A New Martyrology, Introduction 2 · Letter 2 – Letter 5
Mr. Josias Askew's Letter to his Father.
Honoured Father,
I not having an opportunity to make my Gratitude known to you for all your Endeavours for the saving a poor, vain, perishing, and troublesom Life: and seeing it is all in vain, I would desire you both to acquiesce in the Will of God, and rejoyce with me for this happy day of my departure …rom this State of Pilgrimage, home to the Possession of those Heavenly Mansions, which my God and Fa…her hath provided for me, in and through my Lord Jesus Christ: It is …n him alone I put my Trust and Confidence, and the…efore can boldly s…y, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that dy…d, yea rather, that is risen again, and is set down at the right hand of God, making intercession for all those that have a well grounded Confidence in him. My time is but short, and by reason of Company I am disturbed; therefore I conclude with my last Breath, begging of God, that he would keep you constant in his Fear, in this day of great temptation, and at last receive you to his Glory, where we shall once more unite, in praising, without interruption or distraction, World without end, Amen: Until which time, the Grace of God the Father, the Love of God the Son, the comfortable Refreshings of God the Holy Ghost, be with you, all you…s, and the whole Israel of God, both now and for ever: Which i… the hearty Prayer of your Son,
JOSIAS ASKEW
Pray remember me to all with Joy.
Another Letter to his Friend.
MADAM,
YOU have been a Partaker with me in my trouble… I would also make you partaker with me in my Joys; se…ing my Wedding day is come, the day of the Bridgroom is at hand, and I am this day to be stript of my Rags of Corruption, to be cloathed upon with the white Robe of his Righteousness and Purity, and to be married to my Husband, and to be given to the Embraces of my Lord Jesus Christ, for ever and ever.
Learn not to repine at the Holy Determination of an infinite wise God, but rest satisfied in his Will, knowing that he doth all things for the best to them that fear him: Weep not for me, who am only changing this World of Temptation, of Troubles and Affliction: It hath pleased God to call me a little before you, but you must soon follow after; keep therefore the Fear of God before your Eyes, and then you will have cause to rejoyce, and not to mourn; when at the time of departure, you may have cause to say with me, I have run my Race, I have finished my Course, I have kept the Faith, henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Glory which fadeth not away; which that you may be able to say, is the Hearty Prayer of
Your Friend and Servant, Josias Askew.
The Account his Friend gives of him.
TO prevent your further trouble in suing for a pardon, I think it convenient …o l…t you know, I do not question, but my dear Cousin hath had his Pardon Sealed by the King of Kings, and is in everlasting Blessedness, singing Hallelujahs, Salvation, Glory and Honour to him that sits upon the Throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever: For God did so carry him through to drink that bitter Cup with so much Courage and Chearfulness to the last, as was to the Admiration of all Spectators, notwithstanding the terrible Sight he s…w at the Place of Suffering, and so vehemently, as he was tryed by the Adversary, yet it did not in the least discompose him, or alter his Countenance; for he continued with a smiling Countenance to the last, and was transported above measure: I want words to express it, he was like one wrapt up in Heaven, with his Heart there, and his Eyes fixed thereon. I could wish you had been there, it would have driven away all cause of Sorrow from your Heart, to see his Deportment, and hear the Gracious Words that proceeded out of his mouth: He remembreth his Duty to you both, and left P…ul's Blessing with you, Grace, Mercy and Peace; his Love to his dear Sister; he desires her not to be troubled for him, for he hath made his Peace with God, and was assured he should go to eternal Happiness; he would have written more to you and to his Sister, but that he had so short a time after Sentence that he wanted Opportunity; when he went out of Prison, he said, Gentlemen, Now I am going, and it is the time I much longed for; I would not change with him that passeth Sentence upon me, for a World. I was with him to the last, and seeing his Courage, did very much encourage me, though I never saw such a sight with my Eyes.
The behaviour of John Holway before, and at the place of his Execution at Warham, in the County of Dorset.
HE lived in Lime where the Duke Landed, and Appeared in Arms at that time, until his Captain left him; then took up Arms under the Duke of Monmouth, and went with him, until the Kings Proclamation came forth, That all that would lay down their Arms before some Justice of the Peace, in four days after, and take a Certificate for their so doing, they should be acquitted, and have his Majesties pardon, which this Person did, though one day too late; which Blot my Lord Chief Justice hit, being very good at it, and passed the Sentence of Death on him. Before his Tryal he was not much concerned at his Case, and thought himself almost out of danger: But to be short, he received his Sentence with much Courage and Resolution, and by the means of one Mr. Tiller, who was to suffer with him, was brought to that setled frame of Spirit, as is fit for one in that Condition: As he was riding in the Cart, toward the place of Execution, the Troopers, being just behind the Cart, he told them, They shewed like brave Fellows, but, said he, If I were to have my Life for fighting the best five of you, I would not question it. At the place of Execution he said not much, But that he thought his and other mens Blood would be revenged on time or another, and said, Forgive me, have Mercy on my poor Soul, pardon all my Sins, and the like, and so the Executioner did his Office.
The Last Speech and Prayer of Mr. Matthews at the place of Execution.
HE was much concerned the Morning before he died, to see his Wife weep, and to be in such a passion for him, which drew Tears from his Eyes; and taking her in his Arms, said, My Dear, Prithee do not disturb me at this time, but endeavour to submit to the Will of God; and although thy Husband is going from thee, yet I trust God will be all in all unto thee; sure my Dear, you will make my passage into Eternity more troublesome than otherwise, if you thus lament and take on for me; I am very sensible of thy tender love towards me, but would have you consider, that this Separation will be so much for my Advantage, as your Loss cannot parallel. I thank God I am willing to die, and to be with my Jesus; be satisfied, the Will of God must be done: thy Will be done, O God, in Earth as it is in Heaven; So embracing her, took his last farewell of her, and prepared to go to the place of Execution, where being come, he with a very modest, sober, composed Frame of Spirit stood while he saw several Executed before him; his turn being come, he thus spake:
Dear Countrimen, I suppose We are all of one Kingdom and Nation, and I hope Protestants; O I wonder we should be so cruel and Blood-thirsty one towards another; I have heard it said heretofore, that England could never be ruin'd but by her self, which now I fear if a doing. Lord have Mercy on poor England; turn the Hearts of the I…habi…nts thereof, cause them to love one another, and to for…et one anothers Infirmities. Have me…cy, O Lord, on me; Give me strength and patience to fulfil thy Will; Comfort my dear and sorrowful Wife, be a Hu…b…nd unto her, stand by her in the great…st trouble and affliction; Let her depend upon thy P…ovidence…; be merciful to all men; preserve this Nation from Popery; find out yet a way for its deliverance, if it be thy good Will, and give all Men Hearts to be truly than…ful; Comfort my fellow sufferers that are immediately to follow; Give them strength and comfort unto the end: I forgive all the World, even all those that have been the immediate Hastners of my Death: I am in charity with all Men. And now, blessed Lord Jesus, into thy Hands I commend my Spirit. Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy Will be done in E…rth 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 Executioner not to be hard to him, who answered, No, and said, I pray Master forgive me: To which he said, I do wi…h my whole Heart, and I pray God forgive thee; but I advise thee to leave off this bloody Trade. The Executioner said, I am forced to do what I do, it's against my mind. So lifting up his hands to Heaven, the Executioner did his Office.
The Behaviour and Dying Words of Mr. Roger Satchel, who was executed at Weymouth in the County of Dorset.
THis Gentleman, at the time of the Dukes 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 Dukes being landed, but he sets himself to work to serve him, desiring all he knew to joyn 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 Discipline, who made it their business to ruine their Neighbours in those parts; they are so well known, I need not say any more: He was from thence carry'd to Ilchester, and so secured in Ilchester Goal; and at the Bloody Assizes at Dorchester, took his Tryal, and received his Sentence with the rest: Great application was made for him; but my L. C. Justice Jeffreys 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 answer'd, 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, I 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 joyning in that Rebellion? who answered, Had you, Sir, been there, and a Protestant, I believe you would have joyned too; but do not speak 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, I do not care for 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 turned 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, I die for a good Cause, and am going to a gracious God. I desire all your Christian Prayers; 'tis good to go to Heaven 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.
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 Bridport to be Executed. Coming to the place of Execution, he held up his Hands to Heaven, and turning himself to the People, said, I 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 been a great deal more, if I had suffered for some Felonious Account. Says one to him, Is not this worse do you think than Felony? He answered, I know not any thing that I have done so bad as Felony, that this heavy Judgment should fall upon me, except it be for my sins against my God, whom I have highly provok'd, and must acknowledge have deserved ten thousand times more; Lord! I trust thou hast pardoned them; Seal my pardon in the Blood of my 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 should reply, Do not trouble your selves, I will ease the Parish of that trouble. In Prison, and at the place of Execution, he behaved himself so 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,Here was a glorious Instance of Filial Affection. and was going up the Ladder, if it might have been suffer'd. He prayed some short time, and so was translated, as we have hopes to think, from this troublesome World into Celestial Joy and Happiness.
Next follows 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 gor'd, his hands were bor'd,
His feet were nailed down,
And all was for the Redemption
Of sinful wicked Man.
O 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 scoff… and smites, for jeers, for flouts
Which upon Christ did fall.
Now Christ, haste unto us again,
Thy Scepter for to sway,
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done.
Come Jesus, come away.
With glorious bands and shi…ing trance
Of Angels in the Skye,
Which forth shall sing Triumphing Songs
With sweet Hallelujah.
Set up thy standerd, 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,
…tir 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 wo.
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 Rejoyce, because
The time appointed is,
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 is the Brid…grooms Voice;
That when the … comes swiftly by,
It may your … …ejoyce.
Your light grows dim, arise and trim
Your Lamps from all their Soyl;
And see your Light shines clear and bright,
Supply'd with Gospel-Oyl.
Some Virgins now do Sleepy grow;
And don't their Vessels fill;
Nor fear a want, when Oyl grows scant,
And none be found to sell.
And at Mid-night, all in a Fright,
Oyl-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 …ath surely spi'de
Some of his Glorious Rays;
And will not sleep, unless she keep
Her Watch-light… burning still,
With Oyl 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'll be cleans'd, or quickly chang'd
For Rayments of Delight.
With her Bridegroom, she … find room
In Chambers of his Love;
When the Unwise, he will de…pise,
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 surprized by a Party of the Dukes, 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, a…d said, A Populous Town, God bless it. Just b…fore 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 he was forced to do. And further said, I am so well known to you, that I do verily believe you have Charity to think that what I speak is true. As for the Niceties of the Law, I do not well understand them. And much more to the same effect he spake. And so after Prayer with his suffering Brother, Mr. Simon Hambling, he was Executed.
There was also Executed at Taunton Mr. John Hucker, a very worthy Gentlman 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 Traytor 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 Enemies 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 from Mr. Robert Hucker now living in Taunton, which I thought proper to print word for word, than so my Reader may see what care I have taken to have all the Accounts I give concerning Mr. Hucker well attested.
Mr. Dunton, Taunton, Feb. 24th. 1691/2.
LOoking over the Advertisements to 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 consented to have it Printed, was, That persons mouths may be stopt from their false and lying Accusations; he carried himself 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 Souldiers 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, ROBERT HUCKER.
Direct to me in Taunton.
Mr. John Huckers 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 ere I could; but now God hath done 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 so industriously endeavoured 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 my self 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 Birthright; and therefore was industrious in it; but I hope never did (I am sur… never intended) troublesomness to any in it, but especially to my Superiors: I had ever a venerable and due esteem of Magistrates, as the Ministers of God, and they Administring an Ordinance of God.
I also lye under a Reproach of being unfaithful to an Interest that I owned, which I utterly deny and disown.
I pray God bless and forgive my violent Enemies that hav… industriously sought the taking away my Life. It's the hearty Prayer of▪
JOHN HVCKER. From Taunton-Castle a little before he suffered, Sept. 30th. 1685.