm, cut with a Sword in his youth, and that they had resolved to meet there the next morning, and be merry: The Father hearing this, hastily runs up into the Room, and finding the mark aforesaid, with the horrid regret of this monstrous Murder of his own Son, cuts his throat with the same knife wherewith he had committed that execrable deed: A while after the Mother going up to consult with her Husband what to do; and being confounded to see him weltering in his own blood, she takes the same knife, and therewith rips up her own belly, so that the guts tumbled out. The Daughter wondering at their delay in coming down, goes up to them, and found too soon this bloody Tragedy; the Mother having time only to relate the forementioned particulars, gave up the Ghost: The Daughter was struck with such a sudden horror and amazement at this deluge of destruction, that she prefently sunk down and died. The truth of these things was frequently known, and the fatal end of that Family quickly flew to the Court of K. James, clad with these circumstances; but the Printed Relation conceals their names, out of respect to some Neighbour of repute, of kin to the Family. sanderson's Hist. K. James.  
A bloody Villain murders 3 Children. pa. 160  
A Virgin destroyed by venomous Serpents. pa. 156  
XXX. In the time of Queen Elizabeth of Blessed Memory, there dwelled an old man and woman in Honey●ne, near Cheapside, the least of them 70 years of Age, who lived privately without any Servants, and having early means coming in, were thought by the Neighbours ●o be rich, their house being likewise very neat, and well ●urnished for People of their condition, which some villains having notice of, they procured a false Key to ●heir House, and entering at midnight, murdered the two ●ld People asleep in their Beds, and then broke open ●heir Chests, and carried away what they were able, and ●fterwards shut the doors upon the dead bodies; the ●ext day neither of them being seen by their Neighbour's, as they daily were, they began to suspect a little, ●ut the second day when they found the door to con●nue shut, neither heard any noise in the house, they ●eat at the door, and receiving no answer, sent for an Officer, who broke open the door, and found in the first Room all things out of order, and going up stairs, the Trunks and Chests were broke open; but looking toward the Bed, they discovered the Man and his Wife miserably murdered; upon which great search was made, and many taken upon suspicion, but nothing could be proved against them; at length a poor Vagabond wretch was seized on, who being examined, could give no good account of himself, and being observed to haunt thereabout two or three days before, he was upon those presumptions committed to Newgate, and the next Sessions arraigned, & for want of making a discreet defence, was condemned, and hanged for this supposed murder; but the Malefactor indeed, after that horrid Fact, escaped in the Low-Countries, where he set up a Trade, and got a great deal of money, so that he was very considerable in the place where he lived; but after about twelve years' continuance there, being grown out of knowledge in his own Country, he could not rest, nor be quiet, but he must needs visit England, and came hither for no other business but to see London, and buy a piece of plate in Cheapside to carry over with him; to a Goldsmith he comes, and in a shop near the Standard, cheapens a Bowl, and whilst he was bargaining, it happened that a Gentleman was arrested just over against Bow-Church, who drawing his Sword, ran up Cheapside, the Sergeants and People crying, Stop him, stop him, all looking that way, the murderer not knowing the cause of the tumult, thought they looked at him, and that he was discovered, and so gins to run away; the People seeing him run, they ran after him, and stopped him, ask the cause of his flight; who in great affright, and terror of conscience said, He was the Man; they asked him what man? He answered, The same Man that committed such a bloody murder so many years since; Upon which he was apprehended, and committed to Newgate, arraigned by his own Confession, condemned and hanged first on a Gibbet, and after at Milend in Chains. Thus we see the Devil seldom, or never leaves his Ministers, and Servants, especially in this horrid case of Murder, without shame and vengeance. Beards Theatre.  
XXXI. Another strange, but true Relation, I shall instance of a young Gentleman of a good Estate and Parentage; whose name for the sake of his worthy Relations I shall conceal. This Gentleman being a Cambridge Scholar, and of a great Spirit, and very stout body; could not contain himself within his allowance, but being a Fellow Commoner, he spent much above it, so that to preserve his credit in the Town, he having a good Horse, would many times ride out, and take a Purse on the Highway, in which course he continued about a year without the least suspicion; at length his quarterage not being come from his Father, and wanting money to supply his ordinary Riots, he puts himself, into a disguise, and riding over Newmarket Heath, he discovers a Prize, that is a Serving man with a Cloak-bag behind him, and seeing him single, he made up, and bid him stand and deliver; the other unacquainted with that Language, answered, He had but little money, which he was loath to part with; Then thou must fight for it (said the Scholar;) content, saith the other; they both drew, and fought stoutly, but the honest Servingman was unhappily slain; the other being only slightly wounded, took away his Cloak-bag, and binding it behind his own Horse, rid towards the University, and having set up his Horse in the Town, carried the Portmantle to his Chamber, which he had no sooner opened, but he found a Letter directed to him from his Father, signifying that he had sent him his quarterly allowance by his own faithful Servant, whom he had lately entertained upon the commendation of a dear Friend, wishing his Son to entertain him kindly for his sake; which when he had read, and considered all the wicked circumstances of this adventure, he was strangely altered, and fell into a deep melancholy; in short the Robbery and Murder were both discovered, and the Lord Chief Justice Popham then riding that Circuit (whose near Kinsman he was) he was arraigned, and condemned at Cambridge Assizes, and though great Intercession was made for his Pardon, yet none could prevail; for the Judge forgetting all manner of Alliance, would neither commiserate his Youth, nor want of discretion, but caused him without any respect of Persons, to be hanged among the common Malefactors. Beards Theatre.  
XXXII. Johannes Pontanus, and Johannes Budeus, give a very strange account of a malicious Servant, whom the Devil had possessed with his own cursed Spirit of Cruelty; this Person having taken a virulent spleen against his Master for some rough usage, was resolved to be revenged, and therefore watching his opportunity, when the Master, and the rest of the Family were abroad, he shut and barricadoed all the doors about the House, and then broke open the Chamber upon his Mistress, and after he had abused, and affronted her, he bond her hand and foot, and so left her grovelling upon the ground; then this limb of the Devil took her three Children, the eldest not being seven years old, and carried them up to the battlements, and when he espied his Master coming home, he called to him, and first threw down one Child, and then another, from the top of the House to the pavement, whereby their bodies were miserably shattered, & dashed to pieces; and then held up the other in his arms to do the like; at which sight the miserable Father being extremely stupefied (as well he might) fell upon his Knees, and humbly besought the bloody Villain, To spare the life of the third, and he would pardon him the death of the 2 former; to which the barbarous wretch replied, There was but one way in the world for him to redeem its life; the indulgent Father with Tears, and entreaties, desired to know what that way was, who presently replied, That he should instantly with his knife cut off his Nose, for there was no other ransom for the Child: The passionate Father, who dearly tendered the safety of his Child, having now no more left, agrees to the condition, and disfigured, and dishonoured his face according to the Covenant made betwixt them, which was no sooner done, but this inhuman Imp of Hell fell into a loud, & scornful laughter, at which while the Father stood amazed, he fling the Child which he held in his Arms after the rest, and then most desperately cast himself after, preventing a worse death, and such was the end of this arch limb of Satan, and the fruits of malice, and revenge. Beards Theatre.  
XXXIII. Joanes Gygas gives this following dreadful Relation: A Noble and Virtuous Lady had a Chambermaid of an idle and passionate disposition, and a very ill Tongue; it happened upon some great provocation her Mistress struck her a box on the Ear, at which she fell down, as if she had been slain, and using many despiteful words against her Lady, told her, That blow should never be forgot nor forgiven,; and the Devil took occasion from hence to tempt her to accuse her Lady of Adultery; thereupon taking a fit opportunity when her Lord was in private; she abruptly began thus, Noble Sir, Pray pardon my boldness, I have a great secret to acquaint you with, were I assured you would not reveal it, and thereby that punishment should fall upon me which is deserved by others; wherewith this Crocodile wept; and her Lord being very desirous to know what it was, vowed secrecy; I know Sir (said she) that you are satisfied, and confident of the Modesty and Chastity of your Lady, but to my great sorrow I speak it, she violates your Bed, and that not with a Gentleman of any fashion or quality, but with one of the Grooms of your Stable; but I most humbly beseech your Honour to keep it private till I make you an Eye-witness thereof: And here she broke off abruptly, as if tears had prevented her discourse. The Nobleman was herewith very strangely surprised, having observed nothing but tenderness, and affectionate kindness in his Lady toward him; nor could he ever tax her with the least wanton carriage, or lascivious glance; yet he remembered when he went out early to Hunt, or Hawk, or survey his Parks and Grounds, he found her many times hardly up, or ready to go to Breakfast when he came back, and his jealousy suggested to him, that in this time this wickedness might be committed; and growing full of thoughts, he left her. The Wench, or Devil's Agent, let slip no occasion to prosecute the mischief she had begun, & therefore seeing her Lord coming towards his house from his sports early one morning, and knowing her Lady was then in Bed, she ran presently to the Stable, and told one of the Grooms, That he must run immediately into his Lady's Chamber, for She had extraordinary business with him; the Groom hereupon runs up, as if it had been for life and death, as indeed it proved; and finding his Lady's door open, rushes into it, wherewith she was so extremely offended, that she fling the Bedstaffs at him, and would not let him speak: In the mean time this wicked Woman calls her Lord, and tells him, now he may find them together; who thereupon runs up to the Room, with his Sword drawn, and met the Groom just coming out of the door, and with his Sword ran him thorough, so that without a word he fell down dead in the place: He than enters the Chamber, and without ask one question, or receiving any answer, ran his Sword through his Lady's heart, as she lay in her Bed, and sent her chaste Soul into a better place: Now as he stood leaning on his Sword, so late imbrued in the blood of two Innocents', the Author of all this Villainy seeing the horrible slaughter, she could keep her own devilish counsel no longer, but presently burst out into these words; Alas! my Lord, what have I done? never was Lady more chaste or constant to the Bed and Embraces of her Husband, than She who lies here weltering in her own Innocent Blood; whatsoever I spoke of her was false and untrue, and merely suggested by the Devil, in revenge of a blow She deservedly gave me; I therefore, and only I, am the only cursed Author of these lamentable disasters, which have been more bloody than I expected. These words being so mournfully and passionately spoken, filled his Soul with distraction, so that sometimes casting his Eye upon his honest and faithful Servant; and then upon his virtuous and chaste Wife, it possessed him with a world of disturbance at once; so that having first dispatched this wretched creature, he then fell upon his own Sword, making up the fourth in this dismal Tragedy. Beards Theatre.  
XXXIV. If you would hear further of Judgements upon this crying Sin of Murder, every Assizes and Sessions produce too too many such Precedents; I shall therefore add a few Instances more of the wonderful Discovery of Murders, though committed never so secretly: In the Reign of Christian the Second King of Denmark, when about twelve of his Courtiers were making merry in a Parlour, of a sudden there happened a quarrel amongst them (one of whom was Postmaster to the King) and all the Lights being put out, one of them was slain with a Dagger; when Lights were brought in, and the Body found murdered, and breathless, the King required an Account for his dead Subject; the Nobles lay all the guilt upon the Postmaster, who was then a great Favourite: But the King thinking they spoke out of envy, would not believe him guilty; on the contrary they allege, That he was the cause of that Meeting, and that there had been a former grudge and malice between them, and that when the Lights were brought in, he was found next to the dead body; so that they desired the dead Corpse might be laid upon the Table, and every one singly to lay his hand upon the naked Breast of the Person murdered, with a deep protestation that they were innocent of the Fact; which was done accordingly in the King's presence, and all in course laid their hands, but no change or alteration was found in the body: At last the Postmaster came, and first embracing his feet, kissed them with many tears, thinking thereby, if possible, to pacify his angry Spirit; at length coming to lay his hand upon the Breast of the dead Body, a double Flux of Blood issued from his Wound and Nostrils, by which, finding himself discovered, he confessed his malicious Act, and was by the ●ing deservedly committed to the hand of the Hangman. Beards Theatre.  
XXXV. Another like this we find in Doctor Otho Melander, who relates of a man that through rancour and hatred, had for some time watched his neighbour, till at ●st he found him in the Woods and Thickets, which he ●udging a place convenient for such a mischief, laid violent hands upon him, and murdered him, and afterward ●scaped, without being in the least suspected; but the ●ody being afterward brought before the Senate, and ●he Murderer not to be heard of, they commanded one ●f his hands to be cut off, and hanged up over the Dining Table, in the common Gaol of the Town: It happened ●hat the Malefactor some ten years after, was committed for some small matter to that Prison, and brought ●nto the same Room, and by accident, as he sat at Meat, was placed just under the Hand; which though it was withered and dried by hanging so many years, yet now ●led afresh, and dropped upon his Trencher; at which all ●he company being amazed, the Jailor went presently ●o inform the Senate thereof, who sent for him, and examined him; and he being startled in his Conscience by ●hat Divine Prodigy, soon acknowledged himself guilty ●f that horrid Murder; and according to the Custom of ●hose Countries, was broke on the Wheel for the same. Beards Theatre.  
XXXVI. In the year 1656. A Woman in Westphalia ●eing near the time of her Travel, went to the next Vil●age to confess herself; in her Confession she told the Popish Priest she had newly found a Purse full of Mo●ey, and therefore desired him that he would speak of 〈◊〉 publicly, that it might be again restored to the right ●wner; the Priest told her it was sent to her from Hea●en, and what she should reserve it to herself, and enjoy ●t; the Woman thus informed, kept the Purse to her ●elf; in her return home she was to pass through a Grove, ●nto which she was no sooner entered, but the pains of Travel came upon her; in the mean time a Noble Person who had lost the Purse, rid up to her, and demanded if she had not found one; she beseeches him, for the love of God to ride to the next Village for some Women to assist her in her labour, and that she would restore him the Purse he sought for; The Nobleman rid as fast as he could to call some Women; in which time of his absence came the wicked Priest, cuts off the Woman's head, and seizeth upon the Purse; the Nobleman returning with the Women, are witnesses of this Tragical Spectacle, but who had done it was unknown; it was a time when the Snow lay thick upon the ground, and finding some footsteps, he pursued them till he overtook the Priest, whom he seized, & found the Purse about him, he tied him therefore to the tail of his Horse, & so dragged him to the Magistrate to be punished; his Sentence was to be thrown into a Cauldron of boiling Oil, which was accordingly executed on him. Jan. 20. 1656 Wanlys Hist. Man.  
XXXVII. Luther gives a Relation of a certain Almaig● who in travelling fell among Thiefs, who being abou● to cut his Throat, the poor Man espied a flight of Crows, and said, O Crows, I take you for my witnesses, and revengers 〈◊〉 my death; about 2 or 3 days after, these murdering Thiefs drinking in an Inn, a company of Crows came, and lighted upon the top of the House, whereupon the Thiefs began to laugh, and one of them said, Look yonder are they which must revenge his death, whom we lately slew; the Tapster overhearing their discourse, relates it to the Magistrate, who caused them to be apprehended, and upon their disagreeing Speeches, & contrary Answers, urged them so far, that they confessed the Truth, and received their deserved punishment. Wanly, Hist. Man.  
XXXVIII. Ibycus the Poet was set upon by Thiefs in hope of prey, & seeing their knives at his throat, he called to some Cranes, which he then saw flying over his head, that they would revenge his death; these Murderers afterward sitting in the Market place, a flock of Cranes again flew over them, upon which one of them said, Behold the revengers 〈◊〉 Ivycus;; this saying was catched up by some present, upon which they were suspected of his murder, examined by torture, confessed the Fact, and were executed Fitzherbert Rel. & Policies.  
XLII. In the second year of King James, a strange accident happened to the Terror of all bloody murderers; John Waters of Lower Darwen, in the County of Lancaster, Gardner, was by reason of his Trade much absent from his Family. In which his absence, his Wife, not without cause, was suspected of incontinency with one Giles Haworth, of the same Town: This Giles Haworth, and Water's Wife conspired, and contrived the Death of Waters, in this manner, they contracted with one Ribchester, a poor man, to kill Waters, and as soon as Waters came home, and went to bed, Giles Haworth and Water's Wife conducted the hired Executioner to the said Waters, who seeing him so innocently laid between his two small Children, (Twins about half an year old in bed,) repent of his Enterprise, and totally refused to kill him, Giles Haworth, displeased at the raint hartedness of Ribchester, takes the Axe into his own hands, and dashed out his Brains; The murderer buried him in a Cow-house; Waters being long missing, the Neighborhoud asked his wife for him, she denied that she knew where he was: Thereupon, public search was made for him in all Pits round about, lest he should casually have fallen into any of them. It happened that Thomas Haworth of that Town, was for many nights together much troubled with broken sleeps, and dreams of the Murder, he revealed his dreams to his Wife, but she laboured to conceal them a long time: This Thomas Haworth had occasion to pass by the house every day, where the Murder was done, and did call, and inquire for Waters, as often as he went near the house: One day he went into the house to ask for him, and there was a Neighbour, who said to him, It's said Waters lies under this Stone pointing to the Hearth-stone, to which, Tho. Haworth replied, And I have dreamt that he is under a Stone not far distant. The Constable of the Town being by accident there, urged Haworth to discover at large what he had dreamt, which he accordingly did; I have (quoth he) many a time within this eight weeks (for so long it was since the Murder) dreamt very restlessly, that Waters was murdered, and buried under a broad stone in the Cow-house; I have told my troubled dreams to my Wife alone, but she refuses to let me make it known, but I am not able to conceal my dreams any longer, my sleep departs from me, I am pressed and troubled with fearful dreams, which I cannot bear any longer, and they increase upon me; The Constable hearing this, made search immediately upon it, and found, as he had dreamt, the murdered body eight weeks buried under a flat stone in the Cow-house; Ribchester, and Giles Haworth fled, and never came again; Anne Waters the Wife being apprehended, confessed the murder, and the former Circumstances, and was burned for the same. Webster of Witchcraft. 296.  
XLIII. About the year 1623. One Fletcher of Rascal, a Town in the North Riding of Yorkshire, a Yeoman of a good Estate married a lusty young Woman from Thornton Brigs, who had formerly been kind with one Ralph Raynard, who kept an Inn, within half a mile from Rascal, in the high Road betwixt York and Thuske, his Sister living with him; This Raynard continued in unlawful Lust with Fletcher's Wife, and not content therewith, conspired the Death of Fletcher, one Mark Dunn being made privy, and hired to assist in the murder; which Raynard and Dunn accomplished upon May-day, by drowning him, as they were travelling all three together, from a Town called Huby, and acquainting the Wife with the deed, she gave them a Sack, therein to convey his body, which they did, and buried it in Raynards' Backside, or Croft, where an old Oak had been stubbed up, and sowed Mustardseed in the place, thereby to hid it; They than continued their wicked course of Lust and Drunkenness, and the Neighbours did much wonder at Fletcher's absence, but his wife excused it, and said, he was only gone aside, for fear of some writs being served upon him, and so it continued till about July 7. after, when Raynard going to Topcliff-Fair, and setting up his Horse in the Stable, the Spirit of Fletcher in his usual shape and habit, did appear unto him, and said, Oh Ralph, repent, repent, for my revenge is at hand; and ever after, until he was put in the Goal, the spirit seemed continually to stand before him, whereby he became sad and restless, and his own Sister overhearing his Confession, and Relation of it to another Person, did through fear of losing her own life, immediately reveal it to Sir William Sheffeild, who lived in Rascal, whereupon Raynard, Dunn, and the Wife, were all three apprehended, and sent to the Goal at York, where they were Condemned, and Executed, near the place where Raynard lived; and Fletcher was buried; the two men being hung up in Chains, and the woman burned under the Gallows. I have recited this story punctually, as a thing that hath been very much fixed in my memory (being then but young) and a certain Truth, I being (with many more) an Earwitness of their Cofessions, and an Eye-witness of their Executions, and likewise saw Fletcher, when he was taken up, where they had buried him in his clothes, which were a green sustain Doublet pinked upon white, grey Breeches, and his walking Boots, and brass Spurs, without rowels. Webster of Witchcraft. 298.  
XLIV. About the year 1632. There lived one Walker, near Chester, in the street, who was a Yeoman of a good Estate, and a Widower; He had a young Kinswoman to keep his house, who was by the Neighbours suspected to be with Child, and was sent away one Evening in the dark, with one Mark Sharp a Collier, and was not heard of nor little notice taken of her, till a long time after, one James Graham a Miller, who lived two miles from Walkers house, being one night alone very late in his Mill, grinding Corn, about twelve a Clock at night the doors being shut, there stood a Woman in the midst of the floor, with her hair hanging down all bloody, and sive large wounds in her head; he was very much affrighted yet had the courage to ask her (after blessing himself who she was, and what she wanted, to whom she said, I am the Spirit of such a Woman, who lived with Walker, and being got with Child by him, he promised to send me to a private place, where I should be well look too, till I was brought a Bed, and well, and then should come again and keep his House, and accordingly (said the Apparition) I was one night late sent away with on● Mark Sharp, who upon a Moor, (naming a place which the Miller knew (slew me with a Pick (such as me● dig coals withal (and gave me these five wounds, an● after threw my Body into a Coal-pit hard by, and hi● the Pick under the bank. and his Shoes and Stocking being bloody, he endeavoured to wash them, but seein● the blood would not wash off, he left them there; and th● Apparition) further told the Miller, That he must be th● man to reveal it, or else she must still appear, and hau● him. The Miller returned home very sad, and heavy, but spoke not one word of what he had see● yet eschewed as much as he could to stay in the Mill i● the night without Company, thinking thereby t● escape the seeing this dreadful Apparition; But no● withstanding, one night when it began to be dark the Apparition met him again, and seemed very fierce and cruel, threatening him that if he did not reve● the murder, she would continually pursue and hau● him; Yet for all this, he still concealed it, un●● St. Thomas Eve before Christmas; when being soo● after Sunset walking in his Garden, she appeare● again, and then so threatened and affrighted him, tha● he promised faithfully to reveal it the next morning. In the morning he went to a Magistrate, and discovered the whole matter, with all the Circumstance and diligent search being made, the Body was fou● in a Coalpit, with five Wounds in the Head, an● the Pick, and Shoes, and Stockings yet bloody, and i● every Circumstance, as the Apparition had related t● the Miller: Whereupon Walker, and Mark Sha● were both apprehended, but would confess nothing: At the Assizes following (I think it was at Durhan) they were arraigned, found guilty, and hanged; but I could never hear that they confessed the Fact; It was reported, that the Apparition did appear to the Judge, or the Foreman of the Jury, but of that I know no certainty, There are many persons yet alive that can remember this strange Murder, and I saw, and read the Letter that was sent to Sergeant Hutton about it, from the Judge before whom they were tried, which makes me relate it with the greater confidence. Webster of Witchcraft. p. 300.  
XLV. A Merchant of Lucia travelling to Rouen in France, was in the way murdered by a French man, his Servant, and thrown among the Vines: As the Fact was doing, a blind man comes by, led with a dog, as is usual, and hearing one groan, asked who it was? The Murderer answered, That it was a sick man easing himself: The blind man thus deluded, the Villain, with his Master's money, and Bills of Exchange, sets up shop at Rouen, in the mean time, the Merchant was expected at Lucca, and when he came not, a Messenger was dispatched to seek him, who after much inquiry, heard at an Inn, that six Months before, a Luquois Merchant lodged there, and was going toward Paris; But the Messenger hearing nothing of him there, began to suspect that he was murdered, and made his complaint to the Parliament of Rouen, who caused Inquiry to be made, if any about that time had set up a new shop, and finding that the person aforesaid had, they caused him to be arrested, but he upon Examination denied the Fact, till the dead Corpse was heard of; and the blind man also hearing of this inquiry, informed what he had heard about that place where the Corpse was found, and what the Murderer answered, saying withal, That he knew that voice from any others; many Prisoners therefore were ordered to speak the same words to the blind man, together with the Murderer, but amongst them all he owned his voice; whereupon the Villain possessed with abundance of horror confessed the Fact, and was deservedly executed. Beards Theatre.  
XLVI. In Metz, a City of Lorraine, the Common Hangman in the Night, and in the absence of the Master, got privately into the Cellar of a Merchant's house, where he first slew the Maid, who was sent by her Mistress to fetch some Wine, and then killed the Mistress likewise, who wondering at her Maids stay, came to see the reason; This done, he fell to rifling Chests and Cabinets; The Merchant upon his return finding the horrible Murders, and plunder of his house, with a soul full of troubles and grief, he complains to the Senate, and when there were divers discourses about the Murder, the Hangman also was got among the crowd, and muttered out such words as these, That seeing there had been frequent brawls, and quarrels between the Merchant and his wife, there was no doubt but he was the Author of that Tragedy in his house, and said he, were he in my hands, I would soon make him confess it; By these, and the like words, it came to pass, that the Merchant was cast into Prison, and being tortured in a most cruel manner, by this wretched Hangman, he though Innocent, confessed himself the Murderer, and so was condemned to an horrible Death, which he suffered accordingly; Now was the Executioner secure, and seemed to be free from all danger: When the wakeful Justice of Heaven discovered the Villainy, for he wanting Money, had pawned a Silver Bowl to a Jew, who finding upon it the Coat of Arms of the Merchant newly executed, sent it to the Magistrate, with notice thereof; whereupon the Hangman was immediately cast into Prison, and being examined how he came by the Cup, he there confessed all, as it had been done by him, and that he was the only Murderer: Thus the Innocency of the Merchant was discovered, and the Executioner had the due punishment of his wickedness, Wauly Hist. Mau. p. 92.  
XLVII. In 1551. A young Woman at Paris had her Brains beaten out by a Man with a Hammer, near a Church, whither she was going to Mass at Midnight, and all her Rings and Jewels taken from her; The Ham being left with the Corpse, was known to be a poor Smiths hard by; who thereupon being suspected of the Murder, was put to such Torture, as utter●y deprived him of the use of his Limbs, whereby to get his living, so that reduced to extreme poverty; ●he ended his life in great misery; All this while, which was the space of twenty years, the Murderer remained unknown, and the memory of the Murder seemed to be buried with the dead Woman in her Grave, but mark the Justice of God. One John Fleming being in a Village at Supper, chanced to say ●he had left his Wife at home sick, and no body with her but a little boy; there was an old man then present, named Monstier, and a Son in law of his, who both went immediately away that night, and at ten in the Morning came to Flemings house, with each of them a Basket of Cherries, and a green Goose, as if presents from the Husband; they were let in by the boy, whom they presently murdered; yet not so, but the Woman heard his cry, and therefore locked fast the Chamber door, and cried for help out at the window; the Neighbours ran in, and took these two Villains, one in the Funnel of a Chimney, and the other in a Well in the Cellar, with nothing but his Nose above Water; These two being condemned; and brought to the place of Execution, Monstier desired to speak with the Smith's Widow, of whom he asked forgiveness, confessing that he had stolen his Hammer from him, wherewith he had murdered the young Woman aforementioned: Thus the Smith's innocency was cleared up, and the Murderer justly punished twenty years after the Commitment. Beards Theatre. p. 300.  
XLVIII. At Tiguri a certain Vagabond Rogue had killed his Companion, that lay with him in the night in a Barn, and having first removed the dead Corpse out of sight, fled away betimes in the morning, but the Master of the Barn seeing signs of a Murder, soon after found the dead Body; In the mean time the Murderer was got far away, yet by the noise of Crows and Jays which followed, and assaulted him, he was taken notice of by some Reapers then in the Field, who were somewhat terrified at the novelty of so unusual a thing, The Murderer for all this holds on his way, and now might he seem to be almost out of danger, when their came such as were ordered to make pursuit after him, who inquired of the Reapers, if any man had passed that way? who tell him, they had seen none besides one only fellow, who as he passed, was ever and anon molested with the Crows and Jays, that they thence did conjecture he was some Villain, and that if they made haste, they might undoubtedly take him. The Wretch was soon after seized by them and broken upon the wheel; At his Execution, with Sighs and Prayers, I heard him acknowledge the Providence of God, as a clear instance of which he had received in so unusual a discovery of his Murder, Montanus de Provide.  
XLIX. Parthenius Treasurer to Theodobert, King of France, had traitorously slain an especial Friend of his, called Ausanius, together with his Wife Papianilla, and when no man suspected him thereof, he discovered himself in this manner; as he slept in his Bed, he suddenly roared out, crying for help, or else he perished; and being demanded what he ailed, he half asleep answered, That his Friend Ausanius, and his Wife, whom he had murdered long before, did now summon him to answer it before the Tribunal of God, upon this Confession he was apprehended, and after due Examination, stoned to Death; Thus though all Witnesses fail, the Murderers own Conscience is sufficient to betray him. Beards Theatre. p. 285.  
L. Plutarch reporteth, that a Soldier belonging to King Pyrrhus being slain, his Dog discovered him, for when the Dog could by no means be brought from the dead body, but fawned upon the King, as it were, desiring his assistance; the King commanded all his Army to pass by in good order, by two, and two, till at length the Murderers came, and then the Dog flew upon them so fiercely, as if he would have torn them in pieces, and turning to the King, ran again upon the Murderers; Whereupon being apprehended, and examined, they soon confessed the Fact, and received condign Punishment as they deserved; this we must apprehend to be the mighty power of God, who to deter men from shedding innocent blood, doth stir up the dumb Creatures to discover this bloody sin. The same Author reporteth the like, concerning the death of the Poet Hesiod, who being secretly slain, the Murderers, though unknown to all the world, save God, and their own Consciences, were likewise discovered by means of the Poets Dog. Beards Theatre.  
LI. The like we read of, two French Merchants, who travelling together through a Wood, one of them slew the other, to get his money and buried him, but the Dog of the murdered Merchant would not departed from the place, but filled the Woods with howling and cries; The murderer went forward on his Journey, and the Inhabitants near the Wood found out the dead Corpse, and also the Dog; whom they kept, and fed, till the Fair to which people were going, was over, and the Merchants returned again; at which time they watched the Highways, having the Dog with them; who seeing the Murderer pass by presently fell upon him without any provocation, as against his mortal Enemy, whereupon he was apprehended, confessed the Fact, and was justly executed for the same. Beards Theatre.  
LII. The same Author mentions yet a more strange discovery of murder, as followeth; There was (saith he) a young Woman near Paris, who was beloved of two young men, one of whom, as he was going to visit his Mistress, was murdered by the way, and buried, and having a Dog with him, he would not departed from the Grave of his Master; At length the young man being missed by his Father and Brethren, they diligently sought him, and at last found his Dog lying on his Grave, who howled pitifully as soon as he saw his Master's Brother; the Grave was opened, and the murdered body found, which was brought from thence, and buried in another place, but the Murderer could not be found: It happened some time after, that the Dog (in the presence of his Brethren) espied him, and presently assaulted him with great fierceness: Upon which, the young man was apprehended and examined, and when by no means, nor policy he could be persuaded to confess, the Magistrate commanded that the Young man, and the Dog should fight together; the Dog was covered with a dry skin, instead of Armour, and the Murderer with a Spear, and a thin Linen Garment about him, and so they both came out to fight, but behold the hand of Divine Vengeance, the Man offering to strike at the Dog with his Spear, the Dog presently leapt at his Face, and caught him fast by the Throat, and threw him down, whereat the wretch amazed, cried out to the Spectators, Take pity on me, and pull off the Dog from my Throat, and I will confess all; which being done, he confessed the cause and manner of the murder, for which he received deserved punishment. Beards Theatre, p. 210.  
LIII. Manlius in his common places says, That at Winsheim in Germany, there was a man, who had committed divers Murders some years before, who about Easter bought three Calves heads, and putting them in a Net, carried them along the Streets; As many as saw them, judged them to be men's heads, all bloody; for so they seemed to them: Some that saw them, went, and informed the Senate, who immediately sent Officers to apprehend him, when he was brought to the Guild-Hall, and asked where he had those men's heads, He answered, That he bought them in the Shambles; The Butcher being sent for, said, He sold him Calves, not men's heads; The Senate being amazed at the thing, sent him to Prison, where being strictly examined, he confessed the former Murders, whereof he was guilty; and suffered for the same; When the Heads were taken out of the Net; they were then seen to be but Calf's heads. Clarks Mirror, 2 Part p. 460.  
LIV. A murderer at Tubing was betrayed by his own sighs, which were so deep and incessant for grief not of the Fact, but of the small booty, and being asked the question, readily acknowledged his Crime, and was Executed. Another Murderer in Spain was discovered by the trembling of his heart, for when many were suspected of the Murder, and denied it, the Judge caused all their Breasts to be opened and him, in whom he felt most trembling of his heart he was condemned, who could not deny the Fact, but presently confessed the same, and suffered Death accordingly. Beards Theatre.  
LV. At Isenacum, A Young man being in love with a Maid, and not having wherewith to maintain her used this unlawful means to accomplish his desire; One night he killed his Landlord, and throwing his body into a Cellar, took away all his money, and then made hast away, but he had not gone many steps, when the Terror of his Conscience, and the Judgement of God so stupefied him, that he could not stir a foot further, till he was apprehended, Martin Luther, and Melanchton were eye witnesses of this miraculous Judgement, who likewise brought the murder to confession of his sins, and repentance for the same. Beards Theatre. p. 214.  
By these Examples we see how hard it is for a Murderer to escape the Justice of God, though the Justice of man be not sometimes able to find them out, neither have lustful, nor lascivious Persons gone unpunished, as examples in all Ages testify; and therefore we shall conclude this Chapter with a few Instances among many of the dreadful Effects which Lust hath produced upon those who have been overcome thereby.  
LVI. Novellus Carrarius, Lord of Pavia, of great renown for his valour, but of great infamy for his wickedness; This Man, after many cruel murders, and bloody Practices which he exercised in every place where he came, fell at last into this crime, for lying at Vincentia, he fell in love with a Virgin of excellent beauty, but more excellent Chastity, an honest Citizen's Daughter, whom he commanded her Parents to send to him, that he might have his pleasure of her, but they more regarding the credit and modesty of their Daughter, than the Tyrant's command, refused to send her, whereupon he took her violently out of their house, and forced her to his Lust; after which, to add cruelty to his Villainy: he chopped her into small pieces, and sent them to her Parents in a Basket for a present, wherewith her poor Father astonished, carried it to the Senate, who sent it to Venice, desiring them to consider of the fact, and revenge the cruelty; The Venetians undertaking their defence, made War upon the Tyrant, and besieging him in his own City, took him at last Prisoner: and hanged him with his two Sons. Beards Theatre.  
LVII. One principal motive of the Danes first arrival here in England, (who afterward conquered the whole Land, and exercised horrible cruelties on the Inhabitants) was by occasion of Lust; For Osbright a Deputy King, under the King of the West Saxons, as he was one time travelling, went into the House of one of his Nobles, who having a Wife of great beauty, the King dined with her, in the absence of her Husband, and after dinner being alured by her beauty, took her into a private Chamber, where he forcibly ravished her; the Lady was extrearly concerned, and made woeful complaint of this outrage to her Husband at his return; The Nobleman forthwith studies revenge, and going first to the King, and resigned all his Lands and Offices into his hands, and then sailed into Denmark, where he had been brought up, and had great Friends and their making complaint to Codrinus the King, who was ready enough to entertain any occasion of quarrel against his Land: The King presently raises a mighty Army and sends it under the command of his two Brothers, into England, who landing first at holderness in Yorkshire, burnt up the Country, and slew Men, Women, and Children without Mercy; then marching toward York they met with wicked Osbright himself, where he, with the most part of his Army were slain, and destroyed; a just reward for his Villainous Act; and also one of the main causes of the Conquest of the whole Land by the Danes. Beards Theatre. P. 251.  
LVIII. In the year 955. Edwin succeeded his Uncle Eldred, King of England, this man was so shameless, and impudent, that on the very day of his Coronation, he suddenly withdrew himself from among his Nobility, and in the sight of several persons, openly ravished his own Kinswoman, the Wife of a Noblemani of his Realm, for which Fact he became so odious to his Subjects and Nobles, that they jointly risen against him, and deprived him of his Crown, when he had reigned only four years. Lanquets Chorn.  
LIX. A Nobleman of Piedmont married a Wife of mean birth and fortune, yet notwithstanding the Honour she received by him, she shamelessly abused her Lord's Bed, by continual Adulteries with a Gentleman his Neighbour, which he having notice of, and designing to take them in the Act, caused a Packet of Letters to be brought him as from his Prince calling him to Court, and as if sending him in Embassage to a Foreign Country; Having imparted these Letters to his Wife, and providing all things necessary for his Journey, he departed with all his Train; but at night he stays at a Castle of his own, to the Governor whereof he discovers his misfortune and design, and being only followed by him and a Groom of his Chamber in a dark night, they came to the Chamber where his Adulterous Wife was in Bed with her Gallant; The Governor called at the Gate, and told the Porter he had Letters from his Lord, which he must presently deliver to his Lady. The Porter opens the Gate, and they all suddenly enter; The Lord forbids the Porter to make any noise, but commanding him to light a Torch, he presently got to his Lady's Chamber, where the governor knocking, told an old Woman her Bawd, That he had Letters from his Lord, which his Lady must speedily answer; The Lady drunk with Lust, commanded the old Woman to open the door, and receive the Letters; The Lord, with the two others suddenly rushed in and presently siezed on the two Adulterers naked together; and after some furious words he commanded his Wife, with the help of the old Bawd, to bind the Gentleman hand and foot, and afterwards to hang him up upon a great Hook, fastened into a Beam to that purpose; Then he caused the Bed to be burnt, and commanded all the others moveables to be carried away, leaving only a little straw for this Whore and Bawd to lie upon, and ordered the dead body should remain there shut up with them, until the stink thereof had choked them, and thus having past some few days in this miserable condition, they wretchedly ended their lives together. Beards Theatre.  
LX. A Nobleman in Burgundy having in War taken a Gentleman Captive, his Wife being a beautiful Lady, came to redeem her Husband; The Nobleman promised to free him, if she would let him lie with her, which by the persuasion of her Husband, she consented to; But the Adulterous Nobleman the next day cut of the Prisoners head, and so delivered his Body to his Wife, which horrible Fact being complained of by her to the Duke of Burgundy, he caused this Nobleman to marry her, but before night he cut off his head, and gave her all his Possessions. Clarks Mirror. P. 9  
LXI. In the year 1056. An Advocate of Constance extremely lusted after the Wife of the King's Procurator, and often enjoyed her, which the Procurator understanding, surprising them sporting together in a Bath, and afterwards retiring to an Old Woman's house hard by, he got a sharp cury comb, and leaving three men at the door, that none might come in, he so curried the Advocate, that he tore out his eyes, and so miserable rent his whole body, that he died within three days after. Clarks Martyr.  
LXII. A Nobleman in Thuringia, being taken in Adultery with another man's Wife, the Husband of the Adulteress laid hold of him, and bound him hand and Foot, and then cast him into Prison, and to quench his Lust, he kept him fasting, and the more to increase his misery, he daily set hot dishes of meat before him, that the sight and smell might the more provoke his Appetite, In this Torment the Lecher continued, till he gnawed off the Flesh from his own Shoulders, and so the eleventh day after his imprisonment, he ended his wretched Life. Euther.  
LXIII. It was unnatural Lust which brought down Vengeance upon Sodom and Gomorrah, who burning with Fire from Hell, the Almighty burned them up with Brimstone and Fire from Heaven; and even in this last Age we find dreadful Instances of God's Wrath for that horrid Abomination; For in a little Treatise lately published, called The Adventurers of Mr. T. S. an English Merchant, taken Prisoner by the Turks of Algiers, and carried into the inland Countries of Africa, we find this wonderful Relation, That near Tezrim, a Town in that Country in a Meadow, where excellent Grass grows: This Gentleman saw the perfect Stature of a man, buggering his Ass, which was so lively, that at a little distance he thought it to be real, but when he came near, he saw they were of perfect Stone; he inquired why the Moors or Arabs that naturally hate all sorts of Representations, should show their skill, by making such beastly Figures, odious to Nature, but was informed that this was never made by man, but that some Person formerly had been turned into that Image with the Ass, in the very moment of the Act, by the Mighty Power of God; the fleshly substance of the Man and the Ass being changed into firm Stone, as an eternal Reproach to Mankind, and Justification of his severe Judgements against us. he did further search into the appearances of this Report, and found the Stone to represent, not only the perfect shape, but also the colour of every part of the Man, and of the Beast, with the Sinews, Veins, Eyes, Mouth, in such a lively manner, that no Artist with all his colours could express it better; so that he was convinced of the truth of it; He endeavoured to move it, but was forbid by some of the Company, who said, some that had laboured to carry from thence that Monument of man's shameful Lust could never do it; but either their Persons or Cattle were struck dead in the attempt upon the place; Divine Justice not suffering that to be hid or destroyed, which was placed there for an Example; it being necessary that the Moors should have such signal Testimonies of God's displeasure always before their Eyes, who are enraged to commit such filthy Actions more frequently than other Nations; This Gentleman was likewise informed by some of his Acquaintance who had been at Tripoli, that there is a Prodigy of Divine Wrath and Justice, about five days Journey from that Town, towards the Southeast, amongst the Mountains called Gubel, far more remarkable than this, an account of which was printed about Twenty Four years since, under the Name of Sir Kenelm Digby; and many of our English protest they have seen some pieces of it brought by the Moors to Tripoli, and heard it confidently reported in that Town, as an undeniable Truth; Yea some of our English Merchants have had the curiosity to go thither, and they also protest it to be true; That in the place aforesaid, there is a whole Town full of those Representations, that is, Stones in the shape of all manner of Creatures belonging to a City, with the houses, Inhabitants, Beasts, Trees, Walls, and Rooms very distinctly form: Our People have entered into the Houses, and have there found a Child in a Cradle of Stone, a Woman in a Bed of Stone, a man at the door, looking lice of Stone; Camels in several Postures of Stone; Cats, Dogs, Mice, and all that belonged to the place, of such perfect Stone, and so well expressing the several Shapes, Postures, and Passions, in which the Inhabitants were at that time, that no Ingraver could do the like; Some may judge this Relation fabulous, but let them inquire of our Merchants and Traders, who have been in Tripoli, or that Country, and they will all agree in the Confirmation thereof; the report given by the Moors is, That this Town was once very populous, and fruitful, as may appear by the Trees of Stone, of several sorts of Fruits planted round about it, and in the places that retain the forms of Gardens and Orchards, but the Inhabitants giving themselves over to all manner of Vice, beastly Lust, and Debauchery, to the great scandal of humane Nature, God Almighty in a moment stopped all their Actions, and turned their Bodies into firm Stone, that future Ages might see and learn to dread his power. At Athens there is another such like Figure; A Stone representing two men buggering one another; I know no reason why we should doubt of the possibility of these Relations, if we consider the Almighty power of God, by whose influence all things subsist; and who can easily alter and change them, as it seems good to his Divine Wisdom; Or, if we consider the necessity of such notable Examples of God's Justice to be perpetuated to posterity, by expressing his displeasure in this dreadful manner to future ages, especially in this Country, where the people are addicted to such like Villainies, which Nature itself abhors, any one may fully satisfy himself of the Truth of these prodigious Judgements from such as have Traveled in those places, they being like that of Lot's wife, turned into a Pillar of Salt, which some ancient Historians do affirm to have seen remaining in their days many Hundred years after. Adventures of T. Sp. 238.  
To Conclude, innumerable are the Examples in all Ages of Divine Vengeance against those crying sins of Cruelty, Murder, and Lust; which if mwn would seriously consider, it might cause them to fear the Lord, because of the Judgements which he executeth upon those that continue in disobedience and Rebellion against his Holy Laws, and Commandments.   

CHAP VI.  
Admirable Deliverances from Eminent Dangers, and deplorable Distresses both by Sea and Land.  
NOtwithstanding all these Judgements upon notorious, and impenitent Sinners; yet it sufficiently appears, that God is always good to Isreal, even to those of an upright heart, for as he executeth his severity upon the one, so he defendeth those that call upon him, in truth, and put their whole Trust and Confidence in him, of which we may find many wonderful Instances in all Ages, and especially at Sea; so that they have real experience of what the Psalmist saith, They that go down to the Sea in Ships, that do business in great waters, these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep, for he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof; They mount to the Heavens, they go down again to the depths, their Soul is melted because of Trouble, they reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end, than they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses: He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still, then are they glad because they be quiet, so he bringeth them to their desired Haven; Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the Children of men. Psam 107.23, etc. And of the truth of this, I shall collect some few remarkable Relations, as I find them in History.  
I. In the year 1640, Four Christian Slaves being in a Ship of an Algiers Pirate, resolved to make their escape in a Boat, which one of them, who was a Carpenter undertook to build, the Carpenter set himself on work, making wooden pins, and other pieces necessary for the fastening of the Board's, whereof the Boat was to consist; Having appointed a time for the Execution of their Design, they took off five Board's from the Room where the Provision was kept, whereof they used two for the bottom, two others for the sides, and the third for the Prow or Poop, and so made up somewhat that was more like a Trough than a Boat, their quilt served them for Tow, and having pitched the Boat well, they set it into the water, but when they would have got into it, they found that two men loaded it so, that being in danger of sinking, two of the four desisted from that Enterprise, so that only two, an Englishman, and a Dutchman adventured in it; all the tackling they had, was two Oars, and a little Sail, all their provision, a little Bread, and fresh Water, and so they put to Sea, without either compass, or Astrolabe; The first day, a Tempest at every wave filled their Boat, and they were forced to go as the wind drove, they were continually employed in casting out the water, the Sea had spoiled their bread, and they were almost quite spent, when they were cast upon the Coasts of Barbary; There they found a little Wood, wherewith they somewhat enlarged their Boat, but narrowly escaping Death by the Moors, they got to Sea again: Thirst troubled them most, for which they made some shift by the blood of some Tortoises which they took; at last, after ten days floating up and down, they arrived upon the Coast of Spain, at the Cape of St. Martin, betwixt Alicant, and Valentia. Those of the Country seeing them at a distance, sent a Boat to meet them, carried them Bread, and Wine, treated them very civilly, and found them passage for England. Mandeslo's Travels. p. 202.  
II. Horrible was that Tragedy which the Western Indies beheld in the Persons of seven Englishmen, the Relation of it take as followeth. The forementioned seven being in St. Christopher's Island, had prepared themselves for a Voyage of one night, and had taken with them Provisions for no longer a time, but a Tempest intercepted their return, and carried them so far off into the Sea, that they could not return home in less than seventeen days, in which time they were so sparing of their one nights provisions, that they made it serve them to the fifth day, that past, they must wrestle with mere Famine, which was so much the more grievous to them, in regard the Sun was extreme hot, and that dried up their parched Throats, exhaling the saltness from the troubled Sea; they had now little hope of retrieving themselves from destruction, and were therefore forced by cruel necessity to cast Lots amongst themselves, to see whose Flesh and Blood should satisfy the hunger and thirst of the rest, the lot fell upon him, who first gave the Council, who was not only unaffrighted at his hard hap, but encouraged the rest, who had a kind of horror, as to what they went about; he told them that there was no possibility of escape, unless they immediately stayed their flying life by Humane Flesh, that for his part he was well content, and that be thought himself happy he could serve his Friends, 
K: Poland his wife & children devoured by Rat's pa 118  
Seamen in great distress eat one another: pa. 184  when he was dead; with such words as these he so persuaded them, that one drawn out by Lot also, cut his Throat, of whose Carcase (I tremble to relate it) each of them was so desirous of a piece, that it could scarcely be divided quick enough; They fell to the flesh with eager Teeth, and sucked out the blood into their thirsty Stomaches; One only was found amongst them, who being nearly related to the dead person, resolved to endure all things, rather than to pollute himself with the blood of his Friend, but the next day his famine drove him into such a madness, that he threw himself overboard into the Sea: His Associates would not suffer so delicate a repast as his Carcase to be so unseasonably snatched from them; but his madness had already so vitiated his blood, and the flesh all about the Veins, that in the whole body, there was scarce any thing fit to eat, save only his bowels: At last it pleased God to show them mercy in their wand'ring and distress, and brought their small Ship to the Island of St. Martin, in which they were kindly received by the Dutch Garrison, and sent back to the rest of their Friends, where they had scarce set foot on shore, but they were accused of Murder, but inevitable necessity pleading on their behalf, they were set free by the Magistrate. Wauly Hist. Man. p. 638.  
III. It is a story altogether lamentable, and a calamity full of astonishment which happened about the Cape de Bona Esperanza to Manuel Sousa Governor of Diu for the King of Portugal, and it is this. Having long enjoyed great honour and happiness in the East-Indies, he came to Cochin, not far from Calicut, where he embarked himself in January 1553. in a great Ship, laden with Riches, and about six hundred persons with him, amongst whom were his Wife, his Children, his Servants, and Slaves, and a great Retinue to come into Portugal, but the Ship being cast away upon the Coasts of Ethiopia, and the Sea having swallowed up almost all within it, except the Persons who saved themselves ashore half naked destitute of all hope to recover their losses again, having relied upon the words of the crafty, and cruel Barbarians; they fell at last (so many of them as yet remained alive, for the greatest part were now dead, what with fear, famine, and other miseries) into the hands of a petty King of Ethiop, who caused them to be disarmed, stripped, and left stark naked upon the Sands, deprived of all necessaries, and secure; so that they that were left alive, were half dead with hunger and thirst, overwhelmed with fear and shame, casting their Eyes upon the ground, as Persons transformed into so many Images; Elinor, the Wife of Garcius, an Honourable Lady, seeing the Barbarians busied about stripping, and snatching away the clothes from her Husband, herself, her Children, and the rest, forgetting her Dignity, and her Sex, fell upon these Filchers with her Fist, provoking them to kill her, but in vain; They left her stark naked upon the shore; The chaste Lady seeing herself in such a case, and the daylight ministering to her more horror and sorrow than Death itself, she covered herself with sand, casting abroad her hair confusedly upon her shoulders, and over her Breasts that were naked and bare, which done, she commanded the men that survived of her miserable company, to be gone, and shift for themselves as they could, herself remaining in that case without stirring, or speaking a word; if at sometimes she beheld her dear Children, the tears would flow from her Eyes like Rivers and she sent out deep sighs and sobs: As for Manual the Father and Husband, such an extreme sadness and grief had closed up his heart, and his mouth, that he held his eyes along time fixed on the Earth, as one struck with a Tunderbolt; yet at last, the care of his little ones upon a sudden awaked him; he goes to a Forest hard by, to seek for some food; at his return, he finds the youngest of his Chidrens departed, and his Wife, (who had been three days without eating any thing) overcome with sorrow and tears; His child he buries with his own hands, and the next day returns to seek again, and coming back, he finds his Wife, and his other Son dead, and some women Servants lamenting with great cries over their poor Bodies: Having put by the Servants, he lays himself down upon the Ground, and stretching out the right hand of his deceased wife, he leaneth a while with his head upon the some, and then calling his Servants again he hideth his Wife and Child within the Sand, without uttering a word, That done, he returns into the Forest, where it is conjectured he was devoured by wild Beasts, for there was never any news heard of him afterward; About six score of these miserable Travellers having escaped divers incredible difficulties; did at last recover a Port of the Sea, where they found opportunity to return into Portugal, who there declared the particular of this History, as it is here set down. Causins' Holy Court. p. 111.  
IU. Admirable is the Relation of Dr. William Johnson, written by himself concerning a deliverance at Sea, which I shall briefly epitomise in his own words. We went aboard from Harwich, on Michaelmas day, Sept. 29. 1648. in the William and John of Ipswich, Daniel Morgan, Master, and having a fair wind, we set sail; I being Sea-sick, went to bed, but about four a Clock in the afternoon, the Master of the Ship came into our Cabin with more haste than he was wont, which made me ask him whither all was well, who like a tenderhearted man, who is loath to tell his dying Friend, that he is so near his end, replied, all is well; yet when I saw him shift himself with such haste, I risen from my Bed, and crawled upon the Deck, where I saw a sad spectacle, the Ship having sprung a leak, or rather a plank, was ready to sink, upon which, every man was affrighted, one was at his Prayers, another wring his hands, a third his eyes shedding of tears, when he had n● need of more salt water; but after this, they fell to work, but were busy in doing nothing: The Master's Mate who went to search the Leak, told 〈◊〉 with a sad countenance, trembling hands, gnashing of Teeth, a quivering Tongue, and words half spoken, That the Leak could not be stopped, and the wate● came in so fast upon us, that we must perish in this moment; Upon which we presently cast out our Long boat, and shot off eight or nine Guns to another ship, who came out with us, to come to our relief, the with some difficulty we all got into the Boat, and Go● be thanked, came clear of the Ship, whose sails now lay flat upon the water, and now we were roving we knew not whither, for the other ship came no● to our relief, which made us have hard thoughts o● them without cause, for we understood that both th● Ship, and all the men perished in the same hou● Now were we without all hope, for it blew half storm, and we were in a small Vessel, many League from the shore, without Compass, or provision to sustain us, being starved likewise with cold, as well a for want of Victuals, having nothing in our Boa● but a small Kettle which served to cast out the wate● and three bags of pieces of eight of three hundre● pound Sterling, which would neither feed us, nor ke● us warm; In this distress we went to Prayers, and it pleased God to hear us, and sent a Ship to us, even in th● moment of death, which we endeavoured to come t● and he likewise to us, but the storm was so great, w● could not reach one another, though when it w●● dark, he hung out a light, and we to let him kno● we were alive, ordered that when a wave took us u● we should give a great shout, which we did so lou● that I believe our cry was heard to Heaven, for 〈◊〉 Gods miraculous assistance we got near the Ship, a● soon after, all safe into it; The next day it blew fa● for Norway, whither we were bound, and abo● twelve at noon we saw the Coast, which being raging ragged, and full of Rocks, we resolved to stay till next morning before we went in, and then sat down to meat, and eat every hearty, being kindly entertained by the honest Norwegian; About ten a clock at night, we laid us down to rest, after having prayed, and set our watch, but immediately this our second Ship ran with full Sails upon a Rock, and gave so great a Crack, as was able to awake the Most dead-asleep among us, and the Mariners cried out, Mercy, Mercy; it pleased God, that the Ship struck itself so fast in the cloven of a Rock, with her bow over the main Rock, that the former part of her stood firm, but breaking in the strens, one of the Seamen leapt from the bow of the Ship upon the Rock, with a Rope in his hand, which was festened to one of our Masts, and held it with so stiff a hand, that another slipped down by it, and so all our Company that escaped being Twenty Eight in number, came safe to the Rock; I was the last that came down the Ship that way, for in that very moment she gave way; which the Master percieving, who was still aboard, made lamentable moan to us, to help him, which we endeavoured to the utmost, but the Ship broke, and sunk immediately; there was this good man, and four of the Marrinners drowned; I saw the Master, with a light in his hand fall into the Sea, the saddest sight that I ever yet beheld in this world, and that which pierced my very Soul, to see him, that saved our Lives, lose his own: Now were we in the dark, upon the Rock, but knew not where, our feet being cut upon the sharp stones, at length, we happened in a hole in the Rock, which was a warm shelter against the wind; and when morning came, we could see no Land, only had a glimpse of the Coast of Norway at a great distance; We grew hungry, but had nothing to fish with, but our Arms, with which, we drew up some small Muscles, and they we eat hearty, but we burned with thirst, and I would have given all I had for a draught of freshwater, which would have been more welcome, than the Gold of Ophir, though nothing is so mean in our esteem; but we were forced to drink Salt-water which increased our thirst; we now saw a Ship coming toward us with full sails, and we waved our hats to them, but they went off, and never came near us; we betook ourselves to our old Remedy, Prayers, the Danes first singing one of Luther's Psalms, fell to their Prayers, and I prayed as long as I was able to speak, and then laid myself down on the Rock, thinking I should rise no more in this world, But I overheard one of the Seamen say, Let us make a Raft, and venture to Sea, I had rather be drowned, than lie here and be starved; They all presently concluded of it though dangerous, and the Sea having fallen from the Rock, had left our Sails, Mast, and Anchors, with part of the Ship thereon, wherewith thy soon made a slight boat, and it being a great calm, the Raft pas● through the Breakers with four men in it, and had it touched only on them, they would have rend it in pieces, however through God's goodness, they arrived safe in Norway, and returned with several Boats so that we came all of us once more to Land; and were entertained at an honest Lutheran Parson's house, where after we had continued for some days, with little money and much thanks as we parted, and came to Frederic● Stadt, where the People run after us in the Street and with compassionate Eyes gave us what we wanted without ask, from thence we went to Ostersontd● and there went abroad an English Ship, we had no● been above two, or three hours at Sea, but there was a sad distraction, the Mariners again crying for Mercy, Mercy, for we had almost fallen foul on a Rock under Water, which we did not spy till we were upon it, but by the mercy of God, we sailed close by it● and yet escaped it, the least touch of it had been ou● ruin; about noon we came clear of all the Rocks on the Coast of Norway, and were sailing for England with a fair Gale of Wind, but in this prosperity another sad accident befell us, this third Ship sprang a leak, and began to swim within, as well as without, and we had no way to relieve ourselves, but by, pumping (for the leak could not be found) which we did day and night, for four or five days together, when it pleased God, we came safe, though in a great fleal of danger, because of our rotten Ship, into Yarmouth Road, for the wind being very high, had like to have driven us upon a Scotch Vessel, who cried out as well as we, but we happily missed him, and so safely arrived in Yarmouth Town, through the wonderful mercy of God. Deus Nobiscum.  
V Two Ships were bound for Newfoundland, from the west of England, but by stress of weather were parted; some few days after, one of the Ships in fair weather sprung a leak, and foundered in the Sea, where every Soul perished, except one Old man, who having lashed himself on the main hatch, committed himself to the mercy of God, and the Sea, where he floated three days, and three nights, in which time about the middle of the second day, the Devil in the shape of a Mermaid starts up before him, and bid him be of good heart, for if he would but make a contract with him, he would promise to deliver him in twenty Four hours: The Old man being sensible it was the Devil, looking him in the face, said, Ah Satan! if thou canst Prophecy deliverance for me, know, my God, in whom I trust, will deliver me without thy help, but however know, I will not comply with thy wiles, therefore avoid Satan, avoid, upon which, he immediately vanished, and appeared no more to him; It happened that the other Ships being at the same time in the same latitude and danger, the  boy dreamt that night, that such a Ship was cast away thereabout, and all the men lost, except this Old Man (which he named) who was saved upon a piece of the Ship, and floating in the Sea; which dream the Boy in the moming confidently tells to his Master, and the Company, and affirmed that it must needs be true, and was so impatient, that he received some checks from his Master, yet he continued restless, running up sometimes to the fore to● Mast head, and then to the main top Mast head looking abroad; and at last cried out aloud. Alo●● there, I see him, I see him under our Lee-bow; He thu● confidently affirming it, some of the men stepped up and espied some thing, at a distance no bigger than a Crow in appearance, floating, and advised the Master thereof, who presently commanded the helm to be borne up, and stood away to it, and when they came near, found it to be the Old man, as the Boy had said and hoisting out their Boat, they took him in, who was then speechless, and almost spent, but by the care of the Master and Chirurgeon, he with God blessing recovered, and gave this Account of his misfortune, and wonderful deliverance by word of Mouth● and the Ship wherein he was, landed him safe in Newfoundland, Remarkable Sea Deliverances.  
VI Richard Clark of weymouth in , a skilful Pilot, was Master of the ship, called the Delight, which in 1583, went with Sir Humphrey Gilbert for the discovery of Norembega; It happened that without any neglect or fault of his, the Ship struck on the ground, and was cast away Aug 29. th● same year. Of those that escaped Shipwreck, sixteen got into a small Boat of a Tun and a half, and had but one Oar to work withal: They were seventy Leagues from Land, and the weather so foul, that is was not possible for a Ship to brook half a course o● Sail. The Boat being overburdened, one of them Mr. Hadley made a motion to cast Lots, that those four who drew the shortest, should be cast overboard, provided if one Lot fell on the Master, h● notwithstanding should be preserved, in whom a●● their safety was concerned: The Master disavowed the acceptance of any such Privilege, replying, The would live and die together: On the fifth day, M● Hadley (who first motioned Lot-drawing) and another. Person died, whereby our Boat was somewhat alighted; Five days and nights together they saw the Sun and Stars but once, so that they only kept up their Boat with their single Oar, as the Sea did drive ●t; They continued four days without sustenance, save what the Weeds which swum in the Sea, and the Salt-Water did afford: on the Seventh day, about Eleven a Clock, they had sight of New found-Land, and about Three, they came to the Southbart thereof: All the time of their being at Sea, the wind kept continually South, if it had shifted to any other point, they had never come to Land, but it turned to the North within half an hour after their Landing. Being all come to shore, they kneeled down, and gave God praise for their Miraculous Deliverance; There they remained Three days, and Three nights, making a plentiful repast upon Ber●les, and wild Pease; After five days rowing along ●he shore, they happened of a Spanish Ship of St. John de Luz, who courteously brought them home to Biscay, where the Visitors of the Spanish Inquisition ●ame aboard the Ship and put them upon Examination, but by the Master's favour, and some general answers, they escaped for the present, but fearing a ●econd search, they shifted for themselves, and going Twelve miles by night, got into France, and so safely arrived in England, Hackluits Voyages. Vol. 3.  
VII. The Admiral of St. Jago set out of Portugal 〈◊〉 1585. with a good speedy wind, she came Sailing betwixt the Island of St. Laurence, and the firm Land, that runs by the Coast of Mosambique, in which ●assage there are certain shallows, called the India, which are of coral, very sharp, black, white and ●reen, and very dangerous; The Pilot took the ●eight, and made his account they were past the shallows, and though many of the Sailors, and others a the Ship were against him, yet he commanded the Master to make all the Sail he could to Mosambique, without any let, or stay; They Sailed in that man●er till Midnight, and then fell upon the Shallows, being of clear white Coral, and so sharp, that with the force of wind and water, that drove the ship upon them, the Ship was cut in two pieces, as if it had been sawn asunder, so that the Keel, and two Oarlops lay still upon the ground, and the upper part being driven somewhat further, at the last stuck fast the Mast being also broken; whereupon there was a mighty, and lamentable cry, for there were no less than Five Hundred Persons in the Ship; The Admiral Ferdinando de Mendoza, the Master, the Pilot and Ten or Twelve more presently entered into the small Boat, defending it with their drawn swords that no more should enter, saying, They would go see i● there were any dry place in the Shallows, whereon they might work to make a Boat of the pieces of the broken Ship● therein to sail unto the shore, and so to save their lives which put them that were left behind in some small comfort; But when they had rowed about, and found no dry place, they durst not return again to the Ship, lest their Boat should have been overladen; they therefore rowed toward Land, having about Twelve boxes of Marmalade, with a Pipe of Wine and some Biscuits which in haste they had thrown into the Boat, After they had been seventeen days at Sea, and had endured great hunger, thirst, and labour's they got to Land, and saved themselves; the rest who stayed in the Ship, seeing the Boat not come again, it may be supposed in what trouble they were▪ At last, one side of the upper part of the Ship, between both the upper Oarlops, where the Boat lay, burst out, and the Boat being half burst, began to come forth; but because there was small hope, no man laid hand thereon, but every man sat looking one upon another; At last, an Italian called Cyprian Cantarido risen up, and taking courage, said, Why are you thus discouraged; let us seek to help ourselves, and try, if there be any remedy to save our lives; wherewith he presently leapt into the Boat, with an Instrument in his hand, and began to make it clean, wherea● others took heart, so that there leapt at least Fourscore and Ten Persons into it, and many hung by the hands upon the Boat, swimming after it, but to prevent their sinking the Boat, those in it were forced to cut off the Fingers, Hands, and Arms of such as held thereon, and let them fall into the Sea, and many others they threw overboard, which done, they set forward, committing themselves to God, being followed with the most doleful and lamentable noise, from those they left in the Ship; In this manner having rowed certain days, and having but small store of Victuals, because there were so many in the Boat, which was likewise very leaky, and ready to sink, and not likely to hold out long; They hereupon agreed to choose a Captain, and that they would absolutely obey his commands; they chose a Gentleman, a Mesticho of India, who presently commanded to throw some of them overboard, as the Lot directed, amongst these was a Carpenter, who not long before had helped to dress the Boat, who desired them to give him a piece of marmalade, and a Cup of Wine, after which, he willingly suffered himself to be thrown into the Sea, and was drowned; In this misery and distress they continued Twenty days, and then got to Land, where they found the Admiral, and those that were in the other Boat; but having escaped this danger, those in the Boat fell into another, for they had no sooner set foot on shore, but they were rob by the Moors of all their Clothes, so that they left not so much as a rag upon their Bodies: In the end, having endured great hunger, and others miseries, they came to a place, where they found a Factor of the Captain of Soffola, and Mosambique, and from thence they went to India, where (saith Linschoten) I knew many of them, though some dined before they got to Mosambique; Of those that stayed in the Ship, some took boards, and pieces of wood, and bound together every Man what he could catch, all hoping to save their lives, but there came only two men of them all ashore, so that of all the Five Hundred, there were but Threescore Persons saved, all the rest, (among whom were Fifty Women, some Jesuits and Friars) were all drowned in the Ship, and all this through the wilfulness and pride of a Pilot, Linschotens Voyages.  
VIII. One Gregory Crow, who dwelled at Malden in Essex, was going in 〈◊〉 Boat with his man and boy to fetch Fuller's Earth, but by the way meeting with a storm, his Boat was driven upon a bank of Sand, and there sunk; the men were glad to hang upon the Mast, but poor Crow seeing his New Testament in the water, which he highly prized, catcht it up, and put it into his Bosom: The Tide being gone, they were left upon the Sand, at least Ten miles from Land: In this great distress they beseeched God to find out a way for their deliverance, for within half an hour it would be flood, but in this little time before, they found a Chest, wherein was Five Pounds, Six Shillings, Eight Pence; which honest Crow cast it into the Sea again, saying, if God will please to save our lives, he will provide us a little food, and so they went again up to the Mast, where they to Admiration, hung by the Arms and Legs for Ten hours together, only the Boy was weary, that beaten with the Waves, he fell off, and was drowned; Now their fears increase upon them, and they know not what to do; but Crow advises his Man to cut down the Mast, and when the flood came again, to sit upon it, and so says he, it may please God to drive us to some Ship; This Counsel was taken, they commit themselves to God upon this Mast, and thus continued Tuesday night, Wednesday, and Wednesday night, in which time the Man was so tired with Hunger, Watching, and Cold, that he died: Now was Crow left alone in this sad and deplorable condition, who prayed more earnestly for succour and relief, but durst not sleep, lest the Sea should beat him off the Mast, and when this distressed Creature was almost spent, his flesh sodden with Sea-water, and his Eyes almost closed up with Salt: In this Extremity, Providence presents a Ship going for Antwerp, and the Wind not being favourable, they were driven out of the way thither, and espying something afar off in the Sea, they supposed it to be a Fisher-boy, and steered from it; Crow seeing this, held up his Cap, and shaked it over his head, whereby at length they were moved to go to him, and so they took him in; when he came into the Ship, though he was half dead, yet being careful of his New Testament, he plucked it out of his Bosom, and gave it to some to dry; They in the Ship were careful of him, and with great difficulty recovered him, and carried him with them to Antwerp, where the fame of his being so miraculously preserved, drew many to see him, and relieve him with necessaries, Acts and Monuments.  
IX. In the year 1630. May 1. The Moscovy Merchants of London sent a Ship, called the Salutation for Greenland, which arrived there in safety, June 11. following, together with two other Ships, all which were commanded by Captain William Goodler: The Captain's Ship stayed at Belsound, The Salutation at the Foreland, the Captain having killed store of Whales, made a quick Voyage, and sent for the Salutation to take in part of her train-oil; in the way meeting with cross winds, the Master sent Eight of his Men ashore to kill some Venison, who taking with them a brace of Dogs, a Firelock, two Lances, and a Tinderbox went on shore, and killed fourteen good Dear; night coming on, being weary, they went to rest, intending next day to end their hunting, and return to their Ship; But the next day proved foggy, and much Ice being betwixt the shore and the Ship, the Ship was fain to stand so far off into the Sea, that they lost sight of her; They hunted on to Green Harbour, and there they found that the Ship was departed; they made all speed possible with their Shallop to Belsound to their Captain, and for fear of delay, heaved their Venison overboard, but having no compass, they wandered up and down so long, till the Ships were departed; This filled them with fear and astonishment, knowing that neither Christian nor Heathen had ever Inhabited those desolate Climates, and they had heard, that the Moscovy Merchants had once procured the reprieve of several Malefactors condemned to Death here in England, to whom they promised pardon, with rewards, and Provision of all things necessary, if they would stay one winter there, but when they came thither and took a view of the desolatness of the place, they chose rather to return for England, and  the Law with the loss of their Lives, than to stay in so desolate and darksome a Country; They remembered also a more terrible instance of Nine able men left there formerly by the same Master, who now left them, that all died miserably upon the place, and whose Bodies were wretchedly disfigured by the Bears and Foxes; All which made them stand like men amazed, looking one upon another; and that which increased their horror was, their want of all necessary provisions, no Clothes for Shift, or Warmth; no Food, no House for Shelter; After a while, considering the danger of delay in Extremity, they advised upon the most likely course for their Preservation; and resolved to go to Green Harbour, to hunt for Venison, where in their going, stay, and return, they killed nineteen Deer, and four Bears, with which they laded their Shallop, and finding another old Shallop left there, they laded it with the Greaveses and Fritters of Whales that had been boiled there that year, and so took their way to Belsound to their Tent, where they intended to winter; In the way of their Passage, they had like to have lost all their Provision, but saved it by a desperate Remedy, running into the high-wrought Sea, and by force drawing their Shallops to the shore; This done, they arrived at Belsound, where they took out their Provision, considered their Tent, and with part of the Materials of a Tent thereby; pieces of old Cask, and old Shallops (as'tis usual) they made up their House and , where they lodged two, and two; and with Marvellous Industry, provided themselves with Fire, Wood, and Shelter against the Extremity of the cold, their Beds were the Deer-skins dried; Having thus fitted every thing in the best manner they could, on the Twelfth of September looking out into the Sound, they espied two Sea-Horses lying asleep on a piece of Ice, whereupon hasting to them, with an old Harping Iron they slew them both, then flayed, roasted, and eat them, not long after they killed another, but darkness and cold increasing upon them, and they viewing their Provision, found it too small by half, whereupon they agreed to eat one reasonable meal a day, and to fast Wednesdays and Fridays, except from the Greaveses of the Whale, a loathsome meat, at which Diet they continued three Months; To repair their clothes and shoes, they made thread of Rope-yearn, and needles of Whalebone; Oct. 10. the night being grown very long, all the Sea was frozen over, and then grief and fear began to work upon them, but they prayed to God for strength, and patience in their miseries, and by his assistance cheered up themselves to use the best means for their Preservation; Then for keeping their Venison, and saving their firing, they thought best to roast every day half a Deer, which they stowed in Hogsheads, leaving as much ●aw as would serve every Lordsday a quarter: Here another Trial of their Patience befell them; their Whale-Fritters, which had been drenched in the Salt-waters, and lay close together, were grown mouldy, and spoiled, and again surveying their Bear and Venison, they found it would not afford them Five Meals a week, so they were fain to out off one meal more, and for Three Months after, they fed four days each week upon the mouldy Fritters, and the other Three they feasted on Bear, and Venison; Besides the want of Meat, they began to want Light, no Sun appearing from the Fourteenth Fourteenth of October, till the Third of February, but the Moon shined as here in England; against this trouble, having found a sheet of Lead in the Cooper's Tent; with Rope-yarn and Oil they made a Lamp, which they kept continually burning to their great comfort: In the beginning of January, as the days began to lengthen, the Cold strengthened to that Extremity, that it raised Blisters on their Flesh; and if at any time they touched Iron, it would stick to their Fingers like Birdlime; if they went out to fetch water, it would so pinch them, that they were sore, as if they had been beaten? They drank nothing but Snow-water from the Tenth of January, till the Twentieth of May, which they melted with hot Irons; The latter end of January they found their food would last but six weeks longer, but they had recourse to God for supply, and looking out on a bright day, they saw a great She Bear with her Cub, coming toward the Tent, her they slew with their Lances, the Cub escaped, they drew her into the Tent, and this Bear served them Twenty days: In March the days so lengthened, that the Fowl and Foxes came abroad, of which Foxes, they by Traps catcht fifty, and sixty Fowls as big as Pigeons, and killed Seven more Bears, so that now eating two, or three meals a day, their strength was much increased; The first of May the Wether grew Warmer, so that they went out to seek Provision; In this Month there came two Ships from Hull into the Sound, who knowing some men had been left there the year before, and being desirous to be satisfied whither they were dead, or a live, the Master manned a Shalop to go as near the shore as they could, and so over the Ice to the Tent, when these men came near the Tent, they halled them with the usual word of the Sea, crying hay, To which, one of them in the Tent answered again, Ho, which sudden answer almost amazed them all, but percieving them to be the very men left there, with joyful hearts they embraced one another; The men left their Tent, and went with them to their Ship, where they stayed till the London Fleet came, which was Three days after; They went aboard the Admiral, Captain Goodler, who made them very welcome, gave them Apparel, to the value of Twenty Pounds, and after Fourteen days refreshment, they grew all perfectly well, thus they continued in the Fleet till the Twentieth of August, when they set Sail, and at last came safe into the River of Thames, and the Moscovy Merchants dealt well by them. The names of these Eight men were William Fakely Gunner, Edward Pelham Gunners Mate, that wrote this story; John Wise, and Robert Goodfellow Seamen; Thomas Ayres Whale-cutter, Henry Bet Cooper, John Daws, and Richard Kellet Land-men, Stow's Chronicle. p, 1017.  
X. In the year 1636. A Ship being at New found-Land a fishing somewhat late in the year, the Ice came upon them in great pieces, and being ready to hoist Sail to return home, they sent out Six men in the Boat to weigh their Anchor, which whilst they were doing, a great flake of Ice comes between them and their Ship, and carries them a drift, so that by all the means they and the Vessel could use, they could not recover their Ship again, whereby they were exposed to inevitable ruin, having neither Food, nor any accommodation to keep them warm; after they had continued thus three days and three nights, they began to be hunger-starved, and accounting themselves all dead men, they consulted one with another what course to take, at last, though with great regret and grief, they resolve one of them must die, to become food for the rest, each Person desired to die first, to be freed from that Torment they were in, so that they were forced to determine it by Lot; He upon whom the Lot fell, desired to go to end of the Boat, there to recommend his Soul to God by Prayer, before he died; the rest being in a deep Agony, upon apprehension of shedding the Blood of one of their Comrades; But while they were sitting together, lamenting, and imploring God's favour to prevent such a Fact; even as they wished and desired it happened; for the Person separated by Lot to be killed, died upon the place where he was praying, which occasioned great Joy to them in this their deplorable condition, that hereby they were prevented from taking away his Life, which they so much dreaded; And judging this a good Omen, they proceeded to satisfy their hungers upon the dead Body; the Boat was still adrift, not frozen up, so that by the time their food was spent, they were brought ashore many. Leagues to the Northward of New-England, where the Five landed alive, and the poor Barbarians pitying their Condition, helped them all they could, three of them died soon after, with the misery they had suffered, the other two made a shift to get to New-England, and so at last by God's mercy came to their Habitations in the West of England, having both lost their Heels, with the Extremity of the cold in the Boat. Remark. Sea Deliverances.  
XI. Great were the Dangers, and Wonderful the Deliverances of William Okeley and his Company, the Relation of which from his own Book (saith Mr. Wanly) I have thus contracted; In the Year 1639. We took Ship at Gravesend, in the Mary of London, Mr. Boarder Master, bound for the Isle of Providence, in the West-Indies, Five Weeks we lay in the Downs, waiting for a wind, and then we set Sail, and came to Anchor near the Isle of Wight, but by this time all the Beer in our Ship stunk, and we were forced to throw it overboard, and so take in Vinegar to mix with water for our Voyage; The next Lord's day we set Sail again, and coming between the Island, and the main Land, we stuck fast in the Sands, but the Tide coming in, heaved us off: The Sixth day after our setting Sail from the Isle of Wight, we discovered Three Turks men of War, who chased us, and at break of day boarded, and took us; having kept us close Prisoners a Sea, at the end of five or six Weeks, they brought us to Algiers, where I was sold for a Slave the first Market day, to a Patron, who told me, I must allow him two Dollars a Month, and live ashore where I would, and get it where I could; though I knew not where to levy the least Mite of it: Wand'ring up and down, I met with an Englishman in his little Shop, who traded with Tobacco, and a few other things; I became his Partner with a little money I had reserved, and a small Modicum my Patron had allowed me for my stock: Here I got Money, and hired a Cellar, were I laid up some other of my Goods; when weary of my Slavery, I form a design for my Liberty, and communicated it to John Anthony Carpenter, William Adam's Bricklayer, John Jephs' Seaman John a Carpenter, and two others, men of able Bodies, and useful in the intended project, which was to contrive the Model of a Boat, which being form in parcels, and afterward put together, might be the means of our escape: They approved the Proposal, and in my Cellar we began our work; we provided first a piece of Timber of Twelve foot long to make the Keel, but because it was impossible to convey it of that length out of the City, but it must be seen and suspected; we therefore cut it in two pieces, and fitted it for jointing just at the middle, and then we provided Ribs, after which we made the Boat water-tite, and because Board's would require much hammering, and that noise was like to betray us, we bought as much strong Canvas as would cover our Boat twice over upon the Convex of the Carine; We provided also as much Pitch, Tar, and Tallow, as would serve to make it a kind of Tarpawling Cerecloth to swaddle the Naked Body of our Infant Boat; of two Pipestaves sawed at the Corners, we made two things to serve for Oars, and for our provision, we had a little Bread, and two Leather Bottles full of freshwater, we also remembered to buy as much Canwas was as would serve for a sail; we carried out these in parts and parcels fitted them together in the Valley about half a mile from the Sea, whither Four of our Company carried the Boat on their Shoulders, and the rest followed them, at the Seaside we stripped, put our clothes into the Boat, and carried it and them as far into the Sea as we could wade, and then all seven got into the Boat, but finding she was overladen, two of the Seamen were content to stay on shore; Having bid them farewel, we anched out June 30. 1644. The Bill of Lading was John Anthony, William adam's, John Jephs, John the Carpenter, and William Okeley; Four of us wrought continually at the Oar, the Fifth was to free the Boat of that water, which by degrees leaked through our Canvas; our bread was soon spoiled with soaking in the Salt-water; our Freshwater stunk of the Tanned Skins and Owze, yet we complained not; Three days with good Husbandry our bread lasted us, but then pale famine stared us in the face, water indeed we might have, but it must be Salt, out of the Sea, or that which had been strained through our own Bodies, and that we chose of the two; but we must not have that after a while, unless we would accept of the other first; and the misery was, that did not assuage our thirst, but increase it; The Wind too for sometime was full against us, but God rebuked it, and made it our Friend; a second inconvenience was, that our Labour was without intermission; and a third, the Extremity of the heat by day, the season raging hot, the beginning of July, and we wanted Freshwater to cool the heat; our labour made it insupportable to our Bodies, and our little hope made it as grievous to our Souls, one help we had, a poor one, he that emptied the Boat, threw the water on the Bodies of the other to cool them, but our Bodies thus scorched and cooled, risen up in Blisters all over; Great pain we felt, great dangers we were in, great miseries we endured, great wants we were under, and had nothing but a little hope, food, and strength; If any ask by what directions we steered our course to Mayorck, whither we designed to go; for the day a Pocket Dial did supply the place of a Compass, by night the Stars when they appeared, and when not, we guessed our way by the Motions of the Clouds; Four days and nights were we in this woeful plight, on the fifth all hope, that we should be saved, was perished, so that we let off our Labour, because we had no strength left, only we emptied the Boat of water; But than God sent us some relief, for as we lay hulling up and down, we dicovered a Tortoise, not far from us asleep in the Sea, had Drake discovered the Spanish Fleet, he could not have more rejoiced, we took up our Oars, silently rowed to our prey, took it into the Boat with great Triumph, we cut off her head, and let her bleed into a pot, we drank the Blood, eat the Liver, and sucked the Flesh: It wonderfully refreshed our Spirits, and we picked up some crumbs of hope: About Noon we thought we discovered Land, it's impossible to express the joy of our raised Souls at this apprehension, we wrought hard, and after further labour were fully satisfied that it was Land, and proved to be Mayorck, which we kept within sight of all day: July 6. about 10 at night we came under the Island, and crept as near the shore as we could, and durst, till we found a convenient place, where we might thrust in our Weather-beaten Boat; when we were come to Land, we were not insensible of our deliverance; but, though we had escaped the Sea, we might die at Land; we had no food since we eat the Liver, and drank the blood of the Tortoise; therefore John Anthony and myself were sent out to scout abroad for freshwater, because we spoke some Spanish; we came to a Watchtower of the Spaniards, spoke to them on the Watch, told them our condition, earnestly begged some fresh water, and some Bread, he threw us down an old mouldy Cake; but so long as it was a Cake, hunger did not consider its mouldiness; then he directed us to fresh water which was hard by; we stood not telling of stories, we remembered our Brothers left with our Boat, and observing the Sentinels Directions, came to a Well, where there was a Pot with strings to draw with, we drank a little water, and eat a bit of our Cake, but the Passage was so disused, that we had much ado to force our Throats to relieve our clamorous Stomaches; we return to our Boat, acquaint them with the good sucsess of our Embassy, and all prepare to make to the Well; so tying our Boat as fast as we could to the shore, we left her to Mercy: Now we are at the well, which hath water therein, and we have something to draw, but God must give us a Throat to swallow; for William Adam's attempting to drink, after many Essays, was not able to swallow it, but still the water returned, so that he sunk down to the ground faintly saying I am a dead Man, but after much striving he took a little, So refreshed with our Cake and water, we lay by the Well side, till the morning; When it was clear day, we again went to the Watchman, entreating him to direct us the ready way to the next House or Town, where we might find relief; He civility pointed us to one about two miles off, and long it was,  our blistering feet could overcome the tediousness of that little way; when we came thither, the honest Farmer moved with our Relation, sent us Bread, and Water, and Olives, and seeing us thankful Beggars, enlarged his civility to us, called us into his house, and gave us good warm Bean pottage, which seemed to me the most pleasant food that ever I eat in my life; Thence we advanced to the City of Mayork, about Ten miles from that place, that night we lay by a Well side, and in the morning we entered the Suburbs; The Vice Roy was informed of us, and we were commanded to appear before him, who after he had examined us, and heard our Story, ordered we should be maintained at his own Cost, till we could have passage to our own Country; But our English Ships seldom trading thither, we petitioned the Vice Roy for Passage in the King of Spain's Galleys, which were in the Road bound for Alicant, which he graciously granted us; After some other troubles, we met with contrary winds, and it was five weeks  we could reach the Downs, where we arrived in Sept. 1644. The Commander of the Ship was Captain Smith of Rotherhith, Mr. Tho. Saunders, my Wife's Brother being in Mayork, not long after we came from thence, saw our Boat hung up for a Monument upon the side of the great Church there; and Mr. Robert Hales was there 1671, and assures me, that he saw the naked Ribs and Skeleton of it then hanging in the same place. Wanly Hist. Man. p. 642.  
XII. A Ship of New-England going from Boston, to some other parts of America, was through the continuance of contrary winds kept long at Sea, so that they were in very great straits for want of Provision, and seeing they could not hope for any relief from the Earth, nor the Sea, they apply themselves to Heaven in humble and hearty Prayers, but no calm ensuing, one of them made this sorrowful Motion, that they should cast Lots which of them should die first, to satisfy the ravenous Hunger of the rest; after many a sad debate, they came to a result, the Lot is cast, and one of the Company is taken, but where is the Executioner to be found to act this Office upon a poor innocent? It is Death now to them to think who shall act this bloody part in the Tragedy; But before they fall upon this involuntary Execution, they once more went unto their Prayers, and while they were calling upon God, he answered them, for there leapt a mighty Fish into the Boat, which was a double joy to them, not only in relieving their miserable hunger, which no doubt made them quick Cooks, but because they looked upon it to be sent from God, and was a Token of their deliverance; But alas the Fish is soon eaten, and their former Exigencies come upon them, which sunk their Spirits in despair, for they know not of another Morsel: To Lots they go again the second time, which falls upon another Person, but still none can be found to sacrifice him; they again send their Prayers to Heaven, with all manner of fervency, when behold a second answer from above; A great Bird lights, and fixes itself upon the Mast, which one of the Company espies, and up he goes, and there she stands, till he took her with his hand by the Wing; this was Life from the Dead a second time, and they feasted themselves herewith, as hoping this second Providence was a forerunner of their complete deliverance; but they have still the same disappointments, they can see no Land, they know not where they are, hunger again increases upon them, and they have no hopes to be saved, but by a third miracle; they are reduced the third time to the former course and strait to cast Lots, and when they were going to the heart-breaking work to put him to Death upon whom it fell, they go to God their old Friend in Adversity, by humble and hearty Prayers; and now they look, and look again, but there is nothing; their Prayers are concluded, and nothing appears, yet still they hoped and stayed, till at last one of them espies a Ship, which puts new Life into all their Spirits, they bear up with the Vessel, they man their Boat, they desire, and beg like perishing humble Suppliants to be taken in, which they are admitted, and the Commander being acquainted with one of them, relieves them plentifully, and sets them all safe ashore, to the great rejoicing of their Souls, Sea Deliverances.  
XIII. In the year 1616. One Pikman a Fleming coming from Droutheim in Norway, with a Vessel laden with Board's was overtaken with a calm, during which, the current of the Sea carried him upon a Rock, or little Island toward the Extremities of Scotland, to avoid a wreck, he commanded some of his men to go into the Shallop, and to tow off the Ship; coming near the Island, they saw something which was more like a Ghost, than a living Creature; a Body stark naked, black and hairy, a meager and deformed countenance, and hollow and distorted eyes; he fell on his knees, and joining his hands together, begged relief; which raised such compassion in them, that they took him into the Boat: There was in all the Island no Grass, nor Tree, nor ought whence a man could derive either sustenance or shelter, besides the ruins of a Boat wherewith he had made a kind of Hut to lie down under; The man gave this Relation of himself; That he was an English man, and that about a year before being to go in the Passage Boat from England to Dublin, they were taken by a French Pirate, who being forced by a Tempest that immediately arose to let go the Passage Boat, left us to the mercy of the Waves, which carried us into the main Sea, and at last split the Boat upon the Rock, where you took me in; I escaped with one more into the Island, where we endured the greatest Extremities. Of some of the boards of the Boat we made the Hut you saw, we took some Sea-mews which dried in the Wind and Sun, we eat raw; In the Crevices of the Rocks on the Seaside we found some Eggs, and thus we had as much as served to keep us from starving; But our thirst was most insupportable, for having no freshwater but what fell from the Sky, and was left in certain pits which time had worn in the Rocks, we could not have it at all seasons, for the Rock lying low, was washed over with the Waves of the Sea; we lived in this condition six weeks, comforting one another in our common misfortune, till being left alone, it began to grow in supportable to me; for awaking one morning, and missing my Companion, I fell into such deep despair, that I had thoughts of casting myself headlong into the Sea, I know not what became of him, whither despair forced him to that extremity, or that looking for eggs on the steepy side of the Rock, he might fall into the Sea; I lost with my comrade the Knife wherewith we killed Sea Dogs, and the Mews upon which we lived, so that not able to kill any more, I was reduced to this Extremity, to get out of the Board's of my Hut a great Nail, which I made shift so to sharpen upon the Rock, that it served me for a Knife: The same necessity put me upon another Invention, which kept me last winter, during which, I endured the greatest misery imaginable, for finding the Lock and my Hut so covered with Snow, that it was impossible for me to get any thing abroad, I put out a little stick at the Crevice of my Hut, and baiting it with a little Sea Dogs fat, I by that means got some Sea-mews, which I took with my hand from under the Snow, and so I made a shift to keep myself from starving; I lived in this condition and solitude above Eleven Months, and was resolved to end my days in it, when God sent you hither to deliver me out of the greatest misery that ever man was in; The Sea man having ended his discourse, the Master of the Ship treated him so well, that within a few days, he was quite another Creature, he set him a shore at Derry in Ireland, and afterward saw him at Dublin, where such as had heard what had happened to him, gave him wherewithal to return into England. Mandelsloes' Travels. P. 280.  
XIV. A Ship of Holland being driven against her Will came to a place called Nova Zembla, where the Pole is elevated seventy six degrees, among many delays and great dangers scarce reached the Orange Islands; where they were set fast in a consolidated body of continued Ice, which threatened them every moment; at last being reduced to their ultimate hope, they resolve to return the same way they came, but now they find the Ship quite frozen up, not far from the shore, and thereupon they were forced to winter in Zembla, and wait for a better Season, therefore taking our Board's and Planks, they built a poor shelter for themselves and their stuff, and by good providence the Tide had thrown up a good quantity of Timber, they not knowing from whence it came, which proved of great advantage to them, during their abode; Here they had continual Fights with Bears, who sometimes were driven away by making great outcries, other times with shooting of them, but they found their Flesh unwolsome meat; for in that Country the wild Beasts, or Fishes of the Sea are food to the wild Beasts of the Land, the fat of the Bears they made use of to burn for lights in the night; At last to increase their misery, the Sun left them, which was the chief humane benefit they had; Thus were they in a barren Country in darkness, and having no company but the wild Beasts; Vast mountains of Snow they with great difficulty were forced to remove, lest their Habitation should be overwhelmed, and if at any time they went forth, their jaws were so benumbed, they could scarce recover their former heat; The Bears being in the dark, and dull of sight, did not venture much abroad to disturb them; but there were a multitude of Foxes, which they catcht in Traps, and made of them food and Raiment, yet after all this the Almighty preserved them, for in the Spring the Ice breaking, they got their Ship again, and sailed safe to Amsterdam. Grotius Annals.  
XV. And the same Providence that has appeared so wonderfully for the protection and diliverance of poor distressed Creatures at Sea, has likewise been very merciful in preservation from most eminent dangers at Land, as among many Thousand others (recorded in the Holy Scriptures, and others Histories) it is exceeding manifest from the following Instances; In 1539, not far from Satin in Germany, in the time of great Dearth and Famine, a certain Religious Matron having two Sons, and destitute of all manner of sustenance, went with her Children to a Fountain hard by; praying to Almighty God, That he would ●● his infinite goodness relieve their hunger; as she was going, a Person unknown met her by the way, and saluted her very kindly, ask her whither she was going, who confessed to him That she was walking to that Fountain there, hoping to have some relief from Almighty God, to whom all things are possible, for (said she) if he nourished the Children of Israel in the Wilderness forty years, it will not be difficult for him to besto● a draught of water upon me, and my Children, when she had spoken these words, the man (who doubtless was an Angel of God) told her, That seeing her Faith was so constant, she should return home, and should there find six bushel of meal, for the support of herself, and her Children; the Woman returning home, found i● to be according to his word. Beards Theatre p. 442.  
XVI. Philip Melancthon reporteth, that in a Village near Signea, a Woman sent her Son into the wood to fetch home her Cattle, in the mean while there fell so great a Snow, that the Boy could not return home again, his Parents being much troubled went the next day to seek him, and within three days found him in the midst of the wood, in a place where the Snow had not fallen, They asked him why he did not make haste home, he answered, That he stayed till it was Evening, being insensible both o● the time and the cold, They then demanded whither he had eat any Victuals; the Boy replied, There we● a man brought him Victuals, which he did eat, which they supposed to be his good Angel, who had been thus kind to him, and preserved him from so great ● danger. Beards Theatre. p. 440.  
XVII. In the Year 1565. There fell so much rai● in Islebia, that the waters bore down all before them and particularly the house of a man, where a Chil● lay in the Cradle, which the Father, with the hazard of his Life brought forth, and carried into a Neigh● hours house hard by; he than endeavoured to saw two more of his Children, and took them in his arm● arms to carry them out of his house, but the waters were so strong, that one of his Children sitting upon a beam, was carried away, and himself and the other were carried into the Orchard, where finding some ground he stood up to the neck in water, with the Child in his arms, and looking about for his other Child, he saw it sitting upon the piece of Timber, swimming toward him, which he likewise took into his arms, and getting upon an high pile of Wood, he continued with them there all night, none being able to afford him any help; next morning, when the waters where decreased, he came down, and looked for two other of his Children, whom he had left in the upper Room of the house, where he found the two Innocent's fast a sleep; he had no sooner taken them from thence but that part of the house fell also, which was a visible sign of God's holy protection over them all. Beards Theatre. p. 444.  
XVIII. In the horrid and bloody Rebellion in Ireland, a Religious Gentlewoman (with some others in her Company) was forced to fly for her Life, she having three Children, whereof one was at her Breast, but alas, these poor trembling Travellers had not gone far, before they were stripped naked by the Irish, who to admiration spared their lives but passing on, they came to a River where more of these bloody Villains met them, and would have drowned them therein; this virruous Gentlewoman being not in the least discouraged, desired a small time, to pray, and as she lay naked on the frozen Ground, she began to consider, and resolve within herself, not to go voluntarily to so injust a Death; upon which her refusal, these miscreants dragged her by the heels, along the ground, with the rest of the Company, upon which she turned upon them, and on her knees said, You should I am sure be Christians, and men I see you are; in taking away our miserable lives you do us a pleasure; but know as we never wronged you nor yours, you must die also yourselves, and one day give an Account of this Cruelty to the Judge of Heaven and Earth: Upon which, says an Irish Priest, Let us not take their lives, but we will put them into the Island of Lake; and a Boat being in the River, eight of them who were all then in Company, are put into the Island naked, and without meat, where after four days, some of them died of hunger and cold, but not this Woman, nor any of her Children; for the next day the two Boys sound the hide of a Beast which had been killed, this, they and the Mother endeavoured to cast over them, lying upon the snow; the day after, a Boat goes by them, whom the poor Woman beseeches for God's sake to carry her out of that place, but they being Irish, refused it; she than desires a little bread, but they answer they have none; then she begs a coal of Fire, for she had some fuel in the Boat, and thus with some Chips they mad a Fire, and the Boys taking a piece of the Hide, laid it upon the Coals, and began to gnaw it, but alas, without an extraordinary divine support, what could this do? thus they lived ten days without any visible supplies, and that good Woman professed it was by Faith in God she lived; for she had no Bread, but Ice and Snow, nor any Drink, but Water; but she said, she thought God put more substance into it, for it seemed as it were clammy. The next day a Boat carried her out to the side of the Bandwater where yet she had been lost, but that she could not endure to see her Children die in her sight, and therefore though the Two Boys were young, and so famished with hunger, that they had no strength, she persuaded them to go out of her fight, under pretence of seeking some Fire; the poor Children had not gone far, but they saw two or three great Dogs eating a man that had been killed; the Children were afraid of the Dogs, who needed not to have feared any thing, but to live in such a Condition; but one of the Dogs came running, and leapt upon one of the Children, without doing him the least hurt; and would run a little before, and then tarry till the Children came to him, and so led them to a house where smoke appeared, which was an Irish man's, protected by the English in Antrum, where they were courteously received, and the Mother sent for, and were all thus miraculously preserved, through the great mercy of God. Remarkable Deliverances. P. 19  
XIX. A terrible Tempest happened at Turin, in 1558. which beat down Houses, tore up Trees by the Roots, and by a mighty inundation of water drowned above forty persons, yet in the midst of Judgement God remembered mercy? for a Woman, who was newly brought to bed was drowned but the Infant she was delivered of, lying in the Cradle, was carried with the Violence of the water a great way off, and at last the Cradle stopping at the bough of an Appletree, stood there firm, till the waters decreased, and after several days was sound alive. Another Child at Friburg in Misnia falling into the River, was violently carried a great way, till it came to a Mill, where it stopped, and was miraculously taken up alive, Beards Theatre P. 442.  
XX. Queen Elizabeth of glorious memory was often in very great dangers, and as often delivered, but especially in her Sister O, Maries Reign, for while she was a Prisoner at Woodstock, a Fire was kindled between the Board's of her Chamber, which was verily supposed to be done on purpose to have burned her, but it was happily prevented: Likewise a Rufrian, who was one of her Keepers was suborned to Murder her, but this was also prevented by Divine Providence; At another time, Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester sent a Villain to dispatch her, but could not have admittance, because of the absence of Sir Henry Beningfield, when had commanded his Brother not to suffer any man whatsoever, to come to her, till his return: Lastly, while she was a Prisoner in the Tower a Writ was sent for her Execution, by the procurement of Gardner, but the Lieutenant going presently to Q. Marry, she disowned the knowledge thereof, and thereby she was wonderfully delivered Clarks Exam. 2 Part. P. 614.  
XXI. in the Reign of Queen Mary, Dr. Sands and Dr. Cox fled both out of England in the same Ship, and before the Ship was out of sight, two of the Queen's Guard were upon the Seashore to have apprehended Dr. Sands; but they had so prosperous a passage, that they landed safely at Antwerp, and were invited to the house of one Mr, Lock to Dinner; as they were at Table, Mr, George Gilpia the English Secretary came to them, and whispering Dr. Sands, told him, That King Philip made search for him to apprehend him, whereupon he immediately risen ftom Dinner, and though it reigned very fast, yet he went out of the Gate, which leads to Cleaveland, and so made his escape to Strasburg, Clarks Mirror, 2.616.  
XXII. In the year 1640. Dr. James Usher, Lord Primate of Ireland came over into England, being invited thereunto by some eminent Persons, wherein the special Providence of God did manifest itself for his preservation, it being the year before the bloody Rebellion broke out in Ireland, as if according to the Angel's speech to Lot, nothing could be done there, till he was come hither and escaped to this Zoar. Clark's Lives.  
To Conclude, innumerable are the Examples of the Almighty's Protection, and deliverance of the innocent, and those that trust in him in all Ages of the world, for as he punisheth the wicked with most severe Judgements, so he protecteth those that fear him, by the extraordinary assistance of his Holy Angels, to fulf●● the Truth of what the Apostles Writ. Heb. 1.14. That they are ministering Spirits sent forth to minister to them, who shall be Heirs of Salvation.   

CHAP. VII.  
Divine Goodness to Penitents, with the dying Thoughts of several Famous Men, concerning a future State after this Life: Likewise divers remarkable Instances to demonstrate the reality, and certainty thereof.  
WE read in the Holy Scriptures, that the Almighty resisteth the proud, but he giveth Grace to the humble; and therefore how passionately, and compassionately doth he exhort, and persuade men to Repentance, and Reformation, declaring that whosoever cometh unto him, he will in no wise cast off; yea, though their Sins and Transgressions are of a Scarlet and Crimson dye, even of the greatest magnitude, yet if they will forsake their evil ways, he will have mercy upon them, and save them; How vain therefore, and foolish are those desperate men in our Age, who having long continued in wicked and evil courses, endeavour to encourage themselves therein, by persuading themselves, and their wretched Companions, that there is no future account to be given in another world; which wicked attempt is ridiculous, as well as dangerous; since besides the undeniable evidence of the Holy Scriptures, and the Divine Providence whereby the whole world was Created, and is Governed; it is also very apparent, that all sorts of Men, of all Conditions, as Emperors, Kings, Philosophers, Statesmen, etc. of all Religions, Heathens, Jews, Mahometans, Christians; Of all Opinions among Christians, and of all Tempers, whether strict and serious, or lose and debauched, in all Ages of the World, from the Creation, they have left this great Observation behind them, That upon Experience they have found, that what vain Thoughts soever men may in the heat of their Youth, and Lust, entertain of Religion, yet they will sooner, or later f●el a● Testimony which God hath given into every one's Breast, which will one day make them serious, either by the inexpressible Fears, Terrors, and Agonies of a Troubled mind, or by the inconceivable Peace, Joy, and Comfort of a good Conscience; and of this we have many late, as well as former examples; some of which may be very necessary to be here inserted, to manifest the Truth thereof.  
I. St. Augustin is a famous Instance of Repentance, as we find very lively described in his Confessions; some few of which, I shall repeat in his own words, In my Youth, I even burnt to be satisfied in these lower pleasures, and what was it I delighted in, but to love, and be loved? yea, I boiled over in my Fornications, and thou heldest thy peace, than wandered I still further from thee, O my Joy, into other, and more fruitless seed-plots of sorrows with a proud dejectedness, and an untyred weariness, but didst thou indeed hold thy peace to me? No surely, for whose but thine were the words which my Mother, one of thy faithful Children sang in my Ears? for I will remember, she privately charged me, and with very much earnestness forewarned me, That I should not commit simple Fornication, but especially that I should never defile another man's Wife: These seemed to me no better than women's advices, which it would be a shame for me to follow; but they were thy Counsels indeed, and I knew it not; but ran headlong with such stupid blindness, that I was ashamed amongst my Equals to be guilty of less impudence, than they were, whom I heard to boast mightily of their Debaucheries, and glorying the more, the more beastly they had been; Yea, and I took pleasure in committing of wickedness, not for the Pleasure of the Act only, but for the praise and credit of it also; What is worthy of dispraise, if Vice be not? But I made myself worse than indeed I was, that I might not be dispraised, and when I wanted opportunity to commit that naughtiness which should make me as bad as the worst, I would pretend I had done what I never did, that I might not be counted cowardly, in being innocent, nor faint hearted, in being more chaste than they: Behold with what Companions I walked the Streets of Babylon, and I wallowed myself in the mire of it, as if I had reposed in a Bed of Spices, and most precious Ointments, and my invisible Enemy seduced me to the very centre of sin, so that I ran into all manner of dissoluteness, and practised whatsoever I affected; a mist in the mean time depriving my sight, O my God, of the brightness of thy Truth, and mine Iniquity came from me, as if swelling from fatness. Surely thy Law, O Lord, punisheth Thievery, yea, and this Law is so written in our hearts, that Iniquity itself cannot blot it out: For what Thief does willingly abide a man to steal from him? no not a rich Thief, though his follow be driven to steal upon necessity: Yet had I a desire to commit Thievery, and did it, compelled neither by hunger, nor poverty, but even through a cloyedness of welldoing, and a pamperdness of Iniquity; for I stole that, of which I had enough of my own, and much better; nor when I had done, cared I to enjoy the thing which I had stolen, but only rejoicing in the Theft, and 〈◊〉 itself: A Pear Tree there was in the Orchard next our Vineyard, will laden with Fruit, though not much tempting, either for colour, or taste: To the robbing of this, a Company of lewd young Fellows of us went late on night, (having according to our idle custom, continued in our Gaming Houses till that time) from whence we came loaden with Fruit, not for our own liquorishness, but even to throw to the Hogs; and all this we did, not because we might do it but because we would: Behold my heart O Lord, behold my heart, which thou hast pity upon in the very bottom of the bottomless Pit: For I most wretched Young Fellow, unhappy that I was, I was unhappy in the very entrance into my Youth; It is true, I begged Chastity at thy hands, and said, Give me Chastity, and Continency but do not give it me yet, for I was afraid that thou wouldst hear me too soon, and too soon deliver me from my Disease of Incontinency, which my desire was rather to have satisfied than extinguished; But now was the day come wherein I was to be set naked before myself, and when mine own Conscience was to convince me, for I found a vast Tempest in my own Soul which hurried me into a Garden, where I might be only with myself; at which time, I was most soberly mad, being sensible enough what piece of misery I at present was, but utterly ignorant how good I was shortly to grow; I sat me down fretted in Spirit, and angry at myself with a most Tempestuous Indignation, for that I went not about to make my Peace and League with thee, my God, which all my bones cried out upon me to do, extolling it to the very Skies, upon which, giving liberty to my tears, the floods of mine Eyes gushed out, which was an acceptable Sacrifice to thee, O Lord, and then I cried out, How long? How long? O Lord, wilt thou be angry for ever, still to morrow, to morrow, why not now? Wherefore in this very hour is there not an end put to my uncleanness; Thus much I uttered weeping in the bitter contrition of my heart, when behold I heard a voice, as of a Boy or Child that seemed to come from some Neighbouring house, which said in a singing Tune, Take up and read, Take up and read, which was often repeated; Instantly hereupon, I changed my Countenance, and began to consider whether Children were used to sing any such words, but I could not remember to have ever heard the like, whereupon drying up the violent Torrent of my Tears, I got me up, interpreting it no other way, but that I was from God himself commanded to open the book, and to read that Chapter which I should first light upon; Hastily therefore I went, where I had left the Apostles Book, and snatching it up opened it, and in silence read that Chapter which I first cast mine eyes upon; Not in riating and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying, but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the fl●sh, to fulfil the Lusts thereof; No further would I read, nor needed I, for instantly, with the end of this sentence, a Divine beam of Light, Comfort and Peace darted into my heart, and all the darkness of doubting vanished away, and thou, O my dear Lord, didst thereby so throughly convert me to thyself, as that I have no other hopes, nor thoughts in this world but of thee; for which, let my heart praise thee, and my Tongue, yea, let all my Bones say, O Lord, who is like unto thee, and do thou answer me, and say unto my Soul, I am thy Salvation. St. Augustine's Confessions.  
II. Wonderful is the Account which we find in Mr. Baxters' Crucifying of the world, in these words; Sophronius, Bishop of Jerusalem delivereth the following History as a most certain, and Infallible Truth to Posterity; That Leontius Apamipusis, a most famous and Religious man, who lived many years at Cyrene assured them, that Synesius, who of a Philosopher became a Bishop, found at Cyrene one Evagrius a Philosopher, who had been his old Acquaintance, Fellow Student, and Intimate Friend, but an obstinate Heathen: Synesius was earnest with him, (but in vain) to become a Christian, yet following his Arguments for Christianity very close, Evagrius discourses with him to this purpose, That to him it s●●●d but a mere Fable and deceit, that the Christian Religion ●acheth men that this world shall have an end, and that all men shall rise again in these Belies, and their Flesh be made immortal and incorruptible, and that they shall so live for ever, and shall receive the reward of all that they have done in the Body, and that he that hath pity on the poor, dareth to the Lord, and he that giveth to the poor and needy, shall have Treasure in Heaven, and shall receive an hundred fold from Christ, together with eternal Life; Synesius assured him, and proved to him by very cogent Arguments, that these things were most true, and certain, insomuch that being converted thereby, he and his Family were baptised, Evagrius soon after brought Three Hundred Pound in Gold to Synesius, to be distributed among the poor, upon condition that he would give him a Bill under his hand, that Jesus Christ would repay him in another World, which he did accordingly; Evagrius fell sick not long after, and thinking he should die, ordered his Sons, to put Synesius his Bill into his Hand, which was done, after which he died, and was buried: About Three days after the Philosopher seemed to appear to Synesius in the Night, and to say to him, Come to my Sepulchre where I lie, and take the Bill, for I have received the Debts, and am satisfied, and for thy assurance, I have written a discharge with my own hand. The Bishop told Evagrius his Sons what he had seen, though he knew nothing of the Bill put into his hand; whereupon they all go to the Sepulchre, and opening it, found the Bill in the Dead man's hand, thus subscribed, Ego Evagrius, etc. in English, I Evagrius the Philosopher, To the Holy Bishop Syn●●●us Greeting, I have received the Debt which in this Paper is written with thy hand, and am satisfied, neither have I any Action against th●e for the Gold that I gave thee, and by thee to Christ our Saviour: They that saw the thing, admired, and glorified God, who gave such wonderful Evidences of his fulfilling his Promises to his Servants; And saith Leontius, this Bill thus subscribed by the Philosopher, is kept at Cyrene most carefully in the Church to this day, to be seen of as many as desire it: And though (saith Mr. Baxter) we have a sure word of Promise sufficient to build our hope upon, yet I thought it not wholly unprofitable to cite this History, from so credible Antiquity, that the Works of God may be had in remembrance. Baxter Crucifying the World, Preface.  
III. C●●sar Baronius tells, that there was an entire Friendship between Michael Mercatus the Elder, and Marsilius Ficinus; and this Friendship was the stronger between them, by reason of a mutual agreement in their studies; It happened that these two discoursed together usually of the State of man after Death, and when they could not agree in some particulars, they concluded with this firm agreement, That which soever of them two should first departed out of this Life, should (if possible) give an account to the Survivor, of the State of the other Life, and whether the Soul be immortal, or not; This agreement being made, and mutually sworn to, they departed: In a short time after, it fell our, that while Michael Mercatus was one morning early at his study, upon a sudden, he heard the noise of a Horse opon the Gallop; and then stopping at the door, and immediately he heard the voice of his Friend Marsilius, crying out to him, O Michael, Micheal, those things are true, they are true; Michael wondering to hear his Friend's voice, rose up, and opened his Casement, where he saw the back part of him, whom he had heard speak, in white, and galloping away upon a white Horse; He called after him, Marsilius, Marsilius, and followed him with his eye, but he soon vanished out of sight; Michael amazed at this extraordinary accident, very strictly inquired if any thing had happened to Marsilius, (who then lived at Florence, some distance from thence, where he likewise breathed his last;) and he found upon strict, inquiry, that he died at that very time, when he was thus seen and heard by him. Wanly Hist. Man. P. 88  
iv About the year 1060. There was a great Doctor buried at Paris, at the enterring of whom, when the Priest in the form then used, came to the words, Respond mihi, Answer me, the Corpse sat upright on the Bier, and to the amazement of all that were there, cried out, Justo Dei judicio accusatus sum; At the just Tribunal of God I am accused, lying presently down again; The attendants being astonished, deferred the Funeral till the next day, to see the Issue of this strange accident, at which time a multitude met to observe the event; when at the same words again repeated, the disturbed Body riseth again, and with the like hideous noise cried out, Justo Dei Judicio Judicatus sum: By the just Judgement of God I am judged; The People being yet more amazed, deferred the Interment one day longer, when almost the whole City thronged to this strange Burial, and in the presence of them all, at the reciting of the same words, he risen up the third time, and cried out Justo Dei Judicio condemnatus sum, by the just Judgement of God I am condemned, whereat as the whole City were affrighted, so Bruno, an eminent Doctor in that University, was seriously affected, and told them, That as they had formerly heard, so now they saw, the Judgements of the Lord were unsearchable, and past finding out, for this Person whom we honoured for the strictness of his Life, the modesty, and unblamableness of his Conversation, cryeth out now, that he is damned by the just Judgement of God: This dreadful Example he enforced upon the minds of the Auditors, with so many prevailing Arguments, that by the Blessing of God, several of them retired themselves from the world, and spent the rest of their days wholly in the service of God, and preparing their Souls for an Eternal State in the world to come. Dying men's words. p. 196.  
V Charles the 5th. Emperor of Germany, King of Spain, and Lord of the Netherlands, after Three and Twenty Pitched Battles, six Triumphs, Four Kingdoms won, and Eight Principalities added to his Dominions, which he ruled over Fourteen years, yet, at last resigned all these, retired to his Devotion in a Monastery, had his own Funeral celebrated before his face, and left this Testimony of Christian Religion, That the sincere profession thereof had in it those sweets and Joys that Courts were Strangers to. And Philip the Third of Spain lying on his Death Bed in 1621., sent thrice at Midnight for Florentius his Confessor, who with the Provincial of Castille discoursed to him of approaching Death, exhorting him to submit to Gods will, so gravely, that the King himself could not choose but weep, and after some intermission from his tears, and thanks for his wholesome admonition, the King spoke thus to him, Do you not remember that in your Sermon on Ash-Wednesday, you said that some of your Auditors might die that Lent; this concerns me, for lo my fatal hour is now at hand but shall I obtain eternal felicity? which words he uttered with great grief and trouble, adding likewise to his Confessor, You have not hit upon the right way of healing, is there no other Remedy? Which when he observed the Confessor thought he meant of his Body, the King added, Ah, I am not solicitous of my Body, nor of my temporary Disease, but of my Soul; The Confessor mournfully answered, I have done what I could, I must commit the rest to God's providence; Florentius then discoursed at large of God's mercy, remembering His Majesty what he had done for the Honour and Worship of that God, to which the King replied, Ah how happy were I, had I spent these Twenty three years, wherein I have held my Kingdom, in a retirement. Florentius answered, That it would be very acceptable to God, if he would lay his Kingdom, his Majesty, his Life, and his Salvation at the feet of his Crucified Saviour, Jesus Christ, and submit himself to his Will; Willingly, willingly will I do this (said the Heartsick King) and from this moment do I lay all that God hath given me, my Dominions, Power, and my Life at the Feet of Jesus Christ my Saviour, who was crucified for me, and then among his last words he said to Florentius, Now really you have suggested to me very great comfort. Fair Warning P. 160.  
VI Prince Henry, Eldest Son to King James, and Queen Anne, was most zealous in his love to Religion and Piety, and his heart was bend, if he had lived, to have endeavoured to compound those unkind Jars and differences that were among Religious men; He told the Dean of Rochester, That he thought, that wherea● he, and others like him, did as usual look him in th● face when they came first into the Pulpit, their Countenance did as it were, say to him, Sir, you must hear m● diligently, you must have a care to observe what I say He used to say, he knew no sport worth an Oath, and that he knew not what they called Puritan Preaching 〈◊〉 but he loved that Preaching which went next his heart, and spoke, as if they knew the mind of God; His last words were; O Christ, thou art my Redeemer, and 〈◊〉 know that thou hast Redeemed me, I wholly depend upon thy Providence, and Mercy from the very bottom of my heart; I commend my soul into thy hand: A Person o● Quality waiting on the Prince in his sickness, who had been his constant Companion at Tennis, and ask how he did, he answered, Ah Tom, I in vain wish for that time I lost with thee and others in vain Recreation, He then added, Now my Soul be glad, for at all parts of this Prison, the Lord hath set his aid to lose thee, Head, F●et, Milt, and Liver are failing; Arise therefore, and shake off thy Fetters, mount from thy Body, and go thy way O●● of his Life, p.  
VII. H●●o Grotius, the greatest Scholar that his Age boasted of, after so many Embassys happily performed abroad, and as many Transactions well managed at home; After an exact survey of all the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin Learning, after an unanswerable Treatise of the Truth of the Christian Religion, and many other Elaborate Discourses in Divinity, and other parts of Learning, concluded his Life with this Protestation, That he would give all his Learning, and Honour for the plain Integrity, and harmless innocence of John Urick; who was a devout poor man, that spent Eight hours of his time in Prayer, Eight in Labour, and but Eight in Sleep, and other necessaries, He also made this complant to another, who admired his astonishing Industry, Ah! Vitam perdidi, operose nihil agendo; Ah! I have lost my Life in doing nothing industriously, and gave this direction only to another, who desired it, as knowing his great Wisdom and Learning, Be serious. When he was on his Deathbed, he sent for a Minister, professing himself to be the poor Publican, saying, That he had nothing to trust to, but the Mercy of God in Jesus Christ, and wishing that all the world saw as much reason in Religion as he did. Dying men's words. p. 162.  
VIII. Salmasius, that Excellent French Scholar (whom the Learned men of his time never mention without such Expressions as these, vir nunquam satis laudatus, etc. A man never enough to be praised, nor to be mentioned without admiration) went out of the World with these words in his mouth, Oh, I have lost a world of Time! Time that most precious thing in the world, whereof had I but one year longer, it should be spent in David's Psalms, and St. Paul's Epistles; Oh Sirs (said he to these about him,) mind the World less, and God more: all the Learning in the world, without true Piety, and the Fear of God, is nothing worth; The fear of the Lord, that is Wisdom, and to departed from Evil, that is understanding. Ibid●m. p. 161.  
IX. Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary of State in Queen Elizabeth's Reign, toward the latter end of his Life writ to the Lord Chancellor Burleigh to this purpose, We have lived enough to our Country, to our Fortunes, and to our Sovereign; it is high time we begin to live to ourselves, and to our God; in the multitude of Affairs that passed through our hands, there must be some miscarriages, for which a whole Kingdom cannot make our peace: And being observed to be more melancholy than usual, some Court Humorists were sent to divert him, Ah (said Sir Francis) while we laugh, all things are serious round about us; God is serious, when he preserveth us, and hath patience toward us; Christ is serious when he dyeth for us; the Holy Ghost is serious when he striveth with us; the Holy Scripture is serious when it is read before us; Sacraments are serious when they are administered to us; The whole Creation is serious in serving God and us; those that are in Heaven and Hell are serious, and shall a man that hath one foot in the grave, jest and laugh? Wanly Hist. Man. p. 646.  
X. Sir Tho. Smith, after he had many years served Q. Elizabeth, also as Secretary of State, and done many considerable Services to the Kingdom; A quarter of a year before he died, laid aside all public Employment, and discharging all his worldly Affairs, and Attendants, sent to two Reverend Divines, his singular good Friends, entreating them to draw him out of the word of God, the plainest, and axactest way of making his peace with God, and living Godly in this present world, adding, That it was great pity men knew not, (or at least did not seriously consider) to what end they were born into this world, till they were ready to go out of it. Fair warning. p. 168.  
XI. Doctor Donne, a Person of as great Parts and Spirit as any this Nation ever beheld, when he was upon his Deathbed, took his solemn farewell of his most considerable Friends, leaving this with them, I repent of all my Life, but that part of it which I spent in communion with God, and doing good: That Person in a dying hour shall wish himself not a man, who hath not been a good Christian. Idem. p. 164.  
XI. Archbishop Usher, that Famous, Learned, and most pious Divine, after his indefatigable pains, as a Christian, a Scholar, a Bishop and a Preacher, went out of the world with this Prayer, Lord forgive me my sins of Omission; and desired to die as Mr. Perkins did, imploring the mercy and favour of God. Idem. p. 164.  
XIII. Sir Philip Sidney, a Subject indeed of England but they say chosen King of Poland, whom Q. Elizabeth called Her Philip, and the Prince of Orange called his Master, whose Friendship the Lord Brooks was so proud of, that he would have this to be part of his Epitaph, Here lieth Sir Philip Sidneys Friend; whose Death was lamented in Verse by the then Kings of France and Scotland, and the two Universities of England, This great man lamented so much at his Death, the innocent vanity of his Life in writing his Arcadia, that to prevent the unlawful kindling of heats in others, he would have committed it to the Flames himself, and left this farewell among his Friends; Love my Memory, cherish my Friends, their Faith to me may assure you they are honest, but above all, govern your Will and Affections by the Will and Word of your Creator, and in me behold the end of this world, and all its vanities. Ibidem. p. 136.  
XIV. Sir Henry Wotton, after his many years study, with great proficiency and applause in the University, his near Relation to the great Favourite, the E. of Essex, his intimacy with the Duke of Tuscany, and James the 6th. King of Scotland, his Embassyes to Holland, Germany, Venice, etc. was only ambitious of the Provostship of Eton, being exceeding desirous to retire thither, to enjoy his beloved Study and Devotion, saying often, That this was the happiest time of his life, it being the utmost happiness which a man could attain to, to be at leisure to be, and to do good; never reflecting on the spending of his former years without tears, and would often say, How much time have I to repent of, and how little to do it in. Idem. p. 154.  
XV. Sir John Mason, Privy Councillor to King Hen. 8. and K. Edw. 6. upon his deathbed called for his Clerk and Steward, to whom he spoke to this purpose, I have seen five Princes, and been Privy Councillor to four; I have seen the most observable matters in Foreign parts, and been present at most Transactions for 30 years together, and I have learned this after many years' experience, that Seriousness is the greatest wisdom, Temperance the best Physic, and a good Conscience is the best Estate, and were I to live again, I would change the Court for a Church, my Privy Councillors business, and bustle for an Hermit's retirement, and the whole life I lived in the Palace for one hours' enjoyment of God in the Chapel, all things else forsake me beside my God, my duty, and my prayer. Idem p. 153.  
XVI. Mr. Howard, (afterward the learned E. o● Northampton) being disturbed with Atheistical suggestions, put them all off this way,, If I could give any account how myself or any thing else had a being without God, how there came so uniform, and so constant a consent of mankind of all ages, tempers, and educations, (differing so much otherwise in their apprehensions) about the being of a God, the Immortality of the Soul, and Religion, in which they could not likely either deceive so many, or being so many, could not be deceived, I could then be a● Atheist. And when it was urged, that Religion was only a State Policy to keep men in awe; he replved, he could not believe it, since he was sensible that the greatest Politicians have sooner or later felt the power of Religion in the grievous laches of their Consciences, and the dreadfulness of their apprehensions about that state wherein they must live for ever. Idem p. 151.  
XVII. Galeacius Carraciolus Marquis of Vico, a Noble Person of a great Estate, powerful Relations, both in the Emperor of Germany and the Pope's Court, (the last of which was his near Relation) notwithstanding the great promises, and most endearing Letters of his kindred the bitter cries and tears of his Parents, his wife and children, the loss both of his honour and estate; yet this worthy Person broke through all these temporal● engagements, forsook his Country and all that was dear to him, to go to Geneva, and embrace a reproached despised, and persecuted Gospel, choosing rather with Moses (to whom he is compared) to suffer Afflictions with the People of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of this world, because he had a respect to the recompense of reward, and endured, as seeking him who is invisible; He used to say, That he should not look upon himself to be worthy ●o see the face of God, if he did not prefer one hours' communion with Christ before all the riches and pleasures of the world. Galeacius' Life.  
XVIII. Famous and remarkable is the instance of the late Earl of R●chester, who though he spent a great part of his life in the height of At●●i●●ne, and all manner of profaneness and debauchery, yet upon his dying bed God was graciously pleased to hear the prayers of his nearest Relations, and true friends, so that he became a most admirable Penitent, of which I shall instance some few particulars, as they are published by two Reverend Divines; He was the Son of the famous Lord W●mot, and was a great proficient in learning; in the year One thousand six hundred and sixty he went to the University, at which time the general joy which overrun the whole Nation upo● h●s Majesty's Restoration, was not regulated wi●● that ●o●●●i●ry and temperance which became a serious gratitude to God for s●ch a ●lessing, which had some ill effects in him, so that he ●●ga● to love those disorders too much: for after having traveled ●●r some time, he returned back to the Court, where falling into company who loved those excesses, he was at length entirely subdued by intemperance, so that he confessed for five years together he was continually drunk, not all the while under the visible effects of it, but his blood was so inflamed, that he was not in all that time cool enough to be perfectly master of himself, which led him to do many wild and unaccountable things, and being a Person of extraordinary parts, his sins were like them, so that he seemed to affect something singular in his Impieties, as well as writings, above the reach of other men, taking all manner of pains to pervert others to wickedness, nay so confirmed was he in sin, that he lived, and almost oftentimes died a Martyr to it: The licentiousness of his temper, with the briskness of his wit, disposed him to love the conversation of those who divided their time between lewd actions, and irregular mirth, and so he came to bend his wit, and direct his studies, and endeavours, to support, and strengthen these ill principles of Atheism and irreligion in himself and others; An accident fell out about this time which confirmed him more in these courses, for going to Sea in the year 1665 there happened to be in the same ship with him Mr Montague, and another Gentleman of Quality, these two, but especially the last, seemed persuaded, That they should never return into England, and Mr. Montague said, he was sure of it, upon which the E. of Rochester entered into an engagement with the other Gentleman, not without Ceremonies of Religion, (Mr. Montague refusing it) That if either of them died ●e should appear, and give the other notice of the future state, if there were any; After which in a fight with the Dutch, toward the latter end of the Action, the Gentleman aforementioned fell on a sudden into such a trembling, that he could scarce stand, and Mr. Montague going to hold him up, as they were in each others arms, a Canon Bulle● killed him outright, and carried away Mr. Montague's Belly, so that he died in an hour after; but this Gentleman never appeared to the E. of Rochester afterward, which was a great snare to him during the rest of his life; after which he went on to commit all iniquity with greediness, and yet even this desperate Tinner, that one would think had made a Covenant with death, and was at an agreement with ●ell, and just upon the brink of them born, yet even now God to magnify the riches of his Grace and Mercy, was pleased to snatch him out of the fire; so that falling into a great fit of sickness, he laboured under strange trouble and conflicts of mind, his spirit being wounded, and his Conscience full of Terror, and saying, If that God who died for great as well as lesser sinners, did not speedily apply his infinite mercies to his poor soul, his wound was such as no man could conceive or bear, crying out, That he was the vilest wretch and Dog that the Sun shined upon, or the Earth bore, that he now saw his error in not living up to that reason which God endued him with, and which he unworthily vilified and contemned, wishing he had been a starving Leper crawling in a Ditch, that he had been a Link boy or a beggar, or for his whole life time confined to a Dungeon, rather than to have sinned against his God, and acknowledged, that all the seeming absurdities of Religion, and the Holy Scriptures, and the contradictions thereof, framed by men of corrupt and reprobate Judgements were now vanished, and the excellency and beauty thereof appeared, he being now come to receive the truth in the love of it; And upon his death bed gave command to his Reverend Chaplain, to preach abroad, and to let all men know how severely God had disciplined him for his sins by his afflicting hand, that his sufferings were most just, though he had laid ten thousand times more upon him; and how God had laid on him one stripe upon another, because of his grievous provocations, till he had brought him home to himself, and declaring, that from the bottom of his soul he did detest and abher the whole course of his former wicked life, and admired the goodness of God who had given him a true sense of his pernicious opinions and vile practices, warning all men in the name of God, and as they regard the welfare of their souls no more to deny his Being, or his providence, or despise his goodness, no more to make a mock of sin, or contemn the pure and excellent Religion of the ever Blessed Redeemer, through whose Merits alone he who was one of the greatest of Sinners, did yet hope for mercy and forgiveness; and in this Penitent and Religious temper, and frame of Spirit, he sometime after gave up the Ghost. Rechesters' Life and Sermon.  
XIX. I shall conclude all with some brief remarks out of the Life of that Excellent and Worthy Person, the late Lord Chief Justice Hales, as lately published by a Reverend Divine. This Gentleman was descended rather from a good, than a Noble Family, and about the Seventeenth year of his Age went to Oxford, where he was placed under an able Tutor, and was an extraordinary proficient; but the Stage-Plays coming thither, he was so much corrupted by seeing many Plays, that he almost wholly forsaken his Studies, of which mischief being sensible, he at his coming to London, resolved ●ver to see a Play again, to which he constantly adhered; but one irruption of the mind draws on another, so that he fell into many ruthful vanities, and kept too much ill Company with some vain people, till a sad accident drove him from it, for he, with some other ●oung Persons being invited out of Town to be merry, one of the company called for so much Wine, and went on in such excess, that though Mr. Hale would have prevented it) he fell down as dead ●efore them, so that all that were present, were not a little affrighted 〈◊〉 it, who did what they could to bring him to himself again; This ●●d Particularly affect Mr. Hale, who thereupon went into another ●om, and shutting the door, fell on his knees, and prayed earnestly 〈◊〉 God both for his Friend, That he might be restored to life again, ●nd that himself might be forgiven, forgiving such countenance to so ●uch excess, and he vowed to God, that he would never again keep ●●mpany in that manner, nor Drink allealth while he lived:  
His friend recovered, and he most Religiously kept his vow till his ●ying day, and though he was afterwards pressed to drink healths, articularly the Kings, which was set up by too many as a distinguishing mark of Loyalty, and drew many into great excess after ●is Majesties happy Restoration; but he would never dispense with is Vow, though he was roughly treated for this sometimes, which ●●me hot and indiscreet men call obstinacy; This wrought such an ●●tire change on him, that now he forsook all vain Company, and guided himself between the duties of Religion, and the studies of ●s Profession, in the former whereof he was so regular, that for six ●●d Thirty years' time he never once failed going to Church on the ●●rds day, & though he was acquainted with all sorts of Learning, ●●t he seemed to have made the study of Divinity the chiefest of all ●hers; He was a very merciful and upright Judge, and would hear no ●auses but in open Court, which a great Peer once complained of 〈◊〉 the King, But his Majesty bid him content himself that he was no ●rse used, and said, He verily believed he would have used himself no ●tt●r if he had gone to sollicit● him in any one of his own Causes; He ●ade it as a Rule to himself, That in the administration of Justice, 〈◊〉 was entrusted for God, the King and Country, and therefore ought 〈◊〉 do it uprightly, deliberately and resolutely, and yet was much con●rned that though it was his duty to serve in the Office he was cal●●d to, yet was it a great consumer of that little time we have here, ●●ch he thought might be better spent in a pi●us Contemplative life, ●●d a due provision for Eternity J. Hales Life.  
To conclude. The most learned, wise, and s●●ious Persons in all a●es, have all concurred in their Judgements, as to a future State, and ●●ve thought it to be the greatest wisdom in this world, to be truly religious; and to work out their Salvation with fear and trembling.   
FINIS.   

There are lately published Three very useful an● necessary Books, which are sold by Nath● Crouch, at the Bell next door to the Widow Kemp's Coffeehouse in Exchange-Alley, over against the Royal-Exchange in Cornhill.  
I. HIstorical Remarques and Observations of the Ancient and Present State of London and Westminster, showing the Foundation, Walls, Gates Towers, Bridges, Churches, Rivers, Wards, Halls, Companies, Government, Courts, Hospitals, Schools, Inns o● Court, Charters, Franchises, and Privileges thereof; with an Account of the most Remarkable Accidents, 〈◊〉 to Wars, Fires, Plagues, and other occurrences, for above 900 years past, in and about these Cities; and among other particulars, the Poisoning of K. John by 〈◊〉 Monk; The Resolution of K. Henry 3. utterly to destroy and consume the City of London with Fire, for joining with the Barons against him, and his seizing their Charters, Liber●●● and Customs into his hands; The Rebellion of Wa●●●yler, who was slain by the Lord Mayor i● Smithfield, and the Speech of Jack Straw at his Execution; the deposing of R. Rich. 2. and his mournful Speech at his resigning the Crown, with the manner 〈◊〉 his being Murdered: The D● of York's coming into th● Parliament, and claiming the Crown in K. Henry 6. time The Murder of K. Henry 6. and likewise of Edw. 〈◊〉 and his Brother, by Rich. 3. called Crook-back; Th● Execution of Empson and Dudley; the Insurrection i● London in K. Henry 8. time, and how 411 Men and Women went through the City in their Shifts, and Ropes about their necks to Westm. Hall, where they were pardoned by the King: The Speeches of Q. Ann Bullen, 〈◊〉 Lord Protector, and Q. Jane Grace at their several Dea●● upon Tower hill.  
With several other remarks in all the King's an● Queens Reigns to this Year 1681. And a description 〈◊〉 ●e manner of the Trial of the late L. Stafford in West. Hall; illustrated with Pictures of the most considerable matters, ●uriously Engraven on Copper Plates, with the Arms of the ●5 Companies of London, and the time of their Incorporating, by Rich. Burton, Author of the History of the Wars of England, etc. Price One Shilling.  
II. The Wars in England, Scotland and Ireland; Or  
AN Impartial Account of all the Battles, Sieges, and other remarkable Transactions, Revolutions and Accidents which have happened from the beginning of ●he Reign of King Charles the First, in 1625. to his Majesty's happy Restauration 1660. And among other particulars, The Debates and Proceed in the Four First Parliaments of King Charles the First, with their Disso●utions. The Siege of Rochel. The Petition of Right. The Murder of the D. of Buckingham by Felton The Tunults at Edinborough in Scotland, upon Reading the Common-Prayer. The Et caetera Oath. The Cursed Plots and Designs of the Jesuits, and other Papists, for imbroiling ●hese Three Kingdoms. The Insurrection of the Apprentices and Seamen, and their Assaulting of Archbishop Laud's House at Lambeth: Remarks on the Trial of the E. of Strafford, and his last Speech. The horrid and bloody Rebellion of the Papists in Ireland, and ●heir Murdering above Two Hundred Thousand Protestant's in 1641. The Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom, with the King's Answer thereunto. The Pro●eedings about the Five Impeached Members. An Accounted of the Parliament at Oxford, January 22. 1643. with their Proceed and Dissolution. An Abstract of ●he Fights between the King and Parliament. The Death of A B. Laud Mr. Chaloner and Tomkins, Sir John Ho●ha●, Sir Ale●ander Carew, Duke Hamilton, Earl of Hol●and Lord Capel, and others. The Illegal Trial of King Charles the First, a● large, with his last Speech at his Suffering Jan. 30. 1648. Together with the most considerable matters which happened till the Year 1660. Illustrated with Pictures of several Remrkable Accidents ●uriously engraven on Copper Plates. Price One Shilling.  
III The Protestant Scool-Mister; Or  
THE Protestant Instructed, wherein the most Considerable Errors of the Papists are discovered and the Protestant Religion is vindicated from Here●● and Novelty. 2. The Image of Antichrist, or the Usurpation of the Pope and Church of Rome over King and Emperors, in several Examples of the Tyranny 〈◊〉 the Pope over several Kings of England, etc. 3. Th● Cruelties and Persecutions of the Papists against th● Waldenses in Piedmont, Bohemia, Germany, Poland, Lithuani●● and France, with an Account of the bloody Massacre a● Paris, and the terrible Sieges of Sancerre and Roch●● 4. The Cruelties of the Papists in Italy, Spain, Portuga● and the Low Countries, with a Relation of the Origin●● Practices, and cruel Tortures of the Spanish Inquisition. 5. The Persecution of the Protestants in Scotland, and Ir●land; With a Prophecy thereof by Dr. James Usher, Archbishop of Armagh, forty years before it came to pas● which exactly fell out. 6. The Persecution of the Protestant's in England, for near six hundred years, with the Plo's and Conspiracies against the Life of Queen Eliz●beth: Likewise the Spanish Invasion: The Gunpowder-treason; The Burning of London: The Late Horrid Popish Plo● and the Murder of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey. 7. Pla●● and easy Directions for Spelling and Reading of English with all necessary Rules for reading the English Tongue more useful than any other Book of this kind. 8. God Judgement, upon Popish Persecutors discovered in som● eminent Examples. 9 A Prayer of King Edward th● Sixth, a while before his Death, against Popery. 10. 〈◊〉 Speech of Queen Elizabeth to her Army at Tilbury-Can● in the Spanish Invasion, 1588. Concluding with Prayer and Graces. The whole being illustrated with man● Pictures curiously engraven in Copper, describing th● variety of Torments and Cruelties exercised by the Papists upon Protestants in most Countries in Europe. Pri●one Shilling.  
All three Printed for Nath. Crouch, at the Bell, nex● to the Widow Kemp's Coffeehouse in Exchange-Alle● over against the Royal-Exchange in Cornhill.