and appear before the Judgment of God Wise. Why there was not any other alteration in him than what was made by his disease upon his body sickness you know will alter the body also pains and stitches will make men groan but for his mind he had no alteration there His mind was the same his heart was the same He was the self-same Mr. Badman still not onely in Name but Conditions and that to the very day of his death yea so fâ—r as could be gathered to the very moment in which he died Atten. Pray how was he in his death was Death strong upon him or did he dye with â—ase quietly Wise. As quietly as a Lamb. There seemed not to bâ— in it to standers by so much as a strong struggle of Nature and as for his Mind it seemed to be wholly at quiet But pray why do you ask me this question Atten. Not for mine own sake but for others For there is such an opinion as this among the ignorant That if a man dies as they call it like a Lamb that is quietly and without that consternation of mind that others shew in their death they conclude and that beyond all doubt that such an one is gone to Heaven and is certainly escaped the wrath to come Wise. There is no Judgment to be made by a quiet death of the Eternal state of him that so dieth Suppose one man should die quietly another should die suddenly and a third should die under-great consternation of spirit no man can Judge of their eternall condition by the manner of any of these kinds of deaths He that dies quietly suddenly or under consternation of spirit may goe to Heaven or may goe to Hell no man can tell whether a man goes by any such manner of death The Judgment therefore that we make of the eternall condition of a man must be gathered from another consideration To wit Did the man die in his sins did he die in unbelief did he die before he was born again then he is gone to the Devil and hell though he died never so quietly Again Was the man a good man had he faith and holiness was he a lover and a Worshipper of God by Christ according to his Word Then he is gone to God and Heaven how suddenly or in what consternation of mind soever he died But Mr. Badman was naught his life was evil his wayes were evil evil to his end he therefore went to Hell and to the Devil how quietly soever he died Indeed there is in some cases a Judgment to be made of a mans eternal condition by the manner of the death he dieth As suppose now a man should murder himself or live a wicked life and after that die in utter despair these men without doubt do both of them goe to Hell And here I will take an occasion to speak of two of Mr. Badmans Brethren for you know I told you before that he had Brethren and of the manner of their death One of them killed himself and the other after a wicked life died in utter despair Now I should not be afraid to conclude of both these that they went by and through their death to hell Atten. Pray tell me concerning the first how he made away himself Wise. Why he took a knife and cut his own Throat and immediately gave up the Ghost and died Now what can we judge of such a mans condition since the Scripture saith No murderer hath eternall life c. but that it must be concluded that such an one is gone to Hell He was a murderer a Self-murderer and he is the worst murderer one that slays his own body and soul nor doe we find mention made of any but cursed ones that doe such kind of deeds I say no mention made in holy Writ of any others but such that murder themselves And this is a sore Judgment of God upon men when God shall for the sins of such give them up to be their own Executioners or rather to execute his Judgment and Anger upon themselves And let me earnestly give this Caution to sinners Take heed Sirs break off your sins lest God serves you as he served Mr. Badmans Brother That is lest he gives you up to be your own Murderers Atten. Now you talk of this I did once know a man a Barber that took his own Raisor and cut his own Throat and then put his head out of his Chamber-window to shew the neighbours what he had done and after a little while died Wise. I can tell you a more dreadfull thing than this I mean as to the 〈◊〉 of doing the fact There was about twelve years since a man that lived at Brafield by Northamptoâ— named John Cox that murdered himself the manner of his doing of it was thus He was a poor man and had for some time been sick and the time of his sickness was about the beginning of â—ay-timeâ— and taking too many thoughts how he should live afterwards if he lost his present season of work he fell into deep despair about the world and cryed out to his wife the morning before he killed himâ—elf saying We are undone But quickly after he desired his wife to depart the room Because said he I will see if I can get any rest so she went out but he instead of sleeping quickly took his Raisor and therewith cut up a great hole in his side out of which he pulled and cut off some of his guts and threw them with the blood up and down the Chamber But this not speeding of him so soon as he desired he took the same Raisor and therewith cut his own throat His wife then hearing of him sigh and fetch his wind short came again into the room to him and seeing what he had done she ran out and called in some Neighbours who came to him where he lay in a bloody manner frightfull to behold Then said one of them to him Ah! John what have you done are you not sorry for what you have done He answered roughly 'T is too late to be sorry Then said the same person to him again Ah! John pray to God to forgive thee this bloody act of thine At the hearing of which Exhortation he seemed much offended and in angry manner said Pray and with that flung himself away to the wall and so after a few gasps died desperately When he had turned him of his back to the wall the blood ran out of his belly as out of a boul and soaked quite through the bed to the boards and through the chinks to the boards it ran pouring down to the ground Some said that when the neighbours came to see him he lay â—roaping with his hand in his bowels reaching upward as was thought that he might have pulled or cut out his heart 'T was said also that some of his Liver had been by him torn out and cast upon the boards and that
at the day of Judgment and then part again and never see each other more And with that she wept the Children also wept so she held on her discourse Children said she I am going from you I am going to Jesus Christ and with him there is neither sorrow nor sighing nor pain nor tears nor death Thither would I have you go also but I can neither carry you nor fetch you thither but if you shall turn from your sins to God and shall beg mercy at his hands by Jesus Christ you shall follow me and shall when you dye come to the place where I am going that blessed place of Rest and then we shall be for ever together beholding the face of our Redeemer to our mutual and eternal joy So she bid them remember the words of a dying mother when she was cold in her grave and themselves were hot in their sins if perhaps her words might put check to their vice and that they might remember and turn to God Then they all went down but her Darling to wit the child that she had most love for because it followed her ways So she addressed her self to that Come to me said she my sweet child thou art the child of my joy I have lived to see thee a Servant of God thou shalt have eternal life I my sweet heart shall goe before and thou shalt follow after if thou shalt hold the beginning of thy confidence stedfast to the end When I am gone do thou still remember my words love thy Bible follow my Ministers deny ungodliness still and if troublous times shall come set an higher price upon Christ his Word and Wayes and the testimony of a good conscience than upon all the world besides Carry it kindly and dutifully to thy Father but choose none of his ways If thou mayest goe to service choose that rather than to stay at home but then be sure to choose a service where thou mayest be helped forwards in the way to heaven and that thou mayest have such a service speak to my Minister he will help thee if possible to such an one I would have thee also my dear child to love thy Brothers and Sisters but learn none of their naughty tricks Have no fellowship with the unfruitfull works of darkness but rather reprove them Thou hast Grace they have none do thou therefore beautifie the way of salvation before their eyes by a godly life and conformable conversation to the revealed will of God that thy Brothers and Sisters may see and be the more pleased with the good wayes of the Lord. If thou shalt live to marry take heed of being served as I was that is of being beguiled with fair words and the flatteries of a lying tongue But first be sure of godliness Yea as sure as it is possible for one to be in this world trust not thine own eyes nor thine own Judgment I mean as to that persons godliness that thou art invited to marry Ask counsel of good men and do nothing therein if he lives without my Ministers advice I have also my self desired him to look after thee Thus she talked to her children and gave them counsel and after she had talked to this a little longer she kiss'd it and bid it go down Well in short her time drew on and the day that she must die So she died with a soul full of Grace an heart full of comfort and by her death ended a life full of trouble Her husband made a Funerall for her perhaps because he was glad he was rid of her but we will leave that to be manifest at Judgment Atten. This Woman died well And now we are talking of the dying of Christians I will tell you a story of one that died some time since in our Town The man was a godly old Puritan for so the godly were called in time past This man after a long and godly life fell sick of the sickness whereof he died And as he lay drawing on the woman that looked to him thought she heard Musick and that the sweetest that ever she heard in her life which also continued untill he gave up the Ghost now when his soul departed from him the Musick seemed to withdraw and to go further and further off from the house and so it went untill the sound was quite gone out of hearing Wise. What do you think that might be Atten. For ought I know the melodious Notes of Angels that were sent of God to fetch him to Heaven Wise. I cannot say but that God goes out of his Ordinary Road with us poor mortals sometimes I cannot say this of this woman but yet she had better musick in her heart than sounded in this womans ears Atten. I believe so but pray tell me did any of her other children hearken to her words so as to be bettered in their souls thereby Wise. One of them did and became a very hopefull young man but for the rest I can say nothing Atten. And what did Badman do after his wife was dead Wise. Why even as he did before he scarce mourned a fortnight for her and his mourning then was I doubt more in fashion than in heart Atten. Would he not sometimes talk of his Wife when she was dead Wise. Yes when the fit took him and could commend her too extremely saying she was a good godly vertuous woman But this is not a thing to be wondred at It is common with wicked men to hate Gods Servants while alive and to commend them when they are dead So served the Pharisees the Prophets Those of the Prophets that were dead they commended and those of them that were alive they condemned Atten. But did not Mr. Badman marry again quickly Wise. No not a good while after and when he was asked the reason he would make this slighty answer Who would keep a Cow of their own that can have a quart of milk for a penny Meaning Who would be at the charge to have a Wife that can have a Whore when he listeth So villanous so abominable did he continue after the death of his wife Yet at last there was one was too hard for him For getting of him to her upon a time and making of him sufficiently drunk she was so cunning as to get a promise of marriage of him and so held him to it and forced him to marry her And she as the saying is was as good as he at all his vile and ranting tricks she had her companions as well as he had his and she would meet them too at the Tavern and Ale-house more commonly than he was aware of To be plain she was a very Whore and had as great resort came to her where time and place was appointed as any of them all Aie and he smelt it too but could not tell how to help it For if he began to talk she could lay in his dish
Many people think also that Repentance stands in Confession of sin only but they are very much mistaken For Repentance as was said before is a being sorry for and a turning from transgression to God by Jesus Christ. Now if this be true that every sight and sence of sin will not produce Repentance then Repentance cannot be produced there where there is no sight and sence of sin That every sight and sence of sin will not produce repentance to wit the godly repentance that we are speaking of is manifest in Cain Pharaoh Saul and Judas who all of them had sence great sence of sin but none of them repentance unto life Now I conclude that Mr. Badman did die impenitent and so a death most miserable Atten. But pray now before we conclude our discourse of Mr. Badman give me another proof of his dying in his sins Wise. Another proof is this He did not desire a sight and sence of sins that he might have repentance for them Did I say he did not desire it I will add he greatly desired to remain in his security and that I shall prove by that which follows First He could not endure that any man now should talk to him of his sinfull life and yet that was the way to beget a sight and sence of sin and so of repentance from it in his soul. But I say he could not endure such discourse Those men that did offer to talk unto him of his ill-spent Life they were as little welcome to him in the time of his last sickness as was Elijah when he went to meet with Ahab as he went down to take possession of Naboths Vineyard Hast thou found me said Ahab O mine enemy So would Mr. Badman say in his heart to and of those that thus did come to him though indeed they came even of love to convince him of his evil life that he might have repented thereof and have obtained mercy Atten. Did good men then goe to see him in his last sickness Wise. Yes Those that were his first wifes acquaintance they went to see him and to talk with and to him if perhaps he might now at last bethink himself and cry to God for mercy Atten. They did well to try now at last if they could save his soul from Hell But pray how can you tell that he did not care for the company of such Wise. Because of the differing Carriage that he had for them from what he had when his old carnal companions came to see him When his old Campanions came to see him he would stir up himself as much as he could both by words and looks to signifie they were welcome to him he would also talk with them freely and look pleasantly upon them though the talk of such could be none other but such as David said carnal men would offer to him when they came to visit him in his sickness If he comes to see me says he he speaketh vanity his heart gathereth iniquity to it self But these kind of talks I say Mr. Badman better brooked than he did the company of better men But I will more particularly give you a Character of his carriage to good men and good talk when they came to see him 1. When they were come he would seem to fail in his spirits at the sight of them 2. He would not care to answer them to any of those questions that they would at times put to him to feel what sence he had of sin death Hell and Judgment But would either say nothing or answer them by way of evasion or else by telling of them he was so weak and spent that he could not speak much 3. He would never shew forwardness to speak to or talk with them but was glad when they held their tongues He would ask them no question about his state and another world or how he should escape that damnation that he had deserved 4. He had got a haunt at last to bid his wife and keeper when these good people attempted to come to see him to tell them that he was asleep or inclining to sleep or so weak for want thereof that he could not abide any noyse And so they would serve them time after time till at last they were discouraged from coming to see him any more 5. He was so hardned now in this time of his sickness that he would talk when his companions came unto him to the disparagement of those good men and of their good doctrine too that of love did come to see him and that did labour to convert him 6. When these good men went away from him he would never say Pray when will you be pleased to come again for I have a desire to more of your company and to hear more of your good instruction No not a word of that but when they were going would scarce bid them drink or say Thank you for your good company and good instruction 7. His talk in his sickness with his companions would be of the World as Trades Houses Lands great Men great Titles great places outward Prosperity or outward Adversity or some such carnal thing By all which I conclude that he did not desire a sence and sight of his sin that he might repent and be saved Atten. It must needs be so as you say if these things be true that you have asserted of him And I do the rather believe them because I think you dare not tell a lie of the dead Wise. I was one of them that went to him and that beheld his carriage and manner of way and this is a true relation of it that I have given you Atten. I am satisfied But pray if you can shew me now by the Word what sentence of God doth pass upon such men Wise. Why the man that is thus averse to repentance that desires not toâ—hear of his sins that he might repent and be saved is said to be a man that saith unto God Depart from me for I desire not the knowledge of thy wayes He is a man that sayes in his heart and with his actions I have loved strangers sins and after them I will goe He is a man that shuts his eyes stops his ears and that turneth his spirit against God Yea he is the man that is at enmity with God and that abhorres him with his soul. Atten. What other signe can you give me that Mr. Badman died without repentance Wise. Why he did never heartily cry to God for mercy all the time of his affliction True when sinking fits stitches or pains took hold upon him then he would say as other carnal men use to do Lord help me Lord strengthen me Lord deliver me and the like But to cry to God for mercy that he did not but lay as I hinted before as if he never had sinned Atten. That is another bad sign indeed for crying to God for mercy is one of the
and glory without it Repent for the Ax is laid to the root of the tree every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit but no good fruit can be where there is not sound repentance shall be hewn down and cast into the fire This was Mr. Badmans case he had attending of him a sinfull life and that to the very last and yet dyed quietly that is without repentance he is gone to Hell and is damned For the Nature of repentance I have touched upon that already and shewed that it never was where a quiet death is the immediate companion of a sinfull life and therefore Mr. Badman is gone to Hell Secondly My second argument is drawn from that blessed Word of Christ While the strong man armed keeps the house his goods are in peace till a stronger than he comes but the strong man armed kept Mr. Badmans house that is his heart and soul and body for he went from a sinfull life quietly out of this world the stronger did not disturb by intercepting with sound repentance betwixt his sinful life and his quiet death Therefore Mr. Badman is gone to Hell The strong man armed is the Devil and quietness is his security The Devil never fears losing of the sinner if he can but keep him quiet can he but keep him quiet in a sinfull life and quiet in his death he is his own Therefore he saith his goods are in peace that is out of danger There is no fear of the Devils losing such a soul I say because Christ who is the best Judge in this matter saith his goods are in peace in quiet and out of danger Atten. This is a good one too for doubtless peace and quiet with sin is one of the greatest signs of a damnable state Wise. So it is Therefore when God would shew the greatness of his anger against sin and sinners in one word he saith They are joyned to Idols let them alone Let them alone that is disturb them not let them goe on without controll let the Devil enjoy them peaceably let him carry them out of the world unconverted quietly This is one of the sorest of Judgments and bespeaketh the burning anger of God against sinfull men See also when you come home the fourteenth Verse of the Chapter last mentioned in the Margent I will not punish your daughters when they commit Whoredom I will let them alone they shall live and dye in their sins But Thirdly My third argument is drawn from that saying of Christ He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts that they should not see with their eyes nor understand with their hearts and be converted and I should heal them There are three things that I will take notice of from these words 1. The first is That there can be no conversion to God where the eye is darkned and the heart hardened The eye must first be made to see and the heart to break and relent under and for sin or else there can be no conversion He hath blinded their eyes and hardned their hearts lest they should see and understand and So be converted And this was clearly Mr. Badmans case he lived a wicked life and also died with his eyes shut and heart hardened as is manifest in that a sinful life was joyned with a quiet death and all for that he should not be converted but partake of the fruit of his sinfull life in Hell fire 2. The second thing that I take notice of from these words is That this is a dispensation and manifestation of Gods anger against a man for his sin When God is angry with men I mean when he is so angry with them this among many is one of the Judgments that he giveth them up unto to wit to blindness of mind and hardness of heart which he also suffereth to accompany them till they enter in at the gates of death And then and there and not short of then and there their eyes come to be opened Hence it is said of the rich man mentioned in Luke He dyed and in Hell he lift up his eyes Implying that he did not lift them up before He neither saw what he had done nor whither he was going till he came to the place of execution even into Hell He died asleep in his soul he dyed besotted stupified and so consequently for quietness like a Child or Lamb even as Mr. Badman did this was a sign of Gods anger he had a mind to damn him for his sins and therefore would not let him see nor have an heart to repent for them lest he should convert and his damnation which God had appointed should be frustrate lest they should be converted and I should heal them 3. The third thing that I take notice of from hence is That a sinfull life and a quiet death annexed to it is the ready the open the beaten the common high-way to Hell there is no surer sign of Damnation than for a man to dye quietly after a sinfull life I do not say that all wicked men that are molested at their death with a sence of sin and fears of Hell do therefore goe to Heaven for some are also made to see and are left to despair not converted by seeing that they might go roaring out of this world to their place But I say there is no surer sign of a mans Damnation than to dye quietly after a sinful life than to sin and dye with his eyes shut than to sin and dye with an heart that cannot repent He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart that they should not see with their eyes nor understand with their heart no not so long as they are in this world lest they should see with their eyes and understand with their heart and should be converted and I should heal them God has a Judgment for wicked men God will be even with wicked men God knows how to reserve the ungodly to the day of Judgment to be punished And this is one of his wayes by which he doth it Thus it was with Mr. Badman 4. Fourthly It is said in the Book of Psalms concerning the wicked There is no bâ—nds in their death but their strength is firm By no bands he means no troubles no gracious chastisements no such corrections for sin as fall to be the Lot of Gods people for theirs yea that many times falls to be theirs at the time of their death Therefore he adds concerning the wicked They are not troubled then like other men neither are they plagued like other men but go as securely out of the world as if they had never sinned against God and put their own souls into danger of damnation There is no band in their death They seem to go unbound and set at liberty out of this world though they have lived notoriously wicked all their dayes in it The Prisoner that is to dye at the
Gallows for his wickedness must first have his Irons knock't off his legs so he seems to goe most at liberty when indeed he is going to be executed for his transgressions Wicked men also have no bands in their death they seem to be more at liberty when they are even at the Wind-up of their sinfull life than at any time besides Hence you shall have them boast of their Faith and Hope in Gods Mercy when they lye upon their death-bed yea you shall have them speak as confidently of their salvation as if they had served God all their dayes when the truth is the bottom of this their boasting is because they have no bands in their death Their sin and base life comes not into their mind to correct them and bring them to repentance but presumptuous thoughts and an hope and faith of the Spiders the Devils making possesseth their soul to their own eternal undoing Hence wicked mens hope is said to dye not before but with them they give up the Ghost together And thus did Mr. Badman His sins and his hope went with him to the Gate but there his hope left him because it dyed there but his sins went in with him to be a worm to gnaw him in his conscience for ever and ever The opinion therefore of the common people concerning this kind of dying is frivolous and vain for Mr. Badman died like a Lamb or as they call it like a Chrisom child quietly and without fear I speak not this with reference to the strugling of nature with death but as to the strugling of the conscience with the Judgment of God I know that Nature will struggle with death I have seen a Dog and Sheep dye hardly And thus may a wicked man doe because there is an antipathy betwixt nature and death But even while even then when Death and Nature are strugling for mastery the soul the conscience may be as besotted as benummed as senceless and ignorant of its miserable state as the block or bed on which the sick lyes And thus they may dye like a Chrisom child in shew but indeed like one who by the Judgment of God is bound over to eternal damnation and that also by the same Judgment is kept from seeing what they are and whither they are going till they plunge down among the flames And as it is a very great Judgment of God on wicked men that so dye for it cuts them off from all possibility of repentance and so of salvation so it is as great a Judgment upon those that are their companions that survive them For by the manner of their death they dying so quietly so like unto chrisom children as they call it they are hardened and take courage to go on in their course For comparing their life with their death their sinful cursed lives with their child-like Lamb-like death they think that all is well that no damnation is happened to them Though they lived like Devils incarnate yet they dyed like harmless ones There was no whirl-wind no tempest no band nor plague in their death They dyed as quietly as the most godly of them all and had as great faith and hope of salvation and would talk as boldly of salvation as if they had assurance of it But as was their hope in life so was their death Their hope was without tryal because it was none of Gods working and their death was without molestation because so was the Judgment of God concerning them But I say at this their survivers take heart to tread their steps and to continue to live in the breach of the Law of God yea they carry it statelily in their villanies for so it follows in the Psalm There is no â—ands in their death but their strength is firm c. Therefore pride compasseth them the survivors about as a chain violence covereth them as a garment Therefore they take courage to do evil therefore they pride themselves in their iniquity Therefore Wherefore Why because their fellows died after they had lived long in a most profane and wicked life as quietly and as like to Lambs as if they had been innocent Yea they are bold by seeing this to conclude that God either does not or will not take notice of their sins They speak wickedly they speak loftily They speak wickedly of sin for that they make it better than by the Word it is pronounced to be They speak wickedly concerning oppression that they commend and count it a prudent act They also speak loftily They set their mouth against the Heavens c. And they say How doth God know and is there knowledge in the most High And all this so far as I can see ariseth in their hearts from the beholding of the quiet and lamb-like death of their companions Behold these are the ungodly that prosper in the world that is by wicked ways they increase in riches This therefore is a great Judgment of God both upon that man that dyeth in his sins and also upon his companion that beholdeth him so to dye He sinneth he dyeth in his sins and yet dyeth quietly What shall his companion say to this What Judgment shall he make how God will deal with him by beholding the lamb-like death of his companion Be sure he cannot as from such a sight say Wo be to me for Judgment is before him He cannot gather that sin is a dreadful and a bitter thing by the child-like death of Mr. Badman But must rather if he judgeth according to what he sees or according to his corrupted reason conclude with the wicked ones of old That every one that doth evil is good in the sight of the Lord and he delighteth in them or where is the God of Judgment Yea this is enough to puzzle the wisest man David himself was put to a stand by beholding the quiet death of ungodly men Verily sayes he I have cleansed my heart in vain and have washed my hands in innocency Psal. 73. 13. They to appearance fare better by far than I Their eyes stand out with fatness they have more than heart can wish But all the day long have I been plagued and chastned every morning This I say made David wonder yea and Job and Jeremiah too But he goeth into the Sanctuary and then he understands their end nor could he understand it before I went into the Sanctuary of God What place was that why there where he might enquire of God and by him be resolved of this matter Then says he understood I their end Then I saw that thou hast set them in slippery places and that thou castest them down to destruction Castest them down that is suddenly or as the next words say As in a moment they are utterly consumed with terrors which terrors did not cease them on their sick-bed for they had no bands in their death The terrors therefore ceased them there where also they are holden in them
damnation that for sin he had already been in Would he choose again to lead that cursed life that afresh would kindle the flames of Hell upon him and that would bind him up under the heavy wrath of God O! he would not he would not the sixteenth of Luke insinuates it yea Reason it self awake would abhorr it and tremble at such a thought 2. Suppose again that thou that livest and rollest in thy sin and that as yet hast known nothing but the pleasure thereof shouldst be by an Angel conveyed to some place where with convenience from thence thou mightest have a view of Heaven and Hell of the Joyes of the one and the torments of the other I say suppose that from thence thou mightest have such a view thereof as would convince thy reason that both Heaven and Hell are such realities as by the Word they are declared to be wouldest thou thinkest thou when brought to thy home again chuse to thy self thy former life to wit to return to thy folly again No if belief of what thou sawest remained with thee thou wouldest eat Fire and Brimstone first 4. I will propound again Suppose that there was amongst us such a Law and such a Magistrate to inflict the penalty That for every open wickedness committed by thee so much of thy flesh should with burning Pinoers be plucked from thy Bones Wouldest thou then go on in thy open way of Lying Swearing Drinking and Whoring as thou with delight doest now Surely surely No The fear of the punishment would make thee forbear yea would make thee tremble even then when thy lusts were powerfull to think what a punishment thou wast sure to sustain so soon as the pleasure was over But Oh! the folly the madness the desperate madness that is in the hearts of Mr. Badmans friends who in despite of the threatnings of an holy and sin revenging God and of the outcries and warnings of all good men yea that will in despite of the groans and torments of those that are now in Hell for sin Luk. 16. 24. 28. go on in a sinfull course of life yea though every sin is also a step of descent down to that infernal Cave O how true is that saying of Solomon The heart of the sons of men is full of evil and madness is in their heart while they live and after that they go to the dead Eccles 9. 3. To the dead that is to the dead in Hell to the damned dead the place to which those that have dyed Bad men are gone and that those that live Bad men are like to go to when a little more sin like stollen waters hath been imbibed by their sinful souls That which has made me publish this Book is 1. For that wickedness like a flood is like to drown our English world it begins already to be above the tops of mountains it has almost swallowed up all our Youth our Middle age Old age and all are almost carried away of this flood O Debauchery Debauchery what hast thou done in England Thou hast corrupted our Young men and hast made our Old men beasts thou hast deflowered our Virgins and hast made Matrons Bawds Thou hast made our earth to reel to and fro like a drunkard 't is in danger to be removed like a Cottage yea it is because transgression is so heavy upon it like to fall and rise no more Isa. 24. 20. O! that I could mourn for England and for the sins that are committed therein even while I see that without repentance the men of Gods wrath are about to deal with us each having his slaughtering weapon in his hand Ezek 9. 1 2. Well I have written and by Gods assistance shall pray that this flood may abate in England and could I but see the tops of the Mountains above it I should think that these waters were abating 2. It is the duty of those that can to cry out against this deadly plague yea to lift up their voice as with a Trumpet against it that men may be awakened about it slye from it as from that which is the greatest of evils Sin pull'd Angels out of Heaven pulls men down to Hell and overthroweth Kingdoms Who that sees an house on fire will not give the Allarum to them that dwell therein who that sees the Land invaded will not set the Beacons on a flame Who that sees the Devils as roaring Lyons continually devouring souls will not make an Out-cry But above all when we see sin sinful sin a swallowing up a Nation sinking of a Nation and bringing its Inhabitants to temporal spiritual and eternal ruine shall we not cry out and cry They are drunk but not with Wine they stagger but not with strong drink they are intoxicated with the deadly poyson of sin which will if its malignity be not by wholsom means allayed bring Soul and Body and Estate and Countrey and all to ruin and destruction 3. In and by this my Out-cry I shall deliver my self from the ruins of them that perish for a man can do no more in this matter I mean a man in my capacity than to detect and condemn the wickedness warn the evil doer of the Judgment and fly therefrom my self But Oh! that I might not only deliver my self Oh that many would hear and turn at this my cry from sin that they may be secured from the death and Judgment that attend it Why I have handled the matter in this method is best known to my self and why I have concealed most of the Names of the persons whose sins or punishments I here and there in this Book make relation of is 1. For that neither the sins nor Judgments were all alike open the sins of some were committed and the Judgments executed for them only in a corner Not to say that I could not learn some of their names for could I I should not have made them publick for this reason 2. Because I would not provoke those of their Relations that survive them I would not justly provoke them and yet as I think I should should I have intailed their punishment to their sins and both to their names and so have turned â—hem into the world 3. Nor would I lay them under disgrace and â—ontempt which would as I think unavoidably â—ave happened unto them had I withall insertâ—d their Names As for those whose Names I mention their â—rimes or Judgments were manifest publick almost as any thing of that nature that happeneth to mortal men Such therefore have published their own-shame by their sin and God his anger by taking of open vengeance As Job sayes God has strook them as wicked men in the open sight of others Job 34 26. So that I cannot conceive since their siâ— and Judgment was so conspicuous that my admonishing the world thereof should turn to their detriment For the publishing of these things are so far as Relation is concerned intendeâ— for remembrancers That they may also be think
of him that has a tender Conscience But if as you say and that truly the very Name of Hell is so dreadful what is the Place it self and what are the Punishments that are there inflicted and that without the least intermission upon the Souls of damned men for ever and ever Atten. Well but passing this my leisure will admit me to stay and therefore pray tell me what it is that makes you think that Mr. Badman is gone to Hell Wise. I will tell you But first do you know which of the Badmans I mean Atten. Why was there more of them thâ—n one Wise. O yes a great many both Brothers and Sisters and yet all of them the Children of a godly Parent the more a great deal is the pity Atten. Which of them therefore was it that died Wise. The eldest old in years and old in sin but the sinner that dies an hundred years old shall be accursed Atten. Well but what makes you think he is gone to Hell Wise. His wicked life and fearful death specially since the Manner of his death was so corresponding with his life Atten. Pray let me know the manner of his death if your self did perfectly know it Wise. I was there when he died But I desire not to see another such man while I live die in such sort as he did Atten. Pray therefore let me hear it Wise. You say you have leisure and can stay and therefore if you please we will discourse even orderly of him First we will begin with his Life and then proceed to his Death Because a relation of the first may the more affect you when you shall hear of the second Atten. Did you then so well know his Life Wise. I knew him of a Child I was a man when he was but a boy and I made special observation of him from first to last Atten. Pray then let me hear from you an account of his Life but be as brief as you can for I long to hear of the manner of his death Wise. I will endeavour to answer your desires and first I will tell you that from a Child he was very bad his very beginning was ominous and presaged that no good end was in likelyhood to follow thereupon There were several sins that he was given to when but a little one that manifested him to be notoriously infected with Orginal corruption for I dare say he learned none of them of his Father or Mother nor was he admitted to go much abroad among other Children that were vile to learn to sin of them Nay contrariwise if at any time he did get abroad amongst others he would be as the Inventer of bad words and an example in bad actions To them all he used to be as we say the Ring-leader and Master-sinner from a Childe Atten. This was a bad Beginning indeed and did demonstrate that he was as you say polluted very much polluted with Original Corruption For to speak my mind freely I do confess that it is mine opinion that Children come polluted with sin into the World and that oft-times the sins of their youth especially while they are very young are rather by vertue of Indwelling sin than by examples that are set before them by others Not but that they learn to sin by example too but Example is not the root but rather the Temptation unto wickedness The root is sin within for from within out of the heart of man proccedeth sin Wise. I am glad to hear that you are of this opinion and to confirm what you have said by a few hints from the Word Man in his birth is compared to an Ass an unclean Beast and to a wretched Infant in its blood besides all the first-born of old that were offered unto the Lord were to be redeemed at the age of a month and that was before they were sinners by imitation The Scripture also affirmeth that by the sin of one Judgement came upon all and renders this reason for that all have sinned nor is that Objection worth a rush That Christ by his death hath taken away Original Sin First Because it is Scriptureless Secondly Because it makes them incapable of Salvation by Christ for none but those that in their own Persons are sinners are to have Salvation by him Many other things might be added but between persons so well agreed as you and I are these may suffice at present but when an Antagonist comes to deal with us about this matter then we have for him often other strong Arguments if he be an Antagonist worth the taking notice of Atten. But as was hinted before he used to be the Ring-leading Sinner or the Master of mischief among other children yet these are but Generals pray therefore tell me in Particular which were the sins of his Childhood Wise. I will so When he was but a Child he was so addicted to Lying that his Parents scarce knew when to believe he spake true yea he would invent tell and stand to the Lyes that he invented and told and that with such an audacious face that one might even read in his very countenance the symptoms of an hard and desperate heart this way Atten. This was an ill beginning indeed and argueth that he began to harden himself in sin betimes For a lye cannot be knowingly told and stood in and I perceive that this was his manner of way in Lying but he must as it were force his own heart unto it Yea he must make his heart hard and bold to doe it Yea he must be arrived to an exceeding pitch of wickedness thus to doe since all this he did against that good education that before you seemed to hint he had from his Father and Mother Wise. The want of good Education as you have intimated is many times a cause why Children doe so easily so soon become bad especially when there is not only a want of that but bad Examples enough as the more is the pity there is in many Families by vertue of which poor Children are trained up in Sin and nursed therein for the Devil and Hell But it was otherwise with Mr. Badman for to my knowledge this his way of Lying was a great grief to his Parents for their hearts were much dejected at this beginning of their Son nor did there want Counsel and Correction from them to him if that would have made him better He wanted not to be told in my hearing and that over and over and over That all Lyars should have their part in the Lake that burns with fire and brimstone and that whosoever loveth and maketh a lye should not have any part in the new and heavenly Jerusalem But all availed nothing with him when a fit or an occasion to lie came upon him he would invent tell and stand to his Lie as steadfastly as if it had been the biggest of truths that he told and that
also rob his Father methinks that was an unnatural thing Wise. Natural or unnatural all is one to a Thief Besides you must think that he had likewise Companions to whom he was for the wickedness that he saw in them more firmly knit than either to Father or Mother Yea and what had he cared if Father and Mother and died for grief for him Their death would have been as he would have counted great release and liberty to him For the truth is they and their counsel was his Bondage yea and if I forget not I have heard some say that when he was at times among his Companions he would greatly rejoyce to think that his Parents were old and could not live long and then quoth he I shall be mine own man to do what I list without their controul Atten. Then it seems he counted that robbing of his Parents was no crime Wise. None at all and therefore he fell directly under that Sentence Whoso robbeth his Father or his Mother and saith it is no transgression the same is the companion of a destroyer And for that he set so light by them as to their Persons and Counsels 't was a sign that at present he was of a very abominable spirit and that some Judgement waited to take hold of him in time to come Atten. But can you imagin what it was I mean in his conceit for I speak not now of the suggestions of Satan by which doubtless he was put on to do these things I say what it should be in his conceit that should make him think that this his manner of pilfering and stealing was not great matter Wise. It was for that the things that he stole were small to rob Orchards and Gardens and to steal Pullen and the like these he counted Tricks of Youth nor would he be beat out of it by all that his Friends could say They would tell him that he must not covet or desire and yet to desire is less than to take even any thing the least thing that was his Neighbours and that if he did it would be a transgression of the Law but all was one to him what through the wicked Talk of his Companions and the delusion of his own corrupt heart he would go on in his pilfering course and where he thought himself secure would talk of and laught at it when he had done Atten. Well I heard a man once when he was upon the Ladder with the Rope about his Neck confess when ready to be turned off by the Hangman that that which had brought him to that end was his accustoming of himself when young to piâ—fer and steal small things To my best remembrance he told us that he began the trade of a Thief by stealing of Pins and Points and therefore did forewarn all the Youth that then were gathered together to see him die to take heed of beginning though but with little sins because by tampering at first with little ones way is made for the commission of bigger Wise. Since you are entred upon Storyes I also will tell you one the which though I heard it not with mine own Ears yet my Author I dare believe It is concerning one old Tod that was hanged about Twenty years agoe or more at Hartford for being a Thief The Story is this At a Summer Assizes holden at Hartfort while the Judge was sitting upon the Bench comes this old Tod into the Court cloathed in a green Suit with his Leathern Girdle in his hand his Bosom open and all on a dung sweat as if he had run for his Life and being come in he spake aloud as follows My Lord said he Here is the veryest Rogue that breaths upon the face of the earth I have been a Thief from a Child When I was but a little one I gave my self to rob Orchards and to do other such like wicked things and I have continued a Thief ever since My Lord there has not been a Robbery committed thus many years within so many miles of this place but I have either been at it or privy to it The Judge thought the fellow was mad but after some conference with some of the Justices they agreed to Indict him and so they did of several felonious Actions to all which he heartily confessed Guilty and so was hanged with his Wife at the same time Atten. This is a remarkable Story indeed and you think it is a true one Wise. It is not only remarkable but pat to our purpose This Thief like Mr. Badman began his Trade betimes he began too where Mr. Badman began even at robbing of Orchards and other such things which brought him as you may perceive from sin to sin till at last it brought him to the publick shame of sin which is the Gallows As for the truth of this Story the Relator told me that he was at the same time himself in the Court and stood within less than two yards of old Tod when he heard him aloud to utter the words Atten. These two sins of lying and stealing were a bad sign of an evil end Wise. So they were and yet Mr. Badman came not to his end like old Tod Though I fear to as bad nay worse than was that death of the Gallows though less discerned by spectators but more of that by and by But you talk of these two sins as if these were all that Mr. Badâ—man was addicted to in â—is Youth Alas alas he swarmed with sins even as a Begger does with Vermin and that when he was but a Boy Atten. Why what other sins was he addicted to I mean while he was but a Child Wise. You need not ask to what other sins was he but to what other sins was he not addicted that is of such as suited with his Age for a man may safely say that nothing that was vile came amiss to him if he was but capable to do it Indeed some sins there be that Childhood knows not how to be tampering with but I speak of sins that he was capable of committing of which I will nominate two or three more And First He could not endure the Lords Day because of the Holiness that did attend it the beginning of that Day was to him as if he was going to Prison except he could get out from his Father and Mother and lurk in by-holes among his Companions untill holy Duties were over Reading the Scriptures hearing Sermons godly Conference repeating of Sermons and Prayer were things that he could not away with and therefore if his Father on such days as often he did though sometimes notwithstanding his diligence he would be sure to give him the slip did keep him strictly to the observation of the day he would plainly shew by all carriages that he was highly discontent therewith he would sleep at Duties would talk vainly with his Brothers and as it were think every godly opportunity seven times
far gone in Drunkenness is hardly ever recovered to God Tell me when did you see an old drunkard converted No no such an one will sleep till he dies though he sleeps on the top of a Mast let his dangers be never so great and Death and damnation never so near he will not be awaked out of his sleep So that if a man have any respect either to Credit Health Life or Salvation he will not be a drunken man But the truth is where this sin gets the upper hand men are as I said before so intoxicated and bewitched with the seeming pleasures and sweetness thereof that they have neither heart nor mind to think of that which is better in it self and would if imbraced do them good Atten. You said that drunkenness tends to poverty yet some make themselves rich by drunken bargains Wise. I said so because the Word says so And as to some mens getting thereby that is indeed but rare and base yea and base will be the end of such gettings The Word of God is against such wayes and the curse of God will be the end of such doings An Inheritance may sometimes thus be hastily gotten at the beginning but the end thereof shall not be blessed Hark what the Prophet saith Wo to him that covereth an evil covetousness that he may set his nest on high Whether he makes drunkenness or ought else the engine and decoy to get it for that man doth but consult the shame of his own house the spoiling of his family and the damnation of his Soul for that which he getteth by working of iniquity is but a getting by the devices of Hell Therefore he can be no gainer neither for himself or family that gains by an evil course But this was one of the sins that Mr. Badman was addicted to after he came acquainted with these three fellows nor could all that his Master could do break him of this Beastly sin Atten. But where since he was but an Apprentice could be get Money to follow this practice for drunkenness as you have intimated is a very costly sin Wise. His Master paid for all For as I told you before as he learned of these three Villains to be a Beastly Drunkard so he learned of them to pilfer and steal from his Master Sometimes he would fell off his Masters Goods but keep the Money that is when he could also sometimes he would beguile his Master by taking out of his Cash-box and when he could do neither of these he would convey away of his Masters wares what he thought would be least missed and send or carry them to such and such houses where he knew they would be laid up to his use and then appoint set times there to meet and make merry with these fellowes Atten. This was as bad nay I think worse than the former for by thus doing he did not only run himself under the wrath of God but has endangered the undoing of his Master and his Familie Wise. Sins go not alone but follow one the other as do the links of a Chain he that will be a drunkard must have money either of his own or of some other mans either of his Fathers Mothers Masters or at the high-way or some way Atten. I fear that many an honest man is undone by such kind of servants Wise. I am of the same mind with you but this should make the dealer the more wary what kind of Servants he keeps and what kind of Apprentices he takes It should also teach him to look well to his Shop himself also to take strict account of all things that are bought and sold by his Servants The Masters neglect herein may embolden his servant to be bad and may bring him too in short time to rags and a morsel of Bread Atten. I am afraid that there is â—uch of this kind of pilfering among servants in these bad dayes of ours Wise. Now while it is in my mind I will tell you a story When I was in prison there came a woman to me that was under a great deal of trouble So I asked her she being a stranger to me what she had to say to me She said she was afraid she should be damned I asked her the cause of those fears She told me that she had sometime since lived with a Shop-keeper at Wellingborough and had robbed his box in the Shop several times of Money to the value of more than now I will say and pray says she tell me what I shall do I told her I would have her go to her Master and make him satisfaction She said she was afraid I asked her why She said she doubted he would hang her I told her that I would intercede for her life and would make use of other friends too to do the like But she told me she durst not venture that Well said I shall I send to your Master while you abide out of sight and make your peace with him before he sees you and with that I asked her her Masters name But all that she said in answer to this was Pray let it alone till I come to you again So away she went and neither told me her Masters Name nor her ownâ— This is about ten or twelve years since and I never saw her again I tell you this story for this cause to confirm your fears that such kind of servants too many there be and that God makes them sometimes like old Tod of whom mention was made before through the terrors that he layes upon them to betray themselves I could tell you of another that came to me with a like relation concerning her self and the robbing of her Mistress but at this time let this suffice Atten. But what was that other Villain addicted to I mean young Badmans third companion Wise. Uncleanness I told you before but it seems you forgot Atten. Right it was Vncleanness Vncleanness is also a filthy sin Wise. It is so and yet it is one of the most reigning sins in our day Atten. So they say and that too among those that one would think had more wit even among the great ones Wise. The more is the pity for usually Examples that are set by them that are great and chief spread sooner and more universally then do the sins of other men yea and when such men are at the head in transgressing sin walks with a bold face through the Land As Jeremiah saith of the Prophets so may it be said of such From them is profaneness gone forth into all the land that is with bold and audacious face Jer. 23. 15. Atten. But pray let us return again to Mr. Badman and his companions You say one of them was very vile in the commission of Vncleanness Wise. Yes so I say not but that he was a Drunkard and also Thievish but he was most arch in this sin of Uncleanness This Roguery was his Master-piece
turned away A Punishment 〈◊〉 calls it a Wound and Dishonour Solomon calls it and they both do set it as a Remark upon this sin Job calling it a strange punishment and Solomon a reproach that shall not be turned away from them that are common in it Atten. What other things follow upon the commission of this beastly sin Wise. Why often-times it is attended with Murder with the murder of the Babe begotten on the defiled bed How common it is for the Bastard-getter and Bastard-bearer to consent together to murder their Children will be better known at the day of Judgement yet something is manifest now ☞ I will tell you another story An ancient man one of mine acquaintance a man of good credit in our Countrey had a Mother that was a Midwise who was mostly imployed in laying great persons To this womans house upon a time comes a brave young Gallant on horseback to fetch her to lay a young Lady So she addresses herself to go with him wherefore he takes her up behind him and away they ride in the night Now they had not rid far but the Gentleman litt off his horse and taking the old Midwife in his arms from the horse turned round with her several times and then set her up again then he got up and away they went till they came at a stately house into which he had her and so into a Chamber where the young Lady was in her paâ—â—s He then bid the Midwife do her Office and she demanded help but he drew out his Sword and told her if she did not make speed to do her Office without she must look for nothing but death Well to be short this old Midwife laid the young Lady and a fine sweet Babe she had Now there was made in a Room hard by a very great Fire so the Gentleman took up the Babe went and drew the coals from the stock cast the Child in and covered it up and there was an end of that So when the Midwife had done her work he paid her well for her pains but shut her up in a dark room all day and when night came took her up behind him again and carried her away till she came almost at home then he turned her round and round as he did before aud had her to her house set her down bid her Farewell and away he went And she could never tell who it was This Story the Midwifes son who was a Minister told me and also protested that his mother told it him for a truth Atten. Murder doth often follow indeed as that which is the fruit of this sin but sometimes God brings even these Adulterers and Adulteresses to shameful ends I heard of one I think a Doctor of Physick and his Whore who had had three or four Bastards betwixt them and had murdered them all but at last themselves were hanged for it in or near to Colchester It came out after this manner The Whore was so afflicted in her conscience about it that she could not be quiet untill she had made it known Thus God many times makes the actors of wickedness their own accusers and brings them by their own tongues to condigne punishment for their own sins Wise. There has been many such instances but we will let that pass I was once in the presence of a Woman a married woman that lay sick of the sickness whereof she died and being smitten in her conscience for the sin of Uncleanness which she had often committed with other men I heard her as she lay upon her Bed cry out thus I am a Whore and all my Children are Bastards And I must go to Hell for my sin and look there stands the Devil at my beds feet to receive my Soul when I die Atten. These are sad storyes tell no more of them now but if you please shew me yet some other of the evil effects of this beastly sin Wise. This sin is such a snare to the Soul that unless a miracle of Grace prevents it unavoidably perishes in the enchanting and bewitching pleasures of it This is manifest by these and such like Texts The Adulteress will hunt for the precious life Whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding and he that doth it destroys his own soul. An Whore is a deep ditch and a strange woman is a narrow pit Her house inclines to death and her pathes unto the dead None that go in unto her return again neither take they hold of the path of life She hath cast down many wounded yea many strong men have been slain by her her house is the way to Hell going down to the Chambers of Death Atten. These are dreadful sayings and do shew the dreadful state of those that are guilty of this sin Wise. Verily so they doe But yet that which makes the whole more dreadful is That men are given up to this sin because they are abhorred of God and because abhorred therefore they shall fall into the commission of it and shall live there The mouth that is the flattering Lips of a strange woman is a deep pit the abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein Therefore it saith again of such that they have none Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God Atten. Put all together and it is a dreadful thing to live and die in this transgression Wise. True But suppose that instead of all these Judgments this sin had attending of it all the felicities of this life and no bitterness shame or disgrace mixed with it yet one hour in Hell will spoil all O! this Hell Hell-fire Damnation in Hell it is such an inconceivable punishment that were it but throughly believed it would nip this sin with others in the head But here is the mischief those that give up themselves to these things do so harden themselves in Unbelief and Atheism about the things the punishments that God hath threatned to inflict upon the committers of them that at last they arrive to almost an absolute and firm belief that there is no Judgment to come hereafter Else they would not they could not no not attempt to commit this sin by such abominable language as some do I heard of one that should say to his Miss when he tempted her to the committing of this sin If thou ☜ wilt venture thy Body I will venture my Soul And I my self heard another say when he was tempting of a Maid to commit uncleanness with him it was in Olivers dayes That if she did prove with Child he would tell her how she might escape punishment and that was then somewhat severe Say saith he when you come before the Judge ☜ That you are with Child by the Holy Ghost I heard him say thus and it greatly afflicted me I had a mind to have accused him for it before some Magistrate but he was a great man and I was poor and young so I let it
alone but it troubled me very much Atten. 'T was the most horrible thing that ever I heard in my life But how far off are these men from that Spirit and Grace that dwelt in Joseph Wise. Right when Joseph's Mistress tempted him yea tempted him daily yea she laid hold on him and said with her Whores forehead Come lie with me but he refused He hearkned not to lie with her or to be with her Mr. Badman would have taken the opportunity And a little to comment upon this of Joseph 1. Here is a Miss a great Miss the Wife of the Captain of the Guard some beautiful Dame I 'le warrant you 2. Here is a Miss won and in her whorish Affections come over to Joseph without his speaking of a word 3. Here is her unclean Desire made known Come lie with me said she 4. Here was a fit opportunity There was none of the men of the house there within 5. Joseph was a young man full of strength and therefore the more in danger to be taken 6. This was to him a Temptation from her that lasted days 7. And yet Joseph refused 1. Her daily Temptation 2. Her daily Solicitation 3. Her daily Provocation heartily violently and constantly For when she caught him by the Garment saying Lie with me he left his Garment in her hand and gat him out Ay and although contempt treachery slander accusation imprisonment and danger of death followed for an Whore careth not what mischief she does when she cannot have her end yet Joseph will not defile himself sin against God and hazard his own eternal salvation Atten. Blessed Joseph I would thou hadst more fellows Wise. Mr. Badman has more fellows than Joseph else there would not be so many Whores as there are For though I doubt not but that that Sex is bad enough this way yet I verily believe that many of them are made Whores at first by the flatteries of Badmans fellows Alas there is many a woman plunged into this sin at first even by promises of Marriage I say by these promises they are flattered yea forced into a consenting to these Villanies and so being in and growing hardened in their hearts they at last give themselves up even as wicked men do to act this kind of wickedness with greediness But Joseph you see was of another mind for the Fear of God was in him I will before I leave this tell you here two notable storyes and I wish Mr. Badmans companions may hear of them They are found in Clarks Looking-glass for Sinners and are these Mr. Cleaver says Mr. Clark reports of one whom he knew that had committed the act of Uncleanness whereupon he fell into such horror of Conscience that he hanged himself leaving it thus written in a paper Indeed saith he I acknowledge it to be utterly unlawful for a man to kill himself but I am bound to act the Magistrates part because the punishment of this sin is death Clark doth also in the same page make mention of two more who as they were committing Adultery in London were immediately struck dead with fire from Heaven in the very Act. Their bodyes were so found half burnt up and sending out a most loathsom savour Atten. These are not able storyes indeed Wise. So they are and I suppose they are as true as notable Atten. Well but I wonder if young Badmans Master knew him to be such a Wretch that he would suffer him in his house Wise. They liked one another even as fire and water doe Young Badmans wayes were odious to his Master and his Masters wayes were such as young Badman could not endure Thus in these two was fulfilled that saying of the Holy Ghost An unjust man is an abomination to the just and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked The good mans wayes Mr. Badman could not abide nor could the good man abide the bad wayes of his base Apprentice Yet would his Master if he could have kept him and also have learnt him his trade Atten. If he could why he might if he would might he not Wise. Alas Badman ran away from him once and twice and would not at all be ruled So the next time he did run away from him he did let him go indeed For he gave him no occasion to run away except it was by holding of him as much as he could and that he could do but little to good and honest rules of life And had it been ones own case one should have let him go For what should a man do that had either regard to his own Peace his Childrens Good or the preservation of the rest of his servants from evil but let him go Had he staid the house of Correction had been most fit for him but thither his Master was loth to send him because of the love that he bore to his Father An house of correction I say had been the fittest place for him but his Master let him go Atten. He ran away you say but whither did he run Wise. Why to one of his own trade and also like himself Thus the wicked joyned hand in hand and there he served out his time Atten. Then sure he had his hearts desire when he was with one so like himself Wise. Yes So he had but God gave it him in his anger Atten. How do you mean Wise. I mean as before that for a wicked man to be by the Providence of God turned out of a good mans doors into a wicked mans house to dwell is a sign of the Anger of God For God by this and such Judgements says thus to such an one Thou wicked one thou lovest not me my wayes nor my people Thou castest my Law and good Counsel behinde thy back Come I will dispose of thee in my wrath thou shalt be turned over to the ungodly thou shalt be put to school to the Devil I will leave thee to sink and swim in sin till I shall visit thee with Death and Judgment This was therefore another Judgment that did come upon this young Badman Atten. You have said the truth for God by such a Judgment as this in effect says so indeed for he takes them out of the hand of the just and binds them up in the hand of the wicked and whither they then shall be carried a man may easily imagin Wise. It is one of the saddest tokens of Gods anger that happens to such kind of persons And that for several reasons 1. Such an one by this Judgment is put out out of the way and from under the means which ordinarily are made use of to do good to the soul. For a Family where Godliness is professed and practised is Gods Ordinance the place which he has appointed to teach young ones the way and fear of God Now to be put out of such a Family into a bad a wicked one as Mr. Badman
the Constables to make distress on the people that he might have the Money or Goods and as I heard he hastened them much to do it Now while he was in the heat of his work as he stood one day by the Fire-side he had it should seem a mind to a Sop in the Pan for the Spit was then at the fire so he went to make him one but behold a Dog some say his own Dog took distaste at something and bit his Master by the Leg the which bite notwithstanding all the means that was used to cure him turned as was said to a Gangrene however that wound was his death and that a dreadful one too for my Relator said that he lay in such a condition by this bite as the beginning till his flesh rotted from off him before he went out of the world But what need I instance in particular persons when the Judgement of God against this kind of people was made manifest I think I may say if not in all yet in most of the Counties in England where such poor Creatures were But I would if it had been the will of God that neither I nor any body else could tell you more of these Stories True stories that are neither Lye nor Romance Atten. Well I also heard of both these my self and of more too as remarkable in their kind as these if I had any list to tell them but let us leave those that are behind to others or to the coming of Christ who then will justifie or condemn them as the merit of their work shall require or if they repented and found mercy I shall be glad when I know it for I wish not a curse to the Soul of mine Enemy Wise. There can be no pleasure in the telling of such stories though to hear of them may do us a pleasure They may put us in mind that there is a God that judgeth in the earth and that doth not alwayes forget nor deferre to hear the Crye of the destitute They also carry along with them both Caution and Counsel to those that are the survivers of such Let us tremble at the Judgements of God and be afraid of sinning against him and it shall be our protection It shall go well with them that fear God that fear before him Atten. Well Sir as you have intimated so I think we have in this place spoken enough about these kind of men if you please let us return again to Mr. Badman himself if you have any more to say of him Wise. More we have yet scarce throughly begun with Any thing that we have said All the particulars are in themselves so full of badness that we have rather only looked in them than indeed said any thing to them but we will pass them and proceed You have heard of the sins of his Youth of his Apprentiship and how he set up and married and what a life he hath led his wife and now I will tell you some more of his pranks He had the very knack of Knavery had he as I said before been bound to serve an Apprentiship to all these things he could not have been more cunning he could not have been more artificial at it Atten. Nor perhaps so artificially neither For as none can teach Goodness like to God himself so concerning Sin and Knavery none can teach a man it like the Devil to whom as I perceive Mr. Badman went to School from his Childhood to the end of his life But pray Sir make a beginning Wise. Well so I will You may remember that I told you what a condition he was in for Money before he did marry and how he got a rich Wife with whose Money he paid his debts Now when he had paid his debts he having some Moneys left he sets up again as briskly as ever keeps a great Shop drives a great Trade and runs again a great way into debt but now not into the debt of one or two but into the debt of many so that at last he came to owe some thousands and thus he went on a good while And to pursue his ends the better he began now to study to please all men and to suit himself to any company he could now be as they say as they that is if he listed and then he would list when he perceived that by so doing he might either make them his Customers or Creditors for his Commodities If he dealt with honest men as with some honest men he did then he would be as they talk as they seem to be sober as they talk of Justice and Religion as they and against Debauchery as they yea and would too seem to shew a dislike of them that said did or were otherwise than honest Again when he did light among those that were bad then he would be as they but yet more close and cautiously except he were sure of his company Then he would carry it openly be as they say Damn 'em and Sink 'em as they If they railed on Good men so could he if they railed on Religion so could he if they talked beastly vainly idlely so would he if they were for drinking swearing whoring or any the like Villanies so was he This was now the path he trod in and could do all artificially as any man alive And now he thought himself a perfect man he thought he was always a Boy till now What think you now of Mr. Badman Atten. Think why I think he was an Atheist For no man but an Atheist can do this I say it cannot be but that the man that is such as this Mr. Badman must be a rank and stinking Atheist for he that believes that there is either God or Devil Heaven or Hell or Death and Judgment after cannot doe as Mr. Badman did I mean if he could do these things without reluctancy and check of Conscience yea if he had not sorrow and remorse for such abominable sins as these Wise. Nay he was so far off from reluctancies and remorse of Conscience for these things that he counted them the excellency of his Attainments the quintessence of his Wit his rare and singular vertues such as but few besides himself could be the Masters of Therefore as for those that made boggle and stop at things and that could not in Conscience and for fear of Death and Judgement do such things as he he would call them Fools and Noddies and charge them for being frighted with the talk of unseen Bugbears and would encourage them if they would be men indeed to labour after the attainment of this his excellent art He would often-times please himself with the thoughts of what he could do in this matter saying within himself I can be religious and irreligious I can be any thing or nothing I can swear and speak against swearing I can lye and speak against lying I can drink wench be unclean and defraud and not be troubled for
yield thee but a dinner of herbs at a time will yield more peace therewith than will a stalled Ox ill gotten Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right 4. Be thou confident that Gods eyes are upon all thy wayes and that he poâ—dereth all thy goings and also that he marks them writes them down and seals them up in a bag against the time to come 5. Be thou sure that thou remembrest that thou knowest not the day of thy death Remember also that when death comes God will give thy substance for the which thou hast laboured and for the which perhaps thou hast hazarded thy soul to one thou knowest not who nor whether he shall be a wise man or a fool And then what profit hath he that laboureth for the wind Besides thou shalt have nothing that thou mayest so much as carry away in thine hand Guilt shall goe with thee if thou hast got it dishonestly and they also to whom thou shalt leave it shall receive it to their hurt These things duly considered and made use of by thee to the preparing of thy heart to thy calling of buying or selling I come in the next place to shew thee how thou shouldest live in the practick part of this art Art thou to buy or sell 1. If thou sellest do not commend if thou buyest do not dispraise any otherwise but to give the thing that thou hast to do with it s just value and worth for thou canst not do otherwise knowingly but of a covetous and wicked mind Wherefore else are comodities overvalued by the Seller and also undervalued by the Buyer It is naught it is naught says the buyer but when he hath got his bargain he boasteth thereof What hath this man done now but lyed in the dispraising of his bargain and why did he dispraise it but of a covetous mind to wrong and beguile the seller 2. Art thou a seller and do things grow dear set not thy hand to help or hold them up higher this cannot be done without wickedness neither for this is a making of the sheekle great Art thou a buyer and do things grow dear use no cunning or deceitful language to pull them down for that cannot be done but wickedly too What then shall we do will you say Why I answer Leave things to the providence of God and do thou with moderation submit to his hand But since when they are growing dear the hand that upholds the price is for the time more strong than that which would pull it down That being the hand of the seller who loveth to have it dear specially if it shall rise in his hand therefore I say do thou take heed and have not a hand in it The which thou mayest have to thine own and thy neighbours hurt these three ways 1. By crying out scaroity scarcity beyond the truth and state of things especially take heed of doing of this by way of a prognostick for time to come I was for this for which he was trodden to death in the gate of Samaria that you read of in the book of Kings This sin has a double evil in it 1. It belieth the present blessing of God amongst us and 2. It undervalueth the riches of his goodness which can make all good things to abound towards us 2. This wicked thing may be done by hoaâ—ding up when the hunger and Necessity of the poor calls for it Now that God may shew his dislike against this he doth as it were license the people to curse such an hoarder up He that withholdeth corn the people shall curse him but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it 3. But if things will rise do thou be grieved Be also moderate in all thy sellings and be sure let the poor have a pennyworth and sell thy Corn to those in necessity Which then thou wilt do when thou shewest mercy to the poor in thy selling to him and when thou for his sake because he is poor undersellest the market This is to buy and sell with good conscience thy buyer thou wrongest not thy Conscience thou wrongest not thy self thou wrongest not for God will surely recompense thee I have spoken concerning Corn but thy duty is to let thy moderation in all things be known unto all men the Lord is at hand Atten. Well Sir now I have heard enough of Mr. Badmans naughtiness pray now proceed to his Death Wise. Why Sir the Sun is not so low we have yet three hours to night Atten. Nay I am not in any great hast but I thought you had even now done with his Life Wise. Done no I have yet much more to say Atten. Then he has much more wickedness than I thought he had Wise. That may be But let us proceed This Mr. Badman added to all his wickedness this He was a very proud man a Very proud man He was exceeding proud and haughty in mind He looked that what he said ought not must not be contradicted or opposed He counted himself as wise as the wisest in the Countrey as good as the best and as beautiful as he that had most of it He took great delight in praising of himself and as much in the praises that others gave him He could not abide that any should think themselves above him or that their wit or personage should by others be set before his He had scarce a fellowly carriage for his equals But for those that were of an inferior ranck he would look over them in great contempt And if at any time he had any remote occasion of having to do with them he would shew great height and a very domineering spirit So that in this it may be said that Solomon gave a characteristical note of him when he said Proud and haughty scorner iâ— his name who dealeth in proud wrath He never thought his Dyet well enough dressed his Cloathes fine enough made or his Praise enough refined Atten. This Pride is a sin that sticks as close to nature I think as most sins There is Vncleanness and Pride I know not of any two gross sins that stick closer to men then they They have as I may call it an interest in Nature it likes them because they most suit its lusts and fancies and therefore no marvel though Mr. Badman was tainted with pride since he had so wickedly given up himself to work all iniquity with greediness Wise. You say right Pride is a sin that sticks close to Nature and is one of the first follies wherein it shews it self to be polluted For even in Childhood even in little children Pride will first of all shew it self it is a hasty an early appearance of the sin of the soul. It as I may say is that corruption that strives for predominancy in the heart and therefore usually comes out first But though children are so
not cried unto me with their heart when they howled upon their bed Atten. Yet one may see by this the desperateness of mans heart for what is it but desperate wickedness to make promise to God of amendment if he will but spare them and yet so soon as they are recovered or quickly after fall to sin as they did before and never to regard their promise more Wise. It is a sign of desperateness indeed yea of desperate madness For surely they must needs think that God took notice of their promise that he heard the words that they spake and that he hath laid them up against the time to come and will then bring out and testifie to their faces that they flattered him with their mouth and lyed unto him with their tongue when they lay sick to their thinking upon their death-bed and promised him that if he would recover them they would repent and amend their ways But thus as I have told you Mr. Badman did He made great promises that he would be a New man that he would leave his sins and become a Convert that he would love c. his godly wife c. Yea many fine words had Mr. Badman in his sickness but no good actions when he was well Atten. And how did his good wife take it when she saw that he had no Amendment but that he returned with the Dog to his vomit to his old courses again Wise. Why it broke her heart it was a worse disappointment to her than the cheat that he gave her in marriage At least she laid it more to heart and could not so well grapple with it You must think that she had put up many a prayer to God for him before even all the time that he had carried it so badly to her and now when he was so aâ—â—righted in his sickness and so desired that he might live and meâ—d poor woman she thought that the time was come for God to answer her prayers nay she did not let with gladness to whisper it out amongst her Friends that 't was so but when she saw her self disappointed by her husbands turning Rebel again she could not stand up under it but falls into a languishing distemper and in a few weeks gave up the Ghost Atten. Pray how did she dye Wise. Die she dyed bravely full of comfort of the faith of her Interest in Christ and by him of the world to come she had many brave Expressions in her sickness and gave to those that came to visit her many signs of her salvation the thoughts of the Grave but specially of her Rising again were sweet thoughts to her She would long for Death because she knew it would be her Friend She behaved her self like to some that were making of them ready to go meet their Bridegroom Now said she I am going to rest from my sorrows my sighs my tears my mournings and complaints I have heretofore longed to be among the Saints but might by no means be suffered to goe but now I am going and no man can stop me to the great Meeting to the general Assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in Heaven There I shall have my hearts desire there I shall worship without Temptation or other impediment there I shall see the face of my Jesus whom I have loved whom I have served and who now I know will save my soul. I have prayed often for my husband that he might be converted but there has been no answer of God in that matter Are my prayers lost are they forgotten are they thrown over the barr No they are hanged upon the horns of the golden Altar and I must have the benefit of them my self that moment that I shall enter into the gates in at which the righteous Nation that keepeth truth shall enter I say I shall have the benefit of them I can say as holy David I say I can say of my husband as he could of his enemies As for me when they were sick my cloathing was of sack-cloth I humbled my soul with fasting and my prayer returned into my bosom My prayers are not lost my tears are yet in Gods bottle I would have had a Crown and Glory for my husband and for those of my children that follow his steps but so far as I can see yet I must rest in the hope of having all my self Atten. Did she talk thus openly Wise. No this she spake but to one or two of her most intimate acquaintance who were permitted to come and see her when she lay languishing upon her death-bed Atten. Well but pray go on in your relation this is good I am glad to hear it this is as a cordial to my heart while we sit thus talking under this tree Wise. When she drew near her end she called for her husband and when he was come to her she told him That now he and she must part and said she God knows and thou shalt know that I have been a loving faithful Wife unto thee my prayers have been many for thee and as for all the abuses that I have received at thy hand those I freely and heartily forgive and still shall pray for thy conversion even as long as I breathe in this world But husband I am going thither where no bad man shall come and if thou dost not convert thou wilt never see me more with comfort let not my plain words offend thee I am thy dying wife and of my faithfulness to thee would leave this Exhortation with thee Break off thy sins fly to God for mercy while mercies gate stands open remember that the day is coming when thou though now lusty and well must lye at the gates of death as I do And what wilt thou then do if thou shalt be found with a naked soul to meet with the Cherubims with their flaming swords yea what wilt thou then do if Death and Hell shall come to visit thee and thou in thy sins and under the Curse of the Law Atten. This was honest and plain but what said Mr. Badman to her Wise. He did what he could to divert her talk by throwing in other things he also shewed some kind of pity to her now and would ask her What she would have and with various kind of words put her out of her talk for when she see that she was not regarded she fetcht a deep sigh and lay still So he went down and then she called for her Children and began to talk to them And first she spake to those that were rude and told them the danger of dying before they had grace in their hearts She told them also that Death might be nearer them than they were aware of and bid them look when they went through the Church-yard again if there was not little graves there And ah children said she will it not be dreadful to you if we only shall meet