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observed how sprightfully he seemed to skip up the steps to it, as if he had gone to dance there, rather than to die) his grim Executioner presented himself to him, to whom, with a chearful smile, he said, Welcome, honest 'friend;' and desiring to see his axe, he took it into his hands, and kissing it, with a pretty glance of his eye, which was a natural loveli

comfort in his own conscience. This passed; he had now nothing to do but to die, which be expected that morning very speedily: But by the pleasure of Authority both the time and the place of his execution were altered; so that he was to wait a little longer until evening, for his relcase. Many friends and persons of honour came to take their last leave of him, who can gladly witness his undisturbed-ness in him, towards the minister, he said, ness, and civil chearfulness to every one of This will do the deed, I warrant it.' The them. His brother tarried continually with scaffold was very much crowded with people, him, and they eat together; and though some yet, as well as he could, he made some turns to eruptions of passion could not be restrained and fro upon it, with a Paper, which he had now and then, where nature was so much con- taken out of his pocket, in his hand, wherein, cerned, yet they were generally pleasant; and it seems, he had prepared some heads for a at last parted, about half an hour before he Speech, which he intended to have delivered; was led forth to death, with as much calmness but the Sheriff and Lieutenant told him, if he and placidness as if they had been to meet spoke any thing, it must be very brief, and that again anon safe and unhurt, as they had done they must not suffer him to speak any thing formerly. So have I seen a windy and stormy that was seditious: Well, gentlemen,' says he, day conclude in stillness and sun-shine, as if your will be done; but, God be praised, I weary, and desiring to rest without any breath never yet had to do with any thing that was of trouble. The Minister only waited on him seditious! I would fain have spoken someto the last; and about five o'clock enters the thing to clear myself to the world, according Lieutenant of the Tower, and the Sheriff of to the custom, if it might have been: But London; (two sure friends, that will not leave come, Sir,' (says he, turning to the minister,) him, as long as he hath life remaining in him :) let you and I speak to him that will give us They told him a sour message, That they were leave; and so kneeling down together in a come to conduct him to his death's blow. He corner of the stage, the minister prayed with replied, They were very welcome; and received him a short time; which done, they stood up them so fearless and untroubled, that the again: Then turning himself to the people, and Sheriff told the Minister, He was sorry to see putting off his hat, he told them, That he was him so unfit for that condition; but, under not permitted to speak a few words, according favour, he mistook his condition: That which to his intention, yet he doubted not but what be accounted fitness to die, our Pamphlet-mon- he would have said would come to their eyes, ger would have called Flagging and Cowardice. though it must not come to their ears; But So hard a thing it is to satisfy all curiosities, this I desire all to take notice of,' (and this even with our blood, and nothing more ingeni- he spoke with a double vehemence,) that I die ous than to carry this bitter cup even, when so 'a faithful subject and servant to king Charles the many misconstructions shake it. At his lodg-Second, whom I pray God to bless, and restore ing, he desired the Sheriff that he would permit the Minister, and three others that were his friends and servants, to go upon the scaffold with him; which, as it was a seasonable wisdom in him to desire, so was it a fortunate kindness from them that granted it, else it may be their testimony might have been wanting to his injured reputation. He took leave particularly of the houshold, where he was a prisoner, and was so clearly collected in every thing he did, that he went out of his way into the kitchen, to bid his landlady farewel, giving thanks for her respects during his bonds, which he said he should die in to her. As he passed by the guards in the Tower, he gave them money twice, and told them, he should trouble them no longer, being on his remove to better guards. He walked along to the Scaffold on Tower-Hill, shewing a great deal both of humidity and respect to the people, who generally lamented him, and prayed for him. As he went, he was bare-headed for the most part, carrying his hat in his hand, and sometimes resting it in a careless bravery on his left side.' When he came to (or rather leaped upon) the scaffold, (for he was so far from flagging when about to tread that tragical stage, that many

to his rights; and had I ten thousand thousand lives, I would gladly lay them all down thus for his service." Here he was interrupted, and the Sheriff wished him rather to contess what he knew concerning the horrid Plot he was condemned for; he answered, That he had confessed all that he knew concerning any Plot; that he thought they knew more of the Plot that condemned him, than he did, but he heartily forgave them. The Minister told him, it was well done to forgive and pardon those that persecute us, that was an act of true Christian love, but, as his case stood, love was not enough; he ought to deal in this business, upon which his life lay, with all candour and sincerity, not concealing any thing of that nature, as was charged against him, as far as he might glorify God, and serve the public good. Upon which, lifting up his eyes towards heaven, and laying his hand upon his breast, Oh! Sir, says he, if there had been any such thing in this breast, would I not have revealed it be'fore this time? I protest, in the sight of Almighty God, I know no more of any such design, but only what I have often acknowledged, that it was motioned to me by Henshaw, (who, I confidently believe, is in their hands,)

His Speech.

"Gentlemen, As this kind of spectacle is no new entertainment to your eyes, for you have had a late glut of such objects, so is it no strange thing to me to be made such a spectacle; for I have been bred upon the theatre of death, and have learned that part so well, though, I confess, a very hard one, as to perform it pretty handsomely, both as becomes a gentleman and a Christian. Only I must desire yon to expect no fine Prologue, or Speech, from me; I never studied to make orations: A very unfit man to lay plots against a state, who am scarce able to lay a few lines of plain English together, as I ought; but though I cannot speak happily, I doubt not but I shall die happily.

and debated twice or thrice, when I was with bid them all farewell again, and besought them him; but I never entertained it at all, and at to remember they had a poor sovereign abroad, the last flatly disowned it, and told him, I who deserved to be remembered. Then forwould have nothing to do in it. He was giving the Executioner, and saluting the Mimany times pressing me to nominate what nister with his last embrace and kisses, be persons I knew I could bring, and to have bowed himself to the stroke of death, with as their names; but let them shew any such much Christian meekness and noble courage thing, if they can, against me: But I am cer- mixed together, as I believe was ever seen in tain he is in their bauds.' Pausing here a any that had bled upon that altar: And this little, and fetching a turn or two on the Scaffold, all the people, that were spectators, did seem being very hot, as he had been all that morn- to understand and acknowledge, beholding his ing, he called for some small-beer, which he fatal biow with a universal sadness and silence; had given order to be ready, and was brought whereas, when the other gentleman fell quickly thither in a stone bottle, of which he drank a | after, upon another score of blood and not, little once or twice. Then the Minister went they gave a great and general shout, as apto him, and minded him, that something might plauding the justice of the Portugal's death*; be expected from him, as to his religion and dis- but pitying and bewailing the untimely fall of position to die: To which, gathering up an ex- so brave and maguanimous a spirit, as did, traordinary resolution in his face, he replied, through all the clouds of death, shine gloriously I die a Christian, a true Christian, according in this unfortunate gentleman. to that faith and religion, which was professed by the church of England, in the time of our late king, of blessed memory. And I praise God, I am so fitted and ready to die, that I am confident, by the merits of Christ Jesus, that my sins are pardoned, and my salvation is at hand.' Then turning about, he called for his waistcoat and cap, and throwing off his doublet, put them on, whilst his servants helped to put up his hair. His waistcoat was not very clean, which he tood notice of to his man: But it is no g o great matter, 'said he, if the heart 'be clean, all is well enough.' Being thus prepared, he calls for the block, and viewing it, as with delight, laid himself down upon it, to see how it would fit, and was so far from sinking at the sight of it, that he almost played with it; and rising quickly, pulls a little PrayerBook out of his pocket, which he gave to the Minister, willing him to find that particular prayer which was proper for that occasion; but the crowd being great, he could not quickly find it, so that he kneeled down with the book open awhile in his hand, as if he had read, but quickly shut it, and prayed with great expressions of fervency by himself. When he had done, the Lieutenant said something to him, as it seems, concerning his brother Charles, that had witnessed against him; I know not what the Lieutenant said, for he spake low, but Mr. Gerard spake aloud, and replied passionately, Oh! Christ, Sir! I love my poor brother with all my heart! He is but a youth, and was ter*rified; I know how he was dealt with; tell him, I love him as well as ever I loved him in my life: And commend me to my brother sir Gilbert, whose release I beseech you, Sir, to 'assist; there being no more cause, that I know of, for bis imprisonment, than only that he was found in the same bed with me, which, sure, is no capital crime.' Having said this, he took his leave with him, and the Sheriff, and all he knew on the stage; and turning about once more to the people, desired them to pray for him; himself kneeling down with the minister, laid his head in his bosom, and they prayed together the last time. After this, he

"I confess myself a great sinner; Who is innocent? God be merciful to me, a miserable sinner. I adore the justice of God in all this that is come upon me; I have deserved to die long since, and blessed be God, who hath given me such time to prepare; but for this crime I stand condemned for to-day, I do protest mine own innocency, as to any consent or engagement to act in it. I hope you will believe me, when you consider upon what slender Proofs and Testimonies I suffer; none of them legal, or positive, but circumstantial.

"For my brother Charles, alas, poor youth! how he was wrought upon! But I desire all my friends to think honourably of him. For my brother sir Gilbert, this imagination of a Plot is said to have been hatched in France, but I fear the nest was at Whitehall. As for the king, so far from concurring to such a deed, that I am only unsatisfied in this, whether I shall die right in his favour, because suspected of any thing so unworthy of him. I fear he lost his

* Don Pantaleon Sa, brother to the Portugal Ambassador, who was convicted July 6th, with others, of Murder, in the New Exchange, by a Jury of six aliens and six denizens, was brought to the Scaffold, and executed with Mr. Gerard. See his Case, ante, p. 462.

kingdom by such practices; but whether he would recover them so, is a question: God hath better ways, when it shall be good in his sight to plead his cause.

I was lately in France, but on mine own score; for I have commanded there and probably might again.

"For my past life, it hath been but a troublesome one, but now I hope I shall rest! Since I was any thing, I have served the king. as I was bound; and I wish all that did so had done it as faithfully: he was condemned for a tyrant, but God-

help the cry! The cry is loud of those lately, whose blood hath been unlawfully spilt. But vengeance is God's, and I will leave it to him. The Court at my Trial said I was confident, and held it as a fault: He also whom they sent to the Tower (I know not if to intrap me) under pretence to comfort my soul, told me also I was confident. I say the same; and the same conidence bring with me now; and by God's assistance, I hope, shall carry it out of this world with my innocence.

"Gentlemen Soldiers, Amongst the ancient and most savage sort of Heathens they had a law, one every three, six, or twelve months, to offer up a sacrifice of human bloed to their God; and that their God was a Devil. Amongst us, whether Heathen or not you best know, of late years, we have had a fatal custom, once in three, six, or twelve months, to make not only a sacrifice, but many sacrifices of huinan Christian blood: Our scaffolds have reek

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"For my religion, though a soldier, I am able to profess I am a Christian soldier, a true son of the church of England, as constituted under queen Elizabeth, king James, and king Charles, of blessed memory: her doctrine and government I embrace, her truth and peace I pray God to restore. I humbly give thanks to God Almighty, for providing me the comfort of a minister, on whose fidelity i mighted and sinoaked with the choicest sort of blood; repose my soul. And I pray God to bless the but unto what God, do you judge. What God poor faithful ministers of this church, and gives he that delights in the blood of a man? Baal, you hearts to esteem them? the want whereof the God of Ekron; Beelzebub, the God of Flies. is no small cause of our misery. My days have Amongst the primitive Christians, that been few and evil, yet, God be blessed, in all lived nearest the time of our Saviour Christ, the the vanities and folly of youth, I have been far greatest tyrants and persecutors of the Chrisfrom Atheism, or contempt of God's worship; tians lived. The persecution was great; and I had always awful impressions of God's ho- yet the courage of those persecuted Christians Dour and service, which is now my comfort. was so great, that it excelled the fury of the persccutors; that they came in faster to be killed, than they could kill: they offered their bodies and throats so thick unto the slaughter, that the hands of the tyrants were weary with killing. And yet Sanguis Mariyrum was Semen Ecclesia: And many heathens came in with the Christians, and died Christians, and died with them; the Christians still increased the more.

"And now, dear countrymen, fare you well! I pray God bless you all, and this whole nation. Alas, poor England! when will these black days be over? When will there be blood enough? I wish mine may fill up the measure. -I forgive all. Once more fare you well! Commend me to all my friends, pray for me. I pray God make you as faithful and loyal as I have lived, and as happy as I shall be by-andbye when I am dead. Come Lord Jesus! come quickly! Father of mercies, have mercy on me! Saviour of the world save my soul! O Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world, hear my prayers! Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit! Lord Jesus! receive my soul !"

The DYING SPEECH of Mr. Peter Vowell, executed July 10, 1654. [From the MS. of Dr. Richard Drake, late Chancellor of Sarum.]

"Gentlemen; At this earthly bar, from them that pretend to have a great measure of sanctity, I had hard measure: But to that bar I am How going, the Bar of Heaven, where I shall have justice; yea, one day justice against them, except they water their beds and couches with tears of repentance.

"The Court gave severe and rash Judgment on my body; and sent a pitiful fellow (but pitiless) that gave as rash a judgment on my soul: But that precious jewel none of them could touch to burt. The souls under the altar cried for vengeance, lond, long ago: How many more of late years have been added to them to

"Of late years there hath been a great persecution in this nation; and yet the sufferers have been so many, and presented themselves so thick, in the vindication of their king, country, and laws, that they startled the very enemy himself; their constancy so great, that the eyes of their judges dropt tears; whether real or true, let the Judge of Judges judge: They still exceed the old heathens, are not weary of killstand amazed at their constancy; though they ing.

"Oh Soldiers! how many of you have been brought up and led on by blind principles, wronged in your education, or seduced by your indiscreet, heedless, and heady teachers? How many of you, young, have for some small discontent departed from your loving masters, dear friends, or tender parents, and fled into the army? How many of you driven by tyrannous oppression, poverty, or crucity, have left your dear wives and children? And some for novelty or wantonness adhered to this imployment, not considering the great danger of spilling innocent blood. How many of you have drawn your swords, you do not know for what? How many of you keep drawn your swords, you do not know for what?

"You have put to death a pious and just king; and in his stead have reared up even another Jeroboam, that makes Israel to sin: What his goodness is, you best know.

and perhaps many of you may rejoice at our deaths, believe it, as Samson pulled the house of the Philistines down, when he fell; so shall we give you and your cause a greater blow by our deaths, than living we possibly could have done. You may for a time flourish; but remember what our Saviour said: All you that 'make use of the sword, shall perish by the

"You have put down a good old law, and raised up another of your own to judge the people by. For my calling for the benefit of the former, and for the equity even of your own law, I am in part condemned here to die. Be'sword.' You shall be cut down like the you judge of the proceedings.

"How many of you have had a hand in putting down the ancient true Church, and raised up in your own imaginations a new one; But, alas! you know not what you do: If you did, you would grieve to see what a glorious church you have ruined; you would never have pulled up the hedges, and broken down the fences, that the wild beasts of the forests should come in; that the little foxes should devour, and the wild boar root out so stately a vine.

"When the Jews were led into captivity, their goodly and magnificent temple was burnt: But in process of time they obtained favour amongst the heathen kings they dwelt amongst, and had liberty wherewith to rebuild. Rebuild they did, and finished a second temple; at which sight all the young men rejoiced, to see so gallant a temple; but the old men wept, to see how far different and short the second temple was from the glory of the first. So you, young men, rejoice at your imaginary church; but the old men, methinks I see some weep. Oh! weep not for me! weep for your country! weep to see religion, liberty, and laws taken from you! weep to see so many good men snatched away, but indeed from the miseries to come! and weep for what miseries your unhappy selves will suffer!

"Soldiers, However you flourish for a time,

grass, and wither away like the green herbs.

"But do you behold yonder glorious place? Do you behold the spangled heavens, where the holy Angels dwell, where God himself is surrounded with thrones, principalities, powers, and the celestial spirits of just men? When the trump shall blow, when the dead shall rise at the dreadful day of judgment, how will you answer all your rapes and murders? Do you think that your hands, which have been bathed in the blood of your king, the blood of so many of your eminent countrymen, so unjustly: that have been bathed in the blood of many of your friends, your kindred, perhaps your parents, can ever reach yonder glorions place, without repentance? Oh! no. Repent now, therefore, it is not too late; Shake off your bloody Protector; rescue your antient laws; and call in your royal young Prince, whom you have long enough wronged. Make your addresses to the great Protector of heaven and earth; and desire him, as I now do for myself, for a pardon, for a pardon for all your former and present transgressions.

"I die an obedient son of the church of England, and with a dutiful heart to the king; and desire that none present that loves them would be disheartened by my death, but continue faithful to the end. And so farewel, I forgive all the world."

196. Proceedings of the Commissioners, appointed by Oliver Cromwell, for ejecting Scandalous and Insufficient Ministers, against JOHN PORDAGE, of Bradfield, in the County of Berks: 6 CHARLES II. A. D. 1654. [Wrote by Himself.]

I WAS first warned by this subsequent sum- | field, in the said county of Berks; which said mons, to appear before the Commissioners:

Monday, September 18, 1654.
Berks, ss. By the Commissioners appointed by
an Ordinance of his highness the Lord
Protector and his Council, for ejecting of
Scandalous Ministers.

"Whereas several scandalous Articles have been exhibited against Dr. J. Pordage of Brad

* Collier, whose account of ecclesiastical affairs during the period, between the death of Charles 1. and the restoration of his son, is extremely brief, says of this Ordinance merely, (vol. 2. p. 867, of his Ecclesiastical History) Their next Statute provides for removing scandalous and insufficient Ministers and

Articles lying now before the said Commissioners, it is thereupon ordered by the said Commissioners, that the said Dr. Pordage do make his personal Appearance before the said Commissioners, on Thursday the 5th of October next, at the Bear in Speenhamland, by Newbury, at 9 o'clock in the morning, to answer the said Articles exhibited against him: Whereof he is not to fail. Given under our hands School Masters; that is, those who had continued firm to the church and crown. For this purpose, a considerable number of secular Commissioners are nominated for each coun ty. There is likewise a list of ministers throughout the same divisions of the kingdom, appointed for this purpose. By the Act the

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