The Isle of Man: or, the legall proceeding in Man-shire against sinne Wherein, by way of a continued allegorie, the chiefe malefactors disturbing both Church and common-wealth, are detected and attached; with their arraignment, and iudiciall triall, according to the lawes of England. The spirituall vse thereof, with an apologie for the manner of handling, most necessary to be first read, for direction in the right vse of the allegory thorowout, is added in the end. By R.B. ...

THE ISLE OF MAN : OR , The Legall Proceeding in Man-shire against SINNE .

Wherein , by way of a continued Allegorie , the chiefe Malefactors disturbing both Church and Common-Wealth , are detected and attached ; with their Arraignment , and Iudiciall triall , according to the Lawes of England .

The spirituall vse thereof , with an Apologie for the manner of handling , most necessary to be first read , for direction in the right vse of the Allegory thorowout , is added in the end .

By R. B. Rector of Batcomb . Somers .

The fourth Edition much enlarged .

LONDON , Printed for Edw. Blackmore , at the great South doore of Pauls . 1627.

TO THE RIGHT Worshipfull , Sr. THOMAS THYNNE , Knight , and to his religiously-affected Ladie , the Lady KATHERINE THYNNE : All sauing graces in the blessed way vnto eternall Comforts are vnfainedly wished . Right Worshipfull ,

SInce your departure , and now returne to Longleate , ( where the poore feele your mercies in set times of releefe and daily almes , and your tenants and common neighbouring Inhabitants good entertainment at the generall time of great house keeping ) it was my hap to trauell into , and thorowout the whole Isle of man : now its vsuall with Trauellers to discourse of their iourneying , and to relate their Obseruations . And therefore let none obiect & say vnto mee that of Persius , Scire tuum nihil est , nisi te scire hoc sciat alter : For I found good in my paines taking : and bonum is communicativum & sui diffusivum , and so quo communius , eo melius . In my very entrance , and afterwards euery where I found written that old ancient precept , Nosce teipsum . This 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : The scope of this booke for one to see and know himselfe . lesson I began to take out with diligent obseruation . And it brought to my mind the Apostles charge , Quisque explorat seipsum , which I laboured to put in practice , and so sought my selfe in my selfe ; for I remembred that saying long since learned , Orbis quisque sibi , nec te quaesiueris extra . Thus my trauell became very profitable to mee ; and the variety of sights withall procured delight , and turned my paines into pleasure .

In my trauelling , I came to the County Towne , or chiefest Seat there , called Soule : Where I rested for some time , because it fell out to be the Assise weeke for all that Iland . Where I specially marked how in all things they proceeded against Malefactors , according to the Lawes of England : in this onely lyeth the difference : there is neuer but one Iudge , whereas wee haue euer two appointed in euery Circuit , as wee haue now in this Westerne , very honorable and religious Iudges , quos honoris causa , non possum non nominare , Sir Iohn Walter , Lord Chiefe Baron , and Sir Iohn Denham , another worthy Baron of the Exchequer , louers of vertue and Iustice .

And indeed , such ought Iudges to be , as was and is this Iudge in Man . He is a Iudge of Iethroes choice , Exod. 18. & verax , & Dei timens , & osor turpis lucri . Hee is diuinely giuen , prudent , impartiall , and very quicke ( vpon good information ) in dispatch of Causes . Hee was worthily attended , as he ought euer to bee , with a worthy Sheriffe , with Iustices of Peace , Knights and Esquires , Gentlemen of singular note and fame in that Countrie . This I heard of them , and it appeared by their practice , that they all stand for the maintenance of the lawes , they see their Soueraigne well serued , Iustice duly obserued , and iudgement executed accordingly .

They neuer side with any , for they hate faction : Pride and Enuy , two restlesse Make-bates , who for notorious misdemeanour , I saw bound to the good behauiour . So as now there a Caesar-like spirit , patitur superiorem , & a Pompey suum parem . They runne all one course , and as true Israelites , quasi vir vnus , for publike good . Therefore doe the people liue in peace , the land prospereth , Iustice flourisheth , vertue is exalted , vice suppressed , and the enemies at home and abroad made to feare .

The whole discourse of this excellent order , and carefull proceedings there by me obserued , from my first entrance vnto the end , I am bold here to present vnto your Worships , whom I haue now found diligent Readers of holy Scripture , addicted to priuate prayer , besides set forme for the whole family , to be entertainers of the Preachers of Gods Word , giuing freely to such , Benefices as they hap to be void , not being seduced by mens offering large summes to procure Aduousons afore hand , as too many Patrons bee in these daies . Now the Lord God Almighty hearten you in , and to these things more & more , and to euery other good grace , that may liuely demonstrate to the world the power of sauing knowledge , in the vse of Gods abundant earthly blessings so largely bestowed vpon you , with which earnest prayer vnto God for you , and for a blessing vpon these my endeuours to further the same , I humbly take leaue .

Your Worships in all Christian seruices , at command , RICHARD BERNARD . Batcombe , May 21.

THE AVTHORS earnest requests .

FIRST , to the Worthy Reader , whosoeuer , to whom let me but say thus much of this Discourse and allegoricall narration ; that in it sunt bona , sunt quaedam mediocria , sunt mala nulla : Yet if any thing may seeme distastfull , let thy minde be to take it well , as Caesars was , to interpret well the seeming offensiue carriage of one Accius the Poet towards him , and thou wilt not be displeased . Thy good minde will preuent the taking of an offence , where none is intended to be giuen . In discouery , attaching , arraigning and condemning of finne , I tax the Vice , and not any mans person : so as I may say with one ,

Hunc seruare modum nostri nouere libelli ,

Parcere personis , discere de vitijs .

Thou hast heere towards the end of this discourse , the tryall and iudgement vpon foure notorious Malefactors . Two of them the very prime Authors of all the open rebellion , or secret Oldman , Madame Heart . Conspiracies , which at any time euer were in that Iland : The other two were the principall Abettours and the chiefest Supporters of them . Their names , their natures , and their mischieuous practices , thou mayest find at large in the narration .

There should haue beene , at that Assises with these , the arraignment of certaine suspected Witches : but this was preuented , because the Grand-Iurie Gentlemen could not agree to bring in their Billa vera : for that they made question of diuers points , whereof they could not be resolued at that present .

1. Whether the afflicted did What to be considered of before men come in with a verdict against supposed witches . suffer by onely some violent diseases in nature , producing strange effects , like practices of Witch-craft ? Which for want of a iudicious Physitian they could not discerne . See Doctor Cotta his tryall of Witches .

2. Whether the afflicted were a counterfeit , as was one Marwood , the Boy of Bilson , and one Mary Brosier ? Or that he or she hauing some natural disease , did make vse thereof , and counterfeited the rest , as one Mainy did , who was troubled with the hysterica passio ?

3. Whether being a disease supernaturall , yet might come vpon the afflicted by the operation of the deuill , without the association of a Witch , as it happened to Iob , and others in the Euangelists ? Or that the afflicted hath a deuill , and is a Witch , and hath by his or her owne wayes , brought this euill vpon him or her , without the practice of any other Witch ?

4. Whether they might proceed vpon meere presumptions against the suspected , or rather stay till they had more certaine and grounded pro●fet ?

5. Whether they could ( none of them being read in any learned Tractates touching the practices of Witches ) rightly examine the suspected to finde out a Witch , and so to bring him or her deseruedly vnder the power of Authority ?

There is now come forth , by the leaue of Authority , a Guide Request to Grand-Iury men touching my booke of Witches . to Grand-Iury men in cases of Witch-craft ; my suit is , that they would be pleased to accept of my well-meaning therein . In which all these points before are fully handled ; as also , That The summe of that booke . there are witches ; who are most subiect to be made Witches . How they prepare themselues for the Deuill : How Satan draweth them to a league , & becommeth familiar with them . That there are good Witches , and the signes to know them . That there are bad Witches , and how then practise , and what it is that they can doe , and how many things must concurre in bewitching . What are the signes to know one to be bewitched . That Witches may be detected . What are strong presumptions of a Witch . What are the certaine euidences against such an one . How throughly to examine a Witch : With many other particulars set forth in 28 distinct Chapters , fully , and yet with great breuity . The death of fiue brethren and sisters , lately condemned and executed for Witches , one more yet remaining , formerly brought before a Iudge , and now in danger to bee questioned againe , hath mooued mee to take this paine , not to preuent Iustice , nor to hinder legall proceedings ; but that I may not be mistaken nor wronged , as I was once , and more should haue beene , had not the wisdome and goodnesse of so reuerend a Iudge accepted graciously of my vpright Apologie Iudge Denham . against vaine Accusers .

I made a Petition then to my Lord the Iudge , to the worthy then M. Sheriffe , and to all the Sir Rob. Philips . Worshipfull of the Bench then present , which I am bold to renew againe more publikely , and that now this third time , because it pleased that reuerend Iudge so well to like thereof , & to second it , and is wished of many to finde some good effect at the length .

The state of poore prisoners Request to the Iudges , the Sheriffe , and Iustices , for spirituall food to poore prisoners . is well knowne , and how their soules safety is neglected : and yet our Sauiour gaue such a testimony to a penitent theefe , as hee neuer gaue to any mortall man else ; for he told him , that he should be that day with him in Paradise .

How blessed a worke would it be , to haue maintenance raised for a learned , godly , and graue Diuine , that might attend to instruct them daily ? Twelue pence a quarter , of one parish with another in our Countie , would encourage some compassionate holy man thereunto : And what is this ? Not a mite out of euery mans purse to saue soules .

If with this instruction there The benefit of setting prisoners on worke . should bee meanes to set them also on worke , they might get somewhat for food , for raiment . They might so preuent the miserable fruits of sloth ; their mindes would bee imployed , their bodies bee preserued in health , and not pine away , and be consumed with vermine . Yea , enforced labour there , would terrifie loose vagrants , lazie wanderers , and the idle rout , from turning the eues , more then either imprisonment or death hitherto hath done . And besides , such as should escape , would by this heauenly meanes of instruction , and bodily labour , become , through Gods mercy , more profitable members in the Common-Weale afterwards : whereas now they become twice more the children of Belial , than they were before .

Oh , let me be hold earnestly to beseech you , and in all humility to craue your mercifull and tender bowels of compassion towards them .

And first of you ( right Honourable Sir Ioh. Walter L. chiefe Baron . my Lords the Iudges ) who sit as Gods among men , to giue iudgement vpon this so Sir Io. Denham . wretched , and so miserable a generation of mankinde : that , if they die , they may be more ready with all patience and submission of spirit , to receiue their iust reward , and your doome of death vpon them : or , if they be acquitted , and so liue , they may learne afterwards to liue the life of good Christians , and so make a good vse of their deliuerance . And would not this reioyce your hearts , to forward such a worke , when your Lordships doe know , that the blessed Angels doe reioyce at the conuersion of Sinners ?

Next of you ( Worthy Master Sheriffe ) vnder whose wisedome , Mast . Symmes . religious affection , tender mercies , and powerfull habilities the Prison , and the Prisoners be for the time present . Shall not this worke set forward by you , be vnto you an euerlasting remembrance ?

Then of all you ( Right Worshipfull the worthy Iustices of our Country ) by whose authority these offenders are sent vnto prison . Oh that it might not displease you , to heare me calling vpon you by name , who , I hope , are well-minded to such a blessed and charitable a worke .

Yee deseruedly honoured Knights , Sir George Speke , Sir Iohn Stowel , Sir Francis Popham , Sir Henry Barkley , Sir Iohn Windham , Sir Iohn Horner , Sir Edward Rodney , and Sir Robert George ; And may I not here also name the worthily esteemed of their Country , though not at this present in Commission with you , Sir Ralph Hopton , Sir Robert Philips , Sir Charles Barkley , and Sir Edward Barkley ? All to be graciously pleased to commiserate their lamentable case , and to helpe forward this worke of pietie and pitie towards prisoners ?

O yee other worthies of your Country no lesse generously affected , Iohn Powlet , Robert Hopton , Edward Rogers , George Lutterell , Iohn May , Fra. Baber , Ro. Cuffe , Tho. Breerton , Io. Coles , William Francis , Rice Dauys , Thomas Windham , Iohn Harrington , If I mistake your places , I pray you pardon mee . Io. Harbin , William Capel , and Anth. Stocker Esquires , let the bowels of compassion compasse you about , that you may affect this so good a deed , and be honoured for euer in bringing to passe so rare a charitie .

The worke surely would blesse you all . Alas , the Prison now is a very picture of Hell , and ( more is the pitie ) as the case now stands , is no lesse than a preparatiue thereto , for want of daily instruction . It would be , by a faithfull ministery and bodily imploiment of them , a house of correction with instruction , and so happily the way of life . Then might charity quicken vp iustice to send offenders obstinately persisting in euill , and abusing their liberty , vnto prison , in good hope of their reformation . The losse of their corporall liberty , might through Gods mercy , then gaine them spirituall freedome : Health by labour would be preserued , and their soules by wholsome instruction saued .

The Father of our Lord Iesus Christ , perswade your well-disposed hearts , to such an vnbegun worke , among so many good deeds very famous in this renowned Nation . The spirit of the Lord God of Heauen and Earth rest vpon you , to cause you to affect this , and in time to effect the same , by stirring vp the Country , and by your owne mercies in your life times , you giuing , and at your deaths bequeathing something thereunto . Euen so be it , and the Lord God Almighty be with you all herein , Amen .

My suit is to euerie Keeper Request to the Keepers of prisons . of a prison , if they bee no kinne to Master Newman , the Gaoler in this discourse , that yet they would take acquaintance of him , and become better knowne to him . That their prisoners may by their vertues and religious care , bee betier disposed .

My request to poore prisoners Request to the poore prisoners . is , to redeeme their time ill spent ; to call to God for mercie and pardon : and to moue them hereunto , let them in serious meditation put themselues in minde of these things . 1. That their libertie abused , Meditations for them while they lye in Gaole . God hath by the hand of authoritie taken from them , as vnworthy to liue freely in a Common-Wealth . 2. That as they neglected and despised spirituall meanes of saluation , they are now depriued thereof . 3. That as before they delighted onely with wicked companie , now are they shut vp one with another together . 4. That their ragges are ensignes to them of their ragged conditions . 5. That their filth and ver mine telleth them of their filthie conuersation , and their many sinnes and corruptions . 6. That their want of food is a punishment for such of them , as haue abused Gods blessings to gluttony , drunkennesse , and the fruits thereof , wantonnesse , and filthy vncleannesse . 7. That their prison is as it were , a picture of hell , to minde them of their end , whither they are going , if they doe not amend . 8. That their expecting of the Assises , is an instruction to look for Iesus , the Iudge of all the world . 9. That their chaines , fetters and bolts teach them to consider the nature of their sinnes , which hold them bound to answer at the Barre of Gods Iustice . 10. That their desire of life by a Psalme of mercie , should moue them to desire eternall life , through the mercies of God in Iesus Christ , who will be gracious to euery true beleeuing penitent : which graces ( poore prisoners ) God send you : and feare onely to die eternally .

Before I end , I haue a Request to professors of the Law . suit to all that professe the Law , that if in this Allegorie , fetched from such termes , as be better knowne to them , than to my selfe , I doe mistake , they would be pleased to passe ouer that , and make vse with me of the spirituall sense , which is the drift of my labour herein . And so at the length , I take leaue , with my prayer to God for the peace of Ierusalem , and for a prosperous successe to all that loue the Israel of God , with our Countreyes glorie and safetie .

Amen .

THE ISLE of MAN , OR , The Legall proceedings in Man-shire . LAMENT. 3. 40. Let vs search & try our waies .

THE lamenting Prophet IEREMIE in his daies full of lamentation and mourning , seeing and also partaking with others of those miseries , which befell the state of the Iewes , iustly procured at Gods hands for their sins , doth heere giue them aduice what was best to be done , that in this their distresse GOD might shew them mercy ; and that was to repent and turne vnto the LORD , to the effecting whereof , hee counselleth them 2. things laid downe in my Text. 1. To search out sinne , 2. and to put it to triall .

In the handling whereof I will proceed as heere wee doe against a lewd and wicked Malefactor , legally , according to the lawes of this Realme .

The first part of my A search to be made for sin . Text is to Search : wee know , that when one hath offended the lawes , hath committed any felonic , murther , treason , or done any outrage , for which hee is to be apprehended , hee presently flying & hiding himselfe , is pursued , and sought after ; diligent search is made to attach him .

The Malefactor heere Sinne is the great malefactor . which doth so much harm on euery one , euery where without ceasing , is Sinne. This is a notable Theefe and Robber , daring to set vpon any . Hee robbeth God of Sinne robbes vs . his honour , and man of Gods fauour . This Theefe stole from Angels their excellency of glory , from our first parents their innocencie . This is hee that robbeth vs of our graces , the spirituall money which we haue in the purses of our heart , to helpe vs in our iourney to heauen . This Villaine bereaueth vs of our goods , driueth away our cattell , spoileth vs of euery temporall blessing , of our health , our peace , our liberty , and plenty . He it is that vtterly vndoeth vs , and maketh our estate miserable , that we cannot thriue in any thing , Body or Soule .

This is a Murthering Theefe , wheresoeuer hee Sinne doth kill if it bee not killed . breaketh in , by day or by night , there will hee either kill or be killed ; Man and sinne cannot both liue together . Most bloudily cruell hee is , for hee will spare none . He slayeth the hoarie head , and killeth the tender Mother with the new-borne Babe . Hee regardeth no person , no sex , no age , of so murtherous a disposition is he , and so inhumanely barbarous .

He is a very strong theefe , Sin is strong . no human power can subdue him ; hee taketh man and bindeth him : for Iniquitie Prou. 5. 22. taketh the wicked , and holdeth him with the cords of his owne sinnes . He will beare rule where hee commeth , all must obey him . He will command the Reason , reigne ouer the Will , and swagger ouer the Affections , and leade captiue Rom. 7. 23. the whole man , and make him seruiceable to his lusts ; yea , and make him spend his whole estate to maintaine him in his lustfull humors ; whether it be in Pride , or Drunkennesse , or Gluttony , or Idlenesse , or Whoredome , or whatsoeuer else it is ; he both must and will haue maintenance , else will hee set all on fire : for Wickednesse Isa. 9. 18. burneth as fire .

This is an vngratefull Sinne doth him the most hurt that most loueth it . and mischieuous Theefe : for let any entertaine him and fauour him , he will worke their ouerthrow . Yea , so vile a Villain is he , that the more any make of him , the worse hee is to them : for , hee with-holds all good from Ierem. 5. 25. them , hee procureth mischiefes to light vpon them . Ierem. 4. 18. Hee keepeth out Grace from hauing any entertainment . Hee smothereth The euils which sinne doth . Conscience for speaking ; hardeneth the Heart for feeling ; blindeth the Iudgment from discerning ; stoppeth the Eare from hearing any good counsell ; lameth the feet from walking in Gods paths ; benummeth the Hands from doing duties of Charitie , and maketh the Tongue to falter in speaking of holy things . Neither yet doth he this onely ; but he worketh Enmitie betwixt his Fauourite & his best friend , euen betweene God and his own Conscience . And to make vp the height of his Mischiefe ; the more to strengthen himselfe against his foolish and vnhappie friend , hee , at vnawares to him , letteth in , and that into the best room , ( euen the Heart ) his great and most deadly enemy the Deuill .

Thus Couetousnes did let him into Iudas heart , Mat. 26. 14 , 15. and set him on work to betray Christ . Flatterie let him into the hearts of the 1 Kings 22. false Prophets , to deceiue Ahab . Carelesnesse lets him in , to hinder the fruit Matth. 13. of the Word . Losse of Matth. 12. Gods graces lets him in , & seuen worse with him , to ruine a man vtterly . Hypocriticall vain-glory , and Couetousnesse did let him Act. 5. 10. into the hearts of Ananias and Saphira : for vain-glorie made them sell all , to make a shew to bee like Barnabas : but Couetousnes with vnbeleefe aduised them to withhold some of the money , lest they should happen to want : but how to do this , & keep their credit they knew not ; therefore Hypocrisie , Vaine-glory , Couetousnesse , and Vnbeleefe called in Satan , to heare his counsell ; who taught them to lie vnto the Holy Ghost , but to the death of them both . Thus wee see , what an vngratefull Villaine sinne is to his best friends .

Lastly , this Theefe is a

Sinne is very subtill .

Heb. 3. 13.

pestilent subtile Theefe . Sinne is deceitfull ; it beguiled Adam , Dauid and Salomon : Yea , Saint Paul , one once rapt vp into the third Heauen , doth acknowledge that it deceiued Rom. 7. 11. him . And whom hath it not deceiued ? He is therefore carefully to be auoided and taken heed of : and this robbing , murthering , strong , vngrateful , mischieuous and subtill Theefe diligently to be sought out .

But before Search can be made , a Watch must bee A watch set to espie out sin . set to espy him out , that he may be attached .

The Watch-man appointed The watchman is one . for this purpose , is godly iealousie , who hath euer an holy suspicion of a mans owne waies , lest in any thing , at any time , he should mis-behaue himselfe .

This vigilant Watchman hath with him two Assistants , Assistants are two . euer to accompany him ; the one is Loue-good , a zealous fellow for God & good duties : the other is Hate-ill , an angry and waspish fellow , and of a fierce countenance against sinne .

These three euer keepe together , so as Sinne cannot so cunningly enter , but they can as quickly espie him , and as speedily pursue him , and put him to flight .

The place where these are set Watchmen , is called Soules-towne , a towne The Towne watched . of great resort , a thorow-fare , neuer without Trauellers , Trauellers . ill motions , day and night ; and the Posts , Posts . which are Satans suggestions , euer and anon passe thorow , and many at the Common Inne , the Heart , The Inne . take vp their lodgings .

This Towne is very spacious Towne large . and large , for besides many Back-sides , By-lanes , and Out-corners , there are foure great streets : Sensestreet , Streets are foure . Thought-street , Wordstreet and Deed-street ; in some of which this lewd companion Sinne , and his Cope-mates will be found wandering .

When the Watch is set , they haue a Charge giuen Charge giuen to the Watch-men . them by one in authority , which is this ; Keepe thy Soule diligently : and withall

Deut. 4. 9.

Preu . 4. 23.

to haue a watchfull eye to the Inne , and to take heedlest at any time there be an heart of infidelitie to Heb. 3 12 , 13. depart from the liuing God : commanding also the Watch-men to exhort one another daily , lest their hearts be hardened with the deceitfulnesse of sinne .

These Watch-men haue A watch word . also a Watch-word giuen them , euen a word of preuenting Grace ; saying to them , This is the Way , walke Isa. 30. 21. in it , when they are turning to the right hand , or to the left .

To this Watch-word , Godly-Iealousie with his Associates doe willingly attend , keeping carefully the watch , so as the Theefe is descried , & presently they make Hue and Crie after him .

This Hue and Crie is The Hue and Crie . written by the Bible clark , and containeth infallible Eleuen waies how to know sinne . markes to discouer sinne , whereby it may bee certainly knowne ; and they are these :

1 By the Law of the ten Commandements : for by it commeth the knowledge Rom. 3. 20. 7. 7. 1 Iohn 3. 4. of sinne : for euery failing in that which is commanded , and euery thought , word & deed against that which is forbidden , is sin .

2 By euery exhortation to vertue , and euery dehortation from vice : being appendices to the Commandements , shewing what we ought to doe , and what ought to be shunned and auoided of vs .

3 By euery Threatning Isa. 1. 11. 18. 3. 14. & 5. 20. which is the word of Gods displeasure for Sinne.

4 By punishments inflicted , Act. 5. 5. & 13. 11. which is certainly Gods hand for sinne ; for Ier. 25. 6. Lam. 3. 33. were hee not prouoked by Sinne , hee would not afflict vs .

5 By the humble confession Iosh. 7. 20. Psal. 15. 5 , 14. 1 Sam. 12. 19. of such as haue acknowledged their Sinnes in particular .

6 By plaine accusations Mat. 27. 4. 1 Tim. 1. 13. 1 Cor. 15. 9. laying Sinnes to mens charge , Isai. 59. 3 , &c.

7 By reproofes & checks 2 Chr. 19. 2. for Sinne , 2 Chron. 19. 2.

8 By Places numbring 1 Sam. 2. 19. vp Sinnes by name in sundry Scriptures , Rom. 1. 29 , 30 , 31 , 32. 1 Tim. 1. 9 , 10. 2 Tim. 3. 2 , &c. 1 Cor. 5. 11. Galathians 5. 19 , 20 , 21. Reu. 21. 8. Pro. 11. 1. Mich. 6. 11.

9 By the description of Sinne , shewing what it is , as in 1. Ioh. 3. 4. & 5. 17. Ro. 14. 23. Pro. 21. 4. & 24. 9. & 14. 21.

10 By the Description of godly men negatiuely , by such things as they ought to auoid , as in Psal. 1. 1. & 15. 3. 5. & 24. 4. Ezek. 18. 6 , 8. Isa. 33. 15. Psal. 101. 3. & 16. 4.

Lastly , by the Description of wicked men , by their bad qualities and conditions , Psal. 10. 2 , 11. & 12. 2. 4. & 57. 21.

The Hue and Cry thus Who carrieth the Hue and Crie . set out , it is carried by the Spirit of Supplication , crying mightily to the Lord for grace & mercy to helpe in time of need , as Dauid did ; who saw Sinne before him , and then made hee Hue and Cry , saying : Haue mercy vpon mee , O Lord , according to thy louing Psal. 51. 1 , 2. kindnesse , according to the multitude of thy mercie doe away all mine offences .

This Hue and Cry must not be let slip at any hand , but be carried along in the pursuit , lest in following of sinne , men be deceiued , and solid Vertues bee attached in stead of Vices . For this wee must know , as Vices haue not a few friends , ( as after shall bee shewed , ) so Vertues haue many enemies ready to informe against them , that they may be pursued after as Malefactors , that Sinne in the meane while may seeke shelter and escape : and the enemies are these :

1 One Mr. Out-side , in Vertues enemies . the inside a carnall Securitan , a fellow that will 1. Outside , and his description . come to his Church , keepe his Sundaies and Holy-daies : But yet in the Congregation while hee sitteth among others , sometimes he is nodding , and sometimes fast a sleepe ; and if he abide waking , then is his mind wandring abroad , so as he remaineth still ignorant , without any effectuall power of the Word ; and being out of the Church , hee is presently vpon his worldly businesse .

This fellow cannot abide What he is an enemy to . any after-meditation , or Christian Conference with others of that which he hath heard ; and if hee espie any meeting together for this purpose , then he maketh information against them , and is readie to send the Hue and Cry , as against a priuy Schismaticall conuenticling , and vnlawfull meeting . This is a vulgar Ignoramus , and a blockish Aduersarie .

2 The second is , Sir Worldly-wise , 2 Wicked worldly-wise described . a very foole to God , a selfe-conceited earth-worme , whose wisdome is from below , and Lam. 3. 15. therefore sensuall , earthly , and deuillish , who proudly What he is an enemy to . with much disdaine , condemneth and contemneth the wisdom which is from aboue , pure and peaceable , sincere and charitable ; and is ready to send the Hue and Crie after it , as after foolish and doting Simplicitie .

3 The third is Sir Luke-warm : 3. Luke-warme his description . this fellow is a temporizing time-seruer , Iacke on both sides , he is all in the praise of moderation and discretion , one very indifferent between this & that : Hee cannot endure What he is an enemy vnto . feruent zeale , but would haue Hue and Crie sent against it , as against a fiery mad-brain'd rashnesse .

4 The Fourth is Sir Plausible Ciuill , a fashionable 4. Plausible Ciuill , his description . fellow , framed to a commendable outward behauiour for ciuility , but in matter of Religion he hath no more , but what he hath by common education , custome , and example of others . To the life of Religion What he is an enemy to . hee is a stranger : strict seruing of God , and a more narrow search of our waies , he holds to bee foolish scrupulosity , and is desirous to haue the Hue and Crie sent out against it , as against phantasticall precisenesse .

5 The Fift is , Master Machiauell , 5. Machiauell , his description . a mischieuous Companion : all for policy , little for piety , and then in pretence only : Hee is a very Iehu , zealous against Baal , to root out Ahabs posterity , for the more sure settling of the Kingdome to him and his : but in state Idolatry , a very Ieroboam , to keepe the kingdome from being reunited to Iudah . He cannot suffer What he is an enemy to . gainfull abuses to be reformed : but if any attempt any such thing , he accuseth them for factious turbulent spirits , & so would he haue the Hue and Crie made against their endeuours as against some Puritanicall tricke .

6 The sixt is one Libertine : 6. Libertine , his description . this licentious fellow hath a Chiuerell conscience , caring for nothing but how to passe on along his life in pleasurable contentments . Religion by him What he is an enemy to . is held to be but a deuised Policy to keep men in awe of a Deity ; and therefore when he seeth Religion to be made conscience of , he presently causeth Hue and Cry to be made against it , as against Hypocrisie . This prophane enemy laugheth at , and mocketh at Christianity .

7 The seuenth is , Scrupulosity : 7. Scrupulosity , his description this is an vnsociable and a snappish fellow , he maketh sinnes to himselfe more than the Law condemneth , and liueth vpon fault-finding . Weaker Apprehension is his Father , and Mis-vnderstanding his Mother , and an Vncharitable heart his nurse . The vse of What he is an enemy to . Christian liberty , if it bee more in his conceit than he pleaseth to like wel of , then would hee haue the Hue and Cry sent against it as against carnall security . This is a riged and censorious Aduersary .

8. The eight is the Babling Babylonian : 8. Babylonian his description . this is a doating companion , and superstitiously foolish : hee boasteth of Antiquitie , though his waies be Nouelty : yet hee will haue it the Old Religion , and if any forsake it as Idolatry , those he Whom he is an enemy to . condemneth for Schismatikes , and labours to haue the Hue and Cry sent out against all Reformation in Christian Churches as against Heresie . This is a bloudy Antichristian Aduersary .

These are the principall Informers ( for I passe by petty companions ) which endeuour to misleade the pursuer of sinne , and to set him to attach very eminent and excellent Vertues for Vices . Therefore it is necessary to haue Sinne set out by marks infallible in the Hue and Crie : else this subtill Villaine Sinne will craftily beguile the pursuer , and will escape either by the shifts which hee can make to deceiue him , or by his many friends hee hath to keepe him from being apprehended .

The shifts which commonly a Theefe maketh to Shifts by which sinne escapes are principally two escape in his flying away , are two :

1 Is his Counterfeiting the habit of an honest man : so Sinne craftily putteth vpon himselfe the shew of 1 By a shew of Vertue . Vertue , as Iehu did piety , for the getting of a Kingdome , and establishing of it to himselfe : whose sinne was couered with a pretended & hypocriticall zeale for the Lord . Ananias and Saphira made shew of liberality like that of Barnabas , not discernable till Peter discouered it . For as Satan can transforme himselfe into an Angell of light , and his Apostles into the Apostles of Christ : so 2 Cor. 11. 15 , 14. can Sinne , the seed of Satan , put vpon it selfe the counterfeit of vertue .

2 A Theefe will alter 2 By the name of Vertue put vpon Vices . his name , and by assuming the name of an honest man oftentimes escape away ; and after this manner also escapeth Sinne , Vice getting vpon it the name of Vertue . And so What Vices get the name of Vertues . Drunkennes escapeth vnder the name of good-fellowship ; Couetousnes vnder the name of Good-husbandry ; Filthy Ribaldry , vnder the name of Merriment ; Pride of apparell , vnder the name of Decency and Handsomnes ; bloudy Reuenge for wrongs offered , escapeth vnder the name of Valour . Foolish wastfulnes , vnder the name of a franke and liberall disposition ; Superstition vnder the name of Deuotion of Fore-Fathers and the old Religion . Remisnesse in punishing , vnder the name of Gentlenesse ; Flattery , vnder the name of Vnoffensiuenes ; Luke-warmnes in Religion , vnder the praise of Discretion ; and many such like foule Vices , do thus deceitfully hide themselues , and so escape vnattached .

If by these his shifts hee cannot escape Godly-iealousie , that constant pursuer , then will he seek to be holpen by his kindred and friends : for sin hath many , Friends of sin , and how they shew it . who will either so defend him , or excuse him , or deny him , or hide him , or make him so little in fault , as will almost perswade Godly-Iealousie , that it is euen needlesse so eagerly to pursue after him .

1 The first of these is 1. Ignorance , how a friend to sinne . his Grandsire-Ignorance ; for he knowes no sinne , he cannot reade the Hue and Cry : he breedeth sin , and bringeth him vp , and maketh no conscience of it : if sinne get into his house , he holds himself safe enough .

2 The second , his brother 2. Error , how a friend to sinne . Error , the sonne of Ignorance ; this fellow mistaketh all , and misconstrueth the whole Hue and Cry , and can finde no fault with sin , and so endeuoureth to send the pursuer another way .

3 The third is his Cousin 3. Opinion , how a friend to sin . Opinion , and this will hold the pursuer with a long and tedious disputation , questioning the Act , whether it bee a sinne or no ? And will endeuour by probabilities to make it no sinne , that so hee might make the pursuer to desist . Thus sinnes of profit and such as may preuent certaine dangers are disputed , Pro & Con , as men say . The sinne of Vsury by many is brought vnder Opinion , as lawfull some way .

So the Sinne of Idolatry , to goe and heare a Masse without inward reuerence , as it was disputed in Queene Maries daies , to preuent the eminent danger of death then ; Many sins euident enough are made disputable if they yeeld profit , or be delight-some to the flesh , or such as may helpe to keepe a mans person or state in safety ; for all these Opinion will be a Proctor .

4 The fourth is , one Master 4. Subtilty , how a friend to sin . Subtiltie , his wit being attended on by little Conscience of the truth . This man commeth with his distinctions to cleere an Act from sinne ; thus with his latria & doulia , he will haue Idolatry no Idolatry : so with his biting and not biting , and lending to the rich vpon Vse , but not to a needy brother , damned Vsurie must bee no Sinne. This Subtilty of wit with a chiuerell Conscience , maketh foule sinnes to passe along as no sinnes .

5 The fift is called 5. Custome , how a friend to sinne . Custome ; this old Syre , patronizeth many vaine and sinfull practices . By this Mat. 27. 18. 16. 21 , 26. the Iewes held it no sinne in them to demand , and in Pilate to let loose to them , a wicked Barrabas , one Ioh. 18. 39 , 40. worthy to die for insurrection and murther .

6 The sixt is a Popish fellow called Fore-fathers : 6. Fore-fathers . hee aduanceth his Ancestors and their worth , and thinketh so well of them , that to imitate them is no sinne . Thus the Samaritanes iustified their false Ioh. 4. 10. worship .

7 The seuenth is one Sir Power ; he maketh euer 7. Power , how a friend to sin . that warrantable , which Law establisheth , ordaineth and decreeth . Great and capitall sinnes in the Romish Synagogue are thus countenanced .

8 The eight is Sir Sampler , 8. Sampler , how a friend to sin . who produceth for patternes great mens and learned mens examples , as if they could not doe amisse : Ier. 44. 17. but whatsoeuer they doe or say , it must be good and lawfull , and therefore imitable without sinne .

9 The ninth is Sir Most-doe , who maintaineth 9. Most-doe , how a friend to sinne . sinne from a generall practice , because multitudes do it here , and there , and euery where ; & therefore no sinne to doe such a thing , which almost all , or the greatest part doe .

10 The tenth is one Sir Silly , 10. Silly , how a friend to sinne . one made all of good meaning , who will qualifie the fact by thinking no harme , or intending well . Thus would Saul haue iustified 1 Sam. 15. 15. his rebellion , and Abimelech excused his Gen. 20. 5. taking of Abrahams wife . And thus vaine persons excuse their wanton communication , lasciuious songs , foolish iestings , and such like , saying , they meane no harme , they only make themselues merry . Thus Sir Silly is hee that maketh simple soules plead good meaning for all their foolish superstitions , blind deuotions , and licentious merriments .

The eleuenth is Vaine-Hope : 11. Vaine-hope , how a friend to sinne . this teacheth to put off the fault to some other , as Adam to Euah , and Gen. 3. & 4. Euah to the Serpent , and to deny the fact , as Cain did , euen to God himselfe , hereby hoping to shift off sinne , and to escape punishment , who maketh God all of mercy .

The twelfth is the Lord Presumption : 12. Presumption , how a friend to sinne . hee feareth not iudgement , he blesseth himselfe in his euill waies , he maketh a couenant with Death , and a league with Deut. 29. Hell , and suffers sinne to be his daily guest , and will let the Hue and Crie passe Isa. 28. 15 , 16. along without any feare of perill , as nothing at all concerning him .

The thirteenth is Sir Wilfull , 13. Wilfull , how a friend to sin . hating to be reformed : this is an obstinate friend for sinne , who will wilfully defend it , and bee carelesse of all reproofes . This fellow in contempt will tread downe the Hue and Crie vnder his feet , and maintaine sinne .

The foureteenth is Sir St. like , 14. St. like , how a friend to sin . which vnder the shew and shadow of Piety , and pretended honesty , wil couer much iniquity , and hide it for a time , that it be not taken by the pursuer with the Hue and Cry ; such were the Hypocriticall Scribes and Pharises .

These great ones , and many other moe , are the friends of this Theefe and Rebell : but yet for all these Fauourites , Godly-Iealousie Godly-iealousie will not be deceiued by these espies him out , and his harbour , and presently goeth to a Iustice of Peace , to procure a warrant for the Constable to attach him , and all his Companions with him .

The Iustice is not one of a meane ranke , or any petty Iustice , but the very Lord chiefe Iustice of Heauen Lord chiefe Iustice . and earth , the Lord Iesus : for it is hee that can giue the warrant to attach sinne , no other warrant will sinne obey .

The Warrant is the Warrant , and he forme hereof . Power of Gods Word . The Forme of which warrant is , ( as you see in my Text ) to search out and attach sinne with all his Associates , and to bring him and them before Authoritie , to answer to such things as shall bee obiected against them , in his Maiestie the King of Heauens behalfe .

The procuring of this warrant , is by going vnto , and conferring with some of the Lord Chiefe Iustices Secretaries , Secretaries to the Lord chiefe Iustice . the Writers of holy Scripture , setting downe this charge , as Ieremie doth here , to search and try our waies .

This Warrant procured , Godly-Iealousie taketh and carrieth to an Officer which hath Authority to make search and attach sinne .

This Officer , without which sin neither can , nor The Officer to attach sin , is Vnderstanding . indeed will be attached , is Vnderstanding , who knoweth what sinne is .

Now as there bee foure sorts of Officers which may attach Felons by warrant , The Deputy-Constable , the Tithingman , The Petty Constable , and the Head Constable : so is the spirituall Vnderstanding fourefold . Officer fourefold .

1 The Deputy-Constable 1 Deputy-Constable . is commonly some Neighbour , intreated to performe the office in the others absence : this is the very shadow of a Constable , and will not willingly intermeddle in any thing : so as the people where hee dwels , may do , for all him , what they list .

This Deputie Constable in this spirituall Towneship , is the Vnderstanding Vnderstanding darkned . Eph. 4. 18. 1 Ioh. 2. 11. darkened , the sonne of Ignorance , and grand-childe of Blindnesse of heart : this is a blinde Constable , and hath neuer an eye to see with .

This suffers all disorder Eph. 4. 18 , 19. The euils vnder it committed . in the whole man or Soule-Towne-ship . Heere be such as bee alienated from the life of God , past feeling , giuen ouer to worke all vncleannes with greedinesse . All the affections are quite out of order , and no care taken for their reformation : for this foolish fellow imploieth himselfe about his grounds , cattell , sheepe and oxen , about buying and selling ; as for the estate of his soule , he is to it a very stranger : He knowes the price of corne , oxen , and sheepe ; but what is the excellencie of Vertue , what the euill of Vice , what the price of his soule , hee neither knowes , nor cares to know .

2 The Tithingman , 2 Tithing-man . which commonly is a meane fellow , and so contemptible , as few or none care for him . And therefore hereupon is very little or no reformation where hee hath his dwelling . If any amendment be sought , it is onely for some notorious shameful misdemeanours , and he must be much called vpon for this too , else no reformation thereof ; and as for many other offences , there is no care had at all .

This Tithing-man is Grosse-vnderstanding , like Grosse-vnderstanding , and the euill thereof . one purblinde , who cannot see a farre off , but only grosse transgressions forbidden 2 Pet. 1. 9. in the Law , according to the sound of the bare letter only ; as Theft , Murther , Adultery , and so forth . The spirituall meaning and large extent of the Commandement , hee is wholly ignorant of . This purblinde Tythingman suffers a number of disorders in his Towneship , and must be much vrged to see very grosse and foule misdemeanours ; else will hee not seeke to reforme them .

3. The Petty Constable , 3. Pettie Constable . which is some ciuill honest man of the Parish , and perhaps hath some Country learning , but yet is an one-eyed fellow , halfe-sighted , and so passeth by many faults .

This Pettie Constable is the Vnderstanding somewhat Vnderstanding somewhat cleered . cleered : hee hath an insight into the Morall Law , who by ciuill education , some Art and learning , & an outward forme of Religion , and reading in the Bible now and then , can speake of the Gospell Historically , and prettily discourse of Religion .

But this his knowledge is onely superficiall , for neither in the Common-Law , which is the Law Morall , neither in the Statute Law , the Law of the Gospell , or Law of Libertie , is he any professed Student . Hee is no Innes of Court man , neuer brought vp in the Inner Temple . He maketh neither the Common , nor Statute Law his profession .

As he is no Student in A meere ciuill honest man , who , and what a one . these , so he is no practitioner , but onely aimeth at ciuill behauiour , common honestie , and careth to be held onely a Christian at large , and to professe the Religion of the present State , without any more curious endeuour to proceede farther to finde out the power of Religion .

Therefore where this What he onely lookes vnto . kinde of vnderstanding dwelleth , there care is had onely to see to disorders against ciuill honesty and common Morall duties , and against courses apparantly dangerous to his outward estate ; and those things which may offend the most or the greatest sort amongst men . This halfe-sighted Constable , a superficiall fellow in diuine truth , aimeth at no more .

The sinnes immediately What sinnes he regards not . against GOD and against his Gospell , as vnbeleefe , impatience , pride , disdaine , enuy at other mens gifts , presumption of Gods mercie , abuse of his fauours , and many such , he taketh no notice of , but permitteth them to liue where he hath to do , without controule .

4 The Head or chiefe 4. Chiefe Constable . Constable is a man of a right and good vnderstanding , knowing his Office , and the duties thereto belonging , with care and conscience to discharge the same : for he is studious in both laws , and a good practitioner therein .

This Chiefe Constable Illuminated vnderstanding , and the excellency thereof . is Illuminated vnderstanding : this is one , that hath both his eyes to see with , of nature and of grace , hee is well read , both in the Common-Law , the Law-Morall , and the Statute-Law , the law of liberty , the Gospell of Christ , he hath been a long Practitioner in both , and is called the spirituall 1 Cor. 2. man , who can discerne and iudge of all things .

The place of his common His habitation is Regeneration . abode and dwelling , is in Regeneration , a very healthfull , comfortable & commodious habitation . Hee is no straggler , but loueth to keepe home , and to looke to his office .

Hee hath an excellent His Family . Family , his Wife is called Grace , his two sonnes , Will and Obedience ; his three daughters , Faith , Hope , and Charitie ; his two seruants , Humility and Selfe-deniall ; and his two maids , Temperance for his Summer-house of Prosperity , and Patience for his Winter-house of aduersitie .

This Chiefe Constable , The good he doth . where hee dwels , keepeth very good order , hee suffereth not the Rebell Sin to rule and swagger in the Towne ship of his soule .

If Drunkennes , as once in Noah , or Adulterie , as once in Dauid , or Pride of heart , as once in Hezekiah , or Enuie , as once in Mirriam , or such like happen to bee found where hee hath to doe , he speedily sendeth them packing . For though they may at vnawares perhaps creepe in , and bee found where hee dwelleth , in some Street of his Towne , yet they get there no abiding place : Though hee cannot euer and at all times preuent their creeping in , yet hee alwaies taketh care that they settle not themselues where hee hath to doe , but will dislodge them whersoeuer he shall finde them : for hee is very careful in his office , to discharge it to the vtmost .

This Chiefe Constable is hee to whom Godly-Ielousie bringeth his Warrant , to seeke out the Rebell Sinne and to attach him . This is that which apprehendeth sinne .

This Constable hauing receiued the warrant , presently addresseth himselfe to make the search . But for that sin is Master full ( especially euery * * Which hath intecedent , concomitant , & subsequent sinnes . capitall Sin , which is attended on by many other ) and will not easily submit , but dare make opposition against authority , till hee be ouer-mastered : therefore this man takes with him sufficient companie , to watch sinne for escaping , to goe very strongly to attach him , and to hold him when they haue him , so as neuer a friend may dare to side with him .

First , he taketh his owne ●ydants . Two Ser●ants . two seruants , Humility and Selfe-deniall , which euer in euery search necessarily attend him .

Then going together , 2. Neighbour . Godly-Sorrow , and his seuen Sonnes . hee calleth vpon his next neighbour , Godly-sorrow with his seuen sonnes , ready to beare them company , 2 Cor. 7. 11.

The first of these is Care 1. Care . to finde out sinne , that it may not be hid .

The second is Cleering , 2. Cleering . which , when hee espieth sinne , will not winke thereat , nor partake with it .

The third is Indignation , 3. Indignation . a fierce fellow , which can neuer looke vpon any sinne , but with a godly anger .

The fourth is Feare , not naturall or dastardly feare , 4. Feare . nor seruile feare , all too base-minded to attach sin ; but such a feare as maketh him to stand in awe of God , reiecting all fellowship with the wicked and partakers with sinne .

The fift is Vehement desire 5. Vehement desire . to apprehend sinne , to be in Gods fauour , in loue with the godly , and free from his own corruptions . This is a stirring fellow .

The sixth is Zeale , who 6. Zeale . dare seaze vpon euen the most Capitall Rebell , for hee is like to Phinees , ready to thrust him thorow , and to kill him wheresoeuer he findeth him .

The seuenth is Reuenge , 7. Reuenge . who answereth to his name ; for hee desireth to pay sinne home for the wrong hee hath done him , and would haue him proceeded against to the vttermost . This fellow Iustily layeth hold on sinne , and bindeth him at the Chiefe Constables command , to leade him away .

These are able to take prisoner the sturdiest Rogue , the stoutest Rebell , & strongest Theefe . What Sinne in the soule is it , which this Chiefe Constable with his men , his neighbour Godly sorrow , and his seuen Sonnes cannot ouer-master , and leade by Gods grace captiue , and make it the Kings Prisoner ?

As the Constable goeth with these his many neighbours , and with his own seruants , to the number of ten besides himselfe , A couple of busie fellowes . a couple of busie fellowes vncalled thrust in themselues to increase the number .

The one of these is Selfe-loue , a pestilent fellow : 1. Selfe-loue , what euill he doth . for he not onely can hinder the Constables diligence in taking paines to search , but in searching to be too partiall , and ouerrespectiue to himselfe , if the sinnes sought after be either pleasurable or profitable : but also withall , hee can dull the spirit of Godly-sorrow , and doe his seuen sonnes very great mischiefe , as by their confessions afterward it doth appeare .

Therefore when the Constable Vnderstanding espieth him , hee commandeth forth with his seruant Selfe-deniall to put him out of the company for hindering Selfe-deniall remoues him . the search .

The other is Selfe-conceit ; 2. Selfe-conceit , and the mischiefes therof . the former lewd companion disordereth all the affections ; this blindeth iudgement , by the ouerweening of a mans selfe , and will picke the Warrant out of the Constables pocket , and will blow out the candle-light which is in the Constables hand , if hee bee not preuented .

This wretched fellow of all wise men is held a foole : for The way of the Pro. 12. 5. & 3. 5 , 7. foole is wise in his owne eyes , and there is more hope of a foole than of him that is wise in his owne conceit ; and therefore are we dehorted from being wise in our owne eyes , or leaning to our owne wisdome ; and a woe Isai. 5. 21. is pronounced against such : yet is the foole a very dangerous foole , and a knaue too ; hee will so deceiue by flattery . Hee will make a man beleeue his waies to be cleere in his owne Prou. 16. 2 , 25. eyes , when the end thereof is death . Yea , can beguile a generation of men , and make Pro. 30. 12. them to thinke themselues pure in their owne eyes and sight , and yet are not washed from their filthinesse . Such as conceited foole was the Laodicean Angell . Reuel. 3.

The Constable therefore commandeth his man Humilitie , Humility puts him away . to thrust this foole and knaue out of their company , before they make search for sinne : for if these be suffered to goe along with the rest , labour is but lost , sinne will neuer bee found out and attached .

Now when the Constable hath rid away these two troublesome companions , ( for they vsually go together ) then hee goeth on to the place where hee knoweth that sinne hath taken vp his lodging .

The place is a Common The Inne Mistresse Hearts house . Inne , an Harlots house called Mistris Heart , a receptacle for all Villaines , Whores , and Theeues , and for all dishonest persons whatsoeuer , none denied house-roome or harbour there .

And that shee is such a dishonest woman , is cleere and euident , as in her arraignment shall be fully proued .

But to couer her naughtinesse as much as she may , shee hath gotten into her house one called Old-man , Old man . Eph● , ● . 22 , corrupted by her deceitfull lusts , to become her husband , when indeed she is his owne daughter ; and so liue they in incest together , and keepe rout and ryot night and day . If any honest Traueller ( a good and godly motion ) happen sometimes to fall in there vnawares , hee is straightway denyed entertainment . Her answer is by and by , that her lodgings are taken vp for other manner of men , there is no roome for any such troublesome guests as these be : none can bee merry for them where they come , hindering all good fellowship .

The house which this Harlotry dwelleth in , hath many in lets , Fiue doores Fiue doores . open for their guests to come in at . These fiue doores are the fiue senses .

The first is the doore of 1. The doore of Hearing . Hearing : the first that euer was open to let in sin , as wee may learne in the Serpents beginning to tempt Euah . Genes. 3.

At this doore entreth What euils enter by hearing . in Lying , slandering , backbiting , filthy Communication , Flattery , Swearing , Error , Heresie , False-doctrine , Tale-bearing , Blasphemie , and with these enter also ill Opinions of one another , vnchari table iudging , Ill-suspicion , rash credulity , and many other sinnes , caused and committed by the tongue , through want of wisdome and charity .

The second is the doore 2. The doore of Seeing . of Seeing , at this enter in the lusts of the eye ; Fornication , 1 Iohn 3. What sinnes enter by seeing . Adultery , Couetousnesse , Desire of Naboths Vineyard . The marriage of the Sonnes of God with the Daughters of men : Achans Genes. 6. Ios. 7. Theft , who saw a wedge of gold , and desired it , and tooke it : many are Psal. 119. 37. Iob 31. 1. the sinnes which enter in by this doore , through want of Chastity and Contentment .

The third is the doore of 3. The doore of Tasting . Tasting ; at this enter in Ryot , Gluttony , Drunkennesse , The sins which enter by this sense . Reuellings , and the fruits thereof , Chambering and Wantonnesse , Prodigality , Quarrelling , and Fighting ; and many other cursed effects of seeking Prou. 23. 2 , 20 , 21. to satisfie the appetite : 1 Cor. 5. 11. which the godly man auoideth , and also the very occasion thereof , by Sobriety and Temperance .

The fourth is the doore 4. The doore of Smelling . Prou. 7. 17. What entreth here . of Smelling ; at this enter in foolish Niceties , Perfumings , and other allurements to daliance , Effeminatenesse , and such like .

The fift is the doore of 5. The doore of Feeling . Rom. 13. 13. What entreth here . Feeling ; at this doore entreth Wantonnesse , Lasciuiousnesse , and other fruits of the flesh .

These be the doores by which all sinne ordinarily entereth into the Heart , except Originall sin bred within , and brought from the wombe ; as also Sarans immediate suggestions , suddenly cast into the Heart .

When sinnes enter in , Degrees to the heart . at any of these doores , They first come into the Hall , where attendeth Hall-attendant , Commonsense . Commonsense to welcome them .

Then they goe into a Parlour attendant , Fantasie . Parlour , a more inner roome , and there stayeth Fantasie to entertaine them .

After this , they ascend into an vpper Chamber , & Chamber . are there receiued of Intelligence , Intelligence . who presently acquainteth Mistrisse Heart , the Mistrisse of the house with it , which is in her Dyning-room , what are the Dyning-roome . company and number of her guests come in : For this Hostesse is a stately Dame , and is not to bee spoken with by and by . Thus as you haue heard , are her guests entertained and brought in vnto her .

With her are eleuen Daughters attending her Mistris Hearts Maids . as Maids , lewd Strumpets , and as impudent Harlots as her selfe .

These eleuen waiting-Maids , 11. Passions . are the eleuen passions of the Heart , corrupt , disorderly and immoderate wautons , which bee these .

The first is Loue , set all 1. Loue . on pleasures , profits , honours , and wholly vpon worldly and fleshly Vanities ; contrary to that in 1 Iohn 2. 15. Loue not the world , nor the things that are in the world .

The second is Hatred , 2. Hatred . which is contrary to Loue , setting it selfe against Gods Word , good men , & good things , a mischieuous maid euer setting one another at oddes , and disquieting often the whole house and the table of guests .

The third is Desire , neuer 3. Desire . content , but would haue sometimes this , and then that , now here , now there , neuer resting , neuer satisfied with either riches or honours , or varietie of pleasures .

The fourth is Detestation , 4. Detestation . contrarie to Desire , which loatheth and cannot endure good counsell , good companie , godly conference , much lesse reproofe or any opposition in her wayes .

The fift is Vaine-hope , 5. Vaine-hope . which possessing the heart , maketh it foolishly presumptuous .

The sixe is Despaire , contrary 6. Despaire . to Hope , which causeth acts against reason , against nature sometimes : as it did in Achitophel , in Saul , in Zimri , in Iudas , who killed themselues . It also maketh men runne into dissolute and rebellious courses , euen to walke wilfully Ier. 18. 12. on in euill , as being without hope .

The seuenth is Feare , 7. Feare . which passion doth so slauishly captiuate the mind , as it will make a man forget his dutie to God , so as he may escape danger with men , as it did Peter , and Pilate : and is euer a false friend in aduersitie .

The eighth is Audacity , 8. Audacity . contrary to Feare , which maketh a man foole-hardy , without deliberation to thrust himselfe into imminent dangers , as it did the Israelites . Numb. 14. 40.

The ninth is Ioy , which cheereth a man when hee 9. Ioy . hath that which he delighteth in , be it neuer so ill , as it did the inhabitants of the earth at the destruction of the two Prophets . Reu. 11. 10.

The tenth is Sorrow , contrarie 10. Sorrow . to Ioy , which afflicteth the soule , causing weeping and wailing , lamentation and mourning , often with an out-cry , as in the land of Aegypt . Exod. 12. 30.

The eleuenth is Anger , 11. Anger . which commeth vpon a man , not onely for apparent iniury , as on Dauid 1 Saw . 25. against Nabal , but vpon imagined wrongs , as on Haman against Mordecai , Hest. 3. 5. Naaman against Elisha , 2 King . 5. 13. 1 King . 22. and Ahab against Micaiah .

There is no passion contrarie to this : for though quietnesse be contrarie to Anger , yet it s no passion : therefore they are but eleuen , as Thomas Aquinas In his Summes . reckons them .

Besides these attending very diligently on Mistris Heart , she hath a man-seruant Mistris Hearts Man seruant . called Will .

This Will hath three at Will is made the seruant to all . command vnder him , the Feet , the Hand , the Tongue , like the Hostler , Tapster , and Chamberlaine . All these are at Mistris Hearts and her Maids commands .

If Loue in a Maid affect Loue . a young man , though all her friends bee against it : yet marke how shee sets Will on worke for her . I Will haue him ( saith shee ) though I neuer haue good day with him . Will here must make the match against all gaine-saying . Iudah Genes. 38. 16. he lusted after one hee saw in the way ( not knowing it to be Tamar : ) Will must here make the filthie bargaine . What , saith she , wilt thou giue mee ? I Will ( saith he ) giue thee a Kid.

As Loue sets Will a worke , so doth Hatred , as Hatred . we may see in Esau , I Will Gen. 27. 41. kill my Brother Iacob . So doth Desire , as in Adoniah , 1 Kings 1. 5. who said , I Will be King . In Gehezi , greedy of gaine , 2 Kings 5. 20. I Will run after him : Will heere made the feet to runne , the tongue to speake , the hands to receiue . So in Iudas , to betray Matth. 26. 15. Christ , Will must doe it . What Will you giue mee , and I Will deliuer him into your hands ? Thus to these and all other Passions , this Will is made a packe-horse , a slaue , and without him they can doe nothing . Will is the man that must euer doe the deed for euery Passion , though they bee contrarie one to another : miserable is his seruice , that must bee commanded by so many Mistresses , and so disagreeing among themselues one from another .

When the Heart hath entertained her guests thus as you haue heard , The hearts prouision for sinnes . and receiued them into her Dyning-roome , prouision is presently made for them , yea shee hath it euer ready for them , as neuer being without many guests .

The Table is spred , Table , Instability . which all must sit at , and this Table is Instabilitie : for inconstant are the thoughts of the whorish Heart .

The Table therefore is not square , but round , turning about both for more company , and also that her guests may take their places euery one of them as they come without discontent .

For albeit there bee degrees and differences of sinnes , yet to her they are alike welcome , one as well as another : although some at one time sit neerer to her than at another , as guests doe that sit at such a round Table .

The Table-cloth that Table-cloth , Vanity . couereth it is Vanity : for vpon Instabilitie with such vicious guests , what can there be but Vanitie ? This Salomon found in all his Inuentions , Eccles. 1.

The Bread set on the Bread . Table , is the Fitnesse of euery Sins proper obiect , without which , sinne Actuall can no more liue than a man without bread .

The Salt which seasoneth Salt . sinnes appetite to feed it selfe is Opportunitie , for time , for place , for person ; this sharpneth sinne to bee working , as the appetite to receiue food , when it is well seasoned .

The Trenchers to eat Trenchers . on , are Strength of euery mans Nature to act Sinne.

The Napkins to make Napkins . cleane their hands and mouth in eating , are the pretended shewes of Vertue , contrary to these Vices , by some good workes ( so they wipe their mouthes , as the Harlot in the Prouerbs ) and by some good deed of either one kinde or other outwardly done : and thus they wipe cleane their singers , and will not bee thought to be the vncleane persons which they are taken for .

The Dishes of Meat set before them , are onely Dishes of meat three .

The first is the Lusts of 1 Is the lusts of the Flesh . the Flesh , and this is serued vp in the Plate of Pleasure .

Of this Dish feedeth Who eats of this . heartily Adultery , Fornication , Incests , and all other of the like nature .

The second Dish is Lust 2 Lusts of the Eies . of the eyes , and this is serued vp in the Platter of Profit .

Hereon feedeth Couetousnesse , Who feeds on this . Vsurie , Oppression , Briberie , Extortion , Vnhonest gaine , and such like . Of one of these two Dishes doeall sinnes taste , except the sinne of Swearing , in which is lewd prophanenesse of Heart , but neither pleasure nor profit as in other sinnes : though by swearing vngodly men sometimes in buying and selling make gaine vniustly .

The third Dish is Pride of life , and this is serued 3 Is the pride of life . vp in the Charger of worldly Estimation . This is a very windy meat , which puffeth vp the minde with vaine-glory of an empty title of some honour , as a bladder is with winde , and yet is very costly feeding .

On this Dish feedeth Who feeds on 〈◊〉 . Arrogancie , Pride of spirit , Loue of Eminencie , Desire of Superiority , and Outward Reuerence , and such like , for which they are made to pay well .

The Drinke which they drinke to make them digest Drinke . their meat , is the Pleasurablenesse of sinne for the present .

The Waiters at this Table to giue attendance that Waiters . nothing bee wanting , are the eleuen Maids , with Will their man .

These Harlots humour How Mistresse Hearts Maidens humour their guests , their guests , and are ready at a becke to giue contentment .

Where Incontinencie sits , there Wanton-Loue will wait .

Where Displeasure is , there Hatred will attend .

Where Couetousnesse is , there vnsatiable Desire will bee .

Where Flattery , that base-humoring disposition to get grace and fauour sitteth , there Feare to offend will stand by .

Where Impatience takes his place , there Anger is ready waiting to doe his will .

Where Inconsideratenesse sits , there Audacitie and Foole-hardinesse will wait .

Where sullen Male-contentednesse sits , there Despaire will soone giue attendance .

Where Iouialitie taketh his place , there Ioy will bid him welcome .

Where Credulitie sits , there Vaine-hope will be .

And thus they attend vpon the Table , to giue their guests all content to the vtmost .

After full feeding followes Taking away , vexation of spirit . the taking away of these Dishes of Pleasure , Profit and Honour .

Now where Vanity was the Table-cloth , what can the taking away bee , but Vexation of spirit , as Salomon speakes ? for it is with Eccl. 2. 11. these , as with guests in an Inne , all merrie and pleasant while they bee eating and drinking , till the Chamberlaine commeth to take away , and giueth them a round reckoning , and then they take to their purses with almost a deepe silence : so vnpleasing is payment on a sudden .

After Supper , Mistresse Heart prouideth them their Lodging .

The place they lye in , is Lodging . but one roome for all their Guests , but it is large enough for all : the roome is Naturall corruption . Naturall corruption .

In this roome lyeth Mistresse Heart , all her Maids , her man Will , and all her guests together , like wilde Irish .

With these eleuen Harlots lye these guests in so many seuerall beds . Seuerall Beds .

1 In the Bed of Loue , lie Wanton thoughts , Lasciuiousnesse , Loues Bedfellowes . filthy Communication , Fornication , Adultery , Whoredome , and other sinfull vncleannesses .

2 In the Bed of Hatred , doe lye Mindfulnesse of Hatreds Bedfellowes . Wrongs , Ill speaking , Back-biting , Slandering , Railing , Quarrelling , Fighting , Reuenge , Murther , and such like .

3 In the Bed of Desire , Desires Bedfellowes . doe lye , Couetousnesse , Theft , Oppression , Robberie , Fraud , Coozenage , and such like .

4 In the Bed of Detestation , Detestations Bedfellowes . lye want of Charitie , dis-union of Spirits , Discord , plotting of Destruction , and such like .

5 In the Bed of Vaine-hope , Vaine hopes Bedfellowes . lye violent assaies , to effect what they hope for : sometimes neglect of lawfull meanes , presumption of mercy , abuse of Gods fauour , and prophanenesse .

6 In the Bed of Despaire , Despaires Bedfellowes . lyeth Male-contentednesse , Vnbeleefe , seruile Feare , and such like .

7 In the Bed of Feare Feares Bedfellowes . doe lye Cowardlinesse , Flatterie , Faint heartednesse , Hypocrisie and Dissimulation .

8 In the Bed of Audacitie Audacities Bedfellowes . lye these , Headinesse , Rashnesse , Daring , Desperate attempts , & such like .

9 In the Bed of Anger doe lye , Impatiencie , Rayling , Angers Bedfellowes . Back-biting , Quarrellings Murther , and such like .

10 In the Bed of Ioy lye Ioyes Bedfellowes . Wanton delights , Foolish iesting , Leuity , and a world of Vanity .

11 In the Bed of Sorrow lye worldly griese , vnquietnes , Sorrowes Bedfellowes . murmuring , discontentednesse , and such like .

Thus are these lodged in Mistresse Hearts Chamber , and there shee lyeth also with the Old-man , and Will her man .

The Bed which they lye The Bed is Impenitency . vpon is Impenitencie , and the Couerings are Hardnesse The two Couerings . of Heart , and Carnall Securitie , in which they lye snorting carelesly , till the Chiefe Constable come vpon them , and attach them all one after another , the greater villaines , and the lesser Theeues , not sparing any : He feareth not to attach the Capitall , neither passeth hee by any of their meanest associates .

The attaching of sinne What the attaching of Sinne is . is nothing eise but the Apprehension of Gods wrath , striking vs with feare , through the terrour of the Law , and our guiltinesse of the breach thereof .

For in this spirituall attaching , it is as in the attaching of Felons , who knowing themselues guilty of the breach of the Lawes , are strucken with feare , in their apprehension of death , which they know they cannot escape .

These Theeues thus apprehended , the Constable carrieth them to the next Iustice , by authority of his Warrant .

The Iustice is Wel-informed Iustice is Wel-informed iudgment . Iudgement , able to examine euery Malefactor , that is , euery Sin , brought before him .

A Iustice of Peace must What a one a Iustice should be . bee a man of wisdome and experience : so this spirituall Iustice must bee a Iudgement well-informed in wisdome and discretion , wisely to proceed against Sinne.

It is meet that a Iustice be learned in the lawes , to know how to proceed legally : so must this spirituall Iustice bee learned both in the Law and Gospell , to know what sins are committed against either of them , and thereafter to proceed .

A Iustice is commonly to bee one in that Country where he is an Inhabitant : so this Iustice must be euerie mans Well-informed Iudgement within himselfe , not another mans : for it is not another mans Iudgement , that can sit downe in his soule , to try and examine his heart and waies , but his owne Iudgement . For who knoweth what is in a man , sauing the 1 Cor. 2. 11. spirit of a man which is in him ?

The Iustices Office is to What his Office is . preserue Peace , and to see the lawes obserued , and to see to the suppressing of all disorders , routs , ryots , robberies & conspiracies : also to take order for all Vagabonds , stout and sturdie Beggers ; yea , to see the reformation of all vnlawfull gaming , and euery misdemeanour whatsoeuer , by Law prohibited ; contrarie to the Peace of our Soueraigne Lord the King , and the quiet of the Weale-publike ; so this spirituall What well informed Iudgement is to doe . Iustice , his Office is to see Peace kept betweene God and himselfe ; to see the Lawes of God obserued , and to see all disorders in his soule , as vagrant thoughts , sturdy resolutions , riotous behauiour , euery misdemeanour , in thought , word , and deed , forbidden by Gods Law , contrary to the Peace of a good Conscience , and the quiet of the soule ; contrarie to the dignities of a Christian , and the honour of our Soueraigne Lord the King , CHRIST IESVS .

When a Malefactor is brought before a Iustice , How to deale with a Malefactor . the Iustice is first to examine him , then to set it downe , then to bind some ouer to prosecute against the Felon at the Assises , and lastly , in the meane space to send him to the Goale , if hee be not baileable .

1 Hee is ( as is said ) 1. Examine . to examine the party apprehended and brought before him , and to demand his name , then to enquire after the fact and the nature of it , with the occasions , causes and degrees , with the associates , euident signes , the fruits and effects thereof ; so this spirituall Iustice is to examine sinne . Examine Sin in 8. things .

1 To know the name 1 Name and nature . and nature thereof , and to what Commandement it belongeth , so that he may consider what Statute of God is broken .

2 What were the Occasions 2 Occasions . offered , as Dauid , by looking out , saw Bathsheba washing her selfe .

3 What were the Causes 3 Causes . mouing thereto , as Enuie in the Iewes to put Christ to death , and in Cain to kill Abel .

4 What are the seuerall 4 Kinds . Sorts vnder one and the same Capitall Sinne : as vnder Theft , Couetousnesse and Coozenage ; vnder Adultery , Fornication , Selfe-pollution , &c.

5. What be the Degrees 5. Degrees . in the same Sinne ; as in stealing , not from the rich , but from the poore ; not from a stranger , but from a Christian brother , from Father and Mother : So committing vncleannesse , not onely with one of no kinne , but with one nigh in bloud : in killing not an vnknowne person , but against nature , his Father , Mother , his Wife , his Childe , himselfe . 6. Concomitance .

6. What sinnes accompanied the same : as the making of Vriah drunke , and the murthering of him , accompanied Dauids adulterie .

7. What are the Signes 7. Signes . thereof , as the rouling eye , filthy speech , and wanton dalliance , are signes of adulterie : all such ornaments and vanities of which Esay speaketh , are ensignes of Pride .

8. What Fruits and 8. Fruits . effects did follow thereupon : as from Will-worship and Idolatrie commeth ignorance of God : from this libertie to sinne ; from this obstinacie ; from this contempt of Gods true worship , and sincere professours thereof ; and from this at last comes bloudie persecution .

2. In Examining , the 2. Write the Examination . Iustice is to set downe the Examination and Confession of the partie : so this spirituall Iustice , after hee hath thus examined his waies , he is to set it downe : This is a Serious consideration of all his sinnes and offences , and such a remembrance of them , as may make a man to forsake them , and to turne his feet vnto Gods Statutes , as Dauid did . The Examination Psal. 119. 56. without this , will bee in effect as nothing : this must not therefore bee at any hand omitted .

3 The Iustice is to 3. Bind ouer . binde some ouer to prosecute against the Felon , at the next Assises and Gaole deliuery : so doth this spirituall Iustice binde ouer True Repentance to follow the Law , and to giue euidence True Repentance followes Sinne to the death . against this Felon , Sinne ; which he is very ready to doe ; for it cannot be , ( if a mans iudgement bee Well-informed vpon serious examination with a carefull and considerate remembrance of all his sinnes ) but that hee must needs perforce bee made to sorrow for them , and vpon true repentance , pursue them to the death with a deadly hatred .

4 The Iustice finding 4. The Mittimus . the offender not bay leable by Law , hee maketh his Mittimus to send him to the Gaole , there to bee in durance to the next Assises : so this spirituall Iustice doth : for hee knowes by the Law of God , that the Rom. 6. 23. reward of sinne ( of what kinde or degree soeuer , Genes. 2. 17. greater or lesse , though but in thought ) is not baileable by any man . No Ezek. 18. 20. Deut. 17. Gal. 3. man is able to answer God for the least deuiation from Gods Law , for if hee continue not in all things which God commandeth , he is accursed .

Therefore none being sufficient to lay in baile to answer God for the sinne , nor sinne in itselfe Psal. 49. 7 , 8. baileable , hee maketh his Mittimus , and deliuereth it into the Constables hand , to carrie him to the Gaole .

The Constable , you haue heard , is Illuminated Vnderstanding .

The Mittimus giuen Mittimus . him , is the actiue power of the Well-reformed Iudgement , forcing the exercise of the Vnderstanding against sinne , to finde out remedies to keepe it vnder .

The Chiefe Gaoler is Chiefe Gaoler , Master New-man . Master Newman , placed ouer the prisoners , and made the Gaole-keeper by the Sheriffe ; for the prison is his , and hee is to answer Eph. 4. 24. the King for them .

The Sheriffe is True Religion Sheriffe is True Religion . wrought in mans soule .

The Vnder-Sheriffe is an Vnder-Sheriffe , Holy-Resolution . Holy Resolution to performe what the Sheriffe commandeth , and what he is by his Office to doe .

If any Prisoner , Sinne , breake out , the Sheriffe , Religion , must beare the blame , saying , This is your Religion , is it ?

The Gaole is Subiection : Gaole is subiection . for , saith the Apostle , ( as if he were the Gaoler ) I keepe vnder : here is the keeper : my body ; heere is the prisoner : and bring it in Subiection ; heere is the prison . When sin is brought vnder subiection , that it doth no more reigne , ( as it doth in all naturall men , but not in the regenerate ) then it is put in prison , but not before .

Now the Chiefe Gaoler , Master Newman , hath with him three Vnder-Gaolers 3. Vnder-Gaolers . to looke well to the Prisoners , and all little enough , they bee so many and so exorbitantly vnruly , ready to breake prison daily , if they bee not diligently seene vnto .

This Master Newmans three Vnder-Gaolers are his Hands , his Eyes , and his Feet , without which hee can doe nothing , and they are these which are named by Saint Paul in his Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 10. Epistles .

1 Is Sauing Knowledge . 1 Knowledge , what prisoners he lookes vnto . This lookes to these sorts of Prisoners : Ignorance especially wilfull , Error , Vaine opinions , Iangling Sophistrie , false Doctrine , Col. 3. 10. Heresies , Doctrine of deuils , and such like . 2 Holinesse , what prisoners he seeth to . Ephes. 4. 24.

2 Is True Holines : he looketh to all the transgressors of the first Table : as to Atheisme , Paganisme , Iudaisme , Turcisme , vnbeleefe , desperation , presumption , confidence in strength , riches , places , policy , and multitude : so also to Will-worship , Imagery , meere outward seruice without the inward , Papistry , and all corruptions of GODS Worship : likewise to Blasphemy , rash swearing , false swearing , cursing , idle talke of God , contempt of his Word and Workes , a Vicious life . Lastly , to Sabbath-breaking , neglect of publike worship , prophanenesse , persecution of the truth , and to an infinite number of other sinnes against God & true holines .

3 Is Righteousnesse : 3 Righteousnes , what prisoners he takes care of . this lookes to all the sinnes against the second Table ; as to rebellion , disobedience , murder , malice , adultery , fornication , theft , and coozenage , to false-witnesse-bearing , to backbiting , to discontentment , and to all other transgressions , many and manifold , comprehended vnder , these Commandements .

Now because these prisoners Sinnes be vnruly . be vnruly , if there bee not a strict hand kept ouer them : therefore lest they should at vnawares breake forth , to the danger of the Sheriffe Religion , the Gaoler Master New-man hath Fetters , Gieues , Bolts and Manacles to hold them in , and to haue them at command :

And they are these : Respect vnto the Commandements Spirituall Bolts and Fetters . of God in all our waies : Holy Meditations ; lawfull Vowes , Religious Fasting , seruent Prayer , and conscionable Practice of our Christian duties to God and man . All these are strong chaines and linkes , to keepe vnder and to fetter the body of sinne , and all the fruits thereof , and to hold them in subiection , to keep the whole man in Obedience vnto God , when they bee fastned and knocked on by Gods Word an hammer . the Hammer of GODS Word , and the effectuall Ier. 23. 29. power thereof .

But it is not enough thus to imprison them , and to see them bolted and thus fettered , but also for him to see the Prison bee Prison to bee seene to . strong : for the Prisons of the best Keepers that euer were , haue beene broken : Drunkennesse brake out from Noah , rash and vnaduised speeches from Moses , Idolatrie from Salomon , Adultery from Dauid , cursing and false-swearing from Peter .

Therefore the Gaoler , Master Newman , must looke daily to the Prisoners , and to see the Prison house sure ; and to do this , Doores of t●● Prison to be fast locked with seuerall keyes .

1 Hee must see the doores , which are his senses , to be shut , and to haue a care to locke vp Taste ( that Drunkennesse and Gluttony breake not out ) with the key of Moderation in eating and drinking . To locke vp Hearing ( that Credulity breake not out ) with the key of Trying before we trust . To locke vp Seeing ( that Vncleannesse breake not out ) with the key of Continencie ; and to barre this doore fast also with Contentation , that Couetousnesse breake not forth .

2 In the next place hee must take heede that no lewd Companions lurke Lewd Companions . about the prison house , either by day or by night , lest they cast in Fyles , to file off the bolts ; or picklockes to open the doores , to let the Prisoners escape .

These lewd Companions are the Deuill , the wicked , and our owne Corrupted Reason . Their files and Files and picklocks . picklookes are Suggestions from Satan , euill counsell from Men , Worldly , and fleshly Arguments of our owne inuentions , to make no conscience of sinne , but to file off all those bolts , and to open the doores of Senses , that sin may breake loose , and get out of subiection , to the Gaolers ouerthrow and vtter vndoing , if diligent watch be not kept .

3 Hee must see to the Walls of the Prison , that Walls , whereof built . they be strongly built with good stones cemented together . These are Morall Vertues , and Euangelicall Graces , by which , as by Walls , our Sinnes and our naturall Corruptions are kept in . Though Master Newman locke and barre the doores , yet if the Walls bee weake , the Prisoners may get out .

4 And lastly ; hee must Foundation of subiection . Rom. 6. looke well to the Foundation of the house , that it be not vndermined . The true Foundation of Subiection of Sinne , is the Power of the death of Christ , and of his Resurrection , into whom by Faith , through the Operation of his Spirit , by the Word , wee are engrafted .

This must not be vndermined by the Popish Doctrine of Free-will , and Abilities of our selues to ouer-master Sinne.

All these things well and diligently looked vnto , the Prisoners will bee kept safe in the Gaole vnder Master Newman , vntill the time of the Assises .

And thus much for the first part of my Text , the Searching , the Attaching , and Imprisoning of Sinne. The other part , which is the Tryall , followeth .

THE SECOND PART .

AT the time of Assises , the time of triall . Assises by the Kings appointment , commeth the Iudge , attended on by the Sheriffe , the Iustices of the Peace , and such as necessarily are to be there , for the dispatch of such businesses as come to be tryed and adiudged .

The Iudge comming in place , he hath his Seat or Bench , and being set , the Commission is read .

The Iudge is a Iudge of Oyer and Terminere in the Circuit where he is appointed to sit . The Iudgement heere is absolute , without any appeale from his Sentence .

The Iudge spiritually vnderstood , attended vpon by Religion the Sheriffe , and the Vnder Sheriffe Resolution , is Conscience .

From this Iudgement is no Appeale , for he is in Iudge is Conscience . GODS stead , therefore must his Sentence stand , and wee must submit to it .

The Seat or Bench on Bench is Impartiality . which this Iudge sitteth , is Impartialitie ; for Conscience well-informed , will iudge in Righteousnesse and Truth , without all partiality , without respect of any person . He regardeth not the rich and mighty , no Bribe can blinde him , neither doth hee pitty the person of the poore , to giue for pity an vniust Sentence ; but as the truth is , so speaketh he .

The Commission is the Commission , actiue power of Conscience . Actiue power of Conscience , giuen of God by his Word , to condemne the nocent , or to quit the innocent , except this Commission be lost . Commission lost , is the dead , seared , or benummednesse of Conscience .

Sometimes it is lost , as when conscience is dead , as in all ignorant persons , or seared with an hot iron , as some mens haue beene and are ; such as fall from the faith and are past feeling , 1 Tim. 42. Eph. 4. 19. by reason of the blindnesse of minde , and hardnesse of heart : or else benummed , as in those that fall into some grieuous sin , as did DAVID , who lay therein , vntill Nathan found the Commission , and acquainted him with it , when he said , Thou art 2 Sam. 12. 7. the man .

If the Commission bee lost , the Power of Conscience lyeth dead , seared and benummed , then the Iudge can doe nothing till it bee found : and being found , it is read openly .

The reading of this Reading the Commission . Commission before the whole Countie , is Euery mans experimentall Knowledge of the power of Conscience , by which is acknowledged his Authoritie , to sit as Iudge ouer euery thought , word and deed of man .

The Circuit of this Circuit , in which Conscience sits and iudgeth . Iudge is his Owne Soule , he is not to sit and iudge of other mens thoughts , words or deeds , but of the thoughts , words , and deeds of that man , wherein hee is . A mans owne Conscience is Iudge of himselfe ; to iudge another is out of his Circuit , neither hath he any Authoritie from the King of Heauen , to inable him so to doe , Knowledge may goe out to see and discerne of other mens wayes , but Conscience keepeth euer at home , and sits within to iudge of that mans courses , whose Conscience hee is . Conscience onely troubles a man for his own sinnes , it cannot for another mans , but as farre forth as hee hath made them his owne , and being accessarie to them by commanding , Accessaries to sinne . alluring , counselling , commending , excusing , defending , or winking thereat , when hee ought by his place to haue punished the same .

This Iudge in this Circuit is Iudge of Oyer and Oyer and Terminere . Terminere ; Hee will heare before hee doth iudge , and hee will truly then iudge as hee heareth ; for as hee is impartiall in iudging , so is he prudent and carefull to know what and whereof to giue sentence , before he doth iudge . This is the Iudge .

The Iustices of Peace in Iustices of Peace . the Countie are there , and doe sit with the Iudge , and are in Commission with him . Of these some are of the Quorum , and of better ranke , some are meaner Iustices , and take their place lower .

The Iustices of Peace Iustices of the Quorum . in the Soule of better ranke , are Science , Prudence , Prouidence , Sapience : the Inferiours are weake Wit , common Apprehension , and some such like .

These Iustices haue their The Iustices Clerkes . Clerkes , there ready with their Examinations and Recognizances . Iustice Science , his Clerke is Discourse : Iustice Prudence , his Clerke is Circumspection : Iustice Prouidence , his Clerke is Diligence : Iustice Sapience , his Clerke is Exporience : Iustice Weak-wit , his Clerk is Conceit : and Iustice Common-Apprehension , his Clerk is onely Sense ; a couple of poore Iustices .

With the Iudge and Chiefe Iustices are in Commission , the Kings Sergeant , and the Kings Atturney .

The Kings Sergeant is K. Sergeant . Diuine Reason , a man of deepe iudgement in the Lawes of his Soueraigne , swaying much with the Iudge .

The Kings Atturney is K. Atturney . Quick-sightednesse : both are excellent helpes and Assistants to search out , and to handle a Cause before Iudge Conscience .

For Quicke-sightednesse will soone espy an error in pleading , and Diuine Reason will inforce a iust conclusion , and so moue the Iudge to giue sentence according to equitie and right . If these should bee wanting , many matters would goe amisse .

There is also the Clerke Clerke of Assises . of the Assises , the keeper of the Writs , that hath all the Inditements .

This Clerke is Memory , Memory . which retaineth all those names of euery sinne , with the nature of the Offence : and what God hath in his word written against them , and what complaints Repentance hath made against them .

Besides this Clerke , there is the Clerke of the Clerke of Arraignment . Arraignment , who readeth the Inditements .

This Clerk is the Tongue , Tongue . making Confession of our sinnes .

Lastly , there is the Cryer . Cryer .

This is the Manifestation of the Spirit .

Before the Clerke of the Arraignment readeth any Inditement , it is first framed by the Complainant . Complainant .

This Complainant is true Repentance or godly Sorrow . Repentance .

The framing of the Inditement Framing of the Inditement . is the laying open of sinne , as it may be knowne and found out to be sinne , according to the true nature thereof .

Moreouer , an Inquest , or Grand-Iury there must bee , Grand-Iury . by whose Verdict the Offender is indited , & made a lawfull Prisoner ; yet is this Indirement no conuiction . What these agree vpon , is deliuered vp in writing to the Iustices . On the backe of this Inditement , framed by the complainant , they write either Ignoramus , or Billa vera .

If the former , then the complaint is iudged false ; Ignoramus . it is left in record , but the Prisoner is not indited .

If the latter , the prisoner is indited , the Inditement Billavera . read , and the prisoner brought to the triall at the Barre .

This Grand-Inquest or Penmen of Scriptures are the Grand . iury . Iurie , are the Holy men of God , whose writings are the Holy Scriptures in the Old and new Testament .

By the Verdict of these , euery thought , word and deed of man , is either freed , or made a lawfull prisoner .

But yet this Verdict is no lawfull conuiction of particular men , till they be rightly applyed .

If they write vpon the What Gods Word makes not sinne , is no Sinne. Inditement or Bill framed , Ignoramus ; that is , if the holy Scriptures of God declare it not to bee a Sinne , it is no finne : for Where there is no Law , there is no Rom. 4. 15. transgression . Not the complaints of all vnder Heauen , not all the Lawes of men , Decrees of Councells , the Commandements of Popes , can make that a sinne , which they write Ignoramus vpon .

Therefore the Bills of Inditement framed by False informers what they be . those false Informers before mentioned , Formality , Worldly wisdome , Lukewarmnesse , Meere ciuill honesty , Machiauilian Statisme , Libertinisme , Scrupulosity , & Papistry , against Christian Conference , godly Sinceritie , true Zeale , strict Conuersation , Reformation of disorders , and the rest , are false accusers , and haue vpon their complaints , written by the Graund-Inquest , an Ignoramus , and therefore by these worthy Iustices , Iustice Science , Iustice Prudence , Iustice Prouidence , and Iustice Sapience , are not to bee admitted , nor Iudge Censcience to bee troubled therewith , though all the Popes , the whole Popish Church , all Popish Counsels , and all the Popishly-affected Statists in the world pleade for them , for that thought , word , or deed is no sinne , no Breach of Gods Law , on which these write Ignoramus ; Conscience ( as is said ) is not to bee troubled with such Bils of complaint .

But if these write Billa vera , that is , if the holy Pen-men haue set downe That which is condemned by God , cannot be dispensed with by man . any thought , word , or deed for a sinne , not all the Popes Dispensations and Pardons , not all the subtill Distinctions of the most learned , no custome , nor any thing else whatsoeuer , can acquit it from Sinne , but sinue it is , and so must it be taken as a lawfull prisoner , to bee brought to the Barre , and indited , and put vpon the Iurie of Life and Death .

The Bill being found true , then they proceed vnto the Arraignment .

The Prisoners are brought forth chained together , and set to the barre before the Iudge .

The Prisoners are Sins , Prisoners Sinnes . ( as you haue heard before ) the Old-man , with Mistris Heart , her Maids , and Will her man .

Their Bringing forth is Bringing forth . the Manifestation thereof by the Gaoler , M. Newman , Knowledge , Holinesse and Righteousnesse .

They are chained ; for Chained . sinnes are linked together , as Adultery and Murther in Dauid ; Pride with Hatred of Mordecai in Haman ; Couetousnesse and Treason in Iudas ; Couetousnesse , Hypocrisie and Lying in Ananias and Saphira ; yea the breach of all the Commandements in the fall of Adam and Euah . They therfore are brought out chained together .

The Barre is the Apprehension The Barre . of Gods wrath due for sinne .

After all this , when the Prisoner standeth at the Barre , a Iurie for life and death is impannelled , who are for the King , and are sworne to giue in a true Verdict , according to their Euidence .

This Iurie is a chosen Companie of excellent Petty-Iurie . Vertues , the fruits of the Spirit , deliuered in by the Sheriffe Religion to be called , and to bee of this Iurie in the behalfe of the Kings Maiestie , IESVS CHRIST , to goe vpon the prisoners , the Fruits of the Flesh , which stand at the Barre .

Their names being giuen vp , they are called , as the Clerke of the Arraignment , the Tongue , nameth them ; then the Cryer , Manifestation of the Spirit , calleth Iurie called by name . them one by one to appeare , as the Clerke names them ; and they are these .

1. Call Faith . Cryer . Vous aues Faith , which purgeth Acts 15. 9. the Heart .

2. Call Loue of God . Cryer . Vous aues Loue of 1 Iohn 5. 3. God , which is the keeping of the Commandements .

3. Call Feare of God . Cryer . Vous aues Feare of Prou. 1. 7. God , which is the beginning of wisdome .

4. Call Charity . Cryer . Vous aues Charity , which 1 Cor. 6. 13. reioyceth in the Truth .

5. Call Sincerity , Cryer . Vous aues Sincerity , which makes a true Israelite , Iohn 1. 47. in whom there is no guile .

6. Call Vnity . Cryer . Vous aues Vnity , which maketh men to be of one heart , and Acts 1. 14. and 2. 1. Ephes. 4. 3. is the bond of Peace .

7. Call Patience . Cryer . Vous aues Patience , which worketh experience , and by which men possesse Rom. 5. 4. Luke 21. 19. their soules .

8. Call Innocencie . Cryer . Vous aues Innocencie , which keepeth harmelesse .

9. Call Chastity . Cryer . Vous aues Chastity , which keepeth vndesiled .

10. Call Equity . Cryer . Vous aues Equitie , which doth right to euery man .

11. Call Verity . Cryer . Vous aues Verity , which euer speaketh truth .

12. Call Contentation . Cryer . Vous aues Contentation , which euer rests satisfied .

Then the Clerke saith Countes .

And so the Cryer saith to them , Answer to your names .

Then the Clerke nameth them , and the Cryer telleth or counteth them .

Faith , one . Loue of God , two . Feare of God , three . Charitie , foure . Sincerity , fiue . Vnitie , six . Patience , seuen . Innocencie , eight . Chastitie , nine . Equitie , ten . Veritie , eleuen . Contentation , twelue .

Then the Cryer saith , Good men and true , stand together , and heare your charge .

With all these Graces should the soule of man Craces wherewith we should all be qualified . bee endued to proceed against Sinne , wee should be able to say , that we haue them by the manifestation of Gods Spirit , and also to know their power and vertue , and distinctly to be able to reckon them , and so wisely to esteeme them , as the good and true gifts and graces of God ; which haue a charge giuen them , which is euery grace his The charge what it is . proper gift , and all coniointly haue power to discerue of any sinne , and to giue a iust verdict thereupon .

This Iury , thus called The Iury , look on the Prisoners . and impannelled , are commanded to looke vpon the Prisoners at the Barre , vpon whom they are to goe .

This is when we oppose Vertues to Vices in our meditation , that so by the excellency of the one , wee may see the foulenesse of the other , and so come to the greater loue of Vertue , and to the more deepe hatred of Vice . This is the Iury of vertues Iury of vertues profitable looking vpon vices the prisoners at the Barre .

The prisoners , though they stand together , yet are they to answer one by one .

So Sins must distinctly A distinct knowledge of sinne necessary one by one be arraigned : for wee cannot proceed against sin , but vpon a particular knowledge thereof .

A generall , and so a confused notion of sins ( which yet is that which is in most men ) will neuer make a man truly to see how his estate standeth with God , and so to bring sinne vnto death .

The Prisoners , at the sight of the Iurie , and naming of them , haue leaue to challenge any of them ; if they can giue good reasons against this or that man , they are put off the Iurie , and other chose in their stead .

These prisoners seeing Iury challenged . such a Iurie , presently begin to challenge them .

Vnbeleefe hee cryeth out What vertues and vices be in opposition . against Faith , as his Enemie . Hatred of God , against the Loue of God , as his Enemie . Presumptuous sinning , against the Feare of God , as his Enemy . Cruelty , against Charity , as his Enemie . Hypocrisie , against Sinceritie , as his Enemie . Discord against Vnity , as his Enemie . Anger , Rage , and Murmuring , against Patience , as their Enemy . Murther , Fighting , and Quarrelling , against Innocency , as their Enemie . Wantonnesse , Adultery , Fornication , and Vncleannes , cry out against Chastity , as their deadly Enemie . Coozenage , Theft , and Vniust dealing , against honest Equity , as their Enemie . Lying , Slandering , and False-witnesse-bearing , against Verity , as their mortall Enemie . And lastly , Greedy desire , Couetousnesse , and Discontentment , cry out against Contentation , as their enemy .

All these together challenge the whole Iury , crying out and saying , ( Good my Lord ) these men are not to bee of the Iury against vs ; for your Lord-ship knoweth very well , and none better , that they are all of them our deadly Enemies . Your Honour knoweth , that euery one of them hath petitioned the Lord Chiefe Iustice very often and importunately , Vertue binds corruption to the good behauiour . to binde vs all to the good behauiour , and to cast vs into prison , as wee haue beene by their meanes . They haue made Master Newman the Keeper and his vnder-keepers to deale very hardly with vs .

It is well knowne ( my Lord ) that Chastity procured Master Newman almost to famish Incontinencie to death . Good my Lord , consider of vs , these are our most bloudy and cruell enemies : Wee appeale to your Lordship , to God and to all good men , that know both them and vs , that it is so .

Our humble suit to The Prisoners Petition to the Iudge . your Lordship therefore is , that more indifferent persons may be chosen to goe vpon vs , else we are all but dead men . Wee doe know ( my Lord ) that there are heere many other of very good and great credit in the world , fit to bee of this Iurie , men very well knowne to your Lordship , and to Master Sheriffe , and the Worshipfull Gentlemen . These are men of worth , ( my Lord ) of farre more esteeme euery where , than these meane men heere , picked out of purpose by Master Sheriffe . These ( my Lord ) of the Iurie , are men of small reckoning in the Country . These liue scattered here and there , almost without habitation , except in poore Cottages ; so as we maruel ( my Lord ) how they can bee brought in for Free-holders , hardly any one of them is of any account with men of great estates , and of worth , in the Land . Good my Lord , consider of vs .

Then the Iudge asketh them , what those men be , of whom they speake , and what are their names ?

Then they answer , My Indifferent Gentlemen . Lord , they are these ; Master Naturalist , Master Doubting , Master Opinion , Master Carelesse , Master Chiuerell , Master Libertine , Master Laodicean , Master Temporizer , Master Politician , Master Out-side , Master Ambo dexter , and Master Newtralitie , all ( my Lord ) very indifferent men betwixt vs and them . Gentlemen , Free-holders , of great meanes ; we beseech you ( my Lord ) to shew vs some pitty , that they may be of the Iurie .

The Iudge informed by those worthy Iustices of the Quorum , concerning these men so named by the prisoners , and knowing the honesty and good credit of the chosen Iurie ; their exceptions against them are not admitted of , and so these indifferent Gentlemen are passed by .

The Clerke therefore is commanded to goe forward , and then he readeth the Inditement of euery one in order , one after another , as they be called forth by name , and set to the Barre .

The first which is called out , is the Old-man .

Then saith the Clerke , Gaoler , set out Old-man to 1. Old-man arraigned . the Barre .

Then hee is brought to the Barre , and commanded to hold vp his hand , and his Inditement is read .

Old-man , thou art indited His Inditement . here by the name of Old-man of the Towne of Euahs Temptation , in the Countie of Adams consent , that vpon the day of Mans fall in Paradise , when he was driuen out , thou did dest corrupt the whole nature of man , body and soule , leading all and euery of his Posterity , comming by generation , with the body of Sinne ; making him indisposed to any thing that is good , framing lets to any holy duty , and polluting his best actions , but making him prone to all euill , bringing him captiue to imperious lusts , and so causing him to liue in continuall rebellion against GOD , contrary to the Peace of our Soueraigne Lord the King , IESVS CHRIST , his Crowne and Dignity .

What sayest thou to it ?

He pleades Not guilty , and so puts himselfe to the Triall .

Then the Cryer calleth for euidence against the Euidence . Prisoner .

Then commeth forth Dauid . Dauid , whose Euidence is this : I was shapen in Iniquity , and in Sinne hath my Psal. 51. 5. Mother conceiued me . Iobs Job 25. 4. is this ; He cannot be cleane that is borne of a Woman . Isaiah , his Euidence is , Isa. 48. 8. That all are transgressours from the wombe . Saint Pauls Saint Paul . Euidence is most cleere ; for being asked what hee could say ? Hee answered , ( My Lord ) this Old-man hath bin the death of very many . I haue wofull experience of him , a wretched Rom. 5. 15. man hath he made me . Hee tooke occasion by the Commandement , Rom. 7. 8. 11. 13 , 21. 15. 19 , 23. to worke all concupiscence in me . Hee deceiued me and slew me , wrought Death in mee , so that in my flesh dwelleth no good , but when I would doe good , euill is present with mee , so that through him , the good I would doe , I cannot , and the euill I hate , that I doe ; Hee maketh warre against the law of my minde , and bringeth me into captiuitie to the Law of Sinne. Thus ( my Lord ) is in me the Body of Death , from which I desire to be deliuered : and this is that I can say .

The Euidence being thus cleere , the Iury presently being all agreed , giue in their Verdict , and Verdict . being asked what they say of the prisoner at the Barre , guilty or not , they answer , Guilty .

Then he asketh what hee can say for himselfe , why sentence should not bee pronounced against him ?

Good my Lord , saith he , I am wrongfully accused , Old-mans plea. and am made the man I am not , there is no such thing as Originall Corruption . Pelagius and Anabaptists . Pelagius a Learned man , and all those now that are called Anabaptists , ( who well enough know all these Euidences brought against me ) haue hitherto , and yet doe maintaine it , that Sinne commeth by imitation , and not by Propagation , and in-bred prauity . Good my Lord , I beseech you , be good vnto me , and cast not away so poore an Old man : ( good my Lord ) for I am at this day 5556. yeeres old .

Then saith the Iudge , Old-man , the Euidence is cleere , those thou hast named , are condemned Heretickes ; and as for thy yeeres , in respect of which thou crauest pitty , it is pitty thou hast beene suffered so long , to doe so great and so generall a mischiefe as these good men doe witnesse against hee .

O my Lord , I beseech you then a Psalme of Mercie .

Old-man , the Law of the King allowes thee not the benefit of the Clergie , for The reward of Sin is death : Rom. 6. 23. This is his Maiesties Decree , vnchangeable , as the Law of the Medes and Persians .

Good my Lord , that is Obiect . meant only of Actuall Sin , and not of me .

That is not so ; for Originall Answ. Sinne is Sinne , and all men know , that Children die , that neuer sinned by Imitation , nor Actually , Rom. 5. after the similitude of Adams transgression . And Death goeth ouer all , in as much as all haue sinned . If sinne were not in Infants , they could not die , Heare therefore thy Sentence .

Thou ( Old-man ) hast by The Sentence . that name beene indited of these Fellonies , Outrages , and Murthers , and for the same arraigned ; thou hast pleaded Not-guiltie , and put thy selfe vpon the Tryall , and art found guiltie ; and hauing nothing iustly to say for thy selfe , this is the Law : thou shalt bee carried backe to the place of Execution , and there be cast off , with all thy Ephes. 4. 22. deeds , and all thy members Colos. 3. 9. 5. daily mortified and crucified with all thy lusts , of euerie one that hath truly put on Christ .

This Sentence pronounced , the Sheriffe is commanded to doe Execution ; which Religion , by his Vnder Sheriffe Resolution , seeth throughly performed .

The Executioner is hee Executioner . that hath put on Christ , Gal. 5. 24.

This Prisoner thus proceeded against , the Gaoler is commanded to set out Mistrisse Heart to the Mistrisse He tryed . Barre , who is commanded to hold vp her hand , and then is her Inditement read .

Mistrisse Heart , thou Her Inditement . art heere indited by the name of Mistrisse Heart of Soule , in the County of the Isle of Man , that also vpon the day of Mans fall in Paradise , thou becamest corrupted , accompanying the Old-man , and also Will thy Rom. 2. 5. man , and hast beene so hardened , that thou couldest not repent , and so blinde , that thou becamest past feeling , and hast made men to giue themselues ouer to all lasciuiousnesse , to worke all vncleannesse , Ephes 4. 18 , euen with greedinesse , to bee also very slow to beleeue all that the Prophets Luke 24. 25. haue spoken : and to be so enraged with choller , somtimes as to runne mercilesly on Innocents to murther them , and to cause men most cursedly to depart Acts 7. 54. from the liuing God . Thou hast beene , and art also in confederacie with all and euery euill thought , word , and deed committed against God and Man . Matth. 94. ●●d 21. 34. Thou hast beene a receptacle of all the abominations of euery Sin whatsoeuer , and hast had conference ●●hn 13. 2. Acts 5. 3. with Satan to lie vnto the holy Ghost , and for greedy gaine , at the deuils suggestion , hast set some on worke to play the Traitors to the shedding of the innocent blood of our Soueraigne , Iohn 13. 2. contrary to the Peace of the King , his Crowne and Dignitie . What sayest thou to this Inditement ? Guilty , or not guilty ?

She answers , Not guilty , and puts her selfe to the Triall .

Then the Cryer saith , If any man can giue Euidence against the Prisoner at the Barre , let him come ; for shee stands vpon her deliuerance : then come in such as can say any thing against her , and first is Hearts accusers . Moses .

Moses , what can you Moses . say against this prisoner ? looke vpon her , see if you know her .

My Lord , I know her well enough , she made me and my brother Aaron ●sal. 106. 32 , 33 to speake so vnaduisedly with our lips by her passion , that wee could neither of vs be admitted to goe into the land of Canaan . This I can say of her , that euery imagination of her Gen. 6. 5. Gen. 8 21. thought is onely euill continually , and that naught shee hath beene from her youth vp .

Moses hauing ended , then saith the Iudge , is there any more ?

To whom answer is made , yes ( my Lord ) there is Ieremie the Prophet .

Ieremy the Prophet look Jeremie . vpon the prisoner , can you say any thing on the behalfe of his Maiestie ?

My Lord , this I can say , that shee is deceitfull aboue Ierem. 17. ●● all things , and desperatly wicked : so that no man without Gods speciall assistance can either finde out her deuices , or escape her treacheries .

And this moreouer I know , that she hath been sent vnto and forewarned to wash her selfe of her wickednesse : and yet for all this she doth lodge still ill thoughts in her house . Ierem. 4. 14. Yea ( my Lord ) shee hath seduced many from God , Ier. 7. 24. and 9. 14. and 11. 8. and 13. 10. making them to walke after her euill counsels and imaginations , to their vtter destructions . And I am truly informed , that there is euer the place where the enemies of their owne soules doe worke their Psal. 58. 2. wickednesse and mischiefes .

Is there any more Euidences ?

Yes , my Lord , here is Ezekiel . Ezechiel .

Ezekiel , what can you say ?

My Lord , I can witnesse thus much ; Such is her Ezek. 20. 16. and 33. 31. lewdnesse , that she followed after Idols , and after Couetousnesse , which is Idolatry , both high Treason and Rebellion against God . Yea so very shamelesly and lawlesly she carrieth her selfe , that if such lewd companions come not in to her , she will goe out and follow them .

These be witnesses enow , saith the Iudge , to condemne her , but is there any other ;

Yes my Lord , please you here are more : here 's Saint Matthew .

Saint Matthew , what can you say against the Prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , I haue heard S. Matthew . it from the mouth of my Lord Chiefe Iustice himselfe ( when I did attend vpon him , hee hauing occasion publikely to speake of her ) that out of the heart doe come Matth. 15. 19. euill thoughts , Adulterics , Fornications , Murthers , Thefts , Conetousnesse , Wickednesse , Deceit , Lasciuiousnes , an euill eie , Blasphemie , Pride and Foolishnesse . All these euills hee witnesseth to come forth of her house : so that it is euident against her by his honours vndoubted testimony , that shee is an harbourer of a company of very bad and vnsufferable guests . Saint Marke , Saint Marke . Mark . 7. 21 , 22 , 23. here next me , can witnesse as much .

It is very true my Lord .

Here is an Harlotrie indeed ( said the Iudge . ) Iurie , if you be agreed giue in your verdict , what say you of this Prisoner ? Guilty or not Guilty ?

Wee say guiltie , my Lord .

Woman , what canst thou say for thy selfe , that Sentence according to Law should not bee pronounced against thee ?

Ah , good my Lord , take pittie on mee , a poore weake old woman ; These men speake against me the Hearts plea for her life . worst that they can , because I would not be ruled by them . They speake of malice my Lord . If I haue misdemeaned my selfe any way , it was by this Old man my Fathers misleading , ( my Lord ) by whom , I thought , that being a woman I should bee wholly guided . But heare me ( good my Lord ) I beseech you , let not these mens testimonies cast mee away . For I did dwell with as good men , and better than they are , or euer were ( my Lord ) as other can witnes , to my great commendations

Then saith the Iudge , who are those I pray you ?

I dwelt ( my Lord ) with King Dauid , with King Salomon , Psal. 101. 1. 1 Chron. 29. 19. 15. 17. and was in their house held to be a perfect Heart : so was I after accounted in King Asa's house . Yea my Lord , with Abraham the Father of the Faithfull , was I found Faithfull , and such hath beene my credit , that I was well spoken of euen to God himselfe by good KING Hezekiah . That Nehem. 9. 8. Esai . 38. 3. all this is true that I say , I beseech you to aske Isaiah the Prophet , as also Nehemiah , and others that haue recorded the same .

Besides all these ( be pleased to heare me , good my Lord ) aske all the Country Ignorant people praise their heart . people , and they will with one mouth speake well of me . They haue ( say they ) a good Heart towards God and that , euer since they were borne , they neuer found mee so wicked as these witnesses are pleased to speake . I hope therefore ( my Lord ) that you will be pleased to be good to mee , good my Lord pitty a very old aged poore woman , as euer you came of a woman .

Woman , Woman , for The Iudges speech to her . the witnesses against thee , they are without exception , and thy owne mouth doth condemne thy selfe , in that first , thou dost confesse , that thou wouldest not bee ruled by them when these holy men were sent vnto thee , and that with speciall command from his Maiestie to see thee reformed . Againe , that thou doest acknowledge thy selfe to haue beene wholly led by the Old-man , one now most iustly condemned by the Law to be crucified .

As touching Dauids heart , Salomon heart , Asa his heart , the faithfull heart of Abraham , and the vpright heart of Hezekiah , neuer an one of these was thy selfe , thou dost lewdly seeke to deceiue by equiuocation , and to beguile the standers by with thy Matth. 13. Luke 8. tricks of Iesuiticall cousenage . True it is , that there The heart is two-fold . is great commendations of an Heart , and the same to be an honest and good Heart , an vpright Heart , a faithfull Heart . But woman , this is the heart sanctified and purged by Sanctified . faith in all those that are borne anew of water and the holy Ghost : but this is not that which thou art , the naturall and corrupt Corrupt . heart : Thou art that commendable heart in name onely , but not in quality : therefore thy boasting is vaine , thy pleading subtiltie , verifying Ieremiahs euidence of thee , that thou art very deceitfull .

As for the vulgar praising of thee , it is through their owne selfe-loue , and foolish selfe-conceit , and their vtter ignorance of thee , that maketh them to speake so well of thee . Thou doest therefore but trifle away the time , and trouble the Assembly .

As for thine age , it procureth thee no pittie at all , because thou hast beguiled , vndone , and bewitched so many . Thine age should haue taught thee better things , but thy obstinacy in wickednesse would not suffer thee . Heare therefore thy Sentence .

Thou Mistresse Heart hast beene indited by the Sentence against Mistris Heart . name of Mistresse Heart , of those Fellonies , Murthers , Conspiracies and rebellions , and for the same hast beene arraigned : thou hast pleaded not guilty , hast put thy selfe to the triall , and beene found guilty , hauing nothing iustly to say for thy selfe . This is the Law . Thou Her punishment . shalt be carried back from whence thou camest , and there liue condemned to perpetuall imprisonment vnder Master Newman the Keeper , without baile or maine prize . Gaoler , take her to thee , look to the prisoner , and keepe this Heart Prou. 4. 23. Hebr. 3. 12. diligently , and take heed lest there be at any time in you an heart of Infidelity to depart from the liuing God . Master Sheriffe Religion , and the Vnder Sheriffe Resolution , doe see it performed very carefully and speedily according to the sentence giuen .

After Mistresse Hearts arraignment , and condemnation , wilfull Will is commanded to the Barre , and to hold vp his hand , and his Inditement was read .

Wilfull Will , thou art indited Will arraigned . by the name of wilfull Will , of the Towne of Free , and in the County of Euill , that thou partaking with Old-man , and lewdly liuing at the bent of Mistris Heart , hast beene a Champion for them , ready to act all their villanies , and vpon euery motion of theirs , or any sollicitation of those her harlotrie maids , her passions , hast from time to time gathered together all the powers thou couldest make within this Isle of Man , to raise rebellion , and by force and armes hast often attempted to rush in and vpon this Maiesties Garrison , appointed for the safe keeping of the Towne of Soule , & so of the whole Iland , and thereby hast giuen occasion to the Enemies , to seeke to inuade the same , contrary to the peace of our Soueraigne Lord the King , his Crown and dignitie .

What sayest thou to this Inditement , guilty or not guilty ?

His answer was , not guilty ( my Lord ) and so put himselfe vpon his triall by God and the Countrey .

Then were witnesses called Witnesses called out . out , and the first of them was the Captaine of the Garrison , which was one Captaine Reason .

This Captaine comming before the Iudge , was asked what he could say , for the King , against the prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , saith he , by my Captaine Reason . Soueraignes appointment , I was made Captaine of this Garrison in Soule ; and his Maiestie also was pleased to place this Prisoner in the same for his seruice , but yet vnder mee , and at my command , and not to doe what hee himselfe listed .

But he hauing conceited himselfe to be free , and not vnder controlment , & being growne Full , hee hath by the bewitching of Mistrisse Heart , and her Maids endeuoured to beare all the sway , treading downe with contempt all my lawfull commands . I made many fortifications against his violent Reasons and arguments to conuince . courses , to restraine his out-roades , lest thereby he should haue made way for his Enemies breaking in vpon vs , to the danger of the whole Iland : but all these fortifications very often he hath defaced , and by the force of strong passions , hath borne them downe before him , without any regard of supreme or subordinate authority whatsoeuer . He may well ( my Lord ) be called wilfull Will , for except hee be more vnder subiection neither I his Captaine , no● euer an Officer in the whole band , will be obeyed , yea , assuredly ( my Lord ) if he be not curbed the whole Towne of Soul will be ouerthrowne , and all the Iland fall into the Enemies hand , to the great dishonour of his Maiestie And this is that which haue , for the present , to say My Officers , if it please your Lordship to haue them called , can say very much against him .

Then saith the Clerke , Cryer , call in Captain Reasons Lieutenant .

What s his name , saith the Cryer ?

He is , saith the Clerke , called Discourse .

Lieutenant Discourse , The Lieutenant his witnesse . come into the Court , Vous aues the Lieutenant .

Lieutenant , what can you say touching this wilfull Will , the prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , my Captaine and I haue had many occasions of much conference vpon very serious busines , into which this Prisoner hath often intruded himselfe , and thereby hath greatly hindred our designments . For say wee what we could , hee would haue all things goe after his pleasure , and onely to satisfie the lust of Mistresse Heart , and some of her drabs , on whom hee hath attended , and by whom he hitherto hath beene too much ruled , and I may say , most strangely bewitched , hauing no power to denie them any thing .

Our Ancient ( my Lord ) can further informe you .

How call you him saith the Iudge ?

Hee is called ( my Lord ) Profession .

Then saith the Cryer , Ancient Profession , come into the Court , Vous aues , Profession .

Ancient , What can you say for the King against the Prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , when I bare The Ancient his Witnesse . my colours of a Holy conuersation , and displaid the same in Word and Deed before the company , he hath attempted , and that not seldome to rend and teare them ; and this not onely within our selues : but sometime also before , and in the very sight of the Enemy hath sought to deface my Colours , through his violent disposition , vntamed nature , with the helpe of enraged passions , to my vtter disgrace , and not to mine onely , but to the whole band of good qualities , gifts , and graces , in the Towne of Soule .

So heady he is , and so peruersly bent to his owne will , that hee neuer regardeth , for the present , what may happen afterwards . Our two Sergeants can more at large discouer him , if it please your Lordship to heare them : Here they stand by me .

What do you call them , saith the Iudge ? My Lord , saith the Ancient , the one is Sergeant Vnity , and the other is Sergeant Order , worthy Souldiers ( my Lord ) and very seruiceable for good gouernment .

Sergeant Vnity , come in , What can you say of this Prisoner ?

My Lord , when all the Sergeant Vnities winesse . whole band louingly , as one man , were obedient in all things , hee vpon euery least discontent did mutinie , and endeuoured to set vs at ods one against another . He hath adhered to secret Conspiracies of inbred Corruptions ; yea , and hath not beene only found to fauour , but also to stand for , and to grace our open enemies , euen Satans suggestions , and the pompes and vanities of this wicked world ; to whom hee hath beene so seruiceable , as if he had beene a prest Souldier for them , forgetting his faith and allegiance to his owne Soueraigne . If he be not ( my Lord ) suppressed , he will at the length be our vtter ouerthrow . My fellow , Sergeant Order , can say more .

Sergeant Order , What is that you haue to witnesse against the Prisoner ?

My Lord , whensoeuer he Sergeant Orders winesse . commeth out of that lewd Harlots house , Mistresse Hearts , and from among her young Strumpets , hee is so enraged , as hee behaueth himselfe more like a sauage beast than a man : All is by him put out of order , our Captaine cannot rule him , especially when hee hath gotten a pestilent fellow , one Obstinacy to accompany Companie is to Wilfull-Will . him , and another cogging deceitfull companion , called Shew of good , to hearten him in his forward courses and bad inrendments . Of himselfe he is ill enough , but these ( my Lord ) make him altogether vncapable of good counsel , or of the best aduice that our Captaine can giue him .

Where are , saith the Iudge , these fellowes ; why were they not apprehended , and brought in hither with him ?

My Lord , as soone as he was attached and brought vnder authority , they both presently fled . Our Captaine Reason made diligent search after them , but could not finde them . For my Lord , these Companions durst neuer appeare with him , but when they knew him to bee wholly bent to his owne will , and when they were very sure our Captaine had not strength enough with him to withstand them , otherwise they would keepe close , and not apparantly be seene to countenance him . If order might bee taken for apprehending of these , there would be some hope of better gouernment in this prisoner , if he hap to be released .

Vpon this the Iudge gaue order to Master Sheriffe , to his Vnder-Sheriffe , and to all the Iustices of the Bench for the speedy apprehending of these two lewd and rebellious companions . Then the Cryer was commanded to call in one witnesse more , which was one of the Corporals of the Band , whose name was Discipline , who being there attending presently appeared .

The Corporall being at the Barre , it was demanded of him what he could say , more than had beene spoken ?

My Lord , saith he , though Corporall Disciplines witnesse very much hath beene spoken , and that most truly against him , yet haue I more to say than hitherto hath beene spoken by any of them . It is well knowne , my Lord , to the whole Corps de guard , how vnruly he hath beene after the setting of the watch . Such conceit hee hath euer had of his freedome ( my Lord ) that my very name hath beene odious vnto him . He hath gotten such liberty , that he could neuer endure Will is a great hinderance to spirituall war●are . to be disciplined . Our armes hee hath taken and made them often vnseruiceable .

Our Powder of holy affections hee hath damped , the Match of feruency of spirit hee hath put out : the Small-shot of spirituall eiaculations he so stopped , as in time of need they would not goe off ; of the Sword of the Spirit , the Word of God , hee quite tooke away the edge : hee brake the Helmet of saluation , brused the Brest-plate of righteousnesse : the Shield of faith he cast away , and vnloosed the Girdle of verity . The points of all the pikes of diuine threats by presumption hee so brake off , as they had no force to pricke the Heart . Hee would ( after the Watch was set ) of himselfe without the Word goe the round , and diuers times meeting the Gentlemen of the round , holy Meditations and diuine Motions , hee would stop their passages and turne them backe againe . And not seldome hath hee fallen vpon the Sentinels , quicke apprehensions , and put out their eyes , so as they could not , if the Enemies had approached , haue discerned them .

My Lord , by his wilfull vnrulinesse , and by his obstinate Masterfulnesse , hee hath often indangered the whole Iland of man , the lower part called Corps , and the higher called Soule ; and in a manner deliuered them into the Enemies hand . For the common Souldiers , the powers and faculties of both are too often swayed by him to follow him in his rebellious courses . And therefore , my Lord , if he be not suppressed and brought in obedience to our worthy Captaine , he will surely at the length yeeld this his Maiesties right into the hands of forraigne powers , which daily watch to haue by him some opportunity to inuade vs . They haue ( my Lord ) often assailed our Castle of Confidence , raised vpon the Mount of Gods mercies , hoping onely vpon his helpe to make a breach therein and entering to cast vs out ; wee therefore beseech your Lordship to haue iustice against him .

Then saith the Iudge , you aske but right , and that which in my place I am bound to yeeld you , without respect of persons .

Honest men of the Iury , you haue heard what all these Gentlemen haue witnessed against him , if you be agreed of your Verdict , giue it in , what thinke you of the Prisoner , guilty or not guilty ?

They answer , guilty , my Lord .

Then the Iudge turneth his speech to the Prisoner , Wilfull-Will , thou hast heard what all these haue witnessed against thee , what canst thou now say for thy selfe , why the sentence of death should not now bee pronounced against thee ?

My Lord , I am a Gentleman Will speakes to the Iudge . free born , & euer like a Gentleman brought vp in Liberty . And though I was in some sort to be ordred by Captaine Reason ; yet I euer held my selfe his equal , and stood vpon my freedom of chusing or refusing , or of suspending the action . He had no authority to inforce me further than it pleased my selfe . I haue alwaies bin a freeman ( my Lord ) from seruile obedience to any man , and owe subiection to none but only to my Soueraign . I cannot deny but that Captain Reason hath offred daily to aduise me , & I haue not euer wholly reiected his counsell ; if I haue at any time miscarried , it was through the lewd Mistresse Hearts deceiueablenesse , & the violence of these her passionate affections misleading me , for want of deliberation before I either chused or refused the thing obiected before me .

I doe here ( my Lord ) ingenuously confesse the truth of al that which these witnesses haue spoken against mee , for which I heartily craue pardon .

I also do freely acknowledge , that I stood too much vpon my birth , and Gentry , as too many at this day doe , hauing neuer a good quality besides to brag or boast off . I tooke it for Abuse of birth and gentry . granted , that my Gentrie stood in idlenesse , pleasurable delights , hawking , hunting , and haunting Tauernes , drinking of healths , whiffing the Tobacco-pipe , putting on of new and variety of fashions in Hat & in haire , in cloathes and in shooe ties , in boots and in spurres , in boasting and bragging , in cracking of oaths , in big looks , great words , & in some out-bearing gestures the formes of Gentry ; which I verily supposed should sufficiently of it selfe haue borne mee out , in all my extrauagant courses , in my licentious liberty , and lasciuious wantonnesse in Mistrisse Hearts house , through which I was brought into all these rebellious disorders , for which I iustly deserue my Soueraignes indignation , of whom I humbly craue mercy and forgiuenesse . Good ( my Lord ) take pittie vpon me .

Wilfull Will , I am sorrie Iudges speech to Will. that thy deserts are no better , being so well-borne , and that thou hast so abused thy Gentry to thy shame and confusion , through thy vaine mistake , and foule abuse of the conceit of Gentry , which consists of noblenesse of spirit , honourable endowments True Gentry , what . of minde , praise-worthy qualities , and seruiceable imployments for thy King and Country ; and not in such base conditions as thou hast named , vnfitting altogether true Gentry , being indeed the fruits either of degenerating spirits from the worth of their Ancestors , or the property of new Vpstarts , neuer hauing had the right breeding of true Gentry , nor the vnderstanding of the true qualities of a Gentleman indeed .

But seeing thou art humble and penitent , and maist doe his Maiesty good seruice hereafter , thy deserued sentence shall bee deferred off , till his Maiesties pleasure be further known concerning thee : yet in the meane space thou art to be bound to thy good behauiour , and be carried back againe , to remaine vnder the custody of Master Newman . Gaoler , take him to thee , and see him forth comming whensoeuer he shall be called for .

Then , said he , I humbly thanke your Lordship , and so bowing himselfe to the Bench , he is carried away from the Barre , to the place from whence hee came , to remaine Prisoner vntill hee should bee released .

After hee was remoued , the Gaoler was commanded to set Mistresse Hearts Maids to the Barre . But vpon deliberation they were sent to Ward againe vnto another time . The reason was , for that two great Traitors and Rebels , chiefe amongst the damned crue , were presently to bee arraigned , which would take vp the allotted time before the Court should breake vp and the Bench arise .

These two were Couetousnesse Two capitall sinnes . and Idolatry , Capitall Theeues , pestilently mischieuous against God , his Worship and Seruice , against the Church , and against the Common-weale .

Couetousnesse was ioyned with Idolatry , because he is also called Idolatry . Col. 3. 5. Now all other Prisoners remoued , and the Iudge with the Bench ready for Couetousnesse tryed . these , the Clerke willeth the Crier to command the Gaoler to set Couetousnesse to the Barre , which the Gaoler doth forth with .

Then saith he vnto him , Couetousnesse hold vp thy hand and heare thy Inditement .

Couetousnesse , thou art His Inditement . here indited by the name of Couetousnesse , in the Towne of Want , in the County of Neuerfull , that from the day of thy first being thou hast beene the root of all euill , hauing 1 Tim. 6. 10. made some to play the Theeues , others to commit Treason against our Soueraigne Lord the King ; others to murther Mich. 22. Innocents for their inheritance . Thou art also here indited for bribery , extortion , oppression , vsurie , iniustice , cousenage , vnmercifulnesse , and a multitude of outragious Villanies : besides thy hindering men in holy duties and meanes of Saluation , forcing them headlong to their destruction , contrary to the Peace of our Soueraigne Lord the King , his Crowne and Dignity .

What sayest thou to this Inditement , guilty or not guilty ?

He answereth , not guilty ( my Lord ) and so hee puts himselfe vpon the triall .

After this , the parties The first Euidence against him is Repentance . that can giue Euidence are called in , and first Repentance is commanded to produce his Witnesses .

Repentance , what can you say ?

My Lord , since the Prisoner was committed to prison and put into Ward , some of my witnesses are dead , as Achan , Ahab , and Iudas .

Then , saith the Iudge , looke the Records , Clerke , and reade them .

My Lord , I reade here What euill Couetousnesse hath done . that Acan confessed that by Couetousnesse hee was Iosh. 7. moued to looke vpon a wedge of gold , and so coueting , stole it , and with it a Babylonish garment , to the death and destruction of him and all his . Also I here finde , how through Couetousnesse Ahab longed for poore Naboths Vineyard , and so eagerly , as hee fell sicke for it , because hee could not haue his will . But Iesabel procured by his leaue and liking the death of Naboth and his 1 King . 21. sons , and so got possession of the Vineyard . Moreouer , I finde here , that Iudas confessed how hee betrayed the innocent bloud of our Sauiour through couetousnesse and desire of money . This is all the Confession , my Lord , in the Records .

Then the Iudge willeth the Constable and his Assistants which were at the apprehending of him to bee called , who make their appearance .

Constable , what can you say , and those that were with you , against this prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , when wee It troubles and darkens the vnderstanding . went to make search for him , hee hid himselfe so close , as wee had much adoe at first to finde him in Mistresse Hearts house ; who had almost perswaded vs that hee had not beene there , vntill I learned Dauids care to preuent Couetousnesse . it from Dauid the man of God , whom I had found Psal. 119. 36. petitioning the Lord Chiefe Iustice for a Warrant of the good behauiour against the Couetousnesse of the Heart . Then thought I , certainly hee is here in this house : for if Dauid feared to haue him in his Heart , that gaue so many millions of gold and siluer , 3300. Cart-load of Treasure for the building of the Temple , can I thinke him Without diligent search its hard to finde out our Couetousnesse . not to bee here ? I sought therefore diligently , my Lord , and found him ; but before I could attach him , hee was got into a darke corner and attempted to blow out my Candlelight , and to haue escaped mee . But I and my Company tooke such diligent heed to him , as hee could not get from vs : yet before we could binde him , and bring him away , hee endeuoured to mischiefe as many as came neere him , & would by no meanes obey my Warrant , as the rest here ( my Lord ( can tell if you please to heare them . Then began euery one of them to speak .

Care complained , that Cares complaint . hee had almost choaked him with the world and worldly businesses , so as hee had no leasure to minde heauenly things .

Clearing accused him Clearing accuseth him . that he had so vndermined his vnderstanding at vnawares , as almost hee had broken the necke of his good name , and reputation of his profession and Religion .

Indignation complained that hee had well nigh lost Indignation complaineth . his life by him : for whereas before hee could not behold Sinne , but with an holy anger , now profit of Sinne , through this cursed Couetousnesse , made him looke cheerefully vpon it , and heartily welcom it for profits sake .

Feare complained , that Feare speaketh against him . he did bewitch him : for said he , whereas before I was tender hearted , and trembled at Gods Word , desire of gaine made mee loth to lose my commodity though I got it with Sin .

Vehement desire did greatly Vehement Desire hurt by him . complaine of his violent setting vpon him , to make him eager after earthly things , so as he could hardly take any rest .

Zeale complained , that Zeale blunted . hee strucke himselfe hard vpon the head , as the blow made him , in hope of gain , almost without sense of Gods glory , which before hee preferred aboue all things in the world .

Lastly , Reuenge complained , Reuenge made weake . that the Prisoner had attempted to murther him , and so wounded him , as whereas before hee could master sinne , now hee was growne so weake , as any gainfull sinne was able to master him , and to bring him vnder command .

When these had spoken what they could , the rest were brought to giue euidence , and these also were men of very good account , and of great worth in their Country ; Master Other Witnesses produced . Church , Master Common-Weale , Master Houshold , Master Neighbour-hood , and Master Good-worke , who hauing answered to their names , they giue in Euidence one by one .

Master Church , what can you say against the prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , I am not able Master Church is Witnesse . to reckon the particular mischiefes hee hath done against me . There falleth neuer a Benefice of any reasonable value , but hee sets many to run and ride after it , and to offer largely for it , and maketh some Patrons theeues , and to admit many an Ignoramus into the charge and cure of Soules : and many a Minister to be a periured Simonist before God . Hee maketh not a few to heape vp meanes , not onely for maintenance , but also to make themselues great ; and many which come in freely to neglect the care of their flockes , and to seek after their fleeces , to care to bee rich , and to follow so after the world , as that either they giue ouer to preach , or doe make them preach at home very idly , seldome , and vnprofitably , though abroad , either for their hire , or applaudity more diligently and commendable .

When People come to People hindred by Couetousnesse in the Church . Church ( my Lord ) hee marreth their deuotion and haleth their soules out of the Church , to make them to bee walking their grounds , talking with their friends , plotting businesses , and to bee going some iourney , to bee at some Market or Faire , to bee counting their debts , following their debtors , reckoning vp their loane vpon Vsury , their profits and gaine , here and there , not without feare of losses . And all these things ( my Lord ) with many other worldly thoughts , whilst their bodies are in Church . When people come from Matth. 13. People hindred comming out of the Church . the Church , hee choaketh the seed of Gods Word , that it thriueth in very few , and of these few , it is more in talke than in practice . Hee keepeth ( my Lord ) many from the Church , causing them to set the Lords Day apart , not for his seruice , but for their worldly affaires , because they will not take another time for hindering their profit in the weeke daies .

Much more ( my Lord ) I haue to say , but I am loth to be too tedious .

You Master Church , haue spoken sufficiently and enough to condemne him .

Call Master Common-Weale .

Master Common-Weale , what can you say on the Kings behalfe against the Prisoner at Barre ?

My Lord , this man Master Common-weale , his accusation . hath entred so farre into all businesses , as hee hath almost vtterly vndone mee . Hee propoundeth Offices to sale , and so maketh the buyers to sell their duties for profit to make vp their monies . He hath monopolized commodities into his hands , inhanced the prices of things , to the great grieuance of the Kings Subiects . Hee ( as your Lordship well knoweth ) hath miserably corrupted the course of Iustice , by briberie , by making many Lawyers plead more for Fees , than honestly , for the equitie of the cause ; by delaying the cause , by remouing it from one Court to another , till men be vndone . He hath , to get his desire , suborned false witnesses , counterfeited Euidences , and forged Wils . Good my Lord , let some order be taken with him , else he will vtterly bring mee to ruine and all mine for euer .

Call Master Houshold .

Master Houshold , what can you say concerning the Prisoner ?

My Lord , this wicked Master Houshold his witnesse . Couetousnesse keepes holy exercises out of priuate houses ; he will not let parents haue any time to instruct their children , hee maketh Masters vse their seruants more like beasts than men , they are so wholly imployed in worldly businesses : as for their soules there is no care taken , but they are left to liue as soule-lesse men . Hee causeth niggardly house-keeping , and ouer-labouring of seruants . He breedeth much contention , chiding , and too much vse of ill language by Mistresses and Dames , yea , betweene men and their wiues in their Family , to the great griefe and ill example of their children and seruants .

Yea , ( my Lord ) hee Cruelty of Couetousnesse . hath made children to bee cruel to their Parents , brethren and sisters to hate one another , neere of kindred and bloud to goe to Law one with another , for and about diuiding goods , lands , and inheritances ; yea , I can witnes this , that hee hath made them murther one another : Children their Parents , Husbands their Wiues , and one Brother another . It would be too long to particularize , how great euils , and how many waies hee hath iniured mee and all mine . But because other witnesses stand heere by mee , I will trouble your Lordship with no more complaints at this time .

Call Master Neighbourhood .

Friend , What is it that you can say touching this prisoner ?

My Lord , this vnhappy Master Neighbourhood his witnesse . man hath altogether disunited mens affections , so as in our Towne there is very little loue : hardly will one doe another a good turne freely , but either it must bee one for another , like for like , or in certaine future hope for gaine . This wretch hath almost banisht all friendly society ; euery man is so now for himselfe , as hee neglecteth his neighbor almost wholly . He maketh them trespasse one another , to rob cunningly one another in buying and selling , and to fall out with bitter rayling , & vnneighbourly languages for a penny losse , and causeth many suits and brabbles . Wee are ( my Lord ) indeed miserably disquieted , and almost vtterly vndone by him . For ( my Lord ) we were a company of very good neighbours till he became Landlord : here dwelt Amitie , Good neighbours and peaceable . Kindnesse , Gentlenesse , Loue , Peace , Charitie , Patience , Goodnesse , Readie-good-will , Forgetfulnesse of wrongs , Sociablenesse , Good-turnes , and Ioy : but most vniustly by his cruelty & wrong dealing hee hath displaced them , and brought ( my Lord ) a company of infernall spirits , for so I think I may without offence call them , which are these : Hatred , Gal. 5. Ill Neighbors , and very vnquiet . Malice , Enuie , Wrath , Anger , Churlishnesse , Discord , Niggardlinesse , Sturdinesse , Rom. 2. Strife , Debate , Variance , Emulation , Sedition , Wrangling , Fraud , Deceit , Malignitie , Despight , Vnnaturalnesse , Implacablenesse , Vnthankfulnesse , Fiercenesse , 1 Tim. 3. Highmindednesse , Selfeloue , Makebate , and Vnmercifulnesse . The best that hee brings in ( my Lord ) are Costlesse complement , Faire-Speech , The best kindnesses of the couetous . How doe you , Good-morrow , Good euen , Glad to see you well , Word-welcome , Will you drinke , Fare-well , Yours to command , and such like ; also one Little-good , with another called Soone-lost , and amongst these No-harme No-harme , the best man among the couetous . is greatly commended , but neuer a Good man amongst them , much lesse any Too-good to bee found in the Parish , except more in name , than in deed . And this is that which I haue to say , my Lord , at this time .

Call out Master Good-worke .

Master Good-worke , what can you say touching the Prisoner ?

My Lord , there hath M. Good-worke his accusation . beene so much spoken that I need say nothing : yet none haue more iust cause to complaine than I haue : for he hath endeuoured to his vtmost to root me out , Couetousnesse an enemy to good workes . and all my posterity , Bounty , Liberality , and Hospitalitie .

My Lord , we by reason of him , daily stand in feare of our liues ; all the countrey crieth out of him , in their loue to vs , who well know how often hee hath attempted to murther vs .

He hath put out of ioynt both the armes of my Son Bounty , and almost broken the backe of my Son Liberality , that he hardly at any time goeth vpright , and all know this , that he hath violently set vpon my Sonne Hospitality , and forced him out of doores , and in his stead hath let in Pride of apparel , Sumptuous building , Affectation of vaine Titles , whom hee hath made to shut vp doores , perswading them that to maintain their state , they must increase their reuenues , by new purchases , by racking of rents , by inhauncing their fines and incomes , all little enough to vphold their outward state , & vaine pompe abroad . And this ( my Lord ) is that which for the present I haue to say .

Then it was asked if all were come in that should giue Euidence ?

Answer was made , My Lord , here is onely one man more , poore Pouerty brought hither by authority to giue Euidence , may it please you heare him .

Call in Pouerty .

Pouerty , What canst thou say against this prisoner at the Barre ?

Good my Lord , I haue Pouerty his grieuous complaint against Couetousnesse . reason to curse the day that euer I knew him , and hee onely it is that hath brought mee to this poore state .

I was a man of some The couetous are vnmercifull in seeking their owne gaine . credit , my neighbours well know , till I had to do with him , who would lend mee nothing but vpon Vsurie , and that vpon great bonds and morgage of lands : and so greedy a Wolfe was he vpon his prey , that if I missed but one day of payment , hee would take the benefit of the Morgage , or forfeiture ; or if he forbore longer , I payed him by presents and gifts so much with the vse , as made me to groane vnder the burthen , feeling my selfe in an irrecouerable Consumption . Sometimes to keepe day with him , I was enforced either to buy for time , or else to sell something out of hand to make readie monies : either of which was as bad , or worse than the biting of vsurie , for when William Greedy a brother of his , or also Gain his Cousin perceiued my need , oh how did hee in selling for time extort from mee ; and in buying for readie money presse me ? So that to escape a whirle-poole , I fell into deuouring gulfes , and thus he vndid me .

And not being therewith content ( woe vnto him , ) when I became Tenant ( my Lord ) who was before a good Free-holder , he put into our Land-lords It depopulateth Parishes . heart , to depopulate our whole Parish of Wealth , ( for so it was called ) and there in stead of many honest Inhabitants and good house-keepers , hee set a Shepheard and his Curre to feed his flockes . This also is hee ( my Lord ) that maketh men of faire lands ( which might liue well on their own Reuenewes and demaines ) to take Farmes into their hands , and to driue out such as had been mercifull releeuers of their poore neighbours . In our poore estate wee haue sought to him for releefe , but in stead of comfort , he hath railed on vs , threatned to whip vs , and to send vs to the House of Correction . Nothing will Couetous will giue nothing but by Law . he doe for vs , but what by Law hee is inforced vnto , though hee keepe his Church , and can sometime also talke of Religion . Hee beggers all of vs ( my Lord , ) on worke hee will not set vs , and yet will not suffer vs to seeke abroad for releefe . He neuer seeth vs , but his heart riseth against vs . He rather will aduenture his owne damnation , than part with one penny , except it be to goe gay , to buy and purchase for him and his . Yea ( my Lord ) that all may know his mercilesse cruelty when we haue wanted releefe , & begged of him , hee hath Couetousnesse prouoketh to theft . counselled vs to shift for our selues , and steale out of the stackes of Corne in gleaning time for bread , to breake hedges , to steale wood or coale in the night , to make vs fires , to plucke sheepe , or sheere off their wooll for cloathing , to rob Orchards for fruit , to steale geese , hennes , ducks , pigges and sheepe , for flesh meat , to cousen men that set vs on worke , and to make vs poore people hatefull to God and man . For hee careth not , ( my Lord ) so as he may not be charged any way , what we doe , or what becommeth of vs .

And yet to make vp the height of vnmercifulnesse , hee will be the first , if wee of meere extreme need doe amisse , that will cry out against vs and pursue vs to death . This hath euer been his course hitherto , ( my Lord ) consider rightly of vs , and pittie our case , I beseech you , good my Lord .

Pouerty , thy case indeed is to be pittied : Iurie , you haue heard the Euidence of all , what say you of the prisoner at the Barre , is hee guilty , or not guiltie ?

Iurie , Guilty my Lord .

Couetousnesse , thou hast heard what al these witnesses haue laid to thy charge and spoken against thee , what canst thou say for thy selfe , why sentence vpon these honest mens verdict should not be pronounced against thee ?

My Lord , I stand for my Couetousnesse plea against Pouerty . life , let it please you with patience to heare me : and first touching this impatient ingratefull out-crying fellow Pouerty ; It was not I my Lord , when hee was wealthy , but his then daily and onely Companions , What makes men poore . Sloth , Carelesnesse , Prodigality , Goodfellowship , Goegay Good-cheere , wantonnesse , Improuidence , Little-worke , and Many-mouthes , which ( my Lord ) cast him into a Consumption , and like Canker wormes consumed him quickly . I confesse he came to me often to borrow , but when I saw Excuses of the couetous in lending . his vaine courses of expence , I was very loth to lend to him , But that hee so earnestly intreated me , euen with teares in his eyes oftentimes protesting , that I should greatly pleasure him , yea , and saue him and his estate from ruine , if I would doe him that kindnesse , to lend him in his need .

Thus ( my Lord ) was I moued and drawne on to lend him , according to the Statute , onely I took good Security , because I perceiued him to bee wastfull . Aduantage I neuer tooke , but onely when I saw that he was an idle fellow and carelesse , and would neuer keepe day , then I would onely threaten him to terrifie him , ( my Lord ) and if hee then brought any kindnesse to my wife , it is more than I know of , and more than I desire of him .

Sometimes hee would offer to sell mee the land In buying . morgaged to mee , when he could not pay , and told me that of necessitie hee must sell it , and if I would not , another should buy it . Then I thought my selfe as worthy to haue it as any other in all reason .

For my threatning of In not giuing . him and his Companie , when they went a begging ; true it is , because I say , that as they had consumed themselues , they thought to relie on mee , and so in like sort to haue eaten me vp too : for idely had they liued , and worke they neither could nor would . And whereas they accuse me that I compelled them to steale , herein they very much wrong me ( my Lord ) for it was their Loue to liue idely , and their Pinching necessitie , which led and inforced them to fall to shifting and stealing , and not I my Lord .

Touching their Landlords depopulating of the In depopulating townes . Towne of Wealth , they their owne selues were the very cause thereof , for that worthy Knight and my kinsman , Sir Worldly Wise , when hee saw how some by suits of Law , others by Drunkennesse and Ryot , others by Pride and Idlenesse did waste their estates , so as they were neither able to till their land , nor to stock their grounds , hee bought their estates one after another , and so left them to buy or hire for themselues elsewhere . And when thus they had remoued themselues , hee sought the welfare of the Common-Weale , which was to hold vp cloathing ( my Lord ) the chiefest meanes Pretence of publique good . here to set the poore on worke , which cannot bee without wooll , and wooll cannot bee had without flockes of sheepe .

If this Worthy Knight , and good Common-Wealths man tooke any aduice of mee , it was for publike good . Good my Lord , consider that Pouertie is impatient , euer complaining , and very vnthankfull to his best friends , if they doe not alwayes supply his wants .

You know this ( my Lord ) to be true , and all the Worshipfull Iustices of the Bench.

Touching Master Church His answer to Master Church . his accusation ; vnworthily doth he lay the faults on me ; for when any doe ride post so for Benefices when they be fallen , they are set on ( my Lord ) sometime by Perking Pride , sometime by Neighbour Need , What makes Ministers to run so for liuings . and all of them by Master Haste to get the liuing , and by Master Feare to come short of it . It was neuer I that made them offer such summes of monies to Patrons , ( for it is my manner to aduise my friends to be euer sparing of their purses : ) but it was their ouer-forward friend , Master Hope-to-preuaile that counselled them to make such profers .

I am not ( my Lord ) Who make Ministers so negligent . the cause of any Ministers negligence in his Function , but a couple of base loytering fellowes dwelling with such Ministers , commonly called ( my Lord ) the Parsons men Ease and Idle , by whom such Ministers are too much led .

If the people profit not vnder those that bee painfull Ministers ( my Lord ) the fault is not through What hinders people from profiting vnder the Word . mee , but the fault is in Inbred , Ignorance , Dulnesse , Old man , Mistresse Heart , and Wilfull Will her man , and Maides hating to bee reformed , Dislike of Teachers either for their person Psal. 50. 1. King . 22. Ios. 6. Mat. 13. or doctrine , Want of loue of the Truth , Contentednesse to liue and die in Ignorance , and the verie Deuill himselfe ( my Lord ) their vtter enemie . These ought to beare the blame ( my Lord ) and not I.

For Master Common-Weale Answer to Common-Weale . ( my Lord ) I maruell that hee should thus abuse me , and wrong me , for ( my Lord ) he knowes well , that I haue many waies enriched such as belong vnto him : his cunning Merchants in trading , and his craftie Lawyers in pleading . I haue holpen many a meane man to a great estate , and many a base birth to bee counted of the Gentrie . Forward haue I beene to helpe all sorts of euerie estate , of euery profession & of euery trade and course of life , and must I now be questioned for my life ?

Concerning Master Answer to Houshold . Houshold , hee hath no reason of all others to blame me ; for I taught him how to be warie in his house-keeping , how to manage his estate for his best thrift , how to aduantage himselfe in buying and selling Corne and Cattell , how to let and set , and hire grounds , to graze and fat Cattell , and ( my Lord ) I euer sought his profit in all my courses . Hee hath no cause thus to accuse me to your Lordship . He had neuer gotten vp to haue maintained so great a Family , but by me . I raised his Father from a base Cottage , to be a Free-holder , and so himselfe to be Master of a great Family and houshold . If any such euils haue happened vnder him , as hee complayneth of , let him accuse Vnnaturalnesse , Impatience , Vnruly What s makes debate in a family . Passions , and such like makebates , and withall the Suggestions of Satan , which doe set men on such mischiefes , and not mee ( my Lord. )

For Master Neighbour-hood , hee may of all other Answer to Neighbour-hood be ashamed to accuse mee so , because hee hath liued much better and nothing worse by me ( my Lord ) for I caused to bee remoued from him and his neighbours , in their often and idle meetings ( which they pleased to call Good-fellowship ) a Company of verie Vnthrifts , Waste , Ryot , Prodigalitie , Bad societie . Drunkennes , Gluttonie , Idlenesse , Carelesnesse , Needlesse-Expence , and a rout of very Rascals , with reuerence be it spoken ( my Lord. ) I taught him and all such as hee is , a better way to liue , and a more thriuing course , to looke diligently to their estates , and to take good courses to saue , to get , and to increase their meanes . As first hauing abandoned such lewd companie before named , in the next place , I aduised them to put away their bad Men-seruants , Bad men-seruants . Slacke and Slothfull , Carelesse and Wastfull , Gor-belly and Tospot , Weake and Way-ward , Loue-bed & Drowsie , Light-finger and Lurching , Gamester and Go-gay , Slipstring and Wanderer , Scape-thrift & Spendall , and such like vnprofitable Hindes . And withall to rid themselues in like manner , of al their bad Maid-seruants , such as Bad Maid-seruants . these , Pranker and Prattle , Wanton and Loue-sick , Sleepy and Slugge , Sweetlip and Daintie , Gadding and Forgetfull , Greene-sicknesse and Tender , Driuell and Slut , also and aboue all the Choare-woman , and her daughters Pocating and Filch , with all their fellowes .

And in stead of these ( my Lord ) I commended vnto them a company of Men-seruants worth entertainement , Thriftie men-seruants . all one mans children , the sons of mine honest Neighbour Good-husbandrie ; as Care and Forecast , Makehas●e and Warie , Thriftie and Pinch , Aduantage and Holdfast , Cunning and Catch , Watchfull and Toilesome , Homely-fare , and Meane-clad , Clouted-shooe and Patch , Vp-betimes and Labour , Last vp and Trustie , Getting and Lockfast , Spend-little and Get-much , Take-time and Lose-nought , Debtlesse and Gaine , with such other profitable seruants .

And because I knew that Maid-seruants answerable to them were as necessarie , I aduised the best I could to prouide such also , the daughters of Good-hous-wiferie ; as Eager and Spare , Quicke and Profitable Maids Nimble , Trusty and Timely-vp , Health-full and Chaste , Euer-doing and Silent , Wittie and Pliant , with other of the like nature helpfull to vphold a mans estate . By which good counsel of mine ( my Lord ) Neighbour-hood liueth now richly , and not beggerly , Neede knockes not daily at his doore , either to begge or borrow , as he was wont to doe .

Concerning the last Answer to Good-worke . man Master Good-worke , he hath least cause of all others to complaine for that same which hee pleaseth to call in me Oppression , Vsurie , Extortion , and what not , haue built many a faire Almes-house , many a goodly Hospitall in the Land ( my Lord ) and haue also giuen by will , many a large Legacie to the poore , and much to publike vses .

My Lord , when I was Couetousnesse a Romane Catholique . a Romane Catholique in our Forefathers dayes , none was than in more grace and fauour with all the Clergie than my selfe . By mee the holy Father the Pope greatly increased his Treasurie , by my Counsells the Prelates gat vp to such an infinite wealth and to such glorious dignities : by me ( they making Religion a cloake for me to put on ) they got such stately houses for their dwellings , and for the varietie of their orders , built in the best places of euery Nation , and such yearely Reuenewes , as did exceede , for their certaine maintenance .

Good my Lord , let it please your Lordship to thinke better of me , than these men , procured for witnesses haue suggested , for falsely haue they spoken against me . Good my Lord , good my Lord , doe me right I beseech you .

Stand vp , stand vp Fellow , Iudges speech . I haue heard with Patience these thy verball Apologies : thy subtile shifts to acquit thy selfe , thy faire shewes to winne thee credit , if it weare possible , thereby to procure thine owne release . But know , that yet for all that thou hast said , the Inditement against thee standeth firme , and the Euidence against thee is good , which here my brethren the Kings Sergeant , and the Kings Atturney , and these worthy Gentlemen , Iustices of this County likewise affirme .

It is very true which your Lordship saith .

Good ( my Lord ) before you pronounce sentence against me , as you be a righteous Iudge , heare me , but this once more ?

What hast thou to say yet for thy selfe ?

My Lord I am endited Couetousnesse would find an error in the inditement . by a wrong name , my name ( my Lord ) is Thrift , and not Couetousnesse , as all this while my Aduersaries haue borne your Lordship in hand .

Then the Iudge asked Iustice Sapience where his examination was ? The Iustices Clarke called Experience brought it forth and read it : In which his name was found to bee Couetousnesse , and that by the witnesse of his neighbours , to whom he was verie well knowne .

Fellow , saith the Iudge , why dost thou denie thy name ?

My Lord I doe not denie The Couetous will be onely held thriftie . it , for my name is Thrift ; but when I get vp some wealth , the enuy of my neighbours gaue me this other nickname : and so common it grew , by their so often calling me , as I lost my other name among them . But there are diuerse of my honest neighbours , which loue me , and are glad of my welfare , they haue told me , that my name formerly was Thrift ; and they do assure me , that I am vntruly called Couetousnesse .

Then saith the Iudge , who be these , and what are their names ?

My Lord , one is Master Faire-speech , Who they bee that call Couetousnesse onely Thrift . a louing kind man : and another is Master Soothing his kinsman , both of them my familiar friends : whom I haue often enuited and welcomed to my house . Also many other of my good neighbours do affirme as much to me , as my neighbour Needy , Retainer , Dependant , Workeman , Hireling , Tenant , Feareman , Fainhart , Loath-to-offend , Clawbacke , and Fawning ; for though some of these bee but poore men , yet I haue euer knowne them all to be so honest , that they haue hated to slatter me ; There are besids these ( my Lord ) other very substantiall Gentlemen , as Master Lucre , Master Bribery , Master Opression , Master Harddealing , Friends to the Couetous . Master Scrapgood , Master Niggard , Master Pinch-poore , Master Extortion , Master Basemind , Master Chubrich , Master Vsury , Master Hardhart , Master Louegood , Master Suckingaine , and Master Griphard , all these ( my Lord ) and other moe of my good friends , haue much maruelled , that I would suffer my selfe to be soe falsely called Couetousnesse , by these my Accusars , my euer hatefull and malicious enemies , such as is Master Pitie , Master Reliefe , Enemies to Coueteousnesse . Master Liberalitie , Master Bountie , Master Hospitality with certaine lend Companions such as Carelesse and Wastfull , Pride , & Prodigalitie , Idle and Bellicheare , with the like haters of my thriuing and prouident courses : for I haue heard some Preachers say , that hee which prouideth not for his family is worse then an Infidle : and I would be loath to be hold such a one , that am a Christian man . And ( my Lord ) if it please you to heare mee , and also to beleeue mee , I haue euer hated Couetousnesse : What the Couetous may do . for I keepe my Church , I say daily my prayers , and now and then , as I may attend it , I heare Preachers , yea such , as be held of the incercut , euer railing against the Couetous ; I haue beene Patron of many a good Benifice , and haue euer giuen them freely ; and if it happened , that I reserued out of them any Tithes ; it was then vpon my Chaplens thankfulnesse , and onely vpon an honest composition . I haue giuen almes now and then , I haue not beene altogether soe straight handed to the poore , when I sold or let any thing as often I did , the price set vpon the same euer was so reasonable ( as my Stewards and Bailiffes Couetousnesse hath saire pretences . told mee for I trusted them , ) that if one would not giue the money another would . If in house-keeping I haue beene any whit sparing , it was onely warines to auoid Riot , Excesse , Drunkennes & Gluttonie , which euery honest man hateth . If the poore ( so many as came ) were not all relieued , it was for that I saw beggers to encrease thereby , and so I may do more harme then good by my almes : for while some came from farre , for an almes or a peny , they might haue earned at home in that time perhaps two pence , yea a groate sometimes , making their going and comming a whole dayes labour , I gathered ( my Lord ) what I haue gotten , by Gods blessing , and great paines-taking , for present and for future maintenance of my selfe , my wife and children after me , and I meant withall , when I died , to haue giuen something to the Church , something to the poore , and a reward to a Preacher , to Preach my funerall Sermon : and somewhat more , perhaps , to other good vses .

Good my Lord , I beseech you consider of me , The Couetous will iustifie themselues . I haue euer had a good mind to wrong no man , but onely haue striuen carefully and honestly to thriue in this hard world : and if all my courses bee neuer so strictly obserued , they will onely proue mee to bee Thrist , ( which is my right name ) and not Couetousnesse ; It hath been my ill happe , though I haue done good deeds , to be very wrongfully abused , either by such as haue enuied my good prosperitie : or by some railing Tenants , or by some bordering Neighbours that cannot buy of me , how , when , and what they list , at their owne prices : or by some vnthankfull persons not satisfied according to their humours , though rewarded aboue their deserts . Good my Lord , be good vnto mee , and bee not carried away with the words of my malicious enuious Accusers .

Fellow ( saith the Iudge ) but that I onely sit to iudge , and not to bee thy Accuser , I could tell thee , First , that those thou hast before named , to prooue thee to be Thrift , and not Couetousnesse , are either slatterers , or fearefull to displease thee , or wretched men , companions in euill like thy selfe : And therefore their witnesse is nothing worth : Next , that all thou hast alleaged concerning One may be Couetous and yet do many commendable things thy Religion , thy almes-deeds , thy house-keeping , and the rest , do not cleare thee of Couetousnesse : for the Scribes and Pharisecs would pay Tithes , fast weekly ; make Mat. 6. Mat. 23. many and long prayers , yea they heard Iohn Baptist a seuere Reprouer of sin and Christ Iesus too , who sharply reprehended them : They would giue almes , adorne sepulchers , and doe many things which thou dost come farre short off , and yet were they very couetous . The young man that Luk. 16. 14. came to Christ , and stood vpon his well doing towards all men , and that Mat. 29. Mar. 10. 24. from his youth vp : yet was he a Mamonist ; and trusted in his riches . There were certaine Iewes as one Propher telleth vs , who Eze. 33. 30. 32. would heare Sermons , seeme to delight therein , shew loue to their Teachers in word , and speake to others to go and heare them , yet their hearts followed after their couetousnesse . In a word , the carriage of thy owne speech vttered in thy owne praises , sauoureth strongly of Couetousnesse . But as I said I will not bee both an Accusar and thy Iudge : we will heare witnesses for the King in this point also : call in witnesses .

Then the Clarke willeth the Crier to call in one Master Proofe and one Master Signes .

Master Proofe and Master Signes come into the Court , to giue euidence against the Prisoner at the barre , or else you forfeit your Recognisances . Vous auez Master Proofe , and Master Signes .

Master Proofe stand vp to the barre , that my Lord may heare you : giue roome there .

Then saith the Iudge , Master Proofe looke vpon the prisoner , do you know him ?

Yea ( my Lord ) I haue knowne him from a child : his name is Couetousnesse .

But he denieth it now , saith the Iudge , and calles himselfe Thrift .

My Lord , be of late is growne ashamed of his name , but neither is , nor euer was ashamed , either of the nature or practise of Couetousnesse , as I and Master Signes here do well know , and are able to make good against him .

Then you hold not his name to be Thrift .

No verily ( my Lord ) though he hath often pretended it , to couer his odious , though very true name : yet is it not to bee denied ( my Lord ) but that one Thrift dwelt , where hee now dwelleth , and indeed , he is a slip of Thrift , and thus it was .

This Master Thrift , Thrift turned basely couetous and how . was once Steward to three worshipfull Gentlemen , Master Liberalitie , Master Bounty , and Master Hospitalitie , and carried himselfe very commendably in their seruices , and afterwards for himselfe , when hee came to be an housekeeper , vntill he fell in acquaintance with a very pestilent subtill base Pettifogger , who gaue The Deuill . him such bad counsell as vnhappily brought him to fall into familiaritie The petigree of of Couetousnesse shewing the true proofe thereof , in whom so euer it is . with one Distrust , and suddenly to marry a daughter of his called Not content . Through this his vnhappy father in Law euer vrging , and his vnquiet wifes sollicitation , he was much altered in his nature and condition from that which hee was before . Of this woman Notcontent he had diuerse children , among the rest , Care , Feare , Spare , Hard-fare , Toilesome , and with all , one called Gaine : Those former Sonnes were soure , sad , lumpish , froward , and very vnquiet : But this Lad Gaine was a pleasant youth , and often made his parents very merry , and therefore though they neglected not the other , yet their chiefest delight was set vpon this .

This Sonne they soe cockered , and made so much off , as they suffered him to set his loue vpon one Coueting , a very harlot , and withall the base daughter of Desire , vpon which filthy harlotry hee begat this fellow Couetousnesse , the prisoner now at the barre : who when hee was but a very babe , so continually lay sucking at his mother Couetings breasts , as she had not milke inough for him , and therefore with her husband Gaines consent , she put him to be nursed , and nourished vp of one Grecdie , the wife of Money-loue ; Now so it fell out , that these two , had a daughter called Hopet ' encrease , to which hee at ripe yeares was married , who betweene themselues , as also by the helpe of their Parents , on both sides , of his Parents Gaine and Coueting ; and of her Parents Greedy & Money-loue , they did grow rich and very great . And so vnsatiable hath he beene euer in getting , as he iustly deserueth to be called Couetousnesse his very true and proper name . And this is that which I haue to say ( my Lord ) and I hope it may giue the Iury satisfaction , that he is not indited by a false name .

If you haue spoken Master Proofe , then Cryer , call in Master Signes , saith the Iudge .

Master Signes saith the Cryer , stand vp to the barre .

Then the Iudge asked him , if he knew the prisoner ?

My Lord , saith he , I haue knowne this man of a long time , his name is Couetousnesse : He was so borne , and brought vp , as Master proofe hath witnessed to your Lordship , and to the Iury.

But ( saith the Iudge ) you haue heard him deny , that this is his name , what euident tokens can you therefore decipher him by , that the Iury may know him to bee the very man ?

My Lord , though I know him to be blinded with Selfeloue , and with an ouer good conceit of himselfe , as rich men commoly be , so saith Salomon , as also that hee is Pro. 28. 11. flattered by such , as hee himselfe hath named to your Lordship , that hee will neuer beleeue what I shall say ; yet will I deliuer vndoubted tokens to the Iury for them to know assuredly , that he is the very man , according to his name ; a right Mamonist . Signes of a conetous person . For , my Lord he cannot deny that he was euer content with his estate , Heb. 13. 5. but through the loue of money , which he coueted after , he hath laboured and made haste to be rich . 1. Tim. 6. 9. Pro. 23. 4. Pro. 28. 20. and neuer would be satisfied , Eccle. 5. 6. 10. nor haue inough , Esay 56. 11. For as riches encreased , so he set his heart vpon them , Psal. 62. 10. His cheifest ioy was , because his wealth was great , and because his hand had gotten much , Iob. 31. 25. he hath receiued siluer , rather then instruction , and gold rather then knowledge ; Pro. 8. 10. His trust was in his riches , Pro. 11. 28. Ier. 48. 7. His wealth was his strong City , Pro. 10. 15. and as a high wall in his conceit , Pro. 18. 11 Greedy hath he beene of gaine , and through his greedinesse , hath he troubled his owne house , Pro. 15. 27. by chiding , chasing , turmoiling , pinching fare , and such like meanes ; He hath encreased his estate by vniust gaine and oppression , Pro. 28. 8. and 22. 16. Gifts he hath loued and receiued , Pro. 29. 4. Esay 1. 23. In his aboundance he hath not had power giuen him to liue plentifully , Eccles. 6. 2. but hath spared more then needeth , Pro. 11. 24. He hath eaten vppon other mens labours , Esay 3. 14. and his Neighbours labours he hath vsed without recompence , Ier. 22. 13. For he alwayes onely looked to his owne wayes , and to his owne gaine , Esay 56. 11. Studying to ioyne house to house , and field to field , that hee might be alone , Esay . 5. 8. He hath built houses by vnrighteousnesse and wrong . Ier. 22. 13 , Hee hath made vnhonest gaine , Ezech. 22. 13. 24. And gotten greedily by extortion . Ezech. 22. 12. His eyes and his heart were only for Couetousnesse , Ier. 22. 17. Besides all these ( my Lord ) hee hath suffered the cares of this world , and deceitfulnesse of riches to choake the Word of God , that it hath beene without fruit in him . Mat 13. 22. Hee neuer deuised liberall things , Esay . 32. 8. nor to despise the gaine of deceits , Esay 32. 8. Any proposition tending to cost was euer displeasing to him , and like the young man in the Gospel , would Mat. 19. he go away heauily : as one grieued to part with his goods . As an Ahab he neuer could see a Nabothes Vinyard lying commodiously for him , but he eagerly gaped after it . If he gaue to the poore , and to good vses , it was of necessitie not freely , 2. Cor. 9. 5. sparingly , and not bountifully , not cherefully , and of a willing mind , pleading not to bee so rich , as men tooke him to bee , Pro. 13. 7.

And whereas this man saith , that hee hath euer When doth a man bare Couetousnesse . hated Couetousnesse , ( as indeed hee ought to haue done , ) Pro. 28. 16. Surely if he had , then would hee ( my Lord ) with Dauid ( one that bestowed infinit treasures to holy vses ) haue prayed against the Couetousnes of his owne heart , Psal. 119. 36. Hee would haue beene more liberall , more bountiful , more giuen to hospitallity , and more ready to good works , then he hath beene hitherto . He would be like Cornelius giuing much almes . Act. 10. 2. My Lord I haue knowne him to watch opportunity , to get aduantages both of rich and poore : If Master Liberalitie , Bounty , Hospitality , Goodworke , Church , or Common-weale , did euer imploy him , he then would make gaine of them all to himselfe : Where hee found any good fellowes for his turne , as Waste , Prodigalitie , Pride , Idle , Needy , or Simple , as long as they had any thing , he would speake kindely to them , offer to lend them vpon pawnes , or morgages , till he had vndone them , which he that hateth Couetousnesse would neuer haue done .

To be short ( my Lord ) all the witnesses produced already , with the iust complaint of poore Pouerty : proclaime his name to be Couetousnesse , yea , ( as your Lordship hath well obserued ) his owne speeches and practises , cry shame against him .

Would a man hating Couetousnesse commend the practise of Sir Worldlywise , as hee hath done ?

Would he commend , The crueltie and basenesse of Couetousnesse . and entertaine in his seruice , Cunning , and Catch , Aduantage , and Holdfast , Rackrent , and Ouerreach , Makemuch , and Pinchhard , Sparepurse , and Niggard , Hardsare , and Churle , Coldwelcome , and Wishrid , Scarcedrinke , and Farewell , with a company of base Hangbies , such as these , Slipthrif● , and Poorewage , Lackmeanes , and Loyterer , Tag and Ragge , with Soliue , and Orbegone . If Couetousnesse did not ouersway him , hee would surely abandon all such contemptible Companions which are euer a disgrace to Liberality , Bounty , and Hospitality , such fellowes as these afore named , they s●orne to haue abiding in their mansions .

I haue bene ( my Lord ) somewhat to long , I feare me , but I hope , I haue satisfied your Lordship and the Iury : and spoken , but that which is truth .

Master Signes ( saith the Iudge ) you and Master Proofe , haue performed the parts of honest men .

Sirrha Sirrha , thou that hast so impudently denied thy name , here before the face of thy country : being so clerely prooued against thee euery way , what canst thou yet alleadge for thy selfe , that now the sentence of death should not be pronounced against thee ?

Good my Lord a Psalme of mercy .

What! canst thou , soe notorious a Traytor to God , to his Church , to thy King , and to thy Country , now imagine , to reape any benefit by thy Cleargy ?

Good my Lord , I pray your Lordship of mercy , Good my Lord .

Fellow hold thy peace , and heare with patience , thy iust deserued iudgement .

Couetousnesse , thou hast The sentence a 〈◊〉 Couetousnesse . been indited by the name of Couetousnesse of all the aforesaid Felonies , Cousenages , Oppressions , and Murthers , and for the same thou hast been at raigned ; thou hast pleaded not guilty , & hast put thy selfe vpon thy triall and beene found guilty , hauing no more to say for thy selfe , this is the Law .

Thou art to be counted Idolatry before God , and Ephes. 5. 3. also the root of all euill , and so damned a sinne as not to be named amongst Christians , and that such as by thee are made couetous 1. Cor. 5. are to be abandoned of all good men , as of God they are abhorred , being worthy of eternall death ; and haue no inheritance Psal. 10 3. in the Kingdome of Christ and of God , but vpon Rom. 1. 29. 32. them must come the wrath of God , as vpon the Ephes. 55. children of disobedience . Thou art therefore as a rotten member of the Col. 3. 5. 6. flesh to bee mortified and cut off .

Master Shireffe , do Excecution which the Vnder Shireffe seeth performed .

Goaler , set Papistry to the Barre .

Papistry hold vp thy Papistry indicted hand .

Papistry , thou art heere indited by the name of Papistry , of the City of Rome , in the County of Babylon , that thou being a bastard Christian begotten of Heresie , Iudaisme , Paganism , hast by violent force and armes inuaded the territories of the Church of God , and by Spanish Inquisitions , bloudy Massacres , stabbing , poysoning , and killing of Kings , Gunne-powder plots , Treasons , Rebellions , and other hellish practices , vsurped authority and thrusts vpon Gods people their humane traditions , inuentions , superstitions , will-worship , Heresies , Iewish Ceremonies , and Paganish Idolatry to the damnation of many Christian soules contrary to the peace of our Soueraigne Lord the King , his Crowne and Dignity , what sayest thou hereunto , art thou guilty or not guilty ?

Not guilty my Lord .

By whom wilt thou be tried ?

By God and the Country . But ( good my Lord ) let me haue another Iurie Papistries petition . chosen , I doe not except against the former Iurie , Faith , Loue , Feare , Charity , Sincerity , Paitence , Innocencie and the rest , but ( my Lord ) though they be honest men , and haue well discharged themselues in their Virdict vpon other Prisoners ; yet haue they not such Iudgement and Vnderstanding as others haue , to discerne of my case , and the truth of the Euidence which shall bee brought against me .

Papistry , because neither thou nor any of thy slanderous Fauorits may say , that thou hast beene proceeded against rigorously and vniustly , without respect to the truth of the cause , I am content to call a new Iurie , if here we can haue so many as will make vp the number .

I humbly thanke you ( my good Lord ) God reward your Lordship for it .

Master Sheriffe , impannell a new Iurie of very substantiall men , the chiefest you can finde , and fittest to goe vpon this Prisoner now at the Barre .

My Lord , I supposed , that as he would craue , so from your Lordships vprightnes he should obtaine this fauour , therefore haue I prepared a full Iury to this purpose .

It was done wisely of you ( Master Sheriffe ) let them be called .

Cryer call in the Iurie . A Iurie against Papistry .

1. Call Common Principles , Vous aues Common Principles .

2. Call Apostles Creed , Vous aues The Creed .

3. Call Second Commandement , Second Commandement come in .

My Lord I cannot get in .

What s the matter ?

My Lord ( saith the Cryer ) the Papists keepe him out .

Command to let him in , Vous aues the Second Commandement .

4. Call Pater noster , Vous aues Pater noster .

5. Call Holy Scriptures , Vous aues Holy Scriptures .

6. Call the Apocrypha , Vous aues Apocrypha .

7. Call Councells , Vous aues Councels .

8. Call Antient Fathers for the first 600. yeares after Christ , Vous aues Antient Fathers .

9. Call Contradiction amongst themselues , Vous aues Contradiction ,

10. Call Absurditie of Opinion , Vous aues Absurditie of Opinion .

11. Call Consent of their own Men , Vous aues Consent .

12. Call Testimonie of Martyrs , Vous aues Testimonie of Martyrs .

Counte , saith the Clerke .

Then the Cryer bids them answer to their names .

Common Principles , one ; Creed , two ; Commandement , By these twelue meanes Papistry may be confuted three ; Pater noster , foure ; Holy Scriptures , fiue , Apocrypha , six ; Councell , seuen ; Fathers , eight ; Contradiction , nine ; Absurditie , ten ; Consent of their owne men , eleuen ; Testimonie of Martyrs , twelue : Good men and true , stand together and heare your charge .

My Lord , here are some more summoned by Master Sheriffes authoritie .

Who bee they Master Sheriffe ?

Master Law with his sonnes , Ciuill , Canon , Common , Master Law and his sonnes . and Municipall .

Well , let them attend the Court for the Kings seruice , for vse , if need be .

Papistrie , if thou canst ●ustly except against any , I giue thee leaue to challenge any such of the Iury.

Good my Lord , onely Holy Scriptures is by Papistrie chiefely excepted against . one of the Iury I except against , which is Holy Scriptures , except it be our own Translation .

Well , saith the Iudge , I For Papist may be confuted by their owne translation . See my Booke of Rheme , against Rome . am content it shall bee so , let it be either Montanus , or the Rhemist , or the Vulgar Edition , we desire a iust proceeding with all the indifferencie that may be .

Then the Crier calleth aloud ; If any man can giue Euidence , or can say any thing against the Prisoner at the Barre , let him come in , for hee stands vpon his deliuerance .

Here is my Lord a worthy Gentleman M. Verity .

Master Verity , come neere , what can you say concerning the Prisoner at the Barre ?

My Lord , this I am able Master Verities euidence against Papistrie . to iustisie . First , that hee hath beene a False Teacher from the beginning , fraught with error and heresies , teaching as the false Teachers Like false Teachers in Doctrine . did , such as be recorded in Scripture , if they were paralleld together , as the Doctrine of Diuels , 1 Tim. 4. 1 , 2. 1. Traditions and Reader marke the doctrine of false Teachers of old , and Papists now . Commandements of men , Mat. 15. 2. Mar. 7. 8 , 9 , 13. Col. 2. 22. Veniall sinnes 2. Matt. 23. 16. 18. Childrens 3. neglect of Parents for Churches 4. profit , as they pretended , Mat. 15. 5. Mar. 7. 11. Superstitious obseruations 5. in meats and holy dayes , Matth 15. 11. Col. 2. 16 , 21. Laying heauy burthens vpon 6. the people , Luk. 11. 46. Iustification 7. by works , therewith troubling the Churches , Gal. 2. 18. & 3. 2. & 5. 4. 12. Voluntary Religion and Wil-worship , Col. 2. 18. 23. The 8. worship of Angels , Col. 2. 18. 9. Carnall libertie , 2. Pet. 2. 19. Reu. 2. 1● . 20. And Teaching 10. for filthy Lucre , Tit. 2. 11. 11. Thus are they , as were the False Teachers ( as the Scriptures in the New Testament set them out ) like in all these things .

How like they are ( my Lord ) to after Heretiques , learned Whitaker in his Booke De Ecclesia , in the first Question , sheweth in many particulars .

Secondly , ( my Lord ) he hath vsed the very same Like false Teachers in practices . practises which False Teachers haue vsed : hee doth to make way for his Doctrine , Worship and Aduancement , euen as they Practise of false Teachers . did . a a Col. 2. 2. 23. 2. Tim. 3. 5 , 6. 2. Pet. 2. 3 , 4. They played the Hypocrites in outward humilitie , in long prayers and formes of Deuotion , and so mislead silly women . b b Mat. 15 , 2. & 7. 3. 1. Pet. 1. 18. They graced their Doctrine with shew of Fore-fathers . c c Luk. 11. 5. They tooke away the Key of Knowledge , and neither would enter into life , nor suffer others . d d 2. Tim. 4. & 1. Tim. 4. 7. They told the people old Wiues Fables , and told lies in hypocrisie . e e Ephes. 4. 14. They vsed sleights and cunning craftinesse to deceiue . f f 1. Tim. 4. 20. They boasted of their learning , vsing prophane and vaine babbling , and oppositions of Sciences as they termed it . g g 2. Thes. 2. 2. Act. 15. 24. They pretended Reuelations , Apostolicall Traditions , and alleadged counterfer writings . h h Reu. 2. 20. Nehe. 6. 14. They had the Propheticall woman and deceiuing Prophetesses , i i Mat. 7. 23. Deut. 13. 1 , 2. They had their Miracle-workers , Casters out of Diuels , and Dreamers of dreames . k k Act 17. 7. & 24. 5. & 18. 13. & 25. 7. 2 Cor. 10. 10. Act. 24 5. They would slander mens persons , and the Doctrine of saithfull Teachers , and lay to their charge what they could not proue , speaking of them contemptuously , and railing on them . l l Ioh. 8. 39. Mat. 3. 9. 2 Cor. 11. 13 , 22. They boasted to bee the true Church , and that by Succession they were of the Fathers . m m Rom. 16. 18. 1. Cor. 2. 1. They would vse faire and soothing words , and teach with inticing words , and did strine for excellencie of speech of mans wisedome to deceiue . n n Act. 4. 18. & 22 1. & 6. 24 & 26. 10 , 11. & 30. 50. & 22. Reu. 2. When they could not preuaile by faire meanes , then they would suborne false witnesses : they threatned , beat , imprisoned , banished and slew the faithfull Teachers and Christian Beleeuers . o o Act. 23. 1● . They would plot conspiracies to the shedding of bloud , and the Priests must bee acquainted herewith before hand to encourage them hereto . p p Acts 13 50. They would make open insurrections , and stir vp great personages to take part with them . And what rebellion , treasons , conspiracies , insurrections , and persecutions this Papistrie hath wrought , my Lord Bishop of Chichester hath openly discouered to the world in his Booke of Thanksgiuing for our deliuerance from all these Popish Traytors Priests and Iesuits . Traitors , Morton , Sands , Parsons , Campion , Ballard , Watson , Clarke , Garnet , Priests and Iesuits : Stuckly , Someruile , Throgmorton , Parry , Babbington Popish Traitors laicks : and his Company ; Lop us , Tyrone , Markam , Brooke , with others ; Percey , Catsby , and all the Gun-powder Plotters ; Laicks . And this ( my Lord ) is not what I could , but what I thought sufficient to testifie at this time , because I would not be tedious .

Master Veritie , by this you haue vttered , it is easie to see how this man hath followed , both the false Teachers in Doctrine , and the Enemies of the Gospell in their practises . If there be any moe witnesses , let them come foorth .

Yes my Lord , here is Sir Christianitie .

Sir Christianitie , what is it that you haue to say against this Prisoner at the barre ?

My Lord , I was commanded to bee here to Sir Christianitie his euidence against Papistrie day to giue euidence what I know against this man , and this I am willing to do for the seruice of my Soueraigne . This it is ( my Lord ) which I haue to say , that this man with his Associates , hath in stead of Christian Religion , set vp a seruice of Iudaisme and How Papists are like the Gentiles , Se Mathias Hoe on Reu. 11 , 2. from p. 1. 419. to 453. Paganisme , which I am able to prooue in a multitude of particulars : but because I am loath to be tedious in my relation , I haue brought heere with me Three Bookes , that the Iury may iudge of all the particulars , or they may be read before the Prisoner , if your Lordship shall be pleased to haue it so .

What bookes Sir Christianitie ?

My Lord , one is that , 1. Books 1. Three Conformities . that is called The Three Conformities set out lately . The other is , De Origine 2. De Origine Papatus . Papatus , set out by one Doctor Morisin , and dedicated to his late Maiesty : and the third is , our learned Countriman Doctor Raynolds his Conference with Hart neuer answered of 3. Roynolds and Hart. any papistto this day , who sheweth how the Popish seruice is like vnto the Iewishin very many particulars and wherein they be more Heathenish , then Iewish .

I am content to haue them read to spare your speech touching the Iewish seruice .

So hauing beene read , the Iudge yet wished Sir Christianity to declare openly how Pagan like Papists bee , and as the Heathenish Idolaters in Israel and Iudah were , and onely out of the vndoubted Testimonies of Scripture , and the Apocrypha books , because those learned Authors had omitted it .

My Lord , I shall ( saith Sir Christianity ) performe this taske with as great breuitie as I may : that this Prisoner ( if it be possible ) may see how wickedly he hath dealt with mens soules to set vp instead of Gods Seruice , an Idolatrous , and Pagan-like Papists like Pagans in many things . Worship .

a a Rom. 1. 22. These Pagans set forth God like a man . b b Ier. 7 18. The Idolatrous Israelites had a Queene of Heauen : c c Dan 9. 4. Isa 41. 7. and 44. 10. they had Images of gold and siluer , brasse , yron , wood , Ier 1. 4. Baruch 6 45. Deut. 7. 5. & 12. 3. and stone , and some of clay : some molten , some carued and grauen , some 2 King 17 41. 2. Chron 33. 7. 19. and 34. 4. Iudg. 18. 18 Ezek. 2● . 14 , 15 , 16. & 8. 10. Numb. 33. 52. portrayed vpon walls , and other Pictures . Some were likemen , Dan. 3. 1. 1. Sam. 5. 3 , 4. and some like Women , Act. 19. 27. 2. Machab. 1. 13. 1. Sam. 31. 10. some lke Beasts , ( like S. George and the Dragon ) Exod. 34. Wisd. 11. 15. They adorned Adorned images them with siluer and gold , Ierem. 10. 4. and set Crownes vpon some of their heads , couering them with costly garments and of diuers colours , Deut. 7. 25. Hab. 2. 19. Baruch 6. 8 , 9 , 14 , 15 , 29 , 39 , 50 , 55 , 58. Ezek. 16. 18. Wisd. 13. 14 carrying a Scepter in the hand , or a dagger , or an axe , Baruch 6. 14 , 15. They set them vp with great deuotion & solemnity , with musick and melodie , Dan. 3. 3. Musick . with singing , dancing , and other delights , Exodus 32. 5. Dancing . Temples . They built Temples for these Images , Ioel 3. 5. 2. Machab. 1. 13 , 15. Baruch 6. 18. which were the houses of their Gods , Iudg. 17. 4. 1 Samuel 5. 2. and called them Sanctuaries , Isat . 16. 12. They had Chappels for them , Chappels . Amos 7. 12. Yea , they Images in euery place . set them vpon tops of hills , 1 King . 14. 23. 2 King . 17. 10. They had them in priuate houses , Iudg. 17. 4. 18. in chambers , Ezek. 8. 12. and in secret places , Deut. 27. 15. They had their pleasant Groues planted , Ier. 17. 2. Groues . 1 King . 14. 23 and there also had their Images , 1 King . 15. 13. 2 Chron. 15. 16. 2 King . 17. 10. They had their standing Pillars and Images , as the Papists Standing Pillars as Crosses be . their Crosses , Deut. 12. 3. & 16. 22. 2. King . 17. 19 , Leu. 26 1. these were in the head of High-wayes and Streets of Cities , Exek. 16. 31. Ier. 11. 13. The multitude Ignorant allured to idolatrie . were allured by the gorgeous decking of them , Wisd. 14. 20. & 15. 5. 6. Yea , they doted vpon Doted on Images them , Ezek. 8. 10 , 11. They worshipped them , bowed vnto them , and fell downe before them , Dan. 3. 2 Isa. 44. 17. Ios. 23. 16. They would lift vp their eyes vnto them , Ezek. 33. 25. Pray Praied to them . vnto them , 1. King . 18. 26. Hab. 2. 16. Isa 44. 17. Kisse Kissed them . them , Hos. 13 2. 2. King . 19. 18. set vp Candels before Candles set vp before them . them , Baruch . 6. 19. Make vowes to them , Baruch 6. 35. Vowes . and goe on Pilgrimage Pilgrimage . to some of them very farre , Ier. 51. 44. expecting some miraculous cure from the Image , Bar. 6. 41. In entering into their Temples they sprinkled themselues with water , Altars they had of ston● , Isa. 65. 3. they vsed vaine repetitions Altars . in their prayers , Set numbers of praiers . Mat. 6. 7. They measured their Religion and goodnes thereof by plenty , Ier. 44. ● . They had their sacrificing Priests , Act. 14. 13. and Sacrificing priests . they were shauen Priests , Baruch 6. 31. 32. Sometimes Shauen . they were of the basest of the people , 1. Kings 12. 31. whosoeuer would , might for monie or for monie worth , make himselfe a Priest , 1. King . 12. 31. 2. Chron. 13. 9. And some serued for base wages , Iudg. 17. They had then Priests Concubines . Concubines , Baruch 6. 11. Hos. 4. 14. Some of them would we are haire cloaths Wearing of haire cloth . and torment themselues , 1. King . 18. 26. 28 Zach. 13. 4. and of a Deuotion in a Will-worship mac●r●te Wilworship . their bodies , punishing & not sparing their bodies , Col. 2. 23. Their Teachers taught for hire , Mich. 3. 11. 2. Taught for hyre Pet. 2. 13 , 15. Reu. 2. Tit. 1. 11. For gifts , they would promise life & peace , Ezek. 13. 22. Ier. 23. 14 , 17. In their seruice they had variety of Musicke , Dan. 3. their set Variety of Musik . holy-dayes , Exod. 32. 2. Holy-dayes . Nunnes or holy women . King . 13. They had their holy women attending the Idol-seruice , Ezek. 8. 14. working for them , 13. 18. 2. King . 23. 7. and prophecying lyes , Ezek. 13. 22. and were great worshippers of the Queene of heauen , Ier. 7. 18. & 44. 19. They had also their seuerall Seuerall proprotectors for Countries . gods for their seuerall Countries as Papists haue their Saints , 2. King . 17. 29. & 18. 34. They would pray to these and sweare by them , Ier. 5. 7. & 12. 16. Gen. 31. 53. 1. Sweare by them . King . 19. 2. 2. King . 17. 35. Zeph. 1. 5. Some in Israel which fell to Heathenish Idolatry were like Church Papists ; for they Some like to our Church Papists . would worship Idols and yet go to Gods house and heare his Prophets , Ier. 7. 8 , 10. 2. King . 17. 41. Ezek 14 3 , 7. & 20. 1 , 31 & 23. 29. When Idolatry was cast our of the Church ( as we haue done the Idolatry of Rome ) the Idolaters They did speake against seruing of God after his word . would condemne it , as an ill act in them , and speake against the seruing of God aright , as papists doagainst vs , 2 King . 18. 22. They worshipped towards the Worshipped God to the East . East , Ezek. 8. 16. They were very superstitious , Superstitious . Acts 19. They liued in very grosse ignorance of Ignorant . the truth , and in liberty of sinning , Isa. 44. 18 , 19. & 45. 20. Ephes. 4. 18 , 19. Wisd. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. They worshipped they knew not what , Ioh. 4. 22. Their Festiuals after their Idol-seruice they spent in earing , How they spent their holy-dayes drinking , singing , dancing , Exod. 32. 6. 18 , 19. They had their reuellings and meetings Reuellings . full of excesse ryot , 1 Pet. 4. 3. And would wonder a● , & speake ill of such as would not be like them . They had Brothel houses , Slewes . Ezek. 16. 24. 2 King . 23. 7. 1 King . 15. 12 , 13. & 14. 24. & 22. 26. They had amongst them Conturers , Conturers . Wizards , Charmers , Obseruers of times , Southsayers ,

Exod. 7. 11.

Isa. 9. 13.

Leu. 19. 37.

Ier. 27. 9.

Dan. 2. 4.

Deut. 18. 10. & 11. 14.

Isa 2. 6.

Dan. 2. 2.

Isa. 47. 13.

Act. 16. 17. & 19. 19.

Astrologers , Starre-gazers , and such like . To these the people resorted & consulted with , 2 King . 21. 6. 1 Sam. 5. 2. 1 Chron. 10. 13. Hest. 3. 7. & 9. 24. Deut. 18. 14. Isa. 19. 3. & 47. 12 , 13. Hos. 4. 12. Ezek. 21. 21. Ier. 8. 17. Act. 8. 10. They sacrificed to Nets , and burnt incense to Draggs , Hab. 1. 16. They beleeued that some of their Images were approued of their great God from heauen , Act. 1● . 35. They were cruell and They were bloudily minded bloudily minded against all that were against their Idolatry , Hos. 10. 14. & 13. 16. 2. King . 21. 15 , 16. Iudg. 6. 30. 2 Chron. 24. 18 , 21. The Idolaters in Israel and Iudah brought in the Heathen , as Gods plague vpon them , to punish them for their Idolatry , 2. Chro. 24. 23. & 21-16 . 17. & 33. 11. & 30. 6. 10. 17. 2. Kin. 17. 18. as the Papists haue brought the Turkes vpon the Christian Papistrie the cause of Turkes preuailing . world by their Imagerie and Idolatry , Reu. 9. They were stupid and without Sottish in their idolatrie and obstinate . vnderstanding in their Idol-making , & in setting them vp to worship them , Isa. 44. 14 , 20. and so continued therein obstinate as the Papists doe . And thus haue I shewed what I can say ( my Lord ) touching the Heathenish Idolaters and their practises .

Your euidence is so cleare ( Sir Christianitie ) as hereby all may see , how Pagan-like Papists bee in their Imagerie , Priests and Temples . Is there any further euidence ?

Then stands vp M. Atturney Master Atturney General , his euidence against Papistrie . General : and did proue him to be guilty of high treason both against the person Papists are guiltie of treason . and the lawes of his Soueraigne . My Lord ( saith he ) this fellow vnder pretence of Religion ( for all must be couered with his shadow ) hath set vp another spirituall They haue another Head . Head ouer the Church , besides Christ , ( euen Antichrist his greatest enemy ) as is sufficiently prooued . He hath set vp also Mediators Another Mediatour . of intercession besides Christ : also in his rebellious pride of heart he hath exalted mans Merit , and made him a party Sauiour of himselfe , by satisfactory punishments either heere or in their seigned Purgatory . Thus is he a Rebell and an Abettor of Rebels against Christ .

Againe , the Law of Christ ( the holy Scriptures ) How Papists doe blasphemously abuse the Scripture eleuen wayes . he hath notoriously corrupted and abused many wayes . 1 He maketh it no perfect rule . 2. He teacheth 1. blasphemously that 2. the Originall is corrupt , and so shaketh the faith of all such as rest on the Scriptures . 3. He hath added to 3. them mens writings called Apochrypha , to make them Canonicall●a . He hath feigned a traditionall word 4. & equalleth the same with the Scriptures . 5. He debarred 5. for a long time the translating of Gods Word into a knowne tongue , to keepe the people from the vnderstanding thereof . 6. Being enforced at length to translate it , hee hath or 6. purpose done it corruptly , and with many vncouth & obscure words , hath hidden the truth still , to keepe the people in blindnesse . 7. Yet this their so corrupt & obscure Translation is not admitted indifferently to all , but to some , and to these vnder license , for which they pay money . 8 These parties , 8. though they may read the Scriptures , yet must it bee with the Popes Spectacles , and may not see farther than the false Teacher pleaseth , nor conceiue otherwise of the Sense than he suggesteth , though the Text be neuer so cleare of it selfe . 9 They blasphemously 9. publish , that the Scriptures are a Nose of Wax , a dead Letter , sowterly Inke , dumbe Iudges , and a black Gospell , inkie Diuinity , and may haue one sense Causanus in his Epist. Log. Bohem one time , and another at another time , according to the Churches state & condition . 10 They set vp a 10. corrupt Latine Translation , for as authenticall as the Originalls in the Hebrew and the Greeke . 11 And 11. Lastly , they brought into the Church in stead of the holy Bible a booke of Lyes to bee read . Thus is this wicked wretch guilty of High-Treason against our Soueraigne .

Besides that , hee hath counterfeited his Maiesties Broad Seale , inuenting new Sacraments neuer Counterfeit Sacraments . of Christs institution , and hath conspired and plotted the death of an innumerable multitude of his Maiesties Subiects in a most cruell and bloudie manner , my Lord , he is no way longer to be endured : for we shall neuer bee at Papistrie not to he tollarated . Peace as long as hee may haue libertie to liue ; for he is a ranke Traitor to our King and State , an vnderminer of Religion and the true Church of Christ , & an enemie to our peace & welfare in the Common-wealth .

Gentlemen , ( saith the Iudge ) you of the Iurie haue heard Master Attournies witnes , also what both Master Veritie and Sir Christianitie haue spoken against him : now that you haue heard the euidence so fully , what say you touching the Prisoner , is he guiltie or no ?

Then the Foreman , in the name of all the rest , answereth ; Guiltie , my Lord .

Whereupon the Iudge turneth to the Prisoner , & saith ; Papistry , thou hearest what grieuous iniquities , foule and filthy abominations , murthers & massacres haue beene layed to thy charge ; thou hast heard the Verdict of these so learned and well approued Gentlemen , chosen without all partiality to go vpon thee . And they in their iudgement , vpon their consciences , haue found thee guiltie . What canst thou say for thy selfe that sentence of death should not bee pronounced against thee .

My Lord , the Iurie assuredly is corrupted by some Papistries appeale . meanes or other , else would they neuer haue found me guiltie : for our learned men haue cited many of these in my behalfe , and therefore I appeale from them to a Generall Councell , for the Triall of their honestie in this Verdict .

Vpon this lewd surmise and brazen-faced accusation , all the Iury fell a murmuring , being much grieued to be taxed of faithlesnes and periurie . The worshipfull gentlemen the Iustices and Master Sheriffe began to speak in their behalfe , but the Iudge standing vp , staid them and made answer for them .

Papistrie : to be briefe The answer to Papistries appeale . with thee , thou art shamelesly impudent to accuse these worthy Gentlemen : for iustly proceeding according to the cleere Euidence to thy face . For thy learned men , they haue only cited the names of some of these , but without their knowledge or consent . Yea , many testimonies they bring vnder their names , which indeed are proued to be counterfeits , abusing their vnaduised Readers in their vniust defence of thee . As for thy Appeale to a Generall Counsell , it s but to set a good face vpon an ill cause ; for thou knowest that we haue long desired a Free General Counsell , but not a gathering together ; like the lewd Conuenticle of ●rent .

But art thou not ashamed to conceit the bringing of these mens verdict to the triall ? We must by them be tried , and not they by vs . By what canst thou trie the Principles of Religion ? wilt thou deny them ? must Fathers , Councels , Scriptures & al be brought vnder our Iudgements ? Thou haddest no cause to taxe the Iurie ; if any had bin in fault , it should haue beene the Witnesses : but canst thou tax Verity of lying , or Christianity of falsehood ? As for Master Attourney , his speech is no more then your owne words , writings and practise do testifie .

Heare therefore thy Sentence , iustly deserued before God and men .

Papistry ; thou hast bin indited A picture of Papistrie . by the name of Papistry , of all these former treasons , rebellions , conspiracies , gun-powder plots , murthers , massacres , falsehood , heresies , Iudaisme & Paganisme , and of that thy detestable Idolatry , and for the same , hast been arraigned , thou hast pleaded not guilty , hast put thy selfe vpon thy tryall , and beeing found guilty , hauing no more to say for thy selfe , this is the Law .

That thou the Mystery of Iniquitie , with the old Papistry condemned to the pit of hell . 2. Thes 27. Serpent , called the diuel , or Sathans , thy father , with thy lewd mother , that Reu. 12. 9. & 17 3. 9. & 20. 4. & 19. 20. great Whore , drunke with the blood of the Martyrs of Iesus , which sitteth vpon a Scarlet-coloured Beast , as also with that false Prophet the sonne of Perdition , thy guide and gouernour shall bee cast aliue where the Dragon is , into the Lake of fire , burning with Reu. 14. 10. 11. brimstone , there to be tormented with all thy marked ones in the presence of the holy Angels , and in the presence of the Lamb , without rest day & night , the smoake of which torment shall ascend vp for euer and for euer , without mercy or hope of redemption .

After this Sentence , there is made an Oyes , and The Court breaketh vp . so the Court breaketh vp ; the Iudge ariseth , the Iustices and Gentle-men attend him , the Sheriffe with the Vnder-Sheriffe & his seruants goe before with the sounding of a Trumpet , and so do conduct him to his Lodging , and there doe leaue him with rest and peace .

Laus Deo .

The Contents of this little Booke for spirituall vse , besides the literall delight in the Allego●ie . In the first part . 1. THat which is most hurt full to man is sin : set out vnder the name of a notorious Malefactor , pag. 2. to 10. 2 That God hath giuen to such as be his , heauenly graces to watch ouer their waies , and to find out their sinnes , set out by Watchmen . p. 10. to 13. 3 That God hath giuen vs helpes , in his holy word , to find out and to know sin to bee sinne ; set out vnder the name of an Hue & Cry , p. 14. to 18. 4 That some people are so wickedly bent to sin , that , to hide their owne sinfull courses , they become deadly Enemies to most excellent vertues : set out vnder the names of Master Outside , Master Worldliwise , and the rest . p. 18. to 25. 5 That sinne escapeth often vnder the name and cloake , or habite of vertue ; set out vnder the shifts , which theeues vse to make , to escape their pursuers . p. 26. to 28. 6 That sinne hath many to fauour it , and who chiesty they bee : set out vnder seuerall names . p. 29. to 36. 7. That yet for all these shifts and these Fauourites , a godly man wil in obedience to Gods Commandement search it out : set foorth vnder the Constables Warrant from the Lord chiefe Iustice . p. 37. to 38. 8 That to search out sin is required Vnderstanding , set out by an officer , which hath authoritie to search . p. 39. 9 That not euery vnderstanding , but the vnderstanding illuminate by grace , is that which can find out sin : set out by the Deputy Constable , the Tythingman , the Petie Constable , & chiefe Constable . p. 39. 46. 10 That where such vnderstanding is , there is a gracious reformation ; set out by the chiefe Constables familie . p. 47. to 50. 11 That this vnderstanding , to apprehend sinne , needeth other graces to assist it in his spirituall search : set out by the name of the Constables men seruants , his Neighbor , and his Neighbours children . p. 50. to 53. 12 That truly and vprightly to proceed in search of our sinnes , we must before hand remoue selfe-loue , and selfe conceit ; set out by two busie companions . p. 54. to 56. 13 That the place in the soule , where principally sinne is to be searched out , is the heart : set out by a Common Iune . p. 57. to 58. 14 That the fiue senses are so many inlets for sinne into the heart , and what kinds of sinnes enter in at euery seuerall sense : set out by the Iune-doores . p. 59. to 62. 15 That sinnes possesse not the heart foorthwith from the sense , but in a naturall order , and by degrees ; set out by the Hall , Parlour , Chamber , and Dining roome . p. 63. 16. That the passions of the heart are many , & what is their force and effects ; set out vnder Mistris Hearts Maids . p. 84. to 69. 17 That the will of man is miserably misled , & made as a very slaue to the deceit of the heart , and passions thereof : set out by the name of Will her master . p 69. 70 18 That sinnes once entertained into the heart , do there finde matter of nourishment , there to abide and rest : set out by an Hostesse entertaining plentifully her Guests , from a Table well furnished , diligent attendance , lodging roomes and beds , p. 71. to 80. 19 That ill ordred affections , and ouerswaying passions are accompanied with many euils : set out by Guests lodged in seuerall beds . p. 80. to 83. 20 That where the heart doth nourish vp sinnes , there the sinners liue securely without repentance , through hardnesse of heart ; set out by lodging in a bed securely after full dyet . p. 83 21 That where the vnderstanding is sanctified , there the heart is strucke with Gods feare to shake off security : set out by the Constable attaching a Fellon . p. 83. 22 That vpon this feare of God , a well informed iudgement will fall to a true and serious examination , of all a mans wayes , whereby godly sorrow is wrought , to follow sinne vnto the death : set out by a Iustice of Peace , his office , his examining a fellon , binding some ouer to prosecute against him , and sending him to prison . p. 84. to 95. 23 That a regenerate man , horne anew , getteth at length masterie ouer his own heart , and bringeth his body into subiection : set out by Master Newman the Goaler . p. 95. to 97. 24 That the new man is renewed in knowledge , holynesse , and righteousnesse ; by the heauenly power whereof he is kept and preserued from all the euils of sinne & wickednesse against either God or his neighbour : set out by the three vnder Goalers . p. 97 , 98 , 99. 25 That a godly man vseth all holy meanes to curb sinne , and to keepe in corruptions of nature , that they breake not foorth to the disgrace of Religion : set out by fettering of Prisoners , and carefully looking to the Prison house . p. 100. to 105. In the second part . 1 That there ought to be a time of trial , and a iust condemning of sin in our selues : set out by an Assises . p. 107. 2 That God hath set in euery man a Conscience to iudge of his own wayes without all partialitie : set out by the Iudge of Assises . p. 108. to 113. 3 That Conscience must bee well informed of all the particulars whereof it is to iudge , else it will not , nor cannot iudge aright : set out by the Iustices and others sitting in Commission with a Iudge . p. 113. to 117. 4 That the holy Scriptures are the onely rule to proceed by against sinne : set out by a Grand Iurie . p. 117. to 124. 5 That he which would proceed strictly against all and euery sinne , is a man to be qualified with many vertues ; set out by a Pettie Iurie . p. 124. to 130. 6 That as vices be , so vicious persons are opposite to vertues , and vertuous men : set out by the prisoners challenging the Iurie p. 130. to 135. 7 That there are a generation of men setting themselues wholly for the world , which are neither true louers of vertue , nor haters of vice , but so as either may be vsefull for themselues : set out vnder a full Iurie of indifferent Gentlemen . p. 135 , 136. 8 That there is in euerie one an inbred corruption foule and euill : set out vnder the name of Oldman . p. 137 to 145. 9 That the heart is desperately wicked , most deceitfull and vaine ; ●et out by the name of Mistresse Heart arraigned and condemned . p. 145. to 160 10 That the will of man is most rebelliously bent against all due subiection : set out by Wilful Will arraigned . p. 160. to 184. 11 That Couetousnesse is a most cursed sinne , the root of all euill euery where ; set out by all the Witnesses produced against it . p. 184. to 187. 12 That Couetousnesse is a deceitfull sinne , hauing many pretences subtilly to couer it selfe ; set out by the answers thereof at the arraignment . p. 187. to 232. 13 That Couetousnesse is not honest thrift , as is cleare by proofe , and the euident signes of Couetousnesse set out by witnesses ; Master Proofe and master Signes . p. 232. to 263. 14 That Papistrie is Idolatry , a patcherie of heresie , Iudaisme , and Paganisme : set out in the arraignment thereof . p. 263. to 265. 15 That there are twelue wayes to confute Papistrie ; set out by the impanelled Iurie against it . p. 265. to 269 16 That Veritie it selfe , and true Christianitie are against Poperie : set out by the two produced witnesses , discouering the falshood , impietie , cruelty , treasonable practises , & the abominable ido latrie thereof . p 269. to 302.

These things are the substance of all this booke An answer to such as censure this booke . couched within the allegoricall narration : which is no dreaming dotage , no fantasticke toy , no ridiculous conception , no old wiues tale told ; some haue an humour to delight in finding of faults ; some are so enuious that they cannot looke vpon any thing which is anothers , but they must needs disgrace it : Perhaps some kicking lade in reading is galled , and therefore doth winsh . Some are so ridgedly graue that , forsooth , it is a misse to reade that , wherein they may haue occasion offered any way to laugh or smile : when they may remember that euen Abraham , the gray headed , old aged , and graue father once laughed ; as they themselues will also , whosoeuer they be , when the humour takes them .

If any dislike this little booke for want of matter , let him be pleased to consider No want of matter for religious vses . these one and fortie particular instructions before set downe , with the naturall and moral Phylosophie comprehended therin , how also families may be well gouerned and also religiously ; how loue may bee preserued among Neighbours , what euils are the disturbance thereof , and what bee the base conditions of the Nigards and pinching worldlings , contrary to such as be of a bountifull and liberall disposition .

Besides all these things let them bee pleased to attend to the scope of the Booke , wherin two things are principally aimed at . The scope of the booke .

1 To discouer to vs our miserable and wretched 1 To know our selues by nature . estate through corruption of nature . For the laying open hereof , there is a liuely description of sin , with the power , nature , fruites , and effects thereof ; how it first came , how intertained , bred , and brought vp , by whom , and where , with the seuerall kinds of sinne , and the differing conditions of sinfull men , opposing vertuous courses , and vnder what colour they so do , to their owne ruine at the length .

2 To shew how a man 2 How to boreformed . may come to a holy reformation , and so happily recouer himselfe out of his naturall wretched estate . To worke this , here is deliuered how a man is to search out sinne , what necessarie graces are required thereto , with the helpes how to discouer sinne , and to know sinnes to bee sins ; what commonly bee the lets and hinderances in the discouery and search of our sinnes ; what to do , hauing sound out our sinnes , and how to become humbled thereby , and how to sit downe to iudge of our selues without all partiallitie . Moreouer here is manifest , what gifts and graces are requisite to an holy life . Lastly , how we may know sinne to be subdued , and in whom it is truly ouercome .

These things being the true scope and right vse of this Book , and the matters therein contained so behoofefull and necessary to euery true Christian , I hope no sober minded man can , much lesse will find fault with it .

If the manner laying The manner is allegoricall . those things downe in a continued allegorie , bee the offence to some , I doe suppose they know , that Nathan did teach a Dauid 2. Sam. 12. Ca. 5. by an allegorie : Esay and Ezech. 17. 2. & 19. Ezechiel taught the Iewes so too , and that our Sauiour spake many parables to his hearers .

If any thinke it had binfit Obiection answered . for a yonger wit , then for one growne old and gray headed ; surely Nathan , Esat , & Ezechiel were not yong ; neither did those formes of speaking derogate any thing from their holy aged grauities . And it may be thus to allegorize vpon such a subiect matter from all these passages , in politicke gouernment , required some more experience , then some perhaps , conceit , though the thing done to their hand may seeme now most easie .

But the fault , if a fault , peraduenture , is nor simply imputed for making an allegorie : but in following it so largely , and for inserting ( as it were interlude wise ) some things , for the weightinesse of the matter therein conteined , not seeming graue inough as the parables of Christ , & his Prophets were . For sinne and sinfull courses of men should be so deciphered , as the Readers might rather be moued to lantēt , then occasioned to laugh .

First for the largenesse , it is no more then the necessitie of the intended discourse required , as the scope before mentioned may sufficiently witnesse . The parables of our Sauiour in S. Luke , and of Ezechiel , Ca 15. & 16. Ca. 17. & 19. were large , and they were prosecuted according to the nature of those things from whence they were taken , to lay open fully thereby what they intended , and this is but so , and no more .

I confesse the matter of this allegoricall discourse to be such ( as may appeare by the manifold lessons before layed down , being the summarie Contents of the booke ) as ought to worke in euery Christian Reader sorrow of heart in the deep consideration of his miseries , till he be recouered out of his wretched estate : and withall to cause a diligent endeuour in sober sadnes to better his condition of liuing Christian-like before God ; neither of which is preuented by the manner of handling , if all would doe , as some haue done , first to reade it after the letter , and then attend piously to the spirituall sence , they would attaine to that , which in so penning it , I aymed at . I knew the natures of men in the world ; I persuaded my self that the allegorie would draw many to read , which might be as a bate to catch them , perhaps , at vnawares and to mooue them to fall into a meditation at the length of the spirituall vse thereof : which I well hoped that others more religiously bent , would at the first discerne and make benefit of .

If two or three passages carrie not that grauitie in shew , as some , perhaps , could wish they did ; Let these consider therin those places the enforced nature of the allegory . Then how that else wherin all the rest of the book the cariage of the matter is very far from the nature of so odious & so base a comparison , if it be in the hand of a piously affected & wel minded Reader . Lastly , that euen those few passages are sharpe reproofes ; & are no more an occasion to guilty parties , with the conceits thereof to make themselues merry , then that great Prophet Eliah his mocking ( in a matter none more weightie ) was to the Priests of Baal , when yet , perhaps , some stands by of the wiser sort , abhorring Baal , might smile secretly thereat .

There is a kinde of smiling and ioyfull laughter , for any thing I know , which may stand with sober grauitie , and with the best mans pietie , iustly occasioned from the right apprehension of things , else had not Abraham fallen into it , nor holy Iob , Gen. 17. 17. Ca. 29. 24. Psal. 52. 6. nor the righteous in seeing ( which is strange ) matter of feare . Well , I haue clothed this booke as it is : It may be some humor took me , as once it did old Iacob , who apparelled Ioseph differently from all the rest of his brethren in a partie coloured coat . It may also bee that I tooke ( as Iacob did in his Ioseph ) more delight in this Lad , then in twentie other of his brethren borne before him , or in a younger Beniamin brought forth soone after him .

When I thus did apparell him , I intended to send him forth to his brethren , hoping hereby to procure him the more acceptance , where hee happily should come : and my expectation hath not failed ; deceiued altogether I am not , as was Iacob in sending his Ioseph among his enuious brethren . For not onely hundreds , but some thousands haue welcomed him to their houses . They say they like his countenance , his habit and manner of speaking well enough , though other too nice bee not so well pleased therewith .

But who can please all ? or how can any one so write or speake , as to content euery man ? If any mistake me , and abuse him in their too carnal apprehension , without the truly intended spirituall vse , let them blame themselues , & neither me nor him : for the fault is their owne , which I wish them to amend ?

You that like him , I pray you stil accept of him for whose sake , to further your spiritual meditation , I haue sent him out with these Contents , and more marginall notes .

His habite is no whit altered which he is constrained by mee to weare , not onely on working dayes , but euen vpon holy daies and Sondayes too , if he go abroad . A fitter garment I haue not now for him : and if I should send out the poore Lad naked ; I know it would not please you .

This his coate , though not altered in the fashion , yet is it made somewhat longer . For though from his first birth into the world it bee scarce halfe a yeare , yet he is growne a little bigger ; but I thinke him to become to his full stature : so he wil be , but as a litle pigmie to be carried abroad in any mans poket .

I pray you now this fourth time accept him , & vse him , as I haue intended him for you , and you shal reape the fruite , though I forbid you not to be Christianly merry with him . So fare you well in all friendly wellwishes .

R. B. May 28. 1627. FINIS .

Errata .

Good Reader I pray in page 137. for incircut reade nicer-cut .

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