find Acceptance with him There is no other Name given under Heaven whereby we can be saved but the Name of Jesus Then speaking to the Officers he said Labour everyone of you to be fit to die for I â—ell you you are not fit to dye I was not fit to dye my sâ—lâ— 'till I came in hither but O blessed be God he hath made me fit to dye and hath made me willing to dye In a few moments I shall have the fruition of the blessed Jesus and that not for a day but for ever I am going to the Kingdom of God to the Kingdom of God where I shall enjoy the Presence of God the Father and of God the Son and of God the Holy Spiâ—it and of all the holy Angels I am going to the genâ—ral Assâ—mbly of the first-born and of the Spirit of Just men made perfect O that God should ever do so much for me O that God should concern himself so much for poor Creatures for their Salvation blessed be his name for this was the Design of God from all Eternity to give his only Son to dye for poor miserable Sinners Then the Offiâ—ers going to tye his hands he said What must I be tied then well a brown Thred might have served the turn you need not tye me at all I shall not stir from you for I thank God I am not afraid to dye As he was going out he said Farewel Newgate Farewel all my Fellow prisoners here the Lord comfort you the Lord be with you all Thus much for his Behaviour in the way to his Martyrdom The Place of it was mâ—â—t spitefully and ignominiously ordered almost before his own door and near Guildhall to scare any Good Citizen from appearing vigorously in the Discâ—arge of his Duty for his Countreys Service by his Example If any thing was wanting in his Trial from the haste of it for the clearing his Innocency he sufficiently made it up in solemn Asseverations thereof on the Scaffold God is my Witness says he the Crimes laid to my Charge were falsly and maliciously sworn against me by the Witnesses for I never was at any Consult nor any Meeting where Matters against the Government were discoursed of He adds I never heard or read any Declaration tending that way Again As to the Crimes for which I suffer Vpon the words of a dying man I 'm altogether Innocent Lower he adds He died as he had liv'd in the Communion of the Church of England in whose Ordinances he had been often a partaker and now felt the blessed effects thereof in these his Agonies He was observ'd by those who stood near the Sledge to have solemnly several times averr'd his absolute Innocence of any Design against the Government and particularly that which he died for There were some Persons who are sufficiently known who were present at and exprest a great deal of barbarous Joy at his Death the open publication of their Names is here spar'd in hopes they have or will repent of so unmanly and unchristian a Behaviour tho' some of them then were so confounded with his Constancy and Chearful Bravery as wickedly to report That he was Drunk or Mad when he died His Quarters were set up on Guildhall in Terrorem and for the same Reason no doubt before mentioned for which he was Executed so near it There was such a terrible Storm the day of his Death as has scarce been known in the memory of man and will never be forgot by those who were in it ten or a dozen Ships being founder'd or stranded in one Road and a vast many more in other places And as Heaven then did him Justice and vindicated his Innocence so Earth also has done it the Judgment against him being Reverst by that honourable ever memorable Parliament which under God and our King has setled the Happiness both of this Age and Posterity There wanted not a sort of men at this time who would have perswaded the World that Murder was a Royal Sport for at this time was Printed a Ballad call'd Advice to the â—ity sung to the King at Windsor wherein are these entertaining Lines Then London be wise and baffle their Power And let 'em play the old Game no more Hang hang up the Sheriffs Those Baboons in Power Those Popular Thieves Those Rats of the Tower The Instruments of shedding this Blood may do well to reflect upon the Fate of Clowdesly one of the Iury-men and upon some others since that were concern'd in that Bloody Tragedy His Character HE was a Person of as known Prudence as Integrity a good Christian a compleâ—t Citizen a worthy Magistrate and a zealous Church of England man He was so cautious and wise that he was noted for it all thro' those worst of times and often propos'd as an Example to others of hotter and more imprudent Tempers nor could the least imputation be fix'd on him of hearing or concealing any unlawful or dangerous Discourses any other ways than by plain force of Perjury being known to have shunn'd some Persons whom he as well as some other prudent men suspected to have no good Designs and to be indu'd with no more honesty than discretion as it afterwards prov'd But he was design'd to glorifie God by such an End as all his care could not avoid which he submitted to with bravery rarely to be met with unless among those who suffered for the same Cause in the same Age or their Predecessors Queen Marys Martyrs There was seen the same tenour of Prudence and Piety thro' all the Actions of his Life tho' most conspicuous in the last glorious Scene of it There was such a firmness in his Soul such vigour and almost extatick Joy and yet so well regulated that it shin'd thro' his Face almost with as visible Rays as those in which we use to dress Saints and Martyrs with which both at his Sentence and Execution he refresht all his Friends and at once dazled and confounded his most bitter Enemies Mr. Charles Bateman THE next and last was Mr. Bateman the Chyâ—uâ—geon a Man of good Sense good Courage and good Company and a very large and generous Temper of considerable Repute and Practice in his Calling A great Lover and Vindicator of the Liberties of the City and Kingdom and of more interest than most of his Station He was swore against by Rouse's Lee and Richard Goodenough upon the old Stories of seizing the Tower City and Savoy We had had a better Defence had he himself been able to have made it But being kepâ— close Prisoner in Newgate the Windows and Rooms all dark and little or no Company he being a free jolly Man and us'd formerly to Conversation and Diversion soon grew deeply melancholy and when he came on his Tryal appeared little less than perfectly distracted on which the Court very kindly gave his Son liberty to make his Defence The first Instance to be sure of that Nature since he himself might
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 General 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 never 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 bringing either into trouble or danger the meanest Person of his Life upon the Account for which I suffer 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 temptations did violently assault me but through the goodness of my dearest God and Father I was preserved 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 disquieted 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 Resignedness 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 every 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 manner 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 merey 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 nothing in my self but what must utterly ruine and condemn 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 himself 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 Offering up himself for sin and in that thy Justice is satisfied 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 over 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 Kingdom 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 Honour 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 't is very possible because she lived at Wapping the honest Seamen and hearty 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 indefatigable woman living Among others whom she had thus relieved who were obnoxious persons was one Burton 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 against 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
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 comfort 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 Publick Spirit for the Protestant Religion the Civil Liberties 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 support 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 Pleasures and Delights yet iâ—finitely mâ—re sweet and satisfying to Immortal Spirits as you and I us'd to see Sâ—reâ—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 Seâ—k much the things which are above live with your Affections set upon them and have your Conversation in Heaven whilst you are upon Earth I continue yet to pray for you as for my seâ—f and shall conâ—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 Covenant with him and number them among his Adopted Ones and of that incorrupâ—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 Coâ—sider your Condition 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 Imperfections which must be over-looked and mended preserve â—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 't is 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 sâ—me few ignominious but not so by me having long since as a true Engliâ—hman â—houâ—ht it my Duty to venture my â—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 Fâ—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 deliver 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 Farewell 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 eternal 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 â—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 saving a poor vain perishing and troublesom Life and seeing it is all in vain I would desire you both to acquiesce in the Will of God and rejoyce with me for this happy day of my departure â—rom this State of Pilgrimage home to the Possession of those Heavenly Mansions which my God and Faâ—her hath provided for me in and through my Lord Jesus Christ It is â—n him alone I put my Trust and Confidence and theâ—efore can boldly sâ—y Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that dyâ—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 disturbed 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 distraction 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 youâ—s and the whole Israel of God both now and for ever Which iâ— 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 troubleâ— I would also make you partaker with me in my Joys seâ—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
not the Assassination If my Lord Howard knew him Guilty of that for which he was committed tho' not the other How cou'd he then say 'T was unjustly done After all this ' twoud be almost superfluous to go any further or insert the Evidence given by Dr. Tillotson Burnet Cox and others not onely of his vertuous and honourable Behaviour but especially of his Judgment about any Stirs or Popular Insurrections That he was absolutely against 'em that 't was folly and madness till things came to be regulated in a Parliamentary way and that he thought 't would ruin the best Cause in the World to take any such ways to preserve it All this and more wou'd not do Dye he must the Duke order'd it the Witnesses swore it the Judges directed it the Jury found it and when the Sentence came to be pass'd the Judge ask'd as is usual What he had to say why it should not be pronounc'd He answer'd That whereas he had been charg'd in the Indictment which was then read to him with Conspiring the Death of the King which he had not taken notice of before he appeal'd to the Judge and Court whether he were Guilty within the Statute on which he was try'd the Witnesses having sworn an Intention of levying War but not of Killing the King of which there was no proof by any one Witness The Recorder told him That was an Exception proper and as he thought his Lordship did make it before the Verdict Whether the Evidence did amount to prove the Charge was to be observ'd by the Jury for if the Evidence câ—me short of the Indictment they cou'd not find it to be a true Charge but when once they had found it their Verdict did pass for Truth and the Court was bound by it as well as his Lordship and they were to go according to what the Jury had found not their Evidence Now I 'd fain know what 's the reason of the Prisoners being ask'd that Question What he has to say for himself Is 't only Formality or Banter He makes an Exception which the Judge himself confesses proper But who was Counsel for the Prisoner Is not the Bench or does it not pretend to be so and why was not this observ'd by them in their Direction to the Jury The Recorder seems to grant it fairly that the Evidence did not prove the Charge and says the Court was to go Not according to the Evidence Well Evidence or none the Truth is was not the Question for being found â—uilty Sentence past upon him whence he was removed to Newgate While he was there the Importunity of his Friends as he says handsomely in his Speech lest they shou'd think him sullen or stubborn prevail'd with him to sign Petitions and make an Address for his Life tho' 't was not without difficulty that he did any thing that was begging to save it But with how much Success it may easily be guess'd by any who knew the Duke's temper nor is it forgotten how barbarously his Lady and Children were repuls'd and the King 's good Nature not suffer'd to save one of the best men in his Kingdom Dr. Burnet and Dr. Tillotson were with him much of the time between his Sentence and Death where to the last he own'd that Doctrine which other good men who were then of another Judgment have since been forc'd into namely the lawfulness of Resistance against unlawful Violence from whomsoever it be After the fruitless Applications for his Pardon after a Farewel and last Adieu in this World to one of the best of Women who stood by him and assisted him in his Trial and left him not till now he at last on Saturday the 21 st of Octob. went into his own Coach about Nine a Clock with Dr. Tillotson and Dr. Burnet whence he was carried to Great Lincolns-Inn-Field to the Scaffold prepar'd for him where among all the numerous Spectators he was one of the most unconcern'd Persons there and very few rejoyc'd at so doleful a Spectacle but the Papists who indeed had sufficient reason my Lord Powis's People expressing as 't is said a great deal of Pleasure and Satiâ—faction There after he had again solemnly protested his Innocency and that he was far from any Design against the King's Person or of altering the Government Nay That he did upon the words of a dying man profess that he knew of no Plot against the Kings Life or Government And delivering one of the finest Speeches in the World to the Sheriff he prayed by himself and with Dr. Tillotson's assistance and embracing him and Dr. Burnet he submitted to the fatal strokes for the Executioner took no less than three before he could fever his Head which when 't was held up as usual there was to far from being any shout that a considerable Groan was heard round the Scaffold His Body was given to his Friends and convey'd to Cheneys in Buckinghamshire where 't was buried among his Ancestors There was a great Storm and many loud Claps of Thunder the day of his Martyrdom An Elegy was made on him immediately after his Death which seems by what we have of it to be writ with some Spirit and a great deal of Truth and Good-will only this Fragment on 't could be retriev'd which yet may not be unwelcome to the Reader 'T is done he 's crown'd and one bright Martyr more Black Rome is charg'd on thy too bulky score All like himself he mov'd so calm so free A general Whisper question'd Which is He Deckt like a Lover tho' pale Death 's his Bride He came and saw and overcame and dy'd Earth wept and all the vainly pitying Croud But Heaven his Death in Thunder groan'd aloud The rest are lost But he has better Justice done him by this honourable Parliament and if the World should possibly be so malicious and silly in after Ages as some are in this and ask What have they done since their Meeting Had we not a Nation sav'd Peace preserv'd and many other almost Miracles to answer 'em yet this one thing wou'd be sufficient That in this Sessions they had Reversed the Judgment against this vertuous pious and honourable Lord. For his Character if we 'll believe the best men and those who knew him best 't is one of the most advantagious the Age or indeed our Nation has yielded Those are great words which Mr. Leviston Gower speaks of him on his Trial but yet not a Syllable too big for his Merit tho' they are very expressive of it That he was one of the best Sons the best Fathers the best Husbands the best Masters the best Friends and the best Christians By others That he was a most vertuous prudent and pious Gentleman A man of that vertue that none who knew him could think him guilty of such a Conspiracy A man of great Honour and too prudent to be concern'd in so vile and desperate a design A Person of great Vertue and
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 30 th of August I had the first opportunity of Converse with them I found them in a very excellent Composure of Mind declaring their experience of the Grace and Goodness 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 themselves 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 abâ—e to deliâ—er but if not blessed be his Name Death is not terrible now but desireable Mr. Benjamin Hewling particularly added As for thâ— 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 discourag'd at the approach of their Tryal nor of the event of it whatever it should be The 6 th 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 Afflictions 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 Eternal 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 returned to Prison he said Methinks I find my Spiritual 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 Sorrow 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 Recommendations 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 Spiritual 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 Country as he pass'd he said This is a glorious Creation but what then is the Paradice of God to which we are going 't is 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-Sufferers 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 Presâ—ntly I shall be with
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 account Gentlemen all farewel farewel all the things of the World Then singing some few Verses of a Psalm and putting up some private Ejaculations to himself said O Lord into thy hands I commend my Spirit and so submitted to the Executioner Sept. 7. 1685. The Behaviour and Dying Speech of Mr. Joseph 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 grievous 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 dissolved 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 Declared for and had I think a lawful Call and Warrant for so doing and do not question that if I have committed any sin in it but that it is pardoned 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 Children who will find me wanting being somewhat 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 himself and lifting up his hands the Executioner did his Office Tâ—e Soldiers then present said They never before were so taken with a Dying Mâ—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 omitted 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 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 saâ— 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 purpose That he would give them an account of his first undertaking in the design which was long before in London for there be agreed 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 Countenance answer'd 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 offer 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 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 Tryâ—r of Reins let there not at the moment of Death be the least spark of sin indwelling 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 Sufferings 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 downfall of Antichrist we trust the time is come Prevent O Lord this effusion of Christiaâ— 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 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 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 followed Now follows the Execution of Mr. Sam. Larke MR. Sampson Larke who was a very eminent pious man and had lived in that Town but little bâ—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 Scâ—ipture and was beginning having mentioned 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 Saviour 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 over 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 noâ—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. Baâ—tiscomb Dr. Temple Capt. Madders Capt. Marthews Captain Kid c. in all Twelve who all of them died with that Courage and Resolution as became Christians 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 dispersed he among others was taken received Sentence 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 devoutly 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 being come and he brought to the place of Execution 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 composed 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 Deaâ—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