A New Martyrology, Introduction 2 · Life 1
The Hewlings.
IF any one would see true Pure Popish Mercy, let 'em look on these two Gentlemen, the onelyonly Sons of their virtuous and sorrowful surviving Parents; the Comforts, Props, and Hopes of their Name and Family, carefully educated, virtuously disposed both of them; after all repeated applications, if but for one of their Lives, barbarously Executed. A particular Care was taken by their Father in their Education, forming their Minds by his own Example, and constant Instructions and Prayers, as well as other pains of Ingenuous Masters, to the strictest Rules of Piety and Vertue. Nor was their pious and very tender Mother less careful in that particular.
The Elder, Mr. Benjamin Hewling had Tutors in the Mathematicks, and other parts of Philosophy; a course of which he went through successfully enough, and so as to render him as compleat in his Mind, as Nature had form'd his …ody: After which he went to Holland, as his Brother Mr. William Hewling, from whence this last returned with the Duke: Both of 'em had Commands in the Army; the Elder had a Troop of Horse, the younger was a Lieutenant of Foot, and discharged their Places with much more Conduct and Bravery, than could be expected from such young Soldiers, being entirely satisfied in the Cause they fought for, since 'twas …o less than the Interest of all that was dear to 'em in this World or t'other. The Eldest had particularly signaliz'd himself in several Skirmishes, and was sent with a Detachment of his own Troop, and two more, to Myn-head in Somersetshire to bring Cannon to the Army, at the very instant the Duke engaged the Kings Forces at fatal Sedgmore; and came not up till after the Field was entirely lost; to whose absence, with so considerable a Party of the Dukes Horse, and the most resolved Men of all he had, the loss of the day was principally owing. Finding all things in Disorder, and the Rout beyond recovering, he was forc'd to disperse his Troops, every one shifting as they could for themselves. He and his Brother kept together, where, what befel 'em after, their Friends have given an exact Account, which is here following inserted.
An Account of the Behaviour of Mr. William and Benjamin He…lings before, and at their Execution; with several Letters to divers of their Relations.
THe Gracious dealings of God, manifested to some in Dying Hours, have been of great advantage to those living that heard the same, giving them an occasion thereby to reflect on their own State, and to look after the things of their Peace, before they be hid from their Eyes; as also a great encouragement to strengthen the Faith of those that have experienced the Grace of God to them.
To that end it is thought necessary, by Parents especially, to preserve to their Children that remain, those blessed Experiences that such have had, which God hath taken to himself.
Here therefore is presented a true account of the admirable appearances of God towards two young Men; Mr. Benjamin Hewling, who dyed when he was about 22 Years of Age, and Mr. William Hewling, who dyed before he arrived to 20 Years: They Engaged with the Duke of Monmouth, as their own VVords were, for the English Liberties, and the Protestant Religion, and for which Mr. VVilliam Hewling was Executed at Lyme the 12th of September, 1685. and Mr. Ben. Hewling at Taunton the 30th of the same Month; and however severe Men were to them, yet the blessed Dispensation of God towards th…m was such, as hath made good his Word, that out of the Mouths of Babes he hath ordained Strength, that he may still the Enemy and the Avenger. Then, Reader, would you see Earthly Angels, Men that are a little too low for Heaven, and much too high for Earth) would you see poor frail Creatures trampling this World under their Feet, and with an holy, serene Smiling at the Threats of Tyrants, who are the Terrors of the Mighty in the Land of the Living? Would you see shackled Prisoners behave themselves like Judges, and Judges stand like Prisoners before them? Would you see some of the rare Exploits of Faith in its highest Elevation, immediately before it be swallowed up in the Beatifical Vision? To conclude, would you see the Heavenly Jerusalem pourtrayed on Earth? Would you hear the melodious Voices of ascending Saints in a ravishing Conso…t ready to joyn with the Heavenly Chorus in thei… de…igh…ful Hallelujahs? Then draw near, come and see! If thou be a Man of an Heavenly Spirit, here is pleasant and suitable entertainment for thee; and after thou hast conversed a while these Excellent Spirits, it may be thou wilt Judge as I do, That dead Saints are sweeter Companions (in some respects) for thee to converse with, than those that are living: And when thou shalt see the magnifice… Acts of their faith, their invincible Patience, their flaming Love to Christ, their strange contempt and undervaluings of the World their plainness and simplicity in the profession of the Gospel, their f…rvent and brotherly love to each other, their ravishing Pr… spects, (as it were on the top of Mount Pisgah) …f the Heavenly Canaan, their Swan-like Songs and Dying Speeches. And Reader, You know the first Lisping of little Children, and last Farewels of Dying Saints are always most sweet and charming: Those Fore-tasts of the Rivers of Pleasure, the transporting Glimpses they had of the Crown of Glory; I say, when you see and read these Exemplary Truths, wonder not that the Pious Hewlings long'd so vehemently to be in a better World, though they were to pass through a thousand Deaths, or the Fiery Tryal to it. [But to come to our intended matter.]
After the Dispersing of the Dukes Army, they fled and put to Sea, but were driven back again, and with the hazard of their Lives got on shore, (over dangerous Rocks) where they saw the Country fill'd with Soldiers; and they being unwilling to fall into the hands of the Rabble, and no way of defence or escape remaining to them, they surrendred themselves Prisoners to a Gentleman, whose House was near the place they landed at, and were from thence sent to Exeter Goal, the 12th of July, where remaining some time, their behaviour was such, that (being visited by many caus'd great respect towards 'em, even of those that were enemies to the Cause they engaged in; and being on the 27th of July put on board the Swan Frigate, in order to their bringing up to London; their Carriage was such, as obtained great kindness frome the Commander, and all other Officers in the Ship, and being brought into the River, Captain Richardson came and took them into his Custody, and carryed them to Newgate, putting great Irons upon them, and put them apart from each other, without giving Liberty for the nearest Relation to see them, notwithstanding all endeavours and entreaties used to obtain it, tho in the presence of a Keeper; which though it did greatly increase the Grief of Relations, God, who wisely orders all things for good to those he intends Grace and Mercy to, made this very Restraint, and hard usage a blessed advantage to their Souls, as may appear by their own Words, when after great importunity and charge, some of their near Relations had leave to speak a few words to them before the Keeper, to which they replied, They were c…ntented with the Will of God whatever it should be. Having been in Newgate three Weeks, there was Order given to carry them down into the West, in order to their Tryal; which being told them they answer'd, They were glad of it; and that Morning they went out of Newgate, several that beheld them, seeing them so chearful, said, Surely they had received their Pardon, else they could never carry it with that Courage and Chearfulness. Altho this must be observed, that from first to last, whatever hopes they received from Friends, they still thought the contrary, never being much affected with the hopes of it, nor cast down, nor the least discouraged at the worst that man could do. In their Journey to Dorchester, the Keepers that went with them have given this account of them, That their Carriage was so grave, serious and christian, that made them admire to see, and hear what they did from such Young Men.
A near Relation that went into the West to see the issue of things, and to perform whatever should be necessary for them, gives the following account:
At Salisbury, the 30th of August, I had the first opportunity of Converse with them: I found them in a very excellent Composure of Mind, declaring their experience of the Grace and Goodness of God to them in all their Sufferings, in supporting. and strengthning, and providing for them, turning the Hearts of all in whose hands they had been both at Exon, and on Ship-board, to shew pity and favour to them; although since they came to Newgate they were hardly used, and now in their Journey loaded with heavy Irons, and more inhumanely dealt with. They with great chearfulness profess'd, That they were better, in a more happy Condition than ever in their Lives, from the sense they had of the pardoning Love of God in Jesus Christ to their Souls, wholly referring themselves to their wise and gracious God to chuse for them Life or Death; Expressing themselves thus: Any thing what pleases God what he sees best so be it: We know he is ab…e to deli…er, but if not, blessed be his Name, Death is not terrible now, but desireable. Mr. Benjamin Hewling particularly added, As for th… World, there is nothing in it to make it worth while to live, except we may be serviceable to God therein. And afterwards said, Oh! God is a a strong Refuge, I have found him so indeed.
The next Opportunity I had was at Dorchester, where they both were carried, there remaining together four days: By reason of their strait Confinement our Converse was much interrupted; but this appear'd, that they had still the same Presence and Support from God, no way discourag'd at the approach of their Tryal, nor of the event of it, whatever it should be.
The 6th of September Mr. Benjamin Hewling was order'd to Taunton to be tryed there: Taking my leave of him, he said, Oh! Blessed be God for Afflictions; I have found such happy Effects, that I would not have been with out them for all this World.
I remained still at Dorchester to wait the Issue of Mr. William Hewling, to whom after Tryal, I had free Access, whose Discourse was much fill'd with Admirings of the Grace of God in Christ, that had been manifested towards him, in calling him out of his natural State, He said, God by his Holy Spirit did suddenly seize upon his Heart, when he thought not of it in his retired Abode in Holland, as it were secretly whispering in his Heart, Seek ye my Face, enabling him to answer his gracious Call, and to reflect upon his own Soul, shewing him the Evil of Sin, and necessity of Christ, from that time carrying him on, to a sensible adherence to Christ for Justification and Eternal Life. He said, Hence he found a Spring of Joy and Sweetness, beyond the Comforts of the whole Earth. He further said, He could not but admire the wonderful goodness of God, in so preparing him, for what he was bringing him to, which then he thought not of giving him hope of Eternal Life before he called him to look Death in the face, so that he did chearfully resign his Life to God before he came, having sought his Guidance in it; and that both then, and now the Cause did appear to him very glorious, notwithstanding all he had suffer'd in it, or what he further might. Although for our Sins God hath with-held these good things from us. But he said, God had carry'd on his blessed Work on his Soul, in and by all his Sufferings; and whatever the Will of God were, Life or Death, he knew it would be best for him.
After he had received his Sentence, when he returned to Prison, he said, Methinks I find my Spiritual Comforts increasing, ever since my Sentence. There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, it's God that justifies, who shall condemn?
When I came to him the next morning (when he had received News that he must die the next day, and in order to it was to be carried to Lyme that day) I found him in a more excellent rais'd spiritual Frame than before: He said, He was satisfi'd God had chosen best for him; he knows what the Temptations of Life might have been; I might have lived and forgotten God, but now I am going where I shall sin no more. Oh! it's a blessed thing to be free from sin, and to be with Christ. Oh! the Riches of the Love of God in Christ to Sinners▪ Oh! how great were the Sufferings of Christ for me beyond all I can undergo? How great is that Glory to which I am going? It will soon swallow up all our Sorrow here.
When he was at Dinner, just before his going to Lyme, he dropt many abrupt Expressions of his inward Joy, such as these: Oh! the Grace of God, the Love of Christ; Oh, that blessed Supper of the Lamb, to be for ever with the Lord! He further said, when I went to Holland, you knew not what Snares, Sins and Miseries I might fall into, or whether ever we should meet again: But now you know whither I am going, and that we shall certainly have a most joyful meeting.
He said, Pray give my particular Recommendations to all my Friends, with acknowledgements for all their kindness. I advise them all to make sure of an Interest in Christ, for he is the only Comfort when we come to die.
One of the Prisoners seemed to be troubled at the manner of the Death they were to die; to whom he replied, I bless God I am reconciled to it all.
Just as he was going to Lyme, he writ these few Lines to a Friend, being hardly suffer'd to stay so long.
I am going to Launch into Eternity, I hope and trust into the Arm of my Blessed Redeemer, to whom I commit you and all my dear Relations; my Duty to my dear Mother, and Love to all my Sisters, and the rest of my Friends.
William Hewling.
As they passed through the Town of Dorchester to Lyme, multitudes of People beheld them, with great Lamentations, admiring at his Deportment at his parting with his Sister.
As they pass'd upon the Road between Lyme and Dorchester, his Discourse was exceeding Spiritual, (as those declar'd who were present) taking occasion from every thing to speak of the Glory they were going to. Looking out on the Country as he pass'd, he said, This is a glorious Creation, but what then is the Paradice of God to which we are going? 'tis but a few Hours, and we shall be there, and for ever with the Lord.
At Lyme, just before they went to die, reading John 14.18. He said to one of his fellow-Sufferers, Here is a sweet Promise for us. I will not leave you comfortless, I will come unto you. Christ will be with us to the last. One taking leave of him, he said, Farewel till we meet in Heaven; Pres…ntly I shall be with Christ: Oh! I would not change conditions with any in this World; I would not stay behind for ten thousand Worlds.
To another that ask'd him how he did now? he said, Very Well, he bless'd God. And farther asking him, if he could look Death in the face with Comfort now i… approach'd so near? he said, Yes, I bless God I can with great Comfort; God hath made this a good Night to me, my Comforts are much encreas'd since I left Dorchester: Then taking leave of him, said, Farewel, I shall see you no more. To which he replied, How! see me no more? yes, I hope to meet you in Glory. To another that was by him to the last, he said, Pray remember my dear Love to my Brother and Sister, and tell them, I desire they would comfort themselves that I am gone to Christ, and we shall quickly meet in the Glorious Mount Sion above.
Afterwards he prayed for about three quarters of an hour with the greatest fervency, exceedingly blessing God for Jesus Christ, adoring the riches of his Grace in him, in all the glorious fruits of it towards him, praying for the Peace of the Church of God, and of these Nations in particular, all with such eminent assistance of the Spirit of God, as convinced, astonish'd, and melted into Pity the Hearts of all present, even the most malicious Adversaries, forcing Tears and Expressions from them; some saying, They knew not what would become of them after Death; but it was evident he was going to great happiness.
When he was just going out of the World, with a joyful Countenance, he said, Oh! now my Joy and …omfort is, that I have a Christ to go to, and so sweetly resign'd his Spirit to Christ, the 12th of September, 1685.
An Officer who had shewed so malicious a Spirit as to call the Prisoners Devils, when he was guarding them down, was now so convinced, that he after told a Person of Quality, That he was never so affected, as by his chearful Carriage and fervent Prayer, such as he believ'd was never heard, especially from one so young; and said, I believe had the Lord Chief Justice been there, he could not have let him die.
The Sheriff having given his Body to be bury'd, although it was brought from the place of Execution without any notice given, yet very many of the Town, to the number of about 200, came to accompany him; and several young Women of the best of the Town, laid him in his Grave in Lyme Church-yard, the 13th of Septemb. 1685.
After which his Sister Writ this following Letter to her Mother.
ALthough I have nothing to acquaint my Dear Mother withal, but what is most afflictive to Sense, both as to the Determination of Gods Will, and as to my present Apprehension concerning my Brother Benjamin, yet remaining; yet there is such abundant Consolation mixt in both, that I only wanted an opportunity to pay this Duty; God having wrought so glorious a Work on both their Souls, revealing Christ in them, that Death is become their Friend. My Brother William having already with the greatest Joy, declared to those that were with him to the last, that he would not change Conditions with any that were to remain in this world, and he desired that his Relations would comfort themselves, that he is gone to Christ.
My Brother Benjamin expects not long to continue in this World, and is exceeding willing to leave it when God shall call, being fully satisfied that God will choose that which is best for him and us all; by these things God doth greatly support me; and I hope you also, my dear Mother, which was and is my Brothers great desire; there is still room for Prayer for one; and God having so answer'd though not in kind, we have encouragement still to wait on him.
Honoured Mother, Your Dutiful Daughter. Hannah Hewling.
When I came to Taunton to Mr. Benjamin Hewling, he had received the News of his Brothers being gone to die with so much comfort and joy, and afterwards of the continued goodness of God increasing it to the end. He express'd to this effect, We have no cause to fear Death, if the Presence of God be with us; there is no evil in it, the sting being taken away; it's nothing but our Ignorance of the Glory that the Saints pass into by Death, which makes it appear dark for our selves or Relations, if in Christ▪ what is this World, that we should desire an abode in it? it's all vain and unsatisfying, full of sin and misery: Intimating also his own chearful expectations soon to follow, discovering then, and all along great seriousness, and sense of spiritual and eternal things, complaining of nothing in his present Circumstances, but want of place of retirement to converse more uninterruptedly with God and his own Soul, saying, That his lonely time in Newgate was the sweetest in his whole Life. He said, God having some time before struck his Heart (when he thought of the hazard of his Life) to some serious Sense of his past Life, and the great consequences of Death and Eternity, shewing him, that they were the only happy Persons that had secured their eternal States: The folly and madness of the ways of sin, and his own Thraldom therein, with his utter inability to deliver himself; also the necessity of Christ for Salvation: He said it was not without terror and amazement for some time, the fight of unpardon'd sin, with eternity before him. But God wonderfully opened to him the Riches of his Free-grace in Christ Jesus for poor Sinners to flee to, enabling to look alone to a Crucified Christ for Salvation: He said this blessed Work was in some measure carried on upon his Soul, under all his business and hurries in the Army; but never sprung forth so fully and sweetly till his close confinement in Newgate. There he saw Christ and all spiritual Objects more clearly, and embraded them more strongly; there he experienced the blessedness of a reconciled State, the Excellency of the ways of Holiness, the delightfulness of Communion with God, which remained with very deep and apparent impressions on his Soul, which he frequently express'd with admiration of the Grace of God towards him.
He said, Perhaps my Friends may think this Summer the saddest time of my Life; but I bless God it hath been the sweetest and most happy of it all; nay, there is nothing else worth the name of happiness. I have in vain sought satisfaction from the things of this World, but I never found it; but now I have foundrest for my Soul in God alone.
O how great is our blindness by Nature, till God open our Eyes, that we can see no excellency in spiritual things, but spend our precious time in pursuing Shadows, and are deaf to all the invitations of Grace and Glorious Offers of the Gospel! How just is God in depriving us of that we so much slighted and abused! Oh! his infinite patience and goodness, that after all, he should yet sanctifie any methods to bring a poor sinner to himself: Oh! Electing Love, distinguishing Grace; what great cause have I to admire and adore it!
He said, What an amazing Consideration is the sufffering of Christ for sin, to bring us to God; his suffering from wicked Men was exceeding great; but alas, what was that to the Dolours of his Soul, under the infinite Wrath of God? This Mystery of Grace and Love is enough to swallow up our thoughts to all Eternity.
As to his own Death, he would often say, He saw no reason to expect any other; I know God is infinitely able to deliver, and I am sure will do it, if it be for his Glory, and my Good; in which, I bless God, I am fully satisfied; it's all my desire that he would choose for me, and then I am sure it will be best, whatever it be; for truly, unless God have some work for me to do in the World for his Service and Glory, I see nothing else to make Life desirable: In the present state of Affairs, there is nothing to cast our Eyes upon but Sin, Sorrow and Misery: And truly, were things never so much according to our desires, it's but the World still, which will never be a resting-place. Heaven is the only state of Rest and Happiness; there we shall be perfectly free from Sin and Temptation, and enjoy God without interruption for ever.
Speaking of the Disappointment of their expectations in the work they had undertaken, he said with reference to the Glory of God, the Prosperity of the Gospel, and the delivery of the People of God, We have great Cause to lament it; but for that outward Prosperity that would have accompanied it, its but of small moment in it self; as it could not satisfie, so neither could it be abiding; for at longest, Death would have put an end to it all: Also adding, nay perhaps, we might have been so foolish, as to have been taken with that part of it, with the neglect of our eternal concerns; and then I am sure our present circumstances are incomparably better.
He frequently express'd great concern for the Glory of God, and affection to his People, saying, If my Death may advance Gods Glory, and hasten the Deliverance of his People, it is enough; saying, It was a great comfort to him, to think of so great a priviledge as an interest in all their Prayers.
In his Converse particularly valuing and delighting in those Persons where he saw most holiness shining; also great pity to the Souls of others, saying, That the remembrance of our former Vanity may well cause Compassion to others in that state. And in his Converse prompting others to Seriousness, telling them, Death and Eternity are such weighty concerns, that they deserve the utmost intention of our Minds; for the way to receive Death chearfully, is to prepare for it seriously; and if God should please to spare our Lives, surely we have the same reason to be serious, and spend our remaining days in his Fear and Service.
He also took great care that the Worship of God, which they were in a Capacity of maintaining there, might be duly perform'd; as Reading, Praying, and Singing of Psalms, in which he evidently took great delight.
For those three or four days before their deaths, when there was a general Report that no more should die; he said, I don't know what God hath done beyond our expectations; if he doth prolong my Life, I am sure it is all his own, and by his Grace I will wholly devote it to him.
But the 29th of September, about ten or eleven at Night, we found the deceitfulness of this Report, they being then told they must die the next Morning, which was very unexpected, as to the suddenness of it; but herein God glorified his Power, Grace, and Faithfulness, in giving suitable Support and Comfort by his blessed Presence, which appeared upon my coming to him at that time, finding him greatly composed; He said, Tho' Men design to surprize, God doth and will perform his Word, to be a very present help in trouble.
The next Morning when I saw him again, his Cheerfulness and Comfort were much increased, waiting for the Sheriff with the greatest-sweetness and serenity of Mind; saying, Now the Will of God is determined, to whom I have referr'd it, and he hath chosen most certainly that which is best.
Afterward with a smiling Countenance, he discours'd of the Glory of Heaven, remarking with much delight the third, fourth, and fifth Verses of the 22th of the Revelations, And there shall be no more Curse; But the Throne of God, and of the Lamb, shall be in it, and his Servants shall serve him, and they shall see his Face, and his Name shall be in their Foreheads, and there shall be no Night there, and they shall need no Candle nor Light of the Sun, and they shall reign for ever and ever. Then he said, Oh, what a happy State is this! shall we be loth to go to enjoy this! Then he desired to be read to him, 2 Cor. 5. For we know that if our earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolv'd, we have a Building of God, a House not made with Hands, eternal in the Heavens; to the tenth or eleventh verses. In all, his Comforts still increasing, expressing his sweet Hopes and good Assurance of his Interest in this glorious Inheritance, and being now going to the possession of it, seeing so much of this happy Change, that he said, Death was more desireable than Life; he had rather dye than live any longer here. As to the manner of his Death, he said, When I have consider'd others under these Circumstances, I have thought it very dreadful, but now God hath call'd me to it, I bless God I have quite other apprehensions of it; I can now chearfully embrace it as an easie passage to Glory: and tho' Death s…parates from the Enjoyments of each other here, it will be but for a very short time, and then we shall meet in such Enjoyments as now we cannot conceive, and for ever rejoyce in each others Happiness. Then reading the Scriptures, and musing with himself, he intimated the great Comfort God convey'd to his Soul in it; saying, O what an invaluable Treasure is this blessed Word of God; in all Conditions here is a store of strong Consolation. One desiring his Bible, he said, No, this shall be my Companion to the last moment of my Life. Thus praying together, reading, meditating, and conversing of Heavenly things, they waited for the Sheriff, who, when he came, void of all Pity or Civility, hurried them away scarce suffering them to take leave of their Friends. But notwithstanding this, and the doleful mourning of all about them, the Joyfulness of his Countenance was encreased. Thus he left his Prison, and thus he appear'd in the Sledge, where they sat about half an hour, before the Officers could force the Horses to draw, at which they were greatly enraged, there being no visible obstruction from weight or way. But at last the Mayor and Sheriff hall'd them forwards themselves, Balaam-like driving the Horses.
When they came to the place of Execution, which was surrounded with Spectators, many that waited their Coming with great sorrow, said. That when they saw him and them come with such chearfulness and joy, and evidence of the Presence of God with them, it made Death appear with another Aspect.
They first embraced each other with the greatest Affection; then two of the elder Persons praying audibly, they joyn'd with great seriousness. Then he desired leave of the Sheriff to pray particularly, but he would not grant it, only ask'd him if he would pray for the King: He answered, I pray for all men. He then requested they might sing a Psalm; the Sheriff told him, It must be with the Ropes about their Necks; which they cheerfully accepted, and sung with such heavenly joy and sweetness, that many present said, It both broke and rejoyc'd their hearts.
Thus in the experience of the delightfulness of praising God on Earth, he willingly closed his Eyes on a vain World, to pas… to that Eternal Employment, Sept. 30. 1685.
All present of all sorts were exceedingly affected and amazed. Some Officers that had before insultingly said, Surely these Persons have no thoughts of death, but will find themselves surprized by it; after said, That they now saw he and they had something extraodinary within that carried them through with such joy. Others of them said, That they were so convinc'd of their Happin…ss, that they would be glad to change Conditions with them. All the Souldiers in general, and all others, lamenting exceedingly, saying, That it was so sad a thing, to see them so cut off, they scarce knew how to bear it.
Some of the most malicious in the place, from whom nothing but railing was expected, said, (as they were carried to their …rave in Taunton Church, voluntarily accompanied by most of the Town) That these Persons had left a sufficient Evidence, that they were now glorified Saints in Heaven. A great Officer in the King'… Army has been often heard to say, That if you would learn to die, go to the young Men of Taunton.
Much more was utter'd by them, which shew'd the blessed and glorious frames of their hearts (to the Glory of Divine Grace) but this is what occurs to memory.
Mr. Benjamin Hewling, about two hours before his death, writ this following Letter, which shew'd the great composure of his Mind.
Mr. Hewlings last Letter a little before his Execution. Taunton, Sept. 30. 1685.
Honoured Mother,
THat News which I know you have a great while feared, and we expected, I must now acquaint you with; That notwithstanding the Hopes you gave in your two last Letters, Warrants are come down f…r my Execution, and within these few hours I expect it to be pe…formed. Blessed be the Almighty God that gives comfort and support in such a day; how ought we to magnifie his holy Name for all his Mercies▪ that when we were running on in a course of sin, he should stop us in our full career, and shew us that C…rist whom we had pierced, an… out of hi… …ree Grace enable us to look upon him with an E…e of Faith▪ believing him able to save to the utmost all such as come to him. Oh admirable lo…g suffering and patience of God, that when we were dishono…ring hi… Name, he did not take that time to bring honour to himself by our destruction. But he delighteth not in the death of a sinner, bu… had rather he should turn to him and live: And he has many ways of bringing his own to hims…lf. Blessed be his Holy Name, that through Affliction he has taught my heart in some measure to be comformable to his Will, which worketh patience, and patience worketh experience, and experience hope, which maketh not ashamed. I bless God I am not ashamed of the Cause for which I lay down my life; and as I have engaged in it, and fought for it; so now I am going to s…al it with my Blood. The Lord still carry on the same Cause which hath been long on foot; and tho' we die in it, and for it, I question not but in his own good time he will raise up other Instruments mor… worthy to carry it on to the glory of his Name, and the advancement of his Church and People.
Honoured Mother, I know there has been nothing left undone by you, or my Friends, for the saving of my Life, for which I return many hearty acknowledgments to your self and them all; and it's my dying request to you and them, to pardon all undutifulness and unkindness in every Relation. Pray give my Duty to my Grandfather and Grandmother, Service to my Vnkles and Aunts, and my dear Love to all my Sisters; to every Relation and Friend a particular Recommendation. Pray tell 'em all how precious an Interest in Christ is when we come to die, and advise them never to rest in a Christless Estate. For if we are his, it's no matter what the World do to us, they can but kill the Body, and blessed be God the Soul is out of their reach, for I question not but their malice wishes the damnation of that, as well as the destruction of the Body; which has too evidently appeared by their deceitful flattering promises. I commit you all to the care and protection of God, who has promised to be a Father t… the Fatherless, and a Husband to the Widdow, and to supply the want of every Relation. The Lord God of Heaven be your Comfort under thes… Sorrows, and your Refuge from these Miseries we may easily foresee coming upon poor England, and the poor distressed People of God in it. The Lord carry you through this vale of Tears with a resigning submissive Spirit, and at last bring you to himself in Glory; where I question not but you will meet your dying Son
Ben Hewling.
Their Characters.
THey were both of very sweet and obliging Tempers, as h…s appeared in their History, it being a very hard matter for their worst Enemies, when they once knew 'em well, not to honour and love 'em. Mr. Benjamin, the elder, reconciled the Lamb and the Lion exactly. In the Field he seem'd made only for War, and any where else, for nothing but Love. He, without flatterry, deserv'd to be call'd a very fine man, of a lovely proportion, extreamly well made, as handsom a Meen, & good an Air, as perhaps few in England exceeded him: His Picture is pretty like him.
The younger, Mr. William, somewhat taller, and more slender. His Face fresh and lively, as his Spirit, being Master of an extraordinary vivacity and briskness of Temper. Both of 'em vertuous, pious and couragious far above their years, and indeed, seem'd to be Men too soon, one of 'em not being Twenty, the eldest but Two and twenty when they dy'd; verifying that common Observation, That whatever is perfect sooner than ordinary, has generally a shorter Period prefix'd it, than what's more base and ignoble.