[ 1557] Ranters, Roaring boys, &c. their conversion not confusion to be endeavoured.
THeodoret maketh mention of the antient Donatists,* 1.1 that they were so am∣bitious of Martyrdome, (as they accounted it) that many of them meeting with a young Gentleman, requested of him, that he would be pleased to kill them; He, to confute their folly, condiscended to their desire, on condition, that first they would be contented to be all fast bound, which being done according∣ly, he ••ook such order, that they were all soundly whipt, but saved their lives: Thus when we hear (such as they call) Ranters, Roaring, Dammy-boye••, &c. wish, that God would damn, sink, or confound them, hope that God will be more mer∣cifull, * 1.2 then to take them at their words, and grant their desires, and withall hear∣tily desire; that he would be pleased sharply to scourge them, and soundly to lash them with the frights and terrors of a wounded Conscience, the pain whereof would be so grievous unto them, that they would, without all doubt, revoke their wishes, as having little list, and lesse delight to ••aste of Hell ••ereafter.