p of the
devil, into whose devilish fellowship they have brought me; the which
use, the art, and practice, urged by the detestable provocation of my
flesh and my stiff-necked and rebellious will, with my filthy infernal
thoughts, the which were ever before me, pricking me forward so
earnestly that I must perforce have the consent of the devil to aid me
in my devices. And to the end I might the better bring my purpose to
pass, to have the devil's aid and furtherance, which I never have wanted
in my actions, I have promised unto him at the end, and accomplishment
of twenty-four years, both body and soul, to do therewith at his
pleasure.

"This dismal day, these twenty-four years are fully expired; for night
beginning, my hour-glass is at an end, the direful finishing whereof I
carefully expect; for out of all doubt, this night he will fetch me to
whom I have given myself in recompense of his service, body and soul,
and twice confirmed writings with my proper blood.

"Now have I called you, my well-beloved lords, friends and brethren,
before that fatal hour, to take my friendly farewell, to the end that my
departure may not hereafter be hidden from you, beseeching you herewith
(courteous loving lords and brethren) not to take in evil part anything
done by me, but with friendly commendations to salute all my friends and
companions wheresoever, desiring both you and them, if ever I have
trespassed against your minds in anything, that you would heartily
forgive me; and as for those lewd practices, the which these full
twenty-four years I have followed, you shall hereafter find them in
writing: and I beseech you let this my lamentable end, to the residue
of your lives, be a sufficient warning, that you have God always
before your eyes, praying unto him, that he will defend you from the
temptation of the devil, and all his false deceits, not falling
altogether from God, as I wretched and ungodly damned creature have
done; having denied and defied baptism, the sacrament of Christ's body,
God himself, and heavenly powers, and earthly men: yea, I have denied
such a God, that desireth not to have one lost. Neither let the evil
fellowship of wicked companions mislead you, as it hath done me: visit
earnestly and often the church; war and strive continually against the
devil, with a good and steadfast belief in God and Jesus Christ, and use
your vocation and holiness.

"Lastly, to knit my troubled oration, this is my friendly reque