Liber Peregrinationis Primae: from Mortlake to Cracow, part 3 of 8 (1–13 Nov. 1583)

Friday 1 Novemb. 1588. Mane At Breame.

Δ. Albeit we were willed (O Lord) to Cease: yet understanding the same warning to have been meant for Enquiring of thy Mysteries and secret Determinations, wherein we intend now not to deal, but in matters before and last moved, and wherein we were not fully satisfied; that now we may more expressely be certified, and that is of three things.

First for Vincent Seve.

Secondly for Edmond Hilton, gone with the Ship toward Dansk.

And Thirdly, as concerning help for money for the Lord Alb. Laskie. And herein we crave either the ministery of Jubanladaech, or of Il, or whom soever else it shall please thy Majesty to send.

E. K. A man with a black Gown appeareth with a Cap, falling in his neck, with a big Book under his arme.

Δ. It should seem to be Aphlafben, my good Angel.

E. K. He hath a white Robe under the black Gown, which goeth all under his Gown, trailing behind him: but, the white Robe traileth not; his Gown hangeth on him, as though it were falling off his shoulders behind.

Δ. In the Name of Jesus, the King of Glory, are not you Aphlafben my good Angel, by the mercy and power of God, so assigned?

E. K. He looketh very anciently.

..... Impire, Most high Glory, and thanks, throughout all Creatures, be unto thee (O eternal God) first... Secondly redeeming, and Thirdly sanctifying the World in his Creation, Now, and for ever: And as long as it shall be said Osanna in the Quire of the High God.... Amen.

Δ...... Amen...... Amen...... Amen.

..... Manifold are the Mercies of God towards man, whose basenesse deserveth no such grace and most unspeakable blessing: But such is God; what he justifieth himself, in the strength of his mercy, and heveth his honour with his own holinesse. For what is man, that can justifie himself? or that hath any thing, wherein his bowels can rejoyce? Wherein can he determine happinesse to himself? Or how can be compare himself with the trees that are fruitful? If the life of man be sin, then is it hateful. But who is he that hateth it? But even he which is above, and is farthest from […]. Great, therefore (O man) are thy miseries, when naturally thou art, and lovest to be hated of God, whose service is Justice, and whose delight Peace. Consider therefore the Mercies of God, through his loving kindnesse towards thy weaknesse: And acknowledge his Power which maketh those strong which have no force of themselves. Gather not up your own inventions; But be faithful servants, performing the will of him which sanctifieth you with obedience: for of dust you are become flesh, and of flesh the servants of sin; that at length you might be made free, through your own consents in the mercies of him which hath entred into your weaknesse, and weighed out his blood for your Redemption: Even he which hath payed the uttermost penny of your Ransome. And why? Not to the intent you should brag of your selves. But hath charged in condition you should maintain justice […] the works of Righteousnesse. Vnto whom is Heaven a seat? but unto such as are faithful servants: Wherein the Dignity of your Master is known, of whom it is said, Blessed are those that serve the God of Hosts. If anything, now, happen unto you, that is the riches of your Master, Be thankful for it, and consider his liberalitie: And how much the more he openeth his Treasures to you, Be so much the more thankful; For unto such belongeth the ownership of more, and the reward of such as are ten times faithful. Happy are these to whom it is said, Thou good servant. Be no Gadders, for there is no house to the house of your Master. Take heed also, least you minister his bread, to such as are his enemies, and so, unworthy: for unto both these belongeth the reward of unfaithfulnesse. Be not high-minded, when you borrow your riches, lest the moths enter in and corrupt your garments: for Pride is the deph of sin.... Cease not to rebuke the dishonourers * as, o.... Neither maintain the honour of any other: For he that entertaineth you, hath sealed you for others, And hath strengthened you with Authority, The Rod of his Justice. Generally these things have been spoken unto you, and these Lessons are not yet to learn: But happy are those whom God sanctifieth; being unholy, And ten times blessed are the Temples wherein his Holinesse dwelleth. True it is as thou sayest: Generally men are sanctified, the people of the Earth through all Nations, mystically: through the mercies of God: But where the sanctification agreeth not with the thing sanctified, there entreth wickednesse. The Spirit of God is not sanctified in Hell, Neither is his holy Temple beautified with the feet of the unrighteous. It is written, Dogs honour not bread, neither defiled places things that are holy: For as Hell dishonoureth Heaven, in respect of unrighteousnesse: So, those that are wicked dishonour the vertuous, and such as are truely holy, by society: and they stink of their wickednesse. For it is written, And Satan went from the presence of the Lord, leaving a stink behind him. The light of the Sun is taken from the Earth, by the congealed cloud. The sins of the people, and filthinesse of places, are put between vertue and the things Sacramental. Therefore, it is not true, that thou mayest lawfully call upon the Name of God in unhallowed places.

Δ. I crave pardon for my ignorance, and errour herein: But I required not to know of the heavenly Mysteries; Onely such things I demanded information of, which not onely were above humane power to answer, (and so might seem worldly mysteries:) but also the true good news of them, might, many ways, be comfort unto us and ours.

..... Behold in Israel, the rough stones are acceptable Altars, And the stinking Caves have been known unto the Lord. And why? Because the place was holy, neither this filthinesse here, nor of any thing else created, hindreth: But the filthinesse of the place and Country wherein they are defiled; for in pure places, the defield are blessed. David sanctified Saul, with the presence of his Annointing, and his Harp spake out the wonders of the Lord. We come unto you here, because the wild of God in you shineth: But the filthinesse of this Country […] the beauty of our message. Not that it is obscured in us, but hindered through wick..... from you. Therefore flee the company of Drunkards, and such as we..... their own understanding.

[E. K. He holdeth up his face and hands to heaven-ward.

..... Drunkards and such as defile themselves are apt to know things worldly; not as wise men do: but that the World may be a plague to their iniquity. Thou desirest pardon, and calledst th... businesse a worldly mystery. But the mysteries of this world are put under the feet of the faithful: which (overseen through God) are generally comforted and directed. Then, therefore what care remaineth either of the Seas, or of the slimy Earth? where, on the one side, thou regardest the Ship, and on the other side Money. I say unto thee, God correcteth this world and the casualties thereof, lest those that are of thee, should […] his name.

Δ. Blessed be his holy Name, and his Power magnified for ever.

..... Thy goods are safe, And the Earth shall provide for you. Be not you careful; for unto the just, yea even the hairs of his head are numbred. I am silent for the World; for it is not my propriety: But notwithstanding ask and thou shalt not be denyed.

Δ. As concerning Vincent Seve, his state and being, we are very desirous to be informed.

E. K. Vincent Seve appeareth here, going down by Charing Crosse. There is a tall fellow with a cut berd with him in a skie-coloured cloak. Vincent hath a great ruff: This man waiteth on him with a Sword. He is going down into Westminster Ward: He is now talking with a Gentleman on horseback, who hath five men following him, with Cape-cloaks short, and mustaches; And he on horse back is a lean visaged man with a short Cloak and a gilt Rapier; his horse hath a Velvet foot-cloth.

E. K. In Vincent his forehead is written; Where power wanteth, rigor weakneth.

E. K. Vincent laugheth heartily; and sheweth two broad teeth before. He holdeth a little stick within his fingers crooking. On his left hand he hath a skar of a cut, on the nether side of his hand. Vincent hath a pair of bootes on, which come straight on his legs, and very close. A great many boats appear at White-Hall. One is graffing in the Garden there. Many people are now coming out of Westminster Church. The Gentleman on horseback alighteth now, and goeth down toward the Court before Westminster-Hall. He goeth now up a pair of stairs; and there standeth a fellow with a white staff. Vincent is gone in with him; The servant walketh without. The servant goeth to a Waterman there. The Waterman asketh him, whether that be he; that is the Poland Bishop? The servant asketh him, what hath he to do? Now the servant goeth from the Waterman. Now cometh one down the stairs, and saith to the Serving-man, that his Master shall be dispatched to morrow. The servant saith, He is glad of it. Now all that Shew is vanished away.

Now come there two handsome men, they have Cloaks on their shoulders, and they have hats on like Tankard Crowns.

One of these said,

A..... I understand by the King, that he beareth him great favour.

The other said,

B..... But Kings when they become rich, wax Covetous. But do you think he will come this way?

A..... Yea mary, if he be wise; for he shall find no better friendship than in Denmark. Here is the fellow, he hath brought a bag of Amber.

E. K. He taketh the fellow by the shoulder, and saith; Come away. He hath been an old doer.

E. K. Now they are gone, and that Shew.

E. K. Now is the first man in the black Gown come again.

..... Thus you see, the World answereth for the World. Be merciful. Flee privy leakes; for the Devil is ready at every corner. Be Humble and Obedient. That receiving the reward of true servants, you may rejoy […] Enheritors of everlasting freedom; The reward of such as are […] end. God grant you may […]. Amen.

E. K. Now cometh the Vail again which all this while was gone behind the Stone.

Δ. Deo nostro Omnipotenti, misericordi, & justo sit omnis honor, laus, & gratiarum actio, nune & in secula seculorum. Amen.

Δ. While we were at Bream, among many other things told and delivered to E. K. as he was by himself, by a spiritual Creature, I know not who, nor of how good estate, or what estate he was of: This parcel among them he held in writing, and imparted to me; And I thought my pains not ill bestowed, to keep the same in record here.

Ganilus that, in house most fiery fairer than the Sun,
Hath honour great, saith, give place, your former course is run;
Therefore first framed clouds unknown draw near with mighty storms,
Wherein such bodies lie obscur'd, or take ten thousand forms.
Your bellies strowting long disclose, and on the harlot earth,
Seem fair to man, as when the waves as Midwife help... r birth.
Twice shall the Sun put on the heavens, and once look quarter way,
And working […] worlds, build up a City, where men say
The Holiest stood: And Beares bring in usurping fire at hand,
And people spread return, whose new built altars flaming stand.
Whilst such as strangers were Catesy cry, and bloody knife,
With privy shame defil'd bekyes, a thing n... sometime rife.
From midnight unto noon, two parts and more shall slaughter feel,
And all the World from South, taste all, down force, of fire and steel.
Small wonder though the earth at shadows fighting nothing grieve,
When mighty Seas shall dry, and heavens lie, who can live?
That mortal eyes shall see a Temple built with precious Stones,
Or Creatures strange made new in sight, of old and long dri'd bones.
Or Angels dwell on earth: but I whose firy fingers can
Unloose thrice sealed Books, and utter worlds unknown to man.
I see these cursed wights, whose borders lead thy journey on,
Shall with the thirtieth moneth, be bought, or sold, or fully gone.
And England perish first with Moths long harbour in her skirts,
The Spaniard lose their King, and France rebel and fall by spirts.
And holy man ten dayes besieged at home, with these dayes whelps,
Till he at length made free by sudden force of vertues helps.
The Polish King hath played, and friendly man shall then bear sway,
Amongst earthly friends, and such as hope of former faith decay.
At last wear highest Crown, if fall from vertue makes no losse,
And midst this coil to come in space of new come lay for tosse.
Then […], Come other times most Holy, and a Kingdom shall,
From Heaven come, and things forthwith again to Order call.

Saturday 2. Novembris we rod from Bream, two great mile to a Nunnery called Ostarhold.

Sunday Novembris 3. we came to Fure or Fureden.

Monday Novemb. 4. we came to bed to Harburgh.

Tuesday Novemb. 5. we came to Buxtenhaden, and there by 9 of the clock in the morning we took waterin two great Skutes or Boats, Horse-wagon, and our stuff and all, and ferryed down the little water, till we entred the Elb, and so crossed straight over to Blanken nasen: there dmed, and after dinner by coaches we came to Hamburgh, where my Lord lay at the English house, and we at another […], a widows house.

Wensday Novemb. 6. we rid to […] 4 mile from Hamburgh, a little Village, having left my Lord behinde: and also missing my Children and servants, which were gone before us an other way to my great grief: till by midnight, by sending out messengers to listen and enquire after them, I heard of them. I, my Wife, Rowland, Nurse, and Myrcopskie, my Lord his man.

Thursday, Novemb. 7. We came to Lubek, aud were there at Inne, at the signe of the Angel, or rather St. Michael, at a Widow her house, a very honest Hostesse.

Saturday, Novemb. 9. I received Letters from the Lord Albert Laskie, of the English mens ill dealing, and consulting with the Towns-men of Hamburgh for my stay, and conveying back again into England, &c.

Wednesday, 13. Novembris, 1583. Mane hora 9½. At Lubek.

Per horam ferè, per intervalla, varias fecimus petitiones & saepe oravimus.

At length appeared a sword, two edged, firy, or rather bloudy, and a bunsh of rags hanging at the top of it. The rags seemed of Woollen, and Linnen Cloath: like a bundle of Rags gathered out of a Taylers shop. The sword stood upright in a manner, but leaning from E. K. his face, though it seemed to smite at E. K.

A voyce. So be it, (O Lord) for thon art mighty. Be it so unto them: For they have embraced an Harlot, and have forgotten thy jealousie.

E. K. The svvord shaketh mightily. Many are the Harlots that svvarm upon the earth, and innumerable are their Children, and such as they foster. Their revvard is ready.

E. K. The sword now shaketh again mightily.

..... He that entreth into the house of the wicked is defiled: but he that consenteth with an Harlot is accursed. He that delighteth in her secrets, shall be stabbed. And Leprosie shall dwell in his house for ever.

Δ. O Lord, I trust, this respecteth none of us, in common sense to be understood.

..... He that delighteth in light, loveth not himself, but desireth the love of him, that illuminateth: But, thus saith God, I will not dally with you: Neither shall you handle me, as you have done. For, your Horedom, is wilfull: and your vanities worse. But this I leave amongst you, that you shall know that I am righteous. For, he that despiseth me, is accursed; and unto him that dissembleth my fashion, are miseries without number. So, unto them, that enterinto the house of blasphemy, is vengeance ready at hand.

Δ. O Lord, what is this? Man is but earth, where the heavens dwell: neither are the works of man acceptable, but with righteousnesse.

E. K. There appeareth a man with a Bible about his neck, like a Doctor; and he standeth miserably in fire. And so likewise appeared divers other with Bibles about their necks, and they in fire likewise. Still come flames from the earth, and encrease the flames of these men about them. There appeareth, and endlesse.... me, most terrible with fire, and other most hideous shews..... They be suddenly gone away. And all these men be now no more in sight.

A voyce. Happy are those that see, and can remember. Blessed are those that hear, and are not forgetfull.

Δ. These words, and shews, O Jesu, make evident what......

E. K. All is gone, except the sword which standeth in a Cloud, and there cometh a hand and setteth a seal upon the sword.

A voyce. I brought you from iniquity, to the intent you might be purified: But the more I cleanse you, the more you are defiled.

..... I have offered of old, and it shall be told. I have promised, and it shall be performed.

You have not kept my Commandments. And therefore you shall be plagued. He that goeth out of the way, shall receive the reward of errour. For stragglers, are spotted people. And none can be blessed, but such as dwell in the Tabernacle of righteousnesse. But behold, I will tell it unto you but with greater hardnesse. And I will make you know me, before I visit you in kindnesse. For thus sayeth Sathan. Lo, they erre still. Do Justice for thy glory sake. They enter into the houses of Idols: And laugh with blasphemers. They are silent, when thy name is blasphemed. Deal with them as a God: or else thou art not righteous. Therefore, be free from Sathan, that he may praise your righteousnesse. Yea, that he may say, as he hath said. Let me touch them. Vntill then; I will be just. I will not forget this wickednesse, till you be made clean. For, behold, I have sealed it: and therefore it must be finished. For what is sealed of me, cometh to passe.

Δ.

A voyce. He that dissembleth the image of Christ, is a liar.

Δ.

..... Now cometh a grave man, all cloathed in white, with a Mytre upon his head.

..... The God of peace is a comforting Medicine, to such, as delight in him. The peace of the world, is the image of God: God and man, which is Jesus Christ, the son of the living God: Which knit with the father in the spirit of truth, (proceeding from them both..... everlasting will,) opened his mercies to his Apostles, replenishing them fully and mightily with the will of the father, to the comfort of the world: Which, made messagers thereof, have delivered to the Church, full and perfect Statutes (as the Will of him, whereunto she is united and married) to be kept inviolable, and without transgression. This Will, Covenant, or Decree, (sealed unto the end of the world in the number of the faithfull) whosoever breaketh, or dissembleth, is accursed, or damned. Therefore saith the word of God unto you: You have run astray, you have entred into the houses of Idols. I have brought you from fire, but you are entred into flames. And why? Because you defile your selves with the wickednesse of deceivers: Whose images you saw affirmatively, though not verily: Continually overwhelmed with daily, and inextinguible flames: Continuing even so long, as their errour is exalted; Yea, even in the professors thereof, to their eternal damnation. For as Christ, and his Doctrine is light and truth: So seem the impositions of Sathan to agree, or take unto themselves, shapes or likenesses of the true image of him that saveth: Whereby he trusteth in himself under the colour of meeknesse, into the companie of the faithfull: Devouring their Souls with ravening, dissembling, and false likelyhoods of truth, unable to be decided by man. Happie are those that believe them not: For he, even he it is, that is a liar, and is oldest in deceit. But as the father is eternal: So is the son eternal, which eternity of the father and the son, is the holy Ghost eternal, proceeding equally, as the finger of God, and spirit of truth, to the general workmanship of Gods determination knit together, three Persons. [E. K. He maketh a great reverent cursie] in this omnipotency by spiritual illumination, and through the holy Ghost delivered unto the Apostles, as the pledge of God his mercie and promise, is alwayes certainly linked, joyned, and engraffed into the society of those that fulfill the will of the highest perfectly, and without errour, whose strength shall continue, and glorie branch out, even unto the end of this world, and beginning of comfort. Therefore, believe: For the spirit of truth worketh wonders, raiseth the dead, and hath power to forgive sins. Through the power of him, unto whom it is ma..... For, as Christ hath all power in heaven and in earth delivered..... So hath he delivered all power in heaven and earth to his true Church. Therefore she cannot erre. For where power is without measure, errour hath no number: Believe not therefore those that lie: saying, The Church of God is infected with errours. For the offences of few are not counted errour, but unrighteousnesse: Neither can the stragling feet of a few drunken, bring infamy to the whole house.

Δ.

..... It lieth not in my power to deliver you, or reconcile you from death and Hell: The tormentry and filthinesse of the world, and the wrath of God. But yet, (That Cloud, set aside) which is between me and you) I speak afar of to you, saying, The Justice of God, is vengeance it self: Neither hath it any contrary, but even in the midst, and Centre of it self: Which is the drop and liquor of his eternal, great, and incomprehensible Majestie of himself, his mercie: Which, even in the midst of Justice is found out, by sorrowfull repentance, and reconciliation: Not in that it is necessarie with God: But that it is a Medicine applicable, and most healthfull to the infirmities of that man, that coveteth to be healed, released, or recovered from his soares. This is it, that must comfort you. For, as Justice is the reward of sin, so is mercie the reward of repentance. But mercie is the Center of light: and Justice to be cast off, and shut within darknesse. Therefore, be not negligent.

Δ. This whoredom, how is it committed, or of whom?

..... I teach the..... Where thy habitation was, errour rained, God called thee from it: and delivered thee by many, but unknown wayes: means not to be uttered by man. These places also are shut up from the favour of God. For their obedience is counterfeited, and their prayers, out-cries. Therefore hath the Lord opened him unto you that invented the vanitie: that you might be partakers of his knowledge, and secret judgements of the wicked. Here also you entred, and are newly defiled: For the Devil entred in, and found him waking: And lo, he entred yet, and he was not asleep. But he was happie, being kindled with desire of God, else had the judgement of his bodie for this world been fulfilled. Wickednesse followeth him: and the spirits of evil counsel are at hand. You shall feel the sorrow thereof, and your family shall be discomforted. But pray unto God, that it fall not out, that Sathan goeth about: Neither that it come to passe, which he hath power to execute. For, this token signifieth your miseries, and it is a sign of that, which is given to execution.

I have said.

The peace of God be restored unto you.

Δ.

E. K. Here is the man again.

..... Two words and I have done. Nothing is plainer than that which is spoken: Nothing certainer than that which is appointed. Be you penitent, that God may be merciful. This is all I have to say. Wash your selves, and I also will make you clean. Resist you Satan diligently, and I will help you mightily.

Δ. O Lord that seal to the Sword and rags break off.

E. K. Now he is gone.

Δ.

E. K. Now he is here again.

..... This cloud is a separation betwixt this, yea this glorified company and you. Look not for any light, whilest this darkness is present. Behold, my mouth faltreth, and my lips are stayed: But pray you, and you shall not be rejected. For the stronger you be, the mercifuller is God, and the weaker is, and shall be, your adversary. Love together; Serve God together: Be of one heart together. Alwayes preach God. I am tied.

E. K. He is gone.

Δ. Misericordia & pax Dei sit super nos nunc & semper.

Amen.