Liber Peregrinationis Primae: from Mortlake to Cracow, part 2 of 8 (21 Sept. – 26 Oct. 1583)

Mor...... Cursed be that God, and defaced be his power; for he handleth us in unjustice, and dealeth with us without mercy; Because he is not merciful nor just.

E. K. Gabriel goeth from me to one of the 24. and sealeth them. Now thy go all away; and he breaketh off the points of their Swords. They go by him.

Δ. Quis est iste Morvorgran, & quo modo haec nobis instituit inferre mala?

Gab...... Dockum, thou shalt carry this malice unto thy grave: But I have made weak thy strength. Blessed be those that entertain those that are annointed in the Lord: for they also shall taste of the oil of his mercy. I had care of you, saith the Lord, neither will I suffer you to perish in the way; Therefore be thankful, and forsake the world; for the world hath forsaken you, and conspired against you. But these things are nothing. Behold lastly, thus saith the Lord.

E. K. Now cometh a salet or helmet on Gabriel his head, or an half sphere; A great noise of many voices is heard as of Pillars that fell. Now that thing is taken off his head.

Gab...... Thus saith the Lord. The world on both sides, shall rise up against thee, and they shall envy thee.

E. K. Now cometh a beam from above (again) into Gabriel his head.

Gab...... Gna semeroh Jebusan gonsag vi cap neph Jehuslach omsomna dedoilb.

E. K. Looking up, he said thus,

E. K. Now the aforesaid spirits invade Gabriel again.

Gab...... What I suffer, is not lawful for man to see; Therefore Cease for a while, and suffice nature: But return and hear of my commandment.

E. K. He is gone, but his Desk standeth still.

Sunday à meridie hor a 2. Octob. 13.

Gab...... And hereby I teach you, that those afflictions which you suffer in soul either for your offences towards God, or for the imperfections of your mindes, being void of brotherly charity toward your neighbours; (And so from you generally hereafter, how great, or how many soever) ought not to be manifested or made open to the world: but perfectly shadowed in Charity, bearing your own infirmities, and so the infirmity of others with quiet and hidden minde. For the anguish of the soul is compared with prayer, dwelling in one house which ought to laugh with the World, and to weep towards heaven. For every sin is noted, and the least thing as well amongst the Celestial bodies, as the Terrestiall is perfectly considered of. For sin hath his end, and his end is punishment. And so, contrarywise of Vertue, Wisdom (in the one and twentieth Ent... ie or L...,) His ground is upon mildnesse, which mildnesse purifieth the body and exalteth the soul, making it apt and ready to behold the heavens, receive glorious illuminations, and finally bringeth in the soul to participate, with us, not earthly, but everlasting wisdom. The Son of God was sanctified in his flesh, through mildnesse, and was not of this world, because he was the mildnesse of his Father. Therefore be you meek: Be fervent in meeknesse. Then shall you take up that Crosse which Christ spoke of, following him: which Crosse is the Compassion in mildnesse over thy brethren, for sin sake: Not as worldlings do, looking, but not lamenting. The other part is in suffering mildly the afflictions of the world, and flesh: Hereby you become Martyrs for that you mortifie your selves, which is true Martyrdom. He that forsaketh the world for the love of God, in his Son Christ, shall have his reward. But he that forsaketh himself, shall be Crowned with a Diadem of Glory. Thus saith the Lord, I am jealous over you, because you have vowed your selves unto me. But great are the temptations of the flesh, and mighty is his strength where the spirit is weak.

But thus saith God: It is better to fill up the Soul with heavenly contemplation, and coelestical food, to reign in heaven, and to be beloved of him: Then to pamper the filthy flesh, whose delight destroyeth both body and Soul. It is written, He that bridleth not his flesh, is given to riotousnesse, which is the sleep of death, and the slumber to destruction. But this is true abstinence, when contemning the world you fly the delight therein: refraining from pleasures of the body, Temperating the flesh, and making it weak, and that, for the Lord his sake. For the flesh and spirit rejoyce not at once. Neither can the full belly grone out true prayers. Feed therefore the Soul with the love of our society. And bridle your flesh; For it is insolent. One thing, I say, look to your servants. See, that in one house there dwell not delighters in vertue and holinesse, mingled with such as harbour vice upon vice: Whose drunkennesse is abomination, and whose diet stirreth up fornication. For wickednesse is amongst them: and they fear not God, neither do they abstain, according as the holy Ghost by his Church hath taught. Make them clean: Then shall you feel our presence amongst you. And we will all of us defend you from the rage of wickednesse. We delight in the God of truth, and in the worshippers of Justice. Thus sayeth the holy Ghost: Lo, I have made me a Tabernacle, where the God of Gods reigneth in Justice. And I will sanctifie those places which rejoyce in charity. Mingle therefore your Alms with charity. And let your prayers and fasting be mingled with Alms deeds. For he that prayeth and fasteth without mercy, is a lyar. Moreover, let your friendship […] such, as is of charity, and not of this world: Neither for the worlds sake, but for the service of God: All friendship else is vain, and of no account. Charity is the gift […] the Holy […], which Holy […] is a kindling fire, knitting things together, through Christ Jesus; in the true wisdom of the Father: Which fire is of no small account, neither to be reckoned of, as the Heathens have done. For happy are those which are fed with charity. For it is the meat of us that are anointed, which is the son of God, and the light of the world.

Δ Is charity the son of God?

Gab...... It is so: He that walketh in charity walketh in God; for charity is the will of the father, is his own delight, and illumination of the faithfull, through his Holy Spirit. The charity of the Church, is the Holy Ghost. But he that dwelleth in charity, dwelleth in the bloud of the Lamb, which is the will of the father, which is the Holy Ghost. Blessed are those that dwell in charity. Persevere to the end: Not negligently, but with good will, which good will, is called fear. Which […] is the beginning of wisdom, the first step into rest.

He that continueth to the end, receiveth his reward: But he that leaveth off, is a damned Soul. Many men begin, but few end. Neither is your justification by the beginning, but from the end. Paul was justified: Because he died the servant of God, and not for his preaching sake. He that […] to the end, is the Childe of God: inheriter of everlasting life; and equal with joy himself: Not the joy of joyes, but that joy which God hath made equal with the joyes of his son Christ, in the company of the faithfull. Even in this place, many persons had conspired against you. But the strength of God hath sealed them: And they shall not be unpunished. For the Angel of the Town is sealed, and his seal is to destruction: Thrice cursed are those which dwell within his government. But you are safe, and shall be safely delivered from them.

In England, They condemne thy doings, and say, Thou art a Renegade. For they say, Thou hast despised thy Prince.

What […] thou know of them? Cease till you hear the number of their destruction. Desire what plague you will (saith the Lord) upon this people, for their ungratefulnesse, and they shall be afflicted. For the Lord is angry with them: and he saith, Judge you this wicked people, their Town, Men, Women, and Children: And it shall be seen that the Lord, the God of Heaven and Earth, hath mercy on you.

Δ Non nostra, sed Dei voluntas fiat, ad ejus nominis laudem & honorem.

Gab...... Bid the fires fly from Heaven, and consume them, and it shall be done: Or, say, Let the Earth swallow them, And they shall perish. […] I have made Heaven and Earth (saith the Lord) and.... Justice is for my people. I am a flaming fire amongst you, and the Rod of Justice It is said, Heave up thy hands, and thou shalt be heard. The peace of him that is the spirit of wisdome inflame your mindes with love and charity, and grant you continuance to his glorie.

Δ. Amen.

Deo AEterno, Omnipotenti & Misericordi sit omnis laus, honor, & Gloria. Amen.

Tuesday 15. Octob. We made hard shift to get from Dockum to Angem by sun set.

Thursday 17. Octob. We came from Angem to Embden, going without the Isles, and coming in at Wester Emb. We came before the Town, by six of the Clock after noon: but could not get in at the Gates, and therefore we lay all night a shipboard, but my Lord A. L. went over to the lodging on the other shoar.

Friday 18. Octob. We came into the Town: My Lord lay at the white Swan toward the water-side, and I, and E. K. with my Children and Many at the three golden Keyes, by the English house.

Sunday 20. Octob. This day morning about eight of the Clock we went in a litte Hoy from Embden toward Lyre, my Lord tarried at Embden. We came late to Lyre: and the same night we went from thence in a lesse Scute by Styk-husen to Oppen.

Munday 21. Octob. By nine of the Clock in the morning we came to Oppen: a very simple Village, and from thence we went straight way to Oldenburgh.

Tuesday 22. Octob. From Oldenburgh, by Delmenhurst, to Breame: and were lodged at an old Widow, her house, at the sign of the Crown.

Saturday Octobris 26. Hora 12. scil. in Meridie. At Breame.

Δ. The Lord Albert Laskie, being at Styck-husen behinde us, with the Earle John of Embden and Friesland, &c.

E. K. The Curten seemeth to be far backward in the stone: and the stone to be clear between the Curten and the fore-part. Under the Curten I see the leggs of men up to the knees.

Δ. Then appeared one, and said:

Il...... Room for a Player. Jesus, who would have thought, I should have met you here?

E. K. He is all in his ragged Apparel, down from the Girdle steed: But above he hath a white Satten Gerken.

Δ. By the mercies of God we are here: And by your will and propriety, and the power of God you are here.

Il...... Tush, doubt not of me, for I am I. L.

E. K. My thinketh that the gravity of this Action requireth a more grave gesture, and more grave speeches. Bear with me, though I say so unto you.

Il...... If I must bear with thee, for speaking foolishly, which art but flesh, and speakest of thy own wisdom: How much more oughtest thou to be contented with my gesture, which is appointed of him, which regardeth not the outward form, but the fulfilling of his will; and the keeping of his Commandments: which is God: whose wisdom unto the world is foolishnesse, but unto them that fear him, an everlasting joy, mixed with gladnesse, and a comfort of life hereafter: Partaking infallible joyes, with him that is all comelinesse and beauty. How say you to this, Sir, Ha?

Ε. K. He turneth up his heels to Ε. K.

E. K. I do not understand your words: for because I do onely repent your sayings.

Il...... It is the part of him that is a servant to do this duty: Of him that watcheth, to look what he seeth: For the greatest point of wisdom, is, reverently, to consider thy calling. It is said, do that, which is appointed, for he that doth more, is not a true servant.

E. K. How can that be?

Il...... Speak when they time cometh. Sir, here is mony: but I have it very hardly. Bear with me, for I can help thee with no more. Come on Andras, where are you Andras?

E. K. Now cometh one in a Gown to him. The Gown is bare like a prentice of London, a young man.

Il...... Did not I bid thee go yonder, and fetch me money.

Andras..... Whither.

Il...... This is one of them that forgetteth his businesse so soon as it is told him.

And...... Sir, I went half way.

Il...... And how then? Speak on, Speak on.

And...... Then being somewhat weary: I stayed, the rather because I met my friends, The third day I came thither: but I found him not at home. His family told me, that he was newly gone forth.

Il...... And you returned a Coxcombe. Well thus it is: I placed thee above my servants, and did what I could to promote thee: and endeavoured dayly to make thee free. But I am rewarded with loytring, and have brought up an idle person. Go thy way, I will deliver thee to the Officer. The Officer shall deliver thee to the Prison: and there thou shalt be rewarded. For such as do that they are commanded, deserve freedom: but unto those that loytre, and unto such as are idle, vengeance, and hunger belongeth.

E. K. He taketh him by the arm, and delivereth him to a man with a staffe in his hand: and he putteth him in at a door.

E. K. Now Il himself goeth into a house, which all this while appeared on the left hand.

Il...... Come on.

[E. K.] Now he bringeth another by the hand.]

Il...... My thinketh you should be a fit man to do my message.

E. K. Now he whispereth him in the ear, and pointeth out h....

Il...... I warrant the man, be not abashed. A strange matter.[Pointing to E. K.]

Il...... I have businesse in Denmark, and this fellow is afraid to go thither: Tell him, thou comest from me, and that I will come my self shortly. I know he will do so much for me, he hath had much acquaintance with me.

..... I care not, if I had some man to keep me Company.

[E.K.] This new come man said so.]

E. K. He whispereth again with this man in his ear.

Il...... These good fellows are not ready, or else they might go with thee. Go thy way in Gods name: See that you do your businesse. I keep such servants, as none in all the Countrey keepeth.

E. K. He keepeth no servants.

Il...... Meddle with that, you have to do with all. I pray this man, and that man, and every one deceiveth me. Good Lord, where should a man finde a true friend now adayes? I will go and tell the knave that he provide for himself. For it will be marvellous hard weather. You were best to do so, least you blow your Nails.

E. E. He speaketh to one within the house.

Il...... Thus you see me (Masters) how I am troubled with my servants. How now what aileth thee?

[E. K. There cometh a woman round about his house, and she seemeth to passe by him. She is in English Attire.]

Il...... I will know what aileth her to cry. What aileth thee?

Woman. One of my Children is dead.

Il...... Alas poor Childe: How can Children resist cold? she might have kept it warmer. Cold pierceth, where shot cannot enter.

Δ. This woman is not of our Company? I trust, None of our Children, shall perish in this cold.

Il...... Ha, A, your Children? you keep them warm: It will do them no hurt. Those that are warned, […] danger to come: For many things are prevented by the quality of wisdom.

Δ. I trust, we shall safe arrive at the place appointed, in Cracow, or elsewhere.

Δ. But as concerning Vincent Seve, brother in Law to the Lord Albert Laskie, I pray you to shew us the truth of his state.

E. K. I see him walking in a street; and a thick man with him; And Gerlish seemeth to comeafter him. The thick man his beard is somewhat like my Lord his beard, he cometh after Vincent. Vincent hath a black satten Dubblet on, cut with crosse cuts; He hath a ruffe about his neck, along one edged with black, or blue.

Δ. I beseech you. I. L. to shew us what Town that is.

Il...... Speaking to him that sheweth it: for I shew it not.

Δ. O God.

Il...... I remember not the name of any such Town. Quem Deus non amat, non novit.

E. K. Now the Town appeareth again, the Sea runneth by it. There is an old rotten Church standing at the Town end. The Town seemeth to be 60. or 80. miles off.

E. K. It seemeth to be Embden in my judgement.

E. K. But Vincent and Gerlish seem not to be in one Town, or street.

Δ. I beseech you to say unto us whether A. L. be furnished with money, at Grave John his hand, so as may serve our turn, or no.

Il...... If I have not told you already, I will. You grudge at me.

[E. K.] He speaketh to E. K.

Il...... Judge my words with reason, and thou shalt finde them true, Touch them with understanding, and thou shalt finde them profound. My words are true, Because I am sent by Truth: Neither are we to speak gravely, when we take upon us the persons of Buyers and Sellers. Whosoever doth the will of his Master truely in this World, shall be laughed to scorn: But whoso speaketh worldly and sendeth out shadows, is accounted a pillar of the Earth. Happy are those which are not foolish, neither in works say, There is no God; Such request, such answer. Such earthly minde, such heavenly motions. Yet Heaven speaketh truth, and the Earth lyeth. This is not my office which I have taken in hand; yet because I have dealt with you as a worldling, I was the fitrest to answer your worldly expectation.

Δ. As you have dealt with us, not according to your office, but according to our worldly expectation: So now do we desire to understand somewhat according to our higher and heavenly expectation, of our doing the determined will of the Highest.

E. K. He is gone, and all the Stone as red as blood.

Δ.

E K. Now he is come again, and standeth in the fire.

Il...... Thus saith the Lord, I have taught you how to live, I have set you Statutes, and have wished you my Peace; Follow me, and I will be your God: For unto them that are wise, shall there be more wisdom given; But unto them that are become foolish, my wisdom is a...

Supra in fine diei 13. Oct. & saepe […]. A Prophesie of An. 1584, 1585 1586, 1587, 1588.

These five years to come, are the Deliverance... Yea, sorrow shall bring forth her Children. My Honour shall be defaced, and my holy Places pluckt. No man hath ever seen such a world: For Now shall they say unto the Mountains, Come and cover us, and unto the Waters, Swallow us up: for we know there is no God; neither is there any care of Mankind. I will plague the people, and their blood shall become Rivers. Fathers shall eat their own Children, And the Earth shall be barren: The Beasts of the field shall perish, And the Waters shall be poisoned. The Air shall infect her Creatures, And in the Deep shall be roaring. Great Babylon shall be built, And the son of wickednesse, shall sit in Judgement. But I will reserve two Kingdoms untouched, And I will root out their wickednesse. Yea, thus saith the Lord, […] the North shall come a Whirlwind, And the Hills shall open their mouths: And there shall a Dragon flie out, such as never was. But I will be glorified by you, and by those that are not yet dead. And you shall have power, such as I will be glorified by. Keep therefore the Statutes which I taught you, Forget not my words: For unto those that look back, there is great wo. Happy are they that continue to the end. Amen.

E. K. Now he is gone.

Δ......

E. K. Now he is come again.

Il...... Thus saith Jehova: I am the beginning and the end, The root and life of all Righteousnesse. I say, (By my self) I am with you, And will blesse you in Righteousnesse. Cease therefore to move me; for I am Almighty, And inquire not of me, what I have determined; For Time groweth, and I am a Just God. Therefore Cease, Cease, I say; I in my self say Cease. Call not upon my name in defiled places; Least the wicked ones hear what I determin. I will visit you at your journyes end: I will testifie my promise to you. Be in haste therefore: And flie from sin; And flie the society of such as are accursed: For I am jealous over my people. Yea I will not suffer them to drink or taste of their vessels. Be you unto me a people, that I may behold my people: And I will be unto you both, A God for ever.

E. K. IL. saith Amen, and falleth all in pieces, as small as ashes.

E. K. Now all is Clear, and the Curtain is come again.

Δ. Deo Omnipotenti sit omnis Honor laus & gloria, in secula seculorum.

Amen.