John LILBURNE. AETAT: SVAE 23. Anᵒ 1641.  G: glow: fecit.  portrait of John Lilburne  

Gaze not upon this shadow that is vain.  
But rather raise thy thoughts a higher strain.  
To GOD (I mean) who set this youngman free.  
And in like straits can eke deliver thee.    

THE CHRISTIAN man's trial: OR, A true RELATION of the first apprehension and several examinations of John Lilburne, With his Censure in Star-Chamber, and the manner of his cruel whipping through the Streets: whereunto is annexed his Speech in the Pillory, and their gagging of him: Also the severe Order of the Lords made the same day for fettering his hands and feet in irons, and for keeping his friends and moneys from him, which was accordingly executed upon him for a long time together by the Wardens of the Fleet, with a great deal of barbarous cruelty and inhumanity, &c.  Revel. 2. 10. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried, and you shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Matth. 10. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how, or what you shall speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you shall say. 
The second Edition, with an addition.  
LONDON, Printed for WILLIAM LARNAR, and are to be sold at his Shop at the sign of the Golden Anchor, near paul's-chain, 1641.   

To the READER.  
CHristian Reader, here is presented to thy view, a part of these cruel and grievous sufferings imposed upon this Author, by the malignant malice of the Prelacy and that faction, wherein thou mayest likewise see the twonder full gracious dealings of a good God carrying this Author through them all with boldness and courage, being not daunted, neither at their frowns nor whippings, nor pil●ories● nor closoe prisons no, nor irons: so that we may see the faithful ●romises of our God before our eyes made good in this young man who path promised to be with his people in six troubles, and seven; and to hew himself strong in the behalf of all those whose hearts are perfect before him, that so he might out of the mouths of Babes and Suckings perfect his own praise, to the astonishment of all those who shall lift up heart or hand against him, or the least of his holy ones; and to the comfort and encouragement of all the Saints, who, from the consideration of the sweet supporting power of God, appearing to others in their bonds, are the more encouraged publicly to hold forth their profession of the truths of the Lord Jesus with much more boldness and confidence, as knowing that that God which hath appeared to others of the Saints in times of sufferings, even before their eyes, will also appear to them in the like condition; and therefore we may a little see and take notice of the follies of wicked men's wisdoms, who think by their hellish wits, to raze down Zion and the truth of God to the ground▪ and therefore they labour by the imprisonments and tortures of some to dash the rest out of heart, that they should fear to show any countenance to such a persecuted way, whereas indeed the Saints have by this means a fairer object to pitch their faith and confidence upon, namely, the power and wisdom and grace and mercy of their God appearing in a more fuller vision before their eyes; for the afflictions and persecution that are imposed by wicked men upon the Saints, causeth them to see a spirit of glory resting upon them, even in this condition: here 1 Pet. 4. 13. 14, and a 〈◊〉 weight of glory provided for them hereafter, 1 Cor. 4. 18. So that we may daily see the God of heaven fulfilling of his own Word, even in this thing, which is that he will confound the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nought the understanding of the prudent, and catch the wicked in their own snares, making the rage of man turn to his own praise his people's comforts and their ruins, wherefore let the servants of God comfort one another with these words: That we may not fear the fears of men, which, that we may be the more strengthened against them, let us consider the cloud of witnesses which hath gone before 〈◊〉 a way of suffering, even in these our times, amongst whom the Author of this book hath had his share with the deepest of them 〈◊〉 therefore to this end hath he published to the world this Tract, that he might keep alive to all posterities the goodness, and mercy and love of God manifested to him under those cruel barbarous and tyrannical dealings of the prelatical hierarchy, that so all the Saints of God ma● hate that wicked calling and power of theirs, and never give ov●● crying to God and men, till it be razed down to the ground, that so the Lord Jesus may be set up as Lord and King, which ought to he the desire and endeavour of all the chosen ones of God, and is the desire of him who desires the good of the servants of God, in all things, in 〈◊〉 for Christ.  
WILLIAM KIFFEN.  
This is the first Part.   

A CHRISTIAN man's trial.  
Upon Tuesday last the 11. or 12. of December, 1637. I was treacherously and Judasly betrayed (by one that I supposed to be my friend) into the hands of the pursuivant, with four of his assistants, as I was walking in a narrow lane, called Soper-lane, being walking with one John Chilliburhe, servant to old Mr. John Wharton, in Bowlane a Hotpresser 
* And was since advanced by the Bishop of London to be his 〈◊〉 Licencer for his pains.  Which John had laid the plot before for my apprehension, as I am able for to prove and make good, that he shall not be able with truth to deny it. And at my taking the pursuivants were very violem me and having by force got me into a shop, they throw me over a Sugar-chest, to take my Sword from me, and cried out for help, and said he had taken one of the notoriousest dispersers of scandalous books that was in the kingdom▪ for (saith he) he hath dispersed them from one end of the Land to the other.  
And from thence I was had to the Pole-head tavern near to the Dr. Commons, where the pursuivants called freely for wine to make themselves merry, thinking they had got a great prize; Being not long there with my pursuivant Flamsted, who apprehended me, in came Bonn●ragge, the great Prelates pursuivant, and he looking upon me, said, Mr. Lilburne, I am glad with all my heart that we are met, for you are the man that I have much desired for a long time to see. To which I replied are you so? And for my own part, I am not much unglad, But you think, you have got a great purchase in taking me, but it may be you may be deceived. Come (saith he) give us some wine, and with that he swore an Oath, he would give me a quart of sack, for joyfulness of our meeting, and so he called for it and drank to me: And I told him, I would drink no wine. To which he replied, and said in these words: Come (said he) be not sad, you are but fallen into the Knaves hands. To which I said, I am not sad in the least; and for my falling into Knaves hands, I verily believe without any questioning, that which you have said. And then he swore another Oath, and said, it was true enough.  
(So good Christian Reader, take notice of thus much by the way, that the Prelates and their Creatures are a company of Knaves, by Boniragge his own confession.)  
That night I was kept at Elamstedds house where I bless God, I was merry and cheerful, and nothing at all daunted at that which had befallen me. And about twelve of the clock the next day, I was committed to the Gatehouse, by Sir John the Prelate of Canterbury's chancellor with others without any examination at all, for sending of factious and fcandalous books out of Holland into England. And having not been at the foresaid prison above three days, I was removed, by a Warrant from the Lords of the counsel to the Fleet, where I now remain. And after my being there some time, I drew a Petition to the Lords of the counsel for my liberty: and their answer to it was, that I should be examined before Sir John banks, the King's attorney: The copy of which examination thus follows.  
Upon Tuesday, the 14. of January. 1637. I was had to Sir▪ Ioh● Bank● the attorney general's Chamber (now Lord chief Justice of the 〈◊〉 of Pleas) and was referred to be examined by Mr. 〈◊〉 his chi●●● clerk; And at our first coming together, he did kindly entreat me; and made me sit down by him, and put on my hat, and began with me after this manner: Mr. Lilburne, what is your Christian name? I said, John, Did you live in London before you went into Holland? Yes, that I did, Where? Near Londonstone. With whom there? With Mr. Thomas Hewson, What Trade is he? A dealer in cloth, I told him. How long did you serve him? About five years. How came you to part? After this manner: I 
* But the greatest ground was Canterbury's malice, who sent his pursuivants to my Masters to apprehend me, for my visiting of (and well-wishing to) Noble Dr. Bastwick, which forced me to fly to save myself from these cruel bloodsuckers.  perceiving my Master had an intention to desist his Trade, I often moved him that I might have my liberty, to provide for myself, and at the last he condescended unto it; and, so I went into the Country, to have the consent of my friends; and after that departed into Holland. Where were you there? At Rotterdam. And from thence you went to Amsterdam? Yes, I was at Amsterdam What books did you see in Holland? Great store of books, for in every Bookesellers shop as I came in, there were great store of books. I know that, but I ask you, if you did see Dr. Bastwick's Answer to my Master's Information, and a Book called his litany? yes, I saw them there, and if you please to go thither, you may buy an hundred of them at the Bookesellers, if you have a mind to them Have you seen the Vnbishopping of Timothy and Titus, the Lookingglasse, and 
* Which Book proves them guilty of high trea▪  a Breviate of the Bishops late proceedings. Yes, I have, and those also you may have there, if you please to send for them. Who Printed all those books? I do not know. Who was at the charges of Printing of them? Of that I am ignorant. But did you not send over some of these books? I sent not any of them over. Do you know one Hargust there? Yes, I did see such a man. Where did you see him? I met with him one day accidentally at Amsterdam. How oft did you see him there? Twice upon one day. But did not he send over books? If he did, it is nothing to me, for his doings is unknown to me. But he wrote a Letter over by your directions, did he not? What he writ, I know no more than you. But did you see him nowhere else there? Yes, I saw him at Rotterdam. What conference had you with him? Very little; But why do you ask me all these questions; These are besides the matter of my imprisonment, I pray come to the thing for which I am accused, and imprisoned. No, these are not besides the business, but do belong to the thing for which you are imprisoned. But do you know of any that sent over any books? What other men did, doth not belong to me to know or search into, sufficient it is for me to look well to my own occasions. Well, here is the examination of one Edmond Chilington, do you know such a one? Ye● How long have you been acquainted with him? A little before I went away, but how long I do not certainly know: do you know one John Wharton? No, do you not, he is a hotpresser: I know him, but I do not well remember his other name: How long have you been acquainted with him: And how came you acquainted? I cannot well tell you: How long do you think? I do not know: What speeches had you with Chillington since you came to town? I am not bound to tell you: But Sir (as I said before) why do you ask me all these questions, these are nothing pertinent to my imprisonment, for I am not imprisoned for knowing and talking with such and such men: But for sending over books: And therefore I am not willing to answer you to any more of these questions: because I see you go about by this examination to ensnare me, for seeing the things for which I am imprisoned cannot be proved against me, you would get other matter out of my examination, and therefore i● you will not ask me about the thing laid to my charge, I shall answer no more: but if you will ask me of that, I shall then answer you, and do answer, that for the thing for which I am imprisoned: which is for sending over books, I am clear▪ for I sent none: And of any other matter that you have to accuse me of, I know it is warrantable by the Law of God, and I think by the Law of the Land, that I may stand upon my just defence, and not answer to your intergatory; and that my accusers ought to be brought face to face, to justify what they accuse me of; And this is all the answer that for the present I am willing to make: And if you ask me of any more things I shall answer you with silence. At this he was exceeding angry, and said: There would be course taken with me to make me answer, I told him I did not way what course they would take with me; only this I desire you to take notice of that I do not refuse to answer out of any contempt but only because I am ignorant what belongs to an examination, (for this is the first time that ever I was examined.) and therefore I am unwilling to answer to any importinent questions for fear that with my answer I may do myself hurt. This is not the way to get liberty. I had thought you would have answered punctually, that so you might have been dispatched as shortly as might be. So I have answered punctually to the thing for which I am imprisoned and more I am not bound to answer, and for my liberty I must wait God's time. You had better answer, for I have two examinations where in you are accused Of what am I accused? Chillington hath accused you for printing ten or twelve thousands of Books in Holland, and that they stand you in about eighty pound, and that you had a Chamber at Mr. John ●oot●s, at Delst, where he thinks the books were kept, and that you would have printed the unmasking of the Mystery of Iniquity, if you could have got a true Copy of it. I do not believe that Chillington said any such things and if he did, I know, and am sure, that they are all of them lies. You received money of Mr. Wharton since you came to town, did you not? What if I did? It was for books? I do not say so. For what sorts of books was it? I do not say it was for any, and I have already answered you all, that for the present I have to answer and if that will give you content, well and good, if not, do what you please. If you will not answer no more (here I told him if I had thought you would have insisted upon such impertinent questions, I would not have given him so many answers) we have power to send you to the place from whence you came. You may do your pleasure, said I. So he called in anger for my Keeper, and gave him astrict charge to look well to me. I said they should not fear my running away. And so I was sent down to Sir John banks himself. And after that he had read over what his man had writ, he called me in, and said, I conceive you are unwilling to confess the Truth. No Sir, I have spoken the Truth This is your Examination, is it not? What your man hath writ I do not know. Come near and see that I read it right. Sir, I do not own it for my Examination for your man hath writ what it pleased him, and hath not writ my answer, for my answer was to him, and so is to you that for the thing for which I am imprisoned (which is for sending over books) I am clear, for I did not send any, and for any other matter that is laid to my charge. I know it is warrantable by the Law of God, and I think by the Law of the Land, for me to stand upon my just defence, and that my accusers ought to be brought face to face, to justify what they accuse me of And this is all that I have to say for the present. You must set your hand to this your Examination. I beseech you Sir pardon me, I will set my hand to nothing but what I have now said. So he took the Pen and writ, the examined is unwilling to answer to any thing but that for which he is imprisoned. Now you will set your hand to it? I am not willing in regard I do not own that which your man hath writ, but if it please you to lend me the Pen. I will write my Answer, and set my hand to it. So he gave me the Pen, and I begun to write thus: The Answer of me John Lilburne is, And here he took the Pen from me, and said he could not stay, that was sufficient. Than one of my Keepers asked him if they might have me back again? And he said yea: for he had no Order for my enlargement, and so I took my leave of him, and desired the Lord to bless and keep him, and came away.  
And then about ten or twelve days after, I was had forth to Gray's inn again, but when I went, I did not know what they would do with me there: And when I came there, I was had to the star-chamber Office; and being there, as the Order is, I must enter my appearance, they told me, I said, to what, for I was never served with any Subpoena; neither was there any Bill preferred against me 
* No legal proceeding in Star-Chamber.  that I did hear of. One of the clerks told me, I must first be examined, and then Sir John would make the Bill: it seems they had no grounded matter against me for to write a Bill, and therefore they went about to make me betray my own innocency, that so they might ground the Bill upon my own words: but my God showed his goodness to me, inkeeping me, (a poor weak worm) that they could not in the least entangle me, though I was altogether ignorant of the manner of their proceedings: And at the entrance of my appearance, the clerk and I had a deal of pretty discourse; the particulars whereof for brevity sake I now pretermit, but in the conclusion he demanded money of me for entering of my appearance: and I told him I was but a young man, and a prisoner, and money was not very plentiful with me, and therefore I would not part with any money upon such terms. At which answer the man began to wonder that I should speak so to him, and with that the whole company of the clerks in the Office began to look and gaze at me. Well (said he) if you will not pay your see, I will dash out your name again. Do what you please (said I) I care not if you do. So he made a complaint to Mr. Goad, the Master of the Office, that I refused to enter my appearance. And then I was brought before him, and he demanded of me what my business was? I told him, I had no business with him, but I was a prisoner in the fleet, and was sent for but to whom and to what end I do not know, and therefore if he had nothing to say to me, I had no business with him. And then one of the Clarks said, I was to be examined. Then Mr. Goad said, tender him the book. So I looked another way, as though I did not give ear to what he said; and then he bid me pull off my glove, and lay my hand upon the book. What to do Sir? said I. You must swear said he. To what? That you 
* just in quisition like.  shall make true answer to all things that is asked you, Must I so Sir? But before I swear, I will know to what I must swear. As soon as you have sworn, you shall, but not before. To that I answered. Sir, I am but a young man, and do not well know what belongs to the nature of an Oath, and therefore before I swear, I will be better advised. Saith he, how old are you? About twenty years old, I told him. You have received the Sacrament, have you not? Yes that I have. And you have heard the ministers deliver God's Word, have you not? Yes, I have heard Sermons. Well then, you know the holy Evangelist? Yes that I do. But Sir though I have received the Sacrament, and have heard Sermons, yet it doth not therefore follow that I am bound to take an Oath, which I doubt of the lawfulness of. Look you here, said he; and with that he opened the book, we desire you to swear by no foreign thing, but to swear by the holy Evangelist. Sir, I do not doubt or question thatonely I question how lawful it is for me to swear to I do not know what. So some of the Clarks began to reason with me, and told me every one took that Oath; and would I be wiser than all other men? I told them, it made no matter to me what other men do; but before I swear, I will know better grounds and reasons than other men's practices to convince me of the lawfulness of such an Oath, to swear I do not know to what. So Mr. Goad bid them hold their peace, he was not to convince any man's conscience of the lawfulness of it, but only to offer and tender it; Will you take it or no, saith he? Sir, I will be better advised first; with this there was such looking upon me, and censuring me for a singular man, for the refusing of that which was never refused before: whereupon there was a Messenger sent to Sir John banks, to certify him, that I would not take the Star-Chamber Oath. And also to know of him what should be done with me. So I looked I should be committed close prisoner or worse. And about an hour after came Mr. Cockschey, Sir John's chief clerk; what (said he) Mr. Lilburne, it seems you will not take your Oath, to make true answer? I told him, I would be better advised before I took such an Oath. Well then (saith he) you must 
* This is the Divinities of the Prelates and their Creatures.  go from whence you came and then I spoke merrily to my Keepers, and bid them, let us be gone, we have been long enough here. Thus have I made a true Relation of that day's work.  
But before I proceed, I desire to declare unto you, the Lord's goodness manifested unto me in being my counsellor and director in my great straits. The Prelates intendment towards me was carried so close, that I could not learn what they would do with me, only I supposed they would have me into the Star-chamber, in regard I was removed by the Lords of the counsel; and also tidings was brought unto me by some friends, what cruelty their Creatures did breath out against me, but I encouraged myself in my God, and did not fear what man could do unto me. Esay●1, 12. 13. for I had the peace of a good conscience within me, and the assurance of God's love reconciled unto me in the precious blood of his son Jesus CHRIST; which was as good as Shield and Buckler unto me, to keep off all the assaults of my enemies, and I was, as it were, in a strong walled town, nothing dreading but lightly esteeming the cruelty of my Adversaries, for I knew God was my God, and would be with me, and enable me to undergo whatsoever, by his permission they could inflict upon me, and to his praise I desire to speak it: I found his gracious goodness and loving kindness so exceedingly made known unto me, that he enabled me to undergo my captivity with contentedness, joyfulness, and cheerfulness: And also was pleased, according to his promise, to be a mouth unto me, whensoever I was brought before them, and gave me courage and boldness to speak unto them, his holy and blessed name be praised and magnified for it.  
Upon the Friday next, after this, in the morning, one of the Officers of the fleet came to my Chamber, and bid me get up and make me ready to go to the star-chamber-bar forth with, I having no time to fit myself, made me ready in all haste to go; (yet when I came there, the Lord according to his promise was pleased to be present with me by his special assistance, that I was enabled without any dauntedness of spirit, to speak unto that great and noble Assembly, as though they had been but my equals;) And being at the bar, Sir John banks laid a verbal accusation 
* But there was never any Bill as there ought to have been.  against me, which was, that I refused to answer, and also to enter my appearance, and that I refused to take the Star-Chamber Oath: and then was read the Affidavit of one Edmond Chillington, Buttonseller, made against Mr. John Warton and myself; 
* Who they forced by cruelty so to do, having almost starved him in prison, and also removed him into several prisons to torment him to make him bend to their ●ow.  The sum of which was, that he and I had Printed at Rotterdam in Holland Dr. Bastwick's answer, and his litany, and divers other scandalous books. And then after I had obtained leave to speak, I said: My noble Lords, as for that Affidavit, it is a most false lie, and untruth. Well, said the Lord-keeper, why will you not answer? My honourable Lord (said I) I have answered fully, before Sir John banks to all things that belongs to me to answer unto, and for other things, which concern other men, I have nothing to do with them. But why do you refuse to take the Star-Chamber Oath? Most Noble Lord, I refused upon this ground, because that when I was examined, though I had fully answered all things that belonged to me to answer unto, and had cleared myself of the thing for which I am imprisoned, which was for sending books out of Holland, yet that would not satisfy and give content, but other things was put unto me, concerning other men, to ensnare me, and get further matter against me, which I perceiving refused, being not bound to answer to such things as do not belong unto me; and withal I perceived the Oath to be an Oath of inquiry; and for the lawfulness of which Oath I have no warrant, and upon these grounds I did, and do still refuse the Oath: with this some of the King's counsel, and some of the Lords spoke, would I condemn and contradict the laws of the Land, 
* There is no Law in this Land for warranting of thou Oath.  and be wiser than all other men, to refuse that, which is the Oath of the Court, administered unto all that come there? Well, said my Lord Keeper, tender him the book. I standing against the Prelate of Canterbury's back, he looked over his shoulder at me, & bid me pull off my glove, and lay my hand upon the book. Unto whom I replied, Sir, I will not swear; and then directing my speech unto the Lords, I said: Most honourable and Noble Lords, with all reverence and submission unto your Honours; submitting my body unto your lordship's pleasure, and whatsoever you please to inflict upon it yet must I refuse the Oath. My Lords, said the Arch Prelate (in a deriding manner) do you hear him, he saith, with all reverence and submission he refuseth the 
* This Prelate cannot lie.  Oath. Well, come, come (said my Lord Keeper) submit yourself unto the Court. Most Noble Lords, with all willingness I submit my body unto your honour's pleasure, but for any other submission, most Honourable Lords, I am conscious unto myself, that I have done nothing, that doth deserve a convention before this illustrious Assembly; and therefore for me to submit, is to submit I do not know wherefore. With that up stood the Earl of Dorset, and said: My Lords, this is one of their private spirits; do you hear him, how he stands in his own justification? Well my Lords, said the great Prelate; this fellow (meaning me) hath been one of the notoriousest disperser of Libellous books that is in the kingdom, and that is the Father of them all (pointing to old Mr. Wharton.) Then I replied, and said, Sir, I know you are not able to prove, and to make that good which you have said. I have testimony of it, said he. Then said I produce them in the face of the open Court, that we may see what they have to accuse me of; And I am ready here to answer for myself, and to make my just defence. With this he was silent, 
* But sat down in a fury having o● more to say.  and said not one word more to me: and then they asked my fellow soldier old Mr. Wharton, whether he would take the Oath, which he refused, and began to tell them of the Bishop's cruelty towards him; and that they had had him in 
* O cruel persecutors  five several prisons within this two years, for refusing the Oath. And then there was silence, after which was read a long piece of business how the Court had proceeded against some that had harboured Jesuits and Seminary-Priests (those Traitors) who refused to be examined upon Oath, and in regard that we refused likewise to be examined upon Oath, it was fit they said, that we should be proceeded against, as they were, so they were the precedent by which we were censured, though their cause and ours be much unlike, in regard theirs were little better than Treason; but our crime was so far from Treason, that it was neither against the glory of God, the honour of the King, the laws of the Land, nor the good of the commonwealth: but rather for the maintaining of the honour of them all, as all those that read the books without partial affections, and prejudicate hearts, can witness and declare, and if the books had had any Treason, or any thing against the Law of the Land in them, yet we were but subposedly guilty, for the things were never fully proved against us; indeed there was two oaths read in court, which they said was sworn against us by one man but he was never brought face to face, and in both his oaths he hath forsworn himself, as in many particulars thereof we both are able to make good. In the conclusion, my Lord Keeper stood up, and said, My Lords, I hold it fit, that they should be both for their contempt committed close prisoners till Tuesday next; and if they do not conform themselves betwixt this and then to take the Oath, and yield to be examined before Mr. Goad, then that they shall be brought hither again, and censured, and made an Example; 
* O brave justice.  Unto which they all agreed; and so we were committed close prisoners, and no friends admitted to come unto us.  
And upon Monday after we were had to Gray's inn, and I being the first there, Mr. Goad said to me, according to the Lord's Order upon Friday last, I have sent for you to tender the Oath unto you. Sir, I beseech you, let me hear the Lord's Order. So he caused it to be read unto me, and then tendered me the book. Well Sir, said I, I am of the same mind I was, and withal I understand, that this Oath is one and the same with the High Commission Oath, which Oath I know to be both against the Law of God, and the Law of the Land; and therefore in brief I dare not take the Oath, though I suffer death for the refusal of it. Well, said he, I did not send for you to dispute with you about the lawfulness of it, but only according to my place to tender it unto you. Sir I dare not take it, though I lose my life for the refusal of it. So he said, he had no more to say to me; and I took my leave of him and came away. And after that came the old Man, and it was tendered unto him, which he refused to take: (and as he hath told me) he declared unto him how the Bishops had him eight times in prison for the refusal of it, and he had suffered the Bishops merciless cruelty for many years together, and he would nownever take it as long as he lived; and withal told him, that if there were a Cart ready at the door to carry him to Tyburn, he would be hanged, before ever he would take it. And this was that day's business.  
Upon the next morning about seven a clock, we were had to the Star-Chamber-bar again to receive our Censure; and stood at the Bar about two bowers before Sir John Banks came; but at the last he began his accusation against us, that we did still continue in our former stubbornness: and also there was another Affidavit of the foresaid Edmond Chillingtons read against us; the sum of which was, that I had confessed to him, that I had printed Dr. Bastwick's Answer to Sir John Banks his Information, and his litany; and an other book, called, An Answer unto certain Objections; and another book of his, called the vanity and Impiety of the old litany; and that I had divers other books of Dr. Bastwick's a Printing; and that Mr. John Wharton had been at the charges of Printing a book called A breviate of the Bishops late proceedings; and an other book, called sixteen new Quertes, and divers other factious books; and that one James Ouldam, a Turner in Westminster-Hall, had dispersed divers of these books. So it came to me to speak; and I said after this manner: Most Noble Lords, I beseech your Honours, that you would be pleased to give me leave to speak for myself, and to make my just defence; and I shall labour so to Order my speeches, as that I shall not give your Honours any just distaste; and withal shall do it with as much brevity as I can. So having obtained my desire, I began, and said, My Lords, it seems there was divers books sent out of Holland, which came to the hands of one Edmond Chillinton, which made this affidavit against us: and as I understand, he delivered divers of these books unto one John Chilliburne, servant to this old Man Mr. Wharton (Ay, said he, my Lords, and I had given him a strict charge, that he should not meddle with any,) and his Master being in Prison, he dispersed divers of them for the foresaid Chillington's use, whereupon the books were taken in his Custody, and he being found dispersing of them, goes to one Smith, a tailor in Bridewell (as I am informed) & desires him to get his peace made with the Bishops, whereupon he covenants with some of the Bishops Creatures, to betray me into their hands, being newly come out of Holland, which (as he said) did send over these books. So my Lords, he having purchased his own liberty, lays the plot for betraying me, and I was taken by a Purfevant and four others of his assistance, walking in the streets with the foresaid John Chilliburne, who had laid and contrived the plot before (as I am able to make good) and the next morning I was committed by Sir John Lamb to the gatehouse, (now my Lords, I do protest before your Honours in the word of a Christian that I did not send over thief books, neither did i know the Ship that brought them, nor any that belongs to the ship, nor to my knowledge did never see with my eyes, either the ship, or any that belongs unto it.  
(But before I proceed with my Speech, I desire to digress a little, in regard that John Chilliburne doth yet stiffly maintain, that he did not betray me, nor laid the plot, and therefore I do him wrong for accusing him, he saith. To which I answer, and say, in this, he is worfe than Judas himself; for after he had betrayed Christ, he came and confessed his sin, and said; I have sinned in betraying the innocent blood; and this man hath betrayed Christ in betraying me his member, for what is done to his servant, he takes it as done to himself: but he is not so good as Judas, who confessed his fault, but he hides and justifies his sin, and therefore I will declare my Grounds and Demonstrations, whereupon I am sure he was the Judas: The first is thus, He and I appointed to meet one day upon the Exchange at] two a clock, unto which place I came, and stayed long for his coming, but he came not: and I verily think, he sent two or three in his place, two of them being Arminians, living in Cornhill, which i myself knew, who passed again and again by me, viewing very narrowly my apparel, visage and countenance, as i think for that end that they might know me again: and when i sat down, they would pass by, and go a little from me, and sit down and fix their eyes upon me, insomuch that i was afraid that i should there have been taken▪ which forced me to depart. And at our next meeting i told him of it, and how that (Unless i had known him well) i should have believed he had betrayed me. Unto which he gave me no satisfactory answer, but put it off, and said his liberty was as precious as mine; and if he should betray me, he must betray himself, and therefore i needed not to doubt any such thing: the Lord having blinded my eyes; i could not see into his treacherous heart, but took this for a currant answer, i knowing that he had had a deep hand in the dispersing of books, and therefore i gave credit to that which he had said, as being a real Truth, the Lord having a secret hand of providence in it, (I hope at the last for his glory and my good) did so Order it, that I should not take notice, or perceive his perfidiousness, though I had an inkling given me of it before by some friends, yet i could not believe it, till the event manifested it, for that day i was taken, he hearing (by what means I do not know) that I was to meet one at the Temple, and understanding that I had a desire to see his Master at his own house (being newly let out of prison) we came towards the Temple, and met me in Fleetstreet, and so we went back towards the Temple, and had some discourse there, in which he put me forward to go see and speak with his Master, unto whom I declared, how fearful I was to go thither (in regard I heard they laid wait for me) lest I should be taken; but he made all things clear, and contrived a way, by means of which he said, I might without any fear go speak with him. So we parted, and appointed to meet at the stairs that goes from Bridewell to Blackfriars. I came to the stairs, and stood a great while, but he came not, till I was a coming away; and I expecting him to come out of Bridewell, I having sent him in thither, to speak with one, unto whom I think he did not go, but yet he told me, he was with him; but rather he went to Flamsted the pursuivant to get him in a readiness, for he came to me from Flamsteds-houseward, down from Blackfriars, being a clean contrary way to that I sent him. So we went towards his Master's house, and parted again, and appointed to meet at Tantlins-Church; and when I came there, I saw one walking with him, which I verily believe was one of the five that took me; and when I came to him, I declared unto him that coming down Soper-lane, I saw a fellow stand in a corner, very suspiciously, who looked very wishfully at me, and I at him; and therefore I desired him to go, and see who it was, and whether I might go safely to his Masters or no. So he went, and came back, and told me his Master was come to the door, and I might go without any danger, and as we went, I declared unto him my fearfulness, to go to his Masters; and I told him, I would half draw my sword, that I might be in a readiness; and he went before towards his Masters; and I do verily think acquainted them how it was with me; and I going after him in the narrow Lane, I passed by two great fellows, suspecting nothing; and by and by they seized upon my back and shoulders, and cried out in the King's Name for help, they had taken the Rogues Warton's men, and John was the third man that seized upon me, laying fast hold of my left shoulder, and they three pulled my cloak cross, over my arms, that so, though I had my sword half drawn, yet by no means could I get it out; which if I had, and got my back against the wall, I do not doubt but I should have made them be willing to let me alone; for though they had fast hold of me, they quaked and trembled for fear; and though they were five or six, yet they cried out for more help to assist them. I being but one, and when they all seized on me, than they called me by my name, and though we were in the dark, yet they knew my habit, that I was in as well as myself, and showed me their warrant with my name in it. I have been forced of necessity to recite these things in regard of his daily speeches against me, and his writing to me in justification of his innocency though as yet, for all I have sent for him, he would never come face to face: Tart Letters likewise I have received from Smith and Chillington, for speaking that which I have said in public of them: and as for Smith, take notice what I said of him; and I here give my reasons for that I said, it is known that at the last time the books were taken at Mr. wharton's, part of them was not taken; which John can not deny, but he carried them unto Smith; and what passed betwixt them, they themselves best know: but this is sure, John was never troubled for the books, though he was taken dispersing of them; and I am sure, his liberty was obtained by Smiths and Sam, Baker's the Prelate of London's chaplains means. Also Smith is not ignorant, but doth very well know that promise that John made to Mr. Baker about twelve months ago, to do him special service about such things, which promise I do verily believe he hath faithfully kept; for he hath confessed to his Master since the beginning of my trouble, that he hath used to carry to Baker all new books he could get, as soon as they came out, and how for the which he gave him money, but how much he best knows.  
Also, what free and samiliar access John hath had to him, and he and John to Baker, and for those secrets which John from time to time hath revealed to him and Baker, what they are I name not, but appeal to their own consciences: for it is too manifest that he is a darling both to Smith and Baker, in regard they stand so stoutly for him as they do; for Mr. Wharton, being not long since with Baker, he told him he heard he was about to put away his Man John. Yea (said he) what should I do with him else? Well (said he) if you do it, and put him away, the chamberlain will make you take him again. Will he so (said he) he can not do it, for he is a Judas, and a thief, for he hath stolen money from me, and I can prove it said the Old Man; and therefore he can not make me take him again. Baker could not well tell what to say to it; but yet did persuade him to keep him.  
This the Old man told me himself, it seems they have kept him at his Masters, as a private and secret servant for their own turns above this fourteen months and they would still, if they could keep him there. But what secret mischief he hath done by his so frequent resorting to Baker and Smith, is not yet fully known, but I hope it will come out by degrees: Therefore, let all that hears of it take notice of it, and let some of those that were in the information with the three Worthies, cast back their eyes and see if they can find and spy out who was their original Accuser and Betrayer. These things may be worth the making known, though I may incur hatred and spite from them for it, yet I weigh not that, for I have not declared these things out of any revenge, for I commit that unto God.  
And for that wrong they have done unto me, I freely forgive them; and if any of them belong to God, I pray him to call them home unto him. But these things I have set down, being forced thereunto for vindicating my good name from their bitter reproaches and calumniations, and all you that read this, judge and censure what I have said. But now after my Digression I will return again to our former matter.  
And being at the Gatehouse I was removed by (Six of your Honours) to the fleet, at which time the said Chillington was removed from Bridewell to Newgate, and being kept 
* And almost starved.  close there: then he by their threats and persuasions and the procuring of his own liberty, goes and accuses me for printing ten or twelve thousand books in Holland. And at my Examination before Sir John banks I cleared myself of that, and upon Friday last he made an Affidavit against me, in which he hath most falsely forsworn himself, and to day he hath made another, which is also a most false untruth: And withal my Lords, he is known to be a notorious lying fellow, and hath accused me for the purchasing of his own liberty, which he hath got. And therefore, I beseech your Honours, to take into your serious consideration, and see whether I am to be censured upon such a fellows Affidavits or no. Then said the Lord Keeper, thou art a mad fellow, seeing things are thus, that thou wilt not take thine Oath, and answer truly. My Honourable Lord I have declared unto you the real Truth, but for the Oath, it is an Oath of Inquiry, and of the same nature of the High-Commission-Oath; Which Oath I know to be unlawful; and withal, I find no warrant in the Word of God, for an Oath of Inquiry, and it ought to be the director of me in all things that I do, and therefore my Lords at no hand, I dare not take the Oath (when I named the Word of God, the Court began to laugh, as though they had had nothing to do with it) my Lords (said Mr. Goad) he told me yesterday, he durst not take the Oath, though he suffered death for the refusal of it. And with that my Lord Privy Seal spoke: Will you (said he) take your Oath, that that which you have said is true? My Lord (said I) I am but a young Man, and do not well know what belongs to the nature of an Oath (but that which I have, said is a real truth) but thus much by God's appointment, I know an Oath ought to be the end of all controversy and strife, Heb. 6. 16. And if it might be so in this my present cause, I would safely take my Oath, that what I have said is true. So they spoke to the Old man my fellow partner, and asked him whether he would take the Oath. So he desired them to give him leave to speak; and he begun to thunder it out against the Bishops, and told them they required three oaths of the King's Subjects; namely, the Oath of Churchwardenship, and the Oath of canonical Obedience, and the Oath Ex Officio; Which (said he) are all against the Law of the Land, and by which they deceive and perjure thousands of the King's Subjects in a year. And withal, my Lords, (said he) there is a maxim in Divinity, that we should prefer the glory of God, the good of our King and Country, before our own lives: but the Lord's wondering to hear the Old Man begin to talk after this manner, commanded him to hold his peace, and to answer them, whether he would take the Oath or no? To which he replied, and desired them to let him talk a little, and he would tell them by and by. At which all the Court burst out of a laughing; but they would not let him go on, but commanded silence, which if they would have let him proceed, he would so have peppered the Bishops as they were never in their lives in an open Court of judicature. So they asked us again, whether we would take the Oath? which we both again refused; and withal I told them, that for the reasons before I durst not take it. Then they said, they would proceed to Censure. I bid them do as they pleased, for I knew myself innocent of the thing for which I was imprisoned and accused; but yet notwithstanding did submit my body to their honour's pleasure. So they censured us 500 pound a piece; and then stood up Judge joans, and said: It was fit, that I being a young man for example sake, should have some-corporal 
* So my youth was the cause of my whipping by judge ●ones his Law.  punishment inflicted upon me. So my Censure was to be whipped, but neither time nor place allotted. And for the Old Man, in regard of his age, being 85. years old, they would spare his corporal punishment, though (said they) he deserves it as well as the other (meaning me) yet he should stand upon the Pillory; but I could not understand or perceive by Censure, that I was to stand upon the Pillory. So we took our leaves of them. And when I came from the Bar, I spoke in an audible voice, and said: My Lords, i beseech God to bless your Honours, and to discover and make known unto you the wickedness and cruelty of the Prelates.  
So here is an end of my public proceedings, as yet, which I have had since I came into my troubles, the Lord sanctify them unto me, and make me the better by them, and put an end to them in his due time, and make way for my deliverance, as I hope he will.  
After our Censure we had the liberty of the prison for a few days; but the Old Man, my fellow partner, went to the Warden of the fleet; and told him the sum of that which he intended in the Star-Chamber, to have spoken against the Bishops, if the Lords would have let him; So he told the Warden, how the Bishops were the greatest Tyrants that ever were since Adam's Creation; and that they were more crueler than the Cannibals, those Men-eaters, for (said he) they presently devouted men, and put an end to their pain, but the Bishops do it by degrees, and are many years in exercising their cruelty and tyranny upon those that stand out against them; and therefore are worse than the very cannibals; (and in this he saith very true, for the Holy Ghost saith: They that be slain with the Sword, are better than they that be slain with Hunger; and he gives the reason of it: For those pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field, Lamen. 4. 9 Whereas those that are slain outright, are soon out of their pain;) and said he, they have persecuted me about forty years, and cast me into eight several Prisons; and all to undo me, and waste my estate, that so I might not be worth a penny to buy me meat, but starve in prison, for want of food, and yet were never able to lay any thing to my charge, that I had done either against God's Law, or the Law of the land; and (said he) they are the wickedest men that are in the kingdom; and I can prove them (saith he) to be enemies of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the King and commonwealth; Or else I will be willing to lose my life; and also told him that they did thrust the Lord Jesus Christ, out of his Priestly, prophetical and Kingly Offices, and hath set up a will worship of their own invention, contrary to the Holy Scriptures; and that they led by their wicked practices the greater half of the kingdom to Hell with them; and that they rob the King of a million of money in a year, and the subjects of as much by their powling, sinful wicked Courts; and that their living by which they lived was got by 
* Very satable to their constant practice.  lying and cozening of poor ignorant Children; for (said he) the Pope and the Priest did promise the Children of deceased Parents, if they would give so much to the Church, they would pray their Parents out of Purgatory, and so cozened them of their estates; & (said he) by such dissemblings and cozening ways and means, as this, were their livings at the first raised, Yea, but Sir, (saith the Warden) what is that to them, that was in time of Popery? Yea, but Sir, (said he) their livings hath continued ever since, and they live still to this day upon the sweetness and fatness of them.  
This and much more he then told the Warden, as Mr. Wharton himself since then hath told me. And there being a Papist with four or five more in the room, the Warden said; Papist come hither, and hear what the Old Man saith. So it came to the Lords of the Counsels ears, whereupon we were the next Monday after brought both together and locked upclose prisoners in one Chamber, without any Order or Warrant at all, but only Warden INGRAMS bare Command and Pleasure. But the Old Man, about three weeks after, made a Petition to the Lords of the counsel, that he might have some liberty, and being very weak, more likely to die than to live, he had his liberty granted till the term; but I do still remain close Prisoner; but for my own part, I am as cheerful and merry, and as well contented with my present condition (in regard I see the overruling hand of my good God in it) as ever I was with any condition in my life, I bless his holy name for it; for in all my troubles I have had such sweet and comfortable refreshings from my God, that though my imprisonment, and those straits that I have been in, might seem to the World, to be a great and heavy burden, yet to me it hath been a happy condition, and a cause of exceeding joy and rejoicing.  
From the fleet, the place of my joy and rejoicing the 12. of March 1637. By me JOHN Lilburne. Being close Imprisoned by James Ingram the Warden of the fleet, who locked me up within few days after my Sentence, until the day of my suffering, and would never suffer me to walk in the Prison yard with a Keeper, though I often sent to him, and desired it of him, but told me all was little enough, because I was so refractory.   

A work OF THE BEAST. OR, A Relation of a most unchristian Censure, executed upon John Lilburne, (Now Prisoner in the fleet) the 18. of April, 1638. with the Heavenly Speech uttered by Him at the time of his Suffering.  
Upon Wednesday the said 18. of April, Having no certain notice of the execution of my Censure, till this present morning, I prepared myself by prayer unto God, that he would make good his promise, to be with me▪ and enable me to undergo my affliction with joyfulness and courage: and that he would be a mouth and utterance unto me to enable me to speak that which might make for his greatest honour. And in my Meditations my soul did principally pitch upon these three places of Scripture.  
First, That in Esay 41. 10. 11. 12. 13. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded, they shall be as nothing, and they that strive with thee shall perish, Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee, they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For the Lord thy God will hold thee by thy right hand▪ saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee, fear not thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel, I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer the Holy one of Israel, &c.  
Secondly, that place in Esay 43. 1. 2. Where God speaks thus to his Elect. fear not, for I have redeemed thee▪ I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  
Thirdly, that in Heb. 13. 5. 6. In these words, For he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, I will not fear wh●t man can do unto me.  
With the consideration of these and other gracious promises, made to his people. I being one of his chosen ones, did claim my share and interest in them, and the Lord of his infinite goodness enabled me to cast myself upon, and rest in them, knowing and steadfastly believing that he is a God of faithfulness and power, who is able and willing to make good these his promises to the utmost, and (to his praise be it spoken, I desire to speak it) my soul was that morning exceedingly lifted up with spiritual consolation: and I felt within me such a divine supportation, that the baseness of my punishment. I was to undergo did seem as a matter of nothing to me. And I went to my suffering with as willing and joyful a heart as if I had been go●●g to solemnize the day of my marriage with one of the choicest creatures this world could afford.  
The Warden of the fleet having sent his men for my old fellow soldier Mr. John Wharton, and myself being both in one Chamber, we made ourselves ready to go to the place of Execution. I took the Old Man by the hand and led him down three pair of stairs, and ●o along the yard till we came to the gate. And when we came there, George Harrington the Porter told me I must stay a little, and after our partin● (commending one another to the protection of our all-sufficient God) I was bid go to the porter's Lodge, no sooner was I gone in, but came John Hawes. the other Porter to me using these words.  
Mr. Lilbourne, I am very sorry for your punishment, you are now to undergo, you must strip you, and be whipped from hence to West-minster.  
I replied, The will of my God be done, for I know he will carry me through it with an undaunted Spirit; but▪ I must confess it seemed at the first a little strange to me, in regard I had no more notice given me for my preparation for so sore a punishment. For I thought I should not have been whipped through the street, but only at the Pillory. And so passing a long the Lane, being attended with many Staves and halberds, as Christ was when he was apprehended by his enemies, and led to the High priest's Hall, M●t. 26. we came to Fleete-bridge, where was a Cart standing ready for me; and I being commanded to strip me▪ I did it with all willingness and cheerfulness, whereupon the Executioner took out a cord and tied my hands to the Carts-Arse, which caused me to utter these words, Welcome be the cross of Christ.  
With that there drew near a young man of my acquaintance, and bid me put on a courageous resolution to suffer cheerfully, and not to dishonour my cause, for you suffer (said he▪ for a good cause I gave him thanks for his Christian encouragement, I replying I know the cause is good▪ for it is God's cause, and for mine own part, I am cheerful and merry in the Lord, and am as well contented with this my present portion as if I were to receive my present liberty: For I know my God that hath gone along with me hitherto, will carry me through to the end. And for the affliction itself, though it be the punishment inflicted upon Rogues, yet▪ I esteem it not the least disgrace, but the greatest honour that can be done unto me, that the Lord counts me worthy to suffer any thing for his great Name.  
And you my brethren that do now here behold my present condition this day▪ be not discouraged, be not discouraged at the ways of godliness, by reason of the cross that accompanies it, for it is the lot and portion of all which will live godly in Christ Jesus, to suffer persecution.  
The Cart being ready to go forward, I spoke to the Executioner (when I saw him pull out his Corded whip out of his pocket) after this manner; Well, my friend, do thy office; to which he replied, I have whipped many a Rogue, but now I shall whip an honest man, but be not discouraged (said he) it will be soon over.  
To which I replied, I know my God hath not only enabled me to believe in his Name, but also to suffer for his sake. So the Carman drove forward his Cart, and I laboured with my God for strength to submit my back with cheerfulness unto the smiter, and he heard my desire, and granted my request; for when the first stripe was given, I felt not the least pain, but said, Blessed be thy Name, O Lord my God, that hast counted me worthy to suffer thy glorious Names sake; and at the giving of the second, I cried out with a loud voice, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Glory, Honour and Praise be given to thee, O Lord, for ever, and to the lamb that sits upon the Throne. So we went up to Fleetstreet, the Lord enabling me to endure the stripes with such patience and cheerfulness, that I did not in the least manner show the least discontent at them, for my God hardened my back and steeled my reins, and took away the smart and pain of the stripes from me.  
But I must confess, if I had had no more but mine own natural strength, I had sunk under the burden of my punishment; for to the flesh the pain was very grievous and heavy, but my God in whom I did trust, was higher and stronger than myself▪ who strengthened and enabled me not only to undergo the punishment with cheerfulness but made me triumph, and with a holy disdain, to insult over my torments.  
And as we went along the Strand, many friends spoke to me and asked how I did, and bid me be cheerful, to whom I replied I was merry and cheerful, and was upheld with a divine and heavenly supportation, comforted with the sweet consolations of God's Spirit. And about the middle of the Strand, there came a friend, and bid me speak with boldness; to whom I replied, when the time comes so I will; for then if I should have spoken and spent my strength, it would have been but as water spilled on the ground, in regard of the noise and press of people: And also at that time I was not in a sit temper to speak; because the dust much troubled me, and the sun shined very hot upon me; and the tipstaff-man at the first would not let me have my hat to keep the vehement heat of the sun from my head: Also he many times spoke to the Cart-man to drive softly, so that the heat of the sun exceedingly pierced my head, and made me somewhat faint. But yet my God upheld me with courage, and made me undergo it with a joyful heart: And when I came to cheering cross, some Christian friends spoke to me, and bid me be of good cheer; so I am (said I) for I rest not in mine own strength, but I fight under the Banner of my great and mighty captain, The Lord Jesus Christ, who hath conquered all his Enemies, and I doubt not but through his strength I shall conquer and overcome all my sufferings for his power upholds me, his strength enables me, his presence cheers me, and his Spirit comforts me, and I look for an immortal crown, which never shall fade nor decay; the assured hope and expectation whereof makes me to contemn my sufferings, and count them as nothing; for my momentany affliction will work for me a far more exceeding crown and weight of glory. And as I went by the King's Palace, a great multitude of people came to look upon me; and passing through the gate unto Westminster, many demanded what was the matter.  
To whom I replied, My brethren, against the Law of God, against the Law of the Land, against the King or State have I not committed the least offence that deserves this punishment, but only I suffer as an object of the Prelates cruelty and malice; and hereupon one of the Warden of the Fleets-officers, began to interrupt inee, and tols me my sufferings were just, and therefore▪ I should hold my tongue; whom I bid meddle with his own business, for I would speak▪ come what would, for my cause is good for which I suffered, and here I was ready to shed my dearest blood for it.  
And as we went through Kings-street, many encouraged me, and bid me be cheerful; others▪ whose faces (to my knowledge) I never saw before, and who, I verily think, knew not the cause of my suffering, but seeing my cheerfulness under it, beseeched the Lord to bless me and strengthen me.  
At the last we came to the pillory, where I was unloosed from the Cart, and having put on some of my clothes, we went to the tavern, where I stayed a pretty while waiting for my Surgeon, which was not yet come to dress me, where were many of my friends, who exceedingly rejoiced to see my courage, that the Lord had enabled me to undergo my punishment so willingly, who asked me how I did. I told them, as well as ever I was in my life, I bless my God for it; for I felt such inward joy and comfort, cheering up my soul, that I lightly esteemed my sufferings.  
And this I counted my wedding day, in which I was married to the Lord Jesus Christ; for now I know he loves me, in that he hath bestowed so rich apparel this day upon me, and counted me worthy to suffer for his sake.  
I having a desire to retire into a private room from the multitude of people that were about me, which made me like to faine; I had not been there long, but Mr. Lightborne, the riff-raff of the Star-Chamber, came unto me, saying, the Lords sent him to me to know if I would acknowledge myself to be in a fault, and then he knew what to say unto me. To whom I replied, Have their Honours caused me to be whipped from the Fleet to Westminster, and do they now send to know if I will acknowledge a fault? they should have done this before I had been whipped; for now, seeing I have undergone the greatest part of my punishment, I hope the Lord will assist me to go through it all: and besides, if I would have done this at the first I needed not to have come to this; But as I told the Lords when I was before them at the bar, so I desire you to tell them again, that I am not conscious to myself of doing any thing that deserves a submission, but yet I do willingly submit to their lordship's pleasures in my censure. He told me, if I would confess a fault, it would save me a standing in the pillory, otherwise. I must undergo the burden of it.  
Well (said I) I regard not a little outward disgrace for the cause of my God, I have found already that sweetness in him in whom I have believed, that through his strength, I am able to undergo any thing that shall be inflicted on me; But methinks that I had very hard measure, that I should be condemned and thus punished upon two oaths, in which the party hath most falsely forsworn himself; and because I would not take an Oath to betray mine own innocency. Why Paul found more mercy from the Heathen Roman governors for they would not put him to an Oath to accuse himself, but suffered him to make the best defence he could for himself, neither would they condemn him, before his accusers and he were brought face to face to justify, and fully to prove their accusation; but the Lords have not dealt so with me, for my accusers and I were never brought face to face to justify their accusation against me: it is true two false Oaths were sworn against me, and I was thereupon condemned; and because I would not accuse myself. It is true (said he) it was so with Paul, but the laws of this Land is otherwise than their laws were in those days. Then said I, they are worse and more cruel, than the laws of the Pagans and Heathen Romans were, who would condemn no man without witnesses, and they should be brought face to face, to justify their accusation, and so he went away, and I prepared myself for the Pillory, to which I went with a joyful courage; and when I was upon it I made obeisance to the Lords, some of them (as I suppose) looking out at the Star-chamber window towards me, And so I put my neck into the hole, which being a great deal too low for me, it was very painful to me, in regard of continuance of the time that I stood on the pillory, which was about two hours, my back also being very sore, and the sun shining so exceeding hot, and the tipstaff-man not suffering me to keep on my hat to defend my head from the heat of the sun, so that I stood there in great pain; yet through the strength of my God I underwent it with courage▪ to the very last minute; and lifting up my heart and spirit unto my God.  
While I was thus standing on the pillory; I craved his powerful assistance, with the Spirit of wisdom and courage, that I might open my mouth with boldness, and speak those things that might make for his greatest glory, and the good of his people; and so casting mine eyes on the multitude, I began to speak after this manner:  
My Christian Brethren, to all you that love the Lord Jesus Christ, and desire that he should reign and rule in your hearts and lives, to you especially, and to as many as hear me this day, I direct my speech.  
I stand here in the place of ignominy and shame; yet to me it is not so, but I own and embrace it, as the Welcome cross of Christ, and as a badge of my Christian Profession: I have been already whipped from the fleet to this place, by virtue of a censure, from the Honourable Lords of the Star-Chamber hereunto, the Cause of my censure I shall declare unto you as briefly as I can.  
The Lord by his special hand of providence, so ordered it, that not long ago I was in Holland, where I was like to have settled myself in a course of trading that might have brought me in a pretty large portion of earthly things, (after which my heart did too much run) but the Lord having a better portion in store for me, and more durable riches to bestow upon my soul, by the same hand of providence, brought me back again, and cast me into easy affliction, that thereby I might be weaned from the world, and see the vanity and emptiness of all things therein. And he hath now pitched my soul upon such an object of beauty, amiableness and excellency, as is as permanent and endurable, as Eternity itself, namely, the personal excellency of the Lord Jesus Christ, the sweetness of whose presence, no affliction can ever be able to wrest out of my soul.  
Now, while I was in Holland, it seems there were divers books, of that noble and renowned Doctor John Bastwick sent into England, which came to the hands of one Edmond Chillington, for the sending over of which I was taken and apprehended, the plot being before laid, by one John Chilliburne (whom I supposed, and took to be my friend) servant to my old fellow soldier, Master John Wharton, living in Bowlane, after this manner.  
I walking in the street with the said John Chilliburne, was taken by the pursuivant and his men; the said John, as I verily believe, having given direction to them where to stand, and he himself was the third man that laid hands on me to hold me.  
Now at my censure before the Lords, I there declared upon the word of a Christian, that I sent not over those books neither did I know the Ship that brought them, nor my of the men that belonged to the Ship, nor to my knowledge did I ever see, either Ship, or any appertaining to it in all my days.  
Besides this, I was accused at my examination before the King's attorney at his Chamber, by the said 〈◊〉 Chillington,) buttonseller, living in Canon-street, near Alchurch Lane, and late prisoner in Bridewell and Newgate, for printing ten or welve thousand books in Holland, and that I would have printed the unmasking the mystery of iniquity; if I could have gotten a true copy of it, and that I had a Chamber in Mastor John Foots house at Delfe, where he thinks the Books were kept.  
Now, here I declare before you all, upon the word of a suffering Christian, that he might as well have accused me of printing a hundred thousand hooks, and the one been as true as the other; and for the printing the unmasking the mystery of iniquity▪ upon the word of an honest man, I never saw, nor to my knowledge heard of the book; till I came back again into England: and for my having a Chamber in Master John Foots house at Delfe, where he thinks the books were kept; I was so far from having a Chamber there, as I never lay in his house but twice or thrice at the most: and upon the last Friday of the last term, I was brought to the Star-Chamber bar, where before me was read the said 
* It hath been an ordinary thing in the Star-chamber and high Commission, either to forge Affidavits, or to make addition unto them.  Edmond Chillingtons Affidavit, upon Oath, against m John Wharton and myself; the sum of which oath, was, That he and I had printed (at Rotterdam in Holland) Doctor Bastwick's Answer, and his litany, withdivers other scandalous books.  
Now, here again, I speak it in the presence of God, and all you that hear me, that Master Wharton and I never joined together in printing either these, or any other books whatsoever, neither did I receive any money from him toward the printing any.  
Withal, in his first Oath, he peremptorily swore; that we had printed them at Rotterdam, unto which I likewise say, That he hath in this particular forsworn himself; for mine own part, I never in all my days either printed, or caused to be printed, either for myself, or for Master Wharton any books at Rotterdam; neither did I come into any Printing-house there, all the time I was in the city.  
And then upon the Tuesday after, he swore against both of us again. The sum of which oaths was, that I had confessed to him (which is most false) that I had printed Doctor Bastwick's Answer to Sir John Banks his Information, and his litany; and another book, called, certain Answers to certain Objections: and another book, called, The Vanity and Impiety of the old litany; and that I had divers other books of the said Doctor Bastwick's in printing, and that Master Wharton had been at the charges of printing a Book called A Breviate of the Bishops late proceedings; and another book called sixteen new Queries, and in this his Oath hath sworn they were printed at Rotterdam, or somewhere else in Holland; and that one James Oldam, a Turner, keeping Shop at Westminster-hall-gate, dispersed divers of these books. Now, in this Oath he hath again forsworn himself in a high degree; for whereas he took his Oath that I had printed the book called The Vanity and Impiety of the old litany; I here speak it before you all, that I never in all my days did see one of them in print, but I must confess, I have seen and read it in written hand, before the Doctor was censured, and as for other books, of which he saith, I have divers in printing. To that I answer, that for mine own particular. I never read nor saw any of the doctor's books; but the forenamed four in English, and one little thing more of about two sheets of paper, which is annexed to the Vanity of the old litany and as for his Latin books, I never saw any but two. Namely, his Flagellum, for which he was first censured in the High Commission Court, and his Apologeticus, which were both in print long before I knew the Doctor. But it is true, there is a second edition of his Flagellum, but that was at the press above two years ago: namely, Anno 1634. and some of this impression was in England before I came out of Holland.  
And these are the main things for which I was censured and condemned, being two oaths in which the said Chillington hath palpably forsworn himself; and if he had not forsworn himself, yet by the Law (as I am given to understand) I might have excepted against him, being a guilty person himself, and a prisoner, and did that which he did against me for purchasing his own liberty, which he hath by such Judasly means got and obtained; who is also known to be a lying fellow, as I told the Lords I was able to prove and make good.  
But besides all this, there was an inquisition-oath tendered unto me (which I refused to take) on four several days; the sum of which Oath is thus much: You shall swear that you shall make true answer to all things that shall be asked of you: So help you God. Now this Oath I refused as a sinful and unlawful Oath: it being the High-Commission Oath, with which the Prelates ever have, and still do, so butcherly torment, afflict and undo, the dear Saints and Servants of God. It is an oath against the Law of the Land (as Master Nicholas Fuller in his Argument doth prove: And also it is expressly against the Petition of Right an Act of Parliament Enacted in the second year of our King. Again, it is absolutely against the Law of God; for that Law requires no man to accuse himself, but if any thing be laid to his charge, there must come two or three witnesses at the least to prove it: It is also against the practice of Christ himself, who in all his examinations before the High Priest, would not accuse himself, but upon their demands, returned this answer: Why ask you me? go to them that heard me.  
Withal, this Oath is against the very law of Nature; for nature is always a preserver of itself, and not a destroyer: But if a man takes this wicked oath, he destroys and undoes himself, as daily experience doth witness. Nay, it is worse than the Law of the Heathen Romans, as we may read, Acts 25. 16. For, when Paul stood before the Pagan governors, and the Jews required judgement against him, the governor replied, it is not the manner of the Romans to condemn any man, before he and his accusers be brought face to face to justify their accusation. But for mine own part, if I had been proceeded against by a Bill, I would have answered and justified all that they could have proved against me, and by the strength of my God, would have sealed whatsoever I have done with my blood, for I am privy to mine own actions, and my conscience bears me witness, that I have laboured ever since the Lord in mercy made the riches of his grace known to my soul, to keep a good conscience, and to walk inoffensively both towards God and man. But as for that oath that was put upon me, I did refuse to take it, as a sinful and unlawful oath, and by the strength of my God enabling me, I will never take it, though I be pulled in pieces with wild horses, as the ancient Christians were by the bloody Tyrants, in the Primitive Church, neither shall I think that man a faithful Subject of Christ's kingdom, that shall at any time hereafter take it, seeing the wickedness of it hath been so apparently laid open by so many, for the refusal whereof many do suffer cruel persecution to this day.  
Thus have I as briefly as I could, declared unto you, the whole cause of my standing here this day, I being upon these grounds censured by the Lords at the Star-chamber on the last Court day of the last term, to pay 500 pounds to the King, and to receive the punishment which with rejoicing I have undergone, unto whose censure I do with willingness and cheerfulness submit myself.  
But seeing I now stand here at this present, I intend, the Lord assisting me with his power, and guiding me by his Spirit, to declare my mind unto you.  
I have nothing to say to any man's person, and therefore will not meddle with that, only the things that I have to say in the first place, are concerning the Bishops and their calling: They challenge their callings to be Iure Divino, and for the oppugning of which, those there renowned living martyrs of the Lord, Doctor Bastwick, Master Burton and Master Prin, did suffer in this place, and they have sufficiently proved, that their calling is not from God, which men I love and honour, and do persuade myself that their souls are dear and precious in the sight of God, though they were so cruelly and butcherly dealt with by the Prelates; and as for Master Burton and Master Prin, they are worthy and learned men, but yet did not in many things write so fully as the Doctor did, who hath sufficiently and plentifully set forth the wickedness, both of the Prelates themselves and of their callings (as you may read in his books) that they are not Jure Divino, which noble and reverend Doctor I love with my soul; and as he is a man that stands for the truth and glory of God, my very life and heartblood I will lay down for his honour, and the maintaining of his cause for which he suffered, it being God's cause. As for the Bishops, they used in former times to challenge their jurisdiction, callings and power from the King; but they have now openly in the High Commission Court renounced that, as was heard by many, at the censure of that Noble Doctor. And as you may fully read in his Apologettcus; and in his Answer to Sir John Banks his Information. Now I will here maintain it before them all, that their callings is so far from being, Jure Divino, (as they say they are) that they are rather jure Diabolico, which if I be not able to prove, let me be hanged up at the Hall gate. But my brethren, for your better satisfaction, read the 9 and 13. Chapters of the Revelation, and there you shall see, that there came Locusts out of the bottomless Pit, part of whom they are, and they are there lively described. Also you shall there find, that the Beast (which is the Pope, or Roman State and government) hath given to him by the Dragon (the devil) his power and seat, and great authority, So that the Pope's authority comes from the devil, and the Prelates, and their Creatures in their printed books, do challenge their authority, jurisdiction and power, (that they exercise over all sorts of people) is from Rome.  
And for proving of the Church of England, to be a true Church, their best and strongest argument is, that the Bishops are lineally destended from his holiness (or impiousness) of Rome, as you may read in Pocklingtons' book, called Sunday no Sabbath. So that by their own confession they stand by that same power and authority that they have received from the Pope. So that their calling is not from God, but from the devil. For the Pope cannot give a better authority or calling to them then he himself hath; but his authority and calling is from the devil, therefore the Prelates calling and authority is from the devil also, Revel. 9 3. And there came out of the smoke, Locusts upon the earth, and unto them was given power, as the Scorpions of the earth have power to hurt and undo men, as the Prelates daily do: and also, Revel. 13. 2. And the Beast which I saw (saith Saint John) was like unto a Leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lion, and the Dragon (that is to say, the devil) gave him his power, his seat and great authority; and verse 15. 16, 17. And whether the Prelates as well as the Pope, do not daily the same things, let every man that hath but common reason judge.  
For, do not their daily practices and cruel burdens imposed on all sorts of people, high and low, rich and poor, witness that their descent is from the Beast, part of his state and kingdom: So also Revel. 16. 13, 14. all which places do declare, that their power and authority being from the Pope, (as they themselves confess) therefore it must needs originally come from the devil; for their power and callings must of necessity proceed either from God, or else from the devil; but it proceeds not from God, as the Scriptures sufficiently declare, therefore their calling and power proceeds from the devil, as both Scripture and their own daily practices do demonstrate and prove, and as for that last place cited, Rev. 16. 13. 14. If you please to read the second and third parts of Doctor Bastwick's litany, you shall find, he there proves, that the Prelates practices do every way suit with, and make good that portion of Scripture to the utmost. For in their Sermons that they preach before his majesty, how do they incense the King and Nobles against the people of God, labouring to make them odious in his sight, and stirring him up to execute vengeance upon them, though they be the most harmless generation of all others.  
And as for all these officers that are under them, and made by them, for mine own particular, I cannot see, but that their callings are as unlawful as the Bishops themselves; and in particular, for the callings of the Ministers, I do not, nor will not speak against their persons, for I know some of them to be very able men, and men of excellent gifts and qualifications, and I persuade myself, their souls are very dear and precious in the sight of God.  
Yet notwithstanding, this proves not their callings to be ever the better, as it is in civil government: If the King (whom God hath made a lawful Magistrate) make a wicked man an officer, he is as true an officer, and as well to be obeyed, coming in the King's name, as the best man in the world coming with the same authority; for in such a case, he that is a wicked man, hath his calling from as good authority as the godliest man hath; and therefore his calling is as good as the others.  
But on the other side, if he that hath no authority make officers, though the men themselves be never so good and holy, yet their holiness makes their calling never a whit the truer, but still is a false calling, in regard his authority was not good not lawful that made them: and even so the Ministers be they never so holy men, yet they have one and the same calling with the wickedest that is amongst them, their holiness proves not their callings to be ever the truer, seeing their authority that made them Ministers is false, and therefore they have more to answer for than any of the rest, by how much the more God hath bestowed greater gifts upon them than upon others, and yet they detain the truth in unrighteousness from God's people, and do not make known to them as they ought, the whole Will and counsel, of God.  
And again, the greater is their sin, if their callings be unlawful (as I verily believe they are) in that they still hold them and do not willingly lay down and renounce them, or they do but deceive the people, and highly dishonour God, and sin against their own souls, while they preach unto the people by virtue of an Antichristian and unlawful calling; and the more godly and able the Minister is that still preaches by virtue of this calling, the more hurt he doth; for the people that have such a Minister will not be persuaded of the truth of things, though one speak and inform them in the name of the Lord, but will be ready to reply, Our Minister that preaches still by virtue of this Calling, is so holy a man, that were not his calling right and good, I do assure myself he would no longer preach by virtue thereof. And thus the holiness of the Minister is a cloak to cover the unlawfulness of his calling, and make the people continue rebels against Christ his sceptre and kingdom, which is an aggravation of his sin: for by this means the people are kept off from receiving the whole truth into their souls, and rest in being but almost Christians, or but Christians in part. But, Oh my brethren, it behooves all you that fear God, and tender the salvation of your own souls, to look about you, and to shake off that long security and formality in Religion, that you have lain in: For God of all things cannot endure lukewarmness, Rev. 3. 16. and search out diligently the truth of things, and try them in the balance of the Sanctuary. I beseech you take things no more upon trust, as hitherto you have done, but take pains to search and find out those spiritual and hidden truths that God hath enwrapped in his sacred book, and find out a bottom for your own souls: for if you will have the comforts of them, you must bestow some labour for the getting of them, and you must search diligently before you find them, Prov. 2. Labour also to withdraw your necks from under that spiritual and Antichristian bondage (unto which you have for a long time subjected your souls) lest the Lord cause his plagues, and the fierceness of his wrath to seize both upon your bodies and souls; seeing you are now warned of the danger of these things.  
For he himself hath said, Rev. 14. 9 10, 11. That if any man worship the Beast and his Image and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand; the same shall drink of the wine of his wrath, which is poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation, and he shall he tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the lamb, and the smoke of their torment ascended up for ever and ever, and they have no rest, day nor night, who worship the Beast and his Image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Therefore, as you love your own souls, and look for that immortal crown of happiness in the world to come, look that you withdraw yourselves from that Antichristian power and slavery that you are now under, even as God himself hath commanded and enjoined you in Rev. 18. 4. saying, Come out of her my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues, for her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Here is the voice of God himself commanding all his chosen ones, though they have lived under this Antichristian slavish power and estate along time, yet at last, to withdraw their obedience and subjection from it. My brethren, we are all at this present, in a very dangerous and fearful condition, under the Idolatrous and spiritual bondage of the Prelates, in regard we have turned traitors unto our God, in seeing his Almighty great name, and his heavenly truth trodden under foot, and so highly dishonoured by them, and yet we not only let them alone in holding our peace, but most slavishly and wickedly subject ourselves unto them, fearing the face of a piece of dirt, more than the Almighty great, God of Heaven and Earth, who is able to cast both body and soul into everlasting damnation.  
Oh repent, I beseech you therefore repent, for that great dishonour you have suffered to be done unto God by your fearfulness and cowardliness, and for the time to come, put on courageous resolutions like valiant soldiers of Jesus Christ, and fight manfully in this his spiritual battle, in which battle some of his soldiers have already lost part of their blood, and withal, study this book of the Revelation, and there you shall find the mystery of iniquity fully unfolded and explained; and also you shall see what great spiritual battles have been fought betwixt the lamb and his Servant, and the Dragon (the devil) and his vassals, and some are to fight.  
Therefore, gird on your spiritual armour, spoken of, Ephes. 6. that you may quit yourselves like good and faithful soldiers, and fear no colours, the victory and conquest is ours already; for we are sure to have it (I do not speak of any bodily and temporal battle, but only of a spiritual one) and be not discouraged and knocked off from the study of it, because of the obscurity and darkness of it, fore Lord hath promised his enlightening Spirit unto all his people that are laborious and studious to know him aright, and also he hath promised a blessing, and pronounced a blessedness unto all that read and labour to keep the things contained in this book, Rev. 1. 3. My Christian brethren, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, I beseech you do not contemn the things that are delivered to you, in regard of the meanness and weakness of me the instrument, being but one of the meanest and unworthiest of the servants of Jesus Christ, for the Lord many times doth great things by weak means, that his power may be more seen; for we are too ready to cast our eye upon the means and instrument, not looking up unto that Almighty power that is in God, who is able to do the greatest things by the weakest means, and therefore out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings he hath ordained strength, Psal. 8. 2. And he hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, 1 Cor. 1. 27. 28. And he gives the reason wherefore he is pleased so to do. That no flesh should glory in his presence.  
So you see God is not tied to any instrument and means to effect his own glory, but he by the least instrument is able to bring to pass the greatest things.  
It is true, I am a young man, and no scholar, according to that which the world counts scholarship, yet I have obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful, and be by a divine providence, hath brought me hither this day; and I speak to you in the name of the Lord being assisted with the spirit and power of the God of heaven and earth, and I speak not the words of rashness or inconsiderateness, but the words of soberness, and mature deliberation; for I did consult with my God, before I came hither, and desired him that he would direct and enable me to speak that which might be for his glory, and the good of his people. And as I am a soldier, fighting under the banner of the great and mighty Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and as I look for that crown of immortality, which one day I know shall be set upon my temples being in the condition that I am in, I dare not hold my peace, but speak unto you with boldness in the might and strength of my God, the things which the Lord in mercy hath made known unto my soul, come life come death.  
When I was here about, there came a fat Lawyer, I do not know his name and commanded me to hold my peace, and leave my preaching. To whom I replied and said, Sir, I will not hold my peace, but speak my mind freely, though I be hanged at Tyburn for my pains. It seems he himself was galled and touched as the Lawyers were in Christ's time, when he spoke against the Scribes and Pharisees, which made them say, Master, in saying thus, thou revilest us also. So he went his way, and (I think) complained to the Lords, but I went on with my speech and said:  
My brethren, be not discouraged at the ways of God for the affliction and cross that doth accompany them, for it is sweet and comfortable drawing in the yoke of Christ for all that▪ and I have found it so by experience; for my soul is filled so full of spiritual and heavenly joy, that with my tongue I am not able to express it, neither are any capable (I think) to partake of so great a degree of consolation, but only those upon whom the Lord's gracious afflicting hand is. And for mine own part, I stand this day in the place of an evil doer, but my conscience witnesseth that I am not so. And hereabout I put my hand into my pocket, and pulled out three of worthy Dr. Bastwick's Books, and threw them among the people, and said, There is part of the books for which I suffer, take them among you, and read them, and see if you find any thing in them against the Law of God, the Law of the Land, the glory of God, the honour of the King or State.  
I am the son of a Gentle man, and my friends are of rank and quality in the country where they live, which is 200. miles from this place, and I am in my present condition deserted of them all, for I know, not one of them dare meddle with me in my present estate, being I am stung by the Scorpions (the Prelates) and for any thing that I know, it may be, I shall never have a favourable countenance from any of them again, and withal, I am a young man, and likely to have lived well, and in plenty, according to the fashion of the world; yet notwithstanding, for the cause of Christ, and to do him service, I have, and do bid adieu to father, friends, riches, pleasures, ease, contented life and blood, and lay all down at the footstool of Jesus Christ, being willing to part with all, rather than I will dishonour him, or in the least measure part with the peace of a good conscience, and that sweetness and joy which I have found in him, for in naked Christ is the quintessence of sweetness, and I am so far from thinking my affliction and punishment which this day I have endured, and still do endure and groan under (a disgrace) that I receive it as the welcome cross of Christ, and do think myself this day more honoured by my sufferings, then if a crown of gold had been set upon my head; for I have in some part been made conformable to my Lord and Master, and have in some measure drunk of the same Cup which he himself drank of, while he was in this sinful world; for he shed his most precious blood for the salvation of my poor soul, that so I might be reconciled to his father, therefore am I willing to undergo any thing for his sake, and that inward joy and consolation within me that carries me high above all my pains and torments and you (my brethren) if you be willing to have Christ, you must own him, and take him upon his own terms, and know that Christ and the cross is inseparable; for he that will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution and affliction, it is the lot and portion of all his chosen ones, through many afflictions and trials we must enter into glory; and the Apostle saith, that if we be without afflictions, whereof all are partakers, then are ye Bastards, and not sons. And therefore, if you will have Christ, sit down and reckon before ever you make profession of him, what he will cost you, lest when you come to the trial, you dishonour him, and if you be not willing and contented with all, and let all go for his sake, you are not worthy of him.  
If Parents, Husband, Wife or children, lands or livings, riches or honours, pleasure or case, life or blood, stand in the way, you must be willing to part with all these, and to entertain Christ naked and alone, though you have nothing but the cross, or else you are not worthy of him, Matth. 10. 37. 38.  
Oh, my brethren, there is such sweetness and contentedness in enjoying the Lord Jesus alone, that it is able, where it is felt, to make a man go through all difficulties, and endure all hardships that may possibly come upon him. Therefore, if he call you to it, do not deny him, nor his truth in the least manner; for he hath said, he that denies him before men, him will he deny before his Father which is in Heaven. And now is the time that we must show ourselves good soldiers of Jesus Christ, for his truth, his cause and glory lies at stake in a high degree, therefore put on courageous resolutions, and withdraw your necks and souls from all false power and worship, and fight with courage and boldness in this spiritual battle, in which battle, the Lord before your eyes hath raised up some valiant Champions that fought up to the ears in blood, therefore be courageous soldiers and fight it out bravely, that your God may be glorified by you, and let him only have the service, both of your inward and outward man, and stand to his cause, and love your own souls, and fear not the face of any mort●ll man; for God hath promised to be with you, and uphold you, that they shall not prevail against you, Esay 41. 10, 11. But alas, how few are there that date show any courage for God and his cause, though his glory lies at the stake, but think themselves happy and well, and count themselves wise men, if they can sleep in a whole skin, when Christ hath said, he that will save his life shall lose it, and he that will lose his life for his sake, shall find it. What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  
Therefore it is better for a man to be willing and contented to let all go for the enjoying of Christ, and doing him service, then to sit down and sleep in a whole skin, though in so doing he gain all the world, and see him dishonoured, his glory and truth trodden under foot, and the blood of his servants shed and spilled?  
Yes without doubt it is: but many are in these times, so far from suffering valiantly for Christ, that they rather dissuade men from it, and count it a point of singularity and pride, and self-ends for a man, to put himself forward to do God service; asking, what calling and warrant any private man hath there unto seeing it belongs to the Ministers to speak of these things. Yes, so it doth, but alas, they are so cowardly and fearful that they dare not speak.  
And therefore it belongs also to thee, or me, or any other man, if thou be'st a soldier of Jesus Christ, whatsoever by place or calling thy rank or degree be, be it higher or lower, yet if he call for thy service, thou art bound, though others stand still, to maintain his power and glory to the utmost of thy power & strength, yea, to the shedding the last drop of thy blood, for he hath not loved his life unto the death for thy sake, but shed his precious blood for the redemption of thy soul: hath he done this for thee; and darest thou see him dishonoured, and his glory lie at the stake, and not speak on his behalf, or do him the best service thou canst?  
If one of a base & cowardly spirit thus thou dost, let me tell thee here, and that truly to thy face, thou hast a Dalila in thine heart, which thou lovest more than God, and that thou shalt one day certainly find by woeful experience. Alas, if men should hold their peace in such times as these, the Lord would cause the very stones to speak to convince man of his cowardly baseness.  
Having proceeded in a manner thus far by the strength of my God, with boldness and courage in my speech, The Warden of the Fleet came with the sat Lawyer and commanded me to hold my peace. To whom I replied, I would speak and declare my cause and mind, though I were to be hanged at the gate for my speaking. And he caused proclamation to be made upon the pillory, for bringing to him the books: so than he commanded me to be gagged, and if I spoke any more, that then I should be whipped again upon the Pillory.  
So I remained about an hour and a half gagged, being intercepted of much matter, which by God's assistance I intended to have spoken; but yet with their cruelty I was nothing at all daunted, for I was full of comfort and courage, being mightily strengthened with the power of the Almighty, which made me with cheerfulness triumph over all my sufferings, not showing one sad countenance or discontented heart.  
And when I was to come down, having taken out my head out of the Pillory, I looked about me upon the people, and said, I am more than a conqueror through him that hath loved me, Vivat Rex, Let the King live for ever, and so I came down and was had back again to the tavern, where I, together with m Wharton, stayed a while, till one went to the Warden to know what should be done with me, who gave order we should be carried back again to the fleet, and as I went by land through the streets, great store of people stood all along, to behold me, and many of them blessed God for enabling me to undergo my sufferings with such cheerfulness and courage as I did, for I was mightily filled with the sweet presence of God's Spirit, which caused me notwithstanding the pains of my sufferings to go alone the streets with a joyful countenance not showing the least discontentedness▪ as if I had been going to take possession of so ne great treasures.  
After I came back to the prison, none were suffered to come at me but the Surgeon to dress me, and I feeling myself somewhat feverish, I went to bed and my Surgeon doubting the same also gave me a Glister, and appointed to come the next morning and let me blood, but when he came▪ he could not be permitted to come at me, nor any else, for the Porter kep● the key and locked me up very close, saying, the Warden gave him straight command so to do. Whereupon I desired the Surgeon to go to Westminster to the Warden and certify him how it was with me, (being very ill) and that he might have liberty to come at me to let me blood and dress me which could not be obtained, till the Warden himself came home. About one of the clock John Hawes the Porter came to me, to know what I had to say to the Warden, to whom I said, Master Hawes this is very cruel and harsh dealing, that after so sore whipping, my Surgeon shall not be admitted to come and dress me, nor any other be suffered to administer to my necessities, having not eaten all this day, nor the last evening but a little Caudlè, I hope the Lords will be more merciful, than after the undergoing the extremity of my censure to take my life from me by letting me perish for want of looking to, therefore I pray speak to m Warden, that he would be pleased to give leave to my chirurgeon to come to dress and let me blood, otherwise I was in danger of a fever, which might take away my life; So he wished me to haye written to the Warden; I told him, if he would help me to Pen, Ink and Paper so I would. No (said he) I dare not do that. Then I desired him to deliver my mind to the Warden by word of mouth, who then went away, and after I was in my bed, he came to me again, and said thus unto me: m Lilburne, I have one suit to you. What is that, said I? It is this, said he, that you would help me to one of those books that you threw abroad at the Pillory, that I might read it, for I never read any of them; I speak not for it to do you any hurt, only I have a great desire to read one of them. Sir, I think you do not (said I) but I cannot satisfy your desire for if I had had more of them, they should yesterday have all gone. I verily believe you, said he, and so we parted.  
And in a very little while after, came the Warden himself with the Porter, and I being in my bed, he asked me how I did? Said I, I am well, I bless my God for it, and am very merry and cheerful. Well said he, you have undone yourself with speaking what you did yesterday. Sir, said I, I am not sorry for what I have said, but am heartily glad that the Lord gave me strength and courage to speak what I did, and were I to speak again, I would speak twice as much as I did, if I could have liberty, though I were immediately to lose my life after it. Wouldst thou so, said he? Ay indeed Sir would I, with the Lord's assistance, said I, for I fear not the face of Man.  
And concerning what I yesterday spoke, I did not in the least manner speak against any of the Lords▪ but did openly declare, that I did willingly with all contentedness submit myself to their censure; and as for the Bishops, I said nothing against any of their persons, but only against their Callings. Ay, said the Warden, and thou saidst their Calling was from the devil. Yes Sir, so I did, said I, and I will prove it, and make it good, or else I will be willing to lose my dearest blood; For if you please to read the 9 and 13. Chapters of the Revelations, you shall there find, that the Beast which ascended out of the bottomless pit (which is the Pope and Roman State, hath his power and authority given him by the Dragon, (the devil.) So that all the power which the Pope hath, and doth exercise, originally comes from the devil: If you read also some books lately set out by the Prelates themselves, and their Creatures, you shall there find, that they claim their jurisdiction, standing and power from the Pope: Now, if their power and calling be from the Pope (as they themselves say it is) than it must needs be from the devil also; For the Pope's power and calling is from the devil; And he cannot give a better power and calling to them than he himself hath; And I pray Sir, if the Bishop of Canterbury be offended at that which I spoke yesterday, tell him, I will seal it with my blood; And if he please to send for me, I will justify it to his face, and if I be not able to make it good before any Noble man in the kingdom, let me lose my life. Ay, but it had been a great deal better, said he, for thine own particular good to have been more sparing of thy speech at that time. No Sir, said I, nothing at all; for my life and blood is not dear and precious to me, so I may glorify God, and do him any service therewith. I assure thee, said he, I was exceedingly chid about thee; and also there were old businesses rubbed up against me concerning Doctor Laiton and Master Burton, for that liberty that they had. Wherefore were you chid for me said I? About the books, said he, that you threw abroad, in regard you were close prisoner, and yet had those books about you; I would ask you one question: Did you bring those books to the Fleet with you, or were they since brought to you by any other? I beseech you Sir▪ pardon me for revealing that said I. Then he would have known who they were that most resorted to me. I desired I might be excused in that also. Ay, but you must give me an answer, said he, for I must certify the Lords thereof. Then said I, I pray you tell their Honours, I am unwilling to tell you. What were those books, said he, that you threw abroad, were they all of one sort? Those that have them, said I, can certify you of that I myself have one of them, said he, and have read it, and can find no wit in it▪ there is nothing but railing in it. Sir, said I, I conceive you are mistaken, for the book is all full of wit; it is true, this book which which you lighted on, is not so full of solidity as other of his books are; but you must understand, that at that time when the Doctor made that book he was full of heaviness and in danger of a great punishment for the Prelates had breathed out more cruelty against him for writing his apology; and at that time also he was compassed about on every side with the Pestilence; therefore he made that book to make himself merry. But, said he, he doth not write any thing in it to the purpose against the Bishop's callings. Sir, said I, I must confess, you lighted on the worst of the three. And it is true, there is not much solidity and force of argument in it, but only mirth; but the other two are as full of solidity as this is of mirth. What, were they of three sorts, said he? Yes Sir, that they were, said I. What were the other two called, said he? The one said I, was his Answer to Sir John Banks his information, The other is an Answer to some Objections that are made against that books which you have; but if ever you read his Latin books, you shall there find solidity enough, and the wickedness and unlawfulness of the Bishops callings and practices set forth to the full. What Latin books be they, said he? His Flagellum, for which he was first censured, said I. What, hath he been twice censured, said he? Yes, said I, he was censured in the High Commission Court, for writing his Flagellum; and after that he wrote his apology; and that little book which you have, which were the cause of his censure in the Star-Chamber. But hast thou any more of those books, said he? Sir, said I, if I had had twenty of them▪ more, they should all have gone yesterday. But hast thou any more of them now, said he? Sir, said I, I verily think that if I should tell you I had not, you would not believe me, and therefore, if you please, you may search my Chamber. So I must (said he) for the Lords have commanded me so to do, therefore open your trunk. Sir, said I, it is open already. Search it John Hawes, said he. So he searched it, and found nothing there. Open the cupboard, said he. So I gave the Porter the key of my cupboard to search it and he found nothing there but my victuals. Search his pocket, said the Warden. Indeed, Sir said I, there is none in them; yet he searched them and found as I said. Then he searched all my Chamber over, but found nothing at all. Well Sir, said I, now you can certify the Lords how you find things with me; but I pray Sir, must I still be kept close prisoner? I hope now the Lords have inflicted their censure on me, they will not still keep me close. No, said he, within a little time you will be eased of it; so we took our leaves each of other, and he went away.  
And the next day, being Friday, and a Star-Chamber-day, I hoped I should have had the liberty of the Prison; but in stead thereof, news was brought me at evening, that I must be removed to the Comon-G●al, or a worse place, and that I must be put in irons. Well for all this my God enabled me to keep my hold still; and not to let my confidence go; for, (blessed be his name for it) this news did not in the least manner trouble me.  
And upon Saturday morning, John Hawes the Porter came with the woman that looked to me, to my Chamber, to stand by her, that none might speak with me till she had made my bed, and done other things for me, and he told me, he was sorry to hear such news as he did concerning me. What is it, said I? I hear said he▪ that the Lords have ordered that you must be put into the Wards, and kept close prisoner there, and lie in irons, and none must be suffered to come at you to bring you any thing; but you must live upon the poor man's Box Sir, that's very hard, said I, but the will of my God be done; For mine own part it nothing at all troubles me; for I know in whom I have believed, and I know, not one hair of my head shall fall to the ground without his providence; and I have cast up my account already, what it will cost me; therefore, I weigh not any thing that can be inflicted on me; for I know, that God made Paul and Silas to sing in the stocks at midnight, will also make me rejoice in my chains; but it is very much that they will let none come to me, to bring me any thing; it seems, they will be more cruel to me than the very Heathens and Pagan Romans were to Paul, who when he was in Prison, did never refuse to let any come to him to administer to his necessities; but I weigh it not, for I know my God is and will be with me, to make me go through all my afflictions with cheerfulness, for I feel his power within me so mightily supporting and upholding me, that no condition in this world can make me miserable; and for mine own part I do no more set by my life & blood in this cause, than I do a piece of bread when I have newly dined.  
Afterwards the woman telling me she hoped I should not have so sore a punishment laid on me but that I might have things brought me from my friends, I told her, I did not much care how it went with me, for jeremyes' Dungeon, or Daniels Denne, or the three children's furnace, is as pleasant and welcome to me as a Palace; for wheresoever I am, I shall find God there, and if I have him, that is enough to me; and for victuals, I told her, I did not doubt, but that God that fed the Prophet Esiah by a Raven, would preserve me, and fill me to the full by the way of his providence; and if no meat should be brought me, I knew, if they take away my meat, God will take away my stomach; therefore I weighed not their cruelty, and thereupon uttered to her these four verses: 
I do not fear nor dread the face of any mortal man,  
Let him against me bend his power, and do the worst be can,  
For my whole trust, strength, confidence, My hope, and all my aid,  
Is in the Lord jehovas fence, which Heaven and earth hath made.   
The rest that I intended by the strength of my God to have spoken (if I had not been prevented by the Gag) I now forbear to set down, in regard I hear I am to come into the field again to fight a second battle, unto which time I reserve it, if the Lord so order it that I may have liberty to speak, I doubt not but by the might and power of my God, in whom I rest and trust, valiantly to display the weapons of a good soldier of Jesus Christ; Come life, come death; and in the mean time, to what I have here said and written, I set to my name by me John Lilburn, being wiritten with part of mine own blood; The rest of which, by the Lord's assistance I will willingly shed, if he call for it, in the maintaining of his Truth and Glory, and that which I have here said and written: by me,  
JOHN Lilburne.   

At the Inner Star-Chamber the 18th. of April, Anno Dom. 1638.  

Present:  
Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.  
Lord Keeper.  
Lord Treasurer.  
Lord Privy seal.  
Earl Martial.  
Earl of Salisbury.  
Lord Cottington.  
Lord Newburch.  
M. Secretary Cook.  
M. Secretary Windebanck.   
WHereas John Lilburne, Prisoner in the Fleet, by sentence in Starchamber, did this day suffer condign punishment for his several offences, by whipping at a Cart, and standing in the Pillory, and as their Lordships were this day informed, during the time that his body was under the said execution, audaciously and wickedly, did not only utter sundry scandalous speeches, but likewise scattered divers copies of seditious books among the people that beheld the said execution, for which very thing, among other offences of like nature, he hath been censured in the said Court by the aforesaid sentence: It is therefore, by their Lordships ordered, that the said John Lilburne should be laid alone, with irons on his hands and legs in the Wards of the Fleet, where the basest and meanest sort of prisoners are used to be put; and that the Warden of the Fleet take especial care to hinder the resort of any persons whatsoever unto him. And particularly, that he be not supplied with money from any friend, and th●● he take especial notice of all letters, writings and books brought unto him, and seize and deliver the same unto their Lordships; and take notice from time to time who they be that resort unto the said prison to visit the said Lilburne, or to speak with him, and inform the Board thereof. And it was lastly ordered, that all persons that shall be hereafter produced to receive corporal punishment according to sentence of that Court, or by order of the Board, shall have their garments searched before they be brought forth, and neither writing nor other thing suffered to be about them; and their hands likewise to be bound, during the time they are under punishment. Whereof, together with the other premises, the said Warden of the Fleet is hereby required to take notice, and to have especial care, that this their lordship's order be accordingly observed.  
Examined per Dudley CARLETON.  
FINIS.