Boteler's case being an impartial narrative of the tryal, & penitent behaviour of Master UUilliam Boteler, executed September 10th at Chelmsford, about the murder of Capt. Wade : with the substance of a sermon preached on that occasion, and his last speech faithfully taken. 1678 Approx. 51 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 24 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A28857 Wing B3805 ESTC R43063 26731006 ocm 26731006 109766 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A28857) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 109766) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1712:5) Boteler's case being an impartial narrative of the tryal, & penitent behaviour of Master UUilliam Boteler, executed September 10th at Chelmsford, about the murder of Capt. Wade : with the substance of a sermon preached on that occasion, and his last speech faithfully taken. Boteler, William, d. 1678. [47] p. Printed for J. Clarke, and P. Brooksby, [London] : [1678?] Place and date of publication suggested by Wing. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Boteler, William, d. 1678. -- Trials, litigation, etc. Trials (Murder) -- England. Dueling. 2006-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-05 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-06 Jason Colman Sampled and proofread 2006-06 Jason Colman Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Boteler's Case . Being an Impartial NARRATIVE Of the TRYAL , & PENITENT BEHAVIOUR OF , Master VVilliam Boteler . Executed , September 10 th . At Chelmsford , about the Murder of Capt. WADE With the Substance of a SERMON Preached on that Occasion . AND His Last Speech Faithfully Taken . With Allowance ; Ro. L'Estrange . Printed for J. Clarke , and P. Brooksby . Boteler's CASE . &c. THou art here Christian Reader Presented with a Candid and Impartial Relation of a deplorable Tragedy , which yet the good Hand of Providence , that sometimes through seeming severities Waits to be Gracious , and calls Sinners by Inscrutable Methods even at the Eleventh Hour , was pleased at last to Crown with a Blessed Catastrophe , though waded unto through Waters of Marah , and frightful streights of an Ignominious Temporal Death . The Design of this Publication is far from casting the least Reflections or murmuring Surmises on the Judicial Proceedings , owned by the Deceased to be Just and Legal ; Nor is it out of any over-bias'd fondness to his Memory . For , alas ! The Dead have no flattorers , and he is now ( we hope ) in Glorious Rest , regardless either of Detraction or Applause , as much beyond the Good Offices of Friends , as Malice of Enemies . There are far more Worthy Reasons and Useful Motives , that seem not less to Necessitate , than Invite the Divulging of these Papers . — As First for the Discovery of Truth , and Checking those swarms of Different , yet equally false Reports every where spread concerning this unhappy Accident : The Quality of the Gentleman slain engaged a General pitty , and some ungrateful Circumstances , a just and more than ordinary Detestation against it's Authour ; whence busie fame snatching up some partial Rumours Composed of Dark Probabilities , and many real Mistakes , aggravated it to that hideous proportion ; that not onely the Credulous Vulgar ( who are neither able nor willing to Examine things to the Bottom , or Distinguish a right ) became Prepossessed ; but likewise some more Intelligent , seem'd carried along with the Impetuous Torrent , and to Disabuse such from undue Impressions is but Justice to the Dead , and Charity to the Living : Let Malefactors suffer according to their Demerits , yet still 't is below the Generosity of a Gentleman , and the Dignity of a Christian , to Blacken any Man's memory with Feigned crimes , and groundless Imputations : He that does not Detect Calumnies when he can , is tacitely guilty of them , and those that scatter Slaunders on anothers Tomb , deserve to have their own Monuments sullied with Ignominy . 2. A yet greater and most Important Inducement , is to promote Gods Glory by Proclaiming the Infiniteness of his Love , the Riches of his Grace , and Miraculousness of his power in working good out of evil , making Destruction Instrumental to Conversion : Sanctifying Affliction , bringing a Wretched Soul to a sense of his misery : and ( as Charity oblieges us to hope ) to a hearty sincere Repentance not to be Repented of ; If the Blessed Spirits of Just Men made perfect , and Holy Angels in Heaven rejoyce at the Conversion of a Sinner ; ought not Mortals on Earth to Remarque it , by magnifying the Mercies of so good a God , and publishing his Wondrous Works , that the present and succeeding Generations may Celebrate them with due Praises and Thanksgivings . 3. Nor can this certain and well known Narrative but be highly useful ( if rightly improved ) to the Readers ; ( especially such as were Master Boteler's Acquaintance ) by way of Caution and Information ; You that were his Friends ( and without reflection let me add , sometimes perhaps Companions in Riot and Extravagance ) would you Meet him again with Joy in Happiness ; Imitate him then in his contrition and Repentance ; You whose Vitious practises have first prevailed to make you Wish there were no future state of reward or Punishment , and further continuance in Sin so sear'd your consciences , stupesied your understandings , and degraded your Reason : As with the Fool in the Psalmist , To say in your Hearts there is no God : Here you may behold how Empty and Idle , how Pernicious and Frightful , how Loathsom and Detestable such conceits appear ; when once Serious Apprehensions of Death Approach , Opening the self-blinded Eyes of the Soul , and taking off those Vain Imaginations , which the Depravity of Nature , the Inconsiderateness of Youth , the madness of Wine , or a Proud Fantastick Humour of Singularity have Raised , and which tend no less to the Disturbance and Distraction of Humane Society in General ; than to the particular Ruine and Destruction , ( as well Temporal as Eternal , ) of all those that suffer themselves to be Infatuated by them . As for the Truth of what is here offer'd to publique view ; Let me assure thee ( Christian Reader ! ) That there is nothing contained , but what was either found in Mr. Boteler's own Hand-Writing , solemnly declared by him as therein mentioned , taken from his Dying Lips , or known matter of Fact ; All ready to be Attested by Worthy Persons , Ministers Instrumental to his conversion , and attending him in his last Agonies , or others of approved Integrity : Nay so conscienciously scrupulous has the Collector been , that many Remarkable Expressions , though well remembred in substance , ( and which might much have Embelisht these Memoirs ) yet because not taken in the very Words they were delivered in , are wholly Omitted ; His aim in this undertaking not being at any private Lucre or Interest , but general Satisfaction and Edification . To which End , may his pains be Sanctified by the Divine Blessing , and Gratified by thy kind Acceptance , serious Perusal , and everlasting Advantage . But we too long detain the greedy Reader from matter of Fact , to which we now proceed . MAster William Boteler was born in Northampton-shire , about the Year 1650. Descended of an Antient Family , and in his Youth Liberally Educated in Litterature and Exercises , tending to the accomplishment of a Gentleman : Since the present Wars between the Confederates and French , he went over , attending a Person of Quality into the Campagn , and at the Battel of Seniffe , gave Signal proofs of his Courage ; Where his Patron Unfortunately happening to be Kill'd , the whole Care and Management of his Stately Funeral was left to him , who dispatcht the same with so much Decency , Gallantry , and Fidelity , as much Indear'd him to the Deceased Gentlemans Relations : Amongst whom he has past most of his time since in the North in very good Repute ; Till coming up to London ( the great Randevous of Business ) as a Candidate of Fortune , in Expectation of some Imploy : He suddenly and most unexpectedly met with that Sad and Disasterous Fate ; which put a Period to his Life . The wicked Instrument that drew this Mischief upon him , was one Parsons , a fellow of a Debauched Life and Ill Fame ; who having heretofore insinuated into the Affections of one Mr. Wade , living in the County of Essex , and not above Four Miles from the Town of Bishops-Starfford , A Gentleman of considerable Quality , and Captain of the Train-bands : He was pleased commonly to entertain him at His House , assist him upon any Occasions , and in a word had conferred many singular Obligations from time to time upon him : But in July last a Difference suddenly arising between them upon some small Occasion , which is differently Related , and nothing Necessary to be known : High Words past on either side , so long till Captain Wade call'd him Thief or High-way-Man ; And he in return gave the Captain the Lye , who was thereupon so far provoked as ( 't is said not without some blows ) to turn him out of his company : Thus away goes Parsons in a Huff , meditating Revenge , and coming up to London , concealing the Quarrel , Trepans Mr. Boteler down to Bishops-Starfford , and at length tells him the difference , that he was resolv'd to have satisfaction , withal requesting him to be his Second : which Boteler ( also declared at his Death ) absolutely refuses , but is at last unhappily persuaded to go to Captain Wade , ( whom he had often seen in London , but had never been at his House ) and tell him how enraged Parsons was , and that he staid then in such a Meadow ; But withal offering his Mediation to reconcile them ; But after a little way they parted . Boteler declared further , that he parted with Captain Wade before the Murther was committed , and saw him not afterwards ; but endeavour'd all he could to avoid his Company ; We shall referr the more particular Relation of circumstances to Master Boteler's Solemn confession , taken after his condemnation by the High Sheriffs Chaplain , according to the Honourable Judges order , which he twice took the Sacrament upon , and Dyed in ; the true coppy whereof shall herein in it's due place be inserted . What is here inserted out of a tenderness to the memory of a true Penitent , is not intended as any sort of Reflection upon the Honourable Bench , the Witnesses , or the Jury : he himself at his Execution acknowledging the Sentence to have been just and legal : but however having satisfied Publique Justice in suffering according to the Law ; and having also freely submitted both to the Sentence , and to the Punishment , it is lookt upon as an Act of christian charity , to divide as far as the case will bear it , his crime from his Misfortune . The Evidences themselves agreeing with a great part of what he himself delivered , and not contradicting any part of the rest : But however so it was , that upon Thursday the 26 th . of July , he was Arraigned at Chelmsford Assizes ; Whereupon hearing of the Evidence , he was brought in Guilty . He behaved himself at his Tryal with a very becoming modesty , protesting his Innocency as to being present when they fought , or that he saw a Sword drawn between them : but for further discovery of the Truth , the Ministers attending him , were commanded to press him to a full and candid confession of all circumstances : which he freely consented to , as follows . The Confession of Mr. Boteler , after his Condemnation , taken from him by the Chaplain to the High Sheriff , according to the Honourable Judges order . UPon a strict and serious examination of the Prisoner condemned , he humbly confessed as follows , Viz. That Parsons came to his lodging in London on the Saturday morning ( July 14. ) and beginning to renew the former Acquaintance betwixt them , ( Mr. Boteler haveing for a long time declined his company by reason of his being reported a common Robber on the Highway ) desired of him , that he would accompany him to Mrs. Ainsworths at Bishops-Starfford , where they would be merry , and take the Country air ; which Mr. Boteler refused , assuring him that he was going into a course of physick for his health , and therefore not willing to leave the town ; However upon Parsons's importunity , at last consented , and as they rode together ( not before ) he told Mr. Boteler , that Captain Wade , and himself had lately quarreled , and that the Captain had call'd him Theif , and given him such Opprobrious Language , that he could not put it up , but resolv●d to have satisfaction of him , and therefore if the Captain would fight with Seconds , desired Mr. Boteler he would do him the kindness to be his Second ; but this Mr. Boteler absolutely refused , and told Parsons he would rather endeavour to compose the Difference , and make them friends , which if he could accomplish , it would not repent him of his Journey , but he should be glad of the friendly Office. They came to Mistris Ainsworths that night , and there lay , and also Sunday night ; on Munday morning Parsons called up one of the Servants early , and ordered him to make ready the Horse he usually rode upon , and also one for Mr. Boteler , telling him he would show him a neighbouring Park , which was very pleasant and worth seeing ; whereupon they rode out together ; in the way Parsons told Mr. Boteler , it would then be a very fit time to know Captain Wades mind ; Mr. Boteler answered , it was most proper for him to go himself , and he would willingly go along with him , for he knew not the way alone ; Parsons replyed , he was afraid to go to the Captains House , least the Servants should take an advantage of him , who knew very well he had lately quarreled with their Master , but if he would go to the Captains house , he would direct him the way , and wait his return in a field not far distant ; Mr. Boteler accordingly went , telling him at his departure that if he did not return in a short time , he should ride back again towards Bishops-Starfford , and he would follow him , Mr. Boteler came to the Captains House , asked for him , and understanding he was at home , alighted from his horse , and was conducted by a Servant into the house , who immediately acquainting his Master , he not long after came down , and treated Mr. Boteler with great kindness and civilty , offering him a breakfast , which he refused , but Drank with him , and in their Discourse told him , he was concerned to hear there had been a quarrel betwixt him and Parsons , and that he should think himself happy could he be an instrument to reconcile them : Capt. Wade answered in a passion , that Parsons was a very ungrateful Rogue , that he had affronted him and given him the lye twice , and he would never put it up ; Mr. Boteler replied , that if they both continued in such a heat , Parsons demanding satisfaction for the opprobrious language given him , and he resolving on the other side not to pass by the affront offered by Parsons , there was little hopes of a Reconciliation ; Captain Wade then asked him where Parsons was : Mr. Boteler answered , in a field not far off : then the Captain demanded why he came not himself to his house ; he answered , because he feared his servants , or that himself would take advantage of the challenge ; Capt. Wade protested he scorned any thing of that Nature , and then enquired of Mr. Boteler , whether parsons had not importun'd him to be his second ; he answered he had very earnestly desired it , but he altogether refused him , and therefore desired the Captain he would forgive parsons and be Reconciled : the Captain solemnly protested he would not , but he would go and speak with parsons himself : which Mr. Boteler hearing , was very earnest with him , that in regard he was thus wheadled down by parsons , not knowing any thing of the Difference , and yet might seem concerned in it , that he would put off the meeting of parsons for that Day at least , and then if parsons resolved to fight , he would be a second to the Capt. rather than to parsons ; but the Capt. not hearkening thereunto , in a rage took up his sword , and told Mr. Boteler he would walk a little way with him , and so speak with parsons : Mr. boteler desired him to desist , because being both in a heat danger might ensue : however the Capt. went to the Door with Mr. boteler , who called for his horse , and would have immediately got up , but the Capt. told him again he would willingly walk a little way with him , and then Mr. boteler seeing he could not prevail , led his horse in his hand , and so they walked on together ; the Capt. asking Mr. boteler in the way , which field he had left parsons in , he pointed to the Field , but desired the Captain to retorn , which he absolutely refusing , Mr. Boteler told him , if he was resolv'd to go to parsons he would leave him , for he fear'd some mischief would , follow ; the Capt. replyed , Farewel then honest Will , God bless thee , and so shook hands and parted : Mr. boteler got on horse-back , and rode on gently towards bishops-starfford , and after he had rode half way , or thereabouts , parsons upon a swift Gallop overtook him , and crying out to him onely , He is fallen , passed by him , and never stop'd till he came to Bishops-Starfford ; M. Boteler rode after him , and when he came into Mrs. Ainsworths house , found her crying upon the bed , and Parsons in the Room with his Boots on : No sooner did Mr. Boteler come in , but she cryed out , Oh! Mr. Boteler , what have you done ? Parsons hearing that , swore that Mr. Boteler was not near when they fought , and if the Capt. were dead , he onely had kill'd him , and moreover that what he had done , be had done fairly : and having thus said , quitted the Room , call'd for his horse , and rode away : Mr. Boteler after he was gone , thought it convenient for him to stay there , and whilst he was considering what to do in this case , Mrs. Ainsworth and her Servant plainly told him he should not stay there ; and bringing the Horse to the door , would not let him be quiet till they had prevailed with him to be gone , not suffering him to stay to take his Coat and his other Perriwig which he left behind . After he had rode four miles , or thereabouts , he saw Parsons standing at a Smiths shop , whilst his Horse was shoo'd , having drop'd a shooe by the way : and after that riding a little way with Parsons , ask't him the manner of their Duel , who told him , that after they had chose a smooth green place at the end of a Land , they made several passes at one another , and it was his fortune to break the Captains sword , and then catching hold of his hand and wringing it behind him , he ask't whether he would beg his life ; the Capt. saying he scorned it , he stab'd him into the breast , and so he fell : after he was fallen he thrust his own sword into the ground , and it breaking , he took the peice broke off , and whirl'd it from him , and so took Horse and rid away . Mr. Boteler hearing this , told Parsons he thought it not safe to keep him company , and desired him to ride on by himself : then said Parsons , prethee Will don't leave me , but let us ride together to London , and assure thy self if thou bee'st questioned , I will quickly clear thee and own the fact ; but Mr. Boteler still desired Parsons to ride before , and then he did ; and Mr. Boteler kept at some distance from him in hopes to be left behind , but when he came to the Green-Man , Parsons having dropt another shooe , staid there at the Smiths , when Mr. Boteler came by , who seeing him there , took the way over Hackney-Marshes in hopes to loose him , and so they rode into London together ; when they came into Drury-Lane , where they set up their horses , Mr. Parsons sent for some women of his acquaintance ; and declared to them that he had fought a duel , and that Mr. Boteler was not near the Capt. and himself when they fought , and if Mr. Boteler was call'd in question about it , he wisht that he might be struck blind and dumb , and many other horrid Judgements befall him , if he did not surrender himself and own the fact . Mr. Boteler upon this left him , and went to his own lodging where he commonly lay before ; and the next day din'd with his friends at the usual Ordinary , and being admonisht by a Gentleman that had heard that he was search'd for by the Hue and Cry , sent immediately to secure Parsons : but missing of him , was advised to take another lodging till Parsons was taken : whereupon he went to a friends house , being an Inn in Bloomsbury , and being seiz'd by the Constable and Watch , at the first surprize betwixt sleeping and waking , deny'd his name , but afterwards confessed it , and protested his innocence , submitting to the Officers , and so was brought to Prison . This Confession he Solemnly made , declaring it to be the whole Truth , as far as he was concerned in , or privy to the Death of Mr. Wade , either before or after the same was committed ; and upon this he received the Sacrament . And of the Verity thereof there is this further probability , That he declared the very same to several friends upon his first Apprehension , and all along to his Death continued constant therein , without variation or contradicting himself in any circumstances , even to his Death ; Nor was any part thereof disproved by any of the Witnesses , but several particulars confirm'd . Being now under a Sentence of Death he began to consider his latter End ; and as by the Christian Charity of Authority he was indulged a larger space of time than ordinary to fit himself for that great and dreadful Change , so he improved those precious minutes most frugally to his spiritual advantage , by frequent converse with Ministers , reading the Holy Scriptures , and other pious Books ; and lest he should be tempted to mispend any part of his time vainly , or worse , instead of redeeming that which was past , which was now become his great business , as well as interest , he was very cautious of being spoken withal by any without first knowing their names ; so that if any of his old profane idle Acquaintance came , he put off their impertinent Visits by sending word of his being retired , and busie ; but with the Ministers and others , whose discourse savoured of Heavenly things , and tended to the edification of his Soul ; he declared himself much delighted and refreshed in their society , yielding up himself to follow to his power all their wholsome directions : He was now much given to meditation and private Prayer , mightily bewailing the wickedness of his past life , and magnifying God that had made him sensible of the danger he was formerly in : In a word , There appeared a perfect real change ; and that the Reader may judge how happy a frame of spirit he was under , let him peruse the following Engagement or Covenant drawn up by Mr. Boteler himself , soon after his condemnation , and found in his own Hand-writing in his Book : The Original remaining in the hands of a worthy Minister , Chaplain to a Noble Lord , whence this is faithfully copied . Mr. Boteler's solemn Covenant with God , private-lately drawn up by himself , and found in his own Manuscript . OH ! most dreadful God for the Passion of thy Son , I beseech thee , accept of thy poor Prodigal , now prostrating himself at thy door ; I have fallen from thee by mine Iniquities , and am by Nature the Son of Death , and a thousand-fold more the Child of Hell by my wicked practises ; but of thine infinite Grace , thou hast promised Mercy to me in Christ , if I will turn to thee with all my Heart : Therefore upon the Call of thy Gospel I am now come in , and throwing down my Weapons , submit my self to thy Mercy : And because thou requirest , as the conditions of my peace with Thee , that I should put away my Idols , and be at defiance with all thine Enemies , whom I acknowledge I have wickedly sided with against thee ; I do here from the bottom of my heart renounce them all , firmly covenanting with thee , not to allow my self in any known sin , but conscientiously to use all means that I know thou hast prescribed for the death and utter destruction of all my Corruptions : And whereas I have formerly inordinately and Idolatrously let out all my Affections upon the World , I do here resign my heart to thee that madest it , humbly protesting before thy glorious Majesty , that this is the firm resolution of my heart , and that I do unfeignedly desire Grace from thee , That when thou shalt call me thereunto , I may practise this my Resolution , through thy Assistance , to forsake all that is dear unto me in this World , rather than to turn from thee to the ways of sin ; and that I may watch against all its Temptations , whether of Prosperity or Adversity , lest they should withdraw my heart from thee ; Beseeching thee also to help me against the Temptations of Satan , to whose wicked suggestions I resolve by thy Grace never to yield my self a servant ; and because my own Righteousness is but as filthy rags , I renounce all confidence therein , and acknowledge that I am of my self a hopeless , helpless , undone Creature , without righteousness or strength . And for as much as Thou hast of thy bottomless Mercy offered most graciously to me , wretched sinner , to be again through Christ my God , if I would accept of Thee , I call Heaven and Earth to record this day , That I do here solemnly avouch Thee for the Lord my God , and with all possible veneration , bowing the neck of my Soul under the feet of thy Sacred Majesty , I do here take thee the Lord Jehovah , Father , Son , and Holy Ghost for my Portion and chief Good , and do give up my self , Body and Soul for thy Servant , promising and vowing to serve thee in Holiness and Righteousness all the days of my life ; and since thou hast the Lord Jesus Christ the only means of coming unto thee , I do here upon the bended knees of my Soul accept of him as the only new and living way , by which sinners may have access to thee , and do here solemnly joyn my self in Marriage-covenant to him . Oh! blessed Jesus ! I come to thee hungry and hard bested , poor and wretched , miserable , blind , and naked , a most loathsome polluted wretch , a guilty condemned Malefactor , unworthy for ever to wash the feet of the Servants of my Lord , much more to be married to the King of Glory ; but since such is thine unparallel'd love , I do here with all my power accept thee , and do take thee for my Lord and Husband , for all times and conditions , to love , honour , and obey thee before all others , and this to death ; I embrace thee in all thy Offices , I do renounce my own worthiness , and do here own thee to be the Lord my Righteousness ; I renounce my own wisdom , and do here take thee for my only Guide ; I renounce my own Will , and take thy Will for my Law. And since thou hast told me I must suffer if I will reign ; I do here covenant to take my Lot as it falls with thee , and by thy Grace assisting to run all hazards with thee , verily confiding , That neither life nor death shall part between thee and me . And because thou hast been pleased to give me thy holy Laws as Rules of my Life , and the ways in which I should walk to thy Kingdom , I do here willingly put my neck under thy Yoke , and set my shoulder to thy Burthen , and subscribing to all thy Laws as holy , just , and good ; I solemnly take them as the Rule of Words , Thoughts and Actions , promising , that though my flesh contradict and Rebel , yet I will endeavour to order and govern my whole life according to thy Directions , and will not allow my self in the neglect of any thing that I know to be my duty . Only because through the frailty of my flesh , I am subject to many failings , I am bold humbly to protest that unallowed miscarriages , contrary to the settled bent and resolution of my heart , shall not make void this Covenant , for so thou hast said . Now Almighty Searcher of all hearts , thou knowest that I make this Covenant with thee this day , without any known Guile or Reservation , beseeching thee , that if thou espyest any flaw or falshood therein , thou wouldst discover it to me , and help me to do it aright . And now Glory be to thee , O God the Father , ( whom I shall be bold from this day forwards to look upon as my God and Father ) that ever thou shouldst find out such a way for the Recovery of undone Sinners ; Glory be to thee O God the Son , who hast loved me , and washed me from my Sinns with thine own blood , and art now become my Saviour and Redeemer : Glory be to thee O God the Holy Ghost who by the finger of thy Almighty Power hast turned about my heart from Sin to God ; O dreadful Jehovah , the Lord Omnipotent , Father , Son , and Holy-Ghost , Thou art now become my Covenant-Friend , Amen , So be it , And the Covenant which I have made on Earth , let it be Ratified in Heaven . Will. Boteler . HAving thus by sincere Repentance , a lively Faith , and hearty Endeavors to work out his salvation with fear and trembling ; secured his Eternal interests , his Affections were wholly set on things above , so as to be little solicitous for , or about his Temporal concerns , for though several of his Friends did strenuously endeavour to obtain a Pardon , ( or at least further Reprieve ) yet he appeared freely willing to pay the forfeiture of his Life , often sighing out his Cupis dissolvi , and expressing a Godly jealousy over his own Heart , lest it should start back again to Vanity : But at last the fatal day is prefixt for his Execution , viz. Munday the 10 th . of September , the news whereof he received from Mr. High-Sheriff ( to whom for his many civilities he gratefully exprest his Acknowledgments ) with an unmoved Christian-courage , as tidings he had long expected , serving only to waft him out of the rageing straights of a sinful world into an Ocean of Bearitude ; so that having the day before devoutly again received the Sacrament , and care being taken to have his Funeral Sermon Preached before him alive on the morning of his Execution ; he was about 10 a Clock conveyed to the Church , where a numerous Congregation being assembled , the Minister before designed , and for whom Mr. Boteler himself had chosen the 7 th . of Micah and the 8 th verse for his Text on this occasion , being disabled by unexpected indisposition , another able Divine supply'd the place , and after an excellent practical Discourse from a very suitable Scripture , viz. Revel . 2.16 . the former part of the Verse , Repent , or else I will come unto thee quickly . Towards the close , applyed himself to the particular solemnity in these words following . The latter part of the Sermon Preached at Mr. Boteler's Execution . I Have now done with my Text , and must intreat your Patience and attention , whilst I apply my self to this most unfortunate person before you , which is the sole Occasion of this most sad and sorrowful solemnity : A person whom God hath thought fit to come upon , and surprize by a most dreadful visitation , a death whose very ignominious Pomp and base formalities are most terrible and affrighting , to feeble , unconstant and starting Nature ; and yet I have very great inducements to believe , that his natural courage , and Christian Fortitude , will make him both willing and able to drink of this bitter cup , which he acknowledges to be much sweetned by some circumstances in the mixture and preparation thereof . I must confess according to the Common Law of England , he hath had a very just sentence past upon him , and he hath often , with Tears in his eyes , and groans in his expressions , bewail'd all the unlucky circumstances of that fatal concern , and hath also ( in sincerity I hope ) implor'd the Almighties pardon and forgiveness for associating himself with that most ungrateful Villain , who so barberously Murthered his too kind , and over-obliging Friend , and notwithstanding his solemn and frequent protestations to the contrary , suffers this miserable Gentleman to pay the price of that blood , the guilt of which still blushes in the conceal'd murderers face , as being the true Reflections of his accusing and convicted Conscience , all which doth really demonstrate the over-whelming pressures of that heart , which could not but conscionably burst forth into a vocal confession of its own Guilt . However , through goood Report and bad Report , the Condemned is now hasting to his Execution , and having received the Holy Sacrament as his strengthning and Spiritual Viaricum , is now in hopes through the conduct and security of his Blessed Saviours merits , to be brought through this Red Sea of Blood , into the most Glorious and satisfying Land of Promise ; he knows indeed it is a bitter Passover , and must be eaten with sowre herbs , but still desires to remember it is the Lord 's Passover , and therefore hopes he shall not think of the herbs , nor be angry with the hands that gathered them , but rather look up to him only in whose power it is to institute that , and also to govern these , being assur'd that all misfortunes upon Earth , are permitted by him who is supream in Heaven , and that all these little and inconsiderable motions in Nature , are mov'd and guided by the great and irresistable wheel of Providence . I cannot but acknowledge myself plac'd here as the faint Eccho of this Dying person , and therefore t is but fit I repeat that , which he desired might be part of his last words , and the subject of my present discourse , had I had a convenient time alotted for a matter of so great weight and importance . Hear then ( I beseech you ) hear this Dying Penitent , breaking forth into the Pathetical words of the Church , spoken by the Prophet , Mic. 7.8.9.10 . Rejoyce not against me , O mine Enemy , when I fall , I shall arise , when I sit in darkness , the Lord shall be a Light unto me ; my shameful fall will be my glorious rise , this little darkness upon nature , and shadow of death , I am now about to pass through , will be but an happy entrance and passage into everlasting Light and Brightness ; Now in full assurance of this , give me Sir , leave to exhort you , who are now going to Suffer , to persevere and continue stedfast to the end , and to be constant to the last gaspe , in your devout and pious resolutions , that you would bear with patience the indignation of the Lord , consider the rod and who hath appointed it . Let me prevail with you heartily and sincerely to forgive that Enemy , leaving that vindication of your self to that great God to whom vengeance belongeth , you may resolve to Dy in that Christian Charity , which must compleat your sincere and acceptable Repentance . To conclude , let me further Exhort you , seriously to consider , that you are passing from the Church to the last Scene of your fatal Tragedy , and therefore in the midst of every preparative and Religious Exercise , let the thoughts of Dying at the next instant , heighten your zeal and vigor , quicken your graces and vertues , and highly inflame your Devotion : Marriners who foresee a storm or tempest ready to encounter them , begin then to use their utmost Art and Diligence to secure themselves , and cry loud to their Gods for assistance , as they did in the Ship that carried Jonas . And thus whilst you with seriousness , contemplate on your sudden and succeeding Execution , whilst you are offering up your last Prayers , you cannot but be earnest with God to save you from perishing , you cannot but cry mightily , and beg heartily that you may take hold on that secure plank , your Saviour's Cross , which may carry you to your desired Haven , that you may be thrown upon Christ , the Rock of your salvation , & so escape eternal Shipwrack ; that you may be hid in the clefts of his wounds , till your Heavenly Father's wrath is gone & passed over : the very meditation of that ignominious Death which your God thought fit you should at this time suffer , ( considering also what your Saviour hath suffered before you ) ought to enliven your Faith , strengthen your Patience , inflame your Love , confirm your hope , & will then carry you out of a pleasing contemplation into a perfect enjoyment of the blessed vision , into that impassible state of eternal joy & felicity , where there shall be no more doubts , nor fears , no more troubles nor distractions , no more sorrow , nor crying , nor pain , To which God of his infinite mercy , &c. From the Church the Prisoner walkt on foot to the usual place of Execution , marching to meet the King of Terrors , with the courage of a Roman shall I say ? nay rather the Fortitude of a Christian : For indeed he only can look death in the face undauntedly , upon solid grounds , who knows that his Redeemer liveth , without this the Flower of Nature shrinks and droops at the sight of a chilly Grave : For when others brave it , their unconcernedness is the effect only of stupidity , or a feaverish Passion ; let them but consider it in cool blood , and they shall be ready with the Emperour Adrian in a fit of trembling and perplexity to cry out : O Animula vagula , blandula Hospes ; Comesque Corporis Quae nunc abibis in Loca Pallidula ; rigida , nudula , Nec , ut soles , dabis joces . On the contrary , here you might behold a staid and even Resolution , equally void of womanish fear , or Hectorly impudence , that shew'd a due consideration of the weighty Errand he was going about , & that upon true measures he could bear with the difficulties of the way out of a sense and comfortable prospect of his Journeys end : And now too might you see the most marble-hearted Spectators in all the numerous croud to melt at their Eyes , and compassion to seize the most obdurate breasts . Being arriv'd at the place ▪ where he was to suffer , he mounted two or three rounds of the Ladder , and thence with a modest look , and chearful voice spake as follows : The last Confession , or Speech of Mr. Boteler at place of Execution . Gentlemen : I Have very great reason to believe , that I shall die here with as little pity , and as much malice as ever any did ; but I beg of you to hear the words of a dying man , who within a few minutes must go out of this World. In the first place , as to the thing I suffer for , I am very well satisfied , and am content to die , believing that I die justly and righitously by the Law of the Land ; but as touching the murder of Mr. Wade , I am not guilty ; Parsons came to me , and desired me to go to Mr. Wade , to tell him that he was in such a place , and would speak with him , which I was loath for to do ; but upon his perswasions I went to him . ( This Captain Wade I never had any malice or envy in my heart against in my life , nor any provocation from him ) But , as I said , I went to him , and told him that Parsons was resolved not to put up the affront he had given him : I told him also that Parsons was in a Field in such a place : I said , Sir , I am sorry that Parsons hath any thing against you , that he is so enrag'd ; He desired me to go with him to the Field , and shew him where Parsons was , for he would go to him : But I was unwilling to go with him , and more than once desired him to let me be gone , that I might not be concern'd one way or other , desiring him likewise to forbear , or at least defer meeting , to see if a reconciliation might not be had , and if afterwards Parsons would fight with Seconds , I would serve him rather than Parsons : But he would needs have me go forth of his House with him ; so I walk'd with him a little way , and then I said , Fare ye well , Sir , God bless you . And he said , God bless thee , honest Will , and so we parted . I do declare that I never saw them near one another , nor any Sword drawn . If any thing lies upon my Conscience , it is this , ( and I have laid it before the Lord with humility , and am satisfied that God hath pardon'd it through the Merits of Christ ( That I should be an occasion to bring him out of his house , whereby he came to his end . I do declare , That Parsons told me both before and when he was come to London , that he did believe the Captain was not dead . But I have very justly deserved a greater death than this , by my many sins that I have committed against God , and I do desire that my fall may be to the saving of many a man here . My wickedness was great , I was come to meer Atheisme , I did not beleive there was a God , but liv'd in continuual practice of sin ; going to bed prophaning of his holy Name , and rising again with curses in my mouth , let all that hear me this day repent , and not forget the Lord that made them . I was educated like a Gentleman ( as many do know ) and very well brought up as to Religion , but I had left all that , and kept bad company , and was drawn in only as you have heard , but you see , he that did the fact is escaped , and I must dye . Now I desire that every one that lives , and sees me here , may take example by me , who am going out of this world within a few minutes ; there is never a one here , but does provoke the Almighty every minute to cut him off , were not his mercies infinite ; and I can freely lose this life , confessing I have deserved an eternal death , yet I believe through the merits of my dear Saviour that he will receive me immediately into glory . Now there is another aspersion that is cast upon me , that I was a High-way Robber , and I do declare , that I never had any such design , never was of any gang to that purpose , nor ever saw any man robb'd that I remember in all my life . As touching the bloody coat that people judge I did the Act in , I do declare that it was done by my being let blood , and that six or seven weeks before the murder was committed , as many Gentlemen can witness , nor had I that coat on then . Another thing I would clear that was cast upon me , which is , that I was a Roman Catholick , But I do declare that I am not , but am a Protestant and of the Church of England , though one of the least and worst thereof . Now I have done , and leave it to you , whether you will beleive the words of a dying man or no ; for how could I expect to be saved , if I should go out of the world with a lye in my mouth . I pray God of Heaven freely to forgive Parsons , that hath brought me to this , and to give him to consider what he hath done , and grant him repentance for it , and to have mercy on his soul . But though I dye I am confident that he will clear my innocency , but I find that I was so little believed , that people thought I would say any thing to save my life . And now I desire you all to joyn with me in Prayer to Almighty God to forgive me my sins , to have mercy upon me , and to save my soul . So he kneeled down to Prayer , and prayed very affectionately , humbly , and enlargedly , with much brokenness of heart , and such pathetical expressions , that , being not exactly taken , it would be injurious to represent them with the least variation from his own words , then a Minister went to Prayer with him , and after he had prayed to God again in few words , he then rise up and said , The God of Heaven bless you all , and when he was on the Ladder , he said . The Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me , then the Hangman asking him to forgive him , he answered , Oh with all my Soul I forgive thee ; and then last of all gave the signal of his innocency that he promised to the Minister , by clapping his hands , and said , Jesus Christ receive my Soul , and so was turned off . There were present a great many persons of Quality ; and a vast number of common people , but so affecting was his language and behaviour , extorting tears from his very Enemies , so that scarce any there but wept , and bewaild his untimely end , as if he had been one of their own Relations : His body in a fair Cofin was convey'd back to Chelmsford , and that evening decently buried , being atttended to the Church with a very numerous company . Considering the original occasion of all this sad Tragedy , wherein these two Gentlemen so unfortunately lost their lives one in the field by the sword of an ungrateful villain , and the other by the hand of Justice ; I know not how I can more usefully close this Narrative , than with a few words against the mischievous humour of Duels , t is most strange how such an unreasonable , brutish and bloody custome should so far prevail against the Laws , as still to be accounted brave and Honourable , as if a Gentleman were obliged to hazard his life , or forfeit his Honour at the pleasure of every desperate Ruffin ; that Honor is too thin and brittle , that a foolish rash word can pierce ; t is certainly a dear purchas'd Conquest , that stains a man with the deserved title of a Murderer , a sorry triumph where the Conqueror must either run away and hide his head , or ignominiously fall a sacrifice to expiate the guilt of his victory ; does not he who denies that he can be wrong'd more nobly , then he who confesses that he is both subject to wrongs , and hath received so great an one that he cannot but pursue its revenge , he who conceals his wrong , is only wrong'd in private , whilst he who revenges his wrong , is wrong'd in publique , and certainly the publike wrong is more ignoble ; and seeing we conceive our selves concern'd in honour to punish such as would divulge an affront that was smother'd as soon as given , we cannot but be said to wrong our own Honour , when we in seeking revenge , proclaim such wrongs as had else either vanisht , or been lessen'd by the concealment . Thus have I heard of a prudent old man , at whose bald head a rotten Orange being thrown , in the street , clapt his hat upon 't , and said , I shall spoil that knaves sport , who expected to see me come shewing my head all besmear'd over , and complaining of the injury : T is one of the most picquant revenges to undervalue our Enemies , so far as not to think them worthy of our notice ; and we shew our selves to be greater then they , when we let the world see , that they cannot trouble us , when children and natural foolls , or mad men do the same things that we fret at in others of more advanced years , and understanding , we pass them without a frown ; which shews , that it is not the acts done us by our enemies , but our own resentment , which in effect injures us ; he who pardons , proclaims he fears not his Enemies for the future , but revenge implies apprehensions of what we desire on that account to lessen ; thus cowards are generally cruel , never counting themselves secure till their Enemies have lost all capacity to resist : in revenge we act the Executioner , but we personate a Prince when we pardon , in the one we bestow a favour , and so are noble , in the other we discover our infirmity . May such considerations or ( if reason cannot be heard ) at least such direful examples , as this we have here impartially presented the world with prevail , for the future to abate this wicked custome , grounded on fantastick punctilio's of Honour , generally promoted on trifling , shameful occasions , alwayes attended with black and fatal consequences , and chiefly practised by those that may justly claim the least share in the noble vertues of real Magnanimity and Fortitude . Pascitur in vivis livor , post fata quiescit . FINIS .