The Lord's Loud Call to England

p. 1Of the Lords 〈…〉 hand at Oxford, by sudden death of several persons, Actors in 〈…〉 Play against Puritans; and others.

I Shall now acquaint you with 〈…〉 things fallen out here with us. As first, The first man that read prayers in this University since this change, the Lord hath cut him off, and also he was the last that read prayers in the University, in the time of war. The 〈…〉 man also that 〈…〉 Prayers at Wadham Colledge is also cut off, a very notorious man.

Also there was a Play acted by Schollars, wherein one acted the 〈…〉 Puritan, he that acted that part, came in with a narrow band, short hair, and a broad hat; a 〈…〉 comes after him, and trips up his heels, calling him 〈…〉 Rogue; at which 〈…〉, the Old Puritan shook off the dirt of his feet against p. 2him. Two of these Actors are also cut off; and he that acted the Old Puritan broke a vein, and vomited so much blood in the place, that they thought he would have died in the room, but he now lieth desperately sick. This is all very true.

Also a Woman that joyned with them in their Play is also dead.

Also a Schollar of Pembrook Colledge who said he came purposely to Town to see Dr. Langly outed, and then he would give a plate to the Colledg. He was invited to dinner by a Schollar, and never went out of the room more, but died there.

Here is also a great rout in Oxford of the godly people; 19 Heads of Houses and Canons of Christs Church are put out, and this day we think will be outing many godly Fellows.

Truly I think, there was scarce such a place in the world, where such a multitude held forth the power of godliness, and purity of Gods worship; even an Eden it was, but now a barren wilderness.

Also from another in Oxford, it was thus written, Iuly, 30. We had a Play acted in the University, against the Puritans, the cheif Actors therein were, Mr. Ball of Wadham, who died yesternight; and one Glendal of Brazen. Nose, who also is not like to live.

Also 〈…〉 Relation was from another Oxford Schollar; Two of Mertons Colledge in Oxford that were turned out upon the former Reformation, and now having hopes of coming in again upon this late change, came down and with much confidence demanded their places. And one of them in a more especial manner was very high in his demands and 〈…〉. And he was the 〈…〉 man (as we hear) that 〈…〉 forward the reading the Common 〈…〉 in the 〈…〉 Colledge; who notwithstanding before his Admission, as also the other before his admission, were both dismissed hence by the Lords hand, and by his Messenger, DEATH, though their restoring into their places was near effected.

p. 2The 〈…〉 of the abovesaid, being a Schollar of Oxford is certified by the Oxford Carrier, That Mr. Glendal also, one of the chief Actors in the Play is since dead.

p. 3Of the sudden dreadful Death of the Clerks Daughter at 〈…〉 in Glocester-shire, 〈…〉 the third, just a neek before Whitsunday, 1660.

AT a meeting there on that day, were many met; B. Collet, and B. Collings, gifted brethren, from Burton on the water, and divers others thence, and from Stow, and other places: It was 〈…〉 about, that some of the County Troop would then come and seize upon them, and Imprison some, and rout them all.

The Clerks Daughter came, with her Mother, who had opposed and reviled them, uttering hard 〈…〉 against them and their meetings, and ways, and these two stood by in a corner.

When they came, B. Collet was in exercise, speaking upon Iude 14, and 15. verses, with much affection, (being a 〈…〉, humble, tender hearted man:) upon these words.

Behold the Lord cammeth with ten thousand of his Saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly amongst them, of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Whilst he was preaching upon these words, the hand of the LORD of HOSTS went out against that Daughter as it appeared, for she gave a sudden great Schrich. and fell down dead before them all. Those that were about her, rubbed and chafed her for her restoring, but there was no appearance of Life at all.

B. Collet was much affected with this hand of the Lord, and looked pale, being of a very tender spirit.

B. Collins seeing it, was about to seek the Lord, for raising her up again, but her Mother being much out of 〈…〉, hindred their prayers for her, and she never 〈…〉.

As some were carrying her corps out, in the passage out, Mr. H. met them, who led that party of the Troop; and 〈…〉 came in, and would have them away Prisoners. And he charged 〈…〉 with the death of the Maid, that they had killed her.

p. 4〈…〉. 〈…〉 answered to this effect. Nay, we have not killed her, but the Most High hath done it, in whose hand is both your 〈…〉, and ours.

After he had pulled the speakers towards the door, and spake more to them: He, and the 〈…〉 left them.

p. 4Since this time the Clerk hath spoke well of that people; saying, these are the people of God.

And since this so remarkable hand of the Lord, there hath been much peace and freedom from molestation in their Meetings in those parts, to hear Iohn 〈…〉 in 〈…〉 Market place, and other places.

The Maids sudden death having been but two days before his going down to preach in those parts.

A Company of Christians going to a meeting, and at their private meeting at Fairford in Glocestershire, which is about four miles on this side Cirencester, (called Ciceter) on the 24. of Iune 1660. Being the first day of the week, they were much abused by some of that Town, in a rude manner.