A brief RELATION OF THE DEATH AND sufferings OF THE MOST REVEREND AND RENOWNED PRELATE THE L. ARCHBISHOP OF Canterbury: With, A more perfect Copy of his Speech, and other passages on the Scaffold, than hath been hitherto imprinted. JEREM. 26. 14, 15. 14. As for me, behold I am in your hands, do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you: 15. But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this City, and upon the Inhabitants thereof, &c. OXFORD, Printed in the year 1644. A brief RELATION OF THE DEATH AND sufferings of the most Reverend and Renowned Prelate, the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, &c. IT is a preposterous kind of writing to begin the story of a great man's life, at the hour of his death; a most strange way of setting forth a solemn tragedy, to keep the principal Actor in the tiring-house, till the Play be done, and then to bring him on the Stage only to speak the Epilogue, and receive the Plaudites. Yet this must be the scope and method of these following papers. To write the whole life of the most Reverend and Renowned Prelate the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, would require more time then public expectation can endure to hear of. Those that can judge (as all wise men may) of the brightness and glories of the sun in his highest altitude by the clearness of his going down; Justin. hist. l. 11. or that can Ortum Solis in occasu quaerere: discern the rising of the sun (as once Straton did) by the reflection of his beams in a Western cloud: may by the glorious manner of his death and sufferings, presented in these short Remembrances, conjecture at the splendour of those rare endowments both of Grace and Nature, wherewith his former life was adorned and beautified. The ordinary and unsatisfied Reader, may for his farther satisfaction repair to Master Prynn's Breviate of his life and actions, though published of purpose to defame him, and render him more odious to the common people. Concerning which, the Reader may observe in brief, that all which Mr. Prynn's industrious malice hath accused him of in those Collections, is, that he was a man of such eminent virtues, such an exemplary piety towards God, such an unwearied fidelity to his gracious sovereign, of such a public soul towards Church and State; so fixed a constancy in friendship, and one so little biased by his private interesses; that this Age affords not many equals. And it would trouble Plutarch, (if he were alive,) to find out a fit parallel with whom to match him. All therefore I shall do at the present time, (and 'tis the last public Office I shall do him) is, to lay down the story of his death and sufferings, together with a view of those plots and practices which were set on foot, to pluck a few years from a weak old man, and bring him to an unnatural calamitous end. For though that maxim in Philosophy is most true and certain; that corruptio est in instanti, that death comes to us in a moment, or in the twinkling of an eye, 1 Cor. 15 52. as the Scriptures phrase is; yet are there many previous dispositions which make way unto it; all which are comprehended in the name of death. And in that latitude of expression do we take the word, in laying down the story of his death before you; which being writ out of an honest zeal to truth, and a sincere affection to his name and memory, shall either be approved of, or at least excused. It was the practice and position of the ancient Donatists, Opt. de Schis. Donatist. l. 1. (the predecessors and Progenitors of the modern Puritan) occidere quemcunque qui contraeos fecerit; to kill and make away whoever durst oppose their doings, or was conceived to be an hindrance to their growing faction. And by this Card their followers in these kingdoms have been steered of late, imprisoning and destroying all who have stood against them. It is long since they entertained such desperate purposes against the life and person of the Lord Archbishop, threatening his death in scattered Libels, telling him that his life was sought for, that neither God nor man could endure so vile a counsellor to live any longer. This was about the end of March 1629. and was the Prologue to those libels, full of threats and scandals, which year by year exasperated and inflamed the people, till they had made them ripe for mischief, and readily prepared to execute whatever their grand directors should suggest unto them. Saint Paul did never fight more frequent and more terrible combats with the beasts of Ephesus, for the promotion of the gospel, than he with these untractable and fiery spirits, who most seditiously opposed his religious purposes of settling unity and uniformity in this Church of England. And in this state things stood till the year, 1640. in which not only many factious and seditious people in and about the City of London, made an assault by night on his house at Lambeth, with an intent to murder him, had they found him there: but the whole faction of the Scots declared in a Remonstrance to the English Nation, that one of the chief causes which induced them to invade this realm, was to remove him from his Majesty, and bring him to the punishment which he had deserved. The manner of their coming hither, and the great entertainment given them by the faction here, showed plainly that they were not like to be sent away without their Errand: and makes it evident that his ruin was resolved on in their secret counsels, before the Parliament was called, or that they had declared so much by their will revealed. The Parliament had not long continued, but he is named for an Incendiary by the Scottish Commissioners; and thereupon accused of Treason by the House of Commons. And although no particular Charge was brought against him, Decemb. 18. 1640. but only a bare promise to prepare it in convenient time; yet was he presently committed to the custody of the Gentleman usher, and by him kept in duresse till the end of February, (being full ten weeks;) about which time his charge was brought unto the Lords, but in generals only, and longer time required for particular instances. And yet upon this Lydford law, by which they used to hang men first, and indite them afterwards,) was he committed to the Tower, being followed almost all the way by the rascal multitude, who barbarously pursued him with reproach and clamours to the very gates; March. 1. 1640 and there detained, contrary to all law and justice, almost four years longer. This was the first great breach which was made by Parliament in the liberties of the English Subject; (save that their like proceedings with the Earl of Strafford, was a preparative unto it;) and was indeed the very gap, at which the slavery and oppression, under which this miserable Nation doth now pine and languish, did break in upon them. What right could meaner persons look for, when as so great a peer was doomed to so long imprisonment, without being called unto his Answer! What else hath filled so many Prisons in most parts of the kingdom, with the best and wealthiest of the Subjects; but the most dangerous effects and consequences of this woeful precedent! Which as it was the leading case unto all our pressures; so might those pressures have been remedied, had the Subject made his Case their own; and laboured to prevent it in convenient time. But such a miserable infatuation had befallen them generally, Matth. 13.14. that seeing they did see, but would not perceive. But yet the malice of his Enemies was not so contented. For though some of the more moderate (or rather the less violent) Lords, who did not pierce into the depth of the design, gave out that they intended only to remove him from his majesty's ear, and to deprive him of his archbishopric, (which resolution notwithstanding being taken up before any charge was brought against him, was as unjust though not so cruel, as the others:) yet they showed only by this Overture, that they did reckon without their hosts, and might be of the Court perchance, but not of the counsel. The leading and predominant party thought of nothing less, then that he should escape with life, or go off with liberty. only perhaps they might conceive some wicked hopes, that either the tediousness of his restraint, or the indignities and affronts which day by day were offered to him, would have broke his heart, not formerly accustomed to the like oppressions. M●●t. 27.24 And then like Pilate in the Gospel they had called for water, and washed their hands before the multitude, and said, that they were innocent of the blood of that righteous person: thinking that by such wretched figleaves, they could not only hide their wickedness, and deceive poor men; but that God also might be mocked, and his All-seeing eye deluded, to which all hearts lie open, all desires are known, and from which no secrets can be hidden. To this end not content to immure him up within the walls of the Tower, Octob 26 and Novemb. 16. 1642. they rob him of his menial servants, restrain him to two only of his number, and those not to have conference with any others, but in the presence of his Warder: and in conclusion make him a close Prisoner, not suffering him to go out of his lodging to refresh himself, but in the company of his keeper. May 9 1643. And all this while they vex his soul continually with scandalous and infamous Papers, and set up factious and seditious Preachers to inveigh against him in the Pulpit to his very face; so to expose him to the scorn both of boys and women, As May 15. 1642. who many times stood up and turned towards him, to observe his countenance, to see if any alteration did appear therein. And to the same ungodly end, did they divest him of his archiepiscopal and episcopal jurisdiction, conferring it on his inferior and subordinate Officers; sequester his rents under pretence of maintenance for the King's younger Children (as if His majesty's Revenues which they had invaded, Oct 23. 16. 1. were not sufficient for that purpose,) convert his House at Lambeth into a Prison, and confiscate all his coals and fuel to the use of their Gaoler; Nov. 8. 1642. deprive him of his right of Patronage, Jan. 5. 1642. and take into their own hands the disposing of all his Benefices; May 16. 1643. seize upon all his goods and books which they found at Lambeth; May 9 1643. and in conclusion rifle him of his notes and papers, May 31. 1643. not only such as were of ordinary use and observation, but such as did concern him in the way of his just defence. In which they did not any thing from the first to the last, but in a proud defiance to the laws of the land, which they most impudently violated in all these particulars: and more than so, they had proceeded step by step, to this height of tyranny a whole year almost before they had digested their general charge into particular Accusations; or ever called him to his Answer in due form of law. But God had given him such a measure both of strength and patience, that these afflictions, though most great and irksome, did make no more impressions on him, than an Arrow on a rock of Adamant. For a● his 〈◊〉 commitment he besought his God, (as Master Pryn observes out of his manual of devotions) to give him full patience, proportionable comfort, and contentment with whatsoever he should send; and he was heard in that he prayed for. For notwithstanding that he had fed so long on the bread of carefulness, and drank the water of affliction: Dan. 1.13. yet, as the Scripture telleth us of the four Hebrew children, his countenance appeared fairer and fatter in flesh, than any of those who eat their portion of the King's meat, or drank of his wine. And he was wont to say to his private friends, that, he thanked God, he never found more sweet contentment in his greatest liberty, then in the time of that restraint. And certainly it was no wonder that it should be so, he being conscious to himself of no other crimes, which drew that fatal storm upon him, than a religious zeal to the honour of God, the happiness of the King, and the preservation of the Church in her peace and patrimony, as he professeth at his death before all the people. So that despairing of success in the way intended his enemies sell upon another, but more desperate course, which was to ship him for New-England, and make him subject to the insolences of Wellt and Peter's, two notorious schismatics. But this being put to the question in the house of Commons, April 25. 1643. was rejected by the major part: not out of pity to his age, or consideration of his quality, nor in respect unto the laws so often violated; but to preserve him yet a while, as a stale or property, wherewith to cheat the Citizens of some further sums, and to invite the Scots to a new invasion, when their occasion so required. For it was little doubted by discerning men, but that the Scots, who made their first invasion on a probable hope of sequestering the Lord Archbishop and the Earl of Strafford from His majesty's Counsels; and sped it so well in their design, that they were recompensed already with the death of the one, would easily be tempted to a second journey, upon assurance to be glutted with the blood of the other. And this appears more plain and evident, in that about the coming on of the Scots, which was in the midst of January 1643. they did again revive the business, which had long lain dormant; causing the Articles, which they had framed in maintenance of their former Accusation, to be put in print about that time, as is apparent by the Test of John Browne their clerk, dated the 17 of that month. And as the Scots advanced or slackened in their marches Southward, so did they either quicken or retard the work: till hearing of the great successes which they had in Yorkshire, they gave command to Master Prynne (a man most mischievously industrious to disturb the public) to prosecute the charge against him, In his Epistle to the Breviate. and bring him to his long expected trial; as he reports it of himself, who, having rifled him of his Papers, and thereby robbed him of those helps, which he had purposely reserved for his just defence; and having personal quarrels of his own to revenge upon him, was thought to be the fittest bloodhound in the whole kennel, to pursue the sent. And now there was no talk but of quick dispatch. When hatred doth accuse, and malice prosecute, and prejudice and prepossession sit upon the Bench, God help the innocent. There's nothing but a miracle can preserve him then. And so it proved in the event. They called him often to the bar, both before and after, caused a strict inquisition to be made into all his actions: they winnowed him like wheat, and sifted him to the very bran, Luke 22.31. (which was you know the devil's office;) they had against him all advantages of power and malice, and witnesses at hand upon all occasions: but still they found his answers and his resolutions of so good a temper, his innocence and integrity of so bright a dye, that as they knew not how to dismiss him with credit, so neither could they find a way to condemn him with justice. And though their Consciences could tell them, that he had done nothing which deserved either death or bonds; yet either to reward or oblige the Scots, who would not think themselves secure whilst his head was on, they were resolved to bring him to a speedy end. Only they did desire, if possible, to lay the Odium of the murder upon the common people. And therefore sergeant Wild in a speech against him, having aggrivated his supposed offences to the highest pitch, concluded thus, that he was guilty of so many and notorious treasons, so evidently destructive to the commonwealth, that he marvelled the people did not tear him in pieces as he passed between his barge, and the Parliament Houses. Which barbarous & bloody project when it would not take, and that though many of the Rabble did desire his death, yet none would be the executioner; they then employed some of their most malicious and most active instruments, to go from door to door, and from man to man, to get hands against him; and so petitio● those to hasten to his condemnation, which must forsooth be forced to their own desires: (whereof, and of the Magistrates standing still, and suffering them to proceed without any check, he gave them a momento in his dying speech.) This being obtained, the business was pursued with such heat and violence, that by the beginning of November it was made ready for a sentence; which some conceived would have been given in the King's Bench, and that their proofs (such as they were) being fully ripened, he should have been put over to a Middlesex jury. But they were only some poor Ignorants which conceived so of it. The leading members of the Plot thought of no such matter; and, to say truth, it did concern them highly not to go that way. For though there was no question to be made at all, but that they could have packed a jury to have found the Bill; but by a clause in the Attaindure of the Earl of Strafford they had bound the judges, not to declare those facts for treason in the time to come, for which they had condemned and executed that heroic peer. And therefore it was done with great care and caution to proceed by Ordinance, and vote him guilty first in the House of Commons; in which being parties, witnesses, and Judges too, they were assured to pass it as they would themselves; which was done accordingly, about the 20 of November. But yet the business was not done, for the Lords stuck at it. Some of which having not extinguished all the sparks of honour, did by the light thereof discover the injustice of so foul a practice; together with the danger might befall themselves, if once disfavoured by the Grandees of that potent faction. A thing so stomached by the Commons, that alter some evaporations of their heat and passion, which broke out into open threats, they presently drew and sent up an Ordinance to the Lords, tending to dispossess them of all power and command in their Armies. But fearing this device was too week to hold, they fall upon another and a likelier project, which was to bring the Lords to sit in the Commons House; where they were sure they should be inconsiderable both for power and number. And to effect the same with more speed and certainty, they had recourse to their old Arts, drew down Sir David Watkins with his general muster of subscriptions, and put a peition in his hands, to be tendered by him to the Houses, that is, themselves: wherein it was required amongst other things, that they would vigorously proceed unto the punishment of all Delinquents; and that for the more quick dispatch of the public businesses of the State, the Lords would please to vote and sit together with the Commons. On such uncertain terms, such a ticklish Tenure do they now hold their place and power in Parliament; who so efficiously complied with the House of Commons, in depriving the Bishops of their Votes, and the church's birthright. And this was it which helped them in that time of need. For by this (though stale and common) Stratagem did they prevail so far upon some weak spirits, that the Earls of Kent, Pembroke, Salisbury, and Bullingbrook, the Lords, North, Gray of Wark, and Brews, (a Scothman, but an English Baron, and generally called the Earl of Elgin) resolved to yield unto the current of so strong a stream: and thought they made a gaining voyage, if by delivering the Lord Archbishop to the people's fury, they might preserve themselves in the people's favour. And we know well, both who it was and what end he came to, who, though he knew that the accused party was delivered him out of envy only, and that he found no evil he was guilty of; Mat. ●7. v. 18.22, 23, 24.36. yet being wearied with the clamours and the Crucifiges of the common people, and fearing that some tumult would be made about it, delivered him unto his enemies to be put to death. And for those other Lords who withdrew themselves, and neither durst condemn nor protect the innocent; (though far the major part, as it is reported) it is not easy to determine, whether their conscience were more tender, their Collusion grosser, or their courage weaker. Act. 23. v. 13.20.23, &c. All I shall say is only this, that Claudias Lysias in the Acts, had been as guilty of Saint Paul's death, as any of the forty who had vowed to kill him; if upon notice of the Plot which was laid to murder him, he had brought him down unto the people, or not conveyed him with a strong guard to the Court of Felix. The journey's end must needs be foul, which such lewd and crooked ways do conduct unto. And it is worth your observation that the same day, the fourth of January, in which they passed this bloody Ordinance, (as if therein they would cry quittance with His Sacred Majesty, who on the same accused the six guilt Members) they passed another for establishing their new Directory; which in effect is nothing but a total abolition of the common-prayer-book: and thereby showed unto the world, how little hopes they had of settling their new form of worship if the foundation of it were not laid in blood. The Bill being thus dispatched in the House of Lords, (if still they may be called the Lords, which are so overloaded by the Common people) there wanted yet the King's Assent to give life to it: which they so far contemned, (they had more reason to despare of it) that they never sought it. They had screwed up their Ordinances to so high a pitch, that never Act of Parliament was of more authority: and having found the subjects so obedient as to yield unto them in matters which concerned them in their goods and liberties; it was but one step more to make trial of them, whether they would submit their lives to the self same tyranny: And this they made the first experiment in this kind, both of their own power, and the people's patience; he being the first man, as himself noted in his speech, (which words are purposely omitted in hind's Copy of it;) that was ever put to death by Ordinance in Parliament▪ but whether he shall be the last, further time will show. Certain it is, that by this Ordinance they have now made themselves the absolute masters of the Subjects life, which they can call for at their pleasure, as no doubt they will; and left him nothing but his fetters, he can call his own. Just as it was observed by our Gracious sovereign, upon occasion of the Ordinance for the 20th part, Declaration about the twentieth part. that the same power which robbed the Subject of the twentieth part of their Estates, had by that only made a claim and entitled itself to the other nineteen, whensoever it should be thought expedient to hasten on the general ruin. In which His Majesty hath proved but too true a Prophet. And though perhaps some of the people were well pleased with this bloody Ordinance, and ran with joy to see it put in execution; yet all wise men do look upon it as the last groan or gasp of our dying liberty. And let both them and those who passed it, be assured of this▪ that they who do so gadly sell the blood of their fellow Subjects, seldom want Chapmen for their own in an open Market. And here, as it was once observed, that the predominant party of the united Provinces, to bring about their ends in the death of Barnevelt, subverted all those fundamental laws of the Belgic liberty; for maintenance whereof they took up Arms against Philip the 2 so would I know which of those fundamental laws of the English Government have not been violated by these men in their whole proceedings; for preservation of which laws (or rather under colour of such preservation) they have bewitched the people unto this Rebellion: It is a fundamental Law of the English Government, and the first Article in the Magna Charta, that the Church of England shall be free, Magna Ch. c. 1. and shall have her whole Rights and privileges inviolable: yet to make way unto the condemnation of this innocent man, and other the like wicked and ungodly ends, the Bishops must be Voted out of their place in Parliament, which most of them have held far longer in their Predecessors, than any of our noble Families in their progenitors. And if the Lords refuse to give way unto it (as at first they did) the people must come down to the House in multitudes, and cry, No Bishops, no Bishops, at the Parliament doors, till by the terror of their tumults they extort it from them. Magn. Chart. c. 29.28 Edw. 3. And the Petition of Right. It is a fundamental Law of the English liberty, that no Free man shall be taken or imprisoned without cause shown, or be detained without being brought unto his Answer in due form of Law: yet here we see a freeman imprisoned ten whole weeks together, brfore any Charge was brought against him; and kept in prison three years more, before his general Accusation was by them reduced into particulars; and for a year almost detained close prisoner, without being brought unto his answer, as the Law requirer. It is a fundamental Law of the English Government, Magn. Chart. c. 29.28 Edw. 3. that no man be disseised of his Freehold or Liberties, but by the known laws of the Land: yet here we see a man disseised of his Rents and Lands, spoiled of his Goods, deprived of his jurisdiction, devested of his Right and Patronage; and all this done, when he was so far from being convicted by the laws of the Land, that no particular charge was so much as thought of. It is a fundamental Law of the English Liberty, Ibid. that no man shall be condemned, or put to death, but by lawful judgement of his peers, or by the Law of the Land, i. e. in the ordinary way of a legal trial: and sure an Ordinance of both Houses, without the royal Assent, is no part of the Law of England, nor held an ordinary way of trial for the English subject, or ever reckoned to be such in the former times. And finally, it is a fundamental Law in the English Government, 25 Edw. 3. that if any other case (Than those recited in the Statute of King Edward 3.) which is supposed to be Treason, do happen before any of His majesty's Justices, the Justices shall tarry without giving judgement, till the cause be shown and declared before the King, and His Parliament, whether it ought to be judged Treason or not: yet here we have a new found Treason, never known before, nor declared such by any of His majesty's justices, nor ever brought to be considered of by the King and His Parliament, but only voted to be such by some of those few Members which remain at Westminster, who were resolved to have it so for their private ends. Put all which hath been said together, and then tell me truly, if there be any difference (for I see not any) between the ancient Roman slaves, and the once freeborn Subject of the English Nation, whose life and liberty, whose goods and fortunes depend on the mere pleasure of their mighty Masters. But to return unto our Story, the passing of the Ordinance being made known unto him, he neither entertained the news with a stoical apathy, nor wailed his Fate with weak and womanish lamentations, (to which extremes most men are carried in this case) but heard it with so even and so smooth a temper, as showed he neither was afraid to live, nor ashamed to die. The time between the Sentence and the Execution, he spent in prayers and applications to the Lord his God; having obtained, though not without some difficulty, a chaplain of his own, to attend upon him, and to assist him in the work of his preparation: though little preparation needed to receive that blow, which could not but be welcome, because long expected. For so well was he studied in the art of dying (especially in the last and strictest part of his imprisonment) that by continual fasting, watching, prayers, and such like acts of Christian humiliation, his flesh was rarified into spirit, and the whole man so fitted for eternal glories, that he was more than half in heaven, before death brought his bloody (but triumphant) chariot to convey him thither. He that had so long been a confessor, could not but think it a release of miseriea to be made a Martyr. And as is recorded of Alexander the Great, Plutarch in Alexandr●. that the night before his best and greatest battle with Darius the Persian, he fell into so sound a sleep, that his Princes hardly could awake him when the morning came: so is it certified of this great Prelate▪ that on the evening before his Passover, the night before the dismal combat betwixt him and death, after he had refreshed his spirits with a moderate supper, he betook himself unto his rest, and slept very soundly, till the time came in which his servants were appointed to attend his rising. A most assured sign of a soul prepared. Fridy Jan. 10. 1644. The fatal morning being come, he first applied himself to his private prayers, and so continued, till Pennington, and other of their public Officers came to conduct him to the Scaffold: which he ascended with so brave a courage, such a cheerful countenance, as if he had mounted rather to behold a triumph, then to made a sacrifice, and came not there to die, but to be translated. And to say truth, it was no Scaffold, but a Throne; a Throne whereon he shortly was to receive a crown, even the most glorious crown of martyrdom. And though some rude, uncivil people reviled him as he passed along, with opprobrious language, as loath to let him go to the Grave in peace, it never discomposed his thoughts, nor disturbed his patience. For he had profited so well in the school of Christ, 1 Pet. 2.23. that when he was reviled he reviled not again, when he suffered he threatened not, but committed his cause to him that judgeth righteously. And as he did not fear the frowns, so neither did he covet the applause of the vulgar herd, and therefore rather chose to read what he had to speak unto the people, then to affect the ostentation either of memory or wit in that dreadful Agony: whether with greater magnanimity or prudence, I can hardly say. As for the matter of his Speech, besides what did concern himself and his own purgation, his great care was to clear His majesty, and the Church of England from any inclination unto Popery; with a persuasion of the which, the Authors of our present miseries had abused the people, and made them take up arms against their sovereign. A faithful servant to the last. By means whereof, Judg. 21.30. as it is said of Samson in the book of judges, that the men which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life: so may it be affirmed of this famous Prelate, that he gave a greater blow unto the enemies of God and the King at the hour of his death, than he had given them in his whole life before; of which I doubt not but the King and the Church will find speedy fruits. But this you will more clearly see by the Speech itself. 〈◊〉 followeth here according to the best and most 〈◊〉 Copies. A Speech of the L. Archbishop of Canterbury, spoken at his death upon the Scaffold on the Tower-hill January 10. 1644. Good People, THis is an uncomfortable time to Preach, yet I shall begin with a Text of Scripture, Heb. 12.2. Let us run with Patience that race which is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our Faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, & is set down at the right hand of the throne of God, I have been long in my Race, and how I have looked to Jesus the Author and finisher of my Faith, He best knows: I am now come to the end of my Race, and here I find the cross, a death of shame; but the shame must be despised, or no coming to the right hand of God; Jesus despised the shame for me, and God forbid but I should despise the shame for Him; I am going apace (as you see) towards the Red Sea, and my feet are now upon the very brink of it; an Argument, I hope, that God is bringing me into the Land of promise, for that was the way through which he led his People: But before they came to it, He instituted a Passeover for them, a lamb it was, but it must be eaten with sour herbs, I shall obey, and labour to digest the sour herbs, as well as the lamb. Ezod. 12.8. And I shall remember it is the Lord's Passeover; I shall not think of the Herbs, nor be angry with the hand which gathereth them; but look up only to Him who instituted that, and governs these; For men can have no more power over me than what is given them from above. Joh. 19.11 I am not in love with this passage, through the Red Sea, for I have the weakness and infirmities of flesh and blood plentifully in me; And I have prayed with my Saviour, ut transiret Calixiste, that this Cup of Red wine might pass from me: Luk. 22, 4●. But if not, God's will (not mine) be done and I shall most willingly drink of this Cup as deep as He pleases, and enter into this Sea, yea and pass through it, in the way that he shall lead me. But I would have it remembered (Good people) that when God's Servants were in this boisterous Sea, and Aaron among them, the Egyptians which persecuted them (and did in a manner drive them into that Sea) were drowned in the same waters, while they were in pursuit of them; I know my God whom I serve, is as able to deliver me from this Sea of blood, as he was to deliver the three Children from the Furnace; Dan. 3. and (I most humbly thank my Saviour for it) my Resolution is now, as theirs was then; They would not worship the Image the King had set up, nor will I the Imaginations which the People are setting up; nor will I forsake the Temple and the truth of God, to follow the bleating of jeroboam's calf, in Dan and in Bethel. And as for this People, they are at this day miserably misled, (God of his mercy open their Eyes that they may see the right way) for at this day the Blind lead the Blind, Luk. 6.36. and if they go on, both will certainly into the ditch. For myself, I am (and I acknowledge it in all humility) a most grievous Sinner many ways, by thought, word, and deed, and I cannot doubt, but that God hath mercy in store for me (a poor Penitent) as well as for other sinners, I have now upon this sad occasion, ransacked every corner of my Heart, and yet (I thank God) I have not found (among the many) any one sin which deserves death by any known Law of this kingdom; And yet hereby I charge nothing upon my judges; for if they proceed upon proof (by valuable witnesses) I or any other innocent, may be justly condemned; And I thank God) though the weight of the sentence lie heavy upon me, I am as quiet within, as ever I was in my life. And though I am not only the first Archbishop, but the first man that ever died by an Ordinance of Parliament, yet some of my Predecessors have gone this way, though not by this means; For Elphegus was hurried away and lost his head by the Danes; and Simon Sudbury in the fury of Wat Tyler and his fellows; Before these, Saint Jon Baptist had his head danced off by a lewd woman; and Saint Cyprian, Archbishop of Carthage, submitted his head to a persecuting Sword. Many Examples (great and good) and they teach me patience; for I hope my Cause in Heaven will look of another dye, than the colour that is put upon it here. And some comfort it is to me, not only that I go the way of these great men in their several generations, but also that my Charge (as foul as 'tis made) looks like that of the Jews against Saint Paul (Acts. 25.3.) For he was accused for the Law and the Temple, i. e. Religion; And like that of Saint Stephen (Acts 6.14.) for breaking the Ordinances which Moses gave, i. e. Law and Religion, the holy place and the Temple (verse. 13.) But you will say, do I then compare myself with the integrity of Saint Paul, and Saint Stephen? No, far be that from me; I only raise a comfort to myself, that these great Saints and Servants of God were laid at in their times, as I am now. And 'tis memorable, that Saint Paul who helped on this Accusation against Saint Stephen: did after fall under the very same himself. Yea, but here's a great Clamour that I would have brought in Popery; I shall Answer that more fully by and by; In the mean time you know what the Pharises said against Christ himself, Joh. 11.48. If we let him alone, all men will believe in him, Et venient Romani, and the Romans will come, and take away both our place and the Nation. Here was a causeless Cry against Christ that the Romans will come; And see how just the judgement of God was? they crucified Christ for fear lest the Romans should come, and his death was it which brought in the Romans upon them, God punishing them with that which they most feared: and I pray God this Clamour of Venient Romani (of which I have given no cause) help not to bring them in; for the Pope never had such a Harvest in England since the Reformation, as he hath now upon the Sects and Divisions that are amongst us, In the mean time, by Honour and dishonour, by good report and evil report, as a deceiver and yet true, am I passing through this world, 2 Cor. 6.8.— Some particulars also I think it not amiss to speak of. And first, this I shall be bold to speak of, the King our gracious sovereign; He hath been much traduced also for bringing in of Popery; but on my Conscience (of which I shall give God a very present account) I know Him to be as free from this Charge, as any man living; and I hold Him to be as sound a Protestant (according to the Religion by Law established) as any man in this kingdom; And that he will venture His Life as far, and as freely for it; and I think I do, or should know, both His affection to Religion, and his grounds for it, as fully as any man in England. The second particular is concerning this great and Populous City, (which God bless.) Here hath been of late, a fashion taken up, to gather hands, and then go to the Great Court of this kingdom, (the Parliament) and clamour for justice, as if that great and wise Court, before whom the Causes come, (which are unknown to the many) could not, or would not do justice, but at their appointment. A way, which may endanger many an Innocent man, and pluck his blood upon their own heads, and perhaps upon the city's also: And this hath been lately practised against myself; [the Magistrates standing still, Reader the words included [] are left out in the speech published by hind. Acts 6.12. and suffering them openly to proceed from Parish to Parish without check;] God forgive the setters of this (with all my heart I beg it) but many well meaning People are caught by it. In Saint Stephen's case, when nothing else would serve, they stirred up the People against him; and Herod went the same way, when he had killed Saint James, yet he would not venture upon Saint Peter, till he found how the other pleased the People. But take heed of having your hands full of blood, for there is a time (best known to himself) when God (above other sins) makes Inquisition for blood, Isa. 1.15. and when that Inquisition is on foot, the Psalmest tells us, That God remembers (but that's not all) He remembers and forgits not the Complaint of the poor, Psal. 9.12. that is, whose blood it shed by oppression, vers. 9 take heed of this, 'Tis a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Heb. 12. but then especially, when he is making Inquisition for blood; And (with my Prayers to avert it) I do heartily desire this City to remember the prophecy that is expressed, see the words at large in the tittle of this Relation. Jer. 26.15. The third particular is the poor Church of England. It hath flourished and been a shelter to other neighbouring Churches, when storms have driven upon them. But, alas, now 'tis in a storm itself, and God only knows whether, or how it shall get out; and (which is worse than a storm from without) it's become like an oak cleft to shivers with wedges made out of its own body, and at every cleft profaneness and Irreligion is entering in, while as Prosper speaks (in his second Book De vitae contemptu, cap. 4.) Men that introduce profaneness are cloaked over with the name Religionis Imaginariae, of Imaginary Religion; for we have lost the Substance and dwell to much in Opinion, and that Church which all the Jesuits machinations could not ruin, is fallen into danger by her own. The last particular (for I am not willing to be too long) is myself; I was borne and baptised in the bosom of the Church of England established by Law; in that profession I have ever since lived, and in that I come now to die; This is no time to dissemble with God, lest of all in matter of Religion; and therefore I desire it may be remembered, I have always lived in the Protestant Religion, established in England, and in that I come now to die. What Clamours and Slanders I have endured for labouring to keep a uniformity in the external service of God, according to the Doctrine and Discipline of this Church, all men know, and I have abundautly felt. Now at last I am accused of High Treason in Parliament: a Crime which my soul ever abhorred; this Treason was charged to consist of these two parts, An endeavovor to subvert the laws of the Land, and a like Endeavur to overthrow the 〈◊〉 Protestant Religion Established by Law. Besides my answers to the several Charges, I protested my Innocency in both Houses. It was said Prisoners protestations at the bar must not be taken. I can bring no witness of my heart and the intentions thereof, threfore I must come to my Protestation not at the bar, but my Protestation at this hour and instant of my death; in which I hope all men will be such charitable Christians, as not to think I would die and dissemble, being iustantly to give God an account for the truth of it: I do therefore here in the presence of God, and his holy Angels, take it upon my death, That I never endeavoured the subversion either of Law or Religion; and I desire you all to remember this Protest of mine for my Innocency, in these, and from all Treasons what soever. I have been accused likewise as an Enemy to Parliaments: No, I understand them and the benefit that comes by them too well to be so; But I did mislike the misgovernments of some Parliaments many ways, and I had good reason for it; For Corruptio optimi est pessima, there is no corruption in the world so bad, as that which is of the best thing in itself; for the better the thing is in nature, the worse it is corrupted. And that being the highest Court, over which no other have jurisdiction, when 'tis misinformed or misgoverned, the Subject is left without all remedy. But I have done, I forgive all the World, all and every of those bitter Enemies which have persecuted me, and humbly desire to be forgiven of God first, and then of every man, whether I have offended him or not, if he do but conceive that I have, Lord do thou forgive me, and I beg forgiveness of him. And so I heartily desire you to join in Prayer with me. O eternal God and merciful Father, The Arch Bishop's prayer upon the Scaffold. look down upon me in mercy, in the Riches and fullness of all thy mercies look upon me; but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the cross of Christ, not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ, not till I have hid myself in the wounds of Christ: that so the punishment due unto my sins may pass over me. And since thou art pleased to try me to the uttermost, I humbly beseech thee give me now in this great instant, full Patience, proportionable Comfort, and a heart ready to die for thy Honour, the King's happiness, and this church's preservation. And my zeal to these (Far from Arrogancy be it spoken,) is all the sin (Human frailty excepted and all incidents thereto.) which is yet known to me in this particular, for which I now come to suffer; I say in this particular of Treason; but otherwise my sins are many and great: Lord pardon them all, and those especially (what ever they are) which have drawn down this present judgement upon me: and when thou hast given me strength to bear it, do with me as seems best in thine own eyes: and carry me through death that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall appear to me, Amen. And that there may be a stop of this issue of blood, in this more than miserable Kingdom, (I shall desire that I may pray for the people too, as well as for myself) O Lord, I beseech the; give grace of Repentance to all bloodthirsty people; but if they will not repent, O Lord confound all their devices, Defeat and Frustrate all their designs and endeavours upon them, which are or shall be contrary to the Glory of thy great Name, the truth and sincerity of Religion, the establishment of the King and His Posterity after Him in their just Rights and privileges, the Honour and Conservation of Parliaments in their just power, the Preservation of this poor Church in her Truth, Peace, and Patrimony, and the settlement of this distracted and distressed People under their ancient laws, and in their native Liberties. And when thou hast done all this in mere mercy for them. O Lord, fill their hearts with thankfulness, and with Religious dutiful obedience to thee and thy commandments all their days: So Amen, Lord Jesus Amen, and receive my soul into thy bosom Amen. Our Father which art, &c. The Speech and Prayers being ended, he gave the Paper which he read unto. Doctor Sterne, desiring him to show it to his other chaplains, that they might know how he departed out of this world, and so prayed God to show his mercies and blessings on them. And noting how one hind had employed himself in taking a Copy of his Speech as it came from his mouth; he desired him not to do him wrong in publishing a false or imperfect Copy. Which as hind promised him to be careful of, calling for punishment from above if he should do otherwise; so hath he reasonably well performed his promise: the Alterations or Additions which occur therein, being perhaps the work of those who perused his Papers, and were to Authorise them to the public view, to fit it more unto the palate of the City faction, and make it more consistent with the credit of those guilty men, who had voted to his condemnation. This done, he next applied himself to the fatal block, as to the Haven of his rest. But finding the way full of people, who had placed themselves upon the Theatre to behold the Tragedy, he desired he might have room to die, beseeching them to let him have an end of his miseries, which he had endured very long. All which he did with so serene and calm a mind, as if he had been rather taking order for another man's funeral, then making way unto his own. Being come near the block, he put off his doublet, and used some words to this effect. God's will be done, I am willing to go out of this world, no man can be more willing to send me out of it. And seeing through the chinks of the boards that some people were got under the Scaffold, about the very place where the block was seated, he called on the Officers for some dust to stop them, or to remove the people thence, saying it was no part of his desires, that his blood should fall upon the heads of the People. Never did man put off mortality with a brave courage, nor look upon his bloody and malicious enemies with more Christian charity. And thus far he was gone in his way towards Paradise with such a Primitive magnanimity, as equalled, if not exceeded the example of ancient martyrs, When he was somewhat interrupted in his quiet passage by one Sir John Clotworthy, a firebrand brought from Ireland by the Earl of Warwick to increase the Combustions in this kingdom. Who finding that the mockings and revilings of malicious people had no power to move him, or sharpen him into any discontent or show of passion; would needs put in, and try what he could do with his sponge and vinegar, and stepping to him near the block, asked him, (with such a purpose as the Scribes and Pharisees used to propose questions to our Lord and Saviour) not to learn by him but to tempt him, or to expose him to some disadvantage with the standers by, what was the comfortablest saying which a dying man could have in his mouth. To which he meekly made this answer, Cupio dissolvi & esse cum Christo; i. e. I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. Being asked again what was the fittest speech a man could use, to express his confidence and assurance; he answered with the same spirit of meekness, that such assurance was to be found within, and that no words were able to express it rightly. Which when it would not satisfy the troublesome and impertinent man (who aimed at something else than such satisfaction) unless he gave some word, or place of Scripture, whereupon such assurance might be truly founded; he used some words to this effect, that it was the Word of God concerning CHRIST, and his dying for us. And so without expecting any further questions (for he perceived by the manner of Sir John's proceedings, that there would be no end of his interruptions, if he harkened any longer to him) he turned towards his Executioner (the gentler and discreeter man of the two) and gave him money, saying, without the least distemper or change of countenance, here, honest friend, God forgive thee, and do thy office upon me with mercy, and having given a sign when the blow should come, he kneeled down upon his knees, and prayed as followeth. The Lord Archbishops Prayer, as he kneeled by the block. Lord, I am coming as fast as I can, I know I must pass through the shadow of death, before I can come to see thee. But it is but umbra mortis, a mere shadow of death, a little darkness upon nature; but thou by thy merits and passion hast broke through the jaws of death. So, Lord receive my soul, and have mercy upon me, and bless this kingdom with Peace and Plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them, for JESUS CHRIST'S sake, if it be thy will. Then laying his head upon the block, and praying silently to himself, he said aloud, Lord receive my soul, which was the signal given to the Executioner, who very dextrously did his office, and took it off at a blow: his soul ascending on the wings of Angels into Abraham's bosom, and leaving his Body on the Scaffold, to the care of men. A spectacle so unpleasing unto most of those who had desired his death with much heat and passion, that many who came with greedy eyes to see him suffer, went back with weeping eyes when they saw him dead; their consciences perhaps bearing witness to them, as you know whose did, that they had sinned in being guilty of such innocent blood. Of those, whom only curiosity, and desire of novelty brought thither to behold that unusual sight, many had not the patience to attend the issue, but went away as soon as the speech was ended; others returned much altered in the opinion which before they had of him, and bettered in their resolutions towards the King and the Church, whose honour and religious purposes they saw so clearly vindicated by this glorious Martyr. And for the rest (the most considerable, though perhaps the smallest part of that great assembly) as they came thither with no other intention, then to assist him with their prayers, to embalm his body with their tears, and to lay up his dying speeches in their hearts and memories: so when they had performed those offices of Christian duty, they comforted themselves with this, that as his life was honourable, so his death was glorious, the pains whereof were short and momentany to himself, the benefit like to be perpetual, unto them and others, who were resolved to live and die in the Communion of the Church of England. But to proceed (for I have some few things to note) it was observed, that whereas other men, when they come to the block, use to look pale, and wan, and ghastly, and are even dead before the blow, he on the contrary seemed more fresh and cheerful, than he had done any part of the day before: a clear and gallant spirit being like the sun, which shows greatest always at the setting. And as the Scripture telleth us of Saint Stephen the Proto Martyr, that whilst he spoke his last Oration before the chief Priests and Elders of the Jews, Acts 6.15 they of the counsel looking steadfastly upon him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel: so was it generally observed, not without astonishment, that all the while our Martyr prayed upon the block, the sun which had not shown itself all the day till then, did shine directly on his face, which made him look most comfortably (that I say not gloriously) but presently as soon as the Blow was given, withdrew behind a cloud again, and appeared no more, as we are credibly advertised by good hands from London, though it be otherwise reported in their weekly Pamphlets. And if the bodies of us men be capable of any happiness in the grave, he had as great a share therein, as he could desire, or any of his friends expect: his body being accompanied to the earth with great multitudes of people, whom love, or curiosity, or remorse of conscience had drawn together, purposely to perform that office, and decently interred in the Church of All hallows Barking (a Church of his own Patronage and Jurisdiction) according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England. In which it may be noted, as a thing remarkable, that being whilst he lived the greatest Champion of the common-prayer-book, here by Law established, he had the honour being dead, to be buried in the form therein prescribed, after it had been long disused, and reprobated in most Churches of London. Nor need posterity take care to provide his Monument. he built one for himself whilst he was alive: it being well observed by Sir Edw. Dering (one of his most malicious enemies, and he who threw the first stone at him, in the beginning of this Parliament) that Saint Paul's Church will be his perpetual Monument, In his Book of Speeches. and his own book (against the Jesuite) his lasting Epitaph. Thus died this most Reverend, Renowned, and Religiour Prelate: when he had lived 71 years, 13 weeks, 4 days; if at the least he may be properly said to die, the great example of whose virtue shall continue always, not only in the minds of men, but in the Annals of succeeding Ages, with renown and Fame. But how he lived, what excellent parts he was composed of, and how industriously he employed those parts, for the advancement of God's honour, his sovereign's Power and Safety, and the church's Peace, will be a work becoming a more able pen; unto whose care and diligence I commend the same. And so I leave him to that comfort which the Psalmist gives him, and 'tis the greatest comfort can befall those men, which have been tortured on the rack of malicious tongues: viz. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance, and shall not be afraid of any evil report. Ps. 112. v. 6.7. Horat. Carm. l. 4. Ode. 8. Dignum Laude virum Musa vetat mori. ANd yet not leave thee thus, I fain would try A line or two in way of elegy; And wail so sad a loss, if to express The greatness of it would not make it less: If to lament thee might not vex thee more, Than all the scorns thou hast endured before; And make thee think we envied thee thy start, Or doubted that thou were't not what thou art. Yet, with thy leave, I needs must drop a verse, Write it with tears, and fit it for thy hearse; And at this distance from thy grave, which lacks The pomps of sorrow, hang my heart with blacks. Religious Prelate, what a calm hast thou I'th' midst of all those turbulent storms, which now Shipwreck this Island? At how cheap a rate Hast thou procured this change of thy Estate? The Mitre for a crown, a few poor days For endless bliss, vile earth for heavenly joys! Such glories hast thou found, such alteration, In this thy highest, as thy last Translation. How were thine Enemies deceived, when they Advanced thee thus, and chalked thee out the way; A way so welcome to thee! No Divine But knows the Red Sea leads to Palestine; And that since JESUS sanctified the cross, Death's the best purchase, life the greatest loss. Nor be thou grieved, blessed soul, that men do still Pursue thee with black slanders, and do kill Thy shadow now, and trample on thy Ghost, (As Hector's carcase by the Grecian host;) Or that thou want'st inscriptions, and a stone T'ingrave thy name, and write thy Titles on. Thou art above those trifles, and shalt stand As much above men's malice. Though the hand Of base detraction practice to defame Thy spotless virtues, yet impartial fame Shall do thee all just honours, and set forth To all succeeding times thy matchless worth. No Annals shall be writ but what relate Thy happy influence both on Church and State; Thy zeal to public order, thy great parts For all affairs of weight, thy love to Arts: And to our shame and his great glory, tell For whose dear sake, by whose vile hands he fell (A death so full of merits, of such price, To God and man so sweet a sacrifice; As by good Church-law may his name prefer To a fixed rubric in the calendar. And let this silence the pure Sect's complaint, If they make Martyrs, we may make a Saint.) Or should men envy thee this right, thy praise An Obelisque unto itself can raise. Thy brave attempt on Paul's in times to come Shall be a Monument beyond a tomb. Thy book shall be thy Statua, where we find The image of thy nobler part, thy mind. Thy name shall be thine Epitaph; and he Which hears or reads of that, shall publish thee Above the reach of Titles, and shall say None could express thy worths a braver way. And thus though murdered, thou shalt never die, But live renowned to all Posterity. Rest thou then happy in sweets of bliss, Th'Elyzian fields, the Christians Paradise▪ Exempt from worldly cares, secure from fears, And let us have thy Prayers, as thou our tears. Ad Regem CAROLUM. Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit, Nulli ●●ebilior, quam tibi, CAROLE. Horat. Carm. l. 1. Ode. 24. FINIS.