THE PROTESTATION OF John WHITE DOCTOR IN divinity, which he caused to be written the day before his death, to the end the Papists might understand he departed out of this world, of the same opinion and judgement he maintained both by preaching and writing whilst he lived.  
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. I John White Doctor in divinity, weak of body, but of perfect remembrance, being fully persuaded of God's love and mercy to me, do briefly make this my last Will and Testament in manner following: First I bequeathe my soul into the hands of almighty God, who infused it when I was borne, and all the days of my life hath enriched it with such graces and habits, as have enabled me unto the services whereto he hath called me, of what nature soever they have been: And my body to be interred at the pleasure of my dear and loving brother Master Edward White, where and in what manner he shall think good.  
And touching Religion, and the state and disposition of my conscience therein, I profess that I depart in peace, believing with a Christian faith all things contained in the Apostles creed, and other Creeds received in the Church of England: To whose judgement I perfectly adhere, in the articles of the deity, trinity, Creation, the fall and Reparation of mankind; Redemption by Christ alone, justification, Faith, and necessity of good works, &c. touching the nature and institution of the Church, authority of the Scriptures, use and number of Sacraments, and doctrine concerning death, and the resurrection of the dead, and the state of the world to come: And all that which our Church doth uniformly teach against the Church of Rome.  
And whereas I have these twenty years past, by preaching and writing, published in two books, engaged myself against Papistry, I profess I have done nothing therein against my conscience, but desire all men to assure themselves, that if any error have escaped me, it hath passed me through oversight; for I always bended myself to that work of writing with much humility to God, and such diligence as I was able to use; and having the books always by me, I writ nothing but what I found in antiquity, and in the writings publicly received in the Church of Rome itself. And I do constantly avouch, that what I have written is the truth, and have been the more confirmed therein by the unconscionable dealing of my adversaries against me, when no learned man amongst them hath encountered me, but only such as use base courses of railing and scurrility, unbefitting Christian Religion. The which my writings I commend to my children, praying God they may live and die therein, without opening their ears unto seducers: and to all my people to whom I have preached; and generally to all people that have been acquainted therewith And this my Protestation I was desirous to insert in my will, wishing it were also printed in my books; nothing doubting but Romish Priests and their followers, when they shall hear of my death (according to a common practice of theirs) will be ready enough to diwlge some tales or other touching my uncertainty in Religion.  
And having finished his Will and Testament, seeing himself almost spent, he used these words following:  
I am scarce able to say any more, greater occasion calls me off, my own weakness and more necessary meditation with God, breaks me off, and have taken me by the hand; with whom I hope to be shortly, having a steadfast persuasion, that through faith in Christ, I shall see him, and enjoy him, and live with him for ever. Which he grant of his abundant mercy, who will have mercy on whom he will have mercy; and will show compassion on whom he will show compassion. Amen.   

A POSTSCRIPT OF A LETTER WHICH DOCTOR WHITE WRlT to a friend of his, who having found comfort thereby, is desirous it should be printed for the comfort and good of others also.  
LET him that will live reposedly, and die cheerfully, hear, pray, meditate, do. First hear God's word in the Scriptures, and in the pulpit, in the Scriptures daily, and in the pulpit make choice of a fit teacher, and stick to him; for the practice of God's word gives knowledge, works holiness, breaks down natural corruption, and fills with strength and comfort against all assaults.  
Secondly, prayer hath three rules: daily, without intermission: free, that the mind be unladen. Go to prayer as you go into the water to swim, go not hot in, but take a time, and first cool yourself, feeling that the words touch your soul. The day I neglect either God's word or prayer is unhappy. That God being so near, and within me, I should neither speak to him, nor he to me, that were too much between a man and his wife.  
Thirdly, meditation is the mod sovereign cure of the soul that is. My course is this: I miss no day but I retire myself (if I be at home) to my study, or the field, and there first I pray to God to give me a recollected mind; secondly, I enter into consideration of my sinful state, and examine myself, I call for help to God; thirdly, I take notice of my passion, disposition and inclination, and so I come to the knowledge of myself. Fourthly, I arm myself by vows, resolutions, and prayer, to conquer my, self as a city. Fiftly, I call to mind if anything hath passed between my neighbour (any other) and me: if I remember any unkindness offered, or received, I wash it out, I clear the score, I suffer no man's infirmity to possess me with conceit. Sixtly, I inquire after the day of my death in this sort; first I set it before my eyes; next I examine whether I be fit, prepared, ready, willing to die: thirdly my cowardly soul I encourage, and teach it to look death in the face: Lastly I end this point with flying to my saviour for help, till I become more than a conqueror. I will with great and tender passion, in this point power out myself and weakness to him. Seventhly I think also (in the next place) of my worldly state; and if it prosper, I give thanks, and lay humility and compassion in my mind: if it be poor, I pray for supply, and bethink me of some honest and lawful means: (here I remember wife, children, servants, and purpose to bring them towards God.)  
Fourthly, doing is the life of all; for it is nothing to be religious in ceremonies. Here are four principal points. First, beware of doing against your conscience. Secondly, omit no occasion, place, or time, or person, if you can do good. Thirdly, follow the good of your own calling: too many meddle with the good that belongeth to others to do, as Uzzah. Fourthly, the best good in the world, is compassion, and alms, and comforting in distress, as sickness, &c.  
Life is short, the days are evil, our company is small, the account is certain, the comfort unutterable.   

London, Prtnted for William Barret.