GEntlemen, I do humbly acknow­ledge in the sight of Almighty God, (to whom, and to Angels, and to this great assembly of people, I am now a spectacle) that my sins have deserved of him, this untimely and shamefull death, and I humbly submit to it; And seeing all our times are in his hand, and [Page 4]that a Sparrow fals not to the ground, but within his providence, much more Man that bears his image: I am no A­theist, but do acknowledge Gods great protection to me, and his goodnesse, and his mercy to me, in that he hath during all this trouble I have undergone, pre­served my heart, and kept it from sin, and from thoughts of distraction, I ac­knowledge his great mercie: I am no Papist, I must tell you, why I shall speak a little of this, because I have bin desir'd by a good friend, an ancient friend of mine, to declare my self in this point, and therefore I shall say somewhat to you of this, I say that I was never Pa­pist, nor popishly inclin'd, and for some relations I have had to some that way, I did never make any shew of the least inclination to Papisme; I have some­times [Page 5]had conference, and disputes with some known Iesuits in forraign parts chiefly; I thank God my Principles of Religion were so grounded, they could never shake me; I have been called by some of them a Heretique in grain. But this is true (which might make that worthy friend of mine put me in minde to cleer my self, in this point) in regard of some relations, & in regard I received very civil usage from those of that Reli­gion in forraign parts, where that Reli­gion is profess'd; I returned the like ci­vilnesse to them here that J had occasi­on, and especially to those whom any civil affair brought into my conversati­on; And truly J speak this, if J were to live, J should do the same thing, having no calling to the contrary; if J were an Officer it were somewhat.

J do forgive all the world, as J desire all the world should forgive me.

Touching the businesse for which J suffer, I do acknowledge that affection to a Brother-in-Law, and affection and gratitude to the King, whose Bread J have eaten now above 22 yeers, I have been a Servant to Him 20 yeers, I have been a Servant to Him when He was a Prince, and ever since, it will be 23 yeers in August next; I confesse those two Motives drew me into this foolish busi­nesse: I have often since declared to good friends, that I was glad it was dis­cover'd, because it might have occasio­ned very ill consequences; and truly I have repented, having any hand in it.

Gentlemen, I thank God, God hath given me so good a heart, and such pre­sence of minde, as I was confident he [Page 7]would either take me out of this dan­ger, or he would be present with me, to assist me in bearing this trouble; That J do acknowledge this as a great mercy, either to take me away from the dayes of sin, or to take me away from the evils of the time to come, which God avert; or to take me away from the infirmities of age now approaching upon me: I knovv not vvhat more to say.

Then turning to the Executioner, he said:

Lieutenant Colonell Washborn asked Master Tompkins this Question, Do you acknowledge this your suffering to be just?

Master Tompkins answered, I have said it al­ready, pray do not trouble me.

Lieutenant Colonell Washborne again spake to Mr. Tompkins, and said; Whereas you have had a hand in this you suffer for, if you know any other Plot that is prejudiciall to the Par­liament or State, pray reveale it?

Master Tompkins answer'd, Pray trouble me not, I have done my duty.

It is to be noted that in all this time from the beginning to the end, he never so much as al­tered his countenance, nor by his outward ap­pearance seemed to be in the least manner aba­shed with the apprehension of death.