Liber Peregrinationis Primae: from Mortlake to Cracow, part 4 of 8 (15–20 Nov. 1583)

Friday, Novemb. 15. hora mane. Lubek.

E. K. The cloud appeareth, and openeth, so that the Sword may be seen.

Δ. O Lord deal mercifully with us, as thy children, to be corrected with rod or whip, and not with thy enemies, with sword to cut or wound us. Let not Satan force thee to justice more mightily, than thy fatherly goodnesse can incline thee to shew mercy upon us.

E. K. An hand cometh and nippeth off an inch of the top of the Sword, and some of the rage are fallen down; some hanging on the hilts of the Sword, and some are thrust through with the Sword. Now the Sword is shut up again in the Cloud.

Δ. Have mercy on us, O Lord, and deal with us as thy younglings and novices.

E. K. Now come in an eleven, all like Noble men. One of them hath a regal Cap, and a Gown faced with Sables. The Cap is like a Polonian Cap, but trimmed up with rich Sables. Now cometh one and bringeth a very rich Chair, beset vvith precious Stones: Four of the Company set dovvn this Chair, for that Principal man. He that brought the Chair vvent avvay. They all do lovv obedience to this principal. He sitteth dovvn, and putteth his Govvn over. He is a goodlier man than the Lord A. L. The 4 pluck a thing like a Canopy over the Chair, and they put a round Cushion under his feet. This Principal speaketh as follovveth.

..... Pluck up thy heart and be merry, pine not thy Soul away with inward groanings; for I will open unto thee the secrets of Nature, and the riches of the World, and withal give thee such direction, that shall deliver thee from many infirmities, both of body and minde: Ease thee of thy tedious labour, and settle thee where thou shalt have comfort.

Δ. Thanks be given unto the Highest, now, and ever, of all his Creatures.

..... Why dost thou... within thy thought: Hast thou not need of Counsel?

Δ. Yes, God knows; for I am half confounded.

..... Then first d... with thy self to rest thee, for this Winter. Secondly open thy mind to desire such things as may advance thy Credit, and enrich thy Family: Reap unto thee many friends, and lift thee up to honour; For I will stir up the mindes of Learned men, the profoundest in the World that they shall visit thee. And I will disclose unto you such things, as shall be wonderfull, and of exceeding profit. Moreover, I will put to my hands, and help your proceedings, that the World may talke of your wisdom hereafter. Therefore wander not farther into unknown places, contagious, the very seats of death for thee, and thy children, and such as are thy friends. If thou enquire of me where, and how. Every where: or how thou wilt thy self. For thou shalt forthwith become rich, and thou shalt be able to enrich Kings, and to help such as are needy. Wast thou not born to use the commodity of this World? Were not all things made for mans use?

Δ. Will you give me leave to speak?

..... What canst thou speak hereunto? Wilt thou thank me for this?

Δ. All thanks be unto the King of Glory, &c.

Δ. Is it your meaning that we shall stay here, and go no farther with the Lord Albert Laskie?

..... Yes, in the Summer; when it is more fair.

Δ. I beseech you, Where would you, that we should make our.... this Winter?

..... Where you will. Are you so unwise to go with him now. Let him go before, and provide for himself, that he may the better provid for you. The weather will be hard, and the travel unfit for children. If thou covet to live in ease, heap not up thy wives sorrow.

Δ. I desire to live in quiet, that my spirit may the better attend to the service of God

..... Well, Tarry you, and my promise shall be quickly performed. I will not halt with you. How say you Sirs?

[E. K. He speaketh to his Company, vvho make cursies, and say nothing.]

Δ. I beseech you to appoint an apt place: This you see is no fit place.

..... I will stir thee up such friends, as shall content thee. As for dwelling places thou shalt bestow them. Well, you are contented.

Δ. Is it your will, that in this Town we should part from the Lord Albert Laskie?

..... What should you do else? Are you mad men? Will you run headlong into danger? wilfully?

Δ. I beseech you, shall this be nothing prejudicial to our former doings, and order already taken and decreed for our going together?

..... What, is this contrary to reason? Well you are content.

Δ. As the will of the Highest is, so is mine and none other.

..... Sirha, do you see this sword? I will be a surety for this (I warrant thee) also.

Δ.

..... Your brother is clapped up in prison, How like you that? Your house-keeper I mean.

Δ. And why I pray you?

..... For that, that thou mayest be ashamed of.

Δ. What is that?

..... They examin him: They say, that thou hast hid divers secret things. As for thy Books, thou mayst go look them at leasure. It may be, that thy house may be burnt for a remembrance of thee too. Well if they do, so it is: if not, as thou wilt. I have told thee my phansie, and given thee my counsel, offered thee my help, and desired to do thee good: The choice is thine.

Δ. O Lord the Author of all truth, and director of such as put their trust in thee, I most humbly beseech thee to consider these premises, thus to me propounded. If they be true, and from thee, confirm them: If they be illusions, and not from thee, disprove them. For, hardly in my judgement, they do or can agree with our former precepts and order taken by thee.

A voice..... He that ascendeth up to the top of the hill, let him believe: For until he come thither, let him do his labour.

O Lord, I doubt of these things, and promises of ease, wealth, and honour.

A voice...... Judge the Truth, by the last Action.

O Lord, What is that Action?

A voice...... Wensdaies Action.

This Cloud (said the voice of the Lord) is put betwixt us and you: What therefore may come between? Now judge you.

Δ. I suspect the whole apparition of the eleven to be an illusion. O Lord confirm my judgement or disprove it.

A voice...... The Spirit of the Lord is not amongst you.

Δ. What misery are we then in? O Lord, Mercy, Mercy.

A voice...... Dispute not with God, where whoredom is great.

Δ. O Lord, This whoredom we understand not.

A voice...... Pray daily, with repentance, that this cloud may be taken away, and this sword diminished. For the Seal cannot be broken, until Satan have done his uttermost; yea the uttermost of his malice. For it is granted him and he must strike. But pray you unto God, that the sword may be made shorter, or pluckt out of the hilt, that in striking he want power. For your sin is abominable, and a sevenfold offence in the sight of the Lord.

Δ. What this whoredom is (God knoweth) we understand not perfectly. If the Spirit of God be not with us, how can our prayers be acceptable?

A voice...... Thus saith the Lord, Turn unto me and be sorry for your sins, and let my Angels be witnesse thereof. For I swear by my self, that my Justice shall hang over you: And when I punish you next, I will raze you from the face of the earth. Therefore, Vow your selves unto me, and make your vessels clean; for your habitations in my sight are nothing: neither is the substance whereof I framed you acceptable. I am the Spirit of Truth and Vnderstanding, and will not be dasht in pieces with worldlings; Neither use I to dwell in defiled places. For my Sanctuary is holy, and my Gates are without spot. And with me there dwelleth no unrighteousnesse.

Δ. Lord, is it thy will we shall go with Albert Laskie to Lasco?

A voyce. The Lord […], What I have said, is true. Who rebuketh me, saying my words are untrue? The correction of him that reigneth is mightie; who hath numbred it? But to his destruction. Be you holy, that my hand may be weak.

Δ. O Lord, the fear of thy punishment astonieth my heart: and uncertainty of it in time, and place, doth also encrease my grief, &c.

A voyce. The fool saith in his heart: Oh, how great is thy punishment over me. Teach me the place of thy correction: And where thou wilt chastise me. Who is he that desireth to meet God his vengeance, or the punishment of him that confoundeth the damned? Make your hearts clean, and wipe the sin from amongst you: And desire to be forgiven, for miserable are they that meet with vengeance, or that know the place where she taketh up her Harbour.

Δ. Gloria, Honor, Laus & gratiarum actio perennis sit Deo nostro […] Nobis verò a Deo Patre, propter Jesum Christum in Spiritu Sancto, sit Misericordia, Pax & Consolatio in via virtutis & veritatis.

Amen.

Monday, Novemb. 18. Hora 9. Mane. Lubek.

E. K. There appeareth the Cloud, wherein the sword remaineth enclosed.

Δ. O Lord, be mercifull unto us, and rigorously execute not thy Justice upon us, thy weaklings: Nor suffer Satan to Triumph, where thy glory is expected, &c. Converte nos Deus salutaris noster, & averte iram tuam à nobis, &c.

E. K. Now cometh one in a white Coat, not perfectly to be seen, but as if he were seen through a Cipresse; and said as followeth.

..... Who is he that leadeth out the Lion to prey? or who is he that lifteth up the feet of the young ones to devour? Who feedeth the smell of the roaring Bear, or hath taught him to remember the place of his recreation? Hath he also taught the fields, to put forth their voices: and the mighty Trees to flourish in pride? Are not the Hills glad when they bring forth Corn? When the Valleys rejoice with threefold waters. The beasts of the wildernesse have they not known Caves: and unto such as are made tame, is there not a..... understanding? For, who is he that teacheth them, to make subject themselves, which are ravening, or to bridle such as are of their frowardnesse? Even he it is, that looketh down from Heaven, and beholdeth the earth, and measureth with his feet, saying,

It is done.

Which entreth also into the houses of men, and listeneth to that which they call wonders. Which openeth the gates of his knowledge with his own finger; And which sayeth unto you: How are ye become wise? Or from whence is your understanding, are your hearts become Caves to send out Thunders? Or why are your spirits thus vexed with holinesse? Are you not a stiff-necked people, and such as are despised? Are you not poor, and therefore hated. Since, therefore, you are become Bastards, who teacheth your lips to speak of my Church? Or hath taught you to urge me with mine own spirit?

Behold, I am mighty,

Because I am the joy of the faithfull. For I am called the Temple of the Holy ones, and the beauty of Israel. The spirit of man crieth out, and pierceth into the Lord, as the swiftnesse of an Arrow: And he heard them. Therefore, thus doth the winde of Cabon open her mouth, and sweareth by the Jaspar Pillar that standeth in the Temple of Reconciliation, and it Thundereth, and is said,

Be it done.

And behold, the doors open, and the Holy Altar is covered. The beasts with many feet bring up burnt-offerings: And there is a sacrifice that ascendeth up, and it is a mighty winde, such as hath not been since the beginning of dayes. Open your ears therefore, and prepare your selves to hear: For this..... is mighty, for it is of peace. My Justice (saith the Lord) is sealed, and you have sinned mightily: My arm is stretched forth, and I must be magnified: For vengeance is gone forth, and is appeared already. But who is he that resisteth the venome of the earth, or instructeth man to avoid the Darts of poison? He saith unto you. Thus it is, because I have sanctified you, and have made you holy to the earth: Therefore will I help you: But not as you desire: For your prayers and unrighteous life shall become bands of yarn. And I will make a contention betwixt Sathan and you. If therefore you labour hard, and open fervent mindes, such as are not of the world, and can binde this sword and cloud of vengeance fast from amongst you: Be it so unto you, for it is your own righteousnesse. For Sathan hath reviled, and hath said,

Then shalt thou see.

But so long as they are Holy, and become righteousnesse, they are become safe: but when they fall, Satan entreth in. For the power of righteousnesse is become a Conquerour, if it fight mightily. And Satan shall be confounded by a righteous judgement.

For I have decreed it: and by my self I swear it.

I will be a righteous Judge betwixt you. Therefore, take heed you sinnot not, nor go into death: For great is the fall of vengeance. Be not therefore defiled with the filthinesse of the wicked: Neither delight in such as counterfeit truth. For I am one fire that judgeth all things. And I delight in people that are joyfull with one Banket. For those that fill their bellies at the houses of strangers: Become enemies to me.

For I have said,

My spirit is holy, and my annointed righteous. Let the earth rise up, and continue in her wickednesse: Yea, let them say, we have found the anointed: But my continuance is truth, and they are become liars. For my spirit worketh, and behold, there are wonders in the sight of men. And wheresoever I dwell, such is my power. Be therefore of One house, that you may eat together: Least you banket too much, and so become deceivers. I am one, and am known by One: And unto One, Which One I am married unto. (And I am mercifull) Whosoever abideth not therein, is an Adulterer. Avoid you darknesse, for righteousnesse is present, and my spirit entreth. Blessed are such as believe. Amen.

Even to the, Amen.

E. K. He is gone. There appeare some bands linked together, as Chaines about the Cloud.

Δ. Welcome be these bands.

E. K. He is here again;..... and saith..... eth.

..... Why are you become dull? Why are you yet ignorant? Seest thou these..... [He pointeth, and speaketh to E. K.]

E. K. I see them, I thank God.

..... These bonds are your own righteousnesse: And as they appear before the Lord, so shall they binde vengeance together: But if you become weak you fall. But pray, that you fall not: For they are the dayes of sorrow. The spirit of God is twofold; present Jah agian, and present Nah gassapalan. Therefore take heed. For, in the first, you are blessed: and it may return. But he that is filled with the second, shall be drunken for ever. The first is power present, and a comfort inmeasurable, glorifying, and strengthning all things that are agreeable to it: But when they differ, it returneth. The other is the spirit of the first, and the second, Almighty, and everlasting, unmeasurable, and inexplicable: drowning the will of man, that becometh strong in the fountain of gladnesse and understanding: true wisdom her self, and not returning. Pray, therefore, that you may be perfect: and that you may be seasoned: For it is a salt that savoureth to the end.

The peace of God be amongst you.

E. K. He cast off his Cloudy Lawn, and went away. He seemed to be […].

Δ. Yet we beseech you more expresly, and particularly to deal with us, &c.

..... It is said...... It is written...... It is true.

Cease.

Δ. Gloria, Laus, Honour, Triumphus & Jubilatio sit Deo nostro omnipotenti: Nunc & semper.

Amen.

Wednesday, Novemb. 20. Mane hor. 11½. Lubek.

Δ. As thou hast of thy mercies (O Lord) given us some shew of thy favour bent toward us: so are we desirous to understand how our Letters have wrought upon our friend his heart to joyn with us to call for thy mercies, pardon and help: for if they have, Then do we hope, our bands (of acceptable life) whereby to binde vengeance prepared and intended against us, shall wax more and stronger: by thy great mercy and help to thy well-pleasing in thy service hence forward.

E. K. The Cloud and bonds appear: But the bands appear fewer.

Δ. O Lord, is our state since yesterday become weaker with thee? And shall it so narrowly be exacted? Thy will be done, who art holy, just, and most wise, O God.

E. K. The bonds about the Cloud, now are onely two; which before were six, or seven. The bonds seem of a smoky ashy collour, spirally going about the Cloud.

..... Judgement is the end of Justice: distributing and delivering also to every thing, seen, heard, or determined to his proper end uprightly. Are you able to deny this?

Δ. The end of our actions, words, and thoughts may seem twofold: One of us intended, and ment to be good: The other not depending upon our weening, but according to exact wisdom, what is the end of the same; here deemed the proper end, if I understand right.

A voyce. Lo, judgement is the end of Justice in things that are handled uprightly: whereof you finde the Omnipotencie and Truth of him that judgeth Omnipotently: Which beholding your Combat, hath girded himself together, and beholdeth the Lists, and be judgeth uprightly: For, be hath sworn it. Arm not your selves therefore as weaklings: But provide as mightie and couragious Souldiers, for your own defence. I am without corruption (saith the Lord) and lean not with the windes of Basannah.

Δ. O Lord, give me leave to request thee, &c.

A voyce. But I am just, and judgement her self. Enter not therefore into my holy places: Neither kneel down before my sanctuaries; saying, the Lord hath Chosen us, He liveth, and it is true for ever. For I have said, It may be undetermined. I will also see, whether you be strong inwardly, or privily rotten. For with the world your weaknesse is great. Whosoever overcometh shall rejoyce. But I will be a God in my Covenant and will hold on my promise: Fight therefore as it becometh you, and cast off the world. Make flesh subject, and strangle your Adversary. For unto such belongeth the entrance into my Chambers, and the use of my will, as the Horn of my glorie. For it is written, light dwelleth not in darknesse: Neither hath darknesse comprehended any light: For darknesse is the Cave of errour, and the reward of sinners. Thus sayeth he, which beholdeth your sorrows: And it is a fight for many daies, which appeareth neither in the one, nor in the other: nor giveth he answer untill the end.

E. K. There is one come in like a Ghost, and he taketh all the hangings away, which beautified the place like to Curtains. Now all the sides of the stone are darkish; and the Cloud standeth in the very middle thereof. Now the bands seem brighter then..... because the place is so darkish.

Δ. O Lord, many daies Combat is assigned us. And forasmuch as Militia est vita hominis super Terram, we are now in a great uncertainty of our Combat ending.

E. K. There standeth the number of 40. upon a great Labell, and nothing else.

Δ. This 40. (O Lord) what betok eneth it, dayes, weeks, or years? Well: Whatsoever it be, Blessed be the name of the Highest. Our God, King, and Father.

E. K.

Δ.

E. K. Now is one come in very brave, like a Preacher; I take him to be an evil one.

Δ. Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

E. K. He saith nothing; Not so much as, Amen.

..... Are you so foolish to think that the power of God will descend into so base a place?

E. K. The power of God descending, descendeth to beautifie the place; And whatsoever he beautifieth, he doth it mercifully: And so through his mercy he descendeth among us, that put our trust in his mercies.

..... It is true; But, unto those that are righteous.

Δ. Christ his coming hath been to save sinners. His conversation was among sinners, halt, lame, blinde, and diseased. So likewise: Now our frailty, or impurity will not exclude his presence, or the Ministery of his faithfull Angels.

..... What, in this base manner?

Δ. Do you mislike the manner?

..... Can any that hath any drop of wisdom like it?

Δ. Are you wise?

..... Or else I could not see thy imperfections.

Δ. Which be they? Accuse me.

..... What greater imperfection, then to imagine much more believe, that the Angels of God, will, or may descend into so filthie a place, as this corruptible stone is? Considering the clearnesse, and bignesse of the aire, or the places that are prepared in mans bodie, for such entrances.

Δ. Who causeth thee to come here?

..... Thy folly.

Δ. Art thou good, or bad?

..... I am good, or else I could not see the bad.

Δ. Ergo, thou art a lyar, for thou sayd'st, No good Angel, would, or might come here into this stone.

Δ. Thus will God be glorified against wicked Satan, and his Ministers. His fetch was very subtile: As, To bring in doubt all the Actions performed in this ftone. What canst thou answer?

E. K. He sayeth nothing: Neither can he say any thing. He seemeth to be a very foolish Devil.

Δ. Mendacem oportet esse memorem. Now be packing hence.

..... I will abide here.

Δ. Where God will permit thee, there mayest thou be: But we will (as now) cease: And we thank God highly of this comfort and victory: We beseech him, that we may as prosperously overcome all other Diabolical assaults or sophistical, or untrue perswafions: and all his Temptations. Amen.

Glory, Honour, power, and praise be to our Almighty and living God, the Lord of Hosts, Jehovah, now and ever.

Amen.