The cry and reuenge of blood Expressing the nature and haynousnesse of wilfull murther. Exemplified in a most lamentable history thereof, committed at Halsworth in High Suffolk, and lately conuicted at Bury assize, 1620.

The Cry and Reuenge of Bloud .

CHAPTER . 1.

The Introduction to the History : whereof the Prouidence of God in permitting and ordering such horrible wickednesse . 1. For the confusion of the Atheist : And secondly , awakening of the secure and prophane Christians .

IT may seeme very strange , and almost incredible to carnall apprehension , that such glorious light of the Gospell , especially so long continued among vs , and that not without some gracious effect , should yet notwithstanding , abound with so many strange and monstrous sinnes , as doe dayly breake out and are strengthned with so high an hand of obstinacy and deeperate Impenitency . For whereas the powerfull preaching of the word hath this gracious promise annexed with it , that ( as at the comming of the Sauiour of the world , all the Heathen Oracles and diuellish Delusions ceased and vanished ) so all vncleane spirits should bee banished , and Satan fall downe like lightning , by the Heb. 2. 13. power thereof , and his works be dissolued , and thorowly abolished : may not the ouer-flowing of high handed sins , so raigning in these euill dayes , either seeme so challenge the Truth of the Gospell , as if it yet appeared not in it liuely Beauty , or else at least , question the Efficacy thereof , as not preuayling to the subduing of Iniquitie : surely if we consider on the one side , what hath opened the mouth of Papists to challenge the Truth of our Religion , and still doat vpon their owne dreames ? Is it any other then what hath beene occasioned from such desperate sinnes as haue broken out , and continued there with ? Do they not hereby impeach the truth and power thereof , because Iniquity notwithstanding aboundeth in the midst of so glorious light ? Doth not this harden their hearts in their grosse and palpable darkenesse , euen that , I say , which hardned the Iewes in their Idolatry and obstinacy against the truth ; that because when they worshipped the Queene of Heauen and all the host thereof , then all things went better with Ierem. 44. 16. them , more charity then abounded , lesse sinne and misery brake out : but since the discouery of the Light , sinne hath appeared more out of measure sinfull , the wrath of God Rom. 7. 8. 9. hath beene more discouered against the same , therefore their Conclusion is , that we are in the wrong , and they maintaine the right ?

And hath not his on the other side , hardned the Atheist , not onely in his blasphemy , that there is no God , that Religion is but Policy , but also in his obstinate impiety , and obdurate impenitency , euen this , I say , is the maine Stumbling blocke hereunto , that the Gospell , being not powerfull to weed out such grosse wickednes , but that it swarms and rangeth , securely vnder the scepter thereof : Either it is because there is no Truth therein , or else , wanting power , it is no more to be regarded then a scarre-crow or bugbeare , to fright fooles and children : Either he thinkes that God is like vnto him , because hee prospers in his sinne , or that hee likes well thereof , because sentence doth not speedily passe to Psalm . 50. his discouery and confusion . Doth not the close conuayance of sinne , and long concealing thereof prouoke him to Eccle. 8. challenge the Omnipresence of God , as if he were hid in the clouds , and could not see it ? Doth not his long forbearance Iob 22. of sinne , and great pacience in suffering the vessels of wrath , giue further occasion to the Atheist to chalenge the diuine prouidence , as if the Lord would neither do good nor euill , Nahum . 1. 12.

And is not the mouth of the Prophane Christian hereby opened against heauen ? Doth not his talke goe thorow the earth that Sinne is but a trick of youth , that the more senselesse we are thereof , the lesse care we take for the same : the more our consciences are secure therein , the more secure we are of the mercy of God , the more wee may sinne that Rom. 6. 1. grace may abound : because hereby the conscience becomes more obdurate , and so secure of Gods fauour .

Behold heere the righteous Iustice of God , in causing his Word to bee a sauour of death vnto death : obserue , I pray you , and admire Gods wonderfull wisedome , in taking the wise in their craftinesse , that seeing they will not obey the glorious Gospell of our Lord Iesus , in receiuing the Loue of the truth : therefore the Lord hath giuen them vp iustly to strong Delusions , euen to peruert this glorious 1. Thes. 2 , 12. light , to the hardning of their hearts , because they will not bee perswaded , and subdued thereunto , imputing those things as the effects of the Gospell , which are , indeeds , the Fruits of their obstinate despising , and peruerting of the same .

For to speake the truth in Iesus Christ , and to iustifie the truth of God , to the conuincing of these liars , and peruerters of his glorious Grace : Consider , I pray you , in the feare of God , these Three things :

First , the Intent of God , in sending his Gospell vnto a Nation .

Secondly , The Manner of Gods wisedome , in the Dispensation thereof .

Thirdly , The grounds and causes of Stumbling at , and peruerting the same .

Concerning the Purpose of God in bestowing his Gospell vpon a Nation : that wee may the better discerne the same , we must looke vp into the Reuealed counsell of God , concerning the saluation of the Elect , and reiection of the Reprobate : For the Execution of which his Eternall decree . As the Lord in his eternall wisedome hath ordained his Mighty Word , so seeing the number of his Chosen is a little Flocke in comparison of the Cast-awayes , therefore doth hee also in his singular wisedome , send and dispose thereof , that howsoeuer it shall accomplish what he sends it for , namely , to conuince all sorts , of either side , both Elect and Reprobate , yet it shall be effectuall onely in those few , to their sound conuersion , as for the rest , they shall onely be hardned , and bee made inexcusable thereby . And to these contrary ends hath the wise and glorious God fitted and composed his blessed Word , both in respect of the Nature thereof , as also in the diuers manner of the conuayance of the same .

As touching the Nature of the Word : Is it not a great Mystery supposing some-what in shew , to the stubling of the flesh , euen while it seemes most easily to conceiue the same , and including that in substance which while it is onely conceiueable by the Spirit , doth thereby also abase the Flesh , that so it may renounce it selfe in the apprehension thereof , and seeke vnto the Spirit for the opening of this Mistery . By which it comes to passe , that the naturall man being onely able to conceiue , though but peruersly , the letter and outside of the Word , doth thereby also stumble at it owne conceit , either measuring the power of the Word , by the letter of it , and so abasing it in it owne conceit , as beeing so obuious to it carnall reach , and thereby seeming becomes offended at the outward simplicity and foolishnesse thereof : or else resting in it owne outward apprehension , as suiting with , and seruing it carnall and present ends , doth therefore stumble at the power thereof , as thinking it needelesse or dangerous , either because it is beyond his compasse , or crosseth his carnall ends , and so instead of submitting himselfe thereunto , doth in the height of it wisedome , despise and reiect the same .

Behold here how the Lord taketh the wise in their craftinesse . The Foolish Worldling beeing the wiser in his owne eyes , by how much the lesse hee diserneth his folly , doth therefore thinke himselfe able ynough , to diserne the Mystery of his happinesse , in the glasse of his owne false and counterfeit wisedome , and so being neither willing , nor able to goe out of himselfe , howsoeuer hee may pore at the outside of this Mystery , so farre as hee may conceiue his present fading happinesse , that so hee may flatter himselfe therein , and thereby attaine some such motion of the Deity , as may puffe him vp therewith , yet is hereby made more inexcusable , and farther off , from the inward search of the Power thereof . And yet the wayes of the Lord herein most equall and righteous . As both tendering the meanes indifferently vnto all , so that the wicked cannot say , but he hath had his choyce thereof , and liberty therein with the best ; yea , the pacience of the Lord , in leading him to Repentance , accompanyed with such an answering to his desires , concerning present ends , as it must much more iustifie the Lord . What could he haue done vnto him which he hath not done ? so it shall also make him much more inexcusable . And if so now the Lord deny vnto him his grace , for the effectuating of the meanes . As he not bound thereunto , because he will haue mercy vpon whom he will haue mercy , and whom he will he heardneth : so seeing the wicked doe neither dreame of any such assistance of his grace , as beeing blinded by selfe-loue , they cannot see the want thereof : nay , being puffed vp with carnall wisedome , they doe vtterly despise and reiect the same . Is it any meruaile if they want the supply of that grace , which they so abase and contemne . Is it not iust with God that the scorner shall seeke wisedome and yet not finde it ? Because he despiseth the substance , white hee hunts after the shaddow . And if now it please the righteous Lord , to giue him his desire , and send leanenesse into his soule , that not onely that which he seemed to haue , shall be taken away from him , the light hee hath shall be quenched , and by degrees extinguished ; yea , the spirit of God instead of restrayning him formerly from some outward euils , and so happily affrighting his conscience with sense of inward rottennesse , shall now giue him vp to his owne lusts , euen to commit sinne with greedinesse : Is not this the happinesse that hee specially dreames of , to be past feeling of sinne , that so hee may make vp his measure without controulement . Are not the wayes of God most equall herein ? Shall not the mouth of iniquity be vtterly stopped ? Haue not the wicked herein more at the hands of God then they can desire ? Doth not he giue them herein much more then he oweth them of all outward blessings ? Doth he not affoord them more plenty of spirituall meanes then they doe desire ? Doth hee not respite them in his great patience , many a time beyond their owne fond and counterfeit vowes , in the day of their distresse , sparing them further then themselues doe wish , and repealing that sentence , which in their suddaine flashes they haue pronounced against themselues , if they should hereafter turne to their vomit againe : yea , still drawing them to him with the cords of Loue , when they haue cast off his cords , and fall desperately from him ? Is not the Iustice of God most righteous , euen his enemies being Iudges . And surely as is the Lord , so is his Word heerein , most holy and righteous . If it crosse the wicked in their desires to discouer that inward corruption , whereof they are ignorant , and wherein they fauour themselues : Is it any lesse then stands with the Power of the Word , euen as fire to search the hidden parts , yea , as the light , to lay open the darkest corners .

And if now the wicked vpon their first entertainement of the word desirous happily to gaine credit , and applause thereby , be iustly confounded by the power thereof , enraging their consciences by it inward search , is not the wisedome of God admirable , thus taking them in their craftinesse . Is not his goodnesse iustifiable , thus preparing them hereby to repentance ? If now the loue of sinne , will giue no way to sound repentance : Is not yet the wisedome of God herein more admirable , that whereas the wicked desire some sleight euidence to conceit a false conception , their slauish humiliation shall further hereunto , and hereby flatter them in a new birth . And if thus conceiting a false conuersion for a true , because they cannot endure the trauell of a true birth , they shall now encroach vpon the priueledges of the new man , mis-applying and challenging those ioyes and comforts vnto their festered and ranckling soares , which belong onely to those that are healed , and so instéed of being further searched and launched by the law of God , shall vnseasonably apply vnto themselues the sweete promises of the Gospell , and will endure nothing but leuitures and cordials ?

Is the word of God vnequall , because they vnfitly apply it , nay is it not most equall , in offering that indifferently vnto them , which if they could wisely apply , would proue soueraigne vnto them : Yea , though they apply it amisse , yet herein is iustifiable , in that themselues are their owne caruers in the misapplying thereof ? If now vpon the misapplying of the Plaister before the soare be soundly healed , it doth hereby more fester , and putrifie inwardly , and so breake out to a cancerous vlcer . As the word was not first to be blamed , in discouering the soare , that so it might bée prepared to it cure , because , if there had beene no pray the Lyon would not haue roared : So now much lesse , may it be iustly challenged , to be the cause of it further ranckling , seeing the misapplying thereof hath effected the same .

And therefore as it were extreame folly to charge the heat of the Sunne , to be the cause of stench and putrifieation in these inferior bodies , which being well disposed are purified thereby , and are onely subiect to tainture by their owne indisposition , and aptnesse thereunto : so let it be the shame of Popish glory , to hate the light , because their workes are euill . Yea let this be the confusion of their carnall wisedome to challenge the glorious light of the preaching of the Word , as the cause of sinnes aboundance , that hereby they might colour their despising and persecuting thereof , not onely in that by opposing the light they make vp the measure of their owne sinnes , by denying to themselues , and others , the meanes of life and happinesse . But hereby also prouoking the righteous Lord to auenge vpon them the contempt of his word in giuing them vp to such outrage and monstrous wickednesse of combustions and murthers , which the true wisedome of flesh , for it owne safety , can no way indure , that so her owne louers , euen out of loue to themselues , must néedes hate the whore , and make her desolate : and so the Iustice of the Lord may shine more gloriously , in rewarding her as she hath done to others , and sheathing her owne sword , in her owne bowels . And is not the Word glorious in iudging the Whore euen by her owne mouth , and taking her in the snare , that she hath layd for others , and so ouertaking her in hee moneth and ripenesse of iniquity . Who so is wise he shall vnderstand these things , and to whom the arme of the Lord shall Hos. 14. 13. 14. reueale them ; for the wayes of the Lord are right , and the iust shall walke therein , but the transgressor shall fall in them .

Let it therefore be the shame of Popery thus to traduce the light , and let it be the glory of the Gospell , thus to discouer their shame , for , if it were not powerfull , why doe they spurne against it ? if they being galled thereby , doe spurne against the same , let them thanke their owne rottennesse , and iustifie the powerfull Word . But if being couered thus with shame , they will not seeke the face of God in Iesus Christ , the Lord will further glorifie his Word in hastening their confusion , and gathering in the first borne to his glorious appearance .

And shall the blasphemous Atheist escape any better ? Surely , as it is extreme folly in him , to barke against the Moone , because it giues him light , to his desperate wickednesse ( for what wisedome is there to condemne that , which is so fauourable vnto vs ) so doth this folly threaten his confusion , as both discouering his accursed spirit , imputing that obstinacy in sinne , to the Word , which ariseth from his ignorance of the power thereof , and Rebellion against the same , and thereby hardening his neck against all hope of reclaiming , as reiecting the Word , which is onely auayleable hereunto . For what though as the heate of the Sunne doth harden the clay , so the power of the word indirectly occasions the encrease of sinne in the froward heart : Is the word in vaine while it doeth that vnto which it is appoynted ? Is not the wisedome of God herein more glorious , who as he would neuer haue permitted euill , but that he can bring good out of it : so he turneth the rage of man to his glorious praise . Not onely making way hereby to the iust confusion of the wicked , for the aduancement of the glory of his righteous iustice : but also discouering herein the riches of his Free Grace , in softning the hearts of his Elect by the same meanes , whereby the wicked are hardened , and so by these contrary effects aduancing the Power of his mighty Word , which with the same breath , is thus able to kill and to quicken .

And therefore as the Atheist hath no iust cause to stumble at the power of the Word , because Iniquity is discouered and enraged thereby , so much lesse may hee iustly challeng the prouidence of God , in accompanying his word with such great patience and common fauours , seeing as the Lord hereby giues him his desire , to inioy the pleasures of sinne , that so he may haue nothing iustly to except against his goodnesse : so by this his long suffering , hee doth also inuite him to repentance , and so makes him more inexcusable if he abuse the same . But howsoeuer , the filthy will be filthy still , yet let the seruants of God magnifie his wonderfull mercy , and free kindnesse towards them , in softning them by the same meanes whereby hee hardens the wicked : yea , turning about the hardening of the reprobate to bee the meanes of their more close walking with their God , and dependance on his free grace , in the sense of their fayling , when they doe their best ; yea , let them euermore blesse the name of the Lord , that seeing the righteous shall hardly be saued , they may yet haue some hope of Life , in so great conscience of their corruptions , that they can yet follow after righteousnesse ; notwithstanding , the streame runnes contrary , and their labour is so thanklesse , and dangerous in regard of present successe , seeing iniquity doth so swarme and preuaile : yea , let this bee their euidence , that Christ raignes ouer them , euen in the midst of their enemies : that euen where Satan hath his throne , there God shall haue his glory : Antipas his faithfull seruant shall seale it vp with his bloud : or if this bee not yet the triall , yet Ieremie shall be smitten with the tongue , and holy Iob shall esteeme the booke that his Aduersaries writ against him , to bee the most glorious Crowne that may adorne his head : Yea ; the more that the word of God is blasphemed by the wicked , the more watchfull shall his children be , that they giue no iust offence , that so , either they which speake of them as euill doers , shall glorifie God on their behalfe , and so by their holy conuersation be won to the obedience of the Gospell , or bee made more inexcusable , when their mouthes shall bee iustly stopped , if yet they shall not cease to speake euill of the righteous wayes of God .

And this may also stop the prophane mouth of the filthy Libertine , that though hee turne the grace of God into wantonnesse , imagining his security and senselesnesse in sinne , to bee the assurance of his happinesse , yet the Word is holy , yeelding no apperance , much lesse allowance hereunto , yea righteous herein is the mighty Word , in giuing him vp to such a reprobate sense , through his peruerting of the chiefe errand thereof , ( the mercy of God in Christ Jesus to repentant sinners ) which if he could rightly apply , might make him capable thereof : yea , meruailous is the wisedome of God herein , that by the contrary apprehension of the promise , and preparation thereunto by his seruants , hee confounds the peruersenesse and prophanenesse of the Libertine : If yet the filthy will be filthy still , let him know this for his further confusion , that as the Lord will not faile eft-soones , to awaken his senselesse conscience with some inward quawmes , or outward crosses to confound him in his security , that so hee may bee forced to acknowledge and seeke to the power of the Word , which hee hath so abased : so if for all this he will not be reclaimed , but by mistaking and mis-applying the mercy of God , shall thereby bee cast into a deeper sleepe , the Lord shall glorifie his Word in giuing him vp to a spirit of giddinesse , euen to heape vp teachers vnto himselfe according vnto his lusts , that may answer him according to the stumbling blocke of iniquity , which he hath set vp in his heart , that so he which could not commit sinne so securely , but that his heart did sometimes smite him for the same , might new continue in it more freely and desperately , as being warranted hereunto by such accursed deceiuers .

Behold here the wisedome of the wicked in sin ; and obserue withall the wisedome of God in taking them in their craftines , that they may securely reuell in wickednes , their first policy is to make their conscience senselesse , and that they may bring it to this passe , their desperate wisedome is to multiply sin with greedines , that so by this custome and outrage , they may grow to an habite ; and so by often putting the iron in the fire , may in the end harden and stupifie their harts : that as it falls out with those which often drinke strong payson , that in the end they can digest the same without any sense or danger , so the wicked by often drinking in of iniquitie with gréedines , become senselesse at length , both of the euill and of the danger thereof : wherby as they take occasion to commit any notorious outrage whatsoeuer , so they become hereby obuious to the scandall and danger of the world , which cannot but take notice of what themselues are senselesse of , & by it clamorus and iust scandall , either awaken them to repentance , or conuince them to punishment . Behold how the Lord takes the wise in their craftines : They desire to be senselesse of sin , that they may commit it more greedily , and the more greedily they commit the same , the more they prouoke the world through their scandall , and it one danger , to awaken them thereout : what remedie is now left in carnall wisedome to make vp the breach , and lull them a sléepe againe . Behold againe the hight of this wisedome in sin , and obserue how the Lord takes the wicked in their craftines . If Elia will Prophesy no good , but euill vnto vs while wee sleepe in sin , yet welfare Zidkiah , that will warrant good successe therein , flattering vs that wee may go vp and prosper , because hitherto it hath gone well with vs , and though he lie falsely ; yet he will walke in the spirit , that hee may deceiue more effectually , yea hee wants not his rough garment of tything mint and comin , yea he will not spare herein to humble flesh by voluntary deuotions of Pilgrimage penances , and such like trash to the satisfying of the flesh , euen in a great shew of wisedome to abase the same . And what now shall be spared for the sinne of the soule , though it be to the parting with our substance , yea our first borne , and all yea which is the hight of this delusion shall not a greater sinne be made a price for the lesse ? shall not the murther of Princes become an expiation for all our personall sinnes . Behold here the depth of the Mistery of iniquity , and admire with me the Justice of God in taking the whore and her accursed brood in their owne craftines , that while they estéeme their owne blood vile , that they may murther the Lords annoynted , they haue iustly brought the Kings of the earth vpon their heads to secure themselues in subuerting Antichrist , whom otherwise they could haue bene contented still to haue made their band for the satisfying of their lusts . Oh! the vnsearchable riches of the wisedome , and mercy of our God , who turnes about the carnall wisedome of man , tending only to it present bodily good , to be meanes of remouing that great stumbling blocke , whereby their soules were ensnared , that so they might ascribe vnto him alone the glorie of their true happines , so farre aboue , and contrary to their corrupt intent .

Well , thus we see how the Lord takes the wise in their craftines . That the world may securely reuel in sin , the false Prophet must bee a snare vpon Mispah to cry ayme thereto , that so the blind leading the blind , both may fall into the ditch .

And is not this prouidence of God very remarkeable , in these daungerous dayes of the contempt and peruerting of the word of God ? that though the Lord feedeth the hungry with good and wholesome food , yet the daintie and full stomake , is either choaked with chaffe , or puffed vp with wind , that so seeming that which he is not , he may not see what truely he is , and thereby be both preuented of sound curing , and withall hardened to destruction . Behold here then some further light to iustifie the Prouidence of God in the ouer-flowing of sinne , amidst so glorious light of the Gospell , Not that the word is any true cause thereof , but onely a meanes to discouer and conuince the same : whereby as through our naturall rebellion the more sinne is conuinced , the more it is enraged and so encreased thereby : so through carnall wisedome , the light being peruerted , becomes a broker vnto sinne , and thereby proues a further meanes to encrease and ripen the same . And yet all this in great Iustice , and exceeding Equity . The Lord herein giuing the wicked their desires , for the accomplishment of his righteous decree in their condemnation , in that themselues are their owne caruers in the meanes there vnto . And all this executed by his mighty word , becomming thus vnto the wicked , a sauour of death vnto death : whereby as he taketh the wise Papist and Atheist in their Craftines , so doth he , also iustly confound the Prophane Libertine , who while he fathers that vpon the Word which proceeds from his owne corrupt sense and application thereof , doth therefore Iustifie the word in his hardening thereby , and so is Iudged by the Word , while he peruerteth the same , to such ends , as are contrary thereunto .

And thus hitherto for the Iustifying of Gods prouidence in disposing of such greuious sinnes , as do accompany and preuaile euen in the most glorious light of the Gospell of Iesus Christ .

CHAP. 2.

Wherein first an entrance is made by way of Application vnto the Particular sinne of Murther , being the proper subiect of this Treatise : where 2. The Progeny and heynousnesse of this sinne is discouered and enlarged . 3. The causes and occasions thereof in generall are explained . 4. The Dangerous Effects , and consequences thereof are detected . And so 5. Such seuerall vses are propounded as both tend to the preuenting of this sinne , as also for the wise suppressing and weeding out thereof .

FRom that which hitherto hath bene discoursed concerning the Prouidence of God in disposing of such multiplicity and encrease of sinne , in this glorious light of the Gospell , we may gather these Conclusions .

First , that the Gospell is not properly the cause of these euils , but onely 1 the ignorance thereof , 2 peruerting the light , to the iustifying of sinne , or else our want of loue , and so obedience thereunto .

2 That as Ignorance breeding Error , and so Disobedience to the truth , is the Mother of all that grosse wickednesse that is discouered thereby : So in that Popery is the chiefe and onely Patron of ignorance , so it becomes also the very Chaos of all errors and delusions , and so proues the maine Broker to all grosse and desperate wickednesse .

3 That whereas the weapons of Popish warfare are only carnall and diuellish vsing these as her last refuge , when her Paper bolts , and enchantments will not preuaile , to roote out and destroy all her opposits : as being that Scarlet-coloured Whore , whom nothing will secure and satisfie but the bloud of Saints , and all such as shall oppose her Tyranny : Therefore , howsoeuer all other sinnes are harbored in her bosome , as beeing ashamed to haue them knowne to the world : Yet this sinne of Murther is her cheife darling and glorious sinne , whereof she is so farre from being ashamed , as that she raignes only thereby , and triumphs therewith ; not onely vpon her pretended power of the secular sword , whereby she arrogates supreme authority ouer life & death : But especially vpon pretence of the Power of her Keyes , whereby presuming ouer the soules as well as the bodies of men , she thereby confirmes and iustifies this her vnsatiable thirst of bloud , as either seruing for the good of their soules , whose bodies she butchered , or else by cutting off such supposed Leapers , thereby securing the estates of others . Thus doth her Progeny declare the same , who is of her Father the Ioh. 8. 44. Diuell , that was a murtherer from the beginning . So her condition doth import no lesse , who being an harlot , hunts for the precious life of man : so her very Name doth portend , and glorie therein , as being that Apollyon , that Child of Perdition , ordained of God in his Justice for the plaguing of vnbeléeuers , and thereby to ripen her owne destruction : yea her very Habite proclaimes the same , as being Died bloud-red with the slaughter of the Saints , and her End also shall manifest the same , when she shall be made drunken with her owne bloud , and drowned therein , because she hath shed the bloud of the Saints .

Behold here these the generation of this bloudy sinne . Sathan , the Arch enemy of Mankind , enuying his happinesse , and that especially vnder the Time of the Gospell , that he might vtterly destroy him both roote and branches , head & taile , soule and body , to this end , abusing the security and Pride of the Times , begdt thereupon the Whore of Babylon , that great Enchantresse and deceiuer of the world . And that he might by this Bastard execute his malice more fully against the Saints , when she came to age & began to reuell in Pride and Soueraignty , then he begat on her this Monstrous and bloudy sinne : whereby as the Viper eateth out the bowels of her Mother , so the first aduentures of this Cruel brat were atchieued against it Damme , one Pope cruelly making away each other : And being thus throughly fleshed and imbrued in her owne bloud . Is it any maruaile if she spares not other ? Is it not iust with God , that while she spares not her owne bloud , to take away the lines of the annointed of the Lord , that the Princes of the Earth should secure themselues in letting out her life bloud , and consuming her vtterly with fire , that so her Memoriall may perish from the earth . Behold the righteous doome of Iehoua against the Whore : And obserue we wisely herein , the Progeny of this bloudy sinne and issue thereof .

Shall we now further way this sinne in the Ballance of The heynnusnesse and greatnesse of this sinne . By the Obiect . the Sanctuary , that thereby we may discerne the greatnesse thereof , & so be brought into greater detestation of the same .

First , then let vs measure it , by the obiect against which is committed : and heere consider wee these particulars . First the Murtherer , doth what lies in him to take a way the life of God himselfe , in that hee destroyes his Liuely Image in Man : not so much , that outward frame and substance of the Body , as if God were like vnto man in his outward feature , as some carnal Capernaites haue dreamed : as those Acts of the Diuine soule , which it exercised in the bodie , these the boudy hands , do wholy abolish , whereby man in regard of his better part was made after the Image of God , yea hereby the life of God , his prouidence and other acts of his gouernment is in a manner extinguished in that creature who is thus by cruell hand cut off from that holie regiment .

2. The bloody minded man as he thirsts greedily after blood , so doth he lie in waite priuily for his pray , partlie fearing to attempt vpon equall termes , as being through his Psal. 10. inward guilt a very dastard , and coward ; and partly hoping hereby to make surer worke , when all meanes of preuention shal be forestalled and frustrated . And doth he not hereby proue oftimes a murtherer of his brothers soule , taking him thus on the suddaine , and so preuenting Repentance . May we not consider herein the malice of Diasius the Lawyer , who in a deadly hatred to his brothers soule , first enforced him to deny his faith in Christ , and then instantly tooke away his life .

3 The Murther in destroying his Brother , destroyes himselfe , not only in that his brother wasis owne flesh , but in that he necessarily exposeth himselfe either to be his owne Butcher , though the horror of his conscience , as many haue done , or else iustly lies open to the sword of the Magistrate , who aboue all other sinnes will not suffer this vnreuenged .

Yea , doth not the Murtherer in sinning willingly , & plotting his cruelty with deliberation , and desperatenes , doth he not heerein commonly murther his owne soule , as excluding himselfe through this wilfulnes , the mercy of God .

What should I speake of those fearefull euents that haue followed the same ? hath not the Father murthered the sonne comming home as a stranger , for lucre of his mony , & when he came to the notice thereof , did he not first murther his wife , that procured him thereto , and afterward layd violent hands vpon himselfe ? And did not this accident bring his onely daughter to an vntimely end , and so the whole roote and branches were wholly cut off vtterly . And if here wee shall consider , that hereby many a wife hath beene depriued of her husband , many children made Orphanes , and so exposed to all extremitie , doth not the murtherer make faire worke for the Diuell .

And is not the common Parents hereby depriued of many a good member , doth not the common Mother hereby lament the losse of many a Nursing Father , and so is exposed to combustions and desolations .

Behold heere the haynousnesse of this sinne by the consideration of the Obiect , against which it was committed .

And may wee not hereby also guesse at it greatnesse , in regard of the subiect that committeth the same ?

1 Is not the Murtherer a Traytor in the highest degree , both committing treason against God , whose Image hee thus defaceth , and beeing guilty of treason , against his Prince and Countrey , whom he depriueth of their guard and glory : Is not he a Traytor to his Brother , in surprizing him so cruelly ? Is he not a Traytor against himselfe , in betraying his owne life and soule hereby to the graue and destruction .

Surely , if of all other the hypocrite shall be beaten with many stripes , then must the Murtherer looke for his ful payment , because hee crowcheth and boweth to onsnare his poore Brother , he kisseth and betrayeth , fawneth and stabbeth , saluteth and smiteth , speakes peaceably with his tongue , when his hand is ready to shed bloud : and all this with a breath , to take away breath , and triumph more securely in his masked wickednesse .

What should I say , the Murtherer is an Atheist ? If he thought the eye of God were vpon him , hee durst not thus wilfully deface the Image of God .

The Murtherer is an Idolater , in defacing the Image of God , and setting vp the Idoll of reuenge in his heart , which he adores aboue all that is called God , either Gods presence , the Magistrates sword , Gods Image in his brother , his life in himselfe .

In a word , as there is not any sinne wherein the Murtherer hath not a share , so herein is his case most fearefull , and desperate , that not sinning of infirmity but of malice , and digested hatred , as herein horesembles his father the Diuell , so hereby he casts himselfe desperately vpon his malice , to indure vnquenchable torments , for the recompence of his vnsaciable malice .

Thus by the subiect of this grieuous sinne , wee may seeke some farther scantling of the haynousnesse thereof . Causes of murther .

Shall we now proceede to examine this sinne by the causes thereof , that so we may take a further view of the odiousnesse of the same ?

Surely , if we looke vp to the first Murtherer that euer 1 Enuy . was , may we not obserue , that Enuy prouoked him therevnto , because his brothers was accepted , and his sacrifice was teiected , therefore did Cain ( saith the Apostle ) stay his brother Abell , that was more righteous then he : And was not the pride of his heart the occasion of this enuy , because 2 Pride . Caine was not respected according to the conceit of his owne worth ; therefore he enuied his owne brother , that was better respected of God then himselfe , and so through enuy shed his innocent bloud . Was not Ioseph sold through enuy by his brethren : Consider we the next Murtherer , recorded in the booke of God : Was not Lamech an 3 Adultery . Adulterer , and thereupon a murtherer : either inflamed thereto by iealousie , which is the rage of a man , and therefore 4 Iealousie . he will not spare in the day of vengeance , or enraged thereto by lust , which will admit no partner therein . Did not Dauids adultery end in murther ? 2. Sam. 11. Is not lust 5 Lust. the firebrand to contentions and murthers , Iam. 4. 1. 2. was not lust the cause of that treacherous murther of the Shechemites ? Did not lust bring a whole Tribe in Israel to this end ? And what caused Absolon to seeke his fathers 6 Ambition . life , was it not ambition and desire of soueraignty ?

What mooued Ahab to take away Naboths life ? was it not a couetous desire to enioy his Vineyard , was not Iudas blinded by couetousnesse , to betray his Master to the 7 Couetousnesse . death ?

And may we not see all these causes concurring together in those cruell Iewes , that murthered the Lord of Life ? To conclude .

Is not rage and furie vsually the spurre hereunto ?

Haue not bitter words sometimes ended in bloudy 7 Rage : 9 Bitter speaking : broyles , and barbarous murthers ?

And is not drunkennesse an ordinary harnenger to this sinne , not onely murthering hereby it master suddenly , but also prouoking in his cuppes , to spill the blood of others ; so iust is the Lord to meete with sinners in their kinde , that they which make no conscience to abuse and spill the good creatures of God , seruing for the encrease of bloud , and maintenance of life , but haue béene bretheren in such horrible sinnes , shall bee giuen vp to shed the bloud of each other , and so depriue themselues of that blessing which they haue abused .

These are some causes and occasions of this grieuous sinne , vnto which , if we shall adde what may bee collected from the consideration of the subiect formerly deciphered , we may conclude , that as the want of Gods feare , is a speciall cause of falling into this sinne , so obstinacy and hardnesse of heart , proceeding there-from , doth much enflame and harden therein : yea , an enraged and guilty soule , doth oft-times prouoke hereunto , out of hellish despaire .

As touching the Effects of this grieuous sinne , let that suffice which hath beene spoken concerning the haynousnesse thereof , onely giue mee leaue to adde some cautions herein .

That though it be a grieuous sinne to shed bloud : yet this neither doth debarre the Magistrate and his Instruments , Two Cautions . from executing of Iustice against Malefactors , because they are Deputies vnto the Lord herein , and haue authority hereunto from his Word ; neither doth it priuiledge any Priuate man vpon any instinct whatsoeuer , to presume hereunto , though some inferiour calling in the Family hath beene wickedly thought by some to warrant the same , because the power of life & death , is in the hands of the Supreame Magistrate , and such as are immediately deputed from him thereunto .

Though aboue all other murthers , that of our selues is most vnnaturall and monstrous : therefore , as wee may not iustifie any such particular sinnes , by any example of Sampson , or particular instinct . So wee must bee meruailous chary and tender in condemning absolutely their estates , that through violence of Tentation , or such like distempers , haue made away themselues , because either they were not themselues in that distemper , and so it shall not be imputed vnto them , or it was done , not without some reluctation , and so the Lord may haue mercy vpon them : onely let vs be carefull not to imitate them herein , and so leaue them to the Lord , to whom they fall or stand .

Thus of the Effects and Iudgement of this sinne .

Proceed we now in the last place to consider such Antidotes Antidotes to preuent murther . as may preuent the same .

The principall whereof is to maintaine peace with our God : because , if our wayes do please him , he will not only To mainetain peace with God . make our enemies to be at peace with vs , that we may not feare to be prouoked , either by bridling their corruptions , as he did sometimes Labans & Esaus , or turning their hearts towards vs , as he hath done the hearts of many persecutors . But will also incline our hearts to be at peace with our enemies , either by giuing vs wisedome to ouercome their euill with good , or affording vs Patience to beare with our enemies ; or sustaining vs with meeknesse , neither to prouoke , nor be prouoked by them .

Now we shall wisely Maintaine peace with God . How ,

1 If we walke closely with him according to his will , with all power and diligence , not leaning to our owne Wisedome , but relying on his reuealed word , and not presuming of ought either beyond , or short thereof .

2 If , though we faile and slip daily ( as who can cleare himselfe therein ) yet we shall daily iudge our selues , and by repentance renue our couenant with the Lord , warring daily with our corruptions , and maintaining the spirituall combat , hereby we may preserue our Peace with God .

3 If , séeing our best workes are mixed with such corruption , that if the Lord should be seuere to marke what is done amisse , euen when we doe our best , we shall neuer be able to abide it , we shall therefore daily deny our best righteousnesse , and labour to be found in Christ , renuing our right in him : hereby we shall renue and Maintaine our Peace with God .

4 And yet seeing the grace of God shal be sufficient for vs , in what soeuer wants or extreamities may befall , if now we can in patience possesse our soules , not repining at the dispensation of our God , but being contented therewith in all occasions , we shall so hunger after what wee want , as that we can be thankfull for that which we haue , and so husband the same with all vprightnes and diligence to the glory of our God , and the generall good : this is an excellent meanes to maintaine Peace with God , Lastly , that we may maintaine Peace with God , let vs still nourish enmity against the world : because the Amity of the World is Enmity against God : so vsing the good therein , that we hate the euill thereof , and so vsing the good that we trust not therein , so enioying the things thereof , as that we are still ready to part with them at the Pleasure of the giuer : accounting all things as doing , that we may win Christ , and yet by our wise husbandrie , laying vp a good foundation by them , against the day of Christ .

Thus may we maintaine peace with God .

A second preseruatiue against this bloody sinne is to maintaine peace with Men , I say so farre , as possible we may to haue peace with all men .

This we shall do ,

If we be carefull to giue vnto each his due , according to their callings and occasions , as comfort to whom comfort belongs , tribute to whom tribute . &c.

2 If we can in all wrongs , looke vp to God , and so leaue vengeance vnto him , as considering wee haue deserued in his Justice a thousand fold more .

4 If we be quicke in prouoking to goodnesse , and recompensing the same , and slow to wrath or any such occasions as may breed discord , and such consequences , as follow thereupon .

5 Being wise , not to further them in sinne , or smother the same , vnlesse it be of infirmity , where there is some signe of repentance , as knowing that brethren in euill will proue whippes to each other . They haue not loued so dearely , till their turnes be serued , as when they haue their will , they wil hate most deadly . Witnes Ammon his dealing with Thamar his sister .

6 Lastly , that wee may keepe peace with men , bee wee very wise in ruling our tongues , auoyding rash censuring , vpbraiding , taunting , &c , whereby anger is kindled , and reuenge prouoked .

Thus may we maintaine peace with men .

A third Preseruatiue against this Monstrous sin , is wisedome to auoyd the occasions thereof .

Which are those before touched .

As Pride , Enuie , Lust , Ielousie , Ambition , Couetousnes , Rage , Bitter speaking , Drunkennes , and the like .

Unto which we may adde these that follow .

1. Euill company as being a speciall firebrand as to all other sins , so this : how many murthers haue bene hatched and atchiued by the Oportunity and Benefit hereof .

2 Discontent whereby the mind being inwardly at war with it selfe , cannot be at peace with any other , but hath this onely desperate remedie to ease it owne feuer , euen to fall vpon any that stands in it way , friend nor foe , nothing comes amisse .

3 Superstition as bewitching the heart with such vnsatiable loue , that it thinkes no cost to deare , no losse to great for the satisfying of it will worshippe , no though it were to cause their children to passe through the Fire , though it were to launch themselues with kniues , and offer vp their bodies for the sinne of their soules . Math. 6. 5. 6.

4 Vnlawfull recreation or abuse and excesse in lawfull .

Thus may we preuent this bloody sinne .

Lastly , also take we some good directions how to weede it out . and here there are .

Some instructions for the Magistrate , that seeing the sword is put in his hands , therefore he beware how hee suffer the Murtherer to escape , least he heare that sentence , because thou hast suffered a man to escape that was appoynted to death , therefore thy life shall go for his life , thy people for his people .

2 Whereas there hath bene of antient time ( when trialls of titles depended rather vpon valour then truth ) an ordinary manner of disciding great differences , by single combate betweene two parties , this as it is vtterly vnlawfull , and so no better then murther , because they are not equall meanes to discide controuersies . And 2. It falleth out that he is Conquerour before men , who is guilty before God : therefore the Magistrate must in no wise giue way to these , lest he be guilty of the blood that is spilt hereby .

3 Much lesse may he tollerate those single combates , that rise vpon quarrels , and vaine pleas of reputation , Valour , disgracefull speeches , &c. because they haue neither any sound warrant from the Word ; no , not in any reason , or equity may be endured .

4 As for Sanctuaries and Popish Receptacles , for Murtherers , neither may the Magistrate allow of these , because the Lord hath expresly commanded , That such an one shall be taked from his Alter and die , Exod. 21. 14. according as Ioab was serued in the like case , 1. Kings 2. 24.

5 Seeing populous assemblies , vnder pretence of Recreations , are vsually occasions of Quarrels , and so of murthers : therefore the Magistrate must be meruailous wise , in giuing an Inch , lest the People take an Ell , rather studying to restrains the vnbridled corruption of the people , with such as may humble the flesh , then to yeeld them any occasion , to turne their liberty into wantonnesse , remembring that the pretence of such liberty , hath beene the colour to draw vnlawfull assemblies together , and so prouoke to Rebellion , and great blood shed . Consider the blood that was spilt in iest , when Ioab and Abner met together with their companies , and tell me whether that iest were not in earnest , that merriment , madnesse .

Thus for the Magistrate .

For Priuate men , let them wisely obserue those rules , deliuered formerly for preuention of this sinne , and the same will also enable them to wéede it out .

And thus hitherto of this bloody sinne , together with the Nature , Haynousnesse , Causes and Meanes to preuent the same .

It followeth now that wee make some particular application hereof vnto the instance in hand , that so wee may discerne the truth of this Description , confirmed in this example : And therein wonder at the wisedome and prouidence of God , in permitting so horrible a wickednesse , and after so long concealing thereof , in due season discouering the same .

CHAPTER . 3.

Of the particular Murther at Halsworth . And first of the occasions and causes thereof . 2 Of the Actors and Accessaries therein . 3 Of the Parties that were Murthered . 4 Of the Manner and Circumstances how they were made away . 5 Of the Meanes to conceale the Murther beeing committed . 6 And diuerse obseruations considerable on either side .

HAuing thus discoursed of the Nature of Murther in generall , It now remaineth that we examine the Particular instance that hath occasioned this Discourse . Namely , the Murther that was lately discouered and conuicted at the Last Assize at Berry .

Wherein first offers it selfe to our consideration such circumstances as occasioned and drew out this sinne . The Maine Roote , and ground whereof , was this .

One M. Norton dwelling in the Towne of Halsworth in high Suffolke , being a man ( though of faire possessions ) yet of a very foule and euill fauour : Both in regard of his Profession , as being no better then a Church-Papist , the most dangerous subiect the Land hath : As also in regard of his practise being sutable to his profession , and therefore of necessity debosht and desolate , hauing his neighbours vineyard lying by him , cast his eye vpon it ; and hauing got some hold in the Land of his Neighbour , Widdow Leeson , either beeing morgaged vnto him , or forfeited vpon the morgage , that he might cléere the land wholly to himselfe from the widow and her Issue . First attempted by cunning sleights , and secret oppressions : yea , by feined kindnesses , as feeding them with money , and to draw the widow , and her children to his Lure : or else to inwrap them so in his snares , that vpon any occasion he might either curbe them , or make pray of them . To this end when otherwise he could not bring them to his bent , vpon a pretended Action , he cast the eldest of them into Prison , that so his misery might terrifie the rest : where either by some secret stratagem , or else ( as the most credible report is ) being debarred of necessary sustenance , his friends not being suffered to minister vnto him , and his ( Iaylor happily beeing feed to restraine him thereof ) he pined euen through want , and so perished in the Goale .

This was the first Scoene of this bloudy Tragedy .

Whereon , before we go further , let vs pause a little , and obserue somewhat thereout for our better instruction , both to iustifie the former discourse of Murther , as also to preuent the like ends in our selues , laying to our hearts such things , as may be gathered hence .

First obserue we the Roote , and foundation of this misery , and that the rather , because it is not our owne conceit , but the sensure of the right Honorable and thrice Reuerend Iudge , who vpon Nortons appearing at the Barre , did so diuinely challenge him , that he was the roote , of this practise , the other , that were his instruments therein , were but the branches springing vp there-from , he was the sword that cut those innocents liues asunder , his agents were but the hands to execute therewith . This roote thus branded and layd open in his colours . Obserue we further therein these Particulars , 1 his inward condition , as being a Papist in heart , and so , as making no bones of any sinne , so especially lesse sticking at the sinne of blood , as being the glory of his Idol , and prop to maintaine the same : & therefore honoured with no lesse then the imputation of merit . And yet withall being a Protestant in shew , that so hee might the better colour and shuffell vp his sinne , and with the harlot wipe his mouth , as if he had done no iniquitie , whereby 1 wee may take the true scantling of a branded Papist , that though hee be humble like the lambe , his pretence be saluation , yet he Reuel. 13. 11. speakes like the dragon , nothing but blood and fire , when he cannot deceiue otherwise , he pretendeth like the harlot , offerings of peace and payment of vowes , yet her wayes go Pro. 7. downe to hell , and her pathes to destruction . And so wee may be aduised to looke for no better at their hands , who eate of our bread and go vp into the house of God with vs , them as Dauid complained of such treacherous friends , euen to Psal. 55. lift vp the heele against vs , and if they can doe it finely , euen to Poyson vs with the host which they haue consecrated for our welfare . And therefore of all other to bee most iealous of such hollow friends .

2 From the inward condition of this bitter Roote , also proceed we further to his outward estate . And that first in regard of his meanes , being of faire reuenew , sufficient if hee could haue bene content to his bountefull mantenance , yet if we consider withal his abuse of this large portion , by royoting and prodigality , wee may easily discerne euen great feare of want in much aboundance , and thereby imagine what such feare of want may prouoke vnto , euen an vnlawfull desire of what is not our owne , as a iust punishment for the abuse of our owne , and so as opportunity and power is on our hand , such an effecting our desires , as by the close conuayance thereof , may be free from blame or shame . Behold here then the causes and prouocations to this bloody sin , Luxurie threatens want , and feare of want breeds couetousnesse , couetousnesse leads vs blindfold to make pray where we fasten first , and opposition begets murther to conceale , or Iustifie the same . Thus Ahabs prodigality in maintayning Baals Priests , prouokes him through diuine iustice to couet his Neighbours vineyard , that so his violation of Gods honor might be iustly auenged by the crie of the innocent blood , which he so cruelly spilled , and that hee might cloake and iustifie his deuouring thereof , the blood of Naboth must write the deed , and pretence of religion , and iustce must peale and confirme the same . And thus our Ahabs prodigality in maintayning happily such croaking frogges as runne vp and downe the world to make combustions and massacres , prouokes him to couet his Neighbour Leesons vinyard , that lay pat for his tooth , and that he might more securely make pray thereof , the blood of her children must confirme the same , when otherwise by cunning & fairer meanes they will not be brought thereto , and pretence of law , & equity must colour the fact , that so it may passe currant with men , what is abhominable in the sight of God . Whereby we may learne , as to walke frugally in that competency which God hath allowed vs , least otherwise a great deale , may proue too little , and that in smallest measure we may be content , remember we that our liues consists not in aboundance , but in the blessing of God , who makes a small thing sufficient , where he affords no more , labouring Math. 6. Psal. 37. with all dilligence to husband that little we haue , that so in the hand of the diligent may be plenty , whereas the reuenues of the sluggard do soone fade and molter away . A thing of very fearefull experience , for the most part in our Gentry , that as no reuenue will vsually serue their luxurie and excesse , so they are so fine fingred that they cannot labour , and so high minded they are , that they are ashamed to begge , and therefore their last refuge is either to turne Cheators in gaming , or huntsmen on the high way , or Pandors to baudy houses , or which is the fayrest , Laysie Abby-lubbers , I should say Almes-men , to be fatted vp in the sty , and hardned to destruction .

Before I passe this first Scoene , obserue wee yet one thing more in this bitter roote , namely , his manner of proceeding in this Bloody Tragedy . At the first very Fayre , and charitable to the outward shew , féeding them with money , and feasting them with good cheere , sorting them with boone companions , to passe the time away mercily , but indeede , to cheat them of their money , and make them secure : At the next bout , more roughly yet conuayed with great cunning , and secrecy , vnder pretence of Law , casting into prison , and if this will not doe the feat , then at the last , murther & confusion : iust so dealt Pharaoh with the Israelits , and so this bloudy Pharaoh dealt with these Widdowes children , and surely such are all the wayes of sinne , such and no Vse . better , is the successe of all sinners , though the wine bee pleasant in the cuppe , and sweete in the going downe , yet in the end it bites like a serpent , and kils like a Coskatrice , Pro. 23. though Iael inuite Sisera into her Tent , and lull him asleepe , yet in the end shee fastens him with a naile to the ground . Looke we therefore to the end of sinne , and so the sweete beginning shall not deceiue vs , and distrust wee then the wicked most , when they most fawne vpon vs , because though their lips drop hony , yet swords are in their hearts , and they may be sheathed in our bowels , before wee are aware of them .

Thus of the first Scoene of this Bloody Tragedy .

The second followes , more bloody and desperate . The next sonne , Iohn Leeson , laying claime to his Inheritance , hath his mouth stopped with a good round summe of money , and withall , a guard is set vpon him , of bloudy and desperate villaines , yet masked vnder pretence of good fellowes and acquaintance , both to fléece him of his money , and make him sure enough from making Hugh-and-cry after them . By these hee is encountred , and trayned to an Ale-house vp at the Mill-hill , a place remote from much company , and so fit to doe mischiefe , here his head is filled with drinke , and his mind secured by sports and gaming , from feare of danger , here hee is detained by these meanes till the night , and then he is knockt on the head , and stript of his money , and his body is dragd to a great pond , not farre off , & is fastned in the deepest part thereof with a stake and block thereupon , that so it might not rise vp to discouer the wickednesse .

Behold here first the progresse and encrease of sinne , Vse . if secret oppression will not preuaile , if cunning will not carry it , then open violence shall : if there be no remedy , then blood must quench the thirst . Thus Dauid when hee had abused Vriah , by taking away his wife , howsoeuer hee would faine haue spared his seruants life , by making him an instrument to conceale his Adultery , calling him from the Campe to that end , giuing him wine to make him forward to his liberty : yet when he saw these meanes would not preuaile , then his last refuge was to take away Vriahs life , that so in his end , his sinne also might séeme to dye , which indéede , was the onely meanes to make it crye loud for vengeance . And let this aduise sinners to preuent the beginnings of sinne , lest when they would , they cannot stay the rage thereof . If yet through carnall wisedome , they will still goe forward , hoping by one sinne to hide another , let them know , that their wisedome will prooue their confusion , séeing while they thus ripen their sinnes , they in the end cry loud in the eares of the Lord for vengeance , who will in due time recompence innocent bloud vpon the shedders thereof : so Dauids Children re-payd the price of the Blood of his seruants , and Nortons blood is like to answer for the bloud of his neighbours children , as Lands hath done already . Lastly , obserue we heere , the Iustice of God in making partakers in sinne Instruments to punish each other . For to speake a little of those , that were conuicted of this murther , what were Land & Worlish any other , then Prophane and loose persons , hauing sold them to doe wickednesse , euen to any that would hire them thereunto : As for Land , why , he was Nortons Instrument from time to time , to serue his Writs , and bring any into his snares and cruel clutches : nay , he was the Diuels Factor , to draw fooles from drunkennesse to shame and spoyle , as himselfe confessed euen vpon the Gallowes . To speake more sparingly of Worlish , because the Lord hath yet respited him to repentance , in hope that he will further discharge his conscience and satisfie the world , in the more full discouery of what yet lies in darkenesse : Yet as there is sufficient to condemne him at least , as an accessary , euen out of his owne mouth , as shall héereafter appeare : so were he not guilty of this sinne : yet , as he confessed on the Gallowes , his loose and prohane life were sufficient to bring him to that shamefull end . Such were these parties that are hitherto conuicted of the murther , whereof the one is already executed , the other onely respited for his owne , and the publick good . And what were they that fell into their bloody hands ? surely fit companions for such Copesmates , brethren in euill , companions in prophanenesse , drunkards , and what not ; and therefore iustly dying in their owne sinnes , howsoeuer vniustly , in regard of the instruments and manner thereof , yet iustly , I say , by the righteous doome of the Lord , who makes brethren in euill , instruments of each other punishment , that as Land and Worlish were the meanes to bring them to their ends , so their deaths hath , and will be the ouerthrow of their murtherers .

Thus of the second Scoene of this cruell Tragedy .

The third followes yet more fearefull and bloody .

About two yeares after a third sonne renues the suite Thomas Leeson . for the Land , and hauing procured a suppena to bring the Oppresser into the Chancery , carries his sister a long with him to serue the same , where being discouered hanging the same at Nortons doore , because he either could not , or durst not meete his person , as being through former guilt become more iealous and outragious , they were both seased on , ( I hope you may imagine by the former bloody hands ) and so ( as the pond hath now discouered ) being cruely made away , were cast thereunto and staked downe therein , as their brother was , that so the fact might bee buried with them for euer : so vnsatiable is the thirst of blood , when once the sweet thereof is tasted , that still the wicked must bee drinking deeper thereof : so desperate is the estate of sinners , that they must plunge themselues still more deepely in wickednes , so foolish is sinne to mend it selfe by the encrease thereof , yea herein most foolish , when it seemes to be most wise , that while it seekes to preuent most securely it discouery , that so it may ease the conscience of the guilt thereof , the more it encreaseth the guilt , by the secret conuayance of sin , euen as the fire the more it is suppressed the more it striueth to breake out , yea the more man in wisedome labours the hiding of sin , and flatters himselfe in the security thereof , the more he prouokes the Lord to discouer his skirts , the more he hastens himselfe to righteous vengeance , that so the Lord may haue the only glory of his discouery & confusion , who out of his secret conuayance spares not to chalenge the prouidence of God , as if he saw them not or could not disappoint them . Thus while the wicked say peace and safety we haue made all sure , then shall a suddaine destruction come vpon them as the trauaile vpon a woman 1. Thes. 5. 5. with child , and they shall not be able to escape . Thus when Babilon saith , shee sits as a Queene and shall see no euill , then her plagues shall come vpon her in one day , so righteous is the Lord that iudgeth the whore . Well thus these poore soules are now buried in the pond , yea a block is layd vpon them that they shall not rise againe . The murtherers they sing care away , and reuell with their spoyle , the world is at rest , no notice taken of them , no missing them by their Freinds , who were informed that Ireland had receiued them , no seeking them by their enemies , who knew well enough where they were . If guilt of sinne troubled , yet feare of discouery bit it in , and policy sought to drown the conscience by surfeiting in sin : that so Peace might be at home , as all was quiet abroad . And so foure yeares are passed ouer in great iollity and security . And by this time euen the memory of these murthered soules was buried with them . What now remained ? Surely , where man vsually ends , there God beginneth : and while the wicked slept securely , the vengeance of God was bestirring it selfe . Behold , saith the Prophet , when the Lord makes inquisition for blood , hee remembers Psal. 9. 13. 14. it , and forgets not the complaint of the poore : The blood of these murthered soules cried loud in the eares of the Lord . from the bottome of the Pond for vengeance , euen while the bloud-suckers sang a requiem to their soules . And the Lord awakened at length out of the sleepe of his patience , discouering the murthered by his owne Immediate Arme , and by their discouery , discouered also the murtherers , and so brought them in due season to their iust triall and confusion , as shall appeare most wonderfully in the next Chapter . Which before we enter into for conclusion of this present , and preparation to the discouery . A speciall Case of Conscience comes heere to bee discussed , and resolued .

Namely , that seeing murther is so crying a sinne , that it calls for speedy and continuall vengeance in the eares of the Lord , how notwithstanding it comes to passe , that the Lord differs the discouery and recompen●e thereof , many yeeres ; yea , ages after . That the Lord doth thus deferre this discouery and execution , is not onely apparant by the cry of those soules vnder the Alter , slaine for the Word of God , How long Lord , holy and true , doest thou not iudge Reuel. 6. 9 and auenge our blood on them that dwell vpon the earth . But also by the reuenge vpon Sauls Posterity , for his slaughter of the Gibeonites , which was not executed many yeeres after , and the histories of our age doe witnesse no lesse , that many murthers haue laine hid , some 20. some ten yeeres , some more , some shorter time : If wée desire to bée satisfied in the true reasons of this Diuine prouidence , 1 some may be giuen in respect of the murtherers : 2 others in regard of the murthered : 3 some concerne the Information of the World : and 4 some immediately concerne God himselfe .

Concerning the murtherers , the prouidence of God is wonderfull in deferring the discouery of their sinne , euen to a long time after , for these Reasons :

Some tending to their good .

Others tending to their further condemnation .

Those that tend to their good , are

First , that by the patience of God , in deferring their discouery and vengeance , they might be prepared meane while to repentance , and so be better fitted to what end the Lord hath appoynted , Rom. 4. 2.

Secondly , By the patience of the Lord towards them , if they will not make vse of it for themselues , yet hereby they may bée further seruiceable for the common good , in those places and callings wherein God hath set them : as for education of their Posterity , for the maintaining of peace and order abroad , yea happily for the sauing of others , howsoeuer themselues are reprooued . So was Iudas a long time concealed from others , though long before knowne to his Master , for the execution of his calling , and seruing his Lord therein .

Reasons tending to the condemnation of these blood-suckers , are ,

1 That the Lord forbeares the discouery of them , not onely to make them Instruments of his further Iustice , in peruerting and hardening others , but also ,

2 This forbearance is a meanes to harden them in their sinne , and drowne them in se●urity , that so their surprizall being more suddaine , may prooue more deadly and fatall to them .

3 Hereby they are also nourished in their Atheisme and contempt of Gods prouidence , and so prouoke the Lord in due time to auenge himselfe in their confusion .

As for the Murthered , there may bee some Reasons of Gods silence and Patience , euen in regard of them . 1 That the crying of bloud from the earth so long deferred to vengeance , may be a Simbole vnto them , of an answer from God at length , because no crie shall be in vaine , which he hath warranted in this word . 2 That the cry of Bloud , though a long time deferred , yet at length answered , may Type vnto them , their resurrection from the dead . The case herein being much alike . That as the bloud though consumed , yet hath a loude cry for vengeance , and shall in due time be recompenced ; so the bodies , though rotten in the graue , yet because they rest in hope , doe therefore in their Manner cry for their raising vp againe , and so in due time shall obtaine their desire . Euen as the creature made subiect vnto vanity , not willingly , but by reason of him that hath subiected the same in hope , doth therefore earnestly waite Rom. 8. 19 20. for the Reuelation of the sonnes of God , that it also may be deliuered from her bondage of corruption , into the glorious liberty of the Children of God .

Touching the World . This Patience of God respecteth it also . And that , to try it affection to Gods Iustice , and such as are taken away , whither they find any want of them , whither they thinke the World is not well rid of them , and that they may be heard of no more , and such like .

But the maine ground of this Prouidence is in regard of God himselfe : and that in these respects .

As first to Iustifie his great Patience , to such horrible sinners : whom he is so farre from taking in their sinnes , that he respites them many times to commit greater euils , that so he may make them more inexcuseable in the day of vengeance .

2 His wisedome is herein magnified , that by respiting the wicked in such horrible sinnes , the guilt of the conscience is hereby so encreased , and at length enraged , that though all other meanes fayle , yet their owne tongues shall be forced to bewray them , to ease the inward pangs , and so to Iustifie the Lord euen out of their owne mouthes .

3 Lastly , hereby the Lord reserues vnto himselfe alone the glory of his Iustice : that when all sides are husht , the murtherers secure , the murthered forgotten , the world carelesse , all hope past : Then doth the righteous Lord make himselfe knowne by executing of vengeance , to the stopping of the mouth of Atheisme , that saith , There is no God , because the wicked scape scot-frée , and to the opening of the mouthes of his children in that gratious acknowledgment , Verily there is a reward for the righteous , doubtlesse there is a God that Psa. 58. 12. iudgeth the earth .

4 And doth not the Lord discouer herein his absolute power ? that seeing the times and seasons are onely in his hands : and therefore when he seeth a conuenient time he will execute vengeance : that it may appeare , his thoughts , are Psal. 75. 2. not our thoughts , therefore howsoeuer we may thinke euery moment too much , wherein vengeance is deferred : Yet the Lord , will deferre the time , that it may appeare to be at his dispose , and yet will do it in the most conuenient time , which may make most for his glory , and affecting of a secure and faithlesse generation .

And this may serue for the resoluing of this case of Conscience .

And thus farre of this third Scaene of this bloudy Tragedy .

Concerning ( as the two former ) the Parties that were Murthered , together with the manner thereof , and meanes to conceale the same .

Wherein howsoeuer all was done , that carnall wisedome could deuise : and the patience of God for six whole yeares together , seemed to applaud , and subscribe thereunto . So that now it might seeme , the Tragedy was finished , and all further expectation preuented : Yet as this was the Lords time to put to his owne hand for the discouery of this horrible crime : So when he began once , each creature in his place ministred gratiously vnto him , for the full manifestation and conuiction thereof . Attend therefore in the feare of God , Three other Scaenes of this Tragedy . Wherein now the Murtherers are to play their parts vpon the Stage of Iustice . And if euer thou desirest to be 〈…〉 tisfied in the wonderful Prouidence of God , both in the discouery of Murther , and challenging of the murtherers , by a strange and secret hand : if euer thou wouldst obserue a full and Honorable tryall of so foule a crime : attend I say in the Name of God , to that which followeth , and if thou beest not fully satisfied in all these , I must needes conclude , that either thou wantest vnderstanding to discerne the Power and Wisedome of the Lord , or thou wantest an heart , to adore , and magnifie the same . Onely my desire is , that thou woldst not stumble at my weake handling thereof , thereby , to challenge so excellent matter , but rather hereby to prize the worth thereof , as if it could not be sufficiently handled . And if thou discernest any sparke of true light amidst so great darknesse and corruption , any power of God in so great infirmity , my earnest desire is , that hereby thou wouldst ascribe vnto God the glory of his mercy , that so thou mayst begin , where I haue ended , and still informè and inflame thy heart with such wonderfull workes of God .

CHAP. 4.

Where first of the Reason why , howsoeuer other sinnes come after Iudgement , yet this sinne of Murther is seldome left vndiscouered . 2. Of the Many wayes whereby the Lord hath discouered Murther from time to time , with diuers instances thereof . 3. That it was the Finger of God , that detected this blood . 4. Of the Manner and Instruments imployed herein . 5. And the seuerall Vses to bee made thereof .

HJtherto of the first part of this Tragedy , concerning the parties that were murthered , and that exibited in three seuerall Scoenes , according to the seuerall degrees whereby this murther was committed .

Th● second part of this Tragedy now followeth , concerning the discouery and iudgement of the murtherers . And this also is enlarged in foure seuerall Scoenes . The first whereof containes the discouery of the murther , and murtherers .

The second expresseth their Iudgement and Conuiction .

The third , their Iudgement and Condemnation .

The fourth , representeth their righteous Execution .

As in the little world , the soule of Man , the vnderstanding leads the Conscience ; and the Conscience leads the Affection . So is it in the soule of the greater world , I mean Iustice , Plato in Timeo . and the due execution thereof : There must bee first a discouery of the Crime , before it be conuicted , and it must be conuicted , before it be censured . For as Conscience without Knowledge is blind , and erronious , so the will and affections without conscience , are peruerse and exorbitant : Euen so conuiction of sinne , before it be discouered , produceth erronious Iudgement , and sentencing of sinne before it be conuicted , is no better then to peruert Iustice , and condemne the innocent : And yet as it cannot be denied , but as the thunder breakes out before the lightning , so where Case of the Guise iustified , and Marquesse D'ancre . the party delinquent is of that exorbitant power , that it cannot stand with the safety of a diseased state , to question him Iudicially , because his greatnesse may either outbraue or suppresse Iustice : If in this extremity sentence and execution , anticipate legall triall , as this is to be ascribed to the necessity of the state , so it may well stand with the prerogatiue of the Prince , who in such exigents , may performe Martiall Law : And this also answerable to the diuine Iustice , who in such like cases , vpon it Prerogatiue royall hath executed vpon exorbitant sinners , before their legall As in the case of Nadab and Abiu , Cosbi and Zimri . conuiction , & iustified his Ministers in the like executions . But as these extraordinary cases , may not prescribe to such persons , and offences as are ordinary , so we may obserue , that the wise Lord in al ordinary trials , hath kept this ordinary course : As first to discouer , though not so much for his owne information , ( vnto whom all things past are present , nothing so hid as is not knowne before it is done , much moreafter ) as for our satisfaction : so also in the second plate , to conuince sinne being discouered , and then to execute vpon the same . And euen the same course hath our wise and glorious God taken , in méeting with bloudy and crying sinnes . Long hath the bloud of these slaughtered soules cryed for vengeance from the bottome of the pond : Long had the Lord deserted the answering of their crie : but when he saw a conuenient time , he rowsed vp himselfe , He put on righteousnesse as a brest-plate , and an Helmet of Saluation vpon his head , and he put on a garment of vengeance for a clothing , and was clad with Zeale as a cloake : and so according to their deedes he repayed fury to the murtherers , recompence to his enemies . If wee doubt that it was the Lords doing , that his onely hand , discouered the Murther , and detected the murtherers , harken I pray you to the discourse that followeth : and if we shal not herein acknowledge the immediate finger of God , it is because there is no true knowledge of God in vs . You haue hitherto heard the rase of the Murthered , how they were brought to their end , how disposed in their end , the bottom of the pond was their Graue , and obliuion was their Motto , and there I hope was an end of their part of the Tragedy . Now harken , I beseech you , to the second part of the Tragedy concerning the Murtherers .

And here first are presented vnto you , as in a dumbe shew , the carcases of the Murthered raised out of the Pond by a Diuine Instinct , and in a strange and wonderfull manner , discouering and fastning vpon the Murtherers , and these be the Actors in this first Scoene . Will you heare the truth thereof confirmed by the story , then hearken I say againe vnto that which followeth , and conclude with the worthy Iudge , that it was Digitus Dei , the immediate Finger of God .

The Pond wherein these bodies lay ( you must imagine had a Maister ) that occupied the Farme and ground wherein it was , vnto whose custody the Lord hauing committed in trust these slaughtered soules , doth now require of him the discouery and restoring of them , for the satisfying of his Justice . But would you know the manner how the Lord required them of Him ? marke I beséech you , and wonder at the wisedome and Power of God herein . Because the bloud of the slaine could not cease crying for vengeance , till they were recompenced : Therefore the Farmer can haue no Peace in his mind , till he clense the Pond , that so their blood may be discouered . Wil you sée the Hand of God more cléerly in reiecting the wisedome of the flesh , and subduing all oppositions , to serue his will ? Consider then I pray you the sequell hereof . The Farmer cannot rest till the Pond be cleased . Why ? His owne profit was against it , because it would be great charge and no benefit to him , that had but a short time to enioy it . And therefore his Wife and Friends are also against it , as consulting no Further then with flesh and bloud . But God was for it , and therefore he must be for God , or else he shall not be for himselfe , nothing will go gowne well with him , till this be done . And therefore he is resolute , it shall be done . Well at length , with much ado , he sets workemen about it , but God will not be serued by deputies in so glorious a worke : he that had the sowre , while it was not done , shall haue the sweete and comfort in doing it himselfe . And therefore when workemen giue ouer , as dispairing of the successe , or being happily discouraged by friends , Himselfe , with his Brother , sets vpon the clensing of the Pond . Surely we must imagine , not for any profit he expected thereby , for he could not finish it without great cost and losse too : but the maine ground was , his mind must be satisfied , nay to looke vp higher , Gods iustice must be satisfied , that so the glory thereof may be reserued intirely to himselfe alone : and therefore when that is satisfied , his mind is at quiet , and his labour is at an end : and so the feare of his charge , and losse graciously preuented . Shall we obserue how the Lord brought all this about , and that with great speed , and wisdome for his glory . Oh consider and wonder at the Wisedome of God herein . The worke is begun in the likeliest place for labour and carriage , but the Lord will spare the poore mans labour , he meanes not to put him to that cost , as to lade and clense the whole Pond ; but onely to discouer the Murthered therein . And yet he meanes to abase Him , in this discouery , euen by the bruit beasts that hath no vnderstanding . Will you see the proofe hereof in the sequell of the Story , Oh marke againe , and wonder at the wisedome of God herein . Our workmen by this time had made worke for the Teame : The Horses they are brought to the place of their loading . But this is not the Loade the Lord will haue carried out : and therefore the Horses will not stay here , howsoeuer they smart , but away they must , where God will haue them : Man now must bee lead by them , because they are lead by God , that so the glory of the discouery may be taken from man , and ascribed wholly vnto the Lord . And so after much triall and leading them about the Pond , they stay at length against the Place where the Bodies lay , & so gaue ayme to the workmen to renue their labour . And did they find it lost labour , to attend the Lord ? No surely , they had not labored many houers , vntill they light vpon the Bodies that made amends for all . The Carcases are found , Time and corruption hauing lest nothing else , and so the Murther being discouered , the mind is at quiet , and the labour is at an end , farther cost is spared , and God hath the glory , in the vse of foolish and brutish meanes . Thus of the first part of this first Scoene , namely , the discouery of the Murther .

Proceed wee now vnto the second part hereof , namely , the discouery of the murcherers . And herein also obserue with me a wonderfull and immediate hand of God .

Had these Parties bene newly slaine , their blood is vsually a meanes to peach their murther ; or had their flesh not bene wasted , and countenance remayned , this might haue giuen some light to discerne their qualitie and condition ; and so to haue made some way for the finding out of the murtherers , but that carkases onely of bare bones , and those haply disordered , should haue any remaindures left , whereby they might be knowne what they were from others , and so bee meanes to make knowne the murtherers , seeing this is contrary to all sense , and reason , it must needs be ascribed to to the finger of God , euen in such impossibility yeelding some light to the discouery both of the murthered , who they were , and also of the murtherers . Will you see the proofe hereof in the sequele of the story , oh then stir vp your harts to wonder at the prouidence of God . The carcases being thus found , and so murther being discouered , yet the great matter still remained , that Gods iustice must bee satisfied in finding out the offenders ; and that these may be discouered , it is very fit to know who the murthered were , that so from them and theirs , matter may be gathered to sent out the murtherers . The next thing therefore now to bee done , is to find out who the murthered were . And because this neither concernes , nor indeed is ●astly to be compassed of a priuate braine : therefore the Magistrate next adioyning , is acquainted therewith , whose paines and wisedome in this bustnes may with honour be remembred .

He taking notice of this discouery , causeth the carcases to be taken charily out the mud , and vsing the helpe of a Chyrurgeon herein , caused each carcase to bee layd out seuerally by it selfe , in it proportion , to farre as the bones would afford it , and so making speciall fearch into each carcase , concerning fractures , or any such defect , that might giue any light for the particular knowledge of them , somewhat here appeared that by the helpe of further intelligence , gaue some inkling hereunto . To this end the inhabitants thereabout were called vnto this spectacle , and so inquiry made amongst them concerning such parties , as were missing within compasse of remembrance : amongst these the mother of these children calls to minde hers , that haue beene missing , and with all remembers , what hath bene formerly related to her concerning the same , both how they were gone for Ireland , which was the generall voyce , but especially she remembers what Worlich , one of the Accessaries ( if not a Principall ) had told her many months before , that he had seene her sonne in the Low countries , and was the last man that had him by the hand aliue and dead . Hereupon suspition , and so much the rather , because vpon the discouery of these in the pond , Worlich playd least in sight , and flying to London , was there apprehended vpon this euidence : but yet the day was but dawning , more light shortly appeared , by the wisedome of the Iustice , the carcases were searched , and measured : And hereupon question made to the Mother what markes she could discouer to own them . See the wisedome of God herein : all outward tokens might seeme to fayle , yet one remayned ; her sonne Iohn was high of stature , sixe foote long , this she calls to minde , and ownes him thereby , and so the measure of the carcase giues him her . And so one sparke begets another . Now the remembers againe , that her sonne Iohn had two teeth broken out of his vpper iaw by a former accident , and the scull being searched approues the same : and so both markes concurring vpon the same carcase , the length and iaw marke : hereby vndoubted conclusion was made , that , that carcase was her sonne Iohns , and thus by the one discouered , the other were gessed also to be hers , the brother and sister that 2 yeares after were cast into the pond , because they lay in one graue together , and therefore were like to lie in one belly : and so collected , that they that murthered the former , made also these latter away , as vsing one common graue to burie them in . Now all the mistery was , who should be the murtherer of the first : suspition there might be in regard of Norton , and his dealings with them formerly , as also of such instruments imployed by him to molest and oppresse them . Emong whom the speciall was Land the weauer , a man obserued not onely to bee imployed in busines to molest them , but also to insuiuate himselfe often in to their companies , and to draw them to much excesse of riot in gaming and drunkenes . These things were now called to minde by many , to nourish suspicion : but yet this was not sufficient directly to chalendge the partie . Behold then the wisedome and power of God , in making the Partie to chalenge himselfe : and that by that meanes , whereby he sought to hide his sin , and elude iustice . For hearing that such a scull wanted such teeth , and so was thereby owned by the mother , his guilty conscience drawes him to the pond , and yet in a shew of wisedome , to bewray him the more : he hopes if that marke bee defaced , the euidence wil be confounded : and therefore he takes away the scull with him , and foole as he was , that might haue knockt them out himselfe , yet first goes to a barbar to plucke out more teeth , that hee might bee a witnesse against him : and that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses the truth might be confirmed , loe the barbars toole shall not do the feat : and therefore vengeance sends this murther to the smith , and he at length serues his turne , to witnesse against him . And yet the sort must heape more coales one his head , and that in a shew of wisedome to bewray himselfe further : he comes to a woman thereby ( that knew him well enough & had obserued his comming & going from the Pond and doings there ) yet I say he comes like a stranger , as hearing of such strange newes , and desirous to satisfie his curious eye therewith , enquires of her , where these carcases lay , she replies vnto him , that hee need make no such enquiry , he was better acquainted therewith , and charges him with what had formerly passed : his deniall hereof confirmes the suspition , and conuinceth him of the fact . And so hereupon being layd hold one by iustice ; diuers speeches and accidents formerly passed long before , are now reuiued , tending to his further chalenge and conuiction . Now it is euidenced that 2 dayes after the murther , Land meting with one of his consorts , asked him when he saw Iohn Leeson : marke saith the worthy iudge , the murtherer askes the other , the other doth not first enquire of him : a manifest token of his guilty conscience , and apparant euidence accusing himselfe . Now it is proued that he and Worlich were in the company of Iohn Leeson at the Mill-hill , after which Iohn was neuer seene againe . Now many other speeches are remembred , that had formerly passed betweene Land and others in their cuppes , tending to the particular fact , of casting them into the Pond , & condemning them by their own mouthes . One special among the rest I may not omit that in a dry summer they talking of casting of Ponds , and ditches , bolted out such words , that if such a Pond were cast ( mentioning that where the murthered lay ) it would go hard with three or foure of them : to passe ouer others , materiall hereunto . Their examinations are manifest , that no lesse then 28 witnesses gaue in euidence concerning the fact , chalendging Land by circumstance to bee the Murtherer . But in so cleere a light , what need their many ? nay indeed any witnesses , when Lands one actions and words are sufficient to conuince him : so iust is the Lord , to cause the tongues of the wicked to fall vpon them , so wise hereby to satisfie the world , and gaine himselfe the glory of this discouery by taking the wicked in their owne craftines .

Well , thus we haue found out one of the Murtherers , or rather he hath offered himselfe vnto vs vnsought for , or rather indeede , the Lord hath brought him to the Barre , euen by his owne wisedome . And so we may also conclued of Worlich , faine would he haue béene gone , but the Lord arrested him at Yarmouth , with a fearefull sicknesse , and brought him backe againe , and his owne mouth must bewray him , to be priuy , at least , to the murther , when he told the Mother , that hee was the last man that had Iohn by the hand aliue and dead , in the Low-Countries : It being prooued that he was neuer there , and expounded wisely , by the Reuerend Lord Chiefe Justice , that he meant by the Low-Countries , the bottome of the Pond . So now we haue two of the Actors , or at least , Accessaries , time will shortly ( God willing ) discouer others that are in hold .

Meane while , blesse we the Lord , for this discouery hitherto , And iustifie we his prouidence in méeting with sinners in their kinde , euen by their owne mouthes . And aboue all , take we heede of wisedome in sinne , because it will prooue greatest foolishnesse in the end . Blesse we the Lord for good Magistrates , that will sift and bolt out hidden wickednesse : and pray we heartily for their liues and welfare , by whose meanes we enioy our liues and liuelihoods : yea , that which is most precious aboue all , the hope of life to come , in the liberty of the Gospell , being wise in our seuerall places , to shame and discouer sinne , that so wee may bee kept from participation and danger , there-from , and yet charitable in couering the infirmities of our Brethren , least otherwise casting them off by our rigor and indiscretion , wee force them to breake out through despaire , into desperate wickednesse .

Thus of the first Scoene of the second part of this Tragedy , concerning the discouery of the murther and Murtherers .

CHAP. 5.

Declareth the Conuiction of the Murtherers : 1. Where the Euidences against them are published and opened by the Iudge . 2 Their Inditements found hereupon by the Iury . 3 Their Obstinacy vpon their finding declared and discussed , with the Vse of all .

By that which formerly hath beene related , concerning the discouery of the murtherers , and such euidences alleadged thereunto , howsoeuer it may séeme the matter to bee so cleere , as that it neede no further triall , yet this being but a preparatiue to ripen the businesse , that so it might haue it publicke and iudiciall triall at the Barre : It shall be very necessary to adde somewhat concerning the Equity and solemnity , of that honorable trial , to the stopping of all gain-saying lippes , and to the aduancement of Gods glory , in such righteous proceeding . And heere to say nothing of the manner of these Trials by witnesses to proue the fact , and Iurers to finde the same , ( a course so warrantable , both by the practice of God himselfe , and all Nations , euen by the instinct of Nature , that it shall bee in vaine to light a candle when the Sunne shineth so cleerely : ) Giue me leaue , I pray you , to poynt at some things especially remarkeable in this Triall , for the more cléere iustifying , and benefit thereof . As ,

First , that whereas out of the mouth of two or three witnesses euery truth shall stand : we haue not onely heere apparant circumstances , euen from the mouth and actions of the Delinquents , to conuince them sufficiently of the Fact , but also no lesse then 28. Euidences were taken by the worthy Iustice , all of great moment , by way of circumstance and consequence to proue the same : whereof , though no more then 18. were produced at the Barre , because time ( which there is precious ) would haue béene otherwise taken vp , and those that were produced in the iudgement of the Honourable Iudge , were sufficient , yea , more then enough : yet who could desire more then so many Euidences , especially , seeing the rest all aymed at the same end ? so cléere was this Triall , so fully iustified .

Secondly , Whereas exception against Witnesses , as it is vsually admitted in honourable Trials so being denied , may seeme to challenge the equity of them , this is also obseruable for the iustifying of this Triall , that howsoeuer the accused were obstinate in denying , or faint in acknowledging the fact : yet , as there was no iust reason , why they should except against the witnesses , so either they did not except against them at all , or onely made such cauils , as either were not consonant to reason , or did confound themselues by their contradiction , or were but triflings to differ or elude Justice .

Thirdly , Whereas in such infamous and strange cases , for the further conuiction of them . The voyce of the people is as the voyce of God , that what generally is currant and auouched , by the generallity , carries with it some warrant of truth : it may bee obserued also for the further iustifying of this Triall , there hath not beene hard of a more generall consent of the people in any Trialls , desiring the discouery of the truth , and approuing , yea , applauding the detection thereof , then was manifest at this triall .

Lastly , If contraries may be gathered by their contraries , seeing it is the policy and malice of Satan , then to resist the light most , when it shiues most cléerely , may not the obstinacy of Land , in opposing such cleere and manifest Euidence , that was brought against him , as prouing hereby more effectuall to harden his heart , by making him desperate , the more cleerely he was conuinced thereby , may not this obstinacy , I say , of that accursed wretch , serue much more to iustifie the truth of this honorable Triall .

I touch this last poynt of speciall purpose , both to satisfie the wise in this particular , whereat the ignorant vsually stumble , and also to stop the mouth of all gaine-saying herein . For why should it seeme strange to any , that offenders should so differ in the issue of their conuiction , that the one should be penitent , and confesse the fact , as Worlich in part hath done , by referring himselfe to the mercy of the Judge , the other should still remaine obstinate , euen to the death , in the iustifying of himselfe . Haue we not examples of the like in the Booke of God , one thiefe beeing penitent on the Crosse , and the other continuing obstinate to the death . And may not the eternall decree of God , of two in a bed , electing the one , and reiecting the other , iustifie the execution thereof , in the very last breath , the one iustifying his sinne on the Gallowes , and so condemning himselfe , the other acknowledging his fault , and so interessing himselfe in the mercy of God . And is there not apparant reason of this desperate obstinacy ? may not common course preuaile in this case , which is to pleade not guilty to the Fact ?

May not hope of life induce thereunto , thereby to preuaile , if it may be , with a corrupt , or pittifull and Ignorant Iurie , and when once we haue denied the Fact , may not credite or obstinacy continue in that note ? Is it not too apparant , that many preferring their credit and good of their Posterity , before their conscience and benefit of their soules , doe therefore stand obstinate in the deniall of that , which their owne conscience conuinceth them of : What else meant the answer of Gardiner to Bishop Day , when he exorted him on his death-bed , to trust onely in the mercy of Christ , and renounce all Popish trash and selfe-deseruing . Did not the conscience of that Bloud-sucker conuince him of the truth ? And yet did the glory and credit of his profession carry him contrary in that reply , that if that gap were opened all would be gone .

Nay , may not such consequences follow hereupon , that if they confesse the truth , others shal be drawne in danger , and so either by bribery or flattery , compassion , or such like , many are contented to sell away their owne soules to Satan , for the preseruing of others .

Doe not these things vsually fall out , and might not Land bee hardened in his sinne , by some or all these meanes ? Howsoeuer let him die in his sinne , and let vs liue to glorifie God , in making a holy vse of these things : though not absolutely iudging of any by their ends : yet wisely iudging of the end , by the former life : that they which liue desperately , doe vsually die obstinately : And so let vs by the ends of such men , labour to reforme our liues , taking héede of custome in sinne , and hardening our hearts therein , lest when we would , we cannot leaue it , and when we cannot leaue it , we grow to iustifie it , and so not onely die therein , but dye eternally thereby . Concerning further Guidences , and Acts of the Iurie , because they are onely matters of Forme , or needlesse in so great light , I willingly passe them ouer , resting myselfe on such collections , as I haue gathered for the iustifying of the Proceedings .

And thus farre of the second Scoene of the second part of the Tragedy , concerning the Conuiction and casting of the Murtherers .

CHAP. 6.

Of the Condemnation and Iudgement giuen vpon the Malefactors , where after entrance made hereto : 1 The religious and learned Speech of the thrice reuerand Iudge , is published , tending to iustifie the righteous hand of God heroin , as also to prepare the delinquents to an holy vse thereof . 2 The Sentence it selfe followeth , with the great clemency and moderation thereof . 3. With diuers passages and profitable vses of the same .

WEe are now come vnto the Dismall day , wherein the Murtherers receiued their sentence of condemnation and Iudgement thereupon . A day most comfortable to the godly , as wherein they obserue , the law of God executed , that the murtherer without any admittance of priuiledge , or Psalme of mercy , must die the death , that so blood might be recompensed with blood , and the land may be clensed from the guilt thereof . And so according thereunto , Justice administred without respect of persons , & yet with great wisedome , according to the different degrees and circumstances in the committing of the Crime . Heere is no admittance of Sanctuarie , nor any such like protection to frustrate the course of Justice , and nuzling of the wicked in their sinne ; so happy are we that God hath taken from our necks that cruell and bloody yoake of Antichrist , who not onely maintained his owne tyranny by blood , but also protected others therein : And yet much more in this respect miserable , if we shall not bee more thankefull for the light of the Gospell , and improoue the time of our visitation , with more profit and aduantage . But blessed bee the Lord for the fruit of his Word , that Justice hath his due course , Iniquity braues it not vncontrould , and righteousnesse may haue countenance enough , if it bee accompanied with sobriety and meekenesse of wisedome . If Sincerity be made a cloake for contentions and priuate lucre : is it not wisedome to pluck off this vizard , that so the Hypocrite may be ashamed , and the sober Christian iustified . But whither am I going ? I must retire my selfe to my present station . We are now expecting the Judgement giuen vpon these Malefactors : And blessed be God , our expectation was more then satisfied . Oh how true is it , that Judges are in the place of God , that he honoureth them as his Deputies , and furnisheth them extraordinarily with diuine gifts : What Maiesty doth shine in their honourable persons , what wisedome and Equity flowes from their lippes , what Righteousnesse mixed with Clemency , appeares in their sentences ? Harken , I pray you , vnto that which followeth , & witnesse with me the truth of all these . The Bench being set , the prisoners are called to the Barre : doubtfull matters are referred to a further cleering , smaller offences are censured accordingly : The greater and Capitall crimes of Blood , and such like , come now to be sentenced : And that the sentence may be better layd to heart , and take déeper impression to worke repentance , and so thereby prepare the offenders to their deaths : Harken , I Sir Henry Mountague , Lord chiefe Iustiée . pray you , vnto the diuine and graue speech , the reuerend Judge , makes vnto them in such words as these .

The speech at the giuing of Iudgement .

YOu Prisoners at the barre , whose liues now stand wayting vpon death , as you looke vp to vs with feare , so wee looke downe vpon you with sorrow . Your feare is to receiue punishment for your mis-doing , and our sorrow is that wee must pronounce it . Yet not without hope to bring you to Repentance , which may gaine you pardon for your sin . But as wee haue the commaundement of God , to warrant , and comfort vs herein , that the malefactor must die : so wee hartily desire of God , that your condemnation may not bee of death vnto death , but rather a meanes to a better life .

Now in these cases three things best befit a Iudge , which are Discretion , Correction , and Comfort .

1 Discretion , to make an offender know his fault . 2 Correction , to Pronounce , and inflict the punishment . 3. Comfort , that notwithstanding the denouncing , and inflicting of the punishment yet so to prepare the delinquent vnto death , that he may find life in death , and so see heauen vpon earth , before the world leaues him , and he the world .

Concerning the knowledge of your fault , that will best appeare by your acknowledgment thereof . For without this acknowledgment , there can be no sound Repentance . Thus did God himselfe deale with his seruant Dauid in those his vncleane and bloody facts , first to bring him to the sight of those sinnes , he put the case by another , and so brought Dauid to pronounce sentence vpon himselfe , so my desire is , that each of you would make Dauids case your owne . And as in the like facts you would bee ready , in another mans case to pronounce sentence as he did , against the man that had dealt so cruelly ; so now to make his example your paterne , to make it your owne case . That as hee being conuinced by the Prophet to bee the man , whom he had condemned in the like case of another , was thereby brought to an acknowledgement of his owne sin , and so receiue a gratious acquittance : so you also being now conuicted of your heauy and bloody facts , by such apparant euidence : may by Dauids example , bee brought to an acknowledgement thereof , and so with Dauid obtaine an answere of the pardon of your sin : howsoeuer for the satisfying of the world , and humbling of the flesh , you are like with Dauid to answere bloud for bloud .

The second thing I noted was Correction .

But the better to prepare you for it , tell mee you poore soules that haue had a great portion of sorrow by your imprisonment , if these three things do not now trouble you more then euer before , that is , Sorrow , Shame and Feare .

1 Sorrow for your life past so wickedly missed . 2 Shame for your present facts . 3 Feare not so much of your present punishment , which ends in the punishment : as of the iudgement to come , bringing with it eternall torments , and yet beginning but where the other ends .

To begin with this last : ( because if it had beene well remembred by you , it might haue preuented the former , and yet being well applyed may release you from the latter : ) that you may take a deeper impression of that great and generall Assizes . Be you aduised , not so much to looke vpon Vs , who haue only power to kill the body , as to looke vp vnto the Lord , who hath power to destroy both body and soule : and remember his last and dreadfull comming in the clouds , where each of you must appeare personally , without Deputy , delay , or Aduocate , to receiue according to your workes which you haue done in your bodies , be they good or euill .

And that you may preuent the extremity of that Iugdement ; my aduice vnto you is , that you would erectin a iudgement seate your owne soules , iudging your selues by the euidence of your owne consciences , that so you may not be iudged of the Lord . So did Dauid obtaine the pardon of his sinne , he had no sooner iudged himselfe for his sinnes : and confessed them vnto the Lord , but the Lord forgaue him the iniquity of them all : and no sooner shal you acknowledge your selues worthy to die , but the Lord will answere you , you shall not die , but liue . For if you be now dead in sin , by hardening your harts in the deniall thereof : though you be liuing to the world , yet you are dead vnto God , and so shall neuer die out of the punishment of sin , how soeuer you be euer dying in the horror thereof . But if you shall now dievnto sin by vnfayned Repentance : though you may die for your sin , by the hand of man , yet you shall liue for euer without sin , by the power of God . And therefore howsoeuer you must die temporally to satisfie the Law , yet remember , this is but of the body , and that for a time : and consider with all that there is another death co come , both of body and soule , wherein you shall die eternally from-God , and yet liue eternall to intollerable torments . Consider then I pray you the Terrour of that great day : where the fire howsoeuer spirituall , yet shall thereby bee the more intollerable ; and yet the conscience shal be more stinging , then the fire tormenting : and the euerlasting exclusion from the presence of God , shall make vp the measure of those vnsufferable torments . If they were but for a hundred , or a thousand , nay a million of yeares : yet there were some hope at length of release : but remember , that the worme neuer dyeth , the fire neuer goet out , because the wrath of God like a riuer of Brimstone , doth continually maintaine the same .

Thus you may meditate vpon those endles torments .

And this by Gods mercy , may worke in you that hartie and seasonable sorrow for your present sinnes , whereby you may prepare to your present ends , and so preuent those endles torments . But be not too suddaine in applying mercy , when your sinnes haue beene so many . For it is not euery one , that saith Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdome of heauen . Consider , also that there can be no comfort in God , till there be true sorrow for sinne : the best sacrifices were sodden in the sowrest hearbs : and the sacrifice best pleasing vnto God , is that , of a broken and contrite heart . Onely bee you wise to try your sorrow . There is a sorrow vnto death which is carnall and hypocritical , rather greiuing for the punishment , then the offence : if therefore you will bee sorry in hope of 〈…〉 y , you must in 〈…〉 God in your punishment , 〈◊〉〈…〉 ere farre greater , and greiua for your sinnes , that haue deserued more . For your punishment is not great or then your faint , but your 〈…〉 t greater then your punishment .

If you would farther trik the sinceritie of your sorrow : examine it then by the fruit thereof . Godly sorrow breeds Repentance , and true Repentance expresseth it selfe in the hearty confession of sin : and true confession , is not forced , but voluntarie : not only of what apparant euidence wrings from vs , but what is secret , and only knowne to our selues , and vnto God . And thi●●e it not enough to satisfie the world , of what you are now conuicted of , vnlesse you also discharge your conscience ( so farre as possibly you may remember ) of all that hidden burthen of sin , which at the day of iudgement will be certainely layd open , and charged vpon you , euen to your vtter pressing downe , and ouerwhelming for euer : And withall lay it to your harts , that if you shall fayle to acknowledge , what you are now conuicted of : as you shall least of all satisfie God , who knoweth your harts , to shall you not satisfie the world in this your obstinacy , which must needs bee conuicted , with such apparant euidences , as haue bene deliuered : and so iustly condemne you , in that wherein you seeke to Iustifie your selues Let me heare speak vnto you euen from my very soule , and set you in a way for your soules eternall good . Do not thinke that euery Psalme of Miserere is sufficient to expiate your fault , or to giue you an interest in the pardon of your sin : no , I tell you , you must confesse your faults to the world ; be-before you leaue the world . You haue offended God , and man ; as farre as confession may yeeld satisfaction , do it care you die . Oh feare and remember that saying . As the tree falls , so it lies . If you bee dead while you liue , you cannot hope to liue when you are dead . If we forget our sinnes , God will remember them , and if we confesse them , God will forget them . Remember the good successe of the Prodigall child : hee no sooner came home to his Father , and confessed his sin , but his Father ran to meete him , and kissed him , killed the fatted calfe for him , and cloathed him with the be 〈…〉〈…〉 yment . Euen so our heauenly Eather , hath offered his onely sonne , as the fatted calfe , for the redemption of all penitent sinners , he is ready to meete vs , if wee bee comming to him by Repentance , nay to kisse and embrace vs , if we cast of our sinnes , and insteed of those theenish raggs , you weare to cloath you with that glorious Robe of his perfect righteousnesse . This I hope and wish that you may be so happie as to finde .

And therefore I desire you to embrace the Mercy of God that is now offered vnto you . Labour to breake your hard harts with the consideration of his tender compassions , and ease your distressed soules by the the acknowledgement of your sinnes . Remember , that God will not endure a stubborne sinner but they which are heauie laden with the burthen of their sins , shal be welcome vnto him . And to this end , aboue all things , take heede of desparing . Consider that the mercy of God is aboue all your mysery whatsoeuer , and that you shall more offend in disparing of Gods mercy , then in shedding of the blood of so many innocents : euen as Iudas more offended in despayring of the pardon of his sinne , then in betraying of that iust one , who was the ransome for his sinne : and let this last part be the best , which is to comfort you . Now I commend you with my best affections , to the mercy and goodnesse of God , wishing you to glorifie God in the confession of your greinous faults remembring that no time can priueledge , no place conceale , nor Persons beare downe , and smother the shedding of blood : but God in his due time will discouer the same , and make the places of concealement , the stages of discouery . Yea , he will make the Actors themselues to discouer their owne sinnes . The blood of Abel shall crie for vengeance from the earth ; and the blood of these murthered soules hath cried for vengeance from the bottome of the Pond . And therefore Iustifie God in this wonderfull discouery . And so the Lord giue you wisedome in time , to make your Peace with him .

This was the effect of the reuerend Iudges Exhortation , as himselfe pleased to anow the same . Which beeing ended , their iudgement was pronounced , and so respited till Manday , for their execution , that so , in the méan time , they might bee prepared by repentance to the comfortable issue thereof .

And this of the third Scoene of this second part of this Tragedy .

CHAP. 7.

1 Containing the execution of the Murtherers , 2 And such accidents as fell out therein . 3 Together with such Vses as may be made thereof .

We are now come to the last Scoene of this Tragedy , concerning the Execution of the murtherers .

And herein we may first behold the singular wisedome of God in disposing thereof , according to the diuers condition of the Murtherers . For , wheras there was two conuicted & condemned , for this haynous murther ; namely , Land and Worlich : Though these both were brought to the Gallowes , and knew no more but they should both dye , yet such was the prouidence of God , guiding the heart of the Reuerend Iudge , that the one being more tractable to confesse the truth , and giuing sou 〈…〉 hope of his repentance , both for his owne and the Countries good ( who expect yet a further discouery of foure principall offenders , not yet knowne or conuicted : ) Hee was therefore onely brought vpon the Ladder , and so prepared to execution , that so he might conuince the other of the crime , being still obstinate therein , and satisfie the world concerning his owne guiltinesse of the Fact : Wherein , as he did not obscurely bewray himselfe , at least an accessary , though not so cleerely and particularly as was expected for his comfort , yet he spared not to challenge his fellow , standing obstinate on the dentall , and by many circumstances conuicted him to 〈…〉 es the chiefe Murtherer : Whereby , as it may seeme , hee was not an Actor in the Murther himselfe , but onely priuie thereto by relation or consequence , so was hee therefore repriued , for the further cleering of the truth , and freeing of his owne conscience from any secret burthen yet lay therevpon . As for the other , who the more hee was conuicted , remained still more obstinate : whether in policy , that hee might be also repriued , in hope of mollifying his heart , and bringing him to repentance , or vpon desperatenesse , and so seeing no way but one , must now prepare himselfe to the vengeance of God , and confound the worlds expectation , or harden the world in such like sinnes : therefore was he iustly cut off , that he might doe no more mischiefe , though to his owne greater confusion , thus dying in his sinne . And yet behold the power of Gods iustice preuayling on his conscience , though he would not confesse his sinne in particular , yet he acknowledged to his shame , what the world tooke too much notice of , and himselfe did formerly much glory in , that he was much delighted in Drunkennnsse himselfe ; yea , which was the hight of his sin , he was strong to be are his drinke , and so gloried to draw others into the same excesse , that so hee might pride himselfe in his great power , that could out drinke others , and thereby also more easily make prey of them . Which , as it was the meanes whereby hee caught Iohn Leeson in his snare , so if consequents may be gathered by their Antecedents , it must needs follow hereupon that he made prey of him : especially , seeing he could not deny , but he accompanied him that day at the Mill-hill , when he was made away , and his pretences that Iohn was gone for Ireland , as were disprooued and confounded by contradictions in his owne , and wiues speeches . But howsoeuer such apparent conuictions , both at the Barre and Gallowes , euen from his owne mouth , though he stil denied the : fact , as 〈◊〉 hath bin giuen heretofore the t 〈…〉 , so wee hope time will more 〈…〉 eetely discouer his madnesse herein . And so we leaue him to the fruite of his si 〈…〉 . But before we end this Sc 〈…〉 , one scruple is to be cleered , that wheras Justice so 〈…〉 ends the 〈…〉 ying thereof in the punishment of the body , as that it specially aymes at the good of the soule : it might seeme therefore to haue beene fitter , that Worlich being more penitent , would haue dyed presently , and Land being so obstinate , should haue beene respited for his better preparing to his end . For satisfaction where of , we must know , that as the iudgement against sinne is directed by a speciall in 〈…〉 ct scour God , and so therin doth vsually 〈…〉ble his 〈…〉teous 〈◊〉 , which is , th 〈…〉 to h 〈…〉 that hath shal be giuen , but to him th 〈…〉 nothing , shall be taken away 〈◊〉 that which he s 〈…〉 th 〈…〉 haue : therefore to Worlich that hath some spacke of grace , and 〈…〉 rse , opportunity was further yeelded to encrease and perfect the worke , And from Land that hath nothing , in truth if wee may c 〈…〉 e by the effect , therefore that was taken away which it seemed belonged vnto him , euen longer time and space of Repentance , A notable Image of Gods righteous decras , in the hardening of the one & softning of the other , and a wise item to obstinate sinners , that what they haue beene in their liues , they likely prooue in their deathes . And withall , a sweete word of comfort , to al broken and bleeding hearts , that the Lord wil waite vpon them that he may haue mercy vpon them .

And this we wish hartily , may be portion of that poore soule that now is respited in the hope thereof . And thus endeth the history of this bloudy Tragedy . Iustifying the Righteous Do 〈…〉 e of the Lord , That he that sheddeth mans bloud by man shall his bloud be shed againe .

CHAP. 8.

Containing the conclusion of the whole . With promise of further light .

THus hast thou , Christian Reader , a briefe of the most lamentable History which euer I heard or read of concerning the cruell murther of this widowes children . Together with the admirable discouery thereof by the Finger of God , as also the procéedings against so many of the Malefactors as are yet discouered . What now remaineth but that thou glorifie God with me for the execution of his righteous iudgements . Assuring thee that as I was an eye witnesse of these particulars , so I haue deliuered thee therein the truth , according to the euidences confirmed by the consent of the best warrants to establish the same : onely I haue forborne to specifie the particular information of many witnesses , because as many of them were spared at the Barre , séeing the rest were sufficient ; so of those that were giuen in , I haue also spared some , as specifying the same in effect with those that are wouen into the history : because I did not so much respect the order of their allegations at the Barre , as the fitnesse of their application , to the vse and life of the Story . If herein I haue giuen any light or spirit by this manner of handling , remember I wrote it not , for a nine dayes wonder to vanish like a dreame ; but that it might leaue such impression in thy heart , as might prouoke thée to know the Lord by his executing of Justice : and so hereby learne to make vse of his Prouidence in all his workes : promising thee , that if thou shalt profitably vse this discouery to this end , thou shalt be fitted not onely with further light herein , as occasion shall be offered , but as thou maiest make profitable vse of many other labours published by me formerly for the common good : so thou shalt shortly be furnished with my long expected Paines , concerning the Delusions of the Time , and cure of a wounded Spirit , which I am reuising and polishing at my best leysure , s for thy good herein . And so desiring thy harty prayers vnto God for his furtherance hereunto , I commend thee to the grace of our Glorious Lord .

In whom I rest , thine and the Churches seruant THO. COOPER .

FINIS .