The several speeches of Duke Hamilton Earl of Cambridg, Henry Earl of Holland, and Arthur Lord Capel, upon the scaffold immediately before their execution, on Friday the 9. of March. Also the several exhortations, and conferences with them, upon the scaffold, by Dr Sibbald, Mr Bolton, & Mr Hodges. Published by special authority.

The several speeches of Duke Hamilton Earl of Cambridg, Henry Earl of Holland, and Arthur Lord Capel, upon the scaffold immediately before their execution, on Friday the 9. of March. Also the several exhortations, and conferences with them, upon the scaffold, by Dr Sibbald, Mr Bolton, & Mr Hodges. Published by special authority.

Table of contents

Title page

The several Speeches of Earl of Cambridg, the Earl of Holland, and the Lord Capel, upon the Scaffold, &c.

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The several Speeches of Earl of Cambridg, the Earl of Holland, and the Lord Capel, upon the Scaffold, &c.

UPon Friday the ninth of this instant, being the day appointed for the Execution of the sentence of Death upon the Earl of Cambridg, the Earl of Holland, and the Lord Capel, about ten of the Clock that morning L.Col. Beecher came with his Order to the several Prisoners at St James's, requiring them to come away; According to which Order they were carried in Sedans, with a Guard, to Sir Thomas Cottons house at Westminster, where they continued about the space of two hours, passing away most of that time in religious and seasonable Conferences with the Ministers there present with them. After which, being called away to the Scaffold, it was desired, that before they went they might have the opportunity of commending their Souls to God by prayer, which being readily granted, and the room voyded, Mr Bolton was desired by the Lord of Holland to take that pains with them, which was accordingly done with great appearance of solemn Affections among them. Prayer being concluded, and hearty Thanks returned by them all to the Minister who performed, as also to the rest who were their Assistants in this sad time of trouble; the Earl of Cambridge prepared first to go towards the place of Execution; and after mutual embraces, and some short ejaculatory expressions, to and for his fellow-sufferers, he took his leave of them all, and went along [Page]with the Officers, attended upon by Dr Sibbald, whom he had chosen for his Comforter in this his sad condition.

The Scaffold being erected in the new Palace-yard at Westminster, over against the great Hal-Gate, in the sight of the place where the High Court of Justice formerly sate (the Hal-doors being open,) there was his Excellencies Regiment of Horse commanded by Capt. Disher, and several Companies of Col. Hewsons and Col. Prides Regiments of Foot drawn up in the place: When the Earl came from Westminster Hall neer the Scaffold, he was met by the Undersheriff of Middlesex, and a Guard of his men, who took the charge of him from Lieut. Col. Beecher and the Partizans that were his Guard; The Sheriff of London being also, according to Command from the High Court of Justice, present, to see the Execution performed.

The Earl of Cambridg being come upon the Scaffold, and two of his own servants waiting upon him, he first spake to the Doctor as followeth:

Earl of Cambridg.

Whether shall I pray first?

Dr Sibbald.

As Your Lordship pleases.

Earl of Cambridg.

My Lord of Denbigh has sent to speak with me.

I know not the fashion, I may ask you Sir; Do these Gentlemen expect I should say any thing to them, or no, they cannot hear?

Dr Sibbald.

There will be a greater silence by and by. It will [Page]not be amiss, if Your Lordship defer Your speaking till You hear from his Lordship.

Cambridg.

There is something in it. He was with the House.

Dr Sibbald.

I suppose he would give no interruption to Your Lordship, at this time, were there not something of concernment in it.

Cambridg.

He is my Brother, and has been a very faithful Servant to this State, and he was in great esteem and reputation with them.

He is in the Hall, and sent to speak with a Servant of mine to send something to me.

Dr Sibbald.

It will not lengthen the time much if you stay while you have a Return from him. My Lord, you should do well to bestow your time now in meditating upon, and imploring of the free mercy of God in Christ for your eternal Salvation, and look upon that ever-streaming Fountain of his precious Blood, that purgeth us from all our sins, even the sins of the deepest dye; the Blood of Iesus Christ washes away all our sins, and that Blood of Christ is poured forth upon all such as by a lively Faith lay hold upon him: God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end, that whosoever beleeved in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; that is now, my Lord, the Rock upon which you must chiefly rest, and labor to fix your self in the free mercy of God through Christ Iesus, whose mercies are from everlasting to everlasting, unto [Page]all such as with the eye of Faith behold him; behold Iesus the Author and Finisher of your Salvation, who hath satisfied the Iustice of God by that Al-sufficiency of his Sacrifice, which once for all he offered upon the Cross for the sins of the whole world, so that the sting of death is taken away from all Beleevers, and he hath sanctified it as a passage to everlasting blessedness: It is true, the waters of Jordan run somewhat rough and surly, betwixt the Wilderness and our passage into Canaan; but let us rest upon the Ark (my Lord) the Ark Christ Iesus, that will carry us through, and above all those waves to that Rock of ages, which no flood nor waves can reach unto, and to him who is yesterday, to day, and the same for ever, against whom the Powers and Principalities, the gates of Hell, shall never be able to prevail; lift up and fasten your eyes now upon Christ crucified; and labor to behold Iesus standing at the right hand of his Father, (as the Protomartyr Stephen) ready to receive your soul, when it shall be separated from this frail and mortal body: Alass, no man would desire life, if he knew beforehand what it were to live, it is nothing but sorrow, vexation and trouble, grief and discontent that waits upon every condition, whether publique or private; in every station and calling there are several miseries and troubles that are inseparable from them; therefore what a blessed thing it is to have a speedy and comfortable passage out of this raging Sea, into the Port of everlasting Happiness; We must pass through a Sea, but it is the Sea of Christs Blood, in which never soul suffered shipwrack, in which we must be blown with winds and tempests, [Page]but they are the Gales of Gods Spirit upon us, which blow away all contrary winds of diffidence in his Mercy.

Here one acquainting the Earl, his servant was coming, he answered, So Sir; And turning to the under Sheriffs son, said.

Cambridg.

Sir, have you your Warrant here?

Sheriff.

Yes, my Lord, we have a Command.

Cambridg.

A Command.

I take this time, Sir, of staying, in regard of the Earl of Denbighs sending to speak with me, I know not for what it is he desires me to stay.

Dr Sibbald.

I presume Mr Sheriff will not grudg your Lordship a few minutes time, when so great a work as this is in hand.

His Lordships servant being returned, and having delivered his Message to the Earl of Cambridg privately, he said. So, it is done now; and then turning to the front of the Scaffold, before which (as in all the rest of the pallace) there was a great concourse of people, he said;

Earl of Cambridg.

I think it is truly not very necessary for me to speak much, there are many Gentlemen and Souldiers there that sees me, but my voyce truly is so weak, so low, that they cannot hear me, neither truly was I ever at any time so much in love with speaking, or with any thing I had to express, that I took delight in it; yet this being [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page]the last time that I am to do so, by a divine Providence of Almighty God, who hath brought me to this end justly for my sins. I shall to you Sir, Mr Sheriff, declare thus much, as to the matter that I am now to suffer for, which is as being a Traytor to the Kingdom of England: Truly Sir, it was a Country that I equally loved with my own, I made no difference, I never intended either the generality of its prejudice, or any particular mans in it; what I did was by the Command of the Parliament of the Country where I was born, whose Commands I could not disobey, without running into the same hazard there, of that condition that I am now in: The ends, Sir, of that Engagement is publique, they are in Print, and so I shall not need to specifie them.

Dr Sibbald.

The Sun perhaps will be too much in Your Lordships face, as You speak.

Cambridg.

No Sir, it will not burn it. I hope I shall see a brighter Sun then this, Sir, very speedily.

Dr. Sibbald.

The Sun of Righteousness my Lord.

Cambridg.

(But to that which I was saying Sir.) It pleased God so to dispose that Army under my Command, as it was ruined; and I, as their General, clothed with a Commission, stand here, now ready to dye; I shall not trouble you with repeating of my Plea, what I said in my own Defence at the Court of JUSTICE, my self being satisfied with [Page]the commands that is laid upon me, and they satisfied with the Justnesse of their procedure, according to the Laws of this Land. God is just, and howsoever I shall not say any thing as to the matter of the sentence, but that I do willingly submit to his divine Providence, and acknowledge that very many wayes I deserve even a worldly punishment, as well as hereafter, for we are all sinfull, Sir, and I a great one; yet for my comfort I know there is a God in heaven that is exceeding mercifull; I know my Redeemer sits at his right hand, and am confident, (clapping his hand to his breast) is mediating for me at this instant, I am hopefull through his free grace and al-sufficient merits, to be pardoned of my sins, and to be received into his mercy, upon that I rely, trusting to nothing but the free grace of God through Iesus Christ, I have not been tainted with my Religion I thank God for it, since my infancy it hath been such as hath been profest in the Land, and established, and now tis not this Religion or that Religion, nor this or that fancie of men that is to be built upon, tis but one that's right, one that's sure, and that comes from God. Sir, and in the free grace of our Saviour. Sir, there is truly something that Observing the Writers. (had I thought my speech would have been thus taken,) I would have digested it into some better method then now I can, and shall desire these Gentlemen that does write it, that they will not wrong me in it, and that it may not in this manner be published to my disadvantage, for truly I did not intend to have spoken thus when I came here.

There is, sirs, terrible aspersions has been laid upon my self; truly such as, I thank God, I am very free [Page]from; as if my actions and intentions had not been such as they were pretended for; but that notwithstanding what I pretended it was for the King, there was nothing lesse intended then to serve him in it. I was bred with him for many years, I was his domestique servant, and there was nothing declar'd by the Parliament that was not really intended by me; and truly in it I ventured my life one way, and now I lose it another way: and that was one of the ends, as to the King; I speak only of that, because the rest has many particulars; and to clear my selfe from so horrid an aspersion as is laid upon me: neither was there any other design known to me by the incoming of that Army, then what is really in the Declaration published. His person, I do professe, I had reason to love, as he was my King, and as he had been my Master: it has pleased God now to dispose of him, so as it cannot be thought flatery to have said this, or any end in me for the saying of it, but to free my selfe from that calumnie which lay upon me: I cannot gain by it; yet Truth is that which we shall gain by for ever.

There hath been much spoken, Sir, of an invitation into this Kingdome: it's mentioned in that Declaration, and truly to that I did and do remit my self: and I have been very much laboured for discoveries of these inviters. 'Tis no time to dissemble. How willing I was to have served this Nation in any thing that was in my power, is known to very many honest, pious and religious men; and how ready I would have been to have done what I could to have served them, if it had pleased them to have preserved my life, in whose hands there was a power: They have [Page]not thought it fit, and so I am become unusefull in that which willingly I would have done. As I said at first (Sir) so I say now concerning that point; I wish the Kingdoms happinesse, I wish its peace; and truly Sir, I wish that this blood of mine may be the last that is drawn: and howsoever I may perhaps have some reluctancie with my self as to the matter of my suffering, for my fact, yet I freely forgive all; Sir, I carry no rancour along with me to my grave: His will be done that has created both heaven and earth, and me a poor miserable sinfull creature now speaking before him. For me to speak, Sir, to you of State-businesse, and the Government of the Kingdom, or my opinion in that, or for any thing in that nature, Truly it is to no end, it contributes nothing: My own inclination hath been to Peace, from the beginning; and it is known to many, that I never was an ill instrument betwixt the King and his people; I never acted to the prejudice of the Parliament; I bore no Arms, I medled not with it; I was not wanting by my prayers to God almighty for the happinesse of the King; and truly I shall pray still, that God may so direct him as that may be done which shall tend to his glory, and the peace and happinesse of the kingdom.

I have not much more to say, that I remember of; I think I have spoken of my Religion.

Dr. Sibbald.

Your Lordship his not so fully said it.

Camb.

Truly I do believe I did say something.

Dr, Sibbald.

I know you did, 'tis pleasing to heare it from your Lordship againe.

Cambr.

Truly Sir, for the profession of my Religigion, that which I said was the established Religion, [Page]and that which I have practised in my owne Kingdome where I was borne and bred; my Tenents they need not to be exprest, they are knowne to all, and I am not of a rigid opinion; many godly men there is that may have scruples which doe not concerne me at all at no time; they may differ in Opinion, and more now then at any time; differing in Opjnion does not move me (not any mans) my owne is cleare: Sir, The Lord forgive me my sinnes, and I forgive freely all those that even I might as a worldly man, have the greatest animosity against; We are bidden to forgive; Sir, T is a command laid upon us (and there mentioned) Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespasse against us.

Dr. Sibbald.

'Tis our Saviours rule, love your enemies, blesse them that curse you, pray for them that persecute you, do good to them which despightfully use you.

Cambr.

Sir, it is high time for me to make an end of this, and truly I remember no more that I have to say, but to pray to God Almighty a few words, and then I have done.

Then kneeling downe, with Doctor Sibbald, he Prayed thus.

Most Blessed Lord, I thy poore and most unworthy servant come unto thee, presuming in thy infinite mercy and the merits of Jesus Christ, who sits upon the Throne, I come flying from that of Justice, to that of Mercy, and tendernesse for his sake which shed his bloud for sinners, that he would take compassion upon me, that he will look upon me as one that graciously hears me, that he would look upon me as one[Page]that hath redeemed me, that he would look upon me as one that hath shed his bloud for me; that he would look upon me as one who now cals and hopes to be saved by his al-sufficient merits; for his sake, Glorious God, have compassion upon me in the freenesse of thy infinite mercy, that when this sinfull soule of mine shall depart out of this fraile carcase of clay, I may be carried into thy everlasting glory; O Lord by thy free grace, and out of thy infinite mercy heare me, and look downe, and have compassion upon me; and thou Lord Jesus, thou my Lord, and thou my God, and thou my Redeemer, heare me, take pitie upon me, take pitie upon me gracious God, and so deale with my soule, that by thy precious merits I may attaine to thy joy and blisse; O Lord remember me so miserable and sinfull a creature; now thou O Lord, thou O Lord that died for me, receive me, and receive me into thy owne bound of mercy; O Lord I trust in thee, suffer me not now to be confounded, Satan has had too long possession of this soule, O let him not now prevaile against it, but let me O Lord from henceforth dwell with thee for evermore. Now Lord it is thy time to heare me, heare me gracious Jesus, even for thy owne goodnesse, mercy, and truth; O glorious God, O blessed Father, O holy Redeemer, O gracious Comforter, O holy and blessed Trinity, I do render up my soule into thy hands, and commit it with the mediation of my Redeemer, praising thee for all thy dispensations that it has pleased thee to conferre upon me, and even for this, praise and honour and thanks of this time forth for ever more.

Dr. Sibbald.

My, Lord, I trust you now behold [Page]with the eye of Faith the Son of righteousnesse shining upon your soul, and will chearfully submit unto him who hath redeemed us through his bloud, even the bloud of Jesus Christ, that you may appeare at the Tribunal of God, clothed with the white robe of his unspotted righteousnesse; the Lord grant that with the eye of faith you may now see the heavens opened, and Jesus Christ standing at the right hand of God, ready to receive you into his armes of mercie.

Cambr.

Then the Earle turning to the Executioner, said, shall J put on another Cap, must this hair be turn'd up from my neck, there are three of my servants to give satisfaction.

D. Sib.

My Lord, I hope you are able to give all that are about you satisfaction, you are assured that God is reconciled unto you through the bloud of Christ Iesus, and the Spirit of the Lord witnesseth to you that Christ is become now a Iesus unto you; My Lord, fasten the eyes of your faith upon Jesus the Author & finisher of your salvation, who himself was brought to a violent death for the redemption of mankind, he chearfully submitted to his Fathers good pleasure in it, and for us, blessed and holy is he that has part (my Lord) in the first resurrection; that is, in the first riser Jesus Christ who is both the resurrection and the life, over him, the second death shall have no power, tis the unspeakable joy of a beleever, that at the houre of death his soule hath an immediate passage from this earthly Tabernacle to that Region of endlesse glory, yea to the presence of God himselfe, in whose presence there is fulnesse of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

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Then the E, of Cambridge turning to the Executiooner, said, which way is it that you would have me lye, Sir.

Execut.

The Executioner pointing to the front of the Scaffold, the Earle replyed what, my Head this way; then the Under Sheriffs son said, my Lord, the Order is that you should lay your Head towards the High-Court of Iustice.

The Earl of Cambr. after a little discourse in private with some of his servants, kneeled down on the side of the Scaffold, and prayed a while to himself.

When he had finisht his prayers, Dr. Sibbald spake to him thus:

My Lord, I humbly beseech God, that you may now with a holy and Christian courage give up your soul to the hand of your faithful Creator and gracious Redeemer; and not be dismaied with any sad apprehension of the terrours of this death. And what a blessed and glorious Exchange you shall make within a very few minutes!

Then with a cheerfull and smiling countenance, the Earle embracing the Doctor in his Armes, said,

Camb.

Truly Sir, I do take you in mine arms, & truly I blesse God for it, I do not feare, I have an assurance that is grounded here; (laying his hand upon his heart.) Now that gives me more true joy then ever J had, J passe out of a miserable world to go into an eternall and glorious Kingdome; and Sir, though J have been a most sinfull creature, yet Gods mercy J know is infinite, and J blesse my God for it, J go with so cleare a conscience, that J know not the man that J have personally injured.

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D. Sib.

My Lord, it is a marveilous great satisfaction that at this last hour you can say so, I beseech the Lord for his eternall mercy strengthen your faith, that in the very moment of your dissolution, you may see the armes of the Lord Iesus stretched out ready to receive your soule.

Then the Earl of Cambridge embracing those his servants which were there present, said to each of them, You have been very faithful to me, and the Lord blesse you.

Camb.

Then turning to the Executioner, said, I shall say a very short prayer to my God, while I lie down there: and when I stretch out my hand (my right hand) then sir, do your duty; and I do freely forgive you, and so I do all the world.

Dr. Sibbald.

The Lord in great mercie go along with you, and bring you to the possession of everlasting life, strengthning your faith in Jesus Christ. This is a passage, my Lord, a short passage unto eternal glory. J hope, through the free grace of your gracious God, you are now able to say, O Death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? and to make this comfortable answer, Blessed be God, blessed be God, who hath given me an assurance of victory through Christ Jesus.

Then the E. of Cambridge said to the Executioner, Must J lie all along?

Execut.

Yes, and't please your Lordship.

Camb.

When I stretch out my hands—but J will fit my Head, first tell me if I be right, and how you would have me lie.

Ex.

Your shirt must be pind back, for it lies too high upon your shoulders (which was done accordingly.

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Doctor Sibbald.

My Lord, now, now lift up your eyes unto Jesus Christ, and cast your self now into the everlasting arms of your most gracious Redeemer.

Then the Earle having laid his head over the blocke, said, Is this right?

Doctor Sibbald.

Jesus the Son of David, have mercy upon you.

Execut.

Lie a little lower Sir.

Camb.

Well, stay then till I give you the signe.

And so having laine a short space devoutly praying to himselfe, he stretch'd out his right hand, whereupon the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body, which was received by two of his servants then kneeling by him, into a Crimson Taffety Scarfe, and that with the body immediately put into a Coffin brought upon the Scaffold for that purpose, and from thence conveyed to the house that was Sir John Hamiltons at the Mewes, where it now remains.

This execution being done, the Sheriffes Guard went immediately to meet the Earl of Holland, which they did in the mid way between the Scaffold and Westminster-Hall, and the Under-Sheriffes sonne having received him into his charge, conducted him to the Scaffold, he taking M. Boulton all the way in his hand, passed all along to the Scaffold discoursing together; upon which being come, observing his voice would not reach to the people, in regard the Guard compassed the Scaffold, he said;

Holland.

It is to no purpose (I think) to speak any thing here. Which way must I speak? And [Page]then being directed to the front of the Scaffold, he (leaning over the railes) said, I think it is fit to say something, since God hath called me to this place. The first thing which I must professe, is, what concernes my Religion, and my breeding, which hath been in a good Family, that hath ever been faithfull to the true Protestant Religion, in the which I have been bred, in the which I have lived, and in the which by Gods grace and mercy I shall die. I have not lived according to that education I had in that Family where I was born and bred: I hope God wil forgive me my sins, since I conceive that it is very much his pleasure to bring me to this place for the sins that I have committed. The cause that hath brought me hither, I believe by many hath been much mistaken. They have conceived that I have had ill designes to the State, and to the Kingdome: Truly I look upon it as a Judgement, and a just Judgement of God; not but I have offended so much the State, and the Kingdome, and the Parliament, as that I have had an extream vanity in serving them very extraordinarily. For those actions that I have done, I think it is known they have been ever very faithfull to the publique, and very particularly to Parliaments. My affections have been ever exprest truly and clearly to them. The dispositions of affairs now have put things in another posture then they were when I was ingaged with the Parliament. I have never gone off from those Principles that ever I have professed: I have lived in them, and by Gods grace will die in them. There may be alterations and changes that may carry them further [Page]then I thought reasonable, and truly there I left them: but there hath been nothing that I have said, or done, or professed, either by Covenant, or Declaration, which hath not been very constant, and very clear upon the principles that I ever have gone upon, which was to serve the King, the Parliament, Religion (I should have said in the first place) the Common-Wealth, and to seek the Peace of the Kingdome. That made me think it no improper time, being prest out by accidents and circumstances, to seek the Peace of the Kingdome, which I thought was proper, since there was somthing then in agitation, but nothing agreed on for seeding Propositions to the King; that was the furthest aim that I had, and truly beyond that I had no intention, none at all. And God be praised, although my bloud comes to be shed here, there was I think scarcely a drop of bloud shed in that action that I was ingaged in. For the present affairs as they are, I cannot tell how to judge of them: and truly they are in such a condition, as (I conceive) no body can make a judgement of them: and therefore I must make use of my Prayers, rather then of my opinion, which are, that God would blesse this Kingdome, this Nation, this State; that he would settle it in a way agreeable to what this Kingdome hath been happily governed under; by a King, by the Lords, by the Commons: a Government that (I conceive) it hath flourished much under, and I pray God the change of it bring not rather a prejudice, a disorder, and a confusion, then the contrary. I look upon the Posterity of the King, and truly my Conscience directs me to it, to desire, that if God be pleased that these people may look [Page]upon them with that affection that they owe, that they may be called in again, and they may be, not through bloud, nor through disorder, admitted again into that power, and to that glory that God in their birth intended to them. I shall pray with all my soule for the happinesse of this State, of this Nation, that the bloud which is here spilt, may be even the last which may fall among us and truly I should lay down mylife with as much chearfulness as ever person did, if I conceived that there would no more bloud follow us: for a State, or Affairs that are built upon bloud, is a foundation for the most part that doth not prosper.

After the blessing that I give to the Nation, to the Kingdom, and truly to the Parliament, I do wish with all my heart, happinesse, and a blessing to all those that have been authors in this businesse; and truly that have been authors in this very work that bringeth us hither: I do not onely forgive them, but I pray heartily and really for them, as God will forgive my sins, so I desire God may forgive them.

I have a particular relation, as I am Chancellour of Cambridge, and truly I must here, since it is the last of my prayers, pray to God that that University may go on in that happy way which it is in, that God may make it a Nursery to plant those persons that may be distributed to the Kingdome, that the souls of the people may receive a great benefit, and a great advantage by them, and (I hope) God will reward them for their kindnesse, and their affections that I have found from them. Looking towards M. Bolton. I have said what Religion I have been bred in, what Religion I have been borne in, what Religion I have practised; I began with it, and I must end [Page]with it. I told you that my actions and my life have not been agreeable to my breeding, I have told you likewise that the family where I was bred hath been an exemplary family (I may say so I hope, without vanity) of much affection to Religion, and of much faithfulnesse to this Kingdome, and to this State. I have indeavoured to do those actions that have become an honest man, and which became a good Englishman, and which became a good Christian. I have been willing to oblige those that have been in trouble, those that have been in persecution, and truly I find a great reward of it; for I have found their prayers and their kindnesse now in this distresse, and in this condition I am in, and I thinke it a great reward, and I pray God reward them for it.

I am a great sinner, and I hope God will be pleased to heare my prayers, to give me faith to trust in him, that as he hath called me to death at this place, he will make it but a passage to an eternall life through Jesus Christ, which I trust to, which I rely upon, and which I expect by the mercy of God. And so I pray God blesse you all, and send that you may see this to be the last execution, and the last bloud that is likely to bee spilt among you. And then turning to the side-raile, he prayed for a good space of time; after which M. Bolton said:

My Lord, Now look upon him whom you have trusted.

My Lord, I hope that here is your last prayer: there will no more praiers remain, but praises: And I hope that after this day is over, there will a day begin that shall never have end: And I look upon this (my Lord) the morning of it, the morning of that day. My Lord, you know where your fulnesse lies, where your riches lie, [Page]where is your onely rocke to anchor on. You know there is fulnesse in Christ: If the Lord comes not in with fulnesse of comfort to you, yet resolve to wait upon him while you live, and to trust in him when you die; and then say, I will die here, I will perish at thy feet, I will be found dead at the feet of Jesus Christ. Certainly, he that came to seek and save lost sinners, will not reject lost sinners when they come to seek him: Hee that intreateth us to come, will not sleight us when we come to intreat him. My Lord, there is enough there, and fix your heart there, and fix your eyes there, that eye of Faith, and that eye of hope, exercise these graces now, there will be no exercise hereafter. As your Lordship said, here take an end of Faith, and take an end of Hope, and take a farewell of Repentance: and all these, and welcome God, and welcome Christ, and welcome Glory and welcome Happinesse to all Eternity; and so it will be a happy passage then, if it bee a passage here from misery to happinesse. And though it be but a sad way, yet if it will bring you into the presence of joy, although it be a valley of tears, although it be a shadow of death, yet if God will please to bring you, and make it a passage to that happinesse, welcome Lord. And I doubt not but God will give you a heart to taste some sweetnesse and love in this bitter potion, and to see somthing of mercy and goodnesse to you, and shew you some signe and token of good, so that your soule may see that which we have had already experience of (blessed be God for it) many experiences, many expressions, not onely in words, but tears; God hath not left us without much comfort nor evidence, and I hope (my Lord) you that have given so many [Page]evidences to us, I hope you want none your selfe: but that the Lord will be pleased to uphold and support you, and bear up your spirit, and if there want evidence, there is reliance; my security lies not in my knowing that I shall come to heaven, and come to glory, but in my resting and relying upon him: When the Anchor of Faith is throwne out, there may be shakings and tossings, but there is safety; nothing shall interrupt safety, although somthing may interrupt security, my safety is sure, although I apprehend it not: and what if I go to God in the dark? what if I come to him, as Nicodemus did, staggering in the night? It is a night of trouble, a night of darknesse, though I come trembling and staggering in this night, yet I shall be sure to find comfort & fixednesse in him. And the Lord of heaven be the strength, stay, and the support of your soul, and the Lord furnish you with all those graces which may carry you into the bosome of the Lord Jesus, that when you expire this life, you may be able to expire it into him, in whom you may begin to live to all eternity; and that is my humble prayer.—

Holland.

M. Bolton, God hath given me long time in this world; he hath carried me through many great accidents of Fortune; he hath at last brought me down into a condition, where I find my self brought to an end, for a disaffection to this State, to this Parliament, that (as I said before) I did believe no body in the world more unlikely to have expected to suffer for that Cause: I look upon it as a great judgment of God for my sins. And truly Sir, since that the death is violent, I am the lesse troubled with it, because of those violent deaths that I have seen before; principally my Saviour that hath shewed us the way, how and in what manner he [Page]hath done it, and for what cause, I am the more comforted, I am the more rejoyced. It is not long since the King my Master passed in the same manner; and truly I hope that his purposes & intentions were such, as a man may not be ashamed, not only to follow him, in the way that was taken with him, but likewise not ashamed of his purposes, if God had given him life. I have often disputed with him concerning many things of this kind, & I conceive his sufferings, & his better knowledg & better understanding (if God had spared him life) might have made him a Prince very happy towards himself, & very happy towards this Kingdom. I have seen and known, that those blessed Soules in heaven have passed thither by the gate of sorrow, & many by the gate of violence: and since it is Gods pleasure to dispose me this way, I submit my soul to him, with all comfort, and with all hope, that he hath made this my end, and this my conclusion, that though I be low in death, yet neverthelesse this lowness shal raise me to the highest glory for ever.

Truly, I have not said much in publique to the People, concerning the particular actions that I conceive I have done by my counsells in this Kingdom; I conceive they are well known; it were somthing of vanity (me thinks) to take notice of them here; He rather die with them, with the comfort of them in my own bosome; and that I never intended in this action, or any action that ever I did in my life, either malice, or bloodshed, or prejudice to any creature that lives. For that which concernes my Religion, I made my profession before of it, how I was bred, and in what manner I was bred, in a Family that was looked upon to be no little notorious, in opposition to some liberties, that they conceived then to bee taken; [Page]and truly, there was some marke upon mee, as if I had some taint of it, even throughout my whole wayes, that I have taken: every body knowes what my affections have beene, to many that have suffered, to many that have beene in troubles in this Kingdome, I endeavoured to relieve them, I endeavoured to oblige them, I thought I was tied so by my Conscience, I thought it by my charity, and truly very much by my breeding; God hath now brought me to the last instant of my time, all that I can say, and all that I can adhere unto is this; That as I am a great sinner, so I have a great Saviour, that as hee hath given mee heere a fortune, to come publiquely in a shew of shame in the way of this suffering (truly I understand it not to bee so) I understand it to bee a glorie, a glorie when I consider who hath gone before mee, and a glory when I consider I had no end in it, but what I conceive to bee the service of God, the King, and the Kingdome, and therefore my Heart is not charged much with any thing in that particular, since I conceive God will accept of the intention, whatsoever the action seeme to bee. I am going to die, and the Lord receive my Soule: I have no reliance but upon Christ, for my selfe I doe acknowledge that I am the unworthiest of sinners; my life hath beene a vanity, and a continued sinne, and God may justly bring mee to this end, for the finnes I have committed against him, and were there nothing else, but the iniquities, that I have [Page]committed in the way of my Life, I looke upon this as a great justice of God to bring me to this suffering, and to bring mee to this punishment, and those Hands that have beene most Active in it, if any such there hath beene, I pray God forgive them, I pray God that there may not bee many such Trophees of their Victories, but that this may bee as I said before the last shew, that this people shall see, of the bloud of persons of Condition, of persons of Honor; I might say something of the way of our Triall, which certainely hath beene as extraordinary, as any thing I thinke hath ever beene seene in this Kingdome; but because that I would not seem as if I made some complaint I will not so much, as mention it, because no body shall believe I repine at their actions, that I repine at my fortune: It is the Will of God, it is the Hand of God under whom I fall, I take it intirely from him I submit my selfe to Him, I shall desire to roule my selfe into the Armes of my blessed Saviour, and when I come to this Pointing to the Block. place, when I bow downe my selfe there, I hope God will raise mee up, and when I bid farewell, as I must now to Hope and to Faith, that love will abide, I know nothing to accompany the soule out of this World but love, and I hope that love will bring me to the fountaine of glory in Heaven, through the Armes, Mediation, and the Mercy of my Saviour Iesus Christ, in whom I believe, O Lord help my unbeliefe.

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Hodges,

The Lord make over unto you the righteousnesse of his owne Son, it is that treasury that hee hath bestowed upon you, and the Lord shew you the light of his countenance, and fill youful with his joy and kindnesse, O my dear Lord, the Lord of Heaven and Earth be with you, and the Lord of Heaven and Earth bring you to that safety.

Holl.

I shall make as much hast as I can to come to that glory, and the Lord of Heaven and Earth take my soule: I looke upon my selfe intirely in Him, and hope to finde mercy through Him, I expect it, and through that fountaine that is opened for sin, and for uncleannesse my soule must receive it, for did I rest in any thing else, I have nothing but sinne and corruption in mee; I have nothing but that, which in stead of being carried up into the Armes of God and Glory, I have nothing but may throw me downe into Hell.

Bolton,

But my Lord, when you are cloathed with the righteousnesse of another you will appeare glorious, though now sinfull in yourselfe; The Apostle saith, I desire not to be found in my owne Righteousnesse, and when you are cloathed with another, the Lord will owne you, and I shall say but thus much: doubt not that ever God will deny salvation to sinners, that come to him, when the end of all his death and sufferings was the salvation of sinners, when as I say the whole end, and the whole designe, and the great Work, that God had to doe in the world, by the death of Christ, wherein hee laid out all [Page]his Councels, and infinite wisedome, and mercy, and goodnesse, beyond which there was a Non ultra, in Gods thoughts, when this was the great designe, and great end, the salvation of sinners, that poor sooles should come over to him and live; certainely when sinners come, hee will not reject, bee will not refuse. And my Lord, doe but think of this, the greatest work that ever was done in the World, was the blood of Christ that was shed, never any thing like it: and this blood of Christ that was shed, was shed for them that come, if not for them, for none, it was in vaine else: you see the Divells they are out of capacity of good by it, the Angels they have no need of it, wicked men will not come, and there are but a few that come over, and should hee denie them, there were no end nor fruit of the blood and sufferings of the Lord Jesus; and had your Lordship beene with Christ in that bloody agony, when hee was in that bloody sweat, sweating drops of blood, if you had asked him. Lord what art thou now a doing, art thou not now reconciling an angry God and me together? art thou not pacifying the wrath of God? art thou not interposing thy selfe betweene the Justice of God and my soule? Would hee not have said, yea: and surely then hee will not deny it now. My Lord his passions are over, his compassions still remaine, and the larger and greater, because hee is gone up into a higher place, that [...]ee may throw downe more abundance of his mercy and grace upon you; and my Lord, think [Page]of that infinite love, that abundance of riches in Christ: I am lost, I am empty, I have nothing, I am poore, I am sinfull: be it so, as bad as God will make me, and as vile as I possibly can conceive my self, I am willing to be: but when I have said all, the more I advance that riches, and honor that grace of God. And why should I doubt when by this he puts me into a capacity into a disposition for him to shew me mercy, that by this I may the better advance the riches of his grace, & say grace, grace, to the Lord, to all eternity, that God should owne such a Creature, that deserves nothing; and the lesse I deserve, the more conspicuous is his Grace: and this is certaine, the riches of his Grace hee throweth amongst men, that the glory of his Grace might be given to himselfe, If wee can give him but the glory of his Grace, wee shall never doubt to partake of the riches of it, and that fulnesse, My Lord, that fulnesse bee your comfort, that fulnesse of mercy, that fulnesse of love, that fulnesse of righteousnesse and power bee now your riches, and your only stay, and the Lord interpose himselfe between God and you, as your Faith bath endeavored to interpose him between God and your soule; so I doubt not but there he stands (my Lord) to plead for you, and when you are not able to do any thing your selfe, yet lie downe at the feet of him that is a mercifull Saviour and knowes what you would desire, and wait upon him while you live, trust in him when you die, there is riches enough and mercy enough, if hee open not, yet die at his [Page]doore, say their I'le die, there is mercy enough.

Holland.

And here is the place where I lie down before him, from whence I hope he will raise me to an eternall Glory through my Saviour, upon whom I rely, from whom only I can expect mercy: into his Armes I commend my spirit, into his bleeding Armes that when I leave this bleeding body that must lie upon this place, he will receive that soule that ariseth out of it, and receive it into his eternall mercy, through the merits, through the worthinesse, through the mediation of Christ that hath purchased it with his own most precious blood.

Bolton.

My Lord, Though you conclude here, I hope you begin above, and though you put an end here, I hope there will never be an end of the mercy and goodnesse of God: and if this be the morning of Eternity, if this be the rise of Glory, if God pleaseth to throw you down here, to raise you up for ever: say, Welcome Lord! welcome that death that shall make way for life, and welcome any condition that shall throw me down here, to bring me into the possession of Jesus Christ.

Hodges.

My Lord, If you have made a Deed of Gift of your selfe to Jesus Christ, to bee found only in him; I am confident you shall stand at the day of Christ, My dear Lord, we shall meet in happinesse.

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Holland.

Christ Jesus receive my soule, my soule hungers and thirsts after him; cloud, are gathering, and I trust in God through all my heavinesse, and I hope through all impediments, he will settle my Interest in him, and throw off all the claime that Sathan can make unto it, and that he will carry my soule in dispight of all the calumnies, and all that the Devi'l, and Satan can invent, will carry it into eternall mercy there to receive the blessednesse of his presence to all Eternity.

Hodges.

My Lord, it was his own by Creation, it is his own now by Redemption, and purchase; and it is likewise his own by resignation: O my Lord, look therefore up to the Lamb of God, that sits at the right hand of God, to take away the sinnes of the World, O that Lamb of God!

Holland.

That Lamb of God, into his hands I commit my soule: and that Lamb of God that sits upon the Throne to Judge those 24 that fall downe before him, I hope hee will bee pleased to look downeward, and judge me with mercy that fall downe before him, and that worship him, and that adore him, that onely ttusts upon his mercy, for his compassion; and that as he hath purchased me, he would lay his claime unto me now, and receive me.

Bolton.

My Lord, think of this, there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ, who is it that can condemn, it is Christ that justifies; and therefore [Page]look now upon this, (My Lord,) upon this Christ, upon this Christ that justifies: Hell, Death, Sinne, Sathan; nothing shall be able to condemne, it is Christ that justifies you.

Holland,

Indeed if Christ justify, no body can condemne, and I trust in God, in his justification, though there is confusion here without us, and though there are wonders and staring that now disquiet, yet I trust that I shall be caried into that mercy, that God will receive my soule.

Bolton,

I doubt not my Lord but as you are a Spectacle and of pitty here, so you are an object of Gods mercy above.

Holland,

Then the Farle of Holland looking over among the people, pointing to a Souldier, sayd, This honest man took me prisoner, you little thought I should have beene brought to this, when I delivered my selfe to you upon conditions: and espying Captaine Watson on horse back putting off his hat sayd to him, God be with you Sir, God reward you Sir.

Bolton,

My Lord, throw your selfe into the Armes of mercy, and say, there I will Anchor, and there J will die, he is a Saviour for us in all conditions, whither should wee goe, hee hath the words of eternall life, and upou him do you rest, waite while you live, and even trust in Death.

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Holland.

Here must now be my Anchor, a great Storm makes me finde my anchor; and but in storms no body trust to their anchor, and therefore I must trust upon my anchor (Upon that God, said Mr. Bolton, upon whom your Anchor trusts) yea, God, I hope, will anchor my Soul fast upon Christ Jesus: and if I dye not with that clearness and that heartiness that you speak of, truly, I will trust in God, though he kill me, I will relie upon him, and in the Mercy of my Savior.

Bolton.

There is Mercy enough, my Lord, and to spare, you shall not need to doubt; they shall never go begging to another door (my Lord) that come to him. Then the Earl of Holland speaking to Mr. Hodges, said, I pray God reward you for all your kindeness; and pray as you have done, instruct my Family, that they may serve God with faithfulness, with holiness, with more diligence, then truly I have been careful to press them unto: You have the charge of the same place, you may do much for them, and I recommend them to your kindeness, and the goodness of your Conscience.

Dr. Sybald standing by upon the Scaffold, in his passage to Col: Beecher, expressed himself thus to his Lordship:

Dr. Sybald.

The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and you shall be safe.

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Holland.

Then the Earl of Holland embraced Lieut: Col: Beecher, and took his leave of him: After which, he came to Mr. Bolton, and having embraced him, and returned him many thanks for his great pains and affections to his soul, desiring God to reward him, and return his love into his bosom. Mr. Bolton said to him, The Lord God support you, and be seen in this great extremity; The Lord reveal and discover himself to you, and make your death the passage unto eternal life — .

Holland.

Then the Earl of Holland turning to the Executioner, said, Here, my friend, let my Clothes and my Body alone, there is Ten pounds for thee, that is better then my Clothes, I am sure of it.

Executioner.

Will your Lordship please to give me a Sign when I shall strike? And then his Lordship said, You have room enough here, have you not? and the Executioner said, Yes.

Bolton.

The Lord be your strength, there is riches in him; The Lord of Heaven impart himself to you, he is able to save to the uttermost: We cannot fall so low, as to fall below the everlasting Arms of God; and therefore the Lord be a support and stay to you in your low condition, that he will be pleased to make this an advantage to that Life and glory that will make amends for all.

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Holland.

Then the Earl of Holland turning to the Executioner, said, Friend, do you hear me, if you take up my Head, do not take off my Cap. Then turning to his Servants, he said to one, Fare you well, thou art an honest fellow; and to another, God be with thee, thou art honest man: and then said, Stay, I will kneel down, and ask God forgiveness; and then prayed for a pretty space, with seeming earnestness.

Bolton.

The Lord grant you may finde life in death.

Holland.

Which is the way of lying? (which they shewed him) And then going to the front of the Scaffold, he said to the People, God bless you all, and God deliver you from any such accident as may bring you to any such death as is violent, either by War, or by these accidents, but that there may be Peace among you, and you may finde that these accidents that have hapned to us, may be the last that may happen in this Kingdom; it is that I desire, it is that I beg of God, next the saving of my Soul: I pray God give all happiness to this Kingdom, to this People, and this Nation: and then turning to the Executioner, said, How must I lie? I know not.

Executioner.

Lie down flat upon your belly: and then having laid himself down, he said, Must I lie closer?

Executioner.

Yes, and backwarder.

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Holland.

I will tell you when you shall strike; and then as he lay, seemed to pray with much affection for a short space, and then lifting up his head, said, Where is the man? and seeing the Executioner by him, he said, Stay while I give the Sign; and presently after stretching out his hand, and the Executioner being not fully ready, he said, Now, now, and just as the words were coming out of his mouth, the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body.

The execution of the Lord of Holland being thus performed, the Lord Capel was brought to the Scaffold as the former, and in the way to the Scaffold, he put off his Hat to the people on both sides, looking very austerely about him: And being come upon the Scaffold, Lieut: Col: Beecher said to him, Is your Chaplain here?

Capel.

No, I have taken my leave of him; and perceiving some of his servants to weep, he said, Gentlemen, refrain your selves, refrain your selves; and turning to Lieut: Col: Beecher, he said, What, did the Lords speak with their Hats off or on?

Lieut: Col: Beecher.

With their Hats off: And then coming to the front of the Scaffold, he said, I shall hardly be understood here, I think, and then began his Speech as followeth.

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Capel.

THe conclusion that I made with those that sent me hither, and are the cause of this violent death of mine, shall be the beginning of what I shall say to you: When I made an Address to them (which was the last) I told them with much sincerity, That I would pray to the God of all mercies, that they might be partakers of his inestimable and boundless mercies in Jesus Christ, and truly, I still pray that Prayer; and I beseech the God of Heaven, forgive any injury they have done to me, from my soul I wish it. And truly, this I tell you, as a Christian, to let you see I am a Christian; but it is necessary I should tell you somewhat more, That I am a Protestant: And truly, I am a Protestant, and very much in love with the profession of it, after the maner as it was established in England by the Thirty nine Articles; a blessed way of profession, and such a one, as truly, I never knew none so good: I am so far from being a Papist, which some body have (truly) very unworthily at some time charged me withal, that truly, I profess to you, that though I love good works, and commend good works, yet I hold, They have nothing at all to do in the matter of Salvation; my Anchor-hold is this, That Christ loved me, and gave himself for me, that is that that I rest upon. And truly, something I shall say to you as a Citizen of the whole world, and in that consideration I am here condemned to dye: Truly, contrary to the Law that governs all the world; that is, The Law of the Sword: I had the protection of that for my [Page]life, and the honor of it; but truly, I will not trouble you much with that, because in another place I have spoken very largely and liberally about it, I believe you will hear by other means, what Arguments I used in that case: But truly, that that is stranger, you that are English men, behold here an English man now before you, and acknowledged a Peer, not condemned to dye by any Law of England, not by any Law of England; Nay, shall I tell you more (which is strangest of all) contrary to all the Laws of England that I know of. And truly, I will tell you, in the matter of the Civil part of my death, and the cause that I have maintained, I dye (I take it) for maintaining the fifth Commandment, injoyned by God himself, which injoyns reverence and obedience to Parents: All Divines on all hands, though they contradict one another in many several Opinions, yet all Divines on all hands, do acknowledge, that here is intended Magistracy and Order; and certainly I have obeyed that Magistracy and that Order under which I have lived, which I was bound to obey; and truly, I do say very confidently, that I do dye here for keeping, for obeying that fifth Commandment given by God himself, and written with his own finger. And now Gentlemen, I will take this opportunity to tell you, That I cannot imitate a better nor a greater ingenuity then his, that said of himself, For suffering an unjust judgement upon another, himself was brought to suffer by an unjust judgement. Truly Gentlemen, that God may be glorified, that all men that are concerned in it may take the occasion of it, of humble repentance to God Almighty for it, I do [Page]here profess to you, that truly I did give my Vote to that Bill of the E. of Strafford, I doubt not but God Almighty hath washed that away with a more precious blood, & that is, with the blood of his own Son, and my dear Savior Jesus Christ, and I hope he will wash it away from all those that are guilty of it; truly, this I may say, I had not the least part nor the least degree of malice in the doing of it; but I must confess again to Gods glory, and the accusation of mine own frailty, and the frailty of my Nature, that truly it was an unworthy Cowardize, not to resist so great a torrent as carried that business at that time. And truly, this I think I am most guilty of, of not courage enough in it, but malice I had none; but whatsoever it was, God I am sure hath pardoned it, hath given me the assurance of it, that Christ Jesus his blood hath washed it away; and truly, I do from my soul wish, That all men that have any stain by it, may seriously repent, and receive a remission and pardon from God for it. And now Gentlemen, we have had an occasion by this intimation to remember his Majesty, our King that last was; and I cannot speak of him, nor think of it, but truly, I must needs say, That in my Opinion, that have had time to consider all the Images of all the greatest and vertuousest Princes in the world; and truly, in my Opinion, there was not a more vertuous, and more sufficient Prince known in the world, then our gracious King Charls that dyed last: God Almighty preserve our King that now is, his Son; God send him more fortunate and longer days; God Almighty so assist him, that he may exceed both the vertues and sufficiencies of his Father: For certainly, [Page]I that have been a Counsellor to him, and have lived long with him, and in a time when discovery is easily enough made, for he was yong (he was about thirteen, fourteen, fifteen or sixteen years of age) those years I was with him, truly, I never saw greater hopes of vertue in any yong person then in him; great Judgment, great Understanding, great Apprehension, much Honor in his Nature, and truly, a very perfect English man in his inclination; and I pray God restore him to this Kingdom, and Unite the Kingdoms one unto another, and send a great happiness both to you and to him, that he may long live and Reign among you, and that that Family may Raign till thy Kingdom come, that is, while all Temporal Power is consummated: I beseech God of his mercy, give much happiness to this your King, and to you that in it shall be his Subjects, by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Truly, I like my beginning so well, that I will make my conclusion with it, that is, That God Almighty would confer of his infinite and inestimable grace and mercy, to those that are the causers of my coming hither, I pray God give them as much mercy as their own hearts can wish; and truly, for my part, I will not accuse any one of them of malice, truly I will not, nay, I will not think there was any malice in them; what other ends there is, I know not, nor I will not examine, but let it be what it will, from my very soul I forgive them every one: And so, the Lord of Heaven bless you all, God Almighty be infinite in goodness and mercy to you, and direct you in those ways of obedience to his commands to his Majesty, that this Kingdom may be a happy and [Page]glorious Nation again, and that your King may be a happy King in so good and so obedient people; God Almighty keep you all, God Almighty preserve this Kingdom, God Almighty preserve you all.

Then turning about, and looking for the Executioner (who was gone off the Scaffold) said, Which is the Gentleman? which is the man? Answer was made, He is a coming; He then said, Stay, I must pull off my Dublet first, and my Wastcoat: And then the Executioner being come upon the Scaffold, the Lord Capel said, O friend, prethee come hither: Then the Executioner kneeling down, the Lord Capel said, I forgive thee from my soul, and not only forgive thee, but I shall pray to God to give thee all grace for a better life: There is Five pounds for thee; and truly, for my clothes and those things, if there be any thing due to you for it, you shall be very fully recompenced; but I desire my body may not be stripped here, and no body to take notice of my body but my own servants: Look you friend, this I shall desire of you, that when I lye down, that you would give me a time for a particular short prayer.

Lieut. Col: Beecher.

Make your own sign, my Lord.

Capel.

Stay a little, Which side do you stand upon? (speaking to the Executioner) Stay, I think I should lay my hands forward that way (pointing foreright) and answer being made, Yes; he stood still a little while, and then said, GOD Almighty bless all this People, God Almighty stench this [Page]blood, God Almighty stench, stench, stench this issue of blood; this will not do the business, God Almighty finde out another way to do it. And then turning to one of his Servants, said, Baldwin, I cannot see any thing that belongs to my wife; but I must desire thee to beseech her to rest wholly upon Jesus Christ, and be contented and fully satisfied: and then speaking to his Servants, he said, God keep you; and Gentlemen, let me now do a business quickly, privately, and pray let me have your Prayers at the moment of death, that God would receive my soul.

Lieut. Col. Beecher.

I wish it.

Capel.

Pray at the moment of striking, joyn your prayers, but make no noise (turning to his Servants) that is inconvenient at this time.

Servant.

My Lord, put on your Cap.

Capel.

Should I, what will that do me good? Stay a little, is it well as it is now? As he was putting up his hair.

And then turning to the Executioner, he said, Honest man, I have forgiven thee, therefore strike boldly; from my soul I do it.

Then a Gentleman speaking to him, he said, Nay, prethee be contented, be quiet good Mr. ___ be quiet.

Then turning to the Executioner, he said, Well, you are ready when I am ready, are you not? and stretching out his hands, he said, Then pray stand off [Page]Gentlemen. Then going to the front of the Scaffold, he said to the People, Gentlemen, though I doubt not of it, yet I think it convenient to ask it of you; That you would all joyn in Prayers with me, That God would mercifully receive my soul, and that for his alone Mercies in Christ Jesus. God Almighty keep you all.

Executioner.

My Lord, shall I put up your hair?

Capel.

I, I, prethee do; and then as he stood, lifting up his hands and eyes, he said, O God, I do with a perfect and a willing heart submit to thy will: O God, I do most willingly humble my self: and then kneeling down, said, I will try first how I can lye; and laying his head over the Block, said, Am I well now?

Executioner.

Yes.

And then as he lay with both his hands stretched out, he said to the Executioner, Here lies both my hands out, when I lift up my hand thus, Lifting up his right hand. then you may strike.

And then after he had said a short prayer, he lifted up his right hand, and the Executioner at one blow severed his head from his body, which was taken up by his servants and put (with his body) into a Coffin, as the former.

FINIS.

§

§

[Page]

THE SEVERAL SPEECHES OF Duke Hamilton Earl of Cambridg, Henry Earl of Holland, and Arthur Lord Capel, Upon the SCAFFOLD Immediately before their EXECUTION, On Friday the 9. of March.

Also the several Exhortations, and Conferences with them, upon the SCAFFOLD, by Dr Sibbald, Mr Bolton, & Mr Hodges.

Published by special Authority.

LONDON, Printed for Peter Cole, Francis Tyton, and John Playford. 164 [...].

Information about this book

Title statement

The several speeches of Duke Hamilton Earl of Cambridg, Henry Earl of Holland, and Arthur Lord Capel, upon the scaffold immediately before their execution, on Friday the 9. of March. Also the several exhortations, and conferences with them, upon the scaffold, by Dr Sibbald, Mr Bolton, & Mr Hodges. Published by special authority.

Hamilton, James Hamilton, Duke of, 1606-1649.

Edition statement

1649

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A86997

ID [STC]

Wing H482

ID [STC]

Thomason E546_21

ID [STC]

ESTC R202512

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99862765

ID [PROQUEST]

99862765

ID [VID]

114941

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A86997)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 114941)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 84:E546[21])

Source

— The several speeches of Duke Hamilton Earl of Cambridg, Henry Earl of Holland, and Arthur Lord Capel, upon the scaffold immediately before their execution, on Friday the 9. of March. Also the several exhortations, and conferences with them, upon the scaffold, by Dr Sibbald, Mr Bolton, & Mr Hodges. Published by special authority., Hamilton, James Hamilton, Duke of, 1606-1649., Holland, Henry Rich, Earl of, 1590-1649., Capel of Hadham, Arthur Capel, Baron, 1610?-1649..

Extent

43, [1] p.

Printed for Peter Cole, Francis Tyton, and John Playford,. London :: 1649.. (D1v has catchword "righte-" and lacks side-note. Variant: quire D in a different setting, with side-note on D1v and catchword "Hodges".) (Annotation on Thomason copy: "march 9. 1648"; the '9' in the imprint has been crossed out.) (Reproduction of the original in the British Library.)

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