Chapter I: shall faithfully commend unto the Presse (12)

And thus being now cloathed after a new fashion and ready to lead a new life; being now changed from an _American_ into the fashion of an _English_ man, the tenth day after my abode in _San Lucar_, I bad adieu to _Spain_ and all _Spanish_ fashions, factions, and carriages, I bad farewell my old Fryer _Pablo de Londres_, with the rest of my acquaintance, and so in a boat went over the bar to the ship, which that night in company of foure more set forward for _England_. I might observe here many things of the goodnesse of _Adrian Adrianzen_, and his good carriage towards mee in his ship, which I will omit, having much more to observe of the goodnesse of God, who favoured this our voyage with such a prosperous wind, and without any storm at all, that in thirteen dayes wee came to _Dover_, where I landed, the ship going on to the _Downes_. Others that landed at _Margaret_ were brought to _Dover_, and there questioned and searched; but I, not speaking _English_, but _Spanish_, was not at all suspected, neither judged to be an _English_ man; and so after two dayes I tooke post in company of some _Spaniards_ and an _Irish_ Colonel, for _Canterbury_, and so forward to _Gravesend_. When I came to _London_, I was much troubled within my selfe for want of my Mother tongue, (for I could onely speak some few broken words) which made mee fearefull I should not bee accknowledged to bee an _English_ man born. Yet I thought my kinred (who knew I had beene many yeers lost) would some way or other acknowledge mee, and take notice of mee, if at the first I addressed my selfe unto some of them, untill I could better expresse my selfe in _English_. The first therefore of my name, whom I had notice of, was my Lady _Penelope Gage_, widow of Sir _John Gage_, then living in St. _Jones_; to whom the next morning after my arrivall to _London_, I addressed my selfe for the better discovery of some of my kinred; whom though I knew to bee Papists, and therefore ought not to be acquainted with my inward purpose and resolution; yet for feare of some want in the mean time, and that I might by their means practice my selfe in the use of my forgotten native tongue, and that I might enquire what Childs part had beene left me by my father, that I might learn some fashions, and lastly, that in the meane time, I might search into the Religion of _England_, and find how farre my conscience could agree with it, and bee satisfied in those scruples which had troubled mee in _America_, for all these reasons I thought it not amisse to looke and inquire after them. When therefore I came unto my Lady _Gage_, shee beleeved mee to bee her kinsman, but laughed at mee, telling mee, that I spake like an _Indian_ or _Welch_ man, and not like an _English_ man; yet shee welcomed mee home, and sent mee with a servant to a Brothers lodging in _Long Aker_, who being in the Country of _Surrey_, and hearing of mee sent horse and man for mee to come to keepe Christmas with an Uncle of mine living at _Gatton_; by whom as a lost and forgotten Nephew, and now after foure and twenty yeeres returned home againe, I was very kindly entertained, and from thence sent for to _Cheam_, to one Mr. _Fromand_ another kinsman, with whom I continued till after twelfth day, and so returned againe to _London_ to my brother.

Thus my good Reader, thou seest an _American_, through many dangers by Sea and Land, now safely arrived in _England_; and thou maiest well with mee observe the great and infinite goodnesse and mercy of God towards mee a wicked and wretched sinner. How I have answered to this Gods gracious calling mee from so farre and remote a Country, to doe him service here, I will shew thee in the Chapter following, and conclude this my long and tedious History.

CHAP. XXII.

_Shewing how, and for what causes, after I had arrived in_ England, _I tooke yet another Journey to_ Rome, _and other parts of_ Italy, _and returned againe to settle my selfe in this my Country._

Now Reader, as the stone that is falling, the neerer it cometh to its Center, more haste it maketh; So I the neerer I am coming to the conclusion of this my History, more haste I desire to make in this last Chapter, for the compleating and finishing of it. With brevity therefore I will relate some of my travels in _Europe_, in which I will yeeld to many of my Nation, but for _America_, and my travels and experience there, I dare boldly challenge all travellers of my Country. After my return to _London_, from _Surrey_, I began to expostulate with my younger Brother (knowing hee had been present at my Fathers death, and had a chief hand in the ordering and executing his last Will and Testament,) concerning what childs part was left unto mee. To which hee made mee answer, that my father had indeed left him, and my Brother the Colonell, and two other sons by a second wife, and my owne sister, every one somewhat, but to mee nothing, nay that at his death he did not so much as remember mee; which I could not but take to heart, and called to minde the angry and threatning letter which I had received from him in _Spain_, because I would not bee a Jesuite. Though for the present I said nothing, yet afterwards in many occasions I told my Brother I would have the Will produced, and would by course of law demand a childs part; but hee put me off, assuring me I should never want amongst other my friends and kindred, with whom hee knew I should bee well accommodated as long as I continued in _England_. After few dayes that I had been in _London_, my kinsman at _Cheam_, desired me to come to live with him; where I continued not long; for my Uncle at _Gatton_ invited mee to his house, offering mee there meat, drink, lodging, horse and man, with twenty pound a yeare, which hee promised in other waies to make as good as thirty. Here I continued a twelve moneth, refining my self in my native tongue, and (though altogether unknown to my Uncle and kindred) searching into the Doctrine and truth of the Gospel professed in _England_; for which cause I made many journeys to _London_, and then privately I resorted to some churches, and especially to _Pauls_ Church to see the service performed, and to heare the Word of God Preached; but so, that I might not be seen, known or discovered by any Papist. When in _Pauls_ Church I heard the Organs, and the Musick, and the Prayers and Collects, and saw the Ceremonies at the Altar, I remembred _Rome_ againe, and perceived little difference between the two Churches. I searched further into the Common-Prayer, and carryed with me a Bible into the Country on purpose to compare the Prayers, Epistles, and Gospels with a Masse Book, which there I had at command, and I found no difference but onely English and Latin, which made mee wonder, and to acknowledge that much remained still of _Rome_ in the Church of _England_, and that I feared my calling was not right. In these my scruples coming often to _London_, and conversing with one _Dade, Popham_, and _Crafts, Connel_ and _Brown, English_ and _Irish_ Dominican Fryers, I found their wayes and conversations base, lewd, light and wanton, like the _Spanish_ and _Indian_ Fryers, which made me againe reflect upon the Popish Church, upheld by such Pillars. I came yet to the acquaintance of one _Price_, Superiour to the Benedictine Monkes, whom I found to be a meer States-man, and a great Politician, and very familiar, private, and secret with the Archbishop of _Canterbury William Laud_; in conversion with my Brother, (who belonged then unto one Signior _Con_, the Popes Agent, and was in such favour at the Court, that hee was sent over by the Queen with a rich present to a Popish Idol, named our Lady of _Sichem_, in the _Low Countries_) I heard him sometimes say, that hee doubted not but to bee shortly Curate and Parish Preist of _Coven Garden_, sometimes that he hoped to bee made Bishop in _England_, and that then I should want for nothing, and should live with him, till hee got mee another Bishoprick; by which discourse of his, and by his and other Preists favour at Court and with the Archbishop I perceived things went not well, _Spanish_ Popery was much rooted, Protestant Religion much corrupted, and the time not seasonable for me to discover my secret intents and purpose or heart. At this time comming once from _Surrey_ to _London_, I chanced to bee discovered and knowne to one of the State Officers, a Pursevant, who had a large Commission for the apprehending of Seminary Preists and Jesuites, named _John Gray_, who meeting mee one day in _Long Aker_, followed and dogged me as far as _Lincolns Inne_ wall, where he clapped mee on the shoulders, and told me, that he had a Commission against mee, to apprehend mee, and carry me to the Councell Table or to one of His Majesties Secretaries. To whom I spoke in _Spanish_ (thinking thereby to free my selfe out of his hands for a _Spaniard_:) but this would not doe, for he replyed hee knew mee to bee an _English_ man born, and by the name of _Gage_, and Brother to Colonel _Gage_ and Mr. _George Gage_, and that before he left mee I must speake in _English_ to him, he carryed mee to a Tavern, and there searched my Pockets for Letters and mony, which in discourse he told me was too little for him (not being above twelve shilling) and that I must goe with him to answer before one of His Majesties Secretaries. I told him that I would willingly goe before the Archbishop of _Canterbury_, or before Sir _Francis Windebanke_; at which he smiled, saying: I knew well whom to make choice of to favour and protect mee, but hee would carry mee to none of them, but to Secretary _Cooke_. I fearing the businesse might goe hard with me, and knowing him to be greedy of money, told him that I would give him any thing that might content him, and so offered him twelve shillings then about mee, and my word to meet him in any place the next day, with a better and fuller purse. Hee accepted of my money for the present, and further offer for the day following, and appointed the _Angel_ Taverne in _Long Aker_, (knowing that I lodged thereabout) to bee the place of our meeting, and so dismissed mee. I being free from him, went immediately to my Brother, and told him what had happened unto mee, what money I had already given unto him, and what I had promised the next day following. My Brother hearing me began to chafe and vex, and to fall into furious words against _John Gray_, calling him knave and rogue, and that he could not answer what he had done, and that hee would have his Commission taken from him, chiding mee for that I had given him any money, and calling me young novice and unexperienced in the affairs of _England_. This seemed strange to me, that my Brother should not onely not fear a Pursevant, but should threaten to take away the Commission from him, who was appointed to search for and finde out Preists and Jesuites. Yet I told him I would according to my word and promise meet him the next day, and satisfie him for his faire carriage towards mee; to which my Brother would by no means yeeld, but said hee would meet him; which hee accordingly performed, and although for my sake and promise he gave him some money, yet he brought him before Signor _Con_, and there himselfe and the Popes Agent with him spake most bitter words unto him, and threatned him very much if ever again he durst meddle with mee.

After this my Brother carryed mee to one Sir _William Howard_ a Papist Knight, living at _Arundel_ gate over _Clements_ Church, who was very familiar with Sir _Francis Windebanke_, telling him what had happened unto me, and desiring him to carry me with him in his Coach to Sir _Francis_, and to get his protection for mee. Secretary _Windebanke_ understanding who I was, told mee I should feare no Pursevant of them all, and that if I lived quietly in _England_, no body should trouble me, and that _John Gray_ was a knave, and wished me if ever he medled with me again to come unto him. Though for the present this was good and commodious for me to have such favour and protection, yet I perceived, this my Brothers power, and this conniving at Preists and Jesuites could not bee usefull for mee, if I should publish my mind and and purpose to alter my Religion. I was therefore much troubled in mind and conscience, which I found was curbed with the great power of the Papists. I resolved therefore to goe againe out of _England_, and to travell in some other Countries amongst both Papists and Protestants, and to try what better satisfaction I could find for my conscience at _Rome_ in that Religion, or in _France_ and _Germany_ amongst the Protestants. I writ therefore to the Generall of the Dominicans at _Rome_, (without whose License I could not goe thither) that hee would bee pleased to send mee his Letters Patents, to goe to conferre some points with him; which hee willingly granted unto mee. I wanted not money from my Uncle (who commended unto mee some businesse to bee dispatched for him at _Rome_) for so long a journey, other friends also helped mee; but my chief trust was upon my Brother Colonell _Gage_, then in the _Low Countries_, whom I knew not, nor had seen him from a child. I had no other passe to take shipping at _Dover_, but onely the letter of a Papist in _London_, (by meanes of one _Popham_ a Dominican Fryer) to Sir _John Manwood_ his Lady, who was then Governour of _Dover_ Castle, and with the foresaid letter suffered mee not to bee troubled, examined or searched, but gave order that I should freely and quietly passe over in the Packet boat to _Dunkerke_, wherewith in foure houres with a good wind I arrived, and from thence by _Newport_ and _Bridges_ went to _Gant_; not farre from whence my Brother with his Regiment lay in field against the _Hollander_. Hee was glad to see mee, and knowing what journey I was minded to take, furnished mee with more money, and for my Uncles businesse recommended mee to the Marques _De Serralvo_ (then at _Brussels_) and to other great men, desiring them to give mee their letters to their friends at _Rome_; from them I got a letter to _Don Francisco Barbarini_, the Popes Nephew, and one of the chief Cardinals then in _Rome_, likewise to Cardinal _Cucua_, and Cardinal _Albornos_ both _Spaniards_. With these letters I thought I should have occasion of some conversation with these pillars of the Church of _Rome_, and in discourse might pry into the hearts and wayes of them, and see whether in them were more Policy then Religion. By reason of the Warres between _France_ and the _Low Countries_, I durst not make my journey the neerest and shortest way through _France_; but though there were Wars also in _Germany_, I thought that would bee my safest way, and I desired much to looke into the Protestant, and _Lutheran_ Church in that Country. Whereupon I resolved from _Brussels_ to goe to _Namurs_, and from thence by water to _Leidge_, and from thence to _Collen_ in _Germany_. From _Leidge_ to _Collen_ though wee were twelve in company, wee were much troubled with Souldiers; yet God still delivered me and brought me safe to _Collen_; from whence by the river _Rhine_ I went in boat to _Frankefort_ in _September_ at the time of that great Fair, where I knew I should meet company of Merchants to any part of _Italy_. In all my travells I never made a more pleasant journey then that which I made by the river _Rhine_, where I had occasion to see many fair and goodly Cities. In _Frankefort_ there I began to take notice of the _Lutheran_ Church, and for the space of a fortnight that I stayed there, had many thoughts of discovering my selfe there, and disclaiming Popery, thinking that there I might be sure and safe, and lie hid and unknowne to my Brothers and kinred, who is _England_ would not suffer me to live a Protestant. Yet againe I considered how hard it would bee for mee a stranger to subsist there, and to get any livelyhood, for the which I must first get the native tongue, and though many points that were opposite to the Church of _Rome_, pleased me, yet in some points of that Religion my conscience was not satisfied. At the end of the Faire I sought out for company, and found neere a dozen wagons which were upon setting out towards _Auspurg_ with goods of Merchants, who had also hired a Convoy of thirty souldiers to goe along with them; which I thought would be safe company for mee; with them, and many other passengers and travellers that went in the Wagons, and on foot, by them, I went as far as the famous and gallant City of _Auspurg_; from whence forward there was no great danger, neither in what part belonged to the Duke of _Bavaria_, nor in the County of _Tirol_: from whence wee passed some foure together to _Trent_; where I was taken with the first Ague that ever in my life I remembred I had, which continued seven months upon mee. I thought from thence to have continued my journey by land to _Venice_, but my Ague suffered mee to goe but to _Verona_; from whence I turned to _Millan_, and so to _Genoua_, leaving my good company; that from _Genoua_ I might goe by Sea to _Ligorne_, and so likewise to _Rome_. After a fortnights stay in _Genoua_, I went with the Galleys of the great Duke of _Florence_ to _Ligorne_, where I found no boats ready to _Rome_, and so in the meantime, whilst they were preparing, I went to _Pisa_ and _Florence_ to see those brave Cities, and returned again to _Ligorne_, where I found many boats ready to set out to _Rome_.

The first night and day wee had a faire winde to _Piombino_; but there it turned, and continued contrary for almost three weekes. At last it pleased God to send us a faire wind wherewith wee went out many Boats and Falluco's in company together, thinking all had been friends; but when wee came neere to the Castle of _Montalto_, most of the boats having got before us, two that went in company with the boat wherein I was, suddainly set upon us, and shewed themselves to bee _French_ Pirats, who robbed us all, and tooke from mee all the money I had, which was not then above five pound, leaving me some Bils of exchange which I had to take up mony at _Rome_; after we were robbed wee called in at _Civita Vecha_; for reliefe, where I met with a good _English_ Merchant, who freely bestowed upon mee provision both of wine and meat, as much as would well suffice mee and a friend to _Rome_, whither wee got in a day and night. When I came to _Rome_ I delivered my Letters to the Cardinals; of whom the two _Spaniards_ I found proud and stately; but _Don Francisco Barbarini_, (who was intituled the Protector of _England_) I found more tractable, kinde, and loving. I perceived by his discourse that hee knew much of _England_, and desired to know more; and propounded unto mee many questions concerning the state of this Kingdome, and especially concerning the Archbishop of _Canterbury_, whom he seemed to affect; and yet sometime againe would say hee feared, hee would cause some great disturbance in our Kingdome, and that certainly for his sake and by his means the King had dissolved lately the Parliament (which was that which before this now sitting was so suddainly dissolved by his Majesty) which hee feared _Scotland_ and most of the people of _England_, would take very ill. Hee asked mee further what conceipt the people had of the said Archbishop; and whether they did not mistrust that hee complyed much with the Court of _Rome_. And lastly, he told mee that hee thought, the creating of an _English_ Cardinal at _Rome_ might be of great consequence for the conversion of the whole Kingdome. I laid up in my heart all this discourse, and well perceived some great matters were in agitation at _Rome_, and some secret compliance from _England_ with that Court, which I purposed to discover more at large among some friends there.

After this discourse with the Cardinall, I was invited to the _English_ Colledge to dinner by one Father _Fitzherbert_, who was then Rector, a great States-man and Politician, with whom I had also great discourse concerning my Brother Colonel _Gage_, concerning my travels in _America_, and lastly concerning _England_; whereof I perceived little discourse could bee had in _Rome_, except the Archbishop _William Laud_ had his part and share in it. The Jesuite began highly to praise the Arch-prelate for his moderate carriage towards Papists and Preists, boasting of the free accesse which one _Simons, alias Flood_, a Jesuite had unto him at all houres, and in all occasions; and to extoll him the more, he brought in the Archbishop, _Abbot_ whom he cried down as much for a cruel enemie and persecutor of the Church of _Rome_, and of all Papists and Preists. But the now Archbishop, said hee, is not onely favourable unto us there, but here desireth to make daily demonstrations of his great affection to this our Court and Church; which, hee shewed not long since in sending a Common Prayer Booke, (which hee had composed for the Church of _Scotland_) to bee first viewed, and approved of by our Pope and Cardinals. Who perusing it, liked it very well, for Protestants to be trained in a Form of Prayer and service; yet considering the State of _Scotland_, and the temper and tenents of that people, the Cardinals, (first giving him thanks for his respect and dutifull compliance with them) sent him word, that they thought that form of prayer was not fitting for _Scotland_, but would breed some stir and unquietnesse there, for that they understood the _Scots_ were aversed from all set Forms, & would not be tyed and limited to the invention of mans spirit, having (as they thought) the true and unerring Spirit of God in them, which could better teach and direct them to pray. All this (said Father _Fitzherbert_) I was witnesse of, who was then sent for by the Cardinals (as in all like occasions, and affaires concerning _England_) to give them my opinion concerning the said Common Prayer Booke, and the temper of the _Scots_. But the good Archbishop (quoth hee) hearing the censure of the Cardinals concerning his intention and Form of Prayer, to ingratiate himself the more into their favour, corrected some things in it, and made it more harsh and unreasonable for that Nation; which wee already heare they have stomacked at, and will not suffer it in many parts to be read; and wee justly fear that this his Common Prayer Book, & his great compliance with this Court, will at last bring strife and division between the two Kingdomes of _Scotland_ and _England_.

And this most true Relation of _William Laud_ late Archbishop of _Canterbury_, (though I have often spoken of it in private discourse and publiquely preached it at the Lecture of _Wingham_ in _Kent_,) I could not in my conscience omit it here; both to vindicate the just censure of death, which the now sitting Parliament have formerly given against him for such like practises and compliance with _Rome_; and secondly to reprove the ungrounded opinion and errour of some ignorant and Malignant spirits, who to my knowledge have since his death highly exalted him, and cryed him up for a Martyr. At the same time whilst I was at _Rome_, I understood of another great businesse concerning _England_, then in agitation amongst the Cardinals, and much prosecuted by this _Fitzherbert_, and one father _Courtney_ a Jesuite, son to one Sir _Thomas Leeds_; which was, to create one of the _English_ Nation Cardinall; that so the Conversion of _England_, what by the Assistance of _William Laud_, what by the power of a higher person, and what by the authority of the said Cardinall, might be more fully and earnestly plotted and indeavoured. This businesse was much agitated in _England_ by Signior _Con_, at whose house in _Long Aker_ were many meetings of the chief Gentry of the Papists. In _Rome_ Sir _William Hamilton_ then Agent for the Queene, vied much for the said Cardinals Cap, and got a great number of friends to further this his ambitious design. But hee was too yong, and some scandall of a Gentlewoman, who stuck too close to him, made the red Cap unfit for his head; and secondly, because a greater then hee, to wit, Sir _Kenelham Digby_ was appointed by the Queen to bee her Agent there; who sent before him his Chaplain, a great Politician and active Priest, named _Fitton_, to take up his lodging and make way, and friends for his ambitious preferment; who in his daily discourse cryed up his Master _Digby_ for Cardinall, and told mee absolutely, that hee doubted not but hee would carry it. But though hee had great favour from the Queen, and was her Agent; yet hee had strong Antagonists in _Fitzherbert, Courtney_, and the rest of the crew of the Jesuites, who looked upon that honour and red Cap as better becomming one of their profession, and fitter for a head which had formerly worne a four Cornered black Cap, to wit, Sir _Toby Mathy_. But in case the said Cap should fall from Sir _Toby_ his head, then they would helpe and further a third, whose birth and Nobility should advance him before Sir _Kenelham Digby_, to wit, _Walter Mountague_, the old Earle of _Manchester_ his sonne at that time.

And thus it was a generall and credible report in _Rome_, that either a _Digby_, a _Mathy_, or a _Mountague_, should that yeere bee made Cardinall. Whereby I perceived that _England_ was comming neere to _Rome_, and that my design of professing and following the truth in _England_ was blasted, and that in vain I had come from _America_ for satisfaction of my conscience in _England_. I was more troubled now then ever; and desired to try all wayes, if I could bee better satisfied concerning the Popish Religion in _Rome, Naples_ or _Venice_, (whither I went) then I had been in _America_ and among the _Spaniards_. But I found such exorbitances and scandalls in the lives of some Cardinals of _Rome_, whilst I was there, especially in _Don Antonio Barbarini_, and Cardinal _Burgess_, who at midnight was taken by the _Corchetes_ or Officers of Justice in uncivill wayes, and came off from them with money, that I perceived the Religion was but as I had found it in _America_, a wide and open doore to loosnesse and policy, and the like in _Naples_ and _Venice_, which made mee even hate what before I had professed for Religion, and resolve, that if I could not live in _England_, and there injoy my Conscience, that I would live in _France_, for a while, untill I had well learned that tongue, and then associate my selfe unto the best reformed Protestant Church; Whereupon I obtained from the General of the Dominicans this ensuing order to live in the Cloister of _Orleans_, intending from thence at my best opportunity to goe to _Paris, Lyons_, or some other place, and shake off my Magpy habit, and to live and dye in _France_ in the true Protestant and reformed Religion as professed there.

_In Dei filio sibi Dilecto Reverendo Patri fratri_ Thomæ Gageo _Provinciæ Anglicanæ Ordinis Prædicatorum, Frater Nicolaus Rodulfius totius ejusdem Ordinis Magister Generalis ac servus in Domino salutem._

_Conventui nostro Aurelia nensi Provinciæ nostræ Franciæ de probo & optimo Patre Sacerdote providere cupientes, Tenore præsentium, & nostri authoritate officii (te) supra nominatum Reverendum Patrem Fratrem_ Thomam Gageum _revocamus a quovis alio Conventu, & Assignamus in dicto Conventu nostro Aurelianensi Assignatumque declaramus, in Nomine Patris, & Filii, & Spiritus Sancti_, Amen. _Mandantes Rdo. admodum Patri Magistro Priori illius, ut te benigne recipiat, & cum omni charitate tractet. In quorum fidem his officii nostri sigillo munitis propria manu subscripsimus. Datum Suriani die none Aprilis_, 1640.

Frater Nicolaus Magister Ordinis.

Frater Ignatius Ciantes Magister; Provincialis Angliæ, & Socius.

The Forme whereof (as also the manner of sending Fryers from one Cloister to live in another, commonly called by them, an Assignation) is in _English_ as followeth.

_To our Beloved in the Son of God, the Reverend Father Fryer_ Thomas Gage, _of the_ English _Province, of the Order of Preachers, Fryer_ Nicholas Rodulfius _of the same whole Order Master Generall, and Servant in the Lord, health and greeting._

Wee being willing and desirous to provide for our Convent of _Orleans_, of our Province of _France_, of an honest and very good Father and Priest; by Tenour of these present, and by the authority of our Office doe recall you the above named Reverend Fryer _Thomas Gage_ from any other Convent, and doe Assigne you in our said Convent of _Orleans_, and declare you to bee assigned, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Commanding the very Reverend Father Master Prior thereof, that hee receive you curteously, and entertaine you with all love and charity. In witnesse whereof with our owne hand wee have subscribed these being sealed with the seale of our Office. Dated at _Soriano_ the ninth day of _April_, 1640.

_Fryer_ Nicholas _Master of the Order_.

_Fryer_ Ignatius Ciantes _Master Provincial of_ England _and Companion_.

Yet after I had got this Order, I bethought my selfe further that I would try one way, which was to see if I could find out a Miracle, which might give mee better satisfaction of the _Romish_ Religion, then had the former experience of my life, and the lives of the Priests, Cardinals, and all such with whom I had lived in _Spain_ and _America_. I had heard much of a Picture of our Lady of _Loretto_, and read in a Booke of Miracles or lies concerning the same, that whosoever prayed before that picture in the state of mortall sinne, the picture would discover the sinne in the soule, by blushing, and by sweating. Now I framed this argument to my selfe, that it was a great sin, the sin of unbeliefe, or to waver and stagger in points of Faith; but in mee (according to the Tenents of _Rome_) was this sin, for I could not believe the point of Transubstantiation, and many other; therefore (if the Miracles which were printed of the foresaid Lady of _Loretto_ were true, and not lies) certainly shee would blush and sweat, when such an unbeliever as I prayed before her. To make this triall, I went purposely to _Loretto_, and kneeling downe before God, not with any faith I had in the picture; I prayed earnestly to the true Searcher of all hearts, that in his Son Jesus Christ he would mercifully looke upon me a wretched sinner, and inspire and enlighten mee with his Spirit of truth, for the good and salvation of my soule; In my prayer I had a fixed and setled eye upon the Ladies picture, but could not perceive that shee did either sweat or blush, wherewith I arose up from my knees much comforted and incouraged in my resolution to renounce and abandon Popery, and saying within my selfe as I went out of the Church, surely if my Lady neither sweat nor blush, all is well with mee, and I am in a good way for salvation, and the miracles written of her are but lies. With this I resolved to follow the truth in some Protestant Church in _France_, and to relinquish errour and superstition. Upon which good purpose of mine, I presently perceived the God of truth did smile, with what I heard hee was ordering in _England_ by an Army of _Scotland_ raised for Reformation, and by a new Parliament called to _Westminster_, at which I saw the Papists and Jesuites there began to tremble, and to say that it would blast all their designes, and all their hopes of setling Popery; _William Laud_ his policy was now condemned and cursed, _Con_ was dead at _Rome_, the Cardinals Cap for one of the three fore-named named was no more spoken of, _Fitton_ was daunted, _Fitzherbert_ and _Courtney_ quite disheartned, Sir _Kenelham Digby_ his Agency and comming to Rome put off and suspended, and with all this good newes I was much heartned and incouraged to leave off my journey to _France_, and to return to _England_, where I feared not my Brother nor any kindred, nor the power of the Papists, but began to trust in the protection of the Parliament, which I was informed would reform Religion, and make such laws as should tend to the undermining of all the Jesuits plots, and to the confusion and subversion of the _Romish_ errours and Religion. I was too weak of body to make my journey by land (by reason of my long Ague which had but newly left mee) and so resolved to goe to _Ligorne_ to find out shipping there; where I found foure or five ships of _English_ and _Hollanders_ ready to set out, but were bound to touch at _Lisboe_ in their way. I bargained with one Captaine _Scot_ for my passage, first to _Lisboe_, intending there to make a second bargain. We had no sooner sailed on as farre as to the Coast of _France_, joyning to the _Dutchy_ of Savoy, but presently from _Canes_ came out part of a Fleet lying there under the command of the Bishop of _Burdeaux_ to discover us, and take us for a lawfull prize. I might say much here of the valour of the good old Captaine _Scot_, who seeing all the other ships had yeelded to the _French_ men of Warre, would upon no termes yeeld to be their prize, (which they challenged because wee were bound for _Lisboe_, then their enemies Country) but would fight with them all, and at last rather blow up his ship, then to deliver the goods which had been intrusted to him by the Merchants of _Ligorne_. We were in a posture to fight, our guns ready, and Mariners willing to dye that day, which was heavy news to me. After much treaty between the _French_ and our valorous Captain, who still held out and would not yeeld, there came up to us two ships to give us the last warning that if wee yeelded not, they would immediately set our ship on fire. With this all the passengers and many more in the ship desired the Captaine to yeeld upon some faire Articles for the securing of what goods he had for _England_, and should appeare were not any way for the strengthening of any enemies to the State and Kingdome of _France_. With much adoe our Captaine was perswaded, and we were carried with the rest into _Canes_ for a lawfull prize. I seeing that the ships were like to bee stayed there long, obtained the Bishop of _Bordeaux_ his passe to goe to _Marcells_, and from thence by land through _France_. Which being granted, I went by water to _Tolon_, and from thence to _Marcells_, and so in company of Carriers to _Lions_, and from thence to _Paris, Roane_, and _Deepe_, where in the first packet boat to _Rye_ I passed over to _England_, where I landed upon _Michaelmas_ day the same yeere that this present Parliament began to sit the _November_ following. My Brothers Spirit I found was not much daunted with the new Parliament, nor some of the proudest Papists, who hoped for a suddain dissolving of it; But when I saw their hopes frustrated by His Majesties consent to the continuing of it, I thought the acceptable time was come for mee, wherein I ought not to dissemble any further with God, the world and my friends, and so resolved to bid adieu to flesh and blood; and to prize Christ above all my kindred, to own and professe him publiquely maugre all opposition of hell and kindred to the contrary. I made my self first knowne to Doctor _Brunnick_ Bishop of _Exeter_, and to Mr. _Shute_ of _Lumbard street_, from whom I had very comfortable and strong incouragements. The Bishop of _Exeter_ carried me to the Bishop of _London_ then at _Fullom_, from whom I received order to Preach my Recantation Sermon at _Pauls_: which done, I thought I must yet doe more to satisfie the world of my sincerity, knowing that Converts are hardly believed by the common sort of people, unlesse they see in them such actions which may further disclaime _Rome_ for ever for the future. Whereupon I resolved to enter into the state of Marriage (to which God hath already given his blessing) which the Church of _Rome_ disavowes to all her Preists. What I have beene able to discover for the good of this State I have done, and not spared (when called upon) to give in true evidence upon my Oath against Jesuites, Preists, and Fryers; for the which (after a faire invitation from my Brother Colonel _Gage_, to come over again to _Flanders_, offering mee a thousand pound ready money) I have been once assaulted in _Aldersgate street_; and another time like to be killed in _Shooe lane_ by a Captain of my Brothers Regiment, named _Vincent Burton_, who (as I was after informed) came from _Flanders_ on purpose to make me away or convey mee over, and with such a malicious designe followed mee to my lodging, lifting up the latch and opening the doore, (as hee had seene mee done) and attempting to goe up the staires to my chamber without any inquiry for mee, or knocking at the doore; from whom God graciously delivered me by the weak meanes of a woman my Land-lady, who stopped him from going any further; and being demanded his name, and answering by the name of _Steward_, and my Land-lady telling him from mee that I knew him not, he went away chafing and saying that I should know him, before he had done with mee. But hee that knoweth God well, shall know no enemy to his hurt; neither have I ever since seene or knowen this man. I might here also write down the contents of a threatning letter from mine own Brother, when hee was Colonell for the King of _England_ and Governour of _Oxford_, which I forbear with some tender consideration of flesh and blood. At the beginning of the warres I confesse I was at a stand as a Neophyt and new plant of the Church of _England_ concerning the lawfulnesse of the warre; and so continued above a yeere in _London_ spending my owne meanes, till at last I was fully satisfied, and much troubled to see that the Papists and most of my kindred were entertained at _Oxford_, and in other places of the Kings Dominions; whereupon I resolved upon a choice for the Parliament cause, which now in their lowest estate and condition I am not ashamed to acknowledge. From their hands and by their order I received a Benefice, in the which I have continued almost foure yeers preaching constantly for a through and godly Reformation intended by them, which I am ready to witnesse with the best drops of blood in my veins, though true it is I have been envied, jealousied and suspected by many; to whom I desire this my History may be a better witnesse of my sincerity, and that by it I may perform what our Saviour Christ spoke to _Peter_, saying, And thou being converted strengthen thy Brethren. I shall think my time and pen happily imployed if by what here I have written, I may strengthen the perusers of this small volume against Popish superstition whether in _England_, other parts of _Europe, Asia_, or _America_; for the which I shall offer up my dayly prayers unto him, who (as I may well say) miraculously brought me from _America_ to _England_, and hath made use of mee as a _Joseph_ to discover the treasures of _Egypt_, or as the spies to search into the land of _Canaan_, even the God of all Nations, to whom be ascribed by mee and all true and faithfull Beleevers, Glory, Power, Majesty and mercy for evermore. _Amen._

_FINIS._

Some brief and short Rules for the better learning of the _Indian_ tongue called _Poconchi_, or _Pocoman_, commonly used about _Guatemala_ and some other parts of _Honduras_.

Although it bee true that by the daily conversation which in most places the _Indians_ have with the _Spaniards_, they for the most part understand the _Spanish_ tongue in common and ordinary words, so that a _Spaniard_ may travell amongst them, and bee understood in what hee calleth for by some or other of the Officers, who are appointed to attend upon all such as travell and passe through their townes: Yet because the perfect knowledge of the _Spanish_ tongue is not so common to all _Indians_, both men and women, nor so generally spoken by them as their owne; therefore the Preists and Fryers have taken paines to learn the native tongues of severall places and countries, and have studied to bring them to a Form and method of Rules, that so the use of them may bee continued to such as shall succeed after them. Neither is there any one language generall to all places, but so many severall and different one from another, that from _Chiapa_, and _Zoques_, to _Guatemala_, and _San Salvador_, and all about _Honduras_, there are at least eighteen severall languages, and in this district some Fryers who have perfectly learned six or seven of them. Neither in any place are the _Indians_ taught or preached unto but in their native and mother tongue, which because the Preist onely can speake, therefore are they so much loved and respected by the Natives. And although for the time I lived there, I learned and could speake in two severall tongues, the one called _Cacchiquel_, the other _Poconchi_, or _Pocoman_, which have some connexion one with another; yet the _Poconchi_ being the easiest, and most elegant, and that wherein I did constantly preach and teach, I thought fit to set down some rules of it, (with the Lords Prayer, and brief declaration of every word in it) to witnesse and testifie to posterity the truth of my being in those parts, and the manner how those barbarous tongues have, are, and may be learned.

There is not in the _Poconchi_ tongue, nor in any other the diversity of declensions, which is in the _Latin_ tongue; yet there is a double way of declining all Nownes, and conjugating all Verbes, and that is with divers particles according to the words beginning with a vowell or a consonant; neither is there any difference of cases, but onely such as the said Particles or some Prepositions may distinguish.

The Particles for the words or Nownes beginning with a Consonant are as followeth,

Sing. _Nu, A, Ru,_ plural. _Ca. Ata. Qui tacque._ As for example, _Bat_, signifieth a house, and _Tat_, signifieth father, which are thus declined;

Sing. _Nupat_, my house, _Apat_, thy house, _Rupat_, his house. Plural. _Capat_, our house, _Apatta_, your house, _Quipat tacque_, their house.

Sing. _Nutat_, my Father, _Atat_, thy Father, _Rutat_ his Father. Plural. _Catat_, our Father, _Atatta_, your Father, _Quitat tacque_, their Father. Thus are declined Nownes beginning with a Consonant. As, _Queh_, a horse, _Nuqueh, Aqueh, Ruqueh, &c. Huh_, booke, or paper, _Nuhuh, Ahuh, Ruhuh. Moloh_, Egge, _Numoloh, Amoloh, Rumoloh. Holom_, Head, _Nuholom, Aholom, Ruholom. Chi_, Mouth, _Nuchi, Achi, Ruchi. Cam_, hand, _Nucam, Acam, Rucam. Chac_, flesh, _Nuchac, Achac, Ruchac. Car_, fish, _Nucar, Acar, Rucar. Cacar, Acarta, Qui cartacque. Chacquil_, body or flesh of man; _Nuchacquil, Achacquil, Ruchacquil, Cachacquil, Achacquilta, Quichacquil tacque_.

Some words there are which are pronounced like _ts_, which are written not with _ts_, but with this letter _tȝ_, peculiar in that tongue; as for _tsi_, dogge, _tsiquin_, bird, _Nutsi_, my dog, _Atsi_, thy dog, _Rutsi_, his dog, _Catsi_, our dog, _Atsita_, your dog, _Quitsi tacque_, their dog. _Nutsiquin_, my bird, _Atsiquin_, thy bird, _Rutsiquin_, his bird, _Catsiquin_, our bird, _Atsiquinta_, your bird, _Quitsi quintacque_, their bird.

There are no severall terminations for cases, as in Latin; but the cases are distinguished with some particles or prepositions, as for example. The house of _Peter, Rupat Pedro_, putting the possessours name, and the particle, _Ru_, which is a possessive. So for the dative, add the particle _Re_; as for example, give to _Peter_ his dog, _Chaye re Pedro rutsi_. For the accusative, when it is motion to a place, or else not, adde _Chi_, as for example, I goe to the house of _Peter, Quino chi rupat Pedro_. The Vocative admitteth of this particle _ah_, or _ha_, of wishing or calling, as, O my son, or ho my son, _Ah vacun_, or _ha vacun_. The Ablative keeping stil the same termination with the Nominative, is expressed with some preposition or other, as in my mouth, _pan nuchi_, with my hand, _chi nucam_. In signifying I, is undeclinable, as also, _At_, signifying you, or thou. The possessive mine, is also undeclinable, as _vi chin_, mine, or for me; so thine, or for thee, _Ave_. Where note that in this tongue there is no _w_, but _v_, or _u_, are pronounced as _w_, as though wee pronounce, _wacun_, my sonne, _wichin_, mine or for mee, _Awe_, thine or for thee wee write _vacun, vichin, Ave_.

The Particles or letters, which serve for Nounes beginning with a Vowell, are as followeth. Singular. _V. Av. R._ Plural. _C._ or _Qu. Avta. C._ or _qu. tacque_, as for example, _Acun_, signifieth son, _Ixim_, Corn, _Ochoch_, likewise house, which are thus declined.

Sing. _Vacun_, my son, _Avacun_, thy son, _Racun_, his son. Plural. _Cacun_, our son, _Avacunta_, your son, _Cacuntaque_, their son.

Sing. _Vixim_, my corn, _Avixim_, thy corn, _Rixim_, his corn. Plural. _Quixim_, our corn, _Aviximta_, your corn, _Quixim tacque_, their corn.

Sing. _Vochoch_, my house, _Avochoch_, thy house, _Rochoch_, his house. Plural. _Cochoch_, our house, _Avochochta_, your house, _Cochochtaque_, their house.

So likewise are varied or declined, _Abix_, signifying a plantation, or peece of ground sowen. _Acal_, earth or ground. _Vleu_, also earth or ground. _Acach_, hen. Save onely that the words beginning with _I_, admit _qu_, in the first and third person plurall; the rest admit for the same persons plurall, _C_, onely.

And as thus I have observed for the varying or declining of Nounes; so also doe all the Verbes admit of severall particles for their conjugating, according as they begin either with a vowell or a consonant.

Those that begin with a consonant have somewhat like the Nounes these articles following.

Sing. _Nu, Na, Inru._ Plural. _Inca, Nata, Inquitacque._ As for example, _locoh_, to love.

Sing. _Nulocoh_, I love, _Nalocoh_, thou lovest, _Inrulocoh_, hee loveth. Plural. _Incalocoh_, wee love, _Nalocohta_, yee love, _Inquilocohtaque_, they love.

_Nuroca_, or _Nurapa_, I whip, or beat. _Naroca_ or _Narapa_, thou whippest, or beatest; _Inruroca_, or _Inrurapa_, hee whippeth or beateth. Plural. _Incaroca_, or _Incarapa_, wee whip, or beat; _Narocata_, or _Narapata_, yee whip, or beat, _Inquirocatacque_, or _Inquirapatacque_, they whip or beat.

_Nutsiba_, I write, _Natsiba_, thou writest, _Inrutsiba_, hee writeth. Plural. _Incatsiba_, wee write, _Natsibata_, yee write, _Inquitsibatacque_, they write.

There is no preterimperfect tense, nor preterpluperfect tense; but the preterperfect tense standeth for them; neither is there any Future, but the present tense expresseth it, and is understood for it, according to the sense of the discourse, as _Nulocoh Pedro_, I love or wil love _Peter. Tinulocoh_, I love thee, or I wil love thee. Yet sometimes for fuller expression of the Future tense, is added this Verbe, _inva_, I wil, _nava_, thou wilt, _Inra_, he will, as _Inva nulocoh Pedro_, I will love _Peter_.

The Particles for the Preterperfect tense, are as follow:

Sing. _Ixnu. Xa. Ixru._ Plural. _Ixca. Xata. Ixqui tacque._ Where note, that in all these particles, and in all this language, the letter _X_, is pronounced like _sh._ as _Ixnu_, like _Ishnu. Xa_, like _sha. Ixru_, like _Ishru. Ixca_ like _Ishca_, and so forth.

Preterperf. Sing. _Ixnulocoh_, I have loved; _Xalocoh_ thou hast loved, _Ixrulocoh_, he hath loved. Plural. _Ixcalocoh_, we have loved, _Xalocohta_, yee have loved, _Ixquilocohtacque_, they have loved. And so of all the Verbes above.

The Particles for the Imperative Mood are these following:

For the singular number, and second person, _Cha_; for the third person singular _Chiru_; for the first person plural, _Chica_; for the second, _Cha ta_, for the third _Chiqui tacque_: as for example. _Chalocoh_, love thou. _Chirulocoh_, let him love. Plural. _Chicalocoh_, let us love; _Chalocohta_, love yee. _Chiquilocoh tacque_, let them love. And so of the rest of the Verbes above.

The Optative Mood is the same with the Indicative; adding to it this Particle _Ta_, which signifieth as much as _utinam_, or, would to God, as _Nalocoh ta Dios_, would God thou love God, _Ixnulocoh ta Dios_, would God I had loved God.

The Conjunctive Mood also is the same with the Indicative, adding to it this Particle, or Preposition _vei_, and _ta_, if. As for example _vei nalocoh ta Dios_, if thou love God, _vei ixnulocoh ta Dios_, if I had loved God.

There is no Infinitive Mood, but the Indicative serveth for it. As, _Quinchol nutsiba_, I can write. _Quinquimi_, signifieth to die, _Nuraeh_, I desire, _Nuraeh quinquimi_, I desire to dye.

Note further, that in all Verbes Actives, when mee and thee are expressed as the Accusative case following the Verbe, they are coupled to the person that doeth or goeth before the Verbe, by these two Particles for the present tense, _Quin_, mee, _Ti_, thee. And for the preterperfect tense, _xin_, mee, _ixti_, thee. As for example.

_Quinalocoh_, thou lovest me. _Xinalocoh_, thou hast loved me. _Quinraalocoh_, thou wilt love me. _Quinalocohta_, love me, or I pray God thou love me. _Vei quinalocoh_, if thou love me; _vei xinalocoh_, if thou hast or hadst loved mee; _Quinaraeh nalocoh_, thou desirest to love me. So for the second person being the Accusative. _Tinulocoh_, I love thee. _Ixtinulocoh_, I have loved thee. _Tiranulocah_, I will love thee. _Tinulocohta_, pray God I love thee; _vei tinulocoh_, if I love thee; _vei ixtinulocoh_, if I have or had loved thee. _Tinuraeh nulocoh_, I desire to love thee.

Note further, that these two Verbes, _Quinchol_, which signifieth, I can or am able, and _Inva_, which signifieth I will, when they are put with other Verbes of whatsoever person, they are elegantly put impersonally in the third person singular. As for example:

_Inchol nulocoh_, I can love. _Inra nulocoh_, I will love. _Ixra ixnulocoh_, I have been willing to love. _Ixchol ixnulocoh_, I have been able to love. _Tichol nulocoh_, I can love thee, _Tira nulocoh_, I will love thee.

The Letters or Particles for Verbes beginning with a Vowell, are these that follow.

Sing. _Inv. Nav. Inr._ Plural. _Inqu._ or _Inc. Nauta. Inqu tacque_, or _Inc tacque_. As for example, _Eça_, signifieth to deliver, which is thus formed.

Sing. _Inveça_, I deliver. _Naveça_, thou deliverest, _Inreça_, he delivereth. Plural. _Inqueça_, wee deliver, _Naveçata_, yee deliver; _Inqueça tacque_, they deliver.

_A_ is a simple signifying to wish or desire, or will a thing, which is never found without these particles.

Sing. _Inva_, I will, _Nava_, thou wilt, _Inra_, he will; Plural. _Inca_ we will, _Navata_, yee will, _Incatacque_, they will. _Ivereh_, to heare. _Invivireh_, I heare. _Navivireh_, thou hearest, _Inrivireh_, he heareth. Plural. _Inquivireh_, we heare; _Navivirehta_, yee heare; _Inquivireh tacque_, they heare.