The practise of Elizabeth Caldwell , against the life of her owne husband .

I purpose God willing to discribe in briefe , the life and death of Elizabeth Caldwell , late wife of Thomas Caldwell in the countie of Chester , and daughter to one Maister Duncalffe of the sayd countie ; A gentleman of very good sort , who fatherly and carefully trained vp his daughter from her infancie , she being framed and adorned withall the gifts that nature could challenge , and wanting no good education , did in her tender infant yeares bestowe her in marriage ; to the said Thomas Caldwell , giuing her a good dower to her better preferring in the sayd marriage ; with a yearely newety of ten pounds , to extend to her said husband , and his heires for euer : and as the like matches doe not often proue well , so this Caldwell being young , and not experienced in the world , gaue his minde to trauell , and sée forraine countries , which tended rather to his losse then profit , as also to the great discontentment of his wife , and other his friends , leauing her often times verie bare , without prouision of such meanes as was fitting for her , that by these courses hee did withdrawe her affection from him , so that in the continuance of his absence ; a young man , named Iefferey Bownd , a neighbour vnto the said Elizabeth Caldwell , and she as I sayd before , inioying all the excellent gifts of nature , set his affections abroch , and being a man of good wealth , spared nether cost nor industrie both by himselfe & others , to withdrawe her to his vnlawfull desire , and omittnig no opportunitie in this sute ; though she along time withstood their allurements , insomuch that hee feede an old woman named Isabell Hall , late wife of Iohn Hall , and preferred as an instrument to worke her to an vnlawfull reformation , so that in processe of time , with many earnest perswasions , they wone this silly soule , to their will ; and hauing so done , the sayd Bownds insatiable desire could not bee so satisfied , but perswaded her of himselfe , and also by the sayd Isabell Hall , to yeelde her consent by some meanes to murder her sayd husband , the which she was though drawne to the other , yet very vnwilling to agrée vnto that . But by many and often assaults and incouragements , their perswasions did worke with her , and tooke effect ; the which being obtained , then were they as busie as before , deuising which way , to set their deuillish and most hellish practises aworke , preferring many deuises for the accomplishment thereof . And shee often times entring into consideration with her selfe , what a damnable part it was , first to abuse her husbands bed , and then in seeking to depriue him of his life , was greatly tormented in her conscience , and diuers times , earnestlie intreated them to surcease in this practise , laying before them the great and heauie punishments , prouided for such offenders both in this world , and in the world to come : but their harts being so deeply possest by that filthy enimy to all goodnes , that there was nothing to them more odious then such perswasions , still perseuered in there former wicked inuensions , and drew her to associate them in this villany , laying many plots for the performing of it , amongst which Isabell Hall as she was verie expert in such like actions , beeing an ancient motherly woman , and to all mens iudgements in her outward habite , was farre from harboring such a thought , yet as I was about to say , she aduised Bownd to giue to a brother of hers , namely , George Fernley , fiue pounds , & she would perswade him , that he should vse some meanes to murder Caldwell , the which Bownd agreed vnto , being that to him all her motions were medicines , and for that her house was the place , that Bownd and Elizabeth Caldwell did resort for there meeting place , and he hauing an intent to further this matter , caused this Fernley to be sent for , and conferred with him : and hee being a man slenderly furnished with meanes , agreed to this there motion , affirming , that he would delay no time till hee had effected their desire , though in my conscience hee pretended nothing lesse , but onely to sooth them with faire words , for lucre of the money , made a showe to Bownd as if he were verie dilligent about the execution thereof , but still was preuented , in so much that Bownd entered into a great rage with the poore fellow , and swore most terribly , if hee did not dispatch his busines withall expedition , he would lay him by the heeles for his fiue pounds .

Notwithstanding , hee made delaies so many , that the old for , I meane Halls wife deuised with her selfe of another course , & willed Bownd to buy some Ratsbane , and she would minister it in Oaten-cakes for that she knewe Caldwell much affected them , and they being made , his wife should giue them vnto him , and so procure his speedy dispatch . Which deuise he verie willingly consented vnto , and vsed no delay in the matter , but presently repared to a towne in Cheshiere called Knutsforth , there bought the poyson , and brought it to Elizabeth Caldwell , and wished her to send it to Isabell Hall with all speede , wherevppon she receiued it , and instantly vppon the receite thereof , Halls wife sent her maide to Elizabeth , and willed her to send the spice she spoke to her for : so the maide innocently went as her dame commanded her , and receiued the poyson , and brought it to the sayd Isabell Hall her dame , who presently did take it , and minister it , ( as I sayd before ) in oaten-cakes : the which being done , she sent them to Elizabeth Caldwell , where she and her husband did soiourne ; wherevppon , being in the euening , she layd them in her chamber windowe . In the morning next ensuing , Caldwell , as his accustomed manner was , rose verie earlie , and his wife still keeping her bed , he spied the cakes lie in the windowe , and demaunded of her if he might take any of them , she answered , yea , all if he would , and therevpon he tooke some three or foure of them , and went into the house , and called for some butter to eate them with , the which was brought him .

But let me tell you by the way , so soone as he was departed the chamber with the cakes , feare draue such a terror to her hart as she lay in bed , as she euen trembled with remorse of conscience , yet wanted she power to call to him to refraine them , insomuch as he himselfe did not onely eate of them , but the most part of the folkes in the house , children and all , yet God bestowed his blessing so bountifully on them , as they were all preserued from daunger , sauing one little girle which could not so wel disgest them , which was a neighbours child of sixt or seauen yeares old , and comming in by chance for fier : to the which maister Caldwell gaue a peece of acake , and she eate it , and by reason she had beene long before visited with sicknes , shee went home and died presently , while the rest by way of vomit were saued . But that which maistar Caldwell did vomit vp againe , two doggs and a cat did eate , and they died presently also . Whether vppon the force of that poyson or no the childe died I cannot say , but well I knowe , they were all three brought within the compasse of murder for the death of it , and were all executed at Chester for the same fact , as you shall heareafter vnderstand .

Upon the death of this child , Elizabeth Caldwell was apprehended , and brought before three Iustices of the peace ; namely , Sir Iohn Sauage , Sir Thomas Aston , and maister Brooke of Norton , where before them she truly confessed all their practises and proceedings from the beginning , euen till that day . Upon which confession , Bownd and Isabell Hall were apprehended , and brought before the same Iustices , and examined as touching the murder , and they very stoutly denied all , afferming that they were not guiltie to any such action , although her confession in her Examination did manifest against them , beeing layd to their charge : all which would not mooue them to acknowledge their fault , the deuill hauing so great a commaund ouer them . Notwithstanding , they were all committed to the Castell of Chester , there to remaine with out Baill or Maineprise , till they should be deliuered by due course of Lawe , according to the tenure of warrants directed in such a case .

So the Assise approching within few dayes after theyr commitment , their causes and tryall for that time was reiourned , till the next great Assises holden there . And whether it was by speciall meanes of Bownd made to the Iudge , or for that Elizabeth Caldwell was with childe , I cannot truly say , but there they continued from that time , beeing a senight after Easter , till Michelmas following : during which time they were not admitted one to speake to another . And for Elizabeth Caldwell , from her first entrance into prison , till the time of her death , there was neuer heard by any , so much as an idle word to procéede out of her mouth , neither did shée omit any time , during her imprisonment , in seruing of GOD , and séeking pardon for her sinnes , with great zeale and industrie , continually meditating on the Bible , excluding her selfe from all companie , sauing such as might yéelde her spirituall comforts , as learned Diuines , and such , the faithfull seruaunts of God . There was many of all sorts resorted to sée her , as no fewer some daies then thrée hundred persons : and such as she thought were viciously giuen , shee gaue them good admonitions , wishing that her fall might be an example vnto them .

Thus the deceitfull deuill , who hath sometime permission from GOD to attempt the very righteous , ( as lob ) was now an instrument to her sorrow , but her feeling faith the more increased , and no doubt ●o her comfort , though in our eyes terrible : for indéede so it ought , béeing sent from God as an example to thousands . For where so many liue , one or two pickt out by the hand of God , must serue as an example to the rest , to kéepe thousands in feare of Gods wrath , and the worlds terror . But sée her constancie . All the time of her imprisonment , she vsed all possible meanes , both of herselfe , and by those good members that did visit her , to conuert all the rest of the prisoners , which good worke begunne in her did take good effect , for she sent some dayes a dozen Letters to seuerall Preachers to be resolued as touching her fayth , and the want of a sound resolution that GOD had parsoned her offences . Where the Lady Mary Cholmsly of Cholmsly amongst others , together with the comfortable reliefe of one Maister Iohn Battie , ( no doubt both Gods Children ) so relieued , as want neuer grieued her conscience , but that shee continued in zeale , without griefe of the worldes offences both in soule and body : nay , not onely her , but also to the rest of the prisoners . For note , that death neuer feared or daunted her , but onely fearing shée was not fully purged from her sinnes , till at the end , as by her words at her execution appeareth .

This foresaide Maister Battie well deserues a due remembrance for his clemencie and charitie shewed to that distressed and deceased poore soule , by whose good meanes , which in méere compassion by him extended , did not onely receiue comforts for her bodily reléefe , but also great satisfaction for her soule , hee oft imployed such industry to the Learned , both to repare vnto her themselues , as likewise daily in sending vnto her good and learned instructions : Surely , he deserues to be registred in the harts of all well disposed persons , and his demerits ( no doubt ) will finde restitution at the handes of him , who is the Pay-Maister for all such charitable deserts .

It is also to be noted , that after these thrée aforenamed persons had remained in prison all the whole Summer , at Michelmas then ensuing the Assises were holden , and Elizabeth Caldwell had her triall , where shee openly before the Iudges , and the rest of the Worshipfull Audience , acknowledged her offence : for the which shee first demaunded pardon at the hands of God , then of her husband , lastly of all the world : and desiring , as it was euer her prayer , that she might be as a Looking-glasse to all that eyther did sée or heare of her fall , that by her they might sée into theyr owne frailines , and the infirmities which are subiect to the flesh . And hauing , as I said , acknowledged her guiltines , was condemned . And by reason shee was not then deliuered of child , still repriued : and at the same Assise Bownd was indited : and whether by euill counsell giuen him , or for his owne obstinacie , I cannot truly report , but he would not answer to the Articles obieced against him , nor refer his cause to GOD and the Country , but stoode mute , though the Iudges very earnestly mooued him to put his cause to triall : all which would not perswade him , and therefore , according to the Law , he was adiudged to be prest , receiuing his iudgement on the Saturday , to be executed on Munday following . And for Isabell Hall , her matter that Assise was not called in question , which yéelded her such incouragement , that shee was altogether regardlesse of the good of her soule .

But Bownd , euer before he perceiued how hee should spéede , pleaded to euery one whom he had any communion with , of his innocencie , till he saw no hope of life : then hée , before two or thrée Preachers , and others , did manifest the whole truth , and affirmed that flesh and blood was not able to endure the often assaults that Elizabeth Caldwell had of him , and Isabell Hall : and vppon the Munday about nine of the clocke , was prest : where to euery mans iudgement there present , hee made a very penitent end , béeing hartily sorrowfull for his offences , and very deuoutly craued pardon of GOD and all the world , and so died ( I trust ) the true seruaunt of Iesus Christ .

Then that night next after his death , Elizabeth Caldwell was deliuered of a boy , which child is yet as I take it , still liuing with another boy she had before her impresonment , the which are at the keeping of Caldwell their father , and as it was generally reported , hee made sute to the Iudge to procure a warrant to haue his wife executed , within a certaine time after her deliuerie ; but how true it was that he made such meanes , I cannot truly affirme , but sure I am , a warrant was granted and sent the keeper for to haue her executed , within 13 daies or thereabouts after she was deliuered , the which was conuented by reason the Cunstable of the castle , did mistake the deliuerie of the warrant to the Sheriffe till the date was out . Though she a senight before the time , had prepared her selfe , only to receiue the mercy of God , and terror of death , yet it pleased God otherwise a while to prolong her daies , which time giuen her , she did not vainely spend , but imploy her vttermost indeuors to obtaine mercie , and forgiuenes in such rare sort , as if I should discribe the perticulers thereof , it would not only be endlesse , and tedious , but I doubt , to the hearers and readers , it would be though incredable , for in her might be seene the true image of a penitent sinner , as the like hath not often in these daies beene seene , God showing his glory so aboundantlie , working her penitency , as to me , and many more , was most admirable . For if she espied in any one , of what calling or degree soeuer , that they wilfully or carelesly abused Gods holy ordinaunces , shee would reproue them for it , and curtiously intreate them to amend such and such abuses ; though some disdained she should seeme so to doe , in regard of her owne former offence , though indeede none might better doe it then shee , hauing smarted euen at her soule for her sinnes . This is the frailnes of our flesh , we only disdaine not our afflicted bretheren , but also there good admonitions : God of his mercy I beseech him giue vs grace , that we may sée into our fickle estates , and receiue willingly any reprofe that may tend to the good of our poore soules .

So by this meanes , as I showed you before , this Elizabeth Caldwell was still detained in prison till the next Assise following , at what time Isabell Hall was indited , as an actor in this murder , and found guilty by the Iurie , condemned and executed . And Elizabeth Caldwell also receiued the death of execution at the same instant , though my Lady Cholmsley very worshipfull and louingly made earnest sute , vnto the Iudge for her depriue till the Assise following : the which by no meanes would be granted . And she seeing her sute would not take effert , being very sorrowfull , like a kind Ladie , went vnto Elizabeth Caldwell her selfe , and showed her she could not therein preuaile for her .

Indeede my Lady and others had an intent , if they could haue got her repriue , to haue vsed meanes to the King for a petition , but seeing it would not be , Elizabeth dutifully yéelded thanks vnto her Ladiship ; and said shée was very well content to receiue the death ordained for her . My Lady departed , and she practising her former exercises , I meane prayer , vntill such time as the Keeper came and told her the Shrieffe was come to the Glouersstone , to receiue her and the rest of the prisoners appointed for death : and she very chéerefully aunswered , I trust in my God I am ready , and farewell to the Lawe , too long haue I béene in thy subiection : & so departing the castell , taking leaue with euery one , and from hence to the place of execution , she some times sung Psalmes , and vsed other godly meditations , as was thought fitting for her , by those Diuines and godly Preachers , which accompanied her euen to her death .

A Letter written by Elizabeth Caldwell to her Husband , during the time of her imprisonment .

ALthough the greatnes of my offence deserues neither pittie nor regarde , yet giue leaue vnto your poore sorrowfull wife to speake vnto you , what out of her owne wofull experience , with aboundance of griefe and teares , she hath learned in the Schoole of affliction , it is the last fauour that I shall euer beg at your hands , and the last office that euer I shall performe vnto you . And therfore deere Husband , if you haue , any hope or desire , to bee partaker of the ioyes of heauen , let my speeches finde acceptance , and doe not slightly esteeme what I write vnto you , but reade these lines againe , and againe , and lay them vp in your hart , where I beseech Almightie God they may take deepe roote , and impression . For my witnesse is in heauen , that my harts desire and earnest prayer to GOD is , that your soule may be saued . And if the losse of my blood , or life , or to endure any torments that the world can inflict vpon me , might procure your true conuersion , I should esteeme it purchased at an easie rate : but sith none can haue saluation without true Reformation , both inward , and outward , amendement , in changing the affection , words , and works , from euill to good , which till you feele in your soule & conscience to be effectually wrought , you haue not repented , defer not time , but call to God for grace of true Repentance , which may be sound euen in this accepted time , when the doores of Gods mercy are open , that so he may haue mercie on you , least he giue you ouer to hardnesse of hart , that you cannot repent : and so you knocke with the foolish virgins , when the date of Gods mercies are out , and then nothing but woe , woe , and vengeance : therefore the longer you deferre , the harder it will be for you to repent : and delayes are most dangerous , for what know you how suddenlie , death may strike you , and then , as the tree falls , so it lies , that is , as you die , so shall you haue , if in true repentance , ioy , if in your sinnes , sorrow . Therefore saith Salomon , All that thy hand shall finde to doe , doe it withall thy power , for there is neither worke , nor knowledge , inuention , nor wisedome in the graue whether thou goest .

O husband , be not deceiued with the world , & thinke that it is in your power to repent when you will , or that to say a fewe prayers from the mouth outward a little before death , or to cry God mercie for fashion sake , is true repentance . No , no , not euerie one that saith Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdome of heauen , but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heauen , saith our Sauiour , Late repentance is sildome true , & true repentance is not so easie a matter to come by , as the word doth iudge . Doe not presume on it , and so runne on in your sinfull course of life , & thinke to repent when you list , you can not doe it , for repentance is the rare gift of GOD , which is giuen but to a verie fewe , euen to those that seeke it , with many teares , and verie earnestlie with feruent prayers . None can better speake of it , for none better knowes it then my selfe , my sorrowfull hart hath smarted for it , and my soule hath beene sick to the gates of hell , and of death to finde it : and to haue it , is more precious then all the world , therefore cease not to pray day and night with the prophet , Turne thou vs vnto thee , ô Lord , and we shall be turned , and with Ephraim , conuert thou mee , ô Lord , and I shall bee conuerted : for except you be conuerted , you shall not enter into the kingdome of heauen .

And because none can be conuerted , nor come vnto Christ except the Father drawe him , neuer leaue to solicite the Father of mercy to create a new hart , and renewe a right spirit within you , and call to remembrance the desolutenesse of your life , I speake it not to lay any thing to your charge , for I doe loue you more deerely , then I doe my selfe , but remember in what a case you haue liued , howe poore you haue many times left me , how long you haue beene absent from mee , all which aduantage the deuill tooke to subuert mee . And to further his purpose , he set his hellish instruments a work , euen the practise of wicked people , who continuallie wrought vpon my weaknes , my pouertie , and your absence , vntill they made me yeeld to conspire with them the destruction of your bodie , by a violent & suddaine death ; which God in his great mercy preuented , and on the knees of my hart , in the abundance of his compassion , I beseech him to forgiue vs all , & wash our soules in the blood of his Christ , and to open the eyes of your vnderstanding , that you may see by my example , which the prouidence of God , for some secrete cause best knowne to him selfe , hath appointed to come to passe . How weake and wretched wee are , and how vnable to stand of our selues , when it shall please him to take his grace from vs , and to leaue vs to our selues . Therefore good husband , as you tender the welfare of your soule , goe no further on in your sinfull race , but turne vnto the Lord , & so shall you saue your soule aliue . If you continue in your abhominations , and shut your eares against the worde of Exhortation , you cannot haue any hope of saluation , for the booke of God is full of iudgements against wilfull sinners , and mercie is to them that repent & turne .

Therefore I beseech you vse no delay , deferre no time , but presently bee acquainted with the Scriptures , for they will leade you to eternall life : make hast , euen before your hands part with this paper to search therein , that so you may truly vnderstand the wretched estate , & condition of those , who following the lusts of there eyes , wallow in all sensualitie , and so heape vp vengance against the day of wrath : euen heauie Iudgments , no lesse then condemnation both of soule and body . As Salomon saith , Reioyce O young man in thy youth , & let thy hart cheare thee , in the daies of thy youth , and walke in the waies of thy hart , and in the sight of thine eyes , but knowe that for all things God will bring thee to Iudgement . Remember he spared not the Angells when they sinned ; but cast them downe into hell , nor of the old world but eight onely escaped , the rest were drowned in their sinnes because they would not be warned . Baltasar , sayth Daniell , expounding the fearefull vision of the hands writing , when hee was banqueting with his Concubines , thou art wayed in the Ballance , and are found light .

These and many more are written for our admonition , vppon whom the ends of the world are come , search for them , and I pray God you may be warned by them , and that you may seeke the Lord now while hee may bee found , and call vppon him while he is neere . Behold now the day of saluation , euen now , when he in mercy offereth himselfe vnto vs , by preaching of his word , receiue not these graces in vaine , but redeeme your time , and runne vnto the house of God , and there in the great congregation , power foorth your plaint , with obedience heare the word of God , and indeuour to practise what you heare in your conuersation , for the doores onely shall bee iustified at the last day , the word must iudge vs , in this life it worketh effect , for which it was sent : it either conuerts or hardens , it is the sauour of life , vnto life , or of death , vnto death , it is offered to all : to those that imbrace it , it brings life , to those that will not be reformed by it , it brings death , to those that loue and desire it , it is the quicking spirit , to those that refuse it , it is the killing Letter , it is no speciall argument of God his fauour vnto any , vnlesse they feele the power thereof working reformation in them , then it is the power of his spirit , the pledge of his blessing . Ignoraunce must not excuse you , for the Prophet saith , my people languish for want of knowledge , and knowledge without practise , leaues al men without excuse , for hee that knoweth his maisters will , and doth it not , shall be beaten with many strips : therefore make more conscience of the word of God , then you haue done , and loue his Messengers , the Preachers that brings that glad tidings , for to loue them is to loue Christ , and to hate them , is to hate Christ , as our Sauiour saith , he that dispiseth you , dispiseth me , and it is hard to kick against the prick . And loue the children of God that professe Christ Iesus , for hereby shall men knowne , that you are my Disciples , if you loue one another saith our Sauiour . And for the Saboth day , bee yee assured , that the Lord of heauen , hath not in vaine chosen it to himselfe , commaunding vs to Sanctifie it vnto his holy name , no , no , if euer we desire to be pe●takers of the spirituall Saboth in heauen , whereof ours on earth is but a tipe , and a figure , then must we striue to keepe the same Saboth on earth as much as in vs lyes , which the Saints keepe in heauen : they are at rest from those labours that mortality is subiect vnto , and vncessantly sing prayses vnto the Lamb , so should we rest that day from the labours of our calling , and spend the whole day in hearing of the word preached , praysing the Lord publickly in the great congregation , priuatly at home with our families , preferring such other holy exercises , as may tend to the glory of God , the comfort of our soules , & the good of others , which we are bound to performe so straightly , as that we may not that day , be alowed to speake such words , as concerne of vocations . And how soeuer it please the world , to thinke of the great God of heauen , and of the sanctifying of the Saboths , yet be you assured he is a iealious God , and will visite sinners , and one seede of his word , shall not be lost , but he will be glorified by it either in the saluation of those , who in a good conscience willingly indeuour to sanctifie them , or in the condemnation of those who wilfully oppose themselues against his blessed ordinaunce , to prophane them : which is one of the crying sinnes of this land , wherewith the whole Kingdome is infected : and if there were not some fewe to stand in the gap , for whose sake the Lord doth speare the rest , it had not beene possible , we should so long haue escaped his heauy iudgements .

O deere husband , the Lord hath long since taken his sword in his hand , to execute his vengance against all disobedient wretched , who turne the Saboth of the Lord , into a day of wantonnes , liberty , and licentiousnes , and although in his great mercy he doth yet forbeare to proceede to iudgement , as it were in great mercy , waiting our repentance , yet there wil suddainely come a day of reckoning , all together : and the wicked make the patience of our God an occasion to commit sinne , and prophanes , yet let them knowe , the Lord will take vengance of his aduersaries , and reserue wrath for his enemies , and though hee be slowe to anger , yet is he great in power , and will not surely cleare the wicked : though he deferre the Sessions , yet they will come , and though he haue Leaden feete , yet hath he Iron hands , though the fier light not vppon Sodome all the euening , yet it came . Doe not therefore prouoke the Lord any longer by your prophanes , for he is strong , readie to punnish , and hath promised , that the person that dispiseth his word , shall be cut of . Did hee not commaunde a man to be stoned to death , for gathering a fewe sticks ▪ on the Saboth day , and is hee not still the same God ? yes certaine , his arme is not shortned if we wilfully persist in our disobedience .

Sixe market dayes hee hath giuen vs , to prouide vs necessaries for our bodies , and but one hath hee chosen for himselfe to be a day of holines , which is the market day for the soule , wherein wee should prouide vs of comforts for the whole weeke . The excellencie and woorth of this day is vnspeakable to those that sanctifie it . It is the badge and liuerie whereby they are knowne to bee the seruaunts of God : to those that prophane it , in spending the day in worldly pleasures , drunkennes & filthinesse , it is the certaine badge and liuerie , whereby they are knowne to be the seruants of the deuill , according to the sayings of the Apostle , knowe you not vnto whomsoeuer ye giue your selues as seruants to obey , his seruants yee are , to whom yea obey , whether it be of sinne vnto death , or of obedience vnto righteousnes .

If my people will sanctifie my Saboth , saith the Lord , it shall be a signe betweene me and them , that they may knowe that I ame the Lord there God ; and blessed are they who haue the Lord for their God . So that to those that prophane the Saboth , the Lord is not their God , but the deuill : and cursed are the people that are in such a case , therefore deere husband , deferre no time , put not of from day , to day , to turne vnto the Lord , nether be you deceiued , for God is not mocked , the longer you runne on , the more you set on the score , and such as you sowe , such shall you reape : for the Lord hath sayd , He that heareth my words , and doth blesse himselfe in hart , saying , I shall haue peace , although . I walke according to the stubbernes of my hart , thus adding drunkennes to thirst , the Lord will not bee mercifull vnto him , but the wrath of the Lord , & his iealosie , shall smooke against that man , and euery curse that is written in this booke shall light vppon him , and the Lord shall put out his name from vnder heauen : but vnto them that repent , the Lord hath sayd , when the wicked turneth away from his wickednes , that he hath committed , and doth that which is lawfull and right , hee shall saue his soule aliue . You see the iudgements of God are begunne alreadie in your house , happie shall you be if you make a holy vse of them , otherwise heauior may be expected , especially , if you persist . In his mercy he hath spared you , and doth yet waite for your repentance , doe not you abuse his patience any longer , lest thereby you prouoke him to proceede to execution against you , but imbrace his mercy which is yet a offered vnto you : for which , that you may so do , I shall not cease , to pray whilst I liue , to him who onely is able to effect it , euen the Lord of heauen , who send vs ioyfull meetting at the day of our Resurrection .

Your poore wife Elizabeth Caldwell .

The words of Elizabeth Caldwell at the time of her death .

FIrst she desired , that the Lord would giue a blessing vnto the speeches that she deliuered , that they might tend to the conuerting of many of the hearers , and also she sayd , that the word of God did not giue her any priuiledge , and authority to sinne , but that it was her owne filthy flesh , the illutions of the deuill , and those hellish instruments which he set on worke : yet notwithstanding , she euer had a detestation to those sinnes that she liued in , but she affirmed that she wanted grace to auoyd them , therefore as she had giuen a great scandall to the word of God , by professing , and not practising the same , euen so she desired the great mercy of God , to forgiue her that sinne , acknowledging that she stoode to presumptiously vpon her owne conceite , and grew too proud , vowing and swearing , that she would neuer doe such and such things , but suddainly fell into the like againe .

Therfore she gaue Saint Paules admonition vnto euery one , Let him that thinketh he stands , take heede of a present fall : likewise she exhorted all to the dilligent obseruation of the Saboth day , saying , that one of her chiefe and capitall sinnes was , the neglect thereof , and although the world did recon and esteeme it a small matter , yet she knewe it to be one of her greatest sinnes , wishing all people in the feare of God , to make a reuerent account of the Lords glorious Saboth , she complained much of adultery , and said it was that filthy sinne which was the cause of her death , and was perswaded in her conscience , that her afflictions was rather for that , then any murder shee euer committed : notwithstanding , shee yeelded her selfe culpable in concealing of it , manifesting that in regard of her sinnes , and iniquities , she deserued a thousand deaths , praying most earnestly vnto God , that her selfe might be a warning and example vnto all there present , wishing them most earnestly to serue the Lord , of what degree soeuer they were , if they were neuer so poore , but were forst to craue there liuing from doore to doore , which done , then were they happy creatures .

Then againe , she admonished all to keepe the Saboth , to goe to the church , and heare the word of God preached , for that was the only truth , and able to saue their soules . But as touching Papistrie , she euer hated it , knowing it contrary and flatly opposite against the truth of the great God of heauen , and his holy word , praying for the confution and desolution of the great whore of Babilon , but most deuoutly and sencerely , praying for the currant passage of the Gospell of Christ Iesus throughout the whole world , to the conuerting of thousands , desiring that the very stones of the streete might set foorth the glory of God : and withall , most religiously she prayed for the Kings most excellent Maiestie , and sayd she might call him her King while shee liued , that his sacred & royall Person , might be a bright shining lampe of Gods glory in the aduancement of the Gospell of Christ , and the ouerthrowe of poperie & superstition , in these his Kingdomes and dominions . Then made knowne that she could teach as the Preachers , for they taught as they found it in the word , and she was able to speake from a feeling hart , very confidently affirming , that her sinnes were the greatest reason of the dulnes and hardnes of her hart , and the seperation of Gods mercies from her : and therefore she carefully aduised all to beware of sinne , because it was hateful and odious in the sight of God , and all reasonable creatures .

Concerning repentance , shee spake thus , that it was not in the power of man to repent when hee list , but the only gift of God , protesting before the Lord of heauen and earth , that during the time of her imprisonment , being a full yeare and a quarter , she had sought the Lord with many bitter teares , with broken and contrite hart , to see if his Maiestie would be intreated , and yet she found not such assurance as she desired : but auouched what she did , was done in simplicity of hart , whatsoeuer the world did other was censure . Moreouer , saying that in the mercies and merites of Christ Iesus , shee hoped her sinnes were pardoned , and sayd I belieue Lord , helpe my vnbeliefe . Also she sayd , that in the time of her imprisonment , the Lord had beene very gracious and mercifull vnto her , for many the faithfull ministers , and deere seruants of Iesus Christ , had recourse vnto her , by whose meanes she had recouered great comfoorth , praysing the Lord for the same : yet notwithstanding , the world most iniuriously did deride , scofe , and mock them , which was most wicked and abhominable : saying , that if there were fortie and two children deuoured for mocking the Prophet Eliza , what then shall befall of them that doe blaspheme the name of the great God of heauen , prophane his holy Saboth , speake euill of his word , and abuse his faithfull Ministers . Therefore she desired all to turne from their sinnes , and to turne to the Lord by true and vnfained repentance , praysing very earnestly for her husbands conuersion , and that her two children might haue the feare of God before their eyes , and that the glory of God might appeare in the conuersion of prisoners , though it were with the losse of her owne life , so infinite was her zeale .

Then shee prayed the Lord , that hee would pardon all her grieuous and heynous sinnes in the bloodshed of Christ Iesus , beséeching him to clense her from her secret sinnes : praying that she might be a Doore-keeper in the house of God , and receiue the meanest place of glory . Then said shee , that if the great and tall Ceaders of the Church of God haue fallen , as Dauid , Salomon , and Manasses , how then coulde shee stand , béeing but a bramble , and weake wretched woman . Therefore shee exhorted euery one to depend onely vpon the Lord , and not to stand vpon theyr owne strength as shee had doone . And greatly then desiring all the people to pray vnto GOD for her , shee called for her Prayer booke , reading and praying zealouslie and deuotly to Almighty GOD , with her eyes lift vp towards heauen ; which doone , shee requested that they would sing a Psalme , reading it her selfe , & singing with a good spirit , that afterwards she vttered that shee felt the mercies of GOD , and her soule was much comforted : and hoped , that in the blood of Christ Iesus her sinnes were pardoned : and saide shee coulde not amend that which was past : but was most hartily sorrowfull for her former sinnes : saying , that if shee shoulde liue yet many yeeres , her desire would be in seruing the Lord : therefore she desired him vpon the knees of her hart , that hee would respect the will for the déede , and accept her poore desires : saying , O suffer me yet once to recouer my strength , before I goe hence and be séene no more . Praying likewise for all those that ministred comforts vnto her in her misery and distresses , that the Lord would blesse them , and continue them faithfull vnto the end .

Then forgiuing , and asking forgiuenes of all , making her selfe ready , saying her bodily death did not dismay her , concluding with these her last words , Lord Iesus receiue my spirit : and so she left this miserable world , and dyed the true seruaunt of Iesus Christ , the xviij . day of Iune , 1603.

¶ Nowe yet againe remember our old beldame aforenamed , that vncharitable creature Isabell Hall , widdow , béeing the onely instrument of this timelesse action : who standing on the Ladder , and ready to suffer for her fact , did notwithstanding very stoutly denie euery thing that had beene doone in theyr late procéedings , nay and abiurd it , had not Elizabeth Caldwell with affirmation of all inserted her confession in that behalfe : Who with an easie repentance to the worlds eye , ended her life . Whereby may be séene how strong the deuill in some actions is , that shée by whose instigation all was doone , both in the adulterie and murder , would so impudently deny euery particuler , notwithstanding the triall of the cause both manifested by Iudge and Iurie . But thus we sée the boldnes of sinne , and the coldnesse of the truth , till God in mercie makes plaine the truth of the one , and the wonder of the other . All which tending to the example of others , may moue vs to liuely repentance , which not doone , saluation cannot come , but truly effected , bréedes both the comfort of the soule and body . To which comfort , God in mercy bring vs for his sonne Iesus Christ his sake .