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Mr. John Hick's Last Speech, 1685.
I suppose the Spectators here present may expect I should speak something before I leave this sanguinary Stage and Pas sage through my Bloody Sufferings, by which my immortal Spirit will be speedily transported into an invisible and eternal World, and I conclude that they have different Resentments hereof. Some resent them with much Joy, high Exultation and Triumph, others with equal Grief and Sorrow ; that to the one I am a most pleasant Spectacle, that they behold me with high Com placency and Delight ; but to the other I am a mournful and un
pleasant one, and they behold me with no less Pity and Com passion. Concerning the first, I can say, I freely and heartily forgive them, and heartily pray that God would most mercifully and graciously prevent their Mourning through Misery, not only here, but eternally hereafter. Concerning the other, I will say, Weep for your own Sins, and for the Sins of the Nation, for the highest Rebellions that ever were committed against the Great and Eternal God ; lament bitterly for those
Sins that have been the meritorious Cause of the late terrible Judgment, that which I fear will cause God to break in upon this Nation with an overflowing Deluge of Judgments, which are far
more tremendous and dreadful. As for sympathizing with
in drinking this bitter Cup appointed for me, I return you most humble and hearty Thanks, earnestly desiring God to come unto you, and fill your Souls with all Celestial Comforts and Spiritual Consolations. Something I must say to purge and clear my self from a false Accusation laid to my Charge ; as that I was en gaged with Colonel Blood in rescuing Col. Mason near Boston, when he was sent down with a Guard from London to York, to be tried for High-Treason ; and that I was the Man that killed the Barber of that City ; and that also I was with him when he stole the Crown. Now as I am a dying Man, and upon the very
Brink of a very stupendious Eternity, (the Truth and Reality whereof I firmly believe) without any Reservation or the least
I do declare in the Presence of the All seeing God, that impartial Judge, before whom in a very little Time I must
I never saw nor conversed with Mr. Thomas Blood, from
Equivocation,
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1656, till after he stole the Crown, which was in 71 or 72, nor was ever engaged with him in any of his Treasonable Plots or Practices. 'Tis true, I being involved in great Trouble of an other Nature, (of which I have given to the World a Narrative, and which is notoriously known in the Country where I then
lived, by some that were Enemies to me for my Preaching) I was persuaded to apply my self to Mr. Blood, to procure by his Intercession his late Majesty's gracious Favour : Accordingly he brought me into his Royal Presence ; while I was there, his Majesty carried it with great Clemency, without expressing one Word of that which I am now charged with. Mr. Blood continued with his Majesty a little longer than I did ; then he told me that he had granted me a Pardon, which I did thank fully accept of, knowing it would free me from all Penalties and Troubles that I was obnoxious to, and were occasioned to me by my Non-conformity. Then engaging him to take out my Pardon ; he told me, That he got it out with several others that had been engaged with him in several Treasonable Designs
and Actions ; at which I was troubled, supposing it might be im puted to me thereby ; yet, God knows, I have often since re flected upon it with great Regret and Dissatisfaction. If Mr. Blood did inform the late King to make himself the more consi derable, and to bring as many of his Party as he could to accept of their Pardons, that he might be rendered utterly incapable of Plotting any further Mischief against his Government, or any
otherways that I was engaged with him in any ofhis Treasonable Attempts ; I now appeal to God, as a dying Man, concerning that he hath done me an irreparable Wrong. also in the same Manner do declare, that was never ingaged with any Party in Plotting or Designing, or Contriving any Treason or Rebellion against the late King, and particularly, that was altogether unconcerned in, and unacquainted with that for which my Lord
Russel and others suffered, and as much a Stranger to any against the present King. And whereas reported of me, That at Taunton persuaded the late Duke of Monmouth to assume the Title ofKing; do once more solemnly declare, That saw not the said Duke, nor had any Converse with him
'till he came to Shipton-Mallet, which was thirteen
he landed, and several Days after he had been at Taunton. And
Days after
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'tis as false that I rid to and fro in the West to stir up and per suade Men to go into his Army, and rebel against his present Majesty ; for I was in the East-Country when the Duke landed, and from thence I went directly to him, when he was at Shipton- Mallet, not one Man accompanying me from thence. But hitherto as I lived, so now I die, owning and professing the true Reformed Christian (commonly called the Protestant) Religion, which is founded on the pure written Word of God only, and which I acknowledge likewise to be comprehended in the Articles of the Doctrine of the Church. This Religion I have made a reasonable and free Choice of, and have heartily embraced, not only as it protests against all Pagan and Mahometan Religion, but against the Corruption of the Christian ; and I humbly and earnestly pray to God that by his Infinite Wisdom and Almighty Power, he will prevent not only the utter Extirpation but Dimi nution thereof, by the Heighth and Influence of what is con trary thereto ; and for that End the Lord make the Professors of it to live up more to its Principles and Rules, and bring their Hearts and Conversations more under the Government and Power of the same. ' I die also owning my Ministry, Non conformity, for which I have suffer'd so much, and which doth now obstruct the King's Grace and Mercy to be manifested and extended to me : For as I chose it not constrainedly, so I appeal to God as a dying Man, not moved from Sullenness or Humour, or factious Temper, or erroneous Principles of Edu cation, or from secular Interests, or worldly Advantages, but clearly from the Dictates of my own Conscience, and as I judged it to be the Cause of God, and to have more of Divine Truth in it than that which is contrary thereto ; so now I see no Cause to repent of nor to recede from not questioning but God will own at the last Judgment-day. If no more had been required after the late King's Restauration to qualifie Ministers for Publick Preaching, than was after the first Restauration from the Time of Charles the First, probably might have satisfied my self
therewith, and not scrupled Conformity thereto but the Terms and Conditions thereof, by a particular Law made in 1662, being not only new, but so strict and severe, that could never have Satisfaction in my own Conscience, after all Endeavours used for
Compliance therewith, and Conformity thereto To say
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nothing of the Covenant, which I never took, but the giving my Assent and Consent, have been too diflicult and hard for me to comply with. And I very well remember, that about Fourteen Years ago, entring into a Discourse with Mr. Patrick Heldore, an Irish-man, who was contemporary with me in Dublin, concern ing Conformity, which he much endeavour^ to persuade me to ;
I urg'd the Severity of the foremention'd Conditions against and after some Debates and Reasons with him, told him did believe they were contrived and designed on Purpose to prevent our Publick Preaching, and to keep us out of the Church To which he Ingenuously replied, He judged was so For, said he, a Bishop in Ireland {whose Name have forgot) told me the very same.
But though could not wade through, and conquer this Diffi culty, yet censure not those that did and believe after all the hottest Disputes, and most vehement Debates, and violent contests between Conformist and Non-conformist, there are of both Parties will be glorified in Heaven hereafter. According to the 29th Article of the Church of England, a visible Church
a Congregation of Faithful Men, in the which the pure Word of God Preached, the Sacraments of the Lord duly admi- nistred, according to Christ's Ordinance, and all those Things that of Necessity are requisite and necessary to Salvation so with such Church have held the most intimate Communion, and with such (did live) could hold would not therefore be so incorporated with any Church, as to exclude me from, and render me incapable of holding Communion with other
Churches was never strongly bound up to any Form of Ecclesiastical Government, but that under which a pure and undefined Religion doth flourish, and that which contains and really practises Holiness, and advances the Kingdom of God in the World, that can approve of, and willingly live under, were
to live.
did approve of the ancient and present Form of Civil Go
vernment, English Monarchy am fully satisfied with, and do also declare, that not warrantable, for any Subject to take up Arms against, and resist their Lawful Soveraigns and Rightful
Princes And therefore had not been convinced
Things that have read and heard, to believe that the late Duke
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of Monmouth was the Legitimate Son of his Father Charles the Second, I had never gone into his Army, judging that without this I could not be freed from the Guilt of Rebellion, which I always resolved to keep my self clear from : And tho' his Father denied he was married to his Mother, I thought it might be answered with this ; That Kings and Princes, for State-Reasons, ofien cannot be fathomed by their Subjects, affirming and deny- ings Thing which otherwise they would not do, and make even their natural Affections to truckle and stoop thereto. I exhort all to abhor all Treasonable Plots, and Pretences of all Rebellion, with the highest Detestation, and to take the plain Text of Sacred
Scripture to walk by, in honouring and obeying, and living in Subjection to Rightful Kings, and not readily to receive, or suddenly to be impress'd with evil Reports and Defamations of them, also not rashly to be Propagators of the same.
I desire God to forgive all mine Enemies, and to give me an Heart to forgive them, which are many, some mighty, and all most malicious : Particularly Barter of Lisnel, who betrayed me,
and proved such a Traitor to James D. of Monmouth, his old and intimate Friend. I am grievously afflicted that I should prove the Occasion of the great Sufferings of so many Persons and Families : But this hath fallen under the Just and Wise Ordering of Divine Providence, as David's going to Abimelech, when he proved the Occasion of the Death of all the Persons, Men, Women, and Children in the City : But who shall say unto God, What doest thou ? The Care of my most dear Wife and a great many Children, I cast upon God, who I hope will be better than the best of Husbands unto her, and the best of Fathers unto them : God knows how just and legal Right my Wife hath unto her Estate ; to him therefore I commit her, to defend her from the Violence and Oppression of Men, particularly from a most inhumane and unnatural Brother : But no Wonder if he will lay violent Hands upon his Sister's Estate, that hath so often laid them on his own Father. I die a deeply humbled, self- judging, and self-condemning Sinner, loathing and abhorring my many and great Iniquities, and my self for them, earnestly desiring full Redemption from the Bonds of Corruption, under which I have groaned so many Years, longing for a most perfect Conformity to the most Holy and Glorious God, the only infinite
236 %ty QBegttvn Hvm&mitm$.
pure Being ; thirsting for a perfect Diffusion of his Grace through all the Powers and Faculties of my Soul, panting after perfect Spiritual Life and Liberty, and a consummate Love to my
dearest Jesus, who is an All-comprehensive Good, and to be satisfied with his Love for ever : A vigorous and vehement Zeal for the Protestant Religion, with a Belief I had of the Duke's Legitimacy, hath involved me in this ignominious Death ; yet blessed be God, that by sincere Repentance and true Faith in the Blood 9f Jesus, there is Passage from it to a glorious eternal Life, and from these bitter Sorrows to the Fulness of sweetest Joys that are in his Presence, and from these sharp bodily Pains to those most pure Pleasures, that are at his Right Hand for evermore : And blessed be God, that such a Death as this cannot prevent and hinder Christ's changing of my vile Body, and fashioning it like his Glorious Body, in the general Resurrection- Day.
I am now going into that World, where many dark Things shall be made perfectly manifest and clear, and many doubtful Things fully resolved, and a plenary Satisfaction given concern ing them ; all Disputes and Mistakes concerning Treason, Re bellion, and Schism, shall be at an End, and cease for ever ;
Many Things that are innocent, lawful, and laudable, which have foul Marks and black Characters stampt and fixt upon 'em here, they shall be perfectly purified and fully cleansed from there ; where at one View more shall be known of them, than by all wrangling Debates and eager Disputes, or by reading all Polemical Books concerning them here. I greatly deplore and bewail the greedy Appetite and insatiable Thirst, that Professing Protestants have after the Blood of their Brethren, and the high Pleasure they take in the Effusion thereof. But what will not Men do, when they are either judicially blinded, or their secular
worldly Interest insensibly insinuates and winds it self into their Religion, is so twisted and incorporated with that animates and acts the Life and Soul, the vital Form and Power, and made wholly subservient thereunto
bless God for all my Sufferings, and particularly for this last for the Benefit and Fruit of by God's sanctifiying of them to me, have been great hereby have been effectually convinced of the Vanity of the World, and my own Sinfulness
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by Nature and Practice, and to see that to be Sin which I never saw before ; and to be more throughly humbled for what I know to be sin, not only of Commission, but of Omission also ; Hereby I have been brought to a more thorough, deep, inward Sense and Feeling of the absolute Necessity of the Right eousness of Christ to justifie me, and he hath been made much more dear and precious to my Soul, than ever he was before. Hereby my Soul hath been more refin'd, from the Dross of Sen suality, wrought into a more Heavenly Frame, raised up to a higher Pitch of Spirituality ; hereby I am made more meek and humble, and so judge more charitably of others that differ from me in Opinion and Judgment ; So that by God's most Righteous Judgment I have been apprehended, and most justly and deservedly undergo this Suffering for my Sins, yet I hope they have wrought for me a far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory, fitting and preparing me, making me a better qualified Subject for, and far more meet to be a Partaker of the same. By the Grace and Strength of God, I will not purchase my Life by the Death and Blood of my Protestant Brethren, but chuse to die rather than be a Betrayer of them ; the impetuous and violent Assault of this I dreaded more than
Death it self. Blessed be God I was not exposed unto and conquered by as some have been Having such full bodily Vigour and Strength, being in such perfect Health, notwithstand ing my Age, predominating in me, hath made more difficult to die, than had been clogged and incumbered with infirmi ties, made to bow and stoop under them by prevailing Diseases and Distempers, gradually worn out therewith, which many Times makes Men weary of Life, and to desire to die and this in Conjunction with many Things, (which forbear to mention) highly gratifying and pleasing to Sense, which must leave for ever, strengthens and heightens the Difficulty, and begets a greater Regret and Reluctancy in my Will, to have the Earthly
Tabernacle of my Body dissolved, and my Soul to dislodge and quit the same. But now when the black and gloomy Shades of Death do overspread me, can say, to the Glory of God's most Free and Powerful Grace, True Faith in some Measure hath changed the Difficulty into a Facility and Easiness of Dying
hath very much subdued the Reluctancy of my Will against it;
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for it makes future Things present, and invisible Things visible, and doth realise and substantiate the same to me ; and as by it I penetrate and pierce into Eternity, and behold invisible and immortal Things, so hereby, blessed be God, I have obtained a
greater Victory over Sense : The World is crucified to me, and I to the World, and all the most pleasant and delightful Objects therein, all finite, fading Creatures, Comforts and Enjoyments,
are become minute and small, despicable and contemptible to me, in Comparison thereof, being infinitely contained and com prehended therein : Shall my Soul clasp and cling about these mortal and perishing Things ? Shall it cleave and be glued to them ? Shall it be confined and captivated into what is kept in
the narrow Bounds of Time, and in this lower World ? Shall it earnestly desire and thirst for muddy Streams, yea Rivers of Flesh-pleasing Good ; when by an Eye of Faith I can look into the indeficient, inexhaustible, purest Fountain ; the immense, immensurate Ocean of Divine Good ; hoping to drink thereof,
to swim and bathe my Soul therein for ever and ever ? And when I consider how long my Ears have been bound up, and tied to their innumerable and horrid Oaths, and cursed Blas phemies, and mine Eyes to see the Prophanation of the Day of
God ; and when I beheld such an overflowing Flood of most prodigious Impiety, such an Inundation of most monstrous Iniquity, so much Hell upon Earth, and that there is so much Decay of holy Zeal, and true Piety, and Christian Religion, amongst the Professors of such seeming incurable Breaches and Divisions, such expiring Love, and Charity, and Partings among 'em ;'it hath powerful Influence on my Soul to reconcile
more to Death, and makes electively, and from Choice, to leave this present World, and to take up my Abode in that which unseen and future, where there shall be nothing but perfect Love and Holiness sinless State, and serving God with all Un- weariedness and Perfection, with the highest Complacency and
Delight that immortal Souls can be capable of There perfect Peace and Concord, the innumerable Company of Angels, and the Spirits of Just Men made perfect, all fastned together with indissolvable and uninterrupted Chains of most pure Love, and all continually wrapt up in, and transported with the highest Admiration of God's Love, his infinite and incomprehensible
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Excellencies and Perfections, singing Hallelujahs to him without ceasing and triumphing in his Praise for ever and ever. The Con sideration also, that I know so little of these sublime, profound and Divine Mysteries ; of the most glorious Mystery of Salvation by Jesus Christ ; that I am so uncapable to fathom the Depth of the Providences of God, whose ways are in the Sea, and whose Paths are in the deep Waters, and whose Footsteps are not known, and particularly in the late stupendious and amazing one ; and that
I am so ignorant of the Nature of Angels and Spirits, with their Offices and Operations, and of their high and glorious Excellen cies ; and that I am so little acquainted with the Nature of my own Soul, as at present dwelling in, and united to my Body, and as disunited and separated from it ; how without corporeal Organs it shall most vivaciously and vigorously perform all its proper Functions and Offices, and more than ever strongly and indefatigably serve the Lord Jesus, most fervently and abun dantly love him, and delight in him every way, much more obtain the supream and highest End of its Creation and Being ; and this makes me much more willing to die, that I may have
the Knowledge thereof, with innumerable other Things ; that I am now either ignorant of, or do but imperfectly know, and so be made happy by a Plenitude of Fulness of injoying intellectual Pleasures, which are of all other most suitable, sweet, and satis factory to immortal Souls. And also I see that he that departs from Iniquity makes himself a Prey ; and so many plunging themselves into the Ways of Iniquity, lest they should be ac counted odious and vile, which makes them so much degenerate not only from Christianity, but from Humanity it self, as if they were scarce the Excrement of either ; contemning even that most Noble, Generous, Heroick Spirit that dwelt in many Heathens, who accounted it most Honourable and Glorious to contend for their Rights and Liberties, yea, to suffer Death, and the worst of Deaths, in Defence of the same ; and judge them accursed and most execrable in the World that do so ; and not only so, but for their own Profit and Advantage, have many of them inslaved their Posterity by and are most industrious and laborious, most fierce and furious to destroy them, whereby they are become as unnatural as Children that seek the Ruin of their Parents that begot them, and brought them forth or them that lay
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violent Hands upon themselves, dashing out their own Brains, cutting their own Throats, hanging and drawing themselves, rip
ping uptheir 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 longthe Duration and Continuance of these Things shall be, ora Conclusion or End by God shall be put thereto, whoby 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 com mon, 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 irre- peatable 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 Re deemer's 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 the great Work of Regeneration, wrought in your Souls, being re newed in the Spirit of your Minds, the Divine Nature being imprest upon them, repairing of the depraved Image of God in you that being transformed into his own Likeness, thereby in the World you may mind and favour more the Things of the
Spirit than the Things of the Flesh, Celestial and Heavenly more tfjin Terrestrial and Earthly, superiour more than inferiour
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- Things: And therewith have a holy Life and Conversation conjoined, 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 thereun to, and made the written Epistles, the lively Pictures thereof, Mat. 5. 8, 20. Blessed be the pure in Heart, for they shall see
God. Ver. 29. For I
ness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no Case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. IJohn 3. 3.
say unto yon, Except your Righteous
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily,
say ? tnto 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 ofthe 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 First-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. Ver. 13. Wherefore gird up the Loins of your Mind,
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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, dr>c 1 Pet. 1. 15. But as he that hath called you is holy, so be ye, &*c. Ver. 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. R
ye then be risen with Christ, seek those Things that are above : Set your Affections on Things above, not, Gr*c. Gal. 5. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified
Sfc. Coloss. 3. 1,2.
Wit^mn tlrans(actfong.
242
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 concerned for you, next to my own Children ; before I die, I thought fit to write two or three lines to you, as a Manifestation of my great Love to you : I earnestly desire the Welfare 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 secured 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 die: Seek the Things which are above, and set your Affections upon them ; have your Conver sation in Heaven whilst you are upon Earth. 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 persuaded the Duke of Monmouth to assume the Title of King at Taunton, when I was not there with him, nor in thirteen Days after he came into England ; and that I rode to and fro in the West to persuade People to go into his Army, when I was in the East, and came from thence to him in the West ; but my Non-con formity cuts me, and obstructs the King's
Mercy from being extended to me, as I am told ; but the Will of the Lord be done ;
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the Life to come is infinitely better than this : Many more Things are laid to my Charge, which I am no more guilty of than your self. If your Uncle be in Town, go speedily to him, and give him my dear Love. I pray for you, who am
Your most Affectionate Uncle, Octob. 5. 1685. J. H.
A Letter to Ms Wife, Septemb. 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 our faithful and trusty Friend, W. D. , who hath been at Exon. If there be need for
he knows many of my dear and faithful Friends there, who wish you would come and live among them and if your Estate fail, think very advisable so to do hope God will stand by
you, and defend you My Dear, see me in God, as must you. must now bid Adieu to all earthly and worldly Comforts, and all the pleasant and delightful Objects of Sense. bless God for all present Mercies and Comforts hitherto have had what will be after this Day know not, but the Will of the Lord be
done.
My Dear, be very cautious not to speak one Word, lest be
wrested to a wrong Sense, which may ruin you have not writ what would of this Nature, take the Advice of Friends, and of what send by our Friend. let not the everlasting Arms of God be withdrawn from you one Moment and let hfm 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, return you a thousand Thanks for all the Love you have shown me and my Children, and particularly for the high and great Demonstration you have given hereof in this Day of my Distress. hope my Daughters will be as dutiful to you, and be as much concerned for your Comfort and Welfare, as you had travelled with them, and brought them into the World
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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 bewailed 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 Grace more than ever, and make this great Affliction so humbly purifying and spiritualizing to you as well as me, that it may work for us both a far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory. Let him take your Soul in 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 dangerous for you to vindicate that I die for, yetbenottoomuch castdownforit: Iwillsaynomore asto 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. Farewell, my Dear, fare well 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, Seitemb. m. l68t. J. H.
Another Letter.
I received your Letter by Mr. Skinner ; I bless 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
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9£r. 3|oljn lt? (cfe0. 245
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 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 Christ. Let us pray hard and much for each other When leave this World, shall be with . Prayer for thee God give me Life how shall study to be Comfort to thee, and to live up to my Marriage as well as Baptismal Covenant To all my Friends tender my affectionate Respects hope their Prayers will one Way or other be heard for me let the Almighty be your Protector, Supporter, and Comforter. There be two Books 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 Redemption of Time.
Now let our Souls 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 him and that we may meet to enjoy him fully to Eternity, and be satisfied with his Love for ever. A thousand Loves, had them, would send to thee, next to my dearest Lord Jesus, and the Things that are Heavenly, Spiritual, and Immortal love thee What can spare for thee convey'd to thee and my dear Children, from
Thy most Affectionate and Faithful Husband,
and their most Loving Father,
Another Letter.
Mfy most Dear Love,
hope 'iou" have received my last once more, as dead and
living Man (through Difficulty) write to you, though yet do not know when or where shall die, but expect Death every Day when that Message brought to me, hope, through the Grace and Strength of Christ, will be no Surprize to me that neither my Lips, Flesh, nor Heart will. tremble when hear it;
know the Cause for which suffer; God hath and has singled me out from many of my Brethren (which never have been
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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 Temp tations to Conformity ; though it hath brought me to Ruin and Destruction in this World, it will be no fit Season for you to vindicate that for which I am called to suffer, be silent, and leave it to God ; I advise you to all Prudence in this Case : Have your own reserved 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 beau tiful than myself ; 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 infinitely more sweet and satisfying to Immortal Spirits, as you and I us'd to see Streams 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. Seek much the Things which are above, live with your Affec tions set upon them ; and have your Conversation in Heaven whilst you are upon Earth. I continue yet to pray for you, as for my self, and shall continue 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 incorruptible Inheritance
which is in Heaven : I hope God will spare their Life to see them Educated, and guide and assist you therein, and theirs to be a Blessing and Comfort to you : Consider your Condition is
Captain abraljam Ansflep.
247
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 therefore must have many Defects and Imperfections, which must be over-looked and mended pre serve the two Bibles for my dear James and Betty. What shall say more, my Dearest? must break off with my Heart full
of Love to thee and subscribe my self
Your most Dear and Affectionate
Husband till Death, Octob. 1685. H.
Captain Abraham Ansley's Last Speech.
am come to pay a Debt to Nature; 'tis a Debt that all must pay, though some after one Manner, and some after another The Way that pay may be thought by some few ignominious, but not so by me having long since, as a true Englishman, thought my Duty to venture my Life in Defence of the Protestant Religion against Popery and Arbitrary Power For this same Purpose came from my House to the Duke of Monmouth's Army At first was a Lieutenant, and then Captain, and was in all the Action the Foot was engaged in, which do not repent For had a thousand Lives, they should all have been engaged in the same Cause, although hath 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 might have saved my Life, would have done as some narrow-soul'd Persons have done, by impeaching others but abhor such Ways of Deliverance, chusing rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God, than to enjoy Life with Sin.
As to my Religion, own the Way and Practice of the Independent Churches, and in that Faith die, depending on the Merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ for my Eternal Salvation His Blessing be with you all. Farewel to
thee, poor England, Farewel.
Abraham Ansley.
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From Taunton Castle, Sept. 21. 1685.
Abraham Ansley.
flfllegtern
Cramsactfons(.
248
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 hath 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 attend you ; which is the Prayer of your dying Friend, but living Brother in Christ Jesus,
Mr. Ansley's Last Letter. Sir,
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, perish ing, and troublesome Life ; and seeing it is all in vain, I would desire you both to acquiesce in the Will of God, and rejoice with me for this happy Day of my Departure from this State of Pilgrimage, home to the Possession of those Heavenly Mansions, which my God and Father hath provided for me, in and through
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
It is in him alone I put my Trust and
my Lord Jesus Christ :
Confidence, and therefore can boldly say, Who is he that con- demneth ? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again
249
Temptation, and at last receive you to his Glory, where we shall once more unite in Praising without interruption or Dis traction, World without End, Amen : Until which Time the Grace of God the Father, the love of God the Son, the comfort able Refreshings of God the Holy Ghost, be with you, all yours, and the whole Israel of God, both now and for ever : Which is the hearty Prayer of your Son,
Pray remember me to all with Joy.
Josias Askew.
Another Letter to his Friend. Madam,
You have been a Partaker with me in my Troubles, I would also make you Partaker with me in my Joys ; seeing my Wed ding day is come, the Day of the Bridegroom 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 Afflictions: 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 rejoice, and not to mourn ; when at the Time of DepartIure you may
have Cause to say with me,
/
have run my Race,
have
finished
I
Crown of Glory which fadeth not away; which that you may be able to say, is the hearty prayer of
my Course,
have kept the Faith, is laid up me a henceforth for
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 to let you know, I do not question but my dear Cousin hath had his Pardon sealed by the King ofKings,
^rangacttong.
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 Chearful- ness to the last, as was to the Admiration of all Spectators, not withstanding the terrible Sight he saw at the Place of Suffering, and so vehemently, as he was tried 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 he was like One wrapt up in Heaven, with his Heart there, and his Eyes fixed thereon. could wish you had been there, 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 Paul'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 am going, and it is the Time
much longed for; would not change with him that passeth Sentence upon me, for a World. was with him to the last, and seeing his Courage, did very much encourage me, though never saw such a Sight with my Eyes.
The Behaviour John Holway, before and at the
Place his Execution at Warham, in the Dorset.
He lived in Lyme 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 King's Proclamation came forth, That all that would lay down their Arms before some Justice of the Peace, infour Days
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after, and take a Certificate for their so doing, they should be acquitted, and have his Majesty's Pardon, which this Person
did,
Resolution, and by the Means of one Mr. Tiller, who was to suffer with him, was brought to that settled Frame of Spirit, as 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, were to have my Life forfighting the best five ofyou,
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 one 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 Mr. Matthews at the Place 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 trust God will be all in all unto thee; sure, my Dear, you will make my Passage into Eternity more Trouble- som than otherwise, you thus lament and take onfor me 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. thank God am willing to die, and to be with my Jesus; be satisfied the will of God must be done Thy Will be done, God, in Earth as in Heaven: So
though one Day too late ; which Blot my Lord Chief Justice hit, being very good at and passed the Sentence of Death on him. Before his Trial 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
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embracing her, took his last Farewel 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 Countrymen, /
suppose we are all
; so
Nation, and I
said heretofore, that England could never be ruin'd but by her
for its Deliverance, if it be thy good Will, and give all Men
Hearts to be truly thankful ; comfort my Fellow-sufferers that
are immediately to follow, give them Strength and
hope Protestants O
cruel and bloodthirsty one towards another ;
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is a doing. Lord have Mercy on poor
self, which now
England, turn the Hearts of the Inhabitants thereof, cause them to love one another, and to forget one anothers Infirmities. Have Mercy, 0 Lord, on me; give me Strength and Patience to fulfil thy Will, comfort my dear and sorrowful Wife, be a Husband unto her, stand by her in the greatest Trouble and Affliction, let her depend upon thy Providence ; be merciful to all men, preserve this Nation from Popery, find out yet a Way
fear
one Kingdom and wonder we should be
of
I
have heard it
Comfort I forgive all the World, even those that have been
to the End :
the immediate Hastners of my Death :
men. A nd now, Blessed Lord Jesus, into thy Hands
my Spirit. Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name ; thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven ; give us this Day our daily Bread ; forgive us our Trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us ; and lead us not into Temptation ; but deliver us from Evil ; for
thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory for ever and ever, Amen.
After which going up the Ladder, he desired the IExecutioner
not to be hard to him, who answered, No, and said,
I
pray God forgive thee; but I advise thee to leave
ter, Irgive me: To which he said, fo
and this bl
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Ioody Trade. The Executioner said, do, it's against my Mind. So Heaven, the Executioner did his office.
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Q$v. Eoger featcfjeL 253
The Behaviour and Dying-Words of Mr. Roger Sat chel, who was Executed at Weymouth in the County of Dorset.
This Gentleman, at the Time of the Duke's Landing at Lyme, lived at Culliton, about five Miles West of that Town, and was supposed to be concerned in the Design with the Duke. He always was a great Admirer of him, which got him many Enemies among the Gentry of that County : He always hated the name of a Papist ; and as it fell out, he did foresee Popery advancing, as his Words to divers of his Neighbours can testifie. As for his Disposition, he was of a very Generous and Heroick Spirit. But to proceed, No sooner had he the News of the Duke's being Landed, but he sets himself to Work to serve him, desiring all he knew to join with him, and was one of the first that went to him to Lyme, and was with him to the End : But after the Rout, travelling to and fro to secure himself, was at last taken at Chard by three Moss-Troopers, under no Dis cipline, who made it their Business to ruin their Neighbours in those parts ; they are so well known, I need not say any more. He was from thence carried to Ilchester, and so secured in Ilchester Gaol ; and at the Bloody Assizes at Dorchester took his Trial, and received his Sentence with the rest. Great Appli cation was made for him, but my L. C. Justice Jeffrey's Ears were deaf, and so was order'd to be executed at Weymouth. After Sentence, two of his Friends came to him, and told him, There was no Hope. He answered, My hope is in the Lord. After which he spent most of his Time before Execution in Prayer and Meditation, and conferring with many good persons. The morning being come, he prepared himself, and all the Way drawing to Execution was very devout. Being come to the Place, there was a Minister, . 1 think, of that Place, who sung a Psalm, and prayed with them, and would have some discourse with this Person, which he avoided as much as possible ; but he asked him, What were his Grounds for joining in that Rebellion ? Who answered, Had you, Sir, been there, and a Protestant,! believe you would have joined too ; but do not speak
254 'flT&e
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to me about that, I am come to die for my Sins, not for my Treason against the King, as you call it. So pointing to the
Wood that was to burn his Bowels, he said, /
that; what matters it what becomes of my Body, so my Soul be at Rest? So praying to himself near half an Hour, and advising some he knew, never to yield to Popery, he was turn'd off the Ladder. He was a couragious, bold-spirited Man, and one of great Reason, just and punctual in all his Business, and one that did much good amongst his Neighbours.
There was at the same Time and Place one Mr. Lancaster executed, whose Courage and Deportment was such, that he out braved-Death, and in a Manner Challenged it to hurt him, saying, / die for a good Cause, and am going to a Gracious God.
I
with Company. And much more he spake concerning the Duke of Monmouth, whom he supposed at that Time to be living ; and so praying privately for some small Time, he was turned, or rather leaped over the Ladder.
desire all your Christian Prayers ; 'tis good to go to Heaven
do not care
for
If I mistake not, he said he was born or lived in Bridport.
The Last Speech of Mr. Benjamin Sandford, at the Place of Execution at Bridport.
He with Nine more were brought from Dorchester to Brid port to be Executed. Coming to the Place of Execution, he
said,
held up his Hands to Heaven, and turning himself to the people,
am an Old Man you see, and I little thought to have
/
ended my Days at such a shameful Place, and by such an ignominious Death; and indeed it is dreadful to Flesh and Blood, as well as a Reproach to Relations, but it would have
I
Account. Says one to him, Is not this worse do you think than
been a great deal more if
had some Felonious suffered for
II me, except it be for my Sins against my God, whom
Felony ? He answered, / know not any Thing that
so bad as Felony, that this heavy Judgment shouldfall upon
have highly provoVd, and must acknowledge have deserved ten
have done
thousand times more ; Lord ! I trust thou has pardoned them; Seal my Pardon in the Blood ofmy Saviour; Lord, look upon, and be with me to the last Moment.
There was also executed at the same Time one John Bennet, a poor Man, but pious, and of good Report with his Neighbours in Lyme,where he lived. I have heard that when he was on Trial, a certain Person inform'd his Lordship, that the Prisoner, then at the Bar, had Alms of the Parish and that his Lordship
of
Iwillease the Parish that Trouble. In Prison, and at the Place of Execution, he be
; should reply, Do not trouble yourselves,
haved himself so well to all, that many of his Enemies pitied him, and would, if it had lain in their Power, (as they said) have saved him. His Son being then present, offered to have died for him, and was going up the Ladder, if it might have been suffered. Here was a glorious instance of Filial Affection! He prayed some short Time, and so was translated, as we have Hopes to think, from this troublesom World into Celestial Joy and Happiness.
Next follow many Excellent Hymns made by several Worthy Persons that were Prisoners for the sake of
Christ.
Triumphing Songs with Glorious Tongues Let's offer unto him,
That loved so to undergo The Product of our Sin.
Leaving his Throne from Heaven came down, Sinners for to redeem
From Hell, and Wrath, and second Death, Christ underwent great Pain.
His Side was gorM, his Hands were boPd, His Feet were nailed down,
And all was for the Redemption Of sinful, wicked Man.
Oh how straitned, prest, and pained Was Christ to be Baptized,
And in Affliction to be plunged, His Body Sacrificed.
Let God be blest for Jesus Christ, Who is our splendid King ;
Hallelujahs sweet with Spirit meet, High Praises to him sing.
For Blood, for Wounds, for Love, whose Bounds Extended unto all ;
For Scoffs and Smites, for Jeers, for Flouts, Which upon Christ did fall.
Now, Christ, haste unto us again, Thy Scepter for io sway,
Thy Kingdom come, thy Will be done, Come, Jesus, come away.
With glorious Bands and shining Trance Of Angels in the Sky,
Which forth shall sing triumphing Songs With sweet Hallelujah.
Set up thy Standard, and prepare War against Babylon;
For her Destruction draweth near, As here we read her Doom.
Lord, blow the Trumpet, and awake The Nations round about ;
Stir up the Spirit of the Medes, Which did old Babel rout.
For Babel must drink of that Cup Which Sion deep did wound ;
Jerusalem did first begin,
And so the Cup goes round.
But Babel must drink up the Dregs Of Wrath which do remain,
With which no Mixture she shall have To mitigate her Pain.
For 'tis the Vengeance of our God, And of his Temple too,
The Vials that fill up his Wrath, The Three last Trumpets Woe.
When Jacob, as a Battle-Ax In Great Jehovah's Hand,
Shall break down all those Mountains tall, That in his Way do stand.
O then let us rejoice, because The Time appointed
That Babel shall be seen to fall, And Sion shine in Bliss.
Our Lord draws near, as doth appear By Signs by him fore-told
Then, Virgins, come, meet your Bridegroom, His Wondrous Works behold.
The Night grows dark, be still, and hark What the Bridegroom's Voice
That when the Cry comes swiftly by It may your Hearts rejoice.
Your Light grows dim, arise, and trim Your Lamps from all their Soil
And see your Light shines clear and bright, Supply'd with Gospel-Oil.
Some Virgins now do sleepy grow, And don't their Vessels fill
Nor fear a Want, when Oil grows scant, And none be found to sell.
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And at Mid-night, all in a Fright, Oil-shops they cannot find ;
And none will spare out of his Share, And so they are left behind.
Thus Foolish sleep in Dangers deep, And think their Lord delays ;
But his own Bride hath surely spi'de Some of his Glorious Rays :
And will not sleep, unless she keep Her Watch-lights burning still,
With Oil in Store, laid up therefore ; Let him come when he will.
And though her Garments had some Rents And Spots, not perfect white,
Yet they '11 be cleans'd, or quickly chang'd For Rayments of Delights.
With her Bridegroom she will find Room In Chambers of his Love ;
When the Unwise he will despise, And them from him remove.
The Behaviour and Dying-Words of Mr. Gatchill, Executed at Taunton.
The said Mr. Gatchill was a Constable of the Hundred ; he was surprised by a Party of the Duke's, and shewed a Warrant to bring in Provisions and other Necessaries for the Use of the
Army, which if he had not obeyed, was threatned to have his House burnt ; so that he was obliged to do what he did for his own Preservation. But this was not sufficient, for being found guilty, he was executed. As he was drawn to Execution, he looked on the People, and said, A Populous Town, God bless
9£r. 31oljn l? ucfeer. 259
it. Just before he was executed, he spake, That the Crime he was accused of, and condemned for, was High-Treason, but he did not know himself to be guilty of it; and that what he did
you that
/I
do verily believe you have Charity to think that what
he was forced to do. And further said,
am so well known to
I
is true.
I speak understand them.
Hambling, he was Executed.
There was also Executed at Taunton Mr. John Hucker, a
very worthy Gentleman of that Town. He had some ill Friends in the Duke's Army, that cast Aspersions on him, as though he was the Person that was a Traitor to the Duke, by firing a Pistol in Sedgmoor; but I have strictly examined many on that Point, and can find it to be nothing but the worst of an Enemy's Malice, to wound him after his Death in his Reputation, which he always valued highly when living. To be short, he has left the Character, amongst his Neighbours, of an Honest Man, a good Christian, and one that was true to the Interest of the Duke, and sealed it with his Blood.
The following Letter my Bookseller received
As the Niceties the Law, for of
do not well And much more to the same Effect he spake. And so after Prayer, with his suffering Brother, Mr. Simon
MIr. RobertHuckernowlivinginTaunton,which
thought to Print Word Word, that so
proper my Reader may se
for
have taken to have
Ie what Care I
give concerning Mr. Hucker well
all the Accounts attested.
Mr. Dunton, Taunton, Feb. 24th, 1691-2.
Looking over the Advertisements in the Athenian Mercury, I found your Intention of making some Additions to the Book called the Bloody Assizes; and finding others that suffered with
my Father, their Relations have Printed their Last Letters; I have here sent you a Letter written by my Father but some Hours before he was Executed ; the main Reason why I con sented to have it Printed, was, That Persons Mouths may be stopt from their false and lying Accusations ; he carried himself
S2
from
260 %ty flfllegtem Hunwttion$.
like a Christian under Confinement ; but when he came to look Death in the Face, it was with so much Courage, that it was to the Astonishment of the Beholders ; for there was many a weeping Eye amongst both Officers and Soldiers for him, and those his Fellow-Sufferers. I crave a Line from you of the Receipt of this, with which you will oblige, Sir,
Your unknown Friend and Servant, Direct to me in Taunton. Robert Hucker.
Mr. John Hucker's Letter to his Friend, a little before his Execution.
I was in Hopes to have had Liberty to speak a few Words at the Place of Execution, till a few Minutes since ; but now am persuaded the contrary : Therefore excuse these abrupt Lines.
I bless God, I am now reconciled to this contemptible Death ; it was long e'er I could, but now God hath donft it for me, and I thankfully submit to it from the Hands of the wise God, whom I have offended : And therefore desire to accept my Punishment, knowing he doth all Things well, without any Wrong to his Creatures.
I had lately some Discourse with two Persons, whereof one was of Quality, concerning the Things laid to my Charge ; I was told, that it was three Things ; one was, That I was an Enemy to, or against the Protestant Religion ; that I was
troublesome, and had acted vigorously in Elections of Members for Parliament ; and upheld the Meetings.
I own my self a Protestant, and die an Asserter of that Religion, and I pray God I do not prove a better Friend to it
than those that have industriously endeavour'd the taking away my Life, and that they see it not when it's too late.
As to the Meetings, I bless God I ever was at any of them, and that I was any way instrumental to the upholding of them, and am troubled that I have, I fear, sinfully deprived myself of them, and do believe, if ever the Ordinances of God were rightly administred, and the Gospel effectually preached, it was in those Meetings that were held in Taunton; the Lord bless the Seed that was there sown.
As to Elections of Members for Parliament, I judge it my
Sin account of 1&ivV$ Crueltieg, 261
Birthright, and therefore was Industrious in it ; but I hope never did (I am sure never intended) Troublesomness to any in but especially to my Superiors had ever a venerable and due Esteem of Magistrates, as the Ministers of God, and
they administring an Ordinance of God.
also lye under a Reproach of being unfaithful to an Interest
that owned, which utterly deny and disown.
pray God bless and forgive my violent Enemies, that have
industriously sought the taking away my Life. It's the hearty Prayer of JOHN HUCKEr.
From Taunton-Castle, little before he suffered, Septemb. 30th, 1685.
An Impartial Account Kirk's Cruelties, with other Barbarities in the West. Sent to the Compiler this History, one that was an Eye and Ear Witness to all the Matter Fact.
When Kirk came first into Taunton he came with two Cart loads of Men Bloody, and their Wounds not drest, just as they were hauled into Bridgwater Prison, they were guarded with Granadeers with naked Swords and Bagonets. He also brought with him into Taunton, a great Drove of Foot, chain'd two and two together. He hang'd Nineteen on the Corn-hill immediately, not suffering either their Wives or Children to speak to 'em, or to take their leave of 'em.
As they were executing, he, Kirk, caused the Pipes to play, Drums and Trumpets to sound, that the Spectators might not hear the' Cries and Groans of Dying Men, nor the Cries of their Friends. He caused their Bowels to be burnt, and their
Quarters to be boiled in Pitch, and hanged all about the Town. Kirk hanged one on the White Heart Sign-post Three Times, to try he would own he had done amiss but he
affirmed (to this Effect) That was to do again, he would engage in the same Cause so Kirk would have him hang'd in Chains and so he was, till King William came to Deliverance of this Nation from Popery and Slavery.
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When Jenkins, Hewlings, &c. were to die, before they came out of the B /, there was a great Fire made on the Corn- hill, that so they might see the Fire that was to burn their Bowels.
Some that Kirk caused to be hanged, he caused also their Bodies to be stript, and their Breasts to be cleav'd asunder ; in the Place where he caused the Executions to be done, you might have gone up to the Ankles in Blood; he also caused the Hearts of the poor Executed Men to be thrown into the Fire with a great Shout, saying, Here is the Heart of a Traitor.
A Captain of W was hang'd, and the Rope broke, where by he hoped to have saved his Life ; but they took from a Market-Horse a Ring-rope, and hanged him again.
At the Assizes, when the Prisoners were brought before the Bar, Jeffreys said, If any Man pleaded Not-guilty, he should die. One not concerned in Monmouth's Business, when asked,
said, Not Guilty, my Lord; Jeffreys said, Take him, Jaylor, and let him be executed another Time.
An Honest Man was hang'd for sparing for Monmouth's Horse three Penny worth of Hay.
A Constable also was hang'd for executing of Monmouth's Warrant.
And many Hundreds were put in the Castle-Hall, by which it was feared they would infect the Town. Francis Burges was taken upon Maidendown, by the Persuasion of Sir was hang'd by fastning a Rope to a Chamber- Window, and set upon a Hoget, and so hang'd. The Executioner was one 6" of St. Thomas's Parish, Exon.
There was, by good Report, several Scores died in Ilchester by Infectious Diseases, and in their Irons, and Hand-bolts ; for if they were not hard-hearted, and us'd the extreamest Rigour imaginable, the Keepers were not counted good Subjects. One of Welinton that was to be hanged then, was saved, supposed by Order of Sir and one of Crookern hanged in his stead ; this is true, and so it was at other Places : but 'twere endless to record all the Cruelties exercised by Kirk and Jeffreys, after Monmouth's Defeat.
Now that which remains, is to give an Account of Hundreds that had fled and hid themselves up and down in Holes and Rocks, whose Friends made all Application to some great
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Person or other to procure their Pardons ; some to this, some to others, that they thought Favourites with the King ; but the Rewards must be ascertain'd before any Application could be made, (for Pardons were just as they were in Rome) according to the Ability of the Person, from Half a Crown to Sixteen Thousand Guineas ; Any Tooth, good Barber. Divers Lists being sent up, and the Rewards ascertain'd, which amongst many of them put together, did amount to considerable Sums. So that it was now, who could find a Friend to relieve his distressed Relations, which were forced to wander up and down in Caves and Deserts, for fear of being taken. But this Mis fortune attended the Agents, that unless my Lord Chancellor were used, by his Creatures that were allowed by him so to do, other Applications commonly met with Disappointments.
To conclude, The Solemn, Serious, Dying Declarations, and Christian Courage of the Western Sufferers, have always out weighed with me the Evidence of those flagitious Witnesses,
who swore these Persons out of their Lives. And I did, and do most steadfastly believe, that the only Plot in that Day was the same which the Almighty has at length owned, and most signally prospered, in the hand of Our Gracious, August, and Rightful Soveraign, King William ; I mean the rescuing the Protestant Religion, and the Laws and Liberties of England, from a most Impetuous Torrent of Popery and Tyranny : wherewith they were very dangerously threatned. And me- thinks it should even convert a Tory (unless his Brains were pickt out of his Skull, by him who pickt the Guineas out of his Pocket) when he cast his Eye upon that apposite and Empha- tical Expression in the Observator, Vol. 2. Numb. 125. do oettl free toitt thee, TRIMMER, 31 t)atoe more JFaittj, in tpe U0orW of One opino Traitor, iin&er t&e stroke of SuBtice , tfoan of (Cwentg litnns.
The following Relations were written by Mr. Burd, and other West-Country Gentlemen, and were sent to be inserted in our Western Martyrology.
Mr. Burd lives near Fro? ? ie, he gives (in a Letter hereafter inserted) a Remarkable Account of several Passages ; for he
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Proclaimed the Duke of Monmouth at the Head of the Army, which was unwillingly done by the Duke then : He also saw the Maids of Honour present their Flags, and several come to kiss the Duke's Hand, as King after Proclamation, and presented a Purse of Guineas on their Knees. At this Time One Widow made a Pathetic Speech to him, and delivered her Mite.
As the Army went through Pensford, a Parson came out of an Ale-house, and asked them, Gentlemen, how doth the King do? If he comes this Way to Day, I will kiss his Hand, mean ing the Duke of Monmouth.