Warning for SERVANTS: And a CAUTION to PROTESTANTS. Or, the CASE of Margaret Clark, Lately Executed for FIRING her Master's HOUSE in SOUTHWARK.  
Faithfully Relating The manner (as she affirmed to the last moment of her life) how she was drawn in to that wicked act; set forth under her own hand after Condemnation.  
Her Penitent Behaviour in PRISON.  
Her Christian Advice to Visiters, Discourses with several Ministers, and last words at Execution.  
Impartially published, with the Attestations of persons of Worth, and many substantial Eye and Ear witnesses, whose Names are inserted in this Narrative.  
LONDON: Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and three Crowns in Cheapside near Mercer's Chapel; and are to be sold by Joseph Collier at the Bible on London-bridg, under the Gate. 1680.   

To the READER.  
THE Ends of publishing this Relation are no other than truly to state matter of fact concerning this poor Maid, whose unhappy Tragedy has occasioned so many various reports both in City and Country; To caution all others, and particularly those of her condition, as servants, etc. to beware of harkening to any the like destructive insinuations, suggested either immediately by Satan, or mediately by any of his Popish Imps; but still more especially to promote the glory of God, in recording how he was graciously pleased both to blast or frustrate by signal Providence the mischievous design she was engaged in; and also to turn the same by his infinite wisdom, into the greatest and most unspeakable good for her soul, as in the judgement of charity from her words and deportment we are bound to hope.  
Needs must he be a stranger in our Israel, nay indeed a Rebel to Reason, and Renegado from common sense, that is not sensible of the restless accursed endeavours of Papists to ruin these Nations, and especially this famous City and all its Suburbs; their Fireworks in Sixty-six we hope will never be forgot; nor yet their practices afterward, when so great a part of the Burrow of Southwark, after several defeated attempts, was at last laid in Ashes by the Hellish industry of Grove and his Irish Ruffians, How often have they since carried on the like practices in several parts of the Town? How frequently endeavoured to debauch servants, and with promises of large sums of money tempt them to set fire to their Master's houses, or give their Instruments opportunity to do it; especially in such places where by reason of the old close buildings, or variety of combustible matter, the greatest mischief was like to ensue? Whence so many attempts have been made on Smithfield, the backside of St. Clement's, this very place of Pepper-Alley, etc.  
We mention this to show that 'tis nothing new nor infrequent, for these Enginiers of mischief to be concerned in such practices and temptations; yet so subtle and politic they are for the most part to make use of others to execute the Villainies of this kind which they themselves contrive, to the end that if it be discovered, whilst the immediate Agents are enquired after, and under examination, they that set them on may have better opportunities to escape; or if apprehended, yet the Transactions being private, Confidence shall outface Truth; and for want of proof, not guilt, they may avoid the stroke of Justice: For our merciful English Laws (far different from the Tyranny of a Popish Inquisiton) allow of no Racks nor Tortures to extort Confessions. Nor will our Protestant Courts of Justice condemn any upon surmise, without legàl evidence of the Fact.  
Whether there were any such Temptations used to this Maid, as she alleged, we shall not undertake to determine, having nothing to justify it but her Asseverations, which have only this confirmation, That as they were constant, so they were pronounced with her last breath, and sealed with her death. And certainly those people who are so importunate with us to believe dying men's words against evident proof, will allow us not altogether to contemn those of a dying woman, in a matter doubtful at least, if we may not say attended with some suspicious probabilities. And indeed so much was she the rather to be credited than they, because she pretended to no cause that might improve a lie into merit; was furnished with no Absolution or Dispensation that might lay Conscience to sleep, nor had any hopes to scour off the falsehood by any slight purging Flames in the other world. And as it cannot well be imagined, That she who durst not tell a Lie to respite punishment, or to save her own Life, should yet without any hopes of advantage persist in a false Accusation of another whom she could have no malice against; so 'tis wonderful to conceive, if she continued guilty of such wickedness, how she should be so joyfully supported with Courage against the terrors of death, and pray and discourse so heartily and affectionately as she was observed to do.  
As for the truth of what is herein related, both touching her Behaviour and Expressions, the same is attested and confirmed by a great number of persons of Credit beyond any exception. The Original of her Confession or Protestation here set forth, remains under her own hand in the custody of that honourable and worthy Gentleman Sir Robert Hatton, Knight, High Sheriff of the County of Surrey; and indeed, all that multitude that either visited her in prison, or was present at her death, can in a great measure bear witness to the reality of this Narrative.  
This poor Creature has paid her debts to Justice in this world, and is now gone before an Allseeing Judge, who in due time will reward every one according to his Works.  
We have entitled the Relation, A Warning for Servants, as hoping this her sad Example may caution all those of that condition who shall read or hear it, to abominate and avoid, as they love their lives, such wicked practices, and not to be inveigled by any fair words or great promises to be aiding or abetting thereunto.  
This detestable offence of malicious clandestine House-burning, contains in itself a complication of several most heinous Crimes, being contrary to all Laws divine and humane, against common Faith and Honesty, and destructive of Humane Society; Injustice, Treachery, Fraud, Violence, Cruelty, and Robbery, all join in it, and Murder of the Innocent oftentimes attend it, by surprise, accidents, or grievous frights. Nor can the mischiefs (especially in populous places) be so particularly limited, but that it may prove general: for when the destroying Element is once prevailing, who knows where it may stop? But above all, these Hellish Conspirators who lie in wait to cause or promote Calamities without any provocation, and make it their business to do all the mischiefs they are able, and depopulate whole Cities if they can, thinking it merit and a part of Religion to ruin by any means those they call Heretics, that so they may advance their own designs, and establish their Romish Idolatry and Tyranny, These of all other Incendiaries are the most pernicious and dangerous, the most diligently to be watched and enquired into, and the most severely to be punished.  

May the God of our Salvation, who hath hither to defended us with an outstretched Arm, discover all such Treacherous Sons of Belial▪ and ever preserve the Protestant Religion and its sincere professors, from the Cruel Machinations of Jesuitical Traitors and all their Instruments and / Abettors. Amen.    

THE PENITENT INCENDIARY: OR, An Impartial and Exact NARRATIVE of the Crime, Confession, and Behaviour of Margaret Clark, etc.  
MARGARET CLARK (the unhappy subject of this Narrative) was born (as we are credibly informed) at Croyden in the County of Surrey, of honest though but mean Parentage. Somewhat above a Quarter of a year before this mischievous Contrivance she had become a Servant to Mr. Delanoy, a worthy substantial Person in Southwark, by Profession a Dyer, where she behaved herself so fairly, that they had no suspicion of her, but very much entrusted her in their House, whereupon she might have had sufficient opportunities to have done them considerable Damage in that kind, without taking the desperate course of Firing their House, which must in all probability have occasioned a general ruin to most of the Neighbourhood: She seemed to be a Wench of a competent understanding, rather above than below what could be expected from her Education and Circumstances, of a free familiar humour; which possibly might give some occasion to that Temptation, which (as she steadfastly alleged) was put upon her.  
But because we would render this Narrative as plain and perspicuous as may be, and yet affirm nothing but what is certainly and notoriously true, as to matter of Fact; and for that the Relation of the Intrigue, and means used to draw her into this Business, depends chiefly on the account given by herself, which can challenge no further Credit than what it may derive from Probabilities, violent Presumptions, and her constant and dying Asseverations; we shall first state the matter as it happened.  
The before mentioned Mr. Delanoy having a Countryhouse at Lee in Kent, was wont frequently to retire thither; with the greatest part of his Family; and particularly was gone thither (whereof most probably the original Contrivers might have obtained some notice before they attempted the Maid) when this horrid attempt was made, which was on Sunday the first day of February, there being none left then at home in Southwark, belonging to him, but this Maid and one young Man. Now so it was, That on the said Lordsday at Night, about Eleven of the Clock, some of the Neighbours perceiving an extraordinary smell of fire, and being there at much affrighted, mischiefs of that kind having for divers years passed been so over-frequent, and particularly the best part of that eminent Burrough having not long since been reduced to Ashes, and that by treacherous Contrivance of the Jesuits and Papists, as hath been satisfactorily proved; They thereupon began to look out, to observe whence this terrible smell proceeded, and finding it to come from Mr. Delanoy's House, and knowing the Master and Mistress, etc. to be out of Town, one John Parrot knocked at the Door, and Margaret Clark let him in the House was found to be on fire in three distinct and several places; That is to say, first just by the Pump (which 'tis rationally supposed was purposely done by the subtle Contrivers, to hinder getting of water to quench it) next in two several places in the Buttery, (near which was some hundreds of Faggots,) which was much furnished with wooden Conveniences, and things easily combustible, and also in the Garret, where there was great a quantity of wood and old Lumber laid together and set on fire; all which confirming them in an Opinion that it must be done purposely and by design, and observing this Margaret Clark come and let them in, having set her own Box in the Parlour, which at first she told them was her Masters, pretending she was endeavouring to preserve it; but providentially a Smith being present, who but the day before had mended it for her, knew it to be her own, and so had greater reason to believe she had some hand in the Treachery; they thereupon entertained a strong suspicion of her; but good store of help coming in, and the several fires not yet being grown to a masterless head, they with little pains and the blessing of God on their Endeavours, made shift to subdue and extinguish them all, without any great difficulty or damage. The danger being pretty well over, upon consideration of the Circumstances before-recited, as also the strange confused behaviour of the Maid, they thought fit to take her into Custody, and examination. At first she endeavoured resolutely to deny any privity or knowledge how or by what means this disaster happened, yet her very Looks, amazed Countenance, faltering Speech, and strange Behaviour, seemed to give the Lie to her words, and show that her Tongue did but in vain strive to falsify the dictates of her heart. At last, after some Conflict between Confidence and Conscience, the latter prevailed, so that before two or three a Clock on the Monday morning she ingenuously confessed herself to be Accestory in promoting this wicked Design and that she had been seduced and hired to consent unto it for a great sum of money promised to be paid her for this hellish service: Being Examined who it was that had put her upon it, she declared she could not tell his name, but only that it was a Gentleman, of whose Person, Stature, Complexion, Habit, etc. she gave a very particular description, withal declaring the manner of his addressing himself to her, and the several importunities and inducements he used to prevail with her, just in the same Method and Order as herein after is set forth, (for we will not clog this brief Narrative with needless repetition.) And most observable it is, That from this her first Confession she did not afterwards, either in Prison before her Trial, nor after her Condemnation to the minute of her death, in the least make any variation. But as she first set it forth upon Oath before Justice Reading and Justice Freeman, so she persisted with her last breath to attest the Truth thereof.  
This Declaration as she delivered with the greatest seriousness and assurance that could be; so after she had made it, though directly tending to her own destruction, as to this World, by acknowledging herself Guilty of a Crime, for which, by the Law, she must certainly suffer Death; her Spirit seemed more composed, and less troubled, as having disburdened her Conscience, whose secret Torments appeared more terrible and insupportable to her than Death itself.  
This frank ingenuous Confession, did not a little prevail with most that heard her, to believe that there was much of Truth in what she delivered; the rather for that it could not easily be imagined, what other motive besides that of the Temptation of a Bribe, or reward from some ill disposed Persons, should induce her to the Act; for if she had a design to Rob her Master (of which there did not appear any convincing Arguments) she might, however, having such an opportunity of access to all the Rooms in the House, more easily have done it, without this Aggravation of adding the detestable Crime of Firing, to that of a simple Felony; and that she might be so tempted, was more probable, as well because 'tis too apparent that the Jesuits (those grand Incendiaries in all senses) do carry on such mischievous designs, and have Actually made use of Persons of her Condition, for that purpose; witness, their engaging Elizabeth Oxley, by the means of Mr. Stubbs, to fire the house of her Master, Mr. Birdan, Attorney in Fetter-Lane April 10th. 1679. Confessed both by her and the said Stubbs; for which upon a Candid discovery of Gifford, the Priest, Molrayn, and others, that put them upon it (and who fled for the same) they obtained their Pardon: As also for that there was no place about the whole Town, where a Fire could probably do more mischief: Mr. Delanoy House being situate near Pepper Alley, on the backside of the Bear-Tavern, amongst abundance of old wooden, close Buildings, whence the devouring Flames (had they once got head, especially the House being fired in so many places) would easily have dispersed themselves round about, and not only the Contiguous Alleys, and Courts, but St. Mary Oueris stately Church, and the Houses on the Bridge, etc. would soon in all probability have been sacrificed in a general Devastation.  
These and the like were Arguments, at least to caution the Neighbouring Inhabitants to a most diligent inquisition and vigilancy to find out, if they could possibly, the Person or Persons that might instigate this Maid herein; and accordingly, several suspicious people were taken, and brought to her, whom she not knowing, honestly acquitted; but about nine, or ten of the Clock on the next day (being Monday) in the Forenoon, a Gentleman came in all alone into the Bear-Tavern, at the Bridge foot, and called for a Pint of Port, where sitting by himself, the people of the House observed him to be much in disorder, and Confusion of mind, as they apprehended; he seeming to matter something to himself, and tearing into small pieces certain papers that he had about him. But especially (having 'tis probable) heard what kind of man Margaret Clark had described the Person to be, that had so Corrupted her, they fancied that the same agreed (as indeed it did in a great measure) with this Gentleman, and therefore upon all these presumptions, resolved to apprehend him upon suspicion, that he might give an account of himself before a Magistrate which was done accordingly: And as she had presently discharged others that had been taken and brought to her, and they particularly asked, Is this be, or, is this he, still she replying, no; whereupon they were set at Liberty: So on the contrary, as soon as ever this Person entered the Room, and she had cast her Eye upon him, in a seeming extasre, or transport mixed with rage, and joy, she Cried out, O'Lard, that's the Man, that's the man, this is the man: repeating those words several times with the greatest earnestness in the world, lifting up her hands towards Heaven; whereupon the Justices demanded — Are you sure this is the man? may you not be mistaken? To which she answered, I am sure this is He, and I am not mistaken. Then was he taken into Examination, who ('tis said, with many Oaths, and Execrations) denied that he had ever seen her in his Life before (thought 'tis credibly reported some Persons since affirmed they would prove that he had been seen with her, nay to go into Mr. Delanoy's House, some few days before.) And being questioned what he was, and where he lived; he gave the Justices an account, that his name was John Satterwait, and that he belonged to his Royal Highness the Duke of Yorks Guard, under the Command of the Earl of Feversham, and that his Lodging was near St. Giles: The Justices proceeding to inquire, where he was, and how he spent the Sunday, and where he was all Sunday-Night. He answered, he was in Bed all day; but upon their insisting on an account, where he was in the Evening, and how he spent all the Night; he than trembled, and began to falter in his speech, saying, I am surprised, and distracted, and know not what to say, (which appeared a very odd behaviour to the Justices, that a Gentleman of his Education, and Profession, should be so astonished that he could not remember, or set forth where he was but the very Night before; but his witnesses at his Try at had much better memories, and gave a punctual account thereof) upon the Justice's examining him, what business brought him that morning to the Bear-Tavern at the Bridge-foot where he was apprehended, He said, that he came to meet one Mrs. Hummerston, who lodged next door to him, upon which the Justices ordered some persons to attend at the Bear and observe if any Person enquired for Mr. Satterwaits; and soon after a Gentlewoman did come thither and ask, for him, who being carried before the Justices, and examined apart, did declare her name to be Hummerston, and that she came at Mr. Satterwaits Invitation so far to eat a Barrel of Oysters; and there being nothing that seemed to affect her further in this business, she was discharged: But Margaret Clark persisted in her Accusation of Mr. Satterwait, and charged him upon her Oath, to be the very Person that (with her privity and consent) did Fire her master's House in all the three several places, as aforesaid; setting forth how he first came to her, as she was standing at her Master's door, on that day was Sevennight viz. the 26th of January last, and asked her if she lived in that House, who answering Affirmatively, he then inquired if her Master and Mistress were within, and she replying no, they were in the Country, he desired to speak with her about business that might be of great advantage to her; but being wholly a stranger she slighted his discourse and they proceeded no further that day, but soon after he came to her again, inveigled her to go drink, which she did at a certain Alehouse in an Alley (the Sign or name of which she could not tell, but declared she was confident she could find and know it again, if she might have had the Liberty to go to look it out;) that there with two other Persons, they drank four Tankards of Ale, who made an agreement with her, to give her two thousand Pounds if she would assist in firing her Master's house; that they had resolved not to fire it till Monday Night Febr. 2. But she understanding her Master and Mistress would then be returned out of the Country, and seeing (as she said) this Mr. Satterwait again on the Saturday, they concluded Sunday night more convenient; that she let him in about four a Clock in the Afternoon on Sunday, hid him in the Dye-house, persuaded the young man of the House to go to bed by eight of the Clock, and then having all things in readiness, about ten a Clock, he kindled the Fires, etc. As herein after in her Narrative, given under her hand, after her Condemnation; is more particularly, and fully set forth.  
In fine, after a large, and diligent Examination upon her Confession against herself, and charge upon Oath against Mr. Satterwait; they were both Committed to the Marshalsea, with strict charge that they should be kept apart: As Mr. Satterwait was carrying to Prison, there being a vast Tumult, or Crowd of people; the Justices gave a particular charge that no Violence should be offered, or hurt done to his Person, yet the Multitude being filled with Indignation against that insufferable, and destructive Crime, whereof they then imagined him to be guilty, could not forbear expressing their detestation against such practices— Crying out, hang him, knock him on the head, stoning is too good for him, etc. At which Mr. Satterwait seemed much concerned and apprehensive that they would have done him some present harm, though indeed none did meddle with him further than in words, and in this Consternation and affirightment he was often heard by those that conducted him, to cry out by way of Prayer, or sudden Ejaculation, Sancta Maria! Jesus Maria and sometimes Jesus, Maria, repeating those words very frequently, and with much earnestness, and then reflecting upon the Crowd, and the harsh Sentences they were pleased to bestow upon him, he would say, Sancta Maria! are these Christians? Sancta Maria! are these Christians and Protestants? Pagans, Pagans, etc. His using these words confirmed many in their Opinion that he was a Papist, (but he denies it, and sure a man may be allowed to know or choose his own Religion) insomuch that for satisfaction in the point, a Reverend Divine going to visit him in Prison, amongst other Discourses happening to ask him, how he came so vehemently to call upon the Virgin Mary, adding further, that he believed that blessed Saint did not hear him: Mr. Satterwait to this only answered, he remembered not that he used such words, but if he did, he did not know the meaning of them: To which the Divine replied, That that was something unlikely, considering his Parents had given him such liberal Education.  
As to the Deportment of Margaret Clark, it is well known to all that visited her, and all the Officers and Keepers belonging to the Goal, That she carried herself all along during the whole time of her Confinement, which was seven weeks, very civilly and penitently, every day weeping abundantly, often sending for Ministers to come to her, to whom she would most freely and affectionately express herself, much bewailing her sins, especially her great wickedness in complying with such temptations, and consenting to the wicked act for which she was committed.  
On the 13th of March 1679/80, both the said Margaret Clark and Mr. Satterwait were brought to their Trial at Kingston upon Thames, where the Assizes for the County of Surrey were then held: They were both Arraigned upon one and the same Indictment, for the wicked and felonious entering into and setting on fire the House and Dye-house of the said Mr. Peter Delanoy: Against the Maid there were Witnesses that proved the Fire, and her own Confession that she was privy and consenting to it, which (though she pleaded Not Guilty for Forms sake, yet) she did not deny at Bar but only alleged that she was so put upon it by her Fellow Prisoner but being charged in the same Indictment all she said was insignificant and not to be regarded in Law as any Evidence against him. And for other proof the same was likewise altogether insufficient: One Woman swore she had often seen him in Southwark, and particularly on Thursday before the Fire broke out, but could not say she either saw him in Delanoy's House, or in Company with his Maid: The other deposed that she saw a man in a Red Coat go into Mr. Delanoy's House on the Sunday, but would not swear that the Prisoner was the person. On the other side, Mr. Satterwait had several Witnesses, as his Mother and Uncle, to prove he was educated in the Protestant Religion, a Certificate that he had received the Sacrament, and taken the Oaths of Allegiance, Supremacy, and Test; Four or five of the Guard to prove that he was at whitehall on Thursday, Jan. 29. and at 3 a Clock went with them to the One Tun Tavern in St. Martin's Lane where he stayed till three of the Clock on Friday morning, January the 30th. And from thence never out of their Company till two of the Clock in the Afternoon: At which time he came to a House in Vine-Street, where he slept till Eight a Clock, and then came to his Mother's, and went to Bed, not rising till Nine of the Clock on Saturday Morning, Jan. 31. and then went to the Guard till Three a Clock in the Afternoon, than was at the Cock and Bottle in Covent-Garden till Nine at night, lay at the Swan Inn in 〈◊〉 street, Saturday night, and rose not out of 〈◊〉 till Sunday Afternoon, nor stirred out all day till Ten at night: Then his Mother and her Lodger 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he came to her House about half an hour past Ten on Sunday Night and lay there till Nine Monday morning, There Mrs. Hu●●●erston to prove that she sent a Maid to let him know she was going into Southwark, and received Answer from him, that he would presently meet her at the Both at the Bridge Foot, etc. In fine upon the whole 〈◊〉 the Jury brought in the said Margaret Clark Guilty 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and Mr. Satterwait Not Guilty. These par; ticulars attested by the said Mr. Satterwait's Friends on his behalf we have taken out of a printed Sheet, said 〈◊〉 Title 〈◊〉 written with his own hand, wherein the 〈◊〉 is very ●●●●●●ly set forth, as 'tis like it was drawn up, that he might the better call them in order: In which Sheet there yet seems to be at least one very great and unhappy mistake, for, p. 2. Mr. Satterwait says positively of himself, That he was CONVICTED: And many people do also think that another mistake, p. 3. where he says, that the Maid at her Trial denied impudently what she had before confessed, as to herself, but stood firmly to her first principles as to his particular. For besides, that they could not observe any such Denial, (unless it be meant in the formality of pleading not guilty) they cannot comprehend how she would stand to her first Principles of charging him, but at the same time, she must needs own herself concerned in it.  
And indeed, she seemed so far from any Impudence that there appeared a very great awe, and Reverence upon her Spirit, not willingly to Commit any Sin; whereof she gave a very Signal Example, of which several of us were Eye and Ear-witnesses, viz. After Mr. Satterwait was acquitted, and the Convicted, the several Prisoners that were Cast, being called to the Bar, and asked what they had to allege why sentence of Death, and Execution should not pass upon them according to the Law: Amongst them, there was a Woman that was Convicted of Wilful Murder, who pleading she was with Child, saved her Life till the next Assizes: But Margaret Clark, though she saw this Example before her Eyes, and was persuaded by many persons to Plead the same thing, she knowing her condition not to be truly such, refused it with Detestation, saying, Oh! Shall I add another sin to my great wickedness? how shall I then expect a Pardon from God? I would not do it for all the World, I dare not tell a Lie to save my Life; And so with great submission received the terrible sentence of death, on Tuesday the 16th of March.   

Some Observations of her Carriage, and Godly discourses after Condemnation,  
ON wednesday, a Minister gave her a Visit, and found her in a very gracious frame of Spirit, blessing and praising God, that he had been so good to her Soul, in affording her so long a time for Repentance, but especially that he had given her the Grace of Repentance; then there came in a great company of young people to see her, to whom she addressed herself in this manner. Oh! have a care, you that are Young, and are Servants, take warning by me; I hope you do not come here only to look upon me as a sight, but pray make a good use of my downfall; Oh take warning by my sad Example; pray get some good to yourselves by my Sin, and shameful Death. One of the Company saying, I am sorry to see you in this Condition. (She Replied,) You may be sorry for my Body, and I thank you; but my Condition, I hope, is very good; you have no cause to be sorrowful for me; because God hath turned it to my great good: Though I am sorrowful, and much troubled for my Sin; yet, now I rejoice in God, even in my Lord Jesus Christ. Than one told her, that he hoped she would have a Pardon; for the Sheriff was much affected at her penitent Condition, and pitied her. She Answered, I have no hope of that, neither indeed do I desire it, I am in so good hopes, that God hath pardoned my Sins; I am quite weaned from the World▪ Nay, I am sure I am carried forth at some times, even beyond my own strength: God hath heard, and answered me, blessed be his Name. I Love the Lord, because he hath heard the Voice of my Supplication; he hath redeemed me from the lowest Hell: His praise now, while I am here this little time, shall continually be in my Mouth, Oh how I hope I shall be thus full of Comfort, when I come to the place of Execution! To which, one Answered, The Lord continue it. One asked her, if the sight of the Rope, the Gallows, and Executioner, would not be terrible to her, when the Cart stands still, and the Sheriff's men should be all about her, with a great number of spectators beholding her shameful Death. She answered I have considered all this, and I think it will not fright me, It will not trouble me, I rejoice in what Christ hath suffered, and I hope to be saved by him, and him alone, his free Grace, and that promise, Come unto me all ye that are weary, and heavy laden, and I will give you rest; is a great Comfort to my Soul. Upon which, a Friend asked her, Are you burdened with sin, are you heavy Laden? She Answered, Yes, I am, and am one of those that Jesus Christ calls to come unto him: And then she lifted up her Hands, and Eyes, and said, Lord! Refuse not to give mercy to a poor Sinner, I wholly rest upon the Lord Jesus Christ, I am resolved to lie at his Feet. I will go in to the King: if I Perish, I will perish there.  
One said to her, what a great mercy God hath vouchsafed you, in giving you so long a Time of Repentance, and that he did not Cut you off in the Act. She replied— Oh! it is a great mercy indeed! I am sensible of it▪ I bless the Lord for it, and hope God will enable me to spend these few hours I have to live to his Glory, and my Everlasting good, through this Affliction God hath brought me back, when I was Running Astray. I acknowledge myself unworthy, I am the most unworthy of all God's Creatures.  
At another time one said— Oh it is pity that this man should escape, that brought you to this: To which she answered Though he hath brought me to this, I wish him no more hurt than my own Soul. I did indeed desire to speak with him, Since he hath been acquitted, before he went to London; but he would not speak with me; whereupon one said, why, what would you have said to him? She answered, Truly, nothing but Love to his Soul, I would have warned him not to undo any more, as he hath undone me: For I believe I am not the first, and am afraid I shall not be the last. I am afraid he had a hand in tempting those other Maids in London.  
One telling her That he had heard many strange Reports of her, and how that Mr. Satterwait had hinted in his Paper, that she had been unjust to several of her late Masters. She replied. As to those Reports that go of me, many of them which I hear of are false, but I have not time, neither do I think it fit to vindicate myself from them, for I have a great work to do, and have but a very little time to do it in.  
A day or two before her Execution, she being desired to give a sincere and punctual Account, how she came first engaged in this matter, and of all Transactions between them she delivered herself as follows, her words being taken from her Mouth in short hand, and when written out, read unto her, who then likewise affirmed the same to be True, and in Testimony thereof did Sign the same with her own hand, in the presence of divers witnesses: a true Copy, whereof we have here inserted.   

A True Copy of a Paper signed by Margaret Clark after her Condemnation: The Original whereof remains in the Custody of the Right Worshipful Sir Robert Hatton, High Sheriff of the County of Surrey.  
I Margaret Clark being shortly to suffer Death for that which I have deserved, and am much humbled for, and desire to lie low before God under the sense of my own Gild, do give the World an Account of the truth of my Case, for I would not be guilty of a Lie now I am to appear before my Judge within a few minutes. Therefore I do say, and shall declare the Truth of the matter, as I shall answer it before my Lord and Judge.  
Upon the 26th of January, John Satterthwait came to me as I was going out of my Master's Gate, and did desire me to tell him whether my Master and Mistress were at home? And I answered him, no; and he told me that he hoped he should have an opportunity to speak with me, for he had something to say, And I answered him, if he had any thing to say, I should be so civil to give him the hearing when I had time (for then I was in haste). Then he came on the next day with the same Request, and I returned the same Answer. Then he Third time; being Wednesday, he came again, and used great, Importunity, and expressed some kindnesses, as if he had been a Suitor, and prevailed with me to go into the Borough with him to an Alehouse, where were two Men more of his company; and after some little time of discourse, he propounded to me this wicked and horrid Design which I was to have been engaged in with them, that is, to let them into my Master's House to set it on Fire; and for a Reward, they promised me Two thousand pounds, which Sum I was to receive at the Fleece, Tavern in Holborn, enquiring for a Rome in the said Tavern, called the Figure Nine. Then coming out of the Alehouse, they would f●n have had me away with them, saying, Come let us take Coach, and go into Fleetstreet, for, said they, there we have a Priest of ours, who Lodges at a Grocers, that shall Confess you, and give you the Sacrament; I told him I could not possibly go then. So this John Satterthwait went homewards with mealmost to my Master's Oat; and as we went along, he charged me that I should not divulge it to any person in the world living; for if I did, I should certainly die for it (and that quickly) in this world, and be damned in other.  
Then he came on the next day, and gave me the same charge to keep it secret.  
And then on Saturday he came and inquired of me the best time that he might come to do this most horrid and devilish Action, saying, Would not four or five of the clock be a good time? And I said Yes.  
Accordingly he came, and conveyed himself into the Dye-house, or thereabouts, while Nine or Ten of the Clock that Evening, about which time the Fire was discovered.  
Whereupon with the fear and dread he had put upon me, I did deny it to the company that came in to quench it; but after that, he was there, whom I saw amongst the rest of the company; but I had much horror upon my Conscience; and after some short time I confessed the whole Crime for which I now die. And my Examination before Justice Reading, and Justice Freeman, was all true.  
And this I affirm, and do desire all Protestants to believe, that John Satterthwait kindled those three Fires in my Master's House. First in the Dye-house by the Pump; secondly in the Buttery; and thirdly in the Garret, which last Fire he kindled whilst the People were putting out the other.  
And I do declare in the words of a dying Maid, that I was under great trouble of Conscience, and was many times about discovering it, but could not; Satan's Temptations, and the wickedness of my own heart did so much prevail with me.  
Oh that covetous design of gaining the Moneys, was that which I desire all who read these Lines which I have writ, to beware of; I saw him among the People in the House very busy, and I made signs at him, to discover him; but the people being in a great hurry, did not mind the things I then said to them.  
I do also think in my conscience, that if my Master had examined me, I should have declared the whole matter, for I gave out often suspicious words of my fear of Fire; and on the Friday before this happened, I went out to a friends house, and there I was so afflicted and troubled in my mind, that they took notice of it; and one that went with me thither was importunate with me to know the reason of my trouble; but the Devil had so subtly engaged my wicked heart, that I could not tell him.  
But to pass by my Conviction and Imprisonment, which you have all heard of, and to come to this one thing which fell out in the time of my Confinement in Prison (which I bless God for, rather than that my most Loving and Honoured Master, with I know not how many others, should have suffered by my wicked compliance with that Man).  
That which I speak of is this: When I had been about three weeks in Prison, I was then walking in the Yard, having that liberty granted me by the Jailor, there John Satterthwait looked out of a Window, and said to me, Are you there? I wish I could come to you, I would spoil your telling of Tales; but I gave him no answer; neither do I desire his hurt or death, but beg of God while I am here in this world, Repentance for him; and oh that God would give him a sense of these his great Sins, both in tempting me, and his designing the ruin of many Thousands of Families; I can say before the Lord, I desire not his Death; it would have been but a poor relief for me to have had him died with me: But this I must and will declare before I go hence, and am no more seen, That John Satterthwait, though he was cleared by the Jury, was Guilty, as I said before, that is, of making those three Fires, and I only did consent, and let him in.  
Now I would not have you to think that I have written this to lessen or excuse my own fault; I deserve Death, nay a worse Death for consenting to so horrid a wickedness, even eternal Death. But now I hope, that through the Merits of Jesus Christ alone, not trusting to my own Works or Pardons from Men (as I fear the Papists do depend upon) to be saved from Eternal Fire; and that I shall be justified freely by his Grace, through the Redemption which he hath purchased with his own blood.  
Whereas there is a Report that is gone commonly about, that I had stolen many of my Master's things, as Plate, etc. I think it fit now I am to die, to give the World an Account of what I then took; the things which I had then put into my Box, was a little Tape, Lace, and other frivolous things, which now makes me wonder why I then put them up; for I might have put up Jewels and Plate, which was under my Charge, to the value of some Hundreds of pounds; but as to the carrying out of a Box which I was met with, it is a most false report, for I was so full of horror and trouble of Conscience, that I did not then think of my Box.  
And now I desire all that read these Lines, would consider, and have a great care how they break the Lords Day; for my neglecting thereof, was the first step to my downfall; and I desire this downfall of mine may be a warning to all young Men and Maids; Oh! let them be content with the places that God by his Providence places them in, and not covet after great things (as I have done) and so err from the Rule; and have a care of Pride and a worldly mind; for this I say, Pride and Sabbath-breaking hath been my downfall; and I earnestly beg of you for the Lords sake, and for your Soul's sake, to let these Lines, and my bad Example be a warning to you. Alas, I did once enjoy the means of Grace, and have lived in good Families; yea, he against whom I committed this great offence, is a very Worthy good Man; Oh! I did once frequent the Worship of God, and took delight in it, and thought I understood something of the Excellency of Christ, and the worth of my own Soul; but a little before I fell into this Sin, I neglected the Worship of God; and those precious hours upon the Lord's day which formerly I had spent well.  
And thus I have fallen foully, and have offended God and Man; and my horrible Sin hath made me a public spectacle to the world. I pray all whom I have offended in it, for God's sake to forgive me; and I forgive all men that have offended me, especially I desire to forgive this John Satterthwait, that hath brought me to this untimely and shameful Death, which, I hope, is brought upon me for my good; for surely I have obtained Mercy, and am joyful to think of my going hence; I long to be dissolved, and to be with Christ; even so come Lord Jesus, and receive me an unworthy Soul.   

On the Evening of the Sabbath before she was Executed, Justice Freeman (who was of those that took her first Examination as aforesaid) came with many other worthy persons, and did again strictly examine her concerning the truth of what she had charged upon Mr. Satterthwait: To whom she answered; Sir, It is all true that I said concerning him, when I was before your Worship upon my first Examination, and what I have said all along, and which I cannot but testify to the last.  
The Morning before Execution, a Minister very seriously discoursed with her about the same business, urging and charging her ingeniously and fully to disburden her Conscience, and if she had been guilty of wronging him by a false Accusation, to confess it, and beg pardon of God, and not mock the Allseeing Majesty, before whose dreadful presence she must so suddenly appear: To which she replied; Alas! what will it avail me to accuse any one falsely? for as I am condemned, so I certainly expect to suffer the Law, and what Revenge can I take upon him, or hurt do him, for he is acquitted by Law; I do freely forgive him for whatsoever he hath done against me, and desire of the Lord to forgive him, and that the Lord would turn his heart; For if God doth not turn it, I am afraid he will be an Instrument of further Mischief.  Minist. 
I hope you are not of the same Opinion that the Papists are; It is said of them, that when they have Confessed to a Priest, and taken the Sacrament, they can call the great God to witness, that they are as clear as the Child unborn, and this even when they are most truly and notoriously Guilty.  
Then she answered: O Sir, I tremble to think, that people can call the God of Truth to witness to a Lie, as that Person has done, God forgive him: (speaking in reference to Mr. S' printed Vindication, wherein he solemnly protests his being Innocent of what she accused him, and that he never saw her in his life, till after he was apprehended.  Min. 
It is reported that you are of a pilfering humour, and 'tis supposed, that your design to Burn your Master's House, was, that you might have the fairer opportunity of Robbing him, and that you thereby might be the less suspected.  Margaret. 
I cannot help what malicious people throw upon me; For this is nothing but the malice of them against me; I never was guilty of such a thing, neither will my Master De la Noy say it. Sir, I do assure you, that what I speak is true, for I am e'er long to go into Eternity, and must appear before the great God, who will judge me for my words and Actions, therefore I dare not tell a Lie; And Sir, if I had had a design to have Robbed my Master, I had many Opportunities of doing it, and as likely a way to escape as this: For my Master trusted me with his Plate, and my Mistress' Jewels, all which I might have come at, and made away with them, had I been so disposed, when they were out of Town.  
Note, That Mr. De la Noy being since spoken unto about this matter, did declare, that he believed what she said was true: And as to some Tape-lace, and a small Silver Spoon that was found in her Box, the same were of no considerable value; and that it was his opinion, she had taken them rather by Accident, or for present use, than with any design to steal or make advantage by selling them, since she might have taken as easily things of far greater worth, which she had not moved nor meddled with.  
Though all the time of her Imprisonment, she was very penitently and frequently bewailing her sins, yet did not enjoy (as far as could be perceived) any comfort in her soul, or fence of Pardon and Reconciliation with God through Christ, till after she was Condemned; and then she seemed full of consolation, and neither to be desirous of longer Life, nor fearful of Death, spending her time in Prayer and Praises, or godly Discourses and Admonitions to such as Visited her.   

Margaret Clerks Behaviour and Words at her Execution.  
FIrst, As she was going into the Cart, she said, This is the Blessedest day to me, God hath turned my great evil to my good: Oh! this is my Wedding-day, I shall surely be married to my Saviour; Oh Lord, that ever I should offend so good and gracious a God as Thou art; Oh the Joys! I long to be at the The Place.  
As soon as the Cart stood still under the Gallows, she looked up and said, I am going now to the glory, to the glory which God hath prepared for me; for I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, I cast my Soul in his Arms, Lord, I come unto Thee.  
A Gentleman interrupted her, and said, Margaret, What did induce you to This? speak the Truth now, and have a great care of speaking a Lye. She answered and said, John Satterthwait he's the Man, he's the Man. And it it is all true, what I said of him all along. All that I said of John Satterthwait is all True. No Man but John Satterthwait kindled Those Fires: the Lord Forgive him, he's the man that brought me to This; I do forgive him from my heart. A Gentleman said, How long were you acquainted with him? She said, He came to me every day from Monday to Sabbath day, and promised me two Thousand pounds to let him in, to do that wicked Act in my Master's House. Whereupon one said, Did you think he would Pay you That Money? She answered, He bade me come to the Fleece Tavern; And ask for the Number Nine; God forbid I should be guilty of a Lie, now I am going to Eternity, I desire all here present to take warning, and let my downfall here in This World be Their Rising to Glory. I wholly Resign, and Rest upon the Lord Jesus Christ. I desire all of you not to spend the Lords Day idly and wickedly, as I have done, for it was Sabbath-breaking that was my first step to this Wickedness: I once more beg of you All, not to spend your time vainly, nor give way to wicked and profane Thoughts: I freely forgive All the World, and all my enemies. I earnestly beg of you all to spend your Time to the Honour and Glory of God. O Lord Receive my poor Soul.  
Thus she continued sometimes speaking to the People, and sometimes speaking to God, in such kind of Ejaculations.  
After the Ordinary had discharged his duty and gone out of the Cart, she inquired of the Sheriff, whether Dr. Martin Minister of St. Saviour was among the Company; whereupon he was called, and a Lane being made through the Great Crowd of Horses, he came unto her: And she desiring him to pray with her, he after some short discourse, applied himself in manner following; To which she returned the Answers here truly recited and annexed; as will be attested both by the said Doctor, and many others that were Ear-witnesses of what passed, and took special observation of her words.  
Dr. Martin said, Margaret! be wary, consider well what you say; there may be somewhat of reputation in continuing your charge against Mr. Satterthwait. You having charged him, I perceive you are resolved to die in the charge that the world may not accuse you of a Lye. But believe me, it would be much for your advantage in a few Moment's, to tell truth now, and acquit the Gentleman if he be innocent, and go not to the Judgement seat of Christ with a lie in your mouth.  Margaret. 
It is no lie I tell; Jesus Christ is my Witness, that will be my Judge, John Satterthwait Tempted me to this fact for which I am to die.  Dr. Martin. 
Margeret! Do you believe what you say, that Jesus Christ will be your Judge?  Margaret. 
I do believe it, and know I shall shortly appear before him.  Dr. Martin. 
And dare you say again to me what you said but now, that Mr. John Satterthwait was the man that tempted you to this horrid fact; and you believe you shall appear at the Judgement seat of Christ, and give an account of what you have affirmed of him?  Margaret. 
I know I shall his day appear before Christ, and I am accountable for no sin in charging him, for my charge against him is true, as I am a dying Woman.  Dr. Martin. 
But may you not mistake the man? Do you speak this to the best of your knowledge only, or positively and certainly without mistake.  Margaret. 
Sir, I saw John Satterthwait every day of the Week before. I saw him on Monday, on Tuesday, he persuaded me to consent, on Wednesday came to me, as also Thursday and Friday, to confirm me in it, and on Saturday he was with me, and then resolved upon the firing my honoured Master's House on Sunday; and accordingly on Sunday in the Afternoon towards Evening I let him into my Master's House: Oh! why should I accuse a person that is not guilty? I must now forthwith appear before God; Oh my sins! I desire my worthy Master to forgive me.  Doctor. 
I do assure you Margaret, your Master and Mistress have forgiven you; and Margaret, here is Arthur adam's, which was one of the witnesses against you.  Margaret. 
I freely forgive him and all men, and desire him and all men to forgive me, for God hath forgiven me.  Dr. Martin. 
What assurance hast thou of God's forgiveness?  Margaret. 
I know in whom I have believed, I have had great Joys from the Lord, since Sentence passed upon me; blessed be God that ever I came into a Prison.  
Doctor Martin speaking to the Two Men that suffered with her, said; Gentlemen, you that suffer with this poor Maid; I wish I could see that concernedness and affection; I would be glad to hear you express yourselves something after this manner: Pray let us know whether it be well with you.  
They answered, Sir, It is well, we have no doubt.  Doctor. Mart. 
Margaret, ask that Man at your right-hand how it is with him, whether he feels any of those Comforts and Joys you speak of.  
Margaret turning to Mr. Selby, said, How is it with you? look up to Jesus Christ. He answered, It is well.  Doctor Martin, 
I wish you may say so an hour hence.  Margaret. 
O Lord Jesus, receive my poor Soul, into thy Arms I commend my Spirit; Oh! the Transcendent Joys; I am not able to express the Joys I have had since I have been condemned.  
Then Dr. Martin prayed with them most excellently and affectionately; after which she continued crying out; Oh the Glory! Oh the Glory! till the Executioner was going to pin the Hood down over her Face, she said, I, come as soon as you will, I care not how soon; but he not presently doing it, she spoke again to the people, and said, I humbly thank all the peoples of God, all good people for their prayers to God for me; and said she, I have given an account in a Writing, which I hope will satisfy the World; for I take God to witness, that all that I have written in that Paper is all true; O Lord thou knowest I would not lie, I am coming to thee! Upon which, the under Sheriff and Officers made Inquiry for it, which was quickly carried down to the High Sheriff, who was so affected, that his Worship was pleased earnestly to desire a Copy thereof before the same was Printed. But the Original is delivered into his Worship's hands, as aforesaid, and a true Copy thereof is here before Printed: The Minister who is Ordinary being present, did justify to the Sheriff, Sir Robert Hatton Knight, and many other worthy Persons there present; that he had read it before in Prison, when she desired him to subscribe it, that it might not be questioned whether it was hers after her Death or no.  
When the Executioner was pulling down her Hood, to do his last Office; she put it up herself again, and said, Gentlemen, I have one thing more to say, I have seen a Paper that John Satterthwait hath put out in his vindication.  Dr. Martin. 
Ah! Margaret, have you read that vindication.  Margaret. 
Yes Sir, Mr. Cole read it to me.  Dr. Martin. 
Mr. Cole, did you read it to her?  Mr. Cole. 
Yes Sir, I did read it to her.  Dr. Martin. 
Well, what say you to it Margaret?  Margaret. 
It is false, it is false, he hath added another sin to his great wickedness: I wish I may be the last that he may ruin in this World. I testify before you all, now I am going to Eternity; that he is the very Man, and that that Paper is a wicked and false Paper.  
And so her Hood being put down again, just as the Cart was Drawing away, the last words she was heard to pronounce were, Come, Lord Jesus, receive me.  
Thus have we given the World a faithful account of this poor Wretch's Crime and Behaviour, and what she declared and persisted in to the last; with the great Remorse she expressed for all sin, and the mighty work of God upon her Soul, in the refreshing Comforts which she declared she had given in to her from the time of Condemnation, till the last moment of her Life. All which we leave to each Readers consideration and reflection, to Credit or Disbelieve her Asseverations, and make such judgement thereof as he shall think fit. This Publication not being intended to cast any Reflection or Scandal on the Gentleman, whom the Law hath Acquitted, much less upon the Honourable Court, or honest Jury, before and by whom he was Tried, De non apparentibus & non existentibus eadem est ratio; secret things belong to the Omniscient Judge, his dreadful Tribunal will clear all perplexing difficulties, and make it appear which of their Protestations (horrible of necessity on one flde) were grounded upon Truth: But Earthly Magistrates cannot penetrate the heart, but must proceed according to what overtly appears, and Legal Evidence.  
However, we cannot but take notice, that since this poor Maid was Executed, there has been a false and malicious story published concerning her, in one of Nath. Thompson's scandalous Libels, falsely called THE TRUE DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. He having in that of Tuesday the 30th of March, this passage. Kingston, March the 21. There was omitted in the Protestant Domestic Intelligence, in relating the last Words and Confession of Mary Clark (for so he falsty calls her) who was Executed for Firing the House of Mr. De la Noy Dyer in Southwark; viz. That at her Execuion, there was a Fellow, who designed to Marry her under the Gallows (according to the ancient Laudable Custom) but she being 〈…〉 seemed unwilling, but when the Rope was about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, she cried, she was willing, and then the Fellows friends dissuaded him from Marrying her; and so she lost her Husband and her Life together.  
Which lying story is both a Barbarous scandal to the dead, and an abuse to the living, there being nothing of it true: Nor the least ground or colour for such a suggestion, for as we know of no such Custom allowed by Law, that any Man's offering at a Place of Execution to Marry a Woman Condemned, shall save her; so there was no such offer or intention that ever was heard of in this Case, and so far was she from being in hopes of a Reprieve, that she neither expected nor desired it. But by the subtle wording of this loud lie, it may be thought this Intelligencer from some of his great Acquaintance may have learned a Jesuitical Equivocation, and allege, that he does not relate it as Truth that really happened; but only says, that such a thing was left out of the Relation; because indeed there was no such matter, and therefore had no reason to be put in. But notwithstanding that Evasion, all honest and good Men must detest such base practices of promoting lies and scandals; and especially this News-monger might the rather forbear to do it on a person Executed, since he knows not how soon it may be his own turn, being at this instant in Custody charged with being privy to a Treasonable Conspiracy, as appears by his own showing in that very Paper wherein this story is inserted.  
As for the Truth of the said Margaret Clarks Behaviour and Speeches before set forth in this Narrative, we can appeal (as to a great part thereof) to Justice Reading, and Justice Freeman, as also to Dr. Martin, and several other Ministers who visited her; particularly, as to her Deportment, and Speeches at Execution; the same are Attested by a great number of persons of good worth and credit, some of whose Names are as follow;  


Nathaniel Gardiner 〈…〉.  
Robert Beal,  
William Symms,  
John Peirce,  
John Cole,  
Samuel Adderley,  
Edmund Farringdon,  
William Nettlefield,  
Mrs. Hill,  
Rose Littleton,  
Henry Gloucester,  
Francis Grainger.    
With many more which might be added.  
FINIS.