forth a vive resemblance of the Devil and some violent pressure and incitement from that airth 7. Is it not sure that there is such a party by this that he is an adversary to God and holines for which he doth so impetuously tempt and presse men to the outward acts of sin yea that there is a Spirit of blasphemy which so visibly rageth in the world and acts men to war against Heaven with their tongues by cursing and blasphemous oathes which hath no carnal pleasure or gain but yet cannot forbear from a violent incitement which may be seen swaying them to the same 8. Whence is it which is so very known and notour that these horrid wretches who give themselves to the Divill cannot enter in any formal engadgement without renouncing Christ and their baptisme doth it not shew that direct opposition he stands in to Christ yea to the very name and shadow of Christianity 9. Whence is it that even the grossest Atheists upon any appearance of the Devil or apprehension from that airth will not then make scorn of prayer but turns in earnest to that which at other times they mocked O doth it not shew mens Atheism is their choice but not their judgement that not onely there is a dreadful horrour and fear which by nature men have of these evil Spirits but some inbred sense also and impression of a Deity which doth bewray it selfe whither they will or not in a pressing strait and extremity TENTH That there is such an enmity betwixt the seed of the woman and the Serpent as the Scripture hath held forth is very manifest a truth wherein the world may see the Scripture clearly verifyed Gal. 4 ver 29. It is truely strange that this putteth not men to more serious thoughts to pursue such a thing to its true rise what should cause such a violent and unreasonable contrariety against the way and followers of God for here upon grave reflections they must needs see what a convincing witnes their way is to the truth of the Scripture which might put them in some other humor yea help to turn this poison into an antidot against it selfe but this is sure and undenyable the discovery where of cannot but stair the greatest Atheist in the face from these convincing evidences 1. That it is seen no privat quarrel which ever was among men hath been with such vigour and malice persued as this upon the account of religion which hath still put the World more in a flame then any privat interest yea it is very manifest how men are carried with the spaite of their own natural inclination to oppose the Church and People of God 2. That this feed and enmity could never be taken up through all the successions of time a strife which is not late begun or to be seen only in one age betwixt the children of the bond woman and of the free no the most sage and wise amongst men the greatest Peace-makers could yet never fall on a way to reconcile these two parties but the children have still served themselves heirs to the quarrell and hatred of their fathers against the Church 3. Is it not seen that these who are more civil and can hold a little up with the form of religion yet will break forth in greatest rage against the power thereof when once it begins to appear it is indeed here that imbred contrariety which is in men against holines doth bewray it selfe even in these who are other wayes noted for a calm and peaceable disposition while once they begin to be scorcht with its heat 4. What a strong natural antipathy is this which causeth men pnrsue with so much bitternes these from whom they never had any personal injury sure their conscience must oft tell that they have no reason or any other provocation then what is from the appearance of the image of God in such but this is their nature and indisposition an enmity which they can no more help then they can change their nature or the Leopard can change its spots 5. From what a strong inclination and inward principle doth the World thus act in its opposition to the Church and followers of God whilest it is clear that though these were never so quiet and peaceable yet their enemyes are still restlesse and cannot sleep beside them 6. It is seen how this doth separat betwixt nearest friends and relations and alienat such who have sometimes been most dear to other no bond in nature so strait which it will not break it doth oft set the husband against the wife and the parents against the children yea when religion once breaks up in a corner of a land or a family doth it not then make a visible jarr and put all in a flame 7. It is clear that when once grace appeareth in men they are as a sign and wonder to a profane generation the World doth then sensibly change her countenance and looketh like a step-mother while on the other hand it is clear that professours turning loose and running to that excesse of riot with others will cause their old adversaries warm towards them and alace proveth the surest way to gain mens frienship while the World thinks they are their own when once they turn profane ELEVENTH That the Creature is made subject to vanity because of sin which not only the wisest of men but the Spirit of God doth witnes that things here beneath the sun are indeed vanity and vexation of spirit Rom. 8 vor 20. Eccles 2 ver 11. is a piece of the Scripture in such great letters written forth to the view of men that none can be strangers thereto It is true the cause and solid remedy of this so general a complaint is only reached by the Godly man who knoweth how to read the vanity of the creature as a piece of the fulfilling of the word and doth seriously consider things as they are not as they appear but it is also sure that in every age through the various changes of mans life this is so cleirly witnessed that the most grosse and brutish cannot shift the conviction thereof but in one of these two times have been forced to a publick acknowledging of the same at death when they are leaving the World or in a day of strait when the World is leaving them now to demonstrat this I shall here but offer these few queries 1. Have not the greatest instances of the glory of the World been usually the greatest examples of its vanity and change how few hath ambition raised but it hath also ruined yea given the sorest fall to these it had lifted most high What sudden changes do attend great men and high places which these who sit lâ—â— do escape sure if the tragedies of Princes and such who in their condition have been raised above others were put by themselves in record it should make a great volumn and shew how their glory and prosperous estate did only make their
last dayes it vvould be of great use and profit to the Church that some more fitly qualified vvould study a more large collection of this kinde O that this might go forth vvith a blessing from him vvho by the meanest things can serve himself promote the ediâ—icaaion of his Church and that the Lord vvould raise some up vvith much of his Spirit to make a further search and enquiry in this great and vveiguty truth ERRATA PAge 12 Line 1 for very read every pag. 45 lin 2 for ate r. are p. 77 lin 10 for securitly r. sccurity p. 90 lin 18. for were r. where pag. 94 lin 13 for plaines r. plainness p. 105 liu 26 for most r. must p. 167 lin 9 for hash r. harsh p. 185 len 3 for therefore r. thereof p. 108 lin 1. for Alba r. Alva pag. 214 lin 25. for cruches r crutches pag. 217 lin 11 for III r. 2. p. 220 lin 1 for IV r. III. p. 255 l. 31 for petioned r. petitioned p. 285 lin 11 for observation r. observable Other such fmaller escapes as one letter for another or wrong pointing will not hinder an intelligent Reader The fulfilling of the SCRIPTURE THere are two meanes by which the blessed Majesty of God hath chosen to reveal himself to the sons of men his Word and his Works which may be called these two great Luminaries for giving light to the Church though the one be greater I mean doth more clearly shine forth yea doth communicate light to the other these men must not divide which by so strait a tye the Lord hath joyned and by a mervellous correspondence hath set the one over against the other that it may be easy to see his faithfulnes and the accomplishment of the Scripture therein and indeed this is a great concerning truth that calleth for a serious study the solid persuasion of which should affoord a svveet ground of repose and rest for the soul though the earth were all in a combustion ronnd about and give a satisfying answer to our most sollicitous thoughts and feares Now this being the intended subject of the following discourse I shall first touch it a little in the general and then hold forth some more particular grounds whence it may be clearly demonstrated I. That the Scripture of God hath a certain accomplishment here in the World and what is to be understood by the same I shall endeavour to clear in these things which would be considered 1. This is the very unfolding of the Lords decree and secret purpose the bringing forth of his work now within time to the view of Angels and Men which was before him in the deep of his thoughts and counsel from eternity it is an opening up of the sealed book which we must not understand to be that secret roll of election and the book of life wherein the names of the elect are writ but Liber fatidicus the sealed book of Gods dispensations in the World shewing out his counsels and designes which should be brought forth in the after ages of time for as the Lord did fully comprehend what he was to do and all that was to befal his Church and People from the beginning to the end long long before there was a beginning before the mountaines were formed so hath he copyed and written out his heart in the Word hereanent wherein he hath most plainly shewed forth what were his blessed purposes and counsel of old and thus the thoughts of his heart his Word and his works do sweetly aggree and each one wonderfully answers to another for his work doth bring forth and accomplish his Word that his decree and counsel from all eternity may take place 2. The Scriptures accomplishment is the transcript and writing of it over in providence where we may see and admire how the Word doth shine upon all the pathes and footsteps of the Lord toward his Church in every age and gives light to the same and what an evident reflection his work hath again upon the Word so that through the whole series and course of providence in the earth we have a most exact portraicture and image of the Scripture answering one to another as face answers to face in the glasse where it may be easy to discern the copy by the principale and that resemblance which is betwixt the building and that excellent pattern and model which is held forth thereof in the Word 3. The accomplishment of the Scripture is the very turning that which was the object of our faith and contemplation to be the object of our sense and feeling it is the real birth and bringing forth these truths unto the World in their appointed time and season concerning the Church and particular Christians which were hid in that womb of the promise and many dark predictions of the Word it is such a thing as giveth the promises and Prophecyes a visible being yea bringeth truth so near within the reach of our senses that we may even touch as it were and handle the Words of life O what an excellent interpreter is experience Tast and see for thus the serious Christian getteth a view of the Scripture and spiritual things which the most subtil and piercing eye of unsanctified Schoolmen cannot reach yea by the practice of truth nearnes to God ahd retiring of the soul to him hath oft got more light in ane houre then others by many dayes putting their judgement and invention upon the rack 4. This is Gods own seale which he pntteth to the Word to confirm and ratify the same I do not only mean that secret seale of the Spirit within but something more external that solemn testimony of his workes whereby he doth every day appeal mens consciences anent his truth for his works are very manifest whereon there is so clear an ingravening of his truth and faithfulness that as the impresse and image of the seal is upon the wax men may also see whose superscription and image that is which doth appear on such and such passages of providences 5. This is something we are not to seek onely in the extraordinary acts of providence or in any singular and eminent path of a christian experience nay it doth shine forth in the smallest and most casual things that falls out yea in every Page of that great Volumn of providence may be clearly read 6. The Scriptures accomplishment is such a thing as concerns every Christian in his personal case to which his ordinary experience doth relate whereof these have a large register what of the Word hath been certainly proven in the several steps and changes of their life whose practice doth much ly betwixt improvement of the Word and observation how it is fulfilled such can witnes how under a spiritual decay to be carnally minded is death and when it s well that great peace they have who love Gods Law they have oft found that in a strait he is a very present help and in the way
care and expence what a sore vanity is this 12. Will not the want of a very small thing oft embitter the pleasantest lot and turn into wâ—â—mwood and gall the smallest touch of pain the gravel or tooth-ake yea even some melancholy thought will make men disrelish all their present enjoyments what a torment doth a small ruffle and affront oft prove to the proud man even in the midst of his glory is it not also found how carnal mirth and joy men wallowing in the delights of the World hath still in the close a bitter sting and hasth waygate which as the shadow attends the body is the native and unseparable consequent thereof and surely that may be easy to discern there is no condition which can want a crosse or some mixture of discontent even where there is least seen cause I would adde which cannot want a remark in every time that while men seem to be at the top and furdest period of their thoughts and projects have things according to their desire brought to some happy close they are oft then upon some turn and change in their condition either by death or some very sad crosse and even in that day their thoughts have perished truely such as are wise observers of the World and of the course of things therein may oft see how usuall a tryst this is that when there is too bright a sun-blink in outward prosperity if great sobriety and moderation do not accompany the same it is an ominous and fatall presage of a storm ad summum quicquid venit ad exitium prope est TWELFTH I would furder adde this truth which hath in all ages been cleerly witnessed even to the conviction of the World that the end of the upright man is peace and integrity what ever rub it may seem to have by the way yet hath a sweet and comfortable close Ps 37 37. This is an undenyable truth not only because the Saints are then entring into perfect peace but it is also clear that how ever the godly man may have very sharp assaults in the close of his dayes and some who have shined very bright do set in a dark cloud their evening full of sorrow and bitternes yea their reflexion on some sad stip which they have made by the way bearing them company even to the grave yet this truth is still verifyed yea may be discernable to the conviction of bystanders that integrity and an upright walk hath much peace in the end and doth land men upon a comfortable harbour anent which I can appeal the World and the most ordinary onlookers if this hath not been oft very convincing and discernable to them from many instances from the Lords usual way with these who have been faithful in their generation at their death from that testimony which they have then given to this yea from most visible signes and evidences hereof even upon their countenance and carriage vvhilest it is seen 1. How great an advantage such use to have above others when Death approacheth so that it hath not been Balaams wish alone to dy the death of the righteous and to have his latter end like theirs but the worst of men are still forced to witnesse their respect to the lot of a dying Christian and would wish a share thereof when it coms to their turn anent which I may ask the greatest mockers at religion and at the life of a Godly man if they can possibly shun this conviction that surely such are of the best estare and at the greatest advantage in their end 2. This I am sure cannot be hid from the World what aboundant peace the Saints do then testify in their choice what a present unspeakable complacency they have with this that they valued Christ above all other advantages did choose affâ—iction rather then sin and now while they are turning their face to the wall finds the witnes of a good conscience and of Gods approbation so sweet a feast that their joy and peace on this account they can not smother or keep in but declare to all who stand by what they find and truely it hath been oft seen how the inward joy which some of these have had hath exceeded their outward pain been more sensible to them then their sicknesse yea have been in leaving the World much more chearful then these whom they left behind 3. It is also known and may be very obvious to by-standers how with a sweet composure and recumbency of foul such have laid themselves upon the promise in that houre while they were grapling with the king of terrours their spirit then quiet and calm having taken the truth and testimony of God for their shield and buckler which may tell the World what an other kinde of security and confidence these have beyond others yea that surely the ground on which this confidence is â—ounded must be a thing that is able to bear out the greatest storm and assault and is something above nature 4. Is it not clear that even an untimely and violent death could not let or frustrat that peace which integrity causeth in the close For innumerable instances can witnes what marvellous joy and satisfaction the Saints have shewed at a stake and upon a scaffold and thence hath had a more chearful going out of time then the rich man stretched upon his soft bed or the greatest Monarch amidst all outward advantages sure we must say that sweet refreshing close of the upright man hath never been more visible and writ in greater letters then in such a case 5. What very sad conflicts have some of the Saints had in their life yea even upon the setting of the sun hath been put to cry out through sore perplexing feares and doubts wherewith they have been assaulted who have at last had this turned into a song and such a marvellous change in their case as hath not been more sensible to themselves then discernable to all onlookers like a sudden calm and sunshin after some dark storm I must here ask the Atheist and such as reckon Godlinesse but a fancy whence should so strange so sudden and great alteration proceed that these who a little before were under such horrour could have no rest no arguments could do their tnrn doe thus witnes the aboundant peace of their souls yea which is oft seen that fervent desire wherewith some of the Saints are taken away the very lustre of heaven being upon their countenance how marvellous and piercing are their words which may cleerly tell that now they feel they see and have got some glance of that which onlookers cannot reach though they cannot deny an acknowledgement of this 6. Must not the World grant yea the greatest enemyes to godlines allow this charity that sure this peace and joy which such have witnessed at death cannot be dissimulation that there is no temptation could thus byass them to deceive others and themselves in a matter of such high concernment
Jreland through much of France Germany Sueden the Low Countries Pole Denemark yea even in Hungary Transilvania sure this was a great work which should be marvellous inour eyes how that Antichristian Empire contrived with such wisdome underpropt with so great strength whose commands not long since were receaved as Oracles with an avv and respect onely due to God hath in such a measure begun to fall before the power of the word O the righteous judgement of the Lord. which he hath shewed forth upon that adversary and should be a pledge to us of the further manifestation thereof an adversary we may say the greatest that ever the Church had whose little finger hath been sorer then the loins of all who went before if we consider his cruelty over mens bodyes tyrannie over their conscience with so long a continuance of that tryal in respect of whom it may be said Pharaoh was an easy taskmaster Antiochus and the Roman Emperours milde who for neer 1200 year did carry on a despeart and bloody war against the Church II. The Second which I would at some more length follow forth is this how the Lords hand and something of an extraordinary providence hath been no lesse discernable in this late raising of the Church and her begun victory over Antichrist then in the First planting of Christianity by the Apostles this is a truth which to many may seem strange but when seriously considered if prejudice do not darken mens judgement will appear from sure and solid grounds now to demonstrat this I would here offer some very convincing witnesses which may help to strengthen the faith of the Godly and give Atheisme some dash FIRST Witnes to this truth is that wonderful successe which the Gospel in these last times hath had wherein men must see the great power of God and efficacy of the Spirit in some measure as manifest as in the first rise of the Christian Church if we consider 1. From what a small spark so great a fire did break up which in a short time put Europe in a flame and made so great a change therein even Luthers appearing against Texelius upon the account of his indulgencies O but Gods time of working may be oft contraire to our time of expecting 2. What a swift progresse did the gospel have may we not say with wonder can a nation be born at once yet this we have seen how many Nations and Cityes in one and the same age yea in lesse then 40. yeares was brought in subjection to the truth and these instruments whom scarce any durst own at first made to see great Princes with armyes on the fields for the interests of Christ 3. Have we not seen Religion propagated by martyrdome no lesse then in the primitive times and mens essaies to ruin the Church helped it further to grow O what but a divine power could thus bring gold out of iron and clay bring a flowrishing Church out of their ashes and turn her poison to a preservative but alace it is sad that whilest men were burned for the truth and reading the Scripture their affection did also burn in reading the same but now with our liberty there is so great a decay 4. Must not the wise and polititians of the World confesse this late encrease of the Church is a thing above their reach most crosse to all their rules which they cannot see how in an ordinary way it could be brought about 5. Were not instruments most unlikely for so great a work if we would judge as men that such a poor handful as Luther Zuinglius Melanchton Bucere c. should go forth to confront that power which then made the earth to tremble might it not seem as improbable as the sending forth of some fisher men to subdue the Nations 6. It is knowen they were none of the Rabbies of the time whose repute and fame might have purchased easy accesse to their message nay they were loaded with all the reproach which their adversaryes could devise with novelty of doctrine deceit and falshood in their dealing represented to the World as Monsters Luther was forced to answer himselfe a printed relation of his death how he was carried away soul and body by the Devil 7. Was not the message they carried most opposit to mens carnal inclinations to these principles they had suckt in from their infancy to the religion of their Fathers yea in a word had no outward encouragements the whole World seemed to combine against them Luther at his first appearance excommunicated by the Pope proscribed by the Emperour and good Melanchton was oft made to faint when he thought on so great a speat of opposition so that without the convoy of an extraordinary power nothing could have looked more improbable SECOND Witnes that may let the World see a wonderful providence in this late raising of the Church is this these sharp assaults which the Church met with from a party no lesse cruel and powerfull then any adversary which the Church had in the primitive times for I am sure the World must confesse that no ordinary mean had wanted for an essay to crush the gospel in its first budding forth that both counsel and force the authority of law backed vvhith greatest rage and violence in its execution yea the power of the Princes of the earth was put forth to the utmost to withstand this great work of God in these last ages to clear this I shall only point at some remarkable assaults which did tryst the dauning of the gospel that may shew something above nature going alongst with it 1. We find a Spanish Emperour devoted to the popish interest more powerful then any who went before brought in on Germany with the very first breaking up of the light which might seem a dreadful let to the Gospels spreading 2. The rise of the Boores and Anabaptist party whose way being so grosse destructive to civil order to the interests and proprieties of men did look like a sad tryst and a probable mean to beget much prejudice against the truth 3. That sad overthrow of the Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse who were such great patriots to the Church did then threaten the very ruin of the Protestant interest in Germany 4. The Councel of Trent where the Popish party had all their politicks on foot in a strong combination how to ruin the Church 5. The Interim of Germany a most subtile contrivance to divide and thus break the strength of the Protestants was also a sore assault a snare to some and cause of persecution to others 6. That Spanish Inquisition established through Spain Italy and the Low Countreyes a horrid cruel engine which did reach to prevent the smallest glancings of the truth 7. The French Massacre where not only the Admiral but most of the considerable Protestants vvere through all France in a few dayes cut off O vvould not this seem an irrecoverable stroke together with that
other sinful man to be carried through creditably but as sure as ever he spake to me in his word his spirit witnessed to my heart saying fear not he had accepted my suffering and the outgate should not be matter of prayer but of praise he said also thy word was found and I did eat it and it was to me the joy and rejoycing of my heart and a little before his death after some fainting he sayeth now I feell I beleeve I enjoy I rejoyce and turning to Mr Blair then present he said I feed on Manna I have Angels food my eyes shall see my Redeemer I know that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth and I shall be caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air and afterwards hath these words I sleep in Christ and when I awake I shall be satisfyed with his likenes O for armes to embrace him and to one speaking anent his painfulnes in the ministry he cryeth out Iâ—disclaim all the port I would be in at is redemption and forgivenes if sins through his blood And thus full of the spirit yea as it were overcome with sensible enjoyment he breaths out his soul His last words being Glory Glory dwelleth in Emâ—â—nuels land SIXTH Witnes is that convincing appearance of an extraordinary and Apostolick spirit on some of these instruments whom the Lord raised up in these last times and these great enduements wherewith they were sent for the fervice of the Church and overthrow of the Kingdome of Antichrist a truth which we must say if not in such a measure yet hath been no lesse evident then in these primitive times when the Christian Church was planted It is clear that extraordinary gifts and enduements have been let forrh to the Church under the New Testament for with the first dawning of the Gospel there was both Apostles and Prophets raised up it cannot be also denyed that since the Cannon of the Scripture was closed yea in these late ages there hath been very extraordinary men given to the Church who had special revelations from the Lord of his minde anent things to come which though we should not now look after yet herein did the Lord remarkably condescend when some great piece of service and necessity of the Church did more call for it and truely these were led in no other path then that of the word though they had a more special discovery and immediat inbreathing of Gods minde as to the application thereof in particular cases neither did they presse upon mens conscience to credit the same but were most cautious witnessing much humble sobriety on that account It is knowen what extraordinary instruments how wonderfully called and qualified Luther Zuingliuâ— Calvine Mr Wishart and Mr Knox were whom God sent in these latter dayes to grapple with Antichrist and sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon likewise 〈◊〉 Beza Bacere and Martyr with divers in England such as Latimer Ridley Bradfoord c. Who indeed were burning and shining lights in their time mighty in the Scripture fervent in spirit were cloathed with the power and authority of God before which the World could not stand But besides these famous witnesses of whose life vve have something this day on publick record I must here craveliberty to set dovvn a fevv moe more late instances of our ovvn Church in Scotland to confirm this truth such as are but little knovvn to the World nor any thing of their lives published vvhich I think a great losse to after generations vvhom vve may say and this vvith a vvarrant and in sobriety were men truely extraordinary eminently serviceable in the work of the Lord yea of a Prophetick and Apostolick Spirit and such vvho through grace did not even come short of the first three I mean not only these before mentioned but also some of these great lights vvho vvere in the first age of the Church after the ascension of Christ 1. I shall instance Mr Iohn Welsh whom the Lord called forth to the ministry at Kirck cubright in Galloway and afterwards was transported to the Church of An whom Mr Rutherfoord in one of his bookes calleth that heavenly Prophetical and Apostolick Man of God and sheweth that from the witnesses of his life he had this accompt that of every 24 houres he gave usually eight to prayer if other necessary and urgent dueties did not hinder yea spent many dayes and nights which he set apart in fasting and prayer for the condition of the Church and the sufferings of the reformed Churches abroad I can also adde this from very sure information and truely anent any of those particulars I seriously studie to have satisfying grounds anent the certainty thereof that it was his use even in the coldest winter nights to rise for prayer and oft times his wife who was an excellent woman hath risen to seek after him where he hath been found lying on the ground weeping and wrestling with the Lord yea sometimes would have been much of the night alone in the Church of Aire on that accompt One time especially his wife finding him overcharged with grief he told her he had that to presse him which she had not the soules of 3000 to answer for whilest he knew not how it was with many of them And an other time whilest she found him alone his spirit almost overcharged with anguish and grier upon her serious enquiry said that the times which were to come on Scotland were heavy and sad though she should not see them and this for the contempt of the Gospel Whilest he was prisoner in the Blacknesse in a letter to a Christian lady he giveth this accompt what large joy he had to suffer for such a truth that Iesus Christ was a King and had a visible Kingdome in the World even his Church which was as free to keep its Courts and exerce discipline by vertue of an intrinsick power from Christ as any Kingdome on the earth for which he was ready to lay down his life yea would rejoyce to be offered up a sacrifice on so glorious a truth in the close of that letter he doth also forewarn that judgement was coming to Scotland which should be blood first by an intestine sword and then by the sword of a stranger and that a great sacrifice should be there both of great men and mean the fulfilling whereof hath since been very sensible and is known by many alive who had that letter long before the late troubles begun whilest he was thus prisoner two of â—â—mankable passages I have had confirmed by divers worthy of credit some of whom shewed me they had them from these who were most familiar with the persones themselves they are indeed strange but we must also consider he was an extraordinary man The first was this that one night whilest he did expound the Scripture after his supper in the prison at his custome was whilest he with much power and authority was pressing
preacher of the Gospel to his death Galeacaeus Garracceolus an Italian Marquesse of great place and estate in the World was so taken by the hearâ— with one word in hearing Peter Martyr as made him quite not only all his hopes of preferment a most pleasant place as was in the earth and a great inheritance but to go over the belly of the most pressing intreaties and insinuations of his friends the weeping cryes of his Lady and Children and go to a strange place quiting all that he might preserve his conscience and enjoy fellowship with the Church O what a solemn witnes was this to the truth and of the conquering power of Christ And in a word what a marvellous thing was it that poor Luther against whom so much of the World was aloft with greatest rage and violence should yet live to an old age and go to the grave in peace And truely the Spirit and appearance of this great and fâ—â—st witnes to the truth might be a convincing evidence that the Lord was then to raise up a People to himselfe in whom he would be glorified by an active testimony as well as by suffering Besides these instances I would here mention some remarkable providences worthy indeed to be observed though they are little knowen to the World which we may say doth not only witnes the power of God but are a convincing seal to his truth and the Churches Reformation in these last times It is a remarkable passage which worthy Mr Forbes sets down under his hand whilest he was banished for the truth whose words are these In the year 1607. being at Ruan in France and meeting with Monsieur 〈◊〉 that auncient and famous divine and then Pastor of the Reformed Church in that city he had from him this following relation After the close of the Councel of Trent in the time of Pius the V. there was a consultation in Italy by the Pope and Cardinals for an utter extirpation of the Reformed Churches in Europe and to this end every Prince of the Romish Religion had a certain part designed where this great project should be put in practice The death of Pius the V. hindred a present prosecuting of this design And his successor Gregorius XIII did suffer it to ly dead having no heart that way and so until that time of Clemens VIII it was not revived but then this bloody resolution was of new ratified by him and his Cardinals under their hands and seals the onely difficulty was in this to find a fit and trusty person whom they should make use of to the Princes of the Romish Religion for engadgeing them to subscrive the said ordinance and set about the execution thereof At length a Gentleman of good parts near in blood to the Cardinal Baronius is choised which to him was a matter of much grief and sorrow for unknown to them he was of the Reformed Religion but this grief in his countenance and carriage put his friends who observed the same to strange thoughts and so much the more that he did expresly declare to some of these who asked thereanent that what to them seemed a cause of rejoycing was to him a just occasion of grief yet at last finding his haâ—ard upon a bitter challenge from the foresaid Cardinal who had heard thereof he judged it his wisdome to dissemble shewing him his unsuitablenes to so great an employment could not but be ground of trouble and fear and so was someway forced to engadge getting his commissions the decree of the Conclave with letters to the foresaid Princes sealed and subscribed But lo whilest this poor Gentleman is on his journey having found wayes to free himself of his servants and other company his spirit was in great perplexity betwixt these two grievous temptations either to be instrument of utter ruin to the truth and Churches of Christ or forsake his countrey inheritance and all he had in the World upon which he resolved to retire himself out of the high way to an obscure village where for three dayes he gave himself to fasting and prayer for direction and resolution from the Lord and after this had his heart so strengthned against the care of his wordly estate that he resolved to forsake all and to reveal this bloody conspiracy to the Churches of Christ and cast himself on Gods hand for his future estate so that he turned his face from Spain and took journey to France and to Paris where at that time remained the sister of Henry the IIII. a Religions Princesse afterwards Dutchesse of Lorraine to whom the foresaid Monsieur Figureus was her preacher and unto him made his addresse though after divers refusals of admission upon suspicion shewing him the whole bussines and delivered the sealed decree with his letters of coâ—â—mission for that effect and did likewise shew him who was then astonished at such a wonderful providence of God in fostering some of his own Children in the midst of Babylon and that to so comfortable an use for his Churches safety that there were many others in Italy yea in Rome it self of the Reformed Religion who had their secret meetings and even Gregory the XIII before his advancement to the Papacy was throughly clear thereanent in his judgement whereof he gave him divers evidences This foresaid relation did so affect Mr Forbes that he shewed his marvellous desire to see that man who had done so worthy and gracious a work for the glory of God and good of his Church and by a recommendation from Mousieur Figureus he did afterwards go of set â—â—â—pose to that place taking the first opportunity for Heâ—delberg where this Gentleman was then retired for his further security and honourably entertaind by that Prince where he sheweth that he saw him and from his own mouth received the assurance of this former narration to his great satisfaction and comfort This is the very suâ—me which I have here set down and truely â—â—â—scribed off the principale which I had beside me both written and subscribed by Mr Forbes his own hand A remarkable providence I shall also here set down which did tryst with some very convincing circumstances at the Parliament 1621. at their bringing in of Popish Geremonies upon the Church which was then a sad step of the lands defection from the truth contraire to their engadgements whilest the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ at that time did with greatest seriousnes and freedome obtest and warn these who were in power alace that now there is litle of such a Spirit appearing that they would not to please men corrupt the Worship of God but the speat being violent it did at last resolve in a Law at which very time whilest the Kings Commissioner did rise from the throne to ratify this woeful act by the touch of the Scepter was even in this moment of that ratification trysted by the God of Heaven with an extraordinary lightning and very unusual great claps of thunder and these
undenyable that in these great revolutions of the Monarchies there is a discernable consent and harmony betwixt the Scripture and these auncient records which we yet have of these times so that not only the things themselves but some of the most observable circumstances thereof which are particularly mentioned by Daniel we may read in Xenophon Herodot and Diodorus Siculus 3. It must also be granted that somethings which in Daniels prophesie would seem most strange and improbable such as Belshazars death in that very night the hand writing was shewed to him may be particularly understood in Xenophons history how Cyrus took the advantage of the Babylonian security whilest they were in the midst of a solemn feast and by diverting the channel of Euphrates did enter the city vvithout opposition also hovv that great horn of the high goat vvas so suddenly broken and the comming up of four in his room vvhich by Daniel are expounded of the Grecian Monarchy and the deviding of that Empire after Alexanders death is it not punctuallie held forth by all the historyes of that time 4. Was there not a very convincing appearance of a divine hand both in the rise and fall of these Monarchies and an extraordinary providence vvhich vve cannot but see vvhen vve read these histories that surely something above ordinary meanes and second causes vvas both in Cyrus conquest against the Babylonians and the marvellous svvift progresse and successe of Alexander against the Persians VI. That which was the great scope of all Prophesies under the Old Testament The comming of the Messias is surelie verifyed and now many ages past hath had an accomplishment the Lord is come unto his temple even he whose day Abraham and the Saints under the law did long after this was the most happie and notable crisis that ever the Church was under the great Epocha and period of time from which she doth now reckon which we know is no fable or cunning device of man that God was manifested in the flesh did make his abode for some time in the earth suffered at Ierusalem in the view of the World before many witnesses did arise from death on the third day was seen and known by his disciples thereafter and having finished the work for which he came vvas received up again into glory This is indeed a great truth vvhich concerneth us no lesse to knovv and be sure of then our soul is vvorth and interest through eternity the fulfilling vvhereof besids the authority of sacred writ the witnes and records of the Evangelists and Apostles of Iesus Christ who testifie what they certainly knew is a truth which from such convincing rational grounds may be demonstrated that the greatest height of Atheisme knoweth not how to state it selfe in direct opposition to the same and truely in this the Lord hath so tendered the strengthning of his peoples faith and their encouragement that as it is the most concerning promise of the Scripture on which our whole hope and blessednes depends so is it also most clear and conspicuous in the event I shall but onely touch this whereof so much hath been said by others 1. It is undenyable the Messias was to come to whom all the Sacrifices under the Law these auncient types and shadowes did clearly point to whom the Prophets bear witnes and was the faith of the auncient Iewish Church of which promise they were perswaded even whilest they saw it but a far yea did embrace it and repose themselves thereon yea is there not a most clear and exact portraicture drawn forth under the Old Testament of the Messias what an one he should be and by what peculiar characters he should be known who was to be revealed to Israel 2. The special season and period of time wherein Christ should come we find prefixed and shewed to the auncient Church which though under some figurative expressions seemed then dark yet was so far revealed that upon a diligent search and enquiry and particular collation of the times it might be easy to discern the Messias comming and near approach of which salvation the Prophets did enquire 1. Pet. 1 ver 10. and truely the fall of the Monarchies and right uptaking of Daniels weeks were sure and solide grounds for a clear computation thereanent thence was it that so general an expectation of the Messias was among the Iewes at that very time when he came so as divers impostoures did arise whom the People was ready to follow and we see with what amazement the Pharisees did enquire at Iohn the Baptist if he were the Christ or not yea Iosephus sheweth how the perswasion of this did most excite that People to war with the Romans from the prophecies they had in holy writ that from Iudea should about that time come who vvas to be Emperour of the World 3. It is also sure there vvas such an one vvho in the dayes of Tiberius and under the reign of Herod was made manifest to Israel and came with no outward shew and observation but did great and marvellous things before all the People was crucified at Ierusalem under Pontius Pilate and notwithstanding the ignominy of his death was after adored and followed both by many of the Iews and the gentils whose doctrine did also in a short time spread through the World a truth which the greatest adversaries of the Gospel have ever confessed and do attest the history thereof de facto to be a faithful relation not only Iewes but the heathen writers Suetonius Tacitus and Plinius the younger that lived near and some of them contempâ—rary with the times of the Apostles do witnes that this Jesus whom the Christians worship did truely suffer in the time of Pilats jurisdiction over the Iewes 4. Is it not clear how this appearance of Christ to the World did exactly tryst with the very time foretold by the Prophets thereanent Was not Jacobs prophecy thus accomplished for until that time it is clear the royal line of Davids house did not cease until Herod a stranger came to reign by whom it was utterly cut off and it is manifest these 70 weeks mentioned by Daniel must be understood of years else they could admit no other sence which reckoning from the decree given out by Cyrus to rebuild the temple are 490 Yeares and doth answer to the very time of Christs being in the World and his death which necessarly fals in the last of these weeks a thing so manifest that Porphyrius an avowed enemy to the Christian Religion could have no answer but that this prophecy had been devised after the event which I am sure the Jewes though as direct adversaryes vvould be loath to admit 5. It is most clear that in him vvho at that time vvas revealed to Israel vvhom the Christian Church doth this day vvorship vvas exactly accomplished vvhatever vvas by the Prophets toâ—d concerning the Messias and it is no small advantage for the Christian cause that it needs but appeal to
Children who are these that flee as a cloud like the doves to their windowes O blessed day in which the light did first break up on the poor ofspring of Iaphet who then dwelt in the shadow and region of death O blest day that brought salvation with it to the gentils wherein the Lord did visit these dark places of the earth which were full of the habitations of cruelty I think the sense of so great a mercy should never let us want an errant for giving thanks yea put much to silence our other complaints 4. Is it not also clear that not only as to the time but these very places of the earth which Esai and other of the Prophets did particularly point at this promise had an exact accomplishment for it is this day manifest the isles which we find so frequently mentioned that these should wait for his law and the uttermost parts of the earth whence he should bring thâ— Daughter of his dispersed may have a clear commentar upon the same from what the Lord hath done to Britain and Ireland with other remote parts of the earth yea hath not the Aethiopians been made to stretch out their hands even in these sun-burnt places of Africk hath not Christ also had a conquest where many a black moore was through grace made as the snow of Salmon and the feathers of a dove so that it is clear how these particular places which were so oft pointed at by the Prophets have been visited by the Gospel and fallen to the share of the Church 5. This change which by the incoming of the gentils to the Church was wrought upon the Earth is a thing so great and astonishing that were it still in the promise and this not yet fulfilled it would truely stagger our faith how such a thing should ever come to passe and is there not here a miracle that the World cannot possibly deny even this great work of God in bringing of the gentils which without an extraordinary power could not be effectuat if men will consider First That svvift progresse which then the Gospel had how it did run and was glorified through the furthest parts of the earth and like a ligtning break forth from one place to another so that in the Apostles time the Scripture doth shew how most of the conspicuous Provinces of Asia had received the Gospel and Tertullian who lived in the second Century in his Book contra Iudaos doth there witnes how many nations and these most remote from other Parthians Medes Armenia Phrygia Cappadocia Pontus and Pamphilia with much of Egypt and diverse parts of Africk besides Rome Spain and other places of Europe were in his time almost wholly Christian for it is indeed clear that the bounds of the Church was then of a larger extent then it is now at this day 2. It is also undenyable that in this solemn day of the Gospels spreading amongst the nations suffering and persecution did all that time attend the Church yea in such a measure that as the writers of these times do witnes neither famine pestilence nor the sword did destroy so many of the World as then were of Christians in the two first centuries put to death for adhering to the truth and it is clear that this great work of God in such a swift spreading of the Church was most discernable in these times of hottest persecution yea then was her most effectual grouth and increase which upon her getting some rest and beginning to flowrish with external peace was at a visible stand 3 How marvellous a thing was this to be brought about if we consider the many different languages that did then stop correspondence between the Church and the rest of the earth for how could the truth thus spread among the nations yea in such remote places of the World Churches be planted by the Apostles and have the Scripture translated and made legible to them without that extraordinary gift of tongues which for that end was then given from the Lord sure beside sacred authority anent this reason may convincingly witnes to the World the truth of such a miracle 4. How strange and wonderful a change was this that in so short a time the Gospel should thus enlighten and put such a lustre on the most rude and savage places of the earth where scarse humanity had been and bring them from the condition of beasts to men should thus tame and civilize the greatest Barbarians and cause the lion to ly down with the lamb yea by the preaching of that Gospel and of a crucified Christ which as it was to the Jewes a stumbling block so to the Greeks foolishnes And in a word was not this indeed a miracle how in a mattet of such high concernment as that vvherein mens soul and everlasting interest lay they should be turned off their old vvay and Religion in vvhich they and their Fathers had been so long rooted that a little spark which did break up in Iudea should bring dovvn the idols of the nations and burn up their temples Alace that there is so little of a large heart of that primitive zeal and fervour this day among Christians for the enlargement of the Church that such merchants are now rare who would venture out to trade with other parts for this excellent ware the merchandise whereof is better then of gold O that in these parts where the truth is knovvn and professed the Lord vvould raise up men of such a spirit and such a Magistrat vvho vvould make it their vvork and lay dovvn solid grounds hovv to advance the Kingdome of Christ in the dark places of the earth and reckon their interest in a forrain plantation upon the account of the Gospel no lesse then on the account of trade vve vvould pray and yet hope for this VIII What vve find foretold by Daniel yea by Christ himself anent the destruction of Ierusalem and ceasing of the Iewish dayly sacrifice with the rejection of that people Dan. 12. ver 11. Matth. 24 ver 2. hath many ages past come to passe wherein the World may see how clearly the event doth answer this Prophecy for it is manifest 1. That this is a truth which doth need no other witnes then the scattered remnant and desolate ruines of that once flowrishing Church and nation of the Iewes vvhich vve see vvith our eyes at this day vvhose present state is so great a monument of divine judgement so clear a vvitnes to the Scripture that I think men cannot look thereon if they be in any measure serious but must have such a conviction 2. What hath befallen this people may it not be an astonishment to the World in all succeeding ages a stroke that hath put them in a more sad condition then any nation or people we ever yet heard of that hath cast them out of their own land scattered them as vagabonds through the earth so that these many ages they have had no scepter
come he is come and thus chearfully went to death Thomas Hudson a choise Christian vvho suffered in Queen Maryes time vvhen at the stake did slip suddenly from under the chain to the astonishment of the People but not from fear of death but from the vvant of feeling of Christ vvhich made him full of heavines but after his turning aside that he had got his soul poured out to God he returned as one raised from death to life crying out Now I am strong and do not care what man can do and thus with much joy did yeeld up his spirit Likewise Annas Du Burg whom we before mentioned being through fear and discouragement drawen to recant had no rest in his spirit until he retracted the same and after did chearfully undergoe death with what marvellous resolution did that excellent man Doctor Cranmer put his right hand to the fire when he came to the stake and suffered to burn vvithout shrinking vvhich as he said he vvould punish for subscribing a recantation vvhich vvas so much thereafter his grief Last I must adde that marvellous joy and resolution vvhich the Saints in these late times did in their greatest sufferings shevv is very notoure and knovven to the World for their sufferinge vvas not in a corner and vve may say hath not come short of the primitive martyrs but did vvitnes the same spirit and povver accompanying them I cannot passe this in a general vvithout giving some touch amidst such a multitude of convincing instances let us hear blessed Bradfoord at the stake thus speak to his fellovv sufferer be of good comfort for we shall have this night a merry supper with the Lord. Latimer to Ridley â—â— shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out Mr Sanders I was in prisâ—n until I got â—â—â— prison and at the stake embracing cryes welcome the 〈◊〉 of Christ welcome everlasting life Doctor Ferrer to a gentleman vvho bemoaned his death and the painfulnes of it if â—ow see mee once stirr in the fire beleeve not my doctrine as did after appear for he stood vvithout moving in the midst of the flame Iohn Ardley if every haâ—r of my head â—ere a man it should suffer death in the faith I â—â— stand â—â— Elisabeth Folks embraceing the stake cryed fare well World fare well faith and hope and welcome love Robert aguires son vvhen at Lile in the Lovv countries he suffered vvith his father for the truth in the year 1556. did cry forth at the stake behold millions of Angels about us and the heaven opened to receive us after he had sometime fixed his eyes on heaven and vvhen the fire vvas kindled sayes to his father yet a very little and we shall enter into the heavenly mansion Mr. Tims an English minister in Queen Maryes dayes thus vvrits to his friends I am going to the Bishops colehouse but shall not be long there before I be carried up to my brethren vvho are gone to heaven before mee in a fiery chariot follovv yovv after mee vvhere yovv shall find mee singing merily at my jurneyes end holy holy holy Lord God of Sabaoth Algerius an Italian martyr thus vvrits from his prison a little before his death vvho vvould believe that in this dungeon I should finde a paradise so pleasant in a place of sorrow and death tranquillity and hope of life vvhere others vveep I rejoyce O hovv easy and svveet is his yoke and this he subscribs from that delectable orchard of the Leonine prison Guy de Bres the ringing of my chain hath been sweet â—â—sick in my eares all my former discourses were but as a blind wans of collours in respect of my present feeling O what a â—â—ious comforter is a good conscience The Lord Henry Otto a Bohemian vvho suffered in the late persecution said to the minister I vvas troubled but novv I feel a vvonfull refreshment O now I fear death no longer I will dye with joy and on the scaffold cryed out behold I see the heavens opened pointing with his hands at the place where others observed a certain brightnes that did dazel their eyes and thus dyed with great chearfulnes I shall but adde the last vvords of that holy and great Mr Wishart vvho thus spake amidst the fire this flame doth torment my body but no whit abate my spirits FOVRTH Witnes is these great and remarkable judgements of God which in these last times have befallon the adversaryes and persecutus of the Church who have been most notour for their opposition to the truth wherein we must say a divine hand hath been so discernable that ordinary observers could not passe the same without a remark but must acknowledge the righteous judgement of God that it cometh not by guesse and at an adventure but doth convincingly seal the word This is indeed a grave subject wherein we should be very serious and sober for the judgements of God are a great depth nor can we determine from events but in so far as they answer to the word it may sometime happen to wicked men according to the work of the righteous but on the other hand it is a sure truth that God is knowen by the judgement he executs and in every age doth point out sin to the World by remarkable strokes some great examples of judgement which as a beacon are set forth for men to observe and truely we may say these remarkable instances of the judgement of God since he begun to sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon are fan beyond other preceeding ages I would be spareing to repeat what of this kinde is published by others bâ—t that in speaking to this truth I cannot passe it in a generalâ— whilest there are so many instances wherein the Lord hath made himself knowen and these such a convincing seal and confimation of the truth and Protestant cause in these last times anent which and the following relations I dare with confidence say there is not any passage or matter of fact here set down without some clear and satisfying grounds as to the certainty thereof I shall first instance Charles the V. whose undertakings for many yeares were followed with successe untill once he set himselfe to persecute and oppresse the Church and bathed his sword in the blood of the Protestants with his cruel and unjust usage of the Duke of Saxony from which time his affaires begun visibly to decline he is forced to fly before Mauritius and seek a retreat in the furthest confines of the Empire and after broken with melancholy and discontent like another Dioclesian doth resign his empire and turn to a privat life Philip the II. of Spain one of the greatest persecutors of the Church in these last ages whose work was to root out the Protestant Religion in his dominions and therefore set on foot that horrid engine of the Inquisition yet at last finds all his essayes frustrat and after the losse of many millions
Prelacy was further established was by him penned and out of his own hand given to the Earle of Dumbar subscribed by many Ministers of the Church who were then there on that account His life was most examplary for piety and faithfulnes in serving his Master which did preach no lesse to that part of the countrey wherein he lived then his doctrine one very remarkable passage of his life I do here adventure to set down having very satisfying grounds as to the certainty of it from these who knew the same and had a particular relation of all its circumstances from a grave Christian who had it out of his own mouth and likewise hath it written under old Mr Row of Carâ—ocks hand who was his familiar intimat friend it is this His Wife Martha Barron a gracious woman the wife of his youth with whom he had lived in great love fell sick which proved her last sicknes where she was first sore assaulted by the Devil who pressed in upon her that she should be given over to his hand and after it did resolve in a visible distraction which for a time grew upon her so that most unlike to her former way she would have broke forth with dreadfull and horrid expressions it did most appear on a Sabbath morning whilest Mr Simpsâ—n was going to preach and whâ—â—gst for a time he was forced with a heavy countenance to stand silent he at last kneeled down and prayed which she did no wayes regard but a little after he turning to the company that were present told them he was sure that these who now were witnesses of that sad houre should yet see a gracious work of God on this his Servant and that the Devils malice against that poor woman should have a shameful â—oil her distraction did still continue until the Tuesday which was the 9 of August which morning at the very dawning of it he gooth to his garden and shut the doore behinde him where for many houres he was alone but a godly woman who that night was with his wise Helâ—â— Garner wiâ—e to one of the Bailyes of Stirling being apprehensive of his hazard through his grief and fasting could have no rest till she knew his cafe and by some help climbed up and wan in to the garden but on a near approach to that place where Mr Sâ—mpsâ—â— then was she was terrified with an extraordinary noise which through fear made her fall to the ground it seemed as she related after to others it was like the noise of a great rushing of multitudes together and therewith such a melodious sound as did make her know it was something more then humane and turned to player entreating the Lord would pardon her rashnes which affection to his Servant who had been the instrument of her good had carried her to and after going forward finds him lying upon the ground it was with much entreaty that he did then reveal himselfe in that particular until she promised clossenes not to speak it to others so long as he lived but had his allowance if she should â—urvive him which promise she keept but after his death did relate it to these from whom I have had this he said O what am I being dust and ashes that the holy Ministring spirits should be sent by the Lord to deliver a message to me and shewed he had a vilion of Angels who did with an audible voice give him an answer from the Lord of his wifes condition and coming over to his house he said to all who were present be of good comfort for ere 10 houres of this day I am sure that brand shall be plucked out of the fire after which he went to prayer at his wifes bedside where for a time she laâ— quiet but whilest he mentioned Iacobs wrestling in prayer she â—its straight up in the bed casting aside the courtain and sayeth Thou art this day Iacob who hast wrestled and also prevailed and nou God hath made good his words which he spake this morning to you for I am plucked out of the hands of Satan and he shall have no power over me Which interruption made him for a space silent but after with great melting of heart proceeded in prayer and magnified the riches of Gods love towards him and after prayer there was sweet and Christian embracements betwixt them yea from that houre she did speak most Christianly and comfortably even to her death which was on the Friday following August 13. 1601 whose last words in the moment of her departure was with a loud voice Come Lord in thy hands I commend my spirit After this Mr Sâ—mpson lived several yeares fervent and faithful in the work of the Lord and one who in privat walk witnessed such mortification that all who knew him might clearly see his converse was little in the World in March 1618. he sayd now shall this moneth put an end to all these things and accordingly towards the close of it was removed by death at which time he expressed much joy blessing the Lord for his kindnes that he had not been perverted by the sinful courses of these times and might say as the Lord fed Elijah in the wildernes so in some respect he had dealt with him all his life time and having these words upon some of his bookes written Rememmember O my soul and never forget the 9 of August what consolation the Lord gave thee and how he performed â—hat â—â— spoke according to Zaâ—h 3 ver 2. it not thâ—â— a brand pluâ—kâ—â— out of the fire upon which some of his friends speaking â—â— him anent the same his answer was Absit miht 〈◊〉 â—â— aliquo nisi in Domino Deo meo Now besides these great men many others who at that time did shine as lights in the Church may be here also mentioned who were indeed stars of the first magnitude eminently zealous and faithful and their Ministry followed with much of the power and authority of God such as Mr Andrew Melâ—â—ne of whom it might be said he had the face of a lyon in his masters cause and feared not to speak before Princes and great men when the truth called for it likewise his nevoy Mr Iames Melvine that holy grave and prudent Servant of Christ Mr. Andrew Dunkan Mr Iohn Scringer Mr Chartes Fereâ—â—â— Mr. Iames Balfure c. One passage I shall here â—et down worthy of a remark of Mr Andrew Melvine who being prisoner in the Tower a Gentleman of his acquaintance got accesse to visit him but found him in a sad and deep muse anent the defection of many Ministers in Scotland and did deplore the state of the Church there having lately got an account of their way at that assembly at Glasgow 1610. where the Earle of Dumbar had been active to corrupt divers with money this Gentleman desiring to know what word he had for his own countrey got no answer but upon a second enquiry he said I have no word to send