A new martyrology, or, The bloody assizes now exactly methodizing in one volume comprehending a compleat history of the lives, actions, trials, sufferings, dying speeches, letters, and prayers of all those eminent Protestants who fell in the west of England and elsewhere from the year 1678 ... : with an alphabetical table ... / written by Thomas Pitts.

THE INTRODUCTION TO THE Western Transactions, AND GENERAL OBSERVATIONS UPON THEM.

I Am sensible 'tis a very invidious thing to de∣fend any Action which has had the Publick Stream and cry long against it; with which even men of Sense, and sometimes Religion too, tho' Pride or Shame perhaps seldom lets 'em own the very truth on't, are commonly hurried away as well as others. But this is, 'tis hoped, for the general, an Age of Confession and Inge∣nuity; and since so many of the greatest men upon Earth have gone before, in acknowledging some Notions too far strain'd, and others mi∣staken, 'twill be no real disgrace, but an Ho∣nour to follow them, when so much in the right. And if once Principles and Notions are

chang'd, or limited, we shall necessarily have other thoughts of Things and Persons than we had before; and that Action we call'd Rebellion, and those Men we thought Rebels, while we had a wrong slavish Notion of Obedience; when once that's regulated, and we believe with all the World, and all Ages and Nations, That we are to obey only the lawful Commands of Superiours, and submit only to such unjust ones as will not much damage the Commonwealth; but resist and defend our selves, when all we have dear, our Religion, Li∣berty, and Lives are visibly and undeniably attack'd and invaded, either without all form of Law, or what's worse, the wrested pretence of it. Then we think truly, that such men are so far from being Rebels, that they are the worthy true Defenders of their Faith and Country: and such an Action so far from Rebellion, that 'tis highly meritorious, and praise-worthy. Most men be∣ing now satisfied in these Points, unless those whom insuperable Interest or Prejudice have poi∣son'd and rooted incorrigibly in the contrary Be∣lief. And the truth and reasonableness of them having been undeniably prov'd by many worthy Persons from the Law of Nations, the Ends of all Government, and the Constitution of our Kingdom, and the Practice of former Ages, both Popish and Protestant: All the Question now must be about Matter of Fact, Whether Things were then brought to that Extremity that 'twould pro∣bably be too late to make any Defence for Religion and Property, if 'twere not then made; and whether or no the Fundamental Contract were then actually violated?

This is plain, that the Protestant Religion, and all our Liberties were then most eminently in danger, publick Leagues being long before made between his Brittannick Majesty and the King of France for their Extirpation: That he who had been voted in Parliament the main Head of the Popish Cause, was now grown the Head of the Kingdom; or indeed the Popish Deputy here, as he is since the King of France's in our Neighbouring Island; That for being re∣conciled to Rome, he was actually a Traytor; and besides, of a Religion whose Oaths could not be depended upon, as we were then, and long before to be, and have since sufficiently felt and experienced. That on this account, he hardly could keep his Contract, as 'twas plain he actually did not, publickly and notoriously violating those Laws he swore to maintain, both before and after he had done it, by going to Mass himself, setting up Mass-houses, and en∣couraging Popery. As for many Grievances and Oppressions, he was then as really Guilty of 'em as ever after, tho' not in such large, and fre∣quent, and various Instances; some of 'em are those very same which the Parliament inserted among the Proofs and Reasons of the Abdicati∣on, particularly the issuing out Quo Warranto's for Cities and Corporations; the great Cause and Counsellor of which no doubt he was, even before he actually, I mean publickly, reigned.

In a word, the securing the Protestant Inte∣rest in all Europe, that, and their own Liberties in England, was the main Cause why many, and most engaged in this Design. If these were in

no danger, and not violated, they were Rebels: If the safety of 'em could be expected any other way but by the Sword, they were no better. Whether things were in that Condition, or no, at that time, God and the World must be Judges. If it were so, they were not Rebels: If the Case was not so bad, and the Mystery of Iniquity not so far reveal'd, as it has been since, yet preventive Physick is necessary, especially when Death is unavoidable without it. If a prudent Man is to meet Mischief rushing upon him, and not stay for't till it overwhelms him, and take the same Course against a certain Con∣sequence, as an actual Evil, why then, I think 'twill be very hard to hang People in one World, and damn 'em in another, for having as little a Foresight, and great a Faith as their Neigh∣bours.

Others there were who embark't in that Acti∣on, because they really thought, how much mistaken soever they might be, that the Duke of Monmouth was the King's Legitimate Son; which such as had a personal Love for him might more easily believe. Now, altho' many, who engaged on the former account only, did not believe this, nor know any thing of his Inten∣tion of being proclaim'd King, nor approved of it when 'twas done; and tho' had he been able to make out his Title, or let his Pretensions a∣lone, he had not wanted in all likelyhood, a sufficient Assistance from the Nobility and Gen∣try, none of whom for those Reasons coming in to him; yet on the other side, 'tis hardly doubt∣ed that these men, who thought he had a right,

were really obliged to follow the Dictates of their Conscience, though mistaken, and do what∣ever lay in their power, to the utmost Venture of their Lives, to fix him on his Father's Throne, to which they verily believed he had a proper Right and Title. And these Men too, acting on the same Reasons with the foremen∣tion'd, for deliverance of their Country, as well as defence of him whom they thought their King; The earnest Zeal, and Concern and Love which most of 'em manifested for the Protestant Reli∣gion, being besides so conspicuous in their Lives and Deaths, I know not how they can, without impudence, be branded with the infamous Name of Rebels; nor think 'twill be any Arrogance to honour 'em with the just, and dear-bought Title of Martyrs.

One thing there is very observable in most, if not all of those who laid down their Lives in this Cause, both in England and Scotland, that, besides that extraordinary Divine courage and chearfulness with which they dy'd, they had Ex∣pressions plainly boding that great Deliverance which Providence has since that miraculously ac∣complished for these Kingdoms. 'Twould be endless to give almost all the innumerable In∣stances of it: Mr. Nelthrop says, [God had in his wonderful. Providence made him and others Instru∣ments, not onely in what was already fallen out, but he believed, for hastning some other great VVork, he had yet to do in these Kingdoms.] Mrs. Gaunt says, [God's cause shall revive, and he'd plead it at another rate than yet he had done, against all its malicious Opposers.] And speaks yet more strange∣ly

of those then uppermost, and likely to be so, [That tho' they were seemingly fixt, and using their Power and Violence against those they had now got under 'em, yet unless they could secure Jesus Christ, and all his Holy Angels, they should never do their Business, but Vengeance would be upon 'em 'ere they were aware.] Capt. Ansley, whose Speech is as pretty a neat thing, as close, and Christi∣an, and couragious, as perhaps any that ever was made by Man in his Condition, after he had said [He did not repent what he had done, but if he had a thousand Lives, would have engag'd 'em all in the same Cause;] adds just after, [Though it has pleased the wise God, for Reasons best known to himself, now to blast our Designs, yet he will deli∣ver his People by ways we know not, nor think of.] Rumbold said just the same. Mr. Hewling says, [I question not, but in his own time, God will raise up other Instruments to carry on the same Cause they dy'd for, for his own Glory.] Mr. Lark, [That he was confident God would Revenge their Bloods.] Now it will be very harsh to say, all these, and several more, to the same purpose, were nothing but Enthusiasm, since spoken by Persons of all Sexes and Ages in twenty different places, in the most calm and serene Tempers, and the Per∣sons not wild or fanciful; and their Words mi∣raculously made good by the Event, which shews God honour'd 'em with being Prophets as well as Martyrs.

To proceed to the Persons who suffer'd in this Cause here, and in the West, and other places, chiefly under Jeffrey's Insulting Cruelty. His dealing with 'em is not to be parallel'd by any

thing but the new French Dragoons, or the old Cut∣throats and Lords Chief-Justices of the poor Al∣bigenses or Waldenses at Merindol and Cutrices. Had the Great Turk sent his Janisaries, or the Tartar his Armies among 'em, they'd scaped better. Humanity could not offend so far to deserve such punishment as he inflicted. A certain Barbarous Joy and Pleasure grinn'd from his Brutal Soul through his Bloody Eyes, when∣ever he was Sentencing any of the Poor Souls to Death and Torment, so much worse than Ne∣ro, as when that Monster wisht he had never learnt to Write▪ because forc'd to set his Name to Warrants for Execution of Malefactors. Jeffreys would have been glad if every Letter he writ had been such a Warrant, and every Word a Sentence of Death. He observ'd neither Hu∣manity to the Dead, nor Civility to the Living. He made all the West an Aceldama; some places quite depopulated, and nothing to be seen in 'em but forsaken VValls, unlucky Gibbets, and Ghostly Carcases. The Trees were loaden, al∣most as thick with Quarters as Leaves. The Houses and Steeples covered as close with Heads as at other times frequently in that Country with Crows or Ravens. Nothing could be liker Hell than all those Parts, nothing so like the Devil as he. Caldrons hizzing, Carkases boyl∣ing, Pitch and Tar Sparkling and Glowing, Blood and Limbs boyling, and tearing, and mangling, and he the great Director of all; and in a word, discharging his Place who sent him, the best de∣serving to be the late King's Chief Justice there, and Chancellor after, of any Man that breath'd since Cain or Judas.

Some of the more Principal Persons who fell under his Barbarous Sentences, 'tis thought worth the while to treat distinctly and partic••∣larly of, throwing the re••t together after 'em, and onely Reprinting the former Account, if any are lest out, it being necessary to hasten, to pre∣vent Shams. If the Book be accepted, and come to another Edition, they shall be Inserted; and if any Faults or Mistakes found, acknowledged and regulated. And the first whom we shall make especial Remarks on, are

The Hewlings.

IF any one would see true Pure Popish Mercy, let 'em look on these two Gentlemen, the onely Sons of their virtuous and sorrowful surviving Parents; the Comforts, Props, and Hopes of their Name and Family, carefully educated, vir∣tuously disposed both of them; after all repeated applications, if but for one of their Lives, barba∣rously Executed. A particular Care was taken by their Father in their Education, forming their Minds by his own Example, and constant Instru∣ctions and Prayers, as well as other pains of Inge∣nuous Masters, to the strictest Rules of Piety and Vertue. Nor was their pious and very tender Mother less careful in that particular.

The Elder, Mr. Benjamin Hewling had Tutors in the Mathematicks, and other parts of Philoso∣phy; a course of which he went through success∣fully

enough, and so as to render him as com∣pleat in his Mind, as Nature had form'd his ••o∣dy: After which he went to Holland, as his Bro∣ther Mr. William Hewling, from whence this last returned with the Duke: Both of 'em had Com∣mands in the Army; the Elder had a Troop of Horse, the younger was a Lieutenant of Foot, and discharged their Places with much more Con∣duct and Bravery, than could be expected from such young Soldiers, being entirely satisfied in the Cause they fought for, since 'twas ••o less than the Interest of all that was dear to 'em in this World or t'other. The Eldest had particularly signaliz'd himself in several Skirmishes, and was sent with a Detachment of his own Troop, and two more, to Myn-head in Somersetshire to bring Cannon to the Army, at the very instant the Duke engaged the Kings Forces at fatal Sedgmore; and came not up till after the Field was entirely lost; to whose absence, with so considerable a Party of the Dukes Horse, and the most resolved Men of all he had, the loss of the day was principally ow∣ing. Finding all things in Disorder, and the Rout beyond recovering, he was forc'd to disperse his Troops, every one shifting as they could for themselves. He and his Brother kept together, where, what befel 'em after, their Friends have given an exact Account, which is here following inserted.

An Account of the Behaviour of Mr. Willi∣am and Benjamin He••lings before, and at their Execution; with several Letters to divers of their Relations.

THe Gracious dealings of God, manifested to some in Dying Hours, have been of great advantage to those living that heard the same, giving them an occasion thereby to reflect on their own State, and to look after the things of their Peace, before they be hid from their Eyes; as also a great encouragement to strengthen the Faith of those that have experienced the Grace of God to them.

To that end it is thought necessary, by Parents espe∣cially, to preserve to their Children that remain, those blessed Experiences that such have had, which God hath taken to himself.

Here therefore is presented a true account of the admirable appearances of God towards two young Men; Mr. Benjamin Hewling, who dyed when he was about 22 Years of Age, and Mr. William Hew∣ling, who dyed before he arrived to 20 Years: They Engaged with the Duke of Monmouth, as their own VVords were, for the English Liberties, and the Prote∣stant Religion, and for which Mr. VVilliam Hew∣ling was Executed at Lyme the 12th of Septem∣ber, 1685. and Mr. Ben. Hewling at Taunton the 30th of the same Month; and however severe Men were to them, yet the blessed Dispensation of God towards th••m was such, as hath made good his Word, that out of the Mouths of Babes he hath ordained

Strength, that he may still the Enemy and the Aven∣ger. Then, Reader, would you see Earthly Angels, Men that are a little too low for Heaven, and much too high for Earth) would you see poor frail Crea∣tures trampling this World under their Feet, and with an holy, serene Smiling at the Threats of Ty∣rants, who are the Terrors of the Mighty in the Land of the Living? Would you see shackled Prisoners be∣have themselves like Judges, and Judges stand like Prisoners before them? Would you see some of the rare Exploits of Faith in its highest Elevation, immedi∣ately before it be swallowed up in the Beatifical Vision? To conclude, would you see the Heavenly Jerusalem pourtrayed on Earth? Would you hear the melodious Voices of ascending Saints in a ravishing Conso••t ready to joyn with the Heavenly Chorus in thei•• de••igh••ful Hallelujahs? Then draw near, come and see! If thou be a Man of an Heavenly Spirit, here is pleasant and suitable entertainment for thee; and after thou hast conversed a while these Excellent Spirits, it may be thou wilt Judge as I do, That dead Saints are sweeter Companions (in some respects) for thee to converse with, than those that are living: And when thou shalt see the magnifice•••• Acts of their faith, their invincible Patience, their flaming Love to Christ, their strange contempt and undervaluings of the World their plainness and sim∣plicity in the profession of the Gospel, their f••rvent and brotherly love to each other, their ravishing Pr••∣spects, (as it were on the top of Mount Pisgah) ••f the Heavenly Canaan, their Swan-like Songs and Dy∣ing Speeches. And Reader, You know the first Lisp∣ing of little Children, and last Farewels of Dying Saints are always most sweet and charming: Those

Fore-tasts of the Rivers of Pleasure, the trans∣porting Glimpses they had of the Crown of Glory; I say, when you see and read these Exemplary Truths, wonder not that the Pious Hewlings long'd so vehe∣mently to be in a better World, though they were to pass through a thousand Deaths, or the Fiery Tryal to it. [But to come to our intended matter.]

After the Dispersing of the Dukes Army, they fled and put to Sea, but were driven back again, and with the hazard of their Lives got on shore, (over dangerous Rocks) where they saw the Country fill'd with Soldiers; and they being unwilling to fall into the hands of the Rabble, and no way of defence or escape remaining to them, they surrendred themselves Prisoners to a Gentleman, whose House was near the place they landed at, and were from thence sent to Exeter Goal, the 12th of July, where remaining some time, their behaviour was such, that (be∣ing visited by many caus'd great respect towards 'em, even of those that were enemies to the Cause they engaged in; and being on the 27th of July put on board the Swan Frigate, in order to their bringing up to London; their Carriage was such, as obtained great kindness frome the Command∣er, and all other Officers in the Ship, and being brought into the River, Captain Richardson came and took them into his Custody, and carryed them to Newgate, putting great Irons upon them, and put them apart from each other, without giv∣ing Liberty for the nearest Relation to see them, notwithstanding all endeavours and entreaties used to obtain it, tho in the presence of a Keeper;

which though it did greatly increase the Grief of Relations, God, who wisely orders all things for good to those he intends Grace and Mercy to, made this very Restraint, and hard usage a blessed advantage to their Souls, as may appear by their own Words, when after great importunity and charge, some of their near Relations had leave to speak a few words to them before the Keeper, to which they replied, They were c••ntented with the Will of God whatever it should be. Having been in Newgate three Weeks, there was Order given to carry them down into the West, in order to their Tryal; which being told them they an∣swer'd, They were glad of it; and that Morning they went out of Newgate, several that beheld them, seeing them so chearful, said, Surely they had re∣ceived their Pardon, else they could never carry it with that Courage and Chearfulness. Altho this must be observed, that from first to last, whatever hopes they received from Friends, they still thought the contrary, never being much affected with the hopes of it, nor cast down, nor the least discouraged at the worst that man could do. In their Journey to Dorchester, the Keepers that went with them have given this account of them, That their Carriage was so grave, serious and christian, that made them admire to see, and hear what they did from such Young Men.

A near Relation that went into the West to see the issue of things, and to perform whatever should be necessary for them, gives the following account:

At Salisbury, the 30th of August, I had the first

opportunity of Converse with them: I found them in a very excellent Composure of Mind, de∣claring their experience of the Grace and Good∣ness of God to them in all their Sufferings, in supporting. and strengthning, and providing for them, turning the Hearts of all in whose hands they had been both at Exon, and on Ship-board, to shew pity and favour to them; although since they came to Newgate they were hardly used, and now in their Journey loaded with heavy Irons, and more inhumanely dealt with. They with great chearfulness profess'd, That they were better, in a more happy Condition than ever in their Lives, from the sense they had of the pardoning Love of God in Jesus Christ to their Souls, wholly referring them∣selves to their wise and gracious God to chuse for them Life or Death; Expressing themselves thus: Any thing what pleases God what he sees best so be it: We know he is ab••e to deli••er, but if not, blessed be his Name, Death is not terrible now, but desire∣able. Mr. Benjamin Hewling particularly added, As for th•• World, there is nothing in it to make it worth while to live, except we may be serviceable to God therein. And afterwards said, Oh! God is a a strong Refuge, I have found him so indeed.

The next Opportunity I had was at Dorchester, where they both were carried, there remaining together four days: By reason of their strait Confinement our Converse was much interrupted; but this appear'd, that they had still the same Presence and Support from God, no way discou∣rag'd at the approach of their Tryal, nor of the event of it, whatever it should be.

The 6th of September Mr. Benjamin Hewling was

order'd to Taunton to be tryed there: Taking my leave of him, he said, Oh! Blessed be God for Af∣flictions; I have found such happy Effects, that I would not have been with out them for all this World.

I remained still at Dorchester to wait the Issue of Mr. William Hewling, to whom after Tryal, I had free Access, whose Discourse was much fill'd with Admirings of the Grace of God in Christ, that had been manifested towards him, in calling him out of his natural State, He said, God by his Holy Spirit did suddenly seize upon his Heart, when he thought not of it in his retired Abode in Holland, as it were secretly whispering in his Heart, Seek ye my Face, enabling him to answer his gracious Call, and to reflect upon his own Soul, shewing him the Evil of Sin, and necessity of Christ, from that time carrying him on, to a sensible adherence to Christ for Justification and Eternal Life. He said, Hence he found a Spring of Joy and Sweetness, beyond the Comforts of the whole Earth. He further said, He could not but admire the wonderful goodness of God, in so preparing him, for what he was bringing him to, which then he thought not of giving him hope of Eter∣nal Life before he called him to look Death in the face, so that he did chearfully resign his Life to God before he came, having sought his Guidance in it; and that both then, and now the Cause did appear to him very glorious, notwithstanding all he had suffer'd in it, or what he further might. Although for our Sins God hath with-held these good things from us. But he said, God had carry'd on his blessed Work on his Soul, in and by all his Sufferings; and whatever the Will of God were, Life or Death, he knew it would be best for him.

After he had received his Sentence, when he re∣turned to Prison, he said, Methinks I find my Spi∣ritual Comforts increasing, ever since my Sentence. There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, it's God that justifies, who shall condemn?

When I came to him the next morning (when he had received News that he must die the next day, and in order to it was to be carried to Lyme that day) I found him in a more excellent rais'd spiritual Frame than before: He said, He was satisfi'd God had chosen best for him; he knows what the Temptations of Life might have been; I might have lived and forgotten God, but now I am going where I shall sin no more. Oh! it's a blessed thing to be free from sin, and to be with Christ. Oh! the Riches of the Love of God in Christ to Sinners▪ Oh! how great were the Sufferings of Christ for me beyond all I can undergo? How great is that Glory to which I am going? It will soon swallow up all our Sor∣row here.

When he was at Dinner, just before his going to Lyme, he dropt many abrupt Expressions of his inward Joy, such as these: Oh! the Grace of God, the Love of Christ; Oh, that blessed Supper of the Lamb, to be for ever with the Lord! He further said, when I went to Holland, you knew not what Snares, Sins and Miseries I might fall into, or whether ever we should meet again: But now you know whither I am going, and that we shall certainly have a most joyful meeting.

He said, Pray give my particular Recommendati∣ons to all my Friends, with acknowledgements for all their kindness. I advise them all to make sure of an

Interest in Christ, for he is the only Comfort when we come to die.

One of the Prisoners seemed to be troubled at the manner of the Death they were to die; to whom he replied, I bless God I am reconciled to it all.

Just as he was going to Lyme, he writ these few Lines to a Friend, being hardly suffer'd to stay so long.

I am going to Launch into Eternity, I hope and trust into the Arm of my Blessed Redeemer, to whom I commit you and all my dear Relations; my Duty to my dear Mother, and Love to all my Sisters, and the rest of my Friends.

William Hewling.

As they passed through the Town of Dorchester to Lyme, multitudes of People beheld them, with great Lamentations, admiring at his Deportment at his parting with his Sister.

As they pass'd upon the Road between Lyme and Dorchester, his Discourse was exceeding Spi∣ritual, (as those declar'd who were present) taking occasion from every thing to speak of the Glory they were going to. Looking out on the Coun∣try as he pass'd, he said, This is a glorious Creation, but what then is the Paradice of God to which we are going? 'tis but a few Hours, and we shall be there, and for ever with the Lord.

At Lyme, just before they went to die, reading John 14.18. He said to one of his fellow-Suffe∣rers, Here is a sweet Promise for us. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you. Christ will be

with us to the last. One taking leave of him, he said, Farewel till we meet in Heaven; Pres••nt∣ly I shall be with Christ: Oh! I would not change conditions with any in this World; I would not stay behind for ten thousand Worlds.

To another that ask'd him how he did now? he said, Very Well, he bless'd God. And farther asking him, if he could look Death in the face with Comfort now i•• approach'd so near? he said, Yes, I bless God I can with great Comfort; God hath made this a good Night to me, my Comforts are much encreas'd since I left Dorchester: Then taking leave of him, said, Farewel, I shall see you no more. To which he replied, How! see me no more? yes, I hope to meet you in Glory. To ano∣ther that was by him to the last, he said, Pray remember my dear Love to my Brother and Sister, and tell them, I desire they would comfort themselves that I am gone to Christ, and we shall quickly meet in the Glorious Mount Sion above.

Afterwards he prayed for about three quarters of an hour with the greatest fervency, exceedingly blessing God for Jesus Christ, adoring the riches of his Grace in him, in all the glorious fruits of it towards him, praying for the Peace of the Church of God, and of these Nations in par∣ticular, all with such eminent assistance of the Spirit of God, as convinced, astonish'd, and melt∣ed into Pity the Hearts of all present, even the most malicious Adversaries, forcing Tears and Expressions from them; some saying, They knew not what would become of them after Death; but it was evident he was going to great happi∣ness.

When he was just going out of the World, with a joyful Countenance, he said, Oh! now my Joy and ••omfort is, that I have a Christ to go to, and so sweetly resign'd his Spirit to Christ, the 12th of September, 1685.

An Officer who had shewed so malicious a Spi∣rit as to call the Prisoners Devils, when he was guarding them down, was now so convinced, that he after told a Person of Quality, That he was never so affected, as by his chearful Carriage and fervent Prayer, such as he believ'd was never heard, especially from one so young; and said, I believe had the Lord Chief Justice been there, he could not have let him die.

The Sheriff having given his Body to be bu∣ry'd, although it was brought from the place of Execution without any notice given, yet very many of the Town, to the number of about 200, came to accompany him; and several young Women of the best of the Town, laid him in his Grave in Lyme Church-yard, the 13th of Septemb. 1685.

After which his Sister Writ this following Let∣ter to her Mother.

ALthough I have nothing to acquaint my Dear Mother withal, but what is most afflictive to Sense, both as to the Determination of Gods Will, and as to my present Apprehension concerning my Brother Benjamin, yet remaining; yet there is such abundant Consolation mixt in both, that I only wanted an opportunity to pay this Duty; God having wrought so glorious a Work on both their Souls, revealing Christ

in them, that Death is become their Friend. My Bro∣ther William having already with the greatest Joy, declared to those that were with him to the last, that he would not change Conditions with any that were to remain in this world, and he desired that his Relations would comfort themselves, that he is gone to Christ.

My Brother Benjamin expects not long to continue in this World, and is exceeding willing to leave it when God shall call, being fully satisfied that God will choose that which is best for him and us all; by these things God doth greatly support me; and I hope you also, my dear Mother, which was and is my Brothers great desire; there is still room for Prayer for one; and God having so answer'd though not in kind, we have encouragement still to wait on him.

Honoured Mother,

Your Dutiful Daughter. Hannah Hewling.

When I came to Taunton to Mr. Benjamin Hew∣ling, he had received the News of his Brothers being gone to die with so much comfort and joy, and afterwards of the continued goodness of God increasing it to the end. He express'd to this effect, We have no cause to fear Death, if the Presence of God be with us; there is no evil in it, the sting being taken away; it's nothing but our Ignorance of the Glory that the Saints pass into by Death, which makes it appear dark for our selves or Relations, if in Christ▪ what is this World, that we should desire an abode in it? it's all vain and unsatisfying, full of sin and misery: Intimating also his own chearful expectations

soon to follow, discovering then, and all along great seriousness, and sense of spiritual and eter∣nal things, complaining of nothing in his pre∣sent Circumstances, but want of place of retire∣ment to converse more uninterruptedly with God and his own Soul, saying, That his lonely time in Newgate was the sweetest in his whole Life. He said, God having some time before struck his Heart (when he thought of the hazard of his Life) to some serious Sense of his past Life, and the great consequences of Death and Eternity, shewing him, that they were the only happy Per∣sons that had secured their eternal States: The folly and madness of the ways of sin, and his own Thral∣dom therein, with his utter inability to deliver himself; also the necessity of Christ for Salva∣tion: He said it was not without terror and a∣mazement for some time, the fight of unpar∣don'd sin, with eternity before him. But God wonderfully opened to him the Riches of his Free-grace in Christ Jesus for poor Sinners to flee to, enabling to look alone to a Crucified Christ for Salvation: He said this blessed Work was in some measure carried on upon his Soul, under all his business and hurries in the Army; but never sprung forth so fully and sweetly till his close confinement in Newgate. There he saw Christ and all spiritual Objects more clearly, and em∣braded them more strongly; there he experien∣ced the blessedness of a reconciled State, the Ex∣cellency of the ways of Holiness, the delightful∣ness of Communion with God, which remained with very deep and apparent impressions on his Soul, which he frequently express'd with admi∣ration of the Grace of God towards him.

He said, Perhaps my Friends may think this Summer the saddest time of my Life; but I bless God it hath been the sweetest and most hap∣py of it all; nay, there is nothing else worth the name of happiness. I have in vain sought sa∣tisfaction from the things of this World, but I never found it; but now I have foundrest for my Soul in God alone.

O how great is our blindness by Nature, till God open our Eyes, that we can see no excellency in spiritual things, but spend our precious time in pursuing Shadows, and are deaf to all the in∣vitations of Grace and Glorious Offers of the Gospel! How just is God in depriving us of that we so much slighted and abused! Oh! his infi∣nite patience and goodness, that after all, he should yet sanctifie any methods to bring a poor sinner to himself: Oh! Electing Love, distin∣guishing Grace; what great cause have I to ad∣mire and adore it!

He said, What an amazing Consideration is the sufffering of Christ for sin, to bring us to God; his suffering from wicked Men was exceeding great; but alas, what was that to the Dolours of his Soul, under the infinite Wrath of God? This Mystery of Grace and Love is enough to swallow up our thoughts to all Eternity.

As to his own Death, he would often say, He saw no reason to expect any other; I know God is infi∣nitely able to deliver, and I am sure will do it, if it be for his Glory, and my Good; in which, I bless God, I am fully satisfied; it's all my desire that he would choose for me, and then I am sure it will be best, whatever it be; for truly, unless God have some work for me to do in the World for his Service and

Glory, I see nothing else to make Life desirable: In the present state of Affairs, there is nothing to cast our Eyes upon but Sin, Sorrow and Misery: And truly, were things never so much according to our desires, it's but the World still, which will never be a resting-place. Heaven is the only state of Rest and Happiness; there we shall be perfectly free from Sin and Temptation, and enjoy God without interruption for ever.

Speaking of the Disappointment of their expectations in the work they had undertaken, he said with reference to the Glory of God, the Prosperity of the Gospel, and the delivery of the People of God, We have great Cause to lament it; but for that outward Prosperity that would have accompanied it, its but of small moment in it self; as it could not satisfie, so neither could it be abiding; for at longest, Death would have put an end to it all: Also adding, nay perhaps, we might have been so foolish, as to have been taken with that part of it, with the neglect of our eternal concerns; and then I am sure our present circumstances are incomparably better.

He frequently express'd great concern for the Glory of God, and affection to his People, say∣ing, If my Death may advance Gods Glory, and hasten the Deliverance of his People, it is enough; saying, It was a great comfort to him, to think of so great a priviledge as an interest in all their Prayers.

In his Converse particularly valuing and de∣lighting in those Persons where he saw most holi∣ness shining; also great pity to the Souls of others, saying, That the remembrance of our former Vanity may well cause Compassion to others in that state. And in his Converse prompting o∣thers

to Seriousness, telling them, Death and E∣ternity are such weighty concerns, that they de∣serve the utmost intention of our Minds; for the way to receive Death chearfully, is to prepare for it seriously; and if God should please to spare our Lives, surely we have the same reason to be serious, and spend our remaining days in his Fear and Service.

He also took great care that the Worship of God, which they were in a Capacity of maintain∣ing there, might be duly perform'd; as Reading, Praying, and Singing of Psalms, in which he e∣vidently took great delight.

For those three or four days before their deaths, when there was a general Report that no more should die; he said, I don't know what God hath done beyond our expectations; if he doth prolong my Life, I am sure it is all his own, and by his Grace I will wholly devote it to him.

But the 29th of September, about ten or eleven at Night, we found the deceitfulness of this Re∣port, they being then told they must die the next Morning, which was very unexpected, as to the suddenness of it; but herein God glorifi∣ed his Power, Grace, and Faithfulness, in giv∣ing suitable Support and Comfort by his blessed Presence, which appeared upon my coming to him at that time, finding him greatly composed; He said, Tho' Men design to surprize, God doth and will perform his Word, to be a very present help in trouble.

The next Morning when I saw him again, his Cheerfulness and Comfort were much increased, waiting for the Sheriff with the greatest-sweetness and serenity of Mind; saying, Now the Will of

God is determined, to whom I have referr'd it, and he hath chosen most certainly that which is best.

Afterward with a smiling Countenance, he dis∣cours'd of the Glory of Heaven, remarking with much delight the third, fourth, and fifth Verses of the 22th of the Revelations, And there shall be no more Curse; But the Throne of God, and of the Lamb, shall be in it, and his Servants shall serve him, and they shall see his Face, and his Name shall be in their Foreheads, and there shall be no Night there, and they shall need no Candle nor Light of the Sun, and they shall reign for ever and ever. Then he said, Oh, what a happy State is this! shall we be loth to go to enjoy this! Then he desired to be read to him, 2 Cor. 5. For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolv'd, we have a Building of God, a House not made with Hands, eter∣nal in the Heavens; to the tenth or eleventh verses. In all, his Comforts still increasing, expressing his sweet Hopes and good Assurance of his Interest in this glorious Inheritance, and being now going to the possession of it, seeing so much of this happy Change, that he said, Death was more desireable than Life; he had rather dye than live any longer here. As to the manner of his Death, he said, When I have consider'd others under these Circumstances, I have thought it very dreadful, but now God hath call'd me to it, I bless God I have quite other apprehensions of it; I can now chearfully embrace it as an easie passage to Glory: and tho' Death s••parates from the Enjoyments of each other here, it will be but for a very short time, and then we shall meet in such Enjoyments as now we cannot conceive, and for ever rejoyce in each others Happiness. Then reading the Scriptures, and musing with himself, he intimated the great Com∣fort

God convey'd to his Soul in it; saying, O what an invaluable Treasure is this blessed Word of God; in all Conditions here is a store of strong Consolation. One desiring his Bible, he said, No, this shall be my Companion to the last moment of my Life. Thus praying together, reading, meditating, and con∣versing of Heavenly things, they waited for the Sheriff, who, when he came, void of all Pity or Civility, hurried them away scarce suffering them to take leave of their Friends. But notwithstanding this, and the doleful mourning of all about them, the Joyfulness of his Countenance was encreased. Thus he left his Prison, and thus he appear'd in the Sledge, where they sat about half an hour, before the Officers could force the Horses to draw, at which they were greatly enraged, there being no visible obstruction from weight or way. But at last the Mayor and Sheriff hall'd them for∣wards themselves, Balaam-like driving the Horses.

When they came to the place of Execution, which was surrounded with Spectators, many that waited their Coming with great sorrow, said. That when they saw him and them come with such chearfulness and joy, and evidence of the Presence of God with them, it made Death appear with another Aspect.

They first embraced each other with the greatest Affection; then two of the elder Persons praying audibly, they joyn'd with great seriousness. Then he desired leave of the Sheriff to pray particularly, but he would not grant it, only ask'd him if he would pray for the King: He answered, I pray for all men. He then requested they might sing a Psalm; the Sheriff told him, It must be with the Ropes about their Necks; which they cheerfully accepted, and sung with such heavenly joy and sweetness, that many present said, It both broke and rejoyc'd their hearts.

Thus in the experience of the delightfulness of praising God on Earth, he willingly closed his Eyes on a vain World, to pas•• to that Eternal Employment, Sept. 30. 1685.

All present of all sorts were exceedingly affected and amazed. Some Officers that had before insultingly said, Surely these Persons have no thoughts of death, but will find themselves surprized by it; af∣ter said, That they now saw he and they had something extraodinary within that carried them through with such joy. Others of them said, That they were so convinc'd of their Happin••ss, that they would be glad to change Conditions with them. All the Souldiers in general, and all others, lamenting exceedingly, saying, That it was so sad a thing, to see them so cut off, they scarce knew how to bear it.

Some of the most malicious in the place, from whom nothing but railing was expected, said, (as they were carried to their ••rave in Taunton Church, voluntarily accompanied by most of the Town) That these Persons had left a sufficient Evidence, that they were now glorified Saints in Heaven. A great Officer in the King'•• Army has been often heard to say, That if you would learn to die, go to the young Men of Taunton.

Much more was utter'd by them, which shew'd the blessed and glorious frames of their hearts (to the Glory of Divine Grace) but this is what occurs to memory.

Mr. Benjamin Hewling, about two hours before his death, writ this following Letter, which shew'd the great composure of his Mind.

Mr. Hewlings last Letter a little before his Execution. Taunton, Sept. 30. 1685.

Honoured Mother,

THat News which I know you have a great while feared, and we expected, I must now acquaint you with; That notwithstanding the Hopes you gave in your two last Letters, Warrants are come down f••r my Execution, and within these few hours I expect it to be pe••formed. Blessed be the Almighty God that gives comfort and support in such a day; how ought we to magnifie his holy Name for all his Mercies▪ that when we were running on in a course of sin, he should stop us in our full career, and shew us that C••rist whom we had pierced, an•• out of hi•• ••ree Grace enable us to look upon him with an E••e of Faith▪ believing him able to save to the utmost all such as come to him. Oh admirable lo••g suffering and patience of God, that when we were dishono••ring hi•• Name, he did not take that time to bring honour to himself by our destruction. But he delighteth not in the death of a sinner, bu•• had rather he should turn to

him and live: And he has many ways of bringing his own to hims••lf. Blessed be his Holy Name, that through Affliction he has taught my heart in some measure to be comformable to his Will, which worketh patience, and patience worketh experience, and experience hope, which maketh not ashamed. I bless God I am not ashamed of the Cause for which I lay down my life; and as I have engaged in it, and fought for it; so now I am going to s••al it with my Blood. The Lord still carry on the same Cause which hath been long on foot; and tho' we die in it, and for it, I question not but in his own good time he will raise up other Instruments mor•• worthy to carry it on to the glory of his Name, and the advancement of his Church and People.

Honoured Mother, I know there has been nothing left undone by you, or my Friends, for the saving of my Life, for which I return many hearty ac∣knowledgments to your self and them all; and it's my dying request to you and them, to pardon all undutifulness and unkindness in every Rela∣tion. Pray give my Duty to my Grandfather and Grandmother, Service to my Vnkles and Aunts, and my dear Love to all my Sisters; to every Relation and Friend a particular Recommendation. Pray tell 'em all how precious an Interest in Christ is when we come to die, and advise them ne∣ver to rest in a Christless Estate. For if we are his, it's no matter what the World do to us, they can but kill the Body, and blessed be God the Soul is out of their reach, for I question not but their malice wishes the damnation of that, as well as the destruction of the Body; which has too evidently appeared by their deceitful flattering promises. I commit you all to the care and protection of God, who has promised to be a Father t•• the Fatherless, and a Husband to the Widdow, and to supply the want of every Relation. The Lord God of Heaven be your Comfort under thes•• Sorrows, and your Refuge from these Miseries we may easily foresee com∣ing upon poor England, and the poor distressed People of God in it. The Lord carry you through this vale of Tears with a resigning submissive Spi∣rit, and at last bring you to himself in Glory; where I question not but you will meet your dying Son

Ben Hewling.

Their Characters.

THey were both of very sweet and obliging Tempers, as h••s appeared in their History, it being a very hard matter for their worst Enemies, when they once knew 'em well, not to ho∣nour and love 'em. Mr. Benjamin, the elder, reconciled the Lamb and the Lion exactly. In the Field he seem'd made only for War, and any where else, for nothing but Love. He, without flatterry, de∣serv'd to be call'd a very fine man, of a lovely proportion, extreamly well made, as handsom a Meen, & good an Air, as perhaps few in

England exceeded him: His Picture is pretty like him.

The younger, Mr. William, somewhat taller, and more slender. His Face fresh and lively, as his Spirit, being Master of an extraordinary vi∣vacity and briskness of Temper. Both of 'em ver∣tuous, pious and couragious far above their years, and indeed, seem'd to be Men too soon, one of 'em not being Twenty, the eldest but Two and twenty when they dy'd; verifying that common Observation, That whatever is perfect sooner than ordinary, has generally a shorter Period prefix'd it, than what's more base and ignoble.

Mr. Christopher Battiscomb.

HE was another Young Gentleman of a good Family, and very great hopes, and of a fair Estate, which lay in Dorsetshire, somewhere between Dorchester and Lyme. He had studied sometime at the Temple, and having Occasions in the Country about the time of my Lord Russel's Business; he was there seiz'd, on suspicion of be∣ing concern'd in't, and clapt into the County Goal at Dorchester, where he behaved himself with that Prudence and winning Sweetness, and shew'd so much Wit, and innocent pleasantry of Temper, as extreamly obliged both all his Keep∣ers and Fellow-Prisoners, and even Persons of the best Quality in that Town. 'Tis indeed a gen∣teel well-bred place, as almost any in England,

at such a Distance from London. The Streets are fair and large, and Buildings pretty regular; two sweet plentiful Rivers running by it. It stands on a Chalky Hill, but wants not store of good Water. The Market-house is a pleasant little Pile, that very much sets off the Town. There are three Churches in't, and one in its adjoyning Parish. 'Tis endowed with several Alms-houses, a good Grammar-School well enough provided, which has had the happiness of ingenious Masters, and by their Care, produced no inconsiderable num∣ber of good Scholars. There are two or three fine old Roman Fortifications near the Town, which Camden and Speed take notice of. The People on't are generally Civil and Gallant e∣nough, if not a little on the extream that way. They knew how to value such a Gentleman as Mr. Battiscomb, and made him such frequent Visits in the Prison, till the place it self was so far from being Scandalous, that there was generally all the Conversation, and where you might be sure to meet the best Company in the Town of both Sexes. Mr. Battiscomb had the happiness not to be dis∣pleasing to the Fair Sex, who had as much Pity and Friendship for him as consisted with the Rules of Decency and Vertue; and perhaps their Re∣spect for him did not always stop at Friendship, tho' it still preserved the other bounds inviola∣ble. Pity is generally but a little way from Love, especially when the Object of it is any thing extra∣ordinary. But after he had been there some time, and nothing could be prov'd against him which could any ways affect him, he was at length, almost unwillingly deliver'd from this sort of hap∣py

slavery. And when the Duke landed, appear'd with him, and serv'd him with equal Faith and Valour, till the Rout at Sedgmoor, when he fled with the rest, and got up as far as Devonshire, where he was seiz'd in a Disguise, and brought to his Old Palace, the Prison at Dorchester.

He behav'd himself there the second time in the same courteous obliging manner as he did at the first, tho' now he seem'd more thoughtful, and in earnest than before, as knowing nothing was to be expected but speedy Death; Tho' his Cou∣rage never droop't, but was still the same, if it did not increase with his Danger. At his Tryal, Jeffe∣ryes rail'd at him with so much eagerness and barbarity, that he was observ'd almost to foam upon the Bench. He was very angry with him, because he was a Lawyer, and could have been contented all such as he should be hang'd up without any Trial; and truly, 'twas no great matter whether he or the rest had had that For∣mality or no. Mr. Battiscomb was as undaunted at the Bar, as in the Field, or at Execution. How he demeaned himself in Prison before his Death, take this following Account verbatim, as 'twas written by his Friends. Tho' that which occur'd most remarkable after his Sentence, must not be omitted. Several Young Ladies in the Town, among whom one, who is particularly mention'd in the Poem, went to Jeffreys to beg his Life, who repulst 'em at such a bruitish rate, as nothing with one Spark of humanity would have been Guilty of, and in a manner even too uncivil to be mentioned. The Particulars may be seen in the Petition of the Widows and Orphans of that Country.

The Account given of him by his Relations.

HE was observed to be always serious and chearful, ready to entertain Spiritual Dis∣course, manifesting Affection to God's People and his Ordinances; he seem'd to be in a very calm indifference to Life or Death, referring himself to God to determin it, expressing his great satis∣faction as to some Opportunities of Escape that were slipt, saying, That truly he sometimes thought the Cause was too good to flee from suffering in it, tho' he would use all lawful means for his Life; but the Pro••idence of God having prevented this, he was sure it was best for him, for he said, be blest God he could look into Eternity with Comfort. He said, with re∣spect to his Relations and Friends, to whom his Death would be afflictive, that he was willing to live, if God saw good; but for his own part, he thought Death much more desirable. He said, I have enjoyed enough of this World, but I never found any thing but Vanity in it, no rest or satisfaction. God, who is an Infinite Spiritual Being, is the only suitable Object for the Soul of Man, which is spiritual in its Nature, and too large to be made happy by all that this world can afford, which is all but sensual. Therefore methinks, I see no reason why I should be unwilling to leave it by Death, since our Happiness can never be perfected till then, till we leave this Body, where we are so continu∣ally clogg'd with Sin and Vanity, frivolous and foolish Trifles. Death in it self is indeed terrible, and Na∣tural Courage is too low to encounter it; nothing but an interest in Christ can be our comfort in it, he said, which Comfort I hope I have; intimating much advantage

to his Soul by his former Imprisonment.

The day he went from Dorchester to Lyme, after he had received the News of his Death the next day, he was in the same serious cheerfulness, declaring still the same Apprehension of the desirableness of Death, and the great supports of his Mind under the Thoughts of so sudden passing through it alone from the hope of the Security of his Interest in Christ; taking leave of his Friends with this Farewel, Tho' we part here we shall meet in Heaven. Passing by his Estate go∣ing to Lyme, he said Farewel Temporal Inheritance, I am now going to my heavenly, eternal one. At Lyme, the Morning that he died, it appeared that he had the same supports from God, meeting De••th with the same cheerfulness; and after he had prayed a while to himself, without any appearance of Re∣luctancy, yielded up his Spirit, Sept. 2. 1865.

A Poem on a Lady that came to my Lord Chief Justice, to beg Mr. Battiscomb's Life, Sister to one of the Sheriffs in the West, which he denied.

HArder than thine own Native Rocks! To let the Charming Silvia kneel, And not one spark of Pity feel: Harder than sensless Stones and Stocks! Ye Gods! what showers of Pearls she gave? VVhat precious Tears? enough to save A Bleeding Monarch from the Grave.

By every hapless Virgin Curst: VVinter Blasts not more unkind; Deaf as the rugged Northern VVind; By some Welsh Wolf in Murders nurst. Hast thou Eyes? or hast thou none? Or are they worse than Marble grown? Since Marbles weep at Silvia's moan.

Rebels stiff, and supple Slaves, All the frantick VVorld divide, One must stoop, and to'ther ride; Cringing Fools and Factious Knaves; Tho' falling on the losers part, Gently Death arrests my Heart, And has in Hony dipt his Dart.

Life farewel, thou gaudy Dream, Painted o're with Griefs and Joys, VVhich the next short hour destroys; And drowns them all in Lethe's Stream: VVhat blest Mortal would not die, Might he with me Embalmed lye, In pre••ious Tears from Silvia's Eye?

His Character.

ALL that knew or saw him, must own, Mr. Battiscomb was very much a Gentleman. Not that thin sort of Animal that flutters from Tavern to Play-house and back again, all his Life made up of Wig and Crevat, without one dram of Thought in his composition; but one who had solid worth, well drest and set out to the World.

His Body made a very handsom and creditable Tenement for his Mind; and 't had been pity it shou'd have liv'd in any other. He was pretty tall, well made, I think inclining to Black; not altogether unlike Mr. Benjamin Hewling, as He has bin thought to resemble the Duke of Mon∣mouth. He was Witty, Brave, exactly Honou∣rable, Pious, and Virtuous: and if ever that Cha∣racter belong'd to any Man, it did eminently to Mr. Battiscomb, That he liv'd universally belov'd, and dy'd as generally lamented.

Mr. William Jenkyns.

HIS Father was sufficiently known, and his Circumstances hard enough, being seized only for his Opinion, and clapt up close in New∣gate; where the inconvenience of the place, and want of the Exercise he formerly enjoy'd, quickly kill'd him, as he used to say before his Confine∣ment, 'twould certainly do if ever it happen'd. Thus was he requited by that very person for whom with Mr. Love, he ventured his Life so deeply, and so hardly escaped with it. 'Twas his inhuman Treatment which edg'd and animated his Son; and the revenge of his Fathers Blood may be presum'd to have gone very far in pushing him on to engage his Life and Fortune in this under∣taking, he having given Funeral Rings for his Father with this Posie, VVilliam Jenkyns, mur∣der'd in Newgate. He was his Fathers only Son, who had taken care to have him educated suit∣able

to his ingenuous Birth and Inclinations he improved ••••fficiently in all useful Learning, and was now about one or two and twenty. He and several Young Gentlemen rode down from Lon∣don a little before the Duke landed, and were taken on suspition, and laid up in Ilchester Goal, till the Duke himself came and relieved them. He continued in his Army till the Rout, when, if I mistake not, he got to Sea and was forc'd back again with the H••wlings, or some others. He was condemned at the Bloody Assizes in Dor∣chester.

A Friend discoursing to him at Dorchester about his Pardon, and telling him the doubtfulness of ob∣taining it, he replyed, Well, Death is the worst they can do, and I bless God, that will not surprize me, for I hope my g••eat work is done. At Taunton be∣ing advised to govern the Airiness of his Temper, telling him, it made People apt to censure him, as inconsiderate of his Condition; to which he answer'd; Truly, this is so much my natural Temper, that I cannot tell how to alter it; but I bless God I have, and do think seriously of my eternal Conce••ns; I do not allow my self to be vain, but I find cause to ••e chearful, for my Peace is made with God, through Jesus Christ my Lord; this is my only ground of Com∣fort and Cheerfulness, the security of my Interest in Christ; for I expect nothing but Death, and without this I am sure Death would be most dreadful; but having the good hope of thi••, I cannot be melancho∣ly. When he heard of the triumphant Death of those that suffered at Lyme, he said, This is a good Encouragement to depend upon God. Then speaking about the mangling of their Bodies, he

said; Well, the Resurrection will restore all with great advantage; the 15th. Chapter of the first of Corinthians is Comfort enough for all Believers. Dis∣coursing much of the certainty and felicity of the resurrection at another time, he said, I will (as I think I ought) use all lawful means for the saving of my Life, and then if God please to forgive my sins, I hope I shall as chearfully embrace Death. Upon the design of attempting an escape, he said, VVe use this means for the preserving our Lives, but if God is not with us, it will not effect it; it is our business first to to seek to him for Direction and Success, if he sees good, with resigning our Lives to him, and then his VVill be done. After the Disappointments, when there was no prospect of any other Opportu∣nity, he spake much of the admirableness of God's Providence in those things that seem most against us, bringing the greatest good out of them; for, said he, VVe can see but a little way, God is only wise in all his Disposals of us; if we were left to chuse for our selves, we should choose our own Misery. Afterwards discoursing of the Va∣nity and unsatisfyingness of all things in this World, he said, It is so in the enjoying, we never find our Expectations answer'd by any thing in it, and when Death comes it puts an end to all things we have been pursuing here: Learning and Know∣ledge (which are the best things in thi•• world) will then avail nothing; nothing but an interest in Christ is then of any worth. One reading to some of his Fellow-Prisoners, Jer. 42.12. I will shew mercy unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own Land; he said, Yes, we shall, but not in this World, I am

perswaded. September the 29th. at Night, after he heard he must die the next morning, he was ex∣ceedingly composed and chearful, expressing his Satisfaction in the will of God: The next morn∣ing he was still more spiritual and chearful, disco∣vering a very sweet Serenity of Mind in all that he said and did: Whilst he was waiting for the Sheriff, reading the Scriptures, meditating and conversing with those about him of Divine things, amongst other things, said he, I have heard much of the Glory of Heaven, but I am now going to behold it, and understand what it is. Being desir'd to disguise himself to attempt an escape, he said, No, I can∣not tell how to disturb my self about it, and methinks it is not my business, now I have other things take up my thoughts; if God saw good to deliver me, he would open some other Door; but seeing he has not, it is more for the honour of his Name we should die, and so be it. One saying to him that most of the Apostles died a violent Death, he replyed, Nay, a greater than the Apostles our Lord himself died, not only a shame∣ful, but a painful Death: He further said, This man∣ner of Death hath been the most terrible thing in the World to my thoughts, but I bless God, now am I nei∣ther afraid nor ashamed to die. He said, The part∣ing with my Friends, and their grief for me, is my greatest difficulty; but it will be but for a very short time, and we shall meet again in endless Joys, where my dear Father is already enter'd, him shall I pre∣sently joyfully meet. Then musing with himself a while, he with an extraordinary seriousness sung these two Verses of one of Herbert's Poems:

Death is still working like a Mo••e, Digging my Grave at each remove, Let Grace work so on my Soul, Drop from above.

Oh come! for thou dost know the way, Or if to me thou wilt not move, Remove me where I need not say, Drop from above.

He then read the 53d of Isaiah, and said, He had heard many Blessed Sermons from that Chapter, especially from the 16th Verse, All we like Sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, but the Lord hath laid on him the Iniquities of us all; seeming to intimate some impress made on his Soul from them, but was interrupted; then he said, Christ is all; When the Sheriff came, he had the same chearfulness and serenity of mind in ta∣king leave of his Friends, and in the Sledge, which seemed to increase to the last, (as those present have affirmed) joyning in Prayer, and in singing a Psalm with great appearance of Comfort and Joy in his Countenance, insomuch that some of his Enemies (that had before censured his chearfulness for unthoughtfulness of his Danger, and therefore expected to see him much surprized) now profes∣sed they were greatly astonished, to see such a Young Man leave the World, and go through Death as he did.

Mr. Jenkyn's Letter to Mrs. Scot on the 26th of September, 1685.

Dear Sister,

THE News which came in my Brothers Letter of the 22d Instant to Mr. Dewy did not at all sur∣prize me, for indeed I expected no other; and seeing all hopes of saving my Life are blasted, I thought my self bound to write a Line or two to so near a Relati∣on as your self, wherein I might take my leave of you, and bid you farewel, till we shall meet again in Glory, and never be separated more: As for my own part, tho such a sort of Death as I am like to suffer, be that which I always dreaded when at a distance, I have sometimes thought of it, yet I ••hank my God now it draws near, even but a few hours off, I find my self supported under the thoughts of it, and hope by his strength, who will never forsake his own, I shall be enabled chearfully to undergo it with Glory to his Name, and comfort to my own, and the Souls of others that are more nearly concerned for me; and as I have made it my own endeavour to submit to the Will of God in this sad Dispensation without murmuring or repining, I hope you have been sensible of your Duty in the same respect, which is, Patiently to submit to his Will, and eye his Hand in this severe stroke: And though God has been pleased to deny success to your endeavours for the saving of my Life, yet I am satisfied nothing has been wanting on your parts; and for all the trouble you have been at on my account, tho I do not live to shew my Gra∣titude, yet I render you my dying thanks, and beg

your Prayers for my support in the last moments of my Life. If you receive this before my Death, the certain time of which I have not notice of, pray re∣member my Love to My Brother, and Thanks for all Kindnesses; and as for my young Relations, my Prayer for them shall be, That they may see more happy days than I have done, and die a more peacea∣ble, I can't say more happy Death. And now, Dear Sister, I take my leave of you, and commi•• you to the protection of that God, who hath made every thing beautiful in his time, and will shew you the meaning of this Providence which now we do not un∣derstand, to whom, I trust I am now going, and into the enjoyment of whose Presence I doubt not but ere long you will meet, Dear Sister,

Your affectionate Brother, WILLIAM JENKYN.

Mr. Jenkyn's Letter to his Mother on the 29th of September, at 12 at Night, Taunton.

Dear and Honoured Mother,

I Have even now received the News of Execution to morrow, which, tho I have so short notice of, yet I hope I am prepared for it, and by God's strength enabling me, I shall joyfully be carryed through it: The kindness you have been pleased to shew in your great Concern for me since I have been under this trouble, as well as the Duty I owe to so near a Re∣lation as your self, engages me to acquaint you with

my present condition for your satisfaction, which truly is such, that I must beg you to accept this present Letter for my last Farewel: And tho this sad Provi∣dence cannot but be grievous to so near and affectio∣nate a Relation as your self, yet I hope it already has, and still does; yield the peaceable fruits of Righteous∣ness to your self and me, who have been severely exer∣cised with it: As for my own part, I hope I can truly say, that God has by this Providence weaned m•• from the World, and made me willing to leave, an•• to be dissolved, that I may be with Christ, which i•• far better: And now I am come to die; I hope I ca•• truly say, I have nothing else to do but to die; an•• having fought a good Fight, and finished my Cours•• I am now in expectation of that Crown of Rewar•• which God the righteous Judge of the whole Earth, h•• promised to all those that love his appearing; and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is my great work to be now every moment fitting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 self for my great and last change; so 'tis the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which belongs to you, and the rest of my dear Relation•• to resign me up into the hands of that God, whose 〈◊〉〈◊〉 am, and to whom I am going, and not repine at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 righteous Will, which we ought quietly to submit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I bless God I die with a clear Conscience, and thou•••• I have deserved much worse at the hands of God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my past sins than I am like to undergo, yet I coun•••• with respect to Man, I die a Martyr for the Prot••¦stant Religion, and meerly for doing my duty in opp••¦sing of that flood of Popery which seem'd to be just ove••¦whelming the Church and Interest of Christ in the•••• Nations; and I wish that the Prudentialists of ou•• Age, that have withdrawn their helping hand fro•• so glorious a Design, do not within a few days 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the smart they have deserved by this their basenes••••

But being now just leaving the World, it's grievous to look back on these things; wherefore dear and honoured Mother, I take leave of you also, hoping that I shall again meet with you in that place of hap∣piness, where all Tears shall be wiped away from our Eyes, and we shall sorrow no more. I have nothing more to say, but to return you my dying Thanks for all the Trouble and Care you have been at for the saving my Life, which though God has not thought fit to make successful, yet my thankfulness is equally due to you for your endeavours, as if he had; therefore I shall end with the subscribing my self,

Dear and Honoured Mother,

Your thankful and dutiful Son, WILLIAM JENKYN.

Mr. Jenkyn's Letter to Mrs. Gourden on the 30th of September, 1685. at 4 Morning, Taunton.

Dear Sister,

THO you are at a great distance from mine Eye, yet you are very near my Heart, so that to leave the World before I have wrote a Line or two to bid you farewel, and comfort you under this sad Provi∣dence, would be uncomfortable to me: I hope you have by this time learnt how to welcom evil as well as good tydings, and submit to the wise disposer of all things, who knows what is good for us, better than we do for our selves: Tho I question not but the new•• of my Death, especially in such a violent manner, a•• within a few hours I am to suffer, it will be afflictive

to you; yet I would beg you to consider the Happiness which I am gone to, but a few years sooner taken out of a wicked and troublesome World unto the quire of Triumphant Martyrs in Glory, which place of Hap∣piness, though I have not deserved by any thing of my own Merits, yet for the Merits of my Media∣tor and Saviour, who has purchased more for me, than can enter into my Heart to conceive, I doubt not but I have a Mansion prepared for me in that place, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. And now, Dear Sister, I have nothing more to do in this World, but to be preparing and fitting my self for this place of rest, which within a few hours I am going to. I therefore leave you and yours to the protection and blessing of God, who is able to keep and Support you under this and all other his afflictive Providences, and bring a good issue out of them; and who will in his own good time con∣duct you safe to that place of happiness, where you will meet alone for Christ sake,

Dear, Dear Sister,

Your loving and affectionate Brother, WILLIAM JENKYN.

Pray remember my Love and Respects to my Brother, and all that enquire after me.

His Character.

HE was a very promising and ingenious young Gentleman; he had a great deal of ready Wit, and an extraordinary briskness and gaity. He was a very good Scholar, had run ••hrough a Course of Philosophy; but his p••rti∣cular Inclination was to the Mechanical part of it, wherein he had a very happy Genius, and performed many pretty things. He wrote ••ery good clean Latin. He was indifferent tall, ••retty thin, a fair Complexion, his Nose a ••ittle inclining to one side, being hurt in his In∣••ancy. He led a sober, vertuous Life, and dy'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 happy Death at Taunton, September 30. 1685.

Lady Lisle.

HAD those Persons who suffer'd about Mon∣mouth's business, fell only into the hands of ••annibals, some of 'em, at least, had scaped bet∣••••r than they did from Jeffreys. Those more ••••me and civil Creatures would have spared the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and withered, though they had devoured the ••••ung and tender. But no Age, no Sex made ••••y difference here; and as those who were just ••••me into the World, Children and Girls of ten 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a dozen years old were refused Pardon, so those ••ho were half out of it, would not be suffered 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tumble into the Grave intire, tho, as Juvenal ••••ys of Priam, they had scarce Blood enough lest

to singe the Knife of the Sacrifices. An Instance of this was my Lady Lisle, of such an Age, that she almost slept on her very Tryal, condemned for as small a matter as has been known, by one of those dormant Laws, made only in terrorem, but hardly ever executed only for corresponding with Nelthrop, an out-law'd Person, and, as was pre∣tended, giving him Shelter at her House, and Hicks, who brought him thither. For Hicks, he was not then convicted, nor in any Proclama∣tion, and so 'tis a question whether she could even in rigour of Law, deserve Death on his ac∣count. For Nelthrop, he himself says in his last Speech, [That he was wholly a Stranger to th••t worthy Lady,; neither did she, as he verily be∣lieves, know who he was, or his Name, till he was taken] For this she was found Guilty, and lost her Head at Winchester. Her Case was thought so hard, that the Honourable Court of Parliament have now reverst her Judgment. At h••r Death she made the following Speech.

The last Speech of the Lady Alicia Lisle.

GEntlemen, Friends and Neighbours, it may be expected that I should say something at my Death, and in order thereunto I shall acquaint you, that my Birth and Education was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 near this place, and that my Parents 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me in the fear of God, and I now die of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••e••ormed Protestant Religion; that if ever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should return into this Nation, it would

be a very great and severe Judgment; that I die in expectation of the pardon of all my sins, and of acceptance with God the Father, by the imputed Righteousness of Jesus Christ, he being the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believes; I thank God through Jesus Christ, that I do depart under the Blood of Sprinkling, which speaketh better things than that of Abel; God having made this Chastisement an Ordinance to my Soul. I did once as little expect to come to this place on this occasion, as any per∣son in this place or Nation; therefore let all learn not to be high-minded, but fear: The Lord is a Soveraign, and will take what way he sees best to glorifie himself in, and by his poor Creatures; and I do humbly desire to submit to his Will, praying to him, That I may possess my Soul in Patience. The Crime that was laid to my Charge, was for entertaining a Nonconformist Minister and others in my House; the said Minister be∣ing sworn to have been in the late Duke of Mon∣mouth's Army; but I have been told, That if I had denied them, it would not at all have affected me; I have no excuse but surprize and fear, which I believe my Jury must make use of to excuse their Verdict to the World. I have been also told, That the Court did use to be of Counsel for the Prisoner; but instead of Advice, I had Evidence against me from thence; which though it were only by hear-say, might possibly affect my Jury; my defence being but such, as might be expected from a weak Woman; but such as it was, I did not hear it Repeated again to the Jury; which, as I have been informed, is usual

in such Cases. However, I forgive all the World; and therein all those that have done me wrong; and in particular, I forgive Colonel Penruddock, although he told me, that he could have taken these men before they came to my House. And I do likewise forgive him, who desired to be taken away from the Grand Jury to the Petty-Jury, that he might be the more nearly concerned in my death. As to what may be objected in reference to my Conviction, that I gave it under my hand, that I had discoursed with Nelthrop; that could be no Evidence against me, being after my Con∣viction and Sentence: I do acknowledg his Ma∣jesties Favour in Revoking my Sentence; I pray God to preserve him, that he may long Reign in Mercy, as well as Justice; and that he may Reign in Peace; and that the Protestant Religion may flourish under him. I also return thanks to God and the Reverend Clergy, that assisted me in my Imprisonment.

ALICIA LISLE.

Mr. Richard Nelthrop.

HIS Name is often enough met with in Wests and Rumseys Plot, and good reason too, he being not near to answer for himself. As to what he was Accused, Outlawed, and Executed for, his being concern'd in a Design for the Assassination of the King and Duke, he solemnly avers, as may

be seen below in his Speech, [That he was always highly against it, and detested any such thing, was never in the least concern'd in it, neither in Purs•• or Person; never knew of any Arms bought for that intent, nor did believe there was any such Design.] Than which, what Words could be more full and satisfactory? He went away in the Heat of Swear∣ing, and return'd with the Duke of Monmouth, thinking it his Duty, as he says, to hazard his Life for the preservation of the Protestant Reli∣gion and English Liberties; but as to the Duke of Monmouth's being declar'd King, he was whol∣ly passive in it. He was at first committed to Salisbury Prison, where he had several Disputes with a learned and good Man, whose Opinion then differ'd from his, concerning the lawfulness of Defending our selves by Arms against illegal Violence, which was his firm Judgment. Thence he was brought to London, and imprison'd in New∣gate. He rejected there with scorn some Offers made him of saving his own Life by taking a∣way other Mens; and tho' he was under inex∣pressible Trouble during his close Confinement there, which at length arose to Distraction, and the impair of his Reason; yet 'tis remarkable that he, as Bateman before him, before he came to die, after Sentence was very calm and lively again, the entire Exercise of his Judgment and Understanding returning, with more Joy and Comfort than he had before Pain and Misery. He writ one Letter to his Parents, another to his Children, here inserted, together with his last Speech at his Execution the 30th. of Octob. 1685. at 2 in the Morning, he wrote the Letter to his Parents, &c.

Wherein he speaks much of his Brother, and Fellow-Sufferer Mr * 3.1 Ayloff, if I mistake not, whom he says, [He could embrace with more Joy in the Field of Suf∣fering, than ever he could have done, had he met him in the Field, crown'd with Victory and Laurels.]

Mr. Richard Nelthrop's Letter to his Pa∣rents, Brothers and Sister.

Dearest Parents, and ever loving Brothers, and tender hearted and beloved Sister,

THrough the infinite goodness of God, the nearer I approach my End, the more Joy and Comfort I find in my suffering Estate, (that I may so call it:) I can through mercy say, that I have found more true Delight and Content this Night, than in all the Days and Nights of my whole Life; and I hope the Lord will continue it, that his Name may be glorified by me the meanest and poorest of all his Servants, but through Free-grace faithful unto the end: My Soul is ravished, I can hardly write, and my Com∣forts are more unspeakable than my Terrors were. I did this Evening see my dearest Brother and Companion; his Face was to me as that of an Angel, and he gave me that Comfort, that I can∣not but say my Love to him is beyond what I ever had to my dearest Relations. When God

comes, every thing hath a beauty and lustre upon it, here is a•• Answer of Prayers, and such an Answer, as dearest Relations, must engage you all to be constant in the performance of that Duty, which like Jacob's Ladder, though it stand upon the Earth, yet it reache•• up to Heaven: Here's the Love of God made ma••if••st to a poor Sinner at the last hour, like the Thief upon the Cross, he that never knew before what the Love of God was to his Soul, finds it now filled with it, and running over. Now ••less the Lord, O my Soul! yea, all that is within me, Bless his holy Name for this Dispensation. ••ow Light appears out of Darkness in the Face of Jesus; now all worldly Joy and Comforts seem to me (as they are) things not hard to part with; Father, Mo∣ther, Brothers, Sister, Wife, Children, House and Lands are (as my dear Saviour saith) to be parted with for him, or we are not worthy of him: I bless his Name, I find no reluctancy to do it; he hath brought me to his Foot stool, and I can say heartily, the Will of the Lord be done in this matter. I never before but saw a Beauty in world∣ly Comforts, but now those seem so faded by the greater Lustre and Beauty, that I see in God in Christ Jesus, that I am astonished where I have been wandring all my days, spending my time and my mony for that which is not Bread. O strive to get a taste of this Love of God in Christ Jesus! and it will perfectly wean you from this deceitful foolish World. What is worldly Ho∣nour and Riches! O set not your hearts upon them, but get a Treasure in Heaven, that your hearts may be there also. O lose no time! for

if you ever knew the sweetness of it, you would never be at rest till you found him whom your Soul loved; it will be more, yea infinitely more than all worldly Injoyments can afford you, tho' in their greatest Perfection; it will make your Life sweet, and your Death most comfortable: It is the Bread which this World knoweth not of, and therefore maketh little or no inquiry after it. Dearest Relati••ns, whilst you and my other dear Friends are like Aaron and Hur, holding up the Hands of Moses, I am through Grace, get∣ting Victory over the Amalekites. I can embrace my dear and beloved Brother and Companion with more Joy in the Field of suffering, than ever I could have done, had I met him crowned with the Laurels of Victory: Oh the mercy to die with such a ••riend, and such a valiant Soul∣dier of Jesus, who hath kept his Garments clean. I now begin to pity you that stay behind, who have many Temptations to conflict with; for a little, yea a very little time, and my Warfare will be accomplished; and if God continue his Love and Influence upon my Soul, it will be both short and sweet. I have little of this World a∣bout me, I leave you all the Legacy of what was ever dearest to me, the best of Wives, and five poor Children, who must pass through an evil and sinful World; but I have committed them to God, who hath commanded to cast our Fa∣therless Children and Widows upon him. Dear Parents, Brothers, Sister, all adieu, my time draws on, my Paper is finished, and your dying Child and Brother recommends you all to him who is All-sufficient, to the God of Peace that brought

again from the Dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the Blood of the everlasting Covenant, who will make you perfect in every good work to do his VVill, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever and ever, Amen.

RICHARD NELTHROPE.

From the Palace of Newgate, Octob. the 30th. 1685. Two of the Clock in the Morning.

Mr. Richard Nelthrope's Letter to his Children.

My Dear Children,

THE Providence of God hath so ordered it, that your poor and ever-loving Father is ta∣ken from you in such a manner as may cast both worldly Loss and Reproach upon you; but I charge you let not this be a Stumbling-block to you in the way of God, but that you re∣member your Creator in the days of your Youth: That you never neglect a day without reading the Holy Scripture, wherein you'll find your Du∣ty both to God and Man; there you'll find the way to everlasting Life; there you'll find Christ Jesus instructing you, and dying for you. Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all other things will be added to you: After your Duty to God Al∣mighty,

mighty, your Dying Father charges and conjures you, as you'll answer it at the great day of Ap∣pearance of our dearest Saviour, that you be du∣tiful and loving to the best of Mothers, as long as God shall continue that great Mercy to you: Hearken to her Voice, and be obedient to the Words of her Mouth, for she'll be faithful to your Souls and Bodies; ••nd remember that Obedience to Parents hath the promise of this Life, as well as of Eternal Life. Pay a great Duty and Obedi∣ence to your Grandfather & Grandmother, Uncles and Aunt, who all of them have not only testified the greatest Love to your Dying Father, but from whom, if you carry your selves as becomes you, you may expect both the good things of this World, and Advice and Counsel for what is beyond all tem∣poral Blessings. Diligence in your lawful Callings to which God shall in his Providence appoint you is both commendable, and a Duty; but let not the eager pursuit of the things of this World justle out the time allotted for better things: Prayer will bless what you get in your Employments, and so at once you obtain Gods Blessing upon worldly Mercies, and find God manifesting himself to you in his dear Son, Christ Jesus, in pardon of your sins, and receiving worldly things in the Covenant. Your tender Years in which I leave you in this wicked and deceitful world, may render you subject to many Temptations; but I commit you to the Fa∣ther of the Fatherless, who is able to preserve you both in Soul & Body; Your poor Father hath no Le∣gacy to leave you, but the blessing of the great Jeho∣vah, which he begs for you upon the bended Knees of his Soul. The Lord God bless you with the Dew

of Heaven, and if he sees good, give you Jacob's Portion, Food and Raiment; and if the Lord bless you with any temporal Goods, remember they are Talents, employ them well to the Masters use: No Duty so acceptable to God as Charity, that's it which your Saviour exalts so far, that he saith, Come ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom, for I was an hungry and ye fed me, naked and ye cloth∣ed me, sick and in Prison, and ye visited me. I die and leave you, but if you keep close to God and his ways, he will never leave you, nor forsake you. The Sum of the whole is, Fear God and keep his command∣ments. Do that to all others, that you would they should do to you, is the golden Rule of the Gos∣pel, and will be a great Preservative to you from offending either God or Man. Eternity calls me a∣way, and I have neither time nor opportunity to add more: Your Duties may be various in the world, as Servants, as Masters, as Husbands, as Wives, as Parents: There is no condition of Life but hath its Comforts and its Troubles; the Lord fit you for whatsoever condition he calls you to, whether Honour or Dishonour, Riches or Poverty; But remember whatsoever it be, it is Gods Provi∣dence orders and governs the World. Dear James, as thou art the eldest, strive to be the best, and a good Example to the rest, a dutiful and a loving Son. Whatever thou or the rest have lost by me, God can make up in this Life. My dear Babes, who have been all Pledges of my Love, by the best and most affectionate Wife; I do once more beg it of you, as my last Request, that you obey, love and honour her, who hath been the greatest worldly Blessing to your Father, and will never think any

thing too much to do for you. My dear Children, Farewel, I must now take my leave both of you, and all worldly Comforts: I trust and hope I am going to the Eternal Inheritance where sin and sorrow cease; and that I may meet you at the right Hand of my blessed Saviour, is the dying Prayer of,

Dear Children,

Your Affectiona••e and loving Father, RICHARD NELTHROPE.

Newgate, 29. Octob. 1685.

Mr. Nelthrope's Last Speech.

THE great and inexpressible trouble and distraction I have been under since I came into trouble, especially since my close Confine∣ment in Newgate, hath so broken my Reason, that for many VVeeks last past, till the day my Sentence was passed, I have not had any compo∣sure of Mind, and have been under the greatest trouble imaginable: Since my dearest VVife hath had the favour granted her of coming to me, I am at present under great composedness of Mind, thro' the infinite goodness of the Lord. As to what I stand Outlawed for, and am now sentenced to die, I can with comfort appeal to the great God, before whose Tribunal I am to appear, that what I did was in the s••••plicity of my heart, without seeking any private Advan∣tage to my self; but thinking it my Duty to

hazard my Life for the preservation of the Pro∣testant Religion and English Liberties, which I thought invaded, and both in great danger of be∣ing lost. As to the design of assassinating the late King, or his present Majesty, it always was a thing highly against my Judgment, and which I always detested; and I was never in the least concerned in it, neither in Purse nor Person, nor never knew of any Arms brought for that intent, nor did I believe there was any such design, or ever heard of any disappointment in such an Affair, or Arms, or Time or Place, save what after the Discovery of the Ge∣neral Design, Mr. West spoke of, as to Arms bought by him: And as to my self, I was in the North when the late King was at New-market, and the first News I had of the Fire, was at Beverly in Yorkshire. As to my coming over with the late D. of Monmouth, it was in prosecution of the same ends; but the Lord in his Holy and Wise Providence hath been pleased to blast all our undertakings; tho there seemed to be a very unanimous and zealous Spirit in all those that came from beyond the Seas: And as to the D. of Monmouth's being declared King, I was wholly passive in it, I never having been present at any publick Debate of that Affair, and should ne∣ver have advised it, but complained of it to Col. Holmes and Captain Patchet. I believe the Lord Gray and Mr. F— the chief Promoters of it. As to the temptation of being an Evidence, and bring∣ing either into trouble or danger the meanest Per∣son of his Life, upon the Account for which I suf∣fer, I always abhorred and detested the thoughts of it, both when in and out of danger, and advised some very strongly against it; except when under

my Distraction in Prison, that amongst other temp∣tations did violently assault me; but through the goodness of my dearest God and Father, I was pre∣served from it, and indeed was wholly incapable, and could never receive the least shadow of comfort from it, but thought Death more eligible, and was some time asore, out of my distracted and disquie∣ted condition, wholly free from it; though not without other Temptations far more Criminal in the sight of men. I bless the Father of all Mercies, and God of all Consolations, that I find a great Re∣signedness of my Will to his, finding infinitely more comfort in Death, than ever I could place in Life, tho in a condition that might seem honourable, e∣very hour seeing the Will of God in ordering this Affair more and more cleared up to me. God hath given, God hath taken, blessed be his holy Name, that hath enabled me to be willing to suffer, rather than to put forth my hand to Iniquity, or to say a Confederacy with those that do so. I am heartily and sincerly troubled for what hath happened, many mens Lives being lost, and many poor distressed Families ruin'd; the Lord pardon what of sin he hath seen in it. He in his wonderful Providence hath made me and others concerned, Instruments, not only for what is already fallen out, but I believe, for hastening some other great work he hath to do in these Kingdoms; whereby he will try and purge his People, and winnow the chaff from the Wheat; the Lord keep those that are his, faithful unto the end.

I die in Charity with all the World, and can readily and heartily forgive my greatest Enemies, even those that have been Evidences against me;

and I most humbly beg the pardon of all that I have in the least any way injur'd; and in a special man∣ner humbly ask pardon of the Lady Lisle's Family and Relations, for that my being succoured there one Night with Mr. Hicks, brought that worthy Lady to suffer Death: I was wholly a Stranger to her Ladiship, and came with Mr. Hicks; neither did she (as I verily believe) know who I was or my Name, till I was taken: And if any other have come toany loss or trouble, I humbly beg their pardon; and were I in a condition, I would, as far as I was able, make them a requital.

As to my Faith, I neither look nor hope for mer∣ey, but only in the Free-grace of God, by the Application of the Blood of Jesus, my dearest and only Saviour, to my poor sinful Soul. My distresses have been exceeding great as to my Eternal State, but through the infinite goodness of God, tho, I have many sins to answer for, yet I hope and trust, as to my particular, that Christ came for this very end and purpose, to relieve the Oppressed, and to be a Physician to the Sick. I come unto thee, O blessed Jesus; refuse me not, but wash me in thine own Blood, and then present me to thy Father as righteous! What tho' my Sins be as Crimson, and of a Scarlet Dye? yet thou canst make them as white as Snow. I see no∣thing in my self but what must utterly ruine and con∣demn me, I cannot answer for one action of my whole Life, but I cast my self wholly upon thee, who art the Fountain of Mercy, in whom God is reconciling him∣self to the World, the greatest of Sins and Sinners may find an All sufficiency in thy Blood to cleanse 'em from all sin. O dearest Father of Mercy, look upon me as righteous in and through the imputed Righteousness of

thy Son; he hath payed the Debt by his own own Of∣fering up himself for sin, and in that thy Justice is sa∣tisfied, and thy Mercy is magnified. Grant me thy Love, O dearest Father, assist me and stand by me in the needful hour of Death, give thy Angels charge o∣ver my poor Soul, that the Evil One may not touch nor hurt it. Defend me from his power, deliver me from his rage, and receive me into thine Eternal King∣dom, in and through the alone Merits of my dearest Redeemer, for whom I praise thee: To whom with thy self and holy Spirit be ascribed all Glory, Ho∣nour, Power, Might and Dominion, for ever and for ever, Amen.

Dear Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit, Amen.

R. NELTHROPE.

Newgate, Octob. 29. 1685.

Mrs. Gaunt.

ONe of the great Reasons why Mrs. Gaunt was burnt, was 'tis very possible, because she lived at Wapping; the honest Seamen and hear∣ty Protestants thereabouts, being such known Enemies to Popery and Arbitrary Government, that the Friends of both gave all who oppose it the Name of Wappingers, as an odious Brand and Title. She was a good honest charitable Woman, who made it her business to relieve and help whoever suffer'd for the forementional Cause, sparing no pains, refusing no office to get them assistance, in which she was the most industrious and indefatiga∣ble

woman living. Among others whom she had thus relieved, who were obnoxious persons, was one Bur∣ton, whom with his Wife and Family, she had kept from starving, for which (may the very name of 'em be register'd with Eternal Infamy) they swore a∣gainst her, and took away her Life: Tho, she says in her Speech, there was but one Witness against her as to any mony she was charg'd to give him, and that he himself, an Outlawed person, his Outlawry not yet revers'd, he not being outlawed when she was with him, and hid him away. That which she writ in the Nature of a Speech, has a great deal of Sense and Spirit, and some strange Expressions which were mention'd in the Introduction to all these matters: which she concludes with these words addrest to her Enemies, [From her that find•• no Mercy from you.]

Were my Pen qualified to represent the due Character of this Excellent Woman, it would be readily granted, That she stood most deserved∣ly entituled to an Eternal Monument of Honour in the hearts of all sincere Lovers of the Reform∣ed Religion. All true Christians (tho' in some things differing in persuasion with her) found in her a Universal Charity and sincere Friendship, as is well known to many here, and also to a multitude of the Scotch Nation, Ministers and others, who for Conscience sake were former∣ly thrust into exile. These found her a most refreshing Refuge. She dedicated her self with unwearied Industry to provide for their Sup∣ply and Support, and therein (I do in∣••ine to think) she out-stripped every individual person (if not the whole Body of Protestants in

this great City.) Hereby she became exposed to the implacable Fury of Bloody Papists, and those blind Tools who co-operated to promote their accursed Designs. And so there appeared little difficulty to procure a Jury (as there were well-prepared Judges) to make her a Sacrifice as a Traytor to the State. Her Judges the King's Councel, the Solicitor General, the Common Serjeant; &c. rackt their Invention•• to draw Burton and his Wife to charge Mrs. Gaunt, with the knowledge of his being in a Plot, or in the Proclamation, but nothing of that could be made out, nor is here any sort of proof that Mrs. Gaunt harbour'd this ungrateful wretch, or that she gave him either Meat or Drink, as the Indictment charges her; but notwithstanding that, her Jury brought her in Guilty.

The Sentence was executed upon this excel∣lent Woman upo•• Friday then following, being the 23d. October 1685. when she left her Mur∣derers the following Memorial.

Newgate, 22d. of October, 1685. Mrs. Gaunt's Speech, written the day be∣fore her Sufferings.

NOt knowing whether I should be suffer'd or able, because of weaknesses that are upon me through my hard and close Imprisonment, to speak at the place of Execution; I writ these few Lines to signifie, That I am well reconciled to the way of my God towards me, though it be in ways

I looked not for; and by terrible things, yet in righ∣teousness; having given me Life, he ought to have the disposing of it, when and how he pleases to call for it; and I desire to offer up my All to him, it being but my reasonable Service; and also the first Terms that Jesus Christ offers, that he that will be his Disciple must forsake all and follow him, and therefore let none think hard, or be discouraged at what hath happened unto me; for he doth nothing without cause, in all he hath done to us, he being holy in all his ways, and righteous in all his works; and 'tis but my lot in common with poor desolate Sion at this day. Neither do I find in my heart the least regret for what I have done in the service of my Lord ••nd Master Jesus Christ, in succouring and securing any of his poor Sufferers, that have shewed favour to his righteous Cause: which Cause, though now it be fall'n and trampled upon as if it had not been anointed, yet it shall revive, and God will plead it at another rate than ever he hath done yet, and reckon with all its opposer•• and malicious haters; and therefore let all that love and fear him, not omit the least Duty that comes to hand or lies before them, knowing that now it hath need of them, and expects they shall serve him. And I desire to bless his holy Name, that he hath made me useful in my generation to the comfort and relief of many desolate ones, and the blessing of those that are ready to perish has come upon me, and being helpt to make the Heart of the Widdow to sing. And I bless his holy Name, that in all this, together with what I was charged with, I can approve my heart to him, that I have done his will, tho' it does cross Man's will, and

the Scriptures that satisfie me are, Isaiah 16.4. Hide the Outcasts, bewray not him that wan∣dereth. And, Obad. 13.14. Thou shouldst not have given up those of his that did escape in the day of his Distress. But Man says, You shall give them up, or you shall die for it. Now who to obey, Judge ye. So that I have cause to rejoyce and be exceeding glad, in that I suffer for righ∣teousness sake, and that I am accounted worthy to suffer for well-doing, and that God has ac∣cepted any Service from me, which has been done in sincerity, tho' mixed with manifold Infirmities, which he hath been pleased for Christ's sake to cover and forgive. And now as concerning my Fact, as it is called, alas it was but a little one, and might well become a Prince to forgive; but he that shews no Mercy, shall find none: And I may say of it in the Language of Jonathan, I did but taste a little hony, and lo I must die for it. I did but relieve an unworthy, poor, dist∣ressed Family, and so I must die for it. Well, I desire in the Lamb like Gospel-Spirit, to forgive all that are concerned, and to say, Lord, lay it not to their Charge; but I fear he will not: Nay, I believe when he comes to make inquisition for Blood, it will be found at the door of the furious Judge; who, because I could not remember things through my dauntedness at Burton's Wife and Daughters Vileness, and my ignorance, took ad∣vantage thereat, and would not hear me, when I had called to mind that which I am sure would have invalidated their Evidence; though he grant∣ed something of the same Nature to another, yet denyed it to me. My Blood will also be found

at the door of the unrighteous Jury, who found me Guilty upon the single Oath of an Out-law'd Man; for there was none but his Oath about the Mony, who is no legal Witness, though he be pardoned, his Outlawry not being recall'd; and also the Law requires two Witnesses in point of Life: And then about my going with him to the place mentioned, 'twas by his own Words, before he was Outlaw'd, for 'twas two Month's after his absconding; and though in a Proclama∣tion, yet not High Treason, as I have heard; so that I am clearly murder'd by you. And also Bloody Mr. A. who has so insatiably hunted af∣ter my Life; and though it is no profit to him, through the ill will he bore me, left no stone un∣turn'd, as I have ground to believe, till he brought it to this; and shewed favour to Burton, who ought to have died for his own fault, and not bought his Life with mine; and Capt. R. who is cruel and severe to all under my Circum∣stances, and did at that time, without all mer∣cy or pity, hasten my Sentence, and held up m•• hand, that it might be given; all which together with the Great One of all, by whose Power all these, and a multitude more of Cruelties are done, I do heartily and freely forgive, as against me; but as it is done in an implacable mind against the Lord Christ, and his righteous Cause and Followers, I leave it to him who is the Avenger of all such Wrongs, who will tread upon Prin∣ces as upon Mortar, and be terrible to the Kings of the Earth: And know this also, that though ye are seemingly fixt, and because of the Power in your hand are writing out your Violence, and

dealing with a despiteful hand, because of the old and new hatred; by impoverishing and every way distressing of those you have got under you; yet unless you can secure Jesus Christ and all his holy Angels, you shall never do your business, nor your hands accomplish your Enterprizes; for he will be upon you ere you are aware; and therefore, O that you would be wise, instructed and learn, is the desire of her that finds no mer∣cy from you,

ELISABETH GAVNT,

Postscript.

SVch as it is, you have it from her, who hath done as she could, and is sorry she can do no better; hopes you will pity and cover weakness, shortness, and any thing that is wanting; and begs that none may be weakned or humbled, at the low∣ness of my Spirit; for God's Design is to humble and abase us, that he alone may be exalted in this day; and I hope he will appear in the needful time, and it may be reserves the best Wine till last, as he hath done for some before me; none goeth to Warfare at his own charge, and the Spirit bloweth, not only where, but when it listeth; and it becomes me, who have so often grieved, quenched, and resisted it, to wait for and upon the motions of the Spirit, and not to murmur; but I may mourn, because through want of it, I honour not my God, nor his blessed Cause, which I have so long loved and delighted to love; and repent of no∣thing about it, but that I served him and it no better.

A brief Account of Mr. Roswell's Tryal and Acquittal.

ABout the same time, Mr. Roswell, a very worthy Divine was tryed▪ ••or Treasona∣ble Words in his Pulpit, upon the Accusation of very vile and lewd Informers; and a Surry Jury found him guilty of High Treason, upon the most villanous an improbable Evidence that had been ever given, notwithstanding Sir John Talbot (no countenancer of Dissenters,) had appeared with great generosity and honour, and testified, That the most material Witness, was as scandalous and infamous a Wretch a lived.

It was at that time given out by those who thirsted for Blood, that Mr. Roswell and Mr. Hays should die together; and it was upon good ground believed, that the happy deliverance of Mr. Hays, did much contribute to the preservation of Mr. Roswell; tho', it is very probable, that he had not escaped, had not Sir John Talbot's worthy and most honourable detestation of that accursed Vil∣lany, prompted him to repair from the Court of King's Bench, to King Charles II. and to make a faithful representation of the Case to him; whereby, when inhuman bloody Jeffryes came a littl•• after in a transport of Joy, to make his Report of the Eminent Service he and the Surry Jury had done, in finding Mr. Roswell guilty; the King (to his disappointment) appeared under some re∣luctancy, and declared, that Mr. Roswell should not die. And so he was most happily delivered.

The Earl of Argyle.

WE must now take a step over into Scotland that poor Country, which has been harass'd and tired for these many years to render them per∣fect Slaves, that they might help to enslave England, to prevent which, and secure the Protestant Religi∣on, which 'twas grown impossible to do, but by Arms; this good Lord embark'd from Holland about the same time with the Duke, and arrived in Scotland with what Forces he could make; to which were added some others who joyn'd him; which after se∣veral Marches and Counter-Marches, were at length led into a Boggy sort of a place on pretence, or with intention to bring him off from the other Army then upon the heels of 'em, where they all lost one another, dispers'd and shifted for themselves; the E. being taken by a Country-man, and brought to Edinburgh, where he suffer'd for his former un∣pardonable Crime— requiring Care shou'd be ta∣ken of the Protestant Religion, and explaining his taking the Test conformable thereto; for the Lega∣lity of which he had the hands of most of the eminent Lawyers about the City. He suffer'd at Edinburgh the 30th of June, 1685. His Speech has a great deal of Piety and Religion, nor will it be any disgrace to say, 'twas more like a Sermon.—'Tis as follows.

The Earl of Argyle's last Speech, June 30. 1685.

JOB tells us, Man that is born of a Woman, is of few days and full of trouble; and I am a clear Instance of it. I shall not now say any thing of my Sentence, or escape about three years and a half ago; nor of my return, lest I may thereby give Offence, or be tedious: Only being to end my days in your Presence, I shall, as some of my last Words, assert the truth of the matter of Fact, and the Sincerity of my Intentions, and Professions that are published.

That which I intend mainly now to say, is, To express my humble, and (I thank God) chearful Submission to his Divine Will; and my willingness to forgive all Men, even my Enemies, and I am heartily well satisfied there is no more Blood spilt, and I shall wish the stream thereof may stop at me: And that (if it please God) to say, as to Zerubbabel, Zech. 4.6. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.

I know Afflictions spring not out of the dust: God did wonderfully deliver and provide for me, and has now by his special Providence brought me to this place; and I hope none will either insult, or stumble at it, seeing they ought not; for God Almighty does all things well, for good and holy. Ends, tho we do not always understand it. Love and hatred is not known by what is before us, Eccles. 9.1. and 8.11, 12, 13.

Afflictions are not only foretold, but promised to Christians; and are not only tolerable: but de∣sirable.

We ought to have a deep Reverence and Fear of God's displeasure; but withall, a firm hope and dependance on him for a blessed Issue, in compli∣ance with his Will; for God chastens his own, to re••ine them, and not to ruine them, whatever the World may think, Heb. 12.3. to 12. Prov. 3.11, 12. 2 Tim. 1.8. 2 Tim. 2.11, 12. Math. 10.18. to 40. Matth. 16.24. to 28.

We are to imitate our Saviour in his Sufferings, as 1 Pet. 2.23. and 1 Pet. 4.16. to 20.

We are neither to despise our Afflictions, nor to faint under them; both are extreams.

We are not to suffer our Spirits to be exaspe∣rated against the Instruments of our trouble; for the same Affliction may be an effect of their Passi∣on, and yet sent by God to punish us for sin: Tho 'tis a comfort when we may say to them, with David, Psal. 59.3. Not for my transgession, nor for my sin, O Lord.

Nor are we, by fraudulent, pusillanimous Com∣pliances in wicked Courses, to bring sin upon our selves: Faint Hearts are ordinary false Hearts; choosing Sin rather than Sufferings, and a short Life with eternal Death, before Temporal Death and a Crown of Glory: Such seeking to save a li∣tle, loses all; and God readily hardens them to proceed to their own destruction. How many, like Haza••l, 2 King. 8.13. run to excesses they never thought they were capable of! Let Rulers and o∣thers read seriously, and weigh Prov. 1.10. to 20. 2 Chr. 28.6. to 17. Prov. 24.11, 12. and

Prov. 2••▪ 10. and avoid what is bad, and follow what is good

For me, I hope by Gods strength to joyn with Job, chap. 13.15. and the Psalmist, Psal. 22.4. and 167. and shall pray, as Psal. 74.19. to 24. And Psal. 122.6. to 9. And Luke 1.74, 75. and shall hope, as Psal. 94.14, 15.

I do freely forgive all that directly or indi∣rectly have b••••n ••he cause of my being brought to this place, first or last; and I pray God for∣give them. I pray God send Truth and Peace in these Three Kingdoms; and continue and in∣crease the glorious Light of the Gospel, and restrain the Spirit of Prophanity, Atheism, Superstition, Popery, and Persecution, and restore all that have back-slidden from the Purity of their Life or Principles; and bless his whole People with all Blessings, spi∣ritual and temporal, and put an end to their present Trials.

And I intreat all People to forgive me where∣in I have offended, and concur with me to pray, That the great, good, and merciful God would sanctifie my present Lot, and for Jesus Christ his sake Pardon all my Sins, and receive me to his Eternal Glory.

It is suggested to me, That I have said nothing of the Royal Family; and it remembers me, that before the Justices at my Trial about the Test, I said, That at my Death I would pray, That there should never want one of the Royal Family to be a Defender of the True, Ancient, Apostolick, Catholick, Protestant Faith; which I do now: And that GOD would enlighten and

forgive all of them that are either luke-warm, or have shrunk from the Profession of it. And in all Events, I pray God may provide for the Security of his Church, that Antichrist, nor the Gates of Hell may never prevail against it.

Colonel Rumbold.

AT the same place died Colonel Richard Rum∣bold, Jun. 26. 1685. most of what occurr'd considerable in his Defence and Speech, you have had already in the business of the Assassination. Two or three Passages more there are worth Re∣marks in the same, as Arguments of his Sense and Courage. [For this Cause, he says, were every hair of his Head and Beard a Life, he'd joyfully sacrifice 'em all.] That he was never Antimo∣narchical in his Principles, but for a King and Free Parliament; the King having power enough to make him great, and the People to make 'em hap∣py.] That [he died in the Defence of the just Laws and Liberties of the Nations] That [none was markt by God above another; for no Man came into the World with a saddle on their backs, nor others booted and spurr'd to ride upon't.] And being askt if he thought not his Sentence dreadful, answer'd, [He wisht he had a Limb for every Town in Christendom.]

The Last Speech of Col. Richard Rum∣bold, at the Market-Cross of Edin∣burgh, with several things that passed at his Tryal, 26 Jun. 1685.

AT the same place died Colonel Richard Rumbold, about Eleven of the Clock he was brought from the Castle of Edinburgh, to the Justices Court, in a great Chair, on Mens Shoulders; where at first he was asked some Que∣stions, most of which he answer'd with silence; at last said,

He humbly conceived, it was not necessary for him to add to his own Accusation, since he was not ignorant they had enough al∣ready to do his Business; and therefore he did not design to fret his Conscience at that time with Answering Questions.

After which, his Libel being read, the Court proceeded in usual manner; first asking him, If he had any thing to say for himself before the Jury closed? His Answer was,

He owned it all, saving that par••, of ha∣ving Designed the King's Death; and desired all present, to believe the words of •• Dying Man; he never directly nor indirectly intended such a Villany; that he abhorred the very thoughts of it; and that he blessed God, he had that Reputation in the World, that he knew none that had the Impudence to ask him the Question; and he detested the thoughts of such

an Action; and he hoped all good People would believe him, which was the only way he had to clear himself; and he was sure that this Truth should be one day made manifest to all Men.

He was again asked, If he had any exception against the Jury? He answered

No; but wished them to do as God and their Consciences directed them.

Then they withdrew, and returned their Verdict in half an hour, and brought him in Guilty. The Sentence followed; For him to be taken from that Place ••o the next Room, and from thence to be Drawn on a Hurdle, betwixt Two and Four of the Clock, to the Cross of Edinburgh, the Place of Execution, and there to be Hang'd, Drawn and Quartered. He received his Sentence with an undaunted Courage and Chearfulness. After∣wards he was delivered into the Town-Magistrates Hands; they brought to him two of their Divines, and offered him their Assistance upon the Scaffold; which he altogether refused, telling them,

That if they had any good Wishes for him, he desired they would spend them in their own Closets, and leave him now to seek God in his own Way.

He had several Offers of the same kind by others, which he put off in like manner. He was most serious and fervent in Prayers the few-hours he lived (as the Sentinels observed, who were pre∣sent all the while.) The Hour being come, he was brought to the Place of Execution, where he saluted the People on all sides of the Scaffold, and after having refre••hed himself with a Cordial out of his Pocket, he was supported by two Men, while he spoke to the People in these words:

Gentlemen and Brethren, I•• is for all Men that

come into the World once to Die, and after Death to Judgment; and since death is a Debt that all of us must pay, it is but a matter of small moment what way it be done; and seeing the Lord is pleased in thi•• manner to take me to himself, I confess, something hard to Flesh and Blood, yet, blessed be his Name, who hath made me not only Willing, but Thankful for his honouring me to lay down the Life he gave, for his Name; in which, were every Hair in this Head and Beard of min•• a Life, I should joyfully sacrifice them for it, as I do this: And Providence having brought me hither, I think it most necessary to clear my self of some Aspersions laid on my Name; and first, That I should have had so horrid an In∣••ention of Destroying the King and his Brother.

[Here he repeated what he had said before to the Justices on this Subject.]

It was also laid to my Charge, That I was Antimo∣narchical.

It was ever my Thoughts, That Kingly Govern∣ment was the best of all, Justly Executed: I mean, such as by our ancient Laws; that is, a King, and a Legal Free Chosen Parliament. The King having, a•• I conceive, Power enough to make him Great; the People also as much Property as to mak•• them Happy; they being as it were contracted to one ano∣ther. And who will deny me, that this was not the Just constituted Government of our Nation? How absurd is it then for Men of Sense to maintain, That though the one Party of this Contract breaketh all Conditions, the other should be obliged to perform their Part? No; this error is contrary to the Law of God, the Law of Nations, and the Law of Reason. But as pride hath been the Bait the Devil hath catched

most by, ever since the Creation, so it continues to this day with us. Pride caused our first Parents to fall from the blessed Estate wherein they were created; they aiming to be Higher and Wiser than God allowed, which brought an everlasting Curse on them and their Posterity. It was Pride caused God to Drown the Old World. And it was Nimrod's Pride in build∣ing Babel, that caused that heavy Curse of Division of Tongues to be spread among us, as it is at this day, One of the greatest Afflictions the Church of God groaneth under, That there should be so many Divi∣sions during their Pilgrimage here; but this is their Comfort that the Day draweth near, whereas there is but One Shepherd, there shall be but One Sheep∣fold. It was therefore in the Defence of this Party, in their Just Rights and Liberties, against Popery and Slavery—

[At which words they Beat the Drums:] To which he said;

They need not trouble themselves, for he should say no more of his Mind on that subject, since they were so disingenuous, as to interrupt a Dying Man, only to assure the People, he adhered to the True Pro∣testant Religion, detesting the erroneous Opinions of many that called themselves so; and I Die this day in the Defence of the ancient Laws and Liberties of these Nations: And though God, for Reasons best known to himself, hath not seen it fit to honour Vs, as to make Vs the Instruments for the Deliverance of his People; yet as I have Lived, so I Die in the Faith, that he will speedily arise for the deliverance of his Church and People. And I desire all of you to prepar•• for this with speed. I may say, This is a

deluded Generation, vail'd with Ignorance, that though Popery and Slavery be riding in upon them, do not perceive it; though I am sure th••re was no Man born marked of God above another; for none comes into the world with a Saddle on his Back, nei∣••her any Booted and Spurr'd to Ride him; not but that I am well satisfied, that God hath wisely ordered different Stations for Men in the World, as I have already said: Kings having as much Power as to make ••hem Great, and the People as much Property as to make them Happy. And to conclude; I shall only add ••y Wishes for the Salvation of all Men, who were created for that end.

After ending these words, he prayed most fer∣vently near three quarters of an hour, freely for∣giving all Men, even his greatest Enemies, beg∣ging most earnestly for the Deliverance of Sion from ••ll her Persecutors, particularly praying for Lon∣don, Edinburgh, and Dublin, from which the Streams run that Rule God's People ••n these three Na∣tions.

Being asked some hours before his Execution, ••f he thought not his Sentence Dreadful? He an∣swered, He wished he had a Limb for every Town in Christendom.

A Brief Account of the Last Speech of Mr. John King at the place of Execution at Edenburgh, on the 14th. day of August. 1679.

Men and Brethren,

I Do not doubt but that many that are Specta∣tors here, have some other end, than to be edified by what they may see and hear in the last words of one going to Eternity; but if any one of you have Ears to hear, (which I nothing doubt but some of this great gathering have) I desir•• your Ears and Attention, if the Lord shall help and permit me to speak, to a few things.

I bless the Lord, since infinite Wisdom and holy Providence has so carved out my Lot to dye after the manner that I do, not unwillingly, neither by force: It's true, I could not do this of my self, Nature always having an Inclination to put the E∣vil day far off, but through Grac•• I have been helped, and by this Grace yet hope I shall: 'Tis true, through Policy I might have shunned such •• hard S••ntence, if I had done some things; but though I could I durst not, God knows, redeem my life with the los•• of my Integrity and Honesty. I bless the Lord that since I have been apprehended and made a Prisoner, God hath very wonderful∣ly upholden me; and made out that comfortable word, Fear not, be not dismayed, I am with thee, I will strengthen thee, I will uphold thee by the righ•• hand of my Righteousness, Isaiah 42.10. I than•• the Lord he never yet gave me leave so much a•• to have a thought, much less to seek after an••

shift that might be in the least sinful: I did al∣ways, and yet do judge it better to suffer Af∣fliction with the People of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; therefore I am come hither to lay down my life; I bless the Lord I dye not as a Fool dyeth, though I acknow∣ledge I have nothing to boast of in my self: Yea I acknowledge I am a sinner, and one of the chiefest that hath gone under the name of a Pro∣fessor of Religion; yea amongst the unworthiest of those that have preached the Gospel; my Sins and Corruptions have been many, and have defiled me in all things; and even in following and doing of my Duty, I have not wanted my own sinful Infirmities and Weaknesses, so that I may truly say, I have no Righteousness of my own, all is evil and like filthy Rags; but blessed be God that there is a Saviour and an Advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous, and I do believe that Jesus Christ is come into the World to save Sin∣ners, of whom I am the chief, and that through Faith and his Righteousness I have obtained Mercy; and that through him, and him alone, I desire and hope to have a happy and glorious Victory over sin, Satan, Hell, and Death; and that I shall attain unto the Resurrection of the just, and be made Partaker of Eternal Life. I know in whom I have believed, and that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. I have according to my poor Capacity, preached Salvation in his Name; and as I have preached, so do I believe, and with all my Soul have commended it, and still do com∣mend to all of you the riches of his Grace, and

Faith in his Name, as the alone and only way whereby to come to be saved.

It may be many may think (but I bless the Lord without any solid ground) that I suffer as an Evil-Doer, and as a busie body in other mens matters; but I reckon not much upon that, ha∣ving the Testimony of my own Conscience for me. It was the lot of our blessed Saviour him∣self, and also the lot of many of his eminent pre∣cious Servants and People to suffer by the World as Evil-doers: Yea I think I have so good ground not to be scar'd at such a Lot, that I count it my non-such honour; and Oh what am I that I should be honoured so, when so many Worthies have panted after the like, and have not come at it: My Soul rejoyceth in being brought into Conformity with my Bles∣sed Lord, and Head, and so Blessed a Company in this way and lot; and I desire to pray that I may be to none of you this day upon this ac∣count a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of Of∣fence; and blessed is he that shall not be offend∣ed in Christ and his poor Followers and Mem∣bers, because of their being Condemned as Evil-doers by the World.

As for these things for which Sentence of Death hath past against me, I bless the Lord my Con∣science doth not condemn me, I have not been Rebellious, nor do I judge it Rebellion for me to have endeavoured in my Capacity what pos∣sibly I could for the born-down and ruined in∣terest of my Lord and Master, and for the Re∣lief of my poor Brethren afflicted and persecuted, not only in their Liberties, Priviledges, and Per∣sons,

but also in their Lives; therefore it was that I joyned with that poor handful; the Lord knows, who is the searcher of Hearts, that neither my design nor practice was against his Majesty's per∣son and just Government, but I always studied to be Loyal to lawful Authority in the Lord, and I thank God my heart doth not condemn me of any Disloyalty; I have been Loyal, and I do recom∣mend it to all to be Obedient to higher Pow∣ers in the Lord.

I have been looked upon by some, and represent∣ed by others to be of a divisive, and Factious Hu∣mour, and one that stirred up division in the Church, but I am hopeful that they will all now give me their Charity, being within a little to stand before my Judge, and I pray the Lord forgive them that did so misrepresent me; but I thank the Lord whatever Men have said against me concerning this, that on the contrary, I have often disswaded from such way•• and practices, as contrary to the Word of God, and of our Covenanted and Reformed Religion; and as I ever Abhorred division, and Faction in the Church, as that which tends to its utter Ruin, if the Lord prevent it not. So I would in the Bowels of my Lord ••••d Master, if such an one as I am may presume to ••erswade, and Exhort both Ministers and Professors; if there b•• any Con∣solation in Christ, if any comfort of Love; if a∣ny Fellowship of the Spirit, if any Bowels and Mer∣cies that you be like minded, having the same Love, being of one accord, of one mind in lowliness of mind; let each esteem others better than them∣selves, Phil. 1.12. Harmoniousness and Honesty in the things of God, can never enough be sought

after, and things that tend to the prejudice and hurt of Christs interest, can never enough be fled from and avoided.

And as I am come hither willingly to lay down my Tabernacle, so also I die in the Belief, and Faith of the Holy Scriptures, and in the Faith of the Apostles, and Primitive Christians, and Pro∣testant Reformed Churches, and particularly the Church of Scotland, whereof I am a poor Member:

I shall but say a few words.

First, All you that are profane, I would se∣riously Exhort you that you return to the Lord by serious Repentance; if you do, iniquity shall not be your Ruine; if you do not, know that the day of the Lords Vengeance is near and hast∣neth on! Oh know for your comfort, there is a door of mercy yet open, if you be not despisers of the day of Salvation. And you that have been, and yet are, Reproachers and persecutors of Godliness, and of such as live Godly; take heed, Oh take heed, sad will be your day, when God arises to scatter his Enemies, if you repent not for your un∣godly deeds.

Secondly, All those who are taken up with their own private ••••terests, and if that go well they Care the less ••or the interest of Christ, take heed and be zealous, and repent, lest the Lord pass the Sentence, I will spew you out of my mouth.

Thirdly, For the truly Godly, and such as are Lamenting after the Lord, and are mourn∣ing for all the abominations of this City, and are taking pleasure in the very Rubbish and Stones of Zion, be of good Courage, and Cast not away

your Confidence, I dare not say any thing to future things, but surely the Lord has a handful that are precious to him, to whom he will be Gracious; to these is a dark night at present, how long it will last the Lord knows! Oh let not the sad disasters, that his poor people meet with, though very astonishing, Terrifie you, be∣ware of snares that abound. Cleave fast to your Re∣formed Religion, do not Shift the Cross of Christ, if you be called to it, it is better to suffer than sin, accoun•• the reproaches of Christ greater Riches than all the Treasures of the World.

In the last place, let not my Death be Grievous, to any of you, I hope it will be more profitable both for you and me, and for the Church and in∣terest of God, than my life could have been. I bless the Lord, I can freely and Frankly forgive all men, even as I desire to be forgiven of God, pray for them that persecute you, bless them tha•• Curse you. As to the cause of Christ, I bless the Lord I never had cause, to this day, to repent for any thing. I have suffered, or can now suffer for his name. I thank the Lord who has shewed mercy to such a vile sinner as I am, and that ever he should advance me to so High a dignity, as to be made a Minister of his blessed and everlasting Gospel; and that ever I should have a Seal set to my Ministry, upon the hearts of some in several places and Cor∣ners of this Land: the Lord visit Scotland with more and more faithful Pastors, and send a Reviving day unto the people of God; in the mean time be pa∣tient, be stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord; and live in Love and peace

one with another, and the Lord be with his poor Afflicted Groaning people, that yet remain.

Now I bid farewel to all my Friends, and dear Relations; Farewell my poor Wife and Children, whom I leave in the good hand of him who is better than seven Husbands, and who will be a Father to the Fatherless. Farewell all Creature Comforts, Welcome everlasting Life, everlasting Glory, Welcome everlasting Love, everlasting Praise: Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me.

Sic Subscrib. JOHN KING.

August 14th. 1679. Tolbooth, Circa horam Septimam.

A brief Account of the last Speech of Mr. John Kidd, at the place of Execution at Edin∣burgh, on the 14th. day of August, 1679.

Right Worthy and well beloved Spectators and Auditors.

COnsidering what bodily Distempers I have been exercised with, since I came out of the Torture, viz. Scarce two hours out of my naked bed in one day, it cannot be expected, that I should be in a Case to say any thing to purpose at this Juncture, especially seeing I am not as yet free of it; however I cannot but Reverence the good hand of God upon me, and desire with all my Soul to bless him for this my present Lot.

It may be there are a great many here that judge my Lot very sad and deplorable. I must confess Death it self is very ••e••rible to Flesh and Blood, but as it is an out-let to sin, and an in-let to Righteousness, it is the Christians great and inexpressible Priviledge, and give me leave to say this, that there is something in a Christian Condition, that can never put him without the reach of insufferableness, even shame, death, and the Cross b••ing included.

And then if there be peace betwixt God and the Soul, nothing can damp peace with Go•• through our Lord Jesus Christ, this is a most supporting in∣gredient in the bitterest Cup, and under the shar∣pest, and firiest Tryal he can be exposed unto, thi•• is my mercy, that I have something of this to lay Claim unto, viz. The intimations of Pardon, and Peace betwixt God and my Soul.

And as concerning that, for which I am condem∣ned, I Magnifie his grace, that I never had the least challenge for it, but on the contrary, I Judge it my Honour, that ever I was counted worthy to come upon the Stage upon such a consideration; another thing that renders the most despicable Lot of the Christian, and mine sufferable, is a felt and sensible presence from the Lord, strengthening the Soul when most put to it, and if I could have this for my Allowance this day, I could be bold to say; O death where is thy sting! and could not but cry out Welcome to it, and all that follows upon it: I grant the Lord from an act of Soveraignty may come, and go as he pleases, but yet he will never forsake his people, and this is a Cordial to me in the Case I am now exposed unto.

Thirdly, The exercising and putting forth his glorious Power, is able to Transport the Soul of the Believer, and mine, above the reach of all sublunary Difficulties, and therefore seeing I have hope to be kept up by this power, I would not have you to look upon my Lot, or any other that is or may be in my C••se, in the least deplo∣rable, seeing we have ground to believe, that in more or less he will perfect his Power and Strength in Weakness.

Fourthly, That I may come a little nearer to the purpose in hand, I declare before you all, in the sight of God, Angels and Men, and in the sight of that Son and all that he has Created, that I am a most miserable Sinner, in regard of my Original and Actual Transgressions. I must con∣fess they are more in number than the Hairs of my Head. They are gone up above my Head, and are past numbring; I cannot but say as Jacob said, I am less than the least of all God's Mercies, yet I must declare to the exalting of his Free Grace, That to me who am the least of all Saints is this Grace made known, and that by a strong hand, and I dare not but say, he has loved me, and washed me in his own Blood from all Iniquities, and well is it for me this day, That ever I heard or read that faithful saying; that Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners, of whom I am chief.

Fifthly, I must also declare in his sight, I am the most unworthiest that ever opened his mouth to preach the unsearchable Riches of Christ in the Gospel. Yea, the sense of this made me altoge∣ther unwilling to fall about so great a Work, un∣til

by the importunity of some, whose Names are precious and savoury to me and many others, I was prevailed with to fall about it, and yet I am hopeful, not altogether without s••me fruit; and if I durst say it without Vanity, I never found so much of the presence of God upon my Spirit, as I have found in Exercises of that Nature, though I must still confess attended with inexpressible Weakness, and this is the main thing for which I must lay down my Tabernacle this day, viz. That I did preach Christ and the Gospel in several places of this Nation; for which I bless him (as I can) That ever such a poor obscure person as I am, have been thus priviledged by him, for making mention of his Grace as I was able.

In the next place, though to many I die desired, yet I know, to not a few my Death is not desired, and it is the rejoycing of my heart, that I die in the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has loved me, and given himself for me, and in the Faith of the Prophets and Apostles, and in this Faith of there's not a Name under Heaven by which Men can be saved, but the Name of Jesus, and in the Faith of the Doctrine and Worship of the Kirk of Scot∣land, as it is now established according to the Word of God, Confession of Faith, Catechisms larger and shorter, and likewise I joyn my Testimony against Popery, Perjury, Profanity, Heresie, and everything contrary to found Doctrine.

In the Close, as a dying Person, and as one who has obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful, I would humbly leave it upon godly Ministers to be faithful for their Lord and Master, and not to hold

their peace in such a day, when so many way•• are taken for injuring of him, his N••me, Way, Sanctuary, Ordinances, Crown and Kingdom, I hope there will be found a party in this Land, that will continue for him, and his Matters, in all Haz∣zards, and as faithfulnes•• ••s called for in Ministers, so Professors would concern themselves that they Countenance not, nor abet any thing inconsistent with former Principles and Practices. Let the Land consider how Neutral and Indifferent we are grown in the Matters of God, even like Ephrai•• long ago, a Cake not turned.

As concerning that which is the ground of my Death, viz. Preaching here and there in some Corners; I bless my God. I have not the leas•• Challenge for it; and tho' those that condemned me are pleased to call such Preachings Rendez∣vouses of Rebellion, yet I must say this of them, they were so far from being reputed such in my Eyes, that if ever Christ had a People, or Party, wherein his Soul took pleasure, I am bold to say, these Meetings were a great part of them; the Shining and Glory of God was eminently seen a∣mongst these Meetings, the convincing Power and Authority of our Lord went out with his Servants in those blasphemously nick-nam'd Con∣venticles: This, I say, without Reflection upon any; I have a word to say farther, that God is calling Persons to Repentance, and to do their first Work: O that Scotland were a mourning Land, and that Reformation were our Practice, accord∣ing as we are sworn in the Covenant.

Again, that Christians of Grace and Experience would study more streightness and stability in this day, when so many are turning to the right hand, and many to the left; he that endureth to the end shall be saved; he has appointed the King∣dom for such as continue with him in his Temp∣tations.

Next, if ever you expect to h••ve the Form of the House shewed you in all the Laws thereof, goings out thereof, and comings in thereof; then think it no shame to take shame to you for all that has been done, sitting down on this side Jordan, is like to be our Bane. Oh! when shall we get up and run after him, till he bring us into the promised Land, let us up and after him with all our heart, and never rest till he return.

I recommend my Wife and young one to the care and faithfulness of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God that has fed me to this day, and who is the God of my Salvation, their God and my God, their Father and my Father, I am also hopeful, that Christians, Friends and Relations, will not be unmindful of them when I am gone.

Lastly, I do further bear my Testimony to the Cross of Christ, and bless him that ever he count∣ed me worthy to appear for him in such a lot as this: Glory to him that ever I heard tell of him, and that ever he fell upon such a method of dealing with me as this; and therefore let none that loves Christ and his Righteous Cause be offended in me.

And as I have lived in the Faith of thi••, that the three Kingdoms are married Lands, so I die in

the Faith of it, that there will be a Resurrection of his Name, Word, Cause, and of all his Interest therein, tho' I dare not determine the time when, nor the manner how, but leave all these things to the infinitely wise God, who has done, and will do all things well. Oh that he would return to this Land again, to repair our Breaches, and take away our Back-sliding, and appear for his Work: Oh that he were pacified towards us: Oh that he would pass by Scotland once again, and make our time a time of Love, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Himself hasten it in his own time and way. The Lord is my light and life, my joy, my song, and my salvation; the God of his chosen be my Mercy this day, and the inriching comforts of the holy Ghost keep up and carry me fair through, to the Glory of his Grace, the, Edifi∣cation of his People, and my own eternal Ad∣vantage. Amen.

Sic Subscrib. JOHN KID.

August 14th. 1679. Tolbooth, Ante horam Septimam.

☞ Thus Reader, having given thee a faithful Account of the Behaviour and Dying Speeches of the most Eminent Persons who suffered in Scot∣land, I shall return again for London, where the last Person of Quality that suffered, was the Duke of Monmouth, whose Expedition and sufferings, &c. you have in the following Pages.

JAMES Duke of Monmouth.

THe last Person with whom we shall conclude this mournful Tragedy, and the greatest in it, is the late James D. of Monmouth; one indeed, who, if he had been a little less, might have been at this time one of the greatest men both in England and the World. By reason of some passages in his Life, not so defensible; 'twas thought, at first, better to draw a veil before that unfortunate Prince, and say nothing at all of him. But what allowances are made for Custom and Education, God only knows. I remember a shrewd Answer given to an Objection of this Nature, Where, said one, shou'd he learn any better? But however, where there has been any time to think soberly of past actions, or none of that nature reiterated, Charity is oblig'd to judge fa∣vourably. And besides, the good West-Country-men wou'd be very angry if they shou'd not find their Master that they lov'd so well, and suffer'd so much for, among the rest of these noble Hero's. None can deny but he was a great General, a Man of Courage and Conduct, and great Personal Valour, having signaliz'd himself both at Mons and Maes∣tricht; so as to gain an high and just reputation. He was all along true and firm to the Protestant Interest in and out of Parliament, tho abhorring a∣ny base way of promoting it, as well as his Friend my L. Russel. This intended as a Character rather, or very short Compendium, than any History of his Life. He was all along the Peoples Darling, whose

hearts were entirely his by his Courtesie and Affa∣bility, as other Persons lo•••• 'em by their sourness and haughty pride. After Russel's death he went into Flanders, whence had he prosecuted his D••sign, and gone as 'tis said he intended, into the Emperour's Service, how many Lawrels might he have won, and how many more would now have been growing for him? But his Fate was otherwise—he came o∣ver into England, an exact account of whose Enter∣prize another place of this Book presents you, as 'twas compiled by one present in all that action. After the defeat of his Army at Sedgemoor, he fled with my L Gray, who was first taken, and he him∣self a little after brought up to London, and on his Attainder, in Parliament, beheaded on Tower Hill. 'Tis said, a certain brave old Officer, who then came over with him, and since with the Prince, offer'd with a small of party of Horse, to have ventur'd thro' all the Guards, and took him off the Scaffold. But they cou'd not be got together; his time was come. Providence had design'd other things, that our de∣liverance should be more just, an•• peaceable, and wonderful, and that the glory thereof shou'd be reserved for their Sacred Majesties King William and Queen Mary, Whom God grant long to Reign.

The thing I shall in the next place do, that I may leave out nothing material relating to the Western Affair, is to insert the late Duke of Mon∣mouth's Declaration, as it was taken from a Copy printed in Holland the Year 1685.

The Declaration of James Duke of Mon∣mouth, and the Noblemen, Gentlemen, and others, now in Arms for the Defence and Vindication of the Protestant Religion, and the Laws, Rights and Priviledges of England.

AS Government was Originally instituted by God, and this or that Form of it chosen and submitted to by Men, for the Peace, Happiness and Security of the Govern'd, and not for the pri∣vate Interest and personal Greatness of those that Rule: So That Government hath always been e∣steemed the best, where the Supream Magistrates have been invested with all the Power and Prero∣gatives, that might capacitate them, not only to preserve the People from Violence and Oppression, but to promote their Prosperity; And yet where nothing was to belong to them by the Rules of the Constitution, that might enable them to injure and oppress them. And it hath been the Glory of Eng∣land above most other Nations, that the Prince had

all intrusted with him that was necessary, either for the advancing the Wellfare of the People, or for his own Protection in the discharge of his Of∣fice; And withall stood so limited and restrained by the Fundamental Terms of the Constitution, that without a Violation of his own Oath, as well as the rules and measures of the Government, he could do them no hurt, or exercise any act of Authority, but through the administration of such hands as stood obnoxious to be punished, in case they transgressed: So that according to the Primitive Frame of the Government, the Prerogatives of the Crown, and the Priviledges of the Subject, are so far from justling one another, that the Rights reserved unto the People, tended to render the King Honourable and Great, and the Prerogatives setled on the Prince were in order to the Subjects Protection and Safety. But all humane things be∣ing Subject to perversion as well as decay, it hath been the fate of the English Government to be of∣ten changed▪ and wrested from what it was in the first settlement and institution. And we are parti∣cularly compelled to say, that all the boundaries of the Government have of late been broken, and nothing left unattempted for turning our limited Monarchy into an absolute Tyranny. For such hath been the transaction of Affairs within this Nation for several years last past, that though the Protestant Religion and Liberties of the People were fenced and hedged about by as many Laws as the Wisdom of man could devise for their Preserva∣tion against Popery and Arbitrary Power, our Reli∣gion hath been all along countermined by Popish Counsels, and our Priviledges ravished from us

by Fraud and Violence. And more especially, the whole Course and Series of the Life of the D. of Y. hath been but been one continued Conspiracy against the Reformed Religion and the Rights of the Nation. For whosoever considers his contriv∣ing the Burning of London, his instigating a Confe∣deracy with France, and a War with Holland, his fomenting the Popish Plot, and encouraging the Murther of Sir Ed. Godfrey to stifle it; his charg∣ing Treason against Protestants, and suborning Witnesses to swear the Patriots of our Religion and Liberties out of their Lives, his hireing execra∣ble Villains to Assassinate the late Earl of Essex, and causing those others to be clandestinely cut off, in hopes to conceal it, his adviseing and procuring the Prorogation and Dissolution of Parliaments, in order to prevent their looking into his Crimes, and that he might escape the justice of the Nation; Such can imagine nothing so black and horrid in it self, or so ruinous and destructive to Religion and the King∣dom, which we may not expect from him.

The very Tyrannies which he hath exercised since he snatched the Crown from his Brothers head, do leave none under a possibility of flattering themselves with hopes of safety, either in their Consciences, Persons, or Estates: For in in defiance of all the Laws and Statutes of the Realm, made for the security of the Reformed Protestant Reli∣gion, he not only began his Reign with a bare∣faced avowing himself of the Romish Religion; but hath called in multitudes of Priests and Jesuits, for whom the Law makes it Treason to come into this Kingdom; and hath impowered them to ex∣ercise their Idolatries. And besides his being dai∣ly

present at the Worship of the Mass, hath pub∣ickly assisted at the greatest fopperies of their Su∣perstition. Neither hath he been more tender in trampling upon the Laws which concern our Pro∣perties, seeing in two Proclamations, whereof the one requires the Collecting of the Customs, and the other the continuing that part of the Excise which was to ••xpire with the late Kings Death; he hath violently, and against all the Law of the Land, broken in upon our Estates. Neither is it any extenuation of his Tyranny, that he is counte∣nanced in it by an extrajudicial Opinion of seven or eight suborned and forsworn Judges; but rather declaring the greatness and extent of the Conspira∣cy against our Rights, and that there is no means feft for our relief but by Force of Arms; For ad∣vancing those to the Bench that were the scandal of the Bar, and Constituting those very Men to declare the Laws, who were Accused and Branded in Parliament for Perverting them, we are precluded all hopes of Justice in Westminster Hall: And through packing together by False Returns, new Illegal Charters, and other corrupt means; he doth at once deprive us of all expectations of Succour where our Ancestors were wont to find it; and hopes to render that which ought to be the Peoples Fence a∣gainst Tyranny, and the Conservator of their Li∣berties, the means of subverting all our Laws, and of establishing of his Arbitrariness, and confirming our thraldom. So that unless we could be conten∣ted to see the Reformed Protestant Religion, and such as profess it, extirpated; Popish Superstition and Idolatry established, the Laws of the Land

trampled under foot; the Liberties and Rights of of the English People Subverted; and all that is Sacred and Civil, or of regard (amongst men of Ver∣tue or Piety) Violated; and unless we could be willing to be Slaves as well as Papists, and forget the example of our noble and generous Ancestors, who conveyed our Priviledges to us at the expence of their Blood and Treasure; and withall be un∣mindful of our duty to God, our Country and Po∣sterity; deaf to the Cries and Groans of our op∣pressed Friends; and be satisfied, not only to see them and our selves Imprisoned, Robbed, and Murthered, but the Protestant Interest throughout the whole World betrayed to France and Rome; We are bound as Men and Christians, and that in discharge of our duty to God and our Country, and for the satisfaction of the Protestant Nations round about us, to betake our selves to Arms. Which we take Heaven and Earth to witness, we should not hav•• done, had not the malice of our Enemies deprive•• us of all other means of redress; and were not the Miseries that we already feel, and those which do further threaten us, worse than the Calamities of War. And it is not for any per∣sonal Injuries, or private Discontents, nor in pur∣suance of any corrupt Interest, that we take our Swords into our hands; but for vindicating our Religion, Laws and Rights, and rescuing our Country from Ruin and Destruction, and for pre∣serving our Selves, Wives and Children, from Bon∣dage and Idolatry. Wherefore before God, An∣gels and Men, we stand acquitted from, and do charge upon our Enemies, all the Slaughter and Devastations that unavoidably accompany an inte∣stine War

Now therefore we do hereby solemnly declare and proclaim War against J. D. of Y. as a Mur∣therer, and an Assassinator of innocent Men, a Traitor to the Nation, and Tyrant over the People. And we would have none that appear under his Banner to flatter themselves with expectation of Forgiveness, it being our firm resolution to prose∣cute him and his Adherents, without giving way to Treaties or Accommodations, until we have brought him and them to undergo what the Rules of the Constitution and the Statutes of the Realm, as well as the Laws of Nature, Scripture and Nations, ad∣judge to be punishment due to the Enemies of God, Mankind, their Country, and all things that are honourable, vertuous and good.

And though we cannot avoid being sensible that too many have, from Cowardise, Covetousness and Ambition, co-operated to the subverting our Religion, and the enslaving their Country; yet we would have none from a despair of findin•• Mercy, perservere in their Crimes, nor continue t••e ruin of the Kingdom: For we exclude none from the bene∣fit of Repenance, that will joyn with us in retrei∣ving that they have been accessory to the loss of; nor do we design revenge upon any, but the ob∣stinate, and such as shall be found at this junc∣ture yielding aid and assistance to the said J. D. of Y.

And that we may both govern our selves in the pursuit of this glorious Cause, wherein we are in∣gaged, and give incouragement to all that shall assist us in so righteous and necessary an undertaking; we do in the presence of the Lord, who knoweth the Secrets of all hearts, and is the avenger of de∣ceit

and falshood, proclaim and publish what we aim at; and for the obtaining whereof, we have both determined to venture, and are ready to lay down our Lives. And though we are not come into the Field to introduce Anarchy and Confusion, or for laying aside any part of the old English Govern∣ment; yet our purposes and resolutions are, to re∣duce things to that temperament and ballance, that future Rulers may remain able to do all the good that can be either desired or expected from them, and it may not be in their power to invade the rights and infringe the Liberties of the People.

And whereas our Religion, the most valu∣able thing we lay claim unto, hath been shak∣en by unjust Laws, undermined by Popish Counsels, and is now in danger to be subverted; We are therefore resolved to spend our Blood for preserving it to our Selves and Posterity; nor will we lay down our Arms, till we see it establish∣ed and secured beyond all probability of being sup∣planted and overthrown, and until all the Penal Laws against Protestant Dissenters be repealed, and legal Provision made against their being disturbed by reason of their Consciences, and for their injoying an equal liberty with other Pro∣testants.

And that the Meekness and Purity of our Principles, and the Moderation and Righteousness of our End, may appear unto all Men: We do declare, That we will not make War upon, or destroy any for their Religion, how false and erro∣neous soever: So that the very Papists, provided they withdraw from the Tents of our Enemies, and be not found guilty of conspiring our De∣struction,

or Abettors of them, that seek it, have nothing to fear or apprehend from us, except what may hinder their altering our Laws, and indangering our Persons in the Profession of the Reformed Doctrine, and Exercise of our Chri∣stian Worship.

Our Resolution in the next place is, to main∣tain all the just Rights and Priviledges of Parlia∣ment, and to have Parliaments annually chosen and held, and not prorogued, dissolved, or dis∣continued, within the Year, before Petitions be first answered, and Grievances redressed.

And seeing many of the Miseries, under which the Nation doth groan, arise from displacing such out of the number of Judges, as would not, for promoting Popish and Arbitrary Designs, wrest and misapply the Laws; and from constituting corrupt and mercenary Men in their Rooms, on purpose to stretch the Laws beyond the reason and intention of them, and to declare that for Law which is not: We can neither with silence pass over the mentioning of them, nor should we have peace in our selves, if we did not endeavour to prevent the like mischief in time to come. For by reason of ill Mens being ad∣vanced to the Bench, and holding their Places only durante bene placito, many Persons have been condemned in exorbitant Fines for no Crimes, or for very small ones: Many Statutes made for the safety of the Subject, particularly the Habeas Corpus Act, have been wickedly eluded to the oppression of the Innocent and Loyal Men. The Popish Lords that were impeached in Parliament, for a most hellish Conspiracy, have, to the subvert∣ing

the Rights of the House of Commons, and trampling on the Rights of the House of Lords, been discharged and se•• free. The imposing a Mayor and Sheriff upon the City of London by Fraud and Violence, have been justified, and those who in discharge of their Duty opposed it, illegally prosecuted, and arbitrarily punished. London, and other Cities and Corporations, have been robb'd of their Charters, upon unrighteous Judg∣ments of pretended Forfeitures. Sir Thomas Arm∣strong executed without being allowed the benefit of a Trial: Coll. Algernoon Sidney condemned to die, upon the Deposition of one scandalous Witness: And that Loyal and Excellent Person, the late William L. Russel Murthered for alledged Crimes; In reference to which, if all had been true, which was sworn against him, yet there was nothing which according to Law could have reached his Life. Upon the Considerations aforesaid, we further de∣clare, that we will have care taken for the future for debarring ignorant, sca••dalous and mercenary Men from the Administration of Justice, and that the Judges shall hold their Places by the antient Tenure of quamdiu se bene gesserint; and do leave it to the wisdom of a Parliament to settle some way and method for the approbation of such as shall be advanced to the Degree and Dignity of Judg∣es.

And for as much as the Invasion made on the Rights of Cities, Burroughs and Towns Corporate, by the Seisure of their Charters, whether by Surren∣der or upon pretence of Fo••feiture, have been wholly Arbitrary and Illegal; we likewise there∣fore

declare, We will, to our utmost, endeavour to see them repossessed in what they formerly had and could legally lay claim to, and that we do esteem all Judgments given against the••, and all Surren∣ders made by a corrupt and perju••ed party amongst them, null and void in Law; and do hold and de∣clare their old Charters, notwithstanding the new ones lately granted, to be good and valid; And accor∣dingly we do invite and incourage all honest Bur∣gesses and Freemen to reassume the Rights and Pri∣viledge••, which by vertue of the said Old Charters belonged to their several and respective Corpora∣tions, and to deliver themselves from those late Parasites and Instruments of Tyranny set up to op∣press them.

Moreover, for the restoring the Kingdom to its Primitive Condition of Freedom and Safety, we will have the Corporation and Militia Acts repealed, and all Outlawries of Treason against any person whatsoever, upon the late pretended Protestant Plot, reversed; and also all other Outlawries, Banishments, Warrants, Judgments, Imprisonments, and Injurious Proceedings, against any other per∣sons, upon any of the Penal Statutes made against Protestant Dissenters, made null and void. And we will have new Laws enacted for placing the Election of Sheriffs in the Freeholders of the several Counties, for settling the Militia in the several Shires, and for preventing all Military standing Forces, except what shall be raised and kept up by Authority and Consent of Parliament.

And whereas several Gentlemen, and others, who have been worthy and zealous Asserters of the Protestant Interest, and Laws of the Kingdom, are now in custody in divers places within the Realm, upon most unjust Accusations, Pretences, Proceed∣ings, and Judgments; we do hereby further de∣clare their said Imprisonments to be Illegal, and that in case any violence shall be offered to them, or any of them, we will revenge it to the utmost upon such of our Enemies as shall fall into our hands.

And whereas the said J. D. of Y. in order to the expediting the Idolatrous and bloody Designs of the Papists, the gratifying his own boundless Ambition after a Crown, and to hinder inquiry in∣to the Assassination of Arthur Earl of Essex; hath poisoned the late King, and thereby manifested his Ingratitude as well as Cruelty to the World, in murthering a Brother who had almost ruined himself to preserve and protect him from punish∣ment: We do therefore further declare, That for the aforesaid villanous & unnatural Crime, and other his Crimes before mentioned, and in pursu∣ance of the resolution of both Houses of Parlia∣ment, who voted to revenge the Kings Death in case he came to an untimely end, we will prosecute the said J. D. of Y. till we have brought him to suffer what the Law adjudged to be the punishment of so execrable a Fact.

And in a more particular manner his Grace the Duke of Monmouth being sensible of the barbarous and horrid Parricide committed upon his Father, doth resolve to pursue the said J. D. of Y. as a

mortal and bloody Enemy, and will endeavour a•• well with his own hand, as by the assistance of his Friends and the Law, to have Justice executed up∣on him.

And the said James Duke of Monmouth, the now Head and Captain General of the Protestant Forces of this Kingdom, assembled for the end aforesaid, from the generousness of his own Nature, and the love he bears to these Nations, whose wellfare and settlement he infinitely preferrs to whatsoever may concern himself, doth not at present insist upon his ••itle; but leaves the determination thereof to the Wisdom, Justice and Authority of a Parliament legally chosen and acting with freedom: And in the mean time doth profess and declare by all that is sacred, that he will, in conjunction with the People of England, imploy all the Abilities be∣stowed upon him by God and Nature, for the Re∣establishment and Preservation of the Protestant Re∣formed Religion in these Kingdoms, and for resto∣ring the Subjects of the same to a free exercise there∣of, in opposition to Popery, and the consequences of it, Tyranny and Slavery. To the obtaining of which end, he doth hereby promise and oblige himself to the People of England, to consent unto and promote the passing into Laws all the methods aforesaid; that it may never more be in the power of any single Person on the Throne, to deprive the Subjects of their Rights, or sub∣vert the Fundamental Laws of the Government designed for their Preservation.

And whereas, the Nobility, Gentry and Commons of Scotland are now in Arms up∣on the like motives and inducements that we are, and in prosecution of Ends agree∣able with ours; We do therefore approve the justice of their Cause, commend their Zeal and Courage, expecting their, and pro∣mising our assistance, for carrying on that glorious Work we are jointly engaged in; Being obliged, for avoiding tediousness, to omit the recounting many Oppressions un∣der which the Kingdom hath groaned; and the giving a deduction of the several steps that have been taken for introducing of Popery and Tyranny: We think fit there∣fore to signify, both to our Countrymen and Forreigners, that we intend a larger Testimony and Remonstrance of the Grie∣vances, Persecutions, Cruelties and Tyran∣nies we have of late lain under; and there∣in a more full and particular Account of the unparallell'd Crimes of the D. of Y. And we make our Appeal unto God, and all Protestant Kings, Princes, States and Peoples, concerning the Justice of our Cause, and the necessity we are reduced unto of having our recourse to Arms. And as we do beseech, require and adjure all

sincere Protestants and true English men to be assisting to us against the Enemies of the Gospel, Rights of the Nation, and Liberties of Mankind: So we are con∣fident of obtaining the utmost Aid and Succour which they can yield us, with their Prayers, Persons and Estates, for the dethroning the said Tyrant, &c. Nor do we doubt being justified, countenanced and assisted by all Prote∣stant Kings, Princes and Common∣wealths who either regard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or their own Interest: And above all, our dependance and trust is upon the Lord of Hosts, in whose name we go forth, and to whom we commit out Cause, and refer the Deci∣sion betwixt us and our Enemies in the day of Battel. Now let us play the Men for our People, and for the Cities of our God, and the Lord do that which seemeth good unto him.

☞ Thus Reader I have given you a Copy of the Duke of Monmouth's Decla∣ration (which was disperst in the West of England in the year 1685.) But it not being the part of an Historian, to make Remarks, I have satisfied my self, with barely inserting it, leaving every Reader to make what Reflections on it he thinks fit.

What follows concerning the late Lord Jefferys, should have been printed in his Life, next to the word Bribed in page 19 but was there Omitted.

JEffreys prosecuted Mr. Baxter for his Paraphrase upon the New Testament, and sent him to Prison; he coming out by an Habeas Corpus, was fain to abscond in the Country (in constant pain) till the Term. Then his oft Waitings at the Bar (where he could not stand) and then to be ragingly treated by Jeffreys and Withins, and called Rogue and Knave, and not suf∣••ered

to speak one word of Answer for himself, and his Counsel being reviled that offered to speak for him, was far harder to him, than his Imprisonment. And then going from the Bar, he only said, That his Predecessor thought otherwise of him. Jeffrys re∣ply'd, There was not an honest Man in England that took him not for a Knave, not excepting the King that had given him another Testimony in Words.

In the next page follows An Abstract of Monmouth's true Speech.

A brief Abstract of his true Speech.

I Repent in general of all my Sins, and am more particularly concerned for what ••lood hath been spilt on my Account, and the rather seeing the Issue is such as I fear will prove of fatal consequence to the Reformed Protestant Re∣ligion.

Instead of being counted Factious and Rebel∣lious, the very opposing of Popery and Arbi∣trary Power, now arising and appearing plain enough, would sufficiently have protected my Cause; besides, several other most hainous and notorious Crimes (such as the unhappy Fate of the Earl of Essex, and my Father of ever blessed Memory, and others now covered over with Je∣suitical Policy) should have been detected and avenged.

I have lived, and shall now die in the Faith of this that God will work a Deliverance for his Peo∣ple, and then will be discovered the great and horrid and scarcely to be parallell'd Villanies our Enemies have been guilty of; but now you see my case is desperate, yet know that I die a Martyr for the People, and shall rather pity the State, that their false and covetous Minds have brought themselves and me to; then discover who are the Persons concerned in my overthrow, and I heartily forgive all that have wronged me, even those that have been instrumental in my Fall, earnestly praying for their Souls.

And I hope King James will shew himself to be of his Brothers Blood, and extend his mercy to my Children, even as he was wont to his greatest Enemies, they being not capable to act, and therefore not conscious of any Offence against the Government.

His ELEGY.

COme Mortals, come, now set your selves to weep, Is not your glorious M— gone to sleep? Send us some Tears, you Indians, from your Shore, For it's our Grief that we can mourn no more. We want some Mourners from the utmost Coast Of all the Earth, that Grief may not be lost. When Britain hath set down and mourn'd her fill, She ought to send for other Mourners still: Created Things, come set your selves to mourn, Since lovely M— from the World is torn. Should you not Mourn, and tell your Children so, That Ages hence may mourn and sorrow too, 'Cause we have lost so great a good as this, Who was our Flow'r and mourning Europe's Bliss? The Sun did mourn the morning of that Day, And with the Clouds of Darkness did array His glorious Face, that Mortals might not see His Royal Rays, while they did murther thee. O Lovely Mon— Glory of our Land, Who for God's Word did like a Pillar stand. All things, but Devils, seemed then to weep, Nor could the Earth almost in silence keep?

Methought all Joy would vanish from the Earth, And pleasantness would stop with Mon—'s Breath. Methought the Sun might now be angry grown, And would no more on Earth be seen or known. We fear'd the Heavens now disturbed were, And for the Earth would take no further care. All good Men griev'd to see that fatal Blow, Whilst Floods of Tears did from the Heavens flow. But that black Blow, instead of proving three, Like Russel's Fate, Five Bloody Stroaks they see. Ye Ages all, let this recorded be, And let all Mankind M— mourn for thee. Could we but draw those blessed Looks of his, As when we saw him walking hence to Bliss, When from the Tower he did the Hill ascend, Where Troops of Angels did his Soul attend: One would have thought to see him in that throng, That he to Bliss already did belong. His Countenance all others did out-shine, And made his very Foes to Grief incline. No sooner was his Soul arriv'd in Bliss, Where he receiv'd a better Crown for this; But Phoebus and the Earth began to shine, And pleasant Looks towards us do incline. The Clouds and Tears were wip't from Heavens face, And glorious Brightness did again take place. Now ••appy Soul we leave thee to thy rest, To live, in Joys that cannot be exprest.

ARgile and the Duke of Monmouth being now both safe in their Graves, King James was so pufft up with a petty Victory over a few Clubmen, and so wrapt up with a Conceit, that

he had now conquer'd the whole Nation (so that now believing himself impregnable) he resolves to be reveng'd upon the Western People for sid∣ing with his Capital Enemy Monmouth, and to that purpose, sends down his Executioner in Ordinary Jeffryes, not to decimate according to the Heathen way of Mercy, but with the B••som of his Cruelties, to sweep the Country before him, and to depopulate instead of punishment, at what time Acquaintance or Relation of any that fell in the Field, with a slender Circumstance tack'd to either, was a Crime sufficient for the Extirpa∣tion of the Family. And young and old were hang'd by Clusters, as if the Chief Justice had designed to raise the Price of Halters; besides the great number of those that upon bare suspition were transported Beyond Sea, and there sold for Slaves; and the purchase Mon•• given away to satisfie the Hunger of needy Papists.—After Ages will read with Astonishment the barbarous Usage of those poor People; of which among many instances this one may seem sufficient, whereby to take the Dimensions of all the rest: That when the Sister of the two Hewlings hung upon the Chief Justices Coach, imploring Mercy on the behalf of her Brothers, the merciless Judge to make her let go, caus'd his Coach-man to cut her hands and fingers with the Lash of his Whip. Nor would he allow the Respite of the Execution but for two days, tho' the Sister with Tears in her Eyes offer'd a hundred pound for so small a Favour. And whoever shelter'd any of those forlorn Crea∣tures, were hurried to the Slaughter-house with the same inexcrable Out-rage, without any con∣sideration

either of Age or Sex; witness the Execution of the Lady Lisle at Winchester. As for Argil•• and the Duke, tho' they might die pityed, yet in regard they had declared open Hostility, it was no more than they were to ex∣pect upon ill Success.

We shall now, to compleat our Western Mar∣tyrology, (and that we may not be too tedious) proceed to give the particular Cases of those that were Condemn'd and Executed in the West, with their Christian Behaviour and Dying Speeches, as their plain Country Friends have preserv'd 'em.

The Dying Speech and Behaviour of Mr. Matth. Bragg.

AND we being with Mr. Matthew Bragg, who was a Gentleman, and descended from an ancient and good Family; he was bred an Attorney, in which he practised the Law: His Case being this, He hapned to be upon the Road riding home to his House, being come from a Gentleman's House for whom he kept Courts. He, as before, being met with by a Party of Horse belonging to the Duke of Monmouth, who were going to search the House of a Roman Catholick for Arms, who lived two or three Miles from the place they met him, they required him to go with them, and shew them the way, he knowing the Country better than they did; he desired to be excused, telling them, It was none of his business, and besides had no Arms. But hi•• Excuses signified nothing, they forced him amongst them, where they went; when being come, a Party enter'd the House and searcht it: Mr. Bragg never dismounted, they being then satisfied, took him along with them to Chard, where then the Duke of Monmouth was. Being there,

after having set up his Horse where he used to do, often having occasion there, he was much tamper∣ed with to engage in the Design, but he refused it, but the next morning made haste out of Town, not seeing the Duke at all; calling for his Horse it was told him, That it was seized for the Duke's Service. So then he took his Cane and Gloves, and walked to his own House, which was about five or six Miles, and was no more concern'd in the Af∣fair, than that after the Duke's Defeat at Kings-Sedge-Moore, some busie person informeth, and requireth a Warrant from a Justice of Peace for the said Mr. Bragg, who obliged himself to enter into a Recognizance to appear at the next Assizes, the said Justice accounting the matter in it self but trivial; and indeed all Men did judge him out of danger. At Dorchester he appeared in Court to discharge his Bail, on which he was pre∣sently Committed, and the next day being Ar∣raigned, pleading Not guilty, put himself on the Trial of God and his Country, which found him and 28 more of 30, Guilty; the Lord Chief Ju∣stice often saying, If any Lawyer or P••rson came under his Inspection, they should not escape; the Evi∣dence against him was the Roman Catholick, whose House was search'd, and a woman of ill Fame, to whom the Lord Chief Justice was wonderfully kind; but his Evidence which were more than Twenty, to prove his Innocence, signifyed no∣thing; the Jury being well instructed by my Lord Chief Justice. Being thus found Guilty, Sentence was presently pronounced, and Execution award∣ed, notwithstanding all the Interest that was made for him, as before recited.

Thus being Condemned on Saturday, and ordered to be Executed on Monday, he spent the Residue of his little time very devoutly, and much becoming a good Christian, and a true Protestant of the Church of England, all which availed nothing with this Protestant Judge: he was frequently vi∣sited by a worthy Divine of the Church of Eng∣land, who spent much time with him, and recei∣ved great satisfaction from him. The said Divine told me, That his Deportment, Behaviour and Con∣verse was so much like an extraordinary Christian, that he could not in the least doubt but this violent passage would put him into the fruition of happiness. He wisht and desired a little longer time, out of no other design, but throughly to repent him of his Sins, and make himself more sensible of, and fit for to receive the Inheritance that is prepared for those that continue in well-doing to the end. When he came to the place of Execution with great Courage and Resolution, being, as he said, pre∣pared for Death, He behaved himself very grave∣ly and devoutly. Being asked, when he was on the Ladder, Whether he was not sorry for his being concerned in the Rebellion? He replyed, That he knew of none that he was Guilty of; and prayed them not to trouble him; adding, He was not the first that was martyr'd; he was so much a Christian as to forgive his Enemies. And after some private Devotions he suddenly was Translated, as we have all hopes to believe, from Earth to Heaven. The only Favour of this Protestant Judge, was to give his Body to his Friends, in order to its Interment amongst his Ancestors.

The Behaviour of Mr. Smith Constable of Chardstock.

ANother eminent Person that suffered with him at the same time and place, was one Mr. Smith, who was Constable of Chardstock, who having some Monies in his hands that belonged to the Militia, which came to the knowledge of some of the Dukes Friends, they obliged him to deli∣ver it to them, which he was forced to deliver; and for this was Indicted for High T••eason, in assist∣ing the Duke of Monmouth. To which he plead∣ed Not Guilty. The Evidence against him were the same with those that had been against Mr. Bragg. The said Mr. Smith informed the Court and the Jury, what little Credit ought to be given to the Evidence. The Lord Chief Justice thun∣dred at him, saying, Thou Villain, methinks I see thee already with a Halter about thy Neck; thou impudent Rebel, to challenge these Evidences that are for the King. To which the Prisoner reply'd very boldly, My Lord, I now see which way I am going, and right or wrong I must die; but this I comfort my self with, That your Lordship can only destroy my Body; it is out of your Power to touch my Soul. God forgive your rashness; pray, my Lord, know it is not a small matter you are about, the Blood of man is more precious than the whole World. And then was stopped from saying any more. The Evidences being heard, a strict Charge was given the Jury about him. To be short, the Jury brought him in Guilty; so that he with the rest received the

Sentence of Death all together, and were Exe∣cuted on Monday; but by particular order from my Lord, he was ordered to be first Executed. The day being come for Execution, being Mon∣day, he with a Courage undaunted, was brought to the Place, where with Christian Exhortations to his Brethren that suffered with him, he was ordered to prepare, being the first to be executed, where he spake as followeth: Christian Friends, I am now as you see lanching into Eternity; so that it may be expected I should speak something, before I leave this miserable World, and pass through those Sufferings, which are dreadful to Flesh and Blood; which indeed shall be but little, because I long to be before a just judge, where I must give an account, not only for the occasion of my Sufferings now, but for Sins long unrepented of, which indeed hath brought me to this dismal place and shameful Death. And truly, dear Country-men, having ransacked my Soul, I cannot find my small concern with the Duke of Monmouth, doth deserve this heavy Judgment on me; but I know, as I said before, it is for Sins long unrepented of; I die in Charity with all men; I desire all of you to bear me witness, I die a true Professor of the Church of England; beseeching the Lord still to stand up in the defence of it. God forgive my passionate Judges, and cruel and hasty Jury; God forgive them, they know not what they have done. God bless the King; and though his Judges had no mercy on me, I wish he may find Mer∣cy when he standeth most in need of it: Make him, O Lord, a nursing Father to the Church; let Mercy flow abundantly from him, if it be thy will, to those poor Prisoners, to be hereafter tryed; and Lord, if

it be thy holy Will, stop this issue of Christian Blood, and let my guiltless Blood be the last spilt on this ac∣count. Gentlemen, all farewel, farewel all the things of the World: Then singing some few Verses of a Psalm, and putting up some private Ejacu∣lations to himself, said, O Lord, into thy hands I commend my Spirit, and so submitted to the Exe∣cutioner, Sept. 7. 1685.

The Behaviour and Dying Speech of Mr. Jo∣seph Speed of Culliton.

AT the same time and place, as he came near the place of his Execution, he spying his Country-man and Friend, called him, and said, I am glad to see you here now, because I am not known in these parts; being answered by his Friend, I am sorry to see you in this Condition: He replies, It is the best day I ever saw; I thank God, I have not led my Life as Unchristian-like as many have done, having since the years of 16 always had the Checks of Conscience on me, which made me to avoid many gross and grie∣vous Sins, my course of Life hath been well known to you, yet I cannot justifie my self; all Men err. I have not been the least of Sinners, therefore cannot excuse my self; but since my confinement, I have received so great comfort, in some assurance of the Pardon of my Sins, that I can now say, I am willing to die, to be dissol∣ved, and to be with Christ, and say to Death, Where is thy Sting? and to Grave, Where is thy Victory?

Being ask'd by some rude Soldiers, Whether he was not sorry for the Rebellion he was found guilty of? He couragiously reply'd. If you call it a Rebellion, I assure you I had no sinister ends in being concerned; for my whole design in taking up Arms under the D. of M. was to Fight for the Protestant Religion, which my own Conscience dictated me to, and which the said Duke Decla∣red for, and had, I think, a lawful Call and War∣rant for so doing, and do not question, that if I have committed any sin in it, but that it is par∣doned: Pray, Mr. Sheriff, let me be troubled no farther in answering of Questions, but give me leave to prepare my self (those few minutes I have left) for another World, and go to my Jesus, who is ready to receive me: Then calling to his Friend, who stood very near him, said, My dear Friend, you know I have a dear Wife and Chil∣dren, who will find me wanting, being some∣what incumber'd in the World, let me desire you as a Dying Man to see that she be not abused; and as for my poor Children, I hope the Father of Heaven will take care of them, and give them Grace to be dutiful to their Distressed Mother; and so with my dying Love to all my Friends, when you see them, I take leave of you, and them, and all the World, desiring your Christian Prayers for me to the last moment; then repeating some Sentences of Scripture, as, Colossians, chap. 3. v. 1, 2. If you then, &c. and praying very fervently, said, I thank God I have satisfaction; I am ready and willing to suffer shame for his Name: And so pouring forth some private Ejaculations to him∣self, and lifting up his hands, the Executioner

did his Office: T••e Soldiers then present, said, They never before were so taken with a Dying M••n's Speech; his Courage and Christian-like Resolution, caused many violent Men against the Prisoners, to repent of their Tyranny towards them; some of whom in a short time died full of horror: And thus fell this good Man, a true Protestant, and one that held out to the end.

An account of those that suffer'd at Bridport and Lime.

AT Bridport one John Sparke, who was a very good Man, and behaved himself with a great deal of Christian-like Courage to the end: His Speech and his Devotions, &c. must be omit∣ted, not being possible to take them, by reason of the rudeness, &c. and the shortness of the time allowed him by the Souldiers.

Next place was Lime, where many of Note died Particularly, Col. Holmes, who was the first of those there executed, near the same place where they landed, when they came ashore with the Duke of M. Being brought to the place after some difficulty; for the Horses that were first put into the Sledge would not stir, which oblige-those concerned to get others, which they did from the Coachman, who had that morning brought them to Town; when they were put in∣to the Sledge, they broke it in pieces, which caused the Prisoners to go on foot to the place of Execu∣tion; where being come, as I told you before, the

Colonel began thus at the foot of the Ladder; he sa•• down with an Aspect altogether void of Fear, but on the contrary with a kind of smiling Coun∣tenance, so began to speak to the spectators to this purpose, That he would give them an account of his first undertaking in the design, which was long before in London; for there be a∣greed to stand by and assist the D. of M. when opportunity offer'd; in order to which he went to Holland with him, and there continued, until this Expedition, in which God had thought fit to frustrate his and other good Mens Expectations: He believed the Protestant Religion was bleeding, and in a step towards Extirpation, and therefore he with these his Brethren, that were to suffer with him, and Thousands more had adventured their Lives and their All to save it; but God Almighty had not appointed 'em to be the Instruments in so glorious a Work; yet notwithstanding he did verily believe, and doubted not, but that God would make use of others, that should meet with better success, tho the way or means was not yet visible, but of this he did not doubt: He also was satisfied of the D's Title, so that matter did not afflict him on account of his engaging on his Score: And going on further with a Discourse of this nature, he was asked by a Person, Why he did not pray for the King? He with a smiling Counte∣nance answer'd, I am sorry you do not yet under∣stand the difference between Speaking and Praying: And having ended his Discourse, he then prepared himself by Prayer for his Dissolution, which was very devout and pious for half an hour; which was as follows.

Colonel Holme's Last Prayer.

MOst glorious, most great, and most merciful God, there is none in Heaven or in Earth that is like unto thee; Heaven is thy Throne, and the Earth is thy Footstool; who shall say unto thee, What doest thou? Here we are poor deplorable Creatures come to offer up our last Prayers, and Services unto thee; we beseech thy favourable Ear to our Prayers, and the com∣fort of thy holy Spirit, at this time; we praise and magnifie thy name, for all the Dispensations of thy Providence towards us, especially for this thy Provi∣dence, in bringing us to this place and at this time to suffer shame for thy Name: Help and assist all of us to submit to thy Will patiently. Pardon all our sins, remove them out of thy presence as far as the East is from the West, and accept of us in the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ; thou who art the Searcher of Hearts, and Try••r of Reins, let there not at the moment of Death be the least spark of sin indwelling in us, nor the striv∣ings of Flesh and Blood, that may hinder us from a joy∣ful passage unto thee: Give us patience also under these Sufferings, and a deliverance to all others from under∣going them, and in thy good time work a deliverance for poor England, let thy Gospel yet flourish among them, hasten the downfall of Antichrist, we trust the time is come; Prevent, O Lord, this effusion of Christia•• Blood; and if it be thy will, let this be the last; Lord, bless this Town, let them from the highest to the lowest set the fear of God before their Eyes: Bless all sorts and conditions of Men in all Ranks and Qualities, par∣don all their sins, give them all true Repentance, and the

Grace of thy Holy Spirit; fit and prepare us for the chearful fulfilling of thy Holy Will; let the Comforter be still with us; be merciful to all our Friends, and Re∣lations, and Acquaintance; forgive our Enemies, ac∣cept of our thankfulness for all the Mercies and Favours afforded us, and hear and graciously answer us in these our Requests, and what else thou knowest needful and expedient for us, and all for our Redeemer the Lord Je∣sus Christ his sake; who died for us, that we might Reign with him for ever and ever; to whom with thee and thy blessed Spirit of grace be ascribed, as is most due, all honour, glory, and praise, both now and for ever.

After having ended his Prayer, he took occasion to speak to his suffering Brethren, taking a so∣lemn leave of them, encouraging them to hold out to the end, and not to waver, observing that this being a glorious Sun-shining day, I doubt not, though our Breakfast be sharp and bitter, it will prepare us, and make us meet for a comfortable Supper, with our God and Saviour, where all sin and sorrow shall be wiped away; so embracing each of 'em, and kissing of them, told the Sheriff, You see I am imperfect, only one Arm, I shall want assistance to help me upon this Tragical Stage; which was presently done, and Execution suddenly fol∣lowed.

Now follows the Execution of Mr. Sam. Larke.

MR. Sampson Larke, who was a very emi∣nent, pious man, and had lived in that

Town, but little b••fore; many years he was there well acquainted, and all People that knew him had a value for him, behaving himself with that Humility and Circumspection, as no body could have any other occasion but to value him: He design'd to have spoken somewhat on a portion of Sc••ipture, and was beginning, having menti∣oned the place he intended to speak upon, but was interrupted and told the work of the day being great, they should want time, So then he stopt and reply'd, He could make application where he should not meet with interruption: And so apply'd himself to Prayer, which he performed with great Devotion and Zeal for a quarter of an hour, to the great satisfaction of the Auditors; and so taking leave of his suffering Brethren, he mounted the Stage, which was to be the last Act he made in this World; being on the Ladder, he saw some of his Friends and Neighbours, weeping and mourning for him, to whom he spake, Pray weep not for me, I am going to a place of Bliss and Happiness, wherefore pray repair to your Houses, and 'ere you get thither, I doubt not, but I shall be happy with my God and Savi∣our, where all tears shall be wiped away, and nothing shall remain but Hallelujahs to all Eternity.

There was also Mr. William Hewling of London, a young Gentleman under Twenty, who came o∣ver with the Duke of M. he seemed to be in a calm, and composed frame of Spirit, and with a great deal of Courage and Seriousness, he behaved himself. There is already something said of his Converse and Discourse, which amongst others is printed; therefore we shall say no••hing more of him, but that in all manner of appearance he di'd

a good Christian, a true Protestant, and doubtless now enjoys the benefit of it. There were several worthy men more there executed, viz. Mr. Christ. Ba••tiscomb, Dr. Temple, Capt. Madders, Capt. Marthews, Cap∣tain Kid, &c. in all Twelve, who all of them died with that Courage and Resolution as became Chri∣stians, and such who eminently had adventured their Lives and Fortunes, in defence of what was most dear to them; and namely our Religion, which though God did not think fit to desend and secure it, yet in his wisdom we hope it will be in some measure secured by other Instruments, the Glory of the same being only due to him. So that now leaving this Place, we proceed to other parts of the Country, where with the like Butchery were only five executed, amongst whom was one Mr. Taylor of Bristol, who had Command in the Dukes Army, where he behaved himself very stoutly to the last; after the Army was dis∣persed, he among others was taken, received Sen∣tence of Death at Dorchester, and here brought for the completion of the same, and from thence we hope was translated to Heaven; He spent his time between the Sentence and Execution very de∣voutly, in confirming and strengthning those that were to be his Fellow-Sufferers; And made it his business to bring them to a willingness to submit to, and a preparedness for Death: The day be∣ing come, and he brought to the place of Executi∣on, he thus spoke, My Friends, You see I am now on the Brink of Eternity, and in a few Minutes shall be but Clay; You expect I should say something, as is usual in such Cases; as to the matter of Fact I die for, it doth not much trouble me, knowing to my self the ends

for which I engaged with the Duke of M. were both good and honourable. Here being stopp'd, and not suffer'd to proceed further, he then comforted his Fellow-sufferers, desiring them to joyn with him in singing an Hymn, which he himself compo∣sed for the occasion as followeth.

A HYMN made by Mr. Joseph Tyler, a little before his Execution.

1.

O Lord, how Glorious is thy Grace, And wondrous large thy Love; At such a dreadful time and place, To such as Faithful prove!

2.

If thou wilt have thy Glory hence, Though a shameful Dea••h we die, We bless thee for this Providence, To all Eternity.

3.

Let these Spectators see thy Grace In thy poor Servants shine; While we by Faith behold thy Face, In that bless'd Son of thine.

4.

Though Men our Bodies may abuse, Christ took our Souls to rest; Till he brings forth the joyful news, Ye are my Fathers blest.

5.

Appear for those that plead thy Cause, Preserve them in the way, Who own King Jesus, and his Laws, And dare not but obey.

6.

O God confound our cruel Foes, Let Babylon come down; Let England's King be one of them, Shall raze her to the ground.

7.

Through Christ we yield our Souls to thee, Accept us on his Score; That where he is, there we may be, To praise thee ever more.

After the Hymn sung he prayed devoutly, for half an hour; after Prayer he gave great satisfa∣ction to all present of his Assurance of Heaven, had many weeping Eyes for him, and was much lamented in the Town, tho' a stranger to the place; so unbuttoning himself, said to the Exe∣cutioner, I fear not what Man can do unto me; I pray thee do thy work in mercy, for I forgive thee with all my heart, and I also pray to God to for∣give thee; don't mangle my Body too much; and so lifting up his hands to Heaven, the Executioner did his Office. There was also one William Cox that died with him, who also died very couragi∣ously, despising the shame, in hopes and expectati∣on

of a future better Estate. He and his two Sons were some of the first that came to the Duke of Monmouth, an•• all taken, and all condemned together: The Father only suffered, the Sons by Providence were preserved. When he was going to Execution he desired leave to see his Sons, then in another Prison in the Town, to whom he gave his Blessing; and though he was going to be Exe∣cuted, yet had that satisfaction to hope that God would preserve them, which was so.

Some further Passages relating to Mr. Samp∣son Larke with his Prayer at the same time and Place when Executed.

IMme••iately after Colonel Holmes was Executed, this g••od Man was ordered to prepare to fol∣low; accordingly going to d••liver some few words to the People, some whereof were formerly of his Congregation, but being told he could not expec•• much time, because it was so late, and so many to be Executed afte•• him; so he suddenly concluded and said, I will now speak a few Words to him, whic•• I am sure will hear me: And so began his Praye•• as followeth:

Blessed Lord God, we thine unworthy Creatur•• now here before thee, cannot but acknowledge from th•• bottom of our hearts our own unworthiness; we mu•••• confess we have been grievous sinners, and have broug•••• forth the evil Fruit of it in our Lives, to the gre••••

dishonour of thy Name, for which we have deserved thy heavy wrath and indignation to be poured forth up∣on us, not only in this life, but in that which is to come.

O let us bless God for our Sufferings and Afflictions; as for our Mercies, we bless thee in particular for this; O sanctifie it to us; let us be effectually convinced of the vanity of the World, and of our own sinfulness by Nature and Practice, and to see that to be sin which we never saw before; O Lord, make us sensible of the absolute necessity of the Righteousness of Christ to justi∣fie us, and let him be now made much more dear and precious to our Souls than ever, that so we may be wrought into a more heavenly Frame, and raised to a higher degree of Spirituality, and so made more meek and humble; and let us judge charitably of others, that differ from us in Opinion and Judgment. And now, O Lord, though by thy most righteous Judgment we most justly deserve these Sufferings, and such an igno∣minious Death, for our Sins against thee, not for Treasons against the Kingdom, let us be in a prepa∣redness for it. Pardon all our Sins, help us quietly to submit to thy holy Will; speak peace to all our Souls. Look in mercy, O Lord, on this poor Nation, especial∣ly on this Town, and every particular Person in it, let them all mind those things which concern their peace, before they are hid from their eyes. Comfort my dear and distressed Wife, be a Husband unto her, deliver her out of the Paw of the Lyon, and the Paws of the Bear. Look upon all thy poor afflicted ones, all Pri∣soners and Captives, work deliverance for them if thou seest it good; but thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. And now Lord, with humble meek∣ness and submission I submit to thy Will, depending up∣on

on the Merits of my Saviour, to whom with thy blessed Self and Spirit be ascribed all Honour and Praise both now and for ever. Amen.

Then mounting the Ladder, he called to some of the Town who weeped for him, but were at some distance, Go home to your own Houses, pray do not weep for me, and before you get up yonder Hill, I shall be with my heavenly Father in fulness of joy and pleasure for evermore. And so advising those be∣fore him to leave off those cruel Sentiments they had taken of him, besides some heavenly Dis∣courses with some of his Friends, he was turned off, to the great grief of the good People of the Town, especially those of his own Congregation. To give him nothing but his due, he was a man migh∣ty charitable, relieving and visiting the poor and needy, Preached in season and out of season, and made it his business to go about doing good, and to put poor Souls in a way for Eternal Life; he was an old Christian, as well as aged in years; he was a general loss, especially to his dear and tender Wife: But all our losses are nothing to be compa∣red to that Glory that he now enjoys.

Mr. Sampson Larke's Letter to a Friend just before his Execution.

MY dear Friend, I am ready to be offered, and the time of my Departure is at hand; I have through Grace fought a good fight, have finished my course, have kept the Faith, and am in hopes of the Crown of Righteousness prepared for me, and all

God's faithful Ones: The experiences I have had of the Promises, hath given me comfortable hopes that he will carry me to the full end of my Journey, with his Name, and that Truth of his, which I have made Pro∣fession of. My great Crime is for my being a Preach∣••r of the Gospel, and here I am to be made a Sacri∣fice, where I have mostly preached Christ's Gospel. I think my Judges have devised this punishment for my hurt, but I trust God will turn it to my good; the great trouble I have, is for those good Hearts that I must leave behind me: But this is my comfort, know∣ing that all such as fear God, he will be a Father to them. My dear Wife is greatly troubled, but through Mercy much supported, and something quieted; if any of you have opportunity to give her help, I hope you will do it. As for our confessing our selves Guilty, it was expresly as to matter of Fact, and not of Form; and this I did with some freedom, and the rather, be∣cause all my worthy Brethren that went before me took that way, and the many ways having been used to have a further Discovery, yet nothing of that kind by any but only by Captain Jones. Since our Sentence, some wretched men have been with us to draw from us a Confession of our being Rebels, that we might have their Absolution. I bless God, he has hitherto helped me to be faithful, and I hope he will not leave me in ••he most needful time. I must conclude, being ready to be called away; my dear Love to all my Christian Friends, and especially those in the Goal. The Lord be with you all, Amen. Your dying Friend, in hopes of Eternal Life, through Jesus Christ Amen.

SAMPSON LARKE.

From the House of my blessed Bondage in Dor∣chester, Sept. 7. 1685.

An Account of those Executed at Sherborn.

AT Sherborn, in the same County, were Exe∣cuted Twelve, who all died Couragiously, especially one Mr. Glisson of Yeovel, in the County of Somerset, his extraordinary deportment and car∣riage at the place of Execution, was so very consi∣derable, as gave great satisfaction to his Friends, and amazement to his Enemies. He declared to the World that he died a true Protestant, and had not ingaged with the Duke of Monmouth, but judg∣ed it high time to stand up for the Defence of the same, though God Almighty had thought fit to frustrate his Designs, and to bring him to that place to Seal the same with his Blood. Also John Savage, and Richard Hall of Culliton, in the Coun∣ty of Devon, suffered at the same time and place; in their particular Conversation, they valued those most that they saw most of Piety in, and piti∣ed others that they saw not so well prepared; saying, that the remembrance of our vanity may cause compassion towards such as were in such a Condition; exhorting all to be serious, and to consider their latter end, which deserved the great∣est attention of Mind; the way to die comforta∣bly, being to prepare for it seriously; and if God should miraculously preserve us from this Death now before our eyes, it should be the duty of us all to spend the remaining part of our time, in such a manner as now, when we see Death just at the door. At the hour of Execution their chear∣fulness and comfort was much increased, saying, Now the Will of God will be done, and be hath most

certainly chosen that for us which is best; with many other such like Christian Expressions, too tedious here to be inserted, because we design to keep to our first Intentions, and not to swell this T••eatise too big. Upon the whole, af••er they had with much earnestness recommended their Souls to the All-wise God by Prayer, they all with much con∣tent and satisfaction, submitted themselves to the Executioner, not doubting of a happy Translation, and accordingly were executed and quartered; before the rest of the Executions in this County, as at Weymouth, Pool, Shafton, Wimborne, &c. not being there, we shall pass over, and only give you particular touches, which we saw to our perfect knowledge, and so we retu••n to Culliton in the County of Devon, where John Sprague and William Clegg, both of that Town, were condemned at Exon, and there brought to be Executed. Before they were brought into the place, a Messenger came from the Prisoners with a Request to the Vi∣car of the Parish, to desire his Company and As∣sistance in this their Extremity, and to Administer those spiritual Helps that were suitable to Men in their Circumstances. Accordingly the said Minister came very readily, and did demand of them, VVhat they had to desire of him? The dying Persons an∣swered, They desired his Prayers? Accordingly he prayed with them a considerable space of time. And after that, he asked of them several Questi∣ons, for to give him and the World satisfaction of the prepared Condition they were in, in order to their lanching into Eternity, especially about the Doctrine of Non-Resistance. John Sprague ve∣ry soberly and moderately replied, but whether

satisfactory or not, we leave to the Reader; He believed that no Christian ought to resist a lawful Power; but the Case being between Popery and Pro∣stantism, altered the matter; and the latter being in danger, he believed that it was lawful for him to do what he did, ••hough God in his Providence had thought fit to bring him to this place of Execution. After reading a Chapter out of the Corinthians, and sing∣ing a Psalm suitable to the occasion, he very vehe∣mently and fervently recommended his Soul to the All-wise God by Prayer, for near half an hour, to the great satisfaction of all that heard him; then his Wife and Children coming to him weeping bitterly, he imbraced them in his Arms, saying, VVeep not for me, but weep for your selves, and for your sins, for that he had that quiet satisfaction, that he was only going to be translated into a state of Bliss and Happiness, where we should sin and sorrow no more, but that all Tears should be wiped away, wishing them to be diligent in the Service of God. Then recommending his Wife and Children to the protection of the Almighty God, who had pro∣mised to be a Husband to the VVidow, and a Father to the Fatherless, who was faithful and able to make up their loss in him, in that which should be bett•••• for them, than he could be; desiring God to be a Refuge for them to fly to for security, and preservation from the Troubles that seemed to threaten this poor Nati∣on; the which if they did conscientiously perform, though Death here made a separation, he doubted not of meeting them in Heaven at last. And so the Executioner did his Office. During which time his Brother-sufferer, VVilliam Clegg was all the time on his Knees, praying to himself with a

seeming Zeal; suddenly after which his turn be∣ing come to follow his Brother, he only told the People, That his Fellow-sufferer has spoken what he thought was necessary, and they were also his Sentiments. And so submitted to Execution.

An Account of those Executed at Ax∣minster and Honiton.

AT Axminster one also was Executed, his Name Mr. Rose, he was a Gunner, that landed with the Duke of Monmouth, he had a great Re∣solution, and not at all started with the fear of Death. He said, That he defy'd death, and all them that were the occasion of it. He was very couragious and died so. He spent some time in private Pray∣er, and was not allowed time, because there was to be Execution at Honiton; so that his Execution being over, we past on to Honiton, where four were executed, one of which was a Chyrurgeon, his Name, if I do not mistake, was Mr. Pott, who behaved himself with that extraordinary Christi∣an Courage, that all the Spectators were almost astonished, he being but young, about Twenty, his Prayers being servent, his Expressions so pithy, ••nd so becoming a Christian of greater Age, that drew pity and compassion from all present; a rude Fellow, just before he was to be executed, called for a Bottle of Wine, and so began the Kings Health to one of the Guard; which he perceiving, Poor Soul, said he, Your Cup seemeth to be sweet to you, and you think mine is bitter; which indeed is so to Flesh and Blood; but yet I have that assurance of the fruition of a future Estate, that I doubt not but this bitter Potion will be sweetned with the Sugar of

the loving kindness of my dearest Saviour, that I shall be translated into such a State, where is fulness of Joy and Pleasure for evermore.

Before I conclude, one Mr. Evans a Minister ought not to be omitted, who did all along in the time of his confinement in Prison, behave himself with that Devotion and Strictness, that became a Christian of great Eminency, as indeed he was; he spent much of his time in preaching and pray∣ing to his Fellow Prisoners, exhorting them to hold out to the end; he at last by appointment being Condemn'd, was executed by himself; at which time and place he behaved himself with great Courage and Devotion, and with a great willingness and chearfulness, he submitted to Exe∣cution. There might have been much more said of this worthy Man, but because we will keep to our design, shall be omitted. Many others, who were also very Eminent, suffered in this Coun∣ty, for asserting and endeavouring to secure the Protestant Religion.

The Case of Mr. Simon Hamling.

THus having finished what we have to say at present, shall only add the Case of one Mr. Simon Hamling at Taunton, to shew that sometimes Innocency will not protect. Mr. Hamling was for∣merly an Inhabitant of the place, but of late years had lived two or three Miles from thence; he was a very honest, worthy, good Christian, but

was a Dissenter, and indeed in the judgment of some fiery men, that might be Crime enough, as did too sadly appear in divers Cases. But to our purpose: Mr. Hamling living in the Country, hearing of the Duke of Monmouth's being in Town, he there came to speak with his Son, who lived in that place; where being come, he gave him ad∣vice, which was, That as he expected his Blessing, and Countenance, he should not at all concern himself in the matter, but submit to the VVill of God in all things. And having thus advised his Son, he re∣turns home; and two days after came again to Town on a Market day with his Wife, to buy Pro∣visions for his Family, and returned to his House again. And this was all the times he was in Town, whiles the Duke was there. But after the Business was over, he was brought in on Suspi∣cion, being a Dissenter, that was Crime enough, except Coin appear'd to a Justice of that Town, who usually did commit or dismiss as that ap∣pear'd. This Man was arraign'd at Taunton, plead∣ed Not guilty. The Matter above is the truth of this Case; the Evidences were two profligate Ras∣cals, that had incouragement from the Justice, they ••sually doing what he put them on. The Prisoner had many to prove this Fact, and his Honesty; but this did not avail, the Jury found him Guilty, with two more, who were presently Sentenc'd, and next morning executed for to be Examples to o∣thers. It is said, that the Justice did make appli∣cation to our famous Protestant Judge, and hinted some Mistake concerning him. To which, as I have been informed, he should Reply, You have brought him on, if he be innocent, his Blood be upon

you. Which was a very fine Reply from a mer∣ciful Judge; but nothing else could be expected, as the whole Treatise evinceth: The tender Mer∣cies of the wic••••d being cruel. This Man beha∣ved himself very worthily at the place of Execu∣tion, and did at the last declare his Crime to be the same as is above mentioned, and not other∣wise. Thus fell this pious Christian; a Man, by all sober People that knew him, beloved; and dis∣respected by none but loose Villains, which at last took away his Life.

There was one Mr. Gatchett executed with him, his Crime, being a Constable of the Hundred, he was surprized by a Party of the Dukes, and shew∣ed a Warrant to bring in Provisions and other Necessaries for the use of the Army, which if he had not obeyed, was threatned to have his House burnt, &c. so that he was obliged to do what he did for his own preservation; but this was not sufficient, for being found Guilty he was also execu∣ted at the same time and place.

The Case of Mr. Thomas Lawrence.

MR. Thomas Lawrence at Dorchester, had also very hard measure. He had the managing of an Estate belonging to a Person of Quality, who had a Barn in the Parish of Lyme, where the Duke landed. The day after his landing, a Party came and took away three Horses from off this Estate, which he having the trust and care of, makes ap∣plication to the Duke for them, adding, That he

ought not to suffer any of his Masters Goods to be wanting, but must endeavour to recover them again. So mov'd hard to the Duke for the Horses, but all would not prevail; but at last had one, and was forced to leave two. This was look'd on as an a∣betting, being judg'd to be by consent. After the Defeat was given, he was had before a Justice of the Peace, who bound him over to the Assizes, where appearing, he was Committed; Pleaded Not Guilty on his Trial, which he pleaded to ve∣ry honestly; yet was found Guilty, and sentenc'd to die. My Lord was excellent at Improvement, 'twas thought he would, if possible, have brought in the Gentleman that owned the Estate, who was very rich. This honest Mr. Lawrence was to be sacrific'd, and his Execution order'd to be at War∣ham; but my Lord's Favourite got a Reprieve for him by the help of Four hundred pound. Two hundred pound being actually paid, the other se∣cur'd by Bond.

I promised before I conclude, to give some ac∣count of the barbarous and cruel Whippings which were executed on many good, honest, and suffici∣ent Persons, both Men and Women, in the Coun∣ties of Dorset, Devon, and Somerset, by the se∣vere and cruel Sentence of the Lord Chief Justice; some for such small Crimes, as an impartial Man may judge they deserved none at all: more especi∣ally one Mr. Stayle of Thorncomb in Devonshire, his Sufferings were so hard, that it caused many to pity him; he was a good liver, well beloved among his Neighbours, and a true Protestant. Also one Mrs. Brown of Lyme, suffered very dear in that nature; she only jokingly said unto the Officer of

the Excise, I will pay, my Excise to King Mon∣mouth; which being sworn before this severe Ju••ge, she was found Guilty of a Misdemeanor, was sentenc'd to be whipt in several Market Towns, which accordingly was done. But this Cruelty was not only extended to those of riper years, and able better to endure those painful Sufferings, but even to Children. A poor Boy of Weymouth in the County of Dorset, having got some Pamphlet rela∣ting somewhat to satisfie the People that the Duke of Monmouth came to secure the Protestant Religion, had the hard fortune to take his Trial before this harsh Judge; I think he was about ten or twelve years of Age; he had the flesh of his Back so cut with the whipping, that I heard he died with the same; but whether he is dead, or not, never was such Cruelty in all this World, And now we may see how just the Lord is, he that all that time had no mercy for any, but those that appeared loose Villains, is pitied but by few.

Capt. Madders last Prayer at the same time and place.

CApt. Madders at the time of the Duke's land∣ing was a Constable at Crewkern, in the County of Somerset, and so diligent and active for the King in his Office, that when two Gentlemen of Lyme came there, and brought the News of the Duke's landing, and desired Horses to ride Post to acquaint his Majesty therewith, he imme∣diately

secured Horses for them, the Town being generally otherways bent, and assisted them so far as any called Loyal in those times could do, which was represented to the Lord Chief Justice, in expectation thereby to save his Life. But an Enquiry being made about his Religion, and re∣tu••ned by a very worthy Gentleman of those Parts That he was a good Protestant, an honest Man, had a very good Character amongst his Neigh∣bours: O then, says he, I'll hold a wager with you he is a Presbyterian, I can smell them forty miles. Though moderately I now say, they can smell him two hundred miles West; then surely he must dye, because he was, and had the Character of an honest man, a good Christian, and a brave trades∣man. But to be short, I could say a great deal more of him, being intimately acquainted, with him, and was with him to the very last. Being brought to the Place of Execution, he was the last Man except one executed, and he behaved himself, whilst the rest were executing, with great Zeal; and lifting up his hands and eyes, would often say, Lord, make me so willing and ready to the last. And God did hear his Prayers; for though he seemed to the Spectators to be somewhat unwilling to dye, yet at the last he dyed with as much Assu∣rance and Christian Resolution as any; for after his publick Prayer, he came once down the Ladder, and prayed again privately, then mounted the Lad∣der again; the Sheriff saying, Mr. Madders, if you please you may have more liberty; he answered, No, I thank you, Mr. Sheriff, now I am ready, I am, willing, and desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. Oh! you cannot imagine what Comfort and Refresh∣ment

I have received in a few minutes; my Comforts are so great that I cannot contain my self. So bles∣sing and praising of God, he was translated, as I hope (we have no grounds to imagine the contra∣ry) from Earth to Heaven, repeating Rev. 20.6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resur∣rection, on such the second Death hath no power. His publick Prayer was as followeth.

O Eternal and ever blessed Lord God, look down upon me a miserable Sinner with an eye of pity and compassion, in and through my dear Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ. O Lord, I acknowledge my self a great and grievous Sinner; I have sinned against the clearest light and the dearest love; I have deserved to have been spurned from thy Presence, and from the glo∣ry of thy Power, and that thou shouldest now say unto me, I will have no more to do with such an unworthy wretch, such a polluted filthy Creature as thou art, and hast been: But, O Lord, there is mercy with thee that thou mayest be feared; and thou hast promised, that if a Sinner turn from his wickedness, thou wilt have mercy on him; and tho' his sins were as scarlet, thou wouldest make them white as wool: Fulfil, O Lord, thy gracious promise unto me, a poor supplicant, in this my last hour of my life; purge and cleanse me from all sin and filthiness, give me true Repentance; and if there lyes any sin not yet repented of, O Lord bring it to my Conscience, Mind and Memory: But I hope, O Lord, thou hast heard ••y prayers, my sighs and groans; I hope and trust thou hast pardoned all my sins, and wilt immediately receive my soul. Look down in Mercy on my dear Wife and Family, be thou a Comfort, and all in all unto them. Now, Lord, I am coming to thee, assist

me to last moment; Comfort my distressed Soul; do mor•• for me than I am able to ask for, or think of; but what thou knowest to be needful and necessary for me, in and through the Merits of my dear Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with thee and thy blessed Spirit of Grace be ascribed the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Dying Words of Captain Kidd, Executed at the same time and place.

THis Gentleman was the last ••xe••••••ed at that time; as soon as Captain Madders was ••urn∣ed off, he began to prepare to follow, and calle•• to his Guards and those present, Do you see this? (pointing up to Eleven that were dead before him) do you think this is not dreadful to me, th••t eleven of twelve of us, that but a few hours since came down together, are dead and in Eternity? and I am just going to follow them, and shall immediately be in the same condition. Says one to him, It must be dread∣ful to Flesh and Blood. Says he, Well Gentlemen, I will assure you, I am so far concerned, that me∣thinks I bethink their Happiness, that they should be so long before me in bliss and happiness: but I'll make haste to follow; I am satisfied this is the best day that ever I saw: The day of a Mans Death is said to be better than the day of his Birth: and truly so I find it as to my Flesh, for I shall be presently free from sin and sorrow; I am satisfied God hath done his best for me: I might have lived and have forgotten God, but now I am going where I shall sin no more: 'Tis a blessed thing

to be free from sin, and to be with Christ: O how great were the suff••rings of Christ for us, beyond all that I can undergo! how great is that Glory to which I am going! Th••n taking his leave of the People then present, he prayed some small time very de∣voutly, and with seeming great Joy and Comfort, the Executioner did his Office.

There was Executed also at the same time divers others, as Mr. William Hewling, Dr. Temple, Mr. Matthews, with some others.

The ••as•• Sp••ech of Dr. Temple of Notting∣ham, at the place of Execution.

DOctor Temple was one of them that Landed with the Duke, and was his Chief Physician and Chyrurgeon; he lived in Nottingham, but minding to see other parts of the World, (as I have heard) goe•• for Holland, where he came ac∣quainted with the Duke of Monmouth, concerning which he thus spoke, just as he was going off the Ladder.

Christian Friends, and dear Countrymen,

I Have somewhat to say, and not very much, before I depart from you, and shall be seen no more. And,

First, As to my Engagment with the Duke of Monmouth.

Secondly, How far I was concerned: And, Thirdly, I shall leave all of you to be Judges in mat∣t••r of Fact: And so for the

First, As a Dying Man I now declare, that when I entred my self with the Duke of Monmouth, to be his Chyrurgeon, it was on no other account but to serve him in the West-Indies; where I kn••w no other de∣sign whatsoever, but to possess himself of some of those Islands, until I had been at S••a two days, wherein one privately told me, We are absolut••ly bound for England, and I should take it from him it was true: It much surprized me, but knowing no way to avoid it, or to get on shore, though it was at that time contrary to my Inclinations, if I could have a∣voided it; I would not l••t others see that I had that dissatisfaction within me. After our Landing at Lyme, I knew it was never the nearer to attempt my escape, the Country being so beset; on the other hand, if the Duke of Monmouth did win the day, I might have raised my Fortunes as high as I could expect: These were the Arguments that Flesh and Blood did create in my Breast for self-preservation. While I was with the said Duke, I did him as much Service as I could, and faithfully: After it pleased God to disperse that Army under his Command, I endeavour'd to secure my self, but by Providence was taken at Honiton, from thence committed to Exon, and after remov••d to Dorchester, where I received my Sentence, and am now as you see, just going to Execution: the Lord prevent all of you from such ignominious Deaths; and I advise you all, that you never take any great thing in hand, but what you have a Warrant for from the Lord: I assure you I had no satisfaction in this; but this I am sure, that if I have done any thing amiss in it, it is pardoned: I bless God I have that satisfaction, I di•• a Professor of the Church of England, I desire Pardon of all those I have any ways wronged or abused, as I freely

forgive all those that have wronged or abused me; I am in Charity with all men. Lord have mercy up∣on me, give me strength to go through these pains, & give me full assurance now at this last moment: Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Also one Samuel Robbins of Charmouth in the County of Dorset, that was Executed, or rather murthered, at Warham, in the said County: I cannot pass him by in silence, his Case being so ex••raordinary hard, that to speak moderately be∣twixt the King and his Case, I do say this, that I verily believe nev••r man suffered innocenter; as I hope you will be satisfied in after you have heard his Crime, and on what small grounds he was Guilty, or so supposed by my Lord Chief Justice.

He used generally in the Summer to use the Craft of Fishing, to get a competent maintenance for his Family, and happened to be out at Sea a-Fishing before Lyme, that day the Duke came in to Land; and was commanded on board one of the Duke's Ships, he not knowing who they were, and they bought his Fish of him; after which they told him that was the Duke of Monmouth, pointing at him, and that he was just going to Land: He desired to go on shore, which was re∣fused, and told, that as soon as the Duke was land∣ed he should have his Liberty; so accordingly he came on shore, and was never after with him, or ever took up Arms under him: I leave the Reader to judge whether this was High Treason or no. This was all he was guilty of, except that he was a good honest Men, a zealous Christian a man of a very good Life and Conversation, as I think his Neighbours will attest it, in most Towns and Pa∣rishes

where he lived: But alas he had a good Book in his House when taken, called, The Solemn League and Covenant: This was the High Treason he must be guily of, which was aggravated to the Lord Chief Justice, by one or two hot Spirits his Neighbours. But to be short, he received his Sen∣tence of Death with great ••ourage, and not at all dismayed, saying very often in Prison before, If it pleased God to call him now (to glorifie his Name by this Providence of his) to Death, he should be ready; but (said he) I am as innocent of any thing I have done against any man that may deserve this punish∣ment, as the Child now unborn. When he came to the place of Execution, he very chearfully decla∣red his Innocency to the Spectators, as before, and so praying very devoutly for some time, he was Executed: His Prayer I have no exact Copy of.

Also one Mr. Charles Speake of London, a Gentle∣man of good Extraction, being Son to the Wor∣shipful George Speake Esq near Illminster in the Coun∣ty of Somerset, where he was Executed: His Case also was extraordinary hard; but there may be two great Reasons given why he was Executed; The first was, Because he came from that good Pious Family, which always have been Opposers to Popery, and suffered deeply for their Courage that way. Secondly, The said Mr. Charles Speake had purchased some great place in the Kings Bench-or Common-Pleas, which was very profitable to him; so that by his Fall there being a Forfeiture, much money may be made of it; all intercession could not avail with the L. C. J. for his Life. He h••ppened to be at Illminster at the time of the

Dukes being there, which was the greatest Crime he was guilty of; the Validity of his Evidence I leave to those in the West, which know how far it was carried that way. He was a fine Courteous loving Gentleman; and notwith∣standing his Youth, he acted the part of an old Christian Soldier at his Death, preparing himself to undergo those pains, saying very often,

They were nothing to his Deserts from God Almighty; but as for what I am accused of, and Sentenc'd for, I hope you will believe I am not so guilty, as my Judge and Accusers have endeavour'd to make me: If it had pleased God, I should have been willing to have li∣ved some time longer, but God's time being come, I am willing, I will be contented to drink this bitter Cup off.

Being at the place of Execution, the croud was so great, that I suppose he was shorter than o∣therwise he would have been; but alas! how could it be? for on every side of him, as well as up and down the Town, the Inhabitants were weeping and bewail∣ing him: Oh' tis the worst day that ever we saw in this Town! Must this good Gentleman die here? Oh! yet save his Life, I am ready to die for him, and the like. He prayed very heartily for near an hour, and sung a Psalm, and so we hope was translated to Heaven, there to sing everlasting Praises and Hallelujahs. His Father and Mother you may ea∣sily judge were not a little concerned about him; but their Adversaries malice ended not here, but Father and Mother must be brought in, and how many thousands of Pounds it cost them, I think is too well known in London; and most Parts of the Kingdom have heard in the Publick Letters their names mentioned. Some may think they were con∣cerned

with the Duke, but I never heard there was so much made appear against them, as could have made them been brought in guilty of High Misdemeanours: had not the Good Gentleman and his Lady been vertuous People, abho••ring the Debaucheries of the times, and of such a com∣petent Estate, able to spare ten or twelve thou∣sand pounds; the hard usage this honest brave Gen∣tleman and his vertuous Lady had, and their suf∣ferings, to relate th••m, would be to large; and besides, it is so well known in most places, in the West, that I shall, without saying any more, proceed.

And next for Mr. Parret, who was executed at Taunton; if I mistake not, he said he was a Lon∣doner, and a Brewer. When he came to the place of Execution, he seemed a Man almost unconcern∣ed at Death. After some time, he began to deli∣ver himself somewhat low in voice to the People, and after rising by degrees, he seemed more like a Minister in a Pulpit preaching devoutly, than a prisoner just going to Execution; but I being then not well, could not tarry to see his End. But the Character I had, was,

That he desired all not to be faint-hearted because of their fall, and to think that there was no hopes remaining. He said, He verily believed God would yet work out deliver∣ence for them, and at the time they were in the greatest Extremity, that would be God's Opportu∣nity. Put your whole trust and confidence, and de∣pendence on the Lord, and he will never leave you nor forsake you:

and much more; but having no more exact Copy, I shall not enlarge, but come to some other.

A further Account of the Behaviour of Mr. Chri∣stopher Battiscomb, of his l••st Speech and Prayer, immediately befor•• he suff••red at Lyme, 12th. Septemb. 1685. which Account should have been inserted after the Figures 1685. in p. 373.

HE was a true Protestant to the last, well beloved among the Gentry of that Coun∣try: But it was his fortune to be concerned with the Duke of Monmouth, and was very faith∣ful to him to the last, during the time of the Bloody Assizes at Dorchester, where he received his Sentence of Death; he was divers times sent for to the Chamber of the then L. C. J. and promoted with offers of Life to betray some Gen∣tlemen, which he always refused, saying, he scorn∣ed to purchase his Life by such indirect means; and he accordingly chose Death rather than Life; seeing it could not be purchased, but by such un∣worthy means. The day being come, he prepared himself, and received the Holy Sacrament, walking down to the place of Execution, with much chear∣fulness and Christian Courage, when he was mounting the Ladder, smiled, and said, I am not afraid of this, I am going to a better place, from a poor and miserable World, to a Celestial Para∣dise, a Heavenly Jerusalem; I might have chosen, whether I would have undergone this Death, if I had hearkned to the L. C. J. but it was upon such unworthy terms, that should I have accepted of my Pardon, it would have been troublesome to me; I die

a true Protestant; I am in Charity with all Men: God preserve this Nation from Popery; the Lord bless you all: So taking his leave of them he knew, after Prayer, he launched into Eternity.

A further Account of Mr. John Sprage of Lyme, which should have been inserted after the word Souldiers, in pag. 444. but was there omitted through the Printers mistake.

WIth Mr. John Sprage there were Executed Twelve in the County of Dorset; Mr. John Sprage of Lyme, a Man more fit to die than he that Condemned him was fit to live: He was a zealous Christian, and a Man that in a manner lived in Heaven while on Earth; he was but of an ordinary Estate in this World: But to be short, his Praise, his Worth, his Fame, will never die in those places where known; he went about doing good, even in his worldly Employments, as I have been credibly informed; hardly any thing coming that way, but what his Spiritual Meditations were upon. He was apprehended near Salisbury, brought to Dorchester, where I saw him several times, and was conversant with him before his Tryal; he carried himself very moderately to all; some of divers Principles in matters of Re∣ligion, he continually prayed with them, advising and instructing them to those holy Duties which were necessary to Salvation: Being asked, how he could endure those hardships he had under∣gone, since his being taken? Says he,

If this

be all, 'tis not so much; but my Friend, if you were to take a Journy in those ways you were not acquainted with, you would (I hope) desire Advice from those that had formerly used those ways, or lived near by them: Yes, says he: Then said he, The ways of Affliction which I have lately travelled in, I had Advice many a time from a Minister, who hath often told his Congregation of the troublesomness of the Road, and of the difficulty of getting through; and has given me, and hundreds of others to under∣stand the pitts and stones in the way, and how to avoid them; he has been a Man used to those Roads many years; I have taken his Advice; I am got thus far on comfortably, and I trust shall do so to the end; I am not afraid to fight a Duel with Death, if so it must be: Now I thank God I can truly say, O Death where is thy Sting? and O Grave, where is thy Victory?

Two or three days after their Sentence, they were drawn to Execution, but were very rudely and oppro∣briously dealt with, to the shame of those that then had the charge over them, their Rigor unto them was more like Turks than Christians. But to conclude, being come to the place of Executi∣tion, he prayed very devoutly with them all, but by the rudeness of the Guards, there could be no Copy taken to be said to be true: All of them dyed very Couragious, especially this stout Christian Champion, who spake to them in these words, (looking on the Souldiers) saying,

Little do you think that this very Body of mine, which you are now come to see cutt in pieces, will one day rise up in judgment against you, and be your

Accuser, for your delight in spilling of Christian Blood; the Heathens have far more Mercy: O 'tis sad, when England must outstrip Infidels and Pagans! but pray take notice, don't think that I am not in Charity with you; I am so far, that I forgive you and all the World; and do desire the God of Mercies to forgive you, and open your hearts, and turn you from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to the Lord Jesus Christ; and so Farewell. I am going out of the power of you all; I have no dependence but upon my blessed Redeemer, to whom I commit my dear Wife and Children, and all the World.

A further Account of the Behaviour of Collonel Holms in Lyme, and at the place of his Execu∣tion, which should have been inserted after had followed, in pag. 447.

HE with Eleven more were brought from Dor∣chester to Lyme, six in a Coach, and six in a Cart, as he was drawn through the Town, he chearfully beholding the People, advised them not to be discouraged at their severe Deaths; for that though it was their hard fortunes to lose the day, in so good a Cause, yet he questioned not, but it would be revived again, and by such means as he nor they could not imagine; God I hope and trust will never let this Nation to fall into Popery, being brought to the Inn where they stopped, near

two hours, until the Butchers had prepared every thing for the Slaughter, they were visited by a very worthy Divine, and Vicar of that Town, who offered them those spiritual Helps, usually in those Occasions, which some of them embraced, and others not; their Principles being Different from the Church of England: The Jaylor speaking to Coll. Holmes to knock off his Irons, he said, Great Men of State wear Chains, and 'tis accoun••∣ed for their Honour, but though there is a vast difference, betwixt those Golden ones and mine, yet I take mine to be more honourable, as that good Apostle said, he accounted it an honour to suffer shame for his Masters Name; the Sledge being in readiness they prepared to enter it; but Alas! who shou'd draw such Men to Execution though Men were so bloody? The very Beasts refused to draw them; and instead of going forward they went backwards, and could by no means make them do it, which so inraged some Persons, that they took the Coach Horses out of the Coach, and placed them to the Sledge; but pre∣sently the Sledge broke in pieces; then spake this worthy good Man: Pray Gentltmen you see all your strivings will not do, to draw us to Execution, I verily believe there is more in it than you are aware of; pray read about the Pro∣phet, that went out of Gods way, his Beast saw that he could not.

Give us leave, and we will walk to the place; being there come, the Collonel prepared first to mount that Tragical Stage, the heads of his Speech you have before; imbracing his Fellow sufferers, and kissing them, and giving them some ghost∣ly

Comforts; he desired help of the Sheriff to go up the Ladder, having but one Arm, and the Gallows higher than ordinary, which was grant∣ed: And in a short time after the Executioner did his Office.

Collonel Holmes in his Prayer not mentioning the King, he was charged as before; to which he replyed, he prayed for him in general, pray∣ing for all Mankind. Thus fell the valiant and good Christian Coll. Holmes; his dying Words we have now found come to pass, he was much lamented by all that saw him, except by some, that 'tis feared, are delivered up to a seared Conscience.

The last Speech of Henry Boddy Executed at Bath.

WHile he was in Prison, especially after Sen∣tence, he behaved himself mighty humble, meek, and was much in Meditation, which was observed by several Divines, especially one who attended him to his Last, his name Mr. Simpson. His poor Wife coming to see him at Wells, and to make her Interest with some Friends, if possible to save his Life; but finding it lost labour, and that she could by no means prevail, she died there for grief, before her Husband was Executed, to his great grief. When he came to the place of Exe∣cution, he delivered himself to the People in these Words:

Good People, I am come here to pay a Debt due

to Nature, which every one, one time or another, must pay, though not in this manner, or nature. I am condemned as a Traitor and Rebel against my King, which were things I always hated and ab∣horred; and therefore give me so much time as to deliver my self to you; and what I say, I hope you will believe me at this time, being just going to give an account, not only for every idle word, but for all things I have done since I have had a being.

I was born in Lyme Regis in the County of Dor∣set, and bred up a Seaman from my Infancy; I have had the Honour to serve his Majesty King Charles the Second, in his Wars with the Dutch and French, di∣vers times. I always thought it to be the Duty of e∣very true English man to stand up in his Countries quarrel with Foreigners, to maintain our ancient Pri∣viledges and Honour of ou•• Nation. I served him faithfully: And as for any undertaking now with the late Duke of Monmouth, for which I am now come to suffer death; As for my Designs, I am sure they were good, for I did believe him to be my Soveraign's Son and Heir; but if otherwise, I have done amiss, and am sorry, and hope the Lord hath pardoned it. While I was in Arms, I am sure there's none can say I have personally wronged them. I desire all your Pray∣ers for me to the last. I am no Orator, therefore if you please (speaking to the Minister) do these last Spiritual Services for me, as for to pray with me, and for me. The Minister being much taken with him, desired leave of the Sheriff to ask him some Que∣stions, which being granted; the Minister said unto him, I must make bold with you, but not to hold you too long before I pray, but to satisfie my self and the People on w••at ground you stand; I mean, as con∣cerning

your ••v••rlasti••g state. Now pray resolve me a few things: First, Whe••her you d•• own tha•• Doctrine of Non-resistanc••, own••d by the Church, Tha•• it is not lawful on any account wha••soever, to take up Arms a∣gainst the King? O Sir! as to that I answer, Could I have been satisfied he had been my law••u•• Prince, I should not have done it. But, said the Minister, he is, and you are not to be judge; exc••pt you own those things, some People wil•• hardly have Charity for you after you are dead. What matters that? said he, would you have me, now you put me so close to it, to lye? No, I will not. I say, if he was my lawful King, I was misled in my Judgment, and have com••••tted a great Error; but Lord, I hope thou hast washed away all my sins, in and through the Blood of my dear Redeemer, in whose alone Merits I hope for Mercy. I desire ••o be asked no more Questions. Then the Minister prayed very devoutly near half an hour; after which, lifting up his hands and eyes to Heaven, he quietly submit∣ted to Death.

Mr. John Hicks's last Speech, 1685.

I Suppose the Spectators here present may ex∣pect I should speak something before I leave this sanguinary Stage and Passage through my bloody Sufferings, by which my immortal Spirit will be speedily transported into an invisible and eternal World, and I conclude that they have dif∣ferent Resentments hereof. Some resent them ••ith much joy, high exultation and triumph, o∣thers

with equal grief and sorrow; that to th•• one I am a most pleasant Spectacle, that they be∣hold me with high complacency and delight; but to the other I am a mournful and unpleasant one, and they behold me with no less pity and com∣passion. Concerning the first, I can say, I freely and heartily forgive them, and heartily pray that God would most mercifully and graciously pre∣vent their mourning through Misery, not only here, but eternally hereafter. Concerning the other, I will say, Weep for your own sins, and for the sins of the Nation, for the highest Rebel∣lions that ever were committed against the great and eternal God; lament bitterly for those sins that have been the meritorious Cause of the late terrible Judgment, that which I fear will cause God to break in upon this Nation with an over∣flowing Deluge of Judgments, which are far more tremendous and dreadful. As for sympathizing with me, in drinking this bitter Cup appointed for me, I return you most humble and hearty thanks, earnestly desiring God to come unto you, and fill your Soul•• with all Celestial Comforts and Spiritual Consolations. Something I must say to purge and clear my self from a false Accusation laid to my Charge; as that I was engaged with Col. Blood in rescuing Col. Mason near Boston, when he was sent down with a Guard from London to York, to be Tryed for High Treason; and that I was the Man that killed the Barber of that City; ••nd that also I was with him when he stole the Crown. Now as I am a dying Man, and upon the very brink of a very stupendous Eternity, (the ••••uth and reality whereof I fi••mly believe) with∣out

any reservation or the least equivocation, I do declare in the Presence of the All-seeing God, that impartial Judge, before whom in a very little time I must appear, I never saw nor conversed with Mr. Thomas Blood, from 1656, till after he stole the Crown, which was in 71, or 72. nor was ever en∣gaged with him in any of his Treasonable Plots or Practices. 'Tis true, I being involved in great trouble of another Nature, (of which I have gi∣ven to the World a Narrative, and which is no∣toriously known in the Country where I then li∣ved, by some that were Enemies to me for my preaching) I was perswaded to apply my self to Mr. Blood, to procure by his Intercession his late Majesties gracious Favour: accordingly he brought me into his Royal Presence; while I was there, his Majesty carried it with great Clemency, with∣out expressing one word of that which I am now charged with. Mr. Blood continued with his Majesty a little longer than I did; then he told me that he had granted me a Pardon, which I did thankfully accept of, knowing it would free me from all Penalties and Troubles that I was ob∣noxious to; and were occasioned to me by my Non-conformity. Then engaging him to take out my Pardon; he told me, That he got it out with several others that had been engaged with him in se∣veral Treasonable Designs and Actions; at which I was troubled, supposing it might be imputed to me thereby; yet, God knows, I have often since reflected upon it with great regret and dissatifa∣••tion. If Mr. Blood did inform the late King to make himself the more considerable, and to bring as many of his Party as he could to accept of their

Pardons, that h•• might be rendered utterly inca∣pable of Plotting any further Mischief against his Government, or any other ways that I was en∣gaged with him in any of his Treasonable At∣tempts; I now appeal to God, as a dying Man, concern••ng it, that he hath done me an irrepara∣ble w••ong. I also in the same manner do declare, That I was never ingaged with any Party in Plot∣ting or Designing, or Contriving any Trea∣son or Rebellion ag••inst the late King; and parti∣cularly, that I was altogether unco••cerned in, and unacquainted with that for which my Lord Russel and others suffer'd, and as much a stranger to a∣ny against the present King. And whereas it is reported of me, That at Taunton I perswaded the late Duke of Monmouth to assume the Title of King, I do once more solemnly declare, That I saw not the said Duke, nor had any Converse with him 'till he came to Shipton-Mallet, which was thirteen days after he landed, and several days after he had been at Taunton. And 'tis as false, that I rid to and fro in the West to stir up and perswade Men to go into his Army, and rebel against his present Majesty; for I was i•• the East Country when the Duke landed, and from thence I went directly to him, when he was at Shipton Mall••t, not one Man accompanying me from thence. But hitherto as I lived, so now I die, owning and professing the true Reformed Christia•• (commonly called the Protestant) Religion, which is founded on the pure written Word of God only, and which I acknow∣ledge likewise to be comprehended in the Article of the Doctrine of the Church. This Religion I have made a reasonable and free choice of, and

have heartily embraced, not only as it protests a∣gainst all Pagan and Mahometan Religion, but against the Corruption of the Christian; and I humbly and earnestly pray to God that by his In∣finite Wisdom and Almighty Power, he will pre∣vent not only the utter extirpation but diminuti∣on thereof, by the heighth and influence of what is contrary thereto; and for that end the Lord make the Professors of it to live up more to its Principles and Rules, and bring their Hearts and Conversations more under the Government and Power of ••he same. I die also owning my Mini∣stry, Non-conformity, for which I have suffer'd so much, and which doth now obstruct the King's Grace and Mercy to be manifested and extended to me: For as I chose it not constrainedly, so I appeal to God as a dying Man, not moved from sullenness or humour, or factious temper, or er∣roneous Principles of Education, or from secular interests, or worldly advantages, but clearly from the Dictates of my own Conscience, and as I judg∣ed it to be the Cause of Go••, and to have more of Divine Truth in it than that which is contrary thereto; so now I see no Cause to repent of it, nor to recede from it; not questioning but God will own it at the last Judgment-day. If no more had been required after the late King's Restauration to qualifie Ministers for publick Preaching, than was after the first Restauration from the time of Charles the First, probably I might have satisfied my self therewith, and not scrupled Conformity thereto; but the Terms and Conditions thereof by a par∣ticular Law made in 1662. being not only new, but so strict and severe that I could never have

satisfaction in my own Conscience, after all En∣deavours used for a Complyance therewith, and a Conformity thereto: To say nothing of the Co∣venant, which I never took, but the giving my Assent and Consent, have been too difficult and hard for me to comply with. And I very well remember, that about fourteen years ago, entring into a Discourse with Mr. Patrick Heldore, an Irish∣man, who was contemporary with me in Dublin, concerning Conformity, which he much endea∣vour'd to persuade me to; I urg'd the severity of the forementioned Conditions against it, and after some Debates and Reasons with him, I told him I did believe they were contrived and designed on purpose to prevent our Publick Preaching, and to keep us out of the Church: To which he in∣genuously reply'd, He judged it was so: For, said he, a Bishop in Ireland (whose Name I have forgot) told me the very same.

But though I could not wade through and con∣quer this Difficulty, yet I censure not those that did it; and I believe after all the hottest Dis∣putes, and most vehement Debates, and violent Contests between Conformist and Non-conformist, there are of both Parties will be glorified in Hea∣ven hereafter. According to the 29th. Article of the Church of England, a visible Church is a Con∣gregation of Faithful Men, in the which the pure Word of God is preached, the Sacraments of the Lord duly administred, according to Christ's Ordi∣nance, and all those things that of neccessity are requisite and necessary to Salvation; so with such a Church have I held the most intimate Communi∣on, and with such (did I live) could hold it: I

would not therefore be so incorporated with any Church, as to exclude me from, and render me un∣capable of holding Communion with other Church∣es; I was never strongly bound up to any form of Ecclesiastical Government, but that under which a pure and undefiled Religion doth flourish, and that which contains and really practises Holiness, and advances the Kingdom of God in the World, that can I approve of, and willingly live under, were I to live.

I did approve of the ancient and present form of Civil Government, English Monarchy I am fully satisfy'd with, and do also declare, that it is not warrantable for any Subject to take up Arms against, and resist their lawful Soveraigns and rightful Princes: and therefore had I not been convinced by several things that I have read and heard, to believe that the late D. of Monmouth was the Legitimate Son of his Father Charles the Second, I had never gone into his Army, judging that without this, I could not be freed from the guilt of Rebellion, which I always resolved to keep my self clear from: And tho' his Father de∣ny'd he was marry'd to his Mother, I thought it might be answer'd with this; That Kings and Princes, for State reasons, often cannot be fathom∣ed by their Subjects, affirming and denying things which otherwise they would not do, and make even their natural Affections to truckle and stoop thereto. I exhort all to abhor all Treasonable Plots, and pretences of all Rebellion, with the highest Detestation, and to take the plain Text of Sacred Scripture to walk by, in honouring and o∣beying, and living in subjection to rightful Kings,

and not readily to receive, or suddenly to be im∣press'd with evil Reports and Defamations of them, also not ra••hly to be Propagators of the same.

I desire God to forgive all mine Enemies, and to give me an heart to forgive them, which are many, some mighty, an•• all most malicious: Par∣ticularly Barter of Lisnel, who bet••ayed me, ••nd proved such a Tr••ytor to James D. of Monmouth his old and in••ima••e Friend. I am grievously affl••cted that I should prove the occasion of the gre••t Sufferings of so many Persons and Families: But this h••th fallen under the Just and Wise orde••ing of Divine Providence, as David's going to Abime••ech, when he proved the occasion of the D••ath of a••l the Persons, Men, Women, and Children in the City: But who shall say unto God, What doest thou? The care of my most dear Wife and a great many Children, I cast upon God, who I hope will be better than the best of Husbands un∣to her, and the best of Fathers unto them: God knows how just and legal Right my Wife hath un∣to her Estate; to him therefore I commit her, to defend her from the violence and oppression of men, particularly from a most inhumane and un∣natural Broth••r: But no wonder if he will lay violent h••nd•• upon his Sisters Estate, that hath so often laid them on his own Father. I die a deeply humbled, self-judging and self-condemning Sin∣ner, loathing and abhorring my many an•• great Iniquities, and my self for them, earnestly desiring full Redemption from the bonds of Corruption, under which I have groaned so many years, long∣ing for a most perfect Conformity to the most ho∣ly

and glorious God, the only infinite pure Being; thirsting for a permit diffusion of his Grace through all the Powers and Faculties of my Soul, panting after pe••f••ct spiritual Life and Liberty, and a consummate Love to my dearest Jesus, who is an All comprehensive Good, and to be satisfied with his Love for ever: A Vigorous and vehement Zeal for the Protestant Religion, with a Belief I had of the Dukes Legitimacy, hath involved me in this ignominious D••ath; yet blessed be God, that by sincere Repentance and true Faith in the Blood of Jesus, there is p••ssage from it to a glorious eternal Life, and from these bitter ••orrows to the fulnes•• of sweetest Joys that are in his Presence, and from these sharp bodily pains to those most pure plea∣sures, that are at his Right hand for evermore: And blessed be God, that such a death as this cannot prevent and hinder Christ's changing of my vile Body, and fashioning it like his Glorious Body, in the general Resurrection day.

I am now going into that World, where many dark things shall be made perfectly manifest and clear, and many doubtful things fully resol∣ved, and a plenary satisfaction given concerning them; all Disputes and mistakes concerning Treason, Rebellion, and Schism, shall be at an end and cease for ever: many things that are in∣noc••nt, lawful and laudable, which have foul Marks and b••ack Characters stampt and fix'd upon 'em here, they shall be perfectly purified and fully cleansed from there; where at one view, more shall be known of them, than by all wrangling De∣bates, and eager Disputes, or by reading all Po∣lemical Books concerning them here. I greatly

deplore and bewail the greedy Appetite, and in∣satiable Thirst, that Professing Protestants have ••fter the Blood of their Brethren, and the high pleasure they take in the effusion thereo••▪ But what will not Men do, when they are either Judici∣ally blinded, or their secular worldly Interest in∣sensibly insinuates and winds it self into their Re∣ligion, is so twisted and incorporated with it, that it animates and acts it, is the Life and Soul, the vital Form and Power, and made wholly subservient thereunto?

I bless God for all my Sufferings, and particu∣larly for this last; for the benefit and fruit of it, by God's sanctifying of them to me, have been great; hereby I have been effectually convinced of the Vanity of the World, and my own sin∣fulness by nature and practice, and to see that to be sin which I never saw before; and to be more throughly humbled for what I know to be sin, not only of Commission, but of Omission also: Hereby I have been brought to a more thorough, deep, inward sense and feeling of the absolute ne∣cessity of the righteousness of Christ to justifie me, and he hath been made much more dear and pre∣cious to my Soul, than ever he was before. Hereby my Soul hath been more refin'd from the Drofs of sensuality, wrought into a more Heavenly Frame, raised up to a higher pitch of Spirituality; here∣by I am made more meek and humble, and so judge more charitably of others that differ from me in Opinion and Judgment: so though by Gods most righteous Judgment I have been apprehended, and most justly and deservedly undergo this Suffering for my Sins, yet I hope they have wrought for me

a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glo∣ry, fitting and preparing me, making me a better qualified Subject for, and far more meet to be a Partaker of the same. ••y the Grace and Strength of God, I will not purchase my Life by the Death and Blood of my Protestant Brethren, but choose to die rather than be a Betrayer of them; the im∣petuous and violent assault of this, I dreaded more than Death it self. Blessed be God I was not ex∣posed unto it, and conquered by it, as some have been: having such full bo••ily vigour and strength, being in such perfect He••lth, notwithstan••∣ing my Age, predominating in me, it hath made it more difficult to die, than if I had been clog∣ged and incumber'd with infirmities, made to bow and stoop under them by p••evailing Diseases and Distempers, gradually worn out therewith, which many times makes men weary of Life, and to desire to die; and this in Conjunction with ma∣ny things (which I forb••ar to mention) high∣ly gratifying and pleasing to sense, which I must leave for ever, strengthens and heightens the Difficulty, and begets a g••eater Regret and Reluctancy in my Will, to have the Earthly Ta∣bernacle of my Body dissolved, and my Soul to dislodge and quit the same. But now when the black and gloomy Shades of Death do overspread me, I can say to the glory of Gods most Free and Powerful Grace, True Faith in some measure hath changed the difficulty into a Facility, and easiness of dying: It hath very much subdued the reluctan∣cy of my Will against it; for it makes Future things present, and invisible things visible, and doth realize and substantiate the same to me; and

as by it I penetrate and pierce into Eternity, and behold invisible and immortal things, so hereby, blessed be God, I have obtained a greater Victory over Sense: The World, is crucified to me, and I to the World, and all the most pleasant and de∣lightful Objects therein, all finite, fa••••ing Creatures, Comforts and Enjoyments, are become minute and small, despicable and contemptible to me, in com∣parison thereof, being infinitely c••ntained and comprehended therein: Shall my Soul clasp and cling about these mortal and perishing things? Shall it cleave and be glued to them? Shall it be confin'd and captivated into what is kept in the narrow boun••s of Time, and in this lower World? shall it earn••stly desire and thirst for muddy Streams, yea Rivers of Flesh-pleasing good; when by an Eye of Faith I can look into the Indeficient, Inexhaustible purest Fountain; the Immense, Im∣mensurate Ocean of Divine Good; hoping to drink thereof, to swim and bathe my Soul therein for ever and ever? And when I consider how long my Ears have been bound up, and tyed to their innumerable and horrid Oaths, and cursed Blas∣phemies, and mine eyes to see the Profanation of the Day of God; and when I beheld such an over∣flowing Flood of most prodigious Impiety, such an inundation of most monstrous Iniquity, and so much Hell upon Earth, and that there is so much decay of holy Zeal, and true Piety, and Christian Religion among the Professors of it, such seem∣ing incurable Breaches and Divisions, such expi∣ring Love and Charity and partings among 'em; it hath powerful influence on my Soul to reconcile it more to Death, and makes it electively, and

from choice to leave this present World, and to take up my abode in that which is unseen and fu∣ture, where there shall be nothing but perfect love and holiness; a sinless state, and serving God with all unweariedness, and perfection, with the highest complacency and delight that immortal Souls can be capable of: there is perfect peace and concord, the innumerable Company of Angels, and the Spirits of Just Men made perfect, all fast∣ned together with indissolvible and uninterrupted Chains of most pure Love, and all continually wrapt up in, and transported with the highest Ad∣miration of God's Love, his infinite and incom∣prehensible excellencies and perfections, singing Halelujahs to him without ceasing, and trium∣phing in his praise for ever and ever. The Con∣sideration also, that I know so little of these sub∣lime, profound, and Divine Mysteries; of the most glorious Mystery of Salvation by Jesus Christ; that I am so uncapable to fathom the depth of the Providences of God, whose ways are in the Sea, and whose paths are in the deep Waters, and whose footsteps are not known, and particula••ly in the late stupendous and amazing one; and that I am so ignorant of the Nature of Angels and Spirits, with their Offi∣ces and Operations, and of their high and glorious ex••ellencies; and that I am so little acquainted with the Nature of my own Soul, as at present dwel∣ling in, and united to my Body, and as disunited and separated from it; how without Corporeal Organs, it shall most vivaciously and vigorously pe••form all its proper Functions and Offices, and more than ever strongly and indefatigably serve

the Lord Jesus, most fervently and abundantly love him, and delight in him, every way, much more obtain the supream and highest end of its Creation and Being; and this makes me much more willing to die, that I may have the knowledg thereof, with innumerahle other things, that I am now either ignorant of, or do but imperfectly know, and so be made happy by a plenitude of fulness of injoying intellectual Pleasures, which are of all other most suitable, sweet and satisfacto∣ry to immortal Souls. And also I see that he that departs from iniquity makes himself a Prey; and so many plunging themselves into the ways of I∣niquity, lest they should be accounted odious and vile, which makes them so much degenerate not on∣ly from Christianity, but from Humanity it self, as if they were scarce the Excrement of either; contemning even that most Noble, Generous, He∣roick Spirit that dwelt in many Heathens, who accounted it most honourable and glorious to contend for their Rights and Liberties, yea, to suffer Death, and the worst of Deaths, in Defence of the same; and judge them accursed and most execrable in the World that do so; and not only so, but, for their own profit and advantage, have many of them inslaved their Posterity by it, and are most industrious and laborious, most fierce and furious to destroy them, whereby they are become as unnatural as Children that seek the ruine of their Parents that begot them, and brought them forth; or them that lay violent hands upon them∣selves, dashing out their own Brains, cutting their own Throats, hanging and drawing themselves, ripping up their own Bellies, tearing out their own

Bowels, they being in different senses Children and Members of that Body Politick they design and attempt the Destruction of; and when I know not how long the Duration and Continuance of these things shall be, or a Conclusion or End by God shall be put thereto, who by Divine and Un∣erring Wisdom governs the World; why shall my Soul be unwilling to take its flight into the un∣seen and eternal World? Where no sullied, sordid or impious thing, most incongruous and unbe∣coming Nature, shall be seen and found, and where I shall behold no narrow conclusive contracted Soul there, habitually preferring their private before a publick good, but all most unanimously and equally center in one common universal good and where the sighs, and groans, and cries of the afflicted and persecuted, shall be heard no more for ever.

I earnestly exhort all most highly to prize and value Time, and diligently improve it for Eter∣nity; to be wise, seriously and seasonably to con∣sider of their latter End: for by the irrepealable and irreversible Law of Heaven we must all die, yet we know not how, where, or when. Live with your Souls full of solicitude and care, with a most deep concernedness, and most diligent industri∣ousness, whilst you have time and opportunity, and the means of Grace, Health, and Strength, make sure of these two great things, viz.

1. What merits for you a Right and Title to Eternal Life and Glory, and the future unchange∣able Blessedness, as the Redeemers most precious Blood and Righteousness; that thereby a real Application and Imputation may be unto you by

sincere Believing. (2.) That that which makes you qualified Subjects for it, is the great work of Regeneration, wrought in your Souls, being re∣newed in the Spirit of your Minds, the Divine Na∣ture being imprest upon them, repairing of the depraved Image of God in you; th••t being trans∣formed into his own likeness, thereby in the World you may mind an•• savour more the things of the Spirit than the things of the Flesh, Celestial and Heavenly more than Terrestrial and Earthly, Superiour more than inferiour things: And there∣with have a holy Life and Conversation conjoyn∣ed, that results and springs from the same, as Fruit from the Root, and Acts from the Habits. Let all, in order thereto, seriously consider these few Texts of sacred Scripture, let them predo∣minately possess you; let them be deeply and in∣delibly Transcribed upon your Souls; let them be assimilated thereunto, and made the written E∣pistles, the lively Pictures thereof, Matth. 5.8, 20. Blessed be the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Vers. 20. For I say unto you except your Righteous∣ness exceed the Righ••eousness of the Scribes and Pha∣risees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. John 3.3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, &c. Gal. 5.19, 20, to 23. Now the works of the Flesh are manifest, which are these, Adultery, &c. James 1.18. Of his own Will begat he us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of fi••st fruits of his Creatures. 1 Pet. 1.3. Bles∣sed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

which according to his abundant Mercy, hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Vers. 13. Wherefore gird up the loyns of your Minds, &c. Colos. 3.1, 2. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above: Set your af∣fections on things above, not, &c. Gal. 5.24. And they that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts, &c. Eph. 2.1. And you hath he quickned, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Rev. 20.6. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection, on such the second Death hath no power. Rom. 8.1. There is therefore now no Condemnation, &c. 1 Pet. 1.15. But as he that hath called you is holy, so be ye, &c. Vers. 23. Being born again, not of corruptible Seed, &c. Psal. 4.3. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, &c. I shall mention now no more, the whole Bible abounds with these Texts, with what a Re∣novation and Change of our Carnal and Corrupt Hearts and Natures, there must be, with Holiness of Life and Conversation, before we can be capa∣ble of a future and blessed Immortality, and of inheriting the Kingdom of God for ever and ever. Amen.

A Letter written by Mr. John Hicks, Octob. 5. the day before his Death.

My Dear Nephew,

I Am yet in the Land of the Living, though in the Mouth of Death; I have been concern'd for you, next to my own Children; before I die, I thought fit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 write two or three Lines to you, a•• a Manifestation

of my great Love to you: I earnestly desire the welfar of you here, and to Eternity hereafter; next to my own Wife and Children, you will want me when I am gone; but I hope the Lord will take care of you; make it your business to walk with him, to serve him faithfully; flee youthful Lusts, and Remember your Creator in the days of your Youth; be deeply concern'd to have your Heart▪ and Nature chang'd, and an interest in Christ secur'd unto you. Death comes suddenly, you know not when, where, nor how you shall die: Let time therefore be most precious to you; fill it up with Work and Duty; Live by faith more than by sense; and this will stand by you when you come to ••ie: Seek the things which are above, and set your Affections upon them; have your Conversation in Heaven, whilst you are upon Ea••th▪ When you see your Parents, give my dear Love to them and their Children; the Lord grant that we may meet in his everlasting Kingdom: When you see any of your Cousins, give my dear Love to them, and be not asham'd of my Sufferings. I wrote last Saturday was a Se∣ven-night to my Brother George, but whether he is at London or Worcester, I know not; I wrote to him, to desire him to Petition the King, that some Favour and Mercy might be shewed me, if he thought fit. Things that are made to aggravate my Crime, I am clear from; as that I perswaded the Duke of Monmouth to assume the Title of King at Taunton, when I was not there with him, or in Thirteen days after he came into Eng∣land; and that I rode to and fro in the West, to perswade People to go in to his Army, when I was in the East, and ca•••• from thence to hi•• in the West; but my Non-conformity cuts me, and obstructs the King's Mercy from being extended t••

me, as I am told; but the Will of the Lord be done; the Life to come is infinitely better than this: Ma∣ny more things are laid to my Charge, which I am no more guitly of than your self. If your Vncle be in Town, go speedily to him, and give him my dear Love. I pray for you, who am,

Your most Affectionate Uncle, J. H.

Octob. 5. 1685.

A Letter to his Wife, Sept. 23. 1685.

My Dearest Love,

I Hope you received a few Lines from me, by the way of London; once more I write to you, by your faith∣ful and trusty Friend W. D. who hath been at Exon. If there be need for it, he knows many of my dear and faithful Friends there, who wish you would come and live among them; and if your Estate fail, I think i•• very advisable so to do; I hope God will stand by you, and defend you: My dear, se•• me in God, as I must you. I must now bid adieu to all Earthly and World∣ly Comforts, and all the pleasant and delightful Objects of Sense. I bless God for all present Mercies and Com∣forts hitherto I have had; what will be after this day, I know not, but the Will of the Lord be done.

My Dear, Be very cautious not to speak one Word, lest it be wrested to a wrong Sense, which may ruin•• you; I have not writ what I would of this Nature, take the Advice of Friends, and of what I send by our Friend. O let not the Everlasting Arms of God be

with-drawn from you one Moment; and let him strengthen you with all Might, according to his glori∣ous Power, and to all Patience and Long-suffering, with Joyfulness! Pray hard for Victory over Passion, and be much in private Closet Prayer with God; and often read the Holy Bible, and other good Books; the Lord continually guide, direct and counsel you. My Dear, I return you a thousand thanks for all the Love you have shew'd me and my Children, and particularly for the high and great Demo••stration you have given hereof in this day of my distress. I hope my Daugh∣ters will be as dutiful to you, and be as much concern∣ed for your comfort and welfare, as if you had tra∣velled with them, and brought them into the world; God bless my dear little Ones and them together, I shall die their most affectionate and praying Father; God I hope, will uphold, support, and comfort me at the last hour, and enable me to overcome the Temptations I shall violently be assaulted with before I die. God by his infinite and freest Mercies in Jesus Christ, pardon all the neglect of Relative Duties, (which I have bit∣terly lamented and bewail'd before God, with all the Sins I am guilty of) for the sake of our dearest Lord and Redeemer. The Lord make you grow in all Grac•• more than ever, and make this great Affliction so hum∣bly purifying and spiritualizing to you as w••ll as me, that it may work for us both a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory. Let him take your Soul into his most dearest Embraces, and lodge it in the bosom of his Love here, and make us to meet in the full and everlasting Fruition and Enjoyment of him hereafter. Though it be da••gerous for you to vindicate that I die for, yet be not too much cast down for it: I will say no more as to that. My hearty and affectionate Re∣spects

to all my dear Friends; I need not name them; I hope to meet them, with your self, to inherit Eternal Life, through the Merits of Christ's Death. Farewel, my Dear, farewel in the Lord, until we meet to be married to him for ever. My heart is as full of Love to thee, as it was the first day I married thee; and if God spar'd my Life, it should have been as fully mani∣fested until death: Therefore I rest,

Your most Affectionate and Endeared Husband, J. H.

Sept. 23. 1685.

Another Letter.

My Dearest Love,

I Received your Letter by Mr. Skinner; I bless God that you and my Babes are well; the Lord continue their Lives to be a Blessing and Comfort to you, and enable you to see them well Educated in the fear of God; and when God takes me away, let him be a Husband to guide, direct, succour, comfort and support you, and to lodge your Soul in the Bosom of his Love; and let him be a Father to them, and their Portion for ever. Monday last my Brother went to London to try what could be done for me; what the success will be, I know not: I desire the Lord every day to prepare me for Death, and carry me above the Fear of it, by the discoveries of his everlasting Love unto my Soul, and clearing up my Right and Title to everlasting Life; and by Sealing up to me the Pardon

of all my Sins, through the most precious Blood of Je∣sus Chr••st. Let u•• pray hard and much for each oth••r: When I leave this world, it shall be with Prayer fo•• ••hee; if God give me life how shall I study to be a comfort to thee, and to live up to my Marriage as well as Baptismal ••ovenant! to all my Friends Ten∣d••r my affectionate Respects: I hope their Prayers will one way or other be heard for me; let the Almigh∣ty be your Pro••••ctor, Supporter and Comforter. There be two Books I do recommend to you to read when you are retir'd, as well as in your Family: Pierce's Pre∣paration for Death, and Fox's Red••mption of Time. Now let our Soul•• meet together in one most Blessed God, in our dearest Jesus, and sweetest Saviour; let them clasp and cling about him, and be sick for the love of h••m; and that we may meet to enjoy him fully to Et••rnity, and be satisfied with his Love for ever. A thousand Loves, if I had them, I would send to thee, next to my dearest Lord Jesus, and the things that are heavenly, spiritual and immortal: I love thee: what I can spare for thee, is convey'd to thee and my dear Children, from

Thy most Affectionate and Faithful Husband, and their most loving Father, J. H.

Another Letter.

My most dear Love,

I Hope you have received my last; once more, as a dead a••d living Man (through difficulty) I write to you, though I yet do not know when or where I shall

die, but expect Death every day; when that Message is brought to me, I hope, through the Grace and Streng••h of Christ, it will be no surprize to me; that neither my Lips, Flesh, nor Heart will tremble when I hear it; I know the cause for which I suffer; God hath and has singled me out from many of my Bre∣thren (which I never have been without some appre∣hensions of for above these twenty years) to lay down my Life; how far it is for his Cause, will be judged at the last day: I bless God, who hath kept me from all Temptations to Conformity; though it has brought me to ruine and destruction in this world, it will be no fit Season for you to Vindicate that for which I am call'd to supper, be silent, and leave it to God; I advise you to all Prudence in this case: have your own reserv'd thoughts, and let them concerning me, support and com∣fort you; if there never happen a time for you to Glory in my Sufferings, it will be hereafter; do you but walk with God (though through Prudence you must hold your Tongue) and be not asham'd you had such a Husband; I thank God that gave it me, whose Courage and Pub∣lick Spirit for the Protestant Religion, the Civil Li∣berties of his Country, even true English Liberties, hath in this ignominious way, brought me to the Conclusion and End of my time. Mourn not, my Dear, as one without Hope, let the World know you have something from me, something from your self as a Christian, but ten thousand times more from God to comfort and sup∣port you; see Christ by an eye of Faith, infinitely more lovely and beautiful than my self; let him be married to your Soul; let him be the chiefest of ten thousand, and more dear and precious to you; it is not long we shall be separated, before we shall see one another in a Spiritual Enjoyment, separated from all Fleshly Plea∣sures

and Delights, yet i••finitely m••re sweet and satis∣fying to Immortal Spirits, as you and I us'd to see S••re••ms from the Fountain and the largest Streams in the Ocean; so let us see one another in God, the ever-flowing and over-flowing Fountain of all Good, the fathomless and boundless Ocean of Good. Se••k much the things which are above; live with your Affections set upon them; and have your Conversation in Hea∣ven whilst you are upon Earth. I continue yet to pray for you, as for my se••f, and shall con••inue to do it until I die; in my last Prayers you shall be interested with my dear Babes, whom I hope God will take into Cove∣nant with him, and number them among his Adopted Ones, and of that incorrup••ible Inheritance which is in Heaven: I hope God will spare your Life to see them Educated, and guide and assist you therein, and theirs to be a blessing and comfort to you: Co••sider your Con∣dition is not single and alone, this Country affords a multitude of the like sad and deplorable Instances; let this make you more to possess your Soul with Patience and Humility, calmly and quietly to submit to the good Will of God. I have left a Paper behind me for you to read, and our Friend can tell with what difficulty I write it, therefore must have many Defects and Imper∣fections, which must be over-looked and mended; pre∣serve ••he two Bibles for my dear James and Betty: What shall I say more, my Dearest? I must break off with my Heart full of Love to thee; and subscribe my self,

Thy most dear and Affectionate Husband till Death, J. H.

Octob. 3. 1685.

Captain Abraham Ansley's Last Speech.

I Am come to pay a Debt to Nature; 'tis a Debt that all must pay, though some after one manner, and some after another: The way that I pay it, may be thought by s••me few ignominious but not so by me; ha∣ving long since, as a true Engli••hman, ••hou••ht it my Duty to venture my ••ife in defence of the Protestant Religion against Popery and Arbitrary Power: For this same purpose I came from my House to the D. of M's Army: At first I was a Lieutenant, and then a Captain, and I was in all the Action the F••ot was engaged in, which I do not repent: For had I a thousand Lives, they should all have been engaged in the same Cause, although it has pleased the wise God (for reasons best known to himself to blast our Designs; but he will de∣liver his People by ways we know nor think not of: I might have saved my Life, if I would have done as some narrow-soul'd Persons have done, by impeaching others; but I abhor such ways of Deliverance, choosing rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God than to enjoy Life with Sin. As to my Religion, I own the way and Practice of the Independent Church, and in that Faith I die, depending on the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, for my Eternal Salvation: His Blessing be with you all. Farewell to thee, poor England, Fare∣well.

Abraham Ansley.

Mr. Annesley's Last Letter.

SIR,

I now send you my last Farewel, being going to lay down my Life with joy, and assurance of Life eter∣nal; for which, blessed be the Holy one of Israel, who never leaves nor forsakes those that put their trust in him, and give you many thanks for your kindness to me, the Lord make it up to you; by pouring upon you a daily Portion of his most Holy Spirit, and deliver you from your Bonds. My Enemies have done what they could to afflict this Body; but blessed be the most High, who has given me Strength, Patience, and Courage to endure all they can lay upon me. The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Fellowship of his Holy Spirit ••ttend you; which is the Prayer of your dying Friend, but living Brother in Christ Jesus,

ABRAHAM ANSLEY.

From Taunton Castle, Sept. 21. 1685.

Mr. Josias Askew's Letter to his Father.

Honoured Father,

I not having an opportunity to make my Gratitude known to you for all your Endeavours for the sa∣ving

a poor, vain, perishing, and troublesom Life: and seeing it is all in vain, I would desire you both to ac∣quiesce in the Will of God, and rejoyce with me for this happy day of my departure ••rom this State of Pilgrimage, home to the Possession of those Hea∣venly Mansions, which my God and Fa••her hath provided for me, in and through my Lord Jesus Christ: It is ••n him alone I put my Trust and Con∣fidence, and the••efore can boldly s••y, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that dy••d, yea rather, that is risen again, and is set down at the right hand of God, making intercession for all those that have a well grounded Confidence in him. My time is but short, and by reason of Company I am distur∣bed; therefore I conclude with my last Breath, begging of God, that he would keep you constant in his Fear, in this day of great temptation, and at last receive you to his Glory, where we shall once more unite, in praising, without interruption or dis∣traction, World without end, Amen: Until which time, the Grace of God the Father, the Love of God the Son, the comfortable Refreshings of God the Holy Ghost, be with you, all you••s, and the whole Israel of God, both now and for ever: Which i•• the hearty Prayer of your Son,

JOSIAS ASKEW

Pray remember me to all with Joy.

Another Letter to his Friend.

MADAM,

YOU have been a Partaker with me in my trou∣ble•• I would also make you partaker with me in my Joys; se••ing my Wedding day is come, the day of the Bridgroom is at hand, and I am this day to be stript of my Rags of Corruption, to be cloathed upon with the white Robe of his Righteousness and Purity, and to be married to my Husband, and to be given to the Embraces of my Lord Jesus Christ, for ever and ever.

Learn not to repine at the Holy Determination of an infinite wise God, but rest satisfied in his Will, knowing that he doth all things for the best to them that fear him: Weep not for me, who am only changing this World of Temptation, of Troubles and Affliction: It hath pleased God to call me a little before you, but you must soon fol∣low after; keep therefore the Fear of God before your Eyes, and then you will have cause to re∣joyce, and not to mourn; when at the time of de∣parture, you may have cause to say with me, I have run my Race, I have finished my Course, I have kept the Faith, henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Glory which fadeth not away; which that you may be able to say, is the Hearty Prayer of

Your Friend and Servant, Josias Askew.

The Account his Friend gives of him.

TO prevent your further trouble in suing for a par∣don, I think it convenient ••o l••t you know, I do not question, but my dear Cousin hath had his Pardon Sealed by the King of Kings, and is in everlasting Blessedness, singing Hallelujahs, Salvation, Glory and Honour to him that sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever: For God did so carry him through to drink that bitter Cup with so much Courage and Chearfulness to the last, as was to the Admiration of all Spectators, notwithstanding the terrible Sight he s••w at the Place of Suffering, and so vehemently, as he was tryed by the Adversary, yet it did not in the least discompose him, or alter his Countenance; for he con∣tinued with a smiling Countenance to the last, and was transported above measure: I want words to express it, he was like one wrapt up in Heaven, with his Heart there, and his Eyes fixed thereon. I could wish you had been there, it would have driven away all cause of Sorrow from your Heart, to see his Deportment, and hear the Gracious Words that proceeded out of his mouth: He remembreth his Duty to you both, and left P••ul's Blessing with you, Grace, Mercy and Peace; his Love to his dear Sister; he desires her not to be trou∣bled for him, for he hath made his Peace with God, and was assured he should go to eternal Happiness; he would have written more to you and to his Sister, but that he had so short a time after Sentence that he wanted Opportunity; when he went out of Prison, he said, Gen∣tlemen, Now I am going, and it is the time I much longed for; I would not change with him that pas∣seth Sentence upon me, for a World. I was with

him to the last, and seeing his Courage, did very much encourage me, though I never saw such a sight with my Eyes.

The behaviour of John Holway before, and at the place of his Execution at Warham, in the County of Dorset.

HE lived in Lime where the Duke Landed, and Appeared in Arms at that time, until his Captain left him; then took up Arms under the Duke of Monmouth, and went with him, until the Kings Proclamation came forth, That all that would lay down their Arms before some Justice of the Peace, in four days after, and take a Certificate for their so doing, they should be acquitted, and have his Majesties pardon, which this Person did, though one day too late; which Blot my Lord Chief Justice hit, being very good at it, and passed the Sen∣tence of Death on him. Before his Tryal he was not much concerned at his Case, and thought himself almost out of danger: But to be short, he receiv∣ed his Sentence with much Courage and Resolution, and by the means of one Mr. Tiller, who was to suffer with him, was brought to that setled frame of Spirit, as is fit for one in that Condition: As he was riding in the Cart, toward the place of Execution, the Troopers, being just behind the Cart, he told them, They shewed like brave Fellows, but, said he, If I were to have my Life for fighting the best five of you, I would not question it. At the place of Execution he said not much, But that he thought

his and other mens Blood would be revenged on time or another, and said, Forgive me, have Mercy on my poor Soul, pardon all my Sins, and the like, and so the Executioner did his Office.

The Last Speech and Prayer of Mr. Matthews at the place of Execution.

HE was much concerned the Morning before he died, to see his Wife weep, and to be in such a passion for him, which drew Tears from his Eyes; and taking her in his Arms, said, My Dear, Prithee do not disturb me at this time, but endeavour to submit to the Will of God; and although thy Husband is going from thee, yet I trust God will be all in all unto thee; sure my Dear, you will make my passage into Eternity more troublesome than otherwise, if you thus la∣ment and take on for me; I am very sensible of thy tender love towards me, but would have you consi∣der, that this Separation will be so much for my Ad∣vantage, as your Loss cannot parallel. I thank God I am willing to die, and to be with my Jesus; be satisfi∣ed, the Will of God must be done: thy Will be done, O God, in Earth as it is in Heaven; So embracing her, took his last farewell of her, and prepared to go to the place of Execution, where being come, he with a very modest, sober, composed Frame of Spirit stood while he saw several Execu∣ted before him; his turn being come, he thus spake:

Dear Countrimen, I suppose We are all of one Kingdom and Nation, and I hope Protestants; O I won∣der we should be so cruel and Blood-thirsty one towards another; I have heard it said heretofore, that England

could never be ruin'd but by her self, which now I fear if a doing. Lord have Mercy on poor England; turn the Hearts of the I••habi••••nts thereof, cause them to love one another, and to for••et one anothers Infirmities. Have me••cy, O Lord, on me; Give me strength and patience to fulfil thy Will; Comfort my dear and sor∣rowful Wife, be a Hu••b••nd unto her, stand by her in the great••st trouble and affliction; Let her depend upon thy P••ovidence••; be merciful to all men; preserve this Nation from Popery; find out yet a way for its deli∣verance, if it be thy good Will, and give all Men Hearts to be truly than••ful; Comfort my fellow suffe∣rers that are immediately to follow; Give them strength and comfort unto the end: I forgive all the World, even all those that have been the immediate Hastners of my Death: I am in charity with all Men. And now, blessed Lord Jesus, into thy Hands I commend my Spirit. Our Father which art in Heaven, hallow∣ed be thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy Will be done in E••rth as it is in Heaven; Give us this day our daily Bread; Forgive us our Trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into Temptation; But deliver us from Evil; for thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, for ever and ever, Amen.

After which going up the Ladder, he desired the Executioner not to be hard to him, who answer∣ed, No, and said, I pray Master forgive me: To which he said, I do wi••h my whole Heart, and I pray God forgive thee; but I advise thee to leave off this bloody Trade. The Executioner said, I am forced to do what I do, it's against my mind. So lift∣ing up his hands to Heaven, the Executioner did his Office.

The Behaviour and Dying Words of Mr. Roger Satchel, who was executed at Weymouth in the County of Dorset.

THis Gentleman, at the time of the Dukes land∣ing at Lyme, lived at Culliton, about five Miles West of that Town, and was supposed to be concerned in the design with the Duke. He al∣ways was a great Admirer of him, which got him many Enemies among the Gentry of that County: He always hated the name of a Papist; and as it fell out, he did foresee Popery advancing, as his Words to divers of his Neighbours can testifie. As for his Disposition, he was of a very generous and Heroick Spirit. But to proceed, No sooner had he the news of the Dukes being landed, but he sets himself to work to serve him, desiring all he knew to joyn with him, and was one of the first that went to him to Lyme, and was with him to the end: But after the Rout, travelling to and fro, to se∣cure himself, was at last taken at Chard by three Moss Troopers, under no Discipline, who made it their business to ruine their Neighbours in those parts; they are so well known, I need not say any more: He was from thence carry'd to Ilchester, and so secured in Ilchester Goal; and at the Bloody Assizes at Dorchester, took his Tryal, and received his Sentence with the rest: Great application was made for him; but my L. C. Justice Jeffreys Ears were deaf, and so was order'd to be executed at Weymouth. After Sentence, two of his Friends came to him, and told him, There was no hope.

He answer'd, My hope is in the Lord. After which he spent most of his time, before Execution, in Prayer and Meditation, and conferring with ma∣ny good Persons. The morning being come, he prepared himself, and all the way drawing to Ex∣ecution was very devout. Being come to the place, there was a Minister, I think, of that place, who sung a Psalm, and prayed with them, and would have some Discourse with this Person, which he avoided as much as possible; but he asked him, What were his Grounds for joyning in that Re∣bellion? who answered, Had you, Sir, been there, and a Protestant, I believe you would have joyned too; but do not speak to me about that, I am come to die for my sins, not for my Treason against the King, as you call it. So pointing to the Wood that was to burn his Bowels, he said, I do not care for that; what matters it what becomes of my Body, so my Soul be at rest. So praying to himself near half an hour, and advising some he knew never to yield to Popery, he was turned off the Ladder. He was a couragious bold spirited Man, and one of great Reason, Just and punctual in all his business, and one that did much good amongst his Neighbours.

There was at the same time and place one Mr. Lancaster executed, whose Courage and Deport∣ment was such, that he out-braved Death, and in a manner challenged it to hurt him, saying,

I die for a good Cause, and am going to a gracious God. I desire all your Christian Prayers; 'tis good to go to Heaven with Company.

And much more he spake concerning the Duke of Monmouth, whom he supposed at that time to be living; and

so praying privately for some small time, he was turned, or rather leaped over the Ladder.

If I mistake not, he said he was born or lived in Bridport.

The last Speech of Mr. Benjamin Sandford at the place of Execution at Bridport.

HE with Nine more were brought from Dor∣chester to Bridport to be Executed. Coming to the place of Execution, he held up his Hands to Heaven, and turning himself to the People, said, I am an Old Man you see, and I little thought to have ended my days at such a shameful place, and by such an ignominious Death; and indeed it is dread∣ful to Flesh and Blood, as well as a Reproach to Rela∣tions, but it would have been a great deal more, if I had suffered for some Felonious Account. Says one to him, Is not this worse do you think than Felony? He answered, I know not any thing that I have done so bad as Felony, that this heavy Judgment should fall up∣on me, except it be for my sins against my God, whom I have highly provok'd, and must acknowledge have de∣served ten thousand times more; Lord! I trust thou hast pardoned them; Seal my pardon in the Blood of my Saviour; Lord look upon, and be with me to the last Moment.

There was also Executed at the same time one John Bennet, a poor Man, but pious and of good Report with his Neighbours in Lyme where he li∣ved. I have heard, that when he was on Trial,

a certain Person inform'd his Lordship that the Prisoner, then at the Bar, had Alms of the Pa∣rish: And that his Lordship should reply, Do not trouble your selves, I will ease the Parish of that trouble. In Prison, and at the place of Executi∣on, he behaved himself so to all, that many of his Enemies pitied him, and would, if it had lain in their power, (as they said) have saved him. His Son being then present, of∣fered to have died for him,* 3.2 and was going up the Ladder, if it might have been suffer'd. He prayed some short time, and so was translated, as we have hopes to think, from this troublesome World in∣to Celestial Joy and Happiness.

Next follows many Excellent Hymns made by several Worthy Persons that were Pri∣soners for the sake of Christ.

TRiumphing Songs with glorious Tongues, Let's offer unto him; That loved so to undergo The product of our Sin.

Leaving his Throne from Heaven came down, Sinners for to Redeem From Hell and Wrath and second death, Christ underwent great pain.

His side was gor'd, his hands were bor'd, His feet were nailed down,

And all was for the Redemption Of sinful wicked Man.

O how straitned, prest and pained Was Christ to be Baptized, And in Affliction to be plunged, His Body Sacrificed.

Let God be blest for Jesus Christ Who is our splendid King, Hallelujahs sweet with spirit meet, High praises to him sing.

For Blood, for Wounds, for Love, whose bounds Extended unto all: For scoff•• and smites, for jeers, for flouts Which upon Christ did fall.

Now Christ, haste unto us again, Thy Scepter for to sway, Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done. Come Jesus, come away.

With glorious bands and shi••ing trance Of Angels in the Skye, Which forth shall sing Triumphing Songs With sweet Hallelujah.

Set up thy standerd, and prepare War against Babylon: For her destruction draweth near. As here we read her doom.

Lord, blow the Trumpet, and awake, The Nations round about, ••tir up the spirit of the Medes, Which did old Babel rout.

For Babel must drink of that Cup Which Sion deep did wound, Jerusalem did first begin, And so the Cup goes round.

But Babel must drink up the dregs Of Wrath which do remain, With which no mixture she shall have To mitigate her pain.

For 'tis the vengeance of our God, And of his Temple too, The vials that fill up his Wrath, The three last Trumpets wo.

When Jacob as a battle Ax In great Jehovah's hand, Shall break down all, those Mountains tall, That in his way do stand.

O then let us Rejoyce, because The time appointed is, That Babel shall be seen to fall, And Sion shine in Bliss.

Our Lord draws near, as doth appear By Signs by him fore-told; Then Virgins come, meet your Bridegroom, His Wondrous Works behold.

The Night grows dark' be still and hark What is the Brid••grooms Voice; That when the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 comes swiftly by, It may your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••ejoyce.

Your light grows dim, arise and trim Your Lamps from all their Soyl; And see your Light shines clear and bright, Supply'd with Gospel-Oyl.

Some Virgins now do Sleepy grow; And don't their Vessels fill; Nor fear a want, when Oyl grows scant, And none be found to sell.

And at Mid-night, all in a Fright, Oyl-shops they cannot find; And none will spare, out of his share, And so they are left behind.

Thus Foolish sleep, in dangers deep, And think their Lord delays; But his own Bride ••ath surely spi'de Some of his Glorious Rays;

And will not sleep, unless she keep Her Watch-light•• burning still, With Oyl in store, laid up therefore, Let him come when he will.

And though her Garments had some rents, And spots not perfect white; Yet they'll be cleans'd, or quickly chang'd For Rayments of Delight.

With her Bridegroom, she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 find room In Chambers of his Love; When the Unwise, he will de••pise, And them from him remove.

The behaviour and dying words of Mr. Gatchill Executed at Taunton.

THE said Mr. Gatchill was a Constable of the Hundred; he was surprized by a Party of the Dukes, and shewed a Warrant to bring in Provi∣sions and other Necessaries for the use of the Ar∣my, which if he had not obeyed, was threatned to have his House burnt; so that he was obliged to do what he did for his own Preservation. But this was not sufficient, for being found Guilty, he was Executed. As he was drawn to Execution, he looked on the People, a••d said, A Populous Town, God bless it. Just b••fore he was Executed, he spake, That the Crime he was Accused of, and Condemned for, was High Treason; but he did not know himself to be Guilty of it; and that what he did he was forced to do. And further said, I am so well known to you, that I do verily believe you have Charity to think that what I speak is true. As for the Niceties of the Law, I do not well understand them. And much more to the same effect he spake. And so after Prayer with his suffering Brother, Mr. Simon Hambling, he was Executed.

There was also Executed at Taunton Mr. John Hucker, a very worthy Gentlman of that Town. He had some ill Friends in the Duke's Army, that cast Aspersions on him, as though he was the Person that was a Traytor to the Duke, by firing a Pistol in Sedgmoor; but I have strictly examined many on that Point, and can find it to be nothing but the worst of an Enemies Malice, to wound him after his Death in his Reputation, which he always valued highly when living. To be short, he has left the Character amongst his Neighbours, of an honest Man, a good Christian, and one that was true to the Interest of the Duke, and Sealed it with his Blood.

The following Letter my Bookseller received from Mr. Robert Hucker now living in Taunton, which I thought proper to print word for word, than so my Reader may see what care I have taken to have all the Accounts I give concern∣ing Mr. Hucker well attested.

Mr. Dunton,

Taunton, Feb. 24th. 1691/2.

LOoking over the Advertisements to the A∣thenian Mercury, I found your intention of making some Additions to the Book, called the Bloody Assizes; and finding others that suf∣fered with my Father, their Relations have printed their Last Letters; I have here sent you a Letter written by my Father but some

hours before he was Executed; the main reason why I consented to have it Printed, was, That persons mouths may be stopt from their false and lying Accusations; he carried himself like a Christian under Confinement; but when he came to look Death in the Face, it was with so much Courage, that it was to the Astonishment of the Beholders; for there was many a weeping Eye amongst both Officers and Souldiers for him, and those his Fellow-Sufferers. I crave a Line from you of the Receipt of this, with which you will oblige, Sir,

Your unknown Friend and Servant, ROBERT HUCKER.

Direct to me in Taunton.

Mr. John Huckers Letter to his Friend a little before his Execution.

I Was in hopes to have had liberty to speak a few words at the place of Execution, till a few minutes since; but now am persuaded the con∣trary: Therefore excuse these abrupt-Lines.

I bless God, I am now reconciled to this con∣temptible Death; it was long ere I could; but now God hath done it for me, and I thankfully submit to it from the hands of the wise God, whom I have offended: And therefore desire to accept my punishment, knowing he doth all

things well without any wrong to his Creatures.

I had lately some Discourse with two Persons, whereof one was of Quality concerning the things laid to my charge; I was told, that it was three things; One was, That I was an enemy to, or a∣gainst the Protestant Religion; that I was trou∣blesome, and had acted vigorously in Elections of Members for Parliament; and upheld the Meet∣ings.

I own my self a Protestant, and die an Asser∣ter of that Religion, and I pray God I do not prove a better Friend to it than those that have so industriously endeavoured the taking away my Life, and that they see it not when it's too late.

As to the Meetings, I bless God I ever was at any of them, and that I was any way instrumental to the upholding of them, and am troubled that I have, I fear, sinfully deprived my self of them, and do believe, if ever the Ordinances of God were rightly administred, and the Gospel effectually preached, it was in those Meetings that were held in Taunton; the Lord bless the Seed that was there sown.

As to Elections of Members for Parliament, I judge it my Birthright; and therefore was in∣dustrious in it; but I hope never did (I am sur•• never intended) troublesomness to any in it, but especially to my Superiors: I had ever a venerable and due esteem of Magistrates, as the Ministers of God, and they Administring an Ordinance of God.

I also lye under a Reproach of being un∣faithful to an Interest that I owned, which I utterly deny and disown.

I pray God bless and forgive my violent Ene∣mies that hav•• industriously sought the taking away my Life. It's the hearty Prayer of▪

JOHN HVCKER.

From Taunton-Castle a little before he suffered, Sept. 30th. 1685.

An Impartial Account of K—s Cruelties, with other Barbarities in the West: Ne∣ver printed before. Sent to the Compiler of this History, by one that was an Eye and Ear Witness to all the matter of Fact.

WHen K—k came first into Taunton, he came with two Cart-loads of Men Bloody, and their Wounds not drest, just as they were haul∣ed into Bridgwater Prison, they were guarded with Granadeers with naked Swords and Bago∣nets. He also brought with him into Taunton, a great drove of Foot, chain'd two and two to∣gether. He hanged nineteen on the Cornhill im∣mediately, not suffering either their Wives or Children to speak to 'em, or to take their leave of 'em.

As they were executing, he K— caused the Pipes to Play, Drums an•• Trumpets to sound, that the Spectators might not hear the Cries and Groans of the Dying Men, nor the Cries of their Friends. He caused their Bowels to be burnt, and their Quarters to be boyl'd in Pitch, and hang'd all about the Town.

K— hanged one on the VVhite Heart Sign-Post three times, to try if he wou'd own he had done amiss; but he affirmed (to this effect) That if it was to do again, he wou'd engage in the same cause; so K— would have him hang'd in Chains; and so he was, till King VVilliam came, to the Deliverance of this Nation from Popery and Slavery.

When Jenkins, Hewlings, &c. were to die, before they came out of the B—l, there was a great Fire made on the Cornhill, that so they might see the Fire that was to burn their Bowels.

Some that K— caused to be hanged, he caused also their Bodies to be stript, and their Breasts to be cleav'd asunder, in the place where he caused the Executions to be done; you might have gone up to the Ankles in Blood; he also caused the Hearts of the poor Executed Men to be thrown into the Fire with a great Shout, saying, Here is the Heart of a Traytor.

A Captain of VV— was hang'd, and the Rope broke, wh••reby he hoped to have saved his life;

but they took from a Market-horse a Ring-Rope, and hanged him again.

At the Assizes when the Prisoners were brought before the Bar, Jeffreys said, if any Man pleaded Not guilty, he should die.

One not concerned in Monmouth's Business, when asked, said, Not Guilty my Lord: Jeffreys said, take him Jaylor, and let him be Executed another time.

An Honest Man was hanged for sparing for Mon∣mouth's Horse three pennyworth of Hay.

A Constable also was hanged for executing of Monmouth's Warrant.

And many Hundreds were put in the Castle-Hall, by which it was feared they would infect the Town. Frances Burges was taken upon Maiden∣down, by the persuasion of Sir— was hang'd by fastning a Rope to a Chamber-Window, and set upon a Hoget, and so hang'd. The Execution∣er was one S— of St. Thomas Parish, Exon.

There was, by good Report, several Scores died in Ilchester by Infectious Diseases, and in their Irons, and Hand-bolt; for if they were not hard-hearted, and us'd the extreamest Rigor imaginable, the Keepers were not counted good Subjects: One of VVelinton that was to be hanged them, was saved, supposed by Order of Sir — and one of Crook∣ern hanged in his stead; this is true, and so it was at other places: But 'twere endless to record

all the Cruelties exercised by K— and Jeffreys, after Monmouth's Defeat.

Now that which remains, is to give an Ac∣count of Hundreds that had fled and hid them∣selves up and down in Holes and Rocks, whose Friends make all Application to some great Per∣son or other to procure their Pardons; some to this, some to others, that they thought Favou∣rites with the King; but the Rewards must be ascertain'd before any Application could be made, (for Pardons were just as they were in Rome) ac∣cording to the ability of the Person, from half a Crown to sixteen thousand Guinea's; Any Tooth good Barber. Divers Lists being sent up, and the Rewards ascertain'd, which amongst many of them put together, did amount to considerable Sums. So that it was now, who could find a Friend to relieve his distressed Relations, which were forced to wander up and down in Caves and Desarts, for fear of being taken. But this Misfortune at∣tended the Agents, that unless my Lord Chancel∣lour were used by his Creatures that were allow∣ed by him so to do, other Applications commonly met with Disapointments.

To conclude, The solemn, serious, dying Declarations, and Christian Courage of the VVestern Sufferers, have always, out-weighed with me, the Evidence of those flagitious Witnesses, who swore these Persons out of their Lives. And I did & do most stedfastly believe, that the only Plot in that day, was the same, which the Almighty has at length

owned, and most signally prospered, in the hand of our gracious August and Rightful Soveraign King William; I mean the rescuing the Protestant Reli∣gion and the Laws and Liberties of England, from a most impetuous Torrent of Popery and Tyranny; wherewith they were very dangerously threatned. And methinks it should even convert a Tory (un∣less his Brains were pick'd out of his Skull, by him who pickt the Guineas out of his Pocket) when he cast his Eye upon that apposite and Emphatical Expression in the Observator, vol. 2 Number 125. To deal freely with the TRIMMER, I have more Faith, in the Words of one dying Traytor, under the stroke of Iustice, than of twenty Li∣ving.

Thus have we given you an Account of what happened in the West (in the Year 85.) being in every Point truth; we shall next give a short touch of the Civilities the poor Sufferers received from the City of Exon, which deserves an ever∣lasting Remembrance: Most sorts of Provisions, as hot Broth, boyled Meat, roast Meat, divers sorts of Pies, were daily sent into the Prison; the Per∣sons that sent them unknown to them. Also if any Person was sick, there should be a Nurse to attend him: Also a Physitian and Chyrurgion to attend, when occasion was. 'Tis said, He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord; the Lord return them an hundred fold.

Thus Reader, by the help of God, we are come to an end of our long Journey, from the yea•• 1678. to 1685. The way all along has been full of dirt and blood, and therefore no wonder if the Wheels have driven somewhat heavily. 'Twill be worth thy while as well as mine, to look back on the d••fferent Sta∣ges we have taken, which is one of the g••eatest plea∣sures of a Traveller, who finds delight in reflecting even on that which formerly gave him pain and trouble. He who first broke the way was Sir Edmund∣bury Godfrey, according to his own Prophesie, That he should be the first Martyr. Mr. Arnold was like to follow him, but that intended stroke not coming home enough, they resolv'd to lay the Foundation firmer, and so struck lower, and began with Stephen Colledge at Oxford, who before his death, said, That it wou'd not stop there, nor his death satisfie those who thirsted after Blood, as appeared plain enough when they had got a Plot and Plotters to their minds, who made it their business, as Walcot tells Cartwright, to invite men to their Meetings, to im∣portune 'em to their Meetings, as it appears, to talk madly and treasonably at those Meetings, and be∣cause they were a little too brave to do the same by them, after ••ll to deliver them up to be hang'd for coming thither. By which design many of the boldest Patrons of their Country and Religion were destroyed, Essex went first, to whose Death an infamy was added greater than that of those who publickly suffer'd. Russel follow'd but too close∣ly after him, who says in his Speech, He wishes the rage of hot Men, and particular Juries, might be stopt with his Blood, which he would offer up with much the more joy, if he thought he should be the last were to

suffer in such a way.] About the same time dyed Walcot, and some others. Col. Sidney came after, one of the first that ever lost his Head by Innuendo's, and who dy'd as he was told, because else the Plot must have dy'd. Holloway came next, brought from ••other World to be hang'd in this; whose ingenu∣ous Confession no doubt did his business, there be∣ing too many bold Truths in't, which some men cou'd not bear, for him ever to expect a Pardon. But how many Lies beside there might be in his Confession, or others, 'tis impossible to know, un∣less we knew, not only whose Hands they came through, but how they were there used. And as he from another World, so Armstrong was brought from another Country, to be paid for all his Service to the Royal Family, in their Exile and afterwards. And tho' he was not hang'd first, and try'd after∣wards, yet what's much the same, was hang'd with∣out ever being try'd at all. Next to this we took a view of the Design of that unfortunate Gentleman who landed in the West, and of those who embarkt in it, and how far they were justifiable; where follows a particular account of some of the most e∣minent amongst 'em, and a more general one of the rest: which tho' it might have perhaps been more accurate, yet 'twas thought better to keep near those loose Papers already publish'd on that matter, of which this Book is a sort of a second E∣dition; and to give that account in the same inar∣tificial Dress which 'twas delivered in by some ho∣nest Country Men, who were personally present at most of the Actions and Sufferings there men∣tion'd. And among all these, nothing is more re∣markable than what we have taken particular no∣tice

of, The strong Perswasion and Belief in which almost all of 'em dy'd, That God would accomplish the great Work of delivering their Country and Religi∣on some other way, tho' he was not pleas'd to accept of their Endeavours. At the return from the Western Circuit, that London might have a little sprinkling of their Mercy, the pious and prudent Mr. Cornish was sacrificed; all whose time of preparation for that which must be call'd his Trial, was from Sa∣turday to Monday, whose courage and constancy at his death, and that dreadful Storm which spoke the displeasure of Heaven in such loud Language after 'twas over, were as much the wonder of England, as the next and last merited their pity, Poor Bateman, who had entirely lost his Reason by his Imprison∣ment, and the Accidents thereof. But besides all these, and some others, there were some who had Trials of cruel Mockings and Scourgings, were ex∣pos'd in the Pillory, and worse than whipt to death, tho' sometimes even that not thought sufficient, without actual Assassination.

Upon the intire review of all this dreadful Scene of Blood and Horror, especially that relating to the Western Affairs, what can be a more natural and use∣ful Reflection, than for us hence to learn, by wound•• of our own, yet green and bleeding, the true undis∣sembled kindness of prevailing Popery, and Popish Councils, and what all Protestants, of what character or denomination soever, must expect thence, when rampant and powerful? How can we choose but see, unless we have winkt our selves quite blind, that the Hand of the same Joab has been in all this? That 'twas the famous D. of Y. who was at first as deep in Godfrey's Murther, as in the Fire of London; the

same who was at Helm all along after, and as good as manag'd the Executioners Axes and Halters for so many years. 'Twas he who was so near at Es∣sex's Murther, and who hindred so carefully my L. Russel from his Pardon; who was the Staff, the Hop••, the Moses, the Gideon of the Popish Plot and Party, and the eager and inveterate Enemy to the very Name of a true Protestant. He who shew'd so mu••h Mercy to the poor▪ West-Country Men, Women and Children, destroying so many hundreds in cold Blood, and hardly sparing one man that cou'd write and rea••, by his L. Chief-Hangman Jeffreys Lastly, He who was falling upon his own best Friends, who are now sensible they lov'd him to a Fault, and car∣ried their Loyalty to such a heighth for his Service, ••s is now better forgotten; since no Party can en∣tir••ly clear themselves even of that Imputation. He who f••ll upon them, and our Religion and Laws, ••nd whatever was dear to us, with the greatest and most open violence; and because he cou'd not have his Will, and be a French King in England, resolv'd to leave us to the mercy of his own unkennel'd Irish, and go to France to be there as absolute a Slave as he here would have made us. And yet this is the self-same Person whom some are yet so zealous for, and they have not yet had enough of him.

But whilst these haters of themselves, as well as their Religion and Country, must be left to Man's Justice and God's Vengeance, let's address the Conclusion of these Papers to all true honest men, of good Principles, and firm to the Protestant Reli∣gion, and perswade them to pray heartily for K. William and Q. Mary, and fight for 'em as hear∣tily

too, as all these Martyrs no doubt would gladly have done: If some of them should not be entirely satisfied with whatever has happen'd in this great Change, yet to remember at the lowest the Duty of Subjects; to think all the Na∣tion may see more than they; to pay Allegiance where they find Protection; to reflect on our al∣most too happy Condition, compar'd with that of Germany and Ireland, and wherever the French and Popish Arm's and Counsels prevail; to ho∣nour the Memory of these Martyrs who suffer∣ed for their vigorous appearance against them; and lastly, to thank God sincerely and in good earnest, that we may now, if occasion be, de∣fend our Religion and Liberties with our Swords, which they could only do by laying down their Lives.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 3.1

  This Pious and couragious Man, Mr. Ayloff suffer'd Mar∣tyrdom in London, a∣bout the same time that Mr. Nelthrop did.
• * 3.2

  Here was a glo∣rious Instance of Filial Affection.