Motive I.

THe first relates to a Case of Conscience; Page  28 which to oppose even in matters of Indifferency, would raise such a tempest in the inward Region of the Soul, as would not be quickly cal∣med. I understood, how I could enjoy no peace in it by checking it: and that in the carefull composure of it, rested my quiet: having not onely sufficiently learn'd, but experimentally felt, how there was in it either a conti∣nuall Feast to cheer me; or a cloud of Witnesses to condemn me. I conceived then how the Cure of a troubled Spirit was a receipt of high and precious consequence. It was my assiduate care therefore to remove all such subtile witnesses from within me, Page  29 that might at the High-Court of Tryals condemn me: as for other Testates, they were the least of my fears: I knew how Conscience would prove my individuall Consort; I held it therefore dangerous to displease it, lest I should perish by it. This might seem to be of light weight in a temporizing skale: but it poized more hea∣vily in mine.

My high obligations con∣firmed by Oath, and bound in, I must confess, with an inviolable tie of religious love, had so inseparably uni∣ted my thoughts to the de∣votion of allegiance; as the serious and constant obser∣vance of it begun to have Page  30 that influence over me, as in the end it resolv'd to a Case of Conscience.

Sundry Disputes with si∣newy Arguments to decline my opinion were frequently entertain'd by me, during my several places of imprison∣ment: but I apprehended all these two weak motives to alter my resolution, or lessen my affection to such an in∣comparable object of Sove∣raignty. Upon these pre∣misses I conceive that if I should appeal even to those who are aptest to traduce me, or inveigh against that con∣stancy (mis-construed con∣tumacy) which appeared in me, they could not in skrewing their censures to Page  31 the highest pin, interpret it otherwise then an errour of Love, but no love of Errour: being so integriously groun∣ded; as it admitted no alloy or mixture with By respects or self-interests; which is become such an Epidemicall Disease, as it has got gene∣rally an influence over the whole World.

But to return to you, my dear Sonnes, to whom and for whose benefit these my last Directions are addressed; Be it your care in the free in∣joyment of a private condi∣tion: or in what quality so∣ever it shall please the Almighty One to rauke you; to mould your spi∣rits to that temper, as your Page  32 discreet carriage may free you from publick censure. Many eyes and many eares require cautious and preven∣tive thoughts. The onely way to be secure, is not to be active in affairs of State. As for those who make it their practise to be Fishers in trou∣bled waters; it were very strange for them who pra∣ctise that Trade long to gain by their purchase. Privacy, as it is the onely recluse of safety; if your hours in it be not well imployed, it may become as dangerous as a place of agency. Caves may be as proper for designes as Theaters for action. It is the mind that makes the un∣dertaker free, whether he be Page  33 residentiary in a Wildernesse or in the World. Be it your care to reserve a sickle for your own harvest. He cannot chuse but lay himself open to many dangers, who desires to have an Ore in every Boat: or too officiously to engage his person in others Concerns. Make your thoughts your own; and loy∣al desires cannot redound to your prejudice. It is want of secrecy, and too much cre∣dulity that makes many Free∣born Subjects, Bondmen by forfeiture of their liberty: and by their profuse tongues subject their heads under o∣thers girdles.

I have been conscious herein my self, which moves Page  34 me to be more intentive to this Caution; the neglect whereof has brought so ma∣ny mens estates & lives to ru∣ine. For the Liberty of a Sub∣ject, as I hold it to be a brave but rare interest; so I should account him, if it were my fortune to live with him, un∣worthy the title of so emi∣nent a priviledge, who will not stick to engage that Li∣berty to the ear of a stranger. But let me not forget my self by insisting too amply on these observances: I shall now descend unto the second Motive, which not onely in∣duced but confirmed me in my resolution to Loyalty.

Motive 2.

IT has been my fortune to hear sundry persons as wel Spiritual as Secular to en∣large themselves by way of Argument upon this Sub∣ject: and some of these, to my knowledge, men of sin∣gular abilities: and in all the progress of their Disputes touching Legall and Lineall Soveraigntie, they positive∣ly concluded for me; though the Arguments of Paraeus, Zuinglius, Buchanan, with sundry other Anti-Monar∣chiall Authors were fre∣quently & with much vehe∣mencie Page  [unnumbered] alledged, pressed, and pursued: so as, even those who were of the ad∣verse Partie, pretending themselves convinced with soliditie of Argument, and strength of Reason, seemed wholly satisfied with those rational Assertions: though, indeed, their plausible pre∣tences proved to my self and others colourable disguises, meerly to catch and circum∣vent us; being afterwards, to expedite our dispatch, produced for evidence against us. But look not upon these Agents with a vindicative eye, as you tende my com∣mands. Your Father has forgiven them, do you the like. He retaines a slight Page  37 memorie of his patience and dolorous passion, who forgave his own death: that cannot in the recollection of his own unworthiness, pass by all in∣dignities; nay, who with much composedness has not learned to smile upon the af∣fronts and injuries he shall occasionally suffer in this life. I must confess, the first On∣set or Encounter, before I became well schooled in the discipline of suffering, presen∣ted to my frailty sundrie in∣separable difficulties: But custome and continuance has sweetned those disgusts; fin∣ding them, if seasonably ap∣plied, and temperately di∣gested, the soveraignest Re∣ceipts that the constitution Page  38 of man can partake: by sub∣mitting his will to his com∣mand, whose inscrutable wis∣dom far above the pitch of all humane apprehension, declares his infinity by sweet∣ning those sufferings, which an indulgent or innate love to our selves had so much imbittered. We cannot share in a Crown, if we have no part in the Cross. And bles∣sed be his Name that has ar∣med my weakness with this resolution: preparing in me a mind no less ready to bear, then Justice was to inflict: my actions by Gods assi∣stance shall in this approching hour of my suffering express it: though I shall appear slow in the elegancy or flou∣rish Page  39 of words (for I never profest my self an Orator:) neither, indeed, should I hold such a dresse suitable to any one going to his death. But to passe from these; it be∣hoves me to look upon you, so long as it is permitted me to live with you; my tender zeal therefore of your future welfare enjoines me to re∣commend one particular to your care; which infinitely concerns you: that is, your choice of Company. Good Acquaintance will im∣prove both your knowledge and demean: by your con∣versing with these, you shall every day get by heart some new lesson, that may season and accommodate you. Page  40 Whereas our debauched Gal∣lantry (the greatest Impostor of youth) would by their so∣ciety quickly deprave you. Now to apply a remedy to so dangerous and infectious a Malady, be tender of your honour; beware with whom you consort: Be known to many, but familiar with few. Wherein, above all things, make use of this Directory: it will prove highly useful to you in these relations of soci∣ety. It was the observation of a Divine Moral; and well de∣serves the attention of the pregnantest & prudentest ap∣prehension. Make ever choice of such for your companions, of whom you retain this grounded opinion, that you Page  41 have either hope to improve them, or be improved by them. The one, as they argue a fairer, docile and pli∣able disposition: So the o∣ther being indued with parts, may by degrees bring their attentive consorts to an high∣er pitch of knowledge and moral Perfection. And great pity it is, that our youth, e∣ven in the eminentest Extra∣ctions, should make so light an estimate of time: as to hold no Consorts fitter for their Concerns, nor corresponding with their tempers, then such who onely study a fruit∣less expence of time: making no other account of Hours, then Harbingers of pleasure: and as airy Lures to attract their light and liquorish appe∣tites Page  42 to prohibited delights. Be tender then, as you wish success in the world, or the continuance of my Blessing, or the Honour of the House from whence you came: and your own Reputation; the preservation whereof shall make you live in me now dy∣ing: and raise you an honest Fame in mine Ashes. Fame is such a precious odour, as neither those who are in the highest rank can impair it without an impeachment to their Honour: so neither those of a lower condition can just∣ly nor conscientiously tender it, but it will send forth a fragrant breath upon the pre∣server. Houses are but weak material structures, subject to breaches and decayes; Page  43 unless repaired and supported by the general approvement and repute of their enjoyers.

I could challenge from many descents, but my thoughts have ever been e∣stranged from titular arro∣gance: holding onely Fame to be the strongest continuer of a Family: being born up with such an impregnable Arch, as it needed no groundling Butteresses to preserve it: nor any Secondaries to prevent an untimely ruine.

It has been my fortune to make experience of a pre∣tensive stay which proved so unsteady, that if I should live many years (as now my short life is measured forth to a few houres) it would make me henceforth to re∣member Page  44 that cautionary ad∣vice: Let not the Titles of consanguinity nor affinity be∣tray any man into a prejudi∣cial trust.

Whence it was that I ob∣served some Persons, no soo∣ner advanced to places of un∣expected greatness, then they put on the severe coun∣tenance of justice, pretend∣ing to imitate the example of Titus Manlius, who in a case of Justice gave sentence a∣gainst his own Son. But I found those to be onely for∣malities; or politick sem∣blances: they would not dis∣oblige themselves for their friends security. These differ∣ed far from Themistocles opi∣nion, amicable candor and re∣solution; who being request∣ed Page  45 to bear himself indiffe∣rently in his censure: and e∣ven to his own to put on the face of rigour, answered; Be it far from me not to plea∣sure my friends in all things.

As for my addresses, they were so qualified in their re∣lation to obedience, as they stooped not to any ones ap∣plication nor assistance.

Now Tom, as you are the immediate hope of my house: so be it your care to entertain no thought below your self. Your course has been hitherto approveable: enabled by generous educa∣tion abroad: and imitable examples at home: those to adorn; these to compleat.

Being thus grounded, set Page  46 your self to those tasks that may usefully improve you; and by degrees accomplish you. In private and retired hours consult with the dead; being the best means to make men wise: make devout Books your discreeet Con∣sorts: they will tell you what you are to doe without fear of censure. These will beget in you a contempt of that (the World I mean) which detracts most from the ex∣cellency of man.

Seneca wisht for Philoso∣phy, whereto he was entirely dedicated, that as the face of the universall World comes into view, so that Phi∣losophicall Idaea might be presented to us as a spectacle Page  47 most unlike unto the World. I am confident, Tom, it is the lowest of your scorn to suf∣fer your thoughts to be depressed with inferiour ob∣jects. Continue that reso∣lution; it will arme you against all Occurrents.

In the carriage of publick affairs, my advice is that you appear cautious: Many by putting themselves upon numerous imployments have lost themselves: though in neighbourly offices to be modestly active, manifests signall arguments of piety. But in all concerns appeare just. This will beget you a good report among men; and acceptance before the throne of Grace. All Justice is Page  48 comprehended in this word Innocence, all injustice repre∣hended. And if it were just to pronounce such a Sentence upon loyall Innocence, I ap∣peal to above. The practice of this Divine Office will render you blamelesse in all: by measuring your self by others; others by your self; and in doing unto others, as you would have done unto your self: And to summe up your directions in brief, that they may be more impressive in your memory: Expresse your self moderate in argu∣ments of dispute, close in your counsels, and discreet in your discourse.

As for your houres of re∣creation, let them never so Page  49 overtake you, as to make your thoughts strangers in what most concerns you. And make choice of suitable consorts in these. For though Precepts induce, Ex∣amples draw: and more danger there is in a personal Example, then any doctrinal Motive: whence it is very observable, that those whom we intimately affect, have such attractive influence over us: as whether it be in the pursuit of pleasure or profit, we suffer our selves to be drawn therto by their choice, without much examination of the probability of the issue, whereto their assayes are directed. All men are taught to eschew evil, and to Page  50 do good: and there are innate seeds in every pious disposi∣tion moving him to the ob∣servance of that direction: But the nature of things is such, that where a good man is joined with a bad, the bad is not bettered by the good, but the good corrupted by the bad. We may then truly conclude that this world is a dangerous Pest-house: and if men out of a natural de∣sire of conserving their health, and of avoiding what may indanger it, would be loth to enter into an house that is infected: much more are they to decline all occa∣sional wayes of infecting their inward house, much more precious because par∣taker Page  51 of immortality. But I am hopefull that the influ∣ence of Gods grace second∣ed with your constant and in∣tire devotion, will sufficient∣ly strengthen you against all such humane frailties, which either the pronenesse of na∣ture, or the corruption of these times may suggest. The Lord prepare you to en∣tertain all occurrents, with patience & che e fulness. To your Superiours lawfully set over you, pre sent your self in due obedience: and in all your actions acquit your self (for herein consists the hope and accomplishment of yo ur felicity) a faithfully instru∣ment of Gods glory.

Now one word to you, Page  52 Harry, who though younger by course of nature, has been ever dear and near my heart since thine infancy. Thine innocence has here for a season been a sufferer with thy Father: but let it not grieve thee to partake with him who doth so truly ten∣der thee: and whose Paren∣tal hopes have been ever highly treasured in thee. Neither can I conceit other∣wise (having had such ex∣perience of thy natural to∣wardness) but thou rejoycest in thy suffering upon such an occasion, and with so dear a friend. But I hope it will not hold consistent with the prudence nor justice of this State, that a Fathers Page  53 guilt should by way of pu∣nishment descend in a gene∣ration. I shall sacrifice my life freely, as one, subject to an assumed authority: be it their goodness to spare inno∣cence: though I should in my loyal thoughts hold such a Present a precious Pledge in relation to a just Sove∣raignty, and a subjects duty. But I hope, my blood may sufficiently expiate the gran∣deur of my crime, if it were greater, without farther re∣venge.

The fortunes left you by the assistance of our friendly Trustees (for I have been long time a stranger to mine own) may by Gods providence appear compe∣tent Page  54 for a younger brother: Sure I am, it is all I can do for you. Be it your care by honest wayes to improve them; at least to preserve them; which is good hus∣bandry in these dayes. In a word, if your estate be not sufficient for you; be sufficient for your E∣state. This was the advice of a wise Statist, observe it.

Return my blessing to your Sister my dear Bab: and tell her from a dying Father, that she needs no o∣ther example then her ver∣tuous Mother for her Dire∣ctory: in whose steps, I am confident, she will walk reli∣giously. Her modest and Page  55 blameless demean can pro∣mise nothing less.

And now my Dear ones, as my desire is that you should in this last Legacy of my Love and Parental duty remember me; so my request is that neither you nor any of my Relations suffer that memory they retain of me to be ac∣companied with immode∣rate grief. After a trou∣blesome voyage encountred with many cross winds and adverse billows, I am now arriving in a safe Harbor: and I hope without touch of dishonour. As for death, though it appear terrible to all flesh; I have long ex∣pected it, and by a consci∣entious consequence prepa∣red Page  56 me for it. And to make it more familiar to me; be∣fore I was call'd up to this City, I made my Coffin my Companion; that I might with more resolution looke Death in the face, whenso∣ever it should assault me. An Hatchet to a weak spi∣rit may present more fear: but a Fever to a Patient more pain.

My peace I hope is made with God: having in those solitary houres of my retire∣ment made this my constant Ejaculation: O, how can we chuse but begin to love him whom we have offended? or how should we but begin to grieve that we have of∣fended him whom we love? Page  57 This was the solace of my choice, which through Gods goodnesse shall admit no change: and with this will I end, drawing now towards my end.

A Receipt of conti∣nuall use and Appli∣cation.

Devotionall ADDRESSES, After his Sentence OF DEATH.

Page  60 BEing now to put off my Garment of Mortality, in assured hope to exchange it with the White Robe of im∣mortall glory.

In this my farewell to Earth, it is my fervorous de∣sire to bequeath these my last Addresses to you, the dearest Pledges I had upon Earth.

Draw near me, and heare those last words which I must ever on earth speak to you. Sure I am, that the dying words of an affectionate Fa∣ther, cannot but fasten dee∣per, and retaine a memory longer, then the speech of the movingest Orator.

Fear God above all things; it is the beginning of wisdom: and will enrich you above Page  61 your Portion. You are now in the ripening progresse of your Time: and entring the first Lists of your Youth, wherein you are here sur∣rounded with numerous tem∣porary tryals; let good compa∣ny seconded with the exer∣cise of piety season you: so shall his blessing, who hath blessed me with constancy in suffering, crown you.

Be honest in your wayes; spare in your words; plen∣teous in good workes. Pro∣portions God hath given you, portions by Gods pro∣vidence (though lessened by these occasionall overtures) I have left you; enrich these with the best portion, the ornament of Vertue.

Page  62 Specious features are not to be valued to the precious embellishment of that inward beauty, which accomplisheth a Divine Soul.

Be what you seem to be; and seem what you ought to be: I never loved that coun∣tenance, which could pro∣mise much, and perform no∣thing. Reality is the onely Cognizance of a good Consci∣ence.

Ever reslect on him that made you: and make Devo∣votion your constant Diary to conduct you.

Be tender of those you rank with; either to better them, or to be bettered by them. Dead Flyes corrupt the preciousest Ointments. Page  63 Be humble to all; Humility is the way to Glory: this it is will make you amiable to the Creature; glorious in the sight of your Creator.

Learne how to obey, that you may know better how to command.

In the consideration of hu∣mane felicity, there is nothing becomes more incurable, then what is habituate: when custome of sin takes away all sense of sin. Old sores re∣quire long cures.

Reserve Divine thoughts for sanctified roomes: In holy places is the Devil ever busiest.

No disease more dange∣rous then the Lethargy of sin. This sleep brings ever an Page  64 heavy awake: For though like a tender Nurse, she sing a sweet Lullabee to her de∣luded child, it is ever in worst case, the more it sleeps; for it dyes in sins-slumber, and perisheth untimely by the blandishment of her Mo∣ther.

Consider this, my dearest Ones. Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you: Suffer not the first motions of sin to seize on you. Pray conti∣nually, because you have an enemy assayling you inces∣santly: the Combat is short, your Crown eternall.

In the heat of the day, think of the Evening: The earnest-penny wil recompence your pains: Continue to the Page  65 end, and your reward shall be endless.

Be not too curious in en∣quiring what you are to re∣ceive after this life; but so labour that you may receive your reward of glory after this life. Many, by too cu∣rious an itching after what there were to receive, have deceived themselves, by lo∣ving their Reward more then God.

Let nothing on earth take your hearts; Let the Divine Love onely possess them, so shall you find quietness in them.

That heart cannot want, that possesseth God. He will be a light to direct it, that it stray not: A comfort to refresh Page  66 it, that it faile not. For all earthly helps, they must ei∣ther leave us, or we them. Wherein it faleth often-tims forth, that we are most af∣flicted even in those, wherein we expected most comfort.

It is one thing to live on Earth, another thing to love Earth. To be in the World, and of the World, are diffe∣rent conditions. Tabernacles are not to be accounted Ha∣bitations. While we are so∣journing, we must be jour∣neying towards Canaan: nor may we rest till we get home.

O my tender Ones (for never were children more dear to a Father) make eve∣ry Page  67 day of your life a promi∣sing passage to your native Countrey. As every day brings you nearer your grave, may every day increase in you the richness of his grace.

Let the joyes of Heaven and torments of Hell be fa∣miliar with you; by medi∣tating of the felicity of the one, and infelicity of the o∣ther; these to deter, those to allure.

Be not too much taken with Fashion; it is the Dis∣ease of this age: Comeliness is the most taking dresse to a discreet eye; whatsoever is else, borders on sin, and be∣comes reputations stain.

I am not now very old, when this Judicial Sentence Page  68 has enjoyned me to leave you, yet never did that sprea∣ding vanity of the Time much surprize me.

For my part, I did ever rather affect not to be known at all, then to be known for Singular. It is a poor ac∣complishment that takes her essence from what we wear. The Rinde makes not the Tree precious, but the Fruit.

Neither speak I this to excuse my frailties. I confess my diversions have been ma∣ny; but through my hearty Conversion and unfeigned Contrition, by the merits of my Saviour, I hope, my peace is made.

Now to continue my fi∣nal Bequest, My desire is, that Page  69 you would be circumspect in your discourse. Though no Society can subsist without Speech, yet were it very ne∣cessary to be cautious of the Society to whom we direct our Speech. I may experi∣mentally speak it, having so highly suffered by it. Few or none have ever been hurt by silence; but many, too many by too prodigal speech have engaged their freedom to the power of their Foes: varnished over with the spe∣cious pretences of Friends.

Let your whole Life be a Line of direction to your selves; and of instruction to others.

Be more ready to heare then to teach; and above all Page  [unnumbered] things, let your Famebe a li∣ving Doctrine to your family.

Be diligent in the vocation or imployment you are called unto: and be ever doing some good work: that the devil may never find you un∣employed: for our Security is his Opportunity; to prevent his sleights, give no way to sloth.

When you come into any Holy place, call him to mind, to whom it is dedicated. Hold your selves then as retired from the world: and lift up your hearts to Him, who is your Hope and Helpe, both here and in a better world.

Esteem of all men well; and of your selves the worst.

Suffer with others, when you shal hear them desamed: Page  [unnumbered] and preserve their report as well as you may. For it is not sufficient to be tender of our own, and impeach others: but to tender others as our own.

Stand alwayes in an hum∣ble and religious fear.

Be not ashamed to confess, what you were not ashamed to commit.

If at any time, through frail∣ty, you fail; with tears of un∣feigned contrition redeem your fall.

Walk with an undefiled Conscience; knowing that you are in his presence, whose eyes are so pute, as they can∣not abide miquity; and whose judgment so cleer, as it will search out hypocrisie.

Page  72 Keep your bodies undefi∣led; Temples should be pure and unpolluted.

If your desire be to ho∣nour your Maker, you must make your heart his Harbor.

Every Countrey hath one chief City; and that situate in the Heart of the Land; and becomes the Kings Seat. Your heart shall be the City of the King of Kings, so you guard the gates of your little City, that no sinful in∣truder nor usurping designer enter nor surprize them; no corrupt affection win in upon them.

Now the better to secure your State; let your eyes your City-Centinels, be so directed, that they become Page  73 not distracted: by wandring abroad, they beget disorder at home.

All neighbourly offices I commend unto you; they gain love, which is the oyl of our life. But too much fa∣miliarity I do not admit; Charity is expedient to all, Familiarity to few.

Cherish Affability, there is nothing that purchaseth more love with less cost.

Friendship is properly term'd the Fruit of virtue; without which ground it be∣comes an unripe fruit, and lo∣seth its kernel.

Prefer restraint of the Bo∣dy before that of the Mind; there can be no true free∣dom, so long as the Soul Page  74 is liable to thraldome.

I have been known to sundry Holds; yet I found my infranchized mind, when I was most estranged from enjoyment of liberty, to be the freest enjoyer of it self.

Hold nothing comparable to the estimate of a clear Conscience; a continual Feast admits no competition with a Cloud of impeaching Wit∣nesses. This hath been my Anchor hold to secure my Vessel.

The terrours of Death are but objects to the eye; with a momentany sense of a lit∣tle pain to the body: whereas if the Soul through the gusts of a restlesse Conscience, Page  75 grapple with death; and gives up her hold, her sufferings are to eternity. A short storm should not discourage us, when we are within the ken of our Harbour.

Prosperity is a fair gail; but the memory of it rather afflicts then refresheth us; when our security has thrown us upon a shelf, before we come a-shore.

If earthly enjoyments had seiz'd on me; my death might have prov'd more Natural, but through those Preparati∣ons wherewith Gods good∣ness hath furnished me, perchance not so welcom.

I am now to put off that which troubled me most; to become clothed with his Page  76 righteousness, whose All∣sufficiency has pleaded my cause.

In my Period to these; and to order your course the better in the Current and Progression of your affairs: Let not the Sun shine upon you, before you have com∣mended your selves to that Son of Righteousness, to di∣rect you in all your wayes; and inrich you with all good works.

To conclude, (for I feel my failing Faculties, through continuance of my long re∣straint, and late necessary ad∣dresses, drawing near their conclusion;) Let your youth be so seasoned with all good∣nesse, that in your riper age, Page  77 you may retain an habit of that which your youth pra∣ctised.

Well-spent Minutes are precious treasures; whose reviving memory in our re∣collection of what we ga∣thered by them, will refresh your fainting Soules in their sharpest gusts of humane frailty.

To speak of Marriage to you, I will not; onely this, let a religious fear accompa∣ny those acquiescences: wherein, I conceive a parity in descent, a competency of Fortune, but principally our harmony in a religious profession may conduce high∣ly to your future comfort: and remove those occasional Page  78 discontents, which a failing in any of these too usually procures: which completed, may your Choice thus equal∣ly tempered with discretion and affection admit no change: so shall a pious e∣mulation in your succeeding Relations second your choice.

Prefer your Fame before all Fortunes: it is that sweet Odour which will perfume you living, and embalm you dying.

I find my self now, through the apprehension of my approching Sum∣mons, which I shall en∣tertain with a cheerful ad∣mittance, breathing home∣ward: the eye of my body Page  79 is fixt on you; the eye of my soul on Heaven: Think on me as your Natural Fa∣ther; and of Earth as your Common Mother. Thi∣ther am I going, where by course of Nature, though not in the same manner, you must follow.

I am to act my last Scene on a Stage; you in a turbu∣lent State.

Value Earth as it is; that when you shall pass from Earth, you may enjoy what Earth cannot afford you; to which happiness your dying Father, hastning to his dear Spouse and your virtuous Mother, faithfully commends you.

Additional Instructi∣ons privately delive∣red before his co∣ming to Tower-Hill.

DEar Sonns, as you were tender to me, re∣member these Funeral Ad∣vertisements of your adjud∣ged Father. The serious observance whereof I shall account my Ceremonial Ob∣sequies.

Be zealous in your service of God: ever recommend∣ing in the prime hour of the Page  81 day, all your ensuing actions designed and addressed for that day, to his gracious pro∣tection.

Be constant in your Re∣solves, ever grounded on a religious fear, that they may be seconded by Gods favour.

Be serious in your studies: and with all humility crave the assistance of others, for your better proficiency.

Be affable to all, familiar with few.

Be to such constant Con∣sorts, where you have hope to be dayly proficients.

Be provident and discreet∣ly frugal in your expence: ne∣ver spending where honest Providence bids you spare: neither sparing where Repu∣tation Page  82 invites you to spend.

Continue firm in brother∣ly unity: as you are near in blood, be dear in your affe∣ction.

Honour those to whose charge you are intrusted.

And sweet Jesu, with thy grace enrich them, to thy glory, their Relations com∣fort.

His Letter to a Person of Quality, and his late fellow-Prisoner.

TO render you an account of my present condition since my remove to this Ci∣ty: and return a grateful sa∣tisfaction to your expectance in all such concerns or occur∣rences as have encountred me since my commitment to the Tower; in relation to your desires and expressions by Letter, for which, I hold my self highly obliged to your indeerment and noble resentment in my sufferings. Page  84 I shall acquaint you briefly (for no long time must be now permitted me,) in these my last lines: as the definite Sentence of death pronoun∣ced upon me, has sufficiently assur'd me.

Some short time after my commitment, Mr. Mordant, Dr. Hewit, and my self were ordered to appear before the High-Court of Justice at Westminster: where we stood indicted of High-Treason: and where Mr. Mordant by his discreet carriage, and singular preparation, seconded with the fair acquiescence of the President, after a long and an∣xious examination of his cause, became acquitted. Doctor Hewit denying the Page  85 jurisdiction of that Court: af∣ter he had alledged sundry arguments and reasons to strengthen his appeal: and evince the illegality of their proceedings (having debarred himself of the benefit which he might probably have ob∣tained, as some verily thought, by submitting to a trial) received the sentence of death. Which, I can ingenuously assure you, Sir, he received with much con∣stancy, resolution and com∣posure. Though it has been reported since the time of his impeachment, that upon maturer advice of such as by a more peculiar relation had an influence over him, he could have been contented Page  86 to submit to a trial: and that petitions were presented to that purpose, but through some titular defect or other, he might not be admitted to that favour. Howsoever, I am very confident, that this Gentleman was so conscienci∣ous in all his actions: and so confirm'd in his profest zeal, as he would entertain nothing below himself.

High and of weighty con∣sequence were the Articles that were drawn up against me: and these laid to my charge with much vehemen∣cy. Especially my conference with some persons at Hulb; which I conceived (as I then told them) to be rather a se∣cular discourse; and such so∣ciable Page  87 chat, as it might be in a∣ny equall judgmēt, held soo∣ner for a jest, then a design of State. Whereto the Attourney was pleased to make answer facetiously according to his u∣sual manner, and with much punctuality: That he never heard in all his time, that trea∣son was held a jest. And then with a supercilious smile turn∣ing himself towards me: Sir Harry, said he, you have jested your self fairly out of your Fame, Estate, and now accor∣ding to the merit of your cause very like to jest your self into a grave to your laft∣ing dishonour. I insisted not much upon defence nor vin∣dication of mine innocence; for I understood, it was effect∣less. Page  88 Those Persons who were my accusers, were for time, place, and every cir∣cumstance, such convincing evidence, (besides their per∣sonal prevalency in the eye of that Court) as my reply in what tenor soever would have prov'd fruitless: and ei∣ther not heard at all, or ex∣pounded to my disadvan∣tage: The onely Guard, then, that I stood upon, was Silence and Patience.

Though as the case stood in my particular, I could not hold those Persons my com∣petible Accusers: nor well de∣serving estimatiō in that high Court; being such, as their compliance (had not probable hopes of preferment divert∣ed Page  89 them) could have consci∣enciously closed with my Principles: but the fears of danger, and the hopes of ho∣nour; were in the first such determents; and in the later, such inducements; as they begot in them an indifferency in the one: and a resolution for the other.

I would not willingly give you a trouble, as I shall not to the world long. The Court, upon the evidence given, adjudged me to die: but by Petition and the Pro∣tectors clemency: not in that dishonourable manner, as we were sentenced. So as my resolved Soul, now in the merits of Christ, is winging her flight for Heaven. My Page  90 preparation becomes freer from distraction, by the gentile demean and civilities of our Lieutenant: and by his command, of the Souldiers modest carriage towards us, in our private devotions, and other holy Duties. Which pious Office, as it conduceth much to our peace, so it can∣not but redound highly to the Commanders honour. Compassion in places of Command, where Authori∣ty may be executed without controul, deserves, for the rarity of it, an eminent At∣tribute.

Dear Sir, He begs at your hands the assistance of your Prayers, who, as in his Life, so now at his Death, in the Page  91 reallest Offices of Love, remains