Liber Mysteriorum parallelus Novalisque (Mortlake), part 6 of 6

Δ. Benedictus sit Deus, Pater Noster, Deus totius Consolationis, qui respexit afflictionem servuli sui, & in ipso puncto necessitatis meae praestitit mihi auxilium; ipse Solus Cordis Scrutator est & renum. Ipse est Lux mea, & Adjutor meus, & Susceptor meus est. In Domino speravi, & liberavit me ab angustia maxima propter gloriam Nominis sui, quod sit exaltatum & magnificatum nunc, & in sempiterna secula. Amen, Amen, Amen.

Δ. My heart did throb oftentimes this day, and thought that E. K. did intend to absent himself from me, and now upon this warning I was confirmed, and more assured that it was so: Whereupon seeing him make such haste to ride to Islington: I asked him why he so hasted to ride thither: And I said, if it were to ride to Mr. Harry Lee, I would go thither also to be acquainted with him; seeing now I had so good leasure, being eased of the book writing: Then he said, that one told him the other day that the Duke did but flatter him, and told him other things, both against the Duke (or Palatine) and me, &c. I answered for the Duke and my self; and also said, that if the fourty pound annuity, which Mr. Lee did offer him, was the chief cause of his minde setling that way (contrary to many of his former promises to me) that then I would assure him of fifty pound yearly, and would do my best by following of my sute, to bring it to passe as soon as (possibly) I could, and thereupon did make him promise upon the Bible. Then E. K. again upon the same Bible did swear unto me constant friendship, and never to forsake me: And moreover said, that unlesse this had so faln out, he would have gone beyond the Seas, taking ship at New-Castle within eight dayes next: And so we plight our faith each to other, taking each other by the hands upon these points of brotherly, and friendly fidelity during life, which Covenant I beseech God to turn to his honour, glorie, and service, and the comfort of our brethren (his Children) here in earth.

Fifty pound y[…]arly to be provided for E K. by John Dee.

Tuesday, Julii 2. à meridie, Circa Horam. 2.

Δ. While I was writing of Letters to Mr. Adrian Gilbert, into Devonshire, Madini appeared by me in the study, before E. K. sitting in the Chair, first on the ground, then up higher in the aire; and I said, How is the minde of Mr. Secretary toward me, me thinketh it is alienated marvellously.

Mad..... Those that love the world, are hated of God. The Lord Treasurer and he are joyned together, and they hate thee. I heard them when they both said, thou wouldst go mad shortly: Whatsoever they can do against thee, assure thy self of. They will shortly lay a bait for thee; but eschew them.

Δ. Lord have mercy upon me: what bait, (I beseech you) and by whom?

Mad..... They have determined to search thy house: But they stay untill the Duke be gone.

Δ. What would they search it for?

Mad..... They hate the Duke, (both) unto the death.

Δ. And why?

Mad..... Take heed that you deal uprightly...... [She spake to E. K.]

E. K. God the Creator be my witnesse of my upright dealing, with, and toward him, (meaning Δ.) ever since my last coming to him.

Mad..... It is good to prevent diseases.

E. K. By this book (taking the Bible in his hand) I swear that I do carry as faithfull a minde to him, as any man can, ever since my last coming.

Mad..... Look unto the kinde of people about the Duke: and the manner of their diligence.

Δ. What mean you by that? his own people mean you? or who?

Mad..... The espies.

Δ. Which be those?

Mad..... All, there is not one true.

Δ. You mean the English men.

Mad..... You are very grosse, if you understand not my sayings.

Δ. Lord, what is thy counsel to prevent all?

Mad..... The speech is general, The wicked shall not prevail.

Δ. But will they enter to search my house, or no?

Mad..... Immediately after the Duke his going they will.

Δ. To what intent? what do they hope to finde?

Mad..... They suspect the Duke is inwardly a Traytor.

Δ. They can by no means charge me, no not so much as of a Trayterous thought.

Mad..... Though thy thoughts be good, they cannot comprehend the doings of the wicked. In summe, they hate thee. Trust them not. they shall go about shortly to offer thee friendship: But be thou a worm in a heap of straw.

Δ. I pray you expound that parable. Mad..... A heap of straw being never so great, is no waight upon a worm, notwithstanding every straw hindroth the worms passages. See them, and be not seen of them, dost thou understand […]?

Δ. I pray you make more plain your counsel.

Mad..... My counsel is plain enough.

Δ. When, I pray you, is the Duke likely to go away?

Mad..... In the middle of August.

Δ. If in the midst of August he will go, and then our practises be yet in hand, what shall be done with such our furniture is prepared, and standing in the Chamber of practise.

Mad..... Thou hast no faith.

His going standeth upon the determinated purpose of God. He is your friend greatly, and intendeth to do much for you. He is prepared to do thee good, and thou art prepared to do him service. Many men purpose, but one setteth in order.

Δ. As concerning Adrian Gilbert, what pleaseth you to say of him, and his intended voyage.

Mad..... He is not in the true faith.

Δ. How hath it been said, then, That he should be the setter forth of God, his faith and religion among the infidels.

Mad..... That is a mystery.

Δ. Whether shall it be good, that the Duke resort hither oft, or tarry for the most part at his house at London.

Mad..... Humane policie cannot prevail. As many as are not faithfull in these causes, shall die a most miserable death: and shall drink of sleep everlasting. As in one root there are many divisions, so in the stem and branches are many separations.

Δ. Give some more light (I beseech you) to the particular understanding.

Mad..... The fire that kindleth all these, and wherein thy live is One, forming them according to (whatsoever) the substance whereupon they are grounded. So by the lesse you may prove the greater: That as in particular, so likewise generally, All emanations are from one. In the first workmanship lieth secret in one unknown: And is sealed, and therefore it hath an end. The son through the Circles and Massie body, The heart in the body, The intelligence in the inward man, The son from his own Centre spreadeth out the beams of his limited virtue, The Hart life to two; and yet the Centre of life to the whole body, understanding quickneth the minde; that minde I speak of putteth on a fiery shape. It followeth therefore, that every thing (what substance soever) hath a Centre: From the which the Circumfluent beams of his proper power do proceed. When these are perfectly known: Then are things seen in their true kinde. I speak this to prove, that the good Angel of man, which is the external Centre of the Soul, doth carry with him the internal Character of that thing whereof he seeketh to be a Dignifier, within the which doth lie secret, the Conjunction and Separation of the proportion of their times, betwixt the soul and body of man. O happy (therefore) is that Soul, which beholdeth the glory of his dignification, and is partaker with him that is his keeper. This known unto men, the thicknesse of the earth doth not binder their speeches; neither can the darknesse of the lowest aire obscure, or make dark the sharpnesse of their eyes. This Character, (at his next coming hither) shall be made manifest unto him.

E. K. He sheweth a bloudy hand, holding a bloudy Crosse with letters on it, like our holy letters.

Δ. I beseech you, how shall his provision of money from home serve his turn, or how shall he here have help for his charges bearing?

Mad..... Your words make me a Childe. Those that fish for Dolphins do not stand upon the ground. Those that sit in Counsel call not in the harvest people, nor account not their works. He that standeth above the Moon, seeth greater things then the earth: Is it not said, The Lord will provide? I stand above the Moon, for that I dispose his life from above the disposition of the Moon. To ask what Jacob his servants did, was a folly; because their master was […]: A greater question to ask how blessed he was, then to ask how many sheep he had.

Δ. I am desirous to know what you meant by saying, That my words made you a Childe.

Mad..... Because you ask me Childish questions. His good Angel shall reveal his Character unto him, and thou shalt see it, [pointing to E. K.] But take heed thou say truely; And use great reverence, or else the feet that love thee shall carry thy Carkas out of the doors. If be carry it upon him, it shall be a token of the Covenant between him and God.

Δ. The image, or similitude thereof (mean you) made in pure Gold.

Mad..... I..... So those that shall see his Standards with that signe in them shall perish utterly.

Δ. You mean, if the same be painted, or otherwise wrought in his Banners and Penons, &c.

Mad..... Let him use it as a Covenant, between God and him.

Δ. How shall he frame it in Gold, solid-wise, or Lamine-wise?

Madd..... His own Angel shall reveal it.

Δ. Because it hath been said, that in the beginning of our Country troubles we should be packing hence into his Country; What token shall we have of that time approaching, or at hand?

Mad...... Your watchword is told you before: When it is said unto you, Venite, &c.

Δ. But (I beseech you) to be ready against that watchword, hearing what is to be done, as concerning our wives and children into his Country.

Mad...... Miraculous is thy care (O God) upon those that are thy chosen, and wonderful are the wayes that thou hast prepared for them. Thou shalt take them from the fields, and harbour them at home. Thou art merciful unto thy faithful and hard to the heavy-hearted. Thou shalt cover their legs with Bootes, and brambles shall not prick them: Their hands shall be covered with the skins of Beasts that they may break their way through the hedges. Thy Bell shall go before them as a watch and sure Direction: The Moon shall be clear that they may go on boldly. Peace be amongst you.

E. K. He is now gone away in a fire. AEterno Deo nostro, sit Laus Honor, & Gloria in seculorum […]. Amen.

Thursday Julii 4. hora 11. ante Meridiem. 1583.

Note. Δ. When I came home yesterday from the Court, and from London, and from the Lord Laskie, I found that E. K. was purposed to ride forth of Town, and intended to be away (as he expresly told me) five dayes: Certain Companions and his acquaintance having so appointed with him, some tarrying for him in Mortlucke, and some at Brainford (as was perceived this day afterward, and as he confessed unto me.) Whereupon I thought good to signifie so much unto the Lord Laskie who meant to come and refresh himself at my house, as he was wont before; either this day, or within two or three dayes after: Who also delighted in E. K. his company, &c. Hereupon about the time of E. K. his rising I wrote these lines, intending to send them presently to the Lord Laskie, that word might be returned of his intent before E. K. should ride, I meaning and hoping to perswade E. K. to tarry so long, and upon such respect.

NObilissime Princeps, in reditu, nostrum Edwardum inveni, facie quidem laeta: sed itineri tamen, ut dicit, quinque dierum, se accingentem: Hocque matutino tempore abitum vel iter istud ingredi […]; Reversurus (ut affirmat) post quinque dies. Quid sit ipsa veritas, novit ille qui verus & Omnipotens Deus est noster. Hoc volui, isto mane summo, vobis significare, ut, quid factu optimum sit, Cogitetis: De aliis, suo tempore,

Vaestrae Celsitudinis fidelissimus Clientulus Joannes Dee. Julii 4. 1563.

This Letter being now written, and not yet folded up, my friend E. K. was ready and came out of his Chamber into my Study; and I told him, that I was even now sending word to the Prince Laskie of his rideing out, and return after five dayes; and so shewed him the Letter: who when he came to the phrase, Quid sit ipsa veritas, he was samewhat offended, saying, What secret meaning hath this, upon some of your two former conference? Truly (said I) even such as the circumstance of the Letter doth import, that is; Whereas you said that you intended to return within five dayes, or at the same dayes end, it is uncertain whether you will, or shall, return later or sooner: and therefore Quid sit ipsa veritas of your return, or intent to return, onely God doth know. He would by no meanes admit that my sincere exposition, but seemed suspitious of some other undue constructions of those former words; thereupon I took the Letter and tore it in three pieces, and sent none: But in my mind referred all to God his disposition, assuring my self of God his most constant proceeding in his own affairs. Shortly after said E. K. to me, Certainly here is a spiritual Creature in my right shoulder, who sensibly saith to me, Come away: So (said I) did one say to Sowle, when they would have had him away to have drowned him, whom I stayed in this Study by force, and so hindered the Devil of his purpose then; as appeareth by that unhappy man yet alive. Nay said E. K. they have told me that if I tarry here, I shall be hanged; and if I go with this Prince he will cut off my head, and that you mean not to keep promise with me; And therefore if I might have a thousand pound to tarry, yea a Kingdom, I cannot: Therefore I release you of your promise of 50 pounds yearly Stipend to me, and you need not doubt but God will defend you and prosper you, and can of the very stones raise up children to Abraham: And again I cannot abide my wife, I love her not, nay I abhor her; and there in the house I am misliked, because I favour her no better. To these, such his words spoken in great pangs and disquietnesse of mind, I reposed and said, That these his doings and sayings were not of God, and that by my whole proceeding he might perceive what confidence I reposed in his dealing with the spiritual, our friends, seeing even to the uttermost penny (and more than my ability served unto conveniently) I laid out still about the.... ming of such things, as were by me to be done, &c. Well, on the sudden, down he went; upon his Mare, and away toward Brainford. After whose going, my Wife came up into my Study, and I said, Jane, this man is mervallously out of quiet against his Wife, for her friends their bitter reports against him behind his back, and her silence thereat, &c. He is gone, said I, but I beseech the Almighty God to guide him and to defend him from danger and shame; I doubt not but God will be merciful to him, and bring him at length to such order, as he shall be a faithful servant unto God, &c.

Note within three hours after, came E. K. up my Study staires unbooted, for he was come in a boat from Brainford. When I saw him I was very glad inwardly: But I remained writing of those Records as I had yet to write of Tuesdayes last actions. I have lent my Mare out (said he) and so am returned. It is well done said I, and thereupon he sate down in the chair by my Table where he was wont to sit: And it was ten of the clock then. He took up in his hand the Books which I had brought from London of the L. Laskie, written to him in his commendations, &c. And as he was looking earnestly on them, a Spiritual Creature did put the Book on the outside of the parchment cover, divers times; and once would have taken it out of his hands: Divers times I heard the strokes my self; At length he said, I see here the handsome Maiden Madimi, and have done a pretty while. Then said I to him, Why told you me no sooner? Whereupon I took paper purposely to Note what should seem Note-worthy as followeth.

Δ. Mistresse Madimi, you are welcome in God, for good, as I hope; What is the cause of your coming now?

Mad...... To see how you do.

Δ. I know you see me often, and I see you onely by faith and imagination.

Mad...... [Pointing to E. K.] That sight is perfecter than his.

Δ. O Madimi, Shall I have any more of these grievous pangs?

Mad...... Curst Wives, and great Devils are sore Companions.

Δ. In respect of the Lord Treasurer, Mr. Secretary, and Mr. Rawly; I pray you, What worldly comfort is there to be looked for? Besides that I do principally put my trust in God.

Mad...... Madder will staine, wicked men will offend, and are easie to be offended.

Δ. And being offended will do wickedly, to the persecution of them that meane simply.

Mad...... Or else they were not to be called wicked.

Δ. As concerning Alb. Laskie his Pedigree, you said your Sister would tell all.

Mad...... I told you more then all your Dog painters and Cat painters can do.

Δ. You spoke of William Laskie and Sir Richard Laskie his brother, of which William going into France, and then into Denmarke: and his marriage into Poland, came this Albert Laskie, now Paladine of Soradia, &c.

Mad...... Those were two pretty men for me to meddle withal. When you set your selves together, and agree together, I will make all agree together.

E. K. Will you Madimi lend me a hundred pound for a fortnight?

Mad...... I have swept all my money out of doors.

Δ. As for money we shall have that which is necessary when God seeth time.

Mad...... Hear me what I say. God is the unity of all things, Love is the unity of every Congregation (I mean true and perfect love.) The World was made in the love of the father. You were redeemed in the love of the Father and the Son. The Spirit of God is (yet) the love of his Church. Yet (I say): For after it doth Triumph, it is not called a Church nor a Congregation: But a Fruitful Inheritance and a Perfect Body in Christ. Take the love of the Father from the World, and it perisheth. Take the love of our Redemption away, and we are dead. (I will not offend) put your instead of our. Take the light of the Holy Ghost, which is the love of the Father and the Son from the Church, and it withereth. Even so take love from amongst you, and you are members of the Devil; Therefore it is said unto you Diligite ad invicem. For love is the Spirit of God uniting and knitting things together in a laudable proportion. What dost thou hunt after? Speak man, What dost thou hunt after?

Δ. we use to call it Ecclesiae Triumphans. Note. The Angels were not redeemed.

[This was said to E. K. upon some secret judgement of Madimi in him.

E. K. I hunt after nothing.

The love of God breedeth faith; Faith bringeth forth (on the one side) Hope; and (on the other side) the workes of Charity. Dost thou love God? Seekest thou to be among his Elect? Why dost thou not (therefore) love those things that are of God? Herein thou shewest the want of faith; Herein are thy bragging words confounded; for thou sayest, No man can accuse thee of evil. But thou hast no faith because thou hast no hope. Wilt thou say, that thou hast faith? Shew it me by thy love: Whosoever (therefore) loveth not God, is accursed. Thou lovest not God, Lo, behold, thou breakest his Commandments. Oughtest thou not to love him? And hast thou not faith through the love in God? Truely thou oughtest so to do. Wilt thou let me see thy hope on this side; Let thy workes stand on the other side. And shew thy self to have faith that therein thou mayest love God, and be beloved of him: But if thou hast none of these, thou hast hate. If thou hate God, the reward thereof is great; but the greatnesse is unquenchable fire. Whosoever followeth not the Commandments, hateth God; If sin be the breach of the Commandments, &c. Dost thou love Silver and Gold? The one is a Thief, the other is a Murderer. Wilt thou seek honour?

E. K. No.

So did Cain. But thou hast a Just God that loveth thee; Just and vertuous men that delight in thee; Therefore be thou vertuous: For thou shalt tread the World under thy feet: I promise thee, I have driven the Skullen-drab out of our Kitchen long ago.

Note this came to passe Anno […]. when he was made Baron of Bohemia Anno 1590.

Δ. Do you mean worldly covetousnesse?

Mad...... Yea, and the first heavenly covetousnesse.

Carma geta Barman.

Δ. I beseech you, what is that to say?

Mad...... Veni ex illo Barma.

E. K. Felt and saw a spiritual Creature go out of his right thigh.

Mad...... Where are thy 14 Companions?

Bar...... They dwell here.

Δ. [He that was come out, seemed a great handsome man with a Sachel of a Dogs skin by his side, and a Cap on his head, &c.]

Δ. O the hand of the Highest hath wrought this.

Mad...... Venite Tenebrae, fugite Spiritu meo.

E. K. Here appear 14 of divers evil favoured shapes: some like Monkies, some like Dogs, some very hairy monstruous Men, &c. They seemed to scratch each other by the face. These seem to go about Madimi and say, Gil de pragma kures helech.

Δ. What is that to say?

Mad...... Volumus hic in Nostris habitare.

Δ. Quae sunt illa vestra?

E. K. One of them said... Habemus hominem istum Demicilium nostrum.

Mad...... The vengeance of God is a two-edged Sword, and cutteth the rebellious wicked ones in pieces. The hand of the Lord is like a strong oak, when it falleth it cutteth in sunder many bushes. The light of his eyes expell darknesse, and the sweetnesse of his mouth keepeth from corruption. Blessed are those whom he favoureth, and great is their reward; Because you came hither without licence and seek to overthrow the liberty of God his Testament, and the light wherewithal he stretcheth unto the end, and for because you are accursed it is said, I will not suffer mine to be overthrown with temptation, though he were led away, Behold I bring back again.

The casting out, and utter displacing of 15 wicked spirits, &c.

Depart unto the last Cry: Rest with the Prince of Darknesse there is none. Amen, go you thither. Et signabo vos ad finem.

E. K. He sealed them all in the forehead: the 14 and their principal, their sealing was as if they had been branded. They sunk all 15 downward through the floore of the Chamber, and there came a thing like a wind & pluckt them by the feet away.

E. K. Methinketh I am lighter than I was; and I seem to be empty, and to be returned from a great amasing; for this fortnight I do not well remember what I have done or said.

Mad...... Thou art eased of a great burden..... Love God, Love thy Friends, Love thy Wife.

E. K. Now cometh one with a red Crosse in his hand and leadeth her away, and so they vanished. We prayed the Psalm of thanksgiving 14 of Roffensis for E.K. his deliverance from Barma and his 14 Companions. Amen.

Δ. first papers, E. K. Sal. by appeard often to him, whipping before as 6. or 7. miles distant from him think that the blessed Jubanladace had been sent to have said somewhat unto us of his Charge (the Prince Laskie) But I found in the end that it was a token that the Princce Laskie was pensively careful of us, and that his good Angel was his witnesse and message, by that token his peculiar Caraster as is before taught.

Omnis Spiritus Laudet Deum nostrum Vnum & Trinum. Amen.

Sequitur liber Tertiarius Sexti.