A compleat history of the most remarkable providences both of judgment and mercy, which have hapned in this present age extracted from the best writers, the author's own observations, and the numerous relations sent him from divers parts of the three kingdoms : to which is added, whatever is curious in the works of nature and art / the whole digested into one volume, under proper heads, being a work set on foot thirty years ago, by the Reverend Mr. Pool, author of the Synopsis criticorum ; and since undertaken and finish'd, by William Turner...

2. Colonel HOLMES.

THe next Place was Lime, where many of Note died; particularly, Colonel Holmes, who was the first of those there executed, near the same Place where they landed, when they came ashore with the Duke of Monmouth. Being brought to the Place, after some difficulty; for the Horses that were first put into the Sledge would not stir, which obliged those concerned to get others, which they did from the Coachman, who had that Morning brought them to Town: When they were put into the Sledge, they broke it in pieces; which caused the Prisoners to go on foot to the Place of Execution. Where being come, as I told you before, the Colonel began thus at the foot of the Ladder: He sate down with an Aspect altogether void of Fear, but on the contrary, with a kind of smiling Countenance, so began to speak to the Spectators to this purpoe: That he would give them an Account of his first Undertaking in the Design, which was long before in London; for there he agreed to stand by and assist the Duke of Mon∣mouth, 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 Thou∣sands 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 bet∣ter success, tho the way or means was not yet visible; but of this he did not doubt. He also was satisfied of the Duke's Title; so that matter did not afflict him, on account of his enga∣ging 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 Countenance, answered, I am sorry you do not yet understand 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 of∣fer up our last Prayers and Services unto thee. We beseech thy favourable Ear to our Prayers, and the Comfort 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 Providence, 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 Pre∣sence 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 Tryer of Reins, let there not at the mo∣ment of Death be the least spark of Sin in-dwelling in us, nor the Strivings of Flesh and Blood, that may hinder us from a joyful Passage unto thee. Give us Patience also under these Suf∣ferings, and a Deliverance to all others from undergoing them; and in thy good time work a Deliverance for poor England; let thy Gospel yet flourish among them: Hasten the Down∣fall of antichrist; we trust the time is come. Prevent, O Lord, this Effusion of Christian 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; pardon 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 Relations, and Acquaintance. Forgive our Enemies. Accept of our Thankfulness for all the Mercies and Fa∣vours 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 Jesus 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 solemn 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.