Blood for Blood, OR, JUSTICE EXECUTED FOR Innocent Bloodshed. Being a true Narrative of that late horrid Murder, committed by Mary Cook, upon her own and only beloved Child, with several remarkable passages, preceding the fact, as also what was most worthy observation, during her Imprisonment, and at her Execution, faithfully communicated for Public Satisfaction.  
By N. Partridge, and J. Sharp. With a Sermon upon the same occasion. With other Spectaters and Visiters whilst in Prison, and at her Execution.  
LONDON, Printed for F. Smith, at the Elephant and Castle without Temple-Bar; and D. Newman, at the Chyrurgions-Arms in Little-Brittain. 1670.   

Licenced and Entered according to Order.   

To the READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
HEre is at length now exposed to public view this brief, but true Narrative (of that ever to be abhorred cruelty of M. C. in murdering her innocent Babe) which we humbly submit to thy favourable censure and charitable interpretation.  
Two reasons especially have drawn it forth,  
First, to fulfil the will of the poor creature which was executed, who had an earnest desire at the place and time of her execution, to have given glory to God, by confessing her sins, accepting her punishment, and giving warning to all the numerous spectators of the evil of sin, and the danger of eternal wrath; but natural strength failing her, wished some of us in the Cart with her, to have manifested the same then; but the noise of the multitude was such, that it could not be done conveniently; some days passed after before any thoughts were stirred up in us to publish any thing of this nature, during which time some of us could have little rest, apprehending some neglect might be imputed unto us, in a business, which for aught we knew might be for general good.  
As we would not cover over with gilt or paint, rotten Wood or Copper, neither would we bury under dirt the least grain of pure Gold; therefore we have not taken upon us to pass any judgement upon the dying state of M. C. but leave it unto him who sees and looketh into the hidden man of the heart, and weigheth both sins and repentance in the balance of the Sanctuary; and to the judicious Reader, who we hope will measure what is spoken by her, and of her, by the rule of Christian charity, and as we apprehended in her whilst living, great fear, and yet greater hopes; so we leave her now dead, looping that her application to the blood of Christ was sincere (as discovered more at large in the following Narrative) the which blood speaks better things than the blood of Abel; his precious blood crying to God for mercy, may outcry the loud cry of the innocent blood, shed by her for vengeance.  
The second reason was, That this (through the blessing of God) might be a word in season, both to Professors and profane persons, in this day of Satan's violent temptations; to Professors, because we find by daily and sad experience, the Devil setting upon those richly laden with choice treasures, with furious assaults; to them therefore speak we (or rather the Lord) look well to your foundation; secure your principles, live in the daily exercise of those rooting graces, humility, self-denial, and repentance, and then grow up in the nutritive graces, faith, hope and love, and to crown all, let integrity and uprightness preserve thee, and so persevere unto the end, the Lord helping thee to set up his watch tower in thy heart, continually natural reason and common providence may prompt thee, to secure and watch thy outward estate, but grace alone instructs thee how to keep thy heart, were thy heart danger-free, from enmity without, and treachery within; thou hadst then a Plea for the abatement of thy souls intention herein: but whilst a danger of surprise by both remit no diligence, show me that man or woman whom the impudence of sin and Satan doth not sometimes charge and assault; but if such a one cannot be found, be convinced of thy need of the Divine breastplate, which will not only put temptations back, but force the tempter to surcease his assaults; or if so impudent, notwithstanding, will yet enable thee to shake them of (as St. Paul did the Viper from his hand) unburt.  
And to the profane, that they by reading this sad relation, as the consequences of sin, [and the awakening Sermon thereunto annexed] may come to know themselves, and their unsafe condition, whilst in their unregenerate state, and the Spirit of God working with it, they may be thereby provoked to consider their ways, and amend them, before the day come wherein sinners shall cry out, Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? Who shall abide with everlasting burn? For the day of the Lord will burn as an Oven, and sinners shall be as stubble: Oh! therefore it is to warn them to flee from the wrath to come, and in the bowels of our Lord Jesus, to beseech thee to look their faces in the glass of God's Law, and to continue therein, and be a doer of the work.  
And now Reader, because the cry of blood reacheth unto the Heavens, and calleth for a narrow search and inquiry from thence, that justice may take place, and vengeance from God may be executed, to answer the nature of the crime committed, the sin of blood being of that deep dy in the eyes of God, that he hath left in his written Word no City of refuge to fly unto for the outward part of the offender, though sought, if possible, with tears of blood; yet is his Law unalterable, Who so sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed, Gen. 9.6. Weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth will not here prevail, nor can create a door of hope; witness the case of poor Butler and Savage, who wrung their hands for sorrow, smote upon their breasts, and with thousands of bitter sighs cried, Oh, that I had not done this wicked Act; what to murder my inno- friend? It makes me so far from desiring life or refuge here, that I am not meet nor worthy to tread any longer upon God's earth, nor yet to live in the society of men, or to be seen above ground, or die a natural death upon my body, but must call for justice, justice, justice, and that in a violent way it may be executed upon me, to send me as speedily as is possible from off the earth I have so defiled, by so dreadful a sin as this my Murder was: And no marvel but the offendor, if touched with a thorough sense of this dreadful crime, must and will thus cry out for speedy and public justice to be done upon him in the sight of the Sun, while the Law of God is so far from giving respect in this case to the Judges of the earth, that he will punish not only particular persons, but Families, yea Cities and Kingdoms too, where justice for this bloody crime is omitted or remitted; and when the Magistrate hath done his Office, so dreadful in God's eye is this foul Crime, that after sentence and execution hath removed the Offender from the society of men, except deep sorrow and unfeigned repentance, bitter sighs, lamentable cries, and above all, the blood of a Saviour doth mediate to the appeasing wrath, the same Offender must be given up into the hands of Devils, to be tormented with fire and brimstone; whereas St. Mark saith, their worm shall never die, and their fire shall never be quenched.  
Therefore Reader, if Murder speaks thus loud with God and man, no doubt but City and Country will ring of it; and Oh, that the cry of this, even of this (that a Mother should so forget her tender Babe, as not only to neglect it, but the worst of evils to murder it; yea, to bathe as it were her hands in her child's blood: We again pray and say, Oh, that it might, if possible, reach to the ends, not only of England, but the earth, to beget a reverence to God, a dread to sin, and a continual praying and watching over our hearts and lives, and to bespeak warning to all, that none henceforward upon themselves, their child or neighbour, shall entertain a thought to do this abominable thing that God so hates.  
In a word, there is nothing in the world, the flesh, or the devil can suggest (how taking soever with thy sensual affections, or however backed with arguments of pleasure, or profit, or secrecy) but this Narrative and Sermon, may teach thee to retort upon the suggester, How can I do this wickedness and sin against God, or hearken to this lying vanity, and forsake my own mercy: Oh, that when you find your hearts at any time, sordid a cogitare, a vain sinful thought arise, or lust conceive in thee, thou wouldst dash it in pieces against the spiritual rock Christ, and oppose enticements unto the secretest evils, with that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that the eye of God sees thy most retired thoughts and actions whilst yet unhatched, and in the shell, are open and manifest to him; fearing that the porch is too large already, to conclude, in order to the spiritual and eternal advantage of your soul, we leave this short warning, and small expedient in your hands; and if it may further that end, we have our aim, and let God have the sole praise.   

A more full account of the life and death of Mary Cook, taken by several Eye and Ear Witnesses, most conversant with her, from the hour she did commit that horrid Murder upon her Child, till she was laid in the Grave.  
THe subject of our present Narrative being a horrid Murder: Before we come to the sad and Tragical matter of Fact, give us leave in a few lines, to open the heinousness of this sin, the dangerous consequences of it, and what means ought to be used for the preventing of it.  
No Sin committed against the Commandments of the second Table, cryeth louder to God for vengeance, and unto Man for Justice than the shedding of innocent blood: And the Lord said unto Cain, What hast thou done? the voice of thy Brother's blood cryeth unto me from the ground, Gen. 4.10. Rev. 6.10.  
1. God will not stop his ears from the cry thereof, nay he seemeth to speak, as if he could have no rest until he be avenged on the Murderer.  
1. Because it is a sin against his express Commandment; Thou shalt not kill, Exod. 20.13.  
2. Because it is the defacing of God's Image in which man is Created, Whosoever sheddeth Man's blood, by Man shall his blood be shed; Why? For in the Image of God made he Man: Gen. 9.6. Now to raze the King's Picture or great Seal, is High Treason.  
2. Man ought not to stop his Ears from the cry of innocent blood, because there is no way to purify the Land from the guilt of innocent blood, but by executing Justice upon the Blood-shedder.  
You shall take no satisfaction for the life of a Murderer, So you shall not pollute the Land wherein you are; for blood defileth the Land, and the Land cannot be cleansed of the blood shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it, Numb. 35.33.  
Now as above said, God's Command is expressly, Thou shalt do no Murder.  
1. Murder lieth either in the Omission of Duty, in doing good to myself or my Neighbour, with respect unto Soul or Body, whereby I may procure his welfare.  
2. In practising evil against myself, or Neighbour, whom I am commanded to love as myself, and to avoid all cruelty and unmercifulness against him.  
A word or two of Soul-Murder.  
Soul-Murder is dreadful, though minded but by a few in the World, the greater pity.  
1. When a people perish for want of plain and faithful preaching; If thou warn not the wicked, and he die in his sin, his blood will I require at thy hand, Ezek. 33.8.  
2. When Parents and Masters of Families neglect their Duties to the souls of those that are committed to their charge, mind not to teach Children and Servants to know God, and to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to stir them up to read and hear Gods holy Word, and to hollow Gods Holy day to sanctify it, and themselves to the Worship and Service of their God, whereby they might come to know God, and Jesus Christ, which is Life Eternal, Deut. 6.6, 7.  
May not we take up a lamentation for the excessive Remisseness in this Duty; Youth for the most part, suffered upon the Lord's day to take their pleasure, as if it were a day only for play: Sad will the charge be of such Masters and Parents at the last day?  
And those Children and Servants that are Sons of Belial, will be under no Yoke, but refuse to receive instruction, and turn away from, or stiffen the neck against reproof, shall die without remedy, and his Souls blood required at his own hand, Prov. 1.29. But so much shall suffice to be spoken of Soul-Murder, or Omission of Duty to the Soul. So I may murder myself or Neighbour by wilful neglect of doing good to myself: when I shall refuse either Food or Physic which God hath ordained for the preservation of natural Life or Health.  
The principal thing is to open Murder, as it lieth under the practice of Evil against myself or Neighbour, which is done, sometimes secretly, sometimes openly.  
1. Secretly, When I am angry with another without cause, or that it exceeds the cause, either for time or measure: When passion sinks deep in the heart it becomes devilish; So that there should never be anger in our breasts where sin against God is not the cause, otherwise, you sin in being angry, and give place to the Devil, Ephes. 4.26, 27. If you be angry only for some injury done to yourself, you may easily find pride at the Root, and if not timely prevented revenge will be the Fruit.  
Qu. But how shall I prevent it?  
1. Lay those manifold offences done by thee against God into the Balance against those offences or injuries men do against thee, and that may be one way to abate hate, Tit. 3.2.  
2. No provocation can be given to thee but by God's permission, for the trial and exercise of thy Graces and Virtues; Therefore David said, Let Shimei Curse.  
3. Avoid all kindling or blowing up the flame of passion in thy own breast, put, and keep at a distance all that combustible stuff that would take fire; Be not a Companion of the Gamester, the Drunkard, or the froward in Spirit.  
4. Consider, that anger resteth in the bosom of Fools: So much fury, so much folly. Eccles. 7.11.  
2. When it causeth envy to rise in my breast against my Neighbour; Herein the Devil was a Murderer, for that he envied our first Parent's happiness, the melioriety of their estate, he being fallen himself: And Cain being of that Seed, he envies Abel, because accepted of God before him.  
Now this springeth from the want of true Love, and from overmuch Self-love, for love envies not, 1 Cor. 13.4. And he that hateth his Brother for that good which is in him, for which he should love him is a Murderer, 1 John 3.5.  
Now Satan takes the advantage to kindle the Fire and Fuel, and make it bouse over, and break forth in action, either against others or ourselves in Revenge, and injuring our neighbour, in desires or purposes of Revenge, as Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my Father are at hand, then will I slay my Brother Jacob for the Blessing, not considering whose propriety it is to Revenge Wrong, Rom. 12.19.  
And hence proceeds actual Murders against our Neighbour or ourselves, sometimes secret, by giving or taking poison or giving way to Temptations of tha● kind.  
Sometimes open, by laying violent hands upon ourselves or others.  
1. Upon ourselves, A Sin so heinous in the sight of God, that he Commands if a Beast slay a Man, the Beast was to be stoned to death, although he had neither Law nor Reason to restrain him, how much more Man whom God hath endowed with a Reasonable Soul, and bounded with a Righteous Law, Exod. 21.28.  
Now this is so much the more evil, by how much the nearer and stronger the bonds are, by which God and Nature binds us to preservation, whether the Bonds of Consanguinity or Affinity, but most Monstrous and Unnatural of all, is to lay violent hands upon ourselves, to whom I am bound by all Bonds to love and preserve; Therefore for one to rend in sunder his own Soul and Body, is very dreadful, breaking all Bonds of God and Nature, and for aught man can judge, plunging themselves into Hell without Remedy, there being no space betwixt Sin and Death for Repentance, and certainly no Murderer hath Eternal Life in him, 1 John 3.15.  
Now, what is the cause? Find out that, and you have half the cure.  
1. No one layeth violent hands upon themselves, but pride is the root of it, discontented with God's wise providential disposal, when persons choose and resolve not to be at all, because they may not be what they would be themselves, not submitting themselves to what God will have them to be.  
2. Unbelief and impatiency, want of faith in God to keep him in a quiet waiting upon the wise Governor of all things, to work a good issue for us out of troubles.  
2. None lay violent hands upon others but for want of retaining the knowledge and awe of the allseeing and sin-revenging God in their hearts; as you may read at large, Rom. 1.28, 31.  
Now to prevent both,  
1. Beg earnestly of God to write his Law in thy heart, and to put his fear in thee, and keep thee in a meek and quiet frame of spirit.  
2. If at any time differences do arise that may by Satan or thy own heart be blown up to passionate revenge, do these few things.  
1. If two constructions can be made of a word, or gesture, or action, be sure to make the best. It is a note of a wicked person to invent evil, if he may construe it unto good.  
2. Be as ready to forgive as you would be forgiven yourself, either of God or man.  
3. Seek, yea pursue peace until you overtake it, 1 Pet. 3.8, 9, 11. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men; avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath, Rom. 12.18, 19  
4. Carefully maintain a noble spirit of sympathy with any when under temptation or oppression: Can we obey that blessed rule to do as we would be done unto, Gal. 6.1, 2. it would abate anger, prevent revenge and murder; which is to the matter of fact. Now we shall proceed to give you the relation, with the aggravating circumstances which accompanied this heinous, and we think almost unparallelled murder.  
The person which committed this murder, was one Mary Cook, the wife of T. C. living since the late dreadful fire in Cloth-fair, near Smithfield in London, who was about the age of 37 years, and had been married to her said Husband near 12 years, by whom she had eight children; and by the relation of many creditable persons who have known her of a child, have given this character of her, That she was of a very civil and sober life and conversation, living in the neighbourhood very inoffensively; but also, that she was of a very melancholy temper, which is the Anvil that the Devil delights to forge upon; for now Satan makes use of all advantages against her, to increase her melancholy, blowing up in her mind great discontent with her present condition; so that as her affection unto it decreased, so her affliction in it increased; insomuch, that common business became a burden, and fears arose in her as to wants, that in fine, she fancied death less bitter than life; and now the Devil having thus far prevailed, is not wanting to put her upon such temptations as might speed her ruin.  
1. Then the Devil stirs her up to revenge, and this as she hath related since, did give her a kind of secret content, and this temptation prevailed much with her; for being asked that morning she committed the fact, what might be the reason of it? one answer was, That she had been a fortnight sick and weak, and no one took care what she wanted; thus through temptation she prefers revenge before temporal safety and eternal peace.  
2. The Devil prevailed with her to keep his secrets and counsel, for she discovered her affliction to ●one that might pray with or fo● her, or could give suitable counsel to her, and help to bear her burden; by which means she struggling in her own strength, until at last she concluded there was no hope of amendment of her condition, or ease to her troubled mind, but by death.  
3. Temptation by which the Devil prevailed upon her, was to grow mindless of hearing Gods holy Word preached, or read the Scriptures, or to perform public or private prayers; this had prevailed so high, that the morning she gave that fatal blow, she confessed for months together she had not been at Church to hear God's Word taught, neither had been much (if at all) troubled for her backwardness or neglect therein. Thus did she at once provoke the Devil to bend his bow against her, and left herself destitute of those special remedies to avoid his keen and dreadful arrows.  
4. Temptation was her self-murder; and this she did with great liking embrace, being more concerned how to bring it about with speed and secrecy, than either to discover it or prevent it.  
And first, she resolves of drowning herself; to promote which design she goes into a solitary place in the fields, walking to and fro like a distracted Woman, but could not find where to pitch the best conveniency for her purpose, still wand'ring about until God in his good providence at last met her with some suitable acquaintance, which prevented the Devil's temptation from having success at this time.  
Some time after this, now above a year and quarter ago, she is put upon another device to her own destruction, namely, to hang herself, for which purpose she had gotten two long skins of silk, and in her own cellar was preparing to act this sad tragedy; but a kinswoman going into the cellar, and seeing her stand in the corner, told her Uncle, the Woman's Husband, who ran down and found the skins of silk in her hand, demanding what she was doing? She than told him her intentions if he had not prevented her; he got her up, and went and fetched her father unto her, and they together endeavoured to persuade her: Then her Husband knocked down all the nails and hooks in the cellar, to prevent her for the future.  
But it is here worthy of consideration, to all that shall read this sad story, whether upon giving up themselves under this assault to fasting and prayer, with deep humiliation before God, might not have proved an effectual means to have cast out this kind of Devil.  
For the Devil sets upon her again to be her own Executioner, and to cut her own throat; for which purpose she gets a knife and whets it sharp, and sets it to the hollow of her throat and makes a small scar, causeth some blood to issue; but whether from the bluntness of the point of the knife, or the failing of her spirits, it would not enter, whereupon she put the knife into her skirt, hoping to take another opportunity to accomplish her design upon herself, still keeping the Devil's counsel, and consulting with him and her own evil heart, who never left hurrying her with temptations, until he had prevailed upon her.  
Now at last the habit of wicked devices had so taken root in her, that she thirsted, and as it were was impatient, till some way or other her own life was brought to an end; for on the 5th. of February last passed, her Husband being for some hours absent, (and as she apprehended, neglected his business at home, she grew full of discontent,) who coming in, and saying, Marry, I must go out again; she answered, if you do, I will cast the child into the fire, but his compliance and stay prevented this; yet still the Devil pursues her like a roaring Lion, seeking to devour her; for that night a great pressure of melancholy discontent overwhelmed her, to a restlessness of body and spirit, much like them in Deut. 28. who in the evening wished that it were morning, and in the morning, Oh, that it were evening: so that in the night, when her Husband was in bed and asleep, she took the child out of the cradle down into the Kitchen, which when her Husband awaked and miss, he knocked, whereupon she brought up the child, and laid it into the cradle, and came to bed, but he could get no satisfactory answer why she took down the child, but she lay until the morning, which when it approached, being February 6th. the Lords day, whether any discomposure happened betwixt her Husband and her, because his better days garments were not laid out ready for him, or what it was God knows, but the sequel was dreadful, for all contributing together, fills her brimful with resolution to some horrid and speedy execution; for soon after she arose, and had made her fi●e one story lower, she takes her knife and whets it sharper, and makes the offer to her own threat as before is hinted; but the Husband having knocked twice to have her come up to give him his better , and she not coming, he arose, put on his every days , and came upon her, and very probably prevented her execution of herself; he ask her why she came not up when he knocked, she gave him no answer, but slips up the stairs into the chamber where the Babe lay in the cradle, and now the Devil puts her upon a fresh consultation what should become of that child, which she so dearly loved, after she was dead; upon this she concludes, she had better rid that of life first, and then all her fears and cares for it would be at an end, and so she should put an end unto her own miserable life, which was so burdensome unto her; the which temptation for want of having the fear of God in her heart, she gave way unto, and sitting down by the cradle, asked the innocent Babe about two years and one quarter old, Betty, Wilt have thy breakfast? unto which the Babe answered, Ay, crying, Aha, aha, as it used to do when it was pleased, and put forth her hand to struck her Mother; but she laying aside all Motherly Bowels, took the Babe out of the cradle, set her on her lap, took the knife out of her skirt, laid her left hand upon its face and chin, and with the other hand cut her throat at one stroke, in a ghastly manner to behold, than threw it from her upon the hearth.  
This relation she gave herself but the da● before her execution, with this doleful reply That when she did that barbarous act, th● child gave one skreek, and fetched three o● four dreadful sighs, and so became the Mother's sinful sacrifice; which sighs she mentioned with much dejection of spirit, saying nothing like that gave her fresh grief an● trouble, for she was followed with the imagination that she heard its doleful sigh● still.  
Thus having given the fatal blow, sh● stamped with her foot for her Husband, and as an amazed Woman, half dead, cast he● self down upon a low seat, with her bloody hands on each side covered with part of he● upper garment, and her head leaned against a Chest of Drawers, did thus with an affrighted countenance repose herself; and it i● worthy of note, that with the violence of the act, when she cut her Babes throat, both he hands was so coloured with blood, that she could not endure the sight of them; the terror of this fatal stroke made such a seizure upon her conscience, with the reflection of that doleful sight, her child lying before her eyes, with its heartblood running out; immediately upon this, her Husband approaching at the Chamber-door, saying, Wife, what is the matter you so hastily knock with your feet? dolefully replied, she had given the child its breakfast. No sooner had she spoke, but he beheld with an afflicted spirit his Babe lie bleeding on the ground, at which amazement broke out into such lamentations as occasioned both Lodgers and Neighbours to approach; the Chirurgeon being mentioned to be sent for, to which she replied, you may save that labour, for I am sure I have killed it. Now the doleful report of this dreadful act did soon spread itself, upon which both neighbours and strangers press in; amongst others, some of the relaters of this bitter story providentially going that way, was invited up stairs, where they found the bleeding Babe but newly dead, the Father wring his hands, and shedding multitude of tears, like a man so amazed, as half distracted (God forbidden but we should give him his due) his behaviour to appearance did express, that with a lamentable resentment he received this sad news.  
The Mother when she had done this act was exceeding stupid, though much was said to her, and prayers performed with her, and such Scriptures laid before her of the dreadfulness of the sin, and punishment due for i● both in this life, (and without repentance in the life to come; yet she could not she● one tear, and being demanded why she ha● done this, and spoken to to behold her dea● Babe, how it lay murdered upon the groun● before her eyes, being murdered by thos● hands; she than appeared not relenting a● all, but said, it was done because she wa● weary of her life, her Relations slighting he● and lest that child being most in her affection, should come to want when she was gone she killed it first, knowing that way would also bring her to her desired end. This wit● many other passages, not here so convenient to mention (because of the survivors) of the like nature was also uttered. But now appears Constables and other Parish Officers who caused her narrowly to be searched, fo● fear of knife or any cord being found abou● her, lest she might therewith take the like advantage to destroy herself the next opportunity; her garters being then given up, bu● nothing else of danger found about her; being told it was feared she would also kill herself answers no, she should not do so; and being demanded whether she was sorry for wha● she had done? replies, she could wish she had not done it, but now it was too late; then being demanded whether she was willing to be prayed for? said yes, for she could not pray for herself; so being desired to go down to her knees, and hold up her eyes and hands, readily did, but could neither weep nor sigh at that time; when her hour was come to be carried before the Justice, she did without any appearing remorse, either in carriage or countenance, make ready herself, took her rings from her fingers, caused a pair of silver clasps to be cut from her Scarf, gave her Husband the several keys of Trunks, Chests or Boxes, telling him which particular key was for such and such a use, in so unconcerned a manner, to all appearance, as if going only to take some long journey, which verily in charity leads us to believe she was so overwhelmed with melancholy, as one bereft of senses; being now carried before Sir William Turner, and being demanded whether she had killed her child? replied, yes; then being asked why? replied, she was discontented, and thought her Husband and Relations did not love her; being again demanded why she thought so, assigned no cause, but that she did believe so; upon this her bloody knife, and both her bloody hands was exposed to view, and her full examination taken, in which she lays the actual guilt wholly upon herself, clearing all others as to fact and privacy thereunto; and indeed with such dejection of countenance, and temper of carriage did demean herself, that she became the pity of all or most spectators. After the Justice had told her of the greatness of the crime, and what from men she must expect, as punishment for the same, with serious and compassionate advice to the blood of Jesus Christ for remedy, did thus conclude; and the God of heaven have mercy on your soul. After which her examination was read to her, which she owned as her act, and deed; being asked whether she could write her name? answered no; then sign it with your mark, said the Justice, which she did, by making a cross instead of her name; the application of which gave thoughts to some standers by, that sure providence guided that bloody hand to sign her temporal death w●th a cross, that her eternal life might as assuredly be saved by the Cross; then was she conveyed to Newgate; but going along, suddenly turned back, and looking at her Relation, used these words, with a doleful countenance: O, if you had been more careful to look after me, you might have hindered me from doing this; the application we commend to whom soever concerned, and thought it very meet to be inserted, that such a word from a dying woman might not die with her. Then being told by one afflicted for her, that now you are going to Prison, and from thence must be conveyed to the Judgement-seat of men, and there receive Sentence of death, and from thence be sent to the Judgement-seat of God; what think you of it? I pray for your souls sake consider it; there is now but a little step between you and eternity; to which she replied, O, I wish I had not done this, but I am willing to die, only afraid of my soul; well, replied the par●y, there is virtue enough in Christ's blood to wash your scarlet sins white; I, saith she, but I cannot yet repent my heart is so hard; if you cannot repent, do what you can in order ●o repentance, be lifting up your heart, your eyes and your hands continually to God; for you say you believe there is a God, and if you can but speak few words, employ them ●hat way to beg him to give you repentance, ●nd to soften your hard heart; remember the poor Publican, who smote upon his ●reast, saying, Lord be merciful to me a sinner. Will you do what you can? Yes, I will. You say you wish you had not done this Murde● and that is one step to repentance, therefore labour to groan more after this, and to tha● end shall I put up Bills this day, as your desire, that God's people may pray for you Yes, very willingly I desire that, etc. Now did she arrive at the Prison, and so with h● Mittimus was delivered into the hands o● the Keeper, who with great expressions 〈◊〉 pity received his Prisoner, and desired Go● would have mercy on her soul.  

Of her behaviour in the time of her Imprisonment, and other Passages very useful for every Christian that desires to be kept from being guilty of the like Fact.  
SHe no sooner cometh to Newgate, but the noise of this cruel Murder spreads abroad, and several reports went as to herself, and what should be the causes of that barbarous Act.  
1. That the Devil appeared in a personal shape unto her, and told her she must either destroy herself, or her Child.  
2. That the day before she went to see one of her other Children at Nurse, and would have sent the Nurse forth, that so she might have killed that Babe.  
3. That she was under trouble of mind about Religion, with many other things.  
Which for satisfaction to ourselves and others, and clearing the truth of Gospel-profession, (as being inconsistent for any true work of the Spirit of God in the conviction of a sinner to leave the soul, having begun in the Spirit to end in the flesh.) Some of those Ministers which went to visit her in the Prison, made more than ordinary diligent search into these things. And as to the first report she said, there was no appearance unto her but the violent Temptation of the Devil, and her own wretched and sinful heart giving way to the Temptation.  
And as to the second, she confessed she went to see her Child at Nurse upon the Saturday before, but it never entered into her heart to conceive a thought of doing that Child any hurt.  
And as to the third, her answer was, That there was nothing of any Religious Concernment in it; but it was that great Discontent which she had conceived in her mind, grounded upon her apprehension of exceeding unkindnesses of her Relations unto her, although she had never been undutiful unto them; but very sparing she was in accusing any but herself: And it is not the design of this Narrative to accuse them, only to desire they may call to mind, and lay to heart, and repent of their neglect of duty towards her, wherein they shall any of them be conscious unto themselves of remissness; and that all others who shall read this sad Relation, may take warning thereby, so to discharge their relative duties, that they may not expose their Relations unto Temptations, and so when a separation cometh, either violent or natural, they have cause to mourn all their days for their own and their other men's sins.  
But as to herself, the sense of her great sin and guilt lay with such weight upon her conscience, that Satan used his utmost endeavour to drive her into despair of ever obtaining mercy; it being his usual method to present God all mercy, to allure men to commit sin, and afterwards to present God altogether severity, to drive the sinner into despair of God's mercy in the pardon of their sin.  
A great wound lay upon her with respect unto her dear Babe whom she had so inhumanly destroyed, Whether her Fact might not hinder the Child's Salvation? Much care and pains was taken so to speak as might not in the least extenuate the sense of her guilt, and yet to open a door of hope unto her, that the eternal state of the Child might be safe (notwithstanding her great wickedness) through the riches of God's grace, which showeth mercy unto whom he will show mercy, that 18th of Ezekiel, ver. 24, being read unto her.  
But still she sadly bewailed the horridness of her sin, wishing often, Oh that she had had more Grace! for, if it were to do again, she would submit to a thousand deaths, rather than to commit that sin: And her sore trouble now was, that her heart was so obdurate that she could not mourn as she should, and desired to do; and begged that all good people would pray for her: And being asked, What she desired us to pray unto God for, for her? her answer was, that God would give her a broken and penitent heart.  
She also sadly lamented her distraction by reason of her evil company in the Room with her, that hindered both her meditations and addresses to God. O it is sad dwelling in the Tents of Kedar, and a sore evil to leave our great work to do until the last, not knowing what hindrance we may meet with: It is inconvenient to cast up our Accounts in a crowd and hurry of business.  
Ever and anon she would sadly bewail her want of the light of God's countenance; and it was not to be wondered at that she was so much in the dark, having committed such a gross sin against the light of Nature. Iniquity separates betwixt us and our God, and causeth him to hid his face, that it is rarely if ever they recover it; though he may in mercy pardon the sin, yet he may justly cause the sinner to go mourning and with broken bones to the grave.  
The Sessions now came on, and upon the 21th of February she was arraigned and indicted at the Old-Baily, and cast for her life.  
Upon the Petition of her Husband, she had a weeks time granted her, to prepare for her death, and being sentenced on Wednesday the second of March to die in Smithfield, over against Clothfair-Gate, where she formerly lived when she committed that horrid Murder.  
During this time, much pains was taken with her continually, by skilful and faithful Physicians, for her Soul's recovery out of the snare of the Devil, who had carried her captive at his will; and several Books of Mr. Baxters, and other Books suitable to her present condition, were brought her to read, which she seemed diligently to improve her time in, together with the holy Scriptures.  
March 1. being the day before her Execution, one Mrs. R. H. had an earnest desire to see her, and to watch with her that night, and through God's mercy it was of great use unto her, for her comfort who had now but a little time to live.  
That day being asked, If a pardon for life, or a pardon for her sin were equally presented to choose one, which would she choose? she answered, If her heart did not deceive her, it would be the pardon of her sin. O her sin, her sin! her bloodguiltiness, lay with weight upon her! but still she cried out, she could not find her heart in that broken and believing frame which she desired it should be in.  
On the same day great pains were taken with her to help her understanding and apprehension, both as to the nature of true Repentance, and saving Faith: to which she with more than former freedom answered, That as to Repentance opened unto her, she hoped God had given her a sight of her sin, and a desire to be truly humbled for it; it was her wound she was no more wounded, and that she did desire to forsake sin with abhorrence, and to loathe herself for her sin, to lay her mouth in the dust, and yet to look up unto the Lord Jesus, if so be she might find mercy.  
And as to her Faith, she said, God had convinced her that her own righteousness was but unrighteousness, even as a filthy menstruous cloth, and therefore desired out of the sense of her own nothingness, and utter emptiness, to go out of herself, and to rely upon Jesus Christ alone for Righteousness and Salvation.  
Then several Scriptures were read unto her, and pressed with earnestness upon her, amongst many others, that in Mark 5.25. and forward, concerning that Woman which had a bloody issue, who said in herself, If I may but touch the hem of his garment, I shall be whole. Much was spoken unto her from this, wherewith she was observed to be very much affected, tears trickling down more than usually, and with earnestness said, O that I could believe!  
That evening before she suffered, her Husband's long absence from her, gave her occasion to suppose that endeavours were using for a Reprieve, or a Pardon for her, at which she did rather express dislike, than to be well pleased, saying, she had rather choose to die, than to continue in that place with that wicked company, it being a Hell upon Earth, if any such were; and that she was not at all concerned about a Pardon from Man, could she but obtain a Pardon from Christ, it was that she most desired; nevertheless, for her better preparation for death, she could have wished a little longer time; but she was willing to die, if that could not be obtained.  
That night she took a little rest for the supporting of nature, but it was judged she slept not above half an hour; but some time was spent by herself, her Husband, and Mrs. R.H. in prayer and reading, she herself taking her Bible, read the fourth chapter of Matthew, and wept much in the reading of it, saying, The Lord Jesus was tempted, but he was God-man, and the Evil-one found nothing in him, and so could not prevail against him: but I, a vile wretch! Temptation no sooner came and assaulted me, but I was overcome by it; a wicked woman that I am to give way to that roaring Lion!  
Then reading Isa. 44.22. [I have blotted out as a cloud thy transgressions, and as a thick cloud thy sins: return unto me, for I have redeemed thee] brake out again with tears, saying, Oh! what grace is this! What, my sins! what, a Redeemer to such a great sinner as I have been! Then turning further unto Isa. 54.7, 8. [I will have mercy upon thee, saith thy Redeemer.] See, saith she, here is Redeemer again!  
Her Husband, a little before morning, asked her how it was with her? she answered, Not so well as to boast, nor so bad as to be altogether dejected.  
When morning came, she dressed herself that she might be in readiness when called, but seemed a little impatient to lose so much time in dressing her body, when she had so little to improve for her soul which lay at stake. Several both Ministers and other Christian friends waiting to go up unto her when she was ready; one of them desiring to know how it was with her this morning? she answered, that she was now entering upon the borders of Eternity, but Oh, what should she do, she wanted the light of God's countenance! Whereupon both awakening and comforting words were spoken unto her; and then a little time was spent in prayer to God, that he would please graciously to direct us so to speak unto her, as might advance his Glory, and effectually administer comfort unto her Soul. In prayer she was seen to melt very much. And having ended that duty, as God did direct, the words of God were spoken unto her, and she was desired to speak what was upon her heart, for our comfort who had been labouring for the Lord with her.  
But she being silent for a little space, but observed to have some conflict in her soul, by the tears which fell, and sighs which broke forth, It was again propounded unto her, Whether she found not a secret persuasion, that God was able to pardon her great and manifold sins, but also very great fears whether he were willing yea or no?  
Whereupon she broke forth into a fuller passion of tears, saying, O Sir, you speak the very thoughts of my heart, God hath convinced me of the Alsufficiency of his Grace, that though my sins be as Scarlet, as Crimson, he can make them white as Snow, as Woel; but O to know whether he will or no, that lieth as my great fear.— Whereupon endeavours were used to encourage her to hope in God's mercy, who had testified his unwillingness that any sold should perish; and that he took no pleasure in the death of sinners, but rather desired their return that they might live; Also the Lord Jesus graciously invited sinners, yea the greatest of sinners, under the heaviest load and burden of their guilt and filth, being weary of their load, to come to him that they might be saved and find rest: and had promised, that who ever came unto him, though at last (if in truth) he would not cast them out; and that he had sent his Ministers to beseech sinners to be reconciled unto God; and that we came in his Name and Authority to deliver that his Message unto her:  
Therefore the Question was put unto her, Whether she was willing to accept of mercy from Christ, and to take Him upon his own terms? Unto which she answered, with a seemingly altered countenance as to cheerfulness, Yea, she was willing, and desired with her whole soul, to be sanctified throughout by Jesus Christ, and washed in his Blood, as ever she desired to be justified by his Righteousness, or saved by his Death.  
Then it was judged expedient to leave her a little retired, that she might improve a few minutes in secret betwixt God and her own soul, desiring all the company to withdraw, saving her Husband and Mistress R.H. And after a little space of time she desired we would come up again, and apprehending her in a pretty good frame, willing to resign up herself now unto the Lord, what time the Officers could spare (for now the time drew near) was spent in fervent prayers and tears unto God with and for her: In the close, being desired to tell us what returns God had graciously given to all our endeavours with her? she said, that the Lord had brought her to that resolution, that although she might not sensibly lie in his bosom, yet she would penitently lie and die at his feet; and if she perished, she would perish there.  
When she came to the place of Execution, she seemed to have a mixture of fear and hope in her, wring one by the hand, said, O what shall become of me now, if my heart have deceived me hitherto! Some words being spoken unto her, she encouraged herself again in the freeness of God's grace, and the fullness of mercy that was in Christ for poor penitent sinners.  
After earnest Prayers put up unto God for her, and seasonable Counsels given her by Mr. Ordinary and some others, she went upon the Ladder, having before expressed an earnest desire to have spoken to the people, but wanting strength, she entreated us to declare to the Spectators and to all the World, That she desired to justify the Lord in all his righteous proceed against her, and that she died justly for her great sin; and earnestly begged that all that saw or heard of her untimely end, would take warning by her deplorable fall, to take heed how they gave way to Satan's Temptations.  
Being upon the Ladder, a convenient time was left her to commend her soul unto God; and that she might not be surprised before she was ready, was desired to give a sign when she had done; and she with the same foot wherewith she stamped for her husband to tell him of her horrid fact which she had unnaturally done, stamped upon the round of the Ladder, to give notice she was now willing and ready to die for the same: whereupon the Executioner did his office.  
Many other passages might have been inserted, but because we are not willing to make this Narrative swell too large, we shall omit them.  
O that this sad Execution may cause all that hear, to fear, and do no more so presumptuously. Deut. 17.13.  
How apparent is it that the Devil goeth about like a roaring Lion, seeking continually whom he may devour! And how much the more need have all the children of men to be upon their diligent watch, and to be earnest and fervent in prayer to God, that they may not be overcome with his temptations.  
Yea, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.  
Let it be your care to check every temptation at the entrance of it. Consult not with flesh and blood; give no place to slavish fears; admit of no consultations with the Devil, lest he prove too hard for you. Give not way to sinful anger, for therein thou givest place to the Devil: And let all sinners know, that if they do evil, sin lieth at their door; if they resolve to continue in their sin, than their sin will assuredly find them out; but if they break off their sins by works of righteousness, repent, and return to the Lord, iniquity shall not be their ruin.   

Some passages omitted in the former Narrative.  
ABout ten of the clock the morning she suffered, the Officer told her, Now they were ready to go with her to Execution. At this many strangers that were with her, did both with prayers and tears commend her condition to God, she desiring they might continue the same to her end. 'Tis worthy of note to all that shall read her manner of deportment at this time: She went down the stairs in so unconcerned a manner, as though she had not been the person to suffer, but rather a spectator; for while many that know the bitter cup she was to drink, could not cease from deep discomposure, she seemed as a person free from such fear or torment, as commonly attends those that have such an hour of trial to undergo. At the foot of the stairs she had some half an hours repose, by reason a Cart was not ready. In this intermission did many hearts yern toward her Eternal condition, telling her now there was but one step more between her and that. Then she asked, how she might know Jesus Christ died for her? It was replied, He died for sinners, yea the greatest of sinners; and she knew she was one, and a chief one; and that in the 5th of Romans, ver. 6, 8. it is said, he died for the ungodly, even the worst of people, and the Scriptures did nowhere exclude her by name from benefit in Christ's blood: and in 1 Tim. 2.3. it is charged, that prayers and supplications be made for all; and in ver. 4. the reason is rendered, for God would have all to be saved, and come to the knowledge of his Truth  
About this time came the Officer with a Rope, and it is worthy of note how she then did behave herself; he makes a noose before her eyes, (enough to daunt any beholder, much more the person for whom it was making) than he takes her right arm and puts the Rope over that, then over her left, and so ties it with a knot at the middle of her back; she all this while attentive to what was spoken by the persons who came in love to visit her, appearing without change of countenance or terror of spirit; and indeed, excepting the guilt of Murder that lay on her conscience, her constant carriage was more like a Lamb going to the slaughter, than a Murderer going to the Gallows. By this time the Cart was ready, which she ascending, then told us, Nothing troubled her like that she should bring such dishonour to God by this sin, wishing with all her heart that all that did behold her, might take warning by her miserable estate, how they lived in this World.  
Now she is come within sight of the Gibber, on which she must in a very short time suffer death; and then the Executioner came and undid the Rope from where it was tied about her in the Prison, and taking off her Handkerchief, bears her neck, ties the Rope about it, fitting the knot to her right ear, at which (to the admiration of some present) she was not in the least terrified, nor changed in her countenance. Mr. Ordinary now comes to pray with her, and gave her many useful exhortations. Then did Mr. P. also pray with her in a most earnest manner, as the last vocal prayer that was ever like to be put up unto God for her: Then did we all present take our farewell of her, beseeching God in this needful moment not to reject her in this miserable and low estate, which without his mercy and pardon, must perish to all eternity. Then did Mr. P. as a close of all, beseech her look up to a gracious God, as her last and only refuge, and carry with her these words to Execution, Into thy hands, O Lord God, do I commit my Spirit. Then did we lead her by the hands to the Ladder, where she was placed a convenient distance from the ground, and the Rope fastened to the Gibbet, while thousands of Spectators beholding her with a general compassion, to whom we signified her desire was to have the benefit of all their prayers: upon which, with one consent they uncovered their heads, and lift up their hands, using this expression, The Lord have mercy upon her Soul. Then she had near a quarter of an hours repose to herself upon the Ladder, and though her hands were tied together, yet she was observed often to move them upwards in her private prayer.  
Then we begged her to remember to the last that God was a very gracious God, and to give us some sign of his goodness to her at her departure, if she found it so: Upon which she replied with such a comfortable answer as gave us occasion to give thanks to his Name. And now to the glory of God's mercy be it spoken, and to the deterring all from Evil by her fall, and to the encouragement of sinners to repentance, that they may find mercy, as we trust she hath done; for now hath she to our joy (much exceeding our sorrow) ended her life in Smithfield, near Cloth-Fair Gate, upon the 2d of this instant March 1669. with her hands lifted up to God in a most fervent manner while sense remained, which was about half a quarter of an hour; and she continued upon the Gibbet about three quarters more: Then was her Body taken down, and conveyed to the same Room her dear Child was by her killed in; and on the next day after in the evening she was buried in Great St. Bartholomew's Churchyard, being acbompanied by a great many Neighbours and Strangers, to perform their last office of love for the dead, that had given them no other cause while living, but in this great transgression.   
FINIS.