A True Relation of an Apparition in the likeness of a bide with a white breast, that appeared hovering over the DeathBeds of some of the children of Mr. James Oxenham of Sale Monachorum, Devon. Gent.  
Confirmed by sundry witnesses as followeth in the ensuing Treatise.  
LONDON: Printed by I.O. for Richard Clutterbuck, and are to be sold at the sign of the Gun in little britain near S. Botolphs Church. 1641.   

 woodcut of white bird flying above man lying in bed 
John Oxenham Gentleman Aged: 21: Died with this Aparition above ruifnesse Robert Woodley and Humphrey King   
 woodcut of white bird flying above woman lying in bed 
Tomasin the wife of james Oxenham the younger Genttleman Aged: 22: Died w the like Aparition— witness Elizabeth Errost & Toane Tooker   
 woodcut of white bird flying above woman lying in bed 
Rebecka Oxenham Aged: 8: Died with the same Aparition witness Elis: Auerie widow and Mary Stephens   
 woodcut of white bird flying above child lying in cradle 
Tomasin a Child in a cradle Died with the like Aparition witness Elis: Auerie & Mary Stephens    

A short Treatise of the godly lives, and deaths, of some of the Children of James Oxenham, of Sale Monachorum in Devonshire, Gent: a true and zealous Protestant.  
APhylosopher on a time being asked, which was the surest way to die comfortably? presently replied, ▪ To have lived virtuously: The Prophet Daniel affirms it; that the righteous shall shine 
Dan. 12.  as the stars in the firmament: and 'tis no otherwise likely, but that those should shine in Glory, who on Earth were such lights of purity and Piety: to do well is the best method to end happily; an holy life being the usher in of a blessed death: mark( saith King David) the upright, and behold the righteous, for the end of that man 
Psal. 17.  is peace.  
Such, and no other, were these parties both in their lives, and deaths: a complete joy, without all question to their Parents. Saint John writing to the Elect Lady, in his Epistle saith, That he had no greater ioy, than to hear that her Children walked in the truth: and St. Paul doth profess, that such as kept the faith were his ioy and rejoicing: How truly then have the Parents of these, just cause and matter of consolation, when as they were not onely ear but also eye-witnesses of the pious demeanors of their Children; who might say, as once that famous St. Ambrose did to his Auditors: I have not so lived amongst you, as that I am ashamed to leave you: for certain, Iesus Christ was and is to all those both in life and death advantage. What an excellent invitation are these to all parents to bring up their children in the fear of God, that being grounded in their younger yeares in the principles of Faith, they may thorough the whole course of their life keep it, and( as St. Peter saith) in the end receive the reward of their Faith, even the salvation of their souls.  
In this following discourse, what is, or shall bee spoken of the parties, shall not bee tainted with flatteries, but shall bee warrantably true, as by the testimonies of divers sufficient witnesses may appear, who are yet alive, being good and religious people, and the Pastor of the place, a man of able parts, and of an holy conversation, who do give in testimony for the confirmation of what is here recorded; the place where they dwelled, being not in any remote Region, but at home, the time when it fell out, being but( as I may say) as yesterday; some four or five yeares ago, and the parties who dyed being of no obscure birth, but of good rank and repute in their native country, they all being by the command of a reverend Father of our Church strictly examined concerning the premises; who finding all their sayings to bee true and just, hath given approbation for a Monument to bee erected in the Church for the perpetual memorial of the fact, which was accordingly performed by the care and labour of Edward Marshall Tomb-maker under St. Dunstans Church in the west in Fleet-street: of whom if any that doubt, may receive ample satisfaction; all things considered, it will easily appear, that it is no Popish Relation, or lying Legend, to guile and deceive people: but a true and real thing lately done: the particulars whereof follow in order.  
In the parish called Sale-monachorum, in the County of Devon, there lives one james Oxenham a Gentleman of good worth and quality, who had many Children, one whereof was called John Oxenham, a young man in the vigour, beauty, and flower of his age, about 22. who was of stature comely, and tall, being in height of body six foot and an half, a very proper person; and for the endowments and gifts of his mind richly qualified; much addicted to pious and religious exercises;( a rare practise in these licentious times) for young men to imitate; thinking it best to grow in grace betimes,( as King Solomon adviseth) to rem 〈…〉 our Creator in the dayes of our yo 〈…〉 ●one knowing how soon Deat●● Ha●binger and fore-runner may summon us all to all to appear: This young Gentleman fell sick, who being visited by many of the neighbours during the time of his sickness, departed this transitory life on the fifth day of September, 1635. to whom two dayes before he yielded up his soul to God, there appeared the likeness of a bide with a white breast, hovering over him; and so he fitting himself for his happy departure, yielded up his spirit to him that gave it, with manifest and comfortable expressions of his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ: and for the confirmation of this appearance, there are two honest and substantial men, who were then present, to take away all sinister suspicion and doubt, Robert Woodley and humphrey King, who were not by any rewards hired to speak so; but when they were examined, freely justified the same, both to the Minister of the parish, by the appointment of the reverend Father in God, joseph Lord Bishop of Exeter.  
He was no sooner dead in this pious manner; but the same apparition did again show itself to Thomazine, the wife of james Oxenham, the younger gentleman, about eleven of the clock at night, which Thomazine was a woman of a blameless and unspotted life, Striving to keep a good Conscience towards God and man; keeping( as St. james speaks) herself unspotted 
Jam. 6.  of the World, who also was diligent in the performance of Christian Duties, and was loving and amiable to her husband, and of carriage to her neighbours affable and courteous: moreover; which was the grace of all other her excellent parts, shee was wondrously charitable to the poor: Shee being desirous to be dissolved, and to be with the Lord, with heavenly expressions of her hope and faith, shee dyed to the comfort of all about her, the seventh of September, in the year 1635. and that the likeness of such a Bind ●overed over her, before her giving up her soul, as appears by the testimony of two women who were present, by name, Elizabeth Frost, and joan Tooker, who were likewise examined concerning the truth of this before the aforesaid Minister: and though there bee many, who perhaps may say, alas! these were but women, and so no heed to be taken to their words: It is answered; are not women of the same household of faith with men? and why then not to be credited? again, these were not such women, who were to procured by hope of gain to speak falsely, neither were there any of such corrupt mindes, who offered them any; and why should wee suppose, but that women have a care of their souls health as well as men? or to what purpose should they hazard their Faiths upon things that were not? and therefore their witness in this kind is to bee allowed as authentical as mens, unless some just allegation can be produced, to make void their integrity.  
Not long after but Rebeccah, the sister of the aforesaid Thomazine, aged about eight yeares, to whom about eleven of clock of the night appeared the bide in the same likeness, and hovered over her: shee was a virgin of great hopes, and wondrous docible, of a gentle and courteous behaviour to all; shee dyed in a peaceable manner the ninth of Septemb. 1635. prayer having been publicly by the Minister with the Congregation, made for her recovery, she departed: the witnesses of the aforesaid Apparition, by name Elizabeth Avery, and Mary Stephens.  
And she was no sooner dead, but Thomazine a little Child of the aforesaid James Oxenham, and Thomazine his wife, being in a Cradle, fell sick, over whom did presently appear the said bide, in form as aforesaid, and so she dyed the fifteenth of September, 1635. witnesses to this, the same two afore name, Elizabeth Avery, and Mary Stephens: and what is more, the said bide appeared to Grace, the Grandmother of the said John, over her death-bed, which said Grace was a virtuous woman, and full of good works, and yielded herself into the hands of her Maker, with great cheerfulness and willingness, in the year of our Redemption, 1618. And to shut up all, there were four more of the said family and kindred who were sick, and yet did never see or perceive any such apparition, and recovered their former health speedily, to the glory of God, and comfort of their friends. Now briefly, if there were no such thing, how came some to see it, at several times, upon the sickness of several parties, and all of them did perceive it in one and the same shape? if it were so, how come so many in these times to doubt, nay plainly and flatly to deny that there are any Apparitions now in these times as in former? but to condemn so many sufficient sober witnesses, lawfully summoned to the confirmation of this particular; what is it but to confine all things to their own bare conceits, and mistrusting opinions: I hold it not therfore amiss, to give the Reader honest satisfaction concerning this one particular thing. I will therefore lay down some conclusions, to prove the possibility and reality of such Apparitions even in these latter times; how ever I always will do it under the censure of better judgements.  
First then, none can deny, but before the Law in Abrahams time, there appeared three men to him, and two to Lot, which of all are held to be Angels. Under the Law tis frequently red of sundry Apparitions to the Lords Prophets, and others. Under the gospel likewise who is so ignorant, but knows that then there likewise were sundry Apparitions, as the Holy Ghost came down in the shape of a Dove: at our Saviours Transfiguration there appeared two men, Moses and Elias. In the Apostles times 'tis not to be questioned, but that Angels appeared to them, as to St. Peter in prison, and before that, to the women after our Saviours Resurrection; & it seems Apparitions were not onely in those times, but they came also with some affrightment and astonishment of the beholders; so tis red in St. Matthews gospel, that the women were astonished at the sight of the Angels; so tis said of the shepherds, they returned with fear and great joy: so also when the Angel appeared to the shepherds, he used this speech to them; fear not, as including thus much, that then men did usually fear such apparitions; 'tis expressed also of our Blessed Lord, that after his resurrection, when he appeared to his Apostles, that he said to them 'tis I, 'tis not a Spirit, intimating thus much, that then Spirits did appear unto men: when our Saviour walked upon the Sea, 'tis said of his Disciples, that they were afraid, supposing e it had been a Spirit, 'twould bee too tedious to recite all examples in this kind: to conclude the first point, 'tis clear, that before and under the Law, as also under the gospel, and ▪ likewise in the Apostles times Apparitions were frequent: but all the question is, whether now, or not? Yes for certain; I thus prove it: I hope, first none will deny but that there are Angels still, both good, and bad: Secondly, that they are Gods Messengers to men, either for mercy, or judgement: Thirdly, that they do obey the injunctions laid upon them and daily execute the will of the supreme Moderator. Fourthly, none can deny but that Angels are Spirits. So Saint Paul calls them, Heb. 1. ministering Spirits sent out: now lay all these together; first, that they are; secondly, that they bee Gods Agents; thirdly, that they do what he sends them for: fourthly, that they are all Spirits, and then who can doubt but they appear likewise? for first, need not the children of God now as much comfort as ever; who shall bring it if not they? secondly, why are they messengers, unless sent out to men? Thirdly, how could they do their errands, but by appearing? Lastly, what need they be sent, unless they came? tis impossible that those famous Martyrs could have so patiently, so comfortably endured all those cruel and exquisite torments as they did, had not Gods Angels ministered unto them help and comfort? who can suppose that either the Angels care of Gods Church is less than it was? or else their love to men is decreased? or their power abated? or that there is no need now in the last times, which are fullest of persecutions, of their aid and presence? are we stronger than Daniel, yet he had an Angel? are wee stouter in faith than St. Peter, yet he had such a spiritual ambassador sent to refresh him? are we more than our blessed Lord, and yet tis said, the Angels came and ministered to him? the one of these must needs follow, that either they are not, or else that their office is ceased? but they are, & their charge is still the same, to pitch their tents about Gods people; and therefore why should they not appear: this is for good spirits, now for bad: that they may and do appear, why not? is not Satan let loose? are not these the last times? doth not he use the wicked Angels to terrify and punish wicked men: and what doth more terrify and mak● men aghast than what is seen? Belshazzer, if he sees but the hand-writing is suddenly amazed: shall we suppose that all those confessions of wicked men, all those screechings and terrors and affrightments do proceed from what was never seen? certainly not; if the devil doth appear as an Angel of light to deceive, why not as an angel of darkness to affright: if he did present himself to our Saviour Christ in a visible form, in a conspicuous shape, why may he not do the same, or the like his members? if he useth all means to affright and terrify men, why may he not appear to them? such who deny there are any apparitions, must either prove( as the Sadduces of old) that there are no Angels nor Spirits; or else they must say, that they cannot appear now, which will be hard to do: for first, the wicked neither want will nor malice, and though God limits their power, yet he hath not amnihilated it; but doth, as he sees best, give and grant to them power to inflict punishments on men: thatis for the first position: it follows now in the second place,  
That there are apparitions from the certainty of the sense of seeing: the eye, as it is the noblest of all the sences, so tis the least subject to error; nothing is more certain than what is seen: an ear witness is not adjudged of that Equivalency, or sufficiency in determining matters of contest; as an eye witness. The Prophet David brings in wicked men with this speech in their mouths; fie on thee we saw it with our eyes, as who should say, that for certain it must needs then be unquestionably true, and though it be held for a maxim, that visus fallice circa objectum,( i.e.) that the sight is deceived about objects; that may be, if it be spoken of their Dimensions, not realities, or else when the thing proposed for the object is at such a largeness of distance, that the eye cannot comprehend or reach it: or further, when as that which laid out for the object is of that swiftness of motion, that it wanting a stability doth by its sudden turnings, and changing windings cousin( as I may so say) and cheat the eye, and thus do common expert jugglers practise: but let the object have Reality, Propinquity, and Stability, and then for certain the eye will be the surest apprehender of it.  
And seeing that colour est obiectum visus,( i.e.) that colour is the object of the sight: It seldom mistakes black for white, or white for black; but the other sences as they are inferior, so are they more imperfect than this sense of seeing: this I say, because that concerning this present subject there is principal use made of the eye; now for certain spirits, though they be incorporeal, and so cannot be felt or touched; yet they are not invisible but that they may bee seen; so then being that Spirits are visible, and sent, what should hinder, but that when they do appear, they may be seen: the former considerations being granted, concerning the nature of the objectt; so that they who suppose, that all apparitions are merely fantastical and imaginary, & no ways subject to the sense, must needs overthrow all those apparitions which have been in all ages, or else make the nature of Spirits to bee different from what they then were; or lastly impute the fault to the imperfection of the sense: all which are alike untrue; and therefore what hinders, that there may not be apparitions good, or bad ▪ is not yet discovered.  
Thirdly, if apparitions were the onely operations and chimeras of the fancy, and not real, then in any great conflicts and temptations, the comfort that Gods Children would feel, should be onely imaginary and fantastical, not real: so likewise all the torments and troubles of the soul would have no perpetuity, nor true being; the Imagination so often varying in respect of the objects variety, and those things which caused or aggravated the torment being not substantial, but suppositious: so should those everlasting flames of hell not burn really and sensibly the bodies of the wicked condemned thither for Impieties, but hell torments should be onely bugbeares to affright children, & mere conceits; and so like wise those eternal joys in heaven, and heaven itself should only live, & be in imagination onely: but what strange sequels could these positions produce is easily seen, how weak would the joys of Gods Children bee? how vain their hopes? how childish the fears of wicked men? and who would, or need fear the terror of that great Judge?  
But briefly, seeing that God hath such instruments of mercy or justice, let the righteous take courage and comfort in all conditions: and let the wicked return and amend their lewd courses, lest God sand out these Instruments in his Justice to punish them for their Rebellions.  
FINIS.