{"collection":"scripture-revelation","full_text_available":true,"graph_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/api/page/wikisource_The_French_Convert_The_French_Convert/graph","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/v2/page/wikisource_The_French_Convert_The_French_Convert","id":"wikisource_The_French_Convert_The_French_Convert","license":"Public Domain / CC-BY-SA (see source)","rights_basis":"wikisource_site_inclusion_policy","source":"wikisource","source_url":"https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_French_Convert/The_French_Convert","summary":null,"tags":["Headers_applying_DefaultSort_key","Main_pages_with_authority_control_data","PD-old","Subpages"],"text":"THE\n\nFRENCH CONVERT.\n\nIN writing of the following relation, wherein injured innocence and oppre\u017f\u017fed virtue does \u017fo eminently triumph over all the rage and malice, both of men and devils, I \u017fhall not ftudy to adorn my \u017ftyle with flowers of rhetoric, but lead thee by the clue of truth into the adorable my\u017fteries of Divine Providence, which are here di\u017fplayed in \u017fuch a \u017feries of wonders as can \u017fcarce be paralleled. As an introduction to which, I will a little con\u017fider how the divine goodne\u017fs delights to bring light out of darknefs, and makes even the wicked confound them\u017felves in their own devices, that out of their evil de\u017figns he may bring good to pa\u017fs. For, as Jo\u017feph\u2019s being \u017fold into Egypt, and there fal\u017fely accu\u017fed of adultery, advanced him next to a throne, and turned to the \u017fhame of his accu\u017fing mi\u017ftre\u017fs,\nand treacherous brethren; (though at the begining, God meant it for good) that he might be in\u017ftrumental to pre\u017ferve his father and his hou\u017fehold alive, and turned the malice of the Patriarchs into a ble\u017f\u017fing; \u017fo the mi\u017feries and extraordinary \u017fufferings of the noble lady who\u017fe \u017ftory I am going to recite, were made u\u017fe of by divine Providence, as a mean of the conver\u017fion of her hu\u017fband, parents and many others, to the true religion; Which, as \u017fhe has often \u017fince \u017faid, has been a very ample and glorious recompence. But I \u017fhall not anticipate what with more \u017fatisfaction you will find in the relation it\u017felf; which take as follows.\n\nIn Britany, one of the fine\u017ft provinces of France, there lately lived Count Alan\u017fon, a per\u017fon of noble extraction, and of an eftate \u017fuitable to the greatne\u017fs of his birth, and tho\u017fe noble qualities that enriched his mind. Who, being a lover of military actions, was ea\u017fily per\u017fuaded to \u017ferve the king in the wars, where having an eminent command given him, he behaved him\u017felf with a bravery that gained him\nthe admiration of his enemies, the love of his friends, and fre\u017fh honours of his king, who took particular notice of his great performances. But in the intervals of two or three campaigns, he ca\u017ft his eyes upon one Deidamia, a young lady of qulity not inferior to him\u017felf in birth, who\u017fe beauty and virtue were equally attractive: to her he made his addre\u017f\u017fes, and thc equality of their birth, and the \u017fuitablene\u017fs of their di\u017fpo\u017fitions, made his conque\u017ft the more ea\u017fy; \u017fo that in a little time they were contracted and married, to their mutual joy and \u017fatisfaction.\n\nThis happy couple, having for a whole winter enjoyed the ble\u017f\u017fing of each others mutual love and endearing affections, without the lea\u017ft umbrage of any enterpo\u017fing cloud that might give any allay to their happine\u017fs; at length the \u017fpring came on, and the armies gathering together, \u017fummoned Alan\u017fon from the repo\u017fe he took in the \u017foft embraces of his cha\u017fte and loving wife, so the field of war, to act his part again upon that \u017ftage of honour, where he had already acquired \u017fo much reputation. But he never \u017feemed \u017fo unwilling to court fame abroad, as now \u017fince he mu\u017ft of nece\u017f\u017fity leave behind him the deare\u017ft part of him\u017felf; he had many \u017ftrugglings and combats in his mind, which \u017feemed to be divided between love and honour; he was loth to leave his lady, and yet unwilling to have his reputation \u017fullied: and the\u017fe different pa\u017f\u017fions in the mind cau\u017fed \u017fuch an alteration in his countenance, that it was taken notice of by his lady, who not knowing the cau\u017fe, was the more troubled at it; and therefore, following him one day into the garden, whether he had retired to con\u017fider with him\u017felf what he had beft to do, \u017fhe, earne\u017ftly pre\u017f\u017fed him to let her know what it was that troubled him; for \u017fhe had for \u017fome time, \u017fhe \u017faid, ob\u017ferved he was di\u017fquieted, but could not tell at what; and \u017fhe was fearful \u017fhe might, though \u017fhe knew it not, be the occa\u017fion of it; adding, command me in any thing a wife can ju\u017ftly do, and I am ail obedience. This tender carriage of his lady added fre\u017fh fuel to the fire of his afflictions, and made him \u017ftill far more unwilling to leave her. Wherefore cau\u017fing her to \u017fit down by him, he told her. She was indeed the innocent occa\u017fion of his trouble: for her great love and tenderne\u017fs to him had \u017fo engaged his heart to her in a reciprocal affection, that he knew not how to think of leaving her, though honour called him loudly to the field. His lady, when he talked of leaving her, was hardly kept from \u017fwooning in his arms, and could not forbear \u017faying, What! mu\u017ft we part then? Ah, wretched Deidamia! and \u017ftraightway \u017fhe fell a weeping: her tears did \u017fo prevail upon the Count, that love had now obtained an entire victory, and he re\u017folved to \u017ftay at home with Deidamia; and therefore entreated her to dry up her tears, and be comforted: for he had now come to a re\u017folution, rather to undergo \u017fome hard cen\u017fures for \u017ftaying at home, than by going to the camp to leave his dear Deidamia\ndi\u017fcon\u017folate.\u2014The\u017fe kind a\u017f\u017furances of her hu\u017fband gave her that \u017fati\u017faction which \u017foon \u017fhewed it\u017felf in a chearful countenance; and the endearing expre\u017f\u017fions \u017fhe gave the Count on that occa\u017fion, made him conclude they were both happy in each other's love.\n\nBut behold the incon\u017ftancy of worldly happinefs, and how little we can promi\u017fe our\u017felves of it here! we may indeed, both purpo\u017fe and re\u017folve, but we cannot fecure our\u017felves from di\u017fappointments: the foot\u017fteps of Divine Providence are often hard to trace. Hence it is that we are told by the in\u017fpired penman, 'That the ways of God are in the deep, and his paths in the great waters, and his foot\u017fteps are not known.' And we \u017fee often, whatever plea\u017fing pro\u017fpect of felicity we have in view, \u017fome unfor\u017feen occa\u017fion, or \u017fudden turn of providence, de\u017ftroys it, and in a moment deprives us of that happinefs which we had promi\u017fed to our\u017felves for many years: and yet the\u017fe changes, to tho\u017fe that fear the Lord, are \u017fo di\u017fpo\u017fed and ordered by God's providence, that in the end, they evidently work together for their good. And thus it fell out in the in\u017ftance before us; for whil\u017ft Alan\u017fon and his Deidamia, delighted in each other, and were both happy in their conjugal affection, an accident fell out, that put him under a nece\u017f\u017fity of going to the camp, which was, that a colonel's place in the regiment of Picardy being vacant, a relation of Alan\u017fon's, at court, out of a too officious kindne\u017fs, put the king in mind of the good \u017fervices of Alan\u017fon, and de\u017fired his Maje\u017fty to bellow that vacancy upon him: to which his Maje\u017fty (being \u017fen\u017fible of his former bravery and good \u017fervice) readily con\u017fented, and as ordered his commi\u017f\u017fion to be \u017fent to him; which was done accordingly. When Alan\u017fon received this commi\u017f\u017fion from the pur\u017fuivant who brought it, he gave him a generous reward for his pains; but was not very well plea\u017fed, either with the new honour his Maje\u017fty had given him, nor with his kin\u017fman's too officious kindne\u017fs in procuring it becau\u017fe it put him under a nece\u017f\u017fity of parting from his lady, which gave him a very \u017fen\u017fible di\u017fplea\u017fure: but knowing that by his commi\u017f\u017fion he was engaged too far for a retreat, his care was how to make his Deidamia as ea\u017fy as he could: and therefore, calling her to take a turn with him in the garden, and leading her into an arbour covered with a je\u017f\u017famine, he thus began to tell her the unwelcome news that had been brought him. My deareft Deidamia let me conjure you not to be troubled at what I am now going to tell you, but if you will oblige me, do it by \u017fhewing your re\u017folution and fortitude of mind; and yet, I cannot but own, that our re\u017folves, like little heaps of \u017fand, are quickly brought to nothing; but the decrees of Heaven, like the foundations of the earth, are fixed for ever. It was in this very arbour, my deare\u017ft Deidamia, that I re\u017folved to \u017ftay at home with thee, and not return to the campaign in Flanders: and I appeal to him who knows my heart, how firmly I intended; but \u017fee here, how I am forced again\u017ft my will to break my re\u017folution; (and with that \u017fhewed her the commi\u017f\u017fion the king had \u017fent him to be colonel of the regiment of Picardy) and now you \u017fee, my Deidamia, the nece\u017f\u017fity that lies upon me to leave you for a time; but though our bodies be divided, we will have one \u017foul and love, whil\u017ft Providence denies us to live together. And whil\u017ft I in the field am fighting for my country: you \u017fhall \u017ftay here and pray for my \u017fucce\u017fs: and if it plea\u017fes God that I return, (which I do not doubt at all, for Heaven I am \u017fure will hear your fervent prayer) it wil be a new addition to my joy, to lay tho\u017fe laurels I \u017fhall win in battle, at Deidamia's feet. Poor Deidamia heard the\u017fe heavy news with a \u017fad heart, but an\u017fwered with piety and prudence worthy of her\u017felf, that \u017fince what happened was not of his \u017feeking, but what the providence of God had called him to, \u017fhe thought it was her duty (though she could hardly do it without reluctance) to acquie\u017fce in the divine di\u017fpo\u017fal of human actions, and would endeavour to \u017ftifle her re\u017fentments, rather than give him any farther trouble. Alan\u017fon being no le\u017fs plea\u017fed with Deidamia's prudence than her kind affection, which he expre\u017f\u017fed by \u017feveral tender things he told her, applied him\u017felf to the getting ready of his equipage, in order to his departure; and then \u017fettling the affairs of his family, ordered Antonio his chaplain, who was a Friar of the order of St. Francis, to \u017fay a \u017folemn ma\u017fs for his \u017fucce\u017fs in the field, and the protection of his lady and family in his ab\u017fence, recommending his deare\u017ft Deidamia to the care of Antonio his chaplain, and Fronovius his \u017ftew ard to his hou\u017fehold, in the\u017fe words: To your care, in my ab\u017fence, I recommend the \u017fafety and welfare of my beloved lady, the mo\u017ft virtuous and loving of wives: and charge you, as you expect to an\u017fwer it to God and me, be obedient to all her commands; comfort and cheri\u017fh her in her \u017folitude, and \u017fee that all my dome\u017ftics pay the like exact re\u017fpects. This and much more, they faithfully promi\u017fed to ob\u017ferve. Then giving liberally to each \u017fervant, and having notice that his equipage was ready, and divers gentlemen on hor\u017feback waiting to accompany him, he took his \u017folemn leave of his dear Deidamia, who\u017fe \u017fad pre\u017faging heart was overcome with grief to that degree, that \u017fhe could only freak the\u017fe few prophetic words: Ah, my dear lord, may Heaven prevent my fears! But my pour heart forebodes that this will be a long and fatal parting. To which the Count replied, Do not ca\u017ft down thy\u017felf, dear Deidamia, by the indulging of \u017fuch melancholy fancies; but a\u017f\u017fure your\u017felf, I will ha\u017ften my return as much as po\u017f\u017fible, and I will \u017fend to you as often as I can. And in the mean time, \u017fhall commit you to the protection of the Almighty, the ble\u017f\u017fed virgin-mother, and all the holy \u017faints and angels; and \u017fealing his affection on her lips with gentle ki\u017f\u017fes, he took his leave of her, and rode away, not thinking he had left an innocent dove to the protection of two ravenons vultures.\n\nIt is not much to my purpo\u017fe to tell you, how well he was received at the head of his command by the Duke of Luxemburgh, or what brave exploits his courage carried him through, \u017fince neither fame, nor the public news from Paris, have been wanting to \u017fpeak his common dation: I therefore ommit it, (unle\u017fs in \u017fome pa\u017f\u017fages, where it will, in the thread of this amazing relation, be nece\u017f\u017fary to mention \u017fome particulars) and \u017fhall continue with the \u017forrowful Deidamia, who after his departure \u017feemed to have bani\u017fhed all comfort from her brea\u017ft; and all that \u017fhe found was in her devotions and prayers to Almighty God, for his protection and \u017fafe return, greatly affecting \u017folitude; and as much as \u017fhe could, avoiding the vi\u017fits of divers ladies, who (as they \u017faid) came to make her merry, and divert her melancholy, \u017fhe being very well beloved, both by the nobility and gentry, for her comely carriage, mode\u017ft behaviour, \u017fweetne\u017fs of temper, and affability.\n\nIn the cool of the day the u\u017fually made it her bu\u017fine\u017fs, to retire into her garden pen\u017five and alone. it being, by the care and diligence of the gardener, kept and ordered like another paradi\u017fe, \u017ftored with great variety of choice plants and flowers, adorned with plea\u017fant fountains, and \u017feveral delightful arbours, \u017fhaded over with intertwining je\u017f\u017famine, in which \u017fhe and her ab\u017fent Lord had pa\u017f\u017fed \u017fome joyful as well as \u017fad hours, and at the remembrance of them would \u017fadly weep, then pray (according to the cu\u017ftom of the Papi\u017fts, who allow praying to \u017faints) to the tutelary \u017faints for his protection: and \u017fo drying up her tears, would walk thence again, taking but little re\u017ft in any place: but one time pa\u017f\u017fing by a bed of tulips, \u017fhe e\u017fpied Bernard her gardener (for \u017fo he was called) bu\u017fy in watering them, and erecting \u017fuch as declined their drooping heads, occa\u017fioned by the heat of the \u017fun's too \u017fcorching beams; \u017fhe had often in this man ob\u017ferved a harmle\u017fs native innocency, accompanied with acute ingenuity; (and indeed a gardener who under\u017ftands his bu\u017fine\u017fs as he ought to do, mu\u017ft be an ingenious man) and therefore imagined, it might admini\u017fter to her \u017fome advantage, to hold di\u017fcour\u017fe with him in what related to the my\u017fteries of gardening, thinking it no undervaluing, though he was her menial \u017fervant, \u017fince \u017fhe had often read, That 'kings, princes, and other great and wife men had voluntarily become of this occupation; that Adam, when governor of all the world, was employed in it by God him\u017felf;' \u017fo that coming clo\u017fe to him, whil\u017ft his hands were bu\u017fied at his work; the man by his ear, (his back being towards her) being informed of \u017fomebody's approach, \u017fuddenly \u017ftarted up, and, \u017feeing his beautiful lady near him, was a little \u017furpri\u017fed, and would have retired, to give her the more freedom in her walks, but he prevented him by \u017faying, 'Bernard, pray do not let me hinder you in your bu\u017fine\u017fs; I come on purpo\u017fe to ob\u017ferve your dexterity in gardening; I \u017fee you mind it with a ju\u017ft diligence though your Lord is ab\u017fent'. 'Madam', (replied he) 'I beg your Lady\u017fhip's pardon, in that I tell you, I am no eye-\u017fervant, as well knowing, I mu\u017ft give an account to God, as well as to man, if I am negligent in what I promi\u017fe to perform, and am intra\u017fted with.' Deidamia \u017ftood \u017furpri\u017fed at the man's plain, but ingenuous reply; and changing \u017fomewhat the manner of her di\u017fcour\u017fe, a\u017fked him divers que\u017ftions about the virtues, natures, qualities, and productions of flowers and plants, &c.; in all which he \u017fatisfied her to her admiration\u00a0; by which, \u017fhe perceived him better learned in the my\u017fteries of nature, than \u017fhe expected from cne of his profe\u017f\u017fion. And to be brief, \u017fhe often held \u017fuch innocent conver\u017fation with him, when at any time \u017fhe fonnd him bu\u017fy in the garden, being much delighted to hear hin di\u017fcour\u017fe, how much of the wi\u017fdom and goodne\u017fs of God might be learned from the works of creation; for he had a particular faculty of \u017fpiritualizing his employment, and making his bu\u017fine\u017fs \u017ferve like Jacob's ladder, to carry him from earth to heaven. Which \u017fometimes cau\u017fed her to reflect that this man was \u017fomething more than he appeared to be, (in which indeed \u017fhe was not much mi\u017ftaken) \u017fo that entertaining a good opinion of him, \u017fhe ordered his lodging to be changed for a better; and his coar\u017fe and homely commons to be enlarged, above what was u\u017fual to tho\u017fe of his profe\u017f\u017fion and degree.\n\nBut now Antonio the chaplain, however he had appeared like a faint to his ma\u017fter, began to \u017fhew him\u017felf a devil to his mi\u017ftre\u017fs, and too plainly \u017fhewed his cloven foot; for though above fifty years of age, he had for \u017fome time, harbourde, lu\u017ftful de\u017fires towards the fair and beautiful Deidamia, that he was now re\u017folved to attempt her cha\u017ftity. And though her virtue and \u017fpotle\u017fs cha\u017ftity might very well have kept him from pur\u017fuing his unclean de\u017fires, yet he flattered him\u017felf with hopes of obtaining his end, by corrupting the judgement: in which he found him\u017felf very much mi\u017ftaken, as the \u017fequel will declare. For the Divine Goodne\u017fs had a farther work to do for Deidamia; who being altogether ignorant of what this wretch de\u017figned again\u017ft her honour, frequented her beloved garden as \u017fhe u\u017fed to do; and one evening hearing the gardener reading in a lonely arbour, where he thought him\u017felf \u017fecure (for he had indu\u017ftriou\u017fly concealed his being a Proteftant from any of the family) her curio\u017fity to hear him, made her draw nigh \u017fo \u017foftly, that he could not hear her: he was then reading the fir\u017ft chapter of the epi\u017ftle to the Romans, from the 20th to the end of the 23d ver\u017fe, viz. 'For the vi\u017fible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly \u017feen, being under\u017ftood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; \u017fo that they are without excu\u017fe, becau\u017fe that when they knew God they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their fooli\u017fh hearts were darkened; profe\u017f\u017fing them\u017felves to be wi\u017fe they became fools, and changed glory of the incorruptible God, into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed bea\u017fts, and creeping things.\n\nHaving thus far proceeded, he pau\u017fed, and with his eyes lifted up to heaven, gave glory unto God, who had pre\u017ferved him blamele\u017fs from the\u017fe offences again\u017ft his Divine Maje\u017fty, which thro' ignorance and \u017fuper\u017ftition had over\u017fpread the greatest part of Europe. 'O Lord,' continued he, 'I humbly be\u017feech thee, as I have already \u017fuffered per\u017fecution for thy name's \u017fake, and for the \u017fake of a good con\u017fcience, \u017fo never let me depart from the ways of thy truth, to change thy incorruptible glory into an image made like corruptible man:' And when he had \u017faid this, tears flood in his eyes, and his words were \u017fucceeded by \u017fighs.\n\nDeidamia, who had all this while attentively li\u017ftened, found \u017fomething in her mind that made a \u017fudden unea\u017fy alteration, and thought to have gone away undi\u017fcovered; but then again, her zeal for the Romi\u017fh religion, which \u017fhe thought he had reproached by dete\u017fting image-wor\u017fhip, carried her \u017fo far, that \u017fhe re\u017folved to give him a \u017fharp reprimand, le\u017ft he per\u017fi\u017fting further, until di\u017fcovered by others, might ruin him\u017felf; though her goodne\u017fs and gentle nature was not for working him any injury by revealing it. But never was man more \u017furpri\u017fed, than Bernard when he \u017faw her, whom at that time of the day, he little \u017fu\u017fpected, as not being u\u017fual; yet collecting his \u017fcattered \u017fen\u017fes, he aro\u017fe from his \u017feat, and withal endeavoured to hide his Bible under his coat, thinking \u017fhe had been newly come, and might neither have heard him read, nor \u017feen his Bible; but \u017fhe, in a frowning manner, contrary to the wonted \u017fweetne\u017fs of her temper, commanded him to deliver it to her, that the flames might conceal his fault; and told him, he would not for that time, di\u017fcover his\nbeing conver\u017fant with a book \u017fo \u017ftrictly by the church, prohibited to the Laity; for (continued\n\u017fhe) it is enough that we believe as the church believes, without farther di\u017fpute, or puzzling\nour\u017felves with tho\u017fe \u017fcruples and niceties which in all probability, we may make a fal\u017fe con\u017ftruction of, and wre\u017ft even tho\u017fe \u017fcriptures, that are the rule of our faith, to our own damnation.\n\nThis \u017fmart di\u017fcour\u017fe, and the frowns in the fair Deidamia's countenance, did not in this ca\u017fe \u017fo much daunt Bernard as in another of le\u017fs concern it might have done; but with \u017fome a\u017f\u017furance, he replied, 'Ah, Madam! I little thought of being \u017furpri\u017fed by you at my devotion, but \u017fince I am, I cannot grant what you demand; rather you may command my body to the flames, and as a willing martyr I will \u017fooner go than betray the cau\u017fe of God, in delivering up his holy word to be con\u017fumed, in which are contained\nall things nece\u017f\u017fary to falvation: and it would be in me an apparent contempt of that \u017falvation,\nshould I voluntarily, or thro' fear, ca\u017ft it from me. As to your \u017faying, madam, that the church\nhas prohibited the Laity the u\u017fe of this \u017facred book, e\u017fpecially in a known tongue, I readily grant it; but, O mo\u017ft virtuous lady, you little know their policy in that; it is not that they fear or care what mi\u017fcon\u017ftructions men make of it; but becau\u017fe it is like arrows in the hand of a giant, \u017ftrong again\u017ft their worldly intereft, plainly di\u017fcovering their errors and gro\u017fs idolatries.'-He would have proceeded, but the heat of zeal prompted her ha\u017ftily to interrupt him, \u017faying, \u017furely Bernard, you are di\u017ftracted, or el\u017fe, what is wor\u017fe, a heritic: I took you to be wi\u017fer, and more rea\u017fonable, when I di\u017fcour\u017fed with you the other day. 'Truly madam,' replied he, 'as for my being in my right \u017fen\u017fes, I ble\u017fs Almighty God, he has in his mercy hitherto continued them to me; and for my being a heretic, pardon me, if St. Paul an\u017fwers for me, when he was accu\u017fed before Felix, \u017faying, But this I confe\u017fs unto thee, after the way which they call here\u017fy, \u017fo wor\u017fhip I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets.' Upon this, Deidamia, who by nature was all goodne\u017fs, gentlene\u017fs, and affablene\u017fs, began to moderate her anger, and to con\u017fider a little what he had \u017faid, yet her zeal for the religion \u017fhe profe\u017f\u017fed made her mildly rebuke him, and\nlay before him the danger he was in, if his opinion was di\u017fcovered; bidding him be cautious and wife in what he did; tho', for her part, he need not fear, but \u017fhe would lock up what \u017fhe had di\u017fcovered, in her brea\u017ft, and it \u017fhould pa\u017fs no farther; and \u017fo departing, left him in \u017fome confu\u017fion.\n\nDeidamia, retiring to her chamber, began to con\u017fider what had pa\u017f\u017fed, and remembered \u017fhe had often wept in her tender years, when \u017fhe heard the cruelties the Roman Catholics u\u017fed towards the Hugonots or Prote\u017ftants in France; and di\u017fapproving of their per\u017fecuting fpirit, as not of God, who\u017fe chief attributes are mercy, tender compa\u017f\u017fion, and forgivene\u017fs; when, on the contrary, \u017fhe found tho\u017fe who made religion \u017fo much their boa\u017ft, \u017fo very cruel, that, far from the in\u017ftance of our Saviour's refu\u017fing to call for fire from heaven, to con\u017fume the\u017fe that had injuriou\u017fly and de\u017fpitefully u\u017fed him, they made their very wor\u017fhip and devotions a \u017fnare, to bring tho\u017fe under their cruel handlings, who had in no wi\u017fe offended them, but in being \u017feparated from them, and moving according to the dictates of their con\u017fcience. She had likewi\u017fe ob\u017ferved the harmle\u017f\u017fne\u017fs and inoffen\u017five manner of living in the per\u017fecuted, and often \u017fhewed \u017fome di\u017flike of the loo\u017fene\u017fs and unchri\u017ftian practices of the per\u017fecutors; \u017fo that, altho' \u017fhe had a good opinion of the Romi\u017fh religion, as having been brought up in it from her infancy, yet had \u017fhe not \u017fo of many of the profe\u017f\u017fors of it, who apparently derogated from the ways of virtue, and \u017feemed to encourage vice.\n\nThis wronght \u017fome labourings in her mind, through the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit; and in her night thoughts more \u017feriously reflecting on many things, and particularly on the Gardener's expre\u017f\u017fion out of St. Paul's words to Felix the governor; inferring from thence, That it mu\u017ft be the \u017fincerity of the heart towards God, more than the \u017fhew, or outward name, or profe\u017f\u017fion of any religion, that renders the per\u017fon acceptable in his fight. In the mid\u017ft of the\u017fe cogitations and debates within her\u017felf, \u017fhe found \u017fomething (as it were by an over-ruling power) \u017ftrongly moved her to a de\u017fire of farther conver\u017fing with Bernard, about the fundamentals of his religion; which, by the Popi\u017fh Prie\u017fts, as well in their pulpits, as private conver\u017fation, had been repre\u017fented \u017fo odious, damnable, and to be detefted.\n\nThe morning no \u017fooner \u017fummoned the Gardener to vi\u017fit his flowers and plants, and perform his u\u017fual talk in watering and ordering them, but Deidamia, who had taken little re\u017ft that night, aro\u017fe, and having performed her ori\u017fon, and then refre\u017fhed her\u017felf with a moderate collation, took an opportunity between that and dinner-time to enter the garden privately, at a door that opened into it from her apartment; and to \u017fkreen the better what \u017fhe intended, from prying eyes, took divers turns, and gathered po\u017fies of flowers; then fanning her\u017felf, as if the heat offended her, and pa\u017f\u017fing many winding alleys, over\u017fpread with plea\u017fant \u017fhades, \u017fhe came to the beforementioned arbour, and again \u017furpri\u017fed the Gardener in his meditations: the man was not under any con\u017fternation at her coming, but ri\u017fing and bowing low, would have departed, out of good manners, to\ngive her the \u017fole freedom of that plea\u017fant bower: but \u017fhe laid her commands on him to \u017ftay, \u017faying, \u017fhe had con\u017fidered of his former di\u017fcour\u017fe, and had made it her bu\u017fine\u017fs to find him out, that he might give her \u017fome better rea\u017fon for the opinion he held, than yet he had done.\n\nHis mode\u017fty and the humble thoughts he conceived of him\u017felf, would \u017fcarce give him leave to \u017fit down, though \u017fhe often commanded him \u017fo to do; but at la\u017ft he complied, and then \u017fhe a\u017fked him, upon what ground and foundation the ba\u017fis of his religion was fixed?\n\nGardener. It is founded on the \u017fcriptures of the Old and New Te\u017ftaments, which were written by men in\u017fpired by the Holy Gho\u017ft, and given for our instruction and learning; it is only the word of God that can warrant the truth of any profe\u017f\u017fion in religious matters; and that we Prote\u017ftants (through God's a\u017f\u017fi\u017ftance) labour to conform and live up to.\n\nDeidamia. Ay, but you may be mi\u017ftaken in the mi\u017finterpreting the \u017fcripture, and fall into gro\u017fs here\u017fies, as our church charges you; and therefore has strictly forbid the laity of our communion to meddle with them, le\u017ft, like weapons put into the hands of idoits, or madmen, they injure them\u017felves and others thereby.\n\nGar. Ah! lady, \u017fhall I be free, and deal plainly with you in this point?\n\nDeid. With all my heart; let me hear what you can \u017fay in an\u017fwer to it.\n\nGard. All scriptures are given for our learning. God is willing we should know his revealed will, that we may be the better enabled to perform it. St. Paul commends the Bereans, and calls them noble, becau\u017fe they \u017fearched the \u017fcriptures, to \u017fee whether the things they heard were \u017fo or not; and we have many commands for this; as, I\u017fa. xxxiv. 16. 'Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read.' Acts xvii. 11. 'They were more noble, in that they \u017fearched the \u017fcriptures daily.' Col. iii. 16. Let the word\nof Chri\u017ft dwell in you richly.' 2 Tim. iii. 15. 'From a child thou ha\u017ft known the holy \u017fcriptures.' Eph. iv. 17. 'Take the helmet of \u017falvation, and the \u017fword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.' There are many others that I might mention, which are to be found in the \u017fcriptures; and this not commanded to \u017fome, but to all that \u017feek \u017falvation.\n\nDeid. Certainly, if our church had \u017feen this fit, they would not have denied it; but being dangerous to \u017fouls, it ought to be re\u017ftrained.\n\nGard. It is indeed dangerous to break God's commandments, and to teach men \u017fo to do, and to make the word of God of none effect by human tradition. We know the woes Chri\u017ft pronounced again\u017ft the Phari\u017fees for the\u017fe things.\n\nDeid. Why, who are guilty of this! The church of Rome, the holy catholic church, as it has in many ages been \u017ftyled, is not \u017furely \u017fpotted with \u017fuch crimes.\n\nGard. I wi\u017fh I could \u017fay it was not; but it is deeply guilty, as in many other particulars, \u017fo mo\u017ft eminently in this, That it profe\u017f\u017fes, no man is obliged to receive the \u017fcriptures as the word of God, or to believe any of it, but from the te\u017ftimony of your church; and to awe men to \u017fuch a belief, threats of damnation are u\u017fed, as well as the magi\u017ftrates' \u017fwords, and cruel torments by inqui\u017fitions; and, indeed, it is not done without ground: this is done to hinder prying into their gro\u017fs idolatries, errors, and \u017fuper\u017ftition, derogatory to the \u017fcriptures, and expre\u017fs command of God.\n\nDeid. Sure you are be\u017fide your\u017felf: nor can you prove this; but being fallen from the church, do this only in prejudice and \u017fpite, to lay a \u017ftain upon its virgin-innocence.\n\nGard. No; it is apparent from the word of God, and even from rea\u017fon it\u017felf, in tho\u017fe that will con\u017fider, and are not blinded with ignorance, which your church, in her \u017fen\u017fe, truly \u017ftyles the Mother of Devotion.\n\nDeid. Can any \u017fuch thing he in a church that is infallible and to prove that it is \u017fo, it is \u017faid to be built upon St. Peter: he is the rock \u017fpoken of, and this rock doth, together with St. Peter, include his \u017fucce\u017f\u017fors; and the church built on this rock (united to and built upon the Pope) is infallible, for it is \u017faid, 'The gates of hell \u017fhall not prevail again\u017ft it.'\n\nGard. Pardon me, lady, if I \u017fay, there is no agreement among the churchmen about this infallible judge; \u017fome will have it the Pope, \u017fome a General Council, and others both; none of your writers have yet concluded on it. However the\u017fe words are perverted; for it is more probable, that not St. Peter's per\u017fon, but his doctrine and confe\u017f\u017fion concerning Chrift, is the rock which the church is built. Scripture is the be\u017ft interpreter: it is not Peter, but Chri\u017ft, that is the foundation of the church, as here in my Bible you may \u017fee, by the xxviiith chap. and 16th ver\u017fe of I\u017faiah, compared with 1 Peter ii. 6, 7, 8.; which you may plea\u017fe to read, (which \u017fhe did.) It is moreover expre\u017fsly \u017faid, 1 Cor. iii. 11. 'Other foundations can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Je\u017fus Chri\u017ft.' And this is the more con\u017fiderable, becau\u017fe he \u017fpeaks against tho\u017fe that made the apo\u017ftles to be the foundation, \u017faying, 'I am of Paul, another of Apollos, or Cephas;' and if this is \u017fpoke of Peter, no more is \u017faid of him here, than is \u017fpoke of all the prophets and apo\u017ftles, Eph. ii. 20. 'Ye are built apon the foundation of the apo\u017ftles and prophets, Je\u017fus Chri\u017ft him\u017felf being the\nchief corner \u017ftone.'\n\nDeid. Well, I am not much learned in this my\u017ftery, but, pray, What as erroneous can you a\u017f\u017fign in our wor\u017fhip, or any other thing the church holds as ab\u017folutely nece\u017f\u017fary?\n\nGard. The paying divine adoration to angels and \u017faints, expre\u017fsly contrary to God's commands, and derogatory to his honour, who alone ought to be wor\u017fhipped in heaven and earth; and to wor\u017fhip any other, either \u017faint or angel, or any creature, is idolatry, and a breach of the \u017fecond commandment.\n\nDeid. Nay, not too ha\u017ftily; we do not worhip the angels and \u017faints as God, with the highe\u017ft worship, which is only proper to God; but with an inferior kind of religious wor\u017fhip, that they may pre\u017fent our \u017fupplications to him.\n\nGard. There is no interce\u017f\u017for or mediator but Chri\u017ft Je\u017fus, who is appointed to perform that office; James i. 5. 'If any of you lack wi\u017fdom, let him a\u017fk of God,' &c. neither of \u017faints nor angels, 'Come to me,' faith our Saviour, and I will in no ways ca\u017ft you out.' This free invitation \u017fhews us, he alone was to receive our petitions, and pre\u017fent them to his Father. There is al\u017fo image-wor\u017fhip brought cunningly by prie\u017fts to gain worldly advantage; and pretended miracles, to draw the ignorant to pay their devotion more at one place than at another, impo\u017fed on the ignorant for lucre's-\u017fake. I could \u017fay much more, but I fear to offend you.\n\nDeid. No, you do not: but let us come nearer to the main controver\u017fy. What think you of tran\u017fub\u017ftantiation? Is not Chri\u017ft corporally pre\u017fent in the \u017facrament?\n\nGard. It is a mi\u017frepre\u017fentation of our Saviour's words; for if he had \u017fo meaned, as the church of Rome holds it. when he broke the bread, he mu\u017ft have held him\u017felf in his own hands, and eaten him\u017felf, yet \u017ftill \u017fit whole and entire at the table; his whole body mu\u017ft be in the mouth of every communicant at once, and that body in millions of places at one time, broken and broken, and be \u017fubject to putrefaction; and therefore the words. 'This is my body,' doth import, This doth \u017fignify my body:' and\nupon the fame account our Saviour is called a Door, a Rock, a Vine: Yet to believe he was turned into any of the\u017fe, none can be \u017fo void of under\u017ftanding. And therefore, when he broke the bread, and gave the cup, he did it only, that when Chri\u017ftian congregations were met on \u017folemn occa\u017fions, to celebrate his wor\u017fhip, 'they \u017fhould do it in remembrance of him, until his coming in glory at the la\u017ft day,' as the immediate words explain; and it is ab\u017furd to believe, that the prie\u017ft's uttering a few words over a wafer can make it a God, or that body offered on the cro\u017fs.\n\nDeid. You amaze me: but pray, What do you hold about Purgatory? Is there \u017fuch a place, where \u017fouls are to endure their purgations after death, that go not immediately to heaven, and by ma\u017f\u017fes and prayer may be relea\u017fed from it \u017fooner or latter?\n\nGard. It is a tradition lately brought in, and with it hath brought much increa\u017fe of wealth to the church. The word of God allows only heaven for tho\u017fe who shall be made ve\u017f\u017fels of mercy; and hell for tho\u017fe who\u017fe \u017fins have provoked him to ca\u017ft them down to tho\u017fe di\u017fmal regions of \u017forrow and eternal woe; no prayers after death being available.\n\nDeid. The\u017fe notions are as new as \u017ftrange to me: have you any authentic proof of this?\n\nGard. Yes, the revealed will of God is \u017facred proof beyond all denial: Luke xvi. 23. 'The rich man in hell lift up his eyes, being in torments.' Matth. viil. 11, 12. 'They \u017fhall \u017fit down with Abraham, I\u017faac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven, but the other \u017fhall be ca\u017ft unto utter darkne\u017fs, where \u017fhall be weeping and gna\u017fhing of teeth.' Mark xvi. 16. 'He that believeth \u017fhall be \u017faved, and he that believeth not, shall be damned.' Here there is no \u017fuch thing as a Purgatory to be found. 'It is only the blood of Chri\u017ft that purgeth us from our \u017fins, and from all uncleanne\u017fs of fle\u017fh and \u017fpirit, to prefent our souls blamele\u017fs and un\u017fpotted to his Father:' By this I under\u017ftand tho\u017fe that die in the\nLord, need not our prayers, and tho\u017fe that die in their \u017fins, no prayers can avail; for in the grave\nthere is no repentance: 'As the tree falls, \u017fo it must lie; whether it falls towards the north, or towards the \u017fouth; where it falls, there it mu\u017ft lie.' There are only two extremes, north and \u017fouth, no middle-way, or purgatory for it to fall in.\u2014'And as death leaves us, \u017fo judgement will a\u017f\u017furedly find us.'\n\nHe would have proceeded; but \u017fhe \u017ftopped him, \u017faying, Pray how long have you been in this opinion?\n\nGard Ever \u017fince God was plea\u017fed to enlighten me with his grace, to be attentive to his holy word, and to be guided by it.\n\nDeid. Was you ever then of the church of Rome?\n\nGard. In my younger years I was; but thro' mercy, being made \u017fen\u017fible by the \u017fcriptures, of the corruptions and errors of that church, by the a\u017f\u017fi\u017ftance of worthy divines, I hope with St. Paul, 'Nothing \u017fhall be able to \u017feparate me from the love of God, which is in Chri\u017ft Je\u017fus.' I will not offend your lady\u017fhip's cha\u017fte ears, with the hi\u017ftory of the debaucheries and wicked lives of divers Popes, and mo\u017ft of the clergy; but will pray to heaven to defend you, from either lu\u017ft or revenge. And \u017fince I have by a free confe\u017f\u017fion, put my life in your hands, I humbly \u017fubmit it to your goodne\u017fs to\u2014\u2014\n\nHere again \u017fhe interrupted him, and demanded, Why the religion he profe\u017f\u017fed was called the Prote\u017ftant Religion?\n\nTo which he replied: As for being \u017fo called, it is to di\u017ftingui\u017fh it from that of the Romi\u017fh. It came from \u017feveral princes and cities in Germany, who, upon the preaching of good men, and their examplary lives, prote\u017fted again\u017ft the u\u017furpations of the Romi\u017fh church and its errors. That it was no new doctrine; but the truth of primitive Chri\u017ftianity, confe\u017f\u017fed, a\u017f\u017ferted, and purged from the corruptions of popery, taking the revealed will of God for its guide.\n\nAt this Deidamia pau\u017fed a while\u2014and then taking his Bible, looked over the \u017facred proofs he had turned down in order; and her colour went and came \u017fo, that he ea\u017fily perceived her mind was labouring under \u017fome difficulties; and \u017fo, giving him it again, \u017fhe went away without \u017fpeaking one word.\n\nThis \u017fomewhat perplexed the Gardener, fearing \u017fhe was di\u017fplea\u017fed with what he had \u017faid; but, her \u017fending for him privately to her chamber the next morning, under the notion of bringing her \u017fome choice flowers, bani\u017fhed all fear in him; when, they two being only left together, \u017fhe gently led him into the clo\u017fet, and \u017fhutting the door to be more private, \u017faid, Bernard, (fetching a deep \u017figh) your ye\u017fterday's di\u017fcour\u017fe has much broken my la\u017ft night's re\u017ft. I have been meditating on it, and I find abundance of rea\u017fon in what you \u017fay. You have, as St. Paul \u017faid in another ca\u017fe, almo\u017ft per\u017fuaded me to be of your per\u017fua\u017fion.\n\nI wi\u017fh to God, mo\u017ft virtuous lady, (replied he) I might be a humble in\u017ftrument in God's hand, to do any thing that may redound to his glory, and the good and welfare of your precious and immortal \u017foul, without hazarding your temporal quiet and peace, or expo\u017fing you to any danger; though for a crown of life and immortality, all earthly things are to be de\u017fpi\u017fed: And the holy apo\u017ftle accounts all this world's good but as dro\u017fs and dung, in compari\u017fon of enjoying Chri\u017ft Je\u017fus. Well, \u017faid \u017fhe, this is my\naim; and if God enables me, with his a\u017f\u017fi\u017fting grace, I hope, thro' his mercy, to attain it. I have, indeed, continued \u017fhe, to my grief, ob\u017ferved the loo\u017fe and profane manner of living of tho\u017fe that profe\u017fs our religion; alledging, That a confe\u017f\u017fion, with ab\u017folution, and \u017fome other works, will purge them from their \u017fins, and gain them that ble\u017f\u017fedne\u017fs in the end, which I could never heartily believe they would obtain by them: and \u017fince I have more \u017feriou\u017fly con\u017fidered God's word expre\u017fsly to the contrary, I cannot believe that any thing but \u017fincere and unfeigned repentance, in the cour\u017fe of an un\u017fpotted life, can\npurcha\u017fe, (through the merits of my Saviour) tho\u017fe glorious and tran\u017fcendant ble\u017f\u017fings that God hath promi\u017fed to poor mortals.\u2014She would have proceeded, but the falling tears \u017ftopped her utterance; and Bernard had an inward rejoicing to \u017fee her brought to this pa\u017fs. Whereupon he comforted her with good advice, and the cordials of God's mercies and promi\u017fes. In brief, he had made her \u017fen\u017fible of the errors \u017fhe had been brought up in, and then opened, from point to point, the cheat of pretended miracles and relics; the impo\u017fing on people with pardon and indulgence to get money; the whoredoms, murders, and ince\u017fts of many popes, cardinals, and prelates of the Romi\u017fh church; their unrea\u017fonablene\u017fs in prohibiting prie\u017fts' marriage, which is immediately appointed by God; and the allowing them by canons and decrees, the embraces of concubines or to commit adultery, expre\u017fsly\ncontrary to the command of the Almighty: Fora\u017fmuch as he has exprefsly \u017faid, 'Tho\u017fe that do the\u017fe things \u017fhall not inherit eternal life.'\u2014He would have proceeded; but, hearing the \u017found of feet coming up \u017ftairs, \u017fhe ha\u017ftened him down a backway, with \u017fo much precipitation, that he left his Bible behind him: which \u017fhe, luckily \u017feeing, locked up in a scrutoir.\n\nI have told you before, that father Antonio the prie\u017ft, forgetting his function, duty and di\u017ftance, gave way to his unruly and lawle\u017fs pa\u017f\u017fion, and was then blundering up \u017ftairs to find her in private, having almo\u017ft flu\u017ftered him\u017felf with wine, on purpo\u017fe, either to be more confident in his wicked de\u017fign, to tell her the \u017ftory of his nau\u017feous love, or rather lu\u017ft; or that, if he was reproved, he might have \u017fome \u017flender excu\u017fe for his impertinency, and lay (as too many do) the blame of their folly on that which is rather an aggravation of their crime, i. e. their drunkenne\u017fs; and \u017fo furpri\u017fed, however, he came, that putting his no\u017fe over the upper \u017ftep, ju\u017ft as the Gardener po\u017fted out at the private door, he had a glimp\u017fe of the back parts of his garments, as it afterwards appeared; but, at that time, be took no notice of any \u017fuch thing. Dcidamia, seeing Antonio coming towards her in a very plea\u017fant humour, demanded, with a mode\u017ft decency, What occa\u017fion brought him hither to di\u017fturb her retirement?\n\nAh! (\u017faid the impudent prie\u017ft, who could not long keep down his boiling pa\u017ffion) 'Your two fair eyes, \u017fweet lady, like load\u017ftones have drawn me to you that beauteous tempting face of yours, has made me forgot my\u017felf, with my duty to my Lord, and the tru\u017ft he repo\u017fed in me.' Why! certainly, (said Deidamia, calling in patience, to bridle her pa\u017f\u017fion) you are be\u017fide your\u017felf, Antonio.\u2014What mean you by this kind of di\u017fcour\u017fe? 'If I am be\u017fide my\u017felf, (replied he, almo\u017ft crying) your fair \u017felf is the cau\u017fe of it: who\u017fe beauty, like arrows, has wounded my heart, and \u017fickened my brain; I wi\u017fh I had never \u017feen \u017fuch an amiablene\u017fs in womankind: but, \u017fince I have been \u017fo unfortunate as to be your fettered captive, take \u017fome compa\u017f\u017fion on me, and ea\u017fe my sufferings.' What \u017fufferings? (replied Deidamia frowning) or what can be the \u017fen\u017fe of all this loo\u017fe \u017ftuff? 'Why then,' (replied he,) 'To be \u017ferious: In plain terms, I love you, and that \u017fo pa\u017f\u017fionately, unle\u017fs you conde\u017fcend to make me \u017fuitable returns, I \u017fhall have no peace nor quiet; but mu\u017ft be mi\u017ferable and wretched eternally.' Then (\u017faid \u017fhe) be you \u017fo; what have you \u017feen of any loo\u017fe unbecoming behaviour in me, that you thould dare\nto \u017fpeak thus to me? This, like a thunder-bolt, \u017ftruck him mute; \u017fmoothing her brows, and growing a little calmer, (\u017fhe \u017faid,) Come, come Antonio, I took you for another man; you profe\u017fs \u017fanctity, and admoni\u017fh others to lead a holy life: Is this pretention real, or, is it only feigned, to try my virtue? 'I prote\u017ft, (\u017faid he, holding up both his hands) it is real, and I cannot help it.' Why, (\u017faid \u017fhe,) would you commit \u017fo great a wickedne\u017fs, if you might, and make your\u017felf guilty of a crime \u017fo heinous? 'Ah! lady, (replied he,) if that be all, I can ab\u017folve you by the power given me by the See of Rome: Con\u017fent, and let me enjoy you, your penance \u017fhall be always ea\u017fy, will get a di\u017fpen\u017fation for your marriage vows from the Pope, with pardon, indulgences, or any thing for \u017fins pa\u017ft, and tho\u017fe that are to come: Nay, I will do any thing, \u017fo I do not fall under your di\u017fplea\u017fure: Let me alone for the re\u017ft.' And\u2014\n\nThis in\u017folence, \u017fo much di\u017fplea\u017fed the virtuous lady, that she could hear no more, nor bear it any longer, but commanded him out of her pre\u017fence: yet, could not be rid of him, till \u017fhe threatened to call up the re\u017ft of her \u017fervants: Whereupon he went muttering away, and, for two days after, as much as po\u017f\u017fible he could, \u017fhunned coming into her pre\u017fence, which much plea\u017fed her; for \u017fhe could not behold him, but with horror and dete\u017ftation.\n\nThis attempt, however, in one \u017fen\u017fe, (thro' the over-ruling providence and goodne\u017fs of God, who is wonderful in coun\u017fel, and excellent in working, and can make the greate\u017ft wickedne\u017fs of his creatures, \u017ferve the purpo\u017fes of his own glory,) worked to her advantage; for \u017fhe believed now all true which the Gardener had told her, about the wicked debauched lives of the Romi\u017fh clergy, \u017fince this villainous prie\u017ft had not \u017fcrupled to proffer the Pope's pardon for no le\u017fs than adultery, and that before it was committed; by which means or encouragement, \u017fhe plainly \u017faw, it mu\u017ft con\u017fequently be, that they\nfrequently tempted ea\u017fy and ignorant people to the commi\u017f\u017fion of many \u017fins: Therefore, she re\u017folved to leave the\u017fe blind guides, and take the word of God for her leader and in\u017ftructor; forbearing to come to confe\u017f\u017fion, or to hear ma\u017fs, \u017fometimes upon pretence of indi\u017fpo\u017fition, and at other times, purpo\u017fely, by going abroad, at the u\u017fual times of either, and holding \u017fome other conferences with the Gardener; which (as to particulars) for brevity's \u017fake, I mu\u017ft of nece\u017f\u017fity pa\u017fs over.\n\nShe found in her\u017felf a \u017ftrange aver\u017fion to the religion \u017fhe had been brought up in; and having procured a Bible in the French tongue, took \u017fuch delight in reading it, that whenever \u017fhe had time to retire, it was not out of her hand: yet \u017fhe kept this as \u017fecret as po\u017f\u017fible; and not being ready at it her\u017felf, got the Gardener to turn her down \u017fuch proofs, as were the \u017ftronge\u017ft arguments again\u017ft the errors of Popery, where the abominations of the my\u017ftical Babylon were pointed at: This he joyfully did, and gave prai\u017fe to God, who had made him in\u017ftrumental in \u017fo good a work; though he was not ignorant his life was liable to pay for it, if it was di\u017fcovered. She likewi\u017fe laid a\u017fide her beads and crucifix, conver\u017fed no more with ro\u017faries, or the legends of pretended \u017faints; and, though \u017fhe found \u017fome temptations and fears at the beginning, yet, frequently praying to God, \u017fhe overcame Satan's wiles, and found abundance of joy and comfort enlightening her \u017foul; \u017fo that \u017fhe could not forbear breaking out into\nraptures of prai\u017fe and thank\u017fgiving, for the wonderful change, (by \u017fo \u017ftrange and unexpected means) wrought in her \u017foul.\n\nWhil\u017ft this virtuous lady and the Gardener held their private corre\u017fpondence, in di\u017fcour\u017fing of the things of God, and encouraging and and exhorting each other to per\u017feverance and \u017ftedfa\u017ftne\u017fs in the truth, Antonio and Fronovius, equally burning with lu\u017ftful de\u017fire to enjoy the tender beauties of the fair Deidamia, were plotting and contriving how their lawle\u017fs de\u017figns might be\u017ft be brought about (though each plotted by him\u017felf, for as yet they were ignorant of each others pa\u017f\u017fion. The villainous prie\u017ft (as you have already heard) had been repul\u017fed, with indignation by the cha\u017fte lady, which inwardly tormented him, and brought him almo\u017ft to his wit's end; but the other (Fronovius) had made no trial of her virtue, and wanted a favourable opportunity to do it: and therefore, he thinks, meditates, and ca\u017fts many things in his mind, till at la\u017ft, his pa\u017f\u017fion emboldening him, he was re\u017folved to break the ice with a letter, and, if \u017fhe took no notice of that to \u017fecond it with a per\u017fonal addre\u017fs: But, how he \u017fhould do this with privacy and \u017fafety, he was at a \u017ftand for a time; for he feared to tru\u017ft any body to deliver it, left his criminal love \u017fhould take air; and to deliver it him\u017felf, would look too da\u017ftardly, as if he was not capable, or, at lea\u017ft, dur\u017ft not \u017fpeak for him\u017felf; however, in a little while, he met with a fit opportunity; for Deidamia accidentally dropping her handkerchief, as \u017fhe pa\u017f\u017fed through a large gallery that led to her apartment, he carefully took it up, and folding up his letter in it, which he had ready \u017fealed by him, he gave it to her gentlewoman to give it to her lady, telling her he found it in the long gallery. The gentlewoman knowing the handkerchief to be her lady's, immediately carried it to her, who received it\nfrom her, without knowing any thing of a letter being in it; and afterwards accidentally taking the handkerchief out of her pocket, the letter dropped out upon the ground, which \u017fhe taking up, and looking upon the \u017fuper\u017fcription, was extremely \u017furpri\u017fed, to find it directed to her\u017felf; and, ha\u017ftily opening it, was much more \u017fo, to find the contents thereof as followeth:\n\n\"PARDON me, mo\u017ft lovely Deidamia, if your beauty makes me forget the \u017ftation I am in, and emboldens me to own a pa\u017f\u017fion I have laboured in vain to hide. To be brief: Dear Lady I am \u017fo captivated by your charms and \u017fingular perfections, that I am con\u017ftrained to \u017fay, I love you infinitely above all mortal creatures; and \u017fince it appears to me unrea\u017fonable, that any one man \u017fhould monopolize \u017fo ine\u017ftimable a trea\u017fure, give me leave to hope, and do not \u017fuffer me to langui\u017fh and die, but render the balm of your kindne\u017fs, to cure the wounds which your bright eyes have made in your otherwi\u017fe wretched \u017fervant,\n\nFronovius.\"\n\nThe reading of this letter filled her with blu\u017fhes, anger, and amazement, at the unparalleled boldne\u017fs and villainy of the author of it, and at fir\u017ft \u017fhe was re\u017folved to commit it to the flames, or to tear it to pieces; but upon \u017fecond thoughts, \u017fhe laid it up in her clo\u017fet, where \u017fhe vexed and fretted her\u017felf, that \u017fhe was left thus anong \u017fuch ungrateful wretches, that dared \u017fo much to \u017fu\u017fpect her virtues, and mea\u017fure them by their own wicked and filthy inclinations, as to pre\u017fume \u017fhe would defile her marriage-bed; being more grieved for this di\u017fcovery than the former; for \u017fhe knew the prie\u017ft had \u017fomething of the libertine in him; but this man \u017fhe had held to be hone\u017ft and virtuou\u017fly inclined till\nnow, and to him \u017fhe thought to have di\u017fcovered Antonio's folly, if he per\u017fi\u017fted in it, that by \u017fhame and reproofs he might have reclaimed him. But now, the \u017fcarce knew who to tru\u017ft; and could not therefore but tremble, at the apprehen\u017fions of \u017fome violence that might be offered her from tho\u017fe lu\u017ftful mi\u017fcreants, who\u017fe fight now very much di\u017fplea\u017fed her. She thought once or twice of di\u017fplacing them; but found their authority in the family was \u017fo great, that in her Lord's ab\u017fence, \u017fhe could not do it: whereupon \u017fhe fell on her knees to implore God's mercy and protection, commending her\u017felf wholly to his care and providence, and begging of him to be her guardian and protector.\n\nThough Deidamia's mind, on tho\u017fe \u017furpri\u017fing attempts of her honour, was variou\u017fly to\u017f\u017fed, till, at la\u017ft, \u017fhe came to a \u017fettled re\u017folution, prudently to conceal what had pa\u017f\u017fed, at lea\u017ft, till her Lord came home, for fear of \u017fcandal and di\u017fturbance: yet Fronovius might well read in her countenance, whenever he came into her pre\u017fence, that \u017fhe had read his letter, and how \u017fhe re\u017fented it, which made him \u017ftruggle to overcome his pa\u017f\u017fion, but in vain: For like oil thrown on fire, the oppo\u017fition his lewd de\u017fires met with, made him burn the fiercer; \u017fo that he re\u017folved to find all opportunity to throw him\u017felf at her feet, and di\u017fcover his pa\u017f\u017fion to her by word of mouth; and, whil\u017ft he waited for a convenient time and place to do it, he perceived the Gardener often to go in, and out very chearful, as highly plea\u017fed and contented; and tho' he only carried her fruits and flowers, yet his frantic pa\u017f\u017fion and jealou\u017fy made hin believe there was \u017fomething more in it. Antonio the prie\u017ft had al\u017fo ob\u017ferved the like, and had much the \u017fame \u017fentiments, which emboldened them the more to per\u017fi\u017ft in their wicked and unclean de\u017fires, and to continue to per\u017fecute the cha\u017fte lady with their dete\u017fted proffers of lawle\u017fs love; concluding, That if one of \u017fo low a rank could be in favour, they, in time, could not mi\u017fs of obtaining what they fought; and, \u017fo blinded with pa\u017f\u017fion, and pur\u017fuing what they aimed at, (though, as has been \u017faid, unknown to each other.) they kept a watchful eye over the actions of Deidamia; who\u017fe mind was taken up in contemplating the divine perfections of Him, who is fairer than the children of men, being every day more confirmed in the truth of her religion, ble\u017f\u017fing and prai\u017fing God, that by \u017fo wonderful and unexpected a mean, had brought her out of darkne\u017fs and errors, into the marvellous light of His truth, and engaged her heart to embrace and entertain it above her chief joy; partly looking on the trouble \u017fhe had from Antonio and Fronovius, tho\u017fe brethren in iniquity, as temptations or trials to confirm her the more, by overcoming them, in the doctrine \u017fhe had \u017fo lately embraced; in which \u017fhe firmly re\u017folved to per\u017fevere again\u017ft all temptations whatever.\n\nBut whil\u017ft the\u017fe things pa\u017f\u017fed, Fronovius had received no other an\u017fwer to his letter, but Deidamia's angry and much changed countenance towards him, which he would not take for an ab\u017folute repul\u017fe; and therefore was re\u017folved to have her po\u017fitive an\u017fwer. To obtain which, as Deidamia was one morning leaning upon the window in her chamber, and looking into the garden, he \u017ftole \u017foftly up \u017ftairs, and was got into her chamber. ju\u017ft behind her, before \u017fhe heard him, when \u017fuddenly turning about, and \u017feeing him in a dejected po\u017fture, \u017fhe was very much \u017furpri\u017fed, and trembled at the sight, whil\u017ft he, by many words, endeavoured to \u017fhew the greatne\u017fs of his pa\u017f\u017fion; but having \u017fomewhat recollected her \u017fpirits, \u017fhe with an angry countenance, \u017fpake to him thus: 'Why! how now Fronovius, what bu\u017fine\u017fs have you here, thus to \u017fteal into my chamber unawares? This is \u017fuch an affront, a piece of impudence and rudene\u017fs, as better becomes a thief than the \u017fteward of my hou\u017fhold and yet the filthy errand that you come on, is far more criminal than your coming. What have you ever \u017feen of lightne\u017fs in my carriage, that \u017fhould make you thus audacious, or give you the lea\u017ft hope to \u017fucceed in your unlawful and wicked de\u017fires? I command you to be gone: and know, that if you per\u017fi\u017ft in your impudence and folly, I will \u017fpeedily take tho\u017fe methods that \u017fhall i\u017f\u017fue in your de\u017ferved \u017fhame and confu\u017fion.'\n\nHe would have replied, but \u017fhe forthwith went out of her chamber, and would not hear him.\n\nThis ab\u017folute denial and \u017fevere reprimand, filled Fronovius with confu\u017fion and almo\u017ft made him hopele\u017fs; but, after \u017fome reflection, he \u017ftrongly fancied that the oppo\u017fition be met with, proceeded not from the lady's virtue, but from the great inclination \u017fhe had to \u017fome rival, who enjoyed tho\u017fe favours which he had been pur\u017fuing; and he \u017fuppo\u017fed the Gardener to be the man, becau\u017fe he had received \u017fome particular marks of her favour, \u017fince the departure of the Count Alan\u017fon. Being thus perfuaded, he was re\u017folved, if it were po\u017f\u017fible, to make a plain di\u017fcovery: and to this end, he planted him\u017felf privately one evening, near the back-\u017ftairs that led out of the garden into Deidamia's apartment; (for that way he thought this \u017fuppo\u017fed rival mu\u017ft come;) and indeed, he had not waited long, before a per\u017fon came by, and went up tho\u017fe \u017ftairs, whom he \u017foftly followed to the \u017ftair's-foot: the darkne\u017fs of the night hindered him from di\u017fcerning who the per\u017fon was that went by him; but he doubted not but it was the Gardener: and having li\u017ftened at the bottom of the \u017ftairs, hearing no door open, nor any key to turn, he imagined the door was left open on purpo\u017fe, and therefore re\u017folved to go up him\u017felf, and \u017furpri\u017fe them in the very act of their unlawful love. He had no \u017fooner re\u017folved thus, but he heard \u017fomebody come \u017foftly down \u017ftairs: As \u017foon as the per\u017fon came to the bottom of the \u017ftairs, Fronovius bcldly \u017feized on him, and demanded what bu\u017fine\u017fs he had there at that late time of night; but, was extremely \u017furpri\u017fed to meet with, in\u017ftead of Bernard the Gardener, Antonio the Prie\u017ft, who then Fronovius thought had been with Deidama. Upon which, \u017fpeaking big words to Antonio, and threatening to kill him, for the di\u017fhonour he had done his Lord, in violating his bed; the poor Prie\u017ft, (who was almo\u017ft dead with fear,\nand extremely confounded at this accident) trembling, told Fronovius, that, if he would save his life, he would ingenuou\u017fly tell him all he knew: which, Fronovius promi\u017fing, Antonio told him the \u017ftory of his love-addre\u017f\u017fes, violent pa\u017f\u017fion, and the repul\u017fes he met with. That however, being jealous of the Gardener, and not finding him in his lodging, (for it \u017feems Deidamia had newly appointed him another,\nunknown to Antonio) \u017fu\u017fpected he might be with his lady, where de\u017firing to detect him, and bring him to puni\u017fhment, he had undertaken to come at this un\u017fea\u017fonable time; but the doors being fa\u017ft locked, and after a long li\u017ftening, hearing no \u017ftir nor whi\u017fpering; was returning back again, to watch a more favourable opportunity, that he might not, on slight ground, or, uncertainty, \u017fay \u017fuch a thing to their charge.\n\nFronovius finding the prie\u017ft had been repul\u017fed and reproved, as well as he, and that his thoughts were the \u017fame with his, as to the \u017fu\u017fpected rival, having hu\u017fhed his pre\u017fent fears, and declared to him, though \u017fomewhat darkly, his own affections, &c. They went to Antonio's chamber, where they entered into a combination \u017fo helli\u017fh and malicious, that it brought many woes and mi\u017feries, both to the virtuous Deidamia, and the Gardener; till by the mercy of God, to the \u017fhame and confu\u017fion of the contrivers, they were turned to ble\u017f\u017fings, to rejoice the injured, and to clear their innocence, after many inexpre\u017f\u017fible \u017fufferings.\n\nWhil\u017ft the\u017fe wicked men were thus plotting to revenge their repul\u017fes, Deidamia was thoughtful of her \u017fafety: Sometimes \u017fhe determined to write to Alan\u017fon, to remember his promi\u017fe, and ha\u017ften his return; but then \u017fhe concluded, that, though his pre\u017fence might reform the\u017fe di\u017forders, to de\u017fert his command upon any private occa\u017fion, would derogate from his honour: and then \u017fhe con\u017fidered, that \u017fhe could not hide from him, the religion \u017fhe had embraced \u017fince his departure, for \u017fhe could not di\u017f\u017femble, if \u017fhe was taxed with it; and though his company was dear to her, yet the enjoyment of the other, was more precious and preferable; and that, in compari\u017fon of the love of Chri\u017ft, all the love of the world was but of little value: At another time, \u017fhe thought of retiring to her parents; but this \u017fhe fancied would be di\u017fplea\u017fing to her Lord, that in his ab\u017fence, \u017fhe \u017fhould leave the government of his family, which he had tru\u017fted to her care at his departure; the\u017fe things \u017feriou\u017fly weighed, \u017fhe re\u017folved to remain at home thinking time would cure the wild di\u017forders that were in the minds of tho\u017fe two wicked \u017fervants.\n\nAfter this la\u017ft re\u017folve, \u017fhe retired to her clo\u017fet; where \u017fhe had not been long ere tho Gardener came to pre\u017fent her with a paper he had drawn up, by her order, of the fundamental points of the Prote\u017ftant religion, in oppo\u017fition to Popery; one being compared with the other, and tried by \u017fcripture and the fathers of the primitive times. She accepted this paper very kindly, promi\u017fing to look it over at lea\u017fure, as a matter \u017fhe had much de\u017fired to be informed in. Whereupon he retired to his labour in the garden, whil\u017ft a bribed \u017fpy, (their enemies had \u017fet on the watch,) was running to give information of the Gardener's being with the lady. Fronovius was out of the way, Antonio ha\u017fted as fa\u017ft as he could, and \u017foftly opening the \u017fpringlock, impudently entered the chamber, drawing the curtains of her bed, in hopes of finding what she looked for there; but mi\u017f\u017fng his purpo\u017fe, he stole to the \u017fide of her clo\u017fet, directed thither by her voice; for the pious lady was fallen on her knees, and fervently pouring out her \u017foul to God, in the\u017fe words:\n\n\"O Mo\u017ft ble\u017f\u017fed God! who art the Father of mercies, and the God of all con\u017folation. I ble\u017fs and prai\u017fe thy holy name, that thou ha\u017ft enlightened the eyes of my under\u017ftanding with the knowledge of thy ble\u017f\u017fed truth, and that thou ha\u017ft delivered me from the darkne\u017fs and ignorance, and the\u017fe antichri\u017ftian errors, wherein I have lived \u017fince my childhood, and ha\u017ft revealed the \u017faving knowledge of thy will unto me, as it is contained in thy ble\u017f\u017fed word, the holy Scriptures: O \u017ftrengthen my heart in the profe\u017f\u017fion of thy truth! and grant that I may never return back again to the Popi\u017fh idolatry and \u017fuper\u017ftition, not be under the conduct of tho\u017fe blind guides any more, whatever \u017fufferings and trials I may be liable to, or may undergo on that account.\"\n\nThe\u017fe pious breathings of her \u017foul, Antonio, to this great amazement, heard, and knew not what to think, whether he \u017fhould di\u017fcover him\u017felf, or retire; but, at la\u017ft, wickedly supo\u017fing the fear \u017fhe would conceive, le\u017ft he \u017fhould di\u017fcover what \u017fhe had uttered, again\u017ft the Romi\u017fh Religion; or that, as he concluded \u017fhe was an Hugonot, as they call Prote\u017ftants\nmight induce her to comply with his lu\u017ft, he pre\u017fented him\u017felf before her, rudely opening the\nclo\u017fet door, ere \u017fhe had time to ri\u017fe from her knees. This continued impudence of his, much troubled her \u017fpirits; whereupon, ri\u017fing ha\u017ftily \u017fhe forcibly pulled the door, after \u017fhe had given him a thru\u017ft back, and locked her\u017felf in. However, it unhappily fell out, that, in this di\u017forder not taking that care, which at another time \u017fhe would have done, the paper which the Gardener had newly brougbt her, with her ha\u017fty \u017fhutting the door, dropped out of her coat, and unperceived by her, was \u017fhut out of the clo\u017fet which Antonio took carefully up, and put in his pocket, telling her, though the door was \u017fhut again\u017ft him, he had heard how \u017fhe had a po\u017ftatized from her religion, and how wickedly \u017fhe had \u017fpoken of the holy Roman Catholic Church, and, what mi\u017fchief he could do her, he \u017fhould di\u017fcover it; yet, for the love he bore her, if \u017fhe would yield to ea\u017fe his pa\u017f\u017fion, I \u017fhould be buried in eternal oblivion; but if \u017fhe refu\u017fed, he had now got an opportunity to ruin her.\n\nThe pious lady (who\u017fe \u017fervant devotions this wretch had interrupted) bridled, as much as human frailty could do, her pa\u017f\u017fion, commanded him, in mild terms, to be gone, and not wound her cha\u017fte ears with his hated di\u017fcour\u017fe. Against the injury he threatened, \u017fhe tru\u017fted in God for protection, who is a \u017ftrong tower for the \u017fafety of all tho\u017fe that fly to him; and in doubted not, when \u017fhe had an opportunity to make her Lord \u017fen\u017fible of it, he would, through the favour of Almighty God, concur with her in her opinion.\n\nAntonio, finding him\u017felf di\u017fappointed in his main expectation, and thoroughly nettled with this an\u017fwer, particularly the conclu\u017fion of it, went away, threatening and muttering to him\u017felf, and in the anti-chamber met Fronovius, who, upon later notice, was ha\u017ftening to him; to whom he told all he had \u017feen and heard. This made them con\u017fult to take new mea\u017fures; and, in conclu\u017fion, re\u017folved her cha\u017ftity, or life, \u017fhould be \u017facrificed to their revenge. This was no \u017fooner concluded on, but Antonio remembered that paper he had taken up; and, taking it out of his pocket, knew it to be the Gardener's\nhand, and, at fir\u017ft, \u017fuppo\u017fed it to be a love-letter, that might di\u017fcover the intrigue between him and his lady, was highly plea\u017fed; but he had \u017fcarce read it half over, ere he found \u017fuch weighty arguments again\u017ft the church of Rome, levelled \u017fo directly again\u017ft her tottering foundation, as not only puzzled his under\u017ftanding, but made him \u017ftorm at a \u017ftrange rate; whereupon Fronovius took it out of his hand, and read the re\u017ft, and in the clo\u017fe, the\u017fe words, viz. Virtuous lady, the\u017fe arguments, pro et contra, I \u017fubmit to your great wi\u017fdom, being very joyful, in having, under God, been a poor in\u017ftrument in enlighteniug your under\u017ftanding to di\u017fcern truth from fal\u017fehood.\n\nThis left them no longer in doubt, who the party was, that (as they termed it) had induced her to apo\u017ftatize, and become an heretic, and, for this, con\u017fequently, to enjoy favours \u017fhe denied to them; whereupon they vowed a bloody revenge. But fearing that the love Alan\u017fon bore her, would not be effaced by the change of her religion, e\u017fpecially when he \u017fhould come to under\u017ftand their criminal pa\u017f\u017fion for her, and practices again\u017ft her, they re\u017folved to make her\nparents bear the blame of that \u017ftupenduous wickedne\u017fs, which they them\u017felves de\u017figned to be the\nactors of: for they knew that her parents were extraordinary begotted to the Romi\u017fh church; and \u017fo were the likelie\u017ft to deal with in this matter. Whereupon Antonio immediately po\u017fted to them, and de\u017firing a private conference with the father and mother, after many hypocritical \u017fhews of \u017forrow for the di\u017fgrace that would befal the family, he declared, how his lady (\u017fince his lord had been ab\u017fent) had been perverted from the Catholic Religion by a Hugonot, a heritic Gardener, a fugitive wretch, that had been taken in, \u017fome years ago, upon charity. He urged, what di\u017fhonour it would be to their family, the danger incurred by the king's edicts, and, la\u017ftly, the lo\u017fe of her \u017foul, if \u017fhe was not timely recovered and brought to the right fold, from whence \u017fhe had perver\u017fely \u017ftrayed. Then he began to magnify the pious care and pains he had taken to keep her in the right way, and to prevent her falling into \u017fuch an unpardonable \u017fin; but that the devil had been too hard for his indu\u017ftry and labours, thro' God's high \u017fufferance, to bring \u017fome great judgement on her, for her haughtine\u017fs and contempt, &c.\n\nThis being delivered in a tone very moving and pa\u017f\u017fionate, \u017feemed altogether in pity to Deidamia, made her father \u017figh, and the old lady bur\u017ft out in tears, wringing their hands, and bewailing the mi\u017feries of their aged years, in this (as they then termed it) wor\u017ft of misfortunes that could befal them; that the ouly branch of their family, that \u017fhould convey it to po\u017fterity all had made her\u017felf a caft-away; for \u017fo, in their pa\u017f\u017fionate mood, they expre\u017f\u017fed her to be. Antonio was glad to \u017fee them thus wrought upon; and the \u017ftorm of their fir\u017ft grief \u017fpending it\u017felf, being allayed by falling tears, they began to con\u017fult more maturely, how this misfortune might be rever\u017fed; and, after many things were debated, Antonio's device of lodging her in a nunnery, (where \u017fhe might be re\u017ftrained from heretic books, as he \u017faid, and the company of any \u017feducers, and al\u017fo be infructed by virtuous nuns, till her Lord came home, and determined what might farther be done in it) was approved.\n\nWhat was to be done with the Gardener, was the thing to be con\u017fulted; whether to make him away \u017fecretly, or deliver him up to ju\u017ftice; the prie\u017ft was for the former, but the parents con\u017fciences were tender in that, and could not con\u017fent to \u017fuch wickedne\u017fs; but Antonio alledged, that the whole bu\u017fine\u017fs would be made public, if he were delivered up to ju\u017ftice, and their daughter would be brought in as criminal; and, perhaps, for her ob\u017ftinacy, her lord might lo\u017fe his honours and preferments at court. This made them con\u017fider farther, and, at la\u017ft, leave it to the wicked prie\u017ft, or tho\u017fe he \u017fhould appoint, to do as he or they plea\u017fed. They would have born him company to Alan\u017fon's hou\u017fe, to \u017fee what their per\u017fua\u017fions might do; but he urged, it would only be a means to di\u017fcover the matter; that it would be be\u017ft for them to come and moderate things when the Count came home, of which he would give them the fir\u017ft notice; \u017fince, at prefent, what was to be done, required \u017fecrecy: that in the mean time, \u017fhe be provided for as became her quality; and, that \u017fuch a place as he mentioned, with time and company, were the be\u017ft cure to ju\u017ftle tho\u017fe wild notions out of her head: Upon which they only \u017fent her a letter, and re\u017folved not to go them\u017felves: So Antonio returned, well \u017fatisfied, to his wicked companion.\n\nDeidamia, (who was ignorant of this,) mi\u017f\u017fing her paper, and not doubting which way it went, taking more care for Bernard the Gardener than her\u017felf, thought by it he would be di\u017fcovered; wherefore \u017fhe \u017fent for him, gave him a handful of gold, and commanded him to shift for him\u017felf; telling him what had pa\u017f\u017fed, and the danger he was in. This command he \u017feemed exceeding loth to obey, and with tears in his eyes, prote\u017fted, that for the \u017fake of his religion, and in her defence again\u017ft any injury or violence, he was willing to expo\u017fe his life; but she urged \u017fo many things to ha\u017ften his departure, that he promi\u017fed to do it: and \u017fo they (with \u017fhedding many tears) took a long farewel of each other.\n\nBernard was preparing to depart, as Antonio returned with his orders.; whereupon Fronovius clapped him up in a dungeon, and that night hired two ruffians to carry him to the \u017fea-clifts, and throw him thence head-long; and thither they carried him in a \u017fack, on a hor\u017fe, gagged and bound; but finding a ve\u017f\u017fel, thruft into a creek, very near the clifts, one of them enquired, and found it belonged to a French plantation in the West Indies: Whereupon they took the method of Jo\u017feph's brethren with the l\u017fhmaelites to make the be\u017ft purcha\u017fe of him, rather than de\u017ftroy him and lo\u017fe it; \u017fo he that came to enquire, demanded of the ma\u017fter, If he wanted a lu\u017fty \u017fervant? He told him, Yes; then he returned, and took the Gardener out of the \u017fack, ungagged and unbound him, and told him, That though he de\u017ferved to die, for perverting his lady to here\u017fy, yet they had compa\u017f\u017fion upon him, and would only \u017fend him to do penance, for a \u017flave in the We\u017ft Indies, and bid him accept of it thankfully, and without muttering; and thereupon they delivered him to the ma\u017fter of the ve\u017f\u017fel, of whom they received twelve crowns. After which they returned, and gave an account that they had thrown him, with a great \u017ftone about his neck, from a fifty-foot clift into the \u017fea; and for it, received the reward promi\u017fed them. Nor was Bernard unwilling to go with his new ma\u017fter, finding providence had changed the death that was de\u017figned him, only into \u017flavery, from whence he might hope in time to be relea\u017fed. But his care was greater for Deidamia than him\u017felf; for he had\nbeen u\u017fed to misfortune, and inured to \u017feveral hard\u017fhips. And, her grief was no le\u017fs that \u017fhe found her\u017felf con\u017ftrained, (as \u017fhe \u017fuppo\u017fed, for his \u017fafety,) \u017fo abruptly to part with the man that had been an in\u017ftrument in the filling her heart \u017fo full of heavenly con\u017folations; and had not laid her commands on him to write to her, or otherwi\u017fe to give \u017fecret notice of his abiding place, (that \u017fhe might have had farther conver\u017fe with him, and be more \u017ftrengthened by him in the profe\u017f\u017fion of that truth he had in\u017ftructed her in, and which \u017fhe was re\u017folved to abide by,) till \u017fhe found means to re\u017ftore him to his place again.\n\nWhil\u017ft \u017fhe was pen\u017five on the\u017fe thoughts Antonio having (as I before told you) get a letter from her parents to her, wherein they laid their commands on her, till her Lord's return; 'As \u017fhe tendered the favour of Almighty God, their ble\u017f\u017fing, and her own honour and \u017fafety, to be ruled and guided in all things by her \u017fpiritual pa\u017ftor:' (So, being ignorant of his villainy, they termed this wicked prie\u017ft.) 'And, whatever he per\u017fuaded her to, for the good of her \u017foul and bodily pre\u017fervation, readily to comply with; to who\u017fe care and integrity, next to the heavenly protection, they heartily recommended her, till her Lord and husband came home:' This was \u017figned by both of them. And, Antonio having con\u017fulted Fronovius about it, they both came boldly to her apartment, when they kuew \u017fhe was in private, and pre\u017fented it to her; 'Charging her to obey it, as \u017fhe tendered her \u017fafety.' She no \u017fooner looked on it, but, a\u017fking them \u017fo many que\u017ftions, that, by Antonio's replies, \u017fhe was not in\u017fen\u017fible they had traduced her to her parents; and, after\n\u017fome ju\u017ft reproaches, told them, 'It \u017fhould not be long, before \u017fhe would go and plead her own cau\u017fe; and, doubted not \u017fo to ju\u017ftify her proceeding to her parents, that the black villainy of her ba\u017fe and treacherons accufers, \u017fhould be unable to \u017fully the brightne\u017fs of her innocence.' This, at fir\u017ft, \u017ftartled them; but, being fully re\u017folved to proceed in their wicked de\u017figns, they plainly told her, 'She was at their di\u017fpo\u017fal, and that they had orders to carry her to a nunnery, where \u017fhe \u017fhould be honourably u\u017fed; but debarred from the de\u017ftructive principles \u017fhe had lately imbibed, till her and their Lord returned, to take the matter into his own hands, and determine how he plea\u017fed to di\u017fpo\u017fe of her.'\n\nThis in\u017fufferable impudence of the\u017fe lu\u017ftful wretches, \u017ftirred up her zeal to \u017fo much holy and dete\u017ftation of what they propo\u017fed, that \u017fhe, in a great pa\u017f\u017fion, prote\u017fted to 'Die a thou\u017fand deaths, if it were po\u017f\u017fible, and, by the mo\u017ft exqui\u017fite torments their helli\u017fh malice could invent, rather than to be inclo\u017fed within the walls of a nunnery; which \u017fhe was satisfied was no other than a \u017fink of \u017fin, and plau\u017fible colour for lewdne\u017fs and debauchery.' But they, without replying, offering to force her from the clo\u017fet; \u017fhe oppo\u017fed her \u017ftrength again\u017ft their rudene\u017fs: But Fronovius, who was the \u017fteward and governor of the family, had \u017fo ordered the matter, that tho\u017fe that immediately\nwaited upon her, were then out of hearing; \u017fo that, without any other interruption, than what her contending gave them, they hurried her into a clo\u017fe chamber in the remote\u017ft part of the hou\u017fe, where they locked her in, and went to con\u017fult farther, how they \u017fhould \u017fecretly convey her from thence; whil\u017ft \u017fhe, (who expected, after \u017fuch treatment, nothing but a violation of her cha\u017ftity, would much rather have embraced death, and counted it a favour,) was pouring out her \u017foul to God, and imploring his help in this needful time of her trouble, and begging of him to \u017ftrengthen her faith; 'till, on\na \u017fudden, to allay the trouble and afflictions of her mind, \u017fuch beams of joy and comfort darted into her \u017foul, that \u017fhe allured her\u017felf, 'That that merciful God, who\u017fe gracious protection \u017fhe had been \u017feeking, would work out deliverence for her in due time.'\n\nThe\u017fe con\u017fpirators, by this time, had come to a re\u017fult to rid them\u017felves, as they thought, for ever, from the fears they were in of their villainous practices being di\u017fcovered, which was this:\n\nFronovius counterfeited a letter in Alan\u017fon's hand, \u017fo very exactly, that if him\u017felf had \u017feen it, he might have been puzzled to di\u017ftingui\u017fh it from his own; and having gotten two ruffians ready, one dre\u017f\u017fed in the habit of an officer, and the other like a \u017fervant attending him, Antonio and his companion in wickedne\u017fs went to her with it, and falling on their knees, with \u017fome forced tears, humbly implored her pardon for the indignities they had offered to her; be\u017feeching her to be their good lady, notwith\u017ftanding their follies, and they would never in the like nature offend, nor do any thing to di\u017foblige her; with many other prote\u017ftations, and much feigned \u017forrow for their rudene\u017fs and de\u017figns upon her cha\u017ftity, entreating her not to di\u017fcover it to her Lord.\n\nWhilst Deidamia was wondering what that \u017fudden alteration, in tho\u017fe who had lately \u017fo rudely treated her, might mean, Fronovius delivered her the letter; in which \u017fhe read the\u017fe words:\n\n\"My dear Deidamia,\n\nTHOUGH I know, that the news which the\u017fe lines will acquaint you with, cannot be acceptable to you, yet I conjure you, by our mutual affections, that you \u017fuffer not your\u017felf to be di\u017fturbed, but hear what I \u017fhall tell you, with that patience and \u017ferenity of mind which becomes you; as knowing it is our duty, in all things that happen to us, to \u017fubmit to the Divine Will. Know then, my lovely Deidamia, that, in a late encounter with a party of the enemies, I happened to be wounded by a chance \u017fhot, which my \u017furgeon tells me is mortal; and that it may be \u017fo, and de\u017firing, above all things here below, to have a \u017fight of your dear \u017felf, before I depart out of the world, I have \u017fent the bearer, Mon\u017f. Durell, one of my captains, to conduct you to me forth with, who is a per\u017fon of that worth and honour, that you may tru\u017ft your\u017felf with him without the trouble of any attendants, but what he brings with him; becau\u017fe I would have you come as \u017fpeedily as may be; which is, at pre\u017fent, all from him, who is, both in life and death,\n\nYour ever faithful hu\u017fband,\n\nCharleroy,\n\nJuly 12, 1639.\n\nDe Alanson.\"\n\nAt the reading of this \u017fhe trembled, looked pale, and \u017fhed abundance of tears, being in the greate\u017ft di\u017forder and confu\u017fion imaginable; entreating in\u017ftantly to \u017fee the party that brought it; promi\u017fing (on their renewing their intreaties) not to di\u017fcover their wickedne\u017fs, if, by their future demeanor, they made an amendment for what had pa\u017f\u017fed; and they, thereupon, \u017folemnly promi\u017fed, and led her down into the hall, where the pretended captain and his \u017fervant bowed very low to her; and being beforehand in\u017ftructed, an\u017fwered all her que\u017ftions \u017fo cunningly, that \u017fhe verily believed the letter to have come from her Lord, and that all he \u017faid was true: de\u017firing them to refre\u017fh them\u017felves, whil\u017ft \u017fhe fitted her\u017felf with other apparel, and took \u017fome jewels, gold, &c. along with her. Which done, and being about four in the evening, the innocent dove committed her\u017felf into the talons of the\u017fe bloody vultures, mounted behind the \u017fuppo\u017fed captain, who had his in\u017ftructions not to let her \u017fee the next morning dawn. Antonio and Fronovius pretended much \u017forrow at her departure; but inwardly rejoiced, that, by this \u017ftratagem, they could get her ea\u017fily into the trap, without noi\u017fe and di\u017fturbance; which had they gone about to do by force, her cries might have brought re\u017fcue, and prevented their villainous purpo\u017fes. The cur\u017fed prie\u017ft indeed, would have fir\u017ft ravi\u017fhed her by him\u017felf and his companion, and then murdered her at home; but the other, con\u017fidering that it would be difficult to di\u017fpo\u017fe of the body, contrived this way: But I mu\u017ft leave them for \u017fome time, hugging them\u017felves in their \u017fecurity, and follow the deceived innocent.\n\nThe bloody cut-throats having got the prize, by her too much credulity, into their po\u017f\u017fe\u017f\u017fion, took all the by-ways they could, cro\u017f\u017fing the country, and holding her in di\u017fcour\u017fe with many things relating to the war, and \u017fo \u017fpun out the time, till the fun was near \u017fetting, when, coming into a valley between two va\u017ft woods, in a place much unfrequented, they rode into one of them, at a turning of a narrow way, where the \u017fuppo\u017fed captain \u017ftopped; and the ruffian that rode \u017fingle, alighted, and \u017fuddenly pulled Deidamia from behind him; who, at \u017fo unexpected a rudene\u017fs, trembled, and began to\n\u017fu\u017fpect the treachery; nor was the other \u017flow in di\u017fmounting, when both carried her farther into the wood. Upon this, with piteous \u017fhrieks and cries, \u017fhe demanded the cau\u017fe of \u017fuch violence; but, without replying, the villain who had carried her, drawing his \u017fword, directed it for the fatal thru\u017ft, de\u017figning in\u017ftantly to pierce her heart; whil\u017ft, on her knees, \u017fhe was imploring their pity and compa\u017f\u017fion, and entreating to know in what \u017fhe had offended, to make them \u017fo void of humanity towards a di\u017ftre\u017f\u017fed lady, whom they had betrayed into that \u017folitary\nplace; being convinced, that her Lord had given no \u017fuch commands: No, replied they, That is true, nor do we know him; But Antonio and Fronovius have, and we mu\u017ft obey them: be\u017fides, you are a heretic and ought not to live.\n\nDeidamia now finding \u017fhe was betrayed by her wicked \u017fervants, into the hands of the\u017fe mercile\u017fs villains, and \u017feeing nothing but pre\u017fent death, before her eyes, \u017fhe poured out her \u017foul to God in vehement petitions, for favour from his hands; and, that, if he \u017faw fit, \u017fhe \u017fhould live no longer here, that he would receive her into life eternal; and that rather, if it were required, \u017fhe might \u017feal her profe\u017f\u017fion of the reformed religion, in which \u017fhe had found \u017fo much heavenly con\u017folation, with her deare\u017ft blood, than be prevailed with to recant it. But thou, O Lord! \u017faid \u017fhe, who delivere\u017ft Daniel from the fury of the lions, and the three children from devouring flames, can\u017ft, if thou wilt, in this extremity, deliver me from the\u017fe blood-thir\u017fty men, whom I have in no manner injured: But, be it as thou plea\u017fe\u017ft; \u017fo that my departing \u017foul, when it leaves this mortal body, may find \u017fhelter in the arms of thy mercy. The villains, who, all this while had eyed her, and \u017faw her lovely in her tears, troubled not them\u017felves about her religion, for their bu\u017fine\u017fs was to murder her; and, therefore, the pretended captain \u017faid, 'Lady, our time is \u017fhort, this in\u017ftant you mu\u017ft die; therefore \u017fettle your mind for the fatal \u017ftroke' To this \u017fhe made no reply, but continuing on her knees, with eyes uplifted to heaven, \u017fighs and tears being the language of her \u017foul, his impious hand was about to give the fatal thru\u017ft; but the other catched hold of his arm and \u017ftopped his \u017fwords and, after that, they whi\u017fpered; but, \u017fhe knew not what they \u017faid, till their farther attempt revealed it.\n\nThey had no \u017fooner done conferring notes, but they violently forced her on her back, and prepared to ravi\u017fh her first, and then put her to death: Her cries were upon this redoubled, and \u017fhe begged death rather than the lo\u017fs of her cha\u017ftity: opening her bo\u017fom, and tempting their \u017fwords to pierce it. But her beauty, in this \u017forrowful condition, was \u017fo charming in their lu\u017ftful eyes, that they were inexorable to her cries and prayers. O! had Alan\u017fon been but there, with what vengeance, at this piteous fight, would his \u017fword have been drawn to their de\u017ftrutction and her re\u017fcue; but, he being ignorant of the wounds his dear lady was about to receive, Heaven interpo\u017fed for her re\u017fcue: For the villains fell at di\u017fcord, who \u017fhould fir\u017ft enjoy her; and the conte\u017ft grew \u017fo hot, that they di\u017fputed it with their \u017fwords; and, in the duel, the pretended captain (mo\u017ft forward in the mi\u017fchief) was run through the body; and with a gha\u017ftly groan, yielded up his wicked \u017foul into the hands of death. The other being \u017forely wounded, and fainting, through lo\u017fs of blood, gave Deidamia time to fly farther into the woods; wandering \u017fo far, that, night covering every thing with darkne\u017fs, \u017fhe thought, \u017fhe might now re\u017ft a little to recover breath, and \u017fo \u017fat down upon the ground. Though the dangers \u017fhe had \u017fo lately e\u017fcaped from wicked men, and tho\u017fe that \u017fhe now feared from wild bea\u017fts, would not for a long time, \u017fuffer her to clo\u017fe her eyes: however, \u017fhe cea\u017fed not, with earne\u017ft prayers and \u017fupplications, to recommend her\u017felf to God, and implore his aid and protection; who, by the late wonderful deliverance he had given her, had \u017fufficiently \u017fhewn her, how able he is to \u017fave to the utmo\u017ft, even in the mid\u017ft of the greate\u017ft dangers. The con\u017fideration whereof, was a mighty allay to her pre\u017fent \u017forrows, in the mid\u017ft of that forlorn condition to which \u017fhe was reduced; \u017fo that, a little \u017fupported thereby, they at la\u017ft, fell into a \u017found \u017fleep; having no other pillow than a turf of gra\u017fs, nor covering, than the canopy of heaven. The morning being come, Deidamia again returned thanks to God, both for her late deliverance, and her la\u017ft night's pre\u017fervation: earne\u017ftly begging of him, That as he had graciou\u017fly begun to deliver her, \u017fo he would, in his own good time, complete it to his own glory and her good; and that, though at pre\u017fent her afflictions were not joyous but grievous, yet, thro' God's over-ruling providence, they might afterwards bring forth for her the peaceable fruits of righteou\u017fne\u017fs, humbly de\u017firing, \u017fhe might be kept from harbouring hard thoughts of God, or of his truth and ways, which \u017fhe had \u017fo lately embraced, notwith\u017ftanding any \u017fufferings \u017fhe had, or might meet withal upon that account. And having thus recommended her\u017felf to God, the re\u017folved, if it were po\u017f\u017fible, to get out of that de\u017folate, pathle\u017fs, and \u017folitary place; but the more \u017fhe thought to extricate her\u017felf, the more \u017fhe found her\u017felf entangled and without hopes of getting out. The fruits, that at that time of the year grew upon the trees, \u017fupplied her with food; and the little purling \u017ftreams, that i\u017f\u017fued from \u017fome \u017fprings in the wood, \u017fupplied her with drink; \u017fo that finding it impo\u017f\u017fible to get away, \u017fhe was content to tarry there, till the providence of God \u017fhould find out \u017fome way of deliverance for her; being \u017fatisfied in this, that the comforts of conver\u017fation, and other conveniences that \u017fhe u\u017fed to have, were abundantly made up in the communion \u017fhe enjoyed with God; who\u017fe ble\u017f\u017fed pre\u017fence, as \u017fhe has \u017fince confe\u017f\u017fed, did more than recompence for all her outward wants:\u2014In the po\u017f\u017fe\u017f\u017fion of which happine\u017fs we will leave her for a time, and look back to \u017fee what became of the \u017furviving ruffian.\n\nHis companion (as we have already heard) was killed in their conte\u017ft, about which \u017fhould enjoy, or rather ravi\u017fh Deidamia fir\u017ft; and he that \u017furvived, fainted away thro' lo\u017fs of blood, which (as we have already related) made way for Deidamia's e\u017fcape: But he recovering, in \u017fome little time, found means to \u017ftop its effu\u017fion; and then mi\u017f\u017fing of Deidamia, he made what \u017fearch he could for her, not \u017fo much to \u017fatisfy his lu\u017ft, (which his lo\u017fs of blood had pretty much allayed,) as to take away her life, that, in time to come, \u017fhe might not be an evidence of his wickedne\u017fs; but not finding her after all his \u017fearch, he buried his companion, and returned to tho\u017fe that had \u017fet him to work: telling them, 'That Deidamia, when \u017fhe found \u017fhe mu\u017ft die, by a \u017furprize, had \u017fnatched away his companion's \u017fword, and slain him, with it, by an unlooked for thru\u017ft: But that my\u017felf had quickly revenge it by her own death; and had buried them both in a deep pit, to avoid di\u017fcovery.' This they believed, and gave him what they bad promi\u017fed, being mightily plea\u017fed, that now they were, as they thought, at lea\u017ft out of danger.\n\nWhil\u017ft the\u017fe things were thus acted, Deidamia's parents were exceeding troubled, even to that degree, that their \u017fleep departed from them; and tho\u017fe little \u017flumbers that they \u017fometimes got, were interrupted with \u017ftrange and unaccountable dreams, which were al\u017fo attended with an unu\u017fual melancholy, of which they could give no account. This made them re\u017folve to enquire after Deidamia, of whom they had heard nothing \u017fince the permi\u017f\u017fion they gave to Antonio to carry her to a nunnery.\n\nBut Fronovius and Antonio had been \u017fo cunning, to prevent their di\u017fcovery of the villainy, that, for a \u017fum of money, they engaged a certain abbe\u017fs of Antonio's acquaintance, to acknowledge, (when there \u017fhould be occa\u017fion,) That Deidamia had been brought thither; but, that \u017fhe had made her e\u017fcape from thence, \u017fo that \u017fhe knew not what was become of her, nor could give any account of the rea\u017fon of it, but only by a note which \u017fhe left behind her in her chamber; which note Fronovius, who, as we have already \u017faid, had a notable faculty at the counterfeiting of hands, had writ in a hand \u017fo like Deidamia's, that it could not be di\u017ftingui\u017fhed. They had al\u017fo given the abbe\u017fs a ladder of ropes, by which it was pretended \u017fhe had made her e\u017fcape. Fronovius and Antonio, having \u017fo well laid their de\u017fign with the Abbe\u017fs, kept po\u017f\u017fe\u017f\u017fion of Alan\u017fon's hou\u017fe, without fear or controul. And, therefore, when Deidamia's parents came thither to enquire after their daughter, they received them with much \u017feeming courte\u017fy, and kindne\u017fs; and Fronovius told them, That though it wad unhappily fallen out, that their lady, had been perverted to here\u017fy \u017fince the departure of the Count her hu\u017fband; yet he had taken that care of the family, in his Lord's ab\u017fence, which was con\u017fi\u017ftant with his duty; and that, as to his lady, the orders they had been plea\u017fed to give to Antonio, to \u017fend her to a nunnery, had been punctually ob\u017ferved; and, he hoped, by that means, again\u017ft\nthe coming home of their Lord, \u017fhe might be again reconciled unto her mother-church; out of which there is no \u017falvation.' Though this di\u017fcour\u017fe of Fronovius' was very plau\u017fible, yet the parents of Deidamia were not at all \u017fatisfied with it, but de\u017fired to \u017fee and di\u017fcour\u017fe with her in the nunnery were \u017fhe was; which Fronovius \u017feemed ready to a\u017f\u017fent to, and with Antonio, offered their \u017fervice to accompany them thither; telling them, they had given a \u017ftrict charge to the Abbe\u017fs, to prevent any heretics from coming to her, that none might be admitted to \u017fpeak with her but them\u017felves, or by their\nimmediate order.\n\nThe parents, being for the pre\u017fent \u017fatisfied with this an\u017fwer, lay there that night, big with the hopes they had of \u017feeing their daughter the next day; which being come, they went with Antonio and Fronovius to the nunnery, but, were extremely \u017furpri\u017fed, when they came thither, to hear the Abbe\u017fs \u017fay, that the young lady bad been too hard for her, and, notwith\u017ftanding all her care and diligence, had found a way to make her e\u017fcape but the day before, and then led them into the garden, \u017fhewing them the ladder of ropes by which \u017fhe got over the wall; and then taking them into a room, that \u017fhe called her chamber, gave them the note which Fronovius left with her, a\u017fking her parents if they knew that hand; they ha\u017ftily opened it, and thought verily it had been of Deidamia's writing; and, then reading, found it to contain the\u017fe words:\n\n\"HAving been forced to this place again\u017ft my mind and con\u017fcience, let none be\ntroubled, that I have found means to \u017fet my\u017felf at liberty, and am gone to him, who, no doubt, will right me of the injury done me by my treacherous \u017fervants.\n\nDEIDAMIA.\"\n\nHer parents, upon reading this letter, believing it to be true, bur\u017ft forth into tears for the lo\u017fs of their daughter. not knowing now in what part of the country to \u017feek for her: the only hope they had, was, that \u017fhe was gone into Flanders to her hu\u017fband: to which opinion, Fronovius and Antonio both per\u017fuaded them, from that expr\u017f\u017fion in the note, I am gone to him that will right my injuries. Upon which, giving Fronovius a charge, to be a faithful \u017fteward in his Lord's ab\u017fence, they returned to their own hou\u017fe; where they writ the following letter to the Count, and \u017fent it by an expre\u017fs to\nFlanders.\n\nTo the Count De Alanson, Colonel of the\n\nRegiment of Picardy.\n\n\"Deare\u017ft Son,\n\nIT is not without inexpre\u017f\u017fible grief that we write the\u017fe lines, which bring you the \u017fad tidings of the greate\u017ft affliction, that ever befel you; and which without the Divine aid, you will find it very hard to bear; but I hope heaven will \u017fupport you under it. It is, in brief, the lo\u017fs of Deidamia. I do not mean by death, for had heaven ordained it \u017fo, that would have been far more eligible: But, alas! \u017fhe is lo\u017ft both to her\u017felf and all of us; and, \u017fhe is, \u017fince your departure, perverted to here\u017fy and turned an ob\u017ftinate Hugonot; which whil\u017ft we endeavoured to reclaim her from, by con\u017fenting, upon the advice of your Chaplain, father Antonio, that \u017fhe \u017fhould be put into a nunnery, \u017fhe is e\u017fcaped from thence no one knows whither. The thoughts thereof have filled the hearts of my\u017felf and wife, with \u017fuch inexpre\u017f\u017fible grief and \u017forrow as hath rendered us altogether uncon\u017folable. Our only remaining hope is, that \u017fhe may be gone to you; and that if you have not already, you may yet hear of her in a few days; for \u017fhe left behind her in her chamber, at the nunnery\nof St. Bridget's, whether Fronovius and Antonio conducted her, the following note:\"\n\n\"HAving been forced to this place again\u017ft troubled that I have found means to \u017fet my\u017felf at liberty; and am gone to him, who, no doubt, will right me of the injury done me by my treacherous \u017fervants.DEIDAMIA.\"\n\n\"It is this note alone that gives us ground to hope that you may \u017fee her again; and, I pray God, it may fall out accordingly. And, when ever this lo\u017ft \u017fheep \u017fhall be found again, I doubt you will lay her in your bo\u017fom, according to the example of our great Shepherd; and, by your wonted love and tenderne\u017fs towards her, endeavour to re\u017ftore her again to the true fold and church of Chri\u017ft; to who\u017fe protection I commit you, and \u017fo farewell.J. Montaign.\"\n\nThe Count Alan\u017fon was \u017fo tran\u017fported with grief at the reading of this letter, that for \u017fome time he remained \u017fpeechle\u017fs. His trouble was too great to vent it\u017fel\u017f in words; \u017ftill waters being always the deepe\u017ft: but \u017foon after, his \u017forrow gave it\u017felf vent in the mo\u017ft pa\u017f\u017fionate and feeling complaints; and then, calling for pen and ink, he writ the following letter to his father.\n\nAlanson to Sieur Montaign.\n\n\"SIR,\n\nI Received your letter, the contents whereof have brought that grief and \u017forrow to my heart that will continue there for ever, unle\u017fs the fight of my deareft Deidamia removes it. Her being turned Hugonot, is not that which gives me much trouble; it rather makes me think there is \u017fomething of good in tho\u017fe opinions, or el\u017fe, \u017fo much goodne\u017fs and virtue as that of Deidamia's could never have embraced them. Had you but let her alone in my hou\u017fe, I had been happy \u017ftill; but your endeavouring\nto reclaim her has been the ruin of us both: I am \u017fo tran\u017fported with grief and anger, that I know not what to write; nor would I write at all, but come away immediately, were it not for the hopes you gave me from the note, found in the chamber of my deare\u017ft Deidamia, That \u017fhe was gone to him that would \u017foon right ner injuries, and that can be none but my\u017felf. Might I but recover her again, \u017fhe \u017fhould not be mi\u017ftaken in her thoughts. It is in hopes of her coming, that I am content to \u017ftay here a litle longer: for it is Deidamia alone can make me happy. Farewel.ALANSON.\"\n\nThe me\u017f\u017fenger being returned with Alan\u017fon's letter, it adnini\u017ftered fre\u017fh grief to Deidamia's parents. For they thereby found, that by their too ea\u017fily yielding to Antonio's de\u017figns, they had not only lo\u017ft their daughter, but the affections of their \u017fon-in-law.\u2014In this \u017ftate we will now leave them, and make Deidamia a vi\u017fit in her \u017forrowful \u017folitude.\n\nDeidamia being in that lonely place, each day removed her habitation, until, at la\u017ft, \u017fhe found a cave to \u017fecure her\u017felf from the injuries of the weather; and it was a quiet re\u017fting-place for her in the night \u017fea\u017fon, for by \u017fhutting up the mouth of the cave, \u017fhe covered her\u017felf from all danger; which \u017fhe looked upon, and thanked God for, as a great mercy; and living upon the fruits that grow in the wood, (as I \u017faid before) \u017fhe \u017fpent her time wholly in prayer and meditation; and though her diet and lodging\nwere extremely changed, yet her health was both continued and increa\u017fed; and \u017fhe found that promi\u017fe made good unto her, As thy day is, so \u017fhall thy \u017ftrength be.\n\nShe had now lived almo\u017ft four months in this \u017folitude; and, the winter approaching, began to make the woods uncomfortable, and the cold extremely nipping: \u017fo that Deidamia was forced often to walk apace to get her a heat. One day, as \u017fhe had walked farther than ordinary, \u017fhe di\u017fcovered \u017fome kind of an ob\u017fcure path \u017fhe had not \u017feen before; and, tho' \u017fhe knew not whither it would lead her, \u017fhe was re\u017folved to follow the tract She travelled \u017fo far that day, that it was in vain for her to think of returning to her beloved cave, where the had lain \u017fo many nights; and therefore, making the be\u017ft \u017fhift that \u017fhe could, \u017fhe \u017fat down upon the ground, and recommending recommending her\u017felf to the Almighty's protection, compo\u017fed her\u017felf to re\u017ft. The next morning \u017fhe aro\u017fe as \u017foon as it was light, and travelling forward, perceived her path to be like that of the ju\u017ft, which the wi\u017fe man tells us, \u017fhines more and more unto the perfect day. And, \u017fhe was encouraged to go on, becau\u017fe \u017fhe fancied \u017fhe heard the barking of dogs; and, after travelling a little farther, \u017fhe was well a\u017f\u017fured it was a real thing and not a fancy only; and therefore \u017fhe pur\u017fued her journey the more eagerly: The \u017fun had not come to his meridian, when \u017fhe heard an unu\u017fual ru\u017fhing among the bu\u017fhes, and \u017ftanding \u017ftill to know what it might mean, \u017fhe perceived a grave old man, with two dogs following him, come from among the trees. They were both alike \u017furpri\u017fed at the interview; for the old man, having never \u017feen any human creature in that place before, could not but be amazed to \u017fee a woman coming from the mid\u017ft of the wood; and therefore addre\u017f\u017fing him\u017felf to her, he enquired by what misfortune \u017fhe came thither? entreating her not to be afraid, for \u017fhe \u017fhould receive no harm from him. Deidamia, upon this, looking earne\u017ftly upon him, and perceiving his carriage and demeanour to be what became the gravity of his years, \u017fhe told him, 'She was indeed in a wild place, and knew not the way out again.' To this, the old man replied, 'If \u017fhe would go with him to his homely cottage, his wife would conduct her out of the wood.' Deidamia pre\u017fently accepted of his kindne\u017fs and went with him. And after they had gone about the \u017fpace of a mile, they came to his hou\u017fe, where the good old woman (who was \u017fomewhat \u017furpri\u017fed to \u017fee her hu\u017fband bring a \u017ftranger along with him) ro\u017fe up, and received her very courteou\u017fly, de\u017firing her to \u017fit down, and refre\u017fh her\u017felf with \u017fuch homely fare as their cottage afforded, which \u017fhe did; and then a\u017fked her farther how \u017fhe came into that place. Deidamia de\u017fired they would a\u017fk her no que\u017ftions, for the relation of her \u017ftory would but renew her grief; only, this much \u017fhe would let them know, that her being there alive was the effects of God's providence in delivering her from wicked and blood-thir\u017fty men, that \u017fought to take away her life. Upon which, perceiving her to be full of grief, they a\u017fked her no more que\u017ftions, but finding her very weary, they led her into a homely, but clean apartment, to repo\u017fe her\u017felf upon the bed. Deidamia was mighty, thoughtful what this aged couple might be and, whether or no, for her apparel's \u017fake, and that gold, and tho\u017fe jewels \u017fhe had about her, \u017fhe might not fall into as great a danger, as that \u017fhe had formerly e\u017fcaped, and though \u017fhe was, at fir\u017ft glad of their company, \u017fhe could have wi\u017fhed her\u017felf in her beloved cave again. But her fears were quickly over, when, by a French Bible, and other books \u017fhe found in her room, and, by the hearty prayers of the good old man at night, \u017fhe perceived they were Hugonots; who, had fled into that \u017folitary retirement, for the \u017fake of their religion. This made her be much more free with them, ble\u017f\u017fing God for his providence in bringing her thither; and re\u017folving to continue there till \u017fhe could meet with an opportunity to return home into the arms of her deare\u017ft Alan\u017fon: and the old couple, having under\u017ftood her hi\u017ftory more fully, by their pity and commi\u017feration, made her abode with them more ea\u017fy; and the communion \u017fhe had with them, in the things of another world, weaned her from this in a great mea\u017fure. So that here \u017fhe took up her abode, and continued with them not only that winter, but the year following, until \u017fhe was found out by her beloved Alan\u017fon; to whom it is time that we now return.\n\nThe Count Alan\u017fon having tarried at the camp a whole month, after the receiving of his father-in-law's letter, in expectation of \u017feeing his deareft Deidemia, began now to be impatient of tarrying any longer; and indeed, during all that time, he was \u017fo much changed in his carriage, humour, and conver\u017fation, that all tho\u017fe, with whom he u\u017fed to conver\u017fe in the camp, took notice of it, he having abandoned him\u017felf to an extreme melancholy; therefore de\u017firing of the king to go home, both for the recovery of his health, and for \u017fettling \u017fome affairs in his family, he ea\u017fily obtained it; and \u017foon after, though with a heavy heart, arrived there: where his fir\u017ft bu\u017fine\u017fs was to enquire after Deidamia; but none of the \u017fervants could give any account of her, but Fronovius and Antonio, who gave him the \u017fame account that had been \u017fent him by his father-in-law: after which he \u017fternly a\u017fked them, 'How they dur\u017ft di\u017fpo\u017fe of their lady and mi\u017ftre\u017fs, contrary to her will, without his con\u017fent or knowledge?' telling them, 'He feared, by the note \u017fhe had written, it was their treachery that was the occafion of her lo\u017fs; which, if he could be but confirmed in, he would take care they \u017fhould receive a puni\u017fhment, \u017fuitable to the greatne\u017fs of their crimes.' At which Fronovius and Antonio began to tremble, and make the be\u017ft excu\u017fes for them\u017felves they could; alledging the con\u017fent of her parents for what they did. But that did not at all \u017fatisfy Alan\u017fon, who \u017foon di\u017fcharged them from his \u017fervice, and re\u017folved to travel in \u017fearch of Deidamia, though he knew not which way to bend his cour\u017fe: But after many a tedious journey, enquiring among\u017ft tho\u017fe who were favourers of Hugonots, he could hear no tidings of her; \u017fo that, full of grief and \u017forrow, he led a retired melancholy life in his own hou\u017fe, ab\u017fenting him\u017felf from all company, and mourning like a turtle that had lo\u017ft her mate, though his friends, by all means po\u017f\u017fible, endeavoured to comfort him; per\u017fuading him to \u017furcea\u017fe his grief, for that it was probable, Deidamia by \u017fome misfortune or other was dead; and therefore they advi\u017fed him to think of a \u017fecond marriage, as that which would re\u017ftore his former gaiety, and make him forget Deidamia. But the more they endeavoured to per\u017fuade him, the more he was re\u017folved to the contrary; and therefore, to avoid their continued importunities, he fixed his re\u017folution once more to travel in que\u017ft of her; which accordingly he did, but without \u017fucce\u017fs; and therefore he re\u017folved to return again to his own hou\u017fe, and there \u017fpend the remainder of his days in \u017folitude.\n\nBut as he was returning home, in his way, he met with a va\u017ft concour\u017fe of people, and demanding the occa\u017fion of it, he was told a criminal was going to be broken on the wheel, for a murder he had committed; upon which, curio\u017fity led him to \u017fee the execution; and getting pretty near, the malefactor ca\u017ft his eyes upon him, and \u017ftraightway knew him to be Alan\u017fon, the hu\u017fband of Deidamia; and being \u017fmitten with remor\u017fe of con\u017fcience, he beckoned Alan\u017fon to come near, and humbly begged his pardon for the wrong he had done him. At this Alan\u017fon, both \u017ftarted and fell a trembling, fearing it was for her murder the criminal was to die: but coming nearer, the malefactor a\u017fked him, 'If he had heard any news of his lady?' and then, in tears confe\u017f\u017fed, 'That him\u017felf and\nanother had been hired to murder her, to which end, they carried her into a great wood, (which he named to him) but, by a miraculous providence, \u017fhe escaped out of their hands; that afterwards he had reported to tho\u017fe that \u017fet him to work, that he had actually murdered her: for which he received the reward, but which way \u017fhe e\u017fcaped, he knew not; and that this was about two years \u017fince.' The Count urged him to tell the names of tho\u017fe that had \u017fo hired him; but he \u017faid, 'He had \u017fworn upon the holy \u017facrament of the altar never to di\u017fclo\u017fe them: and that he \u017fcared damnation if he \u017fhould: Only, \u017faid he, this I may \u017fay, without breaking my oath, they were two per\u017fons in whom you have put a great deal of confidence.' And then \u017folemnly atte\u017fted, 'That what he \u017faid was the truth;' and \u017foon after was executed.\n\nThis dying criminal's confe\u017f\u017fion confirmed Alan\u017fon, that Deidamia had been treacherou\u017fly carried thither, either from his hou\u017fe or the nunnery; and he no longer doubted that Fronovius and Antonio were the per\u017fons that had hired villains to murder her; and therefore, tho' they had been removed from his \u017fervice \u017fome time, yet he was re\u017folved to pur\u017fue them, in order to bring them to ju\u017ftice: but fir\u017ft he intended to make a fre\u017fh \u017fearch after Deidamia, the criminal having given him an account where \u017fhe e\u017fcaped from them; and therefore he thought, if \u017fhe was \u017ftill alive, \u017fhe might be \u017fomewhere in the vicinity of the wood: towards that, therefore he bended his cour\u017fe, and being arrived in \u017fight thereof, and \u017feeing how va\u017ft it was, he perceived it would be a difficult thing to find her, even though \u017fhe was there; yet, at his entering in, he conceived \u017fome hopes in his mind, that he \u017fhould not loo\u017fe his labour. Whereupon alighting, and giving his hor\u017fe to his \u017fervant, (who had attended him in all his melancholy travels) and charging him to attend there till he came back, he went into the wood alone, and found him\u017felf entangled amongst thickets, briars, and bu\u017fhes: yet \u017ftill he went on, \u017fearching every cave and \u017folitary place, often calling out, Deidamia! till darkne\u017fs coming on, made him think of returning to his man; but he found he was gone too far to retreat back in time, and therefore re\u017folved to go forward: and being, no doubt, guided by providence, he happened upon that cave where Deidamia had \u017fo often be bewailed his ab\u017fence, and mourned her own \u017folitary \u017ftate; and there he re\u017fted his weary and tired body for that night, re\u017folving to pur\u017fue his \u017fearch the next morning; which being come, ju\u017ft as he was going out of the cave, he perceived \u017fomething \u017fparkle very brightly on the ground, which he took up; and looking on it in the open light, he found it to be a locket of diamonds which he had formerly given Deidamia, and unwittingly had dropt there. The finding of this, filled him with \u017fome tran\u017fports of joy, as looking upon it as an earne\u017ft of his good \u017fucce\u017fs in finding the owner: thereupon he often repeated her name very loud, but could receive no an\u017fwer but by \u017fome broken echoes, and therefore went on he knew not whither; but being directed by the \u017fame providence that had conducted her to the cave, when he had wandered \u017fo far that he was almo\u017ft hopele\u017fs, he was \u017fuddenly \u017fet upon by two whi\u017f\u017fling curs, which upon offering to draw his \u017fword, ran away barking from him; which he pur\u017fuing, came in a little time, to a path, where he could di\u017fcern the foot\u017fteps of human creatures, which very much revived his hopes, and encouraged him \u017ftill to go on. He had not gone far, before he di\u017fcerned \u017fmoke to i\u017f\u017fue from a \u017fmall cottage; to which, as he approached nearer and nearer, he was again \u017faluted by the furious barking of tho\u017fe dogs whom he had before pur\u017fued. This was the cottage where Deidamia re\u017fided; who, upon the barking of the dogs, looking out to \u017fee what was the matter, e\u017fpied Alan\u017fon coming towards her, and (the idea of his image being continually in her brea\u017ft) \u017fhe no \u017fooner \u017faw, but knew him, and, running into his arms in an exce\u017fs of joy, was only able to cry out, Ah! my dear Lord Alan\u017fon:' but exce\u017fs of joy proves \u017fometimes fatal; and it had like to have done \u017fo to Deidamia, for \u017fhe immediately \u017fwooned away in his arms. The dogs \u017ftill continuing their barking, which al\u017fo cau\u017fed the good old woman of the cottage, to \u017fee what the cau\u017fe was. She was extremely \u017furpri\u017fed to \u017fee a genteel \u017ftranger there, and Deidamia fainting in his arms; however, \u017fhe made what ha\u017fte \u017fhe could, to endeavour her recovery, de\u017firing Alan\u017fon to bring her into the hou\u017fe, which he inmediately did, telling the good woman, that he was Deidamia's hu\u017fband, which \u017fhe (being very well acquainted with Deidamia's \u017ftory) was very glad to hear. It was a con\u017fiderable time, before Deidamia could be brought to her\u017felf; which \u017fo much afflicted the Count, that he was almo\u017ft ready to faint away him\u017felf. But his lady being again recovered, Alan\u017fon, with a thou\u017fand ki\u017f\u017fes and endearing expre\u017f\u017fions, a\u017f\u017fured her of the truth, reality, and con\u017ftancy of his affections towards her; whil\u017ft \u017fhe, on the other hand, \u017feemed to be the mo\u017ft \u017fatisfied creature in the world, in that \u017fhe had once more \u017feen her deare\u017ft Lord Alan\u017fon; de\u017firing him not to be troubled at her fainting away, \u017fince it was only occa\u017fioned by the exce\u017fs of joy \u017fhe conceived in \u017feeing him again; and that death it\u017felf would have been ea\u017fy to her upon \u017fo happy an occa\u017fion; and e\u017fpecially dying in his arms.\n\nWhil\u017ft in this manner they were expre\u017f\u017fing the ardency of their affections to each other, the good man of the hou\u017fe came home, and being told by his wife, that Deidamia's hu\u017fband was there, he was overjoyed; and courteou\u017fly \u017faluted Alan\u017fon, telling him, 'He was \u017fure, he was a welcome man there to them all; but e\u017fpecially to Deidamia, who had long mourned his ab\u017fence.' Alan\u017fon kindly thanked him, and told him, he \u017fhould ever honour him as the refuge and pre\u017ferver of his dear lady. And, after \u017fuch civilities on each \u017fide pa\u017f\u017fed, the good woman \u017fet before him, \u017fuch homely refre\u017fhment as \u017fhe had prepared, on the table: Alan\u017fon ate but little, Deidamia's pre\u017fence being more to him than all the dainties in the world; yet perceiving with what coar\u017fe fare his lady had been there contented, he prai\u017fed her humility, and wondered at her virtue. Dinner being ended, Alan\u017fon was concerned for his \u017fervant, whom he had left in the entrance of the wood, and would have gone back to him; but the good old man would by no means let him, telling him he would go him\u017felf, becau\u017fe he better knew the way, and could more ea\u017fily find it; and \u017fo, taking his dogs along with him, he went accordingly: the man having waited at the entrance of the wood, from the time that his ma\u017fter went into it, till the next morning, and hearing nothing of him, leaving his hor\u017fes in the fields adjoining to the wood, re\u017folved to find him out; and having got a good way, he met the old gentleman, who was coming to him; and enquiring of him for for his ma\u017fter, whom he de\u017fcribed; he told him, he had both \u017feen, and was come from him, to conduct him where he was, and that he had found his lady; at this, the \u017fervant was very g\u0142ad, and joyfully went along with him. After the old gentleman was gone for the \u017fervant, the Count and his lady went into the woods, and there \u017fhe gave him a particular account of all her \u017forrows and \u017fufferings \u017fince his departing from her, and the rea\u017fon of her \u017ftaying where \u017fhe was; viz. The old gentleman not daring to go out of the wood with her, he being a pro\u017fcribed per\u017fon; and to go without him, was to endanger her own life; be\u017fides, \u017fhe knew not how Antonio might have ordered matters, having the pretence of here\u017fy to lay to her charge; and that, hearing nothing of him in all this time, \u017fhe thought his affections might have been e\u017ftranged from her. But Alan\u017fon a\u017f\u017fured her of\nthe contrary, telling her, he could not but wonder at the unparalleled villainy of Fronovius and Antonio, and that he had turned them out of his \u017fervice, \u017foon after he came home from the camp. After which, the old gentleman and Alan\u017fon's \u017fervant, being (as before related) arrived at the cottage, the evening was far \u017fpent; and \u017fo they all betook them\u017felves to re\u017ft.\n\nThe next morning, Alan\u017fon was preparing for his return home; but, before they went, their aged landlord would need have them \u017ftay and and dine; and, in di\u017fcour\u017fe, told him, He was once a tenant of his father's; but, by cruel edicts, was forced not only to leave that farm, but his paternal inheritance; \u017fuffering the \u017fpoils and lo\u017fs of all, for the \u017fake of Chri\u017ft and a good con\u017fcience; and in this \u017folitary retirement, had enjoyed more true peace and \u017fatisfaction, than in all the plea\u017fure of his forepa\u017ft life. The Count then a\u017fked him his name? which he told him was De la Mont; upon which he pre\u017fently knew and embraced him, \u017faying, 'That tho' him\u017felf was of the Romi\u017fh per\u017fua\u017fion, yet he had often pitied his \u017fufferings; adding, That it was given out, he died in pri\u017fon.' The pious Deidamia, from this di\u017fcour\u017fe, took an occa\u017fion to \u017fay, 'Ah!, my deare\u017ft Lord, you \u017fee what a cruel and mercile\u017fs religion it is that you profe\u017fs, and which, through the goodne\u017fs of God, I have lately departed from.' 'I am not \u017furpri\u017fed (\u017faid Alan\u017fon) at that, which you \u017fay: for I was informed in Flanders, that you had changed your religion.' 'I wi\u017fh to God (replied Deidamia) that your\u017felf my deare\u017ft Lord, was likewi\u017fe made a partaker of the \u017fame happy change.' Upon this, Mon\u017f. De la Mont put in, and laid down \u017fuch weighty rea\u017fons for the truth of the reformed religion, and again\u017ft the errors of the church of Rome, that it encouraged Deidamia farther to go on, and \u017fhew the viciou\u017fne\u017fs and debauchery of the Romi\u017fh clergy, their bloody principles, and per\u017fecuting \u017fpirit; \u017fo that Alan\u017fon was forced to confe\u017fs, that what was alledged again\u017ft their practices was true; but as to their principles (abating that of per\u017fecution) he believed they might be mi\u017ftaken: Upon which Deidamia replied, 'I am glad, my dear Lord, to \u017find you are again\u017ft per\u017fecution; I hope then you will be willing I \u017fhall enjoy the liberty of my con\u017fcience, the only happine\u017fs I have had in this \u017folitary retirement, and that you will never go about to compel me to go to ma\u017fs, which I will rather chu\u017fe to die than do.' To this Alan\u017fon replied, 'That he was no \u017fuch bigot, as to think that tho\u017fe that \u017fincerely wor\u017fhipped God, according to the be\u017ft of their under\u017ftanding, as he was confident Deidamia did, might not be accepted of him: though of an opinion different from him\u017felf: And as to compel her to go to ma\u017fs, if by arguments he could not per\u017fuade her to it, he \u017folemnly promi\u017fed, he never would u\u017fe any other means.'\n\nAnd being now ready to depart, Alan\u017fon offered La Mont \u017ftore of gold for their kindne\u017fs to his lady, while \u017fhe had been with them; which he ab\u017folutely refu\u017fed, \u017faying, 'Her conver\u017fation had been \u017fo agreeable, that they were the per\u017fons who had been obliged.' So that, leave being taken, and La Mont praying, that God would go along with them, and make their way pro\u017fperous, they parted: and coming out of the wood, the \u017fervant readily found the hor\u017fes; and Deidamia getting up behind her Lord, they made the be\u017ft of their way towards Alan\u017fon's hou\u017fe; where they were received with the rejoicing of their acquaintance, and much more of her parents, to whom, in a day or two, they made a vi\u017fit; Deidamia being received by them as one ri\u017fen from the dead. And the \u017ftory of their daughter's troubles being all related to them, they could not but admire the providence of God in pre\u017ferving her, and wonder at the mon\u017ftrous wickedne\u017fs of Fronovius and Antonio, who, upon their hearing of the confe\u017f\u017fion of the dying criminal, had withdrawn them\u017felves their former re\u017fidences. And Antonio (the better to e\u017fcape de\u017ferved puni\u017fhment for his lu\u017ftful attempts upon Deidamia's cha\u017ftity) went privately to the bi\u017fhop of Rheims, and told him that Count Alin\u017fon's lady was depraved with here\u017fy; in which \u017fhe was \u017fo much countenanced by her Lord, that him\u017felf for endeavouring to reclaim her, was turned out of the family, and cut off from all intere\u017ft in it, and therefore came humbly to beg his protection, again\u017ft \u017fo powerful an adver\u017fary; \u017fince what he had done, was only out of zeal to promote the catholic religion. The bi\u017fhop received him into his protection, and writ a \u017fharp letter to the Count about it; who having received it, believed it was done by the in\u017ftigation of Antonio whom he heard he had entertained; and being troubled that \u017fo great a villain \u017fhould find any countenance from the bi\u017fhop, he wrote back again to know the names of tho\u017fe that had \u017fo injuriou\u017fly informed him again\u017ft his lady; but the bi\u017fhop would not gratify him \u017fo far in his de\u017fires This made the Count return him a \u017fecond letter, written in a more angry \u017ftyle, declaring, 'That, if he could not have ju\u017ftice from him, the king him\u017felf \u017fhould be acquainted with it, and by him he would \u017feek redre\u017fs.' This \u017fo nettled the bi\u017fhop, that he \u017fent examiners to his lady to interrogate her about her religion; of which the Count having \u017fome intimation, \u017fent her to her parents, who being extremely troubled at the\u017fe fre\u017fh misfortunes, and mightily \u017fcandalized at the villainy of Antonio, and the bi\u017fhop's protecting him from ju\u017ftice, grew thereupon very cold in the profe\u017f\u017fion of the Popi\u017fh religion; which \u017fo furiou\u017fly per\u017fecuted innocence and virtue, and countenanced the greate\u017ft wickedne\u017fs: This the pious Deidamia wi\u017fely improved, and \u017fo effectually wrought with them, by her warm and zealcus di\u017fcour\u017fes, that through the operation of God's holy Spirit a\u017f\u017fi\u017fting her, they were both brought over to the embracing of the truth.\n\nThe bi\u017fhop's examiners being di\u017fappointed, returned back without their errand; upon which the bi\u017fhop threatened to excommunicate both Alan\u017fon and his family, and was \u017foon after as good as his word. Upon this Alan\u017fon po\u017fts away to the king, who was then at Marley, where he complained of the injury done him by the bi\u017fhop of Rheims, both in excommunicating him, and protecting a villainous criminal from ju\u017ftice. But it \u017feems the bi\u017fhop had been before-hand with him, and made his complaint fir\u017ft. For the king received him very coldly: and told him, the bi\u017fhop of Rheims was a good man, and he left his bu\u017fine\u017fs wholly to him. On which Alan\u017fon returned home much di\u017fcontented, and found that in his ab\u017fence fre\u017fh \u017fearch had been made in his hou\u017fe for his lady, though without \u017fucce\u017fs. Then he went to the bi\u017fhop him\u017felf, and boldly charged him, with entertain ing a wicked per\u017fon to the prejudice of his honour; telling him who he was, and declared his crimes, de\u017firing he might be brought forth, and his lady \u017fhould appear. But the bi\u017fhop refu\u017fing this, and telling him, his lady was accu\u017fed of here\u017fy, and be of countenancing it. The Count in a kind of holy anger, told him, 'That religion could not be of God, which encouraged villainy, and \u017fought the de\u017ftruction of them that were virtuous.' At this the bi\u017fhop \u017ftormed, and told him, 'That he \u017fhould be an\u017fwered in another manner.' And \u017foon after, he had \u017fecret notice from court, 'That upon a fre\u017fh complaint of the bi\u017fhop's, both he and his lady were pro\u017fcribed as Hugonots; and that, notwith\u017ftanding his friends' interce\u017f\u017fion and his own former merits, his places were taken away, and his e\u017ftate ordered to be \u017feized, as a terror to others.' Alan\u017fon, finding him\u017felf unable to with\u017ftand this \u017ftorm, packed up the riche\u017ft of his effects, and privately \u017fent them to his wife's father, where \u017fhe was all this while concealed, and then followed after him\u017felf: Where, having declared the great inju\u017ftice he had met withal, contrary\nto all religion, honour, hone\u017fty and con\u017fcience, he then told his relations, he was re\u017folved, by God's help, to embrace that religion, for which he had been a \u017fufferer, before he was a profe\u017f\u017for; 'For that religion could not be of God, that did \u017fo evidently \u017fet up the kingdom of the devil.' At which they all rejoiced, and Deidamia more e\u017fpecially; who pa\u017f\u017fionately embracing him, \u017faid, 'Her father and mother were of the \u017fame mind with him:' At which, Alan\u017fon was the more encouraged. But, lest their adver\u017faries \u017fhould come thither to \u017fearch for them, they withdrew into a \u017fmall village, and lived\nob\u017fcurely, while La Mont could hear of a convenient ve\u017f\u017fel to tran\u017fport them into a country, where they might enjoy more liberty.\n\nYou have before heard how Bernard the Gardener, was \u017fold to the ma\u017fter of a \u017fhip, belonging to one of the French plantations in the We\u017ft Indies; before we conclude, we will briefly \u017fhew how God's providence watched over him for good al\u017fo. In his voyage at \u017fea, they met with \u017fo extraordinary a \u017ftorm, that all expected pre\u017fent death; but Bernard was very calm, putting up his \u017fervant prayer to Almighty God, was followed by a very great \u017ferenity and calmne\u017fs. This made the ma\u017fter have a re\u017fpect for him, and oftentimes di\u017fcour\u017fe with him; his behaviour being always \u017fober, and his di\u017fcour\u017fe \u017favoury. The ma\u017fter having made his voyage, \u017fold Bernard for a \u017flave, and having \u017ftaid there about two months, returned again to France; but the di\u017fcourfes and behaviour of Bernard, had made \u017fo deep an impre\u017f\u017fion in his mind, that he was greatly troubled for having \u017fold him; in\u017fomuch that he could not re\u017ft, until he had taken a \u017folemn re\u017folution, the next voyage he made, to bring him back; and accordingly, the next year making another voyage thither, he made it his bu\u017fine\u017fs to enquire after him; and, having found him, a\u017fked if he was willing to have his liberty, and return to his own country: Bernard replied, he never was in love with \u017flavery; but was contented under it, whil\u017ft God's providence ordered it \u017fo; but, if he might have his liberty, he would chu\u017fe it rather. Whereupon the ma\u017fter paid his ran\u017fom and brought him back to France; nor was he a lo\u017fer by it; for, as a recompence for his kindne\u017fs, it plea\u017fed God to make Bernard an in\u017ftrument, to open his eyes, and bring him to the acknowledgement of the truth. Bernard being got again into his own country, made it his whole bu\u017fine\u017fs to enquire after the welfare of Alan\u017fon's family, and, being told of the \u017fufferings that had lately befallen them, he was extremely grieved; though at the \u017fame time, he could not but rejoice, that they \u017fuffered in \u017fo good a cau\u017fe. And, \u017fpeaking of them to \u017fome of his old Chri\u017ftian friends, he was told by one of them, that both the Count and his lady lived ob\u017fcurely and in di\u017fgui\u017fe in the neighbouring village, and that, if he had a mind to \u017fee them, he would give him a note to the gentleman of the hou\u017fe, upon which he \u017fhould have admittance to them; or otherwi\u017fe, they would not be \u017fpoken with by any one. Bernard gladly accepted of his friend's kindne\u017fs, and \u017ftraightway went to the hou\u017fe, and delivered the gentleman the note; the purport of which was this, 'That he had known the bearer many years, for a faithful fried and brother, and that he had been formerly a \u017fervant of the Count Alan\u017fon's, and had a great de\u017fire to \u017fee his lady, which he might \u017fafely let him do.'\n\nUpon reading this note, the gentleman de\u017fired him to come in, and \u017fent up one of his \u017fervants to acquaint Deidamia, there was one below de\u017fired to \u017fpeak with her; upon which Bernard was pre\u017fently called up.\n\nDeidamia was mightily \u017furpri\u017fed to \u017fee Bernard, whom \u017fhe thought \u017fhe would never have \u017feen more, and very much rejoiced at it; introducing him to her Lord, and afterwards to her parents, who all made very much of him, and were glad to \u017fee him. And, having communicated the various providences of God to one another, \u017fince they had been parted, they all ble\u017f\u017fed the Lord for his goodne\u017fs and for his wonderful works to the children of men; and afterwards con\u017fulted how to procure a ve\u017f\u017fel to convey them out of danger.\n\nBernard gave them an account, that the ma\u017fter of the ve\u017f\u017fel which brought him back to France, was al\u017fo converted, and that now his ve\u017f\u017fel lay ready to \u017fail for Denmark; and he was \u017fure he would be glad to \u017ferve them. To this they all agreed; and thereupon Bernard went immediately to the ma\u017fter of the \u017fhip, who readily con\u017fented to carry them, and ordered their goods to be brought pre\u017fently, and them\u017felves to come aboard at midnight; at which time, Bernard conducted them to the \u017fhip, and then went aboard with them, in quality of their \u017fervant; and \u017foon after, the wind \u017ferving, they \u017fet \u017fail for Denmark; where, being arrived, and tarrying a few days, they hired a Dutch ve\u017f\u017fel to carry them to Rotterdam; and from thence they went by boat to Utrecht; which being a piea\u017fant place, end a very good air, they re\u017folved to \u017fettle there.\n\nThus, courteous reader, thou ha\u017ft heard a brief, but true relation of the mercy and goodne\u017fs of God to that noble family, which is the \u017fubject of this narrative and he that reads it \u017feriou\u017fly thro'-out, will find cau\u017fe to make the \u017fame ob\u017fervations that David did of old; 'Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace;' which the apo\u017ftle St. James farther examplifies in his epi\u017ftle; 'You have heard of the patience of Job, and have \u017feen the end of the Lord, how he is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.' Here you have \u017feen the great di\u017ftre\u017fs of Deidamia; and here you have \u017feen the goodne\u017fs of God in her deliverance. Here you have \u017feen the Count Alan\u017fon, rifled of all his e\u017ftates and po\u017f\u017fe\u017f\u017fions; and here you have \u017feen how God has graciou\u017fly made it up: in giving him that faith which is far more precious than the gold which peri\u017fheth. But, I cannot conclude, without giving yon an account of the judgement of God upon Fronovius and Antonio, that others may fear and give glory to God.\n\nFronovius, after the \u017feizure of Alan\u017fon's e\u017ftate, and his departure into Holland, returned into tho\u017fe parts; but, finding him\u017felf hated by all men for his villainy, he retired into Normandy; where, \u017foliciting, his landlord's daughter to yield to his lu\u017ft, and \u017fhe refu\u017fing it, he took an opportunity to ravi\u017fh her; for which he was hanged without the gates of Roan.\n\nAnd, as for Antonio, tho' he e\u017fcaped the ju\u017ftice of man, he could not e\u017fcape the judgement of God; for, falling di\u017ftracted a little time after, he confe\u017f\u017fed it was God's judgement upon him, for the mi\u017fchief he had wrought again\u017ft his lord Alan\u017fon, and his virtuous lady; \u017faying, 'They had taken a way to be \u017faved, but he was \u017fure to be damned;' and \u017fo da\u017fhing out his own brains again\u017ft a wall, he died mi\u017ferably. Both of them verifying the words of the in\u017fpired penman; 'Is not de\u017ftruction to the wicked, and a \u017ftrange puni\u017fhment to the workers of iniquity?'\n\n\u00a0\n\nTHE END.\n\n\u00a0\n\nThis work was published before January 1, 1931, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.\n\nPublic domainPublic domainfalsefalse","title":"The French Convert/The French Convert","tradition":"scripture-revelation","translated_text":null,"word_count":21840}