that seek the ruine of their Parents that begot them and brought them forth or them that lay violent hands upon themselves dashing out their own Brains cutting their own Throats hanging and drawing themselves ripping up their own Bellies tearing out their own Bowels they being in different senses Children and Members of that Body Politick they design and attempt the Destruction of and when I know not how long the Duration and Continuance of these things shall be or a Conclusion or End by God shall be put thereto who by Divine and Unerring Wisdom governs the World why shall my Soul be unwilling to take its flight into the unseen and eternal World Where no sullied sordid or impious thing most incongruous and unbecoming Nature shall be seen and found and where I shall behold no narrow conclusive contracted Soul there habitually preferring their private before a publick good but all most unanimously and equally center in one common universal good and where the sighs and groans and cries of the afflicted and persecuted shall be heard no more for ever I earnestly exhort all most highly to prize and value Time and diligently improve it for Eternity to be wise seriously and seasonably to consider of their latter End for by the irrepealable and irreversible Law of Heaven we must all die yet we know not how where or when Live with your Souls full of solicitude and care with a most deep concernedness and most diligent industriousness whilst you have time and opportunity and the means of Grace Health and Strength make sure of these two great things viz. 1. What merits for you a Right and Title to Eternal Life and Glory and the future unchangeable Blessedness as the Redeemers most precious Blood and Righteousness that thereby a real Application and Imputation may be unto you by sincere Believing 2. That that which makes you qualified Subjects for it is the great work of Regeneration wrought in your Souls being renewed in the Spirit of your Minds the Divine Nature being imprest upon them repairing of the depraved Image of God in you thâ—t being transformed into his own likeness thereby in the World you may mind anâ— savour more the things of the Spirit than the things of the Flesh Celestial and Heavenly more than Terrestrial and Earthly Superiour more than inferiour things And therewith have a holy Life and Conversation conjoyned that results and springs from the same as Fruit from the Root and Acts from the Habits Let all in order thereto seriously consider these few Texts of sacred Scripture let them predominately possess you let them be deeply and indelibly Transcribed upon your Souls let them be assimilated thereunto and made the written Epistles the lively Pictures thereof Matth. 5.8 20. Blessed be the pure in heart for they shall see God Vers. 20. For I say unto you except your Righteousness exceed the Righâ—eousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven John 3.3 Jesus answered and said unto him Verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God 1 Cor. 6.9 10 11. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God c. Gal. 5.19 20 to 23. Now the works of the Flesh are manifest which are these Adultery c. James 1.18 Of his own Will begat he us with the Word of Truth that we should be a kind of fiâ—st fruits of his Creatures 1 Pet. 1.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant Mercy hath begotten us again to a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Vers. 13. Wherefore gird up the loyns of your Minds c. Colos. 3.1 2. If ye then be risen with Christ seek those things that are above Set your affections on things above not c. Gal. 5.24 And they that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with the Affections and Lusts c. Eph. 2.1 And you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins Rev. 20.6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first Resurrection on such the second Death hath no power Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no Condemnation c. 1 Pet. 1.15 But as he that hath called you is holy so be ye c. Vers. 23. Being born again not of corruptible Seed c. Psal. 4.3 But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself c. I shall mention now no more the whole Bible abounds with these Texts with what a Renovation and Change of our Carnal and Corrupt Hearts and Natures there must be with Holiness of Life and Conversation before we can be capable of a future and blessed Immortality and of inheriting the Kingdom of God for ever and ever Amen A Letter written by Mr. John Hicks Octob. 5. the day before his Death My Dear Nephew I Am yet in the Land of the Living though in the Mouth of Death I have been concern'd for you next to my own Children before I die I thought fit 〈◊〉 write two or three Lines to you aâ— a Manifestation of my great Love to you I earnestly desire the welfar of you here and to Eternity hereafter next to my own Wife and Children you will want me when I am gone but I hope the Lord will take care of you make it your business to walk with him to serve him faithfully flee youthful Lusts and Remember your Creator in the days of your Youth be deeply concern'd to have your Heart and Nature chang'd and an interest in Christ secur'd unto you Death comes suddenly you know not when where nor how you shall die Let time therefore be most precious to you fill it up with Work and Duty Live by faith more than by sense and this will stand by you when you come to â—ie Seek the things which are above and set your Affections upon them have your Conversation in Heaven whilst you are upon Eaâ—th When you see your Parents give my dear Love to them and their Children the Lord grant that we may meet in his everlasting Kingdom When you see any of your Cousins give my dear Love to them and be not asham'd of my Sufferings I wrote last Saturday was a Seven-night to my Brother George but whether he is at London or Worcester I know not I wrote to him to desire him to Petition the King that some Favour and Mercy might be shewed me if he thought fit Things that are made to aggravate my Crime I am clear from as that I perswaded the Duke of Monmouth to assume the Title of King at Taunton when I was not there with him or in Thirteen days after he came into England and that I rode to and fro in the West to perswade People to go in to his Army when I was in the East and caâ—â— from thence to hiâ— in the West but my Non-conformity cuts me and obstructs the
Christ Oh! I would not change conditions with any in this World I would not stay behind for ten thousand Worlds To another that ask'd him how he did now he said Very Well he bless'd God And farther asking him if he could look Death in the face with Comfort now iâ— approach'd so near he said Yes I bless God I can with great Comfort God hath made this a good Night to me my Comforts are much encreas'd since I left Dorchester Then taking leave of him said Farewel I shall see you no more To which he replied How see me no more yes I hope to meet you in Glory To another that was by him to the last he said Pray remember my dear Love to my Brother and Sister and tell them I desire they would comfort themselves that I am gone to Christ and we shall quickly meet in the Glorious Mount Sion above Afterwards he prayed for about three quarters of an hour with the greatest fervency exceedingly blessing God for Jesus Christ adoring the riches of his Grace in him in all the glorious fruits of it towards him praying for the Peace of the Church of God and of these Nations in particular all with such eminent assistance of the Spirit of God as convinced astonish'd and melted into Pity the Hearts of all present even the most malicious Adversaries forcing Tears and Expressions from them some saying They knew not what would become of them after Death but it was evident he was going to great happiness When he was just going out of the World with a joyful Countenance he said Oh! now my Joy and â—omfort is that I have a Christ to go to and so sweetly resign'd his Spirit to Christ the 12 th of September 1685. An Officer who had shewed so malicious a Spirit as to call the Prisoners Devils when he was guarding them down was now so convinced that he after told a Person of Quality That he was never so affected as by his chearful Carriage and fervent Prayer such as he believ'd was never heard especially from one so young and said I believe had the Lord Chief Justice been there he could not have let him die The Sheriff having given his Body to be bury'd although it was brought from the place of Execution without any notice given yet very many of the Town to the number of about 200 came to accompany him and several young Women of the best of the Town laid him in his Grave in Lyme Church-yard the 13 th of Septemb. 1685. After which his Sister Writ this following Letter to her Mother ALthough I have nothing to acquaint my Dear Mother withal but what is most afflictive to Sense both as to the Determination of Gods Will and as to my present Apprehension concerning my Brother Benjamin yet remaining yet there is such abundant Consolation mixt in both that I only wanted an opportunity to pay this Duty God having wrought so glorious a Work on both their Souls revealing Christ in them that Death is become their Friend My Brother William having already with the greatest Joy declared to those that were with him to the last that he would not change Conditions with any that were to remain in this world and he desired that his Relations would comfort themselves that he is gone to Christ. My Brother Benjamin expects not long to continue in this World and is exceeding willing to leave it when God shall call being fully satisfied that God will choose that which is best for him and us all by these things God doth greatly support me and I hope you also my dear Mother which was and is my Brothers great desire there is still room for Prayer for one and God having so answer'd though not in kind we have encouragement still to wait on him Honoured Mother Your Dutiful Daughter Hannah Hewling When I came to Taunton to Mr. Benjamin Hewling he had received the News of his Brothers being gone to die with so much comfort and joy and afterwards of the continued goodness of God increasing it to the end He express'd to this effect We have no cause to fear Death if the Presence of God be with us there is no evil in it the sting being taken away it 's nothing but our Ignorance of the Glory that the Saints pass into by Death which makes it appear dark for our selves or Relations if in Christ what is this World that we should desire an abode in it it's all vain and unsatisfying full of sin and misery Intimating also his own chearful expectations soon to follow discovering then and all along great seriousness and sense of spiritual and eternal things complaining of nothing in his present Circumstances but want of place of retirement to converse more uninterruptedly with God and his own Soul saying That his lonely time in Newgate was the sweetest in his whole Life He said God having some time before struck his Heart when he thought of the hazard of his Life to some serious Sense of his past Life and the great consequences of Death and Eternity shewing him that they were the only happy Persons that had secured their eternal States The folly and madness of the ways of sin and his own Thraldom therein with his utter inability to deliver himself also the necessity of Christ for Salvation He said it was not without terror and amazement for some time the fight of unpardon'd sin with eternity before him But God wonderfully opened to him the Riches of his Free-grace in Christ Jesus for poor Sinners to flee to enabling to look alone to a Crucified Christ for Salvation He said this blessed Work was in some measure carried on upon his Soul under all his business and hurries in the Army but never sprung forth so fully and sweetly till his close confinement in Newgate There he saw Christ and all spiritual Objects more clearly and embraded them more strongly there he experienced the blessedness of a reconciled State the Excellency of the ways of Holiness the delightfulness of Communion with God which remained with very deep and apparent impressions on his Soul which he frequently express'd with admiration of the Grace of God towards him He said Perhaps my Friends may think this Summer the saddest time of my Life but I bless God it hath been the sweetest and most happy of it all nay there is nothing else worth the name of happiness I have in vain sought satisfaction from the things of this World but I never found it but now I have foundrest for my Soul in God alone O how great is our blindness by Nature till God open our Eyes that we can see no excellency in spiritual things but spend our precious time in pursuing Shadows and are deaf to all the invitations of Grace and Glorious Offers of the Gospel How just is God in depriving us of that we so much slighted and abused Oh! his infinite patience and goodness that after all he should yet sanctifie any methods to
the Mayor and Sheriff hall'd them forwards themselves Balaam-like driving the Horses When they came to the place of Execution which was surrounded with Spectators many that waited their Coming with great sorrow said That when they saw him and them come with such chearfulness and joy and evidence of the Presence of God with them it made Death appear with another Aspect They first embraced each other with the greatest Affection then two of the elder Persons praying audibly they joyn'd with great seriousness Then he desired leave of the Sheriff to pray particularly but he would not grant it only ask'd him if he would pray for the King He answered I pray for all men He then requested they might sing a Psalm the Sheriff told him It must be with the Ropes about their Necks which they cheerfully accepted and sung with such heavenly joy and sweetness that many present said It both broke and rejoyc'd their hearts Thus in the experience of the delightfulness of praising God on Earth he willingly closed his Eyes on a vain World to pasâ— to that Eternal Employment Sept. 30. 1685. All present of all sorts were exceedingly affected and amazed Some Officers that had before insultingly said Surely these Persons have no thoughts of death but will find themselves surprized by it after said That they now saw he and they had something extraodinary within that carried them through with such joy Others of them said That they were so convinc'd of their Happinâ—ss that they would be glad to change Conditions with them All the Souldiers in general and all others lamenting exceedingly saying That it was so sad a thing to see them so cut off they scarce knew how to bear it Some of the most malicious in the place from whom nothing but railing was expected said as they were carried to their â—rave in Taunton Church voluntarily accompanied by most of the Town That these Persons had left a sufficient Evidence that they were now glorified Saints in Heaven A great Officer in the King'â— Army has been often heard to say That if you would learn to die go to the young Men of Taunton Much more was utter'd by them which shew'd the blessed and glorious frames of their hearts to the Glory of Divine Grace but this is what occurs to memory Mr. Benjamin Hewling about two hours before his death writ this following Letter which shew'd the great composure of his Mind Mr. Hewlings last Letter a little before his Execution Taunton Sept. 30. 1685. Honoured Mother THat News which I know you have a great while feared and we expected I must now acquaint you with That notwithstanding the Hopes you gave in your two last Letters Warrants are come down fâ—r my Execution and within these few hours I expect it to be peâ—formed Blessed be the Almighty God that gives comfort and support in such a day how ought we to magnifie his holy Name for all his Mercies that when we were running on in a course of sin he should stop us in our full career and shew us that Câ—rist whom we had pierced anâ— out of hiâ—â—ree Grace enable us to look upon him with an Eâ—e of Faith believing him able to save to the utmost all such as come to him Oh admirable loâ—g suffering and patience of God that when we were dishonoâ—ring hiâ— Name he did not take that time to bring honour to himself by our destruction But he delighteth not in the death of a sinner buâ— had rather he should turn to him and live And he has many ways of bringing his own to himsâ—lf Blessed be his Holy Name that through Affliction he has taught my heart in some measure to be comformable to his Will which worketh patience and patience worketh experience and experience hope which maketh not ashamed I bless God I am not ashamed of the Cause for which I lay down my life and as I have engaged in it and fought for it so now I am going to sâ—al it with my Blood The Lord still carry on the same Cause which hath been long on foot and tho' we die in it and for it I question not but in his own good time he will raise up other Instruments morâ— worthy to carry it on to the glory of his Name and the advancement of his Church and People Honoured Mother I know there has been nothing left undone by you or my Friends for the saving of my Life for which I return many hearty acknowledgments to your self and them all and it 's my dying request to you and them to pardon all undutifulness and unkindness in every Relation Pray give my Duty to my Grandfather and Grandmother Service to my Vnkles and Aunts and my dear Love to all my Sisters to every Relation and Friend a particular Recommendation Pray tell 'em all how precious an Interest in Christ is when we come to die and advise them never to rest in a Christless Estate For if we are his it 's no matter what the World do to us they can but kill the Body and blessed be God the Soul is out of their reach for I question not but their malice wishes the damnation of that as well as the destruction of the Body which has too evidently appeared by their deceitful flattering promises I commit you all to the care and protection of God who has promised to be a Father tâ— the Fatherless and a Husband to the Widdow and to supply the want of every Relation The Lord God of Heaven be your Comfort under thesâ— Sorrows and your Refuge from these Miseries we may easily foresee coming upon poor England and the poor distressed People of God in it The Lord carry you through this vale of Tears with a resigning submissive Spirit and at last bring you to himself in Glory where I question not but you will meet your dying Son Ben Hewling Their Characters THey were both of very sweet and obliging Tempers as hâ—s appeared in their History it being a very hard matter for their worst Enemies when they once knew 'em well not to honour and love ' em Mr. Benjamin the elder reconciled the Lamb and the Lion exactly In the Field he seem'd made only for War and any where else for nothing but Love He without flatterry deserv'd to be call'd a very fine man of a lovely proportion extreamly well made as handsom a Meen good an Air as perhaps few in England exceeded him His Picture is pretty like him The younger Mr. William somewhat taller and more slender His Face fresh and lively as his Spirit being Master of an extraordinary vivacity and briskness of Temper Both of 'em vertuous pious and couragious far above their years and indeed seem'd to be Men too soon one of 'em not being Twenty the eldest but Two and twenty when they dy'd verifying that common Observation That whatever is perfect sooner than ordinary has generally a shorter Period prefix'd it than what 's more base and ignoble Mr. Christopher
comfort when we may say to them with David Psal. 59.3 Not for my transgession nor for my sin O Lord. Nor are we by fraudulent pusillanimous Compliances in wicked Courses to bring sin upon our selves Faint Hearts are ordinary false Hearts choosing Sin rather than Sufferings and a short Life with eternal Death before Temporal Death and a Crown of Glory Such seeking to save a litle loses all and God readily hardens them to proceed to their own destruction How many like Hazaâ—l 2 King 8.13 run to excesses they never thought they were capable of Let Rulers and others read seriously and weigh Prov. 1.10 to 20. 2 Chr. 28.6 to 17. Prov. 24.11 12. and Prov. 2â— 10. and avoid what is bad and follow what is good For me I hope by Gods strength to joyn with Job chap. 13.15 and the Psalmist Psal. 22.4 and 167. and shall pray as Psal. 74.19 to 24. And Psal. 122.6 to 9. And Luke 1.74 75. and shall hope as Psal. 94.14 15. I do freely forgive all that directly or indirectly have bâ—â—n â—he cause of my being brought to this place first or last and I pray God forgive them I pray God send Truth and Peace in these Three Kingdoms and continue and increase the glorious Light of the Gospel and restrain the Spirit of Prophanity Atheism Superstition Popery and Persecution and restore all that have back-slidden from the Purity of their Life or Principles and bless his whole People with all Blessings spiritual and temporal and put an end to their present Trials And I intreat all People to forgive me wherein I have offended and concur with me to pray That the great good and merciful God would sanctifie my present Lot and for Jesus Christ his sake Pardon all my Sins and receive me to his Eternal Glory It is suggested to me That I have said nothing of the Royal Family and it remembers me that before the Justices at my Trial about the Test I said That at my Death I would pray That there should never want one of the Royal Family to be a Defender of the True Ancient Apostolick Catholick Protestant Faith which I do now And that GOD would enlighten and forgive all of them that are either luke-warm or have shrunk from the Profession of it And in all Events I pray God may provide for the Security of his Church that Antichrist nor the Gates of Hell may never prevail against it Colonel Rumbold AT the same place died Colonel Richard Rumbold Jun. 26. 1685. most of what occurr'd considerable in his Defence and Speech you have had already in the business of the Assassination Two or three Passages more there are worth Remarks in the same as Arguments of his Sense and Courage For this Cause he says were every hair of his Head and Beard a Life he 'd joyfully sacrifice 'em all That he was never Antimonarchical in his Principles but for a King and Free Parliament the King having power enough to make him great and the People to make 'em happy That he died in the Defence of the just Laws and Liberties of the Nations That none was markt by God above another for no Man came into the World with a saddle on their backs nor others booted and spurr'd to ride upon 't And being askt if he thought not his Sentence dreadful answer'd He wisht he had a Limb for every Town in Christendom The Last Speech of Col. Richard Rumbold at the Market-Cross of Edinburgh with several things that passed at his Tryal 26 Jun. 1685. AT the same place died Colonel Richard Rumbold about Eleven of the Clock he was brought from the Castle of Edinburgh to the Justices Court in a great Chair on Mens Shoulders where at first he was asked some Questions most of which he answer'd with silence at last said He humbly conceived it was not necessary for him to add to his own Accusation since he was not ignorant they had enough already to do his Business and therefore he did not design to fret his Conscience at that time with Answering Questions After which his Libel being read the Court proceeded in usual manner first asking him If he had any thing to say for himself before the Jury closed His Answer was He owned it all saving that parâ— of having Designed the King's Death and desired all present to believe the words of â— Dying Man he never directly nor indirectly intended such a Villany that he abhorred the very thoughts of it and that he blessed God he had that Reputation in the World that he knew none that had the Impudence to ask him the Question and he detested the thoughts of such an Action and he hoped all good People would believe him which was the only way he had to clear himself and he was sure that this Truth should be one day made manifest to all Men. He was again asked If he had any exception against the Jury He answered No but wished them to do as God and their Consciences directed them Then they withdrew and returned their Verdict in half an hour and brought him in Guilty The Sentence followed For him to be taken from that Place â—o the next Room and from thence to be Drawn on a Hurdle betwixt Two and Four of the Clock to the Cross of Edinburgh the Place of Execution and there to be Hang'd Drawn and Quartered He received his Sentence with an undaunted Courage and Chearfulness Afterwards he was delivered into the Town-Magistrates Hands they brought to him two of their Divines and offered him their Assistance upon the Scaffold which he altogether refused telling them That if they had any good Wishes for him he desired they would spend them in their own Closets and leave him now to seek God in his own Way He had several Offers of the same kind by others which he put off in like manner He was most serious and fervent in Prayers the few-hours he lived as the Sentinels observed who were present all the while The Hour being come he was brought to the Place of Execution where he saluted the People on all sides of the Scaffold and after having refreâ—hed himself with a Cordial out of his Pocket he was supported by two Men while he spoke to the People in these words Gentlemen and Brethren Iâ— is for all Men that come into the World once to Die and after Death to Judgment and since death is a Debt that all of us must pay it is but a matter of small moment what way it be done and seeing the Lord is pleased in thiâ— manner to take me to himself I confess something hard to Flesh and Blood yet blessed be his Name who hath made me not only Willing but Thankful for his honouring me to lay down the Life he gave for his Name in which were every Hair in this Head and Beard of minâ— a Life I should joyfully sacrifice them for it as I do this And Providence having brought me hither I think it most
condemned me are pleased to call such Preachings Rendezvouses of Rebellion yet I must say this of them they were so far from being reputed such in my Eyes that if ever Christ had a People or Party wherein his Soul took pleasure I am bold to say these Meetings were a great part of them the Shining and Glory of God was eminently seen amongst these Meetings the convincing Power and Authority of our Lord went out with his Servants in those blasphemously nick-nam'd Conventicles This I say without Reflection upon any I have a word to say farther that God is calling Persons to Repentance and to do their first Work O that Scotland were a mourning Land and that Reformation were our Practice according as we are sworn in the Covenant Again that Christians of Grace and Experience would study more streightness and stability in this day when so many are turning to the right hand and many to the left he that endureth to the end shall be saved he has appointed the Kingdom for such as continue with him in his Temptations Next if ever you expect to hâ—ve the Form of the House shewed you in all the Laws thereof goings out thereof and comings in thereof then think it no shame to take shame to you for all that has been done sitting down on this side Jordan is like to be our Bane Oh! when shall we get up and run after him till he bring us into the promised Land let us up and after him with all our heart and never rest till he return I recommend my Wife and young one to the care and faithfulness of the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob the God that has fed me to this day and who is the God of my Salvation their God and my God their Father and my Father I am also hopeful that Christians Friends and Relations will not be unmindful of them when I am gone Lastly I do further bear my Testimony to the Cross of Christ and bless him that ever he counted me worthy to appear for him in such a lot as this Glory to him that ever I heard tell of him and that ever he fell upon such a method of dealing with me as this and therefore let none that loves Christ and his Righteous Cause be offended in me And as I have lived in the Faith of thiâ— that the three Kingdoms are married Lands so I die in the Faith of it that there will be a Resurrection of his Name Word Cause and of all his Interest therein tho' I dare not determine the time when nor the manner how but leave all these things to the infinitely wise God who has done and will do all things well Oh that he would return to this Land again to repair our Breaches and take away our Back-sliding and appear for his Work Oh that he were pacified towards us Oh that he would pass by Scotland once again and make our time a time of Love Come Lord Jesus come quickly Himself hasten it in his own time and way The Lord is my light and life my joy my song and my salvation the God of his chosen be my Mercy this day and the inriching comforts of the holy Ghost keep up and carry me fair through to the Glory of his Grace the Edification of his People and my own eternal Advantage Amen Sic Subscrib JOHN KID August 14 th 1679. Tolbooth Ante horam Septimam ☞ Thus Reader having given thee a faithful Account of the Behaviour and Dying Speeches of the most Eminent Persons who suffered in Scotland I shall return again for London where the last Person of Quality that suffered was the Duke of Monmouth whose Expedition and sufferings c. you have in the following Pages JAMES Duke of Monmouth THe last Person with whom we shall conclude this mournful Tragedy and the greatest in it is the late James D. of Monmouth one indeed who if he had been a little less might have been at this time one of the greatest men both in England and the World By reason of some passages in his Life not so defensible 't was thought at first better to draw a veil before that unfortunate Prince and say nothing at all of him But what allowances are made for Custom and Education God only knows I remember a shrewd Answer given to an Objection of this Nature Where said one shou'd he learn any better But however where there has been any time to think soberly of past actions or none of that nature reiterated Charity is oblig'd to judge favourably And besides the good West-Country-men wou'd be very angry if they shou'd not find their Master that they lov'd so well and suffer'd so much for among the rest of these noble Hero's None can deny but he was a great General a Man of Courage and Conduct and great Personal Valour having signaliz'd himself both at Mons and Maestricht so as to gain an high and just reputation He was all along true and firm to the Protestant Interest in and out of Parliament tho abhorring any base way of promoting it as well as his Friend my L. Russel This intended as a Character rather or very short Compendium than any History of his Life He was all along the Peoples Darling whose hearts were entirely his by his Courtesie and Affability as other Persons loâ—â— 'em by their sourness and haughty pride After Russel's death he went into Flanders whence had he prosecuted his Dâ—sign and gone as 't is said he intended into the Emperour's Service how many Lawrels might he have won and how many more would now have been growing for him But his Fate was otherwise he came over into England an exact account of whose Enterprize another place of this Book presents you as 't was compiled by one present in all that action After the defeat of his Army at Sedgemoor he fled with my L Gray who was first taken and he himself a little after brought up to London and on his Attainder in Parliament beheaded on Tower Hill 'T is said a certain brave old Officer who then came over with him and since with the Prince offer'd with a small of party of Horse to have ventur'd thro' all the Guards and took him off the Scaffold But they cou'd not be got together his time was come Providence had design'd other things that our deliverance should be more just anâ— peaceable and wonderful and that the glory thereof shou'd be reserved for their Sacred Majesties King William and Queen Mary Whom God grant long to Reign The thing I shall in the next place do that I may leave out nothing material relating to the Western Affair is to insert the late Duke of Monmouth's Declaration as it was taken from a Copy printed in Holland the Year 1685. The Declaration of James Duke of Monmouth and the Noblemen Gentlemen and others now in Arms for the Defence and Vindication of the Protestant Religion and the Laws Rights and Priviledges of England AS Government
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
King's Mercy from being extended tâ— me as I am told but the Will of the Lord be done the Life to come is infinitely better than this Many more things are laid to my Charge which I am no more guitly of than your self If your Vncle be in Town go speedily to him and give him my dear Love I pray for you who am Your most Affectionate Uncle J. H. Octob. 5. 1685. A Letter to his Wife Sept. 23. 1685. My Dearest Love I Hope you received a few Lines from me by the way of London once more I write to you by your faithful and trusty Friend W. D. who hath been at Exon. If there be need for it he knows many of my dear and faithful Friends there who wish you would come and live among them and if your Estate fail I think iâ— very advisable so to do I hope God will stand by you and defend you My dear seâ— me in God as I must you I must now bid adieu to all Earthly and Worldly Comforts and all the pleasant and delightful Objects of Sense I bless God for all present Mercies and Comforts hitherto I have had what will be after this day I know not but the Will of the Lord be done My Dear Be very cautious not to speak one Word lest it be wrested to a wrong Sense which may ruinâ— you I have not writ what I would of this Nature take the Advice of Friends and of what I send by our Friend O let not the Everlasting Arms of God be with-drawn from you one Moment and let him strengthen you with all Might according to his glorious Power and to all Patience and Long-suffering with Joyfulness Pray hard for Victory over Passion and be much in private Closet Prayer with God and often read the Holy Bible and other good Books the Lord continually guide direct and counsel you My Dear I return you a thousand thanks for all the Love you have shew'd me and my Children and particularly for the high and great Demoâ—stration you have given hereof in this day of my distress I hope my Daughters will be as dutiful to you and be as much concerned for your comfort and welfare as if you had travelled with them and brought them into the world God bless my dear little Ones and them together I shall die their most affectionate and praying Father God I hope will uphold support and comfort me at the last hour and enable me to overcome the Temptations I shall violently be assaulted with before I die God by his infinite and freest Mercies in Jesus Christ pardon all the neglect of Relative Duties which I have bitterly lamented and bewail'd before God with all the Sins I am guilty of for the sake of our dearest Lord and Redeemer The Lord make you grow in all Gracâ— more than ever and make this great Affliction so humbly purifying and spiritualizing to you as wâ—ll as me that it may work for us both a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory Let him take your Soul into his most dearest Embraces and lodge it in the bosom of his Love here and make us to meet in the full and everlasting Fruition and Enjoyment of him hereafter Though it be daâ—gerous for you to vindicate that I die for yet be not too much cast down for it I will say no more as to that My hearty and affectionate Respects to all my dear Friends I need not name them I hope to meet them with your self to inherit Eternal Life through the Merits of Christ's Death Farewel my Dear farewel in the Lord until we meet to be married to him for ever My heart is as full of Love to thee as it was the first day I married thee and if God spar'd my Life it should have been as fully manifested until death Therefore I rest Your most Affectionate and Endeared Husband J. H. Sept. 23. 1685. Another Letter My Dearest Love I Received your Letter by Mr. Skinner I bless God that you and my Babes are well the Lord continue their Lives to be a Blessing and Comfort to you and enable you to see them well Educated in the fear of God and when God takes me away let him be a Husband to guide direct succour comfort and support you and to lodge your Soul in the Bosom of his Love and let him be a Father to them and their Portion for ever Monday last my Brother went to London to try what could be done for me what the success will be I know not I desire the Lord every day to prepare me for Death and carry me above the Fear of it by the discoveries of his everlasting Love unto my Soul and clearing up my Right and Title to everlasting Life and by Sealing up to me the Pardon of all my Sins through the most precious Blood of Jesus Chrâ—st Let uâ— pray hard and much for each othâ—r When I leave this world it shall be with Prayer foâ—â—hee if God give me life how shall I study to be a comfort to thee and to live up to my Marriage as well as Baptismal â—ovenant to all my Friends Tendâ—r my affectionate Respects I hope their Prayers will one way or other be heard for me let the Almighty be your Proâ—â—ctor Supporter and Comforter There be two Books I do recommend to you to read when you are retir'd as well as in your Family Pierce's Preparation for Death and Fox's Redâ—mption of Time Now let our Soulâ— meet together in one most Blessed God in our dearest Jesus and sweetest Saviour let them clasp and cling about him and be sick for the love of hâ—m and that we may meet to enjoy him fully to Etâ—rnity and be satisfied with his Love for ever A thousand Loves if I had them I would send to thee next to my dearest Lord Jesus and the things that are heavenly spiritual and immortal I love thee what I can spare for thee is convey'd to thee and my dear Children from Thy most Affectionate and Faithful Husband and their most loving Father J. H. Another Letter My most dear Love I Hope you have received my last once more as a dead aâ—d living Man through difficulty I write to you though I yet do not know when or where I shall die but expect Death every day when that Message is brought to me I hope through the Grace and Strengâ—h of Christ it will be no surprize to me that neither my Lips Flesh nor Heart will tremble when I hear it I know the cause for which I suffer God hath and has singled me out from many of my Brethren which I never have been without some apprehensions of for above these twenty years to lay down my Life how far it is for his Cause will be judged at the last day I bless God who hath kept me from all Temptations to Conformity though it has brought me to ruine and destruction in this world it will be no fit Season for you to Vindicate
that for which I am call'd to supper be silent and leave it to God I advise you to all Prudence in this case have your own reserv'd thoughts and let them concerning me support and 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
be married to my Husband and to be given to the Embraces of my Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever Learn not to repine at the Holy Determination of an infinite wise God but rest satisfied in his Will knowing that he doth all things for the best to them that fear him Weep not for me who am only changing this World of Temptation of Troubles and Affliction It hath pleased God to call me a little before you but you must soon follow after keep therefore the Fear of God before your Eyes and then you will have cause to rejoyce and not to mourn when at the time of departure you may have cause to say with me I have run my Race I have finished my Course I have kept the Faith henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Glory which fadeth not away which that you may be able to say is the Hearty Prayer of Your Friend and Servant Josias Askew The Account his Friend gives of him TO prevent your further trouble in suing for a pardon I think it convenient â—o lâ—t you know I do not question but my dear Cousin hath had his Pardon Sealed by the King of Kings and is in everlasting Blessedness singing Hallelujahs Salvation Glory and Honour to him that sits upon the Throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever For God did so carry him through to drink that bitter Cup with so much Courage and Chearfulness to the last as was to the Admiration of all Spectators notwithstanding the terrible Sight he sâ—w at the Place of Suffering and so vehemently as he was tryed by the Adversary yet it did not in the least discompose him or alter his Countenance for he continued with a smiling Countenance to the last and was transported above measure I want words to express it he was like one wrapt up in Heaven with his Heart there and his Eyes fixed thereon I could wish you had been there it would have driven away all cause of Sorrow from your Heart to see his Deportment and hear the Gracious Words that proceeded out of his mouth He remembreth his Duty to you both and left Pâ—ul's Blessing with you Grace Mercy and Peace his Love to his dear Sister he desires her not to be troubled for him for he hath made his Peace with God and was assured he should go to eternal Happiness he would have written more to you and to his Sister but that he had so short a time after Sentence that he wanted Opportunity when he went out of Prison he said Gentlemen Now I am going and it is the time I much longed for I would not change with him that passeth Sentence upon me for a World I was with him to the last and seeing his Courage did very much encourage me though I never saw such a sight with my Eyes The behaviour of John Holway before and at the place of his Execution at Warham in the County of Dorset HE lived in Lime where the Duke Landed and Appeared in Arms at that time until his Captain left him then took up Arms under the Duke of Monmouth and went with him until the Kings Proclamation came forth That all that would lay down their Arms before some Justice of the Peace in four days after and take a Certificate for their so doing they should be acquitted and have his Majesties pardon which this Person did though one day too late which Blot my Lord Chief Justice hit being very good at it and passed the Sentence of Death on him Before his Tryal he was not much concerned at his Case and thought himself almost out of danger But to be short he received his Sentence with much Courage and Resolution and by the means of one Mr. Tiller who was to suffer with him was brought to that setled frame of Spirit as is fit for one in that Condition As he was riding in the Cart toward the place of Execution the Troopers being just behind the Cart he told them They shewed like brave Fellows but said he If I were to have my Life for fighting the best five of you I would not question it At the place of Execution he said not much But that he thought his and other mens Blood would be revenged on time or another and said Forgive me have Mercy on my poor Soul pardon all my Sins and the like and so the Executioner did his Office The Last Speech and Prayer of Mr. Matthews at the place of Execution HE was much concerned the Morning before he died to see his Wife weep and to be in such a passion for him which drew Tears from his Eyes and taking her in his Arms said My Dear Prithee do not disturb me at this time but endeavour to submit to the Will of God and although thy Husband is going from thee yet I trust God will be all in all unto thee sure my Dear you will make my passage into Eternity more troublesome than otherwise if you thus lament and take on for me I am very sensible of thy tender love towards me but would have you consider that this Separation will be so much for my Advantage as your Loss cannot parallel I thank God I am willing to die and to be with my Jesus be satisfied the Will of God must be done thy Will be done O God in Earth as it is in Heaven So embracing her took his last farewell of her and prepared to go to the place of Execution where being come he with a very modest sober composed Frame of Spirit stood while he saw several Executed before him his turn being come he thus spake Dear Countrimen I suppose We are all of one Kingdom and Nation and I hope Protestants O I wonder we should be so cruel and Blood-thirsty one towards another I have heard it said heretofore that England could never be ruin'd but by her self which now I fear if a doing Lord have Mercy on poor England turn the Hearts of the Iâ—habiâ—â—nts thereof cause them to love one another and to forâ—et one anothers Infirmities Have meâ—cy O Lord on me Give me strength and patience to fulfil thy Will Comfort my dear and sorrowful Wife be a Huâ—bâ—nd unto her stand by her in the greatâ—st trouble and affliction Let her depend upon thy Pâ—ovidenceâ— be merciful to all men preserve this Nation from Popery find out yet a way for its deliverance if it be thy good Will and give all Men Hearts to be truly thanâ—ful Comfort my fellow sufferers that are immediately to follow Give them strength and comfort unto the end I forgive all the World even all those that have been the immediate Hastners of my Death I am in charity with all Men. And now blessed Lord Jesus into thy Hands I commend my Spirit Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy name Thy Kingdom come Thy Will be done in Eâ—rth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily Bread Forgive us our Trespasses as we forgive them that