THE SPEECH OR CONFESSION OF Sir Alexander Carew BARONET: Who was beheaded on Tower-hill on Monday Decemb. 23. 1644.  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Bates at the Maidenhead on Snow-hill, near the Conduit. And J.W.J. in the Old-baily. 1644.   

The Speech or Confession of Sir Alexander Carew Baronet, who was beheaded on Tower-hill, on Monday Decemb. 23. 1644.  
ON Monday December 23. in the forenoon about 10. of the Clock, Sir Alexander Carew was brought from the Tower, guarded by the Lieutenant thereof, and his Officers (assisted by two Companies of the Trained-Bands) unto a Scaffold erected on Tower-Hill for that purpose.  
After he was come upon the Scaffold he spoke to the Ministers that were with him, and one Minister desired him to speak somewhat to clear the Justice against him.  
Ca The greatest enemy against me under the Sun can lay but the suspicion of the fact against me; I desire not to spin out time, I desire to be at my period, I have besought God on my knees oftentimes that I might be dissolved, and God would never grant it me till now, and blessed be God for it.  
Min. We may not desire to go out of the World, but upon a true foundation.  
Ca God knows his own, etc.  
Lieut. When you went down into Cornewell, these were your words, you bid me, God be with me, and hoped you should give a good account of your business.  
Ca I'll lay no blame upon any other body, but take all to myself.  
Min. You say the only true way to salvation is by Christ.  
Ca I confess it, and I confess my ways, that I am a sinful creature to God, with all my heart, I acknowledge it before God and all you.  
Min. Think not that he will strain your conscience.  
Ca No, God forbidden, but i'll do that duty which I come here for, I thank you all for your good admonitions, and it is not now to do, for I have survayed myself over and over again, and with indignation for my sins, and especially my Pride, and my stout heartedness.  
Min. It is stoutness that should trouble us all.  
Ca All that you can lay to my charge is but intention, and no man knows my intentions better than myself, and they shall die with myself, put me to what Tortures you please; Sir, this is clear that when I came a shore at Plymouth, I asked them whether they would believe me what I said, they told me no. I am in that condition that whatsoever I say is not to be believed, and therefore I have leave to hold my peace.  
Then being demanded, whom he would have stay with him on the Scaffold, he turned to his brethren, and said, These are my kindred, my ancestors were counted honest men.  
The people calling, and desiring to see him, room was made for him to come to the front of the Scaffold, where he spoke thus to the people:  
GEntlemen, I hope you'll (in consideration of my weak body) not expect that I should speak much to you, neither is it my part to discourse (nor my desire) of my own actions, and to justify myself, but I shall rather confess as the poor Publican did, Lord be merciful to me a sinner. I desire your prayers to God for me, and I pray to God for you, that no one drop of my blood may be required at any man's hands. I forgive all the world, with as full and hearty desire as mortal man can, and I beseech God to forgive me mine. The God of Heaven and Earth, that seethe, heareth, and beholdeth, knows that I lie not. I have desired with unfeigned desire and hearty affection to be dissolved and to be with Christ, knowing it shall be better for me, being assured thereby to be freed from the misery of sin, and enter into a better life. It was the last words and writing of my grandfather, and here of my father, 
Holding forth a little Book.  the assurance of their eternal peace and happiness, after the dissolution of this body of theirs, in which they lived here on earth; it is mine likewise. I have no more to say, but I take my humble leave of you.  
Then he desired the people to join with him in singing the 23 Psalms, which he tuned, and read himself to the people. The last words of the Psalm being ended, he added,  
And God assisting me, seal my vow with my blood, and rather suffer wrong then do it.  
Then the Executioner spoke to him desiring him to forgive him.  
Ca I forgive thee and thank thee too with Heart unfeigned, and giving him money said, prithee leave my Clothes take my Head, and do it handsomely else thou canst not speak Dutch, and say well godon.  
I die I thank God rich in God's favour.  
Then bidding his friends God be with you he spoke to the Executioner.  
Dost thou hear, when I say, Lord though thou killest me yet will I put my trust in thee, then do thou cut off my head, For it was the last words that ever my Mother spoke when she died.  
And when he had said Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit, he laid himself down, with his Head over the Block and speaking these words, Lord though, etc. And then the Executioner did his Office.  
FJNIS.