An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English…An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English…

To these particulars I will add one more, whereby we may learn what we are to expect and look for at your hands. I think to make known unto thee (thus you write) what happened about seven years past in England. There was a Gentleman of Warwickshire, by name M. Edward Greswold a man very religious, as many besides my self can testify: He and I being bosom friends (or to use his own common saying, our hearts being as Davids and Jonathans knit together,) upon just cause we both left the parish assemblies. He afterward by the means of some crafty men, was persuaded unto hearing again: upon this he fell into great trouble of Spirit, and could have no feeling assurance of any peace with God: remaining thus a while, at length he sent a letter by his servant unto me (the which I have kept a long time by me) in this letter he largely acknowledgeth his offence, and among other passages writes thus: Ah you are happy but I by my fall am miserable and wretched, and for the present time, I feel my soul to be no otherwise, than if I were in Hell, &c. ever since I went to their assemblies, I have observed the Lords hand against me. &c. Wherefore I beseech you by the mercies of God, set a day apart for me, and seek the Lord by fasting and praying, that the water-flood overflow me not, &c. what his refreshings were after this I cannot say, the report is, that to his changing he had sad and sorrowful days: notwithstanding I am confident, that his soul is with Christ in paradise. As I am writing this, I think of the words of the Prophet, My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements. He that is wise will consider of these things: For as one saith, providing before, is better than repenting afterward. ¹It is no marvel that false Churches, by some are called officina scelerum, & carnificina sanctorum, shops of wickedness, and shambles of the Saints: for what can a tender conscience expect in frequenting them, but indeed pricks, racks and tortures? This is your Relation and the use you make thereof.

To these particulars I will adde one more, whereby we may learne what we are to expect and looke for at your hands. I think to make known unto thee (thus you write) what hapned about seven years past in England. There was a Gentleman of Warwickshire, by name M. Edward Greswold a man very religious, as many besides my selfe can testifie: Hee and I being bosome friends (or to use his owne common saying, our hearts being as Davids and Ionathans knit together,) upon just cause we both left the parish assemblies. He afterward by the meanes of some craftie men, was perswaded unto hearing againe: upon this he fell into great trouble of Spirit, and could have no feeling assurance of any peace with God: remaining thus a while, at length he sent a letter by his servant unto me (the which I have kept a long time by me) in this letter he largely acknowledgeth his offence, and among other passages writes thus: Ah you are happy but I by my fall am miserable and wretched, and for the present time, I feele my soule to be no otherwise, than if I were in Hell, &c. ever since I went to their assemblies, I have observed the Lords hand against me. &c. Wherefore I beseech you by the mercies of God, set a day apart for me, and seeke the Lord by fasting and praying, that the water-flood overflow me not, &c. what his refreshings were after this I cannot say, the report is, that to his changing he had sad and sorrowfull dayes: notwithstanding I am confident, that his soule is with Christ in paradise. As I am writing this, I thinke of the words of the Prophet, My flesh trembleth for feare of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements. He that is wise will consider of these things: For as one saith, providing before, is better than repenting afterward.