Wonderful PREDICTIONS DECLARED In a MESSAGE, as from the LORD, To his Excellency S R. THOMAS FAIRFAX and the Council of His Army.  
By JOHN SALTMARSH Preacher of the Gospel.  
His several speeches, and the manner of his Death.  
December 29. 1647.  
THis Narrative concerning Mr. Saltmarsh hath been sent to the Army; and there perused, corrected, and made perfect, to be printed and published for the Kingdoms: satisfaction. Imprimatur, Gilbert Mabbot.  
Printed at London by Robert Ibbitson, in Smithfield, near the Queenes-head Tavern, 164●.   

The Printer to the Reader.  
HAving Papers come to my hand to be Printed, concerning these wonderful passages about Mr. Saltmarsh; and advising with the Licenser concerning the same; It was thought fit that the Papers should be first communicated to the Army, before they were Printed: And accordingly were sent to an eminent person at the Headquarters, who (after perusal and conections) returned them enclosed in a Letter, as followeth,  
SIR,  
I Have (at last) procured the perusal of your Relation concerning Mr. Saltmarsh, and sent it you corrected, together with the enclosed Preamble. And I think the Relation may be fit (for matter of truth) for public view; and being the very plain Narrative of the business, it may be for much satisfaction to the Kingdom therein.  
Windsor 27 Decemb. 1647.   

A Preamble to the Reader.  
IT is decent to speak honourably of the dead, yet not to be partial. Whilst Mr. Saltmarsh was in the Army, he walked unblameable, kept himself to his Text, in labouring to beat down sin: and exalt Christ. He meddled not with the present times; else at Northampton and other places he had not found such esteem: He still preached the bonds of love and peace, praying that that might be the cord to unite Christians in amity. He meddled not in the Pulpit with Presbytery or Independency. He solely laboured to draw the soul from sin to Christ. Thus he lived amongst Soldiers in time of health, and how his departure was near his death, you will perceive by what ensueth, as to so much of it which is said to be done at the Head-quarter; most of it may claim belief, and the rest probably is true. The circumstance of passages oftentimes adds light to dark actions. He appeared at the Head-quaters as one risen from the grave, his eyes almost fixed in his head, or rather as if he had come out of a Trance with fear and trembling to express his dream. This latter may admit a probable conjecture for without doubt he had trouble upon his spirit, till he vented what he apprehended he had in commission, he did not come with bitter revilings and reproaches, but rather with wholesome admonitions to fly that danger which as he apprehended was hanging over the Army, have we not more cause to suspect ourselves of failings then him of Melancholy in what he said: And may not this be a good Memento to better things, though he perhaps mistake in the matter he delivered, yet however let not the words of a dying man pass unregarded, for it is the heart and not the mouth of such a man that speaketh: his carriage was as if he were of another world, often expressing he should see us no more, and his heart was eased when he delivered his Message, and finishing his course so immediately after, it is remarkable.   

Wonderful Predictions, declared in a Message, as from the Lord, to His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Counsel of his Army, by Mr. John Saltmarsh, Preacher of the Gospel.  
Mr. John Saltmarsh (a very holy and reverend Divine, of great learning and parts) one of the Chaplains to the Army; being at his house near Gilford, in the County of Essex, told his wife Saturday December 4. 1647. that he had been in a Trance, seen a Vision, and received a command from God, to go presently to the Army, to make known to them, what the Lord had revealed to him, which would be the last work that he had to do for them, and taking his leave of his wife, he hasted to London that night.  
He declared to Sir H. M. a worthy Knight (a Member of the House of Commons) his dear friend (and divers others) that he was sent by the Lord with a Message to the Army, to make known some things unto them, which God had revealed unto him, he spoke many glorious things concerning God and the Saints.  
That night he lay in London, but restless to finish the business he went about.  
The next morning (it being the Lords day) he found it some difficulty to procure an Horse, which put him into a resolution to walk on foot to Windsor, rather than stay till Monday, but after dinner he was furnished, and mounted about three a clock in the afternoon, and although ignorant of the way, yet (to avoid craftinating) he rid himself alone, with a resolution of speed to the Headquarters, where he intended the Officers a salute the next morning, before they sat in Council.  
But the dark clouds soon surprised him, and (having no guide) he by inquiry found that he had digressed a little from the road, but was comforted in his confidence that God was with him.  
About eleven a clock (that night) he fell into a Town, about seven miles on this side Windsor where he (finding the people up at an Inn) alighted, to bait himself and Horse.  
Whilst he stayed there, he spoke (as it is said) of many wonderful things, which the Lord had revealed to him. But the man and woman of the house (at first) gave no credit to what he said.  
But Mr. Saltmarsh proceeded in a continued discourse (as if he had been preaching in a Pulpit) declaring unto them many things from God; That the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, when all men shall be judged by Jesus Christ, And then shall the ways, and actions of all men appear, Believers stand on a glorious Gospel, spiritual bottom, supported by their Saviour: And Infidels, clasping about the stones and Pillars of the World, and fleshly fancy, be thrown down to hell for ever. The Lord hath great things (which he intends) to do shortly. God will burn up, and consume the earthly matter of his Saints; to translate them out of worldly darkness into his heavenly light, through Jesus Christ; and then will God draw up all the sparkles of glory in one confluence to himself, and cause every thing to return to its first original end.  
By that time he had (a little) enlarged himself upon these things, the people of the house began to be serious and lay them to their consciences (amazed at the things they heard,) were smitten in their hearts, seemed very penitent. And persuading some further doctrinal points from him, occasioned his longer stay, than was before intended.  
But (whilst it was yet dark,) early on Monday December 6. in the morning Mr. Saltmarsh departed from his Inn, intending towards Windsor, but (by mistake of his way) fell into the Forest, where having view of an house, he approached it: and called the good man (than up) who upon his desire gave him directions of his way; and Mr. Saltmarsh gave him instructions in the way to heaven, and told him many things, concerning God, and his purpose to destroy the wicked, and draw the saints to himself, declaring (also the vanity of corrupt hart●, the purity of called saints, and the like.  
The man being much taken here with, accompanied him in his way through the Forest, conversing with him till he came near Windsor, and then returned.  
About nine in the morning Mr. Saltmarsh came to the Headquarters, and saw divers of his acquaintance.  
He met with Mr. A. (one of the Adjutators) who saluting him, he said, Mr. A. depart from these Tents, lest you perish with them, for the Lord hath revealed to me, that he is very angry with this Army, because they have forsaken Him.  
Captain— (an Officer of the Army asked him how he did. To whom he said, that he had nothing (from God) to say to him, for he had always been a seeker of himself, under spetious pretences.  
Seeing of C. D. (another Officer) he saluted him (with good morrow) He said, he could not own him, for he was for destruction: who seeing his countenance and carriage, and hearing his words (for he had strange expressions, both to him, and others) was startled.  
Mr. Saltmarsh then went to the General Coun●ell, where some of the Officers were met in expectation of the General and the rest, to sit in Council, And he spoke before them, (both the●, and also afterwards) much to this purpose. That he was come thither to reveal to them, what he had received from God. That though the Lord 〈…〉 much for them, and by them, yet he had of late left them, and was not in their 〈◊〉, because they had forsaken him. That God would not prosper their consultations, but destroy them by divisions amongst themselves. That he had formerly come to them like a Lamb, but that God had now raised in him the spirit of a Lion, because they had fought to destroy the people of God. That the controversy now before them, calls for the tenderest judgement, because it concerns their faithful ones, those imprisoned of their own members, having always stood by them through the greatest difficulties. That he would advise all the faithful to departed from them, lest they be destroyed with them. And many more such like expressions.  
Some Officers asked him how he came to know these things; to whom he answered, That God (who had heretofore enabled him to tell them what they know came since to pass) had revealed those things to him. And he told some of the Officers, that what he sp●ke he was sure, that they knew in their Consciences it was true.  
He told them that he wished their own arguments might find 〈◊〉 to their spirits, that the some sounding of bowels might be heard in them to 〈…〉 that they once wished to ●ear in others, that would have enslaved them, that they would in the flow of an heavenly spirit, with a fountain of tears, let the world see that men are not infallible, but may mistake their brethren for enemies.  
Some said that Mr. Saltmarsh stared like one distracted, And one told him that he had been sick and was not yet well recovered: To whom he answered, That he had (indeed) been sick not long since: But that now he was (be thanked God) very well in health, and sensible what he spoke: And said, it was the last time that ever he should speak to them.  
Afterwards, he went to the General, (but did not move his hat,) saying, That he had not command from God to honour him now at all: That he had honoured him so much, that he offended in doting upon his person. That God had revealed unto him, that he was highly displeased with his com●…ting of Saints, and would not now prosper him, nor could he honour him.  
When he had parted with his Excellency he went to L. G. whom he met in the Hall, who asked him how he did, Mr. Saltmarsh put not off his hat to him neither: But told him that the Lord was very angry with him, for causing those godly men to be imprisoned, slighted, and abused, for those Engagements which he had formerly owned, and the persons such as he knew faithful in the Cause of God: That the Armies falling off from their former principles, it would be their ruin, and destruction: and would raise such fractions among themselves, as would undo them. And much other discourse to that purpose.  
L. G. told him, that some things were not so well as he could wish: but that he wondered at those passages that fell from him. But Mr. Saltmarsh proceeded on, declaring to him, as he had done to the General Council of the Army. And at last L. G. took a paper out of his pocket, (which he said was sent to him from Mr. S.) which he read: Some of the matter being not much different from what was then said.  
Another Officer (than present) spoke of something that had lately fallen from an other Member of the Army relating to that purpose.  
Hereupon Mr. Saltmarsh replied (saying) Look ye here now, out of the mouths of two or three witnesses, the truth of God is confirmed and I am glad saith he to L. G. that there is some tenderness of heart in you: And (after some further discourse) they parted.  
Then Mr. Saltmarsh went to C. I. and spoke to that effect to him, which he had done to the rest, and told him that God had left him and would not prosper his council.  
He met with C. R. and told him the message that he was come to declare to the Army from God.  
To Mr. P. he said, That he had many good things in him, but he was (of late) overcome by others, who have misled him: but that there is 〈◊〉 a ●…dernesse in his spirit. And bade him take heed that his heart be not hardened.  
To Mr. C. (who was to receive a sum of moneys for him) he declared that he would not receive it. And being demanded how he could be without it, he said, God would provide, but to take a penny of it to himself he durst not: And appointed Mr. C. (upon the receipt of the moneys) to distribute it to poor prisoners in London, to the soldiers secured in Windsor, about the late disorder, and to other distressed Christians.  
On Tuesday morning December 7. Mr. Saltmarsh went (again) to L. G. telling him that he had one thing yet to deliver to him; which God required of him (which was this) That he would (immediately) take effectual course for the enlargement of the members of the Army, that were committed for not complying with the General Council: And that he do not prosecute against those who have been so faithful. (And some other expressions to that purpose).  
Mr. Saltmarsh further declared, that he was sorry to see such obstinacy. And that although some tenderness was upon his spirit (the day before) yet now he saw that his heart was hardened. But wished him to be mindful of what God required of him.  
That morning Mr. Saltmarsh declared to C. B. and others, the same things again, which he had done the day before, at the General Council.  
C. B. asked him, whether he would advise all the honest faithful members to leave the Army, and lay down Arms, and quite leave off the Military practice, To whom he answered, No; For, saith he, God hath yet a great work to be done: In which he will make use of Members of this Army, to do great things for the glory of his Name.  
After that he had taken his leave of the Officers, telling them, That he had then done his errand, and must leave them, never to see the Army more: he came that night to London.  
On Wednesday Decemb. 8. he acquainted divers of his Friends (about the City, what he had done, and took his leave of them) saying to some that his work was now done, his Message delivered: And desired them to be careful of his wife.  
On Thursday Decemb. 9 he went from London very cheerful and well, and came that night to his house near Gilford, not sick at all, and told his wife what he had done.  
On Friday Decemb. 10. he told his wife, that he had now finished his course; and must go to his Father: And in the afternoon he complained that his head did ache, desiring to lie down upon his bed, where his wife took all possible care she could of him. But whatsoever he received for sustenance, he could not retain it: yet he rested well, all that night.  
On Saturday Decemb. 11. In the morning, he was taken speechless. And in the afternoon, about four or five a clock, he died very peaceably and quietly. And his soul is, no doubt, at rest with the Lord.  
Windsor, Examinat. Decemb. 27. 1647.  
FINIS.