behold the Lord Jesus Christ in glory with comfort and fulnesse of joy Col. JONES his Prayer BLessed Lord God Thou art the great Opener open unto my soul the Lord Jesus Christ who will lead me into the wayes of truth and life O God save me make good all the pledges of thy love unto my soul Oh make all the Promises which I have believed all the days of my life make them now good unto my soul giving me the full enjoyment of thy self I desire to bless and praise thy Name for this hour that thou hast brought me to Oh what am I poor worm that thou shouldest give me this oportunity to suffer for thy Name and to acknowledg thy Mercies before so great a Congregation at this place Holy Father Holy Father Oh that thou wouldest now rain down Blessings from Heaven upon thy poor creatures that do hear and behold this Action this day Oh that thou wouldest sanctifie this thing to them and let poor England be a Land of truth and happiness O Lord let England flourish And oh that thou wouldest make thy Angel of Light to go before thy people Good God we pray thee keep off those great Judgments that hang over the heads of these Nations because they have sinned against thee Through thy Name sanctifie us let not thy Name be reproached Dear Father receive my soul I am ready to come unto thee Blessed Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit thou hast redeemed me blessed be thy Name in that thou hast opened the treasures of thy love unto my poor soul Thou hast given me this hope whereof I need not be ashamed Blessed be thy Name my Spirit is full of joy Oh Holy Father holy Father I pray thee let thy blessing come down upon thy poor people Look upon me Holy Father Stretch out thine armes to carries me over this brook I pray thee stand by me Dear Father I cast my self into thy hand I commit my soul unto thee Then speaking to the Sheriff said Mr. Sheriff I must needs return you many Thanks for your Civility Sher. Repl. I am glad to hear such an Ingenuous Confession and that you make such an end and that you have not gone into any reviling language as some others have done before After this he committed his soul to God and so departed Something as to Mr. Gregory Clements take as followeth PErhaps some may think it strange that there is so little said as to Mr. Gregory Clement who suffered with the rest Therefore this only is to be saâ—… more which is known to many That Mr. Clement was very silent both in the time of his Imprisonment at Newgate and at the time and place of his Execution at Charing-Cross only this it is said that he exprest his trouble to some Friends in the Prison for yeelding so far to the Importunity of his Relations as to plead guilty to the Indictment And though he spoke little at the place of Execution yet so far as could be judged by some descerning persons that was near him he departed this life in peace Some Additional Passages of Col. Scroopes Col. Jones and Mr. Cooks with his Letter to his Daughter Some more Passages of Col. Scroope COl Scroope when a Friend asked him at parting the same day how he did answered him Better and better I thank God every moment my life doubles upon me and multiplies He also heard him say when mention was made that there was some Endeavours for his Pardon That only would prove a snare to him but he was fully satisfied what to do and should not to save his Life do any thing to prejudice his Conscience He also heard him when one was discoursing to him the Happiness of Heaven and telling him it consisted in three Things viz. A perfect Communion with God A perfect Conformty to God And a perfect Enjoyment of God He made this reply Those three Things you mention are but one we are entring into it and can tell And that Friend asking him futher about it he said That God was but one pure Act and in whom there was no succession nor distinction of Acts and that Souls led forth in his Spirit were in a manner made like to him for their Injoying was their Conformity and Communion and one was all In which he seemed to be swallowed up and even then gat so far into Heaven that all seemed to be but one Act with him Some Friends being present heard both him and Col. Jones say You can say God is better than all the World and say it truly but you cannot say it with so much feeling and experience as we now can we find he is so indeed Some more Passages of Col. Joh. Jones in Prison COL Jones the night before he suffered told a Friend he had no other Temptation upon him but this Lest he should be too much transported and carryed out to neglect and slight his Life so greatly was he satisfied to die in that Cause The day he suffered he grasped a Friend in his arms and said to him with some expressions of Endearedness Farewel I could wish thee in the same condition with my self that thou mightest share with me in my joyes Some more Passages of Mr Cook MR Cook speaking to his Wife a little before his Death said My Lamb now I am going where I shall meet the Saints all of one mind which thou knowest was the desire of my heart to see At another time saith he Truly my Lamb if I might have my choice now I would not desire Life for I could not live where I might not enjoy the Liberty of my Conscience and when I can do nothing for God what should I live for O welcome sweet Death thy sting is out blessed be God I do imbrace thee with rejoycing thou art a good Potter that will suddenly open to me the Gates of Eternity O those Everlasting Gates will my Father set open to receive me O blessed be God for Jesus Christ the fountain of all Mercies Lord Jesus I come flying to thee upon the wings of Faith I come Lord full-sail to thee Lord Jesus receive me That which the world counts shame saith he I count it my Joy my Crown and my Glory A little before he parted with his Wife she laying her head in his bosom and wept whereat he said My dear Lamb let us not part in a shower God hath wiped away all tears from my eyes blessed be the Lord. Mr. Cook 's Letter to his Daughter Octob. 15. 1660. A little before his Death To my dear Child Free-love Cook These with my most Fatherly endeared Love My dear sweet Child LEt thy Name Free-love put thee in mind of the free Love of God in Christ in giving thee to me and thy dear Mother and know so soon as God gives thee any understanding That thou art the Child of one whom God counted worthy to suffer for his sake and to seal to the Truth of his
spirit In most Towns where he came the Generality of the people Reviling him with such words as these hang him Rogue pistol him said others hang him up said some at Salisbury at the next sign-post without any further trouble Look said others how he doth not alter his Countenance but we believe he wil tremble when he comes to the Ladder This is the Rogue will have no King but Jesus Indeed the rage of the people all the way was such that had he not been indued with strength from on High he could not have under-gone the wicked and Barbarous Deportment and Carriage of the Giddy multitude which he was subjected to After he came to London and had many opportunities of Escape if he had thought it meet before he was sent to the Tower yet he would not knowing how much the Name and Glory of God was concerned in his faithful witnesse to the cause of Christ for which he was in Bonds And the truth is his joy in the Lord was such that when many came drooping in spirit to him by reason of the Gloominesse of this present dispensation they went away refreshed and comforted by those many Gracious words that came out of his mouth When word was brought him that Maj. General Harrison was dead he said well my turn will be next and as we have gone a long in our Lives so must we be one in our Death The Lord God grant that I may have strength from himself to follow couragiously to the last breath and that I may much honour and glorifie God whom I have made profession of I can do nothing of my self but my strength is in the Lord of Hosts who hath helped me from my beginning to this day and will help me to the end The night before he suffered some of his Natural Relation came to take their leave of him and when they were parting they shed some tears but when he perceived it said O my friends if you did know and feel what joy I have and what a Glorious Crown I shall receive from the hand of Christ for this work you would not Mourn but Rejoice that I am counted worthy to be a witnesse to this Cause and said further The Lord preserve you all from the portion of this Generation for assuredly There is great wrath from the Lord that will reach them to their destruction When Mr. L. came to take his leave of him he asked this Question viz. how it was with him he Answered very well I bless my God as to my interest in him I have not the least doubt but do know assuredly that when my soul shall be separated from this body I shall be taken into his presence where is fullness of joy c. And by Jesus Christ be presented to my Father without spot and blame in his own compleat and perfect righteousnesse which is free and not for any of mine own works for I am a poor sinful and wretched creature and compassed about with many infirmities And when it was asked him if he had any thing of conviction upon him as to what he was to suffer for he answered no not in the least for said he Though man have Condemned yet the Lord hath and doth justifie he added the Lord had justifyed it in the Field once already in this Nation but that is now accounted as a thing of Nought but he will again do it with a Witnesse and prayed that the Lord would deliver him viz. Mr. L. from that Judgement that was at hand by which he would do it To this effect spake he also to many that did quere with him about this matter being told that his Nephew and some others were doing their utmost for his Reprieve he replyed that there is nothing to be done For the Sheriffe hath brought me word just now that I must Dye to morrow and that there was some that desired I might not be Quartered but it would not be granted But Death is nothing to me let them Quarter my body never so much God will bring all those pieces together again It was asked him if he had assurance of the love of God he said yea yea he had Fought a good Fight and had overcome and he was ready to suffer the will of God One asked him if he thought there would be a Resurrection of the Cause he Answered he Dyed in the Faith of that as much as he did that his body should rise again if he did not believe that he should not be so cheerfull at the Sentence of death he said also he had not the least regret or disturbance on his spirit about that for which he was to die for what he did was of the Lord if it were to be done again he wold do it And the way they took to suppresse and destroy those that did not think the Kings person Sacred their blood will make many hundreds more perswaded of the truth of it it was grievous to him to hear how at his Tryal they blasphemed God and his people but he was resolved he would own the Lord among them which they could not bear Therefore they were so violent against him he said the Gospell was going from London Popery and Superstition c. was coming in and it would be a rare thing to find a professor of religion in London shortly he incouraged those about him to keep close to the Lord in this evil day Oh! said he who would have thought some yeers since that Poper and Formality should have been let in again to these Nations he said they were so Barbacus they would not allow him some small time to take a little Rest before he was to suffer which was all he needed or desired of them For he was much tired with speaking to company which came continually in He desired to be remembred to some Friends and tell them That this was the last Beast and his Rage was great because his time was short Some more Expressions he uttered to this effect But in all his words and manner of speaking he manifested the highest Christian Magnanimity and holy Greatnesse of mind and such a spirit of joy and glory rested upon him even to astonishment It was asked if he apprehended his confidence would contniue to the death he said he was not strong in his own strength but in the Lord's strength which he still relied upon And he said to one by him will you not see how God will carry me through next day and desired prayers for him One asked him what he thought of this severe hand of God He said that which was hid secret in the bosome of the Father should be manifested in due time Oh! said he it grieves me to think how Popery is coming upon us like a flood in this poor Nation and the great judgement that will follow But the Lord will be a hiding place for his poor people untill the indignation be overpast let not our enemies think
have some trouble upon me concerning the losse of my temporal estate especially for my poor tender loving wife and child I was a purchaser and had a stock of cattel being wrongfully made prisoner two moneths before any speech of a King I was surprized and could save nothing nor get 20 l of my estate since Michaelmas last They promised to beare my charges to London but at Chester I was forced to borrow money or must have come a foot therefore pray be earnest with the Lord that we may take the spoyling of our goods more joyfully knowing that we have in heaven better and an enduring substance Heb. 10 34. and that we may not faint at these momentany afflictions which work so wel for us wherein riches and honours are not so according to that passage 2 Cor. 4 3 last verses and be affected with eternal joyes It is said that I shall be put down into the hole for non-payment of great Fees my comfort is that God will be with me there they cannot shut out Gods spirit from me which is an everlasting spring and Jubile nor will that be so bad as Jeremiah's Dungeon nor as Joseph's Irons which entered into his soule though indeed we are sold by our brethren as Joseph was that the scripture may be fulfilled The brother shall deliver up the brother to Death Matthew 10.21 I know not how to conclude not knowing when I may have another opportunity to converse with you I am overjoyed to think they cannot reach my soule and that our cause is invincible and it will be a happinesse if God see it good that none might suffer death but such whose souls are out of danger but being upon the account of civil liberties as well as spiritual our onely wise Father will order all for his own Glory and this onely silences all murmurings and master save thy selfe that what he pleases must needs be least for us he being Infinite Wisdome Love Power and Goodnesse Had the King made his way by the Sword we might expect his sorest strokes but for the men of Keilah to deliver us up for the Parliament to sacrifice us these men that sit by a Commonwealth Writ for whose priviledges we adventured our all and who cannot condemne us but must give up the Cause and give Judgement against themselves and all the good people in the Nation let the Indians judge of it if any of the Elect think hardly of us that we do not cry peccavi make our recantations it will not last long and it is no matter what others say for they must receive their Judgement at the Bar of Christ and we shall Judge our Judges therefore let us not entertaine damps of dispondencies My rejoycing is in a good God a good Cause a good Conscience I have the Justice of Heaven on my side and Gods loving kindnesse which is better then life if we find injustice and cruelty here mens Law at Westminster will be adjudged Treason in Heaven it will not be long before all tears shall be wiped from our Eyes and if our innocencies be not vindicated and cleared up in this life as Jobs Mordecas Josephs and Daniels and Susannas were yet at the revelation of the righteous judgement of God it will appeare before men and Angels that we are not Traytors nor Murtherers nor Phanatiques but true Christians and good Commonwealths men fixt and constant to the principles of sanctity truth justice and mercy which the Parliament and Army declared and engaged for and to that Noble principle of preferring the Universality before Particularity that we sought the publique good and would have infranchised the people and secured the welfare of the whole groaning Creation if the Nation had not more delighted in servitude then in freedom And if we now suffer a martyrdom of body we shal be some of the souls under the Altar crying How long O Lord holy true and though we can patiently digest their Tortures and leave all vengance to whom it belongs yet who knows but that our blood may be their poyson but then after all unjust sentences of men how sweet and honourable will the Judgement of Christ be Matth. 25. Euge bone serve of entring into our master joy when the Kings of the Earth and the chief Captaines and Dukes of Edom shall wish the Mountaines and Rocks to fall upon them Rev. 5.16 I blesse God my poor Wife 〈◊〉 much encourage me to be faithful to the Death and she is a 〈…〉 who helps her Husband so to Heaven as in a Fiery Charoit she is one who bears an unfeigned love to Christ and all the Saints I intreat your tender care of her and my Child providebit Deus Ier. 49.11 I shal leave her that Scripture and Esa 54.5 to 8. while they cannot take away by confiscation when we were in the storm we took our leaves each of the other * See the relation of his passage by sea from Wexsoâ—d to Kingsale and though we have not paid our Vowes at Pethell yet I trust as was then promised we shal be willing to go to Christ if he call through a Sea of bloud But O the infinite wisdome and love of God and the unsearchable riches of his Grace that if I had been drowned the Malignants would have said though he escaped by Land yet Divine Vengance over took him at 〈…〉 ow he should vouchsafe me poor me as Gideon said 〈…〉 15. one of the meanest Lawyers in Wesminster-Hall 〈…〉 of bonds and an affectual if not effectual Martyrdome for being an Advocate for my blessed Advocate and the good people of England I have been the larger not knowing what use this may be of if my mouth should be stop't if you hear any report of me contrary hereunto believe it not so you have my heart and I had rather be buried alive then my Tongue or Hand should differ from it O pray much for me and pray again and mend your prayer as I have great need to doe if you know what pittiful poor short and confused prayers I make in a day yet Father into thy hands I commend my spirit is a prayer no period better then prayer therefore now unto him that is able to keep you and me from falling and to present you and me faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and for Ever Amen Your for ever in our Dear Redeemer John Cooke A Letter written by Mr. Justice Cooke from the Tower to his Wife MY deare lamb blessed be God for Jesus Christ and for a prison where I finde much of his comforting presence tell sister Jones that she keeps but two or three Sabbaths in a weeke but in prison every day is a Christian Sabbath not onely to cease from sinne but to praise God singing Hosannaes and Hallalujahs I can but smile to think that they cannot hinder me
case is ready to upbraide us and say where is now their God what is become of their God Now what cure and remedies are there for disponding This Eleventh verse gives you two First Hope in God Hope thou in God Secondly Faith is set on work I shall yet praise him c. But more particularly take these directions 1. Be carefull of exercising faith for no condition of man superceeds his Faith do all in Faith pray in Faith and hear in Faith c. Now what is the exercise of Faith but rouling upon Christ and staying on him here I 'le stick if I perish I perish The miscarriages of Christians is either because they have no faith or else because if they have faith they give it not food to live upon faith must go to Christ as the Liver Vaine and fetch bloud and life thence We quarrel that we have not Love and Patience and meeknesse c. but the defect lyes in our faith if we had more faith we should have more of all other Graces Now what is the food of Faith Answ Faith will not feed upon every Dish not on a stalled Ox or fatted Calfe prosperity is not faiths food But it will Eat a word live upon promises these nourish faith I will never leave thee nor forsake thee all things shall work together for good and the like promises 2. Be marvellously carefull of things below measure things not by sence or by a day but by faith and Eternity we are troubled at the losse of this and tother Creature and comfort but what 's the value of them the over valluing things is our mischiefe 3. Go and tell the Lord Christ I have a defiled conscience and if thou doest not wash me I am undone for Ever See the necessity and worth of Christ there must be something better to look at then what we loose for the present something above Estate and Life and Relations and Name See the worth of Christs bloud it 's worth all the world because what the bloud of Bulls and Goats could not doe his bloud doth cleanse from all sinne 4. Keep close to the use of Ordinances much of our mischief hath come from neglects of this kind the safety of a Christian lyes in the enjoyment of Church Communion Psal 27.4 5 and 6 Verses One thing I have desired of the Lord and that will I seeke after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the dayes of my life c. for in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his Pavillion in the secret of his Tabernacle shall he hide me he shall set me upon a Rock and now shall my head be lifted up above mine Enemies round about me c. The greatest fears are dispelled there you shall find before troubles passe over for you expect some it will be a hard matter to break Churches they are so fast chayned together and yet there hath been marvellous miscarriages amongst Saints in their Church Relations Finis He also during his imprisonment in the Tower wrote some sheets of paper to his Daughter leaving them with her as his last Legacy containing in it very much sound and wholesome advice as to her soules health It carries with it such a savour as denotes it proceeds from a spirit that hath learned experience in Christs schoole and hath been aquainted sometimes with sunshine as well as foul weather it 's too long here to be incerted but if it be made publick by it selfe doubtlesse the Experienced Reader will be no looser by perusing this legacy Some Memorable passages of Mr. Hugh Peters in his Imprisonment at Newgate and at the time of his Execution at Charing-crosse October 16 1660. Mr. Peters as is well known was exercised under a great conflict in his own spirit during the time of his Imprisonment fearing as he would often say that he should not go through his sufferings with courage and comfort and said to friends that he was somewhat unprepared for death and therefore unwilling to dye something he said he had committed and other things omitted which troubled him but though it was a cloudy and dark day with him for a season yet the light of Gods grace and favour would break forth at last And surely the favour of God did at the last appeare for a little before he went forth to Execution as many can testify he was well composed in his Spirit and chearfully said I thank God now I can dye I can looke death in the face and not be afraid As for that slanderous report which was too much received by good people as well as bad to wit that he was guilty of Uncleannesse A Friend coming to him in prison put that question seriously and soberly to his soule to which he replyed that he blessed the Lord he was wholy clear in that matter and that he never knew any woman but his own Wife A night or two before he suffered two of the Episcopal Cleargy who as some report were the Kings Chaplains came to give him a visit they endeavoured to make advantage of the present temptations wherewith he was then assaulted and to perswade him to a Repentance and Recantation of his former Activity in the Parliament cause which they endeavoured to enforce upon him by a promise of pardon from the King in case he would therein hearken to them But though he was then much afflicted in his spirit yet the Lord did help him to beare up with much courage against the insinuations of that sort of men and told them he had no cause in the least to repent of his Adhering to that interest but rather that he had in the prosecution thereof done no more for God and his people in these Nations and with civility dismissing those Visitants he applyed himselfe to some other Ministers then present whome he judged more able to speake a word in season to him under these great Tryals wherewith the Lord was then pleased to exercise him Being carried upon the sledge to Execution and made to sit therein within the Railes at Charing-Crosse to behold the Execution of Mr. Cooke One comes to him and upbraided him with the Death of the King bidding him with opprobrious language to repent he replyed Friend you do not well to trample upon a Dying man you are greatly mistaken I had nothing to do in the death of the King When Mr. Cooke was cut down and brought to be quartered one they called Coll. Turner called to the Sheriffs men to bring Mr. Peters neer that he might see it And by and by the Hangman came to him all besmered in bloud rubbing his bloudy hands together he tauntingly asked come how do you like this Mr. Peters how do you like this work to whom he replyed I am not I thank God terrifyed at it you may do your worst When he was going to his execution he lookt about and espied a man to whom he gave a piece of gold having bowed
it first and desired him to goe to the place where his daughter lodged and to carry that to her as a token from him and to let her know that his heart was as full of comfort as it could he and that before that piece should come to her hands he should be with God in glory Being upon the Ladder he spake to the Shieriffe saying Sir you have here slain one of the servants of God before mine eyes and have made me to behold it on purpose to terrifie and discourage me But God hath made it an Ordinance to me for my strengthning and encouragement When he was going to die he said What flesh art thou unwilling to go to God through the fire and jawes of death Oh said he this is a good day he is come that I have long looked for and I shall be with him in glory and so smiled when he went away What Mr. Peters said further at his Execution either in his Speech or Prayer it could not be taken in regard his voyce was low at that time and the people uncivill Some Passages and occasional Speeches of Mr. Scot's before he came to Execution VVHen he was in the Tower a Relation sent to know how he did To which he returned this answer That he had been very ill all night and had some Apprehensions that it might be unto death But said he I was not at all displeased for if it be the Will of God that I may not live his Servant I would dye his Sacrifice The first day that he came to New-gate some friends came to see him and asked him how it was with him he told them he was well but he waited and much longed for a word of Peace from God But said he I Bless God though it is somewhat dark with me at present and I know I have a very naughty heart yet I have not one Temptation to desert that good Cause which God hath so signally many a time owned The next day which was the day Maj. Gen. Harrison was Condemned some of his Relations came to him and told him They supposed he had heard what dismal Sentence was passed on him And O Sir said one of them my heart fails me to think how you will bear it Why said he flesh and blood will recoil But blessed be God I am not troubled at that A fit of an Ague would cost a man more I believe The day after he was Condemned himself his Wife and other Relations and Friends came to him O Sir said some how is it now Why said he Blessed O blessed Chains I would not be without these Chains Indeed it was a very dark dismal cloudy morning I was brought to be content to perish Truly I thought I could not plead at all my soul was so sad because God hid his face But I was resolved said he if I could have said no more to tell the Court That the Cause was the Lords and the fault was not in the Lord but my great personal unworthiness that I could not assert it And that though I did sink into the Bottomless Pit immediatly yet I durst not no not for a World but own that Cause which God had often honoured But said he the Lord for your sakes did help me to say somewhat but truly it was but pitiful I thought if I might have been suffered although I have not slept to speak of these two nights I could have spoken three or four hours longer And now said he as dark as it was in the morning 't is so bright so quiet and calm that truly I think if I were to be executed to morrow I could sleep all night as well as ever But lifting up his eyes Lord said he I would not be too confident O pardon thy servant But being in a very chearful frame his Friends and Relations left him at that time and because of ilness could not visit him next day But on the next first-day of the week being with him he told them he found an increased strength That day about noon the Warrant for Execution was signed at which time he was desirous to have a Repreeve gained if possible not said he that I expect Life but methinks my Wedding Garment is not quite ready a little more time that I may as a Bride be ready trimmed That evening it was told him that Sir O. B. would speak with him the next morning and some told him it may be that would prove an hour of Temptation Truly said he I blesse God I am at a point I cannot no I cannot desert the CAUSE The next morning they two were together the matter of their discourse I know not but I remember when his Wife desired to go to O. B. that evening to see if he would be her dear Husbands or rather her Mediator to his Majesty for his Life It may be said he Sir O. B. may say That I should confess guilt and do the King some service Prethee tell him I would engage to live quietly but for owning Guilt that I cannot do For to this day I am not convinced of any as to the Death of the King and that I went but too far in asking the benefit of the Proclamation and I cannot go any further no not to save a Thousand Lives That evening came in two Ministers one or both of them after they had talked with him a good while I heard them ask Whether he did acknowledge his Guilt for they believed his owning of that would be the most likely if not a most certain means to prolong his Life To which he answered That although he had often and that with many tears and he thought with some brokenness of heart sought the Lord to convince him of it if he had any Guilt in him as to that particular Action for which he was then in Chains and under Condemnation for said he I would not for a World die with one Sin unrepented of But said he Really to this day I have no such Conviction But said the Doctor Sir If any such do come in will you tell us Yes said he I profess I will if it come in at the last moment even at the Gibbet I will tell the World of it And it is observable that some of his last words were That God had engaged him in a CAVSE not to be Repented of I say Not to be Repented of The night before Execution when he was in the Dungeon he was as he had been that day some sadder than at other times And one asked him if any particular thing lay on him He said No But the Lord was pleased to suspend his Comforting presence but said he with an humble boldness I would speak it The Lord shall not put me off with any thing besides Himself After having spent some hours in Prayer as at other times about midnight we left him and his Fellows that they might get a little rest for the support of their natural spirits and
their pardon that we might embrace one another through the grace of God in Jesus Christ one day in Heaven Dear Father we pray thee for them as we would beg for our selves We now desire to resign up our selves into thy bosome as it is thy Command thou hast said Ye are bought with a price not with silver or gold but with the precious bloud of Jesus Christ and we offer up our bodies and souls unto Christ which is but a reasonable service that thou shouldest have all when thou callest for them our estates and lives themselves The Earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof and we are all his works It is God's soveraignty to command whatsoever he pleaseth Blessed Lord we desire with our Lord Jesus when he offered up himself upon the Crosse he said unto thee O Father into thy hands I commend my spirit and with Stephen when he was put to death Lord Jesus receive my spirit So say we Lord Jesus receive our spirits pity us love us and accept us in thy Son upon whom we rest for life and salvation Lord let us know that death is a passage into Glory it is appointed for all men once to dye and after death to Judgement This is a decree and statute law of Heaven that all must dye and this is some comfort in our death that from this time forward we shall sinne no more grieve Christ no more dishonour God no more nor offend any else no more set thy love upon our soules and let our prayers be dissolved into praises where we may embrace thee and thou embrace us We humbly intreate thee do more abundantly for us and all them we have prayed for then we are able to ask or think in the name and for the sake of our Lord Jesus who is the intercessour with the Father who hath promised that he will pray the Father for us he is the Mediator of the new Covenant betwixt God and us our fulnesse our strength our comfort and our support our all in his name we ask all our requests to whom with thy self and thy holy spirit we desire to give all Honour and Glory and Praise for ever more Amen After he had ended his prayer he gave the Sheriffe thanks again for his civility and then turning to Col. Hacker they saluted and embraced each other in their Armes and said the lord sweeten our passage and give us a happy meeting with himself in Glory Then pulling his Cap over his Eyes expecting as is supposed that the Cart should be drawn away with his hands lifted up he uttered these words with a loud and Audible voyce Lord Jesus receive my spirit but the Cart staying a little longer he lift up his hands the second time and with the like audible and loud voyce said into thy hands Oh Father I commend my spirit and yet in regard there was no man found to put forward the horse to draw away the Cart until the common Hang-man came down out of the Cart himself to do it The Carman as many witnesses affirm saying he would loase his Cart and Horse before he would have a hand in hanging such a man by this means he had opportunity to lift up his hands and utter the like words the third time also One thing more is very remarkable that when Col. Axtell and Col. Hacker were taken out of the sledge into the cart the spectators being in great numbers there behaved themselves very civilly only two persons among them as soon as the Ropes were put about their Necks cryed out very earnestly hang them hang them Rogues Traytors Murtherers Hang-man draw away the cart whereupon a man that stood by them desired them to be civil and said Gentlemen this is not civil for the Sheriff knoweth what he hath to doe and thereupon they were silent and gave attention to Col. Axtell's speech and prayer but before he had done those very persons were so affected that they could not refrain from pouring out many Tears upon the place and went aside to a place a little more retired to weep and that man that before desired them to be civil went after them and beheld them to his great admiration as himself hath Narrated FINIS Reader In regard that the Presse could not conveniently be attended there are many faults committed in this Impression some Sentences left out and others misplaced which doth much alter the sence therefore thou art earnestly desired before the reading of this book to take thy Pen and Correct these following Errours and for others which are lesse considerable it 's hoped thy ingenuity will help thee to Correct them ERRATA PAge 14. Line 11. for but the enemy read but for the enemy P. 15. l. 19 Allured us p. 21. l. 22. by r. be p. 23. l 28. own r. one p. 26. l. 28. love r. Job p. 28. l. 21. take the r. take your p. 33. l. 9. and all r. for all p. 33. l. 18. therein I have done r. I have done therein p. 33. l. 26. Galliasses r. Gallislaves p. 33. l. 35. the faith r. your faith p. 36. l. 9. and if r. but if p. 37. l. 22. they should r. they may p. 38. l. 26. wittingly r. willingly P. 39. l. 20. any r. my p. 41. l. 15. teahes thence r. netles them p. 41. l. 34. in mercy r. through mercy p. 43. l. 31. our r. one p 44. l. 5. most r. must p. 44. l. 9. Father r. Author p. 45. l. 13 dulcimum r. dulcissimum p. 45. l. 32. them r. theirs p. 47. l. 7. in r to p 47. l. 21. Heronian r. Neronian P. 48. l. 23. least r. best p. 49. l. 28. while r. which p. 50. l. 8. Know r. Knew p. 52. l. 37. solid zeal r. solid comfort p. 58. l. 23. the Mans r. Hemans p. 62. l 6. dele the same p. 62. l. 7. that glorious r. that that glorious p. 62. l. 10. in it Thou r. in it thou without the full point p 62. l. 15. through or that must be left out p. 64. l. 5. the Lord r. O Lord. p. 71. l. 8. truth of r. truth guilty of p. 85. l. 8. redoune r. redound p. 89. l 6. much faith r. much filth p. 89 l. 8. I loved r. I have loved p. 89. l. 15. honour the Father r. honour the Son as they honour the Father p. 89. l. 26. these r. his p 89. l. 27. leave out so p. 90. l. 9. their r. your p. 91. l. 17. interruption r. interposition p. 92. l. 9. erect r. write p. 92. l 35. experience r. evidence p. 92. l. 38. that we may r. that we may lay hold upon a naked Christ that by his blood we may c. p. 93. l. 34. upon his soul r. upon his soul and remember him in his low estate p. 93. l. 36. for him r. for sinne p. 94. l. 16. come life come r. can life can death p. 94. l. 23. of thy love r. of thy love O thou Father of mercy and God of all consolation And leave that sentence out in the next line
notice that God gives me power to receive this with thanksgiving and he helped the Sarjeant to put on the rope Then a friend came weeping to him to take her leave of him he said hinder me not for I am going about a work for my master Then looking about him said Sirs It s easie to follow God when he makes a hedge about us and makes liberall provision for us but its hard for most to follow him in such a dispensation as this and yet my Lord and Master is as sweet and glorious to me now as he was in the time of my greatest prosperity He also said this I can say for my self That according to the light that God hath given me I have served him and my Countrey with integrity and uprightnesse of heart not willingly nor wittingly wronging any But this have I done with much infirmity and weaknesse One telling him that he did not know how to understand the mind of God in such a dispensation as this He said wait upon the Lord for you know not what the Lord is leading to and what the end of the Lord will be After this addressing himself to a Gentleman he said I dare not nor cannot be a pleaser of men a friend answered it appeared so by your declining Cromwell's Interest which words he assented to and further said the manner of my speaking before the Court may seem strange to some but my Design was not to approve my self before Men but God and what I said was according to my conscience And as the Rope was tying on he repeated Isaac's words to Abraham Father here is the wood but where is the Sacrifice and also said if the Lord see good he can provide another sacrifice he can deliver those that are appointed to die but his will be done Death is not terrible to me yea it is no more to me then a Rush I have learnt to die long ago And was often heard to say concerning the Lord's dispensation to him and his people Shall not the Lord do with his own what it pleaseth him And so parting with his Friend went down stairs to the Sledge and askt which my must I sit for I am not acquainted with this Good is the Lord in all his waies Then he was carried away in the Sledge having a sweet smiling Countenance with his eyes and hands lifted up to Heaven his countenance never changing in all the way as he went to he place of Execution but was mighty cheerful to the astonishment of many He called several times in the way and spoke aloud I go to suffer upon the account of the most glorious Cause that ever was in the world As he was going to suffer one in a Derision called to him and said Where is your Good Old Cause He with a cheerful smile clapt his hand on his Brest and said Here it is and I am going to seal it with my bloud And when he came to the sight of the Gallows he was transported with joy and his servant askt him how he did he answered never better in my life his servant told him Sir there is a Crown of glory ready prepared for you Oh yes said he I see it when he was taken off the Sledge the Hangman desired him to forgive him I doe forgive thee said he with all my Heart as it is a sin against me and told him he wish't him all happinesse And further said alas poor man thou dost it ignorantly the Lord grant that this sin may not be laid to thy charge and putting his hand into his pocket gave him all the money he had and so parting with his Servant hugging of him in his arms and went up the Ladder with an undaunted countenance M. Gen. Harrison's Speech upon the Ladder Gentlemen I did not expect to have spoken a word to you at this time but seeing there is silence commanded I will speak something of the work God had in hand in our dayes Many of you have bean Witnesses of the Finger of God that hath been seen amongst us of late years in the deliverance of his people from their Oppressors and in bringing to Judgement those that were guilty of the precious bloud of the dear servants of the Lord And how God did witness thereto by many wonderful and evident testimonies as it were immediatly from Heaven insomuch that many of our Enemies who were persons of no mean quality were forc'd to confess That God was with us And if God did but stand newter they should not value us And therefore seeing the Finger of God hath been pleading this Cause I shall not need to speak much to it In which work I with others were engaged for the which I do from my soul blesse the name of God who out of the exceeding riches of his grace accounted me worthy to be instrumentall in so glorious a work and though I am wrongfully charged with murder and bloudshed yet I must tell you I have kept a good conscience both towards God and towards man I never had malice against any man neither did I act malitiously towards any person but as I Judged them to be Enemies to God and his people And the Lord is my witnesse that I have done what I did out of the sincerity of my heart to the Lord I blesse God I have no Guilt upon my conscience but the spirit of God beareth witnesse that my Actions are acceptable to the Lord through Jesus Christ though I have been compassed about with manifold Infirmities Failings and Imperfections in my Holiest duties but in this I have comfort and consolation that I have pace with God and do see all my sins wash't away in the blood of my dear Saviour And I doe declare as before the Lord that I would not be guilty wittingly nor willingly of the blood of the meanest son no not for ten thousand Worlds much lesse of the blood of such as I am charged with I have again and again besought the Lord with Tears to make known his will and mind unto we concerning it and to this day he hath rather confirmed me in the justice of it and therefore I leave it to him and to him I commit my wayes but some that were eminent in the work did wickedly turn aside themselves and to set up their Nests on High which caused great dishonour to the name of God and the profession they had made And the Lord knows I could have suffered more then this rather then have fallen in with them in that iniquity though I was offered what I would if I would have joyned with them my Aime in all my proceedings was the glory of God and the good of his people and the wellfare of the whole Commonwealth The people observing him to tremble in his hands and leggs he taking notice of it said Gentlemen By reason of some scoffing that I do hear I Judge that some do think I am afraid to dye by the shaking I have in
so to them and theirs Blessed be thy name that thou hast brought thy poor own hither to suffer in thy cause And O Lord let thy spirit be powred forth upon the Nations until the whole Earth be filled with the knowledge of thy Glory And that Christ Jesus may have all the Honour and Praise and Glory and Dominion for Ever and Ever Amen I am so exceeding Dry that my Tongue is ready to stick to my Mouth But I would fain speak a little more Oh blessed be God! oh how many are the Refreshments I have had from the presence of my God and Father sweet and secret Communion betw'xt him and my soul to day And for that my soul hath seen of his Riches and Kindnesse O that I might be more like Christ for I have been very unlike to Jesus Christ very unlike to my Father But I shall leave all that is unlike Christ behind And all his own Work manship he will purifie and perfect through this passage into Glory O my Dear Father receive my soul O! make this passage sweet for now I am coming to thee Lord Help Lord Spirit me fill me with thy Spirit let me be ever with thee let me know what it is to have thee at my Right Hand that I may not be moved that in my soul going out of the Flesh I may be let into the presence of God and into the Arm of Jesus Christ Oh! That my soul may be breathed forth into the Arms of God into the Bosome of Jesus Christ through the Anointing of the Spirit A Friend that stood by said it is expected you should speak something to the matter of your suffering The under Sheriff said 't is not to be suffered What are you that you put on men to speak What are you Sir Mr. Carew said Farewell my dear Friends Farewell the Lord keep you faithfull The Friend said we part with you with much Joy in our Souls Mr. Carew said to the Executioner stay a while I will speak one word and then said very solemnly and with a loud voyce Lord Jesus receive my Soul Lord Jesus into thy Armes I Commend my Spirit And so fell a Asleep Some occasionall Speeches and Memorable passages of Mr. Justice Cooke during his Imprisonment in the Tower and Newgate With his Speeches and prayer upon the Ladder HIS Wife coming to visit him in the Tower of London but not having Admittance to him he saw her forth of his Window and said to home to thy Friends my Dear Lamb I am well Blessed be God they cannot keep the Comforter from me His wife asking the Gentleman Jaylor to see him another time He answered she might see him suddenly in Newgate her Husband hearing of this said If the way to the new Jerusalem be thorough Newgate blessed be God for Newgate the King of Glory will set open his Everlasting Gates to receive me shortly and then I shall for ever be with the Lord. A Note sent by him from the Tower My D. L. chear-up Heaven will make amends for all blessed be God I am full of spiritual Joy and do must God to make what bargain for me he pleaseth for he knoweth the appointed time of my Composition and Dissolution let us look to Jesus Heb. 12. After Mr. Cooke was brought to Newgate discoursing with some Friends there he said I am now going to my Tryal wherein the Lord strengthen me If I be attainted yet my Estate in Ireland is not thereby Forfeited without an Act of Parliament to that purpose and indeed it is much set upon my heart that if my small Estate be taken away from my poor Wife and Child it will prove as poyson to those that enjoy it and Consumptive to the rest of their great Estates for I blesse God I never Acted Malitiously or Covetously but in a spirit of Simplicity and Integrity however the good will of the Lord be done I commit and commend my Dear Loving and Faithful Wife and Child to their blessed Husband and Father with three scriptures especially for their portion The Widdows cruse and barrel of meal 1 King 17. Isa 54. ver 5. to 10. Jer 49.11 Earnestly desiring that my Child may be Religioussy Educated in the fear of the Lord. Thus if God hath appointed it I shall go from the Cross to the Crown Speaking to some in prison for the clearing of himself from false Aspertions said whereas some say I have done them wrong they do much wrong me in so saying I have relieved many so far as by law I could knowing that the worst of men ought to have Justice I blesse God I durst not wrong any man for I know that I shall meet them at the last day before the Bar of Christs Judgement where I can with boldnesse look all men in the Face as to matter of Justice for which I have great cause to blesse the Lord Holy be his Name Some in the prison speaking of the Differences in Religion Mr. Peters said pray talk not of controversies now we have but a little time to live and cannot spend it in such discourses Whereupon Mr. Cooke said Blessed be God brother Peters we are going to Heaven where the Saints are all of one mind which my soul hath long desired to see it rejoyceth my heart to think what a perfect happinesse I shall have there the best condition here is but mixed but in Heaven there is no sorrow nor trouble neither have I one drame of trouble upon my spirit at this time blessed be God he hath wiped away all tears and I could with Paul and Silas sing in prison for Joy Blessed be the Comforter Discoursing after he came into the Dungion he said when a poor Creature comes about so Solemne a work as to Dye what a blessed thing is it to have a Helper and what can help but the holy spirit blessed be the Comforter for I am full of spiritual Consolation if one of you was to have a Thousand pounds a year after the death of an Old man Consumptive that would not live three dayes how would you rejoyce this is my Condition through Grace I must in a little time put off the Old man and enter into the possession of Heavenly Glory Let no good people fear a prison for it is the only place wanting other books to study the book of self A Friend going about to comfort Mr. Cooke from the consideration of the brevity and uncertainty of mans life using some expressions of love c. Mr. Cooke replyes what dost thou speak thus for if I were sick of a Feavour this might be a sutable discourse but we must talk at a higher rate then this now were I to chuse I would rather chuse this death then to Dye of a Feavour for there is much pains and sometimes distractions but here a man is well when he goes upon the Ladder and out of all pains in a quarter of an hour And speaking to a Friend said I
Apostacy and ingratitude 2 Pet. 2.21 and sure they will have a peculiar Judgement by themselves for they do openly proclame the cause of Barrabas before the cause of Jesus Peter denyed Christ and Judas betrayed him but it was before his passion and Assention they never saw the wonderful works which our Eyes have beheld but what shall we say if the treachery of Judas help forward the work of our salvation why may we not hope that God is whetting his Tooles and gone back to fetch a greater blow against his oppressors Isaac must not dye though the Knife be at his Throat Gen. 12.14 our case seems to be like theirs under proud Homan the Gallows was erected but the Royal seed preserved Hest 6.13 Numb 23. the story of Baalam is much upon my heart the shout of King Jesus to Reign in Holinesse and Righteousnesse is among his people I hope as much as ever and there is no inchantment against Jacob therefore he must not be afraid I am perswaded we shall fare the better for the thousand curses we had between Chester and London 2 Sam. 16.12 Now having endeavored to satisfie you that the great work is over as to my eternal salvation and my opinion of the goodness of our Cause I shall further entreat your patience to tell you that I am fully convinced that next to that unspeakable gift of Christ the greatest grace and mercy that God can bestow upon any of us is to call for and enable us to lay down our lives upon this account suffering for Christ being a strong Argument of his Electing love Acts 9.15 16. and a greater matter of rejoycing Acts 23.11 be of good cheer Paul therefore he forbids tears for him upon that score Acts. 21.13 and I have charged my poor lamb not to wear any black for me if she have where with to buy it for I shall be in white Revel 6.11 the Apostle rejoyced to be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ and would not but speak what they saw with the eyes of Faith and heard with the ears of the Spirit Acts 4.20 and the 5.41 and Paul gloried in the tribulation rejoycing in hope of the glory of God Rom. 5 23. and took pleasure in reproaches necessity and persecutions for Christ 2 Cor. 12.10 so Moses Heb. 11.26 for the recompence of reward which is God himself Gen. 15.1 and the times cannot be so full of terrour and discouragement as the Scriptures are full of comfort and incitations in this particular to us the Lords prisoners Mat 5.10.12 why are we sorrowful when Christ bids us to be joyful Mat. 10.25.27 there is no safety but to be on Christs side for the Son of man shall come in his glory and the Saints also Mark 8.33 38. they are not the words of a Child but of Christ not spoken to affright us but for our animadversion Oh this perfidious Generation how will that word be made good to the Amazemeat of our Timerous professors John 16.21 The Axe or a Halter will be lesse pain then the pangs of Child-birth John 15.18 21. we are in nothing to be terrifyed 1 Phil. 28.29 constancy in suffering for good principles is matter of glory in the Churches and Tribulation will be the portion of our troublers 2 Thes 1.4 to the end is very pretious 1 Thes 3.8 we live if yee stand fast in the Lord I know you and my dear Brethren and Sisters are of Pauls mind if I dye in my bed being a Church member you will by the rule of Charity judge me happy I cannot doe you more service then to bear my witnesse in this Cause of Christ wherein you are so much concerned I finde our Text appropriate to our Condition Joh. 12.23 to 27. Christs death was like sowing of Corne which seemed lost but was our life so he that counts not his life dear for Christ though the world count him miserable yet he hath two special promises to be where Christ is and that the Father will honour him it is a following of Christ in Dying for him Actively or in Affection as appears John 13.36 21 19. by a conformity to his death Phil. 3.10 Rev. 14.3 some read which dyed for the Lord as Rev. 20.4 and 19.10 which now is counted as bad as Treason Heb. 12. has an ineffable sweetnesse in it Ch. 11. is the little book of Martyrs 12.1 the spirit sayes follow your leaders he is a Coward that will not follow such free Examples Christ and the Saints behold you and yee are witnesses for Christ as they were but must forsake all sin especially your Dallilaes Herodias and Rimmons and strive against it and ye have need of patience but ye will faint and be weary unlesse yea look unto Jesus and fear not for he is as well the finisher of your Faith as the Father of it he despised the shame what need you care if they say behold the Head or the heart of a traytor when your better part is in heaven and reproves us for being too parsimonious of our blood we must be prepared for suffering eruore sanctorum rigatur Ecclesiae Luther was troubled that he carried his blood to his grave he loved the Christs crosse more then the 24 Letters and loved not half Christians that were onely for doing not for suffering and though our sinne deserve death as from the Lord yet our enemies mind them not they punish us for being judges advocates and souldiers for our Lord Jesus Psal 38.20 And as the spiritual man overcomes the Animal so I am reasoning my self against sence into a willingness to dye for either the times will be better or worse is there not in probability a great floud of Oppression and Persecution coming upon the Godly will not the righteous soule of a just Lot be vexed with the horrible prophanenesse malignity and contempt of Christs pure Ordinances that abounds every where we have heard Justice and Tyranny Truth and Falsehood the forme and the power of Godlinesse pleading together and Judgement was given for God and his people but all seems to be reversed and what was but an injurie or nesciente before is now a formal and material contempt and despight to God and Christ and the spirit of grace in whom soever breathing and what comfort is there in a son if the Ark be taken 1 Sam. 4.20 21. she regarded it not the blessing is to see our children with peace upon Israel Psal 128.5 6. it is a mercy to be taken away from the evil to come Esay 57.1 bestowed upon Josiah as a favour being tender hearted 2 Kings 23.19 t is a rich mercy to get into our heavenly house and harbour before the storm come 2 Cor 5. how much more blessed to give our polluted blood for his sake who shed his most precious blood for us and if the times prove good for civil or sacred liberties Moses envied not those that were to goe into Canaan because he was
Law and Gospel with his Blood which will be a great Honour to thee in the judgment of all that truly love and fear God I leave thee to the Lord who I know will take care of thee and be thy Portion so thou shalt never want Learn with all speed to reade the Scriptures and to understand them and have a great care to serve God and study to love Jesus Christ and be obedient to thy dear Mother and good Grandmother and thy loving Uncle and Aunt Massey I pray thee never learn any Pride but be humble and meek and courteous and wait upon Gods Ordinances love the Word more than thy appointed food When the Lord shall please to alter thy Condition be sure to marry one that is gracious and a man that feareth God be sure to prefer Grace before Wealth and Parts for a little with the fear of God is better than great Riches with an Ungodly man The Lord make thee Religious for Beauty is Vanity and Favour is deceitful but a Woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised If the Lord give thee Children be sure to bring them up vertuously and religiously in the Nurture Admonition and Fear of the Lord. I charge thee never to marry without the Consent of thy dear Mother if she be then living In all thy Actions have an eye to Eternity and never do any thing against the Light of thy own Conscience Know that thy dear Father is gone to Heaven to thy dear Brother and be sure so to live that by Gods Grace thou mayest follow after If God give the ability I charge thee to do good to thy Friends and to all Gods People And if my last Will may be of force do not violate it in the least So I leave Gods Blessing with thee praying for thy Temporal and Eternal Happiness and rest Thy dear loving Father JOHN COOK Octob. 15 1660. Some occasionall Speeches and Memorable passages of Col. Axtell and Col. Hacker during their Imprisonment and at their Execution BEing asked by some Friends how he found himself sitted to Encounter with Death He Answered I can say nothing until I come to dye I dare not boast till I put of my Armour but desire your prayers until there be no more need of them Returning from his Tryal at the Court to his Prison with a chearful countenance and his Wife coming to him full of Trouble he said not a Tear Wife what hurt have they done me to send me sooner to Heaven And I blesse the Lord I could have freely gone from the Bar to the Gibbet They had nothing against me neither by Gods law nor their own low to condemne me was it ever known that a man should dye for such Words and further said though men had Judged yet God had not Condemned Some taking notice of his course lodging he said what matter is it to have a little durty way when we have a fair House to come into Then looking upon Friends about him said if the sight of so few of Gods people be so comfortable what will it be to enjoy all the Saints in Heaven together Towards the close of that Evening he went to prayer divers being present who admired the blessed frame of spirit that he was in admiring God in all his appearances for his poor people he laid all his comfort in the blood of a crucifyed Christ and upon the Covenant of Free Grace he did heartily desire pardon for all his Judges Jury and those witnesses that had sworn falsely against him Returning again from the Court when he had received his sentence he came into the prison very chearfully with a Bible in his hand saying I shall have the use of this book two dayes more and then injoy the fulnesse of the Gospel to all Etetnity His Daughter coming in to him he said where hast thou been all this while I thought thou hadst been ashamed of my Chains but they that will not bear the Crosse shall not weare the Crown A Gentleman coming to visit him said shall I petition for your life Col. Axtel replyed Sir you offer me to my losse The Gentleman told him he was going for Ireland Col. Axtell said Sir pray remember my love to all Christian friends there tell them said he shaking of his Chains rejoycingly that you saw me in my chains I recon all these links as so many Pearls to Adorn me and am sure they are so in Christs account and tell them that for that Good Old Cause which we were ingaged in under the Parliament I am now going to be their Martyr And as for the King I wish him as well as my own soule But they have meerly murthered me and they might as well have done it at the Tower as have brought me hither to make this bussle I wish my bloud do not cry to the third and fourth Generation But I shall do them more hurt in my death then I could do in my life They had nothing in Gods law nor their own to condemne me the Court condoled me but it was enough my name was Axtell I wish that I may see them all in Heaven A Friend going into Gloucestershire said to him Sir what message will you now send to the good people in the Country Col. Axtell Answered Remember my dear love to them all and tell them that their prayers are Answered Bid them keep close to Christ and let them not touch with Surplis or Common prayer book and bid them what ever they doe love the image of Christ where ever they see it in Presbyterian Independent Baptised or other And take heed of striking in with any thing that will strike out any of the Offices of Jesus Christ Four of his fellow prisoners passed by his Chamber dore as they were going forth to Execution and being denyed sight of them he called them by their Names and with a mighty fervent spirit said the Lord go with you the Angell of his presence stand by you and then turning about to his Friends said Oh they are gone to Heaven before me but we will give them up to the Lord and so went to prayer and presently after he went to prayer againe saying God hath said that he will make us joyfull in the house of Prayer and many observed that he did perform the duty of prayer Five times that day himselfe wherein he laid himself very low before the Lord acknowledging himself the worst of all the prisoners and that he should have the least to say for God and would say to his Friends say nothing of me tell you see me on the upermost round of the Ladder His Daughter coming in he told her that he had left Jesus Christ an Executor in trust for her Having given an Account to some persons for their satisfaction about his proceedings against the Rebels in Ireland said I can say in Humility that God did use me as an instrument in my place for the suppressing of that
to sinne it is beter to die then to sinne nothing could grive our Saviour but sinne and therefore have a care of that you and I must meet one day at the bar of Christ the Son of God shal be our Judge for God hath committed all judgement to the Son that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father This day is a resemblance of that day therefore be serious beg as much good to your immortal souls as I expect to enjoy by and by I beseech you beg of God that he would save your soules and omit no opportunity through the strength of the Lord to believe and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ be sure to labour after assurance of your interest in him or else you wil be of all men most miserable for I of all men were most miserable if I had not believed to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the living Blessed be the Lord that brings me into this state let the way or means be what it wil it is Gods soveraignty who made these creatures so to dispose of them how he pleaseth and God hath ordeined this death for me from all eternity The Lord Christ often prayed thy will be done this is the Lords wil. He hath numbred my daies and my times are in his hand Many seek the Rulers favor but every on s judgement is from the Lord. When Pilat said unto Christ Knowest thou not that I have power to crucifie thee Christ answered him thou couldest have no power against me except it were given thee from aboue Therefore I acknowledge the righteous hand of God he is righteous but I am sinful Therefore will I beare Gods indignation because I have sinned against him It is said of Jesus Christ that for the joy set before him he endured the cross and despised the shame and is set down at the right hand of God where I hope to see him by and by in glory and Majesty and to see his Angels and believers worshipping of him and therefore I despise the shame Our Saviour died upon the cross without sinne I am a sinful creature a wretched sinner and shall I expect better then he that was my master he who was holy and never had a sinful thought in all his life and died not for himselfe but for us that we might live through his death that through his poverty we might to made rich And Christ having done this for his people it should not be in their eyes thought a despicable thing that we should suffer for him having been engaged in the work of God But Christ must prevail in righteousness and he wil prevaile Now Mr. Sheriffe I thank you for your civillity and for this leave After this Col. Hacker spoke something privately to him whereupon Col. Axtel said Mr. Shieriffe must we both die together Mr. Shieriffe answered Yes Then Col. Hacker read a paper which he had in his hand a coppy whereof followeth FRiends Country-men all that have known me in my best estate have not known me to have been a man of Oratory and that God hath not given me the gift of utterance as to others therefore I have onely this briefly to say unto you that are spectators As the Parliament stated the war I did out of judgment and conscience joyn with them in the common cause and have through grace been faithfull to it according to my measure And as for that which now I am condemned for I do freely forgive both Judges Jury and Witnesses and all others And I thank the Lord to whom I am now going at whose tribunall I must render an account I have nothing lies upon my conseience as guilt whereof I am now condemned and doe not doubt but to have the sentence reverst I doe now apply my selfe unto God by prayer and doe desire the hearty prayers of all that fear God that I may have a sweet passage from this mortall life to that immortal life which God hath prepared for all that are in Christ Jesus Francis Hacker After the reading of this he desired that Col. Axtell would be both their mouths to God in prayer And then Col. Axtell said I desire all that fear the Lord to hear me with patience and to lift up their hearts to seek the Lord with me that we may have his strength and the presence of his spirit from this world to everlasting life And with a wonderful composed frame of spirit and with an audible voice entred upon the following duty wherein the Lord helped him with excellent expressions suitable to both their conditions The prayer followeth OH blessed Lord the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who art the great God of heaven and earth heaven is thy throne and the earth thy foolstool thou upholdest all things with and by the word of thy power The issues of life and death are in thy hand oh God Blessed Lord we pray thee let us have communion with thy selfe and the glory of thy face let the shining rayes of Christ shine continually upon our souls Lord let there be no interruption between the brightness of thy glory and our souls til we come into the fulness of the possession of it Blessed Lord we desire to take shame before thee and this multitude for all our iniquities and transgressions we were born and came great sinners into the world the root of bitterness was in us that flowed from that bitter fountain Adam but thou O Lord hast been pleased to send the second Adam that as by the sinne of one man death entred into the world so by the obedience and righteousness of one Jesus Christ many should be made righteous Blessed Lord thou knowest all our original guilt all upon our hearts and upon our consciences all our personal defilements and transgressions we pray thee Lord wash them all away in the blood of Jesus Christ Lord we have nothing of our own to rely upon but a Christ for all our goodness and righteousness is but as polluted rags and menstruous cloaths Therefore O Lord thou hast said by the workes of the Law no man shall be justified but by the righteousnesse of Christ Jesus Therefore oh Lord hold out the covenant of grace to poor believers and make Jesus Christ the Mediator of the covenant to perform Gods part to us and our part towards God Oh lord in thee are all our spring thou art the fountain of all grace let us have mercy and pardon from thee Lord it is by grace that any here are saved Thou shouldst be a righteous God if thou shouldest not only suffer us to lye under the condemnation of man but to exclude us from heaven and glory for ever But Lord if thou shouldst be strict to mark iniquity who should stand in thy presence but there is mercy with thee that thou mayst be feared Lord thou hast said Who is a God like unto thee pardoning iniquity and passing by
the transgressions of the remnant of thy people for thine own names sake Lord it is thy covenant that thou wilt put thy spirit into our hearts and erect thy law in our inward parts and our sins and transgressions thou wilt remember no more Blessed be the Lord for the Lord Jesus Christ for had it not been for a Christ we were undone forever Blessed be our Lord that hath written our names in heaven and given us a portion in Christ in whom we have believed and trusted We humbly beg of thee the pardon of all our personal and family guilt the sins of our publique imployments which thou knowest we have not willingly committed though it may be through infirmity and temptation and the sins of our nature Lord we humbly pray thee let us see our selves justified in the blood of our Lord Jesus that we may say with the Apostle Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect It is God that justifieth us it is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again for our justification He is risen that he might be our advocate intercessor and mediator He is filled with all the fulness of the Godhead to distribute to us according to our need Thou hast promised by the Apostle that God shall supply all our wants according to the riches of his own grace Lord thou wilt have the passover eaten with sowre hearbs and Lord we are contented but Lord thou hast provided sweet Wine for us and hast thou not kept the best Wine and the best of thy divine comforts until now til now to carry us over this bridge and passage from earth to heaven sanctifie this our passage for it is best to have the crosse with the crown they goe together and are inseparable therefore saith our Lord they that wil suffer with me shal also raign with me Deare Lord we pray thee give us a full experience and let thy holy Spirit witness to our souls that we are the children of God and reconciled to thee in the covenant and that we shal through thy Son be glorified with thee Strengthen our faith that we may be purged washed and cleansed and for our justification sanctification and acceptation with the Father Glorious lord we desire to leave our requests with thee on the behalfe of this poor people as the last request we have to beg of thee on this side heaven if there be any here not belonging to Christ and not friends to him Lord convert them and shew them their own undone and miserable estate and give them the pardon of a dying Saviour thy poor servants would not part with a Christ for ten thousand lives Lord make Christ precious to their immortal souls Lord convince them of the evil of their sins and the evil of their own ways and break them off from them and cause them to close with Jesus Christ Thou hast promised that those that come unto him thou wilt not cast off Remember all thy people and help them to persevere in thy grace and love and make them able to hold fast the truth till thou come and to quit themselves like men to stand fast in the faith Blessed Lord we humbly pray thee to have mercy upon that great City the place from whence we came When thou resolvedst to destroy Sodom thy servant Abraham expostulated with thee and thou saidst if there were but ten righteous thou wouldst save it but Lord there are many tens of righteous ones in that City It hath been a place where thou hast been glorified and where many godly Ministers have been encouraged O Lord let it goe wel therefore with that great City and let thy Gospel have free passage in the publique worship of it Bless the government and governours thereof and make them instruments to thy glorious praise We pray thee have respect to the chief Magistrates that are come here by command to see execution done Oh Lord we beg mercy for their soules O that Christ would evidence himself more to their soules and that we might meet in Heaven together and be imbraced in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ And him that shal be the Executioner must now wash his hands in our blood doe thou wash his soul in the blood of Jesus Christ O lord we pray thee that thou wouldest have pitty upon his soul and let him know what it is to be washed in the blood of Christ that fountain set open for him and for uncleanness Blessed Lord help us thy poor creatures with strength for we have no strength of our own Thy word saith that death is the King of terrours but blessed be thy Name thou hast taken the sting out of it and the poyson from it and therefore as faith the Apostle Oh death then where is thy sting oh grave where is thy victory Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ that hath given us the victory Thou hast said by the Apostle We have the sentence of death in our selves and therefore should not trust in our selves but believe in Christ that raiseth the dead Lord we will not trust in our selves but in the living God Oh my God that art the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob strengthen and support our poor souls Stephen when he was stoned to death saw the Heavens opened and the glory of the Father and of his throne Shall we but see the Face of Jesus Christ bearing up our hearts under all and we shall go through Thou hast promised that thou wilt never never never leave us nor forsake us Thou hast said Who can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Come life come death or what can separate a believer from Jesus Christ let thy Angels come downe we are perswaded that the Angels are ready to receive our soules and to carry them into thy bosome and into the company of Abraham Isaac and Jacob and of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs and witnesses of Jesus and just men made perfect in thy Kingdome Blessed lord thou art our support and comfort support us with the cordials of thy love Blessed lord before we make an end of praying O thou father of mercies and God of all consolation we beg one request for the chief Magistrate of this Nation That thou wouldest give him a glorious Christ into his poor soul and magnifie thy grace towards him that he may become a friend unto Christ and a friend to the people of Christ and raigne in righteousnesse and may be a terrour to evill doers and a praise to them that doe wel that he may cast away iniquity with his eye rule for God before whom he and all others must render an account in the day of judgement Lord hear us for him And blessed lord doe the like for all that had any uncharitableness towards us we would have none towards them but we beg their souls might live in thy presence make them to see their sins and let them receive