to the right honorable the lords spirituall and temporall in this present parliament assembled the humble petition of erasmus record and millicent vaughan widow, the administratrix of the goods, chattels and debts of walter vaughan deceased. record, erasmus. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to the right honorable the lords spirituall and temporall in this present parliament assembled the humble petition of erasmus record and millicent vaughan widow, the administratrix of the goods, chattels and debts of walter vaughan deceased. record, erasmus. sheet ([ ] p.). w. stansby, [london : ] imprint from stc ( nd ed.). imperfect: faded. petition for payment of debts owed the petitioners. reproduction of original in: society of antiquaries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng record, erasmus. vaughan, walter -- estate. vaughan, millicent. priorities of claims and liens -- england. debtor and creditor -- england. broadsides -- london (england) -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the right honorable the lords spirituall and temporall in this present parliament assembled . the humble petition of erasmus record and millicent vaughan widow the administratrix of the goods , chattels and debts of walter vaughan deceased . most humbly shewing , that iohn skinner became bound in a recognisance of three thousand pounds to richard wilbraham , conditioned to pay one thousand eight hundred pounds to william winne and his creditors , whereof the petitioner erasmus record was one , to whom winne owed pounds ; which condition being broken by the said iohn skinner , the said winne and record preferred their bill in chancerie , to put the recognisance in suite : whereupon the lord k●eper did order the of ianuary of elizabeth , that the petitioner record should follow the suite at his owne cost and charges , which he did , in regard that winne was in meane estate , and not able to follow it . vpon that recognisance the moytie of the lands of the mannor of castle-campes in the countie of cambridge , by course of law and order of the chancerie was at the petitioner records charges extended , and deliuered in extent to your petitioner record and the said winne . afterwards . febr. anno . eliz. by consent of all parties and their counsaile , it was decreed in chancery , that your petitioner record and his assignes should haue yearely one hundred pounds out of the extended moytie , vntill his debt of eight hundred and fiftie pounds were payd him . the petitioners further shew , that an. . iacobi , there was an assignement from wilbraham , winne and record , made to the said walter vaughan , being another creditor of winne , with a speciall sauing of the petitioner records decree , and all such order or orders as did concerne the issues , rents and profits of the said land so extended : and also a sauing of a certaine report of sir iohn tyndals ( as in the decree , and by the deed more plainly doth appeare ) vntill your petitioner record were satisfied and payed out of the extended moytie eight hundred and fiftie pounds with his dammages . also an act of parliament passed an. . iacobi , concerning the said extended mannor , on the behalfe of m. sutton , wherein the right of the petitioner record is likewise saued . afterwards the petitioner record and the said walter vaughan were outed by alderman leman , by vertue of a former statute of foure hundred pounds ; and after that by sir william smith vpon a statute of one thousand fiue hundred pounds ( he being one of the feoffees for the sale of the land . ) but notwithstanding the said statutes , your petitioner record and the said walter vaughan obtained an iniunction for the possession against sir iohn skinner and sir william smith , and all clayming any right vnder them , and thereby were put in possession againe . then m. sutton ( hauing no bill in court against record or vaughan ) purchased the said mannor , and retained in his hands one thousand pounds towards satisfaction of the extent , as sir william smith hath set downe vnder his hand . but afterwards by a priuate agreement betweene sutton , skinner and winne , a reference was made to their owne counsaile , your petitioner record , nor vaughan , nor their counsaile priuie thereunto , as by the order and report doth appeare , and as winne by his oath and letter doth acknowledge ; notwithstanding a report was made the same day , by which it was pretended that the petitioner record was satisfied , and thereupon was six hundred pounds giuen to winne , and the same day by an order foure hundred pounds more was giuen to sir iohn skinner , neither of them hauing any right to any part of it . and thus your petitioner record was defeated of eight hundred and fiftie pounds due debt , ouer and aboue eight hundred pounds spent in following the suite these two and twenty yeares , to his vtter vndoing , being a poore old man of the age of yeares . your petitioners do therefore most humbly pray , that in all acts to be passed this present parliament concerning the said mannor of castle-campes , the petitioner records right may be saued , or else that he may be satisfied his said debt of pounds , in such manner as this most honorable assembly shall thinke meete . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e . aug. eliz . . . ian. eliz . eliz. . . feb. . eliz . iacob . . iacob . . iacob . . iacob . . iacob . . . sept. iacob . . to the parlament of the common-wealth of england, scotland and ireland. the humble petition of thomas brewer, gentl: and william pawlin, elizabeth quested, widdow, and ann beswick, daughter of ann beswick, widdow, creditors of ulick earl of st. albans, and clanricard, on the behalf of themselves, and other the creditors of the said earl. brewer, thomas, gent. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing b thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) to the parlament of the common-wealth of england, scotland and ireland. the humble petition of thomas brewer, gentl: and william pawlin, elizabeth quested, widdow, and ann beswick, daughter of ann beswick, widdow, creditors of ulick earl of st. albans, and clanricard, on the behalf of themselves, and other the creditors of the said earl. brewer, thomas, gent. pawlin, william. quested, elizabeth. beswick, ann. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] imprint from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "a petition against john bradshaw decemb. ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng bradshaw, john, - -- early works to . debtor and creditor -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no to the parlament of the common-wealth of england, scotland and ireland. the humble petition of thomas brewer, gentl: and william pawlin, eli brewer, thomas, gent. a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the parlament of the common-wealth of england , scotland , and ireland . the humble petition of thomas brewer , gentl : and william pawlin , elizabeth quested , widdow , and ann beswick , daughter of ann beswick , widdow , creditors of ulick earl of st. albans , and clanricard , on the behalf of themselves , and other the creditors of the said earl . sheweth , that the said earl being much indebted , and having occasion to take up more money , did earnestly importune sir henry compton ( since deceased ) sir lewis dive , and your petitioner thomas brewer , to be ingaged with him , for whose indempnity , he would convey all his estate in kent unto them . that th . of may the said earl did by his deed and fine thereupon levyed , convey and assure unto the said sir henry compton sir lewis dive , and your petitioner thomas brewer , and their heirs ; all his lands ( by name ) in the county of kent , to save them harmless against all such debts , as they had or should stand engaged , with and for him the said earl , and also with power to raise monys , by sale or other wise for payment thereof , in case himself did not discharge them within seven years next after the said th . of may . after wards the said trustees did becom engaged with , and for the said earl , as his sureties in several obligations amounting unto above l. principal money . but for that the said earl did not satisfy the said debts within the said . years , nor at any time after , the said lands became absolutely vested in the said trustees ( who were accordingly seized thereof ) for the purposes aforesaid , who have been ever willing to perform their trust , aswel to the satisfaction of the said creditors , as disingagement of themselves , but have been interrupted by reason of the late distempers . that about feb. . the earl of northumberland then of the lords house , & sr. robert pye then of the house of commons being two of the said earls creditors ) did upon the same security , by virtue of the said deed , obtain an ordinance of parlament , unknown unto your petitioner thomas brewer , for payment of their respective debts , out of the profits of the premisses . that your petitioner , tho. brewer being a prisoner in maidstone-goal ( only for refusing the late oaths of supremacy and allegiance ) where he had been deteined from novem. . was sent for in july . by order from the committee appointed for preparing an act for settling l. per annum upon john bradshaw serjeant at law ; and so soon as your said petitioner had made answer to such questions as were then put unto him , touching the business then before them , he was forthwith returned back again to prison , where he remained until april . not with standing the said oaths of supremacy and allegiance were of february . by act of parlament repealed , made void and null . that in august . divers mannors and lands of the lord cottingtons , together with the said earls lands in kent , were by act settled upon the said serjeant bradshaw , and his heirs , with a saving to such as had any right to any part of the said estates , so as they entred their claim before the justices of the common pleas , before the last day of january . now forasmuch as your petitioner , thomas brewer was a prisoner as aforesaid , and had no knowledge , or could come to the knowledge of the said act , which was never publisht , it was impossible for him to take any benefit of the saving therin contain'd , or to set forth any claim or title to any part of the said estate , though never so good , perfect & absolute in law or equity whatsoever , which otherwise he would most readily have don and so no default in him therein . and for that your petitioner thomas brewer hath been , and now is sued for many of the said debts entred into , with and for the said earl , and for which the said estate is made over as aforesaid , and which your petitioner tho. brewer is no waies able to satisfy or pay , but if proceeded against , his person mustly as a pawn or prey in perpetual prison . and for that the lord cottingtons lands passed by the said act , are upon enquiry , and as your petitioners are informed , and doubt not but they shall be able to prove , found to be of much better value than l. per annum , which was the yearly revenue only by the said act intended to have been settled upon the said serjeant bradshaw ; and for that your petitioners the said creditors , were wholly ignorant of the said act and settlement , neither had they anyestate in law , in the said lands , whereby they might put in any legal claim thereunto , accordng to the said act , had they known thereof . and for that the said earls lands were so long since settled as aforesaid , and upon so good , valuable and equitable considerations , and concern your petitioners the said creditors , who are many of them poor widows and orphans , and who together with your petitioner tho. brewer will be utterly ruin'd , unless relieved by the justice of your honours . may it therefore please your honours to take the premisses into your pious considerations , and to do therein what to your grave wisdoms shall seem meet , wherby your petitioner , tho. brewer ( notwithstanding the said act ) may be indempnified . and the said creditors satisfyed ( by and out of the said earls estate in kent , according to the said settlement in may . ) your honours instice magnifyed , and god in all , and by all , glorified . and your petitioners shall pray , &c. a petion against john bradshaw decemb. abuses discovered, whereby the creditors are meerly cheated the officers of law, and goalers are unjustly inriched, and the poor debter and their families tyrannically destroyed. gery, william. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing g thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) abuses discovered, whereby the creditors are meerly cheated the officers of law, and goalers are unjustly inriched, and the poor debter and their families tyrannically destroyed. gery, william. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] signed at end. w.g. [i.e. william gery]. imprint from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "june ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no abuses discovered, whereby the creditors are meerly cheated; the officers of law, and goalers are unjustly inriched, and the poor debter and gery, william. c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion abuses discovered , whereby the creditors are meerly cheated , the officers of law , and goalers are unjustly inriched , and the poor debter and their families tyrannically destroyed . amongst many the considerations i have had of the oppressions common amongst men , this hath seemed to me none of the least , that one man is suffered to devour another , and that by colour of justice , as in the case of arrests of mens persons by colour or debts , before judgement , or legal conviction . and hearing of your pious endeavours to beget a law for redress of such heavie oppressions and cruelties now used in that kind , and the reforming the ancient common law of england in that particular , do in my zeal and sense of other mens sufferings ( and that divers times very unjustly ) represent to your view some former collections of mine , of the many inconveniences which attend such restraints , before it doth appear that there is a cleer and just debt . in the first place therefore , i take the law to have bin fundamentally , that no mans person was lyable to arrest at the common law for debt , no not upon execution ; which you may see . h. . fol. . that the statute of . ed. . cap. . was the first law that subjected the person to arrest , in case of debt , the process before that law , being summons , and capias against the lands . the abuses and oppressions introduced since that law , and under pretense of justice , are numberless . . that many have bin , and are daylie arrested upon feigned accounts , where no debt is due at law : and this is a common thing in london ; and other corporations . . vpon specialties for debt forged and feigned . . vpon sleeping specialties , that have long before bin discharged , but the bond not given in , nor cancelled , as they ought ; which daylie experience sheweth upon bills in equity for relief in that particular . . vpon specialties lost or miscarryed , and come to the hand of strangers , who feignedly take administration . . vpon pretended debts and promises . . vpon accounts for . l. whereas the debt is not an hundred . vpon all which , or any of the said accounts , the party that is arrested must be answerable to the action , be the debt never so small true , or false , and must therefore ly in prison until he put in bayl : which if in a corporation , or otherwhere , will be hard for the party arrested to procure , if not impossible , without troubling his security for the same debt , binding his hands , to free his heels . besides , the charge of his habeas corpus , in such cases , to remove himself , and put in bayl above ; when as all this while it doth not judicially appear whether the party arrested be really indebted or not . by this means , the law , ( which truly was intended for redress ) becomes the destruction and ruine of thousands of families ; and the support and maintenance of under-sheriffs , sergeants , bayliffs , goalers , and catch-poles ; the latter of which feed upon the miseries of honest men , or grow rich out of others ruines , and the debtor thereby more disabled to pay his just debts . and m. horn in his mirror of justice saith , that by such writs many are destroyed wrongfully : fol. . a. and fol. . b. he saith , the ancient law of this kingdom was , that no judge was to hear the plaintiffe in his cause , if he did not first put sureties to answer his adversaries full damages if he complained of him wrongfully . and the ancient proceedings in chancery was , that the complainant upon exhibiting his bill , was to enter bond to prove the surmise thereof ; otherwise the defendant was not compealable to answer the same . men are in danger of arrest several waies and means . by latitat out of the kings bench into any county . by capias upon original in the common pleas . by capias upon the exchequer . by bill upon the exchequer . by bill of middlesex . by sergeants of the mace , in corporations , towns , and cities . by bayliffs of liberties . by writs of priviledges , in nature of muchmen out of the chancery . so that the poor debtor , nay the non-debtor , est undique circumventus . the oppressions by colour of law , are intollerable . by arrests , the sergeants in corporations , and sheriffs , bayliffs , and catch-poles , for making arrests over and above fees , take excessive extortions , as . l. . l. &c. much more for arrests : besides their cruel usage of the prisoner , his chargeable restraint for dyet , lodging s. d. per night for his bed , and runing the prisoner into extraordinary expenses for tobacco , wine , beer , ale , which these harpies will call for , doubling the debt , if little , and enlarging of it , if it were great before . by habeas corpus . a man arrested here in london , cannot remove himself by habeas corpus , from the counter to any other prison of kings bench or fleet , but it will cost him five marks ; or three pounds from thence to fleetstreet , to bring him to the judges chamber . the judges fee is ( as i take it ) . s. . d. and how many hundred there be of these in a yeer , may be gathered . if by habeas corpus the prisoner be removed out of the country prisons , then it will be chargeable to him ; , , . l. and according to the distance of the place from whence he is brought up to london . added to these , the fees of goalers , keepers of prisons , and turn-keys , the marshal of the marshalsie of the upper bench , and warden of the fleet fees , according to the several qualities of the persons . commitments , of an earl to the fleet , . l. of a baron , . l. of a knight , . l. an esquire , . marks or . l. a gentleman , . l. a yeoman , . l. . s. . the seveaal rates of chamber rents , according to the quality of the person and chamber . some . s. per week , some . some . some . some . shillings per week . and after the same rate for chamber rent a week in the kings bench . the fees of commitment by habeas corpus to the kings bench , is chargeable to the prisoner , at least . l. . s. . d. besides for out-goings upon day writs , . s. per diem , for out-going upon favour . and by baston . and charge of dyet , which the prisoner hath at great rates . when all these charges are heaped upon a man under arrest ( perhaps for no just debt ) it may be but for a small debt : what a heavie oppression is this to be suffered in a christian common-wealth ▪ a man may call it a common misery . the debt ( if any ) is by these charges trebled , the prisoner , his children , and family , dispersed and ruined , the person himself made useless to the common-wealth , as being bur●●● alive , and more disabled to pay or satisfie his just debts and creditors , then ever before . sir , i have known when many poor people have bin put to . s. for a supposed debt of . s. . d. or a trespass of that value , being arrested in the country . miles hence , by a latitat , to draw a composition , which rather then the poor man will travel to london to answer the suit , submits unto : and this is the ordinary use of atturneys , which get by it . s. . d. or thereabout , although the action might be tryed either in the court baron of the manour , or countrey court , for two shillings six pence charge . so that in fees to judges , lawyers , atturneys , clerks ; and others , and by the oppression and extortion of bayliffs , sergeants of the mace , and of liberties , goalers and catch-poles , there is exhausted . l. per annum at the least , out of the estates of debtors , and poor prisoners , not a penny of their debts payed , their estates ruined , and their persons disabled for ever , which certainly was never the intent of that statute , to undermine the common law , which had mans liberty in so light an esteem , as if it were not lyable to arrest for debt . sir , i have credibly heard that there hath bin ●●●sed . l. per annum by the profit of imprisonment of prisoners in the fleet there . i pray what out of the prisoners of the kings bench , which hath larger rules ? and what extorted by goalers , sergeant of the mace , in corporations , by clerks , and other officers of the country , in london , and throughout the kingdom ? and all this out of the livelyhoods , fortunes , and estates , of men in a miserable and wanting condition . and surely , those riches cannot be said to be well gotten , which are drawn from men in misery , which are alwaies as ill spent , for it is informed , that of the . l. most thereof was sacrificed yeerly for by favors , &c. and so de caeteris . w. g. notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- you may remember the act this parl. for taking away the high commission , and commissary courts , which was burthensom to the subject , in extorted fees , . per annum . a remonstrance to the creditors of the common-wealth of england, concerning the publique debts of the nation. chidley, samuel. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a remonstrance to the creditors of the common-wealth of england, concerning the publique debts of the nation. chidley, samuel. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] dated and signed at end: from my house in bow-lane, london, this of december, . s: chidley. imprint from wing. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debts, public -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a remonstrance to the creditors of the common-wealth of england, concerning the publique debts of the nation. chidley, samuel. c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a remonstrance to the creditors of the common-wealth of england , concerning the publique debts of the nation . his excellencies new representative being now dissolved , and their supream power envolved in him , as the sapp of a tree runs to the root in cold winter ; it is not for the creditors of the common-wealth of england to despaire of their due debts , and think themselves undone by what is done , but rather turne their present fears into future hopes , considering that the late diseased , and deceased parliament before their dissolution in their last will and testament , made their noble generall who is now our lord protector their sole executor , whom i hope will be carefull to see you satisfied , and the grievances of the people removed . in him therefore you must confide , and render that honour , worship , and fear which is due unto his highness under god , and to him and his counsel repaire and petition for justice , and due satisfaction of your just debts , according to that way and manner prescribed in my remonstrance of the of june last , and much more abundant , that you may not run in vaine but obtaine your just desires . for preparation hereunto , it is meet that you be throughly sensible of what the late parliament hath done for you . that well pen'd act for ireland , of the of septemb. last , you ought not to forget , considering that therein they have granted lands to you at an easie rate , for your publick faith bils and debenters , which i suppose will be good accomodation for those who intend there to inhabit or plant . and it is remarkable what speciall provision they have made therein for desolate widows , &c. but to speak as the truth is , they have not therein made provision for stating your debenters , who have not served in ireland , only they doe ( in a manner ) promise it yet by the act of the of october last , they have impowered the committee of the army , to cause the accompts of all officers and souldiers that either are or were in the service of this common-wealth at any time since the of january , . to be stated , audited , and cast up . but not for those that were disbanded before . neverthelesse though some were contented to accept of lands in ireland , the rest would not be so satisfied , but expected payment of their bils and debenters , from the forrests and chases , which was given by the old parliament , for collaterall security , in the act of the of july , . but incontinently this late dissolved parliament have put the publick faith upon doubling thereupon , wherein it is to be feared there will be double dealing , and that the needy creditors will be exposed ( as it were ) to be sold for a little silver , and the poor for the price of a paire of shooes ; for they being not able to double , must be constrained in the midst of their great extreamities to sell their publick debts at an inconsiderable value , with many sighes and tears into the bargaine : and of all the forrests they have reserved but four for the collaterall security for the souldiers bils chargeable upon the late kings lands , and that with such delatory conditions , whereby their expectations are frustrate , though they earned their wages with the hazard of their lives and dearest blood . the act of the of octob : last , which is for publick creditors to bring or send in their claimes of their debts to the commissioners therein named , is said to be for the due stating and clearing of publick debts in order to their payment . it also promiseth payment to the discoverer of his own proper debt : but as the act of marriage is deficient , without telling how long they shall hold together , so this act is lame in divers respects : it tels you of stating , and of paying , but not by whom , nor when , therefore it is not amisse for you to petition for an additionall act , or that the remaines of that bill which was read , & ordered to be read againe by the old parliament , nov : ▪ . may passe for your better security . and the undertakers be sufficiently impowered , upon this , certain men have ingag'd to discover . l. for payment of publick debts . i know many of you are very necessitous , and others , though more able , cannot spare money out of their trading to double . you have waited many years with much patience , & i have laboured many months , & attained experience of the said calamities of the people more then before , i have in my progresse seen a dissolution of a golden parliament , coveting profit , and a parliament choyce as silver , labouring for credit , consisting ( as was said ) most of religious and conscientious men , in whom the best affected had hopes of good , but a house divided against it self cannot stand . the newes of this will goe to rome , but let not the uncircumcised in heart rejoyce and triumph . most men upon this dissolution take occasion to cry aha aha , and to speak their pleasure , but prudence may teach them when and how to speak . indeed the occasion of their dissolution is known to many , but few do rightly consider the cause to be that in matters fundamental they laid aside gods most righteous law , and leaned to their own : wherefore their dissolution was of god , who saith , i will have mercy & not sacrifice . it proceeds from the lord of hosts , who hath determined to stayne the pride of all glory , & to bring into contempt ▪ all the honorable of the earth ▪ god grant repentance to sinners . god protect the protector of his saints . god preserve the peace of the common-wealth . amen . from my house in bow-lane , london , the of december , . s : chidley . inter robertum williamson, quer' et mr. attorney general, deft. upon a writ of error in parliament the case of the plaintiff, one of the assigns of sir robert vyner. for l. per annum, and the arrears thereof, out of the hereditary revenue of excise. dodd, sam. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing i estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) inter robertum williamson, quer' et mr. attorney general, deft. upon a writ of error in parliament the case of the plaintiff, one of the assigns of sir robert vyner. for l. per annum, and the arrears thereof, out of the hereditary revenue of excise. dodd, sam. williamson, robert, one of the assigns of sir r. vyner. viner, robert, sir, - . sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ?] signed at end: samuel dodd. imprint from wing, which has publication date = [ / ]. reproduction of the original in the university of london. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng debts, public -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion inter robertum williamson , quer ’ et mr. attorn ’ general , def t. upon a writ of error in parliament . the case of the plaintiff , one of the assigns of sir robert vyner . for l. per annum , and the arrears thereof , out of the hereditary revenue of excise . several goldsmiths and others , having lent and advanced great sums of money to the crown , upon the credit of the exchequer , and by encouragement of an act of parliament , for assigning orders in the exchequer , without revocation , passed in the year . for which moneys so lent , the goldsmiths were debtors to great numbers of his majesty's subjects , and particularly sir robert vyner , one of the goldsmiths was debtor to the plaintiff for money really lent , the sum of l. and there having been in january . a stop put to the payments in the exchequer , whereby the said sir robert vyner , and the rest of the goldsmiths , were rendred unable to pay their creditors : his then majesty , king charles the second , ( in justice and compassion to the goldsmiths and their creditors , and to remove the miseries which attended the said stop ) was pleased to give directions in april , to the then lord high treasurer , to cause the accounts of the said goldsmiths to be truly examined , and exactly stated , which was accordingly done by the then chancelor of the exchequer , auditor of the revenue , and other proper officers of the crown , ( most of them being then members of the house of commons ; ) and a report thereof being made to the king in council , in february . his then majesty , in and about april . by letters patents under the great seal of england , did grant to each of the several goldsmiths , their heirs and assigns , and for the benefit of their creditors , in lieu and satisfaction of the moneys due to them from his said majesty , a yearly rent or sum for ever , out of the hereditary revenue of excise , equal in value to the interest of their respective debts , after the rate of six pounds per cent. per annum , with a clause of redemption upon his majesty's paying the principal money , with the arrears of rent ; the said rents , or annual sums to be paid quarterly upon tallies to be struck in the receipt upon the commissioners , &c. of the excise ; and directs and commands the treasurer , &c. barons and officers of the exchequer of the king , his heirs and successors , that they do from time to time perform all acts necessary , for the constant payment of the money ; and from time to time to levy and strike tallies without any further warrant ; so that the yearly sums may be constantly paid , without any further or other warrant to be sued for , from the king , his heirs or successors : and if the money should happen to be paid into the receipt of the exchequer , then that the high-treasurer and commissioners of the treasury , under-treasurer , chamberlains , and barons of the exchequer for the time being , and all other officers and ministers of the exchequer , and of the receipt thereof , are authorized and required to pay out of such moneys as shall be so paid into the exchequer , or elsewhere , so much as shall be in arrear , without any further , or other warrant ; and the said payments to be preferred before any other payment out of the same , by vertue or colour of any warrant , order or directions whatsoever , of any after-date , excepting for the management of the said revenue , and about l. s. d. ½ . a year to then queen consort , and the duke of york : also his majesty thereby granted , that the letters patents should be expounded and taken most favourably and beneficially for the grantees ; and covenanted to make further assurance , if required ; and on the of may , , ordered in council , that the said letters patents should be printed , and made publick , for the information and satisfaction of the creditors of the said goldsmiths . also the right honourable the house of peers , were pleased on the th of july , , to pass a bill for the confirming the said letters patents ; but that session ended before the said bill was read in the house of commons . whereupon many of the creditors of the goldsmiths ( amongst others , the plaintiff mr. williamson ) deliver'd up their securities for their debts to the goldsmiths , and the plaintiff accepted of an assignment from vyner , in lieu of his l. debt , pursuant to the said letters patents , of a proportionable part of the annual sums so granted ; and which sums were accordingly paid in the reigns of king charles the second , and the late king james the second , to lady-day . and in regard no tallies or monies could afterwards be obtained , upon due and repeated application for that purpose , the plaintiff mr. williamson , in hillary term , , did commence his suit in the exchequer , by way of monstrans de droit , ( as had formerly been very often practiced ) thereby setting forth his title as assignee under sir robert vyner to the said l. per annum ( being his proportionable part of the said annual sum so granted by the said letters patents ) and prayed that the arrears thereof might be paid unto him ; and that the future growing sums might also be paid according to the said letters patents unto which suit the then attorney general ( now lord chief justice of the common pleas ) had several days and terms given him to plead , or demur , as he should think best for the crown ; and at last a demur being by him put in thereunto ; the cause had a long agitation , and was argued for about two years , by the then mr. attorney , mr. solicitor , and others of the king's council for the crown , and also by council for the plaintiff , mr. williamson ; and the court after long deliberation , and view of the precedents and book cases , produced and cited on both sides , in hillary term , , gave judgment for the plaintiff , that the letters patents were good , and bound the revenue ; and that the plaintiff ought to be paid the arrears of the said l. per annum , and the growing duty for the future . whereupon the then attorney general on the behalf of his majesty , brought a writ of error , returnable before the then commissioners of the great seal , who thereupon ordered all the judges to be attended with copies of the proceedings , and that they should give their assistance at the argument of the cause : and after the cause had been long and many times argued by council at the bar , at last the judges assistants , severally and solemnly argued the same , and were all of opinion , ( except the lord chief justice of the common pleas ) that the letters patents were good in law , and that the plaintiff had a good title ; and that the judgment given in the exchequer was good , and ought to be affirmed ; and that the plaintiff mr. williamson ought to be paid his arrears , and the future duty according to the said letters patents and judgment . but the lord chief justice of the common pleas was of opinion that although the grant or letters patents were good in law , yet that the plaintiff had not taken a proper remedy , and that the court of exchequer had no jurisdiction in this cause . and the right honourable the then lord keeper , ( now lord chancellor ) having publickly argued the said cause , and being of the same opinion , as to the jurisdiction of the court , for that and several other reasons offered by his lordship , was pleased to reverse the judgment . upon which judgment of reversal , the plaintiff mr. williamson hath brought this writ of error in the house of lords , and humbly hopes their lordships will be pleas'd to reverse the judgment given by the lord chancellor , and affirm the judgment given for the plaintiff in the court of exchequer . considering , i. that the plaintiff is a purchaser upon a full and valuable consideration from sir robert vyner the patentee , having delivered up the security he had for his debt , and accepted the l. per annum in lieu thereof . ii. that the court of exchequer ( who are always exceeding careful of the revenue , and the king's interest , being more immediately bound thereunto by their oaths , then the rest of the judges are ) upon mature and great deliberation , and search and view of many ancient presidents , did solemnly adjudge and declare the law to be , that the letters patents were good , and that the plaintiff had taken a proper remedy , and ought to be paid his annuity , and the arrears thereof . iii. that all the judges called to the lord chancellors assistance ( except the lord chief justice of the common pleas ) upon several days solemn arguments and debate , gave their opinions for the plaintiff , in affirmance of the judgment in the exchequer ; and that the said letters patents were good , and ought to be complied with , in paying the said annuity ; and that the plaintiff had taken a proper remedy to recover the same . iv. even the opinion of the lord chief justice of the common pleas was , ( as is humbly conceived ) that the grant and letters patents were good , and conveyed a legal right and title to the patentee , yet that this right was without a remedy , for that the court of exchequer had no power over the king's money , when it was brought into the receipt , their power being over it , as was alledged , in transitu , before paid in , and only to enforce the payment thereof ; when as a right and title without a remedy , ( and no other legal remedy was pretended to be pointed out to the plaintiff ) seems contrary to all laws , and to the rules of justice and reason . and indeed it would be a hard thing to say that the court of exchequer can relieve the king against the subject , and not help and relieve the subject , when he produces a legal title against the king. this hath not been the practice of that court , for near the last years . v. the objections so much insisted upon , that the lord treasurer is superior to the barons , and therefore not to be commanded by them , to pay moneys ; and that in case the barons can dispose of the king's money , it may weaken and prevent the publick security , when the necessities of the state require it to be otherwise imployed ; are thus answered , that although the lord treasurer is a greater person , yet he and all the subjects are inferior to the king's courts . that the barons send this command , as they are a court of justice , and in the name of the king himself ; so that it is the king by his writs , and not the barons , that command the lord treasurer in this case : the barons have no power to dispose of the king's money , but where they have a warrant under the great or privy seal ( as in this case by the grant and letters patents they have ) for the doing thereof , so that the court of exchequer in this case , only takes care that the king's grant and letters patents be made effectual , and that the officers of the crown do their duties for that purpose , as by the said letters patents they are enjoyned to do . vi. this cause in consequence must affect all persons claiming under the crown , or having any talleys or orders upon or payments out of the exchequer ; for all those will be made much better or worse , by the judgment of the lords in this case . wherefore the plaintiff humbly prays , that the judgment of the reversal may be reversed ; and that the judgment of the court of exchequer may be affirmed . samuel dodd . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e letters parents by the protector. a proclamation prohibiting delinquents to bear office, or to have any voice or vote in election of any publique officer. england and wales. lord protector ( - : o. cromwell) this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) by the protector. a proclamation prohibiting delinquents to bear office, or to have any voice or vote in election of any publique officer. england and wales. lord protector ( - : o. cromwell) sheet ([ ] p.) printed by henry hills and john field, printers to his highness, london : mdclv. [ ] dated at end: given at white-hall the one and twentieth day of september, in the year of our lord god, one thousand six hundred fifty and five. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debtor and creditor -- great britain -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no by the protector. a proclamation prohibiting delinquents to bear office, or to have any voice or vote in election of any publique officer. england and wales. lord protector a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ❧ by the protector . a proclamation prohibiting delinquents to bear office , or to have any voice or vote in election of any publique officer . whereas by act of parliament made , and published the eighth day of october , in the year of our lord one thousand six hundred fifty and two ; it is ( amongst other things ) enacted and ordained , that no person or persons whatsoever that had his estate sequestred , or his person imprisoned for delinquency , or did subscribe , or abet the treasonable engagement in the year one thousand six hundred fourty and seven , or had been aiding , or assisting to the late king , or any other enemies of the parliament , should be capable to elect , or be elected , to any office , or place of trust , or power within this commonwealth ; or to hold , or execute any office or place of trust , or power within the same ; his highness the lord protector in his great care and wisdom , considering the premisses , and foreseeing the dangers this commonwealth must necessarily be exposed unto , if such malignant and disaffected persons should be in offices of trust and power in the commonwealth ; and calling to mind the late horrid treason and rebellion , contrived and carried on by the inveterate and restless malice of that party to involve these nations in blood and confusion ; who have avowedly , and with open face professed their end was , and still is ( though in the utter ruin and desolation of these nations ) to set up that power and interest which almighty god hath so eminently appeared against ; his highness therefore , in order to the peace and welfare of these nations , committed to his charge , and to prevent the dangerous consequence of permitting such persons to hold , or exercise any place or office of trust or power in this commonwealth , hath , by and with the advice and consent of his council , thought fit to publish and declare , and doth hereby signify his will and pleasure to be , that especiall care be taken , that the magistrates , officers , and ministers of iustice elected and chosen within the several places of this commonwealth , shall be such as are of pious and good conversation , and well qualified with discretion , fitness and ability to discharge the trust committed to them . and that no person or persons of what quality or condition soever , whose estates have at any time heretofore been duly sequestred , or their persons imprisoned for their delinquency , or who did subscribe , or abet the said treasonable engagement , or have been in any wise aiding , assisting , or abetting the late king , or his family , or allies , or any other the enemies of this state and commonwealth , shall be elected , or give his or their voice or vote , in the election of any person or persons to any office or offices , place or places of trust , power or government , within this commonwealth ; or shall hold , exercise , or execute by him , or themselves , or his or their deputies or assigns , any such office or offices , place or places within the same , untill his highness command be further known , on pain of his highness displeasure , and such penalties , and punishments as may and shall be severely inflicted on them as disturbers of the publique peace , and contemners of his highnesse just commands herein : and for the better and more effectual execution of the premisses , his highness doth hereby straightly charge and command all sheriffs , mayors , bayliffs , constables , head-boroughs , and other officers and ministers both civil and military in their several places , to take especial care , that this his highness pleasure , and express commandment , be from time to time in every thing duly performed , as they and every of them will answer the neglect of their duties herein , whereof his highness will expect a strict and due accompt from them . given at white-hall the one and twentieth day of september , in the year of our lord god , one thousand six hundred fifty and five . london , printed by henry hills and john field , printers to his highness , mdclv . the debtors apologie, or, a quaint paradox proving that it is good to be in debt, and, in this age, may be usefull for all men by t. j. jordan, thomas, ?- ? this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing j ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing j estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the debtors apologie, or, a quaint paradox proving that it is good to be in debt, and, in this age, may be usefull for all men by t. j. jordan, thomas, ?- ? [ ], p. s.n., [s.l. : ] reproduction of original in huntington library. eng debt -- england -- early works to . a r (wing j ). civilwar no the debtor's apologie or, a quaint paradox proving that it is good to be in debt, and (in this age) may be usefull for all men. by t.j. jordan, thomas f the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the f category of texts with or more defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the debtor's apologie or , a quaint paradox proving that it is good to be in debt , and ( in this age ) may be usefull for all men . by t : i. written in the yeer of engagements , . that it is good to be in debt . we are fallen into that dotage of the world , in which the worst thin●s do overtop the worthiest , sence doth besot the understanding , drinke overcometh the brain , and the eye beguileth and mis-leadeth the sight ; and therefore in tender commiseration of mankinde , i will endeavour to rectifie their judgements in a paradox , then which there hath none more intricate been discussed and canvased among the stoicks in zeno's porch , that is , that it is better for a man to live in debt , then otherwise : ordiar ab ovo , i will begin from an egge , that your concoction may be the easier . in the whole course and frame of nature , we see that nothing is made for it self , but each hath a bond of duty , of use , or of service , by which it i● , indebted to other ; the sunne by his splendor to enlighten all the world ; by his warmth and heat , to cherish and comfort each living and vegitable creature . yea , man himself is so framed of god , that not onely his countrey , his parents , and his frien●●s claim a share in him , but he is also indebted to his dog , and to his ox , the one for hunting for his pleasure , the other for labouring for his profit , so that quicquid babet genii ingenii moris amoris , the abilities of his spirit , the affections of his mind , he hath them for others as much as for himself ; nay , the more for others , by how much he desired to be the greater lord over others . let him but look into himself , and see how his constitutive parts are debters each to other ; the soul doth qui●ken and give life to the body , the body like an automaton , doth move and carry it self and the sou● ; survey him in his parts , the eye seeth for the foot , the foot standeth for the hand , the hand toucheth for the mouth , the mouth tasteth for the stomack , the stomack eateth for the whole body , the body repayeth back again that nutriment which it hath received to all the parts , dis●harging the retriments b● the port esquiline ; and all this in so comely an order , and by a law so certain , and in so due a time , as if nature had rather man should not have been at all , then not to be a debter in every part of him ; which hath made me resolve , that to whomsoever i mean to be a friend , i will strive to be in his debt : and what can i do lesse ? for to him that doth me a good turn , i am bound to return him the greatest pleasure , which i can no way do , but by being in his debt ; for what contentment will it be unto him , when i shall repay him his own again ? the alchimist● who promise to themselves to turn tin into silver , and copper into gold , how will they be transported out of themselves with joy , if they should but see a happy issue of their attempt ? how much more a creditor , when he shall recover a desperate debt ? it is like the joy of a father that receives his lost child . again , he that is in de●t , hath this great privil●dge above other men , that his creditors powre out ● ear●y prayer● for him , the● wish that he may live , thrive , prosper , and g●ow rich , all for t●eir own advantage , they seem to be carefull for their debtors , that they may not lose their principall with the interest , for their money is their life ; witnesse those usurers of france , who when they heard that the price of corn was fallen , went and hang'd themselves for grief . what a command doth the debtor g in over his creditors ? he becometh in a manner their land-lord to whom they cap , crouch , and kneel , as if they did owe him all suits and services , and are as ambitious of their favours , as they who in rome did canvase the people for their voyces to attain the greatest offices : but here is their cunning , laudant ut laedant , they praise them that they may prey upon them . and therefore you brave gallants & spend-thrifts , who find by your wofull experience , that no whip gives a shrewder lash then the labells of a bond or obligation , with a noverint universi , skinner and lacy , whensoever y●u fall into the mercers books , never take care or make conscience of paying your debts , for by that means you shall keep your creditor in awe ; and shall have him wonderfull courteous , officious , and obsequious towards you , and a great mint-master of fair words . without debt and loan , the fabrick of the world will be dis-joynted and fall assunder into its first chaos ; the beauty of the starrs , what would it be but vastnesse , and deformity , if the sun did not lend them light ? the earth would remain unfruitfull , if it did not borrow refreshing dews from the watery signes and planets ; the summer is pleasant and promiseth great hopes of plenty , but it is , because it taketh up much upon trust from the friendly and seasonable temperment of the elements . and , to say the truth ; there is nothing good or great in the world , but that it borroweth some thing from others to make it great , or lendeth to another to make it good , and therefore i marvell why antiquity , who made mildew , feaver , and scurvig●asse goddesses , did not matriculate loan and debt among the rest . the elements who are linked together by a league of association , and by their symbolizing qualities , do barter and truck , borrow and lend one to another , as being the burse and royall-exchange of nature , they are by this traffique and intercourse the very life and nourishment of all sublunary bodies , and therefore are called elimenta , quasi alimenta , whose happy concord and conjunction hath brought forth those , whom the world for the good done to mankinde , hath esteemed gods , as bacchus the great vintner , ceres the meal-mother , flora the tutty-maker , vertumus and pomona costard mongers . now if every man would render and repay in full weight , that which by due debt he oweth , and hath borrowed from others , saturns golden age would return again , in which there was no difference of mettalls , but gold and silver were all one oare , and made the yelk of the earth , natures great e●g ; neither did meum & tuum bound out , and apportionate lands and lordships , by mear-stones , and diversity of tenures of socadge and focadge ; since when , qui habet terras , habet guerras , and the king of heavens peace hath been disturbed amongst men : but then all things were all mens , as necessity did allot and award , who was then the onely judge and arbitrator , competently allowing to every man , that which he stood in need of . with what dearnesse have both gods and good men countenanced and gra●ed debtors ? to whom diana the great goddesse of ephesus , granted her temple for a sanctuary , to keep them out of pagwell pigeon houses , or if they were caught , solon , by a sollemn law infacted , would not have their bodies to be fettered or manicled amongst malefactors , but that they should enjoy their liberty throughout all the parks and purlues of the prison , or , to speak more mildly , of their restraint and indurance ; for the prison is built purgatory-wise , after the architecture of rome with a limbus and tullianum ; the dungeon is the devills pinfold and the very suburbs of hell , where varlets , roarers , and stiletto-stabbers are let down , as the proper food that stuffs that greedy ma● ; the next room is the lollard of trunck-hosed famelists and separatists , who after they have been rowelled in the neck , to cure them of the megrim of the head , they are by the gentle flame of this ●●ove , and the heat of their own zeal , made to sweat our their contumacy and other peccant humours ; the upper skirt and stage of this building , is the garret of expencefull wasters , gamesters , and unthrifty debtors , where though they live robbed of their liberty , as they rifled others of their money , yet is it their great happinesse , that being glutted , as it were , with an aplaustick voluntary life , they have an easie overture made to the contemplative and practick life of vertue : who ever lived more like a souc'd gurn-head amongst men , then diogenes the cynick , barrelling himself up in his tub like a kegg of sturgion ? yet was the happinesse of his contented life envyed of the greatest monarchs , who having made their throats the through-fare and the cullenders of meats and drinks , found an over-gorged belly to be wits clog , reasons sepulcher , lusts-arsenall , the magazin of lewd practises , and the nursery of all vices : all which provocations are defaulted by debts , wants , and indigency . and lastly , the lumbards , usurers , and scriveners , who are the bedles of begga●s , and are accounted the tetters upon the body politique of the common-weale , who turn the kalends and new m●ons , and the festivall dayes of quarter gaudies , into the octaves of disaster , & dooms-dayes-reckonings ; when any of these come to heaven , there is a wonderment amongst the angells , and they cry out with sir guzman of alfarache , fruta nueva , fruta nueva ; here is a new kinde of fruit start up , a pum-paradice upon a crab-stock , lumbards and scriveners are become the popes cannonized and beatified saints . farwell then , vlpianus , modestinus and other pettifoggers of the law , sollicitors and molesters of causes , who account being in debt a kinde of bondage and fervitude . i pitty seneca's weaknesse , who blushed to borrow , miserum verbum , & dimisso vultu proferendum , rogo : that poet laureat forfeited his wreath of bayes and ivy-twine , who made his prayers to his purse , to keep him out of debt , in this manner . to you my purse , and to none other wight compla●n i , for you to be my lady deer : i am sorry now that you be light , for certes yee now make me heavy cheer , me were as lefe laid upon a beer . for which unto your mercy thus i cry , be heavy again , or else mote i dye . now vouchsafe this day , or it be night , that i of you the blisfull sound may heare , or see your colour , like the suny bright that of yellownesse had never pere ye be my life , ye be my hearts fler● ; queen of comfort and of good company be heavy again , or else mote i dye . now purse , that art to me my lives light , and saviour as down in this world here , out of this town help me by your might , sith that you will not be my treasure , for i am shave as neer as any frere , but i pray unto your courtesie , be heavy again or else mote i dye . yet welfare the prodigall unthrift who is magis promus quam condus , and serves at the buttery hatch , whatsoever is in his bin or his barrell , and therefore could never endure the complaint of his purse , who thus bemoan'd her self unto him . materia infoelix , detracta cadavere , forma tam varia , ut nec ego me mihi posse queam , haud melius fatum , nam pendeo more latronis , ingenium sic me fueris habere puyant . si dederis servo , servatunt reddo petenti , non nisi at auriculis tracta referre volo . a skin flai'd off , makes my materials , my form is various , where my self i loose , my doom a fellons death and funeralls , for at a belt i am hang'd by a noose , i do not filch for mine own thrift and gain but what you give , i closely keep and bear , and when you aske , i it restore again , yet not , except you pluck me by the eare . for the al-te-maell , and foot of the reckoning , this is the summa summarum , debemur morti nos nostraque so that whil'st i live , i must resolve to live in debt , in debt to god for my being , in debt to christ for my well being ; in debt to gods sanctifying spirit , for my new being , and i will ever be ready to pawn my life for my countreys liberty ; i will owe obedience to my parents , faith and loyalty to my prince , and when i shall pay my great debt unto nature , i will render my spirit into the hands of god , bequeath my body to be deposed in the lap and bosom of the earth , and cry domine demitte debita mea . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- aerugo ; febris . phoris . ocleve in chaucer . to the supreme authority, the people assembled in parliament. the humble petition of lieutenant colonel john lilburne. lilburne, john, ?- . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing l thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) to the supreme authority, the people assembled in parliament. the humble petition of lieutenant colonel john lilburne. lilburne, john, ?- . england and wales. parliament. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] imprint from wing. dated at end: march . annotation on thomason copy: "mar. ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng lilburne, john, ?- -- imprisonment -- early works to . debt cancellation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no to the supreme authority, the people assembled in parliament.: the humble petition of lieutenant colonel john lilburne. lilburne, john f the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the f category of texts with or more defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jason colman sampled and proofread - jason colman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the supreme authority of england , assembled in parliament . the humble petition of phillip chetwind , prisoner in newgate . sheweth , that your petitioner being the . of decemb. last committed prisoner to newgate , by the right honourable the lord mayor and court of aldermen , became an humble su●ter by three severall addresses to that honourable court for inlargement ; who expressed a willing readinesse to grant your petitioners desire , but by reason of the votes of this honourable house , professe it was not in their power : in confidence of your honours justice and mercie , your petitioner is emboldened to become an humble su●ter unto this honourable house , and doth pray , that your petitioner may be enlarged upon bayle , to appeare whensoever this honourable house shall call for him : and your petitioner shall pray . the scourge of basenesse, or, the old lerry with a new kicksey, and a new cum twang with the old winsye wherein iohn taylor hath curried or clapperclawed, neere a thousand of his bad debters, who will not pay him vpon his returnes from scotland, germany, bohemia, the voyages of the paper boate, and his nauigations to yorke and salsbury with oates. taylor, john, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the scourge of basenesse, or, the old lerry with a new kicksey, and a new cum twang with the old winsye wherein iohn taylor hath curried or clapperclawed, neere a thousand of his bad debters, who will not pay him vpon his returnes from scotland, germany, bohemia, the voyages of the paper boate, and his nauigations to yorke and salsbury with oates. taylor, john, - . [ ] p. printed by n.o. for mathew walbancke, dwelling in grayes inne ... london : [ ] epistle dedicatory signed: iohn taylor. t.p. cropped at bottom with loss of imprint date; date of imprint suggested by stc ( nd ed.) and nuc pre- imprints. signatures: a-c⁸. reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng debt. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jennifer kietzman sampled and proofread - jennifer kietzman text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the scourge of basenesse . or the old lerry with a new kicksey , and a new cum twang with the old winsye . vvherein iohn taylor hath curried or clapperclawed , neere a thousand of his bad debters , who will not pay him vpon his returnes from scotland germany , bohemia , the voyages of the paper boate , and his nauigations to yorke and salsbury with oares . my debters like seauen eeles with slipry tailes , one sort catch , sixe slips away and failes . london , printed by n. o. for mathew walbanck● , dwelling in graves 〈…〉 to the mirror of good fellowship , the patterne of true friendship , and the onely nonparallell of iouiall entertainment ; mr. andrew hilton , at the signe of the horshooe , at daintree ; i. taylor wisheth dayly increase of good guests , tue payment , hearts content in this life , and afterward as much happines as his soule can desire . kind sir , i haue seene oftentimes men offering to snusfe a candle , haue against their wills put it cleane out ; and an vnskilfull chirurgian taking a small greene wound in hand , hath brought it to an old vlcer . i would be loath , for my part , to imitate either of these examples ; for my intent is , confession of the wrong i did you : and an endeauour to make amends . i doe confesse that i did you wrong in print , in my booke of my trauels to scotland , and now in print , i doe make you a publike satisfaction ; for , i protest to god , that i haue heard so much good report of you , that i am double sorry that i was so mistaken , and that i haue beene so long time before i haue printed my recantatiō . it was your tapsters want of wit and manners , and my want of discretion , that was the grounds of my too much credulity and temerity . for his part i wish him no more harme , but that chalke may bee his best payments , thunder may sowre his hogsheads , rats gnaw out his spigots at midnight , and himselfe to commit his witte to the keeping of a foole or a knaue while heliues ; and your hostlers , for gaping so greedily like gudgeons vpon mee , i pray that they may euery day mourne in litter and horse-dung . but these are but iests by the way , for as many as knowes you , haue told mee that if you had beene at home , my entertainment had been better : if it had beene so , it had bin more then you owed me , and more then i at that time could haue required : but i would haue stretched my wit vpon the tenters of inuention , in the praise of innes and inkeepers ; i would haue put the forgetfull world in minde of the good seruice that rahab the inne-keeper did at iericho , in hiding and preseruing the spyes that were sent by caleb and ioshua ; i would haue made the obliuious logger-headed age remember , that the redeemer of the world did grace an inne with his blessed birth : what place then but an inne was the high court of heauen and earth , the residence & lodging of the immortall king , of neuer-ending eternity ? this and more i would haue done , but what is past cannot be recalled , and it is too late to put olde omittings to new committings . and so my noble and thrice worthy hoste of hostes , i omit not to commit you and yours to the protection of him that made you , desiring you to take this merry pamphlet in good part , or in earnest of my better amends , and as a qualifier of your iust anger . yours in the best of his eudeauours to be commanded , iohn taylor . to the reader . my hearty condemnations , i send forth , vnto a crew of rascals , nothing worth , ( yet in some sort i wrong their high reputes some of them are worth hanging for their sutes ) such as ( to pay debts ) haue the meanes , not mindes , whose words , and bonds , are coustant as the windes , such as thinke satisfaction is a sinne , and he most veriuous that 's in debt most in , such for whose sakes , ( to my aparent losse ) to germany , i twice the seas did crosse , to scotland all on foot , and backe from thence , not any coyne about me for expence , and with a rotten weake browne paper boate , to quinborough , from london i did floate : next to bohemia , o're the raging maine , and troublous lands , i went , and came againe . next with a wherry , i to yorke did ferry , which i did finde a voyage very merry . and lastly , late i made a desperate launte , from famous london , ( sometimes troynou●nte ) to salisbury , through many a bitter blast , i , rockes , and sands , and foaming billowes past , that in ten thousand mouthes , the city round , the lying , flying , newes was , i was drown'd : but i may see them hang'd before that day , who are my debtors , can , and will not pay : these toyle some passages i vndertooke , and gaue out coyne , and many a hundred booke , which these base mungrels tooke , and promist me to giue me siue for one , some foure , some three : but now these hownds , no other pay affords , then shifting , scornefull lookes , and seuruy words ; and sure i thinke , if i should harrow hell. where diuels , and cursed reprobates do dwell , i might finde many there , that are their betters , and haue more conscience , then my wicked debtors . thus to my seauen-fold troope of friends and foes , my thankes , and angry muse , thus onward goes . the vvhy and the vvherefore . i haue published this pamphlet , to let my rich debtors vnderstand , that as often as i meete them , i doe looke that they should pay mee : and although i am shamefaste in not asking my due , yet i would not haue them shamelesse in detaining it from me , because the summes are but small , and very easie for them ( in generall ) to pay , and would do me a particular good to receiue . secondly , i haue sent this into the world , to informe some , that through their want doe shun and auoid my sight and company , that they are much deceiued in my disposition : for i euer did esteeme an honest heart and a willing minde , as well as their performances . thirdly , there are some great men , who by reason of their extraordinary imployments , my small acquaintance , and lesse meanes of accesse vnto them , with my want of impudencie , and their mens want of courtesie to informe them , all these are lets , and demurres , against my satisfaction lastly , the daily abuses that i haue concerning the booke of my trauels , wherein i am accused for lies , and falsifications ; but i doe and euer will stedfastlie stand to the truth of euery title of it , except the a-buse that i did to maister hilton at daintree , & that was not done on known malice neither , but on blinde ignorant information : and there is a second edition of my bookes of ●●auels comming foorth , wherein i will satyrize , cauterize , and stigmatize all the whole kennell of curres that dares maliciouslie snarle against manifest , apparant , and well knowne truths . in the meane space , you that are my debtors , if you please to pay me , you shall therin put your selues out of a bad number amongst which you yet are placed : if you will not pay me , take this bone to gnaw vpon , that i doe hope to be euer better furnished with mony , then you shall be with honestie . i. t. a table of the generall heads , containing seauen parts . those that haue paid . those that would pay if they could . those that walke inuisible , and are not to be found , those that say they will pay , who knowes when . those that are dead . those that are fled . those rorers that can pay , and wil not . those that to euer meane to pay , nothing at all this booke doth sar : to such my satyre talketh still , as haue not paid , nor euer will. a kicksey winsey , or a lerry come-twang : wherein iohn taylor hath satyrically suted . of his bad debtors , that will not pay him for his returne of his tourney from scotland . . my thankes to those that haue paid . you worthy worthyes , of that liberall tribe , who freely gaue your words , or did subscribe : and were not itch'd with the vaine-glorious worme , to write and lie , but promise and performe , black swans of brittaine , i ptotest you are , and seeme ( to me ) each one a blazing starre ; for this inconstant age so few affoords of men , whose deeds do counterpoise their words , that finding one , me thinkes i see a wonder , more then decembers fruit , or winters thunder , ingratitude , i hold a vice so vile , that i could ne're endur 't a breathing while , and therefore , ere i 'le prooue a thanklesse iade , time in his course shall runne quite retrograde ; yea , euery thing shall hate his proper kind , before i 'le harbour an ingratefull mind : and still i vow to quit you in some part , with my best wishes , and a thankefull heart : so much to you , my muse hath sung , or said whose louing bounties hath the sculler paid . . those that would pay if they could . and as for you that would pay , if you could , i thank you , though you do not as you should you promis'd faire , and wrote as free as any , but time hath altered since , the case with many ; your monyes , like low tides , are eb'd too low , and when 't is lowest 't will begin to flow . to seek a breech from breechlesse men'twere vaine , and sruitlesse labour would requite my paine : it were no charity ( as i suppose ) to bid one wipe his nose , that wants a nose ; and sure my conscience would be lesse then little , t' enrich my selfe , by robbing of the spittle : no , honest friends ( to end this vaine dispute ) your barren states may spring , & bring forth fruite ; your wills are good , and whilst i keepe your bills instead of paiment i accept good wills ; on hope and expectation i will feede , and take your good endeauours for the deede : praying that crosses in your minds may cease , and crosses in your purses may increase . . those that are hard for me to finde , and being found , were better lost . another sort of debtors are behinde , some i know not , and some i cannot finde : and some of them lies here and there , by spirts , shifting their lodgings oftner then their shirts . perchance i heare where one of these men lies , and in the morning vp betimes i rise , and finde in shorditch where he lodg'd a night ; but he to westminster hath tane his flight . some two dayes after thither doe i trot , and finde his lodging , but yet finde him not , for he the night before ( as people tell ) hath tane a chamber about clarken-well . thither go i , and make a priuy search , whilst he 's in southwark , neer s. george his church , a pox vpon him , all this while thinke i , shall i ne're finde out where my youth doth lie ? and hauing sought him many a weary bout , at last perhaps i finde his chamber out : but then the gentleman is fast in bed , and rest hath seas'd vp on his running head ; he hath tooke cold with going late by water , or sate vp late at ace . deuse , trey , and cater , that with a sinke of fiftie peeces price , he sleepes till noone before his worship rise ; at last he wakes ; his man informes him straight , that i at dore doe on his pleasure waite ; perhaps i am requested to come neere and drinke a cup of either ale or beere , whilst sucking english fire , and indian vapor , at last i greete him with my bill of paper : well iohn ( quoth he ) this hand i know is mine , but i this day doe purpose to goe dine at the halfe moone in milke-street , prethee come , and there we 'le drinke , and pay this petty summe , i take my leaue , he in his sleeue doth laugh whilst i beleeue him ( like iohn hold my staffe ) i in the tauerne stay , and waite his pleasure , and he to keep his word can finde no leasure . thus many a street by me recrost , and crost i in and out , and to and fro , am tost . and spend my time and coyne to finde one out , which hauing found , rewards me with a flout . in this base fashion , or such like as this , to me their scuruy dayly dealing is : as one 's in 's study , t'others deep in talke , another's in his garden gone to walke : one's in the barbers suddes , and cannot see , till chin and chaps are made a roman t : and for his making thus a gull of me , i wish his cut may be the graecian p. these men can kisse their clawes , with iack how is 't and take and shake me kindly by the fist , and put me off with dilatory cogges , and sweare and lye , worse then a sort of dogs , protesting they are glad i am return'd , when they 'd be gladder i were hang'd or burn'd . some of their pockets are oft stor'd with chinke , which they had rather waste on drabs , dice , drinke , then a small pelty summe to me to pay , although i meete them euery other day ; for which to ease my mind to their disgrace , i must ( perforce ) in print proclaime them base ; and if they pay me not ( vnto their shames ) i 'le print their trads , their dwellings & their names , that boyes shall hisse them as they walke along , whilst they shal stink , & do their breeches wrong : pay then , delay not , but with speed disburse , or if you will , try but who 'le haue the worse . . those that will and doe dayly pay me in drinke and smoake . a fourth crew i must drop from out my quill , are some that haue not paid , yet say they will : and their remembrance giues my muddy mood , more ioy then of those that will ne`re be good . these fellowes my sharpe muse shall lash but soft , because i meete them to their charges oft , where at the tauerne ( with free frollick hearts ) they welcome me with pottles , pints , and quarts ; and they ( at times ) will spend like honest men , twelue shillings , rather then pay fiue or ten . these are right gentlemen , who beare a mind to spend , and be as liberall as the wind : but yet their bounty ( when they come to pay ) is bountifull in nothing but delay . these i do neuer seeke from place to place , these make me not to runne the wildgoose chase ; these do from day to day not put me off , and in the end reward me with a scoffe . and for their kindnesse , let them take their leasure , to pay or not pay , let them vse their pleasure let them no worser then they are , still proue their powrs may chance out-do me , not their loue ; i meete them to my perill , and their cost , and so in time there 's little will be lost . yet the old prouerb i would haue them know , the horse may statue the whilst the grasse doth grow . . those that are dead . a fift sort ( god be with them ) they are dead , and euery one my quittance vnder 's head : to aske them coyne , i know they haue it not , and where nought is , there 's nothing to be got . i 'le neuer wrong them with inuectiue lines , nor trouble their good heires , or their as-sigues . and some of them , their liues losse to me were , in a large measure of true sorrow deere ; as one braue lawyer , whose true honest spirit doth with the blest celestiall soules inherit . he whose graue wisedome gain'd preheminence , to grace and fauour with his gracious prince ; adorn , d with learning , lou'd , approu'd , admir'de , he , my true friend , too soon to dust retir'de . besides , a number of my worthy friends ( to my great losse ) death brought vnto their ends . rest gentle spirits , rest , with eternizing , and may your corpes haue all a ioyfull rising : there 's many liuing , euery day i see , who are more dead then you in pay to me . . those that are sled . a sixt , with tongs glib , like the tayles of eeles , hath shew'd this land and me foule pairs of heels to ireland , belgis germany , and france . they are retir'de to seeke some better chance . t' was their vnhappy inauspicious fate , the counters , or king luds vnlucky gate ; bonds being broke , the stones in euery street , they durst not tread on , lest they burnt their feete ; smoke by the pipe , and ginger by the race , they lou , d with ale , but neuer lou'd the mace. and these mens honesties are like their states , at piteous , wofull , and at low priz'd rates ; for partly they did know when they did take my bookes , they could no satisfaction make . and honesty this document doth teach that man shall neuer striue aboue his reach , yet haue they reacht , and ouerreacht me still , to do themselues no good , and me much ill . but farewell friends , if you againe doe come , and pay me either all , or none , or some : i looke for none , and therefore still delay me , you onely doe deceiue me if you pay me . yet that deceit from you were but my due ; but i looke ne're to be deceiu'd by you . your stockes are poore , your creditors are store , which god increase , and decrease , i implore . . those that are as farre from honesty as a turke is from true religion . seuenthly , and last's a worthy worthlesse crew , such as heau'n hates , & hell on earth doth spew , and god renounce , & dam them , are their praiers , yet some of these sweete youths are good mens heires : but vp most tēderly they haue bin brought and all their breeding better fed then taught : and now their liues floate in damnations streame , to stab , drab , kil , swil , tear , swear , stare , blaspheme : in imitation worse then diuels apes , or incubusses thrust in humane shapes : as bladders full of others wind is blowne , so selfe-conceit doth puffe them of their owne : they deeme their wit all other men surpasses , and other men esteem them witlesse asses . these pucksoyst cockbrain'd coxcōbs , shallow pated . are things that by their taylors are created ; for they before were simple shapelesse wormes , vntill their makers lick'd them into sormes . t' is ignorant idolatry most base , to worship sattin sathan , or gold lace ; t' adore a veluet varlet , whose repute stinkes odious , but for his perfumed suite . if one of these to serue some lord doth get , his first taske is , to sweare himselfe in debt : and hauing pawn'd his soule to hell for oathes . he pawnes those othes for newfoūd fashiō clothes . his carcasse cased in this borrowed case , imagines he doth me exceeding grace ; if when i meete him , he bestowes a nod , then must i thinke me highly blest of god. perhaps ( though for a wood-cocke i repute him , ) i vaile my bonnet to him , and salute him : but sure my salutation is as euill , as infidels that do adore the diuell . for they do worship sathan for no good , which they expect from his infernall mood , but for they know he 's author of all ill , and o're them hath a power to spoyle and kill● they therefore doe adore him in the durt , not hoping any good , but fearing hurt . so i do seeme these mimmicks , to respect not , that from them i any good expect ; ( for i from dogs dung can extract pure honey , as soone as from these widgeons get my money ) but i ( in courtesie ) to them haue b●●de , because they shall not say , i ●m growne prowde ; and sure if harmelesse true humillity , may spring from money wanting pouerty , i haue of debtors such a stinking store , will make me humble , for they 'le keepe me poore . and though no wiser then flat fooles they be , a good lucke on them thei 're too wise for me ; they with a courtly tricke , or a flim flam , do nod at me , whilst i the noddy am : one part of gentry they will ne're forget , and that is , that they ne're will pay their debt . to take , and to receiue , they hold it fit , but to requite , or to restore's no wit. then let them take and keepe , but knocks , and pox , and all diseases from pandora's box . and which of them sayes that i raue or raile , let him but pay , and bid me kisse his t. but sure the diuell hath taught them many a trick , beyond the numbring of arithmetick . i meete one , thinking for my due to speake , he with euasions doth my purpose breake , and askes what news i heare from france or spain , or where i was in the last shower of raine ; or when the court remooues , or what 's a clock , or wher 's the wind ( or some such windy mock ) with such sine scimble , scemble , spitter , spatter , as puts me cleane besides the mony-matter . thus with poore mungrell shifts , with what , where , when , i am abused by these things , like men . and some of them doe glory in my want , they being romists , i a protestant : their apostaticall iniunctions faith , to keepe their faith with me , is breach of faith : for 't is a maxim of such catholicks , t is meritorious to plague hereticks ; since it is so , pray pay me but my due , and i will loue the crosse as well as you . and this much further i would haue you know , my shame is more to aske , then yours to owe : i begge of no man , 't is my owne i craue , nor do i seeke it but of them that haue : there 's no man was inforc'd against his will , to giue his word , or signe vnto my bill . and is 't not shame , nay more then shame to heare , that i should be return'd aboue a yeare , and many rich-mens words , and bils haue past , and tooke of me both bookes , both first and last , whilst twice or thrice a weeke , in euery streete , i meete those men , and not my mony meete . were they not able me amends to make , my conscience then , would sooner giue then take ; but most of those i meane , are full purs'd hindes , being beggerly in nothing but their mindes : yet sure me thinkes , if they would do me right , their mindes should be as free to pay , as write . neer threescore pounds , the books i 'm sure did cost which they haue had from me , and i thinke lost : and had not these mens tongues so forward bin , ere i my painfull iourney did beginne , i could haue had good men in meaner rayment , that long ere this , had made me better payment : i made my iourney for no other ends , but to get money , and to try my friends : and not a friend i had , for worth , or wit did take my booke , or past his word , or writ : but i ( with thankefulnesse ) still vnderstood they tooke , in hope to giue , and do me good . they took a book worth ● . pence , & were bound to giue a crowne , an angell , or a pound . a noble peece , or halfe peece , what they list , they past their words , or freely set their fist . thus got i sixteene hundred hands and fifty . which summe i did suppose was somewhat thrifty and now my youths , with shifts , & tricks , & cauils , aboue seauen hundred , playes the sharking iauils . i haue performed what i vndertooke , and that they should keepe touch with me i looke : foure thousand , and fiue hundred bookes i gaue to many a honest man , and many a knaue ; which bookes , and my expence to giue them out , ( a long yeere seeking this con●used rout ) i 'm sure it cost me seuenscore pounds and more , with some suspition that i went on score . besides aboue a thousand miles i went , and ( though no mony ) yet much time i spent ; taking excessiue labour , and great paines , in heat , cold , wet , and dry , with feete and braines : with tedious toyle , making my heart-strings ake , in hope i should content , both giue and take , and in requitall now , for all my paine , i giue content still , and get none againe . none did i say ? i 'le call that word agen , i meete with some that pay me now , and then , but such a toyle i haue those men to seeke , and finde ( perhaps ) , , or , a weeke , that too too oft , my losings gettings be , to spend . crownes in gathering in of three . and thus much to the world i dare auow , that my oft walkes to get my mony now , with my expences , seeking of the same , returning many a night home , tir'd and lame , meeting some thirty , forty in a day , that sees me , knowes me , owes me , yet none pay . vs'd and abus'd thus , both in towne and court , it makes me thinke my scottish walke a sport : i muse of what stuffe these men framed be , most of them seeme mockado vnto me : some are stand-further off , for they endeauer , neuer to see me or to pay me neuer . when first i saw them , they appeared rash , and now their promises are worse then trash ; no taffaty more changeable then they , in nothing constant , but no debts to pay . and therefore let them take it as they will , i 'le canuase them a little with my quill . to all the world i humbly do appeale , and let it iudge , if well these men doe deale , or whether for their hasenesse , 't were not fitter , that i should vse more gall , and write more bitter ? i wrot this booke before but for this end , to warne , them , and their faults to reprehend ; but if this warning will not serue the turne , i sweare by sweete satyrick nash his vrne , on euery pissing post , their names i 'le place , whilst they past shame , shall shame to shew their face , i 'le hale fell nemesis , from dis his den , to ayde and guide my sharpe reuenging pen ; that fifty popes buls neuer shall roare lowder , nor fourescore cannons whē mē fire their powder . and sure , my wronged muse , could lines indite , so full of horror , terror , and affright , that they ( like caine ) confessing their estates , but little better then base reprobates ; and hang themselues in their despairing moods , but that i 'le not be guilty of their bloods . no , let such fellowes know , that time shall try my mercie 's greater then their honesty : nor shall my verse affoord them no such fauour , to make them saue the hangman so much labour , they are contented still to patch and palter , and i ( with patience ) wish them each a halter , they are well pleas'd to be perfidious fellowes , and my reuenge bequeathes them to the gallowes ; for i would haue them this much vnderstand , words are but wind , 't is money that buyes land : words buyes no food , or clothes , to giue content , bare words will neuer pay my landlord rent . and those that can pay coyne , and payes but words , my minde , a mischiefe to them all affoords , i count them like old shoes , past all mens mending , and therefore may the gallouse be their ending : if some of them would but ten houres spare from drinking , drabbing , and superfluous fare , from smoaking english fire , and heathen stinke , the most of them might well pay me my chinke . there 's no wound deeper then a pen can giue , it makes men liuing dead , and dead men liue ; it can raise honour drowned in the sea , and blaze it forth in glory , cap. a. pea . why it can scale the battlements of heauen , and stellifie men 'mongst the planets seauen : it can make mizers , peasants , knaues and fooles the scorn of goodnesse , and the diuels close stooles . forgot had bin the thrice three worthies names , if thrice three muses , had not writ their fames : and if it not with flatt'ry be infected , good is by it extold , and bad corrected . let iudgment iudge them , what mad men are those that dare against a pen themselues oppose , which ( when it likes ) can turne thē all to loathing to any thing , to nothing , worse then nothing . yet e're i went , these men to write did like , and vs'd a pen more nimbly then a pike ; and writ their names ( as i suppos'd ) more willing , then valiant souldiers with their pikes are drilling . but this experience , by these men i finde , their words are like their payment , all but winde , but what wind 't is , is quickly vnderstood , it is an euill winde , blowes no man good : or else they make it to the world appeare , that writing is good cheape , and paying deare . no paper bill of mine had edge vpon it , till they their hands and names had written on it ; and if their iudgements be not ouer-seene , they would not feare , the edge is not so keene . some thousands , and some hundreds by the yeare are worth , yet they their peece or halfe peece fe●●e ; they on their owne bils are a fraid to enter , and i vpon their peeces dare to v●nter : but who so at the bill hath better skill , giue me the peece , and let him take the bill . i haue met some that odiously haue lied , who to deceiue me , haue their names denied ; and yet they haue good honest christian names , as ioshua , richard , robert , iohn and iames : to cheare me with base inhumanity , they haue denide their christianity , a halfe piece , or a crowne , or such a summe , hath forc'd them falsifie their christendom : denying good , ill names with them agree , and they that haue ill names halfe hanged be , and sure i thinke my losse would be but small , if for a quittance they were hang'd vp all . of such i am past hope , and they past grace , and hope and grace both past's , a wretched case . it may be that for my offences past , god hath vpon me this disturbance cast : if it be so , i thanke his name therefore , confessing i deserue ten times much more ; but as the diuell is author of all ill , so ill for ill , on th' ill , he worketh still ; himselfe , his seruants , dayly lye and lurk mans cares on earth , or paines in hell to work . see how the case then with my debtors stands , they take the diuels office out on 's hands ; tormenting me on earth , for passed euils , and for the diuell , doth vex me worse then diuels . in troth 't is pitty , proper men they seeme , and those that know them not , would neuer deeme that one of them would basely seeme to meddle , to be the diuels hangman or his beadle . for shame , for honesty , for both , for either , for my deserts desertlesse , or for neither discharge your selues fiō me , you know wherefore , and neuer serue , or helpe the diuell more . i haue heard some that lawyers do condem , but i still must , and will speake well of them ; though neuer in my life , they had of me clarkes , counsellers , or yet aturneys fee , yet at my backe returne , they all concurr'd and payd me what was due , and ne're demurr'd . some counter-serieants , when i came agen , ( against their nature ) dealt like honest men . by wonderous accident perchance one may grope out a needle in a loade of hay : and though a white crow be exceeding rare , a blind man may ( by fortune ) catch a hare , so may a serieant haue some honest tricks if too much knauery doth not ouer-mix . newgate ( the vniuersity of stealing ) did deale with me with vpright honest dealing . my debtors all ( for ought that i can see ) will still remaine true debters vnto me ; for if to paying once they should incline , they would not then be debtors long of mine . but this report i feare , they still will haue , to be true debtors euen to their graue . i know there 's many worthy proiects done , the which more credit , and more coyne hath won , and 't is a shame for those ( i dare maintaine ) that breake their words , & not requite their paine : i speake to such , if any such there be , if there be none , would there were none for me . but mr. barnard caluard , too well knowes , the fruites of windy promise and faire showes , with great expence , and perill , and much paine he rode by land , and crost the raging maine in fifteene houres , he did ride and goe , from southwarke neere to callice , too and froe . when he to his cost , and detriment , sbewed vs a memorable president , in finding out a speedy worthy way , for newes 'twixt france and london in one day ; and yet this well deseruing gentleman , is cheated of his coyne , do what he can , from him they could both goods and money take , but to him they●●● no satisfaction make , their promises were fiue , or ten for one , and their performances are few , or none . therefore it is some comfort vnto me , when such a man of ranke , and note , as he , in stead of coyne is payd with promises , my being cheated grieues me much the lesse ; of worthy gentlemen , i could name more , that haue past dangers both on seas and shore , and on good hopes did venture out their gold , to some that will no faith , or promise hold , but basely do detaine , and keepe backe all th' expected profit , and the principall : yet this one comfort may expell our crosse , though we endure , time , coyne , and labors losse : yet their abuse doth make our fame more great , 't is better to be cheated , then to cheate . except the poore , the proud , the base , the gallant . those that are dead , or fled , or out of towne : such as i know not , nor to them am knowne , those that will pay ( of which there 's some smal nūber , and those that smile to put me to this cūber , in all they are eight hundred , and some od , but when they 'le pay me 's onely knowne to god. some crowns , some poūds , sōe nobles , some a roial ; some good , some naught , some worse , most bad in triall . i , like a boy , that shooting with a bow , hath lost his shaft where weedes and bushes grow ; who hauing search'd , and rak'd , and scrap'd , & tost to finde his arrow that he late hath lost : at last a crotchet comes into his braine , to stand at his first shooting place againe ; then shootes , and lets another arrow flie neare as he thinkes his other shaft may lie : thus ventring , he perhaps findes both or one , the worst is , if he lose both , he findes none . so i that haue of bookes so many giuen , to this compared exigent am driuen : to shoote this pamphlet , and to ease my minde , to lose more yet , or something lost to finde , as many brooks , foords , showers of rain , & springs , vnto the thames their often tribute brings , these subiects paying , not their stocks decrease , yet by those payments , thames doth still increase : so i that haue of debtors such a swarme , good they might do me , and themselues no harme inuectiue lines , or words , i write nor say to none but those that can , and will not pay : and who so payes with good , or with ill will , is freed from out the compasse of my quill . they must not take me for a stupid asse , that i ( vnfeeling ) will let these things passe . if they beare minds to wrong me , let them know i haue a tongue and pen , my wrongs to show ; and be he ne're so briske , or neate , or trim , that bids a pish for me , a rush for him ; to me the' are rotten trees , with beauteous thinds fayre formed caskers of deformed minds . or like dispersed flocks of scattered sheepe , that will no pasture , or decorum keepe : so , 〈◊〉 wildely skipping into vnknowne grounds , stray into forraine and forbidden bounds ; where some throgh wāt , some throgh excesse haue got the scab , the worme , the murraine , or the rot . but whilst they wander guidelesse , vncontrolde , i 'le do my best to bring them to my folde ; and seeing sheepefold hurdles here are scant , i am inforced to supply that want with rayling ; and therefore mine owne to win , like rotten forlorne sheepe , i 'le rayle them in . in defence of aduenturers vpon returnes . forasmuch as there are many , who either out of pride , malice , or ignorance , do speake harshly , and hardly of me and of diuers others , who haue attempted and gone dangerous voyages by sea with small wherries or boats , or any other aduenture vpon any voyage by land , either riding , going , or running , alleadging that we do tempt god by vndertaking such perrilous courses ( which indeede i cannot deny to bee true ) yet not to extenuate or make my faults lesse then they are : i will heare approoue that all men in the world are aduenturers vpon returne , and that wee do all generally tempt the patience and long suffering of god , as i will make it appeare as followeth . whosoeuer is an idolater , a superstitious hereticke , an odious and frequent swearer , or lyer , a griping vsurer , or vncharitable extortioner , doth tempt god , aduenture their soules , and vpon returne lose heauen . whosoeuer is a whore-maister , doth aduenture his health , and wealth , and his returnes are ●udlesse misery , beggery , and the pox . whosoeuer doth continue , plot , or commit treason , doth aduenture his soule to the diuell , and his body to the hang-man . whosoeuer do marry a young and beautifull mayd , doth aduenture a great hazard for a blessing or a curse . whosoeuer goes a long iourney , and leaues his faire wife at home , doth most dangerously aduenture for hornes , if she be not the honester . hee that sets his hand to a bond , or passes his word for another mans debt , doth aduenture a great hazard to pay both principall and interest . probatumest . that pastor who is either negligent or vncharitable in his function , doth aduenture more then he will euer recouer . a merchant doth aduenture ship , and goods amongst flats , shoales , deepes , pirates , shelues , rockes , gusts , stormes , flawes , tempests , mists , fogges , winds , seas , heates , colds , and calmes , and all for hope of profit , which often failes . that trades-man that dayly trusts more ware then hee receiues money for , doth aduenture for ludgate , a breaking , or a cracking of his credit . hee or shee who are proud either of beauty , riches , wit , learning , strength , or any thing which is transitory , and may be lost , either by fire , water , sicknesse , death , or any other casualty , doe aduenture to be accounted vaine-glorious , and ridiculous coxcombs . he that puts confidence in drabs , dice , cards , bals , bowles , or any game lawfull or vnlawfull doth aduenture to be laught at for a fcole , or dye a begger vnpityed . hee that eates , and driukes till midnight , and fights , and brawles till day-light , doth aduenture for little rest that night . to conclude , i could name and produce aboundance more of aduenturers , but as concerning aduenturing any more dangerous voyages to sea , with wherries , or any extraordinary meanes , i haue done my last , onely my frailety will now and then prouoke me to aduenture vpon some of those insirmities or vices , which attend on our mortalities , which i thinke i shall bee free from committing , before my debtors haue payd me all my money . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e 〈◊〉 the case of thomas bushell, esq; bushell, thomas, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing b ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing b estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the case of thomas bushell, esq; bushell, thomas, - . england and wales. parliament. sheet ([ ] p.). s.n., [london : ?] publication information suggested by wing. imperfect: bleed-through from ms. on verso. reproduction of original in the bodleian library. eng bushell, thomas, - . debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . mines and mineral resources -- england. great britain -- politics and government -- - . broadsides -- england -- th century. a r (wing b ). civilwar no the case of thomas bushell e[sq;] bushell, thomas f the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the f category of texts with or more defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - megan marion sampled and proofread - megan marion text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the case of thomas bushell esq master bushell , according to his obligations of duty and particular ingagement , to put in practice his master the lord chancellor bacons conceptions , concerning minerals and minerals discoveries , made his first adventure in wales , where his experience verified his masters theory , and his success answering his expectation , he ( according to the advice of his lord , from whose deep foresight in future events he had received that command , and urged by the inconveniences which attended his taking up money in london , and returning it thence to pay his workmen , and the charge of returning it back to london ) contracted with his late majesty , that in care he should find any quantity of silver in cutting , through the five mountains nominated to mr. bushell by the lord bacon , he should have a mint to coyn it , which mr. bushell did , had his mint established , and coyned considerable summes weekly . but the wars in england survening , his majesties commands called him from those mines ( which yielded him above l. per an. and relieved many hundreds of poor people , that were imployed in those works ) to attend his majesties more immediate service ▪ how his comportment ●●erein answered the trust reposed in him by his majesty , his majesties attesta●ion under his royal hand and seal will sufficiently evidence : although there are many other services performed by him , both to the king and queen which are not mentioned therein . his majesty , in consideratien of his loyalty , and the vast debts he daily contracted for his service , was pleas'd ( with the advice of his council ) to grant him unde● the great seal , the customs of lead for ● , years at the yearly rent of l. but the parliaments victory over his majesties forces soon defeated him of the possession of them ; as the wars before had outed him of the silk-office , which was erected upon the complaint of the s●●k weavers , to prevent the false dying of silk ; all silk , both before and after it was dyed , being to be brought to the said office , and d , per pound by their voluntary offer to be payed for it , one two pence whereof was to be divided between mr. bushell and mr. carleton , to support the great charge of the said office ●nd the remaining d ▪ was reserved for his majesty , who finding of what importance the mines would be , both to his majesty and kingdoms , if the rich veins in other mount●●ns were pursued like those in wales , was pleased to allow mr. bushell the disposing of the said d. upon such mineral works , as the lord bacon had designed for tryal , he giving a just account of his receipts and disbursements to the lord warden of the stanneries , and the lord mayor of london for the time being , but the wars intervening , deprived him of the benefit of both : nor since his majesties happy restauration can he be admitted to eit●er , although the one be assigned by him , for the payment of his debts to widows and orphans , and contracted for his majesties servi●● and the other for a general good to take off the taxes of the people , if providence adde a blessing to his endeavours . his majesty was pleas'd to intrust him with the command of lundy island , where he received ●●eral summons from divers of the parliament officers , but still refused to yield it without his majesties royal consem by word of mouth at caussam , ( whither mr. bushell had a safe conduct from sir thoma● fairfax ) although formerly invited to it by his majesties letter , and then he gave it up to sir thomas fairfax , ( who was the parliaments general ) and the lord say , ( who was the proprieto● of the island ) upon articles , which being formerly violated , and he contrary to the teno● of them arreste● , he put in bail , and his bail being afterwards prosecuted by one snellock , the said snellock was commited for his contempt , the articles con●●med by an ordniance of the lords ●nd commons in parliament in the year . although he could never be restored to his estate , according to the intent of them . the several revolutions there distracted kingdoms suffered afterwards , still deprived mr bushell of the justice he ought to expect as his due ; so that he resumed his mineral profession , and coming about three years since to london , to settle some business in order to his proceedings in mineral discoveries , notwithstanding he was still injuriously debar●ed of his estate , he was ( contrary to his articles ) arrested , dangerou●ly wounded , and committed a clo●● prisoner to newgate , under which restraint he lay ever since , until upon his petition to the lords the last parliament , he was relieved by their order to attend thei● lordships de die in diem . but no sooner was the parliament adjourned , but one crofts , edney , and ogden an attorney slighting and openly in disdainful language ●●lifying and despising the said order , sued the sheriffs for an escape , whereupon he was again clapt up a close prisoner in the same new-gate : but upon his petition to the lords at their reassembling , their lo●dships were pleas'd to order the commitment of those creditors , but the sudden dissolution of that parliament frustrated mr. bushell of the benefit of the said order . the same creditors at whose suit he is now a prisoner , did in cromwels time subscribe to take five in the hundred ; nor do they aim now so much at the satisfaction of their debt , as to serve the avarice of others , ( with whom they are combined ) who have intruded into mr. bushells estate , and now seek by this oppression to deprive him of all means to recover his rights , which they have wrested out of his hands : one jones having now a mine of mr. bushells , which he hath kept from him many years , worth l. per an. and that for nothing almost . nor is the debt to crofts so just as is pretended , being for commanders and souldiers clothes , in which the said mr. bushell was cheated with copper instead of silver lace . mr. bushell humby conceives hereupon , that the relief their lordships shall afford him will be a high justice to their late and present majesties , their lordships own honour , and the whole nation in general . for if a person that hath done their majesties such signal services shall have no other monument then a loathsome gaole , it cannot but cast an unhandsome reflection on their majesties : what his services to his late majesty were , and what his majesties resentment of them was , does appear by his royall attestation . for his service to his present majesty , he humbly refers himself to his royal breast ; only this he must take the boldness to say , that by the intelligence which at a dear rate he purchased , and gave his majesty of a design laid by cromwell and his cursed fraternity , to destroy both his majesty and the duke of york , he was one of the principall instruments of the happiness , these kingdoms now injoy in their restored prince . what a justice it will be to their lordships own honours , will be no hard matter to conjecture : for , if articles made by their general , and confirmed by the parliament , and orders in pursuance of them be so easily violable ; a great diminution and contempt both of their honour and authority will necessarily follow , especially in such a case as this : for mr. bushell could not be so stupidly insensible of his own ingagements , as to have adventured himself among so many creditors , but that he conceived himself secured by the honour of a parliament , which he had received in hostage for the performance of his articles . what a justice it will be to the nation in general , may be concluded from his constant indeavours ( which have not been without eminent success ) to promote the honour and profit of it , inriching it by discovering its subterranean treasure , and imploying many poor people who are now ready to starve for want of him : nor are the mines in a better condition , those that have injuriously extorted them out of his hands , not knowing how to work them ; so that they now lie useless and unprofitable , being buryed in their own ruines ; and that he is able to restore them may be easily credited from his first reducing them from a ruder chaos to such a perfection , as that of the silver extracted out of lead , he coyned a l. a week . nor have the eclipses he has suffered in his fortunes ( to a total deprivation of them ) had any influence on his industry , which has still continued indefatigable . witness the recovery of a work at row-pits on mendyppe in the county of summerset , formerly deserted ( by reason of the abundance of water ) by sir bevis bulmar , which mr. bushell is so confident , that he will be content to forfeit all his grants both of the mines , mint , and customs of lead , and to suffer death as the greatest traytor and imposter , if in two years time he doth not out of that drowned work and other discoveries of his own , raise l. a week . provided he be secured by the parliament in the quiet injoyment of them , when he has been at the trouble and charge to drein the one , and discover the other . this work had been long since perfected , had not his arrest and imprisonment ( contrary to his articles , destroyed that little reputation he had left , and involved him in those misfortunes , which make him now an humble suitor for their lordships relief . and certainly it cannot but seem to my rational man to be very hard measure , a person that hath done and is still able to do such considerable services to the publick ( to which he ever was , and still is only devoted ) should be denyed a share in that happiness of which himself was so great an instrument , and which he dares say he is able by mineral discoveries , to advance more then any other subject within his majesties kidgdoms . mr. bushell having been proved by a part of his life , led for three years in an obscure hermitage , before he was allowed by his master the lord bacon to attempt the said mineral design . and after that , to preserve himself from utter ruine , he was forced in the late wars to indure a three years famine in lundy island , before he had those articles , whose confirmation he now humbly desires . as also three years banishment from the conversation or sight of his friends or any others at lambeth for service he had done his majesty ; to which retirement he was pursued by cromwels bloud-hounds , and others who had intruded into his estate . and after all this hath languished and groaned under a loathsome sepultu●e for three years more in newgate , contrary to the articles he had given him by the parliaments general , and confirmed by an ordinance of their own , as hath been said before . and if any shall seek to prejudice the reputation of the said mr. bushell , by objecting against him the multiplicity of his debts yet unsatisfied : it cannot be supposed by any rational man , but that a person ingaged in so expenceful a design as that of the mines must of necessity contract some debts , which had not his late majesties commands called him from those rich works his own industry had raised , or had he been restored to his estate as he ought by his articles , had , been long since discharged ; so that the non-payment of his debts contracted before the wars , those he was ingaged in for his majesties service during the wars , and those which for his necessary support , by reason of his being divested of all his estate he has been involved in since , must by any sober man be rather imputed to his misfortune , then any injustice in himself : especially , since the sole aim of all his indeavours ever was the service and advantage of the publick , according to the commands and directions of his dead master the lord bacon , without any the least reflection on his own particular interest . to the right honourable the commons of england assembled in parliament. the humble petition of sir nicholas crisp knight. crisp, nicholas. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) to the right honourable the commons of england assembled in parliament. the humble petition of sir nicholas crisp knight. crisp, nicholas. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] imprint from wing. a petition requesting the funds necessary to release the petitioner, nicholas crisp. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- civil war, - -- claims -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no to the right honourable the commons of england assembled in parliament. the humble petition of sir nicholas crisp knight. crisp, nicholas. a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the right honourable the commons of england assembled in parliament . the humble petition of sir nicholas crisp knight . shewing , as god hath made you instruments of glorious things , in being the restorers of many distressed , and the repairers of the great breaches of this nation ; so it is hoped and prayed by your petitioner , that yet before you rise , you will give relief to your petitioner , whose hard and most deplorable case , is scarce to be parrall'd in this nation ; who before the late long parliament was owner of a great fortune , and in a thriving condition , as any man in that time of his quality : who only for being a farmer of the customes , but for two years , and for his loyalty in adhering to his late majesty , of ever blessed memory , as he was bound by law , and his oath of allegiance , was not only spoyled and plundered of all he had , even the very bed his wife lay on : but which is the highest of afflictions , he is now a prisoner for above . l. of the late kings debts , for mony lent and advanced for the furnishing of his navy , and bread for his houshold at whitehall ; which debt stands reported before you , to be l. paid in mony to the exchequer : for the discharging whereof , and freeing the farmers , the long parliament took of them . l. ( which discharged their two armies , assuring them to free them of the debt of l. both which sums amount to . l. which with the interest , swelleth the sum to about a milleon , the farmers petition only being to this honourable house ) to state the payment of the l. upon the remaining forraign excise , taxe , or any other way , that they may be delivered out of prison , and be just to their creditors ; which though lengthned in the time for payment , will be very comfortable to those that have lain languishing , now , neer twenty years prisoners : which if it prevaileth not with this honourable house , for the farmers in general , he humbly hopeth and prayeth , in that his case differeth from all the rest of his partners the farmers , who besides this being involved with them in that great debt , was deprived by a seizure of his stock , trade , and castle of guinny , which cost him in the discovering and setling of it , above l. clear out of purse , which he may plead as a merit from his nation , being the first discover and setler of that trade ; from whence he imported half a milleon of gold , before it was taken from him , by the late parliament , which castle is now possessed by the east india company , who from thence yearly have the gold they mannage the east india trade with , and will yearly yeild to the nation for ever or thousand pound a year : to which his merit , your petitioner may add ( by his industry ) the erecting of allome-works , copperise-works , bringing the invention of pan-tyles , growing and making madther in england , in which above a thousand persons are every day imployed and fed ; your petitioner and his wife having sold their land and houses , by which they have freed and discharged themselves of above l. of those farm debts , ( more then his partners ) that he might quit himself from being a prisoner , to pursue those things which may provide for his numerous family ( now in great distresse ) and employ his remaining time in his service of his countrey , and not dye in prison . his humble prayer to this honourable house is , ( the premisses being considered ) there being due to your petitioner for what he hath payed out of his own estate , toward this great debt , about l. that , you will be pleased out of somewhat , to order the payment of . to your petitioner , with which he shall be able to discharge himself from the remain of these great debts , and free himself out of prison , which will render him not only , after the long misery of his family , to be a comfort to them , but give him a capacity to serve his country , in his great undertakings , and will be a badge upon him of this honourable houses good affection towards him , for his signal loyalty , doings and sufferings , and in not letting him to suffer for it , under the marks of greatest dishonour , as to dye a prisoner , and not pay his engagements ; which will be a greater affliction unto him , then the highest torture of the eminentest rebells , dishonour being the greatest wound that a man can suffer in this world ; which falleth upon him only for his loyalty : all which he hopeth will prevail with this honourable house , that before your rising , some or all of you , to whom this petition cometh , shall obtain it to be read , and doe something for the releiving of the farmers in general , or your petitioner in particular ; that he may rejoyce , and not break his heart , which certainly will be his portion , if you do nothing for him , for then his creditors , being hopelesse , will be more violent then ever . your petitioner being yet confident that he shall be in the number of those who shall ever commemorate the great deliverance received from your hands , shall ever pray for your prosperity , &c. all those wel-affected creditors of the commonwealth and bodies politique and corporate who have any sum or summes of money due unto them from the state which hath been due and owing before the first of december, chidley, samuel. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing c a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) all those wel-affected creditors of the commonwealth and bodies politique and corporate who have any sum or summes of money due unto them from the state which hath been due and owing before the first of december, chidley, samuel. broadside. s.n., [london? : ?] "signed by samuel chidley, on behalfe of many thousand creditors of the commonwealth." reproduction of original in the harvard university library. eng debts, public -- great britain. a r (wing c a). civilwar no all those wel-affected creditors of the commonwealth and bodies politique and corporate who have any sum or summes of money due unto them fr chidley, samuel a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion all those wel-affected creditors of the common-wealth , and bodies politique and corporate , who have any sum or summes of money due unto them from the state , which hath been due and owing before the first of december , . and are desirous to bee satisfied out of that security which is propounded to the parliament by collonel pride , d. geurdain , and the rest of the vnder-takers on behalfe of the common-wealth , and cannot double to this parliament the like summes in ready money , are desired to enter their names ( with mr. peirson , at the bell-savage vpon ludgate-hill ) together with the respective summes of money due unto them ; that so there may bee an estimate of the said debts , and effectuall applications by petitioning to the parliament , or moving the members of the house without delay , for the speedy payment thereof , in such a way which shall bee no prejudice , but an honour to the common-wealth . and all good people who have deeply suffered in their estates , for their good affections to the pvblike , and do expect satisfaction from the parliament , according to their promise , in their declaration of the .th of ianuary , . let them bring their certificates of their severall losses , trvly stated and cast vp . and subscribe the petition at the aforesaid place , where the said mr. peirson doth constantly attend for the purposes aforesaid . signed by samuel chidley . on behalfe of many thousand creditors of the common-wealth . the petition is already framed , and wants but your correction , or approbation , subscription , and solicitation , and every honest man and woman to whom the parliament is debitor , may freely subscribe the same as creditor . cleaveland's petition to his highnesse the lord potector [sic]. cleveland, john, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) cleaveland's petition to his highnesse the lord potector [sic]. cleveland, john, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed for william sheares, [london] : [ ] signed at end: j.c. j.c = john cleveland. place and date of publication from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "october ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no cleaveland's petition to his highnesse the lord potector [sic]. cleveland, john a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion cleaveland's petition to his highnesse the lord potector . may it please your highness , rulers within the circle of their government have a claim to that which is said of the deity , they have their center every where , and their circumference no where . it is in this confidence that i address to your highness , as knowing no place in the nation is so remote , as not to share in the ubiquity of your care ; no prison so close , as to shut me up from partaking of your influence . my lord , it is my misfortune , that after ten years of retirement from being engaged in the difference of the state , having wound my self up in a private recess , and my comportment to the publique , being so inoffensive , that in all this time , neither fears nor jealousies have scrupled at our actions : being about three moneths since at norwich , i was fetched with a guard before the commissioners , and sent prisoner to yarmouth , and if it be not a new offence to make inquiry wherein i offended ( for hitherto my faults are kept as close as my person , ) i am induced to believe , that next to the adherence to the royal party , the cause of my confinement is the narrowness of my estate ; for none stand committed whose estate can bail them ; i only am the prisoner , who have no acres to be my hostage . now if my poverty be criminal ( with reverence be it spoken , ) i must implead your highness , whose victorious arms have reduc'd me to it , as accessary to my guilt . let it suffice my lord , that the calamity of the war hath made us poor ; do not punish us for it ! who ever did penance for being ravished ? is it not enough that we are stript so bare , but it must be made in order to a severer lash ? must our skars be engraven with new wounds ? must we first be made cripples , then beaten with our own crutches ? poverty ! if it be a fault , it is its own punishment ; who suffers for it more , pays use upon use . i beseech your highness put some bounds to our overthrow , and do not pursue the chase to the other world ; can your thunder be levelled so low as our groveling conditions ? can that towering spirit that hath quarried upon kingdoms make a stoop at us , who are the rubbish of those ruines ? methinks ! i hear your former atchievments interceding with you not to sully your glories , with trampling on the prostrate , nor clog the wheels of your chariot with so degenerous a triumph . the most renowned heroes have ever with such tenderness cherished their captives , that their swords did but cut out work for their courtesie ; those that fell by their prowess , sprung up by their favours , as if they had struck them down , onely to make them rebound the higher . i hope your highness as you are the rival of their fame , will be no less of their vertues ; the noblest trophy that you can erect to your honour is to raise the afflicted . and since you have subdued all opposition , it now remaines that you attach your self , and with acts of mildness vaniqush your victory . it is not long since , my lord , that you knocked off the shackles from most of our party , and by a grand release did spread your clemency as large as your territories . let not now proscriptions interrupt our jubilé . let not that your lenity be slandered as the ambush of your further rigour . for the service of his majesty ( if it be objected ) i am so far from excusing it , that i am ready to alledge it in my vindication : i cannot conceive that my fidelity to my prince should taint me in your opinion ; i should rather expect it should recommend me to your favour ; had not we been faithfull to our king , we could not have given our selves to be so to your highness ; you had then trusted us gratis , whereas now we have our former loyalty to vouch us . you see my lord , how much i presume upon the greatness of your spirit , that dare prevent my indictment with so frank a confession , especially in this , which i may so justly deny , that it is almost arrogancy in me to own it ; for the truth is , i was not qualifi'd enough to serve him ; all that i could doe , was to bear a part in his sufferings , and give my self up to be crushed with his fall ; thus my charge is doubled ( my obedience to my soveraign , and what is the result of that , my want of-fortune ; ) now what ever reflections i have on the former , i am a true penitent for the latter ; my lord you see my crimes ! as to my defence you bear it about you ! i shall plead nothing in my justification , by your highness , ( which as it is the constant inmate of a valiant breast , if you graciously please to extend it to your suppliant in taking me out of this withering durance , ) your highness will find that mercy will establish you more than power ; though all the days of your life were as pregnant with victories , as your twice auspicious third of september . your highness humble , and submissive petitioner . j. c. printed for william sheares . legal and other reasons (with all humility) presented to his most excellent majesty, king charles ii. and to both his honorable houses of parliament, why the subjects of england, should not be imprisoned for debt or damages, or any thing thereunto relating cole, william, or - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) legal and other reasons (with all humility) presented to his most excellent majesty, king charles ii. and to both his honorable houses of parliament, why the subjects of england, should not be imprisoned for debt or damages, or any thing thereunto relating cole, william, or - . p. [s.n.], london : printed in the year mdclxxv. [ ] signed on p. : william cole. "a summary or compendium of the act before-mentioned, for prisoners that will part with all their estates, both real and personal, for the satisfaction of their creditors" has caption title on p. ; register and pagination are continuous. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng debts, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles ii, - -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion legal and other reasons ( with all humility ) presented to his most excellent majesty , king charles ii. and to both his honorable houses of parliament , why the subjects of england , should not be imprisoned for debt or damages , or any thing thereunto relating . london , printed in the year mdclxxv . legal and other reasons , ( with all humility ) presented to his most excellent majesty , king charles the second , and to both his honorable houses of parliament , why the subjects of england , should not be imprisoned for debt or damages , or any thing thereunto relating . it is evidently and undeniably plain , that ( by the ancient common law of the land ) the bodies of any of the people of england , could not , at the sute of any subject , be arrested , imprisonned , or any of them outlawed , for debt or damages , ( or any thing thereunto relating ) as clearly appears , not only by our antient laws , but by the authority of these two great sages of the law , the lord chief justice coke , in his third report , fol. & . and the lord dyer , an. eliz. . b. the which also by magna charta , chap. . ( that great expositor of our antient laws ) was ( in affirmation of the antient common law ( with great and 〈◊〉 circumspection ) provided against , and not only ( not as much as thought on before the conq●est ) but was abhorred ( in the least ) to be practised , from that time , and the time of the birth of that explanatory law , ( which was in the ninth year of the reign of king henry the third ) until many ages after , there being variety of great , weighty , and pregnant reasons , for the preservation of that greatest liberty , and priviledge of the subject ( the freedome of their persons from imprisonment ) and as well those antient laws before the conquest , as the laws until the making of the great charter , ( and threescore years after ) were , in that particular , ( with all studious and sedulous care ) inviolably observed , as an eminent and signal badge of the immunitie and heroick freedome of the english nation , who were then deservedly called ( libera gens ) and lived so , ( and in so great an happy splendor , ( to the envious admiration of the rest of the christian world , ( and to the eternal honor of our ancestors ) without being subject to any such imprisonment , not only all the time of william the conquerors reign , ( which was above twenty years ) but one hundred fourscore and forteen years after his death , and until the statute of westminster the second , chapter the . ( made in the thirteenth year of king edward the first , invented a capias , and a new process of outlawry , ( which from that time ) was full so many years , the statute of the two and fiftieth of henry the third , chap. . ( although the first that ever made any english ( mans person subject to such arrest● yet it being only against baylifs of particular lords ) i lay no great stress on , but that breach and inroad being once made into , and upon the common law , ( by the statute of westminster the second ) gave encouragement , to the unhappy production of another statute , made in the twenty fifth year of the reign of king edward the third , chap. . by which it was enacted , that such process should be made in debt , and detinue of chattels , and by process of exigent , as was then used in in writs of accompt ; which were two such keen laws , that they not only invaded , but cut in sunder , the choycest liberty of the subject , by submitting the persons of the then free people of england , to the cruelty of imprisonment for debt and damages ; but the same wise king edward the third , of whom the lord chief justice coke , ( in the second part of his institutes , fol. ) gives this character , that king henry the second , edward the first , and edward the third , were ( all of them ) princes of great fortitude , wisdome , and justice , that governed by their laws , but that ( in the reign of king edward the third ) the laws did principally flourish , who ( saith he ) was a noble , wise , and wa 〈…〉 prince . this prudent prince ( i say ) looking deliberately into the wounds those statutes had given , to the honor and happiness of the kingdom , and to that ancient and most venerable part of the common law , ( which preserved his subjects persons from imprisonment ) and the very many kings reigns and ages , ( without any the least interruption ) which that glorious , and famous liberty , had prosperously continued , and ( as it were ) repenting of the making of the said bitter statute , of the twenty fifth year of his own raign , and he and his parliament , finding the mischievous inconveniences and dishonor , that it had put upon the people , and resolving , to file those shakles , from off the subjects feet , and to reinvest them into the liberty and freedome of their persons , from imprisonment , according to the common law of the land , by that gracious healing statute , made in the two and fortieth year of the reign of the same king edward the third , chap. . those two raizor metled cutting rigorous laws were ( as to such imprisonment as aforesaid ) by the opinion of many , and by the general construction of law , and the true intendment hereof ) repealed , which declared , that the great charter should be holden , and kept in all points ; and ( if any statute be made to the contrary ) that it should be holden for none , which said last mentioned statute , was ( according to common construction ) intended fully to restore the brightness and luster , of the ancient common law , and to support and maintain the strength and vigor of that standard , of law and justice ( the great charter ) which not only asserts his majesties just rights and prerogative royal , but defends and preserves the freedom and just liberties of the people , which ( as the same author in his preface to his second institute ) tells us , hath been confirmed , by two and thirty acts of parliament , and not only so , but ( by the statute of the twenty fifth of edward the first ) the same is to be taken , as the common law. but the seting up , and creation of the great numbers of offices and officers , and the herds of persons , which those most severe laws westminster the second , and the statute of the twenty fifth of edward the third ) had most advantageously preferred , almost in every city , town , and village of the kingdome , had so fix'd , fastned , and rivited such multitudes of persons ( many of them of very great and eminent quality and interest ) in places of great and tempting gain , which had made so deep an impression , upon the minds of that prevalent and powerful part of the kingdome , ( who had thereby plentifully enricht themselves ) that notwithstanding the said statute , of the two and foroftieth edw. the third , so intentionally composed as aforesaid , for the manumitting of the people of england , ( as 〈◊〉 from the thraldome of a prison , as otherwise to preserve their liberty ) they went on to imprison the bodies of the subject , which hath ever since been practised , not only ( by vertue of those two laws , westminster the second , and the twenty fifth of edward the third ) but that of acton burnell , and the statute de mercatoribus , touching arrests upon statutes , staple , and merchant , and by other laws built upon them , which ( contrary to the antient common law , ( as is very plain ) doth continue the invassilation of imprisonment against , and upon , all the free born subjects of england , except the lords , and they themselves ( in some case ) as the law by some is holden to be ) are not exempted neither : for if a nobleman be outlawed ( as it is holden ) he may be arrested and imprisoned , and ( until the outlawry be reverst , is not only incapable to sit in the house of peers , but all his personal estate is forfeited , and his lands in the same condition , with any other subject . so that it is indisputably clear , how great an intrenchment the imprisonment of mens persons , is , upon the honor of the antient common law , of which , as the lord chief justice coke saith , the great charter , is but declaratory , and as a late writer , ( from good authority ) tells us , did not grant any thing de novo , but that thereby our antient laws and liberties , were only repeated and confirmed , and indeed all those our ancestors maintai●ed , not only with indefatigable prudential care and industry , but with the vast expence of blood and treasure , witness the more then twenty years intestine bloody civil war , in the reign of king iohn , and in the end , the confirmation of those laws , and liberties ( by the same king ) in the face of the nobility , and other the great men of the kingdome , and of an infinite multitude of other the free people of england , as saith brittaine , fol. . so that there wants nothing to make it fully demonstrable , that by our ancestors magnanimity , and resolved courage , ( in maintaining the antient common law ) they and their posterity were not only establisht in their just rights , but were preserved from such imprisonment for debt or damages ( or any thing thereunto relating ) two hundred and fourteen years after the norman conquest , which now is inflicted , upon many thousands of his majesties good , loyal , and faithful subjects , to the utter ruine of them , their families , and relations , whilst those ( who have lined their iron consciences , with nothing but their profit , and their chests throughout , with the wealth of the kingdome , ( which they have gotten by the late unhappy differences and troubles ) smile to see those , who have sacrificed their bloods , nay themselves , and theirs , in and to his majesties faithful services ) 〈◊〉 up ( by many of them ) in disconsolate and loathsome prisons , and thereby made useless nothings , to the world and themselves . whereas , ( if we cast our eyes back , into the reigns of the saxon kings , we shall find , that ( those martial , wise , and wary princes ) king ina , king echelston , and after them , all the saxon kings , ( according to the ancient british laws ) were so very tender of the imprisonment of mens persons , that they did not punish their very bond-men with it . and king alfrede , displaced and imprisoned one of his judges , for daring so to do , and ( when the government devolved , and came to the normans ) william the conqueror , william rufus , and henry the first , took such exact care to preserve this liberty , un-infringed , that ( in their reigns ) not any person was imprisoned , ( although for mortal crime it self ) unless he were first attainted , upon the verdict of twelve men. and ( additional to all this ) many ages after the conquest ( by the ancient common law ) the writ de odio & atia , was given to a man that was imprisoned , although for an hainous crime , ( for the death , of a man ) yet the law ( in that golden age ) in favor , and out of an high esteem it had of the liberty of a man , and that his body should not be detained in prison , until the justices in eyre should come ) he might sue out this writ , directed to the sheriff ; and although the offence ( for which he was committed ) was not baylable by law ) yet the ancient common law , did so highly hate and abominate , the long imprisonments of men , that it gave him this writ for his relief , which appears by bracton , in his third book , fol. . and by fleta , in his first book , chap. . and with whom also glanvell agreeth , in his forteenth book , chap. . and the myrror of iustice ( a book of great antiquity and estimation in the law , as well as the books before cited ) chap. . sect. . complains of the imprisonment of mens persons , as an abuse , although it had been for breaking of a goal . now , for that it is clear as the light , how highly valuable , and dearly precious , the liberties of mens persons were ( by the common law of the land ) it is ( in most humble and submissive manner ) proposed , that ( as well for the general good of all his majesties subjects , as for prisoners ) the antient common law may be restored , and that great liberty of the freedome of all the subjects of england and wales , from imprisonment ( for debt or damages ) may ( by the grace and favor of his majesty , and of both his honorable houses of parliament ) be again retreived , and brought back with honor , to the people of this kingdome ; and that the ancient forms and ways for recovery of debts , may be ( as for several hundred of years it was ) by original writ , distress infinite , fieri facias , and levari facias ; and as ( by the ancient common law ) it continued ( with great and happy peace and tranquillity ) for such great length of time as aforesaid . and certainly great reason it is , that it should be so , all debts and damages being to be properly had out of the estate of the debtor , and not his person . it is said , by the lord chief justice coke , in his third report , fol. , . that the common law hath , and had its foundation laid and built , upon the true grounds of reason , and that being granted , ( as of necessity it must ) then it will consequentially follow , that it were an act of as much honor , as justice , to restore to the people of england , the possession of the inheritance and birth rights , which they all have in , and to the ancient common laws of england , and of which they have so long and unhappily been diseised , who indeed have too long already groaned under the very miserable alteration thereof , by such the imprisonment of men as aforesaid . and indeed , the very large , vast , and sufficiently known great prudence , truly wise apprehensions , and princely compassion of his late majesty , ( of ever precious and glorious memory ( now in heaven ) towards his subjects ) were such , that it is eminently known , ( that had not the unhappy eruption , of the late civil war , prevented it ) the bent of his full resolutions were , to have intimated his recommends to the parliament , for the discharge of all prisoners for debt or damages , and the absolute taking away of all arrests and outlawries , upon some reasonable compensation , to be made for the emoluments that thereby came to his crown , which was then hoped would have gone under no great difficulty , to have been done , and is now ( with as great facility and ease , ( as is conceived ) by the wisdome of the parliament ) to receive a full and perfect consummation ; and as his said late royal majesty was pleased to say , ( in the court of the highest injustice , the christian world ever knew ) that he thought he understood the laws of england , as well as any gentleman of his kingdome , ( whose profession it was not ) so ( by this intentional act of his ( had it succeeded ) he had made it fully and clearly evident , to all his people , that ( by restoring the antient known law of the land herein ) to its pristine and original just strength , and vertue ) he would thereby , as well have compelled their ignorance to understand , with how great and profound knowledge , ( in the very antient laws of the kingdome , as the more modern ) he was largely and plentifully furnisht , as by his un-enthrawling , new and fresh enfranchising his subjects herein , and by calling them , ( and his and their ancient laws ) out of the dark caves and dens of prisons , ( where for so great length of time ) they had lain sepulchred together . and truly it is a solicisme , that may be justly thought on , that the law which is so kind and merciful to my horse , as to take provisional care for a replevin to inlarge him , , and yet that i my self , should be reteined indurance , under a perishing condition , nay and without as much as any difinitive time ( by law ) set for my releasement , and for years , that may tell steps , to the last stand of my life , there to melt and burn out my time , by a kind of every days death . and i can ( in no sort ) doubt , but that wise and prudent men , will seriously , and deliberately perpend and consider ( as elsewhere i have said ) that this is the case of almost every english subject , for ( let him be crammed with never so much wealth , ( yet he knows not , ( nor is it possible for him to know or foresee ) how soon he may be in a prison himself , or if not himself , yet his widdow , child , or children , near and dear relations , kinred , or intimate friends . and notwithstanding all this , if it shall be thought too great a boone , that all imprisonments for debt or damages , should ( now and for ever hereafter ) be taken totally away , and the blessed antient laws of england , be thereby fully and happily restored , to all persons in general ( as is hoped and desired it may be ) it is then humbly recommended , to a serious and deliberate digestion , that ( taking into due consideration , the late direful miseries , which ( like raging and tempestuous waves ) have ( one in the neck of another ) rowl'd in upon those that are now in prison , and their estates , by the several great and calamitous judgments of the late civil war , plague , fire , and dutch war ) if it may not come within a just and conscientious commiseration , to free and discharge all such as are now prisoners , in the several prisons of england and wales , from their imprisonments ; and yet notwithstanding ( such their discharge ) that their creditors may have their just and antient remedies , such as by the antient common law , they might have had , for recovery of their debts , out of such prisoners real and personal estates , by such way and means , as the same antient law prescribes , and as ( herein before is set forth and declared ; which most modest proposal , being only on the behalf of such , as are now prisoners ; and being not proposed as a standing act to continue , and discharge prisoners in future ) is hoped , will find a gentle and smooth passage , to its desired end . but if this must be also thought an act of grace , too large , yet certainly it cannot be apprehended , less than a perfectly honest , and truly conscientious offer ( in lieu of their being dischardged from their imprisonments ) to be ready and willing to part with all their estates , both real and personal , for the satisfaction of all their creditors ; and not only to submit themselves , but any witness or witnesses , to be examined upon oath , for the true discovery thereof , and that ( for such only ) as are now prisoners , and no other as aforesaid , which if it be not ) an equal , purely fair , and just proposal ) i leave any impartial and unbyast person to judge . for the perfecting of which , a bill , preparatory to an act of parliament is drawn , and humbly desired ( by many thousands of prisoners that the same may pass , or some such other , ( for their relief and releasement , as to the wisdome of the parliament , shall seem more apposite and convenient . and if the meanest sort of prisoners , ( that could not pay any thing at all , towards the satisfaction of their creditors ( did by vertue of the ten pound act ) come so far under the just and merciful consideration of the parliament , as to be freed from their imprisonments ) certainly such prisoners as can pay some part of their debts , and are ready and willing , to part with all their estates , both real and personal , that so a proportionable divident may be made thereof , to and amongst all their creditors ) do hope they may ( with much more reason ) have leave to think themselves , as well obliged to believe , as to desire ) that they may ( by his majesty , and both his houses of parliament ) be freed from their imprisonments , before the remainder of their estates be totally swallowed up , by the fees , and other the inevitable great charges of a prison , and they thereby be put into the same low and deplorable condition , together with those who took the benefit of that act ; by means of which , their creditors will inevitably loose their debts , and such prisoner , and his , be reduced to extremity of want , and the kingdome unfurnisht and deprived of very many persons , whose endowments are sublim'd , and heightned with so great natural and acquired parts , as may speak them as advantageously useful to their king and countrey , as any other of their fellow subjects , ( very few excepted ) many of whose liberal and ingenious useful excellencies , deserve much rather to be cherisht and encouraged , then deprest ; and shall our great and gracious monarch , and his greatest council , think it too much , that ( after all the before mentioned judgments , which have been so iterated , and repeated upon such prisoners , and which have merged and sunk their ( sometime flourishing estates ) that they should ( now at length ) be discharged from their imprisonments , but that they should for ever remain so buried , without a resurrection , from the dead , death , and grave , they are in , and under , whilst their deprest parts , are even starved and stifled in a prison , and yet ( in the condition they now stand ) are left fit only to have the remainder of what is theirs , pluckt and rent from them , and not in the least capacity to help themselves nor their creditors ? and all this , not only to satisfie the appetites of their obstinately resolved creditors , whose money such prisoners ( out of pure necessity ) are compelled to spend , but to suffer under , be wyre-drawn , squeezed , and run down , by the subtilties and variety of frauds , even of such who have been intimately , and beneficially acquainted with their often repeated kindnesses , in the light and shine of their prosperities ; and truly , since thousands of known great , and grievous offenders , ( by his majesty , and his happy parliaments mercy , made a large and plentiful meal , on the viands of his and their gracious compassion , whose carcases otherwise , must ( by the known rule of justice ) have fed the fire and birds of prey ) it goes under , not only more than probable hopes , but a becoming confidence , that all his majesties good subjects , that are now indurance , in any prison of england and wales , for debt or damages , or any thing thereunto relating , or at least all such as will , so as aforesaid , part with all their estates , both real and personal , for the satisfaction of their creditors , and such as are so in prison , and have not estates of the value of ten pounds ) may be participants of his majesties , and his parliaments gracious and serene compassion , according to the said bill so drawn as aforesaid , for that purpose , or by such other act , way , or means , as may best sute and agree with their great wisdomes , which is , by very great numbers of prisoners for debt ( now fastned 〈◊〉 to the several prisons of england , in diminution , lessening , and even degrading of the antient , famous , and renowned laws thereof ) with all humility , duty , and obedience , not only recommended , and presented , but ( at their feet ) most humbly submitted , prostrated , and laid down , and with the same most humble and dutiful obedience , of a truly loyal and faithful subject william cole . a svmmary or compendivm of the act before-mentioned , for prisoners that will part with all their estates , both real and personal , for the satisfaction of their creditors . that it may be lawful for the lord chancellor , or lord keeper for the time being ( upon request to him by such prisoner to be made ) to issue out commissions , to be directed to such persons as shall be thought fit , authorizing them , ( or any three or more of them ) in their respective counties ) to summon and send for the creditors of all such person and persons , as now is , or are in prison ( or at any time during this session of parliament ) shall be in prison in any of the prisons in england , and wales , upon any action or actions upon measne process for debt , accounts or trespass ; which actions by a prosecution of law , may come to be judgements for debts or damages ; or that have judgements entered of record against them , or charged in execution , or imprisoned upon attachments for debts or upon outlawries before or after judgements for debt ; or upon statutes , recognizances , extents , or upon any other action , or any other process whatsoever , issuing out of any court of law , or equity , for the cause of debt or damages or costs , or for money ordered or decreed in any court of equity , at the suit of any person or persons whatsoever , or upon or by reason of any process issuing upon them , any or either of them respectively ; as well those persons , for whose debt and debts the said prisoner and prisoners is , and are imprisoned ; as all other person and persons , to whom such prisoner and prisoners is , or stands indebted : as also to send for such prisoner or prisoners , by summons , to come before them ; which summons the prison-keepers are to obey , upon the penalty of l. and ( at the same time ) to certify the cause and causes of such prisoners imprisonment . and the commissioners ( after the examination of such prisoner ) are to remand him to prison . that if such creditor be dead , an infant , or of non-sane memory , then to summon the executors , administrators , or guardian of such creditor ; requiring also such prison-keeper , to bring such prisoner to such place as the commissioners shall appoint , where the said commissioners shal treat with such creditors , touching their debts ; that so a proportionable distribution may be to them made , of the said prisoners estate ( the apparell of such prisoner , and also necessaries for his trade excepted out of his personal estate . ) that if any of the creditors shall refuse or neglect to come before the said commissioners ( or some for them , ) having had twenty days notice inclusive and oath made thereof ) the said commissioners to be impowered to finish such alottment , such creditors absence notwithstanding . that the said commissioners be impowered to examine the said prisoner upon oath , for the discovery of his estate , and to send for such books , evidences , and writings , as they think fit , and to examine witnesses upon oath , to the end , that they may make a true discovery of the prisoners estate , which is so to be done , within six kalender months after their first sitting , or sooner if it may be . that the said commissioners be authorized to apportion all such estate amongst the creditors proportionably , by sale of the estate , or otherwise ; which sale , or other disposition shall be good against the prisoner's heirs , executors , &c. and to be divided within three months after the end of the said six months ( or sooner if it can be done ) and that the said commissioners be impowered to assign the debts and estate of such prisoner to such persons as they shall think fit , for the use of the creditors , a twentieth part ( so to be sold ) to be allotted to the prisoner , for present maintainance , and for some small foundation for future living . that mortgages shall be first payed by the estate so mortgaged . that ( after the apportioning of such prisoners estate ) the prisoner shall be discharged ; and that such part of the prisoners estate as shall be allotted to the creditors shall be in full satisfaction of such creditors debt . that such creditors as shall not appear before the said commissioners ( or some for them ) before such divident be made ( having had such notice as aforesaid , and oath made thereof ) shall be utterly , and for ever , precluded from the recovering of his said debt , against the said prisoner his executors , &c. that a writing under the hands and seals of the commissioners ( expressing the discharge of such prisoner ) shall be a full discharge to him against his creditors , and another writing , ( signifying such prisoners discharge ) directed to the prison-keeper shall be a sufficient warrant for him to discharge such prisoner ; which he is to do within two days , without payment of any fees ; but the prisoners chamber-rent is to be paid out of the estate so to be sold , or so much thereof as the commissioners shall think fit . that if any action of escape shall be brought against the prison-keeper ( for the discharging of such prisoner ) he may plead the general issue , and give this act in evidence ; and if the plaintiff shall be non-suted , or a verdict shall pass against him , he is to pay the defendant double costs to be taxed by the court , where the action shall be brought . that for the expediting the sale , and other the disposition of such prisoners estate ( in order to the satisfaction of his creditors ) without whose personal aid and assistance , it will be of far the greater difficulty for the commissioners to expedite and execute the same ) it be lawful for the lord chancellor or lord keeper ( for the time being ) from , and immediately after the remanding of such prisoner to prison by the said commissioners ) to grant unto such prisoner a habeas corpus , or habeas corpus's for such length of time , as he shall think necessary and conveneint in that behalf ; to the end that such prisoner may be in a condition personally to attend the said commissioners ; and to be otherwise instrumental in giving of a speedy dispatch to the sale , and disposal of his estate , as aforesaid . provided , that if any prisoner shall set forth to the said commissioners , or to any three , or more of them , as aforesaid , the debt of any creditor of his that is beyond the seas , to be less than in truth the same is , such prisoner shall thereby forfeit and lose the benefit of this act , ( as to such creditor , and every such creditor , his executors , administrators and assigns , making his debt to appear to be more than such prisoner shall have declared the same to be before the said commissioners , such creditor is hereby impowred and authorized again to proceed and take the said prisoner in execution , and thereupon to imprison him , or otherwise to prosecute him at law , or in equity , as to him shall seem best ; or to indict and prosecute him at the common law , for breach of his oath , or upon any statute or statutes made against perjury : this act , or any thing herein contained to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding . objection . to these heads of a bill , perhaps there may be several objections : as first , that ( in what is here proposed for a bill ) there is no provision , that ( in case the prisoner happen to have an estate after he is discharged ) that such estate shall be subject to his debts . answer . to which is answered , that the prisoner ( parting with all his estate voluntarily , it will seem very severe , that he should not be capable of a legacy , or other gift from any friend and relation , but that it must ( of necessity be ( upon the matter ) devised or given to his cerditors . or that he , ( who by remaining in prison ) could never ( in the least ) have advantaged his creditors , yet ( being discharged and at liberty ) all his labours should be exposed to his creditors mercy . objection . secondly , ( and which is a very great objection ) that by the heads of this bill ( although mortgages are to be paid first ) yet judgements , statutes , and recognizances are thereby but in the same degree with bonds , and to be paid equally , although the law gives them a priority in payment . answer . to which it is answered , that ( in this case ) if a judgement , statute or recognizance , should ( according to the rule of law ) be paid before bonds , then ( as this case is ) there cannot be ( as it may fall out ) a proportionable divident of the estate , nor indeed any divident at all ; for one judgement , statute or recognizance may swallow up the whole estate ; besides , it is plain , that ( by the statute made against bankrupts ) judgements , statutes , and recognizances , are equally , and proportionably paid with bonds , and no otherwise ; so that ( in that case ) they are ( in pari gradu ) with bonds and o●her debts ; and may much rather so be in this case than in the statute of banckrupt , especially considering , that this is not a standing act , but for the discharge of such only , as are now in prison , begotten out of the several fatal accidents which have happened in this age more than in any former ; by means whereof , many thousands ( more then formerly ) are now clasp'd , and shut up in prisons . objection . thirdly ▪ that the proviso , that the prisoners shall have a twentieth part of his estate , for his present maintainance , may seem unequal , in regard ( as hath been urged ) that then a tradesman ( or any other in credit ) may get twenty thousand pounds into his hands , and then go into a prison , and be sure of one thousand pounds . next , that ( in regard his whole estate will not pay his debts , without abatement ) it is not reasonable that he should have a twentieth part . answer . to which it is answered , that if there shall be any one such person as would , or could designedly , ( to gain l. ) get twenty thousand pounds into his hands , the which ( upon a due and deliberate consideration of the thing ) is not easily to be imagined , ever will or can be done ) yet the villany of one man ( it is hoped ) shall not be put into the ballance , with the good of many hundreds . next ( it 's true ) it may seem hard that the prisoner should have any thing out of his estate , when all will not pay his debts ; and it is equally as hard , and harder , that ( after he hath spontaneousl●●evested himself of hi● estate ) he should be turned naked into the world , without any thing at all to give him a present support , or some small foundation for future living . that if due consideration be had of this intended act or ( if not of this ) if care be taken for passing such another act , as may effectually operate to the same purpose , it will be found to be a great good , and weighty work , although some persons ( of whom better things might justly be expected ) little regard or consider it ; for it is of such consequence , to relieve the oppressed , to study , and effect such works of piety and charity , as concerns all the prisoners and prisons of england and wales , that it will ( as is hoped ) deserve some of the oleum & opera , of every good patriot that loves his countrey to whom it is seriously recommended , by this ( or some such other act ) to perfect a work ( although with difficulty and pains ) so incumbent upon all person of spacious and publick souls ; especialy weighing , that not any former age hath left a trace , or memory , suitable to the great variety of sufferings as in this . finis . the case between the right honourable city of london, and robert campion represented to publick view, after sixteen years private sad sufferings, and attendance, early and late, upon the several lord mayors, aldermen, and common-councels, without relief. campion, robert. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c b estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the case between the right honourable city of london, and robert campion represented to publick view, after sixteen years private sad sufferings, and attendance, early and late, upon the several lord mayors, aldermen, and common-councels, without relief. campion, robert. sheet ([ ] p.) [s.n.], london : printed in the year . respecting money lent to the city. reproduction of original in the william andrews clark memorial library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng campion, robert -- early works to . debts, public -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . broadsides -- england - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the case betwee , n the right honourable city of london , and robert campion . represented to publick view , after sixteen years private sad sufferings , and attendance , early and late , upon the several lord mayors , aldermen , and common-councels , without relief . robert campion , being by trade a tallow-chandler , and aged above sixty years ; and having a wife aged above sixty years , and two children ; had , by his pains and care in his calling , by gods blessing , in his younger years , gained an estate of one thousand pounds , before the troubles began , towards the maintenance of himself , his wife and children , and for their provision in the world : which he lent unto the city of london ( in their necessity ) to be repayed with interest at six months end ; and had a bond sealed with the city seal , for repayment thereof accordingly . the bond bears date the first of august , . to be paid upon the third of february , next ensuing the date . at which time the said robert campion repaired to the chamberlains office , where the same was by the bond to be paid , for the interest of his money , towards the livelyhood of himself and family ; the chamberlain refused to pay him , and advised him to go to the court of aldermen for his money , which he did , sir john woollaston being then lord mayor ; who taking notice of the said robert campion's good affection and forwardness to lend his money , desired a little patience for a fortnight or three weeks , that the court might examine what was become of the money lent : and after that desired as much time longer : and then alderman andrews directed him to bring a petition to the court of aldermen , and common-counsel for his said money ; and he attended their honours four years ; during which time , sir john woollaston , alderman atkins , alderman adams , and alderman gayr were mayors . the said robert campion attending still an answer of his petition ; when alderman warner was lord mayor , he directed him to put the said bond in suit , which he did in michaelmas term , . but the city refused to appear ; and thereupon issues were awarded against them ; but the said robert campion being aged and not able to undergoe so tedious a solicitation and proceeding at law , petitioned the court of aldermen and common-counsel again , hoping that they would take his distressed condition into consideration , after so many years : and so continued petitioning every lord mayor , desiring that he might have his debt paid , according to justice . whereupon the common-counsel ordered a committee the of october , . to consider what might be the best and most effectual way and means for the payment of his money . and upon their report the of april . it was ordered at a common-councel , that the committee for letting the city-lands , should be authorized to demise unto robert campion any of the city lands demisable , as he should find out ; reserving the old rent . provided , the fine do not exceed l. which fine is ordered shall be forborn , during the pleasure of this court. the said robert campion having lent all his money unto the city already , and not knowing how to raise l. if the pleasure of that court had been to require it , still petitioned for his own money , or desired that he might have the l. paid in part of his debt : which not being granted him , and he still being pressed by his wants to solicite for his money , it was alleadged by some of the common-councel , that the money was lent by him , was upon an order of parliament ; and thereupon they referred it to a committee to consider , and report upon what order of parliament it was lent : and the committee by their report upon the of march . report , that upon examination they could not find any order of parliament for borrowing or issuing out of the said money , but that the said money was lent upon the act of common-councel , made the of iuly , and upon the security there mentioned only . above a year after , the said robert campion continuing to petition , and crave that justice might be done for him , the common-counsel ordered the th . of october , . that the chamberlain of the city should pay unto the said robert campion l . out of the first moneys to be raised by fines of leases of the city lands . provided , that he deliver a bond , given under the city seal , for payment of one thousand pounds , a debt due to him by the state , upon payment to him of the said l. and the mayor , commonalty , and city of london , becoming bound to him by bond of convenient penalty to pay the said robert so much money of the said debt , as the city shall receive of the parliament or state over and above the said l. the said robert having lent the city his said money , and being thus from time to time put off and deluded by them in his old age and necessity , was inforced through their opression , to accompany his petitions with more earnest desires and speeches ; and conceiving himself to be as bad as cheated of his estate , seeing those to whom he lent it , would not own it , but pretend it to be a debt of the states , notwithstanding their own reports to the contrary , and that they would not , nor could be inforced to appear at law : the said robert campion being in almost a distracted condition , did speak words to that effect , that he was cheated by the city and their power ; which being spoke to alderman fowk then lord mayor , he caused the said robert to be arrested , and laid in prison eleven weeks and two days in newgate . and when he had procured bail , and came again to prosecute his petition , when alderman pack was lord mayor , the said mayor and divers of the aldermen committed him to woodstreet compter , where he was imprisoned again for some time ; as appears by their warrant , dated the of iune . the said robert campion being only provoked , and almost mad , through the oppression which he then groaned under , for want of his estate which he had lent unto the city , and came then to petition for , after so many years fruitless attendance . the said robert campion having undergone all this hardship , still continued petitioning , and desiring that his money might be paid according to 〈…〉 did nothing , so that another order was directed to the said committee the of march , to 〈…〉 matter of fact , and to consider of a way for his relief , and for the relief of others in his condition , and to make report thereof : for the effect of which report , the said robert campion was then attending . we whose names are subscribed , authorized among others by order of common-councel of the of march , to examine upon what order of parliament the sum of one thousand pounds , for which mr. campion hath the cities seal , was lent , and how much all the mony lent upon the same order is , and how much of such money is issued out , and upon what warrants : do humbly certifie , that upon our examination of the matter , we cannot find any order of parliament for the borrowing or issuing out thereof , but we conceive that the said money was lent upon the occasion mentioned in the act of common-councel made the day of iuly , and upon the security therein mentioned only , which we humbly submit to the further consideration of this honourable court , this day of march . thomas andrews . iohn dethick . richard gibbs . thomas stanley . london , these are to require you to receive into your custody the body of robert campion forthwith sent you , for the speaking of scandalous words against several aldermen , in coming to the court of aldermen to do their duties , and in their return from thence : and for abusing the court of aldermen with scurrilous language , and for interrupting them in doing of their business of the court and this city ; and for refusing to find sureties for his personal appearance at the next sessions of peace to be held for the city , and in the mean time to be of good behaviour , or be otherwise discharged by due course of law , and this shall be your warrant : given under our hands and seals this th day of iuly . christo . pack major . thomas atkins . iohn fowke . thomas viner . iohn dethicke . robert tichbourne . iohn ireton . to the keeper of woodstreet compter london . to the right honourable the lord mayor , aldermen , and commons , in common-councel assembled . the humble petition of robert campion . humbly sheweth , that your petitioner hath been these years continually attending and soliciting the mayors , aldermen , and common-councels of this city , and endeavouring by all just means to recover the l. heretofore lent by your petitioner , upon an act of common councel , and a bond under the seal of this city , for repayment thereof . but hath had no other returns , than sorrow , imprisonment , and a further great expence of the dear and precious fruits of the labours of his younger years , and provision for his age , wife and children , as may appear by his case annexed . that to encrease the measure of his sufferings , alderman fowk hath and doth demand of him l. and his costs recovered against your petitioner , for words spoken to him by your petitioner , in a passion , and deep sense of his said sufferings . ( to this effect ) that he was cheated by the city and their power ; whereto your petitioner conceiveth the said alderman was and is encouraged by the court of aldermen , as doth appear by their warrant : in regard alderman atkins was present at the tryal , and there spoke against your petitioner , in favour of the said alderman and the cause . and mr. allen this city counsel there also said , it was not alderman fowk that sued your petitioner , but the whole court of aldermen : and hath continued petitioning every lord mayor this years , and never had an answer to any one petition . he humbly prayeth he may not spend and end his days in sorrow , in seeking and asking in vain his right from this city . that every member of this court , would make the case his own , and seriously consider the great precept , of doing as he would be done unto ; and the power put into his hands , and how it is to be used . and take such order , that your petitioner may be speedily satisfied his just debt and damages , and ere he dies , he , his wife and children , bless god for your just dealing . and he shall pray , &c. ☞ taking notice of a letter directed to one of the committee chosen by the common-counsel of london , for ensuring of houses against fire . that the city bonds which they refuse to pay , were only for money advanced on the publick faith , and that the money was not paid into the chamber , but to treasurers appointed by the house of commons in the late rebellious times : lest under that pretence my just debt should be lost , i having a right to the bond of l. with interest , ( which was for moneys really paid into the chamber of london ) did think fit to reprint the case of robert campion , as it was printed in his life time , and delivered abroad . for that the money lent on the publick faith was of a different nature , and expressed to be so in the writing given for that purpose . london , printed in the year . to the kings most excellent majestie the humble address of poor distressed prisoners for debt. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing t estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to the kings most excellent majestie the humble address of poor distressed prisoners for debt. james ii, king of england, - . broadside. printed by d. mallet for g.p., london : . in verse. reproduction of original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng debt, imprisonment for -- england. poor -- great britain. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the kings most excellent majestie , the humble address of poor distressed prisoners for debt . most royal sir , your glorious brother , he , delighted much in acts of charity ; his basest enemies now say of him , he was a pious and a glorious king : follow his steps great sir , and set us free : persume the noisome-goals with purity . like larks we 'll soar up to the heavens high , and with your glories penetrate the skye : thence with our acclamations we 'll rebound thundering the air ; and make the earth to sound : there need no bells , we 'll ring so loud a peal , shall waken all the drouzy-factious-weal . instead of faggots we our coats will burn , and me'morize their ashes in an urn. that sacred day shall ever after be stamp'd , as a coin for future memory . the world shall echo , and each subject say , this shall for ever be great james's day . each dissaffected pesant when he sees , such noble , charitable , acts as these : will tongue-tyed be , and ever be asham'd . when e're he hears great james our caesar nam'd sweet sir , to our petition lend an ear , by loyalty our compass we will steer : casting our anchor at your royal feet , the only port such sailors can , with meet : pity , oh pity poor distreffed-men , and dying , you will dye to live again . may all the blessings heaven can pour down , be sprinkled on your sacred earthly crown . futamen regis solamen gregis . this may be printed , r. p. april the th . . london ; printed by d. mallet , for g. p. . a very soueraigne oyle to restore debtors; being rightly and seasonably vsed extracted out of that most tried and quintessensed oyle, by the prophet elisha. by vertue whereof the vviddovv indebted, (mentioned in the second booke of the kings) was restored out of debt, and her children released of the bondage whereof they were in danger. written by samuel cotesford, late minister at stepney: and now newly published by w. crashavve ... cottesford, samuel. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a very soueraigne oyle to restore debtors; being rightly and seasonably vsed extracted out of that most tried and quintessensed oyle, by the prophet elisha. by vertue whereof the vviddovv indebted, (mentioned in the second booke of the kings) was restored out of debt, and her children released of the bondage whereof they were in danger. written by samuel cotesford, late minister at stepney: and now newly published by w. crashavve ... cottesford, samuel. crashaw, william, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed by t[homas] s[nodham] for george hodges, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the greyhound, in pauls church-yard, london : . running title reads: a soueraigne oyle, to restore debtors. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng bible. -- o.t. -- kings iv, - -- commentaries. debtor and creditor -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a very soveraigne oyle to restore debtors ; being rightly and seasonably vsed . extracted out of that most tried and quintessensed oyle , by the prophet elisha . by vertue whereof the vviddovv indebted , ( mentioned in the second booke of the kings ) was restored out of debt , and her children released of the bondage whereof they were in danger . written by samuel cotesford , late minister at stepney : and now newly published by w. crashavve , minister of gods word at white-chappell , neere london . prov . . . establish the thoughts by counsell . london : printed by t. s. for george hodges , and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the greyhound , in pauls church-yard . . to the honovrable knight , s r. edward sackvyle , a worthy member of the comons house of parliament . honourable sir ; amongst the many honourable motions and worthy intentions of the present parliament , you did great honour to your selues in hearing the cries of so many hundred poore prisoners , whose bloud , and the bloud of their children , cries i feare , for iudgement mercilesse , against those mercilesse creditors , that value not the precious life of a man , at the rate of an oxe or a horse : but for farre lesser summes , doe keepe many able and actiue men in prison , till they either dye , or become vnable to serue the common-wealth . heauie and bitter are the lamentations , cries , and complaints , that are daily brought to vs , the preachers of this cittie , by the poore wiues and children of those distressed prisoners , of whom some lie in prison for a blowe giuing , some for a word speaking , some for a quarters rent , some for a small remainder of an olde debt , some for a debt paid already , but the bond could neuer be got out of the vsurers hand , some for a iust debt , but some small matter ; some for no debt of their owne , but onely other mens , and that for which they would be content to strippe themselues of all they haue , so they might but enioy their life and liberties . but what say many of these greedy cormorants , it shall cost me more then my debt , but i will haue him ; i care not so much for my money , as that i may haue my will of the villaine : now i haue him , he shall lye by it , i will haue his skin , i will make dice of his bones ? such vnmercifull and vnmanly words are vttered by these cruell-hearted men . we brag that wee haue no gallies , nor gally-slaues : if it be a glory to our nation , then woe to them that make many a poore man liue so in prison , as they had rather be a slaue in the gallies . wee boast wee haue no wolues in england ; but if it be a blessing , then pittie is it wee haue such woluish and wicked natured men , that like hungry wolues deuoure their poore neighbours ; they say , that rauenous creature will dare to set vpon a man , if he be alone , and will howle and yell to call together his fellowes , that they may eate him amongst them . so , if a decayed gentleman come within their clutches , or the honest marchant ( whose estate is lost by sea ) fall within their danger , forth-with one of them giues notice to another , like wolues , one howling for another , presently they all fall vpon him , and striue who shall first haue his heart out , like so many rauens , vultures , kytes , or cormorants , that eate vp amongst them and teare in pieces the silly dying horse , which happily a little before carried the king. you cannot better commend your selues to the present , and your memories to future ages : you cannot amongst temporall things more aduance the honour of the english parliament , then by taking away one of the foule staines of this our nation , euen by taking some wise and godly order for the releasing of the poore prisoners of this kinde . it is said by the wise , and i feare it is too true an obseruation , that all europe hangs not vp so many proper men , nor keepes in bondage so many men fit for imployment , for vniust or small debts , as england doth . deepe , and foule , and large , are these staines , they be dyed in graine , nay alas , in the bloud of many thousands . oh happy , and to be honoured for euer , they that haue skill , and will , and power together , to wipe off these vnworthy staines from off the face of our state ! some rich ones haue the skill , but want will , they know well enough how this might be helped , but for certaine carnall and worldly respects they would not haue it so . some good honest men haue the will to reforme this , but want the skill ; they know not how it may be done . some learned , wise , and godly men , haue both skill and will , but being priuate persons , they want power . you of this high and thrice-honorably assembly of the parliament , being so many godly men , cannot want will ; being so many learned and wise , cannot want the skill ; being the councell of the kingdome , and hauing especially so wise and mercifull a king to second you , you cannot want power ; nay , the high and soueraigne power is in your hands . put to therefore your powerfull hands , for the furthering and effecting of this worthy worke of god , and the common-wealth , for sauing the liues of some hundreds , and redeeming the liberties of some thousands . how to saue the liues of so many executed yearely in this land , and yet to redresse the euills , i will not enter , nor venter to set downe to them that know better then my selfe ; and now i hope haue taken that consideration to heart afore this day ; at least i will reserue it for another , and happily a more seasonable time . that which the present subiect puts vs principally in minde of , is the helping of those many poore prisoners , that consume their best yeares in prison , for debts either of an vngodly nature , or of a trifling quantity ; for such are they onely that here are spoken for , or else such as being of moment , and iust also , and yet too cruelly sought for . i confesse there are an euill generation of such as care not to get mens goods into their hands , and then take prison , as a sanctuary , and can pay well enough , but will not ; and others worse then they , that wilfully breake when they need not , or take mens monyes or goods , when they haue a purpose to breake , and consequently a purpose not to pay : these two sorts of people are plaine theeues , and many lesser before god goe to tyburne euery yeare : euen with the same breath , i begge mercie for the former , i craue iustice and reuenge vpon those , as being one of the worst kinde of caterpillers , that eate out the life of this citties common-wealth : draw the sword of iustice against those , and spare not ; let them be known and vsed like great theeues , and robbers , as they are , and much worse then many by the high-way : but pittie and relieue those poore men , whom gods hand , by fire or water , or the ineuitable misfortunes of sea and land , haue made poore , such as would gladly pay it if they had it , and are well content to pay all they haue , or can make , nay , would be glad to worke , and yeeld the benefit of their labours to their creditors . that such honest poore men , and some poore gentlemen , should not in these cases bee relieued , and either set at libertie , and put into imployment ( paying all they can presently , and more as they may hereafter ) or else those made to maintaine them that keepe them in prison , let others consider how it stands with ciuill pollicie and good gouernment ; i am sure it is farre from the rules of christianitie , and ( i take it ) worse then the custome and practise of other nations . you of this noble parliament , that haue power in your hands , mercy in your hearts , experience before your cies , and the cries of the oppressed in your eares euery day , helpe forward this blessed worke : if they shall be so highly rewarded at the last day , that visite poore prisoners , how glorious shall those bee that mooue a meanes to redeeme them ? if this treatise may stirre vp your zealous and noble hearts , or set the least edge vpon your godly affections hereunto , i shall hold it a happie houre when i found it amongst the writings of that deceased deuine , that good man that wrote it . you , noble sir , haue had a noble name for standing vp , and opening your mouth in good causes and charitable motions , at sessions in parliament , and other publique meetings ; goe forward in the name , and with the blessing of the god of mercie ; adde this to the manifolde honours god hath already layd on you , and to the loue that thousands beare you : thus shall you purchase the prayers and praises of many hundred poore men , their wiues and children , and hereby shall you gaine one poore friend more , and euer binde me to remaine white-chappell nouēb . . . your seruant in christ , w. crashavve . kings . , , , , , , . and one of the wiues of the sonnes of the prophets cried vnto elizha , saying : thy seruant ( mine husband ) is dead , and thou knowest , that thy seruant did feare the lord : and the creditor is come to take my two sonnes to be his bond men . then elizha said vnto her , what shall i doe for thee ? tell me what hast thou at home : and she said , thine handmaid hath nothing at home , saue a pitcher of oyle . and he said , goe and borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours emptie vessels , and spare not . and when thou art come in , thou shall shut the doore vpon thee , and thy sonnes , and power out into all those vessels , and set aside those that are full . so she departed from him , and shut the doore vpon her , and vpon her sons , and they brought to her , and she powred out . and when the vessels were full , she said vnto her sonne , bring me yet a vessel ; and he said vnto her , there is no more vessels : and the oyle ceased . then she came and told the man of god , and hee said , goe and sell the oyle , and pay them that thou art indebted vnto ; liue thou and thy children with the rest . the argument of this history is this , debts must be paid . the circumstances are thele : first , the persons : secondly , the meanes whereby the debt is to be paid : thirdly , the issue of the meanes . the persons are the widdow , her two sonnes , the prophet , and the creditour : the meanes , by the miraculous worke of god in the ministery of elizha , out of the vessell of oyle : the issue of the meanes , two-fold : first , the oyle is increased . secondly , the debt is paide . the manner of handling this is by bill and answer , the complaint of the widdow , and the answer of the prophet . in the circumstances , the first concerning the widdow , are to be examined as they are laid downe in the first verse , and they are motiues of compassion , whereby she drawes the prophet to tender her indebted estate : these motiues arise , first , from her selfe , and her two sonnes : secondly , from the condition and credit of her husband : thirdly , from the creditour , in demanding of his debt by the extremity of law then to be executed vpon those who were no way able to pay , that is , in requiring her two sonnes to be his bond-men . the first motiue in these words , and one of the wiues of the sonnes of the prophets , wherein she layes downe her selfe to be a sole-woman or widdow ; a good motiue of compassion , as in the law of moses and throughout the whole booke of god is to be seene . ye shall not trouble any widdow , nor fatherlesse childe : if thou vexe and trouble such , and so hee shall call and cry vnto me , i will surely heare his cry , then shall my wrath be kindled , and i will kill you with the sword , and your wiues shall be widdowes , and your children fatherlesse . the other part of this motiue concerning her two sonnes , in these words : and the creditour is come to take my two sonnes to be his bond-men : a wonderfull motiue to enforce , from the naturalnesse of a mother ; wherein she first complaines that shee was to be depriued of her speciall ioyes and comforts in her widdowhood , viz. of her two sonnes , who were to her as the images of her husband , by whom also she found perhaps some meanes of helpe for their mutuall reliefe , as small helpes from children to the fathers and mothers seeme great : besides she complains that she should not onely be depriued of them , but they should also be taken as bond-slaues , their bones and tender bodies day and night to be worne and tyred out with most hard and grieuous labors . a very strong argument to breake a stony heart that otherwise would not be mooued . another motiue from the condition and credit of her husband ; first , a prophets sonne . prophets seldome haue meanes to leaue their wiues and children rich : secondly , a man also that feared god , ( and therefore seldome without the crosse , ) whereby she bindes the prophet the more strongly to her suite . good is to bee done indeede to all , but specially ( saith the apostle paul ) to the houshold of faith . another motiue from the person of the creditour , who came to take her two sonnes to be his bond-men , whose seueritie ( or extremitie rather , because either so hee must doe or loose all ) is not so much to be censured , as shee was to be pittied who was no otherwise able to discharge the debt but by the losse of these her two sonnes . now that i may lay downe some lessons as they arise out of the text : the first generall lesson from the widdow to all sorts of people oppressed is this , that in any wise they faile not in their miseries and comfortlesse estates to vse all good helpes and meanes , both for their comfort , and the curing of their decaies . in this the manifold examples in the scripture are presidents for our instruction , according to proportion in the like , euen from the greatest persons to the least , and so relatiuely of all to all , as each stands in need of other . pharaoh and nabuchadnezzar are not reproued for seeking the one to ioseph , the other to daniel , for the perswading of themselues in their fearefull and troublesome dreames , by the interpretation of them : yea , how often was pharaoh inforced to vse and call for the ministry of moses , in praying to god for him , and his people , to deliuer them from the plagues that iustly befall them . in the . of genesis , god by a dreame informeth abimilech king of gerar , to deale well with abraham as concerning sarah his wife , because ( saith god ) he is a prophet , and hee shall pray for thee that thou maiest liue . how necessary meanes the prophets are betweene god and his people , the very wicked are driuen to confesse and against their wils to seeke to them : as ieroboam stretching out his hand to lay hold vpon the prophet that had denounced gods iudgements against him , and his idolatrous altars ; that persecuting hand of his , that stretched out it selfe , being dried vp , he was inforced to intreat the prophet to pray for him as it is said , i beseech thee , saith he , pray vnto the lord thy god , and make intercession for me , that mine hand may be restored vnto me . likewise in the new testament , the leper came to iesus for himselfe , the centusion for his seruant , the canaanitish woman for her daughter : likewise to the disciples of christ came the creeple , euen to peter and iohn to receiue an almes . but some perhaps may thinke this lesson needlesse , because euery one is forward enough to promote his owne cause , and to seeke helpe for himselfe . whereunto i answer negatiuely , because what in the pride we haue of our selues , as thinking that god doth ouermuch wrong vs , when he doth any way take vs downe short , or on the other side , by an ouerweening of our too great abasement , vnder our afflictions through the corruption of our distrustfull hearts , wee , in the dayes of our peace , wealth , and welfare , not hauing once sought for any meanes to succour vs in our aduersities , as if it should alwaies goe well with vs , doe many times both shrinke & sinke in the necessary suits for our reliefe , especially in the changes of our estates from riches to pouerty . to omit them who in the matters of fleshly & inordinate loue , because they cannot attaine to their burning and lustfull desires , neuer vsing any good , lawfull , holy , and commaunded meanes , doe most heathen-like , as people without god , as by faithlesse despaire , desperately vntwist their threede of this life : to omit all them , who , because they cannot bee liked , fauoured , and counsels , are ready with achitophel to cut themselues off from the world , as we reade of him , &c. now when achitophel saw that his counsell was not followed , he sadled his asse , and arose and went home vnto his city , and put his houshold in order , and hanged himselfe , and dyed . such are the dangers that will fearefully befall them , who in not acquainting themselues with god in his holy word , doe faile in depending vpon him , according to the ordinary meanes prescribed by himselfe , and to be vsed by all his people , in and vnder the burthen of their griefes and calamities : the not vsing whereof , causes one misery to follow another , to the increase not onely of miseries here , but to the procuring most commonly of endlesse miseries of soule and body after this life for euer . indeede many are the discouragements that step in betwixt vs and our afflictions , as first the base conceit that we are brought into of our selues , as if wee were the lesse in gods fauour , because of our present punishments , which ( we being of gods chosen in christ ) is but a conceit of ours , arising from the frailty of our faith , without any iust ground of the word of truth . secondly , the slacknesse , ( nay , the feare of the slacknesse ) and delay of iustice by our superiours ; for we complaine many times without a cause . thirdly , the vnmercifulnesse of the time . fourthly , the disdaine of our neighbours , brethren , and friends . fiftly , the readinesse of the wicked cormorants , that still seeke to prey vpon our miseries , ( they be of many sorts ) iudge who they be , who neuer giue ouer so long as there be any thing for them to prey vpon . sixtly , the hard account that the world maketh of vs in their sinisterly iudging vs to be so much the more wicked , by how much the more the lord doth humble vs : all these to vndergoe , being sore & grieuous temptations , is not in our owne power , without the lawfull and timely vse of the ministers of god , or of the magistrates , or of both , whom respectiuely vsed , and in their due seasons , god hath sanctified for the comforts of our soules , as also of our bodies during this life . another danger may befall vs , a fore-runner of these extreames before mentioned , which is a contempt of gods holy commandement , the very path way to anabaptisme , an heresie wherein the most necessary vse of the christian magistrate is denied , whose vse and end god , by moses , sets downe to his people , in all manner of trespasse , ( whither it be for oxen , for asse , for sheepe , for rayment , or for any manner of lost thing which another challengeth to be his , the cause of both parties shall come before the iudges , and whom the iudges condemne , ( for euery one may not be his owne iudge ) hee shall pay the double vnto his neighbour . likewise the apostle paul sets downe the cause why tribute is to them paid : for this cause ye also pay tribute , for they are gods ministers , applying themselues for the same thing ; that is , as in the fourth verse he saith , he is the minister of god for thy wealth . to conclude this point , doubtlesse as we cannot continue long in our bodies in this life without foode , or such like ; no more can we ( considering the disordered course of our wrangling and contentious dispositions be , or hold out long without the magistrate , or the minister . the vse then that we must make of this doctrine , is first to make triall of our selues , ( by calling our former wayes to remembrance , especially how it hath fared with vs in our sundry afflictions ) whether we haue fainted at any time vnder the burden : for as salomon saith ; if thou be faint in the day of aduersity , thy strength is small : or whether wee euer found comfort in the crosse , and thereafter to proceede with our selues by humble and hearty prayer vnto god to arme vs with patience , and to teach vs the best wayes vnder our troubles , and to leade vs on chearefully to vse them , whereby we may not onely be comforted , but also ( if god see it good for vs ) be restored . herein also wee must proceede with continuance , waiting the happy issue of them , ( yea , and that vntill the lord haue mercy vpon vs ) whereunto let the widdow that importuned the vniust iudge , and yet ( though long first ) in the end preuailed ; stirre vs vp to steady proceeding on in our suites , which iudge though hee neither feared god , nor reuerenced man , yet because this widdow saith he , troubleth me , i will doe her right , lest at the last shee come and make me weary : and so much the more to hearten vs on , let vs not forget in our prayers our magistrates , then especially when any of our iust causes are vpon trialls to the which purpose the psalmist directeth vs in these words ; giue thy iudgements to the king , o god , and thy righteousnesse to the kings sonne : then shall hee iudge the people in righteousnesse , and the poore with equitie . this is the way to keepe our faith vpright in god , still to relie vpon him in the blessing of the meanes to vs. last of all , let vs looke backe to gods former care ouer vs , and from an experimentall feeling of that his goodnesse , let vs quicken vp our dull and heauy soules , ●aying confidently , as from the assurance of faith , with dauid ; though my father and mother forsake me , yet the lord will gather me vp . and with the apostle paul , to testifie of god in this sort : who hath deliuered vs from so great a death , doth deliuer vs , and in whom we trust that he will deliuer vs. againe , god is faithfull , which will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you be able , but will euen giue the issue with the tentation , that you may be able to beare it . now let vs proceede to some particular obseruations further , to be drawne out of the words of her petition : thy seruant mine husband is dead , and thou knowest thy seruant did feare the lord , and the creditor is come , &c. it is as cleare as the sunne that her husband left her indebted , and not that shee fell into debt after , because the words are inseparably conioyned , as also from the custome of creditors , who immediately vpon the death of their debtors doe seeke into their estates , and with all expedition call home their owne . but the thing to be obserued vpon this place , in the mention making of her husband to feare god , and therein appealing to the testimony of the prophet himselfe , is this , that against the practise of most women shee forgets her pouerty , preuailing mightily against the male-contentednesse of her estate , or rather the hard estate her husband left her in , and with the comfortable remembrance of her husbands piety , and feare of god , shee doth as it were feede and satisfie her selfe . the lesson that is taught women aboue others in this place , is , that in their chaste and sincere loue they ought ( inasmuch as in them lieth ) to couer the trespasses of their husbands , especially they failing but in matters of worldly wants , or in such like , whereof god depriues them for some thing best knowne to himselfe . doubtlesse , worldly encombrances doe breede much discontentednesse betweene husband and wife , where gods feare ouer-rules not in each ; to which purpose , the apostle paul speaketh as by way of comparison betweene the marryed estate and single life ; the marryed man ( saith he ) careth for the things of the world , and how he may please his wife ; which in the things more indifferent of this life to doe , is no disparagement to the husband at all , being done in knowledge : according also to which the wife is to walke , yea , so farre as behoueth her place , and that for the nourishing of houshold peace , yea , as a teacher of honest things ; which lesson howsoeuer it concerne ; specially the elder women , yet all women are ( being come to that holy degree of the married estate ) not onely to know for themselues , but for their husbands , children , seruants , and neighbours : and herein the apostle peter doth affirme , that the knowledge of the wife how to walke in all good and due subiection to her husband , and so to doe , ( for there be too many that know and doe not , ) is as an excellent meanes preparatory to draw on an vntoward husband to the profession of faith , to which purpose these words tend : likewise let the wiues be subiect to their husbands , that euen they which obey not the word , may without the word be wonne by the conuersation of the wiues . but what if the wife doe in some good measure of knowledge goe beyond the husband , and able perhaps to direct her husband ? ( god willing it should be so vpon some occasions ) not ordinarily : for the husband is the wiues head , and husbands should dwell with their wiues as men of knowledge . such a wife had manoach the father of sampson , as wee reade ; such a wife was abigal to nabal , that man of belial : few such wiues , but too too many such nabals . i feare this age is replenished with , separating , to the end husbands may follow their strange lusts : but to goe on , herein let not the wife in her knowledge vsurpe a dominion ouer her husband , nor yet in pride of heart insult ouer him , for that is rather to destroy then to build , and builders ought , good wiues to be , as salomon teacheth . a wise woman buildeth her house . this then is required further of a wife , that shee doe carry her selfe in all temperance and sobriety , with a meeke and quiet spirit , which is before god a thing much set by , and therein as a fellow-helper , comforter , and counsellor , so speaking to & for her husband , as if he knowing all already , and more then she can tel & aduise him , may be , and so stand , as his remembrancer , seeking with this widdow in al she may , the honor , credit , and estimation of her husbands good name , thogh dead , much more liuing ; not admitting ( thogh perhaps there be some cause ) any one , thogh vniustly , to estrange her heart from her husband . the consideration of this doctrine may serue all good and christian wiues , either so being , or hauing beene widdowes , those especially vnto whom ( vpon too sudden a change of their estates ) oftentimes there fall out many discontentments , to teach them by all meanes to auoide all vnseemely , quarrellous , and contentious speeches , and no way distemperately to vexe , grieue , thwart , and crosse their husbands , but in all good peace so to carry themselues towards them , though perhaps irreligious and farre out of order , as that they rather learne to take , and so take these troubles of theirs , which in want of fore-sight they haue brought vpon themselues , as not onely tryals of their faith and patience sent from god , but also medicinable corrections for their further amendment . if this then be the duty of wiues to husbands who feare not god , what is then to be required of those wiues , whose husbands , in a good and conscionable regard of them and theirs , doe labour in their profession , and according to their place , to walke according to all godlinesse and piety ? these i say , ( by the wiues in all mildnesse ) are much more in all subiection to be yeelded vnto . thus then you see this woman , vpon the loue to her husband , not so soone forgotten , was comforted to sollicite elizha in her owne behalfe , by an argument drawne from the feare of god , that was in him well knowne to elizha himselfe , as shee saith ; and thou knowest that thy seruant did feare the lord : whereby also the prophet was so much the more willing to listen carefully to her suite . good indeede is to be done for all , but especially to them who are of the houshold of faith. another doctrine also out of the words of the woman doe issue , in that shee speaking to elizha , calles her husband his seruant , and afterward her selfe his hand-maide ; and it is this : that the prophets of god , as now the ministers of the gospell , are each to respect other with a speciall respect , and that betweene themselues , with difference , according to age , grauity , knowledge , vnderstanding , and the differing gifts of gods grace in them ; as is here somewhat to be seene : a lesson slenderly respected in these dayes , wherein all things goe out of square , so great is the pride and disdaine each of other , yea , and that among the teachers themselues . but to the purpose in hand : it appeares that her said husband deceased , brought vp in one of the schooles of the prophets , whether bethel or iericho , as an ordinary minister of the church , accordingly trayned vp , did , whether in prayer , interpretation of the scriptures , doctrine , or exhortation , performe his duty in the churches seruice , according to the ordinary calling whereunto he was , and that by ordinary labour and trauaile , prepared . but in that shee submits her husband so low , as to terme him elizhaes seruant , she may seeme too much to abase her husband , and too highly to aduance elizha : nothing lesse : she speakes of them both , according to the seuerall gifts that were in them , wherein elisha extraordinarily called , did thereafter shine in gifts extraordinary , worthy therefore in her account of double honour . by occasion whereof , somewhat may be said as concerning the titles of the lord bishops now amongst vs , and that very fitly , although they can no way approue themselues equall to elisha : neither doe they seeke it , in respect of that calling , and those extraordinary gifts of working miraculously being ceased . but the rather to lay it downe , not as an answere to those who doe dispitefully in tearmes carry themselues towards the church-gouernours , disdayning them for their titles sake ( for they are such as will neuer be answered ) and indeede are not worthy an answere : but for the further confirming of them in the truth , who are in the same already ; this is the thing . it is not forbidden simply to giue to the ministers of the church honourable titles ; prouided alwaies that it be not done in flattery , or besides true knowledge : neither are those places ; be not called rabbi ; call no man father vpon earth ; be not called doctors , any way of force to abridge the ministers of the gospel of their due honour : it serued indeed to restraine the ambitious pharisees ' who hunting after vaine titles , desired so to be called ; and would also that the people should wholly rest themselues vpon whatsoeuer was propounded vnder their names , as meerely authenticall , and no way to be gain-said : neither that of elihu ; for i may not giue titles , left my maker should take mee away suddenly . neither that of iames ; be not many masters so to be taken ? as if all title of honour , or reuerend estimation , were taken away , or forbidden to be giuen to the ministers of the church : this is onely forbidden them and thee ; them , that they doe not ambitiously seeke and hunt after the titles of those places and callings , for the honour and titles sake , without purpose to doe the duties beseeming those places and callings ; or , as if vnder that name or title of honour , whatsoeuer seemed good in their eies , they might propound , and it not to be refused ; which to doe were meere papal and antichristian : thee , that thou also doe not tie thy iudgement , or faith , ( concerning god and holy things ) to men ; for their outward respects sake : but let them be called fathers of the church , and so call thou them , for so paul was called , and so called he himselfe : for though ye haue ten thousand instructors in christ , yet haue yee not many fathers ( saith hee ) for in christ iesus i haue begotten you , through the gospel : yea , hee called himselfe the doctor and teacher of the gentiles ; and thus they are , and may be called , so as they doe wholly and simply submit themselues to christ , as to their onely master , sent of god ; and seeke also to subiect and bring thee and thine , by their authoritie , vnder the obedience , soueraignty , and dominion of christ himselfe , their teacher , and thy teacher ; their lord and thy lord ; their master , and thy master . and thus much by the way , vpon that the widdow called her husband , elisha his seruant , and herselfe his hand-maide . there is further vpon this poynt , that hee feared god , notwithstanding hee died in debt , this doctrine to be obserued , that a man may be indebted , and yet be free from the common fame of the world , that is , to be an ill man : which is no more true , then on the other side to say such and such are wealthy , rich , and of good credit in the world , and therefore they must needes be good , honest , and godly men , when as yet perhaps they neuer knew what true godlinesse meant . but how can this agree then with those places ( will some say ) where god makes a large promise to his people , vpon condition that they hearken to the voyce of their god , to obserue and doe all his commaundements , as by moses is written : then thou shalt lend to many nations , and not borrow thy selfe . and againe the prophet dauid saith , a good man is mercifull , and lendeth . and on the other side , the prophet dauid , hee sets it downe as a speciall marke of a wicked man , to borrow and not to restore . the wicked man borroweth , and ( saith hee ) payeth not againe ? &c. i answer . howsoeuer the promise of gods blessings to the whole body of the people of israel , is no longer proper to them , then they shall ioyntly and together bind themselues sincerely and simply to keepe , and in so being bound , doe indeede keepe gods commaundements ; yet in some other respect god both may , and at his pleasure doth oftentimes temporally punish the godly with the wicked ( as the apostle peter layeth it downe in these wordes : ) for the time is come , that iudgement must beginne at the house of god : yea , and amongst other punishments , with this as one , god punisheth thee , it being incident to the children of god , rather to want then to abound , and this as hee doth iustly inflict vpon man for sinne , as ieremy saith ; man suffereth for sinne : yet some other ends there may be and are with god ▪ as the triall of the faith and patience of his seruants vnder the crosse , whereby , to the further glory of his name , some hidden vertues may more fully appeare out of them which before were not knowne . a second end may be , a greater manifestation of gods care ouer them vnder present wants , as ouer eliah the prophet , for whose reliefe god had prouided the rauens to feede him ; and by the widdow of sareptha ; and his mightie protection , which neuer shews it selfe more , then when his people are in the greatest danger , as in the time when the people of israel were in the red-sea ; as also , whilest in the change of their condition and estates from wealth to pouerty ; he againe , of poore makes them rich , by restoring them to their first or former estate , as hee did iob. thirdly , for the taming or restrayning of some one or other sinne , god oftentimes meetes with his children ( after their long security and carelesse regard of the word , calling them to repentance , they not repenting ) by the rod of affliction : whereupon he hauing , as elihu saith , set to his seale , ordaining it as the pruining-knife , to the cutting off the superfluous branches , for the causing of them to bring forth fruit the better , he faith : then he openeth the eyes of men , euen by their corrections , which he had sealed . whereby he hauing ( as the prouerbe is ) strooke the nayle to the head , the heart and the affections once renewed and changed , then hee brings vnder obedience all those wandring lusts , which before-time went astray from gods holy commandements : to the which purpose the prophet dauid confesseth , as is . psalme : before i was afflicted , i went astray : as for that of the good man , to be mercifull , and to lend , it rather describeth the true propertie of a good man already inriched , for the disposing of his riches to the good of others , then otherwise in any vngodly care to get or increase his wealth : which ( by occasion of the next place ) viz. ( the wicked man borroweth , and payeth not againe ) as afore is more fitly met withall ; which words of the prophet doe not concere those who ordinarily being poore and needy , are inforced to borrow directly for the supply of their present wants , being also godlily minded , vpon good fore-sight , and hope of meanes in like manner to make restitution by : but it concernes all sorts and degrees both of rich and poore , who any way vniustly minded , doe take into their hands the goods of other men , for their present vse , without any purpose of restoring ; of whom those monsters amongst men , who immediately borrowing without need , vpon purpose to breake , doe ( by the spoyle of other their creditors , inforced to stand at their courtesie for present payment , ) hastily become rich vpon other mens goods : some other there are , who vnder the name of a more strict course of godlinesse in the profession of the gospel then others , hauing yet a mind that they liue , but are dead , ( being indeed ashamed to acknowledge their mother , in whose wombe they had their first conception vnto life ) these in like manner ( omitting their honest and lawfull callings , being weary of well-doing ) as busie-bodies , whilest they will become planters , and reformers of churches , strayning beyond their last , till all cracke againe , hauing run themselues out of breath , are brought to borrow ; and this also they hold they may doe , not purposing euer to make restitution , accounting in their anabaptisticall community , as a speciall point of diuinitie with them , the goods of them of whom they make thus bold with , euen the goods of the church ( the spoyle of babel , as they tearme it ) as if they had by some oracle from heauen , with the israelites , receiued a warrant from god so to doe . to omit all other needlesse borrowers for the cunning ingrossement of commodities of all sorts into their hands by way of monopolie , not caring what become of the common-wealth so they alone may liue ; to omit all other borrowers vpon vsury , to the end they may to a further and greater exacting againe , vpon vsury , lend , all these , ioyne them in one , are of the number of those , and may well so be reckoned , of whom dauid speaketh ; the wicked borroweth , and payeth not againe . out of this which hath beene spoken , euery true member of the church is to learne ; first , for his setled course of conuersing and making trafficke with men ; that if he desire to haue the report of one that feareth god , and that in singlenesse of heart ; he must take heede ( as the apostle paul teacheth ) that he oppresse not , nor defraude his brother in any matter . and then , that he trie and examine himselfe by the two looking-glasses of the law , and the gospel , the two parts of the word of god , wherein hee may finde out whether he truly feare god , or no ; a point very necessary to be stood vpon . doubtlesse in the one and first , which is the law , he shall find out in himselfe nothing but sin and iniquity , and thereby that he stands in the seuerity of gods extreame iustice , in and vnder the danger of eternall death and condemnation : in the other , he shall find that god according to his owne goodnesse , will looke vpon him with an amiable and chearefull countenance , and discouer vnto him iesus christ his sonne , as the onely washer , purger , and cleanser of him from his sinne , not onely by forgiuenesse , but also by his sanctifying spirit ; taking away the power of sinne , that it shall not rule or raigne any longer in his mortall body , to obey it in the lusts thereof : and because there is iust occasion offered to speake of this point in these words ( and thou knowest thy seruant did feare god ) it is not from the purpose , that i set downe thus much more vpon it , before euery one that reades it ; ( viz. ) that according as god did worke formerly in men a true care of performance of the duties , whatsoeuer of equity , honesty , or charity between themselues , so he measured his owne loue to them-ward , by an assurance of faith vnto eternall life accordingly : for men are reputed no further to haue profited in the sound knowledge of god , according to the rules of the first table of the law , then they are ready to expresse the same by doing the duties of the second : for by this rule did both the holy prophets and apostles measure out the assurance of the loue of god to themselues , and the people . micah the prophet expostulating this point with the people of israel in his dayes , who satisfied themselues , as they doe now , with an outward shew of seruing of god , by their sacrifices ; when in the meane time they were full of cruelty , and oppression , voide of all mercy to their neighbours . will the lord ( saith he ) be pleased with thousands of rammes , or with ten thousand riuers of oyle ? shall i giue my first borne for my transgression , euen the fruite of my body for the sinne of my soule ? and thereto he answereth . . he hath shewed thee o man what is good , and what the lord requireth of thee ; surely to doe iustly , and to loue mercy , and to humble thy selfe to walke with thy god : and thus must euery debtor , yea , and creditor also , trie himselfe whether he feare god , or no ; euen by the offices of borrowing and lending , according to good and pure loue , laide downe in the word . for saith the apostle iohn ; whosoeuer doth not righteousnesse , is not of god ; neither he that loueth not his brother . all which duties of the law also , concerning god and man , must be done in like manner wholly , and that from a sound heart : and therefore if thou shalt soothe vp thy selfe in some duties doing , and shalt in the meane while faile in other ; know this from the apostle iames , who saith : for whosoeuer shall keepe the whole law , and yet faileth in one point , is guilty in all . where then the true feare of god is , there is first integrity of heart , and then whole obedience , that is , a continuall striuing vnto the performance of all and euery duty , with care of doing what wee doe for gods cause , or because of the loue that wee doe beare to god constrayning vs thereunto . but because in either getting , or keeping a good report , whilest men dealet together in matters of this world , as in borrowing and lending , there be many windings and turnings , so that it is hard for a man to passe away without some staine of his credit ( especially if hee bee one that striueth vnto godlinesse , whom all the world seeketh to speake ill of , ) it stands euery man in hand therefore , so much the more truly to ●ift himselfe , especially when gods hand is vpon him in this affliction of being in debt . he therefore that will not be deceiued in himselfe , in looking vpon the law of the ten commandements , as vpon a looking-glasse , wherein he desires to behold the errors of his life ; let him cast his eye aside , and with good care looke into the extreame part of that glasse , euen the tenth commandement : thou shalt not couet , &c. or as the apostle saith , thou shalt not lust ; and there shall hee learne this lesson , that if hee haue giuen but way to any sinne to make proffer to him , and so suffer it to rest , and sathan the first mouer or suggester to sinne , with any , though neuer so small an entertainment of him ; yea , if he haue but granted time , ( vpon the motion and first suggestion thereunto ) to demurre , and as it were to aduise whether it be best to thinke , or not to thinke , to doe , or not to doe , thereby calling the law of god into question or doubt , put the case it be vpon this point of borrowing , vpon a deceiueable purpose to serue thy present neede ; if that party whosoeuer hath not giuen either in the point in hand , as borrowing vpon deceiueable purposes , or any the like motion or prompting vnto sinne , ( as our sauiour christ ) did vnto sathan , the present auant or auoid sathan , and with dauid , away from me all yee workers of iniquitie ; or rather with the same prophet , in the like words ; away from me yee wicked , i will keepe the commaundements of my god ; let him know that hee hath sinned already against his owne soule , euen in this , that by demurring with sathan , as by way of counsaile-taking , he hath giuen him some hope to preuaile at the last ; which to doe is sinne with god : and therefore to this purpose speaketh the holy apostle paul : let not the sunne goe downe vpon your wrath , neither giue place to the deuill . for how small soeuer a sinne ( not to resist sinne vpon the first sight , ) in outward seeming appeares to be , because the beginnings of sinne are very deceitful , it being a common saying , a little is not so much : yet so great it is doubtlesse , as once being entred vpon thee , hardly after , if euer , vntill thy dying day , will it be got out : for the very regenerate haue their sinnes , vnder the which they doe continually labour , which maketh them goe heauily mourning all the day long , and oftentimes to water their couch with their teares , as dauid did , who complained saying ; i fainted in my mourning , i cause my bedde euery night to swimme , and water my couch with my teares : and this doth the looking into this first glasse of the law cause , yea , in them who truely feare god. but here they must not stand : there is another more cleare cristalline and comfortable glasse of the gospel , which also they must with all good speed looke into , where they shall euen vpon the very first view , so sodainly behold christ iesus , that onely comforter of them that mourne in sion , and the refresher of those that goe heauily laden vnder the burthen of their sinne , and seeke their refreshing where it is to be had : for faith in christ iesus , is the onely marke of that filial , son-like , and true feare of god , without the which faith , there is no true feare of god at all ; and when thou seest him , goe to him , lay hold on him , make thy moane to him , shew him thy soares , thy wounds , certifie him of the foyles thou hast had since thou entredst thy selfe a souldier vnder his banner , challenge him for thy captaine , acknowledge thy strayings and wandring out of his campe ; let him know thy seuerall and particular sinnes , hide nothing from him , ( though he know all before ) it shall be his greater glory , and in the end thy greater comfort : bewaile his so long absence from thee , with the great dangers thou wast in whilest thou wast left to thy selfe : say with the church in salomons song . i sought him , but i found him not ; i called vpon him , and he answered me not . giue me leaue a little longer , because this feare of god , as is said ; hoc est totum hominis : it is all that god requires of man , and it is that thou must haue , and it is a point whereupon thou must trie , and often examine thy selfe ; euen king , queene , prince , nobles , gouernours , ministers , husband , wife , father , children , masters , seruants . i cannot therefore end , i am as in a maze ; giue me leaue yet in a word , who is it that as the church before saith , hath not called vpon god often , and yet hath not preuailed ; and what then , shall he therefore giue ouer ? no , shall he not still pray ? yes . wilt thou aske how long , leaue him not vntill he haue mercy vpon thee ; let not the terriblenesse of thine enemy ( although he be as a roaring and deuouring lyon , laid downe by the apostle peter before thee , let it not daunt thee , but awaken thy spirits the more , the rather ; and therefore to the purpose it is , that the apostle saith : watch ye , stand fast in the faith ; quit you like men , and be strong . and as in the ephesians : hauing finished all things , stand , and to thy greater hope of preuailing , adde ( as the apostle paul in that very place immediatly after saith , thereunto prayer : and pray alwayes ( saith he ) with all manner prayer and supplication in the spirit , and faint not . and howsoeuer euery sinne , whereof sathan will ( hauing beene the first mouer of thee thereunto ) be thy accuser , shall appeare to thy wounded conscience as a most fearefull and terrible monster , greedily , and with open mouth gaping wide , doe seeke to swallow and deuoure thee vp euen aliue ; yet as thou fearest god , and desirest the report thereof in the world , in life , in death , and after death , as this poore widdowes husband , haue faith in god , and shrinke not ; behold his loue to thee in christ , and be of good cheare : although thou hast liued in the wayes of the world , without regard of god and his law heretofore , yet vpon this thy faith , fruitfull in repentance , be comforted with paul ; it is not thou , but sinne in thee , as is said : it is no more i , ( for now thou beleeuest , thou art another person in christ iesus before god , thy sinne is not looked vpon ) but saith he , it is sinne that dwelleth in me : for i allow not ( saith he ) that which i doe , for what i would , that doe i not ; but what i hate , that doe i. it is that naturall corruption , which doubtlesse cleaueth to them who are regenerate , and although daily in conquering , yet not cleane conquered . but in this triall of thy selfe , as concerning the true feare of god to be in thee ; if thou feelest that thou hast thus farre profited , goe on still with the blessed apostle , as one wearied with these miserable conflicts of sathan , and shew thy faith more and more , by still going to god , as thy onely helper , and crie aloud with groanes and sighes ; oh wretched man that i am , who shall deliuer me from this body of death ? and againe , to despite sathan to his teeth , as if thou hadst already gotten the victory , ( for faith , whose obiect is christ , with all the graces of his spirit , giueth to each beleeuer things absent , as already present ) be bold to out-face him , and say as dauid to saul ; thou hast thrust sore at me , that i might fall ; but the lord he hath holpen me . to the end then that all iust suspitions of deceitfull shifts in borrowing may be taken from thee , and that thy name may be free from all iust slander , pray with dauid to god , and giue not ouer ; remoue from me shame and contempt : and againe in the . verse . take away my rebuke that i feare , &c. and in thus doing , and preuailing , thou shalt reape vnto thee , for thy comfort , both liuing and dead , this report ; that thou haft feared god. now to proceede to that which followeth , concerning the creditor , in these words of her complaint : and the creditor is come to take my two sonnes to be his bond-men . the law of bondage , as appeareth both by the scriptures , as also by the law of nations hath been ancient ; which also may be found to haue beene amongst vs , as by certaine instruments of manumission for the release of bond-men or villaines ; and this before the time of the gospell may euidently appeare . by the law of nations it appeares so to haue beene . it was decreed ( saith aulus gellius ) by the iudge , that after the debtor was demaunded by the creditor his debt , hee not hauing to pay at the instant , that then hee should haue thirtie dayes more giuen him , and if within that time he could not make satisfaction , then the poore man was fettered by the feete ; and further , being fast bound with a cord or long line , was so deliuered ouer to the creditor ; who leading him home as an oxe or an asse , hee put him to what seruile worke soeuer , vntill that by his most slauish and more perhaps then egyptian-like bondage , he had by all toylesome labour wrought out vnto his master ful satisfaction of his debt ; and thus for the time of their bondage were they bought and sold from one to another , as beasts are sold in a market : for proofe wherof , vnder the law of moses , we read , if thou buy an hebrew seruant , hee shall serue sixe yeares , and in the seauenth he shall goe out free for nothing : before the law written , we read of ioseph , who was twice sold ; once by his brethren to the ishmaelites , and then after by them to potiphar , an eunuch of king pharaohs . in the booke of the psalmes , the prophet dauid , setting downe as by way of bewayling the miserie of gods people , to god himselfe , vnder the hard seruitude wherewith they were oppressed : thou sellest thy people for nought . ( saith hee ) and thou doest not increase their price : and in the prophesie of esay , saith the prophet , as in the person of god ; who is the creditor to whom i sold you ? behold , for your iniquities are yee sold , &c. as if he should say ; you are indeed vnder bondage , but your selues haue made slaues of your selues , by your owne vngodlinesse . likewise , vnder the new testament , where our sauiour likeneth the kingdome of heauen to a certaine king which would take account of his seruants , and when hee had begun to reckon , one was brought vnto him which ought him . talents , and because he had nothing to pay , he commaunded him to be sold , and his wife , and his children , and all that hee had , and the debt to be paid , &c. so that the creditor did the widdow no wrong ▪ shee being insufficient , to take her two sonnes to be his bond-men ; and yet shee complaines to the prophet , i will not say of the cruelty of the creditor , the law then so requiring it , but rather of her owne distressed estate , who was in danger of the losse of so great comforts , the losse whereof how great it was , may appeare by the example of a poore man , of whom saint basil writes , who hauing many children , in a heauie time of famine , was with all of them euen at the point of a famishment , ready to starue for want of food : for the relieuing of whom , one of them must be sold , to buy corne and victuals withall , to saue all the rest aliue . the father cals his wife , and causes her to call all his children together , they aduise each with other which of them they should depart from , and so , not without teares , the father beholding the eldest , the beginning of his strength , the excellencie of his dignitie , the first that called him father ; the second , too young ; the third , like the father ; the fourth , the mothers darling ; the fift , the expresse image of the grand-father ; the sixt , well made , and like to proue a souldier ; the last , wittie , ingenious , and very fit to make a schollar : so tender-hearted was this kinde and naturall father , as that he could not find any one amongst them , from whom he might depart , chusing rather to redeeme all their liues with his owne perill and danger , then to suffer any one of them to depart vpon so hard conditions . blame not then this poore woman , although shee complaine for this her losse of the hope of her comfort in both her sonnes , at once ; considering that the sodainenesse of her change vpon the death of her husband , together with the hastinesse of the creditor to see his owne , perhaps was such as it could not but moue her greatly to labour euery way for her release . but on the other side , ( to this of debts to be payed by the taking of the debtor , his wife and children , to be as bond-men to the creditors behoofe , by their labours and trauailes , so to be imployed vntill the debt be satisfied , ) i heare some carelesse altogether of all good credit , and iust dealing , to say and giue out ; tush i feare no such bondage , the gospel hath taken away all the straitnesse that was in the law , of that slauish seruitude in former ages ; i will deale well enough , although i pay not any thing . i answer thee , thou doest greatly abuse the libertie of the gospel , which is inward , and stands most in the peace of a good conscience , by our lord iesus christ , whereof thou hast made ship wracke , whilest thou giuest thy selfe liberty to liue in all iniustice , vpon the spoyle of other mens goods : yea , know this in time whilest thou mayest know it , that thou art but a prophane and an vnbeleeuing wretch ; thou doest blaspheme god , and takest the name of the gospel in vaine in thy mouth , whilest hauing borrowed , and out of other mens estates hast gathered vnto thy selfe lands and liuing , goods and money , which vpon a false trust into other mens hands , as ill as thy selfe , thou hast turned ouer , to deceiue by , and vtterly refusest to pay , or at least will pay at thy pleasure what thou seest good : know this , that howsoeuer it fall out with thee to escape the hands of men , and perhaps vnder colour of law doest impudently couer thy deceits , yet assuredly in seeking to rid thy selfe from the dangers of men , thou hast sold thy selfe , and art become a very villaine and bond-slaue to the deuill , whose hands thou canst not escape ; vnder whose custody if once , ( not preuenting thy fearefull estate in due time , by returning to god whilest thou art called to repentance ) be assured of it , hell hauing receyued thy soule and body , thence , there neither is nor euer can be redemption ; but as in the parable of the rich-man and lazarus , as vnder the speech of abraham to the rich-man being in hel in torments , lifting vp his eyes , seeing abraham a farre off , and lazarus in his bosome : then hee cried , and said ; father abraham , haue mercy vpon me , and send lazarus , that he may dip the tippe of his finger in water , and coole my tongue , for i am tormented in this flame : but abraham said ; sonne , remember that thou in thy life time receiuedst thy pleasure , but lazarus paines ; now therefore he is comforted , and thou art tormented . besides all this , betweene you and vs there is a great gulfe set , so that they which would goe from hence to you cannot , neither can they come from hence to vs , &c. so that once with the deuill in hel , thy mittimus being once vnder seale , & charge to the iaylor giuen , take him , bind him hand and foot , with that most wofull sentence of the iudge : depart thou cursed one into hell , there to be tormented with the deuill and his angels for euer , neuer after looke to be released . but , what is laid downe in the case of an vniust debtor , is and may fitly be applyed vnto a hard , mercilesse , and vnconscionable creditor , who is like to drinke of the same cup , euen the cup of gods eternall wrath ; whom to lay downe i cannot better , then from the out-cry of a poore , honest , and well-minded debtor , whose pittifull moane and complaint goes in this manner : alas , ( saith hee ) i doe indeed owe much , and haue not presently to pay , but as it arises out of my trade , and honest labour ; little i haue , but that little i am willing to depart from vnto satisfaction : yea further , my selfe , my wife , and children , all of vs , will ioyne together in one ▪ freely , to the vttermost by our labours and trauailes , to worke out what is in our power for the creditors best profit : but alas this will not serue his turne , he will haue all ( and all he may haue in time vnder gods blessing , if hee would but a while depend with vs vpon gods prouidence , whose blessing alone makes rich , but hee will haue it presently , or else no way with him but one : all his song is , to prison with him , i wil haue my penni-worths of his carkeise , i will make dice of his bones : and thus , like the vnmercifull creditor in the . of s. matthewes gospel , . verse , he vrges all extreame courses that may be . besides , he hath made mee spend as much in law for the keeping of my liberty , and the freeing of my body from hard imprisonment , as would haue payed a quarter of the debt : hee can no way endure to heare of the mitigation of iustice , letters of commission from the supreame magistrates , for the ordering of the debt to the equall good of both parties , by indifferent men , lawfully appointed to that businesse , hee cannot abide : is it true ( saith he ) doth law consist vpon two parts , ( viz. ) of extreamitie , and moderation ? i will then doe well enough with the beggarly knaue : he will haue what law will giue him to the vttermost , body and goods , yea all will not serue his vnmercifull and bloud-thirstie humour : and whereas wee are in hand with the law of bondage , ( as before ) wherein husband , wife , and children , were by their honest labours to trauaile euery way at the creditors pleasure , and for his best auaile : hee will no way yeeld to haue his mony paid in that sort by peece-meale : hee will rather ( if by and vnder the letter of the law he may haue it , ) see him rot in prison , and wife and children starue all at home , then to accept of such beggarly payment , wherein i may compare this bloud-thirstie wretch vnto a certaine iew , of whom wee reade , who hauing lent money to a christian , the day being come , and the poore christian not able to make payment , the iew was contented , so he might haue a pound of the christians flesh , to loose the nine hundred crownes , for so much was the debt that the christian ought him . but this hard and vnequall course is no way befitting the church or people of god , in a christian common-wealth : nay rather , the rich creditor abounding in all wealth , if hee will approue himselfe to be a good man , not before men , ( because of his wealth , for that may deceiue ) but before god in christ iesus , ( being mercifull as christ is mercifull ) he must rather forgoe all , and simply forgiue the debt , then vpon a wilfull reuenge to attempt to doe any thing that may endanger the life of that his poore debtor : or if not wholly to forgiue , which is an extreame on his part , yet at the least to haue a conscionable regard of his inability , and therein so to accept of his debt , as by day and day he may at the last ( god so seeing it good for both ) receiue his owne in part or in whole , without the hurt of any one of them both . whereunto if parties cannot be drawn betweene themselues , rather then by their owne violent and delatory courses , for the gaine onely of time , without the good of any one of them , they shall spoile each other , it is not amisse the iudge himselfe vpon the iust notice of the cause doth doe , by enforcing whithersoeuer of them is faulty by his power and authority , immediately to yeeld to what indifferent course , for both their goods he shall at the very instant assigne them vnto . for doubtlesse it is generally supposed , that euery law of iustice , especially amongst vs christians , hath these two things in it ; that is , the very extremity in plaine termes , according to the letter of the law , and the mitigation of the extreamity , according to circumstances implyed in it ; because otherwise , summum ius ( cannot be ) but summa iniuria . and this seemeth the prophet dauid to teach from himselfe , in his owne person , when he saith ; i will sing mercy , and iudgement . but to what end is all this , will some say ? truly not beside the matter in hand , wherein my purpose is to iustifie the execution of both these parts of the law ( viz. ) extreamity and mitigation , each of them , according to their times , and this to doe , as in other cases , so in the case of the creditor and debtor : first as any one of them shall be spyed out to exceede in oppressing each other , that then according to the expresse letter of the law , ( the intent of the law being the good of the people ) they be so dealt withall , thereby to breake the necke of the stubborne and contentious party , to make him to know himselfe , as yet the other point of mitigation closely concealed , without the which no law intented to be , may for the ioynt good of either , according to equity , be duely also and seasonably by the iudge executed ; prouided alwayes that this moderation of law in the extreamity thereof , come not too late , when ( if not at all ) yet the greatest part of that worth of that which is sued for , is come already into the lawyers coffers , a little perhaps remaining behind for the suing party himselfe , and this doubtlesse is the generall complaint throughout the land. i know againe it will be said , that i goe ouer-far in this point , medling with the law , beyond my limits : to this i answere , that when a meere cruell oppressour shall vnder colour of law to get his owne , where perhaps it is not possibly to be had , and in all extreamity to wreake his wroth by it , keepe that his poore debtor in prison so long vntill he be ready to starue , and so endanger his life , which is an entrance vpon the kings free-hold ; yea , and this to doe as vnder the kings name , in the abuse of the kings writ , making the law and the king ioyntly partakers of this their cruelty , to the ouerthrow many times of a better subiect to the king then himselfe is : it is time then that equity , the fountaine whereof is the word of god , and we as the buckets by whom ye all must draw forth , as out of the holy and heauenly wells , the comfortable waters of your saluation , it is high time for vs to put in fact , considering that it is a doctrine which salomon as from gods speciall instinct hath left vs to teach ; in the multitude of a people , is the honour of a king ( saith he ) and for want of people , commeth the destruction of the prince : whence thus i reason ; if kings themselues by all equity and clemency are to encrease , and not by tyranny to lessen their people , as doubtlesse they are , and good reason , because where this care is not , their territories and countries are easily subdued , and the borders of their gouernment diminished : much lesse are they to suffer the people one to eate vp and deuoure another ; yea , if so be the people will , and doe generally condemne tyrannous cruelty and oppression in their kings to them , much more were it to be condemned betweene themselues . the doctrine then hence is , that all kings , magistrates , and people , must by all meanes auoide all occasions of bloud-shedding , or wilfull murdering of any , because god will not suffer the life of a man to goe vnreuenged : as it is said ; at the hand of a mans brother will i require the life of man. who so sheddeth mans bloud , by man shall his bloud be shed : for in the image of god he made man. whereunto let me adde this , that not onely murder it selfe is forbidden , but euery tracke or path that leadeth to it . the vse that we must make of this point is , alwayes vpon the troublesome and furious motions of our wrathfull and reuengefull affections and fierie passions , to looke backe to the holy word of god , and thereby so to temper our selues , as that we suffer not our rage in any wise to breake out ; because , if god , ( as it is said ) will put the teares of his saints into the bottle of his remembrance , much more shall he auenge himselfe of the bloud of any of his people . but now to returne againe to the widdow , so pittifully complaining to the prophet vpon the creditor , his taking her two sonnes to be his bondmen , concerning whom , her sorrow being then so great vpon the losse of her two sonnes , if thou shalt by comparing time past with the present time , and the courses which then were vsed for the satisfying of debts to the creditors , with those straight courses that now are vsed , and shalt finde , and as it were sensibly feele , that the creditors of these dayes , and the meanes they vse towards those poore debtors of theirs , are more hard and grieuous ; learne thou , first , whilest thou art at liberty and thy state sound , learne betimes to auoide all occasions of falling into the hands of so vnmercifull men , and no further deale with them if it be possible , then thou mayest at thine owne pleasure easily escape out of their hands . if thy liberty , thy state , thy wife , thy children , yea , thy life be so deare vnto thee , and the losse of them so sharpe and grieuous , let not present pleasures , nor the seruing of thy turne to prodigall , or vnnecessary vses , or any way besides the duties of thy calling , so soon , or so easily draw thee to buy repentance at so hard a rate . but doth this lesson come a little too late , art thou already caught by the heele ? learne then from this widdow a second lesson ; lie not thou still in thy wofull and perplexed estate , but speedily repaire for remedy and comfort where it is to be had , to god first by prayer , for the remedying or reforming rather of what master-sinne soeuer is in thee , or for patience vnder this thy crosse ; then to the minister , to the magistrate , to thy creditor , to thy friends , as helpers and sollicitors for thee , loose no time , redeeme it rather , it is the wisedome of god by salomon ; doe this now my sonne , and deliuer thy selfe , seeing thou art come into the hand of thy neighbour , goe and humble thy selfe , and sollicite thy friends , giue no sleepe to thine eyes , nor slumber to thine eye-liddes , deliuer thy selfe as a doe from the hand of the hunter , and as a bird from the hand of a fowler . what thou doest herein doe speedily , ( mora trahit periculum ) make proofe at once of the lawfull meanes , and leaue the successe to god ; knowing this , that he it is that hath the hearts of men in his hands , yea , and for thy good : so saith salomon . the kings heart is in the hands of the lord , as the riuers of waters he turneth it whithersoeuer it pleaseth him . let nothing step in thy way to discourage thee in the lawfull and seasonable vsing of these meanes for thy remedy , for , for thee , euen for thee , and for thy reliefe are all kings , princes , iudges , magistrates , ministers , appointed , and by him set vp : for he is the minister of god for thy wealth . but because where such popular oppressions doe grow , and as by way of example one from another they doe daily increase , it argues remissenesse both in the gouernours and gouernment , and some heauy iudgement ( of what kinde he best knowes that is the iudge of all ) to hang ouer that land ; for so it appeares to haue beene in the dayes of the prophet esay , who prophecying of a desolation to fall vpon the people of ierusalem and iudah , as is to see in these words : for loe the lord of hosts will take away from ierusalem and iudah the stay and the strength , &c. in the fifth verse he saith , to the purpose i haue in hand : the people shall be oppressed one of another , and euery one by his neighbour : the children shall presume against the ancient ; and the vile against the honourable . but because when these grieuous sinnes of oppression and vndutifulnesse doe exceede , it stands the magistrates in hand first in themselues to begin to reforme , and then to proceede not onely to make lawes of reformation for the cleansing of the church and common-wealth of their enormities , but to proceede with all seuerity and celerity vnto execution ; and because hereunto examples doe much prouoke , let me be bold a little to lay downe before all , who are in place of magistracy vnder the supreame magistrate , the example of that worthy gouernour nehemiah : it is yet time , while then it is called to day ( as is said . ) all you who would be accounted the fathers of your countries , reade him , and follow him . fathers must not be oppressors ; fathers must be helpers , comforters , and nourishers of their children : fathers must not suffer oppression in their families , one childe to oppresse another ; so the fathers ouer churches and common-wealthes , must not take vpon them those places of honour and renowne for their owne credit , gaine , or ease , but to be good ouer-seers of their people , carefull punishers of oppression ; and not to suffer ( inasmuch as in them lieth ) one to oppresse another , one to lay ouer-heauy yoakes or burdens , one vpou another . nehemiah . . verse , to the end of the . reade it i beseech you , marke it , make vse of it , and god assisting you , doe it ; the words are these . now there was a great crie of the people , and of their wiues against their brethren the iewes . . for there were that said , we , our sonnes and our daughters , are many ; therefore we take vp corne , that we may eate , and liue . . and there were that said , we must gage our lands , our vineyards , and our houses , and take vp corne for the famine . . there were also that said , we haue borrowed money for the kings tribute vpon our lands , and vpon our vineyards . . and now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren , and our sonnes as their sonnes , and loe ( saith he ) we bring into subiection our sonnes and daughters as seruants , and there be of our daughters now in subiection , and there is no power in our hands ; for other men haue our lands , and our vineyards . . then was i very angry , when i heard their cry , and these words . . and i thought in my minde , and i rebuked their princes and rulers , and said vnto them ; ye lay burdens euery one vpon his brethren , and i set a great assembly against them . . and i said vnto them , we ( according to our ability ) haue redeemed our brethren the iewes , which were solde vnto the heathen , and will you sell your brethren againe , or shall they be solde vnto vs ? then helde they their peace , and could not answere . . i said also , that which you doe , is not good ; ought you not to walke in the feare of god , for the reproach of the heathen our enemies ? . for i , euen i , my brethren and seruants doe lend them money and corne : i pray you let vs leaue off this burthen . . restore vnto them , i pray you , this day their lands , their vineyards , their oliues , and their houses , and remit the . part of the siluer , and of the corne , of the wine , and of the oyle that you exact of them . . then , said they , we will restore it , and will not require it of them : we will doe as thou hast said . then i called the priests , and caused them to sweare that they should doe according to this promise . . so , i shooke my lappe , and said : so , let god shake out euery man , that will not performe this promise , from his house , and from his labour : euen thus let him be shaken out , and emptied . and all the congregation said , amen , and praysed the lord , and the people did according to this promise : oh blessed ruler , o blessed people ; and so much for this point . now followeth , the answer of the prophet to the widdow , by way of conference together , which is a declaration of the meanes whereby the debt is to be payed , in these words : verse . then elizha said vnto her ; what shall i doe for thee ? tell mee , what hast thou at home ? and she said , thine hand-maid hath nothing at home , saue a pitcher of oyle . verse . and he said ; goe , borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours , emptie vessels , and spare not . verse . and when thou art come in , thou shalt shut the doore vpon thee , and vpon thy sonnes , and powre out into all those vessels , and set aside those that are full . in this answer to her complaint by the prophet , there are two things to be obserued : first , a question : secondly , a counsaile . the question , two-fold : first , what shall i doe for thee ? secondly , what hast thou at home , &c. the counsaile , goe , and borrow thee vessels abroad , &c. from the prophets example , wee are to obserue a generall poynt for our practise ( viz. ) the care that he had ouer the poore widdow , which appeares in his first demaund ; what shall i doe for thee ? we ought to doe the like , a question most fit for all fathers of countries , cities , and common-wealths ; for all the reuerend fathers of churches , as bishops , pastors , and teachers , yea , for all whom it concernes to be as the eares , eyes , mouth , hands , feete , and what not , for the poore fatherlesse , the stranger , the oppressed , the widdow , and who are no way able to helpe or speake for themselues . such a one was iob ; i was ( saith he ) the eyes to the blinde , and i was the feet to the lame ; i was as a father vnto the poore , and when i knew not the cause , i searched it out diligently ; i brake also the iawes of the vnrighteous man , and pluckt the pray out of his mouth : this is , to doe for the oppressed , not barely to speake for ; and yet in some respect , speaking may be doing , as this very same prophet , in a care hee had for the woman of shunem , and in part of requitall of her kinde care ouer him in his trauaile : he said to his man in these words , verse . then he said to him ( that is , to his man ) say vnto her now ; behold , thou hast had all this great care ouer vs : what shall wee doe for thee ? is there any thing to be spoken for thee to the king , or to the captaine of the hoste ? vnder which words , speaking for , and doing , are ioyned together , as of like nature and condition : as also , the ministers of the gospell , men of law in the cases of their clients , who in no wise are to spare to speake in the cause of the distressed , what repulse soeuer they haue ; so it be according to equitie , whose speaking may be ( being throughly and seasonable performed , in a case of iustice and iudgement ) as a deed done ; for certainly words auaile not , where deedes are not : deedes are the testifications of a fruitfull and liuely faith , which faith , if it haue no deedes , is dead in it selfe . so saith the apostle iames : for if a brother , or a sister , be naked , and destitute of daily food , and one of you say to them ; depart in peace , warme your selues , and fill your bellies , notwithstanding yee giue them not those things that are needfull for the body , what helpeth it ? euen so the faith , if it haue no workes , is dead in it selfe . but this spe●ch of the prophet , doubtlesse , was powerfull and fruitfull : bare words would haue done to her small comfort ; they were then , and are now , deedes that must cheare vp the hearts of the affl●cted ; or , ( as i may say ) words that carry deedes with them , as these of the prophets : what shall i doe for thee ? but , alas , wordes tending to the good of the poore , especially in cases of suit , are growne to so high a rate , as they can hardly reach . but let each party that reades this , vpon view-taking of the slender deedes of charitie that these dayes affoord , ( especially where the lawyer must be vsed in the helping of the distressed , and oppressed , to his right ) let him not weigh with himselfe what the world doth , but let him see into the example of this prophet , what himselfe should doe , and doe it ; and hauing considered what , when , to whom , and in that kinde hee may doe good , let him resolutely , and speedily , as occasion serueth , doe it : for true is the prouerbe , qui cito dat , bis dat , he giueth two gifts at once , who giueth one speedily : and let solomon herein be thy director , who teacheth thus ; say not vnto thy neighbour , goe , and come againe , and to morrow will i giue thee , if thou now haue it . be not as the priest , and leuite , to him that fell among theeues ; the one of them , making daintie to giue so much as the cast of the eye ; the other , though crossing the way to looke on him , yet not sparing a word of comfort to the distressed ; doth of them leaning him helplesse ; but with the good samaritane , goe to him , and doe to him ( as the prophet saith ) what shall i doe for thee ? and as it followeth , . verse ; hee came neere to him , he had compassion of him , he bound vp his wounds , hee powred in oyle , and wine , and put him on his owne beast , and brought him to an inne , and made prouision for him , to the end , &c. thus , vpon the proffer of a poore man that wants thy helpe , when god will make proofe of thy faith , according to thy fruitfulnesse in mercy ; bethinke thee then with this prophett , and say : what shall i doe for such a one for his reliefe ? and doe it ; for assure thy selfe , what faire shew soeuer thou makest in the profession of the gospel , denoting thy selfe to all holy exercises of faith and holinesse , without works of mercie to testifie the same , woefull is thy profession : for , as saint iames saith , pure religion , and vndefiled before god , euen the father , is this ; to visit the fatherlesse , and widdowes in their aduersitie , and to keepe himselfe vnspotted in the world. seeing then wee can no further approue our selues to god , then wee finde and feele our hearts inclinable to pitty , and mercy , and such other fruits of the spirit , and to the vnreuocably , resolute execution of them ; because it in not enough to thinke , purpose , and resolue to doe good , but we must do it . let euery one , great and small , make a holy and a good vse of this point , examining our selues , what we haue beene formerly , what we should be , and how vnapt and vnready wee haue beene and are to that which we should both be , and doe : and as thou feelest thine errour , finding out thine vnmercifull and hard heart , how vnready to doe any good to the poore and needy , how strait a hand thou hast held ouer thy tenants , thy workemen , thy seruants , thy debtors , and all other thy poore neighbours ; making alwaies gaine out of the dung-hill ( with him that said , lucri suavis odor est ex re qualibet ) to be thy godlinesse , acknowledge thy selfe , and lay downe thine owne wayes , as dauid did , before the lord in these words : i haue declared my wayes , and thou heardest mee ; for god loueth men when they can confesse against themselues their sinnes with remorse , and as in touch of conscience , to say as it is in iob , speaking in the person of a true conuert : i haue sinned , and peruerted righteousnesse , and it doth no way profit mee . and hauing gone thus farre in examining thy selfe , both of what thou hast beene in former time , with a dislike of the wayes of sinne , wherein thou before thy effectuall calling walkedst , especially those thy sinnes of cruell , hard , rigorous , and vnmercifull dealing with all men ; as also , if thou findest in thee a desire to be ridde of all those olde and tattered ragges of worldlinesse , which thou diddest weare in the dayes of thine oppression , and cruelty , at what time thy money , thy lands , thy cattle , thy corne , were as thy gods : and doest on the other side desire to be mercifull , and tender hearted , putting vpon thee a new liuery , euen the robe of christs righteousnesse , and the liuery garment of christ iesus himselfe , in all tender compassion , then shalt thou , vpon this sodaine change of thy affections , bethinke thy selfe , and seeke how thou mayest from henceforth with thy wealth , money , lands , and liuing , doe good to the church , to the common-wealth , to the poore , miserable , and needie ; how thou mayest bestow thy goods to the restoring of the decayed , setting at libertie the poore , that are indebted , out of hard bondage , and imprisonment : then with zaccheus , ( as it is written of him ) so soone as iesus hath taken vp his lodging in thy heart , as hee did in zaccheus house and heart , also thou wilt not thinke it any losse for thee to say , and doe as hee did : lord , behold , the halfe of my goods i doe giue to the poore : and if i haue taken from any man by forged cauillation ▪ i restore him foure-fold , &c. but in thus beeing minded , if thou findest it hard for thee to performe , and art driuen to say with paul : for to will is present with mee , but i finde no meanes to performe that which is good , &c. goe on yet still , and lay downe , as before , thy wants , and weakenesses , neuer giue ouer to confesse against thy selfe , against thy best-beloued sin , and pray withall , and say : lord , thou that hast set at libertie the feete of the lame , hast commaunded the sicknesses and diseases of men and women to depart and to leaue them , and hast made them , by the word of thy mouth , whole and sound , to goe and walke about their affaires : so i come to thee , o father , i come to thee for my sicke , sinnefull , leprous , blinde , halt , lame , couetous , and adulterous soule , possessed with a legion of vncleane deuills : and i say to thee , and beseech thee , with the centurion , speake thou the word onely , and i shall be healed , cleansed , and deliuered from the power of sinne : set my soule at libertie , and giue me thine holy spirit , then shall i be free : for , as the apostle paul saith : where the spirit of the lord is , there is libertie , yea perfect and full libertie indeed . then , and neuer before shalt thou be able to preuaile against all thy corruptions , then shall neither idolatry nor blasphemy , nor sabboth-breaking , no rebellion , no dishonourable account of thy naturall fathers , of magistrates , or ministers , no malice , no murdering affections , no deceit , no adultery ; then shall neither sinne nor sathan preuaile ouer thee , to thy destruction . acknowledge god mightie in mercy , and say to him in prayer from thy heart : lord , say lord to mee , speake but the word , and commaund my heart to feare thee , commaund thou my soule and body to leaue off to doe euill , and to doe the thing that is iust and vpright , and i know i shall feare thee . yea , with the prophet dauid say to god as he said ; i will , yea i shall , runne the way of thy commaundements , when thou shalt enlarge my heart . and let thy louing kindnesse come to mee , and thy saluation , according to thy promise . and in this thy asking , make sure to thy selfe , that thou mayest be able to charge god with his promise , and that thou art of them to whom all gods promises doe appertaine , that so thou mayest be able to say and pray to thy lord god with feeling , as dauid , and doubtlesse thou shalt finde a comfortable change vpon this thy thus examining , and further proceeding with thy selfe in forme aforesaid . now it followeth ; what hast thou at home ? whereof , as briefely as i may , and so to the answere of the widdow , and the counsaile of the prophet vpon this her answer . wherein , as well may be gathered out of the prophets words following her answer , this , in the . and . verses , that each person that is indebted , is , out of that which remaines ouer and aboue his ordinary prouision for meat , drinke , and necessary apparell , to make state of the rest , to the creditours best behoofe , without further fraud , couin , or deceit : this alwaies reserued , that nothing of present vse , wherein rests the continuing estate of present life , as meat , drinke , and necessary apparrell is to be taken away , or detained from him : and to that purpose speakes moses : if thou lend money to my people , that is , to the poore with thee , thou shalt not be as an vsurer to him , yee shall not oppresse him with vsury . . if thou take thy neighbours rayment to pledge , thou shalt restore it before the sunne goe downe . . for that is his couering onely , and this is his garment for his skinne : wherein shall hee sleepe ? therefore when he crieth vnto mee , i will heare him , for i am mercifull . doubtlesse , the prophet did not aske her , of her estate , to the end hee might fleece her to his owne behoofe , as the present age of this world doth , that is , to lye in wait for aduantage , and so long as there remaines any flesh at all vpon the bone to picke , yea so long with the crowes , cadowes , kites , and cormorants in the world , to be praying vpon it : but , as a man of god , by godly counsaile , in due season , taking occasion to helpe her distressed estate , and out of that her small store that remained , he aduises her in the feare of god , and ioynes with her vnto god , that as by his speciall helpe ( when all helpes faile ) hee will ( as the euent shewes he did ) so vouch-safe her deliuerance , out of this her present griefe , to the glory of his owne name , the comfort of her , and credit of her children ; as also , to the continuance of her husbands good report , in the full satisfaction of the creditor . hee doth not herein , as the men of the world in their selfe-loue , narrowly searching by themselues , and their spies , factors for that purpose , where and whence any gaine , neuer so course , vile , base , shucking , and abhominable , is to be had and gotten , vsually to lay hold of it : he doth not enquire of that small remainder she had , to buy it of her for little or naught , taking occasion of her necessitie , that afterwards he might make his boast of his great penniworths : for this is the world ; happy is hee that can ouer-reach others in bargaining , that can buy cheape , and sell deare , hauing a tongue that can change note vpon a sodaine : as before he buy the thing , when he sees commodity to be had , to say it is naught , the time serues not , it will decay in your hand ; the longer you keepe it the lesse you will make of it ; the sooner you make it off , the better : but hauing laid wait for it by some other ( if his owne perswasion will not preuaile ) and so by cunning sleight , at the last hauing got it into his hands ; then , at an instant , it is good , and very good , and so according to the person that enioyeth any matter of commoditie , the price to be , as doubtlesse it is and may well be in some cases , the things with the circumstances and persons well weighed . salomon to the like purpose speakes of the craftie and deceiuable fashions of the world , where hee saith : it is naught , it is naught , saith the buyer ; but when he is gone apart , he boasleth : so doe men in these dayes , ( sinne and iniquitie hauing got the vpper hand , ) they sinne , and that egregiously , in what kind ( suppose it ) whatsoeuer , as the prophet isay saith ; they declare their sinnes , as sodome , and hide them not : but this prophet in his demand of the widdow what shee had at home , doth it wholly with respect of the care he had to relieue the widdowes distresse by his counsell , and by what comfortable manner he might indeed performe the same . in whose example rests a good instruction for all whom in such a case it may concerne , especially the very creditor himselfe , because this scripture is occupyed wholly in the things concerning the creditor and the debtor , that hee doe not by casting his eye too much vpon what his poore debtor hath left , ( hauing nothing left , but what must serue present necessity perhaps ) to lust after it , and to seeke to wind it wholly out of his hands to his owne vse ; but he must rather forget himselfe , and set vp all his thoughts how that which remaineth may be disposed of to the mutuall good of them both , according as god may blesse it in time to both their goods , choosing rather to loose all his debt , then so hardly to draw from the poore distressed man that thing , the losse whereof cannot but withall hazard his life . there be that make godlinesse , in the profession thereof , to be a very large cloake to gaine by , but such persons are condemned as hypocrites , according as the prophet esay sets them downe in their colours ; seeking as it were to out-face god , by iustifying their holy fasts against him , when indeede there was nothing but cruelty in their hearts , and vnmercifulnesse in their deedes : wherefore haue we fasted , and thou seest it not ? ( say they ) on the one side we haue punished our selues , and thou regardest it not : the lord answeres them as a iust iudge and searcher of their hearts : behold , in the day of your fast you will seeke your will ( saith the lord ) and require all your debts : as if he would say ; the true fast that i make reckoning of , is to fast from your owne gaine , and testifying it by releasing of your poore debtors of the straight bonds you haue them in : and thus much for that point . onely i adde this with the apostle paul ; god loueth a chearefull giuer , to stirre thee vp , that whatsoeuer thou doest in any worke of christian compassion to thy neighbour , to doe it freely and chearefully , knowing that what thou doest so , thou doest it to the lord , who will recompence it againe , as salomon saith : he that hath mercy vpon the poore , lendeth to the lord , and the lord will recompence him that he hath giuen . and thus hauing set downe that both the debtor and the creditor are each to respect other , according to the rule of christian equity ; i will proceede to the answere of the widdow , with the prophets replie , wherein he counsels her what to deo for her reliefe , vpon that poore remainder of her pitcher of oyle : her answere in the end of the second verse ; thine hand-maide hath nothing at home saue a pitcher of oyle . it appeares in the holy scriptures that oyle was of speciall vse , and thereafter also in great request , and according to their seuerall vses , so the kindes were sundry , some seruiceable vnto the sacrifices , some to the annointing of kings , priests , and prophets , some other to the chearing and refreshing of mens countenances , some more common to the seruice of their cakes , or bread-making , instead of other liquour , to that of sacrifices as moses prescribeth : after , thou shalt put oyle vpon it , and lay incense thereon , for it is a meate offering . in the annointing of kings , it is said ; then samuel tooke a viall of oyle , and poured it vpon sauls head , &c. for the chearing of the heauy countenance : it is said ; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man : and also in the . psalme and the . and i shall be annointed with fresh oyle : oyle that maketh the face to shine . and to this our sauiour opposeth sowre lookes , when he saith , to the beating downe of hypocrisie in religious fasts ; but when thou fastest , annoint thine head , &c. to common vses , where the widdow of sareptah saide to eliah : as the lord thy god liueth , i haue not a cake , but euen a handfull of meale in a barrell , and a little oyle in a cruse : of this oyle , which appeares to be of the most vsuall and common kinde , shee had but a small quantity , farre vnfit to pay debt withall , euen one poore pitcher of oyle . but thus doth god most vsually deale with his dearest seruants , to bring them very low , yea , to beggars estate ; wherein our sauiour himselfe did seeme to walke , and that to speciall purpose : first , to teach that his kingdome was not of this world , neither came he to abound with earthly riches , as where hee affirmes to the scribe ; the foxes haue holes , and the birds of the ayre haue nests , but the son of man hath not where to lay his head : which also he doth as to another and second end , that is , to teach his disciples not to set vp their rest in him , as vnder hope to obtaine , as from him , either profits , promotions , or pleasures , here on the earth ; but rather to looke vpward to heauen , and there setting their affections where he is , to seeke the endlesse comforts of euerlasting ioy , according to which purpose , the apostle paul speaketh . . if ye be risen then with christ , seeke those things which are aboue , where christ sitteth at the right hand of god. . set your affections on things which are aboue , and not on things which are on earth , ( saith he . ) which whilest men shall seeke to doe vnfainedly , it cannot possibly be auoyded , but that by how much they shall finde out his goodnesse in small things , by so much the more their tongues shall be occasioned to acknowledge the greatnesse of his power , maiesty , and mercy towards them , and so finally to returne the praise of them all to him againe . which is a speciall vse that we must make of this point ( viz. ) that although wee are poore , not to esteeme the more meanely of our selues , as in gods presence , considering that he hath sent his owne sonne our lord and master christ iesus , in a base estate , to fulfill his seruice here vpon earth , to his glory and our good , vnto whom as his seruants wee to conforme our selues , are not to account of it as any disparagement at all . these lessons are to be laboured vpon , very much : first , the corrupt iudgement of the world , which doth make reckoning of men who are poore , needy , indebted , and out of credit with the world , to be no otherwise with god ; besides ( the feare that many men haue to fall into pouerty thereby ) keeping them from the performing of the workes of mercy and iust dealing , arising from the great distrust that is in them to god-ward , because of the care ouer their owne : these two are mightily to be withstood , vpon this point , that this poore widdow had no more then one poore pitcher of oyle . but now to proceede , to shew to what end the prophet would know what she had at home , which was doubtles to this end , that he might aduise her , as also deale for her with god , how out of that little which shee had remaining , some release of her selfe from care and griefe , as also some satisfaction of the creditor might be wrought ; and indeede that is the maine point that ouer-spreadeth it selfe in this treatise ( viz. ) debts ( in all that possibly may be ) must be paide . to the speeding whereunto , one generall point is to be obserued vpon the prophets counselling of her , as in part hath beene laide downe before , and it doth concerne principally all ministers , and as from them all other christians ; the ministers to stand vp as in gods behalfe , to minister words of diuine and holy comfort to all gods afflicted people , and that in due season : to the which purpose the prophet esay doth in the person of christ iesus himselfe the true comforter , represent them who are called to the ministery of gods word . the lord gods hath giuen me ( saith he ) a tongue of the learned , that i should know to minister a word in time to him that is weary ; that is , to him who is any way distressed in conscience , or oppressed by affliction and miserie , and that so wearyed comes to me : and of this mercy of god in christ , the ministers should be able , as from not onely knowledge out of the word of god , but vpon experience also , to speake comfortably to the soules of the people . the apostle paul speaketh to that purpose , when he saith ; which comforteth vs in all our tribulation , that wee may be able to comfort them who are in any affliction , by the comfort wherewith we our selues are comforted of god ; for as the sufferings of christ abound in vs , so our consolation aboundeth through christ . the like is said of christ : for in that hee suffered and was tempted , hee is able to succour them that are tempted . what comfort also the people doe reape from the ministers , they are mutually as neede requires each to comfort other , which are vnder any heauinesse or affliction ; and this is the generall point to be obserued vpon the prophets counsell-giuing to the widdow : now let vs see the counsell it selfe . and he said , goe borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours , empty vessels , and spare not . . and when thou art come in , thou shalt shut the doore vpon thee , and vpon thy sonnes , and poure out into all those vessels , and set aside those that are full . the generall obseruation in this counsell of the prophet , and the putting it in practise by the widdow , is this : all persons , in all cases of extreamity , are mutually to aide and assist each other , in the restoring of any decayed amongst them ; as here first the prophet in his counsel-giuing , then neighbours in their lending , the widdow in her working , together by her sonnes , vpon the emptie vessels of oyle , her sonnes in going vp and downe , fetching , carrying , pouring out of the full vessell , sorting , and setting aside the empty from the full , to their right ends : and this is taught by way of similitude , in the epistle to the romans , where the apostle speaking of the church in christ , as of the members in one body , saith ; for as we haue many members in one body , and all members haue not one office ; so we being many , are one body in christ , and euery one anothers members : and as one member in the naturall body , according as it is in want and weakenesse , is to be respected with care by that other which is aboue it in power , and ability ; so it ought to be much more in the mysticall body of christ iesus , who are mutually to serue one another in loue , but that the members should haue the same care one for another ( saith the apostle : ) . therefore if one member suffer , all suffer with it ; if one member be had in honour , all the members reioyce with it : and to this purpose each person and thing , in gods prouidence , are ordayned for the succour and reliefe of his children vnder the crosse . thus god wrought for dauid by ionathan , by ionathans boy , and by the arrowes that ionathan shot beyond the marke , for the informing of dauid how saul stood affected towards him , each person and thing working together for dauids safe deliuery out of the malicious hands of saul , who sought his vtter ouerthrow . if this were duely obserued by all , that none , no , not the mightiest can stand alone by themselues without helpe , in case of extreamity , it would make them more carefull , and ready to relieue each other in their miseries . the vse then that is to be made of this point is , vpon the knowledge thereof to remember our selues how dead spirited , and dull we haue been in former times to discharge this duty , and thereupon to goe to god by , and in , prayer , for the gracious assistance of his holy spirit , thereby to quicken vs vp vnto a further and more compassionate care in all christian loue , to and for the good of others , for the time to come . now where he saith , goe , and borrow thee vessels abroade , of all thy neighbours , empty vessels , and spare not ; or not a few , but as many as thou mayest get , that there be no want of vessels to worke into ; the prophets counsell as a command from god , doth animate and encourage the widdow to vse all her neighbours , as helpers with her vnto this her restoring againe : wherein giue mee leaue by the way to set downe from the prophets counselling of the widdow , and the widdow her acceptance of his counsell , and putting it in practise , with the happy successe of the same , this vndoubted truth ; that is , who so heares the prophets , apostles , and ministers of god , teaching them the way to euerlasting life , by iesus christ alone , the onely doore thereunto , and that by the written word of god , the holy scriptures , so called , must so heare them , receiue them , and beleeue them and their doctrine , as in full perswasion of their hearts that what they haue heard , and doe heare , is the very speech of god himselfe , as our sauiour christ iesus assureth his disciples , when he saith ; he that heareth you , heareth me ; and he that despiseth you , despiseth me ; and he that despiseth me , despiseth him that sent me . the want then of such hearers and thus hearing , is it that causes so little practise in doing the will of god ; for many , if not the most , doe heare , but doe not : this is the cause why papisme , athiesme , turkisme , heathenisme , yea , sathanisme , the fulnesse of all sinne , ( o woe is me to say it ) doth so fast and speedily creepe into , and grow vp in the land , threatning from day to day , as we grow worse and worse , the remouall of the glorious light of the gospel , which god forbid , out of this our most glorious , glittering , and golden candlesticke of the church of god , in this our happy england . oh happy long , to his good pleasure , may it be , yea , so happy , as that the glorious light of the gospell that maketh it to shine so gloriously , may be so farre from euer being extinguished , as that it may be rather like to the light of the righteous , whereof salomon speaketh , when he saith ; the way of the righteous shineth , as the light , that shineth more and more vnto the perfect day : so oh lord , if it seeme good in thine eyes , let not this light of ours , how outragiously soeuer the wicked enemies , both without and within the land , doe oppose themselues to it to extinguish it : let it not o lord , be euer put out , vntill that perfect and euerlasting sonne of righteousnesse , christ iesus himselfe doe come triumphantly in the cloudes to make a full end of all ! for the accomplishment whereof , let euery one that waites for , and loues his appearing , say with mee , come lord iesu , come quickly , amen ; euen so be it : lord , so be it . but now to returne to our widdow againe . had not the prophets counsaile wrought in her , as the commaund of god himselfe , and that by his speciall instinct through faith , and animating or incouraging of her , to the vsing of her neighbours , she might haue beene dishartened at his counsaile , in willing her to goe to her neighbours , and to borrow of them : alas , she might haue said to her selfe ; no neighbour will lend me ought , they will be jealous of me , that i should make it away ; and because my debt is so great already , i may perish before i get ought : nay , this is the course of the world , they will answer negatiuely , and by way of preuention ; they will discourage me from asking , before euer i aske : but if i doe aske , they haue their answere ready : nay truely , i cannot lend , i haue sworne to the contrary , i haue bound my selfe in bonds , i haue promised all my friends , not to lend : so farre are men from the true knowledge of walking in that golden meane , betweene two extreames : or else they will ( not with the prophets minde , but for their owne gaine ) aske of me , what i haue , if i haue a faire pawne , a pledge , or a suretie , perhaps somewhat may be had : or if i haue any thing to sell out-right , they will then try their friend to buy it , if they may haue a penniworth , or if i will vse reason : now this reason , vpon extremity , you must vnderstand is as much as little or nothing : for it is commonly held , that those goods of the decayed , though as good as the rich mans euery way for value , and price , yet being in a ruinated , decayed , and a poore broken mans hands , is worth some fourth part or lesse perhaps : this is the fashion of the world , whereunto euery man fashioneth himselfe ; that is , rather to keepe him downe , that is downe ; or , if not downe , but going in the way , to beat him downe altogether , rather then to helpe to raise him vp againe . this is one discouragement , that might haue staied this widdow , ( especially had she liued in this iron or steely age of ours ) from following the good prophets counsaile : another stay , ( arising also from the frailty of an vnbeleeuing heart ) had not god wrought faith in her , might haue stopped her course of being contented to be directed by the prophet ( as thus : ) alas , might she haue said , what should i doe thus troubling so many of my neighbours , in borrowing so many empty vessels ? why , what good will emptie vessels doe mee ? mine owne poore pitcher of oyle is not able to fill it selfe , how then shall it be able to fill any one other , much lesse so many as may amount to the price or value of my debt ? vnfaithfulnes , or distrust in god , is able to discourage flesh & bloud from vsing meanes seeming vnlikely to mans conceit ; yea , it hath bred great doubtfulnesse in the very deare children of god ; yea , so far it hath preuailed , as that they haue expostulated the matter with gods messengers , as in a thing not possibly to be effected : as that of zachary , about the birth of iohn baptist , where he reasons with the angel thus : then said zacharias to the angell , whereby shall i know this , for i am an olde man , and my wife is of great age ? likewise the blessed virgin marie , vpon the salutation of the angel , verse where the angel certifies her , that she shall conceiue , and beare a sonne ; in the . verse , shee enquires of him about the point : how shall this be ( saith shee ) seeing i know not man ? this troubled the blessed virgin greatly , as is set downe in the . verse ; so as after shee had heard the saluation of the angel , as is written , she said thus : and when shee saw him , she was troubled at his saying , and thought what manner of salutation this should be : so that wee see , where faith in god is not fully setled ( as in a continuall groath it must be in vs during life ) by many turbulent distractions , vnbeliefe wil breake out , and cause many times a yeelding to doe that which may be very ill for vs , and a leauing off to doe what otherwise may be and is warrantable for vs to doe , the doing whereof may turne to our great good ; the not doing , to our greater hurt . indeed this increase of oyle , as out of it selfe without further meanes , by the power of god in the ministry of elizha , was miraculous , and may seeme incredible , wherein if i should take occasion to speake of miracles , how they were then , and afterwards vnder the dayes of the gospel , and to what end they tended , and vnto what time they were limited ; if also i should speake of the abuse of the church of rome , in that poynt of miraculous working ( a meere illusion to deceiue the people by , ) i should not take my selfe vp in any good time ; yet thus farre to say , because they onely are the miracle-mongers , we seeke not to take the credit of working miracles out of their hands . if counterfaited signes , and lying wonders , by the working of sathan , with all power to deceiue by , ( which they arrogate to themselues ) and that among them that perish , spoken off by the apostle paul , as purposely to set forth in some of his colours their antichrist , be miracles , i yeeld it to them : for wee of the gospels profession , doe not require any iuggling , or apish trickes , to bleare our peoples eyes withall ; we hold them close to the holy and onely word of truth , for the working of faith in them , and that by the preaching of the same , as the apostle paul saith : receiued you the spirit , by the workes of the law , or by the hearing of faith preached ? a time there was , when before the whole truth of gods word , in the holy scriptures , was come in , and digested into those two testaments , the old and the new , as they now are , and so haue beene miraculously preserued , through the dangers of many ages , and reserued to the churches perpetuall vse , as also , propounded to the view of the whole world , to the end that the preachings of the prophets , as also , the doctrine of our sauiour christ himselfe , and of his apostles , might be the more beleeued and rested vpon , as the very truth of god himselfe , they had power to worke miramircales , as this prophet three times in this chapter did , besides this in hand , thereby to testifie to the people , that he was the true prophet of god. concerning the which point , the prophet eliah vpon the triall of the true worship of god , and the idolatrous worship of baal , betweene him and those foure hundred and fiftie false prophets , doth ratifie and confirme both himselfe , and his religion , and his doctrine , to be of god , and from heauen , by hauing power from that god of heauen and earth , to commaund the fire to descend from heauen to consume the sacrifice , according as wee find it in that his most diuine and holy prayer in these words : let it be knowne this day that thou art the god of israel , and that i am thy seruant , and that i haue done all these things at thy commandement . . heare mee , o lord , heare mee , and let this people know that thou art the lord god , and that thou hast turned their heart againe at the last . by which it may appeare also , that miracles were not to be done at the pleasure of man , but at the will and pleasure of god : of which miracles , wee reade there are two kindes ; one pure , and the other mixt , as one writeth very learnedly of them : the pure , are they which without meanes or creatures , god worketh alone : he calleth them mixt , where god by the ministry of any of his seruants , doth worke strangely , in and by creatures , as in stretching out beyond nature their vigor or strength , in causing them extraordinarily to increase , to the seruing of his will at an instant , for the good of any of his people . the like did our sauiour christ himselfe , in that kinde of pure and simple miracles , when by his word alone hee commaunded the deuils , and diseases ; the one , & the other , to come out of them , and to leaue the possessed and diseased . the like did peter to the creeple , that was so from his mothers wombe , when he said to him : in the name of iesus christ of nazaret , rise vp , and walke . but in speaking vpon the counsaile of the prophet giuen to the widdow , in these words : goe , borrow thee vessels abroad ; and if it shall be further asked by what warrant the prophet did this , to commaund , as in the name of god , and to assure the widdow of these vnlikelihoods ; first , to borrow of her neighbours , &c. and then , how that one full vessell of oyle should hold out to fill those other emptie vessels that were borrowed . the answere is made by the prophet himselfe , in the . verse of this chapter , where the prophets seruant , questioning with his master about the twentie loaues to be distributed to an hundred men , as if they were vnlikely to suffice so many : the prophet replies againe vpon him with a second commaund : giue vnto the people , that they may eate : for ( saith elisha ) thus saith the lord , they shall eate , and there shall remaine : so that ( thus saith the lord ) is the prophets warrant : and that beyond gods word he went not , the sequell of the successe doth manifestly declare , he not being able any way to performe so strange a worke , to the comfort of this widdow , in her sonnes , and the satisfying of the creditor , had not god himselfe graced him with his owne power , and as it were stouped downe to worke together with him . mightie then is this word of god , where god himselfe inforceth it by his spirit , yea , mightily it preuaileth both in that executing his iudgements in iustice vpon the wicked contemners of his seruants , as in that where eliah called for fire vpon the two captaines of the fifties , & thereafter it fell vpon them : as also , in that of peter , where ananias and saphirah , were stroken dead vpon the word immediately spoken by the apostle , for their sacrilegious lying and hypocrisie : as also , in the strange and wonderfull meanes , whereby he extraordinarily worketh by his seruants for the churches good , as where peter , by the power of the word ( god working with him ) to the comfort of the church , raised vp dorcas from death to life . yea , but i heare some say me thinkes , tush , the ministry of men vnder the gospell , is weake enough , there is none of them all can doe any such strange worke , we need not feare ; their big thunder-bolts are but crackes : but the reason of their so blasphemous speeches , in their carelesse regard to feare god , is because god meeteth not with them in their present sinning , as he did with zimri and cozbi , euen in the committing , of fornication together ( by the hands of phinehas hee slew them both ) in their tents , as is written in the booke of number , . . they presumptuously thinke , and say in their hearts , there is no god , no deuill , no heauen , no hell , they be but tales that our preachers doe tell vs : but of these like persons , the apostle peter prophesieth , and these are the dayes of the fulfilling of his prophesie . this first vnderstand , that there shall come in the last dayes , mockers , who will walke after their lusts , and say , where is the promise of his comming ? &c. thus the deuill is very busie to with-draw mens mindes , yea let euery one obserue it ; the more the ministerie of the gospel increaseth , the more he rageth , by causing men to seeke after that that is not necessary , and to leaue vnsought after that which maketh most for the saluation of soule and body eternally : for sathan hath his instruments in euery place , who labour to obscure in what they may , and to make inglorious the eternall word of our immortall , inuisible , and onely wise god , in the holy ministery of the gospell , which presages , and that truly , that he feares that his time is not long , but that he is neere , and very neere , to his vtter and finall casting out . let them therefore know , and that speedily , and let them assure themselues , that the word of god is no lesse effectuall now , neither is his arme any whit more shortened in the powerfull gospell of his sonne christ iesus , although it appeare so to be to the wicked world : onely this is the difference , the iudgements of god , ( for i speake now to them onely that make a mocke of god ) doe not to them appeare so great and heauy , because he comes not so immediately and presently vpon their seueral wickednesses committing to execute those his iudgements ; yea , he seemes to them to haue forgotten to bee iust ; but let them know , that not one iot , or tittle of gods word shall fall to the ground ; for whatsoeuer wants in the execution of these his punishments for the present , shall be doubtlesse doubled , and redoubled , according to the delay and putting off the same : so that when he doth or shall strike indeede , his hand shall fall so heauily , hauing beene long in lifting of it vp , and when he beginnes to lift it vp , he will lift his rod so high , to the fetching of a greater stroke , that he will make the proudest ruffian of them all like to a potters vessell , which he will so breake to shiuers , that there shall not be found any one sheard to carrie fire in . thou shalt crush them ( saith dauid the prophet ) with a scepter of yron , and breake them in pieces like a potters vessell . but what matters it to answer the prophane minded , vtterly answerlesse ? let so many then as are contented to stoope downe to the holy word of god , in the ministery of men , and to learne thereby soberly to be wise , know of a surety , that howsoeuer god did limit the times and seasons past , wherein those persons whom he had also more specially giuen power vnto , as the prophets and apostles , to worke strangely in and about the things of this life , for the confirmation of that doctrine which they brought vnto the world , whereof men being more earthly minded , did also take a greater view , then thereby to be ledde to the apprehension of the truth in christ iesus , for euerlasting life ; yet is not the power of god in his word any whit abated the more now , but rather aduanced to a further and a more eminent working in , and about , the turning of mens hearts from gazing or looking vpon the things of this life , vnto the longing , lusting , and thirsting after the righteousnesse of god in christ iesus , to their euerlasting comfort in the kingdome of heauen . and yet giue mee leaue , his care is no lesse for vs now , ( if we feare him ) then it was in former times , and according to his care ouer vs , so his power and will , yea , in prouiding for vs in our wants ; indeede we are blinde and see it not , because wee doe not continually referre our selues in the things we haue , or in the things whereby hee hath relieued vs beyond expectation in our distresses ; we doe not , i say , referre our selues to gods prouidence , for the beholding of it as we ought : for truly howsoeuer he doe not encrease our pitcher of oyle so miraculously as we see here he did to the poore indebted widdow , and in that manner , yet when he worketh mens hearts towards thee , for thy reliefe , yea , to make thine aduersaries thy friends , is it not worth the obseruation ? he is the same god to vs that he was in iobs dayes , who speaking of the wicked , faith ; though he should heape vp siluer as the dust , and prepare rayment as the clay ; he may prepare it , but the iust shall put it on , and the innocent shall diuide the siluer : and againe , where salomon saith ; the riches of the sinner is laid vp for the iust : and this he hath done , and doth daily performe , onely our vnbeliefe , our vnthankfulnesse , our deadnesse of faith , keepes vs from seeing it , to our shames . but to end this point ordinarily , the worke of the ministery of the gospell , is a greater worke then healing , or curing the bodily diseases of men , by speaking the word , whither from peter , or from paul , or by whomsoeuer , although it be indeed miraculous ; yea , as much as the soule is beyond the body in excellency , by so much is the holy worke of the gospell of christ , conuersant wholly in the restoring of the dead soules of men from death to life , more excellent ; for loe , now the dead soules of men and women , that haue long slept in sinne , and haue beene dead , as doubtlesse all are vntill by the power of the word of god , they haue life put into them , euen the life of the spirit , whereof paul speaketh , when he saith : thus i liue , yet not i now , but christ liueth in me ; and in that i now liue in the flesh , i liue by the faith in the sonne of god , who hath loued me , and giuen himselfe for me . of this life speakes our sauiour himselfe : verily verily , i say vnto you , the houre shall come , and now is , when the dead shall heare the voyce of the sonne of god , and they that heare it , shall liue . the vse to be made of these last and former doctrines , is this , that whensoeuer the word of faith hath entred the possession of iesus christ into our soules , whensoeuer you thinke of him , meditate vpon him , seeke him in your prayers , follow after him in the publike preachings of that his most glorious & comfortable gospel , be sure so to think of him as of your sauiour and deliuerer , not from bodi●l sicknesses , or other perills or dangers of this life , but as he is indeed , by god his father , appointed to saue thee , and deliuer thee from hell , death , and eternall condemnation , as a sauiour of thee from thy sinnes , and a deliuerer of thee from those miseries whereinto thou hast ouer-plunged thy selfe in soule and body by thy sinne : as paul the apostle teacheth thee in these words , concerning christ lesus , and the working by the gospel in all those that beleeue , who ( saith he ) hath abolished death , and hath brought life , and immortality vnto light , through the gospell . and as againe he saith , iesus christ came into the world to saue sinners , of whom i am chiefe . let the thought of his very name be comfortable to thee , from the remembrance of his being first named by the angel at his entrance into the world , as is written : and thou shalt call his name iesus , for hee shall saue his people from their sinnes . finally , thinke and meditate vpon him , as vpon an heauenly , not an earthly king ; hee is come for thy good euery way , but especially to deliuer thee , so as that after the fulnesse of thy deliuerance , thou mightest neuer be in danger after ; his deliuerance being spirituall , not corporall , heauenly not earthly , as he is further described , where it is said : first vnto you ( meaning the iewes ) hath god raised vp his sonne iesus , and him he hath sent to blesse you , in turning euery one of you from your iniquities . seeke then to him , as to one in whom you are begotten againe , and in him cast as in a new mould , to become new creatures , ( as the apostle peter saith : ) blessed be god , the father of our lord iesus christ , which , according to his abundant mercie , hath begotten vs againe vnto a liuely hope , by the resurrection of iesus christ from the dead , to an inheritance immortall , vndefiled , and that fadeth not away , &c. for to this end is his comming into the world : first , to take the burthen of thy sinne , lying heauie vpon thee , vpon himselfe : secondly , to discharge thee from the guilt of sinne : thirdly , to take away the power and strength of sin , that after once thou art a true member of that his body the church , whereof he is head , sinne may no longer haue that dominion ouer thee , as before . now it followeth in the text. . so shee departed from him , and shut the doore vpon her two sonnes , and they brought to her , and she poured out . . and when the vessels were full , shee said vnto her sonne , bring yet a vessell ; and he said vnto her , there are no more vessels : and the oyle ceased . now we are come to the third point , which is , ( the issue of the meanes , consisting vpon the words or command of the prophet , in the obedience of the widdow . ) this issue of the meanes beeing two-fold , the increase of the oyle , and the paying of the debt ; from that the obedience of the widdow in these words : so she departed from him , and shut the doore , &c. as the words lye in the text , they all are liuelily described , the mother , and her two sonnes , to settle themselues to their businesse ; her sons they bring , the mother she powers o●● , no hand at all idle amongst them . whence i gather for instruction , from the womans example , this ; that shee in finding out the readinesse of her neighbours to helpe her with those emptie vessels which she borrowed of them , is heartened on cheerefully to proceed in her labours , and that without delay , assuring her selfe that god , who had begun so fauourably with her , would not giue ouer vntill he had performed what he had set her about , not doubting but that the prophets counsaile was as the lords owne commaundement , and the commaund of the lord , as the deed done . we then , from her , being thus aduised by the prophet , and so resolutely and readily putting his counsaile in execution , wee are taught in all our honest and necessary affaires to doe the like , and after mature , holy , and deliberate counsaile taken , not to delay to performe what wee haue well aduised vpon , for delayes often proue dangerous . salomon in those words , ( establish thoughts by counsaile ) doth teach indeed this , to be well aduised vpon mens thoughts first , before they be set on foot , but after once counsaile is aduisedly taken , then to settle , stablish , and to execute , not giuing ouer vntill wee haue attained the end of our first well-aduised purposes . well ( said he ) whosoeuer he was , that as an vnconstant , changeable , and wauering minded man , is vnfit for societie , because there is neither assurance of his words , nor of his purposes : so he makes himselfe ridiculous to the world , in enterprising that , to his ouer-great losse , which hee neuer brings to any good end : whereas the end of a thing is said to be better then the beginning . vpon the which poynt , our sauiour doth seuerely tax all those that vndertake the profession of the gospel , and giue ouer in the mid-way : and this hee doth vnder two similitudes , the one of a builder , the other of a king , ( reade the places . ) the vse that we must make of this doctrine , arising from the widdowes resolution , is to examine our selues , concerning the ill successes wee haue had in our former businesse , and whence they haue arisen ( dealing soundly with our selues , ) and then if we finde that either they haue come from a rash , heady , and vndiscreet proceeding , without counsaile-taking , or else from an vnstable , wauering , and a cowardly minde , that yet durst not resolue vpon good counsaile had ; let vs then proceede with our selues , according to the finding out of our errours , to repaire to him who is able to repaire in vs all our decayes , and will at his pleasure ; ( if once we can assure our selues , and make good to our soules that we are his children , to whom all the promises of god in christ iesus do appertaine ) let vs then without delay , goe to him , and aske a greater measure of wisdome for the going on in our businesse , then before time we had . the apostle iames teacheth so to doe : if any of you lacke wisdome , let him aske of god , which giueth to all men liberally , and reproacheth no man , and it shall be giuen him . so did salomon , hee asked a wise and an vnderstanding heart , and had it graunted him , with riches , and honour , beyond all that were before him . let vs also craue a stable and a setled heart for execution , after that by good aduice we haue attained vnto resolution : let vs doe this with dauid , seeing also all that we doe is euill , and cannot but be so where the heart is euill , that is , let vs goe to god , and say with him ; create in me a cleane heart , and renew a right spirit within me : and againe , stablish me with a free spirit . there is further from the obedience of this widdow , in setling her se fe and her sonnes so readily and vpon the instant to labour , a good lesson to be learned by all fathers and mothers , to bring vp their children as in all good knowledge , and nurture ; so from the very cradle to acquaint them with , and accustome them vnto all good and honest labour and trauell : and this to doe , for the anoyding of idlenesse , because in doing nothing ( as one saith ) we learne for the most part to doe euill , and to be idle is very dangerous , especially to youth . therefore salomon in his prouerbs giueth a good precept to all fathers and tutors ouer children & young folkes : teach a child in the trade of his way , and when he is old , he shall not depart from it . it is a fit lesson to be renewed in this age , and vpon our people , because many walke as if they were priuiledged to liue out of any calling at all , and so to liue as no way helpfull , but hurtfull both to the church and common-wealth ; they thinke they may doe it in all licentious idlenesse , inordinately , without the check of the magistrate . against this idlenesse , oppose this law of god set to adam after his fall : in the sweate of thy face thou shalt eate thy bread , till thou returne to earth : not that adam was before idle , or wrought not at all , but that the labour he tooke after that he had broken gods commandement , was not without wearisome tediousnesse , whereof before he was free . to liue idle , and in no good , set , certaine , and lawfull calling ; the apostle paul calleth it an inordinate , or disordered kinde of liuing : we heare that there are among you some ( saith he ) who walke inordinately , and worke not at all , but are busie-bodies . this great sinne of the land , as it is seuerely to be met withall , by the continuall teaching and sharpe reprehension of the ministers , so in no wise to be permitted in the houses of our church-gouernours , who by occasion of their large and spacious mansions , and their many businesses , by reason of their wide circuites , are to retaine and intertaine many followers , and therefore to take heede , may i be bold to speake , ( bona cum venia ) that not one be towards them , whom they may not , or doe not applie to some ordinary businesses in their places ; not fostering this sinne of idlenesse within their walles : and howsoeuer the common desire of those who will be towards them in seruice is , that they may liue at ease , or idlely ; considering that the holy apostle paul , enforming timothy concerning a bishop , that he must be watchfull himselfe in his place , as also one that loueth goodnesse , hauing faithfull children , which are not slandered of riot , neither are disobedient : much more is he , yea , with a more straight eye , to see that none about him , as a seruant , be without his place of employment , and that to good purpose . it was one of the sinnes that ezechiel reporteth to haue beene the great sinne of sodome , fore-running the destruction thereof ; and this hee doth , thereby to take vp roundly the people of israel and iudah , affirming that the sinnes of sodome were not greater then their sinnes : behold ( saith he ) this was the iniquity of thy sister sodome ▪ pride , fulnesse of bread , and abundance of idlenesse , was in her , and in her daughters : neither did shee strengthen the hands of the poore and needy , &c. but when this sinne shall grow vp ( notwithstanding the teaching of the ministers , and the care of church-gouernours , inasmuch as in them lyeth ; ) the ciuill magistrate is then to step in , euen from him that is in the highest and most honourable place of all , vnto him who is the most inferiour in respect of gouernment , according to the lawes prouided in that case , for the remedying of this sinne , as also for the prouiding reliefe for the poore , to see that execution without intermission of those statutes be had ; and not to spare to punish the idle and vnprofitable person within his or their libertie or liberties ; and beyond all , first , to prouide that themselues be watchfull , diligent , and carefull in their owne places of gouernment , as also ouer those who are within their roofes , because themselues are exemplary presidents , and as high beacons set vpon the toppes of the highest places of aduantage , to giue warning by to the countrey , of any danger present , or neare it is lamentable to see and heare the inordinate and more then sodomitish behauiour of those persons and seruants in noble and great mens houses , who for want of employment , being idle , yea , very babes new out of the shell , doe exceede in all manner of impiety and abomination ; such as i am ashamed once to name : let it suffice in a word , onely this as a watch word ( giue me leaue to set downe to the view of all great ones ; ) consider i beseech you , consider how your houses are receptacles of the sonnes and daughters of many families in your countries , who desire to liue vnder your seruice , and that many fathers and mothers doe make great suite that their children may be your attendants and seruants , perhaps they looke no further then that they may in time get somewhat vnder you to liue vpon ; but to liue honestly , soberly , and religiously , perhaps they neuer looke after ; yet how carelesse soeuer they haue beene , in you must ( and god requireth it at your hands ) o ye noble persons , whose greatest honour it is , and ought to be to feare god , with your whole families ; you must see ( i say ) that all within your walles , without exception , euen all your sons , your daughters , your men-seruants your maid-seruants , euery one of them so to bestow themselues vnder your gouernements , as that according to their places aboue and vnder each other , they may be fitted to the church or common-wealthes vses , as god shall see it good for them , to the seruice of the age succeeding : if otherwise there be any that will not fall to some businesse or other , but liue of the sweate of other mens labours , then doe as the profitable and most laborious bees in their common-wealth doe ; let euery one as he is in place , take those idle luskes and slothfull droanes , within his limits , and cast them out as not meete for the society of men . for thus are the bees said to doe , ignauum fucos pecus a praesepibus arcent ; they take the droanes , and ioyntly they hurle them out of their hiues : much like as we vse to doe with our vagrant rogues , whip them out at a carts arse to the townes end , and so let them goe . but to this widdow , in her employment , let me returne . shee seeing her owne present misery , and the miseries of her two sonnes , whereinto they were likely to fall , on the one side ; as also that god had offered her so great hope , first , by the prophets aduising of her , and then by the successe in her neighbours ioyning with her willingly , euery one to helpe her by the loane of their empty caske of vessels , tending to all their goods ; on the other side , she loses no time , shee spares no labour , her sonnes in like manner as ready at hand , it being euery one of their cases , they shake off idlenesse , and giue not ouer their worke , vntill they had attained the thing they laboured for . but because all scripture is written for vs , euen for vs to vse , let vs euery one from the highest to the lowest , especially those of vs who haue been endangered by debt , howsoeuer befallen vpon vs , because debts must be paid ; let vs i say , vse the example of this widdow and her two sonnes aright , let vs doe as they did , worke vpon the remainder of that which we haue , be it but one poore full pitcher of oyle ; let vs goe to worke , and make triall what may be done ; let not one hand be idle , considering there remaines still a promise vnto vs , as to our fore-fathers , god will vndoubtedly blesse thee in vsing all good , holy , and commanded meanes . the wise man salomon telleth thee ; in all labour there is abundance ; and againe in another place , he encourageth thee who hast made thy selfe a bond man to thy creditor , if thou instead of being bound , wouldest be free and a commander in thine owne house , and haue power ouer thine owne goods , and comfort in thy wife and children , heare his counsell , and follow his direction : the hand of the diligent shall beare rule , but the idle shall be vnder tribute . make then this vse of it , euery one that beareth the name of a christian ; for i tell thee howsoeuer by the law of nature thou art tyed to giue suum cuique , that is , to euery one his owne , and to make difference betweene meum and tuum , yet thou art doubly bound in the law of christianity , and that to thy further condemnation ( if thou doe not performe it , ) for there is afforded vnto thee by the gospell ( if thou receiue it ) the holy ghost , for the inabling of thee to doe what by the law of nature thou canst not haue , which if thou attaine not vnto , it is thine owne fault : examine thy selfe in this point , and see into thine owne first estate , how thou hast liued out of any commendable and lawfull calling before time : for to be a gentleman , which is the thing that many base liuers doe challenge to themselues , and no way to haue beene either publikely , or priuately seruiceable to the church , the prince , the common-wealth , or any one priuate family for the gouernment thereof . if thy conscience therefore accuse thee in this behalfe , returne betimes , repent thee of thy former wayes , and take a more christian course , and instead of walking wholly after thy delights and inordinate pleasures any longer , see into the wants of the church and of the common-wealth , and giue thy helping hand to repaire the ruines or decayes either of the one , or of the other , which way soeuer god shall incline thy heart vnto , and make thee fit for ; knowing this for a surety , that idlenesse , is a step vnto all manner of wickednesse : yea , the eight commandement , thou shalt not steale , will take thee suspicious as a transgressor thereof : be well aduised therefore , and follow the holy apostle pauls counsell , who saith to thee , to me , and to euery one that liueth , or hath liued , or beene a nourisher of them who haue liued inordinately : let him that stole , steale no more ; but labour the thing that is good , that hee may haue to giue to him that needeth . and thus much for that point ; now it followeth : and the oyle ceased , stood at a stay , or left off to increase . now that the widdow hath gotten into her hands the possession of meanes enough , out of this gods good , ( as i may call it ) this so plentifull encrease for the release of her selfe from care , from debt , and of her sonnes from seruitude or bondage , god stayes his hand , hee knowes what is enough , the oyle giues ouer and increases no more doubtlesse god is wise in the performance of the worke of mercy , according to time & measure , vpon whomsoeuer of his children ; neither is any other reason to be rendered thereof , besides his good pleasure ; as also in the execution of his iudgements , when he seeth meete to punish them whom he meaneth to punish : wherein for the measure and time of staying of these his iudgements when he pleaseth , he is not to be questioned with . in the second booke of samuel , it is recorded , that after the lord had slaine with the pestilence threescore and ten thousand of the people of israel , because dauid had caused his whole people in the land to be numbred , as a great pride ; and the angell of the lord stretched out his hand vpon ierusalem to destroy it ; it is said , that the lord repented of the euill , and said to the angell that destroyed the people ; it is sufficient , hold now thy hand . the first thing that is to be obserued vpon this point is , that all creatures are at the command of the creator , to liue or to die at his pleasure , they haue their time to serue him in for the good of his children , they haue their spring time , their haruest , and their fall of leafe , their time to liue and grow vp in , their time to cease growing , or any way increasing ; and this commeth to passe wonderfully , although ordinarily man knoweth not how : but as the apostle speaketh of the corne that is sowen , each corne hath his owne body after he is sowen , euen to euery seede his owne body , at gods owne pleasure : so that it is not the wit of man , nor his labour , with all his skill ; it is not the goodnesse of the soyle , it is not the seasonablenesse of the weather , but it is god himselfe who bringeth these mighty things to passe . it is he , euen he alone , and none but hee that maketh this encrease . obserue it also in another thing : man feedes vpon bread and other foode , which of themselues haue no life at all , whilest they feede him ; nay , euery thing must change , and be changed , before it proue , or can be meete nourishment for him , it is by god that they turne as the preseruatiue instruments of life : to this purpose speaketh moses to the children of israel , and as from him our sauiour , to stop sathans mouth : man liueth not by bread alone , but by euery word that proceedeth out of the mouth of god. how then this oyle encreaseth , and stayeth from encreasing , let vs not stand as at a gaze to admire , and goe no further ; but goe on to make a holy and profitable vse of it , thereby to be led to glorifie god , who is , as the lord of heauen and earth , so of the times and seasons , wherein his creatures are to serue him to their seuerall ends , or to rest from doing any seruice at all . whereas these words ( and the oyle ceased ) doe seeme to yeeld small matter , let me be bold yet in the power of the spirit , euen of the spirit of our lord iesus , who hath taken me ( vnworthy though ) into his seruice , and according to my poore measure and place , hath giuen me to be faithfull , who also vpon this scripture hath drawne me along thus furre , whereof in the many dayes of my distractions , in the case which presently i doe here handle , i haue made some vse , and receiued some comfortable hope of the goodnesse of that god , euen my god ( giue me leaue ) the god of vs all , the mercifull god of this widdow ; yet vpon this very ceasing of the oyle , ariseth most worthy doctrine , tending to the teaching of euery christian man and woman contentednesse of his , her , or their estates , euen that wherein god hath set them . the doctrine then is this . that as god doth giue or take away from thee , as god encreaseth or abateth of thy stocke or store , be thou alwayes ready to set vp the rest in gods good pleasure , and not as the world doth , in that heathenish and idolatrous goddesse , blinde and vnstable fortune , an vtter enemy to gods most certaine , and vndoubted prouidence . it is a lesson fit for this time , wherein the bottomlesse & vnsatiable hearts of couetous men and women of all sorts , rich and poore , may be met withall , whose nature is so repining , that if the lord doe but stop the course of any earthly increase , by what meanes soeuer , forth-with they fall into such grudgings , and vntoward repinings against god himselfe , as if he denyed them once to be their own caruers , and did cause them to stand to his appointment , he then could not but doe them great wrong . such male contents all the sort of vs doe , and will proue , if god , as he doe with-draw his hand from relieuing vs , and from the increasing of our store , he doe with-draw our hearts in like manner from a setled and quiet contentment of enioying what he sees good for vs. but to the curing of this malady , this example of the widdow , and of the lords hand , in staying further then her neede was to relieue her , with some few other scriptures that follow , may be , if they be vsed accordingly , very soueraigne and medicinable remidies . let vs then with this , vse also that prayer that is set downe for our instruction in the prouerbs ; giue me not pouerty , nor riches , feede me with foode conuenient for me , lest i be full and denie thee , and say , who is the lord ? or lest i be poore , and steale , and take the name of my god in vaine . when those empty vessels , ( and borrowed ) of the widdowes , were once filled , the oyle ceased , as if god saide ; it is enough , vse it well , and be content . the care then which we ought to haue for the things of this life , is , as from the teaching of the apostle paul , by god himselfe limited : therefore when we haue foode and rayment , let vs therewith be contented . the holy patriarke iacob , although conditionally as the words doe import , did solemnely binde himselfe to god , and as by prayer entreating god to testifie himselfe to be his god : in these words ; if god ( saith he ) will be with me , and will keepe me in this iourney which i goe , and will giue me bread to eate , and cloathes to put on , so that i come againe vnto my fathers house in safetie , then shall the lord be my god. as if hee should say ; i desire no kingdomes , nor lordships , i desire but competency , with gods fauour . let vs also to the same purpose , behold paul in himselfe , for vs to follow : for i haue learned ( saith he ) in whatsoeuer state i am , therewith to be content ; i can be abased , and i can abound , euery where , in all things ; i am instructed both to be full , and to be hungry , and to abound , and to haue want . all which lessons , how farre they are off from hauing learned , who resolue themselues they will be rich , and doe make their reckoning before hand , that they will not leaue vntill they haue attained to so many thousands , giuing themselues liberty to get or gaine howsoeuer ? this is the great sinne , both in church and common-wealth , and such there are doubtlesse too many . these are they of whom the holy ghost speakes : for they that will be rich , ( saith he ) fall into tentations and snares , and many foolish and noysome lusts , which drowne men in perdition and destruction : for the desire of money is the roote of all euill , which while some haue lusted after , they haue erred from the faith : and haue not many amongst vs done so ? haue they not turned turkes , papists , athiests , and what not , for lands , liuing , honour , and credit ? ) and then saith the holy ghost , and haue pierced themselues thorow with many sorrowes . how farre are these from this contentednesse , or that before spoken of iacobs meate , drinke , and apparell , who by inordinate couetousnesse , and vsury of all sorts , deceit and oppression , idlenesse , and such like , haue gone out of the way of gods commandements ? let euery indifferent reader iudge vprightly . but to thee i speake , to thee i write , who art desirous to returne out of these ill and peruerse wayes , who art not wilfull and obstinate , but desirest to walke with an vpright heart , to the well-pleasing of god : before thee it is that i haue laide downe the example of this widdow and her two sonnes , learne then from her , for the redeeming of thy selfe , if thou hast endangered thy estate by debt any way ▪ to labour from hence forth so as thou mayest in thy honest and iust trauailes both liue and satisfie ; and as thou doest taste of gods goodnesse towards thee , so lift vp thine heart and glorifie god , being contented with whatsoeuer god in his prouidence shall prepare for thee ; and when thou seest thou art at a stay , god not pleasing that thou shalt abound with wealth , but onely haue from hand to mouth , bread for the day ; with this ( and the oyle ceased ) set vp thy rest wholly in the lord. thus much for that point . now it followeth . . then shee came , and tolde the man of god , and he saide ; goe , and sell the oyle , and pay them that thou art indebted vnto , and liue thou and thy children of the rest , &c. the thing that is to be obserued in the widdow in her comming the second time to the prophet , is , that shee doth not satisfie her selfe in requiring the prophet as at the first which way her present need might be supplyed ; but her turne being serued , she goes to him againe , and desires aduice how she may dispose of that to her best auaile . whence we are to learne in euery seuerall action to goe to god for his counsell , and not to suffer any thing to be done by vs without the further direction of his holy word : indeede to aske at gods hands we will be ready , and to take also all that he giues with a common or course acknowledgement of the giuer , asking perhaps of him , what if we obtaine to consume it on our lusts ; which also is the cause , that often wee aske , and goe empty away , and receiue not . but when we haue gotten of him ought any way , how then to dispose of it , therein we will make stay to goe to him : for euery one thinkes that being interessed , or possessed of ought , it is then his owne , and lawfull for him to dispose of it at his pleasure . is it not the common answere of euery one ; may i not doe with mine owne what i please ? i answere thee no : for thou art vnder the subiection of the almighty , who hath thee and all thine vnder his command , to dispose of , according as he hath prescribed thee in his holy word : otherwise thou art an vsurper , howsoeuer perhaps thou wilt not sticke to equall thy selfe to christ iesus , who to stop the mouthes of the enuious , murmuring , and repining labourers , recorded in matthewes gospell , answeres them as by right he might , being lord of heauen and earth ; is it not lawfull for mee to doe what i will with mine owne ? there is a difference betweene christ iesus thy soueraigne lord and master and thee , he being out of all command , and thou altogether vnder him : for no otherwise canst thou challenge a property in the least of gods blessings vpon thee , but as thou art in him . but to the further proofe of the matter in hand ; how that in each particular action , both for the hauing what we want , and the vsing it when we haue it aright , we ought not to goe without counsell . there is one example in scripture to confirme vs , in the booke of iudges , and it is of one manoah , whose wife was barren , to whom the lord sent his angell , euen to the woman to certifie her , that she should conceiue and beare a sonne ; whereof when shee had certified her husband with euery circumstance , as in the . . and . verses : manoah not so satisfied , as in the . verse , prayed to the lord that he would send the man of god again to him , which accordingly the lord did , and sent his angell the second time to his wife , as in the . verse : which comming of his , when his wife had discouered vnto him , he then went with her , as in the . verse , and in the . verse , manoah saide ; well , be it so , we will expect a childe , as thou sayest : but as if manoah should say further ; it is not enough for one to haue a childe , but ( saith he ) how shall we order the childe , and doe vnto him , & c ? many desire to haue husbands , wiues , children , lands , liuings , and goods , but to aduise out of the word of god how to order or behaue themselues in the rightly vsing of them to the glory of god and their owne good , that they care not for at all ; which is a principall cause that makes all goe wrong in countries , cities , townes , and families . herein the very children of god haue beene ouertaken by an ouer-great perswasion they haue had of the goodnesse of the matter purposed vpon . dauid being purposed to build an house to god : the prophet nathan in like manner approuing his intent , because it seemed to be a worthy thing to build god a house , they both were deceiued : for as it is in the . and . verses ; the same night the word of the lord came vnto nathan saying , . goe , and tell my seruant dauid , thus saith the lord : shalt thou build me an house for my dwelling ? as if the lord should say ; thou shalt not . but speaking of salomon , he saith ; he shall build a house for my name . so that how good soeuer our matters seeme to be , god will haue vs in them all to take his law to be our counsellors , yea , aswell in the manner , as in the matter ; otherwise , the failing in the manner of proceeding , and that in a good cause , it selfe may worke the ouerthrow of the cause . it followeth in the answere of the prophet : goe , and sell the oyle , and pay to them thou art indebted vnto , and liue thou and thy children of the rest . in these words , the holy man of god counselleth her , as from god , what vse shee must make of the supplie that god had made vnto her out of her small store : the first is , pay thy debts . the second , liue of the rest . the first vse is , the shutting vp of the point ; that is , the maine argument of this history : viz. debts must be paid . whereof to speake more fully , i will set downe some reasons to inforce thereunto : the first is drawne from our selues , in our owne desires , who would not willingly permit any man to with-draw from vs , or to incroch vpon vs , for any part of those our goods , which god hath giuen vs for our necessary vses , and that against our willes . to this purpose our sauiour speaketh : as ye would that men should doe to you , so doe you to them . a second reason is from gods commandement in things of lesse account then borrowed goods are , as in finding things lost of another mans , in keeping things committed to his custodie . againe : in finding thine enemies oxe or asse going astray , thou shalt bring him to him againe ; or if thou seest thine enemies asse lying vnder his burthen , wilt thou cease to helpe him vp ? ( as if it were a most inhumane point ) and then he enioynes him straightly ; thou shalt helpe him vp againe : much more then it behoueth a man or woman of god , with care and great consideration , nay , conscience also of that which was lent to him vpon loue , and whereof he hath had long vse perhaps , to make to the vttermost of his power honest , iust , and seasonable restitution . a third reason may be drawne from the wrong that thou offerest thy selfe , or any other that stands , or shall so stand in neede for the time to come ; for thou causest thy mercifull friend , a pitiful and compassionate lender perhaps to many in former times , now to close vp his heart , and stiffely to strengthen it from respecting thee , or any other in thine , or their necessities : for doubtlesse a chiefe cause of so little lending , is euill and vniust payment . fourthly , thou hast opened a doore of liberty to thine owne heart , vnto all fraud , subtilty , and deceit , if not to flat theeuery , at one time or at other , by thy carelesse regard ouer thy liuing neighbours goods , in not repaying that againe which thou hadst borrowed , for no liberty at all must any man giue , no , not to himselfe of doing the least wrong , if it be but once in his life ; because custome in euill , if it doe but sauour of any present good to the flesh , breedes hardnesse of heart for the continuance in the same : yea , know for a certainty , that these kindes of wrongs are brought vnder the compasse of the breach of the eight commandement . thou shalt not steale : wherein whatsoeuer lands , liuing , or goods , not thine owne , but another mans , subtilly , secretly , cunningly , and vniustly incroched vpon by thee , whereinto thou hast entred possession , as from a false clayme or title , and doest onely enioy it by might , against right , and that vnder colour of law onely , gayning time vpon the innocent , not being able to match thee by the purse , or otherwise by some ouer-sight in not timely seeking his owne ; know this , that howsoeuer the law of man may priuiledge thee to hold that which thou hast vniustly gotten , yet the law of god will not take from thee the guilt of that sinne , vntill that faith of thine , hauing opened thy heart vnto true remorse for that sinne of thine , doe wash thee thorowly from the same , in the bloud of iesus christ , for thy full forgiuenesse . a fift reason , why thou art to regard the paying of debts , ariseth from the slauery or bondage a man brings himselfe into , by either borrowing ouer-greedily , or vnto ill and vnnecessary purposes , what bitter reproaches , taunts , checkes , reproofes , slanders , doest thou make thy selfe subiect vnto , of the greatest company of lenders , those especially who in their lending respected no way loue , but their owne gaine , if at the very day thou hast not to repay them againe ? these reasons might induce thee to haue a better regard of thy credit , liberty , ease , and comfort of heart , then formerly thou hast had ; whereof , by thy carelesnesse , thou hast depriued thy selfe . it is a most true saying by salomon : the rich man ruleth the poore , and the borrower is a seruant to the lender ; the latter part of the sentence is it that serueth this purpose , wherein the holy-ghost doth not iustifie the pride , and tyranny of those vnmercifull lenders ; but rather sets it downe as a caueat for gods children to take heed how they enter into the hands of such vnmercifull men . i doe the rather presse this point , and vrge it vpon vniust and base minded borrowers , towards them who are conscionable and neighbourly friends , who vopn meere loue were willing to depart from their goods for a season , to pleasure the borrower with ; because , such is the iniquity of the time , that there are that take other mens goods into their hands , howsoeuer in faire words , and colourably , vnder cloake of religion , they carry the matter with faire promises , till their turne be serued ; yet , before-hand , they resolue to breake time , yea , and that although they neede not ; some other , not euer purposing to pay : but whereunto may such deceitful debtors be compared ? they are like to a faire horse of some hope , whereupon , when the master hath bestowed all his cost by prouandar , and other keeping , to his great charge ; euen then , when hee thinkes him fit , and lookes for seruice at his hands , hee proues a very iade ; and withall , suddenly turnes vp his heeles : euen so is a dissembling debtor to an honest lender ; or rather , like to a piece of ground , whereon a man setting his hope , and thereafter bestoweth his labour ; first his rent , then his labour , his manure and his seede in all good husbandry , with long expectation ; euen then , when hee should receiue the fruites of his tedious toyle , he looses all , and scarce receiues his seede againe . take heede then to thy selfe , if thou wilt not be accounted of as a stinking lade , of whose carkeise comes carrion for the kites and crowes to picke on ; or , if thou wilt not be as the ground , which is reproued , and is neere vnto cursing , whose end is to be burned ; keepe then a good conscience , that may be thy comfort when the world speakes ill of thee ; know thine owne from other mens , feare god , deale iustly , giue to euery man his owne , hauing especially receiued ( as this widdow hath , although not in that manner ) some good increase from god : let not in any wise the feare of thine owne want , make thee corrupt in paying to them that thou owest . god is rich both for the one and the other : ( pay saith the prophet ) to them thou art indebted ; for debts must be paid . but if thou wilt say , thou hast it not , and in so saying , speakest simply ; i yet aduise thee with him who said it , and that most truly : si non effectu , affectu tamen : if thou canst not come any thing neere to pay the whole debt , yet come as neere as thou canst ; shew thy readinesse out of that little that thou hast remaining , if not any thing neere to a full , yet toward satisfaction : and howsoeuer it will not perhaps please men , yet in hauing a good conscience , god will be well pleased . one other reason may induce vs to restitution , and that is , that loue of god wherewith he hath loued thee , and caused thee by the power of that his loue , to loue him againe ; let this loue of god infinitely shewing it selfe to thee both for soule and body , worke in thee a care of iust and equall dealing with men , according as god is iust , and requires it of thee , that therein thou resembling him , mayest also reape the comfortable witnesse fo god and thine owne conscience , which neuer goes without her true and endlesse ioy . besides these reasons already , let me be bold to stirre vp all sorts and degrees of people , both honourable , worshipfull , and others , by the example of a meane and poore labourer , to discharge this duty of equity and vprightnesse , in making care to pay to euery man his owne , neither let the meannesse of the person cause thee lesse to esteeme the truth , but rather respect it highly , vnder whose person soeuer it be brought to thee , because it is the word of the onely true , and eternall god. the thing is this : a poore labourer being taken to fell timber for the building of a house for the children of the prophets , as is said , verse . as he was felling of a tree , the yron fell from the helue into the water : then he cryed , and said to elizha ; alas master , it was but borrowed : as if the poore man should say ; the losse of the axe head doth not so much grieue me , as that i borrowed it , and must restore it againe . the example of paul to philemon , brought in before , to teach all lenders mercy to their distressed prisoners , for debt , where no meanes is otherwise to be had for satisfaction , may also serue to this purpose of iust dealing , without oppression any way of any man : where mention being made of philemon , hauing an vntrusty seruant , called onesimus , who had runne away with his masters goods , being caught vp in the prison where paul was , by gods prouidence , being there stayed , became ( as appeares ) pauls conuert , for whom paul writeth to philemon , that he would receiue him agine , and that very earnestly ; and lest that philemon should grudge so to doe , vnlesse there were withall made restitution of those things that onesimus had purloyned away ; the holy apostle , who made care of every thing that he did , and person to whom to doe it , without offence , in the eighteenth verse of that epistle vndertook for onesimus in these words ; if he hath hurt thee , or oweth thee ought , that put on my accounts , i paul have written this with mine owne hands , i will recompence it : as if the apostle should inferre thus much ; i should philemon , i confesse , doe thee great wrong , if as i doe intreat for thy seruant , i should not withall either draw him to restore what he hath deceiued thee of , or else assume my selfe to satisfie thee . the vse that may be made of these reasons and proofes of this point , ( that debts must be paid ) from this widdow , is first , as of a looking-glasse for all the loofe , carelesse , vncharitable , vnnaturll , ( many of them ) and vnconscionable widdowes in all parts of our countries to looke themselues in ; such widdowe 's as in whom there in little feare of god appearing , nor any true loue to husband while hee liued , without care or conscience of the creditors , who without all equity or honesty , ( instead of going to the prophets , the ministers of god , such as are men of god , who dare not but giue good counsell ) seeke out to themselues the most subtill , cunning , and crafty-headed mates , by whom they may learne how to strip , if possibly they may the creditors of the whole ; or else by delayes , when they neede not , ( hauing enough , if not some of them more then enough ) to put them off from their owne vntill they can be at leasure . this widdow , if they looke well into her , will reach them another lesson ; that is , as before is saide , to conceale the husbands weakenesses , to doe all what may returne him credit , yea , after his death , so often as occasion is offered to speake of him : this widdow , wil teach them to goe to god , and by their ministers to be enformed to doe what is meete to be done , concerning hauing or leauing the things of this life , and how to vse them in all good conscience , for the good of those with whom they haue to deale , as also for their owne both credit and comfort . and as for widdowes ( for such there are ) this is a good looking-glasse , so it may be vsed by all manner of persons whomsoeuer , to behold themselues in , thereby to discouer vnto them their manifold blemishes in the matter of borrowings and lendings , of the which kindes , there are of borrowers , if i should say one hundred for one , i might perhaps be thought to ouer-reach farre , but who sees it not , and that too plainely ? and herein who sees not withall , the very liuely portraiture of a declining and decaying age , enery way both in church and common-wealth approaching very neere , and that vnder these happy dayes of prosperity and plenty , both of preachers and preaching , blessed be god , wherein yet ( might i speake freely without offence ) what i feare , ( oh were it but one mans feare ) i would say , not to the laying of any stumbling blocke before the profession of the gospell , and the professors , there be too many stumbling blockes already , ( oh woe is me ) there be too many rockes of occasion , and stones to stumble at , there be too many lies in the way ; the reports of these occasions are sounded throughout the world , fame with her light and swift wings hath soared aloft , and cryes out , and cannot be stopped , to the heartening of our aduersaries , vnder hope of a day , which hope yet of their god destroy , as he hath hitherto done , and rather ( as dauid desired , when he was put to the choyce which of the three punishments he would rather require ) for god had decreed , and punished the land and people must be , for dauids sinne , in the numoring of his people , the decree was already out , and not to be called in : heare the words of dauid , and let vs making vse of them all , euen all of vs say , and that with the spirit of dauid ; i am in a wonderfull straight , ( saith he ) let vs fall now into the hands of the lord , for his m●rcies are great , and let vs not fall into the hands of men . but what is the crie in the land ? the crie is this , that popery , and all manner of prophane wickednesse , couers it selfe vnder the cloake of holinesse ; yea , and where it enters , it preuailes beyond holinesse and the thruth it selfe : this is the crie ; but to the purpose in hand . the crie is as the prophet i say sets it downe . behold , there shall be like people , like priest ; like seruant , like master ; like maide , like mistresse ; like buyer , like seller ; like lender , like borrower ; like giuer , like taker to vsury , &c. this is the crie of the prophet , fore-speaking the curse of god ready to light vpon the people for their sinnes . but my purpose is ( after this parentheticall digression ) not altogether from the purpose , to be vnto you ( oh ye rich and wealthy of the land , who haue huge territories , and great possessions ) an humble suiter , that yet i may be to you as the poore israelitish mayden , taken captiue in the hoast , was vnto naaman the sarian , & a captaine , a great man , honourable , mighty , and valiant , yet a leper : shee was as an occasion of the healing of the leprosie of him her lord and master , by the report shee made of elisha the prophet vnto him . let me also as by the way of passage , and walke through the wildernesse of this wretched life , the full period whereof i am almost at ; let me be to some of you and yours , oh that i might but be , as an occasion any way of your good , either for soule , or body , or for both : for doubtlesse there is a creeping leprosie , a spiritual and a soule-leprosie entring into your houses , if not entred , ( principijs obsta : ) it is this leprosie of oppression , of this kinde whereof my treatise is , that is ; debts must be paid : oh that i might ( if not by my selfe ) which i cannot , my physicke being ( although i dare assure you it is of the right balme in gilead ) not so fit for your honours perhaps . yet oh that i might be as this poore wench was vnto naaman , an occasion , by report vnto you of some one or other , such as elisha was , as doubtlesse there be among you men of great worth , to whom i would breede no disparagement ; yet because the malady is dangerous , and no leprosie so infectious as it is , and as the wise man saith ; where many counsellors are ▪ there is health : and why should i be so foolish as to require the nomination of him vnto you , who might worke out the cure thorowly ? giue me leaue therefore , there is but one , and hee alone , who can make the medicinable potions ministred vnto you by your skilfull physicians effectuall , vnto the curing of this disease , euen god himselfe ; to whom dauid prayed , psalme . most earnestly : incline my heart vnto thy testimonies , and not to couetousnesse ; if it be for the leprosie of voluptuousnesse and inordinate pleasure , for the curing whereof we your ministers are appointed to make you medicines , and to lay them to your running soares : yet the same prophet in the same psalme also craueth of god , that hee will cause it to worke effectually , to the curing thereof , where he prayeth . turne away mine eyes from beholding vanity , ( and where is more vanity then in kings courts , nay , can there be any kings or princes courts without vanity ? ) and quicken me ( saith he ) in thy way . he it is that i must make report of to you , for where he workes not , there is no prosperous hope of doing good by the physicians of your soules , nor of your receiuing good from them without him : intreate him therefore earnestly , that himselfe will take you his patients to cure , and doubtlesse you shall be cured . but you must not then ( oh ye sonnes of men ) you must not let your greatnesse priuiledge you against your teachers , but you must heare them , beleeue them , and follow them : giue not eare to any syrens charme , let not the counsell of wife , friend , counsellor of law ; let no steward , bayliffe , or officer , nor ought else preuaile with you in this point , to cause you at any hand to oppresse your tenants ouer-heauily , to borrow of them and not to pay againe : beare them not downe with your greatnesse , nor let any towards you , in your names , detaine from them what is due debt on your parts to them , but pay them , and they shall the better be able both to pay you , and ready to serue you in all necessary seruices they may . farre be it from vs that you , or any of the church-ministery , should giue vs cause to crie out so bitterly against you , as the prophet micah did against the rulers and false prophets of his time . . they hate the good , and loue the euill ; they plucke off their skinnes from them , and their flesh from their bones . . and they eate also the flesh of my people , &c. reade further at your leasures . and for the prophets , he saith , ( but can this time of the gospell breed any such couetous false prophets thinke you ? ) such there were then , and such may be where god takes away his grace : thus saith the lord , concerning the prophets that deceiue my people , and bite them with their teeth , and cry peace ; but if a man put not into their mouthes , they prepare warre against him . but you wealthy ones , who cannot endure bondage on any hand , keepe your selues then free , and discharge whatsoeuer any meane person can iustly challenge of you : pay your debts to the meanest person , yea , the rather , because he is base or meane , be you the lesse beholding to him . a wofull age we liue in , who lookes abroade , sees it , yea , he sees more then he that is shut vp : euery one cries out of wrong , when in the meane while , who is it , if aduantage may be had vpon neuer so small a straine , but will be ready to offer it , and that without remorse . and so to hast to an end of this point ; would god there were not iust cause to cry out with the prophet ieremy : euery one from the least to the greatest , is giuen to couetousnesse ; and from the prophet to the priest , euery one dealeth falsely . that last lesson ( somewhat spoken of before in this treatise ) which ariseth out of these words ( and liue thou and thy children of the rest ) is to be renewed againe vpon vs for our further instruction . first then god will haue the poore comforted , with this example , that they in whom it pleaseth him to worke a good conscience , and in it a care of iust dealing with euery man , and meanes that so it may be ( videlicet ) in this one kinde , that the poore man doe testifie his vprightnesse , by liuing of himselfe by his labour , and paying where he borroweth ; he shall not then , neither his , be destituted of what necessary prouision is meete for him , and his to liue vpon during life : alwayes this prouided , that hauing foode and rayment according to his , or their places , without excesse , therewith to learne to be content . another lesson as naturally issuing out of this bountifulnesse of god to this widdow , in prouiding for her maintenance , besides for her and hers , ouer and aboue that which paid the creditor : the rich man as from god himselfe , is to learne a lesson of tender pitty and compassion , to be extended by them vnto their debtors , when they shall come to make restitution of what they borrowed being not so able as willing to make satisfaction , without their great hurt , that the man of wealth doe not so narrowly deale with him or them , as vtterly to strip them of all , but rather ( if not to forgiue ) yet to leaue vntill a further time , what is most necessary for their present vse , vntill by their honest and seasonable labour they haue gotten somewhat more to worke out in the end full contentment . whereunto , that gods spirit may worke in all an honest heart , for iust and vpright dealing betweene man and man ; as also in the rich , a good care of shewing themselues pitifull where god requires it at their hands ; let them be well pleased to heare what charge god hath giuen to them in that first epist . of paul to timothy , in these words : . charge them that are rich in this world , that they be not high minded , and that they trust not in vncertaine riches , but in the liuing god , which giueth vs abundantly all things to enioy . . that they doe good , and be rich in good workes , and be ready to distribute , and communicate . . laying vp in store for themselues a good foundation against the time to come . heare also , o ye , whose state is very low , who are oppressed with pouerty , in the dangers of men indebted , and neere to vtter ouerthrow ; heare o ye who are of an honest heart , and loue iust and vpright wayes , to walke in them . heare what dauid teacheth you . . trust in the lord ( saith he ) and doe good , dwell in the land , and thou shalt be fedde assuredly . . delight thy selfe in the lord , and he shall giue thee thine hearts desire . . commit thy way vnto the lord , and trust in him , and hee shall bring it to passe . . waite patiently vpon the lord , and hope in him : fret not thy selfe for him which prospereth in his way ; nor for the man that bringeth his enterprises to passe : these , and such like , meditate day and night vpon ; let them be vnto thee as speciall preseruatiues against pride , disdaine , enuy , grudging and repining at the rich , because they are rich , and against thy murmuring at the lord himselfe , because thou art poore : for what thou art , thou art by his prouidence , and it is a fruite of our originall and naturall corruption , to enuie and repine at other mens prosperity . and thus i end this treatise , wherein you haue heard the prosperous successe of this widdow in her suite , and in the vse of all good meanes by her , according as shee was prescribed by the prophet ; and of her being made able to pay , where shee was left by her husband indebted ; whom when we beganne with , we found very poore , and full of heauinesse , hauing but one poore pitcher of oyle to serue all her turnes withall : now we must leaue her ioyfull , with many full vessels plentifully increased by the lord , whereby all her turnes more fully serued , the history of her is now ended . now let vs pray vnto our gracious and bountifull lord , the father of our lord iesus christ , that he will vouchsafe to all persons , ( whether borrowers , or lenders , giuers , or takers , buyers , or sellers , rich and poore , ) that in all christian moderation they may walke together to the well-pleasing of god , in the whole course of this life . the god of peace , that brought againe from the dead our lord iesus , the great shepheard of the sheepe , through the bloud of the euerlasting couenant , make you perfect in all good workes to doe his will ; working in you that which is pleasant in his sight , through iesus christ : to whom be praise for euer and euer . amen . * ⁎ * notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e exod. . , , , verses . gal. . . gen. . . dan. . . . gen. . . . kings . . math. . verse . matth. . . acts . . sam. . . exod. . . rom. . . & . verses . vse . prou. . . psal . . . . psal . . . cor. . . cor. . . cor. . verse . pet. . vers . . pet. . . iudge . . . prou. . . doct. gal. . . doct. matth. . . . . iob . . iames . . cor. . . deut. . . & . . psalme . . psalm . . . . pet. . . lament . . . . kings . . . iob . . iob . psal . . ● . exod. . . doct. col. . . thes . . . rom. . . micah . . . . iohn . . iames . . rom. . . matth. . . psal . . . psal . . . ephes . . ●- . psalme . . song of salomon , . . ecclesiastes . . pet. . . cor. . . verse . rom. . . & . verse . psal . . . psal . . . verse . aul. gell. lib. . cap. . exod. . . gene. . . gen. . . psal . . . esay . . matth. . . . . luke . . prou. . . matth. . . isay . . prou. . . gen. . . . prou. . . . . . . verses . prou. . . rom. . . esay . . . iames . . . . prou. . . luke . . and the . iames . . psal . . . iob. . . luke . . rom. . . matth. . . cor. . . psal . . v. exod. . . . . prou. . . esay . . cor. . . prou. . . leuit. . . sam. . . psal . . . mat. . . king. . . mat. . . . col. . . . esay . . cor. . . . heb. . . rom. . . . cor. . . . luke . . prou. . . . tim. . luke . . luke . . . . verse . gal. . . kings . . . matth. . . & . acts . . king. . . . acts . . . . acts . . pet. . . psal . . . iob . . prou. . . gal. . . iohn . . tim. . . tim. . . mat. . . acts . pet. . . . rom. . . prou. . . luke . . iames . . kings . . . . . psal . . . prou. . . gen. . . thes . . . tim. . . . . tit. . . . . ezech. . . . prou. . . prou. . . ephe. . . sam. ● . . verse . cor. . . . deut. . . mat. . . prou. . . gen. ● . . phil. . . tim. . . . . iames . . mat. . . iudges . . . sam. . . . luke . . . reason , exod. . . . . reason . . reason . . reason . prou. . . kings . philemon . isay . . prou. . . psal . . ● . verse . micah . . . . . verse . ier. . . tim. . . . psal . . . heb. . . . samuel vassall of london, esq; vassall, samuel, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing v thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) samuel vassall of london, esq; vassall, samuel, - . sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] caption title. place of publication and suggested imprint date from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "january". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng vassall, samuel, - . england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . debt -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no samuel vassall of london, esq;: vassall, samuel a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion samuel vassall of london , esq ; humbly desires your honours to commiserate his sad condition , who for want of his just debt due to him from this common-wealth , formerly placed upon the excise , is like to perish . this honourable house on the of may last , recommended as their desires to his highnesse the lord protector , that care might be taken for the speedy payment of the said debt , being l. s. d. principall , with the use thereof , which doth amount unto l. as by auditors account given to his highnesse honourable councell appears , and his highnesse recommended the same to his honourable councell , that care be taken that the parliaments desires might be satisfied , and on the of may , their honours did order one thousand pounds to be paid out of the excise office , which he received : but ever since that time , he hath waited at the door of the honourable councell , but had no other answer but they knew not where to place it : so for want of the said money his credit is much impaired , which is more dear then life to him , and his posterity like to be destroyed , if he finde not some speedy relief from this honourable house ; for his creditors prosecute him now with more violence , seeing their hopes frustrate , in not receiving that money which they hoped for : wherefore he humbly desires your honours favourable assistance that mr. fowel may be heard , who is to report to the honourable house the conclusion of the honourable committee appointed for his businesse , and that he may receive some speedy rerelief , that he may not lose his liberty with his credit , and see his posterity ruined before his face , which will be as a double death , and so bring his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave ; but he is confident of the honour and justice of this honourable house , that they will never suffer him and his posterity to perish , who hath done and suffered so much for their sakes . novemb. . . katherine pettus, plaintiffe, margaret bancroft, defendant in chancery pettus, katherine. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing p thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) novemb. . . katherine pettus, plaintiffe, margaret bancroft, defendant in chancery pettus, katherine. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [s.l. : ] 'katherine .. bancroft, defendant' is enclosed in a right-hand curly bracket. imprint date from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "nouemb . st ". reproductions of the originals in the harvard university library (early english books) and the british library (thomason tracts). eng pettus, katherine -- early works to . bancroft, margaret -- early works to . england and wales. -- court of chancery -- cases -- early works to . debt relief -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no novemb. . . katherine pettus, plaintiffe, margaret bancroft, defendant in chancery pettus, katherine d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion novemb. ●… . . katherine pettus , plaintiffe in chancery . margaret bancroft , defendent in chancery . the plaintiffe a poore widow , oppressed in an extraordinary manner by the power of the defendent and her friends in this suit in chancery , now of . yeares continuance , wherein the plaintiffe sueth for an orphans portion against the defendent , the widow and executrix of mr. thomas bancroft , the executor that raised his whole estate by his executorship . the plaintiffe through this suit is above . l. in debt , and some of her creditors are ready to perish for want of their moneys , is brought to sue in forma pavperis , hath sold and pawned all the goods and meanes shee had any waies for her subsistence , and hath been and is forced to take up money at brokage after , , and . l. in the hundred , and hath nothing left to live upon , but is supported upon almes and charity , her whole estate , for her self , her fatherless children , and creditors , being in and upon this suit. the orphans portion is , by vertue of , and according to , the orders of court , cast up , and certified by a master of chancery , to amount unto . l. upon the first of march , . ( and after . l per cent. since commeth now unto . l. ) ; yet the master hath taxed but . l. for the plaintiffes costs , whereas the plaintiffe , and her late husband the orphan have spent in this suit , neere . l. if not ●ull so much . the sa●d thomas bancroft , the executor , above . yeares agoe at his death , and within three weekes before his death , when this suit had continued above foure yeares against him , left to the defendent his wife , and their children , being onely three daughters , whereof the two elder were richly married before , and hee had given them answerable portions , a personall estate of above . l. and a reall estate of l. a yeare lands of inheritance , or thereabouts ; all which hee raised and bought , after hee had possessed himself of the testators estate , and this orphans-portion . the defendent margaret bancroft , after shee had stood out all processe of contempt in chancery , and obscured her self , for almost seven yeares together , was , by the plaintiffes procurement , with much trouble , searching , and charges to the plaintiffe , arrested by a serjeant at armes upon the th day of july . and was committed to the fleet , where after she had been about a yeare imprisoned , she removed her self from thence by a habeas-corpus , unto the prison of the viper-bench where shee st●ll remaineth , obstinatly refusing to make satisfaction to the plaintiffe ; and the estate o● the said thomas bancroft , is so fraudulently passed away , by himself and the defendent , si●ce the b●ginning of this suit , for the use of the defendent , and their children , that the poore plaintiff can get no fruit nor benefit of her suit , though shee hath an ordinance of parliament of the th of august . that shee should receive the fruit and benefit of her suit by the ordinance and authority of both houses of parliament . the plaintiffe humbly representeth this short part of her case to the honourable committee , that is to bring in a bill for the relief of creditors and poore prisone●s , most humbly praying , that in the said bill there may bee some speciall provision made for such like cases ; and that the words in the late act for the relief of creditors and poor prisoners ( but a settlement or graunt made by such prisoners of their estates , or any part thereof , or made by any other person for whose debt the said prisoner is imprisoned of his or her estate reall or personall , or any part thereof , to any of their children or heyres apparent , vpon marriage or otherwise , after a debt contracted , is not to be accompted a purchase or conveighance to bee allowed , further then to cause restitution of the money , which was really payed to , and received by , such prisoner , or other person vpon such conveighance or graunt ) may bee put into the said bill and like act to bee made ; which words will save much trouble in the proof of fraudulent deeds , which the leaving out thereof in the late ordinances would have put unto : and that there may bee . understanding , upright , and impartiall judges . to the honourable committee of parliament appointed for prisoners. the most humble petition of sir david cuningham prisoner in the upper-bench, and the rest of the creditors of james enyon esquire, lately called sir james enyon baronet deceased. cuningham, david, sir, fl. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription b of text r in the english short title catalog (wing c a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo b wing c a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to the honourable committee of parliament appointed for prisoners. the most humble petition of sir david cuningham prisoner in the upper-bench, and the rest of the creditors of james enyon esquire, lately called sir james enyon baronet deceased. cuningham, david, sir, fl. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [england? : ] caption title. imprint suggested by wing. requesting that enyon's lands should be applied to the settlement of his debts. reproduction of the original in the national library of scotland. eng enyon, james, -- sir -- finance, personal -- early works to . debtor and creditor -- england -- early works to . broadsides -- england -- th century. b r (wing c a). civilwar no to the honourable committee of parliament appointed for prisoners. : the most humble petition of sir david cuningham prisoner in the upper-b cuningham, david, sir a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the honourable committee of parliament appointed for prisoners . the most humble petition of sir david cuningham prisoner in the upper-bench , and the rest of the creditors of james enyon esquire , lately called sir james enyon baronet deceased . sheweth , that the said james enyon in and about the year . borrowed and became indebted unto several creditors , whose names and debts are hereunto annexed , in the summe of eleven thousand and seven hundred pounds of clear principall money , which with the interest thereof due and in arrears , is now in the whole the summe of nineteen thousand pound and upwards ; for the most part of all which said debt your petitioner sir david cuningham is bound for and with the said james enyon as his surety , and is no wise able to pay the same ; the said james enyon about the year . made a deed of bargain and sale of his mannor of nether itchington in the county of warwick , unto four friends in trust , to be by them sold for and towards the payment of his debts ; which said deed is in it self somewhat defective in opinion of councell , in which respect a decree in the high court of chancery was obtained about a year and a half ago , the better to supply and strengthen the said deed , neverthelesse purchasers are not well satisfied therewith , the said james enyon having left three daughters under age , the eldest of them married . in consideration whereof , your honours petitioners do humbly pray , that an act may be granted for making good the said sale against the said children , the better to satisfie purchasers . and in regard that the sale of the said mannor will not produce nor yeeld above eight thousand pounds , the whole debt being above nineteen thousand pounds : they the said sir david cuningham and the rest of the creditors do most humbly pray , that an act may be likewise granted for the rest of the said sir james enyons entailed lands ( which is neer about twelve hundred pounds of yearly rent ) to be made subject and liable to the payment of the rest of his said just debts , which is above eleven thousand pounds more : there being no heir-male , but only three daughters , who may have fair and competent portions besides of two thousand five hundred pounds apeece at least : and this the rather ought and may in all justice and equity be granted ; in respect that the said james enyon to the same effect , did in this last parliament preferre a petition and bill in parliament to cut off the intail , he having no issue-male ; and lastly , that the possession of the said entailed lands may be ordered and setled to your petitioners , towards the satisfaction and payment of their just debts : to all which effect your petitioners did lately petition the committee appointed for hearing , relieving , and representing to the state the grievances of the people , but nothing being yet done , they are thus again constrained to become petitioners to your honours , most humbly begging relief in the premises , and they as in all duty bound shall ever pray , &c. d. cuningham . a true note of the said james enyon his debts , with the interest in arrear , and due the first day of june , . john acton esquire . — . mr william combes and his assignes . — . james lock esquire . — . mr richard cox. — . anne moorhead widow . — . the heirs of robers jessy . — . the lady pools children . — . william palmer esquire , lately called sir william palmer and mr buckbury . thomas benett esquire , and others . — . the lady harvey . — . henry henne esquire , lately called sir henry henne knight and baronet . — mrs andrews . — . mr hawtry . — . summe of the said debts . to the right honourable the high court of parliament. the humble petition of edward hanchett, usher of the late court of wards and liveries. hanchett, edward. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing h thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) to the right honourable the high court of parliament. the humble petition of edward hanchett, usher of the late court of wards and liveries. hanchett, edward. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] imprint from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "decemb. ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- court of wards and liveries -- early works to . debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no to the right honourable the high court of parliament. the humble petition of edward hanchett, usher of the late court of wards and liveries. hanchett, edward. a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the right honourable the high court of parliament . the humble petition of edward hanchett , vsher of the late court of wards and liveries . humbly sheweth unto your honours , that your petitioner did purchase the office of usher to the court , to him and his heirs for ever , at the rate of l. it being an office of inheritance granted by letters patents under the great seale of england . about . yeares after that your petitioner was possessed of the said office , the high court of parliament were pleased to take away the said court , but in their justice thought fit , that the officers of the court which had their places by letters patents under the great seale of england , should have a competent satisfaction for the losse of their offices , and in order thereunto , referred it to a committee of their own members to consider and make allowances to the severall officers , who did upon serious consideration allow to your petitioner the sum of l. for the losse of his said office . the great officers of the said court were members of parliament , and did procure the satisfaction allotted to them ; your petitioner had the same justice for him , but not the same friends . notwithstanding the said order and vote of the house , and your petitioners constant , and faithfull adhering to the cause and interest of the parliament , even in their greatest extremities , your petitioner being sent for by the late king to execute his office at oxford , upon paine of losing it , and refused to go , to the hazard of his utter undoing , if the king had prevailed , and your petitioner as yet hath had no recompence . your petitioner borrowed a great part of the money that purchased the said office ; upon the dissolution of the court your petitioner was disabled to pay his debts , and was soon after clapped up prisoner in the upper bench , and there hath remained ever since , to his utter ruine and destruction , having sold all his goods and personall estate to maintain himselfe and his wife , and satisfie his creditors what he could , that now your petitioner is in a very said condition , not able to subsist , his friends having been wearied with so long supplying his great wants and necessities , unlesse this honourable parliament be pleased to consider his cause that crieth for their justice , and afford him such reliefe as their wisdomes shall think convenient . and your petitioner shall ever pray , &c. to the right honourable members of the high court of parliament for the common-wealth of england, scotland, and ireland. the humble petition of divers prisoners in the fleet this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing t a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing t a estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to the right honourable members of the high court of parliament for the common-wealth of england, scotland, and ireland. the humble petition of divers prisoners in the fleet england and wales. parliament. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ?] date of publication conjectured by wing. a petition to be released from unjust debts. reproduction of the original in the harvard university library. eng debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (wing t a). civilwar no to the right honourable members of the high court of parliament for the common-wealth of england, scotland, and ireland. the humble petition [no entry] a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - spi global rekeyed and resubmitted - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the right honourable members of the high court of parliament for the common-wealth of england , scotland , and ireland . the humble petition of divers prisoners in the fleet sheweth : that your petitioners by the oppression of their cruell adversaries and creditors , and pollicy of subtile attorneys and solicitors adhering to them , are upon judgements , executions , contempts , and decrees , surruptitiously obtained , most unjustly imprisoned , and that the judges now appointed have no power upon the same to relieve them ; some of which judgements , executions , contempts , and decrees are upon pretended debts , where nothing is due , others for far greater sums then are due , or your petitioners able to pay , by which means they are bereft of their estates , credits , and imployments , to the utter ruine of themselves and families . that whereas many of your petitioners who formerly lived comfortably , and in these sad times of war have been utterly undone ( should be the objects of mercy and pitty ) yet they find nothing but the rigor of the law executed upon them , to the satisfaction of obdurate creditors and misery of your undone petitioners . that the remainder of the estates of your poor petitioners undone as aforesaid by judgements , executions &c. being so obtained , must goe to satisfie one man onely , whereas many other conscientious creditors , some perhaps as poore as your petitioners not having obtained that advantage must have no satisfaction . your petitioners humbly pray , that the judges appointed may have power to right and free them from the said judgements , executions , contempts , and decrees , so unjustly gotten ( which power given them by the said act ) is abridged and taken away by the ordinance ; your petitioners through restraint wanting meanes to relieve themselves by course of law , and that those who have beene ruinated by sea and land by the sad accidents of war , may have equity according to conscience , and not the rigour of law to passe upon them , and that those who have nothing to satisfie , or are willing to part with what they have , may bee discharged , according to the late act as poore , and that the compassionate creditor , aswell as cruell , may have their equall proportions . and your petitioners shall ever pray , &c. whereas it appears by experience that many inconveniences have arisen both to tutors and pupils for want of due payment of quarterly bills and by reason of pupils trading with unlicensed persons, and without order of their tutors; for the remedying these inconveniences, it is hereby thought fit by us whose names are hereunto subscribed, tutors in the university, to offer unto the consideration of mr vicechancellor and heads of colleges our humble request as followeth, ... university of cambridge. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c aa estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) whereas it appears by experience that many inconveniences have arisen both to tutors and pupils for want of due payment of quarterly bills and by reason of pupils trading with unlicensed persons, and without order of their tutors; for the remedying these inconveniences, it is hereby thought fit by us whose names are hereunto subscribed, tutors in the university, to offer unto the consideration of mr vicechancellor and heads of colleges our humble request as followeth, ... university of cambridge. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [cambridge? : ] with names in two columns. dated: octobris anno dom. . title from opening words of text. notarized by jacobus halman. reproduction of original in the bodleian library, oxford, england. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng university of cambridge -- regulations -- early works to . debt -- england -- cambridge -- early works to . broadsides - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion whereas it appears by experience that many inconveniences have arisen both to tutors and pupils for want of due payment of quarterly bills , and by reason of pupils trading with unlicensed persons , and without order of their tutors ; for the remedying these inconveniences , it is hereby thought fit by . us whose names are hereunto subscribed , tutors in the university , to offer unto the consideration of m r vicechancellor and heads of colleges our humble request as followeth , i. that every fellow commoner before he is admitted into commons , shall put in a caution of — l. . every pensioner — l. . every sizar — l. . this caution to be deposited into such hands as shall be agreed upon by the college . this caution to remain in such hands 'till the said fellow-commoner , pensioner and sizar leave the college , and discharge all debts to the college and tutor , and then to be returned . ii. that every person in statu pupillari shall fully discharge every quarters bill , before the end of the next succeeding quarter , or sooner , if the statute , decree or locall custome of any particular college require it , and unless the tutor do own such discharge before the master of the college or his locum-tenens , such person shall immediately be sent out of the college . iii. that no person be admitted to have his grace pass in any college for any degree , untill he bring a discharge under his tutors hand of all debts for which his tutor is responsible , to the end of the foregoing quarter ( to the master and those that are concerned to pass his grace . ) all persons concerned are hereby required to take notice , that no tutor is responsible for any debts of his pupils , but what are contracted by his express order , and if any person adventure to trust any such pupil , besides the loss of the debt , he is liable to such further punishment as the laws of this vniversity direct . thomas browne s. t. b. coll. d. joh. thomas walker s. t. b. coll. sidn . william smith s. t. b. coll. regin . charles kidman s. t. b. coll. c. c. thomas littell s. t. b. coll. emman . henry williams s. t. b. coll. c. c. robert moss s. t. b. coll. c. c. john ellys a. m coll. caii . thomas waterhouse a. m. coll. chr. john lightwin a. m. coll. caii . robert herne a. m. aul. clar. daniel hopkins a. m. coll. trin. samuel barker a. m. coll. magd. stephen cressar a m. coll. trin. william banckes a. m. aul. pembr . john leng a. m. aul. cath. richard laughton a. m. aul. clar. robert marsden a. m. coll. jesus thomas harrison a. m. coll. sidn . daniel duckfield a. m. coll. christi samuel brearey a. m. coll. jesus . francis hare a. m. coll. regal . o die mensis octobris anno dom. . dominus procancellarius , ex consensu praefectorum , & ad petitionem tutorum praedictorum , decrevit in consistorio , ut suprà . ita testor jacobus halman notar. publ. & almae universitatis cantabr . regist . a motion against imprisonment, vvherein is proved that imprisonment for debt is against the gospel, against the good of church, and commonwealth / by thomas grantham, master in arts; curate of eston, neere tocester in northampton-sheire.. grantham, thomas, d. . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing g thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) a motion against imprisonment, vvherein is proved that imprisonment for debt is against the gospel, against the good of church, and commonwealth / by thomas grantham, master in arts; curate of eston, neere tocester in northampton-sheire.. grantham, thomas, d. . p. for francis coules, printed at london : .. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no a motion against imprisonment,: vvherein is proved that imprisonment for debt is against the gospel, against the good of church, and common grantham, thomas d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a motion against imprisonment , wherein is proved that imprisonment for debt is against the gospel , against the good of church , and common-wealth matthevv . . have patience and i will pay thee all . by thomas grantham , master in arts ; curate of eston , neere tocester in northampton-sheire . printed at london for francis coules . a motion against imprisonment . amongst the great abuses of this age , i have taken into consideration , that cruell , and inhuman act of imprisoning men for debt : and my harty wishes are : that this tyrany may no longer raigne , for these reasons . first it is against the law of god deu : . if the man be poore thou shalt not sleepe with his pledge , in any case thou shalt deliver him the pledg againe , when the sunne goeth downe , but imprisonment is a farr greater affliction , or torment , then keeping of a pledge , therfore if i ought not to doe the lesser , i ought not to doe the greater , a man was bound by the l●w of god to lend his brother sufficient for his need , although he was sure to loose it deut : . . . and in the verse , it was sinn unto him , if he did it not then how great sinne shall it be : to deprive his brother of all wayes to live by imprisoning of him ? then every seaventh yeare was a yeare of rel●ase a free forgivenesse of all debts deu. . . then every fifteth yeare was a iubile , every mans posse●si●n returned to him againe leviticus . . gods law was full of mercy to the very strangers that dwelt amongst them deu : . . the lost sheafe was for the stranger , fatherlesse and widdow , then verse the . of that chapter the olive tree was to be beaten but once , & the remnant to be left for the stranger , fatherlesse and widdow , and in the next verse he was to do so when he gathred the grapes of his vinyard he that takes the nether milston , takes a mans life to pledge deut : . . but he that imprisons a man takes not only the nether milstone , but the upper , he takes away all courses of liveing for a man , hath no wayes to grind or labour for his living then he was not to take the widdows rayment to pledge much lesse her body deut : . . gods law is full of mercy , exodus . . . and deut. . . . and many other places . then this tyrany of imprisonment is against the gospell , our saviour tels you mat : . . how hee was vsed that tooke his fellow servant by the throat and cast him into prison , and in this last verse he tells you his heavenly father will do so to those who will not forgive their debtors , the apostle saith romans . . that love is the fulfilling of the law , and he gives there the reason because it workes not ill to his neighbour , now how farr is that man from obeying gods law that doth so great a hurt to his neighbour as to imprison him , saint iohn saith , iohn . . . how can the love of god dwell in that man who shutts vp his bowels of compassion from his needy brother ? but what shall we say of that man who is not only farr from reliveing his brother , but imprisons him and forces him to all neede and affliction , where hunger withers him , diseases lick up his blood , and swarmes of care and trouble sting him and torment him ; saint ambrose saith of the coveteous rich man , est panis famelici quem tu ●enes , quem nos parer●s , occidisti : and cyprian saith the like in his sermon de elemosin●y if any man starve at thy dore , or by thy means that is for want of thy assistance thou shalt answer for it , & the digddi●n●es theologi ( as bishop davenant calls them in his book de pace ecclesiae ) the p●l●mi●●ll divines say , the altitude of a sinne is taken as it doth depart or is distant from charity , the further a sinne is from charity , the greater it is , and what greater uncharitablenes can there be then to lay a man in prison , where he is deprived of wife , children , freinds , trade , profession , where he is deprived of all manner of helpe or comfort . then it is against the good of church and common-wealth , one man may be worth ten thousand men , as the people said to david ▪ samuel . . such an one as ioseph may be a steward for a kingdome , as eliah whose fiery spirit , consumes the false prophets , why should that fiery ▪ spirit be smothered and buried in a cave . god himselfe calls him out twice . kings . . . what dost thou heare eliah ? what should iohn baptist to whom all iudea came out and they of ierusalem doe in a prison ? what should m●chaiah do in a prison who opposes all the fals prophets ? paule spake many languages , was effectuall in his preaching , he could make felix tremble and agrippa become halfe a christian , but this man could beget but one onesimus in his bonds , philemon . whereas it he had beene at liberty , he might have begot thousands as peter did at one sermon . then it is against the good of a private family for how are the members greived , if the head ake . it is against the nature of man to be imprisoned his soule is actus corporis , his mind is continually in action all wayes thinking of somthing never idle , his thoughts run swifter then the sun in a superior or be ready to overtake eternity , some translations reade that . verse in . psalme thou hast made him little lower then god , not little lower then the angels , but little lower then god , and estius maintaines this translation in his second booke of his sentences , the first distinction , the verses following ( saith hee ) proue this translation , thou hast made him to have dominion of the workes of thy hands , thou hast put all thinges in subiection under his feet the fowles of the aire , fishes of the sea , for that he is saith estius microtheos a divine god , a little god , i have said ye are gods psalme . . ▪ and although man be not the highest god , yet he is the image of the highest god and will any man fetter him that carries such an image livery . in som cases the scripture doth approve a prison as for blasphemy leviticus . for sabath breaking numbers . . for davids concubines that were defiled by absolom . samuel . . and so we grant it for a seditious man for , a man that will make away him selfe , for a quarrellar , a prodigall , a rover but for debt altogether unlawfull . a good action produces a good effect . aquinas in prima secundae questione . articulo . in corpore . but this hath an ill effect as the starving , pining , griving of his neighbour . and as in nature saith he whatsoever is deficient in generation is a fault , so in morality whatsoever causes thy neighbour to be deficient is a fault . aquinas in his secund : secunda questione ●● . articulo . saith every imprisonment must be in penamuel in cantelum , either for punishment or to make a man an example . now for a man to say he will punish his debt or because he is not able to pay him and that he will make dice of his bones , is not christianity . then it cannot be for a warning , or to make a man an example to others frō runing into debt , for what tradsman will say i will make this man an example for running into debt , i will make men take heed how they runn into my debt , that man would have little custom that should say thus , they rather protest they never arrested man , they will not doe a gentleman that wrong , and thus they flatter men into their debts , if any man shall say i neither arrest him to punish him , nor to make him an example , but for my money i confesse that 's allowed of , if he have money to pay , but if he have it not , t is diabolicall , for divines doe hold that whatsoever is a mans owne is his neighbours in case of necessitie , quo az proprietatem thine , quo ad usum thy neighbours , if he want it t is his as well as thine , but he that imprisons instead of releife adds affliction . who can but greive to see a mans cattle looke leane like pharoahs leane kine , his carts drive heavily like pharoahs troopes , follow fast after him , and he ready to be drowned in a sea of misery . and if the voyce of neighbours , a miserable and beggarly living , the want of meanes to put forth his children , proclaime a man insuffitiant i say and have proved , it is super-diabolicall to imprison this man . but will some reply you dispute against the law , the law allowes imprisonment . i answer the law supposes a man is able to pay and upon that ground does admit an imprisonment , but when a man is not able and hath neither able , nor willing freinds , he ought not to be imprisoned , for ra●io stanima legis saith sir francis bacon reason is the soule of the law , and there is no reason , to imprison a man because he payed not when he is unable . then reason tells us bona corporis are better then bona fortunae , a mans body is of more value then his estate , and why should the better suffer for the worse , there is no corrispondency . i conclude all with this . christ bids some goe into everlasting torments because they did not feed him , when he was hungry , nor visit him in prison , and if this be the doome of those that would not give releife , what shall be the doome of those that have beene the cause of their brothers hungring , and starveing , and if he shall becast into everlasting torments , who did not visit , surely his torments shall be great , who was the cause of casting men into prison . and thus will i end this little treatise , which because of my great occasions , i have writ currente calamo , for he that knowes me , knowes , it was as much for me to spare this little time , as it was for the widdow of zar●pta , to spare elias a cake out of her little barrell of oyle . kinges . . but rather then elias should want , i have cast in this little mite . finis the distressed merchant. and the prisoners comfort in distresse. when he was a prisoner in london, in chap. . the reader may take notice of, i. his observations of many passages in prison, during his being there. ii. the severall humours and carriages of his fellow prisoners. iii. his advice to them, and to some of his and their kin, and unkind friends. iv. gods singular care and providence over all distressed prisoners, that put their trust in him in all afflictions. / written by william bagwell merchant. merchant distressed w. b. (william bagwell), b. ? this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing b thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) the distressed merchant. and the prisoners comfort in distresse. when he was a prisoner in london, in chap. . the reader may take notice of, i. his observations of many passages in prison, during his being there. ii. the severall humours and carriages of his fellow prisoners. iii. his advice to them, and to some of his and their kin, and unkind friends. iv. gods singular care and providence over all distressed prisoners, that put their trust in him in all afflictions. / written by william bagwell merchant. merchant distressed w. b. (william bagwell), b. ? [ ], , [ ] p. printed for richard wodenothe, at the star under peters church in cornhill., london, : . in verse. the first leaf bears a permission to print. a reissue, with cancel title page, of the edition entitled "the merchant distressed" (b ). annotation on thomason copy: "aug: th". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng prisoners' writings, english -- early works to . prisoners -- early works to . debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no the distressed merchant.: and the prisoners comfort in distresse. when he was a prisoner in london, in chap. . the reader may take notice w. b c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - david karczynski sampled and proofread - david karczynski text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion i have read over this booke of fourty nine chapters , entituled , the merchant distressed his observations : and finde the matter honest peacefull truth , the practice such as may serve for premonition and example fit to be publique in print . io: langley . the distressed merchant . and the prisoners comfort in distresse . when he was a prisoner in london , in chap. . the reader may take notice of , i. his observations of many passages in prison , during his being there . ii. the severall humours and carriages of his fellow prisoners . iii. his advice to them , and to some of his and their kin , and unkind friends . iv. gods singular care and providence over all distressed prisoners , that put their trust in him in all afflictions . psal. . . in the multitude of my thoughts within me , thy comforts delight my soule . written by william bagwell merchant . london , printed for richard wodenothe , at the star under peters church in cornhill . . to the vvorshipfull william barkeley , alderman of london , and one of the commissioners for the receipt of customes . worthy sir : i have in my troubles ( among other things ) observed that when the lord a deprives a man of the superfluous things of this life , b and brings him into distresse , c his friends and acquaintance are then wanting unto him , d they stand aloofe , e and leave him to himselfe , being ( in their opinions ) in so miserable a state and condition ; f this is the usuall manner of gods dealing with those whom he loves , for by this means , g though the outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed day by day . but when the lord is graciously pleased to h deliver the party afflicted from his griefe , h he is exceeding glad , and then his i friends and acquaintance rejoyce with him , and expresse their love and affections towards him in a bountifull manner : k this have i ( through gods goodnesse ) knowne by experience , especially these latter times : l for many are the courtesies which i have received from divers friends , m the which i shall ever acknowledge . but the truth is , the continuance of n your great favours , is such a happinesse to me , as i must needs confesse you are to me more like a o father then a friend or master . and therefore an so much the more obliged unto you . p in testimony thereof , and of the true love and service i owe you , i humbly dedicate to you these first fruits of my poore endeavours , gathered in my aforesaid troubles , ( when i was q shut up in a miserable place from the delights of the world ) out of r the spirituall garden of gods word ; wherefore my hope is you will s relish them so much the better , and vouchsafe them your kinde acceptance , though published by so weake an instrument as my selfe , whose further endeavours ( notwithstanding ) shall be to doe somewhat more some other way , that may conduce to the publique welfare , as god ( the t liberal giver of al good gifts ) shall enable me : to whom i commit both you and all yours , and remaine , your worships most humble servant , william bagwell . may . . the epistle to the courteous reader . it is not unknowne to many , how that of late years i a enjoyed the blessings of this life with much comfort , and how i then lived in good credit , being much respected of friends and kindred who b delighted in my company , and many were as glad to receive courtesies from me , as i was willing to bestow them . c but this lasted not long , for after a while d i fell into many troubles , and then e i lost my selfe , f and my friends , i lost my g estate , my h credit , and i trading , and after that to make up the tragedy , i lost my liberty , being k cast into prison for a small debt , which i was not able to pay , and being there a while ( l at the center of all my troubles and miseries ) m destitute of all outward comforts , did then begin to thinke n of the vanities of the world , n and o lifting up my soule to god , p desired him to give me some inward comfort , which was not in vaine , for being q directed by him , i found r patience , s and peace of conscience : i found t contentment , u love and x favour , i found y joy of heart , * and liberty of minde , so that at length moe thought z i found a great deale more then i lost , all which by a diligence a search i found out of gods word the holy bible , which was the onely booke i had ( for in my necessities i was forced to pawne and sell away all my other books ) wherefore b i applying my self wholly thereunto , found therein such c variety of matter ( d wherewith my soule was so delighted ) that i could not be quiet in my mind untill i had set up a new trade , ( for , for want of other imployment i was fain to turne poet ) and although i was very e unskilfull therein , being but a f new beginner ) yet my endeavours were not wanting to give the best content i could to all my customers both at home and abroad . yet notwithstanding all this , in regard i could not procure so much as would discharge my chamber rent , i was threatned by my landlord ( the master of the prison ) to be turned out of my lodging and put into a g worse place in the same prison , which did in some sort trouble my minde , because i knew not how to prevent it . but whilest i was musing with my selfe how i should h be able to endure that misery , i the lord raised me up a friend in another kingdome , k by whose meanes i was forthwith delivered out of that distresse , and set at liberty . since which time till now of late i was not resolved to publish these the first fruits of my poore endeavours : but being thereunto moved by some friends , and considering l the substance thereof drawne from the holy scriptures so agreeable to each circumstance , i could not but conceive them worthy of acceptance , and the rather because people m of all sorts , whether they be young or old , male or female , rich or poore , whether they live in prosperity or adversity , whether they bee sicke or in health , they may observe and sucke some sweetnesse out of them , although they seeme to be never so plaine , i know they are n very plaine , and therefore may peradventure bee by some curious wits the lesse regarded , but those who are of o an humble spirit , will like them never a whit the worse for that , but rather conclude and say ( according to the old proverbe ) that plaine dealing is a jewell , and make good use thereof p to gods glory , and their q owne comfort . to conclude : r the prison was the best schoole that ever i went to , and s he that taught me , the best master that ever taught , the booke i learned in t the best booke that ever was read , the lesson i learned out of that book , u the best lesson that ever i learned , and the time i spent there x the best time that ever i spent . an accompt of all which i have briefly and plainly set downe in the ensuing particular directions contained in this small volume , which i humbly present to all those that y desire the knowledge of z gods word , the onely a refuge for the distressed and afflicted , and chiefest joy and b delight to those that are in prosperity , who count themselves but c strangers in this world , setting little by the things of greatest price ( they enjoy here ) in comparison of those d heavenly treasures above which are not seene . now although it bee but a little e candle ( which i thought not good to keepe secret any longer ) yet it giveth so much light as the reader may thereby see and observe that this worke is none of mine , the maine substance and matter is gods owne word . in the labour of disposing and ordering them , i have used my best skill , and if you please to accept of them , i shall then thinke my time well spent for the good of others as well as my selfe : desiring the lord to blesse and prosper all our good endeavours , that we may f so live in his feare , and g glorifie him in this life , as we may hereafter h dye in his favour , and be i glorified of him in the world to come . amen . yours in all true loving and christian affection , william bagwell . the preface . to all christian people distressed and afflicted in what kinde soever . all men naturally a desire to live peaceably , contentedly , and to be freed from all manner of b troubles , afflictions and distresses ( c which are so grievous to the senses , ) but this happeneth to none , d for every one have their crosses in some kinde or other , or at one time or other , in e body or f mind , or g both , h either in the having of that which they desire not , or in the i want of that which they desire , k all which is common both to the l good and to the m bad , for who can say that his body hath beene alwayes freed from n sicknesse , his soule from o sorrow , his person from p imprisonment or other inconveniences , his state from q poverty , or his name from r contempt , & c ? or what man ( though he s enjoy the outward blessings of this life ) can say t his minde is satisfied and contented therewith , or that he is free from u covetousnesse , x ambition , y vain-glory , z selfe-conceit , z or some other such like a inordinate affections of the minde , with the which he b afflicteth himselfe , c and is an evill disease ? the other ( happening by gods providence to those that d are acquainted with his wayes ) e are evident signes of gods love towards them , which is the reason f they submit themselves so willingly to undergoe them , knowing that g they are the seed , the occasion , the matter of well doing , h and the discoverers of many excellent vertues which are not seene in them i whilest they live in prosperity : and therefore although k adversity be the punishment of sin , yet l god in punishing of men doth not alwayes m respect sinne , wherefore n they judge rashly which either doe not wait for the o end , or doe judge and p esteeme of men according to prosperity or adversity . but when men q that have lived in good reputation and credit r are once fallen into trouble and misery , s then their beloved friends and acquaintance fall away from them , and t the more u heavie gods hand is upon them , the more x they neglect and y despise them , but when they find by experience z the helplesnesse of earthly things , they are then weaned a from the love of the world , and kept from b living carelesly , c they draw the nearer to god , knowing that d they are tokens and pledges of their adoption . and considering with themselves that their e afflictions come not unto them by chance , f but from gods decree and appointment , and that the g continuance and h measure of them is appointed by him , they then never i stand much upon the malice of men , or k rage of divels , but l looke up principally to him with this m assurance , that hee will deliver them n when his measure is full , o in good time . in the meane while , their p faith , q patience , r humility , s obedience , and such like noble t vertues are set a worke , and u god in them x glorified . but few men have this great gift & priviledge to y suffer afflictions patiently . every z hypocrite will serve god whilest he prospereth and blesseth him , a but when he falls into troubles he is then led by the divel to impatiency , b fretting , c murmuring , d grudging , e frowardnesse , f and most painfull pensivenesse , g all which doe vexe him more by many degrees , then the troubles themselves , and when he h cries for helpe , it is either paine or i feare that causeth him so to doe , so that k he cannot rest upon gods word with l peace . the childe of god m may likewise be n very impatient in his afflictions , & utter o dangerous speeches , by which means he may for a time have p no comfort in trouble , but q god leaves him not so to himselfe always comfortlesse , but hath a time to r recover himselfe againe , and s then he praiseth the lord who often times t inflicteth upon his children temporall afflictions , u that hee may deliver them from eternall destruction . and herein doth the wisedome and x goodnesse of god appeare , for y by afflictions we come to the knowledge of our selves , and repose z no confidence in any creature , and likewise wise to the a knowledge of god , reposing all b trust and confidence in him , and thus c affliction begetteth understanding in those that are afflicted , in so much that the d crosse is to the children of god mercy , and e losse is gaine , e afflictions are their schooling , and f adversity their best universitie , by which they learne how to g avoid the dangerous h broad way of the wicked of this i world , which is so k pleasing to flesh and bloud , and are turned into the l right way to heaven , which in regard of its m narrownesse and straitnesse , so few desire to walke therein . this being n considered , there are none able to goe through the o troubles and crosses of this life with comfort , p but such as utterly mistrusting q their owne assurednesse and r all worldly ayd and helpe of man , s doe wholly depend upon t gods defence . but there are some which complaine of the u tediousnesse of their afflictions , because they are afflicted almost x all the dayes of their lives even to the very death . to such y god will testifie his holy presence another , way namely by z giving the distressed parties power and strength to beare their afflictions . but how can we a count our afflictions so tedious and long , b seeing our lives are so short ? howsoever c let them be never so great and tedious , they are d far inferiour to our sinnes ; yet every man by nature e desires gods ready helpe in his necessities and troubles , but few attain unto it , because they f want faith to beleeve it , g prayer to obtaine it , and h patience to wait for it . but on the contrary , if they i endure their afflictions quietly , k trust in gods mercies firmly , l and tarry his good pleasure obediently , then although they seeme to bee m swallowed up in misery , they shall finde n the lord ready at hand to deliver them . now o howsoever the child of god be afflicted he shall finde p many comforts therein , in regard they are like unto a q storme that commeth and goeth . let no man therefore that is afflicted r struggle under gods hand , for then it will be the worse for him , for s there is no striving or wrastling with him t but by u prayer : hee therefore that with x pleasure and joy endures adversity y for christs sake , may thinke he hath found the z kingdome of heaven here on earth , a and god will delight in him . a for as the fish is sweetest that lives in the saltest waters , b so those c soules are most precious unto christ who are most d exercised and e afflicted with his crosse . thine in christ . w. b. authors . the quotations in the margent ( which serve for proofes , reasons , examples , or things pertinent to the sense of each particular ) are taken first out of the bookes of the canonicall scripture , the old and new testament . . the old testament . genesis . exodus . leviticus . numbers . deuteronomie . ioshua . iudges . ruth . samuel . samuel . kings . kings . chronicles . chronicles . ezra . nehemiah . esther . iob. psalmes . proverbs . ecclesiastes . the song of salomon . isaiah . ieremiah . lamentations . ezekiel . daniel . hosea . ioel. amos. obadiab . ionah . micah . nahum . habakkuk . zephaniah . haggal . zechariah . malachy . ii. the new testament . matthew . marke . luke . iohn . acts . romanes . corinthians . corinthians . galatians . ephesians . philippians . colossians . thessalonians . thessalonians . timothy . timothy . titus . phileman . hebrewes . iames . peter . peter . iohn . iohn . iohn . iude. revelations . secondly , out of the bookes called apochrypha . esdras . esdras . tobit . iudeth . the rest of esther . wisedome . ecclesiasticus . baruch . the song of the three children . susanna . the idol bel and the dragon . the prayer of manasseh . maccabees . maccabees . the contents of this booke . the prisoner to his fellow-prisoners . to the comfortlesse prisoner . pag. to the prisoner that lay sick a bed . to the sea man , a prisoner . to the stranger , a prisoner . to the faint-hearted prisoner . to the scholler a prisoner . to an ancient man a prisoner , exceedingly oppressed with sorrow upon sorrow . to the men which were prisoners in the hole . to the prodigall young man , a prisoner . to the prisoners called by the name of rats which are debauched men , taken at unlawfull houres in the night by the watch , and brought into prison . to the carrier , a prisoner . to the card player , a prisoner . to the papist , a prisoner . to the captaine , a prisoner . to the merchant , a prisoner . to the merry man , a prisoner . to an old man , a prisoner . to the women which were prisoners in the hole . to the impatient prisoner . to the unruly young man , a prisoner . to the prisoners called by the name of mice , which are light huswives taken at unlawfull houres in the night , and brought to prison . to the prisoner that was to bee discharged and set at liberty . to the carelesse man , a prisoner . to the rich man , a prisoner . to the idle man , a prisoner . to the dissembling hypocrite , a prisoner . to his chamber fellows and others distressed prisoners of the knights ward , which were there shut up of the plague . to others , not prisoners . to the cruell creditor . pag. to him that betrayed the prisoner into his adversaries hands . to his sonne . to his eldest daughter . to the creditor that domineer'd over his poore debtor in prison . to his youngest daughter . to the master of the tap-house . to his brother . to the mercifull creditor . to the master of the prison . to a worthy charitable knight . to an ancient maid , a true-hearted friend , that was mindfull of him in his troubles . to his intimate friend , a divine lawyer . to a prisoners wife of a refractory condition . to his owne dejected comfortlesse wife . to his maid servant . to his mother . to those that come to visit their friends in prison . to the commissioners appointed by his majestie for the reliefe of poore prisoners . the prisoner at liberty , his thankful remembrance of gods great mercies towards him in his manifold deliverances out of many great dangers and troubles to this present . to his good friend ( beyond sea ) that gave order to his friend to see him set at liberty . to a carefull friend that discharged the trust committed to him ( by his friend ) in seeing the prisoner freed out of prison . the merchant distressed , his observations . chap. i. to the comfortlesse prisoner . be not a dismay'd , thou that art lodged here : what need'st thou care , if thy b conscience be cleer ? b thy c creditors perhaps may be unkinde : what though ? fear not , but bear an d honest minde . d e thy friends and thine acquaintaince may neglect thee : e what though ? be f patient , god will not g forget thee . g h the prison doubtlesse is a place of care : what though ? rejoyce , i for god is with thee there . k use lawfull meanes , l and on god still depend : m hee 'll quickly bring thy troubles to an end . chap. ii. to the cruell creditor . why is thy minde so bent to a crueltie against thy poore debtor , which here doth lie ? a is it thy debt thou would'st have him to pay ? alas , b he can't , the c prison's not the way . what is 't , his d flesh thou then would'st have alone ? the e wormes must needs have that to feed upon . what is it then , his f bones thou would'st faine have ? that cannot be , g they must goe to the grave . what would'st thou doe with them ? make dice to sell ? or with them play away thy soule to hell ? as for his soule , surely thou canst not have it ; for that must needs h returne to god that gave it . i dost thou by this course ever thinke to thrive , k to bury thy poore debtor here alive ? l ten thousand talents to the lord thou ow'st , and yet hee 's m mercifull to thee thou know'st . n and hast thou no pittie on him in thrall , that owes thee but o an hundred pence in all ? p if god should deale with thee , as thou with him , in what great q misery then wouldst thou be in ? what if in this case god should take away r thy soule , and call thee to accompt this day ? ſ thy guilty conscience then would soone accuse thee : t and for thy crueltie christ would refuse thee . u then into hell that x gulfe of miserie , y thou should'st be cast to live eternally , in wofull torments , where z no rest is found , and where all such as thou art , are a fast bound . wherefore if thou those judgements would'st prevent , be b mercifull , kinde , loving , and c repent . d discharge thy poore debtor out of this place , e as thou would'st be discharg'd being in his case . f then god will mollifie thy stony heart . g and likewise blesse thee wheresoe're thou art , chap. iii. to the prisoner that lay sick upon his bed . the a prison of it selfe is tedious to thee , b but sicknesse therewithall may quite undoe thee . where art thou sick , in body or in minde ? or art thou griev'd c because friends are unkinde ? art not thou sick and pained at the d heart , because thou e canst not from this place depart ? thinke with thy selfe , that thy f sins are the cause of thy disease , by the breach of gods lawes . g now is thy soule wounded with mortall sinne ? h oh then 't is high time for thee to begin i to looke into thy selfe , and thy condition , to see what need thou hast of the physition , i meane the great k physition of thy soul , which is thy saviour christ , who doth controll l all things in heaven above , and earth below , m hee 'll cure thy body and thy soule also n of all diseases , if thou him intreat , and likewise give thee o heavenly food to ear , p whereby thy soule shall live , and be quite freed of all diseases ; for 't is so decreed . q earthly physitians will not undertake physick to give , but for thy moneyes sake ; unlesse thou give them angells of pure gold , they 'll not come neere thee , be thou young or old : but when r christ thy physitian takes in hand to cure thy poore sick soule , then understand hee 'll not then only take away thy paine , but cause his (ſ) angells with thee to remaine : though thou restrained art , yet they are t free to come both day and night to visit thee . wherefore receive from god this chastisement with a thankfull heart , and therewith be content . b and then this prison shall not thee annoy , but be a pallace to thee day by day . c out of which place the lord will thee deliver , and take thee up to live with him for ever . chap. iv. to him that betrayed the prisoner into his adversaries hands . what trade art thou , oh traitor ! canst thou tell ? is it thy occupation now to sell thy friend to one that meanes him to oppresse , and lay him up to live in great distresse ? a thou cam'st unto him , and didst speake him faire , which made him often unto thee repaire , b because he did beleeve what thou didst say , not thinking then that thou would'st him betray : c but when thou hadst fit opportunitie , thou him deliver'dst to his enemie : who keepes him fast in prison like a slave , which , thou art to be blam'd for like a knave . d but tell me , traitor , how didst thou him sell ? for a french crown , a noble , or angell ? doubtlesse thy chapman gave thee more for him then ere hee 's like to get of him agin . but why hast thou thy friend sold for a song which to another justly doth belong ? the bargaine thou hast made must needs be voyd , e for christ bought him before , and for him paid . wherefore thy chapman cannot keep him long , although he hath him in a place so strong . a he shall be free , b for christ doth him regard , c and for thy treacherie hee 'll thee reward . take thou example by iudas thy brother , d who for treacherie did exceed all other ; e his master he betray'd , who was a f king , and thou thy friend betray'dst for a small thing . iudas was punisht , and so shalt thou be ; for thou a traitor art as well as he : g yet he confess'd his fault , and did restore the money back , which he receiv'd before , to doe the deed about the which he went ; which having done , he then seem'd to h repent . yet for all that , he being voyd of grace , i dy'd in despaire in a most wofull case . let me advise thee , be like him in this , confesse , restore , repent ; 't is not amisse : but doe not k hang thy selfe , as iudas did , l because such things thou know'st god doth forbid . but give over thy trade of treacherie , m and call to god for grace before thou die , n that thou may'st as an honest man here live , untill thy soule to god thou dost up give . o heaven is the place where faithfull men shall raigne , p which place no lying traitor shall obtaine . chap. v. to the sea-man , a prisoner : thou sea-man , that art subject to the weather , tell me what winde it was that brought thee hither ? who was thy pilot , that had so much skill to bring thee to this port , against thy will ? the serjeants are the pilots for this bay : without the compasse they can finde the way . doubtlesse 't was some of them that did thee guide unto this haven , where thou must abide . thy sailes are down , and now thine anchor's cast , and hence thou canst not budge , thou art so fast . though winde and tide doe serve , yet hast thou lost thy voyage for this time , to thy great cost . now when thou shalt depart , thou dost not know , for till thy peace be made , thou canst not goe . whilst thou art here , i wish thee to consider a who 't is that must thee from this place deliver . it is the lord , whose b wonders thou hast seen , in the c deep sea , where thou hast often been d toss'd with the waves in stormes and tempests great ; which e raging waves against the ship did beat , f insomuch that thou couldst not chuse but thinke the beaten ship would at that instant sinke . and when thou didst approach g neere to the shore , h the danger then thou know'st was more and more : for then the i rocks and sands did thee affright , which could not be discern'd in the darke night . k then thou on god didst call , and he thee heard , and from those greater dangers thee preserv'd . l thus by the lords great power and mighty hand in m safety thou wast brought unto the land : where thou no sooner wast , but didst n neglect to give him thankes that did thee thus protect : o but with rude company didst drinke and p sweare , living q most wickedly without all care : r wherefore 't was just with god to let thee fall into these troubles : therefore on him (ſ) call to give thee grace , that thou t never forget to u praise his name . then though thou art in debt , x thou shalt not in this prison long remaine ; for he will y send thee to the sea againe . chap. vi . to the stranger , a prisoner . thou that a stranger art in prison here , a farre from thy country , friends and parents deare , b be not quite out of heart , for god above c will new friends raise thee here , d if thou him love . e 't is not the distance of the place , that can f his providence keep back from any man . god of the g stranger hath a speciall care , as well in a strange country , as elsewhere : h his goodnesse and his mercy doth appeare throughout the world , to those that doe him feare . what need'st thou then take any thing to heart , i seeing the lord doth love thee where thou art ? now k though thou hast estranged been from him , l yet hee 'll not leave thee to thy selfe to sinne . m when thou his mercies felt , thou then wast glad n but now he thee correcteth , thou art sad . o experience thou hast of his goodnesse by sea and land ; and yet neverthelesse thou didst forget thy selfe , p and went'st astray , as travellers doe , q that are out of the way . r what cam'st thou in this country for to see ? strange (ſ) fashions ? or some other vanitie ? in prison here strange things thou may'st behold , t for here vaine people are , both young and old : u if in such company thou take delight , x they 'll bring thee to a miserable plight . consider with thy selfe what thou hast done , y t' offend ; or how in debt and want th'hast run ; z for which thou art here laid up to remaine , where thou may'st lose , much more then thou canst gaine . wherefore 't is time for thee to looke about , to see if some a good friend will helpe thee out . endeavour what thou canst , b and crave gods ayd , hee 'll stand thy friend , therefore be not dismay'd : and when he thee delivered hath from hence , doe what thou canst c to get experience : and let me now advise thee as a stranger , d thou fall not once againe into such danger : but being free , e spend not thy time in vaine , then thou with credit may'st f go home againe . chap. vii . to the faint-hearted prisoner . be not dejected , thou a faint-hearted man : what ayl'st thou , b that thou look'st so pale and wan ? thou think'st it strange in prison here to lie , and art c afraid thou shalt be sick and die : even as a man at sea thou seem'st to be , sick at the first , distemper'd and queafie : this maladie will not last very long ; d after a while thou wilt againe grow strong . take courage man , and doe not him resemble e that at small things is apt to quake and tremble : the sergeants thou need'st not at all to feare , for they are gone , now they have lodg'd thee here : the docket man , when he doth for thee call , to goe along with him unto guild hall , give him his groat , and pay th'attorneyes fee , or else they 'll not doe any thing for thee : thy creditors , if they doe not declare , non-suit them : for why should'st thou them forbeare ? and if they doe declare , be not afraid , f although this harsh course they take to be paid . what if they have taken a resolution , to charge thee quickly with an execution ? it 's very like , that for a time thereby they may deprive thee of thy libertie . yet though thy bodie in prison they keepe , a doe not forbeare to eate , drink , rest , and sleepe . what need'st thou b feare what men can doe unto thee ? c do'st thinke by this course they mean to undoe thee ? beleeve it , and doe not thy selfe deceive ; d they can no more doe then god gives them leave . what if to malice they are so much bent ? e call on the lord , their designes hee 'le prevent . f the feare of danger which thou hadst , be sure is more then that , which thou do'st now endure . g feare thou not those that may thy bodie spoile , but cannot give unto thy soule the foile . h feare thou the mightie god of israel , that can both soule and bodie cast in hell . i the feare of him which wise men doe enjoy , without all doubt k drives other feares away . l wherefore if thou art wise , doe not give place to slavish feare , t' will bring thee to disgrace . m faint not under the crosse , n cheere up thy heart , o get strength in christ , now thou in prison art . p then though thou hast not things here to content , q yet shalt thou have no just cause to repent . for if with r boldnesse thou repayr'st to him in thy distresse , then shalt thou want nothing . hee 'le give thee s courage , and much t strength to beare thy great afflictions , both here and elsewhere . and they that laid thee here , u shall never have on thee their wills , though they the same doe crave . for let them doe to thee the worst they can , thou need'st not feare , x looke thou up like a man y to him that rules the hearts of men : hee 'le please to rule them so , as thine shall have much ease . a and when god sees it fit thou hence dost goe , make him thy friend , b and thy time well bestow : c that thou no more into this place dost come , which is a place all wise men faine would shun . whilst thou art here , d be not at all dismay'd , e though for a little time thou art here stay'd : f but trust in god , g and let thy sins decrease ; h then god out of this place will thee release . chap. viii . to his sonne . vvhen i in prison was , nine yeares agoe , a thou at that time in prison wast also . i ne're in prison was before that time , no more wast thou , for then thou wast not mine . b i was the sergeant that in prison laid thee , c thy mother was thy gaoler that obey'd me . i , no close prisoner was , though i had foes ; d but thou wast shut up close , thy mother knowes . in prison i could walke , and looke about , but thou in prison then could'st not peepe out : in prison i my sight had to my minde , but thou t' is knowne in prison wast starke blinde : in prison i was cold , and tooke much harme ; but thou in prison wast kept very warme : in prison i hard shift made for my diet ; but thou in prison hadst thy food in quiet : in prison i grew leane for want of feeding ; in prison i know thou hadst thy first breeding : e my flesh in prison did consume away ; but thy flesh then increased every day : in prison i had alwayes company ; but thou alone in prison then didst lye : my keeper in prison did me neglect ; but thy keeper did never thee forget : my keeper was a man that was above me ; thy keeper was a woman that did love thee ; my keeper did at me oft-times repine ; but thy keeper a deare friend was of thine : my keeper often saw me in the light ; but thy keeper depriv'd was of thy sight ; my keeper i was faine to pray and pay ; but thy keeper car'd for thee night and day ; i was nine weekes in prison ; so long try'd ; but thou a nine months in prison did'st abide : when i came out of prison , glad was i ; when thou cam'st out of prison b thou did'st cry : when i came forth i then some cloaths did lack ; c but thou then had'st not a rag to thy back : when i came forth , my friends i went to see ; when thou cam'st forth , thy friends did visit thee : into prison againe i may adventure ; d but thou into thy prison shalt ne're enter : nine yeares have i my liberty enjoy'd , but now in prison am againe annoy'd . five times nine yeares and upwards have i liv'd , sometimes contentedly , but often griev'd . nine yeares in sorrowes hast thou liv'd with me , which with thy tender yeares could not agree . but god , who for his children doth provide , hath rais'd thee friends , with whom thou dost abide , far distant from this naughty place ; and yet they love thee dearly , which i 'le ne're forget ; where thou good breeding hast , and may'st have still , with all things else according to my will ; and where thou willingly shunn'st that that 's naught , e and also learn'st apace what thou art taught . if thou continu'st as thou hast begun , f i then shall have of thee much joy my son . and now to a goodnesse i heare thy minde 's bent , in all my troubles i shall have content . b the hope of comfort which of thee i have , makes me rejoyce in this living mens grave . wherefore c learne now whilst thou art young and tender , then thou hereafter wilt the same remember . thou then may'st be a man of good esteeme , d and my lost credit may'st at last redeeme . e then thou may'st be to me a helpe and stay , when i am old , and ready to decay : f thou then the lord wilt praise , g and thank thy friends , endeavoring how thou may'st make them amends . now though in prison i am here a while , by reason of those that did me beguile ; yet still my hope is , that i shall one day h see thee and all thy friends againe with joy . chap. ix . to the scholler , a prisoner . a vvhen schollers have the truants play'd their fill , they must be b whipp'd , though much against their wil . the truant thou hast plaid , and eke c neglected thy book to learne , for which thou art corrected . this prison is thy schoole now for a time , d christ thy schoolemaster is as well as mine . now seeing thou unto this schoole art brought , e in practice put that which thou hast beene taught . for christ thy master is with thee offended , f because thy life thou hast not yet amended : g and yet thou need'st not be too much afraid , h though thou the truant hast so often plaid . i for if thou dost endeavour to doe well , k and wilt no more against him so rebell ; then he to thee ( i know ) will be as milde , as any a father can be to his childe . b he will not alwaies angry be , nor chide with those that his corrections can abide . c yet thou complain'st , thy punishment is great , and dost with griefe the same oft-times repeat ; d and art disquieted here in this schoole ; yet doe not thou with others play the foole . e for thou should'st rather teach , then learne of those which have no breeding , though they weare good clothes . be thou the usher of this schoole , that so f thou may'st teach others that which they don't know . here are poore schollers , that are apt to learne g much ill : but goodnesse they cannot discerne . thou may'st observe , h how some are still addicted to wickednesse , i though they are here afflicted . some k give their mindes to drinke , others to l sweare , and some m their whoring will not here forbeare . some doe delight at cards and dice to play ; n and thus most of them passe their time away . consider this ; instruct them to be o sober , that they may learne a new lease to turne over . omit no time , p good counsell now to give unto such as in ignorance here live : q for some so ignorant are , that they scarce know so much , as little babes , the christ-crosse-row . r lead thou a godly life , and vertuous be , that they example may here take by thee . (ſ) cheer up thy heart , and be not now so muddy , although thy bookes thou hast not here to study . it may be thou hast pawn'd , or sold away thy bookes to such t as seldome read or pray : yet be not still so u sad as thou hast been , although those bookes thou canst not yet redeeme : for if thou hast one booke amongst the rest , x the bible , which of all bookes is the best , thou hast enough , to study thereupon , a and need'st no other book but that alone . he that doth b study much ( without all doubt ) in other bookes , will soone be wearied out . but he that in c gods word takes great delight , and therein d meditates both e day and f night ; g that man shall flourish , and see happy dayes , for god will prosper him in all his wayes . h god is the author of that holy booke , and therefore thou therein may'st boldly looke . i all holy scripture's given by inspiration , and therefore is in such great k estimation . l search them alone , and thou therein shalt finde eternall life , m which satisfies the minde . n there wisdome thou mayst learne , for thy soules health : o the rich find there much joy , p the poore much wealth . there 's choise of spirituall food ; q feed on it then : r there 's milke for babes , (ſ) and meat for stronger men . it 's like a brooke , that 's large and deep , wherein t the lambe may wade , u and th'elephant may swim . x all , that to our salvation tends , is there penn'd down in holy writ ; and not elsewhere . and yet gods word is to the stubborne jewes a y stumbling block ; which makes them it refuse : and to the self-will'd gentiles it 's likewise a z foolishnesse ; therefore they it despise . to say the truth , a this book 's not understood b by learned schollers , that seeme to be good . c there 's none at all can understand this thing , untill god d open their understanding . now study 't with delight , e call on gods name , so shalt thou rightly understand the same . then shalt thou be in a most happy taking , f when thou a scholler art of gods owne making . whil'st thou art here , g learne something every day , h and teach such as are quite out of the way . a please thy schoole-master , and contented be ; so shalt thou breake up schoole , and be set free : and afterwards b thou having lived well , shalt with thy master christ for ever dwell in heaven above , c where thou shalt see and know more then thou ever heard'st of here below . chap. x. to an ancient man , a prisoner , exceedingly oppressed with griefe , and sorrow upon sorrow . thy a sorrowes , old man , are sorrowes indeed , b which sorrowes doe all others here exceed . c thou art a man dejected in our fight , d and carefull thoughts are with thee day and night . e thy countenance shewes how thy f heart is griev'd , and thy g gray haires shew that thou hast long liv'd . h if thou thy youthfull dayes didst not well spend , i now thou art old , endeavour to amend : k and then although thy body doe decay , thy spirit shall revive and live for aye in heaven with christ , who l heares thy groanes and cryes ; hee 'll m wipe away all thy teares from thine eyes . if thou for debt art to this place committed , n thy case ( if thou art poore ) is to be pitti'd . it was thy o daughter , whom thou lov'st full deare , that was th'occasion of thy being here . thou didst her place with one , that did her keep , p where she no want had of food , cloaths , nor sleep : but therewithall she was not well contented , and therefore she from thence q herselfe absented ; r being by wicked counsell much deluded , so that in danger she her selfe intruded : a and proving false to him , with whom she dwelt , she then the miserie of a prison felt : b and thou having for her truth thy word past , arrested wast , and into prison ●ast : when she came shortly after to be try'd , c she was found guilty ; for which cause she dy'd : then thy poore wife d fell sick , and dy'd for griefe , hearing her childe did suffer as a theefe . e thus was thy griefe and sorrow much increas'd , f as with gods children 't is , when they thinke least . besides all this , now in thy great distresse g thy friends doe not themselves to thee addresse ; h but leave thee comfortlesse here in this place , to muse upon thy daughters great disgrace . i if thou , like old eli , didst e're neglect thy children in their young dayes to correct ; k then thou , like old eli , for that cause art corrected now thy selfe , and feel'st the smart . if thou , like david , ( when thy girle was young ) was fond or'e her , l as he was o're his sonne ; m then thou like david must afflicted be , ( for being then so fond ) as well as he . like eli be , when thou corrected art , n submit to god , and take it in good part . o like david be , who after he had cry'd for his lost sonne , p was then well pacifi'd . now davids sonne , q by his untimely death dy'd in his sins , and so gave up his breath . thy daughter had a time before she dy'de , to call on god : her r sins she did not hide . (ſ) doubtlesse the lord heard her humble request , and that her soule is now with him at rest . t comfort thy selfe in god now she is gone , u and thinke that thou must follow her ere long : thy adversaries x cannot long detaine thee here in this prison , where y they now disdaine thee . a when god his time sees fit , hee 'le thee release : b live therefore well , c so shalt thou dye in peace . d thy soule shall then ascend to god on high , e and live with him in heaven eternally . chap. xi . to his eldest daughter . there was a time , before thy time , in which i was beloved of the a poore and b rich . for in those dayes c i had good things about me , and many could not well subsist without me . i then alone did live , wherefore i sought , d and found her which into the world thee brought . e a burden thou wast to her a long while , when she thee carried then many a mile , into a country which thou could'st not see , where i had f land , that caus'd my misery . g and when from thence she brought thee back againe , after a while h thou put'st her to great paine : for thou so heavy wast , and big also , i that she then could no longer with thee goe . so weake was she , that thou mad'st her to fall , so that for helpe k she did both cry and call . and then betweene you both there was such strife , l that she therewith had almost lost her life . after which combat , though she had the worst , yet she thy best friend was , m for she thee nurst . and though her paines were great , yet shortly after we both rejoyc'd in thee n our elder daughter . i then in credit liv'd , and did enjoy o the pleasures of this life , which seem'd so gay . p but now those dayes are past , my credit 's lost , q my meanes are gone , and my designes are crost . much trouble i of late have undergone , and now at last a am in a prison strong , depriv'd of that which heretofore i had , b t' was never with me as 't is now so bad . so that to say the truth , i may be here compar'd to the foure c seasons of the yeare . the joyfull d spring , the dainty e summer fine , the fruitfull f harvest , and the g winter time . h the spring time of my youth i i liv'd in pleasure , then god gave thee to me , thou wast my treasure . k in those dayes i knew not what troubles meant , for then my country-house i had in kent . the summer time l of my good dayes had i much trading and withall , my girle mary . m in those dayes i got meanes , and lived well , my credit then was good , my friends can tell . i' th harvest time n i gather'd much , and than i lost much , yet , god gave me my girle nan . in those dayes o i much care had to uphold my credit , which i valued more then gold . the winter season , when p i had my fill of troubles , then god sent me my son will . in those dayes i was then , as now i am , in great distresse , q and counted a lost man . great losses i sustain'd that stormy time , r which makes me now to suffer and repine . s the losse of ( nan ) thy sister , was then more grievous to me , then all i lost before . a tedious winter 't is as i suppose , t how long t' will last , the lord above best knowes . thus in this world have i beene u toss'd and tumbl'd , sometimes advanc'd aloft , and sometimes humbl'd . x the day-light of my former dayes are done , the dark-night of my latter dayes are come . yet still i hope t' will not be so with thee , y but that thy best dayes will hereafter be . although thy worst dayes be now for a season , yet doubtlesse thou hast so much wit and reason , to thinke , if thou a serve god , b and thy friends please , that thou hereafter may'st live more at ease . c the more thou art in thy young dayes deprest , the more one day will be thy joy and rest : and if thou live to be a woman growne , d thou wilt rejoyce that thou so much hast knowne . thou now art with e thy friends , who love thee well , give them content , whilst thou with them dost dwell . f give not thy selfe at all to idlenesse , g but be thou doing something , more or lesse : be * modest , loving , and of good behaviour , so shalt thou be esteem'd of , and in favour . h and if to goodnesse thou dost now incline , thou then art gods deere childe , as well as mine : thou then two fathers hast , be of good cheere ; i the one 's in heaven above , k the other's here . l thy earthly father's poore , and weak withall , m thy heavenly father's rich , and liberall . if thou want that which i have not to give thee ; goe to n thy heavenly father , hee 'le releeve thee : make thy case knowne to him , the o truth declare , and p tell no lyes , but thereof have a care : for god will never grant such their desires ; q the devill is the father of all lyers . now if thou learn'st good manners every day , r and carriest thy selfe well , not being coy ; s if thou to godlinesse dost give thy minde , t and wilt live vertuously , then thou shalt finde , u that though thou many things art now deny'd , yet shalt thou be hereafter satisfi'd . in the meane while x consider well these things , that i may from thee heare some good tidings . y it will rejoyce my heart , though i am here in prison , where i want meanes to be cleere . a be thou my comfort now , and thou shalt see , i 'le be thy comforter , when i am free . chap. xii . to the domineering creditor over a poore debtor of his in prison . thou domineering man , a that art so b wise in thy conceit ! c why dost thou so despise d thy debtor , which at thy suit here doth lye , where he for want of food in time may dye ? he hath good friends ( sayst thou ) that will not see him lye in prison long , in misery : but rather will some order take to pay his debts , that he no longer here may stay . alas ! thou art deceiv'd , t' will not appeare , e that they 'le doe any thing whilst he is here . f he rather fares the worse for them , so that he 's like a mouse that 's taken in a trap . g yet thou dost boast and brag what thou hast done , in laying up a poore man in prison . what hast thou gotten now by doing so ? the h devill for thy friend , and i god thy foe . k the devill takes delight in cruelty , l and god rejects him that shewes no mercy : m yet thou thy selfe , having the world at will , n tak'st no pitty on him that is so ill . o thou tak'st thy pleasure , p he grieves at the heart ; q yet he 's gods creature , even as thou art . r yet thou beleev'st thou art better then he , s because thou hast him made subject to thee . yet when all comes to all , one day thou must , as well as he , t be turned into dust . then who shall judge , which of you is the better , whether the creditor , or the poore debtor . a your bodies in the darke grave may be there alike unto the wormes without compare . your soules may differ much , b for they must flie up to the c judge ( of heaven and d earth ) on high : e where that great judge pronounce shall to all men f both g good and h bad , their sentence just ; and then i the soule that hath done well , heav'n shall enjoy ; k the soule that hath done ill , god will destroy . consider this , l thou that do'st domineere o're thy poore debtor whom thou hast lodg'd here : for thou thy selfe m art mightily in debt unto the lord , which thou should'st not forget ; n and if christ will not for thee undertake , thy debts to pay , o for his own mercie sake ; then thy poore soule and body shall at last p be into hell ( that fearefull prison ) cast . q if thou therefore wouldst mercy now obtaine , r be thou to others mercifull againe . (ſ) come to thy poore debtor that 's in distresse ; t give him his libertie , and so expresse u thy love to him , that he hereafter may be able ( with gods helpe ) his debts to pay . thus thou may'st doe him good , and thy selfe too ; x wherefore delay no time this good to doe ; y then doubtlesse thy great creditor will forgive thee all thy debts : z and thou with him shalt live . chap. xiii . to the men , which are prisoners in the hole . a you that are pris'ners in the hole , doe not b despaire of helpe , although it be your lot to be throng'd up together in a hole , a where you each others miserie may condole . experience you have had of b gods goodnesse , which he to you hath shew'd c in your distresse : d the lord your helpe and comfort will be still , e if you obedient are unto his will . f 't is god alone that moves mens hearts to pitty poore pris'ners both in country and in city . g your benefactors he makes liberall , and therefore you h should daily on him call i to blesse and sanctifie the meanes you have k to feed your bodies , l and your soules to save . 't is like in former time that some of you did not fare halfe so well as now you doe : and if againe you had your liberty , it may be you so well could not supply your hungry bellies with such food , as now provided is , which none can disallow . your bodies likewise need endure no cold , for you have fire enough for young and old . many besides you are here in this place , that think they are not in so good a case ; because they often times in great want are of that ( god knowes ) which you sometimes can spare : but if their chamber rent they cannot pay , then in your hole they must be put to stay . consider also how m your soules are fed with gods word , n which to you is daily read . o god by his word to you speakes very plaine ; p and you by prayer speake to him againe . q this exercise you have now twice a day , having occasion just to sing and pray . r if inward mirth you have , sing heartily ; if outward crosses , s pray continually : t if you those godly psalmes of david sing without true knowledge , or understanding , then you sing like the bird that doth rejoyce , the nightingall , that 's nothing but a voyce . a if you to god doe pray , and not regard how you speake to him , b then you are not heard : much like the papists you are , when they pray , who utter words , but know not what they say . c if you gods word doe heare with no delight , d and live like heathen people in our sight ; e you then like heathen shall be cast away , the lord will not your punishment delay . there are amongst you , doubtlesse , that have been in drinke , and otherwise much overseen : at tavernes and ale houses were your meetings , where you with others had your merry greetings : and there , and at worst places you have spent your time away in beastly merriment . in stead of davids psalmes , you have sung out your f drunken songs , and so kept revell rout : in stead of prayer , pratling you have us'd , g and gods most holy name have much abus'd : the fidlers you have heard with more delight then h gods pure word , which is so just and right . thus most of you have done when you were free , but now i' th hole such things you cannot see : i from such lewd courses you are now restrain'd , and to doe better things you are enjoyn'd . thus in your bondage k you exercise more your selves in prayer , then you did before . a happy bondage 't is , you can't deny , if you your sinfull l lusts can mortifie : m but if for all this you will not amend your lives ; then you shall finde , that in the end , although your bellies be with food suppli'de , your backs may want course raggs your skin to hide . your bones in time by lying hard , will ake , your flesh the lice will not at all forsake . untill you die ; and then they 'll turne you over unto the a wormes , which then shall be your mother : and then the b worme of conscience , which ne're dies , shall feed upon your soules with wofull cries : and though your bodies in the c graves remaine , and turne to dust , d yet they shall rise againe to judgement , at which time they must needs dwell e with your poore soules , in the darke hole of hell . how soone that day will be , you doe not know ; but when death comes , you to that place must goe . your state is wretched now , 't will then be worse , for you shall ever be under gods curse . thus 't will be with you , if your mindes are bent f to live and die in sinne , and not repent . wherefore g bethinke your selves what you have done , and be reclaim'd , that you the h race may run of christians pure , who never cease to i walke the way to heaven , k of which they joy to talke . that l race you may now run , and get the gole , though you are stay'd , and shut up in a hole . m gods word is your direction , n heare , and o pray p in faith ; and then the hole will be the way . q through troubles and afflictions you shall finde the readi'st way , if you are not starke blinde . whil'st you therefore are here , r feare god , and (ſ) feed your bodies , t and your soules , that have such need . yet be not like the fox , or like his brood , which loves his hole , if he there can have food . but rather use good meanes to get out hence , that you may have such food without offence , abroad in other places , being free , which to good minds doth best of all agree . then doubtlesse god in his due time will send you libertie , and u comfort in the end . and if the steward of your hole be just , your reader chaste , not given to his lust ; your cooke a cleanly fellow in his place ; your constable well order'd , and not base ; and you that are inferiour to all these , that are so full of lice and biting fleas ; that have no beds to lye on , but must needs lye in your cloathes , where all your vermine breeds ; a if you together in good sort doe live , b the lord will change your lodging , and soone give you such a place to dwell in , as shall be c the place where you for ever shall be free . chap. xiv . to his youngest daughter . when thou into this wretched world a cam'st crying , b ten thousand round about thee lay a dying . many which in the morning had their breath , c before night were depriv'd thereof by death . death in those dayes with his sharp poyson'd dart , d smote thousands weekly through the very heart ; and led them captives to their graves , where they e must needs remaine untill the lords great day . f this domineering death took rich and poore , g and some that liv'd with me were at his doore . he at that dolefull time was fierce and bold , and made more havock of the young then old . great was his priviledge then in the city , h for fooles and wisemen he tooke without pitie . i he then spar'd none at all that were in 's reach , but did amongst all callings make a breach . the belfrees he caus'd to be full of people , who made the bells to ring in every steeple . a dolefull sound there was , k then graves were plenty , l which made the streets of london to be empty . a and then most trades did faile , i knew but one that flourish'd , which were wooden cookes alone . their wooden crust death furnish'd with great store of flesh , b which living people did abhor : and therefore they convey'd were under ground , for c wormes to feed on , which did then abound . the pye-crust which was fram'd and made of wood , they did dislike , yet d th'inside they found good . death was their friend , he daily did provide such food , and yet they were not satisfi'd . e thou then deaths hands escap'dst , as well as i , yet when he comes we cannot from him flye . my country house in those infectious dayes i had , where grew much rosemary and bayes , i' th towne of battersey , where thou didst make thy mothers belly , sides and back to ake , f with struggling over much with her to be discharg'd out of that place where she kept thee as long as e're she could , yet at the last g she let thee goe , because thou wast in haste , now when thou cam'st into the world starke naked , h having thy limbes and members all well shaped , yet thou a name did'st want , i which those did give unto thee then , with whom thou now dost live : thy godfather and godmother are they which thy name gave thee ; and the selfe same day by promise they engag'd themselves for thee , k that thou from satan and his workes should'st flee , and likewise should'st abstaine l from vaine delights , m and sinfull lusts , which gainst the spirit it fights : and that thou should'st n beleeve all in thy creed , o keeping gods holy lawes , and so proceed to p walke therein all the dayes of thy life , q that thou in peace mayst live , and not in strife . all these things they have promised for thee , which thou ought'st to performe , then they are free . they are thy sureties , till th' art of age , and then thy sureties thou should'st disengage . when they that charge first tooke of thee , i then in credit liv'd among all sorts of men . i in that sickly time was forc'd to walke the city streets , a yet with few men did talke . for then was i to them much like a stranger , b because my life i would not then endanger . but afterwards when losses came upon me , c in my first troubles , some friends did bemone me . and when by many men i was undone , i walk'd the streets , yet was i faine to shun the company of many , which to me seem'd officers , d so that i fear'd to be in danger of that , which i now at last am brought unto , e where i am lock'd up fast in a poore prison , where are good and bad , f and where i want that which before i had . yet if thy minde thou now giv'st g to doe well , then comfort i shall have , though here i dwell . h feare god above , and thy i parents obey , so shalt thou k live many a happy day . thy godfather and thy godmother love ; l be thou not wilde , m but gentle as a dove . be rul'd by them , n for they thy best friends are , they love thee well , that art from me so farre . thou art their godchilde , o learne of them , and know some goodnesse now , p and therein daily grow . such godfathers and godmothers as those are much to be respected ( i suppose : ) there are not many such now to be found , whom thou enjoy'st , though i am in lobs pound . wherefore whil'st thou art with them lose no time , q be cleanly , and doe not thy selfe begrime . r reade thy booke often , s let thy needle be alwayes in use , and a delight to thee . a doe willingly such things thou go'st about , b be not at all dogged , frowne not , nor pout . but let thy carriage be now , and alwayes , c such as hereafter may get thee the praise . d if i could now from thee such good newes heare , it would revive me more then wine or beere : for though e i am neglected in this place , if thou doe well , i shall be in good case : my minde will be at ease i make no doubt , f and some good friend at length will get me out : and when my liberty i shall obtaine , i hope to g see thee with much joy againe . chap. xv . to the prodigall young man , a prisoner . thou a that a spend-thrist art , clap'd up for debt in prison ▪ where no goodnesse thou canst get ! thou see'st here are b companions to thy minde , which are like thee to vaine c pleasures inclin'd . though thou now art a pris'ner here depriv'd of liberty ▪ yet being here arriv'd , thou tak'st thy liberty d to drinke e and sweare , f which wicked custome thou should'st here forbeare : g for this a place is of disconsolation , h which ought to worke in thee a reformation . and if this place will not at all thee tame , then must i needs conclude , i thou art past shame ▪ though thou hast money to swagger and roare , when that is spent , how think'st thou to get more ? thy friends and parents , by whom thou had'st meanes , k which thou hast spent amongst base knaves and queans , will now leave thee unto thy selfe to shift , l because thou hast beene such a wilde unthrift . a thy lewd companions now will forsake thee although they were the onely lads that brake thee . b thy wenches , with whom thou didst take delight , will scorne thee now , and not come in thy sight . the truth is , whether thou be rich or poore , a beare is fitter for thee than a whore . thy credit in this place will soone be lost , though thou hast been here long to thy great cost . if thou the tapster shouldst owe but a groat , he would goe neere to pluck 't out of thy throat : though thou should'st spend here forty pound a yeere , yet hee 'll scarce trust thee for a pot of beere . c though thou in want should'st make to him thy mone for bread , drinke , or tobacco , d he hath none for such as have no money ; and therefore hee 'll bid thee get thee gone , for hee 'll not score . now when thou art e brought to so much disgrace , the hole 't is like will be thy dwelling place . many a worse lodging thou hast had , when with harlots thou didst lodge , thou know'st , for then 't was worse with thee , f thou then wast in great danger g to be ensnar'd by satan , that great ranger : h for thou then wast plung'd over head and eares i in sin , which thou should'st here bewaile with teares . thy case was desperate then , and now is like to be worse , if k god give thee not a sight of thy great sinnes , the which thou hast committed against him , l for which thou art here afflicted . m and though much sorrows thou hast , doe not thinke n to mitigate thy sorrowes by much drinke : for if that course thou tak'st , thou may'st be sure o thy sorrowes will increase , and long endure : such seeming remedies have some undone ; wherefore be thou like the prodigall sonne , p who when his substance he had vainely spent , q being in extreame want , r did then repent , a confessing all his faults , and then resolv'd to goe to his father to be absolv'd ; b his father , when he saw him in that ●ase , tooke pitty on him , and did him embrace : c he did not with him chide , although he were a naughty childe , such was his love and care , and joy withall , when he his d lost sonne saw return'd , and found obedient to his law ; then he receiv'd him , and him entertain'd , although before e he was so much disdain'd : f he cloath'd him bravely then from top to toe , g and feasted him most sumptuously also : besides all that , this loving father had h musick and dancing , to make his heart glad . now if this prodigall thou wilt resemble , i and at gods fearfull judgements quake and tremble : if thou thy wicked wayes wilt leave , and k turne unto thy heavenly father , and so spurne at thy l companions , m that would thee entice to leave all goodnesse , n and to follow vice . o if thou with patience canst a while abide this chastisement , p and not be terrifi'd , q but thereby brought to goodnesse , and so love thy father , r whose dwelling 's in heaven above ; s thou then all sinfull pleasures wilt detest , and t long to be with him in heav'n at rest : u a portion there hee 'll give thee to content , x of such good things as never shall be spent : nay furthermore , hee 'll likewise give to thee y a crown of glory , and there thou shalt be z co-heire with his sonne christ , a thy elder brother , b with the triumphant church c his spouse , thy mother . d angels and saints shall be thy company ( in that most glorious place ) continually . e all earthly pleasures , and the chiefest joyes are to those heavenly pleasures but meere toyes . a thinke on those heavenly things , and let thy b heart be there , although in this place now thou art . c thou then shalt finde , that this affliction shall the best thing prove , as ere did thee befall : for god hereby hath brought thee in the way to heav'n : wherefore d thou shalt not long here stay . thou art still going , though thou stirre not hence ; e keep on thy way , f god will be thy defence : and though in prison thou art now so fast , hee 'll bring thee safely g to that place at last . chap. xvi . to the prisoners called by the name of rats , which are debauched men , taken at unlawfull houres in the night by the watch , and brought into prison . a you that the black prince are forc'd to obey , ( i meane the b prince of darknesse ) night and day : c the end of your obedience is damnation , which shall begin in his d darke habitation . e how soon you know not , too soone you shall know f to your eternall shame , miserie and woe . the places you tick out g to drinke and rore , h are doubtlesse the suburbes of hell ; therefore i you rather chuse to be there then elsewhere k with your base whores , with whom you drink & swear . l the longest night i' th yeare you thinke too short to spend like wicked wretches in that sort . m seeing therefore the night you love so well you shall have night enough , being in hell : n for there the night shall never have an end , which loathsome night you shall be forc'd to spend a with devils , and with all their damned crew , b from which place none shall ever you rescue ; c you by no meanes those judgements can escape , because d hell for such wicked men doth gape . e the devill , he 's alwayes ready to take your soules away , if you doe not forsake f your grievous sinnes , which to the lord on high for vengeance daily doe both call and cry . g you little thinke on this , it doth appeare ; for if you did , you would not now be here . h but you those secret places doe frequent , i where you your time have oftentimes mis-spent : k in drinking , dicing , whoring , and such like l you take your pleasure , and in the darke night you m walke the streets , where watchmen then , like cats , seize on you , as you are , like drunken rats ; n and hither they you bring , where you are mad untill the o morning , and then you grow sad , because th'officious constable so witty , that 's never out of office in this citty , p who finding you disguis'd and voyd of wit , could doe no lesse but speedily commit you to this prison , from whence you must goe along with him , like sodden sheep ; and so you bring before the next justice of peace , who will out of this prison you release , when you have payd for swearing , and likewise your fees discharg'd , then you will soone advise what place to goe to , where you may relate to your companions , at what a cheap rate you have escap'd the punishment then due for your foule misdemeanors , which is true : and then your wicked crew , when they heare this , q they 'll doe the like , and thinke it not amisse : for they thinke , if they money have to pay , r they may commit such follies every day . a not knowing what vengeance hangs o're their heads , b whilst they lye sleeping in their drinke on beds . c thinke not though earthly judges doe forbeare to punish vicious fellowes as you are , d that god will spare to execute his just and severe judgement on you for your lust . e he notice takes of all your wayes , therefore f your sinfull wicked courses now abhorre : g his anger then from you hee 'le turne away , so that you shall ne're perish nor decay . goe then from hence , h abstaine from vaine delights , forsake all such i as turne dayes into nights . k behave your selves like men that live in fame , l and not like to bruit beasts , m that have no shame . 't is knowne that you have got by being here the title of base rats , at which men jeere ; and not unfitly are such names impos'd on you , that are within this place inclos'd : for you like rats , in the darke silent night , n more mischiefe doe , then in the day that 's bright . if rats finde food , they i feed on 't all night long , o at which time you drinke most , be 't ne're so strong . i' th night rats are more troublesome then i' th day : and so are you , p that will no lawes obey . rats in the night , when they thinke least , are taken , q and so are you ; you are not then forsaken . rats of themselves goe freely in the trap ; r but you to this trap are brought , 't is your hap . the greatest difference i find between you , is , that they have foure legs , and you but two . i wish your fellow rats which us annoy , would goe with you when you hence goe away . i wish when you from hence are gone , you would s never more be ( as you are now ) befool'd . t drinke ( and tobacco ) taken in excesse , u make wise men fooles , x and fooles come to distresse . a those that delight in harlots shall at length b be full of foule diseases , and want c strength . the rich man that 's a gamester , let him know , whether he win or lose , hee 'le be brought low , the wretched swearer , that may sweare his fill , if he can pay for oathes , the judge then will let him goe free , yet he 's the devils slave , d the curse of god will follo him to his grave . e you that to these vices are now addicted , f shall for the same be one day much afflicted ; g if you your wicked lives doe not amend , h gods judgements shall o'retake you in the end , i which judgements you by no meanes can prevent , k unlesse the lord give you grace to repent , which he will doe , l if you can him intreat , and m pardon all your sins , though ne're so great . oh , what a happy thing will it be then , when you all vice give o're , n and bee new men ! o you 'le then bethinke your selves of better things , p and yeeld obedience to the q king of kings . r your service hee 'le reward here and above , s wherefore above all things doe you him love : t and then all vice and wickednesse you 'le hate , u so that you 'le be in a most blessed state . then x shall the devill away from you flye , y and you in gods favour shall live and dye . chap. xvii . to the carrier , a prisoner . thou that a carrier art , i must thee tell , thou hast not carried thy selfe very well : for if thou had'st , it might be well suppos'd , thou had'st not at this time beene here inclos'd . doubtlesse thou wast very much overseene , to take up this base prison for thine inne . but seeing now thy nest thou hast here built , think not thou canst depart hence when thou wilt : for now thou art here , here thou shalt be stay'd , untill thy reckoning to a doit be payd : and what thy chamberlaine doth say is due , thou must needs pay , be 't ne're so false or true : when thou call'st to thine host out of the grate for food , hee 'le send it thee at his owne rate . yet if thou pay not for it beforehand , for all thy calling hee 'le not understand . i 'le undertake thou shalt be here so yoak'd , that the proud tapster will first see thee choak'd before hee 'le trust thee for a little drinke , though thou intreat him , yet hee 'le from thee slinke . coarse entertainment thou shalt finde and see , the longer thou art here , the worse t' will be ; so well t' will like thee , that i dare maintaine , when thou art gone thou'lt ne're come here againe . yet let me tell thee one thing by the way , if thou should'st be disorder'd every day in drink or otherwise , with knaves or whores , yet will not thine host turne thee out of doores : nay though thy carriage should be ne're so base , thou shalt be kept safe in this lawlesse place . wherefore discharge thy reckoning and be trudging ; doe not delay the time to change thy lodging . but how cam'st thou behind hand , canst thou tell , that thou should'st be constrain'd here now to dwell ? thou must needs say , that a thy ill husbandry hath brought thee to this great calamity . b thou hast beene carelesse , c and too credulous , and therefore it must needs be with thee thus . d for he that will beleeve every tale , and make mad bargaines , e when he 's in his ale , and his calling neglects , which should maintaine his charge so great a by his labour and paine , b he that 's thus drawne away by company , c doubtlesse shall come to extreame poverty . in all which thou canst not thy selfe excuse , though late , yet now , d bad company refuse . where are thy pot-companions , and thy crew of good fellowes ? they bid thee now adieu : e they 'le not come neere thee , now thou art in trouble ▪ because thou hast not meanes with them to fuddle . such f drunkards are by drunkards call'd good fellowes , which rather should be call'd the devils bellowes . for he with them blowes and kindles the fire g of quarrels and debate , which they desire . a good riddance thou hast of them , therefore h desire thou their company no more . and when thou hast thy liberty , doe not count him thy friend that 's given to the pot . for such a one will i cause thee to foreslow . thy businesse , which may cause thy overthrow . thy wise and servants may doe what thy can , k yet 't will not thrive till thou be l a new man . but thou thy freedome hast not yet obtain'd , m 't is god that hath thee hitherto restrain'd , n and if thou unto him dost now repaire in all humility by hearty prayer : confessing all thy sinnes , then make no doubt , o but he will raise thee friends to get thee out . consider how the lord thou hast offended , p and yet thy sinfull life hast not amended : thy carts were ne're charg'd with commoditie , q as thou art laden with iniquity . yet when unto the inne they come , then they unladen are without any delay : so r thou that laden art so much with sin , goe to thy saviour christ , and seeke to win a his love by thy obedience to his will , b and he will ease thee , be thou ne're so ill . thy waggon wheeles , when they want grease , doe cry , and keep a squeeking , till thou them supply . so when thou feel'st the want of grace , c cease not to cry to god , till thou the same hast got : d for wanting that , thou canst not but offend thy gracious god , e for which cause he doth send these troubles , which his rods are to reclaime thee from those sins , f in which thou hast long laine : g that by his chastisement thou may'st be brought to serve god likewise , h as thou hast been taught . thou know'st , thy teeme of horses , though well fed , like pamper'd jades , they care not to be led out of the stable to thy waggons , where they are put to doe service , 't is thy care : yet if sometimes they are not whipp'd and beaten , they 'll doe no service , though thou them dost threaten . if god in like manner should not thee give i correction , then in sin thou wonld'st still live , k and him forget to serve , that hath alwayes l defended thee from danger all thy dayes . wherefore be m thankfull to the lord for this his love to thee , n and doe no more amisse ; then when thy libertie thou shalt obtaine , thou may'st with credit o doe thy worke againe , p and thy calling discharge more faithfully then e're thou didst when thou hadst more plenty . thy waggon wheeles , if thou not'st , when they goe , that part that 's now above , anon's below : then that part that 's below , again 's on high ; thus are all men subject to casualtie : q there 's no man breathing can say he stands fast ; r the rich man that 's up now , is soon down cast : againe (ſ) the poore man that is full of sorrow , may be a poore man now , and rich to morrow . observe thy waggon wheeles on the high way , which never cease turning about , till they by turning , gain the place where thou would'st be of thy lading discharg'd : then thou art free . so likewise should'st thou turne about , untill thou turne not , as the wheeles turne in a mill . a but turning from thy sinnes , thou shalt have rest , b and then the lord will turne all to the best . and if by chance one of thy wheeles should breake upon the way , thou then would'st send to speake unto the wheele-right , to come and repaire that breach , lest thou should'st be forc'd to stay there . c so when thou dost fall into any sin , d doe not at any hand lie long therein ; but quickly e goe to christ , and hee 'll thee give grace to amend , f that thou in no sinne live . observe thy horses , ( which doe stand in awe ) their heavy lading they doe forward draw , so that by drawing thus , it 's often seen , they in due time come safely to their inne : but if one of those horses should draw back , their labour then were lost , and thou shouldst lack . now if thou , with thy wife , and servants all g agree together , then thy businesse shall goe forward , and no doubt but h god will blesse and prosper thy endeavours more or lesse . i but if together you doe not agree , thou canst not thrive , 't will be the worse for thee . wherefore k lift up thy soule to god on hie , for hee 's l the god of peace and unitie : m hee 'll set all straight , and thou shalt quickly finde n a happy change , according to thy minde . chap. xviii . to the master of the tap-house . thou art a so fat , that thou canst hardly run , and halfe as bigi'th middle as a tun : b thou tak'st thine ease , and hast c daily good fare , d thou drink'st good wine , untill thine eyes doe stare . though thou a mighty man art in this place , yet liv'st thou by those that live in disgrace . thou dost e exact on pris'ners that are here , by selling such things as thou hast , too deere . thy beere , though dead and low , yet dost thou thinke it 's for poore pris'ners good enough to drinke : thy ale though small , and measure very little , poore prisoners must have that , or none to tipple . thy bread though not full waight , f and nere so stale , thou think'st it good enough to sop in ale . thy cheese which thou mark'st out so neat and round , at thy rate is almost two groats a pound . thy rich tobacco , which poore fooles are faine to buy at thy deare rate , yeelds thee sweet gaine . thy pretty fine faggots , as green as geese , thou think'st too cheape at seven tokens apeece . thy candles , which are made of kitchin stuffe , are quickly burnt out to a stinking snuffe . thou art so wise , that thou no coales wilt sell to pris'ners which within this house doe dwell ; neither wilt thou suffer their friends to bring them such fuell , though it them cost nothing . what is the reason ? let me tell thee plaine , because by fagots thou so much dost gaine , regarding not g what pris'ners doe endure , so thou get'st meanes to satisfie the brewer : for by thy liquor thou gain'st most of all , and that by drunkards : who doe cry and yall for drinke , though they are full ; yet when they will a have more , their pots thou wilt be sure to fill . then they will drinke till they b reele to and fro , not being able of themselves to goe . these are thy friends , which thou wilt not see lack so long as they have a coat to their back : and if such fellowes were not in this house , thy trading then would scarce be worth a louse . c now when a civill man comes , that can't drinke more then will doe him good , thou then dost thinke hee 's no good customer , let him stand by , for his roome 's better then his company . an honest man , d that 's fallen to decay , if he ask credit of thee for a day , but for a penny loafe , or pot of beere , though he intreat thee , yet thou wilt not heare : nay , if he should be sick , ready to dye , for want thereof , thou wouldst not him supply . if pris'ners have a minde to drinke i' th night , no roome thou l't spare , unlesse they 'll pay for light . such orders thou hast made , which i dare say , may hold a while , which pris'ners must obay : but if thou thus continu'st e to doe wrong , thou may'st thy selfe a prisoner be ere long . chap. xix . to the card-player , a prisoner . all thy delight's here in playing at cards , and usually with those that have a gray beards , old men that dote , b and have one foot i' th grave , although in prison , yet they needs must have a payre of cards , to drive the time away , and then their heads together they will lay : making their matches with such eagernesse , as if they were about great businesse . all which is for tobacco and strong beere , a which they will have , although it cost them deare . and when they doe mistake , they then fall out , and in great choler throw their cards about . but why should'st thou , b that art lustly and strong , c sit at this idle sport all the day long ? before thou cam'st to prison , thou didst spend thy chiefest time in carding most an end . d which idle course of life , i must needs say , hath beene the onely cause of thy decay . but now thou art a pris'ner in this place , me thinks thou should'st not have so little grace as to continue playing in this kinde , e when thou to better things should give thy minde . i wonder of what mettle thou art made , that thou should'st alwayes follow such a trade . but seeing now thou wilt not be reclaim'd from carding , by which thou say'st thou hast gain'd ; know this from me , whether thou lose or win , thou art a loser f by committing sin . when thou the cards dost deale ▪ afraid thou art to lose thy dealing , for 't will vex thy heart . g yet thou thy dealing hast now lost with those by whom thou got'st money , meat , drink , and cloathes . when thou the cards didst cut , thou know'st not where to cut them , yet thereof thou hast a care . h if thou hadst beene cut short of thine owne will , when thou wast free , thou might'st have beene so still . when thou the cards dost shuffle at thine ease , such a game thou mayst have as may thee please . i a shuffling fellow thou hast beene , those say , which oft advis'd thee to give over play . when thou a good game hast , thou bend'st thy wits thy game to play well , to get many trickes : if all be true , i lately understood , a thou hast more tricks then e're will doe thee good . when thou hast store of trumps thou then dost grin , and fleere , because thou then art sure to win . b thou with much trump'ry art stor'd every day , which thou wilt keepe , and never play away . when one a ten doth play , the trick to save , thou that trick winn'st by playing of the knave . c thou hast oft times the knave play'd , and yet hast not got thereby , but greatly lost at last . when thou dost rub , thou then art very glad , because thy game can then be hardly bad . a dangerous d rub thou hast in this place , which will make thee rub and scratch where 't doth not itch . againe , when thou dost rub thou art a getter , the stock thou gain'st , which makes thy game the better . thou had'st in former time a pretty stock , e which thou by play hast lost , like a wood-cocke . if thou renounce , and wilt not follow suit , thou play'st foule play , and causest a dispute . f renounce the devill , and his workes , lest he follow thee close , and never renounce thee . when thou a card discard'st , it is conceiv'd , 't is for the best , yet may'st thou be deceiv'd . those that discarded thee , did play their game exceeding well , g for thou those friends did'st shame . if these the fruits of idle carding be , for shame give 't o're , that thy best friends may see some alteration in thee in this place , h and that thou wilt some goodnesse now imbrace . 't will be a meanes thou mayst once more obtaine their love i and favour , to help thee againe out of this nasty place , where k thou dost lack food for thy belly , and clothes to thy back . and likewise may for thee a way contrive , how in some honest calling a thou mayst thrive . which course of life no doubt but god will blesse , b and keep thee from living in such distresse . chap. xx . to the papist , a prisoner . thou art not here afflicted ( as thou know'st ) for thy religion , but for what thou ow'st . thy creditor a doth not much stand upon religion , so he may but have his owne . for he 's a man that 's rich , and b covetous , which makes him , as thou art , idolatrous . now thou art here , c small comfort thou shalt finde from him , and others , 't will trouble thy minde . for when thou art in want , and otherwise afflicted here , thy friends d will thee despise . then wilt thou in a poore condition be , e if god be not thy friend , to stand by thee . f but thou that hast made god thine enemy , g by trusting gods that are meere vanity : adhering to the h whore of babylon , i the enemy of christ , gods onely sonne , k canst not from that great god true comfort have , l that art to that m great whore such a bondslave . what an erronious church dost thou live in , that to all men n gives liberty to sinne ? the pope , o that man of sin ( who is mis-led by satan ) is of that false church the head . that head that hath on it a triple crowne , p shall one day be by q christ our head pull'd downe . the pope , with his r locusts , his underlings , have power , as thou beleev'st , s to pardon sins . but if such sinners as to them doe goe to have their sinnes forgiven , they must know , if they fall short of money to obtaine their pardons , then their labour 's but in vaine . in what a poore deistressed case art thou , that want'st thy liberty , and know'st now how a little meanes to get , that art in debt , that thou a pardon for thy sinnes may'st get ? what though thou think'st thy sins be ne're so small ? no pardon thou shalt have for them at all , unlesse thy ghostly father thou content with money , then though thou doe not repent , a he 'le pardon them , though they be ne're so great ; b thus doth the devill all such blinde fooles cheat . oh! how are all the members of thy church c deluded , and at last left in the lurch ? that cannot be a true , but false religion ▪ which most wise men thereof have in derision . the religion of the romish church is such , d as is polluted and defiled much : the wickednesse thereof cannot be hid , e for that maintaines that , which gods lawes forbid , f idolatry , g which true christians abhor , h rebellion against princes , and yet more , i adultery , and k fornication , which them permitted is , to poore and rich ; l perjury , m buggery , n incest , and such like o abhominations , of which they make light . those popish clergy doe and will maintaine , because thereby they have much p filthy gaine : this seemes a brave religion to th'unwise , that 's stuft with q base old heresies , and lyes . what good dost thinke from thy religion springs , r that contradicts it selfe in many things ? but when s the word of god , which is so pure , t is thereby cross'd , who can the same endure ? but a truth and falshood we shall never see as long as this world lasts , e're to agree . b thou that in ignorance hast been so long bred , c know'st not the truth , no more then he that 's dead . those d ignorant clergie , e that the truth would smother , say , ignorance of devotion is the mother . what greater ignorance then , can there be found , then in the romish church , f that 's therein drown'd ? how can it otherwise be , when they deny g the scriptures to be read to the laity ? such orders they have made ; and besides this ▪ whatso'ere they doe , be 't ne're so much amisse : yet will they not by gods pure h word be try'd , i because they never could the same abide . it is no marvell then , they are so vile , k whom satan their leader doth thus beguile : for he conducts them cleane l out of the way , m from truth to errours , for they him obey . n such as under the devils banner fight against their maker , the great god of might , o shall lose the battell ▪ and likewise be sure eternall captivitie to endure . p such shall th'estate and the condition be of all idolaters ▪ that from god flee . q for such regard not what sinnes they commit , as dumb idols and images worship . r what devillish plots and practises have been s discover'd here against our king and queen , and all our royall issue , with our state ▪ by all the romish sect , t who scorne and hate all christians , which the gospell doe professe u with all sinceritie : yet ne're the lesse x they would have blowne up all , ( 't was their intent ) when they assembled were in parliament . those that unto their y doctrine will not yeeld , z shall be tormented , scourg'd ▪ and at last kill'd : a such crueltie they use to christs poore members , as if in hell there were no such offenders . this church b ( the mother of harlots ) is knowne to be the church c of ceremonies alone : d organs with other sweet musick , and singing , wax e candles lighted , bookes , and bells oft ringing : rich copes , fine beads , and holy water , which with other rare conceits that some bewitch : f brave images , and pictures of some saints , and angels , which they say , heare their complaints . crosses guilded with gold , beset with stones , and relicks , whereof some are dead mens bones , and some are teeth , heads , armes , and other parts of saints dismembred , which grieves not their hearts to see what monsters they of some saints make , at which the wiser sort their heads doe shake . one saint at severall places had three heads , sixe armes another , and a third foure leggs . there was a saint in england , we are told , that had more teeth then two hogs-heads could hold . g such lying fopperies papists maintaine , h as meerly are devis'd by their owne braine . a man would wonder , in this age , to see what strange disorder'd orders now there be ordained in the church of rome , whereby that church is much enrich'd ; but the country and kingdomes that are subject thereunto , are much impoverish'd , some they quite undoe . so many sects there are , both high and low , of clergie-men , which they themselves scarce know : i the lofty cardinalls , proud and ambitious ; the jesuites , k which are every where seditious ; l the domineering bishops , which have cures ; the lazie [ monks ] m that are meere epicures ▪ the drunken priests , n who eat their breaden gods ; o the lecherous [ friers ] who whip nuns with rods ; the capuchins , who weare to shirts , and goe by two and two , a are hypocrites we know ▪ and divers other orders from rome sent , with unchaste nuns , make up the b rabblement . these popish clergie are c forbid to marry , d and yet from common whores cannot long tarry . e their reines must needs be purg'd by maids or wives , else they 'll be sick , and endanger their lives . it is more lawfull for a priest to have ten concubines , then one wife , ne're so brave . this f devillish doctrine is taught unto those that are apt schollers , whom their master knowes . they likewise doe on certaine dayes g forbid flesh to be eaten ; and yet they instead of flesh may eat of other things their fill , with dainty cakes and sweet-meates , if they will , and sev'rall sorts of wine of pleasant taste ; this is the manner of the popish fast . if thou such fasting dayes could'st here observe , though thou fast often , yet thou need'st not starve . but what a wicked custome have those got , h that in a strange tongue pray , which they know not ? yet ignorant papists pray as they are taught , although their prayers ( god knowes ) are starke naught : for when they understand not what they say , they doe but prate ; a parrat may so pray . i the forme and substance of their prayer 's such as doth the lord dishonour very much : k for to some saints they pray , and cannot tell whether those saints in heav'n be , or in hell . whether true saints , or popish saints , l they faile that to them pray ; 't will nothing them availe : yet when this popish crew want helpe , they then pray to those saints , which were but mortall men . the virgin mary , m she 's more call'd upon then christ n her saviour , the o chiefe corner stone . a angels that are gods servants , as saints be , they worship , for their church doth so agree . b carv'd images and pictures on the wall , crosses , relicks , and other things withall c that have no life , yet d they like beasts doe creepe and crawle to them , sometimes i' th open street : e and when they are thus prostrate , then they cry unto those idols , their wants to supply . so soone as people dye , their f soules doe goe to heaven or hell , the word of god saith so . yet those ungodly papists have invented a place besides hell , where soules are tormented ; that place of purgatory , where they say , the soules must needs be g purg'd before that day . they are deliver'd thence , therefore they make for those soules prayers , which lye in that lake . thus those , that are in thy religion bred , in vaine doe pray for their friends , which are dead . beleeve me , if a purgatory be on earth , 't is here , thou canst not chuse but see . this place will thee so purge , thou need'st not care to be purged againe , thou know'st not where . the romish church , like pharisies and scribes , h preferre mens vaine traditions ▪ ( like i blinde guides ) before the written word of god , which none but such blasphemers k doe despise alone : for they l adde thereunto , and m from it take that which shall make their soules in hell to quake . their great legend of n lyes is more set by then o gods pure word , p that 's full of majesty . the q ten commandements of god , wherein r a masse of treasure 's lockt up to the brim : those clergie have the second cleane left out : and of the last made two : there is no doubt s but god , that gave those lawes , will suddenly t bring them to shame for their idolatry , which sin 's against that great commandement , and that 's the reason the counsell of trent would not have that once mention'd , lest thereby a their people should forbeare idolatry . though in b gods law all sins are comprehended , yet have those out-law'd clergy recommended unto their people five command'ments more then e're the primitive church heard of before . which lawes are so observ'd without excuse , c as gods lawes now are almost out of use . d that man that breakes but one commandement of theirs , must penance doe , though he repent : but if he should at once breake all gods lawes , no penance he should doe : and why ? because e the sins against those lawes are very small , f and some such sins they count but veniall : the priest therefore no penance will enjoyne to such a sinner , though he have no coine . g the lords day all true christians sanctifie an holy rest to god our lord on high : h which day 's appointed to read , heare , and pray , i and no worke to be done upon that day . but those prophane and wretched papists hold , k that wares on that day may be bought and sold . after they have i' th morning beene at masse , l some goe to worke , and some their time doe passe m in wanton sports ; thus they may worke or play on that day more then any holy day . christ only hath n two sacraments ordain'd , which in his church shall ever be maintain'd : the church of rome hath added thereunto five sacraments more , which they ought not to doe . the two which christ ordain'd , these men unwise sophisticate with their ceremonies : the other five they never could maintaine as sacraments to be joyn'd with those twaine . now this corrupted church , with much envie , a adde what they list to gods word wrongfully . the canons of the masse they hold equall unto the b gospel , which is eternall . this hellish doctrine they hold , and so would c have all the world beleeve it , if they could : and to win credit thereunto , we know d they did false miracles devise , and so amaz'd the people , and made some to jarre ; e but now their juggling trickes discover'd are . these are the blinde scribes , and pharisees , that f swallow a camell , and straine at a gnat . and yet these merit-mongers , though they be g such wicked livers , as the world may see : h they thinke to merit heaven by their good workes : such wicked christians are as bad as turkes . nay i these sonnes of their father , that old lyer , say men may doe more then gods lawes require . k such damnable and wicked errours these base antichristians teach , even as they please . l thou art one of their schollers , here despis'd , forget their lessons , m and be well advis'd . it may be god to this schoole hath thee brought , n to learne a lesson which thou ne're wast taught . if thou wilt therefore o gods book take in hand , p and learne the same rightly to understand , q thou wilt abandon all that popish crew , r and be of christs poore flocke , though they be few : s reade then the holy scriptures with delight , t o that will make thee see darknesse from light . u though thou a great idolater hast beene long time , x yet now thy time seeke to redeeme : y and if thou call'st thy grievous sins to minde , z seeking to god for mercy , thou shalt finde a that he his gracious favour will extend unto thee here , b and free thee in the end . a manasseh was a great idolater , as thou and others of thy church now are : b he would not hearken to the lord , untill c he was in great affliction , very ill ; d he being led into captivity , humbled himselfe , and to the lord did cry ; e who heard his voice , that was in such distresse , and did out of that bondage him release ; f be thou like him , now thou afflicted art , g confesse thy sins to god , with all thy heart . h in him alone put all thy confidence ; i embrace the truth , let it be thy defence . k thou being thus converted , god will thy body and soule l preserve continually . then as manasseh was deliver'd , so shalt thou likewise , then m thou the lord wilt know . thou being then n endued with gods grace , o wilt give him thankes that brought thee to this place , where thou shalt not stay long , if thou him love , p for hee 'le remove thee to a place above ; q to which place no idolater shall goe , r for their dwelling shall be in hell below . but those that are s christs members , when they dye , t shall live with him their u head eternally . chap. xxi . to his brother : i must confesse thou art a my elder brother , but if in barkshire there be such another , i am deceiv'd ; yet can i not forbeare in my distresse , b but this to thee declare : five months and upward in this place have i a pris'ner beene , thou canst it not deny ; in all which time a although thou knew'st my griefe , would'st not at all send me the least reliefe . had it not beene for some here , that me cherish'd at certaine times , b i might have starv'd and perish'd c more love have i from these poore strangers found , then from thy selfe , since this world on me frown'd . but now in prison i am , thou know'st where , d whether i sinke or swim , thou tak'st no care . hadst thou a feeling of my misery , e thou could'st not have so little charity f thus to neglect me , now i am in thrall , but that thou art g to me unnaturall . consider therefore , h and doe not forget thy brother , that 's imprisoned for debt . i was thy friend , and am thy brother , tho in prison , i where false friends will not me know . thou art my brother , yet i must thee tell , k a true friend's neerer to me , i know well . let me therefore not onely thee advise l to be my brother , but my friend likewise . m doe as thou would'st be done unto , thou then wilt please the lord , and be belov'd of men . n howsoe're thou deal'st with me , i 'le strive to be o contented , and p pray to the lord for thee : hoping , though i in this extremity have not thy helpe , yet q god will sanctifie these great afflictions to me , and me send helpe and r deliv'rance out of them i' th end . s our father's dead , be not so strange to me , whil'st we have breath t let us not disagree . then though we have no father , hee 'le us blesse , u who is a father of the fatherlesse . chap. xxii . to the mercifull creditour . a poore man thou hast in this prison layd , a who heretofore was by thee well imploy'd . b credit thou gav'st him , and did'st him well use , whil'st he dealt with thee , yet did he refuse c to give thee such content as he was able , and yet without just cause d did with thee brabble : wherefore when thou in him could'st finde no reason , e hither thou sent'st him , which was in due season : for since his being here , f he 's mortifi'd , g that heretofore was stout , and full of pride . h now in his great distresse , when he to thee did make his mone , thou quickly did'st agree , i not onely to release him , but also to set him up againe , that 's brought so low . in all which thou thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be k compassionate , loving , courteous and free . l such men are blest that in 〈◊〉 delight : for they shall at gods hands receive the like . thy poore debtor when he 's out of this place , may by thy meanes be in a happy 〈◊〉 m leaving his former folly and betake himselfe to that which may 〈◊〉 make n him feare to run in debt , having a 〈◊〉 to live within his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and by degree , o make best use of his time as may appeare to that to be a signe p that he 'le a new man be , and by gods grace q will learne in 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 a pace : then though thy debt he doe discharge , yet still r he 's thy debtor , but not against thy will . for debts of such a high nature are not a to be by honest christians e're forgot : which debtors , though b they may be poore in spirit , will make thee rich , that shalt one day inherit c a kingdome , that 's for all good men prepar'd , which shall be their everlasting reward . such creditors god will preserve and keepe , d though they in troubles are plung'd ne're so deepe . if other creditors were like to thee , this prison which is full , would empty be . the jayler and his underlings might then goe shake their eares , like poore condition'd men . but in these dayes we know it to be true , e the number of such creditors are few . f thou being now thus to thy debtor kinde , g shalt favour from god thy creditor finde . h blesse thou the lord , i for besides him there 's none that moves men to doe good , but him alone . chap. xxiii . to the captaine , a prisoner . when captaines are surpris'd , and lose the field , a they then unto the enemy must yeeld . by thy relation , b thou hast beene upon hot service , which unto thy selfe's best knowne . howso'ere thou hast to danger beene expos'd , c thou now art here , within this sort inclos'd . brought in by d those , whose daily exercise is to endeavour how they may surprise and get into their clutches such brave sparkes , e as study how to run in debt like sharkes : f but take no care their debts to satisfie , untill they are put to extremity . a the sergeants , when they meet with such a one , although he be a valiant blade , well knowne , they 'le venture on him , be it day or night , and make him yeeld , although he raile and fight . and when they have him , they 'le make him to know ( unlesse he bribe them well ) he must needs goe to prison , where hee 'le want his liberty , to spend his youthfull dayes in vanity . b the prison therefore is the fittest place for such a captaine , that runs such a race . in these dayes c that captaine is counted brave and valiant , that 's d unto his lust a slave . which lusts are cause of much e unquietnesse , and unjust quarrels there upon increase , which cannot be appeas'd by friend nor brother , f untill they stab and 〈◊〉 one another . such captaines doe more hurt at home , then they doe good abroad i' th wars , as many say . how many likewise are there at this time g that have no skill in marshall discipline , h and yet they 'le brag , as if they durst to fight with sir iohn old ●●stle , that high flowne knight ? their combat i is with wenches , when they please , who wound them sorely with the french disease . many such youngsters ( as we understand ) that never travell'd yet by sea or land , have by some meanes procur'd themselves k to be made captaines , which can lead a company l of swag'ring fellowes , which doe not regard their king nor countrey's good , and yet hazard their soules and bodies , m by spending their dayes in tavernes , bawdy-houses , and stage-playes . so that at last those souldiers must needs fall n into the devils hands , their generall . who for their service will be sure to give them their due wages , when their soules shall live with him in his a darke kingdome , to remaine both b day and night in everlasting paine . c some captaines are endu'd with excellent parts , d having couragious understanding hearts : e these fight the battle of the lord on high , f who gives them often times the victory over the enemy , though ne're so strong : wherefore g the glory thereof doth belong unto h the lord of hosts , the god of might , i who gives them strength , k and teacheth them to fight . such captaines as are thus guided by him , l shall credit to their king and country win . m and when they from the wars returne , they 'le blesse and praise the lord , n that gave them such successe . o what if in fight they chance to lose their lives ? their losse is nothing p to that glorious prize which they shall gaine in heaven , and keepe for ever , q which prize their captaine christ will them deliver . if thou art such a captaine , then i 'le say , 't is pitty thou should'st in this prison stay : r but rather be in some imployment , where thou may'st have more contentment , and lesse care , such as are out of service , may well be mislead , and so come into misery . how thou cam'st hither , i need not enquire , but here thou art attended like a squire , where thou hast got a company that are a ragged regiment , most fit for war . s distressed men in debt , and in despaire , with discontented mindes to thee repayre , wishing thou wert their captaine , and that they may wait on thee , when thou hence go'st away . i cannot blame them , for thou art so free to them , that they could live and dye with thee . but thou art not yet gone , but here art stay'd , and so shalt be untill thy ransome 's payd . thou now art under the command of those that keepe thee fast , and yet are not thy foes . the turn-keyes , and the book-keepers are they that thou ( although a captaine ) must obey . yet if thou feed them with good drinke and money , they 'le love thee dearly , as the bees love honey . but if thou dost neglect them in that kinde , no favour thou at all shalt from them finde . but what need'st thou care for their love at all , or for their hatred , having wherewithall not only to discharge thy chamber rent , but other things that may yeeld thee content ? yet let me tell thee , if thou stay here long , thou to thy selfe and others may'st doe wrong . but seeing thou art to this place confin'd , whil'st thou art here a have a couragious minde . b for here thou art with enemies beset , as well as in the open field ; and yet thou canst not them discerne with mortall eyes , c because they are thy spirituall enemies . d thy soule they doe besiege , which is within thy earthly e tabernacle f full of sin . ) g which is so weake and brittle , that unlesse h gods holy spirit doe the same possesse and eke defend thee i by his mighty power , k those wicked spirits will thy soule devoure : l for they are powerfull , and diligent , crafty , malicious , and wickedly bent against weak worldlings , which with them accord , because they are not m strong in christ our lord . such though they fight , t' will nothing them availe , n for those strong enemies must needs prevaile . their forces they doe muster up each houre , o to signifie how they are arm'd with power . p it is no worldly strength nor policy that can withstand their cruell tyranny . thou must therefore a take that two-edged sword , b which weapon is gods pure and holy word : with that thou may'st be sure , with good directions , c in time to conquer thy corrupt affections . d which if thou dost , thou then dost such a feat , as never did alexander the great . e so shalt thou be , after this life , renown'd , and with such like captaines f in heav'n be crown'd . where thou shalt triumph g with a company of heavenly souldiers , h with pompe and glory . chap. xxiiii . to the master of the prison . thou art a master of the masterlesse , as also of poore men here in distresse . they never such a master serv'd before , when their time 's out , they will serve thee no more . for thou them keep'st so much within , that they cannot get leave to goe abroad to play . and if they could get leave , i dare maintaine , that some would ne're finde the way back againe . wherefore thou tak'st a course a to keepe them fast , where they may worke , or play , and dye at last . thy courtesies to some are very small , and why ? because they have not wherewithall to gratifie thy love ; which is exprest by thee to them that are in more request . i meane those that are able to requite thy love againe , which thou hold'st just and right . the poorer sort of pris'ners that are here b cut short of meanes , doe often stand in feare of thy displeasure , when they cannot get so much as will them bring out of thy debt . for if their chamber rent they cannot pay , thou them remov'st into the hole , where they have lowsie lodging , yet they live more quiet , because they are provided with good diet . there they also sit rent free : yet before they are releas'd , they must pay their old score . but if in prison they should chance to dye , thou losest all , and hast no remedy . those that lodge on thy side thou dost regard a little more then us of the knights ward . i know no reason for 't , unlesse it be because they pay more for their drinke then we . the rats and mice are thy best guests we know , for after one nights lodging they must goe away from hence , if they their fees can pay , if not , they then are forc'd longer to stay . thou art a master of a a wicked crew , b as well as of some men honest and true . this place a receptacle is for all , both good and bad , the poore , rich , great and small . some for their misdemeanours , some for debt , so that all 's fish that comes into thy net . of which thou mak'st a purchase , and thereby 't is knowne thou c get'st more wealth then honesty . thy servants often times doe take large fees , which they digest , as rats digest old cheese . they care not how men suffer , d so they gaine meanes indirectly , e their pride to maintaine . the master and his men , for ought i know , f are all alike , they may together goe . g gods poorest servant's in a better case h then such a master , that 's in such a place . thou hast within thy selfe unruly guests , and those are i thine affections , which witnesse unto thy k conscience , which one day will be ( when thou think'st least ) a witnesse against thee . if thou therefore seeke not in the meane while a to over-master them , which are so vile , they 'le over-master thee , and suddenly b will bring thy soule into great misery . c by poore men in great want thou hast thy gaine , and liv'st thereby in pleasure , they in paine ; d regarding them no more , nay not so much as dogs and cats , that are unlike to such . thou this one day wilt be forc'd to remember , when 't is too late , e if thou art not more tender over poore pris'ners that are here committed , f which certainly deserve much to be pittied . wherefore if thou gods favour would'st enjoy , g shew favour to these men without delay . then h god thy master i will thee teach , and guide thee in the way to heav'n , k where saints abide . chap. xxv . to the merchant , a prisoner . a merchant when he once begins to faile ▪ is like a ship at sea without a saile , which flotes upon the waters , and is tost and tumbled up and downe , untill she 's lost . in thy declining time thou knew'st not whither to goe ; so that the sergeants brought thee hither . a and now thy trading and thy credit too is lost ; and here thou know'st not what to doe . for in times past , those with whom thou hast walk'd . upon th'exchange , and there of businesse talk'd , perceiving how thou wast oft times molested because of losses , and of bills protested , b doe leave thee now in misery in this place , c as if before they ne're had seene thy face . the friendship of such friends is like a bubble , soone got , soone lost , a and best discern'd in trouble . in former time b thy bus'nesse was so great , c that thou could'st scarce finde time to eate thy meat . d thou then hadst trouble , which did vex thy minde : e thou now hast troubles of another kinde . f thou then wast troubled how to get much wealth ; g thy troubles now may be for thy soules health . h how carefull wast thou then for outward things , i and carelesse how to get inward blessings ? before th'exchange bell rang , thou hadst a care to keepe touch with those that should meet thee there . but when thy parish bels did ring all in , thou mad'st no hast to'th church , to pray or sing , or k heare gods word , l which is that spirituall light m and joy , wherein thy soule should take delight : but with that n heav'nly food o thou wast soone cloy'd ▪ p because thy minde was otherwise imploy'd ; wherefore q god for thy good , without all question , hath brought thee hither , to give thee correction . for he hereby will make thee r understand how thou art out of cash , and behinde hand with him thy heav'nly creditor above ▪ whose s patience thou hast found , out of his love in t sparing thee so long , who might require u in justice , all thou ow'st him , in hell fire . x for when thou hast made up thy great account , the foot or ballance thereof will amount unto y ten thousand talents , which must be z all satisfi'd before thou canst be free . and yet of that great summe thou must needs say , a thou hast not of thy selfe one mite to pay . b the holy'st man that lives must needs confesse his debt to be so much , it can't be lesse . how then is gods great justice satisfi'd , c but by his son , our lord , who for us dy'd ? if thou unto thy soule canst this apply a through faith in christ , b that he for thee did dye . c and that thereby thy sinnes are all remitted ▪ d gods justice satisfi'd , and thou acquitted . e not only from the punishment that 's due unto thee for thy sins , but will renue f his favour to thee , whereby thou mayst know g thou art i' th covenant of grace also . h thy outward carriage then will soone expresse thy inward faith , and joy , in thy distresse . i thy life a comfortable life will be , k when thou the fruits of thy troubles shalt see l thus to produce such rare effects , which will m advance thy knowledge , and teach thee such skill n in heavenly wares , and merchandise so rare as in gods word is found out ev'ry where . o goe to that heav'nly magazine , and see what p rich commodities are there q for thee . r a merchant that found there a pearle by name , sold all that e're he had to buy the same . s such jewels , pearles , and treasures there are , which t are hid from worldlings , be they ne're so rich . u for they had rather trade with that old lyer . x that cheating merchant , whose chiefest desire is to put off y his base commodities to those his chapmen , at too high a prize . z his wares are false , his jewels counterfeit , a yet like a crafty broker , hee 'le soone get b some of his customers with him to trade . whom , when with them a bargaine he hath made , c such base conditions he will tye unto , d as will their soules and bodies quite undoe . e when they are in his debt ▪ hee 'le make them pay to th'utmost farthing , f and just at the day g when he 's in their debt , then will he be sure h to pay them soundly , i which they must endure . a such cruell payments he will make , that they b shall rue the time that they e're knew his way . c that way of sin that causeth death , which is d the second death , e that living death to his unhappy chapmen , who shall be together f with him tormented in hell fire for ever . wherefore , let me advise thee to take heed , g thou trafficke not with him , nor with his seed . h but follow thou that calling which will bring thee in great credit with thy lord and king : i that great accomptant , who will reckon right with his poore debtors , to give them a fight k not only of their sin , l and miserie , m but also of his infinite mercy . n when thou art vers'd thus in this heav'nly way , o thou wilt thy selfe deny , p and him obey . q thy iudgement then will be so rectifi'd , as thou wilt not at all r be terrifi'd s at any thing that may befall thee here , t because thy course t'wards heav'n thou dost now steere . where being once arrived , and ascended , u thy joyes begin , x and thy sorrowes are ended . y thy miseries then thou must here leave behinde , z and gods great mercies there be sure to finde . chap. xxvi . to the merry man , a prisoner . r— emember emember thou , a that art so merry here , b thou doe not in this place any man jeere . i — t c will not well become thee to doe so : d for here thou should'st better things learn and know . c — ivill and honest e mirth i grant i● good , f but foolish mirth belongs to robin-hood . h — ere in prison , a vaine mirth should be abhorr'd : when thou art merry , b be merry in the lord . a — nd c then thy mirth shall not others displease , which being true , thou may'st live more at ease . r— emember emember d how in prison now thou art , which should in some sort touch thee to the heart . d— oe oe not therefore in this place take delight = with those that make e night day , and the day night , l — iving more like f bruit beasts , then civill men , g roaring like lions in their nasty den . a — s for h such company , doe not frequent for they will leave thee when thy money 's spent . n — ecessity may then i quite over-throw thy vaine delights , k and all thy mirth also . e — ndeavour l therefore , whil'st thou art in case , m to be merry and wise n out of this place . chap. xxvii . to a worthy charitable knight . w— hen a god his children brings into distresse , his love to them is ne're a whit the lesse . i — am a man b which in times past have beene of credit good , c though now in no esteeme . l — ittle d did i thinke in those dayes to be e brought to so low an ebbe , as now i see . l— ike ike f iob am i now scorn'd , full well i know , of those whom i have g fed , and cloath'd also . i — ob on the h dunghill did god glorifie , more then he did in his prosperity . a — nd if with i patience god doth me endue , then after crosses comforts will ensue . m — y k soule to god shall have accesse in season , = although the prison of my soule 's in prison . b— efore efore i felt gods hand , a friends i had many : but now b i am in want , i have not any . a— ll those that c courtesies from me receiv'd , d i tooke to be my friends , but was deceiv'd . g — reat e was their shew of love to me , as friends : all which was but to worke on me their ends . w— hen f i occasion have those friends to use in my distresse , they doe me now refuse . e — xceeding glad should i be , if i knew where to change all those old friends g for one new : l — ibertie then should i have to h begin the world againe , and some old debts get in . l — ive should i then , i though with a little store , = more happily than ere i did before . t — he k greatest meanes which god to man hath lent , without his blessing yeelds no true content . o — h , how l happy and blessed is , and shall = that rich man be , that 's m wise , and n liberall ▪ s— ir , i 'le crave no excese , o the truth to tell , you are that p happy man , 't is known full well . i— ts likewise knowne in city and country , your chiefe delight's in workes of q charity . r — eligious r men , the s poore , the blinde , the lame , = the t church , the u common-wealth , witnes the same . p— aul aul , that sweet x chosen vessel of the lord , if he were here your deeds he might record . a— ll y stewards just , as you are , may be sure in heav'n to live with christ and angels pure . v — arietie of z sweet delights , with a pleasure , are there , where you have laid up safe your b treasure . l — arge and exceeding c spacious is that place , = yet is the d gate so strait , that in no case p — roud e men , f and rich worldlings that have no care but of g this life , shall have an entrance there . i — f such men would by you h example take , these worldly i vanities they would forsake . n — o money would they a spend , so much in vaine , nor b spare it from such as in want remaine . d — oubtlesse , the charitable man , that c lends to such as want , d christ will make full amends . a — nd after death , eternall e joyes hee 'll finde leaving a f good , and blessed name g behinde . r — eceive good sir , these poore lines in good part from him that lies here h grieved at the heart . chap. xxviii . to an ancient maid , a true-hearted friend , that was mindfull of him in his troubles . in a my great troubles some great friends b despis'd me , c when little friends , with little things reviv'd me . u — pon the lord d ( my greatest friend ) e i 'le call , f who can me raise up friends both great and small . l — ong g have i been in this place terrifi'd , h where i both great , and little friends have try'd . i — must confesse , i that not one friend of twenty k have their love shew'd to me , though they have plenty . a — l true friend i , thee ever found to be : thy m widowes mite , accepted is by me . n — ever shall such n good christians as thou art , = o want comfort , when they are griev'd at the heart . i — keepe my chamber p in a prison , where i often am q oppress'd with griefe and care : a — nd thou likewise thy chamber art constrain'd oft times to keep , by reason thou art r maym'd . m — any such s pris'ners god hath in his keeping , whom he t preserves , and keeps , u waking & sleeping . e — ndeavour therefore , x whil'st thou art alive , in godly vertues y more and more to thrive . s — o z shalt thou then this world forsake , and love ▪ a to be with thy sweet bridegroome , b christ , above . chap. xxix . to his intimate friend , a divine lawyer . i — uells a exceeding rich , are wondrous rare : which is the onely cause so few them weare . e— very b one that 's wise , may seeke and finde in gods word juels pleasing to his minde . p — recious c juels , which men weare on their clothes , are not at all to be compar'd with those . h — ee d that 's stor'd with such juels , must needs be e himselfe a juell , 't is knowne f thou art he . s — uch g as thy company doe oft frequent , h may learne of thee to be wise and prudent . o — h i that i were thy scholler , but untill k i had learn'd some more of thy divine skill ! n — o l worldly thing should my minde away draw = from that which thou canst teach out of gods law . j — f other m lawyers were like thee in this , so many causes would not goe amisse . u— nto n apollo thou may'st fitly be compar'd , if i am not deceiv'd in thee . e — xercis'd o thou art in a work begun , at which divines will p wonder when 't is done . l — et q nothing hinder thee at all to end it , for when 't is done , i think there 's none can mend it . l — abour r to perfect it , though it be hard ; then god s ( whose worke it is ) t will thee reward . chap. xxx . to the poore old man , a prisoner . i grant , old man , thy case a may be here much lamented : b yet be not thou still out of heart , c but strive to be contented . d to men thou art indebted , e which debts thou canst not pay , f and therefore they detaine thee here , g which grieves thee day by day . consider how h thou hast a long time liv'd in sin , and i yet deferr'st thy repentance . k though late , yet now begin . l thy youthfull time doubtlesse thou hast spent very ill : and yet in these thy latter dayes thou dost m forget god still . n although thou him forget , o yet he doth thee remember ; by laying this p great crosse on thee , that art q a great offender . by which meanes r thou art brought ▪ his will to understand : and that all those s that trust in him ▪ shall have his helping hand . a let then this prison be b thy place of meditation of heav'nly things , that are above , to thy great consolation . c and then thou wilt contemne all worldly things below : d and long to be with christ above , e free'd from all griefe and woe . f wait then upon the lord , g who mighty is and strong . h thou know'st by course of nature , that thou canst not here live long . i and when by death thou art free'd from all misery ; k thou then in heav'n above shalt live with christ eternally . chap. xxxi . to the women which are prisoners in the hole . you of the female kinde , which in the hole doe lye for debt , or for some other cause , a your friends now you may try . b if you ill huswives have beene heretofore , now know that you confin'd are to a place , from which you cannot goe , untill your peace be made with those who laid you in this place , a where you may call to minde how you have liv'd in sin . b for which cause god hath brought you into troubles hither , where you , like pigs , are penn'd up close , all in a sty together . c yet though your lodging be so close , where you together are forc'd upon the ground to lye , d yet need you feare no weather : i meane i' th winter nights , the season being cold , and subject to much e raine and stormes then you are in your hold . where f by a fire warme you sit and chat i' th night , g untill you fall asleepe , and then you rest with small delight . but in the summer time , the weather being hot , h you then are much annoy'd , because contentment you have not . but in both seasons , you throughout the yeare i have diet for you provided , which should make you in your hole k live quiet . you in like manner have for your soules health provided a good spirituall food , to cheere you up , b if you 'le thereby be guided . to which heav'nly repast you are daily invited , and if good guests you are , then you c therewith will be delighted . d but if you cannot well that food disgest , then think your soules are sick , they 'le pine away , then must you needs downe sinke into e the hole that hath no bottome , where are none f but devils and their damned crue , where none shall you bemone . some comfort you have here but none shall you have there ; for g day and night h brimstone and fire shall be your daily fare . i thus 't will then with you be , that now here doe not love to heare , reade , pray , and meditate k on heavenly things above . l thinke on these things , while you are in this place restrain'd m from gossipping with those , which now your company have refrain'd . n and now your mindes give not to idle toyes at all , neither doe you at any hand a with one another brawle . b but shun vaine c babbling , and good d tongues keepe in your heads , that when you goe from hence , you may e lye warme in your owne beds . f be not impatient , as the most part of you are in troubles , for then are you like untun'd strings , which doe jarre . g but take all in good part , h grudge not at any thing , i but whatsoe're the lord now sends , receiv't with k thanksgiving . and if your elder , which is lady of your hole , hath in that place some power o're you , to rule or to controle , l in some sort you must yeeld to her authority , m or else she 'le chide and scold , so that you 'le live unquietly . n much better t' is for you at home to be , then here , for here goodnesse is hardly learn'd which may cause you to feare . now o pray unto the lord , p that he your guide may be , you to direct in such a course , as that you may be free . and when you are hence gone , a take heed you come no more into this place , left you the time be forc'd here to deplore . b but lead an honest life , c and serve god every day , d then after death your soules will he receive to live in joy . chap. xxxii . to the impatient prisoner . thou that into a this place art brought , b though much against thy will , c fret not thy selfe , nor angry be with those that wish thee ill . d raile not against thy creditors , e though cruell they may be , f nor yet against the officers , that first laid hands on thee . g for they are not the onely cause of thy calamity , they are thy h sins against the lord i that for vengeance doe cry . k make then thy peace with god above , l put in security , m or else into a worse prison , thy soule shall carried be . a go then to christ , b there 's none but he , and he will not deny to be thy bayle , and make thee c free of heav'n , that is so high . thus having made thy d peace with god , thy minde will be at rest , e then he will worke thy peace with men , f and turne all to the best . chap. xxxiii . to a prisoners wife of a refractory condition . one a of the chiefest blessings that in this life god doth give unto a man , a good wife is , b with him his time to live . thou art no blessing , but a curse , that art a c froward wife to thy poore husband that here lyes d quite weary of his life . e what greater crosse can happen to an honest quiet minde , then to be match'd to such a wife as proves to him unkinde ? especially here in this jayle , a place of misery , f where he no quietnesse can have , thou art so refractory . g in former time when he had meanes to keepe thee in good fashion , thou then did'st feare and flatter him , and durst not be in passion . a but now the lord hath humbled him , and brought him to distresse , b thy love from him is drawne away , c and thou art growne carelesse . d if thou from him be long absent , he cannot it abide , and when thou com'st to visit him , thou then with him dost e chide . now be thou present or absent , his griefe is not asswag'd , the more he seekes for quietnesse , f the more thou art enrag'd . g so that thou add'st affliction to affliction in this kinde , which is the greatest crosse of all , and troubleth most his minde . h when god permitted satan to afflict iob , that i just man , k his substance first he tooke away , thus with him he began . l then the chaldeans he provok'd his servants all to slay , m and after that likewise did he his children take away . n then with great botches and sore boiles his body he did smite , so that on him he exercis'd his malice and his spite . and yet the devill , for all that , did seeme to favour him , in leaving of his wife behinde , a that might him comfort bring . but that was not that tempters drift , it was his policy to stir her up him to perswade b to blaspheme god and dye . thus iob in his adversity was vex'd and troubled sore , by his untoward c foolish wife , who then d did him abhorre . e such wives there are too many now , there 's one the more for thee , for thy conditions doe not much with iobs wife's disagree . f if thou continu'st in this course g to chide , scold , chafe , and fret , because of these great troubles , then thou dost thy selfe forget ; for thou h a helpe was made to be to thy husband distress'd , and not an instrument to i increase j his griefe , that 's thus oppress'd . wherefore consider with thy selfe , l how thou god dost offend , m by being thus disquieted at that which he doth send . a all crosses , whasoe're they are , god sends , b and takes away : therefore c put thou thy trust in him , and d thy husband obey . then though in prison he now be , where he doth much lament , e yet god will soone deliver him , and give you both content . now when thou hast him home againe , provide him wholsome diet , with all things else to his consent , and with him live in f quiet . chap. xxxiiii . to his owne dejected comfortlesse wife . my a troubles i confesse are great , which i here doe endure , b but thy great discontent withall c makes them almost d past cure . i grant it is out of thy love , thou art thus griev'd for me , e yet if thou lov'st me , be not so , because my griefe 's for thee . f cast not thy selfe downe i thee pray , but g look up with thine eyes to him that 's h just and mercifull , i who reignes above the skies . for he is a all-sufficient , he b helpe will send one day , c when we of it think least , therefore d pine not thy selfe away . e although things fall out ne're so crosse , and breed within thy minde f much griefe and sorrow , yet beleeve g the lord is wondrous kinde . for if with h patience we can both these crosses undergoe , i our enemies he 'le make our friends , which we shall see and know . k god never sends adversities to those whom he doth love , l but for each crosse ten thousand joyes he 'le give to them above . nay m here below we may be sure n the lord will comfort send to such as are in great distresse , o if they their lives amend . p these troubles which we now are in , came not to us by chance , but by the providence of god , q his glory to advance . r why should'st thou then impatient be : dost think'tis for thine ease ? oh no! s thou striv'st against the streame and dost the lord displease . wilt thou be like those t women , which are a ever learning , and although they reade and heare much , yet doe nothing understand ? how can thy b faith and patience be in this life exercis'd ; but in c afflictions which god layes on thee , that art d despis'd . e what if thou art scorn'd and disgrac'd , and not at all esteem'd f of those that have their heav'n on earth ▪ yet g christ hath thee redeem'd . h what if thou want'st apparell now , thy body to keepe warme ? i christ is thy garment , put him on . hee 'le keepe thee from all harme . k what if thou want'st good dyet now , thy belly to supply ? l christ is thy food , feed on him then , m thy soule hee 'le satisfie . n what if thou want'st a dwelling place , o where thou would'st faine abide ? p christ he thy dwelling hath prepar'd , in heaven that 's q large and wide . r what if thou want'st in thy distresse some friends to s comfort thee ? t the holy ghost the comforter , thy comforter will be . what if u thy kindred be unkinde , and doe now quite neglect thee ? a thy kinsman christ is worth them all , heare him , and he 'le respect thee . b what if thy name be scandaliz'd , c which makes thee sad to looke ? d be merry still , rejoyce , because e 't is written in gods booke . f what if thou want'st all other things , g which worldlings doe enjoy ? h if thou hast christ , thou hast all things , i he 's with thee night and day . k what if i want my liberty , and am here l shut up fast ▪ m my heart is free to run abroad , and shall n finde rest at last . o gods dearest children are most crost in this life ev'ry way , p because through troubles they must goe to heav'n , 't is their best way . q the more they suffer in this world , r the more god is their friend , s the more their joy in heav'n shall be , t the which shall never end . u such joyes as never mortall man e're in his heart conceiv'd , x the lord to his afflicted ones . hath certainly bequeath'd . y such as beleeve this to be true , z will not at all regard ▪ a the troubles of this wicked world a considering their reward . nay b if hell were the way to heav'n , such as the lord doth guide , c would passe through all those fiery flames d with him there to reside . e thus god for temporall crosses gives eternall joyes to such , f as cheerfull are under the crosse , g christs love to them is much . h he knowes best what is best for us , i yet some so simple be , k when god corrects them for their good l away from him they flee . m a token of gods love it is , to such as can n endure , all manner of afflictions here , o such are in his eyes pure . now seeing p god so loveth us , q and will so love us still , r why should we not in troubles be s obedient to his will ? t take all things therefore in good part , let not thy minde be griev'd u for nothing but thy sins alone , x so shalt thou be reliev'd . now y godly sorrow bringeth joy unto thy soule , i know , but z worldly sorrow worketh death , 't will be thy overthrow . wherefore take heed , give over quite all a doubtings and distrust of gods assistance in due time , because b he 's sure and just . c but put thy confidence in him , d his holy word beleeve , e and thou e're long shalt finde that thou f shalt have no cause to grieve . g and if on him we doe depend , h we shall not need to feare , i our sorrowes he 'le turne into joy , k which we shall see most cleare . and though in this place now i am where i can get no bayle , l yet christ will soone deliver me out of this noysome jayle . m then shall we have just cause to praise n the lord for his great care , o which he hath had , and still will have of us every where . p and doubt not but we shall againe with comfort live together , q for after the great stormes are past , then commeth the calme weather . r be thou i' th meane time well content , attend , and s wait gods leasure , t so shalt thou have thy hearts desire , u and live alwayes in pleasure . chap. xxxv . to his maid-servant . when thou cam'st first to dwel with me about twelve yeares agoe , when i in fanchurch street did live , a my cup did overflow . since which time b many have thereof dranke freely at their pleasure , so that with that c which hath been spilt , there 's nothing left to measure . d those that the greatest part thereof should have had at that time , had the least share thereof , although i was then in my prime . e the cup although it empty be , yet is it whole and sound , f and may againe replenish'd be , and not fall to the ground . g whatso'ere god now unto me sends , my minde is truly bent it to receive with thanksgiving , h and be therewith content . the troubles which thou know'st i have in thy time long endur'd , i a purge have beene to my sick soule , which is not yet quite cur'd . a this purge doubtlesse will do much good b it hath not yet done working upon some humours ill , which yet in my poore soule lye lurking . c the great physitian of our soules d doth temper with great skill the potions which he gives to those his patients that are ill . e those that he takes in hand to cure , although they feele much paine , f shall have much ease at length , and be g restor'd to health againe . in this great doctors hands have i beene h long , and am so still , i let him doe what he please to me , i 'le submit to his will . when god his scourge laid first on me , k i tooke it so to heart , l that then my senses all from me . did for a time depart . m so irksome 't was unto the flesh , n so tedious to my minde , o so grievous to my soule , that then p no comfort i could finde . a fit of melancholy great , thou know'st i likewise had , q and being then with griefe o'rewhelm'd , r i thereupon grew mad . a the lord then left me for a time , b and gave the devill leave to tempt me in such grievous sort , that i then did conceive c my selfe to be the wretched'st man that e're liv'd on the earth : d and being thus in minde distress'd , e curst the day of my birth . my sins then to my sight were brought by the f prince of the ayre , g who did endeavour what he could to bring me to despaire . i then perswaded was by him h my selfe to make away , i and if god had not me preserv'd , it had beene done that day . such was my k wofull misery , l which seem'd to me past cure , i would not for a thousand worlds the like againe endure . all troubles since , and those which now i have , put all together , m are in comparison of those , n as light as any feather . and yet to o flesh and bloud are they full heavy to be borne , by reason p i am counted as a creature that 's forlorne . the troubles all which i have had , in thy time thou hast seene , and with much discontent hast thou a a fellow feeler beene : b yet would'st thou not from me then goe , thy mistris knowes full well , though thou preferment might'st have had , yet thou with us would'st dwell . thine eyes may see c how poverty hath us now overtaken , yet such hath beene thy love , as yet thou hast not us forsaken . nay though thou seest d the small hope we have to get meanes againe , yet thou so constant art , that still with us thou dost remaine . now what the cause thereof is , must be to thy selfe best knowne , e yet hath thy love herein appear'd , thou hast it truly showne . what canst thou now from us expect ? if longer thou should'st stay , thou must needs think f thy recompence must come some other way . g if it out of thy love be to my children , which are now with thee i' th country with our friends , i then will make a vow , that if the lord e're send me meanes to bring me out of trouble , a i 'le not of thee unmindfull be , but will requite thee double . be kinde and loving still to them thou shalt fare ne're the worse , b and have a care of my sonne will , for thou wast his dry nurse . his favourite thou art i know , thou dost in him delight , and he cannot endure that thou should'st be out of his sight . a faithfull servant thou hast beene , thou need'st not be asham'd c before thy betters to appeare ▪ though i am to be blam'd . d be faithfull to the end , and thou some e change shalt see no doubt , though some f at my misfortunes doe in these dayes g scoffe and flout . and though h the lord hath us dispers'd , and scatt'red to and fro , so as we cannot as we would one to another goe : i yet if in troubles we can put our trust in him alone , k hee 'le us againe together bring , to live in peace at home . if not at home here in this life , a yet hee 'le for us provide in heaven a place farre better , where b we shall be glorifi'd . chap. xxxvi . to the unruly young man , a prisoner ▪ if a thou had'st beene by thy friends rul'd , thou had'st not now beene here ; but seeing thou this course hast run , e're long it will appeare , that those whom thou didst not regard , because b they thee then blam'd , will now for thy unruly tricks leave thee here to be tam'd . if thou art like c the horse , that will not ruled be a whit , d untill into his mouth be put the bridle , or the bit ; then this place shall a bridle be , now for to keepe thee under , e but thou a bit wilt sometimes want , to satisfie thy hunger . if thou here now f unruly art , thou shalt then have the worst ▪ for thou wilt in the hole be put , and there be soundly purs'd . a and if this place will not thee mend , thy friends then may conclude , that thou wilt ne're be good , untill thou like a hawke art mew'd , and shut up close , where thou mayst not b have things at thine owne will , that thou thereby in time may'st leave thy rudenesse , c and be still . d for now the more unquiet thou in prison art , beleeve , e the more will be thy misery , which will thy heart much grieve . these things therefore consider well , f shew not thy selfe so idle , g in giving way to thine owne will , but thine affections bridle . and then thy friends , when they shall heare h and see thee thus reclaim'd , they 'le then beleeve thou hast much lost , by which losse thou hast gain'd . for having lost thy stubborne fits , i which brought thee into trouble , k gods love thou hast obtain'd , so that thy gaine is more then double . l thy liberty likewise shalt thou get , if the lord see 't fit , how e're m rest thou on him , and then e're long thou shalt be quit , and freed out of this place , where thou hast beene curb'd of thy will , a and be at length receiv'd to joyes , b where thou shalt have thy fill . chap. xxxvii . to the prisoners , called by the name of mice , which are light huswives that are taken at unlawfull houres in the night by the watch , and brought to prison . you a that a shame to women are , that modesty have none , b why wander you so late abroad , when you should be at home ? what is your bus'nesse at such houres c i' th night , when you should sleep ? no reason you at all can give , why you such houres keepe . for if you could have satisfi'd the constable , who did examine you about the same , d which you know is forbid , he had not brought you to this place , away you might have gone home to your houses , but here now e you must sing a new song . this prison is no place for you , you must not long here stay , for he that brought you in , is bound to carry you away a before the next justice of peace , b where you your tale must tell , and if he like it not , then he will send you to bridewell : where entertainment you shall have , for when you are let in , c the blew-cotes will take you aside , and whip your tender skin . d now when your parents fond shall heare , how you are thus corrected , e they 'l then bethink themselves with grief how they have you neglected . f for when untoward girles you were , which made them discontented , g if they had whipt you soundly then , this might have beene prevented . but now it is too late for them for this thing to repent , as 't is too soone for you to be h so vile and impudent . yet is it not too late for you i to repent and amend , which if you doe , then certainly k the lord will stand your friend ; l and bring you out of this disgrace , into which you are run , m and likewise give you grace , that you these wicked wayes may shun : but if the lord should suffer you a in sin to live , then know b into the devils trap at length you would be sure to goe . such mice he often times doth catch , c with his deceitfull baites , d and like a cat , both day and night , for such mice hourely waites . the silly mouce you know when he his hole keepes not i' th night , but in a roome s●kes up and downe , although there be no light . the watchfull cat spying this mouse i' th darke , without a candle , doth catch it on a sudden , which it doth cruelly handle , and will not leave this mouse , untill she hath it quite destroy'd ; e thus will the devill deale with you , f that have the wantons playd : and that like owles g will be ▪ abroad , when others are at rest ; and when 't is day , like them you doe repaire unto your nest . the owle and other birds , you know , doe live alwayes asunder , and if i' th day she should be seene , those birds would at her wonder . a the owle and other birds doe not at all agree together , and therefore they divided are , not being of one feather . b so you that so much differ from good wives , that vertuous be , c your company they must needs shun , with you they 'le not agree : d for women that good huswives are , that live in reputation , e will not be gadding , when they should be in their habitation . your houses are your prisons , that this course of life have taken , f a prison dark 's prepar'd for you , that have the g lord forsaken . the devill shall your jaylor be , hee 'le keepe you fast no doubt , h so fast , that all the friends you haev , shall never get you out . in which dark dungeon you then shall live in great miserie ; where i satan with his cursed crew , shall keepe you company . k your pleasures then shall surely end , l your paines shall then begin , and never end , if you resolve m to live and dye in sin . consider this you shamelesse imps , a who young fooles doe entice to wickednesse , for which cause you are hither brought for mice . b be civill , and learne modesty , keepe home , c and quite forsake your former evill wicked wayes , then d god will undertake e to keepe you from those fearfull plagues which you justly deserve ; f and give you joyes in stead of thereof , if you him duly serve . g wherefore delay no time at all , your mindes to goodnesse give , that when your bodies here shall dye , h your soules in heaven may live . chap. xxxviii . to his mother . i a have with griefe of heart beene here five months and more , 't is knowne , and if i here should be a yeare , i scarce know any one b that would of me take pitty , and releeve me in distresse : alas , c no friends will understand how some doe me oppresse . a i am forsaken of all those b that in me tooke delight , when i liv'd well , and wore good clothes , c but now they doe me slight ; d as if a meere stranger i were , they 'le not on me now call , but doe with one consent forbeare e to visit me at all . f friends , kindred , and acquaintance , now no kindnesse will me show , i thinke they have made all a vow g to leave me here in woe . but that 's not all that troubles me , one thing there is moreover , that h grieves my very heart to see , th'unkindnesse of a mother . oh that i had no cause to write , or think to my great griefe , i how you have me neglected quite , as if i were a theefe . yet when i call to minde k the love that god beares to all such , l as looke for comfort from above , my minde is eased much . m though mothers tender may forget their children , captives taken , yet god , our father , will not let his children be forsaken . wherefore a my trust and confidence shall be in him alone , hoping he will bring me out hence , b hee 'le heare my plaint and mone . c when i nine months was shut up fast , in your close wombe , you know the lord he brought me forth at last , d and gave you joy also . i then almost for e three yeares space , your tender breasts did suck , f in those dayes you did me embrace , and call'd me pretty duck . g i am your sonne , deare mother , still , and shall be till i dye , although i am now call'd poore will , being in misery . it is no money that i crave , perhaps you have it not , h it is your blessing i would have , if it could now be got . if you once would but send to me , i know t' would me revive , i then should thinke i your care would be to know how i did thrive . but howsoever 't is with me , k my hope is you are well ; and that one day we shall both be l in heav'n , with christ to dwell . in the meane space whil'st i am here , a let me some comfort finde , from you that are my mother deare , 't will ease my troubled minde . why should such b flatt'ring friends , that are i' th country now about you , c seeke to make you with me to jarre , that here must live without you . i am your sonne , they are your friends , thinke of them as you please : d they were my friends , for their own ends when i liv'd more at ease . i am perswaded in my heart , if'twere not for that e crew , that you would act a mothers part , and your old love renew . your motherly affection then would once againe appeare f to me , that am a scorne to men , now i am shut up here . if i have not with all respect g to you my duty done , then i 'le confesse a great neglect in me , your youngest son . and on my bended knees i 'le crave pardon of god on high , h who will soone bring downe to the grave such as the same deny . a you now are old , and much decay'd in strength , and otherwise , and i in prison being laid , know not how to devise which way to helpe and succour you , 't is not now in my power , the lord knowes b i have much adoe here to subsist an houre . three children i have of mine owne , which i cannot maintaine : c but god who is to mercy prone , d hath eas'd me of that paine . e for he considering my distresse f hath rais'd them friends , with whom they live , and have ( i must confesse ) more then they had at home . g my wife that 's vex'd and sorely griev'd , with me she takes a share , h for scarce one friend hath her releev'd , since we have had this care . judge now , deere mother , what a case at this time i am in , if i should long be in this place , i 't would make my cheekes look thin . k think on me then , and let me heare some newes from you to morrow , by some one of buckinghamshire , 't will mitigate my sorrow . and let me now , good mother , be excus'd , though you may finde in these few lines written by me , some things against your minde . a for out of the abundance of my great complaint and griefe i write , ( though some thereat may scoffe ) to have some poore reliefe . thus to conclude , b i 'le leave all to my father that 's on high , for c hee 'le direct me what to doe in this extremity . beseeching him to d give us grace and favour , so that we e in heav'n may see him face to face , when we there shall be free . chap. xxxix . to the prisoner that was to be discharged , and set at liberty . if a favour thou receiv'st , now thou hast need of b friends or kindred , which thy case doe pitie , c whereby thou may'st out of this place be freed , and take thy pleasure in country or city : d make good use of thy time , e run not in debt , to live out of f danger doe not forget . g for if the sergeants take thee once againe , unto the compter gate they will thee bring , and there thou know'st thou canst not long remaine the turn-key hee 'le be sure to let them in : and then the book-keeper will on ther looke , and aske thy name to enter 't in this booke . the chamberlaine likewise thou then shalt see with his cleane sheets , thee to appoint thy lodging , and when he to thy chamber hath brought thee , thou must needs pay thy garnish without dodging , and when thou art here , thou wilt looke about , and say , god helpe me , when shall i get out ? a thy case may then be worse then ever'twas , and besides that , all thy best friends perhaps , may judge thee to be but an idle asse , b thou being fallen into a relapse : wherefore take heed , c lewd company refraine , lest thou thereby art hither brought againe . chap. xl . to those that come to visit their friends in prison . you that are a come to visit your poore friends , which in this solitary place doe lye , b the lord c which to us all afflictions sends ) d takes notice of your workes of charity , e if you your helping hand will now them lend , your comming then may be to some good end . f 't is hard with them ( god knowes ) now they are here g here they want many things , though you have plenty , h bread and small drink oft times is their best cheere , i and many times they sleepe with belly empty . a wherefore take heed , be free , and not hide-bound , b but let your friendly love to them be found . their debts increase , by being in this place their rent is double , and their charge is great , their liberty they want to their disgrace , c their friends neglect them , d though they them intreat : e if you will undertake among the rest to helpe them now , f doe it at their request . g for here none will about their bus'nesse goe , unlesse before hand they be well rewarded , which pris'ners cannot doe , that are brought low , and therefore are so much the lesse regarded : h if you supply their wants now they have need , you shall performe a charitable deed . helpe them therefore i for helpe here they have none , k abroad they cannot goe their meanes to get , l and being here , they are much wrought upon , so that in time they lose all by neglect . m consider this , you that have liberty , for this your owne case may be e're you dye . now when you from these captives doe depart , n thinke of them though they are out of your sight , then by your meanes they may no longer smart here in this prison , where is no delight : then they without all doubt thankfull will be , o and your love gratifie , when they are free . p he is indeed a true friend , that can take to heart the great afflictions of another , and in his troubles will not him forsake , such a deere q friend is neerer then a brother . if you such friends will be , christ will one day be your chiefe friend , r and you receive with joy . chap. lxi . to the carelesse man , a prisoner . a a carelesse man thou hast beene in thy dayes , for which cause thou unto this place art brought , and wilt thou yet be carelesse here alwayes , it is the way ne're to be worth a groat . for here thou losest time , and may'st at last in great want live , having spent all thou hast , b here thou canst live ( say'st thou ) with meanes as well as in another place , 't is all one to thee , c yet if a minde thou hast here long to dwell , thou dost not know how soone it may undoe thee . he is a foole , or knave , that here will be shut up in prison , when he may be free . d it seemes thy breeding hath not beene so good , that thou should'st not regard thy liberty , but like a novice that ne're understood how to distinguish joy from misery . for if thou pleasure take here day or night , thou know'st not what belongs e to true delight . doubtlesse that man that beares an honest minde , will scorne f to live here longer then needs must , for he elsewhere better content may finde , in things that lawfull are , honest , and just , the carelesse man regardeth not at all what place he lives in , and therefore must fall . what if thou hast a bed to lye upon , with meat and drinke enough here for a time : a what wilt thou doe when all thy money 's gone goe in a corner , and there cry and whine . thus 't will be , if thou doe it not prevent , yet carelesse men are never diligent . if thou thus carelesse art now of thy selfe , dost thinke thy friends a care of thee will have , thou art deceiv'd , for though they have much wealth , b they 'le suffer thee to live here like a slave . if thou these things dost not at all regard , thinke if thou suffer , 't is thy just reward . be thou not like c the sow , or filthy hog , which leaves fresh straw , to wallow in the mire : or like the raven that barkes like a dog , which here abides , although it can flye higher , for if thou here wilt needs set up thy rest , thou may'st then be compar'd unto a beast . the carelesse man that in prison doth lye , regardeth now how things may with him be , d he cares not for his wife and family , the heathen man is not so bad as he : if thou still in this kinde so carelesse art , thou shalt one day for it be sure to smart . wherefore have thou a religious honest care , to thinke before hand how thou should'st provide for thee and thine , such things as needfull are : e but pensive carefulnesse lay thou aside , f let thy chiefe care be for the life to come , then shalt thou no want have , having so done . now seeing thou here art in prison fast , which prison is a place of care , no doubt , be not yet carelesse , g nor thy selfe downe cast , but use thy best endeavours to get out : a be carefull to please god above all things , then he 'le release thee , b and pardon thy sins . chap. xlii . to the rich man , a prisoner . thou a that art rich , and good meanes hast abroad , what need'st thou be penn'd up in this close place ? b why dost not with thy creditors accord ? but shew'st thy selfe in this to be so base . if thou here live , having wherewith to pay , thou shalt for it be sure to smart one day . thy creditors want that which thou canst spare : c why dost thou not in time give them their due ? 't is like that some of them cannot forbeare their debts , d for which they now are forc'd to sue . if thou wilt not them pay , then art thou shamelesse , and they in laying thee up here are blamelesse . e it may be thou ly'st here charges to save , regarding not thy credit in this kinde : in which thou shew'st thy selfe to be a knave , in bearing such a wicked wretched minde . though thou hereby thy creditors dost displease , yet know thou canst not here live long at ease . f what art thou now the better for thy wealth , if thou no better use thereof dost make ? g thou should'st esteeme of liberty and health , and not lye basking here like a poore snake . if thou from men thus keep'st thy meanes away , the lord will not thy punishment delay . for shame doe not thy creditors abuse , but looke about thee , a and them give content : for thou canst not thy selfe in this excuse , and therefore deserv'st to be soundly shent : wherfore thy creditors now satisfie , that thou no longer in this place mayst lye . and when thou art hence gone , b consider what great mis'ry many poore men doe endure , that meat , drink , clothes , and lodging here doe lacke , which they by no meanes know how to procure . c doe them some good , d that art thy selfe a debtor , then thou by being here wilt be the better . e but if thou riches hast , and hast no care of thy poore brethren , who are in distresse , but on the contrary wilt yet forbeare to pay thy due , and live in idlenesse , f thy cank'red money shall a witnesse be against thee , when thou art in misery . g be not a slave to that which should serve thee , h as those are which have meanes without gods blessing : but having meanes be to poore pris'ners free , 't will be to them thou know'st a great refreshing : being thus well dispos'd , god will one day i give thee such riches as will ne're decay . chap. xliii . to the idle man , a prisoner . he a that an idle course of life doth lead , into great danger must needs fall at last , what man will undertake to intercede for such a man when he 's in prison cast ? 't is idlenesse hath brought thee to this place , where thou art like to live in a poore case . a thou now art fallen into poverty , which b idle men cannot at all avoyd , for which cause thou art now here forc'd to lye , and here mayst lye untill thy debts be payd ; and though some may at thee a while connive , yet such an idle fellow cannot thrive . c unworthy thou art of meat , drink , and clothes , d that slothfull art , and labour dost refuse , thy friends in time will turne to be thy foes , that hast a calling , which thou dost abuse : the prison is too good for such a one , that his time spends thus like an idle drone . e the little silly creatures , that are dumbe , are wiser then thou art , and can thee teach f how thou should'st labour , and idlenesse shun : this doctrine others besides them doe preach : if thou of them learne not , thou shalt be sure g to live in want , and misery endure . when god at first our parents did create , he made them not in idlenesse to live , h they labour'd and tooke paines early and late , although the lord the whole world did them give . thus i men are borne to labour , and therefore such idle persons the lord doth abhorre . he that his minde now gives to idlenesse , may fitly be compar'd unto a weed which in it hath no vertue , not goodnesse , therefore should not be let alone to breed , but rather be pluckt up , and cast away , because a the ground it doth so much annoy . but now thou art in prison , thou dost thinke a priviledge thou hast idle to be ; and that thereat b the lord above doth winke : thou art deceiv'd , c for thou like the fig-tree , ( which fruitlesse was ) d shalt be cut down and curs'd ; for idle men of all men are the worst . e if thou a calling hast , thou mayst it use in some sort , or be otherwise imploy'd f in godly vertues , which good men doe chuse to labour in , and therewith are not cloy'd : for god rejects and casts all such away , as only love g to eate , drinke , sleepe , and play . what pleasure canst thou take to fit and drink with others , that no goodnesse have at all ? that take tobacco till their breath doe stinke , h and set no time apart on , god to call . is this a time to spend time in this kinde ? i surely the devill hath made such fooles blinde . k the time will come when thou account shalt give how thou thy time hast spent here and elsewhere , l thou canst not thinke thou hast here long to live , m though thou of thy soules health hast now no care . n the time thou hast , that precious time spend well , and have a care no o ●lle tales thou tell . unto a place thou must goe , where thou shalt p live everlastingly in joy or paine ; q this world 's the through fare , thinke now what a fault r it is in him that thinke not of these twaine ● , s be diligent therefore , t and walke a pace , so shalt thou goe to heaven u that joyfull place . a rowze up thy selfe , and think though thou here art in prison of thy liberty restrain'd , yet if from this place thou would'st soone depart , b shun sloath and idlenesse , and be reclaim'd . in action alwayes be , c spend no time vaine , d and thy lost time seeke to redeeme againe . chap. xliiii . to the dissembling hypocrite , a prisoner . thou a that hast often playd the counterfeit with those whom thou by that meanes hast deceiv'd , art for that cause into the compter let , where many such as thou art are receiv'd : if thou dissembling trickes wilt still here use , men will thee loath , b and god will thee refuse . he cannot live ( say'st thou ) that can't dissemble : c i grant in thee this proverb 's verifi'd , yet have such knaves just cause to quake and tremble ; for certainly god cannot them abide . thou by dissembling may'st think to live well , d yet will that course of life bring thee to hell . e sometimes some friends thou may'st deceive , i grant , f by thy deceitfull , flatt'ring , lying tongue , and afterwards thereof mayst boast and vaunt , yet for the same thy conscience shall be stung . g what inward peace , think'st thou , can in thee be , h when thy smooth tongue and false heart can't agree ? such hypocrites may make most men beleeve i they are religious , honest , and discreet : yet if they doe not now for their sins grieve , the lord ( who a knows their hearts ) will with them meet b and many woes against them hee 'le pronounce , c and their deceitfull soules will soundly trounce . d thy outward carriage may to them appeare to be upright , as thou would'st have them think , e but thou within art full of filthy geere , so that in the f lords nostrils thou dost stinke . the g sinfull publican shall mercy finde sooner then the proud h pharisee that 's blinde . i though thou with men dissemble , yet take heed k with god thou doe not play the hypocrite , for if thou doe , think not thou shalt be freed l from being punish'd in the peoples sight , if thou of these great sins art not afraid , thou wilt ere long in gods prison be laid . satan his children teacheth to deny the truth to god and man , m he is a lyer , n yet he himselfe would not tell god a lye , but told the truth , when he did him require : o the hypocrite whose heart 's inclin'd to evill , in this point farre worse is then is the devill . now what a fearfull case art thou then in , p that in the church visible art now living , and canst not thy heart give to god , being q a false dissembling heart , r not worth the giving , s which heart the devill having once possess'd , will keepe it , for with him 't is in request . consider this , before it be too late , thou in a place art now in t troubles great , where thou should'st u often pray and x meditate : y god heares them which him faithfully z intreat . and then a a new heart hee 'le thee likewise give , b which heart thou mayst returne to him and live . chap. xlv . to the commissioners appointed by his majesty for the reliefe of poore prisoners . you noble lords , knights , gentlemen , and others , that are appointed by our gracious king in these bad times to be commissioners , for the reliefe of prisoners , lamenting , a here are poore men oppress'd , b ready to faint ▪ be pleas'd to heare c their pittifull complaint . d the cruelty of many creditors is such , as heretofore was never knowne , e no pitty they have on their poore debtors , f because their hearts are as hard as a stone : wherefore poore pris'ners g laden here with griefe h appeale to you for succour and reliefe . i the debtor's willing to doe what he can his cruell creditor to satisfie , and though he offer like an honest man , to give him all he hath for 's liberty : k yet will he not at all listen unto him , because he had much rather quite undoe him . a man imprison'd cannot exercise his calling , by which meanes his family at home want food and rayment , and likewise he 's like to perish here without mercy : for his rich creditor l saith he cares not if he in prison lye untill he not . such ill condition'd creditors doe know , the prison's not a place where men e're thriv'd , and yet they take a course to overthrow some that are here of liberty depriv'd : for some well knowne are not asham'd to say , a they 'le have their bones , if they their debts can't pay . these rig'rous courses against pris'ners must be here endur'd by them , unlesse you please to mitigate the same , b which is both just and lawfull , which will be much for their ease : c if mercy be with justice mix'd , then may many poore pris'ners be releas'd each day . wherefore those that have just cause to complaine , referre themselves , d and their distressed cause to you , that have full power to maintaine that good commission , grounded on gods lawes : now you by vertue thereof much good doe to pris'ners that referre themselves to you . although some creditors be obstinate , and very wilfull , which will not obey such orders as you power have to make , for such as their debts can't presently pay : e yet without doubt you have authority to punish those that are refractory . f but by your gentle , sweet , and milde perswasions , such creditors whose hearts are mollifi'd , doe yeeld themselves upon all good occasions , your charitable censures to abide : poore debtors by this meanes may be enlarg'd , and afterwards their debts justly discharg'd . now if you doe procure them certaine dayes of payment , that they may with courage goe abroad to seeke their fortunes , a they will prayse the lord for you , that doe such favour show : b for those that doe the cause of poore men plead , c their lives in heav'n with christ shall ever lead . chap. xlvi . to his chamber-fellowes , and other distressed prisoners of the knights ward , that were there shut up of the plague . we now have cause to look about , and think how soone a we may be call'd unto the barre of gods great justice , from which we can't shrinke : let 's therefore think on 't whil'st we yet here are ; b for when gods sergeant comes , hee 'le make us know c we must be gone whether we will or no . examples to our terrour here we have , d of gods delinquents , how they doe lament when they are smitten , and mark'd for the grave , e because by no meanes they can it prevent . f to this great danger we are all expos'd , that are in this infectious place inclos'd . our chamber-fellow being sick a bed , made us beleeve that he was free and cleere from all infection , but when he was dead , gods tokens on his body did appeare ; which sight increas'd our feare , and suddenly we chang'd our lodging , g and cry'd for mercy . the seventh day after , he that lay with me h dy'd likewise of the same disease , then i began to thinke a that my turne next would be , and did resolve to take it patiently . b but you and i god to this day hath spar'd , let 's yet looke up , and be alwayes prepar'd . c for the sword of the lord ( the pestilence ) is still stretch'd over us , and not yet sheath'd , d to whom shall we repaire for our defence , but to the lord , lest we be much deceiv'd : e he kills , and makes alive , 't is he alone f that wounds , & heals ; g to him let 's make our mone . some of our company h he kills outright , and some i are sorely wounded ev'ry day , and we that are i' th combat day and night , not kill'd nor wounded , yet can't run away . but as the forlorne hope i' th time of war , k are in a desperate case , so we now are . l we now are fallen into the lords hands , as well as into'th hands of cruell men , m loe , mercy now against cruelty stands , and will o'recome it , though we know not when ; let men be what they will , n the lord is just , o then though he kill us , yet let 's in him trust . p our friends and kindred , now , will not come neare us , they have a faire excuse , yet may they send : our creditors whom wee fear'd , q now doe feare us , r more then they feare god , on whom we depend : s let friends and kindred , creditors and all doe what they please , t the lord is our sure wall . u gods pris'ners now we are , x the action 's laid , y our debts are just , and withall are so great , z that by our selves they never can be paid : a wherefore let us our creditor soone intreat , b to be our surety , then no doubt but we c shall mercy finde , d and e're long be set free . chap. xlvii . the prisoner at liberty , his thankfull remembrance of gods great mercies towards him , in his manifold deliverances out of many great dangers and troubles to this present day . to the king of heaven . thou a that the great deliverer art of those , b that seeke to thee for helpe in time of need , c wilt not reject them , d but with them wilt close : o lord , e thou wilt not breake the bruised reed . f when i was weake and faint , g ready to perish , h thou then gav'st strength , i and did'st me likewise cherish . k when i was sicke , and in danger of death , l wanting at that time meanes to get reliefe , m not being able scarce to fetch my breath , n feeling much paine , o and almost kill'd with griefe : p thou then wast my physitian , which did'st cure q and gav'st me health , r the which doth yet endure . s when i had enemies for me too strong , t that sought my ruine , and my overthrow , u that did rejoyce when x they could doe me wrong , y so that i could not tell which way to goe : z thou then didst me defend , and mad'st them faile , a so that against me they could not prevaile . b when i of cruell theeves was in great danger upon the wayes , in c woods and other places , d where i alone then travell'd as a stranger , fearing i should be forc'd to see their faces : a thou then did'st me conduct , and wast my guide , so that i had no hurt of neither side . b when i at sea was , in tempestuous weather , c in perils great , and often times dismay'd , when sands , and rocks , and raging waves together , d caus'd all the mariners to be afraid : e thou then , o lord , did'st cause the stormes to cease , f and brought'st us to the land , to rest in peace . g when i was often times in dangers great , in divers parts , which thou lord best dost know , which severall dangers i cannot repeat , being so many , and fearfull also , h thou then did'st evermore stretch forth thine hand , and me preserv'd as well by sea as land . i when i some friends and deare acquaintance lost , that were to me in their life time a stay , k and when thou took'st them from me , being tost l and tumbled in the world both night and day : m thou then which rul'st the hearts of all good men , n did'st raise me other friends in stead of them . o when i lost all th'estate i had , which thou p did'st give me for my comfort in this life , after which losses great i knew not how to live , q but in great want with my poore wife : r thou then of me took'st pitie , and againe s restor'dst to me that which did us maintaine . t when i my credit lost , and my good name , u being backbited , slaunder'd , and abus'd in words , by those x whose tongues no man could name , y so that it griev'd me to be so ill us'd : a thou then at length did'st bring the truth to light , b and my credit redeemd'st , for all their spight . c when i extreamly was assaulted by d the devill , who e my conscience troubled sore f with reckning then my sins up , so that i g was in despaire , h and did my life abhor , i thou then ( the god of mercy ) did'st restraine k his cruell rage , l and me reviv'dst againe . when i in prison was , m in misery , n wanting all earthly comforts , and also o when i thought the time come that i should dye , p by reason of the plague , which there did grow . thou then q whose mercy doth endure for ever ) r did'st me out of that loathsome place deliver . s when many crosses and troubles i had from time to time , t which troubled much my minde , and yet to those afflictions u some would adde more sorrow , x for they were to me unkinde : then lord , y when i in faith did on thee call , z thou didst deliver me out of them all . a now lord what shall i render unto thee for all these gracious favours , beyond measure , b which thou hast still vouchasafed unto me , according to thy blessed will and pleasure ? c i will thee give all praise , and eke thanksgiving , d as long as in this world i have a being . thy e benefits , thy f love , thy providence , thy g blessings temporall , and h spirituall , i of all which i have had experience , k besides thy care , which is perpetuall , l deserves more thanks and praise , being so rare , then a tongues of men or angels b can declare . i now beseech thee c i may ne're forget d thy wonderfull great mercies showne to me , e but make me truly thankfull , and so let f t'wards me thy loving kindnesse ever be : g and when i goe from hence , lord let me crave h i may in heav'n with thee my dwelling have . chap. xlviii . to his good friend , that gave order to his friend to see him discharged out of prison . r — oan is the place where a my deere friend doth dwel , b thou that deere friend art to thy friend bagwell . i — c was in prison in great misery , where i , ( as i thought ) d did my best friends try . c — raving e their helpe , f yet helplesse they left me , g and therefore i for helpe sent unto thee . h — ere h in mine owne country i could not finde i a friend , as thou hast beene , to me so kinde . a — lthough k a friend to many i have beene , l yet none of me in prison would esteeme . r — eleas'd m am i now out of that distresse , which was by thy meanes , and yet ne'rethelesse d— oe oe not thinke but thine agent i 'le content , = though n god's the author , thou the instrument . l — ong have i laine shut up in that close place , where o friends and kindred left me in disgrace . i — n my more p prosp'rous dayes i could not know how to distinguish my friend from my foe . m — any q of my friends in those dayes were glad kindnesse to shew me , when no need i had . b — ut a when god brought me to adversity , no kindnesse from those friends at all had i. e — xperience b i have had of thy true love , which i must needs confesse c came from above . r — ejoyce should i , d if i could tell which way to recompence thy love without delay . y — et let me tell thee , to avoid all strife , e e're long i 'le see thee , if god spare us life . chap. xlix . to a carefull friend that discharged the trust committed to him by his friend , in seeing of him freed out of prison . l — oving a kind-hearted men , whose mindes are bent b to doe good to such as are almost spent , a — re c rare , i dare say , seeke the kingdome round , d scarce one in forty in these dayes are found . w— retched e worldlings , though they have much to spare , f yet they of gods poore children have no care . r — ich g men that live in pleasure and great fame , h doe famous things to get themselves a name . a — n i honest true religious man indeed , that 's blest with means , k wil help those that have need , n— ot l onely of himselfe , but will likewise m stir others up to that good exercise . c — hrist n his poore members loves , he 's their safeguard , o and those that doe them good he will reward . e— very one that 's poore is not christs member , = p yet he that 's poore in spirit he doth tender . b — etter q is the upright poore man , then he r that 's rich and scornfull , as most rich men be . r — ich and poore that s religious are t and wise , are happy , u and most precious in gods eyes . i — n this last age much a pride and b poverty is in all places , c but small charity . n — ever d were men in times past which liv'd wel e so hard put to it , which they blush to tell . l — ittle doe most men think , f that boast and vaunt , g what 't is to helpe poore house-keepers that want . e — xperience i , and many besides me , h have had of thy religious care so free . y — eeld i unto god all praise and thanksgiving , k for those good things thou hast came all from him . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- a job . . b lam. . . c pro. . . d psal. . . e job . . f deut. . . g cor. . . h jonah . . . h psal. . . i job . . k psal. . , . l psal. . . m cor. . n psal. . . o job . . p pro. . . q jer. . . r cant. . . s psal. . . t jam. . . . notes for div a e- a eccles . . b psal. . . c pro. . . d job . . e psal. . . f job . . g pro. . . h psal. . . i rev. . . k mat. . . l sam . . m psal . n psal. . . n eccles . . o psal. . . p psal. . q pro. . . r rom. . . s cor. . . t heb. . . u and . . x job . . y jam. . . * eph. . . z phil. . . a john . . b acts . . c tim. . . d psal. . ● . . e heb. . . f pet. . . g act. . . h jer. ▪ . i jer. ▪ , . k jer. . . l rom. . . m act. . . n cor. . . o psal . . p cor. . q psal. . r chron. . , . s mat. . . t tim. . . u phil. . . x chron. . , . y pro. . , , . z psal. . a psal . . b psal. . c psal. . heb. . . d luke . . e luke . . f acts . g john . . h rom. . . i rom. . , . notes for div a e- a pro. . . b psal. . . c pro. . . d job . . e psal. . . f gen. . . g job . . h psal. . . i jam. . . k eccles . . l psal. . . m & . . n mat. . . o psal. . . p heb. . . q psal. . . r & . . s eccles . . t eccles . . u jer. . . x esther . . . . y esay . . z tim. . . z pro. . . a col. . . b esth. . . . c eccles . . d psal. . . e heb. . . f sam. . . g psal. . h rom. . , , i deut. . , , . k dan. . . l acts . . m john . . n luke . , , , . o job . . p jam. . , , q job , . r job . . s psal. . t job . . u psal. . . x job . . y psal. . . z psal. . . a joh. . . b zeph. . . c hos. . . d heb. . . e job . , . f thes. . . g rev. . h jer. . . i psal. ● . k rev. . . l psal. . . m dan . . n jer. . . o pet. . . p heb. . . q jam. . . r chr. . . s heb. . . t phil. . , . u john . . x pet. . . y jam. . . z job . , . a sam. . b pro. . c ex. . , d psal. . . e esay . . f sam. . g esay . . h esay . . i fx. . , k jer. . . l jer. . . m job . . . n jer. . . &c o job . . p gen. . . q john . . r psal. . . s psal. . t psal. , u cor. . . x psal. . . y cor. . , . z mic. . . a chr. . b sam. . . nah. . . c psal. . . d mar. . , e mat. . . e phil. . . f psal. . . g pro. . , . h mat . . i john . . k eccles . . l mat. . . pro. . . m mat. . : n psal. . . o psal. . . p mar. . . q cor. . r psal. . . s & . t psal. . . u psal. . . x gen. . . y esay . . z cor. . a cor. . b job . . c neh. . . d ezra . . e psal. . . & . . f mat. . . g mar. . . h king. . i james . . k psal. . l esay . . m psal. . n psal. . . o cor. . . p psal. . . q esay . . r esay . . s jer. ▪ . t exod. . , , . u gen. . , . . x col. . . y rom. . . z luke . . a psal. . . a cant. . . b psal. . . c psal. . . d heb. . . e heb. . . notes for div a e- a esay . b pro. . . b ecclus. . . acts . . c king . . d psal. . . d heb. . . e psal. . . e ecclus. . . f jam. . . g chro. . . g ps. . . h acts . . i gen. . k gen. . l psal. . . m ps . . . luk. . . psal. . . a mat. . . ps. . . pro. . . a a king. . . b mat. . . & c v. . d psal. . . micah . . e job . . f micah . . g josh. . . sam. . . h eccles. . . i mat. . . k psal. . l mat. . m mat. . . n pro. . job . . . o mat. . . p mat. . . q v. . r luk. . ſ rom. . . . t mat . u mat. . . x luk. . . y rev. . . psal. . . z rev. . . a mat. . . rev. . . . b mat. . c rom. . d act. . e heb. . . f luk. . . g ezek. . . a gen. b psal. . . ecclus. . . c ecclus. . , . & . . d pro. . . ecclus. . . psal. . . e esay . . f psal. . , . ecclus. . . g psal. . . psal. . . h hos. . i lam. . . k mat. . . l mat. . . m mat. . . n mat. . . o john . . p joh. . . . psal. . . esay . . . q luk. . . r mar. . . (ſ) ps. . . t psal. . . a ps. . . b act. . . . c jer. . pro. . . a psal. . , . pro. . . b psal. . . c mat. . , . d mat. . e cor. . a gal. . . b ps. . . c psal. . . mat. . . d mat. . , . e mat. . & f . . g mat. . , . h mat. . . i mat. . . acts . . k mat. . . l acts . . m acts . n heb. . o rev. . . tim. . . p rev. . . a ps. . . b psal. . , . c esay . . d psal. . . . acts . . e jonah . . f act. . . g acts . . . . h ecclus. . . i act. . . k ps. . . . l ps . . m act. . n ps. . o pro. . p lev. . . q psal. ● . song of the ch●l . . r ibid. . neht . . . (ſ) sam. . t psal. . . u p● . , & ps. . . x ps. . . y acts. . a jof . . . deut. . . b ps. . . & . . c ruth . . d jos. . . e jer. . . f ps. . . . g ps. . . deut. . wisd. . . h act. . . i deut. . heb. . . k ezek. . . l nehe. . m psal. . . & . . n psal. . . o sam. . . jer. . . p psal. . q rom. . r mat. . . . (ſ) cor. . t gen. . & . . u ecclus. . . x eph. . . . y exo. . . z pro. . . a pro. . . b king. . , , . c wisd. . . d ecclus . . e acts . . f mar. . . a ecclus. . . b ecclus. . . c ecclus. . . d psal. . e lev. . . f mat. . . a sam. . . king. . b psal. . esay . . c ps. . . d joh. . e psal . . f job . . joh , . . g luke . h luke . psal. . . mal. . . pro. . v. i pro. . . ecclus . . k ecclus . . l ecclus . m heb. . n ecclus . o eph. . , and . p psal. . q psal. . r heb. . s psal. . t & . . u sam. . . x esay . . y prov. . & . . a gen. . b thes. . . c jer. . . d deut. . e esa. . . f prov. . . g esd. . . h dan. . . a esd. . . . b gen. . . prov. . . c psal. . . d psal. . . e psal. . . jub . . a esd. . . macch. . b wisd. . . c job . . d joh. . . e ecclus . . . eccles . . f pro. . . & . . . a pro. . . john . b ecclus . c ecclus . tim. . . pro. . , d pro. . e ecclus . f ps. . . g pro. . h thes. . . joh. . a ps. . b pro. . . c ezek. . d mat. . . & . . e tim. . . f mat. . jer. . . g deut. . job . . h ps. . . i deut. . . k esay . . a psal. . . b psal. . . c job . . d psal. . . e tim. . . f esay . g psal. . . h psal. . . chro. , . i gal. . . hag. . . k ecclus. & l . . m hos. . . n pro. . o pet. . . thes. . . p tim. , . q cor. . . r tit. . . . (ſ) acts . t pro. . . u gen. . . x ps. . ● a psal. . . b eccles. . . c psal. . . d ecclus. . . e ps. . . f & . josh. . g psal. . . h esay . i tim. . k job . , psal. . , . l joh. . . acts . . m psal. . . & . . n psal. . . . o pro. . . . p esay . . q psal. . . r cor. . , . (ſ) heb. . , . t ps. . . u esay . x tim. . y cor. . . z cor. . . a mat . b joh. . c luk. . acts . , . d acts . psal. . . e ps. . , . f job . , . psal. . . g pro. . . h rom. . . a pro. . . b tim. . , . c cor. . a lam. . . b psal. , c psal. , . d job . , . e job . . f pro. . . ecclus. . . g ● sam. . h ezek. , . i tit. . . k cor. . . l job . acts . . m rev. . . n psal. . . o ecclus. , . p pro. . . q gen. . . r pro , . . a rom. . . b pro. , , . c pet. . . d psal. . e jer. . . f esay . g ecclus. . . h ecclus. . . i . sam. . k sam. . . l sam. . . m sam. . . n sam. . o sam. . . p sam. . . q sam. . . r psal. . . (ſ) luk. . , . t sam. . . u v. . x job . . y psal. . a jer. . . b tit. . . c king. ● . . d eccles . e joh. . . a job . b pro. . c deut. . d tob. . . e tob. . . f esa. . g jer. . . h rev. . . i jer. . . k esa. . . l gen. . m sam. . . n gen. . o eccles . p job . q tob. . . a act. . . b pro. . . psal. . . c gen. . . d wisd. . e mat. . . f joel . g joh . h cant. . i eccles . k job . . l eccles . m ecclus . n pro. . o luk. . p psal. . . q psal. . . r phil. . . s esay . . t psal. . . u ps. . x job . y pet. . a psal. . . b pro. . c lam. . . pro. . . d cor. . . pro. . . e ecclus . f pro. . g ruth . . * ecclus . . h rom. . i luke . . k gen. . l psal. . m esdr. . . n mat. . . o pro. . . p pro. . ecclus . . q joh. . . r ecclus . s pro. . . titus . . t judith . . u ecclus . . x tim. . ● y pro. . . a ecclus . a pro. . . rom. . . b pro. . c mat. . d jer. . . e ecclus . f ecclus . g psal. . . h psal. . i psal. . . k job . . l jam. . . m ecclus . . n ecclus . . amos . o pro. . . p psal. . . q job . pro ●● . mal. . r luk. . . s 〈◊〉 , . t gen. . . eccles . . a job . . b eccles. . . c psal. . . d & . . e mat. . , . f v. . g v. . h v. . i john . . k john . . l rom. . m amos . . n rom. . . o esa. . . p mat. . q ecclus. . . r eph. . . (ſ) job . t psal. . . u pet. . . x heb. . pro. . . y mat. . . z tim. . a esay . b a cor. . . a pet. . . b psal. . . c ver. . d psal. . . e esa. . . f jer. . . g psal. . h ps. . i ps. . . k mat. . . l jam. . . m cor. . n neh. ● . . o heb. . p dan. . . q tim. . . r jam. . . s thess. . . t cor. . . a cor. . . b john . . c jer. . . d ezek. . . e ezek . . f ps. . . g ezek. . . h psal. . . i ezek. . . k acts . . l col. . . ecclus. . . m rev. . . a job . . b mar. . . c john . . d acts . e mat. . . f rom. . . g chro. . . h heb. . . i pro. . . hos. . . k psal. . . & . . l cor. . m pro. . . n john . . o luke . . p jam. . . q acts . r pet. . . (ſ) ps. . . t cor. . , . u cor. . . a pet. . . b joh. . . c heb. . . a wisd. . . b psal. . c chron. . . d chron. . e john . . f ezek. . rom. . . g j●r . . . ps. . . h eccles . i psal. . k eze. . . l king. . . lam . . a ezek. . . b gen. . . c ecclus . . d job . e psal. . ▪ f gen. . g king. . . h cor. . . . psal. . . i sam. . . k eph. . . l sam. . . m gal. . n rom. . o ps. . p ps. . q rom. . . a job . . b job . . c job . . d job . . e psal. . . f job . & . . g pet. . . h psal. . i & eph. . &c. k eph. . . l ecclus . m hos. . . n ecclus . . . o phil. . . p col. . . q eccles . . r tim. . . s judg. . . a pro. . . b pro. . . c judeth . . d phil. . . tob. . . e gen. . f jer. . . &c. g tim. . a pro. . . b ecclus . . c pro. . . d esa. . . e levit. . f ecclus . . g psal. . . h levit. . . . i zeph. . . k luk. . l luk. . . a acts . . b ecclus. . . c pro. . d luk. . e pro. . f pro. . . g tim. . . h pro. . , . i mi t . . k acts . l micah . . m esd. . . n pro. . . o esd. . . p luk. . q luk. . . r , . a v. . b v. . c psal. . . d luk. . e luk. . f v. . g v. . h v. . i ps. . esay . . heb. . . k hos. . . l psal. . . m pro. . . n pet. . . o psal. . . p job . . q psal. . . r psal. . . s ps. . . t psal. . . u pet. . . x heb. . y pet. . . z rom. . . a mark . b rev. . . c cant. . . d heb. . . e phil. . ▪ , . psal. . . a cor. . . b mat. . . c ps. . hos. . . d heb. . e ps. . . & f . . job . . g pet. . . a eph. . . b eph. . . c mat. . d mat. . jude . e thes. . . f dan. . . jam. . . g esa. . . h rev. . . i wisd. . k heb. . . pro. . . l judg. . m john . . n jude . a mat. . b luk. . c wis . . . nahum . . d esa . . e pet. . . f gen. . g psal. . . h john . , . i joh. . . k eph. . . l eccles. . m ps. . . n psal. . . o joh. . p pro . , . q ecclus. . . r pro. . . a esd. . . b judith . . . . c hab. . . eccles . . d jude . ecclus . . e pro. . . ecclus . . . f ecclus . . & . . g hos. . . jer. . . pet. . . h tim. . . pet. . . i job . . k psal. ● . l jude . m zeph. . . n jer. . . o thes. . p job . jude v. . q esa. . . r job . s pro. . . t ecclus . . . u ecclus . . esdr. . . x ps. . a ecclus . . b ecclus . . c pro. . . d ezek. . . e hos. . . f hos. . . g col. . . . h heb. . pro. . . i psal. . . k acts . . l jam. . . m esa. . . jer. . . n gal. . . eph. . . o phil. . . p psal. . q tim. . r joh. . . s mat. . . tob. . . t ecclus . . . psal. . u ps. . . x jam. . . y rom. . . a pro. . . b exod. . c pro. . . d p●●● ▪ e 〈…〉 a ps. . b job . . pro. . . c pro. . . d cor. . e esa. . . f joel . . g pro. . , . ecclus . . h psal. . . i ecclus . k ecclus . . l cor. . . m lam. . . n chron. . . o jer. . . p amos . . q esay . . r mat. . . a joh. . . b mat. . c heb. . . d heb. . e jer. . . f ezek. . . g psal. hos. . . h col. . ▪ i ps. . . k deut. . l ps. . , . m ps. . . n joh. . o thes. . . p luk. . , , . q cor. . . r sam. . . (ſ) sam. . . a job . . ecclus. . . b rom. . . c john . . d pet. . , . e john , f rom. . . g thes. ▪ , . ps. . . h deut. . i jam. . . gal. . . k psal. . . l heb. . . m psal. . . n job . . a judg. . . psal. . . b luk. , c & . . d amos . : e luk. . . f josh. . . g jer. . . a hab. . . b ps. . . c est . . . d levit. . . e col. . . a pro. ▪ . b zech. . . a tit. . . b pro. . . c pro. . . d pro. . e heb. . . f joh. . . g pro. . . h ps. . ● i tit. . ● . a micah . . b pro. . c psal. . . d chron. . . e job . . f jam. . g pro. . . h psal. . . i pro. . . k psal. . . a deut. . . b ps. . . a rev. . ● . b col. . . c job . . d job . . e num. . . f sam. . . g esa. . . h rev. . . i rev. . . k ezek. . , . l rev. . . m & . . n gal. . . ecclus . . o thes. . p thes q eph. . . r rev. . s mar. . . a esa. . b rev. . . ▪ cor. . . c thess. . . d rev. . . e mar. . . f lev. . . g cor. . . h king. . pet. . . i lev. . . k cor. . . l zach. . . m tim. . . n gen. . . o chron. . . p tim. . q pet. . . r rom ▪ . . s psal. . . t heb. . . a cor. . b acts . . c joh. . d mat. . . e heb. . f hos. . . g acts . h ps. . . i jer. . . pro. . . k thess. . . l pet. . . m joh. . . n rev. . o rev. . p rev. . . . q wild . . , . r psal. . . micah . . s psal. . . t mat. . . u cor. . x king. . . y mat. . . z heb. . . a heb. . b rev. . . c acts . d job . . e baruch . . f ps. . . baruch . . g thes. . . h ps. . . i esay . . k acts . l pet. . . m mat. . psal . n esay . . . o jer. . . a mat. . . b jer. . . c tim. . . d hos. . . e cor. . . f tim. . . g tim. . . h cor. . . i king. . . k luk. . . l jer. . . m jer. . . n luk. . . o mat. . . a rev. . . & , , . col. . . b exo. . . c psal. . , , , . d jer. . . e exo. . . f mat. . . g heb. . . h mar. . . i mat. . . k lev. . ▪ . pro. . . l rev. . . m & . n psal. . . o pro. . . p job . . q exo. . r deut. . col . . s esa. . . t psal. . . a act. . jer. . . b pro. . . c jer. . . , . d luk. . . e ezek. . f john . . . g exod. . . h act. . . i exod. . . k neh. . l neh. . . m esa. . n eph. . . cor. . . a pro. . b rev. . . c heb. . d rev. . e rev. . bell and dra. . . . . f mat. . g psal. . h luk. . i joh. . . k jude . l psal. . . m pro. . . n esa. . . o esa. . . p luk. . q cor. . . r luk. . s act. . . tim. . t joh. . . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . u the prayer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 x eph. . . y psal. . . z 〈◊〉 . a ● pet. . 〈◊〉 . . b 〈◊〉 . . a king. ▪ . &c. b chron. . . c v. . d v. . e v. . f prayer of manasseh . g psal. . . h joh. . psal. . . i ps. . . k ps. . . l tim. . . m chron. . . n cor. . . o psal. . . p pet. . . q cor. . . r rev. . s eph. . . t joh. . . u col. . . a sam. . . b job . . a chron. , . b psal. . . c ruth . . luke . . d luke . . . e john . . f psal. . . g tim. . h zech. . . i job . . k pro. . l thes. . . m mat. . . n rom. . . o heb. . . p thes. . q thes. . r pet. . . s num. . t psal. . . u psal. ● . . a philem. b king. . c kin. . . d pro. . e psal. . f rom. . . g tit. . . h ecclus . . i jer. . k pet. . . l mat. . m proc . . n pro. . , ▪ o pet. . . p col. . . q pet. . r philem. a cor. . . b jam. . . c mat. . . d psal . . e esa. . . f psal. . g ecclus . , h ps. . . i jam. . . a sam. . . b m●●h . . . c gen ▪ . . d mat. . . e ecclus. . . . f ecclus . a luk. . . b ezek. . . c judith . ▪ . d psal. . . e ecclus . . f ecclus . . g judg. . . h sam. . . i pro. . . k jer. . . l act. . . m eph. . . n tim. . . a rev. . b rev. . c chron. . . d chron. . . e chron. . . f sam. . . g psal. . . h esay . . i psal. . . k & . . l 〈◊〉 . . m mac. . . . n macch. . . o mac. . . p rev. . . q joh. . . r deut. . . s sam. . a josh. . . b gal. . . c eph. . . d pet. . e pet. . f luke . . g job . . h joh. . i eph. . . k rev. . l eph. . . m eph. . n rev. . . o mar. . . p rev. . , . a heb. . . b eph. . . c gal. . . d pro. . . e tim. . , . f pet. . . g heb. . , . h col. . . a acts . b pro. . . a mat. . . b acts . . c pro. . . & . . d jer. . : e psal. . . f esay . . g pro. . . h john . . i col. . . k rom. ● . a gal. . . b tim. . c amos . d jam. . . pro. . . e pro. . . f pro. . . g acts . , . h col. . . i psal. . . k eph. . . a ezek. . b job . . c ecclus . ▪ ▪ a ecclus . . b chron. . . c ecclus . d ecclus . e psal. . . f psal. . . g heb. . , . h mar. . . i luke . , . eph. . . k john . . l & . . . m esay . , . psal. ▪ . n john . o esa. . . ezek. . . p luke . , q pro. . . r job . . psal. . . s rom. . . psal. . . t psal. . u mat. . psal. . . x psal. . y mat. . z deut. . . a mat. . cor. . . b pro. . . tim . . james . . c col . . rom. . . . a rom. . . b ● pet. . c cor. . d col. , . . . e thes. . . f job . g heb. . . h phil. . pet. . . i pro. . , , . k joh. . l cor. . gal. . . . m col. . . n esa. . . o joh. . . p rom. . . q & . . r mat. . , . s job . . . t cor. . . u joh. . . x rev. . . y gal. . , , . z thess. . . a cor. . b cor. . . c mat. . . d mar. . e king . . f rev. . . g acts . . h luke . . i & v. . a mat. . b jude . wis . . , ▪ . c pet. . d rev . e & . . f mat. . g eph. . . h tim. . i mat. . . k job . . l eccles . . m num. . . psal. . . n john . . o mark . p deut. . . q jer. . . r phil. . . pet. . . s psal. . pro. . . t phil. . . . u mat. . . x rev. . . y esd. . . z rom. . psal ▪ . . a eccles . b pro. . . c pro. . . d pet. . e neh. . . eccles . . luke . . f eccles . . eph. . . a pro. . . jam. . . b psal. . . acts . . james . . c gen. . d esay . e job . . f pet. . , . g esay . . h pro. . . i amos . ecclus . . k pro. . esa. . , , . l eccles . . m eccles . . & . . n gen. . . a job . . . pro. . . psal. . . psal. . b job . , . c psal. . , . d job . psal. . . e job . . . f job . . g psal. . . h job . . i jam. . . & . . k eccles . &c . . a pro. . . b ps. . . psal. . . c ps. . . d ecclus. . . e ecclus. . . f gen. . . pro. . . ecclus. . . . g king. . . ecclus. . . h king. . . i tim. . . psal . . pro . . k eccles. . . . l tim. . , , . m ecclus. . . & n . . pro. . . o pro. . . p pro. . : q pro. . . acts . john . r cor. . , . s job . . , . t neh. . . hag . . . ezra . u king . x acts . . y luk. . . & . z rev. . . a psal. . b mat. . . c rev. . . john . . d mat. . e j●m . . . f ma● . . j●m . . g luk. . ▪ , , . h phil . . i eccles. . . gal. . . a luk . . b pro. . c deut. . , . ps. . . d luk . . e job . . f pro. . . g ps. . . ecclus. . . & . . h psal. . . a psal. . ▪ b & . c acts . . d cant. . . e psal. . . f psal. . . g ps. . . h pro. . . i job . . . k john . . l pro. . . m luk. . . n luk. . ▪ . o cor. . . p mat. . . q psal . r sam. . . s psal. . . t thes ▪ . . ps. . . u thes. . ▪ x tit. . . y ● thes. . . z g●l . . . john ▪ . a cant. . . ▪ b phil. . . a mat. . b pro. . . wisd. . . c pro. . . job . , . d pro. . , ▪ e mal. . . f acts . g ecclus . . h pro. . . i ecclus . k ecclus . . l pro. . . m luke . . n acts . . o neh. . . tim. . . p psal. . q esd. . , . r mac. . , . s col. . . t psal. . ● . cor. . . a ecclus . . b ecclus . . c phil. . . d sam. . ▪ pro. . . e pro. . . f mat. . g psal. . . h esa. . . col. . . i ecclus . . k jer. . . l psal. . . m deut. . . n chron. . . o ezek. . . p psal. . . q mat. . r chron. . . hos. . . psal. . s psal. . . & . . a chron. . . b psal. . . act. . . c joh. . d psal. . . phil. . . e esa. . . f psal. . g job . . psal. . . h psal. . i ecclus . & . . k luk. . a ecclus . b pro. . . a col. . , . king. . . b amos . . c job . . d esay . . e esay . . f john . g acts . . h psal. . . i psal. . . k pet. . . a rom. . b luk. . . psal. . . c ps. . . d esay . . e rev. . ● . f rev. . ▪ . g rev. . ▪ h & . . i wisd. . . k col. . . l psal. . m tim. . . n pro. . . a thes. . . b pro. . c eccles . . tim. . . d pro. . . & ▪ . jam. . . e esay . . f heb. . g rom. . h jam. . . i sam. . k psal. . l eccles . m pro. . . n tit. . . o psal. . . p psal. . . a ● p●● . . ● b cor. . ● . c sam. . ●● . d luke . , . a mat. . ● b jer. . . c psal. . . d pro. . , jude . e mat. . . f rom. . g sam . . psal. . ▪ , . h lam. . . & . . ezra . . esay ▪ . m●c . . i gen. . k lam. . rom. . . l cor. . , . rom. . . m rom. . ● . a mat. . b esa ▪ . & . . cor . . c gal. . . & . . john . . acts . . d job . col. . . e deut. . f psal. . . rom. . . a pro. . ecclus . . b ecclus . . c pro. . d job . . & . . e ecclus . . f pro. . g job . , tob. . , . a ecclus . . b cor. . . tob. . . c esa. . . d judg. . e pro. ● . . ecclus . . f pro. . . & . . g ecclus . . h job . . i job . . k job . , . l job . . m job ▪ , . n job . . a ecclus . . b job . . c job . . d job . . e eccles . f ecclus . . g ecclus . . h gen. . . i ecclus . . j pro. ●● . . job ● . . l job . . m ▪ thes. . . a lam. ● . , . b psal. . esay . . c susanna d eph. . , . e psal. . f pet. . . ecclus . . a psal. . . lam. : . b acts . c job . . d jer. . ● e eph. . . f psal. . . pro. . . ecclus . . g psal. . . esay . . cor. . . h tob. . . i esa. . . a gen. . . b psal. . est . . . ecclus . . mac. . . c psal. . . d psal. . pro. . . ezek ) . . e mac. . . f lam. . , . esa. . . g psal. . . ecclus . . h rom. . . thes. . . jam. . , . i pro. . . k baruch . . l thes. . . esay . . m mar. ● . n esa. . . nahum . . o pro. . . esd. . . p joh. . , . q john . r ecclus . . s jer. . . t tim. . . a v. . b jam. . . heb. . . pet. . . c pro. . . d job . . . psal. . . pro. . . cor. . . e job ▪ . . psal. ● . . cor. . . f luk. . . & . , . g tit. . . rev. . . h luke . , . i rom. . . k mat. . . luke . . & . . luke . . & . . l john . , . m rev. . ▪ n cor. . o pro. . . p cor. . . heb. . , . q rev. . . r mar. . . s psal. . t john . , . acts . . u job . a mat. . b esay . . luke . . c pro. . . d pro. . . cor. . . e luk. ▪ phil. . . rev. . . f psal. . . g job . . . h cor. . ▪ . rom. . . col. . . i mat. . k cor. . l psal. ● , . m psal. ● . . n mat. . . esay . . o cor. . . & ● . . & . . &c. tim. . . p acts . ▪ q jam. . . r acts . . s mat. . , . psal. ▪ ▪ t joh. . . u cor. . . x luke ▪ y mar. . . z rom. . ▪ a heb. . a wisd. . ● . b ps. . . . c pet. . . d rev. . . e cor. . . f cor. . gal. . . g gal. . . eph. . . h psal. . pet. . . i heb. . . k psal. . . heb. . . l hos. . . m deut. . . jam. . . heb. . . n jam. . . tim. . . heb. . . o psal. . p pro. . . rev. . . q jer. . . john . . r mat. . s deut. . ▪ . t job . . ecclus . . u ps. . , . x jer. . . y cor. . z cor. . pro. . . ecclus . . & . . a mat. . luke . . b cor. . , . heb. . . c pro. . . susanna . d deut. . . acts . . e susanna f psal. . ecclus . . susanna . g psal. . . h joh. . i esa. . john . . k ● esd. . est . . . l esay . . acts . . m joel . n pet. . . o psal. . p hos. . , q psal. . , . r phil. . . s psal. . t psal. . . pro. . . u psal. . ▪ a psal. . . gen. . . b job . . c tob. . . d ecclus . . e ecclus . . f jer. . . g job . ▪ h phil. . , . i psal. . . a pro. . . b joel . . c psal. . d jer. . . e jer. . . f psal. . g jer. . . h psal. . i sam. . . k pro. . . l psal. . m job . . n thes. . o job . . & . . p joh. . lam. . . q psal. . . r psal. . ●● a chron. . . b job . , mar. . . c rom. . . d pro. . . e job . . f eph. . . g pet. . . h acts . i acts . k job . . l jer. . . m job . , . n cor. . o heb. . p job . . a rev. . . b ruth . . c pro. . . d job . . e pro. . f ruth . . g john . a sam. . b ruth . c pro. . . d rev. . . e job . . f lam. . . g baruth . . ecclus . . h psal. . . i chron. . . k esa. . . a heb. . b rom. . a pro. . b pro. . . c psal. . ● d jam. . . e job . . f thes. . . a jer ▪ . . b ecclus . . c psal. . . d ecclus . . e ecclus . . f pro. . ▪ g col. . . h psal. . i pro. . . k hos. . . l acts . m psal . a psal. . b psal. . a ecclus . . b pro. . , . c pro. . , d tit. . . e esay . . a king. . . b ecclus . . c ezek. . , . d ecclus . . e ecclus . . f ecclus . g pro. . . & . . h pro. . . i acts . . k acts . . john . . l esa. . . m ezek. . . a rom. . . b ● john . . c eph . . d cor. . e pro. . . f jam. . . g pro. . . a ecclus . . b ecclus . . c esd. . . d pro. . . e gen. . . ecclus . . f mat. . . g esay . . h mat. . . i mat. . k pro. . , ▪ l v. . m esd. . . a pro. . . b tit. . , . c esa. . . d esay . e ezra . . f job . g hos. . h joh. . a psal. . b psal. . c job . , . a job . b psal. . c iob . . d psal. . ● . e j●m . . . f job . ▪ g king ▪ . h job . i psal. . k joh. . l esay . m esa. . a psal. . b psal. . . c esd. . . d joh , . . e mac. . f pro. . . g john . h ecclus . . i sam. . . k john . l rev. . . a esa. . ; b pro. . c ecclus . d pro. . . e psal. . . f psal. . g pro. . . h pro. . . a psal. . . b psal. . . c mich. . . d pro. . . e psal. . . f psal . . g sam. . h psal. . . i job . . k heb ▪ . a sam. . b psal. . . c pro. . d jam. . . e cor. . . a pro. . . b pro. . c gal. . . d pet. . e pro. . . f pro. . . g mat. . . a mat. . . b pro. . c pro. . . a mat. . b psal. . c psal. . d acts . . e acts . f jr. . . g ecclus . . h ecclus . . i psal. . a pro. . cor. . . b ecclus . c job . d . pro. . e job . . f jer. . . ecclus . . g esay . . h ecclus . . i esay . . k psal. . . l ecclus . . m ecclus . . n heb. . . o ecclus . p job . . & . . q pro. . r mat. . , . a judg . . b ecclus . c ecclus . . d ecclus e pro. . . f psal. . . a luk. . . b pro. . . c pet. . . d tim. . e mat. . , . f mat. . . g psal. . . a pro. . . b esa. . . a eccles . b king. . . c psal. . d ecclus . . e ecclus . . f luke . pro. . . g ecclus . . a rom. . . b pro. . c pro. . . d mat. . . e joh. . . f jam. . . g ecclus . . h eccles . . i tim. . a pro. . . a pro. . . b pro. . . c thes. . , . d thes. . . e pro. . , . f pro. . . g pro. . . h gen. . . thes. . . i job . . . ecclus . . a luke . . b pro. . . c luke . d luke . . . e acts . . f tim. . , . g cor. . h psal. . . i joh. . . k rom. . . l job . . m pro. . n pet. . . o mat. . p dan. . q joh. . . r pet. . s . pet. . . t pro. . . u rev. . , . a pet. . b heb. . . c psal. . d col. . . a mat. . . b jer. . , . c esay . . d job . . mat. . . e pro. . , . f job . . g job . . h ecclus . tim. . . i mat. . . a acts . . mar. . . b mat. . &c. c psal. . , d mat. . e mat. . f esay . . g luk. . h john . . mat. . i act. . . k act. . , . l act. . . pro. . . m joh. . . n job . . mar. . . o job . p tim. . q act. . . r pro. . . s joh. . . t psal . . u thes. . . x psal. . . y psal. . . z esay . a ezek. . . b pro. . a job . . b lam. . . c psal. . d pro. . e job . . f ezek. . . g psal. . . h pro. . . i mat. . . k mat. . . l pro. . . a mich. . . b psal. . . c hos. . . d job . . e ecclus . f cor. . a psal. . , . b pro. . . c mat. . a rom. . . b eccles . . ecclus . . c rom. . d psal. . . e heb. . f psal. . . g mar. . h chron. . . a esay . b ezra . c chron. . . d v. ▪ . e sam. . . f hos. . . g psal. . . h psal. . ▪ i num. . k cor. . . l chron. . . m esa. . . n neh. . . o job . . p psal. . . q psal. . r psal. . . s psal. . . t cant. . . zech. . . u psal. . x ezek. . y esa. . . job . . z joel . . job . . . a mat. . b gal. . . heb. . . c pet. . . d john . a pet. . . b heb. . . & . . c lam. . . d jam. . e mat. . f psal. . g & . . h esay . . i psal. . . k phil. . . l job . . m ● king . n job . o psal. . p mat. . psal. . . q esay . . r gen. . s psal. . t psal. . . u psal . x & . . y lam. . z psal. . . a psal. . b cor. . . c num. . . d luke . . a josh. . psal. . . b jona . ▪ . c cor. . . d jona . . e mar. . . f psal. . . g cor. . , . h psal. . ▪ i ruth . . k sam. . l job . . m psal. . . n ruth . . o job . , . p ecclus . . eccles. . . q tob. . . r jam. . . s psal. . . t obad. . u sam. . . ecclus . . x jam. . . y ecclus . . a psal. . . b psal. . . c acts . d mat. . e psal. . . f lam. . . g psal. . . h job . . & . . i mat. . . act. . . k pet. . . l psal. . eph. . . m lam. . , . n eccles . o psal. . . p psal. . . q psal. . . r dan. . . s heb. . t psal . . u phil. . . x tim. . . y psal. . z psal. . a psal. . . b esay . . c chron. . . d psal. . e psal. . . f joh. . . g gen. . h eph. . . i gen. . k mat. . . l psal. . . a cor. . . b psal. . c psal. . d psal. . . e psal. . . f psal. . . g luke . . h phil. . . a ecclus . . b ecclus . . c gen. . d ecclus . e gen. . ▪ f & v. . g chron. . . h luke . , . i luk. . . k tob. . . l mat. . m jer. . , . n psal. . o psal. . p ecclus . q job . . a job . . b pro. . c psal. d ecclus . . e phile . . a col. b jam. . . c psal. . . d pro. . . e sam. . . f john . . g jam. . . h gen. . . i jam. . . k acts . . l act. . . m cor. . . n eph. . . . o mat. . . p mat. . . james . . q pro. . . r pro. . . s psal. . t & . . u pet. . . a esay . . hos. . . b neh. . , c mat. . d neh. . . e king , . f ecclus . . . g cor. . . h cor. . , . i psal. . k joh. ▪ . an ordinance of the lords and commons assembled in parliament. for the raising and collecting of ten thousand pounds, for and towards the redemption of distressed captives. / die martis, . julij, . ordered by the lords and commons assembled in parliament, that this ordinance be forthwith printed and published. ; jo: brown, cleric. parliamentorum. laws, etc. england and wales. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an ordinance of the lords and commons assembled in parliament. for the raising and collecting of ten thousand pounds, for and towards the redemption of distressed captives. / die martis, . julij, . ordered by the lords and commons assembled in parliament, that this ordinance be forthwith printed and published. ; jo: brown, cleric. parliamentorum. laws, etc. england and wales. browne, john, ca. - . england and wales. parliament. [ ] p. printed for laurence blaiklock, london: : july . . imperfect: print bleed-through. reproduction of original in the california state library, sutro branch. eng tariff -- law and legislation -- great britain -- early works to . debts, public -- law and legislation -- great britain -- early works to . great britain -- history -- civil war, - . a r (wing e a). civilwar no an ordinance of the lords and commons assembled in parliament: for the raising and collecting of ten thousand pounds, for and towards the re england and wales. parliament c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an ordinance of the lords and commons assembled in parliament ▪ for the raising and collecting of ten thousand pounds , for and towards the redemption of distressed captives . die martis , . julij , . ordered by the lords and commons assembled in parliament ▪ that this ordinance be forthwith printed and published . jo : brown , cleric . parliamentorum . london : printed for laurence blaiklock , july . . die martis . july . vvhereas by an act made this present parliament , intituled , an act for the relief of the captives taken by turkish , moorish , and other pirats , and to prevent the taking of others in time to come , a subsidy of one per cent. was imposed on all goods and merchandize exported out of , or imported into this kingdom of england and dominion of wales , which was to be one first part more then the customes and subsidy of tonnage and poundage , according to the book of rates : since the passing of which act , the house of commons by order of the tenth of march . for divers reasons did order , that bonds should be taken by the collectors of that duty to stand to the order of parliament : and whereas both houses of parliament intending to carry on that good work , did on the . of october . order , that only one fourth part of the moneys due by the said bonds being one shilling in every twenty shillings custome , should be paid by the respective merchants of the city of london , having by their petition set forth ye great inconveniency that might happen , as well in relation to the advancement of the work , as to the unequall burthen that might rest upon the wel-affected merchants , in regard sundry persons ill disposed to that work , and dis-affected to the parliament , did , during the time of the said act , make ill use of the favour of the parliament ; and did fraudulently make entry of their goods in the names of insolvent and unknown persons , by whom bonds were likewise sealed . and the duty being now required , no such persons appear , nor moneys can be collected for the carrying on of that work ; yet the said wel-affected merchants being desirous that the work might go on , are ready not only by way of advance forthwith to pay in all such monyes as they themselves owe upon those bonds , but likewise willing to discover the fraud in those il-affected persons , and to use their best indeavors , to recover in the moneys due upon such bonds so as they might be enabled by an ordinance of parliament for continuance of that duty of one fourth per cent. for another year to reimburse themselves out of the one moyety of the collections of that duty or otherwise all such moneys as they shall pay in and advance as aforesaid . it is therefore ordained by the lords and commons assembled in parliament ; that samuel avery , esquire , alderman or the city of london , walter pell , robert lowther rouland wilson senior , thomas hodges , william methold , edmund cason , robert abdy , samuel mico , charles snelling , richard leg , thomas rich , jonathan andrews , nathaniel wright , thomas burnell , richard chiverton , nathan wright , richard hill , benjamin delannoy , william vincent , henry hunt and hugh wood , or any three of them shall be a committee , and have power to receive from the chamberlain of london , who is hereby required to deliver all such bonds of merchants heretofore taken for the satisfying of that duty by vertue of the said order of the . of march . and shall have further power to receive all moneys due upon the said bonds , from the severall merchants , according to the rule following : that is to say , of all such merchants , that shall before the . of july next , voluntarily pay in the one fourth part of the one per cent. in obedience to the ordinance of the . of october . vpon their said bonds they shall accept thereof , and deliver up their bonds cancelled to the respective merchants ; but of all others , which shall refuse to accept of the benefit of this ordinance , and to pay in their moneys on their bonds by the day prescribed , or any others that they shall discover fraudulently to have made their entries in unknown names to elude the ordinance of parliament , they shall have power to require and receive the whole duty of one per cent. or the whole penalty of the said bonds , as they shall think fit . and if any shall refuse upon demand to make such payment , then to leavy the same by distresse upon the goods and estates of such persons , and the same to sell and dispose of for the satisfaction of the said bonds , and the overplus if any shall be , to return it to the parties so refusing . and for the better execution of this service , they shall have power to send for parties , witnesses , other then peeres , papers , and records at a certain time and place , where they shall constantly sit . and it is further ordained , that after the sum of ten thousand pounds shall be raised and collected upon the said bonds , for the carrying on the said work , such merchants shall , on , or before the said . day of july , pay in their said moneys in obedience to this ordinance , shall be repaid the same out of the surplus of such moneys , as shall arise upon the said bonds in turn as they did pay in their moneys , and what part shall be wanting for the full reimbursement of every particular merchant , shall be paid out of the one moyety of the receipts that shall be collected in the port of london , on an ordinance of parliament passed this present day , for the continuance of the said duty of one fourth of one per cent. from the . of december next inclusive . provided , if any merchant shall not pay in the money due by his bonds , on or before the . of july as aforesaid , shall not enjoy the benefit of this clause ▪ or any thing in this ordinance 〈◊〉 . and it is further ordained , that this committee shall have power to appoint a treasurer to receive and issue 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 moneys as shall be collected on the said bonds as he shall receive order from time to time from the committee of the navy appointed by parliament , which shall be to him a sufficient discharge , and to imploy such other person or persons in the execution of this service , and to give such reward for their care and pains , as to them with the approbation of the committee of the navy shall be thought fit . lastly , it is ordained , that if after the said . day of july , any person or persons shall be discovered eluding of the said ordinance of parliament for the payment of that duty to have made fraudulent entries , and to cause bonds to be giver in the names of unknown or insolvent persons , such persons so discovered shall be liable to the penalty of the said bonds , and to such further punishment as shall be thought fit by parliament to be due to offences of that nature one moyety of the said fine and penalty shall be to such person or persons that shall make such discovery , and the other moyety to the state , to be imployed , to and for the redemption of the said distressed captives ▪ and the committee of the navy are to take care for the putting this ordinance in execution , and to give such ▪ further instructions from time to time , as shall be needfull for the better carrying on of this service . jo : brown , cleric . parliamentorum . a further additional act for relief of poor prisoners. england and wales. parliament. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a further additional act for relief of poor prisoners. england and wales. parliament. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by john field, printer to the parliament of england, london : . order to print dated: tuesday the seven and twentieth of april, . signed: hen: scobell, cleric. parliamenti. with parliamentary seal at head of text. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng debt, imprisonment for -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a further additional act for relief of poor prisoners· england and wales. parliament. a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion blazon or coat of arms incorporating the commonwealth flag ( - ) a further additional act for relief of poor prisoners . be it enacted by this present parliament , and the authority thereof , that one act of this present parliament , entituled , an act for discharging from imprisonment poor prisoners unable to satisfie their creditors ; and also one other act of this present parliament , entituled , an additional act for the further case and relief of poor prisoners ; and all the powers and authorities granted in and by the said acts , or either of them , be and are hereby revived , and shall be and continue in full force , and extend unto all and every such poor prisoner and prisoners for debt , as by the said acts or either of them is or are to be relieved , who is or shall be in prison on the four and twentieth day of june , in the year of our lord , one thousand six hundred fifty and two , under the same conditions and proviso's as are contained in the said acts or either of them . tuseday the seven and twentieth of april , . ordered by the parliament , that this act be forthwith printed and published . hen : scobell , cleric . parliamenti . london , printed by john field , printer to the parliament of england . .