Wonderful progidies (sic) of judgment and mercy

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Wonderful progidies of judgment and mercy (1803)

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3281128Wonderful progidies of judgment and mercy1803

WONDERFUL PROGIDIES

OF

JUDGMENT AND MERCY:

DISCOVERED IN
ONE HUNDRED MEMORABLE HISTORIES.

CONTAINING

Dreadful Judgments upon Atheists, perjured Persons, Blasphemers, Swearers, Cursers, and Scoffers.
The miserable Death of divers Magicians, Witches, Conjurers; and with an Account of strange Apparitions.

Faithfully collected from ancient and modern Authors of undoubted Authority and Credit.

By R. BURTON,
Author of the History of the Wars of England.

GLASGOW:
Printed for Robert Smith, bookseller, Paisley.

1803.

TO THE

READER.

THIS small Treatise cannot be thought unseasonable in this age, wherein Atheism and Impiety doth so much abound. And as the Holy Scriptures (which we ought first and principally to study and regard, do sufficiently discover the wonderful judgments of the Almighty upon profane and impenitent sinners in former ages; so the Divine Justice hath not left itself without witness in all times since, of be like severe vengeance against them: and since examples commonly prevail upon men more than precepts, this little collection may, by the blessing of Heaven, prevail upon some profligate offenders, to forsake their evil ways, lest they themselves be likeways made examples and monuments of God's wrath and displeasure. And as the judgments, so likeways be tender mercies and goodness of God bath appeared in all times and places, towards those that put their trust in him, or have returned to him by serious and hearty repentance; of which we have abundant instances both in scripture and history; and whereof I have likeways transcribed some few out of very approved and credible historians, both ancient and modern, whose names are added to every particular relation, that they may hereby obtain the more credit with the reader; who may here find in a small manual, and for a small price, what has been dispersed in several large volumes; and therefore I hope will not be unacceptable to the world: which is the hearty desire of

R. BURTON.

WONDERFUL

PRODIGIES.

CHAP. I.

Dreadful Judgments upon Atheists, Scoffers, Blasphemers, Swearers, Cursers, and perjured Persons; in several terrible Examples.

NEVER yet were any nation or people so barbarous, who, by the instinct of nature, have not always believed a certain Deity and the denying thereof was accounted so detestable, absurd, and contrary to human reason, even amongst the ancient Heathen, that they reckoned it to be horrible blasphemy. The Athenians banished Protagoras both from their city and country, and caused his books to be publicly burnt, because in one of them he seemed to doubt of a Deity: neither were they less severe toward Diagoras, sirnamed The Atheist, who being justly accused of Atheism, fled for fear of punishment; upon which they proclaimed, That whosoever did kill him, should have a Talent of silver in recompence, which is as much as six hundred crowns: how much more then is the state of Christendom to be lamented, which is generally infected with this contagious pestilence? And how many bold and impudent Atheists are there in these times, who daringly and confidently deny the providence of God! believe not the immortality of the soul! think there is no such thing as a life to come; and consequently they live like swine and brute beasts in the world, wallowing in all manner of lusts and sensuality. But let such mad and brutish wretches know, that they shall one day be convinced of their folly, when it is too late: and they may likewise find by the following instances, which are of undoubted truth and certainty, that the divine justice doth sometimes execute his severe judgments upon them in this world, and makes them monuments of vengeance for deterring others, that they may hear, and fear, and do no more so wickedly.

A certain blasphemous wretch being drinking and merry at a common inn among his companions, asked them, Whether they thought a man was possessed with a soul or no? To which some of them replied, That the souls of men were immortal, and that some of them after their release from the body lived in heaven, and that others were condemned to hell, as we are taught from the writings of the holy prophets and apostles; but he replied, and swore, He did nor believe the soul did survive the body, but that heaven and hell were mere fables, invented by cunning priests to procure money, and as for his part, he would sell his soul to any person who would buy it. Then one of his companions took up the cup, and said, Sell me thy soul for this cup of wine, which he consented to, and drunk it off: now the devil himself was there in the shape of a man (as he is commonly not far from such debauchees) who bought it again of the other man at the same price; and soon after peremptorily demanded his soul; the whole company affirming it was fit be should have it, since he bought it, not knowing who it was that asked it: but on a sudden this infernal merchant laid hold of this wretched soul-seller, and carried him into the air before them all, toward his own habitation, to the great astonishment and amazement of the spectators, and was never after heard of; but no question found to his cost that men had souls, and that hell was no fable, contrary to his profane and senseless opinion.—Discipul. de temp. Serm. 132.
Not inferior to the former was the impiety of one, not many years since in this nation, called Marlin, a scholar by profession, brought up from his youth in the university of Cambridge, and afterwards a scurrilous poet and playmaker, who giving the reins to his wit and fancy, ran into such extremes, that he denied God, and Jesus Christ, and blasphemed the Trinity, not only in words, but as it is credibly reported, writ books against it, affirming our Saviour to be a deceiver, and Moses a seducer of the people, and the holy Scriptures to be but vain and idle stories, and all religion to be only a politic cheat and device: but heaven, by an eminent judgment, soon stopt the mouth of this blasphemer; for it happened, that as he intended to have stabbed a person whom he had malice against, the other perceiving it, avoided the stroke; and withal catching hold of his wrist, he stabbed in his own dagger into his own head, which wounded him in such a terrible manner, that notwithstanding the immediate help of chirurgery, he died soon after, and that in a very sad condition; for he cursed and blasphemed to the last gasp and his last breath passed out of his body with an horrid oath, to the great terror of all that beheld him; and herein did the divine justice remarkably appear, in that his own hand, which had written those blasphemies, was made an instrument to punish that head and brain, which had so wickedly devised them.—Beard's Theatre.
In the year 1527, a young Italian, esteemed a man very brave, and valiant in arms, was to fight with another young man, who (because he was melancholy, and spake very little) was called Forchebene; they went together with a great company to the place appointed, which was without the port of St. Gall; whither being come, a friend to the former went to him, and said, God give you the victory: the proud young man adding blasphemy to his temerity, answered, How shall he chuse but give it to me: they came to use their weapons, and after many blows given and taken both by the one and other: Forchebene being come as the minister and instrument of God, gave him a sudden thurst in the mouth, with such force, that having fastened his tongue to the pole of his neck (where the sword went through above the length of a span) he made him immediately fall down dead, the sword remaining in his mouth, to the end that the tongue which had fo grievously offended, might even in this world endure punishment for so horrible a sin.—L. Remy's confid. c. 59.
Another of our own nation is not to be overpassed, who for Atheism may be compared to the former, and for God's severe judgment upon him, may give place to none: it was a gentleman in Berkshire, whose name I forbear to mention; this man had a great estate, but was an open scoffer, and contemner of all religion; a profest Atheist, and a scorner of the word and sacraments, insomuch that I have heard it very credibly reported, that being witness to the baptising of a child, he would needs have it named Beelzebub. He was likewise given to all manner of debauchery, keeping several notorious strumpets openly in his house, without shame: he was so accustomed to swearing, that he could scarce speak without an oath. This miserable man (or rather brute) having continued long in this damnable course of life, at last divine vengeance found him out, for going one day a hunting with one of his comrades; as they were discoursing of divers idle stories, it pleased Almighty God to strike him with sudden death; for falling suddenly on the crupper of his horse, backward, he was taken off stark dead, with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, in a very fearful manner, and became a terrible example of God's justice against all wicked Atheists.—Beard's Theatre.
Cluvine, an author worthy of credit, who professeth that he had this relation, not only by hearsay, but from eye-witnesses, who saw it, gives this wonderful account, That in the month of March, 1632, there lived nigh the borders of Muscovia a nobleman, by office a gatherer of tribute or taxes, by name Albertus Peroscius; his manner was, when poor men could not presently pay their taxes, to distrain upon their cattle, and drive them to his own home: now it came to pass, that this nobleman being from home, lost all his unjust gains in one night; for all his cattle, both those he had taken by violence, and what he had purchased with his money, suddenly died. This wretched man coming home, was told by his wife and servants what a fearful judgment from God was befallen him, whereat he began to rage and rave extremely; and taking his musquet, shot it up against heaven, breaking forth into these blasphemous speeches, Let him that killed my cattle devour them: if thou wouldst not let me eat them, eat them thyself: upon these furious barkings against God, there fell some drops of blood, and this wicked man was turned into a black dog, and howling he ran to the dead cattle, and began to feed upon them; and for ought I know (saith mine author, who wrote this account presently after) is yet feeding upon them. His wife, great with child, being greatly astonished, and terrified with the strangeness of God's sudden and awful judgments, shortly after died.—Clark's Exam. 1 Part.
Simon Churmay in 1201, having most subtilly and acutely disputed about the Trinity some of his familiar friends persuaded him to put it into writing, that so the memorial of such excellent things might not be lost; whereupon he proudly brake forth into this Atheistical speech, O Jesule, Jesule, &c. O little Jesus, little Jesus, how much have I confirmed and advanced thy law in this question! but if I had a mind to deal crosly, I know how with stronger reasons and arguments to weaken and disprove the same: which was no sooner spoken, but he was struck dumb, and not only so, but he became an idiot, and ridiculously foolish, and was made a common hissing and mocking-stock to all that saw him.—Mat. Paris.
Not much unlike this, is that of Michael, a blasphemous Jew, who as he was banquetting with his companions, fell to blaspheming Christ, and his mother, boasting, That he had gotten the victory over the Christians' God: but as he went down stairs out of the room, he fell down, and brake his neck.—Fincelius.
Miserable was the end of Pirieres, who writ a blasphemous book, wherein he openly mocked at God, and all religion, for he fell into most desperate despair, and notwithstanding strict watch was kept about him, yet he killed himself.—Theat. Hist.
In the year 1502, there lived one Hermanus Biswick, a grand Atheist and a notable instrument of the devil, who affirmed, That the world never had a beginning, as foolish Moses dreamed, and that there were neither angels, nor devils, nor hell, nor future life, but that the souls of men perished with their bodies; and that Jesus Christ was nothing else but a seducer of the people, and that the faith of Christians, and whatever else was contained in the holy Scriptures, was mere vanity. These opinions, full of Atheism and impiety, he was so hardened in, that he constantly avouched them to the death, and was for the same, together with his books, deservedly burnt in Holland.—Theat. Hist.
A certain rich man at Halberstadt in Germany, abounding with all manner of worldly happiness, he gave up his whole soul in delighting therein; so that he had no sense of heaven or religion; yea, he was so atheistical as to say, That if he might lead such a life continually upon the earth, he would not envy those that enjoyed heaven, nor desire to exchange his condition with them: but soon after it pleased God, contrary to his expectation, to cut him off by death, and so the pleasures which he doated on came to end. But after his death there were seen such diabolical apparitions in his house, that no man durst inhabit it, so that it became desolate: for every day there appeared the form of this epicure, sitting with a great many guests, drinking, carousing, and making good cheer; the table being furnished seemingly with all manner of delicacies, and attended on by many persons, together with fidlers, trumpeters, and the like, so that whatever he delighted in while he was alive, was there daily to be seen, God permitting Satan to deceive mens' sight by such appearances, to deter others from living in such a course of Atheism and impiety.—Theat. Hist.
At a village called Benarides in Spain, two young men (one whereof was noted to be an outragious swearer and blasphemer of God's holy name) being together in the fields, on a sudden there arose a terrible tempest of rain and wind, accompanied with so impetuous a whirlwind, that it amazed all that beheld it; the two young men seeing it furiously coming towards them, to avoid the danger ran away as fast as they could possibly; but notwithstanding their haste, it overtook them, and for fear it should carry them up into the air, they fell flat down upon the ground, where the whirl-wind whisked about them for sometime, and then passed forward; one of them arose so affrighted, and in such an agony, that he was scarce able to stand on his feet; the other lying still without motion, some that stood under an hedge hard by, came to see how he did, and found him to be stark dead, not without some wonderful symptoms of divine justice; for all his bones were so crushed, that the joints of his legs and arms were to be turned every way, as though his whole body had been made of moss; and besides, his tongue was plucked out by the roots, and could not by any means be found, though it was diligently sought for; and this was the miserable end of this wretched youth, who was made an example to the world, of God's vengeance against swearers and blasphemers.—Beard's Theatre.
Martiques, governor of Brittany in France, in the war against the Protestants, persuaded them to yield to the king, since their strong God had now forsaken them, and scoffingly said, It was time for them to sing, Help us now, O Lord, for it is time: but he soon found that their strong God was able to defend them, and to confound the proud and insolent, he himself being presently after slain in the siege.—Acts and Men.
It is related in ecclesiastical history, that, when the emperor Julian was setting out upon his Parthian expedition, he threatened to persecute the Christians with the utmost severity, as soon as he returned victorious. Upon this occasion, Libanius the rhetorician, asked one of them, with an insulting air: What the carpenter's son was doing, while such a storm hung over his followers?—The Creator of the world, replied the Christian, whom thou disdainfully callest the carpenter's son, is making a coffin for your emperor.———The event proved the answer to be prophetic; for, in an engagement with the enemy, that royal, but wretched apostate, was mortally wounded; and cried with his expiring breath, Vicisti, O Galilaee! I am vanquished, O Galilean! Thy right hand hath the pre-eminence!
In the year 510, an Arian bishop called Olympius, being in the baths of Carthage, openly scoffed and blasphemed the holy and sacred Trinity; but lightning fell down from heaven upon him three times, wherewith he was burnt and consumed to ashes.
There was also in the time of Alphonsus king of Arragon and Sicily, in an isle toward Africa, a certain profane hermit, called Antonius, who impudently and impiously belched out blasphemous speeches against our blessed Saviour, and the Virgin Mary his mother; but he was struck with a most grievous and tormenting disease, even to be eaten and gnawn to pieces with worms till he died.—Æneas Sylvius.
Neither hath divine vengeance left itself without witness against cursers, and those who by denying God give themselves to the devil; as may plainly appear by the following dreadful examples. A soldier travelling through Murcia, a county of Almaign, and finding himself not well, went to an inn, where he lay to recover his health, and delivered to his hostess a certain sum of money which he had about him: a while after being recovered of his sickness, he demanded his money again; but the woman, upon consultation with her husband, denied the receipt of any, and accused him of wronging her, in demanding what she never received: on the other side, the soldier was much enraged, accusing her of cheating him: when the man of the house heard the noise, though he was privy to all before, yet he dissembling the matter, took his wife's part, and thrust the soldier out of the house; who seeing himself thus unjustly abused, drew his sword, and ran against the door with the point thereof, whereat the landlord began to cry out, Thieves, Thieves; affirming, That he would have entered his house by force, and have robbed him; whereupon the poor soldier was taken and cast into prison, and by process of law, was ready to be condemned to death; but on the very day wherein this heavy sentence was to be pronounced and executed, the devil entered into the prison, and told the soldier, That he was condemned to die; nevertheless, if he would give himself, body and soul to him, he would promise to deliver him out of their hands. The prisoner replied, That he had rather die, being innocent, and without cause, than to be delivered on that account. The devil then represented to him the great danger of death wherein he was, and used all manner of craft to delude him; but finding all his arguments uneffectual, he at length left over his entreaties; but yet promised him both assistance and revenge upon his enemies for nothing; advising him when he came to his trial, he should plead, Not guilty, and declare his innocence, and the wrong which he had suffered, and to entreat the judge to grant him the favour, That one in a blue cap, who was in the court, might make his defence for him; (now this one in the blue cap was the devil himself.) The soldier immediately accepted his offer; and being called to the bar, and indicted of felony, he presently desired to have his attorney, who was there present, to plead his cause; which being granted him, this notorious witty crafty lawyer began very cunningly to defend his client, affirming him, To be been falsly accused, and consequently would be unjustly condemned; and that his host did withhold the money, and had offered him violence: and to demonstrate the truth of what he asserted, he reckoned up every circumstance of the whole action; yea, the very place where they had hid the money. The host on the other side very impudently denied all; wishing withal, That the devil might take him soul and body if he had the money: this subtle attorney in the blue cap, finding now the advantage which he had hitherto looked for, left off his pleading, and immediately seizing upon the host, carried him out of the sessions-house, and hoisted him into the air so high, that he was never after seen nor heard of. And thus was the soldier wonderfully delivered from death, to the astonishment of all beholders, who were eye-witnesses of this terrible judgment upon this perjured, cursing host.—Wierus of Spirits, lib. 3.
Luther in his exposition upon the Corinthians, gives this relation; That a certain debauched person, of a very wicked life, and of such evil education, that at every word he spake almost, the devil was in his mouth; for which practice, though he was often reproved by his neighbours, and exhorted to correct and amend so vile and detestable a practice, yet it was all to no purpose: continuing therefore in this damnable practice, it happened, that as he was one day passing over a bridge, he fell down, and in his fall, he cried out, Hoist up with an hundred devils, which he had no sooner uttered, but the devil, whom he had called for so oft, was at his elbow, who presently strangled him, and carried him away with him.
John Wierus gives an account also to this purpose, that in the year 1551, at Megalapole, near Voildstat, it happened that the people being drinking and carousing at Whitsuntide, a woman in the company commonly named the devil in her oaths, till he that had been called upon so often, came on a sudden, and carried her through the gate aloft into the air, before all the company present, who ran out in great astonishment to see whether be would transport her, and they observed her hanging in the air without the town; and then falling down on the ground, they found her stark dead.—Wierus.
The same author affirms, that about this time there dwelt in a city of Savoy, a man who was of a very vicious conversation, and likewise a great swearer, who put many good men to much fruitless pains in admonishing and reproving him for his wicked behaviour; for he would give no ear to them, nor in the least reform his ways: now it happened that the plague was in the city, and he was infected therewith; and therefore himself, his wife and kinswoman withdrew themselves apart into a garden-house that he had; yet in this his extremity did not the ministers forsake him, but continually exhorted him to repentance, and to discover to him his grievous and manifold offences; but he was so far from being moved with these religious admonitions, that he seemed daily more and more to harden himself in his ill course of life, therefore hastening his own destruction: it happened one day as he was swearing, denying God, and giving himself to the devil, and calling for him with horrid vehemency; behold the devil appeared, and suddenly snatching him up, carried him into the air with great velocity, his wife and kinswoman looking on, and saw him fly over their heads: in this his swift transportation, his cap fell off his head, and was found at Rosna, and himself was never after seen, nor heard of. The magistrates being advertised hereof, came to the place where he was taken up, to be better informed of the truth of the report, and took the depositions of the two women upon oath, of what they had seen of this extraordinary affair. By this we may see the terrible, yet just vengeance of God upon such sinners; and it may be a warning to those who are so inspired by Satan, that they cannot speak but they must name him, who is both an enemy to God and man, instead of commending themselves to God, and praying for his grace and assistance.—John Wierus de Spirit.
Martin Luther in his table-talk mentions this remarkable history: There was a Popish priest, who had formerly been a Protestant, and apostatized to Popery, as Adam Budissina testifies: this priest thundered out most bitter curses against Luther in the pulpit, preaching at a town called Ruthnerwald; and among the rest he wished, That if Luther's doctrine were true, a thunderblot might strike him to death: now about three days after, there arose a mighty tempest with thunder and lightning, whereat this cursed priest was extremely afraid, his guilty conscience accusing him, that he had spoken most falsely and maliciously against the truth, and thereupon he ran with all speed into the church, and there fell to his prayers before the altar; but the vengeance of heaven soon found out and punished his hypocrisy; for he was there struck with lightning, and though they with much difficulty recovered life in him, yet as he was led homeward thro' the church-yard, another flash fell upon him in such a manner, that he was burnt from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, as black as a shoe, dying with a manifest mark of the divine justice upon him.—Luther's Col. Men.
Theodorus Beza gives an account of two notable instances of the severity of God's judgment upon a curser, and a perjured person, of his own knowledge. I knew, said he, a man in France, of good understanding, well instructed in religion, and a master of a family, who in his anger cursing, and bidding the devil take one of his children, had presently his wish answered, for his child was immediately possessed with an evil spirit, from which though by the fervent and continued prayers of good Christians, he was at length released, yet ere he had fully recovered himself he died.
The like we read to have happened to a woman, whom her husband, in a great rage devoted, with bitter curses, to the devil, upon which Satan immediately assaulted her, and robbed her of her wits, so that she could never be recovered.
Another awful example, saith he, happened not far hence, even in this country, upon a perjurer, who foreswore himself, intending thereby to prejudice and deceive another; but he had no sooner made an end of his false oath, ere a grievous apoplexy seized upon him; so that without ever speaking one word more, he soon after miserably died.—Beza, Homiliae.
Strange and terrible is that which happened at Noeburg in Germany, to a son who was cursed by his mother in her anger, wishing, and praying to God that she might never see him return alive; which accordingly happened; for the same day the young man bathing himself in the water, was drowned, and never returned to his mother alive, according to her ungodly wish.—Theat. Hist.
Henry Earl of Schwartzenburg, through a corrupt notion, used commonly to wish he might be drowned in the privy; and as he wished, so it happened to him; for in the year 1148, he being in St. Peter's cloister, in the city of Erford, with Frederick emperor of Germany; the emperor had occasion to go to the privy, whither he was followed by some of his nobles, and Schwartzenburg among the rest, when suddenly the floor that was under them began to sink, the emperor immediately took hold of the iron grates of a window whereat he hung by the hands till some persons came and relieved his from his perilous situation; some of the gentlemen fell to the bottom, and were drowned; and amongst others, this sad Henry, Earl of Schwartzenburg—Wanley Hist Man.
A young courtier at Mansfield used upon any earnest asseveration, to say The devil take me if it be not so: and the devil indeed soon accomplished his wish, for he took him while he slept, and threw him out of an high window, where, though by God's good providence, he escaped with his life; yet he learned by experience to bridle his tongue from all such cursed speeches; this being but a taste of God's divine wrath, which hath happened upon such wretches as he.—Cyrine Spangen
In the year 1557, the day before Good Friday, at Forchenum in Germany, there was a certain priest who was crooked in body and mind, through age and ill nature; and likewise so infirm that he could not go but upon crutches, yet he would needs be carried up into the pulpit to preach a sermon; his text was in the 14th chapter of the first epistle to the Corinthians, from whence he took occasion to defend the mass and other errors of the Papists; and then breaking forth into a great rage, he uttered these, or the like blasphemous speeches; Oh Paul, Paul! If thy doctrine touching the receiving of the sacrament in both kinds be true; and if it be a wicked thing to receive it otherwise, then would the devil might take me: and then turning to the people, he said, If the pope's doctrine concerning this point be not true then I am certainly the devil's bond slave; neither do I fear to pawn my soul and body upon it: these and many other horrible words he used, till the devil came indeed, transformed into the shape of a tall black man, terrible of countenance, and before him there was such a fearful noise and wind, that the people were greatly afraid the church would have fallen on their heads; but without doing the least hurt to any of the rest, he only took away the old priest, his devoted bond-slave, and carried him so far, that he was never heard of. The bishop of Rugenstine's brother hardly escaped his hands; for he came to fetch him, but he defending himself with his sword, wounded his own body, and very narrowly saved his life. After this, there were many visions seen about the city, as armies of men seeming ready to enter and surprize them, so that happy was be who could secure himself in a corner. At another time the like noise was heard in the church, while they were baptizing a child, and all this for the abominable cursing and blasphemy of the profane priest.—Beard's Theatre.
At Oster, a village in Germany, there happened a most strange and fearful judgment upon a woman who gave herself to the devil, both body and soul, and used horrible cursings and oaths both against herself and others, which detestable custom the practised upon all occasions, but more especially at a marriage in that village upon St. John Baptist's day; and though the whole company exhorted her to leave off that monstrous villanny, yet she would not be persuaded, but continued therein till all the people were set down at dinner, and were very merry; when the devil having got full possession of her, suddenly appeared, and taking her away before them all, transported her into the air with most horrible out cries and roarings; and in that manner he carried her round about the town, so that the inhabitants were ready to die for fear; and soon after tore her body into four pieces, leaving a quarter of her in the four several highways, that all who came by might be witnesses of her punishment; and then returning to the marriage, he threw her bowels upon the table before the mayor of the town, with these words; Behold these dishes of meat belong to thee whom the like destruction awaiteth, if thou dost not amend thy wicked life. The reporters of this history were John Herman, the minister of that town, with the mayor himself, and all the inhabitants, they being desirous to have it known for example's sake.—Beard's Theatre.
Most dreadful is that relation of Johannes Fincelius; that 1553, near Bellisina, a city in Helvetia, there were three profane wretches that played at dice upon the Lord's day, without the walls of the city, one of whom called Ulrick Shaeterus, having lost much money, and offended God by many cursed speeches; at last expecting a good cast, he brake forth into this horrible and blasphemous speech, If fortune deceive me now, I will thrust my dagger into the very body of God as far as I am able; and the cast miscarrying, he immediately drew his dagger, and threw it up against heaven with all his strength, when behold the dagger vanished out of sight, and five drops of blood fell immediately upon the table in the midst before them, and soon the devil came, and carried away this blasphemous wretch, with such fury and dreadful noise, that the whole city was amazed and astonished thereat, the like never having been seen there before; the other two, half distracted with fear, strove with all their might to wipe away the drops of blood from the table, but all in vain; for the more they wiped them, the more clearly they appeared. The rumour of this dreadful accident soon flew into the city, and multitudes flocked to the place, where they found the two other gamesters washing the board, whom, by order of the senate, they bound in chains, and carried toward the prison; but by the way, as they were going through the gate of the city, one of them was suddenly struck dead, with such a number of lice and worms creeping out of him, as was loathsome to behold. The third, to avert the divine indignation which seemed to hang over their heads, the citizens, without any further inquisition or trial, put presently to death. The table, with the spots of blood thereon, was taken and reserved as a monument of this fearful judgment of the Almighty.—Clarke's Examples, part 1.
It is notoriously known at Oundle in Northamptonshire, that one William Hacket, used upon occasion in earnest discourse, to curse himself in this manner; If it be not true, then let a visible confusion come upon me; and he wanted not his wish, as appears by the following relation. In the year 1591. and the 33d of Queen Elizabeth Edmund Coppinger, and Henry Arthington, two gentlemen associating themselves with this Hacker, who had formerly been a profane and lewd person, but now pretended great reformation; these three ran into very strange and dangerous opinions, and at last came to think, that this Hacket was anointed to be judge of the world, and coming to his lodging one day in London, Hacket told them, that he had been anointed by the Holy Ghost; then Coppinger asked what his pleasure was to command them; Go, saith he, and proclaim in the city, that Jesus Christ is come with his fan in his hand, to judge the earth; and if they will not believe you let them come and kill me if they can; Coppinger answered, That it should be done: and thereupon he and Arthington ran immediately into the streets, and proclaimed their message; and when by reason of the confluence o people they could go no further, they got up into two empty carts in Cheapside, crying, Repent, repent, for Jesus Christ is come to judge the world: And so pulling a paper out of their bosoms, they read out of it many things touching the calling and office of Hacket; as how he represented Christ, by taking part of his glorified body, &c. They likewise called themselves the prophets, one of justice, and the other of mercy. The citizens being amazed at them, took Hacket and carried him before a justice of the peace, who, after examination, committed him to prison; and at the sessions, being found guilty of sedition, and speaking traiterous words against queen Elizabeth, he was condemned to die, and hanged on gibbet in Cheapside, uttering horrible blasphemy against the majesty of God. Coppinger died the next day in Bridewell, and Arthington afterward made a public recantation. Thus the curse of Hacket happened to him; for a visible confusion came upon him, according to his wish.—Beard's Theatre.
In the city of Astorga, a mother in her rage cursed one of her own sons with most detestable maledictions, wishing, The devils in hell to take him: and that they would fetch him out of her presence, with many other horrible execrations; this was about ten o'clock at night, and very dark; the boy at last, for fear of her, went into a little court behind the house, from whence he was suddenly hoisted up into the air, by men, in appearance, with grim countenance, of large stature, loathsome and horrible, and were indeed evil spirits of hell; who carried him away with such swiftness (as he himself after confessed) that it was impossible for any bird in the world to fly so fast; and falling down amongst certain mountains full of bushes and briars, he was drawn through the thickest of them; and being all over torn and rent, both in his cloaths, face and body, he began to call upon God; and to beseech him for his help and assistance; upon which these cruel wicked fiends were forced to bring him back again through the air, and put him through a little window, in a chamber in his father's house, where after much search and grief for him, he was there found in this pitiful condition, and almost distracted with fear and thus, though they had not power to deprive him of his life, as they have done to others; yet God suffered them to afflict the parents in the son, to warn them in future to forbear such horrid wickedness.
But above all, that is most remarkable which happened in a town of Misnia, in the year 1552, September 11. where a passionate father observing his son to be slack in his business, wished, He might never stir from the place: which he had no sooner spoken, but his son stuck fast indeed; nor could by any means possible be removed, no not so much as to fit or bend his body, till by the frequent prayers of some good Christians his pains were mitigated, though not remitted; three years he continued standing, with a post at his back, for his ease; and four years sitting; at the end whereof he died; nothing weakened in his understanding, put professing the faith, and not doubting of his salvation through Jesus Christ: when he was demanded at any time how he did, his answer usually was, That he was fastened of God, and that it was not in man, but the mercy of God only must release him.—Clark's Exampl. 1 vol.
John Peter, son-in-law to Alexander the cruel keeper of Newgate, being a most horrible swearer and blasphemer, used commonly to say, If it be not true, I pray God I may rot ere I die, which happened to him; for he rotted away indeed, and so died in misery.
To this may be added a notable example of a certain young gallant, that was a monstrous swearer, who riding in the company of divers gentlemen out of Cornwall, in the days of king Edward the sixth, he began to curse and blaspheme most horribly, when one Mr. Hains, a minister, with mild words reproved, telling him, He should one day answer for it; whereat the gentleman being in a fume, bid him, Take no thought for him, but prepare for his own winding-sheet: Well, (saith the minister) Amend, for death gives no warning; as soon comes the lamb's skin to the market, as an old sheeps'. God's wounds! (said he) care not thou for me, still raging worse and worse, till at length going on their journey, they came to a great bridge, which was made over an arm of the sea; in passing of which this swearing gallant spurred his horse with such fury that he leaped clear over the bridge, with the man on his back, who as he was falling, cried out, Horse and man, and all to the devil. This terrible story bishop Ridley preached and delivered in a sermon at Paul's Cross, and Mr. Hains himself reported the truth thereof to Mr. Fox, from whence this is taken.—Acts and Monuments.
At a town called St Gallus, in Helvetia, a certain man that earned his living by making foul linen clean, going into a tavern, tasted so much of the grape, that in his drunkenness he used horrible cursings, wishing, That if ever he went in the fields again to bis old trade, the devil might break his neck; but when sleep had conquered drink, and sobriety had restored his senses, he went to his business as formerly, remembering indeed his late words, but not regarding them; howbeit the devil, to shew his double diligence attended him in the likeness of a big swarthy man asking him, If he had not forget his promise and vow which he had made the day before; and likewise demanding, whether it were not lawful to break his neck? and withal struck the poor man, trembling with fear, over the shoulders, that his feet and hands presently dried up, and there he lay, not able to stir, till he was carried home; the Almighty not giving to Satan so much power over him, as he himself wished, but yet permitting him to punish him in this manner, for his amendment, and our example.—Beard's Theatre.
A man in Lincolnshire, for every trifle used to swear by God's precious blood, and would not take warning from his friends, till at length falling into a grievous sickness, he was again much persuaded by his friends to repent, whose counsel he still rejected; and hearing the bell toll, in the very pains of death he started up, swearing, God's wounds! The bell tolls for me, but he shall not be me yet; whereupon the blood issued out in a most fearful manner from all the joints and parts of his body, his ears, mouth, nose, wrists, knees, heels, toes, and every where else; and so he miserably ended his wretched life.—Mr. Perkins.
Another, for many years together, had a wicked custom of swearing by God's arms; in the end his own arm being hurt with a knife, could not by any means be cured, but rankled, and festered daily more and more, and at last rotted so much, that it fell away piecemeal, and himself through anguish and pain thereof died.—Mr. Philip Stubs.
At Tubinga in Germany, a desperate boy used to invent such new oaths as were not common but it pleased God to send a canker, or some worse disease, which eat out his tongue, that instrument wherewith he blasphemed.—German Hist.
There was a certain wretch, who in his life time was dreadfully inclined to the horrid sin of swearing, and when he came upon his death-bed, his heart was so set on fire of hell, and so exceedingly filled with enraged madness against heaven, that he desperately desired the standers by to help him with oaths, and to swear for him, though he himself in the meantime swore as fast and furiously as he could.—Mr. Robert Bolton.
One hearing perjury condemned by a minister, and how it seldom or ever escaped unpunished, he in a bravery said, I have often forsworn myself, and yet my right hand is no shorter than my left; which words he had scarcely uttered, when such an inflammation arose in that hand, that he was forced to have it immediately cut off, lest it should have infected the whole body, whereby it soon became shorter than the other.—Clark's Examples, 1 part.
A young lady of considerable estate in Saxony, promised marriage to a handsome young man, but of a mean fortune; he foreseeing that wealth and inconstancy might alter her mind, freely discovered his thoughts to her, whereupon she made a thousand protestations of her constancy to him, and as many imprecations upon herself, wishing, That if ever she married another, that the devil might take her away on the wedding day; yet afterwards a person of more wealth making his addresses to her, the was contracted and married to him; a great marriage feast was provided, and while they were at dinner, two men on horseback came to the house, and as strangers were invited to the feast: after dinner one of them desired to lead the bride a dance; and taking her by the hand, led her a turn or two and then, in the presence of her bridegroom, and all her friends, he caught her up in his arms, she crying in vain for help; and going out of the gate, he hoisted her up into the air, and vanished away, together with his companions and horses, so that she was never seen more.—Sword for swearers.
A nobleman in Silesia having invited many guests to dinner, and prepared a costly and liberal feast for them, it happened that instead of his friends, he only received their excuses for not coming, at which the nobleman in great rage broke out into these words, Since all those people have thus failed me, I wish so many devils of hell would feast with me to day, and eat up my provisions made for them; and so in fury left his house and went to church, where there was a sermon: He had not been long there, when a great troop of horsemen arrived at his house; they were all black, of extraordinary aspect and stature, who alighting in the court, called the groom to take their horses, and bid another of the servants to run presently to his master, and tell him his guests wore come: The servant amazed, runs to the church, and with short breath, and the little sense he had left, gave his master an account of what had fallen out; the nobleman calls to the preacher, and desires him to break off his sermon, to help him with his spiritual counsel and advice; who persuades him to order all his servants, with what speed they could, to depart the house. In the mean time, the nobleman with the whole congregation, came within view of the house, which the servants in great affright had forsaken, but for haste had forgot and left behind a young child, who was the nobleman's son, sleeping in the cradle. By this time the devils were revelling in the dining room, making a great noise, as if they had saluted and welcomed one another; they looked through the casements, one with the head of a wolf, another of a bear, a cat, a tyger, &c. taking bowls, and quaffing, as if they had drank to the master of the house. By this time the nobleman seeing his servants safe he remembering his son, asked, What was become of the child; these words were scarce spoke, when one of the devils had him in his arms, and shewed him out of the window. The father at this sight, being almost without life, spying an old servant of his, fetched a deep sigh, and said, Ah me! what shall become of the infant? The servant seeing his master in that extasy replied, Sir, by God's help I will enter the house, and fetch the child out of the power of that devil, or perish with him: To whom his lord said, God prosper thy attempt, and strengthen thee in thy purpose; The minister then likewise blessing him, he goes into the house; and coming into the next room where the devils were then rioting, he fell upon his knees, and commended himself to the protection of heaven: then pressing in among them, he beheld them in their horrible shapes; some sitting, some standing, some walking, then they all came about him at once, and asked him, What business he had there; He in a great sweat and agony, yet resolved in his purpose, came to the spirit that held the infant, and said, by the name of God deliver this child to me; who answered, No, but let thy master come and fetch him who hath most interest in him; the servant replied, I am now come to do that office and service to which God hath called me by virtue of which, and by his power do I seize upon the innocent; and so snatching him from the devil, took him in his arms, and carried him out of the room; at which they clamoured, and called aloud after him, Ho thou knave, ho thou knave, leave the child to us, or we will tear thee in pieces; but he unterrified with their diabolical threatnings, brought away the infant, and delivered it to the father. After some few days the spirits left the house, and the nobleman returned to his antient possession. Now, tho' the devils had no power to hurt any body, but only destroyed the victuals; yet it may be a warning to prevent wicked and rash wishes and curses. This history though it may seem very strange, yet is related by Beard in his Theatre, Heywood of Angels, and several other credible authors, for an undoubted truth.
Godwin earl of Kent, in the reign of Edward the Confessor, 1055, sitting at table with the king, it happened that one of the cup-bearers stumbled, but did not fall, whereat Godwin laughing, said, That if one brother had not helpt another (meaning his legs) all the wine had been spilt: With which words the king calling to mind his brother's death, who was slain by Godwin, answered, So should my brother Alfred have helped me, had it not been for Godwin; whereat Godwin fearing the king's new kindled displeasure, excused himself by many words, and at last said, If I be any way guilty of Alfred's death, I pray God I may never swallow down a morsel of bread more; but he swore falsly, as the judgment of God declared, for he was immediately choaked in the presence of the king, before hr stirred one foot from the place.—Beard's Theat.
In the days of Queen Mary, John Cooper, an honest religious man, was falsly accused by one Grimwood for treason, in speaking some words against the queen, and was accordingly put to death; but this perjured villain did not long escape divine vengeance; for being shortly after about his labour in the harvest, and in good health, his bowels suddenly tell out of his body, and so he miserably died.—Acts and Monuments.
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Thomas Lovelace, by forged letters, sought to have three of his cousin-germans brought into question for their lives, about matters of high treason; but the malice and forgery of this wicked business being found out, the false accuser had judgment to be carried on horse back about Westminster-Hall, with his face to the horse tail, and a paper on his back containing his offence: from thence to be carried in the same manner, and set on the pillory in the Palace Yard, and there to have one of his ears cut off; also to be set on the pillory on a market day in Cheapside with the like paper; after that to be carried into Kent, and at the next assizes there to be set on the pillory with like paper, and his other ear to be there cut off; also to stand in the pillory one market day at Canterbury, and another at Rochester; and in all these places his offence to be openly read; which sentence was accordingly executed, and may be rather thought too mild against such villains, as by forgery, perjury, and false swearing shall endeavour to destroy innocent persons—Stow's Annals.
Narcissus, Bishop of Jerusalem, though a man famous for his virtues and faithfulness in the reproof and correction of vice, was yet maliciously and falsly accused of incontinency; there were three of these wicked and suborned varlets, who bound their accusations with oath and fearful imprecations upon themselves: the first of these, at the close of his testimony, added. If I say not the truth, I pray God I may perish by fire: the second said, If I speak any thing of falsehood, I pray God I may be consumed by some filthy and cruel disease: and said the third, If I accuse him falsely. I pray God I my lose my sight, and become blind: this wicked charge, although it was not believed by such as knew the great integrity of the bishop; yet the good man, partly for grief to lie under such a scandal, and partly to retire himself from worldly affairs, left his bishoprick, and lived privately: but his forsworn accusers escaped not the all-seeing justice of heaven, for the first, according to his imprecation, had his house set on fire (it is unknown how) and was therein himself, together with his family, burnt to ashes; the second languished away under a foul and lothsome disease: the third seeing the woful ends of his companions, confessed all the complotted villany; and lamenting his case and crime, he continued weeping so long, till he utterly lost his sight: and thus God said Amen to all that they had wickedly and presumptuously wished upon themselves—Eusebius lib. 6.
Uladislaus, King of Poland and Hungary, had fortunately fought against the Turks at the mountain Haemus, and taken Carambey, the general of their army, by means of which victory, he occasioned Amurath, emperor of the Turks, to sue for peace, which was agreed to upon honourable and advantageous terms, and was solemnly sworn to by the King of Poland, upon the holy evangelists, and by Amurath's ambassadors in behalf of their master, upon the Turkish alcoran. This being known to the pope and other Christian princes they said, It was unseasonable, unprofitable, and dishonourable: whereupon the Cardinal Julian is sent by the pope as his legate, to break the peace, and to absolve the king from his oath: the young king therefore by their persuasion, breaks the league, and undertakes the war, with greater preparations and vigour than formerly, advancing with his army to Varna, a city upon the Pontick shore, doing all the mischief he was able to the enemy's country; which as soon as the great Turk understood, he returns out of Cilicia, and enters battle with the Christians; where at the first the Turks were beaten, and retired with great slaughter, being almost ready to fly: Amurath seeing all brought into extreme danger, beholding the picture of Christ crucified in the displayed ensigns of the Christians, he pluckt the writing out of his bosom, wherein the late league was comprised, and holding it in his hand with his eyes cast up to heaven, he said; Behold, thou crucified Christ, this is the league thy Christians in thy name made with me, which they have without cause broken; now, if thou be a God, as they say thou art, and as we dream, revenge the wrong now done unto thy name and me, and shew thy power upon the perjured people, who in their deeds deny thee their God: It was not long after this, but the fortune of the battle was quite changed, for King Uladislaus was slain, his head cut off by a janizary, and fastened to end of a lance; proclamation was made that it was the head of the Christian king, by which the rest were so daunted, that they fled; Julian the legate also, who exhorted to this war, was slain, and his dead body exposed to the scorn and contempt of the common soldiers, for that being a priest, he had contrary to the law of nations advised, and persuaded to break the peace. This battle was fought 1444—Turkish Hist.
In the year 1070, or thereabout, there arose so great a difference between the emperor, Henry the 4th, and Pope Gregory the 5th, that the Pope excommunicated him, and depriving him of his Imperial dignity, caused Rodulphus Duke of Swevia to be made Emperor in his stead; after which, there happened a great battle between them at the river Ellester, where the Emperor Henry had the victory: Rodulphus by a terrible blow, had his right arm struck off from his body, at which he cried out, Behold, O Nobles, that right hand of mine which I gave to my Lord Henry, in confirmation of the fidelity I had sworn to him; which with notwithstanding, contrary to all justice and equity I have violated, and am now thus justly punished.—Zuing. Theat. vol. 2. lib. 7.
Burghard, Archbishop of Magdeburg, though in regard of his place and profession he ought to have given good example, and to have punished perjury in others, yet he thrice broke his promise and oath to his own citizens, the senate and people of Magdeburg; for first he besieged them with a great army, and though they redeemed their liberty with a sum of money, he swearing not to besiege them any more, yet without any regard to faith or honesty he returned afresh to the siege, but his perfidiousness did not prosper, for he was taken prisoner at the next assault; yet he so appeased them with his humble carriage and demeanour, together with his repeated oaths never to trouble them any more, but to continue their stedfast friend for the future, that they not only freed him from his imprisonment, but restored him to all his dignities with great solemnity. Nevertheless the traiterous archbishop returning to his old vomit, procured a dispensation for his oath from Pope John the 23d, and began again to molest, vex, and murder the citizens whom he had vowed to protect; but vengeance at last overtook him, for being catched once again, and imprisoned, while his friends were treating for his liberty, the jailor beat him to death with the bar of a door, or as some say, with an iron rod out of a window, and so at last his perjury found its desert—Beard's Theatre.
In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, there was one Anne Avery, a widow, who foreswore herself for a little money which she should have paid for six pound of flax, at a shop in Woodstreet, upon which she was suddenly surprized by the justice of God, and fell down immediately speechless, casting up at her mouth what nature had ordained to pass another way, and in this agony died.—Clark's Examples.
About the beginning of April, 1661, a woman in Derby-shire having couzened a boy of some money, was charged with it, but the stiffly denied it, and being further urged to confess the truth, she in a fearful manner prayed God, That the earth might open and swallow her up quick if she had it; and immediately the earth opened, and she sank into it, and being afterwards digged for, they found her nine foot within the earth, and that very money was found in her pocket.—Clark's Exam. vol. 2.
In the year 1551, five drunken men quaffing together in the kingdom of Bohemia, profaned the name of God with horrible blasphemies, and the picture of the devil painted upon the wall, they caroused healths to him, which the devil pledged soon after; for the next morning all five were found dead, their necks being broken, and quashed to pieces, as though a wheel had gone over them, blood running out of their mouths, nostrils, and ears, to the great astonishment of the spectators. Johan Fincel.
Not many years since, two men contended together, who should pour forth most blasphemies against God, but whilst they were exercising this devilish contention, one of them was strucken with madness, and so continued to his life's end,
In the same manner several young men at Rome agreed together that he should have the victory, who could swear most; but as soon as they entered into this wicked strife, one of them was deprived of the use of his tongue, another of his reason and understanding, and the rest remained for some time as dead men, God reserving them alive for repentance.—Beard's Theatre.
At Essinga in Germany, a certain nobleman having lost much money at play; fell into horrible execrations and blasphemies, and commanded his man to bring him his horse, that he might ride home in a very dark night; his servant dissuaded him from his journey, affirming how dangerous the way was, by reason of the waters and fens that lay in the midst, whereat he began to rage and swear the more, and resolved to go, but as he was riding along, he was encountered by the way with an army of infernal soldiers, or evil spirits, who beset the nobleman on every side, and threw him from his horse; now there was in his company a virtuous and valiant gentleman, who set him again on his horse, and held him on one side, whom when the spirits durst not attempt, by reason of his innocence, they vanished out of sight; the nobleman was carried into a monastry hard by, where he lay three days and died; such many times is the end of horrible, and fearful blasphemers.—Luciernus.
A vintner who accustomed himself to blaspheming, swearing and drunkenness, and delighted to entertain such as were like himself to swallow his wine, upon the Lord's day standing at the door with a pot in his hand, to call in more guests, there came suddenly a violent whirlwind, and carried him up into the air, in the sight of all men, and he was never seen more.—Beard's Theatre.
Lamentable is the relation of what happened in Holland in June 1681, as it is written by Theodorus Paludamus, a Protestant minister at Lewarden in Friezland, which may serve for a terror to all wretched swearers and drunkards; a person named Dowee Sitses, a mason in that country, being reported to be in a desperate condition, I accompanied a gentleman who was sent to him by order from the lords of the provincial, where we found two master chirurgions, and their two servants busy in making plasters, and dressing the patient, and he in such a lamentable condition, as we could not behold but with amazement, his hair was burnt off his head to his ears; his whole face burnt except his eyes, his arms burnt in several places, his hands to the ends of his fingers were burnt like a roasted fowl, but could move all his fingers, his breast and back burnt in several places, and yet his shirt whole, his belly under the navel, for about the breadth of an hand was as black as a stock, in which place the chirurgions made several incisions, and he felt it not, his privities, hips, thighs, and legs were terribly burnt, yet not his stockings, Iris feet were also burnt, and indeed no part was free, so that he was a woful sight: After the patient was drest and had got a little breath, both he and his wife gave a full account of the following passages upon oath; upon the 15th of June at evening, this Dowee Sitses came drunk into a tavern, where he with the man of the house, and another drank three quarts of wine, and coming home at ten at night, he lay down to sleep upon cushions in the kitchen, and fell into a dream about a story he had read in a book of Simon de Uries, of a certain company that danced in masquerade, with every one a lighted torch in their hand, wherewith they burnt one another; whereupon he waked, and stood up, thinking to go into the yard to make water, and of a sudden be found himself of a light flame in the midst of the room, which burnt him thus dreadfully, and some part of his cloaths; upon which he cried out for help, but none came; then he began to faint, and in his distress cried out; O God, be gracious unto me poor sinner, and thereupon the flame ceased in the twinkling of an eye; but he growing faint, laid his head upon a cushion in the room. About two in the morning his wife came down and found him in that sad condition, and felt something under her feet, which was like a parcel of red ashes and burnt rags, and taking hold of her husband, had only a burnt piece of his sleeve in her hand, whereupon she cries out, O Lord, Dowee, thou art grievously burnt: he answered, The devil hath brought me in this case, upon which she called in the neighbours and chirurgions; his wife said he had been much given to drunkenness, and often reproved in vain by the ministers that he drank much brandy, and other strong liquors, though he had often sworn against it, and usually cursed himself, Wishing that if he were drunk again, the devil might tear him limb from limb, so that God made use of the devil as an executioner of his judgment to bring the miserable man's own curse upon him, not one limb or member being left upon him.—Drunkard forewarned.
Remarkable is the relation, of undoubted credit, (and with which we shall conclude this chapter) of the dreadful judgment that happened upon one John Duncalf, of Kings-Swinford in Staffordshire, who in January 1677, coming to the house of Humphrey Baby at Grangewell, about three miles from Wolverhampton, he begged of the woman victuals and drink, who formerly knowing him, and compassionating his condition, freely gave it him; but while she was stooping to draw him some drink, he stole her bible, and sold it afterwards for three shillings, to a maid not far off, whereby the woman came to hear of it, and paying her the money, received it again, but could not hear what was become of the man; but a while after John Duncalf hearing it discoursed, that he stole a bible, grew very angry, and gave out theatning words against a young man that reported it, but being severely charged with it, he did not only deny it with some fierceness, but execrated, and cursed himself, wishing his hands might rot off if it were true, which words he had no sooner uttered, but by his own confession to divers that came to see him in his miserable condition, he said, That immediately thereupon he had an inward horror and trembling upon him, a dread and fear of the divine majesty and justice of God; which fear and working of his conscience, continued many days after: and being asked upon this ingenuous acknowledgement, Why he did not confess his wickedness, and endeavour that the Bible might be restored to the owner, he answered, The devil and his own heart would not suffer him; but acknowledged, That within a few days after his cursing himself, his flesh began to look black at the wrists of his hands, and so continued divers weeks before it did sensibly rot, when he finding himself weak and faint, and fearing an ague, was going to his acquaintance, but not being able to go further, he laid himself down in a barn, and there continued two days and nights before he was found, from whence he was removed to another barn near Wolverhampton, and had a keeper appointed him; his flesh began first to rise in great knots and lumps at his wrists and knees, and to break and run, and after to shrink from the bones, at which time white putrid matter came out abundantly, causing exquisite pain and torment, and the smell was to offensive for several weeks together, that those who came to visit him (who were many thousands) were not able to abide the place, nor stand near without door, except they had herbs, or other things to smell to: after this many little worms came out of his rotten flesh, and soon after both his legs fell off at his knees, and then both his hands; he constantly acknowledging it to be the just judgment of God for this fearful cursing of himself, and for all his other sins, desiring the prayers of some reverend divines, who came to visit him in his misery, That God would give him repentance, and pardon his sins of idleness, stealing, lying, cursing, swearing, drunkenness, unclean thoughts, and constant profaneness, and that he would save him for Christ's sake, and give him patience in the mean time. Thus he continued a dreadful spectacle of divine justice for some weeks, and then died, and may be looked upon as a monument of God's severity and that although sentence against every evil work is always executed speedily, yet God leaves not himself without witness in this, as well as in former ages against atheism and impiety; and particularly against blasphemers, scoffers, swearers, cursers, and perjured persons, as manifestly appears by the foregoing dreadful examples.

CHAP. II.

The miserable ends of Magicians, Conjurers, and Witches: With an account of Apparitions, Possessions, and other strange and wonderful Feats and Illusions of the Devil.

THAT there are really magicians, conjurers, and witches, who have commerce, and familiaty with evil spirits, is so clear and plain, both from holy Scripture, councils, canons and civil laws in all nations, that none but those Atheists who would endeavour to persuade themselves there are no spirits, and consequently no other life after this, ever denied it; but since the reality of this converse with demons, and their appearances, and possessions has been so clearly demonstrated in former ages, but especially in this, by persons of most acute judgment and learning, wherein they have fully answered all objections to the contrary, I shall not now engage in the least in the controversy, but shall only give an account of the miserable deaths of some persons mentioned in history, who were concerned in these cursed arts, and likewise of some remarkable apparitions, and actions of evil spirits, and their taking possession of the bodies of several persons, and tormenting them, with several other strange fears, and illusions of Satan, as I have collected them from very credible and approved authors, together with the danger of those who are so vainly curious in knowing future events, as to enquire or ask counsel of any of these sorcerers, which is so strictly forbid in the law of Moses.

Saul, the first king of Israel, being much disturbed in mind for fear of the army of the Philistines, which came against him, would by all means know aforehand the issue of this doubtful war, now whereas before, whilst he performed the duty of a good king, and obeyed the commandments of God; he had cleaned his realm of witches and inchanters; yet he is now so senseless, as in his extremity to ask counsel of them, adding this wickedness to all the rest of his sins, that the measure thereof might be full; he went therefore to a witch to know his fate, who caused a devil to appear to him in the shape of Samuel, and foretel him of God's just judgment upon him in the final ruin and destruction of himself and his family.
An example not much unlike this in the event we find recorded of Natholicus, the thirty-first king of the Scots, who after he had unjustly usurped the crown and scepter, and by much bloodshed had obtained the throne of that kingdom without any legal right or title thereunto, he endeavoured by the same means to confirm and establish the government to himself, and therefore, as guilt is always accompanied with suspicion and fear, he sent one of his trustiest servants to a witch, to enquire of things to come, both how long he should enjoy the crown, and how many years he should live; the witch answered, That he should not live long, but should shortly be murdered, not by his enemy but by his familiar friend; and when the messenger was very earnest to know who should kill him, she answered, He himself should do it; the man at first heard this with detestation, abhoring the thought of any such villany, yet at length considering that it was not safe to discover the witches answer, and on the other side that it could not be long concealed, he resolved, for his own security, rather to kill the tyrant with the favour of many, than to save him alive with the hazard of his own head; therefore as soon as he was returned home, he desired the king that he might speak with him in private about the witch's answer, and there he suddenly slew him, and gave him his just desert, both for his horrible cruelty, and wicked sorcery. Let all those that make no conscience of running to witches, either for lost goods, recovery of their own or friends health, or upon any other occasion, remember this example, either for their instruction to amend, or for their terror if they continue that devilish practice.—Buchan, hist. Scot. lib. 4.
As divers very worthy authors have credibly related several wicked actions committed by magicians, and witches, so some of them have recorded the manner of their entering themselves into that cursed profession, and the ceremonies thereof, as they have been discovered by those who have renounced those detestable practices, which it may not be improper here briefly to relate. The wizards and witches being met at a place and time appointed, the devil there appears to them in human shape, admonishing them to be faithful, and promising them success and length of life; then those that are present recommend the person who is to be entered; the devil then requires him to renounce the Christian faith, and sacraments, and giving him his hand, tells him that this alone is not sufficent, but that he must worship him likewise, and give himself to him body and soul for ever, and bring as many as possibly he can into the same society, and that he must prepare himself certain ointments, and then be confirmed therein.
Manlius writes, that in the year 1553, two witches stole a neighbour's child, and murdering it, cut it in pieces, and put it into a kettle to boil, when the sorrowful mother looking for her infant, came by chance into the house, and found the limbs thereof horribly consumed, for which abominable fact the authors of it were burnt, having confessed this their villany.
Another author says, two other witches are reported to have killed abundance of children, and that in Germany eight witches were taken, who confessed they had murdered an hundred and forty five children in making their ointments; they are also reported to have each of them a spirit or imp attending on them, who are to assist and obey them in all things, and to give them notice of their solemn meetings or appointments at which time, it is said, they separate themselves from all company, and night being come, they strip-themselves naked, and anoint themselves with their ointments, then are they carried out of the house, either by the window, door, or chimney, mounted on their imps, to their meeting-place, which is sometimes many hundred miles from their dwellings, where they find great numbers of wizards and witches arrived by the same means, who all make their accustomed reverence to Lucifer in his throne, adoring him, proclaiming him their lord, and rendering him all honour, as their king; this solemnity being finished, they sit at a table, where no delicate meats are wanting to please their appetites, after which they dance, and the incubusses in the shape of proper men satisfy the lusts of the witches, and the succubusses serve for whores to the wizards; sometimes at their solemn assemblies the devil commands each to tell what wickedness he hath done, and according to the detestableness thereof, he is honoured and applauded: These, and many other such wonderful things are mentioned by authors of good credit, and several persons have made confession, and given an account thereof.
In the year 1645, one Rebecca Jones, being suspected for a witch, was brought before Sir Harbottle Grimstone and Sir Thomas Bows, justices of the peace for Essex, to whom she voluntarily confessed, That about twenty-five years before, living with one John Bishop in that county, there came one morning to the door a very handsome young man as she then thought, but now be thinks it was the devil, who asked her how she did, an desired to see her left wrist, and then be took a pin from her sleeve and pricked it twice, and there came out drop of blood, which he took upon his finger and departed, and going a while after to St Osyths, she met a man in a ragged suit, with such great eyes, as much affrighted her, who came to her, and gave her three things like to moles, having four feet apiece, but no tails, and black, and bid her nurse them till he desired them again. She asked what she must give them; he answered milk, and that they would not hurt her, but would avenge her on her enemies, and bid her murder some, but not too many, and he would forgive her, and then went away; after which she said, She sent one of these imps to kill a sow of one Benjamin Hows, which was done accordingly; she then with one Joyce Beanes, did send each of them an imp to kill one Thomas Brunstead of St Osyths, who died about three weeks after, and she believes the two imps killed him; she confest likewise that she sent another of her imps to Brunstead's house to kill his wife, and that the reason of her offence against them, was because they beat a son of hers upon a small occasion; for these and other villanies this woman was arraigned at Chelmsford, and upon her own confession condemned and hanged—Inform. of witches.
There was a conjurer at Saltzburg in Germany, who boasted that he could gather together all the serpents within half a mile round about, into a ditch, and feed them, and bring them up there; and being about the experiment, behold the old and grand serpent came in the while, which whilst he thought by the force of his charms to make enter into the ditch among the rest, he set upon him, and inclosed him round about like a girdle, so strongly, that he drew him by force into the ditch with him, where he miserably died; and so this juggler was couzened by the devil, who was more cunning than himself.—Beard's Theatre.
Lamentable was the death of the governor of Mascon, a magician, whom the devil snatched up while he was at dinner, and carried into the air, three times round about the town of Mascon, in the sight of many spectators, to whom he cried out, Help, help my friends; so that the whole town stood amazed thereat; yea, the remembrance of this strange accident continued in the minds of the inhabitants in and about that country long after with horror. It was reported, that this wretch had given himself to the devil, and had provided store of holy bread (as they called it) which he always carried about with him thinking thereby to secure himself from him; but it served to little purpose, as the sequel declared.
About the year 1437, Charles VII. being King of France, Sir Giles of Britain, high constable of France, was accused for having murdered above an hundred and threescore infants, and women with child, with whose blood he writ, or caused be written, books full of conjuration, hoping by such abominable practices to obtain great preferment, but it happened quite contrary to his expectation; for being convicted of these horrible crimes, (it being the divine will that such gross and horrid iniquities should not go unpunished) he was condemned to be hanged and burnt to death, which was accordingly executed upon him at Nants by the authority of the Duke of Brittany.—Beard's Theatre
Johan. Mirandula saith, that there was in his time a conjurer, who promised to present to a curious, but no very wise prince, the siege of Troy, and Hector and Achilles fighting together as if they were alive upon a stage, but he could not be so good as his word; for while he was practising his hellish arts to this purpose, he was carried away alive by the devil, and never after heard of.
It is not long since that there was a man called Coulen, living in Lorrain, who was given over to this cursed art of necromancy, and amongst other wonderful feats, he would suffer muskets and pistols to be shot at him, and would catch the bullets in his hands without receiving any hurt; but one time it happened, that one of his servants being angry with him, struck him such a blow with a pistol, that notwithstanding all his cunning, he was killed therewith.—Beard's Theatre.
There was within the memory of our fathers (saith Camerarius) John Faustus of Cundligon, a German, who had learned the black art at Cracovia in Poland, he meeting one day at the table with some who had heard much of his magical tricks, was earnestly entreated by the company to show them some sport, and being overcome in the end by the importunity of his pot-companions, who were also well armed in the head, promised to shew them whatsoever they would have; they, with a general consent, require him to bring into the place a vine laden with ripe grapes, ready to be gathered; for they thought, because it was in the month of December, Faustus could not show them that which was not; yet he condescended to them, saying, That immediately before they stirred from the table, they should see the vine they desired; but upon this condition, that they should not speak a word, nor offer to rise from their places, but should all tarry till he bid them eat the grapes, and that whosoever should do otherwise, was in danger to lose his life: they having all promised to obey him, Faustus so charmed the eyes of these drunken revellers, that they saw, as it seemed to them, a marvellous goodly vine, and upon the same so many bunches of ripe grapes, extraordinary fair, as there were men sitting at the table, who being inflamed with such rare dainties, and very dry with much drinking, every man takes his knife in his hand, looking when Faustus would give the word, and bid them cut the cluster; but he having held them a while in suspence about this vain piece of witchcraft, behold all the vine and the bunches of grapes were in the turn of a hand quite vanished away; and every one of these drunken companions, thinking he had a cluster of grapes in his hand, ready to lop off, was seen to hold his own nose with one hand, and the sharp knife with the other, ready to cut it off; so that if any of them had forgot the conjurer's lesson, and had been never so little too forward, instead of cutting a bunch of grapes, he had whipt off his own nose; this wicked wretch is reported to have led about with him an evil spirit, in the likeness of a dog; and being at Wittenburg, an order was sent from the emperor to seize him, but by his magical delusions, he made his escape, and afterward being at dinner at Noremburg, he was secretly sensible by an extraordinary sweat which came upon him, that he was beset; whereupon he suddenly paid his reckoning, and went away, but was hardly out of the city walls ere the serjeants and other officers came to apprehend him; yet divine vengeance followed him, for coming into an inn, in a village of the dukedom of Wittenburg, he sate very sad, and his host demanding the cause thereof, he answered, That he would not have him affrighted, if he heard great noise and shaking of the house that night, which happened according to his own prediction; for in the morning he was found dead by his bedside, with his neck wrung behind him, and the house wherein he lay was beaten to the ground.—Wanly hist. Man.
Fazelus writes, that a certain Sicilian called Lyodor, a most notorious magician, got himself great repute in the city of Catania, by his wonderful illusions, for he seemed by the extraordinary working of his charms and spells, to transform men into brute beasts, and to bestow upon all things else such forms and likeness as himself pleased; and by general report, he drew to him, as soon, and as easily, persons that were distant from thence many days journey, as those that were in the same place; he did also many injuries and shameful outrages to the citizens of Catania, so that the common people, bewitched with a fearful and false opinion, fell to worshipping of him; and when for his wicked deeds he was condemned to die, he, by virtue of his charms, escaped out of the hangman's hands, causing himself to be carried in the air by devils from Catania to Constantinople, and after that brought back again from thence into Sicily: this made him admired of all the people, who imagining the divine power was laid up in him, they ran into an horrible error, offering him divine honour: but at last Leo, Bishop of Catania, inspired with a sudden zeal, laid hands on this devilish magician, in an open place, before all the people, and caused him to be cast alive into an hot burning furnace, where he was consumed to ashes.—Schotus Phil. Curios.
In the year 1558, in a village near to Ibena in Germany, a certain magician being instructed by the devil, in the composition of divers herbs, restored many to their healths: he had daily commerce with evil spirits, and used their counsels in the curing of diseases, but it happened that there was some difference betwixt him and a neighbour of his, a carpenter, who so exasperated him by some urging words, that in a few days after he caused the poor carpenter, by his magical arts, to fall into grievous disease: the poor carpenter sent for this magician, and intreated him to help him in his extremity: the magician, under pretence of friendship, though with inward design of revenge, gave him a potion composed of such venomous herbs and roots that the man by taking it soon after died; whereupon the carpenter's wife accused the magician of murdering her husband, and the cause is heard before the senate of Ibena, who, upon examination of all circumstances, caused him to confess the murder, and many other villanies; for which he was fastened to a stake, and burnt to death.—Beard's Theatre.
Delrio, in his magical discourses, gives this relation: Two magicians met together in the Queen of England's court, as I have it from unquestioned witnesses; these two agreed, that in any one thing they should infallibly obey one another; the one therefore commands the other to thrust his head out of the casement of a window, which he had no sooner done, but a large pair of stag's horns were seen planted on his forehead, to the great pleasure of the spectators, who joked upon him with a thousand abuses and mocks; he resenting the disgrace, and thirsting after revenge, when his turn came to be obeyed, he with a charcoal drew the lineaments of a man upon the wall, and then commanded the same magician to stand under that picture, that the wall should immediately give place to receive him; the other apprehensive of the extreme danger he was in, began to beseech him that he would excuse him; but the other absolutely refused: being therefore compelled, he stands under it, and then the wall seemed to open, and he being entered therein, was never afterward seen more.
The same author sets down another relation as a matter of undoubted truth; a notable conjurer, for a trial of his great skill, had cut off the head of the inn-keeper's servant where he lodged; and when he was about to set it on again, he perceived he was hindered by the presence of another magician, that chanced to be by at the time: he therefore besought him that he would not oppose him; but the other not regarding his request, the first magician caused a lily to spring out upon the top of the table, and when he had chopped off the head of it, together with its flowers, upon a sudden, down falls the magician that hindered him, headless to the ground; that done, he sets on the head of the servant again, and speedily conveys himself away, lest he should he questioned for the murder of his rival.—Delrio Disquis. Magic.
There was a young man at Friburg in Germany, who, by the help of a magician, hoped to enjoy a young woman whom he earnestly loved; the devil appeared to him in the likeness of the same maid, and the young man putting forth his hand without the inchanted circle to embrace her, was presently grasped of the wicked Spirit, who crushed him against a wall, and made the pieces of him fly every way round about, and cast the remainder of the dead body so torn in pieces at the conjurer, who therewith fell down in the place much bruised, and not able to stir from thence, till some hearing a cry and noise, ran to him, took him up, and carried him away half dead.—Camorarius Ox. Sul.
Bladud, the son of Lud, king of Britain, (now called England,) who, as our late histories report, built the city of Bath, and likewise made the baths therein; this king addicted himself so much to the devilish art of necromancy, that he wrought wonders thereby, insomuch, that he made himself wings, attempted to fly (as is related of Dedalus) but the devil, who was always a deceiver, forsook him in his flight, so that he fell down and broke his neck.—Beard's Theatre.
Philip Melancthon reporteth, that he had an account from two men of good credit and repute, that a certain young woman of Botonia, two years after her death, returned again in human shape, and went up and down the house, and sat at meat with them, but eat little; this young woman being one time in company among other virgins, a magician came into the place, who being skilful in diabolical arts, he told the people about her, That that woman was but a dead carcase, carried about by the devil; and presently he took from under her right arm-pit the charm; which he had no sooner done, but she fell down a dead carcase.—Phil. Melanct.
Not long since at Stetin, an university of Pomerania, there was a young student, who, upon some discontent, gave himself to the devil, and made a bond upon the contract; which, that it might not come to the knowledge of any, he laid up in one of his books; but it pleased God some time after that another student wanting that book upon some occasion, knew not where to get it, at last he remembered that such an one had it, and thereupon went to him, and borrowed it of him; the young man having forgotten that he had put his bond into it: the other, when he came home, began to turn over the book, and there met with the bond; and reading of it, was much affrighted; and not knowing what to do, he went to Dr. Cramerus, professor of divinity in that university, to ask his advice; who wished him to keep the bond; the other replied, He durst not; then said the doctor, Bring it to me, and I will keep it. Some few nights after, as the doctor was in his study, the devil came rapping at his study door, saying, Cramer, Cramer, Give me my bond, for it belongs to me, and thou hast nothing to do with it; to whom the doctor answered, Satan, thou shalt not have the bond; thou hast nothing to do with it; I have put t where thou canst not fetch it; for it is in my Bible at the third chapter of Genesis, where these words are, The seed of the woman shall break the serpent's head: upon which the devil went his way, taking the chamber window with him, and the young man never heard of him afterward.—Beard's Theatre.
A young man at Wittenburg in Saxony, being kept short of money by his father, was tempted by the devil to yield himself body and soul to him, upon condition to have his wishes satisfied, and his necessities supplied; which he, being pinched with want, consented to, and confirmed it by a bond, written with his own blood: but presently after he began to decay in his bodily health; and being thereupon brought to Martin Luther, and by him examined, he, at length, confessed the whole matter to him; which, when Luther heard, he assembled the whole congregation together; and all of them joined together, and prayed for him, whereby the devil at last was forced to bring the bond, and to throw it into the window amongst them, bidding the young man to take it to him again. On a time, as Luther was walking in his garden, the devil appeared to him in the likeness of a black boar; but he slighting him, and not regarding him, he vanished away. Luther likewise telleth us that when he was lodged in the castle of Warteburg, in a chamber far from any company, he was many times molested by noises made by the devil, in his chamber, and on the stairs. But I (saith he) encountered him with that sentence, Omnia subjecisti pedibus ejus, Thou hast put all things under his feet; and so I laid me down and slept in safety.
Another of the German divines in Luther's time, as he was sitting at his book in his study, the devil appeared, looking over his shoulder, which the minister perceiving, took a piece of paper, and writ in it, The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil: and so holding up the paper, he immediately vanished.—Luther, Colloq. Mensal.
In the life of Mr. Richard Rothwell (a famous preacher at Mansfield, in the county of Nottingham, about the year 1672,) we have this remarkable account, as it was drawn up by Mr. Stanly Gower of Dorchester: There was one John Fox, living about Nottingham, who had no more learning than enabled him to write and read. This man was possessed with a devil, who would violently throw him down, and take away the use of every member of his body, which was changed as black as pitch, while those fits were upon him; and then spoke with an audible voice within him; which seemed sometimes to sound out of his belly, sometimes out of his throat, and sometimes out of his mouth, his lips not moving; and thus he continued for a considerable time; many prayers were put up to God for him, and great resort was made to him, especially by several famous ministers; as Mr. Bernard of Batcomb, Mr. Lanly of Truswell, and others, betwixt whom and John Fox, there passed many papers in writing, he discovering his temptations, and they writing him answers, because he was struck dumb, as ye shall find afterwards.
Among the rest, Mr. Rothwell went to see him, and before he came, the devil told all that were in the house of it, saying, Yonder comes Rothwell, but I will make a fool of him before he goes: whereupon the people looked out, and saw him coming about a quarter of a mile from the house: as soon as he entered the room, the devil said, Now Rothwell is come, and, as some say, added, Thou sayest there is no possession; What thinkest thou now? Here is a man opens not his lips, and yet be speaketh; and after a while he said, Say nothing to me of this man, for I tell thee he is damned; and he added thereto many fearful blasphemies.
Rothwell. Thou art a liar and the father of lies; nor art thou so well acquainted with the mind of God concerning this man, which makes thee thus to torment him; therefore I believe thee not: I believe he shall be saved by Jesus Christ.
Devil. He is a murderer, and thou knowest no murderer must come into heaven.
Rotiwell. Thou liest, for David murdered, and is in heaven; and the Jews with wicked hands crucified the Lord of glory, yet Christ prayed for them: and St. Peter exhorted them to repentance, that their sins may be blotted out.
Devil. But this man hath not, cannot, shall not repent.
Rothwell. If he had not repented, thou wouldst not have told him so: but if he have not, I believe God will give him repentance, and thou shall not be able to hinder it
Devil. Thou art a murderer thyself, and yet talkest thou thus?
Rothwell. Thou liest again. I have fought the Lord's battles against his known enemies, the idolatrous and bloody Papists in Ireland, rebels to Queen Elizabeth my sovereign, by whose authority I bore arms against them, them, otherwise I have killed no man.
Then the devil swore and blasphemed, saying, Thou didst murder one this day as thou comest hither, and there is one behind thee but will testify it; upon which Mr. Rothwell looking over his shoulder, the devil set up an hideous laughter that nothing could be heard for a great while, and then said, Look you now, did I not tell you I would make Rothwell a fool? and yet it is true, thou didst murder one this day; for as thou camest over such a bridge (which he named) there I would have killed thee, and there thy horse trod upon a fly, and killed it. It seems Mr. Rothwells horse stumbled at that place, the devil having power to cause it, though without hurt to either horse or man.
Mr. Rothwell then said, Thou hast often beguiled me, I hope God will in time give me wisdom to discern, and power to withstand all thy delusions, and he it is that hath delivered me out of thy hands, and I doubt not will also deliver this poor man; the devil then blasphemed fearfully, and quoted many scriptures out of the Old and New Testament, both in Hebrew and Greek, cavilling and playing the critic therewith, and backing his allegations out of the fathers, and poets, in their own language, which he quoted very readily, so that the company trembled to hear such things from one that understood no learning, and neither moved tongue nor lip all the while: but Mr. Rothwell was wonderfully enabled by divine power to detect the devil's sophistry; upon which the devil said, What stand I talking with thee, all men know thou art bold Rothwell and thou fearest nobody, nor carest for words, therefore I will talk to thee no more. This name he carried to his grave; for the people would say, "This is he whom the devil called bold Rothwell"
Mr. Rothwell turning to the people, said, Good people, you see the goodness of our God and his great power, though the devil made a fool of me even now through my weakness, God hath made the devil dumb now; do but observe how the man lies, therefore let us go to prayer, and that God who hath made him dumb, will, I doubt not, drive him out of this poor man.
The devil hereupon raged, blasphemed, and said, And wilt thou go to prayer, if thou dost, I will make such a noise, that thy prayer shall be distracted, and thou knowest God will not hear a distracted prayer; but thou hast got a device, because thou wilt not be distracted, thou shuttest thy eyes in prayer, (for so he always did) but if thou pray, I will pull out thy eyes.
Rothwell. I look to find thee as great an enemy in this duty now, as I have done heretofore, but I fear not thy threats, I know thou art limited, God heareth the prayers of the upright, and hath promised to give his Spirit to supply infirmities, therefore in confidence of his promise, and powerful assistance of his Spirit, and in the name and intercession of his Son Jesus Christ, we will go to prayer: and accordingly they did so, Mr. Rothwell kneeling by the bedside where the poor man lay; the devil for more than a quarter of an hour made a most horrible noise; however Mr Rothwell's voice was louder than his, and a while after the devil roared at the very face of Mr. Rothwell, wherewith the body of the man moved, and the hand was held up which was the first time he stirred; Mr. Rothwell took the hand, and held it down with much ease, two men being scarce able to hold the other hand; get prayers were still continued, and at length the devil lay silent in the man, and soon after departed out of him; the man then fetched several deep sighs, insomuch that they believed he had been dying, but his colour suddenly returned to him, and the use of all his members, senses, and understanding, and at the next petition, to the glory of God, and amazement, but comfort of all the company, he said Amen; and so continued to repeat Amen to every petition: prayers are hereupon now turned into thanksgivings, wherewith the company concluded.
After which, John Fox said, Good Mr. Rothwell, leave me not, I shall not live long; for the devil tells me be will choak me with the first bit of meat that I eat, Mr. Rothwell answered, Wilt thou believe the devil that seeks thy destruction, before thou wilt trust in God through Jesus Christ, that seeks thy salvation; hath not God by his almighty power dispossessed him; had he had his will, thou hadst been in hell before now? but he is a liar, and as he is not able to hinder thy soul's life, so neither shall he be able to destroy the life of thy body, wherefore get me something (saith he) ready for him, and I will see him eat before I go, and will beg a blessing upon it.
When it was brought, Eat (saith Mr. Rothwell) and fear not the devil, and urged him to eat, as being a means appointed of God to preserve life, and quoted the example of Jairus's daughter, whom our Saviour, after he had restored her to life, commanded to give her meat, Luke viii. 55. With much ado, and great trembling, at last he took and eat; Look you (says Mr. Rothwell) you all see that the devil is a liar, the first bit hath not choaked him, nor shall the rest. Mr. Rothwell then left him, after which he was struck dumb for three years together, and continued to be tempted, though no longer possessed. At length, by prayer likewise, which was instantly put up to God for him, his mouth was opened, and his speech restored to him at that very instant, when a minister praying for him in the congregation, where he was present, used this expression, Lord, open thou his mouth, that his lips may shew forth thy praise; to which he presently answered, Amen; and so continued to speak, and lived religiously and virtuously to his dying day.—Clark's Martyrol. p. 1.
In the year 1323, the reverend ministers were so constantly pestered with the devil, that they were under the necessity of constantly carrying the bible along with them, and as soon as the devil attacked them, they whirled it round their head three times, which so terrified him, that he disappeared in a column of fire, leaving a strong sulphurous smell.

THE END.

This work was published before January 1, 1930, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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