BE it knowne to al Christian people, of what condition or callinge soeuer, that I (Henry Arthington prisoner) for my dangerous offence committed in proclaiming Hacket to bee Christ Iesus, (etc). Haue longe desired and from my heart re­quested, to shewe some testimonies of my vn­feined repentance, either by word or writinge, but could not be admitted till of late, that the libertie of the prisonne was granted vnto mee: Heare now therfore with patience my humble confession in manner following.

As it cannot be denied, which Peter the A­postle, hath recorded that Satan the old Arch-enis wie of Mankind seeketh1. Pet. 5.8.cotinually like a roring Lion whom he may deuoure: So it must needs be gran­ted of all, which the Apostle Paule noteth, That to the end he may the more easille deceiue, Sa­tan transformeth himselfe2 Co. 11.16into an Angell of light. So did he seduceGen. 3.1, 7. the womā in Paradise, so did he abuse1. Samuel Saule the King, in the likenesse of [Page 2] Samuel the Prophet of God, and so did hee of late most pitifullie misvse Coppinger and mee, in the likenesse of the holiest manne liuing in the world, closelie represented before our eies, in the person of that wicked Sorcerer William Hac­ket the instrument of Satan, or rather himselfe a diuell incarnate, raised vp to seeke the disho­nor of Christ Iesus, and both our destructions so much as he could: As by the true report of his storie ensuing shall more manifestlye ap­peare.

In the discourse whereof, though I muste of necessitie blaze abroad mine owne infamie to all posterities, yet hadde I rather doo the same to detect Satans practises, that others might be admonished in time to take heede, then that a­nie manner of personne should through my si­lence (in concealing that knowledge which I haue gained by my wofull experience) fall into that pit of endlesse peridition, by Satans temp­tations; out of the which (by Gods Almightie prouidence) I am escaped.

It is not vnknowne throughout all England, there were two false Prophets set on worke in London, to proclaime that Christ Iesus was come to iudge the world with his fan in his handes, Hacket that curssed condemned wretche, was that supposed Christ Iesus the Iudge, Edmunde Coppinger the one prophet, and I the other, The one of mercie, the other of iudgements falslie so tearmed: Three vnlikelie instruments to ef­fect [Page 3] so great matters as were pretended, viz: ei­ther to bring all men vnto repentance, or else to iudge and condemne the obstinate.Good mat­ters preten­ded.

How my brother false prophet and I, beha­ued our selues in Cheapside, 16. Iuli, 1591 (etc). running bothe into one Cart, to proclaime our curssed newe Iudge, (etc): Because the maner therof was com­monlie known, and that I suppose the Chroni­cler of this land, hath long before this time dis­coursed more at large vpon our whole procee­dings, I meane not to trouble thee gentle Rea­der with new repetitions, but onely to dilate of the greatnesse of our sins, with the manner how my selfe was drawne into this action, wherein I hope to supplie more fullie, whatsoeuer the Chronicler hath lefte vntouched, for wante of true notice.

First therefore, I will indeuour to the vtter­moste of my skill, co describe the greatnesse of Hackets rebellion against the Lord Iesus.

Secondly, what meanes he vsed to bewitch my poor selfe to be one of those false prophets.

Thirdlie, to consider howe deepelie, I have trespassed in proclaiming the villaine, to bee Christ Iesus the Iudge, and other wise also.

Fourthlie, to obserue notwithstanding, the exceeding greatnesse of Gods Almightie pro­uidence, in my preseruation.

Fiftlie, To set downe thesubstance of that Christian to passion, which I haue found at the hands of hir excellent Maiesty, & most honora­ble [Page 4] Councell.

Sixtly, To moue all manner people to bee thankfull vnto God on my behalfe, and further to assist me with their praiers, that my preserua­tion may tende to his glorie, and the good of his Church.

Seuenthlie, To admonish all people (by my wofull example to take heede and beware of Satans temptations.

To come to the first point, concerning Hac­kets wilfull rebellion against the Lord Iesus: I can deem it no lesse (in my poore iudgement) Then to be a deep sinne against the holy-ghost,The firste point of Hackets re­bellion. which may bee the more plainelie discerned, both by comparing it with the sinne against the holy-ghost (according to the Scripture) And with the like fact committed by Iudas, in betrai­eng Christ Iesus the Lord of life himselfe.

The sinne of the Holy ghost as it is defined by Peter and Paule the Apostles of Christ;The sinne against the Holy-ghost defined. Is A wilfull sinning against the knowne truth, and a mans owne conscience, making a mocke thereof Which may be the more aggrauated,Heb. 6.4.5, 6 & 10.26.29 By spitefull repro­ching the said knowne truth, in contempt of Christ Iesus the Author thereof. 2. Pet. 2.20.21.

Oh then how groslie and greeuouslie maye it be feared that Hacket did commit this great sinne against the Holy ghost, not onely in Wil­full proceeding againste the knowne truth and his owne conscience, but in obstinate rebel­ling against the very person and office of Christ [Page 5] Iesus, (peculiar onely to the euerlasting Sonne of God in heauen) by causing and compelling vs poore soules (for so wee were inforced by a Deuilish spirit within vs) amongst other things to proclaime him) Christ Iesus, the Iudge of the world. Which purpose he had in heart before, as apeareth by giuing vs in charge to proclaim him, (etc).Hackets presumption, a deepe sinne against the Holy ghost prooued.

Whose sinne is heereby the more inlarged, by the hardnesse of his heart, that coulde not in mans iudgement repent at his latter end, nor so much as vtter one Word to that ende: for if such as refuse the knowledge of God, and hare to be guided by his holy counsels, shal not find mercy at their latter endsPro. 1.24.30 Isay. 1.15. (though they beg hard for the same with teares) as the Scripture dooth record: O then, how feareful is his case, That at his last end was so farre off from asking pardon (being moued therevnto vpon the lad­der) that euan then he fell to banning and cur­sing, vttering these or such like speaches.Oh fearfull example. Thes words only by re­port, for I was then close priso­ner. If ther be a God in Heauen, hee will either ridde mee out of these villaines handes, or else I will pull him out of his throne, & within one moneth destroy this Cittie with fire and Brimstone.

O moste abhominable and blasphemous wretch, who durst haue once vttered such hor­rible speeches, but he that had soulde his soule to Satan.Hacket worse then Iudas in three re­spects. Behold yet more testimonie of the greatnesse of his sinne (I feare) against the Holy ghost, which exceeded Iudas in three respects.

[Page 6]First, Hacket rebelliouslie tooke vppon him, the titles, person, and office of Christ Iesus, but Iudas durst neuer presume so high.

Secondly, Hacket exalted himselfe aboue the Lord lesus, for wheras Christ Iesus, had onlie but one Prophet to go before his face, (Iohn Luk. 1.76. Baptist by name) Hacket had two, but Iudas none at all.

Thirdlie, Hacket did neither repent, nor yet confesse his sinnes before his death, but Iudas did bothMat. 27.34. after a sort.

Wherefore it appeareth most euidentlie, that in these respects before mentioned, Hacket was a greater sinner then Iudas, yea the greatest sin­ner that euer was heard of since the worlde be­gun, who no doubt if he hadde beene in Iudas roome, (and his power answereable to his de­sire) woulde himselfe haue killed the Lord of glorie, as might appeare by his afore noted most horrible speeches vpon the ladder. Wher­fore as his end was the most fearefull and des­perate that euer was red of, so (if indeed he re­pented not) it may greatlie bee feared his tor­ments are most greeuous, of any that euer were condemned, (euen by the most powerfull and vpright doome, of that eternall and Almightie Iudge, whose office he sought to vsurpe in this world.) And heere an end of him, though his paines happilie bee endlesse, for his pride and presumption against the Lord Iesus, after the example of his graund-captaine Lucifer, whoe was banished heauen, and made princeIohn. 14.30 Iude. 6. of di­uels [Page 7] for the verie like offense.

Touching Coppingers death and temptations, (by report of himselfe) hee had chambered in bed with Hacket, wherby I gather that (by gods permission) the Sorcerer did more deepelie in­chant him, to be a meanes to take away his life. As for his death maister Yoong told me, that be­fore his end he detested Hacket and asked par­don of the almightie, whoe no doubt receiued him to mercie, for so hath he promised, that at what time soeuer a sinner repenteth from the bottome of his heart, he will put alEzec. 18.23.24. and 33.11. his wicked­nesse out of his remembrance. And so an ende of his story also, not minding to speake any fur­ther of either, then as shall necessarilie fall out, within the compasse of mine own Pageant.

To come to speake of mine owne storie, how I was drawn to become a Stager in this fearfull Tragedie: it is holden of diuers both godlie & learned,Satan hath two waies to deceiue by feare and trust. that albeit Satan haue many waiees to abuse all people: yet hath he two chiefe and es­speciall means to seduce the simple; the one, if men feare him, the other if they trust him.

1. Touching the former (albeit I haue beene a verie grieuous sinner manifold waies) yet since I came to the knoweledge of the truthe, That Christ Iesus only hath conquered Satan, death, hell and damnation;Ephe. 3.17. Philip. 2.11. and 3.8, 9. Col. 2.13 15 1. Iohn. 5.4. 1. Pet. 5.9. and that by faith in him, hee hath made vs also more then conquerours, I did neuer feare the mallice of vile Satan, no not euen then when I was his [Page 8] vassall. In the latter point therefore was I ouer­taken, viz. in crediting Hacket the instrumente of Satan to be so honest a man, whervnto I was drawne by six likely reasons.2. I was drawn by six resons to beleeue Hacket.

First, by the good reporte that was giuen of him.

Secondlie, By ioyning with him in his ex­ercises.

Thirdlie, In that he pretended the detection of traitors.

Fourthlie, By giuing credit to his blasphe­mous historie.

Fiftlie, In feeling my selfe possest with a bur­ning heat within.

Sixtlie, By maister Coppingers report of his vision from heauen, that wee were both Pro­phets, and Hacket greater.

And firste, concerning the report that was made of Hacket to be so honest,The first as­salt, by the good report of Hacket. (whoe I nowe know, was a more wicked wretch, then either Simon orActs. 8.15 Elimas those notable forcerers, men­tioned in the Acts.) About Easter terme laste, the said maister Coppinger sent for mee to come vnto him at a friends house in London, where (by his meanes) I must needes be acquainted with this goodly guest, which was the first time that euer I knew him, where he kept the Table talke against Papists and Seminaries, how dan­gerous they were to the Queene and State: vp­on which occasion one personne in companye saide he was welcome, bicause the party tooke [Page 9] him to be an honest man, If I be not honester then you take me (quoth Hacket) The Lord con­found me. Se heer the practise of this Sorce­rer, to curse himself that we mighte credit him. Which speech I noted, and deemed most dangerous, but hauing no time then to admonish him thereof, soone after dinner I de­parted, and did see my companion no more till Trinitie Tearme following, being that vacati­on time in Yorkeshire, about mine owne parti­cular occasions, (as hundreths can witnesse if need required) during the which space (as I was informed afterwards) master Coppinger and Hacket had begun their Tragedie, and did write certaine letters to great estates, to detect pre­tended Traitors against hir Maiestie: The co­pies whereof were afterwards found in Hackets Chamber, the same day we rose and were car­ried I thinke to hir Maiesties Councell.

After my businesse doone in the Countrey, I returned againe to London, about the middest of Trinitie Tearme: to dispatch certaine causes of mine owne and my friendes, and for obtay­ning the great Seale of England for the foun­dation of a Free Schoole at Wakefield, accor­ding to hir Maiesties grant. So soone as I was knowne to bee in the Cittie, maister Coppinger comes vnto my Chamber, and begins to tell me (after salutations) that he was in my absēce become well acquainted with the holiest man that euer was borne, (Christ Iesus excepted) hee durst boldly auouch it before whome soeuer. Vnto whose speeches (notwithstandinge his [Page 10] confident protestations) I gaue small regard at the first, (because I had [...]) [...] him not long before, to be farre ouer reached with his owne affections in matters of loue, building to much vpon vncertainties, and in some other pointes, (needlesse heer to be stood vpon) but continu­ed willing to ioyne with him still in our old ex­ercise, vizd: to keepe a priuate fast vpon euery Lords day, for some speciall causes best known to our selues, choosing that day commonly, the better to be furthered by publike exercises; keep­ping M. Gardiners, and M. Coopers Lectures for the most part, to visit mistresse Hon [...]bod in the meane space, who hath beene longe and gree­uouslie afflicted.

Vpon the Lordes day (about one fortnight before our arising) when the afternoone exer­cise was finished, maister Coppinger would needs draw me to Hackets chamber, whither imme­diatlie he resorted (as himselfe saide) from M. Edgertons Lecture: and foorthwith begun to pray, vsing as good words as any other Christi­an yet denouncing the Former cursse against him­selfe, Vizd. the lorde con­found him as he did indeed, if he sought not the honour of Iesus Christ simplie. The varlet (as I since coniecture) mea­ning himselfe, and I in charitie iudging the best, that he meant indeed the Lord Iesus in heauen. After praiers ended with some renuing of our first acquaintance at Easter Tearme before, we parted companie for that time, beeing then re­turned vnto mine owne chamber, and medita­ting [Page 11] about the curssing of himselfe if he sought not singlie the honour of Christ Iesus: I did re­solue, that he must either be a wicked man wil­fullie to condemne himselfe, if his hearte were not vpright, or else he was a verie rare man, and tendered the honour of Christ Iesus highlie: and (as in Charitie I could not but hope the best) So maister Coppingers wordes beganne to settle with me,The first as­sault by M. Coppingers report. that he was a rare man indeed. Thus did I make the first way for the wretched Cay­tise to assault me, who knowing my good opi­nion of him by maister Coppinger, the next time that he had intercourse between vs, Hacket cea­sed not to moue him to drawe mee the second time into his companie: and that was by ma­king me acquainted with, their proceedinges in my absence; for about two or three daies after, comes maister; Coppinger vnto my chamber, and brings with him a packet of writings, which I must needes be made priuie vnto, but I refused at the first, and said I would not enter into their secrets, yet after that maister Coppinger told me, they were only copies of certaine letters which they two had written and sent alreadye to some of great account about the Court, for the detection of supposed Traitours, vnto the Queene and State: Then I thought there could be no danger at all in pervsing of them: wher­in when I see them so bolde, as to name the personnes suspected, and to auouche theyr accusasions vpon the hazzard & perrill of their [Page 12] owne liues, I deemed neither of them so mad, or deuoide of grace, or carelesse of their owne estate, (maister Coppinger being sworne to her Maiesties seruice) so hotly to prosecute so dan­gerous a sute, which must either turne to their owne, or their betters destruction: but that they could iustifie what they had written: and so gaue the rather credit vnto them,The second assault by writings. which was the second meanes for Satan to assault me.

After this time I was the more willing to fre­quent Hackets companie (as a manne whome I thought true hearted to hir Maiestie) who then discoursed vnto me at large, what troubles and afflictions he had indured at the handes of Pa­pists for the Gospels sake: all to make mee be­leeue he was single minded that way,All lies. & sought the honour of Iesus, no man more: which I was the easlier perswaded to grant, by his holye ex­ercises and conuersation (which were all Saint like,See Satans subtletie to seduce the simple min­ded: which was my 3. assault. whilst I was with him) complaining much of the iniquitie of the time: that Religion was prophaned of all sortes of people, by a generall infection of sinne in all places, which could not but procure some plague vpon the lande, with­out speedie repentance, wherevnto I condis­cended, and further to credite him, which was the third way for him to seduce me.

Shortlie after, maister Coppinger comes again vnto my chamber, and brings other writinges penned by himselfe from Hackets own mouth, which was the discourse of those supposed in­tollerable [Page 13] torments, which the villaine persua­ded him he hadde indured for the triall of the Gospell to be the true religion, against Poperie and all other sectes and Heresies: And for the preseruation of our Deere Soueraigne, Beholde the fourth waie how Satan did assault mee, to be­leeue Hac­kets tor­ments, in manner fol­lowing. and al o­ther Princes professing the Gospell; M. Coppin­ger assuring me, that for the outward torments they would be iustified, by an hundred good witnesses, if need required: vizd, That Hacket should be tied the first time twentie daies vpon a bed, his armes and legs to the foure corners, and beate with a cudgell: The seconde time, bounde twentie daies with Iron chaines, and cast into a sinck-hole vpon his backe, and swin­ged dailie with birchen roddes: and the thirde time, bound other twentie daies vpon a bed a­gaine, in his owne dung and vrine (with reue­rence be it spoken) and whipped dailye with a dogge whippe: during all which times (as the storie imported) The Pope, the King of Spaine & all other Princes,And yet be­fore his death hee called all such Here­tikes. that were enimies to the gos­pell, (vppon a certaine cursse that Hacket hadde made God to confounde him, if it were not the true Religion) had raised vp all sortes of witches, in­chanters, Sorcerers and Coniurers in all king­domes, to practise vpon his bodie and soule by all kinde of tormentes, either to make him re­nounce the Gospell, or else to destroy him: vp­on condition that if he indured constant with his life, they would all yeeld vnto the Gospell, (as the true religion only) and make him chief [Page 14] kinge ouer all Europe, all other kings to holde their crownes of him.

Nowe the report of Hackets outwarde tor­ments appearing so strange, and the storye so certaine (by maister Coppingers testimonie) as he said from a prencher of the Gospell, (etc); I was not only induced to credite the same, but to resolue further, that the effects for Hacket to become the King of Europe, and to reforme re­ligion were likelie to follow: for I considered that neither could such great torments bee in­dured,See heer the reason of my great fol­ly: which was the 4. assault either of soule or bodie as was mentio­ned without special assistance from God or Sa­tan, (little suspecting he was a satanist) neyther yet ouerpassing the same with life, but needs he must be deare vnto God, and preserued to some good vse in the church: for I nothing doubted of the trouth of the story, because besides M. Cap­pinger report, there was diuers great witnesses named therein: By all which meanes aforsaid, I gaue the villaine interest to infuse his curssed filthie spirit into me in manner following,

The last Lordes day before our arising, wee all concluded to keepe a priuate [...] mayster Coppinger and I frequenting our olde exercises, and left Hacket at mistris Honiwoods in the mean space, who said the wicked spirit Satan, was fled into hir only for a refuge, but she shoulde be dispossest of him shortlle: where the villain praied, that the same wicked spirit might be gi­uen vnto him, maister Coppinger and I thinking [Page 15] he did so in good will to the woman, as one pi­tieng her wofull estate,Mark heere another way that sa­tan vsed to circumuent vs. and able to cast him out at his pleasure: hauing indured so muche be­fore.

Then wee all returned to Hackets chamber, where we finished our said exercise by praier in course: when the ssme came to my poore turn considering the supposed intended treasons (as you haue hearde before) I did to the vtter­most of my abilitie, intreat for her Maiesties safe preseruation; (as the secret searcher of all harts knoweth) and so did maister Coppinger, which the Traitor perceyuing, the next time himselfe did pray for her Maiestie, Another way howe Satan abu­sed vs. and that with great af­fection as seemed to vs: after all doone, he im­braced me in his armes, protesting that he ten­dered the safetie of her Maiestie euerye waie, (as much as either M. Coppinger or I did:) at the which instant I thinke I was filled with Satans spirit, for before we departed, I felt my selfe ve­rie hot within, which I verelie then thought had beene an extraordinarie motion of the ho­lie-ghost, (as Christs Disciples hadde going to Emaus; Luk. 24, 3 [...]. which the Lord had sent downe as a blessing of his loue vpon our exercise, so I de­parted a very glad man,

The nexte night following as I laie in my bed, I found my selfe moued to pen a curssed Prophesie against the citty of London, Curssed I cal it, both in respect of the autor (the spirit of Sa­tan in mee:) and in regard of the matter, for [Page 16] the most part false and wicked. And because I was not therevnto called by the Lord (though my intention to bring all people to repentance were neuer so holy) for the minde and know­ledge with a lawfull calling,Good points. must all ioyne to­gither in the seruice of God.

But before I durst presume to goe about so waightie a businesse; needs must I goe to Hac­kets chamber to haue his direction in the mat­ter, who persuaded me easilie, that I was moo­ued therevnto,Mark heere the vile pra­ctise of Sata to abuse, by the very spirite of the Lorde Iesus: (The villaine I doubt meaning himselfe) And therevpon kneeling in his shirt vppon the bed, praieng for the blessing of Gods holy spi­rit to direct and prosper my trauell and labors, and after gaue me very good councell, not to relie vpon mine owne knowledge, but to de­pend for direction from aboue, for the Lorde Iesus whose cause it was,Meaning himselfe would not faile to af­fist mee therein and minister sufficient matter vnto me (especially against all hypocrits) whō he auouched the greatest sinners in all England and the moste dangerous enimies both to reli­gion and to the state.

Then I returned vnto my chamber, where (as the Lord knoweth) I prosecuted that work with watered plantes,See my af­fection to London. that I sinfull wretche, should denounce so heauie and fearfull judge­ments, against that great citty which I loued so dearly, euen for the exercises of the word ther­in, fearing (or rather expecting the euent, with [Page 17] out speedie repentance) which I did finssh and had twise written it ouer, before the wednesday at night following. Wherein I remember that euen then (with a good conscience) I set down my selfe, to be the greatest sinner, (etc): Oh how true hath it since falne out. During the which aforesaid space, vizd: betweene the Monday and the Thursday: maister Coppinger had penned the story of Hackets torments in a more ample ma­ner, the which the villaine was verye desirous should accompanie prophesie, (which wee meant out of hand to haue put into print) that I must needs sit vp all Thursday at night to write it fairer againste the morning,Note how Satans spirit still set me forward. which I perfour­med without any wearinesse or desire to sleep, hauing waked almost the whole night before.

In the morning which was the same Fridaie we arose maister Coppinger and I met at Hackets Chamber about eight of the clock, the beastly Epicure lieng then in his bed, where M. Coppin­ger (after a solemne sort) began to declare what manner men we were, viz: That it was shewed him by vision from Heauen, that himselfe was indued with the spirit of the Father; to bee the greatest and laste prophet of Mercie,The sixt as­sault of Sa­tan by sup­posd vision that Cop­pinger and I were Pro­phets. that euer was or shoulde bee in the worlde: and that I was the laste and greatest Prophet of Iudge­mentes, that euer was or should be: both of vs indued not onely with Propheticall, but also with Angellicall spirites, and shoulde separate betweene the sheep and the Goates before the [Page 18] Lord Iesus at the last day: as for Hacket hee was greater then either of vs, and that we were ap­pointed to attend vpon his persō, in this world, wherevppon I gathered and then fullie belee­ued that he should indeed be the king of all Eu­rope as his storie imported but not once drea­ming, neither as yet heard any speeches that he durst take vppon him the title and office of the Lord Iesus: which nowe followeth in order to speake of. After he had thus brought vs out of order to abuse vs at his pleasure: M. Coppinger hauing ended his speeches of our callinges, we both kneeled downe at the beds feet to praye: where M. Coppinger began, and standing some­what vpon his vnworthines and great vnfitnes for so high an office: The villaine Hacket start [...] out of his bed, and interrupted M. Coppinger, (himself praieng at the beds side in his shirt on­ly) that the honor of Christ Iesus might bee ad­uanced,See how sa­tan abused [...]s by praier. meaning himselfe, (but we the Lorde in Heauen) Then he skipt into bed againe, M. Coppinger still going on with his owne vnwor­thinesse, (etc): which the beast perceiuing, hee came the second time out of the bed, prayeng as before in effect, and that wee might haue re­gard to honor Christ Iesus: meaning still himselfe, (but we the Lord in Heauen) and after slipt in­to bed againe, mayster Coppinger still going on with his praier, which my selfe the next time in­terrupted, for seeing Hacket twise before to arise and pray so earnestlie for the honour of Iesus, I [Page 19] was inforced through the spirit of Satan within me, to bid my new fellow Prophet arise, and annoint the King with the Holy-ghost.

Wherevpon M. Coppinger arose immediatly, & kissing both his hands three times,Beholde heare the presump [...]i­ous manner how Hacket termed him selfe Christ Iesus. fel downe flat vpon his face three times also, and kiste the chamber boords vnder his feet, and after (with lowe obeisance) put foorth his arme towardes Hackets beddes head, whoe foorth with clasped hands with him, and said you shall not need to annoint me with the Holy-ghost, for I was an­nointed by the Holy-ghost himselfe when I was in Heauen (as his storie imported.) Then answe­red Coppinger what is your Maiesties pleasure to be doone.Oh intoll­rable blas­phemie. You are both the Lords prophetes said the villaine, Goe your way therefore in his name into the Cittie, and proclaime that Christ Iesus is come to iudge the world with his fan in his handes,Se the in­stāt of time when he pro­clamed him selfe Christ Iesus: so as we coulde not doo o­therwise, be­ing both be witched by his spirit. and if the people aske where hee is, you may tell them I am he, and where I am, and if they will not beleeue you, bid them come kil me if they can: your Maiesties pleasure shall bee done quoth Coppin and down the staires he go­eth, whō Arthington followed in such hast, that I assure you I left my gloues behind me (so smal time had I to think of the matter.) But before I got downe the staires, my fellowe false prophet had proclaimed news from Heauen, that Ch. Ie­sus was come to iudge the worlde, (etc), At what time I was cōpelled in spite of my hart, to tune the same note: we both going beyond our cō ­mission; hee crieng repent, and mercy; and I re­pent, [Page 20] or Iudgement is at hande: which the Lord knoweth wroong many salt teares out of my poore eies, for feare of the euent vpon the whole Cittie.

After we had thus plaid our pagent in Cheap, and had so monstrouslie abused the Lorde Iesus in Heauen, by proclaiming an vsurper of his office in earth,All three thrown into sundry pri­sons. giuinge further exceeding great offence, against hir Excellent Maiestie, hir Ho­nourable Councell, and all Christian people, we were all shortlie after clapt faste in close pri­sons seuerally: there to bethink our selues what answer to make when we should bee called to giue an accoūt of our proceedings: since which time I did neuer see either of my companions, but the Wednesday after, at Sherife Brooks house as I suppose, where I coulde not for my life re­frame, but kneele downe to Hacket (before some of the Councell) And bid God saue the king of Europe: thinking still in my minde hee had beene so indeed: neither could I bee dis­charged either of his wicked spirite,Se the force of Satans spirit in me. or to take him for the speciall adopted sonne of GOD, Christ Iesus in earth, to represent the personne of, Christ Iesus in Heauen, so longe as the breath was in the villaines breast: but as Iohn the Bap­tist was the fore-runner of Christes firste com­ming, to bring repentance vnto Saluation: so I deemed Hacket to be the forerunner of Christs second comming, to prepare his Iudgementes against all such persons as would not repent.

[Page 21]If any should demande, why I did not dis­couer Hackets intended villainous practises a­gainst the Queene and state: (seeing hee was knowne to be a Sorcerer,An obiec­tion. and condemned for high Treason against hir Maiestie.) Truly (as I meane to be saued at the last daye) both those matters were vnknowne to me so long as he li­ued,Answered. (and to maister Coppinger also as I thinke) Neither was I euer anye further acquainted, with any sightes, visions or speeches towching these matters, then as before in substance is de­clared: but as I heard by maister Yoong, since his death, (etc): Therefore as on the one side, I should deepelie offend the Maiestie of God, if I shoulde conceale any danger intended against hir Maiestie, Though it were true, I knew not so much. (falling within the compasse of my knowledge.) So should I displease the Lord on the other side, by speaking more then A truth of any, yea if it were of the Deuill himselfe Protesting thus much in the presence of God, that if I were priuie to one euill worde (other then I haue reuealed) spoken againste her Ma­iestie, by my selfe or the dearest friende that I haue, if I should not discouer it to hir Highnes Councell, and put them or my selfe in hir Ma­iesties mercy: I should thinke my selfe vnwor­thie of any mercy, either at God or hir Maiesties hands.

What fauour the Lord hath made me finde of hir Highnesse, and her Honourable Coun­cell, since I did reueale the worst againste my [Page 22] selfe, shall appeare more plainelie (GOD wil­ling) heereafter, when I come to speake there of in particulers.

In the meane time, howe I demeaned my selfe, from the day of our arising, till the verie houre of Hackets execution, diuers of good cre­dit that heard my poore praiers,The forme of my dailie praiers. can truly wit­nesse, howe continuallie I besought the Al­mightie, that he woulde bring shame and de­struction vppon vs all three or any of vs, If we did Wilfullie seeke,Note this word wilful­lie. either the dishonour of Christ Iesus in heauen, or the hurt of his annoin­ted Queene Elizabeth in Earth, which the Vil­laine perceiuing, and that he could not inforce me to praye for Gods vengeance to fall vppon the Cittie, when hee knewe himselfe condem­ned to die. Then he sought to bee reuenged vppon my person: by accusing mee to maister Yoong, See the ma­lice of satan when he cā ­not compas his inteut. to be the chiefe Conspirator, and so to bring me into like daunger: but the Lord that knewe my heart (though I were greatlie mis­led) hee did preserue mee from all extremy­ties.

The night before hee was to be executed, hee sette his wicked Spirite so on worke within me, to pray for vengeance to consume the Cit­tie, that for one howre at the least about Myd­night, I prayed so lowd, that I awaked moste of the Prisoners in the house, But as Balaam be­ing hired to cursse God people, did notwith­standingNum. 23.8 blesse them. So fell it out with mee, [Page 23] rather to praye for them and against their eni­mies, which I am sure, did sooner helpe to set the villaine into hel, then hurt the Citty of Lon­don, for thus I praied all the said space, O Lorde, when thou wilt, save thine elect, confound thine eni­mies. My praier when Hac­ket moued me, but not as he expe­ted. And truely the spirite carried my minde throughout all the world, yea into Gods secret predestination and reprobation, to saue his E­lect and confounde his enimies: in the which praier I continued so long, till the Master of the prisō came vp to threatē me harder restraint, if I wold not cease from disquieting the houshold.

The next daye vpon which Hacket was exe­cuted, I was compelled to bee more instant in praier then before: but still I kepte within one compasse,My praier alwaies within one compasse. that if any of vs did Wilfullie intende dishonour to Christ Iesus, or hurt to Queene Eli­zabeth, shame and confusion might couer their faces. About the height of the day, my nexte neighbor prisoners hauing intelligece that Hac­ket was hangd, they gaue me notice therof tho­row the dore, & what a desperate end he made.

Then said I he was no man sure, but a Deuill incarnate, appearing to me as an angel of light. And suddenlie I felt my selfe quite dispossest of that hot spirit; and of all those grosse and pal­pable errors which I held so confidently in his life time, thinking indeed I had not oftended: Euen so good was God to his poore and sinful seruant, that knowing me to bee so subtlelye seduced by the mallice of Satan, as to abuse my [Page 24] vnderstanding knowledge, and memorie, [...]ea­lens, volens, to sin so fearefully, that now hum­bling my selfe truely before his presence, and expostulating with his mercifull Maiestie, whe­ther I was Reprobate, or no: presentlie the Holy ghost did assure my hart That I was no re­probate: But that my case in effect, was muche like S.Act. 9, Paules, both wishing to doo God good seruice, yet when wee thought our selues best occupied, then did we most dishonor his nam: Neither would not the Lord once suffer Satan to assault my conscience either with the feare of desperation, or once to doubt of my saluation, Oh how truelie might I say with Dauid, I did confesse my sinnes vnto the Lord, Psal. 32.5. † and he forgaue the iniquitie of my sinnes. Selah

Thus hauing briefty touched the most hor­rible Rebellion of Hacket against the Lord Iesuts, with the manner of his deluding mee, to pro­claime him as before: I conclude thus much of this first point, that if we either consider the purpose of the man, the maner of his procee­ding, or the sequell of his ending, wee can be­hold no better in Hacket then fearefull signes, so farre as mortall man can discerne. In the meane time I Wish all christians to beware,Of Repro­bation. how they flatter and bolster themselues in their sins, vpon a vaine and foolish perswasion, that Hacket (so vile a wreteh) might be saued, because for­sooth it is reported, that albest he could not, or would not ask God mercy: yet before he died [Page 25] he held vp his handes; for the verie paines and panges of death will inforce a man to cast vp his hands when he cannot otherwise help him­selfe: I pray God blesse me and all good men, from such a bad end or maner of ending, that hauing his tongue, and requested to pray, doth refuse praier and fall to cursing: I hope (by Gods grace so long as I liue) that his example shall be Lots wise vnto mee, to be admonished howe to trust any man in matters of Religion, (further then he hath warrant from the word) what visions or reuelations soeuer he pretend,A necessa­rie admo­nition. which rule heeretofore, if I had well ovserued, (as my heart still intended) i had not commit­ted so great an offence in the Church of god. To the greater dishonour of Christ Iesus, the griefe of the godly, and reioycing to the ad­uersarie, and to the imminent danger of mine owne soule, and bodie, whereof it followeth to discourse in perticulers. First, concerning the greatnesse of mine own offence, in proclaiming Hacket to be Christ Iesus the Iudge of the world, as I cannot denie it (in respect of the publique scandall giuen) to be so little, as the rebellion of Korah,Number 16 1.35Dathan, and Abiram, who notwith­standing were all three swallowed vp into hell; Nor yet as the presumption of Nadab andLeuit. 10 1.2 A­bihu, in offering strange sacrifice vnto the Lord, whereby themselues were as strangely consu­med with fire from heauen; Neither yet as the wilfull murdering of Abell, Gen 4.8.12. whiche brought a [Page 26] perpetuall curse of Kaine, and all his posteritie: Nor yet as the trecherie of that Traitor2. Sam. 17.1.2.3. & 23. Achito­phell, against his Soueraigne, who afterwards des­perately hanged himselfe: Neither yet as the hot persecution by Saule against poore christi­ans, Act. 9.3.9. who for the same was stricken stark blind: All which offences, though they were great, and their examples fearefull: yet (in respect of their outward facts committed) the same ex­tended no further,My sinne greater thē the sins of Korah, Da­than, Aby­ram, Na­dab, Abihu, (etc). verie plainly proued. then either against the com­mandementes of God in his required worship, or the good of his saints. But mine offence tou­ched directly the person of Christ Iesus, the eter­nall sonne of the Almightie God, which must needs be so much the greater, As the person of Christ, is aboue a mortal man, or God himselfe aboue his cōmandements; So that of necessitie I must either cōpare it with the sin of Iudas, or the fall of Peter: because they were both cōmit­ted directly against the very person of Christ Ie­sus, the Lord of life, and the king of all glorie.My sin not so great as the treason of Iudas by these rea­sons fol­lowing.

But as I may not grant at any hand, that my sin was as great as the fact of Iudas: No more can I estimate it to be so small, as the sinne of Pe­ter, both which shall appeare the more plainly by these comparisons following.

Compa­rison.First, concerning Iudas fact; It proceeded especially of a couetous desire to enrich hym­selfe,Luke 23.4.5.6. as the scripture beareth witnesse: both in asking the high priest (etc).Mat. 26.14.15.16. what they would giue him to betray the Lord Iesus, Ioh. 12.4.5.6. and in taking [Page 27] mony to perform the same. Truly, I should ac­cuse my self wrongfully, if I should grant there was any such matter sought or intended on my behalf: or any talk amōg vs, to any such purpose.

Compari­sonSecondly, Iudas transgressed wilfully against the forewarning admonishion, and threatning of the Lord Iesus, saying,Math. 26.23:24.25. wo be to that man by whom the son of man is betraied: telling Iudas when he asked, that it was himselfe.

The Lord knoweth I had no such forewarning that Hack. meant to proclaim himself Christ Iesus the Iudge, til the very instant as before is decla­red whē I had no power nor grace to resist, beīg sore bewitched and possest with his diuelish spi­rit, to be led like a drūkard which way he would.

Compari­sonThirdly, Iudas the traitor, sinned presumptu­ously, against his own knowledge & consciēce, for he knew Christ Iesus to be the sauior, & so had himself profest and preachedMat. 10.1.16. with the rest of Christs apostles. Cōtrariwise, I thought indeed I had not offēded,Luke 9.1.10 but highly pleased God in that which I did vntil the sorcerer Hacket was hāged.

Comparis­son.Fourthly, there is no mention made in the scripture, that Iudas wept for his offēces, or once asked the Lord pardon: on the other side, it is not vnknown both vnto God and many of hys seruants, that I haue often wept since, euen for offending so good a God, still asking, seeking and knocking for pardon, and not without comfort I thanke my lord Iesus.

If any man obiect, that the scripture recor­deth [Page 28] howe Iudas repented andMath. 27.3.4. An obiecti­on. confessed his sins: and yet was damned, Therefore not all that repent are saued.

I answer, that is most true, for his repentāce was onlye carnall,Answered. proceeding of feare to bee damned in hell, which2. cor. 7.10 after brought desperati­on with it, and inforced him afterwardes to hang vp himselfeMat. 27.5. Iohn 17.12. like a desperate reprobate so tearmed by Christ. As for his confession, it was only to man (and not vnto God) neyther did he euer aske God or man forgiuenesse.

But l thanke God in Christ, my sorrow was such, (as the Apostle speaketh should be in true Christians) which brought foorth2. cor. 7.10 repentance vnto saluation: for that my greefe especiallie a­rose from these causes; (not for fear of tormēts) but for displeasing the almightie Godhead: for greeuing his spirite, for offending his little ones,The true causes of my sorrow. for discrediting my profession, (etc). With full assurance notwithstanding, that my sauiour Iesus would forgiue me all my sinnes, and grant the grace heereafter to serve him better, for the which I daily pray; Therefore I know, my sin was not so heauie or great, as the fact of Iudas, if they be ballanced with the weights of Gods sanctuarie: That my sinne cannot be so light,My sinne greater thē the fall of Peter, by these rea­sons ensu­ing. (but farre more heauie then Peters denial) I wil easily grant.

Compari­son.First, for that as the scripture reporteth) Pe­ter did but thrise denie his maister Christ.

But I proclaimed (the suborned Christ, Hac­ket) [Page 29] at the least threescore times:

Peter only denied his maister before a few secretly: but I proclaimed the vsurper Christ. 2. Compari­son. openly, before the face of all maner people, and that in the greatest Citie of England, about the varie height of the day.

Peter no doubt of frailty denied his maister, onely for the preseruation of his life, which o­therwise might haue bene in danger.3. Compari­son.

But there was no such danger to be feared of me, if I had renounced Hacket to be Christ Iesus.

Peter immediatly repented of his sinnes at the verie crowing of a poore cocke:4. Compari­son.

But I could not be brought to knowe that I had sinned,See the force of Sa­tans spirite in me. (much lesse to repent) for twelue daies together: viz. so long as Hacket liued af­ter our arising: Till by his death I was dischar­ged of his diuelish spirit. Therefore my sin can­not but be greater thenMatth. 26.74. Peters fall, who though he cursed himselfe twise or thrise, yet did I farre exceede him therein also. In cursing my selfe threescore times at the least. Thus albeit Peters fall was verie great in denying his maister, yet you see mine to be manie waies greater.

It may be then demanded, how great my sin was, seeingA question. I auouch it to be aboue peters; And yet not so great as the treason of Iudas, which was the sinne against the holy Ghost,Act. 1.18. as the Scripture doth testifie,Psal. 99. and might euidently ap­peare by his bowelles gushing out, when hee [Page 30] hanged hymselfe.

To resolue this question, thus much I protest vpon my very conscience,The soluti­on. that as before I haue noted the sinne of Hacket to be the greatest that euer was committed by any reprobate: So I take mine to be absolutely the greatest that euer was done by any of the elect;How great my sin was. And as I note Hackets rebellion, to be a sinne in the highest degree I feare against the holy-ghost: So doe I estimate my sinne in proclaiming hym, to be in the highest degree against the lord Iesus, as hee was man.

By this accompt may some say, you make your fact, greater then the sinne of Iudas, which he committed onely against the Lord Iesus. An obiecti­on.

I answer no: for Iudas, The answer though he sinned di­rectly against the verie person of the Lord Iesus: yet he sinned against the holy-Ghost also: In that hee knewe Christ to be the sauiour of the worlde, and yet did wilfully betraie hym to death, as before is noted: wherein hys sinne did farre exceede mine, as I haue plainly proo­ued by manie reasons, hee sinning of know­ledge, I of ignorance: he of wilfulnesse: I of weakenesse: he against admonition and threat­ning, I hauing no suche forewarning at all. Therefore to ballance my sinne to be equall with his, (who did persecute his treason, flat a­gainst his conscience, which I did not) is di­rectly vnlawfull.

An other obiection.But it may be further obiected: that I sin­ned [Page 31] likewise agaynst my knowledge, hauing read the forewarning of the Lord Iesus: To take heede of all suche wicked persons, as should falsely take vppon themMath. 24.4.5. the titles of Christ Iesus.

I confesse the same to be true indeed, but yet so,The soluti­on. as this is true also, that at the verie instant when Hacket bid maister Coppinger and mee to proclaime him Christ Iesus: he had quite ex­pelled the former sentence out of our mindes. And hauing once proclaimed him, (etc). I could not bee dispossessed of that diuelish opini­on so long as this erronious spirite was within me, that is to say, during hys life.

Thus doe I with all reuerence and humili­tie defend my selfe not to haue sinned against the holy-Ghost: and yet as willingly I doe confesse,My sin the greatest that euer was com­mitted by anie of the elect. that my sinne is the greatest, that euer was committed by anie of the redeemed: Protesting from the verie bottome of my heart, that if I shoulde lie in Cheynes all the dayes of my life,What pen­nance I deeme my self worthy of in this world. in the deepest Dungeon about all LONDON, and should continue there so long as I liue; (or rather so long as the worlde indureth, if it coulde be possible) yet were that punishment too small a pen­nance, for so grosly abusing my Sauiour Christ Iesus, and so an ende of this poynt, touch­ing the greathesse of my sinne, and what pu­nishment I haue deserued in this world (be­sides eternall tormentes, in the worlde to [Page 32] come) If God should but deale with me in hys iustice, as I am fully assured he will not; But freely extend his mercies still vnto me, whereof now followeth brieftly to discourse:

To speake as I shoulde of Gods mercies to­wardes me, Truely (as David saith) they be so many and great euery way,Psal. 103. that I am not able either to number them, or rightly to consider of those which I know; But will adde my best indeuour to expresse my present feeling in both.

And first to speake of Gods prouidence ouer me, during Hackets life: Secondly, to speak of his like fauour towards me after his death.

Concerning the former point, touching the mightie and mercifull prouidence of the al­mightie,Of Gods prouidence ouer me, during Hackets life. in safe preseruing mee from intended destruction, and at manie dangers, during Hackets life time: If I either consider the greatnesse 1. of my sinne: or the want of grace: then 2. to acknowledge the same; or the hard euent 3. that fell on maister Coppinger: or the malice of Satan 4. that sought my destruction: or compare the greatnesse of Gods mercies towards me. 5. with his former fauor extended to others: Then shal all men perceiue the more plainly, the goodnes of God in my preseruation.

• 1. To begin with the first point, touching the greatnesse of mine offence, I haue alreadie noted it before, (according to my conscience) to be the greatest sinne that euer was commit­ted [Page 33] (excepting the sinne against the Holie­Ghost.
• The want of grace that appeared in me, was manifest to all men, In that I was so farre off, from shewing anie signes of true repentance, (during all the tyme that Hacket liued) that I coulde not be brought to see mine offence, in that perticuler action.
• 3. Concerning the hard euent that befell maister Coppinger, with the losse of his life (tho­rough that wicked Inchanters meanes especi­allie) I spare to speake further, considering the same is touched before.
• 4. That Satan sought my wofull destructi­on, not onely of soule but of bodie also, aswell in this world, as in the worlde to come, can be denied of none, that rightly consider what my sinnes deserued, both by the lawes of God and her Maiestie, which by his meanes I was plunged into.
• 5. What fauours heretofore the Lord hath extended vnto greeuous sinners, is plentiful­ly recorded in the booke of God: As in healing the man that had bin 38.
  Ioh. 5.5.9.
  yeeres bedridden: In casting seuen Deuils out of Mary Magdalen, and in curing all maner diseases: But to none of them all hath the Lord shewed so great compassion, as hee hath done to me: and that I will proue by two plain reasons, that cannot be refelled.
  Luke 8.2.

The former is, in preseruing me so strangely

should therby take occasion to sinne,Rom. 6.1 (because he hath preserued so monstrous a sinner: but that it might appeare to all posterities, that God hath no delight at all, in the deathe of poore sinners that are ouerreached with Satans practses: But rather that they shoulde con­uertEzeeh. 18. & 33. and liue, to set foorth his prayses. Thus was it his good pleasure to preserue mee safe­ly from all daungers of soule and bodie,Psal. 54.17 [...] & 50.15 that hys great name of mercie might bee magni­fied for euer, which I still wishe, and with all my heart long for: that all his creatures in hea­uen and in earthe, may duely and truely found out his praises for his mercies, to mee, and all other his seruantes world without end. What mercies the Lord hath extended vnto mee since the death of Hacket appeareth in these payntes.What fa­uour since Hack death

First, in dispossessing me of his hote diuelish spirite, and of those hellishe opinions before touched, euen the verie same houre that hee was executed.

Secondly, in restoring mee to my former loundnesse in the knowledge of the truth, with­out the helpe of any man mortall.

Thirdly, in: giuing mee a sight of my sinnes, with grace to iudge and condemne my selfe for them:(Namely, for rebelling agaynst my sauiour Iesus).

Fourthly, in keeping mee notwithstanding from all open shame, and consigne punish­ment [Page 37] not once to holde vp my hand at the bar for all my transgressions.

Fifthly, in assuring me of his futher fauour and protection against the malice of Satan and all Satanistes, which shal1 heereafter seecke my de­struction.

Sixthly, in preseruing my health and sound­nesse of bodie from all sicknesse (etc) being a­bout 30. weekes close prisoner.

Seuenthly, in supplying my wantes, and re­lieuing my necessities in outward things suffici­ently, when I knewe no way how to helpe my selfe.

Eigthly, and lastly, which is more then all the rest, in that God hath forgiuen me all my sinnes, and reserueth me for saluation in Christ, Whereof I am assured by these tokens follow­ing.

First, by the exprience of Gods almightie prouidence, in still Preseruing me from all im­minent dangers of soule and bodie,Tokens of Gods fa­uour. Iudg. Gal. when I was the vassall of Satan, bewitched to dishonour my soueraigne lord Iesus, and wanted grace to ac­knowledge my sinnes.

Secondly, in that God hath sent his sprit in­to my heart to crie Abba Ro. 8.15. Gal. 4.6. Father, and to saele vp the assurace of my saluation in Christ.

Thirdly, for that God doth still increase my faith, and strengthen my hope, in the onelie mercies and merits of Christ Iesus, for the whole worke of my saluation.

[Page 38]Fourthly, in th [...] I knowe my faith to bee found,lam. 2.18 Fruites of true faith. by thy fruites of Gods spirite procee­ding from the same.

As first, the aknowledging of my sinnes, with a broken heart, (not for feare of Gods iudgements, but for offending his blessed maie­stie, Psa. 130.4. who hath be he so good to me euery way.

Secondly, in begging pardon dayly for my sins, with assured confidened to obtein mercie.

Thirdly, in hating and detesting all my for­mer sinnes, with daily request to serue God better.

Fourthly, the digesting of my present afflicti­ons, with patience,Rom. 5.2.3 4.5. & 8.19. meekenesse, constancie and comfort, whereby I know they worke for my best.

Fifthly, By my lothing ofPhil. 3.8.13. this world and loue to Gods kingdome, with a pittifullMath. 5.7. re­gard to such as be in miserie, Ps. 119.67. which God hath wrought in mee by his holie spirite together with hir chastisements.

Sixthly, the continuall comfort of my con­science, euer since God gaue1. Cor. 11.31. me that grace to condemne my selfe: whereby I am sure to pre­uent his iudgements, [...] (not for my iudging) but for his promise sake.

Seuenthly, my continuall desire to do good to all, (but chiefly no those of the houshold of faith:)Cal. 6.10. and that my life and death may wit­nesse the same to the glorie of God in Iesus Christ.

[Page 39]Eighthly, my dayly praiers for all sortes of people,1. Tim 2.1. that God may be glorified in al our re­pentaunce, by louing and liuing together like brethren, according to the rule of Gods ho­lie words, wishing no worse vnto my verie en­nemies, then to mine owne soule.

By these, and sundrie other sauors which the Lord hath shewed me since my restraint: name­ly, in commaunding his angelsPsal [...]. to pitch their tentes about me: to protect and preserue mee from all extremeties, and in sending his holy spirite and word, [...] to comfort and confirme me in all my distresses.

I do gather thus muche: That as I am moste bounden vnto the Almightie, for my safe pre­seruation all my life hitherto: and for giuing me these tokens of his further fauour towards me, wherby I do certainlie know my selfe, to be surelie resrued for saluation in Christ, Rom. 8.3 39 So as neither thinges present, nor things to come, Principalities nor powers life nor death, Sa­tan nor Hell gates, shall be euer able to sepa­rate my soule either from the loue of my God in Christ Iesus, or from praising his Maie­stie, with his elect in glorie, when this mor­talitie hath put on immortalitie,1. Cor. 15.42.43.52.54 and this corruption hath put on incorruption. So in the meane time I shall desire and with all my heart and soule, doe hungerland thirst: that the honour, and Kingdome of my deare Lord Iesus, The summe of my daily requestes vnto God. may be more and more aduaun­ced [Page 40] in the highest degree in the purest ma­ner: and in the largest measure that possible may be, both in this world, and in the world to come, so be it.in testimo­nie of my thankeful­nesse for all his benefits

Concerning the great fauors, (which poor man) hauc found of my Soueraigne, and at the Migistrates handes (especially of her moste ho­norable Councell, whome I did so much abuse in my specehcs, when I Wanted grace to guide my selse better) and for proclaiming Hacket to be the king of Europe (etc).What I haue deser­ued for a­busing my Soueraigne (etc). Alas what can I saie for my exeuse, (though I was seduced by hys wicked spirite, and moste blasphemous storie) but confesse freelie (as I do from my heart) that I deserued a moste shamefull death.

See then the goodnesse of my mercifull God, in mouing the heartes of Christian Ma­gistrates, to pitie my bodie, (as he did my soule) father then to suffer anie further tormentes to fall vppon eyther, (saue a gentle restraint to my good for the time) wherein I obserue the prouidence of GOD, (through their ho­nors great wisdome, and graue councell) in keeping me close prisoner so long, to redound moste to his honour and glorie. For if they shoulde haue admitted the godly and Wise to haue conference with mee, whilest I was possest with the spirite of Satan, I might so possibly haue done them hurt: Sure I am, they coulde haue me verie small good, vntill I was parted as it Were with my familier, [Page 41] which was the same houre that Hacket suffered.

Or, if they had sent me the blessed booke of God, during the said time (as I did continual­lie craue the same) surely I should haue wrested the Scripture for the stronger maintenance of my errors: and so haue increased my sinnes the more.

Or if they had suffered some godlye men to haue accesse vnto me, when Hacket was execu­ted, euen then to comfort my sorrowfull soule, when I deemed my selfe forsaken of all,How God hath incre­sed his glo­ry by my re­stauration. & wor­thie to be accurssed both of God and man. As­suredlie, the glory of God should not thereby so brightly haue shined foorth: as in restoring me to my former comfort in Christ, by the spe­ciall working of his owne holie spirit, without the helpe of anye mortall creature, that all the glory of my restauration, might redound who­lie vnto himselfe.

But to speake of some particular sauours, which I haue alreadie receiued of their Honors, Thus much I doo most humblie confesse. That whereas I deserued continuall restrainte, theyr Honors are pleased I should haue the libertie of the prison. That all my friends may come and see me: and where I deserued a most shamefull death, they haue consented (as I am informed) that I might sue for hir Maiesties pardon.

O then, howe great cause haue I and all my friends to speake good and reuerentlye of her Maiestie and Honorable Councell, for so great [Page 42] fauors extended vnto mee, the which, because some wicked wretches it may be, will carpe at, (as wishing rather to haue seene my death) al­beit their Honours haue sufficient reasonne to warrant their proceedings in that behalfe: yet with their fauors I humbly pray pardon,Diuers rea­sons to moue their Honours to shew me fa­uour. that I may set downe some speciall reasons for their Honors iust defence their, to stop the mouths of all gainsaiers.

1. Note.First, That euer since the Northern rebelli­on and before, I haue professed the true Reli­gion (according to the Gospell) And not on­lie to fauour, but also to defend the Gospell of Christ, by all meanes possible.

2. Note.2. It is not vnknown vnto hir Highnes Coun­cell established in the North partes, that I haue beene a detector of Seminaries, olde massing Priests and Iesuits, with such like deuoted eny­mies vnto hir Maiestie, and haue beene in com­mission for such purposes.

3. Note.Thirdlie, when as I penned that curssed pro­phesie against London, (etc): I set downe hir Ma­iestie, to be exempted from those plagues thret­ned, (by the very speciall prouidence of God) which himselfe beste knoweth, reioyced mee greatlie, as fearing some fearefull iudgementes indeed, to befall vpon that Cittie.

4 Note.Fourthlie, In that I haue not onely vsed to pray dailie for her Maiesties preseruation (as be­fore is partlie noted) but euen then when as I was the massenger of Satan, I protested (& the [Page 43] Lord knoweth it proceeded from my hart) that if I had ten mens liues within me, they should all die in defence of Queene Elizabeth, This I pro­tested befor the Lorde Maior, (etc): as diuers heard. againste all hir enimies: in tender regard whereof, I do humblie sue and not without comfort for her Maiesties pardon: wishing to my selfe no fa­uour at all, if I haue not desired More hard con­ditions vnto mine owne soule (for her Maiesties safe­tie) then all before spoken of, howsoeuer my toong was inchanted for the time to roue at randon as before is noted.God shewe me no mer­cy if this be not true.

Thus hauing plainelie and truelie set down diuers speciall great fauors extended vnto me, both from God Almightie, her Maiestie, and their Honours, euen since the time of my hor­rible fact committed in Cheape, (etc). I do hum­blie intreate and exhort all people, to thinke and speak reuerently of the Lords proceedings with me, who no doubt hath preserued me to a holie purpose, (euen to make his loue appeere in my want: his power in my weakenesse, and his strength in my deliuerance, aboue the ma­lice and force of Satan to manifest his mercies vnto al posterities to be the thinge hee chieflie preferrethMat. 9.13. Psalm. 1 [...]3. Why God shewed mee so great mercies. and most delighteth in:) that al the whole world might found out his praises, for extending so woonderfull great compassions, to so vnworthie, most wicked, and wretched a sinner: for with reuerence bee it spoken in the eares of al men, greater mercie to a mortall cre­ature, was neuer heard or read off, since the [Page 44] world began as I conceiue.

For, neither the deliuerance of the Israelites throughEx 14.13.22 the red Sea: neither the escapinge of Lot, Gen. 19, 16.22. from the Sodomits destruction: neither the preseruation of Shadrach, Dan. 3.13.33. Mesach, and Abed­nego, in the hot fierie furance: neyther the safe­keeping of Daniell in the denDan. 6.16.24. of Lyons: or the Prophet Ieremie in the mierieIer. 38.6.13 pit: Nor yet the miraculous escaping of Peter Acts. 12.6.19. out of prisonne: Though all these and many such extraordinarie examples, of the Lords mightie prouidence in protecting of his seruants, are recorded in the Scripture, for his glorieRom. 15.4. and our instruction: yet againe and againe with all reuerence bee it spoken to the wonderfull workes of God: not one of these examples before recited, nor anye other recorded within the booke of God, (the most holie historie of our Sauiour Christ Iesus only excepted) doth more commend the mer­cie, goodnesse, and power of God, as the same hath appeared in my preseruation: for neyther were anye of them so great a sinner,Marke these points. as I haue bin, neither were their deliuerances so strange as mine: they beeing onlie preserued from bo­dilie dangers, but I, most mightilie protected from imminent danger of eternall destruction both of bodie and soule. And that when I wan­ted grace to acknowledge my sins, as before is mentioned, which dooth so much more in­large the Lordes exceeding mercies and com­passion ouer me.

[Page 45]And albeit the Scripture recordeth, that our Sauiour Christ cast out of one man, a Legion of Diuels,The casting of a legion of deuils out of one man, not so great fauor as is shewed to me, by three resons (which importeth sixe thousand at the least, as the annotations in those places no­teth) yet, (in my conscience) was not that so great mercie, as God hath shewed me: as may be gathered by these reasons.

First, It is said that the partie, was most mi­serablie tormented with them: Insomuche,1 Reason. as the Diuels kept him still amongest the moun­taines andMar. 5.2.13 Luk. 8.27.32 graues, naked and bare, and yet was so ragious, that no man could binde him­faste with irons, still beating himselfe with stones, (etc).

Answered.But the Lord would not suffer me to be so tor­mented, no nor to be once tempted of Satan, to hurt my selfe anie waie.

2. Reason.Secondlie, if he had a great fauour shewed him, to haue so maine deuils cast out of his bo­die, which did so torment him.

Answered.Howe much more I, to be altogither preser­ued from the same, hauing so deepelie trespas­sed, as before.

3. reason.There is no record nor likelihood, that the sinne of that man was so great as mine.

Answered.Therefore, in sparing mee altogither from such torments, (who rather deserued them do­ble vpon me) the same must of necessitie proue the Lords mercie, to be far more extended vp­on me, then towards this poore man, notwith­standing the casting out of so manie Deuils.

[Page 46]And now (my Lord God) how much is thy Seruant beholding to thy Maiestie, surely I can­not tell, nor no man liuing, for as thy mercie is infinite in it selfe, so is thy rewarde bestowed vpon me, far aboue the reach of mortall mans conceit.

Shall I saie with Paule, that albeit I was a blas­phemer, a persecutor (or a Rebel against Christ) yet because I did it1. Tim. 1.13 ignorantlie, Therefore thou (Lord) hadst compassion vpon mee: or shall I with our firste Parentes Adam and Eue, [...]en. 3.12.13. excuse my facte and laie the whole default vpon o­thers as they did: No, (God-forbidde that I should doo either) for though my conscience cleare me to be innocent in will, from anie in­tention to dishonor Christ Iesus or abuse my So­ueraigne, yet1. cor. 4.4. am I not to be iustified thereby: neither will I excuse, but accuse my selfe so log as I liue, to be worthie of all torments of bodie and soule, both in his world and in the world to come: that the whole glorie of my preser­uation may be still ascribed to the Lordes onlie mercie, that the same may bee magnified for e­uer and euer, Amen.

O what reward shall I giue vnto the almighty for his so manifest and great fauours extended vnto me: truelie I must needes acknowledge,What shal I giue vnto God but ac­knowledge his mercies with thank­fulnesse. (and I wish all people to doo the like with me) that there was neuer anye mortall creature so much beholding to his Creator, as I humblye confes my self to be; the most sinfull wretch of [Page 47] anie man liuing, and yet haue founde more fa­uour at the hands of my God, then anye mor­tall man that euer yet liued, as none can denie, that rightlie consider of the Lords proceedings and prouidence ouer me.

For is it not a miracle moste strange to be­hold, that the one of my Companions beeing strickē stark mad as was informed, & ending his life in a pitifull maner: the other arrained, con­demned and executed for high treason against hir Maiestie, (etc): and dieng moste desperatelie like a damned Reprobate: that I notwithstan­ding (being the third person in that wofull pa­geant) should be safelie preserued from all dan­gers, not once to be brought before the bar of iustice. O then let all tongs confesse thePsal. 107.8 good­nesse of the Lord to his, vnworthie seruant, and saie with Dauid, This is the onlie worke of the Lord,Psa. 118.23 and it is maruellous in our eies: yea let all the celestiall creatures in Heauen,Psalm. 148 and all sortes of people liuing on the earth, extoll the Lords mercies and sound out his praises world without end, Amen.

But consider yet more deepelie of the lords mercie towardes me, by a temporall compari­son: If that wofull wretch would thinke him­selfe happie, that hauinge rebelled againste his Souereigne, should notwithstanding receiue his pardon, & be admitted not only into the kings speciall fauour, but also to beholde his counte­nance dailie so long as he liued.

[Page 48]O then (poore soule) how much am I bon̄d and beholding dailie, to the eternall goodnes of my Sauiour Iesus, the king of all glorie: that hauing double trespassed, both againste mine owne Souereigne, Specially to the repen­tant. and his glorious Maiestie. In the highest degree that euer did anie nowe li­uing vpon the earth, yet for all this, is not one­lie pleased to moue my said Souereigne to spare my life hitherto, and to put me in hope of fur­ther fauour: But as a blessed example giuer to all Superiours, (To delight in mercie, more then in iustice) dooth (for his owne names sake) not only remit and release all my sinnes, but further assureth me of his eternall fauour, to enioy his presence for euermore, which dooth as far sur­mount all earthlie Princes fauours, as Christ ex­celleth all temporall Princes, and the ioyes of Heauen, all the vaine pleasures of this mortall life. How truelie then may I say with Paule, O the deepenesseRo. 11.33.36. of Gods wisedome and mer­cies, how vnserchable are his iudgements, (etc). to him be all glorie for euer, Amen.

And if we compare the dealings of the Lord with the vsuall proceedings of worldlie Pry n­ces, we shall further behold Gods great fauour towards me, to exceed all the fauours of mor­tall Magistrates: whoe commonlye vppon the knowledge of the Treason by what meanes so­euer,Princes sil­dom pardom without to­kens of re­pentance. doo after proceed to condemne the par­tie: and hardlie pardon any (as there is no rea­son) without some tokens of outwarde repen­tance.

[Page 49]See and marke well then, The incomparable greatnesse of the Lords kindnesse towards me: who was not onelie pleased to receiue mee to mercie,Se hear how Gods mer­cies stil pre­uente me. For Christe Iesus for­gaue me, & moued the Magistrates likewise to pitty mee, when I wā ­ted grace to confesse my sinnes. vppon my true and vnfeined repen­tance. But euen then most of all did he shewe me greatest fauour, in safe preseruing me from all extremities of soule and bodie, when Hacket my companion was condemned for Treason, and I wanted grace to acknowledge the same.

But the Lord had respect to the innocencie of my hart: for (albeit in regard of the outward offence giuen) I deserued no fauour of God nor of man: yet I protest before his holy Ma­iestie. That when I was busiest in seruing of Sa­tan, I did thinke then moste of all to please the lord Iesus. And when I pronounced the heaui­est iudgementes againste the Cittie of London, then did I most of all bemone their mysery. So innocent and guiltlesse was I in my will,Woe is mee for London did I crie in the streetes, as diuers can witnes. either from wilfull dishonouring Christ Iesus in Hea­uen; or to hurt the least of his Seruants in earth. Oh how truelie then may I saie with S. Paule, Though with my members I serued Satan, Ro. 7.25. yet in my minde I serued Christ Iesus, hauing my whole intention to please him.

It was not I them, that pronounced Hacket to be Christ Iesus, the iudge of the world, butRom. 7.16 the spirit of Satan, (which that wicked wretch had infused into me, as you haue heard before) for touching the inwarde man, the Lorde and my [Page 50] conscience will still beare mee recorde, that I had no minde to dishonour Christ Iesus, or to hurt anie creature: therfore had the Lord com­passion vppon me (not for mine innocenoie) but for his owne names sake.

If I should obserue further, the circumstance of time,The circum­stance of time to bee considered when the [...] extended his fauours towards me. in the which the Lorde extended his fauours. Therein his prouidence dooth great­lie appeare in my preseruation for Wednesday this yeare, being the ioyefull daie of hir Maie­sties happie & prosperous raigne ouer vs: wher­by the Lord hath extended his blessings (aswell apperteining to our soules as bodies) more bountifullie ouer this poore Hand (his name bee euerlastinglie praised therefore) then euer was shewed to anie other Nation since Christ was incarnate, Euen vpon the wednesday did the Lord destroy that Sorcerer Hacket, and cast his Deuilish spirit out of my bodie. [...] The same day also euen the verie daie of hir Highnesse comming to the Crowne, was my brother and wife admitted by their Honors to haue accesse vnto me: and vpon Ashwednesday the laste (so called) did their Honors further grant vnto me the libertie of the Prison. The same day twelue months past, hauing put vpp to hir Maiestie an humble petition for a free-schoole at Wakefield, which through M.viz my bro­ther, wife & seruant. Doc. Awbraies good care & diligence was obtained vnder hir Maiesties hand verie shortlie after.

If I should note further the poore and weak [Page 51] means which the Lord did blesse in managing my cause: It woulde amplifie the greatnesse of Gods fauour towards me.

Thus may al men plainelie see and perceiue,No mortall creature can rightlie de­scribe howe much I am bounden vn to the Lord. that I am verie deepelie bounden to the Lord: but neither they nor I can tell howe muche, or sound the bottom of his compassions towards me (except we could describe the torments of hell, from which by Christes power I am safelie deliuered) or rightlie consider of the ioyes of heauen (which no mortall hart is able to1. Cor. 2.9 con­ceiue) whereof, through the onelye merites of Christ Iesus, I am most assured to be made parta­ker, bicause his holie spirite2. cor. 13.5. dwelleth within me.

O my soule therefore praise thou the Lorde, † & all thatPsalm. 103 is within me blesse his holie name: O my soule againe magnifie the Lord, and for­get not his benefites, extended vnto thee, but talke and meditatePs.34.1.2.3 of his louinge kindnesse all the daie long, yea let his praises bee euer in thy mouth, and prouoke all others to magnifie the Lord for deliuering thee from thePsal. 30.3. nethermost hell, which thou so iustlie haddest deserued.

And now what shoulde I saie for her Maie­sties pardon,Concerning my pardon the booke being drawn vp for hir highnesse to signe, I know (O Lord God) that the blessing thereof must proceed fromlam. [...].17. thee: if thou wilt be pleased the grant shall passe, thy holie name be blessed: and if that thou wilte not have the same to passe, Thy Name [Page 52] be euer blessed: If hir Maiestie will freely signe the same, the Lord preserue hir Maiestie: and if hir Maiestie will not signe the same, yet (the Lord my God) still preserue her Maiestie, whi­ther shee be pleased to take or spare my life, I do freelie offer it to her Maiesties pleasure, pro­testing vnfeinedlie in the presence of God (as I haue doone alreadie vnto all their Honours: That if it shall please hir Maiestie to spare my life, I will become an enimie to Satan and his kingdome,My protesta­tion with humble re­quest, that al Christiās will retaine me againe into their fauor. and oppose my selfe against all He­retikes, Scismatikes, Sectaries and Enimies to God and her Maiestie, euen to the vttermost of my power, so long as I liue. And whatsoeuer shall be wanting, to expresse my loue to God, his Church, my Soueraigne and Countrie, du­ring my life, I do humblie desire my death may fulfill: that more glorie euery way may redoūd to the Lord in my preseruation.

To this ende onlie, I doo further craue the dailie assistance of all Gods seruauntes, to bee thankfull vnto God for my preseruation, and to pray in like sort,I desire all people, to giue god his due praise. that the same may redound to his further glorie. For howesoeuer I confesse my selfe vnworthie any fauor, yet is God most worthie of all honour and glorie, yea euen for his almightie strange protecting me. And those that in this worlde will approue themselues to belong to his kingdome, [...]. Point. they cannot but re­ioice for the bringing homeMat. 18.11 14 of the wanedring sheepe, and the safe returneLuk. 15.31 of the prodigall [Page 53] sonne, who humbly desireth that his wofull fall may teache others wisedome, to stand so strongly against all the mightie assaultes of Sa­tan, that if it be possible1. Cor. 10.12. they may not fall, or being cast downe of weakenesse, (etc). They may be againe raised vp by the Lord, that himselfe a­lone may haue the whol praise of their preserua­tion. And because satan, is by name, nature, and continuall practise, the mortall ennemie to all mankinde, bearing malice chiefly against those persons,Satan, doth moste ma­lice those, that bee most godly (to bring them to destruction) who liue moste vprightly, and seeke the honour of God vnfeinedly: as may appeare by his first as­saulting our Parents in Paradise: by his false ac­cusingIob. 1 8.10. the iust man Iob: and by his tempting of ourMat. 4, 1. sauiour Christ, (who onely was able and ouercame his forces, that he might deliuer vs in all distresse:) so as wee (being comforted2. Cor. 1.3.4. and supported) might be able and readie (after his good example) to comfort others in their extremities, so much as we may.

Therefore according to my small abilitie, hauing more experience of mine owne weake­nesse, and the malice of satan, then anie other mortall creature, (as by reading of this storie may plainly appeare,) I will indeuour to disco­uer some practises vsed by satan to abuse the simple, either by fowle or faire meanes, as they say.

And first, concerning the grosse maner of temptations,Satan vseth two waies to assault al satan hath two waies to assault all [Page 54] people, the one is,people by a corrupt re­ligion, or a bad life. to professed false religion contrarie to Gods word: The other is to pro­phane true religion, with a corrupt life, if he get a man once into either of these holdes, hee will hardly be cast out.

As for example, the profession of Poperie, is a false Religion,The religi­on of Rome described. contrarie to the worde: be­cause it g [...]eth the honour of mans saluation in part, or in the whole, eyther to mans owne merites in this life, [...] a­bominatiō. or else to his sufferings after this life.

As their doctrine of the workes of supererro­gation, & their feined purgatory doth approue, (being both derogatorie to the pretious me­rites and mercies of Christ, Ioh. 3.16 [...] 18. Act 4.12. & 10.43 Rom. 5.6.11. wherin onely the scripture planteth mans saluation)

The former is falsly called the treasurie of the Church, which teacheth that men may liue so holily in this worlde, as they may deserue a higher place in heauen for themselves and their friendes. The Apostles concluding with the Prophets, that all [...] like a [...] Isa. 64.6. I Iohn 1.10. Prou. 24.16 The Lords praier: Forgive vs our sinnes. [...] being [...]oght of our Sa­uiour to pray, (Lord forgiue vs our isinnes) which should be in [...], if the doctrine of mens merites were [...].

[...] what perfection soeuer a man wanteth in this worlde, [...] hee may fulfill the same, suffering in purgatorie when this life is ended: Add then the doctrine of [Page 55] Christes only sacrifice to cleanse vs from all sin, should be in vaine. [...] Heb. 9.26 28. & 10.14 18.

If the deuill make men drunke once with these poysoned cuppes, (which the Pope per­swadeth them to bee well spiced,) And yet with his pardons can wipe away all: then doth, the [...] man possesse these mens house how holy soever they seeme in their liues but they will cauill crookedly against this the plaine text; and turne the holie scripture like a Shipmans hose, whereof I meane not to stand in this place.I Iohn. 1.7. The popes pardons can take a­way all sins, If, (etc). And al me­rites also.

If satan cannot preuaile in this point but that true religion gettes the vpper hand and all menne flee from their owne merites, and appeale onely to the mercies of Christ, As be­fore is noted: yet if hee can perswade mee to presume to much of mercie, an they may still prosecute their beastly, affections, to delight in drunkennesse,To conti­nue in sin and pre­sume of mercie, is dangerous. whoredome, pride, oppress­on, vsurie, extortion, or in anie other grosse sinne whatsoever, vnder pretence that God is euer mercifull, and will forgiue all men, so flat contrarie to his holy word, which denoun­ceth the sentence of GodGalat. 19.20.21 curse and venCor. 6, 9.10. geaunce, to all suche prophane and gracelesse persons (who are also possessed with the spirite of satan, Ephes. 5.5. professe what religion soeuer they please) of both which kind of sinners, I mean to speake more herenster God willing.

I will onely at this time, dilate a little of [Page 56] satans maner of tempting the better sorte, who (by Gods speciall fauor) are freed and dischar­ged from all those grosse corruptions of religi­on and life, and desire vnfeinedly so to serue the Lord as they may best please him: and that by mine owne poore woefull example.

The first assault was, by seeking my discre­dite,My first as­sault, by loue and hatred. id planting my affections of loue and ha­tred, as the Lord required: for satan seeing me to loue the preaching ministerie, and to stand with them in their iust defence, against all such persons as sought their iniurie: And further, howe I laboured to get some notorious offen­ders punished: Hee did so procure my discre­dite with the worst, that they had almost cost me my life.

When satan could not preuaile this waie,My second by compas­sion. but that my credite still increased with the best, who did ouermatch his malice against me. Then he fought quite to spoile my estate, for euer to dis­able me from doing anie good, in the Church or commonwealth: and that was by abusing my affection of compassion, in seeking to re­leeue a poore distressed gentleman beyond my abilitie, which hath brought no small discre­dite to the Gospell, and that greeueth my soule most of all.

For though it should be graunted,My consci­ence faith so. that the ground of my affection was laid in Gods feare, to seeke to restore a decaied meber of the church and common-wealth: yet that I should so farre [Page 57] pitty his estate, as in labouring to vpholde it, I should ouerthrow mine owne, and so make my selfe to bee worse1. Sam. 5. 8. then an infidell (so directlie contrarie to the holie Scripture) was more then I ought to perfourme to all Christians, (name­lie hauing my selfe, (etc). But in drawing great summes out of other mens pursses,See how far Satan pre­uailed a­gainst me in my com­passion. to maintain a port and needlesse expences, more then wee both were able to beare, or to see repaid in any time, building our vaine hope vpon a good dis­patch of his Court suites, wthout anye warrant from God at all. Heerein I say did Satan gro­slie tempt me, to enter so great bondes, for the repaiment of rounde summes, without any cer­teintie how to performe the same: or as yet can tell, which hath often times, and as yet daielie woundeth, my sore broken heart, for discredi­ting thereby my holie profession.

What means I haue vsed to discharge all my selfe,I haue of [...] offered the sale of my liuing and cannot pre­uaile. euen by offring the sale of that liuinge I haue (to leaue almost nothing for my wife and my selfe) the Lorde best knoweth, and others can witnesse of credit and worship, yea & some of great honour if need required. But I coulde not preuaile (saue to my great losse) my liuing standing onlie, by means of a Patent for terme of my life. In regarde whereof, I doo humblie intreat all our Creditors,The Lorde moue their hearts to grant my lawfull ie. quest. to beare with me for the principals to take it as I maie paie it, by processe of time: And if God spare me life, I will see it discharged all in time, thogh the par­tie [Page 58] tie himselfe for whom I was bound, should pre­ten [...]t to performe the same.

How I was serued at his hands (hauing con­sented to part with all we had, to discharge our conscience with al our creditors) when he see I had gone so farre as I could, I spare to speake for diuers respectes, wishing rather our repen­tance, might inlaie our credit with GOD and man (as I dailie desire of the Lorde in my prai­ers) then by continuing still in our sinnes, to hinder the blessing of the Almightie vppon our indeuours, seeking by lawefull meanes our re­paire euerie wale.

Concerning that point which hath been of­ten obiected against me,An obiecti­on, whie I left my charge. by those that are god­lie, graue and learned. For leauing mine owne charge, and accompanying the partie to further his causes, I cannot see (with submission bee it spoken) that I haue therin trespassed otherwise then of frailtie, as a man maie do in his best in­deuors. For if a Christian maie lawfullie ha­zard,Answered. or rather yeelde his life for the brethrens sake, [...].10 3.16 (as the Scripture dooth approue) then I hope it will not proue vnlawfull, for one child of God to do for another in cases of necessitie, (not hindering therby the duties of his calling in the Church or Common-wealth) or rather hauing no speciall charge [...]t all, but such as may spare a man to performe such duties.

Indeed I confesse, for a minister of the Gos­pell,Who maie not leaue a Schoolmaister, a Mayor of a Cittie, or a [Page 59] nie such like person, that hath a publike charge in the Church or Common-wealth,their char­ges. to leaue his publike calling, and be take himselfe priuat­lie to follow the causes of one priuate person, is simplie vnlawfull.

But for a man that hath onelie a charge of a wife and familie (prouiding wel for them) or to come to my selfe,My charge only a wife and few ser­uants with­out children. hauing no further charge, then a company of wilde deare to attend vpon, the which (by vertue of my patent) maie lawe­fullie be discharged by others (and better then by my selfe, my infirmities considered) I see no reason to the contrarie, (except all loue duties should surcease, (etc).) But that to do more good to the church and common-wealth, by seeking the repaire of a decaied profitable member of the same, I may well bee spared for a time from my charge, to manage his cause, or to helpe him with my bondes (if I had kept within my compasse therin) namelie considering these reasons following.

When Satan my old enimie, coulde by no meanes preuaile, neither to discredite nor dis­able me vtterly, but that (by Gods prouidence) I was like in short time to passe through al dan­gers: then did he seeke to abuse my simplicitie by the affection of trust or credit in an other re­spect,The thirde assalt by a­busing my credit. and so to plunge me at once ouer head & eares, into the pit of woeful perdition, to de­stroie my soule and bodie for euer, if he coulde possible: and that was by making Hacket his in­strument, [...] [Page 62] all men could see no other likelihoode but pre­sent destruction of soule and bodie was like to fall vpon me, (my selfe preparing continually for death,1. Cor. 1.9. whensoeuer I shoulde be thereunto called, which I expected from day to day) Be­hold the great goodnesse of Almightie God towards me, in mouing their H H to take com­passion of me, not once to suffer me to come in place of iudgement, but further to consent that my life should be spared.

O then howe truely may I say, with the Pro­phet Dauid, The Lord is my shepheard: there­fore can I lacke nothing, for though I walke within the shadePsal. 23.4 of death: yet shall I feare no­thing for with his rod and shepheardes staffe, I am still comforted, yea he will still preserue me from euerie euill worke intended against mee, and reserue me safely to inherite his kingdom:r 2. Tim. 4.28. to whom he all praise for euer, Amen.

Nowe haue you heard inbriefe discoursed, the substaunce of satans seducing mee, touch­ing that moste horrible action committed, of proclaiming Christ Iesus in Cheapeside, (etc). With the maner of his deluding my affections from time to time, wishing and admonishing that my wofull fall, may i teach all others in time to beware, and by all good wisedome to pre­uent satans practises for I can tell them (by tried experience) that when they themselues do least suspect him, in may be hee seeketh most of all to intrap them: The Apostle saith truely,

[Page 63] Resist Satan, and he will flee from you: But all the cunning lam. 4.7. lieth howe to knowe when hee doth tempt vs, with what weapons wee should resist him, & at what time to put the same in practise: whereof (God willing) you shall heare more hereafter, as time and opportunitie will permit: In the mean space let all maner people knowe thus muche, that seeing satan hath sought so in­stantly my death and destruction, I protest my self his deuoted enemie, (by the grace of God) to oppose my selfe against him and his king­dome, so much as in me lieth, euen so long as I liue: desiring further, that it may not be forgot­ten what Christ hath done for me, that all sorts of people may sound out his praises worlde without end. And nowe my poore soule, con­clude and say with Dauid, Whom haue I in heauen but thee Psal. 73.25 26. (O Lord and in earth I haue none besides thee. VVhen myne heart faileth, and my strength al­so: euen then art thou my strength & my portion for euer. To this Almightie God I desire, that all his creatures in heauen and in earth, may ascribe all honour, and glorie for euer, Amen.