A True Discourse Of the practices of Elizabeth Caldwell, Ma: jeffrey Bound, Isabella Hall widow, and George Fernely, on the parson of Ma: Thomas Caldwell, in the County of Chester, to have murdered and poisoned him, with divers others.  
Together with her manner of godly life during her imprisonment, her arraignment and execution, with Isabella Hall widow; As also a brief relation of Ma. jeffrey Bound, who was the Assize before priest to death.  
Lastly, a most excellent exhortorie Letter, written by her own self out of the prison to her husband, to cause him to fall into consideration of his sins, etc. Serving likewise for the use of every good Christian. Being executed the 18. of june. 1603.  
Written by one then present as witness, their own Countryman, Gilbert Dugdale.  
AT LONDON, Printed by james Roberts for john Busbie, and are to be sold at his shop under Saint Peter's Church in Cornewell. 1604.   

To the right virtuous, the Lady Marie Cholmsly, & the right worshipful these Knights; Sir Tho: Houlcroft, Sir john Savage of Egerton, Sir john Egerton, Sir Peter Warborton, Sir Rowland Stanley, Sir Vrian Leigh, Sir Tho: Aston, Sir Thomas Smith, Sir Tho: Savage, Sir George Leicester, Sir William Damport, Sir Tho: Stanley, Sir George Booth, Sir Henry Bunberry, Sir Hukin Beeston, Sir Richard Wilbrome, Sir Richard Brooke, Sir Richard Egerton, Ma. Peter Warborton Esquire, Ma. Thomas Wilbrom Esquire, Ma. Thomas Brooke Esquire, Master Richard Granesnor Esquire, Ma. Hugh Calmelie Esquire, Ma. Robert Cholmsly, Esquire, Ma. Ralph Egerton of Ridly, Esquire, Ma: Thomas Marburie Esquire, Ma. Richard Brerton of Wetten-hall, Esquire, and all the rest, as well Knights as Gentlemen then at the Assizes present, the true witnesses of this following history: your kind poor Countryman Gilbert Dugdale, engaged to you all in debt and duty, committeth this discourse with true and due commends: with continual prayers for your good healths, and successful fortunes.  
MOst indered and right virtuous Lady, and you the rest of the right Worshipful these kind Cheshiere Knights; After my long being at Chester, in the time of this reported trouble. I in my melancholy walks be thought me of the strange invasion of Satan, lately on the persons of Elizabeth Caldwell, and her bloody lover Iefferie Bound, together with that untimely actor Isabella Hall widow, how that ugly fiend (ever man's fatal opposite) had made practice, but I hope not purchase, of their corruptible lives, & brought them to the last step of mortal misery. And then revolving with myself, the great goodness of God, in calling sinners to repentance, and withal, admiring his gifts in the penitent, I could no less then write my heart's trouble, as well to partake the world with my meditation, as to make them wonder at this Cheshiere chance; and thereby to plant or to engraft a kind of fear by this way of example, how murder should hereafter bear any brain in sensible creatures, considering how the very stones shall bewray the inward thoughts of massacre. All these considered, when I had coted this wonder, thinking how incredulous our Nation is in things true, and how uncertain they are to believe fopperies feigned, I could no less for the certainty hereof, but call you to witness of the proof, because sith such an example was preferred unto us, that others, not eye witness thereunto, might the rather assure themselves of the same. First, I knowing your general griefs for the fall of so good a Gentlewoman, and when no remedy could be, to comfort such a godly soul, aswell in her time of imprisonment as at the hour of her death, my own occasions also for that time considered, and being your true and natural Countryman, I could do no less but ostend my duteous love to you all in this kind, desiring you to accept my poor mite, only considering this, the poor man's plenty is prayer to regrate your worthy loves, & as truly as I live, that shall be no niggard; for that night wherein I lie me down, and pray not for you all, let my rest be broad-waking slumbers, and my quiet, waking dreams; and that will be punishment more than I would enjoy for so regardless a good as I so late and so happily received. True it is that divers reports passed up and down the streets of Loudon as touching this act of murder, but how scandelously, as five murdered, three murdered by the means of six persons, which your Worships know is false, only three murdered one; marry the intent was to him that now lives. Therefore being an eare-witnes to this false alarm, it made me more diligent in the setting forth the truth, whereby GOD in his power might be known, sathan in his meaning no doubt overthrown, and the world's idle fabling by a contrary meaning known. For as it was, it was, and no otherwise, and thus it was, as your presences both at the examination, arraignment, and execution can justify; and how odious it is to hear any truth racked by slandering tongues, judge or imagine; only this, pardon my boldness, witness the right, accept my good will in the publishing; and so I commit you to God's protection.  
Your poor Countryman, ever yours, Gilbert Dugdale.   


The practice of Elizabeth Caldwell, against the life of her own husband.  
I purpose God willing to describe in brief, the life and death of Elizabeth Caldwell, late wife of Thomas Caldwell in the county of Chester, and daughter to one Master Duncalffe of the said county; A gentleman of very good sort, who fatherly and carefully trained up his daughter from her infancy, she being framed and adorned withal the gifts that nature could challenge, and wanting no good education, did in her tender infant years bestow her in marriage; to the said Thomas Caldwell, giving her a good dower to her better preferring in the said marriage; with a yearly newety of ten pounds, to extend to her said husband, and his heirs for ever: and as the like matches do not often prove well, so this Caldwell being young, and not experienced in the world, gave his mind to travel, and see foreign countries, which tended rather to his loss then profit, as also to the great discontentment of his wife, and other his friends, leaving her often times very bare, without provision of such means as was fitting for her, that by these courses he did withdraw her affection from him, so that in the continuance of his absence; a young man, named jefferey Bound, a neighbour unto the said Elizabeth Caldwell, and she as I said before, enjoying all the excellent gifts of nature, set his affections abroach, and being a man of good wealth, spared neither cost nor industry both by himself & others, to withdraw her to his unlawful desire, and omittnig no opportunity in this suit; though she along time withstood their allurements, insomuch that he feed an old woman named Isabella Hall, late wife of john Hall, and preferred as an instrument to work her to an unlawful reformation, so that in process of time, with many earnest persuasions, they won this silly soul, to their will; and having so done, the said Bownds insatiable desire could not be so satisfied, but persuaded her of himself, and also by the said Isabella Hall, to yield her consent by some means to murder her said husband, the which she was though drawn to the other, yet very unwilling to agree unto that. But by many and often assaults and encouragements, their persuasions did work with her, and took effect; the which being obtained, then were they as busy as before, devising which way, to set their devilish and most hellish practices awork, preferring many devices for the accomplishment thereof. And she often times entering into consideration with herself, what a damnable part it was, first to abuse her husband's bed, and then in seeking to deprive him of his life, was greatly tormented in her conscience, and divers times, earnestly entreated them to surcease in this practice, laying before them the great and heavy punishments, provided for such offenders both in this world, and in the world to come: but their hearts being so deeply possessed by that filthy enemy to all goodness, that there was nothing to them more odious than such persuasions, still persevered in there former wicked invensions, and drew her to associate them in this villainy, laying many plots for the performing of it, amongst which Isabella Hall as she was very expert in such like actions, being an ancient motherly woman, and to all men's judgements in her outward habit, was far from harbouring such a thought, yet as I was about to say, she advised Bound to give to a brother of hers, namely, George Fernley, five pounds, & she would persuade him, that he should use some means to murder Caldwell, the which Bound agreed unto, being that to him all her motions were medicines, and for that her house was the place, that Bound and Elizabeth Caldwell did resort for there meeting place, and he having an intent to further this matter, caused this Fernley to be sent for, and conferred with him: and he being a man slenderly furnished with means, agreed to this there motion, affirming, that he would delay no time till he had effected their desire, though in my conscience he pretended nothing less, but only to soothe them with fair words, for lucre of the money, made a show to Bound as if he were very diligent about the execution thereof, but still was prevented, in so much that Bound entered into a great rage with the poor fellow, and swore most terribly, if he did not dispatch his business withal expedition, he would lay him by the heels for his five pounds.  
Notwithstanding, he made delays so many, that the old for, I mean Hall's wife devised with herself of another course, & willed Bound to buy some Ratsbane, and she would minister it in Oaten-cakes for that she knew Caldwell much affected them, and they being made, his wife should give them unto him, and so procure his speedy dispatch. Which devise he very willingly consented unto, and used no delay in the matter, but presently repaired to a town in Cheshiere called Knutsforth, there bought the poison, and brought it to Elizabeth Caldwell, and wished her to send it to Isabella Hall with all speed, whereupon she received it, and instantly upon the receipt thereof, Hall's wife sent her maid to Elizabeth, and willed her to send the spice she spoke to her for: so the maid innocently went as her dame commanded her, and received the poison, and brought it to the said Isabella Hall her dame, who presently did take it, and minister it, (as I said before) in oaten-cakes: the which being done, she sent them to Elizabeth Caldwell, where she and her husband did sojourn; whereupon, being in the evening, she laid them in her chamber window. In the morning next ensuing, Caldwell, as his accustomed manner was, rose very early, and his wife still keeping her bed, he spied the cakes lie in the window, and demanded of her if he might take any of them, she answered, yea, all if he would, and thereupon he took some three or four of them, and went into the house, and called for some butter to eat them with, the which was brought him.  
But let me tell you by the way, so soon as he was departed the chamber with the cakes, fear drove such a terror to her heart as she lay in bed, as she even trembled with remorse of conscience, yet wanted she power to call to him to refrain them, insomuch as he himself did not only eat of them, but the most part of the folks in the house, children and all, yet God bestowed his blessing so bountifully on them, as they were all preserved from danger, saving one little girl which could not so well digest them, which was a neighbour's child of sixth or seven years old, and coming in by chance for fire: to the which master Caldwell gave a piece of acake, and she eat it, and by reason she had been long before visited with sickness, she went home and died presently, while the rest by way of vomit were saved. But that which maistar Caldwell did vomit up again, two dogs and a cat did eat, and they died presently also. Whether upon the force of that poison or no the child died I cannot say, but well I know, they were all three brought within the compass of murder for the death of it, and were all executed at Chester for the same fact, as you shall hereafter understand.  
Upon the death of this child, Elizabeth Caldwell was apprehended, and brought before three justices of the peace; namely, Sir john Savage, Sir Thomas Aston, and master Brooke of Norton, where before them she truly confessed all their practices and proceedings from the beginning, even till that day. Upon which confession, Bound and Isabella Hall were apprehended, and brought before the same justices, and examined as touching the murder, and they very stoutly denied all, afferming that they were not guilty to any such action, although her confession in her Examination did manifest against them, being laid to their charge: all which would not move them to acknowledge their fault, the devil having so great a command over them. Notwithstanding, they were all committed to the Castle of Chester, there to remain with out Baill or mainprize, till they should be delivered by due course of Law, according to the tenure of warrants directed in such a case.  
So the Assize approaching within few days after their commitment, their causes and trial for that time was rejourned, till the next great Assizes holden there. And whether it was by special means of Bound made to the judge, or for that Elizabeth Caldwell was with child, I cannot truly say, but there they continued from that time, being a seven-night after Easter, till Michaelmas following: during which time they were not admitted one to speak to another. And for Elizabeth Caldwell, from her first entrance into prison, till the time of her death, there was never heard by any, so much as an idle word to proceed out of her mouth, neither did she omit any time, during her imprisonment, in serving of GOD, and seeking pardon for her sins, with great zeal and industry, continually meditating on the Bible, excluding herself from all company, saving such as might yield her spiritual comforts, as learned Divines, and such, the faithful servants of God. There was many of all sorts resorted to see her, as no fewer some days then three hundred persons: and such as she thought were viciously given, she gave them good admonitions, wishing that her fall might be an example unto them.  
Thus the deceitful devil, who hath sometime permission from GOD to attempt the very righteous, (as lob) was now an instrument to her sorrow, but her feeling faith the more increased, and no doubt ●o her comfort, though in our eyes terrible: for indeed so it ought, being sent from God as an example to thousands. For where so many live, one or two picked out by the hand of God, must serve as an example to the rest, to keep thousands in fear of God's wrath, and the world's terror. But see her constancy. All the time of her imprisonment, she used all possible means, both of herself, and by those good members that did visit her, to convert all the rest of the prisoners, which good work begun in her did take good effect, for she sent some days a dozen Letters to several Preachers to be resolved as touching her faith, and the want of a sound resolution that GOD had parsoned her offences. Where the Lady Mary Cholmsly of Cholmsly amongst others, together with the comfortable relief of one Master john Battie, (no doubt both God's Children) so relieved, as want never grieved her conscience, but that she continued in zeal, without grief of the worlds offences both in soul and body: nay, not only her, but also to the rest of the prisoners. For note, that death never feared or daunted her, but only fearing she was not fully purged from her sins, till at the end, as by her words at her execution appeareth.  
This foresaid Master Battie well deserves a due remembrance for his clemency and charity showed to that distressed and deceased poor soul, by whose good means, which in mere compassion by him extended, did not only receive comforts for her bodily relief, but also great satisfaction for her soul, he oft employed such industry to the Learned, both to repair unto her themselves, as likewise daily in sending unto her good and learned instructions: Surely, he deserves to be registered in the hearts of all well disposed persons, and his demerits (no doubt) will find restitution at the hands of him, who is the Paymaster for all such charitable deserts.  
It is also to be noted, that after these three aforenamed persons had remained in prison all the whole Summer, at Michaelmas then ensuing the Assizes were holden, and Elizabeth Caldwell had her trial, where she openly before the judges, and the rest of the Worshipful Audience, acknowledged her offence: for the which she first demanded pardon at the hands of God, then of her husband, lastly of all the world: and desiring, as it was ever her prayer, that she might be as a Looking-glass to all that either did see or hear of her fall, that by her they might see into their own frailines, and the infirmities which are subject to the flesh. And having, as I said, acknowledged her guiltiness, was condemned. And by reason she was not then delivered of child, still reprieved: and at the same Assize Bound was indicted: and whether by evil counsel given him, or for his own obstinacy, I cannot truly report, but he would not answer to the Articles obieced against him, nor refer his cause to GOD and the Country, but stood mute, though the judges very earnestly moved him to put his cause to trial: all which would not persuade him, and therefore, according to the Law, he was adjudged to be priest, receiving his judgement on the Saturday, to be executed on Monday following. And for Isabella Hall, her matter that Assize was not called in question, which yielded her such encouragement, that she was altogether regardless of the good of her soul.  
But Bound, ever before he perceived how he should speed, pleaded to every one whom he had any communion with, of his innocency, till he saw no hope of life: then he, before two or three Preachers, and others, did manifest the whole truth, and affirmed that flesh and blood was not able to endure the often assaults that Elizabeth Caldwell had of him, and Isabella Hall: and upon the Monday about nine of the clock, was priest: where to every man's judgement there present, he made a very penitent end, being heartily sorrowful for his offences, and very devoutly craved pardon of GOD and all the world, and so died (I trust) the true servant of jesus Christ.  
Then that night next after his death, Elizabeth Caldwell was delivered of a boy, which child is yet as I take it, still living with another boy she had before her impresonment, the which are at the keeping of Caldwell their father, and as it was generally reported, he made suit to the judge to procure a warrant to have his wife executed, within a certain time after her delivery; but how true it was that he made such means, I cannot truly affirm, but sure I am, a warrant was granted and sent the keeper for to have her executed, within 13 days or thereabouts after she was delivered, the which was convented by reason the Constable of the castle, did mistake the delivery of the warrant to the Sheriff till the date was out. Though she a seven-night before the time, had prepared herself, only to receive the mercy of God, and terror of death, yet it pleased God otherwise a while to prolong her days, which time given her, she did not vainly spend, but employ her uttermost endeavours to obtain mercy, and forgiveness in such rare sort, as if I should describe the particulars thereof, it would not only be endless, and tedious, but I doubt, to the hearers and readers, it would be though incredable, for in her might be seen the true image of a penitent sinner, as the like hath not often in these days been seen, God showing his glory so abundantly, working her penitency, as to me, and many more, was most admirable. For if she espied in any one, of what calling or degree soever, that they wilfully or carelessly abused Gods holy ordinances, she would reprove them for it, and curtiously entreat them to amend such and such abuses; though some disdained she should seem so to do, in regard of her own former offence, though indeed none might better do it then she, having smarted even at her soul for her sins. This is the frailness of our flesh, we only disdain not our afflicted brethren, but also there good admonitions: God of his mercy I beseech him give us grace, that we may see into our fickle estates, and receive willingly any reproof that may tend to the good of our poor souls.  
So by this means, as I showed you before, this Elizabeth Caldwell was still detained in prison till the next Assize following, at what time Isabella Hall was indicted, as an actor in this murder, and found guilty by the jury, condemned and executed. And Elizabeth Caldwell also received the death of execution at the same instant, though my Lady Cholmsley very worshipful and lovingly made earnest suit, unto the judge for her deprive till the Assize following: the which by no means would be granted. And she seeing her suit would not take effert, being very sorrowful, like a kind Lady, went unto Elizabeth Caldwell herself, and showed her she could not therein prevail for her.  
Indeed my Lady and others had an intent, if they could have got her reprieve, to have used means to the King for a petition, but seeing it would not be, Elizabeth dutifully yielded thanks unto her Ladyship; and said she was very well content to receive the death ordained for her. My Lady departed, and she practising her former exercises, I mean prayer, until such time as the Keeper came and told her the Shrieve was come to the Gloversstone, to receive her and the rest of the prisoners appointed for death: and she very cheerfully answered, I trust in my God I am ready, and farewell to the Law, too long have I been in thy subjection: & so departing the castle, taking leave with every one, and from hence to the place of execution, she some times sung Psalms, and used other godly meditations, as was thought fitting for her, by those Divines and godly Preachers, which accompanied her even to her death.   

A Letter written by Elizabeth Caldwell to her Husband, during the time of her imprisonment.  
ALthough the greatness of my offence deserves neither pity nor regard, yet give leave unto your poor sorrowful wife to speak unto you, what out of her own woeful experience, with abundance of grief and tears, she hath learned in the School of affliction, it is the last favour that I shall ever beg at your hands, and the last office that ever I shall perform unto you. And therefore dear Husband, if you have, any hope or desire, to be partaker of the joys of heaven, let my speeches find acceptance, and do not slightly esteem what I write unto you, but read these lines again, and again, and lay them up in your heart, where I beseech Almighty God they may take deep root, and impression. For my witness is in heaven, that my heart's desire and earnest prayer to GOD is, that your soul may be saved. And if the loss of my blood, or life, or to endure any torments that the world can inflict upon me, might procure your true conversion, I should esteem it purchased at an easy rate: but sith none can have salvation without true Reformation, both inward, and outward, amendment, in changing the affection, words, and works, from evil to good, which till you feel in your soul & conscience to be effectually wrought, you have not repent, defer not time, but call to God for grace of true Repentance, which may be sound even in this accepted time, when the doors of God's mercy are open, that so he may have mercy on you, lest he give you over to hardness of heart, that you cannot repent: and so you knock with the foolish virgins, when the date of God's mercies are out, and then nothing but woe, woe, and vengeance: therefore the longer you defer, the harder it will be for you to repent: and delays are most dangerous, for what know you how suddenly, death may strike you, and then, as the tree falls, so it lies, that is, as you die, so shall you have, if in true repentance, joy, if in your sins, sorrow. Therefore saith Solomon, All that thy hand shall find to do, do it withal thy power, for there is neither work, nor knowledge, invention, nor wisdom in the grave whether thou goest.  
O husband, be not deceived with the world, & think that it is in your power to repent when you will, or that to say a few prayers from the mouth outward a little before death, or to cry God mercy for fashion sake, is true repentance. No, no, not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven, saith our Saviour, Late repentance is seldom true, & true repentance is not so easy a matter to come by, as the word doth judge. Do not presume on it, and so run on in your sinful course of life, & think to repent when you list, you can not do it, for repentance is the rare gift of GOD, which is given but to a very few, even to those that seek it, with many tears, and very earnestly with fervent prayers. None can better speak of it, for none better knows it then myself, my sorrowful heart hath smarted for it, and my soul hath been sick to the gates of hell, and of death to find it: and to have it, is more precious than all the world, therefore cease not to pray day and night with the prophet, Turn thou us unto thee, o Lord, and we shall be turned, and with Ephraim, convert thou me, o Lord, and I shall be converted: for except you be converted, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  
And because none can be converted, nor come unto Christ except the Father draw him, never leave to solicit the Father of mercy to create a new heart, and renew a right spirit within you, and call to remembrance the desolutenesse of your life, I speak it not to lay any thing to your charge, for I do love you more dearly, than I do myself, but remember in what a case you have lived, how poor you have many times left me, how long you have been absent from me, all which advantage the devil took to subvert me. And to further his purpose, he set his hellish instruments a work, even the practice of wicked people, who continually wrought upon my weakness, my poverty, and your absence, until they made me yield to conspire with them the destruction of your body, by a violent & sudden death; which God in his great mercy prevented, and on the knees of my heart, in the abundance of his compassion, I beseech him to forgive us all, & wash our souls in the blood of his Christ, and to open the eyes of your understanding, that you may see by my example, which the providence of God, for some secret cause best known to himself, hath appointed to come to pass. How weak and wretched we are, and how unable to stand of ourselves, when it shall please him to take his grace from us, and to leave us to ourselves. Therefore good husband, as you tender the welfare of your soul, go no further on in your sinful race, but turn unto the Lord, & so shall you save your soul alive. If you continue in your abominations, and shut your ears against the word of Exhortation, you cannot have any hope of salvation, for the book of God is full of judgements against wilful sinners, and mercy is to them that repent & turn.  
Therefore I beseech you use no delay, defer no time, but presently be acquainted with the Scriptures, for they will lead you to eternal life: make haste, even before your hands part with this paper to search therein, that so you may truly understand the wretched estate, & condition of those, who following the lusts of there eyes, wallow in all sensuality, and so heap up vengeance against the day of wrath: even heavy judgements, no less than condemnation both of soul and body. As Solomon saith, Rejoice O young man in thy youth, & let thy heart cheer thee, in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes, but know that for all things God will bring thee to judgement. Remember he spared not the Angels when they sinned; but cast them down into hell, nor of the old world but eight only escaped, the rest were drowned in their sins because they would not be warned. Balthasar, saith Daniel, expounding the fearful vision of the hands writing, when he was banqueting with his Concubines, thou art weighed in the Balance, and are found light.  
These and many more are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come, search for them, and I pray God you may be warned by them, and that you may seek the Lord now while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near. Behold now the day of salvation, even now, when he in mercy offereth himself unto us, by preaching of his word, receive not these graces in vain, but redeem your time, and run unto the house of God, and there in the great congregation, power forth your plaint, with obedience hear the word of God, and endeavour to practise what you hear in your conversation, for the doors only shall be justified at the last day, the word must judge us, in this life it worketh effect, for which it was sent: it either converts or hardens, it is the savour of life, unto life, or of death, unto death, it is offered to all: to those that embrace it, it brings life, to those that will not be reform by it, it brings death, to those that love and desire it, it is the quicking spirit, to those that refuse it, it is the kill Letter, it is no special argument of God his favour unto any, unless they feel the power thereof working reformation in them, than it is the power of his spirit, the pledge of his blessing. Ignorance must not excuse you, for the Prophet saith, my people languish for want of knowledge, and knowledge without practice, leaves all men without excuse, for he that knoweth his masters will, and doth it not, shall be beaten with many strips: therefore make more conscience of the word of God, than you have done, and love his Messengers, the Preachers that brings that glad tidings, for to love them is to love Christ, and to hate them, is to hate Christ, as our Saviour saith, he that despiseth you, despiseth me, and it is hard to kick against the prick. And love the children of God that profess Christ jesus, for hereby shall men known, that you are my Disciples, if you love one another saith our Saviour. And for the Saboth day, be ye assured, that the Lord of heaven, hath not in vain chosen it to himself, commanding us to Sanctify it unto his holy name, no, no, if ever we desire to be partakers of the spiritual Saboth in heaven, whereof ours on earth is but a type, and a figure, then must we strive to keep the same Saboth on earth as much as in us lies, which the Saints keep in heaven: they are at rest from those labours that mortality is subject unto, and uncessantly sing praises unto the Lamb, so should we rest that day from the labours of our calling, and spend the whole day in hearing of the word preached, praising the Lord publicly in the great congregation, privately at home with our families, preferring such other holy exercises, as may tend to the glory of God, the comfort of our souls, & the good of others, which we are bound to perform so straightly, as that we may not that day, be allowed to speak such words, as concern of vocations. And how soever it please the world, to think of the great God of heaven, and of the sanctifying of the Saboths, yet be you assured he is a jealous God, and will visit sinners, and one seed of his word, shall not be lost, but he will be glorified by it either in the salvation of those, who in a good conscience willingly endeavour to sanctify them, or in the condemnation of those who wilfully oppose themselves against his blessed ordinance, to profane them: which is one of the crying sins of this land, wherewith the whole Kingdom is infected: and if there were not some few to stand in the gap, for whose sake the Lord doth spear the rest, it had not been possible, we should so long have escaped his heavy judgements.  
O dear husband, the Lord hath long since taken his sword in his hand, to execute his vengeance against all disobedient wretched, who turn the Saboth of the Lord, into a day of wantonness, liberty, and licentiousness, and although in his great mercy he doth yet forbear to proceed to judgement, as it were in great mercy, waiting our repentance, yet there will suddenly come a day of reckoning, all together: and the wicked make the patience of our God an occasion to commit sin, and profanes, yet let them know, the Lord will take vengeance of his adversaries, and reserve wrath for his enemies, and though he be slow to anger, yet is he great in power, and will not surely clear the wicked: though he defer the Sessions, yet they will come, and though he have Leaden feet, yet hath he Iron hands, though the fire light not upon Sodom all the evening, yet it came. Do not therefore provoke the Lord any longer by your profanes, for he is strong, ready to punish, and hath promised, that the person that despiseth his word, shall be cut of. Did he not command a man to be stoned to death, for gathering a few sticks▪ on the Saboth day, and is he not still the same God? yes certain, his arm is not shortened if we wilfully persist in our disobedience.  
Six market days he hath given us, to provide us necessaries for our bodies, and but one hath he chosen for himself to be a day of holiness, which is the market day for the soul, wherein we should provide us of comforts for the whole week. The excellency and worth of this day is unspeakable to those that sanctify it. It is the badge and livery whereby they are known to be the servants of God: to those that profane it, in spending the day in worldly pleasures, drunkenness & filthiness, it is the certain badge and livery, whereby they are known to be the servants of the devil, according to the sayings of the Apostle, know you not unto whomsoever ye give yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are, to whom yea obey, whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.  
If my people will sanctify my Saboth, saith the Lord, it shall be a sign between me and them, that they may know that I am the Lord there God; and blessed are they who have the Lord for their God. So that to those that profane the Saboth, the Lord is not their God, but the devil: and cursed are the people that are in such a case, therefore dear husband, defer no time, put not of from day, to day, to turn unto the Lord, neither be you deceived, for God is not mocked, the longer you run on, the more you set on the score, and such as you sow, such shall you reap: for the Lord hath said, He that heareth my words, and doth bless himself in heart, saying, I shall have peace, although. I walk according to the stubbornness of my heart, thus adding drunkenness to thirst, the Lord will not be merciful unto him, but the wrath of the Lord, & his jealousy, shall smoke against that man, and every curse that is written in this book shall light upon him, and the Lord shall put out his name from under heaven: but unto them that repent, the Lord hath said, when the wicked turneth away from his wickedness, that he hath committed, and doth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. You see the judgements of God are begun already in your house, happy shall you be if you make a holy use of them, otherwise heavior may be expected, especially, if you persist. In his mercy he hath spared you, and doth yet wait for your repentance, do not you abuse his patience any longer, lest thereby you provoke him to proceed to execution against you, but embrace his mercy which is yet a offered unto you: for which, that you may so do, I shall not cease, to pray whilst I live, to him who only is able to effect it, even the Lord of heaven, who send us joyful meetting at the day of our Resurrection.  
Your poor wife Elizabeth Caldwell.   

The words of Elizabeth Caldwell at the time of her death.  
FIrst she desired, that the Lord would give a blessing unto the speeches that she delivered, that they might tend to the converting of many of the hearers, and also she said, that the word of God did not give her any privilege, and authority to sin, but that it was her own filthy flesh, the illutions of the devil, and those hellish instruments which he set on work: yet notwithstanding, she ever had a detestation to those sins that she lived in, but she affirmed that she wanted grace to avoid them, therefore as she had given a great scandal to the word of God, by professing, and not practising the same, even so she desired the great mercy of God, to forgive her that sin, acknowledging that she stood to presumptuously upon her own conceit, and grew too proud, vowing and swearing, that she would never do such and such things, but suddenly fell into the like again.  
Therefore she gave Saint Paul's admonition unto every one, Let him that thinketh he stands, take heed of a present fall: likewise she exhorted all to the diligent observation of the Saboth day, saying, that one of her chief and capital sins was, the neglect thereof, and although the world did reckon and esteem it a small matter, yet she knew it to be one of her greatest sins, wishing all people in the fear of God, to make a reverent account of the Lords glorious Saboth, she complained much of adultery, and said it was that filthy sin which was the cause of her death, and was persuaded in her conscience, that her afflictions was rather for that, than any murder she ever committed: notwithstanding, she yielded herself culpable in concealing of it, manifesting that in regard of her sins, and iniquities, she deserved a thousand deaths, praying most earnestly unto God, that herself might be a warning and example unto all there present, wishing them most earnestly to serve the Lord, of what degree soever they were, if they were never so poor, but were forced to crave there living from door to door, which done, than were they happy creatures.  
Then again, she admonished all to keep the Saboth, to go to the church, and hear the word of God preached, for that was the only truth, and able to save their souls. But as touching Papistry, she ever hated it, knowing it contrary and flatly opposite against the truth of the great God of heaven, and his holy word, praying for the confution and dissolution of the great whore of Babylon, but most devoutly and sencerely, praying for the currant passage of the Gospel of Christ jesus throughout the whole world, to the converting of thousands, desiring that the very stones of the street might set forth the glory of God: and withal, most religiously she prayed for the Kings most excellent Majesty, and said she might call him her King while she lived, that his sacred & royal Person, might be a bright shining lamp of God's glory in the advancement of the Gospel of Christ, and the overthrow of popery & superstition, in these his Kingdoms and dominions. Then made known that she could teach as the Preachers, for they taught as they found it in the word, and she was able to speak from a feeling heart, very confidently affirming, that her sins were the greatest reason of the dullness and hardness of her heart, and the separation of God's mercies from her: and therefore she carefully advised all to beware of sin, because it was hateful and odious in the sight of God, and all reasonable creatures.  
Concerning repentance, she spoke thus, that it was not in the power of man to repent when he list, but the only gift of God, protesting before the Lord of heaven and earth, that during the time of her imprisonment, being a full year and a quarter, she had sought the Lord with many bitter tears, with broken and contrite heart, to see if his Majesty would be entreated, and yet she found not such assurance as she desired: but avouched what she did, was done in simplicity of heart, whatsoever the world did other was censure. Moreover, saying that in the mercies and merits of Christ jesus, she hoped her sins were pardoned, and said I believe Lord, help my unbelief. Also she said, that in the time of her imprisonment, the Lord had been very gracious and merciful unto her, for many the faithful ministers, and dear servants of jesus Christ, had recourse unto her, by whose means she had recovered great comfoorth, praising the Lord for the same: yet notwithstanding, the world most injuriously did deride, scoff, and mock them, which was most wicked and abominable: saying, that if there were forty and two children devoured for mocking the Prophet Eliza, what then shall befall of them that do blaspheme the name of the great God of heaven, profane his holy Saboth, speak evil of his word, and abuse his faithful Ministers. Therefore she desired all to turn from their sins, and to turn to the Lord by true and unfeigned repentance, praising very earnestly for her husband's conversion, and that her two children might have the fear of God before their eyes, and that the glory of God might appear in the conversion of prisoners, though it were with the loss of her own life, so infinite was her zeal.  
Then she prayed the Lord, that he would pardon all her grievous and heinous sins in the bloodshed of Christ jesus, beseeching him to cleanse her from her secret sins: praying that she might be a Doorkeeper in the house of God, and receive the meanest place of glory. Then said she, that if the great and tall Ceaders of the Church of God have fallen, as David, Solomon, and Manasses, how then could she stand, being but a bramble, and weak wretched woman. Therefore she exhorted every one to depend only upon the Lord, and not to stand upon their own strength as she had done. And greatly then desiring all the people to pray unto GOD for her, she called for her Prayer book, reading and praying zealously and devotly to Almighty GOD, with her eyes lift up towards heaven; which done, she requested that they would sing a Psalm, reading it herself, & singing with a good spirit, that afterwards she uttered that she felt the mercies of GOD, and her soul was much comforted: and hoped, that in the blood of Christ jesus her sins were pardoned: and said she could not amend that which was passed: but was most heartily sorrowful for her former sins: saying, that if she should live yet many years, her desire would be in serving the Lord: therefore she desired him upon the knees of her heart, that he would respect the will for the deed, and accept her poor desires: saying, O suffer me yet once to recover my strength, before I go hence and be seen no more. Praying likewise for all those that ministered comforts unto her in her misery and distresses, that the Lord would bless them, and continue them faithful unto the end.  
Then forgiving, and ask forgiveness of all, making herself ready, saying her bodily death did not dismay her, concluding with these her last words, Lord jesus receive my spirit: and so she left this miserable world, and died the true servant of jesus Christ, the xviij. day of june, 1603.  
¶ Now yet again remember our old beldame aforenamed, that uncharitable creature Isabella Hall, widow, being the only instrument of this timeless action: who standing on the Ladder, and ready to suffer for her fact, did notwithstanding very stoutly deny every thing that had been done in their late proceedings, nay and abjured it, had not Elizabeth Caldwell with affirmation of all inserted her confession in that behalf: Who with an easy repentance to the world's eye, ended her life. Whereby may be seen how strong the devil in some actions is, that she by whose instigation all was done, both in the adultery and murder, would so impudently deny every particular, notwithstanding the trial of the cause both manifested by judge and jury. But thus we see the boldness of sin, and the coldness of the truth, till God in mercy makes plain the truth of the one, and the wonder of the other. All which tending to the example of others, may move us to lively repentance, which not done, salvation cannot come, but truly effected, breeds both the comfort of the soul and body. To which comfort, God in mercy bring us for his son jesus Christ his sake.   
FINIS.   

To the right honourable, and his singular good Lady, the Lady Mary Chandois, R. A. wisheth health and everlasting happiness.  
MY honourable and very good Lady, considering my duty to your kind Ladyship, & remembering the virtues of your prepared mind, I could do no less but dedicate this strange work to your view, being both matter of moment and truth. And to the whole world it may seem strange, that a Gentlewoman so well brought up in God's fear, so well married, so virtuous ever, so suddenly wrought to this act of murder; that when your Ladyship doth read aswell the Letter as the Book, of her own indighting, you will the more wonder that her virtues could so aptly taste the follies of vice and villainy. But so it was, and for the better proof that it was so, I have placed my kinsman's name to it, who was present at all her troubles, at her coming to prison, her being in prison, and her going out of prison to execution. That those Gentlemen to whom he dedicates his work witnessed, may also be partakers in that kind, for the proof thereof, that your Ladyship & the world so satisfied, may admire the deed, and hold it as strange as it is true.  
We have many giddy pated Poets, that could have published this Report with more eloquence, but truth in plain attire is the easier known: let fixion mask in Kendal green. It is my quality, to add to the truth, truth, and not leasings to lies. Your good Honour knows Pinks poor heart, who in all my services to your Late deceased kind Lord, never savoured of flattery, or fixion: and therefore am now the bolder to present to your virtues, the view of this late truth, desiring you to so think of it, that you may be an honourable mourner at these obsequies, and you shall no more do, than many more have done. So with my tendered duty, my true ensuing story, and my ever wishing well, I do humbly commit your Ladyship to the prison of heaven, wherein is perfect freedom.  
Your Ladyships ever in duty and service, Robert Armin.