The speech or confession of Sir Alexander Carew Baronet: who was beheaded on Tower-hill on Munday Decemb. 23. 1644. Published by authority.

The Speech or Confession of Sir Alexander Carew Baronet, who was beheaded on Tower-hill, on Munday Decemb. 23. 1644.

ON Munday December 23. in the forenoone about 10. of the Clocke, Sir Alexander Carew was brought from the Tower, guarded by the Lieutenant thereof, and his Officers (assist∣ed by two Companies of the Trained-Bands) unto a Scaffold erected on Tower-Hill for that purpose.

After he was come upon the Scaffold he spake to the Ministers that were with him, and one Minister desired him to speak somewhat to clear the Justice against him.

Ca. The greatest enemy against me under

the Sun can lay but the suspition of the fact a∣gainst me; I desire not to spin out time, I de∣sire to be at my period, I have besought God on my knees oftentimes that I might be dissolved, and God would never grant it me till now, and blessed be God for it.

Min. We may not desire to goe out of the World, but upon a true foundation.

Ca. God knowes his own, &c.

Lieut. When you went downe into Cornewell, these were your words, you bid me, God be with me, and hoped you should give a good account of your bu∣sinesse.

Ca. I'le lay no blame upon any other body, but take all to my selfe.

Min. You say the onely true way to salvation is by Christ.

Ca. I confesse it, and I confesse my wayes, that I am a sinfull creature to God, with all my heart, I acknowledge it before God and all you.

Min. Thinke not that hee will straine your con∣science.

Ca. No, God forbid, but ile doe that duty vvhich I come here for, I thanke you all for your good admonitions, and it is not now to

do, for I have survayed my selfe over and over againe, and with indignation for my sinnes, and especially my Pride, and my stout hearted∣nesse.

Min. It is stoutnesse that should trouble us all.

Ca. All that you can lay to my charge is but intention, and no man knowes my intentions better then my selfe, and they shall die with my selfe, put me to what Tortures you please; Sir, this is cleare that vvhen I came a shore at Plimouth, I asked them whether they would be∣lieve me what I said, they told me no. I am in that condition that whatsoever I say is not to be believed, and therefore I have leave to hold my peace.

Then being demanded, whom he would have stay with him on the Scaffold, he turned to his brethren, and said, These are my kindred, my an∣cestors were counted honest men.

The people calling, and desiring to see him, room was made for him to come to the front of the Scaffold, where he spake thus to the people:

GEntlemen, I hope you'l (in consi∣deration of my weake body) not expect that I should speake much to

you, neither is it my part to discourse (nor my desire) of my owne actions, and to justifie my selfe, but I shall ra∣ther confesse as the poore Publican did, Lord be mercifull to me a sinner. I de∣sire your prayers to God for me, and I pray to God for you, that no one drop of my blood may be required at any mans hands. I forgive all the world, with as full and hearty desire as mortall man can, and I beseech God to forgive me mine. The God of Hea∣ven and Earth, that seeth, heareth, and beholdeth, knowes that I lie not. I have desired with unfained desire and hearty affection to be dissolved and to be with Christ, knowing it shall be better for me, being assured thereby to be freed from the misery of sinne, and enter into a better life. It was the last words and writing of my grand∣father,

and here of my father, * 1.1 the assu∣rance of their eternall peace and hap∣pinesse, after the dissolution of this body of theirs, in which they lived here on earth; it is mine likewise. I have no more to say, but I take my humble leave of you.

Then he desired the people to joyne with him in singing the 23 Psalm, which he tuned, and read himselfe to the people. The last words of the Psalm being ended, he added,

And God assisting me, seale my vow with my blood, and rather suffer wrong then doe it.

Then the Executioner spake to him desiring him to forgive him.

Ca. I forgive thee and thanke thee too with Heart unfained, and give∣ing him money said, prethee leave my Clothes take my Head, and doe it handsomely else thou canst not speak Dutch, and say wel godon.

J die J thanke God rich in Gods favour.

Then bidding his friends God be vvith you he spake to the Executioner.

Doest thou heare, when I say, Lord though thou killest me yet will J put my trust in thee, then doe thou cut off my head, For it was the last words that ever my Mother spoke when shee died.

And when hee had said Lord into thy hands J commend my spirit, hee layd himselfe downe, with his Head over the Blocke and speaking these words, Lord though, &c. And then the Executioner did his Of∣fice.

FJNIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Holding forth a little Book.